Source: United States Coast Guard
06/07/2025 03:12 AM EDT
HONOLULU – The Coast Guard suspended its search at 7 p.m. Friday for a woman in the water who went missing off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii.
For breaking news follow us on twitter @USCGHawaiiPac
Category: DJF
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MIL-OSI Russia: Several people missing after river floods in Colombia
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BOGOTA, June 7 (Xinhua) — Four rafts and a kayak capsized on Friday after the Guejar River in central Colombia suddenly flooded, leaving several people missing, the National Disaster Risk Reduction Authority said.
The incident occurred in the municipality of Mesetas, in the department of Meta. The rescue operation is ongoing with the support of local authorities, firefighters from nearby towns and the Colombian Aerospace Force.
The missing people were reportedly taking part in recreational activities when the river suddenly burst its banks.
Videos posted on social media suggested more than 20 people may have been injured, though officials said the number was being verified. –0–
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MIL-OSI Europe: Christine Lagarde: Stemming the tide: safeguarding our ocean and economy
Source: European Central Bank
Speech by Christine Lagarde, President of the ECB, at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum in Monaco
Monaco, 7 June 2025
It is a pleasure to speak at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum.
In his 1857 poem “Man and the Sea”, Charles Baudelaire explored the deep kinship between the ocean and humanity.[1] For Baudelaire, they were two forces drawn together by awe, fascination, and even conflict.
Today, that dynamic has taken on a new and troubling dimension. We rely on the ocean for climate stability and economic prosperity, yet we are fuelling a climate crisis that threatens to undermine the very system we depend on. We cannot let that happen.
Baudelaire described the sea as a “mirror” to the human soul. We now need to take a hard look in that mirror and ask ourselves: what can we do to stem the tide of this crisis, to safeguard our ocean and economy?
This morning’s two panel discussions will go a long way towards answering that question. But I would like to take this opportunity to open the plenary session with a few thoughts – about what is at stake, and what stakeholders can do about it.
The ocean’s importance for our climate and economy
The ocean is home to 95% of the planet’s biosphere.[2] It spans environments as varied as sunlit coral reefs and pitch-black abyssal plains. And it supports an immense range of life, from countless microscopic organisms to the world’s largest animal, the blue whale.
Given the ocean’s richness, it is worth preserving in its own right. But its value does not end there – the ocean also benefits humanity in two vital ways.
First, it is one of the planet’s most powerful allies in the fight against climate change.
The ocean helps to regulate global temperatures by absorbing vast amounts of heat and redistributing it through major currents like the Gulf Stream. It is also the world’s largest carbon sink, reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and helping to slow global warming.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change finds that the ocean has absorbed over 90% of the excess heat trapped in the earth’s system, as well as a third of the carbon dioxide that humans have emitted since the Industrial Revolution.[3]
Second, a sustainable ocean serves as an important pillar supporting the global economy, providing for food security and economic opportunities.
Marine ecosystems support over three billion people who rely on fish for at least 20% of their animal protein intake. Indeed, this dependency is more pronounced in some of the least-developed countries, where seafood provides most of the animal protein consumed.[4]
These ecosystems also help sustain employment opportunities. More than 150 million jobs depend on the production, trade and consumption of ocean-based goods and services, according to the United Nations.[5] The ocean is also home to key natural resources, such as medicines and biofuels, which are vital for ongoing advances in healthcare and clean energy sectors.
So, there is a great deal at stake in preserving the ocean’s health.
The threat of climate change
But today we are placing the sustainability of our ocean under extraordinary stress, with serious implications for both our climate and economy.
Without the ocean’s capacity to absorb heat and carbon, we would have had to contend with a faster, even more dangerous pace of global warming. Yet there are now signs that this capacity is becoming strained.
The last ten years were the ocean’s warmest on record. Warmer oceans are driving more frequent marine heatwaves, which damage ecosystems, and have been a major contributor to rising sea levels due to the thermal expansion of seawater. The rate at which the global mean sea level is rising has more than doubled over the past three decades.[6]
On top of this, the ocean’s absorption of carbon dioxide is driving acidification.
Combined with ocean warming, acidification is contributing to the bleaching and death of coral reefs, which are vital for supporting fisheries and protecting coastlines from storms. Since 2023 over 80% of the world’s coral reefs have been affected by bleaching.[7]
We find ourselves in dangerous waters. Together, these changes could have profound consequences for the global economy.
Food security may be undermined, potentially leading to more volatile prices, which is a concern for central banks tasked with safeguarding price stability. And if coastal areas become unliveable due to rising sea levels or frequent flooding, people may be forced to move. More than 600 million people around the world live in coastal areas that are less than ten metres above sea level.[8]
Stemming the tide
So, what can we do to stem the tide of these troubling developments? We may not be able to fully reverse the damage done, but we can work towards slowing its momentum, potentially even stopping it, by acting on two important fronts.
First, we need to protect. That means cutting greenhouse gas emissions decisively and keeping the goals of the Paris Agreement within reach.
If we succeed in doing so, we could limit sea level rise to around half a metre by the end of the century. That might not sound reassuring. But every tenth of a degree we avoid is a piece of coastline preserved, a reef protected or a storm surge weakened.
We also need to protect the natural systems that shield us from floods. Nature-based solutions – for instance, restoring mangroves, marshes and coral reefs – offer powerful, cost-effective defences against extreme weather. Coral reefs alone can reduce wave energy by an average of 97% while supporting fisheries, tourism and coastal livelihoods.[9]
The second front is just as important: we need to prepare.
Whether we like it or not, climate-related risks are materialising. We need to adapt our infrastructure and economies to a more volatile world. That includes building sea walls and surge barriers and budgeting for resilience rather than reacting after disaster strikes.
Make no mistake: adaptation will be costly. According to UN assessments, costs could run into the hundreds of billions of dollars globally each year by mid-century.[10] But the cost of inaction would be far higher. One study estimates that failing to keep global temperatures below two degrees above pre-industrial levels could lead to USD 14 trillion in global annual flood costs by 2100.[11]
To meet this challenge, we need to catalyse finance for marine and coastal conservation – for instance, through innovative approaches that convert natural capital into financial capital.[12]
This can be especially impactful for vulnerable countries with limited fiscal space. Above all, we must listen to the communities affected, treating their needs as a basis for our actions rather than an afterthought.
Let me conclude.
Baudelaire reminds us that the sea is a mirror of our own nature, which can either heal or harm.
So, let us choose to heal. That means nurturing the ocean’s rich diversity and facilitating finance to support innovative adaptation measures that build more resilient communities and a stronger global economy.
Thank you.
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Shubman Gill-led Indian team lands in London for Test series against England
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
The Shubman Gill-led Indian team arrived in London on Saturday ahead of the much-anticipated five-match Test series against England, which begins on June 20.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a video of the team’s arrival in London on its social media handles. “Touchdown UK. Team India have arrived for the five-match Test series against England,” read the caption.
Jasprit Bumrah, Gill, Arshdeep Singh, Rishabh Pant, and Prasidh Krishna were all smiles during the journey. The squad appeared upbeat and ready for the long tour in English conditions.
Before departing from India, newly-appointed Test captain Shubman Gill reflected on the challenge of playing without stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who retired from the format last month.
“There is pressure every time you play a match or start a tour. So yes, there is pressure ahead of this series as well, but not any extra pressure. Rohit and Virat are very experienced players, and it’s difficult to fill their shoes. But as a team, we have plenty of experience and have played a lot of matches,” Gill said at the pre-departure press conference in Mumbai on Thursday.
“The players and the team are used to handling pressure. We are not an inexperienced side. The batting and bowling combinations in our team are quite strong,” the newly appointed Test skipper added.
Gill also spoke about his reaction upon learning he would be India’s new Test captain and said that the team has not yet decided on his batting position. He has previously opened the innings and also played at No. 3. With Rohit no longer in the mix, the team management must now decide who will partner Gill at the top—Yashasvi Jaiswal or Bengal opener Abhimanyu Easwaran, who is yet to make his debut.
“When I first heard that I would be getting this opportunity, it was quite overwhelming. It’s a big responsibility, and I’m looking forward to it. We still haven’t decided on the batting position yet—we have time. We’ll be playing a warm-up match in London, so that will help us finalize the batting order,” Gill said.
India are aiming to win a Test series in England for the first time since 2007. This series also marks India’s first assignment in the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle.
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Om Birla urges BRICS unity on terror, trade and tech as India prepares to host next summit
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
The 11th BRICS Parliamentary Forum concluded in Brasília with a call for stronger cooperation among member nations on key global challenges, including terrorism, artificial intelligence (AI), and economic inclusion.
Addressing the forum, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla thanked the Brazilian Parliament, government, and people for hosting the summit. He said the forum witnessed “meaningful dialogue” and an “exchange of views” aimed at enhancing parliamentary ties among BRICS nations — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
In its final declaration, the forum strongly condemned the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. Member states agreed on the need for a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and underlined the importance of joint global efforts. The Speaker reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for all countries to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism.
The discussions also covered the future of AI, with consensus emerging on the importance of its responsible use. Birla noted that while AI is essential, its deployment must be guided by transparency and accountability.
Economic cooperation was another key focus area. The forum explored ways to deepen intra-BRICS trade and promote inclusive growth. “India has always supported the rule of law, global cooperation, and dialogue on the world stage,” Birla said.
India will host the next edition of the BRICS Parliamentary Forum. Birla said the agenda would cover a wide range of issues including AI, trade, and social development, and added that India would ensure the summit is “successful and productive.”
The LS Speaker expressed confidence that strengthened parliamentary exchanges and the sharing of best practices among BRICS members would bring about meaningful progress. He also extended his warm wishes to the Speakers and parliamentary leaders of all BRICS nations.
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MIL-OSI China: Jackson Wang’s new single, festival show build hype for July album
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Pop icon Jackson Wang released his new single “Hate to Love” and its music video on June 6, following his electrifying performance at Head in the Clouds Festival 2025 in Los Angeles. The release builds momentum for his upcoming album, due in July.
The single cover art for Jackson Wang’s “Hate to Love.” [Photo courtesy of Team Wang Records]
Wang explores the sting of broken trust and the weight of betrayal on “Hate to Love.” The slow-burning, dreamy track delves deeper into the grief explored across the four chapters on Jackson’s upcoming album, “MagicMan 2,” set for release July 18. In this chapter, Jackson stands on the edge of everything he has known, holding a crown he never wanted, finally ready to let it fall before stepping into who he is meant to become.
“I’ve always questioned when I’m going to find love,” Jackson said. “But maybe the question is, ‘When am I going to love myself?’”
The release of “Hate to Love” is accompanied by a music video directed by James Mao, amplifying the song’s raw emotion. Itfeatures MagicMan, Jackson Wang’s alter ego, alone in darkness, grappling with the catharsis of confronting reality and choosing growth over illusion.
“People say to surround yourself with ‘good’ people, but I believe it’s really about finding the ‘right’ people— those who share a similar vision and values in life. But in reality, that’s not always how it works,” Wang said.”I wrote this song after realizing the only person I could trust was myself. I want you to know that I’m a better version of myself because of what happened to me.”
The singer, who boasts more than 100 million followers and is China’s most-followed artist on Instagram, stopped short of naming names. Far from a love song, this track delivers a raw revelation about exploitation, laying bare the emotional turmoil of broken trust and betrayal. His lyrics expose the pain: “Wish I could still trust you, trust you,” he sings. “It’s funny how people can be selfish. I give it all, give it all, give it all. But you still want more.”
Jackson’s self-produced album, created during a yearlong break from the spotlight, is his most personal and ambitious work to date. It channels unaddressed emotions into a raw, unfiltered journey. The album moves from manic highs fueled by denial to the painful process of facing a lost identity, setting boundaries, letting go of people-pleasing habits and, ultimately, finding peace through acceptance.
“Hate to Love,” the fourth single from the album, reached No. 34 on the Worldwide iTunes Song Chart, and its video drew more than 210,000 YouTube views in its first 19 hours.
Pre-orders for “MagicMan 2” are now available. The release follows the album’s four-chapter thematic structure, with phased product drops: Chapter One is on sale now, and Chapter Two will launch June 10. Retail-specific versions of the album will also be released in the coming weeks.
The album’s lead single,”High Alone,” debuted at No. 1 on Apple Music in 22 countries and regions. The follow-up, “GBAD,” went viral with more than 32 million YouTube views, fueled by popular remixes. The third single, “Buck,” featuring Indian singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh, has attracted more than 8.3 million views for its music video.
Jackson Wang performs on stage at Head in the Clouds Festival 2025 in Los Angeles, June 1, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Team Wang Records]
Wang and his friends lit up the stage at Head in the Clouds Festival 2025 on June 1 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, celebrating the event’s 10th anniversary. The pop star closed the night with the debut live performance of “Buck,” followed by a show-stopping “GBAD” remix featuring seven guest artists, including Higher Brothers and Number i. The explosive collaboration brought the crowd to its feet, instantly becoming one of the festival’s most talked-about moments.
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MIL-OSI China: Global trade should not be dominated by a single power, says economist
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
U.S. President Donald Trump (Rear) delivers remarks on “reciprocal tariffs” at the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on April 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) The United States’ recent decision to raise tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum to 50 percent, which took effect Wednesday, marks a significant escalation in protectionism and economic coercion, posing serious risks to global trade stability, an economist has warned. “This move inevitably trigger retaliatory tariffs from other countries and ultimately harm the U.S. economy most in the long run,” Gavran Igor, an economic analyst from Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), told Xinhua, adding that unilateral actions like these erode trust and cooperation by treating global partners not as equals, but as subordinates.
Igor stressed that no single country should dictate the rules of global trade. Instead, he advocated for a more inclusive and balanced approach built on fairness, reciprocity and mutual benefit. He characterized the U.S. tariff policy as a form of “economic bullying” that violates international norms and called for a collective global response to uphold multilateralism.
“The United States is pressuring its partners to ‘surrender’ instead of engaging in negotiations on equal terms,” Igor said. He pointed out that the European Union is already facing 25 percent tariffs on steel and automobiles, while a broader set of so-called “reciprocal tariffs” — provisionally set at 50 percent — remains temporarily capped at 10 percent under a 90-day suspension set to expire in July.
Although BiH is not an EU member, its economy is tightly woven into EU supply chains, making it highly vulnerable to global trade disruptions.
“The most immediate impact is on our defense sector, which is our largest exporter to the U.S. market,” Igor explained. “Over 60 percent of our exports to the United States come from this industry, and these products are now subject to a 35 percent tariff — up from 12 percent. Other sectors, including metals, are also being hit.”
This photo taken on April 8, 2025 shows the exhibiting area of Croatia during the 26th International Economy Fair Mostar in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). (Photo by Jasmin Brutus/Xinhua) He cautioned that the longer-term consequences could be even more severe for Bosnian manufacturers integrated into EU-based industries, especially automotive supply chains, which are themselves being affected by the new U.S. tariffs.
He called on the international community to strengthen cooperation among reliable trade partners, who should “take the lead in shaping a fairer, rules-based global trade system.”
Smaller economies like BiH would benefit from a more balanced global trade environment, Igor added, urging countries to reject economic coercion and work together toward shared prosperity.
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MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Re-domiciliation regime finds favour
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui said today the market has responded very positively following the enactment of legislation introducing a company re-domiciliation regime.
Mr Hui told reporters that the Government has received a lot of inquiries from companies about the new regime and its procedures.
“So far, in terms of inquiries, we have got about 150 of them and in terms of downloads of the relevant information from our website regarding this new regime, the number is close to 10,000.
“So I think all these are something very positive in terms of how we have been drawing more companies to re-domicile to Hong Kong.”
He added that companies re-domiciling to Hong Kong will create demand for professional services and that many sectors in the city will benefit.
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MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Schiff, Peters, Vargas Demand Investigation Into San Diego ICE Raid
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
Lawmakers to ICE’s Office of Professional Responsibility: “This troubling incident is not an isolated case. Rather, it appears to be part of a broader pattern of escalated and theatrical immigration enforcement operations across the country”
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), along with U.S. Representatives Scott Peters (D-Calif.-50) and Juan Vargas (D-Calif.-52), condemned a recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid in San Diego and demanded an investigation following reports that around 20 ICE agents detained four employees at Buona Forchetta and Enoteca Buona Forchetta restaurants. ICE agents wearing military-style gear raided the restaurants during peak dining hours, detonating flash-bang grenades and instilling widespread fear and panic across the restaurants and the broader San Diego community.
The lawmakers emphasized that this disturbing raid reflects a pattern of “theatrical” immigration enforcement stunts under the Trump Administration, which have stoked fear and uncertainty in communities in California and across the country. They urged ICE’s Office of Professional Responsibility to investigate the agents’ use of force, tactical decisions, compliance with legal protocols, and coordination with local officials, as well as the operation’s impact on local communities and businesses. They also requested information on how the raid aligns with ICE’s current immigration enforcement priorities and what guidance agents had received regarding enforcement in civilian or public-facing settings.
“This troubling incident is not an isolated case. Rather, it appears to be part of a broader pattern of escalated and theatrical immigration enforcement operations across the country,” wrote the lawmakers. “Similar tactics — including the use of heavily armed agents and high-profile raids in civilian spaces — have recently been employed in several other communities. These include a raid at an underground nightclub in Los Angeles just hours after the San Diego incident, and an April operation in New Bedford, MA, where agents violently smashed in a car window to detain a Guatemalan man waiting in his car for an attorney to arrive. These events raise serious questions about the appropriateness, proportionality, and execution of ICE tactics.”
The lawmakers also highlighted the San Diego raid’s harmful impacts on the local economy, community safety, and public trust in law enforcement.
“Several local officials — including the mayor of San Diego — have publicly condemned the raid, emphasizing its destabilizing effect on the community and economy. They have also condemned its chilling impact on the willingness of individuals to report crimes or co-operate with law enforcement,” continued the lawmakers. “These concerns are not just local; they speak to the national implications of how this Administration is misusing federal immigration enforcement power in ways that undermine public trust and community safety.”
“We urge your office to prioritize this investigation and to provide a detailed report of your findings. Transparency and accountability are essential to maintaining public confidence in our law enforcement agencies,” concluded the lawmakers.
Senators Padilla and Schiff, as well as Representatives Peters, Vargas, Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.-51), and Mike Levin (D-Calif.-49), also sent a letter today to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem expressing their concern over the deliberate targeting of immigrants trying to follow the legal process at courthouses, including at the San Diego Immigration Court located in the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building.
Senators Padilla and Schiff continue to stand up against the Trump Administration’s inhumane immigration enforcement tactics across California. Last month, Padilla, Schiff, and Representative Norma Torres (D-Calif.-35) condemned the Department of Homeland Security’s indiscriminate immigration enforcement raids in Pomona, California, as part of President Trump’s cruel mass deportation agenda, which has terrorized California communities and harmed the economy. Earlier this year, Padilla and Schiff also demanded answers from the Trump Administration after Homeland Security Investigations agents attempted to enter two Los Angeles Unified School District elementary schools to question students.
Full text of the letter is available here and below:
Dear Associate Director Fenton:
We write to express serious concern regarding the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation conducted on May 30, 2025, at Buona Forchetta and Enoteca Buona Forchetta restaurants in San Diego, California. Reports indicate that approximately 20 agents in military-style gear executed a raid during peak dining hours, detaining four employees and deploying flash-bang grenades, which created widespread panic among staff and patrons.
This troubling incident is not an isolated case. Rather, it appears to be part of a broader pattern of escalated and theatrical immigration enforcement operations across the country. Similar tactics—including the use of heavily armed agents and high-profile raids in civilian spaces—have recently been employed in several other communities. These include a raid at an underground nightclub in Los Angeles just hours after the San Diego incident, and an April operation in New Bedford, MA, where agents violently smashed in a car window to detain a Guatemalan man waiting in his car for an attorney to arrive. These events raise serious questions about the appropriateness, proportionality, and execution of ICE tactics.
Given the gravity of these concerns, and the potential civil rights implications of these enforcement strategies, we respectfully request that your office undertake a thorough investigation into the May 30 raid in San Diego. We also ask that you respond to the following questions by July 7, 2025:
1. Use of Force and Tactical Decisions: Was the decision to deploy agents in military-style gear including face coverings and to use flash-bang devices in a civilian environment justified based on any credible threat or resistance? If so, what specific threat assessments, risk factors, or intelligence justified the use of such force?
2. Compliance with Legal Protocols: Did the operation comply with ICE’s internal policies and all applicable laws governing workplace enforcement actions, including the scope and execution of the search or arrest warrants? Please identify any lapses in oversight that may have contributed to the operation’s execution, and clarify whether any internal review procedures have been initiated as a result.
3. Community Impact and Coordination: What steps, if any, were taken to consider the effect of such tactics on local businesses, immigrant communities, and public safety? Were local officials or law enforcement agencies consulted prior to the operation?
4. Pattern of Conduct: How does this operation fit into current enforcement priorities, and what guidance has been issued by ICE leadership in recent months regarding arrest and detention priorities in civilian or public-facing environments?
Several local officials—including the mayor of San Diego—have publicly condemned the raid, emphasizing its destabilizing effect on the community and economy. They have also condemned its chilling impact on the willingness of individuals to report crimes or co-operate with law enforcement. These concerns are not just local; they speak to the national implications of how this Administration is misusing federal immigration enforcement power in ways that undermine public trust and community safety.
We urge your office to prioritize this investigation and to provide a detailed report of your findings. Transparency and accountability are essential to maintaining public confidence in our law enforcement agencies.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. We look forward to your timely response and to the results of your investigation.
Sincerely, -
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Celebrating Our Agricultural Shows
Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland
Statement by TUV agriculture spokesperson Councillor Allister Kyle:
“The sunshine this year certainly helped make the Balmoral Show a roaring success, with crowds turning out in force to enjoy the biggest event in the farming calendar. Now, our attention rightly turns to the provincial shows that play such an important role in rural life across Northern Ireland.
“Our party leader, Jim Allister KC MP, had the pleasure of attending the Ballymena Show last Saturday. He took the opportunity to meet with many within the farming community and discuss a range of pressing issues — from Minister Muir’s controversial NAP proposals, to Labour’s new inheritance tax plans, and looming concerns such as potential future cuts to TB compensation.
“In the face of these challenges, our local agricultural shows offer something invaluable: a welcome release and an occasion for our farming families to come together in a relaxed and sociable setting.
“This weekend marks the first of two agricultural shows within the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area. The Ballymoney Show has firmly established itself as one of the top provincial shows in the country. Thanks to the hard work and enthusiasm of the Young Farmers’ Clubs from Finvoy, Kilraughts and Moycraig, and the generosity of sponsors, the show committee has once again pulled together a fantastic, affordable family event running across Friday evening and Saturday.
“From light-hearted competitions like the Lego building and children’s fancy dress, to the serious business of livestock judging, there is truly something for everyone at Ballymoney.
“Provincial shows like this are much more than just agricultural events. They offer local businesses the chance to showcase their products, and perhaps most importantly, they provide a vital opportunity for rural communities to connect. For many farming families, these shows are the only time in the year to catch up with friends, neighbours, and fellow farmers — a lifeline in a profession that can often feel isolating.
“We perhaps do not give enough recognition to the role these shows play in reducing rural isolation and strengthening community bonds. They deserve our full support.
“Let’s hope the weather holds up once again, and that everyone enjoys a brilliant weekend at Ballymoney Show.”
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MIL-OSI United Kingdom: TUV question if Stonewall played a role in NICS attendance at Belfast Pride
Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland
TUV Equality Spokeswoman Ann McClure said:
“While public bodies across the UK have rushed for the exit door when it comes to Stonewall, Stormont remains stubbornly behind the curve. Both the Executive Office—jointly headed by Emma Little Pengelly—and the Northern Ireland Civil Service continue to maintain links with Stonewall, at a cost to the public purse.
“The 2024 Stonewall feedback report into the Civil Service makes it abundantly clear that participation in Pride is regarded as a key indicator of an organisation’s commitment to what they term ‘LGBTQ+ inclusion and rights.’ That alone raises serious questions.
“There is, therefore, an onus on the Northern Ireland Civil Service to be honest with the public. Was fear of falling down the rankings in Stonewall’s equality index a deciding factor in their continued participation in Belfast Pride? Was this political consideration weighed against the views of ordinary people—many of whom object not only to the overtly political nature of Pride but also to its hostility to the Executive’s stance on puberty blockers?
“TUV will be tabling an Assembly question on this issue, and I will personally be submitting a Freedom of Information request today demanding the release of all internal communications and documents relating to the Civil Service’s decision to take part in Belfast Pride 2025.
“While Stonewall and the Civil Service speak the language of inclusion, the reality is very different. Their involvement in Pride alienates a large section of the Northern Ireland public who do not support the LGBT+ movement’s agenda—particularly its radical push for life-altering drugs for children, against sound medical advice and public opinion.”
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MIL-OSI Russia: AI vs. Manual Cultivation: Round 2 of China’s Smart Farming Competition
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
CHENGDU, June 7 (Xinhua) — Under the golden rays of the June sun, a “high-risk” agricultural experiment is unfolding in the emerald rice fields of the “Tianfu Breadbasket” key demonstration area in Chongzhou City, southwest China’s Sichuan Province.
Three weeks into the second AI rice-growing competition, organizers are faced with a key question: Can AI surpass centuries of farming wisdom?
The competition, which runs from May 15 to September 30, features six traditional farming teams and four AI-enabled teams on 1,000 mu (about 66.7 hectares) of high-quality rural fields. Each team cultivates 100 mu using elite rice varieties. This modern duel between tradition and technology offers insight into China’s advancement toward smart agriculture.
The AI teams use an intelligent agent for rice cultivation decision-making developed by the Institute of Urban Agriculture of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) using a sky-earth-space data network. The system collects information on crop growth, farming operations, diseases, pests and weeds in real time, processes the data through a cloud-based AI agent, generates detailed reports and professional recommendations that are instantly sent to the smartphones of the AI participants.
Based on these recommendations, AI participants carry out field work, and the monitoring system continuously collects operational data, forming a closed decision-making loop to ensure the accuracy and intelligence of the growing process.
Gao Ying, a participant from Qingqiao Shared Land Cooperative in Chongzhou City, said that compared with traditional farming, AI farming can quickly master key knowledge and production skills. “In addition, the system provides effective recommendations in response to queries,” she added.
Lessons from the first competition
This is not Gao Ying’s first experience. Last year’s competition showed the reality of the situation: the AI system from ASNC, which guided the newcomer Gao Ying in the 100 mu section, helped her team to take seventh place among nine teams.
“AI needs field practice,” said Wang Ran, a leading researcher at ASNC for urban agriculture strategy, whose team developed the system.
“When we created the algorithm, we had fragmentary data. Now we have created a comprehensive data set covering the entire rice growing process: start and end dates, photos of crop growth, relevant weather and soil data,” said Wang Ran.
“The power of AI is in processing 10,000 data points from each mu through our monitoring network, but converting them into practical actions requires deeper synergy between farmers and algorithms,” Wang explained. He noted that the AI-based decision-making rate reached 73 percent last year, but there were challenges with the timing of pest control.
“This year, the goal is to achieve more than 80 percent decision making to ensure that AI recommendations are consistent with farmers’ actions,” he said.
Harmony between humans and AI
The organizers view the competition not as a confrontation, but as an integration of humans and AI.
“AI is a help, not a replacement for humans. We aim to provide more accurate support to urban producers and decision makers through AI computing power,” Wang Ran said of the initial goal of applying AI in agriculture.
“The key value of the system is to create a bridge between innovators and farmers’ needs, improving the quality of decision-making by farmers and providing data for government sector planning,” he stressed.
Now, in the midst of summer harvesting and planting, Qingqiao Village in Chongzhou City, Chengdu Plain, is demonstrating the results of technological transformation of traditional agriculture: an intelligent rice planting system works in tandem with farmers, creating a highly efficient symbiosis of smart technology and human labor. -0-
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MIL-OSI Russia: China issues yellow alert over heavy rainfall in several regions
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 7 (Xinhua) — China’s National Meteorological Center (NMC) on Saturday issued a yellow alert for heavy rain.
According to the NMC, heavy rains are expected to hit some areas along the Yangtze and Huaihe rivers, Hanjiang, and areas in Guizhou Province (southwest China) and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (south China) from 2:00 p.m. Saturday to 2:00 p.m. Sunday.
Some parts of Anhui, Jiangsu, Hubei and Zhejiang provinces will see up to 180 mm of rainfall, while some areas in these regions will experience short-term heavy rainfall with hourly rainfall of 80 mm or more, accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds.
Let us recall that China has a four-tier weather warning system, with the highest level of danger indicated by red, followed in descending order by orange, yellow and blue. -0-
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MIL-OSI Russia: International motorcycle festival in Mongolia attracted 2,500 participants
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
ULAN BATOR, June 7 (Xinhua) — More than 2,500 motorcyclists, including 500 bikers from China, Russia, Germany and the Republic of Korea, are taking part in the 10th international motorcycle festival called “Steppe Wind 2025”.
The motorcycle festival started on Saturday from the central square of Mongolia and continued along the main streets of Ulaanbaatar.
The current event is being hosted by the capital’s Tourism Department and local motorcycle clubs Mongolian choppers brotherhood MC and Red Falcons.
After the biker parade, the festival participants went to the Khui Doloon Khudag Valley, which is located 30 kilometers from the capital of Mongolia.
The motorcycle festival is expected to feature a variety of events, including performances by famous Mongolian rock and hip-hop bands, a laser show, a Leila dance show, and an exhibition of rare vintage motorcycles.
The festival will run until June 8. –0–
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MIL-OSI Canada: Minister of National Defence Remarks at the Responsible AI in the Military domain (REAIM) Summit 2024
Source: Government of Canada News (2)
September 10, 2024
Thank you, very much and good afternoon colleagues.
I’d like to begin my remarks by offering my sincere thanks to our hosts for all the work that they have done in organizing the summit and bringing this very important discussion together.
At the first REAIM Summit, in the Netherlands in February 2023, Canada supported the “Call to Action” on the responsible development, deployment, and use of AI in the military.
And following the inaugural REAIM Summit, I would like to take the opportunity to reflect on the productive work that has emerged since that time.
As you’re all well aware, we are in an era of heightened global competition.
Changing physical, technological and geopolitical landscapes have created new threats, vulnerabilities as well as new opportunities not only for our country but for our Allies and partners around the world.
These new threats are driving AI innovation within our Department of National Defence and our Armed Forces, and Canada remains fully committed to the responsible use of AI, through our endorsement of the Blueprint for Action.
As this new technology continues to become more visible in our operations and day-to-day work, it is critical that we harness this technology both effectively and ethically.
And to ensure Canada is ready to do this, I have announced the launch of our Department of National Defence and our Armed Forces’ AI Strategy in March of this year.
Our strategy aims to position the Canadian Armed Forces and our Department of National Defence as an AI-enabled organization by 2030.
And it envisions the ethical, inclusive, and trusted use of AI to achieve interoperability and strategic advantage in the battlefield while enhancing stewardship of our resources.
Our strategy also emphasizes the importance of cultivating an AI-ready workforce through training and partnership with allies.
This will ensure that AI technologies are not only developed efficiently but also effectively integrated and managed.
As part of our work to implement our AI Strategy, we have established the Department of National Defence and our Canadian Armed Forces AI Centre.
Our intent is that this Centre will become the hub of AI expertise, including for policy development.
It will also accelerate experimentation, testing, evaluation, and support to our Armed Forces members in fielding AI.
And as part of these efforts, Canada remains committed to developing a framework for the responsible use of AI in military contexts while making sure that we address unique ethical challenges ingrained in this technology. This includes mitigating unintended bias, including those related to gender and race.
Canada will ensure that any new AI or AI-enabled technology is developed and implemented in accordance with applicable laws, policies and guidelines, including applicable International Humanitarian Law, international human rights law, and the laws of armed conflict.
We will also ensure that this technology is only used to improve the work of our military personnel but not replace it.
That is why we have committed to ensuring that humans will always remain at the forefront of significant decisions with appropriate accountability mechanisms remaining in place.
Together, these efforts will ensure that our Department and our Military’s use of AI remains safe, ethical and responsible, and lives up to what all of our citizens expect of us.
We know that we must continue to innovate and remain agile to leverage AI’s full potential, but we know that we cannot do this alone.
And going forward, our Department of National Defence will always engage in extensive collaboration with our internal and external partners, with industry, academia, as well as our allies and partners to ensure that our use of AI remains responsible and interoperable.
And only by working together and fielding trusted systems, can we have the greatest opportunity to develop AI-ready forces who can contribute to defending our citizens at home, and our friends around the world.
International engagements such as REAIM reflect Canada’s dedication to fostering a global standard for ethical AI in military operations, and directly supports that collaboration and collective endeavor.
And to that end, I want to express my gratitude and welcome the opportunity to be here, to share lessons learned and best practices, and to ensure that AI technologies are used responsibly within the military domain.
I look very much forward to the outcome of our discussions.
Thank you.
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MIL-OSI Canada: Minister of National Defence Remarks at the Seoul Defence Dialogue
Source: Government of Canada News (2)
September 11, 2024
Minister Kim,
Admiral Bauer,
Excellencies,
Colleagues and friends.Good morning to all.
It’s a very great privilege for me to be here today for the Seoul Defence Dialogue as part of my first official visit to Korea.
First of all, to Minister Kim, thank you for your very kind and warm hospitality, and your leadership both today at this very important Seoul Defence Dialogue, but also during yesterday’s United Nations Command Ministerial Meeting.
And to Admiral Bauer, I want to take the opportunity to thank you for your exemplary leadership of the NATO Military Committee and your invaluable contributions to our alliance.
As you have heard and understand, my co-panellists and I come from three very different parts of the world.
But notwithstanding our separation by distance and culture, we share a common goal of maintaining the rules-based international order which has delivered peace, stability and prosperity to all of our peoples.
And I believe that Canada has a unique role to play in achieving that goal because we are an Arctic nation, an Atlantic nation, and a Pacific nation.
For example, our Pacific coastline is roughly 25,000 kilometres long and our trade and security links with this region are vital, and strong, and growing.
In particular, Canada’s ties with the Republic of Korea run deep. Roughly 26,000 Canadians served here in Korea during the Korean War which was Canada’s third bloodiest conflict.
And since the very beginning, we’ve been part of the United Nations Command, upholding and helping to uphold the Korean Armistice Agreement, and working towards a lasting peace.
Canadian Armed Forces members also regularly deploy alongside members of Korea’s Armed Forces during regional exercises, including Exercise Rim of the Pacific which wrapped up only last month.
And Korea has become one of Canada’s largest trading partners in the Indo-Pacific, as well as our third-largest regional partner when it comes to defence materiel.
I believe very sincerely that there is much more that we can do together and that’s why we continue to make progress on our Action Plan to implement the Canada-Korea Strategic Partnership, which includes exploring more opportunities for our defence industries to work together.
I am very pleased that in 2022, our countries re-signed a Defence Materiel Cooperation MOU and that we are seeing daily evidence of growing ties between our defence industrial bases.
Relationships such as these, and those relationships fostered through this dialogue, are critical during increasingly difficult times.
As we are all aware, our world has become a far more dangerous place over the past few years.
A number of crises including Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and the Israeli-Hamas conflict in the Middle East are all evidence of the challenges that the rules-based order is facing in today’s world.
Here in the Indo-Pacific, we are seeing China undertaking the most rapid military build-up of any nation since the Second World War and it appears to intend to reshape the international system to suit its own goals.
And as we’ve seen in the last few months, China is challenging the freedom of navigation of the South China Sea, a waterway that is critical to regional and global prosperity.
And on occasion, it has repeatedly and dangerously obstructed the movement of Philippine vessels.
They clearly openly aspire to unite with Taiwan, and we believe very strongly that any instability in the Taiwan Strait would have a devastating effect to the global economy.
And closer to my country, China has deployed an increasing number of dual-purpose research vessels and surveillance platforms, collecting data about our Arctic and North.
And in the Arctic, we are seeing China working hard to increase its economic and military presence in cooperation with Russia.
It is clear that on matters of security, China’s interests may increasingly diverge from our own.
But I think it’s also essential to prevent misunderstanding. Clear communication with China is vital and I took the opportunity just this past June to hold our first meeting between a Chinese and Canadian defence minister in over 11 years.
And during that dialogue, I had the opportunity to make clear that foreign interference cannot be tolerated and expressed some concern about China’s military activity around Taiwan.
But we were able to agree together that there is a need for dialogue and cooperation in order to avoid conflict.
Likewise, we recognize the continued threat posed by North Korea. This includes the DPRK’s buildup in testing of ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction. Canada unequivocally condemns these actions in no uncertain terms.
And we’ve taken action by imposing sanctions on North Korea, along with the UN Security Council sanctions, which the Canadian Armed Forces uphold through Operation NEON.
Despite Russia’s attempts to undermine our work by vetoing the renewal of the UN Panel of Experts who track and report on evasion efforts, Canada will continue to monitor violations by the DPRK in cooperation with all of our international partners.
We call on North Korea to stop these programs and other aggressive activities, to resume its adherence to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and to pursue dialogue with the international community.
We are also concerned with China and North Korea’s deepening ties to Russia in support of its illegal invasion of Ukraine.
We will continue to call them out for their work to spread disinformation and conduct malicious cyber activities which threaten our critical infrastructure and can sow distrust and a lack of trust in our most important institutions.
In the face of these threats, the ties between Canada and our Indo-Pacific partners matter more now than ever, and that’s why in 2022, Canada released its Indo-Pacific Strategy.
This strategy serves as a critical roadmap for how we will engage in the region. It makes very clear that our partners and allies can expect to see more of us present in this region of the world.
We need to be a reliable and dependable partner and thanks to this strategy, our military presence in the Indo-Pacific is growing.
Last year, as well as this year, we have deployed and are deploying, three Canadian naval warships into the region for the first time in decades.
This increased presence is going to allow us to work more closely with partners including right here in the North Pacific.
Most recently, HMCS Vancouver has been sailing on Exercise PACIFIC VANGUARD.
As part of this mission, they’ve been training with members of the Korean, Japanese and American navies, strengthening their skills in maritime operations, anti-submarine warfare, air warfare operations and advanced maneuvering.
And through Operation NEON, we have been deploying our ships and aircraft to monitor UN sanction operations against North Korea and working with the military members of all like-minded Pacific countries.
As our people work and train together, they are learning valuable new skills and forging deeper bonds.
Likewise, as one of the 18 countries that participates in the United Nations Command, Canada will continue to do our part to maintain stability and security on the Korean Peninsula.
We have supported this mission from the very beginning, since 1953, and in the 71 years since this command was established, Canadian Armed Forces members have helped to enforce the Armistice Agreement and to reinforce deterrence.
We have taken on a variety of critical roles including serving right on the front lines of the De-Militarized Zone as part of the Military Assistance Commission.
And for the second time, a Canadian officer – currently Lieutenant General Macaulay, is currently serving as the Deputy Commander of the UNC.
Our increased presence here in the Indo-Pacific must be sustained and that is going to require significant new investments in our capabilities.
Earlier this year, I released an updated defence policy for my country.
It’s called Our North, Strong and Free, and through this policy we have identified the Indo-Pacific, Europe and the Arctic as key strategic regions of focus for our military.
We are investing almost $10 billion dollars to extend the life of our Halifax-class warships so that we can continue to deploy them right here and we’ve begun construction on a new fleet of River-Class Destroyers, launching the process to acquire up to 12 new conventionally-powered submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy.
These are new and improved capabilities that are necessary, allowing Canada to continue to bolster its presence here in the Indo-Pacific, to do our part, and to live up to our obligations to our international partners.
They will make us more interoperable with our closest partners and they will continue to contribute to deterrence.
Our intent is to ensure that Canada remains a reliable and valuable partner in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
We recognize that the world has changed and continues to change rapidly. We also acknowledge we’ve got to do more, and we will do more.
That’s why Canada has committed to investing 2% of its GDP in defence as rapidly as possible, and by 2032. As the security threats facing the Indo-Pacific and the world grow, we are stronger with like-minded partners who share our values.
And as a proud Pacific nation and a dedicated NATO ally, Canada truly values our close relationships with nations that share our aspirations.
Nations like the Republic of Korea, with whom we share a long and treasured friendship.
These are indeed uncertain times, but I believe that they are also times of opportunity and possibility.
Because we are stronger when we work together.
When partners stand united.
And for Canada’s part, I want to assure you all that we are committed to this region, we are here to stay, and we will do our part.
And I believe that together we can maintain a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, and defend the international rules that have kept us safe for nearly 80 years.
Thank you. Merci.
And again, thank you for the kind invitation to be here.
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MIL-OSI Canada: Remarks by the Deputy Prime Minister announcing the boldest mortgage reforms in decades to unlock homeownership for more Canadians
Source: Government of Canada News (2)
September 16, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario
Good morning, everyone. Great to be here.
Welcome to the first economic press conference of the season. I will speak about the Canadian economy and the new mortgage rules. Minister Virani will talk about the new framework to protect renters and home buyers. Finally, Minister Boissonnault will speak about what these new mortgage rules will mean for young workers and for families across Canada.
Before diving into the new mortgage rules, I’d just like to say a couple of words about the Canadian economy.
We’ve had some positive news over the past few months. We have now had inflation down within the Bank of Canada’s target range for seven months in a row, and in July, inflation hit a 40-month low. We’ve seen the Bank of Canada lead the G7 in cutting interest rates. Canada has now been the first G7 country to cut interest rates for the first time, the first G7 country to cut interest rates for the second time, and the first G7 country to cut interest rates for the third time. It looks as if a soft landing is in sight.
We’ve now seen wages outpacing inflation for 18 months in a row. That is really important for hard-working Canadians, because it means their paycheques have more purchasing power. And the IMF is predicting that Canada’s GDP will be the fastest growing in the G7 in 2025.
That brings me to my announcement today about mortgages and mortgage rules. For our government, housing is a priority because it’s a priority for Canadians, and that’s why in the budget we put forward the most ambitious plan since the Second World War to build more homes faster. A big part of that plan is to have more purpose-built rentals, to have more affordable housing. Another key element of that plan is ensuring that young Canadians who want to buy a home can do that—that the dream of homeownership remains in reach for our younger generations. And that’s why we’re making some really significant changes today.
First, we are increasing the price cap for insured mortgages from $1 million to $1.5 million, effective December 15th this year. Why? Because the current $1 million cap dates back to 2012, and there have been big changes in the Canadian economy, the Canadian market. This change allows more Canadians to qualify for a mortgage with a downpayment below 20 per cent.
So, we are raising the level for insured mortgages from $1 million to $1.5 million. The $1 million level was set in 2012. Since then, Canada’s nominal GDP has increased by 65 per cent. It was time to look at that number, and that is a change that is going to have a real impact for thousands, even millions of Canadians. It is going to put the dream of homeownership in reach for more young Canadians.
The second change that we’re making: We’re expanding 30-year amortizations for insured mortgages. In the budget in the spring, we announced that 30-year amortizations would be available for first-time home buyers buying newly built homes, effective August 1st. Today, we are announcing that 30-year amortizations on insured mortgages will be available for all first-time home buyers. This really is about fairness for every generation. It’s about making that first home more available for young Canadians, for first-time home buyers.
The second change we’re making in the insured market is we’re saying that for all buyers of newly built homes in the insured space, 30-year amortizations will be available. This is really, at heart, a supply side measure. This is about creating more demand for new builds, because we know that crucially, Canada needs to get more homes built faster. In order to get those homes built faster, more people need to be there buying them. That’s what this change is going to permit. Both of those changes are effective December 15th.
I do want to point out that these measures build on our huge housing plan announced in the budget in the spring. They build on our plan to get 4 million homes built. They build on our tax-free First Home Savings Account. More than 750,000 Canadians—young Canadians, people who don’t have a first home yet—have opened those accounts. We are now taking the next step and making it easier for people who are saving so hard for that downpayment to buy their first home. These measures build on our Canadian Mortgage Charter.
I do want to point out—because over the summer, I talked to a lot of people who are concerned as their mortgages come up for renewal—in the Mortgage Charter, we allowed all holders of insured mortgages to switch lenders at renewal without another mortgage stress test. That’s because we want people at renewal—who are already under a lot of pressure, who are already really concerned—to have maximum flexibility, to have the ability to shop around for the deal that works for them and their family.
We are also today releasing blueprints for the Home Buyers’ Bill of Rights and the Renters’ Bill of Rights, and that is what we’re going to hear from Minister Virani about in a minute.
I just want to highlight that today’s announcement is really important—important for all Canadians. These measures are aimed at building more homes faster across Canada, at creating intergenerational equity, and enabling young Canadians to achieve this Canadian dream and purchase their first home.
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MIL-OSI Canada: House Standing Committee on National Defence (NDDN) appearance on mandate and priorities
Source: Government of Canada News (2)
September 26, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario
Merci, Mr. Chair. Good morning everyone.
This is my first appearance here as Chief of the Defence Staff, so I want to begin by saying how much I value the work this committee does.
I appreciate the opportunity to discuss my mandate and priorities for the Canadian Armed Forces.
I’m joined today by Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant-General Stephen Kelsey.
We face a volatile and unpredictable global security environment.
From ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East to rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific.
From climate change to disruptive technology to disinformation.
These threats require us to be vigilant and forward-thinking in the way we approach defence.
I’ve had the privilege of serving alongside the members of the Canadian Armed Forces for 34 years. Now I have the privilege of leading them.
They are skilled, courageous, and dedicated beyond measure.
Supporting and caring for our people must continue to be our top priority.
I’m committed to building on the work of my predecessors.
That means focusing on three R’s: recruitment, retention, and readiness.
These are issues many of our Allies face as well.
We need to get our Forces back to full strength within 5 years. This is vital.
To do it, we need to continue modernizing how we recruit and who we recruit.
That means improving our processes without lowering our standards.
And it means making a big push to recruit Canadians from all backgrounds, including opening the door to more permanent residents.
Diversity makes us more operationally effective.
What worked in the last 20 years will not work in the next 20 years. We can’t continue relying on the same thinking, the same mindset, and the same people around the table.
We need to bring in new and broader perspectives, approaches, and ideas if we’re going to solve the complex challenges of today and tomorrow.
On retention: we have stopped the downward trend and stabilized our numbers.
We’re making progress, but there’s more to do.
When we uphold the highest standards of conduct and performance…
When our people can grow and thrive both professionally and personally…
Not only will we attract the best and brightest—we will keep them.
We also need to be ready. Always. And for anything.
Readiness is a constant and it is a must.
The world is in a state of transition.
Outcomes are not guaranteed. We must be comfortable being uncomfortable.
But that doesn’t mean we can’t be more organized and prepared.
Readiness means having a stronger and more diverse foundation of personnel.
With advanced capabilities that meet the future of warfare.
With a willingness to innovate, adapt, and take risks.
And it means collaborating with our Allies and partners around the world.
This is particularly true when it comes to defending North America alongside the US—both through NORAD and more generally through the collaboration of our Canadian Joint Operations Command and the United States Northern Command.
As you know, global interest in the Arctic is growing, including from our competitors and adversaries, and so we must be diligent in protecting and asserting Canadian sovereignty in the North.
I visited NORAD Headquarters this week and saw firsthand how Canadian military members work seamlessly with their US colleagues 24/7 to defend our shared continent.
We need to continue working closely through NORAD to detect, deter, and defend against aerospace threats.
And beyond NORAD, through CJOC and US NORTHCOM to monitor our combined maritime approaches.
This past July, for example, NORAD fighter jets from Canada and the United States intercepted Russian and Chinese aircraft in international airspace near Alaska.
That same month, HMCS Regina shadowed a Chinese polar research vessel in the Bering Strait.
As always, we must ensure our intercepts are carried out safely and professionally.
Mr. Chair, I know none of this is easy.
We’re transforming the Canadian Armed Forces while also fulfilling our growing duties.
That’s like building and flying an airplane at the same time.
But we know what our internal challenges are, and we know what we need to do.
I believe deeply in this institution and what it stands for.
We will continue tackling this work with determination and resolve.
And we will get it done.
Thank you. Merci. I’m happy to take your questions.
General Jennie Carignan
Chief of the Defence Staff -
India calls for global action on extreme heat risk at UNDRR session in Geneva
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Calling extreme heat a “global crisis,” Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr. P. K. Mishra urged coordinated international action during a keynote address at the Special Session on Extreme Heat Risk Governance hosted by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) in Geneva on Thursday.
Dr. Mishra’s remarks echoed the urgency expressed by the UN Secretary-General, highlighting that rising temperatures now pose a systemic threat to public health, economic stability, and ecological resilience worldwide.
“Heatwaves are no longer seasonal inconveniences; they are transboundary, systemic risks—especially for densely populated urban areas,” Dr. Mishra said, emphasizing the need for global collaboration on early warning systems, climate-resilient infrastructure, and equity-focused interventions.
India’s Proactive Heat Risk Management
Detailing India’s experience, Dr. Mishra said the country has shifted from reactive disaster response to proactive and integrated heat risk management under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He noted that since 2016, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued comprehensive national guidelines for heatwave management—revised in 2019—which have enabled decentralized action through Heat Action Plans (HAPs).
India now has over 250 cities and districts across 23 heat-prone states operating localized HAPs, supported by NDMA’s advisory and technical frameworks. The Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan, a pioneering model, was cited as a successful example of how early warning systems, inter-agency coordination, and community outreach can significantly reduce mortality during heatwaves.
Whole-of-Government, Whole-of-Society Approach
Dr. Mishra highlighted India’s “whole-of-government and whole-of-society” strategy, engaging ministries including health, agriculture, urban development, labor, power, education, and infrastructure.
“Extreme heat deeply impacts communities, and India has actively incorporated traditional wisdom and local experiences into its response,” he said, pointing to the role of schools in spreading climate awareness and of primary health centers in delivering frontline care during heat events.
India’s response also includes long-term urban resilience measures such as cool roof technologies, passive cooling centers, greening of urban spaces, and the revival of traditional water bodies. Importantly, the integration of Urban Heat Island (UHI) assessments into urban planning is becoming a standard practice in several cities.
Policy Shift to Enable Funding for Mitigation
Announcing a major policy shift, Dr. Mishra said that National and State Disaster Mitigation Funds (SDMF) can now be used for heatwave mitigation, allowing local governments, private sector entities, NGOs, and individuals to co-finance adaptation projects. This move, he said, reflects India’s commitment to shared responsibility and community-driven resilience.
A Call for Global Cooperation
While acknowledging India’s progress, Dr. Mishra identified key global challenges, including the need for a localized heat-humidity index using real-time data, and the development of affordable, culturally appropriate passive cooling innovations.
He stressed that vulnerable populations—such as women, outdoor workers, the elderly, and children—are disproportionately impacted by extreme heat, and called for international mechanisms to ensure equitable adaptation.
Concluding his address, Dr. Mishra affirmed India’s support for the UNDRR’s Common Framework for Extreme Heat Risk Governance, describing it as a vital platform for shared learning, data sharing, institutional capacity building, and joint research.
“India is fully committed to sharing its expertise, technical capacities, and institutional strengths with global partners,” he said. “We must ensure a resilient, coordinated, and proactive global response to the rising threat of extreme heat.”
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MIL-OSI Russia: Yemen’s Houthis ready to exchange all prisoners with government
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
SANAA, June 7 (Xinhua) — Yemen’s Houthi group said on Friday it was ready to swap all prisoners with the country’s government, a major offer made by the rebels since the civil war began in late 2014.
The Houthi-controlled Saba news agency reported, citing a statement from the head of the Houthi committee for prisoners’ affairs, Abdel Qader al-Murtada, that the group was ready to carry out “a full exchange process that includes all prisoners from all sides.”
A.K. al-Murtada called on the Saudi government to put pressure on the Yemeni government to “respond to the initiative without preconditions.”
Yemen’s internationally recognized government has yet to comment on the rebels’ proposal.
In 2023, the Yemeni government and the Houthi group carried out a major UN-brokered prisoner exchange, exchanging about 900 people. Another major exchange took place in 2020, when both sides released about 1,000 prisoners and detainees.
Yemen has been mired in civil war since late 2014, when rebels seized control of much of northern Yemen, ousting the Yemeni government from the capital Sanaa.
Since April 2022, clashes between the Houthis and government forces have decreased following a UN-brokered ceasefire. –0–
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MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Foreign Exchange Reserves Increase to $3.2853 Trillion
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 7 (Xinhua) — China’s foreign exchange reserves stood at 3.2853 trillion U.S. dollars as of the end of May 2025, up 3.6 billion U.S. dollars or 0.11 percent from the level at the end of April, data released by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange showed Saturday.
The ministry said in a statement that China’s foreign exchange reserves rose in May, under the combined impact of currency translation and asset price changes. -0-
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MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 382
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Note: The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
SEL2URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Tornado Watch Number 382
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
105 AM CDT Sat Jun 7 2025The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Tornado Watch for portions of
Northwest Arkansas
Southern Kansas
Extreme Southwest Missouri
Northeast Oklahoma* Effective this Saturday morning from 105 AM until 700 AM CDT.
* Primary threats include…
A couple tornadoes possible
Widespread damaging winds likely with isolated significant gusts
to 85 mph possible
Isolated very large hail events to 2 inches in diameter possibleSUMMARY…A fast-moving and intense bow echo along the
Kansas/Oklahoma border will track east-southeastward across the
watch through daybreak. Damaging wind gusts are the primary
concern, along with a few tornadoes along the leading edge of the
squall line.The tornado watch area is approximately along and 60 statute miles
north and south of a line from 25 miles west northwest of Enid OK to
35 miles east of Fayetteville AR. For a complete depiction of the
watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU2).PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
and possible warnings.&&
OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 380…WW 381…
AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
surface and aloft to 2 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
gusts to 75 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
storm motion vector 28040.…Hart
SEL2
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Tornado Watch Number 382
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
105 AM CDT Sat Jun 7 2025The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Tornado Watch for portions of
Northwest Arkansas
Southern Kansas
Extreme Southwest Missouri
Northeast Oklahoma* Effective this Saturday morning from 105 AM until 700 AM CDT.
* Primary threats include…
A couple tornadoes possible
Widespread damaging winds likely with isolated significant gusts
to 85 mph possible
Isolated very large hail events to 2 inches in diameter possibleSUMMARY…A fast-moving and intense bow echo along the
Kansas/Oklahoma border will track east-southeastward across the
watch through daybreak. Damaging wind gusts are the primary
concern, along with a few tornadoes along the leading edge of the
squall line.The tornado watch area is approximately along and 60 statute miles
north and south of a line from 25 miles west northwest of Enid OK to
35 miles east of Fayetteville AR. For a complete depiction of the
watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU2).PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
and possible warnings.&&
OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 380…WW 381…
AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
surface and aloft to 2 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
gusts to 75 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
storm motion vector 28040.…Hart
Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
SAW2
WW 382 TORNADO AR KS MO OK 070605Z – 071200Z
AXIS..60 STATUTE MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF LINE..
25WNW END/ENID OK/ – 35E FYV/FAYETTEVILLE AR/
..AVIATION COORDS.. 50NM N/S /22WNW END – 32ESE RZC/
HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..2 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..75 KNOTS.
MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 28040.LAT…LON 37369834 36879354 35139354 35629834
THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
FOR WOU2.Watch 382 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.
Note: Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes
Probability of 2 or more tornadoes
Mod (40%)
Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes
Low (10%)
Wind
Probability of 10 or more severe wind events
High (80%)
Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots
Mod (30%)
Hail
Probability of 10 or more severe hail events
Mod (30%)
Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches
Mod (30%)
Combined Severe Hail/Wind
Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events
High (>95%)
For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.
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MIL-OSI New Zealand: Desert Road expected to reopen shortly
Source: New Zealand Police
The Desert Road is expected to reopen approximately 6:45pm following the fatal crash earlier today.
Motorists are thanked for their patience while emergency services and contractors worked at the scene.
For updates on the road opening, please check https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/regions/bay-of-plenty
ENDS
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MIL-OSI China: Saving young eyes: China’s multifaceted approach to curbing myopia
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
At a primary school in Jinan, east China’s Shandong Province, students are undergoing routine vision checks with the help of an innovative tool, namely a headphone-like smart monitoring device powered by artificial intelligence (AI).
This device collects real-time data concerning students’ reading distance, sitting posture, light exposure and screen time, and then generates systematic evaluations and personalized recommendations. This technology not only tracks vision changes but also promotes healthier eye habits.
“This is a dynamic monitoring process that is more objective and direct than traditional questionnaires,” said Huo Huanhuan, a doctor with the Shandong Prevention and Control Center for Child and Adolescent Myopia, as she scrolled through her phone to display trend analysis charts produced by the device.
So far, more than 200 schools in Shandong have partnered with the center — leveraging big data and AI to enhance early monitoring and myopia prevention.
This effort comes as China strives to address its pressing public health challenge of high myopia rates among children and adolescents. According to the latest official statistics, 51.9 percent of Chinese children and adolescents are nearsighted, despite a slight decline in recent years.
To combat this challenge, China has set ambitious targets — by 2030, the country aims to keep the myopia rate among 6-year-olds at around 3 percent and ensure that no more than 38 percent of primary school students develop myopia. Achieving these goals requires a multipronged approach.
A key strategy involves increasing outdoor time. A 2024 government document mandates that primary schools organize outdoor recess and ensure at least one hour of daily physical activity for students.
Scientifically, sunlight exposure during outdoor play stimulates the retinas to release more dopamine, a chemical that helps slow excessive eyeball elongation — a major contributor to myopia.
Leading the way is Shenzhen in south China’s Guangdong Province. This city rolled out a groundbreaking policy at the end of 2023, which stipulates that all its primary and middle schools must offer one physical education (PE) class a day. A year later, Shenzhen’s myopia rate among children and adolescents had dropped by 1.2 percentage points, meaning that over 20,000 students were prevented from needing glasses.
“One year of implementation has proven that the ‘one-PE-class-a-day’ policy significantly boosts the physical and mental health of students,” said Zheng Xiuyu, director of the Shenzhen Education Bureau.
Inspired by Shenzhen’s success, provincial-level regions like Yunnan, Anhui and Tianjin have introduced similar policies. Meanwhile, other regions, including Beijing, Shandong and Fujian in east China, have extended school break times from 10 to 15 minutes to encourage more physical activity.
At 9 a.m., upon hearing the bell, Wang Jiahui, a fifth-grade student in Shandong, picked up a football and immediately rushed toward the playground. “With five more minutes, we can organize a small match or do some specialized football skills practice.”
“Longer breaks give students more opportunities to exercise, leading to better fitness levels,” said Liu Shansong, an official from Licang District in Shandong’s Qingdao city, where the extended recess policy was piloted.
The results speak for themselves. In 2024, the district saw an 8-percentage-point increase in the “excellent” and “good” physical fitness rates among primary school students, alongside a 4-percentage-point drop in myopia rates.
In addition to promoting physical activity, education authorities nationwide are also upgrading school facilities to support eye health. Adjustable desks and chairs, along with lighting equipment beneficial to eye health, are being introduced to create vision-friendly learning environments.
Notably, in central China’s Hubei Province, primary schools have installed an intelligent prompt system in teachers’ electronic whiteboards, setting a 12-minute usage limit per class session. Once the time limit is reached, an eye-protection reminder automatically pops up, prompting teachers to discontinue electronic device usage.
Huo Pengfei, parent of a fourth-grade student at one of the schools, is delighted with the restriction on electronic screen use.
“This significantly alleviates children’s eye strain — and we sincerely applaud and support this initiative,” said Huo.
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MIL-OSI China: Macao launches POP MART tourism event to attract global fans
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
A resident takes photos of a Labubu toy at the Taipa exhibition area of “POP MART MACAO CITYWALK” in south China’s Macao, June 6, 2025. The tourism office of China’s Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government, together with China’s trendy toy maker POP MART, on Friday launched “POP MART MACAO CITYWALK,” a cultural tourism initiative with the unveiling of a 7-meter-high toy Labubu known for its toothy grin. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)
The tourism office of China’s Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government, together with China’s trendy toy maker POP MART, on Friday launched “POP MART MACAO CITYWALK,” a cultural tourism initiative with the unveiling of a 7-meter-high toy Labubu known for its toothy grin.
The office noted that, spanning 108 days from Monday to September 21, the event will bring POP MART’s globally popular characters, including Baby Molly, Crybaby Dimoo, and Labubu, to four iconic locations across Macao.
A special “pop station” was set up at Senado Square, featuring a pop-up shop and a Macao-themed Mega Space Molly Egg Tart installation, where visitors could collect themed postcards and stamps at each site.
Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, director of the tourism office, stated to the media that POP MART has a vast resource in terms of the number of fans worldwide. “When people come to take photos with the figures, they are also walking around the city and seeing different kinds of elements related to the city,” she added.
Ms. Lin from Guangzhou was visiting Macao particularly for the event. Showing her two Labubu dolls and delicate decorations, she said she had only recently become familiar with the character and had become quite interested in the IP series.
The project integrated a regional e-payment consumption lucky draw, open to users from Macao, Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland, Thailand, and Malaysia.
Visitors visit the Taipa exhibition area of “POP MART MACAO CITYWALK” in south China’s Macao, June 6, 2025. The tourism office of China’s Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government, together with China’s trendy toy maker POP MART, on Friday launched “POP MART MACAO CITYWALK,” a cultural tourism initiative with the unveiling of a 7-meter-high toy Labubu known for its toothy grin. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)
Guests attend the opening ceremony of “POP MART MACAO CITYWALK” in south China’s Macao, June 6, 2025. The tourism office of China’s Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government, together with China’s trendy toy maker POP MART, on Friday launched “POP MART MACAO CITYWALK,” a cultural tourism initiative with the unveiling of a 7-meter-high toy Labubu known for its toothy grin. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)
Residents pose for photos at the Taipa exhibition area of “POP MART MACAO CITYWALK” in south China’s Macao, June 6, 2025. The tourism office of China’s Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government, together with China’s trendy toy maker POP MART, on Friday launched “POP MART MACAO CITYWALK,” a cultural tourism initiative with the unveiling of a 7-meter-high toy Labubu known for its toothy grin. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)
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MIL-OSI China: China’s economic powerhouse charts ecological path with smart tech
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
In a wetland park in the industrial hub of Wuxi in Jiangsu Province, east China, an AI-powered system tracks bird species, among which is the critically endangered Baer’s pochard.
Installed at a biodiversity observatory in the district of Xinwu, the system can identify species and analyze population dynamics and behavioral patterns. Since its deployment in late 2024, the system has logged more than 30,000 bird activity video records.
“The large-scale appearance of Baer’s pochards reflects a significant improvement in the local ecosystem,” said Yin Songjiang, an official with the district’s ecology and environment bureau.
This project offers a glimpse into how one of the nation’s economic powerhouse provinces is leveraging smart technologies to protect the environment and biodiversity.
Jiangsu, a manufacturing heartland with a GDP of 13.7 trillion yuan (1.9 trillion U.S. dollars) in 2024, has been pioneering a new path that reconciles dense industrial development with vibrant biodiversity.
According to the Department of Ecology and Environment of Jiangsu Province, it has been redefining environmental stewardship with AI and digital tools, making ecological governance more precise, dynamic and effective.
TECH-DRIVEN POLLUTION CONTROL
In Jiangning District in Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu Province, high-tech instruments track air pollutants like PM2.5 in real time.
“Airborne pollutants cannot escape the scrutiny of our automated systems,” said Wang Xin, deputy director of the Jiangning district department of ecology and environment. “Once detected, the pollution source is automatically reported, enabling swift and targeted pollution response.”
Official data show that Jiangsu saw 82.5 percent of its days with good air quality last year, a 4.6-percentage-point improvement year-on-year and the best record since 2013.
Local authorities have also beefed up efforts to monitor and tackle water pollution.
Along riverbanks in the city of Suzhou, compact monitoring outposts autonomously analyze pollutants and transmit data. Drones equipped with infrared and high-definition cameras monitor river temperatures and detect illicit wastewater discharges.
Taihu Lake, China’s third-largest freshwater lake, reported its best water quality in three decades in 2024. A smart dredging vessel capable of removing 5,000 cubic meters of nutrient-rich silt daily has helped suppress algal blooms.
A multilayered smart surveillance network, spanning satellite remote sensing, AI-powered hyperspectral drone imagery, and underwater sensors, tracks algae and dissolved oxygen in real time.
SMART BIODIVERSITY MONITORING
In Jiangsu’s biodiversity database, wildlife footage is updated in real time. A few clicks can reveal infrared footage of a Pere David’s deer — an endangered species now thriving in Yancheng, home to the world’s largest wild herd of the animal. From just 39 deer in 1986, the population there has soared to 8,216 today.
Jiangsu’s embrace of intelligent observation tools is redefining how species are tracked and studied.
In Nanjing’s Jiangxinzhou wetland park, 11 smart video stations help to monitor key species. Along the banks of the Yangtze River, the world’s third-longest river, night-vision laser cameras capture footage of the elusive Yangtze finless porpoise.
Nanjing has become the first city in China where this critically endangered freshwater mammal can be observed in the downtown area. In 2024, there were more than 1,800 sightings, a figure more than double that recorded five years ago.
According to the provincial department of ecology and environment, Jiangsu is home to 8,842 species, an extraordinary number for a heavily industrialized region.
These efforts have yielded tangible economic returns. In 2024, Jiangsu’s ecotourism destinations welcomed 300 million visitors, generating over 16 billion yuan in direct revenues.
The province has also passed a local regulation for biodiversity protection and plans to establish 20 AI-powered biodiversity observatories in key areas by the end of this year.
“These smart observatories will lay a solid foundation for long-term biodiversity monitoring and scientific research,” said Wu Jun, an official with the provincial ecology and environment department.
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MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Opening remarks by SITI at Hong Kong Forum of International Science, Technology and Innovation Forum of Boao Forum for Asia 2025 Hong Kong Conference (English only) (with photo)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following are the opening remarks by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at Hong Kong Forum of International Science, Technology and Innovation Forum of Boao Forum for Asia 2025 Hong Kong Conference today (June 7):
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
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MIL-OSI China: Over 60 domestic, international films set to entertain Chinese audiences this summer
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
A slate of films for the 2025 summer movie season was announced on Friday, with more than 60 Chinese and international titles scheduled for release to entertain audiences.
The China Film Administration unveiled the slate at a special event that brought together cast and crew from several upcoming films, who promoted their projects and shared key highlights with the public.
This year’s summer lineup of domestic movies spans a wide range of genres, including historical drama, suspense, action, comedy and animation, catering to the increasingly diverse tastes of moviegoers.
Among the Chinese films featured was “Dong Ji Island,” which tells the story of local fishermen involved in a dramatic international maritime rescue operation.
Another highlight, “The Litchi Road,” follows the journey of a minor Tang Dynasty (618-907) official tasked with delivering fresh lychees — a mission that leads him on an epic adventure.
In the animation category, titles such as “Nobody” promise engaging content for younger audiences during the holiday.
The lineup of imported films set to hit Chinese theaters over the summer months includes high-profile titles such as “How to Train Your Dragon,” “Jurassic World: Rebirth” and “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.”
A series of initiatives to encourage moviegoing during the summer was also unveiled during the event.
During the recent Dragon Boat Festival, both box office and audience turnout figures saw significant growth compared to the same period last year.
This year’s Dragon Boat Festival holiday served as an effective warm-up for the upcoming summer season, signaling a recovery in the film market, said Maoyan analyst Lai Li, noting that the inventory of films slated for release in the summer is ample and diverse in genre.
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MIL-OSI China: Retinal implant offers hope for blind, extends vision to infrared
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
A team of Chinese scientists has unveiled a revolutionary retinal implant that may not only restore sight to the blind but also grant them the ability to see infrared light, a spectrum beyond normal human sight.
The study, published on Friday in the journal Science, demonstrates how a mesh of ultra-thin tellurium nanowires can replace damaged photoreceptors in a blind mouse’s eye, and convert near-infrared light into electrical signals that the macaque brain, a non-human primate model, can interpret as vision.
The new technology’s feasibility and strong safety profile mark a milestone in the development of artificial vision, which could prove invaluable to 200 million patients worldwide who are living with blindness or retinal disease.
The team from Shanghai tested their device in blind mice, which subsequently regained reflexes in the pupil and evoked neuron firing in the visual cortex. They performed almost as well as normal mice in visual pattern recognition tests.
More significantly, the device was successfully implanted in macaque monkeys, where it demonstrated both safety and the ability to detect near-infrared 1,550-nanometer light, according to the study.
In patients with severe eye diseases, such as macular degeneration, infrared vision could, in principle, aid vision in low light and darkness. The device could potentially provide significant advantages in low-light conditions.
The nanowire mesh is remarkably thin — about ten times thinner than previous artificial photoreceptors — making it easier to implant and more compatible with the delicate structures of the eye, said Zhang Jiayi from Fudan University, one of the lead researchers.
The retinal implant might be a game-changer since a single minimally invasive, reversible procedure restores natural vision without bulky glasses or frequent charging, according to the study.
The team designed a nanowire for the retina based on tellurium, a silver-white, light-sensitive element that’s used as a semiconductor, and interlaced them into an implantable lattice network.
It showed good biocompatibility and did not require external power sources, said the journal’s editor Mattia Maroso.
This successful animal study paves the way for future human trials, and offers a safer, more effective and wider-spectrum solution than existing technologies, said the researchers.
It could “substantially improve the efficacy of retinal neuroprostheses in restoring vision in blind and visually impaired individuals,” said Maroso.
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MIL-OSI China: China accelerates market-based reforms in allocation of resources, environmental factors
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
In pursuit of greener growth, China is steadily incorporating resources and environmental factors into the market framework as tradable production inputs, ensuring their value is more visible across the economy.
The latest move came in late May, when Chinese authorities unveiled a high-level guideline to accelerate the development of trading markets for carbon emission rights, water utilization rights, and pollution discharge permits.
According to the guideline, by 2027, China will have established a basically complete carbon emission and water trading system, and a more well-functioning trading system for pollution discharge rights. The guideline also envisions more vibrant markets, better price formation, and stronger support for national environmental goals through efficient flows and allocation of resources and environmental factors.
The latest reform builds on the principles laid out in October 2022, when Chinese leadership pledged to improve the system for market-based allocation of resources and environmental factors, and accelerate the R&D, promotion, and application of advanced energy-saving and carbon emission reduction technologies.
Analysts note that China faces rising pressure from limited per capita resources, tightening environmental constraints, and growing demand driven by rapid industrialization and urbanization. As a result, the role of resources and environmental factors as essential economic inputs has become increasingly prominent, making efficient, market-based allocation a pressing national priority.
“Resource scarcity and limited environmental carrying capacity are fundamental conditions in China,” said an official with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) in an interview with Xinhua, highlighting the urgency of using market mechanisms to break resource and environmental bottlenecks.
Over the years, China has laid important groundwork for the trading of resources and environmental factors, including establishing a nationwide carbon trading market, voluntary greenhouse gas emission reduction market, and water exchanges. Pilot programs for pollution permit exchanges have been rolled out in 28 provincial-level regions, demonstrating the viability of market-based mechanisms.
Nevertheless, despite these notable advances, the NDRC official pointed out that challenges persist, as China’s market-based system for allocating resources and environmental factors is still in its early stages. This system has been hindered by incomplete regulatory frameworks, a limited range of trading participants and mechanisms, as well as insufficient policy coordination and data sharing.
The new guideline, the official added, is expected to promote the notion that “resources and environmental factors carry value,” guiding their orderly flow, optimized allocation, and more efficient use, thereby fostering green, low-carbon development and supporting the growth of new quality productive forces.
Under the reform plan, China seeks to promote a unified framework for quota allocation and trading rules, while preserving the flexibility needed to address the specific nature of different environmental rights and major policy transitions.
Beyond regulation, the document also called for greater involvement from financial institutions. Financial entities are encouraged to develop green financial products, such as loans, insurance, and bonds, linked to resources and environmental factors.
Experts have hailed the policy as a landmark step towards systemic ecological reform in China. Wang Yi, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, described it as a “top-level design” to fix overlapping compliance and double counting, adding it marks a shift toward more integrated, system-level ecological governance.
Li Zhong, deputy director at the Energy Research Institute under the Academy of Macroeconomic Research, said the reform reflects China’s regional diversity, noting that the document explicitly calls for a phased approach, adjusting market structures according to local environmental characteristics and the readiness of market conditions.
While many local governments have launched pilot exchanges for carbon, water, and pollution rights, the new guideline emphasizes the need to align regional efforts under a national framework to improve allocation efficiency and market consistency.
In the carbon market, the country plans to expand its carbon market coverage, diversify trading products, and strengthen coordination with voluntary reduction schemes. Water-rights trading will extend across provinces in key river basins, incorporating conserved water from industrial and agricultural use. Pollution rights will see pilot cross-regional trading within shared watersheds.
Looking ahead, experts emphasize that accurate data, standardized trading platforms, transparent information disclosure, and enforceable oversight are all critical to building a well-functioning market for resources and environmental factors.
“Data integrity and legal safeguards are critical,” Wang Yi noted, adding that the development of a market-based system for resources and environmental factors is an evolving process that requires continuous adjustment and careful monitoring.