Category: Education

MIL-OSI: Orezone Lodges Prospectus to Raise A$75 Million as Part of ASX Listing
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE, OTCQX: ORZCF) (the “Company” or “Orezone”) is pleased to announce that it has today lodged a prospectus (“Prospectus”) with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (“ASIC”) for an initial public offering to raise proceeds of A$75.0 million (before associated costs) (“Offer”). The Prospectus will assist the Company to meet the requirements of the Australian Securities Exchange (“ASX”) and satisfy Chapters 1 and 2 of the ASX Listing Rules, as part of the Company’s application for admission to the official list of the ASX.

Under the Prospectus, the Company is offering 65,789,474 CHESS Depository Interests (“CDIs”) over fully paid common shares in the capital of the Company (“Shares“) at an offer price of A$1.14 per CDI (the “Offer Price”) to raise gross proceeds of A$75.0 million. Each CDI represents a beneficial interest in one Share.

The Company has entered into an underwriting agreement (“Underwriting Agreement”) with Canaccord Genuity (Australia) Limited (“Canaccord”) under which Canaccord has been appointed as lead manager, bookrunner and underwriter to the Offer. Canaccord has agreed, subject to customary conditions, to underwrite applications for all CDIs under the Offer.

Euroz Hartleys Limited, Argonaut Securities Pty Limited, SCP Resource Finance LP and BMO Capital Markets Corp. have been appointed as co-managers to the Offer.

Patrick Downey, President and CEO stated, “We look forward to the ASX listing which will raise the Company’s profile by broadening its shareholder base and increase trading liquidity for all shareholders. The listing also represents an exciting opportunity for investors to participate in the Company’s growth strategy as we execute on our staged hard rock expansion at the Bomboré Mine which will significantly increase our annual gold production. First gold from the stage 1 hard rock plant is scheduled for Q4-2025 and production in 2026 from the combined oxide and stage 1 hard rock operations is forecasted to be 170,000 to 185,000 ounces. The stage 2 expansion is forecasted to increase the overall gold production profile at the Bomboré Mine to 220,000 to 250,000 ounces per annum. Subject to funding, ongoing studies and final Board approval, the stage 2 hard rock expansion will commence in H2-2025, with commissioning expected in Q4-2026.”

The net proceeds of the Offer will be used for the ongoing advancement of stage 2 of the hard rock expansion, including procurement of mechanical and electrical equipment, freight to site, engineering design and construction plus commissioning of stage 2, as well as ongoing exploration at the Bomboré Mine, in addition to administration and working capital purposes.

Additional details of the Offer and the ASX Listing
- The Offer opened on July 11, 2025 and is expected to close on July 21, 2025.
- Trading on the ASX is expected to commence on a normal settlement basis on or about August 8, 2025 under the ASX code “ORE” (subject to the Company satisfying ASX’s listing requirements, which it is currently working towards).
- Using an exchange rate of A$0.895 = C$1.00, the Offer Price per CDI is approximately C$1.02 and the gross proceeds of the Offer is approximately C$67.1 million.
- The Offer Price represents a 7.2% discount to Orezone’s closing price of C$1.10 on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) on July 9, 2025, and an 8.5% discount to the five-day volume-weighted average price (“VWAP“) of C$1.115.
In accordance with section 734(6) of the Australian Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), the Company advises in respect of the Offer of CDIs under the Prospectus:
- The issuer of the CDIs is Orezone Gold Corporation (ARBN 686 478 875).
- The Prospectus is available online for Australian residents only at: www.computersharecas.com.au/oreipooffer.
- The Offer will only be made in, or accompanied by, a copy of the Prospectus.
- A person should consider the Prospectus in deciding whether to acquire the CDIs.
- Anyone who wishes to acquire the CDIs under the Offer will need to complete the application form that will be in, or will accompany, the Prospectus.
- The Offer under the Prospectus will only be made available to persons receiving the Prospectus in Australia and certain investors in New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the European Union (excluding Austria), Switzerland, Canada (Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario) and the United States.
The Offer is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including any approvals of the ASX, TSX and applicable securities regulatory authorities.

The Prospectus has not been filed with any securities commission in Canada and the CDIs may not be offered or sold within Canada or for the account of any Canadian residents except in transactions exempt from, or not subject to, the prospectus and registration requirements of applicable Canadian securities laws.

A copy of the Prospectus, containing full details of the Offer, will be available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under Orezone’s profile.

About Orezone Gold Corporation

Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE OTCQX: ORZCF) is a West African gold producer engaged in mining, developing, and exploring its 90%-owned flagship Bomboré Gold Mine in Burkina Faso. The Bomboré mine achieved commercial production on its oxide operations on December 1, 2022, and is now focused on its staged hard rock expansion that is expected to materially increase annual and life-of-mine gold production from the processing of hard rock mineral reserves. Orezone is led by an experienced team focused on social responsibility and sustainability with a proven track record in project construction and operations, financings, capital markets, and M&A.  

The technical report entitled Bomboré Phase II Expansion, Definitive Feasibility Study is available on SEDAR+ and the Company’s website.

Contact Information

Patrick Downey
President and Chief Executive Officer

Kevin MacKenzie
Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations

Tel: 1 778 945 8977
info@orezone.com / www.orezone.com

For further information please contact Orezone at +1 (778) 945 8977 or visit the Company’s website at www.orezone.com.

The Toronto Stock Exchange nor the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization neither approves nor disapproves the information contained in this news release.

Cautionary Note – United States

The securities referred to in this news release have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act), or the securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction in the United States, and may not be offered or sold within the United States except in transactions exempt from, or not subject to, the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable US state securities laws. This news release does not constitute an offer for sale of securities, nor a solicitation for offers to buy any securities in the United States, nor in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Any public offering of securities in the United States must be made by means of a prospectus containing detailed information about the company and management, as well as financial statements.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release and the Prospectus contain “forward-looking statements” and “forward-looking information”, including statements and forecasts which include (without limitation) expectations regarding the financial position of the Company, production targets, the Offer and the terms thereof, ASX listing, the stage 1 and stage 2 hard rock expansions, industry growth and other trend projections, future strategies, results and outlook of the Company and the opportunities available to the Company. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “is expecting”, “budget”, “outlook”, “scheduled”, “target”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes”, or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Such information is based on assumptions and judgments of the Company regarding future events and results. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, targets, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, targets, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information.

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, the Directors and management of the Company. Past performance is not a guide to future performance. Key risk factors associated with an investment in the Company are detailed in Section 4 of the Prospectus. These and other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking information and statements (including the Company’s belief that it has a reasonable basis to expect it will be able to fund the hard rock expansion at the Bomboré Mine, the Offer and the ASX listing) are (further to the above) based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of the Company made in light of its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that the Company believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements and information (including as described throughout the Prospectus) are reasonable, readers are cautioned that this is not exhaustive of all factors which may impact on the forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information or statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Due to the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

The MIL Network –
July 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: “Projects of the Future”: IPMET Successfully Defended Final Qualification Theses

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade successfully defended their final qualification works “Project as a Final Qualification Work”. 21 projects were completed in a special format: nine complex and 12 group projects, in which 57 final-year students took part (48 undergraduate, nine specialist and master’s students).

A group final qualifying work is a coordinated development or research carried out by a team of students united by one object and common problems. A comprehensive final qualifying work is a joint development or research carried out by a team of students within the framework of a common topic.

Since 2023, our institute has been actively and successfully implementing projects for the preparation and defense of final qualification works of bachelors, specialists and masters commissioned by industrial partners, government agencies and commercial organizations in the format of “Project as a final qualification work”. A special feature of our projects is that they are all carried out by multipotential teams consisting of students from different educational programs, and in most cases, from different fields of study. I would like to note the great interest on the part of students: they not only demonstrate qualifications in their field, but also acquire new related knowledge and skills, including in teamwork, – notes Vladimir Shchepinin, Director of IPMEIT.

In 2023, the institute completed three group final qualification works commissioned by partners: Power Machines — Leningrad Metal Plant, TGK-1, and TD-Materik. Last year, 13 project final qualification works were presented (four integrated and nine group). The list of customers, in addition to industrial enterprises, included representatives of retail and the public sector.

This year, IPMET has carried out a lot of preliminary work on interaction with potential customers and received requests for projects to be carried out by multipotential teams from more than 20 employer representatives. These are Eurostil, the Center for Competence in Tourism and Hospitality, the ASI All-Russian Accelerator for Industrial Tourism, MKT, the Krasnogvardeisky District Center for Scientific and Technical Information, the Rosfinmonitoring Regional Office for the Northwestern Federal District, and the PlaceMarket restaurant chain.

Significant contributions were made by the directors of the higher schools of IPMEiT Olga Kalinina, Dmitry Rodionov, Olga Voronova, Olga Nadezhina, as well as those responsible for project activities in the structural divisions.

Projects developed and implemented by students allow for a significant expansion of resource capabilities. Students actively generate ideas, exchange knowledge and experience, and improve their teamwork skills. They need to constructively resolve disagreements and make decisions collectively to achieve results. All this is extremely important for a specialist entering active working life, emphasized Yulia Akimova, Head of the Center for Team Building and Project Solutions at IPMET.

All projects received high marks from customers, and final qualifying works were awarded “excellent” marks by state examination committees.

The Institute implements defenses of final qualification works in various formats, providing high-quality methodological and organizational support. Our team of managers, consultants and mentors in close cooperation with qualified customers are always ready to help student teams, competently organize their work and focus on the result, – emphasized the Deputy Director of IPMET for educational and methodological work Anna Chernikova.

Most of the students participating in “projects like final qualifying work” are already employed or have received offers from customers.

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 –

July 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Higher Education targets bogus colleges in E Cape

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, July 11, 2025

The spotlight will be on bogus colleges operating in the Eastern Cape as the Department of Higher Education and Training undertakes an awareness campaign in the East London CBD.

The campaign will be led by Deputy Minister, Dr Mimmy Gondwe — in collaboration with Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, the South African Police Service, the Department of Home Affairs, and the Department of Employment and Labour — from 14 to 15 July.

It takes place ahead of the second semester registration and student intake.

Buffalo City Mayor, Princess Faku, and other senior leaders will join the Deputy Minister during the campaign that will conduct oversight of private institutions of higher education in the area.

“The Deputy Minister has consistently emphasised that ongoing awareness campaigns are an effective method to assist students and parents in avoiding illegal higher education institutions,” the department said.

The campaign will start on Monday morning at the New Council Chambers on Oxford Street. It will go to Ebenezer Majombozi High School on Tuesday. – SAnews.gov.za

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MIL OSI Africa –

July 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: HSE Educational Programs Presented at INNOPROM-2025

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: State University “Higher School of Economics” –

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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 –

July 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: RUDN University Master and His Wife Win the Title of “Best Student Family in Russia”

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Peoples’Friendship University of Russia –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Dmitry and Diana Gubina, a future landscape architect and educational program methodologist, met at a summer camp in Kazan. There, the boys fell in love, got married after school, and went to study at Moscow universities. On Family, Love, and Fidelity Day, their couple won the Best Student Family of Russia competition.

The competition took place from April 21 to July 8, with a total of 210 couples taking part. At the first stage, the jury assessed the participants’ portfolios and their video business cards.

“Diana and I attached our diplomas with achievements to the portfolio. My wife has the status of a silver and gold medalist of the student competition “I am a professional”, she is a student of the Moscow City Pedagogical University. I attached my honors bachelor’s degree from RUDN and successes in grant competitions and olympiads. There was nothing super creative in our video business card, we just sincerely and heartily told about ourselves,” – Dmitry Gubin (Landscape Architecture, Master, 2nd year).

Love and charity

Dmitry and Diana are not only gnawing at the granite of science together, but are also involved in a charity project. The couple created an autonomous non-profit organization, the Educational Center STEP. The organization provides free education and exam preparation for schoolchildren from low-income families and families in difficult life situations, orphans and children from orphanages. “We also have mentoring programs. During group classes, children develop their flexible skills, and mentors help them choose interesting areas for study, participate in competitions, and get vouchers to children’s centers. Recently, our ANO received a grant from Rosmolodezh for 500 thousand rubles,” — Dmitry Gubin (Landscape Architecture, Master’s student, 2nd year).

Such an important project could not leave the jury members indifferent. Dmitry and Diana made it to the finals, where they competed with 28 other couples on the Gzhel State University site in the Moscow region from July 6 to 8.

Parade of talents

In the final, the children took part in intellectual games, demonstrated their physical fitness and even prepared several delicious dishes.

“We passed the GTO standards: we pumped up our abs, lifted weights, did push-ups… Then there was the creative numbers stage. We told the story of our family through dance, which was accompanied by audio and video. And we presented the jury with pine cone jam, because this is our tradition – every year we collect pine cones and make jam. Another creative stage was a master class, where my wife and I created wax candles. We added aromatic oils, dried lavender and currants to them to make our work unique. And in the culinary talents competition, my wife and I prepared a “Sunny” salad, similar to the Greek one, cucumber and cream cheese rolls in the form of snails and a fruit dessert,” – Dmitry Gubin (Landscape Architecture, Master’s degree, 2nd year).

Family trail

An important stage of the final was teamwork with other participants of the competition. The contestants were divided into groups and developed proposals for organizing all-Russian educational and leisure events for students. The ideas that made it into the top 3 were presented at the plenary session to the Deputy Head of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia Olga Petrova.

“Our team presented the project “Family Path”: this is a festival in the form of a journey through time for young families and couples. Its essence is to allow participants to immerse themselves in the life of different peoples of the country through historical and ethnographic reconstruction, as well as to study their crafts and customs. We also proposed to establish an all-Russian Family Center. Families will be able to come here for festivals, training courses and meetings dedicated to the history, crafts and way of life of their ancestors,” – Dmitry Gubin (Landscape Architecture, Master’s student, 2nd year).

Students’ initiatives will be implemented within the framework of the federal project “Family Support”.

Cruiser to the future

The RUDN Agrarian and Technological Institute is proud of the married couple’s victory.

“Dmitry is an excellent student not only in terms of his studies, but also in matters of extracurricular activities. He annually takes part in grant stories and Olympiads, successfully combines his studies in the Master’s program and his professional path. In a word, he is the pride of the institute. And now he and his wife have the title of “Best Student Family of Russia”. I want to wish Dmitry and Diana not to stop there, because they have a huge number of bright and memorable moments of family life ahead of them. I am glad that for the guys, family is not just a stamp in the passport, but a real cruiser paving the way to the future,” – Alexandra Dmitrieva, Deputy Director for Work with Students of the RUDN Agrarian and Technological Institute.

The competition “The Best Student Family of Russia” was held within the framework of the federal project “Family Support” of the national project “Family”.

Organizers:

Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation; Tambov State University named after G.R. Derzhavin.

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 –

July 11, 2025
India’s creator economy set to shape a trillion-dollar future

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

At WAVES 2025, a new report by the Boston Consulting Group grabbed the spotlight, drawing the attention of policymakers, creators, and investors. The report revealed that India’s creator economy is already driving more than $350 billion in consumer spending, a number expected to exceed $1 trillion by 2030.

Titled From Content to Commerce: Mapping India’s Creator Economy, the report paints a vivid picture of a nation in the midst of a creative and commercial boom. With 2 to 2.5 million active creators—defined as individuals with more than 1,000 followers—India is home to one of the world’s largest and youngest digital communities. But what’s most striking is the current monetization gap. Only 8 to 10 percent of these creators are earning meaningful income from their content, revealing a vast reserve of untapped potential that may well become the fuel for the next stage of India’s economic growth story.

The report underscores the sweeping influence creators now hold over consumer decisions. Over 30 percent of purchases are directly shaped by digital content—ranging from short-form videos to long-format storytelling, tutorials, product reviews, and live streams. Comedy, film, fashion, and serials remain the dominant genres, but the expansion into new content territories like gaming, wellness, and finance is reshaping how India learns, shops, and interacts.

What makes this shift even more profound is how it is transcending generational and geographic lines. No longer confined to Gen Z or urban metros, the creator ecosystem is reaching deep into smaller towns, regional markets, and older demographics. The emergence of multilingual creators and regional influencers has catalyzed a more inclusive digital marketplace—one that mirrors the real India in all its complexity and diversity.

For brands and marketers, this evolution has not just altered strategies; it has flipped the entire funnel. Traditional advertising methods are being replaced or supplemented by more agile, creative, and targeted forms of engagement. Campaigns are now designed with creators at the core—allowing for faster content production, greater freedom of expression, and improved metrics through outcome-based testing. Virtual gifting, live commerce, subscription models, and fan-funded initiatives are rising as new revenue streams, giving creators both financial agency and deeper community ownership.

WAVES 2025 served as the perfect launchpad for this new digital vision. With its ambitious scope covering media, technology, and storytelling, the summit highlighted how India’s creator economy is not merely an offshoot of the entertainment sector, it is the engine powering a new form of commerce and cultural diplomacy. As discussions ranged from AI in filmmaking to the future of AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics), one theme emerged with clarity: creators are not just influencing trends—they are shaping the market.

Investors are recalibrating strategies to fund content-driven startups. Policy frameworks are being debated to offer protections and incentives for digital freelancers. Education platforms are rolling out creator economy courses. And most significantly, creators across India—from school-going influencers in Raipur to AI-powered illustrators in Chennai—are beginning to realize their role not just as entertainers, but as economic contributors.

The trillion-dollar forecast is not a distant dream—it is a pathway already in motion. With the right mix of innovation, infrastructure, and inclusivity, India’s creator economy could become one of its most significant exports. And as the world turns its eyes toward this new digital juggernaut, one thing is certain: India is no longer just telling stories. It is rewriting the script of global influence—one post, one video, one idea at a time.

July 11, 2025
India’s creator economy set to shape a trillion-dollar future

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

At WAVES 2025, a new report by the Boston Consulting Group grabbed the spotlight, drawing the attention of policymakers, creators, and investors. The report revealed that India’s creator economy is already driving more than $350 billion in consumer spending, a number expected to exceed $1 trillion by 2030.

Titled From Content to Commerce: Mapping India’s Creator Economy, the report paints a vivid picture of a nation in the midst of a creative and commercial boom. With 2 to 2.5 million active creators—defined as individuals with more than 1,000 followers—India is home to one of the world’s largest and youngest digital communities. But what’s most striking is the current monetization gap. Only 8 to 10 percent of these creators are earning meaningful income from their content, revealing a vast reserve of untapped potential that may well become the fuel for the next stage of India’s economic growth story.

The report underscores the sweeping influence creators now hold over consumer decisions. Over 30 percent of purchases are directly shaped by digital content—ranging from short-form videos to long-format storytelling, tutorials, product reviews, and live streams. Comedy, film, fashion, and serials remain the dominant genres, but the expansion into new content territories like gaming, wellness, and finance is reshaping how India learns, shops, and interacts.

What makes this shift even more profound is how it is transcending generational and geographic lines. No longer confined to Gen Z or urban metros, the creator ecosystem is reaching deep into smaller towns, regional markets, and older demographics. The emergence of multilingual creators and regional influencers has catalyzed a more inclusive digital marketplace—one that mirrors the real India in all its complexity and diversity.

For brands and marketers, this evolution has not just altered strategies; it has flipped the entire funnel. Traditional advertising methods are being replaced or supplemented by more agile, creative, and targeted forms of engagement. Campaigns are now designed with creators at the core—allowing for faster content production, greater freedom of expression, and improved metrics through outcome-based testing. Virtual gifting, live commerce, subscription models, and fan-funded initiatives are rising as new revenue streams, giving creators both financial agency and deeper community ownership.

WAVES 2025 served as the perfect launchpad for this new digital vision. With its ambitious scope covering media, technology, and storytelling, the summit highlighted how India’s creator economy is not merely an offshoot of the entertainment sector, it is the engine powering a new form of commerce and cultural diplomacy. As discussions ranged from AI in filmmaking to the future of AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics), one theme emerged with clarity: creators are not just influencing trends—they are shaping the market.

Investors are recalibrating strategies to fund content-driven startups. Policy frameworks are being debated to offer protections and incentives for digital freelancers. Education platforms are rolling out creator economy courses. And most significantly, creators across India—from school-going influencers in Raipur to AI-powered illustrators in Chennai—are beginning to realize their role not just as entertainers, but as economic contributors.

The trillion-dollar forecast is not a distant dream—it is a pathway already in motion. With the right mix of innovation, infrastructure, and inclusivity, India’s creator economy could become one of its most significant exports. And as the world turns its eyes toward this new digital juggernaut, one thing is certain: India is no longer just telling stories. It is rewriting the script of global influence—one post, one video, one idea at a time.

July 11, 2025
India’s creator economy set to shape a trillion-dollar future

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

At WAVES 2025, a new report by the Boston Consulting Group grabbed the spotlight, drawing the attention of policymakers, creators, and investors. The report revealed that India’s creator economy is already driving more than $350 billion in consumer spending, a number expected to exceed $1 trillion by 2030.

Titled From Content to Commerce: Mapping India’s Creator Economy, the report paints a vivid picture of a nation in the midst of a creative and commercial boom. With 2 to 2.5 million active creators—defined as individuals with more than 1,000 followers—India is home to one of the world’s largest and youngest digital communities. But what’s most striking is the current monetization gap. Only 8 to 10 percent of these creators are earning meaningful income from their content, revealing a vast reserve of untapped potential that may well become the fuel for the next stage of India’s economic growth story.

The report underscores the sweeping influence creators now hold over consumer decisions. Over 30 percent of purchases are directly shaped by digital content—ranging from short-form videos to long-format storytelling, tutorials, product reviews, and live streams. Comedy, film, fashion, and serials remain the dominant genres, but the expansion into new content territories like gaming, wellness, and finance is reshaping how India learns, shops, and interacts.

What makes this shift even more profound is how it is transcending generational and geographic lines. No longer confined to Gen Z or urban metros, the creator ecosystem is reaching deep into smaller towns, regional markets, and older demographics. The emergence of multilingual creators and regional influencers has catalyzed a more inclusive digital marketplace—one that mirrors the real India in all its complexity and diversity.

For brands and marketers, this evolution has not just altered strategies; it has flipped the entire funnel. Traditional advertising methods are being replaced or supplemented by more agile, creative, and targeted forms of engagement. Campaigns are now designed with creators at the core—allowing for faster content production, greater freedom of expression, and improved metrics through outcome-based testing. Virtual gifting, live commerce, subscription models, and fan-funded initiatives are rising as new revenue streams, giving creators both financial agency and deeper community ownership.

WAVES 2025 served as the perfect launchpad for this new digital vision. With its ambitious scope covering media, technology, and storytelling, the summit highlighted how India’s creator economy is not merely an offshoot of the entertainment sector, it is the engine powering a new form of commerce and cultural diplomacy. As discussions ranged from AI in filmmaking to the future of AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics), one theme emerged with clarity: creators are not just influencing trends—they are shaping the market.

Investors are recalibrating strategies to fund content-driven startups. Policy frameworks are being debated to offer protections and incentives for digital freelancers. Education platforms are rolling out creator economy courses. And most significantly, creators across India—from school-going influencers in Raipur to AI-powered illustrators in Chennai—are beginning to realize their role not just as entertainers, but as economic contributors.

The trillion-dollar forecast is not a distant dream—it is a pathway already in motion. With the right mix of innovation, infrastructure, and inclusivity, India’s creator economy could become one of its most significant exports. And as the world turns its eyes toward this new digital juggernaut, one thing is certain: India is no longer just telling stories. It is rewriting the script of global influence—one post, one video, one idea at a time.

July 11, 2025
MIL-OSI China: TCM footprint now covers 196 countries; acupuncture recognized by 113 WHO members

Source: People’s Republic of China Ministry of Health

Traditional Chinese medicine has spread to 196 countries and nations across the world and more than 100 types of TCM drugs have obtained registration in countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, with the market size estimated to exceed 4.8 trillion yuan ($665.3 billion) by 2025, China’s Health Minister said on Monday.

Lei Haichao, minister of the National Health Commission, said that acupuncture is now recognized in 113 member states of the World Health Organization. Also, a TCM technology committee under the International Organization for Standardization has issued 119 TCM-related standards.

Lei made the statements in a signed article that called for strengthened efforts to make TCM better benefit people around the world. It was released by Study Times, a newspaper administered by the Central Party School of the Communist Party of China.

Lei highlighted the significance of deepening cooperation with the WHO, the ISO and other international organizations, and advancing the development of TCM standards.

He said that more high-quality overseas TCM centers will be established and more TCM clinics or training facilities will be set up in key Belt and Road countries and African nations.

Efforts will also be made to explore the establishment of TCM hospitals overseas and ensure that all Chinese medical aid teams dispatched abroad include TCM practitioners.

Lei also proposed collaborating with the WHO to build an international clinical trial registration platform for traditional medicine. The objective is to cultivate a batch of competitive TCM companies and brands with high added value to drive the entire industrial chain development of TCM.

MIL OSI China News –

July 11, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Cutting-edge technologies revitalize Beijing Central Axis

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

As the Beijing Central Axis approaches the first anniversary of its inscription on the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), cutting-edge technologies have empowered efforts to protect and preserve its cultural heritage. Meanwhile, a host of new cultural-tourism scenarios have emerged along the axis.

The Yongdingmen Gate tower, the southern terminus of Beijing Central Axis, stands as a witness to both the traditional urban management systems of the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911) and historical events across different eras.

Since the Beijing Central Axis gained the UNESCO World Heritage status, Yongdingmen Gate has become a must-visit landmark. Its historical exhibition, enhanced with modern display technologies, has drown tens of thousands of visitors to the ancient gate tower.

“In the second half of this year, the Yongdingmen Gate tower is scheduled for restoration,” said Chen Yanqing, deputy director of Dongcheng District Cultural Heritage Research Center. “Upon completion of this comprehensive conservation effort, its exhibitions will also undergo upgrades to better accommodate visitor needs.”

From Yongdingmen Gate, the journey northward along the axis leads to Zhengyangmen Gate. The efforts to restore the Arrow Tower in Zhengyangmen have incorporated the the 3D laser scanning technology.

“For severely damaged architectural components, we conducted comprehensive 3D scanning to create digital models,” said Chen Liang, an official of the Beijing Central Axis Heritage Conservation Center. “These informed the precise reconstruction of lintels, railings, and other elements using traditional molds — strictly adhering to original materials, designs, craftsmanship, and techniques.”

In the Arrow Tower, there is a multi-function weather station to monitor microclimatic conditions around the ancient structure. Adjacent to it, an integrated BeiDou monitoring station uses advanced data signals to detect potential subsidence in the building’s foundation.

The tower is equipped with five distinct monitoring systems, employing remote sensing satellites and online data transmission to enable precision conservation management. It also includes a hydrostatic level, an intelligent video deflectometer, and wireless accelerometers to measure settlement, detect displacement, and monitor vibrations, respectively.

The Drum Tower at the northern anchor of the Beijing Central Axis now features a VR experience zone. In this digital realm, visitors embark on a space-time journey back to the founding era of the Yuan dynasty’s Dadu capital. This immersive voyage reveals the axis’ origins and the Chinese wisdom behind its design, allowing visitors to learn about traditional Chinese philosophy.

MIL OSI China News –

July 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Congratulations to Alexander Kharitonovich on being awarded the academic degree of Doctor of Economics

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Congratulations on being awarded the academic degree of Doctor of Economics to Alexander Vasilyevich Kharitonovich, Associate Professor of the Department of Management in Construction at SPbGASU (Order of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia No. 692 dated July 8, 2025). Scientific consultant – Galina Fedorovna Tokunova, Doctor of Economics, Professor, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Management, Professor of the Department of Management in Construction at SPbGASU.

Dissertation topic: “Development of a methodology for managing changes in large territorially distributed economic systems (using investment and construction complexes as an example).”

The defense of the dissertation in specialty 5.2.6. Management took place on March 27, 2025 in the dissertation council 24.2.339.11, created on the basis of the Moscow State University of Civil Engineering.

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 –

July 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Minister Lamola leads South African delegation at the 47th Ordinary Session of African Union (AU) Executive Council in Equatorial Guinea

Source: APO

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The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, is leading South Africa’s delegation at the 47th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Executive Council taking place on 10 and 11 July 2025 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

The Council will consider and adopt the AU Budget for the period 2026. The budget is a key enabler for the AU to address challenges facing the continent, ensuring Africa’s continued resilience and the sustenance of the AU Commission, which is the key implementing agent for AU decisions.

The Council is expected to elect and appoint the outstanding two Commissioners for (i) Economic Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals (ETTIM) and (ii) Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI).

Minister Lamola will also seize this opportunity to update his counterparts on the progress made during South Africa’s G20 Presidency. The G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, scheduled for November 2025, represents an opportunity to amplify Africa’s voice on the global stage.

South Africa’s participation during this Ordinary Session of the Executive Council is rooted in her commitment to strengthening the AU and its Organs.

Minister Lamola said: “Our aim is to ensure our Union effectively pursues the noble aspiration of Silencing the Guns by 2030; the accelerated implementation of the Second Ten-Year Plan of Agenda 2063, which embodies our collective vision for prosperity; and the robust advancement of the African Continental Free Trade Area”.

Beyond the formal agenda, the Minister will seek to foster deeper solidarity by holding bilateral meetings with his counterparts aimed at exchanging views on issues of mutual interest.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

MIL OSI Africa –

July 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Civil Society Leaders Applaud Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio’s Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Chairmanship, Present Honorary Plaque

Source: APO

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A cross-section of members of the West Africa Civil Society Network, Sierra Leone Chapter, has paid a courtesy call on His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio to extend a message of goodwill and offer their congratulations on his recent election as Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Thematic Lead for Education in the Sierra Leone Chapter, Mr. Alphonso Manley, conveyed the network’s admiration and support for President Bio’s leadership.

“Your Excellency, we are here today to congratulate you on your election as Chairman of ECOWAS. We want to assure you of our full commitment and readiness to work side by side with you during your tenure in achieving your objectives,” he stated.

Presenting a plaque in honour of the President’s dedication and commitment to elevating Sierra Leone’s global standing, the Chairman of the Sierra Leone Chapter, Mr. William Sao Lamin, expressed appreciation on behalf of civil society.

“Today, on behalf of the Civil Society Network, we present this plaque as a symbol of your dedication and commitment to service. You have positioned Sierra Leone on the global map, and we are proud of your leadership,” he remarked.

In his response, President Bio thanked the delegation for their kind gesture and noted the significance of collective achievement.

“I wish to express my profound gratitude for this congratulatory message. This is a collective celebration of what we can accomplish when we build synergy and work together as nations. It has always been my promise to raise Sierra Leone to greater heights, that’s why today we lead ECOWAS and have a membership of the United Nations Security Council,” the President stated.

He emphasized that such milestones are the result of shared national vision and belief, adding: “This is a fulfilled promise to my country.”

President Bio also used the occasion to encourage civil society organizations to serve as goodwill ambassadors for Sierra Leone.

“We should all be proud as a nation and promote the positive image of Sierra Leone. There is so much happening that should give us hope. As long as we continue to work together as partners in development, we will move this country forward. Your congratulations today are for all of us. Wherever I go, I will represent you and continue to inspire you and many others,” he concluded.

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

MIL OSI Africa –

July 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Vietnamese gold medalist Do The Manh: “Polytech taught me to boldly move forward”

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

SPbPU Master’s graduate Do The Manh received one of the university’s highest awards – a gold medal. He studied at the Institute of Electronics and Telecommunications in the field of “Secure Telecommunication Systems”. In an interview, he spoke about his path, his love for St. Petersburg and advice to future international students.

— Congratulations on the gold medal! This is an outstanding achievement. Tell us why you chose Russia, St. Petersburg and the Polytechnic?

— For the Vietnamese, Russia is a friendly country. Historical ties are very strong. We know that Russia has powerful technologies, especially in telecommunications — reliable, excellent systems. First, I chose a direction, then decided to study in Russia, and then I learned about the Polytechnic. It attracted me not only by the level of science, but also by the atmosphere, the beauty of the city and student life.

— You went from a bachelor’s degree to a master’s degree at the Institute of Electronics and Telecommunications. Why telecommunications?

— I became interested in it back in school. I liked how Wi-Fi and the Internet worked. I wanted to understand the principles, how it was installed and how it could be improved. That’s how I decided on the direction.

— Have your expectations from studying been met now, with a master’s degree in hand?

– Absolutely! The knowledge turned out to be deep and very important for a future career. Expectations were fully met.

— What were your first impressions of St. Petersburg and the Polytechnic University seven years ago?

— The city captivated me with its beauty right away: the streets, the architecture, the sights. The number of foreign students at the Polytechnic was astounding — over 5,000! We lived in a dormitory. The Russian language was not easy, especially because of the Cyrillic alphabet. But the teachers at the preparatory faculty were amazingly kind and patient, they explained everything very specifically. It helped a lot.

— The path to the gold medal was clearly not easy. What was the most difficult?

— It was very difficult to combine studies with social work. I was the chairman of the Association of Vietnamese Students in St. Petersburg and a member of the association in Russia. There were many organizational matters, and sometimes the balance between studies and social work failed.

— How did you manage to overcome this imbalance?

— The teachers and the management helped. I knew that I could turn to them for help or advice. And I am very grateful for such support — without it, it would have been more difficult to get a medal.

— Which subjects or teachers did you remember the most?

— The classes of my scientific supervisor Alexander Leonidovich Gelgor were especially inspiring. He taught several subjects both in the bachelor’s and master’s programs. His lectures and seminars were incredibly interesting because they combined theory and practice. I think that not only I, but also most of the group appreciated them for this.

— Besides the language, what difficulties did you face as a foreign student?

— At first, it was difficult to communicate with Russian classmates. My Vietnamese friend and I stuck together, there was a certain wall. But it collapsed after a semester. We started communicating about our studies — we helped each other with assignments, we had a good school base. And then our friendship went beyond the classroom. We went for walks, spent time together.

— Climate, food, everyday life — what was the most unusual?

— The climate! Definitely! In Vietnam, the minimum temperature is 10°C, and in my first winter here I encountered -30°C! It was a shock. But by the second winter I got used to it — it was freezing outside, but the hostel was always warm. There were no problems with food. I really loved borscht! And Russian shashlik is not just food, but a whole atmosphere: company, new places, laughter… A special tradition.

— Did you learn Russian from scratch at the preparatory faculty?

— Almost. In Vietnam, I spent six months learning the basics: the alphabet, basic phrases. Serious grammar and practice began here. I even walked and talked to people on the streets on purpose — I practiced and learned a lot of interesting things about their lives and experiences. The preparatory course gave me much more than just the language.

— What did you like most about St. Petersburg?

— I love everything here! Over the course of seven years, the city, the people, the university, the teachers, the friends — everything has become familiar and dear.

— Did you manage to get to know Russian culture more deeply?

— Yes! Thanks to our work in the association, we were often invited to events by the Committee on External Relations and the Committee on Youth Policy of St. Petersburg. We tried national cuisine and learned about traditions. It is amazing how history is honored and culture is preserved here. This largely explains Russia’s place in the world.

— What have these seven years been like for you?

— It was a path from a schoolboy to a specialist. I matured internally, learned to manage my time, earned the respect of those around me. I received a colossal amount of baggage — not only knowledge, but also life experience.

— What skills, professional and personal, do you consider the most valuable?

— The ability to plan studies and life, to manage time. And respect for people — beyond any doubt.

— What would you tell yourself 7 years ago, on your first day at the Polytechnic?

– Don’t be shy! Act! There were moments when shyness prevented me from doing something, and then I regretted it. If you want something, do it boldly!

— Was there anything completely unexpected, good or difficult?

— The most unexpected and pleasant surprise was the gold medal! I didn’t even know it existed at first. I found out later, but the main goal was always to gain knowledge in order to apply it in Vietnam. The medal is a wonderful bonus to that.

— What are your plans now? Is a Polytechnic diploma an advantage in Vietnam?

— I’m going back to Vietnam soon to work in my specialty. There’s already a place. A Polytechnic diploma is certainly a strong advantage. Russia is known for its technologies, and Polytechnic has a high rating and teachers recognized in our field. This is appreciated.

— Will you maintain contact with Russia?

— Definitely! With friends, teachers, the university. And if the work requires deepening of knowledge, perhaps I will return to graduate school.

— What is your main advice to future foreign students of the Polytechnic University?

— Learn Russian. Don’t be shy about communicating with Russians! Plan your studies. Know how to manage your time. And most importantly: don’t be afraid to ask your teachers. They are friendly and will always help you figure things out.

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 –

July 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: “Polytech in Priority”: the second issue of the video digest on key projects

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

We present the second issue of the video digest “Polytech as a Priority”, which was launched by the SPbPU Office of Technological Leadership.

A series of video digests is created for regular coverage of key scientific and technological areas (KNTA) and projects supported by the Priority 2030 program. The main objective is to provide all employees and interested people with complete information about what areas this program covers, what projects receive funding and how their implementation is progressing.

The news presenters are the actual project managers and chief designers. The first presenter was the head of the Office of Technological Leadership, Oleg Rozhdestvensky. In the second issue, this role was taken on by the head of the SPbPU PISh “Digital Engineering” Alexey Borovkov.

Alexey Ivanovich is the chief designer of KNTN-1 “System Digital Engineering” – development of technologies and products that are superior to foreign analogues, based on digital twin technology andCML-Bench® Digital Platform.

In the issue, Alexey Borovkov presented up-to-date information on the implementation of ten projects that were included in KNTN-1. This is the development of digital twins and the development of the CML-Bench® digital platform, its application to new industries, including unmanned technologies, in particular, in light aircraft. A number of works are related to nuclear energy, nuclear engineering, closed-cycle nuclear plants. Research is underway related to tokamak reactors. Alexey Borovkov also spoke about plans for both the near future and the long term.

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 –

July 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft scientists find rare traces of ancient fauna in core

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Specialists from the Rosneft Research Institute in Tomsk have discovered well-preserved traces of marine fauna from the Jurassic period in rock: ray-finned fish, parts of a sea lily, and the skeleton of a brittle star, a distant relative of the starfish.

Such finds in cores (rock samples studied to search for, estimate reserves and extract oil) are more often found in the form of small fragments or individual flakes. The discovery of large remains – parts of the skeleton and skin – is a unique event.

Thus, while studying rock samples extracted from an exploratory well in the Surgut region of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug, Tomsk geologists found imprints of a ray-finned fish with clear outlines of three fins.

According to Rosneft specialists and paleontologists from Tomsk State University who studied the fossil, the find belongs to the extinct family Peipiaosteidae, early representatives of the order Acipenseridae, and the shelf deposits surrounding the fish date back to the late Oxfordian (Late Jurassic period), covering a time period from 158 to 154.8 million years ago.

Such traces of ancient organic matter allow scientists to more accurately identify disparate fragments of flora and fauna, establish their connections with the environment, and determine conditions favorable for the formation and accumulation of oil.

Reference:

The Tomsk scientific institute of Rosneft has collected more than 160 kilometers of physical rock samples, selected for research from several thousand wells of Russian oil and gas fields. A detailed study of the conditions of formation of oil deposits is provided by its own scientific and analytical center, using more than 600 units of classical and newest equipment, including unique micro- and mesotomographs, designed to create high-precision “digital twins” of the core structure.

Department of Information and AdvertisingPJSC NK RosneftJuly 11, 2025

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 –

July 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: With the support of Rosneft, ornithologists are preserving the white-tailed eagle population in the Samara region

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Specialists from the Samara group of Rosneft enterprises and ornithologists from the Samarskaya Luka National Park summed up the results of the field stage of a joint project to study and preserve the endangered white-tailed eagle on the territory of the reserve.

The key result was the data indicating an increase in the population of the red-listed bird in the Samarskaya Luka National Park by more than a third. Field studies of the autumn-winter period of 2024-2025 confirmed the positive dynamics. Scientists discovered new nests of eagles in the park, which indicates an expansion of the nesting range. Thanks to monitoring in previously identified areas, the constant presence of birds, active renewal of nests and mating behavior were recorded. To protect key habitats of birds in these areas, a special regime was introduced and patrols were increased.

The main criterion for assessing the dynamics was the data on breeding observations: in 2024, all pairs successfully hatched chicks. The current activity of birds and 100% nesting success last year allow scientists to predict population growth in the reserve.

Educational work is an integral part of the strategy for the conservation of rare animals. As part of the project, information stands have been installed on the reserve’s walking routes, introducing visitors to the key characteristics of the white-tailed eagle population: it is the largest bird of prey in the Samara Region, included in the Red Books of the region, Russia, and the International Red Book.

Photo and video recording of birds in their natural habitat is another important area of the conservation project. The collected materials will be used to create a scientific archive, educational programs and further conservation initiatives. In addition, it is planned to organize a photo exhibition “Orlan”.

Caring for the environment is an integral part of the corporate culture and principles of Rosneft. The Company pays great attention to ornithological projects. Thanks to the support of the Company’s subsidiaries in different regions of the country, research is conducted and programs for the care of rare bird species are implemented: Steller’s sea eagles, wild geese, ivory gulls, etc.

Reference:

The enterprises of the Samara Rosneft Group have had long-standing cooperation with the Samarskaya Luka National Park. A grant project to study and protect the white-tailed eagle has been implemented for the second year. Another grant project has developed and launched the Ecotrail 63 mobile application for virtual travel around the national park. Earlier, thanks to the support of oil workers, the LukAmorye environmental education complex was opened in the city of Zhigulevsk, a visitor center in the village of Sosnovy Solonets, and an aviary was built for birds that have lost the ability to live in the wild.

Department of Information and AdvertisingPJSC NK RosneftJuly 11, 2025

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 –

July 11, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Magdalen College School (Brackley): warning notice

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Correspondence

Magdalen College School (Brackley): warning notice

Warning notice to Magdalen College School Brackley Academy Trust in relation to Magdalen College School.

Applies to England

Documents

Magdalen College School: warning notice

PDF, 162 KB, 3 pages

Details

Notice relating to: Magdalen College School

URN: 139158

Notice issued to: Magdalen College School Brackley Academy Trust

Reason for issue: ‘special measures’ Ofsted judgement

DfE regional director: Carol Gray

DfE regional director office: East Midlands

Local authority: West Northamptonshire

Updates to this page

Published 11 July 2025

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MIL OSI United Kingdom –

July 11, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Poll shows rising interest in Chinese culture

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

BEIJING, July 11 — A survey released on Friday shows that the majority of international respondents view exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations as essential to promoting peace, development and modernization in today’s increasingly interconnected world.

The survey, released during the Global Civilizations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting in Beijing, gathered responses from over 12,300 individuals across six continents, including Asia, Europe, Africa, South America, North America and Oceania.

The poll highlights a rising international interest in Chinese culture. About 81.6 percent of respondents believe that China’s cultural influence and soft power are on the rise globally. Additionally, over 75 percent recognize the contribution of Chinese civilization to world civilizations.

It also shows that more than 90 percent of respondents agree that respecting the diversity of civilizations is a fundamental principle for the international community. Meanwhile, about 90.2 percent believe that no country can overcome global challenges alone and that joint efforts from all nations are vital.

Support for cultural preservation and innovation is also strong. A total of 88.5 percent say both are equally important, while 89.4 percent call for stronger international exchanges to enhance mutual understanding.

The survey was jointly conducted by the China Media Group and Renmin University of China. It collected responses from individuals aged 18 to 65.

MIL OSI China News –

July 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: SA participates in 47th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council

Source: Government of South Africa

SA participates in 47th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, is in Equatorial Guinea where he is leading South Africa’s delegation at the 47th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Executive Council.

The session which is underway in Malabo, began on Thursday, 10 July 2025.

According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the Council will consider and adopt the AU budget for the 2026 period.

“The budget is a key enabler for the AU to address challenges facing the continent, ensuring Africa’s continued resilience and the sustenance of the AU Commission, which is the key implementing agent for AU decisions,” the statement read.

The Council is expected to elect and appoint two outstanding Commissioners for Economic Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals (ETTIM) and for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (ESTI).

The department announced that the Minister will take this opportunity to inform his counterparts about the progress made during South Africa’s Group of 20 (G20) Presidency.

The G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, scheduled for November 2025, represents an opportunity to amplify Africa’s voice on the global stage.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s participation during this Ordinary Session of the Executive Council is rooted in its commitment to strengthening the AU and its organs.

“We aim to ensure our union effectively pursues the noble aspiration of Silencing the Guns by 2030; the accelerated implementation of the second Ten-Year Plan of Agenda 2063, which embodies our collective vision for prosperity; and the robust advancement of the African Continental Free Trade Area,” Lamola explained.

Beyond the formal agenda, the department said the Minister will seek to foster deeper solidarity by holding bilateral meetings with his counterparts aimed at exchanging views on issues of mutual interest.

The meeting will conclude on Friday, 11 July 2025.
– SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 07/11/2025 – 09:02

MIL OSI Africa –

July 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Gauteng Education allocates funds to schools

Source: Government of South Africa

Gauteng Education allocates funds to schools

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has confirmed that it has provided the necessary funds to all schools for payment of their respective municipal billing accounts.

In a statement on Thursday, the provincial department said the funds were transferred to the accounts of all identified schools in June 2025.

“The Department wishes to reiterate that, in line with legislation, schools – specifically those granted Section 21 functions – are entrusted with managing their own finances. These schools are responsible for a range of functions, including the payment of municipal services such as electricity and water,” it said.

Once funds have been transferred, the schools and their respective School Governing Body (SGB) assume full responsibility in ensuring that their municipal accounts are settled and paid on time to avoid water and electricity cuts.

In addition to allocating funds, the GDE provides oversight and support to these schools, having previously settled outstanding accounts on behalf of schools in April 2025. The department also provides financial management training to schools and SGBs to convey and educate on the importance of compliance of all relevant financial processes.

It further added that it remains committed to maintaining a conducive learning and teaching environment in all schools and continues to work with school leadership structures to ensure sound financial governance and uninterrupted access to basic services in its institutions.

“No public school in Gauteng is currently, or will ever be, disconnected from water and electricity services now and in the near future. Schools must work hand in hand with the GDE to continue achieving this by ensuring their municipal accounts are up to date at all times, and that they comply to all necessary procedures,” said Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane.

The MEC called on parents, communities, and stakeholders to support schools and their School Governing Bodies in executing their duties not just responsibly; but to the benefit of all learners, educators, and school-based staff. –SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Fri, 07/11/2025 – 09:41

MIL OSI Africa –

July 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) Participates in Global Conference on Ethical Finance and Sustainable Growth
Source: APO

The International University of Sarajevo (IUS), in strategic partnership with the Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) (https://IsDBInstitute.org/) and in collaboration with esteemed institutions including the University of Dundee (UK), Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University (Türkiye), INCEIF University (Malaysia), and the Center for Advanced Studies (Bosnia and Herzegovina), successfully hosted the international conference “Values for Impact: Ethical Finance, Innovation, and Sustainable Growth.”

The event, held at the IUS Campus in Sarajevo from 18-19 June 2025, was supported by platinum sponsor Kuveyt Türk Katılım Bankası and BH Telecom, which sponsored a key panel on artificial intelligence.

The conference was inaugurated by IUS Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Yıldırım, who highlighted its global significance, stating, “This conference represents a pivotal moment for global collaboration, uniting diverse perspectives to advance ethical finance and sustainable development, aligning with IUS’s commitment to fostering innovation and moral responsibility in economic systems.”

Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, Acting Director General of IsDBI, delivered a keynote address, articulating a bold vision for Islamic finance. He stated: “Islamic finance offers the blueprint for aligning finance with markets, technology with values, and innovation with sustainability. As the world desperately seeks a new paradigm, we must rise to the challenge and contribute to a better future that we all aspire to. The path ahead will not be easy. But the mission is worth the journey.”

Dr. Ahmet Albayrak, Executive Vice President of Kuveyt Türk Katılım Bankası and Patron of the IUS Center for Islamic Finance, Innovation, and Sustainability, emphasized the importance of uniting global thought leaders to strengthen the moral and digital foundations of economic systems.

One of the highlights of the conference was the participation of three distinguished recipients of the Islamic Development Bank Prize in Islamic Economics:
- Dr. Mehmet Asutay, Professor of Middle Eastern and Islamic Political Economy & Finance, Durham University Business School, UK
- Dr. Mohammad Kabir Hassan, Professor of Economics and Finance, University of New Orleans, USA
- Dr. Habib Ahmed, Sharjah Chair in Islamic Law and Finance, Durham University Business School, UK
These luminaries enriched discussions with their expertise, offering profound insights into the intersection of ethics, innovation, and finance.

Over 160 participants from more than 20 countries, including academics, industry leaders, policymakers, and representatives of international organizations, engaged in dynamic sessions exploring topics such as Islamic fintech, sustainable investment, and the moral foundations of economic systems.

Notable sessions included “Reviving the Moral Foundations of Economic Life,” “Islamic FinTech for Inclusive and Ethical Futures,” and “Green Waqf: Islamic Sustainable Solutions to Climate Change.” A special parallel session, led by Dr. Beebee Salma Sairally, Editor of the International Journal of Islamic Finance and Sustainable Development (a jointly produced journal by IsDBI and INCEIF), provided valuable guidance on publishing in peer-reviewed journals.

The conference is expected to pave the way for Bosnia and Herzegovina to become an intellectual hub for the development of Islamic economics and finance in the region and to contribute to the national and regional sustainable development agenda.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI).

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About the Islamic Development Bank Institute:
The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) is the knowledge beacon of the Islamic Development Bank Group. Guided by the principles of Islamic economics and finance, the IsDB Institute leads the development of innovative knowledge-based solutions to support the sustainable economic advancement of IsDB Member Countries and various Muslim communities worldwide. The IsDB Institute enables economic development through pioneering research, human capital development, and knowledge creation, dissemination, and management. The Institute leads initiatives to enable Islamic finance ecosystems, ultimately helping Member Countries achieve their development objectives. More information about the IsDB Institute is available on https://IsDBInstitute.org/

Media files

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MIL OSI Africa –
July 11, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Thomas Rabe: Carrying the humanitarian legacy

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

At this year’s Orchid Awards, established by China International Communications Group, German professor and medical expert Thomas Rabe was presented with the Friendship Envoy Award in recognition of his lifelong efforts to promote China-Germany friendship and carry forward the humanitarian legacy of his grandfather, John Rabe.

Thomas Rabe standing beside the statue of his grandfather John Rabe. [Photo provided by Thomas Rabe]

A renowned gynecological endocrinologist and professor at Heidelberg University, Rabe has made notable contributions to medical cooperation between China and Germany. But beyond his professional achievements, it is his dedication to preserving and sharing his grandfather’s legacy that has touched people in China and around the world.

John Rabe, remembered in China as the “Good Man of Nanjing,” was a German businessman who helped establish the Nanjing Safety Zone during the Nanjing Massacre in 1937, saving the lives of more than 250,000 Chinese civilians.

Despite threats to his own life, John Rabe opened his home and workplace to refugees, declaring, “If you want to kill the Chinese here, you have to kill me first,” recalled Thomas Rabe.

“Though being a member of the Nazi Party, he did not act ideologically, but with compassion and kindness. His actions were driven by empathy and a strong sense of justice,” said Thomas Rabe.

For decades, the full extent of John Rabe’s heroism remained unknown, until the discovery and publication of his diaries, which document in vivid detail the atrocities committed by the Japanese forces during the massacre. Thomas Rabe, who inherited the manuscripts from his father, made it his mission to bring these important historical records to light. In 2016, he donated the original Nanjing volumes of the diaries to China’s Central Archives. The diaries are now part of UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register.

“I believe young people must learn what really happened,” said Thomas Rabe, emphasizing that people cannot change the world all at once, but can start by helping those around us. “That’s what my grandfather did.”

That same humanitarian spirit continues to live on through Thomas Rabe. He founded the John Rabe Communication Center in six cities around the world, including Nanjing and Heidelberg, which host exhibitions, lectures, and cultural events aimed at deepening understanding between China and Germany.

As a leading figure in gynecological endocrinology and reproductive medicine, Rabe has led numerous collaborative medical projects with Chinese institutions. With his support, Chinese teams reached milestones such as the country’s first successful ovarian tissue transplantation and natural pregnancy post-treatment.

Thomas Rabe receives the Friendship Envoy Award of the 2025 Orchid Awards in Beijing, July 10, 2025. [Poster designed by Song Xiucheng/China.org.cn]

Receiving the Orchid Award, Rabe said, “It’s a big honor for me and my family to be here today. Because it’s an honor not only for me, it’s an honor for 117 years of collaboration between my family — over four generations — with China.”

Looking ahead, Thomas Rabe is focused on carrying the legacy forward. He is currently working on a four-episode documentary series about John Rabe’s life and values, which he hopes to bring to global audiences through collaboration with platforms like Netflix.

He shared that his son, Maximilian Rabe, has been learning Chinese. “I will continue the mission that started with my great-grandfather during the Japanese occupation in Nanjing, as well as the mission promoted by my father through for example the John Rabe Communication Center,” said Maximilian Rabe, emphasizing that he will continue the legacy of promoting peace between Germany and China and also between China and the world.

MIL OSI China News –

July 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: “We heard the deep frustration of community leaders in Bani Walid; they deserve a better future”, says Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General for Political Affairs (DSRSGP) Koury
Source: APO

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The municipal council, community leaders, elected officials, civil society representatives, including women and youth leaders, and academics of Bani Walid met with Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General for Political Affairs, Stephanie Koury, during public consultations held on Saturday.

During a townhall with representatives of the Bani Walid Social Council, speakers deplored the absence of national reconciliation and unresolved human rights violations, particularly those linked to the implementation of Law No. 7 of 2012.

One participant in expressing frustration with the status quo, passionately declared: “Libya does not need agents to decide on its behalf. Instead, it needs an end to the political bodies perpetuating the status quo and the organization of presidential and legislative elections under the supervision of the Supreme Judicial Council.”

“The people of Bani Walid are very clear in their demands and needs,” said DSRSGP Koury, addressing the Townhall attendees. “I heard deep frustrations and the need to advance national reconciliation, equitable development, and effective political representation. Only a genuine, inclusive and comprehensive process can effectively address these longstanding challenges.”

Throughout other meetings with municipal councils of Bani Walid, Tininay, and Mardum, as well as with representatives from civil society organizations, youth, and women, calls for a fundamental change of Libya’s political and security landscape were consistently echoed. Participants specifically advocated for activating dialogue mechanisms, establishing a constituent body, broadening political participation, and forming a compact, technocratic government.

A recurring theme in most meetings was criticism directed at UNSMIL’s perceived slow progress in advancing the political process. However, numerous participants urged the mission to play a greater role, particularly in national reconciliation, and to adopt a more robust stance in sanctioning those obstructing the political process or contributing to the deteriorating security situation. Koury clarified that UNSMIL will not hesitate to name the spoilers of the political process.

In discussing the way forward, DSRSG Koury noted, “We have to work together to resolve the issues raised not only by the people of Bani Walid, but also by communities across the country, through an inclusive political process. We need to move beyond the cycle of chronic transitions for the greater good of Libya and its people.” .

Participants also underscored the importance of empowering municipal councils with greater authority and resources from the central government. They pointed out that insufficient funding not only hampers the delivery of essential services, including healthcare and education, but also erodes public confidence in the electoral process.

The vital contributions of women and youth to their communities were also highlighted, along with calls for their meaningful empowerment and full inclusion in decision-making processes.

The mission’s visit to Bani Walid concluded with a stop at the city’s University, where the delegation met with academics and members of the House of Representatives and the High Council of State. Discussions centered on the options and recommendations put forward by the Advisory Committee and potential lasting solutions to the political stalemate. Across all meetings, a consistent demand was that as the UNSMIL-facilitated political process advances, the UN should prioritize greater inclusion of Bani Walid, broader participation and meaningful representation of voices from across Libya, including the Warfalla tribe. The academics indicated they are going to study the Advisory Committee options in detail and provide written comments.

In May 2025, UNSMIL published the Executive Summary of the Advisory Committee’s Report which outlines four proposed options to advance the political process :
1. Conducting presidential and legislative elections simultaneously;
2. Conducting parliamentary elections first, followed by the adoption of a permanent constitution;
3. Adopting a permanent constitution before elections; or
4. Establishing a political dialogue committee, based on the Libyan Political Agreement to finalize electoral laws, executive authority and permanent constitution. 
All participants were encouraged to complete the online poll [link] and share it widely to ensure the voices of Bani Walid and its communities are reflected in the design of Libya’s political roadmap.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

MIL OSI Africa –
July 11, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Young people from 14 countries join Beijing salon on cultural exchange

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

The Youth Salon on China Studies, held Thursday in Beijing, brought together 25 young media professionals and students from 14 countries to explore cultural connections, promote dialogue and share perspectives on modern China and common values.

The Youth Salon on China Studies is held in Beijing, July 10, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Contemporary World magazine]

The event featured a range of sessions, including international media experts sharing their impressions of China, Chinese media professionals discussing how to tell China’s stories well, and a workshop on cooperation.

Elkana Kuhenga from Tanzania’s Daily News described China using the words “infrastructure,” “culture” and “business and technology.” He said bilateral collaboration in these areas — through large-scale projects, exchange programs and cost-effective trade — has led to a growing and mutually beneficial partnership.

Rustambekov Mirzaolim Mirzokhid Ugli of Uzbekistan’s MY5 TV highlighted “innovation,” “heritage” and “connectivity” in describing features of China, pointing to the country’s digital transformation and the widespread use of mobile payments as examples.

“From artificial intelligence to smart city infrastructure and renewable energy, innovation is reshaping industries and daily life,” he said. “This culture of progress and adaptation reflects a society determined to embrace the future.”

The Youth Salon on China Studies is held in Beijing, July 10, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Contemporary World magazine]

During the cooperation workshop, participants highlighted shared values including sincerity, amity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness. They illustrated these values using symbols such as bridges and phrases like “friendship is more precious than gold.” These contributions were placed on a collaborative display titled “A Tree of Youth Cooperation.”

Participants agreed that culture serves as a bridge between nations, dialogue among civilizations promotes global peace and development, and values such as friendship, inclusiveness and diversity are essential for international cooperation.

The event concluded with participants adding their research interests on China to the collaborative display titled “A Tree of Youth Cooperation,” with topics ranging from technological transformation to traditional myths and cultural heritage.

The Youth Salon on China Studies is held in Beijing, July 10, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Contemporary World magazine]

The salon was organized by Contemporary World magazine, a publication of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

MIL OSI China News –

July 11, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Top two seeds ousted from WTT US Smash

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

The WTT US Smash in Las Vegas delivered major shocks on Thursday as China’s top two seeds, Sun Yingsha and Wang Manyu, were knocked out of the women’s singles competition.

Sun, the reigning world champion and world No. 1 for nearly three years, fell 3-1 to fellow Chinese player Chen Yi. Wang also exited in four sets against Zhu Yuling of Macao, China.

Chen, 20, played with patience and seized her chances with clinical precision. She even called a tactical timeout with match point in hand before sealing her 11-9, 7-11, 11-5, 11-9 victory.

“I didn’t expect to beat Sister Sha,” said Chen. “I just pulled off my best game, and I am very delighted now.

“Against the world No. 1 player, I didn’t have a special strategy. I regarded myself as an underdog, a challenger, and tried to fight for every point. I played pretty well at clutch moments.”

Chen will face the winner of an all-Japanese clash between ninth seed Hina Hayata and sixth seed Miwa Harimoto in the quarterfinals.

Zhu Yuling, 30, who previously stepped away from China’s national team to recover from cancer, pursue her studies, and later become a professor at Tianjin University, joined the Macao team last year.

“This is my 38th game since I came out of retirement,” said Zhu following her 11-8, 11-6, 8-11, 11-5 win over world No. 2 Wang.

“I didn’t start well,” said the former World Cup champion. “But I kept reminding myself of hanging in here despite difficulties. I turned the tables midway in both the first two sets.”

Zhu will next take on either Japan’s eighth seed Satsuki Odo or South Korea’s 10th seed Shin Yu-bin in the quarterfinals.

China’s fifth seed Kuai Man also advanced to the last eight with a straight-sets win over Cheng I-Ching of Chinese Taipei.

MIL OSI China News –

July 11, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: A new exhibition is a thoughtful examination of the lasting relationship between Asia and Australia

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joanna Mendelssohn, Honorary Senior Fellow, School of Culture and Communication, The University of Melbourne

Jacky Cheng, Imaginary Homelands, 2025, installation view, The Neighbour at the Gate, National Art School Gallery, Sydney, 2025. Image courtesy and © the artist, photograph: Peter Morgan

Almost 60 years after former prime minister Harold Holt began to dismantle the White Australia Policy, The Neighbour at the Gate at Sydney’s National Art School Gallery presents a thoughtful examination of the consequences when good neighbours become good friends.

Street posters promoting the exhibition feature an image of a magpie. Advertising always distorts. Pardu (Tirritpa) by James Tylor, who has Kaurna and Mãori heritage, is a series of groupings of exquisite small bird daguerreotypes. Their shadowed silver surface gives the impression of antiquity, which is Tylor’s intention.

In Kaurna, the names of birds come from the songs they sing. This is also how birds are named in many Asian languages. Onomatopoeia makes a bridge between cultures. A QR code on the wall next to each grouped images of birds allows the viewer to hear blends of birdsong with human music.

James Tylor, Pardu (detail), 2025, installation view, The Neighbour at the Gate, National Art School Gallery, Sydney, 2025.
Image courtesy the artist and the National Art School © the artist, photograph: Peter Morgan

Remembering the past

The visitor enters the exhibition through Imaginary Homelands, Jacky Cheng’s installation in the shape of a traditional Chinese paifang (牌坊).

The 1,110 strips of paper, with fragments of Chinese characters, represent a poem she learnt as child in Kuala Lumpur. But some of the language has been lost by the distortions of time. She now lives on Yawuru country (Broome), an Australian town with close links to many South East Asian cultures.

In remembering her past, she grasps elements of her Malay Chinese heritage.

Dennis Golding’s Bingo is possibly as fragmented a memory as Cheng’s. Golding, a Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay man, has made a tribute to the community space his Nan and Aunty created in an abandoned terrace house in the Block at Redfern, where at night they would play bingo.

Dennis Golding, Bingo, 2025, installation view, The Neighbour at the Gate, National Art School Gallery, Sydney, 2025.
Image courtesy and © the artist, photograph: Peter Morgan

Each of the etchings scattered across the wall is the size of brick; each quotes small details of community life in Redfern before it was “discovered” by the gentrifiers. The exquisite etchings appear to be scattered at random, but a careful look will show the word “Bingo” in white in the spaces on the wall.

Elham Eshraghian-Haakansson’s God of War is a beautiful and sensual video on love, rage, reconciliation and the emotional journey of being a refugee.

Elham Eshraghian-Haakansson, God of War, 2025, installation view, The Neighbour at the Gate, National Art School Gallery, Sydney, 2025.
Image courtesy and © the artist, photograph: Peter Morgan

Eshraghian-Haakansson is a second generation Iranian-Australian whose work is shaped in part by the experience of her mother and grandmother, whose Baha’i faith placed them in peril in 1979 after the Ayatollahs seized power. The different segments of this elegant video are deliberately broken by rough insertions, giving it a sense of a work reclaimed from history.

Along the water

Jenna Mayilema Lee’s complex installation in three parts is both a universal statement on the integration that is the long-term consequence of the meeting of cultures, and a personal statement on her own circumstances.

Each component – the photographic mural, the video and the billabong sculpture – can be seen as an independent work, but when combined they form magic.

Lee is truly a modern Australian, descended from Gulumerridjin (Larrakia), Wardaman, KarraJarri people as well as having Japanese, Filipino, Chinese and Anglo ancestors.

Jenna Mayilema Lee, Portal to the Bangarr (billabong), 2025, installation view, The Neighbour at the Gate, National Art School Gallery, Sydney, 2025.
Image courtesy and © the artist, photograph: Peter Morgan

The lotus sculptures in the billabong are constructed from copies of immigration documentation. Her Chinese ancestors were living in Australia well before the White Australia policy of 1901. When they needed to travel, bureaucracy demanded multiple forms.

She has layered the forms with a hand print from one of her Japanese ancestors which, much to her pleasure, she discovered is the same size as her own hand.

The billabongs of northern Australia, especially in Larrakia country, are filled with lotus plants. The ancestors of the lotus plants of northern Australia floated across the narrow seas from Asia many years ago, in much the same way as people.

Water does not always bring life. James Nguyen’s Homeopathies_where new trees grow, is a reminder of another consequence of colonisation.

James Nguyen, Homeopathies_where new trees grow (detail), 2025, installation view, The Neighbour at the Gate, National Art School Gallery, Sydney, 2025.
Image courtesy the artist and the National Art School © the artist, photograph: Peter Morgan

As with many other Vietnamese Australians, his family lives near the Parramatta and Duck rivers, west of central Sydney. One of the horrors of the Vietnam war was the way Agent Orange, destroyed both the jungle and the lives of people who came into contact with it.

Agent Orange was made by Union Carbide, near the Parramatta River. When the factory closed the contaminated site was not properly sealed and the poison seeped into the river.

Nguyen’s giant floating textile is of made of raw cotton and silk strips, dyed with mud and weeds contaminated by dioxin and Agent Orange. The evil of contamination is countered by clay pinchpot incense holders which line the stairs and entrances to the exhibition.

The cleansing smoke of incense is another link between the cultures of Asia and those of Australia’s First Nations people.

The Neighbour at the Gate is a generous and inclusive exhibition, a reminder of a common humanity. Clothilde Bullen, who heads the curatorium with Micheal Do and Zali Morgan, sees art as a way of countering divisions in society.

She told me:

If we are to work as a society and if we are to work as a community then we have to call people in, and we have to be prepared to embrace that difference. And so that is really what this show is all about.

The Neighbour at the Gate is at the National Art School Galleries, Sydney, until October 18.

Joanna Mendelssohn has in the past received funding from the Australian Research Council

– ref. A new exhibition is a thoughtful examination of the lasting relationship between Asia and Australia – https://theconversation.com/a-new-exhibition-is-a-thoughtful-examination-of-the-lasting-relationship-between-asia-and-australia-259040

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

July 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: NSU developed a board game “Startup Race”

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Novosibirsk State University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

NSU Startup Studio developed a board game “Startup Race”, which simulates the actions of a startup in a real market. The game includes all stages of a startup’s life – from developing an idea to exiting the project. It allows you to show students and anyone interested in and planning to engage in entrepreneurship in a simple form what awaits them in the market. The game is implemented in a rare genre of “strategic puzzle”, at the moment there are no analogues on the market. In the near future, a boxed version of the game will appear, which will be available for pre-order. Anyone can buy it.

The game is structured as follows: participants roll dice in accordance with the stage of the startup’s life, which is announced in advance by the game host. They draw cards from the deck, presented as Tetris figures. The figures build a line, which, in essence, reflects the entire life cycle of the project. Cards or figures are opportunities (for example, fundraising) or risks.

The first stage of startup development is the idea, when the project is just emerging. It is the easiest for players, since at the very beginning, participants have the most cards and it is easiest to lay the foundation for further development of the project. The next stage is MVP (Minimum Viable Product), that is, the creation of a minimum viable product. At this stage, some obstacles to the development of the project appear, for example, the idea has not come true or the participant cannot achieve certain technical indicators. The number of figures decreases.

The next stage is Product-Market Fit (PMF), i.e. checking the product’s compliance with the market. At this stage, players develop a concept taking into account the real market situation, a marketing plan, and the project gets its first real clients. At the same time, risks arise that can destroy the project.

Next comes the scaling stage, when the project can already attract fundraising funds, which is also reflected in the game. Fundraising funds are special cards that provide a significant boost to the further development of the project. The last stage is exiting the project, which is associated with the greatest risks for the creator. Investments can also be attracted at this stage, but the opportunities for scaling are limited. This is one of the longest stages for the project and its founder. Possible exit strategies include selling the business, shares, public offering of shares (IPO), etc.

— A player can develop several projects simultaneously and build different strategies on several markets — tracks. It is very important that your main project, on which you place a high bet, has repeating figures. There are risks — these are cards that can remove one of the figures within the entire chain, which can lead to the collapse of the project. There are specialized cards — fundraising, which, on the contrary, give you additional opportunities. In terms of Tetris, these are the most “favorable” figures — for example, a long straight line. You can simultaneously invest in several projects or develop only one, but in any case, your task is to successfully develop the project, go through all the stages and bring the startup to the final stage as quickly as possible, — explained Konstantin Kravtsov, an employee of the NSU Startup Studio.

The game simulates market competition, so within its framework you can hinder or, conversely, help your rivals. Also here are such mandatory elements of entrepreneurial activity as risk assessment and diversification, choice of development strategy – conservative or risky. Thus, the game in a simplified mechanical form simulates the actions of a person who develops his startup on the market.

The game is designed for different groups of people, including those who are not very knowledgeable about the startup market; children also actively play it.

— The Startup Race is not just entertainment, but a tool for involving the general public in entrepreneurship. It helps to understand that a startup is not just a “cafe”, but an innovative, fast-growing business that scales. The NSU Startup Studio team plans to replicate the game. At first, it will be packaged in a boxed version, and then it will be available for pre-order. The possibility of creating an elite version of the game, which can be used as representative gifts, is also being considered, — emphasized Alexey Starostin, a representative of the NSU Startup Studio.

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 –

July 11, 2025
Ashadha Purnima observed with spiritual fervour at Sarnath

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

The sacred grounds of Sarnath resonated with deep devotion on Thursday as Ashadha Purnima, marking the auspicious Dhammachakra Pravartana Divas, was commemorated at the historic Mulagandha Kuti Vihara. The event, organised by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Mahabodhi Society of India, drew monastics, scholars, and devotees from around the world to honour the day when Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon.

As dusk fell and the full moon of Ashadha illuminated the skies, the programme began with a serene circumambulation (parikrama) of the Dhamek Stupa by monks, nuns, and lay practitioners in a gesture of reverence. The ancient stupa, glowing in the fading sunlight, stood as a powerful reminder of the Buddha’s first teachings on the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.

In his opening address, Ven. Summitananda Thero, In-charge of the Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, spoke of the enduring sanctity of Sarnath, a place that has safeguarded the Dharma for centuries. He reflected on the quiet strength and spiritual resonance of the land that witnessed the birth of the Buddhist Sangha.

Ven. Dieu Tri, a senior nun from Vietnam, offered heartfelt remarks about the recent exposition of sacred Buddha relics in her country, where an astounding 17.8 million devotees paid homage across nine cities. A short film presented by the IBC captured the emotional response of the Vietnamese people to this historic spiritual journey.

Vice Chancellor of the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Ven. Wangchuk Dorjee Negi, emphasized the unity of knowledge and practice in the Dharma. He highlighted the spiritual significance of Ashadha Purnima, not only as the day of the first sermon but also as a symbolic marker of the Buddha’s conception and the founding of the monastic order.

Most Ven. Sumedha Thero, President of the Indo–Sri Lanka International Buddhist Association, expressed his deep gratitude to the Indian government for selecting Sarnath as the centrepiece of this year’s celebration. He underscored the timeless cultural and spiritual bonds between India and Sri Lanka, forged through the shared wisdom of the Buddha’s teachings.

The programme concluded with a message from Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche, Secretary General of the IBC, who called for global Buddhist unity and interfaith harmony. He urged the global community to embrace empathy and inclusive dialogue as the foundation for a peaceful world.

Ven. Seelawanso Thero, Principal of the Pali and Buddhist Dhamadoot College, delivered the vote of thanks, encapsulating the collective spirit of gratitude and reverence that defined the evening.

July 11, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Anti-discrimination champion from India and global network of population scientists receive the 2025 United Nations Population Award

Source: United Nations Population Fund

UNITED NATIONS, New York, 11 July 2025 – The laureates of the fortieth edition of the United Nations Population Award are Ms. Varsha Deshpande, Founder, Dalit Mahila Vikas Mandal of India in the individual category, and the International Union for the Scientific Study of Population (IUSSP) in the institution category.

Ms. Varsha Deshpande is a pioneering women’s rights activist with more than 35 years of experience working on gender-based violence, discrimination and gender. She founded the Dalit Mahila Vikas Mandal in 1990 to advance women’s rights and gender justice. She tirelessly works to empower grassroots women by building their vocational skills, connecting them to vital resources and services, and fostering their financial independence.

At the helm of Dalit Mahila Vikas Mandal, Ms. Deshpande has spearheaded numerous programmes, including ones addressing child marriage through the empowerment of adolescent girls and engagement with men and boys; safeguarding the rights of women in the informal sector; and promoting joint property registration to boost women’s access to assets. She is a respected member of various statutory bodies established by the Government of India and state-level governments, and has provided instrumental support for the law aimed at preventing gender-biased sex selection in India.

The International Union for the Scientific Study of Population (IUSSP), founded in 1927, has played a pivotal role in advancing population science and policy. It has been instrumental in addressing critical population challenges, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, by fostering collaborative research, building capacity among early-career and mid-career demographers, and providing platforms for knowledge exchange.

The IUSSP helped establish regional population associations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, and tackles key global issues relating to reproductive health, gender, migration, climate change, and the linkages between population dynamics and sustainable development. IUSSP’s work bridges the gap between research and policy, and ensures that population issues remain at the forefront of global development agendas.

About the UN Population Award

Each year, the Committee for the United Nations Population Award honors an individual and/or institution in recognition of outstanding contributions to population and reproductive health issues and solutions. The Award was established by the General Assembly in 1981, in resolution 36/201, and was first presented in 1983. It is now in its fortieth year. It consists of a gold medal, a diploma and a monetary prize. The Committee for the United Nations Population Award is composed of a quorum of 8 UN Member States, with United Nations Secretary-General and UNFPA Executive Director serving as ex-officio members. Nominations for the award are accepted through 31 December of each year. UNFPA serves as its Secretariat.

For more information, please contact: media@unfpa.org

About UNFPA

UNFPA is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. UNFPA’s mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. UNFPA calls for the realization of reproductive rights for all and supports access to a wide range of sexual and reproductive health services, including voluntary family planning, quality maternal health care and comprehensive sexuality education.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

July 11, 2025