Category: DJF

MIL-OSI Africa: Stronger Health Through Smarter Taxes in Mauritius
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WHO has joined forces with VISA NGO and the University of Cape Town to assess the impact of increasing health taxes in Mauritius. Using a simulation tool, the study examined how tax hikes affect tobacco use, government revenues, and premature deaths.

A 15% annual cigarette tax increase could:
- Boost excise revenue by 55%
- Reduce smoking prevalence from 18.1% to 17.4%
- Prevent 11,600 premature deaths by 2029
Even more ambitious action—a 25% annual increase—could:
- Double excise revenues
- Lower smoking prevalence to 16.3%
- Save 19,300 lives by 2029
On 20 June 2025, WHO convened high-level officials from the Ministries of Health and Finance to discuss the findings, presented by the University of Cape Town’s Research Unit on the Economics of Excisable Products and a WHO taxation expert.

WHO and VISA echoed the study’s call for regular, significant tax increases—one of the most effective ways to curb noncommunicable diseases (NCDs)

Earlier, on 26 May, VISA and WHO presented the findings to key stakeholders including the Mauritius Revenue Authority, Ministries of Education and Youth, the University of Mauritius, NGOs, and consumer groups.

WHO also applauded the Government’s recent decision to raise taxes by 10% on tobacco and alcohol, and 100% on sugary drinks, extending it to products like chocolate and ice cream.

“This is a gift to public health,” said Dr. Anne Ancia, WHO Representative. “Higher prices on unhealthy products help reduce consumption—especially in a country where obesity, diabetes and cardio-vascular diseases are leading causes of death and disability.”

Dr. Ancia also stressed the urgent need to enforce the Tobacco Law 2022, particularly the ban on single-stick sales, which undermines progress in reducing tobacco use through higher prices.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Mauritius.

MIL OSI Africa –
June 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Seychelles and Lebanon establishes Diplomatic Relations

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In the spirit of promoting bilateral relations and the strengthening of friendship, the Republic of Seychelles and the Republic of Lebanon have formally established diplomatic relations through the signing of a Joint Communiqué on the 25th of June 2025.

The establishment is founded on the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and respect for international law and cooperation, and will allow for the promotion of exchanges in various fields of mutual interests for the benefit of the two countries.

The signing took place in New York between the Permanent Representative of Seychelles to the United Nations, Ambassador Ian Madeleine, and the Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of Lebanon to the United Nations, Ambassador Hadi Hachem.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Republic of Seychelles.

MIL OSI Africa –

June 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: PH Embassy in Rabat, Kontra-GaPi Hosts Music and Dance Workshops for Moroccan Students

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The Kontemporaryong Gamelan Pilipino (Kontra-GaPi), a Filipino performing arts ensemble from the University of the Philippines, in their visit to Morocco organized by the Philippine Embassy in Rabat, conducted a series of interactive workshops for Moroccan students to promote Philippine music and dance. Professor Pedro Abraham, Jr., founder of Kontra-GaPi, expressed elation at the opportunity to promote Philippine culture as their visit coincided with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Philippine-Moroccan relations.

At the workshop held on 20 June 2025 at Ecole Internationale de Musique et Danse (EIMD), young Moroccan musicians aged 8 to 13 tried their hands at playing various indigenous instruments such as kulintang, gangsa, tongatong, angklung, kubing, eliciting smiles in their faces. Parents in attendance expressed gratitude to the Embassy for giving their children a rare and unforgettable experience and even shared their intention to visit the Philippines afterwards.

On 21 June 2025, another workshop was held at the Dati Drouk dance studio where Professor Abraham said “I admire Morocco’s rich history, which spans more than 5,000 years—about the same length as the Philippines’ pre-colonial history. I believe that music and dance transcend national boundaries, and I hope to share with you the rich traditions of Filipino gamelan music and indigenous dance.”

Energized by the brief performance of Kontra-GaPi and the workshop that followed, the members of Dati Drouk performed a full dance sequence composed of movements from various Filipino ethno-linguistic groups. The workshop culminated in a spontaneous cultural exchange, as Dati Drouk members responded with an extemporaneous dance performance to the hypnotic rhythms of gnaoua music.

EIMD is a premier institution in Rabat offering comprehensive music, dance, and theater training for over 1,500 students annually and supporting both aspiring professionals and amateurs. On the other hand, Dati Drouk is the first institution in Morocco offering structured professional training in contemporary dance.

The two workshops were conducted on top of the performances of Kontra-GaPi before the Diplomatic Corps on 17 June 2025 and the Filipino community on 22 June 2025. Philippine Ambassador to Morocco Leslie Baja expressed great satisfaction at the opportunity to showcase Philippine culture, saying that “culture is a bridge linking the Philippines and Morocco”.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines.

MIL OSI Africa –

June 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Language campaign concludes

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Education Bureau and the Standing Committee on Language Education & Research (SCOLAR) today held the “Closing & Award Presentation Ceremony of the Biliteracy & Trilingualism Campaign 2025”.

The ceremony was attended by around 400 people, including guests from the business sector, the arts and cultural sector, and community organisations, as well as teachers, parents and students. The awards celebrated efforts to promote biliteracy and trilingualism in Hong Kong over the past six months.

Officiating at the event, Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin said that as an international metropolis where East meets West, Hong Kong requires a large pool of biliterate and trilingual talent to fulfill its role as a “super connector”.

She added that languages are crucial to the city’s status as an international education hub in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, and emphasised that biliteracy and trilingualism are essential for the city’s development of the “eight centres” outlined in the National 14th Five-Year Plan, and for seizing opportunities arising from the Belt & Road Initiative and the development of the Greater Bay Area.

“Under the ‘one country, two systems’, biliteracy and trilingualism stands as one of the advantages of education in Hong Kong,” she said.

The education chief outlined that over the years, the bureau and SCOLAR have worked together to promote biliteracy and trilingualism. Measures introduced in recent years have allowed teachers to improve their Putonghua proficiency with help from the Language Fund.

Additionally, a one-off grant has been provided to schools for the promotion of self-directed language learning of English and Putonghua by students.

Ms Choi said that through the collective efforts, Hong Kong’s language and talent capital can be strengthened, enabling the city to fully leverage its advantages of enjoying the strong support of the motherland while being closely connected to the world.

The results of a one-minute video production competition were presented. The award-winning works were produced by students who integrated different creative elements.

The event also gave the winners the opportunity to share their insights with attendees.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 28, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: Scheduled Banks’ Statement of Position in India as on Friday, June 13, 2025

Source: Reserve Bank of India

(Amount in ₹ crore)
		SCHEDULED COMMERCIAL BANKS (Including RRBs, SFBs and PBs)			ALL SCHEDULED BANKS
		14-Jun-2024	30-May-2025*	13-Jun-2025*	14-Jun-2024	30-May-2025*	13-Jun-2025*
I	LIABILITIES TO THE BKG.SYSTEM (A)
	a) Demand & Time deposits from banks	273308.16	365140.08	340603.24	277097.38	370999.12	346319.8749**
	b) Borrowings from banks	152185.60	110552.25	109671.80	152187.60	110574.25	109889.53
	c) Other demand & time liabilities	76032.19	25071.47	23927.34	76298.36	25465.93	24362.82
II	LIABILITIES TO OTHERS (A)
	a) Deposits (other than from banks)	20902918.17	23172542.62	23069772.55	21358407.93	23662773.91	23561872.69
	i) Demand	2390694.11	2988920.70	2859239.01	2440672.19	3038379.44	2908818.31
	ii) Time	18512224.06	20183621.92	20210533.54	18917735.75	20624394.47	20653054.38
	b) Borrowings @	780674.69	895727.00	837462.68	785083.63	900193.89	841977.70
	c) Other demand & time liabilities	965607.06	1034573.60	1106232.23	978521.91	1047707.96	1120178.02
III	BORROWINGS FROM R.B.I. (B)	111102.00	6516.00	2248.00	111102.00	6516.00	2248.00
	Against usance bills and / or prom. Notes
IV	CASH	85283.14	87179.07	90471.61	87674.97	89604.92	93073.93
V	BALANCES WITH R.B.I. (B)	983708.00	956086.24	932453.46	1003434.00	975236.91	951630.59
VI	ASSETS WITH BANKING SYSTEM
	a) Balances with other banks
	i) In current accounts	7664.17	11434.59	10498.68	10483.91	13853.23	12729.59
	ii) In other accounts	178513.58	255330.58	244036.86	224431.26	318135.43	308394.18
	b) Money at call & short notice	11390.08	22812.64	21743.92	25192.27	40349.51	37684.89
	c) Advances to banks (i.e. due from bks.)	52270.19	36147.80	31496.42	54389.85	38542.46	33717.34Â£
	d) Other assets	107937.02	78091.66	65849.37	110591.29	82799.25	71109.15
VII	INVESTMENTS (At book value)	6231385.82	6706717.24	6691443.60	6384112.72	6861687.28	6877810.85
	a) Central & State Govt. securities+	6230374.06	6706168.85	6690874.45	6376135.84	6853140.23	6869498.86
	b) Other approved securities	1011.77	548.39	569.14	7976.88	8547.05	8311.99
VIII	BANK CREDIT (Excluding Inter-Bank Advances)	16706417.54	18287376.91	18313977.69	17143118.18	18753740.95	18783780.83
	a) Loans, cash credits & Overdrafts $	16392988.28	17949958.34	17976567.95	16826405.29	18412982.24	18443143.24
	b) Inland Bills purchased	64052.90	79467.07	78124.27	65383.33	80743.89	79300.44
	c) Inland Bills discounted	208278.98	222449.12	223752.50	209565.71	223956.61	225217.50
	d) Foreign Bills purchased	16140.00	13866.49	13510.87	16370.65	14063.24	13738.06
	e) Foreign Bills discounted	24957.38	21635.89	22022.09	25393.21	21994.97	22381.60

NOTE
*	Provisional figures incorporated in respect of such banks as have not been able to submit final figures.
(A)	Demand and Time Liabilities do not include borrowings of any Scheduled State Co-operative Bank from State Government and any reserve fund deposits maintained with such banks by any co-operative society within the areas of operation of such banks.
**	This excludes deposits of Co-operative Banks with Scheduled State Co-operative Banks. These are included under item II (a).
@	Other than from Reserve Bank, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development and Export Import Bank of India.
(B)	The figures relating to Scheduled Commercial Banks’ Borrowings in India from Reserve Bank and balances with Reserve Bank are those shown in the statement of affairs of the Reserve Bank. Borrowings against usance bills and/ or promissory notes are under Section 17(4)(c) of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. Following a change in the accounting practise for LAF transactions with effect from July 11, 2014, as per the recommendations of Malegam Committee formed to Review the Format of Balance Sheet and the Profit and Loss Account of the Bank, the transactions in case of Repo / Term Repo / MSF are reflected under ‘Borrowings from RBI’.
Â£	This excludes advances granted by Scheduled State Co-operative Banks to Co-operative banks. These are included under item VIII (a).
+	Includes Treasury Bills, Treasury Deposits, Treasury Savings Certificates and postal obligations.
$	Includes advances granted by Scheduled Commercial Banks and Scheduled Cooperative Banks to Public Food Procurement Agencies (viz. Food Corporation of India, State Government and their agencies under the Food consortium).

Food Credit Outstanding as on
(Amount in ₹ crore)
Date	14-Jun-2024	30-May-2025	13-Jun-2025
Scheduled Commercial Banks	36923.02	70580.71	67605.56
Scheduled Co-operative Banks	50622.17	51972.99	51974.00

The expression ‘Banking System’ or ‘Banks’ means the banks and any other financial institution referred to in sub-clauses (i) to (vi) of clause (d) of the explanation below Section 42(1) of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.

No. of Scheduled Commercial Banks as on Current Fortnight:120

Ajit Prasad
Deputy General Manager
(Communications)

Press Release: 2025-2026/606

MIL OSI Economics –

June 27, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN attends the 46th Asia-Europe Foundation Board of Governors Meeting

Source: ASEAN

Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs, Nararya S. Soeprapto, attended the 46th Asia-Europe Foundation Board of Governors Meeting (ASEFBoG46) on 26-27 June 2025 in Kraków, Poland. The Meeting noted the report on the work of the ASEF Management, reviewed the implementation of ASEF’s ongoing initiatives, and approved its project proposals for 2025 and 2026. The Board of Governors also deliberated ways to enhance ASEF’s visibility and profile, and to further promote cultural and people-to-people connectivity between Asia and Europe.

The post Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN attends the 46th Asia-Europe Foundation Board of Governors Meeting appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

MIL OSI Economics –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN attends the 46th Asia-Europe Foundation Board of Governors Meeting

Source: ASEAN

Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs, Nararya S. Soeprapto, attended the 46th Asia-Europe Foundation Board of Governors Meeting (ASEFBoG46) on 26-27 June 2025 in Kraków, Poland. The Meeting noted the report on the work of the ASEF Management, reviewed the implementation of ASEF’s ongoing initiatives, and approved its project proposals for 2025 and 2026. The Board of Governors also deliberated ways to enhance ASEF’s visibility and profile, and to further promote cultural and people-to-people connectivity between Asia and Europe.

The post Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN attends the 46th Asia-Europe Foundation Board of Governors Meeting appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

MIL OSI Global Banks –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton KCB ADC FREng appointed new Chief of the Defence Staff
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton KCB ADC FREng appointed new Chief of the Defence Staff

His Majesty The King has approved the appointment of Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton KCB ADC FREng to take over from Admiral Sir Tony Radakin KCB ADC as the next Chief of the Defence Staff, with effect from September 2025.
His Majesty The King has approved the appointment of Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton KCB ADC FREng to take over from Admiral Sir Tony Radakin KCB ADC as the next Chief of the Defence Staff, with effect from September 2025.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, said:

Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton has led the Royal Air Force to deliver on operations across the world, while championing a culture of innovation and excellence, which is why I am certain he will make an exceptional leader of our Armed Forces as Chief of Defence Staff.

In such a rapidly changing global context, we need our Armed Forces to be more lethal, better integrated and equipped for the future as they keep our country safe, I know Rich will rise to that challenge.

I would like to thank Admiral Sir Tony Radakin for his dedicated service and exceptional advice and service to me as Prime Minister, I wish him every success in his future endeavours.

Defence Secretary John Healey said:

I’m delighted to congratulate Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton on his appointment as Chief of the Defence Staff.

As Air Chief Marshal, Sir Rich Knighton has led the RAF with distinction through a period of intense demand, with NATO operations, deployments to the Middle East and activity across the world. As Chief of the Defence Staff, he will play a critical role in delivering the transformation set out in the Strategic Defence Review. And together, we will put the men and women of our Armed Forces at the heart of our defence plans.

I would like to thank Admiral Sir Tony Radakin for his distinguished service and counsel as Chief of the Defence Staff through an unprecedented period – in particular, his unparalleled leadership on Ukraine. I look forward to working with Air Chief Marshal Rich over the coming years to make Britain secure at home, and strong abroad.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, said:

It is an honour to have been selected as the next Chief of the Defence Staff. I am acutely conscious of the dangers we face and the important role that the Armed Forces play in protecting the UK, our allies and our interests around the world.

It will be an immense privilege to lead the outstanding people of our Armed Forces.

I want to pay tribute to Admiral Sir Tony Radakin for his exceptional work in leading the Armed Forces through the most intense period of operational demand and strategic complexity, and for his unstinting support for Ukraine. I look forward to working with the Prime Minister Secretary of State, ministers and fellow Chiefs to deliver the SDR and ensure our Armed Forces are ready to fight and win.

A biography of Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton can be found here.

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Published 27 June 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: On the Ground with UNDSS: Supporting UN Operations in Pokrovsk

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Join Artem Chystiak from UNDSS in Pokrovsk, eastern Ukraine—once home to 60,000, now just 2,000. See how UNDSS supports the UN in delivering life-saving aid in one of the country’s highest-risk areas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JjSkyRlW_E

MIL OSI Video –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: UPDATE – Concern for welfare – Berry Springs

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The NT Police no longer holds concerns for the welfare of the 15-year-old boy who went missing this afternoon.

He was located safe and well a short time ago.

The Police would like to thank the members of the public for their assistance.

MIL OSI News –

June 27, 2025
US stock futures rise ahead of inflation data as investors anticipate dovish Fed

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

U.S. stock index futures surged on Friday, putting the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq on track for record highs as investors geared up for a key inflation report amid signs of a dovish policy outlook from the Federal Reserve this year.

Personal Consumption Expenditure data – the U.S. central bank’s preferred inflation gauge – for May is due to be released at 08:30 a.m. ET and will be scrutinized to assess the Fed’s interest-rate path as tariffs weigh on prices.

As the ceasefire in the Middle East holds, investor focus has turned to the prospect of a dovish Fed after the Wall Street Journal reported that U.S. President Donald Trump toyed with the idea of announcing Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s replacement by September or October.

“News that Donald Trump may announce his pick to be the new Fed chair with months to go has led the interest rate futures market to ramp up bets that interest rates in the U.S. will be cut sharply over the coming months and years,” Kathleen Brooks, research director at XTB, said in a note.

A spate of economic data this week, including a weaker-than-expected first quarter GDP reading as well as jobless claims reaching multi-year highs, has supported the case for the central bank to cut borrowing costs this year.

Traders now price in a 20.7% chance of a rate cut in July, compared with 14.5% last week, according to CME Group’s FedWatch tool.

At 06:30 a.m. ET, Dow E-minis YMcv1 were up 103 points, or 0.24%, S&P 500 E-minis EScv1 were up 13.5 points, or 0.22%, and Nasdaq 100 E-minis NQcv1 were up 63.5 points, or 0.28%.

Nike’s NKE.N shares rose 9.2% in premarket trading after the retailer forecast a smaller-than-expected drop in first-quarter revenue.

Retailer Lululemon Athletica LULU.O rose 1.4% after Nike’s results, while Hoka-owner Deckers Outdoor DECK.N added 2.1%.

On the flip side, gold stocks slipped in premarket trading as bullion neared a one-month low. Top miners such as Newmont NEM.N and U.S.-listed Barrick Mining B.N were down 2.3% and 2%, respectively.

The benchmark S&P 500 .SPX and the Nasdaq .IXIC are on track for their best weekly performance in six weeks, while the blue-chip Dow .DJI is set for a weekly advance, if gains hold.

UBS Global Wealth Management raised its year-end target for the S&P 500 index .SPX to 6,200 from its prior forecast of 6,000, banking on softening trade uncertainty.

Adding to the upbeat sentiment, Washington reached an agreement with China on expediting rare-earth shipments to the United States, a White House official said, days ahead of the July 9 deadline for Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs.

Also on tap is the final reading of consumer sentiment for June, measured by the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers, due at 10:00 a.m. ET.

Remarks from New York Fed President John Williams, Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack and Fed Board Governor Lisa Cook are expected later in the day.

(Reuters)

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China willing to maintain economic, trade exchanges with U.S.: vice finance minister

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

China willing to maintain economic, trade exchanges with U.S.: vice finance minister

BEIJING, June 27 — China is willing to maintain economic and trade exchanges with the United States based on equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit to deliver benefits to both countries and the world, Vice Minister of Finance Liao Min said, according to a statement released by the ministry on Friday.

Liao made the remarks when meeting with Graham Allison, a professor from Harvard University, on June 20. The two sides had in-depth exchanges on China-U.S. relations, bilateral economic and trade ties, and issues of mutual concern.

Guided by the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, the Chinese and U.S. economic and trade teams reached a consensus during high-level talks in Geneva and a principled agreement on consolidating those outcomes in London, and these developments have played an important role in stabilizing both China-U.S. relations and their economic and trade ties, Liao noted.

He stressed that China will firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests. And China is also willing to maintain economic and trade exchanges with the United States based on equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit to deliver benefits to both countries and the world.

Allison said that the relationship between the United States and China is one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world, and it is of vital importance that both sides maintain and deepen communication.

He noted that China has achieved notable progress in advancing economic transformation, expanding opening up, and fostering a fair and just market environment. Given the high interdependence of the U.S. and Chinese economies, further deepening economic and trade exchanges serves the common interests of both countries and the world, he said.

MIL OSI China News –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China sees rapid growth in new-energy, clean-energy vessels

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

BEIJING, June 27 — China is accelerating its shift to greener fuels in inland water transport, with more than 1,000 vessels powered by new energy or clean energy now operating nationwide, according to the Ministry of Transport.

As of the end of 2024, the country had over 600 liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels, primarily used for inland cargo transport, and 485 battery-powered electric vessels, mostly serving as passenger ferries, Vice Transport Minister Fu Xuyin told a press conference on Friday.

A smaller number of inland vessels powered by methanol or hydrogen fuel cells are also in use, Fu added.

China’s electric vessel industry has developed rapidly in recent years, leading globally in both scale and technological advancement, he said.

Alongside upgrading vessels, China is accelerating efforts to develop green, low-carbon ports, and this includes expanding and renovating inland port terminals with a focus on sustainability, Fu noted.

China is also developing near-zero-carbon inland terminals, encouraging the use of wind and solar power at ports, promoting the use of new energy and clean energy in port machinery and on-site transport vehicles, and prioritizing rail and new-energy trucks for bulk cargo handling, he added.

MIL OSI China News –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: France’s Ballestrazzi becomes first female President of INTERPOL

Source: Interpol (news and events)

8 November 2012

ROME, Italy – INTERPOL’s 81st General Assembly has closed with delegates electing as the new President of INTERPOL Mireille Ballestrazzi, Deputy Central Director of the French Judicial Police.

In a symbolic gesture, the INTERPOL flag is handed to a Colombian official, looking ahead to the 2013 General Assembly in Cartagena.

Mireille Ballestrazzi said she felt a great sense of pride and joy to have been elected as the INTERPOL President and looked forward to serving all of INTERPOL’s 190 member countries.

Outgoing INTERPOL President Khoo Boon Hui reflects on his time with the Organization.

Delegates endorsed a series of resolutions on issues including maritime piracy, illicit trafficking in cultural property, the INTERPOL Travel Document, cybercrime and trafficking in illicit goods.

Current members of the INTERPOL Executive Committee.

The Italian authorities hosted a successful General Assembly.

Elected as Vice President for the Americas was Alan Bersin, Assistant Secretary of International Affairs for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (right).

Nobuyuki Kawai, Director of the Organized Crime Department of the National Police Academy of Japan, was elected as Vice President for Asia.

Mireille Ballestrazzi, Deputy Central Director of the French Judicial Police, was elected as the new President of INTERPOL by delegates at the 81st General Assembly.

Italian Minister of Interior Annamaria Cancellieri, left, and INTERPOL President Mireille Ballestrazzi.

INTERPOL Secretary General Ronald K. Noble thanks outgoing President Khoo Boon Hui for his four years of service to the Organization.

Mrs Ballestrazzi said she felt a great sense of pride and joy to have been elected as the President of INTERPOL and looked forward to serving all of INTERPOL’s 190 member countries in ‘an unfailing spirit to promote mutual assistance and solidarity’.

“I am wholly committed to the fundamental role INTERPOL must play in global police cooperation. By establishing the INTERPOL Global Complex for Innovation and leading other recent initiatives, INTERPOL has placed itself at the forefront of innovation which I will continue to fully support. There is no doubt that this direction will open up drastically new perspectives for INTERPOL and its member countries worldwide as we face together the challenges of today and tomorrow.”

The President of the Organization heads its Executive Committee and is elected by the General Assembly for a period of four years.

INTERPOL Secretary General Ronald K. Noble welcomed President Ballestrazzi’s appointment as another example of INTERPOL’s evolution, reflecting the active role of both men and women in the international law enforcement community.

“As the world’s largest police organization, it is essential that INTERPOL’s leadership offers the best policing and expertise to its 190 member countries in order to meet their needs,” said Mr Noble.

“Mireille Ballestrazzi’s appointment as President of INTERPOL comes at a time when countries are adapting to the realities of the changing nature of transnational organized crime in the 21st century.

“She brings invaluable experience in cross-border police collaboration to her role, as well as proven leadership abilities, and I look forward to working closely with her to ensure that INTERPOL continues to provide innovative responses to meet the needs of our member countries, ” added the INTERPOL Chief.

Paying a warm tribute to outgoing President Khoo Boon Hui of Singapore, Mr Noble said Mr Khoo would be remembered as ‘a champion and driving force of international law enforcement cooperation’.

Also elected to the Executive Committee were Alan Bersin, Assistant Secretary of International Affairs for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (Vice President for the Americas), Nobuyuki Kawai, Director of the Organized Crime Department of the National Police Academy of Japan (Vice President for Asia), Algeria’s Abdelkader Kara Bouhadba, Commissaire Divisionnaire de Police, Directeur de la Police Judiciaire (Delegate for Africa), Bob Paulson, Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (Delegate for the Americas), Jong Yang Kim of the Korean National Police Agency and Head of INTERPOL’s National Central Bureau in Seoul (Delegate for Asia), Brigadier General Saoud Abdallah Al-Mahmoud, Director of the International Cooperation Department of Qatar’s Ministry of Interior (Delegate for Asia), and Filippo Dispenza, Brigadier General of the Italian National Police (Delegate for Europe).

The four-day conference (5 – 8 November) in Rome was launched with a Ministerial meeting attended by close to 100 global leaders who endorsed a joint declaration recognizing the need to identify viable strategies to effectively address the changing modes of contemporary criminal violence.

During the conference, more than 1,000 delegates from some 170 countries endorsed a series of resolutions to build a modern framework for collective action, including on maritime piracy, illicit trafficking in cultural property, the INTERPOL Programme to Combat Trafficking in Illicit Goods launched earlier this year, the INTERPOL Travel Document and cybercrime.

A groundbreaking initiative by INTERPOL to support the safety and security of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and other major sporting events over the next 10 years was also launched following an agreement with the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee worth USD 10 million.

With Cartagena, Colombia, hosting INTERPOL’s next General Assembly in 2013, conference delegates closed the event by selecting Monaco as the venue for INTERPOL’s 83rd General Assembly in 2014, which will mark the 100th anniversary of the first International Criminal Police Congress.

MIL Security OSI –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Nearly 400 victims of child trafficking rescued across Burkina Faso in INTERPOL-led operation

Source: Interpol (news and events)

22 November 2012

OUGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso – Nearly 400 child trafficking victims, some as young as six years old, forced to work in illegally-operated gold mines and cotton fields have been rescued following an operation by police in Burkina Faso coordinated by INTERPOL.

As well as a ‘breathing bag’ (top), a water extraction pipe (bottom left) is needed as the shafts sometimes fill with water. When it rains, the ground becomes unstable and sandbags at the top of the mine can fall in and crush the child below. The bodies of those who cannot be rescued are left down the mines.

This young boy had been working in the mines for nearly two years. He told police he was grateful to have been rescued and he wanted to go back to school to study.

The mines are narrow, airless and can be up to 70 metres in depth. Bags are used to form a tube down to the bottom of the mine, with a person at the top fanning air to enable the child at the bottom to breathe.

Henri Guida Blemin, specialist officer with INTERPOL’s Trafficking in Human Beings unit, speaks to the workers, to find out how they came to be at the mines and about the working conditions.

The children spend all day down the mine, with no daylight. As a result, their eyes are badly affected and it may take up to two hours for their eyes to clear of the dirt at the end of the day.

As each mine is emptied, the camp moves forward leaving behind unstable ground which can collapse at any time. When entering the area, police officers use sticks to check the ground before they step forward.

Led by Superintendent Patience Quaye, 14 officers from Ghana observed Operation Tuy as part of their training in order to carry out similar actions in Ghana in the future.

The victims have now been returned to their families or taken into care by social services.

Officers trained in dealing with child exploitation and trafficking interview the victims.

Children as young as six are forced to work in illegally-operated gold mines. Here, boys at the surface use a rope to pull out a child from the bottom of the mine.

Information gathered during the operation will help identify and dismantle the criminal networks behind the trafficking and exploitation of children.

Some 165 police officers, together with officials from customs, social and health services took part in Operation Tuy which targeted sites in Ougadougou, Houndé and Bobo Dioulasso, resulting in 73 individuals being arrested in connection with child trafficking and labour offences.

During the two-day (29 and 30 October) operation, 387 children were discovered working under extreme conditions, lowered into narrow, airless mining holes up to 70 metres in depth, receiving no salary or education, with young girls often also subjected to sexual abuse. The victims have now been returned to their families or taken into care by social services.

“This was the largest operation of its kind run in Burkina Faso supported by INTERPOL and its success is a direct result of the commitment and support of the government, police and other agencies,” said Henri Guida Blemin, specialist officer with INTERPOL’s Trafficking in Human Beings unit which helped coordinate the operation.

“The conditions under which these children are forced to live and work are horrific, and INTERPOL will continue to work closely with all its member countries to identify and stop the exploitation of these innocent victims and help them regain the childhood they deserve,” added Mr Blemin.

Prior to Operation Tuy, more than 100 officials from the national police, gendarmerie, customs, welfare, water and forestry services took part in a three-day specialist course. Training was provided by specialist officers from the INTERPOL International Trafficking in Human Beings Task Force, including from Canada, the Regional Bureau in Abidjan as well as its National Central Bureau in Ougadougou, in addition to police, health and education specialists from Burkina Faso.

“The success of the operation is not just about the number of victims rescued, but it is also about making sure the infrastructure and knowledge is in place for this important work to continue, which is why the training is just as important as the fieldwork. If the officers don’t have the skills they cannot do their work and efforts achieved cannot be sustained,” said Mr Blemin.

“Information gathered during the operation will also help in identifying and dismantling the criminal networks behind this crime at the national, regional and international levels,” he added.

Tuy is INTERPOL’s fifth operation targeting forced child labour in Africa. Operations Bia (2009), Cascades and Bana (2010) and Bia II (2011) have already led to the rescue of more than 400 children across Central and Western Africa and the arrest of 93 individuals.

MIL Security OSI –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: INTERPOL and the European Union join forces for security in Libya
Source: Interpol (news and events)

29 November 2012
LYON, France – Senior Libyan officials from the Ministry of the Interior have attended the first meeting of INTERPOL’s Project RELINC (Rebuilding Libya’s Investigative Capability), a European Union-funded initiative to assist Libyan authorities in developing a sustainable capability to identify security threats and investigate criminal and terrorist activity.

During the four-day meeting (19 – 22 November) at the General Secretariat headquarters, discussions focused on the key components of the project, including provision of access to INTERPOL’s databases at Libya’s border crossing points and the creation of a crime analysis unit within the criminal investigations department.

Following the 2011 revolution, the project is aimed at supporting Libyan law enforcement in addressing transnational crimes such as trafficking in weapons, drugs and human beings, which generate violence and threaten to destabilize the country and the region.

The project consists of seven components :
- Performing a wide assessment of the threats posed to Libya by transnational organized crime and terrorism, to support the Libyan government and police in identifying strategic enforcement objectives;
- Initiating the building, within the Libyan police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID), of a sustainable operational Crime Analysis Unit;
- Advising the CID to take full operational advantage of the support provided by the future Crime Analysis Unit;
- Reinforcing the capacity of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau in Tripoli to make optimal use of the INTERPOL network and policing tools;
- Establishing remote access to INTERPOL databases in key Libyan law enforcement bodies and at strategic border crossing points;
- Building a prototype police criminal database within police headquarters to enable the Libyan police to efficiently store and share criminal information;
- Raising the awareness of and training the Libyan police on the international police cooperation tools and mechanisms provided by INTERPOL.
The 18-month long project, launched in September 2012, is being run from the Office of the Special Representative of INTERPOL to the European Union, with support from INTERPOL’s Middle East and North Africa unit at the General Secretariat.
MIL Security OSI –
June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Greece to prosecute first maritime piracy case with evidence gathered by INTERPOL team

Source: Interpol (news and events)

12 December 2012

LYON, France – Evidence gathered by an INTERPOL Incident Response Team (IRT) following the release of the hijacked oil tanker Irene SL in April 2011 is to be used by Greece in its first maritime piracy prosecution.

Lieutenant General Papagiannopoulos was shown INTERPOL’s Command and Coordination Centre.

A delegation from Greece, headed by Chief of the Hellenic Police, Lieutenant General Nikolaos Papagiannopoulos (centre), visited the INTERPOL General Secretariat in Lyon.

INTERPOL Secretary General, Ronald K. Noble (right), pledged his full support to Greek law enforcement.

The announcement comes during a meeting between Chief of the Hellenic Police Lieutenant General Nikolaos Papagiannopoulos and INTERPOL Secretary General Ronald K. Noble at the world police body’s General Secretariat headquarters to identify ways for additional support to be provided to the Greek police.

The IRT, supported by the South African Police Service and in coordination with European Union Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) and INTERTANKO, was deployed to Durban in South Africa to conduct a crime scene investigation and debriefing of the hostages on board the Irene SL, following its release by Somali pirates 58 days after the vessel was hijacked off the coast of Oman.

Several of the crew members on board were also able to identify four of their captors from an INTERPOL photo album on maritime piracy, containing images provided by member states and naval forces operating in the Gulf of Aden and the Western Indian Ocean.

Secretary General Noble said that the case perfectly highlighted the benefits that INTERPOL brings to member countries and how information sharing and a collaborative approach is essential to addressing crime issues anywhere in the world.

“In these times of financial constraint the added value that INTERPOL and its global network brings to individual countries and global security is even clearer,” said the INTERPOL Chief.

“INTERPOL will continue to provide every support to Greece, and also calls on the global law enforcement community, countries and regional institutions to identify areas where they can support Greece in meeting the crime challenges which affect us all,” added Mr Noble.

Lieutenant General Papagiannopoulos said ‘the opportunities for international law enforcement cooperation through INTERPOL help increase the effectiveness of national police services.’

“Today’s meeting with Secretary General Noble provided us with the opportunity to explore ways of building on our existing cooperation and to identify ways for future development together,” added Mr Papagiannopoulos.

During his visit, Mr Papagiannopoulos – accompanied by Brigadier General Zacharoula Tsirigoti, Director of the International Police Cooperation Directorate, and Brigadier General Dimitrios Sofios, Deputy Director of the Attika Criminal Investigation Department – was also updated and briefed on a range of INTERPOL’s tools and services including its global database to enhance police cooperation in areas such as combating illegal immigration and trafficking in human beings.

MIL Security OSI –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: INTERPOL-Europol operation results in global seizures of fake and illicit food

Source: Interpol (news and events)

14 December 2012

A joint INTERPOL-Europol operation targeting fake and substandard food and drink, as well as the organized crime networks behind this illicit trade, has resulted in the seizure of more than 135 tonnes of potentially harmful goods ranging from everyday products of coffee, soup cubes and olive oil, to luxury goods such as truffles and caviar. A further 100 tonnes of misdeclared and/or potentially hazardous food was confiscated during investigations linked to Operation Opson II.

Raids and inspections resulted in around 100 arrests and the seizure of more than 135 tonnes of potentially harmful goods, including everyday products such as coffee, soup cubes and olive oil.

Illicit goods are often produced, transported and stored without any form of hygiene controls, putting the health and safety of consumers at risk.

This year, Opson expanded beyond Europe to include countries in Africa, the Americas and Asia. Inspections were carried out at this warehouse in Thailand.

A project under development – the INTERPOL Global Register – will enable people to scan and verify the legitimacy of a product from their mobile device.

Operation Opson targets fake and substandard food and drink and the organized crime networks behind this illicit trade.

Cash was also seized during Opson II.

INTERPOL and Europol representatives helped coordinate action in Madrid, Spain.

Checks and raids were carried out at airports, seaports, shops, markets and private homes.

The operation was supported by customs (Hungarian customs officers pictured here), national food regulatory bodies and partners from the private sector.

The Thai Food and Drug Administration displayed the wide variety of goods seized including snacks, canned food, coffee and soft drinks.

National police in 29 countries took part. Officers in Budapest, Hungary, were briefed on the operation.

Opson was a week-long operation, coordinated jointly by INTERPOL and Europol.

Operation Opson II (3 – 9 December), which involved 29 countries from all regions of the world, resulted in the recovery of more than 385,000 litres of counterfeit liquids including vodka, wine, soy sauce and orange juice in addition to fish, seafood and meat declared unfit for human consumption, as well as fake candy bars and condiments.

With the fake and substandard food and drink often produced, transported and stored without any form of regulation or hygiene controls, consumers buying these illicit goods are risking their health and safety while the criminal networks make millions in profits which can be used to fund other illegal activities such as human and drug trafficking.

Operation Opson II saw the number of participating countries rise from 10 in 2011 to nearly 30 this year, an increase which, says Simone Di Meo, a Criminal Intelligence Officer with INTERPOL’s Trafficking in Illicit Goods unit, reflects a growing awareness of the problem and involvement by organized crime.

“With this year’s operation going beyond Europe and involving countries in Africa, the Americas and Asia, this will enable us to gather even more intelligence about the networks behind this criminal activity and potentially identify global links with other types of crime,” says Mr Di Meo.

Coordinated by INTERPOL and Europol, the week-long operation was supported by customs, police and national food regulatory bodies in addition to partners from the private sector. Checks and raids were carried out at airports, seaports, shops, markets and private homes.

“With this operation, we are showing the criminal networks involved in this line of business that they are not safe and, just as importantly, we are helping to protect public health and safety. In many cases, the quality of the packaging of the fake food and drink is so well done that consumers may not even be aware that they are buying illicit products and potentially risking their lives,” says Chris Vansteenkiste, Project Manager of the Intellectual Property Crime Team at Europol.

Among the key aims of Operation Opson (meaning food in ancient Greek) were the development of practical cooperation between national law enforcement, food and drug agencies and private companies, the identification of the organized criminal groups behind the trafficking, and raising awareness among consumers and governments about this type of crime.

Countries which took part in Operation Opson II are Austria, Belgium, Benin, Bulgaria, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Jordan, Latvia, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom and the USA.

Investigations are continuing in many countries and additional information on national activities can be obtained from the enforcement agencies of the countries concerned.

MIL Security OSI –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Big Dreams Take Flight: Delhi-NCR and Chandigarh Youth Shine at Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Open House

Source: Samsung

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow applicants at Chandigarh University

In the buzzing classrooms of Khaitan Public School, spirited debates and whiteboard sketches gave way to something bigger — a new generation of changemakers emerging through Samsung Solve for Tomorrow. The national innovation contest, launched on April 29, 2025, continues to energize students across the country, and its recent roadshows in Ghaziabad, Delhi, Noida and Chandigarh are proving just how powerful young minds can be when given the right tools.

The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow programme empowers 14-22-year-olds to identify real-world problems and build tech-based solutions using design thinking. The winning four teams receive INR 1 crore, expert mentorship from Samsung and IIT Delhi, investor connects, and prototyping support to help them bring their vision to life.

In recent weeks, the Samsung team engaged with students at Khaitan Public School in Ghaziabad, Lingua Institute and Galgotias College in Delhi, and ITS College in Noida, sparking curiosity and inviting questions from teens eager to make a difference.

For Ishita, a class 12 student from Khaitan Public School, the roadshow was a wake-up call. “I always thought innovation was something for scientists or tech giants. But now I see that even a student like me can solve a local issue using creativity and tech,” she said, already brainstorming a solution around water conservation in her locality.

Her classmate Tanya Chaudhary came in with a rough idea to help senior citizens navigate healthcare access. “After the session, I feel like I finally know how to start. Samsung Solve for Tomorrow gave me the confidence to build something that matters,” said Tanya.

Astha Nautiyal, also from Khaitan, wants to use AI to address the rise in teenage anxiety. “Mental health is something we all deal with, but no one talks about it enough. I want to create something that helps teens feel seen and supported,” she said.

Enthusiasm was at its peak at Khaitan Public School in New Delhi

At Galgotias, students discussed a range of topics — from pollution control to AI-based traffic solutions. One group even explored using recycled materials to build smart street furniture that serves both utility and sustainability goals.

The open houses weren’t just information sessions — they were a platform for exchange, inspiration, and self-belief. Students walked out not just with ideas, but with a roadmap.

“Through Solve for Tomorrow, I got the opportunity to treat my ideas not just as a concept but a working prototype. What started as a classroom project is now being shaped with feedback from mentors and experts across disciplines. Meeting other young innovators has been incredibly motivating—it made me believe that with the right support, even students like me can solve real-world problems that impact millions. I am really motivated to apply,” said Mahak Singh, Chandigarh University.

As the roadshows continue to roll across India, these open houses in Delhi-NCR are proving that innovation doesn’t start in labs — it starts in classrooms, in conversations, and in the minds of students who dare to ask what if?

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow isn’t just shaping ideas — it’s shaping a generation that’s ready to solve, lead, and inspire.

MIL OSI Economics –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: How New Regional Pipeline Deals are Driving Africa’s Energy Future

Three significant developments in Africa’s energy landscape made headlines this past month: the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) reached 60% completion, the Republic of Congo finalized a pipeline cooperation agreement with Russia, and Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea signed a deal to advance a joint natural gas pipeline. These milestones underscore increasing momentum behind transnational pipeline projects in Africa, which are not only critical to unlocking hydrocarbon value chains, but also pivotal to industrial growth, regional cooperation and efforts to end energy poverty.

With African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies set to take place in Cape Town from September 29 to October 3, recent advances in the midstream sector underscore the growing role of large-scale infrastructure in securing Africa’s energy future. AEW 2025 will provide a platform to unpack how strategic partnerships and regional integration can transform pipelines from isolated projects into engines of inclusive development.

EACOP: Connecting Uganda to Global Markets

The 1,443-km EACOP is set to link Uganda’s oil fields in the Lake Albert region to the port of Tanga in Tanzania, facilitating the export of up to 246,000 barrels per day. With 60% of the project now completed – including land acquisition, environmental approvals and construction – EACOP is on track to become the longest heated crude oil pipeline in the world.

More than just a logistical asset, EACOP represents a critical economic corridor. It is expected to generate thousands of jobs, stimulate local content and unlock ancillary infrastructure such as roads, storage facilities and power lines. By enabling Uganda to monetize its crude reserves, the pipeline also enhances fiscal revenues that can be reinvested into energy access, education and healthcare. At AEW 2025, stakeholders will explore how flagship projects like EACOP can be used as case studies for balancing investment, environmental responsibility and community development, while ensuring African nations retain sovereignty over their resources.

Russia-Congo Deal: A New Axis in Pipeline Diplomacy

Just days after the EACOP update, Russia ratified a bilateral agreement with the Republic of Congo for the construction of the Pointe-Noire-Loutete-Maloukou-Trechot oil pipeline. The agreement lays the groundwork for joint efforts in planning, financing, construction and operation of the pipeline, set to be completed in three years. The move strengthens energy ties between the two countries and opens the door for Russian investment in Congo’s midstream sector, potentially accelerating the development of critical infrastructure needed to monetize and export the country’s hydrocarbon resources.

It also signals a shift in Africa’s external energy partnerships, with Congo turning to non-Western allies to build out its infrastructure and secure long-term offtake agreements. It reinforces the idea that diversified geopolitical engagement can help African nations close the infrastructure gap faster, provided partnerships are structured transparently and with shared development objectives. As African countries look to strengthen global cooperation, AEW 2025 will offer a space to evaluate new alliances, discuss risk-sharing mechanisms and align infrastructure development with continental priorities under the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Nigeria-Equatorial Guinea: A Boost for West African Gas Integration

A recent agreement between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, signed on June 18, aims to fast-track the development of a joint natural gas pipeline, designed to increase cross-border gas trade and support export capacity. This project is expected to deepen energy cooperation between the two countries, facilitate access to cleaner fuels and contribute to the diversification of energy sources in the region. It also exemplifies how collaborative infrastructure development can unlock new economic opportunities, stimulate investments and enhance regional energy security.

Midstream infrastructure companies are also stepping up efforts to improve regional gas trade and distribution. The West African Gas Pipeline Company, backed by Chevron among other shareholders, operates a vital pipeline that transports Nigerian gas to Benin, Togo and Ghana. This pipeline supports power generation and industrial use across multiple West African countries and plays a key role in diversifying the regional energy mix and promoting cross-border gas trade. Meanwhile, the Republic of Mozambique Pipeline Investments Company, which manages the Mozambique-South Africa Gas Pipeline, recently opened a new office in Maputo, aiming to strengthen regional gas connectivity and market integration.

Pipelines and the Fight Against Energy Poverty

While Africa accounts for 17% of the global population, it accounts for just 3.3% of global power generation. Energy poverty remains a major constraint on industrialization, education, healthcare and entrepreneurship. Pipelines, by moving fuel to where it is needed most – across borders and into domestic markets – can help address this imbalance.

“In addition to exporting crude, new pipelines have the potential to deliver LPG and natural gas to underserved regions, reducing dependence on biomass and accelerating the shift toward cleaner household and industrial energy,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber, adding that coordinated planning between countries can ensure pipelines are multi-purpose and scalable, with clear economic multipliers for local populations.

“AEW 2025 will shine a light on the role of pipelines in achieving universal energy access, examining regulatory frameworks, project finance models and technology solutions that can make these developments more inclusive and efficient,” he notes.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

AEW: Invest in African Energies
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

MIL OSI Africa –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council apartments planned for disused garage site

Source: City of Wolverhampton

Construction partner Keon Homes has put forward the proposals on behalf of City of Wolverhampton Council for the affordable one bedroom homes off Russell Street.

The 3 storey development, with ground floor wheelchair accessible apartments, would also border Zoar Street and Merridale Street – just a short distance from the city centre.

Demolition of the derelict garages, that have been blighted by anti-social behaviour, has already been approved and is expected to take place later in this year.

City of Wolverhampton Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Housing, Councillor Steve Evans, said: “Clearing and developing small brownfield sites like this is a major part of our housing strategy to deliver better homes for local people in well connected neighbourhoods.

“It is important we deliver a range of different sized council homes across the city to cater for a variety of needs.

“Should the plans be approved, the development will provide an uplift to the area for residents and businesses alike.”

Jim Woodsford, Pre-Development and Planning Manager at Keon Homes, said: “Brownfield development continues to be a core driver for Keon Homes and making use of otherwise redundant sites to provide much needed, affordable housing.

“We have worked closely with City of Wolverhampton Council to design a scheme that will make great use of the development land in Graiseley, whilst complementing the surrounding area. The proposed units will provide a safe haven for residents, whilst ensuring high levels of energy efficiency and injecting new life into the area.

“Should a positive planning outcome for this application be achieved, it will further bolster the supply of affordable housing in Wolverhampton, and this can only be good news for everyone concerned.

“It will also reinforce our commitment to providing local work and housing for local people.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: 27 June 2025 Medical product alert The use of semaglutide medicines and risk of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)

Source: World Health Organisation

WHO is alerting health-care professionals and regulatory authorities to the risk of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) associated with the use of semaglutide medicines—Ozempic®, Rybelsus®, and Wegovy®. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended updating the product information for these medicines to include NAION as a side effect, with a frequency classified as very rare.

Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA), is the active ingredient in medications used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. NAION is a leading cause of vision loss in adults and the second most common optic neuropathy after glaucoma. It typically presents as sudden, painless, monocular vision loss accompanied by optic disc edema. The vision loss is generally irreversible, and there is currently no effective treatment available. [1]

The EMA’s Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) reviewed all available data on NAION with semaglutide, including data from non-clinical studies, clinical trials, post-marketing surveillance and the medical literature. PRAC concluded that NAION is a very rare side effect of semaglutide, potentially affecting up to 1 in 10,000 users.

Accordingly, EMA has recommended that the product information for semaglutide medicines be updated to reflect this risk. If patients experience a sudden loss of vision or rapidly worsening eyesight during treatment with semaglutide, they should contact their doctor without delay. If NAION is confirmed, treatment with semaglutide should be stopped. [2]

At its May 2025 meeting, the WHO Advisory Committee on Safety of Medicinal Products (ACSoMP) also evaluated the evidence and concluded that the Risk Management Plan for semaglutide should be revised to include NAION as a potential risk, including any required additional pharmacovigilance activities.

WHO is issuing this safety alert due to the widespread global use of semaglutide and the serious nature of NAION. Furthermore, WHO has received individual case safety reports (ICSRs) of NAION following semaglutide administration from multiple countries through VigiBase, the global database of reported adverse events of medicinal products.

References

[1] Simonsen E, Lund LC, Ernst MT, et al. Use of semaglutide and risk of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy: A Danish–Norwegian cohort study. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2025;1‐10. doi:10.1111/dom.16316 (https://dom-pubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/dom.16316. Accessed 17 June 2025).

[2] EMA. PRAC concludes eye condition NAION is a very rare side effect of semaglutide medicines Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy. 6 June 2025 (https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/prac-concludes-eye-condition-naion-very-rare-side-effect-semaglutide-medicines-ozempic-rybelsus-wegovy. Accessed 17 June 2025).

MIL OSI United Nations News –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: New ‘Detective Conan’ film charms fans with Chinese elements

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

The action-packed Japanese animated mystery film “Detective Conan: One-eyed Flashback” held its Shanghai premiere on June 24, with producers attending in person and connecting via video link to nearly 10,000 audience members at post-screening events across 50 locations in China.

The Japanese producers of “Detective Conan: One-eyed Flashback” pose with a performer dressed as Kogoro Mouri, fans and a Chinese calligraphy scroll at the film’s premiere in Shanghai, June 24, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Road Pictures]

Directed by Katsuya Shigehara in his feature debut, the new “Detective Conan” film is the 28th installment in the popular case-solving franchise based on Gosho Aoyama’s manga series.

The film follows Conan Edogawa and Kogoro Mouri as they investigate a case linked to Inspector Yamato Kansuke’s past and the origins of his eye injury, sustained during an avalanche after glimpsing a mysterious figure. The characters race to unlock Kansuke’s forgotten memories and reveal a dangerous conspiracy.

Chinese fans were delighted by the film’s rich references to Chinese culture. The character Takaaki Morofushi is inspired by Zhuge Liang, also known as Kongming, the revered strategist from China’s Three Kingdoms period (220-265).

The film’s dialogue also features wisdom from ancient Chinese classics, including Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” and “Biographies of Assassins” from Sima Qian’s “Records of the Grand Historian.”

Producers Shuho Kondo, Takeshi Yoshida and Yuhei Okada received loud applause when they took the stage at the premiere. Kondo revealed that, as a devoted fan of the Chinese classic “Romance of the Three Kingdoms,” he helped conceive the character Takaaki Morofushi — a fusion of Zhuge Liang’s intellect and the archetype of a Japanese military commander.

“Eighteen years later, seeing a character I helped create take a major role in this theatrical film moves me deeply,” Kondo said.

Later, Chinese fans presented the producers with copies of China’s Four Great Classical Novels as gifts. Kondo, visibly moved, said he loved “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” and kept two Japanese editions at home for regular reference.

For Okada, attending the premiere in China marked his first international trip. “I arrived in Shanghai yesterday and walked through the streets, feeling everyone’s love for ‘Detective Conan.’ Seeing the audience’s passion at the premiere moved me deeply,” he noted.

Okada said he had wanted to create a story highlighting private detective Kogoro Mouri’s abilities and made a special request to original creator Gosho Aoyama during production to bring the story to life.

The film has received widespread praise, with some hailing it as the best “Detective Conan” theatrical release in nearly a decade. It is currently Japan’s highest-grossing film of the year.

Producer Takeshi Yoshida said, “I believe the success of ‘Detective Conan’ comes from everyone’s love for the series and our team’s years of hard work. To repay this support, we’ll keep improving to deliver even better films.”

The producers also presented a hand-brushed calligraphy scroll bearing the phrase “We Love Conan Here,” expressing sincere appreciation for Chinese fans.

Audiences explore immersive installations at the “Detective Conan: One-eyed Flashback” premiere in Shanghai, June 24, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Road Pictures]

Road Pictures, known for organizing large-scale movie events, connected fans across 50 theaters through synchronized broadcasts. The event included video greetings in Mandarin and Shanghainese from voice actors Minami Takayama (Conan Edogawa), Rikiya Koyama (Kogoro Mouri) and Wakana Yamazaki (Ran Mouri).

The event also featured an exclusive illustration by director Katsuya Shigehara depicting the characters in Chinese-inspired attire, accompanied by the message, “Let’s meet at the cinema this summer.”

The premiere venue featured immersive installations designed to recreate the film’s atmosphere. These included a giant ribbon scarf suspended above the theater entrance and a life-size replica of the Mouri Detective Agency stood in the lobby, alongside a five-meter snowy mountain set, ice sculpture and interactive games.

At the end of the screening, shimmering confetti and red ribbons were released into the packed 1,000-seat theater, reflecting the film’s themes of mystery and romance.

“Detective Conan: One-eyed Flashback” opens nationwide on June 27.

MIL OSI China News –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: ‘Two zones’ initiative drives Beijing’s digital economy

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

Beijing has made significant progress in becoming a global benchmark city for the digital economy over the past five years, thanks to the “two zones” initiative, officials said at a press conference Monday.

The “two zones” initiative refers to Beijing’s dual efforts to develop a pilot free trade zone and a national comprehensive demonstration zone for further opening up the service sector. The initiative has helped drive reform, foster a thriving digital industry ecosystem, and accelerate the application of cutting-edge technologies.

According to Liu Weiliang, spokesperson for the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology, the city has gained a competitive edge in frontier digital technologies. General-purpose AI models such as Doubao and Kimi have achieved strong global performance, placing Beijing among the top tier of global innovators. In brain-computer interface research, Beijing’s Beinao-1 system successfully completed one of the world’s first flexible, semi-invasive, fully implanted wireless human trials and has begun clinical validation. Meanwhile, the Tiangong robot made headlines by winning the world’s first half-marathon title for humanoid robots.

With the world’s largest and most advanced information and communication infrastructure, China has made great strides in digital connectivity, and Beijing is leading the way. The capital has built 143,900 5G base stations — ranking first in China in terms of density, with the highest number of stations per 10,000 people. With 16,000 5G-A base stations, Beijing has over 1,000 residential communities now capable of supporting 10-gigabit broadband access.

The Beijing International Big Data Exchange has been central to the city’s efforts in cultivating a high-quality data market. The exchange has seen rapid growth, with cumulative data transactions reaching 2,250 terabytes and an average annual growth rate of over 200% over the past three years. It has processed more than 100 million high-frequency data requests and introduced 567 high-quality datasets, of which 171 have already been traded. These include text, image, audio, and video formats, highlighting rising market demand, growing product diversity, and active participation.

Telecommunications has also seen broader opening to foreign investment. Wang Hui, deputy director of the Beijing Communications Administration, said that 10 foreign-invested enterprises have been approved for value-added telecom service trials in the city — accounting for 40% of the national total. These approvals cover services such as internet access, online data processing, and information services, and involve well-known multinational corporations with operations in Europe, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific.

According to Wang, these companies, many of which are local subsidiaries of global giants, are leveraging their international experience and advanced technologies to support Beijing’s goals. Some offer high-quality network solutions to build platforms for clients across supply chains; some focus on sectors like aviation and automotive manufacturing, providing specialized data and IT services; and several others use their global expertise to support Beijing-based companies in going global, while emerging internet firms are helping diversify service options for local users.

MIL OSI China News –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: AIIB updates corporate strategy

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

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) on Thursday released a new version of its corporate strategy for the period of 2021-2030, outlining its roadmap for future development.

Unveiled at the 10th Annual Meeting of the Board of the Governors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank from June 24 to 26, the new version is an update of the one that AIIB released five years ago.

AIIB’s previous version of corporate strategy defines its mission as “financing infrastructure for tomorrow,” with the operational focus on green infrastructure, connectivity and regional cooperation, technology-enabled infrastructure, and private capital mobilization.

Under the updated strategy, AIIB aims to double its annual financing goal to $17 billion in 2030, and maximize climate impact, targeting over 50% of its own financing to climate-related investments annually in 2025. In fact, AIIB has surpassed this target for three consecutive years since 2022.

Since its establishment 10 years ago, AIIB has maintained a clearly defined mission of addressing infrastructure financing and development needs across Asia and beyond. It champions multilateralism by enhancing infrastructure connectivity, advancing regional economic integration, and improving people’s living standards.

As of the first day of the annual meeting on June 24, AIIB had approved a total of 322 projects, with financing exceeding US$60 billion. These investments have mobilized over $200 billion in capital for infrastructure development, benefiting 38 members across Asia and beyond.

At the meeting, AIIB released the report titled “Scaling Impact through Collaboration: Shaping the Future of AIIB Partnership in the Multilateral Development Bank Context,” reiterating its firm commitment in multilateralism.

“The past decade has been a decade of collaboration,” said Jin Liqun, president of AIIB, at a press conference of the annual meeting. He said such cooperation has manifested both in AIIB’s partnerships with other institutions.

The AIIB is embarking on a new decade-long journey and stands ready to deepen collaboration with its diverse partners, including the World Bank, private capital providers, philanthropic organizations, and others, Jin said.

MIL OSI China News –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Exhibition highlights Beijing’s core area development

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

Beijing on Thursday launched an exhibition that highlights the city’s efforts in developing its core functional areas. Hosted by the Beijing Municipal Commission of Planning and Natural Resources, the exhibition showcases the city’s development from 2020 to 2024 in urban planning, heritage preservation, public services, and smart city construction.

In August 2020, China approved a plan for developing the core area of Beijing for the 2018-2035 period, focusing on its functions of serving central administrative organs as well as the firm and stressing the orderly relief of non-capital roles. As part of this plan, the first and second phases of municipal office relocations were completed, freeing up space for optimized land use and better public access.

The exhibition highlights Beijing’s success in protecting its historical urban landscape. In July 2024, the Beijing Central Axis was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marking a milestone in the city’s cultural preservation work.

Important heritage sites such as the Wanchun Pavilion in the Jingshan Hill and the Temple of Heaven’s Qiniandian (Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests) have been repaired. Several of these locations, including the Zhengyangmen Gate arrow tower, are now open to the public.

In addition to protecting historical monuments, the city has revised regulations to expand protection to more ancient buildings. Exhibits highlight examples like the Tongxinghe Carpentry Shop, demonstrating how architectural conservation is combined with traditional craftsmanship. To date, authorities have identified and listed over 1,056 historical buildings across the city’s 11 districts.

Beyond heritage preservation, the exhibition showcases improvements to local communities. These include renovation of older residential communities, the development of specialized public services, as well as new infrastructure and transportation facilities

In addition, the exhibition highlights how smart city technologies are shaping the future of urban governance. For example, an interactive screen in the exhibition hall shows the core functions of a digital platform for smart planning and governance.

This exhibition will remain a permanent feature at the Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall. It is open to the public from Tuesday through Sunday each week and closed on Mondays. Visitors can reserve tickets through the official WeChat account of the Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall.

MIL OSI China News –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Traffic accident aid scheme updated

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Starting June 28, the Injury Grant and the Interim Maintenance Grant of the Traffic Accident Victims Assistance Scheme will be merged into the Compassionate Grant (CG), the Social Welfare Department announced today.

An applicant eligible for the CG will receive $330 per day for a maximum of 60 days of sick leave.

Subject to meeting other criteria, a CG applicant must obtain certification from a registered medical practitioner, including a registered Chinese medicine practitioner, that his/her injury requires hospitalisation for no less than seven days or sick leave for at least seven days. An applicant can only apply for CG once within two years.

The revised arrangements will apply to applications involving traffic accidents that happen at or after midnight on June 28. Victims of traffic accidents that happened before that time can still apply for the Injury Grant and the Interim Maintenance Grant.

The arrangements for the other three grants under the Traffic Accident Victims Assistance Scheme, ie the Burial Grant, Death Grant and Disability Grant, will remain unchanged.

The Social Welfare Department explained that the Government has no intention of altering the original policy intent of the scheme. It said the revised arrangements, approved by the Legislative Council Finance Committee today, aim to enhance the scheme so that it can provide modest but timely relief to victims of traffic accidents in a sustainable manner, help victims overcome short-term financial difficulties, ensure proper use of public resources, and prevent abuse and fraudulent behaviour.

For individuals with financial difficulties or other welfare needs, the department said it will provide them with appropriate support, including referring them to apply for the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance or other assistance.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: More still needs to be done to strengthen government programmes

Source: South Africa News Agency

While South Africa has made significant strides in developing strategies, building infrastructure, and attracting investment, more must be done to ensure government programmes have a broader and deeper impact on the national economy.

This was said by the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Special Advisor at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), Maoto Molefane, during the SSEZ CEOs Forum, held at the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) in Johannesburg, on Thursday.

The high-level engagement brought together key stakeholders, including business leaders, government officials, and development partners to reflect on the state of the country’s SEZs and provide input into the draft Spatial Industrial Development Strategy (SIDS). The strategy proposes a reimagined model for SEZs, industrial parks, and township economic development.

Molefane called for a shift from “business-as-usual” approach to meaningful implementation that delivers measurable outcomes that will help reignite the country’s re-industrialisation agenda.

“We continue to face stubborn challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment, and we have to change that. Our view as the dtic is that all the challenges facing this country can only be addressed if we create decent jobs.

“Through jobs, the number of the South African Social Security Agency recipients will decrease, our tax revenue will increase, informal settlements will shrink, and social ills like crime will subside,” Molefane said.

Molefane emphasised the need for a strategic rethink of the SEZ framework, grounded from past lessons, and guided by the material conditions facing both communities and investors.

“We are no longer in the business of issuing SEZ licences. Our job is not to designate for the sake of designating. Our job is to industrialise this country. The designation of an SEZ should find us already on the ground doing the work to support investments,” he added.

As part of its course correction, Molefane noted that the dtic has introduced several measures, including the establishment of a Special Economic Zones Programme Management Unit (PMU) to provide technical support, ensure greater national oversight, help build necessary industrial infrastructure, and require firm investment commitments before any new SEZ is proclaimed.

“The draft strategy also responds to spatial and economic disparities by prioritising geographic areas with industrial potential, even those without designated SEZs.

“This ensures that township economies, underutilised industrial parks, and marginalised municipalities are not left behind in the national effort to reindustrialise.

“There is a need for coherence and collaboration across all levels of government to deliver impactful, place-based interventions,” highlighted Molefane.

The forum also noted the progress made by well-performing zones like Coega, East London, Dube TradePort, and the Tshwane Automotive SEZ (TASEZ), while acknowledging the ongoing work required to integrate Black industrialists, link small businesses, and align SEZs with broader regional development goals.

Stakeholders in attendance welcomed the frankness of the presentation and underscored the importance of turning South Africa’s SEZs into globally competitive zones of productivity, innovation, and inclusive economic opportunity. – SAnews.gov.za

MIL OSI Africa –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: WTO Sherpa urges Africa to take charge of its economic destiny

Source: South Africa News Agency

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) Sherpa, Dr Bright Okogu, has challenged African nations to take decisive steps in transforming their economic landscape by creating robust investment environments and processing raw materials domestically.

“Africa needs to take charge of its own destiny,” Okogu said on Friday.

Traditional development aid, the Sherpa said, is rapidly diminishing, making it imperative for African countries to attract quality investments.

“There’s no running away from it. The aid that people used to depend on is no longer available. It’s been very clear that aid is drying up and with all the changes in the world, people are spending more money on defence in their own countries. So you can’t rely on it, which makes it necessary to ensure you can attract good investment to your country.”

Okogu spoke during the Group of 20 (G20) Sherpa meeting at the Sun City Resort in the North West province.

He highlighted key recommendations, including developing clear regulatory frameworks, removing bureaucratic obstacles, and investing in local processing capabilities.

Okogu said current intra-African trade remains low, hovering around 15%-16% when it should ideally reach 30%-40%.

He noted some hurdles including limited infrastructure, similar raw material production, and complex transportation networks that often force African countries to trade through European intermediaries.

Okogu pointed out the anomalies of current trade routes, including instances where African airlines must fly indirect routes through other continents to connect with neighboring countries.

“Countries must invest in converting raw materials into finished products. Take cocoa, for example. Instead of exporting raw beans, African nations should be producing chocolate and cosmetic products, thereby capturing more economic value.”

Okogu stated that the WTO is supporting reform efforts, recognising that meaningful change requires dismantling long-standing structural barriers.

The WTO, the world’s largest international economic organisation with 166 members representing over 98% of global trade and global gross domestic product (GDP), has since outlined key recommendations.

These, according to Okogu, involve investing in local processing capabilities, developing streamlined regulatory frameworks, creating attractive investment environments, and improving continental transportation infrastructure.

“Critical minerals like lithium represent enormous potential, but countries must negotiate investment terms strategically, ensuring local job creation and value addition.”

He also took the time to encourage dialogue to resolve trade tensions. – SAnews.gov.za

MIL OSI Africa –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: One IDC board member found to have “conflict of interest”

Source: South Africa News Agency

Friday, June 27, 2025

The Cabinet Office says it has learnt that one of the people appointed to the Board of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has a conflict of interest.

“It has come to the attention of the Cabinet Office that one of the people appointed to the Board of the IDC has a conflict of interest.

“This matter will be rectified at the next Cabinet meeting,” read a statement issued on Friday by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), on behalf of the Cabinet Spokesperson.

The IDC Board announcement was made in the Cabinet statement of Thursday, 26 June 2025. – SAnews.gov.za

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MIL OSI Africa –

June 27, 2025

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Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton KCB ADC FREng appointed new Chief of the Defence Staff

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