Source: Government of Sweden
On 12 April, participants from throughout the EU will gather to jointly identify and share experiences from their work promoting LGBTIQ people’s rights and opportunities. It will also serve as a springboard for continued work on the EU strategy for LGBTIQ people’s equal rights.
Source: Government of Sweden
Sweden and the majority of World Health Organization (WHO) Member States in the WHO European Region have decided to relocate the WHO European Office for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases from Moscow to Copenhagen. The decision was taken in support of Ukraine and enables the WHO to continue its work fighting noncommunicable diseases in Europe.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amin Saikal, Emeritus Professor of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies, Australian National University; and Vice Chancellor’s Strategic Fellow, Australian National University
When it comes to dealing with two of the biggest current crises in the Muslim world – the devastation of Gaza and the Taliban’s draconian rule in Afghanistan – Arab and Muslim states have been staggeringly ineffective.
Their chief body, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), in particular, has been strong on rhetoric but very short on serious, tangible action.
The OIC, headquartered in Saudi Arabia, is composed of 57 predominantly Muslim states. It is supposed to act as a representative and consultative body and make decisions and recommendations on the major issues that affect Muslims globally. It calls itself the “collective voice of the Muslim world”.
Yet the body has proved to be toothless in the face of Israel’s relentless assault on Gaza, triggered in response to the Hamas attacks of October 7 2023.
The OIC has equally failed to act against the Taliban’s reign of terror in the name of Islam in ethnically diverse Afghanistan.
Despite its projection of a united umma (the global Islamic community, as defined in my coauthored book Islam Beyond Borders), the OIC has ignominiously been divided on Gaza and Afghanistan.
True, it has condemned Israel’s Gaza operations. It’s also called for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian aid to the starving population of the strip.
It has also rejected any Israeli move to depopulate and annex the enclave, as well as the West Bank. These moves would render the two-state solution to the long-running Israeli–Palestinian conflict essentially defunct.
Further, the OIC has welcomed the recent joint statement by the foreign ministers of 28 countries (including the United Kingdom, many European Union members and Japan) calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, as well as France’s decision to recognise the state of Palestine.
The OIC is good at putting out statements. However, this approach hasn’t varied much from that of the wider global community. It is largely verbal, and void of any practical measures.
Surely, Muslim states can and should be doing more.
For example, the OIC has failed to persuade Israel’s neighbouring states – Egypt and Jordan, in particular – to open their border crossings to allow humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza, the West Bank or Israel, in defiance of Israeli leaders.
Nor has it been able to compel Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco to suspend their relations with the Jewish state until it agrees to a two-state solution.
Further, the OIC has not adopted a call by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the United Nations special rapporteur on Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, for Israel to be suspended from the UN.
Nor has it urged its oil-rich Arab members, in particular Saudi Arabia and the UAE, to harness their resources to prompt US President Donald Trump to halt the supply of arms to Israel and pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the war.
In a similar vein, the OIC has failed to exert maximum pressure on the ultra-extremist and erstwhile terrorist Taliban government in Afghanistan.
Since sweeping back into power in 2021, the Taliban has ruled in a highly repressive, misogynist and draconian fashion in the name of Islam. This is not practised anywhere else in the Muslim world.
In December 2022, OIC Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha called for a global campaign to unite Islamic scholars and religious authorities against the Taliban’s decision to ban girls from education.
But this was superseded a month later, when the OIC expressed concern over the Taliban’s “restrictions on women”, but asked the international community not to “interfere in Afghanistan’s internal affairs”. This was warmly welcomed by the Taliban.
In effect, the OIC – and therefore most Muslim countries – have adopted no practical measures to penalise the Taliban for its behaviour.
It has not censured the Taliban nor imposed crippling sanctions on the group. And while no Muslim country has officially recognised the Taliban government (only Russia has), most OIC members have nonetheless engaged with the Taliban at political, economic, financial and trade levels.
There are many reasons for the OIC’s ineffectiveness.
For one, the group is composed of a politically, socially, culturally and economically diverse assortment of members.
But more importantly, it has not functioned as a “bridge builder” by developing a common strategy of purpose and action that can overcome the geopolitical and sectarian differences of its members.
In the current polarised international environment, the rivalry among its member states – and with major global powers such as the United States and China – has rendered the organisation a mere talking shop.
This has allowed extremist governments in both Israel and Afghanistan to act with impunity.
It is time to look at the OIC’s functionality and determine how it can more effectively unite the umma.
This may also be an opportunity for its member states to develop an effective common strategy that could help the cause of peace and stability in the Muslim domain and its relations with the outside world.
Amin Saikal 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. The Muslim world has been strong on rhetoric, short on action over Gaza and Afghanistan – https://theconversation.com/the-muslim-world-has-been-strong-on-rhetoric-short-on-action-over-gaza-and-afghanistan-262121
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and James Risch, R-ID, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, announced they will introduce new legislation to support President Trump’s efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine, push back on Russian aggression, and ensure America’s allies are paying their fair share to end this conflict.
This new legislation, the PEACE Act, builds on the successful NATO summit this summer, which produced a historic agreement to increase NATO defense spending and revitalize alliance burden sharing. The PEACE Act creates a fund at the U.S. treasury that would allow allies to deposit money to replenish U.S. military equipment donated to Ukraine.
Upon introducing the bill, Chairman Wicker issued the following statement:
“President Trump has made clear that he will not tolerate Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin’s continued targeting of civilians in Ukraine. The death and destruction must end, but Putin will not stop unless it is made clear to him that there is no path to success and that continued war will lead to massive costs for him and Russia. Today, we are introducing the PEACE Act, which gives President Trump and our NATO allies an additional option to deliver military aid to Ukraine. The PEACE Act enables our European partners to finance replenishments so that the U.S. military can continue drawdown packages of weapons to Ukraine. This is the fastest way to arm Ukraine as well as to minimize the strategic and military threat posed by Russia to the U.S. and NATO. The PEACE Act, in conjunction with the purchase of new military equipment and the prospect of imposing a crippling sanctions regime, shows Putin that neither escalation nor attrition will allow him to achieve his war aims.”
Chairman Risch said: “Peace is only possible through strength. President Trump’s work with our NATO allies ensures they cover the cost of weapons for Ukraine, and this bill will give him the tool he needs to do so. Together, we will send a clear message to Putin that there are consequences for his refusal to negotiate in good faith.”
Background
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
The Government of India has sanctioned 23 chip-design projects under the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme as part of its effort to boost the country’s semiconductor design capabilities. These projects, led by domestic companies, startups, and MSMEs, will receive financial assistance to develop chip solutions for areas such as surveillance cameras, energy meters, microprocessor IPs, and networking applications.
The announcement was made in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Jitin Prasada. The DLI Scheme is a component of the larger ₹76,000 crore ‘Semicon India Programme’, which aims to establish a comprehensive semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem in the country. Of this, ₹1,000 crore has been allocated specifically to support semiconductor design through the DLI initiative.
Recognising the challenges posed by high entry barriers and lengthy development cycles in semiconductor design and commercialization, the DLI Scheme offers a combination of design infrastructure and financial incentives. These include support for early-stage prototyping through access to Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools and IP cores, as well as funding for design, scaling, and production. Companies are eligible for reimbursement of up to 50 percent of project costs, with a cap of ₹15 crore per application. Additionally, incentives of 4 to 6 percent of net sales turnover over five years are offered to aid commercialization, with a ceiling of ₹30 crore per application.
Since its launch in December 2021, the scheme has seen the participation of 278 academic institutions and 72 startups that now have access to advanced EDA tools. Among the notable achievements, 20 chip designs from 17 academic institutions have been successfully fabricated at the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in Mohali. Six companies have already completed prototype tape-outs at global semiconductor foundries, and ten startups have raised venture capital funding to support the commercial scaling of their innovations.
A total project outlay of ₹803.08 crore has been approved under the scheme, which includes the cost of EDA tools. The disbursement of funds is tied to the achievement of predefined milestones, such as prototype development and chip deployment.
The DLI Scheme is being implemented in close consultation with industry stakeholders and participating companies. The government has indicated that it is open to making adjustments to the scheme in response to changing needs and ongoing feedback from beneficiaries.
Source: United Nations MIL OSI
Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, at the UN Food Systems Summit+4 Stocktake (UNFSS+4) Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND) side event: “Mobilizing Investment for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: The Role of Public-Private Partnerships”, in Addis Ababa today:
It is a pleasure to be with you today to confront one of the great injustices of our time, and to spotlight a response that offers hope.
Let me start with the stark reality we all know too well. Hunger is rising. Over 800 million people are food insecure. Climate shocks and conflict are battering food systems. Inflation and instability are undermining livelihoods.
Once again, those with the least are paying the highest price. Behind the numbers are human potential being lost every single day. Children whose growth is stunted, mothers who skip meals to feed their families and farmers trapped in cycles of debt when harvests fail.
This is both a development emergency and a solvable failure. We have the knowledge and the means, what we lack is the scale of investment needed to act decisively. Food systems don’t stop at borders: rivers flow across regions and markets stretch across continents. Our response must reflect that same interconnection grounded in shared responsibility.
We meet here in Addis Ababa, a city that has long embodied African cooperation and leadership. There is no better place to recommit to food security and resilience.
Food is more than a necessity. It is also a foundation for peace and a force for unity. In a divided world, food carries the promise of shared responsibility and shared survival. It is with this understanding that I welcome the Global Flagship Initiative for Food Security.
That is why I welcome the Global Flagship Initiative for Food Security. Launched at the Sixteenth Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP16) under Saudi leadership and supported by AGFUND and many others, this initiative offers a structured, forward-looking response to today’s urgent needs.
The value of the Flagship lies in its design. It brings together science and policy, local knowledge and institutional finance, Governments and field-based delivery. Over 30 partners are already involved.
With careful targeting and strong regional coordination, the Flagship is directing resources to the people and places that need them most — smallholder farmers, women producers and fragile ecosystems.
This approach recognizes that sustainable food security cannot be achieved through top-down solutions alone. It requires empowering local communities, strengthening Indigenous knowledge systems and ensuring that women — who produce the majority of the world’s food — have equal access to land, credit and decision-making power.
This initiative is not just a vision on paper, it is already generating real momentum — through integration with the Global Drought Resilience Partnership and through collaboration with the Joint SDG Fund in countries like Ethiopia and Cameroon. These efforts show that it’s possible to build practical, blended financing models that support action.
We are seeing real leadership across Africa. Countries are moving forward with national strategies, restoring land and linking action to results. This is African leadership in motion rooted in local priorities, supported by global partners.
Yet we must be clear-eyed about the obstacles that remain, particularly around financing. The financing gap for food systems transformation is estimated at over $300 billion annually.
Connected, is the fundamental inequity in how climate finance flows. The countries most affected by climate change receive the least support, while those who have contributed least to the problem bear the greatest burden.
The financing gap is felt most in the least developed countries and small island developing States. We need to unlock more capital, not only from traditional sources, but also through environmental, social and governance bonds, responsible land investment and climate-aligned funds.
Before I close, I want to acknowledge the partners who have made this possible. Let me thank AGFUND and Dr. Nasser Al Kahtani for their leadership, the Crop Trust for hosting the Secretariat and the Arab Coordination Group for their financial and strategic backing.
As we move forward together, we must remember what this work is really about. This initiative is a reminder that change comes from purpose, partnership and persistence.
So, let us move forward with a shared determination. Because food systems transformation is not only about agriculture. It is about dignity. It is about justice. It is about the future we owe one another.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA), Congressman Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), and Congressman John Moolenaar (R-MI) announced the reintroduction of the Securing Infrastructure from Adversaries Act, bipartisan legislation that would prohibit the U.S. Department of Transportation from using Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology produced by foreign adversaries.
LiDAR technology produces highly detailed 3-D maps used to manage transportation infrastructure, improve traffic safety, and support airport and disaster response operations. However, companies from foreign adversaries, like China, are expanding their footprint in this critical industry. Given Chinese laws requiring companies to share data with their government, this technology poses a growing risk of foreign surveillance and interference with U.S. infrastructure. This bipartisan bill would ensure taxpayer dollars are not used to purchase equipment that could compromise, disrupt, or manipulate our nation’s critical infrastructure.
“While LiDAR technology is widely employed in our nation’s transit infrastructure, including in airports, autonomous vehicles, and traffic control systems, it is increasingly being produced by Chinese companies that are required to hand over any data collected by their equipment to the Chinese government upon request. This raises serious concerns that China could not only access sensitive data mapping U.S. infrastructure, but also use it to disrupt the systems that rely on their technology,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “Now more than ever, we must remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding the infrastructure that Americans depend on every day.”
“LiDAR technology creates incredibly detailed maps of its surroundings. Allowing our adversaries like China to have access to these maps of critical infrastructure like ports, railways, airports, roads, and bridges could allow them to disrupt our supply chains and cause a national security crisis,” said Congressman Johnson. “My bill ensures our nation’s critical infrastructure is protected from the malign interests of the Chinese Communist Party.”
“LiDAR is essential to modern infrastructure, but when it’s controlled by companies linked to the Chinese Communist Party, it becomes a security risk,” said Select Committee on China Ranking Member Krishnamoorthi. “We can’t allow adversaries to gather sensitive data or disrupt our systems. This bill takes a necessary step to keep our infrastructure secure and our technology supply chains trusted.”
“Taxpayer dollars should never be used to fund technology from our adversaries,” said Select Committee on China Chairman Moolenaar (R-MI). “This bill makes America’s critical infrastructure more secure from foreign surveillance and influence by ensuring the Department of Transportation is not supporting the growing market share of Chinese-made LiDAR equipment. It’s a common-sense step to put American security first.”
“Trucks reach every corner of the country and routinely access some of our nation’s most sensitive sites—such as ports, border crossings, and military installations. That is why supply chain and infrastructure security are very important to our industry,” said Henry Hanscom, Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs at the American Trucking Associations. “The American Trucking Associations commends Reps. Johnson, Brownley, Moolenaar, and Krishnamoorthi for taking this issue seriously by working to block potential national security threats from foreign-owned LiDAR technology.”
“This legislation marks an important step forward in strengthening the security of America’s transportation systems and critical infrastructure. As LiDAR technology becomes increasingly central to the future of transportation, including autonomous systems, it’s essential that the technology used to build and operate our national infrastructure is safe, secure, and protected against adversarial interference,” said Michael Robbins, President and CEO of the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International.
Read the full text of the bill here.
###
Issues: 119th Congress, National Security, Transportation and Infrastructure
Source: US State of New York
EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today took action to stand up for vulnerable immigrant communities in Rochester. In an amicus brief filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York, Attorney General James emphasized that localities with laws that limit local authorities’ involvement in federal immigration enforcement keep communities safe and allow local law enforcement to use resources to address local public safety priorities, such as fighting crime and reducing gun violence. Attorney General James further argues that Rochester’s longstanding law, often referred to as a “sanctuary city” law, is constitutional because the Constitution grants states and their localities power over the day-to-day public safety of residents within their jurisdiction. In the brief filed today, Attorney General James asks the court to grant judgment in Rochester’s favor in the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) lawsuit against the city.
“For years, these laws in Rochester and cities throughout New York have kept New Yorkers safe,” said Attorney General James. “The Trump administration’s attacks on immigrant communities are cruel and shameful. Rochester’s law is constitutional, and my office will continue to use every tool at our disposal to protect New Yorkers.”
Rochester’s law, like many other sanctuary city laws, limits local or state agencies’ involvement in federal civil immigration enforcement and is intended to build trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement and ensure local resources are spent on local priorities. Rochester first enacted its law in 1986 and later updated it in 2017. It does not limit cooperation between local and federal authorities on criminal matters. In April, DOJ filed a lawsuit against Rochester, arguing that the city’s law is unconstitutional because it is preempted by federal law. In her brief, Attorney General James argues that Rochester’s law does not violate the Constitution, and that the 10th amendment reserves police power to states and their localities.
Attorney General James writes that the law helps keep New Yorkers safe because it encourages individuals in immigrant communities to report crimes, serve as witnesses, and seek critical medical care or social services without fearing deportation. Studies have repeatedly indicated that greater involvement of local law enforcement in immigration enforcement makes immigrant communities less likely to interact with police, and more likely to become victims of crime or other exploitation. Other research has concluded that immigrant community members often refrain from seeking vital local services, including health care services, when they fear that local officials could report them to immigration authorities. Delaying medical care for fear of deportation can cause serious health complications for people who need it.
Attorney General James explains that imposing federal immigration priorities on already strained local officials can detract from local needs. A former Rochester police chief, who held the position at the time of the enactment of the city’s 2017 law, explained that it was intended to avoid diverting scarce resources and time away from the community’s public safety priorities, like reducing gun violence.
Attorney General James is asking the court to grant judgment in Rochester’s favor in the DOJ’s lawsuit and uphold Rochester’s sanctuary city law.
Attorney General James has been a national leader in fighting to protect and defend immigrant communities. In July, Attorney General James joined a coalition of 19 other states in defending essential legal services for unaccompanied immigrant children. Also in July, Attorney General James urged the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit to uphold an order blocking the federal government from mass terminating the Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela parole program. Attorney General James also joined a coalition of 17 other attorneys general in supporting the American Civil Liberties Union’s lawsuit challenging the federal government’s use of unlawful immigration enforcement tactics in Los Angeles, California. In June, Attorney General James co-led a coalition of 17 attorneys general in defending hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan immigrants who had their legal status threatened after the Trump administration attempted to eliminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
Source: US State of New York
overnor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of Shepherd-Glenmore, a new $61 million affordable and supportive housing development in Cypress Hills, Brooklyn. Developed by Housing Plus and Spatial Equity, Shepherd-Glenmore features 123 affordable apartments in a LEED Gold building located adjacent to the Shepherd Avenue C train station. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has financed more than 7,700 affordable homes in Brooklyn. Shepherd-Glenmore continues this effort and complements Governor Hochul’s $25 billion five-year housing plan, which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.
“Shepherd-Glenmore marks a significant step forward in our mission to provide safe, affordable and supportive housing for all New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “This development transforms a once-dilapidated site into a vibrant, energy-efficient community, provides easy access to public transit, and offers critical supportive services to those who need it most. Through our $25 billion housing plan and partnerships with dedicated partners, we continue to make New York a more affordable and inclusive place of opportunity where people can thrive.”
Developed on the site of a former junkyard that was demolished as part of construction, Shepherd-Glenmore apartments are affordable to households earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income.
Supportive services and rental subsidies for 74 apartments are provided by Housing Plus and are funded through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative and administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Services include case management, crisis intervention, mental health and wellness services, employment and education services, recreation and socialization services, and referral services. Additionally, eight apartments will be set aside for independent seniors through the New York City Affordable Independent Residence for Seniors Program, who will receive rental assistance through HCR project based rental vouchers.
Shepherd-Glenmore was made possible with help from New York City’s rezoning of East New York, requiring that 31 units remain permanently affordable as part of the New York City Mandatory Inclusionary Housing Program.
Shepherd-Glenmore was designed to meet Energy Star Multifamily New Construction and LEED Gold criteria. The development features a roof-top solar array to generate on-site electricity and is designed and built to high standards of building envelope performance and indoor quality standards.
Amenities include 5,000 square feet of outdoor recreation space, community garden, 24-hour security, a fitness room and a wellness room.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal’s state and federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Programs generated more than $21 million in equity and $24 million in subsidy for the development. The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development provided more than $13 million in subsidy.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “Shepherd-Glenmore is a shining example of how partnerships between State and local government can create high-quality, affordable housing that uplifts communities. With 123 energy-efficient apartments, including 74 with supportive services for New Yorkers at-risk of homelessness, this development provides a stable foundation that will help its residents, particularly those most in need, succeed in the future. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, HCR is proud to advance projects like this that align with our commitment to creating and preserving 100,000 affordable homes statewide.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “Safe and affordable housing should be accessible to all New Yorkers regardless of their background. Investing in high-quality and affordable housing is critical to ensuring the safety and well-being of all New Yorkers. I am proud that the Shepherd-Glenmore project supports our seniors and delivers real results for East New York. I will continue fighting for more funding that supports affordable housing projects like this one so all New Yorkers have access to the comfortable and safe homes they deserve.”
State Senator Julia Salazar said, “New York City desperately needs more affordable housing, and so I applaud the completion of Shepherd-Glenmore here in Brooklyn. The new building has more than 120 affordable apartments, 74 of which will have supportive services for formerly homeless and those at-risk of homelessness. I look forward to the day New Yorkers can begin moving in.”
HousingPlus CEO Karen Ford said, “Permanent supportive housing ensures that families with significant barriers are able to obtain and maintain safety and stability. We are thankful to our state leadership, including Governor Hochul and HCR for helping to bring these supportive units to East New York.”
Spatial Equity Principal Teghvir Sethi said, “Shepherd Glenmore represents transformation: a derelict junkyard reimagined into LEED Gold housing for seniors, families and individuals to build new lives in rent stabilized, state-of-the-art homes. We are grateful to Governor Hochul, HCR, Mayor Adams, HPD, and Wells Fargo for their support of non-profit and MWBE developers joining the fight in the city’s housing crisis.”
Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, “The combination of affordable housing and supportive services is fundamental to helping individuals experiencing homelessness get the assistance they need to remain stably housed. Shepherd-Glenmore will serve some of our most vulnerable fellow New Yorkers and we are grateful to play a role in the creation of these permanent supportive housing units. Congratulations to our state and local partners, and everyone involved in the completion of this much-needed project.”
Governor Hochul’s Housing Agenda
Governor Hochul is dedicated to addressing New York’s housing crisis and making the State more affordable and more livable for all New Yorkers. As part of the FY25 Enacted Budget, the Governor secured a landmark agreement to increase New York’s housing supply through new tax incentives, capital funding, and new protections for renters and homeowners. Building on this commitment, the FY26 Enacted Budget includes more than $1.5 billion in new State funding for housing, a Housing Access Voucher pilot program, and new policies to improve affordability for tenants and homebuyers. These measures complement the Governor’s five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan, included in the FY23 Enacted Budget, to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes. More than 60,000 homes have been created or preserved to date.
The FY25 and FY26 Enacted Budgets also strengthened the Governor’s Pro-Housing Community Program — which allows certified localities exclusive access to up to $750 million in discretionary State funding. Currently, more than 300 communities have received Pro-Housing certification, including the City of New York.
Source: US State of California
Forefront Dermatology S.C. and Henghold Surgery Center LLC, have agreed to pay $847,394 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by knowingly causing the submission of falsely coded claims to Medicare for wound repair procedures.
Forefront owns and operates a dermatology practice in Florida doing business as Henghold Dermatology. Henghold Surgery Center is an ambulatory surgery center that closed in 2023, and is wholly owned by William B. Henghold, M.D. Both the practice and surgery center performed wound repair procedures following Mohs micrographic surgery, a method of skin cancer removal.
The United States alleged that Henghold Dermatology and Henghold Surgery Center caused the submission of false claims to Medicare by using inaccurate wound repair billing codes for which Medicare paid more money than it would have paid for the wound repairs that were actually performed — a practice known as “upcoding.” Specifically, Henghold Dermatology and Henghold Surgery Center falsely coded linear repairs as if they were flap repairs and falsely coded smaller flap repairs as if they were larger flap repairs.
“Improperly billing Medicare depletes valuable government resources that provide necessary medical care to millions of Americans,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will hold accountable health care providers who enrich themselves by defrauding federal health care programs.”
“This office will continue to aggressively root out fraud, waste, and abuse in our healthcare system by pursuing providers who submit false claims to Medicare,” said U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin for the Northern District of Florida. “We will hold those who attempt to defraud the federal government accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Schemes that cause Medicare to pay for costlier services than were actually performed waste taxpayer funding, threatening the integrity of this federal health care program,” said Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the U.S. Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Working together with our law enforcement partners, HHS-OIG will continue to investigate allegations of improper billing schemes to protect taxpayer-funded health care programs and the people served by them.”
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Christopher Wolfe, M.D., a former Forefront employee. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned U.S. ex rel. Wolfe v. Henghold et al., No. 3:23-cv-21624 (N.D. Fla.). Dr. Wolfe will receive $152,531 in connection with the settlement.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, with assistance from HHS-OIG.
The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
The matter was investigated by Trial Attorney Colin Shannon and Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Spaccarotella, Mary Ann Couch, and Marie Moyle for the Northern District of Florida.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Source: United States Attorneys General
Forefront Dermatology S.C. and Henghold Surgery Center LLC, have agreed to pay $847,394 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by knowingly causing the submission of falsely coded claims to Medicare for wound repair procedures.
Forefront owns and operates a dermatology practice in Florida doing business as Henghold Dermatology. Henghold Surgery Center is an ambulatory surgery center that closed in 2023, and is wholly owned by William B. Henghold, M.D. Both the practice and surgery center performed wound repair procedures following Mohs micrographic surgery, a method of skin cancer removal.
The United States alleged that Henghold Dermatology and Henghold Surgery Center caused the submission of false claims to Medicare by using inaccurate wound repair billing codes for which Medicare paid more money than it would have paid for the wound repairs that were actually performed — a practice known as “upcoding.” Specifically, Henghold Dermatology and Henghold Surgery Center falsely coded linear repairs as if they were flap repairs and falsely coded smaller flap repairs as if they were larger flap repairs.
“Improperly billing Medicare depletes valuable government resources that provide necessary medical care to millions of Americans,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will hold accountable health care providers who enrich themselves by defrauding federal health care programs.”
“This office will continue to aggressively root out fraud, waste, and abuse in our healthcare system by pursuing providers who submit false claims to Medicare,” said U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin for the Northern District of Florida. “We will hold those who attempt to defraud the federal government accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Schemes that cause Medicare to pay for costlier services than were actually performed waste taxpayer funding, threatening the integrity of this federal health care program,” said Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the U.S. Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Working together with our law enforcement partners, HHS-OIG will continue to investigate allegations of improper billing schemes to protect taxpayer-funded health care programs and the people served by them.”
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Christopher Wolfe, M.D., a former Forefront employee. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned U.S. ex rel. Wolfe v. Henghold et al., No. 3:23-cv-21624 (N.D. Fla.). Dr. Wolfe will receive $152,531 in connection with the settlement.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, with assistance from HHS-OIG.
The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
The matter was investigated by Trial Attorney Colin Shannon and Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Spaccarotella, Mary Ann Couch, and Marie Moyle for the Northern District of Florida.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday imposed a 25% tariff on goods imported from India starting August 1, along with an unspecified penalty for buying Russian weapons and oil, potentially straining relations with the world’s most populous democracy.
The U.S. decision singles out India more severely than other major trading partners, and threatens to unravel months of talks between the two countries, undermining a key strategic partner of Washington’s and a counterbalance to China.
“While India is our friend, we have, over the years, done relatively little business with them because their Tariffs are far too high, among the highest in the World, and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary Trade Barriers of any Country,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.
“They have always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia’s largest buyer of ENERGY, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to STOP THE KILLING IN UKRAINE — ALL THINGS NOT GOOD!”
The White House has previously warned India about its high average applied tariffs – nearly 39% on agricultural products – with rates climbing to 45% on vegetable oils and around 50% on apples and corn.
Russia continued to be the top oil supplier to India during the first six months of 2025, making up 35% of overall supplies.
The U.S. currently has a $45.7 billion trade deficit with India.
The news pushed the Indian rupee down 0.4% to around 87.80 against the U.S. dollar in the non-deliverable forwards market, from its close at 87.42 during market hours. Gift Nifty futures were trading at 24,692 points, down 0.6%.
CONTENTIOUS ISSUES
“Higher tariffs for India compared to countries it competes with, for exports to the U.S., are going to be challenging,” said Ranen Banerjee, a partner of economic advisory services at PwC India.
India’s commerce ministry, which is leading the trade talks, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
U.S. and Indian negotiators had held multiple rounds of discussions to resolve contentious issues, particularly over market access into India for U.S. agricultural and dairy products.
Despite progress in some areas, Indian officials resisted opening the domestic market to imports of wheat, corn, rice and genetically modified soybeans, citing risks to the livelihood of millions of Indian farmers.
The U.S. had flagged concerns over India’s increasing and burdensome import-quality requirements, among its many barriers to trade, in a report released in March.
The new tariffs are expected to impact India’s goods exports to the U.S., estimated at around $87 billion in 2024, including labour-intensive products such as garments, pharmaceuticals, gems and jewelry, and petrochemicals.
India now joins a growing list of countries facing higher tariffs under Trump’s “Liberation Day” trade policy, aimed at reshaping U.S. trade relations by demanding greater reciprocity.
The setback comes despite earlier commitments by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump to conclude the first phase of a trade deal by autumn 2025 and expand bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, from $191 billion in 2024.
Indian officials have previously indicated that they view the U.S. as a key strategic partner, particularly in counterbalancing China. But they have emphasized the need to preserve policy space on agriculture, data governance, and state subsidies.
HOPES FOR A DEAL
It was not immediately clear whether the announcement was a negotiating tactic. While Trump railed against Japan in a June 30 Truth Social post and said there would likely be no deal with the North Asian nation, a deal was agreed on July 22.
An Indian government official told Reuters that New Delhi continued to remain engaged with the United States to seal an agreement.
Economists, too, remained hopeful.
“While the negotiations seems to have broken down, we don’t think the trade-deal haggling between the two nations is over yet,” Madhavi Arora, an economist at Emkay Global.
(Reuters)
Source: APO
Do you know of a project, company or individual that making a difference in African mining?
Nominations are now open for Mining Elites in Africa 2026.
Every year Mining Elites in Africa recognises those companies and individuals who go above and beyond to ensure responsible and sustainable mining on the continent. Whether it is through financial contributions to countries and communities, protecting the environment or socio-economic development initiatives, they are creating an indelible legacy on the continent.
Mining Elites in Africa 2026 pays tribute to these often unsung heroes. In addition, this annual publication, published by Mining Review Africa, features projects that are making a substantial contribution to growing the African mining sector.
“Mining Elites is the perfect platform to recognise those who are truly making a meaningful difference in African mining. Through their leadership and innovations, they are ensuring that mining is sustainable and positively impacts the lives of all stakeholders, especially communities,” states Gerard Peter, Editor-in-Chief of Mining Review Africa.
Nomination process:
Nominations are open to all projects and leaders in the African mining minerals value chain in a number of categories. The final selection of projects and people is made by an independent advisory board composed of experienced industry figures with extensive mining knowledge across the African continent.
The 2026 categories are:
How to nominate:
This is your opportunity to publically acknowledge those companies, projects and individuals whose efforts contribute to sustainable mining that benefits all.
To nominate simply scan the QR code or visit http://apo-opa.co/4mfrQpn
Nominations close on 1 September 2025
Check out the 2025 winners
Scan the QR to read Mining Elites 2025
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
The Salisbury River Park project reduces the flood risk to over 350 homes and businesses along the River Avon.
Children from Sarum St. Paul’s C of E Primary School at the park
Students from Sarum St. Paul’s C of E Primary School were given an exclusive preview of Salisbury River Park before its official opening, allowing them to see their creative designs incorporated into the new public space and experience the innovative play area first hand.
The visit on 23 July 2025 provided the young designers with the exciting opportunity to witness how their contributions have helped shape this transformational project, which will serve as a legacy for future generations whilst protecting over 350 homes and businesses from flooding.
As part of the design process, all pupils of Sarum St. Paul’s C of E Primary School were invited to take part in a design competition, with workshops conducted for Year 5 and 6 students to gather input on what they would like to see in the play park design. Several students’ artwork was chosen and incorporated into the final design through engraved images on the play equipment and sculpted animals.
Eight pupils and teachers visited the site to discover their designs integrated throughout the play park and test the new play equipment.
Lizzie Weaver, Headteacher of Sarum St. Paul’s C of E Primary School, said:
We had such a lovely time visiting the new play park. The children were incredibly excited to find their designs that had been carved into the equipment.
The area is a beautiful space for families to enjoy, and the placement of equipment, benches and artwork has been carefully considered. I look forward to returning soon with my own children!
Our school has loved being involved with the River Park Project, it has enhanced so many curriculum areas and provided many wider opportunities for our pupils.
Andy Wallis, Salisbury River Park project lead at the Environment Agency, said:
It’s wonderful to see the young people from Sarum St. Paul’s experiencing their designs come to life in this special preview. Their creativity and input have genuinely contributed to making this play area a space that reflects what local children want to see.
The fact that their artwork is now permanently part of this transformational project shows how community engagement can create lasting benefits for future generations.
Andy Wallis at Salisbury River Park Ashley Rd Play Park pre-opening event with Cllr Victoria Charleston
Cllr Victoria Charleston, councillor for the St Paul’s Ward, said:
It was very exciting to visit the new playpark and to see the schoolchildren experiencing it for the first time. The children who joined us had won the art competition, and their artwork is now hidden throughout the park.
They thoroughly enjoyed exploring the new equipment, which will be a huge asset for the city council and the community.
We’ve watched this project come together, both as a city and as a family, and we’re excited to see it officially open. Thank you to the Environment Agency for all its dedication and hard work.
Cllr Chris Taylor, councillor for the St Paul’s Ward, said:
The new play area on Ashley Road is an impressive facility with colourful design using natural materials, incorporating accessibility features like flat surfacing, wheelchair access, and equipment designed for all children to enjoy safely.
I was particularly pleased to see the Environment Agency’s engagement with Sarum St Paul’s School, ensuring pupils who contributed to the park’s graphics were the first to play there.
Despite weather delays, I’m assured it will open before the end of school holidays, which will be marvellous for local families.
The Salisbury River Park project is a collaboration between the Environment Agency, Wiltshire Council and Salisbury City Council, and is constructed by Kier. Construction began in summer 2022 and is due to complete this autumn, despite challenges including the exceptionally wet 2023/24 winter – the wettest in the Avon catchment since records began in 1871.
Once the grass has fully established, the play park will be opened, and we are committed that this will happen during the school summer holidays.
The scheme has created enhanced riverside habitat for wildlife, removed obstructions to allow fish migration upstream, and established high-quality public open space. Over 650 metres of new and improved cycle routes and 1,600 metres of footpaths have been created to improve access and encourage active travel. More than 1,000 new trees have been planted, enhancing habitat for water voles, otters, bats and birds.
The park design, created by Green Play Projects, is based on the local ecology, with the central climbing feature mimicking the burrow of a water vole and filled with information and activities reflecting the flora and fauna of the River Avon. The development has been designed in consultation with DIGS Salisbury (Disability Interest Group of Salisbury), ensuring accessibility for all abilities so children can play side by side.
The park’s colour palette was created by artist Zac Newham in collaboration with students from South Wilts Grammar School, chosen to reflect natural colours observed within the river whilst maintaining visual accessibility.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Randy Feenstra (IA-04)
HULL, IOWA – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) introduced the Save Our Seniors Act, which would help protect the long-term solvency of Social Security by requiring the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to include the honest projection of its financial health in its annual ten-year economic outlook.
“After a lifetime of hard work, our seniors deserve to retire with dignity and receive the Social Security benefits that they earned. However, thanks to reckless government spending and congressional inaction, the Congressional Budget Office forecasts that the Social Security Trust Fund will run out of sufficient funds by 2033 to pay Social Security benefits in full. It’s wrong and absolutely unacceptable,” said Rep. Feenstra. “That’s why I introduced the Save Our Seniors Act to help protect the long-term solvency of Social Security by requiring the Congressional Budget Office to include an honest and accurate projection of Social Security’s financial health in its annual ten-year economic outlook. This fix will ensure that our seniors receive their Social Security checks on time and in full while demanding real solutions from Congress to keep the Social Security Trust Fund solvent for generations to come. Serving on the House Ways and Means Committee’s Social Security Subcommittee, I will continue to work to ensure that our seniors and workers receive the benefits that they deserve and have earned while strengthening our nation’s fiscal foundation.”
“Representative Feenstra’s Save Our Seniors Act is a commonsense proposal to require more transparency from the Congressional Budget Office. CBO’s baseline does not actually reflect current law, providing a misleading picture of what would happen when the Social Security Trust Fund is depleted within the next decade. It is crucial for Congress and the American people to understand the truth, so we can instead achieve better results for seniors and taxpayers,” said Matthew Dickerson, Director of Budget Policy at the Economic Policy Innovation Center (EPIC).
More specifically, the Save Our Seniors Act would ensure that a simple and easy-to-understand graph depicting the actual outlook for the OASDI Trust Fund is included in the CBO’s ten-year economic outlook. Similar graphs exist in other Social Security related reports, like the Trustees Reports, but not in a document as widely viewed as the CBO’s outlook, which is used by members of Congress and economists to get a detailed look at the health of our nation’s economy and the federal budget.
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US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
Washington – On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined a bipartisan letter led by Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin) to the Surface Transportation Board, raising concern for the announced merger of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railroads, urging the board to carefully review the matter.
This significant consolidation could reshape the U.S. freight rail industry and supply chain, potentially driving up costs for consumers, worsening service for producers, and depleting competition in an already diminished market.
In their letter to the Surface Transportation Board, the Senators wrote:
“Since the 1950s, the rail industry has consolidated from over 100 Class I freight railroads to only six today. A long trend of industry consolidation has dramatically increased the power of railroads over shippers in the last few decades — leaving four carriers to provide nearly 90 percent of the nation’s freight rail transportation. In recent years, we have heard from too many U.S. manufacturers, utility companies, agricultural producers, and small businesses experiencing service and reliability problems while paying excessive rates. The railroad industry has proven to be more concerned with increasing their rates and profits rather than improving their service.”
“A major rail merger has the potential to trigger additional industry consolidation. We are encouraged that the STB shared this concern in the context of the 2001 rulemaking process, in which the STB set new rules governing major railroad mergers and started requiring Class I railroads to prove that mergers would both enhance competition and are in the public interest. We strongly encourage the STB to keep this at the forefront of considerations.”
Click HERE to read the full letter.
Source: Channel Islands – States of Alderney
Media Release
30 July 2025
Compassionate Message Regarding Humanitarian Crises
The States of Alderney endorse the compassionate message from the government of Guernsey in highlighting the humanitarian situation in Gaza alongside the numerous other humanitarian crises in the world, and the commitment to upholding the principles of International Law.
Ends
Please contact Gill Trousdale in the President’s Office by email president.alderney@gov.gg or telephone 01481 820001.
Source: City of York
The Get Britain Working Trailblazer programme is aimed at reducing economic inactivity and supporting residents into good jobs, volunteering, and training opportunities.
The funding, totalling £1,038,250, comes from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (YNYCA) and will support a wide range of local projects targeting groups most affected by long-term unemployment, including young people, disabled residents, unpaid carers, and veterans.
Peter Roderick, Director of Public Health at City of York Council, said:
“This funding is a real opportunity to make a difference in the lives of York residents who face barriers to employment due to health or personal circumstances. We’re proud to be delivering a programme that puts people first—offering tailored support, improving wellbeing, and helping individuals find meaningful work. It’s about building a healthier, more inclusive city.”
Cllr Pete Kilbane, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy & Culture, added:
“This investment aligns perfectly with our Economic Strategy and our ambition to create good jobs and a thriving local economy. By working with partners across the city, we’re scaling up what works and piloting new, innovative approaches. It’s a bold step forward in unlocking York’s hidden talent and ensuring no one is left behind.”
The funding will support 15 York-specific schemes, including mental health hubs, youth mentoring, workplace health checks, and employer engagement initiatives. It also complements wider regional programmes such as wage subsidies and primary care interventions.
The Council has committed to delivering all projects within the 2025/26 financial year, with a focus on collaboration, innovation, and measurable impact. A report detailing the funding will go to a joint councillor decision session on 5 August
ENDS
Source: City of Manchester
The programme has been announced for a fantastic free cultural festival this September that will see a six-day Japanese culture takeover of Manchester as part of Japan Week 2025.
The festival is being held in Manchester from 4 – 9 September after the city was chosen by the International Friendship Foundation as host city for the prestigious annual Japan Week event, that takes place each year in a different world city.
First held in Florence and after that in other major cities around the globe including Seville, Boston, and Athens, this year’s festival in Manchester promises to be extra special as 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the event that first took place in 1975.
The annual festival showcases traditional and contemporary Japanese culture through arts, music, fashion and sports, and will see a whole host of activities taking place at venues right across the city – all of them free to attend on a first come, first served basis, although some activities will require free-of-charge tickets to be booked in advance.
Through a diverse range of events, workshops, exhibitions and interactive experiences, hosted at iconic venues across the city, the festival promises a glimpse into the beauty and uniqueness of Japanese arts, traditions and more.
From traditional tea ceremonies and calligraphy, to music, arts and grass roots cultural exchange, there will be something for people of all ages to enjoy and appreciate.
The programme includes theatre and stage performances at HOME, traditional tea ceremonies at Manchester Museum, workshops, exhibitions and demonstrations at Aviva Studios and Manchester Central Library, plus a full day of activity with the Hallé showcasing the Hallé Youth Orchestra, Japan Archives, and Japanese instruments.
The week also includes the first UK performance of BLOOM – a brand-new production that fuses music, fashion and dance in a unique celebration of Greater Manchester’s contemporary creative scene. It has been created by composer and DJ Afrodeutsche, dance company Company Chameleon, and queer-led fashion brand Belladonis. The live performance will also feature a string ensemble from the world-renowned Hallé orchestra, including virtuosa violinist Roberto Ruisi.
Centred on the theme of metamorphosis and change, BLOOM was created as a unique gift from Greater Manchester to Japan, marking a landmark year of cultural exchange between the two regions – with its debut performance taking place at EXPO Osaka back in June, ahead of performances in Manchester during Japan Week.
Away from central Manchester local community venues in the north and south of the city will also be hosting Japan Week activity with plans currently being finalised for activity to take place at Gorton Hub, Wythenshawe Forum, and Abraham Moss Library and Leisure Centre.
Mr Hiroyuki Ishizaki of the International Friendship Federation, Japan said: “It is a great pleasure to bring artists and performers from across Japan to the wonderful city of Manchester for an extra special programme celebrating the 50th anniversary.”
Manchester and the wider city region has a longstanding relationship with Japan, dating back to the 1800s and the industrial revolution, with Japan Week 2025 set to showcase this 200-year history and friendship.
The city’s bid to host Japan Week came off the back of a successful Greater Manchester trade mission to Osaka and Tokyo in December 2023, led by GMCA Mayor Andy Burnham and Leader of Manchester City Council, Bev Craig.
The city region’s relationship with Japan has continued to go from strength to strength since then, with a further delegation from Greater Manchester having recently undertaken a follow-up trade mission with partners in Tokyo and Osaka.
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester and Japan have historic links, going all the way back to the 1800s, when Japanese students came to Greater Manchester to take home the lessons of industry and our connections have been forged ever since. As a proudly international city, our city has always been shaped by people and businesses who have chosen Manchester to live, to work and to invest in.
“Culture has an important part to play in this, helping forge a mutual understanding between cities and countries that in turn helps create the right foundations for joint working and for successfully doing business with each other.
“It is particularly special that Manchester has been chosen to host the landmark 50th celebration of International Japan Week.
“The programme of free cultural activity for September will allow people from across the city come and experience these unique events and gain insights into Japanese culture for the week. We are looking forward to hosting an important delegation of Japanese dignitaries, businesses and cultural institutions in our city.”
The festival is being delivered in partnership with HOME, Aviva Studios, Manchester Central Library, First Street, and Manchester Museum, with activities also taking place at Hallé St Peter’s and esea contemporary in the Northern Quarter.
Partner quotes:
Karen O’Neil, CEO of HOME, said: “HOME is honoured to be part of welcoming so many amazing artists from Japan to Manchester for what we are sure will be an exciting week of events and shared experiences. Japan Week clearly shows Manchester’s commitment to being an international city with a thriving cultural sector.”
John McGrath, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Factory International, said: “It’s a pleasure to be part of Japan Week as the annual celebration of culture comes to Manchester. Having welcomed the great Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama as the very first person to exhibit in Factory International’s new home at Aviva Studios with You, Me and the Balloons in 2023, we look forward to welcoming more great artists from Japan to the city this September and building cultural ties alongside our partners. Visitors to Aviva Studios will have the opportunity to experience exhibitions, food and drink samplings and workshops showcasing Japanese art, innovation, and tradition.”
Ciaron Wilkinson, Head of External Relations at Manchester Museum said: “Manchester Museum has a long history of celebrating Japanese cultural heritage so we’re excited to continue building on that tradition and the cherished relationships that come with it. Our own mission is to build understanding between cultures and Japan Week has incredible potential to do just that.”
Thomas Ingham, Director of Place and Marketing, First Street and Ask Real Estate, said: “First Street and Ask Real Estate have a strong track record of supporting and enabling cultural activations in Manchester. And as First Street marks its 10th birthday this year, we look forward to welcoming guests from all around the world for the 50th anniversary of Japan Week.”
David Butcher, Chief Executive, The Hallé, said: “Japan Week is such an exciting opportunity to explore and enjoy cultural exchange in Manchester, and the Hallé is thrilled to be joining partners to deliver something special for the city. As Manchester’s cultural ambassador, international engagement is deeply rooted in our work, and we are looking forward to sharing the results of our most recent collaboration, BLOOM, which premiered at EXPO 2025 in Osaka, marking a new city partnership between Manchester and Osaka. Alongside this performance and much more at Hallé St Peter’s in Ancoats, audiences are in for a treat with such an incredible range of events across the city and we look forward to joining in the celebrations.”
Xiaowen Zhu, Director of esea contemporary, said: ” ‘From Tokyo to Manchester: Weekend Festival’ reflects our commitment to fostering meaningful cultural dialogue across geographies. As a proud venue partner for the 50th anniversary of Japan Week—supported by Manchester City Council—we are honoured to contribute to this landmark citywide celebration. Through boundary-pushing music, experimental moving image, and shared creative experience, the festival captures the vitality of Japan’s contemporary arts and culture while resonating with Manchester’s spirit of openness, innovation, and inclusivity. It is a joyful invitation to connect—across disciplines, communities, and generations.”
Japan Week in Manchester is proudly sponsored by Calbee, Mizkan, Manchester Airport, KAJI, and First Street and Ask Real Estate who have together made the exciting free programme of cultural events possible.
Find out more information about what’s on during Japan Week in Manchester and get tickets
Source: City of Derby
Derby’s final mobility hub is underway, bringing more transport choices to residents in Mackworth.
Building on the success of similar schemes elsewhere in the city, the new mobility hub will be installed at the Prince Charles Avenue shopping precinct, giving residents and local businesses greater choice when deciding how they travel around their local community.
Mobility hubs provide greater opportunities to use sustainable and active travel methods – such as walking and cycling – making it easier to access local amenities. It is hoped that they will also draw more people into the area and enhance the local economy.
Work on site to install the Prince Charles Avenue mobility hub is expected to be completed later this summer and will include:
• Electric vehicle (EV) charging and dedicated parking for up to three EVs
• An Enterprise Car Club location (subject to expected demand)
• An accessible seating area with bike storage, designed in consultation with local businesses, ward councillors and the Police
• Interactive information totem with live travel updates
Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability said:
This mobility hub will be the final piece of the jigsaw in delivering enhanced, sustainable transport choices to our communities.
A welcome addition to our ever-growing transport network, the Mackworth mobility hub will support our work to combat climate change through reduced pollution and congestion in Derby.
The Mackworth mobility hub will add to the network of hubs already completed or in construction in Six Streets, Chaddesden, Allenton and Normanton/Arboretum. As well as providing alternative transport choices, the hubs help the Council to learn more about the community’s travel needs and preferences, helping to shape future schemes.
Mobility hubs are funded by the Department for Transport (DFT)’s Future Transport Zones Fund, which was awarded to Derby City Council to trial new and exciting developments in transport.
Residents who would like to know more about the mobility hubs can get in touch with the Future Transport Zones team by emailing traffic.management@derby.gov.uk.
Ends.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)
WASHINGTON – Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Reps. Rob Bresnahan (PA-08), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), and Josh Riley (NY-19) in introducing the Local Farmers Feeding our Communities Act. This bipartisan bill would allow states, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), to establish cooperative agreements connecting regional farmers and producers with local food distribution organizations. Through these agreements, funds would be used to purchase local, fresh, and minimally processed foods like meat, seafood, milk, cheese, eggs, fruit, and poultry.
“The Central Valley grows the food that feeds our nation, and this bill gives us a chance to connect our farmers directly with local families and food banks to deliver healthy, homegrown food where it’s needed most,” said Congressman Valadao. “The Local Farmers Feeding our Communities Act is a bipartisan effort that invests in our farmers and communities, and I’m proud to stand with my colleagues in support.”
“Far too often the discussion around alleviating hunger leaves out those who grow, raise, and produce food – our local farmers. Reducing the barriers between our communities and the farmers who produce our food is a commonsense approach to ensure everyone in Northeast Pennsylvania has access to the food they need.” said Rep. Bresnahan. “This bill recognizes the hard work that is needed to supply fresh and nutritious food like fruit, veggies, milk, and cheese, while also creating a clear path to putting this food on the plates of people who need it. This investment in our local farmers is an investment in stronger local food security and healthier communities.”
“When Trump’s USDA abruptly ended the Local Food Purchase Assistance and Local Food for Schools programs, it pulled the rug out from under farmers, food banks, and schools across the country—including in Maine. These were proven tools for strengthening local food supply chains, supporting small producers, and getting healthy, locally grown food to hungry families,” said Congresswoman Pingree. “Our bipartisan Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities Act restores and improves on that successful model. It’s a practical, community-driven solution that invests in our nation’s farmers, builds regional resilience, and fights hunger.”
“It doesn’t get more common sense than fighting hunger by supporting local farmers,” said Congressman Riley. “This is about putting food on the tables of people who need it most, and investing directly in the family farmers who power our rural communities.”
Additional co-sponsors include: Reps. Tony Wied (WI-08), Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Zach Nunn (IA-03), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Jim Costa (CA-21), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), and Alma Adams (NC-12).
“This legislation supports a program with a proven record of increasing access to the fresh fruits and vegetables our farmers work hard to produce,” said Congressman Newhouse. “It cuts down on food waste, supplies food banks with produce, and ensures that those who need food can get it. I thank Rep. Bresnahan for his leadership on this legislation as we work to strengthen our food system and expand access to healthy food across the country.”
“Iowa farmers work hard to grow high-quality, nutritious food. This bill helps ensure local families and food banks can afford the fresh produce grown right here in our communities,” said Congressman Nunn. “I’m proud to back a plan that strengthens our food system, supports small producers and veterans, and expands access to healthy, Iowa-grown meals.”
“I’m proud to join this bipartisan bill to support our Illinois family farmers and help my constituents access nutritious, locally-grown food,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “In Central and Southern Illinois, the Local Food Purchase Assistance and Local Food for Schools have been a win-win-win for growers and producers, food banks, and schools. It was a major setback when these initiatives were abruptly cancelled. The Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities Act would restore these successful programs that are a proven way to fight hunger, strengthen the food supply chain, and bolster the local agricultural economy.”
“As the only Virginian on the House Agriculture Committee, I know the Local Food Purchase Assistance and Local Food for Schools programs are essential for our farmers and the families they feed across the Seventh. When the Trump Administration suddenly ended both, it caused a ripple effect — hurting local farmers, schools, and food banks across the Commonwealth and the United States. This cannot stand,” said Congressman Vindman. “Earlier this year, I met with Eugene Triplett at his fifth-generation, Black-owned family farm in Culpeper. He told me directly that these programs helped him get healthy, locally grown food to hungry kids and families. I will always work to deliver for Virginia families and farmers like Eugene.”
The Local Farmers Feeding our Communities Act:
Read the full bill here.
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Source: US National Renewable Energy Laboratory
From capital cities in the East to Alaskan villages in the West, NREL is advancing community-driven energy solutions from coast to coast through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program.
The EECBG Program has allocated noncompetitive funding for energy projects and programs in hundreds of communities. Community grant recipients can use funding for projects and programs that cut energy costs, improve energy efficiency, and create jobs.
Recipients also receive vouchers to access support from NREL experts with a wide array of technical expertise in order to advance their priorities using EECBG funding. NREL, leveraging the wealth of the laboratory’s modeling and analysis capabilities, began working with dozens of communities to deliver this support in the fall of 2024.
“Already, DOE’s EECBG Program is helping so many different areas of the country,” said Nathan Wiltse, decision support analysis group manager and EECBG technical lead for NREL. “Through the program, big cities and small towns can set their course in realizing their energy goals. Their drive and enthusiasm has been encouraging, and our NREL team is proud to be a part of their journey through the technical assistance we provide with DOE’s guidance.”
DOE-funded EECBG Program support—provided by NREL—spans multiple sectors, tapping into technical knowledge and expertise that provide local governments with actionable insights for their self-identified priorities, helping them improve energy affordability and more in their jurisdictions.
The beach city of Encinitas in San Diego County, California, is served by a regional rail service, with many workers commuting into the city. Tourism is also a big economic driver for the city, with many recreation opportunities and annual arts and cultural events.
To better support commuters, tourists, and residents, the city is looking to expand its public mobility options through microtransit. Microtransit systems commonly use smaller vehicles like minivans, which operate in a defined service area and provide rides to users on request. Instead of having fixed routes, like more traditional bus and rail services, microtransit generally provides varying point-to-point services as requested by riders.
According to NREL research, microtransit provides a low-cost and convenient alternative to personal car use. Applying this strategy for public transportation can then save costs for riders while improving air quality in communities.
“For a relatively small city like Encinitas, more traditional public transportation methods may not be the best fit,” said Andy Duvall, NREL researcher and voucher support subject matter expert. “Exploring microtransit could provide a variety of financial and environmental benefits for residents, visitors, and the community.”
With EECBG voucher technical assistance, NREL will assist Encinitas in developing a microtransit program by conducting analysis that gives the community a better understanding of its current transportation landscape and viable microtransit options and funding strategies. This support will be rooted in community engagement, with community workshops and data collection built in to learn about the residents’ challenges with public transit, specific issues, and ideas for solutions that will bolster the economy.
Chenega, home to the Native Village of Chenega, is located on an island in Southern Alaska. The community spans less than 30 square miles and has 19 residential buildings. Though small in size, Chenega has big goals to improve energy efficiency for residents, with a target of reducing the Tribe’s energy usage by 50% by 2050 or sooner, significantly cutting energy costs.
The Native Village of Chenega and the Chenega Corporation want to use their EECBG funding to help implement a community-wide energy efficiency program. To help Chenega plan for this program, NREL is organizing energy audits for a majority of homes in the community. Energy audits consist of a thorough inspection of a home both inside and out to identify potential comfort or safety problems and energy-saving opportunities. Through this process, Chenega will get a better understanding of which upgrades will be most cost-effective for their residents.
“Our technical assistance is helping Chenega set the foundation for more work to come that will cut energy costs for their community,” said Wiltse, who has over a decade of experience as a buildings researcher and economist in Alaska.
Chenega aims to use the results from these energy audits to apply for grant funding to implement the upgrades. The community also wants to use the audits to satisfy pre-installation requirements for DOE’s Tribal Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates, which can provide rebates of up to $14,000 per household for efficiency and appliance upgrades.
As Sugar Land, Texas, charts out its future energy projects, one of the city’s top priorities is reducing energy use and saving money for residents. To embed this commitment into daily operations, the city is developing a strategic energy plan focused on increasing efficiency, cutting waste, and lowering energy consumption across public buildings and infrastructure. To make this comprehensive energy plan succeed, the city needs more information on its current energy landscape.
Using tools like NREL’s State and Local Planning for Energy Platform, researchers are helping Sugar Land understand its current energy consumption and potential efficiency opportunities. With expert guidance from NREL, the city will move step by step through a hands-on energy planning process, from setting goals to evaluating project feasibility and prioritizing actions. Researchers will also analyze energy savings potential and financial impacts of various energy efficiency strategies across the city.
“Our research and analysis will help the city understand which energy efficiency strategies will be most cost-effective,” said Vanessa Mathews, NREL researcher. “Sugar Land can use this information to apply for funding opportunities and take meaningful steps towards its energy goals.”
Through the energy planning process, the city will identify clear, actionable steps to better understand its energy costs, evaluate the costs and benefits of potential efficiency projects, and explore reliable and affordable energy options and potential funding sources to inform the city’s future budget decisions.
Learn more about NREL’s technical assistance for EECBG.
Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
A man has been sentenced to jail for murdering a father in front of his young child in a barbershop in Leyton.
Josh McKay, 33, was stabbed in the neck by Renai Belle in a targeted attack and died from his injuries at the scene. During the Metropolitan Police investigation, officers discovered a rap video showing Belle threaten Josh before the attack.
Belle, 30 (20.02.95), of Swaythling Close, Edmonton was sentenced to 26 years and 12 months in prison on Wednesday, 30 July at the Old Bailey. He was previously convicted for Josh’s murder and possession of a knife on Wednesday, 4 June.
A man and woman were also convicted and sentenced for separate offences.
Josh’s mother, Bash Kehinde said: “Today’s sentencing changes nothing for me and my family. I will never see my beautiful son. And his two children will now face life without their hero.
“To all of the mothers of murdered children, I understand your pain, the sadness and sense of loss that is unbearable. It is made worse because it was all so senseless.
“Josh was a beautiful happy kind man and an active and loving father. The world is less kind, less bright and less funny without him here.”
Detective Inspector Chris Griffith, from Specialist Crime North, who led the investigation, said: “This was a savage and pre-planned attack, committed in broad daylight and with scant regard for passers-by. What took place left the local community reeling, and two young children without their father.
“My heart goes out to Josh’s family and friends. He was a loving parent, whose life was ended in the most horrendous way.
“I hope that today’s result provides Josh’s family with some closure, and allows the community to feel safer knowing that Belle is no longer free to commit such heinous crimes.”
The court heard that Josh was at a barbershop on Lea Bridge Road with his son on Saturday, 6 July. Around 15:00hrs, as shown on CCTV seized by the investigation team, Belle entered the shop wearing a balaclava where he stabbed Josh in the neck in a pre-meditated attack following a long-standing dispute. Belle was then chased away by Josh.
Members of the public rushed to Josh’s aid and attempted to provide medical treatment until the arrival of officers and paramedics. Despite their best efforts, Josh died from his injuries.
A determined investigation began immediately in which officers painstakingly combed through more than 100 hours of CCTV footage to track Belle’s movements and understand what took place.
Officers discovered that Belle was the passenger in a car being driven by his partner, Tenika Parker. Having seen Josh enter the barbershop, the pair drove to the address of man called Daniel Cooper. In doorbell footage later seized, Cooper was seen providing Belle with the balaclava and knife that would be used minutes later to murder Josh. Belle was then driven back to the barbers nearby before stabbing Josh. He was helped to escape by Parker in the waiting car.
A manhunt led to the arrest of Belle at an address in Pincott Road, SW19 on Monday 8 July, 2024.
As part of officers’ determination to further establish a watertight case against Belle, further enquiries led them to discover a rap video on YouTube showing Belle threaten Josh in advance of the attack, more proof that it was pre-planned.
Parker was initially arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender on Sunday, 7 July in India Dock Road, Poplar. She was stopped by police while driving the car that had been identified as involved in the murder. During a search of Parker’s vehicle, officers found distinct black sliders Belle was seen wearing in CCTV footage, as well as traces of blood that officers sent for forensic testing. This provided a DNA match to Josh. Parker was rearrested on Wednesday, 2 October, and charged with perverting the course of justice after CCTV footage showed her attempting to clean her car after the attack to remove any evidence.
Cooper was arrested after handing himself in to police on Thursday, 11 July. During a search at Cooper’s property, officers discovered two knives matching the branding of the weapon that was left at the scene of Josh’s murder. Forensic testing on the balaclava and knife discarded by Belle at the scene of Josh’s murder found DNA that matched with Cooper.
On Wednesday, 4 June, Tenika Parker, 39 (21.02.86), of Canterbury Road, Leytonstone and Daniel Cooper, 22 (20.02.03) of Gosport Road, Leytonstone stood trial alongside Belle.
Parker was convicted of possession of a knife and perverting the course of justice. On Wednesday, 30 July, she was sentenced at the Old Bailey to 2 years and 3 months years in prison.
Cooper had previously pleaded guilty to possession of a knife but was acquitted of other offences. He was sentenced on Friday, 6 June for 7.5 months. He has since been released due to time already served.
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Veda Vaidyanathan, Associate, Harvard University Asia Center, Harvard Kennedy School
Ghana has historically been an anchor of Indian enterprise and diplomacy on the African continent.
New Delhi and Accra formalised ties in 1957. At the time, their partnership was grounded in shared anti-colonial ideals and a common vision for post-independence development. India offered counsel on building Ghana’s institutions, including its external intelligence agency. Meanwhile, Indian teachers, technicians, and traders regularly travelled to the west African country in search of opportunity.
The July 2025 visit of the Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi, to Ghana – the first by an Indian leader in over three decades – came at a critical moment for the continent. As the global order shifts towards multi-polarity, countries like Ghana are navigating a complex landscape, which includes western donors scaling back commitments. This has opened space to deepen cooperation through pragmatic, interest-driven collaborations with longstanding partners like India. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Ghana’s President John Mahama captured the spirit of this global realignment, noting that
as bridges are burning, new bridges are being formed.
Against this backdrop, Prime Minister Modi’s visit offered an opportunity to both revive and recalibrate bilateral ties. The visit carried a strong economic and strategic orientation. Ghana positioned itself as a partner in areas where India holds comparative advantage, such as pharmaceuticals. Over 26% of Africa’s generic medicines are sourced from India. The Food and Drugs Authority’s (Ghana’s regulator of pharmaceutical standards) listing of foreign pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities is dominated by Indian firms.
Defence cooperation was also on the agenda. Ghana is looking to India for training, equipment and broader security engagement in response to rising threats from the Sahel and coastal piracy.
This emphasis on shared security interests is underscored by Ghana’s alignment with India on counter-terrorism. President Mahama for instance has condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attacks that occurred in April, 2025.
Economic ties are at the heart of this renewed engagement between the two countries. Bilateral trade currently stands at around US$3 billion. Both leaders aim to double it to US$6 billion over the next five years. Currently, Ghana enjoys a trade surplus with India. This is mainly due to gold exports, which account for over 70% of its shipments. Cocoa, cashew nuts, and timber are also key exports, while imports from India include pharmaceuticals, machinery, vehicles, and various industrial goods.
India has invested more than US$2 billion in Ghana. These investments span private capital, concessional finance and grants across 900 projects. India now ranks among Ghana’s top investors. Indian firms and state-backed institutions play a key role in critical infrastructure development. Landmark projects include the 97km standard gauge Tema-Mpakadan Railway Line and the Ghana-India Kofi Annan ICT Centre, a hub for innovation and research.
In an earlier study, I documented the perspectives of Indian entrepreneurs in Ghana. The findings underscored the country’s appeal as a land of economic opportunity. In interviews, Indian businesses highlighted Ghana’s stable political environment. An expanding consumer base, and relatively transparent regulatory framework were also mentioned. Together, these factors continue to attract investor interest.
This economic momentum likely paved the way to pursue a closer bilateral relationship, marked by the elevation to a ‘Comprehensive Partnership’.
While delegates in the July visit addressed issues such as financial inclusion, healthcare and agriculture, the tangible outcomes were limited. Four memoranda of understanding were signed. They cover cooperation on traditional medicine, regulatory standards and cultural exchange. The creation of a joint commission to structure and advance bilateral collaboration across priority sectors was also signed.
Moving forward, Ghana offers India an entry point into west Africa’s resource landscape. With reserves of gold, bauxite, manganese and lithium, Ghana is well positioned to contribute to India’s needs for critical minerals. President Mahama’s invitation for investment in mineral extraction and processing aligns with India’s National Critical Mineral Mission, New Delhi is looking for supply chains for its energy transition. It creates an opportunity for Indian mining companies to expand into African markets.
With nearly US$100 billion in trade, cumulative investments of nearly US$75 billion, and a 3.5 million strong diaspora, the broader contours of India’s Africa policy is increasingly pragmatic and issue based.
New Delhi’s evolving relations with Accra reflects this. It comes as Ghana is making sweeping economic reforms domestically, particularly in fiscal management and debt restructuring.
This ambitious “economic reboot” hinges on attracting private sector investment. In this context, the Indian diaspora, already deeply embedded in Ghana’s commercial networks, is well positioned to foster stronger economic ties.
In his address to Ghana’s Parliament, The Indian Prime Minister spoke of development cooperation that is demand driven and focused on building local capacity and creating local opportunities. This approach “to not just invest, but empower”, signals India’s growing intent to anchor relationships in mutual agency, rather than dependency.
– Modi’s visit to Ghana signals India’s broader Africa strategy. A researcher explains
– https://theconversation.com/modis-visit-to-ghana-signals-indias-broader-africa-strategy-a-researcher-explains-261187
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Adrino Mazenda, Senior Researcher, Associate Professor Economic Management Sciences, University of Pretoria
Poverty goes beyond income. It often arises when health, education and opportunities fall short of meeting people’s needs.
Individuals are classified as impoverished when they face deprivation in one-third or more of the indicators in a multidimensional poverty index. The index reflects the various influences on socioeconomic class. These include housing, sanitation, electricity, cooking fuel, nutrition and school attendance.
The index is one of the most comprehensive measures of poverty. The fact that the multidimentional index captures multiple dimensions enables it to reflect overlapping disadvantages. And provides a fuller picture of well-being. Other monetary measures such as income aren’t as comprehensive.
About 18% of the world’s population are poor by the definition of the multidimentional poverty index. Sub-Saharan Africa is especially affected, with a multidimensional poverty rate nearing 59%.
In South Africa, it is at around 40%. This means it experiences four in 10 of the dimensions of poverty.
The province of Gauteng is South Africa’s economic hub. Nevertheless it contains pockets of severe deprivation. About 4.6% of households are poor. In some wards up to 68% are severely deprived.
We are social scientists with research histories in food systems and livelihoods, public policy and economics of human capital. We recently conducted a study focused on Gauteng. We wanted to determine what could enable poor and vulnerable households to move out of those categories.
We used a modelling exercise that allowed us to isolate the most relevant factors for this transition.
The study found six factors: education, age, income, working time, medical aid and being a recipient of a low income municipal support grant. We concluded from this that attending to these six variables was the foundation for upward mobility.
Conversely, vulnerability to economic shocks, such as job loss or food insecurity, can trigger rapid downward mobility.
Based on our findings we make eight policy recommendations. These include boosting education and skills training, better healthcare and affordable, reliable transport.
Multidimensional poverty intersects with socioeconomic class structures. It reinforces inequality by placing individuals into hierarchical groups. These range from the affluent and middle class to the transient, vulnerable, and chronically poor.
These disparities shape access to resources, opportunities and upward mobility.
Lower-class households differ from middle-class and affluent (non-poor) households across multiple dimensions. These differences include income stability, consumption patterns, access to services, asset ownership, social capital and vulnerability to shocks.
In the light of this we adopted a multidimensional poverty approach to classify households. We used various dimensions and indicators of poverty to assess the extent of deprivation and associated poverty levels.
We calculated the deprivation score and classified households into three levels: not poor, moderate poverty (vulnerable), and severe poverty (chronically poor).
Working time had the strongest effect. Part- or full-time work greatly lowered odds of severe poverty (chronic poverty) and moderate poverty (transient poverty). Working time refers to the duration that a person is engaged in paid employment or work-related activities. This is usually between 35 and 45 hours per week for full-time employment. And fewer than 35 hours per week for part-time employment.
Some factors only influenced certain groups. For severe poverty, transport access, household health, food parcel reliance, household size, and skipping meals were significant. For moderate poverty, gender, food parcel reliance and skipping meals mattered. And for the vulnerable non-poor (middle class), distance from public transport was the only additional factor.
Social grants and being part of the black population group showed little influence. Transitions and the ability to transcend poverty classes were driven mainly by direct socio-economic factors.
These dynamics underscore the precariousness of low-income households. They also highlight the importance of targeted interventions to break cycles of poverty.
Higher education, stable income and access to full-time work, drastically reduce the odds of remaining in severe or moderate poverty or being vulnerable. Medical aid access and municipal assistance programmes that provide free or subsidised basic services, also serve as protective factors. These help households meet essential health and welfare needs.
However, several structural and socio-economic constraints hinder transitions out of poverty. For example, living a greater distance from public transport increases the likelihood of severe poverty and vulnerability.
Food insecurity, measured by skipping meals or dependence on food parcels, remains a persistent marker of entrenched deprivation.
Gender disparities suggest underlying labour market or social vulnerabilities that require targeted policy interventions. For example, male-headed households are more likely than female-headed households to be moderately poor.
Escaping multidimensional poverty in Gauteng requires targeted, practical and complementary interventions. Examples include subsidised transport, decentralised clinics, or housing closer to jobs.
This will enable grants to be translated to improved well-being.
We suggest eight areas for improvement:
access to education, vocational training and digital skills. This will help to increase employment prospects
public works and youth entrepreneurship support. This will boost income generation
social protection like indigent benefits, food vouchers and subsidised medical aid
food security. This can be done through community gardens and nutrition programmes
support for female-headed households and young people
affordable, reliable public transport. Services also need to be decentralised
data-driven municipal planning to guide infrastructure and service investments
consistently tracking progress against defined objectives.
The province implements multiple poverty-reduction initiatives. These include expanded public works, township economy support, food gardens, free basic services, subsidised housing, and public transport projects.
These efforts address income, food security and mobility. But they have limited impact due to persistent barriers. This is because many, particularly young people, don’t have market-relevant skills. In addition, spatial inequality results in long, costly commutes. And housing shortages and rising food prices deepen vulnerability.
Fragmented funding, weak coordination and inadequate data tracking also undermine progress.
– 8 policies that would help fight poverty in South Africa’s economic hub Gauteng
– https://theconversation.com/8-policies-that-would-help-fight-poverty-in-south-africas-economic-hub-gauteng-261388
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Brian Brivati, Visiting Professor of Contemporary History and Human Rights, Kingston University
Keir Starmer has announced that the UK will recognise Palestinian statehood by September 2025 unless Israel meets certain conditions, marking a significant shift in UK policy.
For decades, successive UK governments withheld recognition, insisting it could only come as part of a negotiated settlement between Israel and Palestine. This position, rooted in the Oslo accords of the 1990s and aligned with US policy, effectively gave Israel a veto over Palestinian statehood. As long as Israel refused to engage seriously in peace talks, the UK refrained from acting.
Starmer has now broken with this precedent, potentially aligning the UK with 147 other countries. But the Israeli government must take what the UK calls “substantive steps” toward peace. These include agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza, allowing full humanitarian access, explicitly rejecting any plans to annex West Bank territory, and returning to a credible peace process aimed at establishing a two-state solution.
If Israel meets these conditions, the UK would presumably withhold recognition until the “peace process” has been completed. Starmer made clear that Britain will assess Israeli compliance in September and reserves the right to proceed with recognition regardless of Israel’s response. The message was unambiguous: no one side will have a veto.
This is more than just clever internal politics and party management. Anything that puts any pressure on Israel to move towards peace should be welcomed. But will it amount to much more than that?
Starmer has faced criticism over the last few years for resisting recognising Palestine as a state. While Labour’s frontbench held the line for much of the past year, rank-and-file discontent has grown – and with it, the political risks.
At the heart of Labour’s internal tensions lie two irreconcilable blocs. On one side are MPs and activists – both inside the party and expelled from it – who are vocally pro-Palestinian and have been outraged by the government’s failure to act. On the other side are members of the Labour right who continue to back Israel, oppose unilateral recognition of statehood and focus on the terrible crimes of Hamas but not the IDF campaign in Gaza.
Between them sits a soft-centre majority, for whom foreign policy is not a defining issue. They are not ideologically committed to either side but have become increasingly uneasy with the escalating violence and the UK’s diplomatic inertia.
As the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza deepens, public outrage in the UK has grown. Mass protests have put mounting pressure on the government to act. Within parliament, over 200 MPs, including many from Labour, signed a letter demanding immediate recognition of Palestine. Senior cabinet ministers reportedly pushed hard for the shift on electoral grounds, as well as principle.
International dynamics have also played a crucial role. France’s announcement that it would recognise Palestine by September, becoming the first major western power to do so, created additional pressure. Spain, Ireland, Norway and several other European states have already taken the step. Britain chose to align itself with this emerging consensus.
These pressures combined created a sense of urgency and political opportunity. Starmer’s government appears to be using the threat of recognition as leverage –pressuring Israel to return to negotiations and halt annexation plans.
The calculation seems to be that Israel will either meet the UK’s conditions or face diplomatic consequences, including recognition of Palestine without its consent. There is also the possibility that Israel will simply ignore the UK and press on with its campaign for “Greater Israel”.
That is why, while this is a meaningful departure from the past, it is not without problems. Chief among them is the principle of conditionality itself. By making recognition contingent on Israeli behaviour, the UK risks reinforcing the very logic it claims to be rejecting – that Palestinian rights can be granted or withheld based on the actions of the occupying power.
Recognition of statehood should not be used as a diplomatic carrot or stick. It is a matter of justice, not reward. Palestinians are entitled to self-determination under international law.
There is also concern that the September deadline could become another missed opportunity. If Israel makes vague or symbolic gestures – such as issuing carefully worded statements or temporarily suspending one settlement expansion – will the UK delay recognition further, claiming that “progress” is being made?
Palestinians have seen such tactics before. Recognition has been delayed for decades in the name of preserving leverage. But leverage for what?
The Israeli government, dominated by ultra-nationalists and pro-annexation hardliners, is unlikely to satisfy the UK’s conditions in good faith. The risk is that the deadline becomes a mirage – always imminent, never reached.
Recognition also comes as part of a proposed new peace plan. This will be supported by the UK, France and Germany, and it allows the government to say it is being consist with its policy that recognition is part of a peace plan.
If, by some miracle, pressure works and Israel meets all the conditions, then the UK can claim that recognition has played a role in bringing Israel back to the negotiating table.
But if recognition is then withheld, there will not be two equal actors at that table. The State of Palestine will not have been recognised by key international players, and a new round of western-run peace processes will begin. These do not have a good track record.
If Israel fails to agree to a ceasefire and let aid into Gaza, then Starmer will be forced to go through with recognition.
For now, he has defused the internal division in his party. It is clever politics, good party management – it remains to be seen if it is also statesmanship.
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Brian Brivati is affiliated with Britain Palestine Project, a Scottish Charity that campaigns for equal rights, justice and security for Israelis and Palestiniains
– ref. Starmer’s move on Palestinian statehood is clever politics – https://theconversation.com/starmers-move-on-palestinian-statehood-is-clever-politics-262239
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Alan Dykes, Associate Professor in Engineering Geology, Kingston University
The earthquake near the east coast of the Kamchatka peninsula in Russia on July 30 2025 generated tsunami waves that have reached Hawaii and coastal areas of the US mainland. The earthquake’s magnitude of 8.8 is significant, potentially making it one of the largest quakes ever recorded.
Countries around much of the Pacific, including in east Asia, North and South America, issued alerts and in some cases evacuation orders in anticipation of potentially devastating waves. Waves of up to four metres hit coastal towns in Kamchatka near where the earthquake struck, apparently causing severe damage in some areas.
But in other places waves have been smaller than expected, including in Japan, which is much closer to Kamchatka than most of the Pacific rim. Many warnings have now been downgraded or lifted with relatively little damage. It seems that for the size of the earthquake, the tsunami has been rather smaller than might have been the case. To understand why, we can look to geology.
The earthquake was associated with the Pacific tectonic plate, one of several major pieces of the Earth’s crust. This pushes north-west against the part of the North American plate that extends west into Russia, and is forced downwards beneath the Kamchatka peninsula in a process called subduction.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) says the average rate of convergence – a measure of plate movement – is around 80mm per year. This is one of the highest rates of relative movement at a plate boundary.
But this movement tends to take place as an occasional sudden movement of several metres. In any earthquake of this type and size, the displacement may occur over a contact area between the two tectonic plates of slightly less than 400km by 150km, according to the USGS.
The Earth’s crust is made of rock that is very hard and brittle at the small scale and near the surface. But over very large areas and depths, it can deform with slightly elastic behaviour. As the subducting slab – the Pacific plate – pushes forward and descends, the depth of the ocean floor may suddenly change.
Nearer to the coastline, the crust of the overlying plate may be pushed upward as the other pushed underneath, or – as was the case off Sumatra in 2004 – the outer edge of the overlying plate may be dragged down somewhat before springing back a few metres.
It is these near-instantaneous movements of the seabed that generate tsunami waves by displacing huge volumes of ocean water. For example, if the seabed rose just one metre across an area of 200 by 100km where the water is 1km deep, then the volume of water displaced would fill Wembley stadium to the roof 17.5 million times.
A one-metre rise like this will then propagate away from the area of the uplift in all directions, interacting with normal wind-generated ocean waves, tides and the shape of the sea floor to produce a series of tsunami waves. In the open ocean, the tsunami wave would not be noticed by boats and ships, which is why a cruise ship in Hawaii was quickly moved out to sea.
The tsunami waves travel across the deep ocean at up to 440 miles per hour, so they may be expected to reach any Pacific Ocean coastline within 24 hours. However, some of their energy will dissipate as they cross the ocean, so they will usually be less hazardous at the furthest coastlines away from the earthquake.
The hazard arises from how the waves are modified as the seabed rises towards a shoreline. They will slow and, as a result, grow in height, creating a surge of water towards and then beyond the normal coastline.
The Kamchatka earthquake was slightly deeper in the Earth’s crust (20.7km) than the Sumatran earthquake of 2004 and the Japanese earthquake of 2011. This will have resulted in somewhat less vertical displacement of the seabed, with the movement of that seabed being slightly less instantaneous. This is why we’ve seen tsunami warnings lifted some time before any tsunami waves would have arrived there.
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Alan Dykes 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. Why the Pacific tsunami was smaller than expected – a geologist explains – https://theconversation.com/why-the-pacific-tsunami-was-smaller-than-expected-a-geologist-explains-262273
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Adele Julier, Senior Lecturer in Ecology, University of Portsmouth
Hosepipe bans in summer 2025 will mean many gardeners having to choose which of their plants to keep going with the watering can, and which to abandon. Are these temporary restrictions actually a sign we need to rethink British gardens altogether?
Climate change will bring the United Kingdom warmer, wetter winters and hotter, drier summers. Britain has seen warm periods before, such as in the last interglacial period 130,000 years ago, but the current speed of change is unprecedented. This will have many effects, but it will also change one of the core parts of British life: our gardens.
Rather than fighting the inevitable and trying to keep growing the same plants we have always grown, how might we adapt what we grow and how we grow it?
The first to go, tragically for some, may be the classic British lawn. Already this year across the country, large areas of grass are looking parched and brown in the face of a long drought. The traditional lawn has just a few species of grass and is unlikely to be very drought-resistant. You can maintain a grass lawn that is more tolerant of dry weather by using drought-resistant fescue species of grass, and keeping the lawn well aerated (that means putting small holes in it to allow air, water and nutrients to reach the grass roots). But it may still suffer periods in which it looks unhealthy.
Swapping a lawn for a meadow can increase drought tolerance and decrease maintenance such as regular mowing and watering, because meadows only need to be cut once a year and don’t need as much water. Perhaps instead of lawns we can embrace No Mow May all year round, creating a greater diversity of plant and animal life in gardens.
Wildflowers such as yarrow and common knapweed can be great for pollinators and the birds that feed on them. These plants are drought-tolerant too.
As well as challenges in the face of a changing climate, there will be opportunities. Grape vines were grown in Britain in Roman times, and British wine production is once again a growing industry. Regular British gardeners could also grow a wider variety of grape vines, and even make their own wine. Warmer, drier summers could make plants such as citrus and olive trees easier to grow, with fruits more likely to ripen and less likely to be lost to frost in winter. Sunflowers, while they already grow here, could also thrive in the new conditions.
There will be a shift in the best types of decorative plants for gardens, with those needing lots of water, such as hydrangeas, delphiniums and gentians, becoming difficult to grow. We could look to the Mediterranean for inspiration, and choose shrubs such as thyme and lavender, or climbers like passion flowers, that need less water. It is also possible to grow a drought-tolerant garden with plants that are native to Britain, such as species of Geranium and Sedum. Coastal plants such as sea kale and sea holly that grow in harsh, rocky conditions can also make great garden plants in a drier climate.
Finally, the way we garden will need to change. Setting up water storage systems, from simple water butts to larger, more complex systems that could include grey water harvesting (used but clean water from baths and washing up) or underground water storage, will help gardeners to make the most of storms by storing the rainwater for use during droughts. You can set up a dispersion system to recycle lightly used household water, such as from a dishwasher or shower.
Soil health is important too, as soils with more organic matter are better at holding water. Composting food waste to add to soil would be a great way of helping to increase the organic content and make watering more efficient. This has the added value of avoiding peat composts. Peat comes from wetlands and it will eventually run out. Peat harvesting also releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.
The next few decades will be challenging for gardeners. Britain will probably experience an increase in prolonged droughts and other extreme weather, as well as overall warming caused by climate change. Our gardens may cover a small proportion of land in the UK. But we can use them to experiment and develop sustainable ways of existing, growing not just new plants but also hope in the face of adversity.
Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.
Adele Julier 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. As climate change hits, what might the British garden of the future look like? – https://theconversation.com/as-climate-change-hits-what-might-the-british-garden-of-the-future-look-like-261608
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jo Wilding, Lecturer in law, University of Sussex
The Windrush scandal has been one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in Britain, affecting tens of thousands of people. The government set up a scheme in 2019 to award compensation to those who had been wronged by racist immigration legislation over decades, left unable to prove their immigration status.
But in a new report, I have found that how much victims receive through the scheme has little to do with how they were wronged, and more to do with whether they can access a lawyer. Those who applied without legal support were offered tens of thousands of pounds less than when they appealed with legal representation.
The research, produced with law reform charity Justice and Dechert LLP’s pro bono team, provides empirical evidence of precisely what lawyers do that makes a difference.
Our research participants, who were claiming compensation over the Windrush scandal were offered, on average, £11,000 when applying to the scheme without a lawyer. But when applying for review with legal representation, the award was more than £83,000. One of our participants was refused any compensation when he applied alone, but eventually received £295,000 with the help of a lawyer.
We conducted an in-depth review of ten files where a claimant first applied for compensation without a lawyer, received a refusal or a low offer of compensation, and then applied with a lawyer for review of that decision.
We reviewed another seven files from people who could never have claimed alone, because of street homelessness, dementia or serious health conditions.
The team interviewed each lawyer and (where possible) the claimant, to identify exactly what a lawyer does that makes a difference.
The Home Office insists lawyers are unnecessary because the scheme’s own caseworkers will help find evidence. But our findings suggest serious failings in those efforts. One of the main contributions of lawyers was expertise in finding decades-old evidence and demonstrating how it meets the standard of proof for the Windrush compensation scheme.
One of our claimants applied for compensation for having been refused housing assistance (leaving her homeless) based on a misunderstanding of her immigration status. The Home Office caseworkers emailed her local council and asked whether there was a record of her being refused housing assistance 20 years earlier. The council replied that there was not. The caseworker treated that as evidence that she had never made an application.
When a lawyer got involved, he asked the council to confirm how long they kept housing application records. The answer was 12 years, so there was never any prospect of evidence existing from 20 years ago. The lawyer then managed to track down her housing file with the housing solicitors who represented her.
Lawyers knew how to request files from public bodies, understood the references to statutes in those files and, most importantly, were able to spot when key documents were missing.
The lawyers in the cases we reviewed took detailed witness statements from claimants. Those made by claimants alone averaged 1.5 pages, whereas those made by lawyers were at least 15 pages, containing far more relevant detail showing how the claimant met the scheme criteria.
Lawyers acted as a “buffer” between claimant and Home Office. Claimants told our research team that they felt the Home Office spoke to them with more respect once they had a lawyer. Often, claimants were ready to give up and accept the refusal because they were exhausted and frustrated with fighting the Home Office.
The findings are consistent with other peer-reviewed research exploring what lawyers or representatives add to cases in the family courts and the tribunals: a 15%-18% “representation premium” in chances of success. In some cases, this can be achieved through pre-hearing advice.
All of our participants had a lawyer either through Law Centres funded by a charity, a university law clinic, or private law firms doing the work pro bono. Some firms also do the work on a no-win-no-fee basis, typically taking 25%-30% of the claimant’s damages but on occasion up to 67%. Given that it takes 32-103 hours to prepare the case, the lawyer’s fee may still underrepresent the work they did.
Recent reports have revealed serious problems with the compensation schemes for both the Post Office and the infected blood scandals. The chairs of the respective public inquiries, Sir Wyn Williams and Sir Brian Langstaff, criticised gaps in the provision of access to legal advice and recommended funded legal advice for all claimants.
The Post Office Horizon IT scandal has four compensation schemes for different categories of victim. In each, claimants can choose between a fixed payment (£75,000) or an individual assessment of loss. In three of those schemes, funded legal advice is available to help claimants choose between those options. In the Horizon Shortfall Scheme, though, it is not available unless and until they reject the fixed payment and opt for individual assessment.
The infected blood compensation scheme includes funded legal representation for “core” route claimants – those directly affected. But the inquiry report says it should also be available for claims by affected family members.
Only the Windrush scheme has no provision at all for funded legal representation at any stage. All representation is either a matter of charity, or paid for from the damages, which may leave very little for the claimant.
Yet the Windrush scheme is arguably the most complicated, with a 44-page claim form compared with just eight for the Horizon Shortfall Scheme. The infected blood claim form is largely completed by medical personnel. The Windrush scheme has complex eligibility requirements compared with the other schemes, and often demands an immigration lawyer’s expertise.
As our research found, lawyers were able to advise Windrush claimants on whether the offer of compensation was fair or whether they should apply for review. Our empirical evidence, along with the reports, suggest all compensation schemes involving state harm to citizens should include free legal representation for claimants.
In response to the report, a Home Office spokesperson told the Guardian: “Earlier this year, we launched a £1.5m advocacy support fund to provide dedicated help from trusted community organisations when victims are applying for compensation. However, we recognise there is more to be done, which is why ministers are continuing to engage with community groups on improvements to the compensation scheme, and will ask the new Windrush commissioner to recommend any further changes they believe are required.”
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Jo Wilding 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. Windrush scandal: those left to apply for compensation without legal help missed out on tens of thousands of pounds – https://theconversation.com/windrush-scandal-those-left-to-apply-for-compensation-without-legal-help-missed-out-on-tens-of-thousands-of-pounds-261046
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Primrose Freestone, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Microbiology, University of Leicester
Your feet are microbial hotspots. The area between your toes is packed with sweat glands, and when we wrap our feet in socks and shoes, we trap that moisture in a warm, humid cocoon that’s ideal for microbial growth. In fact, your feet may be home to a miniature rainforest of bacteria and fungi, with anywhere from 100 to 10 million microbial cells per square centimetre of skin surface.
Not only do feet host a huge variety of microorganisms – up to 1,000 different species per person – but they also have a wider range of fungal species than any other part of the body. That means your feet aren’t just sweaty or smelly – they’re genuinely biodiverse.
Because your feet are microbe-rich, your socks become prime real estate for these same bacteria and fungi. Studies show that socks harbour both harmless skin residents, like coagulase-negative staphylococci, and potentially dangerous pathogens, including Aspergillus, Staphylococcus, Candida, Histoplasma and Cryptococcus. These microbes thrive in the warm, moist spaces between your toes, feeding on sweat and dead skin cells.
Their byproducts, such as volatile fatty acids and sulphur compounds, are what give sweaty feet, socks and shoes that notorious odour. It’s not the sweat itself that smells, but the microbial metabolism of that sweat. Perhaps unsurprisingly, smelly feet are so common the NHS has dedicated pages of advice on the issue.
The sock microbiome isn’t just influenced by your feet – it also reflects your environment. Socks pick up microbes from every surface you walk on, including household floors, gym mats, locker rooms and even your garden. They act as microbial sponges, collecting bacteria and fungi from soil, water, pet hair and dander, and the general dust of everyday life. In one study, socks worn for just 12 hours had the highest bacterial and fungal counts of any clothing item tested.
And those microbes don’t stay put. Anything living in your socks can transfer to your shoes, your floors, your bedding – and even your skin. In a hospital study, slipper socks worn by patients were found to carry floor microbes, including antibiotic-resistant pathogens, into hospital beds. It’s a reminder that foot hygiene isn’t just a personal issue – it can have broader implications for infection control and public health.
Socks can also play a key role in spreading fungal infections like Tinea pedis (better known as athlete’s foot), a highly contagious condition that primarily affects the toes but can spread to the heels, hands, or even the groin. The infection is caused by dermatophyte fungi, which love warm, damp environments – exactly the kind you find in sweaty socks and tight shoes.
To prevent this, experts recommend avoiding walking barefoot in shared spaces like gyms and pools, not sharing socks, towels, or shoes, and practising good foot hygiene, which includes washing and drying thoroughly between the toes. Topical antifungal treatments are usually effective, but prevention is key.
It’s also important to note that socks can retain fungal spores even after washing. So if you’ve had athlete’s foot, wearing the same pair again – even if it looks clean – could trigger reinfection.
The safest approach is to wear fresh socks daily and allow your shoes to dry out completely between wears. Choose breathable fabrics and avoid footwear that traps heat or causes excessive sweating.
Most laundry advice focuses on preserving fabric, colour and shape – but when it comes to socks, hygiene matters more. Studies show that washing at typical domestic temperatures (30–40°C) may not be sufficient to kill bacteria and fungi. In fact, under-cleaned socks can act as infection vectors, especially in households with vulnerable people.
To properly sanitise your socks:
turn them inside out before washing to expose the inner surface where most microbes accumulate
use an enzyme-based detergent, which helps break down sweat and skin debris
wash at 60°C when possible, as the higher temperature helps detach and kill microbes
steam iron your socks if you need to wash at lower temperatures – heat from ironing can destroy residual spores.
Cotton socks tend to tolerate higher temperatures better than synthetic blends, making them a better option for those prone to fungal infections. Drying socks in direct sunlight can also help: UV light has known antimicrobial effects.
Your socks might say more about you than you realise. In a US murder investigation, forensic scientists used soil bacteria found on a suspect’s socks to link them to the burial site of a victim.
The microbial profile of the socks closely matched that of the crime scene – suggesting the socks had picked up and preserved location-specific soil microbes. This emerging field of forensic microbiology shows how microbial signatures can offer valuable clues in legal contexts.
It’s a reminder that the ecosystems we carry on our bodies – and in our clothing – are not only complex and revealing but also surprisingly durable. Whether it’s helping to solve crimes or fuelling a fungal outbreak, your socks are far more biologically active than they appear.
So next time you peel off a sweaty pair at the end of the day, spare a thought for the microscopic universe you’ve been walking around in. And maybe, just maybe, opt for that 60-degree wash.
Primrose Freestone 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. The dirty truth about what’s in your socks: bacteria, fungi and whatever lives between your toes – https://theconversation.com/the-dirty-truth-about-whats-in-your-socks-bacteria-fungi-and-whatever-lives-between-your-toes-261580