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Category: housing

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: RSH publishes fire safety remediation report for Q4 2024/2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    RSH publishes fire safety remediation report for Q4 2024/2025

    All social landlords are required to submit quarterly data to RSH and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on the fire safety remediation of relevant buildings for which they are responsible. 

    Today (26 March 2025) the Regulator of Social Housing published the findings from its latest quarterly survey on the fire safety of 11 metre plus buildings in the social housing sector.

    Of the 17,391 relevant buildings reported, 99.9% had fire risk assessments undertaken and 1,897 (10.9%) were reported as currently having a life critical fire safety defect relating to the external wall system.  

    79.4% of relevant buildings with a LCFS EWS defect are expected to be remediated within five years.  

    Landlords must ensure that tenants are safe in their homes. A key aspect of this is delivering remediation programmes underpinned by robust and accurate systems, processes and data. 

    Since 14 June 2017 a total of 2,578 buildings have been identified as having an EWS-related LCFS defect, with 818 (31.7%) of these buildings having been remediated historically and 137 buildings having work completed but awaiting a new building works assessment.  

    RSH  will continue to monitor the performance of landlords in remediating 11 metre plus buildings and the progress they are making against their plans.  

    Will Perry, Director of Strategy at RSH, said:  

    Boards and councillors have a responsibility to keep their tenants safe and remediate their buildings. 

    We expect all landlords to take this responsibility with the utmost seriousness. They must continue to work at pace to address any fire safety risks in buildings, progressing permanent solutions and putting in place any necessary interim measures.  

    This quarterly survey is just one of the ways we monitor fire safety. We also look at how landlords ensure health and safety through our proactive inspections and other regulatory engagement, and we take action if there is an unacceptable risk to tenants.  

    Notes to editors

    1. The data referred to in this publication were reported in the Q4 2024/2025 survey, which ran from 25 March 2025 to 23 April 2025, with data being reported as at 31 March 2025.  

    2. The majority of relevant buildings reported (85.1%) have been assessed to have no outstanding or historic† EWS related LCFS defects in any building works assessment since 14 Jun 2017.​ 

    3. Landlords reported that work had already started or is complete on 21.0% (399) of affected buildings.​ 

    4. 29.1% (433) of landlords reported being responsible for at least one relevant building in this quarter. The majority of these were large landlords (those with 1,000 or more units).    

    5. 18.1% (344) of affected buildings have a completion date that is beyond ten years or is unclear from the survey response. 

    6. LCFS are defined as defects, shrinkages, faults or other failings in a building that give rise to fire safety risks identified by a Fire Risk Appraisal of External Wall construction or a fire risk assessment (or equivalent) undertaken to industry standards.  

    7. We advise caution in interpreting data changes over time as they may be influenced, at least in part, by a change in the number of reported buildings and their assessment status at each quarter end.

    8. For general enquiries email enquiries@rsh.gov.uk. For media enquiries please see our Media Enquiries page.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: New Graduation of the Presidential Program: Polytechnic University Trained 60 Top Managers for Russian Industry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    A ceremony of awarding diplomas to graduates of the Presidential Program for training management personnel for organizations of the national economy of the Russian Federation in St. Petersburg was held in Smolny. This program is implemented by Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University on the basis of the Higher School of Technological Entrepreneurship of SPbPU, which is part of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering” (AES).

    The program is conducted in leading Russian universities on the terms of co-financing from the state budget and is aimed at achieving the key goals of the national project of the Russian Federation “Digital Economy” to ensure technological independence in the field of end-to-end digital technologies that are competitive at the global level, and national security. Students are enrolled based on the results of a competitive selection within the framework of regional quotas. The customer of the program on the part of the state is the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia, the executor is the Federal Resource Center subordinate to it.

    This year, the program’s graduates included 60 heads of research centers and large companies from St. Petersburg, the Leningrad Region and Samara, such as Sberbank, Fuel and Energy Complex of St. Petersburg, Rosseti Lenenergo, Gazprom Transgaz Samara, Concern TsNII Elektropribor, Central Marine Design Bureau Almaz, Gazstroyproekt, Central Research Institute Electron, National Research Center Kurchatov Institute – PNPI, Krylov State Research Center, Central Research and Experimental Design Institute of Robotics and Technical Cybernetics, Corporate University of St. Petersburg, etc.

    Training at SPbPU within the framework of the Presidential program is conducted in two areas: “Enterprise Management in the Context of Digital Transformation” for senior and middle managers implementing large-scale projects, and “Innovation Management in the Context of the Digital Economy” for specialists and managers implementing operational management of enterprise activities.

    The main objectives of the program: development of skills for implementing innovations in the context of the digital economy and managing the digital transformation of a company, their adaptation to the requirements of the digital industry and digital production, the formation of a system of knowledge on the use of end-to-end digital technologies, a relevant individual leadership style, and management thinking of the 21st century.

    Throughout training period Since September 2024, students have been acquiring new knowledge through lectures and practical classes, trainings, and also participated in meetings with representatives of the real business sector, completed practical training in the laboratories of the SPbPU PISh and at leading enterprises in St. Petersburg. The educational process widely used modern hardware and software, interactive technologies, including the use of computer business simulators “New Industrial Challenge” and “Lean Manufacturing”. Classes were held in modern classrooms, fully equipped for video conferencing and training.

    These digital simulators are included ina range of innovative tools for training and assessment of competencies, developed by the SPbPU PISh on the CML-Bench®.EDU Digital Platform, which represents a separate educational direction Digital platform for the development and application of digital twins CML-Bench®. Since its launch, the developed digital simulators have been highly appreciated by experts and have received a number of awards and prizes. Thus, on December 12, 2024, the computer business simulator “New Industrial Challenge” won the All-Russian competition of best practices in management education among business schools. The jury members noted the digital simulator in the nomination “Development of Leaders” under the Presidential Program.

    The educational process took place in a convenient percentage ratio of three formats for the students: in-person, distance and mixed. The program participants also improved their skills in configuring management and project teams, developed projects relevant to specific organizations aimed at solving business problems.

    Graduates received diplomas of professional retraining of the established form, which give the right to engage in management activities regardless of basic education, and badges of SPbPU graduates. The best graduates were awarded memorable gifts from the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering”. After training in the Presidential Program, managers can undergo an internship at leading enterprises in Russia and in foreign companies of the EAEU, SCO and BRICS countries. This is an opportunity to apply new competencies in practice, study best practices and establish new business contacts.

    The head of the Presidential Program at the Polytechnic University, professor of the Higher School of Technological Entrepreneurship of the SPbPU PISh Olga Kolosova summed up the results of the training:

    This academic year, a new mandatory requirement was introduced for the participants of the Presidential Program: their individual projects must be related to the main priorities of the development of the Russian Federation. The students had to create socially significant projects aimed at achieving technological leadership of our country. I would like to emphasize that SPbPU graduates successfully coped with this difficult task. In addition, I thank our graduates for their active life position, responsibility towards the business, society and themselves personally. This year, despite being scattered across the regions, you managed to unite into a team of like-minded people, professionals in their field. On behalf of the entire team, we wish you further success!

    The students thanked the teachers and developers of the Presidential Program for the Training of Management Personnel at the Higher School of Technological Entrepreneurship of the SPbPU PISh and shared their impressions.

    “The main result of the program was the formation of a systemic approach to management activities,” said Alexander Yazhuk, Head of the Interplant Cooperation Department of the Central Research and Experimental Design Institute of Robotics and Technical Cybernetics. “No less valuable were the new professional contacts and friendly connections acquired at lectures, seminars and practical classes. The presidential program became for me not only a source of knowledge and skills, but also a platform for forming a professional community. It taught me to think strategically, manage effectively, build communication and use modern tools. I would recommend this program to anyone who strives for professional growth and is ready to actively develop. The program gives a powerful boost to a career, expands horizons and opens up new opportunities, and also allows you to find like-minded people and make valuable acquaintances, which was very important for me personally. This is an investment in yourself, which pays off not only in knowledge, but also in new connections and opportunities.”

    The program was also mastered by representatives of the departments of the Ecosystem of Technological Development of SPbPU. Head of the Intellectual Property Management Department SPbPU Technology Transfer Center Ismail Kadiev spoke about his training under the Presidential Program in the direction of “Innovation Management in the Digital Economy”, during which he worked on a project to develop a digital mechanism for managing intellectual property:

    The project is a step-by-step substantiated plan for the implementation of a digital platform for intellectual property management in higher education institutions. The main objective of the project is to digitalize the processes of ensuring legal protection of the results of intellectual activity and commercialization of rights to intellectual property of SPbPU. The implementation of the platform will speed up the process of ensuring legal protection of the results of intellectual activity and increase the receipt of funds for the commercialization of rights to intellectual property. I would like to express my gratitude to the head of the implementation of the Presidential Program at SPbPU and my academic supervisor, SPbPU professor Olga Vladimirovna Kolosova, for her mentoring and professionalism, and to the entire teaching staff for their assistance in preparing the project and their attention and support throughout the training.

    Letters of gratitude for active participation in the implementation of the Presidential Program from the Committee on Labor and Employment of the Population of the Leningrad Region were received by the employees of the Higher School of Technological Entrepreneurship of the SPbPU PISh: the head of the implementation of the Presidential Program at SPbPU, Professor Olga Kolosova, Acting Director Artur Kireev, as well as the leading manager, associate professor of the Higher School of Advanced Digital Technologies of the SPbPU PISh Olesya Leonova. In addition, Olga Kolosova received gratitude from the Federal Resource Center. The Administration of the Governor of St. Petersburg noted with a letter of gratitude the contribution of the senior lecturer of the Higher School of Advanced Digital Technologies of the SPbPU PISh Vladislav Tereshchenko to the training of students of the Presidential Program.

    Specialists from other Polytechnic departments also received awards for their participation in the implementation of the Presidential Program. Associate Professor of the Higher School of Public Administration of SPbPU Tamara Selentyeva was awarded a letter of thanks from the Administration of the Governor of St. Petersburg. The Corporate University of St. Petersburg awarded the Director of the Center for Corporate and Network Additional Professional Programs of SPbPU Tatyana Savekina and the Head of the Directorate of Basic Educational Programs of SPbPU Nadezhda Grashchenko.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mountain hares released into the wild in Losiny Ostrov National Park

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    In the Moscow part of the Losiny Ostrov National Park, six young white hares were released. The event was part of the work to restore rare species of animals with the support of the Moscow Government andDepartment of Nature Management and Environmental Protection.

    The white hare is one of the native species of the fauna of Losiny Ostrov. Today, its numbers have decreased here. According to experts, this happened about 25 years ago due to viral infections. The species is listed in the Red Book of the city of Moscow.

    “Last year, the Department of Nature Management and Environmental Protection of the capital, together with the scientific community, conducted a unique ecological and biological survey of the territory of the Moscow part of the Losiny Ostrov National Park. Scientists discovered more than 1.5 thousand species of plants and animals. Today’s event on the release of the mountain hare is dedicated to the restoration and conservation of rare species. The natural environment of Losiny Ostrov is suitable for the mountain hare, it will be good here, since it is a forest species and the park has all the conditions for it to survive, reproduce and its population to become sustainable. The return of animals to the natural environment became possible thanks to the systematic work of the rehabilitation center and scientific support. We hope that monitoring with camera traps will confirm the successful adaptation of the hares, and the data from genetic analysis will help in further work to preserve the population,” said Natalya Chukhrayeva, Deputy Director of the State Nature Conservation Center.

    The baby hares released into the wild were born in the specialized rehabilitation center “Hare’s House”. Adult individuals who ended up there for various reasons regularly give birth to offspring. Grown-up animals adapted to independent life are released into a natural environment suitable for their survival.

    Scientific support for the release of the white hares was provided by employees of the A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Before this, specialists took blood samples from the animals. The immune analysis data will allow us to study what infections the animals encounter during their lives, understand whether there are potential carriers of diseases dangerous to humans among them, and establish family ties in the future if new individuals are recorded in the park.

    “Losiny Ostrov” is a unique natural complex, one of the main assets of Moscow. Rich biodiversity is preserved here, including due to systematic scientific work. Thus, in 2024, a large-scale ecological and biological survey was conducted in the park, in which more than 80 scientists from five scientific institutes took part. They identified over 1.5 thousand species of animals and plants. More than 200 of them are rare and protected. Based on the results of the survey, experts gave recommendations for supporting vulnerable animal species, and programs for the conservation and restoration of rare species were developed.

    In addition, field research continues in Losiny Ostrov. In April, scientists began studying the biodiversity of water bodies using the Babaevsky Pond as an example. During the first surveys, specialists took samples of phyto- and zooplankton, and also selected benthic organisms living in the soil of the reservoir.

    Field environmental research has begun in the urban part of Losiny Ostrov

    Comprehensive monitoring of the nature of the Moscow part of Losiny Ostrov is carried out in order to assess the well-being of ecosystems, their condition and dynamics.

    The city part of the national park is home to species listed in the Red Book of Moscow, including the kestrel, the great crested newt, the red forest ant, the emperor dragonfly and others. Educational work in this area is carried out by the eco-center of the Department of Nature Management and Environmental Protection “Krasnaya Sosna”. Ecological walks and excursions are organized for visitors.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155860073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Visitors to the Moscow Estates festival can take quizzes in the Russpass game

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Residents and visitors of the capital will be able to test their knowledge of Moscow in quizzes of a virtual game, which is available in a mobile application tourist service Russpass. Completing them will help you earn bonuses faster to buy tickets to museums and other venues with a discount of up to 99 percent within the Russpass bonus program. You can go on your first game journey to the festival venues of the Moscow Estates project.

    How to participate in the quiz

    Virtual characters of the game – cartoons – live near historical landmarks, on the capital’s streets and in parks. You can find them using your smartphone and explore the city from a new angle. It is absolutely necessary to complete a quiz if such a task is offered by a cartoon. But in this case, more bonuses are awarded than just for catching cartoon characters.

    The quiz questions are about museum exhibits, the histories of masterpieces, architectural innovations and features of estates. For example, where does the name “Basmanny” come from? What architectural innovation emphasized the status of houses in the Arbatsky district in the 19th century? What is unique about the building of the Leo Tolstoy Museum-Estate in Khamovniki?

    To get a bonus, it is enough to answer at least two questions correctly. One quiz can be taken three times. Hints are available – the correct answers are on the exhibition stands inside the estate clusters. Hints can also be found on a special page of the service Ruspassdedicated to the festival. In order not to miss new quizzes, on the map with cartoons in the filter you should put a tick next to the swan icon.

    Residents of the capital and tourists over the age of 14 can take part in the game. To do this, you need to download the application Ruspass. After registration, a map of Moscow will open with the habitats of cartoons in different districts. The game sites are constantly changing so that the characters can visit different iconic places of the city. Bonuses received in the game can be spent on buying tickets to museums – partners of Russpass, on attractions, trips to master classes and more. Recently, the game became interregional: cartoons can be caught in St. Petersburg and Kazan.

    In addition, the augmented reality game based on the Russpass mobile application has been replenished with new summer cartoons that can be caught on the streets of the capital near the sights. They are created in the special style of the Summer in Moscow project. Among them are a butterfly, a bird, a squirrel, a robot and a cat — the mascot of the Russpass service. The cartoons will appear at more than 90 sites of the main project of the season — in parks, swimming pools, near the Made in Moscow art pavilions, on boulevards and central streets.

    Interesting Moscow

    The large-scale project “Moscow Estates”, which is held as part of the “Summer in Moscow” project, introduces city residents and tourists to the rich history and cultural heritage of the capital. In the new season, visitors will enjoy masterpieces of classical music, immersive performances, master classes for the whole family and other interactive formats that will help immerse themselves in the atmosphere of ancient estates – more than two thousand events in total. This summer, the number of venues increased to 50, and the festival program united three estate clusters in Khamovniki, on Arbat and in the Basmanny District.

    In 2020, the digital tourism service Russpass began operating. It was created on the initiative of the Moscow Government. The project is supervised by the capital Tourism Committee together withDepartment of Information Technology.

    Since its creation, the Russpass service has grown into a full-fledged ecosystem. Thanks to the service, it is easy to plan a trip, book tickets and a hotel, and select excursions. The online publication “Russpass-magazine” will help you learn everything about traveling around Russia. And for representatives of the tourism industry, the portal “Russpass. Business” has been operating since June 2023.

    Project “Summer in Moscow”— the main event of the season. It brings together the most vibrant events of the capital. Every day, charity, cultural and sports events are held in all districts of the city, most of which are free. The Summer in Moscow project is being held for the second time, and the new season will be more eventful: new, original and colorful festivals and events will be added to the traditional ones.

    Children will be able to explore the capital’s sights as part of “Summer in Moscow”

    Quickly find out the main news of the capital inofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155869073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Indian Culture Festival to be held in Moscow from July 5 to 13

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    From July 5 to 13, Manezhnaya Square, one of the central sites of the project, “Summer in Moscow”— the festival of India will be held in Moscow. Residents and guests of the capital will be able to learn more about the culture and traditions of this friendly state, reported Natalia Sergunina, Deputy Mayor of Moscow.

    The organizers are the Government of Moscow and the Embassy of the Republic of India in the Russian capital.

    The site, decorated with hundreds of exotic plants, will house chalets with national treats and souvenirs.

    “As part of the cultural program, hundreds of events will be prepared for visitors: colorful performances, dance master classes, Hindi lessons and much more. Every day, morning and evening, there will be performances by Russian and Indian groups,” said Natalia Sergunina.

    During the festival, foreign masters will organize creative classes for everyone. For example, participants will try to play the double drum tabla, get acquainted with the movements of Kathak and Kuchipudi dances, and master the basics of spoken Hindi. In addition, an exhibition of art objects from several regions of India will open on Manezhnaya Square.

    Attracting tourists

    Moscow cooperates with India in all key areas, from trade and creative industries to tourism.

    “India ranks second in terms of tourist flow to the Russian capital among foreign countries. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, about 18 thousand Indian travelers visited our city – 1.5 times more than a year earlier,” added Natalia Sergunina.

    “Summer in Moscow” is the main project of the warm season, which will unite over 400 venues. Its program includes large-scale festivals, charity and sports events, concerts, master classes, film screenings, theatrical performances and much more.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    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.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155858073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Two people killed in explosion in residential building in Sverdlovsk region — media

    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

    Moscow, June 26 (Xinhua) — Two people were killed in an explosion, presumably of a gas cylinder, in a residential building in the Russian city of Ivdel in the Sverdlovsk region, TASS reported on Thursday, citing the regional Emergencies Ministry.

    On Thursday night, a gas explosion with subsequent fire occurred in a five-story building. Two people who lived in the apartment where the emergency occurred died. Five people were injured. Firefighters rescued 10 people, 19 evacuated on their own, including seven children. At 03:40 local time, the open fire was extinguished. The area of the fire was 80 square meters.

    The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation for the region reported that a criminal case had been opened on the fact of the incident. The head of the municipality declared a state of emergency. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Norway: Staff Concluding Statement for the 2025 Article IV Consultation Mission

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 26, 2025

    A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

    The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    Norway’s economy has shown resilience amid global uncertainty, supported by strong fiscal buffers and credible policy frameworks. Mainland real GDP growth is forecast to increase to 1.5 percent in 2025 (from 0.6 percent in 2024) and is projected to remain steady at around that level over the medium term. The labor market has held firm. Despite contractionary monetary policy, inflation remains above target; bringing inflation back to target is the most pressing near-term policy priority. The financial system is sound, and buffers are robust, but systemic vulnerabilities remain elevated, reflecting high levels of household debt and concentrated exposures to real estate. At the same time, macroprudential policy settings have been eased with the increase in the loan-to-value limit for mortgages earlier this year. Risks to the growth outlook are to the downside, driven by rising global policy and trade uncertainty; risks to the inflation outlook are balanced. The IMF staff’s main policy recommendations are: i) maintain the restrictive monetary policy stance until there is additional evidence that the recent easing of inflation has fully solidified; ii) do not ease macroprudential policy settings further, as financial stability risks could increase if downside risks to growth or upside risks to inflation materialize; iii) move towards a broadly neutral fiscal stance to enhance the coherence of the macroeconomic policy mix and lower the burden on monetary policy; and iv) continue advancing structural reforms aimed at increasing labor supply and inclusion.

    Context

    Norway’s economy has remained resilient despite tight financial conditions and ongoing global uncertainty. GDP continued to expand moderately last year, supported by high employment and supportive fiscal policy. Inflation has declined, though it remains above target, and financial stability risks, while elevated due to high household debt levels and concentrated exposures to the real estate sector, remain contained.

    Recent developments, outlook, and risks

    Economic activity strengthened in 2024. Overall real GDP grew by 2.1 percent, driven by record-high natural gas extraction. Mainland GDP expanded by 0.6 percent, primarily due to increased public spending, as activity in the construction and fishing sectors contracted, reflecting high borrowing costs and sector-specific challenges. Employment and hours worked increased, although the unemployment rate edged up to 4 percent. National accounts data and high frequency survey indicators point to resilient activity in the first part of 2025. Mainland GDP growth is forecast to rise to 1.5 percent in 2025, supported by easing financial conditions, an expansionary fiscal stance, and recovering real incomes. Over the medium-term, mainland GDP growth is expected to remain around its potential (1.5 percent).

    Inflation, despite a steady decline, remains above target. Services inflation and wage pressures have contributed to keeping inflation above the 2 percent target. However, recent developments point to slower-than-expected momentum in both headline and core inflation, partly due to one-off and base effects. Fiscal measures—such as those to stabilize electricity prices and reduce childcare costs—could lower inflation in the second half of the year. Under staff’s baseline scenario, headline and core inflation will fall to 2.2 and 2.6 percent by end-2025 and return to target by 2027. After holding the policy rate steady at 4.5 percent from January 2024, Norges Bank began normalizing monetary policy by lowering the rate to 4.25 percent in June and signaled that the policy rate will be reduced further in the course of 2025.

    The fiscal stance has become increasingly expansionary. While additional support to Ukraine in the revised budget is not expected to provide stimulus to the economy, overall, the 2025 budget implies a significant fiscal impulse. The structural non-oil deficit is projected to reach about 13 percent of trend mainland GDP, even as withdrawals from the Government Pension Fund Global (GPFG) are expected to remain below the fiscal rule’s 3 percent guideline (at around 2.7 percent of the GPFG’s 2024 market value). The government has also signaled alignment with NATO discussions to progressively increase defense spending toward 5 percent of GDP over the medium term.

    Risks to the growth outlook are tilted to the downside, while inflation risks are balanced. On growth, global tensions, including higher trade tariffs, could weigh on exports and investment, and continued tight financial conditions could further pressure highly indebted households and firms at a time when financial risks are elevated. Over the longer term, demographic headwinds and the expected structural erosion of oil-related revenues will weigh on economic resilience. Inflation could take longer to converge to target if domestic demand recovers faster than expected or higher oil prices put pressure on headline inflation. By contrast, further currency appreciation and higher productivity gains (e.g., from a faster-than-anticipated uptake of AI or automation) could bring inflation back to target more rapidly.   

    Policy recommendations

    Norges Bank should proceed cautiously with monetary policy normalization, ensuring there is further evidence that underlying inflation is firmly on a path back to target. Under staff’s baseline scenario, the current restrictive monetary policy is broadly appropriate to bring core inflation to target by 2027, even as medium-term inflation expectations and underlying inflation remain above target. The output gap is broadly closed, and inflation risks are balanced. While recent inflation developments are encouraging, further evidence of a decline in the trend of underlying inflation is needed to continue with the normalization of monetary policy.

    Norway’s strong monetary policy framework has served the economy well. After the adoption of inflation targeting in 2001, Norges Bank has operated with a high level of credibility and ranks among the most transparent central banks in the world. However, the current highly uncertain global outlook can present challenges for monetary policy formulation and implementation. Navigating rapidly evolving global developments and volatile data may require enhancements to the policy process. This could include expanding the use of scenario analysis—an approach Norges Bank has employed in the past—and refining communication strategies to maintain well-anchored expectations.

    The recent relaxation of the loan-to-value (LTV) limit for mortgages could increase financial vulnerabilities. Although households’ debt burden has stabilized, it remains high. A higher LTV limit may fuel further increases in house prices and household indebtedness, contributing to higher financial stability risks, particularly if downside risks to growth or upside risks to inflation materialize. Lasting improvements in housing affordability will require structural measures to address factors that keep prices elevated, including a relatively small rental market, limited land availability in urban areas, high construction costs, and a tax system that encourages mortgage debt. Gradually phasing-out mortgage interest deductibility (starting with a cap on income-tax deductions) would help curb speculative housing demand and enhance tax efficiency. Tightening eligibility for subsidized mortgages would also help manage housing demand and public spending.

    The financial system is sound with strong buffers, but further macroprudential easing should wait until systemic risks recede or financial disintermediation risks emerge. Continued close financial system monitoring is essential. Participation in the initiative to undertake a Nordic-Baltic regional stress test exercise would enhance the assessment of cross-border financial interlinkages and risks. Measures to address increased bank reliance on covered bonds are also welcome and would help mitigate interconnectedness risks. The current countercyclical capital buffer setting remains appropriate, but Norges Bank should be prepared to raise it if cyclical vulnerabilities increase. Priority should be given to preserving capital buffers, including by ensuring that banks’ models properly reflect credit risks and to strengthening contingency planning amid continued pressure on the commercial real estate (CRE) sector. Over the medium term, broadening the toolkit for CRE vulnerabilities could help address these in a more targeted manner during future upswings, and borrower-based-measures on CRE lending, as well as sector-specific capital surcharges to address risks from the insurance sector’s CRE exposures could be considered. Work to address the findings of the 2024 Nordic-Baltic crisis management exercise and the 2020 FSAP recommendations should continue.

    Moving towards a broadly neutral fiscal policy stance would support the disinflation effort and improve the coherence of the overall macroeconomic policy mix. The 2025 budget further expands the fiscal stimulus, with an estimated fiscal impulse of about 2.5 percent of trend mainland GDP. While the impact on domestic activity may be dampened by the composition of spending (including through imports and transfers abroad), the stimulus is still expected to provide a significant boost to the domestic economy.

    Enhancements to Norway’s robust fiscal framework would help ensure continued delivery of strong economic and social outcomes. Reinforcing countercyclicality and spending discipline would enhance fiscal resilience. Complementing the fiscal rule with explicit medium-term expenditure limits could reduce exposure to volatility from market-driven changes in the large and growing value of the GPFG and improve fiscal planning. Strengthening multi-year budgeting, improving public investment management, conducting more systematic spending reviews and setting efficiency targets would support more strategic resource allocation and enhance public service delivery. Benchmarking the setup of the Advisory Panel on Fiscal Policy Analysis against best international practices for independent fiscal councils and expanding its mandate would help further enhance the fiscal framework.

    Advancing fiscal reforms is essential to bolster resilience and support long-term growth. Tax reforms aimed at improving efficiency and broadening the revenue base remain a priority. Consolidating multiple VAT rates and enhancing incentives for work and investment would improve resilience of the tax system. Further measures to reform disability and sickness benefits, along the lines of past IMF recommendations, are needed to reduce work disincentives, increase labor force participation, and contain long-term fiscal costs. Sustained reform efforts are crucial to ensure long-term sustainability of fiscal policy in the face of rising structural spending pressures.

    A broad and ambitious reform agenda is essential to accelerate productivity growth and mitigate the effects of geoeconomic fragmentation. Advancing the “reinforced work line” agenda would reduce reliance on disability benefits, raise labor force participation among underrepresented groups—including youth and immigrants—and increase total hours worked. Strengthening education-to-work transitions, promoting full-time employment, and accelerating digitalization would further support productivity. Finally, further measures are likely to be needed to achieve Norway’s 2035 emission reduction targets.

    The IMF team thanks the Norwegian authorities and other counterparts for their hospitality and the constructive and insightful discussions.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Eva-Maria Graf

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/25/norway-staff-concluding-statement-for-the-2025-article-iv-consultation-mission

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: If you take a GLP-1 medicine and have been hospitalised by acute pancreatitis, the Yellow Card Biobank wants to hear from you 

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    If you take a GLP-1 medicine and have been hospitalised by acute pancreatitis, the Yellow Card Biobank wants to hear from you 

    GLP-1 medicines are licensed for Type 2 diabetes and weight management, and include the branded products Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy 

    The pioneering Yellow Card Biobank, launched by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Genomics England, will start investigating whether the risk of acute pancreatitis (inflamed pancreas) from GLP-1 injections for weight loss and Type 2 diabetes may be influenced by an individual’s genes.   

    Patients who have been hospitalised with acute pancreatitis suspected to be related to glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 medicines), such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, are being asked to report it to the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme. These medicines are sometimes referred to colloquially as “skinny jabs” although they are licensed for both weight loss and Type 2 diabetes.   

    Healthcare professionals are also being asked to help recruit for the study by reporting Yellow Cards on behalf of patients experiencing acute pancreatitis while taking GLP-1 medicines.    

    When a Yellow Card report is received, the MHRA will contact patients to ask if they would be willing to take part in the Biobank study. This would involve providing further information and submitting a saliva or spit sample which will be used to explore whether some people are at a higher risk of acute pancreatitis when taking these medicines due to their genetic makeup, with the overall aim of reducing the occurrence of these side effects in the future.  

    Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer said: 

    Evidence shows that almost a third of side effects to medicines could be prevented with the introduction of genetic testing. It is predicted that adverse drug reactions cost the NHS more than £2.2 billion a year in hospital stays alone.    

    Information from the Yellow Card Biobank will help us to better predict those most at risk of adverse reactions – enabling patients across the UK to receive the safest medicine for them, based on their genetic makeup.  

    To help us help you, we’re asking anyone who has been hospitalised with acute pancreatitis while taking a GLP-1 medicine to report this to us via our Yellow Card scheme.   

    Even if you don’t meet the criteria for this phase of the biobank study, information about your reaction to a medication is always extremely valuable in helping to improve patient safety.

    Professor Matt Brown, Chief Scientific Officer of Genomics England, said:     

    GLP-1 medicines like Ozempic and Wegovy have been making headlines, but like all medicines there can be a risk of serious side effects. We believe there is real potential to minimise these with many adverse reactions having a genetic cause.   

    This next step in our partnership with the MHRA will generate data and evidence for safer and more effective treatment through more personalised approaches to prescription, supporting a shift towards an increasingly prevention-focused healthcare system.

    Although infrequent, acute pancreatitis has been reported with GLP-1 medicines. This can be serious. The main symptom of this is severe pain in the stomach that radiates to the back and does not go away. Anyone who experiences this should seek immediate medical help.  

    The Yellow Card Biobank aims to help understand how a patient’s genetic makeup can impact the safety of their medicines and forms part of a long-term vision for more personalised medicine approaches. Approved scientists will use the genetic information in the Yellow Card Biobank to investigate whether a side effect from a medicine was caused by a specific genetic trait. Ultimately this will enable healthcare professionals to personalise prescriptions using rapid screening tests, so patients across the UK will receive the safest medication for them, based on their genetic makeup.  

    Side effects continue to be a significant burden on the NHS and studies have shown they account for one in six hospital admissions. Screening tests provide the opportunity to reduce the likelihood of these adverse drug reactions from happening.  

    The MHRA will request a saliva sample from everyone who takes part in the Yellow Card Biobank study. Saliva testing kits will be posted to participants at their home. It is quick and easy to provide a sample. Instructions will be provided along with a prepaid postage envelope.   

    Notes to Editors  

    • Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 or GLP-1 RAs) are medicines that help people feel fuller by mimicking a natural hormone released after eating. Some newer medicines, like Mounjaro, also act on a second hormone involved in appetite and blood sugar control. These have been referred to in the media as “weight loss injections” or “skinny jabs”, but not all are authorised for weight loss.    

    • The Yellow Card Biobank is looking to recruit patients across the UK aged 18 or over who were hospitalised after experiencing acute pancreatitis after taking a GLP-1 medicine. If you are unsure whether you are or were taking one of these medicines, check the label to see what the active ingredient is – it should say semaglutide, liraglutide, lixisenatide, dulaglutide, exenatide or trizepatide. Alternatively, speak to a healthcare professional.  

    • Healthcare professionals are asked to report Yellow Cards on behalf of patients who are taking GLP-1 medicines (including dual GLP-1 and GIP agonists) and experience acute pancreatitis. While completing the Yellow Card, select “Yes” when asked if you agree to be contacted about the Yellow Card Biobank. If the patient is eligible, the team will be in touch to ask for your help in contacting the patient. The Yellow Card Biobank also works directly with healthcare professionals to refer patients, please see the website for more information or to get in touch with the team.    

    • The MHRA has issued recent guidance on how to use these medicines safely.   

    • The first phase of the Biobank campaign was to recruit patients who experienced severe reactions to direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and allopurinol.    

    • The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe.  All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.  

    • The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.  

    • Genomics England is a company established and wholly owned by the Department for Health and Social Care. It is a global leader in enabling genomic medicine and research, focused on creating a world where everyone benefits from genomic healthcare. Building on the 100,000 Genomes Project, it supports the NHS’s world-first national whole genome sequencing service and runs the growing National Genomic Research Library alongside delivering numerous major genomics initiatives.  

    • This project forms part of the Government’s Life Sciences Vision.    

    • For media enquiries, please contact the newsdesk@mhra.gov.uk or call 020 3080 7651

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: York has the least pregnant smokers in Yorkshire

    Source: City of York

    York has the lowest rate of pregnant women smoking in Yorkshire and the Humber at the time of delivery, new figures have revealed.

    According to new data published by NHS England Statistics on Women’s Smoking Status at Time of Delivery: Data tables – NHS England Digital only 4.6 per cent (65 women) smoked in York, at the time of their delivery. This shows a significant drop, when compared to figures in 2020, which were 10.4 per cent (167 women).

    Many women have been supported to help quit for good through help from the Health Trainers.

    Cllr Lucy Steels- Walshaw, Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care at City of York Council, said “Stopping smoking during pregnancy is a positive step you can take for the health of you and your baby.

    “Stopping smoking can be challenging, but you do not have to face this alone. The council’s health trainers can offer support tailored to your needs and look at techniques and strategies to keep you motivated on your journey to becoming smoke free”.

    The Health Trainers offer an incentive scheme of £170 in shopping vouchers which are offered, if they continue to quit during their pregnancy and quit for good.

    Lucy Evans, from Acomb, gave birth at full term to a 7lb 14oz healthy baby girl, Violet, 12 weeks ago. She stopped smoking a week after her first health trainer appointment early in her pregnancy, and received free nicotine gum and patches as well as one-to-one support sessions.

    She has just received her final voucher this week, which she plans to spend on clothes for Violet and a treat for herself.

    She said: “I wanted to quit to make sure my baby was healthy and would definitely recommend this scheme, you get so much support and help and it makes you want to quit even more.

    “I feel a lot healthier, I’m not coughing as much and am breathing better, and I feel like I can handle stress a lot better as I’m not relying on smoking.”

    The service offers personalised, individual support and advice, and signing up is really simple.

    Visit York Health Trainers and complete the online referral form, call 01904 553377 or email cychealthtrainers@york.gov.uk

    Across the region, the Smoking at Time of Delivery (SATOD) data shows that 7.5 per cent (3,901) of pregnant women across Yorkshire and the Humber were recorded as smoking in 2024/25.

    This is 1.8 per cent lower than the previous year, when maternal smoking rates were 9.3 per cent across the region. This equates to 642 fewer women smoking compared to last year.

    This is the lowest rate of smoking during pregnancy recorded in Yorkshire and the Humber since data began to be collected. This also reflects improvement across England as a whole, where SATOD rates fell to 6.1 per cent from 7.4 per cent last year.

    Smoking during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of harm to both mother and baby. It increases the risk of stillbirth, miscarriage, and sudden infant death. Children born to parents who smoke are also more likely to experience respiratory illness, learning difficulties, and diabetes, and are more likely to grow up to be smokers when compared to children born into smoke-free households.

    As well as the health harms caused by smoking during pregnancy, it also adds to the cost of living and pushes families further into poverty. The average smoker spends £3,000 per year on tobacco, with younger women from the most deprived areas being the most likely to smoke and be exposed to second-hand smoke during pregnancy.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CONGRESSMAN BISHOP OPPOSES FUNDING BILL THAT FALLS SHORT FOR VETERANS & MILITARY FAMILIES

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), a senior member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee voted against H.R.3944, the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs funding bill.

    “National defense is not just about weapons and strategy — it’s about people. And this bill, as currently written, does not prioritize the needs of our people. Instead, it is laced with ideological provisions drawn from Project 2025,” said Congressman Bishop. “Veterans overwhelmingly want to be treated in VA hospitals and clinics — facilities tailored to their unique needs and staffed by professionals who understand the physical, emotional, and psychological costs of service. Instead of fortifying these institutions, this bill undermines them.”

    “Equally troubling is the underfunding of military construction — particularly housing and childcare. These are not luxuries. They are necessities. A stable home, quality childcare — these are foundational to military readiness,” added Congressman Bishop. “When we fail to provide for the families of our service members, we degrade morale, retention, and focus. We cannot expect excellence from our armed forces if we do not support the very people who make that excellence possible.

    WATCH: Rep. Bishop Opposes FY26 MilConVA Funding Bill During Debate in U.S. House

    H.R. 3944, the Fiscal Year 2026 funding bill for Military Construction and Veterans Affairs:

    • Worsens the quality of life for servicemembers and their families and hurts military readiness by funding military construction $904 million below what is needed.
    • Enacts the Project 2025 goal to privatize medical care for veterans by transferring billions to private hospitals and clinics, which will only lead to higher costs, longer wait times, poor communication and coordination, and diminished quality of care.
    • Further limits reproductive healthcare, harming women veterans’ health.
    • Jeopardizes our defense capabilities, military installations, servicemembers, and their families by failing to include dedicated funding to strengthen military installations against climate change, rising sea levels, and natural disasters.
    • Does not fulfill the United States’ commitments to our allies by providing $188 million less than what is needed for NATO infrastructure.
    • Increases veteran suicide risk by undermining the ability to keep guns out of the hands of those prohibited under Federal law from purchasing or possessing firearms.
    • Includes partisan, “culture war” changes to existing law that hurt Americans and disenfranchise veterans rather than making VA a welcoming and inclusive place for all those who have sacrificed and served our country.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: S. Korea’s court dismisses warrant to arrest ex-President Yoon

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

    South Korea’s ousted President Yoon Suk-yeol attends the second hearing of his criminal trial over insurrection charges in Seoul, South Korea, April 21, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    South Korea’s court on Wednesday dismissed a warrant to arrest former President Yoon Suk-yeol, sought a day earlier by a special counsel investigating Yoon’s short-lived martial law imposition, according to multiple media outlets.

    The independent counsel team of Cho Eun-suk leading the investigation into Yoon’s insurrection and other charges told reporters that the Seoul Central District Court rejected the warrant issuance as the Yoon side said he will appear for questioning if the special counsel demands it.

    The special prosecutor notified Yoon and his lawyer to appear for questioning at 9:00 a.m. local time on Saturday.

    Yoon rejected the third police call on June 19 to appear for questioning over his charges of ordering the presidential security service to block the attempt in January to arrest him and to delete information on security phones offered to three military commanders.

    Yoon was apprehended in presidential office on Jan. 15 and was indicted under detention on Jan. 26 as a suspected ringleader of insurrection, but he was released on March 8 as prosecutors decided not to appeal against the court’s release approval.

    The constitutional court upheld a motion to impeach Yoon on April 4 over his botched martial law bid last December, officially removing him from office. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: AI drives smart upgrade of China’s manufacturing industry

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

    Artificial intelligence has accelerated the transformation of traditional manufacturing in China, helping the country shift from a manufacturing giant to an innovation powerhouse, said industry leaders at the ongoing Summer Davos Forum in north China’s Tianjin Municipality.

    Li Dongsheng, co-chair of this year’s Davos and chairman of Chinese electronics giant TCL, said technologies, such as AI and robots will lead a new round of industrial transformation and transform economic growth models.

    TCL is investing heavily in key technologies, including edge intelligence, AI, and digital twins to strengthen digital manufacturing capabilities, according to the company.

    For instance, its China Star Optoelectronics Technology (CSOT) has applied an AI-based detection system in the production of liquid-crystal displays (LCDs) to monitor processes in real time. With smarter equipment operations, the company has enhanced product yield and increased efficiency by 70 percent.

    Another Chinese company Tianjin Huabei Group has also undergone a major digital shift. “Based on historical production data and AI algorithms, we have developed an intelligent mapping model that enables post-order product customization,” said Ling Yulan, CEO of the company. “The system can automatically match the optimal production parameters to meet personalized demands while improving delivery efficiency.”

    She emphasized that achieving intelligent manufacturing requires both technological upgrades and shifts in development mindset. “Through the forum, we hope to explore cutting-edge solutions, deepen industrial chain cooperation and promote the development of new quality productive forces of enterprises.”

    Similar transformations have also taken place in Chinese liquor producer Luzhou Laojiao. It has shifted from “experience-based decision-making” to “data-driven operations” through digital twin technologies.

    Liu Miao, chairman of the company said that the company has digitally replicated its facilities at a 1:1 scale and utilized digital twin simulations to streamline material flows before construction.

    “This system has increased equipment utilization by 45 percent, improved emergency response efficiency by 40 percent, and reduced operation and maintenance costs by 25 percent,” Liu said.

    China is now home to more than 30,000 basic-level smart factories, 1,200 advanced-level and over 230 excellence-level smart factories.

    The 230 excellence-level factories cover over 80 percent of manufacturing sectors. This achievement highlights the significant progress that has been made in reshaping the country’s manufacturing landscape.

    On average, they have shortened research and development cycles by 28.4 percent, boosted productivity by 22.3 percent, reduced defect rates by 50.2 percent, and cut carbon emissions by 20.4 percent.

    The rise of smart manufacturing is also reflected in economic data.

    Data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows that in May of this year, the value-added output of digital product manufacturing above designated size increased by 9.1 percent, while output of intelligent equipment and electronic components and equipment manufacturing industries rose by 17.5 percent and 11 percent respectively.

    Driven by large AI models, the output of servers has increased by 2.2 times, and the output of intelligent products such as 3D printing equipment, industrial robots, and service robots has increased by 40.0 percent, 35.5 percent, and 13.8 percent respectively.

    Themed “Entrepreneurship for a New Era,” this year’s Summer Davos has seen record attendance for recent years, with over 1,700 participants traveling from around the world.

    Cutting-edge AI products displayed at the forum such as humanoid robots, brain-computer interfaces and fully autonomous drone inspection systems are drawing large crowds of attendees. These innovations vividly showcase Chinese enterprises’ technological breakthroughs and pioneering applications of AI.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: President Museveni Welcomes Former Opposition Youth To National Resistance Movement (NRM), Commends Them For The Wise Decision


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    The converts from the districts of Mubende, Kassanda and Mityana have been undergoing a two-week ideological training at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi.

    The 2025/2026 cohort of youth converts comprised 145 males and 46 females.  They were introduced to the principles of the NRM, its ideology, and other patriotic values.

    During a meeting held at State House Entebbe, the President commended the youth for making what he called a wise and courageous decision.

    President Museveni also pledged Shs 100m to support their SACCO as a token of encouragement and empowerment.

    He also lauded the converts for abandoning political factions that, according to him, have long misled the youth and discouraged them from engaging in government programs meant to fight poverty and foster economic transformation.

    “Those opposition groups are merciless. They use you for foreign-funded agendas and then tell you to shun government programs,” the President remarked.

    “When we were giving out coffee seedlings under Operation Wealth Creation, they said the seedlings wouldn’t help them, but you have made the right choice, and I congratulate and welcome you.”

    President Museveni further drew on his own political journey, sharing that he too was once an opposition supporter.

    “I was in the Democratic Party from 1960 to 1970. Even though UPC rigged the elections in 1962, I told my fellow DP supporters, Obote may have stolen votes, but he didn’t steal your food. We had to be smart and take full advantage of the government’s programs,” he said.

    He commended the youth instructors for equipping the converts with a strong understanding of NRM’s core principles particularly the third mission: socio-economic transformation.

    “I am happy that your instructors taught you the mission of socio-economic transformation. As Africans, we must move from subsistence living to the money economy,” he said.

    Modernizing African Livelihoods:

    The President illustrated how daily life for most Africans still relies on outdated practices that need urgent modernization.

    “In developed countries, machines fetch water. Here, our girls still carry jerry cans on their heads. We cook with firewood while others use gas or electricity. That’s what the NRM seeks to change,” he said.

    The President also emphasized education as a key driver of transformation, highlighting the role of the government’s Universal Primary and Secondary Education (UPE and USE) programs as well as the Presidential Skilling Hubs.

    “The skilling hub in Kassanda is proof that youth can access quality training for free. If we fully embrace free education, it will play a major role in changing lives.”

    President Museveni further revisited his Four-Acre Model, a strategy he first introduced in the 1996 NRM Manifesto to guide smallholder farmers towards profitable and calculated farming.

    “If you have only two acres and grow cotton or tobacco, you’ll remain poor. But if you plan well, with ekibalo (calculation) you can generate serious income,” he explained.

    For those with four acres, the President advised; One acre for coffee (earning up to Shs15 million per year), one for fruits, one for pasture to support up to eight cows, and one for food crops.

    He added that backyard farming activities like poultry, piggery (for non-Muslims), and fish farming could generate even more income.

    “Fish farming, for instance, can bring in up to Shs 80 million a year from one acre of ponds,” President Museveni revealed.

    Industrialization and ICT as Game Changers:

    He also pointed to Uganda’s manufacturing sector, which now employs over 1.2 million people, more than double the public service sector’s 480,000.

    “From small dairy coolers to big factories, manufacturing has become a major source of jobs and wealth,” he said.

    The President also praised growth in the services sector particularly tourism, transport, professional services, and religious work which employs about four million Ugandans.

    Finally, he underscored the transformative potential of ICT, especially in business Process Outsourcing (BPO).

    “With our strong internet and telecom infrastructure, Ugandans can now work for international companies and earn globally competitive salaries right from here,” President Museveni noted.

    Ms. Hellen Seku, the Commissioner of the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps (NSPC), expressed gratitude to President Museveni for hosting the youth converts from parishes, villages, and sub-counties in the three districts.

    “We thank Your Excellency for welcoming these young people, many of whom were once leaders in the opposition. This meeting marks a turning point in their journey of transformation,” Ms. Seku said.

    “These youth have been receiving ideological training focused on civic duty, patriotism, and the core principles of the NRM. The goal has been to equip them to become responsible, value-driven citizens who contribute meaningfully to their communities,” she explained.

    Ms. Seku also emphasized that the training covered key themes such as teamwork, peacebuilding, national unity, embracing government programs, and serving the country with loyalty and discipline.

    “We have taught them the pillars of society, how to protect the peace we have, and the importance of working together as one. These young people are now prepared to return home and help drive progress in their areas,” she added.

    She further urged the youth to be responsible citizens and take care of both the environment and their personal health.

    “Go back and plant trees in your communities. Let us care for our environment. Above all, maintain discipline in your health. HIV/AIDS has become rampant in our societies. Guard yourselves. It is spreading like wildfire, and we must stop it,” she advised.

    On his part, Col. Okei Rukogota, the Director of NALI expressed his appreciation to President Museveni for his unwavering efforts in empowering young people through anti-poverty programs.

    “Your Excellency, I thank you for your tireless fight against poverty among the youth. Your leadership continues to create opportunities for transformation,” Col. Rukogota said.

    He also commended the NALI team for their dedication and commitment in organizing and facilitating the ideological training for the youth.

    “To the entire NALI team, thank you. Without your hard work and support, this success would not have been possible,” he added.

    Col. Rukogota further applauded the converts for their commitment to learning and embracing the values and principles taught during the retreat.

    “I also thank the youth converts. Your willingness to learn and change is a sign of true patriotism. Uganda needs you,” he said.

    Speaking on behalf of the group, Mr. Mutumba Byakatonda, a youth representative and councilor from Mubende Municipal Council, said the converts were once affiliated with opposition political parties but have now decided to cross to the NRM.

    “Your Excellency, I personally crossed to the opposition after you commissioned the Mubende Central Market. However, today, I stand before you as a proud convert back to the NRM,” he said.

    “Your Excellency, for a while, many of us were misled by opposition narratives. We were persuaded into ideologies that alienated us from government programs aimed at creating wealth and improving livelihoods,” Mr. Byakatonda explained.

    “We sincerely thank the Director and entire staff at NALI for the training, mentorship, and welfare support. Through lessons on the principles and ideology of the NRM, we have experienced a complete mindset change.”

    He thanked the President for his continued facilitation, time, and attention, saying: “We are deeply grateful for your support and for sparing time out of your busy schedule to meet us today. We do not take it for granted.”

    As part of their next steps, the group expressed interest in registering a Youth Converts SACCO across their districts.

    “We plan to form a SACCO where we can access funds at low interest rates and start small businesses. Your Excellency, we also humbly request coffee seedlings under Operation Wealth Creation to help us kick-start our income-generating activities and contribute to the national development agenda,” Mr. Byakatonda said.

    He concluded by reaffirming their loyalty to the NRM government.

    “We are ready to enroll fully into the NRM and support you in building a transformed and prosperous Uganda,” he added.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Uganda.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • NMDC invites applications for tribal education schemes in Chhattisgarh

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    NMDC Limited, India’s largest iron ore producer, has invited applications for two fully sponsored educational initiatives aimed at empowering tribal youth in Chhattisgarh. These initiatives — the Balika Shiksha Yojana and the newly introduced Medical Technology Program — are part of the company’s ongoing commitment to inclusive growth and social development under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) framework.
     
    The Balika Shiksha Yojana is designed specifically for tribal girls belonging to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category from the districts of Bastar, Dantewada, Sukma, Kondagaon, Bijapur, and Narayanpur. Through this scheme, NMDC is offering full financial support for professional nursing education. A total of 200 seats are available across two programs — 110 seats for the four-year B.Sc. Nursing course and 90 seats for the three-year General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) course. These courses will be conducted at reputed institutes such as the Apollo School of Nursing, Yashoda School of Nursing, and KIMS College of Nursing, all located in Hyderabad.
     
    The initiative will cover all expenses, including tuition fees, hostel accommodation, and academic costs, with an investment of ₹12 to ₹15 lakh per student. To be eligible, applicants must belong to the ST category and come from families with an annual income not exceeding ₹72,000. The application deadline for this programme is June 28, 2025.
     
    NMDC has also launched a Medical Technology Program in partnership with Apollo University, Chittoor. This fully sponsored programme is open to ST students from the Dantewada and Bastar districts. A total of 90 seats are being offered, with 60 percent reserved for girls and 40 percent for boys.
     
    Under this initiative, selected students will receive full sponsorship to pursue specialized B.Sc. programmes in Emergency Medical Technology, Medical Lab Technology, Anaesthesiology and Operation Theatre Technician, Imaging Technology, Physician Assistant, and Renal Dialysis Technology. Like the nursing programme, this initiative also carries an investment of ₹12 to ₹15 lakh per student and covers all educational and residential expenses. Applications will be accepted until June 30, 2025.
     
    For more than six decades, NMDC has played a key role in the development of Chhattisgarh through its mining operations and community-focused initiatives. These latest educational programmes are expected to open new career pathways for tribal youth, enabling them to acquire professional qualifications and build sustainable livelihoods.

  • NMDC invites applications for tribal education schemes in Chhattisgarh

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    NMDC Limited, India’s largest iron ore producer, has invited applications for two fully sponsored educational initiatives aimed at empowering tribal youth in Chhattisgarh. These initiatives — the Balika Shiksha Yojana and the newly introduced Medical Technology Program — are part of the company’s ongoing commitment to inclusive growth and social development under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) framework.
     
    The Balika Shiksha Yojana is designed specifically for tribal girls belonging to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category from the districts of Bastar, Dantewada, Sukma, Kondagaon, Bijapur, and Narayanpur. Through this scheme, NMDC is offering full financial support for professional nursing education. A total of 200 seats are available across two programs — 110 seats for the four-year B.Sc. Nursing course and 90 seats for the three-year General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) course. These courses will be conducted at reputed institutes such as the Apollo School of Nursing, Yashoda School of Nursing, and KIMS College of Nursing, all located in Hyderabad.
     
    The initiative will cover all expenses, including tuition fees, hostel accommodation, and academic costs, with an investment of ₹12 to ₹15 lakh per student. To be eligible, applicants must belong to the ST category and come from families with an annual income not exceeding ₹72,000. The application deadline for this programme is June 28, 2025.
     
    NMDC has also launched a Medical Technology Program in partnership with Apollo University, Chittoor. This fully sponsored programme is open to ST students from the Dantewada and Bastar districts. A total of 90 seats are being offered, with 60 percent reserved for girls and 40 percent for boys.
     
    Under this initiative, selected students will receive full sponsorship to pursue specialized B.Sc. programmes in Emergency Medical Technology, Medical Lab Technology, Anaesthesiology and Operation Theatre Technician, Imaging Technology, Physician Assistant, and Renal Dialysis Technology. Like the nursing programme, this initiative also carries an investment of ₹12 to ₹15 lakh per student and covers all educational and residential expenses. Applications will be accepted until June 30, 2025.
     
    For more than six decades, NMDC has played a key role in the development of Chhattisgarh through its mining operations and community-focused initiatives. These latest educational programmes are expected to open new career pathways for tribal youth, enabling them to acquire professional qualifications and build sustainable livelihoods.

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Investment mission takes off to Singapore and Malaysia

    Source: Australian Attorney General’s Agencies

    In April, the Albanese Labor Government pledged to send five new trade and investment missions to priority markets. I am pleased this week to see the third mission get underway with a delegation visiting Singapore and Malaysia.

    Southeast Asia is experiencing rapid economic growth, and Singapore and Malaysia serve as vital gateways to access these markets for Australian exporters, investors and businesses.

    Delegates on this investment mission will gain firsthand insights into Singapore’s role as a regional industrial and investment hub and Malaysia’s emergence as a key industrial and trade gateway in Southeast Asia.

    The mission brings together representatives from 16 leading Australian companies. It is led by Shayne Elliott, Australia’s Business Champion to Singapore and former CEO of ANZ Bank, and Tony Lombardo, Business Champion for Malaysia and Group CEO of Lendlease.

    Since the launch of our government’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, the $2 billion Southeast Asia Investment Financing Facility, and the deployment of dedicated Investment Deal Teams, engagement with the region has surged.

    Australian businesses supported by Austrade recorded more than $1 billion in trade outcomes across Southeast Asia last year, a 45% increase on previous years.

    When Australian businesses grow their footprint in Southeast Asia, the benefits flow back home creating jobs, opening markets, and strengthening our economy.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Active Citizens” to Choose the Best Running Route in the Capital

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The Active Citizen project has begun new vote. Residents of the capital are offered to choose the most convenient and picturesque route for jogging. The co-founder of the sports association “Running Community” and the director of the Moscow Marathon Dmitry Tarasov presented his recommendations. The list includes seven routes suitable for both beginners and experienced athletes. You can choose up to three answer options.

    For example, one of the routes starts at Berezhkovskaya Embankment and leads to the building of the Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov, passing through the old hydroelectric power station, Kosygina Street and University Avenue. The total length is about 15 kilometers in both directions. There are other interesting routes: you can start jogging from Luzhniki and move along the embankment to the Moscow-City business center or to the building of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation.

    Nature lovers will be able to choose routes in the Severnoye Tushino Park, where the path starts near the submarine at the Museum of the History of the Navy and goes along the paths along the apple orchard. The route allows you to go down to the Moscow Canal, admire the Northern River Terminal and the sandy beach and return back through green alleys. In addition, there are distances in Izmailovsky Park, on the territory of the Kuskovo estate, in the Losiny Ostrov National Park and Yauza Park.

    By taking part in the voting, you can not only open new sports routes, but also receive points for the city loyalty program “A Million Prizes”, which can be used to receive goods and services from partners or donated to charity.

    In the Active Citizen project you can also choose best walking bike route Yaroslava Bondarenko, Russian cycling champion. Participation is available to users with full or standard account on mos.ru.

    Project “Active Citizen” has been operating since 2014. During this time, more than seven million people have joined it. Every month, 30-40 decisions made by residents of the capital are implemented in the capital. The project is being developed Department of Information Technology of the City of Moscow and the State Institution “New Management Technologies”.

    The creation, development and operation of the e-government infrastructure, including the provision of mass socially significant services, as well as other services in electronic form, correspond to the objectives of the national project “Data Economy” and the regional project of the city of Moscow “Digital Public Administration”.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155842073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: What program of events has Leto department store prepared for the coming month?

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The department store on Revolution Square continues to operate “Summer”— a cultural and educational site and part of an urban project “Summer in Moscow”. Here, guests can get acquainted with collections of Russian designers and attend lectures, master classes and performances free of charge. Meetings with experts in fashion, art, history and etiquette are planned until the end of the season.

    Russian romances and the creation of herbariums

    So, on June 28 at 16:00 in the department store “Leto” there will be a lecture “Brand – image”. Ekaterina Minkevich, founder of a communications agency, will tell you how to build a personal reputation, strengthen your presence in the media, and include your name in your self-presentation strategy.

    On June 29 at 16:00 everyone is invited toa lecture on the work of the writer Ivan Shmelev. Will end the day mini-performance with live performance of Russian romances and poetry reading. Starts at 20:00.

    On July 5 at 13:00, Ekaterina Maslova, a collector and founder of the cultural space, will give a lecture on the history of tableware and explain how 19th-century fashion influenced the shape of teacups and serving utensils. At 15:00, there will be a master class on summer table setting using antique tableware.

    On July 6 at 15:00, expert Yulia Ryabukhina will give a lecture on family traditions and home etiquette. At 17:00, a master class on creating herbariums will begin. At 19:00, guests will see the performance “Dandelion Wine” by “Creative Association 9”.

    Philosophy of conscious consumption and repair of vintage items

    On July 12, a series of events are planned at the Leto department store for Family, Love and Fidelity Day. At 15:00, art critic Diana Kunitsyna will tell the story of the love of Emperor Alexander III and Maria Feodorovna. At 17:00, city residents will join a master class on creating festive wreaths, where they will learn the basics of floristry and assemble their own composition. The day will end with a musical concert: arias and romances will be performed by the soloist of the State Academic Mariinsky Theater Diana Kazanlieva and soloist Yakub Suvorov, accompanied by piano. Starts at 19:00.

    On July 13 at 15:00, everyone is invited to a lecture by Anna Chobanu and Ksenia Korennaya, “Five Secrets of Education in the Tsarist Russia Era.” Guests will learn how children were taught in the pre-revolutionary period, what books they read, and what they were interested in. At 17:00, a master class on creating a summer collage from old postcards will begin.

    On July 19, there will be a lecture on the philosophy of conscious consumption. At 16:00, Tatyana Polyakova will talk about the principles of upcycling, and at 18:00, Ksenia Mezentseva will hold a master class on table setting using antique tableware.

    On July 20 at 2:00 PM Anna Kiva, ethnoculturalist and decorator, will give a lecture on “How to Read Things: Vintage as a Way to Explore the Past.” A master class on glass and ceramic mosaics is planned for 4:00 PM.

    On July 26, the Leto department store will host events dedicated to conscious consumption and careful handling of clothes. At 4:00 PM, Asya Aladzhalova and Korinna Polinskaya will touch on the topic of repairing vintage items. At 6:00 PM, a master class will be held where participants will learn basic seams and clothing restoration techniques.

    You can sign up for events taking place at the Leto department store on the project page “Summer in Moscow”.

    “Summer in Moscow”— the main event of the season. It brings together the most vibrant events of the capital. Every day, charity, cultural and sports events are held in all districts of the city, most of which are free. The Summer in Moscow project is being held for the second time, and the new season will be more eventful: new, original and colorful festivals and events will be added to the traditional ones.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Residents of 26 old houses in Presnensky district received new apartments under the renovation program

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Almost 3.8 thousand Muscovites from 26 old houses — half of all buildings included in the renovation program — have signed contracts for comfortable housing in new buildings in the Presnensky District. This was reported by Ekaterina Solovieva, Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Moscow Department of City Property.

    “In the Presnensky District, where the renovation program included 53 buildings, resettlement to new buildings has already affected residents of half of them – citizens from 26 old five-story buildings. Almost 3.8 thousand people received comfortable apartments here. In total, about 8.3 thousand Muscovites are planned to be resettled in the district, which is half of all participants in the renovation program in the Central Administrative District,” Ekaterina Solovyova specified.

    New buildings under the renovation program were built with barrier-free access in mind. The courtyards were landscaped: playgrounds, sports grounds, and recreation areas were placed there. Shops, pharmacies, cafes, educational centers, and other necessary service enterprises and city organizations are opening on the ground floors of the new buildings.

    “In the Presnensky District of the Central Administrative District, the city has built and handed over two new buildings for occupancy, which in total provide for about 1.8 thousand apartments with finished improved finishing. Elevators have been installed in the entrances, rooms for concierges and storage rooms for strollers and bicycles have been equipped. Comprehensive improvements have been carried out in the adjacent territories: trees and shrubs have been planted, video surveillance cameras and outdoor lighting have been installed,” clarified the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of Urban Development Policy

    Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin said that the renovation program also included 131 sites for the construction of houses.

    The renovation program was approved in August 2017. It concerns about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses. Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin ordered to increase the pace of implementation of the renovation program in twice.

    Moscow is one of the leaders among regions in terms of construction volumes. High rates of housing construction correspond to the goals and initiatives of the national project “Infrastructure for life”.

    Get the latest news quickly official telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets Japan’s former Economic Security Minister Kobayashi Takayuki

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Details
    2025-06-16
    President Lai meets delegation led by Representative Bera, co-chair of US Congressional Taiwan Caucus
    On the morning of June 16, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Representative Ami Bera, co-chair of the US Congressional Taiwan Caucus. In remarks, President Lai thanked the representatives in Congress for actively voicing support for Taiwan and proposing numerous Taiwan-friendly initiatives to strengthen Taiwan-US ties, helping expand Taiwan’s international space and continuing to place focus on peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The president said that we will continue to strengthen bilateral investment and industrial cooperation and create a more comprehensive environment for economic and trade exchanges to jointly enhance economic and developmental resilience. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I am delighted to meet with the delegation and welcome Congressman Bera back to the Presidential Office. Last January, he visited after the presidential election, demonstrating the steadfast backing of the US Congress for democratic Taiwan. This time, as head of a delegation of new members of the House Armed Services Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee, he is continuing to foster US congressional support for Taiwan. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend a sincere welcome to Congressman Bera and all our esteemed guests. Over the years, staunch bipartisan US congressional backing of Taiwan has been a key force for steadily advancing our bilateral relations. I thank the representatives in Congress for actively voicing support for Taiwan and proposing numerous Taiwan-friendly initiatives, thereby strengthening Taiwan-US ties, helping expand Taiwan’s international space, and continuing to place focus on peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. I want to emphasize that Taiwan has an unwavering determination to safeguard peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Over the past year, the government and private sector have been working together to enhance Taiwan’s whole-of-society defense resilience and accelerate reform of national defense. The government is also prioritizing special budget allocations to ensure that our defense budget exceeds three percent of GDP this year. I hope that Taiwan-US security cooperation will evolve beyond military procurement to a partnership that encompasses joint research and development and joint production, further strengthening cooperation and exchange in the defense industry. Regarding industrial exchanges, last month, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) and Minister of Economic Affairs Kuo Jyh-huei (郭智輝) each visited Texas to see firsthand Taiwan-US collaboration in AI and semiconductors. And the delegation led by Executive Yuan Secretary-General Kung Ming-hsin (龔明鑫) sent by Taiwan to this year’s SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, DC, was again the largest of those attending. All of this demonstrates Taiwan’s commitment to working alongside the US to create mutual prosperity. In the future, we will continue to strengthen bilateral investment and industrial cooperation. And I hope that the legislation addressing the issue of Taiwan-US double taxation will become law this year. I want to thank Congressman Bera for co-leading a joint letter last November signed by over 100 members of Congress calling for such legislation. I believe that by creating a more comprehensive environment for economic and trade exchanges, Taiwan and the US can enhance economic and developmental resilience. In closing, I thank you all for making the long journey here to advance Taiwan-US relations. Let us continue working together to promote the prosperous development of this important partnership. Congressman Bera then delivered remarks, saying that on behalf of the delegation, it is an honor for him to be here once again, it being last January that he and Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart visited and congratulated President Lai on his election victory, noting that theirs was the first congressional delegation to do so. Congressman Bera said that this is an important time, not just for the US and Taiwan relationship, but for all relationships around the world. When we look at conflicts in Europe and in the Middle East, he said, it is incumbent upon democracies to hold the peace in Asia. He emphasized that is why it is important for them to bring a delegation of members of the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Armed Services Committee, adding that he believes for all of them it is their first trip to Taiwan.  Congressman Bera said that while this is a delegation of Democratic members of Congress, in a bipartisan way all of Congress continues to support the people of Taiwan. As such, in this visit he brings support from his co-chairs on the Taiwan caucus, Congressman Díaz-Balart and Congressman Andy Barr. He also took a moment to recognize the passing of Congressman Gerald Connolly, who was a longtime friend of Taiwan and one of their co-chairs on the caucus. Congressman Bera mentioned that there is always a special bond between himself and President Lai because they are both doctors, and as doctors, their profession is about healing, keeping the peace, and making sure everybody has a bright, prosperous future. In closing, he highlighted that it is in that spirit that their delegation visits with the president. The delegation also included members of the US Congress Gabe Amo, Wesley Bell, Julie Johnson, Sarah McBride, and Johnny Olszewski.

    Details
    2025-06-13
    President Lai meets delegation led by French National Assembly Taiwan Friendship Group Chair Marie-Noëlle Battistel
    On the morning of June 12, President Lai Ching-te met a delegation led by Marie-Noëlle Battistel, chair of the French National Assembly’s Taiwan Friendship Group. In remarks, President Lai thanked the National Assembly for its long-term support for Taiwan’s international participation and for upholding security in the Taiwan Strait, helping make France the first major country in the world to enact legislation to uphold freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait. The president also said that exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and France are becoming more frequent, and that he hopes this visit by the Taiwan Friendship Group will inject new momentum into Taiwan-France relations and help build closer partnerships in the economy, trade, energy, and digital security.  A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: First, I would like to welcome Chair Battistel, who is once again leading a visiting delegation. Last year, Chair Battistel co-led a delegation to attend the inauguration ceremony for myself and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao. This is her fourth visit, and first as chair of the Taiwan Friendship Group, which makes it especially meaningful. This delegation’s visit demonstrates strong support for Taiwan, and on behalf of the people of Taiwan, I want to express my sincerest welcome and thanks. France is a pioneer in promoting free and democratic values. These are values that Taiwan cherishes and is working hard to defend. I want to express gratitude to the French Parliament for their long-term support for Taiwan’s international participation, and for upholding security in the Taiwan Strait. The French Parliament’s two chambers have continued to strongly support Taiwan, with the passage of a resolution supporting Taiwan’s participation in international organizations in 2021, as well as the passage of the seven-year Military Programming Law in 2023. This has made France the first major country in the world to enact legislation to uphold freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait. Through it all, the Taiwan Friendship Group has played a key role, and I want to thank all of our distinguished guests for their efforts. Over the past few years, Taiwan and France have continued to deepen cooperation in areas including the economy, technology, culture, and sports. At the Choose France summit held in Paris last month, Taiwanese and French enterprises also announced they will launch cooperation in the semiconductor and satellite fields. The VivaTech startup exhibition, now being held in France, also has many Taiwanese vendors participating. Exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and France, whether official or people-to-people, are becoming more and more frequent. I hope that this visit by the Taiwan Friendship Group will inject new momentum into Taiwan-France relations, building closer partnerships in the economy, trade, energy, and digital security.  To address current geopolitical and economic challenges, Taiwan will continue to join forces with France and other like-minded countries to jointly safeguard peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, and contribute our concerted efforts to global prosperity and development. Once again, I want to welcome our visitors to Taiwan. I hope to continue our joint efforts to create a more prosperous future for both Taiwan and France.   Chair Battistel then delivered remarks, thanking President Lai for extending this invitation. Last year on May 20, she said, she and her delegation attended the presidential inauguration ceremony, so she was delighted to visit Taiwan once again with the French National Assembly’s Taiwan Friendship Group and bear witness to their friendship with Taiwan. Chair Battistel noted that this visit has given them an opportunity to strengthen Taiwan-France relations in areas including the economy, culture, the humanities, and diplomacy, and conduct exchanges with numerous heads of government agencies and research institutes. It has also been an opportunity, she said, to witness the importance of exchanges and cooperation with Taiwan in areas including energy, semiconductors, youth, and culture, and the impact created by important issues of mutual concern, including AI and disinformation, on the security of many countries. Chair Battistel praised Taiwan for its youth development efforts, and said that under the Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative, 30 Taiwanese young people have embarked on a visit to France, with itineraries including the United Nations Ocean Conference and the VivaTech exhibition, as well as the city of Toulouse, which is strategically important for the aerospace industry. Members of the group are also conducting exchanges at the French National Assembly, she said.  Chair Battistel stated that the Taiwan-France partnership is growing closer, and that she hopes to continue to strengthen bilateral exchanges and cooperation, as supporting peace for Taiwan supports peace around the world.  The delegation also included Taiwan Friendship Group Vice Chair Éric Martineau, as well as National Assembly Committee on Foreign Affairs Vice Chair Laetitia Saint-Paul and Deputies Marie-José Allemand and Claudia Rouaux. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by French Office in Taipei Deputy Director Cléa Le Cardeur.

    Details
    2025-06-05
    President Lai hosts state banquet for President Bernardo Arévalo of Republic of Guatemala  
    At noon on June 5, President Lai Ching-te hosted a state banquet at the Presidential Office for President Bernardo Arévalo of the Republic of Guatemala and his wife. In his remarks, President Lai noted that Taiwan and Guatemala have both undergone an arduous democratization process, and therefore, in face of the continuous expansion of authoritarian influence, must join hands in brotherhood and come together in solidarity to safeguard our hard-earned freedom and democracy. President Lai also expressed hope that both countries will work together and continue to deepen various exchanges and cooperation, taking a friendship that has lasted over 90 years to new heights. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Once again, I would like to offer a warm welcome to President Arévalo and First Lady Lucrecia Peinado, who are leading this delegation to Taiwan. President Arévalo’s previous visit to Taiwan was 31 years ago. Back then, Taiwan did not have direct presidential elections, and the nation was continuing to make progress toward democratization. Today, 31 years later, Taiwan has conducted direct presidential elections eight times, with three transfers of power between political parties. On this visit, I am sure that President Arévalo will gain a deep appreciation for Taiwan’s free and democratic atmosphere.  Taiwan and Guatemala have both undergone an arduous democratization process. A little over 200 years ago, the people of Guatemala took a stand against colonial oppression, seeking national dignity and the freedom of its people. Eighty-one years ago, President Arévalo’s father, Juan José Arévalo, became Guatemala’s first democratically elected president, establishing an important foundation for subsequent democratic development.  Our two peoples have democracy in their blood. Both know the value of freedom and democracy and are willing to take a stand for those values. Therefore, in face of the continuous expansion of authoritarian influence, our two countries must join hands in brotherhood to respond to threats and challenges, and come together in solidarity to safeguard our hard-earned freedom and democracy. I hope that both countries will work together to continue to deepen various exchanges and cooperation, taking a friendship that has lasted over 90 years to new heights. I hope that on this visit, in addition to gaining a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s political, economic, and social development, President Arévalo can also reacquaint himself with the democratic vitality and cultural diversity of Taiwan by sampling various gourmet delicacies and once again experiencing the beauty of our scenery and warmth of our people. Guatemala is a very beautiful country. In the future, I hope to have a chance to personally experience that beauty, explore Mayan civilization, and savor local Guatemalan coffee. In closing, I wish the visiting delegation a smooth and successful trip, and beautiful, unforgettable memories. May President Arévalo enjoy the best of health, and may the diplomatic friendship between our two countries endure. President Arévalo then delivered remarks, stating that at different times and by different means, the people of Taiwan and Guatemala have relentlessly sought to defend freedom and democracy. We share the same expectations, he said, and are walking the right path amid today’s complex international circumstances.  President Arévalo stated that Taiwan and Guatemala are true democratic nations, where the government’s goal is to serve all the people. He noted that this is far from easy under current circumstances, as many authoritarian regimes use their long-term hold on power to safeguard the interests of select groups and neglect the wellbeing of the population as a whole. President Arévalo said that last week Guatemala commemorated the 40th anniversary of its constitution, which was enacted in 1985 and is Guatemala’s ultimate guide, setting the foundation for democracy and clearly outlining the path ahead. He said that over the past 40 years, Guatemala has continued to follow the democratic blueprint established by the constitution and end the civil war so that the nation could make the transition to real democracy. Although more than a few ambitious people have attempted to destroy that process from within, he noted, the people of Guatemala have never given up the pursuit of democracy as an ideal. President Arévalo stated that our two sides’ coming together here is due to such shared values as freedom and democracy as well as the idea of serving all the people. He underlined that the governments of both countries will continue to work hard and provide mutual support to smooth out each other’s path of democracy, freedom, and justice. President Arévalo emphasized that the government of Guatemala will always be Taiwan’s ally, and that he firmly believes Taiwan is Guatemala’s most reliable partner on the path of democracy and economic prosperity and development. The president said he hopes this visit will be the first step towards setting a new course for the governments and peoples of both countries. Also in attendance at the banquet were Guatemala Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos Ramiro Martínez, Minister of the Economy Gabriela García, and Guatemala Ambassador Luis Raúl Estévez López.  

    Details
    2025-06-05
    President Lai welcomes President Bernardo Arévalo of Republic of Guatemala with military honors  
    On the morning of June 5, President Lai Ching-te welcomed with full military honors President Bernardo Arévalo of the Republic of Guatemala and his wife, who are leading a delegation of cabinet members visiting Taiwan for the first time, demonstrating the deep and enduring alliance between our nations. In remarks, President Lai noted that over the past few years, bilateral cooperation between Taiwan and Guatemala has grown closer and more diverse, and said that moving forward, based on a foundation of mutual assistance for mutual benefit, we will continue to promote programs in line with international trends, spurring prosperity and development in both our nations. The military honors ceremony began at 10:30 a.m. in the Entrance Hall of the Presidential Office. After a 21-gun salute and the playing of the two countries’ national anthems, President Lai and President Arévalo each delivered remarks. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Today, President Arévalo and First Lady Lucrecia Peinado are leading a delegation of cabinet members visiting Taiwan for the first time, demonstrating the deep and enduring alliance between our nations. On behalf of the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I want to extend my sincerest welcome. Last year, our two countries celebrated the 90th anniversary of diplomatic ties, providing mutual support all along the way. Especially over the past few years, bilateral cooperation has grown closer and more diverse. We have a long record of remarkable results, whether in terms of medicine and public health, education and culture, technological cooperation, or economic and trade exchanges. Moving forward, based on a foundation of mutual assistance for mutual benefit, Taiwan and Guatemala will continue to promote programs in line with international trends. We will continue to strengthen exchange and cooperation for young people, as well as scholarship programs, and actively cultivate high-tech and information and communications technology industry talent, spurring prosperity and development in both our nations. Although separated by a great distance, the peoples of both countries are closely connected by their ideals and values. I am confident that with President Arévalo’s support, bilateral exchanges and cooperation will become closer and more diverse, beginning a very promising new chapter. I wish the visiting delegation a smooth and successful trip. President Arévalo then delivered remarks, saying that on behalf of the government and people of Guatemala, he is honored to visit the Republic of China (Taiwan), this beautiful nation, and to receive full military honors, which reflects the mutual respect between our two nations as well as our solid friendship. Especially as this state visit comes as we celebrate 90 years of formal diplomatic ties, he said, he has brought the foreign minister, economics minister, private secretary to the president, and social communication secretary as members of his delegation, in the hope of our ties embarking on a new chapter. President Arévalo said that Guatemala-Taiwan ties have in recent years been growing steadily on a foundation of mutual understanding and cooperation, making significant progress, and that our peoples have also cultivated sincere friendships and cooperative relationships across many fields. Our nations are especially promoting public health, education, agricultural technology, and infrastructure, he said, key fields which are conducive to economic and social development. He expressed his hope that on such good foundations of the past, we can further strengthen our bilateral ties for the future. President Arévalo stated that through this state visit they not only want to reaffirm the good bilateral ties between our nations, but that they also hope to define a trajectory for the future of our cooperation in the direction of expanding economic cooperation, building economic and trade alliances, and facilitating investment to foster a Taiwan-Guatemala relationship that benefits both peoples. He then expressed gratitude to the people of Taiwan for helping Guatemala over the past 90 years and reaffirmed the unwavering support of Guatemala for the Republic of China (Taiwan). On the occasion of this visit, he said, he hopes to extend a friendly hand to the people of Taiwan, adding that he looks forward to our nations continuing to take major steps forward on the road of mutual assistance and prosperity. Also in attendance at the welcome ceremony were Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador Andrea Clare Bowman, and members of the foreign diplomatic corps in Taiwan.  

    Details
    2025-06-03
    President Lai confers decoration on President Hilda C. Heine of Republic of the Marshall Islands, hosts state banquet  
    At noon on June 3, President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, conferred a decoration upon President Hilda C. Heine of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and hosted a state banquet for President Heine and her husband at the Presidential Office. In remarks, President Lai thanked President Heine for her commitment to deepening the diplomatic partnership between our nations and speaking up for Taiwan in the international arena. He also expressed hope for Taiwan and the Marshall Islands to work together to address various challenges through an even greater diversity of exchanges, and that together, we can contribute even more to peace, stability, and development throughout the Pacific region. At the decoration ceremony, President Lai personally conferred the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon on President Heine before delivering remarks, a translation of which follows:  The Marshall Islands was the first Pacific ally that I visited after taking office as president. When I arrived there, I was immediately drawn to its beautiful scenery. And I received a very warm welcome from the local people. This gesture showed the profound friendship between our two nations. I was truly touched. I also remember trying your nation’s special Bob Whisky for the first time. The flavor was as unique and impressive as the landscape of the Marshall Islands.  In addition to welcoming our distinguished guests today, we also presented President Heine with the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I want to thank President Heine for her commitment to deepening the diplomatic partnership between our nations, and for staunchly speaking up for Taiwan in the international arena. Both I and the people of Taiwan are profoundly grateful to President Heine for her friendship and support. Over the past few years, cooperation between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands has grown ever closer. And this visit by our distinguished guests will allow our two countries to further expand areas of bilateral exchange. I have always believed that only through mutual assistance and trust can two countries build a longstanding and steadfast partnership. I once again convey my sincere aspiration that Taiwan and the Marshall Islands work together to address various challenges through an even greater diversity of exchanges. Together, we can contribute even more to peace, stability, and development throughout the Pacific region. In closing, I want to thank President Heine and First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner, Jr. for leading this delegation to Taiwan, which deepens the foundations of our bilateral relationship. May our two nations enjoy a long and enduring friendship. President Heine then delivered remarks, stating that she felt especially privileged to receive the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and humbly accepted the honor with the utmost gratitude, humility, and deep responsibility. This is a deep responsibility, she said, because she understands that since its inception in 1933, this order has been bestowed upon a select few. She then thanked President Lai for this great honor. President Heine stated that the banquet was not just a celebration of our bilateral friendship, but a true reflection of the generosity of the Taiwan spirit and a testament to the enduring ties between our nations, founded on shared values and aspirations, including a respect for the rule of law, the preservation of human dignity, and a deep commitment to democracy. President Heine stated that the Taiwan-Marshall Islands partnership continues to evolve through practical cooperation and mutual support. In recent years, she said, our countries have worked hand in hand across a range of vital sectors, including the recent opening of the Majuro Hospital AI and Telehealth Center and the ongoing and successful Taiwan Health Center, various technical training and scholarship programs, and various climate change adaptation projects in renewable energy, coastal resilience, and sustainable agriculture.   President Heine emphasized that the Marshall Islands continues to be a proud and vocal supporter of Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the United Nations system and other international organizations. Taiwan’s exclusion from these platforms, she said, is not only unjust, but is bad for the world, and the global community needs Taiwan’s voice and expertise.  President Heine also expressed sincere appreciation to all of the Taiwanese friends who have contributed their efforts to deepening bilateral relations, including government officials, healthcare workers, teachers, engineers, and volunteers. The people of the Marshall Islands, she said, deeply appreciate and value everyone’s efforts and service. President Heine said that as we celebrate our partnership, let us look to the future with hope and determination, continue to work together, learn from one another, and support one another to champion a world where all nations can chart their own course based on peace and international law. Also attending the state banquet were Marshall Islands Council of Iroij Chairman Lanny Kabua, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kalani R. Kaneko, Minister of Finance David Paul, Nitijela Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade Chairperson Joe Bejang, and Charge d’Affaires a.i. Anjanette Davis-Anjel of the Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.  

    Details
    2025-05-20
    President Lai interviewed by Nippon Television and Yomiuri TV
    In a recent interview on Nippon Television’s news zero program, President Lai Ching-te responded to questions from host Mr. Sakurai Sho and Yomiuri TV Shanghai Bureau Chief Watanabe Masayo on topics including reflections on his first year in office, cross-strait relations, China’s military threats, Taiwan-United States relations, and Taiwan-Japan relations. The interview was broadcast on the evening of May 19. During the interview, President Lai stated that China intends to change the world’s rules-based international order, and that if Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted. Therefore, he said, Taiwan will strengthen its national defense, prevent war by preparing for war, and achieve the goal of peace. The president also noted that Taiwan’s purpose for developing drones is based on national security and industrial needs, and that Taiwan hopes to collaborate with Japan. He then reiterated that China’s threats are an international problem, and expressed hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war. Following is the text of the questions and the president’s responses: Q: How do you feel as you are about to round out your first year in office? President Lai: When I was young, I was determined to practice medicine and save lives. When I left medicine to go into politics, I was determined to transform Taiwan. And when I was sworn in as president on May 20 last year, I was determined to strengthen the nation. Time flies, and it has already been a year. Although the process has been very challenging, I am deeply honored to be a part of it. I am also profoundly grateful to our citizens for allowing me the opportunity to give back to our country. The future will certainly be full of more challenges, but I will do everything I can to unite the people and continue strengthening the nation. That is how I am feeling now. Q: We are now coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and over this period, we have often heard that conflict between Taiwan and the mainland is imminent. Do you personally believe that a cross-strait conflict could happen? President Lai: The international community is very much aware that China intends to replace the US and change the world’s rules-based international order, and annexing Taiwan is just the first step. So, as China’s military power grows stronger, some members of the international community are naturally on edge about whether a cross-strait conflict will break out. The international community must certainly do everything in its power to avoid a conflict in the Taiwan Strait; there is too great a cost. Besides causing direct disasters to both Taiwan and China, the impact on the global economy would be even greater, with estimated losses of US$10 trillion from war alone – that is roughly 10 percent of the global GDP. Additionally, 20 percent of global shipping passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, so if a conflict breaks out in the strait, other countries including Japan and Korea would suffer a grave impact. For Japan and Korea, a quarter of external transit passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, and a third of the various energy resources and minerals shipped back from other countries pass through said areas. If Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted, and therefore conflict in the Taiwan Strait must be avoided. Such a conflict is indeed avoidable. I am very thankful to Prime Minister of Japan Ishiba Shigeru and former Prime Ministers Abe Shinzo, Suga Yoshihide, and Kishida Fumio, as well as US President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden, and the other G7 leaders, for continuing to emphasize at international venues that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are essential components for global security and prosperity. When everyone in the global democratic community works together, stacking up enough strength to make China’s objectives unattainable or to make the cost of invading Taiwan too high for it to bear, a conflict in the strait can naturally be avoided. Q: As you said, President Lai, maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is also very important for other countries. How can war be avoided? What sort of countermeasures is Taiwan prepared to take to prevent war? President Lai: As Mr. Sakurai mentioned earlier, we are coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. There are many lessons we can take from that war. First is that peace is priceless, and war has no winners. From the tragedies of WWII, there are lessons that humanity should learn. We must pursue peace, and not start wars blindly, as that would be a major disaster for humanity. In other words, we must be determined to safeguard peace. The second lesson is that we cannot be complacent toward authoritarian powers. If you give them an inch, they will take a mile. They will keep growing, and eventually, not only will peace be unattainable, but war will be inevitable. The third lesson is why WWII ended: It ended because different groups joined together in solidarity. Taiwan, Japan, and the Indo-Pacific region are all directly subjected to China’s threats, so we hope to be able to join together in cooperation. This is why we proposed the Four Pillars of Peace action plan. First, we will strengthen our national defense. Second, we will strengthen economic resilience. Third is standing shoulder to shoulder with the democratic community to demonstrate the strength of deterrence. Fourth is that as long as China treats Taiwan with parity and dignity, Taiwan is willing to conduct exchanges and cooperate with China, and seek peace and mutual prosperity. These four pillars can help us avoid war and achieve peace. That is to say, Taiwan hopes to achieve peace through strength, prevent war by preparing for war, keeping war from happening and pursuing the goal of peace. Q: Regarding drones, everyone knows that recently, Taiwan has been actively researching, developing, and introducing drones. Why do you need to actively research, develop, and introduce new drones at this time? President Lai: This is for two purposes. The first is to meet national security needs. The second is to meet industrial development needs. Because Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines are all part of the first island chain, and we are all democratic nations, we cannot be like an authoritarian country like China, which has an unlimited national defense budget. In this kind of situation, island nations such as Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines should leverage their own technologies to develop national defense methods that are asymmetric and utilize unmanned vehicles. In particular, from the Russo-Ukrainian War, we see that Ukraine has successfully utilized unmanned vehicles to protect itself and prevent Russia from unlimited invasion. In other words, the Russo-Ukrainian War has already proven the importance of drones. Therefore, the first purpose of developing drones is based on national security needs. Second, the world has already entered the era of smart technology. Whether generative, agentic, or physical, AI will continue to develop. In the future, cars and ships will also evolve into unmanned vehicles and unmanned boats, and there will be unmanned factories. Drones will even be able to assist with postal deliveries, or services like Uber, Uber Eats, and foodpanda, or agricultural irrigation and pesticide spraying. Therefore, in the future era of comprehensive smart technology, developing unmanned vehicles is a necessity. Taiwan, based on industrial needs, is actively planning the development of drones and unmanned vehicles. I would like to take this opportunity to express Taiwan’s hope to collaborate with Japan in the unmanned vehicle industry. Just as we do in the semiconductor industry, where Japan has raw materials, equipment, and technology, and Taiwan has wafer manufacturing, our two countries can cooperate. Japan is a technological power, and Taiwan also has significant technological strengths. If Taiwan and Japan work together, we will not only be able to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and security in the Indo-Pacific region, but it will also be very helpful for the industrial development of both countries. Q: The drones you just described probably include examples from the Russo-Ukrainian War. Taiwan and China are separated by the Taiwan Strait. Do our drones need to have cross-sea flight capabilities? President Lai: Taiwan does not intend to counterattack the mainland, and does not intend to invade any country. Taiwan’s drones are meant to protect our own nation and territory. Q: Former President Biden previously stated that US forces would assist Taiwan’s defense in the event of an attack. President Trump, however, has yet to clearly state that the US would help defend Taiwan. Do you think that in such an event, the US would help defend Taiwan? Or is Taiwan now trying to persuade the US? President Lai: Former President Biden and President Trump have answered questions from reporters. Although their responses were different, strong cooperation with Taiwan under the Biden administration has continued under the Trump administration; there has been no change. During President Trump’s first term, cooperation with Taiwan was broader and deeper compared to former President Barack Obama’s terms. After former President Biden took office, cooperation with Taiwan increased compared to President Trump’s first term. Now, during President Trump’s second term, cooperation with Taiwan is even greater than under former President Biden. Taiwan-US cooperation continues to grow stronger, and has not changed just because President Trump and former President Biden gave different responses to reporters. Furthermore, the Trump administration publicly stated that in the future, the US will shift its strategic focus from Europe to the Indo-Pacific. The US secretary of defense even publicly stated that the primary mission of the US is to prevent China from invading Taiwan, maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific, and thus maintain world peace. There is a saying in Taiwan that goes, “Help comes most to those who help themselves.” Before asking friends and allies for assistance in facing threats from China, Taiwan must first be determined and prepared to defend itself. This is Taiwan’s principle, and we are working in this direction, making all the necessary preparations to safeguard the nation. Q: I would like to ask you a question about Taiwan-Japan relations. After the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, you made an appeal to give Japan a great deal of assistance and care. In particular, you visited Sendai to offer condolences. Later, you also expressed condolences and concern after the earthquakes in Aomori and Kumamoto. What are your expectations for future Taiwan-Japan exchanges and development? President Lai: I come from Tainan, and my constituency is in Tainan. Tainan has very deep ties with Japan, and of course, Taiwan also has deep ties with Japan. However, among Taiwan’s 22 counties and cities, Tainan has the deepest relationship with Japan. I sincerely hope that both of you and your teams will have an opportunity to visit Tainan. I will introduce Tainan’s scenery, including architecture from the era of Japanese rule, Tainan’s cuisine, and unique aspects of Tainan society, and you can also see lifestyles and culture from the Showa era.  The Wushantou Reservoir in Tainan was completed by engineer Mr. Hatta Yoichi from Kanazawa, Japan and the team he led to Tainan after he graduated from then-Tokyo Imperial University. It has nearly a century of history and is still in use today. This reservoir, along with the 16,000-km-long Chianan Canal, transformed the 150,000-hectare Chianan Plain into Taiwan’s premier rice-growing area. It was that foundation in agriculture that enabled Taiwan to develop industry and the technology sector of today. The reservoir continues to supply water to Tainan Science Park. It is used by residents of Tainan, the agricultural sector, and industry, and even the technology sector in Xinshi Industrial Park, as well as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Because of this, the people of Tainan are deeply grateful for Mr. Hatta and very friendly toward the people of Japan. A major earthquake, the largest in 50 years, struck Tainan on February 6, 2016, resulting in significant casualties. As mayor of Tainan at the time, I was extremely grateful to then-Prime Minister Abe, who sent five Japanese officials to the disaster site in Tainan the day after the earthquake. They were very thoughtful and asked what kind of assistance we needed from the Japanese government. They offered to provide help based on what we needed. I was deeply moved, as former Prime Minister Abe showed such care, going beyond the formality of just sending supplies that we may or may not have actually needed. Instead, the officials asked what we needed and then provided assistance based on those needs, which really moved me. Similarly, when the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 or the later Kumamoto earthquakes struck, the people of Tainan, under my leadership, naturally and dutifully expressed their support. Even earlier, when central Taiwan was hit by a major earthquake in 1999, Japan was the first country to deploy a rescue team to the disaster area. On February 6, 2018, after a major earthquake in Hualien, former Prime Minister Abe appeared in a video holding up a message of encouragement he had written in calligraphy saying “Remain strong, Taiwan.” All of Taiwan was deeply moved. Over the years, Taiwan and Japan have supported each other when earthquakes struck, and have forged bonds that are family-like, not just neighborly. This is truly valuable. In the future, I hope Taiwan and Japan can be like brothers, and that the peoples of Taiwan and Japan can treat one another like family. If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem; if Japan has a problem, then Taiwan has a problem. By caring for and helping each other, we can face various challenges and difficulties, and pursue a brighter future. Q: President Lai, you just used the phrase “If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem.” In the event that China attempts to invade Taiwan by force, what kind of response measures would you hope the US military and Japan’s Self-Defense Forces take? President Lai: As I just mentioned, annexing Taiwan is only China’s first step. Its ultimate objective is to change the rules-based international order. That being the case, China’s threats are an international problem. So, I would very much hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war – prevention, after all, is more important than cure.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Iranian National and Wife Federally Indicted After Wife Threatens to Shoot ICE Officers in Tempe

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – On June 24, 2025, a federal grand jury in Phoenix returned an indictment against Iranian national, Mehrzad Asadi Eidivand, 40, of Tempe, Arizona for Alien in Possession of a Firearm, and against his wife, Linet Vartanniavartanians, 37, a United States Citizen from Tempe, Arizona, for Threatening to Assault a Federal Officer.

    Documents filed in the case allege that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers went to Eidivand and Vartanniavartanians’ Tempe residence on Saturday, June 21, 2025, to administratively arrest Eidivand for failing to comply with a 2013 removal order. Eidivand, an Iranian national, had challenged the removal order on several occasions, but the Board of Immigration Appeals denied those motions repeatedly. Despite the court order to return to his home country, Eidivand remained in the United States for over a decade.

    When ICE ERO officers arrived at the couple’s residence, they announced themselves and were answered by Vartanniavartanians, who refused to open the door and told the officers to return with a warrant. Shortly thereafter, Tempe Police officers arrived on the scene and told ICE ERO that Vartanniavartanians had called the police and threatened to shoot the federal officers. She claimed that she had a loaded gun and that she would shoot anyone who tried to come inside the house. She also threatened to go outside and shoot ICE officers in the head. When the police dispatcher spoke with Eidivand, he confirmed that there were guns in the home.

    The following day, June 22, 2025, agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and officers from ICE ERO executed a federal search warrant on the residence. Inside the home, agents found a loaded firearm on the kitchen counter and a second loaded firearm on a nightstand. Both Vartanniavartanians and Eidivand were arrested at the scene and taken into custody without further incident.

    A conviction for Alien in Possession of a Firearm carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both. A conviction for Threatening to Assault a Federal Officer carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    HSI Phoenix, ICE, ERO, and the FBI’s Phoenix Office are conducting the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Addison Owen, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-25-00931-PHX-DGC
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-099_Eidivand, et al.

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Iranian National and Wife Federally Indicted After Wife Threatens to Shoot ICE Officers in Tempe

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – On June 24, 2025, a federal grand jury in Phoenix returned an indictment against Iranian national, Mehrzad Asadi Eidivand, 40, of Tempe, Arizona for Alien in Possession of a Firearm, and against his wife, Linet Vartanniavartanians, 37, a United States Citizen from Tempe, Arizona, for Threatening to Assault a Federal Officer.

    Documents filed in the case allege that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers went to Eidivand and Vartanniavartanians’ Tempe residence on Saturday, June 21, 2025, to administratively arrest Eidivand for failing to comply with a 2013 removal order. Eidivand, an Iranian national, had challenged the removal order on several occasions, but the Board of Immigration Appeals denied those motions repeatedly. Despite the court order to return to his home country, Eidivand remained in the United States for over a decade.

    When ICE ERO officers arrived at the couple’s residence, they announced themselves and were answered by Vartanniavartanians, who refused to open the door and told the officers to return with a warrant. Shortly thereafter, Tempe Police officers arrived on the scene and told ICE ERO that Vartanniavartanians had called the police and threatened to shoot the federal officers. She claimed that she had a loaded gun and that she would shoot anyone who tried to come inside the house. She also threatened to go outside and shoot ICE officers in the head. When the police dispatcher spoke with Eidivand, he confirmed that there were guns in the home.

    The following day, June 22, 2025, agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and officers from ICE ERO executed a federal search warrant on the residence. Inside the home, agents found a loaded firearm on the kitchen counter and a second loaded firearm on a nightstand. Both Vartanniavartanians and Eidivand were arrested at the scene and taken into custody without further incident.

    A conviction for Alien in Possession of a Firearm carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both. A conviction for Threatening to Assault a Federal Officer carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    HSI Phoenix, ICE, ERO, and the FBI’s Phoenix Office are conducting the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Addison Owen, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-25-00931-PHX-DGC
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-099_Eidivand, et al.

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: West Jordan Man Accused of Trafficking Cocaine in the District of Utah

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal grand jury returned and indictment today charging a Utah man with drug crimes after federal agents allegedly seized over 4,800 grams of field-tested positive cocaine during an executed search warrant.

    Evar Mahmood Hashim, 25, of West Jordan, Utah, was charged by complaint on June 12, 2025.

    According to court documents, beginning in May 2025, the Davis County Metro Narcotics Strike Force initiated a criminal investigation into members of a drug trafficking organization that was believed to be distributing large quantities of narcotics in Utah. During the investigation, agents identified a vehicle believed to be used by the organization to traffic the suspected narcotics. On June 10, 2025, a search warrant was executed on the vehicle, which was located and secured in Juab County, Utah. At this time, Hashim was the driver of the vehicle. During the search of the vehicle, agents seized approximately 4,836 grams of a white powder, which field-tested positive for cocaine. Hashim was taken into custody.

    Hashim is charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. His initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for June 26, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.

    Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement.

    The case is being investigated jointly by the Davis County Metro Narcotics Strike Force and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

    Special Assistant United States Attorney Kelsy Young of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

    An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: West Jordan Man Accused of Trafficking Cocaine in the District of Utah

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal grand jury returned and indictment today charging a Utah man with drug crimes after federal agents allegedly seized over 4,800 grams of field-tested positive cocaine during an executed search warrant.

    Evar Mahmood Hashim, 25, of West Jordan, Utah, was charged by complaint on June 12, 2025.

    According to court documents, beginning in May 2025, the Davis County Metro Narcotics Strike Force initiated a criminal investigation into members of a drug trafficking organization that was believed to be distributing large quantities of narcotics in Utah. During the investigation, agents identified a vehicle believed to be used by the organization to traffic the suspected narcotics. On June 10, 2025, a search warrant was executed on the vehicle, which was located and secured in Juab County, Utah. At this time, Hashim was the driver of the vehicle. During the search of the vehicle, agents seized approximately 4,836 grams of a white powder, which field-tested positive for cocaine. Hashim was taken into custody.

    Hashim is charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. His initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for June 26, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.

    Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement.

    The case is being investigated jointly by the Davis County Metro Narcotics Strike Force and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

    Special Assistant United States Attorney Kelsy Young of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

    An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: South Korean court refuses to issue arrest warrant for former President Yun Seok-yul

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    SEOUL, June 26 (Xinhua) — The Seoul Central District Court on Wednesday refused to issue an arrest warrant for former South Korean President Yoon Seok-yol requested a day earlier by the special prosecutor investigating the martial law case, local media reported.

    The independent investigation team led by Cho Eun-seok, which is handling the case on sedition and other charges against the politician, told reporters that the court rejected the request for a warrant because Yoon Seok-yeol’s side said he was ready to appear for questioning at the special prosecutor’s first request.

    The former president and his lawyer were notified to appear for questioning on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. local time.

    On June 19, Yoon Seok-yeol ignored a police summons for a third time in a case involving his order to thwart an attempted arrest in January by presidential security forces and delete information from secure phones given to three military commanders.

    Let us recall that Yun Seok-yol was detained in the presidential administration building on January 15. On January 26, while in custody, he was charged with organizing a rebellion. However, on March 8, the politician was released after the prosecutor’s office decided not to appeal the court’s decision.

    On April 4, the Constitutional Court upheld a motion to impeach Yun Seok-yul over the attempted imposition of martial law last December, formally removing him from office. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • Operation Sindhu: 275 people, including 3 Nepalese citizens, evacuated from Iran, express gratitude to Indian govt

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A total of 275 people — 272 Indian nationals and three Nepalese citizens — arrived safely in New Delhi from Mashhad, Iran, on Thursday, as part of the Indian government’s ongoing Operation Sindhu.

    The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that the total number of citizens repatriated from Iran under Operation Sindhu has now reached 3,426, amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

    Emotions ran high as relieved evacuees stepped back onto Indian soil.

    Sharing his experience, one Indian national told IANS, “We were in Mashhad. Five members of my family, including me, are very grateful to the Indian Embassy and the government of India for bringing us home safely. They did not leave us orphaned in a foreign country. No other country has done anything like this for its nationals.”

    He further recalled how embassy officials patiently waited and searched for missing passengers before departure.

    “A few people went missing, so the embassy officials even waited for two hours and searched for the missing. There is no one like our Indian government,” he added.

    Another evacuee told IANS, “I sincerely thank the Indian government and the Embassy of India. Ever since the war started in Tehran, they have been in contact with every Indian, guiding us on how to handle the situation, what the current conditions are, and what their evacuation and repatriation plans would be.”

    “I stand here with a heart full of gratitude and respect for the entire Indian Embassy and the Government of India for bringing us back home. I am truly thankful and will always remain grateful,” said another returnee, echoing the widespread appreciation among those evacuated.

    “We are deeply grateful to them for taking such care of their fellow countrymen, for thinking about their people back home. They realised that our people were far away and in distress, and they stood by us,” one more evacuee told IANS.

    Just a day earlier, on Wednesday, another flight carrying 296 Indians and four Nepalese nationals landed in India from Mashhad.

    With tensions continuing in the region, Operation Sindhu, the Iran leg of which is wrapping up, remains a lifeline for hundreds of stranded citizens.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Whooping cough vaccination rates recover among pregnant women

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Whooping cough vaccination rates recover among pregnant women

    As uptake rates improve for the seventh month, more newborns are protected from whooping cough.

    New figures released today by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show a significant and sustained increase in the number of pregnant women coming forward for the whooping cough vaccine.

    The latest data reveals a consistent seven-month upward trend in maternal pertussis vaccination rates. The rates climbed from 59.0% in May 2024 to nearly 73% in March this year. Uptake rates are now almost as high as the peak at the start of the programme.

    UKHSA has been urging pregnant women to come forward in light of falling vaccination rates and against the backdrop of a large whooping cough outbreak in 2023 to 2024 in which monthly cases peaked at over 3,000 in May 2024.

    Young babies are at highest risk of severe complications and death from whooping cough. 11 babies tragically died in England last year.

    Evidence from England shows that vaccination at the right time in pregnancy is highly effective, giving 91% protection against infant death.

    All babies are given 3 doses of the 6-in-1 jab at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age to protect against whooping cough and other serious diseases such as diphtheria and polio. A pre-school booster is then offered at 3 years 4 months.

    Dr Sharif Ismail, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said:

    The sustained increase in uptake of the whooping cough vaccine among pregnant women across the country shows that even more mothers are taking steps to protect their newborns during their first weeks of life when they are most at risk and before they can receive their own vaccinations.

    Pregnant women are offered a whooping cough vaccine in every pregnancy, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks. This passes protection to their baby in the womb so that they are protected from birth.

    While we’re making excellent progress, we want to ensure every expectant mother is offered the vaccine at the optimal time and understands that this vaccine is the best way to protect their baby during those crucial first weeks after birth.  If you are pregnant and approaching 20 weeks, and haven’t been offered the whooping cough vaccine, please speak to your GP or midwife today to find out how you can get your vaccine.

    Whooping cough, clinically known as pertussis, is a bacterial infection which affects the lungs. The first signs of infection are similar to a cold, such as a runny nose and sore throat, but after about a week, the infection can develop into coughing bouts that last for a few minutes and are typically worse at night. Young babies may also make a distinctive ‘whoop’ or have difficulty breathing after a bout of coughing, though not all babies make this noise which means whooping cough can be hard to recognise.

    If anyone in your family is diagnosed with whooping cough, it’s important they stay at home and do not go into work, school or nursery until 48 hours after starting antibiotics, or 2 weeks after symptoms start if they have not had antibiotics. This helps to prevent the spread of infection, especially to vulnerable groups, including infants. However, vaccination remains the best protection for babies and children.

    Minister for Public Health and Prevention Ashley Dalton said: 

    It is encouraging that vaccination rates for whooping cough have risen over the past seven months.

    However, there is no room for complacency in the fight against this serious and potentially deadly disease.  

    I strongly urge all pregnant women to get vaccinated when they become eligible and give the invaluable gift of protection to their newborn.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Future political agreements must reflect the aspirations of all Libyans, say southern representatives in public consultation


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    Special Representative of the Secretary-General Hanna Tetteh met with twenty-eight representatives from the south at UNSMIL’s premises in Tripoli. The meeting aimed to gather their views on the Advisory Committee’s recommendations as part of the Mission’s ongoing public consultations.

    The representatives from Sebha, Birak al-Shati’, Murzuq, Ghat, Jufrah, Ubar, Gatroun and Tahala, welcomed the briefing by SRSG Tetteh on the outcomes of the Advisory Committee. They emphasized the importance of equal representation, equitable development, and fair access for all to political mechanisms. They highlighted that any future agreement must reflect the aspirations of all Libyans, especially those historically marginalized.

    Participants addressed the representation of cultural components in the political process, saying: “15% is not enough, Libya is ethnically diverse, and we must guarantee fair representation to all Libyans.” Many participants also expressed support for option four, viewing it as a path that would grant Libyans a greater voice in the process but highlighted concerns it could repeat previous failed political processes.

    Comprising of  mayors, municipal council members  and representatives of political parties, the meeting was also attended by Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General, Political, Stephanie Koury, who briefed the participants on the full process of the Advisory Committee’s report.   

    UNSMIL published the Executive Summary of the Advisory Committee’s Report in May, including its four proposed options to move the political process forward. 

    It also launched a public consultation and survey  to ask people to put forward their recommendations and ideas and decided which of these options they would prefer:  

    1. Conducting presidential and legislative elections simultaneously;  
    2. Conducting parliamentary elections first, followed by the adoption of a permanent constitution;  
    3. Adopting a permanent constitution before elections; or  
    4. Establishing a political dialogue committee, based on the Libyan Political Agreement to finalize electoral laws, executive authority and permanent constitution.

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

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The section on the page “Summer in Moscow” will help you find places where fresh berries are sold

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    You can find a site where fresh berries are sold in the section “Berry Seasons” on the page of the large-scale city project “Summer in Moscow”. Here you can select the desired district and region.

    The “Berry Seasons” section contains the addresses of all 250 branded points of sale for strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, lingonberries, wild strawberries, blackberries, currants, gooseberries and honeysuckles from different parts of Russia. For convenience, they are all located near metro stations and transfer hubs, residential buildings and offices.

    The shelves feature products from Krasnodar and Stavropol Krai, Volgograd, Astrakhan and Rostov Regions and such republics as Kabardino-Balkaria, Adygea, Karachay-Cherkessia, Crimea, Dagestan, North Ossetia and Ingushetia.

    In addition, fresh strawberries have been sold at Moscow weekend fairs since the end of May. At first, farmers brought them from the south of the country, and now berries have appeared from the Tambov, Lipetsk, Tula and Voronezh regions. They also bring raspberries, cherries, sour cherries and blueberries, mulberries, blackberries and honeysuckle.

    There are different varieties of berries to choose from, some of which can be eaten raw, while others are best suited for baking, smoothies or compotes. Now, in addition to such early varieties of strawberries as Alba, Clary, Queen Elizabeth and Florentina, mid-season Pineapple and Alice have been added. Blueberries are mainly represented by the Patriot, North Blue and Bluecrop varieties.

    Before sale, all berries are carefully checked by specialists. State Veterinary Service of the City of Moscow.

    The fair pavilions are equipped with the necessary trade and refrigeration equipment and are located near metro stations and in other crowded places in every district of Moscow.

    More information about the activities of the Department of Trade and Services is available atofficial telegram channel.

    Project “Summer in Moscow”— the main event of the season. It brings together the most vibrant events of the capital. Every day, charity, cultural and sports events are held in all districts of the city, most of which are free. The Summer in Moscow project is being held for the second time, and the new season will be more eventful: new, original and colorful festivals and events will be added to the traditional ones.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    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.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155837073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla orbiting Earth, to dock today at space station

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is on his way to create history by becoming the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla, along with three others from the US, Poland, and Hungary, is expected to dock at the orbiting laboratory at 7 a.m.EDT (4.30 p.m. IST).

    Lucknow-born Shukla launched to the ISS at 2:31 a.m. EDT (12 noon IST), from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, aboard a new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft on the company’s Falcon 9 rocket.

    “The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying four Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew members is orbiting Earth and on its way to the International Space Station after launching from Kennedy Space Center at 2:31 a.m. EDT on Wednesday,” NASA shared in an update.

    Dragon is carrying Ax-4 Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla, and Mission Specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski and Tibor Kapu.

    It “will dock to the Harmony module’s space-facing port at 7 a.m. on Thursday,” NASA added.

    After 41 years, India now will have an astronaut in space. Shukla will also be the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma’s flight in 1984.

    In his message on the way to the ISS, Shukla said, “Namaskar, my dear countrymen! What a ride! We are back in the space once again after 41 years. It’s an amazing ride. We are revolving around the Earth at a speed of 7.5 kilometres per second.”

    “This is not my journey alone, but I am carrying the Indian flag with me, and this is the journey of India’s human space flight,” Shukla added.

    He is carrying carrot halwa, moong dal halwa and mango nectar with him to satiate his cravings for home-made food in space.

    The Axiom-4 Mission is not just a scientific feat but a testament to India’s rising stature as a global technology powerhouse. It reinforces the nation’s capability to lead space innovation, promote sustainability, and contribute meaningfully to global missions.

    Once aboard the ISS, Shukla will conduct pioneering experiments related to food and space nutrition.

    These experiments, developed under a collaboration between ISRO and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), with support from NASA, aim to enhance understanding of sustainable life-support systems, a crucial aspect of future long-duration space travel.

    The research will also study the effects of microgravity and space radiation on edible microalgae — a nutrient-rich, high-potential food source for future space missions. The experiment will evaluate key growth parameters and examine transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic changes in different algal species in space compared to their behaviour on Earth.

    –IANS