Category: housing

MIL-OSI Submissions: Metro Detroit is growing – but its suburbs are telling a more complicated story

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Grigoris Argeros, Professor of Sociology, Eastern Michigan University

Detroit is still a majority Black city, but the share of white, Asian and Hispanic residents is growing. DOMINIC GWINN/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

Following decades of population loss, Detroit may finally be turning a corner.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s most recent estimates, the city saw an increase in population for both 2023 and 2024.

An additional 11,000 people moved into the city in the years 2023 and 2024, a small gain in a city with a population of 645,705 – but one which marked a symbolic shift.

The census data shows just over 1% growth in the past year alone and 0.7% the year before compared with a nearly 25% loss between 2000 and 2010.

As an urban sociologist studying issues related to race and ethnicity, I am interested in how Detroit’s population is changing, and where different groups live in both the city and its suburbs.

Analyzing population trends in the metro Detroit area using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, I wanted to understand how racial, ethnic and socioeconomic trends are unfolding, and what those changes can tell us about the evolution and vitality of Detroit.

Black Detroiters relocate, city diversifies

From 2010 to 2023, Detroit’s racial and ethnic makeup continued to gradually diversify even as the city was declining in population.

While Black residents are still the majority, their proportion of the total number fell from around 84% to 79%.

Other groups, in contrast, increased their share of the city’s population. Between 2010 and 2023, the percentage of Hispanic residents grew from 6.6% to 8.3%, the percentage of white residents grew from 8.2% to 10.7%, and the percentage of Asian residents grew from 1.3% to 1.7%.

These shifts reflect a steady and ongoing diversification of Detroit’s population, indicative of new migration trends and shifting neighborhood dynamics.

Suburbs in flux

In addition to Detroit’s recent population growth, a broader story is unfolding in the city’s suburbs.

The population of the suburban area as a whole increased 0.73% from 2023 to 2024, but growth was not evenly spread. Collectively, the outer-ring suburbs gained almost 20,000 people, increasing by 1%. Communities such as the city of Troy and Macomb Township accounted for a significant share of that growth.

A map of Detroit and the surrounding suburbs, with shading to indicate which areas are considered to be the ‘inner’ and ‘outer’ suburbs.
Grigoris Argeros, CC BY

Inner-ring suburbs, such as Southfield, Warren and others, grew less vigorously – gaining just 4,000 people, or 0.31%.

These differences highlight the necessity of complicating the conventional city-versus-suburb narrative to acknowledge the many economic and racial divisions across the metropolitan region.

The socioeconomic statuses of residents of the inner- and outer-ring suburbs diverged between 2000 and 2020.

My analysis of census data shows that although both subregions witnessed increases in median household incomes, the rates of change were significantly higher in the outer-ring suburbs, with a 37.7% increase versus a 16.8% increase in the inner rings.

The data shows a similar trend in higher education attainment. Outer ring suburbs gained 7.1% more residents with college degrees or higher during this period, while the inner suburbs lost 7.5%.

Homeownership patterns in the two suburban regions also diverged over those two decades, increasing 18% in the outer rings and decreasing 10% in the inner rings.

The data on poverty and immigration also reveal contrasting results.

According to my calculations of census data, inner-ring suburbs experienced a 77% increase in poverty, while the outer ring experienced a lesser, though considerable, 50.8% bump in poverty during the 2000-2020 period.

Meanwhile, during the same time period, the foreign-born populations in the outer suburbs expanded by 24.9%, with increases of at least 10,000 in places such as Sterling Heights, Novi and Canton. In contrast, the inner suburbs saw more modest gains — around 5,000 in cities such as Dearborn Heights and Warren — while their overall foreign-born share declined by nearly 20%.

Together, the above trends highlight the necessity of not viewing the suburban area as a monolith. These patterns reflect national trends, in which many older, inner-ring suburbs are experiencing socioeconomic stagnation or decline while newer, outer-ring suburbs continue to attract more people who have higher incomes.

Mixed neighborhoods grow

Residential segregation also differentiates inner and outer suburban rings.

Segregation levels remain high in the inner suburbs, especially between white and Black residents. While outer suburbs tend to be more integrated today, the rate of change there has been more modest over the past two decades.

Social scientists measure segregation using a tool called the “dissimilarity index.” The index represents the proportion of one group that would need to move to establish an equal distribution of the population based on their relative numbers. It ranges from 0 to 100. A score of 0 means equal distribution across neighborhoods, while a score of 100 means the two groups live in completely separate areas.

From 2000 to 2020, white-Black segregation across the region decreased from 84.4% to 68.3% on the index, while white-Hispanic segregation decreased from 47.6% to 39.9%. Together, these numbers indicate a broader trend toward more integrated living patterns.

In the inner-ring suburbs, segregation fell across the board. White-Black segregation went down by 15.6%; white-Asian and white-Hispanic segregation dropped even more, by 43.2% and 30.7%, respectively.

These trends suggest that while the outer suburbs currently have lower levels of segregation, the inner suburbs are integrating more rapidly, reflecting shifting patterns of neighborhood change and increasing racial and ethnic diversity.

Detroit has come a long way since exiting bankruptcy in 2014. Its recent population growth and increasing diversity show important signs of renewal.

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

– ref. Metro Detroit is growing – but its suburbs are telling a more complicated story – https://theconversation.com/metro-detroit-is-growing-but-its-suburbs-are-telling-a-more-complicated-story-257875

MIL OSI –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Presidents of both parties have launched military action without Congress declaring war − Trump’s bombing of Iran is just the latest

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Sarah Burns, Associate Professor of Political Science, Rochester Institute of Technology

President Donald Trump is seen on a monitor in the White House press briefing room on June 21, 2025, after the U.S. military strike on three sites in Iran. AP Photo/Alex Brandon

In the wake of the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities on June 22, 2025, many congressional Democrats and a few Republicans have objected to President Donald Trump’s failure to seek congressional approval before conducting military operations.

They note that Article 1 of the U.S. Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war and say that section required Trump to seek prior authorization for military action.

The Trump administration disagrees. “This is not a war against Iran,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Fox News host Maria Bartiromo, implying that the action did not require approval by Congress. That’s the same view held by most modern presidents and their lawyers in the Office of Legal Counsel: Article 2 of the Constitution allows the president to use the military in certain situations without prior approval from Congress.

By this reading of the text, presidents, as commander in chief, claim the power to unilaterally order the military to initiate small-scale operations for a short duration. Members of Congress may object to that claim, but they have done little to limit presidents’ unilateralism. What little they have done has not been effective.

As I’ve demonstrated in my research, even though the 1973 War Powers Resolution attempted to constrain presidential power after the disasters of the Vietnam War, it contains many loopholes that presidents have exploited to act unilaterally. For example, it allows presidents to engage in military operations without congressional approval for up to 90 days. And more recent congressional resolutions have broadened executive control even further.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the U.S. declaration of war against Japan on Dec. 8, 1941.
U.S. National Archives

A long tradition of executive authority

Presidents can even overcome the loopholes in the War Powers Resolution if the operation lasts longer than 90 days. In 2011, a State Department lawyer argued that airstrikes in Libya could continue beyond the War Powers Resolution’s 90-day time limit because there were no ground troops involved. By that logic, any future president could carry out an indefinite bombing campaign with no congressional oversight.

While every president has bristled at congressional restraints on their actions, presidents since Franklin D. Roosevelt have successfully circumvented them by citing vague concerns like “national security,” “regional security” or the need to “prevent a humanitarian disaster” when launching military operations. While members of Congress always take issue with these actions, they never hold presidents accountable by passing legislation restraining him.

President Trump’s decision to bomb Iranian nuclear sites without consulting Congress falls in line with precedent from both Democratic and Republican leaders for decades.

Much like his predecessors, Trump did not, and likely will not, provide Congress with more concrete information about the legality of his actions. Nor are congressional lawmakers effectively holding him accountable.

The push-and-pull between Congress and the president over military operations dates back to the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, which led Congress to declare war on Japan. Before then, Congress had prevented the U.S. from joining World War II by enforcing an arms embargo and refusing to help the Allies prior to the attack on Hawaii. But afterward, Congress began allowing the president to take more control over the military.

During the Cold War, rather than returning to a balanced debate between the branches, Congress continued to relinquish those powers.

Congress never authorized the war in Korea; Harry Truman used a U.N. Security Council resolution as legal justification. Congress’ vote explicitly opposing the invasion of Cambodia didn’t stop Richard Nixon from doing it anyway. Even after the Cold War, Bill Clinton regularly acted unilaterally to address humanitarian crises or the continued threat from leaders like Saddam Hussein. He sent the military to Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia and Kosovo, among other places.

After 9/11, Congress quickly gave up more of its power. A week after those attacks, Congress passed a sweeping Authorization for Use of Military Force, giving the president permission to “use all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations, or persons he determines planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001.”

In a follow-up 2002 authorization, Congress went even further, allowing the president to “use the Armed Forces … as he determines to be necessary and appropriate in order to defend national security … against the continuing threat posed by Iraq.” This approach provides few, if any, congressional checks on the control of military affairs exercised by the president.

In the two decades since those authorizations, four presidents have used them to justify all manner of military action, from targeted killings of terrorists to the years long fight against the Islamic State group.

Congress regularly discusses terminating those authorizations, but has yet to do so. If Congress did, the loopholes in the original War Powers Resolution would still exist.

While President Biden claimed he supported the repeal of the authorizations, and supported more congressional oversight of military actions, Trump has made no such claims. Instead, he has claimed even more sweeping authority to act without any permission from Congress.

As recently as 2024, Biden used the 2002 authorization as a legal rationale for the targeted killing of Iranian-backed militiamen in Iraq, a strike condemned by Iraqi leaders.

Those actions may have ruffled congressional feathers, but they were in keeping with a long U.S. tradition of targeting members of terrorist groups and protecting members of the military serving in a conflict zone.

Demonstrators outside the U.S. Capitol in January 2020 call on Congress to limit the president’s powers to use the military.
AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana

Threats of war

During his first presidential term in 2020, Trump ordered a lethal drone strike against a respected member of the Iranian government, Major General Qassim Soleimani, the head of Iran’s equivalent of the CIA, without consulting Congress or publicly providing proof of why the attack was necessary, even to this day.

Tensions – and fears of war – spiked but then slowly faded when Iran responded with missile attacks on two U.S. bases in Iraq.

Now, the U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear sites have revived both fears of war and renewed questions about the president’s authority to unilaterally engage in military action. Presidents since the 1970s, however, have effectively managed to dodge definitive answers to those questions – demonstrating both the power inherent in their position and the unwillingness among members of the legislative branch to reclaim their coequal status.

This article is an updated version of a story published on Jan. 24, 2024.

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

– ref. Presidents of both parties have launched military action without Congress declaring war − Trump’s bombing of Iran is just the latest – https://theconversation.com/presidents-of-both-parties-have-launched-military-action-without-congress-declaring-war-trumps-bombing-of-iran-is-just-the-latest-259636

MIL OSI –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Rethinking engineering education: Why focusing on learning preferences matters for diversity

Source: The Conversation – USA (2) – By Sharon Tettegah, Professor of Creative Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara

Retention and recruitment efforts designed to boost diversity in engineering programs often fall short of their goals. gorodenkoff/Getty Images

For decades, colleges, government agencies and foundations have experimented with recruitment and retention efforts designed to increase diversity in engineering programs.

However, the efforts have not significantly boosted the number of women, students of color, individuals with disabilities and other underrepresented groups studying and earning degrees in STEM and engineering fields.

Latino, Black, Native American and Alaska Native students are underrepresented among science and engineering degree recipients at the bachelor’s degree level and above. The groups are also underrepresented among STEM workers with at least a bachelor’s degree.

Women are also underrepresented in the STEM workforce and among degree recipients in engineering and computer and information sciences.

I study equity and social justice in STEM learning. In my recent study, I found that more students from diverse backgrounds could excel in engineering programs if course content were tailored to a wider variety of learning preferences.

Why it matters

Focusing on learning preferences could boost diversity in engineering courses and careers.
Morsa Images/Getty Images

During my time as a program officer at the National Science Foundation, an independent federal agency that supports science and engineering, I reviewed plenty of research focused on broadening participation and diversifying student enrollment in STEM fields.

Progress can stall on efforts to boost diversity because college instructors do not consider the synergistic relationship between the content and the learner.

Teachers are the mediators, and it is students’ experiences with the curriculum that matter.

It was long a common belief that students have different learning styles. These included kinesthetic, learning through hands-on experiences and physical activity; auditory, learning by listening to information; and visual, learning by seeing information.

More recent research does not support the idea that teaching students according to their learning style leads to improved learning.

That’s why I prefer the term “learning preferences” rather than learning styles. We all have preferences – whether for ice cream flavors, home decor or how we receive information, including how we learn.

Learning preferences are broader and more flexible, allowing multiple ways of engaging with content.

For example, let’s say a teacher always presented equations in a classroom and the student just could not get it. However, it was the only way the information was presented. To the individual learner, they have failed. Some people would say, “These kids can’t learn,” and subsequently counsel the student out of the class.

Then, years are spent repeating the same cycle.

Students should have opportunities to connect with engineering content in multiple ways.
10’000 hours/Getty Images

However, educators can broaden their viewpoints if they look at the students as customers. If a customer is shopping for a shirt, they look for one that catches their eye. Ultimately, they find one they like.

Instructors need to take the same approach when trying to help students understand what is happening in class. For instance, if I have trouble with equations, I should be provided with options to engage with the lesson in ways that align with my learning preferences.

What’s next?

Learning styles have been heavily researched. However, content preferences have not been well explored.

In a truly democratic education system, curriculum design should reflect the voices of all stakeholders and not just those in positions of power, namely instructors.

Using data mining and artificial intelligence, educators have a variety of options for creating content for the various preferences a learner may want or need. For example, if a student prefers other representational content, such as word problems, graphics or simulations, AI can create diverse representations so that the learner is exposed to a variety of representations.

I argue that future studies need to consider the use of technologies such as adaptive learning applications to understand students’ learning preferences.

Prioritizing diverse learning perspectives in STEM could help create a more inclusive and responsive learning environment.

The Research Brief is a short take on interesting academic work.

Sharon Tettegah received funding from the National Science Foundation for this work. Award Abstract # 1826632
Coordinating Curricula and User Preferences to Increase the Participation of Women and Students of Color in Engineering

– ref. Rethinking engineering education: Why focusing on learning preferences matters for diversity – https://theconversation.com/rethinking-engineering-education-why-focusing-on-learning-preferences-matters-for-diversity-251095

MIL OSI –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Harvard fights to keep enrolling international students – 4 essential reads about their broader impact

Source: The Conversation – USA (2) – By Corey Mitchell, Education Editor

Graduates of Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government celebrate during commencement exercises in Cambridge, Mass. AP Photo/Steven Senne, File

A federal judge in Boston on May 23, 2025, temporarily blocked a Trump administration order that would have revoked Harvard University’s authorization to enroll international students.

The directive from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and resulting lawsuit from Harvard have escalated the ongoing conflict between the Trump administration and the Ivy League institution.

It’s also the latest step in a White House campaign to ramp up vetting and screening of foreign nationals, including students.

Homeland Security officials accused Harvard of creating a hostile campus climate by accommodating “anti-American” and “pro-terrorist agitators.” The accusation stems from the university’s alleged support for certain political groups and their activities on campus.

In early April, the Trump administration terminated the immigration statuses of thousands of international students listed in a government database, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. The database includes country of citizenship, which U.S. school they attend and what they study.

Barring Harvard from enrolling international students could have significant implications for the campus’s climate and the local economy. International students account for 27% of the university’s enrollment.

Here are four stories from The Conversation’s archive about the Trump administration’s battle with Harvard and the economic impact of international students.

1. A target on Harvard

This isn’t the first time the Trump administration has targeted the university.

The White House has threatened to end the university’s tax-exempt status, and some media outlets have reported that the Internal Revenue Service is taking steps in that direction.

But it is illegal to revoke an entity’s tax-emempt status “on a whim,” according to Philip Hackney, a University of Pittsburgh law professor, and Brian Mittendorf, an accounting professor at Ohio State University.

“Before the IRS can do that, tax law requires that it first audit that charity,” they wrote. “And it’s illegal for U.S. presidents or other officials to force the IRS to conduct an audit or stop one that’s already begun.”

Several U.S. senators, all Democrats, have urged the IRS inspector general to see whether the IRS has begun auditing Harvard or any nonprofits in response to the administration’s requests or whether Trump has violated any laws with his pressure campaign.

Hackney and Mittendorf wrote that the Trump administration’s moves are part of a larger push to exert control over Harvard, including its efforts to increase its diversity and its response to claims of discrimination on campus.

Read more:
Can Trump strip Harvard of its charitable status? Scholars of nonprofit law and accounting describe the obstacles in his way

University of Michigan students on campus on April 3, 2025, in Ann Arbor, Mich.
Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

2. International students help keep ‘America First’

The U.S. has long been the global leader in attracting international students. But competition for these students is increasing as other countries vie to attract the scholars.

In a recent story for The Conversation, David L. Di Maria, vice provost for global engagement at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, wrote that stepped-up screening and vetting of students could make the U.S. a less attractive study destination.

Di Maria wrote that such efforts could hamper the Trump administration’s ability to achieve its “America First” priorities related to the economy, science and technology, and national security.

Trump administration officials have emphasized the importance of recruiting top global talent. And Trump has said that international students who graduate from U.S. colleges should be awarded a green card with their degree.

Research shows that international students launch successful startups at a rate that is eight to nine times higher than their U.S.-born peers. Roughly 25% of billion-dollar companies in the U.S. were founded by former international students, Di Maria noted.

Read more:
Deporting international students risks making the US a less attractive destination, putting its economic engine at risk

3. A boost to local economies

Indeed, international students have a tremendous economic impact on local communities.

If these global scholars stay home or go elsewhere, that’s bad economic news for cities and towns across the United States, wrote Barnet Sherman, a professor of multinational finance and trade at Boston University.

With the money they spend on tuition, food, housing and other other items, international students pump money into the local economy, but there are additional benefits.

On average, a new job is created for every three international students enrolled in a U.S. college or university. In the 2023-24 academic year, about 378,175 jobs were created, Sherman wrote.

In Greater Boston, where Harvard is located, there are about 63,000 international students who contribute to the economy. The gains are huge – about US$3 billion.

Read more:
International students infuse tens of millions of dollars into local economies across the US. What happens if they stay home?

4. Rising number of international students

The rising number of foreign students studying in the U.S. has long led to concerns about U.S. students being displaced by international peers.

The unease is often fueled by the assumption that financial interests are driving the trend, Cynthia Miller-Idriss of American University and Bernhard Streitwieser of George Washington University wrote in a 2015 story for The Conversation.

A common claim, they wrote, is the flawed assumption that “cash-strapped public universities” aggressively recruit more affluent students from abroad who can afford to pay rising tuition costs. The pair wrote that, historically, shifting demographics on college campuses result from social and economic changes.

In today’s context, Miller-Idriss and Streitwieser maintain that the argument that colleges prioritize international students fails to account for the global role of U.S. universities, which help support national security, foster international development projects and accelerate the pace of globalization.

Read more:
Foreign students not a threat, but an advantage

This story is a roundup of articles from The Conversation’s archives.

– ref. Harvard fights to keep enrolling international students – 4 essential reads about their broader impact – https://theconversation.com/harvard-fights-to-keep-enrolling-international-students-4-essential-reads-about-their-broader-impact-257506

MIL OSI –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Air traffic controller shortages in Newark and other airports partly reflect long, intense training − but university-based training programs are becoming part of the solution

Source: The Conversation – USA (2) – By Melanie Dickman, Lecturer in Aviation Studies, The Ohio State University

Air traffic controllers observe a plane taking off from San Francisco International Airport in 2017. AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

Air traffic controllers have been in the news a lot lately.

A spate of airplane crashes and near misses have highlighted the ongoing shortage of air traffic workers, leading more Americans to question the safety of air travel.

The shortage, as well as aging computer systems, have also led to massive flight disruptions at airports across the country, particularly at Newark Liberty International Airport. The staffing shortage is also likely at the center of an investigation of a deadly crash between a commercial plane and an Army helicopter over Washington, D.C., in January 2025.

One reason for the air traffic controller shortage relates to the demands of the job: The training to become a controller is extremely intense, and the Federal Aviation Administration wants only highly qualified personnel to fill those seats, which has made it difficult for what has been the sole training center in the U.S., located in Oklahoma City, to churn out enough qualified graduates each year.

As scholars who study and teach tomorrow’s aviation professionals, we are working to be part of the solution. Our program at Ohio State University is applying to join over two dozen other schools in an effort to train air traffic controllers and help alleviate the shortage.

Air traffic controller school

Air traffic control training today – overseen by the Federal Aviation Administration – remains as intense as it’s ever been.

In fact, about 30% of students fail to make it from their first day of training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City to the status of a certified professional air traffic controller. The academy currently trains the majority of the air traffic controllers in the U.S.

Before someone is accepted into the training program, they must meet several qualifications. That includes being a U.S. citizen under the age of 31 and speaking English clearly enough to be understood over the radio. The low recruitment age is because controllers currently have a mandatory retirement age of 56 – with some exceptions – and the FAA wants them to work for at least 25 years in the job.

They must also pass a medical exam and security investigation. And they must pass the air traffic controller specialists skills assessment battery, which measures an applicant’s spatial awareness and decision-making abilities.

Candidates, additionally, must have three years of general work experience, or a combination of postsecondary education and work experience totaling at least three years.

This alone is no easy feat. Fewer than 10% of applicants meet those initial requirements and are accepted into training.

An air traffic controller monitors a runway in the tower at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.
AP Photo/Seth Wenig

Intense training

Once applicants meet the initial qualifications, they begin a strenuous training process.

This begins with several weeks of classroom instruction and several months of simulator training. There are several types of simulators, and a student is assigned to a simulator based on the type of facility for which they will be hired – which depends on a trainee’s preference and where controllers are needed.

There are two main types of air traffic facilities: control towers and radar. Anyone who has flown on a plane has likely seen a control tower near the runways, with 360 degrees of tall glass windows to monitor the skies nearby. Controllers there mainly look outside to direct aircraft but also use radar to monitor the airspace and assist aircraft in taking off and landing safely.

Radar facilities, on the other hand, monitor aircraft solely through the use of information depicted on a screen. This includes aircraft flying just outside the vicinity of a major airport or when they’re at higher altitudes and crisscrossing the skies above the U.S. The controllers ensure they don’t fly too close to one another as they follow their flight paths between airports.

If the candidates make it through the first stage, which takes about six months and extensive testing to meet standards, they will be sent to their respective facilities.

Once there, they again go to the classroom, learning the details of the airspace they will be working in. There are more assessments and chances to “wash out” and have to leave the program.

Finally, the candidates are paired with an experienced controller who conducts on-the-job training to control real aircraft. This process may take an additional year or more. It depends on the complexity of the airspace and the amount of aircraft traffic at the site.

Two control towers watch over Newark Liberty International Airport, where a shortage of air traffic controllers has led to blackouts and other problems lately.
AP Photo/Seth Wenig

Increasing the employment pipeline

But no matter how good the training is, if there aren’t enough graduates, that’s a problem for managing the increasingly crowded skies.

The FAA is currently facing a deficit of about 3,000 controllers and has unveiled a plan in May 2025 to increase hiring and boost retention. In addition, Congress is mulling spending billions of dollars to update the FAA’s aging systems and hire more air traffic controllers.

Other plans include paying retention bonuses and allowing more controllers to work beyond the age of 56. That retirement age was put in place in the 1970s on the assumption that cognition for most people begins to decline around then, although research shows that age alone is not necessarily a predictor of cognitive abilities.

But we believe that aviation programs and universities can play an important role fixing the shortage by providing FAA Academy-level training.

Currently, 32 universities including the Florida Institute of Technology and Arizona State University partner with the FAA in its collegiate training initiative to provide basic air traffic control training, which gives graduates automatic entry into the FAA Academy and allows them to skip five weeks of coursework.

The institution where we work, Ohio State University, is currently working on becoming the 33rd this summer and plans to offer an undergraduate major in aviation with specialization in air traffic control.

This helps, but an enhanced version of this program, announced in October 2024, allows graduates of a select few of those universities to skip the FAA Academy altogether and go straight to a control tower or radar facility once they’ve passed all the extensive tests. These schools must match or exceed the level of rigor in their training with the FAA Academy itself.

At the end of the program, students are required to pass an evaluation by an FAA-approved evaluator to ensure that the student graduating from the program meets the same standards as all FAA Academy graduates and is prepared to go to their assigned facility for further training. So far, five schools, such as the University of North Dakota, have joined this program and are currently training air traffic controllers. We intend to join this group in the near future.

Allowing colleges and universities to start the training process while students are still in school should accelerate the pace at which new controllers enter the workforce, alleviate the shortage and make the skies over the U.S. as safe as they can be.

Melanie Dickman is a member at large of the Air Traffic Controllers Association

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

– ref. Air traffic controller shortages in Newark and other airports partly reflect long, intense training − but university-based training programs are becoming part of the solution – https://theconversation.com/air-traffic-controller-shortages-in-newark-and-other-airports-partly-reflect-long-intense-training-but-university-based-training-programs-are-becoming-part-of-the-solution-249715

MIL OSI –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Teens say they can access firearms at home, even when parents lock them up, new research shows

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Katherine G. Hastings, PhD Candidate in Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia

Most households that own firearms have more than one − and owners often don’t secure all of them. StockPlanets/E+ via Getty Images

More than half of U.S. teens living in households with firearms believe they can access and load a firearm at home. Even when their parents report storing all firearms locked and unloaded, more than one-third of teens still believe they could access and load one. These are the main findings of our new study, published in the journal JAMA Network Open.

We are behavioral scientists investigating youth injury prevention and youth safety. In this study, we analyzed national survey data from nearly 500 parents who owned firearms and their teens. One survey asked the parents to report how many firearms they had in the home and how they stored each one. Another asked their teens to estimate how quickly they could access and load a firearm at home.

While the presence of unlocked and loaded firearms in the home was weakly linked to perceived access among teens, we found that parents’ storage practices alone were a poor predictor of whether teens believed they could access a firearm. What’s more, in households with more than one firearm, locking up more firearms was not at all linked to perceived access among teens if at least one remained unsecured.

In short, just one unlocked firearm can undo the protective benefit of securing all other firearms in the home, our results showed.

Why it matters

In the U.S., firearms are now the leading cause of death among children and teens. In most of these cases, the firearm used belonged to a parent, relative or friend.

Our study focused on teens’ beliefs about firearm access, not their actual access. However, these perceptions may provide important clues around firearm access and use. Prior research shows that teens who believe they can access a firearm are more likely to access and carry one. This is particularly concerning for teens who already have a higher risk for dying by suicide.

One of the most widely supported ways to reduce teen injuries and deaths by firearms is to encourage owners to keep firearms locked and unloaded. However, most firearm-owning households in the U.S. have multiple firearms, and owners often store some firearms securely but not all.

Firearms are the leading cause of death among children and teens.
Kypros/Stock Photos Gun Safe via Getty Images

Despite evidence that securely storing firearms saves lives, efforts to promote that messaging may be less effective when it is not universally applied to all firearms in the home or when teens still know how to access them.

Our study also points to the need for messaging and safety strategies that consider teen behavior amid household firearm dynamics. For example, teens may observe where firearms are stored or know where keys or combinations are kept and unlock firearms in moments of impulsivity or emotional distress. Beyond securely storing firearms, encouraging parents to treat every firearm in the household as a potential source of risk and talking with teens about how to address conflicts and promote mental and emotional well-being may also be protective.

Additionally, our study adds support for universal laws that require securely storing all firearms in homes in which children live and mandating routine assessments of teen firearm access by pediatricians.

What still isn’t known

It is still unclear how teens’ beliefs about their access to firearms affects whether they actually seek them out – or how the variability of parents’ practices on storing firearms affects teen access.

Another important question is how teens’ perceptions of their access to firearms at home may vary depending on cultural backgrounds, geography and different households’ attitudes and beliefs around firearm use.

Additionally, our study looked only at teens ages 14 to 18. Further research is needed to explore these associations among younger children in firearm-owning households.

The Research Brief is a short take on interesting academic work.

Rebeccah Sokol receives funding from the National Institutes of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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

– ref. Teens say they can access firearms at home, even when parents lock them up, new research shows – https://theconversation.com/teens-say-they-can-access-firearms-at-home-even-when-parents-lock-them-up-new-research-shows-256550

MIL OSI –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: UK Yeoman Usher of the Black Rod explains the role of the mace

Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)

A mace is carried into the House of Lords chamber in a procession at the beginning of each sitting day.

Hear from Neil, Yeoman Usher of the Black Rod, as he explains what happens during the procession and his role.

Catch-up on House of Lords business:

Watch live events: https://parliamentlive.tv/Lords
Read the latest news: https://www.parliament.uk/lords/

Stay up to date with the House of Lords on social media:

• X: https://twitter.com/UKHouseofLords
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/houseoflords.parliament.uk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/UKHouseofLords/
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• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@UKHouseOfLords

#HouseOfLords #UKParliament

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/movdnaGjzxs

MIL OSI Video –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: Media release: East coast gas market review an opportunity to strengthen investment and increase supply – Australian Energy Producers

Source: Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association

Headline: Media release: East coast gas market review an opportunity to strengthen investment and increase supply – Australian Energy Producers

Australian Energy Producers welcomes the Federal Government’s review of the east coast gas market to deliver the natural gas needed to power the economy, put downward pressure on prices, and remain a reliable export partner.

Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch said industry supported the Government’s commitment to consolidating and streamlining regulations and creating a long-term stable regulatory environment to facilitate investment in new supply.

“The review is an opportunity to future-proof the east coast gas market and ensure reliable and affordable gas supply for Australian households and manufacturers,” Ms McCulloch said.

“Natural gas will play a critical role in Australia’s energy mix for decades to come. The east coast gas market needs to be fit-for-purpose to support continued investment in our abundant gas resources and avoid projected shortfalls.

Ms McCulloch said the review should focus on delivering new gas supply by streamlining regulation, restoring market signals, and eliminating duplicative and onerous reporting requirements.

“The Government’s Future Gas Strategy makes clear that natural gas will remain critical to Australia’s energy security through to 2050 and beyond. This requires a strong, stable and competitive east coast gas market that encourages investment and timely supply.”

The ACCC’s latest report on the east coast gas market released today underscores the urgent need to remove barriers to new gas supply to avoid forecast gas shortfalls. It found “the east coast has sufficient gas reserves and resources to meet projected domestic demand for at least the next decade”, but “a combination of policy, technical and commercial factors over the past 15 years has impeded their development”.

“Australian gas producers are committed to delivering the reliable and affordable gas supply Australians need, and we look forward to working constructively with government, gas users and stakeholders throughout the review,” Ms McCulloch said.

Media Contact: 0434 631 511

MIL OSI Global Banks –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Young pupils champion Deaf Awareness

Source: Scotland – City of Perth

The competition, which formed part of a wider initiative to promote deaf awareness, invited primary school pupils to create posters showcasing a superhero who is deaf, highlighting the importance of representation and understanding.

A judging panel selected three winning entries from the submissions received. The panel consisted of Councillor Ian Massie, member of the Learning and Families Committee, Fiona Mackay, Service Manager for Inclusion and Additional Support, David McPhee, Team Leader for Equalities, Ronald Burns, a resident and employee of the council who is a deaf BSL user and Kirsty Lockhart, Inclusion Co-ordinator. Additionally, Kirsten from Crieff High School and George Brodie, a previous pupil who is now studying Art at Dundee University were part of the judging panel.

The judges praised the entries as “very imaginative and eye-catching”, reflecting the pupils’ thoughtful engagement with the theme.

The winning entries from Hanna, Pitlochry Primary School, Taylor, Goodlyburn Primary School and Evie, Oakbank Primary School, were celebrated in a special presentation at the pupil’s schools where they received certificates and prizes for their outstanding work.

In addition to the poster competition, around 500 pupils participated in deaf awareness, using the online resource aimed at raising awareness about deafness and promoting inclusive communication strategies. The resource included a retelling of the well-know Elmer story in sign language by Hazel Burns, Librarian at Perth High School.

This resource will be a valuable addition to the ongoing work of the Hearing Support team who provide vital support to around 110 children and young people, both at home and within their educational setting. By complementing existing services, the resource will help further embed understanding and inclusion across primary schools within the Perth and Kinross area.

Congratulations to all the winners for their inspiring designs and to every pupil who took part in this important initiative.

Councillor Ian Massie, selection panel judge and member of the Council’s Learning and Families Committee said: “This competition has been a fantastic way to engage young people in raising deaf awareness within their own and other schools in Perth and Kinross. The creativity and empathy shown in the pupils’ designs are truly inspiring, and we are incredibly proud of their efforts.”

Councillor Peter Barrett, Equalities Lead for Perth and Kinross Council, added:
“Raising awareness about deafness and promoting equality is vital in building a more inclusive community. The work these pupils have done, both through their superhero designs and the online resource, demonstrates a deep understanding and commitment to making a difference to those in our communities who are deaf.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Night to remember as gallery’s goddess is conserved

Source: City of Leeds

A breath-taking, life-sized artwork depicting its painter’s wife as a beautiful goddess has gone on display after being delicately conserved by experts at Leeds Art Gallery.

The romantic tribute Goddess of Night, by artist Quentin Bell is part of a new exhibition exploring different portrayals of women over the past 400 years, after it was the subject of a careful restoration project by specialist paper conservator James Caverhill.

Separating the fragile piece from its backing, James began the painstaking process of repairing a split which had occurred in the brittle paper over many years.

Drawn in astonishing detail on fragile material, the remarkable piece is one of a pair, with its companion Goddess of Day – also part of the gallery’s collection – having been generously gifted last year by Vanda Walton.

Both pieces are now proudly on display in the gallery as part of its current Portrayals of Women exhibition, which explores how women have been portrayed from the 17th century to the present day.

Bell was the nephew of Virginia Woolf, as well as a renowned ceramicist and former professor of fine art at The University of Leeds. He based both artworks on his beloved wife Anne Olivier Bell, known as Olivier, completing the captivating portraits in the early years of their marriage.

Olivier, a distinguished art expert herself, met her future husband during a study trip to Paris in 1937 where he painted her for the first time.

In 1945, she worked for the Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives Branch of the Control Commission for Germany, one of the so-called ‘Monuments Men’ featured in the 2014 film starring George Clooney.

She was also one of the first members of the Arts Council, a role which included escorting paintings from Munich’s Alte Pinakothek on goods trains across Germany for display at the National Gallery in London.

Both Goddess of Day and Goddess of Night hung in the couple’s Sussex home for many years until 1980, when Bell gifted both paintings to his friend and colleague Peter Walton, Vanda’s late husband.

The works, which were cherished and well cared for, remained in Peter and Vanda’s home until last year when they were generously donated to the gallery.

Kirsty Young, Leeds Art Gallery’s assistant curator of fine art, said: “Both these works by Bell have a unique and timeless beauty, even more so because of the personal story behind them and the powerful emotional connection the artist clearly had with his subject.

“Bell’s works frequently reference classical mythology and these works that have a strong architectural quality to them are a perfect reflection of this.

“In various mythologies, day and night are personified as female deities that control the cycle of light and darkness. These portrayals often highlight female power, beauty, wisdom and influence. The figures here are clearly identifiable through the symbolic items they are holding.

“The nature of works on paper means that over time, they can be subject to this kind of deterioration as the paper can become very brittle, so we’re extremely fortunate to have James’s expertise in conserving Goddess of Night in readiness for display.

“Bell painted Olivier a number of times through his career, and as well as being a companion in life, she was clearly also a huge inspiration to him artistically, so we’re looking forward to sharing their story with visitors through these stunning artworks.”

Bell’s works are part of Leeds Art Gallery’s impressive fine art collection which is designated as being of national and international importance. The collection of works on paper is one of the finest in Britain and consists of over 10,000 items dating from 1450 to the present day.

The Portrayals of Women exhibition brings together a range of artworks from Leeds Art Gallery’s nationally renowned works on paper collection. It features a selection of works including historic pieces by Ottavio Leoni and Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, to recent acquisitions by contemporary artists Skye Davies and SHARP

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “The opportunity to learn about and be inspired by stunning artworks like this is exactly why our gallery and its incredible collection are so important to life and culture in Leeds.

“Preserving and conserving these works means that future generations will also be able to learn about them and their fascinating stories for many years to come.”

Jane Bhoyroo, principal keeper at Leeds Art Gallery added: “We are very grateful for this recent gift which enables us to continue to grow the city’s outstanding collection. We look forward to sharing this remarkable work with our audiences”.

For more details about Leeds Art Gallery’s Portrayals of Women exhibition, please visit: Portrayals of Women | Leeds Museums and Galleries | Days out and exhibitions

ENDS

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Artek at 100%! Polytech took part in the anniversary of the children’s center

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

The International Children’s Center “Artek” celebrates its centenary this year. Over its century-long history, the camp has become a real forge of talents. It unites children from different regions of Russia and countries and opens up new horizons for them.

Artek hosted the technology festival “From Dream to Progress”, dedicated to the development of the latest technologies in various sectors of the country – construction, agriculture, space industry, medicine. The event was attended by representatives of the Russian ministries, universities, as well as various companies such as VKontakte, Russian Railways, Sberbank.

Polytech is one of Artek’s key partners. Every year, the university holds specialized shifts at the International Children’s Center aimed at developing engineering thinking, modern skills, and scientific and technical creativity, helping talented children find their way.

The University organized several interactive platforms for the participants of the anniversary shift. One of them was called “Programming Microorganisms”. There, schoolchildren learned how genetic engineering changes medicine, agro-industry and food technologies. Under the guidance of IBSiB students Alena Babich and Matvey Mokan, the children immersed themselves in the world of genetic code, tried to create and edit DNA on models.

At the site “Electronics for Space and Telecommunication Systems of the “Smart Environment”” the participants got acquainted with the latest systems of space and ground communications, got the opportunity to work with a real nanosatellite. As part of teams, they processed data received from spacecraft and ground sources of radio signals. Engineer of the Institute of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications Alexandra Kuznetsova and assistant of the institute Sergey Melnikov spoke about promising professions in the field of space technologies.

At the “Smart City Unmanned Systems” site, schoolchildren equipped models of unmanned vehicles with the necessary equipment. They studied the operating principles of sensors and probes, understood the logic of placing devices on unmanned vehicles, and gained an understanding of the technologies of the “smart city” of the future. The master class was conducted by Georgy Vasilyanov, senior lecturer at the Institute of Scientific and Technical Sciences, and Vladimir Voronov, engineer at the Institute of Scientific and Technical Sciences. The site continued a long-standing tradition. Every year, Polytechnic University holds a specialized shift in Artek dedicated to the technologies of the “smart city” and autonomous transport.

For us, cooperation with Artek is an opportunity to spark children’s interest in science and innovation today. We see how the children who have attended our shifts return home with new knowledge and a desire to change the world for the better. During specialized shifts, we strive to inspire participants by showing them the connection between school knowledge, university education and the professions of the future. Through the interaction of science and industry, we demonstrate how innovations make life better, and high-quality education opens the way to the profession of your dreams, – noted Artem Egupov, Director of the Center for Work with Applicants at SPbPU.

On Artek’s birthday, Polytech prepared interactive platforms demonstrating key areas of technological development. Not only the participants of the Artek shift, but also children from all over Crimea invited to this event were able to get acquainted with the advanced developments of the university.

The festival’s guests of honor were Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Chernyshenko and Minister of Education of the Russian Federation Sergey Kravtsov, who viewed the exhibits. Dmitry Chernyshenko especially noted the interactive platforms of SPbPU, emphasizing that they attract the largest number of participants and serve as a striking example of an effective combination of educational methods with modern technologies.

The Artek anniversary ended with a celebration in which more than 4,000 children took part. The main event was the musical “100 Years of the Childhood Road” – a colorful show that told about the centuries-old history of the camp, from the first days to the present day.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Inspiring Ruth is national dementia award winner

Source: City of Coventry

Our adult social care services are celebrating after three colleagues and partners were recognised in the National Dementia Care Awards for 2025, held last week in London

The colleagues are all a part of the Coventry Dementia Partnership Hub (CDPH).

Ruth Chauhan won her category of “Inspirational person with dementia” for her work at CDPH.

Ruth is a key member of the CDHP, and as a person living with a dementia, she really does show that you can live well with dementia.

As well as delivering services through Amba Care Solutions, a company set up by Ruth and her husband Jay, she also dedicates her time to the hub, running two very successful sessions.

On a Monday, she runs Meaningful Moments whereby for people with dementia and at the same time a session for carers.

Her target group is people from the Asian communities, to try and make our services more accessible to a wide range of people.

Ruth is also a member of the CDPH ‘Culturally Inclusive’ group where the aim is to reach out to underserved communities, she volunteers her time and expertise whenever it is needed.

Ruth has also provided dementia training to some of our partners including the Police, Fire Service and Lions Club of Coventry Godiva.

Ruth said: “It was an honour just to be nominated – thanks April Ross. I couldn’t quite believe it when they announced my name as the winner. This award is for everyone who overcomes the difficulties that come with a cognitive impairment.

“If I can inspire just one person to believe that by embracing a ‘new normal’ you can overcome anything and make a difference, then all the challenges I face every day are worth it.”

Terri Hallinan, who is the manager of a residential care home for people with Dementia (Eric Williams House) was shortlisted for the Registered Manager in Dementia Care award, Terri was nominated for her excellent leadership skills and dedication to enhancing the lives of people with dementia under her care. The nomination highlighted Terri’s commitment to creating a culturally inclusive environment. Terri said: “It was such a joy to be shortlisted and to attend a night filled with celebration and inspiration. Being surrounded by so many passionate people reminded me just how powerful kindness, dedication, and teamwork can be in making a real difference every day.

Shashi Prasad (Lions Club for Coventry Godiva) was also shortlisted for the Diversity and Dementia award, which recognised Shashi’s role as chair of the Culturally Inclusive sub-group which sits under the Coventry Dementia Partnership Hub (CDPH) work.

Shashi’s role is integral to raising awareness of dementia in global majority communities, seeking to break down stigmas around dementia. This group’s work was publicised in a worldwide Common Age report. Shashi has worked with the Council to create dementia awareness videos in different languages as part of raising awareness.

Cllr Linda Bigham, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: “This is wonderful news. Coventry really does have many amazing people working in care or as carers or engaging with care services. There is so much love and joy in the services I witness every day, which proves you can live to your potential, whatever your circumstances. Congratulations to Ruth, Terri and Shashi.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China expects to see 953M railway trips during summer travel rush

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

China is expected to see 953 million railway passenger trips during the upcoming summer travel rush, which will kick off on Tuesday, the country’s railway operator said on Monday.

The figure is 5.8 percent higher than the number of railway passenger trips recorded in the summer travel rush in 2024, according to the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.

The summer travel rush is usually a busy season for the railway network as college students return home and families travel.

This year’s summer travel rush will last for 62 days from July 1 to Aug. 31, and some 15.37 million passenger trips are expected to be made daily on average during the period, the railway operator said.

To cater to the surge in demand, railway authorities will schedule additional train services, with the nationwide operating passenger trains topping 11,500 on daily average, according to the railway operator.

MIL OSI China News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Trump’s tax and spending bill faces Democratic resistance, GOP divisions

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

A U.S. Senate debate has stretched into midnight Sunday over President Donald Trump’s massive tax and spending package, as Republicans push to meet Trump’s self-imposed Fourth of July deadline.

Dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” the legislation cleared a 51-49 procedural vote in the Senate late Saturday night, setting the stage for the debate. Even after clearing the initial hurdle, GOP leaders face an uphill battle with unified Democratic opposition and divisions within their own ranks.

Key provisions of bill

The Senate bill features approximately 4 trillion U.S. dollars in tax cuts, including the permanent extension of Trump’s 2017 tax rates, which are currently set to expire at year’s end if Congress fails to intervene, and the introduction of new cuts he promoted on the campaign trail, such as eliminating taxes on tips.

The legislation also allocates 350 billion dollars for border and national security efforts, including money for deportations.

To offset these tax breaks and new spending, the bill proposes sweeping cuts to Medicaid and food stamps by tightening eligibility standards and enforcing stricter work requirements. It also calls for the repeal of billions of dollars in green energy tax credits.

Republicans struggle to secure votes

With a 53-47 edge in the Senate, Republicans need nearly unanimous support from their ranks to pass the sprawling 940-page legislation.

Two Republican senators, Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Rand Paul of Kentucky, defected in the procedural vote on Saturday, despite GOP leaders and Vice President JD Vance making efforts to broker last-minute compromises.

Tillis’s opposition, driven by concerns about Medicaid cuts harming his home state, led to intense pressure from Trump, who publicly threatened to campaign against him in the next primary.

On Sunday, Tillis announced that he would not seek reelection. “In Washington over the last few years, it’s become increasingly evident that leaders who are willing to embrace bipartisanship, compromise, and demonstrate independent thinking are becoming an endangered species,” he said in a statement.

Paul, for his part, criticized the bill’s provision to raise the national debt ceiling by an additional 5 trillion dollars.

Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin reversed his initial opposition and voted in favor of the bill following private discussions.

Several Republican senators who voted to advance the bill on Saturday said Sunday that they are still weighing how they will vote on final passage.

Democrats mount united front

Senate Democrats are employing every tool to slow the bill’s progress and expose its impacts. They forced a full 16-hour reading of the entire bill text, a symbolic move aimed at highlighting the legislation’s complexity and sweeping changes.

After debate began Sunday afternoon, Democrats delivered impassioned speeches condemning the bill for disproportionately benefiting the wealthy while placing greater burdens on low-income Americans.

Senators like Bernie Sanders and Gary Peters criticized the package for cutting health care and food assistance while preserving massive tax breaks for the wealthy.

“Reckless and irresponsible,” said Peters, while Sanders described the bill as “a gift to the billionaire class.”

According to a Congressional Budget Office analysis, 11.8 million more Americans would become uninsured by 2034, and the deficit would rise by up to 3.3 trillion dollars over a decade if the bill becomes law.

Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said that Republicans are about to pass “the single most expensive bill in U.S. history.”

“Republicans are doing something the Senate has never, never done before, deploying fake math and accounting gimmicks to hide the true cost of the bill,” he said.

Road ahead

GOP leaders are determined to advance Trump’s signature agenda. “We’re going to pass the ‘Big, beautiful bill,’” said Senator Lindsey Graham, the Budget Committee chairman.

But the bill’s complexity, internal party fractures and Democratic resistance make passage a daunting challenge.

Following as many as 20 hours of debate, the Senate is expected to proceed to an amendment session ahead of a final vote.

If the bill ultimately clears the Senate, it must return to the House for a final vote before heading to the White House. The House passed its version of the bill last month.

Elon Musk, former head of the Department of Government Efficiency and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, reiterated his opposition to the bill on Saturday, writing on X that it would “destroy millions of jobs in America and cause immense strategic harm to our country.”

“It gives handouts to industries of the past while severely damaging industries of the future,” he added.

MIL OSI China News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cabinet Secretary visits landmark mine water heat scheme
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release

Cabinet Secretary visits landmark mine water heat scheme

English

Cymraeg

Welsh Minister Rebecca Evans opens Wales’ first commercial mine water heat scheme in Ammanford, showcasing low-carbon energy from former coal mines.
Wales’ first commercial mine water heat scheme, in Ammanford, has been officially opened today by Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Evans.

The pioneering project was developed by the Mining Remediation Authority, at its existing Lindsay mine water treatment scheme, in partnership with local renewable energy company Thermal Earth Ltd and Innovate UK.

Low-carbon heating and hot water is now being delivered to an industrial unit and offices on the Capel Hendre Industrial Estate in a flagship example of how Wales is turning its industrial past into a sustainable energy future.

Rebecca Evans MS, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, said:

In Wales, we want to lead the way in renewable energy solutions that make the most of our industrial heritage.

By repurposing our former mining infrastructure to provide clean, sustainable heat, we are not only reducing carbon emissions but also creating new economic opportunities in our communities and strengthening local economies.

The Lindsay scheme uses heat exchangers submerged in treatment ponds to extract warmth from naturally heated mine water, which is then boosted to replace fossil fuel heating, saving an estimated 17.5 tonnes of CO₂ annually.

It was identified as a prime opportunity through detailed mine water heat mapping commissioned by the Welsh Government and delivered by the Mining Remediation Authority.

This work forms part of the Heat Strategy for Wales and highlights areas where mine water schemes could play a significant role in decarbonising heat and supporting local energy planning.

Andrew Simpson, head of Innovation, By-Products and Service Delivery at the Mining Remediation Authority, said:

Today marks a proud moment for everyone involved. This isn’t just a technical achievement, it’s a statement of intent. We’re showing that mine water heat can be a practical, scalable solution for decarbonising heat. It’s a model we hope to see replicated across Wales and beyond.

Nick Salini, managing director of Thermal Earth Ltd, added:

This project is proof that local innovation can drive national change. As a business rooted in Ammanford, we’re proud to be part of a scheme that’s not only reducing our carbon footprint but also demonstrating what’s possible when public and private sectors work together with a shared vision.

Project partners and stakeholders toured the site, which has been operational since March 2025 and forms part of a broader programme by the Mining Remediation Authority to explore the geothermal energy potential of Britain’s coalfields, including any opportunities at more than 80 mine water treatment sites it already operates to protect and enhance the environment.

This latest development builds on the success of earlier projects in the North East of England, including the privately funded scheme at Lanchester Wines, Gateshead, which has been using mine water to provide low-carbon space heating since 2018.

More recently, the Gateshead Energy Company mine water heat network, the UK’s first large-scale scheme of its kind, began supplying heat to homes, public buildings and businesses in 2023.

These projects have demonstrated the reliability and potential of mine water heat, laying the groundwork for wider adoption across the UK.

Further momentum is building with the Seaham Garden Village project in County Durham, currently under development, which aims to use mine water heat to supply 750 new homes, showcasing how mine water energy can support large-scale, sustainable housing developments.

The Mining Remediation Authority is also progressing discussions with local authorities and industry partners across Great Britain. This includes scoping of potential sites in Wales with Rhondda Cynon Taf, Caerphilly, Flintshire and Blaenau Gwent councils, as well as wider engagement to identify and develop future mine water heat schemes that can support the transition to low-carbon heating at scale.

For media enquiries contact the community response team

Email communityresponse@miningremediation.gov.uk

Telephone 0800 288 4211

For emergency media enquiries (out of hours) call: 0800 288 4242.
Only urgent media calls will be attended to.

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Published 30 June 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Guinea Chamber of Mines and Critical Minerals Africa Group Sign Landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to Boost Inward Investment and Accelerate Guinea’s Critical Minerals Sector

The Guinea Chamber of Mines and Critical Minerals Africa Group (www.CMAGAfrica.com) have today announced the signing of a ground-breaking Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at fostering strategic partnership, attracting investment, and unlocking the immense potential of Guinea’s critical minerals sector. This alliance marks a significant milestone in Guinea’s journey to becoming a key player in Africa’s industrialisation and global supply chains for critical minerals.

The MOU underscores a shared commitment to developing Guinea’s vast deposits of bauxite, gold, and, most notably, its rich reserves of critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements. By working together, the two organizations aim to streamline investment processes, promote responsible mining practices, and catalyse infrastructural development to support sustainable growth.

Guinea’s critical minerals sector is poised for exponential growth, driven by global demand for electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies, and advanced electronics. The country’s strategic location, abundant natural resources, and government support position it as a pivotal hub for Africa’s industrialization.

One of the standout projects fuelling this momentum is the Simandou iron ore and associated mineral deposits. The Simandou Range is renowned for its vast reserves of high-grade iron ore, which is essential for steel production worldwide. Its development is expected to significantly boost Guinea’s economy and position the country as a key supplier in global markets.

“This partnership with Critical Minerals Africa Group is a testament to Guinea’s commitment to becoming an industrial powerhouse. Our abundant natural resources, particularly in critical minerals, are vital to the global transition to clean energy. By fostering strategic investments and responsible mining practices, we are unlocking the transformative potential of Guinea’s mineral wealth,” Ismaël Diakite, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Guinea Chamber of Mines.

“Guinea is at the forefront of Africa’s mining revolution. Guinea’s rich deposits of critical minerals, coupled with the country’s strategic location and supportive policies, make it an ideal hub for industrial development on the continent. This alliance will accelerate investments, create jobs, and support sustainable growth,” stated Veronica Bolton Smith, CEO of The Critical Minerals Africa Group.

As Africa’s fastest-growing economy, Guinea offers an attractive landscape for investors seeking to tap into the continent’s mineral wealth. The country’s government has prioritized infrastructure development, policy reforms, and regional cooperation, making Guinea a magnet for foreign direct investment.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Critical Minerals Africa Group (CMAG).

Media Enquiries:
Halla Abdulla
Media Manager, The Critical Minerals Africa Group
Email: info@cmagafrica.com

About the Guinea Chamber of Mines:
The Guinea Chamber of Mines is the premier industry association representing mining companies and promoting sustainable mining development in Guinea.

About The Critical Minerals Africa Group (CMAG):
The Critical Minerals Africa Group is an advocacy group that seeks to foster deeper relationships between Africa and global markets and put Africa at the heart of international discussions surrounding critical minerals and associated supply chains. CMAG aims to enable the creation of resilient and diversified critical minerals supply chains that benefit the communities in which they are extracted, as well as to accelerate economic development through the capture of value-adding activities.

MIL OSI Africa –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Monetary developments in the euro area: May 2025
Source: European Central Bank

30 June 2025

Components of the broad monetary aggregate M3

The annual growth rate of the broad monetary aggregate M3 stood at 3.9% in May 2025, unchanged from the previous month, averaging 3.8% in the three months up to May. The components of M3 showed the following developments. The annual growth rate of the narrower aggregate M1, which comprises currency in circulation and overnight deposits, increased to 5.1% in May from 4.7% in April. The annual growth rate of short-term deposits other than overnight deposits (M2-M1) decreased to -0.1% in May from 0.6% in April. The annual growth rate of marketable instruments (M3-M2) increased to 11.2% in May from 10.7% in April.

Chart 1

Monetary aggregates

(annual growth rates)

Data for monetary aggregates

Looking at the components’ contributions to the annual growth rate of M3, the narrower aggregate M1 contributed 3.2 percentage points (up from 3.0 percentage points in April), short-term deposits other than overnight deposits (M2-M1) contributed 0.0 percentage points (down from 0.2 percentage points) and marketable instruments (M3-M2) contributed 0.7 percentage points (as in the previous month).

Among the holding sectors of deposits in M3, the annual growth rate of deposits placed by households stood at 3.5% in May, compared with 3.4% in April, while the annual growth rate of deposits placed by non-financial corporations stood at 2.7% in May, compared with 2.6% in April. Finally, the annual growth rate of deposits placed by investment funds other than money market funds decreased to 15.4% in May from 21.2% in April.

Counterparts of the broad monetary aggregate M3

The annual growth rate of M3 in May 2025, as a reflection of changes in the items on the monetary financial institution (MFI) consolidated balance sheet other than M3 (counterparts of M3), can be broken down as follows: net external assets contributed 2.6 percentage points (up from 2.5 percentage points in April), claims on the private sector contributed 2.4 percentage points (up from 2.3 percentage points), claims on general government contributed 0.2 percentage points (as in the previous month), longer-term liabilities contributed -1.2 percentage points (down from -1.1 percentage points), and the remaining counterparts of M3 contributed -0.1 percentage points (as in the previous month).

Chart 2

Contribution of the M3 counterparts to the annual growth rate of M3

(percentage points)

Data for contribution of the M3 counterparts to the annual growth rate of M3

Claims on euro area residents

The annual growth rate of total claims on euro area residents stood at 2.0% in May 2025, compared with 1.9% in the previous month. The annual growth rate of claims on general government stood at 0.6% in May, compared with 0.5% in April, while the annual growth rate of claims on the private sector stood at 2.5% in May, compared with 2.4% in April.

The annual growth rate of adjusted loans to the private sector (i.e. adjusted for loan transfers and notional cash pooling) stood at 2.8% in May, unchanged from the previous month. Among the borrowing sectors, the annual growth rate of adjusted loans to households stood at 2.0% in May, compared with 1.9% in April, while the annual growth rate of adjusted loans to non-financial corporations stood at 2.5% in May, compared with 2.6% in April.

Chart 3

Adjusted loans to the private sector

(annual growth rates)

Data for adjusted loans to the private sector

Notes:
- Data in this press release are adjusted for seasonal and end-of-month calendar effects, unless stated otherwise.
- “Private sector” refers to euro area non-MFIs excluding general government.
- Hyperlinks lead to data that may change with subsequent releases as a result of revisions. Figures shown in annex tables are a snapshot of the data as at the time of the current release.
MIL OSI Europe News –
June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: NSU has completed an internship program for foreign specialists in the field of engineering InteRussia

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

The Novosibirsk State University has completed the InteRussia internship program for foreign engineering specialists, which ran from June 2 to 27. Akademgorodok was visited by 17 students from 14 countries, including Chile, Jordan, India, Pakistan, Brazil, Albania, Serbia, Bangladesh, Turkmenistan, Belarus, Indonesia, Ecuador, Uzbekistan, and Tanzania. This was the first experience for the university in holding such a long event with the participation of young researchers from different countries.

The internship was organized by the Gorchakov Fund, the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and the ANO “Mezhdunarodniki” with the support of the Directorate of the World Youth Festival and the Presidential Grants Fund.

Adelina Kozulina, an employee of the NSU Education Export Department and coordinator of the InteRussia international internship, summed up the results of the project and commented:

— This is our second experience of holding an international internship Interussia together with the Gorchakov Fund. I think that this time the experience was very positive. The guys were friendly and sociable, they really successfully integrated into our team and the academic atmosphere. It was very easy to interact and communicate with them. This time we had a wider geography, the participants came from different countries. For the NSU Education Export Department, this was a very interesting experience.

For a month, young researchers were trained at the university in two promising areas – “Artificial Intelligence and Medicine” and “Modern Quantum and Information Technologies in Electronics and Photonics”. The event resulted in the preparation and presentation of their own scientific project.

Evgeny Pavlovsky, Head of the Laboratory of Streaming Data Analytics and Machine Learning Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics of NSU and the head of the Artificial Intelligence and Medicine department, noted at the school’s closing ceremony:

— I am glad that we successfully held and completed this school, which involved very talented young researchers. Thanks to this internship, you not only learned something new, but also got imbued with the special atmosphere of Akademgorodok. You made new contacts and will continue to work together. I am sure that you can become those who will shape our good future with artificial intelligence both in healthcare and in other areas.

Artur Pogosov, professor of the Department of Semiconductor Physics Physics Department of NSU, Head of the Department of General Physics at NSU Physics Department, thanked the participants for their energy, attention and curiosity:

— Quantum mechanics and quantum computing is an amazing and complex field of knowledge, based on deep philosophical ideas. As a rule, our students spend an entire academic year to master this area. For you, it was rather a quick and unexpected jump. But even this short period allowed you to see the complexity, beauty and mystery of the quantum world. I wish you success in your further studies, research, a brilliant career and future.

The school participants thanked the organizers and noted the special friendly atmosphere that had developed during the internship. They also expressed confidence that they would interact and continue their joint research work.

Annageldi Khydyrov, Turkmenistan:

— I work as a leading programmer and developer in the field of AI. This is not my first trip to Russia. This time I chose the direction of “Artificial Intelligence and Medicine”. My experience here will be very helpful for my further research. The professors taught at the highest level, we not only studied theory, but also practiced. Previously, I was little familiar with the use of AI in medicine, thanks to this internship, new horizons of understanding opened up for me. We became very close friends with all the participants, I am sure that we will continue to cooperate.

Bashar Firas Issaf Al-Sayegh, Jordan:

— I chose quantum technologies because I have a basic background in physics and am currently deciding in which area to continue my studies and research. This international internship allowed me to make a choice regarding the topic of my master’s and later doctoral dissertations. This concerns the technical side and training. I would also like to note the social aspect. It was a wonderful experience for all participants. We met people from all over the world, we talked about our cultures, languages, traditions, heritage and religions. This is a unique experience for me as well, because now I know that there are people on this planet who have the same ambitions, needs and human feelings. I am returning home more confident and with a stock of interesting stories.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: Samsung Launches Galaxy M36 5G in India, Introduces Advanced AI Innovations in Mid-Segment Smartphones

Source: Samsung

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today announced the launch of Galaxy M36 5G, the latest addition to the immensely popular Galaxy M Series. Designed for young Indian consumers, Galaxy M36 5G packs in a suite of AI innovations along with several segment-leading features such as 50MP OIS triple camera, Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus®+ protection and 6 generations of Android upgrade.

“As part of our commitment to bring meaningful innovations that empower customers’ lives, we are launching the Galaxy M36 5G with segment-leading features and bringing AI innovations at an affordable price point. The stylish & durable Galaxy M36 5G complements our consumers’ lifestyle and with the introduction of Circle to Search with Google and Gemini Live, we are furthering the democratization of mobile AI across the Galaxy ecosystem,” said Akshay S Rao, Director, MX Business, Samsung India.

Democratization of AI
Galaxy M36 5G will come with Circle to Search with Google, furthering the democratization of mobile AI to even more devices in the Galaxy ecosystem. Built upon Samsung-Google collaboration, Circle to Search brings a seamless search experience to Galaxy users for images, texts and music. Additionally, it will also introduce new AI experience with Gemini Live, bringing real-time visual conversations with AI to Galaxy users. Through AI-powered assistance, Galaxy users can more naturally engage in conversational interactions that make everyday tasks easier.

All New Design And Monster Durability
With design at its forefront, Galaxy M36 5G is only 7.7mm slim with a premium camera deco and features segment-leading Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus®+ protection- making it extremely tough as well as ergonomic. The segment leading protection not only withstands accidental slips and falls but also ensures that users are absolutely worry-free from scratches. Galaxy M36 5G features a 6.7” Full HD+ Super AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and Vision Booster technology making it the perfect device for an unparalleled viewing and smooth scrolling experience even in the outdoor conditions with bright sunlight. Galaxy M36 5G will be available in three vibrant and flaunt worthy colours- Velvet Black, Serene Green and Orange Haze.

Advanced Camera
Galaxy M36 5G will come with advanced 50MP OIS triple camera to shoot sharp photos and videos. The OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) ensures that videos are shake-free and images are blur-free, allowing users to capture their favorite moments while on the move. The cameras on Galaxy M36 5G are designed for vivid shots—even in low light, thanks to its Auto Night Mode that takes the Nightography feature to a different level. Users will also be able to record 4K videos on both front and rear cameras, capturing a wide range of colours for true-to-life output. Galaxy M36 5G will serve as a complete package with fantastic features like Photo Remaster and Object Eraser to take user experience to a whole new level. Galaxy M36 5G will also sport a 13MP high-resolution front camera for detailed, sharper selfies.

Monster Performance
Powered by 5nm-based Exynos 1380 processor, Galaxy M36 5G is fast and power-efficient. Equipped with a large vapor cooling chamber, the device will ensure efficient heat dissipation, providing users with a lag-free gaming experience and super smooth processing. With the ultimate speed and connectivity of 5G, users can stay fully connected wherever they go, experiencing faster downloads, smoother streaming, and uninterrupted browsing.

Galaxy M36 5G packs in 5000mAh battery that enables long sessions of browsing, gaming and binge watching. Galaxy M36 5G allows users to stay connected, entertained and productive without interruption. The device supports 25W fast charging, giving more power in less time.

Galaxy Experiences
Setting new industry benchmarks, Galaxy M36 5G will offer segment’s best 6 generations of Android upgrades and 6 years of security updates, ensuring a future-ready experience. Galaxy M36 5G will come with One UI 7 out of the box.

One UI 7 comes with a simple, impactful and emotive design, bringing streamlined and cohesive experience to Galaxy users. A simplified home screen, redesigned One UI widgets and lock screen allow users to intuitively and seamlessly customize their devices. For added convenience, Now Bar provides real-time updates that matter most right on the lock screen.

Galaxy M36 5G will also feature one of Samsung’s most innovative security features: Samsung Knox Vault. The hardware-based security system offers comprehensive protection against both hardware and software attacks. It will also include Samsung’s innovative Tap & Pay feature with Samsung Wallet allowing consumers to make secure payments effortlessly.

Product
Variant
Introductory Price
Offers

Galaxy M36 5G
6GB+128GB
INR 16499

Including INR 1000 Instant Bank Discount

8GB+128GB
INR 17999

8GB+256GB
INR 20999

Galaxy M36 5G will be available on Samsung.com, Amazon and at select retail stores staring July 12, 2025.

MIL OSI Global Banks –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Coffee, Cake & Community: Mayor invites support for charities

Source: City of Wolverhampton

Hosted by Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Craig Collingswood, the event promises a warm welcome, a slice of cake and a glass of fizz, and a rare opportunity to visit the historic Mayor’s Parlour which houses the civic regalia and see its stunning balcony views looking out over Molineux Stadium and beyond.

All attendees will be able to meet the Mayor and have a photograph taken. Proceeds will support the 4 charities the Mayor is supporting this year which are Acorns Children’s Hospice, Compton Care, SSAFA, and The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Charity.

Mayor Councillor Collingswood said: “This event is about bringing people together over something simple and joyful — coffee and cake — while making a real difference to the lives of those in our community.

“Not many people get to come and see the parlour, so we wanted to open it up and give everyone a chance to see the civic regalia and a fantastic views from our balcony.

“Each of the charities I’m supporting does incredible work, and I’m proud to help shine a light on their efforts.”

Guests will enjoy a slice of cake, a glass of fizz, and the chance to meet the Mayor in person. Tickets are priced at £10, with all profits going directly to the chosen charities.

“I hope people from across Wolverhampton will join us,” added the Mayor. “It’s a chance to relax, connect, and contribute to causes that matter.”

Tickets are available now via Eventbrite. Contact the Mayor’s Office for more information via mayoral@wolverhampton.gov.uk.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City to take a stand against anti-social behaviour

Source: City of Wolverhampton

ASB Awareness Week 2025, which begins today (Monday 30 June, 2025), aims to encourage communities to make a stand against ASB and highlight the actions that can be taken by those experiencing it.

Organised by Resolve, the UK’s leading ASB and community safety organisation, the week features a series of events all across the UK, involving councils, police, housing associations, charities, community groups and sports clubs.

The council and its partners, including West Midlands Police and the Wolverhampton ASB Team, will be carrying out community engagement activities, patrols, while School Intervention Prevention Officers and Violence Reduction Partnership will be working with local schools to educate pupils about the issue of ASB.

The council is also urging members of the public not to suffer in silence if they experience ASB. Incidents can be reported to the Wolverhampton ASB Team on 01902 556789, by email via asbu@wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk or at Report anti-social behaviour, or to the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: “We know that anti-social behaviour can cause a great deal of distress, and that’s why we’re committed to working with the public and other organisations across Wolverhampton to investigate and resolve issues as soon as possible.

“Statistics show that 56% of victims and witnesses don’t report ASB, but nobody should suffer in silence. So, our message is clear – if you see something, make sure you report it.

“We also have a range of events taking place in Wolverhampton to support ASB Awareness Week and I encourage residents to take part and help make it clear that ASB has no place in Wolverhampton.”

As well as patrols and engagement activities there will be information pop-ups at Bilston Indoor Market today (Monday) from 10am to 2pm, Warstones Library tomorrow (Tuesday) from 2pm to 5pm, the Avion Centre in Whitmore Reans on Wednesday from 11am to 2pm, the Civic Centre on Friday from noon to 1pm and Wolverhampton bus station on Friday from 2.30pm to 4pm.

Meanwhile, Resolve is hosting a series of webinars throughout the week as part of its summit, beginning with one to officially launch ASB Awareness Week today at noon. For more details, visit Resolve Summit 2025.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: China-Russia Border Culture Season Launches in Tongjiang

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhua) — The 11th China-Russia Border Culture Season opened with a grand concert in the Chinese city of Tongjiang on Saturday, leading Chinese news platform chinanews.com reported.

Tongjiang borders the Jewish Autonomous Region of Russia’s Far Eastern Federal District. This border city is home to the only border crossing in Heilongjiang Province (Northeastern China) that is connected to Russia by water, road, and rail transport.

Speaking at the opening of the event, Zhang Dawei, head of the city party committee, noted that in recent years, Tongjiang has maintained close trade, economic and humanitarian contacts with various regions of the Russian Far East, having organized more than 600 exhibitions and concerts, sports competitions, and events in the field of experience exchange with them to date. He expressed hope that this border culture season will provide more opportunities for strengthening interregional cooperation between the two countries.

The opening ceremony was also attended by the head of the Smidovichsky district of the Jewish Autonomous Region, Yevgeny Bashkirov, who called the current cultural season an important platform for increasing good neighborliness, mutual understanding, as well as trade, economic and humanitarian cooperation between the border regions of Russia and China.

As it became known, the 11th China-Russia Border Culture Season with the leitmotif of “Open Tongjiang, International Tongjiang” will last until the end of August. It will include 24 major events, including a live gala concert “Tongjiang Evening”, a music and beer carnival, a friendly billiard tournament and a presentation of business partnership projects. -0-

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: Nokia signs revolving credit facility with its pricing mechanism linked to the company’s sustainability targets
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Press Release
Nokia signs revolving credit facility with its pricing mechanism linked to the company’s sustainability targets
- Nokia’s financing strategy maintains steadfast link with its sustainability strategy with EUR 1.5 billion multicurrency revolving credit facility.
- New facility builds on previous work in this area including sustainability-linked guarantee facility and sustainable finance framework.
- Pricing mechanism linked to reduction of Nokia’s Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions.
26 June 2025
Espoo, Finland – Nokia announced today the recent signing of a EUR 1.5 billion five-year multicurrency revolving credit facility (“RCF”) with two one-year extension options, and continues with a sustainability pricing mechanism linking the margin of the RCF to two key RCF sustainability targets outlined below. The margin of the RCF will increase or decrease depending on Nokia’s progress towards reaching these targets. The new RCF will replace the EUR 1,412 million RCF agreement dated 18 June 2019.

Nokia’s key RCF sustainability targets include annual target observation periods and dates, with RCF pricing adjustments impacting the following year:
Reduction of absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions (“GHG”)
Reduction of absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions.

Nokia’s financing strategy is linked to its sustainability strategy and today’s announcement builds on previous sustainable finance activities. These activities include linking the margin of Nokia’s revolving credit facility to Nokia’s sustainability targets in 2019, Nokia’s first sustainability-linked guarantee facility in 2022, as well as the launch of Nokia’s sustainable finance framework in 2023.

Nokia is committed to reducing its Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions. Nokia has a Net-Zero target of 2040 which is approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), ensuring that Nokia’s greenhouse gas emissions targets and paths towards those targets are independently validated.

Further information on the detailed operational approach Nokia has taken to reducing GHG emissions can be found in the Net-Zero climate transition plan detailing Nokia’s commitments and targets as well as the actions being taken to decarbonize in selected scopes. In March 2025, Nokia published its 2024 Annual Sustainability Statement, prepared for the first time in accordance with the provisions of the newly applicable EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and with the requirements of the European Sustainability Reporting Standards.

“We’re delighted with the strong support and commitment from our key banking partners in this refinancing transaction that connects our financing strategy with our sustainability priorities,” said Marco Wirén, Chief Financial Officer, Nokia.

“Nokia’s sustainability approach is centered on protecting and creating value for our company, and our stakeholders. We are committed to our climate transition plan, which is built to deliver efficiency and innovations in our value chain. Continuing to link the pricing of the revolving credit facility to our science-based climate goals is a strong step forward demonstrating our commitment to our sustainability targets,” said Subho Mukherjee, Vice President of Sustainability, Nokia.

Resources and additional information
Web Page: Nokia Sustainability
Web Page: Nokia’s journey to Net-Zero
Statement: Sustainability Statement

About Nokia
At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.

With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

Media inquiries
Nokia Press Office
Email: press.services@nokia.com

Follow us on social media
LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube

The MIL Network –
June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: Nokia signs revolving credit facility with its pricing mechanism linked to the company’s sustainability targets
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Press Release
Nokia signs revolving credit facility with its pricing mechanism linked to the company’s sustainability targets
- Nokia’s financing strategy maintains steadfast link with its sustainability strategy with EUR 1.5 billion multicurrency revolving credit facility.
- New facility builds on previous work in this area including sustainability-linked guarantee facility and sustainable finance framework.
- Pricing mechanism linked to reduction of Nokia’s Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions.
26 June 2025
Espoo, Finland – Nokia announced today the recent signing of a EUR 1.5 billion five-year multicurrency revolving credit facility (“RCF”) with two one-year extension options, and continues with a sustainability pricing mechanism linking the margin of the RCF to two key RCF sustainability targets outlined below. The margin of the RCF will increase or decrease depending on Nokia’s progress towards reaching these targets. The new RCF will replace the EUR 1,412 million RCF agreement dated 18 June 2019.

Nokia’s key RCF sustainability targets include annual target observation periods and dates, with RCF pricing adjustments impacting the following year:
Reduction of absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions (“GHG”)
Reduction of absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions.

Nokia’s financing strategy is linked to its sustainability strategy and today’s announcement builds on previous sustainable finance activities. These activities include linking the margin of Nokia’s revolving credit facility to Nokia’s sustainability targets in 2019, Nokia’s first sustainability-linked guarantee facility in 2022, as well as the launch of Nokia’s sustainable finance framework in 2023.

Nokia is committed to reducing its Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions. Nokia has a Net-Zero target of 2040 which is approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), ensuring that Nokia’s greenhouse gas emissions targets and paths towards those targets are independently validated.

Further information on the detailed operational approach Nokia has taken to reducing GHG emissions can be found in the Net-Zero climate transition plan detailing Nokia’s commitments and targets as well as the actions being taken to decarbonize in selected scopes. In March 2025, Nokia published its 2024 Annual Sustainability Statement, prepared for the first time in accordance with the provisions of the newly applicable EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and with the requirements of the European Sustainability Reporting Standards.

“We’re delighted with the strong support and commitment from our key banking partners in this refinancing transaction that connects our financing strategy with our sustainability priorities,” said Marco Wirén, Chief Financial Officer, Nokia.

“Nokia’s sustainability approach is centered on protecting and creating value for our company, and our stakeholders. We are committed to our climate transition plan, which is built to deliver efficiency and innovations in our value chain. Continuing to link the pricing of the revolving credit facility to our science-based climate goals is a strong step forward demonstrating our commitment to our sustainability targets,” said Subho Mukherjee, Vice President of Sustainability, Nokia.

Resources and additional information
Web Page: Nokia Sustainability
Web Page: Nokia’s journey to Net-Zero
Statement: Sustainability Statement

About Nokia
At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.

With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

Media inquiries
Nokia Press Office
Email: press.services@nokia.com

Follow us on social media
LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube

The MIL Network –
June 30, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Warmer seas are fuelling the dangerous ‘weather bomb’ about to hit NSW

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Steve Turton, Adjunct Professor of Environmental Geography, CQUniversity Australia

Heavy surf and intense rains hit Sydney beaches during a 2020 East Coast Low. Lee Hulsman/Getty

Right now, a severe storm likely to be the first significant east coast low in three years is developing off the coast of New South Wales. It’s expected to intensify today before approaching the coastline on Tuesday. Huge waves, sustained heavy rains and very strong winds are likely.

At this stage, it’s expected to linger offshore south of Coffs Harbour – the same area hit hard by unprecedented floods on the Mid-North Coast last month. Residents on the coast or in low-lying areas have been asked to prepare.

There’s nothing new about east coast lows, intense winter storms which can hit coastlines anywhere from southern Queensland to Tasmania. But what is new are the historically warm seas. Just like a tropical cyclone, east coast lows feed on ocean heat. And just like a tropical cyclone, they can intensify rapidly if the conditions are right.

The storm looming this week has been intensifying very fast, to the point it could be classified as a “weather bomb” – a storm undergoing explosive cyclogenesis.

If the storm shapes up as predicted, we can expect to see damage to houses and trees as well as significant beach erosion – especially in heavily populated areas exposed to the storm’s southern flank.

The Bureau of Meteorology is issuing warnings about the looming east coast low.

What to expect from this storm

It’s too early to say just how bad this storm will be. Much depends on how intense it becomes and how close it tracks to the coast.

Earlier storms have caused flooding of businesses and properties and significant disruptions to transport networks and electricity supplies.

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting strong to damaging winds and moderate to heavy rain for this deepening weather system from Tuesday onwards, and hazardous surf conditions for much of the week.

Sea surface temperatures are 1 to 2.5°C above average off most of the NSW coast. This ocean heat will act as fuel for the storm, boosting the chance of even stronger winds and heavy rain if the centre moves closer to the coast and slows down.

The NSW winter storm is intensifying and is expected to hit the Mid-North Coast on Tuesday 1 July.
Bureau of Meteorology

East coast lows are distinct

Why do winter storms need their own title? East coast lows are quite distinct. They’re most common in autumn and winter, but they can occur any time.

These weather systems usually form after an upper atmosphere low or deep trough gets stronger over eastern Australia.

This triggers the development of a low pressure system at sea level near the coast to the east of the upper level system. These often intensify rapidly.

During summer, these weather systems can occasionally form in the aftermath of a Coral Sea tropical cyclone as it moves towards the central east coast. By the time the decaying cyclone reaches the cooler waters of the Tasman Sea, it has lost its characteristic warm core. It can now rapidly transition into an east coast low.

Two of Australia’s most populated areas, Sydney/Central Coast and Brisbane/Gold Coast are in the zone most likely to be affected by these intense storms.

What role is climate change playing?

About 90% of all extra heat trapped by greenhouse gases goes into the oceans. The world’s oceans are now at their warmest point on record.

Marine heatwaves are causing many unwelcome changes. Warmer waters made South Australia’s ongoing devastating algal bloom more likely. A huge marine heatwave hit Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef before heading south. In southeast Australia, the warm East Australian Current is pushing further south, taking warm-water species into Tasmanian waters.

The steady warming of oceans off southeast Australia not only fuels more extreme weather but damages marine ecosystems and commercial fisheries.

As climate change intensifies, researchers have found intense east coast lows will actually become less common in the future – but the storms which do form could be more dangerous. A similar trend is likely for tropical cyclones around Australia.

As the world gets hotter still, the intensity of rainfall extremes associated with these weather systems is expected to rise – especially short-duration rainfall.

That means a higher risk of river and flash flooding, more damage from high energy wind and waves along exposed coasts and significant erosion of beaches and cliffs. Damage to the coasts will be worsened by rising sea levels.

Bracing for more extremes

It’s been a terrible six months for extreme weather. The year started with severe flooding in northern Queensland in February, followed soon after by Tropical Cyclone Alfred which hit heavily populated parts of southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales.

A couple of weeks later, intense rains devastated western Queensland, causing huge livestock losses. But even as floods hit the east coast, farmers across the continent’s southern reaches are struggling with extreme drought.

As the Mid-North Coast braces for yet more extreme weather, residents should heed warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology, visit the NSW emergencies and natural disasters website and listen to information provided by the national broadcaster.

Steve Turton has received funding from the Australian government.

– ref. Warmer seas are fuelling the dangerous ‘weather bomb’ about to hit NSW – https://theconversation.com/warmer-seas-are-fuelling-the-dangerous-weather-bomb-about-to-hit-nsw-260070

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

June 30, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Here’s how First Nations landholders can share the benefits of the NSW energy transition
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Heidi Norman, Professor of Australian and Aboriginal history, Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture, Convenor: Indigenous Land & Justice Research Group, UNSW Sydney

Hay Local Aboriginal Land Council staff and members with researchers and actuaries from Finity Consulting. UNSW Indigenous Land and Justice Research Group

The shift to clean, renewable sources of energy presents a rare opportunity for First Nations people, not only as energy users but as landholders.

We wanted to explore the potential for First Nations land in the energy transition across New South Wales. The transition is well underway, but the pace must accelerate to meet state targets for 2030 and beyond.

Our new report found the state’s 121 Aboriginal Land Councils have an opportunity to partner with renewable developers and build solar, wind or transmission lines on their own land.

Such projects can offer jobs during construction and a smaller number of ongoing positions, as well as annual payments. This is why farmers and other landholders often look to renewable projects as a reliable source of income.

To date, the 447 square kilometres of the state owned by Aboriginal Land Councils has not been actively used in the energy transition. As a result, First Nations involvement in the transition has been limited and the renewables boom has not flowed to these communities.

Making this opportunity a reality will require collaboration with governments, electricity networks and industry, as well as policy support.

The role of land councils

In NSW, land councils have been operating since 1983, the year the state government passed laws recognising Aboriginal land rights. About a third of Australia’s First Nations people live in NSW.

Each land council is governed by Aboriginal members, and they are located in most country towns and across Sydney.

Land councils have a statutory responsibility “to improve, protect and foster the best interests of all Aboriginal persons within the Council’s area and other persons who are members of the Council”. These councils manage their land to protect culture and heritage.

Generating wealth through the development of Aboriginal land is a key objective of Aboriginal land rights in NSW.

Aboriginal goals in the energy transition

Following analysis of the land potentially available to renewable energy projects, our research moved on to exploring what Aboriginal land councils want from the energy transition.

We ran workshops with three land councils: Tibooburra in the far northwest, Hay in the southwest and Brewarrina in the northwest of the state. Each had expressed interest in renewable developments and concern around exposure to extreme weather events.

In these workshops, land council members told us about their priorities for energy.

Reliable energy was a major concern for Tibooburra, far from the main electricity grid.

For Brewarrina on the Barwon River, energy security in the face of heatwaves and floods was front of mind. High energy bills in housing ill-equipped for extreme weather was another big issue.

Members of Hay land council told us they wanted ownership and equity share in renewable energy projects. Their goal was to create opportunities to live, work and care for Country.

The Hay Local Aboriginal Land Council (brown) is found in the South-West Renewable Energy Zone, while Tibooburra (green) and Brewarrina (orange) land councils are more remote.
Norman, H., et al. (2025) APPI Policy Insights Paper, CC BY-NC-SA

Renewable energy, First Nations land

Aboriginal land councils own and manage about 450 square km of land in NSW. Resolving outstanding land claims would further expand the estate.

Our analysis reveals current land holdings could host up to 11 gigawatts of solar or 1.6 gigawatts of onshore wind energy projects.

But several barriers stand in the way. There are long delays in the processing of Aboriginal land claims and the return of vacant Crown Land. This limits options for land councils to contribute to renewable energy development.

Realising opportunities in the energy transition

Our case studies demonstrate the potential for Aboriginal land to support the state government’s renewable energy efforts. This can also bring economic and social benefits to Aboriginal communities. But the opportunities will vary from place to place.

In areas at the edge of the grid, such as Tibooburra and Brewarrina, Aboriginal land could help meet regional energy demand through small to mid-scale wind and solar projects, microgrids and batteries.

Hay Local Aboriginal Land Council, on the other hand, is in the South-West Renewable Energy Zone. This is an area where new renewable energy projects, storage facilities and high-voltage transmission lines are already being constructed. Land under claim here holds huge economic potential for both mid-scale renewable energy (solar installations feeding into the local electricity network) and large-scale renewable energy projects.

Unlocking the power of renewable energy zones (NSW EnergyCo)

How can authorities support land councils?

At present, local Aboriginal Land Councils need expertise and resources to turn this opportunity into reality.

Our report identified four broad areas for policy reform:
1. Build capacity for land councils to manage clean energy opportunities and risks on their landholdings. This could include establishing a dedicated government team to support interested land councils, and funding land councils to engage expertise and develop renewable energy projects.
2. Enable collaboration between electricity network distributors and land councils to set up microgrids. One case study, Tibooburra Local Aboriginal Land Council had land suitable for a microgrid and battery to support the energy provider. But early-stage support is needed to develop such projects.
3. Pilot programs to develop mid- and large-scale renewable energy projects on land council holdings. A partnership between lands councils and planning authorities could demonstrate a model for arranging approval processes. Programs by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency have proven successful in the past. We recommend funding these organisations to run a program for land council-developer partnerships in large-scale renewables.
4. Strengthen recognition of Aboriginal rights to unlock the renewable energy potential of Aboriginal land. This could include expediting land claims and land transfers and providing incentives for cooperation between land councils and Traditional Owners.
The next five years will be crucial for NSW’s renewable energy transition. Getting the foundations right now could empower Aboriginal landholders and their regional communities to get the most out of this once-in-a-generation opportunity.

Heidi Norman receives funding from the Australian Research Council, Australian Public Policy Institute, Boundless and the NSW Government.

Saori Miyake receives funding from Australian Public Policy Institute and Boundless for this project.

Sarah Niklas receives funding from the Australian Public Policy Institute and Boundless for this project.

Therese Apolonio receives funding from Australian Public Policy Institute, Boundless and the NSW Government.

– ref. Here’s how First Nations landholders can share the benefits of the NSW energy transition – https://theconversation.com/heres-how-first-nations-landholders-can-share-the-benefits-of-the-nsw-energy-transition-259702
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
June 30, 2025
More Indians now invest in equities as financialisation of household savings rises: SBI

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

The financialisation of household savings in India has gained significant momentum, with the share of equities in household savings rising from 2.5 per cent in FY20 to 5.1 per cent in FY24, according to an SBI Research report released on Monday.

The report noted that the Indian credit market is witnessing structural shifts, with headline bank credit growth figures potentially masking underlying trends. It added that, going forward, the sources of credit origination through bank deposits—primarily household savings—need to be closely monitored.

According to the report, public sector banks (PSBs) are expected to show stable growth of 12.2 per cent in FY25, compared to a growth rate of 13.6 per cent in FY24.

However, PSBs’ share in incremental credit has increased significantly, rising to 56.9 per cent in FY25 from 20 per cent in FY18.

“The government’s 4R strategy—recognition, resolution, recapitalisation, and reforms—has reaped rich dividends. The asset quality in the banking system is now at a record low of 2.6 per cent in H1 FY25, down from 11.5 per cent in FY18,” the report stated.

After 14 years of decline, PSBs’ share in outstanding credit has improved to 52.3 per cent in FY25, up from 51.8 per cent in FY24 and down from 75.1 per cent in FY10.

Sectoral credit growth indicates that lending to various sectors has moderated, driven by a slowdown in credit to the services sector and agriculture and allied activities.

The share of personal loans in incremental credit growth has declined to 37 per cent in FY25 from 43 per cent in FY24, while the industry’s share has increased to 17 per cent in FY25 from 11 per cent in FY24.

“The X factor in credit growth is credit to the MSME sector, which has risen by 17.8 per cent year-on-year,” said Dr Soumya Kanti Ghosh, Group Chief Economic Advisor, State Bank of India.

“Interestingly, MSMEs depend greatly on large corporates through backward integration (and at times, forward integration). Hence, MSME activity levels could be a useful gauge of overall corporate activity, with all financing channels—banks and non-banks—embedded holistically,” he noted.

Moreover, private credit deals totalled Rs 774 billion in FY24, marking a 7 per cent growth over CY23. This growth is helping meet the diverse financing needs of India Inc. through tailored solutions, primarily via Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), while the issuance of Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) also remains prevalent.

–IANS

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: SPbPU joined the Board of Trustees of the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

On June 26, the first meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University named after B.N. Yeltsin was held in Bishkek. Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University took part in it. The Council, formed in the spring of 2025, is called upon to promote the development of KRSU. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, Chairman of the State Committee for National Security Kamchybek Tashiev, who was elected Chairman of the Board of Trustees of KRSU.

In his speech, he emphasized the strategic importance of the university for training highly qualified personnel who will contribute to the development of Kyrgyzstan.

KRSU is the flagship of higher education in our country. We must pay special attention to the quality of students’ training, because they will be the ones who will manage various sectors of the economy and state institutions in the future, Kamchybek Tashiev noted.

The Board of Trustees includes 16 representatives of government agencies, academic, public and commercial organizations, industrial enterprises of Kyrgyzstan and Russia. Among the Russian members of the Board of Trustees of KRSU are the First Deputy Chairman of the Committee of the State Duma of the Russian Federation on Education, Chairman of the Council of ANO “Eurasia” Alena Arshinova, Managing Director for New Technologies and Projects of the Rostec State Corporation Maxim Nagaitsev, Rector of the St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University Dmitry Ivanov, Director of JSC “Petersburg Tractor Plant” Sergey Serebryakov. The Polytechnic University was represented by the Rector, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy. All members of the Board of Trustees of KRSU were unanimous in their assessment of the importance of creating a single educational space of Russia and Kyrgyzstan and the flagship role of KRSU in this integration process.

The key topic of discussion was the KRSU development strategy until 2030 and the long-term vision until 2040. Acting Rector of the University Sergey Volkov presented a plan for the transformation of the university, including the creation of engineering and technical, biomedical and socio-humanitarian clusters. Particular attention is paid to the training of specialists in the field of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics and nuclear medicine. SPbPU, as a curator university, will assist in updating educational programs and developing a research base.

An important event was the approval of the project for the construction of a new campus of KRSU for 15,000 students. A land plot of 30 hectares has already been allocated near the state residence “Ala-Archa”. The construction is financed by the Russian Federation, and the design will begin immediately after the signing of the intergovernmental agreement.

Another initiative was the creation of the KRSU Endowment Fund, the first in the Kyrgyz Republic. The fund will accumulate donations and direct investment income to support students, scientific grants and infrastructure development. Members of the board of trustees, including representatives of Gazprom and Rostec, expressed their willingness to participate in its formation.

The meeting raised issues of combating corruption in universities, expanding the network of regional colleges of KRSU and developing bilingual education programs. Kamchybek Tashiev called for strengthening efforts to preserve the Russian language in the educational space of Kyrgyzstan.

The Russian language is not only a communication tool, but also a key to advanced knowledge. We must resist attempts to displace it, he stressed.

The meeting ended with agreements on further cooperation. Russian universities, including SPbPU, will provide expert and methodological support to KRSU, and industrial partners will assist in the employment of graduates.

I am confident that the combined efforts will allow KRSU to become not only the leading university in Kyrgyzstan, but also one of the leaders in education in Central Asia, summed up Igor Maslov, Head of the Russian Presidential Administration for Interregional and Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries.

On June 27, a meeting of the Governing Council of KRSU was held. It was chaired by Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Konstantin Mogilevsky. At the meeting, Sergey Volkov was unanimously elected as the rector of KRSU for 5 years. The Polytechnic University congratulates Sergey Volkov on his appointment to the position and wishes him success in implementing the ambitious development tasks of the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Refugees escaping Sudan face escalating hunger and malnutrition as food aid risks major reductions

Source: World Food Programme

WFP/Mohamed Galal. People continue to flee escalating violence in El Fasher, many arriving in Tawila with little or not. Sudan, Tawila, North Darfur.

Photo credit

NAIROBI, Kenya – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today warned that millions of Sudanese refugees who have fled to neighbouring countries risk plunging deeper into hunger and malnutrition as critical funding shortages force drastic cuts to life saving food assistance.

Since conflict erupted in Sudan in April 2023, more than 4 million people have fled to neighbouring countries in search of food, shelter and safety – with families often arriving traumatised, malnourished, and with little more than the clothes on their backs.

WFP quickly mobilized to provide emergency assistance to refugees escaping to seven neighbouring countries. Food and cash, hot meals, and nutrition support have been provided in the Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, South Sudan, and Uganda. The agency also expanded support to host communities who have generously welcomed refugees, despite often grappling with their own food insecurity needs.

However, continued food assistance is quickly exceeding available funding. WFP’s support to Sudanese refugees in CAR, Egypt, Ethiopia and Libya may grind to a halt in the coming months as resources run dry. In Uganda, many vulnerable refugees are surviving on less than 500 calories a day – less than a quarter of daily nutritional needs – as new arrivals push refugee support systems to the breaking point. And in Chad, which hosts almost a quarter of the four million refugees who fled Sudan, food rations will be reduced in the coming months unless new contributions are received soon.

“This is a full-blown regional crisis that’s playing out in countries that already have extreme levels of food insecurity and high levels of conflict,” said Shaun Hughes, WFP’s Emergency Coordinator for the Sudan Regional Crisis. “Millions of people who have fled Sudan depend wholly on support from WFP, but without additional funding we will be forced to make further cuts to food assistance. This will leave vulnerable families, and particularly children, at increasingly severe risk of hunger and malnutrition.”

Children are particularly vulnerable to sustained periods of food insecurity. Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) rates among refugee children in reception centres in Uganda and South Sudan have already breached emergency thresholds as refugees are severely malnourished even before arriving in bordering countries to receive emergency assistance.

Inside Sudan, WFP has worked to scale up assistance to reach over 4 million people per month – four times more than at the beginning of 2024. Vital support to new refugees in neighbouring countries was also expanded; in Chad, WFP quadrupled warehouse capacity and expanded food pipelines to support the influx of refugees crossing from Darfur and to sustain cross-border operations into Sudan. In Egypt and South Sudan, WFP scaled up cash assistance after the civil conflict began in 2023, enrolling eligible Sudanese families within hours of arrival to provide immediate support.

“Refugees from Sudan are fleeing for their lives and yet are being met with more hunger, despair, and limited resources on the other side of the border,” said Hughes. “Food assistance is a lifeline for vulnerable refugee families with nowhere else to turn.”

WFP is urging the international community to mobilise additional resources to sustain food and nutrition assistance for Sudan’s refugees and the host communities supporting them.

WFP needs just over US$200 million to sustain its emergency response for Sudanese refugees in neighbouring countries for the next 6 months. An additional $575 million is needed for life-saving operations for the most vulnerable inside Sudan.

“Ultimately, humanitarian support alone will not put an end to conflict and forced displacement –political and global diplomatic action is what’s urgently needed to end the fighting so that peace and stability can return,” said Hughes.

Notes to editors:

Package of high-resolution photos is available here.

Broadcast quality footage is available here.

Countries hosting refugees fleeing conflict in Sudan:

Central Africa Republic: WFP is supporting over 25,000 refugees and returnees who have fled the conflict in Sudan. Sudanese refugees receive full rations while CAR citizens returning due to the fighting receive a 75 percent food ration. WFP requires US$4 million to maintain support through October, and will be forced to stop all support for refugees from August unless additional funds are received.

Chad: Chad hosts one of the largest and fastest growing refugee populations in Africa with nearly 1.4 million refugees. The country is experiencing enormous pressure on already limited resources as 860,000 refugees and 274,000 returnees have arrived since the Sudan crisis began more than two years ago. Around 1,000 refugees continue to arrive daily into Chad, mostly from North Darfur, numbers similar to the high rates seen at the beginning of the Sudan crisis. WFP aims to support more than 1.2 million Sudanese refugees, returnees, and families in host communities in 2025. If no further funding is confirmed, food assistance will be reduced in the coming months. WFP needs US$77 million for its Sudanese refugee response for the next six months (June – November 2025).

Egypt: Around 1.5 million Sudanese affected by the crisis have arrived in Egypt since the conflict began two years ago, making it the largest host country for arrivals from Sudan, followed by South Sudan. In April, WFP was forced to reduce the number of Sudanese refugees, and refugees of other nationalities receiving food assistance (through cash-based transfers) from 235,000 to 200,000 people. This amounts to a 15 percent cut due to reduced funding. The amount of food refugees receive was also cut by 33 percent.

Another reduction in beneficiaries, from 200,000 to 170,000 people, followed in May 2025 – also due to funding constraints. In June, WFP had to further reduce the number of assisted beneficiaries to 150,000. If no additional funding is received, WFP will be forced to halt critical humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable people in August 2025. The total funding requirements until end of 2025 are US$20 million.

Ethiopia: WFP currently supports more than 800,000 refugees with cash and in-kind food assistance at 50 percent rations: 100,000 are Sudanese refugees, of which 20,000 are new arrivals in Amhara and Benishangul Gumuz region, where they receive full rations. WFP requires $18 million to support Sudanese refugees for the next 6 months (June to November) – and a total of US$40 million to continue supporting all refugees at half rations through December.

Libya: WFP is providing monthly food assistance and nutrition support to 50,000 refugees, most of whom have fled Sudan since the start of the war in 2023. This is a fraction of the estimated 313,000 Sudanese refugees who have arrived in Libya in the last two years, a figure that UNHCR forecasts could reach 650,000 by the end of 2025. However, WFP does not have the funds to expand beyond its current caseload, and will be forced to end all assistance by the end of July without additional funding. WFP requires $5 million to continue its support from July to November 2025.

Uganda: Uganda is home to 1.9 million refugees, including 81,000 from Sudan. WFP supports over 660,000 refugees overall, down from 1.6 million supported by WFP in April with hot meals, food assistance, nutrition and livelihood programmes to boost self-reliance. Since March, refugees classified as moderately vulnerable are receiving just 22 percent rations. WFP requires $6 million to support Sudanese refugees for the next 6 months (June to November) – and a total of US$50 million to provide all refugees with full rations through 2025.

South Sudan: WFP has assisted 1 million of the 1.16 million new arrivals to South Sudan since the conflict began, of whom 365,000 are Sudanese refugees and the remainder South Sudanese returnees. New arrivals are supported with hot meals, food and cash assistance, and nutrition support immediately after they cross the border. Influxes over the past two years have brought the total number of refugees in South Sudan to more than half a million. Funding shortfalls mean assistance to refugees is being prioritised based on vulnerability. New arrivals who continue onward to established refugee camps receive monthly food assistance at 50 percent rations due to a combination of funding shortfalls and high levels of need within the camps and host communities. WFP also provides nutrition and school meals programmes in refugee camps. WFP faces a US$71 million shortfall for the Sudan refugee response (June – November).

# # #

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media

MIL OSI United Nations News –

June 30, 2025
BWF US Open: Ayush Shetty clinches men’s singles title, Tanvi Sharma finishes as runner-up

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Ayush Shetty clinched his maiden title on the BWF World Tour after defeating Canada’s Brian Yang in the final of the US Open, a BWF Super 300 badminton tournament, held at the Mid-America Center on Monday (IST).

The 2023 World Junior Championships bronze medallist Ayush registered a commanding 21-18, 21-13 victory over World No. 33 Yang in just 47 minutes, capping off a stellar week.

“Ayush Shetty clinches maiden BWF Super 300 title, winning the US Open 2025! He dismantled Brian Yang in straight games — 21-13, 21-18 — with commanding flair right from start to finish. A breakthrough triumph that cements his arrival among badminton’s elite and marks the rise of a new Indian powerhouse,” the Badminton Association of India (BAI) said in a post on X.

The fourth-seeded Ayush began his campaign with a 21-17, 21-19 win over Danish World No. 85 Magnus Johannesen, before defeating compatriot Tharun Mannepalli 21-12, 13-21, 21-15 in the round of 16. In the quarterfinals, he registered a 22-20, 21-9 win over World No. 70 Kuo Kuan Lin.

His biggest win came in the semifinal, where he defeated World No. 6 Chou Tien Chen 21-23, 21-15, 21-14 — avenging his loss to Chou in the Taipei Open 2025 semifinal.

Meanwhile, in the women’s singles, 16-year-old Tanvi Sharma’s dream run ended with a runner-up finish after a hard-fought final against 34-year-old veteran Beiwen Zhang, which ended 11-21, 21-16, 10-21.

“What a run! 16-year-old Tanvi Sharma stuns the badminton world with a dream performance at the US Open 2025 finals! She defeated WR23, WR58, WR50 & WR40 before falling just short in a gripping final vs 34-year-old veteran Beiwen Zhang — 11-21, 21-16, 10-21. She may have missed the title, but Tanvi won hearts, turned heads, and sparked a new dawn for Indian women’s badminton,” the BAI said on X.

On Saturday, Tanvi became the youngest Indian badminton player to reach a BWF World Tour final, having already defeated second seed Nguyễn Thùy Linh of Vietnam and former junior world champion Pitchamon Opatniputh of Thailand in earlier rounds.

Tanvi has two international badminton titles to her name, both at the BWF International Challenge level — including a recent win in Denmark in May. She also reached the final of the Odisha Masters BWF Super 100 tournament last year.

IANS

June 30, 2025