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  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 1 August 2025 Joint News Release Breastfeeding in Indonesia on the Rise, But Mothers Need More Support

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Jakarta, 1 August 2025 – As Indonesia commemorates World Breastfeeding Week 2025, UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) are highlighting the importance of strengthening support systems for breastfeeding mothers across the country.

    World Breastfeeding Week is observed around the world from 1–7 August. In Indonesia, this important occasion is observed throughout the month of August, under the theme: “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems”.  

    UNICEF and WHO commend the Government of Indonesia’s continued commitment to protect, promote and support breastfeeding. The rate of exclusive breastfeeding among infants under six months has steadily increased, rising from 52% in 2017 to 66.4% in 2024. However, many infants are not exclusively breastfed for the full six months – the duration required to achieve the full health benefits.

    With reliable and long-lasting support, mothers can better access help when they need it, wherever they are – at work, home or in their community. This includes skilled counselling from trained health workers, workplace policies and physical arrangements that enable breastfeeding, and ongoing support from community networks.

    “By investing in support systems for breastfeeding mothers, we create a vital a safety net that ensures no mother has to navigate breastfeeding challenges alone,” said UNICEF Indonesia Representative, Maniza Zaman. “When women and their babies are supported to breastfeed successfully, it sets off a chain of positive outcomes – not only for the child’s development, but also for stronger families, healthier communities and ultimately a better future for the nation.”

    “Indonesia’s steady rise in exclusive breastfeeding is a remarkable achievement and reflects the commitment of families, communities and the health system,” said Dr N. Paranietharan, WHO Representative to Indonesia. “With stronger support systems, every mother in Indonesia can have the resources needed to exclusively breastfeed for the full recommended six months, giving every child the healthiest start to life.”

    Breastfeeding is a baby’s first source of protection and nutrition. UNICEF and WHO recommend that infants are breastfed within one hour of birth and exclusively breastfed in their first six months of life, with no other foods and liquids provided.

    Evidence shows that breastfeeding boosts children’s cognitive development by 3–4 IQ points, reduces overweight and obesity risk and provides lifelong protection against non-communicable diseases. Babies who are not breastfed are up to 14 times more likely to die before their first birthday than those who are exclusively breastfed during their first six months. 

    Unlike formula production, breastfeeding is also environmentally sustainable, lowering carbon emissions and reducing packaging waste.

    UNICEF and WHO call on all stakeholders – the government, workplaces, healthcare institutions, the private sector and communities – to accelerate efforts to support breastfeeding mothers. Key actions include:

    • Expand access to skilled breastfeeding counselling through health facilities, community services, and remote options such as tele-counselling established by the Ministry of Health.
    • Ensure all maternity facilities implement the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding under the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative.
    • Enforce the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes (BMS) to protect families from unethical marketing.
    • Integrate breastfeeding education into healthcare training curricula.
    • Adopt family-friendly policies—including paid maternity leave, lactation rooms and flexible workplace arrangements. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Knife robberies fall under dedicated new taskforce

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Knife robberies fall under dedicated new taskforce

    Communities hit hardest by knife crime see a drop in offences and more weapons removed from the streets.

    The number of robberies involving a knife – or the threat of one – have dropped after months of targeted police action in seven highest risk areas, according to new data published by government today.  

    After seeing a stark rise in knife-enabled robbery in the year to June 2024, driven by a 14% increase across seven police forces, the Home Secretary set up a dedicated police taskforce last October and after just nine months of activity, there has been a 6% overall reduction compared with the previous year across those highest risk areas – with places like the West Midlands seeing a substantial annual drop of 25%.

    The reduction has been driven by intense police efforts and a range of tactics, including upping visible patrols, using drones, knife arches and detection dogs to support police on the ground, and deploying plain clothes officers.  

    Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper:

    Since day one we have acted with urgency to turn the tide on knife crime, which destroys lives and devastates communities.  

    When we came to office, knife-enabled robbery was increasing at a concerning rate, but we have now started to drive numbers of those offences down through the work of our dedicated taskforces, and as a result, we have also seen the first small reduction in overall knife crime for four years.

    The drop in knife enabled robbery in key problem areas shows the impact that our strong new action on knife crime is having, but we now need to supercharge these efforts through more smart and targeted interventions. Anyone can be a victim of knife crime, but new ‘hex mapping’ technology shows that the vast majority of knife crime is concentrated in a relatively small, hyper-concentrated number of areas. 

    As part of the Plan for Change, we will use that new technology to support our mission to halve knife crime over the next decade. In the 2020s, the way to be ‘tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime’ is also to be smart on crime, using the latest technology to target criminals and problem areas, and keep the country safe.

    The announcement comes as a ban on ninja swords come into force today – the first part of the government’s manifesto commitment to introduce Ronan’s Law, and latest step under the pledge to halve knife crime in the next decade.

    Ahead of the ban, at least a thousand deadly weapons have been handed in following the country’s largest weapons surrender scheme.

    Launched in June, the Home Office developed this scheme with members of the Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime to provide a broader range of ways the public could surrender weapons outside of police stations. This saw Faron Paul, CEO of FazAmnesty, driving a custom built and fully secure surrender van, across London, Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, and Words4Weapons supplying 37 new surrender bins, all funded by the Home Office. The surrender van will also be deployed at this year’s Notting Hill Carnival. 

    Pooja Kanda, knife crime campaigner and mother to Ronan said:  

    Ronan was just 16 years old when his life was stolen by a 22-inch ninja sword that should never have been so easy to buy. Ronan’s Law is not only a step towards justice for my son, but for every parent who wants to see their child come home safely.

    This law is about saving lives, closing dangerous loopholes, and holding those responsible to account.   

    The government’s knife surrender scheme has been a sign of commitment to tackling the scourge of knife crime. While there is still much more to do, these are significant steps in the right direction.

    Sandra Campbell, CEO of Word 4 Weapons said:   

    For over 16 years, Word 4 Weapons has played a leading role in the UK’s national weapon surrender schemes, enabling thousands of knives and dangerous items to be taken off the streets through our network of secure and accessible surrender bins. 

    These initiatives are designed to help save lives, raise awareness, and give communities a practical way to reduce harm.    

    We therefore welcome the government’s decision to ban dangerous weapons like ninja swords, a move that reinforces the importance of community-led approaches to tackling knife and weapon-related violence. We remain committed to supporting this work and expanding our efforts to build safer public spaces for all.

    Ronan’s Law will also see the government bring in the toughest measures to date to tackle the sale of weapons online – requiring retailers to report bulk or suspicious knife orders to the police; put in place more stringent age verification checks and impose significant fines on tech executives whose platforms fail to prevent illegal sales. 

    As part of the government’s mission to halve knife crime over the next decade the Home Office is also delivering a pilot using sophisticated new mapping technologies to target hyper-concentrated knife crime hotspots, backed by up to £5 million this year.

    This funding will be targeted towards 50 of the top 100 hyper-local knife crime hotspots to trial targeted intervention tactics and prevent further offending. This could include using more facial recognition and advanced knife detection technology, or the use of police drones to support the increased presence of police officers in our communities – part of the government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee.

    These activities are taking place against the backdrop of the summer long Safer Streets Initiative launched by the Home Secretary to tackle town centre crime, which is delivering a smarter, more visible police and community operation across the country.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 August 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Leeds breaks glass ceiling with first year success of household collections

    Source: City of Leeds

    Yorkshire Day marks one year on from service starting

    Yorkshire Day this year is a double cause for celebration in Leeds due to the successful impact of the first year of household glass collections in the city.

    The new service delivered by Leeds City Council, which began a year ago today, has seen nearly 12,000 tonnes of glass recycled by residents across the city through their green bins. That equates to over two million wine bottles per month and has helped save 464 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2e), the equivalent of taking more than 170 cars off the road. It has also helped increase glass recycling levels in Leeds from 48 per cent to 75 per cent in the first 12 months.

    Empty glass bottles and jars are 100 per cent recyclable, with the process able to be repeated endlessly with no loss in quality, delivering significant benefits to the environment.

    The council works with contractor HW Martin to sort the glass at its Leeds plant, with over 85 per cent of it being remelted at facilities in Yorkshire to produce new bottles and jars ready for reuse within a month.

    The collection service is for any colour of glass bottle or jars, including those for wine, spirits, beer, pop, jam, sauces, coffee jars and spreads. Caps, lids and labels can be left on ready for collection. As part of the Leeds approach to make recycling as simple and easy as possible from home, all glass bottle and jars can go in the green bin; along with paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays, foil and metal cans.

    The council is keen to build on the success of the first 12 months by encouraging even more glass to be recycled in green bins. Currently 25 per cent of glass bottles and jars are still needlessly being put in black bins and the council is asking residents to encourage everyone to use their green bins to recycle more.

    Another option aside from the green bin is to make use of the extensive network of more than 700 glass recycling banks around the city. Each of these banks is able to hold up to 3,000 bottles and jars. This option is particularly helpful after a party or large gathering to dispose of empty glass, or for those who still prefer to make regular trips to their nearest bottle bank.

    While glass bottles and jars can be easily remelted and recycled, a few specialised types -such as oven-proof or Pyrex dishes, lightbulbs, and drinking glasses – require different handling due to their unique melting points. These items can still be given a second life by donating them to a local charity shop or responsibly disposing of them at a household waste recycling centre in Leeds.

    Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, Councillor Mohammed Rafique said:

    “The first year of household glass collections has been a big success so we’d like to say a big thank you to everyone in Leeds for their efforts, and on Yorkshire Day we would call on people to continue to be glass acts and recycle even more if they can, as it does make a big and real difference.

    “Let’s all work together to make the second year of glass collections even more successful than the first, to help the environment and the Yorkshire economy so that everyone wins.”

    Victoria Adams, Marketing and Communications manager, British Glass, said:

    “British Glass are pleased to see the success of the approach by Leeds and, importantly, how much glass is now being sorted and then remelted into new bottles and jars within the local area.

    “We supported Leeds with the launch a year ago on Yorkshire Day and join with the council in thanking residents for their efforts in this first year and we look forward to even more glass being recycled in the year ahead.”

    Declan Nortcliffe, Operations Director, HW Martin Waste said:

    “It’s fantastic that Leeds is extracting over 75 per cent of the city’s glass, within a year of taking jars and bottles in the green bin. We prioritise sending this material to local outlets across Yorkshire for remelting, keeping our carbon footprint low and ensuring new products are back on shelves quickly.”

    Notes to editors:

    Leeds waste collections services currently empty on average 88,000 bins per day – over half a million a week. Annually, this adds up to almost 33,500 tonnes collected from green bins and over 172,000 tonnes from black bins. Thanks to increases in green bin collections to 10,000 homes in 2024 and a further 40,000 in 2025, all households in Leeds now receive a green bin recycling collection at least fortnightly, with 20,000 households in the most densely housed areas now getting a weekly recycling collection. Less than 0.2% of Leeds kerbside collection waste goes to landfill.

     ENDS

     For media enquiries please contact:

    Leeds City Council communications and marketing,

    Email: communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk

    Tel: 0113 378 6007

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: 6+6 Committee and Advisory Committee Conclude Consultative Meeting on Electoral Framework

    Source: APO


    .

    At the end of their two-day consultative meeting under the auspices of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), the 6+6 Committee and the Advisory Committee agreed on the necessity of amending Libya’s constitutional and legal framework to facilitate presidential and parliamentary elections with broadly accepted results.

     Members of the 6+6 Committee praised the Advisory Committee’s recommendations published on 5 May and committed to integrating them into efforts to make the electoral laws more implementable.

    Both committees acknowledged that a comprehensive political settlement is crucial for paving the way for elections. This settlement requires amending the Constitutional Declaration, revising electoral laws to ensure the integrity of election outcomes, establishing a unified government with a clear, time-bound electoral mandate, and adopting both domestic and international guarantees to rebuild trust among stakeholders, particularly between the Libyan people and political institutions. 

    Stengthen local governance, ensure election security, advance national reconciliation, and enhance spending transparency while combating corruption.

    This meeting came as part of UNSMIL’s ongoing consultations with Libyan stakeholders, ahead of the anticipated announcement of a political roadmap during the upcoming Security Council briefing.

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

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Angola protests: United Nations (UN) urges restraint, investigations into deaths

    Source: APO


    .

    What began as protests against fuel price hikes in Angola have escalated into deadly unrest across the country, with at least 22 people killed and more than 1,000 detained, prompting calls from the UN for restraint and urgent investigations into possible rights violations by security forces.

    The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on Thursday urged Angolan authorities to conduct prompt, thorough and independent investigations into the deaths as well as the reported use of excessive force during the demonstrations.

    “Unverified footage suggests that security forces used live ammunition and tear gas to disperse protesters, which points to an unnecessary and disproportionate use of force,” OHCHR spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan said.

    He added that while some demonstrators resorted to violence and looting, any force used by authorities must comply with international human rights standards.

    “Any individuals who may have been arbitrarily detained must be immediately released.”

    Rapid escalation in situation

    The protests began on Monday as a strike by minibus taxi drivers over a one-third rise in diesel prices, part of a government effort to reduce fuel subsidies. According to media reports, the demonstrations quickly spread, becoming one of Angola’s most disruptive protest waves in recent years.

    Government officials reported that at least one police officer was among those killed. Nearly 200 people are said to have been injured and shops and vehicles reportedly vandalised, mostly in the capital, Luanda.

    Sporadic gunfire was also reported in parts of the city earlier in the week, and emergency services were overwhelmed. Many businesses remained shuttered Thursday, and hospitals reportedly struggled to cope with the number of casualties.

    Ensure rights protection

    OHCHR emphasised that while authorities have a responsibility to maintain public order, they must do so in a way that protects human rights.

    “All protesters taking to the streets to express their opinions should do so peacefully,” said Mr. Al-Kheetan. “All human rights violations must be investigated and those responsible held accountable.”

    The UN rights office also reiterated the importance of safeguarding fundamental freedoms, including the rights to life, expression and peaceful assembly, in any law enforcement response.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Exclusion, endurance, and the fight for inclusion

    Source: APO


    .

    Marlene Le Roux has lived with the effects of disability since she was three months old. Now 57, she has spent decades confronting physical, structural, and social barriers.

    Resilience is part of her everyday reality, as she manages pain, stays engaged, and keeps going even when her body resists.

    Ms Le Roux had spent the day before speaking and dancing to mark South Africa’s Freedom Day in Cape Town. By morning, her legs gave in. She was at the physio, acupuncture needles in her thigh to ease the pain.

    That pain, she says, is part of the “gift”– a lived experience that gave her the lens to understand the marginalization millions face every day.

    “I have a job, that’s why I could pay for treatment,” she said. “Others with polio? They suffer. They die in their beds.”

    Her story begins with polio and builds into a fight fueled by loss, sustained by purpose, and anchored in a refusal to accept exclusion.

    She’s lived the weight of exclusion twice over. First, as a child disabled by apartheid-era neglect, contracting polio at just three months old, after clinics denied the remaining vaccines to non-white children. And later, as a mother to her son Adam, who had profound cerebral palsy and required constant care. Adam later passed away, a loss that deepened her resolve.

    That urgency is also reflected in efforts across the United Nations system. In 2019, the UN launched the Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS) to promote accessibility, participation, and accountability in its operations.

    By 2023, more than 60 UN entities had adopted action plans under the strategy, and over $77 million had been mobilized to support more than 100 initiatives in 93 countries. Yet implementation remains uneven, with many persons with disabilities still facing barriers even within institutions that champion inclusion.

    At the Artscape Theatre Centre in Cape Town, where Ms Le Roux is the CEO, accessibility is built into the structure: automated doors, wheelchair seating, level entryways, tactile carpeting, comfort rooms. Staff receive training on both visible and non-apparent disabilities. Every feature is intentional, designed in consultation with those who use them.

    “Life here at Artscape is very easy for people with disabilities,” said vocalist Nikita Scott, a wheelchair user. “It feels like a second home. You just feel freer because there are no challenges you have to face as a disabled person.”

    Families raising children with disabilities find refuge at Artscape. “They can attend performances and relax in a space that doesn’t treat them as an afterthought,” Ms Le Roux said. “Here, no one stares.”

    Artscape also supports grassroots groups, including Lief en Leed (Love and Sorrow), a community initiative in Mamre. Its founder, Michael September, who has speech and mobility impairments, said people still assume disability means incapacity.

    “Artscape is one of the few places that sees our dignity first,” he said.

    Ms Le Roux’s leadership style is grounded in presence and humility. It’s not uncommon to see her joking with staff or sitting down for tea with the cleaning crew. “No one should be invisible,” she said. “Everyone here matters.”

    She helped launch the ArtsAbility Festival, an annual celebration that features performers with disabilities and challenges public perceptions through art and movement. The Unmute Dance Company, a regular participant, blends wheelchairs, crutches, and movement to challenge perceptions.

    “Artscape focuses on what people can do, not what they lack,” she said. “When they perform, you see ability. Not disability.”

    She sees these lessons as central to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially the pledge to “leave no one behind.”

    “We can’t just have things on paper and expect it to work. It has to be in the fiscal budget, in the mindset, in the leadership.”

    To her, inclusion isn’t a checklist but a cultural shift. She meets regularly with an advisory group of people with disabilities to keep the work grounded in lived experience.

    In 2024, she launched Warrior Woman, a petition and art installation to protest gender-based violence. She plans an annual march to parliament with the statue in hand. “We’ve had enough of talking,” she said.

    “Artscape is more than a theatre,” she said, adding that it’s a platform to open doors and influence lives.

    “I can look glamorous now because I have a job. I can pay for treatment; I can walk into the best orthopaedic surgeon. But what happens to others? They suffer. They die. My job is to open doors for them.”

    And she’ll keep pressing forward, legs willing or not, until systems do too.

    Ms Le Roux’s full interview can be watched in this episode of our Sustainable Africa Series

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Apple’s third-quarter revenue rose 10 percent

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) — Apple on Thursday reported financial results for the third quarter of its fiscal 2025 ended June 28. The company’s revenue was $94 billion, up 10 percent from a year earlier.

    Diluted earnings per share for the quarter were $1.57, up 12 percent from a year earlier. The company’s quarterly net income rose to $23.43 billion from $21.45 billion a year earlier.

    iPhone sales rose to $44.58 billion from $39.3 billion a year earlier. Mac sales rose to $8.05 billion from $7.01 billion a year ago.

    The company’s services revenue was $27.42 billion, up from $24.21 billion in the previous year.

    Sales of wearables, home goods and accessories fell to $7.4 billion from $8.1 billion a year earlier.

    “Today, Apple is proud to report another record revenue for the June quarter, with double-digit growth across iPhone, Mac and Services, and growth worldwide in all geographic segments,” said CEO Tim Cook.

    “We are very pleased with our record financial performance in the June quarter, which resulted in earnings per share growth of 12 percent,” said Apple CFO Kevan Parekh.

    Apple’s board of directors has declared a cash dividend of $0.26 per share of the company’s stock. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Update: Serious crash at Hindmarsh Valley

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Please note, the South Australia Police media releases feature on this site for four weeks following publication. If you are searching for an older media release or news item please contact the SAPOL Media Section, telephone (08) 7322 3848 or email sapol.mediasection@police.sa.gov.au

    01 Aug 2025 4:37pm

    Police and emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash at Hindmarsh Valley.

    More

    01 Aug 2025 12:32pm

    A man has been arrested after child exploitation material was located at his home today.

    More

    31 Jul 2025 5:54pm

    A man has been arrested following a fatal crash last week.

    More

    31 Jul 2025 5:33pm

    A rider has been taken to hospital following a serious crash at Ethelton this evening.

    More

    31 Jul 2025 2:49pm

    Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke, the Officer in Charge of Major Crime provided an update to the media in relation to human remains being located in scrubland near Port Lincoln, believed to be that of Julian Storey.

    More

    31 Jul 2025 11:01am

    Three alleged Rebels members were arrested for criminal association on Wednesday 30 July.

    More

    30 Jul 2025 6:36am

    An intruder was arrested after breaking into a Tonsley business overnight.

    More

    30 Jul 2025 6:27am

    A man was arrested after being caught on a construction site at Ridgehaven overnight.

    More

    30 Jul 2025 11:01am

    South Australia Police (SAPOL) has partnered with Dementia Support Australia (DSA) to create a police-only 24-hour helpline to better support people living with dementia.

    More

    29 Jul 2025 12:15pm

    A man has died following a fatal crash at Angle Vale this morning.

    More

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall: Interest Rates Need to Come Down

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Senator Marshall Joins Fox Business to Discuss Interest Rates and Trade Deals
    Washington – On Thursday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Fox Business to discuss the Federal Reserve’s refusal to lower interest rates, and how the President’s trade strategy isn’t harming Americans but will get us leverage on our geo-political rivals.

    Click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview
    On the Federal Reserve not raising interest rates:
    “Well, I wasn’t surprised, because there’s a reason that President Trump calls him Jerome ‘Too Late’ Powell. Let’s go back to March of 2021, and Jerome Powell says inflation is going to be transitory. It’s 18 months later, and it’s just starting to peak, and it’s not a couple months after that before it starts coming down. So, he is indeed always too late.
    “And let me put an exclamation point behind what President Trump is saying. To that average Kansas farmer back home, they have an operation loan of a million dollars. We saw interest rates on those loans go from 2% to 9% and that’s what caused a record drop in net farm income. So, he’s right. Every point matters. And I’m not saying we should drop at two or three points, but dropping at a quarter point or a half point, come on. I think that the economy would dictate that. Now we don’t know what’s holding up Jay Powell, except he’s always too late.”
    On the real impact of the trade deals President Trump has secured:
    “Well, I’m going to trust Michelle Bowman, of course. She’s from Council Grove, Kansas, but let’s just think about this for a second. Of all the goods that Americans consume, only about 11% of them are imported. Only 11%. So, let’s just suppose there’s a 10% tariff on 11% of what we consume. Well, my little math says that’s going to be a 1.1% increase, assuming that’s all passed along to the consumer, and you know, it’s not going to. So, I think that these tariffs could cause a one-time hit of one or 2%, but I think the manufacturers are going to absorb a lot of that. The wholesalers are going to absorb a lot of that as well.
    “And meanwhile, we’re trying to balance this trillion-dollar trade deficit. So, I think President Trump is right on task. Look at what he’s doing; Cambodia and Thailand today, he’s surrounded China. He’s got Indonesia done, Japan, Australia, Vietnam, the Philippines, [and] South Korea. So, he’s going to push China. They’ve got till August. The 12th is their deadline, I believe. So, President Trump is doing a good job.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Roch Wamytan: Paris political agreement for New Caledonia ‘not enough’ for Kanaks

    By Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific presenter/bulletin editor

    A former New Caledonia Congress president says there are “not enough” benefits for Kanaks in a new “draft” agreement he signed alongside pro and anti-independence stakeholders in France last month.

    Roch Wamytan said that, after 10 days of deadlock discussions in Paris, he failed to secure the pro-independence mandate.

    He told RNZ Pacific that he refused to sign a “final agreement”.

    Instead, he said, he opted for a “draft” agreement, which is what he signed. It has been hailed as “historic” by all parties involved.

    While France maintains its “neutrality”, Wamytan said that at the negotiating table it was two (France and New Caledonia’s pro-France bloc) against one (pro-Kanaky).

    A main point of tension was the electoral law changes, which sparked last year’s civil unrest.

    “We call on France to respect the provisions of international law, which remains our main protective shield until the process of decolonisation and emancipation is completed. Hence, our incessant interventions during negotiations on this subject [electoral law changes],” Wamytan told RNZ Pacific.

    He said it was difficult to understand whether France wanted to decolonise New Caledonia or not.

    Concrete measures
    “We have a lot of concrete measures in this proposed agreement, but the main question is a political question. Where are you [France] going with this? Independence or integration with France?”

    The document, signed in the city of Bougival, involves a series of measures and recognition by France of New Caledonia as a “State” as well as dual citizenship — French and New Caledonian — provided future New Caledonian citizens are French nationals in the first place.

    But this week, New Caledonia’s oldest pro-independence party, the Union Calédonienne (UC), officially rejected the political agreement signed in Paris.

    Wamytan maintains New Caledonia is not France. But the French ambassador to the Pacific has previously told RNZ Pacific New Caledonia is France.

    However, Sonia Backès, the leader of the Caledonian Republicans Party and the president of the Provincial Assembly of Southern Province, says the agreement signed in France is “final”.

    “Roch Wamytan and the pro-independence delegation signed an agreement in Bougival. Since their return to New Caledonia, their political supports have been fiercely critical of the agreement,” her office said via a statement.

    “As a result, radical pro-independence leaders like Roch Wamytan have chosen to renege on their commitment and withdraw their signature. This agreement is final; there is no other viable political balance outside of it.”

    So why did Wamytan sign?
     When asked why he signed the draft agreement when he did not agree with it, he said: “After the 10 days they obliged us to sign something.”

    “We told them that we [didn’t have] the mandate of our parties to sign an agreement, but only a ‘project’ or ‘draft’.

    “It was important for us to return with a paper and to show, to explain, to present, to debate, for the debate of our political party. This is the stage where we are at now, but for the moment, we do not agree with that.

    “We [tried] to explain to [France and pro-France bloc] that we have a problem [with electoral law change being included].

    “This is our problem. So we signed only for one reason . . . that we have to return back home and to explain where we are now, after 10 days of negotiation. [Did we] achieve the objectives, the mandate given by our political parties?”

    He said one thing he wanted to make clear was that what he had signed was not definitive and was now up for negotiation.

    An FLNKS (Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front) Congress meeting is set down for this weekend with the Union Calédonienne Congress meeting held a weekend prior.

    Wamytan said that it was now up to the FLNKS members to have their say and decide where to next.

    “They will decide if we accept this draft agreement or we reject,” he said.

    “We have two options: we accept with certain conditions, for example, on the question of the right to vote on the electoral rule. Or for the question of the trajectory from here to independence, through a referendum or the framework proposed by President Macron.”

    “This is an important element to discuss with France, but after this round of discussions.”

    He expected further meetings with France after community consultations.

    Communication problem
     Wamytan admitted that the pro-independence negotiators did not communicate clearly about the agreement to their supporters.

    He said after signing the document, President Macron and the pro-France signatories were quick to communicate to the media and their supporters — and the messages filtered to his supporters resulting in anger and frustrations.

    He said the anger has mostly been around the signing itself, with people mistaking the draft proposal as final.

    “The political, pro-Kanaky party were very, very, very angry against us. We did not communicate and this I think is our problem.”

    Bribery allegations
     Wamytan has also dismissed unconfirmed reports that negotiators were bribed to sign a historic deal in Paris.

    He said he was aware of people “chucking accusations of bribery” around, but said they were false.

    “It has never been in the minds of Kanak independence leaders doing such practices,” he said.

    “After the signature of the Matignon Accord 37 years ago, with [FLNKS leader Jean-Marie Tjibaou] and with us after the signature of Nouméa accord in 1998, we heard about the same allegation and some rumours like this.”

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Football Fans Reminded of Restricted Parking Zone

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    With the Premiership season kicking off this weekend, football fans are being reminded that a restricted parking zone will be in operation around Dens and Tannadice parks on matchdays. 

    Dundee FC will play Hibernian on Sunday (Aug 3), and the council is advising supporters that parking attendants will issue penalty charge notices to vehicles parked illegally in the zone which do not have an exemption. 

    The match day scheme covers an area bounded by Dens Road, Caird Avenue, Clepington Road, Court Street North and Arklay Street and includes around 1400 properties.   

    An order banning parking by non-residents is in effect on match days, but residents and blue badge holders will still be able to use the streets.  

    Under the scheme parking attendants have “an allow-list” to identify vehicles that are permitted to be within the area when matches are being played. 

    Details on how residents can apply for a permit can be found here  

    City council depute convener of Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure Cllr Siobhan Tolland said: “This scheme was brought in two years ago and followed consultation with local residents. 

    “The city’s football grounds are uniquely situated closely together in a residential area and we are aware of the problems that were caused by football parking for those living near the grounds. 

    “I would ask football fans to pay attention to the road signage which informs them they are entering a restricted parking zone and the times when it is in effect.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • CM Rekha Gupta launches door-to-door cleanliness drive; says Delhi needs new Secretariat

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday launched a month-long door-to-door cleanliness campaign from Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) Kashmiri Gate, aiming to improve sanitation and workplace conditions across the national Capital.

    The campaign will be conducted across all districts of Delhi and involve active participation from government officials, civic agencies, and local communities.

    Leading by example, the Chief Minister personally took part in the cleanliness drive by sweeping the premises at the ISBT, where she also inspected the condition of the offices and public facilities.

    Expressing concern over the deteriorating infrastructure and unhygienic conditions at government offices, CM Gupta said, “If our officers are working in such conditions, how will they benefit anyone? Water is dripping from here, and this is where an officer’s chair is placed. This is the kind of furniture provided, where people are expected to sit and work.”

    While inspecting the ISBT office area, the Chief Minister was visibly dissatisfied with the poor maintenance and lack of basic facilities, calling for immediate structural reforms and better upkeep of public infrastructure.

    In a significant announcement during the campaign launch, CM Gupta said the capital urgently requires a new secretariat building.

    “Delhi needs a new Secretariat. From today itself, we will begin identifying suitable locations so that all departments can operate from a single place,” she stated.

    The month-long campaign will focus not only on residential and commercial areas but also on government buildings, transport hubs, and public service offices, aiming to set a new standard for urban cleanliness in the national Capital.

    The Chief Minister urged citizens and officials alike to treat cleanliness as a shared responsibility. The initiative is being coordinated with municipal bodies and is expected to involve schoolchildren, non-government organisations, resident welfare associations, and volunteers in the coming weeks.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Chancellor backs jobs boost in Scottish defence and energy sectors

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Chancellor backs jobs boost in Scottish defence and energy sectors

    Chancellor Rachel Reeves will outline how the Spending Review will give Scotland a jobs boost, as she visits RAF Lossiemouth and St Fergus Gas Plant today (1 August).

    • 18,000 North Sea jobs can be safeguarded through a £200 million investment in the Aberdeen Acorn energy project whilst creating 15,000 new ones in Scotland’s clean energy transformation.
    • Increase in defence spending will see more jobs added to the 26,100 skilled Scottish jobs already supported by UK Government defence investment, and three new E-7 Wedgetail aircraft will see even more jobs created by Boeing at RAF Lossiemouth.
    • Defence and clean energy commitments, part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change, will provide jobs and build thriving communities from Aberdeen to the Clyde.

    The UK Government is investing in defence and clean energy to protect existing jobs and create thousands more, while keep the UK secure. Increasing defence spending to 2.6%, could lead to around 0.3% higher GDP in the long run, equivalent to around £11 billion of GDP in today’s money, according to government estimates.

    RAF Lossiemouth shows how investment in defence delivers for ordinary families. The Moray base has undergone a huge transformation in recent years and military personnel and civilian workers now work together keep our fighter jets and sub-hunting aircraft in the air.  The addition of three new E-7 Wedgetail aircraft to the RAF’s fleet will see even more jobs created by Boeing at the base, where the Chancellor will meet with some of the over 200 Boeing teammates who work alongside RAF personnel.

    Chancellor, Rachel Reeves said:

    We’re seizing the huge potential and opportunities that Scotland has on offer. Whether it’s in defence to keep the UK safe, or clean energy to power all corners of the country, this government is backing Scotland with billions of pounds of investment to grow the economy and create jobs.

    Scottish Secretary, Ian Murray said:

    The UK Government is investing in defence to ensure Britain’s security and deter our adversaries and drive economic growth.

    This investment is a massive jobs opportunity for Scotland – this ‘defence dividend’ is good news for Scotland, where it will help create skilled jobs, drive economic growth and help tackle the critical skills gaps facing the country in sectors such as nuclear, construction, maritime and project management.

    The Spending Review also saw investments that will make Scotland the home of the UK’s clean energy revolution. While Acorn is still subject to final investment decision, this £200 million is just the beginning to this government’s commitment to investing in Scotland and has the potential to safeguard 18,000 North Sea jobs whilst creating 15,000 new ones in Scotland’s clean energy transformation.

    Great British Energy will also be headquartered in Aberdeen, to drive clean power generation across the UK. Boosting homegrown energy will also make the UK more secure.

    The Chancellor’s visit comes as defence spending rises to 2.6% of GDP and figures from 23/24 reveal that MOD spend maintains 26,100 skilled jobs across Scotland. The Spending Review also committed £250 million to secure the future of HMNB Clyde – the first stage of a multi-decade, multi-billion renewal project and all three Clyde shipyards are currently fulfilling contracts for the Royal Navy.

    Further information:

    • The Spending Review delivered a record settlement for Scottish public services, with the Scottish Government’s largest settlement, in real terms, since devolution in 1998. Scottish Government’s settlement is growing in real terms between 2024-25 and 2028-29. This translates into an average of £50.9 billion per year between 2026-27 and 2028-29.

    Maria Laine, President United Kingdom, Ireland & Nordic region, Boeing, said:

    Boeing has a long-standing presence in Scotland including at RAF Lossiemouth, the home to the UK’s P-8 Poseidon fleet and where the E-7 Wedgetail will be based when it enters service. As a key partner of the UK Armed Forces, Boeing welcomes the defence spending increase and has seen first-hand how defence infrastructure investments, such as the £100 million Atlantic Building and new E-7 facilities at RAF Lossiemouth, can deliver for local jobs, suppliers and UK national security.

    Michelle Ferguson, Director, CBI Scotland, said:

    Scotland’s energy and defence sectors are vital to our economy, driving investment and supporting thousands of skilled jobs. The Chancellor’s announcement of £200 million for the Acorn energy project is very encouraging, but businesses are eager for final approval to unlock its full potential and secure North Sea jobs. Increased defence spending will further boost Scotland’s skilled workforce and create growth opportunities across key supply-chain. Close collaboration between the Scottish and UK governments will be essential to fully realise these benefits, driving forward national security and Scotland’s transition to a resilient, low-carbon economy.

    Mark Sommerfeld, UK Director of the Carbon Capture and Storage Association, said:

    The Chancellor’s visit to Acorn further highlights the importance of CCUS in securing the future of our foundational industries and delivering a secure low carbon power system – both in Scotland and across the UK. The Government’s commitment to CCUS means that thousands of skilled jobs will be protected, with thousands more created across our industrial heartlands – delivering economic growth and clean power. 

    To maintain global leadership in CCUS and realise the full benefits for our industrial communities, we need to see clear deployment pathways for both Acorn and Viking CCS, as well as other projects developing at pace across the UK. By doing so, the Government can deliver on its economic growth mission and climate goals.

    Katy Heidenreich, Offshore Energies UK Supply Chain and People Director said: 

    We share the Chancellor’s commitment to Scotland’s energy future. Our industry plays a vital role in delivering jobs, growth, and energy security through the production of homegrown energy.

    Government support for projects like Acorn is crucial. The UK Government has committed £200 million in development funding to Acorn — Scotland’s flagship carbon capture and storage initiative — marking a major milestone in advancing the country’s decarbonisation strategy. The project is expected to support around 15,000 jobs during peak construction and repurpose 175 miles of pipeline infrastructure to transport CO₂ from central Scotland to storage.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The SPbPU PISh team received a patent for an igniter for reactors of oil and gas processing plants

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The team of the Scientific and Educational Center “Digital Engineering of the Main Equipment of Chemical-Engineering Systems” of the Advanced Engineering School of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University “Digital Engineering” successfully completed the development and received a patent for an ignition device for reactors of oil and gas processing plants.

    Patent for invention RU 2842893 C1 was registered by the Federal Service for Intellectual Property on July 3, 2025.

    Leading industry research centers and strategic industrial partners of SPbPU have shown significant interest in the development. The partners of the invention were JSC TsKBM (part of the State Corporation Rosatom), LLC NTC Gazconsulting, and the Federal Research Center of Chemical Physics named after N. N. Semenov of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

    Among the ultimate stakeholders in the innovative device is JSC Research Institute of Scientific Production Association LUCH (part of the State Corporation Rosatom).

    Developers of ignition devices for reactors of oil and gas processing plants:

    Borovkov Aleksey Ivanovich, chief designer in the key scientific and technological direction of development of St. Petersburg SPBPU “System Digital Engineering”, director of the advanced engineering school of SPBPU “Digital Engineering”;
    Rozhdestvensky Oleg Igorevich, head of the Office of Technological Leadership of St. Petersburg State University;
    Aristovich Yuri Valerievich, expert NOC “Digital Engineering of the Basic Equipment of Chemical and Technological Systems” Pish SPBPU;
    Oganesyan Grach Varuzhanovich, chief specialist and researcher of Nutz “Digital Engineering of Basic Equipment of Chemical and Technological Systems” Pisch SPBPU;
    Mikheeva Valeria Yuryevna, engineer NOC “Digital Engineering of Basic Equipment of Chemical and Technological Systems” Pisch SPBPU;
    Nikolaeva Valery Andreevna, engineer NOC “Digital Engineering of the Basic Equipment of Chemical and Technological Systems” Pisch SPBPU;
    Ivanov Vladislav Sergeevich, Deputy Director of the Federal Research Center of Chemical Physics named after N. N. Semenova RAS for scientific work;
    Frolov Sergey Mikhailovich, head of the combustion department and explosion and head of the laboratory of the detonation of the Federal Research Center for Chemical Physics named after N. N. Semenova RAS;
    Vasiliev Nikolay Dmitrievich, chief designer for remotely controlled and transport and technological equipment of JSC “Central Design Bureau”;
    Marinchenko Nikita Aleksandrovich, head of the project office in shipbuilding and hydrogen energy of JSC “Central Design Bureau”;
    Bondarchuk Dmitry Vitalyevich, commercial director of NTC Gazksonsalting LLC.

    A critical production problem is to ensure reliable ignition of burner devices of complex process equipment, for example, an autothermal reforming reactor, during its start-up. Unsuccessful ignition can lead to the formation of explosive concentrations of a flammable mixture in subsequent elements of the process chain. This, in turn, can provoke uncontrolled exothermic reactions and, as a consequence, emergency situations with potential damage to equipment and personnel. The developed product provides a radical solution to the problem, guaranteeing stable and reliable ignition, – said the responsible executor of the development, an expert of the Scientific and Educational Center “Digital Engineering of the Main Equipment of Chemical-Engineering Systems” of the St. Petersburg Polytechnical School Yuri Aristovich.

    The ignition device is a structurally and functionally unified device – a complex technical system in which all components are interconnected and jointly implement the function of igniting the combustible mixture. The device contains a housing, an oxidizer supply pipe and a combustible gas supply pipe, a spark plug, valves of the oxidizer supply pipe and the combustible gas supply pipe, an outlet pipe. The housing contains a cylindrical mixing chamber, the inputs of the oxidizer supply pipe and the combustible gas supply pipe are located in the part of the mixing chamber that is most distant from the outlet pipe.

    The oxidizer feed pipe is connected to the housing so as to feed the oxidizer in the tangential direction, and the combustible gas feed pipe is connected so as to feed the combustible gas in the radial direction. The inlet openings of the pipes in the housing are made so as to ensure critical gas outflow. The dimensions of the inlet openings are reasonably selected so that when the back pressure changes, the flow rates of the combustible gas and oxidizer change proportionally, the diameter of the outlet pipe is from 10 to 50% of the diameter of the mixing chamber. The technical result is an increase in the reliability of the device.

    The ignition device is designed to operate in a short-pulse mode. This ensures reliable ignition at low thermal loads in a wide range of pressures (from 1 to several tens of atmospheres). The device forms and directs small volumes of flame – fire ellipses of a certain size and at a given speed. Ignition charges ensure reliable ignition of the main burner, minimizing the thermal load on the outflow zone and the ignition device body, which significantly simplifies the reactor design and its startup procedure.

    The task of developing an igniter within the established deadlines seemed extremely difficult. Initially, it was assumed that the system would be implemented with a developed cooling infrastructure and multi-component thermal protection, which is due to the extremely high operating temperatures that significantly exceed the parameters of standard devices. The specifics of the reactor excluded the possibility of using serial solutions. Alternative options were considered, including the use of pyrotechnic cartridges, but this approach was recognized as suboptimal in terms of manufacturability and operational safety. As a result, an original, reliable and safe igniter was created that meets all the requirements. The developed device demonstrates high potential for use not only within the framework of this project, but also in other industries that require reliable systems for initiating processes in high temperatures and aggressive environments, added Nikolay Vasiliev, Chief Designer for Remotely Controlled and Transport and Technological Equipment at JSC TsKBM.

    Chief designer for the key scientific and technological development area of SPbPU “Systemic Digital Engineering”, director of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering” Alexey Borovkov spoke about the key success factor: “At the beginning of the work, none of the authors of the development could foresee the final result of creating a science-intensive and high-tech product. By combining the knowledge, experience and competencies of scientists, engineers and designers from various fields of knowledge and industries, we managed to form a unique multidisciplinary team and obtain impressive results. Of course, this is a logical result of the application of systemic digital engineering technologies, including the technology of developing digital twins, mathematical and computer modeling of non-stationary nonlinear physical-mechanical and physical-chemical processes of the behavior of a high-tech product.

    The development of a complex technical system is based on the effective application of the created multidisciplinary digital model [ 1, 2, 3 ], which is a system of interconnected mathematical and computer models describing combustion kinetics, chemical thermodynamics of free-radical reactions, dynamics of vortex flows at supercritical parameters of substances and non-stationary nonlinear thermomechanics. Numerous digital (virtual) tests and the necessary full-scale tests made it possible to carry out verification [ 1, 2 ] and validation [1, 2] developed models, to raise the level adequacy of models and descriptions of complex processes confirmed the efficiency and reliability of the developed high-tech product.

    With the help of approaches, technologies and methods of system digital engineering, the formed innovative scientific and technical groundwork and on the basis of the digital platform for the development and application of digital twins CML-Bench® [ 1, 2 ] our team implemented all stages of creating a finished industrial product in record time: development and design took only 2 months, manufacturing and testing – 3 months. It is fundamentally important to note that traditional approaches are not capable of ensuring such a high speed of implementation of science-intensive and high-tech projects for the development of complex technical systems.”

    In conclusion, we note that the results of the development of the ignition device have made a significant contribution to the formation of a scientific and technological reserve for the creation digital (virtual) testing ground for burner devices. The development of a digital test site is one of the most important final goals of a large-scale project to develop new generation burner devices for pyrolysis furnaces, implemented within the framework of the key scientific and technological direction (KNTD-1) of the development of SPbPU “Systemic Digital Engineering” within the framework of the “Priority-2030” program.

    The project within the framework of KNTN-1 provides for the definition of approaches to mathematical and computer modeling of new burner devices, development matrices requirements, target indicators and resource constraints, creation of a series of computer models of the prototype (primary, refined, detailed, optimized), conducting full-scale tests of a pilot industrial model of a burner device for validations computer model, development of design documentation and implementation into production.

    Let us recall that in June 2025, specialists from the Scientific and Educational Center “Digital Engineering of the Main Equipment of Chemical-Engineering Systems” of the SPbPU PISh presented This project and the Center’s expertise in developing burner devices at the Gazprom Neft site, one of the leaders in the oil and gas industry and petrochemical industry in Russia.

    Methodological support and the process of registering the right to the intellectual property object of the igniter were provided by Center for Transfer and Import Substitution of Advanced Digital and Manufacturing Technologies SPbPU.

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: World Breastfeeding Week: Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme signs up 70th Derby venue

    Source: City of Derby

    Seventy city public places have now signed up to a scheme to support breastfeeding families in Derby. The Breastfeeding Welcome Here initiative was launched last year, to make mums feel more confident to breastfeed in public.

    Shops, cafés and other public premises in the city are encouraged to sign up to the free scheme to show they are accredited as ‘breastfeeding friendly’.

    As World Breastfeeding Week 2025 begins on 1 August, The University Hospitals of Derby and Burton (UHDB) has become the latest organisation to sign up to the Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme.

    Other public places in the city that have recently signed up to the scheme include The University of Derby, Derby Market Hall, My Messy Play, Tubby Bears Play Zone and Bezerk Active Play. 

    The Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme aims to positively change perceptions around breastfeeding in public and promote an environment where mums feel confident to breastfeed for as long as they choose.

    By signing up, businesses and organisations pledge to actively welcome families who are breastfeeding and support them to feel confident and comfortable feeding their baby on the premises. In turn, this will give the venue a boost, as families are more likely to return to places where they feel comfortable.

    If a venue is displaying a Breastfeeding Welcome Here Award, families can be confident that:

    • They are welcome to breastfeed their baby there
    • They will never be asked to move or leave because they are breastfeeding
    • The venue will do their best to offer a private area to feed in, if preferred, if space allows
    • Staff are trained to know that the venue supports breastfeeding and encourages breastfeeding on the premises.

    Councillor Alison Martin, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Care, said:

    It’s fantastic to see 70 public places across Derby now proudly displaying the ‘Breastfeeding Welcome Here’ award, with University Hospitals of Derby and Burton being the latest to join.

    This scheme is all about creating a supportive and welcoming environment for breastfeeding women, ensuring mums feel confident and comfortable feeding their babies, wherever they are in our city.

    Garry Marsh, UHDB Executive Chief Nurse, said: 

    Across our hospitals, we strive to provide supportive and inclusive environments for all patients, visitors and colleagues – and we are pleased that receiving this Breastfeeding Welcome Here accreditation can help ensure parents feel comfortable and supported when feeding their babies here.

    Funded as part of the Government’s Start for Life programme, the scheme is a partnership between Derby City Council, Community Action Derby and Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Businesses that successfully apply will receive a ‘Breastfeeding Welcome Here’ certificate and window sticker, so parents know they officially support and encourage breastfeeding.

    You can watch a video all about the Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme on Derby City Council’s YouTube channel.

    Families can get support with breastfeeding through Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Trusts Infant Feeding team and at Derby’s Family Hubs and Children’s Centres. The Infant Feeding Team hold friendly face-to-face breastfeeding clubs where you can meet other mums and get professional advice. Find more information and details of your nearest group on the Family Hub website.

    Watch our series of short films featuring Derby families talking about their experiences of breastfeeding and the support available to them from local Family Hubs and Derbyshire health services. The films were co-produced with families and Lo and Behold Films to promote and raise awareness of the Start for Life Campaign.

    You can watch the films on the Derby City Council website, where you can also find further information about breastfeeding support and details about how to sign up to the Breastfeeding Welcome scheme.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Nigeria: African Development Bank Approves $46 Million to Transform Healthcare in Sokoto State

    Source: APO

    The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved a $46 million loan to finance the Sokoto State Health Infrastructure Project, a transformative initiative designed to enhance healthcare access and quality in Nigeria’s Sokoto State.

    The project addresses critical health system gaps in Sokoto, where key indicators reflect a critical need for intervention. Only one in 20 children is fully vaccinated, while infant mortality stands at 104 deaths per 1,000 live births, nearly double Nigeria’s national average of 63. Less than 14 percent of health facilities in the state have functional infrastructure, and there is just one doctor for every 8,285 people — far below the World Health Organization’s recommended ratio of 1:1,000.

    The Bank’s financing will support the delivery of climate-smart health infrastructure across three levels of care. These include the construction and equipping of a 1,000-bed teaching hospital complex; three zonal hospitals with a combined capacity of 450 beds; and six primary healthcare canters strategically located to serve rural communities.

    The project also includes the rehabilitation of health training institutions and the development of a modern medical warehouse to strengthen pharmaceutical supply chains.

    “This investment illustrates our commitment to continue working with the Government to fill critical infrastructure gaps in Nigeria’s health system while building resilient, climate-adapted healthcare facilities,” said Abdul Kamara, Director General of the African Development Bank’s Nigeria Office. “By strengthening healthcare infrastructure in Sokoto State, we are building hope and creating pathways to better health outcomes for millions of Nigerians.”

    Aligned with Nigeria’s National Development Plan (2021-2025) and the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, the project is expected to generate approximately 2,500 jobs, with 60 percent of opportunities targeting youth and 30 percent women. In addition, the project will integrate electronic health infrastructure and renewable energy systems, ensuring sustainable, energy-efficient operations while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Expanded capacity in local the medical and nursing schools will create 700 new training slots annually, helping to address the region’s acute shortage of skilled health professionals.

    The initiative builds on the Bank’s successful track record in Nigeria’s health sector, where it has financed four health infrastructure projects totaling $117.68 million. It will leverage strategic partnerships with the United Nations Children’s Fund, the World Health Organization, USAID, and other development actors to maximize impact and ensure comprehensive health system strengthening.

    The African Development Bank Group remains committed to enhancing the quality of life for Africa’s people through targeted investments in resilient health infrastructure that drive inclusive growth and sustainable development across the continent.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

    Media Contact:
    Natalie Nkembuh,
    Communication and Media Relations Department  
    media@afdb.org

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Changes to the Community Equipment Service in Plymouth

    Source: City of Plymouth

    The company that currently delivers the Community Equipment Service (CES) in Plymouth, NRS, is no longer able to provide the service due to financial challenges.

    As soon as we became aware of the challenges that NRS was facing we began working to identify a solution to ensure that this vital service continues to operate.

    We are pleased to confirm that we have now agreed arrangements with another provider of community equipment, Millbrook Healthcare. This contract starts on Friday 1 August, while work takes place to secure a new long-term contract takes place.

    Please be aware that this service will be more limited for a while as Millbrook Healthcare work to get set up in Plymouth.

    Our teams will do all they can to ensure that you receive the support you need to live safely at home, but we have limited equipment available and there will be a delay in carrying out any minor adaptations to your property.

    We expect there to be some disruption to the CES until the end of September, when we anticipate that we will be able to provide a full service again.

    If you do not wish to wait, you may choose to purchase smaller equipment items or arrange for your own minor adaptations (for example, external rails). You can find a list of local suppliers on our website. If you decide to purchase things privately, please do let us know so that we can remove you from our waiting list. If you live in a Housing Association property, it may be that your landlord can complete any minor adaptation works.

    If you have any existing NRS equipment that you no longer need, please do not dispose of it and keep hold of it for now. Much of the equipment is designed to be recycled and reused, which helps keep costs down. It also means that unused equipment can be given to someone else so they can remain independent in their home.

    We are working with Millbrook Healthcare to identify how this equipment can be collected or returned.

    We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the changes to the service and appreciate your patience at this time.

    If your needs change or you find things more difficult while you are waiting for equipment, please contact us.

    Millbrook Healthcare, our new community equipment provider, can be contacted by calling 01752 354193 or you can email [email protected].

    To see frequently asked questions, please visit the Plymouth Online Directory website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • Vice President election to be held on Sept 9, result on same day

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Election Commission of India has announced that the election to choose the next Vice President of India will be held on September 9, with counting of votes to take place the same day.

    According to the schedule released on Friday, August 21 is the last date for filing nominations, while the deadline for withdrawal of candidature is August 25.

    The post fell vacant after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on July 21, the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, citing health concerns.

    “To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution,” read Dhankhar’s resignation letter.

    On Thursday, the Election Commission confirmed that it has completed the preparation and finalised the Electoral College list for the 2025 Vice-Presidential election. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Commission stated that the list has been organised in alphabetical order based on the States and Union Territories of the respective Members of Parliament.

    The Vice President of India is elected by an Electoral College comprising members of both Houses of Parliament, through a system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote, and the voting is conducted by secret ballot.

    As per constitutional provisions, elections to fill a vacancy due to the end of a term must be held before the term expires. In cases where the position becomes vacant due to resignation, death, or removal, the election is to be held at the earliest possible date. The elected individual serves a full term of five years from the date of assuming office.

    -ANI

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Two dead, two missing after heavy rains hit northern Vietnam

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    HANOI, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) — Heavy rains have triggered floods and landslides in Vietnam’s northern Dien Bien Province, leaving two people dead and two missing, the Vietnamese Department of Dam Management and Disaster Prevention said on Friday.

    Heavy rains from Thursday evening into early Friday morning in Thiazin commune, Dien Bien province, caused houses to collapse, trapping two people and killing two others.

    Authorities also reported damage to at least 25 homes in the affected areas, local newspaper Tuoitsche reported.

    Search and rescue operations are ongoing in the region. Some areas are inaccessible due to landslides, which complicates the situation. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: More than two in five people in the English- and Dutch-Speaking Caribbean struggle for daily meals

    Source: World Food Programme

    BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS – Nearly 3.2 million people in the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean are food insecure, according to the latest Food Security and Livelihoods Survey by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). In 2025, 30 percent of Caribbean people reported eating less than usual; which is in line with the trend over the last 4 years arising from increased food costs that accompanied global geopolitical factors.

    Across the Caribbean, nations face food-related challenges due to their geographic remoteness, lack of locally available resources and exposure to climate worsening.

    “The Caribbean is particularly vulnerable to natural hazards and supply chain disruptions, which can cause rapid increases in food prices. It’s deeply concerning that many people are struggling to afford the food they need. Strengthening and diversifying supply chains and trade routes across the region is essential. These efforts will help make food more accessible and affordable, while supporting faster recovery in times of crisis,” said Brian Bogart, WFP’s Representative and Country Director in the Caribbean.

    Rising food prices are a major concern for the region, with food inflation consistently outpacing overall inflation rates. Nearly all respondents, 94 percent, report higher food costs in the months leading up to the survey. One-third of households also experienced job loss or reduced income, putting further strain on already stretched budgets.

    Local production efforts are being challenged by rapidly increasing operational costs. Among farmers, 85 percent report rising prices for animal feed and tools or machinery, 81 percent note higher fertilizer prices, and 73 percent cite increased seed costs. These burdens are particularly heavy in a region that relies significantly on imported agricultural inputs.

    CARICOM’s Director of Sectoral Programmes, Ambassador David Prendergast noted, “As we commence our successor programme 25 by 2025+5, we must stress the importance of data to inform our strategic interventions in achieving greater food and nutrition security.”

    Investing in adaptive social protection and emergency preparedness will be essential to cushion the impacts of future shocks which threaten people’s access to food. In an environment marked by hazards, robust social protection mechanisms provide a safeguard, whilst integrating strategies to assist where the need is greatest. Access to data is essential to deliver these mechanisms. The survey and the recently launched real-time food real-time food security monitoring system by CARICOM and WFP, will play a key role in identifying emerging needs early and supporting timely decision-making.

    The Food Security and Livelihoods survey is made possible through the support of the Government of Canada and the European Union. It is part of the partnership between CARICOM and WFP to support CARICOM’s efforts to understand, track, and address food insecurity across the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean.

    #                #            #

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

    Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media @wfp_Caribbean
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Japan contributes towards food and nutrition security in Lesotho

    Source: World Food Programme

    Maseru– The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today welcomed a contribution of JPY 200 million (approximately US$1.36 million) from the Government of Japan to support the national school feeding programme in Lesotho. Over the next year, this funding will provide nutritious meals to 50,000 pre-primary learners across the country.

    The contribution will ensureuninterrupted access to hot, nutritious school meals, boosting attendance and learning outcomes. It will also expand the home-grown school meals programme, linking smallholder farmers to schools and strengthening Lesotho’s local food systems.

    “We highly appreciate Japan’s continued support to Lesotho,” said Mr Elliot Vhurumuku, WFP Representative and Country Director in Lesotho. “Over the past five years, their contribution has enabled WFP to sustain the Government’s national school feeding programme while strengthening climate resilient food systems and sustainable livelihoods in Lesotho.” 

    Lesotho is currently recovering from the impact of a devastating drought, while grappling with economic shocks. With a high unemployment rate, rising food costs and declining household purchasing power, urgent action is needed to prevent even greater numbers of people from sliding into food insecurity.

    “Given Lesotho’s socio-economic challenges, driven by multiple, complexed factors including drought, Japan is glad to be able to assist in developing Lesotho’s food security, which will help meet the dietary needs of those affected, households,” said H.E. Shimizu Fumio, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Lesotho.” We hope that this food assistance will help meet the dietary needs of those affected, households, thus improve the nutritional status of children.”

    The Government of Japan is a long-standing partner of WFP in Lesotho, being a leading supporter of WFP’s school feeding programme, providing vital funding over the past 10 years to sustain WFP’s initiatives of supporting the national school feeding programme.

    #                 #                   #

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

    Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media, @WFP_SAfrica and @evhurumukuwfp

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • Thailand returns some Cambodian soldiers ahead of key border talks

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Thailand’s army sent home two Cambodian soldiers from a group of 20 on Friday, ahead of a key meeting in Malaysia next week where defence ministers and military commanders will hold talks aimed at maintaining a ceasefire along their disputed border.

    Long-simmering tensions on the Thai-Cambodian border exploded into clashes last week, including exchanges of artillery fire and jet fighter sorties, the worst fighting between the Southeast Asian neighbours in over a decade.

    The clashes claimed at least 43 lives and left over 300,000 people displaced.

    A truce was achieved on Monday, following a push by Malaysia and phone calls from U.S President Trump who threatened to hold off tariff negotiations with both countries until fighting stopped.

    Thailand and Cambodia previously faced tariffs of 36% for sending goods to the U.S., their largest export markets. Following further negotiations, they will now pay a 19% tariff, the White House announced on Friday.

    In Bangkok, Thai government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub told reporters on Friday that two Cambodian soldiers had been sent back, and the remaining 18 were being processed for violating immigration law.

    “The Cambodian soldiers intruded on Thai territory and the army took them into custody, treating them based on humanitarian principles,” he said.

    In a statement, the Cambodian defence ministry asked Thailand to return all the detained soldiers.

    “Cambodia is actively engaging in negotiations to secure their release, and reiterates its firm call for their immediate and unconditional release in accordance with the international humanitarian law,” a ministry spokesperson said.

    Defence ministers and military leaders from both sides, who were previously scheduled to meet in the Cambodian capital next week, will now hold talks in Malaysia, after Thailand sought a neutral venue for the meeting.

    The General Border Committee, which coordinates on border security, ceasefires, and troop deployments, will meet between August 4-7, Thai Acting Defence Minister Nattaphon Narkphanit told reporters.

    “Defence attachés from other ASEAN countries will be invited as well as the defence attachés from the U.S. and China,” a Malaysian government spokesperson told reporters, referring to the Southeast Asian regional bloc that the country currently chairs.

    Thailand and Cambodia have for decades claimed jurisdiction over undemarcated points along their 817-km (508-mile) land border, with ownership of several ancient temples at the centre of disputes.

    In May, a Cambodian soldier was killed in a skirmish, leading to a troop build-up and a diplomatic crisis, which eventually snowballed into five-days of intense fighting in late July.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Africa: The renovated National Road 1 between Kinshasa, Kwango and Kwilu is boosting economic activity in the south-west of the Democratic Republic of Congo

    Source: APO

    In Kikwit, in Kwilu province in the south-west of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the “lower town” market is bustling. No-one seems bothered by the sun, which is at its zenith. Motorcycles, tricycles, goods trucks and street vendors intermingle in a constant, noisy ballet, signs of the economic dynamism of this city located more than 600 kilometres from the capital, Kinshasa.

    In the distance, men can already be seen busy loading huge blue plastic drums onto large trucks lined up in single file at the edge of the market. Their destination: Kinshasa, via National Road No. 1 or RN1.

    Modeste Mafangala, a road haulier, makes no secret of his satisfaction with a recent major change in his daily life: the repair of the Kinshasa–N’Djili–Batshamba section of the RN1.

    “Before, it was very difficult to get from here to Kinshasa. You could spend a week or two on the road. But now the road is good. The goods we’re loading today will arrive at their destination the next day, either by bus, truck or motorcycle,” he says, visibly relieved.

    The project to renovate the 622-kilometre section of RN1 between Kinshasa, N’Djili and Batshamba was financed to the tune of $70.2 million by the African Development Fund, the African Development Bank Group’s concessional financing window. The project addresses the major challenge of opening up rural areas to trade in goods and services. Long isolated due to poor road conditions, the provinces of Kwango and Kwilu now enjoy better connectivity with the capital and with each other.

    This improvement greatly facilitates interprovincial trade and creates momentum for regional economic integration. The impact on transport conditions is particularly evident. The journey between Kinshasa and Kikwit, and even Batshamba, now takes just six hours. In addition to reducing travel times, the improved road quality has also led to a significant reduction in the number of accidents.

    “Back then, hauliers would spend days on end trying to reach Kikwit or Tshikapa,” explains Jean Luemba, project implementation coordinator in Kinshasa.  “But today, they get there in less time and save money on fuel and even spare parts, because with all the potholes on the road, vehicles used to suffer significant damage. You could say that hauliers are now getting their money’s worth.”

    But the benefits of the project go far beyond simply repairing the road. An integrated approach to development has multiplied the positive impacts for the people living in the project area. Schools now have access to drinking water, health centres have been built, rural markets refurbished, agricultural tracks upgraded, and several villages equipped with boreholes.

    At the Don Bosco Institute in Kenge, for example, the project has changed the daily lives of the students. A drinking water borehole with a standpipe has been installed in the schoolyard, so the students can now enjoy their breaks without worrying about finding water to drink.

    Espérance Anga, a student in the 4th grade general mechanics class, said: “This is a very good thing for us. Before, we had trouble getting drinking water during breaks. We used to buy water in bags from the canteen. Now, thanks to the borehole, it’s much easier.”

    The RN1 renovation project is a major infrastructure initiative that is expected to have positive effects on socioeconomic development in the Democratic Republic of Congo. By connecting Kinshasa to the provinces of Kwango and Kwilu, the road facilitates travel and trade, with a knock-on effect on the daily life of communities and economic activity.

    “Today, people living along the road can get more value from their daily produce. They can sell more easily because vehicles now have direct access to their villages. One mother, for example, no longer needs to travel to Kinshasa or the market to sell a bag of cassava or charcoal: she can sell it in front of her house. It’s a real change in their daily lives,” says Jean Luemba.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Foster and Adoption Drop-In Event

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    A drop-in event is being held for people in Dundee to find out more about fostering and adoption. 

    Our Fostering, Adoption and Permanence Team are hosting the drop-in event at V&A Dundee on Monday 4th August, 11am-3pm, offering an opportunity for people to speak with the team and meet current foster carers. 

    To keep families in the city together, the council is looking for more people to become fosters carers or adoptive parents. This will allow children and young people to stay in their local community. 

    Fostering with Dundee City Council comes with a range of benefits, including competitive rates of pay, comprehensive training and resources, and ongoing support from a dedicated team. 

    Depute Convener Children, Families and Communities Convener Roisin Smith said: “Becoming a foster carer or adopting is an incredibly important role. This event will give people the chance to speak to our amazing foster carers, adopters, and the council team who support them. 

    “We are urgently looking for more people to become foster carers or adopt in the city. There are various fostering options available to suit different lifestyles, from short-term foster care, where you can give up as little as your time as one weekend, to long term placements. 

    “So, if you have a spare bedroom and can offer a child or young person a safe, secure and loving home to allow them to flourish and enjoy their youth, then please do think about how you can make a difference and come along on Monday to find out more.”  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Interactive multimedia theatre “Home” from Netherlands to stage in August (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Interactive multimedia theatre “Home” from Netherlands to stage in August  
         “Home” is inspired by the creator Anastasiia’s own journey from Ukraine to the Netherlands. The story revolves around Anastasiia and her dog Djonnik, whose house is carried away by a storm. While searching for a new home, they meet and listen to stories of a number of animal friends, including a giraffe living in a skyscraper and a penguin in an ice house, and eventually discover the true meaning of home. Through engaging storytelling, vibrant animation and gentle music, audiences are encouraged to reflect on home not being about just four walls, but also as an irreplaceable bond in everyone’s heart.
     
         The performance schedule is as follows:
     
    Date and time: August 9 (Saturday), 2.30pm and 4.30pm
                           *August 10 (Sunday), 11am and 3pm
    Place:              Hong Kong Cultural Centre Studio Theatre
    Ticket price:     $320 (free seating)
     
    * For the more relaxed performances on August 10, lighting and sound will be adjusted to a softer level. The house rules will also be relaxed, allowing audience members to make noise and freely enter or exit the theatre at any time during the show. A designated chill-out area outside the theatre will be available for those who need a break.
     
    Date and time: August 16 (Saturday), 2.30pm and 4.30pm
    Place:              Sha Tin Town Hall Cultural Activities Hall
    Ticket price:     $280 and $320
     
    Date and time: August 17 (Sunday), 2.30pm and 4.30pm
    Place:              Ngau Chi Wan Civic Centre Cultural Activities Hall
    Ticket price:     $280 and $320
     
         The programme contains limited English dialogue. A “Draw your dream home” post-performance activity will be held after each performance. Tickets are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk 
          A “Mime Time” parent-child mime workshop will also be held on August 13 and 14. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2370 1044 or visit the IAC website     www.hkiac.gov.hk/2025/en/home.html#programme 
         This year’s IAC is running from July 11 to August 17, featuring a wide array of fun-filled educational programmes by overseas, Mainland and local art groups and artists.
    Issued at HKT 17:28

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • Amarnath Yatra suspended from Jammu for second day; over four lakh pilgrims have visited so far

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Amarnath Yatra from Jammu to the Valley remained suspended for the second consecutive day on Friday, with authorities citing ongoing maintenance work along the Pahalgam route. Pilgrims were, however, allowed to proceed from the Baltal base camp.

    This year’s yatra, which began on July 3, is scheduled to conclude on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan. Pilgrims undertake the journey either via the 46-km traditional Pahalgam route, which takes four days on foot, or the 14-km Baltal route, which allows same-day return after darshan. There are no helicopter services this year due to security reasons.

    Officials of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) confirmed that no yatri was allowed to move from Jammu or the Pahalgam base camp due to safety concerns along the traditional route. Movement towards the holy cave shrine, situated at 3,888 metres in the Kashmir Himalayas, was permitted only from the Baltal axis.

    The number of pilgrims undertaking the yatra this year has crossed the 4 lakh mark, according to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who also heads the SASB.

    “Baba Amarnath makes the impossible possible. With his blessings, the holy Yatra today crossed the figure of 4 lakh,” Sinha posted on X. “I bow to Lord Shiva for this miracle and express my gratitude to everyone involved in making the pilgrimage a divine experience.”

    The holy cave houses a naturally forming ice stalagmite, believed by devotees to represent Lord Shiva.

    Meanwhile, the Chhari Mubarak — Lord Shiva’s sacred mace — will begin its final journey from Srinagar’s Amareshwar Temple on August 4 and reach the cave shrine on August 9. Rituals and pujas will be conducted en route at Pampore, Bijbehara, Mattan, and Pahalgam.

    Security arrangements remain tight, with multiple layers of protection deployed along the yatra routes, especially after the April 22 terror attack in Baisaran near Pahalgam, in which 26 people were killed.

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Free events for families in Plymouth parks this August

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Fit and Fed on tour in Central Park

    Throughout August, parks and green spaces in Plymouth will be filled with fun, free activities for families.

    These events are a great opportunity to keep kids entertained during the summer holiday while also finding out more about the support that’s on offer for parents and carers across the city.  

    The popular Fit and Fed programme will go on tour every Tuesday during August, taking place from 10am to 2pm:

    • Victoria Park on Tuesday 5 August
    • Ernesettle Green on Tuesday 12 August
    • Tothill Park on Tuesday 19 August
    • Central Park on Tuesday 26 August.

    Hundreds of free healthy lunches will be available for children at each event, offered on a first come, first served basis.

    Organised by Plymouth Active Leisure and Plymouth City Council with support from Plymouth Argyle Community Trust and St John’s Ambulance, Fit and Fed on Tour features a huge range of activities for children to enjoy.

    This includes inflatables, slime making, scrap art sessions, cycling, mini golf and archery. Local organisations such as Peninsula Dental School and Plymouth Libraries will also be on hand with games, activities and lots of advice and guidance for parents and carers.

    Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet Member for Sport and Leisure, said: “Fit and Fed is a lifeline for many families during the summer holidays. It’s about making sure children have access to healthy food, safe spaces to play, and opportunities to stay active and engaged.

    “I’m delighted that we’re working with Plymouth Active Leisure to take Fit & Fed on tour once again this year so that even more families can access support right in the heart of their communities.”

    Plymouth Family Hubs will then be hosting ‘Play and Beyond’ events on Wednesdays throughout August, which also take place between 10am and 2pm:

    • Devonport Park on Wednesday 6 August
    • Hillcrest Park (near Hillcrest Close) in Plympton on Wednesday 13 August
    • Freedom Fields Park on Wednesday 20 August
    • Bond Street Park in Southway on Wednesday 20 August
    • Deans Cross Playing Fields in Plymstock on Wednesday 27 August.

    The Family Hubs teams from Barnardo’s, Action for Children and LARK will be on hand at these events providing fun activities for children of all ages, including face painting, bouncy castles, football, STEM activities and storytelling sessions.

    There will also be lots of advice available about infant feeding and learning activities to try at home with younger children. Young parents can also find out more about the local support available to them.

    Staff will also be on hand to showcase all the support on offer at your local Family Hub, including parenting workshops, courses and more.

    Councillor Jemima Laing, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care said: “We’re really excited to be bringing free, family-friendly fun to local communities across Plymouth this August.

    “These events are a brilliant way to keep children active and entertained during the summer holidays, while also connecting parents and carers with the fantastic support available to them.”

    Plymouth Family Hubs are also hosting free pop-up sessions with lots of activities and storytelling at The Little Box, outside The Box on Tavistock Place. All families are welcome, but the activities are aimed at pre-school age children. The sessions will include ideas for activities that parents and carers can try at home with their children.

    Drop in to the sessions anytime between 9.30am and 3pm, with stories at 10am, 11.30am and 1pm, every weekday from 4 to 8 August and 11 to 15 August.

    Find out more about Plymouth Family Hubs at www.plymouth.gov.uk/family-hubs or follow Plymouth Family Hubs on Facebook.

    Find out more about Fit and Fed programme at www.plymouth.gov.uk/fit-and-fed. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Islanders who live in tall residential buildings in Jersey to be consulted on proposal to introduce new fire safety regulations01 August 2025 Islanders who live in tall residential buildings in Jersey to be consulted on proposal to introduce new fire safety regulations Islanders who live in tall residential buildings in Jersey, or are involved… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    01 August 2025

    Islanders who live in tall residential buildings in Jersey to be consulted on proposal to introduce new fire safety regulations Islanders who live in tall residential buildings in Jersey, or are involved in their ownership or management, are to be consulted on a proposal from the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs to introduce new fire safety regulations for tall residential buildings in Jersey. 

    The proposed regulations would directly implement some of the key recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Phase One inquiry report which are aimed at maintaining and where necessary, improving safety for residents of tall residential buildings. Tall residential buildings, TRBs, are defined, in Jersey as those buildings which are 11 metres tall and above. 

    Typically, these are blocks of flats where there are five or more stories, including the ground level. In some limited cases, this can include four-storey blocks of flats. 

    Jersey currently has more than 125 of these buildings providing homes to thousands of islanders, including both renters and owner occupiers. 

    In the regulations, tall residential buildings are defined as buildings which meet all of the following criteria: 

    • contains a top storey more than 11 metres above ground level 
    • contains two or more residential dwellings (typically flats) 
    • contains common parts through which residents evacuate in the case of an emergency (typically shared corridors and stairways).

    Speaking about the proposals, Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, Deputy Mary Le Hegarat, said: “Islanders will recall that Grenfell Tower was a 24-floor tall block of flats in London in which a significant fire occurred in 2017, leading to the tragic death of 72 people. Thankfully, no similar fires have occurred here, but that does not mean we should not seek to make the places where so many Islanders live as safe as possible.”

    In England, a similar set of regulations to those being proposed by the Minister were introduced in January 2023 known as the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022. Since the introduction of the English regulations, Jersey’s Fire and Rescue Service has been working closely with local property managers and building owner groups to implement the requirements on a voluntary basis in their buildings. 

    This approach has allowed property managers and building owners to become more familiar with the requirements and provided the Minister’s team with the opportunity to assess the impact of the regulations in England before designing something similar for Jersey. 

    “Throughout this work, it has been clear that fire safety responsibilities are taken very seriously. Approximately 19 per cent of Jersey’s tall residential buildings are estimated to be closely meeting the English regulatory requirements, with some others partially achieving them. 

    “However, the fact that the requirements are currently voluntary risks investment and time being de-prioritised in favour of other areas.” 

    While there has been no significant evidence of excessive fire risk, Jersey’s tall residential buildings as a group are now at risk of falling behind similar buildings in England in three areas: 

    • The frequency of routine checks taking place on key fire safety features such as self-closing fire doors, fire service lifts, dry risers and smoke control systems and resolution of any issues 
    • The provision of fire safety instructions to residents 
    • The quality of building information provided to the Fire Service to help them tackle fires in tall residential buildings where the risk and complexity can be higher.

    While Jersey’s building byelaws will have ensured tall residential buildings are built to local fire safety standards, there is currently no dedicated Jersey fire safety law that requires these buildings to manage and maintain their fire safety measures on an ongoing basis. 

    Deputy Le Hegarat added: “Creating regulations to implement some of the key building fire safety recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Phase One inquiry report is a logical and sensible step in the light of the inquiry’s findings.” 

    States of Jersey Fire and Rescue Service Area Commander, Jason Masterman said: “As firefighters, our top priority is keeping Islanders safe, especially in the places they call home. The proposed fire safety regulations for tall residential buildings are a vital step toward that goal. 

    “They will ensure key safety features, like self-closing fire doors, smoke control systems, and fire service lifts, are regularly checked and maintained. Residents will also receive clear fire safety information, and our crews will have access to simple accurate building floor plans and signposting to help them respond more effectively in emergencies.” 

    The consultation opens on Monday 4 August and will be available on gov.je. ​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Marquette National Corporation Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, Aug. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Marquette National Corporation (OTCQX: MNAT) today reported year-to-date net income of $6.6 million compared to net income of $13.2 million for the first six months of 2024. Earnings per share for the first six months of 2025 were $1.52, as compared to income of $3.02 per share for the comparable period in 2024.

    At June 30, 2025, total assets were $2.23 billion, an increase of $22 million, or 1%, compared to $2.21 billion at December 31, 2024. Total loans increased by $32 million to $1.44 billion compared to $1.41 billion at the end of 2024. Total deposits increased by $20 million, or 1%, to $1.76 billion compared to $1.74 billion at the end of 2024.

    Paul M. McCarthy, Chairman & CEO, said, “the primary reason for the decrease in consolidated earnings was a lower level of unrealized gains on the Company’s equity portfolio in 2025. The decrease in unrealized gains on the Company’s equity portfolio was partially offset by an increase in realized gains on the Company’s equity portfolio and an increase in net interest income. Other comprehensive income was positive for the first six months of 2025 and helped deliver an increase to tangible book value per share in 2025. Tangible book value per share increased by $2.69 during the first six months of 2025.”

    Marquette National Corporation is a diversified financial holding company and the parent of Marquette Bank, a full-service, community bank that serves the financial needs of communities in Chicagoland. The Bank has branches located in: Chicago, Bolingbrook, Bridgeview, Evergreen Park, Hickory Hills, Lemont, New Lenox, Oak Forest, Oak Lawn, Orland Park, Summit and Tinley Park, Illinois.

    For further information on financial results, visit: https://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/MNAT/disclosure.

    Special Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements. 
    This document contains, and future oral and written statements of the Company and its management may contain, forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of the Company. Forward-looking statements, which may be based upon beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the Company’s management and on information currently available to management, are generally identifiable by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “bode”, “predict,” “suggest,” “project”, “appear,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” ”annualize,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “likely,” “might,” “potential,” “continue,” “annualized,” “target,” “outlook,” as well as the negative forms of those words, or other similar expressions. Additionally, all statements in this document, including forward-looking statements, speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events.

    A number of factors, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict, could cause actual results to differ materially from those in its forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to: (i) the strength of the local, state, national and international economies and financial markets (including effects of inflationary pressures and supply chain constraints); (ii) effects on the U.S. economy resulting from the implementation of policies proposed by the new presidential administration, including tariffs, mass deportations and tax regulations; (iii) the economic impact of any future terrorist threats and attacks, widespread disease or pandemics, acts of war or threats thereof (including the Russian invasion of Ukraine and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East), or other adverse events that could cause economic deterioration or instability in credit markets, and the response of the local, state and national governments to any such adverse external events; (iv) new or revised accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by state and federal regulatory agencies, the Financial Accounting Standards Board or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; (v) changes in local, state and federal laws, regulations and governmental policies concerning the Company’s general business and any changes in response to the bank failures in 2023; (vi) the imposition of tariffs or other governmental policies impacting the value of products produced by the Company’s commercial borrowers; (vii) increased competition in the financial services sector, including from non-bank competitors such as credit unions and fintech companies, and the inability to attract new customers; (viii) changes in technology and the ability to develop and maintain secure and reliable electronic systems; (ix) unexpected results of acquisitions which may include failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisitions and the possibility that transaction costs may be greater than anticipated; (x) the loss of key executives and employees, talent shortages and employee turnover; (xi) changes in consumer spending; (xii) unexpected outcomes and costs of existing or new litigation or other legal proceedings and regulatory actions involving the Company; (xiii) the economic impact on the Company and its customers of climate change, natural disasters and exceptional weather occurrences such as tornadoes, floods and blizzards; (xiv) fluctuations in the value of securities held in our securities portfolio, including as a result of changes in interest rates; (xv) credit risk and risks from concentrations (by type of borrower, geographic area, collateral and industry) within our loan portfolio and large loans to certain borrowers (including CRE loans); (xvi) the overall health of the local and national real estate market; (xvii) the ability to maintain an adequate level of allowance for credit losses on loans; (xviii) the concentration of large deposits from certain clients who have balances above current FDIC insurance limits and who may withdraw deposits to diversify their exposure; (xix) the ability to successfully manage liquidity risk, which may increase dependence on non-core funding sources such as brokered deposits, and may negatively impact the Company’s cost of funds; (xx) the level of non-performing assets on our balance sheets; (xxi) interruptions involving our information technology and communications systems or third-party servicers; (xxii) the occurrence of fraudulent activity, breaches or failures of our third-party vendors’ information security controls or cybersecurity-related incidents, including as a result of sophisticated attacks using artificial intelligence and similar tools or as a result of insider fraud; (xxiii) changes in the interest rates and repayment rates of the Company’s assets; (xxiv) the effectiveness of the Company’s risk management framework, and (xxv) the ability of the Company to manage the risks associated with the foregoing as well as anticipated. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements.

    Marquette National Corporation and Subsidiaries
    Financial Highlights
    (Unaudited)
    (in thousands, except share and per share data)
                 
                 
    Balance Sheet        
               06/30/25       12/31/24 Percent
    Change
      Total assets   $2,229,653 $2,207,663 1%
      Total loans, net     1,421,815   1,390,799 2%
      Total deposits     1,759,649   1,739,799 1%
      Total stockholders’ equity   185,298   173,579 7%
             
      Shares outstanding   4,366,911   4,367,477 0%
      Book value per share $42.43 $39.74 7%
      Tangible book value per share $34.34 $31.65 8%
             
             
    Operating Results        
        Six Months Ended June 30,
    		 Percent
    Change
         2025   2024 
    		  
      Net Interest income $25,003 $22,486 10%
      Provision for credit losses   619   1,894 -67%
      Realized securities gains, net   9,996   1,261 *
      Unrealized holding gains (losses) on equity securities and exchange traded funds   (4,825)   16,294 *
      Other income   7,767   8,264 -6%
      Other expense   28,453   28,533 0%
      Income tax expense   2,233   4,645 -52%
      Net income   6,636   13,233 -50%
             
      Basic and fully diluted earnings per share $1.52 $3.02 -50%
      Weighted average shares outstanding   4,367,277   4,381,037 0%
             
      Cash dividends declared per share $0.62 $0.56 11%
             
      Comprehensive income $14,442 $12,348 17%
               
      * Not meaningful        
               

    For more information:
    Patrick Hunt
    EVP & CFO
    708-364-9019           
    phunt@emarquettebank.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • Real Madrid’s request to postpone LaLiga opener denied, report says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Real Madrid will begin their LaLiga campaign with a home game against Osasuna as scheduled after Spain’s federation (RFEF) rejected their appeal to postpone the August 19 fixture on Thursday, local media reported.

    Real had requested a longer rest period and pre-season after playing in the Club World Cup in the U.S., where they lost to Paris St Germain in the semi-finals on July 9, according to the report.

    Reuters has contacted the RFEF and Real for comment.

    An RFEF judge ruled that in order to preserve the integrity of the competition only a case of force majeure would warrant a change to the official calendar, and that Real’s case did not justify an alteration, Europa Press news agency reported.

    “Finally, it should be added that although the requesting club claims to have the agreement of the opposing party, CA Osasuna, there is no record of this entity having responded to the request made by this judge,” the sole judge was quoted as saying in his ruling by the Europa Press

    -REUTERS