NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UTIs cost NHS hospitals over £600m last year

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    UTIs cost NHS hospitals over £600m last year

    New data from UKHSA reveals that treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) cost NHS hospitals in England an estimated £604 million in 2023 to 2024.

    New data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has revealed that treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) cost NHS hospitals in England an estimated £604 million in 2023-24.

    UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary system including the urethra, bladder or kidneys. Most lower urinary tract infections (those in the urethra or bladder) cause mild discomfort and go away on their own, or may require a short course of antibiotics, but for some can progress to more serious infections, including upper urinary tract infections affecting the kidneys, leading to bloodstream infections and sepsis.

    Analysing data from the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) database using the records of patients with a UTI-related primary diagnosis for the 2023 to 2024 financial year in England, there were nearly 200,000 UTI-related patients. This includes infections acquired in both community and hospital settings. Those admissions resulted in 1.2 million bed days, averaging 6 bed days per infection.

    However, one-third of UTI patients were in hospital for less than a day, indicating that other treatment pathways could be considered for these patients.

    The findings reflect the well-documented burden of UTIs on older people and women. 52.7% of admissions were patients aged over 70 and 61.8% were female. While females were nearly 5 times more likely to require hospital treatment for a UTI in people under 50 years old (24.7% female compared to 5.3% male), this levelled out in age groups over 50 (37.1% female compared to 32.9% male). This highlights the need for men over 50 to also pay early attention to urinary symptoms and seek treatment that may prevent hospitalisation.

    Hospitalisations for UTIs were at their lowest in 2020 to 2021 – possibly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, admissions have increased, climbing by 9% in 2023 to 2024 compared to the previous year.  

    The data highlights the clear need to reduce UTIs acquired in the community to help reduce hospitalisations. People can reduce their risk of catching a UTI in the first place by:

    • drinking enough fluids regularly, especially in hot weather – more trips to the toilet may be needed, but that shouldn’t stop you drinking
    • avoiding holding pee – go to the toilet as soon as possible when you need to
    • washing, or shower daily where possible especially if you suffer from incontinence* keep the genital area clean and dry, and check and change leakage of urine pads often
    • wiping from front to back after using the toilet to prevent bacteria from spreading
    • washing genitals before and after sex
    • talking to your healthcare professional if you have frequent UTIs, as they may be able to suggest treatments that could help

    Detecting and treating a UTI early is also important. Some of the early symptoms of UTI include:

    • needing to pee more frequently or urgently than usual
    • passing lots of urine at night
    • pain or a burning sensation when peeing
    • having cloudy-looking urine
    • new pain in the lower tummy
    • severe kidney pain or pain in the lower back
    • blood in the pee
    • for some people it can include changes in behaviour, such as acting agitated or confused

    UKHSA also recently published updated diagnostic flowcharts to help healthcare professionals manage symptoms and infections.

    Dr Colin Brown, Deputy Director at UKHSA responsible for antibiotic resistance, said:

    Urinary Tract Infections are a major cause of hospitalisations in this country, but many could be prevented.

    We know that the most serious consequences that come from UTIs are more common in people over the age of 50 so we are reminding this group in particular to be aware of the ways they can help reduce their risk of getting poorly. Drinking enough fluids is so important, as well as avoiding holding onto pee. If you have frequent UTIs, talk to your healthcare provider about treatments that may help prevent further infections. If you have a UTI and your symptoms get worse, please call your GP or 111, or go to your nearest A&E to seek assistance as UTIs can develop into more serious, life-threatening infections.

    Preventing UTIs is also important in our fight against antibiotic resistance as they are often treated with antibiotics, which drives resistance in bacteria. Reducing the number of UTI infections means bacteria has less chance to develop this resistance, helping to keep antibiotics working for longer.

    Dr Joanna Harris RGN PhD, Head of Infection Prevention and Control at UKHSA, said:

    UTIs are a significant cause of avoidable harm, particularly among older adults and those with long-term conditions, and can lead to serious complications, including sepsis and death. It’s really important that nurses, midwives and social care workers, have the knowledge and tools to reduce the risk of UTIs occurring. When a UTI is suspected, their promotion of early and accurate diagnosis can enable timely and appropriate treatment, helping to limit the impact of the infection.

    Professor Matt Inada-Kim, National Clinical Director for Infections Management and Antimicrobial Resistance at NHS England, said:

    Urinary tract infections are an increasingly common reason for becoming ill at home and in hospitals. They are more serious in older patients and, in particular, those with catheters, but they can occur at any age and are not often related to poor hygiene.

    Antimicrobial resistance continues to grow and it is vital that we do everything we can to manage urinary infections through prevention, education and providing easy access to healthcare – including diagnostic tests and appropriate treatment.

    UTIs are typically caused by bacteria, most commonly Escherichia coli (E. coli), and often require antibiotics to treat the infection. As UTIs are so common, there are concerns that the volume of antibiotics prescribed is contributing to the growing risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This is because every antibiotic taken makes the development of resistance more likely. More targeted prescribing of antimicrobials for UTIs is essential as part of the National Action Plan for AMR 2024-2029. However, preventing infections where possible would also decrease antibiotic prescribing and the selective pressure that antibiotics have on bacteria, helping reduce antibiotic resistance.

    Patient and campaigner, Caroline Sampson, explains how a chronic UTI has impacted her life:

    For 9 years, I have had a chronic UTI. No form of antibiotics has successfully treated it. It has derailed by life in every possible way. The daily symptoms are debilitating and painful. Trying to accomplish the smallest task takes a huge amount of effort. The impact on my mental health has been enormous and I live with daily anxiety that the infection could develop into Urosepsis. The threat of antibiotic-resistant infections to us all cannot be underestimated.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with Secretary General of AIPA on the sidelines of 16th AIPA Caucus in Cambodia

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today met with Secretary General of AIPA, H.E. Ar. Siti Rozaimeriyanty Dato Haji Abdul Rahman, on the margins of the 16th AIPA Caucus in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. During the meeting, SG Dr. Kao commended the Secretary General of AIPA for her active role and highlighted the vital role of ASEAN Parliamentarians in implementing the recently launched ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with Secretary General of AIPA on the sidelines of 16th AIPA Caucus in Cambodia appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Sudan: Humanitarian needs deepen amid rising hostilities and heavy rains

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    Nearly 27 months have passed since fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and a former ally, the paramilitary Rapid Security Forces (RSF), creating an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.

    The UN voiced grave alarm over escalating hostilities in El Fasher, the besieged capital of North Darfur state. 

    Serious risk of renewed violence

    Large numbers of RSF fighters reportedly entered the city on Friday for the first time since the siege began over a year ago.

    Local sources report that recent fierce fighting, particularly in the southwest and east of El Fasher, has led to civilian casualties.

    “The situation remains highly volatile and unpredictable, with a serious risk of renewed violence, as well as further displacement and disruption of humanitarian operations – which are already under severe strain,” OCHA said.

    Insecurity in North Kordofan state

    Meanwhile, in North Kordofan State, growing insecurity forced 3,400 people to flee their homes over the weekend, according to the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM). 

    Local reports indicate that at least 18 civilians were killed, and homes were burned in several villages.

    OCHA reminded all parties that attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international humanitarian law, and that civilians must be protected at all times.

    Rainy season constraints

    Meanwhile, heavy rains have been reported in West and Central Darfur states, which may affect road conditions in some locations and worsen the challenges humanitarians are already facing in accessing people in need.

    “With the rainy season continuing through October, the risk of floods, access constraints and disease outbreaks is growing – especially during this critical lean season, a time between harvests when food stocks traditionally run low,” OCHA warned.

    Families return to West Darfur

    The agency said that despite the crisis, signs of small-scale returns are visible in West Darfur state, where displaced families have been returning from Chad to three localities – Sirba, Jebel Moon and Kulbus – to cultivate their farms. 

    Furthermore, local authorities report about 40 people returning daily to Kulbus, with 300 arriving over the past week.

    OCHA urged all parties to enable safe and unimpeded access to all people in need across Sudan, and for donors to step up their support.

    Some 30 million people nationwide – more than half the population – need vital aid and protection this year. 

    – on behalf of United Nations (UN).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: 7th edition of Strengthening Families Conference (SFC) champions women’s empowerment and child protection across Sierra Leone

    Source: APO – Report:

    The 7th edition of the Strengthening Families Conference (SFC) (https://StrengthenFamily.org/) 2025 unfolded in Freetown as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and collaborators joined government leaders, faith communities, and civil society to champion women’s empowerment and child protection across Sierra Leone. The two-day conference officially opened on Thursday, June 26 at the Bintumani International Conference Centre under the theme ‘Building Stronger Communities through Women Empowerment and Child Protection’.

    Delivering the keynote address on the first day, Her Excellency the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Madam Fatima Maada Bio, stated that the conference presented a unique platform to drive lasting change and consequently challenged stakeholders to turn dialogue into action. “Let me use this as a call to us all to not let this be just a conference. Let us use this platform to design policies that will make women change-makers in our society,” she urged.

    She emphasized that promoting women’s empowerment should not be reduced to tokenism, as genuinely empowering women has tangible and far-reaching effects. “Women are agents of transformation. They build up the families, and our families are what build up our society,” the First Lady added.

    Representing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Isaac K. Morrison, General Authority Seventy and Second Counselor in the Africa West Area Presidency, echoed this conviction, highlighting the role of women in the home and across various facets of society. “Women create harmonious and resilient communities. We need more women of virtue, purity, and empowerment, and this begins with the family,” he said.

    Other dignitaries reinforced the shared mission. Archbishop Edward Tamba Charles, President of the Inter-Religious Council, described empowerment as a spiritual responsibility, and consequently, must be spearheaded by religious institutions. “Religious institutions must champion gender equality and child welfare,” he noted.

    Traditional leader Sheku Amadu Tejan Fasuluku-Sonsiama III similarly said, “It is in our homes, towns, and villages that true transformation must begin. When women are given a seat at the table, nations prosper.”

    Goodwill messages came from Ambassador Bob Sheriff of Liberia and Amir Musa Mewa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, in a show of regional solidarity. The first day also featured an exhibition showcasing solutions in family welfare, women’s advancement, and child protection, along with a panel discussion led by Madam Isatu Jabbie Kabbah and Aminata Turay exploring policy and grassroots strategies.

    Child protection at the heart of resilient communities

    The second day of the conference turned the spotlight to child protection as the cornerstone of strong families.

    Delivering the keynote, Elder Alfred Kyungu, President of the Africa West Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, underscored the benefits of dedicated care for the young. “Children are shaped by their experiences; hence, families must create a conducive environment that contributes not just to their physical well-being but to their emotional and spiritual health,” he added. He further stressed the power of love over fear in raising children.

    Sheik Ibrahim Barrie, a respected religious and political leader, reiterated the role of women’s empowerment in Islamic teachings. “Empowering women is not just a moral obligation; it is a necessity for the progress of our communities,” he noted. Young gender activist Grace Ada Brown moved the audience with her personal testimony, adding that the strength of a nation depends on the strength of families. “When families are strong, communities thrive,” she said.

    Speakers such as Tonya Waite of Protect Child Health Coalition–USA, Jennifer Hogge Ellsworth of Engage Now Africa, and Sharon and Greg Slater of Family Watch International offered practical strategies for safeguarding children’s well-being. Panelists Daniel F. H. Kettor, Blessing Kutubu, and Christiana Ogbemoye Oliko shared insights on regional collaboration and community-based support systems. “Protecting children starts with building trust between families and the institutions designed to help them,” Mr. Kettor said.

    Safe house for gender-based violence victims

    In a landmark announcement, Elder Kyungu, revealed plans to build a 54-bed safe house in partnership with the office of the First Lady. “This facility will not only provide shelter but also counseling sessions to help survivors regain their footing in society.” The closing ceremony concluded with awards recognizing the First Lady’s leadership, including honors from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Social Welfare Department, and the Government of Liberia.

    ICU renovation and donation underscore commitment to health

    Ahead of the conference, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints commissioned a comprehensive renovation of the Intensive Care Units at Connaught Hospital, the nation’s main healthcare facility. Elder Isaac Morrison described the project as faith in action. “This project represents our deep commitment to alleviating burdens and bringing hope to communities around the world.”

    Acting Minister of Health, Professor Dr. Charles Senessie, highlighted the alignment between this initiative and national goals. “The collaboration between the Church and the government is vital for improving health outcomes in Sierra Leone,” he noted.

    Hospital leaders called the upgrades for changing life. “This is not just an upgrade; it is a lifeline,” Dr. Ibrahim Kapuwa, Hospital Care Manager said. The donation included ICU beds, defibrillators, vital sign monitors, and other critical equipment, reinforcing the message that healthy families are the foundation of strong nations. As the 7th Strengthening Families Conference concluded, one message resonated clearly: Empowering women, protecting children, and investing in health are inseparable pillars of a thriving, resilient Sierra Leone.

    Outlook and future conference

    The conference is scheduled to next go to Monrovia, Liberia in June, 2026. All stakeholders are looking forward to Liberia hosting a successful event.

    – on behalf of Strengthening Families Conference (SFC).

    Additional Link: https://apo-opa.co/44RCsUA

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: From London to Lagos: Why retailers everywhere must prepare for the next wave of cyberattacks

    Source: APO – Report:

    In April, two of Britain’s biggest retailers got hit by a massive cyberattack by the notorious Scattered Spider group, leading to substantial financial losses, operational disruptions and compromised customer data (http://apo-opa.co/40O1faD). M&S suffered losses of £300 million (http://apo-opa.co/40O1gLJ) (roughly R7.3 billion) due to the attack, with supply chains affected for weeks. On top of the direct losses, over £1 billion was stripped from the organisation’s market value (http://apo-opa.co/4lPmMb3). Similarly, the Co-op experienced data breaches (http://apo-opa.co/4524lud) affecting customers’ personal information, while Harrods reported attempted cyberattacks (http://apo-opa.co/3GIeSl3), but managed to maintain online operations.

    “These attacks aren’t just about stolen data,” says Anna Collard, SVP of Content Strategy & Evangelist at KnowBe4 Africa. “They took whole systems offline.

    “In retail, downtime is a critical threat – it affects sales, customer trust, and brand loyalty, instantly.”

    A new kind of threat actor

    Unlike traditional ransomware gangs, Scattered Spider is decentralised, native English-speaking, and highly adaptive. “Scattered Spider aren’t mere opportunistic hackers,” explains Collard. “They operate more like well-funded, well-organised crime syndicates.”

    With some members as young as 19, they coordinate their activities on platforms like Discord and Telegram. “They’re agile, patient and disturbingly good at blending in,” she says. Added to this, they have great expertise in human psychology, as showcased during their attacks on Las Vegas casinos in 2023 (http://apo-opa.co/4nPvtnM).

    Their primary weapons, therefore, aren’t just digital – they’re human. “They’ve mastered social engineering,” says Collard. “They specialise in exploiting human trust. From vishing (voice phishing) to impersonating internal staff and triggering what’s referred to as ‘MFA fatigue’; they’re skilled manipulators who understand both systems and people.”

    MFA fatigue is one of the growing tactics they’re known for which involves triggering repeated multi-factor authentication (MFA) prompts, hoping the bombarded employees eventually click “approve” just to make the interruptions stop.

    “Legacy systems, shadow IT, and poorly enforced policies create entry points. Attackers don’t need to break in if they can just log in.”

    Another alleged tactic Scattered Spider used in its latest attacks involved calling IT helpdesks to reset credentials, gaining access to their target’s infrastructure and subsequently deploying a ransomware-as-a-service tool. The outcome? Encrypted systems, stalled operations, and a long road to recovery.

    Why Africa should be paying close attention

    Retailers across Africa – particularly in South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya – are digitally transforming at a rapid pace. Cloud-based POS systems, centralised inventory platforms, and data-driven loyalty programmes are now standard. But these digital advancements also expand attack surfaces.

    High employee turnover, remote workforces, and under-resourced helpdesks can compound exposure. And while business English is common in South Africa, this linguistic advantage also makes local teams more susceptible to social engineering by fluent English-speaking attackers.

    “Our local executives aren’t naïve,” Collard notes. “Many are acutely aware of the risks. What’s needed now is clarity on what really matters – and cutting through the noise.”

    Pepkor IT’s CISO, Duncan Rae, delivered an insightful talk at the ITWeb Security Summit in May where he warned that cybersecurity teams are often overwhelmed – not just by threats, but by too many competing priorities. Teams are bombarded with shiny, new tools and threat reports spreading fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) which sometimes makes organisations lose sight of the basics, he warned.

    “These basics include managing human risk, addressing third-party exposure, and hardening vulnerabilities,” according to Rae.

    What needs to change?

    Collard points to gaps in access controls, third-party risk management, and cloud security as common weaknesses – not just in the UK, but globally. “Legacy systems, shadow IT, and poorly enforced policies create entry points,” she warns. “Attackers don’t need to break in if they can just log in.”

    For African retail leaders, this is a call to fortify the human layer.

    “Train your frontline teams, especially in helpdesk and customer support. Teach them to detect manipulation. Make secure behaviour the norm – not the exception.”

    Equally important, she says, is embedding cybersecurity into leadership conversations. “Cybersecurity is not just an IT function. It’s a board-level business risk.

    “Executives must ask tough questions about readiness, incident response, and accountability.”

    From awareness to action

    Too often, security training is treated as a box-ticking exercise. Collard urges a more thoughtful approach: “Training must resonate. It should be contextual, culturally relevant, and delivered in local languages where appropriate.”

    She challenges business leaders with the following:

    • Could an attacker trick your helpdesk into a password reset?
    • Would your staff recognise a social engineering attempt?
    • Do you test these scenarios regularly?

    “If the answer is ‘no’ to any of these, your organisation is vulnerable,” Collard says. “But the good news is that change is possible – and fast – when you start investing in the human element.”

    “Cyber resilience is a collective responsibility,” she concludes. “And in an interconnected world, learning from each other’s crises is one of the smartest defences we have.”

    – on behalf of KnowBe4.

    Contact details:
    KnowBe4:
    Anne Dolinschek 
    anned@knowbe4.com

    Red Ribbon:
    TJ Coenraad 
    tayla@redribboncommunications.co.za

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • Indian students win four medals at 57th International Chemistry Olympiad in Dubai

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India has registered a stellar performance at the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) held in Dubai, UAE, from July 5 to 14. All four Indian students who participated in the global competition secured medals – two gold and two silver – bringing international recognition to the country. The medal winners are Devesh Pankaj Bhaiya from Jalgaon, Maharashtra, and Sandeep Kuchi from Hyderabad, Telangana, who both won gold medals. Debadatta Priyadarshi from Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, and Ujjwal Kesari from New Delhi were awarded silver medals.

    This year’s Olympiad witnessed the participation of 354 students from 90 countries, including five observer nations. India ranked sixth in the overall medal tally, alongside Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Israel. This appearance marks India’s 26th participation in the IChO. Over the years, Indian students have consistently excelled, winning 30% gold, 53% silver, and 17% bronze medals. Notably, in the last ten editions alone, the proportion of gold and silver medals has increased to 38% and 58% respectively.

    The Indian contingent was mentored by a dedicated team of academic experts. Prof. Ankush Gupta from Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), Mumbai, served as the head mentor, while Prof. Seema Gupta of Acharya Narendra Dev College, Delhi, was the mentor. Dr. Neeraja Dashaputre of Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune and Dr. Amrit Mitra from Government General Degree College, Singur, West Bengal, were the scientific observers. Their efforts played a crucial role in preparing the students for this challenging competition.

    HBCSE, under the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), serves as the nodal centre for training and selecting Indian students for various International Olympiads in subjects including Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Astronomy, and Astrophysics. The National Olympiad Examinations conducted by HBCSE are the primary gateway to this prestigious representation.

    More information is available on the websites https://www.ichosc.org and https://olympiads.hbcse.tifr.res.in.

  • Indian students win four medals at 57th International Chemistry Olympiad in Dubai

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India has registered a stellar performance at the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) held in Dubai, UAE, from July 5 to 14. All four Indian students who participated in the global competition secured medals – two gold and two silver – bringing international recognition to the country. The medal winners are Devesh Pankaj Bhaiya from Jalgaon, Maharashtra, and Sandeep Kuchi from Hyderabad, Telangana, who both won gold medals. Debadatta Priyadarshi from Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, and Ujjwal Kesari from New Delhi were awarded silver medals.

    This year’s Olympiad witnessed the participation of 354 students from 90 countries, including five observer nations. India ranked sixth in the overall medal tally, alongside Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Israel. This appearance marks India’s 26th participation in the IChO. Over the years, Indian students have consistently excelled, winning 30% gold, 53% silver, and 17% bronze medals. Notably, in the last ten editions alone, the proportion of gold and silver medals has increased to 38% and 58% respectively.

    The Indian contingent was mentored by a dedicated team of academic experts. Prof. Ankush Gupta from Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), Mumbai, served as the head mentor, while Prof. Seema Gupta of Acharya Narendra Dev College, Delhi, was the mentor. Dr. Neeraja Dashaputre of Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune and Dr. Amrit Mitra from Government General Degree College, Singur, West Bengal, were the scientific observers. Their efforts played a crucial role in preparing the students for this challenging competition.

    HBCSE, under the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), serves as the nodal centre for training and selecting Indian students for various International Olympiads in subjects including Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Astronomy, and Astrophysics. The National Olympiad Examinations conducted by HBCSE are the primary gateway to this prestigious representation.

    More information is available on the websites https://www.ichosc.org and https://olympiads.hbcse.tifr.res.in.

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tritium Level Far Below Japan’s Operational Limit in 13th Batch of ALPS-Treated Water, IAEA Confirms

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    Independent sampling and analysis conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have confirmed that the tritium concentration in the 13th batch of ALPS-treated water, which Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) began discharging today from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS), is far below Japan’s operational limit.

    As part of its ongoing safety review, the IAEA collected and analyzed samples onsite of the diluted water that was being prepared for discharge as part of this latest batch. The results confirmed that the tritium concentration is far below the operational limit of 1,500 becquerels per litre and is in line with international safety standards.

    Japan is releasing the ALPS-treated water in a series of batches over the next decades, following the start of the discharge in August 2023. The treated water is diluted with seawater prior to discharge. Of the 93.500 cubic meters of water already released in the first 12 batches, the IAEA confirmed that the tritium concentrations were far below the international safety standards and operational limits.

    In a comprehensive report issued on 4 July 2023 before the discharge began, the IAEA’s safety review found that Japan’s plan for handling the treated water was consistent with international safety standards and that the release as planned would have a negligible radiological impact to people and the environment.

    Reports on sampling, independent analysis, data evaluation, as well as timeline, are available on the IAEA website.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tritium Level Far Below Japan’s Operational Limit in 13th Batch of ALPS-Treated Water, IAEA Confirms

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    Independent sampling and analysis conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have confirmed that the tritium concentration in the 13th batch of ALPS-treated water, which Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) began discharging today from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS), is far below Japan’s operational limit.

    As part of its ongoing safety review, the IAEA collected and analyzed samples onsite of the diluted water that was being prepared for discharge as part of this latest batch. The results confirmed that the tritium concentration is far below the operational limit of 1,500 becquerels per litre and is in line with international safety standards.

    Japan is releasing the ALPS-treated water in a series of batches over the next decades, following the start of the discharge in August 2023. The treated water is diluted with seawater prior to discharge. Of the 93.500 cubic meters of water already released in the first 12 batches, the IAEA confirmed that the tritium concentrations were far below the international safety standards and operational limits.

    In a comprehensive report issued on 4 July 2023 before the discharge began, the IAEA’s safety review found that Japan’s plan for handling the treated water was consistent with international safety standards and that the release as planned would have a negligible radiological impact to people and the environment.

    Reports on sampling, independent analysis, data evaluation, as well as timeline, are available on the IAEA website.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • India’s average inflation falls 3% in 11 years of Modi government

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s retail inflation has averaged around 5% over the last 11 years, showing a steady decline in recent months and reaching a more than six-year low of 2.1% in June 2025.

    According to data from the Finance Ministry, the average inflation during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure stands at 5.1%, a significant drop compared to the 8.1% in the UPA regime.

    Between January 2012 and April 2014, during the UPA era, retail inflation remained above 9% for 22 out of 28 months. During its final three years (2011–2014), India experienced an average retail inflation of 9.8%, despite relatively stable global inflation of around 4-5%, a senior official noted.

    In contrast, under the Modi government, retail inflation has largely remained below 5%, never breaching the 8% mark. This decline in inflation has eased the cost of living, leaving people with more disposable income. Higher purchasing power drives demand for industrial goods, boosting economic growth and job creation.

    Persistent high inflation disproportionately affects low-income groups by making essential goods unaffordable. Therefore, keeping inflation in check is critical for inclusive development.

    The latest data for June 2025 shows a notable decline in food prices, with the annual food inflation rate turning negative at -1.06%. Compared to May 2025, food inflation in June dropped by 205 basis points, marking the lowest rate since January 2019. This decline is largely attributed to falling prices of vegetables, pulses, meat, and spices.

    Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of India has revised its inflation outlook for 2025–26 downward -from its earlier forecast of 4% to 3.7%, according to RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra.

    CPI inflation for FY 2025–26 is now projected at 3.7%, with quarterly projections at 2.9% for Q1, 3.4% for Q2, 3.9% for Q3, and 4.4% for Q4. The RBI noted that the near – and medium-term inflation outlook suggests a durable alignment with the 4% target and possibly even a marginal undershooting during the year.

    (IANS)

  • India’s average inflation falls 3% in 11 years of Modi government

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s retail inflation has averaged around 5% over the last 11 years, showing a steady decline in recent months and reaching a more than six-year low of 2.1% in June 2025.

    According to data from the Finance Ministry, the average inflation during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure stands at 5.1%, a significant drop compared to the 8.1% in the UPA regime.

    Between January 2012 and April 2014, during the UPA era, retail inflation remained above 9% for 22 out of 28 months. During its final three years (2011–2014), India experienced an average retail inflation of 9.8%, despite relatively stable global inflation of around 4-5%, a senior official noted.

    In contrast, under the Modi government, retail inflation has largely remained below 5%, never breaching the 8% mark. This decline in inflation has eased the cost of living, leaving people with more disposable income. Higher purchasing power drives demand for industrial goods, boosting economic growth and job creation.

    Persistent high inflation disproportionately affects low-income groups by making essential goods unaffordable. Therefore, keeping inflation in check is critical for inclusive development.

    The latest data for June 2025 shows a notable decline in food prices, with the annual food inflation rate turning negative at -1.06%. Compared to May 2025, food inflation in June dropped by 205 basis points, marking the lowest rate since January 2019. This decline is largely attributed to falling prices of vegetables, pulses, meat, and spices.

    Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of India has revised its inflation outlook for 2025–26 downward -from its earlier forecast of 4% to 3.7%, according to RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra.

    CPI inflation for FY 2025–26 is now projected at 3.7%, with quarterly projections at 2.9% for Q1, 3.4% for Q2, 3.9% for Q3, and 4.4% for Q4. The RBI noted that the near – and medium-term inflation outlook suggests a durable alignment with the 4% target and possibly even a marginal undershooting during the year.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ofsted sets out measures to ensure steady and assured start to inspections under the renewed framework

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Ofsted sets out measures to ensure steady and assured start to inspections under the renewed framework

    Ofsted has today announced several measures to reassure education providers about the November roll-out of inspections under the renewed inspection framework.

    • Enhanced quality assurance process will see fewer inspections to begin with, led only by the most experienced inspectors.
    • No inspections in the week before Christmas to allow for further training.
    • Further measures to reassure providers about the November roll-out.

    To support a steady and assured start, Ofsted’s National Director for Education and Principal Inspector, Lee Owston HMI, will quality assure the work of the most senior inspectors following their participation in pilot visits to volunteer settings in early autumn. Every inspector will also complete a comprehensive training programme, with the same quality assurance checks, before being deployed on a live inspection.

    This rolling quality assurance process will mean there are fewer inspections than usual in November and December. To begin with, all inspections will be led by the most senior and experienced inspectors, assisted by Ofsted’s permanent, in-house teams. Part-time, external Ofsted Inspectors will be phased in following training.   

    During autumn, a random sample of providers will be invited to take part in ‘exit interviews’ with His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, the National Director, and senior Ofsted officials to hear about their inspection experience and reflect on the implementation of the reforms. This is in addition to the post-inspection survey that all education providers will still be invited to complete.  

    Continuing Ofsted’s commitment to transparency and listening to feedback, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector will also invite sector representatives to a series of roundtable meetings to share their thoughts on the renewed framework.  

    There will be no education inspections in the final week before the Christmas break, to allow for further inspection training. 

    Ofsted has also taken on board suggestions raised last week by the Confederation of School Trusts (CST) and has announced a series of wraparound measures to support a smooth start to the framework, including:

    • All requests for an inspection deferral will be reviewed by Ofsted’s Deputy Chief Inspector, to make sure each case is treated with utmost sensitivity and consideration. 
    • Ofsted will work with the CST and others to ensure all inspection guidance and material for providers is as user-friendly as it can be.  
    • For openness and transparency, the Ofsted Academy will continue to publish inspector training materials on its free-to-access external platform.  
    • The telephone helpline, for leaders to raise queries and concerns with a senior Ofsted leader in their region, will be open before, during and after an inspection.  
    • During the first few months of inspections, Ofsted will continually update an FAQ document online and produce blogs sharing reflections and countering any emerging myths.
    • In addition to the webinars announced last week, in November and December Ofsted will hold meetings with representatives from each education remit, seeking their feedback on early inspections. Ofsted is also exploring webinar options for bodies responsible for governance and oversight, such as school governors, multi-academy trusts, local authorities and nursery chains.

    Schools and other education providers have always had the right to request an inspection at any time, and some have already volunteered for an early inspection under the new framework. While Ofsted cannot guarantee an early inspection, all such requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.    

    His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, said:

    We’re confident that our reforms will deliver an improved system of education inspection, with real benefits for children and their parents. But we’re also serious about giving providers the support they need to engage confidently and fairly with the changes, and ensuring a steady and assured start to inspections under the renewed framework.  

    I want to reassure everyone that we’re taking every possible measure to provide a consistent and high-quality inspection experience for all, right from the off.

    Press office

    8.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday 0300 013 0415

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Tritium Level Far Below Japan’s Operational Limit in 13th Batch of ALPS-Treated Water, IAEA Confirms

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

    Independent sampling and analysis conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have confirmed that the tritium concentration in the 13th batch of ALPS-treated water, which Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) began discharging today from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS), is far below Japan’s operational limit.

    As part of its ongoing safety review, the IAEA collected and analyzed samples onsite of the diluted water that was being prepared for discharge as part of this latest batch. The results confirmed that the tritium concentration is far below the operational limit of 1,500 becquerels per litre and is in line with international safety standards.

    Japan is releasing the ALPS-treated water in a series of batches over the next decades, following the start of the discharge in August 2023. The treated water is diluted with seawater prior to discharge. Of the 93.500 cubic meters of water already released in the first 12 batches, the IAEA confirmed that the tritium concentrations were far below the international safety standards and operational limits.

    In a comprehensive report issued on 4 July 2023 before the discharge began, the IAEA’s safety review found that Japan’s plan for handling the treated water was consistent with international safety standards and that the release as planned would have a negligible radiological impact to people and the environment.

    Reports on sampling, independent analysis, data evaluation, as well as timeline, are available on the IAEA website.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Induction is heating up at your favourite eateries

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Our CBR is the ACT Government’s key channel to connect with Canberrans and keep you up-to-date with what’s happening in the city. Our CBR includes a monthly print edition, email newsletter and website.

    You can easily opt in or out of the newsletter subscription at any time.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi’s article on unswervingly advancing high-standard opening-up to be published

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

    Xi’s article on unswervingly advancing high-standard opening-up to be published

    Xinhua | July 15, 2025

    An article by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on unswervingly advancing high-standard opening-up will be published on Wednesday.

    The article by Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, will be published in this year’s 14th issue of the Qiushi Journal, a flagship magazine of the CPC Central Committee.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: MOFA extends sympathies following severe flooding in central Texas

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    MOFA extends sympathies following severe flooding in central Texas

    • Date：2025-07-07
    • Data Source：Department of North American Affairs

    July 7, 2025 

    No. 231 

    The central region of the US state of Texas was recently hit by catastrophic flooding, causing major devastation. More than 80 people are confirmed to have died, including dozens of children, while an unknown number of people remain missing. Flood warnings currently remain in place across certain parts of the region.

     

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) promptly instructed the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Houston to ascertain whether any Taiwanese nationals had been affected. It also instructed the office to convey condolences and sympathies to the government of Texas on behalf of the government of Taiwan and emphasize that Taiwan would be glad to offer assistance.

     

    According to information currently available to TECO Houston, no Taiwanese nationals have been identified among the dead, injured, or stranded as a result of the flooding. MOFA and TECO Houston will closely follow developments, maintain contact with the relevant Texan agencies, and provide assistance if needed. (E)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Foreign Minister Lin delivers remarks at opening of 2025 ILA-ASIL Asia-Pacific Research Forum, urges democracies to jointly address challenges posed by authoritarian expansion

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    July 8, 2025  

    No. 232  

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung on July 7 attended the opening of the 2025 International Law Association-American Society of International Law Asia-Pacific Research Forum, where he addressed more than 50 noted international scholars from over 20 nations.

     

    In his remarks, Minister Lin said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been promoting the policy of integrated diplomacy, which aimed to deepen partnerships with like-minded countries based on the values of freedom, democracy, and human rights. He explained that Taiwan had proactively leveraged its diplomatic strengths—consolidating diplomatic ties, expanding its alliance of friendly nations, and integrating the resources of the public and private sectors with the goal of having Taiwan continue to be a Taiwan of the world.

     

    Noting the extreme turbulence of international relations and the severe geopolitical challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region, Minister Lin said that in recent years, China had repeatedly challenged the rules-based international order, gravely undermining democracy, the rule of law, human rights, freedom, and even fair trade. He observed that the world’s leading states had gone on alert and that an increasing number of countries had acted by sending warships through the Taiwan Strait, underscoring that the Taiwan Strait constituted international waters and demonstrating the great importance that they attached to the security of the Indo-Pacific region.

     

    Minister Lin also pointed out that China had long sought to pressure Taiwan in the international arena, enacting the Anti-Secession Law in 2005 and 22 guidelines on punishing independence in 2024, among other legal warfare tools. He said that China had inappropriately distorted UN General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758, seeking to weaponize the text and transform it into a tool to suppress Taiwan’s international participation and provide cover for an armed invasion. He stated that China had used the resolution as justification for its false claims that Taiwan was a part of China and that the Taiwan Strait was China’s internal waters, adding that such claims were clearly contrary to the facts and to democratic values.

     

    Minister Lin noted that in response to China’s efforts to distort UNGA Resolution 2758, last year the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, the European Parliament, and the parliaments of Australia, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the Czech Republic passed resolutions clearly opposing China’s misrepresentations. He said that senior US officials had also publicly expressed a similar position and that the international community had gradually gained an accurate understanding of Resolution 2758—that it neither mentioned Taiwan nor precluded Taiwan’s international participation.

     

    Looking back on history, Minister Lin remarked that following the Second World War, the signing of the San Francisco Peace Treaty, which was binding under international law, had supplanted the political statements contained in the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation. He also pointed out that the People’s Republic of China had never governed Taiwan. He said that since the mid-1980s, Taiwan had experienced political liberalization and democratization, leading to the completion of its first direct presidential election in 1996. At that point, he said, the central executive and legislative representatives of government of the Republic of China were all elected by the people of Taiwan—and since then, the Republic of China government had been the sole legitimate government exercising effective rule over Taiwan and representing Taiwan internationally. He added that this underscored the cross-strait status quo that the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the People’s Republic of China existed as equals, with neither being subordinate to the other. He said that the Republic of China (Taiwan) had experienced three changes of governing party—in 2000, 2008, and 2016—that had consolidated the democratic system and helped create a clearer sense of national identity, reflecting the Taiwanese people’s pursuit of and desire for freedom and democracy.

     

    Minister Lin went on to explain that, in response to dramatic changes in the international geopolitical landscape and the threat of authoritarian expansion, President Lai Ching-te had issued 17 national security measures. He said that China’s vaulting ambition had alerted the international community to the fact that Taiwan was not subordinate to the PRC. He observed that this had upended China’s cross-strait framework, making the issue of democratic Taiwan and authoritarian China not merely a regional matter, but a question the countries of the world must address together.

     

    Minister Lin emphasized that the more secure Taiwan was, the more secure the world would be, and that the stronger Taiwan grew, the more secure the world’s democracies would be. He reiterated that Taiwan was a Taiwan of the world and said that the Republic of China (Taiwan), as a democratic nation and a force for good in the world, had demonstrated that it was part of the global village through the continued application of democratic processes and through its international participation.

     

    Concluding his remarks, Minister Lin said that Taiwan would continue to be at the forefront of the global battle against authoritarian expansionism, adding that Taiwan would work with like-minded countries to defend the values of freedom and democracy and ensure regional peace, security, and prosperity. (E)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon for Haitian Foreign Minister Jean-Baptiste

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon for Haitian Foreign Minister Jean-Baptiste

    • Date：2025-07-09
    • Data Source：Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs

    July 9, 2025  

    No. 234  

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a luncheon on July 7 for a delegation from the Republic of Haiti led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste and his wife. Minister Lin welcomed the delegation on behalf of the Taiwan government and expressed his anticipation that, based on the deep friendship between the two nations, bilateral exchanges and cooperation would continue to expand.

     

    Minister Lin noted that Taiwan and Haiti had maintained diplomatic relations for 69 years and that the two sides had enjoyed fruitful collaboration in a wide range of areas, including food security, medical care, public health, and education. He added that such cooperation had benefited the people of Haiti and earned considerable recognition from the international community. 

     

    Furthermore, Minister Lin thanked the Haitian government for voicing support for Taiwan on the international stage, such as at the World Health Assembly and the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. He said that the people and government of Taiwan deeply appreciated Haiti’s long-term and staunch backing of Taiwan’s participation in international organizations.

     

    In his remarks, Minister Jean-Baptiste thanked Minister Lin for his warm hospitality. He also took the opportunity to express, on behalf of the people and government of Haiti, gratitude to all sectors of Taiwan for providing humanitarian and food assistance over the years and participating in projects that benefited women, children, and other disadvantaged groups in Haiti. Minister Jean-Baptiste said that he looked forward to gaining a better understanding of Taiwan’s political, economic, and social development during his visit so as to further deepen the close collaborative relations between the two countries.

     

    Minister Lin, Minister Jean-Baptiste, and the other guests at the luncheon exchanged views on Haiti’s current political and social situation, as well as bilateral cooperation. Minister Lin expressed Taiwan’s willingness to continue to work with the Haitian government to help Haiti restore social stability, advance economic prosperity, and bolster national development. (E)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Shandong Province Delegation Holds Series of Economic Events in Russia

    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 15 (Xinhua) — A delegation from east China’s Shandong Province led by Vice Governor Song Junji visited Russia, organizing a series of trade and economic events to advance cooperation between the two sides to a qualitatively new level.

    According to the information on the website of the Shandong Provincial Government, during the visit to Moscow, the China/Shandong/ – Russia/Moscow/ Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum was held. During the presentation, Song Junji spoke about the drivers of economic development in Shandong Province, the favorable investment climate and promising investment opportunities. Enterprises from the two countries held talks on cooperation in the fields of economics, technology, logistics and energy, reaching a number of agreements on intentions for cooperation.

    At the same time, a thematic exhibition of Shandong Province was organized, where 46 enterprises demonstrated over 100 types of products. The exhibition covered high-tech equipment, consumer goods, products of old brands and objects of intangible cultural heritage, comprehensively reflecting the latest achievements of the province in the development of productive forces of new quality. The Shandong delegation also took part in B2B meetings with Russian companies, reaching agreements on intentions for cooperation in the trade and economic sphere, agriculture and forestry, energy and transport logistics.

    Chairman of the Russian-Asian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RASPP) Vitaly Mankevich emphasized that the visit will give a powerful impetus to the development of trade and economic ties between Shandong and Russia, investment and industrial cooperation, as well as scientific and educational exchanges. According to his forecast, trade between Russian regions and Shandong will become a new driver of growth in trade turnover between the two countries. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Per Capita Disposable Income Grew by 5.3% in H1 2025 /detailed version-1/

    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 15 (Xinhua) — China’s per capita income directly at the disposal of the population showed steady growth in the first half of 2025.

    Disposable income per person stood at 21,840 yuan (about $3,055) in the first six months of the year, up 5.3 percent in nominal terms from a year earlier, while real growth was 5.4 percent after excluding price factors, the National Bureau of Statistics said on Tuesday.

    Over the same period, China’s median per capita disposable income was 18,186 yuan, a nominal 4.8 percent increase year-on-year.

    At the same time, the disposable income of rural residents increased in nominal terms by 5.9 percent, while for the urban population the growth of this indicator amounted to 4.7 percent during the reporting period.

    China’s per capita consumer spending in January-June was 14,309 yuan, up 5.2 percent in nominal terms and 5.3 percent after excluding price factors.

    Data released on Tuesday also showed that China’s GDP grew 5.3 percent year-on-year in the first half of this year. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s power generation grew by 1.7 percent in June this year

    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 15 (Xinhua) — China’s large-scale power generation increased 1.7 percent year-on-year in June 2025, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed Tuesday.

    According to the agency, last month the total output of enterprises in this category was 796.3 billion kWh.

    In particular, compared to the same month last year, the volume of electricity generation by solar power plants and nuclear power plants in the country increased by 18.3 percent and 10.3 percent, respectively, while the same indicator for thermal power plants and wind power plants increased by 1.1 percent and 3.2 percent, respectively.

    In contrast, electricity generation at hydroelectric power plants in June fell by 4 percent year-on-year, according to data from the State Statistical Service. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s natural gas production saw steady growth in the first half of this year

    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 15 (Xinhua) — China’s natural gas output saw steady growth in the first half of this year, data released by the National Bureau of Statistics showed Tuesday.

    Natural gas production in the period from January to June 2025 increased by 5.8 percent year-on-year to 130.8 billion cubic meters.

    Last month, this figure increased by 4.6 percent to 21.2 billion cubic meters, the department said.

    China’s raw coal output rose 5.4 percent year-on-year to 2.4 billion tonnes in the first six months of this year, statistics show.

    The country’s crude oil production increased by 1.3 percent year-on-year to 108.48 million tons in the first half of 2025. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: In the first half of 2025, the unemployment rate according to the survey in Chinese cities was 5.2 percent. /detailed version-1/

    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 15 (Xinhua) — China’s labor market remained broadly stable in the first half of 2025, with the average survey unemployment rate in Chinese cities and towns standing at 5.2 percent, down 0.1 percentage point from the first quarter of this year, official data showed Tuesday.

    According to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the unemployment rate in urban areas in China in June 2025 was 5 percent.

    As of the end of June, the total number of migrant farmers in the country increased by 0.7 percent compared to the same period last year and amounted to 191.39 million people.

    “The monthly unemployment rate in cities and urban-type towns, according to surveys, fluctuated between 5 and 5.4 percent this year, remaining relatively stable,” said Sheng Laiyun, deputy head of the NSU, at a press conference.

    According to China’s 2025 targets, the survey unemployment rate in cities and towns should remain at around 5.5 percent, with more than 12 million new jobs created in those types of localities nationwide.

    Data released on Tuesday also showed that China’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew 5.3 percent year on year in the first half of 2025. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Tritium Level Far Below Japan’s Operational Limit in 13th Batch of ALPS-Treated Water, IAEA Confirms

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

    Independent sampling and analysis conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have confirmed that the tritium concentration in the 13th batch of ALPS-treated water, which Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) began discharging today from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS), is far below Japan’s operational limit.

    As part of its ongoing safety review, the IAEA collected and analyzed samples onsite of the diluted water that was being prepared for discharge as part of this latest batch. The results confirmed that the tritium concentration is far below the operational limit of 1,500 becquerels per litre and is in line with international safety standards.

    Japan is releasing the ALPS-treated water in a series of batches over the next decades, following the start of the discharge in August 2023. The treated water is diluted with seawater prior to discharge. Of the 93.500 cubic meters of water already released in the first 12 batches, the IAEA confirmed that the tritium concentrations were far below the international safety standards and operational limits.

    In a comprehensive report issued on 4 July 2023 before the discharge began, the IAEA’s safety review found that Japan’s plan for handling the treated water was consistent with international safety standards and that the release as planned would have a negligible radiological impact to people and the environment.

    Reports on sampling, independent analysis, data evaluation, as well as timeline, are available on the IAEA website.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: WFP welcomes new contribution from the UK government to support refugees in Jordan

    Source: World Food Programme

    JORDAN— The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Jordan has welcomed a new contribution of GBP 5.5 million (US$7.43 million) from the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to support its food assistance programme for refugees in camps and communities across the country.

    This is the UK’s second contribution to WFP Jordan this year, following a GBP 4 million (US$5.16 million) allocation earlier in 2025, that helped WFP avert assistance cuts for thousands of vulnerable refugees.

    “This renewed support from the UK comes at a critical moment and reflects the UK’s ongoing commitment to humanitarian efforts in Jordan,” said WFP Representative and Country Director in Jordan Alberto Correia Mendes. “The funds will enable WFP to continue supporting the most vulnerable families, especially during this challenging time when WFP and other partners in the refugee response are facing funding shortfalls that limit our collective capacity to assist people in need.”

    Despite this valuable contribution, WFP still urgently needs US$24 million to continue providing reduced monthly cash assistance through December and avoid further cuts for refugees living in camps and host communities.

    WFP currently supports 280,000 refugees in Jordan with cash-based assistance to help meet their basic food needs, the majority of whom are Syrians. Due to ongoing funding shortfalls WFP reduced in July 2023 its monthly cash assistance one-third reduction from JOD 23 (US$32) to JOD 15 (US$21) per person.

    ###

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

    Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media, @wfp_jordan.

    For more information please contact (email address: firstname.lastname@wfp.org):
    Mariana El-Khoury, WFP/Jordan, Mob. +962 79 1295615
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Tritium Level Far Below Japan’s Operational Limit in 13th Batch of ALPS-Treated Water, IAEA Confirms

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

    Independent sampling and analysis conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have confirmed that the tritium concentration in the 13th batch of ALPS-treated water, which Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) began discharging today from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS), is far below Japan’s operational limit.

    As part of its ongoing safety review, the IAEA collected and analyzed samples onsite of the diluted water that was being prepared for discharge as part of this latest batch. The results confirmed that the tritium concentration is far below the operational limit of 1,500 becquerels per litre and is in line with international safety standards.

    Japan is releasing the ALPS-treated water in a series of batches over the next decades, following the start of the discharge in August 2023. The treated water is diluted with seawater prior to discharge. Of the 93.500 cubic meters of water already released in the first 12 batches, the IAEA confirmed that the tritium concentrations were far below the international safety standards and operational limits.

    In a comprehensive report issued on 4 July 2023 before the discharge began, the IAEA’s safety review found that Japan’s plan for handling the treated water was consistent with international safety standards and that the release as planned would have a negligible radiological impact to people and the environment.

    Reports on sampling, independent analysis, data evaluation, as well as timeline, are available on the IAEA website.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: WFP welcomes new contribution from the UK government to support refugees in Jordan

    Source: World Food Programme

    JORDAN— The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Jordan has welcomed a new contribution of GBP 5.5 million (US$7.43 million) from the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to support its food assistance programme for refugees in camps and communities across the country.

    This is the UK’s second contribution to WFP Jordan this year, following a GBP 4 million (US$5.16 million) allocation earlier in 2025, that helped WFP avert assistance cuts for thousands of vulnerable refugees.

    “This renewed support from the UK comes at a critical moment and reflects the UK’s ongoing commitment to humanitarian efforts in Jordan,” said WFP Representative and Country Director in Jordan Alberto Correia Mendes. “The funds will enable WFP to continue supporting the most vulnerable families, especially during this challenging time when WFP and other partners in the refugee response are facing funding shortfalls that limit our collective capacity to assist people in need.”

    Despite this valuable contribution, WFP still urgently needs US$24 million to continue providing reduced monthly cash assistance through December and avoid further cuts for refugees living in camps and host communities.

    WFP currently supports 280,000 refugees in Jordan with cash-based assistance to help meet their basic food needs, the majority of whom are Syrians. Due to ongoing funding shortfalls WFP reduced in July 2023 its monthly cash assistance one-third reduction from JOD 23 (US$32) to JOD 15 (US$21) per person.

    ###

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

    Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media, @wfp_jordan.

    For more information please contact (email address: firstname.lastname@wfp.org):
    Mariana El-Khoury, WFP/Jordan, Mob. +962 79 1295615
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 15 July 2025 Joint News Release Global childhood vaccination coverage holds steady, yet over 14 million infants remain unvaccinated – WHO, UNICEF

    Source: World Health Organisation

    In 2024, 89% of infants globally – about 115 million – received at least one dose of the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP)-containing vaccine, and 85% – roughly 109 million – completed all three doses, according to new national immunization coverage data released today by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF.

    Compared to 2023, around 171 000 more children received at least one vaccine, and one million more completed the full three-dose DTP series. While the gains are modest, they signal continued progress by countries working to protect children, even amid growing challenges.

    Still, nearly 20 million infants missed at least one dose of DTP-containing vaccine last year, including 14.3 million “zero-dose” children who never received a single dose of any vaccine. That’s 4 million more than the 2024 target needed to stay on track with Immunization Agenda 2030 goals, and 1.4 million more than in 2019, the baseline year for measuring progress.

    “Vaccines save lives, allowing individuals, families, communities, economies and nations to flourish,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “It’s encouraging to see a continued increase in the number of children being vaccinated, although we still have a lot of work to do. Drastic cuts in aid, coupled with misinformation about the safety of vaccines, threaten to unwind decades of progress. WHO remains committed to working with our partners to support countries to develop local solutions and increase domestic investment to reach all children with the lifesaving power of vaccines.”

    Children often remain un- or under-vaccinated due to a combination of factors, such as limited access to immunization services, disrupted supply, conflict and instability, or misinformation about vaccines.

    Access to vaccines remains deeply unequal

    Data from 195 countries show that 131 countries have consistently reached at least 90% of children with the first dose of DTP vaccine since 2019, but there has been no significant movement in expanding this group. Among the countries that reached less than 90% in 2019, only 17 managed to increase their coverage rates in the past five years. Meanwhile, in 47 countries, progress is stalling or worsening. This includes 22 countries that achieved and surpassed the 90% target in 2019 but have since declined.

    The data shows conflict and humanitarian crises can quickly erode vaccination progress. A quarter of the world’s infants live in just 26 countries affected by fragility, conflict, or humanitarian crises, yet they make up half of all unvaccinated children globally. Concerningly, in half of these countries the number of unvaccinated children has expanded rapidly from 3.6 million in 2019 to 5.4 million in 2024, underscoring the need for humanitarian responses to include immunization.

    Immunization coverage in the 57 low-income countries supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance have improved in the past year, reducing the number of un- and under-vaccinated children by roughly 650 000. At the same time, signs of slippage are emerging in upper-middle- and high-income countries that have previously maintained at least 90% coverage. Even small declines in immunization coverage can dramatically raise the risk of disease outbreaks and place additional strain on already overstretched health systems.

    “The good news is that we have managed to reach more children with life-saving vaccines. But millions of children remain without protection against preventable diseases, and that should worry us all,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “We must act now with determination to overcome barriers like shrinking health budgets, fragile health systems along with misinformation and access constraints because of conflicts. No child should die from a disease we know how to prevent.”

    Broadening protection against vaccine-preventable diseases

    Despite these challenges, countries – especially those supported by Gavi – continue to introduce and scale up vaccines, including against human papillomavirus (HPV), meningitis, pneumococcal disease, polio, and rotavirus.

    For example, large national scale-ups of the HPV vaccine and revitalization efforts in countries that have previously introduced the vaccine, have boosted global coverage by 4% in the past year. In 2024, 31% of eligible adolescent girls globally received at least 1 dose of the HPV vaccine – most doses were administered in countries using a single-dose schedule. While far from the 90% coverage target by 2030, it represents a substantial increase from the 17% coverage in 2019.

    “In 2024, lower-income countries protected more children than ever before, with coverage rates increasing across all Gavi-supported vaccines,” said Dr Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. “Yet population growth, fragility and conflict present major hurdles to achieving equity, leaving the most vulnerable children and communities at risk. Continued commitment from governments and partners will be critical to saving lives and protecting the world from infectious disease threats.”

    Coverage against measles also improved, with 84% of children receiving the first dose and 76% receiving the second dose, which shows slight increase from the previous year. An estimated 2 million more children were reached in 2024, but the overall coverage rate is far below the 95% needed in every community to prevent outbreaks.

    This results in more than 30 million children remaining under-protected against measles, leading to more large or disruptive outbreaks. In 2024, the number of countries experiencing large or disruptive measles outbreaks rose sharply to 60, nearly doubling from 33 in 2022.

    The promise of protecting every child is at risk

    Although the community demand for childhood vaccination remains high and protection against more diseases is expanding, the latest estimates highlight a concerning trajectory. National and global funding shortfalls, growing instability worldwide, and rising vaccine misinformation threaten to further stall or even reverse progress which would risk increases in severe disease and deaths from vaccine-preventable diseases.

    WHO and UNICEF call on governments and relevant partners to:

    • close the funding gap for Gavi’s next strategic cycle (2026–2030) to protect millions of children in lower-income countries and global health security;
    • strengthen immunization in conflict and fragile settings to reach more zero-dose children and prevent deadly disease outbreaks;
    • prioritize local-led strategies and domestic investment, embedding immunization firmly within primary health care systems to close equity gaps;
    • counter misinformation and further increase vaccine uptake through evidence-based approaches; and
    • invest in stronger data and disease surveillance systems to guide high-impact immunization programmes.
       

    Notes to editors 

    WHO and UNICEF are working with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and other partners to deliver the global Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030), a strategy for all countries and relevant global partners to achieve set goals on preventing diseases through immunization and delivering vaccines to everyone, everywhere, at every age.

    About the data 

    Based on country-reported data, the WHO and UNICEF estimates of national immunization coverage (WUENIC) provide the world’s largest and most comprehensive dataset on immunization trends for vaccinations against 14 diseases given through regular health systems – normally at clinics, community centres, outreach services, or health worker visits. For 2024, data were provided from 189 countries. 

    About WHO 

    Dedicated to the health and well-being of all people and guided by science, the World Health Organization leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere, an equal chance at a safe and healthy life. We are the UN agency for health. We connect nations, partners and people on the front lines in 150+ locations – leading the world’s response to health emergencies, preventing disease, addressing the root causes of health issues and expanding access to medicines and health care. Our mission is to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. www.who.int

    About UNICEF

    UNICEF, the United Nations agency for children, works to protect the rights of every child, everywhere, especially the most disadvantaged children and in the toughest places to reach. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive, and fulfil their potential.

    For more information about UNICEF and its work, please visit: www.unicef.org
    Follow UNICEF on X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 15 July 2025 Joint News Release Global childhood vaccination coverage holds steady, yet over 14 million infants remain unvaccinated – WHO, UNICEF

    Source: World Health Organisation

    In 2024, 89% of infants globally – about 115 million – received at least one dose of the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP)-containing vaccine, and 85% – roughly 109 million – completed all three doses, according to new national immunization coverage data released today by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF.

    Compared to 2023, around 171 000 more children received at least one vaccine, and one million more completed the full three-dose DTP series. While the gains are modest, they signal continued progress by countries working to protect children, even amid growing challenges.

    Still, nearly 20 million infants missed at least one dose of DTP-containing vaccine last year, including 14.3 million “zero-dose” children who never received a single dose of any vaccine. That’s 4 million more than the 2024 target needed to stay on track with Immunization Agenda 2030 goals, and 1.4 million more than in 2019, the baseline year for measuring progress.

    “Vaccines save lives, allowing individuals, families, communities, economies and nations to flourish,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “It’s encouraging to see a continued increase in the number of children being vaccinated, although we still have a lot of work to do. Drastic cuts in aid, coupled with misinformation about the safety of vaccines, threaten to unwind decades of progress. WHO remains committed to working with our partners to support countries to develop local solutions and increase domestic investment to reach all children with the lifesaving power of vaccines.”

    Children often remain un- or under-vaccinated due to a combination of factors, such as limited access to immunization services, disrupted supply, conflict and instability, or misinformation about vaccines.

    Access to vaccines remains deeply unequal

    Data from 195 countries show that 131 countries have consistently reached at least 90% of children with the first dose of DTP vaccine since 2019, but there has been no significant movement in expanding this group. Among the countries that reached less than 90% in 2019, only 17 managed to increase their coverage rates in the past five years. Meanwhile, in 47 countries, progress is stalling or worsening. This includes 22 countries that achieved and surpassed the 90% target in 2019 but have since declined.

    The data shows conflict and humanitarian crises can quickly erode vaccination progress. A quarter of the world’s infants live in just 26 countries affected by fragility, conflict, or humanitarian crises, yet they make up half of all unvaccinated children globally. Concerningly, in half of these countries the number of unvaccinated children has expanded rapidly from 3.6 million in 2019 to 5.4 million in 2024, underscoring the need for humanitarian responses to include immunization.

    Immunization coverage in the 57 low-income countries supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance have improved in the past year, reducing the number of un- and under-vaccinated children by roughly 650 000. At the same time, signs of slippage are emerging in upper-middle- and high-income countries that have previously maintained at least 90% coverage. Even small declines in immunization coverage can dramatically raise the risk of disease outbreaks and place additional strain on already overstretched health systems.

    “The good news is that we have managed to reach more children with life-saving vaccines. But millions of children remain without protection against preventable diseases, and that should worry us all,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “We must act now with determination to overcome barriers like shrinking health budgets, fragile health systems along with misinformation and access constraints because of conflicts. No child should die from a disease we know how to prevent.”

    Broadening protection against vaccine-preventable diseases

    Despite these challenges, countries – especially those supported by Gavi – continue to introduce and scale up vaccines, including against human papillomavirus (HPV), meningitis, pneumococcal disease, polio, and rotavirus.

    For example, large national scale-ups of the HPV vaccine and revitalization efforts in countries that have previously introduced the vaccine, have boosted global coverage by 4% in the past year. In 2024, 31% of eligible adolescent girls globally received at least 1 dose of the HPV vaccine – most doses were administered in countries using a single-dose schedule. While far from the 90% coverage target by 2030, it represents a substantial increase from the 17% coverage in 2019.

    “In 2024, lower-income countries protected more children than ever before, with coverage rates increasing across all Gavi-supported vaccines,” said Dr Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. “Yet population growth, fragility and conflict present major hurdles to achieving equity, leaving the most vulnerable children and communities at risk. Continued commitment from governments and partners will be critical to saving lives and protecting the world from infectious disease threats.”

    Coverage against measles also improved, with 84% of children receiving the first dose and 76% receiving the second dose, which shows slight increase from the previous year. An estimated 2 million more children were reached in 2024, but the overall coverage rate is far below the 95% needed in every community to prevent outbreaks.

    This results in more than 30 million children remaining under-protected against measles, leading to more large or disruptive outbreaks. In 2024, the number of countries experiencing large or disruptive measles outbreaks rose sharply to 60, nearly doubling from 33 in 2022.

    The promise of protecting every child is at risk

    Although the community demand for childhood vaccination remains high and protection against more diseases is expanding, the latest estimates highlight a concerning trajectory. National and global funding shortfalls, growing instability worldwide, and rising vaccine misinformation threaten to further stall or even reverse progress which would risk increases in severe disease and deaths from vaccine-preventable diseases.

    WHO and UNICEF call on governments and relevant partners to:

    • close the funding gap for Gavi’s next strategic cycle (2026–2030) to protect millions of children in lower-income countries and global health security;
    • strengthen immunization in conflict and fragile settings to reach more zero-dose children and prevent deadly disease outbreaks;
    • prioritize local-led strategies and domestic investment, embedding immunization firmly within primary health care systems to close equity gaps;
    • counter misinformation and further increase vaccine uptake through evidence-based approaches; and
    • invest in stronger data and disease surveillance systems to guide high-impact immunization programmes.
       

    Notes to editors 

    WHO and UNICEF are working with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and other partners to deliver the global Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030), a strategy for all countries and relevant global partners to achieve set goals on preventing diseases through immunization and delivering vaccines to everyone, everywhere, at every age.

    About the data 

    Based on country-reported data, the WHO and UNICEF estimates of national immunization coverage (WUENIC) provide the world’s largest and most comprehensive dataset on immunization trends for vaccinations against 14 diseases given through regular health systems – normally at clinics, community centres, outreach services, or health worker visits. For 2024, data were provided from 189 countries. 

    About WHO 

    Dedicated to the health and well-being of all people and guided by science, the World Health Organization leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere, an equal chance at a safe and healthy life. We are the UN agency for health. We connect nations, partners and people on the front lines in 150+ locations – leading the world’s response to health emergencies, preventing disease, addressing the root causes of health issues and expanding access to medicines and health care. Our mission is to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. www.who.int

    About UNICEF

    UNICEF, the United Nations agency for children, works to protect the rights of every child, everywhere, especially the most disadvantaged children and in the toughest places to reach. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive, and fulfil their potential.

    For more information about UNICEF and its work, please visit: www.unicef.org
    Follow UNICEF on X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Q&A: ADB’s Commitment to Clean Energy and Green Growth

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Priyantha Wijayatunga, ADB’s Senior Director of the Energy Sector Office, explains the key principles of ADB’s energy agenda, the role and future of its Energy Policy, and provides examples from the field showing real-world progress toward net-zero.

    MIL OSI Economics –