HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani received a written message from HE President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa, inviting His Highness to participate in the upcoming G20 Summit that will take place in Johannesburg from November 22 to 23.
The message was received by HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi during a meeting on Sunday with HE Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to Qatar Ghulam Hoosein Asmal.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.
Vaccines have prevented more than 2.5 million deaths caused by SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind COVID-19, according to a new study.
Led by researchers from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Italy, the study found that one COVID-related death was avoided for every 5,400 vaccine doses administered.
About 82% of the lives saved involved people who were vaccinated before contracting the virus. Additionally, 57% of the total lives saved were during the Omicron period, and 90% of the deaths prevented were among individuals aged 60 and above.
Overall, the study estimated that vaccines saved 14.8 million years of life globally—equivalent to one year of life saved for every 900 doses administered. The findings were published in the JAMA Health Forum journal.
“Previous studies attempted to estimate lives saved by vaccines using different models, timeframes, or regional data,” said Dr. Angelo Maria Pezzullo and Dr. Antonio Cristiano. “However, this study is the most comprehensive to date. It uses global data, includes the Omicron period, quantifies life years saved, and is based on fewer assumptions regarding pandemic trends.”
For the analysis, researchers examined global population data and applied a series of statistical models to determine who became ill with COVID-19—either before or after vaccination—and during or after the Omicron period, including age and mortality outcomes.
“We compared this data with modeled estimates assuming no COVID vaccination. This allowed us to calculate how many people were saved and the number of life years gained due to vaccination,” explained Dr. Pezzullo.
The study also revealed that 76% of the saved life years were among people over 60. However, residents of long-term care facilities accounted for only 2% of the total benefit.
Children and adolescents accounted for just 0.01% of lives saved and 0.1% of life years saved. Similarly, young adults aged 20–29 contributed 0.07% of lives saved and 0.3% of life years saved, the researchers noted.
Muslims, and the global community, must rally around the Palestinian people’s inalienable rights: to exist, to return home, and to live free from occupation.
ANALYSIS:By Shadee ElMasry
In our world today, one would be hard-pressed to find a reputable, well-known scholar or group of scholars who support Israel. Of course, the keywords here are “well-known” and “reputable”, after a “misguided” delegation of European Imams travelled to Israel to placate the Israeli occupation and sponsor the genocide of the Palestinian people.
It is increasingly common to find these figures, Muslim apologists for Israel, who have breached the Islamic tenet of standing against injustice, laundering their authority to provide cover for Israel’s crimes against humanity against their brothers and sisters in Palestine and across the wider Arab world.
We live in a world of shameless opportunism, where the poisoned fruit of “normalising” relations with the Israeli occupation is weighed against moral conviction and our duty to stand with the afflicted Palestinians.
A few weeks ago, this tradeoff played out across our screens.
The delegation’s visit, which included 15 European Imams, was led by the controversial Hassen Chalghoumi (known for supporting Nicolas Sarkozy’s burqa ban) and involved meetings with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who has been accused of inciting genocide.
Clearly, their consciences weren’t troubled by the catastrophic famine now gripping Gaza, a “hell on earth” where women and children are killed for scrambling to get flour, and men are killed without rhyme or reason.
I, like many companions across mosques and online feeds, was dumbfounded by the delegation’s complicity. This visit happened at a time when we as Muslims, and the global community, must rally around the Palestinian people’s inalienable rights: to exist, to return home, and to live free from occupation, especially as they face an existential threat.
Delegation swiftly denounced The delegation was swiftly denounced. Al-Azhar University stressed that they “do not represent Islam and Muslims.” Worshippers walked out of UK mosques. A Dutch Imam was suspended.
But this isn’t just about them. We need to ask how this happened and ensure it does not repeat with us. As one scholar said, if an Imam sees the community fall into usury, then gives his Friday sermon on adultery, the Imam has betrayed his congregation.
The same is the case with Muslim apologists for Israel.
To understand their motives, we must examine three theological “traps” these figures use to justify their support for Israel, or at least the very least, their silence over Palestine. The first of which is the “Greater Good Trap”.
They claim that “speaking up against Israel will result in more harm than good”. But only the Prophet Muhammad’s silence constitutes tacit approval. Their reasoning doesn’t hold up.
A weak-willed person will always accept this reasoning because it allows them to have their proverbial cake and eat it: they gain spiritual cover for remaining silent. As we’ve seen, the scholar will say: “Yes, I can speak, but then our school will get shut down, or we’ll lose funding. For the sake of the greater good, I must remain silent.”
Israel, I’m sure, is delighted by this self-censorship. But we should also ask how it is that so many non-scholars, non-Muslims, and non-Arabs are speaking the truth about the Gaza genocide, while Islamic scholars remain silent.
It raises eyebrows, at the very least.
‘Pure theology’ trap The second trap is the “Pure Theology” trap. Here, the scholar says: “Sound belief is the most important thing. How can we support the Palestinians when they resort to armed conflict? Their theology is flawed. I prioritise the truth, what’s wrong with that?”
But what they overlook is that falsehood has degrees. It is foolish to denounce one error while ignoring a greater one.
To attack a people’s doctrinal shortcomings while staying silent on their oppression is not principled; it is a failure to understand the fiqh of priorities.
This trap lies in misplacing truths: loudly condemning the religious mistakes of Israel’s victims while conveniently forgetting the far graver injustice of Israel itself and the violent context that brought it into being.
The final, and most sophisticated, trap that Muslim apologists for Israel use is metaphysical: they attempt to misdirect Muslims to a higher order of spiritual thought about the Divine will.
They ask what sounds like a noble question: “Why is Allah doing this to us? It must be because of our sins. Israel is merely a tool God is using to punish us or purify us.”
But the catch here is that the spiritual angle often (but not always) becomes a cover for pacifism. These figures that travelled to Israel, for instance, actively promote inaction. They showed no emotion, no voice, when witnessing the oppression of their own; only when it came to their sponsors did they find something to say.
Suffer in silence The idea here is to suffer in silence, to clothe disengagement in the language of spiritual endurance.
In the end, this is precisely what Israel and its supporters want: to keep the spotlight off themselves. Any diversion, theological or otherwise, is welcome. As we know, the oppressor laughs at those who fixate on what is bad while ignoring what is worse. And that is the danger behind all three traps.
Yet despite these efforts, something far more powerful holds. The drive within the hearts and minds of Muslims to carry the burden of the Palestinian people, to speak their truth and fight for their freedom has not been extinguished.
It is sustained by faith, shared memory, and the belief that justice is not a slogan but a sacred duty. We ask Allah for continued guidance and protection, and the strength to continue this noble and just cause. Ameen.
Dr Shadee Elmasry has taught at several universities in the United States. Currently, he serves as scholar in residence at the New Brunswick Islamic Center in New Jersey. He is also the founder and head of Safina Society, an institution dedicated to the cause of traditional Islamic education in the West. This article was first published by The New Arab.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spotlighted a compelling example of grassroots transformation, sharing a poignant story from Gumla district in Jharkhand — a region once shadowed by Maoist violence that now glows with the promise of peace and livelihood.
The Prime Minister narrated the journey of Om Prakash Sahu, a young man from Basia block who once stood at the precipice of violence but chose a different path.
Amid threats and isolation, Sahu took up fish farming, gradually steering others toward peaceful employment.
His determination sparked a quiet revolution — turning a conflict-ridden zone into a hub of aquatic entrepreneurship. Once marked by deserted villages and widespread migration, Gumla has witnessed a steady turnaround.
Sahu’s initiative, bolstered by the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, opened avenues for training, infrastructure, and financial support, leading to the creation of multiple fishponds across the block.
“Today, over 150 families in Basia — including many who were once part of Maoist groups — have embraced aquaculture. They now enjoy dignified livelihoods within their own villages and are contributing to local employment,” the Prime Minister said.
“If the path is right and there is trust in the mind, the lamp of development can be lit even in the most difficult circumstances,” he added.
The transformation of Gumla reflects the broader narrative PM Modi emphasised in Mann Ki Baat — how resilience, coupled with government-backed schemes, can redirect lives from despair to productivity.
His remarks drew attention not only to individual courage but also to the enabling role of targeted development policies.
As the country nears the 78th Independence Day, the Prime Minister’s message resonated deeply: that true freedom lies not just in governance but in empowering citizens to rewrite their own stories.
The example of Gumla stands as a beacon — where darkness once reigned, the light of hope now flickers through community-led change and state support.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
LANZHOU, July 27 (Xinhua) — China and Kyrgyzstan will jointly protect the ruins of the ancient city of Ak-Beshim (Suyab), the Dunhuang Research Academy (DRA) in northwest China’s Gansu Province said.
The ruins of Ak-Beshim are located in Kyrgyzstan and are part of the Silk Roads: the Chang’an-Tianshan Corridor route network, a UNESCO World Heritage site jointly submitted by China, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. According to legend, this is where the great Chinese poet of the Tang Dynasty (618-907) Li Bo was born.
Recently, a reporting meeting on the results of the work within the framework of the preliminary survey project for the joint Chinese-Kyrgyz protection of the Ak-Beshim settlement was held at the National Historical Museum of Kyrgyzstan. The event was jointly organized by the IAD and the Ministry of Culture, Information and Youth Policy of Kyrgyzstan.
This project was carried out jointly by China and Kyrgyzstan, and a number of basic works were completed, including a study of the status quo of the Ak-Beshim ruins, an analysis of degradation processes, and the development of a conservation plan, which served as a scientific basis for the subsequent conservation and use of the site. At the meeting, the parties reached consensus on the specific tasks of the next stage of work, focused on Ak-Beshim.
Back in 2017, the IAD had already signed a memorandum of cooperation with Kyrgyzstan and sent experts to the ancient settlement in the Naryn region of Kyrgyzstan to study the possibilities of its preservation. This year, the Chinese-Kyrgyz Joint Laboratory for the Protection of Cultural Heritage was founded, which opened on the basis of the IAD and the Ministry of Culture, Information and Youth Policy of Kyrgyzstan, respectively.
According to the director of the IAD Su Bomin, in recent years, the parties, relying on the research platform of the academy and its experience in the field of conservation, have carried out a range of scientific work on the territory of the Ak-Beshim settlement, including monitoring of destructive processes, digital 3D modeling, environmental analysis and ecological mapping of plant communities, etc.
According to him, the new joint lab will focus on key technical issues in the field of cultural heritage protection along the Silk Road and serve the heritage protection practices of Belt and Road Initiative participating countries to become a high-level international scientific research cooperation platform.
It should be recalled that the IAD is a cultural relics protection institution with a history of over 80 years. The Academy’s concepts and technologies in the field of protecting frescoes and rammed earth ruins are among the most advanced in the world. And the similar types of cultural heritage and climatic conditions of Dunhuang and Kyrgyzstan have laid the foundation for cooperation between the two sides. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
Statement from the Foreign Secretary on the situation in Gaza
The Foreign Secretary has issued a statement following today’s announcement of a temporary humanitarian pause by the IDF in Gaza.
Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, said:
The humanitarian suffering in Gaza has reached new depths.
The Prime Minister has already announced plans to work with Jordan to get aid into Gaza and to evacuate children who need critical medical assistance to the UK for treatment.
Today’s announcement of a temporary pause by the IDF to allow humanitarian corridors to open and aid drops to resume is essential but long overdue. Access to aid must therefore be urgently accelerated over the coming hours and days.
This announcement alone cannot alleviate the needs of those desperately suffering in Gaza. We need a ceasefire that can end the war, for hostages to be released and aid to enter Gaza by land unhindered. Whilst airdrops will help to alleviate the worst of the suffering, land routes serve as the only viable and sustainable means of providing aid into Gaza. These measures must be fully implemented and further barriers on aid removed. The world is watching.
The UK supports the efforts of Qatar, Egypt and the US as mediators and urges all parties to resume talks on a pathway for lasting peace and security.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
1st anniv. of successful inscription of Beijing Central Axis on UNESCO World Heritage List marked in Beijing
Updated: July 27, 2025 20:48Xinhua
People kick a shuttlecock at a square connecting the Bell and Drum Towers in Beijing, capital of China, July 27, 2025. An event marking the first anniversary of the successful inscription of Beijing Central Axis on the UNESCO World Heritage List was held here on Sunday, showcasing achievements made in the protection of and research on the Central Axis. [Photo/Xinhua]A book collection titled “Beijing Central Axis: A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital” is released in Beijing, capital of China, July 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
President John Dramani Mahama has stated that the Oti Region will receive its fair share of resources from the national budget to develop critical infrastructure, including roads, education and health.
Describing this as a top national priority, President Mahama mentioned in his address at a Thank You Tour durbar in Dambai, Oti Region, that these strategic investments are essential for unlocking the full economic potential of the Volta Basin and for Ghana’s overall progress.
The President made these pronouncements while addressing a vibrant durbar of Chiefs and people at the Dambai College of Education, marking the last stop of his ‘Thank You Tour’ across all 16 regions of Ghana.
He assured residents that the vital Eastern Corridor Road, a cornerstone of national transportation, would be fully completed during his tenure. President Mahama recognised that the Oti Region plays a pivotal role as a key transit zone for goods and food between the North and South.
He also announced that the completion of the Nkwanta-Kpassa-Oti Damanko stretch of the Eastern Corridor is fully secured, with contracts already signed and contractors mobilised to the site for immediate commencement.
This commitment was met with enthusiastic cheers from the appreciative audience. Beyond this, the President detailed an extensive list of other critical road projects earmarked for rapid execution. These include: * Upgrading of Okadjakrom-Kwamekrom Road * Upgrading of Apotoase-Atonko Road * Upgrading of Kpassa-Tijansi Road * Upgrading of Nkwanta-Oti Damanko Road * Rehabilitation of Hohoe-Jasikan Road * Rehabilitation of Hohoe-Baika-Jasikan Road * Construction of Nkwanta-Dambai Road
A significant highlight of his address was his assurance to construct a bridge over the River Oti. President Mahama confirmed that funding for the project has been secured in the mid-year budget, pledging its commencement within the year.
“I will personally return to cut the sod for this bridge, marking the start of a new chapter for connectivity,” he declared.
President Mahama also revealed that technical costing and procurement processes are underway for additional road projects across the Kete-Krachi, Krachi Nchumuru, and Guan Districts.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.
Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Transport and Industry, lieutenant General Kamel El-Wazir, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Engineer Hassan El-Khatib, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Engineer Karim Badawi, and CEO of the Environmental Affairs Agency Dr. Ali Hamid.
The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shenawy, said that during the meeting, the President reviewed the latest developments regarding the implementation of industrial projects, the provision of necessary raw materials for industrial operations, means for securing the required financing, and efforts to establish partnerships with major international specialized companies, in addition to plans for marketing the products both locally and globally.
The President emphasized the importance of petrochemical and mining industries implemented by the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, given their role in maximizing the added value of Egypt’s natural and mineral resources, meeting domestic market needs, exporting to international markets, and therefore contributing to the expansion of related industries. These efforts shall create job opportunities and boost returns for the national economy.
President El-Sisi underscored the importance of accelerating the localization of related industries in Egypt and attracting investment to this vital sector.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that Operation Sindoor has sent a clear message to the world that India will respond strongly to any threat against its security and sovereignty.
Speaking at the historic Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple in Tamil Nadu’s Ariyalur district, the PM said, “Today’s India prioritises its security. During Operation Sindoor, the world witnessed that if anyone threatens India’s sovereignty, the country will respond in their own language.”
“This operation has instilled a new sense of confidence and ignited a spirit of unity across the nation. There is no haven for India’s enemies and terrorists anywhere in the world”, PM Modi added.
The Prime Minister was addressing a special function marking the valedictory celebrations of the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival and the 1000th anniversary of Rajendra Chola’s maritime expedition to Southeast Asia.
The event was held at the Gangaikonda Cholisvaram temple, a UNESCO-recognised marvel built by Rajendra Chola I.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced that grand statues of Chola emperors Rajaraja Chola and Rajendra Chola will be erected in Tamil Nadu to honour their contributions to Indian history and culture.
Speaking at a special function at the historic Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple in Tamil Nadu’s Ariyalur district, PM Modi said that the Chola Empire represented a golden era of India, marked by achievements in architecture, governance, diplomacy, trade, and cultural integration.
“The Cholas established strong political and trade ties with Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Southeast Asia. It is a coincidence that I returned from the Maldives yesterday, and today I stand here in the land once ruled by these visionary kings,” he remarked.
Reflecting on India’s civilizational values, the Prime Minister said, “The Cholas pioneered democratic principles even before Britain. Their *kudavolai* system is considered one of the earliest forms of participatory democracy. They were also leaders in water management and temple architecture.”
PM Modi also praised Tamil Nadu’s deep Shaivite traditions and noted that more than 30 stolen antiquities retrieved by the Union government from across the globe belonged to Tamil Nadu.
“Shaivite poet Thirumoolar said, ‘Anbe Sivam’ — Love is God. If the world adopts this idea, many of today’s crises, such as instability, violence, and environmental destruction, can be resolved. India is taking this message to the world through ‘One World, One Family, One Future,’” he added.
Offering prayers at the feet of Lord Brihadeeswara, PM Modi said, “I prayed for the well-being of 140 crore Indians and the continued progress of the nation. I feel truly blessed to have this opportunity.”
Governor R.N. Ravi, Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu (representing Chief Minister M.K. Stalin), Union Minister of State L. Murugan, and VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan were among the dignitaries present at the event.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 27 (Xinhua) — China’s logistics sector saw an overall improvement in efficiency in the first half of this year, official data released by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) showed Sunday.
According to the State Committee for Social Development and Reconstruction and Development, during the reporting period, the ratio of total costs on social logistics to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) decreased to 14 percent, which is 0.1 percentage points less than the figure for the first quarter of this year, and 0.2 percentage points lower than the figure for the same period in 2024.
This indicates intermediate results achieved in the work to reduce costs of social logistics, the State Committee for Development and Reconstruction of the Russian Federation reported. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met on Sunday with HE Ambassador of Canada to the State of Qatar Isabelle Marie Catherine Martin, on the occasion of the conclusion of her tenure in the country.
HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs expressed his appreciation to HE the Ambassador for her efforts in strengthening bilateral relations and wished her continued success in her future duties.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has intensified its operations into the investigation of allegations that Basotho nationals are undergoing militarily training on South African farms, as part of a growing land reclamation campaign.
This was revealed during a Board of Commissioners (BOC) meeting, where National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola met with all nine provincial commissioners to discuss crime combatting efforts in the country.
The BOC is the highest decision-making body of the SAPS inclusive of all Provincial Commissioners, Divisional Commissioners and the Acting National Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as the Hawks.
“During the meeting, General Fannie Masemola highlighted his satisfaction that organised crime syndicates in the country are being dismantled, dislodged, displaced and arrested,” the SAPS said in a statement on Saturday.
The comments, initially made by the Lesotho Police Chief, Advocate Borotho Matsoso, were high on the agenda. A preliminary report from the SAPS Crime Intelligence Division was discussed, confirming that intelligence structures have highlighted their operations to investigate allegations made and where necessary, track down and takedown such illegal activities.
The DPCI’s Crimes Against the State (CATS) unit has also been roped in to investigate. Various searches have been undertaken by CATS at various identified farms, and no such evidence has been found to date.
“Further to this, the National Commissioner has reached out to the Lesotho Police Chief, where the two commissioners discussed the allegations made by Advocate Matsoso. Both commissioners agreed that both law enforcement agencies intelligence structures are on the ground to investigate the existence of such camps.
“General Masemola assures all people living in South Africa that the safety and security of the people of SA is of paramount importance, and anyone who is found to be in the country committing illegal acts will face the full might of the law. To this effect, intelligence structures and operatives are on the ground to establish facts,” the SAPS said.
The SAPS has urged South Africans not to panic or worry as police from both countries remain on high alert. –SAnews.gov.za
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has seized counterfeit and illicit goods worth more than R156 million during operations in Pretoria, Mbombela and Limpopo.
In the past three weeks, the integrated team executed search-and-seizure warrants in terms of the Counterfeit Goods Act 37 of 1997, as well as the Customs and Excise Act at targeted shops in Marabastad, Mokopane, Mbombela, Bela Bela, Mookghopong, and Modimolle.
“During these takedowns, the team seized more than 23 000 items imitating high-end designer brands that include clothing, shoes, bags, caps, and watches as well as counterfeit jewellery, sunglasses, perfumes, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
“Also amongst the seized items are sports apparel that bears the Springboks trademark and other well-known brands. These counterfeit items were seized outside Mbombela stadium and Loftus stadium respectively during recent Springbok rugby games against visiting countries. The team also confiscated illicit cigarettes valued at over R50 000,” SAPS said in a statement on Saturday.
The operations were led by the National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods unit, with support from Public Order Policing (POP), the South African Revenue Services (SARS) Customs and Enforcement team, counterfeit depot officials, brand protectors, and private security personnel.
“SAPS remains committed to eradicate the illegal trade in counterfeit goods in an effort to protect consumers, support legitimate businesses, and ensure the integrity of South Africa’s economy.
“The Counterfeit Goods Act aims to combat the trade in counterfeit goods by protecting trademarks, copyrights, and certain mark owners from the unlawful use of their intellectual property on goods and preventing such counterfeit goods from entering the market,” the SAPS said. –SAnews.gov.za
A lot of public opinion research on views about democracy focuses on citizens. Surely this is understandable, since they are the ones choosing who is in power in a democratic state.
But what do the people in power or those running for office think about democracy? Surprisingly, for all the attention we place on politicians, we don’t know much about how they regard the democratic systems they operate in.
Why it matters
Why should we care about what politicians think about democracy? Because politicians can influence the views of citizens, and if they’re elected, they can affect or change democratic processes from within major institutions like legislatures.
Therefore, to understand the contemporary health of democracies across the globe, we need to factor in politicians’ satisfaction with the way democracy works.
While there are growing concerns about the current state of democracy around the globe, new open-access research I’ve conducted has hopeful findings, at least from the perspective of politicians. The analysis covers 49 elections in 21 countries — including Canada — from 2005 to 2021.
The results show that politicians’ democratic satisfaction in a country will be higher when:
Elections in their country have high electoral integrity; in other words, when elections are free and fair
Electoral management bodies have sufficient resources to administer elections.
This is good news from the perspective of maintaining a healthy democracy, since the people seeking the power of elected office are more satisfied when their democratic system is working well.
But these findings become convoluted once we consider some attributes of politicians. Specifically, politicians’ democratic satisfaction begins to vary once we consider:
Whether their political party formed the government (winner) or is not part of government (loser)
Whether they identify with the ideological left or right.
Winning and losing
Nobody likes to lose, so it’s natural that a winner will be more satisfied with democracy.
Although, the view that may be surprising — or troubling — is the extent to which politicians who won tolerate low electoral integrity, at least in terms of their democratic satisfaction.
As illustrated above, when electoral integrity is low in a country, politicians who lose will be much less satisfied with democracy than winners. When electoral integrity is high, there is no noticeable difference between politicians that won or lost.
The difference between winners’ and losers’ democratic satisfaction is problematic, but what is most troubling is that winners’ satisfaction with democracy does not significantly change across different levels of electoral integrity.
When it comes to citizens, previous research has shown that when electoral integrity is low, democratic satisfaction among citizens will also be low, regardless of whether their preferred politician or political party won or lost.
Politicians therefore differ from their citizen counterpart — those who won are much more tolerant of lower electoral integrity (at least in terms of their democratic satisfaction).
In a stable democracy with free and fair elections, this might not matter much. However, if a country begins to experience democratic decline, then these attitudes could become detrimental.
If politicians who win are not concerned with low electoral integrity, then they might lack the incentive needed to make necessary changes to electoral processes. Those concerned about electoral processes in these kinds of circumstances may therefore need to find alternative routes or incentives to encourage change.
Left-to-right political ideology
While the contrast between winners and losers may be discouraging, there are more similarities between those on the ideological left and right. Electoral management bodies having sufficient resources to administer elections matters to both leftist and rightist politicians in terms of their democratic satisfaction.
However, as shown above, having sufficient resources to administer elections matters more to politicians on the ideological right. This may surprise some readers given past claims that right-leaning groups or people might advocate for more restrictive voting processes and laws.
For those concerned with democratic stability, it’s promising to note that politicians across the ideological spectrum will generally be more satisfied with democracy when there are more resources to administer elections.
Overall, politicians on average tend to be more satisfied with democracy when it is working well — specifically, when elections are free and fair, and when electoral management bodies have the capacity to administer well-run elections. This is good news given concerns surrounding the current global state of democracy.
However, policymakers and practitioners in Canada and abroad focusing on democratic stability and elections should take note of these findings. The attitudes of politicians in democratic countries may not be concerning when everything is working as intended, but if democratic processes begin to weaken or fail, the indifference of winners towards electoral integrity could be troublesome.
At this moment of heightened concern about the current state of democracy around the globe, researchers and practitioners alike need to better understand the attitudes and motivations of the people who lead our systems of government.
Valere Gaspard is a PhD candidate at the University of Ottawa and a Research Fellow at Western University and Trent University’s Leadership and Democracy Lab. His research is supported in part by funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (CGS Doctoral award). His views do not reflect those of any employer(s).
Many Iranians in Canada were glued to their media feeds to stay close to Iran and their friends and families.
Based on preliminary interviews with 30 Iranian activists in Canada, many in the diaspora have experienced what they call “survivor’s guilt.”
The interviews are part of a PhD study conducted online or in person by one of the authors of this story, Fateme Ejaredar, and supervised by co-author Pallavi Banerjee. The information from these interviews helps to untangle the roots of political tensions and evolving solidarities in the Iranian diaspora in Canada. For this research, 30 interviews were conducted, with seven followups after the conflict began on June 13, 2025.
There are also those who oppose the Islamic Republic in support of the deposed shah, a movement currently swayed by Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah. They see the U.S. and Israel as liberators of the Iranian people. The current war resurfaced many of these tensions that continue to divide the diaspora.
The war has left Iranian activists in the diaspora contending with contradictions about both their standing as activists while mourning the assaults on their country, both from within and outside.
After the revolution, many left-wing and other opposition activists who resisted both the pre- and post-revolutionary regimes went into exile. Continued political repression and economic hardship later forced even more Iranians, including activists, to leave the country. Strife peaked again in 2022 during the “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests which deeply impacted the diaspora.
Matin, a participant in her 30s from Alberta (all names of interviewees are pseudonyms), said:
“I’m sad that my home is being bombed. And you don’t have the energy to argue in this situation. For a soul that’s already tired, its wounds from 2022 aren’t healed yet, it can’t go into this again. It’s a dead end.”
This is heightened when the homeland is in a state of political disarray, producing what sociologists have called “exogenous shocks” for the diaspora.
This is the unsettled feeling Iranians in the diaspora have been contending with for the last 45 years. They are constantly navigating life in between the homeland and hostland.
Fragmented nationalism
People’s fragmented sense of nationalism can shape responses to upheavals in the homeland.
Many we spoke with struggle with their own interpretations of Iranian nationalism that clash with their disdain for the Islamic Republic. Their disdain is rooted in their own lived experiences under the regime — ranging from the loss of basic rights and freedoms, to harsh repression including imprisonment and torture for some, or simply an unfulfilled desire of living in a peaceful and free society.
Vida, an interviewee in her 30s who lives in Saskatchewan, said even though she despised the politics of the Islamic Republic and in the past had celebrated the death of key officials like Qasem Soleimani, the recent war has invoked some conflicting feelings about the death of military leaders.
She took pride in solidarities forged among the diaspora due to the war and interpreted it as nationalism. Vida said:
“I never was a nationalist, and I hate nationalism. But there were moments these days that I felt proud. Seeing all the solidarity between people, seeing how they helped each other…”
Even as the activists feel protective of their country because of the war, they also experience a deep sense of loss and guilt they have always felt in exile.
Iranian activists in the diaspora contend with both resisting the Islamic Republic’s role in oppression of Iranians in Iran and the American role in marginalizing Iranians in Iran.
Zara, in her 40s from Ontario, said she now understands more deeply how the world could be indifferent towards those critiquing the actions of Israel, saying she feels:
“… a sense of helplessness and desperation against all that illogical violent power.”
Despite the desolation expressed by our interviewees about the war, many activists also expressed faith in resistance for freedom and justice that allows them to envision a different future.
Jamshid, in his 60s in British Columbia, shared his future vision of Iran. It is:
“ … an Iran that lives in peace. There is social justice in it and no one is injured. It takes care of itself. It’s very kind, immensely kind… Maybe one day it will happen and we’re not here to see it.”
Pallavi Banerjee receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Fateme Ejaredar does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Rugby union, commonly known as just rugby, is a fast-paced and physical team sport. More girls and women in Canada and around the world are playing it now than ever before.
As of 2021, women’s rugby reached a record 2.7 million players globally, a 25 per cent increase over four years, and by 2023, women’s rugby participation was growing at a rate of 38 per cent year-over-year.
Canada’s senior women’s XVs team is currently ranked second in the world and heading into the 2025 Rugby World Cup, which kicks off on Aug. 22 in England. The national sevens team also captured silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics — further evidence of the game’s growing competitiveness in Canada.
However, many systems, including coaching and medical support, have not kept pace with the demands of elite competition. With visibility increasing ahead of the 2025 World Cup, stronger institutional support is needed to match the sports’ growing professionalism and popularity.
These concerns are especially urgent as the women’s game becomes more physical and professionalized, and players are hit harder and more often. Unlike men’s rugby, women’s teams often operate with fewer medical or coaching support resources, which can lead to inconsistent or absent injury prevention programs.
Without proper supports, the physical risks of the game may outweigh its benefits.
Science is still playing catch-up
While women’s rugby is growing rapidly, the science behind it is has not kept pace. Most of what we know about rugby safety — how to tackle, how much to train or when it’s safe to return to play after injury — largely comes from research on men.
Decisions around coaching and player welfare have been based on male data, leaving female players under-served and potentially at greater risk. While these foundations may well apply to girls and women, the problem is we don’t yet know for sure.
Only four per cent of rugby tackle research has focused on women. Much of the early evidence on girls rugby comes from Canada, underscoring the country’s leadership in this space. Still, most coaches and clinicians rely on a “one-size-fits-all” approach that may not account for menstrual cycles, pregnancy, different injury profiles or later sport entry.
Even safety tools reflect this gap. World Rugby’s Tackle Ready and contact load guidelines were designed around male athletes. While well-intentioned, we know little about how they work for girls and women. Instead of discarding these tools, we need to adapt and evaluate them in female contexts to ensure they support injury prevention and provide equal protection.
Women’s rugby needs better data
Change is underway. More research and tools are being designed specifically for girls and women. A search of PubMed, a database of published biomedical research, reveals a steep rise in studies on women’s rugby over the past decade, especially in injury surveillance, injury prevention, performance, physiology and sociocultural contexts.
Much of this new research is led by our team at the Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, a pan-Canadian, multidisciplinary group focused on moving upstream to prevent concussions in adolescent girls’ rugby.
The women’s game is also driving its own innovations. Resources like World Rugby’s Contact Confident help girls and women safely build tackle skills, particularly those new to contact sport.
The scope of research is also expanding to pelvic health, breast protection and more tailored injury prevention. Global collaboration is making this work more inclusive, spanning different countries, skill levels and age groups, not just elite competitions.
But this is just the start.
A golden opportunity lies ahead
Girls’ and women’s rugby is experiencing unprecedented growth. Rising participation, media attention and new sponsorships are fuelling momentum. It’s a golden opportunity to build strong, sustainable foundations.
Gold-standard support requires focused, ongoing research and a commitment to sharing that evidence with players, coaches, health-care providers and policymakers. It’s time to build systems for women’s rugby based on women’s data, not borrowed assumptions from the men’s game.
But challenges remain. Some national teams still have to raise funds to attend World Cups. Others train without consistent access to medical or performance staff — clear signs that the women’s game is still catching up.
To sustain and accelerate the growth of girls’ and women’s rugby, the sport deserves more resources and research tailored specifically to participants. A “one-size-fits-all” model no longer works. By investing in systems that are safer, focused on prevention, more inclusive and grounded in evidence, we can build a thriving future for women’s rugby that lasts for generations to come.
Isla Shill has received funding from World Rugby.
Stephen West has previously received funding from World Rugby
Kathryn Dane does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
While cinema-goers have responded enthusiastically to many of the films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the history of the Fantastic Four on the silver screen is less heralded.
Yet in comics history, the Fantastic Four have been up to the challenge of driving a popular media enterprise forward — something that the film producers and Marvel fans alike are both now hoping for.
From their 1961 debut, Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, Sue Storm/the Invisible Girl, Johnny Storm/the Human Torch and Ben Grimm/the Thing were celebrities who rented office space in a Manhattan highrise and found themselves variously beloved and reviled by both the public and the government.
Cover of ‘The Fantastic Four’ No. 1, 1961. (Marvel)
The team also rejected secret identities. Until the third issue of their series, they even eschewed superhero costumes (in part because of a restriction imposed by the owner of Marvel’s then-distributor, DC Comics).
Pushed representational boundaries
The Fantastic Four comics of the 1960s also pushed boundaries in a number of significant ways. They featured the first pair of married superheroes (Reed and Sue wed in 1965) and the first superhero pregnancy (Sue gave birth to her son Franklin in 1968).
And though not canonical until 2002, it has been suggested by scholars that Ben Grimm was always envisioned as a Jewish superhero by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, offering another milestone in representation (at least for those readers attuned to the character’s Jewish coding).
These milestones emphasize a dedicated concern for the human aspects of superheroes.
A family with relatable issues
Set amid fittingly fantastic science-fiction landscapes inspired by Space Age optimism was a story about a family who “fought among themselves, sometimes over petty jealousies and insults,” in the words of Christopher Pizzino, an American scholar of contemporary literature, film and television.
This approach of building character dynamics out of internal conflict proved deeply influential.
In his bestselling book All the Marvels, comics critic and historian Douglas Wolk concurs that the “first hundred issues of Fantastic Four are Marvel’s Bible and manual,” establishing the style, theme, genre and approach of the company’s comics for decades to come.
Marvel’s universe continued to expand following the Fantastic Four debut. (Marvel)
Defining personal conflicts
In contrast to moral paragons such as Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman (all published by rival DC Comics), each member of Marvel’s Fantastic Four had defining personal conflicts.
Reed Richards, the team’s patriarch, was a world-altering genius who often fell victim to his own hubristic ambition.
Storm, according to scholar Ramzi Fawaz, “made the concept of women’s social invisibility an object of visual critique by making invisible bodies and objects conspicuous on the comic book page.”
Her younger brother, Johnny Storm, a playboy and showboat, had a lot of growing up to do, a journey that was frustrated by his flashy powers.
Ben Grimm, Reed’s college roommate turned best friend turned rock monster, oscillated between childlike rage and world-weary depression, his rocky hide granting him super-strength and invulnerability while burdening him with social isolation.
While none of us are likely to acquire superpowers through exposure to cosmic rays like the Four, we’ve all dealt with anxiety and grief like these heroes.
Origin of the Marvel universe
The world of the Fantastic Four didn’t just feel unusually human. It also felt unusually lived in, partly because the Fantastic Four comics of the 1960s weren’t just the origin of the Marvel style of storytelling — they were also the origin of the Marvel universe.
Fantastic Four began and became the model for Marvel’s shared continuity universe, in which dozens of superheroes passed in and out of each other’s stories and occasionally intersected long enough for whole crossover story arcs and events. For a time, Marvel’s superheroes even aged alongside their readers, with teenage characters like Johnny Storm graduating high school and enrolling in college.
Previous superhero comics hadn’t embraced this shared continuity in a meaningful way, tending to prioritize discrete stories that had no effect on future tales. But Fantastic Four pitched what comics scholar Charles Hatfield calls “intertitle continuity,” which quickly became “Marvel’s main selling tool.”
Case in point, the Fantastic Four shared the cover of 1963’s Amazing Spider-Man No. 1, helping sell the newly created wall-crawler to their adoring readers.
Voluminous, chaotic universe
The 1965 wedding of Reed and Sue in Fantastic Four Annual No. 3 showcased how quickly the Marvel comics universe became vibrantly voluminous and charmingly chaotic.
This event featured at least 19 superheroes fighting 28 supervillains and foregrounded the Fantastic Four’s symbolic mother and father as the progenitors of an extended super-family.
It also featured a cameo by the Fantastic Four’s creators, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, previously introduced in 1963’s Fantastic Four No. 10 as the official creators of imaginary adventures starring the “real” Fantastic Four, further blurring the boundary between fiction and reality.
Decades later, this sprawling comics universe would become a sprawling cinematic universe. This informs the pressure facing the latest Fantastic Four adaptation.
Phase 6 of universe
Fantastic Four: First Steps marks the start of what Marvel calls “Phase Six” of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which began in 2008 with the first Marvel Studios film, Iron Man.
Essentially, Fantastic Four: First Steps is meant to launch a new cluster of shared universe stories, just as Fantastic Four No. 1 did for Marvel Comics in the 1960s.
This cluster will culminate in the release of Avengers: Secret Wars in December 2027. Will Marvel’s first family deliver?
J. Andrew Deman does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Omid Haeri Ardakani, Research scientist at Natural Resources Canada; Andjunct associate professor, University of Calgary
Hydrogen resources have long been a multi-billion-dollar market, even before recent interest in hydrogen as a contributor to the green energy transition. The environments and conditions that result in natural hydrogen accumulation occur globally. But one of the barriers to investment in many jurisdictions is regulatory, as hydrogen had not previously been considered as a resource.
Natural hydrogen can be used to decarbonize hard-to-abate but globally critical industries. Industries that use hydrogen include fuel refining (about 44 per cent), ammonia and fertilizer production for food sustainability (about 34 per cent), and steel manufacturing (about five per cent).
According to a recent British government policy briefing document, addressing this requires governments to include hydrogen as a listed natural resource. Future uses for hydrogen may include long-distance transportation and contributions to the decarbonization of the mining industry.
High carbon footprint
Most of the hydrogen used today is produced from fossil fuels. Because of this, hydrogen production contributes about 2.5 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions. Efforts to produce low-carbon (green) hydrogen from renewable electricity and carbon capture and storage technologies remain expensive.
Developing strategies could determine whether hydrogen from any source is an economically viable resource. For natural hydrogen, exploration strategies have to be developed to find and extract natural deposits of hydrogen at an economically feasible cost. This also needs incentives that include natural hydrogen in exploration or production licenses.
An unusual coincidence sparked the current global interest in hydrogen. An accidental discovery of the small natural hydrogen gas field in Mali coincided with the publication of extensive historical data from the former Soviet Union, drawing attention to hydrogen’s immense potential as a clean power resource. Australia, France and the U.S. were among the first countries to re-investigate historical natural hydrogen.
Natural hydrogen and helium systems have similarities to petroleum systems, requiring a source rock, a migration pathway and accumulation in a reservoir. The infrastructure for natural hydrogen wells would be comparable to hydrocarbon wells, albeit with changes in well completion and drilling methods.
The footprint of a natural hydrogen production project would take up much less space to deliver the same amount of energy compared to a green hydrogen production facility, which requires solar or wind farms and electrolyzers.
Similarly, natural hydrogen projects do not need to draw on surface water resources, which are scarce in many parts of the world.
Some jurisdictions lack policies regulating hydrogen exploration. In others, regulation falls under existing mining or hydrocarbon policies. The lack of clear regulations in areas with high potential for natural hydrogen exploration — such as the U.S., Canada, India and parts of Africa and Europe — is a major obstacle for exploration.
An absence of regulation slows down exploration and land acquisition, and prevents the decision-making required for developing infrastructure. And critically, it means that no community consultations are undertaken to ensure the social acceptance essential for the success of such projects.
A project in South Australia demonstrates what legislation can accomplish. Once regulation of natural hydrogen exploration and capture was implemented, the government received dozens of applications from companies interested in natural hydrogen exploration.
The appetite for exploration is clearly there, but policy and regulatory solutions are required. New exploration projects will provide critical new data to understand natural hydrogen’s potential to provide green energy.
Omid Haeri Ardakani has received funding from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan).
Barbara Sherwood Lollar receives funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and the Nuclear Waste Management Organization.
Chris Ballentine is founder of and owns shares in Snowfox Discovery Ltd, a hydrogen exploration company. He receives research funding from the Natural Environment Research Council (U.K.) and the National Science Foundation (U.S.), in a joint grant, as well as the Canadian Nuclear Waste Management Organization and the Canadian Institute For Advanced Research.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 27 (Xinhua) — China on Sunday issued a series of recommendations to promote increased consumption of agricultural products as part of efforts to optimize supply and stimulate demand.
The action plan, jointly issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and nine other government departments, calls for optimizing the supply of green and high-quality agricultural products to meet the multi-level needs of consumers.
The action plan provides specific guidelines for raising standards for organic, bio-friendly, geographically indicated and certified products, promoting quality assessment and classification, developing new types of processed products and introducing innovations in local branded food products.
In terms of circulation innovation, the plan aims to improve coordination in production, supply and marketing, and expand offline consumption channels, accompanied by the establishment of special platforms for festivals and exhibitions. In addition, the document also provides in detail for enriching consumption scenarios, leveraging the advantages of e-commerce, and promoting interregional cooperation.
According to the document, efforts will be made to promote the integration of agriculture, culture and tourism in order to create new consumer spaces and stimulate interaction between domestic and international consumer markets. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
UNITED NATIONS/WASHINGTON, July 27 (Xinhua) — United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday called on Cambodia and Thailand to agree on a ceasefire.
A. Guterres called on both sides to immediately cease hostilities and resolve all contentious issues through dialogue, seeking to find a lasting solution to the conflict, according to a statement from the UN chief’s deputy spokesman Farhan Haq.
“The UN Secretary-General condemns the tragic and unnecessary loss of life, injuries to civilians, and the destruction of homes and infrastructure on both sides,” said F. Hack. According to him, A. Guterres “remains ready to assist in any efforts to peacefully resolve the conflict.”
Trump said on Saturday on Truth Social that he had held talks with the Prime Minister of Cambodia and the acting Prime Minister of Thailand to urge them to immediately cease-fire. He said both Cambodia and Thailand have expressed their readiness for immediate peace and a cease-fire.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Sunday reaffirmed readiness for an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire” between the armed forces of Cambodia and Thailand after a phone call with Donald Trump.
The Thai side also responded to Trump’s call on Sunday, saying that the country agreed in principle to a ceasefire, but would like to see sincere intentions from Cambodia.
Gunfire continued along the border between the two countries early Sunday morning, Thailand’s National Broadcasting Service reported, citing military sources. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today said it strongly opposes and disapproves of smears by government officials and politicians from the US, Canada and Australia, and by anti-China organisations, regarding its lawful acts to pursue individuals wanted in connection with national security offences who have absconded from Hong Kong.
Nineteen people suspected of involvement in a subversive organisation named the “Hong Kong Parliament”, in breach of Article 22 of the National Security Law (HKNSL), have been put on the city’s wanted list.
In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government explained that the HKNSL is applicable to Hong Kong permanent residents, and to incorporated or unincorporated bodies set up in Hong Kong, if such residents or bodies commit offences under the HKNSL outside the Hong Kong SAR. Additionally, it said, the HKNSL is applicable where offences under it are committed elsewhere against the Hong Kong SAR by individuals who are not Hong Kong permanent residents.
The Hong Kong SAR Government stressed that the Hong Kong Police Force therefore has a responsibility to pursue, in accordance with the law, people suspected of committing offences under the HKNSL outside of Hong Kong. Acts smearing Hong Kong’s work to safeguard national security are hypocritical and irresponsible, and will not win any public support, it added.
The statement iterated that both the HKNSL and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR, but clarified that the Hong Kong SAR Government will not condone criminal acts, and will not give up pursuing them those who commit them.
Emphasising that absconders should not think that they can evade criminal liability by absconding from Hong Kong, the Hong Kong SAR Government also remarked that no country or organisation should harbour criminals or try to exonerate absconders.
Any attempt by foreign countries or external forces to undermine Hong Kong’s situation will be doomed to fail, the Hong Kong SAR Government added, reiterating that it will continue to discharge its duty in safeguarding national security unwaveringly.
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has welcomed developments in the investigation into allegations of corruption involving multi-billion-rand tenders for train signalling equipment.
On Wednesday, 23 July 2025, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) presented a search warrant at PRASA’s Braamfontein offices to obtain various information and electronic devices, as part of its ongoing investigation.
In a statement issued on Friday, PRASA reaffirmed its support for the investigation, emphasising its commitment to transparency and accountability.
“The agency has nothing to hide and stands ready to provide complete cooperation to law enforcement authorities,” PRASA said.
The agency said it had initiated an independent forensic investigation after receiving a submission from a whistleblower.
“Documents and information related to this matter were secured through this proactive forensic investigation. This demonstrates PRASA’s commitment to acting on information received via its whistleblower process. This independent report has been handed to the shareholder.
“This information was readily available for sharing with the law enforcement authorities. PRASA remains committed to its mandate of providing safe, reliable, and efficient rail services to the South African public.”
The agency said it will continue to implement robust governance measures and maintain the highest standards of accountability while fully supporting all legitimate investigative processes.
PRASA will provide further updates as appropriate, while respecting the integrity of the ongoing investigation. – SAnews.gov.za
Parliament has called for an acceleration in gender equality and women’s empowerment across the African continent.
Addressing Parliament’s G20 special engagement between Parliament and the Pan-African Parliament’s (PAP) women and young parliamentarians, held in Johannesburg on Friday, Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, challenged parliamentarians to lead an “epistemic shift” by unlearning the colonial ideologies that continue to shape public policy, and to build a new legislative framework grounded in equity, reparations and dignity for all.
“Parliamentary diplomacy must be used not to mimic old power, but to dismantle the logics of exclusion, logics that sort bodies by race, gender and class, and determine who matters and who doesn’t,” Mtshweni-Tsipane said.
With South Africa preparing to host the G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit (P20) in October 2025, the Chairperson urged women and young African parliamentarians to seize this historic moment to speak with a united, unapologetically African voice that brings gender justice, feminist solidarity and people-first reforms to the centre stage.
“The rights of women and girls cannot live on paper alone, they must be seen in courtrooms, in clinics, in classrooms and in every village across Africa. We must move from ratification to realisation and from symbolic gestures to systemic change,” she said.
Echoing Mtshweni-Tsipane’s sentiments, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Annelie Lotriet said the policy frameworks are already in place.
“The frameworks are in place, the statistics are known, and what remains is deliberate and determined action that is driven by political will,” Lotriet said.
As South Africa is presiding over the Group Twenty (G20) Presidency, Parliament will hold the P20 Summit, a high-level gathering of Speakers and Presiding Officers from G20 member countries.
The summit serves as the parliamentary dimension of the G20, aiming to strengthen global legislative collaboration on key development issues. –SAnews.gov.za
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday participated in the valedictory celebrations of the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival, marking the birth anniversary of the illustrious Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I, at the historic Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Tamil Nadu’s Ariyalur district.
As part of the ceremony, the Prime Minister released a commemorative coin in honour of the Chola king, celebrating his contributions to Indian history, architecture, and maritime legacy.
Dressed in traditional Tamil attire — a white veshti (dhoti), half-sleeved shirt, and angavastram (upper cloth) — the Prime Minister offered prayers at the Gangaikonda Cholisvaram temple, also known as the Brihadisvara Temple, which was built by Rajendra Chola I as a replica of his father Rajaraja Chola I’s temple in Thanjavur.
The temple, maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, is considered a masterpiece of Chola architecture and Saivite tradition.
Prime Minister Modi was welcomed with ‘poorna kumbham’ honours before entering the temple premises.
He performed ‘abhishekam’ for the presiding deity, Choleeswarar (Lord Shiva), using sanctified water brought from the Ganga in Varanasi.
The Prime Minister also offered ‘deeparadhana’ (worship with lamps) and witnessed Tamil ‘Shivaacharyas’ chanting Vedic hymns in Tamil as part of the traditional rituals.
The PM visited various shrines within the temple complex, including those dedicated to Goddess Durga, Parvati, and Lord Murugan, and spent considerable time admiring the intricate sculptures and bronze icons dating back to the Chola era.
The Prime Minister was particularly fascinated by the stone-carved statues, copper plates, and metal idols that reflect the richness of the Chola dynasty’s cultural and spiritual life.
During the ceremony, ‘odhuvars’ (temple singers) rendered sacred Saivite hymns, while renowned music composer Ilaiyaraaja performed compositions from ‘Thiruvasagam’, the devotional verses of Tamil saint-poet Manikkavasagar.
The event also marked the millennial celebration of Rajendra Chola’s legendary maritime expedition to Southeast Asia, which showcased the Chola empire’s naval prowess and far-reaching influence.
The Prime Minister also visited a thematic photo exhibition on ‘Saiva Siddhanta and Chola Temple Arts’ organised by the ASI and interacted with scholars about the legacy of Rajendra Chola I, expressing deep appreciation for the dynasty’s contributions to Indian history and architecture.
WFP welcomes the news that Israel is prepared to implement humanitarian pauses, and that designated humanitarian corridors will be created, to facilitate the safe movement of UN convoys delivering emergency food supplies and other aid to people in Gaza.
WFP has enough food in – or on its way to – the region to feed the entire population of 2.1 million people for almost three months.
These new commitments to improve operating conditions come on top of earlier assurances from Israel to strengthen facilitation of humanitarian assistance. This includes allowing more trucks to enter Gaza with quicker clearances and approvals, use of alternative roads and routes inside Gaza, assurances of no armed forces or shootings near convoys, and the ability for humanitarian organizations to import and use the communications equipment needed to coordinate aid deliveries. Together, we hope these measures will allow for a surge in urgently needed food assistance to reach hungry people without further delays.
WFP teams delivered 350 truckloads of food aid into Gaza last week under extremely challenging circumstances that put civilians and aid workers at tremendous risk. This represents just over half the number of convoys WFP requested permission to send in.
Since the May 21st reopening of border crossings, WFP has delivered 22,000 tons of food aid into Gaza. More than 62,000 tons of food assistance is needed monthly to cover the entire 2.1 million population.
Food aid is the only real way for most people inside Gaza to eat. A third of the population is not eating for days. Some 470,000 people are enduring famine-like conditions. 90,000 women and children need urgent nutrition treatment. People are dying due to a lack of humanitarian assistance.
An agreed ceasefire is the only way for humanitarian assistance to reach the entire civilian population in Gaza with critical food supplies in a consistent, predictable, orderly and safe manner — wherever they are across the Gaza Strip.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday shared his vision for making India a sporting superpower and praised the Indian contingent for winning nearly 600 medals at the recent World Police and Fire Games.
In the 124th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi said that the government’s ‘Khelo Bharat Niti 2025’ has been widely appreciated.
“The goal of this policy is clear — to make India a sporting superpower,” he said, adding that startups related to sports, whether in sports management or manufacturing, will be supported in every possible way.
The PM said the policy gives special attention to villages, the underprivileged, and daughters. “Schools and colleges will now make sports a part of everyday life,” he said.
“Imagine how much strength the mission of self-reliance would gain when the youth of the country play with self-made rackets, bats, and balls. Friends, sports create team spirit. This is the path to fitness, self-confidence, and building a strong India. So, play a lot and blossom a lot,” he added.
Speaking about the biennial World Police and Fire Games, which concluded on July 6 in Birmingham, Alabama, PM Modi said India’s uniformed heroes are making headlines not just through their service, but also in sports.
“This time, the tournament was held in America, and India created history. We won close to 600 medals and ranked among the top three out of 71 countries. The hard work of our uniformed personnel, who serve the country day and night, has paid off. These friends of ours are now raising the tricolour in the sports arena as well. I congratulate all the players and the coaching team,” he said.
The Prime Minister also tested the listeners’ knowledge by asking, “Do you know which is the biggest sporting event after the Olympics? The answer is — the World Police and Fire Games… a sports tournament between policemen, firefighters, and security personnel from all over the world.”
He added, “By the way, it will also interest you to know that in 2029, these games will be held in India. Players from across the world will come to our country. We will showcase India’s hospitality and introduce them to our sports culture.”
The government plans to host the event in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Ekta Nagar.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force are calling for information in relation to an alleged assault that occurred in Tennant Creek early this morning.
Around 1am, emergency services received reports that a woman, aged in her 40’s, was allegedly physically assaulted in the vicinity of Maloney Street by and unknown man, who then also attempted to indecently assault her.
The woman received minor injuries and was conveyed to the Tennant Creek Hospital for assessment.
Investigators have canvassed all available CCTV and are now requesting the publics assistance.
Police are urging anyone who was in the vicinity of Maloney Street around 1am on Sunday 27 July 2025, or who has information about this matter to contact 131 444 and quote reference NTP2500075470.
Anonymous reports can also be made through CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Tamil Nadu’s Ariyalur district on Sunday to participate in the valedictory celebrations of the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival, marking the birth anniversary of the legendary Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to release a commemorative coin in honour of the emperor during the event.
PM Modi flew in from Tiruchi International Airport by helicopter and landed on a specially prepared helipad on the dry bed of the historic Cholagangam, also known as Ponneri — a vast man-made lake built by Rajendra Chola I over a thousand years ago to supply water to the ancient Chola capital.
From the helipad, the Prime Minister proceeded in a grand roadshow to the Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
Large crowds gathered on either side of the route, waving flags and chanting slogans to welcome him. The entire village wore a festive look, with the temple town beautifully decorated with flowers, traditional banners, and Chola-era motifs.
Gangaikonda Cholapuram, meaning “The city of the Chola who conquered the Ganges,” was founded by Rajendra Chola I following his victorious military expedition to the Gangetic plains.
The emperor established this as his new capital, building the grand Brihadisvara Temple and the Cholagangam lake as symbols of his might and vision.
The release of the commemorative coin comes in response to a request from R. Komagan, Chairman of the Gangaikondacholapuram Development Council Trust. The coin is intended to honour the emperor’s contributions to Indian history — particularly his achievements in governance, architecture, and overseas expeditions, which extended Chola influence across Southeast Asia.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit also highlights the government’s efforts to celebrate India’s ancient civilisational heritage and regional pride.
The choice of Gangaikonda Cholapuram — a site of immense historical and architectural significance — underscores the Central government’s commitment to preserving and promoting Tamil Nadu’s rich cultural legacy.
The event is expected to further boost tourism and historical awareness of the Chola dynasty’s legacy, especially among the younger generation.
