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  • MIL-OSI: Bpce: BPCE signs a Memorandum of Understanding to acquire novobanco, Portugal’s fourth-largest bank

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BPCE signs a Memorandum of Understanding to acquire novobanco, Portugal’s fourth-largest bank

    Paris, 06 13 2025

    Groupe BPCE, the second-largest bank in France1and the fourth-largest in Europe2, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the acquisition of a 75% equity interest in novobanco from the private equity firm Lone Star Funds. The transaction, representing a cash amount of approximately3€6.4bn (for 100% of the shares) and a multiple of around 9x annual earnings, is the biggest cross-border acquisition in the euro zone for more than 10 years.

    Following the creation of BPCE Equipment Solutions at the start of the year, this project marks a new key stage in the execution of the “Vision 2030” strategic plan, geared to developing and diversifying BPCE in France, Europe and the wider world. On completion of the transaction, Portugal would become the Group’s second-largest domestic retail market.

    Novobanco, a solid player in Portugal demonstrating exemplary growth in recent years

    Novobanco, Portugal’s fourth-largest bank4, has built up a solid franchise and holds market shares of c.9% with individual customers and c.14% with corporate clients. It has 1.7 million individual customers and manages a €17bn corporate loan book. With its 4,200 employees, novobanco operates through some 290 branches and an extensive network of external partners, while also offering a rich customer experience through its digital channels.

    In recent years, novobanco has become one of the most profitable banks in Europe, posting a cost-income ratio under 35% and a return on tangible equity (RoTE) exceeding 20%5. These results have been underpinned by the quality of novobanco’s teams, together with the engagement of its shareholders for the last eight years.

    BPCE, lasting engagement in Portugal, focused on financing the economy

    BPCE currently employs over 3,000 staff in Portugal, a figure testifying to its lasting engagement with the country. Since 2017, the opening of a multi-business center of expertise in Porto has deepened its local ties.

    By welcoming novobanco into the Group, alongside the Banque Populaire and Caisse d’Epargne banking networks, which already serve the French economy, BPCE would further strengthen its role as an important development partner for the Portuguese economy, recognized for its solid fundamentals and resilience. Through the transaction, BPCE intends to facilitate financing for local companies and individuals’ projects, while also expanding the range of services offered to Portuguese customers. BPCE will leverage all of its expertise to strengthen value creation in close collaboration with novobanco.

    Execution of the “Vision 2030” strategic plan

    The acquisition of novobanco would help diversify BPCE in two respects: geographically, via access to a dynamic economy, and in balance sheet terms, by increasing the proportion of variable rate loans on its balance sheet, thus improving its revenue profile. The acquisition would be a growth driver for the whole Group. It is perfectly consistent with BPCE’s “Vision 2030” strategy, underlining the Group’s determination to expand in France, Europe and the wider world through strategic investments that create lasting value. The transaction marks a new key stage in the Group’s European-scale growth, following the creation of BPCE Equipment Solutions in February 2025 and the ongoing project to create the leading European asset manager in partnership with Generali. On completion of the transaction, Groupe BPCE’s CET1 ratio would remain above 15%.

    Timing of the transaction

    BPCE is engaging in discussions with the Portuguese government and the Portuguese Banking Resolution Fund with a view to acquiring their equity interests in novobanco (11.5% and 13.5%, respectively), on identical terms.

    BPCE will proceed with the necessary consultations with employee representative bodies in order to sign the acquisition contract. The project is projected for completion in the first half of 2026.

    For Nicolas Namias, CEO of BPCE

    “BPCE is pleased to announce today the project to acquire novobanco in Portugal. Holding market shares of c.9% with individual customers and c.14% with corporate clients, novobanco possesses excellent fundamentals, strong growth potential and an already high level of profitability. Major player in local banking in France thanks to the Banque Populaire and Caisse d’Epargne banking networks, BPCE would become a retail banking player in Europe with the acquisition of novobanco and would actively participate in financing the Portuguese economy.

    A few months after the creation of BPCE Equipment Solutions, the projected transaction marks a new key stage in the execution of our Vision 2030 strategic plan, announced close to a year ago.

    The financial terms of the transaction reflect a disciplined and stringent valuation approach, as well as our confidence in novobanco’s ability to create value over time.

    BPCE’s executive managers and employees are all particularly enthusiastic about the prospect of welcoming novobanco, its management and its 4,200 employees, in order to write a new chapter of growth, innovation and performance in Europe together”. 

    About Groupe BPCE

    Groupe BPCE is the second-largest banking group in France and the fourth-largest in the euro zone in terms of capital. Through its 100,000 staff, the group serves 35 million customers – individuals, professionals, companies, investors and local government bodies – around the world. It operates in the retail banking and insurance fields in France via its two major networks, Banque Populaire and Caisse d’Epargne, along with Banque Palatine and Oney. It also pursues its activities worldwide with the asset & wealth management services provided by Natixis Investment Managers and the wholesale banking expertise of Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking. The Group’s financial strength is recognized by four credit rating agencies with the following senior preferred LT ratings: Moody’s (A1, stable outlook), Standard & Poor’s (A+, stable outlook), Fitch (A+, stable outlook) and R&I (A+, stable outlook).

    1 Ranking based on market share of outstanding loans for all non-financial customer segments (Banque de France 3Q24)
    2 Ranking in terms of capital (€73bn for BPCE)
        3 Estimated consideration as of December 2025
    4 Ranking in terms of balance-sheet size at end-2024
    5 In first-quarter 2025

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Yannis Stournaras: Central banks – opportunities and implications posed by artificial intelligence

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Introduction

    Many thanks to the conference organisers for inviting me to be here today. It’s a privilege to be part of this dialogue that is helping to shape the digital era.

    Central banks may seem far removed from your world-but we share an important feature: all of us are engaged in understanding complexity, managing uncertainty, and preparing for the future.

    Today, I would like to discuss how central banks can harness the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in their mission to safeguard monetary and financial stability. My remarks will unfold along three dimensions, focusing on several important issues, but without being exhaustive.

    • First, on the ways that AI intersects with our monetary policy strategy at the European Central Bank (ECB).
    • Second, on the opportunities AI offers to central banks for efficiency gains in areas such as communication and economic analysis.
    • Third, on the implications posed by AI for price stability, monetary policy transmission and financial stability.

    Intersections of monetary policy strategy with AI

    So, let me briefly discuss the ways that AI intersects with our monetary policy strategy.

    When the ECB Governing Council embarked on its strategy review last year, we made it clear that price stability remains our objective. We also decided to keep the symmetric, 2% inflation target unchanged.

    The clarity which that objective provides, and our success in achieving that objective, have provided the ECB with credibility, which was essential in keeping inflation expectations anchored around the 2 per cent level during the recent inflation surge.

    Although our updated strategy is only expected to be concluded and announced later this year, the following is important.

    When the review was initiated, no one could have possibly foreseen the tectonic eruptions to the geopolitical landscape that ensued.

    These developments have only reinforced the importance of the review and the need to ensure that our policies will remain fit for a rapidly evolving world — a world that is now being shaped by geopolitical tensions, trade disruptions, ongoing climate change, and rapid advances in artificial intelligence.

    In such a world, central banks need to be able to respond with agility, which is undoubtedly a guiding virtue for everyone in this room.

    We have to deliver a strategy that is not only robust but also flexible: one that allows adjustments to the monetary policy stance and our toolkit in response to shocks and provides a foundation that can guide the Governing Council in navigating through challenges in the years to come.

    In today’s fast-moving environment-where inflation dynamics can shift rapidly, financial conditions are increasingly volatile and uncertainty is ever-present-we need to improve our ability to communicate, assess economic developments in real time and make more accurate projections of the outlook to guide our monetary policy making.

    This is where AI begins to play a potentially transformative role. In the following, I will focus on the opportunities provided by AI in core central banking fields, namely communication and economic analysis.

    Opportunity to enhance communication

    I start with communication.

    Central banks have come a long way in their communication strategies. As you may know, it was not always the case that the words “central bank” and “communication” could even stand together in the same sentence.

    In the 1960s and 1970s, the conventional wisdom among central bankers was: “the less said, the better.” The aim was often to surprise markets with the announcement of their policy decisions. Significant policy decisions were sometimes made without immediate public disclosure, and the rationale behind them was not always transparently communicated. The language used would often make the oracles of Delphi seem crystal clear.

    Alan Greenspan once captured this perfectly when he said, “if I seem unduly clear to you, you must have misunderstood what I said.”

    Things began to change in the 1980s and 1990s. Two factors, in particular, helped bring about this change.

    The first factor was credibility. As more and more central banks adopted inflation targeting frameworks, they realized that to achieve their targets, they needed to control inflation expectations. In other words, they needed to be credible.

    The second factor was independence. As central banks achieved independence from politicians, they also had to communicate in a transparent way with the public to help build trust, and safeguard accountability.

    An important corollary of the improved communication is that it has increased the effectiveness of monetary policy transmission.

    The previous ECB strategy review in 2021 consolidated this finding, while also calling for central banks in the euro area to use simpler and engaging language to directly access a broader audience.

    More recently, efforts are being made to exploit AI for the benefit of our communication processes, to enhance transparency, foster trust, and ensure that our monetary policy reaction function is clearly understood, thereby supporting the anchoring of inflation expectations.

    An important application involves the sentiment analysis of official publications, such as monetary policy statements, speeches, and press releases. For example, using Large Language Models (LLMs) the impact of ECB statements on financial markets1 can be explored. This kind of work helps understand how the language in communications shapes market expectations for inflation and interest rates.

    AI models can be trained on financial and policy-specific issues to detect subtle shifts in tone – such as whether a message appears more hawkish (in favour of tighter monetary policy) or dovish (in favour of looser monetary policy) – before publication. This allows communications teams to adjust language in order to ensure it aligns with the intended policy signal, minimising the risk of misinterpretation by the markets that could trigger undue volatility.

    AI can also play a growing role in the crafting and refining of speeches by policy makers. LLMs can support a consistent voice in communication, while also tailoring the tone and content to specific audiences – be it financial market analysts, other expert audiences, or the wider public.

    Moreover, AI supports a wide range of multilingual and accessibility needs. Machine translation models – fine-tuned for economic and legal language – help ensure timely publication of central bank materials across multiple official languages, a feature very useful to the European System of Central Banks which speaks all 24 official languages of the EU.

    Recourse to AI for communication purposes, however, necessitates caution. Over-reliance on AI in crafting and interpreting central bank communications could create an “echo chamber.” This would occur when AI tools respond to, and amplify, each other’s outputs, leading to overly uniform narratives and repetitive signals, that may distort the policymakers’ message. This is a clear case that illustrates the need for human oversight in overviewing processes to ensure that communication stays varied, accurate, and relevant.

    Opportunity to improve central bank economic analysis and decision making

    Another area that AI is poised to enhance is economic analysis. Following the AI revolution, we have started to build expertise in incorporating AI and non-traditional data in our analytical tools. These tools are rapidly being applied in the economic analyses that inform our monetary policy decisions.

    A question however arises: Is the use of AI in this context a hype? Or could it mark a methodological revolution that will help us better pursue our mandate? I believe that there are unique opportunities but also several challenges.

    First, central banks rely heavily on economic data to make informed decisions on monetary policy. Traditional statistical methods may not be sufficient to apprehend the complexity of the current uncertain environment. The use of LLMs can deliver enhanced data processing and analysis of unstructured data sets of textual data (like news articles or social media). This enables us to access new and non-traditional data sources, that could provide useful insights into our policies.

    Furthermore, machine learning (ML) models can quickly detect patterns, trends, and potential risks that might not be visible using traditional methods. Thus, we could identify structural breaks and patterns that would otherwise be difficult to detect.

    These tools can also help identify non-linear relationships. This is particularly important in a complex environment, since capturing non-linearities in the data is essential to understanding how the economy will evolve under stress and how seemingly small disturbances could lead to large-scale economic disruptions.

    In addition, by processing real-time data, AI can provide timely insights and rigorous analysis, allowing central banks more flexibility in decision making. This is valuable in a world prone to shocks and in times of pervasive uncertainty.

    There is also a possibility that these tools will be useful in the prediction of turning points in the business cycle and of tail events, such as fiscal crises.

    Finally, AI could improve forecasting and nowcasting inflation and economic activity. The Eurosystem already uses AI to improve its forecasting processes. For example, ML techniques are applied in inflation forecasting2 or in nowcasting global trade3. Moreover, short-term forecasts of economic activity are informed by sentiment indicators derived from the textual analysis of news, using LLMs4. Research5 at the Bank of Greece has produced forecasting models of inflation based on textual indicators of supply and demand disturbances in commodity markets. With the help of AI tools, these indicators can be updated on a daily basis and thus help predict inflation more accurately. This research has found that out-of-sample inflation forecast errors are reduced by up to 30 per cent.

    Still, there are several challenges.

    First, AI models are often complex and opaque, lacking transparency. Being like a “black box”, they are – at least for the time being – difficult to reconcile with the principles of transparency and accountability of central banks.

    Second, AI models (usually LLMs) could occasionally provide inaccurate or misleading information, raising practical, reputational and legal concerns. Therefore, human supervision is of the essence, especially in processes that require rational reasoning.

    Third, the quality of non-traditional data is often poor and the process of reconciling these data with our existing data sources is demanding. In a similar vein, the use of AI should not create an over-reliance on machine-driven outcomes.

    Overall, I believe that AI is a potent technology which has already brought about tectonic shifts in economic analysis. Its potential is still unfolding, and the benefits it offers are only beginning to be realised. The cutting-edge research promoted at this conference marks a point of methodological revolution. I believe that such research will fundamentally transform the way we understand economic dynamics and will ultimately enable us to make better-informed decisions.

    While AI opens unique opportunities for central banks in the pursuit of their mandate, it also brings a number of emerging implications that we must carefully consider. I’d like to share what I see as some of the most significant.

    Implications on productivity, employment, inflation

    Let me start with the effects on the macroeconomic outlook.

    AI has strong potential to raise productivity, both through its direct impact on total factor productivity, but also through improvements of efficiency on individual firm level. However, the aggregate effects remain uncertain and vary widely across studies6.

    One reason is that a disproportionate share of the benefits generated by AI may be concentrated in a small number of highly advanced firms, particularly large technology companies with the resources and infrastructure to develop and deploy cutting-edge AI tools.

    This concentration poses a risk: while AI can deliver substantial productivity benefits at the enterprise level, these gains may not necessarily translate into broad-based growth in aggregate productivity, unless mechanisms are in place to ensure that the diffusion of AI is wide across sectors, firms and countries.

    In a similar vein, the potential impact of AI on employment is difficult to estimate. On the one hand, it can automate routine, lower-skilled tasks – potentially displacing workers. On the other hand, AI can create new opportunities by increasing labour demand for non-automated tasks, as well as giving rise to new types of jobs. To maximise the favourable effects of AI on employment and to mitigate risks such as labour market inequality, reskilling the workforce with AI-complementary skills will be essential.

    Turning to prices, the impact of AI on inflation could go in both directions. Increased global demand for energy – driven by the computational intensity of AI technologies – could raise energy prices. According to the IMF7, electricity used by data centres alone, is already as much as that of Germany or France, and by 2030 would be comparable to that of India which is the world’s third largest electricity user. At the same time, AI can also contribute to more efficient energy use and improved grid management, potentially lowering costs.

    Moreover, AI-induced productivity improvements might help offset labour shortages, especially in times of low unemployment and ageing population. This could lead to a decline in unit labour costs, exerting thus downward price pressures. However, the overall impact of AI on employment and wage growth is difficult to predict.

    Expectations also play a central role in the price formation process. If consumers fully anticipate future benefits from AI (such as better products, lower costs, or higher wages), they may bring forward consumption in the short term, creating inflationary pressures. However, if expectations are only regressively formed, disinflationary forces may dominate in the near term due to delayed consumption and investment.

    Implications for monetary policy transmission

    The transmission of monetary policy to the economy, and thus monetary policy making are significantly impacted by AI.

    As I already noted, AI is expected to bring about distributional shifts in income and wealth. These shifts matter for monetary policy, since they influence households’ marginal propensity to consume and their access to credit.

    Should AI disproportionally raise the income share of lower-income households – with a higher marginal propensity to consume and greater credit constraints – the transmission of monetary policy could be strengthened. In contrast, if the gains accrue mainly to higher-income, more skilled households – who have lower marginal propensity to consume and are less responsive to interest rate changes — then monetary policy transmission may weaken.

    AI is also affecting how firms set prices. Companies that are more digitalised and employ algorithmic pricing tools can adjust prices more frequently and with greater precision in response to economic shocks. Higher price flexibility could induce – all else equal, a more efficient real economy.

    At the same time, ML tools enable firms to personalise prices and introduce heterogeneity, which is likely to weaken the link between monetary policy measures and prices, although AI could provide tools that enhance price transparency and improve consumers’ ability to compare prices. There is also the risk that algorithmic pricing could lead to tacit collusion among firms and greater market power, undermining the effectiveness of monetary policy in controlling inflation.

    Finally, AI may influence wage-setting dynamics. If the presence of automation erodes workers’ bargaining power, wage responsiveness to changes in unemployment could be reduced. This would weaken the sensitivity of inflation to shifts in monetary policy and complicate central banks’ ability to steer inflation effectively.

    Implications for financial stability

    Turning now to financial stability, the implications of AI technologies are complex and multifaceted.

    On the one hand, AI offers powerful tools to enhance financial institutions’ capabilities in risk assessment, liquidity management and strategic decision making. On the other hand, AI can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities and create new ones.

    For example, generative AI could be deliberately misused – such as through the creation of deepfakes or fabricated statements – potentially aimed at manipulating sentiment or triggering market stress.

    There is also the risk of herding behavior. As more institutions adopt similar AI models, the likelihood of systemic stress increases. What may initially appear as isolated, micro-level risk could rapidly escalate via AI and pose serious threats to financial stability.

    If financial institutions, market participants or the public at large base their key decisions on such inputs, without adequate human verification, we may witness situations of disorderly market volatility. Overreliance to a limited number of AI providers could further raise operational risks and adversely affect the resilience of the financial sector.

    Therefore, it is critical that these tools are deployed with caution. Sound governance, robust regulatory oversight, and adequate safeguards will be essential to ensuring that AI acts as a tool for strength, rather than a source of systemic risk.

    Conclusion

    To conclude, the core task of central banks remains safeguarding price and financial stability, and AI poses unprecedented opportunities but also considerable challenges.

    From enhancing communication and improving economic analysis, to reshaping the channels through which monetary policy and the financial system operate, AI is already redefining the way we pursue our tasks.

    As I have outlined today, AI can make central banks more agile, more transparent, and more effective. But its use also demands flexibility – not only in the tools we use, but in the way we think, plan and make decisions. In a world of growing complexity and rapid technological change, we must ensure that innovation goes hand in hand with responsibility, transparency, and trust.

    This calls for thoughtful integration, not blind adoption. As we integrate AI into our policymaking, we must ensure that human judgment and critical thinking remain central to our decisions. AI should serve as a tool to enhance – not replace – our responsibility to make sound, efficient policy choices in the interest of our citizens.

    The euro area faces a dual challenge: harnessing the opportunities that artificial intelligence presents while actively addressing its broader implications.

    To rise to this challenge, it is vital that we craft a comprehensive European AI strategy. To improve the environment for AI innovation and diffusion of new technologies, our strategy has to rest on three pillars: funding, regulation and energy.

    Developing and scaling AI requires substantial investment, particularly in digital infrastructure. There is broad consensus on the importance of building a savings and investment union to jump-start European projects on innovation, including AI.

    Complementary efforts to equip people with the skills they need to thrive in an AI-driven economy and to mitigate the risk of widening inequality are also of high importance.

    In addition, regulatory burdens and weak institutional quality can significantly hold back the expansion of high-tech sectors. That’s why we need simple but efficient regulation, while ensuring protection of personal data and strong institutions to defend AI-generated innovation.

    Energy, too, is a critical piece of the puzzle. AI diffusion across the economy will place greater demands on Europe’s energy infrastructure. Addressing supply constraints now is essential to ensuring that AI adoption is sustainable in the long run.

    All these considerations need to be taken into account when assessing challenges and opportunities arising from this very innovative technology. The successful adoption of AI requires a flexible adjustment in a constantly evolving environment. Therefore, we need to commence our journey on that potentially wonderful vessel with urgency but also with careful consideration, towards a new shore.

    I am confident that the insights shared at this conference, and the research being pursued by many of you in this room, will be instrumental in guiding us forward.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Erik Thedéen: Monetary policy communication in practice

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Slides accompanying the speech

    I would like to begin by thanking you for the invitation and by drawing attention to the fact that this year is actually the thirtieth anniversary of the tradition of the Governor of the Riksbank giving a speech at the Swedish Economics Association. In 1995, the then Governor Urban Bäckström gave a keynote speech at an association meeting. Since then, the Governor has been invited to give a speech every year. On behalf of myself and my predecessors, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Swedish Economic Association for these three decades. As Governor of the Riksbank, it is a privilege to come to this forum every year to discuss topics that are relevant to the Bank. I hope the tradition can be kept alive for many years to come.

    It is no coincidence that the tradition started in 1995. That was the year that the Riksbank officially started to conduct monetary policy to achieve the new inflation target.1 Inflation targeting has developed a lot over these 30 years, and the speeches given by the Governors of the Riksbank to the Association reflect that journey. Ever since the inflation target was introduced, transparency has been a watchword for the Riksbank, and central banks have become more transparent in general. At the same time, the focus has increasingly shifted to how we communicate monetary policy, which is natural. If you are more open, you also need to think more about what you say and how you say it.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Meets the Olympic Spirit: Dreaming of a New Future Through Technology and Sport With the IOC

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics’ global flagship corporate social responsibility (CSR) program, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, took the spotlight at a global gathering of changemakers hosted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Lausanne, Switzerland — where innovation, sport and social impact converged.
     
    From June 3 to 5, as a Worldwide Mobile and Computing Equipment Partner of Olympic & Paralympic, Samsung participated in the first Olympism365 Summit: Sport For A Better World at the IOC headquarters to showcase its Solve for Tomorrow vision of empowering youth through education and technology — highlighting stories from around the world that demonstrate how the program is helping young people tackle real-world challenges in their communities.
     
    Over three days, the event brought together more than 250 representatives from 100 organizations — across the Olympic Movement, United Nations agencies, development and financing institutions, civil society, for-purpose business, safe sport community and IOC Young Leaders working together — to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through sport.
     
    ▲ IOC President Thomas Bach delivers a keynote at the IOC Youth Summit.
     
    Held as part of the Olympism365 Summit, the IOC Youth Summit provided a platform for IOC Young Leaders to contribute their perspectives, collaborate on innovative solutions and help shape the future of sport for development — offering a vital contribution to the Olympism365 strategy focused on building a better world through sport.
     
    During the summit, Ramneek Kaur Ahluwalia, the 2022 winner of the United Kingdom’s Solve for Tomorrow program, spoke about how the experience shaped her personal growth.
     
    “What started off as a challenging lived experience of being isolated, vulnerable and stereotyped when using a white cane, quickly fueled the evolution of award-winning MyVision,” she said. “Thanks to the amazing Samsung Solve for Tomorrow mentors who helped me utilize the design thinking process and technical expertise to create a truly life-changing device.”
     
    She shared her journey developing MyVision, a smart assistive device designed to help people with congenital visual impairments. Drawing from her own experience with visual impairment, Ramneek described how Solve for Tomorrow helped her to grow — and outlined her ongoing efforts to expand her dream realized through Solve for Tomorrow into broader educational and career opportunities for others with similar challenges.
     
    ▲ Ramneek Kaur Ahluwalia shares her journey with IOC Young Leaders.
     
    The event also provided opportunities to engage with IOC officials and other Young Leaders from around the world. Ramneek met with Sherief Kholeif, a United Kingdom-based IOC Young Leader, to discuss sports programs for marginalized youth in Scotland and exchanged ideas with participants on the social impact of combining sport and technology.
     
    Building on its participation in the Olympism365 Summit and the IOC Youth Summit, Samsung plans to strengthen its collaboration with the IOC by designating “Social Change Through Sport & Technology” as one of the global themes for Solve for Tomorrow 2025. In doing so, the company will continue to support young people worldwide in developing creative, practical ideas to drive positive change in their communities.
     
    “It was a pleasure to meet Ramneek, one of Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow ambassadors at the IOC Youth Summit,” said Kholeif. “Her innovative and thoughtful ideas are inspiring. It is encouraging to see Samsung paving the way for young students around the world who believe in creating a more accessible and inclusive future through innovation. I hope the Solve for Tomorrow program continues to create meaningful opportunities for my fellow Young Leaders, and that together we can make a difference by combining technology and sport.”
     
    ▲ (From left) Sherief Kholeif and Ramneek Kaur Ahluwalia
     
    Notably, the “Social Change Through Sport & Technology” theme was selected through a public vote held during the Olympic Games in Paris last year. The theme reflects growing global concerns around sustainability and sport, encouraging young people to develop innovative solutions that demonstrate the positive social and environmental impact of sport.
     
    ▲ Ramneek Kaur Ahluwalia joins IOC Young Leaders for a group photo.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Deputy President Paul Mashatile responds to Questions for Oral Reply in the National Assembly.

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

    Deputy President Paul Mashatile responds to Questions for Oral Reply in the National Assembly.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrI3HbE37rw

    MIL OSI Video –

  • Key targets and capabilities: a look at Iran’s nuclear facilities amid Israeli strikes

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israel said early on Friday it had struck Iranian nuclear targets to block Tehran from developing atomic weapons, and Iranian media and witnesses reported explosions including at the country’s main uranium enrichment facility. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes are aimed at hurting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, ballistic missile factories and military capabilities.

    Below are some of Iran’s main nuclear facilities.

    WHERE ARE IRAN’S NUCLEAR FACILITIES?

    Iran’s nuclear programme is spread over many locations. While the threat of Israeli airstrikes has loomed for decades, only some of the sites have been built underground.

    DOES IRAN HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPONS PROGRAMME?

    The United States and the U.N. nuclear watchdog believe Iran had a coordinated, secret nuclear weapons programme that it halted in 2003. The Islamic Republic denies ever having had one or planning to have one.

    Iran agreed to restrictions on its nuclear activities in exchange for relief from international sanctions under a 2015 deal with world powers. That pact fell apart after Trump – then serving his first term as president – pulled the United States out of it in 2018 and Iran started abandoning the restrictions in the following year.

    IS IRAN INCREASING ITS URANIUM ENRICHMENT?

    Yes. Iran has been expanding its uranium enrichment programme ever since the pact broke down, reducing the so-called “breakout time” it would need to produce enough weapons-grade uranium for a nuclear bomb to days or little more than a week from at least a year under the 2015 deal.

    Actually making a bomb with that material would take longer. How long is less clear and is the subject of debate.

    Iran is now enriching uranium to up to 60% fissile purity, close to the 90% of weapons-grade, at two sites, and in theory it has enough material enriched to that level, if enriched further, for six bombs, according to a yardstick of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the U.N. watchdog.

    NATANZ

    Netanyahu said on Friday that Israel had targetted Natanz as part of its attack.

    A complex at the heart of Iran’s enrichment programme on a plain abutting mountains outside the Shi’ite Muslim holy city of Qom, south of Tehran. Natanz houses facilities including two enrichment plants: the vast, underground Fuel Enrichment Plant (FEP) and the above-ground Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant (PFEP).

    An exiled Iranian opposition group revealed in 2002 that Iran was secretly building Natanz, igniting a diplomatic standoff between the West and Iran over its nuclear intentions that continues today.

    The FEP was built for enrichment on a commercial scale, able to house 50,000 centrifuges. Around 16,000 centrifuges are currently installed there, roughly 13,000 of which are in operation, refining uranium to up to 5% purity.

    Diplomats with knowledge of Natanz describe the FEP as being about three floors below ground. There has long been debate about how much damage Israeli airstrikes could do to it.

    Damage has been done to centrifuges at the FEP by other means, including an explosion and power cut in April 2021 that Iran said was an attack by Israel.

    The above-ground PFEP houses only hundreds of centrifuges but Iran is enriching to up to 60% purity there.

    FORDOW

    On the opposite side of Qom, Fordow is an enrichment site dug into a mountain and therefore probably better protected from potential bombardment than the FEP.

    The 2015 deal with major powers did not allow Iran to enrich at Fordow at all. It now has around 2,000 centrifuges operating there, most of them advanced IR-6 machines, of which up to 350 are enriching to up to 60%.

    The United States, Britain and France announced in 2009 that Iran had been secretly building Fordow for years and had failed to inform the IAEA. U.S. President Barack Obama said then: “The size and configuration of this facility is inconsistent with a peaceful programme.”

    ISFAHAN

    Iran has a large nuclear technology centre on the outskirts of Isfahan, its second largest city.

    It includes the Fuel Plate Fabrication Plant (FPFP) and the uranium conversion facility (UCF) that can process uranium into the uranium hexafluoride that is fed into centrifuges.

    Iran also stores enriched uranium at Isfahan, diplomats say.

    There is equipment at Isfahan to make uranium metal, a process that is particularly proliferation-sensitive since it can be used to devise the core of a nuclear bomb.

    The IAEA has said there are machines for making centrifuge parts at Isfahan, describing it in 2022 as a “new location”.

    KHONDAB

    Iran has a partially built heavy-water research reactor originally called Arak and now Khondab. Heavy-water reactors pose a nuclear proliferation risk because they can easily produce plutonium which, like enriched uranium, can be used to make the core of an atom bomb.

    Under the 2015 deal, construction was halted, the reactor’s core was removed and filled with concrete to make it unusable. The reactor was to be redesigned “to minimise the production of plutonium and not to produce weapon-grade plutonium in normal operation”. Iran has informed the IAEA that it plans to start operating the reactor in 2026.

    TEHRAN RESEARCH CENTRE

    Iran’s nuclear research facilities in Tehran include a research reactor.

    BUSHEHR

    Iran’s only operating nuclear power plant, on the Gulf coast, uses Russian fuel that Russia then takes back when it is spent, reducing the proliferation risk.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Jim Costa Responds to Recent Attacks in the Middle East

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

    WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement in response to the recent Israeli strike on Iran. 
    “As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I am closely monitoring the situation,” said Congressman Costa.  
    “This attack that has taken place, given the dynamics, is not surprising. The United States, with our allies, must come together to prevent an all-out war from taking place in the Middle East.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine Statement on Israeli Strikes on Iran

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, released the following statement after Israel attacked sites in Iran:

    “I am deeply concerned about the escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran and the risks for U.S. personnel and citizens in the region. I commend the Trump Administration for prioritizing diplomacy and working to curb Iran’s nuclear program, and for refraining from participating in tonight’s actions. I cannot understand why Israel would launch a preemptive strike at this juncture, knowing high level diplomatic discussions between the United States and Iran are scheduled for this weekend. These talks are the only viable and sustainable path to curtailing Iran’s development of nuclear weapons and protecting U.S. national security interests in the region. We must always defend U.S. personnel and assets against those who might seek to harm us, but the American people have no interest in another forever war.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Just one man survived the Air India crash. What’s it like to survive a mass disaster?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Erin Smith, Associate Professor and Discipline Lead (Paramedicine), La Trobe University

    Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British citizen returning from a trip to India, has been confirmed as the only survivor of Thursday’s deadly Air India crash.

    “I don’t know how I am alive,” Ramesh told family, according to his brother Nayan, in a video call moments after emerging from the wreckage. Another brother Ajay, seated elswhere on the plane, was killed.

    The Boeing 787-7 Dreamliner crashed into a medical college less than a minute after taking off in the city of Ahmedabad, killing the other 229 passengers and 12 crew. At least five people were killed on the ground.

    Surviving a mass disaster of this kind may be hailed as a kind of “miracle”. But what is it like to survive – especially as the only one?

    Surviving a disaster

    Past research has shown disaster survivors may experience an intense range of emotions, from grief and anxiety to feelings of loss and uncertainty.

    These are common reactions to an extraordinary situation.

    Some people may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and have difficulty adjusting to a new reality after bearing witness to immense loss. They may also be dealing with physical recovery from injuries sustained in the disaster.

    Most people recover after disasters by drawing on their own strengths and the support of others. Recovery rates are high: generally less than one in ten of those affected by disasters develop chronic, long-term problems.

    However, being a sole survivor of a mass casualty may have its own complex psychological challenges.

    Survivor’s guilt

    Survivors can experience guilt they lived when others died.

    My friend, Gill Hicks, spoke to me for this article about the ongoing guilt she still feels, years after surviving the 2005 bombings of the London underground.

    Lying trapped in a smoke-filled train carriage, she was the last living person to be rescued after the attack. Gill lost both her legs.

    Yet she still wonders, “Why me? Why did I get to go home, when so many others didn’t?”

    In the case of a sole survivor, this guilt may be particularly acute. However, research addressing the impact of sole survivorship is limited. Most research that looks at the psychological impact of disaster focuses on the impact of disasters more broadly.

    Those interviewed for a 2013 documentary about surviving large plane crashes, Sole Survivor, express complex feelings – wanting to share their stories, but fearing being judged by others.

    Being the lone survivor can be a heavy burden.

    “I didn’t think I was worthy of the gift of being alive,” George Lamson Jr. told the documentary, after surviving a 1985 plane crash in Nevada that killed all others on board.

    Looking for meaning

    People who survive a disaster may also be under pressure to explain what happened and relive the trauma for the benefit of others.

    Vishwashkumar Ramesh was filmed and interviewed by media in the minutes and hours following the Air India crash. But as he told his brother: “I have no idea how I exited the plane”.

    It can be common for survivors themselves to be plagued by unanswerable questions. Did they live for a reason? Why did they live, when so many others died?

    These kinds of unaswerable questions reflect our natural inclination to look for meaning in experiences, and to have our life stories make sense.

    For some people, sharing a traumatic experience with others who’ve been through it or something similar can be a beneficial part of the recovery process, helping to process emotions and regain some agency and control.

    However, this may not always be possible for sole survivors, potentially compounding feelings of guilt and isolation.

    Coping with survivor guilt

    Survivor guilt can be an expression of grief and loss.

    Studies indicate guilt is notably widespread among individuals who have experienced traumatic events, and it is associated with heightened psychopathological symptoms (such as severe anxiety, insomnia or flashbacks) and thoughts of suicide.

    Taking time to process the traumatic event can help survivors cope, and seeking support from friends, family and community or faith leaders can help an individual work through difficult feelings.

    My friend Gill says the anxiety rises as the anniversary of the disaster approaches each year. Trauma reminders such as anniversaries are different to unexpected trauma triggers, but can still cause distress.

    Media attention around collectively experienced dates can also amplify trauma-related distress, contributing to a cycle of media consumption and increased worry about future events.

    On the 7th of July each year, Gill holds a private remembrance ritual. This allows her to express her grief and sense of loss, and to honour those who did not survive. These types of rituals can be a valuable tool in processing feelings of grief and guilt, offering a sense of control and meaning and facilitating the expression and acceptance of loss.

    But lingering guilt and anxiety – especially when it interferes with day-to-day life – should not be ignored. Ongoing survivor guilt is associated with significantly higher levels of post-traumatic symptoms.

    Survivors may need support from psychologists or mental health professionals in the short and long term.

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

    – ref. Just one man survived the Air India crash. What’s it like to survive a mass disaster? – https://theconversation.com/just-one-man-survived-the-air-india-crash-whats-it-like-to-survive-a-mass-disaster-258905

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why did Israel defy Trump – and risk a major war – by striking Iran now? And what happens next?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amin Saikal, Emeritus Professor of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies, Australian National University; and Vice Chancellor’s Strategic Fellow, Victoria University

    Alarmed by an intelligence assessment that Iran will be able to produce nuclear weapons within months if not weeks, Israel has launched a massive air campaign aiming to destroy the country’s nuclear program.

    Israel’s air strikes hit Iran’s main nuclear enrichment facility at Natanz, as well as its air defences and long-range missile facilities.

    Among the dead are Hossein Salami, the chief of Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guards Corps; Mohammad Bagheri, the commander-in-chief of the military; and two prominent nuclear scientists.

    Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has promised “severe punishment” in response. Iran could potentially target Israel’s own nuclear sites and US bases across the Persian Gulf. Israel claimed Iran launched 100 drones towards it just hours after the attack.

    The Middle East is yet again on the precipice of a potentially devastating war with serious regional and global implications.

    Stalled nuclear talks

    The Israeli operations come against the backdrop of a series of inconclusive nuclear talks between the United States and Iran. These negotiations began in mid-April at President Donald Trump’s request and aimed to reach a deal within months.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposed the talks, pressing for military action instead as the best option to halt Iran’s nuclear program.

    The diplomatic efforts had stalled in recent weeks over Trump’s demand that Iran agree to a zero-uranium enrichment posture and destroy its stockpile of some 400 kilograms of enriched uranium at a 60% purity level. This could be rapidly enriched further to weapons-grade level.

    Tehran refused to oblige, calling it a “non-negotiable”.

    Netanyahu has long pledged to eliminate what he has called the Iranian “octopus” – the regime’s vast network of regional affiliates, including Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the regime of former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, and the Houthi militants in Yemen.

    Following Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7 2023, Israel’s military has considerably degraded these Iranian affiliates, one by one. Now, Netanyahu has now gone for beheading the octopus.

    Trump keeping his distance

    Netanyahu has in the past urged Washington to join him in a military operation against Iran. However, successive US leaders have not found it desirable to ignite or be involved in another Middle East war, especially after the debacle in Iraq and its failed Afghanistan intervention.

    Despite his strong commitment to Israel’s security and regional supremacy, Trump has been keen to follow this US posture, for two important reasons.

    He has not forgotten Netanyahu’s warm congratulations to Joe Biden when he defeated Trump in the 2020 US presidential election.

    Nor has Trump been keen to be too closely aligned with Netanyahu at the expense of his lucrative relations with oil-rich Arab states. He recently visited Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates on a trip to the Middle East, while bypassing Israel.

    Indeed, this week, Trump had warned Netanyahu not to do anything that could undermine the US nuclear talks with Iran. He has been keen to secure a deal to boost his self-declared reputation as a peace broker, despite not having done very well so far on this front.

    But as the nuclear talks seemed to be reaching a dead end, Netanyahu decided now was the moment to act.

    The Trump administration has distanced itself from the attack, saying it had no involvement. It remains to be seen whether the US will now get involved to defend Israel if and when Iran retaliates.

    What a wider war could mean

    Israel has shown it has the capacity to unleash overwhelming firepower, causing serious damage to Iran’s nuclear and military facilities and infrastructure. But the Iranian Islamic regime also has the capability to retaliate, with all the means at its disposal.

    Despite the fact the Iranian leadership faces serious domestic issues on political, social and economic fronts, it still has the ability to target Israeli and US assets in the region with advanced missiles and drones.

    It also has the capability to close the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20–25% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments flow. Importantly, Iran has strategic partnerships with both Russia and China, as well.

    Depending on the nature and scope of the Iranian response, the current conflict could easily develop into an uncontrollable regional war, with none of the parties emerging as victor. A major conflict could not only further destabilise what is already a volatile Middle East, but also upend the fragile global geopolitical and economic landscape.

    The Middle East cannot afford another war. Trump had good reasons to restrain Netanyahu’s government while the nuclear negotiations were taking place to see if he could hammer out a deal.

    Whether this deal can be salvaged amid the chaos is unclear. The next round of negotiations was due to be held on Sunday in Oman, but Iran said it would not attend and all talks were off until further notice.

    Iran and the US, under Barack Obama, had agreed a nuclear deal before – the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Although Netanyahu branded it “the worst deal of the century”, it appeared to be holding until Trump, urged by Netanyahu, unilaterally withdrew from it in 2018.

    Now, Netanyahu has taken the military approach to thwart Iran’s nuclear program. And the region – and rest of the world – will have to wait and see if another war can be averted before it’s too late.

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

    – ref. Why did Israel defy Trump – and risk a major war – by striking Iran now? And what happens next? – https://theconversation.com/why-did-israel-defy-trump-and-risk-a-major-war-by-striking-iran-now-and-what-happens-next-258917

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • Delhi Airport, Air India issue travel advisory amid rising Iran-Israel tensions

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) on Friday issued a travel advisory for passengers flying to Iran and Iraq, urging them to check with their respective airlines for the latest flight schedules and operational updates. The advisory comes amid escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel and growing uncertainty over the region’s airspace.

    The IGIA statement said: “Delhi operations are running smoothly. However, due to the evolving airspace conditions over Iran, Iraq, and the neighbouring region, some flight schedules have been impacted.

    Passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates regarding their flights. We strongly urge all passengers to rely only on official sources for accurate and up-to-date information.”

    On Friday, Israel said it had targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories, and senior military commanders in the initial phase of what it described as a prolonged operation to prevent Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

    Air India aslo announced that it has altered the routes of several flights. In a post on X, the airline said: “Due to the emerging situation in Iran, the subsequent closure of its airspace, and in view of the safety of our passengers, the following 16 Air India flights are either being diverted or returning to their origin.

    We regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers due to this unforeseen disruption and are making every effort to minimize it, including providing accommodation for passengers. Refunds on cancellations or complimentary rescheduling are also being offered to guests who opt for it. Alternative arrangements are being made to fly passengers to their destinations.”

    Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv has issued a separate advisory for Indian nationals in Israel, urging them to remain vigilant, avoid non-essential movement, and strictly follow local safety instructions.

    Sharing the message on social media, the Indian mission underscored the importance of caution and preparedness for citizens residing in or travelling through Israel.

    “In view of the prevailing situation in the region, all Indian nationals in Israel are advised to stay vigilant and adhere to the safety protocols as advised by the Israeli authorities and Home Front Command (https://oref.org.il/eng). Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel within the country, and stay close to safety shelters,” the Embassy posted on X.

    The Embassy also urged Indian citizens to stay informed through official sources and to remain in contact with the mission in case of any emergency.

  • India urges Iran and Israel to avoid escalation, emphasises dialogue and diplomacy

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India on Friday expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel and called for restraint from both sides. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement urging diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation.

    “We are deeply concerned at the recent developments between Iran and Israel,” the MEA said.

    The ministry added, “We are closely monitoring the evolving situation, including reports related to attacks on nuclear sites.”

    India urged both nations to avoid further escalation and instead engage through established diplomatic channels.
    “India urges both sides to avoid any escalatory steps. Existing channels of dialogue and diplomacy should be utilised to work towards a de-escalation of the situation and resolving underlying issues. India enjoys close and friendly relations with both countries and stands ready to extend all possible support,” the statement read.

    The MEA also confirmed that Indian missions in both Iran and Israel are in touch with the Indian communities there.
    “All Indian nationals in the region are advised to exercise caution, stay safe, and follow local security advisories,” the statement added.

    The Indian government’s statement comes amid reports that Israel launched a preemptive strike against Iran on Friday. According to The Times of Israel, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant declared a state of emergency following the military action.

    “Following the State of Israel’s preemptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future,” Gallant was quoted as saying.

    He added that he had signed a special order declaring a state of emergency across the country.
    “You must obey the instructions of the Home Front Command and the authorities and remain in the protected areas,” he said.

    Air raid sirens were sounded across Israel as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened his security cabinet. According to Tzvika Tessler of the IDF Home Front Command, the sirens were intended to alert the public to an unprecedented threat level, although no attack had occurred at the time.

    “In the coming few hours, Israel could experience a significant attack from the east,” Tessler said, warning that the assault could involve “heavy missiles” capable of reaching targets across the country. “We will issue far-reaching warnings,” he added.

    The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed it had launched an aerial campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. According to the Times of Israel, dozens of military and nuclear-related targets across Iran are being struck as part of the operation, codenamed “Nation of Lions.”

    The IDF claimed that Iran possesses enough enriched uranium to build multiple nuclear bombs within days, which it described as an “imminent threat” requiring immediate action.

    -ANI

  • Air India flight makes emergency landing in Thailand after bomb threat

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    An Air India flight from Phuket in Thailand to India’s capital New Delhi received an onboard bomb threat on Friday and made an emergency landing on the island, airport authorities said.

    All 156 passengers on flight AI 379 had been escorted from the plane, in line with emergency plans, an Airports of Thailand official said.

    The aircraft took off from Phuket airport bound for the Indian capital at 9.30 a.m. (0230 GMT) on Friday, but made a wide loop around the Andaman Sea and landed back on the southern Thai island, according to flight tracker Flightradar24.

    The incident follows the crash of an Air India flight in Ahmedabad on Thursday shortly after takeoff.

    AOT did not provide details on the bomb threat. Air India did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

    Indian airlines and airports were inundated with hoax bomb threats last year, with nearly 1,000 hoax calls and messages received in the first 10 months, nearly 10 times that of 2023.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo Opens in Changsha

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    CHANGSHA, June 13 (Xinhua) — The 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo opened Thursday in Changsha, capital of central China’s Hunan Province, demonstrating China’s commitment to strengthening ties with Africa, the continent with the largest number of developing countries.

    The four-day event, with the main theme “China and Africa: Together for Modernization,” will bring together about 4,700 Chinese and African enterprises and attract more than 30,000 participants. According to the organizers, the value of pre-agreed cooperation projects exceeds US$11 billion.

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the opening ceremony on Thursday and expressed confidence that the expo would create more opportunities for China-Africa cooperation and bring more results.

    “No matter how the international situation changes, China will always stand firmly with Africa, provide strong support for the continent’s modernization, and be a true friend and sincere brother in Africa’s development,” said Wang, who is also a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee.

    Realizing modernization is the common aspiration of the more than 2.8 billion people in China and Africa and a key theme of the China-Africa community with a shared future, he said.

    Wang Yi assured that China will continue to exchange governance experience with African countries and strengthen the synergy of the two sides’ development strategies. He promised that China will continue its efforts to expand opening up to Africa.

    China will also deepen practical cooperation to promote Africa’s industrialization and digital transformation, Wang added.

    The opening ceremony of the EXPO was also attended by Ugandan Prime Minister Robin Nabbanja, Liberian Vice President Jeremiah Kuhn and Kenyan Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi.

    In her speech, R. Nabbanja said that in the face of global challenges such as climate change, supply chain disruptions and rising protectionism, true modernization must be built on partnerships characterized by mutual respect, win-win cooperation and inclusive development.

    She called for far-sighted, sustainable and inclusive China-Africa cooperation, especially in trade and investment.

    M. Mudavadi also spoke at the opening ceremony of the event, saying that Kenya welcomes increased Chinese investment in infrastructure, especially in energy, transport and industrial parks, and supports strengthening cooperation between the two sides in the areas of technology transfer, innovation, etc.

    The current Expo features specialized zones dedicated to smart mining technologies, clean energy, modern agricultural machinery and construction equipment. For the first time, the Expo will feature specialized expositions dedicated to famous Chinese-African cooperation brands, high-quality African products, Chinese-African tourism and Chinese-African cooperation in traditional Chinese medicine.

    The Expo will feature 30 economic and trade events covering China-Africa cooperation in various fields. Two key documents on China-Africa economic ties will also be released during the event.

    As of the end of 2024, China had been Africa’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, and bilateral trade growth continued to gain momentum in 2025. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Moscow Seasons in Beijing festival has opened in the capital of China

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, June 13 (Xinhua) — The Moscow Seasons in Beijing festival opened on Thursday at the Wangfujing pedestrian street in the center of the Chinese capital in the context of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of sister city relations between Beijing and Moscow.

    “On the instructions of Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, we are opening this wonderful project “Moscow Seasons in Beijing”. Moscow has already celebrated the Chinese New Year twice, and this wonderful, bright event brings joy to every resident and guest of the Russian capital. I hope that we will be able to please and surprise every visitor to this beautiful central street of Beijing,” said First Deputy Head of the Moscow Mayor and Government Office, Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee Evgeny Kozlov.

    “The project that is starting today, which is a striking example of dialogue between cultures and civilizations, continues the good tradition of cultural exchanges between the main cities of our countries that has developed in recent years,” noted the Minister-Counselor of the Russian Embassy in China, Sergei Kramintsev.

    According to him, during the festival, which took place in Moscow in connection with the celebration of the Chinese New Year according to the lunar calendar, master classes in calligraphy and the creation of paper dragons, as well as drum shows and tea ceremonies, attracted great interest from more than one and a half million visitors.

    The Moscow Seasons in Beijing festival will undoubtedly become one of the most memorable events of the program of the cross years of culture of Russia and China. In thematic pavilions, one can get acquainted with the tourist potential of our country, take part in creative master classes, visit a fair of Moscow souvenirs and try dishes of traditional Russian cuisine. Meanwhile, a rich concert program is planned, from classical music to jazz, said S. Kramintsev.

    Guo Huigang, director of the Beijing Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau, said that Beijing and Moscow have recently jointly organized a series of events to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their sister city relationship, stressing that with the continuous development of sister city relations, Moscow has become one of Beijing’s closest sister cities on an international scale.

    He also noted that culture and tourism are important areas of cooperation between both countries and both cities. As it became known, China ranks first among foreign countries in the number of tourists coming to the Russian capital. In 2024 alone, Moscow was visited by more than 420 thousand guests from China.

    According to the Beijing City Administration of Culture and Tourism, Beijing received 293,000 tourists from Russia last year, and over 175,000 Russian tourists visited the Chinese capital in the first five months of this year. Among foreign travelers who visited Beijing during the same period, Russians ranked first.

    The festival, organized by the Moscow government with the support of the Beijing People’s Government, is one of the largest in a series of events within the framework of the China-Russia Cross Years of Culture 2024-2025. It will last until Sunday. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China-Kazakhstan International Center for Border Cooperation “Khorgos” received almost 3.9 million people in January-May 2025

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, June 13 (Xinhua) — The flow of visitors to the China-Kazakhstan International Boundary Cooperation Center (ICBC) “Khorgos”, located in the city of the same name in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, increased by 87.2 percent year on year to 3.893 million people in the first five months of 2025, according to data from the Khorgos border checkpoint.

    The Khorgos ICBC has thousands of types of goods from Central Asia and Europe. Thanks to the preferential policy, tourists can easily make purchases from all over the world here.

    Let us recall that 2024 was the Year of Kazakhstan Tourism in China, and 2025 was declared the Year of China Tourism in Kazakhstan. In the context of the synergistic effect of holding relevant events and mutual visa-free regime, Khorgos has become the main choice for cross-border travel.

    As Xinjiang’s peak tourist season approaches, Khorgos ICBC is expected to welcome a record number of visitors. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why did Israel defy Trump – and risk a major war – by striking Iran now? And what happens next?

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Amin Saikal, Emeritus Professor of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies, Australian National University; and Vice Chancellor’s Strategic Fellow, Victoria University

    Alarmed by an intelligence assessment that Iran will be able to produce nuclear weapons within months if not weeks, Israel has launched a massive air campaign aiming to destroy the country’s nuclear program.

    Israel’s air strikes hit Iran’s main nuclear enrichment facility at Natanz, as well as its air defences and long-range missile facilities.

    Among the dead are Hossein Salami, the chief of Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guards Corps; Mohammad Bagheri, the commander-in-chief of the military; and two prominent nuclear scientists.

    Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has promised “severe punishment” in response. Iran could potentially target Israel’s own nuclear sites and US bases across the Persian Gulf. Israel claimed Iran launched 100 drones towards it just hours after the attack.

    The Middle East is yet again on the precipice of a potentially devastating war with serious regional and global implications.

    Stalled nuclear talks

    The Israeli operations come against the backdrop of a series of inconclusive nuclear talks between the United States and Iran. These negotiations began in mid-April at President Donald Trump’s request and aimed to reach a deal within months.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposed the talks, pressing for military action instead as the best option to halt Iran’s nuclear program.

    The diplomatic efforts had stalled in recent weeks over Trump’s demand that Iran agree to a zero-uranium enrichment posture and destroy its stockpile of some 400 kilograms of enriched uranium at a 60% purity level. This could be rapidly enriched further to weapons-grade level.

    Tehran refused to oblige, calling it a “non-negotiable”.

    Netanyahu has long pledged to eliminate what he has called the Iranian “octopus” – the regime’s vast network of regional affiliates, including Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the regime of former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, and the Houthi militants in Yemen.

    Following Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7 2023, Israel’s military has considerably degraded these Iranian affiliates, one by one. Now, Netanyahu has now gone for beheading the octopus.

    Trump keeping his distance

    Netanyahu has in the past urged Washington to join him in a military operation against Iran. However, successive US leaders have not found it desirable to ignite or be involved in another Middle East war, especially after the debacle in Iraq and its failed Afghanistan intervention.

    Despite his strong commitment to Israel’s security and regional supremacy, Trump has been keen to follow this US posture, for two important reasons.

    He has not forgotten Netanyahu’s warm congratulations to Joe Biden when he defeated Trump in the 2020 US presidential election.

    Nor has Trump been keen to be too closely aligned with Netanyahu at the expense of his lucrative relations with oil-rich Arab states. He recently visited Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates on a trip to the Middle East, while bypassing Israel.

    Indeed, this week, Trump had warned Netanyahu not to do anything that could undermine the US nuclear talks with Iran. He has been keen to secure a deal to boost his self-declared reputation as a peace broker, despite not having done very well so far on this front.

    But as the nuclear talks seemed to be reaching a dead end, Netanyahu decided now was the moment to act.

    The Trump administration has distanced itself from the attack, saying it had no involvement. It remains to be seen whether the US will now get involved to defend Israel if and when Iran retaliates.

    What a wider war could mean

    Israel has shown it has the capacity to unleash overwhelming firepower, causing serious damage to Iran’s nuclear and military facilities and infrastructure. But the Iranian Islamic regime also has the capability to retaliate, with all the means at its disposal.

    Despite the fact the Iranian leadership faces serious domestic issues on political, social and economic fronts, it still has the ability to target Israeli and US assets in the region with advanced missiles and drones.

    It also has the capability to close the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20–25% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments flow. Importantly, Iran has strategic partnerships with both Russia and China, as well.

    Depending on the nature and scope of the Iranian response, the current conflict could easily develop into an uncontrollable regional war, with none of the parties emerging as victor. A major conflict could not only further destabilise what is already a volatile Middle East, but also upend the fragile global geopolitical and economic landscape.

    The Middle East cannot afford another war. Trump had good reasons to restrain Netanyahu’s government while the nuclear negotiations were taking place to see if he could hammer out a deal.

    Whether this deal can be salvaged amid the chaos is unclear. The next round of negotiations was due to be held on Sunday in Oman, but Iran said it would not attend and all talks were off until further notice.

    Iran and the US, under Barack Obama, had agreed a nuclear deal before – the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Although Netanyahu branded it “the worst deal of the century”, it appeared to be holding until Trump, urged by Netanyahu, unilaterally withdrew from it in 2018.

    Now, Netanyahu has taken the military approach to thwart Iran’s nuclear program. And the region – and rest of the world – will have to wait and see if another war can be averted before it’s too late.

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

    – ref. Why did Israel defy Trump – and risk a major war – by striking Iran now? And what happens next? – https://theconversation.com/why-did-israel-defy-trump-and-risk-a-major-war-by-striking-iran-now-and-what-happens-next-258917

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: World Food Safety Day Celebrated at National Level


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    World Food Safety Day is a global event observed annually on June 7. This year’s national celebration was held at Adi-Hawesha Resort in the Central Region under the theme “Food Safety: Science in Action.” The event aimed to explore the latest advancements in food safety and promote responsible food handling practices. It was attended by more than 85 participants, including the Minister of Health, senior officials from the Ministries of Agriculture and Health, representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO), experts from various relevant Government and non-governmental organizations, academia, food processors, and representatives of farmers.

    Mr. Tekleab Mesghena, in his keynote speech, emphasized the importance of science in ensuring the safety and quality of food products. He highlighted the critical role of research and development in advancing food safety. Mr. Tekleab stated that the Ministry of Agriculture is working diligently to modernize its food-related regulatory services by establishing quarantine stations at various entry points, reinforcing inspection services, and promoting public awareness, particularly among food processors, through good manufacturing and agricultural practices. In his concluding remarks, Mr. Tekleab stressed on the need for a national food control system and policy to integrate the efforts of various ministries and institutions.

    Mr. Sium Teame, representing the FAO, underscored that food is not a luxury but a fundamental human right. He noted that every year, 600 million people fall ill due to contaminated food, and emphasized the role of science not merely as an academic pursuit but as a practical, powerful tool. Scientific research and innovation, he said, are essential for identifying and controlling foodborne hazards, improving hygiene and safety practices throughout the food chain, establishing international standards based on risk assessments, and responding swiftly to emerging threats.

    Dr. Nonso Ejiofor, representing the WHO, added that this year’s theme highlights the essential role of scientific knowledge in guiding effective food safety practices. He stressed the importance of research, innovation, data, and appropriate technologies in identifying risks, reducing illness, saving lives, and cutting costs along the entire food chain.

    A panel discussion was also held under the theme of the day, featuring experts and representatives from food processing industries. The panelists discussed recent advancements in food safety research, including the use of precision agriculture to improve health outcomes and reduce food waste.

    During the event,six papers regarding Food Handling and Hygiene Practices; Food Expiration: Administrative, Regulatory, and Safety Implications;Effect of Processing on Heavy Metal Content in Selected Leaf Vegetables Cultivated in Asmara; Environmental Safety of Food Safety; The Role of Science in Food Safety were presented by representatives from Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Land, water and Environment, Hamelmalo College of Agricultural and Mai-Nefhi College of Science.

    Participants engaged in extensive discussions on the papers and adopted various recommendations. These included the need for collaboration among all relevant stakeholders, the integration of scientific methods in food safety, improved identification of food sources, and enhanced public awareness on food preparation and safety.

    Short videos highlighting national and international efforts related to food safety were also screened during the event.

    World Food Safety Day is being marked for the 7th time globally and the 3rd time at the national level.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Famine stalks two counties in South Sudan as fragile peace is threatened


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    The warning comes amidst increased violence and a worsening food security condition which has 11 out of 13 counties in the state facing emergency levels of hunger and 32,000 of these inhabitants facing catastrophic level hunger conditions, almost three times previous estimates.

    “We are seeing the devastating impact conflict has on food security in South Sudan,” said Mary-Ellen McGroarty, Country Director for the World Food Programme (WFP) in South Sudan.

    “Conflict doesn’t just destroy homes and livelihoods, it tears communities apart, cuts off access to markets, and sends food prices spiralling upward,” Ms. McGroarty said.

    Country-wide hunger

    In total, 7.7 million people across South Sudan will face acute food insecurity, accounting for over half of the entire population. Additionally, 2.3 million children in South Sudan face malnutrition, a rise from 2.1 million at the beginning of the year. 

    FAO expects these numbers to increase as the country prepares to enter the lean and wet season which will further diminish food supplies and potentially worsen displacement.

    The agency did note that counties in which violence has been largely absent have seen improvements in food insecurity as a result of increased crop production and humanitarian efforts. However, hunger continues.

    Despite such ongoing challenges, Meshack Malo, the country representative of FAO in South Sudan, said that these results are proof of the “dividends of peace.”

    Descent into conflict

    South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, gained independence in 2011 and immediately fell into a brutal and devastating civil war which ultimately ended in 2018 thanks to a peace agreement between political rivals which has largely held.

    However, recent political tensions and increased violent attacks, especially in the Upper Nile State, threaten to unravel the peace agreement and plunge the nation back into conflict.

    “South Sudan cannot afford to sink into conflict at this point in time. It will plunge already vulnerable communities into severe food insecurity, leading to widespread hunger,” said Meshack Malo, Country Representative of FAO in South Sudan.

    Humanitarian difficulties

    FAO said that humanitarian access must be improved in order to address the worsening hunger situation.

    The FAO report also emphasized that peace and capacity building is the only sustainable solution for food insecurity in South Sudan.

    “Long-term peace is essential, but right now, it is critical our teams are able to access and safely distribute food to families caught in conflict in Upper Nile, to bring them back from the brink and prevent famine,” said Ms. McGroarty.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Eye Surgery in Southern Red Sea Region


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    Eye surgery was successfully conducted on over 200 patients at Assab Hospital in the Southern Red Sea Region from 4 to 10 June. The program was conducted in collaboration between the Ministry of Health’s regional branch and Birhan Aini Hospital in Asmara.

    Dr. Eyob Beyene, an eye surgery expert and program coordinator, stated that this initiative was a continuation of similar surgeries previously held in the Northern Red Sea Region. He added that surgery performed on 10 children was particularly successful and unique.

    Nurse Gebre Hailemicael, head of eye treatment at Assab Hospital, explained that a survey had been conducted on 3,000 citizens across four sub-zones and 52 villages prior to the surgeries. He highlighted that the program was successfully implemented and noted that other patients received medicines and eyeglasses.

    The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for the opportunity provided.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Basic Education Committee Chairperson Deeply Saddened by Eastern Cape Floods, Express Condolences


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    The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Ms Joy Maimela, has expressed her profound sadness and concern following the devastating floods in the Eastern Cape province, which have led to significant loss of life, displacement and widespread damage to infrastructure, including critical school facilities and scholar transport.

    The committee is particularly heartbroken by the tragic incident in which a scholar transport minibus, carrying learners, was swept away by raging floodwaters near Mthatha. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families and communities who have lost their loved ones in this unimaginable tragedy. Our thoughts are with those who are still searching for missing children and adults,” said Ms Maimela.

    “This is a national tragedy that has deeply impacted our education sector. The reports of learners being caught in these devastating floods underscore the urgent need for robust disaster preparedness and response mechanisms, particularly as they relate to the safety and wellbeing of our children. This disruption to schooling, coupled with the tragic loss of life, presents an immense challenge to the provincial education system.”

    Ms Maimela said the committee calls on the authorities to prioritise search and rescue operations and to ensure all available resources are deployed to continue the search for missing individuals, to provide psycho-social support to learners, educators and families impacted by this disaster and to assess and repair school infrastructure to minimise disruption to learning.

    On Tuesday, a 22-seater scholar transport minibus was swept off the R61, carrying 13 learners, two other passengers and the driver. Search and rescue operation are ongoing and several learners are still unaccounted for.

    “We pray with you that our young learners and all those impacted by the floods will be found safe and sound. Furthermore, we call on all to take extra precautions with our precious cargo during this rainy season,” emphasised Ms Maimela.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Revision of the Implementation Plan for the International Peace Cooperation Assignments in South Sudan


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    At cabinet meeting on June 13, 2025, the Government of Japan decided to revise the Implementation Plan for the International Peace Cooperation Assignments in South Sudan to extend its period, in light of the significance of continuing contribution toward the international peace and security.

    1. Japan has dispatched JGSDF personnel as staff officers to the headquarters of the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) since November 2011 and 4 staff officers are currently in charge of planning and coordination in areas of logistics, information, engineering, and air operations at UNMISS HQs in Juba.
      Regarding Deputy Chief of Staff (jurisdiction over Personnel, Training, Evaluation) and his Personal Assistant who had been additionally dispatched since May 2024, they recently returned home after completion of their one-year mission tour, based on the United Nations Secretariat’s policy to rotate the dispatching country every year through selection.
      Also, regarding Information Officer who is originally tasked to data collection and database maintenance, we have decided to add information analysis as his duty responsibility based on the request from UNMISS.

      On May 8, 2025, the United Nations Security Council adopted resolution 2779 (2025), which extended the mandate of UNMISS until April 30, 2026, following the adoption of resolution 2778(2025) on April 30 this year which had extended its mandate till May 9.

      UNMISS is the only UN peacekeeping operation to which Japan currently deploys its personnel. And the dispatch of staff officers to UNMISS is intended to support the progress of the peace process in South Sudan together with the international community. From the perspective of maintaining and strengthening close engagement with the United Nations, cooperation with African countries in the vicinity of South Sudan and ensuring opportunities for human resource development, the dispatch is meaningful.

    2. The main point of revision is as follows.
      1. Period of the Implementation Plan
        ・Current: till 30 June 2025
        ・After Revision: till 30 June 2026
      2. Change in number of dispatching officers and modifications to their duties

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Committee Chairperson Calls for Assistance for Flood Victims in Eastern Cape and KZN


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    The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Zweli Mkhize, has noted with sadness the severe flooding that has left 49 people dead so far and others without homes as flood waters washed away houses and destroyed road infrastructure in the Eastern Cape.

    According to media reports, the disruptive rains, strong winds and snowfall that have hit the province hard started on Monday. Schooling has been suspended in the affected areas and some 58 schools have been damaged in the OR Tambo coastal area, Amathole East and Alfred Nzo West, the most affected areas in the province.

    The bodies of four children, a driver and a conductor who were on a bus that was carried away in flood waters as it was crossing a bridge near Mthatha on Tuesday morning are among those that have been recovered.

    Dr Mkhize said the committee calls for assistance from all those who are able to assist the families affected by floods in the Eastern Cape, particularly in the worst affected districts. Dr Mkhize said disasters of this nature are not new, they come and go, even this one is certainly going to pass. “We note its catastrophic consequences with broken hearts, however,” emphasised Dr Mkhize.

    He said the committee extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and relatives of those who passed away as a result of the floods. “We are with you in this very difficult and heavy time of loss of the loved ones. May their souls rest in eternal peace.” As floods continue, according to media reports, the number of victims may rise.

    KwaZulu-Natal also experienced flooding and at least 68 schools across nine districts in KZN have been damaged, although no fatalities have been recorded according to media reports. The committee has noted reports of injuries arising from damage to houses and other infrastructure in parts of KZN in the past few days as a result of adverse weather conditions.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Committee on Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Adopts Budget Vote Reports


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    The Portfolio Committee on Planning Monitoring and Evaluation adopted its budget vote for the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME), Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), and Brand South Africa for the 2025/26 financial year.

    The Chairperson of the committee, Ms Teliswa Mgweba, said the committee focussed on the alignment of the budgets with the government’s strategic priorities as outlined in the State of the Nation Address and the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2024-2029.

    The DPME has been allocated R509.1 million for the 2025/26 financial year. The budget supports five key outcomes, including improved governance, better utilisation of evidence in decision-making and increased stakeholder engagement.

    Ms Mgweba said the committee is concerned about the absence of a legislative framework clearly defining the DPME’s mandate. The committee urged the department to develop this framework to clarify its functions and improve intergovernmental relations. Furthermore, the committee highlighted the need for a robust oversight model to ensure compliance among national departments. The DPME must establish clear criteria for assessing the viability of action plans submitted by other departments.

    In the case of STATS SA, the department has been allocated a budget of R2.77 billion for the 2025/26 financial year. The department aims to protect the quality of statistical information, implement a continuous population survey and modernise its business operating model. The committee recognises the importance of leveraging technology and alternative data sources to enhance statistical outputs.

    The committee expressed its discomfort with the high vacancy rate within Stats SA which is a challenge. The committee calls for a strategic plan to address staffing needs to ensure inclusivity and representation of individuals with disabilities and women. Furthermore, the committee is concerned about the adequacy of data collection methods and emphasised the need for improved accuracy and granularity in the data produced, particularly concerning marginalised groups.

    Brand South Africa has been allocated a budget of R235.2 million for the 2025/26 financial year. This budget is vital for managing South Africa’s national brand and improving the country’s global reputation. The committee has emphasised the need for collaboration with public and private sectors to ensure a unified message about South Africa’s identity and values.

    The implementation of a digital transformation strategy is crucial for enhancing data-driven decision-making and operational efficiencies. The committee encourages Brand South Africa to leverage research and analytics to inform communication strategies.

    The committee will continue to monitor the implementation of these budgets closely and engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure alignment with national priorities. The three reports were adopted with recommendations and amendments.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Committee Chairperson Calls on Eastern Cape (EC) Education Department to Attend to Infrastructure Damage


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    The Select Committee on Education, Sciences and the Creative Industries has called on the provincial Department of Education in the Eastern Cape to proactively determine infrastructure damage and the number of learners affected by the weekend floods.

    The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Makhi Feni, said the floods happened just when mid-year exams were in full swing and children should be allowed access once schools have been thoroughly cleaned.

    The committee sends its heartfelt condolences to families and friends of the deceased. “It hurts to realise that no circuit or district decision was made with regards to closure of schools on Monday when warning of two cold fronts across the country had been issued by SA Weather Service. This calls for proper and proactive leadership from circuit level right up to the province.”

    The provincial government revised the number of the deceased due to floods to be around 49. A number of young learners were affected when their school transport was swept away by the floods.

    Mr Feni said the Department of Education must attend to school infrastructure and the cleaning of affected schools. “Parents should be bold and refuse with their children when these kinds of warnings are issued. We want empowered parents who are aware of their surroundings and the debates around such matters as the climate change and its impact. But young children cannot make these decisions.”

    Mr Feni said if children writing exams were from the impacted schools they should be provided with all the support they need, including catching up of the lost day. “But before children are allowed back in schools those should be allowed only once the schools had been thoroughly cleaned and are conducive to learning.”

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

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  • India, China agree to expedite resumption of direct flights, rebuild bilateral ties

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India and China have agreed to expedite the resumption of direct air services and work towards stabilising and rebuilding their bilateral ties, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday.

    The announcement followed a meeting between Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during his two-day visit to India. The two sides reviewed the progress made since their last talks in Beijing on January 27 and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening people-centric exchanges.

    Foreign Secretary Misri expressed appreciation for China’s cooperation in restarting the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra this year.

    Both countries agreed to accelerate steps toward restarting direct flights, with India pressing for the early conclusion of an updated Air Services Agreement. Discussions also covered visa facilitation and enhanced engagement between media and think tanks.

    Marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties, both sides reviewed commemorative activities planned for the year and pledged to support their successful execution.

    Additionally, they agreed to hold functional-level dialogues in economic and trade sectors to resolve outstanding concerns and promote mutual interests.

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Uganda: Govt Unveils Shs72.3 Trillion Budget to Drive Full Monetisation of Economy


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    The Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development has unveiled a Shs72.136 trillion national budget for the 2025/2026 financial year, setting its sights on transforming every corner of the country into a hub of commercial activity.

    Presented by Finance Minister Matia Kasaija at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on Thursday, 12 June, 2025, the budget signals a strong shift towards full monetisation of Uganda’s economy, underpinned by commercial agriculture, industrialisation, digital transformation, and expanded access to markets.

    Speaking against the backdrop of a rapidly growing economy, Kasaija painted a picture of a Uganda ready to transition from resilience to acceleration.

    “The budget for next financial year, and over the medium term, is focused on people and wealth creation,” he said.

    Consequently, the theme of the financial year 2025/26 is: “Full Monetisation of Uganda’s Economy through Commercial Agriculture, Industrialisation, Expanding and Broadening Services, Digital Transformation and Market Access.’”

    The Shs72.3 trillion resource envelope represents one of the largest in Uganda’s history, with domestic revenue expected to contribute Shs37.2 trillion, roughly 60 percent of the total. The rest will be financed through borrowing and grants. The budget deficit is estimated at 7.6 percent of GDP.

    But Kasaija reassured Ugandans, stating that the government had a clear strategy to enhance domestic revenue mobilisation, widen the tax base, and strengthen tax administration.

    “Government plans to collect Shs37.2 trillion in domestic revenue next financial year,” he said, adding that focus would be placed on tackling smuggling, corruption at Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), and leveraging digital tools like the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing System to plug leakages.

    Priority sectors such as health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and tourism received large shares of the allocation.

    Healthcare emerged as a major beneficiary, with Shs5.87 trillion earmarked for next year. Kasaija detailed plans to functionalise Health Centre IVs, scale up e-health systems, and expand emergency medical services. He said the government had already delivered 20 digital X-ray machines and installed CT scanners in 14 out of 16 regional referral hospitals.

    “We are strengthening the National Ambulance and Emergency Care System,” he added.

    In education, the Minister allocated Shs5.04 trillion to support Universal Primary and Secondary Education, student loans, the construction of new seed schools, and improvements in teacher recruitment and digital inspections.

    Kasaija also confirmed the upcoming operationalisation of Bunyoro and Busoga universities, as well as continued investment in sports infrastructure ahead of African Champions Cup (CHAN) and African Cup of Nation (AFCON 2027).

    “In order to improve compliance with quality standards, Government digitised school inspections in all public schools and TVET institutions,” he said.

    Wealth creation programmes, a lifeline for millions of Ugandans received renewed commitment, with Shs2.43 trillion directed towards the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, the Uganda Development Bank (UDB), and other grassroots economic empowerment initiatives.

    Kasaija said the PDM alone would receive Shs .059 trillion in FY2025/2026, ensuring every parish continues to receive Shs100 million annually.

    “These investments are changing the lives of Ugandans by boosting household incomes, enhancing food security and creating employment opportunities,” he noted.

    He revealed that over 2.6 million Ugandans have already benefited from PDM funds, with investments spanning food crops, livestock, poultry, and microenterprises. To enhance efficiency and eliminate corruption, PDM operations have been fully digitised, using systems such as the WENDI and ZAIDI apps.

    On the industrial and agricultural front, the government committed Shs1.86 trillion to agro-industrialisation. This includes funding for agricultural research, irrigation schemes, fertilisers, extension services, and value addition. Kasaija highlighted the completion of 145 solar-powered irrigation schemes and the ongoing construction of 157 more.

    He singled out the Agricultural Credit Facility, now worth over Shs1 trillion in disbursements, as a key driver of agricultural transformation.

    “I have provided additional capital of Shs50 billion to the Agricultural Credit Facility next financial year, in addition to insurance that benefits all farmers including PDM beneficiaries.”

    Uganda’s industrial and energy ambitions were also prominently featured, with Kasaija announcing an allocation of Shs875.8 billion for mineral-based industrial development and oil and gas. The East African Crude Oil Pipeline is now 58 percent complete, and an agreement has been signed for the construction of a 60,000-barrel-per-day oil refinery. Once oil production starts in 2026, government expects annual revenues of US$1 to 2.5 billion.

    “Uganda currently saves up to US$72.8 million annually on fuel imports,” Kasaija said, citing the impact of the Uganda National Oil Company’s direct importation of petroleum products, which eliminated middlemen and reduced speculative pricing.

    Tourism, another pillar of the economy, was allocated Shs430 billion, with an additional Shs2.2 trillion indirectly supporting tourism infrastructure such as roads, ICT, and security.

    The government aims to position Uganda as a competitive MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination in Africa, following recent successes. “Uganda now ranks 7th in Africa in MICE tourism,” Kasaija stated.

    Even as he celebrated Uganda’s achievements, such as coffee exports surging past US$1.83 billion and tourism earnings reaching US$1.52 billion, Kasaija called on Ugandans to embrace value addition and export diversification.

    “While it took the country more than a century to reach US$1 billion in annual coffee export earnings, it has taken just one year to double these earnings,” he said. “I therefore implore Ugandans to grow more coffee and, most importantly, add value to our coffee before we export it.”

    AUDIO: Minister Kasaija

    Kasaija expressed confidence in the direction the country is taking. With projected economic growth of 7 percent in FY2025/2026 and a GDP per capita increase to US$1,324, Uganda is moving steadily towards middle-income status.

    “The necessary foundation has already been established, the speed of economic transformation is destined to be faster in the medium term.” Kasaija concluded.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

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  • Israel Launches Unprecedented Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Program as Middle East Braces for Escalation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israel launched widescale strikes against Iran on Friday, targeting nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories and military commanders in what officials described as the start of a prolonged operation to prevent Tehran from building an atomic weapon. The attacks represent a dramatic escalation in tensions between the two adversaries and have thrown the Middle East into chaos.

    The Israel Defense Forces said the operation, titled ‘Rising Lion’, involved strikes against dozens of military targets, including the country’s nuclear program. Israeli military officials indicated that more than 200 fighter jets participated in the operation, which targeted locations across Iran in the early hours of Friday morning.

    The attacks killed Major General Hossein Salami, the head of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Israeli forces also claimed to have eliminated other senior Iranian military commanders, dealing a significant blow to Iran’s military leadership structure. As head of the Revolutionary Guard Corps, Salami was one of Iran’s most powerful military figures, overseeing the country’s most potent military arm and reporting directly to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

    The strikes targeted Iran’s main uranium enrichment facility at Natanz, though the International Atomic Energy Agency reported no increase in radiation levels at the site following the attacks. The agency confirmed that the Bushehr nuclear power plant was not targeted during the operation.

    Iran’s armed forces spokesperson Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi warned that Israel and the United States would pay a ‘heavy price’ for the strikes. Iranian state media reported that residential areas in Tehran were hit and that civilians, including children, were among the casualties.

    Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz declared a special state of emergency across the country, warning citizens to expect missile and drone retaliation. Sirens sounded across Israel in the hours before dawn as the country braced for potential Iranian counter-attacks. The strikes come at a particularly sensitive time, as the Trump administration has been pursuing diplomatic negotiations with Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly characterized Iran’s nuclear program as an existential threat to Israel’s survival. The White House has reportedly sought to distance itself from the Israeli operation, with Trump administration officials stating that the United States provided no military support for the strikes.