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Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/PHILIPPINES – Online gambling is a “public health crisis that destroys society”: Bishops call for it to be declared illegal

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Freepik

    Manila (Agenzia Fides) – In the gambling addiction treatment centers run by Caritas, Catholic organizations, and communities in the Philippines, the number of cases of online gambling addiction is increasing, a trend fueled by the boom in betting apps on cell phones and mobile devices. The Philippine Church has described this as “a deepening crisis in the country” and is sounding the alarm about a social and cultural scourge that is destroying the lives of young people and entire families.The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor), the public concessionaire that operates gambling in the Philippines, announced that it recorded a net profit of 84.97 billion pesos in 2024. About half of this amount came from the “remarkable performance” of electronic games and electronic bingo.A 2023 Capstone-Intel survey found that online gambling participation in the country is high among both young and middle-aged people. According to the survey, 66 percent of young Filipinos between the ages of 18 and 24 gamble online, and 57 percent of respondents between the ages of 41 and 55 reported regular online gambling, averaging two to three times per week. Seven out of 10 respondents reported spending about 1,000 pesos per week (equivalent to twice a worker’s daily salary) on online betting, while about 20 percent bet up to 3,000 pesos.Meanwhile, in light of “alarming data,” two members of the European Parliament have submitted a motion calling for an investigation into online gambling, particularly with regard to illegal operators. The lawmakers introduced the resolution to Parliament on July 9, calling for an investigation into the social consequences of the phenomenon, ranging from financial losses and mental health problems to contact with criminal networks often run by illegal offshore gambling operators that facilitate crimes such as money laundering.Online gambling is widespread among both wealthy and low-income households, and even among the unemployed. “Low-income groups are particularly hard hit, and there is a risk of entrenching poverty. Meanwhile, online gambling has serious social impacts, including deteriorating mental health, family conflicts, and suicide attempts,” the lawmakers said. “Users often resort to loans and digital wallets to finance gambling, which contributes to the exacerbation of cycles of debt and increasing family conflict,” the resolution states.The bishops of the Philippines also recently addressed this issue in a message at the conclusion of their plenary assembly. They lament the phenomenon and point with concern to “the moral and social crisis caused by online gambling.” They call it “a new plague or virus that destroys individuals, families, and society” and causes an addiction that spreads “silently, like widespread slavery.” “We don’t realize it, but it’s rampant: many, including young people, are becoming addicted to online gambling,” the bishops said in their message.”It is clear,” the bishops continued, “that online gambling is no longer a simple pastime. It is a profound and widespread moral problem hidden under the guise of entertainment and technology.” It “is by no means innocent, but deliberately attractive, especially to young people and ordinary citizens. Online access is easy, winning is quick, and losing is just as quick.” What users don’t know, however, is that “this system was designed to draw people into the web of gambling addiction.”Gambling is nothing new in the Philippines, and there have always been legal and illegal forms of betting. However, thanks to digital technology, the phenomenon has changed its profile: thanks to smartphones, gambling has become accessible to everyone 24/7. One click on any online account or electronic wallet is enough to lose all the money deposited in an instant.”In gambling,” the bishops say, “conscience seems to be gradually being lost. We are conditioned to think that it is just normal entertainment or fun, or that there is nothing wrong with it.” Yet the Catechism of the Catholic Church is clear on this issue: ‘… Gambling becomes morally unacceptable when it deprives someone of what is necessary to provide for his needs and those of others’ (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2413).The bishops also lament the silence of the media, the government, and the business community: “Could it be because many of them profit from it?” they ask. Entrepreneurs in the world of communications have set up online gaming platforms that exceeded 154 billion pesos in revenue in 2024 alone, an increase of almost 165% over the previous year.The Church is concerned about those who have fallen into the gambling net and “live in shame, fear, and despair.” Many turn to church institutions for help, saying: “My salary always runs out…” “I lied to my family again…” “Our family is ruined because of gambling…” “I don’t know how to stop…”The bishops note: “It is no longer a problem for individuals. It is a public health crisis in our society, just like drugs, alcohol, and other types of addiction.” It destroys not only the individual but also their family.”In light of this phenomenon, “we cannot afford to remain silent, because the spread of gambling and addiction among many people is like a deadly plague or pandemic that destroys the lives of individuals, families, and society as a whole.”The bishops ask: “What will the future of the country look like if young people are easily attracted to online gambling because there are virtually no restrictions? What will happen if we say that young people need a good education and that citizens have jobs, but gambling is rampant?”The Church’s position is clear: “Taking advantage of the weakness of others just to make money is a sin. The spread of gambling, especially among young and poor people, is a major scandal. As a society—government, businesses, schools, and churches—we must not be blind, deaf, and mute to the harm it causes.”Therefore, the Bishops’ Conference calls on institutions to “declare any form of online gambling illegal and recognize that gambling addiction is a public health problem that should be addressed with appropriate education, legislation, and treatment.” Alternatively, the government is urged to introduce appropriate controls on online payment systems “so that they do not become easy access to online gambling sites, in order to protect our young people.”Parishes and all Catholic communities are urged “to help individuals and families affected by gambling and not to remain silent or passive.””We invite every conscientious person to consider the good of the nation, society, young people, and their souls. The Church is not against any form of entertainment or leisure activity. But when pleasure becomes slavery and entertainment becomes a cause of the destruction of life, we must cry out and warn,” the bishops said.”We want to remind everyone,” the bishops’ message concludes, “that we can escape slavery through honorable work, by continuing to walk the path of truth, goodness, justice, and, above all, the grace of God. Jesus did not come to judge, but to save.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 12/7/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/CHINA – The Word of God at the center of the formation meetings of 168 lay people from four dioceses

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    sito diocesano di Zhejiang

    Hangzhou (Agenzia Fides) – Reading and deepening one’s understanding of Sacred Scripture “is the source of our faith”: this was the theme of Father Lv Shoude, lecturer at the Sheshan Seminary of the Diocese of Shanghai and at the Sichuan Major Seminary, during the ongoing formation course for 168 dedicated lay people serving in the parishes of the dioceses of Hangzhou, Taizhou, Ningbo, and Wenzhou, in the Chinese province of Zhejiang.During the short course, organized by the Pastoral and Evangelization Group of the Provincial Bishops’ Conference, presentations were given on doctrinal, theological, and moral topics based on readings from the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible), and were intended to provide answers to questions and problems that often need to be addressed in the ordinary pastoral care of parishes (such as the family issues and the protection of vulnerable people and life).In Zhejiang Province, the formation of lay people involved in parish ministry has a long tradition. Each year, individual dioceses organize continuing education courses for their catechists, and programs are implemented that are also inspired by the papal magisterium (such as the Year of St. Paul, the Year of Faith, and the Jubilee of Mercy), so that everything becomes an opportunity to bear witness to the Gospel in daily life and enable others to encounter Jesus and his salvation of eternal life. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides, 12/7/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/NIGERIA – Armed attack on the Seminary in Ivhianokpodi: three young seminarians kidnapped

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Auchi (Agenzia Fides) – An armed attack took place at the “Immaculate Conception” diocesan minor seminary in Ivhianokpodi, Edo State, Nigeria. Three young seminarians were kidnapped by an armed group. A security officer was killed during the assault on the seminary.A statement issued by the Diocese of Auchi stated that the kidnapping took place shortly after 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 10.Bishop Gabriel Dunia, expressing his grief and that of the entire local Church for the death of Nigerian Civil Defense Corps officer Christopher Aweneghieme and the kidnapping of the three young seminarians, requested that the votive Mass of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus be celebrated in all parishes these days to pray for God to enlighten the hearts and minds of the kidnappers.At this time, the Diocese of Auchi stated, no contact has been established with the kidnappers.Police officers investigating the incident described the incident in a statement as a “senseless act of violence against a religious institution and innocent young students,” defining the attack as “not only barbaric, but also a direct attack on public peace and security.”For security reasons, the other seminarians present in the building have been “temporarily transferred to a secure area until security measures around the seminary are strengthened.”The same Seminary was attacked by a group of armed men on October 27, 2024 (see Fides, 29/10/2024). On that occasion, Father Thomas Oyode, Rector of the seminary, was kidnapped and taken into the bush, offering himself as a hostage in place of the two young seminarians whom the bandits were taking. On that occasion, Father Oyode was released after 11 days of captivity. (F.B.) (Agenzia Fides, 12/7/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Update 303 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

    The IAEA team at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) reported hearing hundreds of rounds of small arms fire last night, the latest sign of military activity potentially threatening nuclear safety and security, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said today.

    The large number of shots – repeatedly fired for about an hour from 10pm local time – was unusual, the team members reported.  

    Conducting a site walkdown this morning, they saw numerous small calibre casings lying scattered on the ground near reactor units 5 and 6. There was no sign of broken windows or other physical damage.

    The IAEA team at the ZNPP is seeking further information about the incident.

    “Such military activity at or near a major nuclear power plant is clearly unacceptable,” Director General Grossi said.  

    Saturday evening’s shooting came after a series of purported attacks and other incidents involving drones near the ZNPP and other nuclear facilities in Ukraine in recent months, including a report of a strike a few days ago in the city of Enerhodar, where most ZNPP staff live.  

    Director General Grossi reiterated his deep concern about the apparent increased use of drones near nuclear power plants since early this year, saying such weaponry posed a clear risk to nuclear safety and security.

    Any drone strike on a nuclear facility would violate the Seven Indispensable Pillars for nuclear safety and security during an armed conflict as well as the Five Principles to help ensure nuclear safety and security at the ZNPP, outlined by the Director General in March 2022 and May 2023, respectively.  

    “We are seeing a clear escalation in drone strikes during this war, also affecting Ukraine’s nuclear power plants and potentially putting them in further danger. As I have repeatedly stated, any military attack on a nuclear site – with or without drones – jeopardizes nuclear safety and must stop immediately,” Director General Grossi said.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Update 303 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

    The IAEA team at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) reported hearing hundreds of rounds of small arms fire last night, the latest sign of military activity potentially threatening nuclear safety and security, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said today.

    The large number of shots – repeatedly fired for about an hour from 10pm local time – was unusual, the team members reported.  

    Conducting a site walkdown this morning, they saw numerous small calibre casings lying scattered on the ground near reactor units 5 and 6. There was no sign of broken windows or other physical damage.

    The IAEA team at the ZNPP is seeking further information about the incident.

    “Such military activity at or near a major nuclear power plant is clearly unacceptable,” Director General Grossi said.  

    Saturday evening’s shooting came after a series of purported attacks and other incidents involving drones near the ZNPP and other nuclear facilities in Ukraine in recent months, including a report of a strike a few days ago in the city of Enerhodar, where most ZNPP staff live.  

    Director General Grossi reiterated his deep concern about the apparent increased use of drones near nuclear power plants since early this year, saying such weaponry posed a clear risk to nuclear safety and security.

    Any drone strike on a nuclear facility would violate the Seven Indispensable Pillars for nuclear safety and security during an armed conflict as well as the Five Principles to help ensure nuclear safety and security at the ZNPP, outlined by the Director General in March 2022 and May 2023, respectively.  

    “We are seeing a clear escalation in drone strikes during this war, also affecting Ukraine’s nuclear power plants and potentially putting them in further danger. As I have repeatedly stated, any military attack on a nuclear site – with or without drones – jeopardizes nuclear safety and must stop immediately,” Director General Grossi said.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: **(2ND 7/13 STRIKE)** U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting ISIS-Somalia

    Source: United States AFRICOM

    U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting ISIS-Somalia

    In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike against ISIS-Somalia on July 13, 2025.

    The airstrike occurred southeast of Bossaso, Puntland, in Northeastern Somalia.

    AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade ISIS-Somalia’s ability to plan and conduct attacks that threaten the U.S. homeland, our forces, and our citizens abroad.

    Specific details about units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operations security.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: ACSA, RTMC top officials placed on precautionary suspension

    Source: Government of South Africa

    The Department of Transport has confirmed the precautionary suspension of Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) Chief Executive Officer, Advocate Makhosini Msibi.

    The precautionary suspension came into effect at the beginning of July.

    “The Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa, as the delegated shareholder responsible for the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), has officially been informed of the precautionary suspension of the Chief Executive Officer of the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), Adv Makhosini Msibi, by the Board of Directors of RTMC following the board meeting held on 13 June 2025,” the department said.

    In a short statement, the department noted that the precautionary suspension is valid for 30 days and may be extended to 60 days or “any further period as may be reasonably necessary”.

    “In its letter to the Ministry, the Board indicated that it took this decision following whistleblowing allegations of financial misconduct, irregular expenditure and governance failures at the entity.

    “Based on the seriousness of the allegations, the Board has taken a decision to institute a forensic investigation into these allegations.

    “The Board has also advised the Ministry of the appointment of Ms Refilwe Mongale as an Interim Chief Executive Officer, with effect from the 1st of July 2025 until further notice, to ensure continuity and stability within the RTMC while the forensic investigation is underway,” the department explained.

    Meanwhile, the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has placed its Group Executive for Enterprise Security and Compliance, Lt-General Mzwandile Petros, on precautionary suspension “pending the outcome of an independent investigation into allegations of operational irregularities”.

    “The decision to place…[Petros] on precautionary suspension is a crucial measure to protect the integrity of the investigative process and any current and subsequent processes.

    “The day-to-day functions of ACSA will not be affected by this decision. In the interim, Ms. Mary-Ann Joubert, has been appointed to act as GE:ESC to ensure continuity and maintain operational stability. ACSA will report back once the matter is finalised,” the company said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Gaza: WFP warns of worsening starvation as aid access remains blocked | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (video statements)

    World Food Programme (WFP) deputy chief Carl Skau said, “one in three people in Gaza goes for days without eating.” He once again called for a ceasefire and the access for humanitarian aid, the Programme has “enough food on the borders to be delivered to the entire population for some two months,” he said.

    The Deputy Executive Director briefed reporters today (11 Jul) in New York on his recent visit to Gaza.

    “Starvation is spreading,” Skau said, referring to the recent IPC report a few weeks ago pointing to the entire population being acutely food insecure and 500,000 people in starvation, he added, “it’s much worse now. Malnutrition is surging.”

    The senior WFP official also highlighted the displacement in the Strip. He said, “I’ve met families who have moved maybe two or three times. Now it’s a situation where I meet families who have moved two or three times in the past ten days. They have moved 20 or 30 times, and obviously every time they are able to bring less and the margins to survive become slimmer

    Skau also said that the Programme’s ability to response and assist as humanitarians “have never been more constrained.”

    “The first issue is obviously the amount that we are able to bring in. It’s just a fraction of what’s needed,” he explained, adding that the price of a kilo of wheat flour was over $25 during his visit last week.

    Skau described the operating environment for his team as “impossible.”

    He said, “Some 85 percent now of the territory, there are active military operations. Our teams get stuck in waiting for clearances and at checkpoints, often spending between 15 to 20 hours straight in the armored vehicles trying to escort our convoys.”

    “There’s not enough fuel. There are not enough spare parts to our vehicles. Most of the windows in our armored vehicles have been damaged, and we don’t have basic communication. Radio, antennas from our cars have been ripped off. And so, if you are more than 20 metres away from each other, we don’t have proper communication. And that, it is really an issue when you are in this kind of environment, he added.

    The Deputy Executive Director also informed the reporters that WFP has been “actively engaging with Israeli authorities over the past few weeks.”

    He noted that there were some agreements in terms of improving the conditions, but the implementation of the agreements is not yet enough.

    Skau reiterated that WFP has enough food on the borders to deliver to the entire population for some two months, “but obviously we need that ceasefire and we need conditions within that ceasefire.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFmi37nXRCk

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The Bradbury Group features Palestinian journalist Yousef Aljamal, Middle East report and political panel

    Asia Pacific Report

    In the new weekly political podcast, The Bradbury Group, last night presenter Martyn Bradbury talked with visiting Palestinian journalist Dr Yousef Aljamal.

    They assess the current situation in Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza and what New Zealand should be doing.

    As Bradbury, publisher of The Daily Blog, notes, “Fourth Estate public broadcasting is dying — The Bradbury Group will fight back.”


    Gaza crisis and Iran tensions.     Video: The Bradbury Group/Radio Waatea

    Also in last night’s programme was featured a View From A Far Podcast Special Middle East Report with former intelligence analyst Dr Paul Buchanan and international affairs commentator Selwyn Manning on what will happen next in Iran.

    Martyn Bradbury talks to Dr Paul Buchanan (left) and Selwyn Manning on the Iran crisis and the future. Image: Asia Pacific Report

    Political Panel:
    Māori Party president John Tamihere,
    NZ Herald columnist Simon Wilson
    NZCTU economist Craig Renney

    Topics:
    – The Legacy of Tarsh Kemp
    – New coward punch and first responder assault laws — virtue signalling or meaningful policy?
    – Cost of living crisis and the failing economy

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Cyril Ramaphosa briefs the Nation on National Security Matters

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

    President Ramaphosa briefs the Nation on National Security Matters

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_Ygm6RN5mw

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Working Group on Patriotic Education organises exchange tour to Greater Bay Area (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Working Group on Patriotic Education (WGPE) under the Constitution and Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee organised a two-day exchange tour to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) on July 12 and 13. Led by the Convenor of the WGPE, Dr Starry Lee, together with members of the Media Publicity Sub-group, Mr Lee Luen-fai and Dr James Li; the Director of Information Services, Mrs Apollonia Liu; and 20 representatives from different media organisations, the delegation visited various enterprises and places in Shenzhen and Dongguan to learn more about the latest developments of the GBA in areas such as innovation and technology and industrialisation, as well as culture and history. 

         The delegation visited the headquarters of DeepRoute.ai in Shenzhen yesterday (July 12) to experience the application of autonomous vehicle technologies. After that, it visited the China State Construction Hailong Technology Company Limited Science and Technology Research Institute to learn about the operation of the Modular Integrated Construction manufacturing bases, which has been applied to the Light Public Housing development at Kai Tak, Hong Kong. The delegation later paid a visit to BYD Company Limited’s headquarters in Shenzhen. 

         Today (July 13), the delegation visited Huawei’s research institute in Songshan Lake, Dongguan, followed by a visit to the Dongjiang-Shenzhen Water Supply Project Memorial Park and its exhibition hall to gain insights into the project’s history and its importance for fresh water supply in Hong Kong. In the afternoon, the delegation explored the Nantou Ancient City Museum and was briefed on the important position of Nantou Ancient City in the Lingnan coastal region, reflecting on the close ties and deep friendship between Hong Kong and Shenzhen as well as the same roots they share. The delegation then visited SmartMore Corporation Limited, which was founded by a Hong Kong entrepreneur, and learned about the company’s developments in artificial intelligence.

         Dr Lee said, “Since its establishment, the WGPE has been dedicated to preserving and promoting patriotism on different fronts. The delegation gained significant rewards through the exchange. By visiting different renowned enterprises and sites in Shenzhen and Dongguan, we observed the rapid development of our country in various areas, fostered a strong sense of national pride, and recognised the close ties between the GBA and Hong Kong, enabling the media to continue to deliver in-depth and accurate information to Hong Kong citizens. In the future, I hope that the WGPE and the media will maintain close collaboration to keep abreast of the latest developments of our country and tell good stories of Mainland China and Hong Kong.”

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Author David Robie tells of outrage over sinking of the Rainbow Warrior 40 years ago

    RNZ News Nights

    Tomorrow marks 40 years since the bombing and sinking of the Rainbow Warrior — a moment that changed the course of New Zealand’s history and reshaped how we saw ourselves on the world stage.

    Two French agents planted two explosives on the ship, then just before midnight, explosions ripped through the hull killing photographer, Fernando Pereira and sinking the 47m ex-fishing trawler.

    The attack sparked outrage across the country and the world, straining diplomatic ties between New Zealand and France and cementing the country’s anti-nuclear stance.

    Few people are more closely linked to the ship than author and journalist Dr David Robie, who spent eleven weeks on board during its final voyage through the Pacific, and wrote the book, Eyes of Fire: The Last Voyage and Legacy of the Rainbow Warrior, which is being published tomorrow. He joins Emile Donovan.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Author David Robie tells of outrage over sinking of the Rainbow Warrior 40 years ago

    RNZ News Nights

    Tomorrow marks 40 years since the bombing and sinking of the Rainbow Warrior — a moment that changed the course of New Zealand’s history and reshaped how we saw ourselves on the world stage.

    Two French agents planted two explosives on the ship, then just before midnight, explosions ripped through the hull killing photographer, Fernando Pereira and sinking the 47m ex-fishing trawler.

    The attack sparked outrage across the country and the world, straining diplomatic ties between New Zealand and France and cementing the country’s anti-nuclear stance.

    Few people are more closely linked to the ship than author and journalist Dr David Robie, who spent eleven weeks on board during its final voyage through the Pacific, and wrote the book, Eyes of Fire: The Last Voyage and Legacy of the Rainbow Warrior, which is being published tomorrow. He joins Emile Donovan.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: President El-Sisi Meets Angolan President in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Angolan President João Lourenço on the sidelines of the President’s participation in the seventh session of the African Union Mid-Year Coordination Summit, held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

    The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said President El-Sisi lauded the current Angolan presidency of the African Union and Angola’s commitment to strengthening joint African action across various sectors.

    The Angolan president confirmed his appreciation for the President and Egypt’s central and historic role in the African continent and in working within the framework of the African Union.

    The meeting addressed the situation of peace and security in Africa, as well as ways to consolidate the foundations of stability across the continent. The meeting covered the issues of the Horn of Africa, Sudan, the Sahel, and the Nile Basin.

    The meeting also addressed ways to strengthen bilateral relations and explore broader prospects for cooperation in various fields, building on the momentum relations between the two countries have gained, in addition to keenness to achieve the aspirations of the two peoples for prosperity and development.

    – on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Railway Fixed Asset Investment Exceeds 350 Billion Yuan in H1 2025

    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 13 (Xinhua) — Fixed asset investment in China’s railway sector totaled 355.9 billion yuan (about 49.65 billion U.S. dollars) in the first half of this year, data from China Railway Corp. showed Sunday.

    According to KZhD, this figure has grown by 5.5 percent year-on-year. In addition, the length of railways commissioned this year across the country amounted to 301 km.

    During the reporting period, according to the aforementioned department, a number of major projects were implemented, including the commissioning of the Chongqing-Changsha section of the Chongqing-Xiamen high-speed railway and the commissioning of the Chongqing East Railway Station. -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: North Korea and Russia pledge to strengthen ties

    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

    PYONGYANG, July 13 (Xinhua) — The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and Russia on Saturday reaffirmed their willingness to develop bilateral ties and pledged to provide firm support to each other.

    North Korean Foreign Minister Choi Son Hui and her Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov made the commitment during the second round of strategic dialogue in the eastern coastal city of Wonsan, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Sunday, citing a press statement released a day earlier.

    During the strategic dialogue, the foreign ministers of the two countries “held an in-depth discussion on pressing practical issues arising in accelerating the dynamic development of relations between the DPRK and Russia,” the statement said.

    During the dialogue, the parties confirmed their firm determination to conscientiously implement the spirit and general articles of the treaty on a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, the document notes.

    The parties reiterated their intention to deepen strategic communication and cooperation to protect state sovereignty, territorial integrity and international justice, and to increase interaction in the international arena.

    “The Russian side…expressed firm support for the DPRK in its just efforts to protect national security and sovereign rights,” KCNA quotes the text of the statement.

    The DPRK expressed full understanding and support for all measures taken by the Russian government to eliminate the root causes of the Ukrainian conflict, as well as to protect state sovereignty, security interests and territorial integrity, the statement said.

    Choi Son Hee and S. Lavrov confirmed that their views on the “complex international situation” completely coincide, and agreed to “coordinate positions and increase vigilance against aggressive steps by hostile forces, which are becoming increasingly overt throughout the world, and also to intensify strategic communication.”

    According to KCNA, on Saturday, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) and Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK Kim Jong-un met with Russian Foreign Minister S. Lavrov, who arrived in the DPRK on a visit. –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 China: Scenery of Hongshankou Great Wall in China’s Hebei

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

    Scenery of Hongshankou Great Wall in China’s Hebei

    Updated: July 13, 2025 20:27 Xinhua
    An aerial drone photo taken on early July 13, 2025 shows a view of the Hongshankou Great Wall in Zunhua City, north China’s Hebei Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on early July 13, 2025 shows a view of the Hongshankou Great Wall in Zunhua City, north China’s Hebei Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on early July 13, 2025 shows a view of the Hongshankou Great Wall in Zunhua City, north China’s Hebei Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on early July 13, 2025 shows a view of the Hongshankou Great Wall in Zunhua City, north China’s Hebei Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SASSA to outline social grants review process

    Source: Government of South Africa

    SASSA to outline social grants review process

    South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Themba Matlou, is on Monday expected to brief the media on the social grants review process currently being undertaken by the agency.

    According to SASSA, the review is focussed on targeted beneficiaries suspected of having “additional sources of income that was not disclosed to the Agency”.

    “In April 2025, SASSA announced an ongoing scheduled payment delays to targeted social grants beneficiaries who need to visit local offices to confirm changes in their financial circumstances and update their personal details to address potential inclusion errors in the current social security system. 

    “This was done after the Agency had collaborated with registered Credit Bureaus and approximately 210 000 social grant beneficiaries were flagged to be receiving income that was not truthfully disclosed,” the agency said in a statement.

    SASSA bemoaned the “public commentary and misrepresentation from various interest groups and the public at large, casting aspersions on SASSA’s efforts to ascertain eligibility” of some beneficiaries and initiatives to “curb fraud in the grants system”.

    “In accordance with the Social Assistance legislative framework, beneficiaries are legally required to fully disclose all sources of income during their initial application. They are also obliged to inform SASSA of any changes to their financial circumstances after their application has been approved.

    “SASSA has undertaken a review of its database and grant administration processes to root out fraud and ensure that assistance reaches those who are eligible. 

    “These reviews are specifically focused on individuals who appear to be active in the labour market and whose incomes are close to or exceed the means test threshold; particularly where such income was not disclosed at the time of application or where changes in circumstances were not reported thereafter,” SASSA said.

    The media briefing is expected to begin at 10am on Monday and will be streamed live on the Government ZA social media pages. – SAnews.gov.za

    NeoB

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Deputy President undertakes strategic working visit to China

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Deputy President undertakes strategic working visit to China

    Deputy President Paul Mashatile is expected to embark on a Working Visit to the People’s Republic of China from tomorrow (Monday).

    He will be accompanied by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Thandi Moraka; Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams; Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau; Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina and Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen.

    While there, the Deputy President will participate in the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE).

    “In its third year, CISCE is the world’s first national-level expo dedicated to global supply chains. It is hosted under the auspices of the Chinese Central Government and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade [CCPIT].

    “This high-level participation by the Deputy President and the South African Delegation is a pivotal opportunity to advance the South Africa–China All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era. It also reinforces South Africa’s position as a gateway to Sub-Saharan Africa for trade, investment, and industrial cooperation,” the Presidency said in a statement.

    South Africa has been accorded Guest Country status for the expo under the theme “South Africa: Your Pathway to Supply Chain Resilience”.

    The visit will focus on:

    • Promoting strategic sectors such as renewable energy, logistics, pharmaceuticals, mineral beneficiation, and the digital economy;
    • Showcasing a robust pipeline of investable projects to attract targeted Chinese investment, particularly into Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and critical infrastructure;
    • Enhancing bilateral collaboration on clean technologies, digital skills development, and industrial standards; and
    • Advancing South Africa’s objectives for supply chain resilience, accelerated industrialisation, and deeper integration within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.

    “In addition, the visit will include a dedicated bilateral programme aligned with the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) and the Ten-Year Strategic Programme of Cooperation (2020–2029) between South Africa and China, with a particular emphasis on Chapter Two on Mutual Beneficial Economic Cooperation and Trade.

    “The visit is also part of the evolving strategic trajectory of the South Africa-China relationship and reaffirms both countries’ commitment to deepening mutual cooperation in support of inclusive economic growth and sustainable development,” the Presidency’s statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

    NeoB

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Afghanistan: UN warns of mass refugee returns amid crisis and rights concerns | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (video statements)

    “Since the spring of this year, first Pakistan, then Iran and now possibly others, such as Tajikistan, are fomenting the mass return of Afghan refugees,” a UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said.

    Arafat Jamal, UNHCR Representative in Afghanistan, addressed the press virtually from Kabul today (11 Jul), in New York on the country’s humanitarian situation, notably on the increase of Afghan returns in adverse circumstances

    He reported, “Since the spring of this year, first Pakistan, then Iran and now possibly others, such as Tajikistan, are fomenting the mass return of Afghan refugees. Some people are moving in a voluntary fashion, but others are not.”

    He said, “Of concern to us is the scale, the intensity and the manner in which returns are occurring. In terms of the scale, over 1.6 million Afghans have returned from both Pakistan and Iran this year alone, including 1.3 million from Iran.”

    He also said, “At the Iran Afghanistan border, where I just was a few days ago, and to which I’m heading again tomorrow, we are seeing peaks of over 40,000 people a day. And on the fourth of July, we actually saw 50,000 people coming across that border. Many of these returnees are arriving having been abruptly uprooted and having undergone arduous, exhausting and degrading journeys.”

    He highlighted, “And while they are from Afghanistan, they often appear to be not of Afghanistan. Often born abroad, with better education and different cultural norms. Their outlook is different from and often at all with present day in Afghanistan. We are particularly concerned about the fate of women and girls in a country in which their most basic human rights are at risk and not respected.”

    He continued, “What we are seeing with these returns is precarity layered upon poverty, on drought, human rights abuses and an instable region. In other words, we are having a deeply impoverished people coming to a country that is itself, while welcoming wholly unprepared to receive them.”

    He stressed, “Many will be left with a desperate choice: Do they flee, or do they fight? Do they do they come home find nothing to do and simply bounce back to Iran, to Turkey and on to Europe? Or if they are, particularly if they are working age men, are they going to be victims of those groups that are prowling the countryside looking for recruits for their various causes.”

    He concluded, “We are calling for restraint, for resources, for dialog and for international cooperation to stem an evolving chaotic situation and to foster a more stable outcome for all of us.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-mb6ZnlqMU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 12 cooperation projects in the field of digital economy were signed at the SCO Digital Economic Forum

    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 13 (Xinhua) — China, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Egypt and other countries signed a total of 12 cooperation projects in the field of digital economy at the Digital Economic Forum of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), according to the official website of the Central People’s Government of the People’s Republic of China.

    These projects reportedly cover areas such as cross-border e-commerce, smart cities, etc.

    Let us recall that the SCO Digital Economic Forum was held in Tianjin from July 10 to 11. The event, entitled “New Links of the Digital Economy, Jointly Expanding New Horizons of Cooperation,” consisted of an opening ceremony, a main forum, four thematic sub-forums, and other specialized events.

    The forum, jointly organized by the State Data Administration and the Tianjin People’s Government, was attended by more than 1,500 guests representing governments, enterprises, universities and think tanks of SCO member states.

    In recent years, the SCO countries have made significant progress in developing the digital economy. According to statistics, the online retail market of the SCO member states exceeded USD 3.2 trillion in 2024. -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: Chinese President Xi Jinping Congratulates J. Simons on Her Election as President of Suriname

    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 13 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday congratulated Jennifer Simons on her election as president of the Republic of Suriname.

    In his congratulatory message, Xi Jinping called Suriname a strategic partner of China in the Caribbean region.

    Thanks to the joint efforts of both sides, China-Suriname relations have enjoyed healthy and steady growth, fruitful practical cooperation in various fields and close coordination on multilateral affairs over the 49 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the message said.

    Xi Jinping noted that he attaches great importance to the development of relations between China and Suriname and is willing to work with President-elect J. Simons to deepen mutually beneficial and friendly cooperation and further develop the bilateral strategic partnership for the benefit of the peoples of 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 Analysis: Not just a few bad apples: The Canadian Armed Forces has a nagging far-right problem

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Stéphane Leman-Langlois, Professor, School of Social Work and Criminology, Université Laval

    The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is making headlines. But not, as they probably hoped, for the renewed recruiting efforts they’re about to launch. Instead, they are once again confounded by a far-right scandal.

    The latest episode is the arrest of four CAF members and ex-members. Three of them have been charged with taking concrete steps to facilitate terrorist activity and possessing prohibited firearms. A fourth man was charged with possession and storage of prohibited firearms and devices.

    The crew had allegedly been under surveillance by the federal government’s Integrated National Security Enforcement Team since 2021, most likely when equipment, weapons and ammunition began to go missing from military installations. The weapons were finally seized in January 2024, some in the personal vehicle of one of the suspects, but the group remained free for another 18 months.



    Read more:
    Charges against Canadian Army members in anti-government terror plot raise alarms about right-wing extremism

    As is usual with these types of efforts, a certain degree of amateurism was present at multiple stages of the alleged scheme, which may have developed on the fly. The idea that a micro-militia might successfully seize and hold territory in Canada is far-fetched at best.

    Recruitment efforts for the suspected mission, complete with propaganda and self-aggrandizing pictures of military training, took place on, you guessed it: Instagram. (We won’t publish the name of the account.)

    It might be pointed out that any large organization like the CAF inevitably represents a microcosm of society, meaning that it can’t be expected to be free of various forms of undesirable behaviour, including political extremism. But this “rotten apple” theory of far-right extremism in the CAF falls somewhat short of explaining the situation.

    Not just a ‘few rotten apples’

    First, the rotten apples seem too numerous. Just days before the recent arrests, the CAF announced on July 3 it was investigating the participation of other soldiers in a private Facebook page named the “Blue Hackle Mafia.” The page disseminated openly racist, homophobic, misogynist and antisemitic content.

    These events point to a phenomenon difficult to measure within western countries, even though it’s very real. The penetration of ideas associated with the far right within the military and law enforcement agencies is currently happening. Whether more or less structured, the emergence of underground small groups are more or less ready to “take action.”

    Second, previous reports have identified a general laissez-faire approach within the CAF regarding far-right activities. In a 2022 independent report commissioned by the CAF, the presence of white supremacist and other far-right ideologies was identified not only as a growing problem for the Army, but also one that was not being addressed.

    Similar conclusions were reached in the 1997 report on the behaviour of Canadian soldiers in Somalia, which had explicitly recommended that “the Canadian Forces establish regular liaison with anti-racist groups to obtain assistance in the conduct of appropriate cultural sensitivity training and to assist supervisors and commanders in identifying signs of racism and involvement with hate groups.” In other words, neither the concern nor the awareness is news.

    Affinity between far right and military

    At the root of the problem is a peculiar affinity between most forms of far-right ideologies and military or paramilitary/policing organizations.

    It’s absurd to simply paint such organizations as inherently far right in their nature, of course. But strict authority structures and notions of defence, fellowship, honour — as well as the projection of power through physical strength and training and the accompanying symbolism of weapons, fatigues, uniforms and campaign-like deployments — are all very appealing to far-right extremists.

    This nexus has been amply documented and leads to multiple practical implications: extremist groups trying to recruit active or retired soldiers; soldiers joining existing groups or setting up their own; veterans joining existing groups or creating their own, like the founders of Québec’s La Meute; professionally trained lone wolves, like Correy Hurren, who attempted to “arrest” Prime minister Justin Trudeau at Rideau Hall in 2020)

    Members of extremist groups also routinely try to join the military to benefit from training, which elevates their standing within the group.

    Military, former and active, and law enforcement members are to be found in multiple “militia” groups like the Three Percenters, the Proud Boys, the Oath Keepers, Diagolon and the Boogaloo movement, for instance. Some are overtly anti-government and/or anti-system, like the Veterans 4 Freedom or The Base.

    Far-right demons

    It may sound strange to think of military personnel or veterans getting involved or creating an anti-government movement when they’ve served under the flag sometimes for decades. The apparent paradox quickly disappears once we understand the manifold individual motivations that underpin their actions.

    They range from the feeling of having served a timourous government that failed to make proper use of the Armed Forces at its disposal. The absence of deployments to theatres of conflict also generates frustration among some in search of military adventure.

    A lot of young men are quickly bored with exercises that never satisfy their expeditionary spirit. The role of camaraderie, of group dynamics based on mutual aid, honour and the presence of danger, as well as mental health issues, must not be overlooked. Not to mention the idea, strong in some units, of defending a singular idea of a “fatherland” endangered by government contempt and inaction.

    What is striking in the light of the recent charges in Québec is not so much the racist and anti-semitic ideological ideas allegedly held by the accused group members. It’s the primacy given to a patriarchal ideology that explicitly targets women and gender. Fascination with Russia and the war in Ukraine waged by Vladimir Putin is also palpable.

    In short, the CAF is still wrestling with far-right demons, though in a new context of social media acceleration and global loss of confidence in democratic institutions. The situation has a high potential to undermine confidence in Canada’s Armed Forces at a time when geopolitical tensions are calling for a strengthening of its military arsenal, and first and foremost, our military human capital.

    Stéphane Leman-Langlois receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    Samuel Tanner receives funding from Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

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

    – ref. Not just a few bad apples: The Canadian Armed Forces has a nagging far-right problem – https://theconversation.com/not-just-a-few-bad-apples-the-canadian-armed-forces-has-a-nagging-far-right-problem-260896

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Want more orgasms? Choose a woman partner

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Caroline Pukall, Professor, Department of Psychology, Queen’s University, Ontario

    Being partnered with a woman is associated with an orgasm advantage. (Pexels/Cottonbro)

    The orgasm gap — the consistent finding that men who have sex with women have more frequent orgasms than women who have sex with men — has been shown in study after study of cisgender, heterosexual participants.

    The gap is a big one: Based on a recent Canadian study, approximately 60 per cent of women and 90 per cent of men reported reaching orgasm in their most recent sexual encounter.

    In sexually diverse samples (samples that also include women who have sex with women and men who have sex with men), the pattern becomes more nuanced but still supports a gendered orgasm gap.

    Research has shown that women who have sex with women have a more equal frequency of orgasms within their partnership.
    (Pexels/Ketut Subiyanto)

    Research has shown that the gap in orgasm frequency is reduced (in other words, there is more equal orgasm frequency) in women who have sex with women (about 75 per cent), and this rate is significantly higher than in women who have sex with men (about 62 per cent). However, men as a group — regardless of who they were having sex with — still had significantly higher orgasm frequency (85 per cent) than women overall (63 per cent). Women are orgasm-disadvantaged overall and especially when they have sex with men.

    Mind the gap

    How far-reaching is the orgasm gap and what factors might be standing in the way of orgasms for all? We — a team of researchers and science journalists from the podcast Science Vs — examined orgasm frequency in a large diverse sample that included sexual (such as lesbian) and gender (such as trans) minorities and majorities, as well as racialized participants (there were no significant results with analyses focused on sexual orientation or race).

    The good news? We found that many people overall were having lots of orgasms — about two-thirds reported having orgasms almost or every time they engaged sexually.

    The not-so-great news? The orgasm gap persisted: cis men overall reported the highest orgasm frequency compared to women and gender minorities (who did not differ significantly from each other). In addition, we found that participants of all genders who engaged sexually with women reported significantly more frequent orgasms than those who engaged sexually with men. So being partnered with a woman is associated with an orgasm advantage.

    More not-so-great news was that about 17 per cent of participants reported almost never or never having orgasms during sex and that there were many factors preventing orgasms in participants. For cis women, psychological barriers — such as insecurities, mental health struggles and distractions — were prominent, as were sexual obstacles (like not receiving adequate stimulation), difficulties inherent in having orgasms (for example, they take too long and require too much effort) and not knowing why orgasms are difficult for them to have.

    Closing the gap

    So why does the orgasm gap exist and persist? One main reason is that broad sociocultural norms prioritize men’s sexual pleasure over women’s. Indeed, these norms develop from the traditional (heterosexual, western) sexual script that defines the end of sexual activity as male orgasm; importantly, women’s adherence to this script has been associated with lower sexual satisfaction.

    Women’s own degree of familiarity with their partner has also been shown to be critical in narrowing the gap.
    (Unsplash/Jonathan Borba)

    Another is that mainstream media feeds into narratives of sexual expectations based on gender, such that portrayals of women who do not have orgasms are much more — even readily — acceptable than portrayals of orgasmless men. This inequality is played out in sexual encounters, perpetuating the gap and contributing to complacency in addressing it.

    But there is hope: Heterosexual men’s motivation to bring their partner to orgasm and their intentional incorporation of sexual activities that increase the chance of orgasm for their partner — such as clitoral stimulation and oral sex — can help narrow (and even eradicate!) the gap. Women’s own degree of familiarity with their partner has also been shown to be help narrow the gap. Higher familiarity (think of a long-term situationship as opposed to a casual hookup) was associated with higher orgasm frequency.

    The simple act of prioritizing women’s orgasm — captured with an easy-to-remember phrase of “she comes first” — may be all that is needed to substantially narrow the orgasm gap.

    Caroline Pukall receives funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health, and Queen’s University.

    – ref. Want more orgasms? Choose a woman partner – https://theconversation.com/want-more-orgasms-choose-a-woman-partner-259655

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Canada’s proposed east-west energy corridors should prioritize clean energy

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Andy Hira, Professor of Political Science, Simon Fraser University

    Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has made establishing east-west energy corridors a priority for Canada. He suggested that such corridors would include new oil and natural gas pipelines, designed to reduce dependence on the United States.

    Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson has gone even further in pushing for subsidization of carbon capture and storage projects that would effectively underwrite the long-term continuation of the fossil fuel industry at taxpayer expense.

    While there might be short-term political reasons for backing fossil fuels, such an approach goes against Canada’s long-term interests. Prioritizing fossil fuels undermines the country’s commitments to reduce emissions and takes away the investment needed for it to realize its potential to become a green energy superpower.

    Creating energy corridors is in the national interest, and would allow Canada to take full advantage of its abundant and diverse energy and mineral resources. The government also needs to be involved, as the corridors are interprovincial and will require substantial investment. However, the government has limited resources and so Canada must think strategically about its priorities for such corridors.

    Canadian taxpayers should not be subsidizing an already lucrative oil and gas industry. Instead, the federal government should prioritize funding clean energy supply solutions.

    Oil and gas subsidies

    Canadian governments have long faced opposition to building new pipelines. The provinces of Québec and British Columbia and many First Nations have strongly opposed new pipeline proposals. More recently, there is some signs of softening under the duress of U.S. tariffs.

    Even if such shifts are lasting, it’s for the private sector to step up and invest into these projects. Previous federal investments, such as the Trans Mountain pipeline (TMX), were reflections of the private market’s unwillingness to invest in pipelines because they are bad investments. The 2024 Parliamentary Budget Office report estimated that selling the TMX would result in a loss.

    There are reasons to question the soundness of fossil fuels on a purely financial basis. A 2022 Parliamentary budget office report found that climate change reduced GDP by 0.8 per cent in 2021, or around $20 billion. This number is expected to rise to 5.8 per cent per year by 2100 (or $145 billion in 2021 dollars).

    By contrast, from 2017 to 2021, federal, provincial and territorial governments received an average of $12 billion annually in revenues from the the oil and gas industry.

    The gap between the costs and benefits is only going to increase over time. The costs cut across all aspects of life, including food security, health care, global instability and threats to coastal cities due to sea level rise.

    On the other hand, every dollar invested in adaptation today has an estimated return of $13-$15.

    Furthermore, a recent study indicates a likely glut in global natural gas markets, and the future prospects for oil are equally questionable. For example, one of Canada’s target markets, Japan, has been reselling its liquefied natural gas imports to other countries, suggesting the glut of oil and gas is likely to continue as cheaper producers, including those in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, who are cheaper and closer to consumers, flood the market.

    Cheaper and closer oil producers are also flooding markets in anticipation of declining prices.

    There are important opportunity costs of investing money in fossil fuels that could otherwise be invested in the clean energy economy. When new technologies arise, there is a limited window of opportunity for global competitors to enter into an emerging industry.

    In light of the shift to electric vehicles, heat pumps and artificial intelligence, it’s clear that energy demand is bound to increase significantly in Canada in the coming years. Canada can become a global competitor, but only if it enters the race now, while the window is open.

    An East-West clean energy system

    Solar and wind prices have declined by 83 per cent and 65 per cent respectively since 2009. However, they suffer from the fundamental issue of intermittency; the sun is not always shining and the wind isn’t always blowing.

    While battery prices are declining, they remain an expensive solution. An easier solution is at hand: Canada’s hydroelectric resources. Québec, B.C. and Manitoba have abundant hydro resources that can reduce energy costs throughout the rest of the country.

    Alberta and Saskatchewan have potential for significant geothermal power generation. Ontario and the Atlantic provinces could contribute wind and solar. Trading electricity through an integrated national grid increases the investment capital and reduces the need for batteries while diversifying the energy mix.

    But we need an east-west electricity market to make this happen.

    An east-west grid would reduce the need for every province to run its own power generation system. Creating a pooled market would allow provinces to trade electricity, giving consumers more choice and investors a larger market and potential return on their investment.

    More valuable still is the fact that electricity capacity has to be built for the few peak hours and seasons. But most of the time demand is well below full capacity, such as the middle of the night or early summer, when neither heat nor air conditioning is needed in many areas. As peak times and seasons vary across the country, Canada can reduce overall costs by trading the electricity in the lowest cost producing province at a given time to where it’s needed in the other.

    By locating some of the new clean energy in First Nations, Canada can also move reconciliation forward. There is potential for a win-win situation whereby Canada increases renewable energy generation while creating new jobs and income for First Nations wherever feasible.

    The first step is for regulatory reform across the provinces to support a Canada-wide electricity market, and to provide the funding for the massive infrastructure investment required to connect provincial grids. This would be a federal investment with incredible long-term payoffs for employment, taxpayers and future generations.

    Following this plan could truly make Canada an energy superpower on the right side of the energy transition, create thousands of jobs and give the country a global competitive edge — all while helping to save the planet in the process.

    This article was co-authored by energy consultant Sheldon Fernandes.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Canada’s proposed east-west energy corridors should prioritize clean energy – https://theconversation.com/canadas-proposed-east-west-energy-corridors-should-prioritize-clean-energy-259530

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Lemurs can help save Madagascan forests, but first we need to protect them

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Colombe Nirina Sehenomalala, PhD candidate, Anthropology, Université de Montréal

    Most people’s encounters with lemurs have occurred through their representations in popular children’s media, like Zoboomafoo or Madagascar. However, most people don’t know that lemurs play an important role in forest renewal and that they’re currently in grave danger from climate change.

    In my home country of Madagascar, there is an amazing array of creatures that are not found anywhere else in the world. Madagascar is a biodiversity hotspot, and approximately 90 per cent of plant and animal species on this island are endemic.

    Among them are lemurs, a group of primates that are not only the flagship symbols of the island’s fauna, but also one of the key players in the health and stability of Madagascar’s ecosystems because they do the very important work of dispersing seeds.

    I am a primatologist who researches the interactions between infant-and-mother lemur dyads in wild. Their bond is a reminder of what we stand to lose, as it shows care, learning and viability. When forests disappear, so does this fragile bond, and a whole way of life we can never replace.

    Lemurs’ habitats and survival are increasingly being threatened by human activities such as deforestation, forest resource exploitation and hunting. There is an urgent need for conservation projects that involve local communities in preserving Madagascar’s unique biodiversity.

    A lemur trap encountered in the field during our research.
    (C.N. Sehenomalala), CC BY

    Charismatic animals

    Due to their charisma, media attention and their biological significance, lemurs attract tourists and researchers to Madagascar. The viability of lemurs is essential to the island’s future, both economically but especially in terms of protecting biodiversity. As they eat fruits from trees like ebony, mammea and wild coffee and then scatter seeds through their droppings, they help new plants grow.

    Among the 105 lemur species of Madagascar, Propithecus candidus, commonly known as the silky sifaka, is one of the most endangered species. Only around 250 of them are currently living in the wild.

    As their name implies, silky sifakas have visually striking long white hair, and they can only be found in the misty, mountainous rainforests of northeastern Madagascar.

    Silky sifakas are primarily active during the daytime, and can travel very quickly through the trees by vertically clinging to them and leaping from tree to tree using their powerful legs. They have highly specialized diets consisting of leaves, flowers and fruits like Diospyros pervilleana, a native ebony species from Madagascar.

    A BBC Nature documentary clip on silky sifakas.

    Observing mothers and infants

    I have spent 10 years studying and following lemurs daily. During my fieldwork in northeastern Madagascar, I closely observed how deforestation and habitat fragmentation affect silky sifaka females and their young.

    I studied these females during their lactation season in three different forest contexts: Marojejy National Park (a mostly untouched primary rainforest), Makira Natural Park (a mix of old-growth and re-generating forest) and Anjanaharibe-Sud Special Reserve (known as COMATSA-Sud, a primary forest with heavily degraded areas).

    At each forest, the forest canopy, which provides both shelter and food for the lemurs, measured above 10 metres at all sites, but was semi-open, which is a sign of habitat degradation. A semi-open canopy allows more light to permeate the forest canopy, but it also exposes animals to predators and decreases the quantity of high-quality food.

    Mothers’ movements and behaviours

    One clear difference between the three sites is how mother–infant pairs move and use space. In Marojejy, where the forest is more continuous even if the canopy is partly open, mothers and babies stay within fairly fixed areas, following the same paths and resting spots.

    But in places like Makira and COMATSA-Sud, where the forest is broken up into separate patches, mothers have to travel farther and more unpredictably, moving between these isolated patches. This extra travelling causes them to burn more energy and face higher risks from predators and hunters.

    These differences show that fragmentation doesn’t just affect food availability, but also changes how these lemurs move and survive.

    Forest fragmentation affects lemurs’ social behaviour and grouping patterns to deal with low food availability. It also impacts their health and development; a poor diet causes malnourishment in the lemurs.

    Lemurs are social animals, but scarce resources can cause competitive behaviours to emerge.
    (Simponafotsy/Wikimedia Commons), CC BY

    Poor nutritional quality

    While the food availability for silky sifakas in northeastern Madagascar during the lactation season is relatively abundant, it is of low nutritional quality.

    This leads to increased stress and competition as dominant lactating females, desperate to feed their infants, attack subordinates to accumulate more nutrients to produce higher quality milk.

    As offspring start to feed on non-milk foods, the poor nutritional quality of available plants after weaning can lead to poor health and stunted growth.

    Engaging the community

    The decline of lemur populations, particularly silky sifakas, shows the need for urgent conservation action. Continued monitoring — as well as sustained support and funding for Malagasy scientists — is crucial for long-term lemur and biodiversity conservation.

    When it comes to the effects of human activity, this decline — habitat fragmentation, global climate change and deforestation — is the result of large-scale activites such as extraction, tourism and state infrastructural development.

    Education and awareness campaigns are crucial, both in Madagascar and internationally, to inform people about lemurs’ habitat needs and what can be done to prevent their extinction.

    Conservation will never be successful without building an appreciation of the environmental, cultural and economic value of lemurs and the forests they inhabit.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Lemurs can help save Madagascan forests, but first we need to protect them – https://theconversation.com/lemurs-can-help-save-madagascan-forests-but-first-we-need-to-protect-them-256300

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • PM Modi condoles demise of veteran actor Kota Srinivasa Rao

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed grief over the demise of veteran actor and former BJP MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao, who passed away at the age of 83 after a prolonged illness.

    In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Anguished by the passing of Shri Kota Srinivas Rao Garu. He will be remembered for his cinematic brilliance and versatility… He was also at the forefront of social service and worked towards empowering the poor and downtrodden. Condolences to his family and countless admirers. Om Shanti.”

    Rao breathed his last at his residence in Filmnagar, Hyderabad. He is survived by his wife and two daughters. Known for his iconic performances across Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada films, Rao’s career spanned over four decades, with appearances in more than 750 films.

    Born on July 10, 1942, in Kanakipadu, Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, he began his journey as a stage artist and made his screen debut in 1978 with the film ‘Pranam Khareedu’, starring Chiranjeevi.

    A recipient of multiple accolades including the Padma Shri (2015) and several Nandi Awards, Kota also served as a BJP MLA from Vijayawada East (1999–2004).

    The actor had been battling age-related health issues in recent days. His declining health had sparked concern among fans after a recent photo went viral on social media. He had also suffered a personal tragedy in 2010, when his only son, Kota Venkata Anjaneya Prasad, died in a road accident.

    Tributes poured in from across the film and political fraternity in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, remembering Rao’s contributions to Indian cinema and public life.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Agriculture lifts Brazilian live poultry and poultry products restrictions

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Import restrictions on live poultry and poultry products from Brazil have been lifted.

    This after what the Department of Agriculture describes as “extensive engagements” between South African and Brazilian veterinary authorities.

    “This follows the confirmation that the outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza [HPAI], first detected on 15 May 2025 in a breeder establishment located in the municipality of Montenegro, a state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, has been contained and eradicated. 

    “The stamping out measures were applied in accordance with the relevant standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health [WOAH], and the affected premises were depopulated and disinfected. The 28-day waiting period after stamping out was observed, with the self-declaration of freedom effective from 18 June 2025,” the department said in a statement.

    The department revealed that a bilateral technical meeting was held with the South American nation’s veterinary authority, during which an agreement was reached on the “revised Veterinary Health Certificate (VHC), confirming that Brazil is free of HPAI”.

    “The positive outcome is a direct result of the dedicated efforts of our officials. With this resolution, imports can resume, which will significantly contribute to enhancing food security for all citizens,” Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen said. 

    The department warned, however, that as a precautionary measure, “products packed in their final packaging between 1 May and 18 June 2025 temporarily remain restricted”.

    “This is in line with risk mitigation standards to ensure the continued safety of our animal health status and trade partners.

    “The Department of Agriculture remains vigilant and will continue to monitor the situation. The lifting of the suspension may be reviewed should new information emerge indicating the outbreak spreading to other areas within Brazil.

    “Minister Steenhuisen emphasised that this development underlines the department’s commitment to science-based decision making and the importance of maintaining open, transparent and technically sound channels of communication between trading partners,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SIU R67 million recovery order crucial step in “rooting out” corruption

    Source: Government of South Africa

    The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, has welcomed the R67 million recovery order obtained by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) against a plumbing contractor associated with the department.

    Last week, the corruption busting unit said it had obtained an order from the Special Tribunal, which set aside contracts awarded to Kroucamp Plumbers by the department for vacuum pumping of septic tanks and emergency sewage blockage interventions.

    The tribunal also dismissed a R33 million counterclaim made by the contractor against the department.

    “This recovery order is another important step in our efforts to root out corruption and recover stolen public funds, as we work to build an efficient department capable of delivering construction projects on time and within budget. 

    “Those who defraud the state and think they can get away with it must think again. We will leave no stone unturned in holding contractors and officials accountable for wrongdoing, no matter how long ago it occurred,” Macpherson said.

    He added that the department has worked closely with the SIU to “support and expedite investigations into corruption, mismanagement, and fraud” within the Department. 

    Furthermore, the SIU is also assisting the department to finalise lifestyle audits for at least 400 high risk officials.

    “The case against Kroucamp Plumbers is a prime example of the importance of our collaboration, as we seek to ensure that public funds are no longer abused.

    “Together with law enforcement agencies, we will continue to send a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated. 

    “We are working hard to turn the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure into the economic delivery unit of South Africa, ensuring that infrastructure projects are completed on time and within budget, and that not a cent of public funds is wasted. We are building a better department in order to build a better South Africa,” Macpherson said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • SpaceX to invest $2 billion in Musk’s xAI startup, WSJ reports

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    SpaceX has committed $2 billion to xAI as part of a $5 billion equity round, deepening the ties between tech billionaire Elon Musk’s ventures as his artificial intelligence startup races to compete with rival OpenAI, the Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday.

    The investment follows xAI’s merger with X and values the combined company at $113 billion, with the Grok chatbot now powering Starlink support and eyed for future integration into Tesla’s Optimus robots, the report added.

    In response to a post on X about whether Tesla, could also invest in xAI, Elon Musk said on Sunday, “It would be great, but subject to board and shareholder approval,” without confirming or denying the Journal report on SpaceX’s investment plans in xAI.

    SpaceX, xAI and Tesla did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Reuters could not immediately confirm the WSJ report.

    Despite recent controversies involving Grok’s responses, Musk has called it “the smartest AI in the world,” and xAI continues to spend heavily on model training and infrastructure.

    (Reuters)