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Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government and business put forward “Team UK” approach to unleash defence sector’s potential

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Press release

    Government and business put forward “Team UK” approach to unleash defence sector’s potential

    Plans to deliver jobs across the UK by unlocking the full economic potential of Britain’s defence sector are set to be unveiled today (8 July 2025).

    • Recommendations unveiled today by the Defence and Economic Growth Taskforce will build upon 14,000 extra jobs supported by government investment in the defence sector

    • Comes as Defence Tech company Helsing announces the UK’s first Resilience Factory in Plymouth as it accelerates £350m UK investment in Artificial Intelligence

    • Taskforce report puts forward “Team UK” government and business collaboration to drive growth and create jobs as part of government’s Plan for Change

    Recommendations from the Defence and Economic Growth Taskforce will outline key steps – including developing regional Defence Growth Deals – to ensure that working people benefit from the government’s move to increase defence spending.

    New opportunities for UK workers are already on the way with defence tech company Helsing announcing that it will open the UK’s first Resilience Factory this year. The UK technology and its supply chain will create specialist high-value jobs in the South West and across the country, as Helsing doubles the size of its UK business.

    Helsing’s acceleration of its £350m Trinity House private investment will see it provide allied navies with AI-powered miniature submarines to protect critical underwater infrastructure. The advanced manufacturing facility will be based in Plymouth, as the new national centre of marine autonomy.

    The Taskforce’s recommendations will be launched at a Ministry of Defence roundtable chaired by the Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Defence Secretary John Healey later today.

    The report’s key recommendation is for a “Team UK” strategy to ensure the UK is globally competitive, driving innovation, jobs and prosperity across the UK, reforming procurement and contracting processes to grow the UK defence sector – in line with the Strategic Defence Review.

    It also recommends prioritising investment in “dual use” technologies that can be used for both civil and military purposes in the UK.

    The meeting comes as figures published last week show that 151,000 UK jobs are directly supported by the MOD’s spend with industry – an increase of 14,000 on the previous year.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

    “A new era of threats demands a new era for defence and security. That’s why we took the decision to prioritise defence spending, increasing it to 2.6% of GDP by April 2027.

    “Through this, and the work of the Defence and Economic Growth Taskforce – including Helsing’s welcome announcement of the first UK Resilience Factory – we are securing our nation and unleashing the economic potential in the Defence sector, benefitting working people across the UK through our Plan for Change.”

    Ned Baker, UK Managing Director, Helsing:

    “Helsing supports the Government’s ambitions for our defences and economy. We are investing in both by opening the first UK Resilience Factory and accelerating our £350m commitment.

    “We have confidence in the Government’s commitment to new technological solutions for defence. Together, we can attract further private investment, equipping our Armed Forces and growing the economy.”

    The Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey, said:

    “In a new era for defence, we are building a new partnership with the UK’s outstanding defence industry, with innovators and with investors.

    “We will equip our Armed Forces for the future and make defence an engine for economic growth through our Defence Industrial Strategy – unlocking investment, reforming procurement, championing innovation and backing companies of all sizes.
    “I welcome the Defence and Economic Growth Taskforce’s report which recognises how we can boost high-skilled jobs across the country and grow our economy while strengthening our frontline forces.”

    The government has already begun work on three of the report’s recommendations:

    • Establishing a defence SME Hub to provide support to new market entrants.

    • Commencing work on a Defence Exports Office in the MOD, as announced in the Strategic Defence Review.

    • Committing to developing Defence Growth Deals across the UK at the Spending Review.

    The remaining recommendations will now be worked through as part of the cross-Whitehall Defence Growth Board and the Defence Industrial Joint Council ahead of the forthcoming launch of the Defence Industrial Strategy.

    The Taskforce, led by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) with Oliver Wyman and co-chaired by the Chancellor and Defence Secretary, is a unique partnership between government, industry and financial institutions. Its 20 member organisations have collaborated with HM Treasury and the MOD to produce the recommendations.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: GCA Annual Conference 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    GCA Annual Conference 2025

    Registration is now open for the GCA’s 2025 Annual Conference which will take place on Tuesday 30 September.

    The conference will bring together the 14 large retailers, suppliers and industry experts to reflect on changes to the groceries sector, ongoing challenges, support available for suppliers and future priorities. There will also be a session from YouGov taking a closer look at the GCA’s 2025 annual survey results.

    The conference is free to attend, and participants can join online or in person.

    How to register

    In person

    To express an interest to attend in person, in Central London, please complete this form.

    Please be aware that spaces are limited for in-person attendance. If we can offer you an in-person place, we will send you an email confirmation with further information.

    Online

    Alternatively, you can register to join online.

    If you have any questions about the conference, please email enquiries@groceriescode.gov.uk.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU Startup Studio Presented Its Projects for the First Time in the Form of the Artificial Intelligence Alley

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The Alley of Friendship of Artificial and Natural Intelligence was a horizontal space designed as a real alley: it had trees and a waterfall, and an interactive exhibition was inscribed into such a landscape. The alley symbolized a walk of an ordinary person through the world of artificial intelligence and modern technologies that are available on the market and that can be tried right here and now. In total, over 1,000 people walked through the alley during the day of work – from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: each of the visitors got involved in the interactive activities presented at the stands. A separate bright component of the exhibition was the game “Startup Race”, which the NSU Startup Studio presented to a wide audience and tested in action.

    The alley included the following technologies and developments:

    1. Emotion analyzer

    At the reception for registering guests of Smart Picnic there was a special camera with an interactive screen. Anyone could come up, make a face, and the screen would display the emotion they were experiencing.

    The guests were particularly impressed by this invention: everyone had fun and amusement checking how well their faces were able to express emotions. The technology also has medical applications for diagnosing diseases associated with incorrect display of emotions on the face.

    2. Virtual assistant

    After the first stop, guests were met by a virtual animator from the NSU Startup Studio, who announced all the technologies created using artificial intelligence.

    3. Emulator of human personality in voice

    NSU students who received a grant created a voice simulator that imitated the personality of famous people. Visitors to the alley interacted with the simulator through their voice, trying to sell it a pen or ask a question, like in the movie “The Wolf of Wall Street.”

    4. Smile analyzer

    The next stand was a smile analyzer, developed jointly with a doctor from the Rostov Medical University. The device, using a patented method, gave recommendations on the health of teeth and the oral cavity based on a smile analysis.

    5. Game “Academ Dreams”

    This stand offered to immerse oneself in the world of Akademgorodok in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Players could become virtual residents of the science town and interact with its inhabitants, creating a copy of themselves in the virtual space.

    6. Swaid Monitor

    It was a photoplethysmograph that recorded heart rate readings and constructed a stress index using the Baevsky method. Together with the staff of the Psychology department of the Institute of Medicine and Medical Technologies of NSU, the game “Calm Down” was developed, in which participants put on a bracelet and, while meditating, watched the stress line decrease on the screen. The monitor helped participants achieve a meditative state even in a crowd.

    7. Map of emotions

    Each of the visitors to the alley and the Picnic sites in general could mark themselves on the map and indicate what emotion they are currently experiencing in real time. The development is also intended for deep behavioral research: for example, what emotion and how intensely a particular group of people in a particular location experiences.

    8. Games with artificial intelligence

    Several separate stands presented interactive games in which visitors fought against AI – “Crocodile” and “Riddles”. Separately, an interactive demo board was presented with photographs of how people interact with inventions at the exhibition.

    9. Game “Startup Race”

    The development was first presented at the alley and was tested in real time.

    Of course, not all projects of the NSU Startup Studio were presented at the Alley, since among its participants there are more than 30 residents with their own ideas and projects.

    — The Artificial Intelligence Exhibition became a kind of “frontier” for us, which could be organized at the Smart Picnic site. On the one hand, the alley became our product and even an element of the interactive show, and, on the other hand, it was also a challenge for our residents and partners — they had to show their technology to people in extreme conditions and, despite everything, think through to the smallest detail how to present a demo version of the product, what to say in the opening speech, at what points it is worth speeding up production in order to show a finished product, and not just developments and an idea. That is, the Artificial Intelligence Alley became a powerful incentive for our residents to work, — said Evgeny Ivanov, a representative of the NSU Startup Studio and managing partner of the Coion investment syndicate.

    According to Evgeniy, some startups actually showed high growth rates thanks to their participation in the Alley.

    — One of the projects, Lexis Voice, the very same stand with a voice imitator and the question “Sell a pen”, showed a good result. The team accelerated in all directions, from development to sales market. Thus, in a month and a half, the project’s revenue increased 5 times, because there was a strict deadline – participation in the exhibition, and a clear understanding of what should be ready by this time, — summed up Evgeny Ivanov.

    The next step in popularizing innovative entrepreneurship after the Artificial Intelligence Alley is the Startup Unit school, which started in July, where anyone can feel like a budding entrepreneur. After the school, in the fall, all students will be able to start the NSU acceleration program .catalyst, and residents of the NSU startup studio will also be able to take part in the Siberian Venture Fair, where they will present projects in the format of idea boards. The goal of all these projects is one – to bring to life the ideas and developments of students.

    — The fair is really one of the elements of the chain, which the Startup Studio is developing with its residents. Ultimately, all this is so that innovators launch some product, a viable business, and then return to the state the resources that are invested in them in the form of various subsidies, grant support that they can attract. Our task is for our residents to “spend” these funds correctly and as a result, a finished product is obtained that is needed by someone and will be sold, — emphasized Alexey Starostin, Director of the NSU Startup Studio.

    Material prepared by: Tatyana Ershova, NSU press service

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Minister of Agriculture, Hon. John Steenhuisen Tables Budget Vote

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

    Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen Tables Budget Vote Speech

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8d9_OnRrBE

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen Tables Budget Vote Speech

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

    Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen Tables Budget Vote Speech

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: BSTDB Invests EUR 40 million to Support Bulgaria’s Energy Security and Regional Integration

    Source: Black Sea Trade and Development Bank

    Press Release | 08-Jul-2025

    Financing Will Strengthen Bulgarian Energy Holding

    In a strategic move to advance energy resilience, sustainable infrastructure, and economic integration in the Black Sea region, the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) has invested EUR 40 million in the latest bond issuance by the Bulgarian Energy Holding EAD (BEH), Bulgaria’s state-owned energy leader and a major electricity exporter in the Balkans.

    The BSTDB financing will support BEH in implementing strategic investment projects in the country, particularly the modernization of the national electricity transmission infrastructure. These investments aim to strengthen the country’s energy security, improve system reliability, and contribute to broader economic development.

    The investment also supports the goals of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) agenda by fostering infrastructure connectivity and sustainable energy systems — key pillars of regional development and integration among BSEC Member States.

    “Energy sector development is one of BSTDB’s top priorities in Bulgaria and across the Black Sea region,” said Dr. Serhat Köksal, President of BSTDB. “We are pleased to continue supporting Bulgarian Energy Holding’s investment programme, which aligns with our mandate to promote regional economic cooperation and integration. Enhancing energy infrastructure not only serves national needs but also contributes to a more connected and resilient Black Sea energy market.”

    “It is a pleasure to recognize BSTDB as a valued partner supporting our ongoing efforts in the energy sector. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to the development of key strategic projects that will strengthen energy security and promote sustainable development not only in Bulgaria, but across the wider region. We deeply appreciate BSTDB’s support and expertise, and we look forward to continuing our successful cooperation in the years to come,” said Valentin Nikolov, CEO of Bulgarian Energy Holding.

     

    Bulgarian Energy Holding EAD is the parent company of a group of subsidiaries and affiliates active in electricity generation, transmission, and supply, as well as natural gas transmission, supply, storage, and coal mining. BEH plays a central role in Bulgaria’s energy landscape, owning and operating the country’s main electricity generation assets, the national electricity transmission grid, and the gas transmission and transit network. As the public supplier of electricity and gas, it is a strategically vital institution for both domestic energy stability and regional energy cooperation.

    The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) is an international financial institution established by Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Türkiye, and Ukraine. The BSTDB headquarters are in Thessaloniki, Greece. BSTDB supports economic development and regional cooperation by providing loans, credit lines, equity and guarantees for projects and trade financing in the public and private sectors in its member countries. The authorized capital of the Bank is EUR 3.45 billion. For information on BSTDB, visit www.bstdb.org.

     

    Contact: Haroula Christodoulou

    : @BSTDB

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • Dozens missing after floods on Nepal-China border

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Over two dozen people are missing after heavy rainfall in the Tibet region of China triggered a deluge in the Bhote Koshi River, which flows through Nepal and China, washing away the ‘Friendship Bridge’ that connects them, officials said on Tuesday.

    At least 18 people are missing in Nepal while China’s Xinhua news agency said 11 people were missing on the Chinese side of the border.

    In Nepal, the missing include the 6 Chinese workers and three policemen, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) said on X, adding that eight electric cars were also washed away and a small hydroelectric plant damaged in the flood.

    The missing Chinese nationals were working at the Inland Container Depot, being constructed with Chinese assistance about 80 km (50 miles) north of the capital Kathmandu, said Arjun Paudel, a senior administrative official of Rasuwa district.

    “The river also swept away some containers with goods imported from China…There is a big loss (of property) and we are collecting details,” he told Reuters.

    The Nepal Army has rescued 11 people, and search and rescue operations are still underway, spokesperson Raja Ram Basnet said.

    China has been increasing its investment in Nepal in recent years in domains including roads, power plants, and hospitals.

    The Asian giant has been battered by heavy rain and flash floods over the last few days, which have left a trail of destruction, and is bracing for a tropical storm this week.

    In Pakistan also, at least 79 people, including 38 children, have died in floods and rain-related incidents, including landslides and house collapses, since June 26, its National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said on Tuesday.

    The authority has issued fresh alerts for flash flooding and glacial lake outbursts in the northern and northwestern provinces of Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, citing “a significant rise in temperatures and … an upcoming weather system.”

    Gilgit-Baltistan’s northern Chilas district recorded the highest temperature in Pakistan on Saturday at 48.5 degrees Celsius (119°F), breaking its earlier record of 47.7 degrees Celsius (118°F) reported in July 1997, said NDMA spokesperson Sophia Siddiqui.

    (Reuters)

  • Gujarat records widespread showers, Borsad tops rainfall chart

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Gujarat witnessed rainfall across 153 talukas over the past 24 hours, with heavier showers concentrated in a few regions. According to officials on Tuesday, 12 talukas recorded more than one inch of rainfall, with Borsad in central Gujarat receiving the highest amount at 99 mm.

    Godhra followed closely with 95 mm, while Gandhidham and Mandvi in the Kutch region recorded 58 mm and 57 mm respectively. Other talukas that saw significant rainfall include Khambhalia (49 mm) and Bhachau (48 mm).

    According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), more rain is expected in several parts of the state. As of the morning of July 8, Gujarat had received nearly 47 per cent of its average monsoon rainfall, based on a 10-year seasonal benchmark. The state has experienced a robust start to the monsoon season, with 266–324 mm of rain recorded since June 1 – about 37–40 per cent of the seasonal average.

    This comes after an earlier report noted that June witnessed exceptionally high rainfall, with cumulative figures running nearly 11 per cent above the long-term national average. Regionally, rainfall distribution has varied: South Gujarat has received over 23 inches (nearly double the average), Central-East Gujarat around 12 inches, Saurashtra approximately 245 mm, and Kutch around 142 mm. Daily rainfall data indicates that nearly 47 per cent of the expected June-to-September total has already fallen by July 8.

    The IMD forecasts suggest that July rainfall will likely exceed 106 per cent of the long-period average for Gujarat, bringing continued widespread — and at times heavy to very heavy — showers through the middle of the month.

    In response to the above-normal rainfall, the Gujarat government has intensified its monsoon preparedness efforts. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has instructed officials to carry out urgent road repairs, especially in flood-prone rural and urban areas, treating the situation as a matter of priority.

    The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) is closely monitoring rainfall patterns and reservoir levels. Disaster response teams, including units from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), have been deployed in vulnerable districts.

    Control rooms are operating round-the-clock, and district administrations have been directed to ensure quick drainage in low-lying areas, provide temporary shelters where needed, and coordinate with health and electricity departments to prevent service disruptions.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI China: Global Mayors Dialogue — SCO Summit Cities held in Tianjin

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

    A guest experiences a VR device at Tianjin Light Industry Vocational Technical College in north China’s Tianjin, July 7, 2025. Guests gathered in Tianjin for the Global Mayors Dialogue — SCO Summit Cities and visited the smart zero-carbon terminal of Tianjin Port, Luban Workshop Construction and Experience Museum and other places to learn about China’s economic and social development. (Xinhua/Li Ran)

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Lin, Wang reach second round at WTT United States Smash

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

    Men’s world No. 1 Lin Shidong and women’s second seed Wang Manyu of China both advanced to the last 32 at the World Table Tennis (WTT) United States Smash on Monday.

    Lin emerged victorious in a full-game battle against France’s Thibault Poret, while Wang swept past Sweden’s Christina Kallberg in straight games.

    Facing Poret, Lin twice held the lead but was pushed to a deciding game by his 34th-ranked opponent before sealing the win with an 11-5 final game.

    “As I haven’t competed internationally for a while, my adaptation to the venue and the table wasn’t that good at the start,” said Lin. “As the match progressed, I became more confident in my shots. Hopefully I will get the shape back as soon as possible and go all out against any opponent.”

    Chinese players had mixed results in the men’s singles first round. Xiang Peng defeated Portugal’s Joao Geraldo three-one, but Lin Gaoyuan fell to Spain’s Alvaro Robles in five games, and Zhou Qihao lost in straight games to Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna.

    In the women’s draw, Wang Manyu controlled the key moments in an 11-9, 11-8, 11-8 win over Kallberg.

    “It was our first encounter, so I made full preparations for what might lie ahead. I just kept patient on crucial points, and tried to reduce unforced errors,” Wang remarked.

    Asked about her goals for the tournament, Wang said, “Raise my game and adaptation game by game.”

    She was joined in the second round by teammate Wang Yidi, who defeated Japanese wildcard Miyu Nagasaki 3-0, and Xu Yi, who edged past Shi Xunyao in an all-Chinese matchup.

    Also on Monday, notable players advancing included Lin Yun-ju of Chinese Taipei, Sweden’s Truls Moregard, and Japan’s Satsuki Odo and Mima Ito. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon for Polish parliamentary delegation led by Deputy Horbatowski, announces Taiwan to open market to fresh blueberries from Poland

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon for Polish parliamentary delegation led by Deputy Horbatowski, announces Taiwan to open market to fresh blueberries from Poland

    • Date：2025-07-01
    • Data Source：Department of European Affairs

    July 1, 2025  

    No. 227  

    On July 1, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a luncheon for visiting deputies of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland—Łukasz Horbatowski, Marek Chmielewski, and Iwona Krawczyk—who also serve on the Polish-Taiwanese Parliamentarian Group. The two sides exchanged views on issues such as bilateral relations, economic and trade cooperation, and cultural exchanges.

     

    In his remarks, Minister Lin pointed out that the Polish-Taiwanese Parliamentarian Group was the largest group of its kind in the Sejm. He thanked members of the Polish parliament for their long-term support of Taiwan through concrete actions. Minister Lin said that cooperation between Taiwan and Poland in economics, trade, higher education, judicial matters, technology, and other domains had continued to deepen in recent years. He expressed hope that, building on the existing foundations, the two countries would further work together to strengthen interactions and exchanges. 

     

    Furthermore, Minister Lin announced that Taiwan had recently approved the import of fresh blueberries from Poland. Once final administrative procedures were completed, he said, the people of Taiwan would have the opportunity to enjoy high-quality Polish blueberries, benefiting both Polish farmers and Taiwanese consumers. Minister Lin also noted that Taiwan possessed a world-leading ICT sector while Poland had outstanding professional talent and production capacity, which presented opportunities for bilateral collaboration in artificial intelligence, drones, and advanced chips. Minister Lin said he looked forward to continued collaboration between the two countries to build resilient and democratic non-red supply chains.

     

    Mr. Horbatowski, who was visiting Taiwan for the first time, expressed his appreciation for Minister Lin’s invitation and said that he was impressed with Taiwan’s advanced political and economic development. He added that Poland, as a major exporter of agricultural products, welcomed Taiwan’s decision to approve fresh blueberry imports and added that he looked forward to continued cooperation in the agricultural and high-tech sectors to enhance the welfare of the people of both countries.

     

    Taiwan and Poland share the universal values of freedom and democracy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to promote cooperation between the two nations in various fields so as to deepen their resilient partnership, create sustainable prosperity and well-being for the people of Taiwan and Poland, and uphold their hard-earned democratic achievements. (E)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Discover your roots through free family history course

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The course, led by Penny Smith from Midland Ancestors in association with the Friends of Wolverhampton Archives and Wolverhampton’s Library Service, is designed for complete beginners and will cover the basic building blocks of research, demystifying key historical documents and providing practical advice on where to find them.

    Over the three weeks, participants will gain a solid foundation in researching family history. The first week offers a guide to recording family history, sources of help, and the registration system, including what to look for on birth, marriage and death certificates.  

    Week two will focus on census records dating back as far as 1841 and examine the 1939 Register, and finally week three will look in detail at church records for baptisms, banns and weddings, and burials, and discuss possible next steps for researchers.

    It takes place on Fridays 10, 17 and 24 October and spaces are limited. People are urged to reserve now to avoid disappointment and will need to be able to attend all three weeks – please email jennifer.lees@wolverhampton.gov.uk for more details.

    Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Resident Services, said: “This course is a brilliant way for people to connect with their roots and uncover the stories of those who came before them.

    “Family history is not just about names and dates — it’s about understanding who we are and where we’ve come from – and I’m delighted we’re able to offer this opportunity, right here in Wolverhampton, free of charge.

    “Penny is very knowledgeable on all things family history and ran a successful course for us last year as part of the Know Your Neighbourhood project.

    “Since then she has run monthly drop-in sessions at Penn Library where people can bring in their research queries, and this course is a great opportunity for residents to explore their personal histories in greater detail.”

    The Know Your Neighbourhood project, supported by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Arts Council England and national charity Libraries Connected, is designed to widen participation in volunteering and tackle loneliness in 27 disadvantaged areas across England.

    So far Wolverhampton Libraries have delivered over 350 sessions as part of the project with more than 2,100 attendees, covering areas such as local history, arts and crafts, social groups, games and wellbeing.

    To find out more about Midland Ancestors, please visit Midland Ancestors. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Young musicians set to shine at Wulfrun Hall this summer

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Wolverhampton Summer Sounds is a four-night celebration of musical talent taking place at the Wulfrun Hall, University of Wolverhampton at The Halls, from next Tuesday 15 July to Friday 18 July.

    Over 4 nights, 400 members of the Youth Choir, Concert String Orchestra, Keyboard Ensemble, Fusion Fives, Big Top SEND Ensemble, Bhangra Fusion Percussion, the Primary and Secondary Rock ‘n’ Pop groups, Guitar Group, Concert Wind Band, New Wind, Early Strings, New Strings, Jazz Big Band, Youth Wind Orchestra and Youth Orchestra will take to the stage to perform in front of family, friends and the public.

    Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “This concert series will be a powerful showcase of the dedication, creativity and spirit of Wolverhampton’s young musicians. Their talent deserves to be heard and celebrated on the big stage and we hope as many families as possible can join us for these very special performances.”

    The Summer Sounds concert series has been made possible thanks to a generous donation of £10,000 donation from the Friends of Wolverhampton Music Service. They will be raising further funds with a raffle each evening, with the top prize being a CCTV security system, worth £220, donated by Assa Abloy.

    Head of Service Ciaran O’Donnell said: “We provide our concerts entirely free of charge because we think it is really important that parents and supporters get to hear the achievements of their young musicians.

    “And it’s crucial for the performers that they play to a big audience and in the best possible venues, as that provides them with the most authentic experience.

    “We are overwhelmed by this generous donation from the Friends which will enable us to make it a summer to remember for our young musicians.”

    Wolverhampton Music Service provides high quality tuition and musical opportunities for youngsters from schools across the city, including the chance to perform with its flagship groups, Wolverhampton Youth Orchestra and Wolverhampton Youth Wind Orchestra. To find out more, please visit Wolverhampton Music Service.

    The Music Service will be recruiting new members in September – visit Music School – Parents & Pupils Music School Groups for information about each of the groups. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: HY5!s all round as year of achievements is celebrated

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The event was a celebration of co-production in action — where young people with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) came together with strategic leaders to reflect on their proudest moments and the positive changes they’ve helped shape.

    The event showcased the work that members of HY5!, along with ambassadors from Broadmeadow Special School, have been doing in a number of key priority areas – creating good quality, accessible and inclusive places and spaces, getting good quality help from well trained workers, and developing good services that enable young people to live their life the way they want.

    Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “HY5! is more than a forum – it’s a movement led by young people with SEND who are determined to make Wolverhampton a more inclusive, understanding, and empowering place for everyone.

    “Their passion, insight and courage is helping to shape a city where every young person – regardless of ability – can thrive.

    “By working in co-production with strategic colleagues we are able to make changes where it matters most, aiming to create better futures for young people and their families.

    “The event was a chance to reflect on these achievements, strengthen partnerships and look ahead to the next chapter of youth-led change in Wolverhampton.”

    To find out more about HY5! and how young people and families can get involved, please visit Wolverhampton SEND Local Offer.  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Iran says death toll from Israeli attacks nears 1,100

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    TEHRAN, July 8 (Xinhua) — The death toll from Israeli attacks on Iran between June 13 and 24 has reached 1,060, Saeed Ohadi, head of Iran’s Martyrs and Veterans Foundation, told state-run IRIB on Monday.

    He noted that the number of victims could rise further, given the presence of seriously wounded and unidentified bodies.

    On June 13, Israel launched a series of major airstrikes on nuclear and military sites inside Iran, killing senior commanders, nuclear scientists and civilians and injuring many others.

    Iran has retaliated with missiles and drones against Israel, causing casualties and destruction.

    On June 24, a ceasefire agreement was reached between the two countries, ending 12 days of fighting. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China extends yellow warning for heavy rains and heat

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhua) — China’s National Meteorological Center (NMC) on Tuesday extended a yellow alert for heavy rain and heat in some parts of the country.

    According to the NMC, on Tuesday afternoon, the air temperature will exceed 35 degrees Celsius in some areas between the Yellow River and Huaihe River, the Yangtze River and Huaihe River, the Jianghan Plain, areas south of the Yangtze River in southern China, as well as in some areas of Chongqing City, Guizhou Province and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

    According to the forecast, high temperatures in the above-mentioned areas are expected in some places, ranging from 37 to 39 degrees Celsius, while in some parts of the country, the maximum temperature may exceed 40 degrees Celsius.

    The NMC recommended avoiding outdoor activities and taking precautions to protect vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children.

    According to the NMC, heavy rainfall is expected to hit parts of Zhejiang, Fujian, Sichuan, Guizhou, Shaanxi, Shanxi and Yunnan provinces, as well as Chongqing and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from 08:00 Tuesday to 08:00 Wednesday.

    Let us recall that China has a four-tier weather warning system, with the highest level of danger indicated by red, followed in descending order by orange, yellow and blue. -0-

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

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China to host cultural festival dedicated to Kyrgyz heroic epic “Manas”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhua) — The International Cultural and Tourism Festival on the Theme of the Kyrgyz Oral Heroic Epic “Manas” will be held from July 13 to 20 in Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the prefectural government said.

    The festival, which will bring together more than 300 guests from China and abroad, will feature eight thematic events, including scientific seminars, a Manas epic storytelling competition, and the signing of agreements in the fields of culture and tourism.

    During the festival, memorandums of cooperation in the field of culture, tourism and physical education will be signed between the cities and regions of Kyrgyzstan and the Kyzylsu-Kyrgyz Autonomous Okrug, covering the joint protection of intangible cultural heritage, holding sports competitions, cross-border tourism and border trade and the joint development of cross-border e-commerce.

    Innovative methods for preserving the epic will be an important part of the events. Experts from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and other organizations will discuss issues related to preserving the epic using digital technology. In addition, the festival will launch a new research institution aimed at digitizing, protecting and preserving Manas. The founders of this institution are Xinjiang Normal University and the authorities of the Kyzylsu Kyrgyz Autonomous Region.

    The heroic epic “Manas” is a cycle of tales related to the life and exploits of the main character – the legendary hero Manas, the unifier of the Kyrgyz tribes. It occupies an important place in the oral folklore of the Kyrgyz. This epic poem is known as one of the three heroic epics of the national minorities of China, along with the heroic epics “King Gesar” of the Tibetan ethnic group and “Dzhangar” of the Mongolian ethnic group.

    Let us recall that on May 1 of this year, a new legislative act on the preservation of the Manas epic came into force in the XUAR. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Summer camp “Chinese language bridge” for students from St. Petersburg opened in Shandong

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhua) — Shandong Normal University (SNU) in eastern China’s Shandong Province on Thursday held an opening ceremony for the 2025 summer camp for students from St. Petersburg as part of the “Chinese Language Bridge” project. The event was organized by the China-Foreign Language Exchange and Cooperation Center under the Chinese Ministry of Education with the support of the SNU Institute of International Education.

    As reported on the official website of SPU, Vice-Rector of the university Li Na warmly greeted the Russian guests in her welcoming speech. She emphasized the deep traditions of Chinese-Russian friendship and fruitful cooperation, noting the growing interest in studying the Chinese language in Russia. In recent years, the university has been actively implementing the Belt and Road initiative, expanding educational cooperation with Russian partners: a program for training local Chinese language teachers at Russian universities has been launched, a project to popularize the Chinese language for comprehensive schools in Russia has been implemented, and the Sino-Russian Virtual Department of the Chinese Language has been created. SPU plans to use the opportunities of the newly opened camp and the cross-cultural years of China and Russia to deepen mutual understanding between the peoples and strengthen friendly ties between the two countries.

    In the coming days, campers will learn Chinese through interactive lessons, experience traditional crafts first-hand, and immerse themselves in the spring culture of Jinan City (the capital of Shandong Province, East China), feeling the unique pulse of the city through its crystal-clear springs. At the summer camp, young people will also improve their language skills, learn the depth and richness of Chinese traditional culture, and build new bridges of friendship amidst the picturesque scenery of Jinan City.

    The project was reportedly not only a deep cultural immersion but also a practical contribution to strengthening mutual trust between China and Russia. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The 4th China-Russia Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship was held in Jilin Province

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhua) — The 4th China-Russia Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championships opened at the Sports Complex of Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture (Jilin Province, northeast China) on July 6.

    According to the Jilin Provincial Physical Culture and Sports Administration, the competition arena hosted over 50 young athletes from Russia and over 50 athletes from the aforementioned autonomous region in both male and female categories. The participants ranged in age from 6 to 18 years old.

    On the tatami, Chinese and Russian athletes demonstrated graceful movements, throwing with impeccable precision, and deftly demonstrating painful and choking techniques. The virtuoso fights between Chinese and Russian athletes became a clash of strength and intellect, and the principle of “through sport to friendship” enriched the palette of sports and cultural exchange between the two countries.

    The championship is aimed at implementing the “Sports Power” and “Healthy China” strategies. The organization of bilateral and multilateral youth competitions and educational and research projects with countries around Northeast Asia strengthens international sports cooperation. The unique “competition plus tourism plus commerce” format continuously infuses Yanbian, a popular tourist destination, with vitality. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 18 people missing after floods hit northern Nepal

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    KATHMANDU, July 8 (Xinhua) — At least 18 people were reported missing early Tuesday due to floods caused by incessant rains in northern Nepal, Rasuwa District Police Inspector Krishna Dhital told Xinhua.

    At least 18 people are reported missing in the floods that hit the Rasuwagadhi border point, he said. Most of the missing are workers at a dry port located near the border.

    According to K. Dhital, the water washed away a bridge at the border point and carried away several parked electric vehicles.

    Nepal suffers from monsoon rains every year. –0–

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

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 50 Marmots Reintroduced to Eastern Mongolia to Maintain Ecological Balance

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    ULAN BATOR, July 8 (Xinhua) — A total of 50 marmots have been recently reintroduced in eastern Mongolia’s Dornod province, the provincial Department of Environment and Tourism said Tuesday.

    “This step is part of the country’s efforts to maintain ecological balance, reduce soil degradation and combat desertification, and restore degraded pastures,” the department said in a statement.

    Marmots living in Mongolia are represented by two species – the gray marmot and the Siberian marmot /tarbagan/. The habitat of these species covers an area of about 235 thousand square kilometers, which is 15.6 percent of the entire territory of Mongolia. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China Ready to Work with International Community to Bring Global Economy Back to Normal: Li Qiang

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    RIO DE JANEIRO, July 8 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Monday that China is ready to work with the international community to achieve a speedy recovery of the global economy.

    Li Qiang made the remarks during a meeting with World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS summit.

    World trade has undergone significant changes with the rise of unilateralism and protectionism, which has seriously affected the international economic and trade order and created serious challenges for the world economy and the development of countries, Li Qiang said.

    Against this backdrop, the international community is increasingly calling for the protection of the multilateral trading system and placing increasing hopes on the WTO to play a more active role, he added.

    Noting that economic globalization is an irreversible trend of history, Li Qiang said China will, as always, continue to practice and safeguard multilateralism and free trade, actively support the reform and development of the WTO to restore its authority, speed up the improvement of trade rules, and push for more concrete results from the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference.

    Li Qiang noted that China has abundant resources and means to counter adverse external influences, and is confident and capable of promoting sustainable and healthy economic development.

    This year, China has implemented more proactive and effective macroeconomic policies, advanced the strategy of expanding domestic demand and launched special initiatives to boost consumption, he said, noting the huge growing demand driven by a super-large market of more than 1.4 billion consumers.

    China, Li Qiang added, will take further measures for voluntary and unilateral opening-up, strictly abide by the principles and market rules of the WTO, and continue to share development opportunities with other countries to bring positive energy to the world. -0-

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

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China to Present Achievements of 14th Five-Year Plan Period

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhua) — China’s State Council Information Office will hold a series of press conferences to showcase the country’s high-quality implementation of the tasks set for the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025).

    The first press conference is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday. Zheng Shanjie, head of the National Development and Reform Commission, will present the country’s achievements in socio-economic development during this period and answer questions from media representatives. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: President Ramaphosa responds to United States (US) tariffs announcement

    Source: APO


    .

    President Cyril Ramaphosa has noted the correspondence from President Donald Trump on the unilateral imposition of a 30% trade tariff against South Africa. The President has further noted that South Africa is one of a number of countries to have received this communication on 7 July 2025. 

    This 30% tariff is based on a particular interpretation of the balance of trade between South Africa and the United States. This contested interpretation forms part of the issues under consideration by the negotiating teams from South Africa and the United States. Accordingly, South Africa maintains that the 30% reciprocal tariff is not an accurate representation of available trade data. In our interpretation of the available trade data,  the average tariff imported goods entering South Africa stands at 7.6%. Importantly, 56% of goods enter South Africa at 0% most favoured nation tariff, with 77% of US goods entering the South African market under the 0% duty.

    South Africa will continue with its diplomatic efforts towards a more balanced and mutually beneficial trade relationship with the United States. We welcome the commitment by the US government, that the 30% tariff is subject to modification at the back of the conclusion of our negotiations with the United States. 

    South Africa has continued to engage the United States, most recently at a meeting held on the side-lines of the US-Africa Summit on 23 June 2025 in Luanda. It was at this meeting where South Africa learned of  a template with which the US wishes to engage sub-Saharan Africa on matters of trade. The South African negotiating team still awaits this template, however, President Ramaphosa has instructed the team urgently engage with the US on the basis of the Framework Deal that South Africa submitted to the US on 20 May 2025. This Framework deal addresses the issues initially raised by the US, including South Africa’s supposed trade surplus, unfair trade practices and lack of reciprocity from the US.

    The President urges government trade negotiations teams and South African companies to accelerate their diversification efforts in order to promote better resilience in both global supply chains and the South African economy.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Parliamentary Leaders Hail Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio’s Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Chairmanship in Historic Show of Unity

    Source: APO


    .

    The parliamentary leadership of Sierra Leone’s two main political parties, the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the opposition All People’s Congress (APC), paid a joint courtesy call on His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio at State House to formally congratulate him on his recent election as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

    The visitors were introduced by Chief Minister Dr David Moinina Sengeh, who explained that the Members of Parliament had come to express their appreciation for the President’s efforts in elevating Sierra Leone’s image on the international stage through his new leadership role in the sub-regional body.

    Hon. Matthew Sahr Nyuma, Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business in Parliament, thanked President Bio for granting the audience. He disclosed that the joint visit followed internal consultations between SLPP and APC parliamentary leadership, who unanimously agreed to formally congratulate the President on his election.

    Hon. Nyuma underscored the collaborative relationship between the Executive and the Legislature and appealed for more regular engagements with the President, not only on constitutional grounds, but also in recognition of the strong working relationship that currently exists between Parliament and the Executive.

    Speaking on behalf of the opposition APC, Hon. Abdul Kargbo congratulated President Bio for the international recognition and praised him for entrusting leadership roles to young people. “We are proud as a nation of your achievement. As Members of Parliament, we recognise our roles, but we remain open and committed to the development of Sierra Leone,” he said.

    He noted that all government bills that have been tabled in Parliament and were in the national interest have been passed expeditiously. He attributed this to teamwork, political maturity, and shared patriotism, which have contributed to a relatively calm and productive parliamentary environment.

    In his response, President Julius Maada Bio thanked the SLPP and APC parliamentary leadership for their gesture, describing it as a demonstration of patriotism, unity, and national solidarity. “Your coming together, across party lines, to congratulate me on my ECOWAS leadership shows maturity and a common commitment to Sierra Leone,” he remarked.

    President Bio reiterated that his successes were not personal achievements but national victories. “What we’ve accomplished is not about me, it is about Sierra Leone. These milestones reflect the work we are all doing together,” he said.

    He expressed appreciation for the oversight role played by the opposition, acknowledging that constructive criticism helps sharpen governance and reinforces the democratic process. “Your critical voice in Parliament keeps us accountable, especially on national development, peace, and cohesion.”

    President Bio encouraged Members of Parliament to continue leveraging their collective strength to advance national development. “We are smart people. With diverse views from different political parties, we can take bold, effective decisions to keep development at the center of our national agenda.”

    He called for a readjustment of political ideologies towards cooperation and mutual respect, citing the importance of reducing political tension and promoting development-focused dialogue. The President proposed a national dialogue to define a long-term development agenda that every future administration would prioritize for the country’s benefit.

    President Bio concluded by expressing gratitude for the visit and the congratulatory message from the Parliament.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: How to Stabilize Africa’s Debt

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    How to Stabilize Africa’s Debt

    By Athene Laws, Thibault Lemaire, and Nikola Spatafora

    July 8, 2025

    Successful debt stabilization requires measures to strengthen public finances and institutions, alongside pro-growth structural reforms and a sound macroeconomic environment

    In the context of high global uncertainty, tighter global financial conditions, and rising borrowing costs, concerns about sub-Saharan Africa’s debt vulnerabilities are mounting. But the region is tackling this issue head-on and public debt ratios have stabilized on average. Our analytical note in the IMF’s latest Regional Economic Outlook for sub-Saharan Africa uses a new data set to highlight when, how often, to what extent, and how debt stabilization was achieved.

    Surprising frequency

    Contrary to perception, countries in the region have often been able to stabilize or reduce their debt ratios without debt restructuring. With more than 60 debt reduction episodes (defined as periods of two or more years during which the public debt-to-GDP ratio fell), the probability that a country will experience such an episode in any given year is one in four. And these episodes have occurred even amid an unfavorable external environment, including in the aftermath of the commodity super cycle and in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The debt decline in many cases was economically significant and persistent: most episodes involved a decrease of more than 10 percentage points of GDP, and almost half of those episodes lasted four or more years. For example, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s debt ratio fell by 15 percentage points of GDP during 2010–23, and Cabo Verde’s debt ratio decreased by more than 30 percentage points over 2021–23.

    Sustained debt reduction typically reflects both budgetary consolidation and real economic growth. Often these two drivers go together—budgetary consolidation (that is, an increase in primary balances) is itself more likely when growth is rapid. In fragile and conflict-affected states, however, as well as low-income countries, growth is the predominant driver of many successful reductions in debt.

    Securing success

    Debt reduction is more likely, more significant, and more persistent if three conditions hold: the country has a solid domestic institutional framework and enjoys a supportive domestic business environment; global growth is buoyant; and global borrowing costs are low. A debt decline is also more likely when an IMF-supported arrangement is present, pointing to the importance of international financial and policy support. Relatedly, budget consolidation must be sustained over time to translate into debt consolidation. While exchange rate stability can support successful debt stabilization, maintaining an overvalued exchange rate can prove counterproductive since it is likely to lower growth and hamper overall macroeconomic stability.

    By way of example, in Mauritius, a favorable domestic and external environment, solid growth, and a stable currency saw a reduction in the debt ratio of almost 20 percentage points during 2003–08.

    The road ahead

    The key message for policymakers is that fiscal adjustment is likely to result in stronger, more durable reductions in debt when complemented by pro-growth structural reforms and by measures to strengthen institutional frameworks. Such measures should include well-designed fiscal rules to ensure that off-budget fiscal operations do not undermine debt reduction. Efforts to cut debt are also more likely to prove successful in a context of macroeconomic stability, including low and stable inflation.

    Countries aiming to sustainably reduce debt should seize the opportunity to tax and spend more efficiently. The focus should be on strengthening fiscal balances in a growth-friendly manner by broadening the tax base, removing inefficient tax exemptions, and ensuring that money is well spent.

    Support from the international community, including through technical support but also through concessional financing, is critical to helping the region succeed. Most countries—especially fragile states and low-income countries—face difficult trade-offs between short-term macroeconomic stabilization, longer-term development needs, and making reforms socially acceptable. External support can make these difficult trade-offs less daunting.

    ****

    Athene Laws and Thibault Lemaire are economists, and Nikola Spatafora is a senior economist, in the IMF’s African Department.

    —This blog is based on an analytical note for the IMF’s Regional Economic Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa authored by Athene Laws, Thibault Lemaire, Rachid Pafadnam, Nikola Spatafora, and Khushboo Khandelwal.

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/07/08/cf-how-to-stabilize-africas-debt

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Happy Family, Love and Fidelity Day!

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Official website of the State –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    This year, Russia celebrates Family, Love, and Fidelity Day at the official state level for the third time. The holiday came to the secular calendar from the church calendar, where the memory of the holy spouses Peter and Fevronia is honored on July 8.

    The traditional family is one of the fundamental values of humanity. In recent years, the Government of the Russian Federation has been seriously working to support this fundamental institution of society. Since January 1, 2025, a new national project “Family” has been in effect, which has become a continuation of the national project “Demography”. Its goal is to increase the number of families with children, including large families, and to strengthen family values.

    The State University of Management is also working in this direction – with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, it is implementing a single comprehensive model for providing support to representatives of young families in the format of a “single window” system. Also in March of this year, a mother and child room was opened at the university, and in April the 2nd International Scientific Conference “Family in Modern Russian Society” was held.

    We congratulate everyone on this bright, kind and important holiday. We wish the students of the State University of Management to find their soul mates, and to those who have already done so – an unquenchable family hearth. Women, support your men, they really need it, even if they don’t show it. Men, show your women signs of attention every day, because they are so pleased. For example, today you can give daisies – a symbol of Family, Love and Fidelity Day.

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

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 7 July 2025 Through Edith’s eyes: bringing clear vision to Lima’s elders

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Over the past three years, Edith has helped organize and support more than 70 vision screening events in the Lima area, bringing clearer vision—and renewed independence—to hundreds of seniors. These campaigns are essential, she says, because many older adults simply cannot afford to visit an eye doctor or purchase eyeglasses.  

    “With Pensión 65, these reading glasses are free,” Edith says proudly. For her, the Para Verte Mejor programme is about more than dispensing near-vision eyeglasses—it is about restoring dignity and enhancing the quality of life through improving self-sufficiency and productivity. The seniors that she serves tell her so. “With these eyeglasses, I can see better,” one said. “They help me to read, write, and do things that I couldn’t do before.” 

    Para Verte Mejor delivers vision screening and near-vision eyeglasses across the country. The initiative is a partnership between the National Solidarity Assistance Programme of the Ministry of Development and Social Inclusion, Pensión65, and Management Sciences for Health (MSH)-Perú, a local NGO, with the support of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and RestoringVision, the global nonprofit dedicated to tackling the challenges of presbyopia. RestoringVision partners with MSH-Perú to provide high-quality near-vision eyeglasses and technical support. Locally, MSH-Perú collaborates with Pensión 65 and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to implement vision screening and eyeglasses campaigns. To date, this partnership has given the gift of clear sight to more than 328,000 Pensión 65 beneficiaries across Peru.

    In Lima, the numbers do not matter to Edith; what matters is the satisfaction she gets from helping each person. “It is support that gives them visual clarity, and therefore, a better life,” she says. “I feel happy. I enjoy my work with Pensión 65.”  

    Presbyopia is a frequent eyesight issue tied to aging that starts after you hit 40. It makes focusing on things up close hard, which can turn activities like reading, threading needles, or spotting small details into a challenge. It’s not an illness; it happens as the lens in the eye becomes less flexible with age. The most cost-effective treatment for presbyopia is eyeglasses. Since presbyopia happens with age, you can’t stop it from occurring. Regular eye checkups help to detect it and avoid its effects.  

    This story was developed by RestoringVision, based on an interview conducted and photographed by MSH-Perú. 

    Photo credits:Jorge Luis Verástegui Topovich and Ricardo Edu Alemán Sánchez. 

    “,”datePublished”:”2025-07-07T06:37:47.0000000+00:00″,”image”:”https://cdn.who.int/media/images/default-source/topics/health-and-well-being/disability/blindness-and-vision-impairment/edith-have-vision.jpg?sfvrsn=2d16c35a_3″,”publisher”:{“@type”:”Organization”,”name”:”World Health Organization: WHO”,”logo”:{“@type”:”ImageObject”,”url”:”https://www.who.int/Images/SchemaOrg/schemaOrgLogo.jpg”,”width”:250,”height”:60}},”dateModified”:”2025-07-07T06:37:47.0000000+00:00″,”mainEntityOfPage”:”https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/through-edith-s-eyes–bringing-clear-vision-to-lima-s-elders”,”@context”:”http://schema.org”,”@type”:”Article”};
    ]]>

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon for Polish parliamentary delegation led by Deputy Horbatowski, announces Taiwan to open market to fresh blueberries from Poland

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon for Polish parliamentary delegation led by Deputy Horbatowski, announces Taiwan to open market to fresh blueberries from Poland

    Date：2025-07-01
    Data Source：Department of European Affairs

    July 1, 2025  
    No. 227  

    On July 1, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a luncheon for visiting deputies of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland—Łukasz Horbatowski, Marek Chmielewski, and Iwona Krawczyk—who also serve on the Polish-Taiwanese Parliamentarian Group. The two sides exchanged views on issues such as bilateral relations, economic and trade cooperation, and cultural exchanges.
     
    In his remarks, Minister Lin pointed out that the Polish-Taiwanese Parliamentarian Group was the largest group of its kind in the Sejm. He thanked members of the Polish parliament for their long-term support of Taiwan through concrete actions. Minister Lin said that cooperation between Taiwan and Poland in economics, trade, higher education, judicial matters, technology, and other domains had continued to deepen in recent years. He expressed hope that, building on the existing foundations, the two countries would further work together to strengthen interactions and exchanges. 
     
    Furthermore, Minister Lin announced that Taiwan had recently approved the import of fresh blueberries from Poland. Once final administrative procedures were completed, he said, the people of Taiwan would have the opportunity to enjoy high-quality Polish blueberries, benefiting both Polish farmers and Taiwanese consumers. Minister Lin also noted that Taiwan possessed a world-leading ICT sector while Poland had outstanding professional talent and production capacity, which presented opportunities for bilateral collaboration in artificial intelligence, drones, and advanced chips. Minister Lin said he looked forward to continued collaboration between the two countries to build resilient and democratic non-red supply chains.
     
    Mr. Horbatowski, who was visiting Taiwan for the first time, expressed his appreciation for Minister Lin’s invitation and said that he was impressed with Taiwan’s advanced political and economic development. He added that Poland, as a major exporter of agricultural products, welcomed Taiwan’s decision to approve fresh blueberry imports and added that he looked forward to continued cooperation in the agricultural and high-tech sectors to enhance the welfare of the people of both countries.
     
    Taiwan and Poland share the universal values of freedom and democracy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to promote cooperation between the two nations in various fields so as to deepen their resilient partnership, create sustainable prosperity and well-being for the people of Taiwan and Poland, and uphold their hard-earned democratic achievements. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • Alien planet lashed by huge flares from its ‘angry beast’ star

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Scientists are tracking a large gas planet experiencing quite a quandary as it orbits extremely close to a young star – a predicament never previously observed.

    This exoplanet, as planets beyond our solar system are called, orbits its star so tightly that it appears to trigger flares from the stellar surface – larger than any observed from the sun – reaching several million miles (km) into space that over time may strip much of this unlucky world’s atmosphere.

    The phenomenon appears to be caused by the planet’s interaction with the star’s magnetic field, according to the researchers. And this star is a kind known to flare, especially when young.

    “A young star of this type is an angry beast, especially if you’re sitting as close up as this planet does,” said Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy astrophysicist Ekaterina Ilin, lead author of the study published in the journal Nature.

    The star, called HIP 67522, is slightly more massive than the sun and is located about 407 light-years from Earth in the constellation Centaurus. A light-year is the distance light travels in a year, 5.9 trillion miles (9.5 trillion km).

    This star and planet, as well as a second smaller gas planet also detected in this planetary system, are practically newborns. Whereas the sun and our solar system’s planets are roughly 4.5 billion years old, this star is about 17 million years old, with its planets slightly younger.

    The planet, named HIP 67522 b, has a diameter almost the size of Jupiter, our solar system’s largest planet, but with only 5% of Jupiter’s mass. That makes it one of the puffiest exoplanets known, with a consistency reminiscent of cotton candy (candy floss).

    It orbits five times closer to its star than our solar system’s innermost planet Mercury orbits the sun, needing only seven days to complete an orbit.

    A flare is an intense eruption of electromagnetic radiation emanating from the outermost part of a star’s atmosphere, called the corona. So how does HIP 67522 b elicit huge flares from the star? As it orbits, it apparently interacts with the star’s magnetic field – either through its own magnetic field or perhaps through the presence of conducting material such as iron in the planet’s composition.

    “We don’t know for sure what the mechanism is. We think it is plausible that the planet moves within the star’s magnetic field and whips up a wave that travels along magnetic field lines to the star. When the wave reaches the stellar corona, it triggers flares in large magnetic field loops that store energy, which is released by the wave,” Ilin said.

    “As it moves through the field like a boat on a lake, it creates waves in its wake,” Ilin added. “The flares these waves trigger when they crash into the star are a new phenomenon. This is important because it had never been observed before, especially at the intensity detected.”

    The researchers believe it is a specific type of wave called an Alfvén wave, named for 20th century Swedish physicist and Nobel Prize laureate Hannes Alfvén, that propagates due to the interaction of magnetic fields.

    The flares may heat up and inflate the planet’s atmosphere, which is dominated by hydrogen and helium. Being lashed by these flares could blast away lighter elements from the atmosphere and reduce the planet’s mass over perhaps hundreds of millions of years.

    “At that time, it will have lost most if not all the light elements, and become what’s called a sub-Neptune – a gas planet smaller than Neptune,” Ilin said, referring to the smallest of our solar system’s gas planets.

    The researchers used observations by two space telescopes: NASA’s TESS, short for Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, and the European Space Agency’s CHEOPS, short for CHaracterising ExOPlanet Satellite.

    The plight of HIP 67522 b illustrates the many circumstances under which exoplanets exist.

    “It is certainly no sheltered youth for this planet. But I am not sad about it. I enjoy diversity in all things nature, and what this planet will eventually become – perhaps a sub-Neptune rich in heavy elements that did not evaporate – is no less fascinating than what we observe today.”

    (Reuters)