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Category: Trump

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: The US has high hopes for a new Gaza ceasefire, but Israel’s long-term aims seem far less peaceful

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Ali Mamouri, Research Fellow, Middle East Studies, Deakin University

    US President Donald Trump has hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for dinner at the White House, where he has declared talks to end the war in Gaza are “going along very well”.

    In turn, Netanyahu revealed he has nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, saying:

    he is forging peace as we speak, in one country, in one region, after the other.

    Despite all the talk of peace, negotiations in Qatar between Israeli and Palestinian delegations have broken up without a breakthrough. The talks are expected to resume later this week.

    If an agreement is reached, it will likely be hailed as a crucial opportunity to end nearly two years of humanitarian crisis in Gaza, following the October 7 attacks in which 1,200 Israelis were killed by Hamas-led militants.

    However, there is growing scepticism about the durability of any truce. A previous ceasefire agreement reached in January led to the release of dozens of Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

    But it collapsed by March, when Israel resumed military operations in Gaza.

    This breakdown in trust on both sides, combined with ongoing Israeli military operations and political instability, suggests the new deal may prove to be another temporary pause rather than a lasting resolution.

    Details of the deal

    The proposed agreement outlines a 60-day ceasefire aimed at de-escalating hostilities in Gaza and creating space for negotiations toward a more lasting resolution.

    Hamas would release ten surviving Israeli hostages and return the remains of 18 others. In exchange, Israel is expected to withdraw its military forces to a designated buffer zone along Gaza’s borders with both Israel and Egypt.

    The agreement being thrashed out in Doha includes the release of Israeli hostages, held in Gaza for the past 22 months.
    Anas-Mohammed/Shutterstock

    While the specific terms of a prisoner exchange remain under negotiation, the release of Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons is a central component of the proposal.

    Humanitarian aid is also a key focus of the agreement. Relief would be delivered through international organisations, primarily UN agencies and the Palestinian Red Crescent.

    However, the agreement does not specify the future role of the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Fund, which has been distributing food aid since May.

    The urgency of humanitarian access is underscored by the scale of destruction in Gaza. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israel’s military campaign has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians. The offensive has triggered a hunger crisis, displaced much of the population internally, and left vast areas of the territory in ruins.

    Crucially, the agreement does not represent an end to the war, one of Hamas’s core demands. Instead, it commits both sides to continue negotiations throughout the 60-day period, with the hope of reaching a more durable and comprehensive ceasefire.

    Obstacles to a lasting peace

    Despite the apparent opportunity to reach a final ceasefire, especially after Israel has inflicted severe damage on Hamas, Netanyahu’s government appears reluctant to fully end the military campaign.

    There is scepticism a temporary ceasefire would lead to permanent peace.
    Anas-Mohammed/Shutterstock

    A central reason is political: Netanyahu’s ruling coalition heavily relies on far-right parties that insist on continuing the war. Any serious attempt at a ceasefire could lead to the collapse of his government.

    Militarily, Israel has achieved several of its tactical objectives.

    It has significantly weakened Hamas and other Palestinian factions and caused widespread devastation across Gaza. This is alongside the mass arrests, home demolitions, and killing of hundreds of Palestinians in the West Bank.

    And it has forced Hezbollah in Lebanon to scale back its operations after sustaining major losses.

    Perhaps most notably, Israel struck deep into Iran’s military infrastructure, killing dozens of high-ranking commanders and damaging its missile and nuclear capabilities.

    Reshaping the map

    Yet Netanyahu’s ambitions may go beyond tactical victories. There are signs he is aiming for two broader strategic outcomes.

    First, by making Gaza increasingly uninhabitable, his government could push Palestinians to flee. This would effectively pave the way for Israel to annex the territory in the long term – a scenario advocated by many of his far-right allies.

    Speaking at the White House, Netanyahu says he is working with the US on finding countries that will take Palestinians from Gaza:

    if people want to stay, they can stay, but if they want to leave, they should be able to leave.

    Second, prolonging the war allows Netanyahu to delay his ongoing corruption trial and extend his political survival.

    True intentions

    At the heart of the impasse is the far-right’s vision for total Palestinian defeat, with no concession and no recognition of a future Palestinian state. This ideology has consistently blocked peace efforts for three decades.

    Israeli leaders have repeatedly described any potential Palestinian entity as “less than a state” or a “state-minus”, a formulation that falls short of Palestinian aspirations and international legal standards.

    Today, even that limited vision appears to be off the table, as Israeli policy moves towards complete rejection of Palestinian statehood.

    With Palestinian resistance movements significantly weakened and no immediate threat facing Israel, this moment presents a crucial test of Israel’s intentions.

    Is Israel genuinely pursuing peace, or seeking to cement its dominance in the region while permanently denying Palestinians their right to statehood?

    Following its military successes and the normalisation of relations with several Arab states under the Abraham Accords, Israeli political discourse has grown increasingly bold.

    Some voices in the Israeli establishment are openly advocating for the permanent displacement of Palestinians to neighbouring Arab countries such as Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. This would effectively erase the prospect of a future Palestinian state.

    This suggests that for certain factions within Israel, the end goal is not a negotiated settlement, but a one-sided resolution that reshapes the map and the people of the region on Israel’s terms.

    The coming weeks will reveal whether Israel chooses the path of compromise and coexistence, or continues down a road that forecloses the possibility of lasting peace.

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

    – ref. The US has high hopes for a new Gaza ceasefire, but Israel’s long-term aims seem far less peaceful – https://theconversation.com/the-us-has-high-hopes-for-a-new-gaza-ceasefire-but-israels-long-term-aims-seem-far-less-peaceful-260286

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: President Trump’s tug-of-war with the courts, explained

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Paul M. Collins Jr., Professor of Legal Studies and Political Science, UMass Amherst

    The U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg

    The Supreme Court handed President Donald Trump a big win on June 27, 2025, by limiting the ability of judges to block Trump administration policies across the nation.

    But Trump has not fared nearly as well in the lower courts, where he has lost a series of cases through different levels of the federal court system. On June 5, a single judge temporarily stopped the administration from preventing Harvard University from enrolling international students.

    And a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of International Trade blocked Trump on May 28 from imposing tariffs on China and other nations. The Trump administration has appealed this decision. It will be taken up in July by all 11 judges on the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

    After that, the case can be appealed to the Supreme Court.

    I’m a scholar of the federal courts. The reasons why some courts have multiple judges and others have a single judge can be confusing. Here’s a guide to help understand what’s going on in the federal courts.

    Federal District Courts

    The U.S. District Courts are the trial courts in the federal system and hear about 400,000 cases per year. A single judge almost always presides over cases.

    This makes sense for a jury trial, since a judge might make dozens of spur-of-the-moment decisions during the course of a trial, such as ruling on a lawyer’s objection to a question asked of a witness. If a panel of, say, three judges performed this task, it would prolong proceedings because the three judges would have to deliberate over every ruling.

    A more controversial role of District Courts involves setting nationwide injunctions. This happens when a single judge temporarily stops the government from enforcing a policy throughout the nation.

    There have been more than two dozen nationwide injunctions during Trump’s second term. These involve policy areas as diverse as ending birthright citizenship, firing federal employees and banning transgender people from serving in the military.

    President Donald Trump speaks at the White House on June 27, 2025, after the Supreme Court curbed the power of lone federal judges to block executive actions.
    Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

    Trump and Republicans in Congress argue that the ability to issue nationwide injunctions gives too much power to a single judge. Instead, they believe injunctions should apply only to the parties involved in the case.

    On June 27, the Supreme Court agreed with the Trump administration and severely limited the ability of District Court judges to issue nationwide injunctions. This means that judges can generally stop policies from being enforced only against the parties to a lawsuit, instead of everyone in the nation.

    In rare instances, a panel of three District Court judges hears a case. Congress decides what cases these special three-judge panels hear, reserving them for especially important issues. For example, these panels have heard cases involving reapportionment, which is how votes are translated into legislative seats in Congress and state legislatures, and allegations that a voter’s rights have been violated.

    The logic behind having three judges hear such important cases is that they will give more careful consideration to the dispute. This may lend legitimacy to a controversial decision and prevents a single judge from exercising too much power.

    There are also specialized courts that hear cases involving particular policies, sometimes in panels of three judges. For instance, three-judge panels on the U.S. Court of International Trade decide cases involving executive orders related to international trade.

    The federal Court of Appeals

    The U.S. Court of Appeals hears appeals from the District Courts and specialized courts.

    The 13 federal circuit courts that make up the U.S. Court of Appeals are arranged throughout the country and handle about 40,000 cases per year. Each circuit court has six to 29 judges. Cases are decided primarily by three-judge panels.

    Having multiple judges decide cases on the Court of Appeals is seen as worthwhile, since these courts are policymaking institutions. This means they set precedents for the judicial circuit in which they operate, which covers three to nine states.

    Supporters of this system argue that by having multiple judges on appellate courts, the panel will consider a variety of perspectives on the case and collaborate with one another. This can lead to better decision-making. Additionally, having multiple judges check one another can boost public confidence in the judiciary.

    The party that loses a case before a three-judge panel can request that the entire circuit rehear the case. This is known as sitting en banc.

    Because judges on a circuit can decline to hear cases en banc, this procedure is usually reserved for especially significant cases. For instance, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has agreed to an en banc hearing to review the Court of International Trade’s decision to temporarily halt Trump’s sweeping tariff program. It also allowed the tariffs to remain in effect until the appeal plays out, likely in August.

    The exception to having the entire circuit sit together en banc is the 9th Circuit, based in San Francisco, which has 29 judges, far more than other circuit courts. It uses an 11-judge en banc process, since having 29 judges hear cases together would be logistically challenging.

    Cargo ships are seen at a container terminal in the Port of Shanghai, China, in May 2025. A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of International Trade blocked Trump from imposing tariffs on China and other nations.
    CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images

    The US Supreme Court

    The U.S. Supreme Court sits atop the American legal system and decides about 60 cases per year.

    Cases are decided by all nine justices, unless a justice declines to participate because of a conflict of interest. As with other multimember courts, advocates of the nine-member makeup argue that the quality of decision-making is improved by having many justices participate in a case’s deliberation.

    Each Supreme Court justice is charged with overseeing one or more of the 13 federal circuits. In this role, a single justice reviews emergency appeals from the District Courts and an appellate court within a circuit. This authorizes them to put a temporary hold on the implementation of policies within that circuit or refer the matter to the entire Supreme Court.

    In February, for example, Chief Justice John Roberts blocked a Court of Appeals order that would have compelled the Trump administration to pay nearly US$2 billion in reimbursements for already completed foreign aid work.

    In March, a 5-4 majority of the high court sent the case back to U.S. District Judge Amir Ali, who subsequently ordered the Trump administration to release some of the funds.

    The federal judicial system is complex. The flurry of executive orders from the Trump administration means that cases are being decided on a nearly daily basis by a variety of courts.

    A single judge will decide some of these cases, and others are considered by full courts. Though the nine justices of the Supreme Court technically have the final say, the sheer volume of legal challenges means that America’s District Courts and Court of Appeals will resolve many of the disputes.

    Paul M. Collins Jr. does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. President Trump’s tug-of-war with the courts, explained – https://theconversation.com/president-trumps-tug-of-war-with-the-courts-explained-258234

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: What is the ‘Seven Mountains Mandate’ and how is it linked to political extremism in the US?

    Source: The Conversation – USA (3) – By Art Jipson, Associate Professor of Sociology, University of Dayton

    People pray before Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance at a town hall hosted by Lance Wallnau on Sept. 28, 2024, in Monroeville, Pa. AP Photo/Rebecca Droke

    Vance Boelter, who allegedly shot Melissa Hortman, a Democratic Minnesota state representative, and her husband, Mark Hortman, on June 14, 2025, studied at Christ for the Nations Institute in Dallas. The group is a Bible school linked to the New Apostolic Reformation, or NAR.

    The NAR is a loosely organized but influential charismatic Christian movement that shares similarities with Pentecostalism, especially in its belief that God actively communicates with believers through the Holy Spirit. Unlike traditional Pentecostalism, however, the organization emphasizes modern-day apostles and prophets as authoritative leaders tasked with transforming society and ushering in God’s kingdom on Earth. Prayer, prophecy and worship are defined not only as acts of devotion but as strategic tools for advancing believers’ vision of government and society.

    After the shooting, the Christ for the Nations Institute issued a statement “unequivocally” denouncing “any and all forms of violence and extremism.” It stated: “Our organization’s mission is to educate and equip students to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through compassion, love, prayer, service, worship, and value for human life.”

    But the shooting has drawn attention to the school and the larger Christian movement it belongs to. One of the most important aspects of NAR teachings today is what is called “the Seven Mountain Mandate.”

    The Seven Mountain Mandate calls on Christians to gain influence, or “take dominion,” over seven key areas of culture: religion, family, education, government, media, business and the arts.

    With over three decades of experience studying extremism, I offer a brief overview of the history and core beliefs of the Seven Mountains Mandate.

    ‘Dominion of Christians’

    The Seven Mountains concept was originally proposed in 1975 by evangelical leader Bill Bright, the founder of Campus Crusade for Christ. Now known as “Cru,” the Campus Crusade for Christ was founded as a global ministry in 1951 to promote Christian evangelism, especially on college campuses.

    United by a shared vision to influence society through Christian values, Bright partnered with Loren Cunningham, the founder of Youth With A Mission, a major international missionary training and outreach organization, in the 1970s.

    The Seven Mountains Mandate was popularized by theologian Francis Schaeffer, who linked it to a larger critique of secularism and liberal culture. Over time, it evolved.

    C. Peter Wagner, a former seminary professor who helped organize and name the New Apostolic Reformation, is often regarded as the theological architect of the group. He developed it into a call for dominion. In his 2008 book “Dominion! How Kingdom Action Can Change the World,” he urged Christians to take authoritative control of cultural institutions.

    For Wagner, “dominion theology” – the idea that Christians should have control over all aspects of society – was a call to spiritual warfare, so that God’s kingdom would be “manifested here on earth as it is in heaven.”

    Bill Johnson.
    Doctorg via Wikimedia Commons

    Since 1996, Bill Johnson, a senior leader of Bethel Church, and Johnny Enlow, a self-described prophet and Seven Mountains advocate, among others, have taken the original idea of the Seven Mountains Mandate and reshaped it into a more aggressive, political and spiritually militant approach. Spiritual militancy reflects an aggressive, us-vs.-them mindset that blurs the line between faith and authoritarianism, promoting dominion over society in the name of spiritual warfare.

    Their version doesn’t just aim to influence culture; it frames the effort as a spiritual battle to reclaim and reshape the nation according to their vision of God’s will.

    Lance Wallnau, another Christian evangelical preacher, televangelist, speaker and author, has promoted dominion theology since the early 2000s. During the 2020 U.S. presidential election, Wallnau, along with several prominent NAR figures, described Donald Trump as anointed by God to reclaim the “mountain” of government from demonic control.

    In their book “Invading Babylon: The 7 Mountains Mandate,” Wallnau and Johnson explicitly call for Christian leadership as the only antidote to perceived moral decay and spiritual darkness.

    The beliefs

    Sometimes referred to as Seven Mountains of Influence or Seven Mountains of Culture, the seven mountains are not neutral domains but seen as battlegrounds between divine truth and demonic deception.

    Adherents believe that Christians are called to reclaim these areas through influence, leadership and even, if necessary, the use of force and to confront demonic political forces, as religion scholar Matthew Taylor demonstrates in his book “The Violent Take It By Force.”

    Diverse perspectives and interpretations surround the rhetoric and actions associated with the New Apostolic Reformation. Some analysts have pointed out how the NAR is training its followers for an active confrontation. Other commentators have said that the rhetoric calling for physical violence is anti-biblical and should be denounced.

    NAR-aligned leaders have framed electoral contests as struggles between “godly” candidates and those under the sway of “satanic” influence.

    Similarly, NAR prophet Cindy Jacobs has repeatedly emphasized the need for “spiritual warfare” in schools to combat what she characterizes as “demonic ideologies” such as sex education, LGBTQ+ inclusion or discussions of systemic racism.

    In the NAR worldview, cultural change is not merely political or social but considered a supernatural mission; opponents are not simply wrong but possibly under the sway of demonic influence. Elections become spiritual battles.

    This belief system views pluralism as weakness, compromise as betrayal, and coexistence as capitulation. Frederick Clarkson, a senior research analyst at Political Research Associates, a progressive think tank based in Somerville, Massachusetts, defines the Seven Mountains Mandate as “the theocratic idea that Christians are called by God to exercise dominion over every aspect of society by taking control of political and cultural institutions.”

    The call to “take back” the culture is not metaphorical but literal, and believers are encouraged to see themselves as soldiers in a holy war to dominate society. Some critics argue that NAR’s call to “take back” culture is about literal domination, but this interpretation is contested.

    Many within the movement see the language of warfare as spiritually focused on prayer, evangelism and influencing hearts and minds. Still, the line between metaphor and mandate can blur, especially when rhetoric about “dominion” intersects with political and cultural action. That tension is part of an ongoing debate both within and outside the movement.

    Networks that spread the beliefs

    This belief system is no longer confined to the margins. It is spread widely through evangelical churches, podcasts, YouTube videos and political networks.

    It’s hard to know exactly how many churches are part of the New Apostolic Reformation, but estimates suggest that about 3 million people in the U.S. attend churches that openly follow NAR leaders.

    At the same time, the Seven Mountains Mandate doesn’t depend on centralized leadership or formal institutions. It spreads organically through social networks, social media – notably podcasts and livestreams – and revivalist meetings and workshops.

    André Gagné, a theologian and author of “American Evangelicals for Trump: Dominion, Spiritual Warfare, and the End Times,” writes about the ways in which the mandate spreads by empowering local leaders and believers. Individuals are authorized – often through teachings on spiritual warfare, prophetic gifting, and apostolic leadership – to see themselves as agents of divine transformation in society, called to reclaim the “mountains,” such as government, media and education, for God’s kingdom.

    This approach, Gagné explains, allows different communities to adapt the action mandate to their unique cultural, political and social contexts. It encourages individuals to see themselves as spiritual warriors and leaders in their domains – whether in business, education, government, media or the arts.

    Small groups or even individuals can start movements or initiatives without waiting for top-down directives. The only recognized authorities are the apostles and prophets running the church or church network the believers attend.

    The framing of the Seven Mountains Mandate as a divinely inspired mission, combined with the movement’s emphasis on direct spiritual experiences and a specific interpretation of scripture, can create an environment where questioning the mandate is perceived as challenging God’s authority.

    Slippery slope

    These beliefs have increasingly fused with nationalist rhetoric and conspiracy theories.

    The ‘Appeal to Heaven’ flags symbolize the belief that people have the right to appeal directly to God’s authority when they think the government has failed.
    Paul Becker/Becker1999 via Flickr, CC BY

    A powerful example of NAR political rhetoric in action is the rise and influence of the “Appeal to Heaven” flags. For those in the New Apostolic Reformation, these flags symbolize the belief that when all earthly authority fails, people have the right to appeal directly to God’s authority to justify resistance.

    This was evident during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection, when these flags were prominently displayed.

    To be clear, its leaders are not calling for violence but rather for direct political engagement and protest. For some believers, however, the calls for “spiritual warfare” may become a slippery slope into justification for violence, as in the case of the alleged Minnesota shooter.

    Understanding the Seven Mountains Mandate is essential for grasping the dynamics of contemporary efforts to align government and culture with a particular vision of Christian authority and influence.

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

    – ref. What is the ‘Seven Mountains Mandate’ and how is it linked to political extremism in the US? – https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-seven-mountains-mandate-and-how-is-it-linked-to-political-extremism-in-the-us-260034

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: How slashing university research grants impacts Colorado’s economy and national innovation – a CU Boulder administrator explains

    Source: The Conversation – USA (2) – By Massimo Ruzzene, Vice Chancellor of Research and Innovation, University of Colorado Boulder

    Federal funding cuts to the University of Colorado Boulder have already impacted research and could cause even more harm. Glenn J. Asakawa/University of Colorado

    The Trump administration has been freezing or reducing federal grants to universities across the country.

    Over the past several months, universities have lost more than US$11 billion in funding, according to NPR. More than two dozen universities, including the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of Denver, have been affected. Research into cancer, farming solutions and climate resiliency are just a few of the many projects nationally that have seen cuts.

    The Conversation asked Massimo Ruzzene, senior vice chancellor for research and innovation at the University of Colorado Boulder, to explain how these cuts and freezes are impacting the university he works for and Colorado’s local economy.

    How important are federal funds to CU Boulder?

    Federal funding pays for approximately 70% of CU Boulder’s research each year. That’s about $495 million in the 2023-2024 fiscal year.

    The other 30% of research funding comes from a variety of sources. The second-largest is international partnerships at $127 million. Last year, CU Boulder also received $27 million in philanthropic gifts to support research and approximately $29 million from collaborations with industry.

    CU Boulder uses this money to fund research that advances fields like artificial intelligence, space exploration and planetary sciences, quantum technologies, biosciences and climate and energy.

    At CU Boulder, federal funding also supports research projects like the Dust Accelerator Laboratory that helps us understand the composition and structure of cosmic dust. This research allows scientists to reconstruct the processes that formed planets, moons and organic molecules.

    How much federal funding has CU Boulder lost?

    So far in 2025, CU Boulder has received 56 grant cancellations or stop-work orders. Those amount to approximately $30 million in lost funding. This number is not inclusive of awards that are on hold and awaiting action by the sponsor.

    This number also does not include the funds that have not been accessible due the considerable lag in funding from agencies such as the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.
    Nationwide, National Science Foundation funding has dropped by more than 50% through the end of May of this year compared to the average of the past 10 years. The university anticipates that our funding received from these agencies will drop a similar amount, but the numbers are still being collected for this year.

    What research has been impacted?

    A wide variety. To take just one example, CU Boulder’s Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences and the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research investigate how to monitor, predict, respond to and recover from extreme weather conditions and natural disasters.

    This research directly impacts the safety, well-being and prosperity of Colorado residents facing wildfires, droughts and floods.

    Michael Gooseff, a researcher from the College of Engineering and Applied Science, collects weather data from the McMurdo Dry Valleys in Antarctica.
    Byron Adams/University of Colorado Boulder

    Past research from these groups includes recovery efforts following the 2021 Marshall Fire in the Boulder area. Researchers collaborated with local governments and watershed groups to monitor environmental impacts and develop dashboards that detailed their findings.

    How might cuts affect Colorado’s aerospace economy?

    Colorado has more aerospace jobs per capita than any other state. The sector employs more than 55,000 people and contributes significantly to both Colorado’s economy and the national economy.

    This ecosystem encompasses research universities such as CU Boulder and Colorado-based startups like Blue Canyon Technologies and Ursa Major Technologies. It also includes established global companies like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Technologies.

    At CU Boulder, the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics is one of the world’s premier space science research institutions. Researchers at the lab design, build and operate spacecraft and other instruments that contribute critical data. That data helps us understand Earth’s atmosphere, the Sun, planetary systems and deep space phenomena. If the projects the lab supports are cut, then it’s likely the lab will be cut as well.

    The Presidential Budget Request proposes up to 24% cuts to NASA’s annual budget. These include reductions of 47% for the Science Mission Directorate. The directorate supports more than a dozen space missions at CU Boulder. That cut could have an immediate impact on university programs of approximately $50 million.

    Scientists test the solar arrays on NASA’s Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution orbiter spacecraft at Lockheed Martin’s facility near Denver.
    Photo courtesy of LASP

    One of the largest space missions CU Boulder is involved in is the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution orbiter. MAVEN, as it’s known, provides telecommunications and space weather monitoring capabilities. These are necessary to support future human and robotic missions to Mars over the next decade and beyond, a stated priority for the White House. If MAVEN were to be canceled, experts estimate that it would cost almost $1 billion to restart it.

    Have the cuts hit quantum research?

    While the federal government has identified quantum technology as a national priority, the fiscal year 2026 budget proposal only maintains existing funding levels. It does not introduce new investments or initiatives.

    I’m concerned that this stagnation, amid broader cuts to science agencies, could undermine progress in this field and undercut the training of its critical workforce. The result could be the U.S. ceding its leadership in quantum innovation to global competitors.

    Massimo Ruzzene receives funding from the National Science Foundation.

    – ref. How slashing university research grants impacts Colorado’s economy and national innovation – a CU Boulder administrator explains – https://theconversation.com/how-slashing-university-research-grants-impacts-colorados-economy-and-national-innovation-a-cu-boulder-administrator-explains-257869

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Iran did not request talks with US – MFA

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    TEHRAN, July 8 (Xinhua) — Iran has not requested any meetings with the United States, the Islamic Republic’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said on Tuesday, as quoted by the Tasnim news agency.

    This is how the diplomat responded to the words of US President Donald Trump, who said the day before that Iran had asked for a meeting.

    Speaking to reporters at the White House on Monday alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said the United States was ready to negotiate with Iran. “We have a meeting scheduled with Iran, and they want to talk,” he said. “They have requested a meeting, and I am going to attend. If we can put something on paper, that would be good,” the president added.

    From April 12 to May 23, Iran and the United States held five rounds of indirect talks on Tehran’s nuclear program and the lifting of American sanctions. They were mediated by Oman.

    Two days before the sixth round, scheduled for June 15 in the Omani capital Muscat, Israel launched massive airstrikes on a number of Iranian sites, including nuclear and military facilities, killing senior commanders, nuclear scientists and scores of civilians. Tehran responded with a series of missile and drone strikes on Israel.

    On June 22, the United States struck three Iranian nuclear facilities: Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. Iran later attacked the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

    On June 24, after 12 days of fighting, Iran and Israel reached a ceasefire agreement. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Iran did not request talks with US – MFA

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    TEHRAN, July 8 (Xinhua) — Iran has not requested any meetings with the United States, the Islamic Republic’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said on Tuesday, as quoted by the Tasnim news agency.

    This is how the diplomat responded to the words of US President Donald Trump, who said the day before that Iran had asked for a meeting.

    Speaking to reporters at the White House on Monday alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said the United States was ready to negotiate with Iran. “We have a meeting scheduled with Iran, and they want to talk,” he said. “They have requested a meeting, and I am going to attend. If we can put something on paper, that would be good,” the president added.

    From April 12 to May 23, Iran and the United States held five rounds of indirect talks on Tehran’s nuclear program and the lifting of American sanctions. They were mediated by Oman.

    Two days before the sixth round, scheduled for June 15 in the Omani capital Muscat, Israel launched massive airstrikes on a number of Iranian sites, including nuclear and military facilities, killing senior commanders, nuclear scientists and scores of civilians. Tehran responded with a series of missile and drone strikes on Israel.

    On June 22, the United States struck three Iranian nuclear facilities: Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. Iran later attacked the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

    On June 24, after 12 days of fighting, Iran and Israel reached a ceasefire agreement. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Academic slams NZ government over ‘compromised’ foreign policy

    Asia Pacific Report

    A prominent academic has criticised the New Zealand coalition government for compromising the country’s traditional commitment to upholding an international rules-based order due to a “desire not to offend” the Trump administration.

    Professor Robert Patman, an inaugural sesquicentennial distinguished chair and a specialist in international relations at the University of Otago, has argued in a contributed article to The Spinoff that while distant in geographic terms, “brutal violence in Gaza, the West Bank and Iran marks the latest stage in the unravelling of an international rules-based order on which New Zealand depends for its prosperity and security”.

    Dr Patman wrote that New Zealand’s founding document, the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi, emphasised partnership and cooperation at home, and, after 1945, helped inspire a New Zealand worldview enshrined in institutions such as the United Nations and norms such as multilateralism.

    Professor Robert Patman . . . “Even more striking was the government’s silence on President Trump’s proposal to own Gaza with a view to evicting two million Palestinian residents.” Image: University of Otago

    “In the wake of Hamas’ terrorist attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023, the National-led coalition government has in principle emphasised its support for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and the need for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict over the occupied territories of East Jerusalem, Gaza and the West Bank,” he wrote.

    However, Dr Patman said, in practice this New Zealand stance had not translated into firm diplomatic opposition to the Netanyahu government’s quest to control Gaza and annex the West Bank.

    “Nor has it been a condemnation of the Trump administration for prioritising its support for Israel’s security goals over international law,” he said.

    Foreign minister Winston Peters had described the situation in Gaza as “simply intolerable” but the National-led coalition had little specific to say as the Netanyahu government “resumed its cruel blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza in March and restarted military operations there”.

    Silence on Trump’s ‘Gaza ownership’
    “Even more striking was the government’s silence on President Trump’s proposal to own Gaza with a view to evicting two million Palestinian residents from the territory and the US-Israeli venture to start the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in late May in a move which sidelined the UN in aid distribution and has led to the killing of more than 600 Palestinians while seeking food aid,” Dr Patman said.

    While New Zealand, along with the UK, Australia, Canada and Norway, had imposed sanctions on two far-right Israeli government ministers, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar ben Gvir, in June for “inciting extremist violence” against Palestinians — a move that was criticised by the Trump administration — it was arguably a case of very little very late.

    “The Hamas terror attacks on October 7 killed around 1200 Israelis, but the Netanyahu government’s retaliation by the Israel Defence Force (IDF) against Hamas has resulted in the deaths of more than 56,000 Palestinians — nearly 70 percent of whom were women or children — in Gaza.

    Over the same period, more than 1000 Palestinians had been killed in the West Bank as Israel accelerated its programme of illegal settlements there.

    ‘Strangely ambivalent’
    In addition, the responses of the New Zealand government to “pre-emptive attacks” by Israel (13-25 June) and Trump’s United States (June 22) against Iran to destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities were strangely ambivalent.

    Despite indications from US intelligence and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that Iran had not produced nuclear weapons, Foreign Minister Peters had said New Zealand was not prepared to take a position on that issue.

    Confronted with Trump’s “might is right” approach, the National-led coalition faced stark choices, Dr Patman said.

    The New Zealand government could continue to fudge fundamental moral and legal issues in the Middle East and risk complicity in the further weakening of an international rules-based order it purportedly supports, “or it can get off the fence, stand up for the country’s values, and insist that respect for international law must be observed in the region and elsewhere without exception”.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Academic slams NZ government over ‘compromised’ foreign policy

    Asia Pacific Report

    A prominent academic has criticised the New Zealand coalition government for compromising the country’s traditional commitment to upholding an international rules-based order due to a “desire not to offend” the Trump administration.

    Professor Robert Patman, an inaugural sesquicentennial distinguished chair and a specialist in international relations at the University of Otago, has argued in a contributed article to The Spinoff that while distant in geographic terms, “brutal violence in Gaza, the West Bank and Iran marks the latest stage in the unravelling of an international rules-based order on which New Zealand depends for its prosperity and security”.

    Dr Patman wrote that New Zealand’s founding document, the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi, emphasised partnership and cooperation at home, and, after 1945, helped inspire a New Zealand worldview enshrined in institutions such as the United Nations and norms such as multilateralism.

    Professor Robert Patman . . . “Even more striking was the government’s silence on President Trump’s proposal to own Gaza with a view to evicting two million Palestinian residents.” Image: University of Otago

    “In the wake of Hamas’ terrorist attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023, the National-led coalition government has in principle emphasised its support for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and the need for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict over the occupied territories of East Jerusalem, Gaza and the West Bank,” he wrote.

    However, Dr Patman said, in practice this New Zealand stance had not translated into firm diplomatic opposition to the Netanyahu government’s quest to control Gaza and annex the West Bank.

    “Nor has it been a condemnation of the Trump administration for prioritising its support for Israel’s security goals over international law,” he said.

    Foreign minister Winston Peters had described the situation in Gaza as “simply intolerable” but the National-led coalition had little specific to say as the Netanyahu government “resumed its cruel blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza in March and restarted military operations there”.

    Silence on Trump’s ‘Gaza ownership’
    “Even more striking was the government’s silence on President Trump’s proposal to own Gaza with a view to evicting two million Palestinian residents from the territory and the US-Israeli venture to start the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in late May in a move which sidelined the UN in aid distribution and has led to the killing of more than 600 Palestinians while seeking food aid,” Dr Patman said.

    While New Zealand, along with the UK, Australia, Canada and Norway, had imposed sanctions on two far-right Israeli government ministers, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar ben Gvir, in June for “inciting extremist violence” against Palestinians — a move that was criticised by the Trump administration — it was arguably a case of very little very late.

    “The Hamas terror attacks on October 7 killed around 1200 Israelis, but the Netanyahu government’s retaliation by the Israel Defence Force (IDF) against Hamas has resulted in the deaths of more than 56,000 Palestinians — nearly 70 percent of whom were women or children — in Gaza.

    Over the same period, more than 1000 Palestinians had been killed in the West Bank as Israel accelerated its programme of illegal settlements there.

    ‘Strangely ambivalent’
    In addition, the responses of the New Zealand government to “pre-emptive attacks” by Israel (13-25 June) and Trump’s United States (June 22) against Iran to destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities were strangely ambivalent.

    Despite indications from US intelligence and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that Iran had not produced nuclear weapons, Foreign Minister Peters had said New Zealand was not prepared to take a position on that issue.

    Confronted with Trump’s “might is right” approach, the National-led coalition faced stark choices, Dr Patman said.

    The New Zealand government could continue to fudge fundamental moral and legal issues in the Middle East and risk complicity in the further weakening of an international rules-based order it purportedly supports, “or it can get off the fence, stand up for the country’s values, and insist that respect for international law must be observed in the region and elsewhere without exception”.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: There are many things Americans voters agree on, from fears about technology to threats to democracy

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Emma Connolly, Research Fellow, Digital Speech Lab, UCL

    During his recent public spat with Donald Trump, Elon Musk tweeted a poll asking if a new political party would better represent the 80% of voters in the middle. Hundreds of thousands of people responded and more than 80% answered “yes”.

    The middle is still overlooked in US politics. This is because there is a perception that Republicans and Democrats have nothing in common, and therefore no issue will win support from both centrist Republicans and Democrats.

    Polarisation is problematic as it is linked to “democratic backsliding” – the use of underhand tactics in political processes. Worst of all, it poses a threat to democracy.

    Many think that polarisation is fuelled by echo chambers created on social media platforms. These only expose people to beliefs similar to their own.

    However, I study how narratives emerge on social media, and ways to investigate them. My work has two aims: first, to identify political issues that are likely to cross party lines, and a wider goal of exploring the role of social media in mitigating, rather than exacerbating, levels of polarisation.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Earlier this year, for example, I sorted through 12,000 posts from Republican and Democrat voters on subreddits (online forums discussing specific topics). Using a technique I developed in my PhD research, I analysed attitudes to contested political issues around the time of Trump’s inauguration. Like other researchers, I am finding that there are things both sides often agree on, and that not every issue splits neatly across party lines.

    Pew Research shows what Democrats and Republicans agree on.

    Although it’s a complex topic, people from both parties are worried about levels of free speech on social media. According to my work and other sources, some Democrats accuse TikTok of censoring hashtags such as #FreeLuigi (a reference to Luigi Mangione, accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO, Brian Thompson).

    Meanwhile, some Republicans are saying they are flooded with what they see as left-wing content pushed by the algorithms. Despite their differences, Republicans and Democrats agree that social media platforms need to be more transparent about the way they work.

    Both sides worry about the rise of authoritarianism and the growing negative influence of artificial intelligence in shaping the US’s future. There is a sense among some members of the two parties that the real enemies aren’t each other, but powerful corporations who hold too much power.

    People on both sides of the political divide can be distrustful of tech companies and big businesses, where billionaires have power regardless of who’s in charge. Divisions of “up v down” could be alternatives to seeing divisions as “left v right”.

    Some people are worried about the creation of a massive database of citizens’ details, and how their details could be used, or abused. Recently Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene said she would have opposed Trump’s “big, beautiful, bill”, had she read the AI clause thoroughly. The clause stops states from passing laws to regulate AI systems for the next ten years.

    What do people agree on?

    On the topic of protecting democracy, there are some suggestions that many Republicans and Democrats agree this is important, and under threat. In my study, some Republican and Democrat voters object to the possibility of Trump having a third term, aligning with the findings of several recent polls on the subject, and even among Trump’s most loyal support groups.

    Both Republicans and Democrats want “the best” leaders who could get things done fast and efficiently. But it would appear that people on both sides are concerned about the “slash-and-burn” way that Doge (the Department for Government Efficiency, the new agency tasked with cutting federal spending) is working.

    Also, deciding who is the best leader isn’t always about agreeing with specific policies. Instead, it’s about delivering decisive, efficient action. Even Republicans who don’t back everything Trump is doing say that at least he is doing something, especially in relation to immigration.

    Many Republicans criticise the left, and former Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris in particular, but for unclear messaging, as much as any one policy. They (and others) put her loss down to a lack of direction and clarity on key issues (among other things). This probably resulted in failing to win votes from independents and moderate Republicans and many Democrats are frustrated that the party still hasn’t addressed this.

    Research suggests that Democrat and Republican voters often agree that polarisation causes gridlock and prevents progress, but believe voices from the middle are not being heard. Some Republicans and Democrats also share a concern that both parties are more focused on fighting each other than on solving problems, with 86% of Americans believing this.

    Some Republican voters in the posts I am analysing suggest that working together to get things done would be positive, supporting findings from the US and abroad. Other important factors rather than political party, such as religion or family or everyday life experiences can bring people from both sides together.

    So, Americans might not be as divided as one might think. Levels of polarisation feel high but this could be skewed by the extreme views of a minority on both sides. And it isn’t helped by some sensationalist media reporting.

    Lots of people get their news from social media platforms which reward and monetise engagement. Posts that fuel division are often the most visible, but they rarely tell the whole story. Divisive views are also often shared by those who are themselves the most polarised.

    Like Musk’s online poll, research is starting to suggest that there is still a sizeable moderate middle in the US today who are open to compromise through clear messaging. These voters can make all the difference, especially if parties can frame issues in ways that appeal across the divide. With the 2026 midterm elections on the horizon, both sides might want to listen to them more.

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

    – ref. There are many things Americans voters agree on, from fears about technology to threats to democracy – https://theconversation.com/there-are-many-things-americans-voters-agree-on-from-fears-about-technology-to-threats-to-democracy-258440

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • Gaza ceasefire can be reached but may take more time, Israeli officials say

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Gaps in Gaza ceasefire talks under way in Qatar between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas can be bridged but it may take more than a few days to reach a deal, Israeli officials said on Tuesday.

    The new push by U.S., Qatari and Egyptian mediators to halt fighting in the battered enclave has gained pace since Sunday when the warring sides began indirect talks in Doha and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu set out to Washington.

    Netanyahu met on Monday with U.S. President Donald Trump, who said on the eve of their meeting that a ceasefire and hostage deal could be reached this week. The Israeli leader was scheduled to meet Vice President J.D. Vance on Tuesday.

    Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff, who played a major role in crafting the ceasefire proposal, will travel to Doha this week to join discussions there, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters earlier on Monday.

    The ceasefire proposal envisages a phased release of hostages, Israeli troop withdrawals from parts of Gaza and discussions on ending the war entirely.

    Hamas has long demanded an end to the war before it would free remaining hostages; Israel has insisted it would not agree to end the fighting until all hostages are released and Hamas dismantled. At least 20 of the remaining 50 hostages in Gaza are believed to still be alive.

    Palestinian sources said on Monday that there were gaps between the sides on the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

    Senior Israeli officials briefing journalists in Washington said it may take more than a few days to finalize agreements in Doha but they did not elaborate on the sticking points. Another Israeli official said progress had been made.

    Israeli minister Zeev Elkin, who sits in Netanyahu’s security cabinet, said that there was “a substantial chance” a ceasefire will be agreed. “Hamas wants to change a few central matters, it’s not simple, but there is progress,” he told Israel’s public broadcaster Kan on Tuesday.

    The war began on October 7 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages into Gaza.

    Israel’s subsequent campaign against Hamas in Gaza has since killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities, displaced almost the entire population of more than 2 million people, sparked a humanitarian crisis in the enclave and left much of the territory in ruins.

    In Gaza City, children walked through debris, where residents said an Israeli airstrike had hit overnight, with children among the casualties. The Israeli military did not immediately provide details on the target of the strike.

    “We hope that a ceasefire will be reached and that the massacres against the Palestinian people will stop,” said Mohammed Joundiya, standing in the rubble left in the aftermath of the attack.

    At Israel’s parliament in Jerusalem, former hostage Keith Siegel, who was released in February in a previous ceasefire, described the anguish of those held incommunicado for hundreds of days in Hamas captivity. “We have a window of opportunity to save lives,” he said, “every minute is critical.”

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Africa: 30% US Tariff Will Be a Blow to Economic Growth, Jobs and Trade Certainty

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade, Ms Sonja Boshoff, has expressed grave concern over the impending 30% tariff imposed by the United States government on key South African exports, as the tariffs will have far-reaching consequences for exporters and on the broader ailing South African economy.

    Ms Boshoff said the US tariff order, which was signed yesterday and is set to come into effect on 1 August 2025, undermines the historical US–SA trade cooperation and poses a serious threat to strategic sectors such as citrus, macadamia, automotive components, steel and aluminium. “These industries are not abstract economic indicators; they are lifelines for tens of thousands of workers, particularly in rural and small-town South Africa,” emphasised Ms Boshoff.

    She said South Africa’s citrus industry alone supports more than 35 000 jobs and contributes over R38 billion annually to the economy. “A tariff of this magnitude threatens not only the profitability of our exporters, but the livelihoods of workers and the economic stability of entire agricultural regions,” stressed Ms Boshoff.

    She said the tariff order also casts a dark shadow over the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which has long facilitated preferential access to US markets. With the new duty effectively neutralising those preferences, there is growing uncertainty for producers who depend on predictable market access to plan, invest and grow.

    “It is critical that trade agreements are honoured in good faith. No country can plan its industrial or export strategy under a cloud of sudden and unilateral tariff hikes” said Ms Boshoff.

    The committee recognises that the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) is pursuing negotiations with its US counterparts, reportedly offering strategic Liquefied Natural Gas procurement in exchange for a more reasonable tariff ceiling. However, such engagements must be swift, transparent and rooted in the national interest.

    “We cannot afford diplomatic dithering. Every delay will deepen the uncertainty in our export industries. The government must urgently finalise a sustainable trade path with the United States and, simultaneously, accelerate diversification into new markets across the EU, Asia and Africa,” stressed Ms Boshoff.

    The committee calls on the DTIC and the Department of Agriculture to provide support packages and market reorientation strategies for the most affected industries. This must include logistics relief, export finance support, and new market facilitation, particularly for emerging farmers and SMEs.

    “At a time when South Africa is battling record unemployment and low growth, punitive tariffs by our biggest trading partners are not just economic risks, they are catalysts for deeper inequality. We must respond with urgency, precision and policy agility,” Ms Boshoff noted.

    This unprecedent development cannot be approached with a “let it go” attitude, Ms Boshoff said. She called on the South African government to urgently send a high-level delegation to Washington to undertake repair of diplomatic ties and to reaffirm South Africa’s commitment to constructive engagement.

    President Trump signed the tariff order on Monday, 7 July, after the withdrawal of US grant funding for critical programmes in South Africa. The tariff order, which will apply to all South African products entering the US market, will come into effect from 1 August 2025.

    – on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • Sensex gains 270 points; investors eye relief in India-US trade talks

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian stock markets closed higher on Tuesday, recovering from a flat opening after reports of a possible mini trade deal between India and the United States surfaced late last night.

    Markets opened under pressure as concerns over US President Donald Trump’s fresh tariff measures weighed on sentiment.

    At the end of the trading session, the Sensex gained 270.01 points or 0.32 per cent to close at 83,712.51, while the Nifty rose 61.20 points or 0.24 per cent to settle at 25,522.50.

    Financial heavyweights helped the Nifty and Nifty Bank end in the green. Kotak Bank led the gains, rising over 3 per cent after a strong first-quarter update.

    On the other hand, Titan was the top loser on the Nifty, slipping 6 per cent after reporting lower-than-expected growth in its jewellery segment.

    “Today marked the third consecutive session where the Nifty opened and closed within a narrow range of 25,400 to 25,500. This shows the market is waiting for a trigger before the next move at the index level,” said VLA Ambala, Co-Founder of Stock Market Today.

    “The market remains in an uptrend with no signs of reversal yet, but volatility is expected as crude oil, gold, and dollar prices may fluctuate depending on the outcome of Donald Trump’s trade deal,” she added.

    Sundar Kewat, Technical and Derivatives Analyst at Ashika Institutional Equity, Ashika Stock Broking, noted that despite global uncertainties triggered by Trump’s announcement of 25–40 per cent tariffs on 14 countries, Indian equity markets opened flat and traded largely sideways throughout the session.

    “Trump’s tariffs took centre stage on Monday as letters detailing the new duties were issued to 14 countries. Markets reacted moderately and did not panic like they did from April 2nd to 9th. Over the past 90 days, markets have become more resilient, looking past Trump’s policy ambiguity to actual measures,” Ajay Bagga, Banking and Market Expert, said.

    He further added, “The key takeaway on Monday was that the July 9th tariff imposition deadline has now been moved to August 1st, giving another 23 days for negotiations with the affected countries.”

    (ANI)

  • MIL-OSI USA: Six months after the LA fires, nation’s fastest residential cleanup nears completion as Governor Newsom signs streamlining executive order, joins local leaders to unveil blueprint for rebuilding

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jul 7, 2025

    Recovery moves into next phase with focused plan to fast-track reconstruction and support impacted communities

    What you need to know: Governor Newsom has announced that debris removal for the Los Angeles firestorm is now substantially complete just six months after the fires ignited and has signed a new executive order to further fast-track rebuilding homes and schools. The Governor announced a blueprint for recovery in partnership with Los Angeles County leaders. 

    LOS ANGELES – On the six month anniversary of the Eaton and Palisades fires, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the substantial completion of the public debris removal program from more than 10,000 fire damaged parcels — marking the fastest major disaster cleanup in American history. The Governor also signed an executive order shepherding rebuilding homes and schools. He also joined local officials to unveil a new blueprint for recovery, a step-by-step plan to accelerate rebuilding and provide support to impacted families and communities. The near-completion of the public debris removal program comes months ahead of schedule.

    This is the biggest reform of the California mental health system in decades and will finally equip partners to deliver the results all Californians need and deserve. Treatment centers will prioritize mental health and substance use support in the community like never before. Now, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and begin implementing this critical reform – working closely with city and county leaders to ensure we see results.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    “Visiting LA during the fires and in their devastating aftermath, I met with so many who despite facing so much loss and suffering themselves, were out helping their neighbors—delivering food, donating clothes, rescuing pets, opening up their homes to those who had lost theirs,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. “Although much has been accomplished already in this recovery effort, the work continues. In it, Angelenos continue to show each other—and the world—the very best of us.” 

    Historic debris removal operation 

    The LA Fires cleanup is the second largest in state history after the Camp Fire and was jointly managed by the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and United States Army Corps of Engineers, in partnership with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as well Los Angeles County and City of Los Angeles. 
    Of the 12,048 total properties destroyed in the twin fires, 9,873 opted to participate in the cost-free public cleanup program and 1,982 opted to complete the work themselves. As of today 9,195 total have been cleared of debris with several hundred more awaiting erosion control measures and final sign-off.
    Any properties whose owner did not opt into the state-federal cleanup or remediate their parcel privately will be subject to a locally led city and county abatement process which is already underway.

    Billions of pounds of debris remediated

    The volume of ash, soot and structural debris cleaned up during this short time is nothing short of breathtaking.
    Crews removed more than 2.5 million tons — or 5.5 billion pounds — of ash, debris, metal, concrete, and contaminated soil in nine months’ time as part of California’s Consolidated Debris Removal Program. The total tonnage removed from the Eaton and Palisades Fires is equivalent to 92 Statues of Liberty. It is twice the amount removed from Ground Zero after 9/11.

    Prioritizing efficient rebuilding

    Today’s executive order fast-tracks the rebuilding of homes and schools affected by the disaster by suspending local permitting laws and building codes, at the request of local officials. The order: 

    • Expands suspensions of the Coastal Act and CEQA in the city of Los Angeles, creating parity among homeowners in the city and allowing homeowners to fast-track their entire rebuilding project.
    • Expands existing Coastal Act and CEQA exemptions to streamline rebuilding public schools, getting kids back in neighborhood public schools faster.
    • Exempts residents who are rebuilding homes from the requirement to install rooftop solar and battery storage systems to reduce up-front costs, while retaining the “Solar Ready” requirement to ensure these structures can support future installation of solar energy systems. 
    • Suspends changes to building codes that would go into effect on January 1, 2026, when not all homeowners will have finalized their plans to rebuild, to create certainty for homeowners and avoid the need to change plans, while retaining updated fire safety requirements.

    A blueprint for recovery 

    The progress made during this effort is due in large part to the unprecedented coordination among city, county, state, and federal partners.

    As the debris-removal work comes to an end and communities set their sights on the next phase of recovery, Los Angeles County embraces its role to lead local rebuilding efforts in unincorporated areas and foster conditions for a successful and equitable reconstruction and recovery in both city and county areas.

    The focus now shifts to the ongoing rebuilding process, where the state is actively supporting local officials in:

    • Identifying community needs for reconstruction
    • Specifying the magnitude and time-sensitivity of community needs, including needs for homeowners, residents, businesses and others.  
    • Defining priorities and what the county can do to move the needle and address identified needs
    • Communicating how it’s partnering to make reconstruction fast and affordable
    • Outlining an implementation roadmap 

    This blueprint will serve the near-term roadmap for the next 120 days, enabling the county to maintain the current pace for rebuilding and not be late to the needs of communities.  

    What they are saying

    “We have made tremendous progress in rebuilding our communities for the thousands of families who lost everything in the Eaton and Palisades fires, but to keep up this momentum, we are going to need more federal support. I will continue to push my colleagues in Congress to approve additional disaster assistance for California, because natural disasters don’t discriminate between red or blue states. We have always been there to help our neighbors, and it’s time for Congress to step up and deliver the disaster aid California needs.” – U.S. Senator Alex Padilla

    “For the past six months, as Los Angeles confronted the most devastating natural disaster in a generation, our communities have rallied to remind the world why we are the City of Angels. First responders, volunteers, friends, and neighbors helped recovery efforts, many of whom I’ve had the good fortune to meet and thank firsthand. In California, we have brought a sense of urgency to the cleanup and rebuilding, united in our goal of rising stronger from this ash and adversity. Senator Padilla and I continue to work with the Governor and the entire California delegation in Congress to supplement local efforts with the overdue federal disaster assistance needed to fully restore these vital neighborhoods,” – U.S. Senator Adam Schiff

    “Six months ago, our community was forever changed by the Los Angeles wildfires. Today, we remember the lives lost, the homes destroyed, and the bravery of those who stood in the face of unimaginable devastation. While we’ve made tremendous progress in delivering critical aid and coordinating relief on the ground, our work is far from over. We still face urgent challenges like securing affordable, long-term housing for those displaced. That’s why I’m incredibly grateful for Governor Newsom’s support and partnership as we fight for additional federal disaster aid to ensure that every survivor has the resources they need to recover and rebuild. As climate change fuels more frequent and devastating natural disasters across the country, we must remember that natural disasters have no political affiliations. And neither should our response. Every American deserves swift and fair federal aid no matter where they live or who they voted for.” – U.S. Representative Judy Chu

    “Reaching the six-month anniversary of the Los Angeles Wildfires reminds us that while recovery is a long journey, progress is possible when we stand together. From day one, Governor Newsom and his Administration have been true partners in this work, helping us cut red tape, bring resources to survivors, and rebuild with urgency and compassion. We have completed the fastest debris cleanup in California history and are now moving forward with an ambitious, people-first recovery blueprint. I remain committed to ensuring every affected community has the support they need to rebuild and thrive.” – Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger

    “Six months ago, the Palisades and Eaton Fires put our communities to the ultimate test. In the face of colossal devastation, we witnessed the unshakable resilience of the human spirit. Our residents stood strong, banded together, and reminded us all of the power of community. Thanks to a close partnership with Governor Newsom, governmental coordination at every level, and tireless County teams, we’ve already led the fastest debris removal in history. This is the spirit of Los Angeles County — and our momentum will continue. Together, we are not just restoring what was lost — we are building back stronger, safer, and more united than ever.” – Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsay Horvath

    “Six months ago, L.A. experienced one of the most unprecedented natural disasters in U.S. history. But this community—from Pacific Palisades to Malibu to Altadena—is resilient. We are L.A. strong. I want to thank Governor Newsom, Supervisor Barger, and all of our federal, state, County, non-profit and philanthropic partners for their collaboration as we continue to lead the fastest recovery in state history as we create clear and supportive pathways for homeowners to rebuild.” – Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass

    “As we mark six months since the Eaton Fire, I want to thank Governor Newsom for his leadership and steadfast support. I also want to acknowledge our federal, state, and local partners—including Supervisor Kathryn Barger and her team, FEMA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, CalOES, LA County Public Works, and our dedicated City of Pasadena team. Thanks to these strong partnerships, and the strength and heart of our local community, we have forged a path of recovery that is not only steady—it is, by all measures, unprecedented in its pace and coordination.” – Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo

    “The City of Malibu is grateful for the cooperation of the Governor’s office during this extraordinary time. Additionally, the outstanding teamwork that has developed between the State of California, County of Los Angeles and our Federal partners, including the Army of Corp of Engineers, is something we can all be proud of. All levels of government have looked to find innovative ways to respond and work to create an efficient recovery. We are excited to continue our work to rebuild our communities and find ways to reduce rebuild costs by working together.” – Malibu Mayor Marianne Riggins

    “On this six-month anniversary of the Eaton Fire, I want to extend our sincere gratitude to our federal, state, and county partners, for their continued leadership and support. Thanks to their efforts, we’ve made significant progress toward recovery. Nevertheless, we recognize there is still critical work ahead to fully restore our impacted communities and Sierra Madre remains committed to that path.” – Sierra Madre Mayor Robert Parkhurst

    “This progress is a testament to the unwavering collaboration between FEMA, USACE, CalOES, L.A. County Department of Public Works and all of our federal, state, local and private sector partners. In my 28 years of emergency management, I’ve rarely seen such an effective and united response and recovery effort. Together, we are making significant strides in helping communities rebuild and restore their lives. The dedication and hard work of everyone involved exemplifies the true spirit of American resilience and determination, making this milestone possible.” – FEMA Region 9 Administrator Bob Fenton

    “Over the past six months, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, working closely with our federal, state, and local partners, has made significant progress in the Eaton and Palisades Fire debris removal mission. Together, we’ve safely and efficiently cleared thousands of fire-impacted properties, moving quickly to reduce hazards and help communities take the next steps toward recovery. This mission demonstrates what can be achieved through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to fast, safe, and effective operations. USACE remains fully committed to seeing this mission through to completion.” – Colonel Eric R. Swenson, United States Army Corps of Engineers
     

    California’s all-in efforts

    Since the first day these firestorms ignited, Governor Newsom has been on the ground leading an all-in state response and recovery. 

    The Governor deployed resources before the hurricane-force fires broke out – growing to over 16,000 boots on the ground at the peak of the state’s response. And in the hours that followed, Governor Newsom launched historic recovery and rebuilding efforts to help Los Angeles get back on its feet, faster. 

    Even before the fires were out, Governor Newsom worked closely with outgoing President Joe Biden to secure a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration and then coordinated with the Trump Administration to ensure comprehensive federal support for Los Angeles. 

    That work has paid dividends as the current pace of debris and hazardous waste removal is months ahead of the cleanup timeline for the Camp, Woolsey, Hill fires in 2019 and Tubbs Fire in 2017/18, which at the time were themselves the fastest of their kind. 

    State and federal officials worked hand in glove to clear hazardous waste from 9,000 homes in less than 30 days. At the project’s peak, as many as 500 crews of expert heavy equipment operators from the Army Corps of Engineers worked around the clock to rapidly clear ash, soot, and fire debris from structures damaged by the Eaton and Palisades fires. 

    By the numbers 

    • 16,000 first responders and recovery personnel deployed
    • $2.5 billion in Small Business Administration Assistance approved. 
    • $144.2 million in individual assistance disbursed
    • $100 million in dedicated community partnerships through LA Rises
    • 40,000 totals visitors to disaster recovery centers 
    • 30 days to clear properties of hazardous waste
    • 9,195 properties cleared of debris 
    • 2,300 homes cleared of debris 
    • 12,500 right of entry forms submitted 
    • 8 of 8 schools resumed in person instruction 
    • 9 of 9 water systems reactivated  

    California’s historic recovery and rebuilding efforts 

    Cutting red tape to help rebuild Los Angeles faster and stronger

    • The new executive order builds on prior orders to streamline the rebuilding of homes and businesses destroyed — suspending permitting and review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act. The Governor also issued an executive order further cutting red tape by reiterating that permitting requirements under the California Coastal Act are suspended for rebuilding efforts and directing the Coastal Commission not to issue guidance or take any action that interferes with or conflicts with the Governor’s executive orders. The Governor also issued an executive order removing administrative barriers, extending deadlines, and providing critical regulatory relief to help fire survivors rebuild, access essential services, and recover more quickly.

    Providing tax and mortgage relief to those impacted by the fires

    Fast-tracking temporary housing and protecting tenants

    • To help provide necessary shelter for those immediately impacted by the firestorms, the Governor issued an executive order to make it easier to streamline construction of accessory dwelling units, allow for more temporary trailers and other housing, and suspend fees for mobile home parks. Governor Newsom also issued an executive order that prohibited landlords in Los Angeles County from evicting tenants for sharing their rental with survivors displaced by the Los Angeles-area firestorms.
    • With an eye toward recovery, the Governor directed fast action on debris removal work and mitigating the potential for mudslides and flooding in areas burned. He also signed an executive order to allow expert federal hazmat crews to start cleaning up properties as a key step in getting people back to their properties safely. The Governor also issued an executive order to help mitigate risk of mudslides and flooding and protect communities by hastening efforts to remove debris, bolster flood defenses, and stabilize hillsides in affected areas. 

    Safeguarding survivors from price gouging

    Directing immediate state relief

    Getting kids back in the classroom

    Protecting victims from real estate speculators

    • The Governor issued an executive order to protect firestorm victims in the immediate aftermath of losing their homes from predatory land speculators making aggressive and unsolicited below-market cash offers to purchase their property.

    Helping businesses and workers get back on their feet

    The Governor issued an executive order to support small businesses and workers, by providing relief to help businesses recover quickly by deferring annual licensing fees and waiving other requirements that may impose barriers to recovery.

    Recent news

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on tackling China’s critical raw materials export restrictions – B10-0332/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    B10‑0332/2025

    European Parliament resolution on tackling China’s critical raw materials export restrictions

    (2025/2800(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 of 11 April 2024 on establishing a framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials (the Critical Raw Materials Act)[1],

    – having regard to Regulation (EU) 2024/1735 of 13 June 2024 on establishing a framework of measures for strengthening Europe’s net-zero technology manufacturing ecosystem and amending Regulation (EU) 2018/1724[2] ,

    – having regard to the upcoming EU-China summit on 24-25 July 2025,

    – having regard to Rule 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas China dominates in rare earth refining, especially in heavy rare earth elements; whereas China accounts for roughly 70 % of global rare earth mining and over 90 % of the world’s refining capacity; whereas China holds a near monopoly over the global supply chain of several critical minerals, particularly rare earth elements (REEs) and other minerals that are vital for high-tech applications like powerful magnets;

    B. whereas critical minerals and REEs are crucial for both the green and digital transitions, owing to their essential role in enabling technologies in areas including renewable energy, electric vehicles, advanced electronics and defence;

    C. whereas the global demand for REEs, which are critical materials for various technologies including clean energy, is surging, with a significant increase projected for the coming years;

    D. whereas on 4 April 2025, in response to US President Donald Trump’s tariff increases on Chinese products, China imposed export restrictions on 7 of the 17 REEs: samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium and yttrium;

    E. whereas on 27 June 2025, Washington and Beijing announced a new trade framework, under which China would resume approving export licences for REEs over the following six months;

    F. whereas the new rare earth restrictions are already causing export delays (of up to 45 days for processing a licence application, with additional time needed if the state council or military has to be consulted) as the Chinese Government establishes the licensing system;

    1. Expresses deep concern about and strongly criticises China’s recent and unjustified export restrictions on rare earth materials and magnets, which are crucial for European industries such as automotive manufacturing, renewable energy and defence;

    2. Notes with concern that the EU, which is not responsible for starting the ongoing trade dispute between the United States and China, is nonetheless bearing its economic consequences and should not become collateral damage in this conflict;

    3. Recalls that conservation policies do not allow members of the World Trade Organization to adopt measures to control the international market for a natural resource, which is what the export restrictions do; expresses the view that China’s export restrictions are designed to achieve industrial policy goals rather than conservation; underlines that the export quotas do not work together with measures restricting domestic Chinese use of rare earths, as required by the second part of Article XX of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994, and are therefore intended to secure preferential use of those materials for Chinese manufacturers;

    4. Calls on China to lift the restrictions and urges both the Commission and the Member States to take a firm and unified stance and engage with the Chinese authorities to seek a structural solution for these unjustified restrictions, which are undermining the global green and digital transitions; calls on the Commission and the Council to address the issue with the Chinese authorities in the upcoming EU-China summit on 24-25 July 2025, with a view to restoring a level playing field as well as securing the lifting of Chinese sanctions against former MEPs and think tanks;

    5. Stresses, however, that the EU must firmly reject any attempts by the Chinese authorities to use these restrictions as a tool of coercion to force concessions in ongoing disputes on other unfair practices, such as the anti-dumping duties on battery electric vehicles;

    6. Is concerned that this may lead to an unfair trade-off between export restrictions and access to European technological know-how, undermining our industrial competitiveness and strategic autonomy;

    7. Urges the Commission to mitigate the risks of the EU’s overdependence on China for critical REEs and regrets that, despite the good intentions and policy initiatives of the Critical Raw Materials Act, the EU’s dependence on China for critical raw materials has continued to grow or, at best, remains stubbornly high;

    8. Underlines the need for a clear strategy to ensure the long-term security of supply by focusing on diversification, increased domestic production and the circular economy, with robust recycling infrastructure at its core for the recovery of critical minerals from end-of-life products;

    9. Calls on the Commission to make full use of the Clean Industrial Deal to build strategic partnerships with resource-rich countries, strengthen domestic capabilities in extraction, processing and recycling, and reduce reliance on single suppliers;

    10. Emphasises the need to secure access to critical raw materials; stresses that the upcoming circular economy act should improve resource efficiency, including through better waste management of products containing critical raw materials, as well as fostering the demand and availability of secondary raw materials; stresses the need to define those secondary raw materials that are strategic and that should be subject to export monitoring, such as steel and metal scrap, and to tackle any imbalance in their supply and demand, including by exploring export restrictions; insists on the effective enforcement of the Waste Shipment Regulation[3];

    11. Welcomes the critical minerals action plan agreed at the G7 leaders’ summit in June 2025;

    12. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the governments and parliaments of the Member States and the Government of the People’s Republic of China.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Japanese PM calls Trump’s new tariff decision regrettable

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    TOKYO, July 8 (Xinhua) — Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Tuesday called U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose 25 percent tariffs on Japan “truly regrettable,” saying bilateral talks will continue to reach a mutually beneficial deal.

    He said the government would continue to steadfastly defend national interests in future rounds of trade talks and pledged to do its utmost to soften the impact of upcoming tariff increases on Japan’s export-oriented economy.

    “We will continue to negotiate with the United States to explore the possibility of reaching a mutually beneficial deal while protecting our national interests,” the prime minister said. He attributed the lack of progress to “the government avoiding hasty compromises, demanding and defending what is necessary.”

    D. Trump said Monday that a 25 percent tariff on imported goods from Japan would be imposed starting Aug. 1. The U.S. president also warned that any tariff increases on American goods would be met with equivalent measures from his administration. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Labour must stop glamorising relationship with Trump

    Source: Scottish Greens

    08 Jul 2025 External Affairs

    Starmer must stop copying Trump’s homework and stand up for real values.

    More in External Affairs

    Labour and Keir Starmer must stop cosying up to Donald Trump and instead stand for the values of democracy and human rights, say the Scottish Greens.

    The call came from Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman, after Starmer opened up to the BBC about how he and Donald Trump bonded over “shared family values”.

    In 2023 Donald Trump was found guilty of 34 felonies after he paid $130,000 in hush money to cover up an affair with an American porn star. And he has dozens of sexual assault allegations against him dating back to the 1970’s.

    Maggie said:

    “Under Donald Trump, America is in turmoil. His administration is sending innocent people to be tortured in foreign countries, he’s just passed a bill that will strip 17 million Americans of their healthcare, he’s begun an unprecedented transfer of wealth from the poor to his billionaire supporters, and he has openly called for the ethnic cleansing of Gaza.

    “For a UK Prime Minister to sit there and talk about his shared values with this President should set off alarm bells in every institution and every voter in this country. Cosying up to a racist, misogynistic, climate-wrecking authoritarian like Donald Trump is the last thing we should be doing.

    “While values may be a flexible concept to Keir Starmer – if you don’t like his values he, opportunistically, has others – it must not be for our country. If we don’t have our values we have nothing.

    “Already Downing Street is copying Trump’s homework by pushing through drastic cuts to disability benefits in order to boost spending on of war and defence. Rather than working to overcome 14 years of Tory austerity and rebuild the country, Starmer is doubling down on the same disastrous policies that got us into the mess we’re in.

    “And Labour continues to echo the White House by refusing to end their active participation in the ongoing genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. We see the death-toll mounting daily. We watch as innocent civilians are shot or blown up while waiting for food inside barbed wire enclosures. Keir Starmer can’t even bring himself to call out these atrocities, never mind end the UK’s training and arming of those perpetrating them.

    “Are these the family values he speaks of so fondly? Is this really the path we want to follow? Starmer must end this pathetic grovelling to the US President and begin standing up for real values – democracy, human rights, and a fair economy that improves living standards for everyone.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Child Fund – World’s poorest hit by double whammy – trade war plus a war on aid

    Source: ChildFund New Zealand

    President Trump has announced his latest tariffs after a 90 day pause, confirming an increase for 14 countries, including some of the poorest.
    Today’s announcement includes 40% tariff on goods from Myanmar and Laos, and a 36% tariff on goods from Thailand and Cambodia.
    “We are still waiting to see if he will carry through on his threat to increase tariffs on Pacific Island countries,” says Josie Pagani, CEO of ChildFund.
    In April Trump announced tariffs in the Pacific, with Fiji likely to be charged the most at 32 per cent. Nauru, one of the smallest nations in the world would be hit with a 30 per cent tariff, while Vanuatu would get a 22 per cent tariff.
    The US is Fiji’s top export destination, with Fijian exports totalling $US360 million in 2023.
    Kava represents 70 per cent of Vanuatu exports, and the US is one of its primary export destinations for the local drink.
    “If Vanuatu gets lumped with a 22% tariff on top of cuts to US aid, while it is still struggling to recover from last year’s earthquake, it will be a real blow to its economy,” says Josie Pagani.
    “Being hit with a double whammy – cuts to aid budgets and a trade war – could wreak havoc on the world’s most indebted countries.”
    Low to middle-income countries’ debt levels have more than doubled since 2009 and the cost of servicing that debt has grown.
    “These tariffs make it harder for countries to trade their way out of poverty. It decreases the value of their exports, therefore reducing countries’ access to foreign currencies, which they need to pay back their external debt.”
    “There is some hope. Some developing countries will find new markets in Europe, Southeast Asia and the Pacific, including New Zealand and Australian markets. There are also other development banks who can lend to poor countries, for example the European Investment Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. The U.S. is not a member of either.
    “But there is no doubt that today’s tariff announcement will make it hard for countries to wean themselves off aid by increasing trade. The world is set to become a more dangerous place. The last thing we need now,” says Josie Pagani.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman García Defends Job Corps at Chicago City Council Hearing 

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)

    CHICAGO — Today, Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) appeared before the Chicago City Council’s Committee on Workforce Development to deliver testimony against the Trump administration’s attempt to illegally shut down Job Corps programs nationwide—including Paul Simon Job Corps Center, located in his district and serving youth across the Chicagoland region. 

    The Paul Simon Job Corps Center provides critical career and technical education to youth ages 16 to 24, offering training in high-demand industries including carpentry, pharmacy tech, protective services, and many more. Many students come from underserved communities.

    “I fully support the continued federal, state, and local funding for the Paul Simon Job Corps Center and all Job Corps programs,” said Congressman García. “We must do everything in our power to protect these vital programs nationwide. They make the difference between putting food on the table, a stable home, and living with uncertainty. Simply put, these job opportunities are a lifeline.”

    “Whether it’s the Bricklayers, Carpenters, or Teamsters—my union brothers and sisters also know we need a strong workforce and we’ve all got to do our part,” said the Congressman. “Our youth deserve an opportunity. And our community demands it. And all of us—public servants, workforce partners, and community members—must come together to defend these life-changing programs. 

    “If we are serious about being a competitive global leader, we need a diverse workforce, and that starts with investing in our youth,” added Congressman García. 

    Congressman García, a champion of youth workforce development, recently joined 198  colleagues in sending a bipartisan letter to Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer demanding the administration follow the law and continue funding Job Corps as already authorized and funded by Congress. He also submitted a letter to members of the Committee expressing his strong support for Job Corps. The letter can be found here.  

    A video of the Congressman’s testimony can be found here, starting at 45:40. 

    Background
    On May 25, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) abruptly announced the suspension of operations at all contractor-operated Job Corps centers nationwide. The shutdown–scheduled for June 30–would have impacted 99 programs. 

    The DOL cited “serious incident reports” and cost concerns, referencing an “in-depth fiscal analysis,” relying on outdated COVID-era figures, while ignoring current need and demand.

    The National Job Corps Association sued to block closures. A U.S. district judge in Manhattan ruled in favor of the Association, finding that the abrupt shuttering of the 60-year-old Job Corps program without authorization from Congress was likely illegal. The judge issued a preliminary injunction preventing DOL from ending the program pending the outcome of the lawsuit. It is unclear how the recent Supreme Court case Trump v. Casa, Inc., which banned nationwide injunctions, will impact this case. 

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman García Votes No on Trump’s Cruel Spending Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) issued the following statement after voting against H.R.1, the “One Big, Ugly Bill”:

    “I cannot support a bill that strips health care from working families while writing checks to billionaires and ICE.

    “Trump’s ‘Big, Ugly Bill’ includes the largest Medicaid cuts in American history, leaving 17 million people with no health care. In my district, 278,000 people are enrolled in Medicaid, and thousands will lose their coverage under this bill. It raises costs, eliminates care, and punishes everyday families. 

    “It jeopardizes nutrition benefits for more than 40 million people, taking food off the table for children, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities.

    “If that was not enough, this bill will pour $100 billion into ICE, building it into the largest police force in the country—even bigger than the FBI—and with more detention capacity than the entire federal prison system. All to supercharge Trump and Stephen Miller’s deportation agenda, which means more raids, more kidnappings, more people taken from the streets with no regard for due process, and more families separated. 

    “My vote is for working families—not for billionaires, not for fear, and not for cruelty.”

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: President notes US tariff announcement

    Source: Government of South Africa

    President notes US tariff announcement

    President Cyril Ramaphosa has noted the correspondence from the United States (US) President Donald Trump on the unilateral imposition of a 30% trade tariff against South Africa. 

    In a letter addressed to the President on Monday, President Trump announced that he would subject imports from South Africa to new 30% tariffs that would take effect from 1 August 2025.

    “This 30% tariff is based on a particular interpretation of the balance of trade between South Africa and the United States. This contested interpretation forms part of the issues under consideration by the negotiating teams from South Africa and the United States. 

    “Accordingly, South Africa maintains that the 30% reciprocal tariff is not an accurate representation of available trade data,” the Presidency said in a statement.

    South Africa’s interpretation of the available trade data shows that the average tariff imported goods entering South Africa stands at 7.6%. 

    The Presidency emphasised that 56% of goods enter South Africa at 0% most favoured nation tariff, with 77% of US goods entering the South African market under the 0% duty.

    “South Africa will continue with its diplomatic efforts towards a more balanced and mutually beneficial trade relationship with the United States. We welcome the commitment by the US government, that the 30% tariff is subject to modification at the back of the conclusion of our negotiations with the United States,” the Presidency said.

    South Africa has continued to engage the United States, most recently at a meeting held on the side-lines of the US-Africa Summit on 23 June 2025 in Luanda. 

    “It was at this meeting where South Africa learned of a template with which the US wishes to engage sub-Saharan Africa on matters of trade. The South African negotiating team still awaits this template; however, President Ramaphosa has instructed the team [to] urgently engage with the US on the basis of the Framework Deal that South Africa submitted to the US on 20 May 2025. 

    “This framework deal addresses the issues initially raised by the US, including South Africa’s supposed trade surplus, unfair trade practices and lack of reciprocity from the US.

    “The President urges government trade negotiations teams and South African companies to accelerate their diversification efforts in order to promote better resilience in both global supply chains and the South African economy,” the Presidency said.

    The President has further noted that South Africa is one of a number of countries to have received this communication on 7 July 2025. – SAnews.gov.za

    nosihle

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: South Korea to seek win-win trade deal with US

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    SEOUL, July 8 (Xinhua) — The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy of the Republic of Korea (ROK) said Tuesday it will make efforts to reach a mutually beneficial trade deal with the United States after U.S. President Donald Trump effectively delayed the imposition of new tariffs on South Korean products.

    The ministry said in a statement that Seoul has been actively negotiating since the inauguration of the new government led by President Lee Jae-myung on June 4, guided by the principle of prioritizing national interests.

    The ministry noted that there is not enough time to reach an agreement on all issues, considering D. Trump’s letter to be a de facto postponement of the introduction of “equivalent” tariffs on South Korean products.

    The ministry promised to step up efforts to achieve mutually beneficial results in the remaining period of negotiations to quickly resolve tariff-related uncertainties, adding that Kazakhstan will address the trade deficit that worries the US by improving domestic rules and streamlining regulations.

    According to the statement, the ministry will seek to create an opportunity for a breakthrough in key industries through partnership between the two countries to revive manufacturing.

    In his letter to the South Korean leader, published on the social network Truth Social, D. Trump said that the two countries must abandon the long-term and permanent trade deficit caused by tariffs, non-tariff policies and trade barriers on the part of the Republic of Korea. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: President Ramaphosa responds to United States (US) tariffs announcement

    Source: APO


    .

    President Cyril Ramaphosa has noted the correspondence from President Donald Trump on the unilateral imposition of a 30% trade tariff against South Africa. The President has further noted that South Africa is one of a number of countries to have received this communication on 7 July 2025. 

    This 30% tariff is based on a particular interpretation of the balance of trade between South Africa and the United States. This contested interpretation forms part of the issues under consideration by the negotiating teams from South Africa and the United States. Accordingly, South Africa maintains that the 30% reciprocal tariff is not an accurate representation of available trade data. In our interpretation of the available trade data,  the average tariff imported goods entering South Africa stands at 7.6%. Importantly, 56% of goods enter South Africa at 0% most favoured nation tariff, with 77% of US goods entering the South African market under the 0% duty.

    South Africa will continue with its diplomatic efforts towards a more balanced and mutually beneficial trade relationship with the United States. We welcome the commitment by the US government, that the 30% tariff is subject to modification at the back of the conclusion of our negotiations with the United States. 

    South Africa has continued to engage the United States, most recently at a meeting held on the side-lines of the US-Africa Summit on 23 June 2025 in Luanda. It was at this meeting where South Africa learned of  a template with which the US wishes to engage sub-Saharan Africa on matters of trade. The South African negotiating team still awaits this template, however, President Ramaphosa has instructed the team urgently engage with the US on the basis of the Framework Deal that South Africa submitted to the US on 20 May 2025. This Framework deal addresses the issues initially raised by the US, including South Africa’s supposed trade surplus, unfair trade practices and lack of reciprocity from the US.

    The President urges government trade negotiations teams and South African companies to accelerate their diversification efforts in order to promote better resilience in both global supply chains and the South African economy.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • US restores $6.8 million aid for Tibetans, State Department says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The United States has restored $6.8 million in funding for Tibetans in South Asia, the U.S. State Department told Reuters on Tuesday, confirming comments by Tibet’s government-in-exile.

    The aid had been cut by President Donald Trump’s administration as part of its “America First” policy that hit a number of programmes, including those aimed at securing food and preventing the spread of HIV in some of the world’s poorest regions.

    Last week, the leader of the Tibetan government in-exile in India, Penpa Tsering said Tibetans became “collateral damage” in U.S. foreign aid cuts, and the funding had since been restored. He was speaking on the sidelines of the 90th birthday celebration of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.

    “The (State) Department re-instated $6.8 million in aid for Tibetans in South Asia,” a spokesperson said in response to a query from Reuters by e-mail, without saying when the funding was restored.

    The U.S. has called on China to cease what it describes as interference in the succession of the 14th Dalai Lama, who fled from Tibet in 1959 in the wake of a failed uprising against Chinese rule and took shelter in India. China has said that the succession will have to be approved by its leaders.

    “The United States has had a decades-long, bipartisan commitment to support and help advance the dignity and human rights of Tibetans, as well as help Tibetans preserve their distinct religious, cultural, and linguistic identity,” the State Department spokesperson added.

    (Reuters)

     

  • US restores $6.8 million aid for Tibetans, State Department says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The United States has restored $6.8 million in funding for Tibetans in South Asia, the U.S. State Department told Reuters on Tuesday, confirming comments by Tibet’s government-in-exile.

    The aid had been cut by President Donald Trump’s administration as part of its “America First” policy that hit a number of programmes, including those aimed at securing food and preventing the spread of HIV in some of the world’s poorest regions.

    Last week, the leader of the Tibetan government in-exile in India, Penpa Tsering said Tibetans became “collateral damage” in U.S. foreign aid cuts, and the funding had since been restored. He was speaking on the sidelines of the 90th birthday celebration of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.

    “The (State) Department re-instated $6.8 million in aid for Tibetans in South Asia,” a spokesperson said in response to a query from Reuters by e-mail, without saying when the funding was restored.

    The U.S. has called on China to cease what it describes as interference in the succession of the 14th Dalai Lama, who fled from Tibet in 1959 in the wake of a failed uprising against Chinese rule and took shelter in India. China has said that the succession will have to be approved by its leaders.

    “The United States has had a decades-long, bipartisan commitment to support and help advance the dignity and human rights of Tibetans, as well as help Tibetans preserve their distinct religious, cultural, and linguistic identity,” the State Department spokesperson added.

    (Reuters)

     

  • Wartime innovation boosts Israeli defence tech growth, drawing global interest

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israeli army reservist Zach Bergerson felt he had to take action when he saw fellow soldiers having to rely on their eyes and ears to detect swarms of enemy drones overhead.

    So the high-tech professional, 36, developed a wearable device that uses mobile phone technology to warn troops of aerial threats. Like other reservists, Bergerson has leveraged his civilian expertise and military experience to bolster Israel’s defence industry.

    Known as SkyHoop, his startup has since emerged from stealth mode – a period when startups typically work in secrecy – to be piloted in Ukraine with discussions under way for a trial by the U.S. Defense Department.

    While U.S. President Donald Trump brokers a Gaza ceasefire, Israeli startups like Bergerson’s are drawing investment from U.S. and Israeli venture capital firms and looking to build on a growing European market for Israeli defence exports.

    More than a third of all defence tech startups registered with the country’s Startup Nation Central, an organization that tracks Israeli innovation, were created since a deadly Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, launched the war in Gaza.

    In June, while Israel attacked Iranian nuclear and ballistic missile targets, their 12-day air war highlighted the efficacy of Israel’s aerial defences. Israel successfully intercepted 86% of Iran’s ballistic missile launches, the Defence Ministry said.

    The changing nature of war has led to shifts in defence procurement worldwide. Western armies demand new battle-tested technology, refined by soldiers in combat. Some 20% of Israeli reservists work in the robust high-tech sector.

    Israeli defence startups have drawn investment from major American venture capital firms that previously avoided the sector as it was considered riskier and mired in regulation. Israeli VC firms have emerged as well to invest in defence.

    Lital Leshem, an Israeli reservist, in December co-founded Protego Ventures, a fund that has studied some 160 defence companies and raised around $100 million. She expects the fund will invest in around four companies by year’s end.

    “Reservists are coming out of the battlefield and are actually putting together new companies to solve real problems that they have experienced in real time on the battlefield,” Leshem told Reuters.

    These companies will face major challenges scaling up to the global market and overcoming regulatory hurdles, Leshem said, but she predicts that, like Israel’s cyber industry, it is a field in which Israeli entrepreneurs can thrive.

    These startups formerly viewed the U.S. as the “holy grail” for their target market, Leshem said, but that is also changing.

    EYES ON EUROPE

    Israeli startups are hoping to benefit from Trump’s demand that European countries take over from the U.S. more of the burden of defending their continent.

    Under a new NATO defence spending plan, countries will spend 5% of GDP – up from 2% – on defence. The figure includes 3.5% of GDP on “core defence” such as weapons and troops and 1.5% on security-related investments.

    Such an increase – to be phased in over 10 years – will mean hundreds of billions of dollars more spending on defence.

    Israel’s defence exports hit a record $14.8 billion in 2024, according to Defence Ministry figures released last month, while exports to Europe comprised more than 50% of these sales, up from 35% in 2023.

    Despite calls from some countries to boycott Israeli weapons, “when one side is purchasing, in the end, they want to buy the best product possible,” said Reserve Brigadier General Yair Kulas, head of the Defence Ministry International Defence Cooperation Directorate.

    Largely as a result of the Russia-Ukraine war, Kulas said, European states are upgrading their militaries, sending older equipment to Ukraine and replacing it with new products, many of them from Israel. Kulas said the story of Israeli weapons exports is also part of a larger global trend.

    The political backlash is worrisome, Kulas said, because on the one hand Israel’s innovation is groundbreaking and world-class but there has been a “delegitimization of Israel”.

    More than 57,000 Palestinians have been killed, most of them civilians, local health officials have said, in the 21 months since Israel launched its assault on Gaza, displacing the population and leaving the territory in ruins.

    “I don’t know how it will impact the results in 2025,” Kulas told Reuters. He said it is “certainly a huge challenge.”

    Avi Hasson from Startup Nation Central said the surge of new defence startups created by reservists is reminiscent of a technological revolution 20 years ago that would later evolve into smartphones.

    Startups may prompt larger Israeli defence companies such as ElbitESLT.TA, Rafael and Israel Aerospace Industries to either try to acquire more Israeli startups and help bring them up to scale or develop their own technology at a faster pace.

    “We are now in a different world,” Hasson told Reuters.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Brazil’s President Condemns Foreign Interference in Country’s Internal Affairs

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    RIO DE JANEIRO, July 8 (Xinhua) — Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Monday condemned foreign interference in his country’s internal affairs after U.S. President Donald Trump called on Brazilian authorities to stop prosecuting former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is under investigation for attempting a coup.

    “Defending Brazilian democracy is a matter that concerns Brazilians. We are a sovereign country, we do not accept interference or tutelage from anyone. We have strong and independent institutions. No one is above the law, especially those who threaten freedom and the rule of law,” said L.I. Lula da Silva.

    J. Bolsonaro, who served as Brazil’s president from 2019 to 2022, is accused of plotting to retain power through force after losing the 2022 presidential election. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The US has high hopes for a new Gaza ceasefire, but Israel’s long-term aims seem far less peaceful

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ali Mamouri, Research Fellow, Middle East Studies, Deakin University

    US President Donald Trump has hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for dinner at the White House, where he has declared talks to end the war in Gaza are “going along very well”.

    In turn, Netanyahu revealed he has nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, saying:

    he is forging peace as we speak, in one country, in one region, after the other.

    Despite all the talk of peace, negotiations in Qatar between Israeli and Palestinian delegations have broken up without a breakthrough. The talks are expected to resume later this week.

    If an agreement is reached, it will likely be hailed as a crucial opportunity to end nearly two years of humanitarian crisis in Gaza, following the October 7 attacks in which 1,200 Israelis were killed by Hamas-led militants.

    However, there is growing scepticism about the durability of any truce. A previous ceasefire agreement reached in January led to the release of dozens of Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

    But it collapsed by March, when Israel resumed military operations in Gaza.

    This breakdown in trust on both sides, combined with ongoing Israeli military operations and political instability, suggests the new deal may prove to be another temporary pause rather than a lasting resolution.

    Details of the deal

    The proposed agreement outlines a 60-day ceasefire aimed at de-escalating hostilities in Gaza and creating space for negotiations toward a more lasting resolution.

    Hamas would release ten surviving Israeli hostages and return the remains of 18 others. In exchange, Israel is expected to withdraw its military forces to a designated buffer zone along Gaza’s borders with both Israel and Egypt.

    The agreement being thrashed out in Doha includes the release of Israeli hostages, held in Gaza for the past 22 months.
    Anas-Mohammed/Shutterstock

    While the specific terms of a prisoner exchange remain under negotiation, the release of Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons is a central component of the proposal.

    Humanitarian aid is also a key focus of the agreement. Relief would be delivered through international organisations, primarily UN agencies and the Palestinian Red Crescent.

    However, the agreement does not specify the future role of the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Fund, which has been distributing food aid since May.

    The urgency of humanitarian access is underscored by the scale of destruction in Gaza. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israel’s military campaign has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians. The offensive has triggered a hunger crisis, displaced much of the population internally, and left vast areas of the territory in ruins.

    Crucially, the agreement does not represent an end to the war, one of Hamas’s core demands. Instead, it commits both sides to continue negotiations throughout the 60-day period, with the hope of reaching a more durable and comprehensive ceasefire.

    Obstacles to a lasting peace

    Despite the apparent opportunity to reach a final ceasefire, especially after Israel has inflicted severe damage on Hamas, Netanyahu’s government appears reluctant to fully end the military campaign.

    There is scepticism a temporary ceasefire would lead to permanent peace.
    Anas-Mohammed/Shutterstock

    A central reason is political: Netanyahu’s ruling coalition heavily relies on far-right parties that insist on continuing the war. Any serious attempt at a ceasefire could lead to the collapse of his government.

    Militarily, Israel has achieved several of its tactical objectives.

    It has significantly weakened Hamas and other Palestinian factions and caused widespread devastation across Gaza. This is alongside the mass arrests, home demolitions, and killing of hundreds of Palestinians in the West Bank.

    And it has forced Hezbollah in Lebanon to scale back its operations after sustaining major losses.

    Perhaps most notably, Israel struck deep into Iran’s military infrastructure, killing dozens of high-ranking commanders and damaging its missile and nuclear capabilities.

    Reshaping the map

    Yet Netanyahu’s ambitions may go beyond tactical victories. There are signs he is aiming for two broader strategic outcomes.

    First, by making Gaza increasingly uninhabitable, his government could push Palestinians to flee. This would effectively pave the way for Israel to annex the territory in the long term – a scenario advocated by many of his far-right allies.

    Speaking at the White House, Netanyahu says he is working with the US on finding countries that will take Palestinians from Gaza:

    if people want to stay, they can stay, but if they want to leave, they should be able to leave.

    Second, prolonging the war allows Netanyahu to delay his ongoing corruption trial and extend his political survival.

    True intentions

    At the heart of the impasse is the far-right’s vision for total Palestinian defeat, with no concession and no recognition of a future Palestinian state. This ideology has consistently blocked peace efforts for three decades.

    Israeli leaders have repeatedly described any potential Palestinian entity as “less than a state” or a “state-minus”, a formulation that falls short of Palestinian aspirations and international legal standards.

    Today, even that limited vision appears to be off the table, as Israeli policy moves towards complete rejection of Palestinian statehood.

    With Palestinian resistance movements significantly weakened and no immediate threat facing Israel, this moment presents a crucial test of Israel’s intentions.

    Is Israel genuinely pursuing peace, or seeking to cement its dominance in the region while permanently denying Palestinians their right to statehood?

    Following its military successes and the normalisation of relations with several Arab states under the Abraham Accords, Israeli political discourse has grown increasingly bold.

    Some voices in the Israeli establishment are openly advocating for the permanent displacement of Palestinians to neighbouring Arab countries such as Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. This would effectively erase the prospect of a future Palestinian state.

    This suggests that for certain factions within Israel, the end goal is not a negotiated settlement, but a one-sided resolution that reshapes the map and the people of the region on Israel’s terms.

    The coming weeks will reveal whether Israel chooses the path of compromise and coexistence, or continues down a road that forecloses the possibility of lasting peace.

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

    – ref. The US has high hopes for a new Gaza ceasefire, but Israel’s long-term aims seem far less peaceful – https://theconversation.com/the-us-has-high-hopes-for-a-new-gaza-ceasefire-but-israels-long-term-aims-seem-far-less-peaceful-260286

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • Indian markets open cautiously higher amid Trump tariff concerns; IT and banking stocks lead gains

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian stock markets opened on a cautious note on Tuesday as investors weighed fresh tariff measures announced by US President Donald Trump. While concerns lingered, traders appeared to adopt a “wait and watch” approach, looking for more clarity on the evolving situation.

    Around 9:30 am, the Sensex was trading 91.57 points, or 0.11 per cent higher, at 83,534.07, while the Nifty 50 rose 22.25 points, or 0.09 per cent, to 25,483.55.

    Buying interest was seen in IT, PSU banks and financial services stocks. Analysts noted that while the US announced unilateral tariffs on 14 countries, India’s exclusion from the list has fuelled expectations of an imminent trade agreement between India and the US.

    “This has already been largely priced in by the market. The focus now shifts to the details, especially any sector-specific tariffs that could impact segments like pharmaceuticals. The market’s reaction will hinge on these finer points,” said Dr VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services.

    In the previous session, the Nifty had ended marginally higher, forming a green candlestick that followed a bullish hammer pattern — a positive technical signal, according to market watchers.

    “A sustained move above 25,500 could open the door for a further rally towards 25,750. On the downside, immediate support levels are seen at 25,222 and 25,120, which could act as fresh entry points for long positions,” said Mandar Bhojane, Technical Analyst at Choice Broking.

    In early trade, the Nifty Bank index climbed 203 points, or 0.36 per cent, to 57,152.20. The Nifty Midcap 100 index was up 91 points, or 0.15 per cent, at 59,606.75, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 gained 85.70 points, or 0.45 per cent, to reach 19,035.85.

    Within the Sensex pack, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Eternal, Tata Motors, BEL, Adani Ports, NTPC, Asian Paints and UltraTech Cement were among the top gainers. On the flip side, Titan, HCL Tech, Bharti Airtel, M&M and Sun Pharma were trading in the red.

    On the institutional front, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) bought equities worth Rs 321.16 crore on July 7, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) purchased shares worth Rs 1,853.39 crore on the same day, reflecting continued domestic support.

    In broader Asian markets, Seoul, Hong Kong, Japan, China and Jakarta were trading in positive territory, while Bangkok was the only key market in the region trading lower.

    Overnight in the US, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 422.17 points, or 0.94 per cent lower, at 44,406.36. The S&P 500 lost 49.37 points, or 0.79 per cent, to settle at 6,229.98, and the Nasdaq dropped 188.59 points, or 0.92 per cent, ending at 20,412.52.

    (ANI)

  • MIL-OSI USA: First Partner meets with farm communities, immigrant support groups in the Inland Empire

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jul 7, 2025

    Perris, California — On June 18, 2025, the First Partner visited the Inland Empire to meet with California communities impacted by the Trump Administration’s federal immigration raids. 

    The First Partner visited TODEC, a local nonprofit organization that’s become a lifeline for immigrant families, offering legal support, food distribution, social services, and mental health resources for those in need. Staff and families impacted by the federal immigration raids gathered to share their stories. Later in the day, the First Partner and the TODEC team dropped food donations to farmworkers fearful of leaving their homes due to ongoing and indiscriminate ICE raids.

    “I listened to accounts from grandmothers, mothers, and children—of families afraid of leaving their homes, fathers who committed suicide because they were unable to work. This is a campaign of terror on American soil—aimed at some of the hardest working people on earth—and the farms who supply our nation’s food. In addition to being morally unconscionable, the actions of the federal administration are economically disastrous. California is the world’s fifth largest producer of agricultural products. That doesn’t happen without the hands, the hearts, and the labor of immigrant workers.”

    Jennifer Siebel Newsom

    “We’re grateful for the First Partner’s compassion and for showing up for this community. She listened and saw firsthand the suffering these families are enduring, but also saw their resilience. At a time when too many are turning away from what is happening here, she is leaning in.”

    Luz Gallegos, Executive Director, TODEC.

    For almost 40 years, TODEC has been a hub for healing, organizing, advocacy, and community transformation led by the people who live and work in rural Inland communities. TODEC has operated a 24/7crisis hotline for the past 30 years and provides connection to mental health supports, home-based deliveries of groceries, medicine, other essential needs, financial assistance for families in dire need, and more.

    In addition to supporting local residents with affirmative immigration remedies and other legal services, the organization has been a longtime supporter of commonsense immigration reforms dating back to the Reagan Administration—advocating for legal pathways that allow people to safely live, work, and continue contributing in California.

    The First Partner is an advocate for California’s farmers and agricultural communities. She helped architect California’s nation-leading Farm to School program, which now provides healthy meals to nearly half of the state’s school children by working with local organic farms. She also championed the Universal Meals program, which ensures that all Californian students have access to two free school meals each day that are delicious, nutritious, and locally-sourced. 

    The First Partner is a leading advocate for the mental health and well-being of all Californian children. Under the leadership of Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, California has invested billions in the California Youth Behavioral Health Initiative to ensure that mental health services are available, affordable, and accessible to youth whenever they need support, wherever they may be. Through this initiative, children and their families can access free online behavioral health services (BrightLife Kids, Soluna, Mirror), video and print resources (California Positive Parenting, Thriving Kids and California Healthy Minds, Thriving Kids), and online training to recognize and respond to trauma and stress in kids (Safe Spaces). These resources are available at no-cost in Spanish and English language.

    First Partner, Press releases

    Recent news

    Jul 7, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the deployment of skilled Urban Search and Rescue Team members to Texas to assist with ongoing response efforts related to severe flooding impacts. “California stands with all those who have lost loved ones,…

    Jul 7, 2025

    News What you need to know: California added area the equivalent of Glacier National Park to its conserved lands and coastal waters in just the last year – marking significant progress toward its goal of 30% conservation by 2030. SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom…

    Jul 7, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments: Thanne Berg, of Albany, has been appointed Deputy Director of Site Mitigation and Restoration Program at the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. Berg has been Acting…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: First Partner meets with farm communities, immigrant support groups in the Inland Empire

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jul 7, 2025

    Perris, California — On June 18, 2025, the First Partner visited the Inland Empire to meet with California communities impacted by the Trump Administration’s federal immigration raids. 

    The First Partner visited TODEC, a local nonprofit organization that’s become a lifeline for immigrant families, offering legal support, food distribution, social services, and mental health resources for those in need. Staff and families impacted by the federal immigration raids gathered to share their stories. Later in the day, the First Partner and the TODEC team dropped food donations to farmworkers fearful of leaving their homes due to ongoing and indiscriminate ICE raids.

    “I listened to accounts from grandmothers, mothers, and children—of families afraid of leaving their homes, fathers who committed suicide because they were unable to work. This is a campaign of terror on American soil—aimed at some of the hardest working people on earth—and the farms who supply our nation’s food. In addition to being morally unconscionable, the actions of the federal administration are economically disastrous. California is the world’s fifth largest producer of agricultural products. That doesn’t happen without the hands, the hearts, and the labor of immigrant workers.”

    Jennifer Siebel Newsom

    “We’re grateful for the First Partner’s compassion and for showing up for this community. She listened and saw firsthand the suffering these families are enduring, but also saw their resilience. At a time when too many are turning away from what is happening here, she is leaning in.”

    Luz Gallegos, Executive Director, TODEC.

    For almost 40 years, TODEC has been a hub for healing, organizing, advocacy, and community transformation led by the people who live and work in rural Inland communities. TODEC has operated a 24/7crisis hotline for the past 30 years and provides connection to mental health supports, home-based deliveries of groceries, medicine, other essential needs, financial assistance for families in dire need, and more.

    In addition to supporting local residents with affirmative immigration remedies and other legal services, the organization has been a longtime supporter of commonsense immigration reforms dating back to the Reagan Administration—advocating for legal pathways that allow people to safely live, work, and continue contributing in California.

    The First Partner is an advocate for California’s farmers and agricultural communities. She helped architect California’s nation-leading Farm to School program, which now provides healthy meals to nearly half of the state’s school children by working with local organic farms. She also championed the Universal Meals program, which ensures that all Californian students have access to two free school meals each day that are delicious, nutritious, and locally-sourced. 

    The First Partner is a leading advocate for the mental health and well-being of all Californian children. Under the leadership of Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, California has invested billions in the California Youth Behavioral Health Initiative to ensure that mental health services are available, affordable, and accessible to youth whenever they need support, wherever they may be. Through this initiative, children and their families can access free online behavioral health services (BrightLife Kids, Soluna, Mirror), video and print resources (California Positive Parenting, Thriving Kids and California Healthy Minds, Thriving Kids), and online training to recognize and respond to trauma and stress in kids (Safe Spaces). These resources are available at no-cost in Spanish and English language.

    First Partner, Press releases

    Recent news

    Jul 7, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the deployment of skilled Urban Search and Rescue Team members to Texas to assist with ongoing response efforts related to severe flooding impacts. “California stands with all those who have lost loved ones,…

    Jul 7, 2025

    News What you need to know: California added area the equivalent of Glacier National Park to its conserved lands and coastal waters in just the last year – marking significant progress toward its goal of 30% conservation by 2030. SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom…

    Jul 7, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments: Thanne Berg, of Albany, has been appointed Deputy Director of Site Mitigation and Restoration Program at the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. Berg has been Acting…

    MIL OSI USA News –