NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • Air India flight makes emergency landing in Thailand after bomb threat

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    An Air India flight from Phuket in Thailand to India’s capital New Delhi received an onboard bomb threat on Friday and made an emergency landing on the island, airport authorities said.

    All 156 passengers on flight AI 379 had been escorted from the plane, in line with emergency plans, an Airports of Thailand official said.

    The aircraft took off from Phuket airport bound for the Indian capital at 9.30 a.m. (0230 GMT) on Friday, but made a wide loop around the Andaman Sea and landed back on the southern Thai island, according to flight tracker Flightradar24.

    The incident follows the crash of an Air India flight in Ahmedabad on Thursday shortly after takeoff.

    AOT did not provide details on the bomb threat. Air India did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

    Indian airlines and airports were inundated with hoax bomb threats last year, with nearly 1,000 hoax calls and messages received in the first 10 months, nearly 10 times that of 2023.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo Opens in Changsha

    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

    CHANGSHA, June 13 (Xinhua) — The 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo opened Thursday in Changsha, capital of central China’s Hunan Province, demonstrating China’s commitment to strengthening ties with Africa, the continent with the largest number of developing countries.

    The four-day event, with the main theme “China and Africa: Together for Modernization,” will bring together about 4,700 Chinese and African enterprises and attract more than 30,000 participants. According to the organizers, the value of pre-agreed cooperation projects exceeds US$11 billion.

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the opening ceremony on Thursday and expressed confidence that the expo would create more opportunities for China-Africa cooperation and bring more results.

    “No matter how the international situation changes, China will always stand firmly with Africa, provide strong support for the continent’s modernization, and be a true friend and sincere brother in Africa’s development,” said Wang, who is also a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee.

    Realizing modernization is the common aspiration of the more than 2.8 billion people in China and Africa and a key theme of the China-Africa community with a shared future, he said.

    Wang Yi assured that China will continue to exchange governance experience with African countries and strengthen the synergy of the two sides’ development strategies. He promised that China will continue its efforts to expand opening up to Africa.

    China will also deepen practical cooperation to promote Africa’s industrialization and digital transformation, Wang added.

    The opening ceremony of the EXPO was also attended by Ugandan Prime Minister Robin Nabbanja, Liberian Vice President Jeremiah Kuhn and Kenyan Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi.

    In her speech, R. Nabbanja said that in the face of global challenges such as climate change, supply chain disruptions and rising protectionism, true modernization must be built on partnerships characterized by mutual respect, win-win cooperation and inclusive development.

    She called for far-sighted, sustainable and inclusive China-Africa cooperation, especially in trade and investment.

    M. Mudavadi also spoke at the opening ceremony of the event, saying that Kenya welcomes increased Chinese investment in infrastructure, especially in energy, transport and industrial parks, and supports strengthening cooperation between the two sides in the areas of technology transfer, innovation, etc.

    The current Expo features specialized zones dedicated to smart mining technologies, clean energy, modern agricultural machinery and construction equipment. For the first time, the Expo will feature specialized expositions dedicated to famous Chinese-African cooperation brands, high-quality African products, Chinese-African tourism and Chinese-African cooperation in traditional Chinese medicine.

    The Expo will feature 30 economic and trade events covering China-Africa cooperation in various fields. Two key documents on China-Africa economic ties will also be released during the event.

    As of the end of 2024, China had been Africa’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, and bilateral trade growth continued to gain momentum in 2025. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Moscow Seasons in Beijing festival has opened in the capital of 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 13 (Xinhua) — The Moscow Seasons in Beijing festival opened on Thursday at the Wangfujing pedestrian street in the center of the Chinese capital in the context of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of sister city relations between Beijing and Moscow.

    “On the instructions of Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, we are opening this wonderful project “Moscow Seasons in Beijing”. Moscow has already celebrated the Chinese New Year twice, and this wonderful, bright event brings joy to every resident and guest of the Russian capital. I hope that we will be able to please and surprise every visitor to this beautiful central street of Beijing,” said First Deputy Head of the Moscow Mayor and Government Office, Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee Evgeny Kozlov.

    “The project that is starting today, which is a striking example of dialogue between cultures and civilizations, continues the good tradition of cultural exchanges between the main cities of our countries that has developed in recent years,” noted the Minister-Counselor of the Russian Embassy in China, Sergei Kramintsev.

    According to him, during the festival, which took place in Moscow in connection with the celebration of the Chinese New Year according to the lunar calendar, master classes in calligraphy and the creation of paper dragons, as well as drum shows and tea ceremonies, attracted great interest from more than one and a half million visitors.

    The Moscow Seasons in Beijing festival will undoubtedly become one of the most memorable events of the program of the cross years of culture of Russia and China. In thematic pavilions, one can get acquainted with the tourist potential of our country, take part in creative master classes, visit a fair of Moscow souvenirs and try dishes of traditional Russian cuisine. Meanwhile, a rich concert program is planned, from classical music to jazz, said S. Kramintsev.

    Guo Huigang, director of the Beijing Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau, said that Beijing and Moscow have recently jointly organized a series of events to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their sister city relationship, stressing that with the continuous development of sister city relations, Moscow has become one of Beijing’s closest sister cities on an international scale.

    He also noted that culture and tourism are important areas of cooperation between both countries and both cities. As it became known, China ranks first among foreign countries in the number of tourists coming to the Russian capital. In 2024 alone, Moscow was visited by more than 420 thousand guests from China.

    According to the Beijing City Administration of Culture and Tourism, Beijing received 293,000 tourists from Russia last year, and over 175,000 Russian tourists visited the Chinese capital in the first five months of this year. Among foreign travelers who visited Beijing during the same period, Russians ranked first.

    The festival, organized by the Moscow government with the support of the Beijing People’s Government, is one of the largest in a series of events within the framework of the China-Russia Cross Years of Culture 2024-2025. It will last until Sunday. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China-Kazakhstan International Center for Border Cooperation “Khorgos” received almost 3.9 million people in January-May 2025

    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 13 (Xinhua) — The flow of visitors to the China-Kazakhstan International Boundary Cooperation Center (ICBC) “Khorgos”, located in the city of the same name in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, increased by 87.2 percent year on year to 3.893 million people in the first five months of 2025, according to data from the Khorgos border checkpoint.

    The Khorgos ICBC has thousands of types of goods from Central Asia and Europe. Thanks to the preferential policy, tourists can easily make purchases from all over the world here.

    Let us recall that 2024 was the Year of Kazakhstan Tourism in China, and 2025 was declared the Year of China Tourism in Kazakhstan. In the context of the synergistic effect of holding relevant events and mutual visa-free regime, Khorgos has become the main choice for cross-border travel.

    As Xinjiang’s peak tourist season approaches, Khorgos ICBC is expected to welcome a record number of visitors. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why did Israel defy Trump – and risk a major war – by striking Iran now? And what happens next?

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Amin Saikal, Emeritus Professor of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies, Australian National University; and Vice Chancellor’s Strategic Fellow, Victoria University

    Alarmed by an intelligence assessment that Iran will be able to produce nuclear weapons within months if not weeks, Israel has launched a massive air campaign aiming to destroy the country’s nuclear program.

    Israel’s air strikes hit Iran’s main nuclear enrichment facility at Natanz, as well as its air defences and long-range missile facilities.

    Among the dead are Hossein Salami, the chief of Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guards Corps; Mohammad Bagheri, the commander-in-chief of the military; and two prominent nuclear scientists.

    Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has promised “severe punishment” in response. Iran could potentially target Israel’s own nuclear sites and US bases across the Persian Gulf. Israel claimed Iran launched 100 drones towards it just hours after the attack.

    The Middle East is yet again on the precipice of a potentially devastating war with serious regional and global implications.

    Stalled nuclear talks

    The Israeli operations come against the backdrop of a series of inconclusive nuclear talks between the United States and Iran. These negotiations began in mid-April at President Donald Trump’s request and aimed to reach a deal within months.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposed the talks, pressing for military action instead as the best option to halt Iran’s nuclear program.

    The diplomatic efforts had stalled in recent weeks over Trump’s demand that Iran agree to a zero-uranium enrichment posture and destroy its stockpile of some 400 kilograms of enriched uranium at a 60% purity level. This could be rapidly enriched further to weapons-grade level.

    Tehran refused to oblige, calling it a “non-negotiable”.

    Netanyahu has long pledged to eliminate what he has called the Iranian “octopus” – the regime’s vast network of regional affiliates, including Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the regime of former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, and the Houthi militants in Yemen.

    Following Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7 2023, Israel’s military has considerably degraded these Iranian affiliates, one by one. Now, Netanyahu has now gone for beheading the octopus.

    Trump keeping his distance

    Netanyahu has in the past urged Washington to join him in a military operation against Iran. However, successive US leaders have not found it desirable to ignite or be involved in another Middle East war, especially after the debacle in Iraq and its failed Afghanistan intervention.

    Despite his strong commitment to Israel’s security and regional supremacy, Trump has been keen to follow this US posture, for two important reasons.

    He has not forgotten Netanyahu’s warm congratulations to Joe Biden when he defeated Trump in the 2020 US presidential election.

    Nor has Trump been keen to be too closely aligned with Netanyahu at the expense of his lucrative relations with oil-rich Arab states. He recently visited Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates on a trip to the Middle East, while bypassing Israel.

    Indeed, this week, Trump had warned Netanyahu not to do anything that could undermine the US nuclear talks with Iran. He has been keen to secure a deal to boost his self-declared reputation as a peace broker, despite not having done very well so far on this front.

    But as the nuclear talks seemed to be reaching a dead end, Netanyahu decided now was the moment to act.

    The Trump administration has distanced itself from the attack, saying it had no involvement. It remains to be seen whether the US will now get involved to defend Israel if and when Iran retaliates.

    What a wider war could mean

    Israel has shown it has the capacity to unleash overwhelming firepower, causing serious damage to Iran’s nuclear and military facilities and infrastructure. But the Iranian Islamic regime also has the capability to retaliate, with all the means at its disposal.

    Despite the fact the Iranian leadership faces serious domestic issues on political, social and economic fronts, it still has the ability to target Israeli and US assets in the region with advanced missiles and drones.

    It also has the capability to close the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20–25% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments flow. Importantly, Iran has strategic partnerships with both Russia and China, as well.

    Depending on the nature and scope of the Iranian response, the current conflict could easily develop into an uncontrollable regional war, with none of the parties emerging as victor. A major conflict could not only further destabilise what is already a volatile Middle East, but also upend the fragile global geopolitical and economic landscape.

    The Middle East cannot afford another war. Trump had good reasons to restrain Netanyahu’s government while the nuclear negotiations were taking place to see if he could hammer out a deal.

    Whether this deal can be salvaged amid the chaos is unclear. The next round of negotiations was due to be held on Sunday in Oman, but Iran said it would not attend and all talks were off until further notice.

    Iran and the US, under Barack Obama, had agreed a nuclear deal before – the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Although Netanyahu branded it “the worst deal of the century”, it appeared to be holding until Trump, urged by Netanyahu, unilaterally withdrew from it in 2018.

    Now, Netanyahu has taken the military approach to thwart Iran’s nuclear program. And the region – and rest of the world – will have to wait and see if another war can be averted before it’s too late.

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

    – ref. Why did Israel defy Trump – and risk a major war – by striking Iran now? And what happens next? – https://theconversation.com/why-did-israel-defy-trump-and-risk-a-major-war-by-striking-iran-now-and-what-happens-next-258917

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: World Food Safety Day Celebrated at National Level


    Download logo

    World Food Safety Day is a global event observed annually on June 7. This year’s national celebration was held at Adi-Hawesha Resort in the Central Region under the theme “Food Safety: Science in Action.” The event aimed to explore the latest advancements in food safety and promote responsible food handling practices. It was attended by more than 85 participants, including the Minister of Health, senior officials from the Ministries of Agriculture and Health, representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO), experts from various relevant Government and non-governmental organizations, academia, food processors, and representatives of farmers.

    Mr. Tekleab Mesghena, in his keynote speech, emphasized the importance of science in ensuring the safety and quality of food products. He highlighted the critical role of research and development in advancing food safety. Mr. Tekleab stated that the Ministry of Agriculture is working diligently to modernize its food-related regulatory services by establishing quarantine stations at various entry points, reinforcing inspection services, and promoting public awareness, particularly among food processors, through good manufacturing and agricultural practices. In his concluding remarks, Mr. Tekleab stressed on the need for a national food control system and policy to integrate the efforts of various ministries and institutions.

    Mr. Sium Teame, representing the FAO, underscored that food is not a luxury but a fundamental human right. He noted that every year, 600 million people fall ill due to contaminated food, and emphasized the role of science not merely as an academic pursuit but as a practical, powerful tool. Scientific research and innovation, he said, are essential for identifying and controlling foodborne hazards, improving hygiene and safety practices throughout the food chain, establishing international standards based on risk assessments, and responding swiftly to emerging threats.

    Dr. Nonso Ejiofor, representing the WHO, added that this year’s theme highlights the essential role of scientific knowledge in guiding effective food safety practices. He stressed the importance of research, innovation, data, and appropriate technologies in identifying risks, reducing illness, saving lives, and cutting costs along the entire food chain.

    A panel discussion was also held under the theme of the day, featuring experts and representatives from food processing industries. The panelists discussed recent advancements in food safety research, including the use of precision agriculture to improve health outcomes and reduce food waste.

    During the event,six papers regarding Food Handling and Hygiene Practices; Food Expiration: Administrative, Regulatory, and Safety Implications;Effect of Processing on Heavy Metal Content in Selected Leaf Vegetables Cultivated in Asmara; Environmental Safety of Food Safety; The Role of Science in Food Safety were presented by representatives from Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Land, water and Environment, Hamelmalo College of Agricultural and Mai-Nefhi College of Science.

    Participants engaged in extensive discussions on the papers and adopted various recommendations. These included the need for collaboration among all relevant stakeholders, the integration of scientific methods in food safety, improved identification of food sources, and enhanced public awareness on food preparation and safety.

    Short videos highlighting national and international efforts related to food safety were also screened during the event.

    World Food Safety Day is being marked for the 7th time globally and the 3rd time at the national level.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Famine stalks two counties in South Sudan as fragile peace is threatened


    Download logo

    The warning comes amidst increased violence and a worsening food security condition which has 11 out of 13 counties in the state facing emergency levels of hunger and 32,000 of these inhabitants facing catastrophic level hunger conditions, almost three times previous estimates.

    “We are seeing the devastating impact conflict has on food security in South Sudan,” said Mary-Ellen McGroarty, Country Director for the World Food Programme (WFP) in South Sudan.

    “Conflict doesn’t just destroy homes and livelihoods, it tears communities apart, cuts off access to markets, and sends food prices spiralling upward,” Ms. McGroarty said.

    Country-wide hunger

    In total, 7.7 million people across South Sudan will face acute food insecurity, accounting for over half of the entire population. Additionally, 2.3 million children in South Sudan face malnutrition, a rise from 2.1 million at the beginning of the year. 

    FAO expects these numbers to increase as the country prepares to enter the lean and wet season which will further diminish food supplies and potentially worsen displacement.

    The agency did note that counties in which violence has been largely absent have seen improvements in food insecurity as a result of increased crop production and humanitarian efforts. However, hunger continues.

    Despite such ongoing challenges, Meshack Malo, the country representative of FAO in South Sudan, said that these results are proof of the “dividends of peace.”

    Descent into conflict

    South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, gained independence in 2011 and immediately fell into a brutal and devastating civil war which ultimately ended in 2018 thanks to a peace agreement between political rivals which has largely held.

    However, recent political tensions and increased violent attacks, especially in the Upper Nile State, threaten to unravel the peace agreement and plunge the nation back into conflict.

    “South Sudan cannot afford to sink into conflict at this point in time. It will plunge already vulnerable communities into severe food insecurity, leading to widespread hunger,” said Meshack Malo, Country Representative of FAO in South Sudan.

    Humanitarian difficulties

    FAO said that humanitarian access must be improved in order to address the worsening hunger situation.

    The FAO report also emphasized that peace and capacity building is the only sustainable solution for food insecurity in South Sudan.

    “Long-term peace is essential, but right now, it is critical our teams are able to access and safely distribute food to families caught in conflict in Upper Nile, to bring them back from the brink and prevent famine,” said Ms. McGroarty.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Eye Surgery in Southern Red Sea Region


    Download logo

    Eye surgery was successfully conducted on over 200 patients at Assab Hospital in the Southern Red Sea Region from 4 to 10 June. The program was conducted in collaboration between the Ministry of Health’s regional branch and Birhan Aini Hospital in Asmara.

    Dr. Eyob Beyene, an eye surgery expert and program coordinator, stated that this initiative was a continuation of similar surgeries previously held in the Northern Red Sea Region. He added that surgery performed on 10 children was particularly successful and unique.

    Nurse Gebre Hailemicael, head of eye treatment at Assab Hospital, explained that a survey had been conducted on 3,000 citizens across four sub-zones and 52 villages prior to the surgeries. He highlighted that the program was successfully implemented and noted that other patients received medicines and eyeglasses.

    The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for the opportunity provided.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Basic Education Committee Chairperson Deeply Saddened by Eastern Cape Floods, Express Condolences


    Download logo

    The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Ms Joy Maimela, has expressed her profound sadness and concern following the devastating floods in the Eastern Cape province, which have led to significant loss of life, displacement and widespread damage to infrastructure, including critical school facilities and scholar transport.

    The committee is particularly heartbroken by the tragic incident in which a scholar transport minibus, carrying learners, was swept away by raging floodwaters near Mthatha. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families and communities who have lost their loved ones in this unimaginable tragedy. Our thoughts are with those who are still searching for missing children and adults,” said Ms Maimela.

    “This is a national tragedy that has deeply impacted our education sector. The reports of learners being caught in these devastating floods underscore the urgent need for robust disaster preparedness and response mechanisms, particularly as they relate to the safety and wellbeing of our children. This disruption to schooling, coupled with the tragic loss of life, presents an immense challenge to the provincial education system.”

    Ms Maimela said the committee calls on the authorities to prioritise search and rescue operations and to ensure all available resources are deployed to continue the search for missing individuals, to provide psycho-social support to learners, educators and families impacted by this disaster and to assess and repair school infrastructure to minimise disruption to learning.

    On Tuesday, a 22-seater scholar transport minibus was swept off the R61, carrying 13 learners, two other passengers and the driver. Search and rescue operation are ongoing and several learners are still unaccounted for.

    “We pray with you that our young learners and all those impacted by the floods will be found safe and sound. Furthermore, we call on all to take extra precautions with our precious cargo during this rainy season,” emphasised Ms Maimela.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Revision of the Implementation Plan for the International Peace Cooperation Assignments in South Sudan


    Download logo

    At cabinet meeting on June 13, 2025, the Government of Japan decided to revise the Implementation Plan for the International Peace Cooperation Assignments in South Sudan to extend its period, in light of the significance of continuing contribution toward the international peace and security.

    1. Japan has dispatched JGSDF personnel as staff officers to the headquarters of the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) since November 2011 and 4 staff officers are currently in charge of planning and coordination in areas of logistics, information, engineering, and air operations at UNMISS HQs in Juba.
      Regarding Deputy Chief of Staff (jurisdiction over Personnel, Training, Evaluation) and his Personal Assistant who had been additionally dispatched since May 2024, they recently returned home after completion of their one-year mission tour, based on the United Nations Secretariat’s policy to rotate the dispatching country every year through selection.
      Also, regarding Information Officer who is originally tasked to data collection and database maintenance, we have decided to add information analysis as his duty responsibility based on the request from UNMISS.

      On May 8, 2025, the United Nations Security Council adopted resolution 2779 (2025), which extended the mandate of UNMISS until April 30, 2026, following the adoption of resolution 2778(2025) on April 30 this year which had extended its mandate till May 9.

      UNMISS is the only UN peacekeeping operation to which Japan currently deploys its personnel. And the dispatch of staff officers to UNMISS is intended to support the progress of the peace process in South Sudan together with the international community. From the perspective of maintaining and strengthening close engagement with the United Nations, cooperation with African countries in the vicinity of South Sudan and ensuring opportunities for human resource development, the dispatch is meaningful.

    2. The main point of revision is as follows.
      1. Period of the Implementation Plan
        ・Current: till 30 June 2025
        ・After Revision: till 30 June 2026
      2. Change in number of dispatching officers and modifications to their duties

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Committee Chairperson Calls for Assistance for Flood Victims in Eastern Cape and KZN


    Download logo

    The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Zweli Mkhize, has noted with sadness the severe flooding that has left 49 people dead so far and others without homes as flood waters washed away houses and destroyed road infrastructure in the Eastern Cape.

    According to media reports, the disruptive rains, strong winds and snowfall that have hit the province hard started on Monday. Schooling has been suspended in the affected areas and some 58 schools have been damaged in the OR Tambo coastal area, Amathole East and Alfred Nzo West, the most affected areas in the province.

    The bodies of four children, a driver and a conductor who were on a bus that was carried away in flood waters as it was crossing a bridge near Mthatha on Tuesday morning are among those that have been recovered.

    Dr Mkhize said the committee calls for assistance from all those who are able to assist the families affected by floods in the Eastern Cape, particularly in the worst affected districts. Dr Mkhize said disasters of this nature are not new, they come and go, even this one is certainly going to pass. “We note its catastrophic consequences with broken hearts, however,” emphasised Dr Mkhize.

    He said the committee extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and relatives of those who passed away as a result of the floods. “We are with you in this very difficult and heavy time of loss of the loved ones. May their souls rest in eternal peace.” As floods continue, according to media reports, the number of victims may rise.

    KwaZulu-Natal also experienced flooding and at least 68 schools across nine districts in KZN have been damaged, although no fatalities have been recorded according to media reports. The committee has noted reports of injuries arising from damage to houses and other infrastructure in parts of KZN in the past few days as a result of adverse weather conditions.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Committee on Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Adopts Budget Vote Reports


    Download logo

    The Portfolio Committee on Planning Monitoring and Evaluation adopted its budget vote for the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME), Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), and Brand South Africa for the 2025/26 financial year.

    The Chairperson of the committee, Ms Teliswa Mgweba, said the committee focussed on the alignment of the budgets with the government’s strategic priorities as outlined in the State of the Nation Address and the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2024-2029.

    The DPME has been allocated R509.1 million for the 2025/26 financial year. The budget supports five key outcomes, including improved governance, better utilisation of evidence in decision-making and increased stakeholder engagement.

    Ms Mgweba said the committee is concerned about the absence of a legislative framework clearly defining the DPME’s mandate. The committee urged the department to develop this framework to clarify its functions and improve intergovernmental relations. Furthermore, the committee highlighted the need for a robust oversight model to ensure compliance among national departments. The DPME must establish clear criteria for assessing the viability of action plans submitted by other departments.

    In the case of STATS SA, the department has been allocated a budget of R2.77 billion for the 2025/26 financial year. The department aims to protect the quality of statistical information, implement a continuous population survey and modernise its business operating model. The committee recognises the importance of leveraging technology and alternative data sources to enhance statistical outputs.

    The committee expressed its discomfort with the high vacancy rate within Stats SA which is a challenge. The committee calls for a strategic plan to address staffing needs to ensure inclusivity and representation of individuals with disabilities and women. Furthermore, the committee is concerned about the adequacy of data collection methods and emphasised the need for improved accuracy and granularity in the data produced, particularly concerning marginalised groups.

    Brand South Africa has been allocated a budget of R235.2 million for the 2025/26 financial year. This budget is vital for managing South Africa’s national brand and improving the country’s global reputation. The committee has emphasised the need for collaboration with public and private sectors to ensure a unified message about South Africa’s identity and values.

    The implementation of a digital transformation strategy is crucial for enhancing data-driven decision-making and operational efficiencies. The committee encourages Brand South Africa to leverage research and analytics to inform communication strategies.

    The committee will continue to monitor the implementation of these budgets closely and engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure alignment with national priorities. The three reports were adopted with recommendations and amendments.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Committee Chairperson Calls on Eastern Cape (EC) Education Department to Attend to Infrastructure Damage


    Download logo

    The Select Committee on Education, Sciences and the Creative Industries has called on the provincial Department of Education in the Eastern Cape to proactively determine infrastructure damage and the number of learners affected by the weekend floods.

    The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Makhi Feni, said the floods happened just when mid-year exams were in full swing and children should be allowed access once schools have been thoroughly cleaned.

    The committee sends its heartfelt condolences to families and friends of the deceased. “It hurts to realise that no circuit or district decision was made with regards to closure of schools on Monday when warning of two cold fronts across the country had been issued by SA Weather Service. This calls for proper and proactive leadership from circuit level right up to the province.”

    The provincial government revised the number of the deceased due to floods to be around 49. A number of young learners were affected when their school transport was swept away by the floods.

    Mr Feni said the Department of Education must attend to school infrastructure and the cleaning of affected schools. “Parents should be bold and refuse with their children when these kinds of warnings are issued. We want empowered parents who are aware of their surroundings and the debates around such matters as the climate change and its impact. But young children cannot make these decisions.”

    Mr Feni said if children writing exams were from the impacted schools they should be provided with all the support they need, including catching up of the lost day. “But before children are allowed back in schools those should be allowed only once the schools had been thoroughly cleaned and are conducive to learning.”

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • India, China agree to expedite resumption of direct flights, rebuild bilateral ties

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India and China have agreed to expedite the resumption of direct air services and work towards stabilising and rebuilding their bilateral ties, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday.

    The announcement followed a meeting between Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during his two-day visit to India. The two sides reviewed the progress made since their last talks in Beijing on January 27 and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening people-centric exchanges.

    Foreign Secretary Misri expressed appreciation for China’s cooperation in restarting the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra this year.

    Both countries agreed to accelerate steps toward restarting direct flights, with India pressing for the early conclusion of an updated Air Services Agreement. Discussions also covered visa facilitation and enhanced engagement between media and think tanks.

    Marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties, both sides reviewed commemorative activities planned for the year and pledged to support their successful execution.

    Additionally, they agreed to hold functional-level dialogues in economic and trade sectors to resolve outstanding concerns and promote mutual interests.

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Uganda: Govt Unveils Shs72.3 Trillion Budget to Drive Full Monetisation of Economy


    Download logo

    The Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development has unveiled a Shs72.136 trillion national budget for the 2025/2026 financial year, setting its sights on transforming every corner of the country into a hub of commercial activity.

    Presented by Finance Minister Matia Kasaija at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on Thursday, 12 June, 2025, the budget signals a strong shift towards full monetisation of Uganda’s economy, underpinned by commercial agriculture, industrialisation, digital transformation, and expanded access to markets.

    Speaking against the backdrop of a rapidly growing economy, Kasaija painted a picture of a Uganda ready to transition from resilience to acceleration.

    “The budget for next financial year, and over the medium term, is focused on people and wealth creation,” he said.

    Consequently, the theme of the financial year 2025/26 is: “Full Monetisation of Uganda’s Economy through Commercial Agriculture, Industrialisation, Expanding and Broadening Services, Digital Transformation and Market Access.’”

    The Shs72.3 trillion resource envelope represents one of the largest in Uganda’s history, with domestic revenue expected to contribute Shs37.2 trillion, roughly 60 percent of the total. The rest will be financed through borrowing and grants. The budget deficit is estimated at 7.6 percent of GDP.

    But Kasaija reassured Ugandans, stating that the government had a clear strategy to enhance domestic revenue mobilisation, widen the tax base, and strengthen tax administration.

    “Government plans to collect Shs37.2 trillion in domestic revenue next financial year,” he said, adding that focus would be placed on tackling smuggling, corruption at Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), and leveraging digital tools like the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing System to plug leakages.

    Priority sectors such as health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and tourism received large shares of the allocation.

    Healthcare emerged as a major beneficiary, with Shs5.87 trillion earmarked for next year. Kasaija detailed plans to functionalise Health Centre IVs, scale up e-health systems, and expand emergency medical services. He said the government had already delivered 20 digital X-ray machines and installed CT scanners in 14 out of 16 regional referral hospitals.

    “We are strengthening the National Ambulance and Emergency Care System,” he added.

    In education, the Minister allocated Shs5.04 trillion to support Universal Primary and Secondary Education, student loans, the construction of new seed schools, and improvements in teacher recruitment and digital inspections.

    Kasaija also confirmed the upcoming operationalisation of Bunyoro and Busoga universities, as well as continued investment in sports infrastructure ahead of African Champions Cup (CHAN) and African Cup of Nation (AFCON 2027).

    “In order to improve compliance with quality standards, Government digitised school inspections in all public schools and TVET institutions,” he said.

    Wealth creation programmes, a lifeline for millions of Ugandans received renewed commitment, with Shs2.43 trillion directed towards the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, the Uganda Development Bank (UDB), and other grassroots economic empowerment initiatives.

    Kasaija said the PDM alone would receive Shs .059 trillion in FY2025/2026, ensuring every parish continues to receive Shs100 million annually.

    “These investments are changing the lives of Ugandans by boosting household incomes, enhancing food security and creating employment opportunities,” he noted.

    He revealed that over 2.6 million Ugandans have already benefited from PDM funds, with investments spanning food crops, livestock, poultry, and microenterprises. To enhance efficiency and eliminate corruption, PDM operations have been fully digitised, using systems such as the WENDI and ZAIDI apps.

    On the industrial and agricultural front, the government committed Shs1.86 trillion to agro-industrialisation. This includes funding for agricultural research, irrigation schemes, fertilisers, extension services, and value addition. Kasaija highlighted the completion of 145 solar-powered irrigation schemes and the ongoing construction of 157 more.

    He singled out the Agricultural Credit Facility, now worth over Shs1 trillion in disbursements, as a key driver of agricultural transformation.

    “I have provided additional capital of Shs50 billion to the Agricultural Credit Facility next financial year, in addition to insurance that benefits all farmers including PDM beneficiaries.”

    Uganda’s industrial and energy ambitions were also prominently featured, with Kasaija announcing an allocation of Shs875.8 billion for mineral-based industrial development and oil and gas. The East African Crude Oil Pipeline is now 58 percent complete, and an agreement has been signed for the construction of a 60,000-barrel-per-day oil refinery. Once oil production starts in 2026, government expects annual revenues of US$1 to 2.5 billion.

    “Uganda currently saves up to US$72.8 million annually on fuel imports,” Kasaija said, citing the impact of the Uganda National Oil Company’s direct importation of petroleum products, which eliminated middlemen and reduced speculative pricing.

    Tourism, another pillar of the economy, was allocated Shs430 billion, with an additional Shs2.2 trillion indirectly supporting tourism infrastructure such as roads, ICT, and security.

    The government aims to position Uganda as a competitive MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination in Africa, following recent successes. “Uganda now ranks 7th in Africa in MICE tourism,” Kasaija stated.

    Even as he celebrated Uganda’s achievements, such as coffee exports surging past US$1.83 billion and tourism earnings reaching US$1.52 billion, Kasaija called on Ugandans to embrace value addition and export diversification.

    “While it took the country more than a century to reach US$1 billion in annual coffee export earnings, it has taken just one year to double these earnings,” he said. “I therefore implore Ugandans to grow more coffee and, most importantly, add value to our coffee before we export it.”

    AUDIO: Minister Kasaija

    Kasaija expressed confidence in the direction the country is taking. With projected economic growth of 7 percent in FY2025/2026 and a GDP per capita increase to US$1,324, Uganda is moving steadily towards middle-income status.

    “The necessary foundation has already been established, the speed of economic transformation is destined to be faster in the medium term.” Kasaija concluded.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • Israel Launches Unprecedented Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Program as Middle East Braces for Escalation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israel launched widescale strikes against Iran on Friday, targeting nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories and military commanders in what officials described as the start of a prolonged operation to prevent Tehran from building an atomic weapon. The attacks represent a dramatic escalation in tensions between the two adversaries and have thrown the Middle East into chaos.

    The Israel Defense Forces said the operation, titled ‘Rising Lion’, involved strikes against dozens of military targets, including the country’s nuclear program. Israeli military officials indicated that more than 200 fighter jets participated in the operation, which targeted locations across Iran in the early hours of Friday morning.

    The attacks killed Major General Hossein Salami, the head of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Israeli forces also claimed to have eliminated other senior Iranian military commanders, dealing a significant blow to Iran’s military leadership structure. As head of the Revolutionary Guard Corps, Salami was one of Iran’s most powerful military figures, overseeing the country’s most potent military arm and reporting directly to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

    The strikes targeted Iran’s main uranium enrichment facility at Natanz, though the International Atomic Energy Agency reported no increase in radiation levels at the site following the attacks. The agency confirmed that the Bushehr nuclear power plant was not targeted during the operation.

    Iran’s armed forces spokesperson Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi warned that Israel and the United States would pay a ‘heavy price’ for the strikes. Iranian state media reported that residential areas in Tehran were hit and that civilians, including children, were among the casualties.

    Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz declared a special state of emergency across the country, warning citizens to expect missile and drone retaliation. Sirens sounded across Israel in the hours before dawn as the country braced for potential Iranian counter-attacks. The strikes come at a particularly sensitive time, as the Trump administration has been pursuing diplomatic negotiations with Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly characterized Iran’s nuclear program as an existential threat to Israel’s survival. The White House has reportedly sought to distance itself from the Israeli operation, with Trump administration officials stating that the United States provided no military support for the strikes.

  • Families across India mourn loss of loved ones in Ahmedabad plane crash

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    As the nation comes to terms with the devastating crash of Air India Flight AI-171, grief has swept across households, with families mourning the loss of loved ones in what is being counted among India’s worst aviation disasters.

    The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, flying from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport on June 12, ramming into a nearby hostel. Only one passenger survived, while casualties on the ground are also feared.

    Among the victims was Anju Sharma, originally from Kurukshetra and living in Vadodara with her family. She was on her way to London to visit her elder daughter when the crash occurred.

    Her uncle, Balkishan Sharma, said he was deeply shaken. “I rarely watch TV. She was my brother’s eldest daughter. I found out about the tragedy from the news.”

    In Uttarsanda village in Gujarat’s Kheda district, the family of Rupal Patel is mourning her death. A resident of London for 15 years and mother of three, Rupal had returned to India for medical treatment.

    “My sister came for a week for treatment. After her operation, she was feeling well. She was happy to return to her husband and three children in London. I dropped her at the airport, and by the time I got home, I heard the devastating news,” said her brother, Pawan Patel.

    Rupal was seated in 19J on the flight. After being informed of the crash, her husband left London immediately with their children — a 13-year-old and twin 7-year-olds — to travel to Gujarat. “The kids were waiting for their mother to return. They had no idea she would never come back,” her husband said.

    In Ahmedabad, families waited overnight outside BJ Medical College as forensic teams carried out DNA sampling to identify the deceased, many of whom were burned beyond recognition.

    “Smoke suddenly rose high in the sky. There was fire. The flight had crashed, there were many people on board,” said Jairam, an eyewitness who lives around two kilometres from the site.

    The list of passengers on flight AI-171 showed that at least 33 of them were from Gujarat’s Anand district, 19 from Vadodara, and 17 from Kheda.

    The government has promised full support to the victims’ families and a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.

    IANS

  • Kohli-backed World Bowling League to roll out next year

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The first edition of the World Bowling League (WBL), backed by celebrity cricketer Virat Kohli and baseball star Mookie Betts, will roll out with six franchises competing in iconic locations early next year, league chief Adi K. Mishra told Reuters.

    The WBL is looking to transform a pastime for millions around the world into a cutting edge, made-for-TV experience via a heady mix of celebrity franchise owners, exotic locations and technological innovation.

    “It’s an incredible sport which just hasn’t been structured correctly for the past 50-60 years and everyone just dismisses it as a recreational activity,” Mishra, the founder and CEO of sports tech firm League Sports Co, said in a video call from the United States.

    “We are going to launch with six franchises in the first quarter of next year. It’s going to be a team of four – two male and two female bowlers.”

    Mishra did not go into detail about the format but said professional bowlers would compete in the core sport while celebrities would take part in auxiliary events, with teams collecting points throughout the season.

    With its origins in ancient Egypt, bowling’s heyday in the United States was in the 1960s and 70s when every town and suburb had its own alley.

    Even today, some 200 million people put on flat-soled shoes and take to the lanes every year, including 75 million in the U.S., Mishra said.

    The WBL is by no means the first attempt to create a professional circuit in the Tenpin game, and American Don ‘Mr Bowling’ Carter was the first athlete in any sport to ink a $1 million sponsorship deal back in 1964.

    What separates the WBL from previous attempts, Mishra says, is its global reach – the league is in the advanced stage of finalising franchises in Japan, South Korea, Singapore and India – and the ambitious vision.

    “Our first fundamental premise was – how can we take this and make this an aspirational product?” Mishra added.

    “We want to take two lanes and put them in iconic locations around the world – Hudson Yards in New York, Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, a variety of different locations in Dubai and India.”

    TAILOR-MADE FOR TV

    Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Betts bought the first announced franchise in May and the WBL pulled off another marketing coup when Kohli came on board as a strategic investor last month.

    Mishra did not provide financial details of Bett’s purchase but said negotiations on the sale of the remaining franchises were in the final stages.

    The league plans to simplify scoring, gather a host of celebrity and corporate backers, and use ball-tracking and other technology to create a product that works on television and digital platforms.

    Weaving complimentary programming featuring celebrity bowlers like Betts and Kohli around the core sport would make it an irresistible proposition for broadcasters, said Mishra.

    “We already have many broadcasters lined up and a lot of them think this sport, the way we’ve designed it, can fit into their ultra-premium segment.

    “A lot of them believe they can bring in other influencers and celebrities, who come in and bowl as well. So there’s a lot of ‘shoulder programming’ that you can create with the sport, which is not possible with a lot of other sports.”

    Mishra and Kohli know each other through their joint ownership of a team in the E1 electric powerboat world championship, and the cricketer’s fondness for bowling came as a pleasant surprise as the WBL was being in the planning stage.

    “Over the years, I’ve met a lot of celebs who happen to be closet bowlers,” Mishra said.

    “We were speaking about various things about the team and it turned out that he has been bowling and watching it since he was 11-12.

    “That was a big surprise for me and we wanted him to be part of this. Hopefully we’ll get him to bowl when he has more time for it.”

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Training Ethiopia’s next wave of freelancers to earn, grow and go global


    Download logo

    A digital training initiative is helping young Ethiopians turn freelancing into a viable career, opening up new opportunities for income, independence and access to global work.

    Ethiopia is emerging as a strong contender in the global freelance economy. With more than 200,000 science graduates each year, expanding internet access, and some of the most competitive labour costs in Africa, the country has the conditions to scale remote work. Supported by digital payment reforms and a national taskforce focused on freelancing, the country is working to turn its digital talent into a driver of economic growth.

    Until recently, however, few young people had access to structured support or training to help them enter the freelance market. That’s starting to change. A recent Digital Freelancing Training Programme trained 353 participants – 186 women and 167 men – in how to build sustainable careers as freelancers and access the global gig economy. The training covered everything from financial planning and personal branding to project management and securing online clients. The training was supported by the Netherlands Trust Fund V (NTF V) Ethiopia Tech project at the International Trade Centre (ITC).

    From employment to independence

    Nardos Seifu, a design and research strategist based in Addis Ababa, joined the programme after seeing a post on social media. Her work focuses on human-centred design, innovation, and facilitating learning experiences. She had long been interested in consulting but didn’t know how to position herself as a freelancer.

    ‘I had the skills, but I didn’t know how to offer them as a service,’ she said. ‘The training explained how freelancing works, including how to price your time, promote yourself, and manage your work professionally.’

    Since completing the course, she has formalized a tutoring side job and is applying for remote design consulting roles. She credits the financial planning sessions for helping her organise her income and time and is using platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook to grow her visibility.

    ‘I’ve always wanted to open a design studio that trains young people in design thinking. Now I feel like that’s possible.’

    Adapting to local realities

    The training was delivered online through weekly webinars, practical guides and interactive sessions. Internet access was a challenge for some participants, particularly outside Addis Ababa, so the team used multiple channels, including Telegram, SMS and email, to keep learners engaged.

    A key resource was the Become a Freelancer Checklist, a step-by-step guide to setting goals, building online profiles, and managing client work. Enquanhone also authored a companion eBook, Become an Online Freelancer, which covers everything from branding and pricing to productivity and digital tools.

    Turning lessons into action

    Participants were encouraged to apply what they learnt immediately. For Seifu, that meant tracking tutoring hours, setting a consistent hourly rate, and using scheduling tools to stay on top of her workload.

    ‘We were taught to treat freelancing like a business,’ she said. ‘That means knowing your value, being organised, and communicating clearly.’

    The programme also introduced tools for building an online presence. Nardos, previously hesitant about platforms like TikTok, is now using it to share insights and reach new audiences. ‘There are a lot of tools out there. The programme helped me figure out which ones matter and how to use them.’

    Following the training, many participants began applying their new skills immediately. A total of 148 entrepreneurs – including 63 women and 137 young people – have enhanced their ability to work as freelancers as a result of gaining practical tools to manage clients, projects and income streams. Of those trained, 87 participants (35 women and 81 youth) secured new jobs, demonstrating the programme’s early success in improving employability and access to income-generating opportunities.

    Growing a freelance community

    Participants came from diverse sectors – including marketing, development, and tech – and peer learning was a core part of the experience.

    ‘We were learning from each other,’ said Seifu. ‘We talked about our goals and shared what was working.’

    Still, Ethiopia’s freelance ecosystem is young. Seifu noted the lack of local networks or co-working spaces for freelancers. A Telegram group created through the programme helps alumni stay in touch and share opportunities, but participants see the need for more structured, long-term support.

    A model for future growth

    The early results are promising. Graduates are putting their new skills into practice and exploring new income streams. But to sustain progress, Ethiopia will need to invest in ongoing mentorship, stronger digital infrastructure and formal recognition of the freelance sector.

    ‘This training was a starting point,’ said Enquanhone. ‘Now we need to expand access, build networks and make freelancing a respected path to employment.’

    With the right support, Ethiopia’s freelancers could help shape the country’s digital economy and become a model for others across the continent.

    A model for future growth

    The early results are promising. Graduates are putting their new skills into practice and exploring new income streams. But to sustain progress, Ethiopia will need to invest in ongoing mentorship, stronger digital infrastructure and formal recognition of the freelance sector.

    ‘This training was a starting point,’ said Enquanhone. ‘Now we need to expand access, build networks and make freelancing a respected path to employment.’

    With the right support, Ethiopia’s freelancers could help shape the country’s digital economy and become a model for others across the continent.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI China: 12 crew members rescued from ship as Typhoon Wutip closes in

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

    Twelve crew members were rescued from a ship in south China’s island province of Hainan early Friday morning as Typhoon Wutip approaches, said local authorities.

    The Nanhai Rescue Bureau of the Ministry of Transport received messages on Thursday evening that, due to Wutip, 12 people on a cargo ship about 14 nautical miles (about 26 kilometers) off a headland in southwestern Hainan needed evacuation.

    The rescue vessel departed at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday and arrived at the site at 11:50 p.m., where gales generated waves as high as three meters. Rescuers managed to lift those crew members to safety 43 minutes later, and they are expected to return to an anchorage at noon on Friday.

    The evacuees will stay on the rescue vessel, where they will be provided with daily necessities and medical services. They will be taken ashore when weather permits.

    Wutip intensified into a severe tropical storm at 8 p.m. Thursday. As of 10 a.m. on Friday, it was located near Ledong Li Autonomous County, Hainan, with winds reaching up to 101 kilometers per hour and moving northwest at a speed of 5 to 10 kilometers per hour.

    All kindergartens, schools, construction sites and tourist attractions in Sanya have been closed. Ships are prohibited from sailing, and Sanya airport suspended all flights from 10 p.m. Thursday. High-speed rail services across Hainan have been halted, with operations expected to resume on Saturday.

    The Nanhai Rescue Bureau is closely monitoring Wutip, with seven rescue vessels and four helicopters on standby to respond to emergencies.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: SCIO briefs media on promoting green development in Zhejiang

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

    SCIO briefs media on promoting green development in Zhejiang

    China SCIO | June 13, 2025

    The State Council Information Office (SCIO) organized a media trip to eastern China’s Zhejiang province from June 11 to 13, bringing together over 40 journalists – including foreign correspondents from the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, Singapore, Indonesia, Turkey, South Korea, Japan and Brazil – to observe the progress of green development in the province.

    A press briefing was held Thursday in Zhejiang’s capital city Hangzhou, where Xu Wenguang, executive vice governor of Zhejiang province, briefed the media and answered questions.

    On June 12, 2025, the State Council Information Office (SCIO) holds a press briefing in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo by Luan Haijun/China SCIO]

    1   2   3   4   5   6   7   >  

    MIL OSI China News –

  • Air India crash: PM Modi visits Ahmedabad crash site, calls it a scene of “devastation”

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday visited the site of the Air India crash in Ahmedabad, where the London-bound flight carrying 242 people went down a day earlier.

    The aircraft crashed minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, killing 241 people. Only one passenger – a British national of Indian origin – survived.

    “The scene of devastation is saddening,” PM Modi said in a post on X after reviewing the wreckage. “Met officials and teams working tirelessly in the aftermath. Our thoughts remain with those who lost their loved ones in this unimaginable tragedy.”

    He was accompanied by Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Gujarat State Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and other senior officials during the site inspection.

    Flight AI-171, headed to London Gatwick, crashed into the hostel complex of BJ Medical College at 1:38 p.m. IST on Thursday, triggering a massive blaze and a large-scale emergency response.

    Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the crash site on Thursday and later chaired a high-level meeting with Civil Aviation Minister Naidu, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and senior officials to review relief and rescue measures.

    Shah said DNA testing was underway to confirm the identities of the victims and assured that results would be delivered at the earliest by Gujarat’s Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU). DNA samples of family members arriving from abroad would be collected on arrival, he added.

    A formal investigation into the crash has been launched by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in accordance with international protocols under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), said Civil Aviation Minister Naidu. A high-level expert committee is also being formed to examine the incident and suggest safety improvements to prevent future tragedies.

    The United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced it would send a team of investigators to India to assist the AAIB.

    “The NTSB will be leading a team of US investigators travelling to India to assist the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau with its investigation into the crash of an Air India Boeing 787 in Ahmedabad, India, Thursday,” the agency said, noting that all official updates would come from the Indian government under ICAO’s Annex 13 protocols.

    Rescue and Relief Operations Continue

    Rescue operations continued through the night as teams sifted through debris for missing aircraft parts.

    Parts of the plane’s fuselage were scattered around the smouldering building into which it crashed. The tail of the plane was stuck on top of the building.

    Air India CEO Campbell Wilson reached Ahmedabad early Friday. The airline said it had set up Friends & Relatives Assistance Centres at Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi, and Gatwick airports to support the families of those on board.

    “These centres are facilitating the travel of family members to Ahmedabad,” Air India posted on X. Emergency contact numbers were also issued for those seeking information: 1800 5691 444 for calls from within India, and +91 8062779200 for international callers.

    The Tata Group, which took over Air India in 2022, announced a compensation of Rs 1 crore for the family of each deceased passenger.

    “Tata Group will provide Rs 1 crore to the families of each person who has lost their life in this tragedy. We will also cover the medical expenses of those injured and ensure that they receive all necessary care and support. Additionally, we will provide support in the building up of the B J Medical’s hostel,” Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran said on X.

    Earlier, Air India released a breakdown of the nationalities of those on board: 169 were Indian nationals, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian.

    (With inputs from agencies)

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal Crash, Te Aroha

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police can confirm one person has died following a crash in Te Aroha this afternoon.

    The two-vehicle crash on Stanley Road South was reported just before 1:40pm.

    One person died at the scene, a second person was seriously injured and a further two people sustained moderate injuries.

    The road has since reopened.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LEADER JEFFRIES: “IF THEY CAN ATTACK A SITTING SENATOR, JUST IMAGINE WHAT THEY HAVE IN STORE FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

    Tonight, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on MSNBC’s The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell to discuss the Trump administration’s unprecedented assault of Senator Alex Padilla:

    LAWRENCE O’DONNELL: Leading off our breaking news coverage tonight is House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Mr. Jeffries, thank you very much for joining us tonight. There is so much for you to consider for us. First of all, let’s begin with Governor Newsom and his big victory in court tonight. This decision that I’ve read by the judge just finds in the governor’s favor all the way through ordering the California National Guard back under the command of Gavin Newsom.

    LEADER JEFFRIES: It’s a big victory for the people of California, for the governor, for the rule of law and for democracy itself. Donald Trump had engaged in aggressive overreach. That was never a need for this deployment. Things were being managed by the LAPD, the California Highway Patrol, as well as local Los Angeles County sheriffs. We all object and reject any efforts to assault police officers, to be disruptive, to engage in unlawful and unruly behavior. That was not the issue here. The issue is, how do we make sure that we can continue to protect the peaceful assembly that is guaranteed by the United States Constitution as part of the right of every American to petition their government to try to get grievances redressed.

    LAWRENCE O’DONNELL: Judge Breyer, Charles Breyer, very carefully reviewed every single event that has happened there that could be called in any way close to violent, every single thing, every mango that was thrown, every bottle that was thrown, every fire in a dumpster that happened. The fires of those driverless cars that happened over the weekend. And he concluded that none of that was beyond the control of LAPD, and in fact, described exactly how local officials, local law enforcement, brought all of those situations under control relatively quickly, thereby proving just in terms of what actually has been happening in Los Angeles, that it was completely under control and no federal support was needed. So he has that finding, in addition to Donald Trump illegally ordered those troops to move into Los Angeles.

    LEADER JEFFRIES: It was an extremely meticulous decision, and this was all about political theater for Donald Trump. He doesn’t want the American people to lock in on the fact that he’s collapsing the economy. He’s failed to lower costs. The GOP Tax Scam is going to rip away healthcare for more than 16 million people, snatch food out of the mouths of children and seniors and veterans, all in service of giving their billionaire donors massive tax breaks. These are all deeply unpopular things. And so, Donald Trump wanted to create a massive distraction in this particular instance. If Donald Trump really believed that we were on the verge of insurrection, then he wouldn’t have attended a Broadway play last evening at the Kennedy Center. It would have been in the Situation Room. Instead, he was out on a night on the town. So this was a fraudulent thing that Donald Trump and his minions at the Department of Homeland Security had engaged in, and it’s now all been exposed in a meticulous decision by Judge Breyer.

    LAWRENCE O’DONNELL: I mean, you know, I said at the outset, when Donald Trump first sent the troops to Los Angeles, that this was specifically, specifically to try to get us to turn our cameras to Los Angeles and away from those senators walking down the halls in Washington who have not been able to come to an agreement on how to do the Trump budget bill in the Senate and to take the focus away from that bill. What are we going to find? What are voters going to find when they put their focus back on this bill and what this bill is trying to do to voters?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: You know, Brendan Boyle, the top Democrat in the House on the Budget Committee, has done a tremendous job of pointing out, one, this is the largest cut to Medicaid in American history, on top of the largest cut to nutritional assistance in American history, all in service of trying to bring about the largest set of tax breaks for billionaires in American history. It’s extraordinary. And they are going to increase the debt and the deficit by trillions of dollars, force our children and grandchildren to pay for it. And as a result of this one big ugly bill, hospitals will close, nursing homes will shut down, community based health clinics are not going to be able to operate. People are going to die because of the lack of being able to receive the medical service that they need. And so Trump is certainly trying to hide the ball from the American people. But this is a disgusting abomination. And the more the American people learn about the GOP Tax Scam, the worse it gets for them.

    LAWRENCE O’DONNELL: Senator Alex Padilla obviously became the news of the day in Washington when that video spread of him being attacked like that in a federal building, a completely secure federal building, that you have to go through metal detectors and have an appointment to get into. Here’s the United States Senator in a federal building being attacked by federal agents, with a Cabinet Secretary looking on, lying about California while that was happening. Where were you when you first saw that video and what was your reaction, maybe holding your phone in your hand looking at that video?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: It was disgusting when the news broke. I was on the Hill, we were preparing for a series of votes on the Floor of the House. And when you looked at the video, first of all, to know Senator Padilla, he is just a kind and decent person, a salt-of-the-earth type of individual. He has an extraordinary story, humble beginnings, eventually became an engineer at MIT, educated, and then walked away from what could have been a very lucrative career in order to serve his community and ultimately his state. And to see him assaulted in this fashion, manhandled, and then for the Secretary to lie about it, and the Department of Homeland Security, these people have zero credibility. And so the California Delegation, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, every single part of the House Democratic Caucus stands in solidarity with Senator Padilla. If they can attack a sitting Senator in his home state in this fashion, just imagine what they have in store for the American people. That’s why all of us should be concerned. All of us need to push back, and all of us need to stand up for the principle that in the United States of America, there are no kings.

    LAWRENCE O’DONNELL: Senator Padilla has insisted that this story is not about him, it’s what it means to the rest of us. It’s what it means about the people who the ICE agents and the federal agents are going after every day. Let’s listen to what Senator Padilla said when he came out of that federal building after being the– becoming the first United States Senator in history to be manhandled, pushed by federal agents, thrown to the ground and handcuffed for speaking. That has never happened before in American history. Let’s listen to what Senator Padilla said when he emerged from the federal building today.

    SENATOR PADILLA (VIDEO): I came to the press conference to hear what she had to say, to see if I could learn any new additional information. And at one point, I had a question. And let me emphasize, the right for people to peacefully protest and to stand up for their First Amendment rights, for our fundamental rights. I was there peacefully. At one point I had a question and so I began to ask a question. I was almost immediately forcibly removed from the room. I was forced to the ground and I was handcuffed. I was not arrested. I was not detained. I will say this, if this is how this administration responds to a Senator with a question, if this is how the Department of Homeland Security responds to a Senator with a question, you can only imagine what they’re doing to farmworkers, to cooks, to day laborers out in the Los Angeles community and throughout California and throughout the country. Pero una gran pregunta es esta: si esta es la reacción a un senador con una pregunta, imagínense lo que están haciendo con cocineros, jornaleros, campesinos y otros inmigrantes no violentos en la comunidad de Los Ángeles, en otras áreas de el estado de California y en el país.

    LAWRENCE O’DONNELL: Leader Jeffries that statement about imagine, just imagine what they’re doing to other people if this is what they do to the United States senators does seem to be the lesson of the day.

    LEADER JEFFRIES: It’s incredibly powerful words from Senator Padilla. I think it’s one of the reasons why there was such a visceral reaction on the Hill both because we know him to be such a good man and this is just an example of how out of control the Trump administration is at this point. We’ve seen an unprecedented assault on the economy, on healthcare, on Social Security and of course, on the rule of law, on the American way of life, on democracy itself. But that’s why it’s going to be important for all of us to continue to show up and speak up and stand up, push back aggressively against the Trump administration, their extremism against Donald Trump and his minions in Congress who are nothing more than a Reckless Rubber Stamp for his extreme agenda. And we’ll continue to do that in the Congress, in the courts, and in communities all across the country.

    LAWRENCE O’DONNELL: In any other presidency, I would expect you to be getting briefed very soon, if not already, about what has happened on Israel’s strike against Iran tonight. Have you been briefed in any way by the intelligence services about what is happening tonight?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: I have not received an extensive briefing. There was minimal outreach from the administration, but I do expect sooner rather than later that we will receive a more comprehensive briefing about the state of affairs and the situation that exists. I mean, one of the things that Donald Trump, of course, promised on day one of his presidency, in addition to lowering the cost of living that, of course, has not happened. He talked about ending the war in Ukraine. That hasn’t happened. Talked about restoring peace to the Middle East. That has not happened. And so the whole Trump presidency has been a complete failure characterized by chaos, cruelty and corruption. And, you know, I’m hopeful that cooler heads will prevail in the Middle East and the situation is de-escalated. We certainly believe that Iran should never be allowed to become nuclear capable. They are an enemy not just to Israel, but to the United States and to the free world. But we also want to see a reduction in hostilities.

    LAWRENCE O’DONNELL: House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, thank you very much for joining us in our breaking news coverage tonight on this important night.

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you, Lawrence.

    LAWRENCE O’DONNELL: Thank you.

    The full interview can be watched here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, Cruz Introduce Senate Resolution Honoring Former First Lady Barbara Bush

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) today introduced a Senate resolution honoring the life, achievements, and public service of former First Lady Barbara Pierce Bush on the week of her 100th birthday. Text is below, and you can view the full resolution here.

    “Whereas, on June 8, 1925, Barbara Pierce Bush (referred to in this preamble as ‘Barbara Bush’) was born in New York City, New York;

    Whereas Barbara Bush attended Ashley Hall and Smith College;

    Whereas Barbara Bush worked a factory job to support the United States war effort during World War II in 1943;

    Whereas, on January 6, 1945, Barbara Bush married George Herbert Walker Bush after he returned from serving in World War II;

    Whereas, in 1948, Barbara Bush and George Herbert Walker Bush moved to Odessa, Texas, and had 6 children, George W., Robin, Jeb, Neil, Marvin, and Dorothy;

    Whereas Barbara Bush supported the early business ventures of her husband in oil, which would later evolve into the Pennzoil Corporation;

    Whereas Barbara Bush supported the first forays of her husband in politics during his 1963 Harris County Republican Party chairmanship and 1966 election to the House of Representatives in the 7th Congressional District of Texas;

    Whereas Barbara Bush kept the constituents in Houston informed of happenings in Washington, DC, by writing frequent newspaper columns during the time George Herbert Walker Bush served in the House of Representatives;

    Whereas, during the career of George Herbert Walker Bush before becoming President of the United States, Barbara Bush orchestrated cross-country moves for her family 29 times in 44 years;

    Whereas Barbara Bush supported the political ascension of George Herbert Walker Bush during his appointments as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations in 1970, the Chair of the Republican National Committee in 1972, and the Director of Central Intelligence in 1976;

    Whereas Barbara Bush became Second Lady of the United States when George Herbert Walker Bush was sworn in as the 43rd Vice President of the United States in 1981, and again in 1985 after the 1984 re-election of the Reagan-Bush Administration;

    Whereas, as Second Lady of the United States, Barbara Bush revitalized the vice presidential residence at 1 Observatory Circle with extensive renovations and the hosting of more than 1,000 social events;

    Whereas, as Second Lady of the United States, Barbara Bush used her platform in the Reagan-Bush administration to champion public literacy to combat the cycle of poverty in the United States;

    Whereas, as Second Lady of the United States, Barbara Bush played a significant role in the successful presidential campaign of George Herbert Walker Bush, which saw him win the 1988 Presidential election with 426 electoral votes, a feat which has not been matched since;

    Whereas, as First Lady of the United States, Barbara Bush continued to champion public literacy by establishing the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy in 1989, and played a significant role in the passage of the National Literacy Act of 1991 (Public Law 102–73; 105 Stat. 333);

    Whereas, as First Lady of the United States, Barbara Bush showed immense compassion to AIDS patients at a time when public opinion was still hostile towards their plight;

    Whereas, after leaving the White House, Barbara Bush published her bestselling book, ‘Barbara Bush: A Memoir’;

    Whereas, after the victory of her son George W. Bush in the 2000 Presidential election, Barbara Bush became the second woman in the history of the United States to have been both married to a President of the United States and the mother of a President of the United States;

    Whereas Barbara Bush showed unwavering support for the presidential campaigns of her sons, George W. Bush in 2000 and 2004, and Jeb Bush in 2016; and

    Whereas, on her passing at her Houston home on April 17, 2018, Barbara Bush was survived by her husband of 73 years, George Herbert Walker Bush, 5 children and their spouses, 17 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren: Now, therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That Congress—

    (1) honors the life, achievements, and distinguished public service of Barbara Pierce Bush (referred to in this resolution as ‘Barbara Bush’);
    (2) recognizes Barbara Bush on the occasion of her 100th birthday and expresses thanks and commendations to her and her family;
    (3) acknowledges the positive impact that Barbara Bush contributed to the United States through her tireless dedication to promoting literacy and uplifting her fellow citizens; and
    (4) celebrates the legacy of Barbara Bush as a model citizen and public servant of the United States.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • After Israel strikes Iran, airlines divert flights, airspace closed

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Airlines cleared out of the airspace over Israel, Iran and Iraq and Jordan on Friday after Israel launched attacks on targets in Iran, Flightradar24 data showed, with carriers scrambling to divert and cancel flights to keep passengers and crew safe.

    Proliferating conflict zones around the world are becoming an increasing burden on airline operations and profitability, and more of a safety concern.

    Six commercial aircraft have been shot down unintentionally and three nearly missed since 2001, according to aviation risk consultancy Osprey Flight Solutions.

    Israel on Friday said it targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories and military commanders at the start of what it warned would be a prolonged operation to prevent Tehran from building an atomic weapon.

    Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport was closed until further notice, and Israel’s air defence units stood at high alert for possible retaliatory strikes from Iran.

    Israeli flag carrier El Al Airlines said it had suspended flights to and from Israel.

    Iranian airspace has been closed until further notice, according to state media and notices to pilots.

    As reports of strikes on Iran emerged, a number of commercial flights by airlines including Dubai’s Emirates, Lufthansa and Air India were flying over Iran.

    Air India, which overflies Iran for its Europe and North American flights, said several flights were being diverted or returned to their origin, including ones from New York, Vancouver, Chicago and London.

    Emirates and Lufthansa did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

    Iraq early on Friday closed its airspace and suspended all traffic at its airports, Iraqi state media reported.

    Eastern Iraq near the border with Iran contains one of the world’s busiest air corridors, with dozens of flights crossing between Europe and the Gulf, many on routes from Asia to Europe, at any one moment.

    Flights steadily diverted over Central Asia or Saudi Arabia, flight tracking data showed.

    Jordan, which sits between Israel and Iraq, closed its airspace several hours after the Israeli campaign began.

    “The situation is still emerging – operators should use a high degree of caution in the region at this time,” according to Safe Airspace, a website run by OPSGROUP, a membership-based organisation that shares flight risk information.

    Several flights due to land in Dubai were diverted early on Friday. An Emirates flight from Manchester to Dubai was diverted to Istanbul and a flydubai flight from Belgrade diverted to Yerevan, Armenia.

    Budget carrier flydubai said it had suspended flights to Amman, Beirut, Damascus, Iran and Israel and a number of other flights had been cancelled, rerouted or returned to their departure airports.

    Qatar Airways cancelled its two scheduled flights to Damascus on Friday, Flightradar24 data shows.

    The Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Middle East since October 2023 led to commercial aviation sharing the skies with short-notice barrages of drones and missiles across major flight paths – some of which were reportedly close enough to be seen by pilots and passengers.

    Airspace in the Middle East last year was crossed daily by 1,400 flights to and from Europe, Eurocontrol data show.

    Last year, planes were shot down by weaponry in Kazakhstan and in Sudan. These incidents followed the high-profile downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine in 2014 and of Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 en route from Tehran in 2020.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement from Congressman Marc Veasey on the Crash of Air India Flight 171

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

    Headline: Statement from Congressman Marc Veasey on the Crash of Air India Flight 171

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33), a member of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, issued the following statement in response to the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171, which departed from Ahmedabad International Airport and claimed the lives of 290 passengers and crew:

    “I am heartbroken by the devastating crash of Air India Flight 171. My deepest prayers are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this unspeakable tragedy. As we mourn the loss of 290 souls, we stand in solidarity with the people of India during this painful time.

    As a proud member of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, I know how deeply connected our communities are. This tragedy is not just India’s loss — it is a shared loss felt across continents and cultures. The United States grieves with India today.” 

    In addition to being a member of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, Congressman Veasey co-chairs the Congressional Aviation Safety Caucus. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Congressman Veasey Blasts Republican Hypocrisy for Badly Plagiarizing Democratic Policies, Argues Democrats Have Winning Agenda

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

    Headline: ICYMI: Congressman Veasey Blasts Republican Hypocrisy for Badly Plagiarizing Democratic Policies, Argues Democrats Have Winning Agenda

    ICYMI: Congressman Veasey Blasts Republican Hypocrisy for Badly Plagiarizing Democratic Policies, Argues Democrats Have Winning Agenda 

    Washington, D.C. – Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) is pulling no punches in his NBC op-ed, “If Republicans Are Copying Democrats, We Must Be Doing Something Right,” where he torches Republican lawmakers for publicly parroting Democratic policies while dismantling the very programs that make those policies work. 

    Congressman Veasey lays out how Trump and his allies are pushing legislation that loots the American safety net — all while pretending to champion working people. 

    “Republicans are copying our policies like knock-off brands — slapping on new labels while gutting the real product,” said Veasey. “They’re plagiarizing our ideas while sabotaging working families in the same breath.”

    “We don’t resent success. We resent selfishness. We don’t loathe ambition. We oppose a rigged game. What we reject is a system in which a handful of billionaires guard the gates of opportunity, locking others out to keep the wealth all to themselves. Because the American Dream was never meant to be a gated community.”

    Read the full article here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police statement – Coroner’s findings in Lachie Jones death

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Please attribute to Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson:

    Police acknowledge the findings by the coroner into the tragic death of three-year-old Lachie Jones who was found deceased in a Gore oxidation pond in January 2019.

    Police will now need to consider the findings and the direction by the coroner for Police to undertake a third investigation. We will work diligently on all aspects we need to undertake to progress that with the appropriate resources and urgency to complete this direction as is required.

    Police want to acknowledge Lachie’s family and the impact his death and the subsequent processes have had on them.

    Police would also like to take this opportunity to recognise members of the public who came out on the evening Lachie was reported missing and searched for hours. We know that Lachie’s death has also had an impact on them and the wider Gore community.

    Police have previously acknowledged but reiterate again today that our initial action following Lachie’s death fell short of the high expectations we set for ourselves. As a result of Lachie’s death, Police have implemented a national policy change which requires that CIB must be consulted for any death of a baby, child, or young person and where possible attend all scenes. The CIB will also be required to oversee or lead any investigation into the death of an infant or child under 10.

    Our deepest thoughts and sympathies continue to be with Lachie’s family.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Road closed, SH2, Maharahara

    Source: New Zealand Police

    State Highway Two, Maharahara is closed following a serious crash this evening.

    Police were alerted to the two-vehicle crash near Gaisford Road at around 5.05pm.

    Initial indications suggest there are serious injuries.

    The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.

    The road is closed while emergency services are at the scene.

    Motorists are advised to follow diversions and expect delays.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –