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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI: Diversified Energy Promotes Michael Garrett to Chief Accounting Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala., July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Diversified Energy Company PLC (LSE: DEC, NYSE: DEC) (“Diversified” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the promotion of Michael Garrett to Chief Accounting Officer (“CAO”). Mr. Garrett, a certified public accountant, has been at Diversified since 2018, where he has held various leadership positions and currently serves as a Senior Vice President and Controller.

    In his new role, Garrett will be responsible for leading the Company’s corporate and regulatory accounting matters, external financial reporting, controllership, and tax, overseeing a team of approximately 75 financial professionals across numerous offices. Garrett will continue to report to Brad Gray, Diversified’s President & Chief Financial Officer.

    Commenting on the promotion, Brad Gray said:

    “The strength of Diversified’s accounting organization is evident in the seasoned executives who can step up and lead in new roles. Michael has a unique background and a high level of expertise in the oil and gas sector that has served him well throughout his career. His skill and experience have been invaluable to our organization for many years, including navigating complex accounting, reporting and regulatory requirements of the New York Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange. I am excited to watch Michael take on this elevated role for a publicly traded company and lead our accounting and financial reporting teams.”

    Garrett brings 20 years of advanced accounting experience to his new role. He has previously served in accounting functions at Callon Petroleum, Pfizer, and Pinnacle Airlines with progressively higher responsibilities. Garrett is a graduate of Lambuth University with a degree in accounting and is a Certified Public Accountant (“CPA”).

    For further information, please contact:

    Diversified Energy Company PLC +1 973 856 2757
    Doug Kris dkris@dgoc.com
    Senior Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications www.div.energy
       
    FTI Consulting dec@fticonsulting.com
    U.S. & UK Financial Public Relations  
       

    About Diversified Energy Company PLC

    Diversified is a leading publicly traded energy company focused on natural gas and liquids production, transport, marketing, and well retirement. Through our unique differentiated strategy, we acquire existing, long-life assets and invest in them to improve environmental and operational performance until retiring those assets in a safe and environmentally secure manner. Recognized by ratings agencies and organizations for our sustainability leadership, this solutions-oriented, stewardship approach makes Diversified the Right Company at the Right Time to responsibly produce energy, deliver reliable free cash flow, and generate shareholder value.

    The MIL Network –

    July 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Pan Gongsheng: A few observations on global financial governance

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Distinguished Party Secretary Chen Jining,

    Former PBOC Governor Zhou Xiaochuan,

    Mayor Gong Zheng, Deputy Director Wang Jiang, Minister Li Yunze, Chairman Wu Qing, Vice Minister Hu Haifeng, Administrator Zhu Hexin, and dear guests,

    Good morning!

    I would like to thank Shanghai Municipal Committee of the CPC and Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, especially Party Secretary Chen Jining and Mayor Gong Zheng. Thank you for your care and support for the financial work and the People’s Bank of China (PBOC). It is a great honor for me to be the co-chairperson of this year’s Lujiazui Forum. After years of efforts, the Forum has grown into a communication platform with significant global influence and wide market reach. On behalf of the PBOC and other hosts, I would like to express warm welcome and sincere gratitude to everyone.

    At last year’s Forum, I discussed China’s monetary policy stance and the evolution of monetary policy framework down the road. Over the past year, the PBOC has adopted an accommodative monetary policy stance and rolled out multiple monetary policy measures. The aggregate and structural policy tools have effectively supported the sustained economic recovery and financial market stability. At the same time, we have improved the monetary policy framework, optimized the intermediate monetary policy variables, cultivated policy rates, enhanced monetary policy transmission efficiency, diversified monetary policy toolkit, and strengthened policy communication and expectation guidance. The transformation of monetary policy framework is a gradual and ongoing process, and we will continue to conduct assessments and make refinements in the future.

    Now, I would like to share with you my observations on global financial governance. This is a very broad topic. So I will focus on four issues: international monetary system, cross-border payment system, global financial stability system, and the governance of international financial organizations.

    I. On the International Monetary System

    Throughout history, the international monetary system has never stopped evolving. The replacement of global dominant currencies reflects the profound change in the international landscape and the iteration of national competitiveness. In the 17th century, the Dutch Guilder became the early international currency. From the late 18th century to the first half of the 20th century, the British pound was the dominant currency globally. After the World War II, the U.S. dollar established its dominance and has retained its status up till now.

    As a global public good, the international currency, if dominated by the sovereign currency of a single country, has inherent instabilities. First, a sovereign currency issuer tends to prioritize its own interests over the supply of global public goods when its own interests conflict with the attribute as a global public good. Second, fiscal and financial regulatory issues of a sovereign currency issuer and the accumulation of structural problems in its domestic economy may generate financial risks with spillover effects, or even escalate into a global financial crisis. Third, in times of geopolitical tensions, national security concerns, or even wars, the global dominant currency tends to be instrumentalized or weaponized.

    The above problems have driven growing global discussions on the reform of international monetary system. Over the past decade, the driving forces behind the shifts in the international monetary system stemmed primarily from the economic and financial dimensions in the wake of the global financial crisis, and hence the discussions were centered on economic and financial developments. The discussions this time around, however, are mainly driven by geopolitical issues. Broadly speaking, there are two lines of argument.

    The first one is on how to weaken the excessive reliance on a single sovereign currency and its negative impacts, foster healthy competition among a few strong sovereign currencies, and put in place incentive-restraint mechanisms. A multipolar international monetary system can prompt sovereign currency issuers to strengthen policy constraints, enhance the resilience of international monetary system, and more effectively safeguard global economic and financial stability. Madam Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank (ECB), noted in her recent speech that the global order based on multilateral cooperation is fracturing, with uncertainty about the dominant role of the U.S. dollar, and the changing landscape could open the door for the euro to play a greater international role.

    Over the past two decades, the evolution of international monetary system had two key features. The first was the creation of the euro in 1999. The euro now accounts for around 20 percent of global foreign exchange reserves, second only to the U.S. dollar. The second was the steady rise of the RMB’s international status after the global financial crisis in 2008. The RMB has already become the world’s second largest trade finance currency. Calculated on a comprehensive basis, the RMB has become the world’s third largest payment currency. Besides, the weight of the RMB in the International Monetary Fund’s Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) currency basket ranks third.

    Going forward, the international monetary system is likely to continue its evolution towards a system where a few sovereign currencies coexist and compete with checks and balances. Be it a single sovereign currency or a small group of sovereign currencies serving as the global dominant currency, the sovereign currency issuers should assume their responsibilities by strengthening domestic fiscal discipline and financial regulation, and advancing the structural reform of the economy.

    The second line of argument is on a super-sovereign currency serving as the global dominant currency, and discussions have been largely focused on SDRs. Dr. Zhou Xiaochuan, former governor of the PBOC, once raised this issue in 2009. Theoretically, SDRs can effectively overcome the inherent problems of a single sovereign currency as the global dominant currency. It offers greater stability in currency value and is better positioned to function as a global public good, as it can help manage global liquidity and facilitate crisis response. The SDR has the attributes of a super-sovereign currency.

    Having said that, we still lack political consensus and will globally, if the SDR were to become a global dominant currency. Moreover, insufficient market scale, depth and liquidity have limited the role of SDRs. Turning SDRs into a global dominant currency requires member countries to build political consensus, which is not easy, given the current international landscape.  Optimizing operational arrangements is also needed to gradually expand the usage of SDRs. In terms of allocation and issuance mechanisms, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) issues SDRs mainly as part of crisis response and mostly in the form of a large one-off allocation. In the future, the IMF can issue SDRs regularly and expand the size of issuance. Regarding the scope of use, we need to encourage private sector and market entities to use SDRs in international trade, investment and financing, and to issue SDR-denominated bonds. We need to enhance the role of SDRs as a reserve asset, and establish the SDR settlement mechanism adaptable to large-scale usage.

    II. On the Cross-Border Payment System

    The cross-border payment system serves as the artery of global funds flow. It is a keystone for facilitating international trade, investment and financing, and for safeguarding financial stability. It is also a vital pillar of the international monetary system. The evolution of the international monetary system towards coexistence of a few sovereign currencies and booming digital technologies will promote the diversification of the cross-border payment system, which will, in turn, accelerate the shifts in the international monetary system.

    In recent years, problems faced by the traditional cross-border payment system have loomed large. First, there is a generational differences between traditional cross-border payments and emerging digital technologies. Problems of low efficiency, high costs, and poor penetration demand urgent resolution. Second, cross-border payments require coordination among different legal and regulatory frameworks, as well as among different stakeholders. Therefore, we need to enhance international cooperation. G20 and other international organizations attach great importance to promoting cross-border payments, and formulated a roadmap to enhance cross-border payments. Third, the geopolitical rivalry has escalated. The traditional cross-border payment infrastructures can be easily politicized, weaponized, and used as unilateral sanction instruments, thus undermining the international economic and financial order.

    Against this background, there have been growing calls for improving the cross-border payment system. New payment infrastructures and settlement methods are continuously emerging, driving the global cross-border payment system onto a more efficient, secure, inclusive and diverse trajectory. This trend will continue to strengthen.

    First, the cross-border payment system has become more diversified. In terms of currency usage, an increasing number of countries and regions are using local currencies for settlement, promoting the international use of a broader range of currencies. Cross-border payments dominated by a single sovereign currency are undergoing gradual changes. As for payment channels, the rise of new cross-border payment systems and regional multilateral payment systems, along with the traditional correspondent bank model, has diversified settlement channels and further improved the efficiency of cross-border payments. After over a decade of construction and development, China has basically established a cross-border RMB payment and clearing network featuring multiple channels and wide coverage.

    Second, the interoperability of payment systems and payment ecosystems continues to improve. More countries and regions have extended the operating hours of their payment systems, adopted internationally standardized messaging formats, and promoted the interconnection of fast payment systems. These efforts have enhanced the efficiency of cross-border payments and reduced transaction costs. Countries and regions exemplified by Asia have made substantial progress in enhancing the interoperability of retail payment ecosystems through the interconnection of QR code payments, greatly facilitating cross-border payments by their residents.

    Third, new technologies are used in cross-border payments at a faster pace. Underpinned by new technologies such as blockchain and distributed ledger, central bank digital currencies and stablecoins are thriving, making possible the simultaneous processing of payment and settlement. The development has fundamentally reshaped the traditional payment landscape, and significantly shortened the cross-border payment chain. It, however, has also posed great challenges to financial regulation. Technologies, such as smart contracts and decentralized finance, will further promote the evolution and development of cross-border payment systems.

    III. On the Global Financial Stability System

    Before the 2008 financial crisis, the international community mainly relied on IMF, which is at the center of the Global Financial Safety Net (GFSN), for crisis response during and after crisis. After the 2008 financial crisis, ex ante prevention mechanisms such as financial regulatory rules were further strengthened.

    On the one hand, the multi-layer financial safety net has continued to improve. I gave a speech on strengthening the financial safety net at the Boao Forum for Asia in March last year. At the global level, in recent years, the IMF has continuously enhanced its crisis response capabilities in times of crisis, strengthened its policy surveillance functions, and expanded the scope of policy surveillance. At the regional level, the European Financial Stability Facility, the Latin American Reserve Fund, the Chiang Mai Initiative in Asia, and the Arab Monetary Fund have been established successively, serving as important supports for financial stability in their respective regions. At the bilateral level, central banks in the major advanced economies such as the U.S. Federal Reserve and the ECB have injected liquidity into the markets during crisis through currency swap arrangements. The local currency swap cooperation among emerging markets has also progressed steadily. The PBOC has signed bilateral currency swap agreements with central banks or monetary authorities in over 30 countries and regions. These swap arrangements have become an important part of the GFSN.

    On the other hand, the crisis prevention system based on regulatory rules has been continuously refined. After the 2008 global financial crisis, the international community overhauled the global financial regulatory system through a number of major reforms, including issuing Basel III, enhancing the robustness of banking institutions, and strengthening the supervision of systemically important financial institutions (SIFIs). China has been actively involved in the formulation and implementation of international regulatory standards, and is one of the few economies that have fully implemented Basel III. China has developed a regulatory framework for SIFIs, and its systemically important banks have all met the total loss-absorbing capacity (TLAC) requirements. China has put in place a deposit insurance scheme capable of providing full protection for more than 99 percent of depositors. It has also issued and fully implemented regulations on asset management, which has significantly reduced the risk of shadow banking.

    Currently, the global financial stability system is faced with some new challenges.

    First, the regulatory framework remains fragmented. There is even a propensity to “race to the bottom”. In recent years, due to domestic political headwinds, some countries have wavered in their implementation of international regulatory rules, such as Basel III. It may lead to regulatory arbitrage, and undermine global financial stability system. The international community should proactively implement the agreed regulatory reform measures, thereby preventing regulatory arbitrage and cross-border transmission of risks.

    Second, the regulation on emerging areas, such as digital finance, remains insufficient. For example, global regulatory coordination is incommensurate with the quick-expanding crypto asset market, and coordination on climate risk-related regulatory framework is yet to be improved. Regulatory stance swings widely, and is highly prone to political influence. A harmonized regulatory standard on the adoption of artificial intelligence in the financial sector is also absent. The international community needs to strengthen coordination and bridge the gaps in regulation.

    Third, the regulation on non-bank intermediaries remains lax. In the past two decades, the weight of non-bank intermediaries in global financing has risen significantly. Funding through non-bank intermediaries is relatively unstable and less transparent, yet the leverage is rising, which calls for enhanced regulation.

    We believe that the key path to crisis prevention and resolution is to establish a diversified and efficient GFSN with a powerful IMF at its core, and to ensure the consistency and authority of global financial regulatory rules. This is also the path that we must follow through.

    IV. On the Governance of International Financial Organizations

    After the World War II, starting with the founding of the IMF and the World Bank, the international community gradually built up a multi-tiered and multi-dimensional system of international financial organizations, covering areas such as international policy coordination, financial regulatory rule-making, and multilateral development. These organizations have become major platforms for international financial governance, and they  play an important role in promoting global economic and trade growth as well as safeguarding global financial stability.

    While global economic landscape keeps changing, quotas and voting power haven’t seen any material adjustments for a long time in major international financial organizations, such as the IMF and the World Bank, as well as in some regional financial organizations. As a result, emerging markets and developing countries are significantly underrepresented, and this is incommensurate with their actual weight in the global economy. Moreover, the international community should also be well aware of the fact that a few member countries pursue unilateralism, and they have meddled in the governance and operation of international financial organizations. International financial organizations need to keep pace with the times and advance governance reforms to reflect in time the relative positions of member countries in the global economy and enhance the voice and representativeness of emerging markets and developing countries. International financial organizations should safeguard and practice true multilateralism, and improve governance efficiency.

    Among all the international financial organizations, the IMF is at the core, and it plays a vital role in global economic and financial governance. The IMF is a quota-based international financial organization. The size of quotas determines the IMF’s crisis response capacity in crisis, while quota shares determine member countries’ voting power in the IMF and the amount of financing they have access to. The current quota shares can not reflect the relative positions of member countries in the global economy. An immediate quota share realignment in line with the consensus reached is crucial for the IMF to improve governance and enhance its legitimacy and representativeness.

    The global economy is now facing heightened uncertainty. While improving their governance structures, major international financial organizations should further reinforce their roles in economic surveillance. They should assess objectively the risks facing the world and individual countries, and offer guidance to member countries to cement their support for economic globalization and the multilateral trading system. They should also strengthen policy guidance for member countries and enhance macroeconomic policy coordination to keep the international financial system stable.

    Dear guests,

    Improving global financial governance requires more frequent dialogues and stronger cooperation among all parties. Staying committed to reform and opening-up and upholding a path of multilateralism, we will work actively to play a constructive role in helping foster a global financial governance system that is more equitable, fair, inclusive, and resilient.

    To conclude, I wish the Forum a full success. Thank you.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    July 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Michael S Barr: Opening remarks – “Fed Listens”

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Thank you, President Schmid, and thank you to the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City for hosting this event.1 The Federal Reserve, with its system of 12 distinct regional Federal Reserve Banks and the Board of Governors in Washington, D.C., was designed to ensure that monetary policy was a national decision with input from all parts of the country. The work of the District Reserve Banks, and events like this one, make sure that a wide range of views can inform President Schmid, me, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, and all of our colleagues on the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) as we come together in Washington to set monetary policy.

    Let me spend just a moment on the economy and the outlook. The economy is currently on a sound footing, with low and steady unemployment, and disinflation having continued at a gradual, albeit uneven, pace toward our 2 percent target. Looking forward, however, I expect inflation to rise due to tariffs. Higher short-term inflation expectations, supply chain adjustments, and second-round effects may cause some inflation persistence. At the same time, tariffs may cause the economy to slow and unemployment to rise. There is still considerable uncertainty about tariff policies and their effects. Monetary policy is well positioned to allow us to wait and see how economic conditions unfold.

    The broad objectives of monetary policy are clear and have been mandated by Congress-maximum employment and stable prices. Our strategy for getting there is laid out in the Fed’s policy framework, which we plan to update later this year. And setting that strategy to reach our goals is informed by outreach like the session today.

    Monetary policy decisions affect everyone. Stable prices are important for families and businesses to be able to plan for the future, and for sustainable and healthy labor markets. When we get it right, we can help foster broad and inclusive employment gains that benefit the American people. Our decisions play a role, for example, in the prices for agricultural commodities that are particularly important for businesses and consumers in this region. These decisions affect the labor market, including the challenges that businesses can face in finding qualified workers, which I know is a bigger issue in Nebraska, with lower unemployment than in some other places. But the Federal Reserve’s role is a limited one-most of what affects the economy are the individual decisions of households and businesses.

    The primary tool for monetary policy is short-term interest rates, which in turn can affect longer-term rates that you, your customers, and people in your communities pay to finance land and equipment and other inputs. Credit has always played a particularly important role in agriculture, so I know that interest rates matter a lot in this part of America. Let me emphasize that real-world rates are significantly affected by other forces in the economy, but Fed policy does play a role.

    Monetary policy sometimes requires tradeoffs-a stance of policy that is necessary to lower inflation, for example, may also lower aggregate demand and slow the economy. Crucial in balancing our economic goals is determining how policy decisions affect households and businesses, which is why we are here to listen to you.

    Businesses also have to balance their goals. Producers need to judge the strength of demand for their products and services, the trend in costs for their inputs, and the expected future costs for credit. These and other factors affect how businesses see tradeoffs as they make decisions about expanding operations and hiring. Workers need to balance their prospects for their wages keeping up with inflation or whether it’s worth moving to find a better job. Your experience, and the experiences of your customers and the other people you serve, is an important input into the strategy the Fed will decide on for our long-term monetary policy framework.

    We are going to consider everything we’ve learned in the past five eventful years since we last updated our framework, and we have learned a lot. But we can’t do it without you, because you are who we serve. And so, since listening requires that one stop talking, I am going to wrap up by thanking everyone from the Omaha area and across the 10th District for agreeing to be part of today’s gathering. I look forward to hearing what you have to say.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    July 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: W Cape welcomes employment of new peace officers in Bergrivier

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Wednesday, July 2, 2025

    Western Cape MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, has voiced her support for the graduation and employment of 20 new peace officers (POs) in the Bergrivier Municipality.

    According to the provincial department, the recruitment and training of these officers is part of a five-year strategic plan aimed at strengthening local law enforcement across municipalities in the province.

    This initiative is designed to create a safer Western Cape for everyone.

    In collaboration with the City of Cape Town’s accredited Public Training College, the graduates completed a 30-day programme accredited by the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA). 

    Upon finishing the course, the officers received formal certification to serve as both peace officers and traffic wardens.

    Addressing the graduates during the ceremony, Marais reminded them that their role extends beyond merely enforcing the law. 

    “You are here not only to maintain order but also to build trust, foster relationships, and help create safer, more connected communities, where residents can live and move freely,“ she said. 

    Marais encouraged them to serve with honour, courage and distinction.

    The MEC believes that the training and certification these young peace officers have received not only enhances their employability but also opens doors to future careers in law enforcement and public safety.

    “The Western Cape government remains committed to investing in youth and building safer communities through initiatives like our Peace Officer Training Project. Safer communities support a stronger economy, as people are more likely to invest when they feel safe, which in turn drives job creation.” – SAnews.gov.za

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    MIL OSI Africa –

    July 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Over 60 000 applications received on SAPS e-recruitment site

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Wednesday, July 2, 2025

    The South African Police Service (SAPS) e-recruitment site is continuing to receive large volumes of applications for the Basic Police Learning Development Programme (BPLDP). 

    The site, https://erecruitment.saps.gov.za/, was officially launched on Monday.

    READ | SAPS launches long awaited e-Recruitment drive

    In the first 24 hours, SAPS received in excess of 67 774 applications from various parts of the country. 

    “SAPS is aware that the website is experiencing a delayed response due to traffic volumes. The Technology Management Services (TMS), inclusive of IT experts, is continuously monitoring the influx of applications. 

    “Applicants are advised to be patient and to continue refreshing the careers page,” SAPS said in a statement.

    The closing date for applications for the Basic Police Learning Development Programme is 18 July 2025.

    All applications should be submitted via the website portal and not via email. – SAnews.gov.za

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    MIL OSI Africa –

    July 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: KGV Football Complex scores twice at prestigious awards ceremony

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    These awards recognise the outstanding collaboration and integration that underpinned the successful delivery of the £8.1 million KGV Football Complex. Delivered by Portsmouth City Council thanks to funding from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation, the project transformed the area into a state-of-the-art football and youth facility in the north of Portsmouth.

    These awards recognises the strong teamwork behind the creation of the £8.1 million KGV Football Complex. Portsmouth City Council and the Football Foundation worked together to create a modern football and youth centre, replacing an outdated, vandalised pavilion with no all weather pitches.

    Funded by Portsmouth City Council, the UK Government (including the Youth Investment Fund and Changing Places Fund), and the Football Foundation, the project exemplifies how early engagement, a shared vision, and integrated delivery can overcome complex challenges and deliver exceptional outcomes.

    From the outset, Portsmouth City Council brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including funders, community groups, and technical experts, to co-create a facility that meets the strategic needs of the city. The project was supported by the council’s in-house teams, including parks and open spaces officers, procurement experts, architects, landscape architects, construction inspectors, quantity surveyors, mechanical & electrical engineers, and buildings services professionals.

    In addition, the appointment of Hampshire FA as the future operator of the complex took place at the same time as the procurement of LST Projects as the design and build contractor. This unique but critical collaborative arrangement ensured that the design was informed early on by operational insight.

    Key to the project’s success was:

    • Early and ongoing engagement with all partners and the local community to shape the scheme.
    • Integrated delivery across disciplines, ensuring design, construction, and operational needs were aligned.
    • Effective risk management and resolution of complex land ownership issues through collaborative decision-making.
    • Fair and transparent supply chain practices, including prompt payments and clear communication across all tiers.

    Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council said:

    “These awards are a powerful endorsement of what can be achieved when we work together. The KGV Football Complex is a shining example of collaboration, bringing together partners, professionals, and the community to create something truly special for Portsmouth.”

    Cllr Lee Hunt, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Leisure and Sport said:

    “This demonstrates our commitment to providing excellent sports facilities across Portsmouth, which are accessible to all and support a wide range of activities. We are only part of the way through on our journey, with more exciting developments to come in the coming years which will provide a sustainable future for sport and leisure across the city.”

    Jimmy Marsh, Senior Quantity Surveyor from LST Projects said:

    “It was a real pleasure and privilege for the LST team to work collaboratively with PCC and the FA throughout the entire build process.  Re- purposing the derelict pavilion and surrounding areas into an excellent sporting and amenity facility has been a source of huge pride and to be recognised by the SECBE with two awards is a fantastic achievement for all of us involved.”

    Neil Casser, Hampshire FA CEO said:

    “We are delighted that King George V Football Complex was recognised as a winner at the SECBE Construction Industry Excellence Awards in the Integration and Collaborative Working category. It is a fitting tribute to the team effort that made the project possible.  King George V Football Complex is a fantastic hub site and will be enjoyed by many generations in the city and surrounding areas for years to come.  We also congratulate Portsmouth City Council for also scooping the “Client of the Year” award making it a double success.”

    Since opening in October 2024 under the stewardship of Hampshire FA, the KGV Football Complex has welcomed over 70,000 visits, with peak usage reaching 81% capacity. It is already transforming grassroots sport and youth engagement in the city, providing a vibrant, inclusive space for positive activity.

    The Football Foundation is the Premier League, The FA and Government’s charity that delivers outstanding grassroots facilities, more and better places to play, transforming lives and communities where it is needed most.

    The Foundation’s goal is to unlock the power of pitches ensuring every community has a great place to play regardless of gender, race, disability or place.

    Since its creation in 2000, the Foundation has invested £1.2 billion to improve grassroots facilities across the country – including 1,200 3G pitches, 14,000 grass pitches and 1,600 changing rooms. This has attracted an additional £1.5 billion of partnership funding – totalling over £2.7 billion investment in grassroots football so far.

    In partnership with local authorities, County FAs and other community stakeholders, the Foundation has created Local Football Facility Plans for every local authority in England. These Plans act as a blueprint for providing the grassroots football facility improvements that each community needs and deserves across the country.

    Visit footballfoundation.org.uk for more information on the Foundation and view the Plan for your local area.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Businesses showcase tough justice tech to Government ministers

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Businesses showcase tough justice tech to Government ministers

    Thousands of criminals could soon be managed by revolutionary new technology to enhance how the justice system monitors offenders and cuts reoffending.

    • Businesses pitch new technology to Ministers that will deliver safer streets, contributing to the Government’s Plan for Change  
    • Strict 24/7 surveillance and enhanced AI could monitor criminals in the community more closely than ever before 
    • New “smell-detector” AI device could detect substance abuse inside and outside prison

    On Tuesday 01 July, seven top tech companies pitched their ideas to the Prisons and Probation’s Minister, James Timpson, as part of a Dragon’s Den style pitch, after being whittled down from over 90 submissions.  

    The finalists included companies developing AI home monitoring which will toughen up punishment outside of prison. Cameras would be installed inside offenders’ homes, with artificial intelligence used to analyse offenders’ behaviours ensuring they comply with licence conditions.  

    Other radical tech ideas included ‘smell detector’ devices which use synthetic brain cells and AI to replicate the behaviour of a human nose. The tech will help deliver enhanced surveillance and detect the use of drugs, such as Spice or Fentanyl, offering prison and probation a swift way to detect drugs and boost staff safety.  

    Additional proposals included software to standardise how staff input information on offenders, alongside transcription tools to cut the administrative burden and cost to taxpayers, while allowing staff to focus more of their time on cutting crime. 

    The successful businesses will have their proposals considered for pilot rollouts, helping staff on the front line to tackle violence in prison and monitor offenders. 

    This follows the Government’s response to the Independent Sentencing Review, which recommended the greater use of technology and community sentencing in a bid to tackle the inherited crisis in our prisons system. 

    Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending Minister, James Timpson, said:  

    We inherited a justice system in crisis and in need of reform. Prisons and probation are working in analogue while tech drives forward a new digital age.

    That’s why we have invited companies to present bold new ideas to help us deliver tough punishment and enhanced surveillance. Embracing new technologies will help us to protect victims, reduce reoffending and cut crime as part of our Plan for Change.

    In the Spending Review, the Government announced that the Probation Service will receive up to £700 million, an almost 45% increase in funding. This new funding will mean tens of thousands more offenders can be tagged and monitored in the community.  

    These technological solutions follow the publication of recent research that confirms curfew tags, which keep offenders at home and off the streets during certain times, can reduce reoffending by 20 per cent. This demonstrates how even older technology is supporting punishment in the community and cutting crime.

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    Published 2 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Join dozens of others and Swap to Stop smoking

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Launched by the City of Wolverhampton Council last year, Swap to Stop provides free vaping kits and behavioural support to help people stop smoking.

    The service is delivered over a period of 12 weeks by trained members of staff who offer free vape starter kits alongside support and weekly ‘check-in’ sessions at community venues to help people on their quitting journey.

    Scores of people have already come forward to get help – with over 135 quitting as a result. Others are invited to sign up for free at Swap to Stop. http://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/health-and-wellbeing/swap-to-stop  
    www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/health-and-wellbeing/swap-to-stop.

    The Government is offering a million free ‘Swap to Stop’ vaping kits as part of its aims for the country to become ‘smokefree’ by 2030. The council has made these available at a range of community venues, including the city’s eight Family Hubs and Central and Warstones libraries.

    Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: “Stopping smoking is the best thing you can do for your health and the health of those around you.

    “It is still the single largest preventable cause of death in England, accounting for around for 64,000 deaths annually. Almost every minute of every day someone is admitted to hospital with a smoking-related disease – but, when you stop smoking, there are almost immediate improvements to your health.

    “And it’s not just your body which will benefit, your purse or wallet will too. On average smokers spend around £40 per week on tobacco – and that means you could have around £2,000 extra to spend a year by quitting, or even more if you are a really heavy smoker.

    “Nicotine vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking and is also one of the most effective tools for quitting, and it’s fantastic that over 135 residents have already been able to quit using the support available through Swap to Stop.

    “We are delighted to be extending the programme for another 12 months so, if you want to quit smoking, please sign up today.”

    For more help and support to stop smoking, please visit Quit Smoking. https://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/health-and-wellbeing/quit-smoking. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Plan ahead: Dawsons Corner and Stanningley Bypass improvements enter next phase

    Source: City of Leeds

    Over four weeks starting on Saturday 26 July 2025, road repairs and resurfacing works will take place on the Stanningley Bypass, as part of the £44.179m Dawsons Corner and Stanningley Bypass improvement scheme.

    Road users are now being urged to prepare to plan ahead, as traffic management (contraflow where vehicles are directed to travel in the opposite direction to the normal flow of traffic) works begin later this month to make improvements to the A647/A6120 Dawsons Corner junction, with repairs and resurfacing works on the Stanningley Bypass.

    The work has been planned to coincide with the reduced levels of traffic over the school summer holidays, allowing for these works to progress as quickly as possible with some significant disruption expected to journeys over the coming weeks.

    Traffic management will be in place 24/7 along with 30mph speed limits to help complete this work efficiently and for the safety of all road users. During the set up and switch around of the traffic management, there will be partial closures of the bypass and some of the access/slip roads will have local diversions.  Access to Pudsey train station will be maintained at all times.

    The road traffic management system will safely allow repairs and surfacing works to take place, starting northbound from 8pm Saturday 26 July until 9 August and then southbound from 5am Sunday 10 August, until Sunday 24 August.

    The Owlcotes Shopping Centre slip road will be closed to facilitate changes to the traffic management on the following dates:

    • Saturday 26 July 8pm-5am
    • Saturday 9 August 8pm-5am
    • Saturday 23 August 8pm-5am
    • Sunday 24 August 8pm-5am (contingency date)

    Over the previous three summer holiday periods the council has carried out Stanningley Bypass joint and resurfacing repairs work, as part of the highway’s annual maintenance programme. The road works involve the repair of over 140 structures on Stanningley Bypass and associated resurfacing works.

    These changes to the junction when complete will reduce congestion and delays, helping to support economic growth across Leeds and Bradford, as well as improve air quality. Improvements will see better traffic flow, with bus journey times reduced and safer crossing facilities for cyclists and pedestrians.

    Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said:

    “The team are working hard to minimise disruption by planning, co-ordinating and sequencing large highways schemes across Leeds. They need careful planning with other works, not always in our control and events across our busy city. We have done lots of work to try and minimise the disruption these works will create, but what ever the amount of planning there may be some delays.

    “Starting from 26 July, to coincide with four weeks of the school summer holidays, please plan ahead when travelling between Bradford and Leeds (A647) or using the (A6120) outer ring road through Dawsons Corner. You will need to allow extra time for your journeys, be patient and follow the signed road diversions in place. For more information, please see the Dawsons Corner project website https://dawsonscorner.commonplace.is/.

    “We thank everyone for their ongoing patience while we continue to work hard to minimise the disruption over the summer and thank those who have already changed the way they travel into and around the city centre.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO summit mural unveiled in The Hague

    Source: NATO

    On Sunday 22 June, the Mayor of The Hague, Jan van Zanen, unveiled the winning entries to NATO’s summit mural competition. Following successful editions in Vilnius (2023) and Washington (2024), the 2025 competition marked the third year in a row that NATO has invited young artists from across Europe and North America to submit designs encapsulating the spirit of the Alliance and the personality of the summit’s host city.

    Diederik Dijkgraaf from the Netherlands and Riivo Kruuk from Estonia managed to convince the jury with their submissions and were able to bring their murals to life in The Hague in collaboration with Dutch artist Tobias Becker. This year’s competition was organised under the motto “Maintaining Our Shared Future”.

    The mural consists of the two winning entries combined. On the left, “NATO Dove: Protection of 1 Billion Citizens” was designed by Diederik Dijkgraaf and incorporates the flags of all 32 Allies into the wings of a dove. On the right, “A Peaceful Day” was designed by Riivo Kruuk and pays tribute to Dutch painters such as Johannes Vermeer. The winning designs were selected by a professional jury who considered entries from all across the Alliance.

    MIL Security OSI –

    July 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO summit mural unveiled in The Hague

    Source: NATO

    On Sunday 22 June, the Mayor of The Hague, Jan van Zanen, unveiled the winning entries to NATO’s summit mural competition. Following successful editions in Vilnius (2023) and Washington (2024), the 2025 competition marked the third year in a row that NATO has invited young artists from across Europe and North America to submit designs encapsulating the spirit of the Alliance and the personality of the summit’s host city.

    Diederik Dijkgraaf from the Netherlands and Riivo Kruuk from Estonia managed to convince the jury with their submissions and were able to bring their murals to life in The Hague in collaboration with Dutch artist Tobias Becker. This year’s competition was organised under the motto “Maintaining Our Shared Future”.

    The mural consists of the two winning entries combined. On the left, “NATO Dove: Protection of 1 Billion Citizens” was designed by Diederik Dijkgraaf and incorporates the flags of all 32 Allies into the wings of a dove. On the right, “A Peaceful Day” was designed by Riivo Kruuk and pays tribute to Dutch painters such as Johannes Vermeer. The winning designs were selected by a professional jury who considered entries from all across the Alliance.

    MIL Security OSI –

    July 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 2 July 2025 Departmental update WHO-backed integrated testing model strengthens response to mpox, HIV, and syphilis

    Source: World Health Organisation

    As mpox cases rise again in parts of Central Africa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is pioneering an integrated public health response for HIV and syphilis testing within national mpox management.

    This integrated approach, led by the Ministry of Health with technical support from WHO, aims to provide comprehensive care, reduce missed opportunities for diagnosis and treatment and support community protection. Clinicians working at mpox testing sites have welcomed the initiative.

    Growing evidence shows people with undiagnosed HIV and those living with HIV who are not virally suppressed are at increased risk of severe mpox illness and death. Co-infection with syphilis has also been documented among individuals affected by mpox, especially among key populations. Despite the availability of affordable and effective treatment, syphilis continues to be widely underdiagnosed and untreated, particularly in low-resource settings. It is now the second leading cause of stillbirth globally. Integrating syphilis screening into the mpox response not only addresses a major gap in maternal and newborn health but also reinforces broader efforts in surveillance, diagnosis and care of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

    “We now know people with HIV, particularly those with a CD4 count under 200 cells/mm³, are at risk for severe disease and death from mpox,” said Dr Meg Doherty, Director of WHO’s Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes. “Ensuring early access to HIV and syphilis testing and treatment to all people with confirmed or suspected mpox, as well as timely access to mpox vaccines and antivirals, will save lives”.

    Implementation in Kinshasa

    In April 2025, the Democratic Republic of the Congo became the first country to implement WHO’s Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for integrating HIV and syphilis testing services as part of the mpox response. With support from WHO, health workers were trained and began rolling out dual HIV/syphilis rapid diagnostic tests to improve detection among those with suspected mpox at designated treatment centres. 

    The approach was first launched in 5 mpox treatment centres and now covers 11 health zones. Between April 2025 and 7 June 2025:

    • 697 individuals with suspected mpox were tested for HIV and syphilis;
    • 36 (5%) tested positive for HIV, including 27 confirmed mpox co-infections;
    • 6 individuals (1%) tested positive for syphilis and were treated on-site; and
    • weekly testing volumes increased steadily, reaching over 120 tests per week.

    National coordination and scale-up

    This approach is now going national. On 3 June 2025, the National HIV/AIDS Control Programme, together with WHO, the Ministry of Health, the Centre d’opérations d’urgence de santé publique (COUSP), and the Divisions provinciales de la santé (DPS) reviewed progress and set priorities for expanding this integrated approach. Together, they have also: 

    • drafted a therapeutic protocol for managing HIV/mpox co-infection;
    • strengthened capacity at the Kinoise Mpox Treatment Centre;
    • integrated mpox services into 6 HIV care and treatment centres;
    • strengthened inter-programme coordination to address delays and optimize limited resources; and
    • prepared for geographic expansion to provinces with high mpox transmission and/or high HIV prevalence.

    Addressing real world challenges 

    Despite strong progress, the rollout has faced logistical and operational challenges, including stock-outs, expiration of HIV test kits and delays in mpox PCR test results, which affect timely treatment. There has also been limited capacity to manage severe mpox/HIV co-infection, with only one advanced care site (MSF Kabinda in Kinshasa) in operation.

    Looking ahead

    As the country continues to confront multiple health threats, including mpox, HIV, and syphilis, its integrated testing model offers a blueprint for action in resource-limited settings. Lessons learned can be applied in other neighbouring countries as part of emergency and outbreak response, as well as for future preparedness and planning. 

    WHO and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are now planning to continue to provide joint supervision and mentoring visits, in order to strengthen data reporting and monitoring and improving stock management so as to avoid future commodity shortages. Both remain committed to protecting and saving lives by linking outbreak response with essential HIV and STI services, ensuring that no one is left behind.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    July 2, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: Around 250 million years ago, Earth was near-lifeless and locked in a hothouse state. Now scientists know why

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Merdith, DECRA Fellow, School of Earth Sciences, University of Adelaide

    Some 252 million years ago, almost all life on Earth disappeared.

    Known as the Permian–Triassic mass extinction – or the Great Dying – this was the most catastrophic of the five mass extinction events recognised in the past 539 million years of our planet’s history.

    Up to 94% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial vertebrate families were wiped out. Tropical forests – which served, as they do today, as important carbon sinks that helped regulate the planet’s temperature – also experienced massive declines.

    Scientists have long agreed this event was triggered by a sudden surge in greenhouse gases which resulted in an intense and rapid warming of Earth. But what has remained a mystery is why these extremely hot conditions persisted for millions of years.

    Our new paper, published today in Nature Communications, provides an answer. The decline of tropical forests locked Earth in a hothouse state, confirming scientists’ suspicion that when our planet’s climate crosses certain “tipping points”, truly catastrophic ecological collapse can follow.

    A massive eruption

    The trigger for the Permian–Triassic mass extinction event was the eruption of massive amounts of molten rock in modern day Siberia, named the Siberian Traps. This molten rock erupted in a sedimentary basin, rich in organic matter.

    The molten rock was hot enough to melt the surrounding rocks and release massive amounts of carbon dioxide into Earth’s atmosphere over a period as short as 50,000 years but possibly as long as 500,000 years. This rapid increase in carbon dioxide in Earth’s atmosphere and the resulting temperature increase is thought to be the primary kill mechanism for much of life at the time.

    On land it is thought surface temperatures increased by as much as 6°C to 10°C – too rapid for many life forms to evolve and adapt. In other similar eruptions, the climate system usually returns to its previous state within 100,000 to a million years.

    But these “super greenhouse” conditions, which resulted in equatorial average surface temperatures upwards of 34°C (roughly 8°C warmer than the current equatorial average temperature) persisted for roughly five million years. In our study we sought to answer why.

    The forests die out

    We looked at the fossil record of a wide range of land plant biomes, such as arid, tropical, subtropical, temperate and scrub. We analysed how the biomes changed from just before the mass extinction event, until about eight million years after.

    We hypothesised that Earth warmed too rapidly, leading to the dying out of low- to mid-latitude vegetation, especially the rainforests. As a result the efficiency of the organic carbon cycle was greatly reduced immediately after the volcanic eruptions.

    Plants, because they are unable to simply get up and move, were very strongly affected by the changing conditions.

    Before the event, many peat bogs and tropical and subtropical forests existed around the equator and soaked up carbon

    However, when we reconstructed plant fossils from fieldwork, records and databases around the event we saw that these biomes were completely wiped out from the tropical continents. This led to a multimillion year “coal gap” in the geological record.

    These forests were replaced by tiny lycopods, only two to 20 centimetres in height.

    Enclaves of larger plants remained towards the poles, in coastal and in slightly mountainous regions where the temperature was slightly cooler. After about five million years they had mostly recolonised Earth. However these types of plants were also less efficient at fixing carbon in the organic carbon cycle.

    This is analogous in some ways to considering the impact of replacing all rainforests at present day with the mallee-scrub and spinifex flora that we might expect to see in the Australian outback.

    Post-extinction lycopod fossils.
    Zhen Xu

    Finally, the forests return

    Using evidence from the present day, we estimated the rate at which plants take atmospheric carbon dioxide and store it as organic matter of each different biome (or its “net primary productivity”) that was suggested in the fossil record.

    We then used a recently developed carbon cycle model called SCION to test our hypothesis numerically. When we analysed our model results we found that the initial increase in temperature from the Siberian Traps was preserved for five to six million years after the event because of the reduction in net primary productivity.

    It was only as plants re-established themselves and the organic carbon cycle restarted that Earth slowly started to ease out of the super greenhouse conditions.

    Maintaining a climate equilibrium

    It’s always difficult to draw analogies between past climate change in the geological record and what we’re experiencing today. That’s because the extent of past changes is usually measured over tens to hundreds of thousands of years while at present day we are experiencing change over decades to centuries.

    A key implication of our work, however, is that life on Earth, while resilient, is unable to respond to massive changes on short time scales without drastic rewirings of the biotic landscape.

    In the case of the Permian–Triassic mass extinction, plants were unable to respond on as rapid a time scale as 1,000 to 10,000 years. This resulted in a large extinction event.

    Overall, our results underline how important tropical and subtropical plant biomes and environments are to maintaining a climate equilibrium. In turn, they show how the loss of these biomes can contribute to additional climate warming – and serve as a devastating climate tipping point.

    Zhen Xu was the lead author of the study, which was part of her PhD work.

    Andrew Merdith receives funding from the Australian Research Council as part of the Discovery Early Career Researcher Award.

    Benjamin J. W. Mills receives funding from UK Research and Innovation.

    Zhen Xu receives funding from UK Research and Innovation and the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

    – ref. Around 250 million years ago, Earth was near-lifeless and locked in a hothouse state. Now scientists know why – https://theconversation.com/around-250-million-years-ago-earth-was-near-lifeless-and-locked-in-a-hothouse-state-now-scientists-know-why-260203

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    July 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN receives Courtesy Call from CEO of CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today received a courtesy call from the Chief Executive Officer of CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation, Dr. Janne Taalas, at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta. They discussed potential areas of cooperation between ASEAN and CMI. CMI is an independent Finnish non-profit organisation committed to supporting conflict prevention and resolution through dialogue and mediation.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN receives Courtesy Call from CEO of CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    July 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Sudan: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) calls for urgent scale up in water and sanitation programs amidst rising cholera cases in Abyei


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    A cholera outbreak in Abyei Special Administrative Area risks spreading further if water and sanitation (WASH) conditions are not urgently improved, warns Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). Health authorities in Abyei officially declared a cholera outbreak on 11 June 2025, following a continued rise in reported cases.

    South Sudan has been grappling with a widespread cholera outbreak since September 2024, with cases reported across multiple states, including Unity, Jonglei, Upper Nile, and Central Equatoria, which hosts the capital, Juba. Abyei Special Administrative Area in the north western part of South Sudan is one of the latest areas to be affected. People in Abyei, whether displaced people, or host communities, are living in overcrowded areas with limited access to basic services. The situation is particularly concerning in informal settlements like Amiet market, where over 50,000 people who fled the war in Sudan live with limited access to safe drinking water and sanitation infrastructure such as latrines. Many are forced to defecate in the open due to a lack of latrines, posing further risks of the spread of diseases.

    “The situation in Amiet is critical. The patients admitted with cholera to Ameth Bek Hospital in Abyei Town confirm an active outbreak. The risk of spread to Abyei town is high, especially with the return of the rains, extremely poor hygiene conditions, and the continued increase in the number of people arriving from Sudan coming into an already overcrowded space,” says Stéphanie Dongmo, MSF Project Coordinator in Abyei.

    MSF has been responding to the crisis, treating patients with symptoms consistent with cholera such as acute watery diarrhoea at its 20-bed cholera treatment unit (CTU) set up at Ameth Bek Hospital since 11 April. Between 2 and 28 June, a total of 333 suspected cholera cases were treated at the MSF CTU. The last three weeks have seen a significant surge, with 80 patients received between 9 and 15 June; 77 between 16 and 22 June; and 94 between 23 and 28 June being treated at the MSF CTU in Abyei.

    While there are ongoing medical response efforts, the onset of the rainy season poses an immediate and severe threat. Ensuing floods are likely to cut off access, complicate logistical movements for aid, and accelerate the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera.

    “MSF calls for the urgent rollout of cholera vaccines and vastly improved water, sanitation, and hygiene programs by all relevant actors in affected areas. Immediate and comprehensive actions, including deploying water trucks to provide clean water, soap, constructing more latrines, and improving the drainage systems are critical to mitigate the crisis. These immediate actions are crucial to save lives and prevent further escalation of this critical public health emergency in Abyei,” Stephanie adds.

    Since the start of the outbreak in September 2024, more than 75,000 cases and over 1,300 deaths from cholera had been reported nationwide according to the World Health Organisation by 27 June 2025.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).

    MIL OSI Africa –

    July 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Malawi Secures Gains Against Polio, Strengthens Health Systems for the Future


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    As Malawi celebrates its first anniversary after officially closing its reimported wild poliovirus (WPV1) outbreak, the country is taking strategic steps to sustain hard-won gains and strengthen its broader health system. On 24 April 2025, health leaders, partners, and stakeholders gathered for the National Polio Transition Planning meeting, an important milestone in ensuring that the infrastructure built to eradicate polio continues to serve Malawi’s communities for years to come.

    From Polio Response to Long-Term Resilience

    Polio resources – from trained personnel to disease surveillance systems-have played a key role in emergency health responses across Malawi. The transition planning process aims to protect these assets and ensure their integration into the national health system. In line with the Polio Transition Strategic Framework, Malawi’s plan supports national ownership of essential polio functions, including surveillance, immunization, and outbreak response.

    “Transitioning from GPEI support means we must strengthen our ability to manage core functions nationally. This is vital to keep Malawi polio-free and improve our capacity to detect and respond to other vaccine-preventable diseases,” said Dr. Patrick Wataya Chirwa, Chair of the National Certification Committee.

    In May 2020, Malawi (alongside the rest of the African Region) was certified free of indigenous wild poliovirus. However, the detection of a reimported case from Southern Asia in 2022 served as a powerful reminder that polio remains a global threat. Malawi’s health authorities responded swiftly and decisively, successfully interrupting transmission by May 2024.

    By January 2025, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) had classified the country as low-risk on its global polio watchlist—a testament to Malawi’s strong response and surveillance systems.

    However, maintaining that status means planning for the future. As external polio funding declines, Malawi must close gaps in workforce and financing. The Polio Transition Plan will help secure critical capacities and align them with the Ministry of Health-led Immunization Programme, reinforcing the country’s ability to prevent and respond to outbreaks.

    Sarah Wanyoike, from WHO AFRO’s Eastern and Southern Africa inter-country support team, highlighted how lessons from Malawi’s recent outbreak response can shape a stronger, more resilient health system. “We must integrate service delivery and strengthen surveillance across the board—not just for polio, but for all vaccine-preventable diseases,” she said.

    The plan focuses on optimizing existing systems, integrating surveillance efforts, and building multisectoral collaboration, linking immunization, emergency preparedness, One Health approaches, and community engagement.

    At the meeting, Dr. Neema Kimambo, WHO Representative to Malawi, emphasized that the transition is not just a health sector responsibility. It requires cross-cutting collaboration among government agencies, local health authorities, partners, and civil society.

    “Malawi’s success will depend on strong coordination between the Ministry of Health, EPI, the Public Health Institute of Malawi, district councils, health partners, NGOs, and communities themselves,” Dr. Kimambo noted.

    These efforts aim to ensure that the systems and knowledge built through the polio programme continue to benefit Malawians, supporting everything from emergency response to routine immunization and disease surveillance.

    Malawi’s National Polio Transition Plan is a blueprint not only for sustaining polio eradication efforts but also for advancing universal health coverage and equity. As the country moves from emergency response to long-term resilience, WHO and partners remain committed to supporting a smooth and sustainable transition—helping Malawi stay polio-free and healthier for generations to come.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Malawi.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    July 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: World Health Organization (WHO) supports Mauritius in developing a national medicine policy to ensure access to safe and quality medicines


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    From a mother seeking antibiotics for her child at a clinic, to a cancer patient in need of lifesaving therapy, medicines are no ordinary commodities. They are lifelines. They manage pain, control chronic illness, treat infections, and save lives.

    Mauritius is embarking in the development of a national medicine policy with the support of WHO: 

    “The national medicine policy will ensure the population of Mauritius has access to good quality medicines,” said the Senior Chief Executive of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Mr Sarwansingh Purmessur at the opening of the workshop. It shows the commitment of the country in achieving Universal Health Coverage, added Mr S. Purmessur.

    “Mauritius relies heavily on imported medicines; A strong National Medicine Policy is the backbone of a well-functioning pharmaceutical system. It will bring transparency, accountability, and resilience in a world of increasing health threats and economic volatility. said the WHO Representative, Dr Anne Ancia. “Today’s landmark workshop marks the commitment of Mauritius in ensuring safe, effective, quality and affordable medicines for all citizens”

    This initiative unites various health professionals including clinicians, pharmacists, regulators, academics, wholesalers, member of pharmacy council and other health professionals to contribute to the development of a policy that will meet the specificities of the country and the local context.  

    WHO has mobilized two internationally renowned experts—Professor Fatima Suleman and Dr Andy Gray, leading the WHO Collaborating Centre for Pharmaceutical Policy and Evidence-Based Practice at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa—to provide the greatest technical input and guidance throughout the process.

    This participatory and inclusive approach underscores the Ministry of Health and Wellness’s commitment to transparency and collaboration, laying the foundation for a policy owned by all and ensuring engagement and accountability for its implementation. 

    WHO is not only here to assist in developing this policy — we want to work with you in ensuring its long-term impact and success; when the right medicine will reach the right person at the right time, every time; when medicines will always do what they are meant to do: heal, protect, and give every Mauritian the chance to live a full, healthy life.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Mauritius.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    July 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Navigating Discrete Manufacturing in South Africa Through Digitalisation (By De Wet Joubert)

    By De Wet Joubert, Operations & Strategic Projects Director, RS South Africa (https://Africa.RSDelivers.com)

    South Africa’s discrete manufacturing sector, which includes industries such as automotive, electronics, rail, and aerospace, faces mounting pressure from global competition, fragmented supply chains, and outdated infrastructure. In this complex environment, digitalisation is emerging not as a future consideration, but as a critical lever for survival, resilience, and growth.

    Manufacturers are grappling with inconsistent supply chains, where limited visibility can halt entire operations. In discrete environments where the failure to procure even a single component can delay or derail entire production runs, real-time supply chain data is is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity.

    By integrating Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) sensors, smart data loggers, and blockchain-enabled tracking platforms, manufacturers can transform disjointed supply chains into agile ecosystems. This transition can be supported with industrial communication modules, IIoT gateways, and advanced inventory management tools, all available through RS South Africa’s extensive digital platform.

    Modernising infrastructure doesn’t require a full-scale overhaul. Legacy equipment such as traditional PLCs and Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) are not obstacles, but opportunities for optimisation. With retrofit solutions like programmable logic controllers (e.g. Siemens LOGO! 8, Allen-Bradley Micro800), signal converters, and edge computing devices, manufacturers can equip existing machinery with smart capabilities. These upgrades extend equipment lifecycles and build toward fully connected environments without requiring massive capital expenditure.

    Yet, alongside this technology imperative, there is an urgent need to address the African skills gap. National research shows that many African manufacturers remain at the early stages of Industry 4.0 readiness, with a particular deficit in digital and systems integration skills.

    To meaningfully close South Africa’s industrial skills gap, we must strengthen collaboration between higher education and industry. Universities are making great strides in incorporating real-world scenarios and advanced technologies into their programmes, but industry must also play a more active role in embedding its requirements at grassroots level. At RS South Africa, we support this through technical enablement and educational outreach, from providing Arduino and automation kits to funding student-led projects. Combined with STEM engagement and soft skills development, these efforts help bridge the gap between academic learning and industry expectations, equipping future engineers with the tools and confidence to lead.

    A cornerstone of effective digital transformation is real-time decision-making, which is enabled by robust Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) systems as a framework. Its implementation can be supported by offering plant monitoring hardware, data acquisition systems, and panel PCs capable of displaying live dashboards. These systems streamline operations and reduce waste, while also enabling quality control, predictive maintenance, and compliance tracking.

    Digitalisation is also a powerful tool for building resilience and sustainability. With South Africa facing ongoing energy constraints and growing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) expectations, manufacturers are under pressure to operate leaner and smarter. The role of predictive analytics and IIoT-enabled systems in monitoring energy usage, scheduling maintenance, and automating efficiency improvements needs to be emphasised. Products such as power meters, energy monitoring kits, smart relays, and sensor-driven HVAC systems support manufacturers in meeting these efficiency and compliance goals.

    One of the standout examples of local transformation is the Gibela rail manufacturing facility in Gauteng. Through automation, local supplier development, and workforce training, the site has achieved high levels of local content and productivity. Such projects are proof that digitalisation, combined with long-term investment in people and technology, can drive inclusive and competitive industrial growth. Components essential to such advanced environments include control panels, terminal blocks, protective relays, and advanced safety switches.

    For example, RS South Africa’s framework for enabling digital transformation in discrete manufacturing is grounded in five key pillars: retrofitting legacy equipment with intelligent controls; delivering experiential, industry-aligned training; integrating MOM systems for real-time operational insight; deploying IIoT solutions across plant and supply chains; and ensuring executive-level commitment to sustained innovation.

    In a time of global industrial acceleration, African manufacturers that fail to adopt digital tools risk being outpaced by more connected and agile competitors. Digitalisation is no longer optional, it is essential. It offers the tools to improve productivity, build resilience, drive sustainability, and unlock new economic opportunities for the country’s industrial sector. 

    By partnering with manufacturers and suppliers on this journey, we remain committed to shaping the future of African manufacturing, supporting a shift from isolated to integrated systems, from reactive to predictive operations, and from traditional labour-driven methods to data-led intelligence. 

    REFERENCES:
    Driving Digital Transformation of the Economy in South Africa 
    The Socio-economic Impact of Gibela 
    A Winning Strategy for South African Businesses (https://apo-opa.co/4l6oOnh)

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of RS South Africa.

    PR Contact Person – RS South Africa: 
    Princess Tlou 
    Communications & Content Specialist  
    RS South Africa  
    Princess.Tlou@rsgroup.com 
    +27 11 691 9366 

    Media Contact Person – NGAGE:  
    Thobile Ndlovu 
    Senior PR Account Executive 
    thobile@ngage.co.za  
    +27 11 867 7763  

    Further information is available via these links: 

    RS South Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4le3jB6)
    RS Africa Exports (https://Africa.RSDelivers.com)
    DesignSpark (https://apo-opa.co/4l6wqWR)
    RS Group plc (https://apo-opa.co/45RSWye)

    About RS:
    RS is a global product and service solutions provider for industrial customers, enabling them to operate efficiently and sustainably.  

    We operate in 36 markets, stock over 800,000 industrial and specialist products and list an additional five million relevant for our industrial customers, sourced from over 2,500 suppliers. This extensive range supports our customers across the industrial lifecycle of designing, building, and maintaining equipment and operations.  

    We enhance their experience through a tailored service model, leveraging our efficient physical, digital and process infrastructure sustainably. We combine a technically led and digitally enabled approach with an exceptional team of experts; ultimately, it’s our people that make the difference. 

    Our purpose, making amazing happen for a better world, reflects our focus on delivering results for people planet and profit.  

    RS Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with stock ticker RS1 and in the year ended 31 March 2024 reported revenue of £2,942 million. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

    July 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Violence against civilians surges amidst escalating conflict in South Sudan (January – March 2025)


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    Violence against civilians in South Sudan is escalating to record levels, according to a new report by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, which documents 1,607 victims in the first quarter of this year, the highest number in any three-month period since 2020.

    The report reveals that 739 civilians were killed, 679 injured, 149 abducted, and 40 subjected to conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) between January and March 2025. Compared to the October to December 2024 quarter, this marked an 86 percent increase in victims (866 to 1,607), a 110 percent increase in civilians killed (352 to 739) and a 94 percent increase in those injured (350 to 679). Abductions rose from 129 to 149 and CRSV cases from 35 to 40.

    Compared to the same quarter in 2024, this represents a 76 percent increase in victims (913 to 1,607) 58 percent increase in killings (468 to 739) and 107 percent increase in injuries (328 to 679).

    Warrap State recorded the highest number of civilians affected, with 428 deaths and 298 injuries, followed by Central Equatoria with a 260 percent increase in victims and the most abductions. The number of child victims increased sharply from 114 to 171. Women and girls continued to be disproportionately affected by CRSV and other acts of sexual and gender-based violence, together accounting for 98 percent of documented victims.

    Consistent with the previous quarter, most victims were attributed to community-based militias or civil defense groups (66 percent), while unidentified, opportunistic armed elements were responsible for 22 percent.

    Conventional parties to the armed conflict and other armed groups were responsible for 15 percent of victims, marking a concerning increase of 27 percent (from 152 to 193). The escalation of armed confrontations involving these parties and groups severely undermined the protection of civilians and resulted in violations and abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law.

    “It is the primary responsibility of the Government to protect civilians and prevent conflicts, which continue to cause immense harm to communities across the country,” said Guang Cong, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, UNMISS. “Together with regional and international partners, UNMISS calls for concerted, collective efforts at the national, state and local levels to address the underlying causes and drivers, facilitate the resolution of grievances through dialogue and hold perpetrators accountable in order to end the deadly cycle of violence.”

    As an impartial partner, UNMISS supports efforts to protect civilians and deter violence by conducting thousands of peacekeeping patrols by land, air, and river each year, facilitating locally led reconciliation and peacebuilding initiatives, strengthening rule of law institutions and extending their reach through mobile courts to far flung areas and helping to advance broader political and peace processes in the country, while emphasizing on the need for accountability and justice for abuses and violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

    MIL OSI Africa –

    July 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Departure Statement by Prime Minister on the eve of visit to Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia


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    Today, I embark on a five-nation visit to Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia from 2 to 9 July 2025.

    At the invitation of President H.E. John Dramani Mahama, I will visit Ghana on 2-3 July. Ghana is a valued partner in the Global South and plays an important role in the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States. I look forward to my exchanges aimed at further deepening our historical ties and opening up new windows of cooperation, including in the areas of investment, energy, health, security, capacity building and development partnership. As fellow democracies, it will be an honour to speak at the Parliament of Ghana.

    On 3-4 July, I will be in the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, a country with which we share deep-rooted historical, cultural and people-to-people connect. I will meet President H.E. Mrs. Christine Carla Kangaloo, who was the Chief Guest at this year’s Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, and Prime Minister H.E. Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who has recently assumed office for the second term. Indians first arrived in Trinidad and Tobago 180 years ago. This visit will provide an opportunity to rejuvenate the special bonds of ancestry and kinship that unite us.

    From Port of Spain, I will travel to Buenos Aires. This will be the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Argentina in 57 years. Argentina is a key economic partner in Latin America and a close collaborator in the G20. I look forward to my discussions with President H.E. Javier Milei, whom I also had the pleasure of meeting last year. We will focus on advancing our a mutually beneficial cooperation, including in the areas of agriculture, critical minerals, energy, trade, tourism, technology, and investment.

    I will attend the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on 6-7 July. As a founding member, India is committed to BRICS as a vital platform for cooperation among emerging economies. Together, we strive for a more peaceful, equitable, just, democratic and balanced multipolar world order. On the sidelines of the Summit, I will also meet several world leaders. I will travel to Brasilia for a bilateral State Visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in nearly six decades. This visit will provide an opportunity to strengthen our close partnership with Brazil, and work with my friend, President H.E. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, on advancing the priorities of the Global South.

    My final destination will be Namibia, a trusted partner with whom we share a common history of struggle against colonialism. I look forward to meeting President H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and chart a new roadmap for cooperation for the benefit of our peoples, our regions and the wider Global South. It will be a privilege to also address the Joint Session of Namibian Parliament as we celebrate our enduring solidarity and shared commitment for freedom and development.

    I am confident that my visits to the five countries will reinforce our bonds friendship across the Global South, strengthen our partnerships on both sides of the Atlantic, and deepen engagements in the multilateral platforms such as BRICS, the African Union, ECOWAS and the CARICOM.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of External Affairs – Government of India.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    July 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Ecobank Group and Google Cloud Announce Partnership to Accelerate Financial Inclusion and Innovation Across Africa

    Ecobank (www.EcoBank.com), a leading pan-African financial services group, and Google Cloud today announced a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at transforming financial services with advanced analytics and AI and driving digital empowerment across Africa. Through this collaboration, Ecobank plans to leverage Google Cloud’s cutting-edge technology to deliver innovative payment and remittance solutions that are frictionless, secure, and universally accessible, empowering individuals and businesses across the continent and beyond. This collaboration will focus on leveraging Google Cloud’s advanced technologies and AI to enhance Ecobank’s digital offerings to accelerate the digital transformation of the Bank.

    The partnership agreement is designed to empower individuals, support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region, and contribute to the overall economic development of Africa.

    This partnership is intended to deliver substantial benefits:

    • Enhancing financial accessibility: The collaboration will strive to simplify and streamline money transfers, both domestically and across borders. This will be supported by Google Cloud’s scalable infrastructure and advanced API solutions, such as Apigee, aiming to make financial transactions faster, more affordable, and more accessible for more people, facilitating crucial support for families and enabling smoother commercial activities for businesses.
    • Empowering African businesses: A core objective of the collaboration is to explore ways to bolster the continent’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. By leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, including its powerful data analytics platform, BigQuery, for AI-driven insights, Ecobank will aim to develop solutions that improve access to finance for SMEs, simplify payment acceptance, and provide valuable data-driven insights to help businesses scale across more than 33 countries in Africa.
    • Envisioning seamless digital banking: The collaboration will explore the creation of more intuitive and user-friendly digital banking platforms, built on Google Cloud’s secure and scalable global infrastructure and enhanced by Google Cloud’s AI technologies. This will empower Ecobank’s developers and customers to easily integrate into Ecobank’s platforms connecting to a unified and advanced API, enabling them to offer innovative financial solutions. For example, fintech partners can readily provide core banking services such as accounts, payments, and lending for seamless transactions.
    • Personalising financial solutions responsibly: Utilizing Google’s advanced data analytics, AI, and machine learning, while upholding the highest standards of data privacy and security, Ecobank will aim to better understand and anticipate customer needs. This will enable the development of more relevant and personalized financial products and services, including tailored credit, savings, and insurance options.
    • Strategic expert collaboration: Google Cloud’s Professional Services team will aim to provide ongoing expert support to Ecobank, ensuring the effective implementation of technology and the successful realization of the collaboration’s transformative goals over the coming years.

    Jeremy Awori, Group CEO, Ecobank said: “Our collaboration with Google Cloud is a leap forward in Ecobank’s digital transformation journey. We look forward to leveraging Google Cloud’s world-class technology to unlock new possibilities for individuals and businesses to grow and scale across Africa. This collaboration signifies our shared intent to explore building a more connected and financially inclusive future for the continent.”

    Thomas Kurian, CEO, Google Cloud said: “Google Cloud and Ecobank have a shared vision for using technology to help deliver financial empowerment to more people and businesses in Africa. We look forward to exploring the ways our cutting-edge AI, powerful data analytics, and scalable infrastructure can support Ecobank efforts to fuel the continent’s economic development and digital future.”

    This agreement signifies a shared commitment between Ecobank and Google Cloud to explore how the power of technology might unlock new opportunities for Africans and contribute to a digitally empowered and economically vibrant future for the continent.

    Ecobank and Google Cloud will actively explore opportunities to further expand their collaboration, tapping into the vast potential of other Google solutions and services.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated.

    Media Contact:
    For Ecobank Group
    Christiane Mbimbe Bossom
    Group Communications
    Email: groupcorporatecomms@ecobank.com
    Tel: +228 22 21 03 03

    About Ecobank Group:
    The Ecobank Group is the leading pan-African private sector banking group with unparalleled African expertise. It operates in 35 countries across sub-Saharan Africa, as well as in France, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and China. Its unique pan-African network provides a unified platform for payments, cash management, trade, and investments. The Ecobank Group employs over 14,000 people serving more than 32 million customers and offers a comprehensive range of Personal, Commercial, and Corporate & Investment Banking products, services, and solutions through multiple channels, including digital. For more information, please visit www.EcoBank.com

    About Google Cloud:
    Google Cloud is the new way to the cloud, providing AI, infrastructure, developer, data, security, and collaboration tools built for today and tomorrow. Google Cloud offers a powerful, fully integrated and optimized AI stack with its own planet-scale infrastructure, custom-built chips, generative AI models and development platform, as well as AI-powered applications, to help organizations transform. Customers in more than 200 countries and territories turn to Google Cloud as their trusted technology partner.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    July 2, 2025

  • India’s ETF AUM grows over 5 times in 5 years, retail investor folios jump 11-fold: Report

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) have seen tremendous growth over the last five years, with total Assets Under Management (AUM) rising more than five times and retail investor folios increasing eleven-fold, a new report said on Wednesday.

    The total AUM of ETFs in India grew nearly 5.5 times between March 2020 and March 2025, according to a new report released by Zerodha Fund House.

    By the end of this period, ETFs accounted for Rs 8.38 lakh crore, making up around 13 per cent of the overall Rs 65.74 lakh crore mutual fund industry.

    In comparison, ETFs held only a 7 per cent share in 2020. This shows the growing popularity of ETFs as an investment option in the country.

    The number of retail folios in ETF schemes also saw massive growth — from just over 23 lakh in March 2020 to about 2.63 crore in March 2025.

    Retail investors now make up more than 97 per cent of all ETF folios — reflecting a sharp rise in awareness and trust in ETFs among common investors.

    “This study highlights the new era for Indian ETFs, marked by surging retail participation and expanding product diversity reflected in higher resultant volumes,” Vishal Jain, CEO, Zerodha Fund House said.

    The retail AUM itself has more than tripled in this five-year period, growing from Rs 5,335 crore to over Rs 17,800 crore.

    The total number of ETF offerings has also increased nearly threefold during this time.

    New products, including commodity ETFs like silver-backed funds introduced in 2022, have expanded the choices available to investors.

    Equity ETFs continue to dominate, with nearly 80 per cent of the total ETF AUM consistently coming from equity-linked instruments since 2020.

    The trading activity in ETFs has also grown rapidly. The trading volume rose from Rs 51,101 crore in FY 2019-20 to Rs 3.83 lakh crore in FY 2024-25 — a more than sevenfold jump.

    Notably, the volume more than doubled just in the last one year, pointing to growing liquidity and investor interest, as per the report.

    (IANS)

    July 2, 2025

  • What is the trust that will identify the Dalai Lama’s successor?

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Dalai Lama said on Wednesday his Gaden Phodrang Trust would have the sole authority to recognise his future reincarnation, rejecting any role for China in choosing who succeeds him as the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhists.

    WHAT IS THE GADEN PHODRANG TRUST?

    The non-profit was registered in 2011 in the northern Indian town of Dharamshala, where the Dalai Lama is based. Its members include the Dalai Lama, senior monk Samdhong Rinpoche and close aides who work in the Dalai Lama’s office in Dharamshala.

    The Dalai Lama heads the trust and its “alternate chairperson”, or the second highest official, is Rinpoche, who Tibetans believe to be the reincarnation of a previous high monk. All its members must be based in India.

    The Dalai Lama and many other Tibetans fled Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule.

    He has since called for a “middle-way approach” that does not seek Tibet’s independence from China but demands autonomy for Tibetans to protect and preserve their culture, religion and national identity.

    WHAT DOES THE TRUST DO?

    At the moment, the organisation’s main job is to support the Dalai Lama’s spiritual and humanitarian work. The Dalai Lama said in an address to a religious conference on Wednesday that members of the trust should consult the various heads of Tibetan Buddhist traditions and other senior religious figures to “carry out the procedures of search and recognition in accordance with past tradition”.

    In 2011, he said that he would leave “clear written instructions about this”, but Rinpoche said on Wednesday that the Dalai Lama had not yet done so because he was in good health and had promised to live for many more years.

    The Dalai Lama will celebrate his 90th birthday on July 6. He told Reuters in December he could live until he is 110.

    ARE THERE OTHER DALAI LAMA NON-PROFITS?

    There is another Gaden Phodrang non-profit in the Swiss city of Zurich. It also carries out various projects on behalf of the Dalai Lama, is headed by the Dalai Lama and has his aides as its members.

    Its job is to “maintain and support the tradition and institution of the Dalai Lama with regard to the religious and spiritual duties of the Dalai Lama”, it says on its website.

    The Dalai Lama Trust is a charitable wing of the Dalai Lama’s office in Dharamshala.

    (Reuters)

    July 2, 2025

  • Trump’s ceasefire statement raises hopes in Gaza as Israel presses on with attacks

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Word from U.S. President Donald Trump that Israel has agreed to the conditions needed to finalise a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza raised hopes on Wednesday in the enclave, where health officials said at least 20 people had been killed in Israeli attacks.

    A “final” proposal would be delivered by the mediators, Qatar and Egypt, to Hamas, Trump said in a social media post on Tuesday, after what he described as a “long and productive” meeting between his representatives and Israeli officials.

    Gazans said even a temporary pause would bring relief.

    “I hope it would work this time, even if for two months, it would save thousands of innocent lives,” Kamal, a resident of Gaza City, said by phone.

    There is growing public pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and end the nearly two-year-long war, a move strongly opposed by hardline members of his right-wing ruling coalition.

    Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar wrote on X on Wednesday that a majority within the coalition government would back an agreement that would see the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas militants in Gaza.

    “If there is an opportunity to do so – we must not miss it!”, he wrote on X. Of 50 hostages still held, around 20 are believed to be still alive.

    For Gazans, who have fled multiple times and face daily struggles to find food 21 months into Israel’s military campaign, the statements provided a glimmer of hope.

    “Everyone is hopeful that it would work this time, there is no room for more failures, every day more costs us our lives,” said Tamer Al-Burai, a businessman.

    “We are living the most difficult days. People want an end to the war, an end to the starvation and humiliation.”

    There was no immediate official comment by either Israel or Hamas to Trump’s latest statement on the progress of the plan.

    “Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War,” Trump’s statement said, without specifying the conditions.

    IRAN LINK

    The U.S. president appeared to be seeking to use any momentum from U.S. and Israeli strikes on nuclear sites in Iran and a recently agreed ceasefire in that conflict to put pressure on Hamas, which is backed by Tehran. Israeli leaders also believe that, with Iran weakened by last month’s 12-day war, other countries in the region have an opportunity to forge ties with Israel.

    A Hamas official declined immediate comment on Trump’s statement. A source close to the group said leaders of the Islamist faction were expected to debate the proposal and seek clarifications from mediators before giving an official response.

    At the end of May, Hamas had said it was seeking amendments to a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal, which Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff said was “totally unacceptable.”

    That proposal had involved a 60-day ceasefire and the release of half the hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and the remains of other Palestinians; Hamas would release the remaining hostages as part of a deal that guarantees the end of the war.

    Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid wrote on X on Wednesday that his party could provide the government with a safety net if hardline members of the Israeli cabinet opposed a deal, effectively pledging not to back a no-confidence motion in parliament that could topple the government.

    Gaza health authorities said Israeli gunfire and military strikes killed at least 20 Palestinians in separate attacks in north and southern areas, and the Israeli military ordered more evacuations late on Tuesday.

    In response to questions from Reuters about the reports, the Israeli military stated that its operations aimed to dismantle Hamas’ military capabilities and mitigate civilian harm, without commenting on specific incidents.

    The war began when Hamas fighters stormed into Israel on October 7, 2023, killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and took 251 hostages back to Gaza in a surprise attack that led to Israel’s single deadliest day.

    Israel’s subsequent military assault has killed more than 56,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to the Gaza health ministry, displaced almost the whole 2.3 million population and plunged the enclave into a humanitarian crisis.

    More than 80% of the territory is now an Israeli-militarized zone or under displacement orders, according to the UN.

    (Reuters)

    July 2, 2025

  • What’s in the Republican tax and spending plan?

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Republican-controlled Congress on Wednesday could pass a sweeping budget package that would fulfill many of President Donald Trump’s priorities. It has already passed the Senate and needs to be approved again by the House of Representatives before Trump can sign it into law.

    Here is a summary of the major elements of the package, with cost and savings estimates by the Congressional Budget Office or the Joint Committee on Taxation when available.

    CBO estimates the bill would add $3.3 trillion to the $36.2-trillion debt over 10 years, reduce revenues by $4.5 trillion and cut spending by $1.2 trillion. The number of people without health insurance would increase by 10.9 million over that period due to changes to programs such as Medicaid.

    INDIVIDUAL TAX CUTS

    • Makes permanent the lower income tax rates in Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that are currently due to expire at the end of 2025 (Cost: $2.2 trillion)

    • Extends the standard deduction. (Cost: $1.4 trillion)

    • Extends and expands the alternative minimum tax exemption. (Cost: $1.4 trillion)

    • Expands the Child Tax Credit to $2,200 and indexes to inflation. (Cost: $817 billion)

    • Raises the estate tax exemption to $15 million. (Cost: $212 billion)

    • Exempts taxes on overtime pay until 2029. (Cost: $90 billion)

    • Exempts taxes on some tipped income until 2029. (Cost: $32 billion)

    • Creates a new deduction of up to $6,000 for people age 65 and older until 2029

    • Creates a tax break for some interest payments on auto loans until 2029. (Cost: $31 billion)

    • New tax-advantaged savings accounts for newborns. (Cost: $15 billion)

    • Expands deduction for state and local tax (SALT) payments from $10,000 to $40,000 until 2029

    • Exempts up to $1,700 for contributions to scholarship funds for private schools (Cost: $26 billion)

    BUSINESS TAX BREAKS

    • Extends and increases a tax break for owners of “pass-through” businesses, such as sole proprietorships and LLCs (Cost: $737 billion)

    • Full expensing for business equipment purchases (Cost: $363 billion)

    • Full expensing of business research and development costs (Cost: $141 billion)

    • Expands tax break for business interest expenses (Cost: $61 billion)

    OTHER TAX CHANGES

    • Raises taxes on the biggest private university endowments from 1.4% to 21% (New revenue: $761 million)

    • Imposes a new 1% tax on funds sent by immigrants to their home countries (New revenue: $10 billion)

    • Eliminates taxes on firearm silencers (Cost: $1.7 billion)

    • Gives the government power to strip tax exempt status from organizations found to be “terrorist supporting”

    MEDICAID AND OTHER HEALTH PROGRAMS

    Total savings: $1.1 trillion

    • Requires able-bodied adults who have no dependents to work, volunteer or be in school at least 80 hours a month starting in 2027

    • Bolsters eligibility verification measures for participants and healthcare providers and removes rules that make it easier to enroll

    • Excludes some non-citizens from the program and penalizes states that use their own funds to provide coverage to them

    • Blocks regulations that required minimum staffing levels at nursing homes and other long-term care facilities

    • Prohibits funding for gender transition therapies for minors

    • Prohibits payments to large providers like Planned Parenthood that specialize in birth control, abortion and other reproductive health services

    • Limits state “provider taxes” that are used to raise the federal government’s contribution

    • Adds $50 billion to rural providers to help offset the loss of revenue from the provider-tax limitation

    • Imposes stricter eligibility requirements for Affordable Care Act exchange insurance coverage

    ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT, COMMUNICATIONS

    • Repeals grant programs for purchasing electric heavy-duty vehicles

    • Repeals grants to reduce air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions

    • Creates incentives for pipelines, natural gas exports and exploration

    • Ends tax breaks for electric vehicles

    • Ends tax breaks for clean electricity and green energy

    • Restricts incentives for nuclear power

    • Cancels funding for green-energy grant programs in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, including vehicle manufacturing, home efficiency upgrades, electricity transmission and wind power

    • Weakens enforcement of fuel-efficiency standards for automobiles and pickup trucks

    • Makes more electromagnetic communication spectrum bands available for auction

    IMMIGRATION AND JUSTICE

    Total cost: $178 billion

    • Provides money for border wall construction

    • Funds surveillance towers, drones and other border-security equipment

    • Increases staffing for immigration enforcement, border control and immigration courts

    • Increases detention capacity for immigration enforcement

    • Increases law enforcement protection of the president

    • Adds funding to investigate visa fraud and other immigration-related crimes

    • Imposes new fees of up to $5,000 for immigrants’ work permits, court hearings, applications for asylum and other matters

    • Reimburses states for border-security costs

    • Allows courts to require plaintiffs to post a bond when they sue to block government policies

    MILITARY

    Total cost: $153 billion

    • Increases spending on shipbuilding

    • Adds funds for air and missile defense

    • Pays for munitions, nuclear weapons

    • Funds military operations to assist with border security

    FOOD ASSISTANCE

    Total savings: $186 billion

    • Increases work requirements for some of the 41 million participants in the SNAP food aid program

    • Shift some costs from federal government to states

    • Bars some noncitizens from benefits

    EDUCATION

    • Changes student loan repayment plans (Savings: $287 billion)

    • Imposes borrowing limits for some student loan programs (Savings: $51 billion)

    • Limits the government’s ability to cancel student debt (Savings: $18 billion)

    (Reuters)

    July 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: China: Authorities must end interference in Tibetan religious practices as Dalai Lama announces succession plan

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Responding to the Dalai Lama outlining the process for his spiritual succession ahead of his 90th birthday, amid longstanding efforts by Chinese authorities to control the reincarnation of Tibetan Buddhist leaders, Amnesty International’s China Director Sarah Brooks said:

    “The Chinese authorities’ ongoing efforts to control the selection of the next Dalai Lama are a direct assault on the right to freedom of religion or belief. Tibetan Buddhists, like all faith communities, must be able to choose their spiritual leaders without coercion or interference by the authorities.

    “The Chinese authorities have a long history of systematically suppressing religious freedom and tightening control over Tibetan Buddhism. For example, in 1995 the authorities forcibly disappeared Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the boy recognized by the Dalai Lama as the Panchen Lama; Beijing has yet to properly explain his fate and whereabouts.

    “This climate of secrecy, coupled with the imposition of numerous state-appointed religious figures within Tibetan Buddhism, highlights a concerning pattern of state control over religion in China.

    “The Chinese authorities must immediately end political interference in Tibetan religious practices and cease using religious succession as a tool for control and coercion. Authorities must uphold the right of everyone to freedom of religion or belief. They must also immediately allow independent access to Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and take steps to end 30 years of impunity for his disappearance.”

    MIL OSI NGO –

    July 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Amnesty International UK urges Government to use the opportunity provided by the Timms Review to establish an independent social security commission

    Source: Amnesty International –

    In response to the Government’s welfare bill passing its second reading in Parliament tonight, Jen Clark, Amnesty International UK’s Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Lead, said

    “The legislative process surrounding this welfare bill has been incredibly harmful to disabled people who depend on social security. It is disappointing that the bill advanced despite the dedicated efforts of campaigners and supportive MPs to abolish it. The rushed timeline restricts proper scrutiny of its remaining elements, particularly those that discriminate against individuals with fluctuating conditions, falling short of international standards.

    “While we are cautiously relieved that some of the most harmful aspects of the bill, specifically the changes to PIP, have been paused, the overwhelming lack of public support for these changes is undeniable. Recent polling by Savanta, commissioned by Amnesty, shows that 75% of respondents believe that removing PIP from people in need is cruel. Although the Government’s concession on this issue is welcome, serious questions still need to be addressed.

    “We are waiting for key details about the Timms review, which must not serve as a smokescreen to evade accountability or scrutiny through statutory consultation. This review presents a vital opportunity to realign social security with its fundamental purpose: ensuring that no one has to live in poverty

    “Amnesty International calls on the UK government to establish a Social Security Commission with statutory powers, drawing inspiration from the Beveridge Report and past Royal Commissions. This Commission should carry out an independent inquiry into the UK social security system, driving comprehensive reform to ensure that all individuals have an adequate standard of living grounded in dignity and human rights.”

    Rick Burgess Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People added, “Kier Starmer has marked his first year in parliament by betraying disabled people. Our lives have been traded through a shambolic, farcical parliamentary process. They have won a small battle but we’ll keep fighting. There’s no peace because there’s no justice.” 

    MIL OSI NGO –

    July 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Banking: DG Okonjo-Iweala welcomes President Halla Tómasdóttir of Iceland to the WTO

    Source: WTO

    Headline: DG Okonjo-Iweala welcomes President Halla Tómasdóttir of Iceland to the WTO

    Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala met with the President of Iceland, Halla Tómasdóttir, on 1 July at the WTO. They discussed the current uncertainty faced by global trade and the world economy and emphasized the importance of collective efforts to tackle global challenges. Both leaders reiterated the importance of the multilateral trading system and the need for reform and repositioning of the WTO. DG Okonjo-Iweala complimented Iceland on its strong economic performance and its active participation in the work of the WTO.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    July 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Banking: DG Okonjo-Iweala underscores importance of partnerships to support LDCs

    Source: WTO

    Headline: DG Okonjo-Iweala underscores importance of partnerships to support LDCs

    Co-organized by Djibouti, Finland and the Executive Secretariat of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), the event focused on strengthening international partnerships in support of LDC trade and investment priorities. The vision for EIF Phase Three – the next stage of this Aid for Trade programme exclusively dedicated to LDCs – was also presented. Several countries announced new funding commitments to this new phase of the EIF.
    Several donors pledged new contributions to the EIF Trust Fund, providing strong momentum for Phase Three, which is set to begin in October 2025. Sweden announced a contribution of SEK 75 million (approx. CHF 6.3 million), Denmark DKK 20 million (approx. CHF 2.5 million), Norway NOK 12 million (approx. CHF 0.9 million), France EUR 300,000, (approx. CHF 0.3 million) and Liechtenstein CHF 50,000, building on Finland’s earlier pledge of EUR 2.5 million (approx. CHF 2.3 million) and a GBP 400,000 (approx. CHF 0.4 million) contribution from the United Kingdom to EIF Phase Three. These pledges will help ensure a solid start to the next phase of EIF support, which is designed to deliver catalytic and transformative impact for LDCs through trade.
    In her opening remarks, DG Okonjo-Iweala highlighted the growing gap between development needs and available resources, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of the EIF in helping LDCs benefit from trade. She noted that the partnership has “gone from strength to strength,” supporting USD 1 billion in LDC exports and enabling hundreds of thousands of small farmers and entrepreneurs to improve their livelihoods.
    She also shared the story of Sittina Farate Ibrahima from Comoros, whose biocosmetics business was developed with EIF support. “Today, 80% of her products are exported to Europe. This is what Aid for Trade to LDCs is all about.”
    Looking ahead, the Director-General welcomed the shared ambition behind EIF Phase Three and its USD 200 million funding target. “`We hope we can count on all the partners in bringing this vision to life, she said, noting that the event would serve as “a springboard for a high-level launch of the next phase of the EIF partnership at the 14th Ministerial Conference.”
    The event brought together ministers from Djibouti, Finland and Guinea, along with senior representatives from other least-developed and donor countries, including Sweden, Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, Liechtenstein and the United Arab Emirates. UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan delivered closing remarks, alongside representatives from other international organizations and other development partners. Discussions focused on priorities for EIF Phase Three, which will run up to 2031.
    “From the perspective of the WTO LDC Group, EIF Phase Three comes at a critical time,” said H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance of Djibouti. “What we need is a mechanism that catalyses our efforts, brings innovation to respond to our evolving trade and investment priorities, supports stronger institutions, and helps unlock new partnerships. We see in the vision for EIF Phase Three a foundation to move towards precisely that. For many of our countries, including my own, the EIF has not only been a financial and technical partner. It has also been a catalyst for inclusive economic transformation.”
    “Finland is a longstanding supporter of multilateral efforts to strengthen the trade capacities of least-developed countries,” said H.E. Ville Tavio, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development of Finland. “We believe in the transformative power of trade as, when matched with targeted support and strong local ownership, it can unlock lasting development impact. The EIF has consistently proven to be a trusted and effective partner for LDCs. As it enters a new phase, we see an opportunity to deepen its reach and amplify its role in advancing inclusive and sustainable growth. Finland is proud to contribute to this next chapter.”
    A follow-up pledging and partnership event is scheduled for September 2025 on the margins of the WTO Public Forum in Geneva.
    EIF Phase Three aims to mobilize at least USD 200 million to help LDCs strengthen trade capacities, expand exports, and harness trade for inclusive, sustainable development.
    More information on the EIF and its work is available here.

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    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    July 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Video: Pakistan’s Presidency of the UN Security Council – Press Conference | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (video statements)

    Press Conference: Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, and President of the Security Council in July 2025 on the Programme of Work of the Security Council in July.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1c-3wr9yNEs

    MIL OSI Video –

    July 2, 2025
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