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Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Breaking: Ceasefire is urgent priority in resolving Middle East conflict – Xi Jinping

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, June 19 (Xinhua) — A ceasefire is an urgent priority in resolving the conflict in the Middle East, and the use of force is not the right way to resolve international disputes, Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a phone conversation with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Thursday.

    Discussing the situation in the Middle East, the Chinese leader called on the conflicting parties, especially Israel, to cease fire as soon as possible.

    Xi Jinping said the top priority is to ensure the safety of civilians amid tensions between Iran and Israel, calling on the conflicting parties to strictly abide by international law and resolutely avoid harming innocent civilians.

    Dialogue and negotiations are the fundamental solution, he said, calling on the international community, especially large countries with special influence on the parties to the conflict, to make efforts to de-escalate the situation.

    China is willing to continue to strengthen communication and coordination with all parties, join their efforts and uphold justice so as to play a constructive role in restoring peace in the Middle East, he said. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China: China will actively expand imports of energy resources, minerals and high-quality agricultural products from Central Asian countries

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, June 19 (Xinhua) — China will faithfully implement the important agreements and results reached at the second China-Central Asia Summit in Astana, actively expand imports of energy resources, minerals and high-quality agricultural products from Central Asian countries, promote exports of automobiles, home appliances, communications equipment, textiles and other products, and cultivate new business forms of trade such as trade in services and cross-border e-commerce, Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yadong said at a regular press conference on Thursday.

    He Yadong noted that during the summit, the ministry signed three documents with relevant departments of Central Asian countries on strengthening trade and economic cooperation, deepening cooperation on unimpeded trade and intensifying cooperation in the field of “green” mineral resources, as well as five bilateral documents with relevant countries in the fields of economy, trade, investment, e-commerce and technical and economic cooperation.

    According to him, the ministry will deepen the development and utilization of green mineral raw materials in all links of the industrial chain, including their exploration, production, supply, storage and marketing, and expand cooperation in new areas such as electric vehicles, biomedicine, new energy sources and the digital economy.

    The number of China-Europe freight trains passing through Central Asian countries will also be increased, and the capacity of border crossings will be increased to ensure stability and continuity of supply chains, he added.

    China will implement the new versions of investment agreements signed with Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, and accelerate negotiations on an agreement on trade in services and investment with Kyrgyzstan, He Yadong noted, stressing that China firmly supports Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan’s aspirations to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) and, together with Central Asian countries, defends the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • India records highest growth in power generation after US & China in last five years: IEA

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India has emerged as a country with the third-largest growth in power generation capacity globally over the past five years, according to the latest report by the International Energy Agency (IEA).
    Only China and the United States surpassed India in power generation growth during this period.

    It said “India has seen the third-largest growth in power generation capacity in the world after China and the United States”.

    The report highlighted that India’s electricity demand has been rising sharply due to several factors. These include the expansion of commercial and residential spaces, increased ownership of air conditioners and other household appliances, and growing demand from industries.

    To meet this growing demand, power generation in the country has expanded across all energy sources.

    The report mentioned that a major driver of this expansion has been the strong push towards renewable energy.

    The report noted a significant increase in investments in clean energy, especially solar photovoltaic (PV) projects. In fact, solar PV alone accounted for more than half of the total non-fossil energy investment in India over the past five years. In 2024, as much as 83 per cent of power sector investment in the country went into clean energy initiatives.

    India was also the largest recipient of development finance institution (DFI) funding for clean energy in 2024. The country received around USD 2.4 billion in project-specific funding aimed at boosting clean energy generation.

    In terms of foreign investment, India has seen a steady rise in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the power sector. FDI reached USD 5 billion in 2023, nearly twice the level seen before the COVID-19 pandemic.

    This growth is partly driven by government policies that allow 100 per cent FDI in all areas of electricity generation (except nuclear power) and transmission infrastructure.

    However, the report also pointed out that foreign portfolio investment in India’s energy sector has seen a decline in the past two years. This drop is attributed to a mix of macroeconomic and sector-specific challenges, though the long-term trend remains positive.

    Overall, the IEA report outlined India’s strong performance in power generation and its growing focus on clean energy investment.

    (ANI)

  • India records highest growth in power generation after US & China in last five years: IEA

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India has emerged as a country with the third-largest growth in power generation capacity globally over the past five years, according to the latest report by the International Energy Agency (IEA).
    Only China and the United States surpassed India in power generation growth during this period.

    It said “India has seen the third-largest growth in power generation capacity in the world after China and the United States”.

    The report highlighted that India’s electricity demand has been rising sharply due to several factors. These include the expansion of commercial and residential spaces, increased ownership of air conditioners and other household appliances, and growing demand from industries.

    To meet this growing demand, power generation in the country has expanded across all energy sources.

    The report mentioned that a major driver of this expansion has been the strong push towards renewable energy.

    The report noted a significant increase in investments in clean energy, especially solar photovoltaic (PV) projects. In fact, solar PV alone accounted for more than half of the total non-fossil energy investment in India over the past five years. In 2024, as much as 83 per cent of power sector investment in the country went into clean energy initiatives.

    India was also the largest recipient of development finance institution (DFI) funding for clean energy in 2024. The country received around USD 2.4 billion in project-specific funding aimed at boosting clean energy generation.

    In terms of foreign investment, India has seen a steady rise in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the power sector. FDI reached USD 5 billion in 2023, nearly twice the level seen before the COVID-19 pandemic.

    This growth is partly driven by government policies that allow 100 per cent FDI in all areas of electricity generation (except nuclear power) and transmission infrastructure.

    However, the report also pointed out that foreign portfolio investment in India’s energy sector has seen a decline in the past two years. This drop is attributed to a mix of macroeconomic and sector-specific challenges, though the long-term trend remains positive.

    Overall, the IEA report outlined India’s strong performance in power generation and its growing focus on clean energy investment.

    (ANI)

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government still letting NI down on veterinary medicines

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement by TUV Leader Jim Allister:

    “Today’s statement by the Secretary of State cannot conceal the lamentable failure of the government to stand up to the EU.

    “It is the EU’s preposterous assertion of sovereignty over Northern Ireland and our agricultural industry which has produced this crisis whereby traditional supplies from GB are being jeopardised. Instead of standing up for Northern Ireland the government has largely rolled over, devoting its energy to encouraging reorientation of our supplies so that they come from the EU, not GB. Diversion of trade is obvious, despite the attempt to dress it up as ‘taking the steps needed’ to continue supplies of veterinary medicines.

    “Downplaying the deficit of available supply of vital medicines to 10-15% is but an attempt to spare their blushes over letting down a sector within their own country – and this because they have ceded authority to a foreign and intransigent power.

    “Past experience of proclaimed internal market protections have invariably proved useless, and so, I fear, will today’s attempt at papering over the cracks.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New data laws will make life easier for British people, cutting life admin, easing traffic and speeding up roadworks

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    New data laws will make life easier for British people, cutting life admin, easing traffic and speeding up roadworks

    British people will benefit from new laws which will make their day-to-day lives easier – from slashing grocery bills and cutting traffic jams to speeding up NHS diagnoses – as the government delivers on manifesto commitments.

    The Data Use and Access Bill now has Royal Assent.

    • Data (Use and Access) Bill becomes law – to unleash the power of data to help working people save money and time. 
    • New data regime will reduce time people spend stuck in traffic and give NHS staff more time with patients.  
    • New laws will inject £10 billion into the British economy over ten years, helping the government deliver on its growth mission in the Plan for Change and key manifesto commitments.

    It comes as the Data (Use and Access) Act has today (19th June) received Royal Assent, unleashing the power of data into the British society and economy. 

    The new data regime is set to pump £10 billion into the British economy over the next decade – by cutting NHS and police bureaucracy, speeding up roadworks, and turbocharging innovation in tech and science. 

    Measures in the Act will ensure healthcare information – like a patient’s pre-existing conditions, appointments and tests – can easily be accessed in real time across all NHS trusts, GP surgeries and ambulance services, no matter what IT system they are using. Enabling data sharing across platforms will save NHS staff 140,000 hours a year in admin, giving them more time to care for patients and make better informed decisions for them more quickly – speeding up diagnoses and treatments for the British people.  

    Delivering on a manifesto commitment, the Act boosts the development of technology such as price comparison apps that can provide hyper personalised experiences to people so they can save money and time with bills and food shops. The new laws will broaden the access that third parties, like energy suppliers, have to consumer data.

    For example, consumers will be able to share data on their energy usage which will help create more accurate price comparisons, informing what utility provider best suits their needs. This measure will give consumers the ability to compare utility prices, find better deals, and reduce their energy use, as well as foster tech innovation and boost competition, which will ultimately grow the UK economy.   

    Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said:

    For too long, previous governments have been sitting on a goldmine of data, wasting a powerful resource which can be used to help families juggle food costs, slash tedious life admin, and make our NHS and police work smarter.

    These new laws will finally unleash that power for hardworking people – putting cash back in pockets and boosting vital public services, all part of our Plan for Change.

    Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, said:

    This is a game-changing moment for UK healthcare.

    No longer will patients be left waiting needlessly for treatment as NHS staff battle “computer says no” bureaucracy.

    We’re making it easier for GPs, nurses, and paramedics to access the information they need, when they need it, safely, securely and at speed.

    Only by challenging the status quo and cutting through red tape can we truly deliver our Plan for Change and an NHS Fit for the Future.

    Another key manifesto commitment the Act will deliver on is legislation to help bereaved parents get the answers they deserve when social media activity is linked to the death of their child. The new laws will establish a data preservation process that will require Ofcom, when notified by a coroner, to issue a data preservation notice to social media companies supporting their investigations into the death.

    The data regime will also ease the frustrations of traffic by creating a National Underground Asset Register, a map of the country’s underground pipes and cables, which will allow construction workers to instantly see their exact location – information which currently takes 6 days to access. Slashing the average data-sharing process to 6 seconds, workers in the field will have quick access to a rich view of buried assets, helping them make more informed decisions on how to carry out works safely and efficiently – speeding up roadworks and closures and reducing delays for those on the road.

    By legislating on digital verification services and introducing trusted digital verification tools, people will be able to prove their identity online more easily. This will simplify important tasks such as renting a flat and starting work. The measures will give companies who provide tools for verifying identities the ability to get certified against the government’s stringent trust framework of standards, and receive a ‘trust mark’ to use as a result. As well as increasing trust in the market, these efficiency gains will boost the UK economy by £4.3 billion over the next decade.

    Notes to editors

    Further details on the specific measures can be found here.

    Today we also announce the launch of a recruitment campaign for 7 Non-Executive members to the board of the new Information Commission, which will be established by the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 to replace the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) as the UK’s data regulator. This is an important step in modernising the ICO and ensuring that the regulator has a diversity of skills, experience and perspectives at the top of the organisation. The closing date for applications is Friday 1 August 2025. We encourage applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and across the whole of the United Kingdom.

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

    Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm 020 7215 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The cost of inaction in Ukraine is much greater than the cost of support: UK statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Speech

    The cost of inaction in Ukraine is much greater than the cost of support: UK statement to the OSCE

    UK Military Advisor, Lt Col Joby Rimmer, says that our support to Ukraine is not charity – it is a strategic investment in European security. We will continue to stand with Ukraine – today, tomorrow, and for as long as it takes.

    Thank you, Madam Chair.

    I would like to start by offering my condolences to Ukraine. Overnight Russia staged horrific air attacks on cities including Kyiv, killing and wounding over a hundred civilians – one of the most devastating airstrikes on Kyiv since this war began.

    Madam Chair, in February 2022, President Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine under the guise of a so-called ‘Special Military Operation.’ He expected a swift and decisive victory. Over three years later, that illusion has been shattered. Russia has suffered over one million military casualties – a grim milestone – and more than twenty times the Soviet losses in Afghanistan. The DPRK has suffered over 6,000 casualties – more than half of the 11,000 troops it initially deployed to support Russia’s illegal war. These losses, largely the result of high-risk, poorly-executed attritional assaults, underscore the tragic human cost of this illegal conflict. Let me be clear, we do not celebrate this statistic. Every life lost is a tragedy. Too many families, on both sides, have had their lives irrevocably change by a war of aggression that should never have been launched.

    Ukraine remains steadfast in the face of Russia’s unrelenting and illegal aggression. Through the extraordinary courage of its Armed Forces, the resilience of its people, and the unwavering support of its international partners, Ukraine has reclaimed, and continues to reclaim, its territory, and is liberating thousands of its citizens. This is not just a military achievement – it is a testament to the unbreakable spirit of a nation fighting for its survival, its sovereignty, and its future.

    At the G7 Summit in Canada yesterday, the United Kingdom and its allies reaffirmed their commitment to securing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Only increasing pressure on Russia will force Putin to take peace seriously. That is why our Prime Minister announced a new sanctions package to target sectors of the Russian economy critical to its war effort.

    Russia referred to Western Defence spending at last week’s FSC. To clarify – and for transparency – our new Strategic Defence Review does mark a pivotal shift in UK defence policy. It does commit to sustaining £3 billion annually in military support to Ukraine for as long as necessary. It does emphasise the importance of learning from Ukraine’s experience in modern warfare – particularly in drone technology and hybrid conflict – to strengthen NATO’s collective defence. It does signify a landmark change to our deterrence and defence posture: moving to warfighting readiness to deter our adversaries and strengthen security at home and across the Euro-Atlantic area.

    At the 4 June Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting, the UK announced a tenfold increase in drone deliveries to Ukraine – 100,000 units this financial year alone – demonstrating our resolve to provide Ukraine with the tools it needs to defend itself. The UK has also committed an additional £247 million in 2025 to train Ukrainian forces under Operation INTERFLEX and pledged £40 million to NATO’s Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) mission trust fund. These investments are not acts of charity – they are strategic imperatives. Supporting Ukraine is an investment in our collective security, in the rules-based international order, and in the principle that borders cannot be changed by force.

    We recognise that doing more will not be without cost. But the cost of inaction is far greater. If we allow Russia to succeed in Ukraine, we send a dangerous message to authoritarian regimes around the world: that aggression pays, and that international law can be ignored with impunity. We must stand with Ukraine for however long it takes to ensure that its sovereignty is restored, its people are safe, and its future is secure. The international community must send a clear and united message: we will not tolerate the use of force to redraw borders or subjugate free nations.

    Finally, we must pay tribute to the thousands of women serving in the Ukrainian Armed Forces and to the countless others contributing to humanitarian, political, and security efforts. Their courage and leadership are vital to Ukraine’s defence and to its future. Ukraine continues to stand firmly on the side of peace having committed to an unconditional ceasefire and to making positive progress through diplomatic negotiation. Ukraine has demonstrated resilience and a constructive commitment to international law and human dignity in the face of Russia’s ongoing devastation. We will continue to stand with Ukraine – today, tomorrow, and for as long as it takes.

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 June 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Heat-Health Alerts issued by UKHSA and the Met Office

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Heat-Health Alerts issued by UKHSA and the Met Office

    The latest heat-health alert (HHA) issued by UKHSA and the Met Office for all regions of England.

    Our UKHSA data dashboard provides the latest details on heat-health alerts currently in place and their duration, while our latest blog details how exactly heat impacts the body and what we can do avoid the negative effects.

    Latest

    Thursday 19 June 2025

    The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office have issued an amber heat-health alert (HHA) for all regions of England.

    The alert is currently in place from 12 noon on Thursday 19 June to 9am on Monday 23 June. The Met Office has forecast temperatures exceeding 30°C.

    Under the Weather-Health Alert system, an amber alert means that weather impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service. At this level, we may begin to see some health impacts across the wider population. We may also see an increase in risk to health for individuals aged over 65 years or those with pre-existing health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

    Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said:

    We have already seen warm weather across the week, and temperatures are set to increase in the coming days, exceeding 30°c in many areas.

    Our findings show that heat can result in serious health outcomes across the population, especially for older adults or those with pre-existing health conditions. It is therefore important to check on friends, family and neighbours who are more vulnerable and to take sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.

    Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Dan Holley, said:

    The highest temperatures from this hot spell are forecast for Saturday, with low 30s Celsius fairly widely across England, and up to 34°C possible in eastern areas. Despite this, the more uncomfortable heat will be in northern and western areas initially, where despite somewhat lower temperatures the air will be more humid.  

    The nights will also be quite warm, with the possibility of temperatures not falling below 20°C in some areas, making it hard to sleep. This is what we term a ‘tropical night’. 

    Temperatures will ease from the west on Sunday as fresher air arrives from the Atlantic, although parts of East Anglia and the far southeast of England could still see 28 to 29°C for a time.

    There are additional ways in which you can keep yourself and others safe during periods of hot weather, such as:

    • keeping your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
    • if you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing, such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, and seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly
    • keeping out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm
    • if you are going to do a physical activity (for example, exercising or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler, such as the morning or evening
    • knowing the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them

    Our UKHSA data dashboard provides the latest details on HHAs currently in place and their duration, while our latest blog details how exactly heat impacts the body and what we can do avoid the negative effects.

    Previous

    Tuesday 17 June 2025

    First yellow heat-health alert of 2025 issued for 4 regions

    Today sees the first yellow heat-health alert issued of the year, as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reminds health and social care services to prepare for further alerts through summer as temperatures heat up.

    The alert is currently in place from 9pm on Thursday 12 June to 8am on 15 June and covers the East of England, East Midlands, London and South East regions.

    The Met Office has forecast temperatures of up to 30 degrees Celsius (ºC) on Friday. Whilst temperatures may not seem too high for the general population for now, data from UKHSA shows that even at these forecasted temperatures, vulnerable groups and health care services can be impacted.

    Under UKHSA and the Met Office’s Weather-Health alerting system, a yellow alert means that any impacts will likely include:

    • increased use of health care services by vulnerable populations
    • an increase in risk to health for individuals aged over 65 years or those with pre-existing health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases

    Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said:

    “Our findings shows that even moderate heat can result in serious health outcomes, especially for older adults, and it is therefore important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.

    “The forecasted high temperatures are expected to be short-lived but could primarily impact those over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions. If you have friends, family or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is important to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice.’’

    There are additional ways in which you can keep yourself and others safe during periods of hot weather, such as:

    • keeping your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
    • if you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing, such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, and seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly
    • keeping out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm
    • if you are going to do a physical activity (for example, exercising or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler, such as the morning or evening
    • knowing the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them

    Our UKHSA data dashboard provides the latest details on HHAs currently in place and their duration, while our latest blog details how exactly heat impacts the body and what we can do avoid the negative effects.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Dire warning on 1.5°C goal must spark urgent climate action

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Bonn, Germany, New data indicating there may be just three years left to keep the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C goal alive must urgently galvanise accelerated global emissions cuts and enhanced climate action.

    Data from scientists revealed that the available carbon budget is rapidly shrinking and that at the current rate of emissions the remaining carbon budget to limit global warming to 1.5°C goal could be surpassed in three years.[1]

    Shiva Gounden, Head of Pacific, Greenpeace Australia Pacific said: “This message is a matter of survival for us in the Pacific and all small island developing states. The message is clear – we need to end climate and nature destruction and act with the urgency required. The answer is simple: end the production and burning of coal, oil and gas and defend our future.” 

    “We continue to hope and act, but where is the urgency from the major emitters? It’s time to genuinely stand in solidarity with the people on the frontlines of this crisis. The climate is on fire and our way of life is on the line. This is the greatest existential threat for our Pacific to live as Pasifika people.”

    Tracy Carty, Climate Politics Expert, Greenpeace International said: “This is yet another dire warning that must spark a response. Talk must turn into action. But here in Bonn that urgency seems to be lacking. Our backs are against the wall and governments need to step up.”

    “That means unveiling bold and ambitious 2035 climate action plans that rapidly push ahead with the phase out of coal, oil and gas – especially in rich developed countries who need to move the fastest.” 

    “As emissions continue and monthly temperature records stack up, it’s getting harder and harder to achieve the 1.5°C goal, but now is not the time to give up! Every fraction of a degree matters and more action is needed. What matters now is what we do today and tomorrow.”

    An Lambrechts, Biodiversity Politics Expert, Greenpeace International said: “The 1.5°C goal is also hugely reliant on ending deforestation and that’s why governments must agree at COP30 on an action plan to implement existing commitments to end deforestation and forest degradation by 2030. As COP30 heads to the Amazon under Brazil’s presidency, we must seize this significant opportunity to accelerate protection and restoration of critical ecosystems.”

    ENDS

    Notes:
    [1]Scientists find three years left of remaining carbon budget for 1.5°C

    Greenpeace Bonn Climate Change Conference media briefing

    Contacts:
    Aaron Gray-Block, Climate Politics Communications Manager, Greenpeace International, [email protected]

    Gaby Flores, Communications Coordinator, Greenpeace International, +1 214 454 3871, [email protected]

    Greenpeace International Press Desk, +31 (0)20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), [email protected]

    Join the Greenpeace UNFCCC WhatsApp Update Group

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Huawei and Industry Partners Win Four Prizes at the World’s First New Calling x AI Challenge Launched by GSMA & GTI

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Huawei and Industry Partners Win Four Prizes at the World’s First New Calling x AI Challenge Launched by GSMA & GTI

    [Shanghai, China, June 18, 2025] At the GTI (Global TD-LTE Initiative) Summit held during MWC Shanghai 2025, the winning teams of the world’s first New Calling x AI Challenge were announced. Huawei, together with industrial partners, were awarded four major awards, providing the industry with successful cases of 5G-A and AI integrated applications, and offering practical models for the innovative development of the New Calling industry.
    New Calling x AI Challenge, co-organized by the GSMA Foundry and GTI, was the first global innovation competition in the New Calling sector. It encouraged innovative and potentially impactful use cases of New Calling services from around the world, in order to rejuvenate the global communications ecosystem. This competition attracted nearly 100 submissions from 16 universities and 58 enterprises, showcasing creative applications tailored for both individuals and enterprises. Such wide participation underscores the global industry’s fervor to integrate New Calling and AI technology, as well as to stimulate service innovation.

    “5G New Calling x AI In-Nanjing” and “Exploring the New Paradigm of stc Bank’s Intelligent Customer Service by Deep Integration of New Calling and AI” project won the first prize

    “Service AI x Network AI Empowering the New Calling DC-based Customer Service” project won the second prize

    “A2A Intelligent Agent Interconnection Revolutionizing Communication Experience” project won the third prize

    In this competition, China Mobile Jiangsu, with industry partners such as Huawei, clinched the top spot with their “5G New Calling x AI In-Nanjing” project, alongside stc and Huawei’s “Exploring the New Paradigm of stc Bank’s Intelligent Customer Service by Deep Integration of New Calling and AI” project. China Mobile Henan also partnered with Huawei to receive the second place for their “Service AI x Network AI Empowering the New Calling DC-based Customer Service” project, while Huawei claimed the third prize for their “A2A Intelligent Agent Interconnection Revolutionizing Communication Experience” project.
    As a groundbreaking innovation in the mobile AI era, New Calling is rapidly gaining momentum for commercial use. Services like Visualized Voice Calling, Idol Calling, Real-Time Translation, and Simultaneous Interpretation have been put into commercial use across China, Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. New Calling is helping operators transform their business model from voice-only operations to content operations. Teamed up with GTI, China Mobile, Huawei, and other global industry partners, GSMA has established the GSMA Foundry and 5G New Calling Task Force. Together, they have launched innovation showcases and white papers to foster collaboration and growth in the New Calling industry.
    Ma Peng, President of CS&IMS Domain, Huawei Cloud Core Network Product Line, received the awards. “The integration of New Calling and AI will spur service innovation, transforming the dial pad into an entry for a wide range of AI-powered services, and helping operators achieve business success,” said Ma Peng, “The thriving success of New Calling depends on collective engagement and sustained commitment across the industry. Together with operators and industry partners, Huawei will remain dedicated to driving innovation and shaping a transformative future for the voice industry.”
    MWC Shanghai 2025 will be held from June 18 to June 20 in Shanghai, China. During the event, Huawei will showcase its latest products and solutions in Hall N1 of the Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC).
    The commercial adoption of 5G-Advanced is accelerating in 2025. Huawei collaborates with global carriers, industry experts, and opinion leaders to explore how innovations in AI can be used to reshape telecom services, infrastructure, and operations to generate new revenue sources and accelerate the transition towards an intelligent world.
    For more information, please visit: https://carrier.huawei.com/en/events/mwcs2025

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: RBI imposes monetary penalty on Prathamik Shikshak Sahakari Bank Ltd., Satara, Maharashtra

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated May 20, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹2.00 lakh (Rupees Two Lakh only) on Prathamik Shikshak Sahakari Bank Ltd., Satara, Maharashtra (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Advances against Term Deposits of Non-members’ to Salary Earners’ Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

    The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2024. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice, oral submissions made during the personal hearing and additional submissions made by it, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charge against the bank was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank, despite being a Salary Earners’ Primary (Urban) Co-operative Bank, had sanctioned:

    1. loans against fixed deposits to non-members, without fulfilling the Financially Sound and Well Managed (FSWM) criteria; and

    2. gold loans to non-members.

    This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/564

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: FMQs: Greens condemn lack of action since anti far-right summit 

    Source: Scottish Greens

    19 Jun 2025 Climate Human Rights

    Warm words are not enough when people and planet are suffering.

    More in Climate

    Promises made to defend democracy and oppose the far-right at a summit hosted by First Minister John Swinney must be turned into actions, says Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie MSP.

    Patrick used his last slot at First Minister’s Questions in his position as co-leader to challenge John Swinney on the lack of action from the Scottish Government since the summit in April, and to condemn the policy drift from the Scottish Government since John Swinney became First Minister.

    In his first question, Patrick asked:

    “Nearly 2 months ago, the First Minister hosted a summit about opposing the far right and defending democracy. 

    “There was a clear message from many people in the room – governments need to act to address people’s concerns – restore the public services we all rely on, give local communities more power, tackle extreme wealth, and tax the big polluters who are profiteering from climate breakdown so we can invest in our communities.

    “It was obvious that without clear action, this would be just another talking shop. But what changes have we really seen since then?

    “What exactly has the Scottish Government done differently in practical terms, since that meeting to turn promises into action?”

    The First Minister responded claiming that his government had taken action to eradicate child poverty, but pointed to actions which are yet to be taken. He also referred to the publication of the Scottish Government’s carbon budgets this morning, which the Scottish Greens slammed as “deeply concerning” earlier today after advice from the UK Climate Change Committee was rejected.

    Responding to the First Minister, Patrick asked: 

    “There is a clear sense of drift from the First Minister; he came into this job saying he wanted to “build the best future for our country”.

    “But since then he has watered down rent controls. He has stalled plans to help get people off expensive fossil fuels. 

    “He’s abandoned progress on human rights and equalities laws. He has ditched environmental actions like a new National Park.

    “And just today, he has rejected advice from his independent climate experts.

    “And in place of the progressive Green policies that the First Minister has walked away from… what? I struggle to think of a single, signature policy showing ambition or leadership that he has actually delivered in his year in the job.

    “In the face of the threat from the far right, this “steady as she goes” approach is a course to disaster.

    “Does the FM understand that people need to see real progress toward a fairer, greener Scotland, and that failure to tackle inequality and injustice will only benefit the snake oil sellers on the far right?”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow has signed an agreement with one of the Russian banks on cooperation in the implementation of KRT projects

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    At the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the Moscow Government signed an agreement on interaction and development of cooperation in the sphere of implementation of integrated territorial development projects (ITD) with PAO Bank PSB. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of Urban Development Policy Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    “The agreement that the city signed with one of the largest banks, PSB Bank, will be valid for 10 years. We expect that the result of our joint work will be an increase in the availability of loans and the attraction of bank guarantees in accordance with the requirements of the agreement on KRT. Banks – partners of the program for the integrated development of territories will provide investors with financing at all stages of project implementation. It will be available to both capital companies and regional developers,” noted Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    The main goal of the city’s cooperation with banks in the urban development sphere is to create favorable conditions for investors participating in the implementation of KRT projects. Thus, investors receive support not only from the city, but also from large financial organizations.

    According to the program of integrated development of territories, multifunctional city blocks are being created, where roads, comfortable housing and all necessary infrastructure are being designed on the site of former industrial zones and inefficiently used areas. Currently, 302 KRT projects with a total area of about 4.2 thousand hectares are at various stages of development and implementation in Moscow. This work is being carried out on behalf of Sergei Sobyanin.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155498073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Moscow Government has signed agreements with new participants in the “Labor Productivity” project

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    At the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the Moscow Government signed agreements on participation in the federal project “Labor Productivity” with four Moscow companies. They are engaged in the manufacturing industry, scientific research, and the tourism and hospitality sector. On behalf of the Government, the documents were signed by Maria Bagreeva, Deputy Mayor of Moscow, Head of the Department of Economic Policy and City Development.

    “The “Labor Productivity” project is one of the key measures to support the capital’s business, which over three years of implementation has already proven its effectiveness for more than 400 Moscow companies from various industries: manufacturing, construction, transportation and storage, tourism, trade, research and development (R&D) and others. Thanks to participation in the project, companies were able to restructure business processes, find hidden reserves, improve employee qualifications, optimize work and save money for investment in further development without additional costs. On behalf of the Moscow Government, I welcome new participants in the “Labor Productivity” project in the capital. I am confident that our joint work will bring high-quality results and allow companies to reach a new level of development,” emphasized Maria Bagreeva.

    New participants talk about their expectations from the project

    The manufacturing industry is represented by the Aquarius group of companies, which is included in the list of systemically important organizations in the electronics industry. It provides a full production cycle from printing boards and assembling components to assembling and testing finished products, and also supplies high-tech equipment and implements IT projects throughout the country. The project will be implemented by experts from the Federal Competence Center.

    Chairman of the Board of Directors of the group of companies Alexey Kalinin said that participation in the federal project is an important step towards further growth. Lean manufacturing is a tool for increasing the efficiency, technology and sustainability of business processes, which is especially relevant for the advanced development of radio electronics and the creation of competitive advantages, including in the global market.

    Sobyanin spoke about the implementation of the national project “Labor Productivity” in MoscowHow to improve business efficiency with lean technologies will be discussed in the course for entrepreneurs

    The Research Institute of Railway Transport (JSC VNIIZhT), a leading scientific center in the railway industry, has become a new participant in the Labor Productivity project from the R&D sphere. Deputy General Director for Engineering, Implementation and Development of Technologies of the joint-stock company Evgeny Shishkov noted the special value of cooperation with experts from the Moscow regional competence center. The successful experience of other enterprises has proven the effectiveness of the project, and therefore the company is confident that the implementation of lean technologies will allow it to optimize key scientific and production processes.

    In the tourism and hospitality sector, the Radisson Collection Hotel, Moscow, has joined the project. General Manager Stanislav Kondov said that the practical experience of colleagues from the network who are already participants in the project has proven the effectiveness of the program: they have managed to optimize work processes and reduce costs. For the pilot stage, they chose the registration of hotel guests and hope to achieve high results.

    Another new participant is the Shokoladnitsa group of companies. Pavel Perov, Executive Director for Production, emphasized that the introduction of lean manufacturing principles is currently being considered to improve the operational efficiency of both the food preparation process and the work of the retail chain of coffee shops. This experience will help strengthen the competitive advantage in the areas of production and sales.

    In 2022–2024, the national project “Labor Productivity” was implemented in Moscow using funds from the city budget. How reported Sergei Sobyanin, 419 enterprises took part in it, including about a quarter of the city’s large and medium-sized industrial companies. Since 2025, Moscow companies have continued to increase labor productivity within the framework of the national project “Efficient and competitive economy” (federal project “Labor Productivity”). The federal project is being implemented in the capital at the expense of the city budget. Applications for participation are accepted atwebsite regional competence center of Moscow.

    Get the latest news quicklythe city’s official telegram channel Moscow.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155504073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Competition Bureau makes recommendations to improve competition in Canada’s airline industry

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Increased competition would improve affordability, service, and choice for Canadians.

    Inuktitut version (PDF):

    June 19, 2025– GATINEAU (Québec), Competition Bureau

    The cost of flying is a major concern for Canadians. For many, particularly those in northern and remote communities, air travel is not a luxury – it is a necessity. 

    Today, the Competition Bureau published its market study report – Cleared for take-off: Elevating airline competition – which makes recommendations to governments for increasing competition in Canada’s domestic airline industry. 

    The Bureau’s study found that despite the recent entry and expansion of new airlines, the domestic market remains highly concentrated and competition from new sources remains fragile. At major airports across the country, Air Canada and WestJet together account for roughly half to three quarters of all domestic passenger traffic. 

    The Bureau’s report outlines three areas of focus for governments to create the right conditions for competition in the industry. These are:

    More competition in the airline industry would mean lower prices, more options and better service for Canadians. The Bureau found that when just one new competitor flies on a route between two cities, airfares go down by 9% on average, highlighting the benefits that competition can deliver

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Backgrounder: Unique air travel challenges for northern and remote communities

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Backgrounder

    Highlights from the Competition Bureau’s market study of Canada’s airline industry

    June 19, 2025 – GATINEAU (Québec), Competition Bureau

    The Competition Bureau’s market study on competition in Canada’s airline industry included an analysis of the unique challenges faced by northern and remote communities.

    For these communities, air transportation is essential—not optional. It impacts even those who never fly. Residents depend on it for access to healthcare, groceries, medicine, jobs, and social connection. Yet harsh weather, small populations, limited facilities, and high costs make it difficult for airlines to serve these markets.

    This backgrounder summarizes the market study’s key findings concerning air travel for Canada’s northern and remote communities, and our recommendations on how to improve competition.

    What we heard

    The Bureau consulted with nearly 50 stakeholders on the challenges faced by northern and remote regions, including airlines, industry associations, academics, airports, consumer associations, regional chambers of commerce, and provincial, territorial, and federal governments. We also heard from over 200 members of the public about northern issues during public consultations in June and August 2024. To gain a deeper understanding of these challenges, Bureau employees visited Iqaluit as a part of this study and met with local stakeholders.

    Residents across the North—particularly in Nunavut—shared consistent concerns about the high cost of air travel, limited competition, and unreliable service.

    Most routes in Nunavut are served by two airlines: Canadian North, which primarily operates in the Qikiqtaaluk and Kitikmeot regions, and Calm Air, which mainly serves the Kivalliq region (with both carriers overlapping only at Rankin Inlet). This limited competition, combined with rising costs and reduced flight options, affects residents’ ability to travel, access essential services, and get work or business opportunities.

    The Bureau’s prior work in northern aviation

    The Bureau has examined competition issues in northern and remote airlines markets in the past. For example:

    • In 2016, the Bureau investigated concerns over alleged predatory pricing by First Air and Canadian North to block a new entrant, GoSarvaq. While there were signs that First Air’s and Canadian North’s pricing promotions likely had some impact on GoSarvaq’s entry plans, the Bureau concluded that there was not enough evidence to take enforcement action. GoSavarq ceased operations shortly thereafter.
    • In 2019, the Bureau reviewed the merger of Canadian North and First Air and concluded it would likely reduce competition and lead to higher prices and worse service. However, the federal cabinet, on the recommendation of the Minister of Transport, approved the merger with conditions to limit price hikes and service cuts. In April 2023, those conditions were amended due to the pandemic’s impact on the airline industry.

    Although our current study did not re-examine these cases in detail, stakeholders consistently raised concerns about aggressive competitive responses to entry and cited the merger of Canadian North and First Air as an example of how limited competition and policy gaps have harmed air service in the North.

    Persistent challenges in northern aviation

    In our report, we identified barriers that make it difficult for new players to enter and expand services in northern and remote communities. These include:

    • Vast geography and isolation: Small, spread-out populations in the North limit potential revenue for airlines, a significant challenge as they also face high operating costs—such as fuel, labor, and housing.
    • Underdeveloped airport facilities: Infrastructure such as buildings, weather monitoring systems, and runways play a large role in airlines’ operations. This airport infrastructure is underdeveloped in the North, making it more challenging for airlines to operate, and causing their costs to rise.
    • Regulations are not adapted to northern factors: Regulations play an important role in the aviation sector, but their standard application in northern and remote regions can impose burdens on airlines that cost them money and may drive them to exit the market. A one-size-fits-all approach to regulations does not work for the specific conditions of northern communities.
    • Unnecessary bidding restrictions on government contracts: Government contracts are important to northern airlines. When contracts are difficult for smaller operators to bid on, it can limit the number of airlines that can compete.
    • The strategic behaviour of existing airlines: Existing airlines can make it hard for new airlines to enter the northern market by restricting access to airline-owned airport facilities and by aggressively cutting prices and adding extra seats on routes served by the new airlines.

    These unique challenges show why solutions must be tailored to northern needs. While the economics of operating in the North limits the number of competitors serving many routes, competition can be enhanced by making it easier for newer or more efficient airlines to operate in the market.

    Our recommendations

    To improve competition in northern and remote communities, the Bureau makes the following recommendations to governments:

    1. Coordinate leadership of northern and remote aviation. Establish a national working group focused on remote air transportation to properly address the unique challenges of these regions. This group should prioritize competitive solutions that lead to high-quality and accessible air service for northern communities.
    2. Tailor regulations to the northern context. Adopt an approach to policy specific to the North that reduces unintended regulatory costs on northern operators.
    3. Leverage government investments and tools to foster competition. Improve critical infrastructure at key northern airports and develop open-access airport facilities to reduce operational barriers and enable broader carrier access. Open government contracts to as many bidders as possible and promote interlining agreements to expand carrier participation and support regional connectivity.

    We make additional recommendations in our market study to promote airline entry and growth, as well as to support informed passenger decision-making. Those recommendations would also benefit northern and remote communities.

    Our commitment to protect airline competition

    We recognize the important role the Competition Bureau plays to safeguard competition against anti-competitive activity in this sector. In addition to our recommendations for governments across Canada, we will continue to approach our work in the Canadian airline industry with careful attention and scrutiny. Following recent amendments to the Competition Act, we are committed to using our full range of enforcement tools. This includes seeking court orders where appropriate to try to quickly stop anti-competitive practices.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Performance of Private Corporate Business Sector during Q4:2024-25

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Today, the Reserve Bank released data on the performance of the private corporate sector during the fourth quarter of 2024-25, drawn from abridged quarterly financial results of 2,936 listed non-government non-financial companies. This summary position also includes comparable data for Q4:2023-24 and Q3:2024-25 to enable study of sequential (q-o-q) and annual (y-o-y) change (web-link https://data.rbi.org.in/DBIE/#/dbie/reports/Statistics/Corporate%20Sector/Listed%20Non-Government%20Non-Financial%20Companies).

    Highlights

    Sales

    • Sales of listed private non-financial companies registered 7.1 per cent growth (y-o-y) during Q4:2024-25 as compared to 8.0 per cent growth in the previous quarter (6.9 per cent in Q4:2023-24) (Table 1A).

    • Aggregate sales growth (y-o-y) of 1,659 listed private manufacturing companies moderated to 6.6 per cent during Q4:2024-25 from 7.7 per cent during the previous quarter; even as major industries such as electrical machinery, chemicals, food products and pharmaceuticals industries recorded double digit sales growth; weak performance of petroleum industry pulled down the sector’s sales growth (Table 2A and 5A, Chart 1).

    • On annual basis, sales growth (y-o-y) of IT companies improved further to 8.6 per cent in Q4 from 6.8 per cent in the previous quarter and 3.1 per cent a year ago.

    • Sales of non-IT services companies continued to grow in double digits at 10.9 per cent in Q4, on the back of good performance of telecommunication and transport & storage companies.

    Expenditure

    • Manufacturing companies’ expenses on raw material rose by 8.3 per cent (y-o-y) in tandem with their sales growth, however, raw material to sales ratio broadly remained stable during Q4 from the previous quarter (Table 2A and 2B).

    • Staff cost of manufacturing, IT and non-IT services companies rose by 10.0 per cent, 6.4 per cent and 9.5 per cent, respectively, during Q4:2024-25. Staff cost to sales ratio for manufacturing, IT and non-IT services companies broadly remained stable at 5.5 per cent, 48.0 per cent, and 10.1 per cent, respectively, during Q4:2024-25.

    Pricing power

    • Operating profit of manufacturing and non-IT services companies rose by 8.1 per cent and 18.4 per cent, respectively, during Q4, while it increased modestly by 2.4 per cent for IT companies (Table 2A).

    • Operating profit margin improved for manufacturing and non-IT services companies sequentially to 14.7 per cent and 23.0 per cent, respectively, during Q4, while it moderated for IT companies by 190 bps to 21.3 per cent in Q4 from the previous quarter (Table 2B and Chart 2).

    Interest expenses

    • With sequential rise in profits, manufacturing companies’ interest coverage ratio (ICR)1 improved to 8.7 in Q4:2024-25 from 7.6 in the previous quarter. ICR for non-IT services companies remained steady and continued to stay above unity, while it improved for IT service companies during Q4 (Table 2B).

    List of Tables

    Table No. Title
    1 A Performance of Listed Non-Government Non-Financial Companies Growth Rates
    B Select Ratios
    2 A Performance of Listed Non-Government Non-Financial Companies – Sector-wise Growth Rates
    B Select Ratios
    3 A Performance of Listed Non-Government Non-Financial Companies according to Size of Paid-up-Capital Growth Rates
    B Select Ratios
    4 A Performance of Listed Non-Government Non-Financial Companies according to Size of Sales Growth Rates
    B Select Ratios
    5 A Performance of Listed Non-Government Non-Financial Companies according to Industry Growth Rates
    B Select Ratios
    Explanatory Notes
    Glossary

    Notes:

    • The coverage of companies in different quarters varies, depending on the date of declaration of results; this is, however, not expected to significantly alter the aggregate position.

    • Explanatory notes detailing the compilation methodology, and the glossary (including revised definitions and calculations that differ from previous releases) are appended.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/565

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with AMMSTI Chair 2025

    Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations

    Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, today met with H.E. Laksana Tri Handoko, ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation (AMMSTI) Chair 2025 and Chairman of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) of the Republic of Indonesia, on the sidelines of the AMMSTI-21, in Jakarta, Indonesia. They recognised Indonesia’s strong leadership in shaping ASEAN’s STI future, including through the launch of ASEAN Plan of Action on STI (APASTI) 2026–2035, among others. SG Dr. Kao also tabled a proposal for an AMMSTI–Dialogue Partner platform at the ministerial level to secure deeper global partnership. Both sides reaffirmed STI as a vital force for a resilient, competitive, and future-ready ASEAN.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with AMMSTI Chair 2025 appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Anti-ageing drug rapamycin may extend life almost as effectively as restricting calories – our new research

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Zahida Sultanova, Post Doctoral Research Fellow, School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia

    There’s a better way. Africa Studio/Shutterstock

    For centuries, humans have searched for ways to extend life. Alchemists never found the philosopher’s stone, but scientists have consistently shown that a longer life can be attained by eating less – at least in certain lab animals. But can we find a way to live longer while still enjoying our food?

    Compounds that mimic the biological effects of dieting could be the answer, and the two most popular diet-mimicking drugs are rapamycin and metformin. In a new study, my colleagues and I found that rapamycin prolongs life almost as consistently as eating less, whereas metformin does not.

    Eating less, or dietary restriction, has been the gold standard for achieving a longer life ever since a study nearly a century ago in which laboratory rats that ate less surprised scientists by outliving their well-fed lab mates.

    But for many people, sticking to a permanent diet is hard and far from enjoyable. Also, if taken to extremes, it can even be bad for health. That is why we wanted to know whether drugs that are dieting mimics could bring the same benefit of eating less without the unwanted side-effects.

    Rapamycin was first discovered in bacteria living in Easter Island soil in the 1970s, and medical professionals now use it to prevent organ-transplant rejection, as it is a powerful immunosuppressant. It works by blocking a molecular switch that tells cells when nutrients are abundant.

    Metformin, meanwhile, is a synthetic descendant of a compound found in French lilac (also known as goat’s rue) and is widely prescribed to control blood sugar in type 2 diabetes. Both drugs are involved in the body’s ability to sense nutrients and energy, so biologists like us hoped they might copy the mechanisms activated by eating less.

    To find out, we pooled the results of many studies to see if there were any overall patterns. We carefully examined thousands of scientific papers to finally home in on 167 studies on eight vertebrate species, from fish to monkeys, that provided sufficient details on survival and how the study was done. Then we compared three longevity strategies: eating less, taking rapamycin and taking metformin.

    We found that eating less still came out on top as the most consistent way to prolong life in all animals but rapamycin was close behind. Metformin, in contrast, showed no clear benefit. The life-extension effect of eating less was the same in both sexes, and it didn’t matter whether the diet plan involved eating smaller portions or intermittent fasting.

    That makes rapamycin one of the most exciting leads for new anti-ageing therapies. Ageing might not be considered a disease, but it is a risk factor behind many diseases from cancer to dementia. If we slow that underlying process, the benefit will be extra years of quality life and lower healthcare bills as the world’s population grows older.

    Rapamycin was first isolated from bacteria found in the soil on Easter Island.
    JHVEPhoto/Shutterstock.com

    Encouraging early signs, but we’re not quite there yet

    However, there are some important points to consider. First, we discovered considerable variation from experiment to experiment with some studies even showing that eating less or taking rapamycin reduced lifespan.

    Also, most of the evidence originates from mice and rats that have many of our genes but are clearly not exactly like us.

    Finally, rapamycin may have side-effects such as repressing immunity and reproduction. Researchers are now investigating milder doses of rapamycin to see if they provide the advantages without the side-effects.

    The preliminary signs are encouraging. In an ongoing human rapamycin trial, volunteers given low, intermittent doses of rapamycin have experienced positive effects on indicators of healthspan. For metformin, the human trial is still in progress and the findings are expected to be out in a few years time.

    For now, nobody should run to their doctor asking for prescriptions of rapamycin to live longer. But this drug, extracted from obscure soil bacteria, shows us that interfering with a single molecular pathway can be enough to mimic the benefits of eating less. The challenge is to use this discovery to produce therapies that make us healthier for longer without compromising our quality of life – or our taste for the occasional slice of chocolate cake.

    Dr. Zahida Sultanova works for the University of East Anglia and is funded by the Leverhulme Trust. She is a member of European Society of Evolutionary Biology (ESEB) and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Society of Turkey (EkoEvo).

    – ref. Anti-ageing drug rapamycin may extend life almost as effectively as restricting calories – our new research – https://theconversation.com/anti-ageing-drug-rapamycin-may-extend-life-almost-as-effectively-as-restricting-calories-our-new-research-259169

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • Israel attacks Iran’s only operating nuclear power plant

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israel said on Thursday it had struck Iran’s only functioning nuclear power plant on the Gulf coast, potentially a major escalation in its air war against Iran.

    Israel has struck a number of Iranian nuclear targets since launching its attacks last week. But a strike on the Bushehr plant, which is located near Iran’s Arab Gulf neighbours and employs technicians from Russia, would be widely be seen as a big step.

    An Israeli military spokesperson said on Thursday the military had struck nuclear sites in Bushehr, Isfahan, and Natanz, and continued to target additional facilities.

    Bushehr is Iran’s only operating nuclear power plant. It uses Russian fuel that Russia then takes back when it is spent to reduce proliferation risk.

    Iranian missiles hit an Israeli hospital overnight, as President Donald Trump kept the world guessing about whether the U.S. would join Israel in airstrikes.

    Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has vowed to press on with Israel’s biggest ever attack on Iran until his arch enemy’s nuclear programme is destroyed, said Tehran’s “tyrants” would pay the “full price”.

    His Defence Minister Israel Katz said the military had been instructed to intensify strikes on strategic-related targets in Tehran in order to eliminate the threat to Israel and destabilise the “Ayatollah regime”.

    (Reuters)

  • Yoga for all: ten signature events to mark decade of International Day of Yoga in 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    As the world prepares to celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 21, India has announced a robust line-up of ten Signature Events to commemorate a decade of the global yoga movement. With the overarching theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” these events aim to broaden yoga’s reach across demographics, geographies, and disciplines, reinforcing its transformative impact on health, lifestyle, and cultural integration.
     
    Over the past ten years, IDY has evolved from a symbolic celebration into a nationwide and global wellness initiative. The Ministry of AYUSH, which spearheads the event, has designed these ten Signature Events to deepen yoga’s engagement with various segments of society — from children and senior citizens to international delegates and urban youth.
     
    Yoga Sangam: A Synchronized National Demonstration
     
    The flagship event, Yoga Sangam, will see a mass yoga demonstration based on the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) held simultaneously at over one lakh locations across India on June 21 from 6:30 AM to 7:45 AM. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the national event from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The Common Yoga Protocol, developed by the Ministry of AYUSH, is designed to be inclusive and accessible, with materials available in 22 Indian languages, 6 UN languages, and 9 other foreign languages.
     
    Fostering International Collaboration with Yoga Bandhan
     
    Yoga Bandhan focuses on international exchange, promoting bilateral collaboration through the mutual participation of yoga practitioners from India and partner countries. Indian delegates will conduct sessions and discussions abroad, while foreign representatives will be hosted in immersive programs in India culminating in the main IDY celebrations.
     
    Creating Wellness Spaces Through Yoga Park
     
    The Yoga Park initiative seeks to convert public parks in rural Panchayats and urban municipalities into dedicated yoga-friendly zones. These upgraded parks will host regular sessions led by trained instructors and feature informative displays to facilitate self-guided practice. Accessibility for all age groups and health needs remains a key component of this effort.
     
    Inclusive Health with Yoga Samavesh
     
    Acknowledging the diverse health requirements of different populations, Yoga Samavesh has developed special yoga modules tailored to groups such as children, adolescents, pregnant women, senior citizens, and individuals managing conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and mental health issues.
     
    Evaluating a Decade of Impact with Yoga Prabhav
     
    Yoga Prabhav is a research-driven initiative that assesses the ten-year journey of IDY, highlighting its influence on public health, policy, and awareness. The findings were unveiled during Yoga Connect, a global summit held on June 14, which brought together leading yoga experts from across the world.
     
    A Global Platform in Yoga Connect
     
    Yoga Connect aims to serve as an inclusive platform for global dialogue on yoga. With hybrid participation, the summit encouraged cross-cultural exchanges, institutional collaborations, and discourse on making yoga relevant in modern, everyday life.
     
    Promoting Sustainability with Harit Yoga
     
    Linking wellness with environmental responsibility, Harit Yoga incorporates eco-friendly activities such as tree plantation drives and cleanliness campaigns into its yoga outreach. The initiative also promotes awareness about climate change and sustainable living through educational campaigns.
     
    Youth Engagement through Yoga Unplugged
     
    To appeal to younger audiences, Yoga Unplugged blends traditional yoga with modern formats. Youth festivals, workshops, and social media campaigns aim to spark interest in yoga. Events will include fusion performances, contests, and talks tailored for digital natives.
     
    Festival-Style Celebrations with Yoga Mahakumbh
     
    Yoga Mahakumbh will bring the festive spirit of yoga to ten cities across India, each focusing on specific themes like environment, youth, and inclusivity. Organised in collaboration with public sector enterprises, these events seek to make yoga more visible and accessible to the general public.
     
    Integrative Medicine in Samyoga
     
    Lastly, Samyoga will explore the integration of yoga with other health systems including Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Homoeopathy, and modern medicine. Through collaborative events and expert discussions, Samyoga aims to create a shared knowledge base for public health interventions.
     

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UN Human Rights Council 59: UK Statement with the Working Group on Transnational Corporations and other business enterprises

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    UN Human Rights Council 59: UK Statement with the Working Group on Transnational Corporations and other business enterprises

    UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Working Group on Transnational Corporations and other business enterprises. Delivered at the 59th HRC in Geneva.

    Thank you, Mr President,

    We thank the Working Group for their report on ensuring the procurement and deployment of AI is aligned with the UN Guiding Principles.

    The use of AI presents significant opportunities for human rights, as well as risks. The UK advocates for human rights considerations to be incorporated into the design, development and use of AI. We expect all businesses to carry out human rights due diligence in line with the UN Guiding Principles to this effect.

    We recognise the need for transparency raised in the report. The UK has introduced an Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard, which requires public sector organisations to publish clear information on how and why they are using algorithmic tools, delivering meaningful transparency through a tiered approach. This is mandatory for central government, when such tools have a significant influence on decision-making processes which effect the public.

    The UK recognises that international cooperation through multilateral fora is vital to safeguard and mitigate against human rights risks associated with AI.

    Members of the Working Group,  

    How can meaningful stakeholder consultation, including with affected populations, be integrated into the development of common standards and interoperable frameworks, to ensure responsible adoption of AI?

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New guidance issued for environmental impact assessments

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    New guidance issued for environmental impact assessments

    Guidance offers greater clarity to offshore oil and gas developers.

    • New guidance provides clarity on how the global environmental impacts of proposed oil and gas projects in licensed fields should be assessed, following Supreme Court ruling.

    • Offshore developers will now be able to submit their applications for consent to develop already-licensed oil and gas fields.

    • Follows the Spending Review announcement of £9.4 billion for carbon capture and storage projects, including Acorn in Aberdeenshire, in a major step forward for the government’s plan to put the North Sea at the heart of Britain’s clean energy future.

    Offshore oil and gas developers to benefit from greater clarity and stability, as new guidance responds to last year’s landmark Supreme Court ruling for the North Sea.   

    The government has acted decisively to respond to the independent Supreme Court, which ruled before this government took office that the global environmental effects of burning oil and gas are an inevitable consequence of extraction projects. This ruling means that North Sea operators for the first time are required to consider the impact of burning the extracted oil and gas in environmental impact assessments. 

    The new guidance, published today (19 June), will ensure the full effects of fossil fuel extraction on the environment are recognised in consenting decisions. It sets out how environmental impacts of oil and gas should be assessed, providing a clear way forward for the industry. 

    Offshore developers will now be able to submit their applications for consent to extract oil and gas in already-licensed fields, a process which has been on pause since the Finch Supreme Court judgment. When deciding on an application, the Energy Secretary will consider the significance of a project’s environmental impact, while taking into account and balancing relevant factors on a case-by-case basis – such as the potential economic impact and other implications of the project. 

    The publication brings greater clarity for Britain’s oil and gas sector, as the government continues its work with the industry to build a clean energy future for the North Sea. It comes as last week’s Spending Review confirmed £9.4 billion for carbon capture and storage projects – marking a major step forward in the government’s mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower that will drive economic growth, create jobs and deliver the government’s Plan for Change. 

    Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: 

    This new guidance offers clarity on the way forward for the North Sea oil and gas industry, following last year’s Supreme Court ruling.  

    It marks a step forward in ensuring the full implications of oil and gas extraction are considered for potential projects and that we ensure a managed, prosperous, and orderly transition to the North Sea’s clean energy future, in line with the science.  

    We are working with industry, trade unions, local communities and environmental groups to ensure the North Sea and its workers are at the heart of Britain’s clean energy future for decades to come – supporting well-paid, skilled jobs, driving growth and boosting our energy security.

    The new guidance is aimed at applications for projects in North Sea oil and gas fields that are already licensed. 

    Today’s publication follows decisive action from the government to consult on the required changes – hearing from the industry, NGOs, trade unions, academia and members of the public – in light of the Court’s ruling a year ago this week.  

    The update follows news last week that the government will provide around £200 million to progress the Acorn project in Aberdeenshire, subject to business case, as part of the £9.4 billion commitment in the Spending Review for carbon capture and storage projects across the UK. Industry predicts the Acorn project will support approximately 15,000 jobs at peak construction – bolstering the region’s proud energy history and delivering on the Plan for Change.    

    The investment is just one part of the government’s plan to bring growth, jobs and investment to the North Sea. Later this year, the government will respond to its consultation on how to support a successful clean energy transition for the North Sea and its workers – and on the commitment not to issue new licences to explore new oil and gas fields. 

    Support to help oil and gas workers maximise the opportunities of the clean energy transition is already underway. Earlier this year, the government confirmed Aberdeen as one of four key growth regions for clean energy – alongside Cheshire, Lincolnshire and Pembrokeshire – and launched pilots to help workers in these areas access jobs in new clean energy industries. 

    Oil and gas workers will also get help to move into these sectors, thanks to a new energy ‘skills passport’ launched this year – led by Offshore Energies UK and RenewableUK, and backed by UK and Scottish Governments. This tool will support workers into careers in offshore wind initially, before being expanded to other renewables roles later this year.    

    Notes to editors:  

    • The guidance published today on assessing effects of downstream scope 3 emissions on climate is supplementary to existing guidance on Environmental Impact Assessments for oil and gas extraction projects.  

    • This guidance is intended to assist developers in understanding the Environmental Impact Assessment process. It is not intended to provide a definitive statement of the law or to constitute legal advice.   

    • Developers remain responsible for ensuring that their environmental statements are prepared by competent experts and should seek technical and legal advice as necessary. 

    • The government’s response to the consultation on the guidance for assessing effects of downstream scope 3 emissions on climate has also been published on gov.uk. 

    • Offshore developers will now be able to submit their applications for consent to extract oil and gas in already-licensed fields. There is no change to the legislation and the process remains the same. Environmental statements are subject to public notice requirements for 30 days. The Energy Secretary may request further information if required in order for a decision to be reached and such further information may be subject to a further public notice period. The Energy Secretary will then make a decision on whether or not to agree to the grant of consent, once all the relevant information has been provided. This means the government does not anticipate taking any decisions until Autumn at the earliest, on applications received following the new guidance.

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Logistics deal cleared with remedies to help keep supermarket warehousing costs low

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Logistics deal cleared with remedies to help keep supermarket warehousing costs low

    CMA has cleared GXO’s acquisition of Wincanton following the business’s offer to sell Wincanton’s dedicated grocery warehousing business.

    iStock

    The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has cleared the merger between contract logistics services providers, GXO and Wincanton – subject to the sale of Wincanton’s dedicated grocery warehousing business to a CMA-approved buyer.  

    In its final report, the independent inquiry group leading the CMA’s investigation found that GXO’s purchase of Wincanton would reduce competition in the supply of dedicated warehousing services to grocery customers in the UK.  

    The loss of competition would likely lead to higher costs for grocers which, in turn, could be passed onto shoppers across the UK and lead to more expensive products at the checkout. The loss of competition resulting from the deal could hamper innovation and reduce service levels in the market – impacting the efficiency of goods reaching supermarket shelves.  

    As a result, GXO has agreed to sell Wincanton’s dedicated grocery warehousing business to a CMA-approved buyer. The inquiry group is satisfied that this remedy sufficiently addresses its competition concerns and is therefore clearing the deal.  

    Logistics, including warehousing, is essential to the operation of supermarkets and many other businesses in the UK. Efficient logistics systems help to lower costs for both businesses and consumers and ensure that products are available in stores when needed.   

    Richard Feasey, Chair of the independent inquiry group, said:    

    Warehousing services play a crucial role in ensuring the seamless movement of goods across the UK, allowing our supermarkets to maintain well-stocked shelves with thousands of items we buy every day.   

    Healthy competition in this market is key to managing costs for supermarkets and grocers and improving their performance – ultimately ensuring consumers pay the best possible prices for products in stores. We are pleased to approve this deal, having worked with GXO and Wincanton to secure the necessary changes to the deal which resolve our concerns.

    For more information, visit the GXO / Wincanton case page. 

    Notes to Editors:  

    1. Alongside publishing the final report, the CMA has also issued an interim order to permit GXO and Wincanton to begin integration once Wincanton’s dedicated grocery warehousing business has been appropriately ringfenced, pending its sale to a suitable CMA-approved buyer.  

    2. The independent inquiry group’s final report will be published on the GXO / Wincanton case page in due course.  

    3. Contract logistics services (CLS) encompass a range of B2B and B2C supply chain-related services, which enable businesses to supply goods to customers and consumers. These services include transport and distribution, warehousing and additional value-added services. 

    4. All media enquiries should be directed to the CMA press office by email on press@cma.gov.uk or by phone on 020 3738 6460.

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Experts discussed the digital transformation of the construction industry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Seminar at SPbGASU

    A seminar entitled “Digital transformation of the construction sector and standardization in self-regulation as tools for improving the quality and safety of capital construction projects” was held at SPbGASU.

    The event was organized by the National Association of Surveyors and Designers (NOPRIZ), SPbGASU and the Association of SRO “OsnovaProekt”.

    The first day of the seminar began with a plenary session moderated by the coordinator of NOPRIZ for the Northwestern Federal District Alexander Vikhrov and the deputy director of the Association of SRO “OsnovaProekt” for development Polina Fedyuchek. Then two round tables were held: the first of them was devoted to the role of digital transformation of architectural and construction design and engineering surveys in improving the quality of capital construction. The second discussed how standardization in self-regulation affects the quality of construction.

    Vice President and member of the NOPRIZ Council Mikhail Lyubimov highlighted the main problems in the field of digitalization of the construction sector, proposed ways to solve them, emphasizing the potential of NOPRIZ, and also spoke about the support measures implemented by the national association. “It is important to remember that digitalization should be a means of optimizing our industry, and not an end in itself. A significant issue of digitalization is the availability of effective domestic software. At the last all-Russian congress of NOPRIZ, we concluded an agreement with the Domestic Software Association. The main idea of such cooperation is to support domestic developers,” he noted.

    In parallel, added Mikhail Lyubimov, NOPRIZ is working with Glavgosexpertiza to create comprehensive software solutions for the connectivity of the domestic ecosystem and the transition to full-fledged digital management of the construction life cycle.

    The President of the Association of SRO “OsnovaProekt” Sergey Levitsky emphasized the need to adapt professional standards and qualification requirements in construction to the realities of the digital age.

    Vice-Rector for Continuing Education at SPbGASU Victoria Vinogradova noted: “The common tasks of the university and self-regulatory organizations lie in the area of improving the quality of construction, ensuring the safety of facilities and training highly qualified specialists. We share the desire to create a sustainable and innovative construction industry. The university can be useful to self-regulatory organizations as a competence center offering educational programs, scientific research and a platform for testing new technologies. In turn, self-regulatory organizations can provide practical expertise, helping us adapt educational programs to the real needs of the market.”

    During the seminar, representatives of the NOPRIZ apparatus conducted training for employees of self-regulatory organizations in accordance with the professional standard “Specialist in the field of self-regulation in urban development activities” and on the work of SRO specialists in the Automated Information System “Rating”.

    At the end of the seminar, a ceremonial presentation of certificates of completion of training at SPbGASU took place.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Israel, Iran travel alert raised to black

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Government today raised the outbound travel alert for Israel and Iran to black in view of the latest developments there.

    It advised Hong Kong residents to avoid all travel to Israel and Iran. Those already there should attend to their personal safety and leave or relocate to relatively safe regions immediately.

    The Security Bureau will continue to closely monitor the situation in Israel and Iran and issue updates through the media, the bureau’s mobile app and its outbound travel alert webpage.

    In addition to attending to their personal safety, the bureau advised Hong Kong residents in Israel and Iran to pay attention to announcements made by local authorities and the Chinese Embassy there.

    Hong Kong residents in Israel and Iran who need assistance can call the Immigration Department’s 24-hour hotline at (852) 1868, call the 1868 hotline using network data or use the 1868 Chatbot via the department’s mobile app.

    They can also send a message to the 1868 WhatsApp assistance hotline or 1868 WeChat assistance hotline or submit an online assistance request form.

    Alternatively, they may contact the local Chinese Embassy by calling the Embassy in Israel at (972) 35459520 or the Embassy in Iran at (98) 9122176035.

    Hong Kong residents are encouraged to use the online Registration of Outbound Travel Information service to register their contact details and itinerary when outside Hong Kong.

    The information provided allows the Immigration Department to disseminate practical information to them through appropriate means on a timely basis when necessary.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Africa Global Logistics (AGL) Joins Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2025 as it Expands Logistics Footprint in Angola

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    Africa Global Logistics (AGL) – a leading multimodal logistics, transport and port operations company in Africa – has joined the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2025 conference as a Bronze Sponsor. The event will take place on September 3-4 in Luanda. AGL’s participation reflects its growing commitment to strengthening supply chains in Angola, as it expands and modernizes logistics and port operations across the country.

    Operating through port, road, rail and air freight services, AGL has significantly grown its footprint in Angola in recent years, investing in infrastructure upgrades and offering turnkey logistics management solutions. With one of the largest logistics networks in Africa, the company provides reliable, flexible solutions that support oil and gas projects and create added value. As an AOG 2025 sponsor, AGL aligns with Angola’s broader goals of increasing oil production and boosting intra-African petroleum trade.

    AOG is the largest oil and gas event in Angola. Taking place with the full support of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency; the Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute; national oil company Sonangol; and the African Energy Chamber; the event is a platform to sign deals and advance Angola’s oil and gas industry. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

    AGL’s sponsorship comes at a pivotal time for Angola, as the country prepares to bring several major developments online between 2025 and 2028. These include the Cabinda Oil Refinery (2025), the Agogo Integrated West Hub (late 2025), the Quiluma and Maboqueiro gas fields (2026) and the Kaminho Deepwater Development (2028). These projects require coordinated logistics operations to ensure the safe, continuous delivery of supplies – from offshore FPSOs to onshore facilities and export terminals. AGL’s engagement at AOG 2025 is set to foster deeper collaboration with both public and private sector stakeholders, supporting these projects through direct engagement and potential partnerships.

    In 2024, AGL launched operations at the AGL Lobito Terminal, located at Angola’s largest port hub, the Port of Lobito. The terminal accommodates large-capacity ships and handles over one million tons of bulk goods and more than 100,000 TEU containers annually. AGL won the international tender for the development of the container and multipurpose terminal in 2023, aiming to enhance the port’s connectivity and support Angola’s trade and industrialization ambitions.

    In addition to supporting oil and gas trade, the modernized terminal serves as the first Atlantic gateway providing access to Africa’s copper-belt regions. Connected to the Lobito Railway – which links Zambia and the DRC to international markets via the port – the terminal facilitates critical mineral exports and supports the development of agricultural basins across these countries. AGL’s participation at AOG 2025 presents an opportunity for closer engagement across Angola’s upstream, downstream and logistics value chains. As Angola ramps up oil and gas output and expands exports, AGL’s expertise will be instrumental in delivering the infrastructure and services needed to support these ambitions.

    – on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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  • MIL-OSI Africa: Green Energy International Exports First Crude from New Onshore Terminal in Nigeria

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    Nigerian energy company Green Energy International (GEIL) has completed the development of the Otakikpo onshore terminal, situated in OML 11 near Port Harcourt. In June 2025, the company lifted its first crude cargo from the newly-constructed facility – the first indigenous onshore terminal constructed in the country in five decades – signaling the start of operations at the terminal.  

    The African Energy Chamber (AEC) – the voice of the African energy sector – commends GEIL for the development of the onshore terminal. The AEC believes that facilities such as this will play an instrumental part in supporting marginal field production by facilitating crude exports and increasing revenue generation in Nigeria. As the country strives to produce two million barrels per day (bpd), projects of this nature will support new investments by providing a direct route from offshore fields to market.  

    The Otakikpo terminal was developed in two years – six months ahead of schedule. The company broke ground on the construction of the facility in February 2023, with the development of storage facilities and the associated pipeline advancing in February 2024. Construction works continued to progress through May 2024, with associated infrastructure at the terminal – including offices and pump facilities – progressing in December 2024. By March 2025, the facility began injecting crude, with GEIL’s production averaging 5,000 bpd. GEIL has since received regulatory approval from the government to boost production to 30,000 bpd under a revised field development plan. In June 2025, the facility received its first cargo via a vessel chartered by energy major Shell. The maiden cargo transported crude from the Otakikpo marginal field – located in Rivers State and operated by GEIL – to the terminal, kickstarting a new era of efficient crude distribution in Nigeria.  

    The terminal itself is a state-of-the-art facility with a storage capacity of 750,000 barrels. Plans are underway to increase storage capacity to three million barrels – dependent on market demands. The terminal is designed with an export capacity of 360,000 bpd, with crude transported via a 23-km, 20-inch pipeline connected to a single point mooring system in the Atlantic Ocean. At the site, tankers – such as Aframax chartered by Shell – can dock and load. The terminal is expected to significantly reduce operating costs for marginal fields in OML 11, primarily through cost-effective transportation. Prior to the construction of the onshore terminal, GEIL relied on barges to transport crude. However, with the terminal, the company stands to reduce the reliance on costly offshore floating stations, reducing overall operational costs by 40%.  

    For Nigeria’s marginal fields, the terminal opens new doors for greater operational efficiency. The terminal is expected to unlock previously-stranded crude from more than 40 marginal fields across the region, with a capacity to receive up to 250,000 bpd from third-party producers. The government has long-sought to revive crude production through the development of marginal fields. A marginal field bidding round was launched in 2020 to entice indigenous operators to invest in marginal field opportunities, drawing in 591 companies seeking to develop 57 oilfields. Ultimately, 161 companies were shortlisted, most of which represented indigenous operators. Improved fiscals introduced through Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act in 2021 further enticed investments by both international and regional players. Looking ahead, these foundations have seen a rise in marginal field production, with the GEIL-developed onshore terminal set to further support investments and exports.  

    “GEIL is not only setting a strong benchmark for other independent operators in Nigeria but serves as a testament to the central role indigenous energy companies play in the country’s oil and gas sector. By establishing a domestic solution to producing, storing and exporting crude, GEIL is supporting marginal field production while laying the foundation for most efficient oil operations. The facility will play an instrumental part in supporting the country’s crude production goals,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.   

    – on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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  • MIL-OSI Africa: TUI Hotels & Resorts contributes to growth in Africa with strong leisure hotel brands

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    • TUI Blue and TUI Suneo extend their portfolio in North Africa
    • New openings planned in The Gambia and Côte d’Ivoire
    • New luxury brand The Mora celebrates its first anniversary

    TUI Group (www.TUIGroup.com) continues to expand its hotel business worldwide and pursues ambitious plans to support the African hospitality industry. With its 12 leisure hotel brands, TUI offers unique experiences for holidaymakers and invites them to enjoy the respective region with its culinary delights, natural beauty and cultural heritage. A few weeks ago, the brands TUI Blue and TUI Suneo expanded their portfolio in Africa. In Egypt, TUI Blue Samaya with 143 rooms and an aqua park has been added to the premium brand’s portfolio. The hotel is located in the growing destination of Marsa Alam. For holidaymakers looking for value for money, TUI Suneo Palm Beach Skanes in Tunisia has also opened its doors. With 294 rooms and a large garden area, the hotel is offering an attractive all-inclusive package with a wide range of sports and entertainment options.

    “Together with our long-standing JV partners, we have more than 20 hotels in our pipeline that will open in Africa in the coming months and years”, says Artur Gerber, Managing Director TUI Hotels & Resorts, at the Future Hospitality Summit Africa. “We already have a strong presence in North Africa, the Cape Verde Islands and Zanzibar, but we are convinced that other destinations can also benefit from our strong leisure hotel brands.” For example, the lifestyle brand TUI Blue is planning its first hotel in The Gambia, which will open at the end of this year. The resort features 140 rooms and a unique location along Kotu Beach. “With our expertise, along with management and franchise agreements, we are also attracting hotel partners in entirely new destinations. One example is Côte d’Ivoire, where the construction of a new TUI Blue hotel has just started and is scheduled to open in 2027”, adds Wesam Okasha, Head of Global Development TUI Blue.

    Last year, TUI launched a new brand targeting the upscale market and selected Tanzania as its inaugural destination. The Mora Zanzibar has just celebrated its first anniversary, offering laid-back, contemporary luxury with highly personalized and flexible service. “Our guest reviews show that The Mora is resonating strongly with this new audience and delivering an exceptional experience. We are very proud of this achievement and look forward to introducing more carefully selected The Mora hotels across Africa,” says Artur Gerber.

    TUI Hotels & Resorts’ current portfolio in Africa comprises a total of 97 hotels with over 30,000 rooms across eight countries.

    – on behalf of TUI Blue Hotels.

    TUI Group – Group Corporate & External Affairs:
    Natascha Kreye
    Corporate Communications
    Phone: +49 (0) 511 566 6029
    natascha.kreye@tui.com

    group.communications@tui.com
    www.TUIGroup.com

    About TUI Group:
    The TUI Group is one of the world’s leading tourism groups and operates worldwide. The Group is headquartered in Germany. TUI shares are listed in the MDAX index of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and in the regulated market of the Lower Saxony Stock Exchange in Hanover. TUI Group offers its over 20 million customers integrated services from a single source and forms the entire tourism value chain under one roof. The Group owns over 400 hotels and resorts with premium brands such as RIU, TUI Blue and Robinson and 18 cruise ships, ranging from the MS Europa and MS Europa 2 in the luxury class and expedition ships in the HANSEATIC class to the Mein Schiff fleet of TUI Cruises and cruise ships operated by Marella Cruises in the UK. The Group also includes Europe’s leading tour operator brands and online marketing platforms, for example for hotel-only or flight-only offers, five airlines with 125 modern medium- and long-haul aircraft and around 1,200 travel agencies. In addition to expanding its core business with hotels and cruises via successful joint ventures and activities in vacation destinations, TUI is increasingly focusing on the expansion of digital platforms. The Group is transforming itself into a global tourism platform company.  

    Global responsibility for sustainable economic, environmental and social action is at the heart of our corporate culture. With projects in 25 countries, the TUI Care Foundation initiated by TUI focuses on the positive effects of tourism, on education and training and on strengthening environmental and social standards. In this way, it supports the development of vacation destinations. The globally active TUI Care Foundation initiates projects that create new opportunities for the next generation.  

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  • MIL-OSI China: Xi says ceasefire an urgent priority in settling conflict in Middle East 2025-06-19 19:28:10 Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday that ceasefire is an urgent priority in settling the conflict in the Middle East, and the use of force is not the right way to resolve international disputes.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

      BEIJING, June 19 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday that ceasefire is an urgent priority in settling the conflict in the Middle East, and the use of force is not the right way to resolve international disputes.

      During phone talks with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, over the situation in the Middle East, he urged the conflicting parties, especially Israel, to cease fire as soon as possible.

      The Chinese president said that protecting civilians’ safety is the top priority amid the Iran-Israel tensions, calling on the conflicting parties to strictly follow international law, and resolutely avoid harming innocent civilians.

      Dialogue and negotiation are the fundamental way out, he said, calling on the international community, particularly major countries that have a special influence on the parties to the conflict, to make efforts to cool down the situation.

      China stands ready to continue to strengthen communication and coordination with all parties, pool their efforts, and uphold justice, so as to play a constructive role in restoring peace in the Middle East, he said. 

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    MIL OSI China News –