NewzIntel.com

Category: CTF

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SASSA to outline social grants review process

    Source: Government of South Africa

    SASSA to outline social grants review process

    South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Themba Matlou, is on Monday expected to brief the media on the social grants review process currently being undertaken by the agency.

    According to SASSA, the review is focussed on targeted beneficiaries suspected of having “additional sources of income that was not disclosed to the Agency”.

    “In April 2025, SASSA announced an ongoing scheduled payment delays to targeted social grants beneficiaries who need to visit local offices to confirm changes in their financial circumstances and update their personal details to address potential inclusion errors in the current social security system. 

    “This was done after the Agency had collaborated with registered Credit Bureaus and approximately 210 000 social grant beneficiaries were flagged to be receiving income that was not truthfully disclosed,” the agency said in a statement.

    SASSA bemoaned the “public commentary and misrepresentation from various interest groups and the public at large, casting aspersions on SASSA’s efforts to ascertain eligibility” of some beneficiaries and initiatives to “curb fraud in the grants system”.

    “In accordance with the Social Assistance legislative framework, beneficiaries are legally required to fully disclose all sources of income during their initial application. They are also obliged to inform SASSA of any changes to their financial circumstances after their application has been approved.

    “SASSA has undertaken a review of its database and grant administration processes to root out fraud and ensure that assistance reaches those who are eligible. 

    “These reviews are specifically focused on individuals who appear to be active in the labour market and whose incomes are close to or exceed the means test threshold; particularly where such income was not disclosed at the time of application or where changes in circumstances were not reported thereafter,” SASSA said.

    The media briefing is expected to begin at 10am on Monday and will be streamed live on the Government ZA social media pages. – SAnews.gov.za

    NeoB

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Deputy President undertakes strategic working visit to China

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Deputy President undertakes strategic working visit to China

    Deputy President Paul Mashatile is expected to embark on a Working Visit to the People’s Republic of China from tomorrow (Monday).

    He will be accompanied by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Thandi Moraka; Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams; Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau; Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina and Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen.

    While there, the Deputy President will participate in the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE).

    “In its third year, CISCE is the world’s first national-level expo dedicated to global supply chains. It is hosted under the auspices of the Chinese Central Government and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade [CCPIT].

    “This high-level participation by the Deputy President and the South African Delegation is a pivotal opportunity to advance the South Africa–China All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era. It also reinforces South Africa’s position as a gateway to Sub-Saharan Africa for trade, investment, and industrial cooperation,” the Presidency said in a statement.

    South Africa has been accorded Guest Country status for the expo under the theme “South Africa: Your Pathway to Supply Chain Resilience”.

    The visit will focus on:

    • Promoting strategic sectors such as renewable energy, logistics, pharmaceuticals, mineral beneficiation, and the digital economy;
    • Showcasing a robust pipeline of investable projects to attract targeted Chinese investment, particularly into Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and critical infrastructure;
    • Enhancing bilateral collaboration on clean technologies, digital skills development, and industrial standards; and
    • Advancing South Africa’s objectives for supply chain resilience, accelerated industrialisation, and deeper integration within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.

    “In addition, the visit will include a dedicated bilateral programme aligned with the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) and the Ten-Year Strategic Programme of Cooperation (2020–2029) between South Africa and China, with a particular emphasis on Chapter Two on Mutual Beneficial Economic Cooperation and Trade.

    “The visit is also part of the evolving strategic trajectory of the South Africa-China relationship and reaffirms both countries’ commitment to deepening mutual cooperation in support of inclusive economic growth and sustainable development,” the Presidency’s statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

    NeoB

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Afghanistan: UN warns of mass refugee returns amid crisis and rights concerns | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (video statements)

    “Since the spring of this year, first Pakistan, then Iran and now possibly others, such as Tajikistan, are fomenting the mass return of Afghan refugees,” a UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said.

    Arafat Jamal, UNHCR Representative in Afghanistan, addressed the press virtually from Kabul today (11 Jul), in New York on the country’s humanitarian situation, notably on the increase of Afghan returns in adverse circumstances

    He reported, “Since the spring of this year, first Pakistan, then Iran and now possibly others, such as Tajikistan, are fomenting the mass return of Afghan refugees. Some people are moving in a voluntary fashion, but others are not.”

    He said, “Of concern to us is the scale, the intensity and the manner in which returns are occurring. In terms of the scale, over 1.6 million Afghans have returned from both Pakistan and Iran this year alone, including 1.3 million from Iran.”

    He also said, “At the Iran Afghanistan border, where I just was a few days ago, and to which I’m heading again tomorrow, we are seeing peaks of over 40,000 people a day. And on the fourth of July, we actually saw 50,000 people coming across that border. Many of these returnees are arriving having been abruptly uprooted and having undergone arduous, exhausting and degrading journeys.”

    He highlighted, “And while they are from Afghanistan, they often appear to be not of Afghanistan. Often born abroad, with better education and different cultural norms. Their outlook is different from and often at all with present day in Afghanistan. We are particularly concerned about the fate of women and girls in a country in which their most basic human rights are at risk and not respected.”

    He continued, “What we are seeing with these returns is precarity layered upon poverty, on drought, human rights abuses and an instable region. In other words, we are having a deeply impoverished people coming to a country that is itself, while welcoming wholly unprepared to receive them.”

    He stressed, “Many will be left with a desperate choice: Do they flee, or do they fight? Do they do they come home find nothing to do and simply bounce back to Iran, to Turkey and on to Europe? Or if they are, particularly if they are working age men, are they going to be victims of those groups that are prowling the countryside looking for recruits for their various causes.”

    He concluded, “We are calling for restraint, for resources, for dialog and for international cooperation to stem an evolving chaotic situation and to foster a more stable outcome for all of us.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-mb6ZnlqMU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 12 cooperation projects in the field of digital economy were signed at the SCO Digital Economic Forum

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 13 (Xinhua) — China, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Egypt and other countries signed a total of 12 cooperation projects in the field of digital economy at the Digital Economic Forum of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), according to the official website of the Central People’s Government of the People’s Republic of China.

    These projects reportedly cover areas such as cross-border e-commerce, smart cities, etc.

    Let us recall that the SCO Digital Economic Forum was held in Tianjin from July 10 to 11. The event, entitled “New Links of the Digital Economy, Jointly Expanding New Horizons of Cooperation,” consisted of an opening ceremony, a main forum, four thematic sub-forums, and other specialized events.

    The forum, jointly organized by the State Data Administration and the Tianjin People’s Government, was attended by more than 1,500 guests representing governments, enterprises, universities and think tanks of SCO member states.

    In recent years, the SCO countries have made significant progress in developing the digital economy. According to statistics, the online retail market of the SCO member states exceeded USD 3.2 trillion in 2024. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese President Xi Jinping Congratulates J. Simons on Her Election as President of Suriname

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 13 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday congratulated Jennifer Simons on her election as president of the Republic of Suriname.

    In his congratulatory message, Xi Jinping called Suriname a strategic partner of China in the Caribbean region.

    Thanks to the joint efforts of both sides, China-Suriname relations have enjoyed healthy and steady growth, fruitful practical cooperation in various fields and close coordination on multilateral affairs over the 49 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the message said.

    Xi Jinping noted that he attaches great importance to the development of relations between China and Suriname and is willing to work with President-elect J. Simons to deepen mutually beneficial and friendly cooperation and further develop the bilateral strategic partnership for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Not just a few bad apples: The Canadian Armed Forces has a nagging far-right problem

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Stéphane Leman-Langlois, Professor, School of Social Work and Criminology, Université Laval

    The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is making headlines. But not, as they probably hoped, for the renewed recruiting efforts they’re about to launch. Instead, they are once again confounded by a far-right scandal.

    The latest episode is the arrest of four CAF members and ex-members. Three of them have been charged with taking concrete steps to facilitate terrorist activity and possessing prohibited firearms. A fourth man was charged with possession and storage of prohibited firearms and devices.

    The crew had allegedly been under surveillance by the federal government’s Integrated National Security Enforcement Team since 2021, most likely when equipment, weapons and ammunition began to go missing from military installations. The weapons were finally seized in January 2024, some in the personal vehicle of one of the suspects, but the group remained free for another 18 months.



    Read more:
    Charges against Canadian Army members in anti-government terror plot raise alarms about right-wing extremism

    As is usual with these types of efforts, a certain degree of amateurism was present at multiple stages of the alleged scheme, which may have developed on the fly. The idea that a micro-militia might successfully seize and hold territory in Canada is far-fetched at best.

    Recruitment efforts for the suspected mission, complete with propaganda and self-aggrandizing pictures of military training, took place on, you guessed it: Instagram. (We won’t publish the name of the account.)

    It might be pointed out that any large organization like the CAF inevitably represents a microcosm of society, meaning that it can’t be expected to be free of various forms of undesirable behaviour, including political extremism. But this “rotten apple” theory of far-right extremism in the CAF falls somewhat short of explaining the situation.

    Not just a ‘few rotten apples’

    First, the rotten apples seem too numerous. Just days before the recent arrests, the CAF announced on July 3 it was investigating the participation of other soldiers in a private Facebook page named the “Blue Hackle Mafia.” The page disseminated openly racist, homophobic, misogynist and antisemitic content.

    These events point to a phenomenon difficult to measure within western countries, even though it’s very real. The penetration of ideas associated with the far right within the military and law enforcement agencies is currently happening. Whether more or less structured, the emergence of underground small groups are more or less ready to “take action.”

    Second, previous reports have identified a general laissez-faire approach within the CAF regarding far-right activities. In a 2022 independent report commissioned by the CAF, the presence of white supremacist and other far-right ideologies was identified not only as a growing problem for the Army, but also one that was not being addressed.

    Similar conclusions were reached in the 1997 report on the behaviour of Canadian soldiers in Somalia, which had explicitly recommended that “the Canadian Forces establish regular liaison with anti-racist groups to obtain assistance in the conduct of appropriate cultural sensitivity training and to assist supervisors and commanders in identifying signs of racism and involvement with hate groups.” In other words, neither the concern nor the awareness is news.

    Affinity between far right and military

    At the root of the problem is a peculiar affinity between most forms of far-right ideologies and military or paramilitary/policing organizations.

    It’s absurd to simply paint such organizations as inherently far right in their nature, of course. But strict authority structures and notions of defence, fellowship, honour — as well as the projection of power through physical strength and training and the accompanying symbolism of weapons, fatigues, uniforms and campaign-like deployments — are all very appealing to far-right extremists.

    This nexus has been amply documented and leads to multiple practical implications: extremist groups trying to recruit active or retired soldiers; soldiers joining existing groups or setting up their own; veterans joining existing groups or creating their own, like the founders of Québec’s La Meute; professionally trained lone wolves, like Correy Hurren, who attempted to “arrest” Prime minister Justin Trudeau at Rideau Hall in 2020)

    Members of extremist groups also routinely try to join the military to benefit from training, which elevates their standing within the group.

    Military, former and active, and law enforcement members are to be found in multiple “militia” groups like the Three Percenters, the Proud Boys, the Oath Keepers, Diagolon and the Boogaloo movement, for instance. Some are overtly anti-government and/or anti-system, like the Veterans 4 Freedom or The Base.

    Far-right demons

    It may sound strange to think of military personnel or veterans getting involved or creating an anti-government movement when they’ve served under the flag sometimes for decades. The apparent paradox quickly disappears once we understand the manifold individual motivations that underpin their actions.

    They range from the feeling of having served a timourous government that failed to make proper use of the Armed Forces at its disposal. The absence of deployments to theatres of conflict also generates frustration among some in search of military adventure.

    A lot of young men are quickly bored with exercises that never satisfy their expeditionary spirit. The role of camaraderie, of group dynamics based on mutual aid, honour and the presence of danger, as well as mental health issues, must not be overlooked. Not to mention the idea, strong in some units, of defending a singular idea of a “fatherland” endangered by government contempt and inaction.

    What is striking in the light of the recent charges in Québec is not so much the racist and anti-semitic ideological ideas allegedly held by the accused group members. It’s the primacy given to a patriarchal ideology that explicitly targets women and gender. Fascination with Russia and the war in Ukraine waged by Vladimir Putin is also palpable.

    In short, the CAF is still wrestling with far-right demons, though in a new context of social media acceleration and global loss of confidence in democratic institutions. The situation has a high potential to undermine confidence in Canada’s Armed Forces at a time when geopolitical tensions are calling for a strengthening of its military arsenal, and first and foremost, our military human capital.

    Stéphane Leman-Langlois receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    Samuel Tanner receives funding from Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

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

    – ref. Not just a few bad apples: The Canadian Armed Forces has a nagging far-right problem – https://theconversation.com/not-just-a-few-bad-apples-the-canadian-armed-forces-has-a-nagging-far-right-problem-260896

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Want more orgasms? Choose a woman partner

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Caroline Pukall, Professor, Department of Psychology, Queen’s University, Ontario

    Being partnered with a woman is associated with an orgasm advantage. (Pexels/Cottonbro)

    The orgasm gap — the consistent finding that men who have sex with women have more frequent orgasms than women who have sex with men — has been shown in study after study of cisgender, heterosexual participants.

    The gap is a big one: Based on a recent Canadian study, approximately 60 per cent of women and 90 per cent of men reported reaching orgasm in their most recent sexual encounter.

    In sexually diverse samples (samples that also include women who have sex with women and men who have sex with men), the pattern becomes more nuanced but still supports a gendered orgasm gap.

    Research has shown that women who have sex with women have a more equal frequency of orgasms within their partnership.
    (Pexels/Ketut Subiyanto)

    Research has shown that the gap in orgasm frequency is reduced (in other words, there is more equal orgasm frequency) in women who have sex with women (about 75 per cent), and this rate is significantly higher than in women who have sex with men (about 62 per cent). However, men as a group — regardless of who they were having sex with — still had significantly higher orgasm frequency (85 per cent) than women overall (63 per cent). Women are orgasm-disadvantaged overall and especially when they have sex with men.

    Mind the gap

    How far-reaching is the orgasm gap and what factors might be standing in the way of orgasms for all? We — a team of researchers and science journalists from the podcast Science Vs — examined orgasm frequency in a large diverse sample that included sexual (such as lesbian) and gender (such as trans) minorities and majorities, as well as racialized participants (there were no significant results with analyses focused on sexual orientation or race).

    The good news? We found that many people overall were having lots of orgasms — about two-thirds reported having orgasms almost or every time they engaged sexually.

    The not-so-great news? The orgasm gap persisted: cis men overall reported the highest orgasm frequency compared to women and gender minorities (who did not differ significantly from each other). In addition, we found that participants of all genders who engaged sexually with women reported significantly more frequent orgasms than those who engaged sexually with men. So being partnered with a woman is associated with an orgasm advantage.

    More not-so-great news was that about 17 per cent of participants reported almost never or never having orgasms during sex and that there were many factors preventing orgasms in participants. For cis women, psychological barriers — such as insecurities, mental health struggles and distractions — were prominent, as were sexual obstacles (like not receiving adequate stimulation), difficulties inherent in having orgasms (for example, they take too long and require too much effort) and not knowing why orgasms are difficult for them to have.

    Closing the gap

    So why does the orgasm gap exist and persist? One main reason is that broad sociocultural norms prioritize men’s sexual pleasure over women’s. Indeed, these norms develop from the traditional (heterosexual, western) sexual script that defines the end of sexual activity as male orgasm; importantly, women’s adherence to this script has been associated with lower sexual satisfaction.

    Women’s own degree of familiarity with their partner has also been shown to be critical in narrowing the gap.
    (Unsplash/Jonathan Borba)

    Another is that mainstream media feeds into narratives of sexual expectations based on gender, such that portrayals of women who do not have orgasms are much more — even readily — acceptable than portrayals of orgasmless men. This inequality is played out in sexual encounters, perpetuating the gap and contributing to complacency in addressing it.

    But there is hope: Heterosexual men’s motivation to bring their partner to orgasm and their intentional incorporation of sexual activities that increase the chance of orgasm for their partner — such as clitoral stimulation and oral sex — can help narrow (and even eradicate!) the gap. Women’s own degree of familiarity with their partner has also been shown to be help narrow the gap. Higher familiarity (think of a long-term situationship as opposed to a casual hookup) was associated with higher orgasm frequency.

    The simple act of prioritizing women’s orgasm — captured with an easy-to-remember phrase of “she comes first” — may be all that is needed to substantially narrow the orgasm gap.

    Caroline Pukall receives funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health, and Queen’s University.

    – ref. Want more orgasms? Choose a woman partner – https://theconversation.com/want-more-orgasms-choose-a-woman-partner-259655

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Canada’s proposed east-west energy corridors should prioritize clean energy

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Andy Hira, Professor of Political Science, Simon Fraser University

    Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has made establishing east-west energy corridors a priority for Canada. He suggested that such corridors would include new oil and natural gas pipelines, designed to reduce dependence on the United States.

    Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson has gone even further in pushing for subsidization of carbon capture and storage projects that would effectively underwrite the long-term continuation of the fossil fuel industry at taxpayer expense.

    While there might be short-term political reasons for backing fossil fuels, such an approach goes against Canada’s long-term interests. Prioritizing fossil fuels undermines the country’s commitments to reduce emissions and takes away the investment needed for it to realize its potential to become a green energy superpower.

    Creating energy corridors is in the national interest, and would allow Canada to take full advantage of its abundant and diverse energy and mineral resources. The government also needs to be involved, as the corridors are interprovincial and will require substantial investment. However, the government has limited resources and so Canada must think strategically about its priorities for such corridors.

    Canadian taxpayers should not be subsidizing an already lucrative oil and gas industry. Instead, the federal government should prioritize funding clean energy supply solutions.

    Oil and gas subsidies

    Canadian governments have long faced opposition to building new pipelines. The provinces of Québec and British Columbia and many First Nations have strongly opposed new pipeline proposals. More recently, there is some signs of softening under the duress of U.S. tariffs.

    Even if such shifts are lasting, it’s for the private sector to step up and invest into these projects. Previous federal investments, such as the Trans Mountain pipeline (TMX), were reflections of the private market’s unwillingness to invest in pipelines because they are bad investments. The 2024 Parliamentary Budget Office report estimated that selling the TMX would result in a loss.

    There are reasons to question the soundness of fossil fuels on a purely financial basis. A 2022 Parliamentary budget office report found that climate change reduced GDP by 0.8 per cent in 2021, or around $20 billion. This number is expected to rise to 5.8 per cent per year by 2100 (or $145 billion in 2021 dollars).

    By contrast, from 2017 to 2021, federal, provincial and territorial governments received an average of $12 billion annually in revenues from the the oil and gas industry.

    The gap between the costs and benefits is only going to increase over time. The costs cut across all aspects of life, including food security, health care, global instability and threats to coastal cities due to sea level rise.

    On the other hand, every dollar invested in adaptation today has an estimated return of $13-$15.

    Furthermore, a recent study indicates a likely glut in global natural gas markets, and the future prospects for oil are equally questionable. For example, one of Canada’s target markets, Japan, has been reselling its liquefied natural gas imports to other countries, suggesting the glut of oil and gas is likely to continue as cheaper producers, including those in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, who are cheaper and closer to consumers, flood the market.

    Cheaper and closer oil producers are also flooding markets in anticipation of declining prices.

    There are important opportunity costs of investing money in fossil fuels that could otherwise be invested in the clean energy economy. When new technologies arise, there is a limited window of opportunity for global competitors to enter into an emerging industry.

    In light of the shift to electric vehicles, heat pumps and artificial intelligence, it’s clear that energy demand is bound to increase significantly in Canada in the coming years. Canada can become a global competitor, but only if it enters the race now, while the window is open.

    An East-West clean energy system

    Solar and wind prices have declined by 83 per cent and 65 per cent respectively since 2009. However, they suffer from the fundamental issue of intermittency; the sun is not always shining and the wind isn’t always blowing.

    While battery prices are declining, they remain an expensive solution. An easier solution is at hand: Canada’s hydroelectric resources. Québec, B.C. and Manitoba have abundant hydro resources that can reduce energy costs throughout the rest of the country.

    Alberta and Saskatchewan have potential for significant geothermal power generation. Ontario and the Atlantic provinces could contribute wind and solar. Trading electricity through an integrated national grid increases the investment capital and reduces the need for batteries while diversifying the energy mix.

    But we need an east-west electricity market to make this happen.

    An east-west grid would reduce the need for every province to run its own power generation system. Creating a pooled market would allow provinces to trade electricity, giving consumers more choice and investors a larger market and potential return on their investment.

    More valuable still is the fact that electricity capacity has to be built for the few peak hours and seasons. But most of the time demand is well below full capacity, such as the middle of the night or early summer, when neither heat nor air conditioning is needed in many areas. As peak times and seasons vary across the country, Canada can reduce overall costs by trading the electricity in the lowest cost producing province at a given time to where it’s needed in the other.

    By locating some of the new clean energy in First Nations, Canada can also move reconciliation forward. There is potential for a win-win situation whereby Canada increases renewable energy generation while creating new jobs and income for First Nations wherever feasible.

    The first step is for regulatory reform across the provinces to support a Canada-wide electricity market, and to provide the funding for the massive infrastructure investment required to connect provincial grids. This would be a federal investment with incredible long-term payoffs for employment, taxpayers and future generations.

    Following this plan could truly make Canada an energy superpower on the right side of the energy transition, create thousands of jobs and give the country a global competitive edge — all while helping to save the planet in the process.

    This article was co-authored by energy consultant Sheldon Fernandes.

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

    – ref. Canada’s proposed east-west energy corridors should prioritize clean energy – https://theconversation.com/canadas-proposed-east-west-energy-corridors-should-prioritize-clean-energy-259530

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Lemurs can help save Madagascan forests, but first we need to protect them

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Colombe Nirina Sehenomalala, PhD candidate, Anthropology, Université de Montréal

    Most people’s encounters with lemurs have occurred through their representations in popular children’s media, like Zoboomafoo or Madagascar. However, most people don’t know that lemurs play an important role in forest renewal and that they’re currently in grave danger from climate change.

    In my home country of Madagascar, there is an amazing array of creatures that are not found anywhere else in the world. Madagascar is a biodiversity hotspot, and approximately 90 per cent of plant and animal species on this island are endemic.

    Among them are lemurs, a group of primates that are not only the flagship symbols of the island’s fauna, but also one of the key players in the health and stability of Madagascar’s ecosystems because they do the very important work of dispersing seeds.

    I am a primatologist who researches the interactions between infant-and-mother lemur dyads in wild. Their bond is a reminder of what we stand to lose, as it shows care, learning and viability. When forests disappear, so does this fragile bond, and a whole way of life we can never replace.

    Lemurs’ habitats and survival are increasingly being threatened by human activities such as deforestation, forest resource exploitation and hunting. There is an urgent need for conservation projects that involve local communities in preserving Madagascar’s unique biodiversity.

    A lemur trap encountered in the field during our research.
    (C.N. Sehenomalala), CC BY

    Charismatic animals

    Due to their charisma, media attention and their biological significance, lemurs attract tourists and researchers to Madagascar. The viability of lemurs is essential to the island’s future, both economically but especially in terms of protecting biodiversity. As they eat fruits from trees like ebony, mammea and wild coffee and then scatter seeds through their droppings, they help new plants grow.

    Among the 105 lemur species of Madagascar, Propithecus candidus, commonly known as the silky sifaka, is one of the most endangered species. Only around 250 of them are currently living in the wild.

    As their name implies, silky sifakas have visually striking long white hair, and they can only be found in the misty, mountainous rainforests of northeastern Madagascar.

    Silky sifakas are primarily active during the daytime, and can travel very quickly through the trees by vertically clinging to them and leaping from tree to tree using their powerful legs. They have highly specialized diets consisting of leaves, flowers and fruits like Diospyros pervilleana, a native ebony species from Madagascar.

    A BBC Nature documentary clip on silky sifakas.

    Observing mothers and infants

    I have spent 10 years studying and following lemurs daily. During my fieldwork in northeastern Madagascar, I closely observed how deforestation and habitat fragmentation affect silky sifaka females and their young.

    I studied these females during their lactation season in three different forest contexts: Marojejy National Park (a mostly untouched primary rainforest), Makira Natural Park (a mix of old-growth and re-generating forest) and Anjanaharibe-Sud Special Reserve (known as COMATSA-Sud, a primary forest with heavily degraded areas).

    At each forest, the forest canopy, which provides both shelter and food for the lemurs, measured above 10 metres at all sites, but was semi-open, which is a sign of habitat degradation. A semi-open canopy allows more light to permeate the forest canopy, but it also exposes animals to predators and decreases the quantity of high-quality food.

    Mothers’ movements and behaviours

    One clear difference between the three sites is how mother–infant pairs move and use space. In Marojejy, where the forest is more continuous even if the canopy is partly open, mothers and babies stay within fairly fixed areas, following the same paths and resting spots.

    But in places like Makira and COMATSA-Sud, where the forest is broken up into separate patches, mothers have to travel farther and more unpredictably, moving between these isolated patches. This extra travelling causes them to burn more energy and face higher risks from predators and hunters.

    These differences show that fragmentation doesn’t just affect food availability, but also changes how these lemurs move and survive.

    Forest fragmentation affects lemurs’ social behaviour and grouping patterns to deal with low food availability. It also impacts their health and development; a poor diet causes malnourishment in the lemurs.

    Lemurs are social animals, but scarce resources can cause competitive behaviours to emerge.
    (Simponafotsy/Wikimedia Commons), CC BY

    Poor nutritional quality

    While the food availability for silky sifakas in northeastern Madagascar during the lactation season is relatively abundant, it is of low nutritional quality.

    This leads to increased stress and competition as dominant lactating females, desperate to feed their infants, attack subordinates to accumulate more nutrients to produce higher quality milk.

    As offspring start to feed on non-milk foods, the poor nutritional quality of available plants after weaning can lead to poor health and stunted growth.

    Engaging the community

    The decline of lemur populations, particularly silky sifakas, shows the need for urgent conservation action. Continued monitoring — as well as sustained support and funding for Malagasy scientists — is crucial for long-term lemur and biodiversity conservation.

    When it comes to the effects of human activity, this decline — habitat fragmentation, global climate change and deforestation — is the result of large-scale activites such as extraction, tourism and state infrastructural development.

    Education and awareness campaigns are crucial, both in Madagascar and internationally, to inform people about lemurs’ habitat needs and what can be done to prevent their extinction.

    Conservation will never be successful without building an appreciation of the environmental, cultural and economic value of lemurs and the forests they inhabit.

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

    – ref. Lemurs can help save Madagascan forests, but first we need to protect them – https://theconversation.com/lemurs-can-help-save-madagascan-forests-but-first-we-need-to-protect-them-256300

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • PM Modi condoles demise of veteran actor Kota Srinivasa Rao

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed grief over the demise of veteran actor and former BJP MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao, who passed away at the age of 83 after a prolonged illness.

    In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Anguished by the passing of Shri Kota Srinivas Rao Garu. He will be remembered for his cinematic brilliance and versatility… He was also at the forefront of social service and worked towards empowering the poor and downtrodden. Condolences to his family and countless admirers. Om Shanti.”

    Rao breathed his last at his residence in Filmnagar, Hyderabad. He is survived by his wife and two daughters. Known for his iconic performances across Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada films, Rao’s career spanned over four decades, with appearances in more than 750 films.

    Born on July 10, 1942, in Kanakipadu, Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, he began his journey as a stage artist and made his screen debut in 1978 with the film ‘Pranam Khareedu’, starring Chiranjeevi.

    A recipient of multiple accolades including the Padma Shri (2015) and several Nandi Awards, Kota also served as a BJP MLA from Vijayawada East (1999–2004).

    The actor had been battling age-related health issues in recent days. His declining health had sparked concern among fans after a recent photo went viral on social media. He had also suffered a personal tragedy in 2010, when his only son, Kota Venkata Anjaneya Prasad, died in a road accident.

    Tributes poured in from across the film and political fraternity in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, remembering Rao’s contributions to Indian cinema and public life.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • MIL-OSI: Bitcoin Solaris Launches Final Presale Phase with Surprise Price Rollback

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TALLINN, Estonia, July 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With the presale in its final phase, Bitcoin Solaris (BTC-S) has emerged as a powerful entrant in the digital asset space—offering retail investors one last opportunity to participate before its upcoming exchange launch. In a surprise move, the project has announced a short-lived price rollback, reducing the presale token price from $11 to $5, significantly enhancing early access value.

    That’s exactly where Bitcoin Solaris steps in. It doesn’t just replicate old successes; it’s building a new one from the ground up. A new coin, a powerful roadmap, and one last opportunity for the little guy to enter before the whales arrive. This isn’t just another altcoin. This is potentially the next giant.

    A New Contender with Real Traction

    While hundreds of tokens flash across crypto charts daily, only a select few rise beyond hype. Bitcoin Solaris, or BTC-S, is doing just that. With its final presale phase underway, it’s built serious momentum, offering the kind of access that would make early Bitcoin adopters raise an eyebrow.

    What sets BTC-S apart is how it turns complex infrastructure into retail-accessible wealth-building tools. From its energy-efficient dual-consensus design to its speed, transparency, and zero hardware mining via the upcoming Solaris Nova app, this isn’t just innovation. It’s innovation that pays.

    What Makes Bitcoin Solaris Worth Watching

    Bitcoin Solaris isn’t playing catch-up. It’s sprinting ahead. At the core is a two-layer architecture that enables lightning-fast execution while keeping the network secure and scalable. Here’s what’s under the hood:

    • A hybrid consensus model combining Proof-of-Work and Delegated Proof-of-Stake
    • Up to 10,000+ TPS performance and sub-2-second finality
    • Validator rotation mechanisms to prevent bottlenecks and ensure fairness
    • Energy consumption is up to 99.95% lower than traditional chains
    • A scalable framework ready to support DeFi, smart contracts, and cross-chain utility

    The upcoming Solaris Nova app takes it even further by opening mining to anyone with a phone. No hardware, no complicated setup, just a simple path to earn BTC-S from anywhere. The official mining calculator shows potential earnings across devices, helping users make informed decisions based on actual performance metrics.

    Say Goodbye to Slow Chains BTC-S Moves at 100,000 TPS

    And for those wondering whether this buzz is just smoke, a detailed review by Crypto League breaks down exactly why so many are paying attention.

    Final Chance at Entry: Presale + Rollback = Opportunity

    Bitcoin Solaris is now in Phase 11 of its presale. The token is priced at $11, with the launch price set at $20. That means a 150% return is already built in. But here’s where it gets even more exciting.

    • Over 14,150 users have already joined the presale
    • More than $6.6M has been raised in under three months
    • The presale ends on July 31, 2025, less than four weeks away
    • It’s one of the fastest-moving and most talked-about launches of the year

    In an unexpected twist, Bitcoin Solaris has announced a short-lived Price Rollback. For a very short period of time, the presale price will drop from $11 to $5. It’s a window designed to reward those paying attention. Given the strength of the project and the upcoming LBank listing, this rollback could be the last time BTC-S is ever available this low.

    To receive your tokens on launch day, Bitcoin Solaris recommends using Trust Wallet or Metamask for seamless delivery. These wallets are not required to join the presale, but they are ideal for holding your BTC-S securely when the market opens.

    Where the Road Leads: Institutional Tools and Ecosystem Growth

    The developers behind Bitcoin Solaris aren’t just thinking about price action. Their roadmap is stacked with high-impact deliverables that scale far beyond the typical altcoin promises.

    • A full-featured mainnet launching in Q3 2026
    • Governance integration and decentralized decision-making
    • Hardware wallet compatibility and a mining power marketplace
    • Quantum-resistant cryptography and enterprise-ready validators
    • Fortune 500 partnerships and the creation of an Innovation Lab by 2027

    This isn’t just technical ambition. It’s a blueprint designed for long-term impact and real adoption.

    Why BTC-S Could Dominate the Next Market Cycle

    Bitcoin Solaris is attracting more than retail investors. Institutions are watching. Influencers are posting. And trusted auditing firms like Cyberscope and Freshcoins have already verified its smart contracts. Even on social channels like Telegram and X, community activity is spiking by the day.

    And the tokenomics? Clean and purposeful, with over 66 percent allocated to mining and long-term growth.

    This is a coin being positioned not just for survival, but dominance.

    Final Verdict

    Bitcoin Solaris is building the next generation of wealth through infrastructure, access, and sheer execution. From a presale that’s nearing its explosive conclusion to an upcoming app that puts mining in your pocket, the opportunity for retail investors has never been this real, this open, or this close.

    The window is closing. And for once, retail gets in before the institutions do.

    For more information on Bitcoin Solaris:
    Website: https://www.bitcoinsolaris.com/
     Telegram: https://t.me/Bitcoinsolaris
     X: https://x.com/BitcoinSolaris

    Media Contact:
    Xander Levine
    press@bitcoinsolaris.com
    Press Kit: Available upon request

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by Bitcoin Solaris. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/98ed3185-41c6-40b1-b554-c3a38c28e513
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f38dddf2-8169-4e3e-bae5-794f75dca312
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ab05472e-5d09-4dd0-a241-812811da577f
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/83951840-8396-457a-bf06-fc5dc17db28b

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Agriculture lifts Brazilian live poultry and poultry products restrictions

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Import restrictions on live poultry and poultry products from Brazil have been lifted.

    This after what the Department of Agriculture describes as “extensive engagements” between South African and Brazilian veterinary authorities.

    “This follows the confirmation that the outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza [HPAI], first detected on 15 May 2025 in a breeder establishment located in the municipality of Montenegro, a state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, has been contained and eradicated. 

    “The stamping out measures were applied in accordance with the relevant standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health [WOAH], and the affected premises were depopulated and disinfected. The 28-day waiting period after stamping out was observed, with the self-declaration of freedom effective from 18 June 2025,” the department said in a statement.

    The department revealed that a bilateral technical meeting was held with the South American nation’s veterinary authority, during which an agreement was reached on the “revised Veterinary Health Certificate (VHC), confirming that Brazil is free of HPAI”.

    “The positive outcome is a direct result of the dedicated efforts of our officials. With this resolution, imports can resume, which will significantly contribute to enhancing food security for all citizens,” Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen said. 

    The department warned, however, that as a precautionary measure, “products packed in their final packaging between 1 May and 18 June 2025 temporarily remain restricted”.

    “This is in line with risk mitigation standards to ensure the continued safety of our animal health status and trade partners.

    “The Department of Agriculture remains vigilant and will continue to monitor the situation. The lifting of the suspension may be reviewed should new information emerge indicating the outbreak spreading to other areas within Brazil.

    “Minister Steenhuisen emphasised that this development underlines the department’s commitment to science-based decision making and the importance of maintaining open, transparent and technically sound channels of communication between trading partners,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SIU R67 million recovery order crucial step in “rooting out” corruption

    Source: Government of South Africa

    The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, has welcomed the R67 million recovery order obtained by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) against a plumbing contractor associated with the department.

    Last week, the corruption busting unit said it had obtained an order from the Special Tribunal, which set aside contracts awarded to Kroucamp Plumbers by the department for vacuum pumping of septic tanks and emergency sewage blockage interventions.

    The tribunal also dismissed a R33 million counterclaim made by the contractor against the department.

    “This recovery order is another important step in our efforts to root out corruption and recover stolen public funds, as we work to build an efficient department capable of delivering construction projects on time and within budget. 

    “Those who defraud the state and think they can get away with it must think again. We will leave no stone unturned in holding contractors and officials accountable for wrongdoing, no matter how long ago it occurred,” Macpherson said.

    He added that the department has worked closely with the SIU to “support and expedite investigations into corruption, mismanagement, and fraud” within the Department. 

    Furthermore, the SIU is also assisting the department to finalise lifestyle audits for at least 400 high risk officials.

    “The case against Kroucamp Plumbers is a prime example of the importance of our collaboration, as we seek to ensure that public funds are no longer abused.

    “Together with law enforcement agencies, we will continue to send a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated. 

    “We are working hard to turn the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure into the economic delivery unit of South Africa, ensuring that infrastructure projects are completed on time and within budget, and that not a cent of public funds is wasted. We are building a better department in order to build a better South Africa,” Macpherson said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • SpaceX to invest $2 billion in Musk’s xAI startup, WSJ reports

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    SpaceX has committed $2 billion to xAI as part of a $5 billion equity round, deepening the ties between tech billionaire Elon Musk’s ventures as his artificial intelligence startup races to compete with rival OpenAI, the Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday.

    The investment follows xAI’s merger with X and values the combined company at $113 billion, with the Grok chatbot now powering Starlink support and eyed for future integration into Tesla’s Optimus robots, the report added.

    In response to a post on X about whether Tesla, could also invest in xAI, Elon Musk said on Sunday, “It would be great, but subject to board and shareholder approval,” without confirming or denying the Journal report on SpaceX’s investment plans in xAI.

    SpaceX, xAI and Tesla did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Reuters could not immediately confirm the WSJ report.

    Despite recent controversies involving Grok’s responses, Musk has called it “the smartest AI in the world,” and xAI continues to spend heavily on model training and infrastructure.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI: FIND Mining launches a revolutionary XRP contract strategy to convert your XRP into stable passive income

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    San Francisco, California, July 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In the crypto market, holding on to your coins often means losing opportunities. Are you still letting your XRP (Ripple) sit quietly in your wallet? Now, FIND Mining brings you a new option – XRP contract strategy, which allows your digital assets to really “work” for you and bring you stable passive income.

    As the world’s top free and trusted cloud mining brand, FIND Mining is providing XRP holders with a new and stable way to achieve continuous passive income.

    Why use XRP to participate in FIND Mining cloud mining?

    XRP has the advantages of fast confirmation, low handling fees, and strong liquidity, making it a good choice for digital asset investment. With FIND Mining’s cloud mining technology, ordinary users can also easily participate in mining and enjoy daily benefits.

    Through the FIND Mining platform, users can directly use XRP to purchase cloud computing contracts without configuring any equipment or complicated operations. Simply by purchasing a cloud computing contract, the XRP in your hands can be converted into daily stable income, truly achieving the goal of “using XRP to create more XRP”.

    FIND Mining: Pioneer in XRP Cloud Mining Industry

    As a cloud mining platform trusted by more than 9.4 million users worldwide, FIND Mining relies on powerful mining pool resources, a stable technical support team and a highly transparent profit mechanism to provide investors with efficient, secure and sustainable passive income solutions.

    Platform advantages include:

    ✅ XRP instant recharge, fast mining: support direct purchase of any mining contract with XRP, no currency exchange or multiple steps required;

    ✅ Daily settlement: The income will be automatically distributed to the user’s account every day, and cash withdrawal is supported at any time;

    ✅ Multiple security guarantees: Multiple security guarantees: Through multi-layer wallet encryption and risk control mechanisms, all-round protection of asset security;

    ✅Global service system: supports multi-language interface, provides 7×24 hours customer service and deposit and withdrawal services, and fully covers the needs of global users.

    How to start mining XRP with FIND Mining?

    It only takes four steps to get started with XRP at FIND Mining

    1. Register a member account

    Visit FIND Mining official website and register a member account

    2. Deposit XRP

    After successful registration, click “Deposit” in the dashboard. After selecting XRP, the system will automatically generate a dedicated wallet address. Copy the address to transfer XRP in your wallet or exchange.

    3. Choose any contract that suits you to purchase

    “Flexibly choose short-term, long-term or high-yield XRP cloud mining plans based on your investment preferences and confirm your purchase instantly.”

    • ●DOGE basic computing power: Investment amount: $100, Contract period: 2 days, Daily income: $8, Expiration income: $100 + $108
    • ●DOGE stable computing power: investment amount: $500, contract period: 5 days, daily income:$ 6.5, maturity income: $500 + $532.5
    • ●BTC Elite Hashrate: Investment amount: $2,600, Contract period: 13 days, Daily income: $36.4, Expiration income: $3,073.2
    • ●BTC Advanced Computing Power: Investment amount: $5,000, contract period: 20 days, daily income: $79, and maturity income: $5,000  + $6,580
    • ●BTC high-quality computing power: investment amount: $12,800, contract period: 30 days, daily income: $218.88, maturity income: $12,800 + 19,366.4

                                          View more contract details with one click

    4. Sit back and wait for your earnings to arrive

    After purchasing the contract, the system will deposit the proceeds into your member account in real time every day. You can choose to reinvest or withdraw at any time.

    Open up new ways to increase the value of XRP

    Instead of letting XRP lie quietly in your wallet waiting for the market to rise, it is better to let it “work” for you every day. With the support of the FIND Mining platform, users can not only retain the appreciation potential of XRP, but also obtain continuous cash flow through cloud mining, achieving the dual benefits of “coin price increase + daily income”, making the assets truly move.

    Final Thoughts:

    In the competitive and ever-changing crypto market, truly smart investors know how to seize every opportunity to improve asset efficiency. The XRP contract strategy provided by FIND Mining not only solves the inefficiency of traditional currency holding and waiting, but also provides holders with a sustainable income channel in a stable, secure and transparent way. Take action now to stop your XRP from sleeping, take the first step of passive income on FIND Mining’s professional platform, and start a real “value-added journey” for your digital assets.

    Official website: https://findmining.com/

    Official APP (Google Play) one-click download

    Contact us: info@findmining.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • Centre asks states to crack down on fake, substandard fertilizers

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a move to protect farmers and ensure the integrity of agricultural inputs, Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has written to the Chief Ministers of all States and Union Territories, calling for immediate and strict action against the sale of fake and substandard fertilizers.

    The directive aims to curb the black marketing of subsidized fertilizers, the circulation of counterfeit products, and illegal practices such as forced tagging of nano or bio-stimulant fertilizers.

    Emphasizing that agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy, the Minister stressed the importance of providing farmers with quality fertilizers on time, at affordable prices. He reminded states that the sale of substandard or fake fertilizers is prohibited under the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985, which is part of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

    The Centre has directed states to monitor fertilizer distribution closely, take action against overpricing and diversion, and strengthen sampling and testing to detect counterfeit products. It also instructed authorities to immediately halt forced tagging practices and to take strict legal action, including license cancellations and FIRs, against violators.

    States have been encouraged to involve farmers and farmer groups in monitoring efforts and to launch awareness campaigns to help them distinguish between genuine and fake fertilizers.

    Calling for a statewide crackdown, Chouhan said regular monitoring and strict enforcement would ensure lasting solutions and protect farmers’ interests.

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Vaccination against cholera brings hope to more than 2 million Angolans

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    A new round of the oral vaccination campaign against cholera was officially launched this Saturday in the municipality of Cafunfo, Lunda Norte province, an initiative of the Angolan government, through the Ministry of Health, with the support of GAVI – Global Alliance for Vaccines, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the European Union and other partners in the health sector.

    The campaign plans to vaccinate more than 2 million people in the most affected municipalities in the provinces of Cabinda, Kwanza Sul, Huíla, Lunda Norte, Namibe and Zaire – regions where there is currently active transmission of the disease.

    The campaign started simultaneously in all the provinces covered, with teams on the ground starting vaccination activities at fixed posts and through door-to-door visits.

    At the launch, the Minister of Health, Dr. Sílvia Lutucuta, called on everyone to get involved: “Everyone has to take part in this war against cholera, we’re almost there, there’s just a little bit left and if we all work together we’ll be able to get rid of cholera in Angola.”

    The minister also highlighted the strengthening of the response capacity thanks to the support of partners: “Through our partners, we managed to get around 1 million vaccines in the first and second rounds. Now we’ve got 2 million vaccines that will allow us to increase coverage and protect even more people.”

    The vaccine used in this round is Euvichol-S, an oral, single-dose vaccine donated by Gavi and distributed via the international mechanism coordinated by the International Coordination Group (ICG). The campaign involves 942 vaccination teams, made up of vaccinators, mobilizers and supervisors, who will work at fixed posts and also through door-to-door visits.

    All people aged one year and over will be vaccinated, as part of an integrated response that includes epidemiological surveillance, access to drinking water, sanitation, risk communication and case management.

    During the ceremony, the WHO Representative in Angola, Dr. Indrajit Hazarika, highlighted the role of the vaccine in protecting communities, but recalled that it must be complemented by other structural measures: “The oral vaccine is a strong tool in our hands, in each campaign we stop the transmission of cholera by reinforcing the vital shield of protection for communities. But the vaccine alone is not enough, we must remain vigilant. The fight against cholera is also about sustainable investment in water, sanitation and hygiene. Only in this way will we cut cholera in the long term.”

    In the beneficiary neighborhoods, the mood is hopeful. After months of fear and uncertainty, the arrival of the vaccine represents a concrete response and essential protection, especially for the most vulnerable families.

    Verónica Domingos Ferreira, who lives in the municipality of Kikombo, Kwanza Sul, was one of the people vaccinated. After seeing her neighbors fall ill months ago, she decided to seek information and protect her family. Today, she is relieved: “I’m very grateful. Today I got vaccinated and I vaccinated my children. This vaccine is a blessing. Now I feel that my family is better protected.”

    With actions like this, Angola is strengthening its capacity to respond to outbreaks and reaffirming its commitment to the health and dignity of its communities. The campaign will continue in the coming days, with calls for the active participation of the entire population.

    – on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Angola.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi congratulates Jennifer Simons on election as Surinamese president

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

    BEIJING, July 13 — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday congratulated Jennifer Simons on her election as Surinamese president.

    In his congratulatory message, Xi depicted Suriname as China’s strategic cooperative partner in the Caribbean region.

    Thanks to the joint efforts from both sides, China-Suriname relations have enjoyed sound and steady growth with fruitful practical cooperation in various fields and close coordination in multilateral affairs over the past 49 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, Xi said.

    Xi said that he attaches great importance to the growth of China-Suriname relations and stands ready to work with President-elect Simons to deepen the mutually beneficial and friendly cooperation and further grow the bilateral strategic cooperative partnership so as to deliver greater benefits to the two peoples.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • Hungary’s opposition flags ‘New Deal’ to kickstart stagnating economy

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Hungary’s opposition leader Peter Magyar said on Saturday his Tisza party will launch a “Hungarian New Deal” to revive the stagnating economy with massive investment and predictable policy if it wins elections next year.

    Magyar, whose centre-right party has a firm lead over the ruling Fidesz in most opinion polls, poses the biggest political challenge to nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who after 15 years in power finds himself struggling to boost the inflation-hit economy.

    The risk of steep U.S. tariffs on EU imports also looms large over recovery prospects and Saturday’s announcement of 30% tariffs on the EU by President Donald Trump is bad news for the Central European country.

    Magyar announced his Hungarian New Deal plan to supporters at his party’s congress in the western city of Nagykanizsa.

    “We need economic growth, investments, predictable financial and economic policy in Hungary,” Magyar said, adding that Tisza would crack down on corruption and buy back state assets that he said had been stolen over the past 15 years.

    The main pillars of Tisza’s plan will be a major healthcare reform with additional funding of 500 billion forints ($1.5 billion) annually, a large-scale rental flat and home construction programme, a modernisation of state railways using EU and national funds, and investments in energy efficiency for households and in education.

    Magyar, a former government insider who burst into Hungarian politics last year, again pledged to unlock some 20 billion euros of suspended EU funds that Hungary has not received for years due to clashes between Brussels and Orban over a perceived erosion of democracy and corruption — accusations that Orban denies.

    The parliamentary election is set to take place early next year, though no date has been set. In June parliament passed Orban’s 2026 election year budget, including steep tax cuts for families, a key demographic group for Fidesz.

    “People are fed up with this regime. And Tisza is a kind of ‘collecting party’ which stood behind all this (discontent). People want change,” said Edit Piroska Borsi, a retired teacher at the congress.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Mr Chaib participates in a virtual meeting organised for the national community in Moscow

    Source: APO


    .

    The Secretary of State to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, in charge of the National Community Abroad, Sofiane Chaib, took part, alongside the Minister of Youth, in charge of the Higher Council of Youth (CSJ), Mustapha Hidaoui, in a virtual meeting organized for young Algerians living abroad, in coordination with the Algerian embassy in Moscow.

    This virtual meeting is part of a series of activities organized by the CSJ for this segment of the national community, in collaboration and coordination with Algerian diplomatic and consular missions abroad.

    In his welcome address, Chaib praised the added value of this type of activity that aims to strengthen ties with young people in the diaspora through a participatory approach to important issues.

    The Secretary of State also highlighted the priority given by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to this important matter, noting the attention paid to maintaining permanent contact with young people in our overseas community and implementing measures and initiatives aimed at bolstering their ties with the homeland and benefiting from their diverse experiences for national development.

    Chaib said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will spare no effort on its part to examine all proposals that will be made during this meeting, which will be followed by other similar meetings in the future with young people of the diaspora.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: President Mahama inaugurates committee for University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) transfer to University of Ghana

    Source: APO


    .

    President John Dramani Mahama has inaugurated a committee tasked with overseeing the transfer of the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) from the Ministry of Health to the University of Ghana.

    The inauguration fulfils a key commitment by President Mahama to strengthen the links between the nation’s leading teaching hospital and its premier university.

    Named the Transitional Management Committee, the body is co-chaired by two distinguished Ghanaians: Professor Aaron Lawson, a seasoned academic and former Provost of the College of Health Sciences at the University of Ghana, and Professor Mutawakilu Iddrissu, a Neurosurgeon at the Department of Surgery, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.

    The committee has been given a comprehensive mandate to guide the transition process. Its key responsibilities include:

    1. Conducting a comprehensive review of the legal mandates, operational structures, and academic frameworks of both UGMC and the University of Ghana Medical School.
    2. Developing integration guidelines to ensure coherence between UGMC’s clinical mandates and the university’s teaching and research mandates.
    3. Designing a practical roadmap with clear timelines and a communication plan for stakeholders.
    4. Facilitating all necessary legal and administrative processes for the seamless transfer and integration.
    5. Identifying potential challenges, particularly in funding, staffing, and resource allocation, and proposing sustainable solutions.
    6. Establishing a transition secretariat to provide operational and logistical support.
    7. Reviewing expressions of interest for partnership by international health care institutions.
    8. Submitting a comprehensive report to the President of the Republic within three months from the date of inauguration.

    President Mahama emphasised the significance of the committee’s work, urging the members to “work diligently with a sense of historic responsibility,” adding, “You’re laying the foundation for a legacy of health care and medical education excellence. You’re building a bridge between the past and the future.”

    The President described the UGMC as currently “a beacon of excellence, a world-class medical institution with a national mandate.”

    He noted that the Centre “hosts the largest digitised medical simulation and training centre in West Africa,” which has “the potential to provide cutting-edge training for healthcare professionals across the West African sub-region.”

    Built during President Mahama’s first term in office at a cost of $271 million and commissioned before he handed over power, the University of Ghana Medical Centre is a quaternary health facility.

    It provides specialised care in numerous areas, including urology, ophthalmology, ear, nose and throat, cardiology, dermatology, neurology, and interventional radiology for cancers.

    The facility also boasts amenities such as a medical hotel for clients, assisted reproductive technology services for fertility solutions, and a helipad for airlifting emergency cases.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Oil funds for ‘Big Push’ will be efficiently used, Mahama tells Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC)

    Source: APO


    .

    President John Dramani Mahama has assured members of the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) that oil revenues earmarked for his proposed $10 billion “Big Push” infrastructure initiative will be efficiently disbursed and managed.

    The President gave the assurance during a courtesy call by the PIAC members. Led by its Chairman, Mr Constantine K.M. Kudzedzi, the Committee members visited to congratulate the President on his recent election victory and discuss matters concerning the management of Ghana’s oil revenues.

    President Mahama outlined his government’s ambitious plan to invest $10 billion over the next five years, allocating $2 billion annually, into priority infrastructure projects across the country.

    These projects will target key sectors, including roads, major bridges, education, and health infrastructure, as well as areas vital for boosting productivity in the agriculture sector.

    He specified that agricultural projects under the “Big Push” would encompass irrigation schemes, construction of farmer service centres, and support for agribusiness development.

    The President stated that the primary sources of funding for this significant policy initiative would be petroleum revenue and minerals royalties.

    Commending PIAC for its vital role, President Mahama praised the Committee’s efforts in monitoring and ensuring transparency and accountability in the utilisation of Ghana’s petroleum revenues.

    He highlighted PIAC as a commendable model for other countries seeking effective oversight mechanisms.

    President Mahama inaugurates committee for UGMC transfer to University of Ghana.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: President of Chad’s National Assembly Meets Qatar’s Ambassador

    Source: APO


    .

    HE President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Chad, Ali Kolotou Tchaimi, met with HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Chad, Talib bin Mohammed Al Mankhas.

    The meeting discussed cooperation ties between the two countries.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China completes construction of country’s largest 750 kV ring power transmission line

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    URUMQI, July 13 (Xinhua) — China completed construction on Sunday of a 4,197-km ultra-high-voltage (UHV) power transmission line around the Tarim Basin, home to the country’s largest desert, marking a milestone in infrastructure development in the southern part of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

    The largest project of its kind in the country, the 750-kV ring transmission line consists of nine substations and nearly 10,000 steel towers, according to the Xinjiang-based local company in charge of implementing the project, which is part of the Xinjiang branch of China National Grid Corporation.

    The said power transmission line took 15 years to build and is expected to be officially commissioned by November 2025, the company said.

    The Tarim Basin is home to the Taklamakan Desert, the world’s second-largest shifting sand desert. For centuries, sandstorms have battered the oases of southern Xinjiang, hampering development in the region.

    Officials and experts believe the project could accelerate development in southern Xinjiang and provide new energy sources across the country. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Uzbekistan’s dried apricot exports up 36 percent in first five months of 2025

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    Tashkent, July 13 (Xinhua) — Uzbekistan exported 6,832 tons of dried apricots in January-May 2025, up 36 percent year-on-year, UzDaily.uz reported on Sunday, citing the National Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan.

    Uzbekistan reportedly exported 6,832 tons of dried apricots worth $10.6 million in January-May 2025. “Export volumes increased by 1,800 tons compared to the same period last year, representing a 36 percent increase,” the report said.

    The main export destinations are reportedly Kazakhstan /1,792 tons/, China /1,078 tons/, and Türkiye /1,023 tons/.

    In November 2024, the press service of the President of Uzbekistan reported that in 2025, the export of fruits and vegetables could reach $3.5 billion. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: D. Trump urges supporters to stop attacking attorney general over Epstein investigation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    WASHINGTON, July 13 (Xinhua) — U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday urged his supporters to stop attacking Attorney General Pam Bondi over the Justice Department’s recent findings regarding sex trafficking defendant Jeffrey Epstein.

    “What is happening to my ‘boys’ and in some cases ‘girls’?” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “They are all going after Attorney General Pam Bondi who is doing a fantastic job! We are on the same team, MAGA, and I don’t like what is happening,” he added.

    He urged his team “not to waste time and energy on Jeffrey Epstein, a man no one cares about.”

    Trump’s defense comes amid a backlash over the Epstein files. On Monday, the Justice Department released a memo saying there was no evidence Epstein had a “client list” or was murdered, prompting disbelief in the findings and criticism of the investigation by Trump’s political allies.

    For years, D. Trump and his supporters have been advocating for the release of Epstein’s client list. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Creative fireworks show held in China’s ‘fireworks capital’

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

    Tourists enjoy a creative fireworks show in Liuyang City, central China’s Hunan Province, July 12, 2025. Liuyang, a small city known as China’s “fireworks capital,” has organized 26 creative fireworks events in the first half of 2025. These events have attracted over 1.5 million tourists in total, stimulating consumer spending of nearly 4 billion yuan (about 558 million U.S. dollars). (Xinhua/Chen Sihan)

    1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   >  

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 4,000 hiking enthusiasts hit rugged trails in southwest China’s Chongqing

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

    Nearly 4,000 hikers from across China gathered on Saturday to compete in the 10th Jinfo Mountain hiking race, in southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality.

    Jinfo mountain, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site for its karst landscape, has attracted a growing number of hikers in recent years to experience its natural beauty of steep cliffs, gorges, peaks, caverns, stone forests and waterfalls.

    Saturday’s event featured three race categories: competitive, fitness, and family. Competitors from competitive category navigated a challenging 14.5-kilometer mountain course, including vertical ascents and a high-altitude trail carved into cliffs.

    Liu Jun of Hubei province won the men’s race in one hour and 32 minutes, while Chengdu’s Liu Jianhua claimed the women’s title in one hour and 55 minutes. Fitness and family group participants completed a six-kilometer scenic route that combined physical activity with natural sightseeing.

    Jinfo Mountain is one of China’s top eco-tourism destinations, with forest coverage exceeding 95 percent and cool, oxygen-rich air during the summer months.

    The race, launched in 2015, has grown into a signature national outdoor event, boosting tourism and local economies. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • West Indies bowl out Australia for 225 after dramatic collapse

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Australia lost seven wickets for 68 runs in a dramatic collapse to be all out for 225 on day one of the third and final test against West Indies at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica.

    West Indies finished the day on 16 for one — 209 runs behind — after Australia’s Mitchell Starc bowled Kevlon Anderson off the inside edge in the pacer’s 100th test.

    Starc, 35, is just the second Australian fast bowler after Glenn McGrath to play 100 tests.

    Australia won the toss and opted to bat first for the day-night test but crumbled despite being 157-3 at one stage as the West Indies bowlers ripped through their middle order before being dismissed in 70.3 overs.

    Australia’s Usman Khawaja and Sam Konstas shared a 28-run opening partnership before Justin Greaves provided the breakthrough for West Indies by removing Konstas. Steve Smith top-scored for Australia with 48, and shared a 61-run stand with Cameron Green, the visitors’ highest partnership of the day.

    West Indies quick Shamar Joseph finished with 4-33, the pick of the home bowlers, while Jayden Seales and Justin Greaves took three wickets each.

    For West Indies, opener Brandon King was batting on eight with skipper Roston Chase on three at the other end after losing Anderson for three runs.

    West Indies fielded a makeshift opening pair of Anderson and King after Mikyle Louis and John Campbell sustained injuries while fielding and were sent to hospital for scans.

    “Every pitch has been tough. The more balls you spend in the middle you hope it gets better but it just hasn’t been the case,” Green told broadcasters.

    “It’s a bit of a grind first time with these balls, but a lot of learnings. Time in the middle is key – just trying to get used to their bowlers, their conditions.

    “Very happy with our position (in this test). We wanted to give them a tricky last 45 minutes. To get them one down is crucial, and we’ll wait and see what happens tomorrow.”

    Australia won the first test by 159 runs and second by 133 runs to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

    (Reuters)

  • Women’s Euro 2025: Sweden storm to group victory with 4-1 win over Germany

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Sweden made the most of Germany defender Carlotta Wamser’s expulsion to sweep to a 4-1 win and secure top spot in their Group C clash on Saturday, with their opponents also going through to the quarter-finals as runners-up.

    The Swedes finished top of the group with a perfect nine points from three games and will take on the runners-up in Group D, which features France, England, Netherlands and Wales.

    The Germans will face the winners of Group D.

    Friday’s encounter was the first time the Germans conceded four goals at a Women’s Euros and the Swedes were good value for their win, punishing virtually every mistake the Germans made.

    Germany got off to a flying start, slicing Sweden open through the middle as Wamser slid the ball into the path of Jule Brand, who managed to slip it past Jennifer Falk despite the Swedish keeper getting a touch.

    The Swedes struck back within five minutes, striker Stina Blackstenius expertly timing her run behind the defence and latching on to Kosovare Asllani’s ball before flashing a shot past Ann-Katrin Berger to level.

    Though the Germans looked dangerous every time they crossed the halfway line, it was the Swedes who took the lead through Smilla Holmberg in the 25th minute, the fullback marauding into the box before losing control and then steering an attempted clearance into the net from a tight angle.

    RED CARD

    Germany’s challenge fell apart in the 32nd minute when Wamser was shown a straight red card for a deliberate handball to block a goal, and Fridolina Rolfo scored from the spot to make it 3-1 in her 100th international.

    “The red card was decisive,” Germany coach Christian Wueck said. “We couldn’t fight back into the game with one less player on the pitch.”

    Though the Germans made the odd dangerous foray in the second half, the Swedes exploited their numerical advantage and substitute Lina Hurtig put the game beyond reach with a close-range finish in the 80th minute.

    “It’s very important to build on a good feeling and gain confidence, now we can look forward,” goalscorer Blackstenius said.

    The Germans were disappointed with how the game turned out after such a good start.

    “We started the game very well. We were fully in it and the better team,” Klara Buhl said.

    “We then give the game away in 10 minutes, that’s incredibly bitter. We have to put that behind us as quickly as possible.”

    The Swedes play their quarter-final in Zurich next Thursday, while the Germans will have two extra days of rest before playing their game in Basel on Saturday.

    (Reuters)