Category: DJF

MIL-OSI Russia: 60 killed in Israeli airstrike on Tehran apartment building – IRIB

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

TEHRAN, June 14 (Xinhua) — At least 60 people, including 20 children, were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a 14-story residential building in the Iranian capital Tehran on Friday morning, state-run IRIB television reported Saturday.

The residential complex, located in the northeast of the city, was one of the places hit by Israeli strikes on various parts of the capital and other Iranian cities.

Some 38 people have been freed from the rubble, according to IRIB. Ten children, including those under nine months old, are still trapped under the rubble.

Israel launched airstrikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities on Friday morning. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Israeli army says nine Iranian nuclear scientists killed

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

JERUSALEM, June 14 (Xinhua) — The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Saturday that its strikes killed nine senior Iranian nuclear officials.

It is noted that they fell victim to fire from fighter jets acting on data from the Military Intelligence Directorate. The scientists were killed at the start of the Israeli operation, which was carried out on Friday morning.

The dead played an important role in the Iranian nuclear project and had decades of accumulated experience in developing nuclear weapons, the IDF emphasized, noting that they included experts in nuclear and chemical engineering, physics, materials science and mechanics.

Israel carried out airstrikes early Friday on Tehran and other Iranian cities. The IDF said the strikes were intended, among other things, to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Tehran has repeatedly denied it seeks them. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Feature Story: Green Hope for “Tears of Central Asia”

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

TASHKENT, June 14 (Xinhua) — In late May, Wang Ping, a researcher at the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, arrived in the western city of Nukus, Uzbekistan, to participate in joint research with the Aral Sea International Innovation Center. He can no longer count how many times he has visited the city near the Aral Sea. This time, he and his colleagues brought two “treasures”: halophyte seeds (plants that easily adapt to life in saline soils) and solar panels.

The Aral Sea, located in central Eurasia on the border of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, was once the fourth-largest lake in the world. Since the 1960s, under the influence of numerous factors such as increased human use of water and climate change, it has been rapidly drying up, shrinking by more than 90 percent. The shoreline has retreated, the soil has become more saline, and a desert of over 50,000 square kilometers has formed in its place. The Aral Sea has become a symbol of the catastrophe, known as the “tears of Central Asia.”

The ecological crisis of the Aral Sea has caused not only a shortage of water resources, but also huge rock formations have formed on the seabed, causing dust and salt storms that damage vast territories. Desertification, soil salinization, loss of biodiversity – all this has a significant negative impact on the ecology and economy of the countries in the region. In April 2010, then UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, after visiting the Aral Sea, said that its drying up was “one of the worst ecological disasters on the planet.”

For many years, scientists from China and Uzbekistan have been working together to find solutions to the Aral Sea’s environmental crisis, from joint scientific expeditions and soil reclamation to the creation of model regions where water-saving cotton-growing technologies are used.

“Water shortage, soil salinization, lack of modern agricultural technologies and related systems – these are all acute problems holding back the development of Central Asia,” Wang Ping said.

This time, Wang Ping brought to Nukus seeds of more than ten types of halophytes (saltwort, saxaul, wormwood, etc.), hoping to successfully grow them in laboratory conditions and then mass-produce them around the Aral Sea to restore biodiversity and combat salinization and dust storms.

Wang Ping also told Xinhua that several months ago, the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography delivered about 1.5 tons of halophyte seeds to Tashkent for use in a salt-tolerant botanical garden that experts from the two countries are preparing to jointly develop. “These seeds will not only be directly used for saline land reclamation and ecological restoration, but also lay the foundation for local botanical diversity reserves, research and development.”

“It’s cloudy today, which is good for field work. Let’s try to complete the drip irrigation of this experimental halophyte demonstration field,” says Wang Ping. In another Aral Sea town, Muynak, Wang Ping and his colleagues are installing a water-saving drip irrigation system in a field and leading a local cooperation team that is installing photovoltaic panels to harness solar energy for the halophyte irrigation system.

In the past two years, Chinese researchers have been promoting the “integration, testing and demonstration project of applying photovoltaic technology to the management of the Aral Sea ecological environment.” In Nukus, the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography and the Aral Sea International Innovation Center launched a pilot project on cotton cultivation with an integrated solar energy, water and fertilizer system last year. With the help of membrane drip irrigation for cotton, photovoltaic generation and an intelligent integrated water and fertilizer supply machine, intelligent drip irrigation and fertilization of fields were realized, which led to an increase in cotton yield by more than three times, and the cost and water consumption were significantly reduced.

The diligence of Chinese experts and the development prospects opened up by Chinese technology impressed many local farmers and agricultural experts. Local parliament members sent a letter of thanks to the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography and expressed hope for establishing long-term cooperation and expanding the experimental zone with funding from the Uzbek side.

“The Aral Sea’s environmental crisis is a common problem for the region, and no country can cope with it alone,” said Uzbek political commentator Sharofiddin Tulaganov, noting that cooperation between Uzbekistan and China in the environmental management of the Aral Sea has already yielded noticeable results, and China’s contribution deserves respect.

“This is not only about environmental management of the Aral Sea, but also about practical manifestations such as improving people’s well-being and building trust. By jointly promoting green and innovative development, we not only strive to restore the ecological environment of the Aral region, but also create a bright future of sustainable development for all of Central Asia,” he noted. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: International Conference on Roads and Railways 2025 successfully concludes On-site visits to Central Kowloon Route and MTRCL Tung Chung Line Extension works projects

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The International Conference on Roads and Railways 2025 co-organised by the Highways Department (HyD) and the Hong Kong Institution of Highways and Transportation already came to a successful conclusion yesterday (June 13). The two-day conference attracted over 800 participants, successfully bringing together global experts, scholars and industry leaders to share experiences and insights, and jointly lead Hong Kong’s transport infrastructure development to write a new chapter.

In his opening remarks and speech on the second day of the conference, Vice President of the Research Institute of Highway of the Ministry of Transport of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Wang Shuiyin, inspired the participants to think about how to put smart and green road construction into practice. The conference then focused on Smart and Green Transport Infrastructure – Planning, Design and Construction and Green Solutions for Smart Transport Infrastructure, with in-depth discussions on the topics of innovative designs, construction and material technologies, smart monitoring technologies, strategies to cope with extreme weather, etc., which provided multi-faceted solutions for the promotion of smart and green transport infrastructure. Students studying relevant engineering subjects were invited to participate in the conference. This enabled them to understand the future development of transport infrastructure, as well as the breakthroughs in innovative technologies of the engineering sector. Deputy Director of Highways, Mr Richard Ng, said in his closing remarks that the conference inspired Hong Kong to create sustainable solutions through policy innovation and technological innovation in order to respond to various challenges in the implementation of transport infrastructures, while deepening international co-operation. He also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the guests, speakers, supporting organisations and all participants for their participation which had made the conference a success.
The project team of the HyD introduced to the delegation their self-invented and multi-international award-winning Smart Site Management Hub, which effectively monitors the works progress of the entire project under different works contracts in a unified manner by integrating various data of innovative technologies, thereby enhancing site safety and construction quality. The delegation then visited the Kai Tak Interchange, Kai Tak Depressed Road and entrance of Yau Ma Tei Tunnel, as well as the works site at Kansu Street in Yau Ma Tei to understand how the project team had overcome the challenges encountered during construction, including tunnel excavation, re-provisioning of Gascoigne Road Flyover, etc in the dense urban areas. The project team also shared the people-oriented engineering philosophy of the project in striving to conserve the nearby heritages and iconic landmarks when implementing works, as well as first re-provisioning the public facilities affected, taking full account of cultural conservation and community needs. The delegation was specially arranged to visit the Former Yau Ma Tei Police Station to gain a deep understanding of the history of the century-old building and conservation engineering technology.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Hope Rowe convicted of murdering woman at child’s birthday party

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A woman has been convicted of murder after stabbing a woman at a child’s birthday party, following a Metropolitan Police investigation.

The jury also found her partner guilty of perverting the course of justice.

Hope Rowe, 33 (30.12.1991), of Piazza Walk, Aldgate, attacked Charlotte Lawlor, 31, with a knife at a property in Stepney Green on Sunday, 15 September, 2024. The stabbing was witnessed by some of Ms Lawlor’s family, children and guests at the party.

On Friday, 13 June, 2025, a jury at Inner London Crown Court found Rowe guilty of murder. Witness testimony and phone evidence – including an incriminating voicemail – were used by Met Police investigators to bring the defendant to justice. She was convicted in the absence of a murder weapon.

Detective Sergeant Dean Musgrove, from the Met Police’s Specialist Crime North unit, said: “Hope Rowe launched a brutal attack on Charlotte Lawlor at what should have been a joyous occasion. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends, who will have to contend not only with the loss of a loved one, but with the trauma of having witnessed the killing.

“As if the killing was not senseless enough, Rowe then tried to deceive investigators, disposing of the knife before turning herself in. It still has not been found to this day, and both Rowe and her partner were incriminated by a voicemail accidentally recorded on Rowe’s phone.”

In a statement, the victim’s parents said: “We are happy with the verdict. We would like to thank the jury for their attention during the trial.

“The family will never get over the loss and murder of Charlotte. It has destroyed us, leaving a gaping hole. Charlotte’s son, Riley, has been left without a mum, and siblings without their older sister and best friend.

“Charlotte brought light to everyone’s life.”

Leigh Holder, 38 (15.11.1986), of Piazza Walk, Aldgate, was also convicted of perverting the course of justice. Holder encouraged Rowe not to surrender to the police, and helped her dispose of the murder weapon.

Just after 01:00hrs on Sunday, 15 September, Met officers attended a property in Duckett Street, Stepney Green, following reports of a serious assault. Charlotte Lawlor – who had been attending a birthday party at the property the previous evening – had been stabbed, and was being assisted by friends and family.

After administering first aid, police were joined by a London Ambulance Service crew, but, despite the efforts of paramedics, Ms Lawlor was pronounced dead within an hour.

Having spoken to witnesses at the property, officers established that Ms Lawlor had been stabbed by Hope Rowe following an argument at the party, who then drove away from the scene with her partner, Leigh Holder.

Around 02:10hrs, Holder’s vehicle was stopped by armed police in Tower Hamlets. He told them that Rowe had jumped out of the vehicle shortly after leaving the crime scene, and claimed he had no knowledge of her location. Holder was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

At 07:00hrs, Rowe attended Bethnal Green Police Station, where she was arrested on suspicion of murder. At interview, she provided no comment – and she later claimed in court that her actions were due to a momentary loss of control.

Rowe’s phone was seized and analysed by forensic experts. A voicemail – accidentally left by Holder on Rowe’s phone while he was sitting next to her and driving away from the scene – was recovered. In the recorded conversation, Rowe told Holder that it was “good” she had killed Ms Lawlor, while Holder instructed his partner to dispose of the knife and to avoid the police.

In addition to witness evidence from those present at the scene of the murder, the voicemail proved vital in implicating both Rowe and Holder in their crimes.

Rowe and Holder will be sentenced an Inner London Crown Court on Wednesday, 9 July.

MIL Security OSI –

June 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Gender Parity & Tokenization Explained | WEF | Top Stories Week

Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

This week’s top stories of the week include:

0:15 Gender parity: who leads the way? – Only 10 countries have closed their gender gaps by 80% or more – and Iceland, which has retained top spot for the 16th year in a row, is the only one to have surpassed the 90% mark. The Global Gender Gap Report 2025 tracks progress on #genderparity across 4 dimensions in 148 countries. Women’s inclusion at work is about more than a moral principle: it has been proven to drive economic growth.

2:41 Tokenization, explained – The traditional world of investing is getting an update, with the arrival of something called ‘tokenization’. Tokenization means creating digital representations of assets via the blockchain so they can be traded, tracked and managed more easily. The tokens are effectively ‘digital deeds’, says Larry Fink, the CEO of BlackRock. But what are the advantages of tokens?

4:26 How robots stopped an eco disaster – A software platform powered by AI uses the data to build a precise digital model, which can give astonishingly detailed insights into the health and integrity of vital infrastructure such as bridges and power plants, and can ultimately save lives, cut the costs and risks associated with maintenance, and reduce CO2 emissions. Jake Loosararian, Co-founder and CEO, Gecko Robotics, explains how it all works.

8:30 How one town saved its reef – From near collapse to a conservation miracle: Cabo Pulmo’s ancient reef was dying 30 years ago. Today, it’s a thriving underwater paradise fuelling wildlife and local ecotourism. How did it happen? Collaboration – between government, scientists and the local community.
____________________________________________

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ba-AivAFxAk

MIL OSI Video –

June 15, 2025
Centre announces extended scrutiny of Boeing Dreamliner 787 series aircraft present in Indian fleet

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued an order to extend the scrutiny of Boeing Dreamliner 787 series aircraft in the Indian fleet, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said on Saturday.

Naidu further stated that around eight Boeing 787 aircraft have already been scrutinised and inspected with immediate urgency.

Addressing a press conference, the Union Minister said, “We have very strict safety standards in the country. When the incident happened, we felt there was a need to conduct extended surveillance of the Boeing 787 series. The DGCA has issued an order for extended surveillance of these planes. There are 34 Boeing 787 aircraft in the Indian fleet today. I believe eight have already been inspected, and the rest will be done with immediate urgency.”

“Furthermore, as the investigation progresses and the report comes in, we will take all necessary steps. Without any hesitation, we are committed to implementing every measure required to enhance safety,” he added.

The Minister also informed that Air India has been instructed to assist the families of the passengers in every possible way. He said the bodies are being handed over to the respective families after DNA confirmation and expressed hope that the process would be completed soon.

“It is very heart-wrenching to hear the stories of those who lost their lives. We have instructed Air India to assist the families in every way possible. DNA testing is underway to identify the bodies, which are being handed over to the families upon confirmation. The government of Gujarat is coordinating this process. While we aim to complete it as soon as possible, we must follow all necessary documentation and procedural protocols. We are ensuring there are no lapses in the process,” he said.

On June 12, Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing Dreamliner 787-8 bound for London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad International Airport. Of the 242 people on board, only one survived.

Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said the crash, which left 241 people dead, has shaken the entire nation.

“The last two days have been very difficult, especially for the ministry and everyone involved. The incident in Ahmedabad has shaken the entire nation. My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. I personally lost my father in a road accident, so to some extent, I understand the pain and anguish the families are going through,” he said.

“It was a moment of shock when we first heard the news. Despite the disbelief, I personally rushed to the site to oversee the response and determine what support was needed. By the time we arrived, the Gujarat government was already on the ground conducting rescue operations,” he added.

The Minister highlighted that the recovery of the black box from the crash site was crucial to the investigation.

“The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which was established specifically to investigate aircraft incidents and accidents, was immediately mobilised. A key development from the ongoing technical investigation is the recovery of the black box from the site around 5 p.m. yesterday. The AAIB team believes decoding the black box will provide in-depth insight into what occurred during the crash or just moments before. We are eagerly awaiting the results of the AAIB’s full investigation,” he said.

The Central government has already constituted a high-level multidisciplinary committee to examine the causes leading to the crash of Flight AI-171.

Earlier in the day, officials from the AAIB arrived in Ahmedabad, where the London-bound Air India flight had crashed. The AAIB, under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, is responsible for investigating aircraft accidents in India and has launched a formal investigation into the incident.

ANI

June 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Egyptian Foreign Minister condemns Israeli aggression against Iran in phone call with Iranian counterpart

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Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty condemned the Zionist regimes military attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran in a phone call on Friday with his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi.

Abdelatty described the attacks as fueling an extremely dangerous regional escalation, a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter, and a clear threat to regional and international security and stability.

The Iranian foreign minister, while appreciating the phone call and Egypt’s stance in condemning the Zionist regime’s aggression against Iran, emphasized, “This attack constitutes a clear violation of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and a gross breach of the UN Charter.”

Araghchi added, “The armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, based on the right to self-defense, will deliver a decisive response to this aggression by the Zionist regime.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Islamic Republic of Iran.

MIL OSI Africa –

June 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Uganda: President Museveni Meets German Ambassador H.E Matthias Schauer

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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Friday, 13th June 2025 met and held a strategic discussion with the Ambassador of Germany to Uganda, His Excellency Matthias Schauer at State Lodge, Nakasero.

The meeting focused on exploring ways to enhance collaboration in key sectors such as trade, investment, technology, sports development, among others.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the longstanding partnership between Uganda and Germany.

President Museveni emphasized the importance of partnerships based on mutual respect and shared development goals, highlighting Uganda’s commitment to sustainable progress.

Ambassador Schauer thanked President Museveni for the warm reception and the opportunity to engage in a meaningful dialogue, expressing optimism about the continued growth of Uganda–Germany relations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Uganda.

MIL OSI Africa –

June 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Dental services symposium held

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Department of Health (DH) today organised a symposium where renowned dental academics from the Mainland and overseas, as well as local dental professionals, explored the way forward and measures to promote oral health.

Held at the Hong Kong Palace Museum auditorium, the symposium also celebrated the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the DH’s dental services.

Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau, along with DH senior officials, officiated at the symposium’s opening ceremony.

Addressing the event, Prof Lo said, “Oral health is vital to overall health. At the end of last year, the Government released the final report of the Working Group on Oral Health & Dental Care, shifting the focus of Hong Kong’s oral health and dental care system from treatment-oriented to an approach targeting prevention, early identification and timely intervention.”

Prof Lo highlighted that the Primary Dental Co-care Pilot Scheme for Adolescents, launched by the Government in March this year, is an initiative of “widely promoting among citizens”, encouraging adolescents to prevent dental diseases, while the Community Dental Support Programme launched last month is an initiative focusing on enhancing dental services for the underprivileged.

The Government looks forward to collaborating with the dental professionals, training institutions, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and members of the public to usher in a new era of dental services in Hong Kong, and continue to enhance various initiatives to promote oral health for all, he added.

World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for the Western Pacific Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala delivered a video message for the symposium.

Keynote speakers included WHO Collaborating Centre for Translation of Oral Health Science Director Prof Hiroshi Ogawa, Peking University School of Stomatology Department of Preventive Dentistry Chairman Prof Zheng Shuguo, and University College London Special Care Dentistry Consultant Dr Navdeep Kumar.

They shared their insights on the WHO Global Strategy & Action Plan on Oral Health (2023-2030), the Mainland’s policy and efforts to promote global oral health, and the challenges and innovations in providing dental care to adult patients with special needs.

In addition, 16 NGOs and partners who have been actively participating in government-subsidised dental programmes, such as the Outreach Dental Care Programme for the Elderly and Healthy Teeth Collaboration, shared their achievements in serving the elderly and people with special needs.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 14, 2025
Axiom Space to fly Shubhanshu Shukla to space station on June 19: ISRO

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

US-based Axiom Space is now set to send Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 19, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said on Saturday.

Shukla’s flight, originally scheduled for June 11, was postponed multiple times due to technical observations related to the ISS’s Zvezda module. A leak had been detected in the propulsion bay during a pre-launch test.

ISRO noted that Axiom Space is working closely with NASA to assess the pressure anomaly in the Zvezda Service Module onboard the ISS.

“During a follow-on coordination meeting between ISRO, Axiom Space, and SpaceX, it was confirmed that the liquid oxygen leak observed in the Falcon 9 launch vehicle has been successfully resolved,” ISRO said in a statement.

“Axiom Space is now targeting June 19, 2025, for the launch of the Ax-04 mission,” it added.

ISRO has reiterated its commitment to mission safety and continued coordination with international partners.

The mission holds historic significance for India. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to become the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS and only the second Indian in space, following Rakesh Sharma’s flight in 1984.

Shukla will serve as the pilot of the mission, alongside Commander Peggy Whitson of the United States. The other crew members include Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary, both serving as mission specialists.

Once aboard the ISS, Shukla will conduct pioneering experiments related to food and space nutrition. These experiments, developed in collaboration between ISRO and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), with support from NASA, aim to advance understanding of sustainable life-support systems—crucial for future long-duration space missions.

The research will also examine the effects of microgravity and space radiation on edible microalgae—nutrient-rich, high-potential food sources for space missions.

The experiments will evaluate key growth parameters and analyze transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic changes in various algal species in space, compared to their behavior on Earth.

IANS

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: United Nations (UN) Women Launches a Multi-County Care Policy to Recognize and Support Unpaid Care Work

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

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“This policy has finally put words to the struggle I have faced for years. I care for my aging mother and three grandchildren while running a small business. Now, I feel seen and supported.” — Jane Mutheu, Caregiver and Small Business Owner, Kitui County.

In a stride toward gender equality and women empowerment, UN Women Kenya successfully launched the Evidence to Policy for Kenya Care Economy project in three counties — Kitui, West Pokot, and Laikipia to reshape Kenya’s care infrastructure. The project, supported by the Gates Foundation, seeks to address the burden of care work, which is often shouldered by women. It aims to ensure that care work is recognized, reduced, rewarded, redistributed, and represented to foster a more inclusive society.

Kenya’s National Care Policy — the second of its kind in Africa after Cape Verde — is a transformative model for addressing structural gender inequality.

The Policy seeks to transform how unpaid and paid care work is recognized, valued, and addressed in Kenya. At its core, the policy aims to recognize, reduce, and redistribute unpaid care work and reward and represent paid care work through decent work and social protection mechanisms.

Unpaid care work, though vital for the physical, emotional, and social well-being of children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and the ill, often goes unrecognized. In Kenya, women spend an average of 4–5 hours a day on unpaid care work compared to just one hour by men according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS). This imbalance not only contributes to time poverty but also reinforces broader gender inequalities, limiting women’s access to education, employment, leadership, and income.

The Evidence to Policy project builds on the foundation of Kenya’s 2023–2026 UN Women Strategic Note, which prioritizes economic empowerment and gender-responsive governance. With the care economy largely dependent on unpaid and unrecognized female labor, this project seeks to create equitable systems that support all caregivers, especially those from vulnerable backgrounds.

The project introduces the Care Diamond framework — government, civil society, private sector, and households — as key actors in delivering and sustaining care systems.

In West Pokot, UN Women Kenya Country Representative, Ms. Antonia Sodonon, accompanied by implementing partner Village Enterprise led the launch. The implementing partner works with grassroots communities to integrate care considerations in economic development initiatives.

Laikipia County was part of the local rollout, implemented in partnership with Hand in Hand Eastern Africa (HiH-EA). Community dialogues here focused on balancing caregiving responsibilities with income-generating opportunities.

In Kitui County, UN Women Kenya’s Deputy County Representative, Dan Bazira, alongside the Governor Dr. Julius Makau Malombe, senior, Anglican Development Services Eastern (ADSE) and the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action took part in the launch. The gathering aimed to advance inclusive dialogue, promote awareness, and deepen understanding of care work’s impact on women’s participation in public life.

“This policy is not just about women. It’s about families, economies, and building resilient societies,” said Mr. Bazira, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder collaboration. “It’s a groundbreaking model on the continent—one that promotes the 5Rs of unpaid care work: Recognize, Reduce, Redistribute, Represent, and Reward.”

Through this policy, the Government of Kenya is taking a critical step to correct that imbalance. It will guide the collection of time-use data, promote investment in public services like childcare and eldercare, and push for decent work conditions for paid care workers. This initiative aligns with global commitments under SDG 5.4 and national frameworks such as the Constitution of Kenya, Vision 2030, and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), specifically the President’s 9-Point Agenda on Women.

Government Buy-In and Bold Commitments

In Kitui, Governor Malombe committed to aligning county development plans with the care policy. “Care work fuels our communities, yet it’s invisible in our budgets and policies. This must change. We are investing in Early Childhood Development, centers, water access, and GBV recovery centers because we know care is foundational,” he said.

The Director of the State Department for Gender, Ms. Grace Wasike, urged further action: “We must train domestic workers, build support systems for the elderly and disabled, and strengthen our collaboration across all government levels.”

Implementing Partners Driving Local Impact

In all counties, funded by Gates Foundation and supported by UN Women, grassroots partners are at the heart of the project. ADSE in Kitui is engaging communities to build care-responsive programs. Village Enterprise in West Pokot is integrating care into livelihoods. HiH EA in Laikipia is promoting gender-responsive technologies like kitchen gardens and time-saving tools.

“This care policy is a promise — that women’s unpaid labor is not a given, but a choice we must honor, value, and support,” concluded Elizabeth Obanda, Women’s Economic Empowerment Team Lead, UN Women Kenya.

The policy is expected to usher in system-wide changes in how care is organized and shared—between the state, private sector, families, and communities. By addressing care work, it lays the foundation for inclusive economic growth, gender equality, and social protection—ensuring women and girls have the time, resources, and opportunities to thrive.

The launches marked a milestone in translating Kenya’s National Care Policy into action at the county level, engaging communities, governments, and development partners in making visible the invisible labor that sustains households and economies. The county-level launches are a first step in what UN Women hopes will become a nationwide movement.

– on behalf of UN Women – Africa.

MIL OSI Africa –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Foreign Minister Valtonen to meet ministers from Kenya, Benin, Costa Rica and Thailand

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

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Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will meet Prime Cabinet Secretary of Kenya Musalia Mudavadi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Benin Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica Arnoldo André Tinoco and Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand Russ Jalichandra in connection with the Kultaranta Talks on 16–17 June.

At the Kultaranta presidential summer residence, the ministers, together with Foreign Minister Valtonen, will engage in a panel discussion entitled “Accumulation of Shocks at the Global Level – What the West Should Understand” on 16 June. They will discuss regional and international developments that challenge the rules-based international order.

“With many transformations taking place in the world, I am pleased that we will have views from different continents at Kultaranta. We have several shared interests despite the long distances between us,” says Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen.

In their bilateral meetings, the ministers will discuss, among other topics, bilateral relations, topical regional and multilateral issues and economic and trade cooperation.

The Finnish Broadcasting Company (YLE) will broadcast the Kultaranta Talks live on Yle TV1 and Yle Areena.

More information about the Kultaranta Talks: Press release by the Office of the President of the Republic of Finland

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland.

MIL OSI Africa –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Zimbabwe Court Strikes Down Provisions of Repressive Law

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

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On Wednesday, a High Court in Zimbabwe struck down provisions of the country’s Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act, commonly referred to as the “Patriotic Act,” as unconstitutional.

The Patriotic Act, which President Emmerson Mnangagwa signed into law in July 2023, contains overly broad provisions that make the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association a criminal offense.

The act created the crime of “willfully injuring the sovereignty and national interest of Zimbabwe,” which effectively criminalizes Zimbabwean civil society groups and human rights defenders who criticize the government at international forums and prohibits them from seeking external avenues for accountability for rights violations.

In its ruling, the court stated that the drastic penalties prescribed under section 22A(3) of the act, which include life imprisonment, the death penalty, termination of citizenship, and suspensions from voting and holding public office, infringed on various sections of the Zimbabwean Constitution.

Media Alliance of Zimbabwe and Zenzele Ndebele, a private citizen, who brought the case before the court, argued that section 22A(3) and other provisions had high potential for abuse and misuse. They contended that the sections had the effect of silencing dissenting voices and were therefore unfair, unnecessary, and unreasonable in a democratic society. They also said that the law did not sufficiently define what constituted “willfully injuring the sovereignty and national interest of Zimbabwe.”

When President Mnangagwa signed the bill into law, domestic and international human rights and civil society organizations, including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, and Human Rights Watch, expressed concern that the law would further threaten and erode freedoms of expression and association in the country. Several other groups signed a statement calling for the repeal of the law, stating that it carried provisions “not necessary or justifiable in a democratic society.”

While striking down sections of the law as unconstitutional is a positive step, the Zimbabwe government should repeal the draconian Patriotic Act altogether, as it contains overly broad and vaguely defined provisions, such as those criminalizing participation in meetings “with the intention of promoting calls for economic sanctions against the country.” Such provisions amount to serious violations of the fundamental human rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association protected under international human rights law.

– on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).

MIL OSI Africa –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Trade and economic negotiations between Chongqing and foreign countries within the framework of the SCO were held in Southwest China

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 14 (Xinhua) — Over 200 enterprises attended trade and economic talks between Chongqing and foreign countries within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in southwest China on Friday.

Following the negotiations, preliminary purchase agreements worth nearly 500 million yuan were reached.

The event included three thematic negotiation zones covering areas of cooperation such as new energy vehicles, agricultural products, agricultural machinery, electromechanical equipment, food industry, etc.

Shan Ming, deputy director of the International Cooperation Department of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), stressed that in recent years, SCO countries have continuously deepened cooperation in sectors related to trade, investment, finance, logistics, industry and agriculture.

According to him, CCPIT stands ready to work with business partners to protect and uphold the principle of genuine multilateralism in order to facilitate the entry of SCO economies into a stage of more dynamic, inclusive and sustainable development.

During the event, the city’s committee for the promotion of international trade signed memorandums of cooperation with relevant organizations of the five SCO member states and dialogue partners, the Zhongxinshe news agency reported. -0-

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Death toll in Air India plane crash rises to 274 – media

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

NEW DELHI, June 14 (Xinhua) — The death toll in the crash of an Air India plane near Ahmedabad airport in Gujarat state on Thursday has risen to 274, including 33 people who died on the ground, the Times of India reported on Saturday.

The 33 victims are believed to have been on the campus of the Ahmedabad Medical College, the report said.

The Hindustan Times reported on Saturday that the Indian government has formed a high-level committee to probe the crash. It will be headed by the country’s home minister. The committee will publish its report within three months.

An Air India Boeing 787-8 flying from the western Indian city of Ahmedabad to London crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday, killing 241 of the 242 people on board. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: China Calls on Israel to Stop Military Adventurism in Iran

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

UNITED NATIONS, June 14 (Xinhua) — China’s permanent representative to the United Nations Fu Cong called on Israel to immediately stop its military adventurism in Iran at an emergency meeting of the Security Council on Friday.

China condemns Israel’s actions that violate Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, he said.

China opposes the escalation of tensions and the expansion of conflicts and is deeply concerned about the potentially serious consequences of Israeli operations, the diplomat stressed.

“A sharp escalation in the region is in no one’s interests. We call on Israel to immediately cease all military adventurism and avoid further escalation of tensions,” the Permanent Representative said.

Fu Cong said China calls on all parties concerned to abide by the UN Charter and international law, resolve disputes through political and diplomatic means, and jointly maintain regional peace and stability.

The Permanent Representative expressed concern about the potential negative impact of the current developments on diplomatic negotiations on the Iranian nuclear issue. China has always been committed to a peaceful settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue through dialogue and negotiations, and opposes the use of force, illegal unilateral sanctions and armed attacks on nuclear facilities used for peaceful purposes, he stressed.

Iran’s right as a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty to peaceful uses of nuclear energy must be fully respected, Fu Tsung noted.

The international community should work together to promote a ceasefire in Gaza, reduce regional tensions and effectively contain the spread of the conflict, the diplomat said.

Countries with significant influence over Israel must play a more constructive role, he said, adding that the Security Council must use all means provided by the UN Charter to ensure the implementation of relevant resolutions and play its proper role in maintaining regional peace and security. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Two Israeli fighter jets shot down – Iranian media

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

TEHRAN/JERUSALEM, June 14 (Xinhua) — Iran’s air defense forces shot down two Israeli F-35 fighter jets and a large number of micro-drones. The female pilot of one of the downed drones was captured, Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) denied the report. IDF spokesman Avichai Adrai called the claims “completely baseless.”

The statements came amid heightened tensions following Israel’s large-scale strikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities.

According to the Iranian Press TV channel, Iranian air defenses shot down an Israeli drone near the Fordow nuclear facility, located near the city of Qom.

On Friday, Israel launched airstrikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities.

Iran’s permanent representative to the UN, Amir Saeed Iravani, said at least 78 people had been killed and 320 wounded in the Israeli attacks in the country.

Among the dead were also Chief of the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces (AF) Mohammad Bagheri, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Hossein Salami, commander of the central headquarters of the Iranian Armed Forces “Khatam al-Anbiya” Gholam Ali Rashid and commander of the IRGC Aerospace Forces Amir Ali Hajizadeh. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Central Bank of Mongolia keeps key rate at 12 percent

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

ULAN BATOR, June 14 (Xinhua) — The Central Bank of Mongolia kept its key rate at 12 percent, local media reported on Saturday, citing the regulator following a regular meeting of the Monetary Policy Council.

“This decision was made taking into account the assessment of the current state of the Mongolian economy and the prospects of the external and internal environment,” the official statement said.

According to the President of the Central Bank, Byadrangiin Lkhagvasuren, the Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Mongolia will take subsequent measures on a case-by-case basis depending on changes in the external and internal economic environment, as well as the inflation dynamics and economic conditions in the country.

According to the National Statistics Committee, Mongolia’s GDP grew by 2.4 percent in the first quarter of 2025. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Road test for Ting Kau Bridge set

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Transport Department announced today that a smart motorway operational test will be conducted at the road section of Ting Kau Bridge southbound, or Tsing Yi bound, at noon on June 21 for about 15 minutes.

During the test, the fast lane of Ting Kau Bridge southbound will be temporarily closed, while the hard shoulder will be open for traffic for the first time. The speed limit will also be reduced to 50 km per hour accordingly at the above road section.

The department reminds motorists to pay heed to the lane control signals and speed limits on site when passing through the road section during the test time, and follow safe driving instructions.

Launched on December 29 last year, the Smart Motorway Pilot Scheme at Ting Kau Bridge southbound has been operating smoothly.

With the application of artificial intelligence technologies, the newly installed Automatic Incident Detection System effectively assists operation staff at the Tsing Ma Control Area in detecting and handling traffic incidents more expeditiously.

As of the end of May this year, the system has effectively detected 16 traffic incidents that occurred at the road section within a short time, most of which were minor traffic accidents.

Of these 16 incidents, 11 were detected within 10 seconds and immediate alerts were issued to operation staff for follow-up. The detection time has now been significantly reduced by nearly 90%, raising the efficiency and capability to respond to incidents.

The June 21 test aims to further evaluate the pilot scheme’s effectiveness and to assess motorists’ compliance with the control signals and their proper use of the hard shoulder.

The department added that various operational data will also be collected during the test, as reference for optimising the pilot scheme and formulating the strategy for implementing smart motorways in future.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 14, 2025
Air India, IndiGo issue alerts as Iran airspace closure disrupts flight operations

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, India’s leading airlines, Air India and IndiGo, have issued public advisories alerting passengers to flight delays and rerouting caused by the closure of Iranian airspace.

Air India on Saturday said that it has rerouted several flights because of the airspace closures. The airline announced that some flights are now operating on longer, alternative routes to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.

Air India, the national carrier, shared an official update on social media platform X, stating:

“Due to the emerging situation in Iran and parts of the Middle East, the subsequent closure of airspace, and in view of the safety of our passengers, some of our flights are operating on alternative extended routes. We are doing our best to minimise any inconvenience caused to our passengers due to this unforeseen airspace closure. We would like to reiterate that at Air India, the safety of our customers and crew remains a top priority.”

The advisory comes as airspace over Iran and nearby regions remains closed, following a series of regional escalations.

The situation has significantly impacted several international air routes that usually traverse Iranian skies — particularly those operating between India and Europe or India and North America.

IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, also issued a statement via X, warning passengers of potential disruptions.

“Airspace over Iran and surrounding areas continues to be unavailable. Certain flight paths may need adjustments, leading to extended travel durations or delays,” the airline said in its advisory.

IndiGo has advised all passengers to check their flight status via its website or mobile application before heading to the airport to avoid last-minute surprises. The airline assured that its customer service teams are actively assisting travellers affected by the delays.

Both airlines are working to reroute affected flights via alternative air corridors, which may result in longer flying times. As a result, several services to and from Europe, the Gulf, and Central Asia are experiencing delays ranging from 30 minutes to several hours.

Passengers have been urged to stay updated on real-time flight schedules and remain in contact with the respective airline helplines.

The current geopolitical uncertainty follows Iran’s response to recent Israeli airstrikes, which has triggered broader concerns over regional security and airspace safety. Aviation authorities in multiple countries have already issued NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen), advising airlines to avoid the region until further notice.

While airlines assure that passenger safety remains their utmost priority, industry experts say the airspace disruption could continue for several days or even weeks, depending on how the situation evolves diplomatically.

For now, travellers flying to the West or through the Middle East are advised to plan ahead, allow extra time for transit, and remain patient as airlines navigate the complex airspace restrictions.

IANS

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Fatal crash – Beswick

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

NT Police are currently investigating a fatal crash that occurred in Beswick this morning.

Around 7:30am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of a single vehicle crash that occurred along Central Arnhem Road. Four occupants were in the vehicle at the time of the collision.

Maranboy and Beswick police members attended as well as Barunga clinic staff.

One 47-year-old male, believed to be the driver, and one 14-year-old female were pronounced deceased at the scene.

The two surviving passengers sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were conveyed to Katherine Hospital for treatment.

Major Crash Investigation Unit have carriage of the incident and investigations are ongoing.

Police urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25160079.

The lives lost on Territory roads now stands at 18.

MIL OSI News –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Accidental drowning – Palmerston

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating following an accidental drowning incident that occurred in Palmerston this afternoon.

Around 3:30pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a 4-year-old male had been located unresponsive in a pool in his backyard. The male was extracted from the water and CPR was commenced.

Police and St John Ambulance attended and continued CPR; however, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Major Crime have carriage have carriage of the incident and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

MIL OSI News –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) Establishes Carpentry Workshop at Orphan School in Uganda

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

Download logo

The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has inaugurated a carpentry workshop at the Alux Orphan School in Alux region.

Equipped with technical tools and machinery, the workshop aims to provide orphaned children with vocational skills in carpentry, helping them secure sustainable livelihoods. The new facility offers hands-on training in woodworking, preparing students for careers in the construction and furniture industries. Expert instructors will lead the training to support students’ professional development.

At the opening ceremony, TİKA Kampala Coordinator Murat Çetin emphasized the critical role of vocational education in development processes, highlighting the agency’s priority to prepare youth for the workforce and increase employment opportunities.

Local officials and community leaders attending the ceremony expressed their appreciation for TİKA’s support of education and vocational advancement, stating that the workshop will transform the lives of many young people in the region.

– on behalf of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).

MIL OSI Africa –

June 14, 2025
NEET UG 2025 results: Rajasthan’s Mahesh Kumar tops exam with 686 marks

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially declared the results of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG 2025 for undergraduate medical courses. In a proud moment for Rajasthan, Mahesh Kumar, a resident of Hanumangarh, has emerged as the All India Topper, scoring 686 out of 720 marks.

Mahesh, who had been preparing for the past three years at a renowned career institute in Sikar, secured the top rank in the highly competitive medical entrance examination.

His consistent dedication, along with the guidance provided by his institute, helped him rise to the top among over 20 lakh candidates who appeared for the exam across India on May 4 this year.

Coming from a humble background, Mahesh’s parents are both government employees. His academic journey has been marked by perseverance and discipline.

His success has not only made his family and hometown proud but has also added another feather to the cap of Sikar, which has become a rising hub for medical and engineering exam preparations.

The NEET UG 2025 result, along with the final answer key, has been made available on the official websites — [neet.nta.nic.in](https://neet.nta.nic.in) and [nta.ac.in](https://nta.ac.in).

Candidates can check their subject-wise scores, total marks, percentile rank, and qualifying status using their login credentials.

In addition to the results, the NTA is also expected to release the cut-off scores required for MBBS and BDS admissions.

Last year, the cut-off percentile was 50 for the general category and 40 for OBC, SC, and ST candidates. The 2025 percentile will be based on the highest marks secured in the all-India merit list.

Students who qualify in NEET UG 2025 will be eligible to participate in centralised counselling for MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other undergraduate medical programmes. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) will conduct All India Quota (AIQ) counselling, while states will carry out their own counselling for state-quota seats.

All qualified candidates are advised to download and preserve their scorecards, as these will be required during the admission and counselling process. They should also regularly check the official NEET websites for updates on counselling schedules and cut-off announcements.

—IANS

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Entrepreneurs and retail leaders recognised in King’s Birthday Honours List
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

News story

Entrepreneurs and retail leaders recognised in King’s Birthday Honours List

Recipients recognised for years of exceptional service and dedication, and who are trailblazers for helping drive economic prosperity and increasing the UK’s global standing.
The chief executive of one of Britain’s most popular high-street bakeries, the founder of an iconic ceramics brand, and the head of the UK’s largest professional body for recruiters are included in the King’s Birthday Honours today.

The UK is home to many iconic brands, and a number of top entrepreneurs and pioneers have been rightly recognised for their outstanding achievements across a variety of sectors, from hospitality to arts and crafts.

Greggs chief executive Roisin Currie has been made a CBE for her services to hospitality, while the head of leading high-street brand Pets at Home has been awarded an OBE for services to retail.

Neil Carberry, the chief executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, has received an OBE for his services to the economy and to business, while Craig Beaumont has received an OBE for his work on the Federation of Small Businesses.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

I am immensely proud to see so many outstanding individuals recognised in the 2025 Birthday Honours for their exceptional contributions to British business and trade. These honours reflect the innovation, resilience and leadership that drives our economy forward.

From pioneering entrepreneurs to champions of growth, these worthy recipients embody this government’s core mission – to unlock opportunity, boost productivity and champion growth across every region of the UK as part of our Plan for Change.

Recipients include:

Craig Beaumont has received an OBE for services to small businesses. Craig has worked as the voice of the small business community at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), developing reforms that helped thousands of its members and the broader community to grow. He oversaw FSB launching a pioneering mental health and disability programme with MIND and the Royal Foundation, set up a partnership with X-Forces Enterprise to help veterans into employment and self-employment, and created the UK’s first online LGBT+ business hub, now serving over 1,000 users. He contributes to the Social Mobility Commission, Building Back Britain Commission, Industry and Parliament Trust and the Worshipful Company of Communicators in the City of London.

Douglas Perkins has received a CBE for services to business and trade. Doug co-founded Specsavers with his wife in 1984, growing it into a global optical and audiology leader. Today, the company operates 2,815 stores across multiple countries, employing over 45,000 people. In 2023/24, Specsavers reported £4.18 billion in revenue—a 7.5% increase – serving 48 million customers worldwide, with 24.8 million frames and 617 million contact lenses sold.

Elaine Bell has received a BEM for services to the Stapleford High Street. Elaine founded Sewing Belle in Stapleford, transforming it into a vibrant high street anchor and creative community hub. Alongside selling fabrics and haberdashery, her adjoining sewing studio hosts up to 20 workshops a month, attracting over 200 participants. With visitors travelling from across the UK—many staying overnight—Sewing Belle has become a local draw, boosting nearby businesses.

Emma Bridgewater CBE has received a Damehood for services to ceramics. Founded in 1985, Emma Bridgewater has grown into a beloved British brand, renowned for its colourful, hand-decorated pottery and distinctive patterns. Sold online, in dedicated stores, and through retailers across the UK and internationally, the company continues to thrive. In 2022, it earned B Corporation certification, reflecting its enduring commitment to transparency, accountability, and high ethical standards.

Lyssa McGowan has received an OBE for services to retail. Since becoming CEO of Pets at Home in 2022, Lyssa has led the transformation of the business into a truly integrated petcare business providing veterinary, retail and grooming services, which has driven strong growth, with consumer revenue rising to nearly £2 billion in 2025. Recognised by Retail Week as one of 2024’s most influential leaders, Lyssa’s leadership has also seen the Pets Club membership grow to over 8 million, building on her extensive consumer experience from an 12-year career at Sky UK. * Neil Carberry has received an OBE for services to the economy and to business.  The Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) has become a key body for businesses navigating changing workforce needs. Representing firms who support recruitment and talent planning, a £43bn industry, REC’s research is a major contributor to understanding our changing jobs market and future needs. Neil has also contributed to positive employment relations through the Low Pay Commission and the Council of Acas.

Roisin Currie has received a CBE for services to hospitality. Roisin has been instrumental in driving Greggs rapid expansion, with the company on track to double sales by 2026 following record-breaking results in 2024. Her leadership emphasises the strong internal culture shared by 33,000 colleagues – something she sees as central to Greggs continued success. With a career spanning over 35 years, Roisin has been a driving force in championing social mobility and nurturing talent across the sector. This honour reflects Roisin’s unwavering dedication to excellence and her lasting impact on the industry.

Full list of recipients

Dames Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE)

Clare Barclay, Lately Chief Executive Officer, Microsoft UK. For services to Business, Technology and Leadership.

Emma Bridgewater CBE, Founder, Emma Bridgewater Pottery. For services to Ceramics.

Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Roisin Currie, Chief Executive Officer, Greggs PLC. For services to Hospitality.

Stephen Foots, Chief Executive Officer, Croda. For services to the Chemical and Life Sciences Industry.

Shevaun Haviland, Director General, British Chambers of Commerce. For services to Business.

Jonathan Holmes, Lately Co-Chair, Infrastructure Exports UK and Deputy Chairman, Mace. For services to Construction.

David Howden, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Howden Group. For services to the Insurance Industry.

Dr Peter Musgrove, Engineer and Renewable Energy Pioneer. For services to Renewable Energy.

Babatunde Olanrewaju, Managing Partner, Europe, McKinsey & Company. For services to Business.

Douglas Perkins, Co-Founder and Chair, Specsavers. For services to Business and Trade.

Tanuja Randery, Managing Director and Vice President, Amazon Web Services, Europe, Middle East, and Africa. For services to Business and the Technology Sector.

Stephen Scrimshaw, Lately Chief Executive Officer, Siemens Energy Ltd. For services to British Manufacturing, to Transport and to the Green Transition to Net Zero.

Dana Strong, Group Chief Executive Officer, Sky. For services to Business and to Media.

Stephen Varley, Lately UK Chair and Managing Partner, EY. For services to the Professional Services Industry.

David Ward, General Secretary, Communication Workers’ Union. For services to Trade Unions.

Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Craig Beaumont, Executive Director, Federation of Small Businesses. For services to Small Businesses

Neil Carberry, Chief Executive Officer, The Recruitment and Employment Confederation. For services to the Economy and to Business

Rachel Gardner-Poole, Director, Aviascia. For services to Aviation

Hannah Gibson, Chief Executive Officer, Ocado Retail. For services to Retail

Ruth Handcock, Chief Executive Officer, Octopus Money. For services to Financial Services and Investment

Richard Howells, Founder, Bronze Software Labs Ltd. For services to Business, Technology and Innovation

Professor Shirley Lane (Price), Emerita Professor of Toxicology, University of Surrey. For services to Industry and Consumer Protection

Andrew Love, Senior Adviser, The Ritz London. For services to Hospitality

Lyssa McGowan, Chief Executive Officer, Pets at Home. For services to Retail

Stephen Pegge, Lately Managing Director, UK Finance. For services to Business

Mohammad Sadique (Sid Sadique), Chairman and Owner, Electra Commercial Vehicles Ltd. For services to the Automotive and Transport Industry

Gareth Stapleton, Founder and Partner, RiSE International. For services to Architecture and to Project and Construction Management

Jane Whitehart, International Lead Associate Consultant, People1st International Limited. For services to International Trade

Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Noreen Burroughes, President, Organisation for Women in International Trade UK. For services to Women in International Trade and to Entrepreneurship

Karyle Davidge-Stringer, Service Manager, Rushmoor Citizens Advice. For services to the community in Hampshire

Dawn Edwards, Managing Director, Challenge Training and Consultancy Ltd. For services to the Business Community in Nottinghamshire

Daniel Fell, Chief Executive, Doncaster Chamber of Commerce. For services to Business and the Economy in South Yorkshire

Julian Hetherington, Automotive Transformation Director, Advanced Propulsion Centre. For services to Business Investment and Growth

Muhammad Abdul Musabbir, Chair, Hyde Bangladesh Welfare Association. For services to Community Cohesion

Laura Silverman, Creator and Head, London School of Economics and Political Science Generate. For services to Social Innovation and Education

Matthew Turner, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Creative Pod. For services to Business and to Charity

Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

Elaine Bell, Managing Director, Sewing Belle. For services to The Stapleford High Street

Civil Servants recognised in the Birthday 2025 Honours List include:

Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Susan Clews, Lately Chief Executive, Acas.

Frederick Perry, Lately Director, Advanced Manufacturing, Department for Business and Trade

Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Tracy Buckingham, Deputy Director, Security and Cyber Security Exports, Department for Business and Trade.

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Published 14 June 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Boosting university spin-outs
Source: Scottish Government

Capitalising on Scottish innovation, ideas and expertise.

New initiatives taking advantage of Scotland’s world-class reputation as an innovation nation have been announced by the Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes.

Three projects, backed by £4.4 million, are designed to help turn ground-breaking research across the country’s universities and colleges into high-growth businesses that create jobs and support economic growth.

The package includes:
- £2.9 million for the Proof of Concept Fund which will explore the commercial potential of research projects by developing prototypes and pitching to investors, as well as analysing markets to attract further investment
- £800,000 for the Spinout Pipeline Project which, led by the University of Strathclyde, will help share commercialisation expertise across Scottish universities, culminating in a summit where innovators will pitch to potential investors
- £700,000 for the Entrepreneurial Campus Blueprint which will help college students to develop business skills and link in with investors
A further £141,000, spent over two years, will support a new course at the University of Aberdeen to train 40 high school computing teachers, better preparing future generations for careers in tech-based businesses.

Scaling businesses account for the majority of net job creation in the UK and their annual turnover is around £1.2 trillion, highlighting the opportunity afforded to Scotland’s economy by investing in the drive to turn research findings into high-growth start-ups.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said:

“The Scottish Government is fostering and supporting entrepreneurial talent as part of strategic investment to capitalise on Scotland’s reputation as a start-up nation. The economic opportunities presented by this are enormous.

“Our universities and colleges are the engines of innovation. They are known the world over as the home of some of the greatest ideas and inventions ever made and can present real solutions to the challenges we face.

“This new investment underlines our commitment to realising the economic potential of the incredible work taking place across Scottish universities and colleges.”

Chief Entrepreneur Ana Stewart said:

“The world’s leading entrepreneurial economies are often powered by universities with strong entrepreneurial cultures. This is an ambitious package which positions Scottish institutions as drivers of start-up creation and growth.

“I look forward to collaborating with universities to maximise the impact of this funding.”

Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, University of Strathclyde, said:

“We are pleased to welcome the Scottish Government’s continued investment in universities as engines of economic growth through excellent research, innovation and production of high-quality skills. This new Proof of Concept Fund will help to translate academic innovation into real-world economic and social impact.

“As the lead institution for the Spinout Pipeline Project, and a leading entrepreneurial campus, the University of Strathclyde is also pleased to continue to play a central role in strengthening Scotland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“By harnessing the collective expertise of our universities, we aim to accelerate the journey from breakthrough ideas to market-ready ventures – creating high-value jobs, attracting investment, and supporting the next generation of innovators.”

Background

Applications to the Proof of Concept Fund are open.

Since 2011, Scottish universities have helped to produce 240 spin-outs.

This includes Neuranics, a 2021 joint spinout from University of Edinburgh and Glasgow, which has developed state-of-the-art sensors used across a variety of sectors, including in healthcare and gaming, and has raised $8 million to accelerate its growth. The company is also backed by an £800,000 grant from Scottish Enterprise.

Another, Microplate Dx, is a multiple award-winning spinout from Strathclyde, developing novel solutions to the global threat of antimicrobial resistance.

Programme for Government 2025-2026
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sunderland’s Former Senior Coroner awarded OBE in King’s Birthday Honours

Source: City of Sunderland

Sunderland’s former Senior Coroner Derek Winter has been awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List.

He was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for public service after serving for 21 years as Senior Coroner for Sunderland.

Mr Winter also served as a Deputy Chief Coroner of England and Wales from 2019 for five years until his retirement from both positions in 2024.

As Senior Sunderland Coroner, Mr Winter oversaw thousands of investigations into violent, sudden or suspicious deaths, during his time in the role.

Welcoming the honour, Mr Winter, said: “I am delighted with such an award not just for myself but for my family, my team and the City.”

Chief Executive of Sunderland City Council, Patrick Melia, said: “I’m delighted to hear that Derek Winter has been awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List.

“As Senior Coroner for Sunderland, Derek provided an exemplary service to the city and the people of Sunderland during his 21 years in the role.

“He was also instrumental in developing state-of-the-art facilities and technology, with the needs of families attending inquests very much at their heart, at the new HM Coroner’s Courts in Sunderland City Hall.

“I know many families across Sunderland will have been touched by Derek’s compassion, commitment and professionalism over the years and I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate him on behalf of everyone in the city.”

Mr Winter who qualified as a solicitor in 1983 began his career by specialising in family law, before sitting as a Deputy District Judge from 1994 to1999.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Record-breaking of over 4 000 blood donors commended at Annual Donor Award Ceremony (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) today (June 14) held its Annual Donor Award Ceremony to commend outstanding regular blood donors. The BTS also announced that a total of 4 081 donors gave blood 25 times or in its multiples in 2024/25, which breaks the BTS record for three consecutive years. This highlights the growing awareness and embrace of blood donation culture in Hong Kong. The BTS expressed its sincerest gratitude to all the enthusiastic blood donors.Prudential Hong Kong Limited
Sino Group
Nan Fung Group
Link Asset Management Services Limited
Sun Hung Kai Properties LimitedTsz Shan Monastery
Rotary International District 3450
Scout Association of Hong Kong
Evangelical Free Church of China – Yan Fook ChurchWhampoa Garden Management Limited
Lung Mun Oasis
Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation The Chinese University of Hong Kong
The University of Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hong Kong Metropolitan University
Hong Kong Baptist University
The Hong Kong University of Science and TechnologyShatin College
West Island School
Po Leung Kuk Wu Chung College
Discovery College
Buddhist Hung Sean Chau Memorial College
F.D.B.W.A. Szeto Ho Secondary School
Cheung Sha Wan Catholic Secondary School
King’s College
PHC Wing Kwong College
Lai Chack Middle School

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: China releases new list of 10 national archaeological parks

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 14 (Xinhua) — China’s National Cultural Heritage Administration on Saturday released a new list of 10 national archaeological parks, bringing the total number of such sites to 65 in 21 provincial-level regions across the country.

The new parks mentioned above include Taosi National Archaeological Park in northern China’s Shanxi Province, Dawenkou National Archaeological Park in eastern China’s Shandong Province, and several others.

According to the department, the cultural sites of these 10 parks demonstrate the process of formation and development of a diversified and integrated civilization of the Chinese nation in a multi-aspect context.

China began selecting national archaeological parks back in 2010, and these tourist attractions attract many visitors every year. -0-

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 14, 2025