Category: DJF

Badminton Asia Jr Championships: India mixed team storms into QFs with convincing win over UAE

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

India secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the Badminton Asia Junior Mixed Team Championships with a dominant 110–83 victory over the United Arab Emirates in their Group D clash on Saturday in Indonesia.

This win follows India’s impressive opening-day triumph over Sri Lanka on Friday. With Hong Kong China also registering two wins from as many matches, both teams have now confirmed their progression to the knockout stages. The two sides will face off on Sunday to determine the Group D winner.

The tournament is being played under a relay scoring format, where teams race to 110 points across 10 matches. India got off to a flying start, with girls’ singles player Rujula Ramu defeating Mysha Khan 11–5, followed by the mixed doubles pairing of C. Lalramsanga and Taarini Suri, who extended the lead to 22–11.

India maintained the lead throughout the contest, despite spirited resistance from the UAE in a few matches. At the halfway stage, the scoreboard read 55–41 in India’s favour.

US Open finalist Tanvi Sharma then delivered a clinical performance to stretch the lead to 66–46 against Madhumita Sundarapandian.

Lalramsanga returned to the court, this time partnering Reshika U in the second mixed doubles rubber, where they outplayed Adithya Kiran and Mysha Khan 11–5 to take India further ahead at 77–51, effectively putting the team in the driver’s seat.

India will now look to maintain their momentum and finish top of the group with a win against Hong Kong China on Sunday.

The team event follows a relay format, with the first side to reach 110 points declared the winner.

The championships are also seen as a key stepping stone towards the BWF Junior World Championships, which will be held at the state-of-the-art National Centre of Excellence in Guwahati later this year.

IANS

July 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Improvements in prison conditions long overdue in remote Liet-Nhom

Source: APO

.

Overcrowded cells, no ablution facilities, a lack of water—these are only some of the challenges that prisoners and officials face in Liet-Nhom Central Prison.

“We literally do not have a roof over our heads,” says Bedaj Bandak, a prison official, to a visiting team from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

“We also don’t have running water, so inmates have no choice but to go to the rivers and the lack of toilets and bathrooms makes matters worse,” he adds.

These alarming conditions not only prevent the incarcerated from having a dignified existence but also pose a strong security risk—with this much movement it’s impossible for the limited number of prison guards to effectively keep their wards in check.

This lack of 24-hour surveillance poses additional risks to juvenile detainees and women serving their sentences.

Furthermore, prison cells are overpopulated with more than 20 people sharing a single cell. This, coupled with the lack of toilets and water, has created severe hygiene and sanitation issues, leading most prisoners to spend their time outdoors, separated by nothing but air.

“We live in constant fear of everything, including getting sick as there is no healthcare available at the prison,” shares one of the female inmates.

In case they do get sick, which is unavoidable, they do get taken to the local healthcare facilities but only if there are enough cars and personnel available.

For its part, UNMISS continues to advocate with state authorities to provide long-overdue support, especially as the rainy season starts bringing with it further health risks such as malaria.

Precious Chinamasa, a Corrections Officer with the UN Peacekeeping mission on her frequent visits here bears witness to the continuous decline of human rights standards at the facility.

“Similar conditions prevail in many prisons across South Sudan,” she reveals, visibly moved.

“It’s heartbreaking to witness these struggles and we’ll continue advocating with authorities to strengthen their support to the prison system. To truly reform and reintegrate into society upon their release, prisoners must be treated humanely and with dignity. There must be a collective push to strengthen infrastructure and prisons management.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

MIL OSI Africa –

July 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: President Mahama meets Alex Soros of the Open Society Foundations

Source: APO

.

President John Dramani Mahama held a highly productive meeting on Friday with Mr. Alex Soros, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Open Society Foundations (OSF).

The discussion centred on Ghana’s notable progress in economic recovery, democratic governance, and regional stability.

President Mahama took the opportunity to brief Mr. Soros on the key policy measures driving Ghana’s economic revival and the notable progress being made.

He elaborated on the government’s ‘Reset Agenda’ aimed at fostering a positive national mindset, ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability institutions, and recent developments within the ECOWAS sub-region.

Ghana: A Beacon of Democracy.

President Mahama reiterated Ghana’s unwavering commitment to upholding the values of democracy, respect for human rights, and the fundamental freedoms of its citizenry.

He noted Ghana’s stellar reputation for democratic governance, marked by peaceful transitions under its 33-year-old Fourth Republican Constitution.

“We’ve had nine elections, all of which have been successful. And we’ve experienced several peaceful changes of government from one party to another, all of which have occurred smoothly.”

On the economic front, President Mahama stated that Ghana’s economy is recovering rapidly, a direct result of bold fiscal and monetary policies underpinned by robust governance principles. He noted the appreciation of the Ghana Cedi by approximately 42% and a sharp decline in the debt-to-GDP ratio, with the government targeting single-digit inflation in the coming months.

The President acknowledged that investor confidence had waned in the past due to governance challenges and weakened institutions. However, he reassured Mr. Soros that his administration is committed to non-interference in corruption-related cases and has instituted strict disciplinary measures for all appointees.

“There was a lot of corruption and a lack of accountability. So, we came in with a comprehensive programme to strengthen anti-corruption institutions,” President Mahama explained, referencing the “Operation Recover All the Loot (ORAL),” a major initiative to recover state assets.

“You will continue to hear of prosecutions and other measures against individuals who have mismanaged public resources, as we steadfastly pursue accountability.”

Addressing the delicate relations with the three Sahelian countries – Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger – President Mahama assured Mr. Soros of positive progress in ongoing efforts to reunite the sub-region. He referred to visits to the three countries to establish channels for continuous communication and dialogue.

“We held an ECOWAS meeting barely three weeks ago, and happily, the whole mood has changed. There is now a clear appetite for rapprochement between ECOWAS and the three countries,” he said.

“Discussions are ongoing between the ECOWAS Secretariat and these nations. In the meantime, we all agreed to prioritise the free movement of people and goods across our borders and encourage transit trade.”

On his part, Mr. Alex Soros congratulated President Mahama on his re-election victory and commended his leadership. He explained that his visit to Ghana was part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS.

He noted that the Open Society Foundations in Africa have historically championed ECOWAS integration, celebrating significant achievements such as visa-free travel.

Mr. Soros, an investor and philanthropist, expressed his foundation’s interest in exploring partnerships and providing support for further regional integration efforts. Besides chairing the OSF Board, he also sits on the investment committee for the Soros Fund Management.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

MIL OSI Africa –

July 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Aid cuts leave refugee agency unable to shelter six in 10 fleeing war in Sudan

Source: APO

.

Major cuts to aid budgets have already left people fleeing wars in Sudan and beyond without the assistance and protection they need, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said on Friday.

Globally, $1.4 billion of the agency’s programmes are being shuttered or put on hold, UNHCR said in a new report.

“We can’t stop water, you can’t stop sanitation, but we’re having to take decisions when it comes, for example, to shelter,” said UNHCR Director of External Relations Dominique Hyde.

“We’re have people arriving on a daily basis from Sudan, from the Darfur regions…arriving in Chad, not able to be given any shelter.”

In an urgent appeal for flexible funding from donors, Ms. Hyde noted that up to 11.6 million refugees and others risk losing access this year to direct humanitarian assistance from UNHCR. The figure represents about one third of those reached by the organization last year.

On the Sudan-Chad border, the UN agency is now unable to provide “even basic shelter” to more than six in 10 refugees fleeing the conflict. Thousands more vulnerable people have been left stranded in remote border locations in South Sudan too. “If we just had a bit more support, we could get them to settlements,” she insisted.

Because of the funding cuts, basic activities have already been hit hard. These include refugee registration, child protection, legal counselling and prevention of and responses to gender-based violence.

All aid sectors hit

In South Sudan, 75 per cent of safe spaces for women and girls supported by UNHCR have closed. That means leaving up to 80,000 refugee women and girls without access to medical care, psychosocial support, legal aid, material support or income-generating activities. This includes survivors of sexual violence, UNHCR noted.

“Behind these numbers are real lives hanging in the balance,” Ms. Hyde said.

“Families are seeing the support they relied on vanish, forced to choose between feeding their children, buying medicines or paying rent, while hope for a better future slips out of sight. Every sector and operation has been hit and critical support is being suspended to keep lifesaving aid going.”

Libya influx

Many of those impacted by the war in Sudan have taken the decision to move from Chad and Egypt to Libya, into the hands of people smugglers who dangerously overload boats with desperate people seeking to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Europe.

“What we’re observing now is that in terms of arrivals in Europe of…Sudanese refugees, [it] has increased since the beginning of the year by about 170 per cent compared to the first six months of 2024,” said UNHCR spokesperson Olga Sarrado.

Support slashed from Niger to Ukraine

In camps hosting Myanmar’s Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, education for some 230,000 children could now be suspended. Meanwhile in Lebanon “UNHCR’s entire health programme is at risk of being shuttered by the end of the year,” Ms. Hyde continued.

In Niger and other emergency settings, cuts in financial aid for shelter have left families in overcrowded structures or at risk of homelessness. In Ukraine, financial aid has also been slashed, “leaving uprooted families unable to afford rent, food or medical treatment”, she noted.

Assistance to returning Afghans has also become another victim of global aid cuts. Around 1.9 million Afghan nationals have returned home or been forced back since the start of the year, “but financial aid for returnees is barely enough to afford food, let alone rent, undermining efforts to ensure stable reintegration”, UNHCR said.

Legal aid halted

Overall, several UNHCR operations hit by severe funding gaps have now had to curtail investments in strengthening asylum systems and promoting regularisation efforts.

In Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica and Mexico, any prolonged lack of legal status means prolonged insecurity for people on the move, the UN agency said. This results in deepening poverty “as refugees are excluded from formal employment and greater exposure to exploitation and abuse”, Ms. Hyde explained.

Approximately one in three of the agency’s 550 offices around the world has been impacted by the cuts, Ms. Hyde told journalists in Geneva:

“We’re not in a position to do so much contingency planning; what we’re able to do is make decisions on priorities and, at this point, the priorities as I mentioned are dramatic.”

For 2025, UNHCR needs $10.6 billion. Only 23 per cent of this amount has been provided.

“Against this backdrop, our teams are focusing efforts on saving lives and protecting those forced to flee,” Ms. Hyde said. “Should additional funding become available, UNHCR has the systems, partnerships and expertise to rapidly resume and scale up assistance.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

MIL OSI Africa –

July 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Tackling mpox through global and local collaboration in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Source: APO

.

Mpox continues to strain the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s health system. Between 1 January and 31 May 2025, the country reported more than 12 000 suspected cases and 22 deaths, accounting for over 50% of all mpox cases in Africa this year.

In response, World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) are supporting the country’s efforts to strengthen clinical care, improve detection and build the skills and engagement of frontline responders.

GOARN, a network coordinated by WHO that supports countries respond to health emergencies by deploying personnel and resources, mobilized seven specialists to support Democratic Republic of the Congo’s mpox response. Working both on the ground and remotely from Nairobi, the team provided expertise in treatment, data analysis, epidemiology, and disease surveillance.

Among them was Dr Andre Basilua Muzembo, a case management specialist from the University of Hyogo in Japan. Over nearly two months, he worked with health professionals at national level and WHO teams covering logistics, infection prevention, vaccination, and mpox response to ensure effective coordination.

At Clinique Kinoise, Kinshasa’s main referral centre for severe mpox cases, he provided support to help address critical challenges. The facility, with 42 beds and an average of 20 patients, operated with just around five out of 95 staff trained on mpox management. Chronic shortages of gloves, medicines, and essential equipment, combined with limited access to laboratory testing and difficult working conditions, contributed to a mortality rate of around 10%.

During more than 30 visits to five mpox treatment centres across Kinshasa, mainly in Clinique Kinoise, he mentored staff in compassionate care, worked with colleagues to improve hygiene practices and helped coordinate delivery of medicines and medical supplies. He also worked closely with Kokolo, Vijana, Masina Cinquantenaire and Kinkole treatment centres to streamline referrals and maintain continuity of care.

The response team placed special attention to high-risk groups, including children, pregnant women, and people living with HIV. Some pregnant patients arrived with foetal deaths, partly due to difficulties in accessing essential diagnostic tools such as ultrasound. In collaboration with the National AIDS Control Programme (PNMLS) and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), at least five HIV-Mpox co-infected patients were referred for specialized treatment.

When two mpox cases were detected in a Kinshasa orphanage, an emergency vaccination reached 30 people at risk. Alerts on cases of infected prisoners at Kokolo Hospital, followed by more than 30 cases reported at Ndolo prison, underscored the need for sustained outreach in vulnerable settings.

As part of efforts to strengthen the health system beyond the immediate response, 59 front-line workers, including 27 doctors and 32 nurses from the Clinique Kinoise received training in clinical management of mpox.

Heavy flooding then complicated the outbreak response, requiring a more coordinated and multisectoral efforts. Response teams faced overlapping emergencies—managing mpox and cholera while supporting displaced communities. At four evacuation sites, including Stade Tata Raphaël and Bandalungwa, WHO and partners delivered essential supplies such as medicines, cholera kits, and hygiene items.

“Despite extremely difficult working conditions, I witnessed how important it was to work to save lives with determination, compassion and team spirit. Resilience is not just about coping with adversity, it’s about living through it with those affected, listening to those on the edge of despair and doing what we can with even the most modest of means,” says Dr Muzembo.

These deployments are possible thanks to the support of UK public health rapid support team, Public health agency of Canada, Research institute of nursing care for people and community, University of Hyogo, and European centre for disease prevention and control.

“This mission underscores the critical importance of partnership and collaboration in health emergencies,” said Dr Jerry-Jonas Mbasha, GOARN focal point at WHO Regional Office for Africa and WHO operational partnerships officer. “GOARN is a vital pillar in the Global Health Emergency Corps, ensuring a coordinated health emergency workforce that is both rooted in countries and connected regionally and globally.”

“GOARN brings in targeted expertise to address critical gaps on the ground. With hands-on support and capacity strengthening, we are empowering countries to manage emergencies themselves. While the challenges in DRC remain, our continued mission is to work together, contain the outbreak, and build long-term resilience in the health system,” says Dr Mbasha.

As the DRC continues to respond to mpox, joint efforts by national and international partners highlight the importance of collaboration. “This mission has not only helped us respond to the outbreak but also strengthened the local health system in ways that will last well beyond the end of the current crisis,” says Dr Boureima Hama Sambo, WHO Representative in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Democratic Republic of Congo.

MIL OSI Africa –

July 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and sexual harassment: Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) strengthens the capacities of ivorian actors

Source: APO

.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Centre for Gender Development (CCDG), in partnership with the Ministry of Women, Family and Children, has initiated a national training workshop on the prevention of and response to gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual harassment from Thursday 26 to Saturday 28 June 2025 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

As part of the implementation of the regional strategy adopted in 2021 to eradicate violence against women and girls in the community, the three-day meeting brought together judicial, health and social actors with the aim of strengthening their skills and coordinating a holistic approach to the care of victims of violence. The aim was to strengthen participants’ skills in the prevention, detection and management of GBV and sexual harassment.

Speaking at the opening, Moussa Diarassouba, Chief of Staff representing the Minister for Women, stressed the urgency of taking action. “These overwhelming figures are voices crying out for justice, redress and protection. Inaction is no longer an option,” he warned. He called on judicial actors to guarantee access to justice and fight against impunity, including health professionals to become more involved in the medical and psychological care of victims, and social workers to support survivors in their social and economic reintegration.

The ECOWAS Resident Representative in Côte d’Ivoire, Ambassador Fanta Cissé, praised the efforts of the Ivorian government, which have enabled Côte d’Ivoire to take the lead in the fight against GBV. She did not fail to call on everyone to mobilise more strongly against the multiple forms of violence, which have been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. ‘The challenges are immense and require the combined efforts of all to achieve zero tolerance for gender-based violence and sexual harassment,’ she said.

For her part, the Director of the CCDG, Ms Sandra Oulaté-Fattoh, said that professionals and other actors have a key role to play in the early recognition, appropriate treatment and support of survivors of such violence. “To fulfil this role effectively, you need adequate training to enable you to recognise the signs and symptoms of gender-based violence and sexual harassment, even in cases where victims do not explicitly disclose their situation. This includes awareness of the different forms of violence, including physical, sexual, psychological and economic, as well as the cultural and social contexts that influence these situations,” she emphasised.

As a reminder, in the ECOWAS region, more than 10% of women experience physical, sexual or emotional violence, often within the family. This situation has been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has seen cases of GBV skyrocket, with an increase of up to 50% in some countries in the region. Côte d’Ivoire alone recorded 9,607 cases of gender-based violence in 2024, affecting 7,950 women and 3,290 children, according to official figures.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

MIL OSI Africa –

July 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: AFCD appeals to public to avoid visiting country parks during typhoon

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

TV/radio announcers, please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

As a typhoon is approaching Hong Kong, for safety reasons, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department urges members of the public to avoid visiting country parks. Those who are currently in country parks should, depending on the actual circumstances, immediately leave or take shelter at a safe place.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 19, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor announces new £1.4m investment to transform young Londoners’ lives through sport
Source: Mayor of London
- Mayor opens applications for £1.4m funding for Go! London – the capital’s biggest ever community sport fund.
- Sadiq makes announcement while visiting South African arm of ‘Tackle London’ programme that supports young people through sport and mentoring.
- Concluding a packed trade mission agenda across the continent, the event underscores investing in the next generation and transforming lives through sport among the Mayor’s top priorities
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced a new £1.4 million investment to transform young Londoners’ lives through sport as part of his successful Go! London initiative, which is the capital’s biggest ever community sports fund.

Go! London is a five-year partnership between the Mayor, London Marathon Foundation, Sport England, London Marathon Events and London Sport. The initiative supports community sport and physical activity initiatives, as well as investing directly in the next generation of leaders in the sector by supporting young social entrepreneurs.

Since Sadiq launched Go! London in 2023, it has invested over £8 million in more than 200 grassroots sport and physical activity organisations, with total investment expected to surpass £22 million across the partnership. By the end of next year, it will have provided over 40,000 underserved young Londoners with opportunities to engage in activities like rugby, cycling, skating and yoga. [1].

Sadiq opened the £1.4m Go! London funding for applications today (19 July) while visiting the Atlas Foundation in Cape Town, South Africa – a charity that uses rugby and mentoring to help children in vulnerable communities around the world, including London.

Founded by former England Rugby World Cup Winner Jason Leonard OBE, the charity works across 21 countries to provide access to education, nutrition, clean water, and safe spaces for play and development. Its mission is to improve young people’s lives through the core values of rugby: teamwork, respect, discipline and enjoyment. [2]

Sadiq visited the South African arm of The Atlas Foundation who, along with partners Matt Ratana Foundation and Star*Scheme, deliver the Tackle London programme, which supports young people through sport and mentoring. The Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation was set up in response to the tragic death in September 2020 of police sergeant and rugby coach, Matt Ratana, with all funds raised supporting the design and delivery of school and community rugby initiatives, both nationally and internationally.

Tackle London is funded through the Mayor’s £34m mentoring programme and has supported 100,000 disadvantaged young Londoners [3] including those who are not in mainstream education or have been excluded from school or college, those living in poverty or in the care system, those who have been through the criminal justice system and those impacted by exploitation or domestic violence.

Tackle London has received £250,000 of this funding and has so far reached over 1,000 young people, through specially trained rugby coaches and clubs, working alongside schools to develop positive, supportive relationships for young people in communities facing increased levels of poverty, neglect and disadvantage. [4]

This works alongside the Mayor’s record investment in prevention through his Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) and its delivery of 400,000 diversionary activities and positive opportunities for young people. This includes £1m investment this year in sports activities for young people. The VRU is also delivering a programme of after-school activities, which includes funding for London Irish to deliver access to safe spaces and activities for at-risk girls and young women in five London boroughs.

As part of the Mayor’s historic visit, Sadiq took part in a special rugby session with over 40 young people, where he engaged with staff and volunteers to gain further insight into how the Atlas Foundation in South Africa are using sport and education to create safe, inclusive spaces.

Sadiq has been in Africa this week to lead a trade mission and bang the drum for London as a place to invest and do business – the first London Mayor to ever tour the continent. He has attended a series of high-level business and cultural events in Lagos, Nigeria and Accra, Ghana and commemorated Mandela Day in Johannesburg – an annual international day in honour of Nelson Mandela.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I am delighted to announce the next round of funding application for our successful Go! London initiative, the capital’s biggest ever community sports fund that has already supported more than 180 grassroots sport and physical activity organisations.

“I know the huge difference that sport can make to physical, mental and emotional wellbeing and this new £1.4 million investment will help transform young Londoners’ lives.

“I am delighted to be making the announcement in South Africa, where it has been a real privilege for me to visit the Atlas Foundation and see the amazing work they do in harnessing the power of rugby to support children living in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.

“I’m delighted to be here celebrating our shared history and love of sport in South Africa as we continue building a better, fairer, more prosperous London for everyone.”

Transforming the lives of Londoners through sport is one of Mayor’s top priorities, having invested £15 million between 2018 and 2024. Sadiq has championed community sport through his Sport Unites programme, which uses the power of sport to not only encourage physical activity but also build pride, reduce the barriers to access, improve mental health and wellbeing, create job opportunities and support young people at risk of youth violence. [5]

The Mayor has also supported London EmpowerHER, a one-year pilot from April 2024 to March 2025, in two boroughs: Brent and Redbridge, in collaboration with England Rugby [6]. The programme supported young women and girls from underserved communities to take part in non-contact rugby, providing physical activity and transferable leadership skills. The programme has supported over 2,000 women and girls, 90% of whom had previously not taken part in rugby activities and the project now runs for a second year until March 2026 in the borough of Brent.

Sadiq has declared London the global capital for women’s sport in 2025, with the city hosting a number of major women’s sporting events across the year, including the final of the Women’s Rugby Would Cup on September 27. As part of the Host City Impact programme, community organisations and activity providers will be funded to deliver rugby to women and girls aged over 16-years-old. The programme will develop social playing opportunities, providing support and resources, aiming to engage at least 2,500 women in regular sustained activity.

Sue Anderson, Atlas Executive Director, said: “With the focus and commitment of The Atlas Foundation, we work with young girls and boys in some of the harshest communities, to equip and empower them in education, health, and well-being to become the very best person that they can be.

“Together, through the unifying spirit and values of rugby, we are not only changing lives but also laying the groundwork for a more just and equitable future for all. By ensuring a genuine sense of pride and dignity, it transcends into one of hope and belief, and this truly has the power to change the narrative of our beautiful country.

“We extend a warm welcome to the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan and thank him for the pride and affirmation extended to our young Atlas South Africa girls and boys today alongside the new investment the exceptional Go!London children’s initiative.”

Joel Stransky, Former Springbok, 1995 Rugby World Cup Winner and Atlas South Africa Champion, said: “I am extremely proud to represent The Atlas Foundation and am delighted to see that the Mayor of London is visiting the Rainbow National and Atlas South Africa in particular.

“The beautiful game not only helped bring us together as a nation in 1995 under the incredible leadership of Madiba, it has also given many of us so much!

“To be able to help and teach others, using the values of this great sport, is a real privilege. Prince William’s recent visit inspired many young learners and aspiring sports persons, and this visit will no doubt do the same! We all extend a very warm South African welcome to the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.”

Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Executive Director for Place at Sport England said: “We’re proud to continue to support Go! London as it enters a fourth round of foundation funding.

“We know the positive role sport can play in changing the lives of underserved and vulnerable young Londoners, and we want every child and young person in the capital to enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle. We look forward to supporting the widest range of community groups to help a generation of young people to reach their full potential.”

Mike Diaper, Group Funding and Impact Director at the London Marathon Foundation, said: “Our vision at the London Marathon Foundation is to Inspire Activity, and our collaboration with the Go! London partners is doing this for thousands of underserved young Londoners. We want to build on the success of the past two years of Go! London, and look forward to funding further community groups across the capital to change the lives of many more children and young people through sport and physical activity, supporting their physical, mental and social wellbeing.”

For more information on the Go! London initiative and to apply for funding, please visit: Foundation Round 4 Now Open! | Go! London
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
July 19, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Cargo throughput at Tangshan Port reaches 433.56 million tonnes in H1

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

Cargo throughput at Tangshan Port reaches 433.56 million tonnes in H1

Updated: July 19, 2025 17:03 Xinhua

A drone photo taken on July 18, 2025 shows a cargo ship, assisted by tugboats, berthing at the ore terminal of Caofeidian Port Area in Tangshan Port in Tangshan, north China’s Hebei Province. The cargo throughput at Tangshan Port reached 433.56 million tonnes in the first half of 2025, up 0.75 percent year on year, according to port authorities. [Photo/Xinhua]

A drone photo taken on July 18, 2025 shows a cargo ship, assisted by tugboats, berthing at the ore terminal of Caofeidian Port Area in Tangshan Port in Tangshan, north China’s Hebei Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

A drone photo taken on July 18, 2025 shows a patrol vessel (front) escorting a departing cargo ship in the waters of Caofeidian Port Area in Tangshan Port in Tangshan, north China’s Hebei Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

A drone photo taken on July 18, 2025 shows a patrol vessel (front) escorting a departing cargo ship in the waters of Caofeidian Port Area in Tangshan Port in Tangshan, north China’s Hebei Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

A drone photo taken on July 18, 2025 shows a ship unloading at the ore terminal of Caofeidian Port Area in Tangshan Port in Tangshan, north China’s Hebei Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

MIL OSI China News –

July 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: China’s UN Deputy Ambassador Calls for Advancing Colombia Peace Process

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

UNITED NATIONS, July 19 (Xinhua) — China’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Geng Shuang called for efforts to advance the peace process in Colombia at a Security Council meeting on Friday.

According to him, the peace process in Colombia is a fine example of ending conflict and restoring peace through dialogue and negotiations. As the process is now entering an uncharted path, relevant parties should strengthen their resolve, overcome difficulties, and steadily advance the cause of peace for the sake of stability and development of the country, Geng Shuang said.

“The peace agreement remains an effective roadmap for consolidating peace in Colombia, and achieving peace is in the interests of all Colombian parties,” the diplomat said.

According to the deputy permanent representative, China supports the decision of Colombian President Gustavo Petro to focus on implementing the peace agreement during the remainder of his term. China welcomes the recent development by the Colombian government of an action plan for 2025, which sets out priorities in various sectors, he added.

As the presidential election in Colombia approaches, China hopes that all political forces in the country will put the people’s well-being first, cherish and defend the peace achieved so far, and prevent a return to political violence, Geng Shuang stressed.

Beijing stands ready to strengthen cooperation with members of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), including Colombia, to build a China-CELAC community with a shared future, thereby making positive contributions to world peace and development, he added. –0–

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

.

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Eritrea: Eye Surgery for Over 250 Citizens in Golij Sub-zone

Source: APO – Report:

.

As part of ongoing efforts to control blindness, cataract surgery was performed on over 250 citizens in the Golij sub-zone from 7 to 11 July. The surgeries were carried out by a medical team from Berhan Aini Hospital in Asmara.

Dr. Merhawi Kiflom, Medical Director of the Golij Community Hospital, stated that the objective of the program was to provide citizens with access to eye care services, including surgical treatment, within their local areas.

Mr. Alem Zekarias, Head of the National Blindness Control Program, noted that while cataract surgeries were previously conducted in collaboration with foreign experts, the current program was implemented entirely through local capacity.

Dr. Eyob Beyene, one of the participating physicians, explained that cataracts often occur with age and are treatable and curable through timely surgical intervention.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

MIL OSI Africa –

July 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa condemns Israeli attacks on Damascus and its announcement that it will continue to occupy Southern Syria

Source: APO – Report:

.

South Africa strongly condemns Israel’s latest attacks on the Syrian capital Damascus, on 16 July 2025, on the Syrian Ministry of Defence and air strikes near the Presidential Palace, which are a flagrant violation of the country’s territorial integrity and international law.

Israel’s announcement on 17 July 2025, that it will continue to occupy Syrian territory south of the capital Damascus is a serious threat to Syria’s sovereignty. Israel’s redeployment of forces in the Golan Heights, its occupation of Quneitra near the Golan Heights, and its airstrikes on Suwayda, Daraa, and in the centre of Damascus are a military escalation that threatens security and stability in the country and the region.

The United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres, has called on Israel to cease any violations of Syria’s sovereignty and respect the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement. South Africa concurs with the UN Secretary-General, who also condemned Israel’s “escalatory airstrikes” and called for an immediate de-escalation of violence and measures to facilitate humanitarian access.

– on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

MIL OSI Africa –

July 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Eritrea: Awards to Outstanding Teachers

Source: APO – Report:

.

The Ministry of Education branch in Gala-Nefhi sub-zone has presented awards to 24 outstanding teachers from elementary, junior, and high schools, including 12 female teachers.

Mr. Daniel Solomon, Head of the branch office, stated that the awardees were selected by a committee comprising supervisors, teachers, and students.

Mr. Yohannes Solomon, Head of Secondary School Supervision in the Central Region, emphasized that honoring outstanding teachers not only serves as recognition but also significantly contributes to the development of the teaching and learning process. He congratulated the recipients and urged fellow teachers to emulate their dedication and play an active role in enhancing education quality.

The awardees, expressing appreciation for the recognition, stated that the award motivates them to work with greater commitment to nurture competent students through their profession.

There are 68 educational institutions in the Gala-Nefhi sub-zone, ranging from kindergartens to high schools.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

MIL OSI Africa –

July 19, 2025
‘Step toward justice’: Tharoor applauds US for naming TRF a global terrorist organisation

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

As the United States has designated The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based LeT, as a global terrorist organisation, the move has been welcomed by former diplomat and senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor. The Thiruvananthapuram MP expressed hope on Saturday that the decision would increase international pressure on Pakistan to act against terror outfits operating from its soil.

This follows US President Donald Trump’s strong call for justice in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 people.

In a post on X, Shashi Tharoor said, “I welcome the US @StateDept’s designation of TheResistanceFront, the Lashkar proxy that claimed credit for #Pahalgam, as a terrorist organisation, adding pressure on Pakistan to curb its activities & bring it to heel.”

In another post, Tharoor shared his insights from recent meetings in Washington.

“In my private conversations in Washington, when I asked people bluntly why the US was still allowing Pakistan to get away with providing a safe haven to terrorist organisations, I was pointed to Pakistan’s alleged cooperation with the US on counter-terror operations, notably the recent surrender of the individual allegedly responsible for the Abbey Gate bombing that had killed 23 US Marines at Kabul Airport,” the Congress MP stated.

Highlighting the need for consistent global action, Tharoor added, “Our scepticism about the quality and sincerity of Pakistani actions against terrorism reflects our own experience with those terror agencies that are directed against us, rather than those that the US deems hostile, such as ISIS–Khorasan. This is a step towards bridging the gap in perceptions between the US and us on this. It will help in our efforts to list TRF at the @UN as well.”

The TRF had claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack, the deadliest terrorist strike on Indian civilians since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Following the incident, US President Trump had personally called Prime Minister Narendra Modi to offer condolences and express unwavering US support in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

On Thursday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio formally announced the inclusion of TRF in the list of designated Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs).

“This action demonstrates the Trump Administration’s commitment to protecting our national security interests, countering terrorism, and enforcing President Trump’s call for justice for the Pahalgam attack,” Rubio had said.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had raised the issue during recent meetings with Rubio and at the Quad foreign ministers’ meeting in Washington, underscoring India’s call for coordinated global action against terror proxies like TRF.

Meanwhile, an all-party parliamentary delegation led by Shashi Tharoor visited Washington last month to brief US lawmakers and officials about the role of TRF and Pakistan’s continued support for terror infrastructure. The designation is being hailed as a milestone in India-US counter-terror cooperation and a major step forward in holding state sponsors of terrorism accountable.

–IANS

July 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Women’s mentoring scheme begins

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki and Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak officiated at the kick-off ceremony of the first cohort of the “She Inspires” Mentorship Programme today.

Launched by the Home & Youth Affairs Bureau, the programme matches female university students with female leaders as their mentors in the professional and business sectors, offering the students training and activities to enhance their skills, build confidence and network to thrive in their future career.

For the first cohort of the scheme, over 50 women leaders participated as mentors, and more than 250 applications from students were received, with more than 80 of them selected as mentees.

Noting that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action at the United Nations’ Fourth World Conference on Women, Mr Chan said the two milestone documents have laid the foundation for the advancement of women’s causes globally.

Hong Kong as the international gateway for the country has consistently taken concrete action to promote women’s development. The programme’s launch represented a significant step forward in this endeavour, he added.

Giving encouragement to the programme mentees, the Chief Secretary said: “I hope all of you will not only possess professional expertise, but also resilience and a heart that cares for our country and gives back to society.

“Today, you benefit from the selfless guidance of your mentors. I hope that when you become leaders in the future, you will also be beacons for the next generation, your juniors, passing on the power of women.”

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 19, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Ceasefire deal reached between Syria, Israel with US mediation

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

Syrian and Israeli leaders have reached a ceasefire agreement under the auspices of the United States after deadly sectarian clashes in southern Syria prompted Israeli intervention with massive strikes recently.

U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack announced the truce early Saturday, saying that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, under the sponsorship of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, agreed to a cessation of hostilities.

The deal is also backed by regional players, including Türkiye, Jordan, and Syria’s other neighbors.

“We call upon Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis to put down their weapons and, together with other minorities, build a new and united Syrian identity in peace and prosperity with its neighbors,” Barrack said in a post on social media.

The ceasefire deal followed six days of fierce sectarian clashes in the southern province of Sweida, which left hundreds dead and triggered fears of a broader, regional escalation.

Under the truce deal, Syrian government security and military institutions will be allowed to re-enter all parts of Sweida, according to sources cited by local TV reports.

The deal stipulates the dissolution of all local factions, the handover of heavy weapons, and the integration of former fighters into state security structures.

The spiritual leadership of the Druze community issued a statement welcoming the ceasefire, expressing readiness to end the ongoing hostilities and calling for a return to “wisdom and reason.”

The agreement came amid mounting humanitarian concerns in Sweida, where United Nations convoys were recently blocked from entering conflict zones.

The Syrian authorities have yet to comment on the ceasefire deal.

MIL OSI China News –

July 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Telegram of the Holy Father, signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, for the fire in Kut, Iraq

Source: The Holy See

Telegram of the Holy Father, signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, for the fire in Kut, Iraq, 19.07.2025

The following is the telegram of condolence sent on behalf of the Holy Father Leo XIV by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin for the victims of the fire in a shopping centre in Kut, Iraq:

Telegram
SADDENED TO BE INFORMED OF THE FIRE IN KUT THAT LEFT MANY DEAD AND INJURED, HIS HOLINESS POPE LEO XIV SENDS THE ASSURANCE OF HIS SPIRITUAL SOLIDARITY TO ALL WHO ARE SUFFERING THE EFFECTS OF THIS TRAGEDY, ESPECIALLY THE WOUNDED AND THE FAMILIES WHO GRIEVE. HE COMMENDS THE SOULS OF THE DECEASED TO THE LOVING MERCY OF THE ALMIGHTY, AND OFFERS HIS PRAYERS FOR THE EMERGENCY PERSONNEL WHO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. UPON ALL, HIS HOLINESS INVOKES THE DIVINE BLESSINGS OF STRENGTH, CONSOLATION AND PEACE.
CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLINSECRETARY OF STATE

MIL OSI Europe News –

July 19, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Xi, Mauritanian President Ghazouani exchange congratulations on 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties 2025-07-19 15:16:52 Chinese President Xi Jinping and Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani exchanged congratulations Saturday on the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

BEIJING, July 19 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping and Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani exchanged congratulations Saturday on the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Over the past 60 years, regardless of changes in the international landscape, the two sides have always respected each other and treated each other as equals, setting a model of mutual support and win-win cooperation between developing countries, Xi said.

He noted that in recent years, China-Mauritania relations have been developing in a sound and stable manner, with growing political mutual trust and fruitful exchanges and cooperation across various fields.

Xi recalled that he met with President Ghazouani last year during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit, where they reached important consensuses and jointly announced the elevation of China-Mauritania relations to a strategic partnership, marking a new chapter in bilateral ties.

Xi said he attached great importance to developing China-Mauritania relations and is willing to work with Ghazouani to take the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties as a new starting point to carry forward the traditional friendship, deepen mutual trust and cooperation, and jointly open up a new future for the development of the China-Mauritania strategic partnership, so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples.

For his part, Ghazouani said that over the past 60 years, his country and China developed a solid friendship featuring close cooperation at all levels and mutual support on international occasions.

During the FOCAC Beijing Summit last September, he and Xi jointly lifted the exemplary bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, he said, calling the move a reflection of the deepening of bilateral ties, which will benefit the friendly people of the two countries, and help promote the security, prosperity and well-being of people around the world.

On the same day, Chinese Premier Li Qiang exchanged congratulatory messages with his Mauritanian counterpart, Mokhtar Ould Diay.

In his message, Li said China is willing to make joint efforts with the Mauritanian side to take the 60th anniversary of bilateral ties as an opportunity to fully implement the important consensuses reached between Xi and Ghazouani, consistently enriching the content of the bilateral strategic partnership.

For his part, Ould Diay said Mauritania firmly adheres to the one-China principle and is willing to work with China, under the wise guidance of the two presidents, to strengthen the bilateral strategic partnership, serving the development of both countries.

MIL OSI China News –

July 19, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Government backs bid to bring World Athletics Championships back to London in 2029
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

Press release

UK Government backs bid to bring World Athletics Championships back to London in 2029

A successful bid would see the biggest global athletics event return to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Government also supports bid for the 2029 World Para Athletics Championships to be staged in the UK

Championships would boost economy and strengthen UK standing as world-class sporting hosts

The Government has today confirmed its support for bids to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships and the 2029 World Para Athletics Championships; setting out our ambition to see the sport’s pinnacle events return to the UK for the first time since the summer of 2017.

A bid would aim to boost the UK economy, further strengthen the country’s outstanding reputation for hosting the biggest and best events, and encourage more people to get involved in track and field.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

Bringing the World Athletics Championships to the UK would be moment of great national pride, building on our global reputation for hosting memorable sporting events that showcase the very best talent.

Hosting these championships would not only unlock opportunities for UK athletes but it would inspire the next generation to get involved and pursue their ambitions.

The event would provide a boost for UK businesses and support jobs as well as bring our communities together. I’m delighted to support the bid.

The London Stadium, etched into the public’s memory for hosting the iconic 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games as well as the hugely successful 2017 World Championships, is the proposed venue for the 2029 World Athletics Championships.

Meanwhile, the Government is committed to taking the World Paras beyond the capital, with a host city to be confirmed in due course.

Subject to funding from partners being confirmed, the Government has agreed to provide significant funding for both bids, reflecting the UK’s ambition to once again bring the world’s greatest athletes to UK shores.

This major commitment comes with London today set to host a sold-out Diamond League event, the world’s biggest one-day athletics meet.

The UK Government will work hand-in-hand with the bidder Athletic Ventures, UK Sport, and host cities – including the Greater London Authority for the World Athletics Championship – to unlock a wide range of social, economic and sporting benefits, from boosting tourism and local economies to fostering healthier, more active communities through elite sport.

Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, said:

Major sporting events deliver unforgettable moments and have the power to bring our country together like little else.

That’s why we’re excited to be backing a bid to bring the World Athletics and World Para Athletics Championships back to the UK in 2029. As part of our Plan for Change, we want to build on our world class reputation as hosts, delivering not just economic benefits for the country but engaging communities, inspiring the next generation and showcasing the best of Britain to the world.

Simon Morton, Director of Events at UK Sport, said:

Live sport matters. It brings people together in ways few other things can, creating happiness, pride and lasting memories. Hosting the 2029 World Athletics Championships and World Para Athletics Championships gives us the chance to once again unite the nation around these genuinely global events.

We welcome the Government’s commitment to extend our pipeline of hosted events, as we move forward with this bold and collaborative bid.

Jack Buckner, CEO of UK Athletics, said:

We’d like to thank the Government for supporting these bids. Staging these events in the UK will not only inspire today’s elite athletes, but those of tomorrow, and will engage millions in our sport.

After superb medal hauls over the last few years on the World, Olympic and Paralympic stage, athletics in the UK is on an upward trajectory, with new partners, record participation and sold-out stadia. This support will drive the sport on to new heights.

Sanjay Bhandari, Chair at Athletic Ventures, said:

We are absolutely delighted that the Government has recognised the enormous value that the World Athletics Championships and World Para Athletics Championships can deliver for Britain — from jobs and investment to inspiring young people to get active.

Central government support is a catalytic first step enabling us to build further dialogue with potential host cities and build compelling bids for both championships. We will seek to create spectacular events that leave a lasting legacy for our communities. We’re excited to work with partners across sport, government and our potential host cities to make that vision a reality.

Josh Kerr, 1500m world champion and double Olympic medallist, said:

London 2017 was my first senior World Championships, and it lit a fire in me. Being part of a home team in that kind of atmosphere was incredible — it made me hungrier than ever to become a world champion and chase Olympic medals.

Having the government support to bid for 2029 and potentially bring that experience back to London would be massive. It would inspire so many young athletes and give the sport the platform it deserves. I’m proud to support the bid and hope we get the chance to show the world what we can do on home soil.

If successful, the Championships would mark another milestone in the UK’s exceptional record of hosting world-class events and its enduring commitment to investing in sport as a force for good.

The pipeline of major events already secured includes this Summer’s Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026, the European Athletics Championships 2026, the ICC T20 Cricket women’s and men’s World Cups (in 2026 and 2030 respectively), the Invictus Games 2027 in Birmingham, the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes Grand Departs 2027, and EURO 2028.

Additional Quotes:

Katarina Johnson Thompson, two-time heptathlon world champion, said:

I’m so pleased to see the Government backing this bid — hosting a home World Championships would be incredible for our sport and for the country.

I still remember the buzz of competing in front of a home crowd in London in 2012 and 2017 — nothing compares to that feeling. It gave me a huge lift, and I’d love the next generation of athletes to experience that same atmosphere on the world stage.

Bringing the Championships back to London would inspire so many people and show what British athletics is all about.

Zak Skinner, two-time European T13 Gold medallist, said:

It’s great that the Government is backing the bid to bring the World Para Athletics Championships back to the UK. Competing at London 2017 was one of the most unforgettable moments of my life. That home crowd, that energy — it was electric, and it showed just how powerful para athletics can be when it’s centre stage.

I’ve grown so much as an athlete since then, but that experience gave me belief and drive at a crucial time. Hosting the World Para Athletics Championships here again would be a huge statement — not just for our athletes, but for the next generation watching in the stands or at home. I’d love to see it come back to the UK.

Share this page

The following links open in a new tab

Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)

Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

Updates to this page

Published 19 July 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
July 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Massive shortages becoming the norm in Gaza – OCHA

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

UNITED NATIONS, July 19 (Xinhua) — Daily fighting, preventable deaths, worsening fuel shortages, displacement and despair are increasingly turning mass shortages into the norm for residents of the Gaza Strip, the United Nations humanitarian body said Friday.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said Israeli authorities had issued another population displacement order, this time to northern Gaza. There were also alarming reports of malnourished children and adults in hospitals with insufficient resources to treat them.

According to OCHA, despite the resumption of limited fuel imports, the energy crisis continues to deepen. Due to the depletion of fuel reserves, solid waste collection has had to be suspended in recent days, and a number of water wells have been shut down, mainly in the Deir el-Balah area.

It is noted that specialized medical services such as dialysis have been reduced or completely stopped, and other services may also be disrupted due to fuel shortages. The limited remaining fuel supplies are mainly used to ensure the functioning of health systems, water supply, telecommunications, and transportation.

Humanitarian movements inside the Gaza Strip remain restricted as only seven out of 13 attempts to coordinate the movement of personnel and cargo with the Israeli authorities were successful, allowing humanitarian teams to deliver fuel, collect water, move generators, provide hygiene and sanitation supplies, and deliver much-needed medicines, OCHA said. –0–

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

.

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: China sees steady progress in green agricultural development

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

BEIJING, July 19 (Xinhua) — China has made steady progress in green agricultural development, according to the China Green Agricultural Development Report 2024 released at a seminar in Beijing on Friday.

The report was published by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and the China Society for the Study of Green Agricultural Development. At the launch of the report, Huang Sanwen, president of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, said that the report plays an important role in supporting the further implementation of the country’s green development concept and serves as a valuable guide for promoting high-quality agricultural and rural development characterized by lean and intensive, green and low-carbon development with priority on ecological protection.

According to the document, significant progress was made in many areas in 2024. China continued to improve the quality and efficiency of high-standard farmland construction, strengthened the protection of the ecological environment of arable land and combated pollution. In 2024, the area of high-standard farmland was increased by more than 80 million mu (about 5.33 million hectares) through the construction of new farmland and the reconstruction and upgrading of existing arable land.

In 2024, China actively promoted the third national soil survey, which collected 3.11 million samples from 2.872 million sampling points, the document said.

In addition, the system for protecting and managing biological agricultural resources has been improved. According to the results of the All-China Census of Agricultural Genetic Resources conducted in 2024, 580,000 samples of the gene pool of agricultural crops, 1.4 million units of genetic material of agricultural animals and poultry, and 270,000 strains of agricultural microorganisms are permanently preserved in the country.

The reduction in the use of chemicals was achieved by strengthening relevant measures. According to the report, in 2024, China used 49.88 million tons of chemical fertilizers, down 5 percent from 2020. In 2024, the volume of pesticide use in crop production was 242 thousand tons (in terms of pure active ingredient), maintaining a downward trend for the eighth consecutive year.

According to the report, China has continued to improve the level of mechanization in agriculture. In 2024, the overall mechanization level of plowing, sowing and harvesting of agricultural crops exceeded 75 percent.

The report also highlighted the steady growth of rural income. In 2024, the per capita disposable income of rural residents in China was 23,119 yuan (about $3,220), up 6.3 percent in real terms from the previous year and 1.9 percentage points higher than the growth rate of per capita urban income in real terms.

Progress has also been made in digital management of agricultural resources. China continues to systematically digitalize agricultural resource management and strengthens the capacity of long-term fixed experimental observation stations to promote sustainable green agricultural development, the document said. -0-

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

.

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Cool tourism and mushroom picking complete summer vacation in Yunnan

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

KUNMING, July 19 (Xinhua) — With the onset of the heat wave, where can one find a cool place to relax, experience the charm of border culture and enjoy leisurely sightseeing? Southwest China’s Yunnan Province may be the perfect choice.

Summer in Yunnan is a vibrant tapestry of cool tourism and mushroom picking: from admiring breathtaking scenery to sampling wild mushroom delicacies and exploring the secrets of tropical forests. These diverse tourism industries combine to create a thriving summer economy that attracts tourists from both China and abroad.

“Puzhehei is a dream, a serene place where dusk turns to dawn, where every taste and touch leaves traces too vivid to forget and too deep to describe,” wrote American Lia last year after visiting the famous Puzhehei scenic area in Yunnan Province.

Almost a year later, Leah and her family returned to this small Chinese village and spent a few days enjoying another lazy summer.

Yunnan’s reputation as a cool place on Earth goes back centuries. When asked why Yunnan residents rarely use air conditioning, the answer is almost universal: there is no need.

According to climate data from national meteorological stations in Yunnan, the average July temperature in the province is 21.9 degrees Celsius, with 71 counties within the “comfortable” range for humans. Moreover, 55 percent of the province’s districts and counties are suitable for the development of “cool” tourism.

More and more tourists are moving from “short stops” to “poetic living”, exploring the lifestyle that suits them best in places like Lijiang, Shangri-La and Qujing.

Yunnan’s climate advantages are now turning into tangible economic benefits. According to the latest tourism statistics, Yunnan received 371 million visitors from January to June this year, up 10.8 percent year-on-year. Total tourism expenditure reached 658.4 billion yuan (about $92 billion), up 10.5 percent year-on-year.

This year, Yunnan has been innovating in industry integration, creating new growth points such as staycations, overnight tours and inbound tourism. Data shows that in the first half of this year, the number of travelers choosing to stay in Yunnan exceeded 2.8 million, up 45.4 percent year-on-year.

“Come to Yunnan and I will give you a Jian Shou Qing mushroom.” This playful slogan reflects the unique combination of tourism and local mushroom culture in Yunnan. With the recent introduction of wild mushrooms to the market, Yunnan is experiencing a peak in gastronomic tourism.

Niche events such as in-depth tours, discovery tours and family trips dedicated to wild mushrooms have become must-dos for visitors.

“Looking for wild mushrooms is like unraveling the mysteries of nature,” said Ma Bo, a visitor from Beijing who came to Yunnan specifically for mushrooms. Escaping the hustle and bustle of big cities, he finds peace in the mountains and enjoys mushroom stew.

Many establishments in Yunnan Province have launched unique products such as “mushroom maps”, “mushroom festivals” and “mushroom stamps”. These initiatives create a new model of cultural and tourism integration that promotes both gastronomic and travel experiences.

At the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, groups of children participate in mushroom-themed learning tours. “Mushroom learning tours are not only a nature experience, but also an educational journey,” said Luo Qian, a staff member at the garden. They combined wild mushroom resources with edible mushroom samples to conduct on-site learning.

As China’s “Wild Mushroom Kingdom”, Yunnan has a natural advantage in developing “mushroom tourism”. With its unique geography, climate and rich biodiversity, Yunnan is home to a wide variety of wild edible mushrooms, known for their delicate flavor, high nutritional value and fine texture. There are nearly 900 known species of edible mushrooms in Yunnan Province, accounting for more than 90 percent of the total number of edible mushrooms in China.

According to official statistics, in 2024 alone, the production of edible mushrooms in Yunnan Province reached nearly 1.2 million tons, with a total value of 47.25 billion yuan. -0-

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

.

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Syrian interim authorities send forces to quell renewed clashes in As-Suwayda

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 19 (Xinhua) — Syria’s interim authorities on Friday called for restraint amid escalating violence in the southern province of As-Suwayda, vowing to send forces to contain the conflict.

In a statement, authorities expressed “deep concern and sorrow” over the ongoing deadly violence, calling the situation the result of “armed groups operating outside the law.”

“The Syrian Arab Republic reaffirms its identity as a state for all its citizens, regardless of sect or ethnicity,” the statement said, stressing that everyone must operate under a single national roof and within a single legal framework.

In response to the unfolding crisis, authorities said they were deploying special forces to contain the violence and resolve the conflict, and were taking political and security measures aimed at restoring stability and preventing a return to chaos.

Calling for “calm, wisdom and responsibility,” the statement called on all sides to cease hostilities, protect civilians and preserve the country’s social fabric.

The statement came amid ongoing violence in As-Suwayda province, where clashes between Druze and Bedouins escalated this week.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Friday that at least 638 people had been killed since fighting began on July 13, including 73 civilians and more than 280 security forces.

Bedouin attacks on Druze positions near the villages of Shekrawiyah and Wolga resumed on Friday, raising fears that sectarian violence could spiral out of control.

As tensions escalated, Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Syrian military bases in As-Suwayda and the capital Damascus under the pretext of protecting the Druze community in Syria. –0–

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

.

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Malaysia’s close cooperation with China will enhance its ability to meet EV adoption targets: analyst

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

KUALA LUMPUR, July 19 (Xinhua) — Malaysia has significantly accelerated its clean energy development and industrial restructuring in recent years, showing strong momentum in the electric vehicle (EV) sector and deepening cooperation with China in technology and investment in this area, Lee Pei Mei, an analyst with the International Islamic University Malaysia, told Xinhua.

Malaysia’s shift to EVs has been supported by both domestic policy frameworks and external technology partnerships, she said. In particular, China’s advanced and cost-effective EV technologies have helped develop the country’s EV ecosystem and support its green industrial transformation.

“China’s global expansion in the EV industry is not limited to just selling vehicles, it also involves the transfer of technological capabilities. Chinese companies are localizing production, investing in research and development and building supply chains, helping Malaysia build a comprehensive EV ecosystem,” Li Pei Mei emphasized.

She noted that China’s EV sector is known for its vertically integrated value chain, spanning R&D, manufacturing, sales, after-sales service and standard setting. Several leading Chinese companies have already adapted this business model in Malaysia.

Malaysia’s ambition to become a regional hub for electric vehicle manufacturing is centred on the Automotive High-Tech Valley (AHTV) project in Tanjung Malim, which is expected to attract significant investment and cement the country’s status as a global EV producer.

Li Pei Mei added that the AHTV project is not limited to being a production site, but also supports the development of local talent in areas such as artificial intelligence, software development and automotive innovation.

The analyst stressed that Chinese companies also benefit from this partnership and access to the Malaysian market. In her view, the growing middle class and favorable investment environment in Southeast Asia are the main attractions for them. “By expanding into Southeast Asia – especially in business-friendly countries like Malaysia – they gain access to new consumer bases and cost advantages,” she explained.

Lee Pei Mei also noted that the right combination of policy support, strategic cooperation and industry alignment has put Malaysia on a solid path to becoming a leader in EVs in the region.

“This is a classic win-win situation. Malaysia gets technology, jobs and industrial depth. China gets markets and long-term strategic partnerships. Together, both sides are shaping the future of green mobility in Asia,” she concluded. –0–

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

.

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 19, 2025
MIL-OSI China: 35th Qingdao International Beer Festival kicks off

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

This photo taken on July 18, 2025 shows a fireworks performance during the opening ceremony of the 35th Qingdao International Beer Festival in Qingdao, east China’s Shandong province. The 30-day festival kicked off here on Friday, gathering over 2,300 domestic and foreign beer brands. The festival also features a series of activities, including art parades, craft beer competition, concerts, King of Beer competition, animation carnival and fashion sports festival. [Photo/Xinhua]

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 >

MIL OSI China News –

July 19, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Xi, Mauritanian President Ghazouani exchange congratulations on 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties

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

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani exchanged congratulations Saturday on the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Over the past 60 years, regardless of changes in the international landscape, the two sides have always respected each other and treated each other as equals, setting a model of mutual support and win-win cooperation between developing countries, Xi said.

He noted that in recent years, China-Mauritania relations have been developing in a sound and stable manner, with growing political mutual trust and fruitful exchanges and cooperation across various fields.

Xi recalled that he met with President Ghazouani last year during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit, where they reached important consensuses and jointly announced the elevation of China-Mauritania relations to a strategic partnership, marking a new chapter in bilateral ties.

Xi said he attached great importance to developing China-Mauritania relations and is willing to work with Ghazouani to take the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties as a new starting point to carry forward the traditional friendship, deepen mutual trust and cooperation, and jointly open up a new future for the development of the China-Mauritania strategic partnership, so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples.

For his part, Ghazouani said that over the past 60 years, his country and China developed a solid friendship featuring close cooperation at all levels and mutual support on international occasions.

During the FOCAC Beijing Summit last September, he and Xi jointly lifted the exemplary bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, he said, calling the move a reflection of the deepening of bilateral ties, which will benefit the friendly people of the two countries, and help promote the security, prosperity and well-being of people around the world.

On the same day, Chinese Premier Li Qiang exchanged congratulatory messages with his Mauritanian counterpart, Mokhtar Ould Diay.

In his message, Li said China is willing to make joint efforts with the Mauritanian side to take the 60th anniversary of bilateral ties as an opportunity to fully implement the important consensuses reached between Xi and Ghazouani, consistently enriching the content of the bilateral strategic partnership.

For his part, Ould Diay said Mauritania firmly adheres to the one-China principle and is willing to work with China, under the wise guidance of the two presidents, to strengthen the bilateral strategic partnership, serving the development of both countries.

MIL OSI China News –

July 19, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Brazil’s supreme court decides to impose legal restrictions on ex-president Bolsonaro

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

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro (L, front) leaves the headquarters of Criminal Police of Brazil where he was fitted with an electronic anklet for monitoring, in Brasilia, Brazil, on July 18, 2025. A justice of Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court on Friday decided to impose strict legal restrictions on former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and his son Eduardo Bolsonaro for coercion, obstruction of justice, and attack on national sovereignty.(Xinhua/Lucio Tavora)

A justice of Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court on Friday decided to impose strict legal restrictions on former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and his son Eduardo Bolsonaro for coercion, obstruction of justice, and attack on national sovereignty.

Justice Alexandre de Moraes said the measures include nightly house arrest on weekdays, full-time house arrest on weekends and holidays, wearing an electronic ankle monitor, and a ban on contacting foreign diplomats or visiting embassies and consulates, the supreme court said in a press release.

According to the release, the former president and his son had lobbied in the United States to solicit sanctions against Brazilian officials.

The justice stated that Brazil’s sovereignty will never be negotiated, reaffirming the supreme court’s determination to defend democratic and constitutional principles.

The decision follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of 50 percent tariffs on Brazilian exports effective Aug. 1. Trump linked the hefty tariffs to the ongoing legal proceedings against Bolsonaro.

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro reacts during a special session at the Brazilian Senate in Brasilia, Brazil, July 17, 2025. A justice of Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court on Friday decided to impose strict legal restrictions on former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and his son Eduardo Bolsonaro for coercion, obstruction of justice, and attack on national sovereignty.(Xinhua/Lucio Tavora)

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro (C) leaves the headquarters of Criminal Police of Brazil where he was fitted with an electronic anklet for monitoring, in Brasilia, Brazil, on July 18, 2025. A justice of Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court on Friday decided to impose strict legal restrictions on former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and his son Eduardo Bolsonaro for coercion, obstruction of justice, and attack on national sovereignty.(Xinhua/Lucio Tavora)

MIL OSI China News –

July 19, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: ICE deportation action lands Marshallese, Micronesians in Guantánamo ‘terror’ base
By Giff Johnson, editor, Marshall Islands Journal/RNZ Pacific correspondent

United States immigration and deportation enforcement continues to ramp up, impacting on Marshallese and Micronesians in new and unprecedented ways.

The Trump administration’s directive to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to arrest and deport massive numbers of potentially illegal aliens, including those with convictions from decades past, is seeing Marshallese and Micronesians swept up by ICE.

The latest unprecedented development is Marshallese and Micronesians being removed from the United States to the offshore detention facility at the US Navy base in Guantánamo Bay — a facility set up to jail terrorists suspected of involvement in the 9/11 airplane attacks in the US in 2001.

Marshall Islands Ambassador to the US Charles Paul this week confirmed a media report that one Marshallese was currently incarcerated at Guantánamo, which is also known as “GTMO”.

The same report from nationnews.com said 72 detainees from 26 countries had been sent to GTMO last week, including from the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia.

A statement issued by the US Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE operations, concerning detention of foreigners with criminal records at GTMO said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was using “every tool available to get criminal illegal aliens off our streets and out of our country.”

But the action was criticised by a Marshallese advocate for citizens from the Compact countries in the US.

‘Legal, ethical concerns’
“As a Compact of Free Association (COFA) advocate and ordinary indigenous citizen of the Marshallese Islands, I strongly condemn the detention of COFA migrants — including citizens from the Republic of the Marshall Islands — at the US Naval Base in Guantánamo Bay,” Benson Gideon said in a social media post this week.

“This action raises urgent legal, constitutional, and ethical concerns that must be addressed without delay.”

Since seeing the news about detention of a Marshallese in this US facility used to hold suspected terrorists, Ambassador Paul said he had “been in touch with ICE to repatriate one Marshallese being detained.”

Paul said he was “awaiting all the documents pertaining to the criminal charges, but we were informed that the individual has several felony and misdemeanor convictions. We are working closely with ICE to expedite this process.”

Gideon said bluntly the detention of the Marshallese was a breach of Compact treaty obligations.

“The COFA agreement guarantees fair treatment. Military detention undermines this commitment,” he said.

Gideon listed the strong Marshallese links with the US — service in high numbers in the US military, hosting of the Kwajalein missile range, US military control of Marshall Islands ocean and air space — as examples of Marshallese contributions to the US.

‘Treated as criminals’
“Despite these sacrifices, our people are being treated as criminals and confined in a facility historically associated with terrorism suspects,” he said.

“I call on the US Embassy in Majuro to publicly address this injustice and work with federal agencies to ensure COFA Marshallese residents are treated with dignity and fairness.

“If we are good enough to host your missile ranges, fight in your military, and support your defence strategy, then we are good enough to be protected — not punished. Let justice, transparency, and respect prevail.”

There were 72 immigration detainees at Guantánamo Bay, 58 of them classified as high-risk and 14 in the low-risk category, reported nationnews.com.

The report added that the criminal records of the detainees include convictions for homicide; sexual offences, including against children; child pornography; assault with a weapon; kidnapping; drug smuggling; and robbery.

Civil rights advocates have called the detention of immigration detainees at Guantanamo Bay punitive and unlawful, arguing in an active lawsuit that federal law does not allow the government to hold those awaiting deportation outside of US territory.

In other US immigration and deportation developments:
- The delivery last month by US military aircraft of 18 Marshallese deported from the US and escorted by armed ICE agents is another example of the ramped-up deportation focus of the Trump administration. Since the early 2000s more than 300 Marshall Islanders have been deported from the US. Prior to the Trump administration, past deportations were managed by US Marshals escorting deportees individually on commercial flights.
- According to Marshall Islands authorities, there have not been any deportations since the June 10 military flight to Majuro, suggesting that group deportations may be the way the Trump administration handles further deportations.
- Individual travellers flying into Honolulu whose passports note place of birth as Kiribati are reportedly now being refused entry. This reportedly happened to a Marshallese passport holder late last month who had previously travel
- led in and out of the US without issue.
Most Marshallese passport holders enjoy visa-free travel to the US, though there are different levels of access to the US based on if citizenship was gained through naturalisation or a passport sales programme in the 1980s and 1990s.

US Ambassador to the Marshall Islands Laura Stone said, however, that “the visa-free travel rules have not changed.”

She said she could not speak to any individual traveller’s situation without adequate information to evaluate the situation.

She pointed out that citizenship “acquired through naturalisation, marriage, investment, adoption” have different rules. Stone urged all travellers to examine the rules carefully and determine their eligibility for visa-free travel.

“If they have a question, we would be happy to answer their enquiry at ConsMajuro@state.gov,” she added.

This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
July 19, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: ICE deportation action lands Marshallese, Micronesians in Guantánamo ‘terror’ base
By Giff Johnson, editor, Marshall Islands Journal/RNZ Pacific correspondent

United States immigration and deportation enforcement continues to ramp up, impacting on Marshallese and Micronesians in new and unprecedented ways.

The Trump administration’s directive to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to arrest and deport massive numbers of potentially illegal aliens, including those with convictions from decades past, is seeing Marshallese and Micronesians swept up by ICE.

The latest unprecedented development is Marshallese and Micronesians being removed from the United States to the offshore detention facility at the US Navy base in Guantánamo Bay — a facility set up to jail terrorists suspected of involvement in the 9/11 airplane attacks in the US in 2001.

Marshall Islands Ambassador to the US Charles Paul this week confirmed a media report that one Marshallese was currently incarcerated at Guantánamo, which is also known as “GTMO”.

The same report from nationnews.com said 72 detainees from 26 countries had been sent to GTMO last week, including from the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia.

A statement issued by the US Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE operations, concerning detention of foreigners with criminal records at GTMO said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was using “every tool available to get criminal illegal aliens off our streets and out of our country.”

But the action was criticised by a Marshallese advocate for citizens from the Compact countries in the US.

‘Legal, ethical concerns’
“As a Compact of Free Association (COFA) advocate and ordinary indigenous citizen of the Marshallese Islands, I strongly condemn the detention of COFA migrants — including citizens from the Republic of the Marshall Islands — at the US Naval Base in Guantánamo Bay,” Benson Gideon said in a social media post this week.

“This action raises urgent legal, constitutional, and ethical concerns that must be addressed without delay.”

Since seeing the news about detention of a Marshallese in this US facility used to hold suspected terrorists, Ambassador Paul said he had “been in touch with ICE to repatriate one Marshallese being detained.”

Paul said he was “awaiting all the documents pertaining to the criminal charges, but we were informed that the individual has several felony and misdemeanor convictions. We are working closely with ICE to expedite this process.”

Gideon said bluntly the detention of the Marshallese was a breach of Compact treaty obligations.

“The COFA agreement guarantees fair treatment. Military detention undermines this commitment,” he said.

Gideon listed the strong Marshallese links with the US — service in high numbers in the US military, hosting of the Kwajalein missile range, US military control of Marshall Islands ocean and air space — as examples of Marshallese contributions to the US.

‘Treated as criminals’
“Despite these sacrifices, our people are being treated as criminals and confined in a facility historically associated with terrorism suspects,” he said.

“I call on the US Embassy in Majuro to publicly address this injustice and work with federal agencies to ensure COFA Marshallese residents are treated with dignity and fairness.

“If we are good enough to host your missile ranges, fight in your military, and support your defence strategy, then we are good enough to be protected — not punished. Let justice, transparency, and respect prevail.”

There were 72 immigration detainees at Guantánamo Bay, 58 of them classified as high-risk and 14 in the low-risk category, reported nationnews.com.

The report added that the criminal records of the detainees include convictions for homicide; sexual offences, including against children; child pornography; assault with a weapon; kidnapping; drug smuggling; and robbery.

Civil rights advocates have called the detention of immigration detainees at Guantanamo Bay punitive and unlawful, arguing in an active lawsuit that federal law does not allow the government to hold those awaiting deportation outside of US territory.

In other US immigration and deportation developments:
- The delivery last month by US military aircraft of 18 Marshallese deported from the US and escorted by armed ICE agents is another example of the ramped-up deportation focus of the Trump administration. Since the early 2000s more than 300 Marshall Islanders have been deported from the US. Prior to the Trump administration, past deportations were managed by US Marshals escorting deportees individually on commercial flights.
- According to Marshall Islands authorities, there have not been any deportations since the June 10 military flight to Majuro, suggesting that group deportations may be the way the Trump administration handles further deportations.
- Individual travellers flying into Honolulu whose passports note place of birth as Kiribati are reportedly now being refused entry. This reportedly happened to a Marshallese passport holder late last month who had previously travel
- led in and out of the US without issue.
Most Marshallese passport holders enjoy visa-free travel to the US, though there are different levels of access to the US based on if citizenship was gained through naturalisation or a passport sales programme in the 1980s and 1990s.

US Ambassador to the Marshall Islands Laura Stone said, however, that “the visa-free travel rules have not changed.”

She said she could not speak to any individual traveller’s situation without adequate information to evaluate the situation.

She pointed out that citizenship “acquired through naturalisation, marriage, investment, adoption” have different rules. Stone urged all travellers to examine the rules carefully and determine their eligibility for visa-free travel.

“If they have a question, we would be happy to answer their enquiry at ConsMajuro@state.gov,” she added.

This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
July 19, 2025
Scientists find over 200 hidden proteins that may drive Alzheimer’s: Study

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

A groundbreaking study has uncovered more than 200 previously undetected misfolded proteins in the brains of aging rats with cognitive decline, offering new insights into the mechanisms of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Unlike the well-known amyloid and tau proteins that clump into visible plaques, these newly identified proteins do not form detectable aggregates, making them harder to identify—but potentially just as damaging to brain function.

Scientists believe these “stealth” misfolded proteins may bypass the brain’s natural cleanup mechanisms, silently impairing memory and cognitive abilities.

The research, led by scientists at Johns Hopkins University, opens a new frontier in the understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and may pave the way for novel treatment and prevention strategies.

“These are proteins that misfold without forming amyloids,” said Stephen Fried, an assistant professor of chemistry and protein scientist at Johns Hopkins. “Amyloids are big and easy to spot under a microscope, but our research shows they’re just the tip of the iceberg.”

The findings, published July 11 in Science Advances, are based on a study of 17 two-year-old rats—considered aged in terms of lifespan. Of those, seven were identified as cognitively impaired based on poor performance in memory and problem-solving tests, while the remaining 10 performed comparably to younger six-month-old rats.

Researchers analyzed over 2,500 types of proteins in the hippocampus, the brain region associated with spatial learning and memory. For the first time, they were able to determine whether individual proteins were misfolded, allowing them to distinguish which deformities were related to aging in general, and which were specifically linked to cognitive decline.

They found over 200 proteins that were misfolded in cognitively impaired rats but retained their proper shape in cognitively healthy ones—suggesting a strong connection between these deformities and declining brain function.

Misfolded proteins are known to disrupt cellular processes, but until now, it was believed that only amyloid-forming proteins—like A-beta and tau—posed a threat. Fried noted that many other misfolded proteins, despite not forming visible clumps, may still evade the cell’s protective systems and contribute to degeneration.

“We think there are a lot of misfolded proteins that don’t form amyloids and are still harmful,” Fried explained. “That suggests they have a way of escaping the cell’s surveillance system—but we don’t yet know how.”

The team now plans to use high-resolution microscopy to study the molecular structures of these misfolded proteins in greater detail, in hopes of identifying new therapeutic targets.

“A lot of us have seen loved ones lose the ability to perform everyday tasks,” Fried said. “Understanding what’s physically happening in the brain could lead to better treatments and preventive approaches.”

—ANI

July 19, 2025