Category: Tourism

MIL-OSI Russia: Over the past five years, the Russpass service has been used more than 63 million times

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

In six months totourist service Russpass was accessed about 26 million times – almost three times more than in the same period of 2024. This was reported by Natalia Sergunina, Deputy Mayor of Moscow. The project has been running since July 20, 2020 and was created on the initiative of the Moscow Government. Today, it has collected about 57 thousand offers for travel around Russia, over a third of which relate to the capital.

On the platform you can find themed excursions and signature routes, buy tickets for a plane or other types of transport, as well as for major events or museums, book accommodation, and create a cultural and educational program for your trip.

“Over the past five years, Russpass has been used more than 63 million times. Since its launch, it has combined dozens of useful services — from a convenient travel planner to personalized selections based on artificial intelligence,” noted Natalia Sergunina.

About 22 thousand people have already received individual recommendations from the neural network on choosing hotels, museums, attractions and cultural venues.

The project presents over one thousand ready-made routes. They are dedicated to architecture, history, literature and other areas. For those who want to create their own route, there is a special service that will create a trip scenario for each day and tell you how to book tickets.

For entrepreneurs, there is a portal called “Russpass. Business”, where over 3.4 thousand tourism companies have already registered. For them, the platform has published a list of federal and city support measures, as well as a job exchange, a list of industry events, and a “Knowledge Base” section with materials about the capital’s hospitality industry.

You can find travel ideas, thematic selections and interviews with industry experts in the online publication “Russpass-magazine”. It already contains about four thousand articles.

Ruspass oversees the capital Tourism Committee together with the city Department of Information TechnologyThe service’s digital infrastructure formed the basis of the national portal “Travel.RF”.

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

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

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: An exhibition dedicated to the winners of the Moscow Masters competition opened at VDNKh

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

A new photo exhibition has opened at VDNKh near the northern rose garden. On the stands, residents and guests of the capital can see the faces of the winners of the Moscow Masters competition: the best builder, paramedic, metro train driver, pastry chef, museum worker-tour guide, veterinarian and many other specialists. The exhibition will be open to everyone until the end of the summer.

“The city competition of professional skills “Moscow Masters” traditionally unites the best representatives of various professions, demonstrating the highest level of their competence. The photo exhibition highlights the professional achievements of each of them. Many participants in the competition represent entire labor dynasties, where love for the profession is passed down through generations,” said

Ekaterina Dragunova, Chairman of the Committee for Public Relations and Youth Policy of the City of Moscow.

Viewers will see the craftsmen at their workplace: at a construction site or a subway station, in an ambulance, a hospital operating room, or in the driver’s cabin of an electric train.

One of the heroines of the photo exhibition, nurse Alena Sokolova, is captured in the corridors of the city clinical hospital named after V. M. Buyanov. But this year she had the opportunity to work in different places, including one of the hospitals in Kursk, where she helped her colleagues.

Alena Sokolova said that she made her choice of profession consciously. The work of a nurse has always been valued. According to her, standing in a surgical suit and holding instruments in her hands, she clearly understands that her profession is not just a job.

The winner in the nomination “Civil Engineering Work Manager” this year was a woman for the first time. Yulia Fedina has been in the profession for 20 years. When choosing her professional path, she followed the example of her father, a civil engineer, and never doubted her decision, although the profession is traditionally perceived as male.

Yulia Fedina shared that she loves her job for its creativity. She likes to build new facilities, especially social ones that children visit. Moscow is developing thanks to the efforts of many specialists, including builders. They make a professional contribution to the creation of a comfortable urban environment.

With the help of construction industry specialists, the city is growing, and its decoration and maintenance are carried out by green workers.

Landscaper Irina Khandak said that, walking in the parks of her beloved city, even when she was very young, she always paid attention to the natural beauty of the place, to those man-made tools that made this beauty even more expressive. This predetermined her choice of profession.

“Moscow Masters”: the best specialists in the tourism sector were named in the capital The winner of the Moscow Masters competition in the Youth Work Specialist category has been announced

“Moscow Masters” is an annual city competition for those who make the capital better every day. Rescuers and engineers, city public transport drivers, medical workers, specialists from socially oriented non-profit organizations and other representatives of in-demand specialties compete for the title of the best in their profession.

The competition is being held for the 28th time within the framework of the social partnership system between the Moscow Government, the Moscow Federation of Trade Unions and the Moscow Confederation of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (Employers) with the support of the capital Committee on Public Relations and Youth Policy.

Detailed information about the competition is published on the website “Moscow Masters” and in telegram channel.

The photo exhibition was organized by the Committee for Public Relations and Youth Policy of the City of Moscow.

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

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

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ5: Liquor duty

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is a question by Dr the Hon Kennedy Wong and a reply by the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, in the Legislative Council today (July 23):

Question:

     Since October last year, the Government has reduced the duty rate for liquor with import price over $200 from 100 per cent to 10 per cent for the portion above $200. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) whether it has compiled statistics on the changes in the value and volume of imports and re-exports of liquor to date after the reduction in the duty rate on liquor, and how such data compare with those prior to the reduction, together with a breakdown by type of liquor (e.g. Chinese baijiu, whisky and brandy);

(2) as the Government has indicated that the reduction in the duty rate on liquor aims to promote the development of Hong Kong into a trading hub for high-end liquor and boost the growth of various industries such as catering, hotel, logistics and warehousing, whether the Government has assessed if the policy has achieved the expected effects after its implementation; whether the Government will study a further reduction in the duty rate on liquor; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

(3) whether the Department of Health has, after the reduction in the duty rate on liquor, conducted a population health survey to compile statistics on the proportion of the population aged 15 or above who have consumed liquor; whether it will step up its efforts to publicise and educate the public about the health effects of alcohol, in order to prevent problems such as alcohol dependence, alcohol abuse and binge drinking; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

President,

     Having consulted the Health Bureau, the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) and the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED), the consolidated reply to the question raised by Dr the Hon Kennedy Wong is as follows:

     Currently, liquor duty in Hong Kong is levied on liquor for local sales or other uses, while liquor for export or re-export through Hong Kong to other regions is not subject to duty. As such, the liquor duty reduction has a more direct impact on liquor imported for local consumption, whereas the re-export trade of liquor is more influenced by macro factors such as global economic conditions and geopolitics.

     According to the statistics from the C&ED, during the 8.5-month period from the reduction of the duty rate on high-end liquor on October 16 last year to the end of June this year, both the volume (in litre) and value of duty-paid liquor import increased as compared with the 8.5-month period prior to the liquor duty reduction. Of these, the import volume of liquor rose by more than 20 per cent, while its value went up significantly by nearly 90 per cent, reflecting that the two-tier system introduced by the Government is effective in boosting high-end liquor trading. A comparison of the volume and value of duty-paid liquor before and after the reduction in liquor duty rate, as well as detailed statistics breakdown by type of liquor, is provided in Annex I for Members’ reference.

     On the other hand, as liquor duty is not levied on re-exported liquor, the C&ED does not maintain statistical data on the value of liquor re-export. The information provided by the C&SD is set out in Annex II.

     As the liquor duty reduction has only been implemented for a short period, its effectiveness in various aspects remains to be observed. Regarding the suggestion from some members of the trade that the Government should further reduce the duty on liquor, we would like to reiterate that the purpose of lowering liquor duty is to encourage the trade and auctions of high-end liquor in Hong Kong, thereby giving impetus to the development of other high value-added sectors such as logistics and storage, tourism as well as high-end food and beverage consumption. At the same time, we are also mindful of the need to avoid increasing liquor consumption among the public as a result of reducing liquor duty, thereby leading to other problems.

     When introducing the relevant measures, the Government has fully balanced different policy considerations such as promoting economic development, maintaining stable public finances and protecting public health. We will closely monitor the development of the liquor trade and review the effectiveness of the measures in a timely manner. Any further adjustments will require careful consideration of the impact on different aspects with prudent planning. The Government currently has no plan to further adjust the duty rate on liquor.

     In fact, the Government has been attaching great importance to the harms brought by alcohol, in particular alcohol dependence, alcohol abuse and binge drinking. In 2018, the Government launched the “Towards 2025: Strategy and Action Plan to Prevent and Control Non-communicable Diseases in Hong Kong”, setting out nine local targets, with “reduce harmful use of alcohol” being one of them, to be achieved by 2025. The Government will continue to adopt a risk-based approach to reduce alcohol-related harm through publicity, education, treatment and support services. Among which, the Department of Health (DH) has launched the Pilot Alcohol Cessation Counselling Service (Pilot Programme) through subvention to a non-governmental organisation. The Pilot Programme was launched on April 8, 2024, and will last for two years to provide free counselling service for Hong Kong residents identified to have probable alcohol dependence. The DH has also launched a publicity and education campaign named “Understanding Alcohol Harm” since 2022 to enhance the public’s understanding of the health risks associated with alcohol consumption; and provides online risk assessment of drinking behaviour, personalised health advice, self-help tools, health education resources, etc to encourage drinkers to change their drinking behaviour for the sake of their health.

     In addition, the DH conducts the Population Health Survey (PHS) approximately every five years with the Health Behaviour Survey conducted in between as regular surveillance to understand the health status of the Hong Kong population, including drinking behaviours. Figures relevant to drinking behaviours in past PHSs are set out in Annex III. The 2025/26 PHS is expected to commence in the third quarter this year with the findings to be available in end-2026, which would reflect the situation after the partial reduction of duty on liquor.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: New Bangladeshi High-Commissioner Presents Credentials to President Ramkalawan

Source: APO – Report:

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His Excellency Mr. Zokey Ahad, the newly appointed High Commissioner designate of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to the Republic of Seychelles, formally presented his letters of credence to President Wavel Ramkalawan during a ceremonial reception at State House this morning.

President Ramkalawan extended his congratulations to High Commissioner Ahad upon his appointment, acknowledging the enduring diplomatic partnership between Seychelles and Bangladesh that has flourished and strengthened over four decades of sustained collaboration.

On behalf of the Government and People of Seychelles, the Head of State conveyed the country’s deepest condolences and solidarity to the People and Government of Bangladesh following the tragic plane crash. “Our thoughts are with the bereaved families and all those affected during this difficult time. Seychelles stands with Bangladesh in this moment of sorrow.”

His Excellency Ahad expressed profound honour and appreciation for his new diplomatic role, conveying the warm felicitations and best wishes of His Excellency Mohammed Shahabuddin, President of Bangladesh, to the Government and people of the Republic of Seychelles.

Discussions between the two leaders centred on strengthening existing frameworks of cooperation across key strategic sectors, including agriculture, climate change mitigation, fisheries development, tourism, and marine security. Both dignitaries also explored innovative avenues for collaboration aimed at further enhancing the longstanding and robust bilateral partnership between the two island nations.

Addressing members of the press following the accreditation ceremony, High Commissioner Ahad underscored the unwavering commitment of both governments to deepening and diversifying their bilateral relationship across multiple sectors of mutual strategic interest and benefit.

The Republic of Seychelles and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh established formal diplomatic relations in February 1983, marking over four decades of sustained cooperation, friendship, and mutual understanding. His Excellency Mr. Zokey Ahad succeeds his distinguished predecessor, Her Excellency Rezina Ahmed, and will conduct his diplomatic mission from the High Commission’s regional headquarters in Port Louis, Mauritius.

Present for the ceremony were the Minster for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr Sylvestre Radegonde, Director General Bilateral Affairs, Ms Lindy Ernesta and Second Secretary, Mr Davis Mathiot.

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.

MIL OSI Africa –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Jamaica’s 17th-Century Port Royal Gains World Heritage Status

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Centre

On 12 July 2025, the World Heritage Committee inscribed The Archaeological Landscape of 17th Century Port Royal, Jamaica on the World Heritage List. This decision marks a key milestone for Jamaica and the wider English-speaking Caribbean, coming a decade after the inscription of the Blue and John Crow Mountains as the country’s first World Heritage site.

The Committee is one of the two governing bodies of the Convention concerning the Protection of the World’s Cultural and Natural Heritage. Comprising representatives from 21 States Parties, the Committee is tasked with implementing the Convention and, among other responsibilities, reviewing nominations for inscription on the World Heritage List.

With regard to cultural heritage, the Convention defines it as monuments, buildings, or sites of outstanding universal value—whether from a historical, artistic, or scientific perspective, or from an aesthetic, ethnological, or anthropological point of view. The World Heritage List includes properties recognized as part of either the cultural or natural heritage.

Port Royal, at the mouth of Kingston Harbor in Jamaica, was the most important English settlement in the Western Hemisphere. In four decades, it grew into a hub for regional and transatlantic trade, including the trade in goods and enslaved Africans. An earthquake submerged much of the town, but its remains still reflect a major colonial outpost.

The property is already protected under two national laws: the Jamaica National Heritage Trust Act of 1985 and the Natural Resources Conservation Authority Act of 1991. Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honorable Olivia Grange, expressed pride in the successful nomination of this unique terrestrial and submerged site.

Remarkably, 330 years on, it is a well-preserved site that captures life as it was lived at the time. The nomination allowed us to reveal the site’s attributes and showcase its global value, and this inscription supports our national efforts to preserve this heritage for all humanity.

In countries like Jamaica, where tourism accounts for nearly a quarter of the national GDP, World Heritage sites significantly enrich the tourism offering, attracting visitors and generating meaningful benefits. According to Yuri Peshkov, Head of the Culture Program at the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean, this potential has already been recognized.

The successful inscription of Port Royal on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List brings significant attention to the rich history and heritage of this remarkable part of Jamaica. We anticipate that this global recognition will also serve as a catalyst for sustainable development, education, and economic opportunities that directly benefit the local community.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: New Energy for Xinjiang’s Summer Economy

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

Football, kok-boru competitions… in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the integration of original sports events and cultural tourism has not only fueled tourists’ interest in sports, but also promoted the development of industries such as catering and agricultural production, bringing “summer energy” to Xinjiang’s economy.

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

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July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Cultural tourism consumption continues to grow during summer holidays

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

July this year marks the peak of summer travel. In light of this hot season, China’s tourist destinations have stepped up their cultural tourism activities.

This summer, hydrophilic tourism projects such as rafting and water games have been launched in a number of scenic spots in Chizhou City, Anhui Province, attracting a large number of tourists. Tourists feel the coolness of streams and shallows, and enjoy summer activities.

In Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, in addition to enjoying the unique natural scenery, tourists can also enjoy various types of travel such as expeditions and night tours.

In Dunhuang, Gansu Province, the Yueyaquan Lake and Mingsha Mountain Scenic Area hosts four open-air concerts every week. In addition, a night market has been opened there this year to enrich the tourism experience for tourists.

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

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July 23, 2025
WI vs AUS, 2nd T20I: Ruthless Aussies deny Russell a winning farewell

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

West Indies stalwart Andre Russell was denied a winning farewell after Josh Inglis and Cameron Green smashed unbeaten half-centuries to secure Australia’s eight-wicket victory in the second Twenty20 International on Tuesday.

Put into bat, West Indies managed 172-8 as opener Brandon King topscored with a breezy 51 and Russell smashed 36 off 15 balls in his final knock in international cricket.

Australia’s Inglis (78) and Green (56) then pulverised the West Indies attack in an unbroken 131-run partnership to complete the chase in 15.2 overs, putting the tourists 2-0 ahead in the five-match series.

West Indies did not help their own cause by spilling six catches.

“I’m very grateful to end my career here playing in front of my own crowd, family and friends,” Russell said.

“The result didn’t go my way, but at the end of the day, I’m happy, I’m grateful.

“I wish the boys all the very best, and I wish them luck moving forward,” added the 37-year-old two-time World Cup winner.

Australia sprang a surprise by asking Glenn Maxwell (12) to open the innings with skipper Mitchell Marsh (21) but the ploy did not pay off, both departing caught behind inside six overs.

However, Inglis smashed five sixes in an unbeaten 33-ball blitz, while Green’s second successive fifty of the series included four of them.

“I think I felt like I managed the tempo pretty well at times,” player of the match Inglis said.

“After probably being a bit lucky early being dropped, I felt like I managed those middle periods really well with Greeny.

“We sort of identified spin was going to be really tough to play on that wicket, so we sort of took our medicine there and went after the quicks.”

Australia, who won the preceding test series 3-0, can clinch the series with a third successive victory in Basseterre on Saturday.

-Reuters

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: More than practice: graduates of capital colleges showed their skills at a demonstration exam

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Demonstration exams have been completed in the capital’s colleges. This year, more than 25,000 graduates took part in the tests. As part of the certification, they demonstrated their skills in conditions as close as possible to real production. This was reported by the press service of the capital’s Department of Education and Science.

“The demonstration exam is conducted not only in college workshops and laboratories, but also at leading employers’ sites. Based on the results of the certification, graduates receive a digital competency passport – a document with scores for various indicators clearly shows the skills of young specialists and helps employers evaluate their training. In total, over 25 thousand students from Moscow colleges passed the demonstration exam this year, of which more than 15 thousand received excellent marks. The most successful received a job offer,” the department’s press service said.

Thus, graduates of the Moscow Transport College in the specialty “technical operation of rolling stock of railways” demonstrated their professional competencies at the Moscow Metro. During the exam, they performed operations on the technical maintenance of the current collector and safety valve of the electric train. The guys were faced with the task of identifying and replacing faulty elements, and most of them did an excellent job.

Students from the A.A. Nikolaev Moscow Automobile and Road College and the I.A. Likhachev Moscow Technological College were able to demonstrate their skills in updated laboratories and workshops. Future specialists diagnosed faults in the chassis, steering and braking systems, disassembled and assembled engines, eliminated faults in electrical equipment, and adjusted wheel alignment angles. Representatives of leading industry companies such as Rolf, Avtogermes, Setrans, Avtotrans, Favorit Motors, MASH, Haval Motor Manufacturing Rus, Severny Put, AMO and the Irbis Group of Companies acted as experts.

Students of the capital’s college will learn to repair cars using virtual technologies

Students of Polytechnic College No. 8 named after twice Hero of the Soviet Union I.F. Pavlov and Moscow State Educational Complex passed a demonstration exam at the site of practical training of Moscow colleges “Rudnevo”. Future electricians assembled signal analyzers, eliminated coded faults and adjusted equipment. Welders worked with carbon and alloy steel and made seams. Machine operators adjusted equipment, manufactured parts on it, checked the obtained accuracy and quality of products. Representatives of partner enterprises monitored the progress of the tasks: Moscow Machine-Building Plant “Avangard”, Moscow Design and Production Complex “Universal” named after A.I. Privalov, production complex “Salut” of JSC “United Engine Corporation” of Rostec.

Students of the College of Architecture, Design and Reengineering No. 26 demonstrated professional skills in the field of polymer composite manufacturing technology. Young craftsmen developed product drawings, compiled an operational map of the technological process and calculated the characteristics according to which they manufactured a compressed gas cylinder from basalt plastic.

The exam was held at the State Research Institute (RI) of Graphite-Based Structural Materials “NIIgrafit” of the state corporation “Rosatom”. As Deputy Director for Science and Innovations of this institute Artur Gareev noted, before the exam, students underwent intensive specialized training in the laboratories and workshops of the institute. According to him, the demonstration exam became an objective confirmation that graduates have all the necessary competencies to work with modern polymeric materials and technologies.

The Institute has been fruitfully cooperating with the College of Architecture, Design and Reengineering No. 26 for seven years, annually accepting up to 40 students for practical training in various specialties. The most talented and motivated students join the team of specialists. Today, graduates of this college successfully work in key divisions of the Research Institute, for example, in the testing center, the functional materials department and the technology department, and make a real contribution to the development of materials science and high-tech production.

Exhibition of professions: how open days are held at the College of Architecture, Design and Reengineering No. 26

At the updated culinary training ground, students of the Moscow educational complex “West” studying in the areas of “cooking and confectionery” and “cook, confectioner” took a demonstration exam. The guys prepared dishes using classic and modern technologies – from stewing and baking to tempering and working with a vacuum. Experts assessed compliance with sanitary standards, taste qualities, organization of the workplace and accuracy of recipes.

“Taking the demonstration exam was nerve-wracking, but incredibly valuable. After all, you work under the supervision of experts and must show results not just for a grade, but according to professional standards. This is a real simulation of the conditions of a professional kitchen. During the exam, I understood how important it is to organize the workplace and the logic of actions – everything that the masters taught. In college, I learned to work according to regulations, keep the pace, control the quality of products at each stage and observe safety precautions. Now I work in a restaurant as a hot shop cook and I can say: the demonstration exam was the final test of professionalism for me,” said Sofia Sitnikova, a graduate of the Moscow educational complex “West”.

Future tourism specialists from the College of Hospitality Industry and Management No. 23 confirmed their professional competencies at the Lotte Hotel Moscow. They met and accommodated guests, made work schedules, conducted business correspondence and developed communication templates with clients. Experts assessed politeness, literacy and understanding of the principles of hotel service.

This year, the number of budget places in Moscow colleges for ninth-graders in the capital has increased to a record 43 thousand. Applicants can choose from more than 150 professions and specialties in all sectors of the city’s economy.

Moscow ninth-graders who graduated from school this year will be able to submit applications until July 26. The application period for programs with entrance examinations has ended. Moscow ninth-graders of previous years, Moscow eleventh-graders, as well as out-of-town applicants will be able to submit applications until August 15, and for programs with entrance examinations – until August 10.

Applicants are allowed to choose five specialties at one educational institution at the same time or distribute them among several. Applications can be submitted electronically viamos.ru portal.

Detailed information about in-demand professions and specialties taught in the capital’s colleges is available on the website “Colleges of Moscow”, in the same names telegram channel and the community on the social network “VKontakte”.

Sharpening Your Skills. Teachers on How Internships Work in Moscow Colleges

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

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

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Prime Ministers of Belarus and Tanzania held talks on promising areas of cooperation

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

MINSK, July 23 /Xinhua/ — Belarusian Prime Minister Aleksandr Turchin and his Tanzanian counterpart Kassim Majaliwa Majaliwa held talks in Minsk on Tuesday to develop political and interdepartmental dialogue, and discussed ways to develop bilateral trade and cooperation in food security, BelTA reported.

During the meeting, A. Turchin noted that Belarus views Tanzania as an important partner in East Africa. “We see significant prospects for expanding cooperation in such areas as mechanical engineering, petrochemistry, medical, food and military-technical industries, tourism,” he noted and added that Belarus is ready to supply a wide range of quarry, road construction, municipal and fire-fighting equipment.

Also, according to A. Turchin, Belarus is open to expanding supplies of coffee, tea, nuts, cotton, fruits and other products from Tanzania, including for processing and sale on the market of the Eurasian Economic Union.

The Prime Minister of Tanzania noted that Belarusian business could consider opportunities for closer cooperation with the Tanzanian side in the agricultural sector. “The main focus should be on cooperation in the sphere of trade and economy,” he said.

Following the negotiations, a number of agreements were concluded, in particular memorandums on political consultations, on cooperation in agriculture and on interaction in the field of education. A memorandum of cooperation was also signed between the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Tanzania. –0–

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July 23, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Young Japanese voters embrace right-wing populist parties, leaving the prime minister on the brink

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Craig Mark, Adjunct Lecturer, Faculty of Economics, Hosei University

Japan’s ruling coalition suffered the widely expected loss of its majority in the July 20 election, as young voters shifted to the populist right. As a result, Shigeru Ishiba’s prime ministership now hangs in the balance.

The election was for half of the 248 members of the House of Councillors, the upper house of the National Diet, Japan’s parliament. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) secured 39 seats, and its minor coalition partner, the Komeito Party, just eight. This left it three seats short of the 50 required to maintain its majority, as populist opposition parties made dramatic gains.

The LDP is now confronted with minorities in both houses of the Diet for the first time in the party’s 70-year history. It is a huge decline from its postwar dominance of Japanese politics.

In a press conference on Monday, Ishiba said he would not resign, as the LDP remained the largest party in the upper house. He also insisted he needed to stay in office to complete negotiations with the Trump administration, which had threatened to continue harsh trade tariffs after August 1.

But Ishiba is facing calls from disgruntled LDP Diet members to step down. He had already led the LDP into minority government in last October’s election for the lower house of the Diet, the House of Representatives. He called the snap election in the wake of securing LDP leadership last September.

Read more:
Why did Japan’s new leader trigger snap elections only a week after taking office? And what happens next?

However, the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP) was not responsible for this latest defeat – it managed only to retain its 22 seats. Instead, the LDP and Komeito instead lost out to the two rising populist parties: the centre-right Democratic Party for the People (DPFP), which went from four to 17 seats, and the far-right Sanseito party, which made the most dramatic gains, from one to 14 seats.

Main opposition leader Yoshihiko Noda now needs to again consider whether to bring on a motion of no confidence in the Ishiba cabinet in the lower house. Last month, he backed away from doing so. Such a motion would likely succeed with the support of the other opposition parties, and immediately trigger a snap lower house election. But it would also be highly risky, as it could allow the two right-wing parties to again overshadow the main opposition.

The young shift to the right

Exit polls showed younger people voted in greater numbers for the two right-wing parties. Their dissatisfaction erupted against the political status quo that has long favoured older generations. Older Japanese remain the main supporters for the two major parties, as well as the smaller Komeito and the declining Japanese Communist Party.

Many voters were angry about declining wages, persistent inflation, and a growing tax burden to fund the straining pension and welfare system that disproportionately benefits the elderly.

The leaders of the two right-wing parties, 56-year-old Yuichiro Tamaki and 47-year-old Sohei Kamiya, more effectively used social media to exploit this electoral discontent and push their populist messages.

Sanseito emerged at the start of the COVID pandemic in March 2020. It promoted anti-vaccination conspiracy theories and xenophobia through its campaign slogan of “Japanese First”.

As more people have expressed frustration with Japan’s record tourist numbers, Sanseito and the smaller far-right Conservative Party of Japan sought to scapegoat the relatively small foreign resident population of waging a “silent invasion”.

This includes spreading false stories about them causing local crime waves, depressing wages, hiking real estate prices, and abusing welfare.

The number of foreign-born residents, mostly from other Asian countries, has steadily risen to 3.8 million to meet the demands of the shrinking labour force. However, it still only comprises about 3% of Japan’s (ageing and shrinking) population.

Despite running and electing a majority of female candidates, Sanseito has also attracted criticism for wanting to end gender equality so as to raise the birth rate. It also wants to remove democratic protections from the postwar constitution and return to an imperial form of government.

The success of the two right-wing parties, along with the nationalist neoliberal Japan Innovation Party, threatens to transform Japanese politics.

However, it remains to be seen whether they will be able to cooperate effectively in the Diet with other parties to enact their policy agenda. This includes cutting the consumption tax rate while boosting subsidies to support families and farmers, and restricting immigration.

Uncertainty reigns

The increased political uncertainty will raise concerns about Japan’s ability to continue its strategic reorientation. It has pledged to increase its defence spending to 2% of gross domestic product (GDP). It also wants to increase security cooperation with Europe, India and Australia.

The LDP’s Diet members will hold a full party meeting on July 31 to assess the election. If a majority of LDP members across both houses and representatives of the party’s prefectural chapters petition for a leadership ballot, they could mount a spill against Ishiba.

Ishiba now needs to continue to negotiate with opposition parties to pass legislation in both houses of the Diet. US President Donald Trump’s sudden announcement that a “massive” deal has been struck with Japan for a reciprocal tariff rate of 15% may yet give him a temporary political reprieve.

But as his post-election approval rating hits a record low 23%, his ailing premiership looks even more vulnerable.

Craig Mark 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. Young Japanese voters embrace right-wing populist parties, leaving the prime minister on the brink – https://theconversation.com/young-japanese-voters-embrace-right-wing-populist-parties-leaving-the-prime-minister-on-the-brink-261673

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Inbound tourism in Shanghai heats up in summer travel surge

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

Inbound tourism in Shanghai heats up in summer travel surge

Xinhua | July 23, 2025

Tourists Alfredo Cimmino (L) and Giulio Bartoli from Italy take a selfie with Shanghai Oriental Pearl Tower at the Bund area in Shanghai, east China, July 18, 2025. Thanks to China’s visa-free policies and related measures, the popularity of both travel and shopping in China among foreigners has risen, serving as a boost to the country’s tourism development.

Foreign nationals made a total of 38.05 million trips to or from China in the first six months of the year, which was an increase of 30.2 percent year on year, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) said on July 16.

Of these trips, 13.64 million were visa-free entries, an increase of 53.9 percent from the same period last year, the NIA said.

Shanghai has seen a surge in inbound tourism in summer travel season this year since July 1. The city recorded 187 thousands inbound tourist trips during July 1 to July 15, a 35.5 percent increase from the previous year. Among them, 92 thousands visits were visa-free entries, accounting for nearly 50 percent of the total number of inbound foreign travelers. (Xinhua/Chen Haoming)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 >

MIL OSI China News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China’s Hainan free trade port to allow overseas investment in financial products

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

China’s Hainan free trade port to allow overseas investment in financial products

Xinhua | July 23, 2025

China’s Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) is set to launch a pilot program on August 21 this year, enabling overseas investors to access domestic financial products offered by local financial institutions.

Eligible products will include wealth management products, private asset management products from securities, fund, and futures operators, publicly offered securities investment funds, and insurance asset management products.

The program aims to diversify cross-border financial product offerings and explore new channels for overseas investors to access China’s domestic market, according to an official with the Hainan branch of the People’s Bank of China, one of the co-formulators of the rules.

It is also expected to attract both domestic and international asset management institutions to operate in Hainan, supporting the development of the Hainan FTP, according to the official.

As part of its broader economic strategy, China is transforming Hainan into a Free Trade Port. As the Hainan FTP is set to begin independent customs operations by the end of the year, the province is poised to become not only a tourist haven but also a pivotal gateway for China’s opening-up drive.

MIL OSI China News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Hainan free trade port to allow overseas investment in financial products

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

An aerial drone photo taken on May 27, 2025 shows a view of the Yangpu Free Trade Port Zone under the Yangpu Economic Development Zone in Danzhou, south China’s Hainan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

China’s Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) is set to launch a pilot program on August 21 this year, enabling overseas investors to access domestic financial products offered by local financial institutions.

Eligible products will include wealth management products, private asset management products from securities, fund, and futures operators, publicly offered securities investment funds, and insurance asset management products.

The program aims to diversify cross-border financial product offerings and explore new channels for overseas investors to access China’s domestic market, according to an official with the Hainan branch of the People’s Bank of China, one of the co-formulators of the rules.

It is also expected to attract both domestic and international asset management institutions to operate in Hainan, supporting the development of the Hainan FTP, according to the official.

As part of its broader economic strategy, China is transforming Hainan into a Free Trade Port. As the Hainan FTP is set to begin independent customs operations by the end of the year, the province is poised to become not only a tourist haven but also a pivotal gateway for China’s opening-up drive.

MIL OSI China News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: UK Economy – UK borrowing blow makes tax hikes ‘inevitable’ – deVere Group

Source: deVere Group

July 22 2025 – UK government borrowing came in higher than forecast in June, a setback for Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves that has markets jittery and households bracing for tax hikes.

“Gilt yields climbed on the news—and so should awareness among individuals with UK assets. The time to protect your wealth is now,” says Nigel Green, CEO of global financial advisory giant deVere Group.

In a sharp warning, he responds to today’s ONS data showing public sector borrowing reached £20.7bn last month—£3.5bn more than expected and the highest June figure outside of the pandemic era.

“This borrowing shock is the flashing red light on the dashboard. The UK is headed toward a fiscal squeeze, and the Chancellor has limited room to manoeuvre. That makes tax rises not just likely—but, in our view, inevitable.”

The increase in borrowing was driven by higher interest payments on inflation-linked debt and ballooning public spending, which has outpaced gains in tax revenues.

The data raises questions about how the government can stick to its fiscal rules without turning to new or increased taxes.

“Markets are already reacting. Gilts dropped and yields jumped, which is a clear signal that investors expect tougher measures ahead. And that usually means taxes—stealth or otherwise—will be deployed to stabilise the books.”

With debt interest payments nearly doubling year-on-year in June and pressure mounting from backbench MPs for wealth and tourist taxes, Nigel Green says the direction of travel is now unambiguous.

“The political noise is getting louder. Whether it’s capital gains, pension reliefs, property, or new forms of wealth taxation, something has to give.

“The Chancellor has ruled out reopening departmental budgets, which narrows the options dramatically.”

He warned that investors, business owners, and anyone with UK assets should not wait to react after the Autumn Budget.

“By the time tax policy changes are announced, it’s often too late to respond effectively. The smart move is to plan proactively—now. When fiscal gaps this size appear, governments act fast, and retrospectively.”

With borrowing at £57.8bn already this financial year and the Office for Budget Responsibility forecasting a potential £30bn hole in public finances by year-end, the deVere CEO says the government’s fiscal hand is being forced.

“There’s no free money left. We’re past the era of cheap borrowing and blank-cheque economics. Markets want discipline. Voters want services. That tension will be resolved through taxation.”

“Those with investment portfolios, property, pensions or inheritances tied to the UK need to assess their exposure and consider future-proofing strategies. This is smart wealth management.”

Despite the political pledge to avoid day-to-day borrowing, the numbers tell a different story. The Treasury is borrowing more, not less, and paying more for it, not less.

“Inflation-linked bonds and rising rates have made it brutally expensive to finance the national debt. That’s going to reshape the economic agenda—and likely your personal finances with it.”

The chief executive called on clients and individuals to get ahead of potential tax changes now, while options remain open and planning is still effective.

“Tax hikes can be disguised, delayed, or dressed up as reform—but they’re still tax hikes. We expect movement on capital gains, inheritance tax, and pension rules in particular, and we believe it would be reckless to assume otherwise.”

He concludes: “We’re urging those with UK ties—whether you live in Britain, invest here, or hold assets here—to speak to advisors urgently.

“Mitigating tax exposure takes time, insight, and action. This isn’t about headlines, it’s about protecting what you’ve built.”

About deVere Group:

deVere Group is one of the world’s largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients. It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $14bn under advisement.

MIL OSI – Submitted News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: DOC summer bookings bring in $13 million

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date: 23 July 2025

“It’s fabulous to see so many people getting out into nature and making the most of conservation areas and facilities like campsites, huts and tracks,” says DOC Heritage and Visitors Director Catherine Wilson.

“Huts and campsite fees ensure people make a fair contribution when they stay in these places and help keep facilities available into the future.”

DOC today released its summer visitor insights report looking at the busiest months to identify visitor needs and any issues. DOC’s visitor insights reports inform staff about who’s getting out in nature, where they are going and how they rate their experiences. This helps DOC’s management approaches, particularly at busy sites says Catherine.

“Landscapes and scenery remain top attractions for international visitors and short walks are still the most popular outdoor activity across the board.

“Over summer, international visitor numbers were back to 93 percent of pre-COVID figures with more than 50 percent heading to a national park during their visit.”

“Fiordland and Aoraki Mount Cook are the two most popular national parks and are on the itineraries of more than 20 percent of international tourists.

“Almost 75 percent of international visitors enjoy walks or tramps during their time in New Zealand and 99 percent rated New Zealand’s natural scenery as good or very good.”

DOC’s bookings data shows between December 2024 and February 2025, nearly 60,000 people did a Great Walk, 60 percent of whom were New Zealanders. For bookable DOC facilities other than the Great Walks, more than 450,000 bednights* were booked at campsites and 70,000 in huts over this period.

Coastal areas and marine reserves were popular with New Zealanders, with Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve in Auckland top of DOC’s most-visited destinations.

“Sadly, there was also persistent illegal fishing or collecting shellfish in marine reserves with 101 confirmed offences and 79 infringements between October 2024 to March 2025,” says Catherine.

Te Whanganui-o-Hei (Cathedral Cove), Horoirangi (near Cable Bay), and Long Bay-Okura (Auckland) were the marine reserves which saw the highest number of offences.

“Marine reserves are vital for protecting our precious marine wildlife as well as ensuring fish stocks into the future,” says Catherine.

“This behaviour is truly disappointing, and we’ve seen wider issues across the country this summer. This includes dogs attacking wildlife, people driving through endangered river-bird colonies and irresponsible camping harming vulnerable natural areas like alpine wetlands.”

“Nature is at the core of our wealth and wellbeing in New Zealand and we harm it at our peril.

“It’s heartening to see recent DOC research shows 92 percent of New Zealanders agree nature is an important part of our national identity.”

Tourism on public conservation land is worth $3.4 billion each year and supports around 2000 tourism businesses.

The summer report looks at information from a range of sources including from the International Visitor Survey, DOC’s visitor surveys and bookings data.

View the full report: Understanding 2024/25 visitor activity (PDF, 3,971K)

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Moore and Zinke Introduce Legislation to Codify Executive Order on National Parks

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Riley Moore (WV-02)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Riley M. Moore (WV-02) and Congressman Ryan Zinke (MT-01) introduced the PATRIOT Parks Act — which codifies President Trump’s Executive Order “Making America Beautiful Again by Improving Our National Parks.”

Currently, the National Parks System faces more than $23 billion in deferred maintenance, including more than $200 million on parklands in West Virginia. This legislation implements increased entrance fees for foreign visitors at National Parks, with the additional funds being reinvested back into parks for maintenance and other basic operating costs. Senator Jim Banks of Indiana and Senator Tim Sheehy of Montana introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

The bill is supported by the American Conservation Coalition Action (ACC Action) and the Property and Environment Research Center (PERC). Both organizations were instrumental in helping craft the President’s executive order. The Bull Moose Project and American Prairie are also supportive of the legislation.

Congressman Moore issued the following statement:

“From the New River Gorge in my home state to Shenandoah, the Great Smoky Mountains, the Everglades, and the Grand Canyon – God blessed our nation with a tremendous natural heritage. We owe it to future generations to ensure these natural marvels are protected.

“Unfortunately, the National Park System currently faces a backlog of more than $23 billion in deferred maintenance, including more than $200 million on properties across the Mountain State. Our commonsense legislation keeps entry fees static for Americans while charging more for foreigners visiting our National Parks. This will allow us to finally start tackling this extensive maintenance backlog.”

Here’s what others are saying:

“National Parks are America’s best idea and maintaining that legacy for future generations means making smart investments in the management of the parks,” said Congressman Zinke. “Americans already pay for parks in our tax dollars as well as at the gates. It’s unfair to American taxpayers to foot the bill for millions of foreign visitors. Almost every other country charges foreign visitors more, it’s common sense. President Trump and Secretary Burgum did the right thing directing the National Park Service implement a foreign visitor fee. This legislation will codify the policy and ensure Americans are put First in our own parks.”

“Americans already pay for our parks through federal taxes on top of standard admission fees, so it’s fair to ask foreign visitors to chip in more,” said Senator Banks. “This bill codifies President Trump’s executive order and helps protect our national treasures for future generations.”

“Our national parks drive Montana’s tourism economy by bringing in visitors from all over the world and define our way life by offering an experience you can only find in America,” said Senator Sheehy. “Implementing a foreign visitor fee is an America First, commonsense way to secure affordable access for American families, improve our national parks for all visitors, and better manage our treasured public lands. It’s not too much for Americans to ask that their government puts them first, and that’s why I’m proud to support the PATRIOT Parks Act so more American families can enjoy our national parks for generations to come.”

“Our national parks are America’s best idea and a crucial part of our natural heritage, but in recent decades, they have fallen into disrepair with a multibillion-dollar maintenance backlog,” said ACC Action President Chris Barnard. “An increased entry fee for international visitors would raise needed revenue to steward our national treasures and ensure that everyone who enjoys them contributes to protecting them. The American Conservation Coalition Action and our thousands of members are proud to support this effort to bolster the National Park Service.”

“Visitors from across the globe come to see the wonder of America’s national parks, and this proposal offers them a way to give back,” said PERC CEO Brian Yablonski. “Charging a modest fee to international tourists—something many countries already do—provides a steady source of funding to improve park infrastructure, enhance visitor experiences, and invest in long-overdue restoration. Drawing on years of PERC research, we’re grateful to Sen. Banks and Rep. Moore for championing efforts to conserve these iconic places for future generations.”

###

MIL OSI USA News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK-Egypt Strategic Partnership: 22 July 2025
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

UK-Egypt Strategic Partnership: 22 July 2025

A Strategic Partnership between the UK and Egyptian governments.
The UK and Egypt share deep, historic ties. We partner across multiple fields, from climate change to global security, trade and investment to tourism, underpinned by rich people-to-people and cultural connections. However, both countries aspire to strengthen this co-operation in pursuit of shared prosperity and greater regional and global security.

The Governments of Egypt and the UK have therefore committed to elevating the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership. This commitment marks a significant milestone and will enable both governments to strengthen and systematise existing collaboration in line with shared interests and priorities such as trade and investment, irregular migration, regional security and responding to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The UK and Egypt will launch the Strategic Partnership during a visit to Cairo by the Prime Minister in the autumn of 2025. To unlock new mutual growth opportunities and strengthen economic ties, the Prime Minister and President Sisi will jointly chair an Investment Conference convening key British and Egyptian businesses.

The UK Government looks forward to building the Strategic Partnership with Egypt to enhance the prosperity and security of our citizens.

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Published 22 July 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Egypt: Hassan Allam Chief Executive Officer (CEO) pays a courtesy call on Ambassador

Source: APO

.

On 20 July 2025, Mr. Ahmed Mustafa, CEO of Hassan Allam, together with Mr. Mahmoud Seliman, Marketing Advisor, paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Thanawat Sirikul, Ambassador of Thailand to Egypt, at the Royal Thai Embassy. Both parties discussed cooperation in promoting trade and investment between the two countries in the residential construction, infrastructure and construction materials businesses. The company is interested in working with Thai partners to assemble products for export to Europe and Africa, where Egypt enjoys special tax privileges and is located near both major markets. The company also believes that Thailand has potential to invest in Egypt in the hospitality and tourism sectors, and is ready to enhance awareness of the potential and economic opportunities in Egypt, as well as provide advice on investment loans to Thai entrepreneurs. Hassan Allam, which is over 89 years old, is one of the largest companies in Egypt and has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with SCG International, a Thai conglomerate, to enter the Middle East and Africa markets in 2023.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Royal Thai Embassy, Cairo, Egypt.

MIL OSI Africa –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Zinke, Sheehy, Moore, Banks Introduce Legislation to Implement Fees on Foreign Tourists to Rebuild National Parks

Source:

Washington, D.C. — Today, Western Montana Congressman and former Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke (MT-01), with Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Representative Riley Moore (WV-02), and Senator Jim Banks (R-IN) introduced the bicameral Protecting America’s Treasures by Raising Inflow from Overseas Tourists in Parks Act (PATRIOT Parks Act), which would authorize a surcharge for most foreign tourists visiting national parks. If implemented, the bill would ensure foreign visitors contribute their fair share to the upkeep and preservation of America’s most treasured places.

“National Parks are Americas best idea and maintaining that legacy for future generations means making smart investments in the management of the parks,” said Zinke. “Americans already pay for parks in our tax dollars as well as at the gates. It’s unfair to American taxpayers to foot the bill for millions of foreign visitors. Almost every other country charges foreign visitors more, it’s common sense. President Trump and Secretary Burgum did the right thing directing the National Park Service implement a foreign visitor fee. This legislation will codify the policy and ensure Americans are put First in our own parks.”

“From the New River Gorge in my home state to Shenandoah, the Great Smoky Mountains, the Everglades, and the Grand Canyon – God blessed our nation with a tremendous natural heritage. We owe it to future generations to ensure these natural marvels are protected, said Moore. “Unfortunately, the National Park System currently faces a backlog of more than $23 billion in deferred maintenance, including more than $200 million on properties across the Mountain State. Our commonsense legislation keeps entry fees static for Americans while charging more for foreigners visiting our National Parks. This will allow us to finally start tackling this extensive maintenance backlog.”

“Our national parks drive Montana’s tourism economy by bringing in visitors from all over the world and define our way life by offering an experience you can only find in America,” said Sheehy. “Implementing a foreign visitor fee is an America First, commonsense way to secure affordable access for American families, improve our national parks for all visitors, and better manage our treasured public lands. It’s not too much for Americans to ask that their government puts them first, and that’s why I’m proud to support the PATRIOT Parks Act so more American families can enjoy our national parks for generations to come.”

The National Park Service has $23 billion deferred maintenance infrastructure backlog. NPS relies on appropriated funds from tax dollars, Great American Outdoors Act funds from energy leasing, and entrance fees to address infrastructure needs. Every park will benefit from this program regardless of if they collect fees or not. By law, under the current formula for entrance fees, 80% of the fees collected at a park stay in the park where they are collected. The remaining 20% of entrance fees collected is distributed to non-fee collecting parks to improve infrastructure and visitor experience. The foreign visitors surcharge will use the same formula ensuring all parks benefit from this funding.

According to a report by Property and Environment Research Center (PERC), a surcharge of just $40 per foreign visitor would raise $528 million for our park system.

“People travel from around the world to experience America’s national parks, and now they can help conserve them too,” said PERC CEO Brian Yablonski. “A surcharge on international visitors is a common practice globally and offers a smart, reliable way to fund better trails, cleaner campgrounds, modernized water systems, and desperately needed restoration work in our parks. We appreciate Rep. Zinke’s support for strengthening America’s national parks.”

Virtually all other countries do this already. Foreign tourists visiting the Galapagos National Park in Ecuador pay a $200 surcharge, South Africa charges as much as 500% more for foreign visitors, many European Union nations charge non-EU citizens surcharges at museums and cultural sites.

The foreign visitor would only apply to National Parks units that already collect entrance fees. If a park does not currently collect an entrance fee, the surcharge will not apply. Canadian citizens visiting Glacier National Park would be exempt from the surcharge in recognition of our joint stewardship of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. Fee-collecting monuments in Washington, D.C., are also exempted.

The bill codifies an executive order signed by President Trump directing the Department of the Interior and Department of Agriculture to implement a foreign visitor surcharge to support public lands and rural communities.

Read the full bill text here.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Analysis: As Sri Lanka’s economy pivots from tourism, it’s well placed to benefit from global trade and geopolitical jostling – new research

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Hemamali Tennakoon, Senior Lecturer in Strategy and Management, Brunel University of London

Dmytro Buianskyi/Shutterstock

With its natural beauty, wildlife and culture, Sri Lanka is known as the “pearl of the Indian Ocean”, and attracts millions of tourists every year.

But my research suggests that the country might not be so reliant on tourism in the future, as it looks to become a major player in global maritime trade. The island’s numerous harbours and enviable location along international sea routes have led to major investment from China and the US, as they seek to extend their strategic influence in the region.

That investment is being welcomed after years of economic and political turmoil in Sri Lanka.

The Easter bombings of 2019 targeted Catholic churches and hotels, killing 269 people and devastating tourism. The same year, significant tax cuts slashed government revenue before COVID did serious damage to the economy.

In 2021, a ban on chemical fertilisers led to nationwide agricultural failure, while excessive borrowing and money printing triggered soaring inflation, which peaked at 70% in August 2022. The country ended up failing to pay its foreign debts.

Following huge protests in 2022 and the resignation of the president, Sri Lanka began a major political and economic shift. It secured a bailout from the International Monetary Fund and implemented reforms aimed at stabilising the economy.

So far, some of the effects have been positive. Inflation has eased, investor confidence has improved and more tea, clothing and rubber products are being exported up.

Key to this has been improved logistics and port infrastructure. Business at the port of Colombo, the country’s largest, is booming, aided in part by global shipping disruptions, including the Red Sea crisis, which rerouted vessels through the Indian Ocean.

But international maritime ambitions can be a complex affair, and Sri Lanka needs to be wary of becoming just a well-positioned commodity for the world’s economic superpowers.

China for example, has secured a controversial 99-year lease of Hambantota port. India, wary of Chinese encroachment, has ramped up its own investments, including the development of a container terminal in Colombo.

In 2023, the US announced a US$500 million (£372 million) plan to develop a deep-water shipping container terminal at the port of Colombo. And the potential US tariffs of 30% on imports from Sri Lanka have been interpreted by some as a pressure tactic to get greater access to its waters.

Balancing these interests is a delicate act. While foreign investment is crucial for infrastructure development, Sri Lanka needs to protect its sovereignty and ensure that port operations serve national, not just international, interests.

My research suggests that one way of building a resilient and diverse Sri Lankan economy would be to focus on its surrounding waters. Sri Lanka’s vast “exclusive economic zone”, an area of sea where it controls marine resources, holds massive untapped potential.

Blue economy

This potential lies in traditional sectors like fisheries and tourism, but also emerging industries such as marine biotechnology.

This growing field offers opportunities in things like bioengineering and marine-based pharmaceuticals. With other countries rapidly advancing in these sectors, Sri Lanka is well-positioned to follow suit and become a regional leader in the blue economy (economic activities associated with the sustainable use of ocean resources).

Business is booming in the port of Colombo.
shutterlk/Shutterstock

But there is still a complex web of geopolitical interests and economic pressures to navigate, as well as environmental challenges.

At the moment for example, the Sri Lankan government is making plans for the deep natural port at Trincomalee to become a major marine repair and refuelling centre between Dubai and Singapore. Other proposed projects include offshore wind farms and oil rig facilities.

The country also needs to compete with the likes of Malaysia, which is investing heavily in AI-driven port operations. To stay competitive, Sri Lanka must modernise infrastructure and streamline processes.

And despite the progress, challenges persist. Poverty in Sri Lanka has doubled since 2021, while youth unemployment remains high.

Sri Lanka faces rising maritime threats like piracy and illegal fishing, requiring stronger maritime surveillance. Simultaneously, port expansion risks damaging marine ecosystems. Green technologies and stricter environmental regulations are essential for long-term security and sustainability.

Sri Lanka’s strategic location and maritime heritage offer a foundation for economic renewal. With wise governance, sustainability, and balanced geopolitics, its ports could once again become vital gateways to regional prosperity and global trade.

Hemamali Tennakoon 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. As Sri Lanka’s economy pivots from tourism, it’s well placed to benefit from global trade and geopolitical jostling – new research – https://theconversation.com/as-sri-lankas-economy-pivots-from-tourism-its-well-placed-to-benefit-from-global-trade-and-geopolitical-jostling-new-research-261231

MIL OSI Analysis –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Analysis: Farewell to summer? ‘Haze’ and ‘trash’ among Earth’s new seasons as climate change and pollution play havoc

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Felicia Liu, Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Sustainability, University of York

Throughout history, people have viewed seasons as relatively stable, recurrent blocks of time that neatly align farming, cultural celebrations and routines with nature’s cycles. But the seasons as we know them are changing. Human activity is rapidly transforming the Earth, and once reliable seasonal patterns are becoming unfamiliar.

In our recent study, we argue that new seasons are surfacing. These emergent seasons are entirely novel and anthropogenic (in other words, made by humans).

Examples include “haze seasons” in the northern and equatorial nations of south-east Asia, when the sky is filled with smoke for several weeks. This is caused by widespread burning of vegetation to clear forests and make way for agriculture during particularly dry times of year.

Or there is the annual “trash season”, during which tidal patterns bring plastic to the shores of Bali, Indonesia, between November and March.

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.

At the same time, some seasons are disappearing altogether, with profound consequences for ecosystems and cultures. These extinct seasons can encompass drastically altered or terminated migratory animal behaviour, such as the decline of seabird breeding seasons in northern England.

Climate change is also calling time on traditional winter sport seasons by making snow scarcer in alpine regions.

Nature’s new rhythms

Perhaps more common are “syncopated seasons”. The changes are akin to new emphases on beats or off-beats in familiar music that capture the listener’s attention.

Syncopated seasons include hotter summers and milder winters in temperate climates, with increasingly frequent and severe extreme weather that exposes more people and ecosystems to stress.

The timings of key seasonal events, like when leaves fall or certain migratory species arrive, are becoming more unpredictable. We coined the term “arrhythmic seasons”, a concept borrowed from cardiology, to refer to abnormal rhythms which include earlier springs or breeding seasons, longer summers or growing seasons, and shorter winters or hibernating seasons.

Changing seasonal patterns throw the interdependent life cycles of plants and animals out of sync with each other, and disrupt the communities that are economically, socially and culturally dependent on them.

In northern Thailand, human activity has reshaped nature’s rhythms and affected the supply of water and food in turn. Communities along the Mekong river’s tributaries have relied on the seasonal flow of rivers to fish and farm for generations.

At first, upstream dams disrupted these cycles by blocking fish migration and preventing the accumulation of sediment that farms need for soil. More recently, climate change has shifted rainfall patterns and made dry seasons longer and rainy seasons shorter but more intense, bringing fires and further uncertainty to farmers.

Let’s rethink time

How we react to changing seasonal patterns can either worsen or improve environmental conditions. In south-east Asia, public awareness of the “haze season” has led to better forecasting, the installation of air filters in homes and the establishment of public health initiatives.

These efforts help communities adapt. But if society only uses adaptive fixes like these, it can make the haze worse over time by failing to tackle its root causes. By recognising this new season, societies might normalise the recurrence of haze and isolate anyone who demands the government and businesses deal with deforestation and burning.

Powerful institutions like these shape narratives about seasonal crises to minimise their responsibility and shift blame elsewhere. Understanding these dynamics is crucial to fostering accountability and ensuring fair responses.

The shifting seasons require us to rethink our relationship with time and the environment. Today, most of us think about time in terms of days, hours and minutes, which is a globalised standard used everywhere from smartphones to train timetables. But this way of keeping time forgets older and more local ways of understanding time – those that are shaped by natural rhythms, such as the arrival of the rainy season, or solar and lunar cycles, rooted in the lives and cultures of different communities.

Diverse perspectives, especially those from Indigenous knowledge systems, can enhance our ability to respond to environmental changes. Integrating alternative time-keeping methods into mainstream practices could foster fairer and more effective solutions to environmental problems.

Seasons are more than just divisions of time – they connect us with nature. Finding synchrony with changing seasonal rhythms is essential for building a sustainable future.

Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

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

– ref. Farewell to summer? ‘Haze’ and ‘trash’ among Earth’s new seasons as climate change and pollution play havoc – https://theconversation.com/farewell-to-summer-haze-and-trash-among-earths-new-seasons-as-climate-change-and-pollution-play-havoc-260765

MIL OSI Analysis –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Analysis: Popular Tunisian island’s cultural heritage at risk due to tourism, neglect and climate change

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Majdi Faleh, Academic Fellow & Lecturer in Architecture and Cultural Heritage, Nottingham Trent University

The Sidi Yati mosque in Djerba, which dates back to the 10th century, has been damaged by coastal erosion. Mehdi Elouati, CC BY-NC-ND

Nestled in the southern Mediterranean, off the south-east coast of Tunisia, lies the island of Djerba. With a rich cultural and religious history, it has been a crossroad of many civilisations, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines and Arabs, and is home to many unique architectural sites. These include the Sedouikech underground mosque, St Joseph’s Church and the El Ghriba Synagogue.

But, for many years, Djerba’s cultural heritage has been in danger. This is due to a combination of over-tourism, environmental change and human neglect.

An underground mosque on the island of Djerba.
Mariana Delca / Shutterstock

By the 1990s to early 2000s, when Djerba was at the height of its popularity, the island was attracting between 1 million and 1.5 million visitors each year. It is one of Tunisia’s most popular tourist areas, with more hotels than any other destination in the country.

Tourism has resulted in excessive tourist traffic in Djerba, particularly during the summer. It has also contributed to other problems such as water stress and waste generation. According to figures from 2020, hotels alone generate between 35% and 40% of all the waste on the island.

But the development of tourism has, above all, altered Djerba’s cultural landscape. In some areas of the island, Djerba’s traditional housing – houmas, menzels and houchs – have given way to more modern tourist infrastructure.

This has accelerated since Tunisia’s 2011 revolution, when long-time dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali was ousted. Weak institutional oversight has led to vandalism, illegal construction on archaeological sites and unauthorised demolitions.

The development of tourism on Djerba has also eroded traditional ways of life. The island has experienced significant changes due to tourism, with the development of roads, ferries, an airport and the internet leading to a decline in traditional activity. Livelihoods like agriculture, fishing and artisanal crafts have declined and are often now showcased only in tourist areas.

Life on Djerba has changed since it was opened up for tourism.
BTWImages / Shutterstock

Climate change has worsened Djerba’s problems. Rainfall patterns have changed across the island over recent decades, with models suggesting that annual precipitation rates could drop 20% by the end of the century. More frequent and prolonged droughts are expected.

At the same time, rising sea levels and increasingly common storm surges are affecting the island. Research from 2022 found that 14% of Djerba’s beaches are now highly vulnerable to submersion and coastal erosion.

Several historical monuments on Djerba have already experienced periodic flooding and saltwater intrusion. The ruins of Sidi Garous and the shrine of Sidi Bakour are now entirely underwater and have been replaced by memorials.

Other archaeological sites located near the coast like Haribus, Meninx, Ghizene and Edzira, some of which date back to the Roman era (eighth century BC to fifth century AD), are now partially or fully submerged. Studies by Tunisia’s National Institute of Heritage suggest that many of these sites have been lost permanently to the encroaching sea.

World heritage site

Significant portions of Djerba’s cultural heritage have already been erased by sea-level rise and coastal erosion. Future losses could be even more severe. The island’s cultural heritage will only grow more precarious without meaningful preservation and climate adaptation efforts.

However, many of Djerba’s monuments, historical buildings and traditional dwellings have suffered from years of neglect. A chronic lack of local and international funding, as well as weak institutional frameworks for heritage management, mean some of the island’s historic structures have been abandoned. Many other buildings have deteriorated due to a lack of protective measures and maintenance.

Community organisations such as the Association for the Safeguarding of the Island of Djerba have tried to step in to fill the void left by weak institutional frameworks. Their work ranges from delivering public awareness campaigns to local young people to efforts like re-purposing ancient rainwater tanks to manage periods of drought.

But these grassroots efforts alone are not enough to stop Djerba’s cultural heritage from deteriorating at its current pace.

The ruins of a Housh, a traditional dwelling, on the island of Djerba.
Ahmed Bedoui, CC BY-NC-ND

In September 2023, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) announced that it was adding Djerba to its list of world heritage sites. Tunisia’s culture ministry welcomed the decision. It followed years of efforts by local groups and government officials to add Djerba to the list.

Djerba’s inclusion offers hope for the long-term preservation of the island’s heritage. A world heritage site designation increases global recognition and enables improved access to sources of funding.

And since Djerba’s classification, there has been some progress. The culture ministry has established a task force to monitor the construction of buildings and other infrastructure, collect data on designated protected areas, and prepare projects to preserve heritage sites.

But Djerba’s cultural heritage remains in danger. Improved preservation of these sites will require continuous funding and stringent regulation of tourism and construction activities.

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

– ref. Popular Tunisian island’s cultural heritage at risk due to tourism, neglect and climate change – https://theconversation.com/popular-tunisian-islands-cultural-heritage-at-risk-due-to-tourism-neglect-and-climate-change-223612

MIL OSI Analysis –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Supporting Jasper through recovery: Premier Smith
Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)
“One year ago, life was forever changed for the people of Jasper.

“The wildfire that struck in July 2024 forced hundreds of families to flee their homes, shuttered local businesses and brought an entire community to a halt. What should have been a peaceful summer turned into fear, uncertainty and loss. For many Jasperites, that difficult chapter still isn’t over, and my heart is with every person or family still waiting to return home.

“While much was tragically lost to the fire, many homes and businesses were saved. We know that would not have been possible without the courage and professionalism of first responders. Firefighters from across the province, utility crews, police, paramedics and municipal staff came together, risked their safety and gave everything they had to protect the community. We are deeply grateful for their service.

“The road to full recovery for the Municipality of Jasper and its residents has not yet come to an end. Our government remains fully committed to working with the Municipality of Jasper, Parks Canada and all levels of government until the community is not only restored but made stronger and more resilient for the future.”

Quick facts
- Alberta has invested more than $181 million to support Jasper’s recovery:
  
  Up to $149 million in Disaster Recovery Program funding.
  
  $7.5 million in emergency evacuation payments to over 6,500 Jasperites.
  
  $12.9 million in matching funds to support the Canadian Red Cross with helping residents and business owners.
  
  $2.5 million in tourism support.
  
  $121,400 to the Jasper Food Bank.
  
  $3 million in property tax relief for residents and businesses.
  
  $6.5 million in revenue stabilization for the municipality.
  
  $14 million to help rebuild a seniors complex for displaced senior residents of the Pine Grove Manor.
  
  $2 million one-time grant for regional transit services.
MIL OSI Canada News –
July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Peters Leads Colleagues in Urging FAA to Expedite Delivery of Federal Resources for Michigan Airports

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

Published: 07.22.2025

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) led a bipartisan group of his Senate colleagues in urging the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to expedite the disbursement of grant funding that helps upgrade airport infrastructure and makes air travel more efficient. In a letter to FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford, Peters expressed the importance of investments from both the Airport Improvement Plan (AIP) and Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) programs, which provide formula-based funding awards to nearly 3,300 public-use airports across the nation, including Michigan’s 18 commercial airports and nearly 70 additional public use airports across the state. Despite these investments being made annually, funding is often not available to airports until late June or July, which impacts some airports’ ability to fully leverage these investments.

“For small airports with limited resources and in states with truncated construction seasons due to severe weather, this delay poses significant challenges,” the senators wrote. “It results in project cancellations, increased costs, and makes each federal dollar less effective.”

The Senators went on to highlight the role that airports play in stimulating economic growth and job creation, arguing that more timely investments from AIP and AIG would help improve economic development initiatives in communities across the country.

The Senators continued: “Small and large airports alike are also critical arteries for interstate commerce, tourism travel, and local economic growth. Recent reports show U.S. commercial airports supported 12.8 million jobs and produced $1.8 trillion in economic output in 2024 and general aviation supported over 1.3 million jobs and $339.2 billion in total economic output in the U.S. We all have a vested interest in reducing red tape and maximizing the effectiveness of AIP and AIG entitlement funds. Doing so would ensure airports can deliver projects without unnecessary delays or cost escalations and provide greater benefits to the constituents we all serve.”

The letter is supported by the Michigan Department of Transportation, National Association of State Aviation Officials, the American Association of Airport Executives, and the Transportation Construction Coalition.

The full text of the letter can be found here.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: China issues regulations on rural highways

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

BEIJING, July 22 (Xinhua) — Chinese State Council Premier Li Qiang signed a State Council order on issuing regulations to promote high-quality development of rural highways and ensure that they meet the needs of comprehensive rural revitalization and accelerated agricultural and rural modernization.

The regulations on rural highways, which will take effect on September 15, stipulate that the development of rural highways should be in line with China’s coordinated efforts to promote new-type urbanization and all-round rural revitalization.

The document notes the need to adhere to the principle of equal attention to construction, management, maintenance and operation, gradually improving a comprehensive, accessible, safe, practical, convenient and efficient rural transport infrastructure network.

It is stated that the quality of rural highway networks should be improved and their connections with national and provincial highways should be ensured to promote the integration of urban and rural transportation. Existing rural highways that do not meet the minimum technical requirements should be upgraded.

The document provides for strengthening the management and maintenance of rural roads through a clear division of responsibilities, and also requires regular inspections and the identification of hidden safety threats.

As emphasized in the regulations, local governments at all levels should promote the integrated construction of rural roads and related infrastructure facilities, industrial parks and tourist attractions located along them, which will promote the comprehensive development of rural passenger transportation, freight logistics, postal services and express delivery, and enhance the ability of rural roads to serve economic circulation between urban and rural areas. –0–

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

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Analysis: I research rip currents where ‘Cosby Show’ star Malcolm-Jamal Warner drowned. Here’s why they’re so deadly

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Chris Houser, Professor in Department of Earth and Environmental Science, and Dean of Science, University of Waterloo

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the actor who played Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, has drowned on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast.

It is reported that he was swimming at Playa Cocles in Limon province when a current pulled him offshore. This is a beach popular among surfers and one that’s known to have large waves and strong currents.

It’s also a beach that I have taken students to in order to study the formation of rip currents and to better understand what beach users know about the hazard.

What exactly are rip currents?

Rip currents — commonly referred to as rips or colloquially as rip tides — are found on ocean beaches and some large lakes around the world.

Read more:
The Great Lakes are powerful. Learning about ‘rip currents’ can help prevent drowning

The rips at Playa Cocles and along a large part of the Costa Rican Caribbean coast are known as channel or bathymetric rips that form as the nearshore sand bar moves toward the land through the summer. The water thrown towards the land by the breaking waves returns offshore as a concentrated and fast flowing current at gaps in the nearshore sand bar.

During storm conditions, we have measured the rip currents at Playa Cocles at over two metres per second. These rips are known to increase rapidly (or pulse) in strength due to changes in wave breaking, leading to unsuspecting swimmers being taken far offshore and exiting beyond the zone of breaking waves.

Rip current at Playa Cocles showing change in size and strength with surfers for scale. (Chris Houser)

While it can be difficult to spot a rip from shore, they can be identified by an area of relatively calm water between breaking waves, a patch of darker water or the offshore flow of water, sediment and debris.

Caught in a rip current

A person caught in a rip is transported away from shore into deeper waters, but they aren’t pulled under the water. If they are a weak swimmer or try to fight the current, they may panic and fail to find a way out of the rip and back to shore. Survivor stories highlight panic, anxiety, distress and fear, a tendency to fight the current and an inability to make a decision on how to escape the rip.

While it is possible to “break the grip of the rip” by swimming parallel to the beach or toward breaking waves at an angle to the beach, there is no single escape strategy due to the unique rip circulation pattern.

It’s possible to escape a rip by flipping onto your back, floating to keep your head above the water and following the current until you’re returned to the shore by the current or able to swim safely toward the shore. If you are taken beyond where the waves break, or you’re unable to swim back to shore, continue to float and signal for help.

Rip currents account for more than 50 deaths a year in Costa Rica; approximately 19 drownings a year involve foreign tourists from the United States, Nicaragua, Canada and Germany. While most drownings in the country occur on Pacific coast beaches that are a short distance to the city of San José, more than five drownings occur each year along the Caribbean coast.

Playa Cocles was the site of five drownings that occurred over eight days in 2004, an event that prompted tourism-dependent business owners to establish a lifeguard station on the beach.

Costa Rican drownings

On average, each drowning in Costa Rica costs more than US$2 million (USD). This includes the direct costs of search and rescue, the costs of repatriation and the long-term economic burden of a lost life. This is in addition to the great personal loss experienced by family and friends.

A survey at Playa Cocles and other beaches in Costa Rica revealed that a majority of beach users did not observe warning signs and that many were unable to interpret the warning and did not change their behaviour.

The majority of foreign drowning victims in Costa Rica had limited knowledge of rips and were unable to avoid the times and locations that were most hazardous.

In general, visitors to a beach often use simple visual cues when deciding to take risks. Recent studies suggest that tourists think beach access points and resorts are located adjacent to safe swimming areas, particularly when visual cues such as manicured paths and promotional posters that promote swimming at those locations.

Visitors are a high-risk group for drownings. They’re generally unfamiliar with the beach and its safety measures and often have poor knowledge of beach hazards, such as rip currents and breaking waves. This lack of knowledge can be exacerbated by language barriers, an overconfidence in swimming ability and peer pressure.

Rip current and beach users at Playa Cocles. The red flag was placed by lifeguards to mark the location of the rip for beach users. (Chris Houser)

Playa Cocles is a beautiful beach, but it’s known to have dangerous rips depending on the size of the breaking waves and the position of the sand bar.

When visiting any beach — from the Caribbean to the Great Lakes — it’s important to remember that there may be rip currents and to take serious precautions.

Chris Houser receives funding from NSERC.

– ref. I research rip currents where ‘Cosby Show’ star Malcolm-Jamal Warner drowned. Here’s why they’re so deadly – https://theconversation.com/i-research-rip-currents-where-cosby-show-star-malcolm-jamal-warner-drowned-heres-why-theyre-so-deadly-261653

MIL OSI Analysis –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Community efforts lead to Green Flags for Perth park’s gardens

Source: Scotland – City of Perth

In the run up to the national Love Parks Week (26 July to 3 August 2025) which highlights the vital role green spaces play in boosting the health and wellbeing of residents and communities, local ‘in bloom’ charity Beautiful Perth and Perth and Kinross Council will be marking the achievement of two Green Flag Community Awards* from Keep Scotland Beautiful (KSB) for the Heather Garden and Compassionate Friends Garden, both in Bellwood Riverside Park on the banks of the River Tay in Perth.

The Heather Garden has been a real partnership project between Beautiful Perth and the Council, with discussions beginning in 2011 and work getting underway on site in 2012 to transform and refresh a previously overgrown and less appealing area of the park. The garden now comprises 15 beds containing 600 varieties and over 16,000 heather plants, all maintained and managed by Beautiful Perth, providing year-round colour for visitors and a haven for insect pollinators. The charity was also in 2022 awarded the National Collection of Erica carnea heathers by Plant Heritage. This follows on from the unique achievement of Riverside Park winning Best Park in the UK in the RHS Britain in Bloom Awards in both 2018 and 2019.

The Compassionate Friends Garden was developed to create a picturesque, peaceful garden for reflection and contemplation following a request from the Compassionate Friends UK, a charity that supports bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents. In 2012 remedial work done by the Council and Beautiful Perth uncovered a small round turreted stone building dating back to the 1800’s on site. The building forms the focal point of the garden, with further work uncovering a waterway and wells. The space was then transformed with sustainable pollinator plants for all year colour and interest by Beautiful Perth volunteers as well as the planting of rowan and snakeskin maple trees with marker stones and a sculpture of a robin. In 2018, Compassionate Friends held their annual gathering in Perth and unveiled a new bench for visitors and at the entrance to the garden, a beautiful carved commemorative stone.

Volunteers from Beautiful Perth, staff and elected members from Perth and Kinross Council and representatives from Compassionate Friends UK and Kilmac at Bellwood Park marking the Green Flag Awards for the Heather Garden and Compassionate Friends Garden in the park

Vice-Convener of Climate Change and Sustainability, Councillor Liz Barrett said: “As we head towards Love Parks Week, the fantastic achievement of Green Flag Awards for these two very different but equally beautiful gardens reflects how vital parks and open spaces are for our health and wellbeing as places to relax, exercise, appreciate the outdoors and nature and much more.

“I’d like to thank Beautiful Perth, and volunteer groups in other parts of Perth and Kinross, for their key role in maintaining and developing green spaces that benefit us all and contribute to improving our environment and biodiversity. Everyone can help, whether by volunteering locally or simply taking a few minutes to feedback to our Community Greenspace team about biodiversity in your local park.”

Chair of Beautiful Perth, Gordon Lindsay commented: “Our volunteers over many years have taken a genuine pride in cultivating and maintaining the Compassionate Friends and Heather Gardens to a high standard.

“Both gardens exhibit a unique horticultural skill level appreciated by the many visitors and tourists to Riverside Park and importantly provide an ideal haven for bees, butterflies and other wildlife.

“The Green Flag Awards are the “icing on the cake” for the ‘Beautiful Perth’ volunteers acknowledging their tireless work and efforts in a special corner of Perth. We would also like to acknowledge and thank our supporters, Perth and Kinross Council, The Gannochy Trust, the Heather Society and Kilmac.”

Jamie Ormiston, Training and Accreditation Coordinator at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “Parks across Scotland are vital spaces for people of all ages to reconnect with nature and I’m delighted we once again have Green Flag Award winners all over the country – including plenty of new areas – for people to enjoy during the summer months.

“The Heather Garden and Compassionate Friends Garden are two of our new Community Award winners and their awards show the dedication, care and commitment of all involved in maintaining and improving Riverside Park.

“Our stalwart winners have a brilliant history of commitment to environmental excellence and a desire to offer visitors a safe and enjoyable place to visit.

“Our new winners have shown a similar desire and their journey is only just beginning but I look forward to many more wins in the future.”

*The Green Flag Awards are awarded to parks and green spaces that can demonstrate excellent management and environmental standards. Further information on the Awards can be found at Keep Scotland Beautiful’s website.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Analysis: There is no known cure for ALS, but medical tourism exploits desperation for profit

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Judy Illes, Professor, Neurology, University of British Columbia

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurological disorder of unknown cause, in which motor nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord that transmit signals to muscles progressively degenerate. This weakens limbs and affects speech, swallowing and ultimately the ability to breathe, resulting in death, typically within just a few years.

Each year in Canada, approximately two people per 100,000 are diagnosed with ALS, amounting to about 1,000 cases based on the current population. In British Columbia, where we are located, the rate is estimated at just over three per 100,000 or roughly 190 new cases per year.

This equates to approximately 4,000 Canadians — and 400 British Columbians — living with ALS at any given time.

Rigorous ALS research is underway locally, nationally and internationally to slow — and ideally reverse — the relentless progression of this disease. Significant advances in understanding the genetic and environmental drivers of ALS are providing genuine hope that motor neuron diseases will one day be defeated.

As experts in neurology and ethics, we are committed to delivering the best available health care and information throughout B.C. and across Canada. Trust in science and informed hope are essential to achieving the best possible outcomes and the longest possible trajectories in enjoying life when facing the overwhelming odds of ALS.

A disturbing case

In June, CBC’s The National reported on the case of Geoff Sando, a person living with ALS who pursued an unproven intervention for his condition. Sando travelled to Moose Jaw, Sask., to seek treatment at a clinic that claims to provide a cure for ALS.

CBC’s The National reports on a Saskatchewan clinic claiming to offer ALS treatments.

The ALS Society of Saskatchewan and the provincial New Democrat Party allege the clinic attended by Sando and several other patients is a form of medical tourism — travelling elsewhere to seek treatment — that can prey on the most vulnerable in society: those whose quality of life is deteriorating, and whose futures are tragically cut short.

Medical tourism for a wide variety of other health-related conditions is not new. For example, treatments for cancer, strokes and orthopedic conditions have been available abroad for decades.

In the United States and Mexico, unfounded stem cell interventions for ALS have been advertised for years. But until recently, it had been unusual to find such offerings in Canada. Their emergence speaks to the need for Health Canada to revisit its guidance on both regulated health and unregulated wellness products, including all forms of treatments, medications and device-based approaches.

Read more:
Giving patients the ‘right to try’ experimental drugs is a political maneuver, not a lifesaver

We understand the urgency and desire to pursue any thread of hope in the face of desperation, but claims of dramatic improvement or cures from ALS by unregulated clinics that seem too good to be true are likely just that.

Before investing in alternative treatments, we recommend that patients conduct their due diligence by consulting with their health-care team and their provincial ALS society for guidance. Ineffective interventions can jeopardize not only recipients, but also caregivers, especially when financial resources are drained.

Trusted sources

Developing approved therapies for ALS has been painfully slow, as evidenced by the failure of more than 95 per cent of ALS clinical trials in the past 28 years. Only three drugs — riluzole, edaravone and tofersen — have been approved by Health Canada and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Although riluzole and edaravone are only modestly effective, they remain the only widely approved pharmacological options for all forms of ALS. Tofersen is the first gene therapy recently approved to treat hereditary ALS caused by SOD1 gene abnormalities. Other treatments are being evaluated worldwide.

This marks only the beginning of such treatment approaches to not only hereditary ALS but also non-hereditary ALS, which makes up about 90 per cent of all cases.

Read more:
A promising new study could lead to a reduction in symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

For those affected by ALS and their families, ample resources are provided by various organizations, including ALS Canada and related provincial organizations, including the ALS Society of BC.

Future hope

Canadians generally trust science and scientists more than citizens of other countries and, on the whole, value science and believe in our government’s support for the work that scientists do.

But in this time of geopolitical upheaval, vast incursions of disinformation and reversals of prior evidence-based human and health rights abroad means keeping up this level of trust — trust that leads to hope — will only become more challenging.

The disproportionate suffering and impact on people who are marginalized by serious health conditions will only grow if dubious treatment offerings become normalized in Canada.

Erik P Pioro consults for MT Pharma, which manufactures edaravone (Radicava) and for Biogen, which manufactures tofersen (Qalsody). He has received funding support for ALS research from the ALS Association and the National Institutes of Health.

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

– ref. There is no known cure for ALS, but medical tourism exploits desperation for profit – https://theconversation.com/there-is-no-known-cure-for-als-but-medical-tourism-exploits-desperation-for-profit-261057

MIL OSI Analysis –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: Thomas Financial Group Secures $19.975 Million USDA Loan for Major Mendocino Hotel Restoration
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

ATLANTA, July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Thomas Financial Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Community Bankshares Inc., is proud to announce the successful closing of a $19.975 million USDA Business & Industry (B&I) loan for the refinance and full renovation of two historic hospitality assets in downtown Mendocino: The Mendocino Hotel & Garden Suites and Hill House Inn.

This milestone project, originated and underwritten by Thomas Financial Group, was financed through the USDA’s B&I program. The project will preserve and revitalize all guest rooms across the two properties, relaunch a centerpiece food and beverage destination, reactivate the largest indoor event space on California’s North Coast, and create over 50 new high-paying jobs, tripling the current staff and restoring these historic landmarks to full operation.

Once thriving anchors of the Mendocino community, both the Mendocino Hotel & Garden Suites and Hill House Inn had fallen into disrepair. With this USDA loan, the new owners, Castle Peak Holdings, will launch a comprehensive restoration that enhances the guest experience while preserving the charm and history that define this iconic coastal village.

The planned improvements include:
- Expansive renovations across both properties.
- Restoration of a three-meal restaurant and historic lobby bar at Mendocino Hotel.
- Reopening of North Coast’s largest indoor wedding venue.
- Upgrades to room layouts, ADA compliance, and coastal-facing suites.
- Activation of public gathering spaces for locals and tourists alike.
The Mendocino Hotel & Garden Suites, the only full-service hotel in the downtown district, will be a dynamic center of gravity for the North Coast on Mendocino’s historic Main Street, while Hill House Inn – famed as the setting for the drama TV series “Murder She Wrote” – will be restored as a hilltop retreat featuring the largest and most flexible meeting and event spaces on the North Coast, with ocean views and walking access to downtown Mendocino. Both properties will feature authentic local design elements and highlight regional artisans and makers through curated programming.

“This is what rural revitalization looks like,” said Zach Chandler, SVP, Government Guaranteed Lending for Thomas Financial Group. “We delivered a complex, long-term loan structure to support two of Northern California’s most irreplaceable hospitality assets, and did it with the stability of USDA financing.”

With an 80% USDA guarantee, a 30-year term, and no balloon payments, the loan provides unmatched peace of mind for the borrower, particularly in a volatile rate environment.

Situated in a town with a regulatory moratorium on new hotel development, these properties represent a significant portion of Mendocino’s total hotel room inventory. With over 2 million annual visitors and no new supply on the horizon, the business case for reinvesting in these assets is as compelling as the historic preservation effort itself.

“This project is about more than restoring two historic hotels,” said David Better, Partner at Castle Peak Holdings. “It’s about breathing life back into community gems, reactivating jobs, and celebrating the unique cultural legacy and spirit of Mendocino. These hotels are deeply woven into the historic fabric of what makes Mendocino special. Everyone in the area has a story about these hotels; whether they worked there as a kid, had their high school prom there, or shared a memorable meal there with family and friends. We look forward to delivering a successful project and creating the next generation of memories, for locals and guests alike. The USDA loan gave us the ability to do that in a thoughtful, sustainable way—and the team at Thomas Financial made the process seamless from start to finish.”

This project is part of a growing trend where USDA financing is used to support economic development in iconic rural destinations, and Thomas Financial Group is leading the charge.

“We’re not just closing loans—we’re reactivating communities,” added Chandler. “If you have a hospitality, manufacturing, or rural development project in the pipeline, we can help you close faster, structure smarter, and build for the long term.”

If you’re looking to fund a rural acquisition, repositioning, or expansion project and need a lender who can bridge the gap and deliver USDA takeout, contact Thomas Financial Group today.

About Thomas Financial Group

Thomas Financial Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Community Bankshares Inc., is a nationally recognized leader in USDA and SBA lending. In partnership with Phoenix Lender Services and Community Bank & Trust, TFG specializes in complex capital solutions that support rural economic development, small business growth, and infrastructure expansion.

About Community Bankshares Inc.

Community Bankshares Inc. is a privately held financial holding company headquartered in LaGrange, Georgia, with subsidiaries including Community Bank & Trust, Thomas Financial Group, and Phoenix Lender Services. Through its network of specialized financial institutions, Community Bankshares Inc. delivers innovative, relationship-driven banking and lending services across the United States, with a strong emphasis on rural development and community reinvestment.

Media Contact
Abigail Davison
Uproar by Moburst for Community Bankshares, Inc.
abigail.davison@moburst.com

The MIL Network –
July 23, 2025