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Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Russia: New clashes break out in Syria’s As-Suwayda province

    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

    DAMASCUS, July 21 (Xinhua) — Fierce clashes broke out between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes supporting the interim government in rural areas of southern Syria on Sunday, threatening a fragile ceasefire in the region, activists said.

    The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said large numbers of Bedouin reinforcements had gathered in the villages of Bustan, Dama and Najran, and there were signs of preparations to storm neighbouring Druze areas.

    Heavy fighting broke out in the towns of Arika and Umm al-Zeitoun, located along the Damascus-Suwayda highway, with Bedouins reportedly burning homes and looting property. The violence led to the closure of two key roads, further increasing tensions in the already volatile area.

    An expected prisoner exchange between the two sides was called off after mortar shells, believed to have been fired from Bedouin positions, landed near the planned transfer site.

    At least 1,120 people have been killed since fighting began on July 13, according to the observatory, including more than 100 civilians and dozens of government troops. For now, tensions remain high in the region and the ceasefire remains in jeopardy. –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.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: On July 21–22, Mikhail Mishustin will make a working visit to the Far Eastern Federal District

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    On July 21, Mikhail Mishustin will inspect the new airport terminal complex under construction at the international airport in Blagoveshchensk, the automobile checkpoint across the state border in Kani-Kurgan, and the customs and logistics terminal “Kani-Kurgan”. The Prime Minister’s program also includes a visit to a social and cultural facility.

    Mikhail Mishustin will meet with the Governor of the Amur Region Vasily Orlov.

    The Minister of Transport Andrei Nikitin and the Minister for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic Aleksei Chekunkov will take part in the events of the trip.

    On July 22, the Prime Minister will hold a meeting in Chita on the issue of “Development of grain exports”. Mikhail Mishustin will also visit the Zabaikalsky Krai Perinatal Center.

    The Prime Minister’s schedule includes a meeting with the Governor of the Zabaikalsky Krai, Alexander Osipov.

    The events of the trip will be attended by the Minister of Agriculture Oksana Lut, the Minister of Health Mikhail Murashko, the Minister of Transport Andrei Nikitin, and the Minister for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic Alexei Chekunkov.

    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.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The government will provide additional funding for the project to create a comfortable urban environment in the Saratov region

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Order dated July 17, 2025 No. 1929-r

    Document

    Order dated July 17, 2025 No. 1929-r

    The government continues to assist regions in creating a comfortable urban environment. An additional 1 billion rubles will be allocated for bank protection and subsequent construction of the Volgograd Reservoir embankment in Saratov. An order to this effect has been signed.

    Financing from the Government’s reserve fund will speed up the pace of work. Thus, it is expected that by the end of 2025, the work of the second stage of coastal protection of the section from the first berth to the Zaton solarium will be fully completed, as well as 70% of the work of the third stage. Thus, the commissioning of the facility will be possible as early as September 2026, and not in 2027, as previously planned.

    The creation of a full-fledged coastal protection belt will allow the embankment built on it to be used as a new public and cultural center for the residents of Saratov.

    Federal funds are allocated to the Saratov Region on a co-financing basis. The work is being carried out within the framework of the federal project “Assistance to the development of infrastructure of the subjects of the Russian Federation (municipalities)”.

    The issues of embankment reconstruction were discussed during working visit of the Prime Minister to the Saratov Region in September 2021“We will definitely support a project that will help create a comfortable urban environment,” Mikhail Mishustin emphasized.

    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.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mikhail Mishustin inspected the automobile checkpoint across the state border Kani-Kurgan

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The Prime Minister got acquainted with the progress of the border crossing reconstruction and visited the Kanikurgan customs and logistics terminal.

    Mikhail Mishustin inspected the automobile checkpoint across the state border of Kani-Kurgan. With the Minister of the Russian Federation for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic Alexey Chekunkov, the Minister of Transport Andrey Nikitin, the Governor of the Amur Region Vasily Orlov and the Head of the Border Department of the FSB of Russia for the Amur Region Yevgeny Trukhanov

    Kani-Kurgan is one of the key border crossings on the Russian-Chinese border. On June 10, 2022, the official ceremony of opening the movement of freight transport through the border bridge crossing took place and the first trucks went through the Kani-Kurgan-Heihe checkpoint. The nature of the international traffic is freight and passenger.

    Currently, a temporary scheme of operation of the automobile checkpoint (ACP) with restrictions on infrastructure and throughput capacity has been implemented on the Russian side. The temporary scheme was created for the period until the completion of the creation of the permanent ACP Kani-Kurgan. At the same time, on the Chinese side, a permanent ACP with a throughput capacity of 1,100 vehicles per day operates.

    To launch the movement of freight transport in the conditions of the temporary scheme of work of the APP Kani-Kurgan, the service “Electronic queue for vehicles” was created. With the efforts of the attracted investor, at a distance of 4 km from the APP, an accumulation site for 250 trucks for registration and waiting for departure to the checkpoint was equipped. Own software for managing the process of formation of the queue of vehicles was developed and implemented.

    As of July 7, 2025, over 170 thousand vehicles have crossed the bridge during the entire period of operation. This year, the maximum level of traffic flow was recorded in May and amounted to 7943 vehicles, and the average daily figure was 265 vehicles per day.

    Packaging, tires, auto parts, equipment, building materials, clothing, electrical appliances, wheeled special equipment and cars are imported through the border bridge crossing. Soybean and sea buckthorn oil, legumes, lumber, veneer, cosmetics, raw materials for Chinese traditional medicine, and dry milk are exported.

    Since August 2023, transportation of dangerous goods has been open. Helium, liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are currently exported. In 2025, the export flow of transport with dangerous goods increased from 91 vehicles in January to 225 vehicles in June.

    In addition, a regular international passenger route between the cities of Blagoveshchensk and Heihe was opened via the bridge on December 10, 2024.

    Mikhail Mishustin during a working trip to the Far East in August 2020 inspected the new Blagoveshchensk-Heihe international road bridge and talked to the builders.

    The Kanikurgan customs and logistics terminal was put into operation in the fourth quarter of 2023. Total area – 180 thousand sq. m. Usable area of the temporary storage warehouse – 22 thousand sq. m. Capacity – simultaneous placement of at least 600 large-capacity vehicles.

    Drive

    Mikhail Mishustin inspected the new airport complex of the Blagoveshchensk International Airport (Ignatievo) named after N.N. Muravyov-Amursky

    The terminal provides comprehensive customs services for import and export cargo flows all year round, 24 hours a day. The complex includes 2 sites:

    — cargo clearance and customs control area. There is a temporary storage warehouse with an area of 3 thousand square meters. The premises provide a loading area for all types of vehicles, rack storage of cargo is organized, and a fleet of equipment has been purchased;

    — a cargo complex. It has 2 transshipment terminals, cold and dry warehouses, including a multi-temperature one.

    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.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mikhail Mishustin inspected the new airport complex of the Blagoveshchensk International Airport (Ignatievo) named after N.N. Muravyov-Amursky

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The Prime Minister got acquainted with the progress of reconstruction of the airport terminal complex and the airfield runway during a working visit to the Amur Region.

    Mikhail Mishustin inspected the new airport complex of the Blagoveshchensk International Airport (Ignatievo) named after N.N. Muravyov-Amursky

    July 21, 2025

    Mikhail Mishustin inspected the new airport complex of the Blagoveshchensk International Airport (Ignatievo) named after N.N. Muravyov-Amursky

    July 21, 2025

    Mikhail Mishustin with the Governor of the Amur Region Vasily Orlov and the Minister of the Russian Federation for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic Alexey Chekunkov during a meeting at the Blagoveshchensk airport

    July 21, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Mikhail Mishustin inspected the new airport complex of the Blagoveshchensk International Airport (Ignatievo) named after N.N. Muravyov-Amursky

    Construction work on the new airport complex in Blagoveshchensk began in 2023. To date, the installation of the building’s metal structures and 3,000 square meters of wall sandwich panels has been completed, and the installation of facade and stained glass structures is underway. Work is underway inside the building to erect partitions and engineering systems.

    The airport’s landscaping area is underway. Its park section will be converted into a recreational area of over 5,500 square meters. It will feature an amphitheater with a canopy, a rock garden, benches, and gazebos for storing luggage carts. The renovated landscaping area will be put into operation in the third quarter of this year.

    To date, the modernization of the airfield complex has been almost completely completed using federal budget funds. A new artificial runway, 3,000 m long and 45 m wide, capable of accommodating all types of aircraft, is already being successfully used. It received its first flight in December 2023. A new taxiway, aprons, treatment facilities, an emergency rescue station, and a patrol road have also been put into operation.

    The small aircraft apron is currently being reconstructed. Two more taxiways are planned to be put into operation by the end of the year.

    Over 6 years, the passenger flow of Blagoveshchensk airport has grown more than 2.2 times – from 418 thousand people in 2018 to 928 thousand in 2024. More than a million passengers are expected in 2025.

    Since May 2025, the regional highway Blagoveshchensk – Bibikovo, which connects the regional capital with the Ignatievo International Airport, has also been reconstructed. The project provides for the expansion of the road to four lanes and the separation of flows, as well as a comprehensive modernization of utility networks and outdoor lighting systems, the reconstruction of communication networks, electrical and heating networks, the organization of storm sewers and water drainage.

    Today, the section of the Blagoveshchensk-Bibikovo road, running from the regional capital to the settlement of Aeroport, is the busiest highway in the region.

    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.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Jul 21, 2025 0600 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    SPC AC 210502

    Day 2 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1202 AM CDT Mon Jul 21 2025

    Valid 221200Z – 231200Z

    …THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS TUESDAY INTO
    TUESDAY NIGHT ACROSS PARTS OF SOUTHEASTERN NORTH
    DAKOTA…NORTHEASTERN SOUTH DAKOTA…MUCH OF CENTRAL MINNESOTA…AND
    ADJACENT NORTHWESTERN WISCONSIN…

    …SUMMARY…
    Scattered strong thunderstorm development may impact parts of the
    northern Rockies and Great Plains into Upper Midwest Tuesday into
    Tuesday night, posing at least some risk for severe weather.

    …Discussion…
    Models continue to indicate that an increasingly prominent mid-level
    high will evolve across parts of the middle Mississippi/lower Ohio
    Valley region during this period, within persistent ridging
    encompassing much of the interior U.S. Modest, anticyclonic flow
    around the northern periphery of the broader ridging is likely to be
    maintained across the northern Great Basin through the Dakotas and
    Upper Midwest, Great Lakes and adjacent portions of Ontario and
    Quebec. It appears that mid-level ridging will also remain prominent
    across much of the northeastern Pacific, though it may begin to
    undergo some suppression.

    Between the ridging, weak mid-level troughing is likely to linger
    across the Pacific coast vicinity. As one much more significant
    short wave trough and embedded cyclone in higher latitudes progress
    slowly toward the Hudson Bay vicinity, it still appears that one
    smaller-scale short wave perturbation emerging from the Pacific
    Northwest may accelerate across and northeast of the mountains of
    western Montana. However, models now generally indicate that a
    slightly stronger perturbation may linger to the southwest, across
    the northern intermountain region.

    In lower levels, a cold front trailing the higher latitude cyclone
    is forecast to advance across the international border into the
    northern Great Plains late Tuesday into Tuesday night. It appears
    another cold front may make further progress southward though the
    southern Atlantic coast vicinity, well south of the mid-latitude
    westerlies.

    …Northern Rockies/Great Plains into Upper Midwest…
    Beneath the warm mid-level ridging, in the wake of a prior frontal
    passage, seasonably moist boundary layer air is forecast to surge
    from the middle Missouri Valley and adjacent Great Plains toward the
    Upper Midwest/adjacent Great Lakes, in advance of the front
    approaching from the Canadian Prairies. This moisture appears
    likely to once again contribute to moderate to large potential
    instability within modestly deep pre-frontal surface troughing,
    aided by insolation and the presence of generally steep tropospheric
    lapse rates, though with warm, capping layers aloft.

    Near the southern periphery of a belt of strengthening southwesterly
    mid-level flow, it still appears that this environment will become
    at least conditionally supportive of organized convective
    development. However, south of the international border, forcing
    for ascent to support convective development is likely to be mostly
    tied to subtle perturbations progressing around the northern
    periphery of the mid-level ridging, which remain uncertain at this
    time.

    There does appear a general consensus that stronger boundary-layer
    heating, within the lee surface troughing, will occur roughly in a
    narrow corridor from the western South Dakota/Nebraska state border
    vicinity through northeastern South Dakota/adjacent west central
    Minnesota by late afternoon, with a zone of strengthening
    differential heating extending east-southeastward across central
    Minnesota. It is possible that the boundary intersection could
    become a focus for isolated late afternoon supercell development,
    with warm advection along the zone of differential surface heating,
    aided by a strengthening southerly low-level jet impinging on it,
    contributing to an upscale growing cluster of storms Tuesday
    evening. However, due to the warm and capping air aloft, and
    possible weak upper support for ascent, this remains rather
    uncertain.

    With a more substantive short wave perturbation lingering back
    across the northern intermountain region, models suggest that more
    substantive destabilization is possible on moistening low-level
    northeasterly to easterly flow into the higher terrain of south
    central through southeastern Montana. Aided by the pronounced
    veering of winds from near surface to mid-levels, it appears that
    deep-layer shear may become conducive to isolated to widely
    scattered supercell development late Tuesday afternoon and evening.

    …South Carolina into Georgia…
    Although lapse rates may be modest, high moisture content
    along/ahead of the slowly southwestward advancing cold front may
    support the development of modest CAPE and contribute to an
    environment conducive to convection capable of producing a few
    strong downbursts. It is also possible that unsaturated layers may
    be sufficient to contribute to broader cold pools accompanied by
    potentially damaging winds along the gust fronts.

    ..Kerr.. 07/21/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS02 PTSDY2 PRODUCT

    NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 2 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 1730Z

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Jul 21, 2025 0600 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    SPC AC 210552

    Day 1 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1252 AM CDT Mon Jul 21 2025

    Valid 211200Z – 221200Z

    …THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS PARTS OF CENTRAL
    AND EASTERN MONTANA…

    …SUMMARY…
    Severe thunderstorms capable of producing severe wind gusts, large
    hail, and perhaps a tornado or two are expected across parts of the
    northern Great Plains. Additional isolated strong to severe storms
    are possible in the central Plains.

    …Synopsis…
    Modest amplification of an upper-level ridge is expected across the
    Plains into the Upper Midwest today. In the Northwest, the
    upper-level trough will take on a more neutral tilt before
    progressing eastward by Tuesday morning. At the surface, modest lee
    troughing will be in place within the northern/central High Plains
    regions. An outflow boundary is likely to be situated somewhere in
    the North Dakota/South Dakota border vicinity. Farther east into
    Minnesota, a warm front like feature will arc southeastward into the
    lower Ohio Valley. Strong to extreme buoyancy is forecast to develop
    within parts of the northern/central Plains.

    …Montana into western North Dakota…
    The highest confidence in the development of severe storms is within
    the terrain of central Montana. Additional storms may develop in the
    vicinity of the Big Horns and move into southeast Montana. Mid-level
    heights will be rising through the morning/afternoon so initiation
    could be somewhat delayed. Subtle mid-level height falls will occur
    during the evening, however. With a belt of strong mid-level winds
    across the region, initial storms should be supercellular. Large
    hail and severe wind gusts will be the initial hazards. With storms
    developing in somewhat drier air, it is possible they will be
    outflow dominant and not maintain their cellular mode as they move
    northeast into greater moisture. The environment will be
    conditionally favorable for 2+ inch hail, but the spatial extent of
    this threat is not certain. Severe wind gusts will likely become
    more common later in the evening as activity grows upscale.

    …Dakotas into Minnesota/Mid-Missouri Valley…
    Two clusters of convection are ongoing in the Dakotas. Based on
    current surface observations, this activity is expected to generally
    move eastward along the North Dakota/South Dakota border. What
    occurs with the outflow from this activity into this afternoon will
    play a role in the severe potential within parts of the Dakotas.
    Strong to extreme buoyancy will be present south of the outflow.
    Forcing for ascent will be weak. Storm development will depend on
    the timing of the early morning convection and subsequent
    heating/mesoscale lift during the afternoon. A weak surface low in
    western South Dakota may lead to some locally enhanced convergence
    along the outflow and trigger storms. This scenario is also not
    certain.

    Effective shear of 40-45 kts and MLCAPE likely above 4000 J/kg will
    support intense, organized storms. Initial storms would be capable
    large hail, severe winds, and perhaps a tornado or two. Storms that
    do develop would eventually grow upscale and potentially produce a
    swatch of severe winds. Model guidance varies on the timing/location
    of this activity. There is some potential for a cluster/MCS to
    propagate along the warm front feature into central Minnesota. Other
    solutions show the MCS moving into the greater buoyancy toward the
    Mid-Missouri Valley. Given some capping can be expected, storms may
    not develop at all. The marginal risk has been expanded to account
    for these possibilities, but confidence remains too low for a
    categorical upgrade at this time.

    …Central High Plains…
    Strong heating near the surface trough should promote isolated to
    widely scattered storms from the Palmer Divide into the Nebraska
    Panhandle. Effective shear of 25-30 kts (generally weaker with
    southern extent) will allow for marginally organized storms. Severe
    wind gusts are the main concern as storms develop in the drier air.
    Some potential for large hail may also exist if storms can persist
    into greater moisture to the east.

    ..Wendt/Dean.. 07/21/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS01 PTSDY1 PRODUCT

    NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 1 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 1300Z

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Jul 21, 2025 0100 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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    Jul 21, 2025 0100 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Click to see valid 1Z – 12Z Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Updated: Mon Jul 21 01:04:33 UTC 2025 (Print Version |   |  )

    Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table

     Forecast Discussion

    SPC AC 210104

    Day 1 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0804 PM CDT Sun Jul 20 2025

    Valid 210100Z – 211200Z

    …THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS PARTS OF THE
    NORTHERN/CENTRAL PLAINS…PARTS OF THE LOWER/MIDDLE OHIO VALLEY…

    …SUMMARY…
    Widely scattered severe storms remain possible in parts of the
    northern/central Plains. Additional strong to severe storms are
    possible in parts of the lower/middle Ohio Valley.

    …Ohio Valley…
    An MCV moving into Illinois is continuing to promote convection
    along a stationary boundary. Though deep-layer shear is modest,
    strong buoyancy is still in place. A couple of more organized
    clusters may produce wind damage as they move southeastward this
    evening. A brief tornado near the boundary could also occur.

    …Northern/central Plains…
    Several supercells are ongoing in parts of eastern Montana into
    southwest South Dakota. Steep mid-level lapse rates and strong shear
    will continue to promote storms capable of large/very-large hail and
    severe wind gusts. Farther south, isolated but intense supercells
    have persisted in south-central South Dakota into north-central
    Nebraska. Large/very-large hail and severe gusts are the main
    concerns, but low-level shear will increase modestly this evening
    and a tornado will remain possible.

    …Kansas/Missouri…
    As the low-level jet increases this evening, warm advection is
    expected to initiate convection in northern Missouri and perhaps
    northeast Kansas. Given around 3000+ J/kg MLCAPE, the stronger
    storms may produce isolated strong/damaging winds later this
    evening.

    ..Wendt.. 07/21/2025

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC – No MDs are in effect as of Mon Jul 21 06:01:02 UTC 2025

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Current Mesoscale DiscussionsUpdated:  Mon Jul 21 06:00:03 UTC 2025 No Mesoscale Discussions are currently in effect.

    Notice:  The responsibility for Heavy Rain Mesoscale Discussions has been transferred to the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) on April 9, 2013. Click here for the Service Change Notice.
    Archived Convective ProductsTo view convective products for a previous day, type in the date you wish to retrieve (e.g. 20040529 for May 29, 2004). Data available since January 1, 2004.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC – No watches are valid as of Mon Jul 21 06:01:02 UTC 2025

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Current Convective Watches (View What is a Watch? clip)Updated:  Mon Jul 21 06:01:05 UTC 2025 No watches are currently valid

    Archived Convective ProductsTo view convective products for a previous day, type in the date you wish to retrieve (e.g. 20040529 for May 29, 2004). Data available since January 1, 2004.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU adopts new sanctions against Russia

    Source: Government of Sweden

    The EU has today adopted an 18th sanctions package in response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. This package contains a number of new and expanded measures to limit Russia’s energy revenues and the shadow fleet. These measures include lowering the oil price cap from USD 60 to USD 47.6 per barrel.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • PM Modi hails Operation Sindoor as ‘Vijay Utsav’, urges unified salute to armed forces in Parliament

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hailed Operation Sindoor as a “Vijay Utsav” (victory celebration) for the nation, describing it as a shining testament to the strength and precision of the Indian Armed Forces. Speaking to the media ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, the Prime Minister called for a united parliamentary tribute to the operation’s success, which he said would further encourage national defence capabilities and inspire citizens across the country.

    “This Monsoon Session is a ‘Vijay Utsav’,” PM Modi said. “The entire world has witnessed the strength of the Indian Armed Forces. The objective set for Operation Sindoor was achieved with 100 percent success. In just 22 minutes, our forces neutralised terrorists in their own hideouts.”

    The Prime Minister recounted how the operation had first been announced during an event in Bihar and praised the ‘Made in India’ defence initiative, stating that it is now drawing increasing global interest.

    “The ‘Made in India’ defence systems showcased during the operation reflect a new era of India’s military self-reliance. Whenever I interact with leaders of other countries, there is growing curiosity and appreciation for Indian-made weapons,” he noted.

    PM Modi expressed hope that Parliament will engage in meaningful discussion on Operation Sindoor during the ongoing session. He emphasized that a unified expression of national pride by lawmakers would not only bolster the morale of the armed forces but also foster innovation, manufacturing, and job creation in the defence sector.

    “When the House expresses its sentiments on this ‘Vijay Utsav’ with one voice, it will strengthen India’s defence resolve, encourage innovation, and create employment opportunities for the youth,” he said.

    Highlighting another moment of national pride, the Prime Minister also recalled the recent milestone of Indian astronaut Subhanshu Shukla aboard the International Space Station (ISS), where the Indian Tricolour was unfurled for the first time.

    “This session is a celebration of victory and pride. The image of our national flag on the ISS has filled every Indian with joy and pride. It has sparked a wave of enthusiasm among the youth toward science, technology, and innovation,” he said, calling it a historic chapter in India’s space journey.

    PM Modi also touched on the importance of the monsoon, calling it a symbol of “renewal and rejuvenation.” He noted that the current monsoon conditions are progressing positively and will benefit agriculture, farmers, and the broader rural economy.

    “The favourable monsoon is set to boost the agricultural sector, strengthen the farmers’ economy, and contribute to national growth,” he added.

    (With agencies inputs)

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Galaxy Z Fold7, Z Flip7 Pre-orders Match S25 Series, Setting New Benchmark for Flagships in India

    Source: Samsung

    JB Park, President and CEO, Samsung Southwest Asia
     
    Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today announced that it’s recently-launched – Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy ZFlip7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 FE smartphones – have received record pre-orders, signaling huge consumer demand and excitement for the brand’s seventh generation of foldable smartphones. Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy ZFlip7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 FE secured 210,000 pre-orders in the first 48 hours, breaking previous records, and nearly equaling the pre-orders received for Galaxy S25 series earlier this year.
     
    “The record pre-orders for our ‘made in India’ foldable smartphones reinforce our belief that young Indian consumers are quick to adopt latest technology. Galaxy Z Fold7 delivers our most advanced smartphone experience yet – powerful, immersive, intelligent, and portable all in one. Galaxy Z Flip7 adapts, anticipates and empowers users, unlocking a smarter, more intuitive way to engage with the world. Powered by the new One UI 8 and Android 16 right out of the box, the new devices deliver true multimodal AI experiences. The success of the new devices are a stepping stone for our larger goal – the mainstreaming of foldable smartphones in India,” said JB Park, President and CEO, Samsung Southwest Asia.
     
    Galaxy Z Fold7 seamlessly blends precision engineering and powerful intelligence to elevate everyday interactions – all in its thinnest and lightest design to date. At just 215 grams, Galaxy Z Fold7 is even lighter than Galaxy S25 Ultra. It is just 8.9 mm thick when folded and 4.2 mm thick when unfolded. It delivers the premium performance and experience of an ultra smartphone, while unlocking new levels of efficiency and productivity with a larger, more immersive display when unfolded.
     
    Galaxy Z Flip7, a compact AI phone with multimodal capabilities, is powered by a new FlexWindow. Small enough to slip into a pocket, yet powerful enough to deliver the handiest assistance, it melds Galaxy AI with a new edge-to-edge FlexWindow, a flagship level camera and an ultra-compact and iconic design. From intuitive voice AI to the best selfie capabilities, Galaxy Z Flip7 is an intelligent pocket-sized companion built for seamless interaction and everyday reliability. Weighing just 188 grams and measuring only 13.7mm when folded, Galaxy Z Flip7 is the slimmest Galaxy Z Flip yet.
     
    While Galaxy Z Fold7 is available in stunning colours such as Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow and Jet Black; the Galaxy Z Flip7 comes in Blue Shadow, Jet Black and Coral Red. Galaxy Z Flip 7FE comes in Black and White colours. Apart from this, consumers buying the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 through Samsung.com will have an additional colour to choose from – Mint.
     
    Both devices bring multimodal AI capabilities, delivering experiences that maximize the benefits of the expansive foldable display of the Galaxy Z Fold7 to boost productivity.  Designed as a true multimodal agent, One UI 8 seamlessly combines large-screen multitasking with intelligent tools that understand what users’ type, say and even see. Thanks to Google’s Gemini Live, users can share their screen in real time while speaking with the AI assistant — enabling contextual requests based on what’s visible. In addition, One UI 8 brings enhanced privacy to personalized AI experiences with the new Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP). KEEP creates encrypted, app-specific storage environments within the device’s secures storage area, ensuring each app can access only its own sensitive information and nothing more.
     
    The main display on Galaxy Z Fold7 is 11% larger than the previous generation. The 8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display offers ultra-rich contrast, true blacks and vibrant detail that makes everything pop. It also gets Vision Booster and up to 2,600 nits of peak brightness.
     
    The Armor FlexHinge on Galaxy Z Fold7 is thinner and lighter, thanks to an enhanced water droplet design and newly implemented multi-rail structure that reduces visible creasing. The cover display is made with Corning® Gorilla® Glass Ceramic 2, a new glass ceramic that has crystals intricately embedded within its glass matrix. Advanced Armor Aluminum in the frame and hinge housing increases strength and hardness by 10%. The main display is restructured to be thinner and lighter — yet stronger. This was achieved by implementing the Titanium plate layer. Additionally, Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) was increased to be 50% thicker, making the display tougher.
     
    Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, Galaxy Fold7 delivers stupendous performance boosts of 41% in NPU, 38% in CPU, and 26% in GPU compared to the previous generation. This power fuels Galaxy Z Fold7’s ability to process more AI experiences on-device without compromise. In addition, with the first 200MP wide-angle camera in the Galaxy Z series, it captures 4x more detail, producing images that are 44% brighter. In addition, Samsung’s next-generation ProVisual Engine processes images faster.
     
    Galaxy Z Flip7 comes with a stunning FlexWindow display, which brings essentials front and center and makes it easy to type out quick messages. The 4.1-inch Super AMOLED FlexWindow is the largest ever on a Galaxy Z Flip7, with edge-to-edge usability that enables users to see and do more on the cover screen. With 2,600 nits of peak brightness, the FlexWindow gets an upgrade with Vision Booster, enhancing outdoor visibility so users can stay connected wherever they are. The main display is a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, built for an ultra-smooth, immersive experience.
     
    The cover and back of Galaxy Z Flip7 are protected by Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2. The Armor FlexHinge is thinner than the hinge on the previous generation and features a restructured design and high-strength materials for smoother folds and long-lasting durability. A robust Armor Aluminum Frame provides a tough exterior for resilience. The 4,300mAh battery is the largest ever on a Galaxy Z Flipdelivering up to 31 hours of video play time on a single charge.
     
    Galaxy Z Flip7 FE features a 6.7-inch Main Display for an immersive viewing experience. The 50MP FlexCam enables high-quality selfies and video in Flex Mode, letting users capture content hands-free, without even opening the device.
     

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Powerful water ombudsman to support customers with complaints

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Powerful water ombudsman to support customers with complaints

    Environment Secretary Steve Reed to establish consumer champion with legal powers as part of ‘root and branch’ reform

    Water customers will have more support than ever before when faced with leaking pipes, incorrect bills or water supply issues, Environment Secretary Steve Reed has announced today (Monday 21 July)

    It comes as the government is set to reestablish partnership between water companies, investors and communities to keep our waters clean.

    The government will create a water ombudsman with legal powers to protect customers in disputes with their water company. Customers will be able to use a single, free point of contact.  

    It will build on the Consumer Council for Water’s role, which is currently voluntary for water companies to follow. The changes will bring dispute resolution processes for water in line with other utilities – like energy – and are part of the government’s actions to put customers at the heart of water regulation.

    Steve Reed is expected to announce ‘root and branch’ reforms on Monday to
    clean up rivers, lakes and seas and make the water sector one of growth and opportunity that serves hard-working families and businesses, as part of our Plan for Change.

    He is expected to make assurances that government action will protect hardworking families from massive water bill hikes in future.

    In a speech following the report’s publication, Environment Secretary Steve Reed is expected to say:

    The water industry is broken. Our rivers, lakes and seas are polluted with record levels of sewage. Water pipes have been left to crumble into disrepair. Soaring water bills are straining family finances.

    Today’s final report from Sir Jon Cunliffe’s Independent Water Commission offers solutions to fix our broken regulatory system so the failures of the past can never happen again. 

    The government will introduce root and branch reform in the biggest overhaul of water regulation in a generation.

    We are establishing a new partnership where water companies, investors, communities and the government will work together to clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good.

    The Secretary of State has pledged that the government will cut sewage pollution in half within five years, making our rivers the cleanest since records began.

    The government has already taken decisive action to clean up England’s waterways. 

    • Record investment: with £104 billion to upgrade crumbling pipes and build sewage treatment works across the country. 
    • Ringfence customers’ bills for upgrades: customer bills earmarked for investment must now be spent on new sewage pipes and treatment works – not spent on shareholder payments or bonuses. 
    • Reinvesting company fines into local projects: with over £100million being invested into local clean-up projects in communities. 
    • Largest budget for water regulation: the Environment Agency received a record £189 million to fund hundreds of enforcement officers to inspect and prosecute polluting water companies.
    • Polluter Pays: companies will now cover the cost of prosecutions and successful investigations into pollution incidents, enabling the regulator to hire more staff and pursue further enforcement activity. 
    • Banning wet wipes containing plastic in England: introducing legislation to reduce microplastics in our waters.
    • The Water (Special Measures) Act: banned unfair bonuses for ten polluting water bosses this year and threatened prison sentences for law-breaking executives.

    We will work with the Welsh government to ensure reforms protect water customers across both England and Wales.

    Notes to editors: 

     Last October, the Environment Secretary asked the former Deputy Governor of the Bank of England, Sir Jon Cunliffe, to undertake the biggest review of the water sector since privatisation. The final report will be published on Monday 21 July. 

    An ombudsman to champion customers    

    • The current system for dealing with complaints lacks any teeth and too often leaves customers with nowhere to go. With no binding consumer watchdog, customers risk being left stranded.  

    • Water customers shouldn’t have to figure out who to contact and how to contact them if something has gone wrong – they should know exactly where to turn and be confident their problem will be listened to and resolved. 

    • The new measures will establish a new level playing field between customers and companies. This builds on our reforms to double automatic payments when water companies fail to deliver adequate standards of service and place customers at the heart of water company purpose.    

    • Following the Independent Water Commission’s final report, we will look at the CCW’s role as part of a reformed regulator. We’re clear there will be no additional ALB’s as part of our productive and agile state agenda.

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Beatty’s Statement on Republican Package Clawing Back Public Media & Global Assistance Funding

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

    WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Tonight, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) issued the following statement after voting NO on the House-passed Republican rescissions package, which claws back billions in funding already approved by Congress for programs that help keep Americans safe at home and abroad.

    “Just weeks after Republicans shoveled trillions in tax breaks to billionaires, their unnecessary clawback of approved funding once again shows that Trump and House Republicans will always put their wealthy donors first and everyday Americans last.

    This reckless measure doesn’t make government more efficient or meaningfully reduce the deficit. It hurts Ohio families. It slashes funding for local public broadcasting, which Central Ohio families rely on for resources like PBS Kids programming, classroom resources, coverage of local news and high school sports, and emergency alerts that keep our communities safe. More than $13 million in annual federal funding supports these crucial services in Ohio alone, and losing this funding could force stations to scale back or shut down completely.

    Globally, the Republican clawback guts billions from programs that provide clean water and health care to millions and basic education to tens of millions of children in developing nations. Republicans are rubber-stamping President Trump and Elon Musk’s reckless DOGE demands, undermining American leadership and security abroad.

    House Democrats will keep working to meaningfully improve the lives of the American people.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: From Selma to Central Ohio: Beatty Reflects on John Lewis and the Ongoing Fight for the Vote

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) joined members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) in a Special Order Hour on the House floor to honor the legacy of the late Congressman John Lewis on the fifth anniversary of his passing this upcoming Thursday.

    In her remarks, Congresswoman Beatty reflected on her close working relationship with Congressman Lewis during their time together in the U.S. House of Representatives. She recalled the profound honor of crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge with him to commemorate Bloody Sunday and traveling with him throughout Central Ohio to defend and promote the Voting Rights Act.

    The Congresswoman also renewed her call for Congress to protect and expand access to the ballot by passing the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act.

    “After the Supreme Court’s Shelby County v. Holder decision, we saw nearly 100 new laws emerge—closing polling places, cutting early voting, banning drop boxes, and changing ID rules. These efforts have fueled a growing racial turnout gap, and Black voters are left paying the price. That isn’t policy—it’s persecution,” said Congresswoman Beatty.

    “As John Lewis knew, Black voices are feared and fought precisely because they hold the power to transform this nation for the better. On this day, we honor his legacy not only with words, but with action—by advocating for voting rights as a guiding force for our shared future. That means passing the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act to end these discriminatory practices and make it easier for everyone to vote.”

    In her floor speech, Beatty concluded:
    “John Lewis didn’t just talk about democracy—he lived it. He led with conviction and clarity, and his legacy demands that we act to protect the freedom he marched, bled, and fought for.”

    Watch Congresswoman Beatty’s full floor speech HERE.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Beatty Joins Bicameral Letter Opposing Cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Wednesday, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty joined a letter led by Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-Minn.) and 45 Members of Congress to President Trump urging him to reconsider his decision to defund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). The CPB supports America’s children with educational programming and ensures that emergency broadcasting keeps Americans safe amid natural disasters and emergencies. The proposed rescission to the CPB will force small stations around the country to close, leaving significant gaps in coverage for Americans who rely on these vital services for noncommercial, high-quality, localized content and telecommunications. 

     

    The letter comes amid Congressional Republicans’ attempt to pass President Trump’s proposal to rescind $10 billion in federal funding that Congress approved four months ago on a bipartisan basis. Despite bipartisan opposition to the bill, the U.S. Senate voted to move forward to debating and amending the legislation on Wednesday by the slimmest possible margin following a tie-breaking vote cast by Vice President JD Vance. 

     

    “We write to express our deep concern regarding the $1.1 billion claw back of funds to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) included in the proposed recissions you sent to Congress on May 28, 2025,” said the lawmakers in their letter to the White House. “The package was passed through the House of Representatives on June 12, over the objections of all Democratic and four Republican Members. The cuts to CPB in the recission package undermine the public media that Americans rely on for unfettered access to information, educational programming for kids, cultural programming, and nationwide emergency alerting.

     

    “Public media has received bipartisan support for the past 50 years because Congress has continuously recognized that access to public media is in the public’s best interest. The Public Radio Satellite System (PRSS) is the backbone of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Amber Alerts and plays a critical role in keeping Americans informed and safe during emergencies. As key local news providers, public radio stations leverage their reporting resources to offer live news and information on disasters and other emergencies, providing real-time information on where local audiences can access resources and safe locations.

     “Of the $1.1 billion included in the rescission proposal, 70% of these funds will be pulled out of local stations that are independently owned and operated in our communities. For many smaller stations in rural communities across the country, these cuts will prove utterly devastating, because they provide local, state, and regional news that is no longer provided through other outlets. These small stations will not survive, resulting in news deserts for these communities and putting thousands of American lives at risk.

    “We ask your administration to withdraw this rescission proposal and protect the vital services that CPB provides. If the rescissions go ahead as planned, we will be requesting a report to Congress as to how your administration plans to fill the void left behind, particularly in the areas of emergency alerting and local news reporting.”

    The letter is co-signed by Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.)and 45 Democratic Representatives: Representatives Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Ami Bera (D-CA), Sanford Bishop (D-GA), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Brendan Boyle (D-PA), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Shontel Brown (D-OH), André Carson (D-IN), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Danny Davis (D-IL), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Laura Friedman (D-CA), John Garamendi (D-CA), Jared Huffman (D-CA), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), William Keating (D-MA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Seth Magaziner (D-RI), James McGovern (D-MA), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Dave Min (D-CA), Kelly Morrison (D-MN), Kevin Mullin (D-CA), Richard Neal (D-MA), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO), Delia Ramirez (D-IL), Emily Randall (D-WA), Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Adam Smith (D-WA), Greg Stanton (D-AZ), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Mike Thompson (D-CA), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Marc Veasey (D-TX), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), and Nikema Williams (D-GA).

     

    Click here to read the letter.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Rescue Operation – Larapinta Trail

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    A female hiker has been rescued from the Larapinta Trail after the Northern Territory Police Force (NTPF) received notification of an emergency beacon activation yesterday evening.

    Around 7:45pm, police were notified by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) that an emergency beacon had been activated between Hugh Gorge and Serpentine Gorge on the Larapinta Trail.

    The NTPF’s Search and Rescue Section (SRS) coordinated the response and deployed police members to the location alongside St John Ambulance (SJA) personnel.

    The hiker was located at 1:30am this morning by police. She was assessed by SJA paramedics and conveyed back Alice Springs.

    SRS Senior Sergeant Paul Wood said, “This is another rescue in Central Australia that was greatly assisted by the hiker travelling with an emergency beacon.

    “For those considering hiking the Larapinta Trail, or undertaking any similar adventure in the Territory, please travel with enough food and water, ensure someone knows your itinerary, and carry an EPIRB, PLB or satellite communication device with you like this hiker did.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: How are Australians adapting to climate change? Here are 729 ways

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tia Brullo, Research Fellow in Climate Change Adaptation, The University of Melbourne

    Australia’s climate is changing. To avoid catastrophic disruptions from successive supercharged disasters, society must adapt. But change takes time and it’s not always clear how much progress we’re making.

    We wanted to find out what Australia’s governments, industries and local groups are doing to adapt to climate change. Our work culminated in the Australian Adaptation Database, which captures more than 700 initiatives so far.

    Standout examples from this first national stocktake include Ramblers Reef in Victoria – an artificial reef of rocks and shells 500 metres offshore that has helped reduce coastal erosion. In Adelaide, urban cooling and greening projects are transforming the city and suburbs across 17 councils .

    Our project shows climate adaptation is happening in Australia, but there’s plenty of room for improvement. The more society can do now to prepare for change, the better off we’ll be in the long run.

    Urban greening is helping to cool the city of Adelaide.
    Ozitraveler, Shutterstock

    What does climate change adaptation in Australia look like?

    Australia is lagging behind many other nations when it comes to managing climate action. The federal government is yet to release its first national adaptation plan, while other countries are up to their third or fourth versions.

    Why track Australia’s progress in climate adaptation? First, it enables progress to be reported efficiently to governments and international bodies such as the United Nations.

    The database also helps people share knowledge. Anyone striving to improve their resilience to climate change can look to the database for ideas and inspiration.

    The data was mainly gathered from conversations we had with people in state and territory government departments, local government associations, not-for-profit organisations and private companies across Australia.

    On Wednesday, we will present the database at the opening of the national Climate Adaptation 2025 conference in Perth.

    The project shows the vast range of ways Australians are preparing for a warmer world. Examples include:

    Anyone can explore and search the database. It’s not an exhaustive record of all climate adaptation in Australia, but provides more detail than ever before. It’s constantly being updated as new examples are added.

    But the database is only as good as the information we feed into it, so we need everyone to contribute. All you need to do is hit the “submit an entry” button on the homepage to get started.

    Artificial reefs such as Ramblers Reef help slow erosion (ABC News)

    The role of government: local, state and federal

    Much work to date in climate adaptation has involved laying the foundations for practical actions.

    For example, South Australia’s Climate Ready Coasts program aims to improve planning for coastal hazards. This joint effort between state and local governments make sense, given both have a role to play, and it helps ensure adaptation actions are efficient and coordinated.

    At the federal level, the Australian government has focused on funding for national disasters such as the Future Drought Fund. Another example, the Infrastructure Betterment Fund, involves making roads, rail, bridges and other infrastructure more resilient to climate change.

    Australia is yet to release its first National Adaptation Plan. This document is expected to clarify the federal role in climate adaptation.

    The private sector

    The private sector is beginning to adapt to climate change. Examples include:

    Knowledge sharing and capacity building

    We also found extensive efforts to communicate and share information about adapting to change.

    Such activities include knowledge building for organisations and communities through workshops, training sessions and simulation games.

    Examples include Western Australia’s “being waterwise in the home” tips, and Hobart’s Sparking Conversations, Igniting Action Program for bushfire preparedness. These activities help lay the groundwork for practical action.

    Change is hard, but Australia is finally making some progress in climate adaptation.
    Markus Spiske, Unsplash., CC BY

    What’s next?

    Our research shows the policy and governance mechanisms to drive adaptation are largely in place. The knowledge and networks to support meaningful action are gradually being developed.

    But the next “heavy lifting” phase – putting plans into action – is yet to begin in earnest.

    There’s a clear need to channel funding to those best placed to deliver frontline projects and programs, especially local governments and community organisations.

    The Australian Local Government Association is calling for a A$400 million climate adaptation fund to support Australian councils to deliver place-based adaptation actions.

    Last year, the Australian Council of Social Services called for a $2 billion investment in a national housing retrofit program to make Australia’s 670,000 low-income houses cooler in summer to reduce illness and death from extreme temperatures. Neither of these calls has been answered.

    Let’s get moving

    This research is part of a three-year project exploring how to encourage and promote best practice in adapting to climate change across Australia.

    The next step is to measure progress around climate adaptation, which is difficult and rarely done – even though it’s required under the Paris Agreement.

    The good news is Australia has made a start, but there is much more to do to ensure the wellbeing of our country through a changing climate.

    Tia Brullo receives funding from the National Environmental Science Program Climate Systems Hub Project Number CS2.1

    Elissa Waters receives funding from the National Environmental Science Program Climate Systems Hub Project Number CS2.1 and Australian Climate Service.

    Jon Barnett receives funding from the National Environmental Science Program Climate Systems Hub Project Number CS2.1

    Sarah Boulter receives funding from the National Environmental Science Program Climate Systems Hub.

    – ref. How are Australians adapting to climate change? Here are 729 ways – https://theconversation.com/how-are-australians-adapting-to-climate-change-here-are-729-ways-256446

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Newspoll and Resolve give Labor big leads as parliament resumes after the election

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne

    With federal parliament to sit for the first time since the election on Tuesday, Newspoll gives Labor a 57–43 lead and Resolve a 56–44 lead. In Tasmania, Labor is a chance to gain a seat despite a 3% slide in their statewide vote.

    A national Newspoll gave Labor a 57–43 lead (55.2–44.8 to Labor at the May federal election). Fieldwork dates and the sample size were not reported, but it’s likely to have been taken July 14–18 from a sample of about 1,200.

    Primary votes were 36% Labor, 29% Coalition, 12% Greens, 8% One Nation and 15% for all Others. This is the lowest Coalition primary vote in Newspoll history that goes back to 1985, and about three points below the Coalition’s result at the election.

    Anthony Albanese’s net approval was net zero, a ten-point improvement for him since the final pre-election Newspoll, with 47% both satisfied and dissatisfied. Liberal leader Sussan Ley’s first rating was -7 net approval, with 42% dissatisfied and 35% satisfied. Albanese led Ley as better PM by 52–32.

    Here is the graph of Albanese’s net approval in Newspoll. While net zero is better than his negative ratings before the election, it’s a long way from his peak after winning the 2022 election.

    The lack of a massive surge in net approval for Albanese indicates that Labor’s landslide was more about voters’ dislike for alternatives than their liking of Labor. Peter Dutton and Donald Trump were both big factors in the election result. A DemosAU poll I covered on Saturday had voters opposed by 71–19 to a PM like Trump.

    Resolve poll

    A national Resolve poll for Nine newspapers, conducted with unknown fieldwork dates from a sample of 2,311, gave Labor a 56–44 lead by respondent preferences, from primary votes of 35% Labor, 29% Coalition, 12% Greens, 8% One Nation, 8% independents and 8% others.

    Albanese’s net approval was +3, with 45% giviing him a good rating and 42% a poor rating. In contrast to Newspoll, Sussan Ley’s first rating in Resolve was +9 (38% good, 29% poor). Albanese led Ley as preferred PM by 40–25.

    Asked whether the next year will get better or worse, 28% thought it would be personally better and the same share thought it would be worse. Asked this question on the national outlook, by 42–25 respondents expected it to get worse.

    By 33–32, respondents opposed the Liberal party having gender quotas, with Coalition voters opposed by 44–27. Men were opposed by 39–34, while women supported quotas by 30–27.

    Labor was thought best to handle economic management by 31–30 over the Liberals. On keeping the cost of living low, Labor led by 30–26. The last time Labor led on economic management in Resolve’s monthly polls was July 2023, and the last time they led on cost of living was October 2023.

    Tasmanian election updates

    Since my election night article, the count has advanced from 63% to 73% of enrolled voters, with all pre-poll votes now counted. These additional votes have not had major impacts on the results.

    Postals will be the largest number of outstanding votes still to be counted, but the Tasmanian Electoral Commission won’t begin the postal count until Thursday owing to legislative changes that require the TEC to ensure a postal voter hasn’t already voted by other means.

    Postals must be received by 10am on July 29 to be included. In Tasmania the Hare-Clark distribution of preferences is done by hand, and will begin after the postal receipt deadline. The TEC expects to have final results by August 2.

    Analyst Kevin Bonham has called 14 of the 35 seats for the Liberals, ten for Labor, five for the Greens and four for left-wing independents, leaving two undecided. In Lyons, the final seat is likely to be won by a Shooters, Fishers and Farmers candidate.

    In Bass, there’s a complex fight for the last seat between Labor, the Liberals and the Shooters. Labor may benefit from having two candidates in the race who have nearly equal votes, possibly enabling them to win three seats when they only deserve two based on party totals.

    If Labor wins the final Bass seat, they would gain a seat in an election where their statewide vote slid 3.1% to 25.9%.

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

    – ref. Newspoll and Resolve give Labor big leads as parliament resumes after the election – https://theconversation.com/newspoll-and-resolve-give-labor-big-leads-as-parliament-resumes-after-the-election-261538

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Eritrea: Mai-Nefhi College of Engineering and Technology Graduates 383 Students

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    In its 18th commencement, Mai-Nefhi College of Engineering and Technology graduated 383 students, including 44% female graduates, in degree and diploma programs yesterday, 19 July.

    The degree program graduates include 13 in Agricultural Engineering, 26 in Chemical Engineering, 30 in Civil Engineering, 39 in Computer Science and Technology, 27 in Electrical and Electronics Technology, 27 in Mechanical Technology, and 28 in Mining Technology.

    The diploma program graduates include 23 in Automotive Technology, 28 in Computer Application, 18 in Computer Technology and Networking, 13 in Construction Technology, 23 in Electrical Technology, 24 in Electronics Technology, 26 in Mining Technology, 11 in Surveying, and 11 in Cooling System Technology.

    Dr. Araya Zeray, Dean of the College, stated that since its establishment in 2004, the College has been providing higher education in eight fields of study in degree programs and nine in diploma programs, significantly contributing to the production of professionals who play a vital role in the country’s economic development.

    Dr. Araya further noted that the College has 79 academic staff members—44 foreigners and 35 nationals. He also mentioned that as part of ongoing staff development efforts, 18 staff members are currently pursuing master’s and PhD programs abroad in Russia, China, India, Hungary, and Japan.

    A representative of the graduates, commending the support of parents, lecturers, and the college community, expressed their commitment to live up to the expectations of the Government and people who provided them with the opportunity for higher education.

    The honorary guest, Mr. Abraha Asfaha, Minister of Public Works, underlined the significance of engineering and technology in national economic development and called on the graduates to apply their knowledge practically in their respective workplaces.

    Since its establishment, Mai-Nefhi College of Engineering and Technology has graduated 7,671 students in degree and diploma programs.

    – on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Ghana: President Mahama flags off work on second phase of Blekusu sea defence project

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    President John Dramani Mahama was in Agavedzi on Saturday for a groundbreaking ceremony for the second phase of the Blekusu Coastal Protection Project.

    The project, a significant initiative that will protect lives and livelihoods in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region, was met with palpable joy and deep gratitude from the chiefs and people of the Some and Aflao Traditional Areas, who gathered to witness the realisation of a long-awaited development.

    The ceremony saw an emotional outpouring of appreciation, as community members sang praises and danced, celebrating the President’s commitment to addressing their decades-long struggle against severe tidal erosion.

    Upon completion in four years, the project, which will protect an 8-kilometre stretch of coastline, is set to bring immense relief to the communities of Blekusu, Agavedzi, Salakope, Amutsinu, and Adina.

    Messrs Amandi Holding Limited is the contractor and will deliver 37 groins, extensive dune restoration, reinforced embankments, and other critical shoreline defence structures.

    President Mahama stated that the project is a comprehensive one that will extend beyond mere coastal protection.

    “Aside from the coastal protection works, government has incorporated vital development projects to enhance the lives of the people in the affected area,” he noted.

    These integrated initiatives include a modern fish market, cold storage and processing facilities for fisherfolk, dedicated spaces for fish drying and smoking, a car park, and a lorry station. Additionally, public sanitation facilities and a comprehensive waste collection system will be provided.

    “The sea has taken a lot from this community. It has taken land, it has taken livelihoods, and it has taken our peace of mind. But today, I stand here to say no more will the sea consume our land”, the President said.

    “We are here to reclaim what has been lost, to rebuild stronger, to offer our children a future where they are not forced to flee their homes because of rising tidal waves.”

    President Mahama added that the Blekusu Coastal Protection Project and other ongoing infrastructure developments reflect his government’s strong dedication to building a better Ghana.

    “This is not merely symbolic,” he asserted, “but a clear demonstration of what responsive leadership can do when it listens, when it cares, and when it acts.”

    Phase I of the project, covering 4.3 kilometres of coastal defence works, commenced in 2015 under the Presidency of Mahama to mitigate the serious threat of tidal erosion in Ketu South.

    While that phase offered significant relief, the President lamented, “Unfortunately, for nearly a decade after this, the second phase of the project stalled. Despite repeated appeals by residents, Members of Parliament, traditional authorities, and civil society, the project did not commence.”

    The President specifically referenced the devastating tidal waves that pounded the communities in 2017 and again in 2021, recalling the harrowing images.

    I can still picture the videos and photos showing the aftermath of these tidal waves,” he said, highlighting “the pain, the anxiety, the fear that was etched on the faces of our fellow citizens.”

    He reaffirmed the pledge he made earlier this year during his visit to the Volta Region, promising swift action.

    “And today, I am proud to say that this commitment is being fulfilled. Your cries have not been in vain. Your voices will no longer be ignored. Today is your day – a day of renewal and a day of reassurance.”

    President Mahama also announced progress on the West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) Programme, designed to enhance coastal resilience across the sub-region.

    Currently awaiting approval, the WACA project is envisioned to extend coastal protection from where the Blekusu project ends, all the way to Aflao, securing Ghana’s vital 550-kilometre coastline, which supports countless livelihoods through fishing, trade, and tourism.

    – on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • Microsoft alerts businesses, governments to server software attack

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Microsoft has issued an alert about “active attacks” on server software used by government agencies and businesses to share documents within organizations, and recommended security updates that customers should apply immediately.

    The FBI said on Sunday it is aware of the attacks and is working closely with its federal and private-sector partners, but offered no other details.

    In an alert issued on Saturday, Microsoft said the vulnerabilities apply only to SharePoint servers used within organizations. It said that SharePoint Online in Microsoft 365, which is in the cloud, was not hit by the attacks.

    “We’ve been coordinating closely with CISA, DOD Cyber Defense Command and key cybersecurity partners globally throughout our response,” a Microsoft spokesperson said, adding that the company had issued security updates and urged customers to install them immediately.

    The Washington Post, which first reported the hacks, said unidentified actors in the past few days had exploited a flaw to launch an attack that targeted U.S. and international agencies and businesses.

    The hack is known as a “zero day” attack because it targeted a previously unknown vulnerability, the newspaper said, quoting experts. Tens of thousands of servers were at risk.

    In the alert, Microsoft said that a vulnerability “allows an authorized attacker to perform spoofing over a network.” It issued recommendations to stop the attackers from exploiting it.
    Microsoft has issued an alert about “active attacks” on server software used by government agencies and businesses to share documents within organizations, and recommended security updates that customers should apply immediately.

    The FBI said on Sunday it is aware of the attacks and is working closely with its federal and private-sector partners, but offered no other details.

    In an alert issued on Saturday, Microsoft said the vulnerabilities apply only to SharePoint servers used within organizations. It said that SharePoint Online in Microsoft 365, which is in the cloud, was not hit by the attacks.

    “We’ve been coordinating closely with CISA, DOD Cyber Defense Command and key cybersecurity partners globally throughout our response,” a Microsoft spokesperson said, adding that the company had issued security updates and urged customers to install them immediately.

    The Washington Post, which first reported the hacks, said unidentified actors in the past few days had exploited a flaw to launch an attack that targeted U.S. and international agencies and businesses.

    The hack is known as a “zero day” attack because it targeted a previously unknown vulnerability, the newspaper said, quoting experts. Tens of thousands of servers were at risk.

    In the alert, Microsoft said that a vulnerability “allows an authorized attacker to perform spoofing over a network.” It issued recommendations to stop the attackers from exploiting it.

    In a spoofing attack, an actor can manipulate financial markets or agencies by hiding the actor’s identity and appearing to be a trusted person, organization or website.

    Earlier, Microsoft said it is working on updates to 2016 and 2019 versions of SharePoint. If customers cannot enable recommended malware protection, they should disconnect their servers from the internet until a security update is available, it added.
    In a spoofing attack, an actor can manipulate financial markets or agencies by hiding the actor’s identity and appearing to be a trusted person, organization or website.

    Earlier, Microsoft said it is working on updates to 2016 and 2019 versions of SharePoint. If customers cannot enable recommended malware protection, they should disconnect their servers from the internet until a security update is available, it added.

  • Owen shines on debut as Australia beat Windies in first T20

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Mitchell Owen made an impressive debut as Australia beat West Indies by three wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match Twenty20 International series in Jamaica on Sunday.

    Owen took a wicket with his medium pace bowling before returning to smash 50 off 27 balls as Australia chased down a 190-run target with seven balls to spare.

    West Indies, who lost the preceding test series 3-0, got off to a strong start after being put into bat at Sabina Park.

    Captain Shai Hope (55), Roston Chase (60) and Shimron Hetmyer (38) laid the platform for a 200-plus score but the late flourish they expected never materialised.

    Andre Russell, who will quit international cricket after the second T20 on Tuesday, made only eight.

    Australia’s Ben Dwarshuis (4-36) mowed down the middle and lower order as West Indies were forced to settle for a modest 189-8.

    While Australia lost both their openers, captain Mitchell Marsh and Jake Fraser-McGurk, inside the powerplay they were propped up by a breezy 80-run stand by Cameron Green (51) and Owen.

    Green belted five sixes in his 26-ball blitz, while Owen smacked six of them before holing out in the 17th over with Australia on the cusp of victory.

    (Reuters)

  • ECB to host next three World Test Championship finals till 2031, ICC says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will continue to host the biennial final of the World Test Championship for the next three editions till 2031, global governing body ICC said on Sunday.

    The match, which crowns the world champions in the longest format of the sport, has been held in England since it was introduced, with Southampton hosting the first edition in 2021 and the two subsequent finals taking place in London.

    “We are absolutely delighted that England and Wales has been chosen to host the next three ICC World Test Championship finals,” the ECB chief executive Richard Gould said.

    “It’s a testament to the passion that fans in this country have for this treasured format of the game and the willingness of supporters from around the world to travel here for these games.”

    The 2025 final at Lord’s, where South Africa beat defending champions Australia, was attended by 109,227 people over four days and received 225 million digital views, the ICC said in a statement last month.

    “Hosting these finals is a privilege, and we look forward to working with the ICC to build on the success of the previous editions,” Gould added.

    (Reuters)

     

  • Youth Spiritual Summit concludes in Varanasi with launch of Kashi Declaration for Drug-Free India

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Youth Spiritual Summit, held under the theme Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat, concluded on Sunday at the Rudraksh International Convention Centre in Varanasi with the formal adoption of the Kashi Declaration — a visionary roadmap to drive a nationwide youth-led movement against drug addiction

    Organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the summit brought together over 600 youth leaders from more than 120 spiritual and socio-cultural organisations, along with academicians, experts, and government representatives. The event was a moment in India’s pursuit of a drug-free society by 2047, uniting spiritual strength with youthful resolve.

    Over the course of four thematic plenary sessions, participants engaged in in-depth discussions on the psychological and social impacts of substance abuse, the complexities of drug trafficking and supply chains, grassroots awareness strategies, and the critical role of spiritual and cultural institutions in prevention and rehabilitation. These deliberations culminated in the Kashi Declaration, which outlines a multi-dimensional and collaborative approach to drug de-addiction, rooted in India’s civilisational ethos and driven by youth leadership.

    Addressing the gathering, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, described the declaration as a collective Sankalp (resolve) arising from the reflections and dialogue of the summit. He emphasized that the document is not just a vision statement, but a shared commitment to national transformation.

    The Kashi Declaration calls for treating substance abuse as a complex public health and societal challenge. It recommends a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, integrating efforts from spiritual, educational, technological, and cultural domains. The declaration proposes the formation of a Joint National Committee for coordination among ministries, annual progress reporting mechanisms, and a national platform to connect individuals affected by substance abuse with support services.

    Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the unique role of spiritual organisations in this campaign, stating that Bharat’s spiritual legacy must now lead the charge in creating a drug-free generation. “Spiritual institutions will serve as the backbone of this Maha Abhiyan,” he said, urging collective action through community engagement.

    Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shiv Pratap Shukla, also addressed the summit, invoking the cultural sanctity of Kashi. He described the ancient city as the “cradle of Sanatan Chetna,” where discipline and values guide personal and national progress. He warned that a nation where 65% of the population is youth cannot afford to succumb to addiction, stressing that only a liberated and conscious youth can build a strong future.

    The concluding session saw the participation of several prominent leaders, including Virendra Kumar, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment; Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism; Anil Rajbhar, Minister of State for Labour and Employment; Nityanand Rai, Minister of State for Home Affairs; and Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports.

    The summit also marked a key step forward in the MY Bharat (Mera Yuva Bharat) framework. Going forward, MY Bharat volunteers and affiliated youth clubs will spearhead pledge campaigns, awareness drives, and grassroots outreach across the country. The Kashi Declaration will act as a guiding document, and its progress will be reviewed at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026, ensuring accountability and long-term impact.

  • Youth Spiritual Summit concludes in Varanasi with launch of Kashi Declaration for Drug-Free India

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Youth Spiritual Summit, held under the theme Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat, concluded on Sunday at the Rudraksh International Convention Centre in Varanasi with the formal adoption of the Kashi Declaration — a visionary roadmap to drive a nationwide youth-led movement against drug addiction

    Organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the summit brought together over 600 youth leaders from more than 120 spiritual and socio-cultural organisations, along with academicians, experts, and government representatives. The event was a moment in India’s pursuit of a drug-free society by 2047, uniting spiritual strength with youthful resolve.

    Over the course of four thematic plenary sessions, participants engaged in in-depth discussions on the psychological and social impacts of substance abuse, the complexities of drug trafficking and supply chains, grassroots awareness strategies, and the critical role of spiritual and cultural institutions in prevention and rehabilitation. These deliberations culminated in the Kashi Declaration, which outlines a multi-dimensional and collaborative approach to drug de-addiction, rooted in India’s civilisational ethos and driven by youth leadership.

    Addressing the gathering, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, described the declaration as a collective Sankalp (resolve) arising from the reflections and dialogue of the summit. He emphasized that the document is not just a vision statement, but a shared commitment to national transformation.

    The Kashi Declaration calls for treating substance abuse as a complex public health and societal challenge. It recommends a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, integrating efforts from spiritual, educational, technological, and cultural domains. The declaration proposes the formation of a Joint National Committee for coordination among ministries, annual progress reporting mechanisms, and a national platform to connect individuals affected by substance abuse with support services.

    Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the unique role of spiritual organisations in this campaign, stating that Bharat’s spiritual legacy must now lead the charge in creating a drug-free generation. “Spiritual institutions will serve as the backbone of this Maha Abhiyan,” he said, urging collective action through community engagement.

    Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shiv Pratap Shukla, also addressed the summit, invoking the cultural sanctity of Kashi. He described the ancient city as the “cradle of Sanatan Chetna,” where discipline and values guide personal and national progress. He warned that a nation where 65% of the population is youth cannot afford to succumb to addiction, stressing that only a liberated and conscious youth can build a strong future.

    The concluding session saw the participation of several prominent leaders, including Virendra Kumar, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment; Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism; Anil Rajbhar, Minister of State for Labour and Employment; Nityanand Rai, Minister of State for Home Affairs; and Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports.

    The summit also marked a key step forward in the MY Bharat (Mera Yuva Bharat) framework. Going forward, MY Bharat volunteers and affiliated youth clubs will spearhead pledge campaigns, awareness drives, and grassroots outreach across the country. The Kashi Declaration will act as a guiding document, and its progress will be reviewed at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026, ensuring accountability and long-term impact.

  • Youth Spiritual Summit concludes in Varanasi with launch of Kashi Declaration for Drug-Free India

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Youth Spiritual Summit, held under the theme Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat, concluded on Sunday at the Rudraksh International Convention Centre in Varanasi with the formal adoption of the Kashi Declaration — a visionary roadmap to drive a nationwide youth-led movement against drug addiction

    Organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the summit brought together over 600 youth leaders from more than 120 spiritual and socio-cultural organisations, along with academicians, experts, and government representatives. The event was a moment in India’s pursuit of a drug-free society by 2047, uniting spiritual strength with youthful resolve.

    Over the course of four thematic plenary sessions, participants engaged in in-depth discussions on the psychological and social impacts of substance abuse, the complexities of drug trafficking and supply chains, grassroots awareness strategies, and the critical role of spiritual and cultural institutions in prevention and rehabilitation. These deliberations culminated in the Kashi Declaration, which outlines a multi-dimensional and collaborative approach to drug de-addiction, rooted in India’s civilisational ethos and driven by youth leadership.

    Addressing the gathering, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, described the declaration as a collective Sankalp (resolve) arising from the reflections and dialogue of the summit. He emphasized that the document is not just a vision statement, but a shared commitment to national transformation.

    The Kashi Declaration calls for treating substance abuse as a complex public health and societal challenge. It recommends a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, integrating efforts from spiritual, educational, technological, and cultural domains. The declaration proposes the formation of a Joint National Committee for coordination among ministries, annual progress reporting mechanisms, and a national platform to connect individuals affected by substance abuse with support services.

    Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the unique role of spiritual organisations in this campaign, stating that Bharat’s spiritual legacy must now lead the charge in creating a drug-free generation. “Spiritual institutions will serve as the backbone of this Maha Abhiyan,” he said, urging collective action through community engagement.

    Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shiv Pratap Shukla, also addressed the summit, invoking the cultural sanctity of Kashi. He described the ancient city as the “cradle of Sanatan Chetna,” where discipline and values guide personal and national progress. He warned that a nation where 65% of the population is youth cannot afford to succumb to addiction, stressing that only a liberated and conscious youth can build a strong future.

    The concluding session saw the participation of several prominent leaders, including Virendra Kumar, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment; Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism; Anil Rajbhar, Minister of State for Labour and Employment; Nityanand Rai, Minister of State for Home Affairs; and Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports.

    The summit also marked a key step forward in the MY Bharat (Mera Yuva Bharat) framework. Going forward, MY Bharat volunteers and affiliated youth clubs will spearhead pledge campaigns, awareness drives, and grassroots outreach across the country. The Kashi Declaration will act as a guiding document, and its progress will be reviewed at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026, ensuring accountability and long-term impact.

  • All decisions in this country, a sovereign nation, are taken by its leadership-VP

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    lign=”center”>There is no power on the planet to dictate India how to handle its affairs-VP
    We work in tandem, we have mutual respect, diplomatic dialogues. But at the end of the day, we are sovereign, we take our own decisions-VP
    Is it required to have wrestling sessions as to who said what?, VP expresses concern
    Our object is not to just simply grow our economy, Our object is to develop the people-VP
    Vice-President Addresses Officer Trainees of the Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES) 2024 Batch

    Vice-President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today said that, “Don’t be guided by narratives outside. All decisions in this country, a sovereign nation, are taken by its leadership. There is no power on the planet to dictate India how to handle its affairs. We do live in a nation and nations that are a comity. We work in togetherness, we work in tandem. We have mutual respect, diplomatic dialogues. But at the end of the day, we are sovereign, we take our own decisions.”

    https://x.com/VPIndia/status/1946559722725007704

    He underlined, “Is it required to play every bad ball? Is it required to have wrestling sessions as to who said what? One who scores good runs on the cricket pitch always leaves bad balls. They are tempting, but not attempted. And those who attempt, you have safe gloves of the wicket keeper and someone in the gully.”

    “There will be challenges. Challenges will be to create divisiveness. For example, we have seen global conflagrations — two of them in particular, you know them. These have become open-ended. Look at the devastation of property, human lives, and their misery. And look at our calibration. We taught a lesson — taught it well. We chose Bahawalpur and Muridke, and then brought it to a temporary conclusion. ‘Operation Sindoor’ is not over — it continues. Some people ask the question — why was it stopped? We are a nation that believes in peace, nonviolence, a land of Buddha, Mahavira, and Gandhi. We do not wish to kill even living beings — how can we target human beings? The idea was to generate sanity, to generate a sense of humanity in the others”, he added.

    https://x.com/VPIndia/status/1946562875889463711

    Addressing the officer trainees of Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES) 2024 batch at the Vice-President’s Enclave today, Shri Dhankhar stated, “ Our demographic dividend is a global envy. 65% of our population is below 35 years of age. The median age of this country is 28, whereas that of China and the U.S. is around 38–39, and Japan, 48. Now, you are the chosen ones. You’ve got the opportunity to serve Bharat, home to one-sixth of humanity. And look at the area of your working. If you commit yourself, keeping into view our civilizational ethos, we are a unique nation. No nation can boast or claim to be closer to us — five thousand years of heritage, culture, legacy, knowledge, wisdom, repository. In such a situation — eighteen lakh acres? If you engage — which you are engaging, your seniors are engaging — you can define to the entire country, how to manage the estates, how to manage ecology, how to manage the environment, how to raise herbal gardens, what is sustainable development, how to protect and how to use modern technology.”

    “One aspect about which I am slightly concerned. Development, civilian development, close to the proximity of your states, requires your sanction. That sanction often gets into the domain of discretion and suffers delay. I would urge — evolve a mechanism or a protocol. Let people know about it — what height they can have. Why should the system come into play? With the kind of technology we have, we should be fully aware. Why can’t we put it on one platform? This is the area — if your building is coming up here, height will be this. Yet agencies have to be hired. People have to pay for it. Delay takes place. Now you can take the lead. You will earn the goodwill of the people around”, he added.

    https://x.com/VPIndia/status/1946560846785917408

    Expressing his concern over rising coaching centres in the country he stated, “Coaching is needed for skill. Coaching is needed to make you self-dependent. If for a limited number of seats, all over the country there are coaching centers vying with one another for advertisement space in newspapers. Not one — one page, two pages, three pages, sometimes four pages in a row. And what a spectacle — putting you boys and girls in photographs. No, this is not Bharat. We can’t have commodification and commercialisation. We have to believe in Gurukul. You have to come out of — youth has to come out of the silos. You have to know the opportunities elsewhere. Those opportunities are also very necessary for the development of the nation….I am not against anyone, but why should coaching become an integral part of education? After more than three decades, the nation has been blessed after getting input from stakeholders in hundreds of thousands, National Education Policy. Why coaching? Coach has to improve your skill. We can’t have people cramming and then getting through. We want thinking minds to get in and go there. Always bear that in mind”. 

    https://x.com/VPIndia/status/1946561334973460885

    Talking about ‘Viksit Bharat’ he stated, “ Our object is not to just simply grow our economy. Our object is to develop the people. Viksit Bharat is not our dream. It is not even our destination now. We are marching in that direction. Every day we are progressing towards that direction, and that’s a big challenge because 10 years of phenomenal development has given the people a taste of development. People of my generation never believed…there will be a toilet in the house, a gas connection in the house, internet connection, piped water, roads close by, school or health center, such world-class trains to travel. No. We never imagined. So the nation now has become globally the most aspirational nation in the world.”

    https://x.com/VPIndia/status/1946550260601606602

    Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, Defence Secretary, Govt. of India, Shri S.N. Gupta, Director General, Defence Estates, Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Director, NIDEM and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Roadmap to rebuild trust in water sector unveiled in major new report

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Roadmap to rebuild trust in water sector unveiled in major new report

    Sir Jon Cunliffe publishes final recommendations

    A new integrated regulator for water, stronger consumer advocacy and 9 new regional water authorities to deliver on local priorities are among the final recommendations set out today (21 July) by the Independent Water Commission.

    Chaired by Sir Jon Cunliffe, the Commission sets out 88 recommendations in its report to the UK and Welsh governments to transform the sector.

    The report covers how the system is regulated, how to manage the competing demands on water, how water companies are governed and how critical water infrastructure is kept resilient both now and in the future.

    It follows just under nine months of extensive engagement, analysis and research, including the 50,000+ responses submitted to the Commission’s Call for Evidence.

    Key recommendations include:

    1. Single integrated water regulators. The report recommends a single water regulator in England and a single water regulator in Wales. In England this would replace Ofwat, the Drinking Water Inspectorate and water-environment related functions from the Environment Agency and Natural England. In Wales, Ofwat’s economic responsibilities would be integrated into Natural Resources Wales. Water is a complex sector responsible for the second-largest infrastructure programme in the UK. Water companies will spend £104 billion on investment and operation over the next 5 years. Climate change, population growth and economic development will put huge pressure on water systems over the coming decades. The current regulatory landscape is fragmented and overlapping and fully joined-up regulation is essential for the system to meet the demands of the future and ensure that private water companies act in the public as well as the private interest. A powerful, single regulator for water would simplify the system, reduce duplication, close regulatory gaps and ensure a much stronger “whole-firm” view of each company.* It would also improve investor confidence through a more stable regulatory regime. In making this recommendation, the Commission has looked closely at other regulatory models such as Ofcom.**

    2. Eight new regional water system planning authorities in England and one national authority in Wales. As part of a radical overhaul of water system planning, the report recommends devolving current planning responsibilities and transferring resources from the regulators to 9 new regional water authorities. These would be responsible for developing water investment plans that reflect local priorities and voices. They would streamline existing planning processes and be empowered to direct funding and ensure accountability from all sectors that impact water.  They would be independent and include representation from local councils, public health, environment, agriculture and consumers, among others.

    3. Greater consumer protection. The Commission sets out proposals to improve affordability and customer service. That includes upgrading the consumer body CCW into an Ombudsman for Water to give stronger protection to customers and a clearer route to resolving complaints. It then proposes transfer responsibility for consumer advocacy to Citizens Advice. The Commission also recommends the introduction of a national social tariff to provide consistent support for low-income customers who need support to pay their bills. This will help address the widely different levels of support currently in place, with caps on bills varying by £100s in different parts of the country.

    4. Stronger environmental regulation. The report recommends significant improvements to areas such as Operator Self-Monitoring through greater digitalisation, automation, third-party assurance and inspections. It proposes stronger regulation on abstraction, sludge, drinking water standards and water supply. After one of the driest springs on record, it recommends compulsory water metering, changes to wholesale tariffs for industrial users and greater water reuse and rainwater harvesting schemes. It also sets out where environmental legislation needs updating and why, including proposals for a new long-term and legally binding target for the water environment.

    5. Tighter oversight of water company ownership and governance. The Commission recommends new powers for the regulator to block changes in water company ownership – for example, where investors are not seen to be prioritising the long-term interests of the company and its customers – as well as potential new ‘public benefit’ clauses in water company licences. It recommends that the regulator set “minimum capital” requirements so that companies are less reliant on debt and more financially resilient. On investment, the report sets out proposals to improve investor confidence, including government direction to the regulator to support stability and predictability for long-term investors.  

    6. Public health reforms: The report covers legislative reforms to better manage public health risks in water, recognising the many people who swim, surf and enjoy other water-based activities. These include a) new public health objectives in water quality legislation b) senior public health representation on regional water planning authorities and c) legislative changes to address emerging pollutants such as PFAS, micropollutants and microplastics.

    7. Fundamental reset of economic regulation. More detail is set out on the Commission’s recommendation for a new ‘supervisory’ approach to economic regulation, supporting tailored decisions and earlier interventions in water company oversight. The report also makes recommendations on the Price Review process, including changes to ensure companies are investing in and maintaining assets and to help attract long-term, low-risk investment.

    8. Clear strategic direction. A new long-term National Water Strategy should be published by both the UK and Welsh governments. This should have a minimum horizon of 25 years, with interim milestones on a 5 and 10 year basis. It should be cross-sectoral, with a clear framework for managing the many demands on water. A set of ministerial priorities specifically for the water industry should also be issued to regulators every five years, replacing the current Strategic Policy Statement (SPS). A clear long-term strategy will help drive the right outcomes for consumers, growth and the environment and support long-term investment planning.

    9. Infrastructure & asset health reforms. The report sets out a marked step change in how water infrastructure is managed, monitored and delivered – essential for safeguarding the provision of water and wastewater management for future generations. That includes new requirements for companies to map and assess their assets and new resilience standards that are forward-looking and applied consistently across the industry.

    Sir Jon Cunliffe said:

    Restoring trust has been central to our work. Trust that bills are fair, that regulation is effective, that water companies will act in the public interest and that investors can get a fair return.

    Our recommendations to achieve this are significant. They include the management of the whole water system, regulation of the water industry, the governance and financial resilience of water companies and a stronger voice for local communities and water customers.

    In this report I have considered what is best for the long-term future of water.  This is a complex sector with a highly integrated system, responsible for the second-largest infrastructure programme in the UK.

    Resetting this sector and restoring pride in the future of our waterways matters to us all. In countless conversations in the last nine months I have been struck by the urgent need and passion for change. Doing this will require hard work, strong leadership and sustained commitment. But it can and must be done.

    I am grateful to all to all those who have contributed generously and constructively to our work with their time, expertise and challenge.

    The final report also shares recommendations on implementation, including which reforms can be delivered in the short-term and which require new primary legislation.

    As set out in the Terms of Reference, the Commission has operated independently of UK and Welsh Ministers.

    Sir Jon Cunliffe has been supported by an expert Advisory Group, with leading voices from areas including the environment, public health, consumers, economics and investment.

    Notes to editors

    • The full report is available here: Independent Water Commission final report
    • Sir Jon Cunliffe was appointed on 22 October 2024 to lead the Independent Water Commission. His Terms of Reference were published on gov.uk. 
    • The Commission launched an eight-week Call for Evidence on 27 February 2025. The Commission’s interim report was published on 3 June.
    • *The Commission has looked in detail at the challenges within the existing regulatory framework. The existing model of multiple regulators makes it difficult for the regulatory system to come to a clear, overall view of a water company’s performance and the challenges it faces. Enforcement action in some areas has been described as duplicative. Elsewhere, there are gaps in the oversight of asset health and monitoring water infrastructure delivery. There is an inherent complexity in the current system whereby the EA, NRW and the DWI set the requirements that determine much of water company costs, while Ofwat subsequently determines the revenues companies can receive from water bills to cover those costs. 
    • **Ofcom was established through combining five existing regulators into one. Further detail is covered in Chapter 4 of the final report. 
    • ***Social tariff variability: Evidence returned via the Commission’s Call for Evidence set out the differing levels of support a low-earner would receive under 2024/25 rates depending on where they lived. For example, a single parent with one child, working part-time and receiving Universal Credit with an income under £19,000 per year would have an annual water bill capped at £91.12 in Portsmouth, compared to £364 in Bradford.

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –