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Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UN Human Rights Council 59: UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Central African Republic

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    UN Human Rights Council 59: UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Central African Republic

    UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on the Oral Update of the Independent Expert on Central African Republic (CAR). This statement was delivered on 4 July 2025 during the 59th session of the HRC in Geneva.

    Thank you, Mr Vice President,

    We thank the Independent Expert for his update and welcome the Central African Republic’s continued cooperation with his mandate.

    As the Central African Republic continues to strengthen its human rights framework, we welcome the appointment of 11 new commissioners of the Truth, Justice, Reparation and Reconciliation Commission. And we  encourage a timely resumption of the Commission’s activities.

    However, we remain alarmed that reports of human rights violations and abuses continue to increase across the country. We reiterate our call for the Central African Republic to initiate court proceedings to hold to account members of armed groups accused of human rights violations and abuses.

    Mr Vice President, holding credible and secure local elections is a crucial step to strengthen local governance ahead of presidential and legislative elections next year. The UK strongly encourages CAR to protect civil and political human rights throughout the electoral period. This is an important opportunity for CAR to demonstrate their commitment to democracy.

    Mr Agbetse, following the recent postponement of local elections, how can this council support the timely and inclusive delivery of elections for the people of CAR?

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The special envoy’s antisemitism plan is ambitious, but fails to reckon with the hardest questions

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matteo Vergani, Associate Professor, Deakin University

    On July 6, an arson attack targeted the East Melbourne Synagogue. It was the latest in a series of antisemitic incidents recorded across Australia since October 7 2023, when Hamas carried out a horrific terrorist attack, killing about 1,200 Israelis. These domestic incidents have escalated in both number and severity.

    Australia has not previously experienced antisemitism at this scale. In response, the Albanese government appointed Jillian Segal as the nation’s first special envoy for combating antisemitism, and commissioned a plan with recommendations to address the issue.

    The plan has now been released. Let’s unpack it.



    Read more:
    Envoy’s plan to fight antisemitism would put universities on notice over funding

    What does the plan say?

    The recommendations fall into three broad areas.

    1. Preventing violence and crime, including a proposed law enforcement framework to improve coordination between agencies, and new policies aimed at stopping dangerous individuals from entering Australia.

    2. Strengthening protections against hate speech, by regulating all forms of hate, including antisemitism, and increasing oversight of platform policies and algorithms.

    3. Promoting antisemitism-free media, education and cultural spaces, through journalist training, education programs, and conditions on public funding for organisations that promote or fail to address antisemitism.

    The government has said it will consider the recommendations.

    These measures are broadly reasonable and make practical sense. Some – such as those aimed at preventing violence and crime – are more straightforward to implement than others. It would also be logical to apply them to all forms of hate, not just antisemitism.

    But that needs to be done with caution. We don’t want to create an environment in which any criticism of a community or group is shut down by regulation.

    In a democracy, open and robust debate is essential. The challenge lies in the details: how we define hate, and where we draw the threshold for what counts as hate.

    The document ignores the elephant in the room: whether the plan could be used to silence legitimate criticism of Israel.

    The special envoy’s plan notes antisemitism has risen since October 7, but it does not fully explain the context. Israel’s military response in Gaza, which has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, has prompted a wave of global protest and criticism of Israel, including accusations of genocide.

    In this context, the line between antisemitism and criticism of Israel has become more difficult and contested than ever. Some people who attack Israel or Zionism may be expressing antisemitic views. Others may not. Distinguishing between the two is complex, but essential.



    Read more:
    When does anti-Zionism become antisemitism? A Jewish historian’s perspective

    Where criticism ends and antisemitism begins

    The envoy adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism, which covers both direct attacks on Jewish identity and certain criticisms of Israel, such as comparisons with Nazi Germany.

    In my experience as a researcher working on online hate (including antisemitism), even members of the Jewish community adopting this definition often disagree on how to apply it.

    The threshold varies – for example when deciding whether an online post or a statement crosses the line into antisemitism.

    So where should we draw that line? It’s a crucial question. If the envoy’s recommendations are implemented, decisions about funding, visas, and even criminal charges could depend on it.

    There is, of course, broad agreement on some cases. Setting fire to a synagogue is clearly antisemitic – it targets a Jewish place of worship.

    Similarly, attacking a Jewish-owned business or damaging property in a Jewish neighbourhood suggests the target was chosen because it was Jewish.

    Some people – often those already harbouring anti-Jewish views – treat the entire Jewish community as if it represents the Netanyahu government or the Israel Defense Forces.

    This ignores the diversity of views within Jewish communities. That lack of nuance fuels antisemitism.

    Few would disagree that antisemitic acts include attacks on Jewish people or property carried out indiscriminately, or when anti-Israel protests attempt to hold the whole Jewish community collectively responsible for the actions of the Israeli government.

    But we also need to be realistic. We are unlikely to eliminate all forms of antisemitic hate or intimidation from public life. Hate can be expressed without breaching laws, and people can intimidate others while staying just within legal boundaries.

    Humour, sarcasm and coded language are often used to incite hatred without triggering any formal consequence. That kind of harm is much harder to prevent – and it may be something we have to learn to live with, while continuing to push back against it.

    Rebuilding trust

    In the long term, the only real solution is building mutual understanding. That’s why personal relationships matter.

    Knowing someone who is Jewish is one of the strongest antidotes to antisemitism. When you have a Jewish friend, you’re less likely to believe or spread the myths that circulate online and offline about what Jewish people think, believe or represent.

    The same applies to all forms of hate. Direct contact helps break down stereotypes across all communities.

    The problem is that the current context is pushing communities apart. Segregation and isolation are increasing. Before October 7, there was meaningful interfaith work happening – Jewish students visiting the Islamic Museum, Muslim students visiting the Holocaust Museum. That work has largely stopped.

    Now, people are retreating into fear, distrust and generalisations. All nuance is lost. The “other” becomes a single, threatening enemy.

    It will take time to rebuild that trust – and the longer the war continues, the harder it will be.

    Matteo Vergani receives funding from the Campbell Collaboration, NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet, the Department of Home Affairs.

    – ref. The special envoy’s antisemitism plan is ambitious, but fails to reckon with the hardest questions – https://theconversation.com/the-special-envoys-antisemitism-plan-is-ambitious-but-fails-to-reckon-with-the-hardest-questions-260914

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The special envoy’s antisemitism plan is ambitious, but fails to reckon with the hardest questions

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matteo Vergani, Associate Professor, Deakin University

    On July 6, an arson attack targeted the East Melbourne Synagogue. It was the latest in a series of antisemitic incidents recorded across Australia since October 7 2023, when Hamas carried out a horrific terrorist attack, killing about 1,200 Israelis. These domestic incidents have escalated in both number and severity.

    Australia has not previously experienced antisemitism at this scale. In response, the Albanese government appointed Jillian Segal as the nation’s first special envoy for combating antisemitism, and commissioned a plan with recommendations to address the issue.

    The plan has now been released. Let’s unpack it.



    Read more:
    Envoy’s plan to fight antisemitism would put universities on notice over funding

    What does the plan say?

    The recommendations fall into three broad areas.

    1. Preventing violence and crime, including a proposed law enforcement framework to improve coordination between agencies, and new policies aimed at stopping dangerous individuals from entering Australia.

    2. Strengthening protections against hate speech, by regulating all forms of hate, including antisemitism, and increasing oversight of platform policies and algorithms.

    3. Promoting antisemitism-free media, education and cultural spaces, through journalist training, education programs, and conditions on public funding for organisations that promote or fail to address antisemitism.

    The government has said it will consider the recommendations.

    These measures are broadly reasonable and make practical sense. Some – such as those aimed at preventing violence and crime – are more straightforward to implement than others. It would also be logical to apply them to all forms of hate, not just antisemitism.

    But that needs to be done with caution. We don’t want to create an environment in which any criticism of a community or group is shut down by regulation.

    In a democracy, open and robust debate is essential. The challenge lies in the details: how we define hate, and where we draw the threshold for what counts as hate.

    The document ignores the elephant in the room: whether the plan could be used to silence legitimate criticism of Israel.

    The special envoy’s plan notes antisemitism has risen since October 7, but it does not fully explain the context. Israel’s military response in Gaza, which has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, has prompted a wave of global protest and criticism of Israel, including accusations of genocide.

    In this context, the line between antisemitism and criticism of Israel has become more difficult and contested than ever. Some people who attack Israel or Zionism may be expressing antisemitic views. Others may not. Distinguishing between the two is complex, but essential.



    Read more:
    When does anti-Zionism become antisemitism? A Jewish historian’s perspective

    Where criticism ends and antisemitism begins

    The envoy adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism, which covers both direct attacks on Jewish identity and certain criticisms of Israel, such as comparisons with Nazi Germany.

    In my experience as a researcher working on online hate (including antisemitism), even members of the Jewish community adopting this definition often disagree on how to apply it.

    The threshold varies – for example when deciding whether an online post or a statement crosses the line into antisemitism.

    So where should we draw that line? It’s a crucial question. If the envoy’s recommendations are implemented, decisions about funding, visas, and even criminal charges could depend on it.

    There is, of course, broad agreement on some cases. Setting fire to a synagogue is clearly antisemitic – it targets a Jewish place of worship.

    Similarly, attacking a Jewish-owned business or damaging property in a Jewish neighbourhood suggests the target was chosen because it was Jewish.

    Some people – often those already harbouring anti-Jewish views – treat the entire Jewish community as if it represents the Netanyahu government or the Israel Defense Forces.

    This ignores the diversity of views within Jewish communities. That lack of nuance fuels antisemitism.

    Few would disagree that antisemitic acts include attacks on Jewish people or property carried out indiscriminately, or when anti-Israel protests attempt to hold the whole Jewish community collectively responsible for the actions of the Israeli government.

    But we also need to be realistic. We are unlikely to eliminate all forms of antisemitic hate or intimidation from public life. Hate can be expressed without breaching laws, and people can intimidate others while staying just within legal boundaries.

    Humour, sarcasm and coded language are often used to incite hatred without triggering any formal consequence. That kind of harm is much harder to prevent – and it may be something we have to learn to live with, while continuing to push back against it.

    Rebuilding trust

    In the long term, the only real solution is building mutual understanding. That’s why personal relationships matter.

    Knowing someone who is Jewish is one of the strongest antidotes to antisemitism. When you have a Jewish friend, you’re less likely to believe or spread the myths that circulate online and offline about what Jewish people think, believe or represent.

    The same applies to all forms of hate. Direct contact helps break down stereotypes across all communities.

    The problem is that the current context is pushing communities apart. Segregation and isolation are increasing. Before October 7, there was meaningful interfaith work happening – Jewish students visiting the Islamic Museum, Muslim students visiting the Holocaust Museum. That work has largely stopped.

    Now, people are retreating into fear, distrust and generalisations. All nuance is lost. The “other” becomes a single, threatening enemy.

    It will take time to rebuild that trust – and the longer the war continues, the harder it will be.

    Matteo Vergani receives funding from the Campbell Collaboration, NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet, the Department of Home Affairs.

    – ref. The special envoy’s antisemitism plan is ambitious, but fails to reckon with the hardest questions – https://theconversation.com/the-special-envoys-antisemitism-plan-is-ambitious-but-fails-to-reckon-with-the-hardest-questions-260914

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £500m Government investment to boost growth and opportunity for underrepresented entrepreneurs

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    £500m Government investment to boost growth and opportunity for underrepresented entrepreneurs

    Underrepresented investors and fund managers will benefit from £500m of Government backing to help high potential new entrants build the track record they need.

    • £400 million package to back investment fund managers from underrepresented backgrounds and drive growth as part of the government’s Plan for Change.
    • Additional £50 million for female-led venture capital funds, doubling the British Business Bank’s commitment to £100 million and supporting the Invest in Women Taskforce.
    • New report reveals that angel investors are backing more all-female founding teams than all-male teams in the UK for the first time.

    Diverse or underrepresented investors and fund managers will benefit from £500m of Government backing to help high potential new entrants develop the track record they need to become the investors of the future.

    Targeted at women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and those from deprived backgrounds, there will be a new £400m package from the British Business Bank starting in 2026, which will operate across three pillars:

    • Back more diverse fund managers directly through the Bank’s Enterprise Capital Funds programme, the Bank’s scheme to support early-stage businesses with high growth potential.
    • Invest more in supporting micro-funds, funds with around £10-15m and the first step on the venture capital ladder for new investors
    • Back partners, such as venture capital funds, to invest smaller amounts in talented individuals to build a track record and to provide training, giving those without personal wealth or connections the opportunity to become investors.

    Research shows just 2p of every £1 invested in venture capital funding in the UK goes to female-founded businesses and only 13% of senior individuals on UK venture capital investment teams are women.

    The initiative announced today aims to reduce the significant gap in venture capital investment for underrepresented founders and investors. It will target at least 50% of investment going to female fund managers.

    By backing diverse and emerging fund managers, the initiative not only strengthens the UK’s venture capital ecosystem but also ensures that entrepreneurial ambition is no longer limited by background, gender, or geography. This targeted support will help build a more dynamic, inclusive economy that works for everyone.

    Unlocking the potential of underrepresented entrepreneurs and breaking down barriers to opportunity will help drive growth as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, said:

    This is exactly what our Plan for Change is about: breaking down barriers to opportunity and kickstarting the growth that creates jobs and puts money into people’s pockets across the UK.

    This £500 million investment will back diverse and emerging fund managers, making our economy stronger and more dynamic.

    Louis Taylor CBE, Chief Executive Officer, British Business Bank, said:

    To deliver the government’s growth mission it is critical that our most promising entrepreneurs can access the finance they need to grow their businesses, no matter who they are or what their background is. The UK equity market currently experiences a significant funding gap for diverse founders, negatively impacting their ability to start a business.

    This new £400m Investor Pathways Capital initiative will support diverse and emerging fund managers across the UK, in turn supporting talented entrepreneurs currently underserved by the UK equity market. It has the potential to unlock the UK’s full commercial potential and boost the UK economy.

    The initiative comes alongside an additional £50m investment into female-led funds to support the aims of the Invest in Women Taskforce, further expanding access to funding for female investors and entrepreneurs, taking the Bank’s total commitment to £100m.

    The news comes alongside the latest Investing in Women Code report out today, which tracks and promotes investment into women-led businesses. It finds that investing in female and ethnic minority-led businesses could add 13% to the value of the UK equity market, underscoring the importance of backing diverse founders. The Code was launched in 2019 in response to the Rose Review’s findings that a lack of funding was one of the most significant barriers to women seeking to effectively scale a business.

    There has also been promising progress for angel investment from Code signatories – those investing from their personal wealth – with all female investor teams and mixed-gender teams surpassing all male teams for the first time for investment received. Similarly, across all signatories, more female-only teams received funding than mixed-gender and all male teams.

    However, more progress is still needed for investment in women businesses to meet its potential, with the total value of investments going into female led teams much less than that of all-male (15% vs 37%), with the remainder going to mixed teams.

    Minister for Investment Baroness Gustafsson CBE said:

    Women entrepreneurs have so much to contribute to economic growth, so it is encouraging to see progress in this year’s Code, with more female-led teams receiving investment than male for the first time.

    Our Plan for Change is about boosting growth further and that’s why we’re taking action today to support high-potential female-led funds with an extra £50m of funding.

    The report will be launched in a parliamentary reception attended by the Chancellor this afternoon.

    Stakeholder quotes:

    Hannah Bernard OBE, Head of Barclays Business Bank and Co-Chair of the Invest in Women Taskforce, said:

    It’s heartening to see that once again IWC signatories are recognising the value of backing women-led businesses in the UK and are outperforming the broader market – proving that more diverse decision-making teams deliver better outcomes. We’re seeing real momentum in the number of women now shaping investment decisions, and the data shows this is directly linked to greater backing for female entrepreneurs.

    That’s why programmes like the BBB’s new Investor Pathway Capital programme are so important and will help even more women break into Venture Capital. This is a core principle of the Invest in Women Taskforce – when you change who holds the capital, you change who gets funded. 

    The Investing in Women Code plays a vital role in helping us track progress and drive meaningful change across the wider industry and we urge more LPs to sign up and recognise the proven value of backing women. The Invest in Women Taskforce looks forward to deepening its partnership with the IWC to accelerate momentum and unlock the full potential of female entrepreneurs across the UK.

    Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder, Small Business Britain, said:

    Our country’s 5.45 million small businesses represent huge opportunity to power the UK’s economy forward, but the truth is that it is not always a level-playing field out there for entrepreneurs for many intersectional reasons.

    So it is fantastic to see this new dedicated support package announced to help greater support flow towards under-represented entrepreneurial groups – like women, Disabled founders and those from ethnic minority backgrounds. We really applaud this effort and are keen to see the UK backing the rich diversity of British entrepreneurs as much as possible. It will undoubtedly bridge a big gap and has the potential to unlock tremendous growth and opportunity for us all.

    Jenny Tooth OBE, Executive Chair, UK Business Angels Association, said:

    We welcome today’s announcements from the British Business Bank. Backing underrepresented fund managers and doubling support for female-led VC funds are vital steps toward a more inclusive investment ecosystem.

    This year, we saw that angel groups made more investment deals in all-female teams (42%) than in either mixed-gender or all-male teams – a powerful sign of change. These new initiatives will help build on that momentum, and work alongside more angel-backed innovation across the UK.

    Check Warner MBE, Co-founder & Chair, Diversity VC, Co-Founding Partner, Ada Ventures, said:

    To ensure the British economy is truly firing on all cylinders, we must find and back entrepreneurial talent from the widest possible pool. But if we don’t have representation at the investor level, the true potential of exceptional founders who don’t fit traditional moulds will continue to go untapped.

    Building a more diverse cohort of emerging managers is a vital step en route to finding the best talent and driving outsized performance across a stronger tech ecosystem. At Ada Ventures, we’ve learnt from experience that a diverse investing team spots alpha founders that others miss.

    It’s therefore encouraging to see a really meaningful and thoughtful package of interventions being announced by the Government and the British Business Bank today. This will be a key catalyst as Britain strives to become the best place in the world to start, scale and exit a business. I fervently believe that this ambition can go hand-in-hand with an equitable, diverse funding landscape that backs talent from all demographics and walks of life.

    Shayan Chowdhury, Interim Managing Director at Newton Venture Program, said:

    The most effective and enduring way to broaden access to capital for entrepreneurs of every kind is to cultivate an investor talent pool that reflects the diverse nature of society. That means opening up networks to a wider range of people and giving them the opportunity to participate, and thrive, in the venture capital ecosystem.

    This £500m package is a huge step toward that. Allyship matters, but representation is what truly shifts outcomes, and building a more inclusive investor base is the most sustainable route to more equitable entrepreneurship.

    Background

    • The Fifth Investing in Women Code Annual Report can be found online here: Investing in Women Code reports – GOV.UK
    • The Code commits signatories to:
      • Adopt best practices to improve female entrepreneurs’ access to finance needed to start and grow successful businesses
      • Nominate a member of the senior leadership team responsible for supporting equality in all interactions with entrepreneurs
      • Provide annual funding data disaggregated by gender to DBT, based on agreed guidelines. Providing data and analysis helps to promote greater transparency across the industry, highlighting where measures are working and where further measures may be needed.
    • To become a signatory, further information and an online sign up form are available here: https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/investing-in-women-code/

    About the British Business Bank

    The British Business Bank is the UK Government’s economic development bank. Established in November 2014, its mission is to drive sustainable growth and prosperity across the UK and to enable the transition to a net zero economy, by improving access to finance for smaller businesses. Its remit is to design, deliver and efficiently manage UK-wide smaller business access to finance programmes for the UK Government.

    The British Business Bank’s core programmes support over £17.4bn of finance to almost 64,000 smaller businesses.

    As well as increasing the supply and diversity of finance for UK smaller businesses through its programmes, the Bank works to raise awareness of finance options available to smaller businesses. The British Business Bank Finance Hub provides independent and impartial information to businesses about finance options, featuring short films, expert guides, checklists and articles from finance providers to help make their application a success.

    The British Business Bank is also responsible for administering the Government’s three Coronavirus loan schemes and its Future Fund, together responsible for delivering £80.4bn in finance to 1.67m businesses. These schemes are now closed to new applications.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Summer school at the Polytechnic: 88 participants from different parts of Russia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The Polytechnic University held its eighth annual Summer School, an educational intensive for high school students that brought together talented children from all over the country. This year, 88 high school students from St. Petersburg and other regions of Russia who passed a competitive selection took part.

    The Summer School program included four areas that combined theory, practice, and excursions to leading enterprises. The students visited UEC-Klimov, the Petersburg Tractor Plant, the Institute of Linguistic Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, NIIEFA, the IT Contact company, and the Volkhov Hydroelectric Power Station. In the final, they defended solutions to cases provided by the organizers.

    On the Wings of Polytech track, the participants worked on optimizing the wing design. They created a model in KOMPAS-3D, conducted virtual tests in ANSYS, calculated the load and lift at different angles of attack. The final stage was 3D printing of the wing and its testing on a special stand. The guys presented the results in the form of an engineering report with the defense of the project. The teachers of the program were engineers of the Higher School of Power Engineering and the Scientific and Educational Center “Aircraft Engines and Power Plants” PISh CI Nikita Izbyakov, Andrey Shirokih and Anastasia Bodunova.

    Participants in the track “Energovaybe: how to tame the energy current and not burn out” successfully designed an efficient power supply system for a private home. They analyzed the needs of future residents and developed an optimal layout for electrical appliances, including sockets, switches, and lighting fixtures. To ensure reliable power supply, students calculated the parameters of the key elements of the system and prepared a detailed power distribution plan. The project took into account modern requirements for safety, energy efficiency, and ease of use.

    The students studied electric power engineering with maximum focus on practical applicability. Testing the operation of electrical appliances, conducting experiments on connecting light bulbs, the first modeling in a popular engineering application, developing their own power supply scheme – the participants of the Summer School had no time to get bored, – noted Maria Lyulina, senior lecturer of the Higher School of Electric Power Systems.

    In the track “Linguistics in the Digital Age: from Data Analysis to Artificial Intelligence”, schoolchildren analyzed excerpts from English textbooks for grades 7–11 to assess their complexity. Using special metrics and automatic text processing tools, they found out how the “from simple to complex” principle is observed in the school curriculum. The results will help textbook authors adjust the selection of materials, and teachers will be able to adapt complex texts for better understanding. The track was organized by teachers and staff of the Higher School of Linguistics and Pedagogy Alexander Dmitriev, Marina Kogan and Elena Krupnova.

    In the “How it works: mechanical engineering” program, schoolchildren successfully designed and calculated a single-stage gearbox, a key mechanism for industrial equipment. They performed energy-kinematic calculations, created a 3D model, and analyzed various production technologies, including traditional processing and 3D printing. The intensive course allowed future engineers to master modern methods of designing mechanical systems and understand the principles of choosing optimal production solutions.

    The summer school is a unique opportunity for schoolchildren to immerse themselves in student life and get acquainted with their future profession. Working in groups, together with interested and motivated children, allows them to delve deeper into various technologies of modern professions, – noted the director of the Center for Work with Applicants Artem Egupov.

    The best teams received additional points, which will be taken into account when entering SPbPU, as well as gifts.

    The most valuable thing for me was the acquired experience of teamwork and practical skills of working in KOMPAS-3D. The teachers presented the material in an accessible and exciting way, so it was really interesting. Thanks to the coordinated work, we were able to overcome all the difficulties and achieved an excellent result in the defense of the projects, – shared Leonid Svetlyakov.

    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 USA: SETAF-AF forensic team deploys expertise at sea, protects US and allied assets

    Source: United States Army

    1 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Samantha Beltran, left, Joint Theater Forensic Analysis Center Army CID FXD latent print examiner, demonstrates fingerprint analysis techniques to French Forces in Djibouti personnel at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June 12, 2025. The JTFAC analyzes evidence from the field, including DNA, fingerprints, firearms, and electronic media, to provide actionable intelligence in support of U.S., allied, and partner nation operations across Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Hardy-Bannerman) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Marcus Hardy-Bannerman) VIEW ORIGINAL
    2 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Natassha Robinson, Joint Theater Forensic Analysis Center Army CID FXD latent print examiner, demonstrates fingerprint analysis techniques to Japanese Self-Defense Force members at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June 19, 2025. The JTFAC collaborates with various partner forces across the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility to support operations to enhance regional security and stability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Hardy-Bannerman) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Marcus Hardy-Bannerman) VIEW ORIGINAL
    3 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A sign for the Joint Theater Forensic Analysis Center is displayed at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 5, 2025. The JTFAC is U.S. Africa Command’s sole provider of comprehensive forensic capabilities across the range of military operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Bartoszek) (Photo Credit: Senior Airman Joseph Bartoszek) VIEW ORIGINAL
    4 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Emily Rue, Joint Theater Forensic Analysis Center, observes a color test to isolate the compound in the sample in Bizerte, Tunisia, April 28, 2025. African Lion 25 (AL25) is set to be the largest annual military exercise in Africa, bringing together over 40 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win. (U.S. Army Reserve Photo By Lt. Col Dale D. Barnes.) (Photo Credit: Lt. Col. Dale Barnes) VIEW ORIGINAL
    5 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The Joint Theater Forensic Analysis Center and Tunisian Armed Forces use a variety of chemicals to retrieve serial numbers removed from equipment in Bizerte, Tunisia, April 28, 2025. African Lion 25 (AL25) is set to be the largest annual military exercise in Africa, bringing together over 40 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Lt. Col. Dale D. Barnes.) (Photo Credit: Lt. Col. Dale Barnes) VIEW ORIGINAL
    6 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Lauren Kraul, Joint Theater Forensic Analysis Center, discusses methods to retrieve serial numbers removed from equipment with Tunisian Armed Forces in Bizerte, Tunisia, April 28, 2025. African Lion 25 (AL25) is set to be the largest annual military exercise in Africa, bringing together over 40 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win. (U.S. Army Reserve Photo By Lt. Col Dale D. Barnes.) (Photo Credit: Lt. Col. Dale Barnes) VIEW ORIGINAL
    7 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The Joint Theater Forensic Analysis Center and Tunisian Armed Forces collaborate during exercise African Lion 2025 (AL25) in Bizerte, Tunisia, April 28, 2025. Fluorescent lighting is used to view fingerprints on items being tested. AL25 is set to be the largest annual military exercise in Africa, bringing together over 40 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Lt. Col. Dale D. Barnes.) (Photo Credit: Lt. Col. Dale Barnes) VIEW ORIGINAL

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    U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF)

    VICENZA, Italy – When U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) identified a need to gather evidence, the U.S. Army’s Joint Theater Forensic Analysis Center (JTFAC) answered the call. Its forensic team launched into action at sea, turning expertise into real-world impact.

    At the request of the CENTCOM and AFRICOM, JTFAC personnel deployed to collect and analyze forensic evidence from a vessel carrying Iranian-supplied advanced conventional weapons. The seized cargo included ballistic missile components, anti-ship ballistic missile parts and a warhead, all bound for Houthi rebel forces in Yemen.

    The forensic evidence helped secure a June 5, 2025, federal conviction of the ship’s captain, Muhammad Pahlawan, a Pakistani national who worked closely with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, on six charges related to smuggling Iranian-made advanced conventional weaponry destined for the Houthis in Yemen, as well as threatening multiple witnesses.

    “The JTFAC forensic team conducted rapid sensitive site exploitation at expeditionary locations, including within the maritime environment,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Kyle Thomason, provost marshal for U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), which provides oversight to JTFAC operations.

    To meet the unique demands of a maritime environment, the team rapidly adapted its Fly Away Kit, a mobile forensic toolkit designed for land and sea missions. This self-contained toolkit enabled JTFAC scientists to conduct on-site analysis, including chemical trace detection, biometric collection, and confirmed and inventoried types of weapons and equipment aboard the vessel.

    The vessel’s initial interdiction resulted in the deaths of two Navy SEALs off the coast of Somalia in Jan. 2024, making international headlines at the time. However, the loss of service members was not in vain.

    The interdiction successfully prevented anti-ship ballistic missiles from targeting U.S. and partner-nation vessels. The type of weaponry found aboard the vessel was consistent with the weapon systems used by the Houthi rebel forces during the time of the charged conspiracy against merchant ships and U.S. military vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack in Israel.

    “The JTFAC services the Joint Interagency Intergovernmental Multinational community within AFRICOM,” said Thomason. “Their mission enables U.S. and partner nation forces to accomplish AFRICOM campaign objectives.”

    Along with AFRICOM and CENTCOM, U.S. European Command was also involved in this offshore mission, highlighting JTFAC’s reach across geographic boundaries and interagency lines.

    “We’re glad to have had the opportunity to fit into the seams of multiple commands to support this consequential operation,” added Thomason.

    The mission not only demonstrated the center’s technical capabilities, but also deepened collaboration between defense, justice and diplomatic agencies operating in the AFRICOM area of responsibility. It marked a significant milestone in JTFAC’s expanding role as a forensic enabler for both military and civilian partners.

    “The lab is internationally accredited, meaning its scientists can serve as expert witnesses in both the U.S. and abroad,” said Greg Sanson, the JTFAC liaison officer to SETAF-AF. “This comes in handy when either the U.S. or a partner nation wants to take legal action against subjects identified through our forensic analysis.”

    JTFAC’s recent support of African Lion exercises laid the groundwork for this success. During those multinational events, Forensic Exploitation Team (FXT) scientists provided hands-on training to host-nation forces in Tunisia and Morocco, covering topics such as latent fingerprint development, DNA analysis and post-blast evidence recovery.

    In addition, AFRICOM’s exercise Cutlass Express included 21 legal advisors from 12 countries converging in Victoria, Seychelles, Feb. 10-14, 2025. The multinational team discussed legal processes and examined possible scenarios that support search and seizure operations such as the type of mission which brought about this latest conviction.

    “These engagements not only enhance the forensic science capabilities of our partners across the African continent, but also reinforce our center’s readiness for real-world contingencies,” added U.S. Army Maj. Lucas Poon, the JTFAC director at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.

    JTFAC’s capabilities stem from both military and civilian personnel, operating under the umbrella of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID). The Army CID’s Forensic Exploitation Division (FXD) staffs the majority of JTFAC positions. While the JTFAC is operationally controlled by SETAF-AF, a unique team from multiple U.S. Army commands enables this function.

    The FXD supports numerous annual partner nation engagements and deploys on six-month rotations as part of the JTFAC in Djibouti.

    “The lab’s ongoing mission provides multiple other benefits to partner nations, civilians and service members who operate in this area,” said Sanson. “Accurate forensic assessments lead to updated tactics, techniques and procedures, as well as revisions to protective equipment and policies to keep people safe now and into the future.”

    As threats grow more complex and transnational, JTFAC continues to prove that science, when deployed with precision, can be a decisive force for justice and security.

    About SETAF-AF

    U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.

    Follow SETAF-AF on: Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn & DVIDS.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Netherlands pledges €300 million for reconstruction and economic recovery of Ukraine

    Source: Government of the Netherlands

    News item | 10-07-2025 | 09:43

    On Thursday the Netherlands pledged €300 million for the reconstruction and recovery of Ukraine in 2025 and 2026. Minister of Foreign Affairs Caspar Veldkamp announced the support at the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) in Rome, in which he and Dutch prime minister Dick Schoof are participating. The URC is an annual international event dedicated to the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine.

    The foreign minister also announced that €30 million of this sum will be earmarked to help Dutch businesses and organisations to set up projects that contribute to Ukraine’s reconstruction and sustainable recovery through the Ukraine Partnership Facility (UPF) grant programme. Mr Veldkamp had already said that €52 million of the Dutch contribution would be spent on repairing Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and drinking water supplies in 2025.

    In addition, the Netherlands is donating €4 million for the construction of a new wing at the children’s hospital in Lviv, to be carried out in partnership with the Princess Máxima Center for paediatric oncology in Utrecht.

    These amounts are part of the funds that the government had already set aside for non-military support to Ukraine in 2025 and 2026. The support amounts to €252 million per year, which adds up to more than €500 million in total. The details of how the first €200 million would be spent had already been announced. Now the purpose of the remaining amounts has also been determined. 

    ‘Russia isn’t just trying to bring Ukraine’s armed forces to their knees, but for more than three years has also been attempting to destroy Ukraine’s society and economy through continuous attacks, for instance on energy infrastructure, water supplies and grain storage facilities, as well as houses and apartments. It is therefore important that the international community supports Ukraine not only with arms, but also with financial, economic and social assistance. Ukraine’s economy and society must be kept running because that will help the country in its struggle. It is, as it were, another front line. Our financial and economic support is also intended to help the recovery process run more smoothly and to keep the costs of reconstruction down,’ said Mr Veldkamp. 

    Ukraine Partnership Facility

    At the conference, Mr Veldkamp and Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Yulia Svyrydenko, will sign a cooperation agreement on the extension of the UPF grant programme established in 2023 to help Dutch businesses and organisations working on projects in the fields of agrofood, sustainable energy, healthcare, water and circular construction that will benefit Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction. The Netherlands and Ukraine will collaborate to ensure that the selected projects meet Ukraine’s needs to the greatest extent possible. 

    €20 million to boost Ukraine’s cyber resilience

    One of the topics discussed at the conference will be efforts to boost Ukraine’s cyber resilience. The Netherlands had already announced it was setting aside €10 million per year for 2025 and 2026 to assist Ukraine in this area. The cyber threat posed to Ukraine by Russia has never been greater, as cyber attacks are an integral part of Russia’s war effort. The funding may for example be used to increase the cyber resilience of critical sectors such as energy and transport.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Netherlands pledges €300 million for reconstruction and economic recovery of Ukraine

    Source: Government of the Netherlands

    News item | 10-07-2025 | 09:43

    On Thursday the Netherlands pledged €300 million for the reconstruction and recovery of Ukraine in 2025 and 2026. Minister of Foreign Affairs Caspar Veldkamp announced the support at the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) in Rome, in which he and Dutch prime minister Dick Schoof are participating. The URC is an annual international event dedicated to the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine.

    The foreign minister also announced that €30 million of this sum will be earmarked to help Dutch businesses and organisations to set up projects that contribute to Ukraine’s reconstruction and sustainable recovery through the Ukraine Partnership Facility (UPF) grant programme. Mr Veldkamp had already said that €52 million of the Dutch contribution would be spent on repairing Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and drinking water supplies in 2025.

    In addition, the Netherlands is donating €4 million for the construction of a new wing at the children’s hospital in Lviv, to be carried out in partnership with the Princess Máxima Center for paediatric oncology in Utrecht.

    These amounts are part of the funds that the government had already set aside for non-military support to Ukraine in 2025 and 2026. The support amounts to €252 million per year, which adds up to more than €500 million in total. The details of how the first €200 million would be spent had already been announced. Now the purpose of the remaining amounts has also been determined. 

    ‘Russia isn’t just trying to bring Ukraine’s armed forces to their knees, but for more than three years has also been attempting to destroy Ukraine’s society and economy through continuous attacks, for instance on energy infrastructure, water supplies and grain storage facilities, as well as houses and apartments. It is therefore important that the international community supports Ukraine not only with arms, but also with financial, economic and social assistance. Ukraine’s economy and society must be kept running because that will help the country in its struggle. It is, as it were, another front line. Our financial and economic support is also intended to help the recovery process run more smoothly and to keep the costs of reconstruction down,’ said Mr Veldkamp. 

    Ukraine Partnership Facility

    At the conference, Mr Veldkamp and Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Yulia Svyrydenko, will sign a cooperation agreement on the extension of the UPF grant programme established in 2023 to help Dutch businesses and organisations working on projects in the fields of agrofood, sustainable energy, healthcare, water and circular construction that will benefit Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction. The Netherlands and Ukraine will collaborate to ensure that the selected projects meet Ukraine’s needs to the greatest extent possible. 

    €20 million to boost Ukraine’s cyber resilience

    One of the topics discussed at the conference will be efforts to boost Ukraine’s cyber resilience. The Netherlands had already announced it was setting aside €10 million per year for 2025 and 2026 to assist Ukraine in this area. The cyber threat posed to Ukraine by Russia has never been greater, as cyber attacks are an integral part of Russia’s war effort. The funding may for example be used to increase the cyber resilience of critical sectors such as energy and transport.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Ryoko Pro Deep Dive: Why Is Ryoko Pro Wifi Router Gaining Global Recognition in 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, NY, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Let’s face it — these days, being offline isn’t just inconvenient. It’s borderline disabling.

    Whether you’re working remotely, trying to stream content during a long trip, or simply need to upload a file before a deadline, a poor internet connection can throw your whole day off balance. And public Wi-Fi? That’s a gamble — slow, crowded, and in most cases, not exactly secure.

    That’s where the Ryoko Pro Portable Wi-Fi comes in.

    Marketed as a lightweight, travel-friendly portable WiFi hotspot, Ryoko Pro is one of those gadgets you probably didn’t know you needed… until you find yourself stuck without a signal. 

    It’s been gaining traction among digital nomads, business travelers, and even casual users who just want a more reliable way to stay connected while on the move.

    But what exactly is it? How does it work? And is it worth the hype — or just another overpromised travel gadget?

    This article breaks it all down.

    We’ll cover everything from first impressions and setup, to user reviews, how it compares with regular portable Wi-Fi, and whether it’s actually a legit solution or just clever marketing. If you’re considering Ryoko Pro, or just looking for a way to avoid insecure public Wi-Fi, you’re in the right place.

    Let’s dive in.

    What Is Ryoko Pro?

    Ryoko Pro is a portable WiFi router designed to give you reliable, secure internet access wherever you are — without needing to hunt for public Wi-Fi or pay for expensive international data plans.

    At a glance, it looks like a compact travel gadget. But what it actually does is pretty clever: it connects to 4G LTE networks using built-in virtual SIM technology, and then broadcasts a private Wi-Fi signal that your devices — phones, laptops, tablets, etc. — can connect to, just like they would at home.

    That means you can browse, stream, upload, or jump on a Zoom call from just about anywhere, even if you’re miles away from a Starbucks or hotel hotspot.

    Now, it’s not some bulky mobile router meant for tech nerds. Ryoko Pro was clearly built with portability and simplicity in mind. It’s small enough to fit in your pocket or bag, and setup is basically plug-and-play. Press the power button, and it gets to work — no apps, no installations, no calling tech support.

    What makes it different from your phone’s hotspot or regular mobile routers?

    • For one, Ryoko Pro isn’t tied to a single carrier or SIM card. Instead, it uses virtual SIM tech to automatically connect to the strongest local mobile network in whatever country you’re in. That’s a huge plus for travelers.
    • It also offers a secure connection — a key advantage over open public Wi-Fi networks, which are notorious for being easy targets for hackers.
    • And unlike tethering from your phone, Ryoko Pro runs on its own battery — which means no battery drain on your mobile device and better performance overall.

    The device also ships with a pre-installed SIM card that comes loaded with a small amount of free data (usually around 500MB). After that, you can top up only when you need to, without being locked into a monthly subscription.

    To put it plainly: Ryoko Pro is a tool for staying connected in real time — without the drama.

    Whether you’re a remote worker, business traveler, or just someone who wants to stream Netflix at a cabin without relying on hotel Wi-Fi, this device was made to give you a steady internet connection anywhere you go.

    Of course, the big question is: does it actually deliver on those promises?

    We’ll get to that. But first — let’s talk about what you get in the box, and what the first-time setup experience looks like.

    Visit Official Website to Get More Information

    First Impressions: Unboxing the Ryoko Pro

    Unboxing a new gadget can tell you a lot — not just about the product, but about the company behind it. With Ryoko Pro, the experience seems to strike a balance between simplicity and function — no unnecessary extras, no gimmicks, just what you need to get online quickly.

    If you’ve ever unboxed a tech product and felt overwhelmed by wires, thick manuals, and pieces you didn’t expect to assemble — this isn’t that. Everything about Ryoko Pro’s packaging seems to be designed with the traveling user in mind: compact, lightweight, and straightforward.

    Here’s what typically comes in the box:

    • Ryoko Pro device – The main unit is smaller than most smartphones, with a curved, smooth finish and minimalist design. It fits neatly in your palm, pocket, or carry-on without bulking things up.
    • Pre-installed SIM card – A key feature that removes one of the biggest pain points of traditional mobile hotspots. You don’t have to fumble with SIM trays or worry about compatibility. The SIM is already in place and ready to go.
    • USB-C charging cable – Ryoko Pro uses a modern USB-C port, which is a nice touch. It charges faster than outdated micro-USB options, and most users likely already own a USB-C charger from other devices.
    • Quick-start guide – Clear, concise, and actually helpful. The setup steps are so minimal that some people may not even need to read it, but it’s there just in case.

    Some bundles may also include a magnetic charging dock, though that depends on where you buy it from or whether there’s a current promotion. If it’s included, that makes recharging even more convenient — just place the device on the dock and let it juice up, no cables required.

    A few things that stand out:

    • Simplicity: There’s no software to install. No mobile app to download. No need to pair it with a phone first. Just press the power button and it handles the rest.
    • Design: It doesn’t scream “tech gadget.” It’s discreet enough to use in public without drawing attention, which is something frequent travelers and digital nomads appreciate.
    • Ready out of the box: The pre-installed SIM card and built-in global compatibility mean you can literally open it, turn it on, and be online within a minute — no tech skills required.

    For anyone who’s ever struggled setting up a router, dealt with an unreliable tether, or scrambled to connect at an airport, that ease-of-use is a game-changer. And for business travelers or people with tight schedules, the ability to get online immediately — without asking for a Wi-Fi password or registering at some login screen — makes a real difference.

    To be clear, Ryoko Pro is not trying to impress with flashy packaging or dozens of accessories. Instead, it delivers functionality first. And that’s actually what gives off a good first impression — it feels like a tool, not a toy.

    How Does Ryoko Pro Work?

    At first glance, Ryoko Pro might look like just another compact tech gadget. But under the hood, it’s powered by some pretty thoughtful engineering — designed to eliminate the most common headaches travelers and remote workers face when trying to get online.

    Let’s break it down in plain English.

    It Starts With Virtual SIM Technology

    Unlike most mobile hotspots that require you to manually insert a SIM card and configure network settings, Ryoko Pro comes with virtual SIM (vSIM) technology built in.

    What does that mean?

    Basically, the device can digitally switch between multiple local network providers, depending on where you are. When you turn it on, Ryoko Pro searches for the strongest 4G LTE signal in your area, and connects to that automatically — no SIM swapping or physical configuration needed.

    You don’t have to be tied to one telecom provider, nor do you need to fumble with paperclip tools trying to pop open SIM trays in a foreign airport. Ryoko Pro handles all of that behind the scenes.

    Coverage in 75+ Countries

    Because of the way it’s set up, Ryoko Pro is able to work across more than 75 countries. Whether you’re hopping between cities in Europe, road-tripping through the U.S., or working remotely from Southeast Asia, the device connects to local networks to give you internet access almost instantly.

    And no — you don’t need a new plan or contract for each country. You just turn it on, let it scan, and you’re good to go.

    Creating a Secure Personal Wi-Fi Network

    Once connected to the local 4G LTE tower, Ryoko Pro starts broadcasting a private Wi-Fi signal — just like the router in your home.

    You can then connect your:

    • Smartphone
    • Laptop
    • Tablet
    • Smartwatch
    • Even IoT devices (like a Kindle, Chromecast, or portable gaming system)

    …up to 10 devices at once.

    This is a huge deal for people traveling as a group, or for business users who need to be logged in on multiple screens at once. And since it doesn’t rely on your phone’s hotspot feature, you save your mobile battery for more important things — like calls, navigation, or camera use.

    Built-In Security Features

    A standout part of how Ryoko Pro works is its attention to privacy and safety.

    When you connect to public Wi-Fi — say, at a hotel or café — you’re often on an open, unsecured network. That means your data (emails, logins, bank info) can be vulnerable to eavesdropping or interception.

    Ryoko Pro skips that risk entirely by providing a secure internet connection with:

    • Encryption to protect your browsing data
    • A built-in ad blocker to improve speed and filter out trackers
    • Anti-phishing tools that flag sketchy websites trying to mimic legit ones (like “paypall.com” instead of “paypal.com”)

    So even if you’re handling business documents, logging into sensitive accounts, or just streaming while sipping coffee at a rest stop, you’re doing it in a private digital bubble.

    All Without Wires or Setup

    Here’s where things really come together.

    • You don’t need to install software or apps
    • There’s no need to register accounts
    • There’s no complex login screen every time you power on

    Just hold the power button, wait a few seconds, and Ryoko Pro does everything else in the background. It connects to the local tower, creates a hotspot, and lets your devices jump on.

    If you’ve ever tried setting up a traditional mobile router or struggled with inconsistent tethering from your phone, this kind of plug-and-play experience is a major breath of fresh air.

    In short:
    Ryoko Pro works by quietly handling the complex stuff so you can just connect and go. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or living the digital nomad life, the technology behind it is built to keep you online without slowing you down.

    Next, we’ll look at what specific features make Ryoko Pro stand out from the crowd.

    Visit Official Website to Get More Information

    Key Features of Ryoko Pro Portable Router

    If you’ve ever dealt with slow, unreliable Wi-Fi while traveling — or worse, been locked out of your work because a hotel router decided to have a bad day — then you already know how valuable a dependable portable hotspot can be.

    The Ryoko Pro isn’t just a convenience tool — it’s designed to address the most frustrating parts of staying online when you’re not at home. Below are the core features that set it apart from the typical alternatives.

    Automatic Network Switching with Virtual SIM

    One of Ryoko Pro’s standout features is its virtual SIM technology, which allows it to automatically connect to the strongest available mobile network in your location. Instead of being locked into one carrier, it scans for the best option and connects on the fly — no SIM card swaps, no manual setup.

    This is especially useful for international travelers, since it saves you the hassle (and cost) of buying new SIMs every time you cross a border.

    Global Coverage in 75+ Countries

    Ryoko Pro works across 75+ countries, offering strong, stable internet access whether you’re road-tripping in the U.S., visiting cities across Europe, or exploring remote locations.

    You don’t need to activate a new plan in each country. The built-in connectivity system handles that quietly in the background, giving you the freedom to just power it on and get connected.

    For digital nomads, freelancers, or even a business traveler hopping from meeting to meeting, this kind of seamless cross-border performance is a huge asset.

    Secure, Encrypted Wi-Fi on the Go

    One of the biggest risks with public networks is lack of security — hotel lobbies, cafés, airport lounges… all of them come with hidden dangers like snooping, malware, or phishing traps.

    Ryoko Pro eliminates that risk by creating a secure internet connection that’s yours alone. On top of encryption, it also includes:

    • A built-in ad blocker, which improves performance and protects against tracker-heavy sites
    • Anti-malware screening to prevent accidental downloads from shady domains
    • Phishing protection that helps block impersonator websites

    If you’re someone who handles sensitive data, logs into private work accounts, or just values online privacy, these are more than just bonus features — they’re essentials.

    Long-Lasting Battery Life (Up to 8 Hours)

    Battery anxiety is real, especially if you’re out and about for most of the day.

    Ryoko Pro is built with a long-lasting battery that gives you up to 8 hours of continuous use on a single charge. That’s enough to get through an entire workday, a long flight, or a full day of sightseeing without needing a wall outlet.

    And since it charges via USB-C, you don’t need to worry about carrying around a dedicated charger. It’s compatible with most modern charging cables — just plug in and power up.

    Connect Up to 10 Devices at Once

    Whether you’re a solo traveler with multiple gadgets or part of a group trying to stay connected, Ryoko Pro has you covered. It can support up to 10 connected devices simultaneously — phones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches — without killing the signal.

    This makes it a solid option for:

    • Families on vacation
    • Teams attending conferences
    • Creators uploading large files while livestreaming
    • Even just managing your own tech stack on the go

    No more fighting over who gets the hotspot. Everyone can stay online at the same time.

    Lightweight and Travel-Ready

    Physically, Ryoko Pro is about as travel-friendly as it gets. It’s compact, lightweight, and discreet — small enough to slide into a pocket or the side of a laptop bag without even noticing it’s there.

    There are no dangling wires, no antennas sticking out, and no extra parts to assemble. Just one device that’s ready to go whenever you are.

    For people who travel light or want fewer moving pieces to worry about, that’s a big win.

    No Subscriptions or Contracts

    This is something many people overlook when comparing portable Wi-Fi options. A lot of alternatives require monthly subscriptions, activation fees, or long-term contracts that limit your flexibility.

    With Ryoko Pro, there’s no forced subscription. It comes with a pre-installed SIM card and 500MB of data out of the box. After that, you top up when and how you choose — either through the manufacturer’s site or authorized providers.

    You’re not paying for what you don’t use, and there are no surprise roaming charges buried in a bill later on.

    In a nutshell, Ryoko Pro is built to solve real problems:

    ✔️ Crappy public Wi-Fi
    ✔️ SIM-swapping fatigue
    ✔️ Expensive roaming
    ✔️ Connection dropouts
    ✔️ Battery drain from tethering

    If you’ve dealt with any of those before, this kind of portable solution starts to make a lot of sense.

    Next up, we’ll zoom in on real-world use cases — how people are using Ryoko Pro in everyday situations, from camping trips to client calls.

    Real-Life Use Cases: Where Ryoko Pro Comes In Handy

    One of the best ways to understand the value of a device like Ryoko Pro is to look at the kinds of situations it’s designed for. It’s easy to rattle off features, but the real question is — how does it make life easier for actual people?

    Let’s walk through a few everyday scenarios where a portable hotspot like Ryoko Pro shines.

    Road Trips with Multiple Devices

    Imagine you’re on a long road trip. You’ve got your phone running navigation, your partner’s trying to stream music, the kids are watching YouTube in the backseat, and maybe you’re uploading some footage to your Google Drive.

    That’s a lot of connected devices, and most cars just aren’t equipped to handle that much bandwidth — if they offer any internet access at all.

    Ryoko Pro steps in as a central internet hub. You turn it on, toss it in the glove compartment, and everyone stays online. No signal drops, no burning through your phone’s data plan, and no arguments over whose device gets priority.

    International Travel Without Roaming Stress

    You land in a new country. Your phone greets you with a “Welcome to [insert random country]” text and a vague warning about international charges. Local SIM card stalls are confusing or closed, and the airport Wi-Fi requires a login you can’t translate.

    That’s where Ryoko Pro pays for itself.

    It boots up, finds the strongest local network, and gets you connected without you lifting a finger. Whether you’re in a taxi trying to pull up directions or waiting in a hotel lobby trying to confirm bookings, you’ve got real-time internet right out of the gate.

    No SIM switching. No roaming charges. Just seamless access.

    Camping, Hiking, and Remote Escapes

    Let’s say you’re out in nature — fishing by a lake, hiking into the woods, or just camping in an area with spotty signal. You’re not looking to doom-scroll Instagram, but maybe you do want to check the weather, answer a work email, or stream a game while sitting by the fire.

    Most portable routers would tap out here. But Ryoko Pro has been praised in reviews for maintaining a reliable connection even in areas where traditional mobile service is weak.

    In fact, some verified buyers mention using it to stream video content while off the grid, which says a lot about its stability and signal management.

    Working from Cafés or Public Spaces

    If you’ve ever tried to upload a file or join a Zoom call over crowded café Wi-Fi, you know the pain: slow speeds, laggy video, and random disconnections mid-sentence.

    Ryoko Pro gives you a private network to connect to — no bandwidth sharing with 50 other laptops, and no sketchy public Wi-Fi risks. Whether you’re handling sensitive files, attending a client meeting, or just sending out invoices, the secure internet connection it offers makes remote work feel a lot more like home.

    And because it supports up to 10 devices, you can connect your laptop, phone, and tablet — all without toggling between hotspots or juggling mobile data.

    Streaming or Gaming on the Go

    Not every use case is work-related. Sometimes you just want to watch a show or play a game while you’re stuck at the airport or riding shotgun on a long drive.

    Ryoko Pro has enough bandwidth to handle light gaming and HD streaming, assuming there’s decent 4G LTE coverage in the area. That makes it a solid choice for creators, gamers, or anyone who hates buffering screens.

    Business Travel Without IT Headaches

    Corporate travelers often have multiple devices, tight schedules, and a low tolerance for connectivity issues. Whether it’s checking into flights, joining conference calls, or uploading sales decks, they need to be online — period.

    Ryoko Pro offers that always-ready connection without depending on hotel Wi-Fi (which is often limited, unsecured, or just plain unreliable). With its long-lasting battery and ability to connect multiple devices, it makes sure you’re never one step behind just because of weak signal or a bad login portal.

    Bottom line?

    Ryoko Pro isn’t trying to replace your home broadband setup. It’s built for those moments when you’re not at home, but still need to be just as connected, productive, or entertained. Whether that means checking Slack from a train station, streaming football in the forest, or uploading a pitch deck from a Paris café — the use cases are endless.

    Visit Official Website to Get More Information

    Who Needs Ryoko Pro?

    Not every gadget is for everyone — but Ryoko Pro seems to hit a sweet spot for a very wide range of people. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck without a reliable internet connection — especially when it mattered most — then this device is probably speaking your language.

    Here’s a closer look at who Ryoko Pro is really made for:

    Frequent International Travelers

    Let’s start with the obvious one.

    If you travel across borders even a couple of times a year, you already know the SIM card circus: different providers, incompatible plans, confusing top-ups, and roaming fees that feel like they were made to punish you for leaving the country.

    Ryoko Pro is tailor-made for this crowd. With its virtual SIM technology and support for over 75 countries, it removes the friction from staying connected abroad. Whether you’re jetting across Europe or island-hopping in Southeast Asia, it automatically locks onto the best local network — no SIM tray tools, no guesswork.

    Perfect for:
    Tourists
    Business travelers
    Travel content creators

    Remote Workers & Digital Nomads

    Let’s be real: working remotely sounds like a dream — until the Wi-Fi drops mid-meeting or your file upload stalls at 82%.

    Whether you’re taking work calls from a beach café or sending off proposals from a shared workspace, Ryoko Pro offers a private, secure internet connection that doesn’t depend on the venue’s dodgy router.

    And if you’re the type juggling multiple gadgets — laptop, phone, tablet — Ryoko Pro’s ability to support up to 10 connected devices makes your workflow smoother, not more complicated.

    Perfect for:
    Freelancers
    Digital nomads
     Remote startup teams

    Campers, Hikers & Off-the-Grid Adventurers

    There’s something magical about unplugging from the noise of the world — until you actually need to plug back in for a moment.

    Maybe you need to check a weather report. Or confirm a campsite. Or upload a GoPro video from a trail. Most mobile hotspots fail the moment you’re out of cell-tower range.

    Ryoko Pro, thanks to its strong signal-seeking capabilities, performs better than expected in these fringe zones. Several users have noted how it maintained a reliable connection even in remote cabins, lakeside retreats, or mountainous areas.

    Perfect for:
    Hikers
    Campers
    Vanlifers

    Families Who Travel (or Just Juggle a Lot of Devices)

    Let’s say you’re on a family trip. The kids are streaming cartoons. You’re checking directions. Your partner’s uploading a few photos to social media. And suddenly… your phone’s tethered hotspot buckles under the weight of it all.

    Ryoko Pro supports up to ten devices at once, making it an easy solution for keeping everyone online without splitting bandwidth or running out of mobile data. And since it doesn’t rely on your phone’s battery, you don’t have to deal with the dreaded “Low Power Mode” warning mid-trip.

    Perfect for:
    Traveling families
    Parents with multiple screens to manage
     Households with lots of devices, even at home

    Business Professionals on the Move

    If your calendar’s filled with airport gates, client visits, and coffee-fueled presentations, then slow Wi-Fi isn’t just a nuisance — it’s a liability.

    Ryoko Pro is for people who can’t afford to gamble on café routers or hotel Wi-Fi that’s “included” but barely usable. You can show up at a client’s office, pull out your Ryoko Pro, and know that your video call, presentation, or file transfer won’t suddenly fail you.

    Its long-lasting battery (up to 8 hours per charge) means it’ll likely outlast your day. And its USB-C charging makes it easy to top up alongside your other devices.

    Perfect for:
    Sales reps
    Consultants
     Executives and project managers

    Anyone Who’s Tired of Risky Public Wi-Fi

    Public networks are often slow, crowded, and worse — unsecured. If you’ve ever typed in your bank login or emailed a work document over hotel Wi-Fi, you’ve probably exposed your data more than you realize.

    Ryoko Pro offers a safer alternative. With its private network, encryption, and ad-blocking features, it’s a more secure way to get online — especially when you’re dealing with confidential information.

    Perfect for:
    Privacy-conscious users
    Professionals handling sensitive files
    Anyone who just doesn’t trust “Free Wi-Fi” signs

    In short?

    If you depend on internet access — and let’s be honest, most of us do — Ryoko Pro solves a very real problem. It’s not a luxury; it’s a safety net for your connection. Whether you’re traveling, working remotely, or just sick of unreliable networks, this is the kind of tool that pays for itself the moment your regular options fail.

    Visit Official Website to Get More Information

    Is Ryoko Pro Legit, or Just Another Overhyped Gadget?

    Let’s be honest — the portable Wi-Fi space is full of bold claims and half-baked products. Every few months, a new “game-changing” device pops up promising global coverage, blazing fast speeds, and hassle-free setup. Most of them end up in junk drawers or collecting dust after one or two frustrating uses.

    So where does Ryoko Pro stand in all of this?

    If you’re wondering whether it’s legit or just another overhyped gadget, you’re not alone. It’s actually one of the most searched questions about the product — often worded as “Is Ryoko Pro a scam?” or “Can I trust this portable WiFi router?”

    Here’s what we know based on available research and user feedback:

    A Real, Shippable Product with Active Support

    Ryoko Pro is not some phantom gadget that disappears after you order. It’s a real, tangible product sold directly from the official manufacturer’s website, with a verifiable presence and customer support team.

    Most buyers report receiving the product within a reasonable delivery window, complete with packaging, the device, a pre-installed SIM card, a USB-C charger, and a quick-start manual. So we’re not talking about a vaporware situation here.

    Strong Customer Ratings (When Bought from the Official Source)

    On verified review platforms, Ryoko Pro consistently receives high ratings — often averaging 4.7 to 4.9 stars out of 5. Many users praise:

    • The ease of setup
    • Its lightweight design
    • The fact that it actually connects in areas where traditional service dips
    • And how it simplifies international travel or work on the go

    There are multiple reports from buyers who use it to stream video, manage remote work, or provide internet to several connected devices while traveling — without experiencing frequent signal loss or frustrating lag.

    Negative Reviews Are Usually Linked to Misunderstandings

    As with any tech product, there are some negative reviews floating around, but when you dig deeper, many of them boil down to:

    • Buying from third-party resellers, which may send outdated or counterfeit units
    • Expecting unlimited free data (Ryoko Pro gives you 500MB out of the box, but you do need to top up after that)
    • Or using it in complete signal dead zones where no device — no matter how advanced — would be able to connect

    These aren’t product defects so much as expectation mismatches.

    No Sketchy Subscriptions or Surprise Fees

    This is a common fear — especially for devices sold online. But Ryoko Pro keeps things relatively clean and upfront:

    • You’re not forced into a monthly plan
    • You can top up data only when needed
    • And you get clear, direct pricing on their official portal

    No hidden activation fees. No shady auto-renewals. No confusing mobile contracts.

    Backed by a 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

    To further support its legitimacy, Ryoko Pro comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee when purchased from the official site. If you get the device, try it out, and it’s not what you expected — you have the option to return it.

    This helps take the edge off for people sitting on the fence, especially if you’re skeptical from past online buying experiences.

    So… Is Ryoko Pro Legit?

    From everything we’ve seen: yes — it’s a legitimate product that does what it claims to do within reasonable expectations.

    It’s not a magic box that gives you free internet forever. And it’s not a replacement for full-home fiber connections. But for its intended use — giving you portable, secure, and fast Wi-Fi access wherever you are — it’s doing the job.

    Just make sure you buy it from the official source, read the fine print on data usage, and manage your expectations (no, it won’t beam internet to you from the top of Everest).

    Next up, we’ll see how Ryoko Pro actually compares to regular portable Wi-Fi routers — because while it’s legit, it’s not the only option out there.

    Visit Official Website to Get More Information

    Ryoko Pro vs. Regular Portable Wi-Fi Devices

    If you’ve been shopping around for a portable WiFi router, you’ve probably come across a bunch of similar-looking devices promising high-speed internet, multiple device support, and easy setup.

    So how does Ryoko Pro stack up against the average portable Wi-Fi device?

    Let’s break it down.

    Setup and Ease of Use

    Ryoko Pro:
    This is one of its strongest points. There’s no need to download an app, create an account, or follow a 12-step configuration guide. You simply press the power button, and within seconds, it starts broadcasting a Wi-Fi signal. The SIM card is already installed, so there’s zero fiddling with trays or settings. Even tech-averse users — think your parents or grandparents — could get this running without a call to customer support.

    Typical Portable Wi-Fi:
    Most other routers require a physical SIM card, manual APN setup, and sometimes even a computer-based configuration. You often need to register with a specific telecom provider, and some require monthly subscriptions before they even work. That’s fine if you’re tech-savvy, but not ideal if you just want something that works out of the box.

    ✔️ Edge: Ryoko Pro

    Global Coverage and Network Flexibility

    Ryoko Pro:
    Thanks to its virtual SIM technology, it can connect to over 75+ countries without requiring you to buy and switch SIM cards. It automatically scans for the best available network wherever you are and connects in seconds.

    Typical Portable Wi-Fi:
    You’re often locked into a single provider or need to swap SIMs manually when you switch regions. This means dealing with local data plans, unfamiliar providers, and inconsistent network quality across borders.

     ✔️ Edge: Ryoko Pro

    Security and Privacy

    Ryoko Pro:
    In addition to encrypted traffic, it comes with a built-in ad blocker, malware protection, and anti-phishing safeguards. For anyone working with sensitive data — or simply uncomfortable connecting to public Wi-Fi — that added layer of safety is a major plus.

    Typical Portable Wi-Fi:
    Most act as basic routers. They don’t offer any built-in security features, and you’re often on your own to install a VPN or other protection software. If you’re not already security-minded, this can be a weak point.

    ✔️ Edge: Ryoko Pro

    Battery Life and Portability

    Ryoko Pro:
    It runs for up to 8 hours on a single charge, depending on usage. That’s enough for a full day of work or travel without needing to recharge. It uses USB-C, which is a modern standard, and some bundles offer a magnetic dock for easy charging. It’s also compact and lightweight — no bigger than a deck of cards.

    Typical Portable Wi-Fi:
    Battery life ranges widely. Some cheap models only last 2–4 hours. Many still use outdated micro-USB ports, and bulkier models take up more bag space or need constant power from a wall outlet.

    ✔️ Edge: Ryoko Pro

    Performance and Signal Reliability

    Ryoko Pro:
    Based on customer feedback, Ryoko Pro is impressively consistent. It has been used successfully in rural cabins, lakeside getaways, and even forests. The ability to find the strongest nearby network, regardless of country, gives it an edge in low-signal or remote areas.

    Typical Portable Wi-Fi:
    Performance varies heavily by provider and hardware quality. Devices tied to one SIM or network often fail in remote areas where that network has weak coverage.

    ✔️Edge: Ryoko Pro

    Cost and Data Flexibility

    Ryoko Pro:
    No subscription is required. You get 500MB free out of the box, and after that, it’s pay-as-you-go. This gives you complete control over your spending — no surprise roaming fees or contracts.

    Typical Portable Wi-Fi:
    Many devices require a monthly subscription or force you into a plan before activation. Others might charge roaming fees that show up weeks after your trip. Some cheaper models have hidden costs, like forced plan renewals or poor-quality data plans.

    ✔️ Edge: Ryoko Pro

    User Experience

    From what we can tell across consumer feedback platforms, Ryoko Pro is designed with real users in mind. The plug-and-play simplicity, pre-installed SIM card, and reliable connection make it one of the few options that balances tech performance with actual everyday usability.

    Regular routers often feel like they were made for IT professionals — Ryoko Pro feels like it was made for you.

    Final Comparison Snapshot

    Feature Ryoko Pro Standard Wi-Fi Device
    Setup Time Under 2 minutes 10–30 minutes (often manual)
    SIM Required? No (vSIM tech) Yes (manual insertion)
    Coverage 75+ countries Limited, provider-specific
    Battery Life Up to 8 hours Varies widely (2–6 hrs)
    Max Devices 10 5–10
    Security Built-in ad + malware blocker Typically none
    Subscription Not required Often required
    Ease of Use Extremely simple Depends on brand/model

    Verdict?

    If you’re looking for a user-friendly, travel-ready, and secure portable hotspot, Ryoko Pro comes out ahead in almost every category that matters — especially for people who don’t want to deal with telecom headaches, complex setups, or fragile battery life.

    Up next, let’s talk about how to actually set up and use the Ryoko Pro — spoiler: it’s easier than brewing a cup of coffee.

    Visit Official Website to Get More Information

    How to Use Ryoko Pro (Setup + Instructions)

    Let’s be honest — most portable Wi-Fi devices feel like they were made by engineers for engineers. They promise fast internet but first require you to decode a setup guide that feels like it was translated by a robot.

    Ryoko Pro? Thankfully, that’s not the case.

    One of the most consistent pieces of feedback from users — across reviews, forums, and consumer reports — is how ridiculously easy it is to set up. Even if you’ve never touched a portable hotspot before, you’ll be up and running in under five minutes.

    Here’s what setup looks like, step by step:

    Step 1: Unbox and Charge It Up

    Inside the box, you’ll find:

    • The Ryoko Pro device
    • A USB-C charging cable
    • A pre-installed SIM card
    • A quick start guide

    Before you get started, it’s a good idea to fully charge the device. Plug it into any USB-C charger (your laptop charger or phone charger should work fine), and wait until the battery indicator hits full. Charging is quick, and once powered up, it offers up to 8 hours of reliable use on a single charge.

    Step 2: Power It On

    There’s a single power button on the device. Press and hold it for a few seconds. You’ll see the device light up and begin its boot-up sequence.

    This is where Ryoko Pro does something cool behind the scenes — it uses its virtual SIM technology to detect your location and automatically connect to the best available 4G LTE network.

    No manual configuration. No SIM tray. No “Insert SIM” errors. Just automatic network selection, every time.

    Step 3: Connect Your Devices

    Once the device is connected to a local mobile network, it begins broadcasting a private Wi-Fi signal — just like your home router.

    To connect:

    • Open Wi-Fi settings on your phone, tablet, laptop, or whatever device you’re using.
    • Look for the Ryoko network name (usually something like “RyokoPro_XXXX”).
    • Select it, and enter the password provided on the device screen or printed inside the box.
    • Boom — you’re online.

    Alternatively, if your phone supports it, you can simply scan the QR code shown on Ryoko Pro’s display. It will auto-connect your device to the Wi-Fi network without needing to type anything.

    Step 4: Use It Like You Would Any Wi-Fi Network

    Once connected, your device behaves exactly like it would on any regular network. That means you can:

    • Stream content
    • Make video calls
    • Send emails
    • Use cloud apps
    • Upload files
    • Scroll social media
    • Even connect multiple devices — up to 10 at the same time

    Whether you’re working, chilling, or doing a bit of both, you’ve now got a secure internet connection to power it all.

    Step 5: Top Up Data as Needed

    Ryoko Pro comes with 500MB of free data, preloaded into the device. It’s a nice starter amount — enough to test it out or get through a day of light usage.

    When you’re ready to top up, it’s as easy as:

    1. Visiting the official recharge portal (listed in the manual)
    2. Entering your device’s serial number or login details
    3. Purchasing data based on your usage — no contracts or forced subscriptions

    You can top up as needed, and rates are generally lower than international roaming or daily hotspot fees.

    Recharging the Battery

    When you’re running low on power, just plug it in using the included USB-C cable. If you opted for a bundle with the magnetic charging dock, even better — just set the device on the dock and let it charge, no cables needed.

    The battery lasts up to 8 hours per full charge, which is more than enough for a day of travel, remote work, or exploring.

    And That’s It — No Tech Skills Required

    No joke — that’s really all there is to it.

    There’s no app to install, no drivers to update, and no confusing interface to figure out. If you can power it on and type in a Wi-Fi password, you’re good to go.

    It’s a breath of fresh air in a product category that often assumes users are part-time network engineers.

    Privacy & Security: How Safe is Ryoko Pro Wi-Fi?

    If you’ve ever connected to hotel Wi-Fi and had that uneasy feeling about logging into your bank account — you’re not alone. These days, online privacy is just as important as having a stable internet connection. In fact, for a lot of people, it’s even more important.

    That’s why Ryoko Pro doesn’t just promise portability and performance — it also puts some real thought into how to protect your connection while you’re on the move.

    Let’s break down what makes it a more secure option than the average café or airport hotspot.

    Private Wi-Fi, Not Public Risk

    Most public Wi-Fi networks are open and shared, meaning anyone nearby can connect. That might sound convenient, but it’s also a breeding ground for problems:

    • Packet sniffing
    • Man-in-the-middle attacks
    • Fake “Free Wi-Fi” networks run by scammers
    • Data harvesting from unsecured logins

    When you connect to Ryoko Pro, you’re not joining a shared public network. You’re connecting to a private signal that’s being generated just for your devices. That immediately cuts out a huge portion of the risk that comes with public Wi-Fi.

    Encrypted Connection

    Ryoko Pro uses encrypted 4G LTE as its base layer — which is a significant upgrade from the wide-open traffic of your average café network.

    What does that mean in real life?

    • Your data (emails, passwords, messages, transactions) is scrambled in a way that makes it unreadable to outside observers.
    • Even if someone wanted to eavesdrop, they’d need to break through encryption protocols designed to resist that kind of attack.

    You might not notice it working, but the secure internet connection running in the background is one of the biggest benefits Ryoko Pro offers — especially if you’re working remotely or accessing sensitive accounts.

    Built-In Ad Blocker and Phishing Protection

    This is something you don’t see in a lot of portable hotspots: Ryoko Pro includes a built-in ad and tracker blocker, which does two things at once:

    1. It improves performance by cutting down on data-draining ads and pop-ups.
    2. It protects your browsing experience by reducing the number of malicious scripts and trackers trying to collect your information.

    It also has phishing protection — a feature that helps block fake websites designed to look like legitimate ones (think “paypaI.com” instead of “paypal.com”).

    These features won’t replace your antivirus or eliminate all risk, but they do add a strong first line of defense, especially if you’re traveling and can’t always control the networks you’re on.

    Safe for Families and Non-Tech Users

    Because the device is set up to automatically create a private, protected network, even less tech-savvy users benefit from improved security without having to know anything about VPNs, firewalls, or browser extensions.

    Parents using Ryoko Pro on road trips, or students connecting through it in libraries or airports, are still shielded from a lot of the nonsense that comes with public Wi-Fi — without even realizing it.

    A Better Option Than VPN-Only Setups

    A lot of travelers try to patch security holes using VPNs alone. VPNs are great — but they only protect traffic after you’re already connected to a network, and they don’t guard against:

    • Fake login portals
    • Malware-infected routers
    • Wi-Fi spoofing in public areas

    With Ryoko Pro, you’re cutting those risks out before they start — by avoiding public networks entirely and instead using a clean, dedicated hotspot that you own and control.

    Final Thought on Security (Ryoko Pro Reviews)

    Ryoko Pro isn’t just a way to get online — it’s a way to stay protected while you do it.

    It’s not military-grade security, and it’s not a replacement for common sense online (don’t click shady links, obviously), but it’s way ahead of the alternatives most people rely on when they travel:

    • Open hotel Wi-Fi
    • Random café networks
    • Mobile hotspots with no encryption
    • Tethering through overworked smartphones

    In today’s internet landscape, where tracking, hacking, and data leaks are way too common, having your own encrypted, ad-blocked, phishing-resistant Wi-Fi router in your pocket just makes sense.

    What Ryoko Pro Won’t Do (Setting Realistic Expectations)

    Let’s be real: no product is perfect, and Ryoko Pro isn’t some miracle device that beams gigabit internet into a mountaintop temple while you sip coffee and stream Netflix in 4K.

    It’s a portable WiFi router, not a magical satellite dish.

    So in the spirit of transparency, let’s talk about what Ryoko Pro won’t do — not because it’s a bad product, but because every tool has its limits, and the last thing you want is to buy something with the wrong expectations.

    It Won’t Work Where There’s Zero Mobile Signal

    This should go without saying, but if you’re in a place where no 4G LTE signal exists, Ryoko Pro can’t create internet out of thin air. It needs access to a mobile network — just like your phone does — to generate a Wi-Fi signal.

    If you’re trekking through dense mountains, remote islands, or deep rural zones without any cell towers nearby, don’t expect Ryoko Pro to perform miracles.

    It does well in low-signal areas, but not in no-signal zones.

    It’s Not a Replacement for Home Broadband

    Ryoko Pro is designed for portability, not power. It’s perfect for travel, remote work, road trips, or backup internet during outages. But it’s not built to replace your high-speed home fiber plan — and it’s not ideal for households streaming across five 4K TVs and downloading giant files all day.

    If you’re expecting gigabit speeds and unlimited data like your home ISP, this isn’t the right tool for that.

    It Doesn’t Come With Unlimited Free Data

    This one trips some people up: yes, Ryoko Pro comes with 500MB of data out of the box, which is enough to test the waters — check your email, send a few files, browse lightly.

    But after that, you’ll need to top up your data manually, and while the rates are reasonable, they’re not unlimited or “free forever.”

    If you’re a heavy data user (think gaming, uploading big video files daily, or constant video conferencing), you’ll go through that data quickly. Just something to factor into your budgeting.

    It Doesn’t Automatically Include a VPN

    Ryoko Pro offers solid baseline privacy protections — encrypted traffic, ad blocking, and anti-phishing tools. But it’s not a full cybersecurity suite, and it doesn’t include a VPN service out of the box.

    If you need extra layers of privacy, especially while dealing with sensitive data, you’ll want to pair it with a reliable VPN app on your devices. Think of Ryoko Pro as your secure connection gateway — it gives you a clean network to build on.

    It Won’t Fix Speed Issues in Congested Networks

    If you’re in a busy location where all networks are jammed — like a packed stadium or major event center — even Ryoko Pro will be limited by what the local 4G infrastructure can offer. It’ll still connect and likely be more stable than public Wi-Fi, but it’s not immune to network congestion.

    It’s good tech — not magic.

    It Won’t Be Worth It If You Rarely Leave Home

    This one’s simple: if you barely travel, don’t work remotely, and only connect to Wi-Fi at home or in the office, Ryoko Pro might be overkill.

    It’s built for mobility, not static day-to-day internet. If your lifestyle doesn’t require reliable internet on the go, you probably won’t get the full value out of it.

    So, Who Is Ryoko Pro Right For? (Ryoko Pro Reviews)

    If you need a secure internet connection while you’re traveling, working remotely, or navigating places where public Wi-Fi just isn’t cutting it, Ryoko Pro makes a lot of sense.

    But if you’re expecting it to replace a full-time ISP, give you unlimited data for free, or work in areas with no cell coverage at all — you’ll end up disappointed.

    Understanding these limits helps you see Ryoko Pro for what it actually is:
    ✅ A reliable, portable solution for when you’re away from home — not a one-size-fits-all answer to all internet problems.

    Pros and Cons of Ryoko Pro

    By this point, you’ve probably got a good sense of what Ryoko Pro offers. But sometimes it helps to lay things out clearly — the good, the not-so-good, and everything in between — especially if you’re still on the fence.

    Here’s a breakdown of the biggest advantages and the realistic drawbacks to help you decide if this device fits your lifestyle.

    Pros of Ryoko Pro

    Plug-and-Play Simplicity

    You don’t need to be a tech wizard. Setup takes under 2 minutes. Power it on, connect your devices, and go — no apps, no confusing settings, no headaches.

    Global Connectivity in 75+ Countries

    Thanks to its virtual SIM technology, Ryoko Pro works seamlessly across borders without the need for physical SIM cards or local providers.

    Secure Internet Connection

    You’re not at the mercy of public Wi-Fi. Ryoko Pro offers encrypted browsing, ad blocking, and phishing protection — ideal for anyone handling sensitive data or simply tired of risky hotel networks.

    Long-Lasting Battery

    With up to 8 hours on a single charge, it easily supports a full day of travel or remote work. And it charges via USB-C, so it’s compatible with most modern charging gear.

    Works in Low-Signal Areas

    Ryoko Pro has a good track record for finding usable 4G LTE connections even in rural areas, vacation homes, or places where your phone’s tethering tends to drop off.

    Connects Up to 10 Devices Simultaneously

    Perfect for solo travelers with lots of gear or families and teams who need to stay online together without juggling connections.

    No Subscriptions Required

    You only pay for data when you need it. No contracts, no hidden fees, and no forced monthly billing. Just pure pay-as-you-go control.

    Ultra-Portable

    It’s small, discreet, and weighs practically nothing. Fits easily into a pocket, purse, or laptop bag.

    Cons of Ryoko Pro

    Doesn’t Work in Signal Blackout Zones

    If you’re completely off-grid with no mobile coverage, the device won’t be able to connect — just like any 4G-based system.

    Not a Replacement for Home Broadband

    While great for travel and backup use, it’s not built for heavy-duty streaming or gaming across multiple devices in a home setting.

    Limited Starter Data

    The 500MB of included data is a nice bonus — but not much more than a trial. You’ll need to top up fairly soon if you plan to use it regularly.

    Doesn’t Include a Built-In VPN

    While it offers strong security basics, it doesn’t come with a VPN service, which some users may want for even greater online privacy.

    Not Available in Retail Stores

    To avoid counterfeit models and ensure warranty support, you’ll need to buy directly from the official website, which might be a hurdle for people used to in-store shopping.

    Final Takeaway

    Ryoko Pro gets the essentials right: it’s reliable, secure, and easy to use, especially for people who live a mobile lifestyle or want a dependable backup internet option.

    Its few limitations are more about understanding its intended purpose — it’s a travel-friendly tool, not a full-blown replacement for your home fiber line.

    If you fit the profile of someone who’s often on the move, works from different locations, or just values having a personal hotspot you can trust, Ryoko Pro is well worth considering.

    Ryoko Pro Price: Is It Worth the Investment?

    Let’s talk numbers. At the time of writing, Ryoko Pro is being offered with tiered pricing based on quantity:

    • 1 Device: $89
    • 2 Devices: $138
    • 3 Devices: $177
    • 4 Devices: $220

    All purchases include:

    • A pre-installed SIM card with 500MB free data
    • USB-C charging cable
    • Setup guide
    • 30-day money-back guarantee

    Compared to traditional roaming charges or travel SIM bundles, it’s actually a solid deal — especially since there are no subscriptions required. You top up data when you need it. No sneaky fees, no contracts. For most people, the upfront cost pays for itself after just one or two trips.

    And let’s be honest: for something that could spare you from bad hotel Wi-Fi or save the day during a business call in a remote location… it’s not a bad trade.

    Where to Buy Ryoko Pro

    This one’s simple: only buy from the official website.

    It’s the only way to:

    • Ensure you’re getting a genuine product
    • Access the latest firmware version
    • Claim the official warranty and support
    • Take advantage of exclusive bundle discounts

    You won’t find Ryoko Pro on Amazon or in major retail chains — and knockoffs do exist. If you’re going to invest, do it the right way.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: Is Ryoko Pro just for travelers?
    Not at all. It’s perfect for remote workers, students, campers, and even as a backup internet option at home.

    Q: Can I use it without a SIM card?
    It comes preloaded with a virtual SIM. No need to insert anything — just power it on and connect.

    Q: How do I top up data?
    You can purchase data plans directly online via the Ryoko dashboard — no third-party hassles.

    Q: Is the data unlimited?
    No. It’s pay-as-you-go. But that also means no surprise overage fees or contract lock-ins.

    Q: Can I return it if I’m not happy?
    Yes, Ryoko Pro offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked.

    Final Thoughts

    Ryoko Pro isn’t trying to be everything. It’s not your home Wi-Fi replacement or a power-user’s dream device. But that’s the point.

    It’s for people who want a no-fuss, portable, secure way to stay online — anywhere, anytime. Whether you’re traveling across continents, working from a cabin, or simply tired of dodgy public Wi-Fi, Ryoko Pro brings reliability back into your internet life.

    If peace of mind, portability, and performance matter to you… then this little device just might earn a permanent spot in your backpack.

    Visit Official Website to Get More Information

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) urges immediate de-escalation in Tripoli

    Source: APO


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    Noting increased reports of continued military build-up in and around Tripoli, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) strongly urges all parties to refrain from using force, particularly in densely populated areas, and to avoid any actions or political rhetoric that could trigger escalation or lead to renewed clashes.  

    As reiterated in the Security Council press statement on 17 May, UNSMIL reminds all political and security actors of their obligation under international law to protect civilian lives and property and that those responsible for attacks against civilians will be held accountable. 

    The Mission continues its efforts to help de-escalate the situation and calls on all parties to engage in good faith towards this end.  UNSMIL urges the swift implementation of security arrangements developed by the Truce and Security and Military Arrangements Committees, which the Mission continues to support. Forces recently deployed in Tripoli must withdraw without delay.  

    Dialogue – not violence – remains the only viable path toward achieving lasting peace, stability in Tripoli and across Libya.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Committee on Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Expresses Alarm Over Centralisation Risks of National State Enterprises Bill

    Source: APO


    .

    The Portfolio Committee on Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation has expressed significant concerns regarding the centralisation of state-owned entities (SOEs) as outlined in the National State Enterprises Bill (B1-2024).

    During a meeting on Wednesday, the committee received a briefing from the National Treasury (NT) and the Financial Fiscal Commission (FFC) on the Bill, which aims to develop a strategic approach to enhancing the governance and operational efficiency of SOEs. National Treasury highlighted critical issues, particularly the proposed non-application of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) to the holding company and its subsidiaries, which could undermine transparency and accountability in financial management. NT cautioned that the centralisation model poses risks, such as increased political interference and the potential for state capture, emphasising the importance of ensuring that SOEs remain financially sustainable without undue reliance on public funds.

    In its presentation, the FFC stated that it does not support the Bill in its current form, noting that it fails to address longstanding governance concerns experienced over the past 30 years. The FFC recommended that the holding company be established within the National Treasury’s budget baseline, in accordance with Sections 213 and 216 of the Constitution.

    During the questioning phase, committee members raised significant concerns about the centralisation issues presented in the Bill. They argued that a centralised model could lead to a lack of transparency and accountability, making it more vulnerable to corruption and political interference. Members highlighted that consolidating oversight of SOEs under a single holding company might exacerbate existing vulnerabilities rather than mitigate them, potentially creating an environment where decision-making becomes opaque and less subject to scrutiny. Additionally, there were worries that centralisation could undermine the transformative goals for SOEs, distancing them from the necessary checks and balances that ensure equitable governance and public accountability.

    The committee members expressed a strong sentiment that the Bill, as it stands, does not adequately protect the interests of the public or ensure the effective functioning of SOEs. Members highlighted the importance of maintaining robust oversight mechanisms to prevent the erosion of accountability, particularly given the historical context of governance challenges within SOEs. Members voiced their commitment to ensuring that any legislative framework promotes transparency and fosters public trust, arguing that the proposed centralisation could lead to a concentration of power that is detrimental to democratic principles.

    While National Treasury did not explicitly call for the Bill to be withdrawn in its current form, it acknowledged the necessity for reworking the legislation. The committee flagged the risk that the holding company could be controlled by multinational corporations, raising concerns that Parliament might enact a law that leaves the state powerless in managing public funds effectively. Members articulated a shared apprehension that the proposed changes could inadvertently enable the very issues the Bill seeks to address, further complicating the governance landscape for SOEs.

    The committee also raised alarms about the fiscal risks associated with establishing the holding company, particularly the significant funding requirement of R615 million. Members expressed scepticism regarding the feasibility of the innovative funding mechanisms proposed. Furthermore, committee members indicated that the Department of Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation (DPME) appears to be circumventing the public procurement process, suggesting that the DPME’s approach could remove SOEs from the public procurement environment altogether.

    In response to the FFC’s presentation, the committee welcomed their directness, contrasting it with the more diplomatic approach taken by National Treasury. Following a robust engagement among committee members regarding the next steps for the Bill, there was a prevailing view to pause its progress in light of the presentations received. The committee resolved to seek further guidance and legal advice, as there was overwhelming sentiment among members to halt the process, despite the Bill already being before the committee.

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

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK and Japan sign investment partnership to drive economic growth

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    UK and Japan sign investment partnership to drive economic growth

    New partnership paves way for increased UK investment into Japan, supporting Prime Minister Ishiba’s ambitious foreign investment targets.

    UK-Japan Investment MoC July 2025

    ODT, 14.4 KB

    This file is in an OpenDocument format

    The UK and Japan yesterday signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) aimed at enabling increased UK investment into Japan, further strengthening the economic ties between the two nations.

    The agreement was signed at the British Embassy in Tokyo by Baroness Poppy Gustafsson of Chesterton CBE, UK Minister for Investment, and Mr. Seto Takakazu, State Minister of the Cabinet Office of Japan, who played an important role in compiling the ‘Program for Promotion of Foreign Direct Investment in Japan 2025’ last month.

    This strategic partnership establishes a formal framework for collaboration to accelerate UK investment into Japan, supporting Prime Minister Ishiba’s ambitious target of more than doubling Japan’s foreign direct investment stocks to JPY120 trillion (approximately £600 billion) in 2030.

     Minister for Investment Baroness Poppy Gustafsson CBE said:

    The UK and Japan share a deep and enduring partnership that is committed to mutual prosperity and growth. That’s why I’m delighted to sign this new partnership with Japan – capitalising on the major opportunities for UK businesses to bring their innovative offers to Japan and grow in the Japanese economy.

    Key growth sectors with strong potential for increased UK investment include clean energy, digital transformation, biotechnology and healthcare, alongside enabling sectors such as legal, professional and financial services.

    This aligns with the UK’s new Industrial Strategy, which sets out plans to transform the UK’s clean energy, digital and technologies, and life sciences sectors over the next decade – providing businesses with the stability and certainty to make long-term investment decisions in the UK.

    The MoC builds upon the foundation of the enhanced global strategic partnership outlined in the Hiroshima Accord of May 2023 and complements existing frameworks such as the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and both nations’ membership of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

    To mark the occasion, the British Embassy in Tokyo has launched “Expand in Japan” – an initiative to champion and support UK investors seeking opportunities in the Japanese market. Companies can register their interest here.

    The signing comes as the Minister for Investment Poppy Gustafsson is in Tokyo to meet with key Japanese investors and government partners.

    It also follows the UK’s recent National Day celebration at Expo 2025 Osaka, where the UK Pavilion, themed “Come Build the Future,” has been showcasing Britain as a global hub of innovation.

    Nearly 1,000 Japanese companies have already established operations in the UK, with £87 billion in investment stock. This new agreement aims to strengthen reciprocal investment flows, supporting both nations’ economic growth and security objectives.

    Richard Lyle, President of the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan, said:

    We welcome this close partnership which enables UK companies to invest, innovate, and drive growth in Japan – this is a strong signal of Japan’s openness to high-quality investment. UK companies in Japan already create high-quality jobs across the country, develop deep partnerships, and offer world-leading products, services and solutions to multiple sectors in the market.

    We will continue to work with the UK and Japanese governments to enable further UK investment into Japan. As a membership organisation supporting British companies in the Japanese market, we look forward to seeing more companies doing business here.

    Martin Kent, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific, said:

    This new partnership with the Japanese Government is about turning ambition into action – unlocking opportunities for UK businesses in key sectors aligned with our Industrial Strategy – and building mutual prosperity with Japan. I look forward to the collaboration, innovation, and growth that will emerge following today’s signing.

    Notes to Editors:

    • The UK-Japan relationship has been strengthened through multiple agreements including the 2023 Hiroshima Accord, a bilateral free trade agreement in 2020, UK’s accession to CPTPP in 2024, and the launch of the Economic 2+2 in 2025.
    • This agreement supports both the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy and Japan’s Program for Promotion of Foreign Direct Investment.
    • For further information, please contact: British Embassy Tokyo at media.tokyo@fcdo.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Cross-border bus service connects Yanji and Vladivostok

    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

    BEIJING, July 10 (Xinhua) — A press conference was held in Yanji City, Northeast China’s Jilin Province, on July 8 to announce the launch of an international bus service between Yanji and Vladivostok, announcing that the route will operate regularly from July 10.

    According to the local newspaper Yanbian Ribao, transport companies of the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Region and Primorsky Krai signed an agreement in 2024 to open a regular international bus service from Yanji to Vladivostok to meet tourist demand. On June 24, 2025, all permits were completed, and the route launch ceremony will take place on July 10 in Yanji.

    The route is 399.2 km long and travel time is about 8 hours 50 minutes. The frequency of flights will increase depending on passenger traffic.

    The launch of the Yanji-Vladivostok route will meet the growing demand for tourist travel, border trade and accelerate the development of tourism between Jilin Province and neighboring areas of Russia, which is of great significance for interregional cooperation between the two countries in the political, economic, cultural and tourism spheres. -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: China’s courier sector has handled over 100 billion parcels since the start of 2025

    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

    BEIJING, July 10 (Xinhua) — China’s courier sector handled more than 100 billion parcels as of July 9 this year, the State Post Administration said Thursday.

    The department noted that the operational volume of shipments exceeded the 100 billion unit mark 35 days earlier than in 2024. This figure has exceeded 100 billion parcels for the fifth year in a row.

    As the country’s consumer market continues to expand and e-commerce becomes more popular, the courier sector is playing an increasingly important role in supporting relevant industries and driving economic growth, the department said.

    Since the beginning of this year, Chinese authorities have unveiled a series of measures to stimulate consumption. For example, the trade-in program for replacing old consumer goods with new ones has added more product categories to stimulate domestic demand and unlock consumer potential.

    In June this year, China reaffirmed its support for the national trade-in program for equipment upgrades and consumer goods, and promised to provide continued funding to pay government subsidies through 2025.

    To improve the effectiveness of the trade-in program, the courier sector is working to provide more efficient and convenient services, the official concluded. -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 –

  • Agri exports can rise to ₹20 lakh crore with focus on processing and branding: Piyush Goyal

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Wednesday addressing the ICC: Krishi Vikram thematic session in New Delhi, said that India’s agriculture and fisheries exports have reached ₹4.5 lakh crore and hold the potential to scale up to ₹20 lakh crore. The key to unlocking this potential, he said, lies in strengthening food processing, branding, and packaging standards.

    Highlighting India’s expanding footprint in global agri-markets, the Minister noted that newer items such as jamun, litchi, pineapple, and bottle gourd are now being exported. He cited recent shipments of jamun to the UK and litchis from Punjab to Doha and Dubai as signs of growing international demand for Indian produce. India’s export presence is increasing notably in Gulf nations like the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

    Shri Goyal praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s global advocacy of millets through the International Year of Millets, which brought international attention to India’s traditional grains and their health benefits.

    He stressed the importance of building resilient agricultural supply chains, including inputs like seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, and essential equipment. India, he said, must ensure self-reliance in agricultural inputs to buffer against global disruptions.

    A major focus of Shri Goyal’s address was on the adoption of drip irrigation, which he described as a game changer for Indian agriculture. He called for scaling up water conservation methods and turning them into a mass movement. Establishing small water bodies at the village level and widely adopting drip irrigation, he said, would make Indian agriculture more climate-resilient and export-ready by improving crop predictability and yield.

    To further support this transformation, the Minister recommended replacing outdated water pumps with energy-efficient smart pumps that can be remotely operated via mobile phones and provide real-time data on water usage. When used alongside drip systems, such pumps reduce water wastage, prevent crop damage from over-irrigation, and lower input costs.

    Encouraging agri-entrepreneurs to partner with farmers, Shri Goyal pointed to recent developments like the creation of the Turmeric Board to boost spice exports. He also noted that coffee exports have doubled, and spice exports continue to rise. However, he emphasised the need for more targeted efforts to scale India’s global presence in these sectors.

    He further spoke about the growing potential of natural and organic farming. To enhance credibility in the global market, the government is tightening certification norms using blockchain technology to ensure transparency and traceability. Additionally, it will support innovative packaging and design, helping Indian agri-products compete effectively in global markets.

    Shri Goyal stressed that when farmers, industries, and exporters collaborate, challenges can be resolved faster. The government, he said, will continue to provide support for packaging and design innovation as a means to boost exports.

    Reflecting on India’s agricultural transformation, the Minister said the journey has been both challenging and inspiring. He attributed the nation’s growing self-reliance in agriculture to the richness of Indian soil, the relentless efforts of farmers, and consistent government support. Citing the evolution from Lal Bahadur Shastri’s “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, he reiterated that agriculture has always been a national priority.

    He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing farmers’ income and productivity. Under PM-Kisan Yojana, financial support is being provided directly to farmers. The government has also absorbed rising fertiliser prices by increasing subsidies.

    Goyal shared that 1,400 mandis have been integrated with the e-NAM platform to enable transparent price discovery, while Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) are helping improve access to mechanisation. A ₹1 lakh crore Agriculture Infrastructure Fund is aiding the development of rural agri-infrastructure.

    He also discussed the Drone Didi initiative, under which 1.5 lakh women have been trained to operate drones for fertiliser spraying. The government is promoting intercropping, horticulture, and floriculture, and is encouraging entrepreneurs to study and adopt international best practices to drive innovation in Indian farming.

  • Rubio makes first visit to Asia as Trump tariffs loom

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with Southeast Asian counterparts on Thursday in his first visit to Asia since taking office, and will try to reassure them the region is a priority for Washington, even as President Donald Trump targets it in his global tariff offensive.

    Washington’s top diplomat will meet foreign ministers of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations gathered in Kuala Lumpur, and also hold talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov who is in the Malaysian capital, according to the U.S. State Department.

    Rubio’s trip is part of an effort to renew U.S. focus on the Indo-Pacific and look beyond the conflicts in the Middle East and Europe that have consumed much of the Trump administration’s attention, with Rubio balancing dual responsibilities as secretary of state and national security adviser.

    However, Trump’s global tariff strategy is likely to cast a shadow over the trip, after the president announced steep tariffs to take effect on August 1 on six ASEAN members, including Malaysia, as well as on close Northeast Asian allies Japan and South Korea.

    Rubio will nevertheless seek to firm up U.S. relationships with partners and allies, who have been unnerved by the tariffs, and is likely to press the case that the United States remains a better partner than China, Washington’s main strategic rival, experts said.

    “This is significant, and it’s an effort to try to counter that Chinese diplomatic and economic offensive,” said Victor Cha, president of the geopolitics and foreign policy department at Washington’s Center for Strategic and International Studies.

    Rubio will also meet with Lavrov later on Thursday, according to the U.S. State Department schedule. It would be the second in-person meeting between Rubio and Lavrov, and comes at a time when Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with Russian President Vladimir Putin as the war in Ukraine drags on.

    China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi is also expected to join talks from Thursday, but it was unclear if Rubio would meet with him.

    ‘BETTER LATE THAN NEVER’

    A senior U.S. State Department official told reporters on Monday that among Rubio’s priorities on the trip was reaffirming Washington’s commitment to the region, not just for its sake but because it promotes American prosperity and security.

    “It’s kind of late, because we’re seven months into the administration,” Cha said of Rubio’s trip. “Usually, these happen much sooner. But then again, it is extraordinary circumstances. But I guess better late than never.”

    Security cooperation is a top priority, including the strategic South China Sea, and combating transnational crime, narcotics, scam centers, and trafficking in persons, said the State Department official, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

    As well as their unease about Trump’s tariff policies, many in the Indo-Pacific have doubts about the willingness of his “America First” administration to fully engage diplomatically and economically with the region.

    Trump said this week he would impose a 25% tariff on Japan and South Korea and also took aim at ASEAN nations, announcing a 25% levy on Malaysia, 32% on Indonesia, 36% on Cambodia and Thailand, and 40% on Laos and Myanmar.

    Trump has also upset another key Indo-Pacific ally, Australia, which said on Wednesday it was “urgently seeking more detail” on his threat to raise tariffs to 200% on pharmaceutical imports.

    According to a draft joint communique seen by Reuters, ASEAN foreign ministers will express “concern over rising global trade tensions and growing uncertainties in the international economic landscape, particularly the unilateral actions relating to tariffs.”

    The draft, dated Monday, before the latest U.S. tariff rates were announced, did not mention the United States and used language similar to an ASEAN leaders’ statement in May. Both said tariffs were “counterproductive and risk exacerbating global economic fragmentation.”

    The State Department official said Rubio would be prepared to discuss trade and reiterate that the need to rebalance U.S. trade relationships is significant.

    The export-reliant ASEAN is collectively the world’s fifth-biggest economy, with some members beneficiaries of supply chain realignments from China. Only Vietnam has secured a deal with Trump, which lowers the levy to 20% from 46% initially.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Steering committee on handling extreme weather releases latest information

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The steering committee on handling extreme weather, led by the Chief Secretary for Administration, released the following information today (July 10) in response to the development of weather conditions.
     
         Due to the impact of torrential rain and squally thunderstorms brought by the remnant of Tropical Cyclone Danas, the weather conditions are expected to remain severe tomorrow (July 11). To ensure the safety of students, and considering that schools across Hong Kong may have already started their summer vacation and the actual impact of class suspension on students’ learning and teaching is relatively small, the Education Bureau announces that classes of all day schools, including secondary schools, primary schools, special schools, kindergartens, and kindergartens-cum-child care centres, will be suspended tomorrow.
     
         The Secondary One registration procedures were originally scheduled for today and tomorrow (July 10 and 11) at the allocated secondary schools. Considering that some parents may have already made arrangements to register at the schools today, the original whole-day registration arrangements for today will remain unchanged. If parents choose to register their child at the allocated secondary school today, they should pay attention to the weather conditions and ensure safety. For safety reasons, parents should not bring their children to the school for registration.
     
         Additionally, the registration originally scheduled for Friday, July 11 will be rescheduled to next Monday, July 14. If parents are unable to register in person or through an authorised representative on the above dates, please contact the allocated secondary school or the School Places Allocation Section of the Education Bureau (Tel: 2832 7700 or 2832 7740) to make appropriate registration arrangements.
     
         Units under the Social Welfare Department (SWD) providing child care centre services, services under the Neighbourhood Support Child Care Project, and after school care programmes for pre-primary or primary school children will not open to the public tomorrow (July 11). Members of the public in need may contact the centres or services units concerned for assistance. The SWD will closely monitor the weather conditions and make timely announcements on the latest arrangements of other services when necessary. Members of the public should pay attention to the announcements.
     
         Under the cross-departmental co-ordination by the steering committee, various government departments have completed all necessary preparatory work and response plans, arranging extra manpower on standby, to safeguard the lives and property of the public as well as public safety. The preparatory work includes:
     

    • The Home Affairs Department (HAD) is ready to activate the Emergency Co-ordination Centre as soon as necessary and to open temporary shelters for people in need of temporary accommodation. District Offices have also co-ordinated with other departments and organisations to enhance preparedness and mobilised District Council members, members of “the three committees” and Care Teams to disseminate the latest weather information to residents in flood-prone areas, reminding them to make necessary preparations.
    • The Drainage Services Department (DSD) had made special arrangements to inspect and carry out necessary clearance at about 240 locations prone to flooding due to blockages. The “just-in-time” arrangement will continue, with 180 emergency response teams to conduct inspection and clearance of drainage channels in different districts across the territory. Members of the public are advised to report any street flooding to the DSD by calling the 24-hour drainage hotline at 2300 1110.
    • The Highways Department has reminded relevant staff members and contractors to make preparations for the activation of the Emergency Control Centres and handle road emergencies when necessary, including promptly clearing obstructions on roads and blocked road gullies and drains, reinforcing collapsed slopes with emergency shotcrete, etc, with a view to resuming road traffic on major public roads as soon as possible.
    • The Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC) of the Security Bureau has made arrangements and will be fully activated when the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is issued or from 5pm today to monitor the situation in the city. Utilising the Common Operational Picture, the EMSC will conduct real-time citywide monitoring and integrate updates from various departments to swiftly assess risks and formulate response plans and measures. Various emergency response teams, including the Fire Services Department, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Civil Aid Service and the Auxiliary Medical Service, have completed all necessary preparatory work and are on standby to handle possible emergencies during heavy rainstorms and high winds, and to provide assistance to those in need.
    • The Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre of the Transport Department will continue to operate round-the-clock. It will closely monitor traffic and transport conditions with public transport agencies and disseminate emergency traffic information and public transport service arrangements to the public in a timely manner.

    　　
         The steering committee on handling extreme weather is tasked with holistically reviewing and steering cross-departmental overall preparations and response plans for typhoons and rainstorms, and strengthening information dissemination. The committee urges the public to continue to stay alert, stay away from dangerous places such as rivers and slopes in adverse weather conditions, refrain from water sports, and to pay attention to the latest news released by the Government.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Over 100 billion parcels delivered in China in 2025

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

    China’s courier sector has handled more than 100 billion parcels so far this year, according to data released by the State Post Bureau on Thursday.

    The bureau noted that the 100 billion milestone was reached 35 days earlier than in 2024, marking the fifth consecutive year that China has handled over 100 billion parcels.

    As the country’s consumer market continues to expand and e-commerce grows in popularity, the courier sector is playing an increasingly important role in supporting related industries and driving broader economic growth, an official with the bureau said.

    Since the beginning of this year, China has unveiled a variety of measures to boost consumption. For instance, it has added more product categories to its consumer goods trade-in program, aiming to drive domestic demand and unlock consumer potential.

    China reaffirmed support for this national program last month, pledging to ensure continued funding to sustain the government subsidy payment throughout 2025.

    To enhance the impact of the program, the courier sector is working to provide more efficient and convenient services, drawing on the joint efforts of millions of practitioners, the official said.

    The sector will also make more efforts to reduce social logistics costs and build a more resource-efficient society, the official added. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government sets out reforms to create a fair, secure, affordable and efficient electricity system

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Government sets out reforms to create a fair, secure, affordable and efficient electricity system

    Government confirms reforms to the national pricing electricity market that will create a fairer, cheaper, more secure, and more efficient energy system.

    • Government puts fairness and affordability at the centre of electricity market reform to deliver system that puts working people first
    • Government takes decision to reform the existing national pricing system rather than split the country into different zones.
    • Reforms will protect consumers and secure investment as government drives to deliver clean power mission, protecting families through Plan for Change

    Working people, families and businesses will benefit from a fairer, cheaper, more secure, and more efficient energy system thanks to ambitious new reforms of the energy market to protect consumers and secure investment into clean energy.  

    Working people have suffered uncertainties and worry in recent years from high energy bills spurred on by the country’s dependence on fossil fuel markets controlled by dictators. That is why the government has doubled down on its clean energy mission, which will give families control with clean homegrown power that Britain controls – all part of the mission to bring down bills for good. 

    In delivering this clean power system, the government inherited a decision on whether to retain the current national system in which all areas in Britain pay the same wholesale price for energy – or undertake an overhaul to split the country into different pricing zones depending on their proximity to where energy is generated.   

    Following this process, and an extensive consultation which started in 2022, the Government has concluded that reforming the system while retaining a single national wholesale price is the right way to deliver a fair, affordable, secure, and efficient electricity system.    

    The proposals set out today (10 July) will ensure the benefits of clean power are felt by consumers in every part of the country, while giving businesses the stability and certainty they need to continue investing to upgrade our infrastructure – boosting national energy security, creating tens of thousands of jobs, and growing the economy.   

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

    Building clean power at pace and scale is the only way to get Britain off the rollercoaster of fossil fuel markets and protect families and businesses for good.

    As we embark on this new era of clean electricity, a reformed system of national pricing is the best way to deliver an electricity system that is fairer, more affordable, and more secure, at less risk to vital investment in clean energy than other alternatives. 

    Our package of reforms will protect consumers and secure investment as we drive to deliver our clean power mission through our Plan for Change.

    This decision comes as the government takes a step closer to the clean power by 2030 target, delivering the most significant investment in clean, homegrown power in British history over the last year. This includes approving projects that could power the equivalent of 2 million homes, as well as the biggest expansion of new nuclear power in half a century, providing £14.2 billion for Sizewell C, over the Spending Review.   

    The government is taking a fundamentally different approach to building the energy system and infrastructure that this country needs. After years of delay from previous governments that has seen consumer costs and constraint payments rise, the government is rapidly building the network, reforming the planning system, and transforming the grid connections queue to get the projects needed for clean power and economic growth. It is only by driving the build out of new transmission infrastructure, which the government is doing through our planning measures after years of delay, that the clean power system the country needs can be built.    

    The further changes announced today will see the government taking on more responsibility for planning the system and determining where clean energy infrastructure is located, based on what is needed for the long-term. These changes will ultimately help to bring down energy bills, by making the current system more efficient, ensuring low-cost investment into cheap clean energy projects, and reducing the cost of running the electricity network.   

    The key parts of the reformed national package being announced today include:   

    Strategic Spatial Energy Plan:

    • The government has confirmed that the Strategic Spatial Energy Plan, to be published next year by NESO following consultation, will be at the heart of the reforms to improve the efficiency of the electricity system, under the national pricing model.    

    • Commissioned by UK, Scottish and Welsh governments last year, for the first time the plan will set out how to best spread new energy projects across land and sea in Great Britain up to 2050. This will speed up development, cut grid connection waiting times and help to reduce costs, giving investors confidence on where to build and when.    

    Transmission Charges:

    • Under the current system, the more that energy generators rely on the transmission network to move power to where it’s needed, the more they will need to pay – in what are known as Transmission Network Use of System charges. The government will work with Ofgem to drive forward a review of these charges to provide stronger incentives for investors to build generation where it is needed, supporting a cheaper system for all. Crucially this will include changes to make existing charges more predictable for investors – as currently the charges vary year by year, which causes uncertainty during long-term projects and can drive up prices as developers price in the risk of volatility.   

    Improving the efficiency of the power system:

    • The government is already working at pace with the industry to rewire Britain and upgrade the country’s outdated infrastructure to get more renewable electricity onto the grid and minimise constraint payments after over a decade of delay. Independent advice from NESO confirmed that up to £4 billion in constraint payments, caused by historic failure to build the grid infrastructure the country needs, could be avoided by 2030, if critical network upgrades are accelerated to complete by 2030. Many of these projects are already well into development, such as the Norwich to Tilbury transmission line, and the Sea Link offshore cable between Kent and Suffolk.   

    • The government is also working with NESO to launch a consultation later this year on further reforms that will help to reduce the need for constraint payments. One potential measure could give NESO better access to smaller assets – such as battery storage sites – that can offer greater flexibility when balancing the grid.   

    • NESO are also currently working with the wider industry to explore further options to help reduce the need for constraint payments – as part of their Constraints Collaboration Project.   

    Today’s announcement also builds on wider schemes announced by the government that aim to ensure households can directly benefit from hosting clean energy projects. Earlier this year, the government introduced measures in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill that will see eligible households within 500 metres of new or upgraded electricity transmission infrastructure receive electricity bill discounts of up to £2,500 over 10 years. The Energy Secretary also recently set out plans for coastal and rural communities hosting clean energy infrastructure to receive a cash boost for new community facilities, better transport links and investment in apprenticeships.   

    Notes to editors

    • This follows the second consultation on the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements, under the previous government. Since taking office, this government has carried out ongoing engagement with the industry, consumer groups and wider stakeholders – and will continue to work closely with all parties as the proposed changes are developed.    

    • Later this year, the government will also publish a Reformed National Pricing Delivery Plan, which will set out the next steps for government to work together with Ofgem, the National Energy System Operator and industry to delivery these reforms.   

    • The government is publishing this decision now to provide certainty for investors ahead of the AR7 auction round.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Africa’s richest four hold more wealth than half the continent – Oxfam

    Source: Oxfam –

    • In 2000, Africa had no billionaires. Today it has 23 whose combined wealth has soared by 56% in just the past five years, reaching a staggering $112.6 billion. 

    • Africa’s richest 5% hold nearly $4 trillion in wealth – more than double the combined wealth of the rest of the continent. 

    • Despite soaring poverty, African governments show least commitment to reducing inequality, and that commitment has declined since 2022. 

    • An extra 1% tax on wealth and 10% tax on income of Africa’s richest 1% could raise $66 billion annually, more than enough to close the funding gaps for free quality education and universal access to electricity. 

    Today, just four of Africa’s richest billionaires hold $57.4 billion in wealth — more than the combined wealth of 750 million people, or half the continent’s population, according to a new Oxfam report.  

    The report – Africa’s inequality crisis and the rise of the super-rich – launched ahead of the African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, warns that the explosive concentration of wealth is accelerating inequality, driven by policies that enrich elites while starving public services. 

    Fati N’Zi-Hassane, Director, Oxfam in Africa, said:  

    “Africa’s wealth is not missing. It’s being siphoned off by a rigged system that allows a small elite to amass vast fortunes while denying hundreds of millions even the most basic services. This is an utter policy failure —unjust, avoidable and entirely reversible.’’   

    Africa is one of the most unequal regions in the world and has some of the highest poverty rates. Nearly half (23) of the world’s 50 most unequal countries are African, while extreme poverty has soared: seven in ten people living in extreme poverty today are in Africa, compared to just one in ten in 1990. Hunger is also worsening, with nearly 850 million Africans experiencing hunger — an increase of 20 million since 2022.   

    Despite deepening poverty and widening inequalities, African governments remain the least committed globally to narrowing the gap — slashing budgets for public services like education, health and social protection, while imposing some of the world’s lowest wealth taxes on the ultra-rich.  On average, the continent collects just 0.3% of GDP in wealth taxes. This is less than any other region and well below Asia (0.6%), Latin America (0.9%), and OECD countries (1.8%). Over the past decade, that already meagre share has dropped by nearly 25%. 

    For each dollar African countries raise from personal income and wealth taxes, they collect nearly three dollars from indirect taxes like Value Added Tax (VAT) — levies that deepen inequality. 

    The consequences are glaring. Half of Africa’s population live in 19 countries where income inequality has worsened or stagnated over the past decade. The richest 5% in Africa now hold nearly $4 trillion in wealth, more than double the combined wealth of the remaining 95% of the continent’s population. 

    Fatouma, a mother of 10 children who sells vegetables in El Afweyn, Somalia says: “Meat is a luxury we cannot afford in many homes. I earn about two dollars a day while the price of one kilo of flour has tripled.” 

    “Africa’s wealth is not missing. It’s being siphoned off by a rigged system that allows a small elite to amass vast fortunes while denying hundreds of millions even the most basic services. This is an utter policy failure —unjust, avoidable and entirely reversible.’’ 

    Fati N’Zi-Hassane, Director, Oxfam in Africa

    Oxfam International

    The report also finds that:  

    • In just three days, someone in Africa’s richest 1% earns what it takes a person in the poorest half an entire year to make.
    • Even if they lost almost all their wealth (keeping just 0.01%) Africa’s five richest men would still be 56 times richer than the average person on the continent.
    • Men in Africa own three times more wealth than women, the widest gender wealth gap of all regions in the world.
    • Over the past five years, African billionaires have increased their wealth by 56%.  

    As debt burdens mount, governments across the continent are squeezing the poor – gutting essential public services – while shielding the wealthiest from fair taxation. An earlier report by Oxfam and Development Finance International found that 94% of African countries with active World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) loans (44 out of 47 countries) have slashed spending on education, health and social protection in 2023-2024 to repay debt. This significantly undermines the AU’s goal of reducing inequality by 15% over the next 10 years.  

    “The solution is not far-fetched: tax the rich and invest in the majority. Anything less is a betrayal. If African leaders are serious about their commitments, they must stop rewarding the few and start building economies that work for everyone,” added N’Zi-Hassane.  

    Some African governments are already proving that fairer economies are possible. Morocco and South Africa collect 1.5% and 1.2% of their GDP from property taxes, respectively — among the highest in the continent. In Seychelles, the poorest 50% have seen their income share grow by 76% since 2000, while the richest 1% have lost two-thirds of theirs. The government also guarantees universal healthcare, free quality education, along with a robust welfare system for the most vulnerable.   

    A modest tax on Africa’s richest – just 1% more on wealth and 10% more on income – could generate $66 billion a year for the continent (2.29% of Africa’s GDP), according to the report. This would be more than enough to close the funding gaps needed to deliver free quality education and provide electricity to every home and business still in the dark.  

    ‘‘Every African woman, man and child deserves to live in dignity. When a handful of billionaires are allowed to hoard obscene wealth while millions are trapped in poverty, the system becomes not just broken but morally bankrupt. As leaders meet for AU Summit, delay is indefensible. Taxing the super-rich isn’t just fair — it’s essential for building the Africa we want,’’ said N’Zi-Hassane.  

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Africa’s richest four hold more wealth than half the continent – Oxfam

    Source: Oxfam –

    • In 2000, Africa had no billionaires. Today it has 23 whose combined wealth has soared by 56% in just the past five years, reaching a staggering $112.6 billion. 

    • Africa’s richest 5% hold nearly $4 trillion in wealth – more than double the combined wealth of the rest of the continent. 

    • Despite soaring poverty, African governments show least commitment to reducing inequality, and that commitment has declined since 2022. 

    • An extra 1% tax on wealth and 10% tax on income of Africa’s richest 1% could raise $66 billion annually, more than enough to close the funding gaps for free quality education and universal access to electricity. 

    Today, just four of Africa’s richest billionaires hold $57.4 billion in wealth — more than the combined wealth of 750 million people, or half the continent’s population, according to a new Oxfam report.  

    The report – Africa’s inequality crisis and the rise of the super-rich – launched ahead of the African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, warns that the explosive concentration of wealth is accelerating inequality, driven by policies that enrich elites while starving public services. 

    Fati N’Zi-Hassane, Director, Oxfam in Africa, said:  

    “Africa’s wealth is not missing. It’s being siphoned off by a rigged system that allows a small elite to amass vast fortunes while denying hundreds of millions even the most basic services. This is an utter policy failure —unjust, avoidable and entirely reversible.’’   

    Africa is one of the most unequal regions in the world and has some of the highest poverty rates. Nearly half (23) of the world’s 50 most unequal countries are African, while extreme poverty has soared: seven in ten people living in extreme poverty today are in Africa, compared to just one in ten in 1990. Hunger is also worsening, with nearly 850 million Africans experiencing hunger — an increase of 20 million since 2022.   

    Despite deepening poverty and widening inequalities, African governments remain the least committed globally to narrowing the gap — slashing budgets for public services like education, health and social protection, while imposing some of the world’s lowest wealth taxes on the ultra-rich.  On average, the continent collects just 0.3% of GDP in wealth taxes. This is less than any other region and well below Asia (0.6%), Latin America (0.9%), and OECD countries (1.8%). Over the past decade, that already meagre share has dropped by nearly 25%. 

    For each dollar African countries raise from personal income and wealth taxes, they collect nearly three dollars from indirect taxes like Value Added Tax (VAT) — levies that deepen inequality. 

    The consequences are glaring. Half of Africa’s population live in 19 countries where income inequality has worsened or stagnated over the past decade. The richest 5% in Africa now hold nearly $4 trillion in wealth, more than double the combined wealth of the remaining 95% of the continent’s population. 

    Fatouma, a mother of 10 children who sells vegetables in El Afweyn, Somalia says: “Meat is a luxury we cannot afford in many homes. I earn about two dollars a day while the price of one kilo of flour has tripled.” 

    “Africa’s wealth is not missing. It’s being siphoned off by a rigged system that allows a small elite to amass vast fortunes while denying hundreds of millions even the most basic services. This is an utter policy failure —unjust, avoidable and entirely reversible.’’ 

    Fati N’Zi-Hassane, Director, Oxfam in Africa

    Oxfam International

    The report also finds that:  

    • In just three days, someone in Africa’s richest 1% earns what it takes a person in the poorest half an entire year to make.
    • Even if they lost almost all their wealth (keeping just 0.01%) Africa’s five richest men would still be 56 times richer than the average person on the continent.
    • Men in Africa own three times more wealth than women, the widest gender wealth gap of all regions in the world.
    • Over the past five years, African billionaires have increased their wealth by 56%.  

    As debt burdens mount, governments across the continent are squeezing the poor – gutting essential public services – while shielding the wealthiest from fair taxation. An earlier report by Oxfam and Development Finance International found that 94% of African countries with active World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) loans (44 out of 47 countries) have slashed spending on education, health and social protection in 2023-2024 to repay debt. This significantly undermines the AU’s goal of reducing inequality by 15% over the next 10 years.  

    “The solution is not far-fetched: tax the rich and invest in the majority. Anything less is a betrayal. If African leaders are serious about their commitments, they must stop rewarding the few and start building economies that work for everyone,” added N’Zi-Hassane.  

    Some African governments are already proving that fairer economies are possible. Morocco and South Africa collect 1.5% and 1.2% of their GDP from property taxes, respectively — among the highest in the continent. In Seychelles, the poorest 50% have seen their income share grow by 76% since 2000, while the richest 1% have lost two-thirds of theirs. The government also guarantees universal healthcare, free quality education, along with a robust welfare system for the most vulnerable.   

    A modest tax on Africa’s richest – just 1% more on wealth and 10% more on income – could generate $66 billion a year for the continent (2.29% of Africa’s GDP), according to the report. This would be more than enough to close the funding gaps needed to deliver free quality education and provide electricity to every home and business still in the dark.  

    ‘‘Every African woman, man and child deserves to live in dignity. When a handful of billionaires are allowed to hoard obscene wealth while millions are trapped in poverty, the system becomes not just broken but morally bankrupt. As leaders meet for AU Summit, delay is indefensible. Taxing the super-rich isn’t just fair — it’s essential for building the Africa we want,’’ said N’Zi-Hassane.  

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Participants of the “Dialogue of World Mayors – SCO Summit Cities” discussed issues of future urban development

    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

    TIANJIN, July 10 (Xinhua) — More than 20 representatives from cities in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) countries discussed future urban development topics such as digitalization of urban governance, people-to-people exchanges and security as the basis for development during the “Dialogue of World Mayors – SCO Summit City” held in north China’s Tianjin from July 6 to 9.

    The opening ceremony of the event took place in Tianjin on July 8. It included two thematic dialogues: a dialogue of mayors of SCO cities and a dialogue of mayors of cities that hosted the organization’s summits, where China’s experience and practices in urban governance implemented through digital technologies attracted special attention of the participants.

    As an emerging industry, low-altitude economics also attracted great interest from participants in the dialogue. According to a representative of the Moscow Center for International Cooperation, “air taxis” and the use of unmanned aerial vehicles to patrol traffic in China left a deep impression on her.

    The Chinese experience serves as an instructive example for Moscow in improving the system of control over transport infrastructure and population movement, believes a representative of the Moscow department.

    According to the participants of the event, trust between the SCO countries not only comes from open and transparent interaction, but is also rooted in cultural closeness. Humanitarian exchanges and sustainable cultural development have become an important force in consolidating consensus and deepening cooperation.

    The topic “How to ensure security as the basis for development” became one of the important topics of the discussions and attracted great attention from the participants. As an important place for the implementation of trade and economic cooperation of the SCO countries and regional development, the city should take a more qualitative approach to ensuring security, which has long been perceived as a key element of sustainable development.

    The participants in the dialogue called for the creation of a broader and more effective platform in the SCO countries for regular dialogues between the heads of mayors of the SCO countries on security issues.

    The “Dialogue of World Mayors – SCO Summit City” was attended by mayors, diplomats accredited in China and experts from think tanks from SCO countries. They discussed expanding consensus, deepening practical cooperation in the areas of connectivity, trade and economic investment, green development and cultural exchanges. -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: The exhibition in Beijing will feature 160 paintings by Chinese and Russian artists

    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

    BEIJING, July 10 (Xinhua) — Eighty works by each side were recently selected for the “Colorful World” oil painting exhibition featuring works by young artists from China and Russia and will be displayed in Beijing soon, according to a post on the official Wechat account of the Beijing People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.

    The exhibition, organized by the Beijing People’s Society for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the Russian Cultural Center in Beijing and other institutions on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, will be held from August 7 to 16 at the museum complex at the Zhonghua Centennial Monument in the Chinese capital.

    The competition, which started in April this year, involved 427 works by artists from both countries. Based on the results of the selection, 80 artists became laureates and prize winners, of whom 15 people received first-degree awards, 25 – second-degree awards, and 40 – third-degree awards.

    Having highly praised the selected works, the expert jury stated that these paintings, dedicated to the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, are the quintessence of mutual learning between Chinese and Russian cultures, call for peace and friendship, and also reflect the historical and practical significance of their leitmotifs.

    It is planned to award artists from China and Russia directly at the opening ceremony of the exhibition. -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: Does Australia really take too long to approve medicines, as the US says?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nial Wheate, Professor, School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University

    Australia’s drug approval system is under fire, with critics in the United States claiming it is too slow to approve life-saving medicines.

    Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration balances speed with a rigorous assessment of safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness.

    So does Australia really lag behind the US Food and Drug Administration? And do we need to change how we approve medicines?

    The drug development pipeline

    Drug development usually begins when something new is discovered about a disease. This usually involves identifying either a change in an important protein or finding a new protein involved in the disease.

    When scientists know the shape of the protein, they can design a drug that can block or activate it.

    Scientists will then undertake laboratory, petri dish-type, experiments to see if the drug works on the protein in the way they designed. If it passes those tests, they will then move onto animal testing and formulation.

    Formulation is the step where scientists decide what form the medicine will take, such as a tablet, injection or patch. There are more than 150 different pharmaceutical dosage forms to choose from.

    The final steps are human testing. This requires the completion of three types of clinical trials. Each seeks to answer different specific questions about the drug:

    • Phase I trials: is the drug safe? What are its side effects?
    • Phase II trials: does the drug work?
    • Phase III trials: is the drug better than currently available medicines?

    At the end of the trials, a company can apply to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for approval to market and sell the drug.

    Getting a drug to market is time-consuming and costly. It takes around 15 years from the initial concept and design to government approval and costs more than A$3.5 billion.

    But the failure rate is high: more than 90% of drugs that undergo development never gain government approval.

    How are drugs approved in Australia?

    The decision to approve new medicines for sale in Australia is made based on safety and efficacy evidence provided by the sponsoring company.

    Once approved, the drug is added to the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods.

    Listing a medicine on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is a separate process from approval, and is based on financial considerations and a cost-benefit analysis, rather than safety and efficacy.

    The TGA typically takes 240 to 260 working days (around a full calendar year) from receiving a new medicine application to an approval decision. This is longer than it takes the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – 180 to 300 days.

    Where there is a pressing need, the approval process can be faster. The first COVID treatment was approved in Australia just two weeks after it was submitted for consideration.

    Then why do Americans often get medicines first?

    There can be several reasons why a drug approval can be delayed in Australia when it has already been approved overseas.

    First, with a population of 27 million out of 8 billion world-wide, Australia is a relatively small market. So it is not always a high priority for companies to apply for approval here. Regions with large populations such as China, India and Europe are a bigger focus for companies. This can therefore delay when they submit to Australia.

    Other reasons for delays can be that the TGA requires additional safety or efficacy evidence other regions did not request, or because new information about the drug has come to light since the drug was approved overseas.

    What about delays getting drugs onto the PBS?

    When a drug is listed on the PBS, Australians can access the medicine for $31.60 (or $7.70 concession) instead of the cost of a private prescription which might be hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

    The time it takes for medicines to be approved on the PBS has also been a focus of criticism.

    The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC), which makes PBS listing recommendations to the Federal Minister of Health, only sits three to six times per year.

    US Chamber of Commerce vice president John Murphy claims the PBAC takes, on average, 32 months to make a recommendation about listing a drug after an application has been submitted.

    Once a recommendation is made, the minister usually takes a minimum of five months to make a final decision.



    Read more:
    Australia’s PBS means consumers pay less for expensive medicines. Here’s how this system works

    To speed up the process, the TGA does allow parallel applications for drug approval and PBS listing.

    The time taken to make a PBS listing decision is reasonable, given the scheme’s overall cost. In 2023–24, the total cost of the PBS to the government was $17.7 billion. So a decision to list can’t be made lightly.

    So should Australia change how it approves medicines?

    Criticising the time it takes to get regulatory approvals appears to be part of a wider plan of attack by the US government. It is putting pressure on Australia to open its market to higher prices for medicines made by US pharmaceutical companies.

    Australia has a world-class regulatory agency in the TGA which ensures medicines that are approved are both safe and effective. And the PBS scheme is a key part of our public health care system and the envy of the world.

    The Australian government should resist any changes to the regulatory approval processes that come from the US.

    Nial Wheate in the past has received funding from the ACT Cancer Council, Tenovus Scotland, Medical Research Scotland, Scottish Crucible, and the Scottish Universities Life Sciences Alliance. He is a fellow of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute. Nial is the chief scientific officer of Vaihea Skincare LLC, a director of SetDose Pty Ltd (a medical device company) and was previously a Standards Australia panel member for sunscreen agents. He is a member of the Haleon Australia Pty Ltd Pain Advisory Board. Nial regularly consults to industry on issues to do with medicine risk assessments, manufacturing, design and testing.

    – ref. Does Australia really take too long to approve medicines, as the US says? – https://theconversation.com/does-australia-really-take-too-long-to-approve-medicines-as-the-us-says-260910

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Does Donald Trump deserve the Nobel Peace Prize? We asked 5 experts

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emma Shortis, Adjunct Senior Fellow, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally nominated United States President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. He says the president is “forging peace as we speak, in one country, in one region after the other”.

    Trump, who has craved the award for years, sees himself as a global peacemaker in a raft of conflicts from Israel and Iran, to Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    With the conflict in Gaza still raging, we ask five experts – could Trump be rewarded with the world’s most prestigious peace prize?

    Emma Shortis

    Adjunct Senior Fellow, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University

    Nominating Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize is like entering a hyena in a dog show.

    Of course Trump does not deserve it. That we’re being forced to take this question seriously is yet another indication – as if we needed one – of his extraordinary ability to set and reset the terms of our politics.

    There is no peace in Gaza. Even if Trump announced another ceasefire tomorrow, it would not last. And it would not build genuine peace and security.

    Trump has neither the interest nor the attention span required to build long term peace. His administration is not willing to bear any of the costs or investments that come with genuine, lasting diplomacy. And he is not anti-war.

    There is no peace in Iran. Trump’s bombing of Iran simply exacerbates his decision in 2018 to end nuclear negotiations with Tehran. It pushes the world closer to, not further from, nuclear catastrophe.

    Under the Trump administration, there will be no peace in the Middle East. Both the US and Israeli governments’ approach to “security” puts the region on a perpetual war footing. This approach assumes it is possible to bomb your way to peace – a “peace” which both Trump and Netanyahu understand as total dominance and violent oppression.

    The Trump administration is deliberately undermining the institutions and principles of international and domestic law.

    He has deployed the military against American citizens. He is threatening the United States’ traditional allies with trade wars and annexation. His administration’s dismantling of USAID will result, according to one study, in the deaths of 14 million people, including 4.5 million children, by 2030.

    Indulging Trump’s embarrassing desire for trophies might appease him for a short time. It would also strip the Nobel Peace Prize of any and all credibility, while endorsing Trump’s trashing of the international rule of law.

    What kind of peace is that?

    Ali Mamouri

    Research Fellow, Middle East Studies, Deakin University

    The nomination of Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize by a man who is facing charges of war crimes is an unprecedented and deeply dark irony that cannot be overlooked.

    Trump’s role in brokering the Abraham Accords was hailed as a diplomatic breakthrough. It led to the normalisation of relations between Israel and several Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco.

    But this achievement came at a significant cost. The accords deliberately sidelined the Palestinian issue, long recognised as the core of regional instability, and disregarded decades of international consensus on a two-state solution.

    Trump’s administration openly supported Israeli policies widely considered to violate international law, including the expansion of illegal settlements and the proposed annexation of Palestinian territory.

    Israeli soldiers guarding Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank.
    Dom Zaran/Shutterstock

    His silence in the face of a growing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza was equally telling. Perhaps most disturbing was the tacit or explicit endorsement of proposals to forcibly relocate Palestinians to neighbouring Arab countries, a position that evokes ethnic cleansing and fundamentally undermines principles of justice, dignity and international law.

    In addition, there is Trump’s unconditional support for Israel’s military campaigns across the region, including his authorisation of attacks on Iranian civilian, military and nuclear infrastructure. The strikes lacked any clear legal basis, contributed further to regional instability and, according to Tehran, killed more than a thousand civilians.

    His broader disregard for international norms shattered decades of post-second world war diplomatic order and increased the risk of sustained and expanded conflict.

    Against this backdrop, any serious consideration of Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize seems fundamentally at odds with its stated mission: to honour efforts that reduce conflict, uphold human rights and promote lasting peace.

    Whatever short-term diplomatic gains emerged from Trump’s tenure are eclipsed by the legal, ethical and humanitarian consequences of his actions.

    Ian Parmeter

    Research Scholar, Middle East Studies, Australian National University

    Netanyahu’s nomination of Donald Trump for one of the world’s most coveted awards was clearly aimed at flattering the president.

    Trump is clearly angling for the laurel, which his first term predecessor, Barack Obama, won in his first year in office.

    Obama was awarded the prize in 2009 for promotion of nuclear non-proliferation and fostering a “new climate” in international relations, particularly in reaching out to the Muslim world.

    Given neither of these ambitions have since borne fruit, what claims might Trump reasonably make at this stage of his second term?

    Trump has claimed credit for resolving two conflicts this year: the brief India–Pakistan clash that erupted after Pakistani militants killed 25 Indian tourists in Kashmir in May; and the long-running dispute between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi disputes Trump brokered peace. He says the issue was resolved by negotiations between the two countries’ militaries.

    With regards to the Rwanda–DRC conflict, the countries signed a peace agreement in the Oval Office in June. But critics argue Qatar played a significant role
    which the Trump administration has airbrushed out.

    Trump can legitimately argue his pressure on Israel and Iran forced a ceasefire in their 12-day war in June.

    But his big test is the Gaza war. For Trump to add this to his Nobel claim, he will need more than a ceasefire.

    The Biden administration brokered two ceasefires that enabled the release of significant numbers of hostages, but did not end the conflict.

    Trump would have to use his undoubted influence with Netanyahu to achieve more than a temporary pause. He would have to end the war definitively and effect the release of all Israeli hostages.

    Beyond that, if Trump could persuade Netanyahu
    to take serious steps towards negotiating a two-state solution, that would be a genuine Nobel-worthy achievement.

    Trump isn’t there yet.

    Jasmine-Kim Westendorf

    Associate Professor of Peace and Conflict and Co-Director of the Initiative for Peacebuilding, The University of Melbourne

    The Nobel Peace Prize recognises outstanding contributions to peace globally.

    Although controversial or politicised awards are not new, awardees are generally individuals or groups who’ve made
    significant contributions to a range of peace initiatives.

    They include reducing armed conflict, enhancing international cooperation, and human rights efforts that contribute to peace.

    Inspiring examples include anti-nuclear proliferation organisations and phenomenal women peacemakers. And Nadia Murad and Denis Mukwege, who won in 2011 for their work trying to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war.

    Trump has declared his “proudest legacy will be that of a peacemaker and unifier”. But he is neither.

    The president has fuelled escalating insecurity, violent conflict and human rights violations globally, and actively undermined international cooperation for peace. This includes the decision to sanction judges of the International Criminal Court.

    There has been a concerning trend towards using the Nobel Peace Prize to encourage certain political directions, rather than reward achievements.

    Barack Obama’s 2008 Prize helped motivate his moves toward diplomacy and cooperation after the presidency of George W. Bush.

    Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s 2018 award was for efforts to resolve the 20-year war with Eritrea. The peace prize encouraged Ahmed to fulfill his promise of democratic elections in 2020. Embarrassingly, within a year Ahmed launched a civil war that killed over 600,000 people and displaced 3 million more.

    This week’s nomination follows efforts by global leaders to flatter Trump in order – they hope – to secure his goodwill.

    These motivations explain why Netanyahu has put forward Trump’s name to the Nobel Committee. It comes at the very moment securing Trump’s ongoing support during ceasefire negotiations is critical for Netanyahu’s political survival.

    Trump has also been nominated by the government of Pakistan and by several Republican figures. Flattery is the currency Trump trades in. These nominations pander to a president who has bemoaned

    They will never give me a Nobel Peace Prize […] It’s too bad. I deserve it, but they will never give it to me.

    Prizes to genuine peacemakers amplify their work and impact.

    1984 winner Desmond Tutu said: “One day no one was listening. The next, I was an oracle.” A Nobel can be a powerful force for peace.

    Trump is no peacemaker, he doesn’t deserve one.

    Shahram Akbarzadeh

    Director, Middle East Studies Forum (MESF), Deakin University

    Benjamin Netanyahu would have us believe Donald Trump is a peacemaker.

    Nothing could be further from the truth. His record is stained with blood and misery. The fact Trump believes himself to be worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize only attests to his illusions of grandeur in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

    The war in Gaza has gone into its 20th month because Trump did not use the levers at his control to bring the senseless war to a close.

    Some estimates put the true Gaza death toll at 100,000 people, and counting. They have been killed by American-made bombs Israel is dropping across the densely populated strip; from starvation because Israel has enforced a blockade of the Gaza Strip and prevented UN food delivery with the blessings of America; and from gunshots at food distribution centres, set up with US private security.

    All under Trump’s watch.

    Trump could do something about this. Israel is the largest recipient of US aid, most of it military support.

    This has multiplied since Israel commenced its attack on Gaza in response to Hamas terrorism on October 7 2023. Trump has approved the transfer of US military hardware to Israel, knowing full well it was being used against a trapped and helpless population.

    This is not the act of a peacemaker.

    Now the Israeli government is planning to “facilitate” population transfer of Gazans to other countries – a euphemism for ethnic cleansing.

    This is the textbook definition of genocide: deliberate and systematic killing or persecution of people. Trump legitimised this travesty of decency and international law by promising a Gaza Riviera.

    The outlandish extent of Trump’s ideas would be laughable if their consequences were not so devastating.

    When Israel attacked Iran in the middle of nuclear talks, Trump had a momentary pause, before jumping to Netanyahu’s aid and bombing Iran. He then claimed his action paved the way for peace.

    Trump’s idea of peace is the peace of the graveyard.

    Emma Shortis is Director of International and Security Affairs at The Australia Institute, an independent think tank.

    Jasmine-Kim Westendorf has received funding from the Australian Research Council.

    Shahram Akbarzadeh receives funding from Australia Research Council.

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

    – ref. Does Donald Trump deserve the Nobel Peace Prize? We asked 5 experts – https://theconversation.com/does-donald-trump-deserve-the-nobel-peace-prize-we-asked-5-experts-260801

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • Tibetan glacial lake drainage triggered deadly flood in Nepal, climate body says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The deadly flood in Nepal’s Bhote Koshi River that killed at least nine people and left more than two dozen missing this week was triggered by the draining of a supraglacial lake in the Tibet region of China, a regional climate monitoring body said on Wednesday.

    At least 19 people, including six Chinese workers at the Beijing-aided Inland Container Depot, remain missing in Nepal after Tuesday’s floods that also washed away the ‘Friendship Bridge’ that links Nepal and China.

    China’s official Xinhua news agency has said 11 people were unaccounted for on the Chinese side of the mountainous border region.

    The Kathmandu-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) said satellite imagery showed the flood originated from the draining of the lake north of Nepal’s Langtang Himal range.

    “This is based on the preliminary analysis based on the available satellite images,” Sudan Maharjan, a remote sensing analyst and expert of glaciers at ICIMOD, told Reuters.

    A supraglacial lake is formed on the surface of glaciers, particularly in debris-covered areas. It often begins as small meltwater ponds that gradually expand and sometimes merge to form a larger supraglacial lake, experts say.

    Saswata Sanyal, another ICIMOD official, said such events were increasing at an “unprecedented” pace in the Hindu Kush mountains that are spread across Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan.

    “We need to delve deeper into the triggers that are resulting in cascading impacts,” Sanyal said.

    The June-September monsoon causes massive floods and landslides in mountainous Nepal which, officials and experts say, is vulnerable to effects of climate change like extreme weather patterns, inconsistent rainfall, flash floods, landslides and glacial lake outburst floods.

    This year’s early monsoon rains have inflicted deadly damage elsewhere in Nepal where at least 38 people have been killed or are missing since May 29, according to data from the government’s National Disaster Relief, Reduction and Management Authority.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI: MEXC DEX+ Super Fest Season 5 Launches with a 200,000 USDT Prize Pool

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a global leader in cryptocurrency trading, is proud to announce the launch of Season 5 of the DEX+ Super Fest, featuring an upgraded four-tier reward structure and a total prize pool of 200,000 USDT. All rewards will be distributed in the form of USDT, ensuring participants receive real, immediately usable incentives. This event is designed to provide users worldwide with a low-barrier, high-reward decentralized trading experience, empowering both beginners and experienced traders to seize on-chain opportunities.

    Since it first launched, the DEX+ Super Fest has received overwhelming support from users around the world. Season 4 saw over 25,000 registrations, more than 12,000 wallet connection tasks completed, 4,500 new user tasks fulfilled, and 11,000 friend invitations sent. With Season 5, MEXC is taking the experience to the next level, offering more generous rewards and a smoother, more accessible trading journey.

    Four-Tier Reward System Designed to Meet Diverse Trading Needs

    Season 5 of the MEXC DEX+ Super Fest introduces a four-tier reward mechanism, covering new users, consecutive trading, referral bonuses, and team competitions. The team competition prize pool alone reaches up to 100,000 USDT, with all rewards distributed in tokens. Season 5 event details are as follows:

    1. New User Reward: Newly signed up users who complete an on-chain deposit of at least 100 USDT within 7 days of their first deposit and make their first trade on MEXC through DEX+ will receive 20 USDT in SOL.
    2. Trading Streak Reward: Those who trade for 3 consecutive days with a total volume ≥ 50 USDT are eligible to receive 5 USDT, while those who trade for 7 consecutive days with a total volume ≥ 200 USDT will receive an additional 10 USDT.
    3. Referral Reward: Invite friends and earn 10 USDT for each qualified referee, plus 40% trading fee commissions. The maximum reward per user is 500 USDT.
    4. Team Competition Reward: Form a team of at least 3 members, and team leaders can earn up to 840 USDT. Rewards are based on the number of recruits and new DEX+ user contributions, as follows:
      • Recruit 10 members (incl. 4 new DEX+ users): 60 USDT
      • Recruit 15 members (incl. 4 new DEX+ users): 60 USDT
      • Recruit 20 members (incl. 3 new DEX+ users): 100 USDT
      • Recruit 25 members (incl. 3 new DEX+ users): 140 USDT
      • Recruit 30 members (incl. 2 new DEX+ users): 180 USDT
      • Special Bonus: Recruit 40 new DEX+ users to unlock a team token reward of up to 300 USDT

    As blockchain technology continues to advance and global regulatory frameworks become more defined, DeFi is rapidly emerging as a key avenue for innovation in crypto asset development and trading. MEXC DEX+, with its efficient, secure, and user-friendly trading experience, empowers users to stay ahead in this fast-evolving market. As a global leader in cryptocurrency trading, MEXC remains committed to lowering entry barriers through innovative products and diverse reward mechanisms, enabling users worldwide to fully engage in the DeFi movement. Please visit MEXC to learn more about the event.

    About MEXC

    Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 40 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.

    MEXC Official Website｜ X ｜ Telegram ｜How to Sign Up on MEXC

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/90b748a3-a5d9-4019-aac8-8224e65250d8.

    The MIL Network –

  • South Korea ex-leader Yoon Suk Yeol returns to jail as court grants warrant

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol returned to a solitary jail cell on Thursday after a court approved a warrant sought by prosecutors investigating his attempt to impose martial law last year.

    The Seoul Central District Court’s decision bolstered the special counsel investigation into allegations that Yoon’s move in December represented obstruction of justice and abuse of power.

    The court said in a statement it granted the request because of concerns Yoon could seek to destroy evidence, returning him to confinement at the Seoul Detention Center where he spent 52 days earlier in the year before being released four months ago on technical grounds.

    He moved back with his wife and his 11 dogs and cats to their 164 square metre (1,765 square feet) apartment in an upscale district of Seoul. The couple’s net worth is estimated at 7.5 billion won ($5.47 million), according to a government filing.

    But Yoon will now be housed in a 10 square-metre solitary cell and sleeping on a foldable mattress on the floor without an air conditioner, an official at the detention centre and media reports said.

    With a heat wave gripping the country, Yoon will have to rely on a small electric fan that switches off at night, Park Jie-won, an opposition lawmaker who had been incarcerated there, said on a YouTube talk show.

    The detention facility served a breakfast of steamed potatoes and mini cheese breads for inmates on Thursday, another official said.

    The conservative politician faces criminal charges of insurrection over his martial law decree, which could carry a sentence of life in prison or death.

    YOON SKIPS COURT HEARING

    Hours after he ended up in jail, the court held a hearing on Thursday morning for his insurrection trial, but Yoon did not attend.

    His lawyers told the court that he was unable to go to the hearing due to health issues, the Yonhap News Agency reported.

    The Constitutional Court ousted Yoon as president in April, upholding parliament’s impeachment for the martial law bid, which shocked South Koreans and triggered months of political turmoil.

    The special prosecution team launched its investigation after new leader Lee Jae Myung was elected in June, and it has been looking into additional charges against Yoon.

    The special counsel team is now expected to speed up its probe into allegations, including whether Yoon hurt South Korea’s interests by intentionally inflaming tensions with North Korea.

    The team plans to question Yoon on Friday, informing his wife and lawyers about his detention via letters, Park Ji-young, a deputy to the special counsel, told reporters on Thursday.

    Yoon attended the court hearing on Wednesday on the detention warrant, wearing a dark navy suit and a red tie, but did not answer questions from reporters.

    His lawyers have denied the allegations against him and called the detention request an unreasonable move in a hasty investigation.

    More than 1,000 supporters rallied near the court on Wednesday, local media reported, waving flags and signs and chanting Yoon’s name in searing 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) heat.

    In their warrant request, prosecutors said Yoon poses a flight risk, local media reported.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: UK and French leaders pledge to jointly combat illegal migration

    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

    LONDON, July 10 (Xinhua) — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with French President Emmanuel Macron at his Downing Street residence on Wednesday, vowing to work together to combat illegal migration.

    “The leaders agreed that tackling the threat of illegal migration and small boat crossings is a shared priority that requires joint solutions,” said a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office.

    “Both leaders agreed on the need to move forward and make progress in developing new and innovative solutions, including new deterrents to disrupt the business model of these gangs,” the statement said.

    Despite joint funding and collaboration, more than 20,000 people have arrived in the UK from France on small boats across the English Channel this year, a 50 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024.

    Both leaders are under enormous pressure in their countries over a surge in far-right and anti-immigration political sentiment. In a speech to the British parliament on Tuesday, Mr Macron called the issue a “burden” for both countries. It remains unclear whether the two sides will reach a new deal to combat illegal migration during the French president’s three-day visit.

    During their meeting on Wednesday, the leaders also discussed joint efforts to further deepen the partnership, from strengthening defense cooperation to increasing bilateral trade and investment.

    A British-French summit is planned for Thursday, at which both sides aim to make concrete progress in these areas, the statement said.

    Macron began a state visit to the UK on Tuesday, the first such visit by a French president since 2008. Macron is also the first head of state from the European Union to visit the UK on a state visit since Brexit. –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: In the birthplace of Confucius, world experts seek common ground for joint development

    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

    JINAN, July 10 (Xinhua) — Scholars and experts from around the world gathered in Qufu, east China’s Shandong Province, on Wednesday for a two-day dialogue and cultural exchanges aimed at finding paths to harmonious coexistence among civilizations and common solutions for global development.

    The Nishan Forum on World Civilizations brought together over 560 guests from over 70 countries in Nishan, the historic site where the eminent philosopher and educator Confucius was born in 551 BC. For thousands of years, he has been revered as a symbol of traditional Chinese culture.

    Among other things, the forum participants discussed how Confucian culture continues to resonate in the modern world, the critical role of global cooperation in driving modernization, and the far-reaching impact of artificial intelligence on the future of civilization.

    Speaking at the opening of the forum, Sun Chunlan, Chairperson of the International Confucian Association, noted that an in-depth study of the regulation of relations between different civilizations and their role in promoting modernization is of great practical importance.

    Today, China is seeking to offer the world new opportunities through its achievements on its unique path of modernization and to inject new impetus into global partners through its vast domestic market, she added.

    “This clearly reflects the Chinese nation’s long-standing approach to ‘being friends with its neighbors and strengthening harmony among all countries,’” she added.

    Scholars participating in the forum emphasized the important role that cultural exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations play in advancing human progress.

    Zhao Rui, vice president of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, stressed that since modern times, such exchanges have promoted deep integration and innovation in political systems, economies, cultures and lifestyles around the world.

    He added that these exchanges not only stimulate academic dialogue and people-to-people connections, but also provide valuable information for solving global problems, opening up various paths for modernization.

    This view was echoed by other participants. Vice President of the Republic of Maldives Hussain Mohammed Latheef stressed that in times of global uncertainty, promoting dialogue, encouraging cultural exchanges and working together to build a better future is more important than ever.

    He also praised China’s Global Civilization Initiative, calling it a timely reminder of the need to respect and understand different cultures around the world. The initiative promotes universal values, seeks to balance tradition with innovation, and supports cultural exchanges and development, he added.

    Ambassador of the Republic of Madagascar to China Jean Louis Robinson Richard stressed the importance of the Nishan Forum as a platform for dialogue among civilizations in the context of today’s global turbulence.

    China has provided a platform for in-depth exchanges of views among people of different nationalities, backgrounds and cultures, making great contributions to world peace, he said.

    This reflects the meaning of the saying in the Lunyu (Conversations and Judgments): “A noble person is in harmony with others while holding different views,” which emphasizes the ideal of peaceful coexistence without imposing uniformity, the ambassador added.

    The Nishan Forum on World Civilizations, now in its 11th year since its launch in 2010, has become an important global platform for dialogue among different cultures. -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 –