NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Report reveals strong performance from Council’s Counter Fraud Team

    Source: City of Derby

    Derby City Council saved over £500,000 in the last financial year and recovered nine homes for Council tenants, thanks to the work of the Counter Fraud team.

    The figures are detailed in an annual report submitted to the Council’s Audit and Governance Committee.

    The report shows that the team achieved almost 200 positive outcomes during the 2024/25 financial year, highlighting the Council’s commitment to tackling fraudulent activity and protecting public resources.

    Savings were achieved by recovering money that was lost and by preventing various fraud schemes.

    Nine social housing properties that were being used illegally were recovered for eligible residents on the housing waiting list, and six Right to Buy applications were withdrawn.

    Two people were prosecuted for benefit fraud, as part of joint working with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

    Raising awareness about fraud remained a priority. The team shared fraud warnings both inside and outside the organisation, used social media to encourage the public to report anything suspicious, and gave important fraud awareness training to staff and partners.

    Councillor Shiraz Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing, Strategic Planning and Regulatory Services said:

    These results underscore our proactive stance against fraud and the team’s dedication to ensuring that taxpayer money and vital housing resources are used appropriately.

    The recovery of nine properties and the significant savings delivered highlight the tangible benefits of our Counter Fraud Team’s expertise and diligent work.

    The team is working hard to protect vital public services — but can’t do it alone. If you suspect fraud, help us take action.

    You can Report fraud anonymously online, email: fraud@derby.gov.uk or telephone the 24-hour hotline: 01332 640888.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Polytechnic University is completing the process of accepting documents for budget-funded bachelor’s and specialist’s degrees

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The admissions campaign at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University is in full swing, and its first stage is coming to an end. On July 25 at 12:00 Moscow time, the deadline for accepting documents for the bachelor’s and specialist’s programs of full-time budgetary education ends. Applicants have only one day left to submit an application and finally decide on their future profession.

    Currently, more than 139,000 applications have been submitted for bachelor’s and specialist’s degree programs, which confirms the high interest of applicants in the Polytechnic University. In terms of the number of applications, the leading positions are still occupied by the Institute of Computer Science and Cybersecurity, the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade, the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport.

    Although you can submit documents to SPbPU online from anywhere in the country, the Admissions Committee is always happy to meet with applicants in person. This year, a modern multifunctional space has been organized in the Reading Room of the Main Academic Building, where you can submit documents with the help of the Admissions Committee staff, sign a training agreement and, of course, submit consent for enrollment (in 2025, it replaces the need to provide an original education document). Next to the Reading Room, there are institute stands where university representatives provide detailed information about training programs, internship opportunities and employment prospects. During the admissions campaign, meetings and tours of laboratories were also held for applicants and their parents, allowing them to get acquainted with the university infrastructure.

    This year, in order to be enrolled in a university, it is necessary to provide consent for enrollment instead of the original educational document. At the moment, more than 1,500 applicants have already submitted consent for enrollment.

    The main innovation of this year was the “Petrovskaya Wave” program, which guarantees admission to applicants with high scores. If the applicant’s score exceeds the established threshold, the university will enroll him or her even in a fee-paying place – at its own expense. In 2025, the wave will apply to some areas of the Institute of Energy, the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport, and the Institute of Electronics and Telecommunications.

    Also in 2025, a new grant system for talented applicants was introduced. Winners and prize winners of Olympiads, as well as students entering with high Unified State Exam scores, can receive a grant of up to 120,000 rubles, as well as an additional payment of 50,000 rubles subject to excellent academic performance. In 2025, more than 500 winners and prize winners of Olympiads applied to the Polytechnic University, of which 150 have already agreed to enroll in the university.

    After the document submission process is complete, the enrollment stage will begin. On July 27, the competitive lists will be published, according to which applicants will be able to assess their situation and opportunities for admission. In order to be enrolled in the Polytechnic University, applicants must provide consent for enrollment (on the State Services portal, in person at the admissions office or by mail) within the established deadlines:

    until August 1, 12:00 Moscow time — for applicants on quotas and without entrance examinations until August 5, 12:00 Moscow time — for applicants to the main competitive places

    On July 2, priority enrollment will take place for preferential categories and winners and prize winners of Olympiads, and on August 7, the main stage of enrollment for full-time budgetary education will take place.

    Saint Petersburg Polytechnic University is waiting for its future main heroes and is preparing for a new academic year full of discoveries, scientific achievements and exciting events!

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Breaking: According to preliminary data, all those on board the An-24 in the Amur Region have died — TASS

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    Vladivostok, July 24 /Xinhua/ — All those on board the An-24 plane that crashed in the Amur Region have died, according to preliminary information, TASS reported, citing emergency services.

    “According to preliminary information, everyone died. So far, the helicopter with rescuers cannot land in the crash site – it is a hard-to-reach area, a mountain slope. There is a fire at the site,” the source said. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Lightning: Thai military says nine civilians killed in clashes with Cambodia – media

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    Xinhua | 24.07.2025

    Keywords: Thailand-Cambodia

    Source: Xinhua

    Flash: Thai Armed Forces Say Nine Civilians Killed in Clashes with Cambodia — Media Flash: Thai Armed Forces Say Nine Civilians Killed in Clashes with Cambodia — Media

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Cambodian PM urges people to remain calm amid clashes on Thai border

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    PHNOM PENH, July 24 (Xinhua) — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Thursday called on the people to remain calm and trust the government and military amid a clash on the border with Thailand.

    Khun Manet wrote on his official social media page that the Thai army launched an attack on Cambodian military positions in Oddar Meanchey province on Thursday morning, and then in Preah Vihear province.

    “Cambodia has always maintained the position that it wants to resolve problems peacefully, but in this case we have no choice but to respond with armed forces to armed aggression,” he said. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism of China

    Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today met with H.E. Gao Zheng, Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism of China in Beijing. Both sides exchanged views on strengthening cooperation in culture and tourism under the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The meeting highlighted a shared vision for enhancing cultural exchanges and tourism synergy, paving the way for innovative collaborations that celebrate cultural heritage and enrich tourism experiences, while fostering sustainable growth across ASEAN and China.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism of China appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Togo’s ‘Nana-Benz’: how cheap Chinese imports of African fabrics have hurt the famous women traders

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Fidele B. Ebia, Postdoctoral fellow, Duke Africa Initiative, Duke University

    The manufacturing of African print textiles has shifted to China in the 21st century. While they are widely consumed in African countries – and symbolic of the continent – the rise of “made in China” has undermined the African women traders who have long shaped the retail and distribution of this cloth.

    For many decades Vlisco, the Dutch textile group which traces its origins to 1846 and whose products had been supplied to west Africa by European trading houses since the late 19th century, dominated manufacture of the cloth. But in the last 25 years dozens of factories in China have begun to supply African print textiles to west African markets. Qingdao Phoenix Hitarget Ltd, Sanhe Linqing Textile Group and Waxhaux Ltd are among the best known.

    We conducted research to establish how the rise of Chinese-made cloth has affected the African print textiles trade. We focused on Togo. Though it’s a tiny country with a population of only 9.7 million, the capital city, Lomé, is the trading hub in west Africa for the textiles.

    We conducted over 100 interviews with traders, street sellers, port agents or brokers, government officials and representatives of manufacturing companies to learn about how their activities have changed.

    “Made in China” African print textiles are substantially cheaper and more accessible to a wider population than Vlisco fabric. Our market observations in Lomé’s famous Assigamé market found that Chinese African print textiles cost about 9,000 CFA (US$16) for six yards – one complete outfit. Wax Hollandais (50,000 CFA or US$87) cost over five times more.

    Data is hard to come by, but our estimates suggest that 90% of imports of these textiles to Lomé port in 2019 came from China.

    One Togolese trader summed up the attraction:

    Who could resist a cloth that looked similar, but that cost much less than real Vlisco?

    Our research shows how the rise of China manufactured cloth has undermined Vlisco’s once dominant market share as well as the monopoly on the trade of Dutch African print textiles that Togolese traders once enjoyed.

    The traders, known as Nana-Benz because of the expensive cars they drove, once enjoyed an economic and political significance disproportionate to their small numbers. Their political influence was such that they were key backers of Togo’s first president, Sylvanus Olympio – himself a former director of the United Africa Company, which distributed Dutch cloth.

    In turn, Olympio and long-term leader General Gnassingbé Eyadéma provided policy favours – such as low taxes – to support trading activity. In the 1970s, African print textile trade was considered as significant as the phosphate industry – the country’s primary export.

    Nana-Benz have since been displaced – their numbers falling from 50 to about 20. Newer Togolese traders – known as Nanettes or “little Nanas” – have taken their place. While they have carved out a niche in mediating the textiles trade with China, they have lower economic and political stature. In turn, they too are increasingly threatened by Chinese competition, more recently within trading and distribution as well.

    China displaces the Dutch

    Dating back to the colonial period, African women traders have played essential roles in the wholesale and distribution of Dutch cloth in west African markets. As many countries in the region attained independence from the 1950s onwards, Grand Marché – or Assigamé – in Lomé became the hub for African print textile trade.

    While neighbouring countries such as Ghana limited imports as part of efforts to promote domestic industrialisation, Togolese traders secured favourable conditions. These included low taxes and use of the port.

    Read more: West Africans ditch Dutch wax prints for Chinese ‘real-fakes’

    Togolese women traders knew the taste of predominantly female, west African customers better than their mostly male, Dutch designers. The Nana-Benz were brought into the African print textile production and design process, selecting patterns and giving names to designs they knew would sell.

    They acquired such wealth from this trade that they earned the Nana-Benz nickname from the cars they purchased and which they used to collect and move merchandise.

    Nana-Benz exclusivity of trading and retailing of African print textiles cloth in west African markets has been disrupted. As Vlisco has responded to falling revenues – over 30% in the first five years of the 21st century – due to its Chinese competition, Togolese traders’ role in the supply chain of Dutch cloth has been downgraded.

    In response to the flood of Chinese imports, the Dutch manufacturer re-positioned itself as a luxury fashion brand and placed greater focus on the marketing and distribution of the textiles.

    Vlisco has opened several boutique stores in west and central Africa, starting with Cotonou (2008), Lomé (2008) and Abidjan (2009). The surviving Nana-Benz – an estimated 20 of the original 50 – operate under contract as retailers rather than traders and must follow strict rules of sale and pricing.

    While newer Togolese traders known as Nanettes are involved in the sourcing of textiles from China, they have lower economic and political stature. Up to 60 are involved in the trade.

    Former street sellers of textiles and other petty commodities, Nanettes began travelling to China in the early to mid-2000s to source African print textiles. They are involved in commissioning and advising on the manufacturing of African print textiles in China and the distribution in Africa.

    While many Nanettes order the common Chinese brands, some own and market their own. These include what are now well-known designs in Lomé and west Africa such as “Femme de Caractère”, “Binta”, “Prestige”, “Rebecca Wax”, “GMG” and “Homeland”.

    Compared to their Nana-Benz predecessors, the Nanettes carve out their business from the smaller pie available from the sale of cheaper Chinese cloth. Though the volumes traded are large, the margins are smaller due to the much lower final retail price compared to Dutch cloth.

    After procuring African print textiles from China, Nanettes sell wholesale to independent local traders or “sellers” as well as traders from neighbouring countries. These sellers in turn break down the bulk they have purchased and sell it in smaller quantities to independent street vendors.

    All African print textiles from China arrive in west Africa as an incomplete product – as six-yard or 12-yard segments of cloth, not as finished garments. Local tailors and seamstresses then make clothes according to consumer taste. Some fashion designers have also opened shops where they sell prêt-à-porter (ready-to-wear) garments made from bolts of African print and tailored to local taste. Thus, even though the monopoly of the Nana-Benz has been eroded, value is still added and captured locally.

    Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese actors have become more involved in trading activity – and not just manufacturing. The further evolution of Chinese presence risks an even greater marginalisation of locals, already excluded from manufacturing, from the trading and distribution end of the value chain. Maintaining their role – tailoring products to local culture and trends and linking the formal and informal economy – is vital not just for Togolese traders, but also the wider economy.

    – Togo’s ‘Nana-Benz’: how cheap Chinese imports of African fabrics have hurt the famous women traders
    – https://theconversation.com/togos-nana-benz-how-cheap-chinese-imports-of-african-fabrics-have-hurt-the-famous-women-traders-260924

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • India Celebrates Income Tax Day 2025: A tribute to digital transformation and taxpayer empowerment

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India today commemorates Income Tax Day, marking the 165th anniversary of the introduction of income tax in the country. Celebrated every year on July 24, the day acknowledges the evolution of India’s tax system and its pivotal role in nation-building.

    Income tax was first introduced in India on this day in 1860 by British economist Sir James Wilson to counter the financial strain caused by the First War of Independence in 1857. The framework laid then eventually culminated in the Income Tax Act of 1922 and later the comprehensive Income Tax Act of 1961, which still governs the taxation system in the country today.

    In recent decades, India’s income tax system has undergone a profound digital transformation, shifting from manual record-keeping to a tech-enabled, citizen-friendly administration. The process began with the introduction of the Permanent Account Number (PAN) in 1972, followed by initial computerization in 1981. The current PAN series, introduced in 1995, enabled better tracking and compliance.

    A major technological leap came with the establishment of the Centralized Processing Centre (CPC) in Bengaluru in 2009, allowing for jurisdiction-free, digital processing of tax returns. The Tax Information Network (TIN), and its upgraded version TIN 2.0, further enhanced convenience, offering real-time tax credits and quicker refunds. The Demand Facilitation Centre in Mysuru now serves as a central repository for outstanding tax demands, easing access for both taxpayers and officials.

    The government’s focus on transparency and data-driven governance is also reflected in the use of Project Insight. This integrated data platform enables the Income Tax Department (ITD) to create a 360-degree financial profile of taxpayers by integrating data from various sources, such as GSTN, financial institutions, and property registries. These insights help in detecting discrepancies and prompting voluntary compliance through non-intrusive nudges.

    The Faceless Assessment Scheme, launched in 2019, has revolutionized tax assessments by removing physical interaction between the taxpayer and the tax officer. Taxpayers now receive automated notices, assessments, and communications through a digital platform, enhancing accountability and efficiency.

    Additionally, the Annual Information Statement (AIS), implemented in November 2021, provides individuals with a consolidated view of their financial activity across the year. It pre-fills income tax returns using verified third-party data, minimizing errors and promoting self-compliance. This, along with the e-Verification Scheme, allows discrepancies to be resolved entirely online.

    As part of a continued effort to simplify compliance and encourage voluntary participation, the Finance Act, 2025 has extended the deadline for filing updated income tax returns from 24 months to 48 months. This amendment gives taxpayers more time to correct errors and avoid penalties while ensuring fair contribution.

    Tax collection trends underline the success of these reforms. The total number of Income Tax Returns (ITRs) filed rose by 36% over the past five years, reaching 9.19 crore filings in FY 2024–25, compared to 6.72 crore in FY 2020–21. Gross Direct Tax Collections also saw a sharp rise—from ₹12.31 lakh crore in 2020–21 to ₹27.02 lakh crore in 2024–25, reflecting both economic resilience and improved compliance.

    The Union Budget 2025–26 introduced several relief measures to ease the tax burden on individuals. Under the new tax regime, income up to ₹12 lakh is now tax-free. With the standard deduction of ₹75,000, salaried individuals with income up to ₹12.75 lakh will have zero tax liability. These measures are expected to boost household spending, particularly among the middle class.

    Other notable changes include an increase in TDS and TCS thresholds, decriminalization of TCS payment delays, and full tax exemption for withdrawals from National Savings Scheme (NSS) accounts made after August 29, 2024. The time limit for registering small charitable trusts has also been extended, while taxpayers with two self-occupied properties can now claim exemptions for both without restrictions.

    Significantly, the Income Tax Bill, 2025 has been tabled to replace the Income Tax Act of 1961. While retaining the core principles, the new bill seeks to simplify the language of tax laws, remove redundant provisions, and improve clarity for taxpayers and professionals alike.

  • Russian plane crashes in Russia’s far east, nearly 50 people on board feared dead

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    An Antonov An-24 passenger plane carrying about 50 people crashed in Russia’s far east on Thursday and initial information suggested that everyone on board was killed, Russian emergency services officials said.

    The burning fuselage of the plane, which was from the Soviet era and was nearly 50 years old, was spotted on the ground by a helicopter and rescue crews were rushing to the scene.

    Unverified video, shot from a helicopter and posted on social media, appeared to show that the plane had come down in a densely forested area.

    The plane, whose tail number showed it was built in 1976, was operated by a Siberia-based airline called Angara.

    It was en route from the city of Blagoveshchensk to Tynda and dropped off radar screens while approaching Tynda, a remote town in the Amur region bordering China.

    There were 43 passengers, including five children, and six crew members on board according to preliminary data, Vasily Orlov, the regional governor said.

    The emergencies ministry put the number of people on board somewhat lower, at around 40.

    Debris from the plane was found on a hill around 15 km (10 miles) from Tynda, the Interfax news agency quoted emergency service officials as saying.

    “During the search operation, a Mi-8 helicopter belonging to Rossaviatsiya discovered the fuselage of the aircraft, which was on fire,” Yuliya Petina, an emergency services official, wrote on Telegram.

    “Rescuers continue to make their way to the scene of the accident”.

    Authorities announced an investigation into the crash.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Togo’s ‘Nana-Benz’: how cheap Chinese imports of African fabrics have hurt the famous women traders

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Fidele B. Ebia, Postdoctoral fellow, Duke Africa Initiative, Duke University

    The manufacturing of African print textiles has shifted to China in the 21st century. While they are widely consumed in African countries – and symbolic of the continent – the rise of “made in China” has undermined the African women traders who have long shaped the retail and distribution of this cloth.

    For many decades Vlisco, the Dutch textile group which traces its origins to 1846 and whose products had been supplied to west Africa by European trading houses since the late 19th century, dominated manufacture of the cloth. But in the last 25 years dozens of factories in China have begun to supply African print textiles to west African markets. Qingdao Phoenix Hitarget Ltd, Sanhe Linqing Textile Group and Waxhaux Ltd are among the best known.

    We conducted research to establish how the rise of Chinese-made cloth has affected the African print textiles trade. We focused on Togo. Though it’s a tiny country with a population of only 9.7 million, the capital city, Lomé, is the trading hub in west Africa for the textiles.

    We conducted over 100 interviews with traders, street sellers, port agents or brokers, government officials and representatives of manufacturing companies to learn about how their activities have changed.

    “Made in China” African print textiles are substantially cheaper and more accessible to a wider population than Vlisco fabric. Our market observations in Lomé’s famous Assigamé market found that Chinese African print textiles cost about 9,000 CFA (US$16) for six yards – one complete outfit. Wax Hollandais (50,000 CFA or US$87) cost over five times more.

    Data is hard to come by, but our estimates suggest that 90% of imports of these textiles to Lomé port in 2019 came from China.

    One Togolese trader summed up the attraction:

    Who could resist a cloth that looked similar, but that cost much less than real Vlisco?

    Our research shows how the rise of China manufactured cloth has undermined Vlisco’s once dominant market share as well as the monopoly on the trade of Dutch African print textiles that Togolese traders once enjoyed.

    The traders, known as Nana-Benz because of the expensive cars they drove, once enjoyed an economic and political significance disproportionate to their small numbers. Their political influence was such that they were key backers of Togo’s first president, Sylvanus Olympio – himself a former director of the United Africa Company, which distributed Dutch cloth.

    In turn, Olympio and long-term leader General Gnassingbé Eyadéma provided policy favours – such as low taxes – to support trading activity. In the 1970s, African print textile trade was considered as significant as the phosphate industry – the country’s primary export.

    Nana-Benz have since been displaced – their numbers falling from 50 to about 20. Newer Togolese traders – known as Nanettes or “little Nanas” – have taken their place. While they have carved out a niche in mediating the textiles trade with China, they have lower economic and political stature. In turn, they too are increasingly threatened by Chinese competition, more recently within trading and distribution as well.

    China displaces the Dutch

    Dating back to the colonial period, African women traders have played essential roles in the wholesale and distribution of Dutch cloth in west African markets. As many countries in the region attained independence from the 1950s onwards, Grand Marché – or Assigamé – in Lomé became the hub for African print textile trade.

    While neighbouring countries such as Ghana limited imports as part of efforts to promote domestic industrialisation, Togolese traders secured favourable conditions. These included low taxes and use of the port.



    Read more:
    West Africans ditch Dutch wax prints for Chinese ‘real-fakes’

    Togolese women traders knew the taste of predominantly female, west African customers better than their mostly male, Dutch designers. The Nana-Benz were brought into the African print textile production and design process, selecting patterns and giving names to designs they knew would sell.

    They acquired such wealth from this trade that they earned the Nana-Benz nickname from the cars they purchased and which they used to collect and move merchandise.

    Nana-Benz exclusivity of trading and retailing of African print textiles cloth in west African markets has been disrupted. As Vlisco has responded to falling revenues – over 30% in the first five years of the 21st century – due to its Chinese competition, Togolese traders’ role in the supply chain of Dutch cloth has been downgraded.

    In response to the flood of Chinese imports, the Dutch manufacturer re-positioned itself as a luxury fashion brand and placed greater focus on the marketing and distribution of the textiles.

    Vlisco has opened several boutique stores in west and central Africa, starting with Cotonou (2008), Lomé (2008) and Abidjan (2009). The surviving Nana-Benz – an estimated 20 of the original 50 – operate under contract as retailers rather than traders and must follow strict rules of sale and pricing.

    While newer Togolese traders known as Nanettes are involved in the sourcing of textiles from China, they have lower economic and political stature. Up to 60 are involved in the trade.

    Former street sellers of textiles and other petty commodities, Nanettes began travelling to China in the early to mid-2000s to source African print textiles. They are involved in commissioning and advising on the manufacturing of African print textiles in China and the distribution in Africa.

    While many Nanettes order the common Chinese brands, some own and market their own. These include what are now well-known designs in Lomé and west Africa such as “Femme de Caractère”, “Binta”, “Prestige”, “Rebecca Wax”, “GMG” and “Homeland”.

    Compared to their Nana-Benz predecessors, the Nanettes carve out their business from the smaller pie available from the sale of cheaper Chinese cloth. Though the volumes traded are large, the margins are smaller due to the much lower final retail price compared to Dutch cloth.

    After procuring African print textiles from China, Nanettes sell wholesale to independent local traders or “sellers” as well as traders from neighbouring countries. These sellers in turn break down the bulk they have purchased and sell it in smaller quantities to independent street vendors.

    All African print textiles from China arrive in west Africa as an incomplete product – as six-yard or 12-yard segments of cloth, not as finished garments. Local tailors and seamstresses then make clothes according to consumer taste. Some fashion designers have also opened shops where they sell prêt-à-porter (ready-to-wear) garments made from bolts of African print and tailored to local taste. Thus, even though the monopoly of the Nana-Benz has been eroded, value is still added and captured locally.

    Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese actors have become more involved in trading activity – and not just manufacturing. The further evolution of Chinese presence risks an even greater marginalisation of locals, already excluded from manufacturing, from the trading and distribution end of the value chain. Maintaining their role – tailoring products to local culture and trends and linking the formal and informal economy – is vital not just for Togolese traders, but also the wider economy.

    Rory Horner receives funding from the British Academy Mid-Career Fellowship. He is also a Research Associate at the Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies at the University of Johannesburg.

    Fidele B. Ebia 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. Togo’s ‘Nana-Benz’: how cheap Chinese imports of African fabrics have hurt the famous women traders – https://theconversation.com/togos-nana-benz-how-cheap-chinese-imports-of-african-fabrics-have-hurt-the-famous-women-traders-260924

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • Manufacturing drives India’s flash PMI to 60.7 in July, private sector shows robust growth

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s private sector showed robust growth in July, fuelled by strong manufacturing and global demand, the HSBC Flash India Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) showed on Thursday.

    The headline HSBC Flash India Composite PMI Output Index, compiled by S&P Global, rose to 60.7 in July from 58.4 in June.

    The Manufacturing PMI index climbed to 59.2 in July from 58.4 in June – its highest level in nearly 17-and-a-half years.

    The Services PMI was 59.8 in July, down from 60.4 in June. While services activity continued to grow, the pace of expansion softened, according to the note.

    “India’s flash composite PMI remained healthy in July at 60.7. The strong performance was bolstered by growth in total sales, export orders, and output levels. Indian manufacturers led the way, recording faster rates of expansion than services for all of the three aforementioned metrics,” said Pranjul Bhandari, chief India economist at HSBC.

    International orders received by private sector firms in India rose sharply at the start of the second fiscal quarter (Q2 FY26).

    “Meanwhile, inflationary pressures continue to heat up as both input costs and output charges rose in July. Finally, business confidence fell to its lowest mark since March 2023, while employment growth moderated,” Bhandari noted.

    The Indian companies remained optimistic about output growth over the next 12 months.

    There is a firm pick-up in employment, especially in the service sector, suggesting healthy job creation accompanies the expansion of both India’s manufacturing and service sectors, according to the note.

    While goods producers indicated the slowest increase in output for three months during May, service providers reported the fastest rise since March 2024.

    At the composite level, the latest upturn was the quickest in just over a year. Monitored companies attributed growth to buoyant demand, investment in technology and expanded capacities, said the HSBC survey.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New research reveals scars of Gambia’s witch hunts

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    A map showing the location of The Gambia

    A new United Nations-funded study has highlighted the lasting psychological and social scars left by a state-sponsored witch hunt in The Gambia, more than a decade after it was carried out by former President Yahya Jammeh.

    The research, led by Professor Mick Finlay of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in collaboration with the University of The Gambia and Nottingham Trent University, is the first academic study into the stigma associated with government-led witchcraft accusations, and includes interviews with victims and their families from the villages most affected by the campaign.

    Jammeh’s 22-year dictatorship, which ended in 2016, was marked by human rights abuses including torture, extrajudicial killings and disappearances. Between 2008-2009, he orchestrated a campaign of witch hunts focusing on the West Coast and North Bank regions. These were led by a group of “witch hunters” from neighbouring countries, supported by The Gambia’s security forces.

    Hundreds of people, mainly elderly, were detained, beaten, raped and subjected to degrading treatment. It is thought 41 people died and the survivors faced social exclusion and discrimination when they returned home because of the stigma associated with the witchcraft accusations.

    The new study, published in the Journal of Community and Applied Social Psychology and funded by the United Nations Development Program (The Gambia), involved interviewing and surveying the victims and their families, as well as members of their communities.

    There was widespread sympathy for those affected – 98% of survey respondents expressed compassion for victims and their families – and a high level of agreement that the government (99%) and the community (92%) should provide more help for victims, indicating that the effects of the witch hunts were still being experienced.

    The study also highlighted the complex role of traditional beliefs in perpetuating stigma. Although most participants believed the witch hunts were organised to frighten people not to oppose President Jammeh (89%) or to sow division (87%), 25% believed the threat from witches was real, including 22% of victims and the families of victims surveyed.

    However, there was overwhelming support for legal reform. Almost all participants agreed that accusations of witchcraft should be made illegal (98%), and those responsible should be punished (95%).

    Through interviews, the researchers found that the stigma extended beyond individuals to their families and entire villages. Children of victims were bullied at school, families were shunned, and some communities were labelled as “witch villages” by neighbouring areas. This led to broken relationships, mistrust and long-lasting divisions within and between communities.

    Victims reported a range of psychological conditions including anxiety, panic attacks and post-traumatic symptoms. Many described feeling powerless and socially isolated. Some withdrew from public life entirely, while others struggled to find work.

    Although The Gambia’s current government established a Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) to investigate the human rights abuses carried out by Jammeh, the study found many victims felt more needed to be done to address the specific harms caused by the witch hunts.

    Participants proposed a range of measures to support reconciliation and healing including public declarations of innocence, legal reforms to criminalise witchcraft accusations, counselling, educational support, financial reparations and community-led dialogues to restore victims’ reputations.

    “Our extensive fieldwork showed that not only did victims of the witchcraft accusations have to deal with the trauma of the human rights abuses, they also experienced a range of longer-term stigmatising effects from sections of their communities.

    “There was a strong desire among those we spoke to for official recognition of the injustice they suffered. Addressing the stigma of Jammeh’s witch hunts involves restoring the good name of the victims through official declarations as well as rebuilding their social roles and relationships.

    “Although The Gambia is undergoing transitional justice processes to address the impacts of the dictatorship, the recommendations by the participants should help the government and NGOs to further develop reparation and reconciliation processes related to the specific case of state-sanctioned witch hunts.

    “Our findings will be of interest to other countries going through transitional justice processes when human rights come into conflict with traditional beliefs, especially belief in witchcraft.”

    Mick Finlay, the lead author of the study and Professor of Social and Applied Psychology at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU)

    The open access study also involved the Women’s Association of Victims’ Empowerment (WAVE) charity in The Gambia and is published by the Journal of Community and Applied Social Psychology. It will be available at the following DOI: 10.1002/casp.70147

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Meloni expresses satisfaction with Senate’s approval of bill on femicide as a crime in its own right

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    23 Luglio 2025

    It is with particular satisfaction that I welcome the Senate’s unanimous approval of the government-initiated bill to introduce femicide as a crime in its own right within our legal system. Italy is one of the first nations to embark on this path, which we are convinced can help fight what is an intolerable scourge. I wish to thank all the political forces, both in the governing majority and the opposition, for their united support for this proposal and their contribution to improving it.
    The bill will now move on to the Chamber of Deputies, and I hope the procedure can be completed swiftly.

    [Courtesy translation]

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Rail passengers in the North to benefit from simpler fares and cheaper tickets thanks to public ownership

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Rail passengers in the North to benefit from simpler fares and cheaper tickets thanks to public ownership

    This initiative will expand the availability of advance rail tickets across publicly owned operators, to provide more options for people travelling across the North.

    • significant passenger savings delivered by making advance fares available across publicly-owned operators at the same time 
    • operators estimate they generated £200,000 generated in additional revenue for the railway, helping towards rebuilding a world class service for passengers
    • cheaper, simpler journeys will open up more options for people travelling across the North, boosting connectivity and driving growth as part of the Plan for Change

    Passengers in the North of England can benefit from cost and carbon savings through a new customer initiative that expands the availability of advance tickets across government owned train operators. 

    Publicly owned train operators, LNER, TransPennine Express and Northern, worked with Network Rail to launch a joint initiative to provide more options to people travelling across the North by making fares cheaper on routes that required an interchange between the operators.  

    Following a pilot launched June 24 2025, operators have found this initiative has already:  

    • delivered significant passenger savings by making advance fares available across the whole route at the same time 
    • generated £200,000 in additional revenue for the railway, encouraging people to choose public transport

    This builds on the government’s plans to overhaul the railways to make them simpler, more flexible and passenger focused. Ahead of the creation of Great British Railways, the government continues to work to deliver positive changes like this for passengers – attracting more people back onto our trains, boosting the economy and delivering on the government’s Plan for Change.

    Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, said: 

    This is exactly the type of collaborative work public ownership enables, allowing us to put passengers first by making train travel simpler and more affordable.

    Through these cheaper fares we’re opening up more options to people travelling across the North, putting more money in working people’s pockets and boosting connectivity and growth as part of our Plan for Change.

    In June 2024 a pilot was launched by publicly-owned train operators between Leeds and Manchester to make fares cheaper for customers to provide more options for people travelling across the North. Between Leeds and Manchester, analysis of mobile network data showed that rail’s modal share was low despite competitive journey times vs car. Further investigation found that this was due to a lack of clear, consistent ticket options for train journeys involving more than one operator.  

    For passengers booking ahead, cheaper advance fares were often available on only one leg of a cross-operator journey, with the walk-up fare on the other – creating an unattractive proposition for would-be rail users looking to book in advance. 

    Since the original trial, and by using mobile network data, the publicly-owned train operators and Network Rail identified further underperforming travel flows for cross-operator advance journey options and introduced more affordable fares to encourage more people to choose the train.  

    This data-driven approach uses innovative mobile data to track travel patterns and identify customer flows, enabling train operators in public ownership to create smarter, more efficient ticketing options that benefit both passengers and the environment. 

    The move is part of a wider effort to make rail travel more attractive, affordable, and sustainable – and shows how public ownership can deliver real benefits for passengers.  

    Operators continue to identify further flows to add in the future where we expect to continue to see positive results.

    Rail media enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777878

    Switchboard 0300 330 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Celebrating International Security Officers’ Day

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Celebrating International Security Officers’ Day

    The Security Industry Authority is paying tribute to those in the private security industry who go above and beyond for public safety.

    Celebrated on 24 July every year, to reflect the role security play protecting the public 24/7, International Security Officers’ Day is a significant date in the private security industry. 

    Chair of the SIA Heather Baily has written a message of thanks to all those in the private security industry who help keep the public safe every single day, while also reflecting on the impressive skills successful security operatives possess. 

    As part of the same piece, the SIA also spoke to three front line security officers to learn more about their varied roles and responsibilities, as well as their advice and perspective for the rest of the private security industry. 

    Read the full message from Heather Baily and the words from the front line operatives on our blog.

    SIA CEO Michelle Russell will be visiting security operatives in London as part of the day’s activity to hear directly from operatives about their experience and the challenges they’ve faced protecting the public, while our Chair Heather Baily will be doing the same with operatives in Manchester. 

    These visits, alongside other content related to International Security Officers’ Day, will be posted about on the SIA’s LinkedIn page.

    Background

    International Security Officers’ Day is held each year on 24 July to represent the 24/7 nature of security work. 

    Members of the public are encouraged to acknowledge any security operatives they see on the day. Some simple things you can do to show your appreciation include saying hello or thank you with a smile. 

    Security business owners and managers are also encouraged to acknowledge their front-line workers. Examples of how security companies are marking the occasion include: sending thank you messages to their staff, organising an event or site visit to say thank you in person, and acknowledging their officers on social media.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Reading is a walk in the park with free audiobooks

    Source: City of Leeds

    Visitors to parks in Leeds are being encouraged to listen to stories while they take a stroll this summer through the new ‘Walking Books’ project.

    The hope is to introduce reading to new audiences with free eAudiobooks and promote wellbeing.

    Librarians in the city have created a new reading list specially designed for people walking in the park, so visitors can listen to a story that is the length of a stroll around the park or try out titles themed around mindfulness.

    The list of short books, poems and stories can be found on the BorrowBox app, which is entirely free with a library card. Borrowbox allows you to download up to six ebooks or eaudio books to your own device, with thousands of titles for all ages and tastes to choose from.

    eAudiobooks can promote reading by introducing books to those who might not otherwise engage with them, such as reluctant readers or those with reading difficulties. They can also help remove barriers around reading for children and help them access more advanced stories by listening to them.

    Leeds Libraries secured a £5,000 project grant award from the National Acquisitions Group to encourage more people in the city to listen to books and boost their wellbeing in local green spaces. 

    Dawn Stanley-Donaghy, the librarian behind the project, said: “We know that being in nature is good for mental health and so is reading, even for just a few minutes. ‘Walking Books’ is encouraging people to go out and enjoy our parks and be present in the moment by listening to a story or a poem.

    “Some of our libraries are very close to parks, so it is a great opportunity to remind people using the parks for a walk that they can download eAudiobooks for free.”

    The reading list is live on the Borrowbox app, and will be promoted at events over the summer, with special banners across Leeds’ parks to reach new users outside the library walls.

    Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, and Councillor Mary Harland, executive member for communities, customer service and community safety, said: “2026 has just been announced as the national year of reading so it is the perfect time to encourage people to pick up, or download, a book.

    “Reading and walking in the park are both great for mental health and we hope that this project will bring more people into our parks and our libraries.”

    Get a library card and learn more at https://libraries.leeds.gov.uk/walking-books.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNESCO strengthens fire resilience in the Pantanal and Cerrado with support from local communities

    Source: UNESCO World Heritage Centre

    The initiative aims to protect areas recognized as World Natural Heritage Sites and Biosphere Reserves through the Heritage Emergency Fund (HEF).

    UNESCO is intensifying its efforts in Brazil to protect areas recognized as World Natural Heritage Sites and Biosphere Reserves in response to the rise in extreme wildfires driven by climate change. Through the Heritage Emergency Fund (HEF), the organization is leading a strategic initiative to bolster fire resilience in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso and in Goiás.

    A total of 60 volunteers were trained through this project: 30 in the Pantanal Matogrossense National Park (MT), 15 in Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park (GO), and 15 in Emas National Park (GO). Around 800 pieces of equipment were distributed, including firefighting tools and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Additionally, an action plan is being developed to guide volunteer firefighters, based on Integrated Fire Management (IFM) and UNESCO’s Fire Risk Management Guide.

    “The project funded by the Heritage Emergency Fund makes a significant contribution to local communities by recognizing and strengthening their vital role in fire prevention and control”

    Interinstitutional initiative in the Pantanal

    From 22 to 25 April 2025, the Serra do Amolar — a remote and hard-to-reach region between Corumbá (MS) and Cáceres (MT), on the border with Bolivia — hosted a community brigade training supported by UNESCO’s Heritage Emergency Fund. The activity took place in the Pantanal Matogrossense National Park, in collaboration with WWF-Brazil, GEF Terrestrial (Funbio), Ibama (PrevFogo), Ecoa (Ecology and Action), and the Brazilian Navy.

    Three brigades, made up of 30 Pantanal residents — including 14 women — took part in the training. Over three intensive days of technical and practical lessons, participants learned fire prevention and control techniques from specialists.

    In addition to traditional methods — such as the use of specific tools, fire front control, heat mapping, and surveillance — the training incorporated agroforestry practices adapted to the Pantanal context. “One innovation was the management of slash-and-burn plots and backyard gardens. These areas, besides being vital for local subsistence, serve as ecological corridors that can protect wildlife during fires”, explains André Luiz Siqueira, Director of Ecoa.

    Another innovation was the introduction of the Sigma tool, a software developed by SOS Pantanal, which sends real-time fire alerts to mobile phones. Using satellite imagery and data such as wind direction and temperature, the technology is accessible even to those with limited formal education.

    Support from the Brazilian Navy enabled the logistics for participants and specialists, including transport via small boats, 950 liters of petrol, and 870 kilograms of food. Accommodation was provided by staff from the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio).

    Geographical and climatic challenges in firefighting

    Corumbá, covering over 64,000 km², is the 11th largest municipality in Brazil. The rugged terrain of the Serra do Amolar and limited access via rivers or air pose logistical challenges for firefighting. The presence of peat — organic matter accumulated in wetlands — creates highly flammable biomass during the dry season, making fires frequent and intense.

    The region encompassing the Pantanal Matogrossense National Park is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside three Private Natural Heritage Reserves, and is also recognized as a Ramsar Site — an international designation for wetlands of high ecological importance.

    “The Pantanal harbors great biodiversity and is vital for fish reproduction (ichthyofauna). This region is essential for traditional peoples, sustainable tourism, and the conservation of species such as the jaguar, giant otter, and giant anteater”

    In 2024, the Pantanal experienced one of the worst wildfire seasons on record. According to the Laboratory for Environmental Satellite Applications (Lasa/UFRJ), around 2.6 million hectares — 17% of the biome — were consumed by fire. This was the second-highest figure since the historical series began in 2012, surpassed only by 2020, when 3.6 million hectares were devastated.

    “The drought pattern has changed. Although climate change is intensifying, those combating the fires are now better organized. We have more brigade members, resources, support from the National Security Force, the Armed Forces, and a more structured state response,” says Márcio Yule, coordinator of PrevFogo/Ibama in Mato Grosso do Sul.

    Extreme drought — worsened by the El Niño phenomenon — combined with improper fire use, high temperatures, and low humidity, has increased vegetation vulnerability and impacted biodiversity and traditional community livelihoods.

    I’ve been a brigade member since 2001, and the training helps us in many ways. Having the right equipment, rather than just our bare hands, makes all the difference. As traditional people, we have knowledge of fire management and know the land. When firefighters arrive, they need to talk to the community to understand what’s happening here. This combination of our knowledge, training, and equipment allows us to care for the land and the Pantanal.

    She is a quilombola and indigenous woman from the Guató people, living in the Barra de São Lourenço community — on the banks of the Cuiabá River near the Paraguay River, on the border between Mato Grosso do Sul and Mato Grosso, and the frontier with Bolivia.

    Silas Ismael

    Despite the increasingly challenging climate scenario, the combination of community mobilization, traditional knowledge, and technology has proven effective in mitigating damage. “The formation of civil brigades is more than a fire response plan — it is a territorial adaptation strategy that supports autonomy and resilience in the Pantanal,” says Osvaldo Barassi Gajardo, Conservation Specialist at WWF-Brazil.

    With each new training session, more than just skills are developed — a living protection network is built, where nature, science, and community walk hand in hand. Brigade member Eliane has a dream for the world’s largest wetland. “We care for nature, and nature cares for us. My dream is a green Pantanal full of animals”.

    Rosi do Céu, rooted in the Cerrado

    Since childhood, 47-year-old Rosilene Rodrigues da Silva Santos has guided people through the beauties and unique features of the Cerrado biome in Chapadão do Céu, Goiás, Brazil.

    “I grew up in this region. When visitors came to our house looking for tours, my parents would ask me to show them the trails, explain the routes, and teach them how to reach Emas National Park”. Today, Rosi works as a guide at the park during weekend and holidays, volunteers as a firefighter, and has served as a primary school teacher for the past 28 years. Currently, she teaches first grade at a municipal school in Chapadão do Céu from Monday to Friday.

    In 2010, a massive wildfire devastated approximately 90% of the 132,000 hectares of Emas National Park and the surrounding region. “That was my first time volunteering. The fire lasted several days, and the entire community helped. We brought clothes, supplies, and food for those battling the flames. It was my first experience with fire”.

    In her view, “nature still hasn’t fully recovered” from that fire. “The animals didn’t all return, there are far fewer now. But the Cerrado is life. It regenerates. The trees are twisted, with thick bark and deep roots. It’s on purpose. When fire comes, it doesn’t consume the forest floor. The Cerrado survives, it’s resilient,” she explains.

    In April, Rosi participated in a fire brigade training coordinated by UNESCO, with support from the Heritage Emergency Fund (HEF), and with WWF-Brazil. Trainings were held at three sites: Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park (GO), Emas National Park (GO), and Pantanal Matogrossense National Park (MT) – addressing conservation efforts across the Cerrado and Pantanal biomes.

    The training was excellent. Now we’re better prepared to manage the park during the dry season, following the management plan. And if emergencies arise, we know how to fight fires strategically, safely, and effectively.

    But if you ask Rosi do Céu (Rosi of the Sky) what she loves most, the answer is nature and wildlife. “Some people admire celebrities. I admire those who love nature. I love the wilderness and care for animals”.

    Rosi also makes handcrafted items from bamboo and wood, and rescues snakes and wild animals when needed. “Just send me a message on WhatsApp. If there’s an opossum or any creature, people say, Call Rosi, she’ll take care of it.” In 2018, she rescued a tapir and named her Preciosa (Precious). “Every time I go to Emas National Park, near where she stays, I call her name, she comes and eats from my hand. It’s love,” says the firefighter, guide, teacher, artisan, and animal caregiver.

    Eliane: ancestral wisdom

    Eliane Aires de Souza, 58 years, carries in her eyes and hands the wisdom born of deep interaction with nature and ancestral knowledge. A Pantanal native, she lives in the community of Barra de São Lourenço (MT), shaped by the waters and the vibrant life that surrounds her. She is an Indigenous woman of the Guató people, with quilombola ancestry, and works the land with knowledge and care as an agroforestry practitioner. Since 2001, she has served as a civilian firefighter, confronting the wildfires that each year are increasingly threatening the Pantanal.

    Silas Ismael

    This is our way of life. The Pantanal is our home. Having proper training and equipment helps us take care of it and protect our collective house.

    Eliane is a mother, grandmother, and president of the Renascer Women’s Association, created to strengthen the dreams and autonomy of the women in her community. In her words, she highlights the daily challenges of keeping culture alive and staying connected to the land. “Here, we live off fishing, bait, and handicrafts”.

    Eliane feels the effects of climate change and the abandonment of the rivers. She speaks with sadness of the Rio Velho, which no longer flows as it once did. “It’s like a clogged vein in the body. If we don’t take care of the river, the whole body falls ill”. For her, protecting nature means protecting herself, her family, her community, and the future. “That tree behind you is like a vein, it gives life to other lives”.

    In her daily life, Eliane cultivates an agroforestry system at home. She nurtures and protects the land. “That’s what agroforestry is: we care for it, and it cares for us”. Drawing on ancestral wisdom, she explains the importance of nourishing the soil, preserving humidity, and ensuring shade, life, and food. She grows bananas, cassava, lemons, and oranges, and dreams of more. She envisions a seedling nursery and a green corridor that reconnects fragmented forest areas, providing food for animals and nourishing hope.

    “If we keep waiting, the soil will die. And with it, our way of life”. She refuses to depend on the city for basic needs. “It’s the dream that keeps us going”.

    And perhaps it is that persistent force of dreaming, that way of resisting with hands in the soil, body in the canoe, and soul in the crafts, that keeps the Pantanal alive. As long as there are Elianes and Rosis, there will be hope for rebirth.

    About the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund

    This activity was supported by the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund (HEF). We express our gratitude to its donors: the Principality of Andorra, the Qatar Fund for Development, Canada, the Slovak Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the French Republic, the Republic of Lithuania, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Principality of Monaco, the Kingdom of Norway, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Republic of Poland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Republic of Serbia, and ANA Holdings INC.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ADB President Calls for Increased Innovation Investment at STS Forum

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    ADB President Masato Kanda urged increased investment in science, technology, and innovation to drive inclusive and sustainable growth in Southeast Asia during his keynote address at the 9th Science and Technology in Society (STS) Forum ASEAN–Japan Conference in Jakarta.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and SOM Leader for East Asian Cooperation of China

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today met with H.E. Sun Weidong, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and SOM Leader for East Asian Cooperation of China, in Beijing. The meeting served as an opportunity to exchange views on the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and discussed ways to further enhance cooperation in various areas, including the preparations for the upcoming 28th ASEAN-China Summit in October 2025. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and international developments of common interest and concern.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and SOM Leader for East Asian Cooperation of China appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: President Ramaphosa visits BMW Group 

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Thursday, July 24, 2025

    President Cyril Ramaphosa will this morning attend a showcase of the successful implementation of the latest investment for production of the new BMW X3 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle at the automaker’s plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria. 

    President Ramaphosa will deliver remarks at the end of his tour of the plant, where he will be accompanied only by BMW representatives.

    Themed “BMW Group South Africa: Leading Today, Enabling Tomorrow”, the event marking the start of the new vehicle will highlight the firm’s commitment to strengthening South Africa’s economic vitality and advancing industrial innovation.

    “The event will showcase the active partnership between industry and government – a collaboration essential for driving innovation, catalysing job creation, and propelling sustainable growth within South Africa’s automotive sector.

    “It also demonstrates the BMW Group’s dedication to leading today through operational excellence and enabling tomorrow by strategically investing in the nation’s future,” the Presidency said of Thursday’s visit.

    The new BMW X3 has been declared South Africa’s Car of the Year for 2025.

    The BMW Group announced further investment in its plant operations in Rosslyn during the President’s Investment Conference held on 13 April 2023, as a commitment to South Africa.

    BMW has a long history in the country, and its footprint has grown significantly over time. Its investment at the Rosslyn plant located in Gauteng dates back five decades.

    The plant operations are also a significant anchor and justification for the continued operations of BMW in South Africa, including the National Sales Company, BMW Financial Services, and BMW IT Development Hub. 

    BMW and its supply chain sustain tens of thousands of livelihoods directly and indirectly as a result of BMW Group activities in South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: National Treasury reports malware intrusion on IRM website

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Thursday, July 24, 2025

    National Treasury has isolated servers that were compromised by a malware intrusion on its Infrastructure Reporting Model (IRM) website, the online infrastructure reporting and monitoring system.

    Treasury will assess the IRM servers for the magnitude of the compromise and to ensure the security of its systems.

    “Considering recent media reports since Sunday regarding security incidents affecting Microsoft platforms in the United States, National Treasury has requested Microsoft’s assistance in identifying and addressing any potential vulnerabilities within its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) environment.

    “Despite these events, National Treasury’s systems and websites continue to operate normally without any disruption. 

    “National Treasury’s ICT department processes over 200 000 emails each day and facilitates more than 400 000 user connections through their websites daily. 

    “On average, the National Treasury ICT team successfully detects and blocks approximately 5 800 security threats directed at National Treasury systems every day, showcasing the department’s commitment to maintaining a secure digital environment,” National Treasury said on Wednesday.

    These threats encompass a range of malicious activities, including phishing attempts, malware infections, and spam attacks. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, EU should uphold openness and cooperation, properly manage differences, Xi says

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Xi calls on China, EU to provide more stability, certainty for world through steady, sound bilateral relations

    Xinhua | July 24, 2025

    Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called on China and the European Union (EU) to provide more stability and certainty for the world through steady and sound China-EU relations.

    Xi made the remarks when meeting with President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, who are here for the 25th China-EU Summit in Beijing.

    Noting that this year marks the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic ties, and the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, Xi said China-EU relations have come to another critical juncture in history.

    He said over the past 50 years, China and the EU have achieved fruitful outcomes in exchanges and cooperation, delivering mutual success and worldwide benefits, and an important understanding and insight is that the two sides should respect each other, seek commonality while reserving differences, uphold openness and cooperation, and pursue mutual benefit.

    These are also important principles and the right direction for China-EU relations in the future, Xi said. Faced with accelerating global transformation not seen in a century and a changing and turbulent world, Chinese and EU leaders should once again demonstrate vision and leadership, and make the right strategic choices that will meet people’s expectations and stand the scrutiny of history, he added.

    Xi underscored the importance for China and the EU, both constructive forces for multilateralism and openness and cooperation, to strengthen communication, enhance trust and deepen cooperation in a more challenging and complex international situation, in order to provide more stability and certainty for the world through steady and sound China-EU relations.

    Both as “big guys” in the international community, China and the EU should keep their bilateral relationship growing in the right direction, and work together to usher it into an even brighter next 50 years, he said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China releases new e-bike safety standards enforcement guidelines

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

    BEIJING, July 24 — China has issued a set of guidelines ensuring the effective implementation of new mandatory national safety standards for electric bicycles (e-bikes), in an effort to improve regulation of this sector.

    The document, released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the Ministry of Public Security, the State Administration for Market Regulation, and the National Fire and Rescue Administration, outlines comprehensive measures which apply across the industry chain.

    There will be stricter oversight ranging from manufacturing to sales and registration, as well as the replacement of outdated vehicles, according to the guidelines.

    This move comes amid growing safety concerns over substandard e-bikes and unauthorized modifications, stoked by incidents involving e-bike fires and traffic accidents in recent years — which were often linked to illegal retrofitting that can make e-bikes exceed speed limits.

    To address these risks, China has already launched campaigns targeting safety hazards, while the new national standards will take effect on September 1.

    Preliminary results have indicated positive progress. In the first half of 2025, the country recorded 7,048 e-bike-related fire incidents, a 44.7-percent decrease compared to the same period last year.

    According to the MIIT, these guidelines aim to help manufacturers deliver compliant products to the market more quickly and accelerate the phasing out of non-conforming inventory. Efforts, notably, will be made to reinforce quality supervision endeavors and crack down on the production of non-compliant vehicles and illegal retrofitting.

    Meanwhile, China will continue to offer subsidies aimed at encouraging consumers to replace outdated e-bikes. So far this year, nearly 9.06 million new e-bikes have been sold nationwide via the government trade-in program.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • Supreme Court stays Bombay HC verdict acquitting 12 accused in 2006 Mumbai train blasts case

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Supreme Court of India on Thursday stayed a Bombay High Court judgment that acquitted 12 men convicted in the 2006 Mumbai train bombings, after the Maharashtra government argued that the ruling could undermine ongoing cases under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).

    The court made it clear that its order would not affect the release of the 12 men, all of whom had already been freed following their acquittal.

    A bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and N. Kotiswar Singh also issued notices to all 12 acquitted individuals and sought their responses to the state’s appeal.

    Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Maharashtra government, told the court that the state was not seeking to reverse the release of the accused but was concerned about the broader implications of the High Court’s findings. Accepting the argument, the bench said the Bombay High Court’s ruling would not carry precedential value until further orders.

    The High Court, in its judgment delivered on July 21, had overturned the 2015 convictions of the 12 men by a special MCOCA court. Five of the accused had been sentenced to death and the rest to life imprisonment. The court found that the prosecution had failed to establish the charges beyond reasonable doubt, describing the investigation as flawed and marred by procedural lapses.

    Additionally, the court found serious issues with the reliability of eyewitness accounts.

    On July 11, 2006, seven bombs exploded in packed Mumbai local trains, bringing the city to a standstill within 11 minutes.

    The coordinated terror attack left 189 dead and over 800 injured.

  • Parliament Monsoon Session: Lok Sabha adjourned till 2 pm amid sloganeering by Opposition

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The fourth day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament saw continued disruption, with the Lok Sabha adjourned until 2 pm on Thursday following protests by Opposition members over the controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.

    As the House convened at 11 am, Opposition MPs raised slogans and staged a noisy protest, demanding a debate on the Election Commission’s SIR initiative.

    Speaker Om Birla repeatedly appealed for order, but the protests continued, forcing him to suspend proceedings early.

    This marks the fourth consecutive day of disruptions in Parliament, with the Opposition pressing for discussions not only on the Bihar voter verification drive but also on the recent Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.

    Before the adjournment, Birla urged Opposition members to maintain decorum, saying the conduct in the House was falling short of expectations.

    Earlier in the day, senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra joined the protest at Makar Dwar. Priyanka was seen holding a placard that read, “Democracy in Danger.”

    Opposition leaders have alleged that the SIR exercise unfairly targets marginalised groups and migrant populations, calling it an attempt at “institutional voter cleansing.” Congress MP Manickam Tagore submitted an adjournment motion under Rule 56, describing the EC’s move as “unconstitutional” and an attack on the fundamental right to vote.

    Outside Parliament, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh echoed these concerns, claiming that residents from Bihar and Purvanchal living in Delhi are being harassed and disenfranchised.

    On Wednesday, both Houses of Parliament had been adjourned multiple times before being suspended for the day.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Celebrating youth and Ugandan cinema with a double premiere

    Source: APO


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    The youth-focused “Opportunities are Here” project premiered season two of its reality TV show, alongside the thriller, “You May Kiss the Bride Goodbye”

    The TV reality series follows the personal and professional journeys of young creatives as they learn, collaborate and navigate the high-pressure demands of film production. The series captures the reality of building a career in Uganda’s film sector, from brainstorming and budgeting to late-night edits and final screening.

    With mentors including actor and broadcaster Gaetano Kaggwa, filmmaker and scriptwriter Nana Kagga, actress and writer Cleopatra Koheirwe, and actor Michael Wawuyo Jr., the series is airing on NTV every Thursday at 8:30 pm.

    Supported by the Geneva-based UN small business agency, the International Trade Centre (ITC), and the European Union (EU), “Opportunities are Here” season two builds on the momentum of its acclaimed first season, which featured creative minds from across the continent, including Nollywood star Dakore Egbuson-Akande and Ugandan actors Gaetano Kaggwa, Nana Kagga and Cleopatra Koheirwe.

    H.E. Jan Sadek, the European Union Ambassador to Uganda, expressed his admiration for the work achieved through the programme, saying, “We see huge potential in Uganda’s creative industries. Projects like OAH (Opportunities are Here) are a chance to build skills, connect with others, and get your work seen. Young Ugandan creatives should not be afraid to aim for international platforms. Their unique perspective is what the world is looking for.”

    Since its inception, the “Opportunities are Here” project has reached over seven million people through media and campaigns, with over 11,140 creatives trained. This has further resulted in 13,595+ jobs created, with 135+ youth-led productions completed.

    Chief of “Youth, Women and Vulnerable Communities” at ITC, Raimund Moser says: “Over the last three years, we’ve seen that with the right skills, mentorship and platforms, youth can lead the way in redefining African cinema. This is not just about storytelling—it’s about job creation and raising the visibility of creative services as a sector with great growth potential.” 

    The premiere night also featured a new film, “You May Kiss the Bride Goodbye”, a psychological thriller featuring Hellen Lukoma, Mbabazi Catherine Uwera, Fidel Sankara, Allan Kutos Katongole and Nuwa Wamala Nnyanzi, among other Ugandan actors. 

    The film was written, co-directed and produced by seven young filmmakers who participated in seasons one and two. The team includes Kahbuya Vanessa (Kvan), Kavuma Vieri, Nodryn Evanci Kabuye, Elly E. Debuni, Illungole Emmanuel, Nsiima Chloe and Manirahari Colline. 

    This project brought together writers, actors and producers to create their first commercially viable film using a team-based approach, mirroring real-life production, guided by industry professionals, including Joel Tugaineyo (co-producer), Drake Steven Makanga (director), Loukman Ali (creative director) and Alex Ireeta (director of photography), among others. 

    In close collaboration with international film distributors, it was decided the film would be a thriller, a genre with high commercial potential. The filmmakers have been screening the movie in cinemas throughout Uganda in the past several weeks. 

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: World Health Organization (WHO) hands over supplies to Al Sabbah Children Hospital, South Sudan’s only children hospital

    Source: APO


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    Al Sabbah children hospital is the only tertiary referral children’s hospital in South Sudan with a stabilization center receiving children with severe acute malnutrition from all parts of the country. This translates into the high demand for medical supplies and equipment for the hospital to be able to tend to the one thousand children coming to the center each month.

    Despite the stretch, Al Sabbah children hospital runs with slightly over 100 health workers and still manages to provide clinical training to students from both public and private institutions. The nutrition team of the World Health Organization (WHO) in South Sudan has been a longstanding partner and advocate for the hospital to benefit from technical and logistical support in critical areas.

    Dr Joseph Elias, the acting Executive Director of Al Sabbah is appreciative of WHO’s support: “We know that the patients exceed the hospital’s capacity which affects the access to timely and quality healthcare. Having partners such as WHO supporting Al Sabbah children hospital is a godsend for both the health workers and the families.” said Dr Elias.

    On 21 July, WHO handed over pediatric beds, mattresses, oxygen concentrators, spare parts, severe acute malnutrition (SAM) kits and pulse oximeters to the management of Al Sabbah children hospital. The medical supplies and equipment were procured with funding from the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO). The handover was an emotional moment for the personnel who often have more patients than beds and less supplies than they need to treat them.

    Betty Achan has been a nutritionist at Al Sabbah children hospital stabilization center for over a decade: “Look at this beautiful ward. These beds were really needed. Receiving them from WHO was a relief. We have so many children, and it is heartbreaking to tell a family that you have nowhere to put their sick child. Please go be our ambassadors and advocate more. We need more over everything because the demand is so high.” Said Betty.

    South Sudan faces many challenges, particularly in the health sector, and children are among the most vulnerable. Based on the hospital’s monthly pediatric death audits, 50% of deaths occurring at Al Sabbah are recorded at the stabilization center. Over the first quarter of 2025, mortality rates at the center range between 14% and 19%. The main causes of the alarming rates being Malaria, Pneumonia, Sepsis and Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD) which is particularly dangerous for children due to their smaller and developing bodies making them more susceptible to infections.

    The supplies from WHO are intended to strengthen the stabilization center and hospital’s capacity to respond to the needs of children who walk through Al Sabbah’s doors.

    Dr Humphrey Karamagi, WHO Representative in South Sudan assured the hospital of continued support: “These supplies are for the children. They are for the mothers who sit anxiously at their bedside. They are for the doctors and nurses who work tirelessly. And they are for a future where every child in South Sudan has the opportunity not just to survive, but to thrive.”

    Supporting Al Sabbah children hospital is part of WHO’s broader commitment to improving maternal, newborn, and child health in South Sudan as well as the country’s health priorities.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – South Sudan.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: East African Community (EAC) Secretary General concludes official visit to Uganda with ket strategic engagements

    Source: APO


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    The Secretary General of the East African Community (EAC), Hon. Veronica Nduva, concluded a three-day official visit to the Republic of Uganda, marked by high-level engagements aimed at strengthening regional integration and enhancing cooperation.

    During the visit, the Secretary General, paid a courtesy call on the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at State House in Entebbe. The two discussed key regional integration priorities, including the need for deeper cooperation among EAC Partner States.

    President Museveni reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to the EAC integration agenda and emphasised the importance of intra-regional trade and shared infrastructure in achieving economic prosperity across the bloc.

    At a different occasion, the Secretary General officiated the closing ceremony of the EAC Capacity Building Program for Women and Youth in Fisheries, a regional initiative designed to empower women and youth with skills, knowledge, and resources to participate more effectively in the fisheries value-chain. The event highlighted the EAC’s commitment to inclusive economic development, particularly in supporting marginalised groups through sustainable fisheries.

    “This program is a demonstration of our resolve to empower women and youth, who form the backbone of our region’s socio-economic development. Investing in them means investing in the future of our communities,” Hon. Nduva remarked during the ceremony.

    During the visit, the Secretary General also visited the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization (LVFO) headquarters in Jinja, Uganda. She was briefed on ongoing projects aimed at supporting sustainable fisheries management, research, and cross-border collaboration in Lake Victoria.

    Hon. Nduva emphasized the importance of science-based policy development, environmental sustainability, and the role of LVFO in driving the EAC’s Blue Economy strategy.

    “The LVFO remains a critical institution for sustainable fisheries management in the region. It is imperative that we continue to support its work to ensure food security, livelihoods, and ecosystem preservation,” Hon. Nduva said, underscoring the EAC’s commitment to promoting sustainable fisheries and environmental conservation in the Lake Victoria Basin.

    The Secretary General’s visit to the Republic of Uganda served to reaffirm the EAC Secretariat’s support for Partner States in their efforts to realise the goals of the EAC Treaty, particularly in the areas of economic development, environmental sustainability, and regional cooperation.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of East African Community (EAC).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Eswatini: How cash and voucher assistance is empowering women to rebuild after calamity

    Source: APO


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    In the southern African nation of Eswatini, cash and voucher assistance is making a real difference in people’s lives, particularly those most vulnerable after crisis. ‘It’s not just about fairness—it’s about effectiveness.’

    Even before the floods, life for Banele Mamba was hard enough. But then the floodwaters came and the 31-year-old mother of five had to cope with extensive damage to her family’s home. 

    “Water would seep in through the house,” she says. “I was so worried—especially because I live with chronic illness. I didn’t want the children to get sick from flu, cholera or other diseases.”

    Banele Mamba was able to fix some of those leaks, make other critical repairs and restock her pantry with support that came in the form of cash and voucher assistance provided by the Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society.

    The Red Cross here has been working in partnership with the IFRC Pretoria Delegation, as part of the EU-funded Pilot Programmatic Partnership (ECHO PPP), to deliver cash and vouchers to people impacted by recent floods.

    Unlike other forms of relief aid such as food or household supplies, cash transfer and vouchers give people such as Banele the power to decide what her families need most following times of crisis. 

    Delivered through mobile money transfers, both the cash and voucher components are redeemed in cash form. This approach empowers families while also supporting the local economy through increased purchasing at community shops and markets. 

    For Banele Mamba, the flexibility of cash support made a world of difference. She used part of the funds to seal parts of the leaking roof and reinforce the walls to prevent water from seeping in during heavy rains. 

    She also used the cash to buy essential food items and toiletries—products that she previously struggled to afford consistently. In months when the household budget was tight, she was therefore able to avoid borrowing from local money lenders. 

    “We believe that people affected by crises are the best placed to decide their needs,” says Tebukhosi Dlamini, Safe and Inclusive Programming Officer at Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society. 

    While the EU provided funding, the IFRC contributed technical guidance and policy review support to the Eswatini National Society during the planning and implementation of the programme. In doing so, the IFRC Pretoria delegation applied a protection- and gender-sensitive lens across all stages of the programmatic partnership. 

    “By applying protection and gender-sensitive principles, we ensure that women like Banele are not only included but prioritized in the selection processes,” Dlamini added.

    Putting inclusion into practice

    Women-headed households, survivors of gender-based violence, caregivers of orphaned children, and other at-risk groups were given high priority, recognizing people in these situations often face greater risks and barriers to recovery. 

    “Focusing on women and other vulnerable groups is not just about fairness—it’s about effectiveness,” says Boitumelo Phihlela, who works as focal person for protection, gender and inclusion, as well as community engagement and accountability, for the IFRC’s Pretoria Delegation. 

    “When we prioritize those most at risk, we strengthen the entire community’s resilience. Women, in particular, play a vital role in family and community wellbeing, so supporting them directly creates a ripple effect of positive change. 

    “This approach also ensures that protection and dignity are central to our response, which is key to building trust and long-term recovery.”

    The process is guided by inclusive criteria co-developed with the communities, which then participates in applying these standards to all aspects of the initiative.

    Continued learning and improvement: Key lessons learned

    The cash and voucher assistance programme in Eswatini fits in with larger efforts to continually improve the way the IFRC works with, supports and accompanies communities following crisis.

    The IFRC Pretoria Delegation and its partners, for example, also use this inclusive mindset – along with cash and voucher assistance – to strengthen long-term resilience local farmers in four other countries in southern Africa (Lesotho, Botswana, South Africa and Namibia). 

    The support also comes in the form of seeds and other agricultural inputs—ensuring communities are not only surviving today but are better prepared for the future. 

    Here are a few of the key takeaways from the IFRC Pretoria delegation’s three-year Programmatic Partnership collaboration.

    • Embed protection, gender and inclusion principles throughout all stages of programme design and implementation —ensuring that the unique needs, risks, and capacities of different groups, particularly women, children, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations, are considered and addressed.
    • Prioritize proactive, inclusive community engagement where feedback mechanisms are not only established but also trusted and accessible to all segments of the population.
    • Strengthen the feedback loop by ensuring community input is used to inform and adjust programming. The use of community feedback is needed to shape programming decisions which helps build trust and ensures greater accountability to target populations. In one farming community, for example, people noted that the seeds initially provided were not suited to their local soil and climate conditions, which affected crop growth. Upon hearing this, the Red Cross programme adapted by sourcing and distributing more appropriate seed varieties, improving harvest outcomes and reinforcing the community’s trust that their feedback leads to real changes.

    “It’s not enough to have feedback systems—we must make them visible, trusted, and use them to shape decisions,” said the IFRC’s Phihlela. “That’s how we build real accountability.”

    Read more about cash and voucher assistance at the IFRC

    Learn more about the Programmatic Partnership

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • Russia, Ukraine discuss more POW swaps; no deal on ceasefire or leaders’ meeting

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Russia and Ukraine discussed further prisoner swaps on Wednesday at a brief session of peace talks in Istanbul, but the sides remained far apart on ceasefire terms and a possible meeting of their leaders.

    “We have progress on the humanitarian track, with no progress on a cessation of hostilities,” Ukraine’s chief delegate Rustem Umerov said after talks that lasted just 40 minutes.

    He said Ukraine had proposed a meeting before the end of August between Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. He added: “By agreeing to this proposal, Russia can clearly demonstrate its constructive approach.”

    Russia’s chief delegate Vladimir Medinsky said the point of a leaders’ meeting should be to sign an agreement, not to “discuss everything from scratch”.

    He renewed Moscow’s call for a series of short ceasefires of 24-48 hours to enable the retrieval of bodies. Ukraine says it wants an immediate and much longer ceasefire.

    The talks took place just over a week after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened heavy new sanctions on Russia and countries that buy its exports unless a peace deal was reached within 50 days.

    There was no sign of any progress towards that goal, although both sides said there was discussion of further humanitarian exchanges following a series of prisoner swaps, the latest of which took place on Wednesday.

    Medinsky said the negotiators agreed to exchange at least 1,200 more prisoners of war from each side, and Russia had offered to hand over another 3,000 Ukrainian bodies.

    He said Moscow was working through a list of 339 names of Ukrainian children that Kyiv accuses it of abducting. Russia denies that charge and says it has offered protection to children separated from their parents during the war.

    “Some of the children have already been returned back to Ukraine. Work is under way on the rest. If their legal parents, close relatives, representatives are found, these children will immediately return home,” Medinsky said.

    Umerov said Kyiv was expecting “further progress” on POWs, adding: “We continue to insist on the release of civilians, including children.” Ukrainian authorities say at least 19,000 children have been forcibly deported.

    SHORTEST TALKS YET

    Before the talks, the Kremlin had played down expectations, describing the two sides’ positions as diametrically opposed and saying no one should expect miracles.

    At 40 minutes, the meeting was even shorter than the two sides’ previous encounters on May 16 and June 2, which lasted a combined total of under three hours.

    Oleksandr Bevz, a member of the Ukrainian delegation, said Kyiv had proposed a Putin-Zelenskiy meeting in August because that would fall within the deadline set by Trump for a deal.

    Putin turned down a previous challenge from Zelenskiy to meet in person and has said he does not see him as a legitimate leader because Ukraine, which is under martial law, did not hold new elections when Zelenskiy’s five-year mandate expired last year.

    Trump has patched up relations with Zelenskiy after a public row with him at the White House in February, and has lately expressed growing frustration with Putin.

    Three sources close to the Kremlin told Reuters last week that Putin, unfazed by Trump’s ultimatum, would keep fighting in Ukraine until the West engaged on his terms for peace, and that his territorial demands may widen as Russian forces advance.

    (Reuters)