NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Statement by CSPL Chair, Doug Chalmers CB DSO OBE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Statement by CSPL Chair, Doug Chalmers CB DSO OBE

    A statement by the Chair of the Committee on Standards in Public Life regarding the government’s announcement of the Ethics and Integrity Commission.

    “The Committee is pleased that its work over the last 30 years has been recognised and that the government wants to retain and build on this model.

    Reporting annually to the Prime Minister on the health of the standards landscape and the government’s commitment to respond to the Ethics and Integrity Commission’s recommendations within a reasonable timeframe are both welcome and important changes, creating a more regular and visible dialogue on ethical issues across public life. 

    The other new role of engaging with public sector bodies on their codes of conduct and oversight mechanisms will take time to devise and implement as the EIC takes shape.

    We look forward to further discussions with the government on the Terms of Reference and the resources needed to deliver the ambition set out for the Ethics and Integrity Commission”.

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ethics and Integrity Commission to drive up standards across the public sector

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Ethics and Integrity Commission to drive up standards across the public sector

    A new Ethics and Integrity Commission will be established to drive up standards in public life, delivering on a key manifesto commitment.

    • Overhaul will simplify and strengthen standards system as government delivers on key manifesto promise 
    • Rule-breaking ministers who leave office following serious breach of Ministerial Code stopped from getting severance payments
    • Advisory Committee for Business Appointments abolished as financial sanctions introduced

    A new Ethics and Integrity Commission will be established to drive up standards in public life, delivering on a key manifesto commitment.

    The body will have an ambitious remit to uphold the highest ethical standards across the public sector.

    Rule-breaking ministers who leave office following a serious breach of the Ministerial Code will be stopped from getting pay-offs as part of the overhaul that will simplify and strengthen the standards system.

    The Prime Minister has made clear public service is a privilege and is committed to showing how politics can be a force for good. Since taking office last July, the government has made the choice to break away from old approaches, learn the lessons from previous years, and restore trust in government by ensuring ministers are held to the highest standards.

    The government will go further by establishing the Ethics and Integrity Commission, which will be created by strengthening and reforming the Committee on Standards in Public Life.

    Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden said:

    This overhaul will mean there are stronger rules, fewer quangos and clearer lines of accountability.

    The Committee on Standards in Public Life has played an important role in the past three decades. These changes give it a new mandate for the future.

    But whatever the institutional landscape, the public will in the end judge politicians and government by how they do their jobs and how they fulfil the principles of public service.

    Ministers will give the Ethics and Integrity Commission a stronger mandate and an expanded role to help put ethics and integrity at the heart of every public sector organisation.

    Its wider remit will include a new obligation to report annually to the Prime Minister on the overall health of our standards system, and a new function of regular engagement with public sector bodies to assist them in the development of clear codes of conduct with effective oversight arrangements.

    The government is also providing a new commitment to respond to all Ethics and Integrity Commission reports in a reasonable timeframe following criticism that previous recommendations were simply ignored.

    The Ethics and Integrity Commission will be responsible for convening and coordinating ethics bodies, formalising cooperation and the sharing of best practice. It will be tasked with improving public understanding of the ethics system and will act as a ‘one-stop shop’ for members of the public looking for information on standards in public life.

    Lieutenant General (Retired) Doug Chalmers CB DSO OBE, who is Chair of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, will be Chair of the Ethics and Integrity Commission.

    Ministerial Severance Payments

    Under further plans announced today, the eligibility for ministerial severance payments will be restricted.

    Currently, ministers are entitled to a severance payment equivalent to three months’ salary when they leave office for any reason and regardless of how long they’ve been in the job – even if it’s just a few days or weeks.

    Under the new changes, ministers who leave office following a serious breach of the Ministerial Code or having served fewer than six months will forgo their severance payment. Ministers who return to office within three months of leaving will forgo their salary until the end of that three-month period.

    The Business Appointment Rules 

    As part of the standards overhaul and the wider review of arms length bodies, the government will close the Advisory Committee for Business Appointments, which vets the jobs that ministers and senior officials take after leaving government to avoid conflicts of interest. Its functions will be split between the Civil Service Commission and the Prime Minister’s Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards.

    This will be accompanied by reforms to strengthen the business appointments system – which ensures former ministers and officials do not improperly profit personally from their experience in government. There has previously been criticism about the lack of sanctions. 

    Under the new changes, former ministers found to have seriously breached the Business Appointment Rules after leaving office will be asked to repay any severance payment received.

    The First Civil Service Commissioner has been asked to consider how the Business Appointment Rules could be strengthened further. The Civil Service Commission will also undertake regular audits of how individual government departments oversee the application of the rules for former civil servants.

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Development Bureau announces latest arrangements for two industry sites in Yuen Long and Hung Shui Kiu

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Development Bureau announces latest arrangements for two industry sites in Yuen Long and Hung Shui Kiu      The DEVB launched tenders under the two-envelope approach for the Yuen Long Lot and the Hung Shui Kiu Lot in March and October 2024 respectively for the development of multi-storey buildings for modern industries (MSBs). Part of the floor space of the MSBs was to be leased to the Government at nominal rent for 10 years, allowing the Government to further rent out the floor space at concessionary rents to brownfield operators affected by government development projects during the period. The tender invitation for the two sites was originally to close on July 25, 2025. 

    A spokesperson for the DEVB said, “In order to lead and effectively promote the development of industries in the NM, the Government has to allow flexibility in the use of land in the NM and adopt a ‘dynamic planning’ approach in formulating strategies in accordance with the actual circumstances, thereby accelerating enterprise anchoring and fostering development of the area. Taking into account the views of the innovation and technology sector and the logistics sector on the industry development strategy in the area, as well as the Government’s planning strategy for the NM, the Government has decided to cancel the tender for the two sites and proactively utilise the sites according to the Government’s development strategy. This would allow the greater play of the sites in promoting industry development.”Issued at HKT 20:31

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on Motiram Agrawal Jalna Merchants Co-operative Bank Limited, Jalna, Maharashtra

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBl) has, by an order dated July 16, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹6 lakh (Rupees Six Lakh only) on Motiram Agrawal Jalna Merchants Co-operative Bank Limited, Jalna, Maharashtra (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Loans and advances to directors, relatives and firms / concerns in which they are interested’ and ‘Limits on exposure to single and group borrowers / parties and large exposures and Revision in the target for priority sector lending – UCBs’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

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

    The bank had sanctioned:

    1. director related loans; and

    2. loans and advances to certain connected borrowers beyond the applicable group exposure limit.

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

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/754

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on Sahyadri Sahakari Bank Ltd., Mumbai, Maharashtra

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated July 18, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹20,000 (Rupees Twenty Thousand only) on Sahyadri Sahakari Bank Ltd., Mumbai, Maharashtra (the bank) for non-compliance with the specific directions issued by RBI under Supervisory Action Framework (SAF). This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act.

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

    The bank had not reduced single borrower exposure limit, for fresh loans and advances, by 50% of the applicable regulatory limit in non-adherence to directions under SAF.

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

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/753

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI issues draft Master Direction – Digital Banking Channels Authorisation (Directions), 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank has released the draft Master Direction on ‘Digital Banking Channels Authorisation’. The comments on the draft Directions are invited from public/stakeholders till August 11, 2025. Comments/feedback may be submitted through the respective link under the ‘Connect 2 Regulate’ Section available on the RBI’s website or may alternatively be forwarded to:

    The Chief General Manager
    Registration and Authorisation Group
    Department of Regulation, Central Office
    Reserve Bank of India, 12th Floor,
    Shahid Bhagat Singh Marg,
    Fort Mumbai – 400 001
    Or
    by email.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/752

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on The Shahada Peoples Co-operative Bank Ltd., Shahada, Maharashtra

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBl) has, by an order dated July 16, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹2 lakh (Rupees Two Lakh only) on The Shahada Peoples Co-operative Bank Ltd., Shahada, Maharashtra (the bank), for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Income Recognition, Asset Classification, Provisioning and Other Related Matters – UCBs’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

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

    The bank had regularised certain Non-Performing Accounts (NPAs) without repayment through genuine sources.

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

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/755

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Congo and critical minerals: What are the costs of America’s peace?

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Evelyn Namakula Mayanja, Assistant Professor, Interdisciplinary Studies, Carleton University

    In March 2025, President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) offered the country’s critical mineral reserves to the United States and Europe in exchange for security and stability.

    At the time, the March 23 (M23) militia insurgency was unleashing violence: killing civilians, committing sexual violence, displacing communities and looting mineral resources. Since 1996, eastern Congo has been engulfed in wars and armed conflicts driven by regional powers and more than 120 armed groups.

    The U.S.-brokered peace agreement between Rwanda and the DRC raises critical questions: Is this a genuine path to sustainable peace, or a continuation of U.S. President Donald Trump’s strategy to secure access to critical minerals through coercive diplomacy?



    Read more:
    4 things every peace agreement needs – and how the DRC-Rwanda deal measures up

    Global arms race for critical minerals

    The global shift toward renewable energy, digital infrastructure and military modernization has sparked a geopolitical scramble for critical and rare earth minerals.

    In early 2025, Trump signed a series of executive orders that introduced aggressive and imperial-style tactics to secure access to mineral wealth. He threatened Canada with annexation and tariffs, demanded access to Greenland’s resources and linked U.S. support for Ukraine to access to its mineral reserves.

    The DRC’s offer must be viewed through this lens of global resource competition.

    Congo’s critical mineral wealth

    The DRC holds some of the world’s richest deposits of critical minerals and metals. A 2012 article estimated the value of Congo’s untapped mineral wealth at US$24 trillion, a figure nearing the U.S. first-quarter 2025 GDP of $29.962 trillion.

    The DRC produces 70 per cent of the world’s cobalt, ranks fourth in copper, sixth in industrial diamonds and also possesses vast reserves of nickel and lithium, including the Manono deposit expected to yield 95,170 tonnes of crude lithium.

    But the struggle to control these resources has fuelled a cycle of armed violence, displacement and exploitation. Despite several peace agreements, peace and stability remain elusive.

    America’s interests in Congo

    U.S. involvement in Congo stretches back to the Cold War, when it played a role in the 1961 assassination of Patrice Lumumba, Congo’s first elected prime minister who sought economic sovereignty.

    In 1996, the U.S. was accused of backing Rwanda and Uganda in the initial invasion of eastern Congo. A U.S. diplomat, “Mr. Hankins,” was quoted in Goma saying: “I am here …to represent American interests.”

    In 2024, President Joe Biden met Tshisekedi to advance the Lobito Corridor, a strategic trade route to counter China’s dominance in the region. Chinese companies currently control around 80 per cent of Congo’s copper market.

    When Trump signed the 2025 peace agreement, he openly stated the U.S. would gain “a lot of mineral rights … foreign trade and investment from the regional critical mineral supply chains.”

    U.S.-brokered peace deal

    The deal, however, prioritizes America’s access to minerals over the well-being of Congolese citizens. Historically, Congo’s mineral wealth has enriched elites and foreign powers while leaving its people impoverished and vulnerable. The new agreement could entrench existing inequalities and inflame tensions further.

    The U.S. has also cut off aid for war survivors, including emergency medical kits and antiretrovirals for rape victims, undermining humanitarian efforts.

    Crucially, the agreement overlooks:

    • The root causes and drivers of conflict at national, regional and international levels.

    • The role of Rwanda and Uganda, whose militaries and intelligence services have long been implicated in supporting groups like M23. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, has referred to M23 as “our brothers” and threatened military action in Congo.

    • The voices of Congolese civil society, war survivors and the public, who were excluded from the negotiation process.

    • State fragility and institutional collapse — major enablers of protracted violence.

    • The grievances of Hutu and Tutsi communities in the DRC, deeply rooted in colonial and regional politics.

    • The presence of more than 120 armed groups, many of them proxies for foreign powers engaging in what some scholars call “geocriminality.”

    Between January and February 2025 alone, more than 7,000 people were killed in the DRC. The United Nations and several human rights organizations have documented mass atrocities, including crimes of genocidal magnitude.

    A path toward real peace

    The peace agreement fails to demand justice for crimes committed against the Congolese people. Nobel Peace laureate Denis Mukwege condemned the deal for “rewarding aggression, legitimizing the plundering of Congo’s natural resources, and sacrificing justice for a fragile peace.”

    It also ignores the roles of international mining corporations and external entities that have long profited from Congo’s instability.

    True and lasting peace in the DRC cannot be imposed from the outside. U.S.-led mineral extraction without justice risks deepening the crisis. Since 1999, UN peacekeepers have been deployed in the Congo , yet violence continues.

    Sustainable peace will require:

    • An end to impunity;

    • Thorough investigations into war crimes;

    • Regional truth-telling processes;

    • Justice and reparations for victims;

    • And most importantly, inclusion of Congolese voices in shaping their future.

    Without these commitments, the U.S. risks replicating a long history of exploitation, trading in minerals while ignoring the human cost.

    Evelyn Namakula Mayanja receives funding from Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and from Carleton University

    – ref. Congo and critical minerals: What are the costs of America’s peace? – https://theconversation.com/congo-and-critical-minerals-what-are-the-costs-of-americas-peace-260567

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: IAEA Applied Safeguards for 190 States – IAEA Report

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

    Of the 190 States where the IAEA applied safeguards during 2024, 182 had CSAs in force, of which 137 also had APs in force. Of these 137 States, the IAEA concluded that “all nuclear material remained in peaceful activities” for 75 States. The IAEA drew this conclusion, also known as the ‘broader conclusion’, for the first time for Morocco. For 61 States, the IAEA was only able to conclude that declared nuclear material remained in peaceful activities as evaluations regarding the absence of undeclared nuclear material and activities remained ongoing.

    For 31 States with a CSA but no AP in force, the IAEA was able to conclude that declared nuclear material remained in peaceful activities.

    As of the end of 2024, three non-nuclear-weapon States party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) had yet to bring CSAs into force pursuant to Article III of the Treaty. For these States, the IAEA could not draw any safeguards conclusions.

    For the three States in which the IAEA implemented safeguards pursuant to item-specific safeguards agreements (India, Israel and Pakistan), the IAEA concluded that “nuclear material, facilities or other items to which safeguards had been applied remained in peaceful activities”.

    Safeguards were also implemented in the five nuclear-weapon States party to the NPT under their respective voluntary offer agreements. For these five States (China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States of America), the IAEA concluded that “nuclear material in selected facilities to which safeguards had been applied remained in peaceful activities or had been withdrawn from safeguards as provided for in the agreements.”

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ‘Collar, tag, microchip, bag’ – pawsome advice for city dog owners!

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    ‘Collar, tag, microchip, bag’ is the expression that City of Wolverhampton Council is asking everyone with a dog to keep in mind when they take their pooches out and about.

    The aim is to remind dog owners of their legal responsibilities including requirements under the city’s Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). The council also wants to encourage a cleaner, more comfortable environment for all residents.

    The first 2 reminders – ‘collar, tag’ – highlight the legal requirement for dogs to wear a collar with an ID tag when in a public place.

    The tag must include the owner’s name and address, and ideally, a phone number. This requirement applies even if the dog is microchipped.

    Wearing a collar and tag helps reunite lost dogs with their owners and ensures their safety. Dogs found roaming without a collar and tag in public may be seized and taken into care. The management of stray dogs cost tax payers around £170,000 during the last financial year.

    In 2024, the council handled around 350 strays and took them to kennels while trying to contact their owners. This is a substantial increase on 2020 when 170 strays were collected.

    ‘Microchip’ reminds owners that it is a legal requirement to microchip all dogs over 8 weeks old, and the microchip details must be registered on an authorised database. Breeders must also microchip puppies before they leave their premises.

    ‘Bag’ refers to the requirement under the council’s current PSPO. The order was updated in 2023 and requires anyone in control of a dog to carry a suitable means of removing dog faeces, such as a bag.

    Dog owners are also required to clean up after their pets and anyone not carrying bags or clearing up after their dog can be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice.

    To help make sure residents are aware of their responsibilities, officers from the council’s environmental protection team will be out and about at community events and a social media campaign will run throughout the coming months.

    Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, cabinet member for resident services at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “We want to encourage all dog owners to follow the simple phrase help make our city clean and comfortable for everyone.

    “We know that the vast majority of dog owners are very responsible, but we still do see a lot of strays and, unfortunately, too many incidents where owners are not cleaning up after their pets.

    “This is unpleasant and can be very dangerous to health. It was also clear from the PSPO consultation that people agreed with the requirement to carry a means of disposing of their dog’s mess.

    “Therefore, I would encourage the city’s canine lovers to consider the handy checklist of ‘collar, tag microchip, bag’ and consider what they may need to tick off before going out with their pet.

    “We thank all dog owners for doing all they can to behave responsibly. You’re helping to make our city safer, cleaner and more comfortable for everyone.”

    To find out more about the campaign and the PSPO, please visit Responsible dog ownership.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Royal Welsh Show: ‘After countless U-turns, Labour must now also reverse its tax raid on Welsh farms’ – Plaid Cymru

    Source: Party of Wales

    Ann Davies MP and Llyr Gruffydd MS say UK Government should introduce a wealth tax instead of ‘targeting those who sustain our rural communities’

    On the first day of the Royal Welsh Show, Plaid Cymru’s Westminster Agriculture Spokesperson Ann Davies MP has today called on the UK Government to reverse its planned changes to Agricultural Property Relief, warning that the policy will do “lasting harm” to Welsh family farms.

     

    Speaking from Llanelwedd, Ms Davies said that after repeated policy reversals, it is time for Labour to “add this damaging farm tax to the list.”

     

    Plaid Cymru’s Agriculture spokesperson in the Senedd, Llyr Gruffydd MS, said that most Welsh farmers are “cash poor” and that “many live a hand-to-mouth existence”.

     

    The UK Government plans to introduce a cap on Agricultural and Business Property Relief from April 2026, meaning family farms valued above that threshold could face inheritance tax for the first time in 40 years. Despite claims that only 500 farms per year will be affected, Welsh farming unions warn that the vast majority of productive family farms in Wales could fall into scope due to rising land, machinery and asset values.

     

    From the financial implications of restrictions and testing requirements to limit the spread of the Bluetongue virus, to the effects of prolonged dry and warm weather on crops and pasture, the new inheritance tax rules will be introduced amidst mounting financial pressures on farmers.

     

    Plaid Cymru is calling for:

     

    • A Wales-specific impact assessment that includes tenant and generational family farms

     

    • Protection for active food-producing family farms from inheritance tax

     

    • The introduction of a tax on extreme wealth – targeting assets worth over £10 million

     

    Ann Davies MP said:

    “After countless U-turns, Labour must now add its damaging farm tax to the list. Changes to Agricultural Property Relief represent a deeply unfair policy that targets the people who feed us, care for our land, and sustain our rural communities. It will do lasting harm to Welsh family farms.

    “It is a policy based on the assumption that farmers are rich – that is fundamentally wrong in Wales, where our upland farmers are guardians of the land and make very little profit. The UK Government admits it has done no Wales-specific assessment. That’s unacceptable, and it must change immediately.

    “Plaid Cymru believes that those with the broadest shoulders should pay their fair share. But the UK Government’s policy is too broad brush and targets the wrong people. Instead, the introduction of a tax on extreme wealth – a 2% tax on assets worth over £10 million – could raise over £20 billion a year. That is the fair and progressive way to fund public services and address inequality.

    “The Royal Welsh Show is a chance to celebrate everything our farmers contribute. But because of this policy, they’re anxious about their ability to continue producing food into the future. With Bluetongue requirements and intense drought intensifying already significant financial pressures on farmers, Labour must reverse course – and they must do it now.”

     

    Llyr Gruffydd added:

    “Most of our family farms are cash poor and many live a hand-to-mouth existence. They don’t have the capital to shoulder this huge tax burden.

    “Whilst it’s right to target those who buy land for tax avoidance purposes, our working family farms must not be caught in the crossfire. We have urged the Government to look at alternative approaches such as a clawback system that’s used successfully in other countries. This would only tax land if it’s subsequently sold within a specific number of years after inheritance.

    “Sadly, the Chancellor’s policy will force already struggling businesses to sell off their land, making them less sustainable in the future. Plaid Cymru will fight the family farm tax all the way.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Anna Karenina” Opens International Film-Opera Exhibition in Beijing

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 21 (Xinhua) — A film based on the musical “Anna Karenina” was screened in Beijing on Sunday to open the 9th International Film and Opera Exhibition of the National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA) of China, the NCPA said in a statement on social media.

    The event will feature 16 films in various genres, including opera, play, dance drama and musical, presented by Chinese and overseas arts organizations.

    After the opening ceremony of the film exhibition, a film in the genre of a musical performance staged by the Moscow Operetta Theatre based on one of the greatest works of L.N. Tolstoy was shown on the big screen at the Beijing Performing Arts Center belonging to the NCIA. The leading roles were played by Ekaterina Guseva and Sergey Li.

    The film has received a warm response from Chinese viewers. “The stills from the film allow us to see more details. The strength and depth of Russian musicals are beautifully represented in this film,” one of them noted.

    “Even though I read the original novel, the musical movie really blew me away. The music is so infectious and the performances from the two leads are worthy of an acting textbook!” exclaimed another.

    “We aim to enable as many viewers as possible to experience the charm of performing arts, and to achieve mutual exchange and harmony between excellent Chinese traditional culture and world classical art,” said Ma Rongguo, deputy director of the National Center for Performing Arts.

    The film exhibition, co-organized by the NCIA and the China Film Group (CFGC), will run until November 30. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Senior Wells Fargo official still unable to leave China due to criminal investigation – Chinese Foreign Ministry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 21 (Xinhua) — Mao Chengyue, a senior official at U.S. bank Wells Fargo, is currently unable to leave China due to her involvement in a criminal case being investigated by China, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun announced at a regular press conference on Monday.

    According to the Chinese diplomat, China’s law enforcement agencies have now taken measures to restrict Mao Chengyue’s travel in accordance with the law.

    According to Chinese law, Mao Chengyue cannot leave China while the case is under investigation and is required to cooperate with the investigation, Guo Jiakun said.

    “Whether Chinese or foreigners, everyone in China must abide by Chinese laws,” he continued, adding that during the investigation, the Chinese side will protect their legitimate rights and interests in accordance with the law.

    “I would like to emphasize that this is an isolated case within the framework of the legal proceedings. China, as always, will welcome all those from all over the world who wish to travel and do business in China, and protect their rights and interests in accordance with the law,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman added. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Israel Attacks Houthi Military Facilities in Yemen’s Hodeida Port – IDF

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    JERUSALEM/SANA, July 21 (Xinhua) — Israel has attacked Houthi military targets in the port of Hodeida in northwestern Yemen, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Monday.

    The Israeli Air Force reportedly struck military targets, including engineering equipment, fuel containers and ships used in military operations against Israel, as well as ships in port waters.

    According to the IDF, the port of Hodeida was used to transport weapons provided by the Iranian government.

    Earlier in the day, the Houthi-controlled Al-Masirah TV channel reported that Israel had launched a series of airstrikes on the Yemeni port of Hodeida. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • EU to ramp up retaliation plans as US tariff deal prospects dim

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The European Union is exploring a broader set of possible counter-measures against the United States as prospects for an acceptable trade agreement with Washington fade, according to EU diplomats.

    An increasing number of EU members, including Germany, are now considering using wide-ranging “anti-coercion” measures which would let the bloc target U.S. services and other sectors in the absence of a deal, diplomats say.

    The European Commission, which negotiates trade agreements on behalf of the 27-member bloc, had appeared on course for a agreement in which the EU would still have faced a 10% U.S. tariff on most of its exports, with some concessions.

    Such hopes now seem dashed after President Donald Trump’s threat to impose a 30% tariff by August 1, and following talks between EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic and U.S. counterparts in Washington last week.

    Sefcovic, who has said a 30% tariff would “practically prohibit” transatlantic trade, delivered a sober report on the current state of play to EU envoys on Friday, diplomats told Reuters.

    U.S. counterparts had come up with diverging solutions during his meetings, including a baseline rate that could be well above 10%, the EU diplomats added.

    “Each interlocutor seemed to have different ideas. No one can tell (Sefcovic) what would actually fly with Trump,” one diplomat said.

    Prospects of easing or removing 50% U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminium and 25% on cars and car parts appear limited.

    ‘NUCLEAR OPTION’

    Washington has also rejected the EU’s demand for a “standstill” arrangement, whereby no further tariffs would be imposed after a deal is struck. The rationale, according to diplomats, is that Trump’s hands cannot be tied on national security, the basis of Section 232 trade investigations into pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and timber.

    Accordingly, the mood has pivoted among EU countries, EU diplomats say, and they are more ready to react, even though a negotiated solution is their preferred option.

    The EU has one package of tariffs on 21 billion euros ($24.5 billion) of U.S. goods that is currently suspended until August 6. The bloc must still decide on a further set of countermeasures on 72 billion euros of U.S. exports.

    Discussions have also increased on using the EU’s wide-ranging “anti-coercion” instrument (ACI) that allows the bloc to retaliate against third countries that put economic pressure on member states to change their policies.

    Brought in more with China in mind, it would allow the bloc to target U.S. services, limit U.S. companies’ access to public procurement or financial services markets or restrict U.S. investment.

    France has consistently advocated using the ACI, but others have baulked at what some see as a nuclear option. Trump has warned he will retaliate if other countries take action against the United States.

    European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said a week ago that the ACI was created for extraordinary situations, adding: “We are not there yet.”

    The Commission would need a qualified majority of 15 countries making up 65% of the EU population to invoke it. It would not do so unless it was confident of passing it, but there are now growing signs of support building, with Germany among the countries saying it should be considered, EU diplomats say.

    (Reuters)

  • EU to ramp up retaliation plans as US tariff deal prospects dim

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The European Union is exploring a broader set of possible counter-measures against the United States as prospects for an acceptable trade agreement with Washington fade, according to EU diplomats.

    An increasing number of EU members, including Germany, are now considering using wide-ranging “anti-coercion” measures which would let the bloc target U.S. services and other sectors in the absence of a deal, diplomats say.

    The European Commission, which negotiates trade agreements on behalf of the 27-member bloc, had appeared on course for a agreement in which the EU would still have faced a 10% U.S. tariff on most of its exports, with some concessions.

    Such hopes now seem dashed after President Donald Trump’s threat to impose a 30% tariff by August 1, and following talks between EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic and U.S. counterparts in Washington last week.

    Sefcovic, who has said a 30% tariff would “practically prohibit” transatlantic trade, delivered a sober report on the current state of play to EU envoys on Friday, diplomats told Reuters.

    U.S. counterparts had come up with diverging solutions during his meetings, including a baseline rate that could be well above 10%, the EU diplomats added.

    “Each interlocutor seemed to have different ideas. No one can tell (Sefcovic) what would actually fly with Trump,” one diplomat said.

    Prospects of easing or removing 50% U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminium and 25% on cars and car parts appear limited.

    ‘NUCLEAR OPTION’

    Washington has also rejected the EU’s demand for a “standstill” arrangement, whereby no further tariffs would be imposed after a deal is struck. The rationale, according to diplomats, is that Trump’s hands cannot be tied on national security, the basis of Section 232 trade investigations into pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and timber.

    Accordingly, the mood has pivoted among EU countries, EU diplomats say, and they are more ready to react, even though a negotiated solution is their preferred option.

    The EU has one package of tariffs on 21 billion euros ($24.5 billion) of U.S. goods that is currently suspended until August 6. The bloc must still decide on a further set of countermeasures on 72 billion euros of U.S. exports.

    Discussions have also increased on using the EU’s wide-ranging “anti-coercion” instrument (ACI) that allows the bloc to retaliate against third countries that put economic pressure on member states to change their policies.

    Brought in more with China in mind, it would allow the bloc to target U.S. services, limit U.S. companies’ access to public procurement or financial services markets or restrict U.S. investment.

    France has consistently advocated using the ACI, but others have baulked at what some see as a nuclear option. Trump has warned he will retaliate if other countries take action against the United States.

    European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said a week ago that the ACI was created for extraordinary situations, adding: “We are not there yet.”

    The Commission would need a qualified majority of 15 countries making up 65% of the EU population to invoke it. It would not do so unless it was confident of passing it, but there are now growing signs of support building, with Germany among the countries saying it should be considered, EU diplomats say.

    (Reuters)

  • Veteran communist leader and former Kerala CM V.S. Achuthanandan passes away at 101

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Veteran Communist leader and former Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan passed away on Monday afternoon at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. He was 101.

    Achuthanandan had been battling for his life for over a month after suffering a cardiac arrest at his son’s residence in the state capital on June 23. Since then, he had been on ventilator support in the intensive care unit.

    Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, along with CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan, rushed to the hospital to meet Achuthanandan’s family and consult with the attending doctors. Following their visit, a steady stream of political leaders arrived at the hospital to pay their respects.

    A special medical board comprising experts from the Medical College had been overseeing his treatment in coordination with hospital staff. He was also undergoing dialysis, which was temporarily suspended during the course of his illness.

    Achuthanandan’s son-in-law, a doctor, administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at home before the veteran leader was taken to the hospital last month.

    Since stepping down as Chairman of the Administrative Reforms Commission in January 2021, Achuthanandan had been living alternately with his son and daughter in Thiruvananthapuram. His own residence in Alappuzha, which he had built during his long political career, remained closed.

    Achuthanandan was a towering figure in Kerala’s political landscape. As Leader of the Opposition from 2001 to 2006, he relentlessly attacked the then A.K. Antony-led UDF government. His populist stance and uncompromising image earned him admiration across party lines, particularly among apolitical and first-time voters.

    He led the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) to victory in the 2006 Assembly elections and served as Chief Minister from 2006 to 2011. In 2011, he once again spearheaded the LDF campaign and came close to securing a second term. However, the Oommen Chandy-led UDF narrowly won, securing 72 seats in the 140-member Assembly.

    Achuthanandan’s passing marks the end of an era in Kerala politics—one defined by fierce ideological battles, grassroots activism, and an unwavering commitment to public life.

    —IANS

  • Russia says it favours new round of peace talks with Ukraine, highlights gulf between them

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Kremlin said on Monday that Moscow was in favour of a new round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine but the two sides’ positions were diametrically opposed so there was a lot of diplomatic work to be done.

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Saturday that Kyiv has sent Moscow an offer to hold another round of peace talks this week, and that he wants to speed up negotiations for a ceasefire.

    Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that as soon as there was a definitive understanding of the date for the next round of talks then Moscow would announce it.

    “There is our draft memorandum, there is a draft memorandum that has been handed over by the Ukrainian side. There is to be an exchange of views and talks on these two drafts, which are diametrically opposed so far,” Peskov said.

    Ukraine and Russia have held two rounds of talks in Istanbul, on May 16 and June 2, that led to the exchange of thousands of prisoners of war and the remains of dead soldiers. But the two sides have made no breakthrough towards a ceasefire or a settlement to end almost three and a half years of war.

    (Reuters)

  • Russia says it favours new round of peace talks with Ukraine, highlights gulf between them

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Kremlin said on Monday that Moscow was in favour of a new round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine but the two sides’ positions were diametrically opposed so there was a lot of diplomatic work to be done.

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Saturday that Kyiv has sent Moscow an offer to hold another round of peace talks this week, and that he wants to speed up negotiations for a ceasefire.

    Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that as soon as there was a definitive understanding of the date for the next round of talks then Moscow would announce it.

    “There is our draft memorandum, there is a draft memorandum that has been handed over by the Ukrainian side. There is to be an exchange of views and talks on these two drafts, which are diametrically opposed so far,” Peskov said.

    Ukraine and Russia have held two rounds of talks in Istanbul, on May 16 and June 2, that led to the exchange of thousands of prisoners of war and the remains of dead soldiers. But the two sides have made no breakthrough towards a ceasefire or a settlement to end almost three and a half years of war.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Alert issued over fake website

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Transport & Logistics Bureau (TLB) today alerted the public to a fraudulent web address purporting to be its website.

    The bureau said it has no connection with the site – at https://bhsb588[.]online/ – and the case has been reported to Police for follow-up.

    The TLB’s genuine website is https://www.tlb.gov.hk/eng/index.html.

    Citizens are advised to stay alert to suspicious websites, remain vigilant in protecting personal information, and refrain from clicking on any hyperlinks from unknown sources.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on The Government Employees Co-operative Bank Limited, Dharwad, Karnataka

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated July 17, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹1 lakh (Rupees One Lakh only) on The Government Employees Co-operative Bank Limited, Dharwad, Karnataka (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Know Your Customer (KYC)’ and ‘Comprehensive Cyber Security Framework for Primary (Urban) Cooperative Banks (UCBs)’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

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

    The bank had:

    1. failed to upload the KYC records of customers onto Central KYC Records Registry (CKYCR) within the prescribed timeline; and

    2. not implemented certain cyber security control measures and requirements under the Cyber Security Framework prescribed by RBI.

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

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/751

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: [Opinion] Samsung in Collaboration with DTIC: Creating Meaningful Employment & Strengthening SA Economy through EEIP

    Source: Samsung

     

     
    According to research by Thrive CFO*: Small businesses in South Africa face numerous challenges, including access to funding, competition from larger companies, limited market reach, high operating costs, lack of skilled labour, regulatory compliance, cybersecurity threats, cash flow management, limited access to technology and environmental sustainability. *
     
    To help small enterprises in South Africa to overcome some of these challenges, Samsung in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) has – under its R280-million worth Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP), which was launched in 2019 – formulated programmes that address some of government’s priorities as well as Information and Communication Technology (ICT) challenges.
     
    This multi-million rand EEIP programme aims to empower black owned and local SMEs with a particular focus on women and start-up businesses in the ICT sector. It supports skills development, enterprise development and job creation to contribute to black economic empowerment. The EEIP is part of Samsung’s broader commitment to social responsibility and economic development within South Africa.
     
    Samsung’s EEIP programme is closely aligned to the overarching objectives of the National Development Plan (NDP) Vision for 2030 and South Africa’s framework of broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) – providing a mechanism for multi-nationals to contribute towards the development of black South Africans.
     
    This framework has allowed our company to contribute to B-BBEE goals through alternative investments, including investments in black-owned businesses, ICT development and skills development. Our EEIP programme focuses on strengthening black economic empowerment by supporting ICT entrepreneurs and fostering technological advancement, ultimately contributing to socio-economic development and job creation. South Africa’s NDP envisions a thriving SME sector as a cornerstone of the country’s inclusive, resilient economy by 2030.
     
    In essence, the NDP sees SMEs as a crucial engine for economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction. This strategic plan for South Africa’s future outlines various tactics to foster SME development and ensure their long-term success. Our government, which includes our collaborative partner, DTIC, believe that SMEs can create the majority of new jobs in the country – contributing significantly to economic growth as well as play a vital role in the reduction of poverty and inequality.
     
    As Samsung, we also understand how much entrepreneurship contributes to job creation, community development and how it fosters innovation and drives economic growth. For that reason, Samsung EEIP programme and DTIC have opened the third Call to Market for the Transformative SME Development Programme – targeting suitable ICT entrepreneurs in the country, that are eager to grow their businesses for funding and support.
     
    This transformative SME Development Programme seeks to support local entrepreneurs throughout their journey as well as driving a culture of innovation and digital solutions. So, in an effort to go beyond meeting our obligations towards government and demonstrate our ongoing investment in SME development – we are in the process of recruiting suitable SMEs to participate in this EEIP SME Development Programme with the ultimate aim of contributing to economic growth and job creation.
     
    In the last two years, our criteria for this EEIP SME Development Programme focused on targeting SMEs that had been operating in the ICT and Service Centre space for at least a minimum of three years with a turnover that is less than R50M per annum. This year, our EEIP SME Development Programme “Call to Market” campaign for entries has gone with a unique approach that aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of local ICT SMEs. We have changed our focus to include start-up, micro-enterprises that are still in their infancy stage and also put a strong focus on women-owned businesses.
     
    In collaboration with DTIC, we understand that start-up businesses are generally considered high-risk ventures, particularly in the early stages. We have therefore put in place some mitigating measures coupled with key performance indicators (KPI’s) to help manage these micro-enterprises efficiently and overcome any challenges that might come our way. The specific KPIs that are used in this EEIP SME Development Programme include:
     

    Economic Impact – looks at accumulative investment in SME development, capacity building as well as the contribution to the South African economy. Also, this KPI looks at job creation, growth in revenue and the profitability of supported SMEs.
    Enterprise Development – evaluates the number of SMEs specifically black-owned as well as those that are township-based and the number of businesses supported.
    Capacity Building: looks at the number of individuals trained or upskilled, improvements in business management skills as well as access to new markets and technologies. And lastly,
    Sustainability: The environmental impact of supported businesses, long-term viability of supported SMEs as well as the number of black-owned businesses and townships-based that are supported.

     
    We made these changes because we understand the need to develop local start-up enterprises and also how gender representation plays a crucial role in the development of entrepreneurs in the country. Importantly, we strongly believe that gender inclusion in the ICT entrepreneurship space will help to unlock economic potential, drive innovation and create a more equitable and sustainable future.
     
    With this new approach in this year’s EEIP SME Development Programme, we are now able to offer a larger pool of eligible ICT SMEs in the country an opportunity to access grant funding and enterprise development support to help propel their businesses to greater heights. This improved approach aims to identify gems in the market and offer them holistic support which also includes Business Development assistance (mentoring and coaching) to help in fostering growth, a dynamic and connected information society as well as a knowledge economy.
     
    This essentially means that this holistic approach in our transformative EEIP SME Development Programme does not only focus on developing technical skills (for those organisations in the ICT sector), but also other key entrepreneurial capabilities such as soft skills that can help create sustainable businesses in South Africa and enable them to become engines for job creation.
     
    Also, our business development initiatives include an Enterprise Development Bootcamp that is part of Samsung’s EEIP Programme – which helps young entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. This fast-paced four –month long, Bootcamp programme focuses on developing entrepreneurial skills and supporting Black-owned businesses in South Africa, particularly in the areas of Service Centre repairs and ICT. It aims to accelerate and grow businesses by providing entrepreneurs with training, mentorship, and financial support. 
     
    Samsung’s EEIP programme – now in its seven years of sustained success and this Enterprise Development “Call to Market” which represents the 3rd edition of our programme seeks to continue making a measurable difference to the socio-economic development of black South Africans. This year’s call follows two successful cycles and forms part of our broader commitment to the ICT sector, SME development and Vision 2030.
     
    This is our way of ensuring that we empower South Africa’s digital future by helping ICT entrepreneurs thrive as we deepen our commitment and collaboration with DTIC. The success of this EEIP SME Development Programme is highlighting the significant milestone of our EEIP in the country and the profound impact it has had on the nation’s ICT sector in conjunction with the DTIC.
     
    Our programme’s alignment with South Africa’s Vision 2030 and its success to date – has positioned this transformative SME Development Programme as one of the notably -value adding EEIPs in the sector. Furthermore, our strong and successful collaboration with the DTIC in strengthening the ICT sector through the EEIP – now complemented by our focus on providing support to start-ups in the infancy stage while also ensuring gender representation in this year’s SME Development Programme – is a true testament to shared goals for national development in the country.
     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: [Opinion] Samsung in Collaboration with DTIC: Creating Meaningful Employment & Strengthening SA Economy through EEIP

    Source: Samsung

     

     
    According to research by Thrive CFO*: Small businesses in South Africa face numerous challenges, including access to funding, competition from larger companies, limited market reach, high operating costs, lack of skilled labour, regulatory compliance, cybersecurity threats, cash flow management, limited access to technology and environmental sustainability. *
     
    To help small enterprises in South Africa to overcome some of these challenges, Samsung in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) has – under its R280-million worth Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP), which was launched in 2019 – formulated programmes that address some of government’s priorities as well as Information and Communication Technology (ICT) challenges.
     
    This multi-million rand EEIP programme aims to empower black owned and local SMEs with a particular focus on women and start-up businesses in the ICT sector. It supports skills development, enterprise development and job creation to contribute to black economic empowerment. The EEIP is part of Samsung’s broader commitment to social responsibility and economic development within South Africa.
     
    Samsung’s EEIP programme is closely aligned to the overarching objectives of the National Development Plan (NDP) Vision for 2030 and South Africa’s framework of broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) – providing a mechanism for multi-nationals to contribute towards the development of black South Africans.
     
    This framework has allowed our company to contribute to B-BBEE goals through alternative investments, including investments in black-owned businesses, ICT development and skills development. Our EEIP programme focuses on strengthening black economic empowerment by supporting ICT entrepreneurs and fostering technological advancement, ultimately contributing to socio-economic development and job creation. South Africa’s NDP envisions a thriving SME sector as a cornerstone of the country’s inclusive, resilient economy by 2030.
     
    In essence, the NDP sees SMEs as a crucial engine for economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction. This strategic plan for South Africa’s future outlines various tactics to foster SME development and ensure their long-term success. Our government, which includes our collaborative partner, DTIC, believe that SMEs can create the majority of new jobs in the country – contributing significantly to economic growth as well as play a vital role in the reduction of poverty and inequality.
     
    As Samsung, we also understand how much entrepreneurship contributes to job creation, community development and how it fosters innovation and drives economic growth. For that reason, Samsung EEIP programme and DTIC have opened the third Call to Market for the Transformative SME Development Programme – targeting suitable ICT entrepreneurs in the country, that are eager to grow their businesses for funding and support.
     
    This transformative SME Development Programme seeks to support local entrepreneurs throughout their journey as well as driving a culture of innovation and digital solutions. So, in an effort to go beyond meeting our obligations towards government and demonstrate our ongoing investment in SME development – we are in the process of recruiting suitable SMEs to participate in this EEIP SME Development Programme with the ultimate aim of contributing to economic growth and job creation.
     
    In the last two years, our criteria for this EEIP SME Development Programme focused on targeting SMEs that had been operating in the ICT and Service Centre space for at least a minimum of three years with a turnover that is less than R50M per annum. This year, our EEIP SME Development Programme “Call to Market” campaign for entries has gone with a unique approach that aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of local ICT SMEs. We have changed our focus to include start-up, micro-enterprises that are still in their infancy stage and also put a strong focus on women-owned businesses.
     
    In collaboration with DTIC, we understand that start-up businesses are generally considered high-risk ventures, particularly in the early stages. We have therefore put in place some mitigating measures coupled with key performance indicators (KPI’s) to help manage these micro-enterprises efficiently and overcome any challenges that might come our way. The specific KPIs that are used in this EEIP SME Development Programme include:
     

    Economic Impact – looks at accumulative investment in SME development, capacity building as well as the contribution to the South African economy. Also, this KPI looks at job creation, growth in revenue and the profitability of supported SMEs.
    Enterprise Development – evaluates the number of SMEs specifically black-owned as well as those that are township-based and the number of businesses supported.
    Capacity Building: looks at the number of individuals trained or upskilled, improvements in business management skills as well as access to new markets and technologies. And lastly,
    Sustainability: The environmental impact of supported businesses, long-term viability of supported SMEs as well as the number of black-owned businesses and townships-based that are supported.

     
    We made these changes because we understand the need to develop local start-up enterprises and also how gender representation plays a crucial role in the development of entrepreneurs in the country. Importantly, we strongly believe that gender inclusion in the ICT entrepreneurship space will help to unlock economic potential, drive innovation and create a more equitable and sustainable future.
     
    With this new approach in this year’s EEIP SME Development Programme, we are now able to offer a larger pool of eligible ICT SMEs in the country an opportunity to access grant funding and enterprise development support to help propel their businesses to greater heights. This improved approach aims to identify gems in the market and offer them holistic support which also includes Business Development assistance (mentoring and coaching) to help in fostering growth, a dynamic and connected information society as well as a knowledge economy.
     
    This essentially means that this holistic approach in our transformative EEIP SME Development Programme does not only focus on developing technical skills (for those organisations in the ICT sector), but also other key entrepreneurial capabilities such as soft skills that can help create sustainable businesses in South Africa and enable them to become engines for job creation.
     
    Also, our business development initiatives include an Enterprise Development Bootcamp that is part of Samsung’s EEIP Programme – which helps young entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. This fast-paced four –month long, Bootcamp programme focuses on developing entrepreneurial skills and supporting Black-owned businesses in South Africa, particularly in the areas of Service Centre repairs and ICT. It aims to accelerate and grow businesses by providing entrepreneurs with training, mentorship, and financial support. 
     
    Samsung’s EEIP programme – now in its seven years of sustained success and this Enterprise Development “Call to Market” which represents the 3rd edition of our programme seeks to continue making a measurable difference to the socio-economic development of black South Africans. This year’s call follows two successful cycles and forms part of our broader commitment to the ICT sector, SME development and Vision 2030.
     
    This is our way of ensuring that we empower South Africa’s digital future by helping ICT entrepreneurs thrive as we deepen our commitment and collaboration with DTIC. The success of this EEIP SME Development Programme is highlighting the significant milestone of our EEIP in the country and the profound impact it has had on the nation’s ICT sector in conjunction with the DTIC.
     
    Our programme’s alignment with South Africa’s Vision 2030 and its success to date – has positioned this transformative SME Development Programme as one of the notably -value adding EEIPs in the sector. Furthermore, our strong and successful collaboration with the DTIC in strengthening the ICT sector through the EEIP – now complemented by our focus on providing support to start-ups in the infancy stage while also ensuring gender representation in this year’s SME Development Programme – is a true testament to shared goals for national development in the country.
     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Digitorial_Awesome Intelligence: How AI is Changing the Way You Use Your Smartphone with the Galaxy A56 5G & A36 5G

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung’s latest Galaxy A series marks a bold step into the AI-powered mobile future. With the introduction of the Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G, Samsung is bringing what it calls “Awesome Intelligence” directly to users’ fingertips. These new models offer futuristic features designed for everyday use – making advanced AI experiences more accessible than ever before.
     
    What Samsung has done with these devices is make AI accessible — not as a gimmick, but as a true daily companion. Whether it’s discovering something cool online, cleaning up your pics, or getting the perfect snap on the first try, Awesome Intelligence is all about helping you do more, better, and faster.
     
    These devices aren’t just about better specs — they’re about smarter experiences. Here’s a look at three AI-powered features changing the way you interact with your phone daily.
     
    Circle to Search: When Curiosity Strikes, You’re Covered
    We’ve all been there. You’re scrolling Instagram or TikTok, and someone’s wearing an outfit you love or using a gadget you need in your life. But there’s no tag, no caption, no clue.
     
    Circle to Search is one of the most powerful and practical AI tools on the Galaxy A56 5G and A36 5G. Just press and hold the home button, circle what you’re curious about – a shoe, a landmark, a makeup product — and boom, instant Google-powered search results, right on your screen. Or say you spot a streetwear hoodie you like as you’re scrolling through your newsfeed. Instead of playing detective, you ‘Circle to Search’ it and get links related to the item online — all without leaving the app. Less switching, more discovering.
     

     
    This is not just next-gen browsing. This is instant, intuitive discovery built into your daily scrolling.
     
    Object Eraser: Fix Your Photos in a Tap
    Let’s be honest — the perfect shot is often ruined by someone walking into frame at the wrong time or a random object in the background. In the past, that meant either retaking the photo (if possible), using a third-party app, or just learning to live with it.
     
    With Object Eraser, those days are gone. Tap on the unwanted element in your photo — maybe it’s a photo bomber, a random shadow, or a messy pile of stuff in the background. The AI does the rest, removing the distraction and blending the image naturally.
     

     
    You’re snapping a photo at the beach. It’s an epic time out, your outfit’s fire, but there’s a stranger walking their dog in the background. One tap with Object Eraser and it’s like they were never there.
     
    Object Eraser makes every shot Insta-worthy — no filters, no stress.
     
    Enhanced Camera AI: Bring Out Your Creativity
    The Galaxy A56 5G and A36 5G come equipped with a 50MP main lens, a 10-bit HDR selfie camera, and in the case of the A56 5G, an ultra-wide 12MP lens and enhanced Nightography — but it’s the AI doing the behind-the-scenes magic that levels up every shot.
     
    AI isn’t just helping take photos — it’s helping you take better ones by automatically adjusting lighting and contrast to suit your scene, recognising different subjects (like people, pets, or food) and optimising settings on the fly, and smoothing low-light noise for cleaner night shots.
     
    When you’re out for a night with friends, and the lighting in the club is, well, not ideal, there’s no need to panic because there’s a solve. But with AI-enhanced Nightography and selfie optimisation, your photos come out looking sharp, balanced, and ready to post. No edits needed.
     
    And for the group shots, the Galaxy A56 5G offers Best Face — a clever AI tool that lets you select the best expressions from a burst of photos and merge them. No more “let’s take one more” because someone blinked or looked away.
     

     
    One of the best parts is that you’re getting all this in stylish, powerful devices with immersive Super AMOLED displays, long-lasting 5000mAh batteries, and fast, reliable 5G connectivity — all wrapped in a design that’s built to last with IP67 water and dust resistance.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Digitorial_Awesome Intelligence: How AI is Changing the Way You Use Your Smartphone with the Galaxy A56 5G & A36 5G

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung’s latest Galaxy A series marks a bold step into the AI-powered mobile future. With the introduction of the Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G, Samsung is bringing what it calls “Awesome Intelligence” directly to users’ fingertips. These new models offer futuristic features designed for everyday use – making advanced AI experiences more accessible than ever before.
     
    What Samsung has done with these devices is make AI accessible — not as a gimmick, but as a true daily companion. Whether it’s discovering something cool online, cleaning up your pics, or getting the perfect snap on the first try, Awesome Intelligence is all about helping you do more, better, and faster.
     
    These devices aren’t just about better specs — they’re about smarter experiences. Here’s a look at three AI-powered features changing the way you interact with your phone daily.
     
    Circle to Search: When Curiosity Strikes, You’re Covered
    We’ve all been there. You’re scrolling Instagram or TikTok, and someone’s wearing an outfit you love or using a gadget you need in your life. But there’s no tag, no caption, no clue.
     
    Circle to Search is one of the most powerful and practical AI tools on the Galaxy A56 5G and A36 5G. Just press and hold the home button, circle what you’re curious about – a shoe, a landmark, a makeup product — and boom, instant Google-powered search results, right on your screen. Or say you spot a streetwear hoodie you like as you’re scrolling through your newsfeed. Instead of playing detective, you ‘Circle to Search’ it and get links related to the item online — all without leaving the app. Less switching, more discovering.
     

     
    This is not just next-gen browsing. This is instant, intuitive discovery built into your daily scrolling.
     
    Object Eraser: Fix Your Photos in a Tap
    Let’s be honest — the perfect shot is often ruined by someone walking into frame at the wrong time or a random object in the background. In the past, that meant either retaking the photo (if possible), using a third-party app, or just learning to live with it.
     
    With Object Eraser, those days are gone. Tap on the unwanted element in your photo — maybe it’s a photo bomber, a random shadow, or a messy pile of stuff in the background. The AI does the rest, removing the distraction and blending the image naturally.
     

     
    You’re snapping a photo at the beach. It’s an epic time out, your outfit’s fire, but there’s a stranger walking their dog in the background. One tap with Object Eraser and it’s like they were never there.
     
    Object Eraser makes every shot Insta-worthy — no filters, no stress.
     
    Enhanced Camera AI: Bring Out Your Creativity
    The Galaxy A56 5G and A36 5G come equipped with a 50MP main lens, a 10-bit HDR selfie camera, and in the case of the A56 5G, an ultra-wide 12MP lens and enhanced Nightography — but it’s the AI doing the behind-the-scenes magic that levels up every shot.
     
    AI isn’t just helping take photos — it’s helping you take better ones by automatically adjusting lighting and contrast to suit your scene, recognising different subjects (like people, pets, or food) and optimising settings on the fly, and smoothing low-light noise for cleaner night shots.
     
    When you’re out for a night with friends, and the lighting in the club is, well, not ideal, there’s no need to panic because there’s a solve. But with AI-enhanced Nightography and selfie optimisation, your photos come out looking sharp, balanced, and ready to post. No edits needed.
     
    And for the group shots, the Galaxy A56 5G offers Best Face — a clever AI tool that lets you select the best expressions from a burst of photos and merge them. No more “let’s take one more” because someone blinked or looked away.
     

     
    One of the best parts is that you’re getting all this in stylish, powerful devices with immersive Super AMOLED displays, long-lasting 5000mAh batteries, and fast, reliable 5G connectivity — all wrapped in a design that’s built to last with IP67 water and dust resistance.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • Bedouin civilians evacuate Syria’s Sweida as tense truce holds

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Hundreds of Bedouin civilians were evacuated from Syria’s predominantly Druze city of Sweida on Monday as part of a U.S.-backed truce meant to end fighting that has killed hundreds of people, state media and witnesses said.

    With hundreds reported killed, the violence in the southern province of Sweida has posed a major test for interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, drawing Israeli airstrikes last week and deepening fissures in a country fractured by 14 years of war.

    A ceasefire took hold on Sunday as interior ministry security forces deployed on Sweida’s outskirts. Interior Minister Anas Khattab said on Sunday the truce would allow for the release of hostages and detainees held by the warring sides.

    On Monday morning, ambulances, trucks and buses ferried hundreds of Bedouin civilians including women, children and wounded people out of Sweida to nearby displacement camps, Reuters footage showed.

    The initial batch included some 300 Bedouins, and a second group of about 550 civilians will be evacuated within the next 24 hours if the situation remains calm, said Shoaib Asfour, a member of the Syrian security forces overseeing the evacuation.

    The next phase would see the evacuation of Bedouin fighters detained by Druze militias and the transfer of bodies of Bedouins killed in the fighting, Asfour said.

    Syria’s state news agency said a total of 1,500 Bedouins would be evacuated from Sweida city.

    Citing Ahmed al-Dalati, head of Syria’s internal security forces in Sweida, state media said those forces would also facilitate the return to Sweida of others displaced from it.

    According to the United Nations, at least 93,000 people have been uprooted by the fighting – most of them within Sweida province but others to Daraa province to the west, or north to the countryside around the capital Damascus.

    The U.N. said on Sunday that humanitarian convoys with medical supplies had been waiting to enter Sweida for two days but were not granted access. It said only a convoy of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent had been allowed to enter.

    PRESSURES ON SYRIA’S MOSAIC

    The Druze are a small but influential minority in Syria, Israel and Lebanon who follow a religion that is an offshoot of a branch of Islam. Some ultra-conservative Sunni Muslims deem Druze beliefs to be heretical.

    Citing the goal of protecting the Druze and keeping southern Syria demilitarized, Israel attacked government forces last week in the south and struck the defence ministry in Damascus.

    Washington, which has expressed support for Damascus since Sharaa met U.S. President Donald Trump in May, said it did not approve of Israel’s strikes.

    U.S. envoy Tom Barrack said on Monday the Syrian government needed to be held accountable. “They also need to be given the responsibility that they’re there to do,” he said, speaking on a visit to Beirut.

    Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz defended Israel’s attacks on government targets, saying they were “the only way to stop the massacre of Druze in Syria”.

    The fighting began a week ago with clashes between Bedouin and Druze fighters. Damascus sent troops to quell the fighting, but they were drawn into the violence and accused of widespread violations against the Druze.

    Residents of Sweida said friends and neighbours were shot at close range in their homes or in the streets by Syrian troops, identified by their fatigues and insignia.

    Luna Albassit, a Druze activist in the town of Shahba in Sweida province, said the situation after so much bloodshed remained tense despite the end to clashes late on Sunday.

    “People were killed in the streets, in their homes, they were humiliated and it was in the name of the state,” she said.

    Hamzah Mustafa, Syria’s information minister, told Reuters last week that the Damascus government strongly condemned all abuses and rejected sectarian violence in all its forms.

    Interim President al-Sharaa has promised to protect the rights of Druze and hold to account those who committed violations against “our Druze people”.

    He has blamed the violence on “outlaw groups”.

    After Israel bombed Syrian government forces in Sweida and hit the defence ministry in Damascus last week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded the demilitarisation of southern Syrian territory near the border, stretching from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights to the Druze Mountain, east of Sweida.

    He also said Israel would protect the Druze.

    (Reuters)

  • Israel sends tanks into Gaza’s Deir Al-Balah, raising concerns among hostages’ families

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israeli tanks pushed into southern and eastern areas of the Gazan city of Deir Al-Balah for the first time on Monday, an area where Israeli sources said the military believes some of the remaining hostages may be being held.

    Gaza medics said at least three Palestinians were killed and several were wounded in tank shelling that hit eight houses and three mosques in the area, and which came a day after the military ordered residents to leave, saying it planned to fight Hamas militants.

    The raid and bombardment pushed dozens of families who had remained to flee and head west towards the coastal area of Deir Al-Balah and nearby Khan Younis.

    In Khan Younis, earlier on Monday, an Israeli airstrike killed at least five people, including a man, his wife, and their two children, in a tent, medics said.

    There was no immediate Israeli comment on the Deir Al-Balah and Khan Younis incidents.

    Israel’s military said it had not entered the districts of Deir Al-Balah subject to the evacuation order during the current conflict and that it was continuing “to operate with great force to destroy the enemy’s capabilities and terrorist infrastructure in the area.”

    Israeli sources have said the reason the army has so far stayed out is that they suspect Hamas might be holding hostages there. At least 20 of the remaining 50 hostages in captivity in Gaza are believed to be still alive.

    Families of the hostages expressed their concern for their relatives and demanded an explanation from the army of how it would protect them.

    HUNGER CRISIS

    The military escalation comes as Gaza health officials warned of potential “mass deaths” in the coming days due to mounting hunger, which has killed at least 19 people since Saturday, according to the territory’s health ministry.

    Health officials said hospitals were running out of fuel, food aid, and medicine, risking a halt to vital operations.

    Health ministry spokesperson, Khalil Al-Deqran, said medical staff have been depending on one meal a day, and that hundreds of people flock to hospitals every day, suffering from fatigue and exhaustion because of hunger.

    At least 67 people were killed by Israeli fire on Sunday as they waited for UN aid trucks to enter Gaza.

    Israel’s military said its troops had fired warning shots towards a crowd of thousands of people in northern Gaza to remove what it said was “an immediate threat.”

    It said initial findings suggested reported casualty figures were inflated, and it “certainly does not intentionally target humanitarian aid trucks.”

    The new raid and escalating number of fatalities appeared to be complicating ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel that are being mediated by Qatar and Egypt, with U.S. backing.

    A Hamas official told Reuters on Sunday that the militant group was angered over the mounting deaths and the hunger crisis in the enclave, and that this could badly affect ceasefire talks underway in Qatar.

    Israel and Hamas are engaged in indirect talks in Doha aimed at reaching a 60-day truce and hostage deal, although there has been no sign of breakthrough.

    UNRWA, the U.N. refugee agency dedicated to Palestinians, said in a post on X on Monday, it was receiving desperate messages from Gaza warning of starvation, including from its own staff as food prices have increased 40-fold.

    “Meanwhile, just outside Gaza, stockpiled in warehouses UNRWA has enough food for the entire population for over three months. Lift the siege and let aid in safely and at scale,” it said.

    Israel’s military said on Sunday that it “views the transfer of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip as a matter of utmost importance, and works to enable and facilitate its entry in coordination with the international community.”

    The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages back to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies.

    The Israeli military campaign against Hamas in Gaza has since killed more than 58,000 Palestinians, according to health officials, displaced almost the entire population and plunged the enclave into a humanitarian crisis.

    (Reuters)

  • Centre rolls out key strategies to ensure sustainability, competitiveness of coal sector

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The central government has outlined a set of measures aimed at making the coal sector more sustainable and competitive, while aligning with global climate commitments. Despite the growing push towards renewables like solar and wind, coal continues to play a dominant role in India’s energy mix, meeting 55% of the country’s energy needs. With the world’s fifth-largest coal reserves, India is adopting a multi-pronged strategy to modernise the sector, enhance environmental compliance, and reduce dependence on imports.

    Greening and efficiency initiatives

    To reduce the ecological footprint of coal mining, Coal and Lignite PSUs have intensified reclamation and afforestation efforts around operational mines. Under various greening initiatives, plantations and bio-reclamation work are being carried out across mining sites.

    Coal PSUs are also adopting energy efficiency measures — such as replacing conventional lighting with LED systems, deploying energy-efficient appliances, using electric vehicles, and introducing energy-saving technologies like super fans and auto timers in street lighting.

    In a significant sustainability push, mine water is being treated and reused for purposes ranging from irrigation and community water supply to firefighting, underground sprinkling, and fish farming. Several MoUs have also been signed with state governments to expand treated mine water supply to local communities.

    Additionally, coal companies are making productive use of overburden (OB) — the soil and rock removed during mining. By extracting sand from OB for construction, PSUs have commissioned nine plants, including four OB processing and five OB to M-Sand plants. This move not only curbs river sand mining but also aids groundwater recharge and reduces environmental degradation.

    Shift towards cleaner technologies

    To reduce pollution and fuel consumption, coal PSUs have been upgrading transportation infrastructure under the First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects. These projects focus on mechanized coal handling and transport systems, reducing reliance on diesel and cutting emissions.

    The sector is also deploying blast-free technologies such as Surface Miners, Continuous Miners, and Rippers to eliminate the need for drilling and blasting — significantly reducing dust and noise pollution.

    Meanwhile, coal companies are investing in clean energy alternatives, including renewable power projects and clean coal technologies like coal gasification and coal bed methane (CBM). Participation in the Green Credit Programme launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) further reflects the sector’s green commitment.

    Reducing coal iImports and boosting domestic production

    In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy said coal imports have declined from 264.5 million tonnes (MT) in 2023–24 to 243.6 MT in 2024–25. This reduction comes in the backdrop of efforts to increase domestic coal output and reduce reliance on imports.

    Key measures include faster allocation of coal blocks, encouraging private participation, and streamlining approval processes. Public sector undertakings are also adopting digital solutions and advanced mining technologies to ramp up production.

    An Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) has been formed to promote coal import substitution. The IMC is working with import-based power plants to assess and address their coal needs using domestic supply channels. Some of these plants have already indicated their preferred suppliers from Coal India Limited’s (CIL) subsidiaries.

    Coal evacuation and transportation are being improved with the construction of new railway lines and expanded FMC projects, aimed at enhancing supply chain efficiency.

    With these integrated measures, the government aims to maintain coal’s competitiveness in India’s energy mix while advancing sustainability and reducing environmental impact.

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Frontiersmen and Romantics: First Class of Online Master’s in Digital Urban Studies Graduates

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University “Higher School of Economics” –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The site may not display correctly in older browser versions. For optimal site experience, we recommend using a modern browser.

    We use cookies to improve the HSE website and make it more convenient to use. More detailed information about the use of cookies can be foundHere, our rules for processing personal data are –Here. By continuing to use the site, you confirm that you have been informed of the use of cookies by the HSE website and agree with our rules for processing personal data. You can disable cookies in your browser settings.

    ABC ABC ABC A A A A A

    Regular version of the site

    Date

    July 21

    Headings

    The article mentions

    Persons

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Japan Contributes $2 Million to Help WFP Prevent Worsening Hunger in Yemen

    Source: World Food Programme

    ADEN, Yemen – The Government of Japan has contributed US$2 million (approximately 300 million Japanese Yen) to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), enabling life-saving food assistance at a time when millions in Yemen face deepening hunger.

    Japan’s support will enable WFP to provide vegetable oil as part of food rations for 700,000 people, helping prevent further deterioration in food security.

    “We are incredibly grateful for Japan’s timely support,” said WFP’s Head of Global Partner Countries Division Abdallah Alwardat. “We are witnessing unprecedented levels of need in Yemen. Families are increasingly telling us they can no longer afford enough food, while our resources continue to shrink. This contribution allows us to deliver food assistance that families urgently need.”

    Contributions like Japan’s are critical to sustaining WFP food assistance in Yemen, which remains one of the few lifelines for millions of Yemenis.

    This generous contribution comes as food insecurity levels in Yemen are the third worst globally, after Gaza and Sudan. By September, over 18 million people, more than half of the population, are projected to face acute food insecurity, with 41,000 people at risk of slipping into catastrophic, famine-like conditions. This is the worst outlook since 2022.

    “Yemen continues to suffer from dire human security situations due to lingering conflict, deteriorating economy, and subsequent collapse of local services. In light of this critical and deteriorating humanitarian situation, and in line with the 2025 Yemen Humanitarian Response Plan, Japan has decided to provide support in partnership with the WFP. We stand in firm solidarity with the Yemeni people,” stated H.E. Mr. Yoichi Nakashima, Ambassador of Japan to Yemen.

    Japan has been a consistent and valued partner of WFP in Yemen, contributing approximately US$160 million since 2016 to help address one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. This latest contribution reaffirms Japan’s continued commitment to fighting hunger and supporting the people of Yemen.

     #                   #                    #

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

    Follow us on X @WFPYemen

    MIL OSI United Nations News –