NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • Govt to mark Anti-Drug Day on June 26 with nationwide campaigns

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE) will commemorate the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26. A central event will be held at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, with Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, B.L. Verma, attending as the Chief Guest.

    The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), the nodal agency for drug demand reduction in India, has been spearheading efforts to prevent drug abuse, assess the extent of substance use, and provide treatment and rehabilitation services. As part of its ongoing mission, the Ministry is implementing the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), an ambitious nationwide campaign to spread awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse.

    The NMBA, currently operational across all districts of India, focuses particularly on youth, with outreach efforts targeting universities, colleges, schools, and communities. The objective is to transform the campaign into a Jan Andolan—a people’s movement—through active community involvement and ownership.

    As of June 2025, over 15.78 crore people have been sensitized through NMBA activities, including 5.26 crore youth and 3.31 crore women. More than 4.31 lakh educational institutions have participated in spreading awareness. Additionally, over 20,000 trained Master Volunteers have been deployed to lead these efforts at the grassroots level.

    To support digital outreach, the NMBA maintains active social media accounts and has developed a mobile application available on the Google Play Store. This app allows districts and volunteers to upload real-time data, feeding into a national NMBA dashboard. The official NMBA website (http://nmba.dosje.gov.in) provides comprehensive information, including an e-pledge, online forums, and detailed reports on the campaign’s impact.

    A notable achievement under NMBA has been the National Online Pledge initiative, where more than 1.67 crore students from nearly one lakh educational institutions have pledged to live a drug-free life. The Ministry has also hosted a series of engagement programs such as Nashe se Azaadi – A National Youth and Students Interaction Programme, Naya Bharat, Nasha Mukt Bharat, and special interactions with NCC cadets.

    In collaboration with spiritual and social organizations—including The Art of Living, Brahma Kumaris, Sant Nirankari Mission, Ram Chandra Mission (Daaji), ISKCON, and All World Gayatri Parivaar—the Ministry has expanded the campaign’s reach through mass awareness events.

    To enhance public access to services, all government-supported de-addiction centers have been geo-tagged.

    Substance use and dependence remain critical public health challenges that impact not just individuals but also families and communities. The misuse of psychoactive substances often leads to serious health conditions including neuropsychiatric disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and increased risk of accidents, suicides, and violence. The Ministry emphasizes that substance use should be approached as a psycho-social-medical issue requiring coordinated and compassionate intervention.

    To mark the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, all States and Union Territories, along with NGOs and Voluntary Organizations supported under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), have been directed to organize awareness programmes from June 1 to June 26.

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sergei Sobyanin spoke about the large-scale modernization of Moscow hospitals

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Strategy for the development of Moscow healthcare involves a comprehensive upgrade of the medical infrastructure. This was stated in his blog Sergei Sobyanin.

    In the last five years alone, hospitals with a total area of over two million square meters have been reconstructed and built in the capital. And large-scale modernization of healthcare facilities is not slowing down: this year it will cover about 100 thousand square meters on hospital grounds.

    “In 2025, we will modernize 15 buildings of Moscow medical institutions in the hospitals named after F.I. Inozemtsev, No. 15 named after O.M. Filatov, named after V.V. Veresaev, No. 1 named after N.I. Pirogov, No. 67 named after L.A. Vorokhobov, named after A.K. Yeramishantsev and the Moscow Multidisciplinary Scientific and Clinical Center named after S.P. Botkin, the Research Clinical Institute of Otolaryngology named after L.I. Sverzhevsky, the Morozov Children’s City Clinical Hospital and the Moscow Multidisciplinary Center for Palliative Care,” the Moscow Mayor shared.

    The work is being carried out in such a way that it has virtually no impact on the current activities of the hospitals. Upon completion of the reconstruction, the buildings will meet modern standards of Moscow medicine. They will have the latest high-tech equipment for diagnostics and treatment. The conditions for patients and doctors will also become much more comfortable.

    Sobyanin: Healthcare system undergoing its largest modernization

    Building No. 8 of the Moscow Multidisciplinary Scientific and Clinical Center named after S.P. Botkin is in the final stage of work. This building is a cultural heritage site, so the work there was carried out in restoration mode. Specialists reinforced the structures, updated the facade and restored historical details, replaced the roof covering, repaired the rafter system and roof sheathing, and reconstructed utility networks. Window and door units were replaced, returning them to their historical appearance.

    The therapeutic department will continue to operate in the renovated building, becoming more comfortable and functional for patients and medical staff.

    At the same time, the landscaping of the Botkin Hospital territory was completed. Here, the sidewalks and driveways were renovated, energy-saving lamps, benches and urns were installed, and landscaping was done (almost 140 adult lindens, firs, pines, thujas, rowans and ornamental apple trees were planted). Two new fountains were installed in the front yard. In addition, five security posts – checkpoints – were put in order.

    Much attention was paid to the issue of organizing traffic on the hospital grounds. For this purpose, the driveways were widened and priority traffic for ambulances was organized. Separate entrances were made for visitors’ personal transport, as well as convenient guest parking equipped with signs and markings.

    A new navigation system was also developed. Now it is a modern, convenient and informative system of signs that helps visitors find the necessary building.

    Sobyanin spoke about the first year of work of the new centers of the Botkin Hospital

    “In early June, we completed the reconstruction of building No. 2 of the palliative care center, and along with that, the comprehensive modernization of the framework of Moscow’s palliative care service, which took several years,” wrote Sergei Sobyanin.

    The seven-story building now offers the most comfortable conditions for patients, relatives and medical workers. The building has a barrier-free environment, wards with specialized interiors and equipment, and a small operating room for minimally invasive surgical procedures and manipulations.

    The area adjacent to the building was also updated: comfortable sidewalks were installed, lanterns and benches were installed, a small parking lot was organized, and landscaping was done. The building will soon be able to accept patients.

    In early June, the City Clinical Hospital (CCH) named after F.I. Inozemtsev completed a major overhaul of the seven-story building No. 1 with an area of 10.3 thousand square meters. It housed a consultative and diagnostic department, a short-stay hospital, an ophthalmology center, specialized departments, an operating block, and other units.

    The new equipment has expanded the possibilities of diagnostic research. The operating rooms here are also equipped with the latest technology and meet all modern requirements.

    The building has created the most comfortable atmosphere. Patients are accommodated in small wards with functional beds, showers and toilets. There are comfortable waiting areas with comfortable furniture. You can enter the building not only from the street, but also through a heated underground passage that connects treatment building No. 1 with other hospital buildings.

    Sergei Sobyanin opened the renovated building of the Inozemtsev Hospital

    The modernization of the seven-story medical building at the L.I. Sverzhevsky Research Clinical Institute of Otolaryngology has reached its final stage. It will unite adult and children’s audiology centers, which are currently located on the first floors of residential buildings.

    The renovated building will be equipped with functional diagnostics, computer tomography and specialized electrophysiological diagnostics rooms, a day hospital and other departments. This will significantly expand the possibilities of medical care and improve patient routing.

    A unique method for surgical hearing restoration has been developed in Moscow

    Building No. 12 of City Clinical Hospital No. 1 named after N.I. Pirogov will house an inter-district rheumatology center. It will include a consultative and diagnostic department, a day hospital, an inpatient department, rooms for genetic engineering biological therapy, a department of radiation diagnostics and other units. Thus, patients will be able to receive all the necessary specialized care within a single institution – from a comprehensive examination to effective therapy and observation.

    Triage system, digital X-ray and 11 operating rooms: how the flagship center of City Clinical Hospital No. 1 named after N.I. Pirogov is organized

    By the end of the year, the obstetrics and gynecology cluster at the V.V. Veresaev City Clinical Hospital will be completed. A modern women’s health center and a new maternity hospital will be opened there. The buildings, which will be built in the same style as the already renovated buildings, will use the latest equipment.

    Moscow Mayor: Veresaev Hospital Will Provide Full Range of Medical Care for Women

    The six-story therapeutic building No. 4 of City Clinical Hospital No. 15 named after O. M. Filatov will house the key departments of the medical institution. One of the most important functions of the therapeutic building will be to ensure continuity in the treatment of emergency patients referred from the flagship center. The comprehensive modernization of the institution will improve the effectiveness of emergency and planned treatment.

    Moscow Mayor Talks About Comprehensive Modernization of Filatov Hospital No. 15

    The modernization of Building A in City Clinical Hospital No. 67 named after L.A. Vorokhobov is underway. It will house departments of surgery, endoscopy, proctology, anesthesiology and resuscitation, an operating unit and diagnostic rooms, which will allow for the organization of planned and emergency medical care at the level of flagship centers. In addition to the renovation of the building, the improvement of the adjacent territory is also planned.

    The updated buildings will be part of the unified digital circuit of Moscow healthcare, which will allow the transition to a paperless work format. Doctors will have access to the digital clinic management system – a dashboard, the Digital Resuscitation service. Patients will use the already familiar digital certificates and extracts, chat bots and SMS services.

    The Digital Resuscitation Service is Operating in 23 Hospitals in the Capital — Moscow Mayor

    “Modernization of healthcare facilities provides long-term and systemic results for decades to come. Modern, well-equipped digital hospitals will serve many generations of Muscovites,” concluded Sergei Sobyanin.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //vv.mos.ru/mayor/tkhemes/12974050/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Iranian President Declares ‘End of 12-Day War’

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    TEHRAN, June 25 (Xinhua) — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday declared “the end of the 12-day war” and called on all government bodies and revolutionary institutions to focus their efforts on reconstruction.

    “We are witnessing a ceasefire and the end of the 12-day war imposed on the Iranian nation by Israel’s adventurism,” M. Pezeshkian said in an address to the Iranian people after the ceasefire agreement came into force.

    “The aggressive enemy failed to achieve its sinister goals of destroying nuclear facilities and disrupting nuclear research, as well as inciting social unrest,” the head of state noted.

    During a telephone conversation with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Tuesday, M. Pezeshkian said that his country is ready to resolve issues within the international framework and at the negotiating table.

    The United States and Israel are seeking to sow discord and hostility among Islamic countries, the Iranian president said. Iran seeks to strengthen unity and peace in the region and considers them the basis for accelerating development, he said.

    On June 13, Israel launched major airstrikes on various areas of Iran, including nuclear and military sites, killing senior commanders, nuclear scientists and civilians. Iran responded with a series of missile and drone strikes that caused deaths and extensive damage.

    On Saturday, the US Air Force attacked three Iranian nuclear sites: Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, to which Iran responded on Monday with a missile strike on the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

    Following this, US President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire between Israel and Iran would go into effect on Tuesday at around 04:00 GMT. Both sides later confirmed the start of the truce. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Exclusive: China-Central Asia Summit Demonstrates High Level and Quality of Current Regional Cooperation – Uzbek Expert

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Tashkent, June 25 /Xinhua/ — The meeting of the leaders of Uzbekistan and China, as well as the successful holding of the China-Central Asia summit, clearly demonstrated the high level and quality of current regional cooperation, Professor of the Nordic International University in Uzbekistan, Doctor of Economics Akram Khashimov said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua about relations between China and Central Asian countries.

    According to him, based on the statements of the heads of state, it can be concluded that the countries of Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, highly appreciate the responsibility and constructive position of China in promoting regional cooperation. As the expert emphasized, the meeting was not only an important milestone in the political dialogue, but also another confirmation of strategic trust between the parties.

    A. Khashimov noted that following the talks, the leaders of Uzbekistan and China reached a number of key agreements covering a wide range of areas – from economics and trade to transport, green energy, education and humanitarian exchanges. “For Uzbekistan, China is not only an important trade and economic partner, but also a key ally on the path to modernization of the country,” the expert emphasized, adding that the meeting gave additional confidence and outlined clear guidelines for further cooperation.

    At the regional level, according to the Uzbek analyst, the China-Central Asia summit clearly demonstrated to the world that cooperation between the countries of the region and China is based on the principles of equality, mutual trust and mutual benefit. The very creation of a mechanism of this format, according to the expert, testifies to the growing commitment of the Central Asian countries to the principles of sovereignty and strategic autonomy, as well as their readiness to jointly respond to challenges and share development opportunities on a fair basis.

    Particular attention was paid to the concept of a community with a common destiny put forward by China. A. Khashimov noted that this initiative is fully consistent with Uzbekistan’s foreign policy priorities: good neighborliness, pragmatic partnership and mutual benefit. In the context of an increasingly complex international situation, in his opinion, cooperation mechanisms between Uzbekistan, China and the Central Asian countries are becoming the most important source of peace, development and stability, representing a sustainable and future-oriented model of regional governance.

    The expert expressed confidence that in the future, the China-Central Asia summit mechanism will become a central platform for coordinating regional cooperation. Uzbekistan, he stressed, is ready to continue to act as an active participant, consistently implementing the agreements reached at the highest level, deepening practical cooperation and contributing to the formation of a closer community with a common future between China and Central Asia for the sake of sustainable peace and common prosperity. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Political polarisation is rising globally and posing new challenges for businesses, according to Willis latest report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rising political polarisation is associated with increased political violence and unpredictable oscillations in government policies, according to the latest Political Risk Index by Willis (NASDAQ: WTW), a leading global advisory, broking, and solutions company. This edition of the Index focusses on political polarisation in countries worldwide and its main drivers and consequences.

    Findings from the index reveal affective polarisation* is at a historic high, on a global average basis. This suggests that people are increasingly likely to perceive supporters of opposing political parties as hostile. Countries enduring violent political conflicts tend to be the most polarised, but on average, affective polarisation is rising fastest in democracies like the US, Germany, India, Brazil and Bulgaria.

    The index also covers ideological polarisation** (the degree to which people agree on core policy issues) and elite polarisation*** (the degree to which political rivals consider each other as legitimate). The US is the only country globally where affective, ideological and elite polarisation have all increased at a rapid pace over the past 15 years.

    After reviewing over a century’s worth of data from more than 200 countries, Willis found that in democracies, surges in polarisation tended to follow economic crises or corruption scandals, which appeared to discredit traditional political leaders. These surges were often accompanied by the growth of populist political movements and an increased frequency of political violence events.

    Other key findings include:

    • The highest levels of affective polarisation globally are in countries where political competition happens along ethnic or religious lines.
    • Long-serving political leaders and controversial populists are a polarising force in several countries.
    • Geopolitical and foreign policy divides can also lead to polarisation of societies.
    • Polarisation and populism are rising both in the US and Europe and in the emerging world.

    The research also identifies some hopeful trends. Truth and reconciliation processes, cross-party coalitions, and open and transparent investigations in cases of corruption or other crises have been accompanied by rapid reductions in political polarisation in the past. There is reason to believe that lessons from these examples could be applied to current challenges.

    Sam Wilkin, director of political risk analytics at Willis, said: “There is a well-established correlation between polarisation and political violence. But polarisation is also being felt on a more personal basis, such as how we perceive our friends and colleagues. Businesses face growing challenges from operating in increasingly polarised societies.”

    The complete report can be downloaded here.  

    *Affective polarisation refers to the phenomenon of individuals developing strong positive feelings toward members of their own group (in-group) and negative feelings towards members of opposing groups (out-groups), particularly in a political context. It involves a difference between how people feel about their own party or group and how they feel about those who support opposing parties or groups. This can lead to increased hostility, reduced willingness to compromise, and a lack of empathy for those with different political views. 

    **Ideological polarisation refers to the extent to which political attitudes become more divided and extreme, often along partisan lines. This can manifest as individuals and groups holding increasingly divergent views on issues, and a greater emphasis on partisan identity over shared values or common ground. 

    ***Elite polarisation refers to the ideological divide and political disagreement among elites—such as elected officials, party leaders, policymakers, and influential media figures—typically along partisan lines.

    About WTW

    At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce and maximize performance.

    Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success—and provide perspective that moves you.

    Learn more at wtwco.com.

    Media contact

    Lauren David:

    Lauren.david@wtwco.com / +44 7385947619

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    Candela.farroni@haggiepartners.com / +44 7795 155654

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: A faster, more efficient planning appeals process 

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    A faster, more efficient planning appeals process 

    More planning appeals will be processed via a faster, simplified procedure under new regulations.  

    Simplified planning appeal procedures will be rolled out to the majority of planning appeals decided via written representations following a Ministerial decision to change regulation.  

    Expected to begin by the end of 2025, the reform is about streamlining processes to ensure planning appeal decisions can be made more quickly, benefiting developers, local authorities and communities alike.  

    Under the new process the majority of written representation appeals will accept only the evidence put before the local planning authority during application. This will not only speed up appeals but will also importantly, encourage a full body of evidence to be provided at application stage, giving local planning authorities the information they need to make decisions – aligning with universal planning principles of keeping decisions local. 

    Paul Morrison, Planning Inspectorate CEO, explains:

    Every delayed planning decision represents potential delays to development and uncertainty for local communities. This change is a common-sense approach to planning that benefits us all by removing unnecessary administrative burdens and focusing on what matters: well-informed, timely decisions based on high-quality applications from the start. 

    The simplified appeals process will deliver: 

    • A faster, more efficient planning appeals process that benefits everyone 

    • Keeping planning decisions local and reducing unnecessary bureaucracy 

    • Submit once, submit right – providing the complete picture at application stage 

    Initial estimates anticipate changes to regulation being made by the end of the year. From this date, applications to local planning authorities become eligible for the simplified appeals process. 

    More detail on the changes is available via dedicated guidance. We will update our procedural guide once we receive a final draft of the changed regulations. 

    The Planning Inspectorate remains committed to maintaining a fair planning system where all appeals are carefully considered against local and national planning policies.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Anchor fails to meet RSH’s governance standards 

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Anchor fails to meet RSH’s governance standards 

    The Regulator of Social Housing has downgraded Anchor’s governance grading to G3 in a regulatory judgement published today (Wednesday 25 June), after an investigation found issues of serious regulatory concern.  

    RSH found insufficient evidence that Anchor has an appropriate, robust and prudent risk and control framework and that it has adequately managed and addressed key risks relating to landlord health and safety.   

    There is also insufficient assurance that Anchor’s data is robust and that systems and processes are adequate to ensure key information is monitored and accurately reported.   

    Anchor has identified that there have been errors in its landlord health and safety compliance performance reporting and is undertaking a review of its data, which is ongoing.   

    Anchor received a C3 consumer grading in February after RSH found serious failings in its delivery of the consumer standards. Anchor was then placed on the gradings –under review list while RSH investigated further issues relating to governance.  

    RSH also published a range of other regulatory judgements today, including a C3 grading for Slough Borough Council.  

    Following an inspection, RSH found that Slough Borough Council: 

    • Lacked meaningful tenant engagement and provided limited performance information for tenants 

    • Could not demonstrate how homes were allocated in a fair and transparent way 

    First Garden Cities Homes and Southway Housing Trust were both downgraded to a G2 governance grading and were regraded to V2 for viability. Both received C2 gradings.  

    Pickering and Ferens Homes received C1/G1/V1 gradings and Tuntum Housing Association Limited received C2/G1/V2 gradings.  

    Kate Dodsworth, Chief of Regulatory Engagement at RSH, said:  

    Good governance is critical for delivering good services and keeping tenants safe in their homes. All landlords need to make sure they have strong governance and controls in place in order to have a better grasp of strategic risks. 

    Equally, delivering the outcomes of the new consumer standards is vital for tenants’ health and safety and making sure their voices are heard. Our programme of proactive inspections is helping bring issues to light so they can be put right as soon as possible.

    Notes to Editors

    1. RSH regulates housing associations and other private registered providers against its full set of standards. Councils are regulated against the consumer and rent standards only. 

    2. More information about RSH’s responsive engagement, programmed inspections and consumer gradings is also available on its website.   

    3. RSH promotes a viable, efficient and well-governed social housing sector able to deliver more and better social homes. It does this by setting standards and carrying out robust regulation focusing on driving improvement in social landlords, including local authorities, and ensuring that housing associations are well-governed, financially viable and offer value for money. It takes appropriate action if the outcomes of the standards are not being delivered.  

    Provider Consumer grade Governance grade Viability grade Process
    Anchor Hanover Group C3 (based on previous assessment) G3 (downgrade) V1 (based on previous assessment) Responsive Engagement
    First Garden Cities Homes Limited C2 G2 (downgrade) V2 (Regrade from V1) Inspection and Responsive Engagement
    Pickering and Ferens Homes C1 G1 V1 Inspection
    Slough Borough Council C3 N/A N/A Inspection
    Southway Housing Trust (Manchester) Limited C2 G2 (downgrade) V2 (Regrade from V1) Inspection
    The Housing Plus Group Limited   G1 V2 Interim RJ (Merger/ Acquisition)
    Tuntum Housing Association Limited C2 G1 V2 Inspection

    For general enquiries email enquiries@rsh.gov.uk. For media enquiries please see our Media Enquiries page.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Election proposals accepted

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Chief Executive-in-Council has accepted all the recommendations of the Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC) regarding the boundaries and names of geographical constituencies (GCs) for the eighth-term Legislative Council general election in 2025.

     

    The EAC recommended, with the exception of including the Loop in the only contiguous New Territories North (LC7) GC, to maintain the boundaries of the nine remaining GCs, and retain the existing names and codes of the 10 GCs.

     

    The 10 GCs are Hong Kong Island East (LC1), Hong Kong Island West (LC2), Kowloon East (LC3), Kowloon West (LC4), Kowloon Central (LC5), New Territories South East (LC6), New Territories North (LC7), New Territories North West (LC8), New Territories South West (LC9), and New Territories North East (LC10).

     

    Before submitting a report to the Chief Executive on June 13, the EAC conducted a public consultation from May 2 to 31, gave careful consideration to all the representations received, and examined the content of the representations having regard to the relevant statutory requirements and working principles.

     

    The decision of the Chief Executive-in-Council would be effected by way of the Declaration of Geographical Constituencies (Legislative Council) Order 2025, which will be published in the Government Gazette on Friday and tabled at LegCo next Wednesday for negative vetting.

     

    The report was tabled at LegCo today as required by law. It is also available on the EAC’s website.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK 🔴 LIVE: Prime Minister’s Questions with British Sign Language (BSL) – 25 June 2025

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    Prime Minister’s Question Time, also referred to as PMQs, takes place every Wednesday the House of Commons sits. It gives MPs the chance to put questions to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer MP, or a nominated minister.

    In most cases, the session starts with a routine ‘open question’ from an MP about the Prime Minister’s engagements. MPs can then ask supplementary questions on any subject, often one of current political significance.

    The Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch MP, asks six questions and the leader of the second largest opposition party asks two. If another minister takes the place of the Prime Minister, opposition parties will usually nominate a shadow minister to ask the questions.

    Want to find out more about what’s happening in the House of Commons this week? Follow the House of Commons on:

    Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/HouseofCommons
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ukhouseofcommons
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ukhouseofcommons

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1fzG93hQpg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK 🔴 PMQs LIVE: Prime Minister’s Questions – 25 June 2025

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    Watch PMQs with British Sign Language (BSL) – https://youtube.com/live/j1fzG93hQpg

    Prime Minister’s Question Time, also referred to as PMQs, takes place every Wednesday the House of Commons sits. It gives MPs the chance to put questions to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer MP, or a nominated minister.

    In most cases, the session starts with a routine ‘open question’ from an MP about the Prime Minister’s engagements. MPs can then ask supplementary questions on any subject, often one of current political significance.

    The Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch MP, asks six questions and the leader of the second largest opposition party asks two. If another minister takes the place of the Prime Minister, opposition parties will usually nominate a shadow minister to ask the questions.

    Want to find out more about what’s happening in the House of Commons this week? Follow the House of Commons on:

    Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/HouseofCommons
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ukhouseofcommons
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ukhouseofcommons

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTvNidn_vZc

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: President Ramkalawan Chairs Inaugural Government-Private Sector Economic Forum


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    President Wavel Ramkalawan presided over a landmark economic forum on Tuesday afternoon, bringing together high-level government officials and private sector representatives in an unprecedented collaborative dialogue aimed at strengthening Seychelles’ economic foundation and fostering sustainable growth.

    The historic gathering held at State House, marked the commencement of a structured partnership between the government and business community. President Ramkalawan articulated his vision for enhanced economic cooperation, expressing profound enthusiasm for the collaborative framework being established to streamline business operations and accelerate the nation’s economic trajectory. He emphasized the administration’s dedication to creating an environment where private sector innovation and investment can flourish, recognizing that such an environment is essential for achieving long-term economic prosperity. The collaborative approach established through this inaugural forum represents a significant step toward more inclusive economic governance and strategic partnership between public and private sectors.

    The forum commenced with comprehensive discussions on strategic land development and reclamation initiatives. The Minister of Investment, entrepreneurship and Industry Mrs. Devika Vidot provided an insightful overview of land utilization policies, establishing the foundation for CEO Jitesh Shah’s detailed presentation on reclamation projects. These discussions illuminated significant opportunities for strategic land development that would support industrial expansion while addressing the growing demand for commercial spaces.

    Financial sector modernization emerged as a central theme throughout the deliberations. The Chairman of the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry delivered comprehensive presentations addressing the acceleration of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer(KYC) reforms, initiatives designed to enhance business growth prospects while ensuring robust financial inclusion. These reforms represent crucial steps toward maintaining Seychelles’ competitive position in the international financial sector and addressing compliance requirements that have become increasingly stringent in the global marketplace.

    The forum also extensively examined payment system modernization, with particular emphasis on the systematic phase-out of traditional cheque systems and the implementation of contemporary digital payment infrastructure and its associated disadvantages.

    The forum concluded with a commitment to establishing regular dialogue mechanisms that will ensure ongoing communication between government and private sector stakeholders on a monthly basis. This framework is designed to create responsive policy development processes that can adapt to changing market conditions and emerging business needs.

    The successful convening of this forum demonstrates the government’s commitment to transparent dialogue and collaborative problem-solving, establishing a foundation for continued engagement that will support Seychelles’ economic development objectives while addressing the practical challenges faced by businesses operating in the modern economy.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Aftermath of Tripoli clashes puts Libya’s fragile stability to the test


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    Nearly 15 years after Gaddafi’s fall, Libya remains split between the internationally recognised Government of National Unity in Tripoli, and the rival Government of National Stability in Benghazi.

    Although a truce was reached on 14 May, the outbreak of fighting last month in the capital “temporarily disrupted UN development and humanitarian operations,” said top UN envoy Hanna Tetteh.

    Fragile Truce

    On 18 May, with support from the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), the Presidential Council established a Truce Committee.

    Composed of key security actors, the body has been mandated to monitor the upholding of the ceasefire, facilitate a permanent end to the fighting and ensure the protection of civilians.

    As UNSMIL works to ease tensions and prevent further clashes, the Presidential Council has also set up a temporary Security and Military Arrangement Committee, tasked with sustaining peace and reorganising security forces in the capital.

    “The truce, however, remains fragile, and the overall security situation unpredictable,” said Ms. Tetteh.

    Alleged grave violations

    The armed clashes that erupted in May resulted in civilian deaths and injuries, as well as damage to critical civilian infrastructure, underscoring the shortcomings of State security forces in adhering to international humanitarian and human rights law, she continued.

    Ms. Tetteh expressed alarm over mass graves found in Abu Slim, citing emerging evidence of serious human rights violations – including extrajudicial killings, torture, and enforced disappearances – allegedly by State security forces.

    “The presence of charred remains, unidentified bodies in morgues, and a suspected unofficial detention site at Abu Salim Zoo underscores the scale and gravity of these abuses,” she said.

    Demand for change

    “Many Libyans are deeply disillusioned with the prolonged transitional period and have lost confidence in the current institutions and leadership,” said Ms. Tetteh.

    As civilians increasingly doubt the current leadership’s willingness to put national interests above their own, there is strong demand for a political process that allows public participation, enables elections, and delivers a democratic government with a clear mandate for real change.

    UNSMIL intends to present a time-bound and politically pragmatic roadmap – with the goal of reaching the end of the transitional process – by the time of her next briefing, Ms. Tetteh told ambassadors.

    “I urge all parties to engage in good faith and to be ready to forge consensus on this roadmap,” she said.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Government must move to ensure that US funding cuts do not affect South Africa’s Research Excellence, says committee chair


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    The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Education, Sciences and the Creative Industries, Mr Makhi Feni, has called on the Department of Higher Education to be proactive in plugging the gap left by the US cuts in grant funding that occurred earlier in 2025.

    Mr Feni said a deliberate drive is needed, even if it means going on tour abroad to mobilise resources for research purposes. “The grant funding impact was massive and at a time when South Africa found itself operating in a fiscally constrained environment. We must not allow a situation where community-based research programmes suffer and get aborted due to this decision,” he said.

    The Minister of Higher Education, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, had informed the committee that work to address this issue is being done. In addition, the government had opted for a collaborative approach, as cuts affected programmes administer by the departments of Health and of Science and Technology. Minister Nkabane said a technical team has been set up to coordinate and collate the affected programmes.

    Mr Feni said the committee welcomes the news that the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation is contributing to resource mobilisation. “We would appreciate if all these efforts yield results. Our institutions are research intensive and that is one area we excel in and could not lose momentum. The committee is looking forward to receiving the report on the sector-wide impact of the funding cuts,” Mr Feni said.

    Minister Nkabane led a strong departmental delegation to present the department’s annual performance and strategic plans.

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

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Ruzizi III Holding Power Company Limited invites Anzana Electric Group Limited to become a Strategic Partner in the Ruzizi III Regional Hydropower Project

    During the US – Africa Business Summit in Luanda, Angola, Ruzizi III Holding Power Company Limited (RHPCL) announced the signing of an Invitation to Partner Agreement for a potential pivotal partnership with Anzana Electric Group (Anzana) (www.Anzana.com), aimed at advancing the $760 million Ruzizi III Regional Hydropower Project.

    The 206 MW Ruzizi III Regional Hydropower Project is the first of its kind tri-national Public Private Partnership in the Great Lakes Region, formulated on a partnership between the Private Sector (RHPCL) and the three Contracting States, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (“DRC”) and Rwanda.

    Located on the Ruzizi River between western Rwanda and eastern DRC, the hydropower plant will supply reliable electricity to benefit development for approximately 30 million people across Burundi, the DRC and Rwanda, in a region where 54% live below the poverty line and electricity access averages just 24%. The project will nearly double Burundi’s current capacity, boost Rwanda’s by 30%, and deliver critical baseload and dispatchable power to eastern DRC, advancing economic growth, regional integration, and energy security in one of Africa’s most underserved regions.

    “The Directors of RHPCL are enthusiastic about this potential strategic alliance and, assuming a successful outcome of the partnering process, look forward to harnessing Anzana’s expertise and experience to realize the full potential of the Ruzizi III Project, extending critical energy access and fostering development in the region,” said Aleem Karmali, Director for RHPCL.

    Anzana, a leading American electricity company developing, investing in, and operating power generation and distribution projects in Africa and the Great Lakes region, has expressed an interest in acquiring a minority equity interest in RHPCL.

    “As an American electricity company committed to powering opportunity across Africa, Anzana is proud to partner with RHPCL and the governments of Burundi, DRC, and Rwanda at this pivotal moment,” said Brian Kelly, CEO of Anzana, during the 2025 U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Angola. “Ruzizi III will deliver sustainable, affordable, and reliable electricity to millions. Through this partnership, we are not only powering homes, communities, and industries, we are helping to drive regional integration, strengthen energy security and stability, and pave the way for expanded U.S. investment and trade in Africa’s energy future.”

    Both parties are committed to negotiating toward a binding Partnership Agreement by September 15, 2025, in which Anzana may acquire no less than a 10% equity stake in RHPCL. The agreement will outline governance rights, investment commitments, and the trajectory for further collaboration.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Anzana Electric Group.

    For further information, please contact: 
    Aleem Karmali
    Director RHPCL
    +254 724 787786

    Thom Wallace
    Communications for Anzana 
    thom.wallace@anazana.com

    About Anzana Electric Group:
    Anzana Electric Group is a leading developer, investor, and operator of hydropower and grid distribution projects across Africa. With presence in East, Central, and Southern Africa, Anzana delivers reliable, affordable power to communities, businesses, and industries. Its innovative approach to partnerships with government, development funders, and private sector in the region is intended to unlock the potential that electricity infrastructure can bring to economic growth.

    For more information visit www.Anzana.com

    About Ruzizi III Energy Holding Power Company Limited:
    Ruzizi III Energy Holding Power Company Limited (RHPCL) a special purpose vehicle registered in Rwanda, is the private sector partner to the project company Ruzizi III Energy Limited (the PPP company) set up, under a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) structure, to develop, construct and operate the 206 MW Ruzizi III regional hydroelectric power project — one of the largest infrastructure initiatives in the Great Lakes region. The project is a public-private partnership between RHPCL, the Republic of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Rwanda, and is located on the Ruzizi River between Rwanda and the DRC. RHPCL is, during the development stage, mainly led by Industrial Promotion Services (IPS Group).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Steve Biko Academic Hospital lauded as a good model for the NHI

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    President Cyril Ramaphosa has lauded the state-of-the-art Steve Biko Academic Hospital as a model public health facility and a blueprint for the future of the National Health Insurance (NHI). 

    The President described the hospital as a shining example of what quality public healthcare should look like. 

    He said this during his oversight visit to the Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI) facility housed at the hospital in Pretoria on Tuesday.

    He was accompanied by Ministers and Deputy Ministers including the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi and Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko. 

    WATCH | President’s visit to Steve Biko hospital 

    [embedded content]

     
    He highlighted how the Minister of Health had told him that private hospitals are often referring patients to this public hospital.
    “It shows that this public hospital is a model for all the good things, and this is the future of what the National Health Insurance (NHI) is all about, because they would not be coming here if Steve Biko Academic hospital was not as good as it is. 

    “I leave this place very impressed. When I went to some of the areas, I just saw [a] world-class type of facility that has been built, and even as one goes around the world, I don’t remember seeing many of such, and I’m usually impressed by technology most of the time. And when we say that we have the best on the continent and possibly in the world, this is what we have seen here,” the President said. 

    The Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI) facility is the only one of its kind on the continent, dedicated to cancer and TB drug development, advanced imaging, and clinical research. 

    It reflects a successful collaboration between the Department of Health, Department of Science and Innovation, the University of Pretoria, and private sector partners.

    Walking through the hospital’s departments, including the cardiac catheterisation laboratory and radiology units, President Ramaphosa commended the level of professionalism and excellence. 

    He praised the diversity and competence of the staff, from cleaners to researchers as well as the facility’s cutting-edge equipment and cleanliness.

    “I have seen the future of the NHI. It is here. And more importantly, as I’ve been going around talking to the doctors, scientists, and nurses, they are the ones saying to me: ‘we are ready for NHI.’ Those campaigning against it need to come here and see how it’s going to work,” the President said.

    Women in health 

    He also took time to applaud the high representation of women and young professionals in senior and technical roles at the hospital, calling it a powerful example of inclusivity and transformation in action.

    “Women run this facility. They are researchers, professors, doctors, and nurses – delivering top-class healthcare. And I saw so many young people here; the future of our country,” the President said. 

    Leadership recognition 

    The President also singled out Professor Mike Sathekge, who heads the Nuclear Medicine Unit, for his outstanding leadership and global recognition.

    “Let’s give Professor Sathekge a round of applause for being recognised globally as well. It isn’t often that you meet a guy who is black, who is from Limpopo, who is recognised in the way that he is,” the President said. 

    Innovation 

    He expressed admiration for the hospital’s homegrown innovation, highlighting the cardiology department, which has developed sophisticated medical equipment showcasing South Africa’s engineering and scientific capabilities.

    He also lavished praise on Professor Andrew Sarkin who is an academic and clinical head at University of Pretoria and the hospital.
    “The diversity of the talent that we have from various parts of our country makes this facility, this hospital, what it is. 

    “I also applaud Professor Sarkin and his staff for the excellent work that they do. In here resides the talent, the engineering knowledge, and capability to be able to produce some of the best technologies that the medical world has ever seen. I really applaud the cardiology department,” he said. 

    Upholding high standards

    The President further praised the hospital’s cleanliness and organisation, crediting management and support staff for upholding high standards.

    He called for the Steve Biko Academic Hospital model to be replicated across the country.

    “This is how a hospital should be run. This is how a hospital should be managed. And this is what the NHI must look like,” he said.
    The President’s visit to Steve Biko Academic Hospital served not only to showcase a leading healthcare institution, but also to reaffirm government’s commitment to building a future where all South Africans have access to high-quality public healthcare. – SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Gorky Park, the GES-2 Culture Center, and VDNKh: the Get to Know Moscow portal has a selection of favorite places for Moscow youth

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    On the eve of Youth Day in Russia, the portal “Learn Moscow” and the project participants “Youth of Moscow” compiled a selection of favorite places of the capital’s youth. It included Gorky Park, VDNKh, the GES-2 Culture House, the multi-format space “Youth of Moscow” and other sites. You can view the selection and read interesting facts about each place at website.

    “This rating is based on the real preferences of young Muscovites – aged 18 to 35. Together with the “Youth of Moscow” project, we found out where people most often go for the atmosphere, communication and new impressions. Initially, the list included about 50 places – from parks and cultural centers to historical corners of the city. After analysis, we selected 10 most popular locations. The result is a selection of places that are especially loved by young people. Both Muscovites and those who are just getting to know the capital will be able to find something interesting for themselves,” the press service of the city said.

    Department of Information Technology.

    More than 200 people took part in the survey — students, active participants of the project “Youth of Moscow”. Each of them was asked to tell about the places where they especially like to walk in company, where they most often go for solitude, about what spaces are associated with study, what is important when choosing a place to relax in Moscow and what kind of leisure is closer to them.

    The selection of favorite venues of the capital’s youth opens with Gorky Park – one of the symbols of Moscow, a popular recreation area and a unique complex that unites the architecture of different eras on its territory. It opened in 1928 and became the world’s first park of a new type, which combined the functions of a space for leisure, sports and cultural events. Almost 30 years later, in 1957, it hosted participants of the VI World Festival of Youth and Students from 131 countries. Today, Gorky Park hosts large-scale city events, festivals, exhibitions and concerts, attracting millions of Muscovites and tourists. This place is often mentioned by lovers of walking and cycling.

    The selection also includes VDNKh. This place is especially popular with those who prefer to relax in the fresh air. In 1935, the All-Union Agricultural Exhibition began to grow on the territory of the city suburbs, the main goal of which was to demonstrate not only the accomplished successes of various branches of the economy, but also to show the prospects of the bright future of all Soviet citizens planned by the government. Over the decades of its existence, the exhibition changed its appearance, name, and purpose. Now it is a complex with an area of 325 hectares with historical pavilions, arches, museums, ponds, parks, alleys, fountains, flower beds and sculptures.

    In addition, the selection included the GES-2 Culture Center. Many respondents called it one of the most memorable places they had visited recently. The central electric station of the city tram (GES-2) is a unique example of industrial architecture of the early 20th century, transformed into a modern cultural space. The station was conceived as a real industrial giant of its time with a design capacity of at least 15 thousand kilowatts, designed to provide energy to city trams. Its architectural appearance combined industrial style and motifs of ancient Russian architecture, and the hallmark of the building was a tent-shaped tower with a clock. The station operated for 100 years until it was decommissioned in 2006 due to equipment wear and tear.

    In 2015, restoration work began on the building. Specialists returned it to its original appearance and simultaneously improved the territory. This project has become the world’s largest example of transforming an industrial facility into a cultural space in recent years. The new space combines exhibition halls, a library, a cinema and a concert hall, workshops, studios and artist residences, shops, a restaurant and a café, a playground and auditoriums for public events.

    Another popular place is the multi-format space “Youth of Moscow”. It was created as part of the city project of the same name. Here you can book a coworking space, a media studio, halls for events, training sessions and other areas for free. This is the place that most respondents associate with youth.

    The “Youth of Moscow” project started five years ago, and during this time the team has organized more than five thousand events – from career forums and competitions to creative festivals and educational programs. Many of them help city residents find employment and start their own business. More than three thousand initiatives of young Muscovites in various fields received support from the project.

    The selection of favorite places of young Muscovites also included Zaryadye Park, Kitay-gorod, Arbat, Vorobyovy Gory, Chistye Prudy and Khodynskoye Pole Park.

    “Get to Know Moscow”— a joint project of departments information technology, cultures, cultural heritage, education and science. The interactive guide contains, for example, photographs and descriptions of over 3,500 buildings, monuments, historical sites, over 290 walking routes and information about over 320 historical figures. Users also have access to a mobile application “Get to Know Moscow”.

    You can learn more about why microchips are being put on books in city libraries, how to walk around the capital with a personal tour guide, or plan a trip around the city and country in a couple of clicks from the final episode of the popular science film “Moscow in Digital”.

    Moscow is a city of youth. The capital offers wide opportunities for its development, creative self-expression, comfortable life and interesting leisure. The corresponding infrastructure is being created here, thousands of events of different scale and focus are held.

    In honor of the upcoming Youth Day, themed events will be held at more than 250 city venues. The flagship event will be the festival, which will take place on June 28 and 29 at Bolotnaya Square. You can find more detailed information and a map with all city events on the portal “Youth of Moscow”.

    The creation, development and operation of the e-government infrastructure, including the provision of mass socially significant services, as well as other services in electronic form, correspond to the objectives of the national project “Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State” and the regional project of the city of Moscow “Digital Public Administration”.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155793073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Semen allergies may be surprisingly common – here’s what you need to know

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Michael Carroll, Reader / Associate Professor in Reproductive Science, Manchester Metropolitan University

    Yuriy Maksymiv/Shutterstock

    Imagine itching, burning, swelling, or even struggling to breathe just moments after sex. For a small but growing number of women, that’s not an awkward anecdote – it’s a medical condition. It’s called seminal plasma hypersensitivity (SPH) – an allergy to semen.

    This rare but underdiagnosed allergy isn’t triggered by sperm cells, but by proteins in the seminal plasma — the fluid that carries sperm. First documented in 1967, when a woman was hospitalised after a “violent allergic reaction” to sex, SPH is now recognised as a type 1 hypersensitivity, the same category as hay fever, peanut allergy and cat dander.

    Symptoms range from mild to severe. Some women experience local reactions: burning, itching, redness and swelling of the vulva or vagina. Others develop full-body symptoms: hives, wheezing, dizziness, runny nose and even anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening immune response.

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

    Until 1997, SPH was thought to affect fewer than 100 women globally. But a study led by allergist Jonathan Bernstein found that among women reporting postcoital symptoms, nearly 12% could be classified as having probable SPH.

    I conducted a small, unpublished survey in 2013 and found a similar 12% rate. The true figure may be higher still. Many cases go unreported, misdiagnosed, or dismissed as STIs, yeast infections, or general “sensitivity”. One revealing clue: symptoms disappear when condoms are used.

    A 2024 study reinforced this finding, suggesting that SPH is both more common and more commonly misdiagnosed than previously believed.

    The problem isn’t the sperm

    The main allergen appears to be prostate-specific antigen (PSA): a protein found in all seminal plasma, not just that of a particular partner. In other words, women can develop a reaction to any man’s semen, not just their regular partner’s.

    There’s also evidence of cross-reactivity. For example, Can f 5, a protein found in dog dander, is structurally similar to human PSA. So women allergic to dogs may find themselves reacting to semen too. In one unusual case, a woman with a Brazil nut allergy broke out in hives after sex, probably due to trace nut proteins in her partner’s semen.

    Diagnosis begins with a detailed sexual and medical history, often followed by skin prick testing with the partner’s semen or blood tests for PSA-specific antibodies (IgE).

    In my own research involving symptomatic women, we demonstrated that testing with washed spermatozoa, free from seminal plasma, can help confirm that the allergic trigger is not the sperm cells themselves, but proteins in the seminal fluid.

    And it’s not just women. It’s possible some men may be allergic to their own semen.

    This condition, known as post-orgasmic illness syndrome (POIS), causes flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue, brain fog and muscle aches, immediately after ejaculation. It’s believed to be an autoimmune or allergic reaction. Diagnosis is tricky, but skin testing with a man’s own semen can yield a positive reaction.

    What about fertility?

    Seminal plasma hypersensitivity doesn’t cause infertility directly, but it can complicate conception. Avoiding the allergen – usually the most effective treatment for allergies – isn’t feasible for couples trying to conceive.

    Treatments include prophylactic antihistamines (antihistamine medications taken in advance of anticipated exposure to an allergen, or before allergy symptoms are expected to appear to prevent or reduce the severity of allergic reactions), anti-inflammatories and desensitisation using diluted seminal plasma. In more severe cases, couples may choose IVF with washed sperm, bypassing the allergic trigger altogether.

    It’s important to note: SPH is not a form of infertility. Many women with SPH have conceived successfully – some naturally, others with medical support.

    So why don’t more people know about this?

    Because sex-related symptoms often go unspoken. Embarrassment, stigma and a lack of awareness among doctors mean that many women suffer in silence. In Bernstein’s 1997 study, almost half of the women who had symptoms after sex had never been checked for SPH, and many had spent years being misdiagnosed and getting the wrong treatment.

    If sex routinely leaves you itchy, sore or unwell – and condoms help – you might be allergic to semen.

    It’s time to bring this hidden condition out of the shadows and into the consultation room.

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

    – ref. Semen allergies may be surprisingly common – here’s what you need to know – https://theconversation.com/semen-allergies-may-be-surprisingly-common-heres-what-you-need-to-know-259308

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: GCA survey shows continued improved treatment of grocery suppliers

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    GCA survey shows continued improved treatment of grocery suppliers

    Read about the GCA 2025 Groceries Sector Survey results.

    Grocery suppliers to the 14 designated large retailers experienced fewer Code issues and improved treatment by the retailers for the second year running, the 12th GCA survey reveals today [25 June 2025].

    The number of suppliers reporting that they faced a Code issue fell from 33% in 2024 to 30% in 2025.

    The survey also showed an improvement in Code compliance across the retailers. Average perceived Code compliance rose from 91% in 2024 to 93% in 2025. This was largely driven by improvements at the 5 retailers with the lowest perceived Code compliance in 2024.

    There has been improved performance against issues prioritised by the GCA:

    • 17% of suppliers said they had experienced inadequate processes and procedures in place to enable invoice discrepancies to be resolved promptly, compared to 21% of suppliers in 2024.
    • 11% of suppliers highlighted delays in payments, compared to 14% of suppliers in 2024.

    Mark White, the Adjudicator, said:

    I’m pleased that average Code compliance has continued to improve across the sector and it’s particularly encouraging that the lowest 5 performing retailers have improved perceptions of their overall compliance with the Groceries Code.

    I will speak to each retailer about suppliers’ views, and I expect them to review their individual survey results and make changes in response to issues impacting suppliers.

    When I raise issues with retailers, I do so in a way that protects suppliers’ confidentiality and not reveal which suppliers I’ve spoken to or even what products they supply.

    Compliance performance

    Overall compliance scores across the retailers ranged from 98% to 66%, with an average compliance across all 14 retailers of 93% compared to 91% in 2024.

    Perceptions of 8 retailers’ Code compliance improved by a percentage or more (when rounded to whole percentages), including the 5 retailers with the lowest perceived compliance in 2024.

    Waitrose had the highest perceived Code compliance at 98%.

    Next steps

    The GCA will work with the retailers on their plans to address the issues raised by their suppliers in the survey.

    YouGov will undertake a series of deep-dive interviews with suppliers on the GCA’s behalf. The results will provide deeper insights into suppliers’ experiences supplying the retailers and will be shared at the GCA’s 2025 annual conference on 30 September 2025. Details of the conference will be published on the GCA website.

    Further information

    The 2025 GCA annual survey was open between 13 January and 23 February.

    An information pack (PDF, 253 KB, 6 pages) with a breakdown of the results is available.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Strengthened oversight of Oranga Tamariki system

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Legislation strengthening independent monitoring and oversight of the children’s system will help better protect young New Zealanders.

    The Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Legislation passed its third reading in Parliament tonight and also gives visibility to the advocacy role of a single Children’s Commissioner. 

    “By returning to a single Children’s Commissioner, the Bill also makes it crystal clear to children and young people who their advocate is.

    “These changes intend to build public trust in independent monitoring and advocacy and improve governance of the oversight of the children’s system by clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the agencies that oversee it.” Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says.

    The Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Legislation Amendment Bill amends the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act 2022 and Children and Young People’s Commission Act 2022, specifically to transition:

    • the Monitor from a departmental agency to an independent Crown entity with a small multi-member board; and
    • the Children and Young People’s Commission from an independent Crown entity led by a multi-member board to an independent Crown entity led by a single Children’s Commissioner.

    “This Bill fulfils a commitment from the ACT-National Coalition agreement and responds to feedback on previous reforms to the oversight of the children’s system in 2022. There is significant public support to strengthen the oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, and these changes will contribute to that,” Louise Upston says.

    “The changes will take effect from 1 August 2025, making it clear to children, young people and their families that the Monitor is independent and separate from government, and that the Children’s Commissioner will advocate effectively for all children and young people.”

    The Monitor’s current Chief Executive, Arran Jones, will remain in his role from 1 August 2025 to 31 July 2026 to oversee and support the organisation’s transition.

    Current Chief Commissioner of the Children and Young People’s Commission Board, Dr Claire Achmad, also will continue in her role for one year from 1 August 2025. 

    “Dr Achmad is a respected voice for children and young people. I am confident that she will ensure the interests and concerns of children and young people will continue to be heard in this role,” Louise Upston says.

    “During the Committee stage, an important addition to the Bill was made to strengthen accountability for agencies that are the subject of specific reports by the Monitor, by requiring additional reporting measures.

    “This additional reporting will give Ministers the ability to take decisive action earlier to ensure relevant agencies are improving compliance and enhancing the wellbeing of children and young people in care.”

    Notes to editors: 

    • Under the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act 2022, the Oranga Tamariki system includes several government agencies and their contracted partners that are responsible for providing services or support to children, young people, and their families and whānau.
    • This includes Oranga Tamariki – Ministry for Children, Police, the Ministries of Health, Social Development, Education, and Justice, and the Department of Corrections.
    • The Children and Young People’s Commission Act 2022 established the Children and Young People’s Commission, equipping it with the functions, duties, and powers to protect and advocate for the interests and wellbeing of all children under 18 years old and young people over 18 and under 25 years old who are in care or have been in care or custody.
    • The Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act 2022 established the Independent Children’s Monitor as the monitoring agency of the Oranga Tamariki system and appointed the Ombudsman to investigate issues and handle complaints that relate to services of support delivered by Oranga Tamariki or other care and/or custody providers.
    • The Bill does not propose any changes to the roles and responsibilities of the Independent Children’s Monitor, the Children’s Commissioner, or the Ombudsman (in relation to complaints that relate to the Oranga Tamariki system).
    • The cost of implementing these changes will be met by reallocating existing funding.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Investing amid High Debt, Low Growth

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    Investing amid High Debt, Low Growth

    Global public debt stands at around 94% of GDP, constraining governments’ ability to fund critical growth-promoting investment in infrastructure, education and technology.

    How can innovative financing, alongside global trade and investment strategies, mobilize resources to meet development goals?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahmm4UuFais

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Opposition starts on challenge of crafting (yet another) energy policy

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    The opposition is commencing the challenging task of framing a new energy policy, including deciding whether to stick by its commitment to net zero emissions by 2050.

    Liberal leader Sussan Ley, appearing at the National Press Club, announced a Coalition working group on energy and emissions reduction policy. It will report to her and Nationals leader David Littleproud.

    Led by energy spokesman Dan Tehan, the group will include shadow treasurer Ted O’Brien, resources spokeswoman Susan McDonald, industry spokesman Alex Hawke, environment spokeswoman Angie Bell and shadow assistant ministers Dean Smith and Andrew Willcox.

    The work comes against the background of a significant number of the Nationals and some Liberals wanting to drop the commitment to 2050 net zero. The Coalition signed up to net zero under then Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

    Ley said over the course of the term the Coaltion’s task would be to develop a plan with two goals

    • a stable energy grid producing affordable and reliable power for households and businesses, and

    • reducing emissions so Australia was playing its part in the global effort.

    “Our approach must be practical and principled as we address both these goals,” she said.

    Ley said every member of both Coalition parties would have the opportunity to engage with the work.

    She said crippling power price increases had been taking small businesses and factories to the brink.

    The opposition this week is having meetings of its frontbenchers and party room, as it ponders on the election disaster. Ley declared bluntly in her speech that the Liberals didn’t just lose – they were “totally smashed”.

    The Liberal party has already set up a review of the election defeat but Ley said more was needed.

    “This is why our federal executive will soon discuss a more broad-ranging and wider review process of the fundamentals of the Liberal party.

    “I believe there is a need for the party as a whole to have a deeper look at the existential issues we face, how our divisional constitutions operate and how we can better serve, support and most importantly grow our membership.

    “This will not be an academic exercise. My parliamentary team and I will stay in close touch with out state and territory divisions to ensure success in this important area.”

    Queensland Liberal senator James McGrath “will play an integral role in bringing this longer term body of work together”.

    “It will be a crucial part of our efforts to better respect, reflect and represent modern Australia.”

    Ley stressed she was highly committed to getting more women into the Liberal ranks, without being wedded to a particular way of doing it.

    “I’m agnostic on specific methods to make it happen, but I am a zealot that it does actually happen.

    “Current approaches have clearly not worked, so I am open to any approach that will.

    “The Liberal Party operates as a federated model, meaning each state division determines its own preselection rules.

    “If some state divisions choose to implement quotas, that is fine. If others don’t, that is also fine.

    “But what is not fine is not having enough women.

    “As the first woman leader of our federal party, let me send the clearest possible message: we need to do better, recruit better, retain better and support better.

    “That is why I will work with every division, as will my parliamentary team, to ensure we preselect more women for the 2028 election.”

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

    – ref. Opposition starts on challenge of crafting (yet another) energy policy – https://theconversation.com/opposition-starts-on-challenge-of-crafting-yet-another-energy-policy-259683

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • China, Taiwan clash over history, Beijing says can’t ‘invade’ what is already Chinese territory

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    China and Taiwan clashed over their competing interpretations of history in an escalating war of words over what Beijing views as provocations from Taiwan’s government, and said it is impossible to “invade” what is already Chinese land.

    China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and has stepped up military and political pressure over the past five years. China has an especial dislike of Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, calling him a “separatist”.

    Lai has since Sunday given two speeches in what will be a series of 10 on “uniting the country”, saying that Taiwan is “of course a country” and China has no legal or historical right to claim it.

    Speaking on Wednesday at a regular news briefing in Beijing, Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian said any “independence provocations” from Lai and his administration will face “resolute countermeasures”.

    “Though the two sides of the Taiwan Strait have not yet been fully reunified, the historical and legal fact that compatriots on both sides belong to one China and that both sides’ compatriots are Chinese has never changed,” she said.

    Tensions between China and Taiwan, including several rounds of Chinese war games, have raised the possibility Beijing may one day make good on threats to take Taiwan by force which could ignite a regional war.

    China’s last war games were in April, and its air force and navy operate around Taiwan on a daily basis, sometimes using dozens of warplanes, according to the island’s defence ministry.

    Asked about U.S. comments on Chinese drills strengthening preparations for an attack, Zhu corrected the reporter.

    “Taiwan is a part of China; there is no invasion to speak of,” she said.

    Lai takes a different view on Taiwan’s status and future.

    In a speech late on Tuesday, he said Taiwan’s future can only be decided by its people, democratically, not by a decision by any party or president, and that “Taiwan independence” refers to the island not being a part of the People’s Republic of China.

    The defeated Republic of China, founded after the 1911 revolution that brought down the last emperor, fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war to Mao Zedong’s communists, and that remains the island’s formal name.

    “How old is the Republic of China? It’s 113 years old, and will be 114 years old this year. The People’s Republic of China? It’s only some 70 years old, right? It’s simple and clear,” Lai said.

    This year’s 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two is another sensitive topic, and China has invited old soldiers who fought for the Republic of China to a military parade in Beijing in early September.

    Taiwan does not want them to attend, and on Wednesday its defence minister, Wellington Koo, said Beijing was trying to distort history.

    “The war of resistance was led and won by the Republic of China, not the People’s Republic of China – this is without a doubt,” he told reporters at parliament.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai leads industrial listening tours to New Taipei Industrial Park, embodying the spirit of Taiwan to achieve a new economic miracle.

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    President Lai Ching-Te led a delegation, including Presidential Secretary-General Pan Men-An, Presidential Office Spokesperson Kuo Ya-Hui, Executive Yuan Secretary-General Kung Ming-Hsin, Minister of Economic Affairs Ku Jyh-Huei, and the administrative team, on an “Industrial Listening Tour” at New Taipei Industrial Park on May 2. The delegation engaged in in-depth exchanges with important representatives from the region’s electronics, textile, medical equipment, HVAC, and defense industries.
    On April 3, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he would impose a 32% reciprocal tariff on Taiwan. President Lai immediately convened industry representatives to his official residence on April 5 to listen to their concerns and officially announced the government’s response measures to the public on the afternoon of April 6, which specifically demonstrated the government’s determination to overcome difficulties with the industry. In the face of US tariff policy, the government has launched the first round of negotiations and continues to negotiate based on the three principles of ensuring national interests, maintaining Taiwan’s industrial development space, and protecting Taiwan’s industrial ecosystem.
    To respond to industry concerns, President Lai and Premier Cho have conducted nearly 20 listening tours. The Executive Yuan has approved a special bill allocating NT$410 billion, including NT$93 billion to support impacted industries and NT$100 billion to subsidize Taiwan Power Company for stable electricity supply, easing operational burdens on business.
    At the forum, New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-Ih and Legislators Su Chiao-Hui, Wu Ping-Jui, Lin Shu-Fen, Lee Kuen-Cheng and Hung Mong-Kai attended to show their support for local industries. Industry representatives raised concerns such as ensuring a stable electricity supply, promoting the integration of SMEs into the semiconductor supply chain, shortening medical device review processes, and implementing ESCO energy-saving technologies for net-zero transformation. President Lai responded that deep energy-saving through ESCOs not only improves energy efficiency but also qualifies for tax credits of equipment investment. Minister Kuo noted that the ministry has budgeted for deep energy-saving projects that offer financial incentives based on actual savings, potentially reducing business power costs by 8-12%. Secretary-General Kung added that the government’s A+ Program encourages innovative R&D and allows companies to hire full-time professionals to support their projects.
    President Lai pointed out that according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecast, amid the turbulent international economic situation, the economic growth rate of most countries has declined, but Taiwan has increased its forecast from 2.7% to 2.9%, demonstrating the international community’s high recognition of Taiwan’s economic prospects and the high resilience of Taiwan’s industries. He highlighted that Taiwan has consistently grown stronger through adversity –this is the spirit of Taiwan and the hallmark of its industries.
    In conclusion, the President reaffirmed that the government will adhere to the principle of “Speed and order in balance” to advance negotiations in the face of Trump’s tariff policy. It should not only focus on speed but also ensure the overall interests of the country and promote the three major industrial strategies for the future development of Taiwan’s industries, including:
    1. Foresight and sustainability through smart innovation;
    2. Competing in space and exploring the oceans;
    3. Rooted in Taiwan, expanding globally, strengthening ties with the U.S., and promoting Taiwan to the world.
    The government is committed to driving industrial AI adoption, advancing marine industry development, transitioning to diverse green energy sources reinforcing power system resilience, and pursuing regional economic integration through bilateral investment agreements with democratic partners. With the enduring spirit of Taiwan, we are fully capable of building a resilient economy and achieving a new economic miracle together.

    Spokesman: Mr. Liu Chi-Chuan (Deputy Director General, BIP)
    Contact Number: 886-7-3613349, 0911363680
    Email: lcc12@bip.gov.tw

    Contact Person: Liang, You-Wen (Director of Taipei Branch, BIP)
    Contact Number: 886-2-2655-8527, 0963163008
    Email: yuwen818@bip.gov.tw

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Expressions of interest open to deliver new city police station and police headquarters

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services



    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 25/06/2025

    The ACT Government is progressing critical infrastructure planning to ensure ACT Policing can continue to meet the needs of our growing city and keep our community safe.

    A Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI) will be issued by Infrastructure Canberra (iCBR) this week for third parties interested in providing property options and solutions to replace City Police Station and Winchester Headquarters.

    Over $3.8 million has been allocated to plan the new infrastructure.

    It is intended that both new facilities will be situated in the city precinct to ensure strong functional links to ACT Courts, ACT Government buildings and the Australian Federal Police.

    iCBR has identified suppliers within the target area and will release invitations to submit an expression of interest to them this week.

    Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Dr Marisa Paterson said the new facilities will support ACT Policing service levels, operational efficiency and business continuity, ensuring Canberrans have appropriate access to policing services when needed.

    “It is the ACT Government’s priority to deliver modern facilities that support ACT Policing to meet the needs of our growing city and keep the community safe,” Dr Paterson said.

    “This is an important step forward, and we look forward to seeing innovative proposals through the EOI process that will help shape the future of policing infrastructure in Canberra.”

    Chief Police Officer for the ACT, Deputy Commissioner Scott Lee said he appreciates the positive progress being made and the significant investment by the ACT Government on critical infrastructure for ACT Policing.

    “The approach to market is a significant milestone to consider options to ensure that ACT Policing has a modern, fit for purpose headquarters facility and City Police Station that enables us to meet the needs of the Canberra community well into the future” said Chief Police Officer Lee.

    “These buildings will have modern workspaces to support the health and wellbeing of our people, combined with specialist facilities that enable best practice support to victims and responses to crime. They will support our dedicated workforce as they strive to keep the community safe.”

    – Statement ends –

    Marisa Paterson, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The project of a residential building under the renovation program on Dolgoprudnaya Street has been approved

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Another building will be built in Dmitrovsky District under the renovation program. The building will be erected at the address: Dolgoprudnaya Street, land plot No. 6/1. The project for the new building has already been approved. This was reported by the Chairman of the Moscow City Committee for Pricing Policy in Construction and State Expertise of Projects (Moskomexpertiza) Ivan Shcherbakov.

    “A new residential building will appear in Dmitrovsky District under the renovation program. According to the project, a three-section building will be erected on Dolgoprudnaya Street. It will have 182 apartments,” said Ivan Shcherbakov.

    The new building will comply with the principles of a barrier-free environment, and some apartments are designed taking into account the needs of people with limited mobility. Each section will have two elevators. The first floor will house public spaces with separate entrances from the street. An information center for resettlement will also open there. Between them, there will be entrance groups to the residential part with vestibules, elevator halls, pram rooms, and concierge rooms.

    The adjacent territory will be landscaped and greened. In addition, a sports and children’s playground will be built, as well as recreation areas.

    Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin said that the renovation program included 131 more sites for the construction of houses.

    The renovation program was approved in August 2017. It concerns about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses. Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin ordered to increase the pace of implementation of the renovation program in twice.

    Moscow is one of the leaders among regions in terms of construction volumes. High rates of housing construction correspond to the goals and initiatives of the national project “Infrastructure for life”.

    Get the latest news quickly official telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155787073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China conducts 300B yuan MLF operation to inject liquidity

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

    China’s central bank on Wednesday conducted a 300-billion-yuan (about 41.86 billion U.S. dollars) medium-term lending facility (MLF) operation as it seeks to maintain ample liquidity in the banking system.

    The one-year operation was carried out via fixed quantity and interest rate bidding, according to the People’s Bank of China (PBOC).

    With 182 billion yuan of MLF funds maturing this month, the net injection via MLF alone stood at 118 billion yuan in June.

    Earlier this month, the PBOC also conducted two outright reverse repo operations, injecting a combined net 200 billion yuan. This brings the total net medium-term liquidity injection for June to 318 billion yuan.

    Analysts have noted that with government bond issuance accelerating, sustained liquidity support plays a key role in easing funding volatility and anchoring market expectations. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China confident in, capable of maintaining rapid economic growth

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

    China is confident in and capable of maintaining rapid economic growth, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Wednesday.

    Li made the remarks when addressing the opening of the 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, in north China’s Tianjin Municipality.

    “Over the years, no matter how the international environment has changed, China’s economy has consistently maintained a good momentum,” Li said.

    He noted that China’s gross domestic product grew by 5.4 percent in the first quarter of 2025 despite facing significantly heightened external shocks this year. “Key economic indicators continued to improve in the second quarter, and I noticed that international institutions have recently raised their expectations for China’s economic growth,” he said.

    “China’s economic development is not about short-term spurts, but sustained progress toward long-term goals,” Li added.

    He also noted that China is moving toward becoming a high-income country as a whole, driven by strong demand for consumption upgrades in the world’s second-largest consumer and import market.

    China is striving to develop itself into a super-sized consumption powerhouse on the solid foundation of a manufacturing powerhouse, the Chinese premier said.

    Li noted that China’s sustained breakthroughs and advances in innovation will inject fresh vitality into global development, helping overcome sluggish economic growth worldwide.

    During the ongoing Summer Davos, World Economic Forum President Borge Brende shared an optimistic outlook on China’s economic prospects.

    “I’m relatively optimistic for the Chinese economy, both in the medium-term and long-term. China has diversified already, but also, China is pivoting from manufacturing of goods to more services and digital trade. We are also seeing a lot of new technologies being applied. China is doing very well on artificial intelligence, on robotics,” he said.

    Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair also highlighted China’s remarkable story of transformation in recent decades, calling on countries to understand and stay engaged with China, rather than isolate it.

    As China continues to grow stronger in the coming decades, Blair emphasized the importance of deepening engagement, with a particular focus on people-to-people exchanges in addition to government and business cooperation.

    Themed “Entrepreneurship for a New Era,” the event, held from June 24 to 26, has attracted over 1,700 leading figures from more than 90 countries and regions to explore how entrepreneurship and emerging technologies can unlock more dynamic and resilient economies. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • Axiom 4: Astronauts from India, Poland, Hungary launched on first space station mission

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    NASA retiree turned private astronaut Peggy Whitson was launched on the fifth spaceflight of her career early on Wednesday, joined by crewmates from India, Poland and Hungary heading for their countries’ first visit to the International Space Station.

    The astronaut team lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, at about 2:30 a.m. EDT (0630 GMT; 12 Noon IST)), beginning the latest mission organized by Texas-based startup Axiom Space in partnership with Elon Musk’s rocket venture SpaceX.

    The four-member crew was carried aloft on a towering SpaceX launch vehicle consisting of a Crew Dragon capsule perched atop a two-stage Falcon 9 rocket.

    Live video showed the towering spacecraft streaking into the night sky over Florida’s Atlantic coast trailed by a brilliant yellowish plume of fiery exhaust.

    It marked the first Crew Dragon flight since Musk briefly threatened to decommission the spacecraft after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to cancel Musk’s government contracts in a high-profile political feud between the two men earlier this month.

    Axiom 4’s autonomously operated Crew Dragon was expected to reach the ISS after a flight of about 28 hours, then dock with the outpost as the two vehicles soar together in orbit some 250 miles (400 km) above Earth.

    If all goes according to plan, the Axiom 4 crew will be welcomed aboard the orbiting space laboratory Thursday morning by its seven current resident occupants – three astronauts from the U.S., one from Japan and three cosmonauts from Russia.

    Whitson, 65, and her three Axiom 4 crewmates – Shubhanshu Shukla, 39, of India, Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, 41, of Poland, and Tibor Kapu, 33, of Hungary – are slated to spend 14 days aboard the space station conducting microgravity research.

    The mission stands as the fourth such flight since 2022 arranged by Axiom as the Houston-headquartered company builds on its business of putting astronauts sponsored by private companies and foreign governments into Earth orbit.

    For India, Poland and Hungary, the launch marked a return to human spaceflight after more than 40 years and the first mission to send astronauts from each of those three countries to the International Space Station.

    The Axiom 4 participation of Shukla, an Indian air force pilot, is seen by India’s own space program as a kind of precursor to the debut crewed mission of its Gaganyaan orbital spacecraft, planned for 2027.

    The Axiom 4 crew is led by Whitson, who retired from NASA in 2018 after a pioneering career that included her tenure as the first woman to serve as the U.S. space agency’s chief astronaut. She also was the first woman to command an ISS expedition and the first to do so twice.

    Now a consultant and director of human spaceflight for Axiom, she has logged a career total of 675 days in space, a U.S. record, during three NASA missions and a fourth flight to space as commander of the Axiom 2 mission in 2023.

    The Axiom 4 mission was previously scheduled for liftoff on Tuesday before a forecast of unsuitable weather forced a 24-hour postponement.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI China: Forging win-win partnerships to invigorate global growth

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

    The global economy stands at a crossroads. The pressing question is whether it will slide further into the quagmire of protectionism and uncertainty, or whether all stakeholders can work together to reignite growth by forging win-win partnerships and practicing true multilateralism.

    For decades, free trade has created jobs, delivered affordable consumer goods, improved global welfare, and advanced economic globalization. Yet this trend is encountering a notable rise in trade barriers and trade fragmentation.

    At the 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in north China’s Tianjin Municipality, global leaders from government, business, academia and other fields are expected to offer valuable insights into how to address mounting challenges that drag down global growth. It is hoped that such discussions may help shape a resilient and sustainable future for the world.

    This year’s meeting, also known as the Summer Davos, focuses on five areas: outlook on China, investing in people and planet, new energy and materials, industries disrupted and deciphering the world economy.

    The global economy, which has been struggling to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, is confronted with a worsening growth predicament — due to the escalation of geopolitical conflicts and policy uncertainty.

    The World Bank’s latest Global Economic Prospects cut the 2025 global economic growth forecast to 2.3 percent, the slowest pace since 2008, apart from two years of outright global recession in 2009 and 2020, respectively.

    Against the backdrop of various headwinds and economic prospects, it is vital to leverage the role of entrepreneurship and innovation in unlocking new growth drivers and forging strong partnerships.

    The new round of sci-tech revolution, featuring intelligent, green and health technologies, has provided opportunities for cultivating new growth areas and new pathways for tackling challenges facing humanity. On Tuesday, the WEF unveiled top 10 emerging technologies of 2025, including collaborative sensing and generative watermarking, which are expected to achieve real-world impact within three to five years and address global challenges.

    The Summer Davos has become an important platform for promoting exchanges between China and the world — and enhancing practical cooperation. The event not only enables participants to share insights, but also provides an opportunity for businesses and investors to secure partnerships.

    This year’s meeting is seeing the highest number of registered participants in recent years, demonstrating the will of all parties in seeking to uphold economic globalization and free trade, as well as their positive attitude toward enhancing economic and trade exchanges and cooperation with China.

    China is committed to multilateralism and free trade. The world’s second-largest economy will continue to provide numerous opportunities for win-win cooperation as it advances modernization. Its technological progress in fields such as new energy and artificial intelligence and commitment to high-standard opening up highlight the dynamism and resilience of the Chinese economy, which is shifting to a growth model driven by consumption and innovation.

    Win-win cooperation and close collaboration are the right paths for exiting the global economic growth predicament and achieving shared development. Through the in-depth exchange of ideas, it is hoped that the 2025 Summer Davos will catalyze new partnerships, contribute innovative solutions to development challenges, and inject much needed stability and certainty into the world. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Autonomous driving innovation fuels AI reach worldwide

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

    This photo shows a Pony.ai robotaxi at a pick-up point in Nansha District of Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong Province, March 11, 2025. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

    On the outskirts of Beijing, a self-driving bus navigated effortlessly through traffic, demonstrating China’s rapidly advancing autonomous driving technology.

    Developed by UISEE, a Beijing-based unicorn, this solution is now expanding beyond Chinese capital’s streets and beginning to make its mark on the global robotaxi industry.

    These “AI drivers” have spread to countries like Singapore, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia and Qatar, penetrating industries including energy, heavy industry, pharmaceuticals and chemicals, said Wu Gansha, CEO of UISEE.

    The unmanned buses operate at over 20 airports worldwide, forming a fleet of more than 1,000 autonomous vehicles that have collectively covered 5.8 million kilometers.

    These busy shuttles reflect the rising influence of Chinese companies like UISEE in the autonomous driving sector, as they secure increasing numbers of international contracts thanks to their reliable and innovative technology.

    In addition to buses, UISEE’s diverse fleet includes unmanned retail vehicles, patrol cars, cleaning vehicles, towing tractors and heavy-duty trucks, varying in size and function.

    Equipped with the latest solid-state LiDAR, the autonomous cars achieve 360-degree, blind-spot-free vision, according to Wu. While Tesla relies mainly on vision-based technology, Chinese tech firms are rolling out a multi-sensor data-driven approach globally.

    GOING GLOBAL

    UISEE is not alone in this global push. Last month, Pony.ai, a Guangzhou-based robotaxi service provider, announced a strategic partnership with Dubai’s transport authority.

    Under the partnership, Pony.ai’s robotaxi fleet is scheduled to commence test operations in 2025, with plans to start fully autonomous commercial services in 2026 in Dubai.

    “This partnership is integral to our goal of transforming 25 percent of all journeys in the city into autonomous trips by 2030, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global leader in autonomous mobility and innovation,” said Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of Public Transport Agency at Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

    To date, Pony.ai, a partner of ride-hailing platform Uber, has obtained Robotaxi licenses in countries such as the United States, the Republic of Korea and Luxembourg.

    Last July, during the signing ceremony of the memorandum of understanding between Pony.ai and Luxembourg authorities, the country’s Minister of the Economy, Lex Delles, described the agreement as “a significant opportunity to advance Luxembourg’s technical capabilities in the smart mobility sector.”

    “We are extending our proven-in-China integrated capabilities of autonomous driving, encompassing R&D, mass production, and commercial operations, globally,” said Pony.ai’s CFO Wang Junhao.

    The UAE is emerging as one of the showcasing grounds for China’s self-driving technology.

    In April this year, WeRide announced its collaboration with Uber and the RTA to launch robotaxi services in Dubai. It came after the Guangzhou-based tech firm secured the first autonomous driving license for the UAE in July 2023. In December last year, WeRide partnered with Uber to officially introduce robotaxi services in Abu Dhabi.

    Also, Baidu’s Apollo Go has inked a deal with the RTA this March to launch autonomous driving tests and services in Dubai, marking its entry into the Middle East. It plans to deploy 100 fully autonomous vehicles in Dubai by the end of 2025 and scale the fleet to at least 1,000 by 2028.

    The global Robotaxi market will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 64.1 percent from 2025 to 2032, according to a market forecast released by Coherent MI early this year.

    TECHNOLOGICAL STRENGTHS

    The global expansion of Chinese autonomous driving companies is partly driven by the country’s “data dividend” and strong government support for developing a self-driving ecosystem.

    With the country’s advantage of a vast population, extensive road networks, diverse and complex driving conditions, and rapidly advancing AI technology, robotaxi startups in China have quickly grown into leading companies in the world.

    Baidu and WeRide were named among the top 10 vendors in the Guidehouse Insights Leaderboard Report on automated driving systems (ADS), published last December, alongside NVIDIA and Waymo.

    They are developing at least Level-4 ADS that can operate without human intervention or supervision, according to research.

    Plus, Chinese authorities have designated at least 20 cities and city clusters as pilot zones for the application of “vehicle-road-cloud” integration for intelligent connected vehicles.

    This extensive road test data has boosted international recognition of China’s robotaxi services.

    “One day, autonomous driving will liberate human hands, and we will endeavor to see ‘AI drivers’ cruising in every corner of the world,” said UISEE’s CEO Wu when he talked about his ambitious plan. 

    MIL OSI China News –