Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense
BEIJING, July 11 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on people working in the country’s film industry to create more fine cinematic works that reflect the spirit of the times and express the people’s aspirations.
Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a recent reply letter to eight veteran Chinese film artists, including 97-year-old famed actress Tian Hua.
In his reply, Xi said that reading the letter from the artists reminded him of the classic films they had participated, which are widely known and cherished by the public.
Xi expressed the hope that the artists would continue to set an example in upholding virtue and pursuing artistic excellence.
He encouraged them to inspire the broader film community to strengthen cultural confidence, stay rooted in real life, and make new contributions to the prosperity of arts and the building of a culturally strong nation.
London, UK, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the Ripple ecosystem continues to expand, XRP has become one of the strongest performing crypto assets in the past 24 hours, with prices reaching $2.64 at one point, a daily increase of more than 8%, and trading volume exceeding $7.8 billion, setting a new daily high in nearly three months. The rise was driven by two good news: first, Ripple and BNY Mellon established a custody partnership for the stablecoin RLUSD; second, the market heard that XRP is expected to be included in an upcoming blue-chip crypto ETF, triggering accelerated capital inflows.
Many research institutions pointed out that the current rise in XRP prices is no longer a short-term market speculation, but a structural market driven by infrastructure construction, ecological synergy and institutional configuration. Against this background, more and more investors are turning from high-volatility currency price speculation to seeking more stable and predictable ways of making profits.
JA Mining becomes a new entry point for structured crypto investment
JA Mining currently supports mainstream crypto assets including BTC, DOGE, and XRP, and builds a global distributed mining architecture through intelligent allocation of multi-currency computing power and deployment of high-efficiency green data centers. Users can choose the contract amount and period as needed, the platform settles on a daily basis, and the returns are directly credited to the account, which is highly controllable and flexible.
JA Mining has multiple advantages:
Equipment-free and maintenance-free: No need to purchase mining machines or management systems by yourself, all operations can be completed with one click, suitable for ordinary users to quickly get started.
Support mainstream currencies: Comprehensive coverage of popular assets such as BTC, DOGE, XRP, ETH, etc., to meet the investment preferences of different users.
Daily settlement of income: Daily income distribution within a fixed period, transparent process, and controllable risks.
Invitation rebate mechanism: Recommend others to join to enjoy up to 7% continuous commission rewards and build a personal mining network.
Another advantage worth emphasizing is that:
JA Mining adopts a daily income settlement mechanism denominated in US dollars to ensure that users lock in stable income during the entire contract period. After the contract expires, users can choose to withdraw their income to mainstream cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Dogecoin, and XRP. This design brings significant strategic flexibility – based on the certainty of income, users can choose to withdraw when the market price rises, thereby achieving the dual profit of “fixed US dollar income + currency price appreciation“. For example, if a user withdraws money when the price of a currency is rising, he or she will receive more equivalent cryptocurrencies at a higher exchange rate, thereby amplifying the actual returns.
The following are some examples of popular contracts：
Whether you are trying a small amount or pursuing high returns, JA Mining provides a flexible contract portfolio that suits various risk preferences and investment sizes.
Investment behavior is being reshaped: “Trading thinking” gives way to “income model”
Since the second quarter of 2025, the user structure of JA Mining has been changing. Data shows that the number of high-net-worth individuals and family office users has increased significantly, the average holding period has been extended to more than 4.2 days, and the reinvestment rate has exceeded 63%. This shows that the market is increasingly inclined to regard cloud mining as a “passive cash flow configuration tool” rather than a short-term gaming platform.
Against the backdrop of continued increase in currency price volatility, the importance of structural income models has been re-recognized. The compound mechanism of “computing power leasing + US dollar income + withdrawal autonomy” represented by JA Mining may constitute a new framework for mainstream crypto investment in the future.
Company Address: JA Financial Services Limited, 11 The Elms, Leek Wootton, Warwick, England, CV35 7RR, London, UK
Disclaimer:This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, legal advice, or investment recommendations. Stock Trading involves risk and market volatility. Please research or consult a licensed financial advisor before making investment decisions. Jamining.com and associated parties are not liable for any financial loss incurred.
NEW YORK, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the cryptocurrency market rebounds strongly, more and more investors are turning their attention from speculation to stable daily income. In this shift, one trend has clearly become the leader: cloud mining driven by XRP payments, and its leaders include platforms such as Blockchain Cloud Mining. XRP investors have earned more than thousands of dollars a day, and they are turning XRP into a tool to unlock continuous passive income – activating Bitcoin mining contracts without owning physical hardware.
A new way to profit from crypto: no speculation, no pressure The recent breakout above $116,000 in Bitcoin prices has reinforced long-term bullish sentiment on digital assets. However, this rise has also triggered new volatility, prompting risk-conscious investors to think: How can you participate in this growth without experiencing market turmoil?
For many, the answer lies in Blockchain Cloud Mining – a platform that provides flexible cloud mining contracts that can generate daily income regardless of token price fluctuations. Which payment method is gaining popularity? XRP, the fast, low-fee cryptocurrency that is increasingly being used to fund mining operations.
“In the last 30 days, we’ve seen a 210% increase in contracts purchased with XRP,” said Sharon Henley, president of BlockchainCloudMining. “This is more than just a payment method, it’s a bridge between cryptocurrency liquidity and automated revenue generation.”
How it works: XRP-funded Bitcoin mining contracts BlockchainCloudMining allows users to rent computing power through smart contracts. These contracts automatically start mining and pay rewards to the user’s designated crypto wallet every day. There’s no need to manage machines, pay electricity bills, or configure networks.
⦁【New User Experience Contract】: Investment amount: $100, contract duration 2 days, total return: $100 + $6. ⦁【WhatsMiner M66S】: Investment amount: $500, contract period 7 days, total return: $500 + $45.5. ⦁【WhatsMiner M60】: Investment amount: $1000, contract period 14 days, total return: $1000 + $196. ⦁【Bitcoin Miner S21+】: Investment amount: $3000, contract period 20 days, total return: $3000 + $900. ⦁【ALPH Miner AL1】: Investment amount: $10000, contract period 35 days, total return: $10000 + $5950. ⦁【ANTSPACE HK3】: Investment amount: $33000, contract period 40 days, total return: $33000 + $26400.
After purchasing the contract, the income is automatically settled every 24 hours. Users can withdraw to wallets that support XRP, BTC, DOGE and USDT, or reinvest in new contracts to obtain compound income. (The platform has launched a number of stable income contracts, for more contract details, please log in to the official website of Blockchaincloudmining.com)
Why XRP is the preferred financing method XRP’s recent surge in institutional recognition (thanks to Ripple’s promotion of a US banking license and a custody partnership with Bank of New York Mellon) has boosted investor confidence.
Fast transactions: payments are confirmed in seconds. Low cost: transfer fees are less than $0.01. Reliable liquidity: XRP is now listed on major exchanges and accepted by mining and DeFi platforms. Henley added: “XRP’s speed and scalability make it ideal for everyday cloud mining settlements. Our users appreciate its convenience – especially when activating multiple contracts or making frequent withdrawals.”
Trust, transparency, and global reach BlockchainCloudMining has deployed mining nodes around the world to ensure uninterrupted computing power. Every user can track real-time performance, enjoy 24/7 support, and view spending history with on-chain verifiable receipts.
Other highlights of the platform include: ⦁$12 bonus for new user registration ⦁100% uptime infrastructure secured by McAfee® and Cloudflare® ⦁9 cryptocurrencies supported, including BTC, XRP, ETH, DOGE, USDC, USDT and other mainstream cryptocurrencies ⦁Up to $50,000 bonus for referring members
Whether users are new, hodlers or professional traders, BlockchainCloudMining provides a low-threshold, high-reward entry point into the mining economy – driven by the flexibility of XRP.
Summary: Consistency is king As the world of cryptocurrency moves from speculation to structure, tools like BlockchainCloudMining can help investors get predictable returns in a volatile market. By combining the stability of mining with the efficiency of XRP payments, users no longer have to wait for prices to rise, but can profit while others watch.
For more details, please visit www.BlockchainCloudMining.com or contact info@blockchaincloudmining.com to activate your one-click mining journey now.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading recommendations. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and the possibility of losing funds. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.
Mild tremors were felt across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Friday evening after an earthquake struck Haryana’s Jhajjar for the second day in a row.
According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), a 3.7 magnitude quake hit Jhajjar at 7.49 pm at a depth of 10 km. Jhajjar lies about 60 km from the national capital.
On Thursday morning, a stronger 4.4 magnitude earthquake had jolted the same area around 9 am, causing brief panic among residents.
There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
ST. LOUIS – A man and a woman who committed two armed carjackings in St. Louis, Missouri in 2022 have been sentenced to more than 11 years in prison.
U.S. District Judge John A. Ross on Thursday sentenced Jermanine Smith, 51, of St. Louis, to 141 months in prison. Judge Ross sentenced Bianka North, 29, of Illinois, to 154 months in prison on June 20.
Smith pleaded guilty on March 20, 2025, to one count of carjacking and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. North pleaded guilty 10 days earlier to two counts of carjacking and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Both admitted stealing a 2006 Pontiac G6 on May 14, 2022, and a 2009 Toyota Scion the next day.
The first victim was sitting in her G6 in North Riverfront Park in St. Louis when Smith and North pulled up in a Dodge Charger. A short time later, Smith approached the victims and asked for their help jump-starting the Charger. When the G6 driver and her friend got out of their car, North pointed a silver handgun at them and ordered them to move away. North then stole that car and drove away, followed by Smith in the Charger.
On May 15, 2022, North was driving the carjacked G6 and parked near a Scion XD in the 1600 block of South 9th Street in St. Louis just after midnight. North opened the door of the Scion and ordered the driver out at gunpoint before driving away. North also ordered the victim to leave her mobile phone in the car. After the carjacking, someone tried to use Cash App on the victim’s phone to transfer $300 to Smith.
The case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Szczucinski prosecuted the case.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Jason Rigdon, 44, of Crawfordville, Florida, pleaded guilty July 9, 2025, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of multiple firearms by a convicted felon. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I applaud the excellent work of our federal, state, and local partners to make our community safer by getting this dangerous individual off the streets. My office remains fully committed to fulfilling the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America by targeting violent criminals with the full force of the law.”
Court documents reflect that pursuant to a federal search warrant of Rigdon’s Crawfordville residence, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and thirteen firearms were seized. Rigdon was previously convicted of multiple State of Florida felony charges including drug trafficking, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding law enforcement, and illegal possession of firearms. At the time of arrest, a privately made firearm, commonly known as a “ghost gun,” was also seized.
Rigdon is scheduled for sentencing before United States District Judge Robert L. Hinkle on September 25, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in Tallahassee, Florida. Rigdon faces up to thirty years’ imprisonment on the drug charge, and up to fifteen years’ imprisonment on the firearms charge.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Leon County Sheriff’s Office, Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tallahassee Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Eric K. Mountin is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
A man has been jailed for raping a woman in Croydon, as Metropolitan Police investigating officers appeal for more potential victims to come forward.
John Iwuh, 54 (21.06.1971) of Albert Road, South Norwood appeared at Croydon Crown Court on Friday, 11 July where he was sentenced to 16 years in prison. He will also be put on the sex offenders register for life, a restraining order was issued to prevent him from contacting the victim and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order was enforced.
He was previously found guilty of rape and voyeurism on Wednesday, 14 May at Croydon Crown Court.
The court heard how he used his job as a nurse to gain the trust of the victim on a dating app, before luring her to his home and raping her.
He was arrested and charged by Met officers, who found that he had also videoed the rape. He was then further charged with voyeurism.
Detective Inspector Sharad Verma, from the South Area Command Unit, said: “I would like to commend the strength of the victim-survivor who bravely reported this awful attack and for her strength throughout this investigation.
“Officers were dedicated in bringing this predator to justice and during the investigation, found that Iwuh had videoed the rape which was then used as evidence against him.
“They also discovered almost 11,000 contacts saved on his phone. Around 60 per cent of those were saved as a woman’s name alongside the name of a dating app.
“We believe there may be more victims out there, targeted by Iwuh under the same circumstances, and urge them to contact us or their local police force.
“I hope the victim-survivor can find reassurance in our actions to put this predator behind bars and that it may give more women the strength to come forward and report crimes. You will be listened to and supported.”
The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said: “This has had a devastating impact on every part of my life.
“Not only was I physically injured but it left me feeling emotionally numb and living in fear. The trauma from this affected my ability to work, relationships, and my health.
“Now he’s in prison, I do feel there has been some justice. I’ve been supported by officers throughout the investigation, and I would encourage others who have been harmed to come forward, report what has happened and get help and support.”
The offending
The court heard that Iwuh met the victim, who is in her 40s, through the dating app ‘Hinge’ on Tuesday, 7 June 2022 and quickly moved their conversation to WhatsApp.
They arranged a date and met in person the following day, Wednesday, 8 June 2022, at Norwood Junction station.
Iwuh was working as a nurse and used his job to lure the victim back to his home in Albert Road, South Norwood, by saying that he was limited on time as had to get ready for work at a hospital.
Once inside the property, Iwuh repeatedly kept trying to kiss the victim to which she refused. As she tried to leave the property, Iwuh forced her into his bedroom and raped her.
The victim reported Iwuh the same evening to The Met using the online form and received support from specialist officers throughout the investigation.
If you would like to come forward and make a report relating to Iwuh, you can contact police via 101 or online.
If you live in England or Wales and have been affected by this case and would like to seek support from specialist agencies, please contact the independent charity Rape Crisis via their 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line or call them on 0808 500 2222. Specially trained staff are there to listen, answer questions and offer emotional support.
The World Health Organization (WHO), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and the World Trade Organization (WTO) co-hosted a technical webinar on July 3rd, 2025, discussing the role of public procurement, including pooled procurement, to promote global, equitable and timely access to health technologies. The webinar underscored that effective public procurement procedures depend on access to quality and up-to-date information on health product markets, a clear understanding of the needs, and the ability of suppliers to deliver required quality products at affordable prices. It also presented procurement as a mechanism to foster innovation, technology transfer and local manufacturing.
Clive Ondari from the WHO Secretariat noted that in many countries, access to medical technologies is driven by public procurement, as pharmaceuticals are often made available through public funding or subsidies. To ensure efficient procurement, systems must rely on quality medical products obtained in a timely manner in the required quantities and at affordable prices. These elements are particularly important in the health sector given the large expenditures, with some programmes reportedly paying considerably more than necessary for medicines.
Amy Dietterich from the WIPO Secretariat emphasized the role of collaboration and tailored strategies to ensure procurement serves as an effective tool for innovation and access. Learning how governments develop laws and policies, how different initiatives determine strategies and priorities to support procurement practices, and how this tool benefits from an integrated view of public health, intellectual property (IP), and trade is important.
Roger Kampf from the WTO Secretariat highlighted the importance of a cross-disciplinary approach, including IP, procurement, and competition frameworks to effectively address global health challenges. He noted that beyond obtaining best value for money, sound procurement can foster technology transfer, boost local manufacturing capacities, and strengthen R&D capacities as well as supply chain resilience.
The webinar featured presentations examining the health, IP, and trade dimensions of public procurement, alongside case studies from experts representing various regional and local mechanisms, who highlighted their respective approaches to public procurement.
Lisa Hedman from the WHO Secretariat in her presentation highlighted procurement as a lever in the context of the WHO Roadmap on Access to Medicines 2025 – 2030 to improve affordability, availability, accessibility and acceptability for health products and technologies.
Giovanni Napolitano from the WIPO Secretariat in his presentation explained the role of public procurement as a key driver of innovation in the healthcare area. IP may influence access, pricing, and innovation by informing who holds rights to key technologies (patent landscapes), delimiting freedom to operate and avoiding IP infringement, encouraging voluntary licensing for broader access, and assessing the impact of data exclusivity on competition. Well-designed, pro-competitive tenders are essential for rewarding R&D, preventing monopolies, and improving access. He emphasized the importance of IP due diligence early in procurement processes, building capacity for IP management within agencies, and fostering public-private partnerships around IP.
Astghik Solomonyan from the WTO Secretariat in her remarks addressed the benefits of combining pooled public procurement with international trade. At the country level, pooled procurement with its implied larger orders, and trade agreements (e.g. the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement 2012) with their market access and good governance guarantees, can attract international suppliers offering competitive prices or superior quality. At the international level, recent experience has highlighted the importance of global supply chain resilience. Trade agreements provide international suppliers with the market access needed to establish additional production and distribution facilities while pooled procurement helps to generate the level of demand necessary to keep such facilities operational.
Lucia Rizka Andalucia, Ministry of Health Indonesia representative, shared how the country has strategically positioned public procurement as a key instrument to drive national innovation and industrial development by boosting local production, ensuring market access for domestic products, and strengthening collaboration among stakeholders.
The representative of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Santiago Cornejo, explained the Revolving Fund mechanism which enables countries across the Americas to access quality vaccines, essential medicines, and health products including diagnostics, using pooled procurement, which consolidates reliable and predictable demand from member states. He also mentioned the reorientation of the Fund in response to COVID-19 toward supporting innovation, technology transfer, and local manufacturing.
TheEU Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority(HERA) representative, Katarzyna Motyka, presented the EU joint procurement mechanism based on the lessons learned from COVID-19. She highlighted how the mechanism ensures equitable access to essential health products among member states, complements national initiatives and strengthens public procurement systems across Europe on a voluntary basis.
The representative of the Gulf Health Council, Fathi Alkathiry, clarified how the Gulf Joint Procurement Program has, through the years, developed efficient decision-making processes for a multi-country pooled procurement tendering to facilitate the procurement of medicines and medical supplies. The Gulf Cooperation Council has also taken measures to promote local manufacturing, including the use of procurement to develop local industries. These efforts have contributed to regional growth in the industrial sector. In 2024, the Gulf region counted 74 pharmaceutical factories and 140 medical supply factories.
Lastly, the representative from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and Regional Economic Communities, Wesley Ronoh, shared Africa’s experience with public procurement, highlighting the role of the East African Community, Southern African Development Community, and Economic Community of West African States in fostering collaboration. He further noted that public procurement plays a critical role in national health strategies in Africa, as an estimated 40% of health spending in many African countries occurs through it. The African Pooled Procurement Mechanism, established in 2024 was also presented.
The video recording of the webinar is availablehere.
The Trilateral collaboration of WHO, WIPO and WTO
The Secretariats of the WHO, WIPO, and the WTO organize capacity building and technical assistance activities on current issues to enhance the flow of updated and technical information related to innovation and access to health technologies. The objective of the Trilateral Cooperation workshops and webinars is to strengthen the capacity of law and policymakers and experts in Member governments by facilitating access to expertise, data, and evidence and deepen discussions of critical issues at the intersection of public health, IP, and trade.
The new funding includes $3.5 million for 20 new projects to help restore and protect watersheds across the province. The new funding will help make Alberta more flood and drought resistant.
Healthy and resilient watersheds help prevent floods during storms, release water during droughts, and help Alberta’s growing communities and environment thrive. They carry water through rivers, lakes and streams, helping to sustain ecosystems.
This funding will help one city, two counties and 17 non-profits restore riverbanks and watersheds, stabilize streambanks, and improve the natural movement of water to mitigate floods and droughts.
“By investing in watersheds, we are improving community protections from future floods and droughts. This funding not only supports landowners, it also results in cleaner water, thriving ecosystems, and a healthier environment for people and wildlife across the province.”
“Our government is proud to fund and support our local partners who play a vital role in restoring wetlands and riparian areas while fostering stewardship to protect Alberta’s water systems for future generations.”
The new Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program funding is investing in important projects across the province, from improving watershed health in the Lesser Slave region to revitalizing the urban banks of Calgary’s Elbow River. In Medicine Hat, students will gain hands-on experience in bioengineering techniques for stabilizing riverbanks, blending restoration with education. Drought resilience efforts will help urban homeowners in Lethbridge manage water more effectively and support landowners in Milk River as they design sustainable irrigation plans.
Applications are now open for another $3.5 million in funding to support even more watershed resilience and restoration projects. Organizations, non-profits, Indigenous communities, and municipalities can apply until September 15, 2025.
“Funding from the Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program will help our residents implement long-term strategies to address drought in Lethbridge. By transitioning to water-wise, drought resilient landscaping, homeowners can put plans in action today that will lead to water conservation success in the future. Environment Lethbridge is thrilled to be able to use this funding to help urban residents achieve their outdoor water conservation goals.”
“With funding from the province’s WRRP program, the Lesser Slave Watershed Council maintains capacity to engage with municipal and community partners, educate and inform watershed residents about the importance of resilient riparian areas and wetlands, assess riparian condition on streams in our basin, and work one-on-one with landowners to implement on-the-ground projects that protect or enhance valuable riparian habitat. The program has been essential to the Lesser Slave Watershed Council’s Watershed Resiliency Program since 2016.”
Quick facts
Since 2020, Alberta’s government has invested approximately $50 million through the Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program.
To date, the program has provided 215 grants to 85 organizations that have helped support the restoration, enhancement and conservation of 5,475 hectares of wetlands as well as more than 2,300 hectares of riparian areas covering 320 kilometres of streambank.
More than 11,000 Albertans have participated in training workshops funded through the program on natural restoration techniques and other practices that enhance watershed resiliency.
Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, has issued the following statement on the release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey for June 2025:
“Today’s Labour Force Survey data demonstrates the work B.C. is doing to push forward on job creation, investment and economic development, despite the uncertain and challenging geopolitical climate we are facing from south of the border.
“In June, B.C. held steady with a gain of 5,000 jobs compared to last month with overall increases for six of B.C.’s seven regions. So far this year, B.C. has gained 50,700 full-time jobs, the highest increase among provinces.
“Women’s employment increased by 6,700 this month. So far this year, B.C. has had the highest increase in women’s full-time employment among provinces at 28,700.
“Our unemployment rate is 5.6%, down from 6.4% last month, the third-lowest in Canada and below the national average of 6.9%. And B.C. continues to lead the country with an average hourly wage of $37.62, the second-highest among provinces.
“The data shows that in June, B.C. had employment increases in the accommodation and food-services sector at 8,000 jobs, and retail trade increased by 2,800 jobs.
“We know that the uncertainty of U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s tariff threats is proving extremely challenging for businesses. We’re doing everything we can to defend B.C. businesses and help open new markets and new opportunities so they can continue to grow.
“This past month, B.C. continued to drive forward the work to grow a stronger, more diverse economy and help protect and create good-paying jobs. We doubled down on our efforts to diversify trade in Asia and Europe, and remove interprovincial trade barriers across Canada.
“This week, British Columbia became one of the 10 signatories to the Committee on Internal Trade’s memorandum of understanding on direct-to-consumer sales of wine, spirits, beer or other alcoholic beverages, effective May 2026. There are already positive results for businesses due to the work to advance B.C. and Alberta’s direct-to-consumer wine sales, with a seven-fold increase in product moving across our border.
“In the face of significant headwinds from south of the border, we’re standing strong for B.C., working with communities, workers and businesses to strengthen our economy and continue to create good jobs and prosperity throughout B.C.”
Learn More:
To learn more about B.C.’s response to tariffs, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/tariffs
To see the July 8, 2025, communique from the Committee of Internal Trade, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/intergovernmental-affairs/news/2025/07/committee-on-internal-trade-meets-to-strengthen-canadas-economy.html
Manhattan, KS, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Landmark Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: LARK) announced that it will release earnings for the second quarter of 2025 after the market closes on Thursday, July 24, 2025. The Company will host a conference call to discuss these results on Friday, July 25, 2025 at 10:00 am (CT). Investors may listen to the Company’s earnings call via telephone by dialing (833) 470-1428 and using access code 703723. Investors are encouraged to call the dial-in number at least 5 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call.
A replay of the earnings call will be available through August 1, 2025, by dialing (855) 762-8306 and using access code 160217.
About Landmark
Landmark Bancorp, Inc., the holding company for Landmark National Bank, is listed on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “LARK.” Headquartered in Manhattan, Kansas, Landmark National Bank is a community banking organization dedicated to providing quality financial and banking services. Landmark National Bank has 29 locations in 23 communities across Kansas: Manhattan (2), Auburn, Dodge City (2), Fort Scott (2), Garden City, Great Bend (2), Hoisington, Iola, Junction City, LaCrosse, Lawrence (2), Lenexa, Louisburg, Mound City, Osage City, Osawatomie, Overland Park, Paola, Pittsburg, Prairie Village, Topeka (2), Wamego and Wellsville, Kansas. Visit www.banklandmark.com for more information.
Contact: Mark A. Herpich Chief Financial Officer (785) 565-2000
Nuclear-free and independent Pacific advocates are treating Aucklanders to a lively week-long exhibition dedicated to the struggle for nuclear justice in the region.
It will be opened today by the opposition Labour Party’s spokesperson on disarmament and MP for Te Atatu, Phil Twyford, and will include a range of speakers on Aotearoa New Zealand’s record as a champion of a nuclear-free Pacific and an independent foreign policy.
Speaking at a conference last month, Twyford said the country could act as a force for peace and demilitarisation, working with partners across the Pacific and Asia and basing its defence capabilities on a realistic assessment of threats.
The biggest threat to the security of New Zealanders was not China’s rise as a great power but the possibility of war in Asia, Twyford said.
Although there have been previous displays about the New Zealand nuclear-free narrative, this one has a strong focus on the Pacific.
Veteran nuclear-free Pacific spokespeople who are expected to speak at the conference include Reverend Mua Strickson-Pua; Bharat Jamnadas, an organiser of the original Nuclear-Free and Independent Pacific (NFIP) conference in Suva, Fiji, in 1975; businessman and community advocate Nikhil Naidu, previously an activist for the Fiji Anti-Nuclear Group (FANG) and Dr Heather Devere, peace researcher and chair of the Asia Pacific Media Network (APMN).
A group of Cook Islands young dancers will also take part.
Knowledge to children One of the organisers, Nik Naidu, told Asia Pacific Report, it was vital to restore the enthusiasm and passion around the NFIP movement as in the 1980s.
“It’s so important to pass on our knowledge to our children and future generations,” he said.
“And to tell the stories of our on-going journey and yearning for true independence in a world free of wars and weapons of mass destruction. This is what a Nuclear-Free and Independent Pacific is.”
One of the many nuclear-free posters at the exhibition. Image: APR
The exhibition is is coordinated by the APMN in partnership with the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, with curator Tharron Bloomfield and coordinator Antony Phillips; Ellen Melville Centre; and the Whānau Communty Centre and Hub.
It is also supported by Pax Christi, Quaker Peace and Service Fund, and Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF).
It recalls New Zealand’s peace squadrons, a display of activist tee-shirt “flags”, nuclear-free buttons and badges, posters, and other memorabilia.
“It is a sort of back to the future situation where the world is waking up again to a nuclear spectre not really seen since the Cold War years,” he said.
“With the horrendous Israeli genocide on Gaza — it is obscene to call it a war, when it is continuous massacres of civilians; the attacks by two nuclear nations on a nuclear weapons-free country, as is the case with Iran; and threats against another nuclear state, China, are all extremely concerning developments.”
“Heroes” and “Villains” of the Pacific . . . part of the exhibition. Image: APR
Nuclear-free and independent Pacific advocates are treating Aucklanders to a lively week-long exhibition dedicated to the struggle for nuclear justice in the region.
It will be opened today by the opposition Labour Party’s spokesperson on disarmament and MP for Te Atatu, Phil Twyford, and will include a range of speakers on Aotearoa New Zealand’s record as a champion of a nuclear-free Pacific and an independent foreign policy.
Speaking at a conference last month, Twyford said the country could act as a force for peace and demilitarisation, working with partners across the Pacific and Asia and basing its defence capabilities on a realistic assessment of threats.
The biggest threat to the security of New Zealanders was not China’s rise as a great power but the possibility of war in Asia, Twyford said.
Although there have been previous displays about the New Zealand nuclear-free narrative, this one has a strong focus on the Pacific.
Veteran nuclear-free Pacific spokespeople who are expected to speak at the conference include Reverend Mua Strickson-Pua; Bharat Jamnadas, an organiser of the original Nuclear-Free and Independent Pacific (NFIP) conference in Suva, Fiji, in 1975; businessman and community advocate Nikhil Naidu, previously an activist for the Fiji Anti-Nuclear Group (FANG) and Dr Heather Devere, peace researcher and chair of the Asia Pacific Media Network (APMN).
A group of Cook Islands young dancers will also take part.
Knowledge to children One of the organisers, Nik Naidu, told Asia Pacific Report, it was vital to restore the enthusiasm and passion around the NFIP movement as in the 1980s.
“It’s so important to pass on our knowledge to our children and future generations,” he said.
“And to tell the stories of our on-going journey and yearning for true independence in a world free of wars and weapons of mass destruction. This is what a Nuclear-Free and Independent Pacific is.”
One of the many nuclear-free posters at the exhibition. Image: APR
The exhibition is is coordinated by the APMN in partnership with the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, with curator Tharron Bloomfield and coordinator Antony Phillips; Ellen Melville Centre; and the Whānau Communty Centre and Hub.
It is also supported by Pax Christi, Quaker Peace and Service Fund, and Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF).
It recalls New Zealand’s peace squadrons, a display of activist tee-shirt “flags”, nuclear-free buttons and badges, posters, and other memorabilia.
“It is a sort of back to the future situation where the world is waking up again to a nuclear spectre not really seen since the Cold War years,” he said.
“With the horrendous Israeli genocide on Gaza — it is obscene to call it a war, when it is continuous massacres of civilians; the attacks by two nuclear nations on a nuclear weapons-free country, as is the case with Iran; and threats against another nuclear state, China, are all extremely concerning developments.”
“Heroes” and “Villains” of the Pacific . . . part of the exhibition. Image: APR
Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
***Click here for audio.***
BISMARCK, N.D. – The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) advanced the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation, which makes major investments in North Dakota’s contribution to national security and military readiness, will now head to the Senate floor for consideration.
Among other provisions, this year’s NDAA codifies support for President Trump’s Golden Dome architecture, recognizes the importance of robust and timely mental health care for military personnel and their families by addressing staffing shortfalls at military medical treatment facilities, and improves the process for service members transitioning to civilian life.
“Well, advancing the [National] Defense Authorization Act out of the Armed Services Committee really is an important first step to fulfilling our Constitutional duty by providing for the common defense,” said Cramer, chair of the SASC Airland Subcommittee and co-chair of the Senate Defense Modernization Caucus. “Whether it’s investing in Grand Forks’ intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, modernizing our nuclear triad in Minot, or really upgrading the radar at Cavalier Space Force Station, the bill solidifies the crucial role that North Dakota plays in protecting our homeland. I really appreciate Chairman Wicker and Ranking Member Reed for their leadership, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass the bill on the Senate floor, hopefully very soon.”
Cramer has consistently used his seat on SASC to strengthen North Dakota-based defense missions and military communities. The SASC FY26 NDAA authorizes multiple projects across North Dakota:
Cavalier Space Force Station (SFS)
This year’s NDAA provides $22 million for the modernization of the Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System (PARCS) at Cavalier SFS. The single-faced, multi-function, UHF-Band, and phased-array radar system tracks over half of all earth-orbiting objects. Modernizing PARCS improves detection of intercontinental and sea-launched missile threats, while improving space domain awareness capabilities.
Cavalier SFS will play a central role in the Golden Dome initiative. President Trump’s vision for a layered missile defense shield for America calls for the modernization and expansion of U.S. missile defense capabilities across all domains to protect the homeland against ballistic, cruise and hypersonic missiles, and drone threats. Cramer and U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) introduced the bicameral Ground and Orbital Launched Defeat of Emergent Nuclear Destruction and Other Missile Engagements (GOLDEN DOME) Act, a sweeping legislative initiative which complements President Trump’s executive order directing the implementation of a next-generation missile defense shield for the nation.
Grand Forks
The bill includes investments in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities at Grand Forks Air Force Base and maintains the base’s inventory requirements of RQ-4 Global Hawks. Further, the FY26 NDAA will provide:
$277 million for Tranche 3 of the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. According to SDA, Tranche 3 satellites will “accelerate the capability to provide global, persistent indications, detection, warning, tracking, and identification of conventional and advanced missile threats, including hypersonic missile systems.”
$17 million for the development of corrosion resistant coatings produced by Technology Applications Group (TAG) in Grand Forks. TAG is a leader in magnesium surface protection and inventor of the Tanite anodize coating.
Minot
The year’s NDAA secures $2 billion for the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program. The Sentinel ICBM, which will replace 50-year-old Minuteman IIIs, is a key component of the nation’s nuclear deterrence. This is in addition to the $2.5 billion investment included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act which was signed into law on July 4. The NDAA requires the ICBM count to be no less than 400 to adequately deter nuclear aggression abroad.
Additionally, the legislation encourages the U.S. Air Force to establish wing-level additive manufacturing facilities to better support conventional and nuclear long-range strike platforms. The initiative improves readiness while decreasing cost and time of repair.
Fargo
North Dakota’s “Happy Hooligans” in Fargo operate MQ-9 Reapers, which are central to the state’s growing role in operating Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). The NDAA establishes a formal combat identifier to recognize the participation of RPA crew members who conduct operations in direct support of combat missions. This identification would enable the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to administer benefits and services which account for combat-related service.
Cramer and U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) introduced the Combat Action Recognition and Evaluation (CARE) for Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Crews Act which ensures provides RPA crew members with the recognition and access to services they deserve.
North Dakota National Guard (NDNG)
The SASC-passed version of the legislation authorizes $5 million for the planning and design of an Armory in Jamestown. The planned project is a top priority of the NDNG.
WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced the authorization of an exchange from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) with ExxonMobil Corporation to address logistical challenges impacting crude oil deliveries to the company’s Baton Rouge refinery. U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright authorized this action to help maintain stable regional supply of transportation fuels across Louisiana and the broader Gulf Coast. This action preserves the SPR’s operational flexibility and will not impact or delay the Department’s ongoing efforts to refill the reserve.
Under the exchange agreement, DOE will provide up to 1 million barrels of crude oil from the SPR. The exchange will support ExxonMobil’s restoration of refinery operations that were reduced due to an offshore supply disruption. ExxonMobil will return the borrowed crude along with additional barrels of crude oil for the SPR at no cost to the taxpayer.
The Department remains in close coordination with industry partners to ensure stability in the fuel supply chain during the peak demand season. DOE continues to encourage refiners to prioritize efficient production and delivery of refined fuels, stands ready to support the nation’s energy security through the responsible use of strategic resources, and will continue to deliver on President Trump’s commitment to protect American energy security by refilling the SPR.
Background:
Sections 159 and 160 of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA), 42 U.S.C.A. §§ 6239 and 6240, authorize the Secretary of Energy to exchange SPR petroleum products and to acquire petroleum products by exchange for storage in the SPR. The Secretary of Energy has previously exercised this legal authority to conduct emergency exchanges in response to supply disruptions, including Keystone Pipeline in 2022, and the Calcasieu Ship Channel closures in 2006 and 2000.
An oil supply disruption has led to reduced operations at the Baton Rouge refinery, limiting production of transportation fuels. The exchange is intended to ensure the maximum supply of refined fuel products in the Gulf Coast region while ExxonMobil resolves logistical challenges.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
Joint statement on recent developments in Georgia
The Foreign Secretary has released a joint statement on recent developments in Georgia alongside European partners
Joint statement of 11 July 2025 by the Foreign Ministers of Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the High Representative of the European Union on recent developments in Georgia:
We, the Foreign Ministers of European democracies, are disturbed and deeply concerned at the deteriorating situation in Georgia.
We strongly condemn the recent, politically motivated, imprisonment and detention of the leaders of Georgian opposition, clearly designed to stifle political opposition in Georgia, a few months ahead of the local elections. Their detention, as well as arbitrary arrests and increasing repression of other Georgian authorities` critics, representatives of civil society, peaceful protesters and independent journalists, contribute to dismantling of democracy in Georgia and rapid transformation towards an authoritarian system, in contradiction to European norms and values. Recent legislative changes aim at stifling independent civil society and legitimate protest.
The course of political repression carried out by the Georgian authorities has led, in reaction, to a considerable downgrading of our relationship, including reduction of assistance and cooperation with Georgian authorities. Today, the authoritarian and anti-European course of the Georgian authorities further threatens Georgia’s democratic achievements and relations with our countries.
We will continue to call out Georgian authorities’ undemocratic actions and violations of human rights and will not hesitate to make use of the range of unilateral and multilateral tools available to us should Georgian authorities continue to take steps that erode Georgia’s democracy and respect for human rights.
It is not too late to reverse course. We call on the Georgian authorities to immediately release unjustly detained politicians, journalists and activists, to reverse repressive legislation and to engage in a national dialogue with all relevant stakeholders to find a way out of the current situation.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
New panel of young people to shape the Government’s Youth Guarantee
Young people with experience of being out of education, employment and training will help shape policy as part of a new Youth Guarantee Advisory Panel.
New panel of young people to advise the Government on shaping employment support for the next generation launched in Youth Employment Week.
Group identifies mental health challenges and a lack of focus on apprenticeships in schools as some of the biggest barriers to getting into work or training.
Panel marks major milestone in building the Youth Guarantee to give every 18-21-year-old the chance to earn or learn and break down barriers to opportunity as part of the Plan for Change.
Young people with experience of being out of education, employment and training will help shape policy as part of a new Youth Guarantee Advisory Panel.
The panel, made up of 17 young people aged 18 to 24, will regularly meet to discuss the biggest barriers they face to building their careers and advise what can be done to break these down.
It comes as the latest data shows one in eight young people are currently not in education, employment or training – demonstrating the urgent need for reform to ensure the next generation get the support they need to get on in work and in life.
Officially launched in Youth Employment Week, the step to put young people’s voices at the heart of decision-making marks another major milestone in building the Government’s Youth Guarantee to ensure all 18-to-21-year-olds in England get the chance to earn or learn.
Panel members were recruited with the help of our partners, Youth Futures Foundation and Youth Employment UK. These key organisations support the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Education to run the sessions.
Early insight from the panel has found that some of the most significant obstacles include mental health challenges and an overemphasis in school on UCAS applications instead of tailored careers advice, including alternative options like apprenticeships and training. Lack of public transport and access to digital tools and devices have also been raised as barriers.
The Government has already started making changes to address these challenges – including reforming the apprenticeship system, providing access to mental health support in every school and college and maintaining the £3 bus fare cap on single bus fares in England outside of London.
This comes alongside wider Get Britain Working reforms to transform Jobcentres and roll out eight Youth Guarantee trailblazers across England to test and deliver targeted skills and employment support for young people.
All views shared in the panel meetings will go on to inform policy to ensure that the Youth Guarantee best serves young people.
Giving every young person the best start in life is central to the Government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity in every part of the country as part of the Plan for Change.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said:
Young people know better than anyone the challenges they face – and the support they need to succeed.
That’s why their voices will shape how we will deliver a Youth Guarantee that truly works, opening up real opportunities for every 18-to-21-year-old to be in work, training or education.
Backed by our £45 million investment in targeted youth employment support, this is about unlocking potential, tackling inequality and transforming lives.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:
For too long, young people have been talked down to and had their opinions dismissed. The Youth Advisory Panel’s contributions so far have been incredibly insightful, and we are already starting to implement some of their suggestions.
We have started to reform the apprenticeship system, reprioritising funding to young people, cutting red tape to make it easier to start or complete an apprenticeship and introducing foundation apprenticeships to give young people a route into careers in critical sectors. We are also committed to improving careers advice, as well as delivering two weeks’ worth of work experience for every secondary school pupil and providing access to mental health support in every school and college.
We will ensure the Youth Advisory Panel’s views continue to be taken into account as we continue to break down barriers to opportunity to help young people thrive through our Plan for Change.
Barry Fletcher, CEO, Youth Futures Foundation and Laura-Jane Rawlings MBE, CEO, Youth Employment UK said:
We are proud to jointly support the launch of the Youth Guarantee Advisory Panel and welcome the decision by the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Education to involve young people from the outset in the design of this policy.
This partnership is about ensuring young people have a meaningful role in shaping the Youth Guarantee, and it’s encouraging that trailblazers are actively exploring how to do this locally.
Panel members are already highlighting barriers to education and employment and offering critical insights into the support young people need to succeed.
We look forward to continuing this work to build a system that works for all young people, regardless of their background or circumstances.’
Shana Fatahali, Youth Advisory Panel member and Future Voices Group Ambassador, Youth Futures Foundation said:
It has been empowering to be a member of the Youth Guarantee Youth Advisory Panel.
I’ve had the opportunity to make connections with other young people who share my passion for creating a better future. Since we are the ones using the system, we are aware of its challenges and where it needs to be improved. For this reason, youth voices are important.
I’m honoured to be a member of an organisation that is influencing actual decisions and introducing alternative perspectives. I can’t wait to keep advocating for a system that genuinely hears, involves, and supports all youth.
Brewster, Youth Ambassador, Youth Employment UK said:
During the time I have spent with the Youth Advisory Panel, it has been amazing to see others engage in the activities and discussions. I really love how committed my fellow Youth Ambassadors, Youth Employment UK, Youth Futures Foundations, the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Education are to change things for the better for the youth. I’m really proud to see this happening with my own eyes. I can’t wait to see what things will happen that will positively affect young people. I can’t wait to learn more and work towards making a positive difference to young people.’’
In May, the Government officially launched eight Youth Guarantee trailblazers across England.
Backed by £45 million, the trailblazers are testing a new form of local delivery, matching young people to local job or training opportunities. The trailblazers will provide all-important learnings to inform the national roll-out of the programme.
This comes alongside record investment in skills and apprenticeships, providing a more personalised system for employers and those looking for work.
The Government has also taken further action to boost employment and drive-up living standards through boosting the National Living Wage, creating more secure jobs through the Employment Rights Bill and overhauling jobcentres as part of the Get Britain Working White Paper.
Further information
The Youth Guarantee Advisory Panel has held some early sessions and will meet every six to eight weeks moving forward.
Officials from DWP and DfE may test ideas related to the development of the Youth Guarantee to ensure the policy effectively answers the needs of young people today.
Insights will be fed back to relevant senior officials and ministers after sessions.
The eight youth trailblazers are in: Liverpool, West Midlands, Tees Valley, East Midlands, West of England, and Cambridgeshire & Peterborough and two in London.
The Youth Guarantee is an England only initiative as Skills, Education and Employment support are devolved in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
We are working closely with the devolved governments to share experiences and lessons learned.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BISHKEK, July 11 /Xinhua/ — Kyrgyzstan will impose fines for disseminating unreliable /false/ information in the media and on the Internet. The corresponding law was signed by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, the official website of the president reported on Friday.
As noted, the purpose of the law is to ensure information security and the rights of citizens to receive objective, reliable information.
The law provides for fines for disseminating false information using the media or the Internet that violates public order, the rights and legitimate interests of citizens or organizations, if these actions do not contain signs of a criminal offense. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Moscow, July 11 (Xinhua) — Russia’s positive foreign trade balance for the first five months of 2025 amounted to 52.6 billion US dollars, down 19.3 percent from a year earlier, according to data published by the Russian Federal Customs Service on Friday.
Exports for this period decreased by 6.2 percent and amounted to $162.1 billion. Imports increased by 1.7 percent, to $109.5 billion. The country’s foreign trade turnover for the first five months of 2025 amounted to $271.5 billion, which is 3.2 percent less than for the same period a year earlier.
In the structure of Russian exports in January-May, the largest share was occupied by mineral products /91.1 billion dollars/, metals and products made from them /26.1 billion dollars/, agricultural products /15.3 billion dollars/. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
PARIS, July 11 (Xinhua) — The Xi Xia Imperial Tombs were officially inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Friday during the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in Paris, France.
This brings the total number of World Heritage sites in China to 60. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
As armed clashes intensify and conditions worsen inside Myanmar, thousands continue to cross the border seeking safety in the overcrowded camps of Cox’s Bazar, where nearly one million Rohingya refugees already live in densely populated camps.
“This is the largest movement of Rohingya refugees into Bangladesh since 2017,” said Babar Baloch, spokesperson for the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, briefing journalists in Geneva on Friday.
He clarified that unlike the mass influx in 2017, when some 750,000 Rohingya fled deadly violence in Rakhine state, this uptick in refugees has unfolded more gradually.
Advocating for asylum
UNHCR is working closely with local authorities to respond to urgent humanitarian needs.
“As the conflict in Myanmar continues unabated, we are advocating with the Bangladeshi authorities to provide managed access to safety and asylum for civilians fleeing the conflict,” he said.
Bangladesh has long provided refuge to the Rohingya, a mostly Muslim minority community in Myanmar, which is mainly Buddhist.
The country currently hosts nearly one million people in the refugee camps and the recent arrivals – many of them women and children – are placing further strain on resources. Many are relying heavily on local solidarity and sharing limited resources with those already living in the camps.
Appeal for support
By the end of June, nearly 121,000 newly arrived refugees had been biometrically registered, although many more are believed to be residing informally in the camps. Access to adequate shelter remains a major concern as facilities struggle to absorb the new population.
“These new arrivals join another nearly one million Rohingya refugees crammed into just 24 square kilometres,” said Mr. Baloch. “More humanitarian support is urgently required.”
Aid partners have been able to provide basic services including food, medical care, education, and essential relief items. However, the response is now under serious threat due to a lack of funding.
UNHCR warned that the 2024 humanitarian appeal for $255 million is only 35 per cent funded. Without immediate financial support, the entire operation could face systemic collapse.
Action needed now
Unless additional funds are secured, health services will be severely disrupted by September and essential cooking fuel — liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) – will run out by December. Food assistance will stop and education for some 230,000 Rohingya children, including 63,000 new arrivals, is in danger of being discontinued.
Despite a strictly controlled and officially closed border, the Government of Bangladesh has allowed new arrivals to access emergency services in the camps. The UN agency expressed deep appreciation for this humanitarian gesture under highly challenging conditions.
“We don’t have the resources to take care of the new arrivals and also those who were there before them,” said Mr. Baloch. “Everything will be impacted.”
As displacement from Rakhine state continues, UNHCR and its partners are urging the international community to act swiftly. Without immediate and sustained support, the already fragile humanitarian response in Cox’s Bazar could begin to unravel – with devastating consequences for more than one million people who rely on it for survival.
Dubai, UAE, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OFZA, the UAE-born, regulator-aligned cryptocurrency exchange, has appointed Amir Tabch as Chief Executive Officer to lead OFZA through its next stage of growth and market activation.
This leadership milestone reflects OFZA’s deepening commitment to building the most trusted crypto exchange in the region—one that’s designed from day one to align with regulations, empower users, and scale without shortcuts.
A seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience across large regulated financial institutions, digital-led startups, and crypto-native platforms, Tabch brings the kind of strategic leadership that matches OFZA’s mission: to make digital asset trading safe, simple, and accessible for everyone.
“OFZA isn’t here to be the biggest. We’re here to be the most trusted,” said Tabch. “That means regulatory-first principles, real operational substance, and a platform that puts both retail and institutional users first.”
Fully licensed by Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), OFZA is authorized to provide Broker-Dealer Services, Exchange Services, Management and Investment Services, and Advisory Services. The platform is built with local governance, regulatory clarity, and security-first architecture designed for long-term credibility.
The firm’s mission is to empower and educate individuals and businesses to take control of their financial future by simplifying crypto trading and removing barriers to entry. OFZA combines a secure, regulated infrastructure with an intuitive user experience and practical tools, making digital asset trading safe, simple, and accessible.
With Tabch at the helm, OFZA is not just announcing a new CEO—it’s signaling the rise of a new kind of crypto exchange: born regulated, built for trust, and ready to scale responsibly.
About OFZA
Headquartered in Dubai, OFZA is a full-service, VARA-regulated Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) that allows traders to buy, sell, and trade a wide range of digital assets. By providing a cohesive platform of innovative technology, robust security measures, and a customer-first approach, OFZA is poised to disrupt the trading experience in the Middle East region.
Dubai, UAE, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OFZA, the UAE-born, regulator-aligned cryptocurrency exchange, has appointed Amir Tabch as Chief Executive Officer to lead OFZA through its next stage of growth and market activation.
This leadership milestone reflects OFZA’s deepening commitment to building the most trusted crypto exchange in the region—one that’s designed from day one to align with regulations, empower users, and scale without shortcuts.
A seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience across large regulated financial institutions, digital-led startups, and crypto-native platforms, Tabch brings the kind of strategic leadership that matches OFZA’s mission: to make digital asset trading safe, simple, and accessible for everyone.
“OFZA isn’t here to be the biggest. We’re here to be the most trusted,” said Tabch. “That means regulatory-first principles, real operational substance, and a platform that puts both retail and institutional users first.”
Fully licensed by Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), OFZA is authorized to provide Broker-Dealer Services, Exchange Services, Management and Investment Services, and Advisory Services. The platform is built with local governance, regulatory clarity, and security-first architecture designed for long-term credibility.
The firm’s mission is to empower and educate individuals and businesses to take control of their financial future by simplifying crypto trading and removing barriers to entry. OFZA combines a secure, regulated infrastructure with an intuitive user experience and practical tools, making digital asset trading safe, simple, and accessible.
With Tabch at the helm, OFZA is not just announcing a new CEO—it’s signaling the rise of a new kind of crypto exchange: born regulated, built for trust, and ready to scale responsibly.
About OFZA
Headquartered in Dubai, OFZA is a full-service, VARA-regulated Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) that allows traders to buy, sell, and trade a wide range of digital assets. By providing a cohesive platform of innovative technology, robust security measures, and a customer-first approach, OFZA is poised to disrupt the trading experience in the Middle East region.
New York City, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Recently, the price of Bitcoin has soared to a record high of $118,000. Since the beginning of this year, Bitcoin has risen by more than 23%. The rise is mainly due to the increased acceptance of cryptocurrencies by traditional financial market participants, the increase in risk appetite, and the continued growth of institutional demand. At the same time, OurCryptoMiner, the world’s leading cloud mining platform, has attracted much attention due to its deep integration with BTC technology. According to a spokesperson for the OurCryptoMiner platform, some investors have made profits of up to $33,000 in a short period of time, with daily returns exceeding $6,700.
This integration also enhances the core advantages of OurCryptoMiner Real-time monitoring of BTC and other cryptocurrency network difficulty, fees, and market fluctuations, and dynamically allocates computing power to the most profitable mining pools or currencies. When the BTC network is active, the system can automatically adjust the working strategy of the miner to obtain more transaction incentives and obtain higher returns. High-performance 10 data centers ensure the stability of network and power, and ensure that users’ income is uninterrupted and undelayed You can start mining with simple operations Registration: Get a $12 reward for free, get $0.6 for daily check-in, and experience the fun of mining Use BTC or other popular cryptocurrencies to start the mining machine and start mining OurCryptoMiner launches a variety of popular contracts:
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What makes OurCryptoMiner a leader in the cloud mining space? Aiming to assist consumers at every stage of cryptocurrency mining, OurCryptoMiner offers more than just the traditional network. Some of its unique features are as follows: Wide range of settlement options: Users can mine Bitcoin, LTC, and DOGE, in addition, it also provides settlement options for mainstream cryptocurrencies such as BTC, ETH, LTC, USDC, XRP, BCH, DOGE, SOL, USDT, etc. Environmentally friendly mining: All operations are carried out using 100% renewable energy methods, reflecting the platform’s strong commitment to sustainable development. Affiliate rewards: Every user can join a reward pool of more than $200,000 and receive up to 5% referral commission. Scalable solution: Traders can expand their profits from $100 to $1 million per day. In addition to these very favorable offers, OurCryptoMiner allows every user to mine efficiently through environmentally friendly and community-driven infrastructure. Join OurCryptoMiner now and embark on your cloud mining journey!
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday chaired the first Governing Council Meeting of the National Cadet Corps Alumni Association (NCCAA) at South Block, New Delhi. Addressing the delegation, the Defence Minister described the NCC as “a platform that presents an ideal for the youth of the country.”
He termed former NCC cadets as strong pillars of India who are contributing to the nation’s development across diverse fields — not passively, but as active drivers of change.
“We need to include the guidance of our former cadets to accelerate the goal of national development,” he said, expressing confidence that the NCCAA will provide new energy and direction to the NCC.
Singh also exhorted the NCC to spread the values and qualities of its cadets to a larger section of the population under the spirit of NCC Plus.
“NCC instills these values in the youth who are associated with it. Our effort should be to ensure that these values reach even those who could not join the NCC,” the Defence Minister said.
He further highlighted that the NCCAA can play an active role in nation-building efforts through programmes such as Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, Swachhta Abhiyan, and various community development and social service schemes, which have the potential to impact a large segment of the population.
Lauding the NCC for its significant contribution to the all-round development of the youth, he said, “In the true spirit of its motto ‘Unity & Discipline,’ the NCC has always been committed to national unity and nation-building. It has helped lakhs of youth, including students from remote areas, to become disciplined and motivated.”
The NCCAA is a flagship association of NCC alumni, aimed at carrying forward the work of the world’s largest uniformed youth organisation by bringing together former and current cadets under one umbrella and enhancing their participation in the nation-building process.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the first registered member of the association, while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is the second.
The meeting was attended by Member of Parliament Manoj Tiwari, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary (Department of Education) Sanjay Kumar, Secretary (Department of Youth Affairs) Dr. Pallavi Jain Govil, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Defence Dipti Mohil Chawla, DGNCC Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh, Joint Secretary (Training) Dr. Pawan Kumar Sharma, CEO LD Remedial World Bala Saraswathy Nair, and Secretary, NCCAA Col Gagan Sharma.
Three out of every four electors in Bihar have submitted their enumeration forms as part of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll, taking the total coverage of the drive to 74.39 per cent, an official from the Election Commission of India (ECI) said on Friday.
“As of 6 p.m. on Friday, 5.87 crore enumeration forms — 74.39 per cent of the total — have been collected over the last 17 days since the issuance of SIR instructions on June 24. Forms can be submitted until July 25,” the ECI said in a statement.
The official added that with 14 days remaining until the final deadline, the rest of the exercise is expected to be completed on schedule.
In the second phase of SIR, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are conducting door-to-door visits to assist electors and collect the filled-in enumeration forms, the statement said.
Field-level officials, including 38 District Registration Officers (DROs), Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) covering all 243 Assembly Constituencies, and 963 Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs), are closely monitoring the progress of the drive.
Digitisation and uploading of forms are also proceeding smoothly. According to Para 3(h) of the SIR guidelines, BLOs have successfully digitised and uploaded 3.73 crore forms via the BLO App/ECINet, out of the total collected so far.
“A new module has been implemented in ECINet today for verification of the uploaded forms by AEROs and EROs,” the ECI added.
A total of 77,895 BLOs — including 20,603 newly appointed officers and other election staff — are working round the clock to complete the process. Additionally, over four lakh volunteers are supporting elderly, disabled, sick, and other vulnerable citizens. A proactive force of 1.56 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs), appointed by recognised political parties, is also assisting in the effort.
Earlier, the Supreme Court asked the ECI to consider “in the interest of justice” whether documents such as Aadhaar, Voter ID, and Ration Cards could be accepted for voter verification during the SIR in poll-bound Bihar.
A Bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Joymalya Bagchi was hearing petitions that challenged the ECI’s June 26 directive to conduct the SIR, arguing that it could “arbitrarily” disenfranchise lakhs of voters and potentially impact free and fair elections.
Noting that the draft revised electoral rolls are scheduled to be published in August, the Supreme Court listed the matter for further hearing on July 28 before a regular Bench.
Three out of every four electors in Bihar have submitted their enumeration forms as part of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll, taking the total coverage of the drive to 74.39 per cent, an official from the Election Commission of India (ECI) said on Friday.
“As of 6 p.m. on Friday, 5.87 crore enumeration forms — 74.39 per cent of the total — have been collected over the last 17 days since the issuance of SIR instructions on June 24. Forms can be submitted until July 25,” the ECI said in a statement.
The official added that with 14 days remaining until the final deadline, the rest of the exercise is expected to be completed on schedule.
In the second phase of SIR, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are conducting door-to-door visits to assist electors and collect the filled-in enumeration forms, the statement said.
Field-level officials, including 38 District Registration Officers (DROs), Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) covering all 243 Assembly Constituencies, and 963 Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs), are closely monitoring the progress of the drive.
Digitisation and uploading of forms are also proceeding smoothly. According to Para 3(h) of the SIR guidelines, BLOs have successfully digitised and uploaded 3.73 crore forms via the BLO App/ECINet, out of the total collected so far.
“A new module has been implemented in ECINet today for verification of the uploaded forms by AEROs and EROs,” the ECI added.
A total of 77,895 BLOs — including 20,603 newly appointed officers and other election staff — are working round the clock to complete the process. Additionally, over four lakh volunteers are supporting elderly, disabled, sick, and other vulnerable citizens. A proactive force of 1.56 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs), appointed by recognised political parties, is also assisting in the effort.
Earlier, the Supreme Court asked the ECI to consider “in the interest of justice” whether documents such as Aadhaar, Voter ID, and Ration Cards could be accepted for voter verification during the SIR in poll-bound Bihar.
A Bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Joymalya Bagchi was hearing petitions that challenged the ECI’s June 26 directive to conduct the SIR, arguing that it could “arbitrarily” disenfranchise lakhs of voters and potentially impact free and fair elections.
Noting that the draft revised electoral rolls are scheduled to be published in August, the Supreme Court listed the matter for further hearing on July 28 before a regular Bench.
Last week, the MP for Coventry South, Zarah Sultana, made an audacious decision. Having already lost the Labour party whip for opposing the two-child benefit cap, Sultana announced she would co-lead a new leftwing party with Jeremy Corbyn, who was expelled from Labour in 2024.
From one angle, her decision may seem simple. Discontent with Keir Starmer’s Labour government, on everything from welfare cuts to Gaza, has never been higher, and Sultana is a vocal critic. Yet, launching a (still unnamed) new party is bold. It tackles head-on an old and vexing question for socialist critics of capitalism in the UK.
In 1976, the socialist theorist Ralph Miliband (yes, Ed and David’s dad) described the faith in Labour’s capacity to become a socialist vehicle as “the most crippling of all illusions”. But socialists who agree with Miliband senior then have an almighty problem.
Writing months after the 2019 defeat of Corbyn’s Labour party, the veteran “New Left” academics Colin Leys and Leo Panitch echoed Miliband in their book Searching for Socialism. But they also saw few immediate alternatives with “any prospect of electoral success”. This, they wrote, is the “central dilemma” for British democratic socialists.
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The reaction to Sultana’s announcement from the British left has been accordingly mixed. Leaks revealed that Corbyn’s team was caught off guard. Responses from prominent potential supporters were reserved. Momentum, the leftwing grassroots organisation, hastily distributed the pamphlet Why Socialists Should Be in the Labour Party.
It’s too early to know whether these issues are teething problems or portents. But the barriers to Sultana’s venture are formidable. What would it take for a new leftwing party to succeed? What would “success” even look like?
A careful reading of political history can help us answer these questions. This is not the first time that new parties have emerged from Labour factionalism. Many readers will be aware of the 1981 departure of the “gang of four” Labour figures, who founded the Social Democratic party (SDP) that later merged with the Liberal party to form the Liberal Democrats.
Nor is it the first time that smaller parties have appeared on Labour’s left. Between 1920 and 1991, the Communist party of Great Britain was a potent force in the trade union movement. From the 1990s to the 2010s, several vehicles contested local and national elections against Labour, from the Socialist Alliance to Left Unity.
Challenges for a new party
Each of these iterations had its historical peculiarities. But stepping back, we can identify three recurring challenges that any leftwing insurgent party must confront.
First, they must agree on an electoral strategy and purpose, given the institutional brutality of British democracy. The UK has some proportional elections, including in Scotland and Wales (expected to be next contested in 2026). Councils are also possible avenues of influence.
But there is no avoiding the fact that legislative and executive power is hoarded in the House of Commons, elected by first past the post. Labour will discourage possible defectors by warning that a split in the left vote will let in the right. Neil Kinnock, Labour’s former leader who found himself fighting off the SDP while trying to evict Thatcher in the 1980s, dubbed Sultana and Corbyn’s venture the “Farage assistance party”.
Left of Labour parties are often aware of the risk. Indeed, far left activists have in the past advocated voting Labour, with “varying degrees of (un)enthusiasm”.
Advocates of a new party will note that Labour is only polling in the low 20s, suggesting a pool of ex-Labour voters potentially interested in shopping around. However, there are others it could torpedo too.
One recent poll on support for a hypothetical Corbyn-led party – which we should take with some salt – found that its 10% support comes partly from eating into the Green vote. An electoral arrangement with the Greens, on the other hand, may require shared policy platforms, raising the question of why a separate party is needed.
A poll from More in Common conducted specifically about a Sultana-Corbyn party found 9% of Labour voters and 26% of current Green voters saying that would vote for such a party.
The Socialist Labour party (SLP) – founded in 1996 by the prominent trade unionist Arthur Scargill in reaction to Tony Blair’s New Labour – is the obvious cautionary tale. Scargill wanted a purer, better Labour party. Yet, Labour looked set to kick out an 18-year-long Conservative government.
Scargill could not convince many sympathetic activists to join. As historian Alfie Steer argues, the SLP instead became dominated by socialists hostile to the Labour party. The party could not overcome the resultant contradictions in its purpose and collapsed into acrimony.
The SLP also illustrates the second key consideration: timing. The SLP struggled partly because it launched just as Labour was sweeping triumphantly into power. Sultana’s timing is arguably more astute. She has waited for Starmer’s bubble to burst and for disillusionment to fester.
However, the broad left within Labour has also just found its voice by rebelling against government policy. The temptation for a risk-averse Labour activist may be to leap onto this critical bandwagon without taking the more dangerous step of defecting.
The final challenge is securing institutional durability without debilitating splits. It is telling that Sultana felt compelled to include Corbyn’s name despite his reported reservations.
Sultana herself has an impressive political profile, especially on TikTok. Any new party will rely heavily on prominent spokespeople to force it into the national conversation. Yet, such vehicles can become trapped by their dependence on individuals. The Respect party of the 2000s, for example, was reliant on the charismatic but polarising figure of George Galloway.
The fledgling party will also need a lasting structure that determines how candidates are selected and policy is formed. This risks dragging it into dreaded constitutional debates. It is already reportedly divided over the existence of co-leaders.
Intra-party democracy is off-putting to outsiders. But as constitutional scholar Meg Russell argues, it speaks to fundamental questions about the extent, and limits, of democracy. Such disputes have frequently wracked the left (and the radical right, as Reform’s recent constitutional changes show).
To what extent should policy be “democratically” decided? Should a new party limit who can join, and if so, on what criteria? How will leaders be selected? From the CPGB to the SLP, these questions have proven divisive in the past. They could easily prove so again.
The new party faces severe challenges, but it would be unwise to write it off completely. In a volatile context, it has a chance to make its mark if it is clear in its strategic electoral purpose, cultivates an institutional and activist base and times its interventions astutely. But the obstacles to success are enormous – and with Reform currently polling top, the risks are high.
Colm Murphy is currently a member of the Labour Party, but he is writing purely in an academic capacity.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (video statements)
Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel highlights some of FBI Sacramento’s recent major cases.
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In 2024, with over 60 per cent of the global population connected to the internet, the digital sphere is expanding rapidly. This unprecedented digital expansion unlocks vast opportunities, yet it simultaneously unleashes escalating cybersecurity risks. As technology advances, so too do the sophisticated threats that jeopardize our digital safety.
To navigate this complex landscape and safeguard our connected world, John Brandolino, the Director for the Division for Treaty Affairs at the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, explains why the new international UN Cybercrime Convention is vital for global peace and security.