NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Africa: The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) Strengthens United States (US)-Africa Critical Mineral Ties Ahead of African Mining Week (AMW) 2025

    Source: APO


    .

    The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) approved two new investments for critical minerals projects in sub-Saharan Africa this month. The funding aims to accelerate economic development across the region while reinforcing US supply chains for minerals essential to the country’s defense, energy, security and advanced technology sectors. The investments will also drive infrastructure expansion, boost employment and increase export revenues for the African markets.

    The announcement comes ahead of the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders. The event will showcase the role being played by U.S. institutions such as the DFC in enhancing US-Africa ties in mining and investment. AMW will feature a dedicated US-Africa Roundtable, connecting U.S. policymakers and institutional investors with African governments, project developers and stakeholders for partnership formation, deal signing and policy alignment.

    AMW serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

    In the last two years, the DFC has been advancing US–Africa mining collaboration through a growing portfolio of investments, loans and technical assistance grants. Among these is the DFC’s $5 million funding package for Blencowe Resources, aimed at developing the Orom-Cross graphite project in Uganda. In July 2025, Blencowe received a $750,000 tranche as part of this commitment, following an earlier $500,000 disbursement in May. The final $250,000 payment will support the project’s definitive feasibility study. With a JORC Indicated and Inferred Resource of 24.5 million tons at 6.0% total graphite content, Orom-Cross is expected to operate for 21 years, contributing to Uganda’s economic transformation and in meeting growing global demand for battery-grade graphite.

    Other recent DFC commitments include a $553 million loan for the Lobito Corridor, a project aimed at improving mineral transportation for Angola, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The DFC also approved a $3.4 million technical assistance grant for the Longonjo Rare Earths Project in Angola, a $50 million equity investment in the Phalaborwa Rare Earths Project in South Africa and a $3.2 million grant for Chillerton’s green copper mining project in Kakosa, Zambia. In Tanzania, the DFC is also backing Kabanga Nickel Limited with a loan to support the development of one of Africa’s most significant nickel sulphide deposits.

    With this growing investment footprint, the DFC continues to position itself as a key partner in unlocking Africa’s mineral potential while advancing US strategic interests. AMW 2025 will serve as a powerful platform to build on this momentum, facilitating collaboration, catalyzing new investments and reinforcing US-Africa partnerships in mineral development.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Angola Oil & Gas 2025 Launches Exhibition-Only Passes

    Source: APO

    The Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) Conference & Exhibition returns as the premier platform for the country’s hydrocarbon industry. Convening operators, financiers, service providers and technology experts in Luanda on September 3-4, 2025, the event represents the largest of its kind in the country. This year’s edition reintroduces exclusive exhibition-only passes, offering strategic access to the exhibition floor.

    Striving to sustain oil production above one million barrels per day, Angola is driving a series of ambitious oil projects, from frontier exploration to incremental production to brownfield drilling and seismic data acquisition. At the same time, the country is pursuing advanced gas development opportunities, in line with goals to balance hydrocarbon production with a transition to low-carbon fuels. This strategy has created a unique opportunity for operators, service providers, technology experts and research and development firms to deploy their innovative solutions across the market. This year’s AOG 2025 exhibition will showcase these solutions, with companies from across the entire oil and gas value chain featured on the exhibition floor.  

    This year’s AOG 2025 will feature Sonangol as a diamond exhibitor. As the country’s national oil company, Sonangol is spearheading efforts to increase oil production, advance gas development while decarbonizing the industry. Additionally, the event will feature the following platinum exhibitors:

    • Etu Energias
    • Labman

    The AOG 2025 gold exhibitors include:

    • Azule Energy
    • ENSA
    • EY
    • Kotoil Energy
    • Cabship
    • Sonamet
    • Alfort Petroleum

    Meanwhile, silver exhibitors include:

    • Petrotec Group
    • 3S Service
    • ACE Energy
    • Oceaneering
    • Easy People
    • AES
    • ITGEST

    Bronze exhibitors include:

    • Algoa Cabinda Services
    • Cabinda Refinery
    • Petrofund
    • Africa Global Logistics

    AOG 2025 will also feature a range of other exhibitors, showcasing innovation, technology and multi-faceted oilfield service solutions. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to join the AOG 2025 conference. Visit https://apo-opa.co/4kSogQV or contact sales@energycapitalpower.com for more information.

    Passes are selling out fast – secure yours before it’s too late.

    AOG is the largest oil and gas event in Angola. Taking place with the full support of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency; the Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute; national oil company Sonangol; and the African Energy Chamber; the event is a platform to sign deals and advance Angola’s oil and gas industry. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • UPI transforms everyday life in India

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has transformed how millions manage money, making the country a global leader in fast, real-time digital payments. The world is also recognizing the power of Digital India and UPI. A recent IMF note titled “Growing Retail Digital Payments: The Value of Interoperability” highlights UPI’s success as a model of public digital infrastructure.

    UPI has made a name for itself in the fintech world. Real-time digital transactions in India now exceed the total of such transactions globally – an achievement that is drawing worldwide attention.

    With over 18 billion transactions monthly, UPI enables seamless money transfers, bill payments, and merchant transactions. Its interoperability allows users across banks and apps to transact effortlessly, fostering innovation and competition in India’s fintech space.

    Before UPI, digital payments in India were limited by closed-loop systems, where transactions can only happen within the same platform. UPI changed this. It connected banks and fintech apps through a common platform. Now, a user can pick any UPI-enabled app and pay someone using another app, without worrying about which bank they use. This is true interoperability in action.

    UPI’s impact is visible in daily life – people can send or receive money 24/7, pay via QR codes, manage multiple accounts in one app, and enjoy fast, secure, and private transactions. Even grievances can be addressed directly through the app.

    This digital shift rests on strong foundations. The Jan Dhan Yojana brought over 55.83 crore people into the banking system. The Aadhaar platform, with over 142 crore cards, enabled secure digital identity. Meanwhile, rapid 5G rollout and low-cost data – dropping from Rs 308/GB in 2014 to just Rs 9.34 – expanded digital access to the remotest corners.

    UPI now accounts for 85% of all digital payments in India and has gone global, operating in seven countries and pushing for adoption within the BRICS bloc.

    India’s digital revolution, powered by UPI, is redefining everyday life and setting a new global standard for inclusive and interoperable digital finance.

     

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Presidents of Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia discussed key areas of bilateral 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

    BISHKEK, July 21 (Xinhua) — Talks were held in Bishkek on Monday between Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh as part of the latter’s state visit to the Kyrgyz Republic, the Kyrgyz president’s Telegram channel reported.

    The parties discussed key areas of bilateral cooperation, including politics, trade and economics, transport and agriculture. Particular attention was paid to digitalization, the development of cultural and humanitarian ties and tourism.

    S. Japarov emphasized that Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia are states historically linked by ties of friendship, the roots of which go back to ancient times. “Comprehensive cooperation with Mongolia is one of the priority areas of development of Kyrgyzstan’s foreign policy,” he noted.

    The President of Kyrgyzstan expressed confidence that the visit of the head of Mongolia will give a powerful impetus to further strengthening political dialogue, expanding trade and economic ties and developing cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

    In turn, U. Khurelsukh emphasized that this visit provides a good opportunity to jointly with the President of Kyrgyzstan to sum up the 30-year path of bilateral relations, assess the implementation of the agreements reached, and also determine priority areas and prospects for cooperation filled with specific economic content.

    “For Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan is an important partner in Central Asia and a kind of bridge connecting the region. We strive to develop mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas, especially in the trade and economic sphere,” the President of Mongolia noted.

    Following the talks, the heads of the two states signed a Joint Declaration on the establishment of a comprehensive partnership between Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia, as well as a number of other documents aimed at increasing cooperation. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Health bosses won’t be rewarded for failure under new regulations

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Press release

    Health bosses won’t be rewarded for failure under new regulations

    NHS managers who commit serious misconduct won’t be able to take up other senior NHS roles, under plans to boost patient safety.

    • Managers who commit serious misconduct will be banned under proposals
    • Patients to benefit from proposals to professionalise NHS management
    • Whistleblowers will be protected under new regulations

    NHS managers who commit serious misconduct won’t be able to take up other senior NHS roles, under plans to boost patient safety.

    The new proposals set out by the Department of Health and Social Care will mean any leader who silences whistleblowers or behaves unacceptably will be banned from returning to a health service position.

    They set out the first steps to meet the government’s commitment to introduce professional standards for, and regulation of, NHS managers, with legislation set to be put forward to Parliament next year.

    Tens of thousands of clinical and non-clinical managers work in the NHS but there is currently no regulatory framework specifically for managers, like there is for doctors and nurses.

    Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said:

    I’m determined to create a culture of honesty and openness in the NHS where whistleblowers are protected, and that demands tough enforcement. If you silence whistleblowers, you will never work in the NHS again. We’ve got to create the conditions where staff are free to come forward and sound the alarm when things go wrong. Protecting the reputation of the NHS should never be put before protecting patient safety.

    I promised no more rewards for failure in the NHS, and these measures will deliver on it. Most NHS leaders are doing a fantastic job, but we need to stop the revolving door that allows managers sacked for misconduct or incompetence to be quietly moved to another well-paid role in another part of the NHS.

    The reforms we are making through our Plan for Change will slam the door in the face of unsuitable managers, while providing the training, support, and development to help NHS leaders thrive and lead the NHS into a brighter future.

    Reviews by Tom Kark KC, General Sir Gordon Messenger and the Infected Blood Inquiry all highlighted the need for strong, transparent and accountable leadership.

    The new proposals, developed following a public consultation, will strengthen health service leadership and professionalise NHS management as part of the 10 Year Health Plan.

    The consultation, launched in November last year, received more than 4,900 contributions on ways in which managers and leaders could be regulated.

    In response, the government will develop a proportionate regulatory system that focuses where need is greatest. It will ensure that those who have committed serious misconduct are no longer able to work in senior NHS management positions, preventing unacceptable behaviour and improving patient safety. 

    The statutory barring system will be for board-level directors and their direct reports within NHS bodies.

    Further legislation will set out new statutory powers for the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to disbar NHS leaders in senior roles who have committed serious misconduct.

    Separate NHSE professional standards for managers will establish a consistent, national set of expectations about NHS management and leadership competency and conduct.

    This follows last year’s announcement of a new College of Executive and Clinical Leadership to attract, develop and keep the best talent in NHS leadership.

    Regulation will come alongside support and development, with managers being given the tools they need to meet standards and succeed in their roles.

    Sam Allen, NHS National Director for Leadership and Management, said: 

    The 10 Year Health Plan was clear about the huge importance of excellent leadership and management, both to the quality of patient care and staff experience now, and to how we deliver the plan’s ambitions for the future.

    Managers will welcome this new regulatory framework, as part of the broader package of actions set out in the Plan to attract, develop, and retain the best possible leaders for the NHS of today and tomorrow.

    Accountability is a crucial part of this, and can only boost trust with patients, the public and other professionals.

    Tom Kark KC, author of the Kark Review, said:

    I am pleased that the recommendation made in my report into the application of the NHS Fit and Proper Person Test to create a power to disqualify Board Directors found guilty of serious misconduct is being implemented. 

    Along with the ongoing implementation of my other recommendations for improving Board competence, this is a positive move to strengthen management in the NHS by weeding out poor leadership.  This is good news for whistleblowers and those looking for accountability in senior management which has long been lacking.

    Rachel Power, chief executive of The Patients Association, said:

    Patients have told us they expect NHS managers to be held to the same high standards as clinical staff, and that should include consistent regulation. A clear, fair process to prevent those who commit serious misconduct from returning to senior roles will be an important step forward, and it’s vital that patient involvement continues to shape proposals as further regulation is considered.

    We’re pleased to see a commitment to meaningful support and development for NHS managers, because the best way to address serious failings is to help prevent them from happening in the first place.

    The proposals come as part of a package of essential reforms needed to rebuild the NHS so it is fit for the future through the government’s Plan for Change.

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Deputy Minister of Economic Development inspected the infrastructure of the Mamison resort

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    On July 17, 2025, Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia Sergey Nazarov visited North Ossetia on a working visit. The main point of the trip was the all-season tourist and recreational complex “Mamison”, where an off-site meeting was held with the participation of the Minister of Economic Development of the Republic of North Ossetia Alania Marat Sokayev and representatives of “Kavkaz.RF”.

    During the meeting, key areas of further development of the resort were discussed, including the pace of construction of facilities and connection to utility networks. Sergey Nazarov inspected the transport, utilities and tourism infrastructure, including ski slopes, hotels, glampings and tent camps. In addition, the meeting participants tested the new Mamihdon trail from the upper cable car station to the tent camp (length over 4 km).

    Today, the resort has two cable cars, 14 km of ski slopes, hotels, cafes and year-round recreation facilities. Due to the national project “Tourism and Hospitality Industry”, 590 million rubles were allocated for infrastructure development in 2023-2024. In 2025-2027, financing in the amount of 150 million rubles is planned.

    Construction and installation works at the 110/10 kV Mamison substation have been fully completed. In December 2024, an agreement was concluded between JSC Kavkaz.RF and PJSC Rosseti North Caucasus, ensuring the technological connection of the resort facilities. The redistribution of capacity in the amount of 4480 kW allows for the launch of the infrastructure in normal mode.

    The main gas pipeline, 14.5 km long, is 90% complete, and 100% within the resort. Gas supply via this route is expected in the fourth quarter of 2025.

    The water intake unit with a capacity of 4,500 m³/day has been operating since 2014 and was transferred to the balance of the republican water utility in 2024. The resort is connected to the centralized water supply according to a temporary scheme: water comes directly from wells, bypassing reservoirs. This ensures the functioning of the facilities, but requires additional measures to modernize the system.

    “The creation of the Mamison resort is not only a contribution to the tourist attractiveness of North Ossetia, but also to the development of the entire economy of the region. Over the past two years, we have managed to overcome infrastructure barriers and move to the stage of stable operation. Today, the task is to ensure the stable operation of all engineering systems, involve investors and continue the comprehensive development of the resort,” emphasized Sergey Nazarov.

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko: The plan for the Decade of Science and Technology is aimed at achieving technological leadership

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    A meeting of the Coordination Committee for the Decade of Science and Technology was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko. Participants discussed the interim results of the Decade’s initiatives for 2025 and preparations for the V Congress of Young Scientists.

    “The Decade of Science and Technology, announced by President Vladimir Putin, is aimed at strengthening the role of science and technology in solving key development problems of the country. Its main goal is to achieve technological leadership of Russia. To achieve this, a special plan has been developed, which provides for the popularization of modern scientific knowledge and obtaining a real socio-economic effect. One of the main annual events – the Congress of Young Scientists – has been included in the national project “Youth and Children” since this year. The event will traditionally bring together representatives of the scientific community, business leaders, as well as representatives of state and public organizations from Russia and other countries,” said Deputy Prime Minister, Co-Chairman of the Coordination Committee for the Decade of Science and Technology Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    Last year, more than 7,000 people from 85 regions of Russia and abroad took part in the Congress of Young Scientists.

    The Decade’s initiatives strengthen the human resources potential of the scientific and technological sphere.

    “Holding the Decade of Science and Technology in Russia is, of course, a very important initiative of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. It is aimed at popularizing scientific achievements and creating conditions for doing science. I believe that the organizers and all participants of the Decade of Science and Technology are, on the whole, successfully coping with these tasks,” said Gennady Krasnikov, President of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

    Minister of Education and Science Valery Falkov noted that the Decade of Science and Technology forms the correct perception of science and the profession of a scientist. According to surveys, the proportion of parents who welcome their children’s choice of a career in the scientific field is increasing, now there are more than 60%.

    “We also see a growing interest among young people in engineering specialties, which is associated with the extensive work within the Decade of Science and Technology. Compared to 2022, admission to engineering programs in 2024 increased by 7% – from 213 thousand to 228 thousand people,” the minister emphasized.

    Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Denis Sekirinsky reported that scientific volunteering is developing, the study of the legacy of the Soviet scientific school continues, the network of scientific playgrounds for children is expanding – today there are 55 of them in 41 cities in Russia. In the “Science and Innovation” domain, 26 services are available for the research community. In Russia, 12 new routes for popular science tourism have been launched in the regions, and in general, there are 87 of them in the country.

    “Since the beginning of 2025, more than 3,000 events of the Decade of Science and Technology have been held, reaching more than 4 million people. This reflects the scale of the work done and sets a high bar for the second half of the year. The development of existing formats continues, new areas are emerging so that more and more young people see science as an opportunity for professional growth and participation in the future of the country,” he said.

    Sofia Malyavina, Director General, spoke about the work of the operator of the Decade of Science and Technology, ANO National Priorities: “Since the beginning of the Decade of Science and Technology in 2022, we have organized more than a hundred excursions and lectures “Science is Nearby”, created dozens of thematic TV projects and podcasts, and attracted over 100 thousand schoolchildren and students to participate in competitions. Since the beginning of 2025 alone, over 24 thousand publications about science have been published – on television, radio, in the press, and online. Interest in this topic is growing, and our task is to ensure that as many people as possible learn about scientific achievements and the specialists behind them.”

    The head of Rosmolodezh Grigory Gurov noted that the scientific volunteer community consists of more than 60 thousand people, and in 2025, more than 3 thousand volunteers joined it: “Rosmolodezh, together with the “Movement of the First”, is implementing the direction “Science and Technology. “DARE AND DISCOVER”, which helps popularize science among children and young people, including through the flagship project “First in Science”. This year, we plan to launch at least 600 “First” scientific clubs in 30 pilot regions. We support young people who strive to develop in science, we create conditions so that children and young people can implement their ideas and propose innovative projects within the framework of the national project “Youth and Children”, launched on the initiative of the President of Russia.”

    Anton Kobyakov, Advisor to the President and Head of the Interdepartmental Working Group for the Preparation and Holding of the Congress of Young Scientists and Associated Events, spoke about the preparations for the anniversary V Congress of Young Scientists to be held on November 26–28, 2025.

    “Special attention in 2025 is being paid to expanding the international component of the Congress of Young Scientists – active work is underway to invite foreign scientists from friendly countries to participate in the congress. As part of the international promotion, the congress was presented at external communication platforms, including off-site events and presentation sessions of the SPIEF in Mexico, Turkey, India, and Arab countries. Also this year, the partner of the invitation campaign is Friends for Leadership – an association created following the XIX World Festival of Youth and Students, which operates in 130 countries. As a result of the work, to date, more than 1.6 thousand participants have submitted applications to participate in the congress,” said Anton Kobyakov.

    Among the innovations of the upcoming congress, the Presidential Advisor named the holding of the BRICS Social and Humanitarian Research Forum on the sidelines of the congress. In addition, exhibition clusters dedicated to industry, technological development, healthcare, ecology, and digitalization will be organized within the framework of the congress exhibition.

    The Director General of the State Corporation Rosatom, Alexey Likhachev, spoke about the events of the V Congress of Young Scientists related to the topic of the atom and the 80th anniversary of the nuclear industry.

    The Governor of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug Dmitry Artyukhov paid attention to the regional experience of implementing the Decade’s initiatives.

    The director of the National Center “Russia” Natalia Virtuozova spoke about the activities of the National Center “Russia” to implement the tasks of the Decade. According to her, one of the strategic areas was the popularization of science fiction – through exhibition projects, international discussion platforms and educational programs. The flagship of this work was the international symposium “Creating the Future”.

    The head of the Educational Foundation “Talent and Success” Elena Shmeleva, the rector of the Lomonosov Moscow State University Viktor Sadovnichy, the rector of the Presidential Academy Alexey Komissarov put forward a number of proposals for holding projects and events within the framework of the Decade and the Congress of Young Scientists.

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: About 2.5 million square meters of asphalt concrete were laid during the reconstruction of a section of the M-3 “Ukraine” highway

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    On the federal highway M-3 “Ukraine” the implementation of a large-scale project to reconstruct the section from the 65th km to the 124th km in the Kaluga region continues

    On the federal highway M-3 “Ukraine” the implementation of a large-scale project to reconstruct the section from the 65th km to the 124th km from the village of Bekasovo in the Moscow region to the city of Maloyaroslavets in the Kaluga region continues. To date, a total of about 2.5 million square meters of asphalt concrete have been laid at the site. This was reported by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

    “Road renovation is necessary to improve transport accessibility in the regions. This increases the comfort of people’s lives, road safety and stimulates territorial development. On the M-3 “Ukraine” highway, reconstruction of the section from the 65th to the 124th km from the village of Bekasovo in the Moscow region to the city of Maloyaroslavets in the Kaluga region is ongoing. From the 65th to the 102nd km, three lanes will be arranged in each direction, from the 102nd to the 124th km – two lanes. In addition, secondary passages for local transport will appear in populated areas. During the reconstruction, overhead pedestrian crossings and interchanges will be built to eliminate intersections with other roads at the same level. High-speed traffic without traffic lights will be ensured. This will allow transit transport to pass freely without interfering with the movement of residents of Naro-Fominsk, Balabanovo and Obninsk. The reconstruction work is carried out in two stages and is distributed across the territories of the two regions. A total of about 2.5 million square meters of asphalt concrete has already been laid at the site, which is 553 thousand. t,” said Marat Khusnullin.

    The Deputy Prime Minister added that the roadbed construction work on the section from the 65th to the 86th km is nearing completion, the road surface is 68% complete – this is 353 thousand tons of asphalt concrete layers. All three interchanges are currently being actively built. The overall readiness on the first section from the 65th to the 86th km within the Moscow Region is 65%, and on the second section on the territory of the Kaluga Region from the 86th to the 124th km, the work has been completed by 25% of the planned volume.

    Also, 28 km of parapet fencing out of the planned 39 km have been installed here today. At the same time, the installation of culverts is at a high level of readiness.

    On the section from the 86th to the 124th km, 1.19 million cubic meters of roadbed were filled, 200 thousand tons of asphalt concrete were installed. Also, specialists began construction of reinforced soil embankments, which pass through the entire city of Balabanovo and partially through the city of Obninsk.

    The head of the state company Avtodor, Vyacheslav Petushenko, specified that a total of 33 artificial structures are being erected at the site. These are bridges, overpasses, an overpass, and overground pedestrian crossings.

    “The first stage of reconstruction in the Moscow Region involves the construction of eight artificial structures, five of which are in a high state of readiness. It should be noted that in general in this region we have reached the final stage of construction and installation works. As for the second stage, on the site within the borders of the Kaluga Region it is planned to build 25 artificial structures, including 15 overpasses, one flyover, three bridges and six overground pedestrian crossings. It is noteworthy that the spans of these overground pedestrian crossings are made of wood-composite materials, ensuring their environmental friendliness. Work is currently underway on 23 structures. At the same time, we are building reinforced soil retaining walls in Balabanovo and Obninsk with overpasses providing passage for local residents,” noted Vyacheslav Petushenko.

    Currently, over a thousand people and more than 300 units of special equipment are involved in the project.

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Conversation between Mikhail Mishustin and the Governor of the Amur Region Vasily Orlov

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Current issues of the region’s socio-economic development were discussed.

    From the transcript:

    M. Mishustin: Dear Vasily Alexandrovich!

    Conversation between Mikhail Mishustin and the Governor of the Amur Region Vasily Orlov

    July 21, 2025

    Governor of the Amur Region Vasily Orlov

    July 21, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Conversation between Mikhail Mishustin and the Governor of the Amur Region Vasily Orlov

    Not so long ago, about five years ago, we met here and spoke in detail about the infrastructure elements that were sorely needed in the Amur Region. I remember very well, then we looked at the bridge towards Heihe, talked about checkpoints, a new airport, coastal protection, the creation of modern embankment elements and much more.

    Today, these projects are being implemented systematically. The result of this was a twofold increase in the regional domestic product. This is a very good result. Today, we have seen from the implementation that everything is going as usual.

    The airport we visited is almost ready. I hope that it will welcome and serve the millionth passenger in the new terminal in December, as planned.

    Drive

    The projects “Golden Mile”, “Silver Mile”, the expo center, the hotel, the cable car, all the elements on the embankment, which we also discussed in detail with you – they are all being implemented, and I hope on time.

    It is also pleasing to see the creation of infrastructure for the movement of goods and, of course, for passenger transportation, tourism – both within the country and for tourism towards China. You are a border city.

    And here it is very important that Kanikurgan, as an infrastructure, as a customs and logistics warehouse, as a checkpoint, will become, I think, an anchor for the expansion of the entire transport and logistics system of the Far East.

    To be continued…

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mikhail Mishustin visited the city center “Tribuna Hall” in Blagoveshchensk

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The Prime Minister inspected the Russian-Chinese Friendship House under construction and watched a presentation of key objects of the Blagoveshchensk master plan and the project for coastal protection and embankment reconstruction.

    Mikhail Mishustin visited the city center “Tribuna Hall” in Blagoveshchensk. With the Governor of the Amur Region Vasily Orlov

    July 21, 2025

    Mikhail Mishustin visited the city center “Tribuna Hall” in Blagoveshchensk. With the Governor of the Amur Region Vasily Orlov

    July 21, 2025

    Mikhail Mishustin visited the city center “Tribuna Hall” in Blagoveshchensk. With the Governor of the Amur Region Vasily Orlov

    July 21, 2025

    Mikhail Mishustin visited the city center “Tribuna Hall” in Blagoveshchensk. With the Governor of the Amur Region Vasily Orlov

    July 21, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Mikhail Mishustin visited the city center “Tribuna Hall” in Blagoveshchensk. With the Governor of the Amur Region Vasily Orlov

    The key objects of the Blagoveshchensk master plan are located in the central part of the city on the Golden Mile section of the Amur embankment, which includes the House of Russian-Chinese Friendship, a cross-border cable car, an international congress and exhibition center, a premium hotel complex, the Fountain Alley, the Amur Dino Park and other objects.

    The entire territory of the Golden Mile is reclaimed and was formed as a result of the implementation of a large-scale project for coastal protection and improvement of the embankment of the city of Blagoveshchensk (implemented in the period from 2013 to 2024 on 10 sites, which are grouped into 3 key clusters – Golden Mile, Silver Mile and Cote d’Azur).

    The project was created using funds from a single subsidy, the regional budget and with the participation of partners (SBER). Within the framework of the project, the largest fountain complex in Eurasia was created, the House of Russian-Chinese Friendship with an observation deck, a dino park were built, and the central square of Blagoveshchensk was landscaped.

    Drive

    Mikhail Mishustin inspected the automobile checkpoint across the state border Kani-Kurgan

    Mikhail Mishustin inspected the new airport complex of the Blagoveshchensk International Airport (Ignatievo) named after N.N. Muravyov-Amursky

    The House of Russian-Chinese Friendship is a separate building with a complex architectural elliptical shape with variable number of storeys and a protruding cornice-spoiler. The area of the object is 6.3 thousand square meters, 2 floors, the roof of the building serves as an observation deck. Finishing works are currently underway at the object, completion is scheduled for September 2025.

    The cross-border cableway across the Amur River between the cities of Blagoveshchensk (Russia) and Heihe (China) is the world’s first cableway between two countries, Russia and China, and opens up great prospects for the development of international tourism and business. The cableway is being built under an intergovernmental agreement signed on September 3, 2015. The construction period is 2019–2025, with commissioning scheduled for May 2026. Technical readiness as of July 2025 is 80%.

    The length of the cable car is 976 meters, it consists of two independent lines with two cabins with a capacity of up to 110 people each, the throughput capacity is 6.8 thousand people per day in each direction, the throughput capacity of the checkpoint across the state border is up to 2.5 million people per year (in both directions).

    On the Russian side, a four-level passenger terminal with a total area of 26 thousand square meters is being built to accommodate the cable car terminal station, a platform and technological equipment, a checkpoint across the state border, a duty-free shop, restaurants, shopping and entertainment facilities. Commissioning is scheduled for May 2026.

    The construction of a multifunctional congress and exhibition center is included in the long-term plan for the comprehensive socio-economic development of Blagoveshchensk for the period up to 2030. The planned start date for construction is the first quarter of 2026, and the completion of work is 2028. International events will be held here (the Russian-Chinese Economic Forum “AmurExpo”, congresses, concerts, exhibitions), a center for Russian-Chinese business cooperation will be created, and a permanent export fair of Russian goods (from food to industrial equipment) for foreign guests will be organized.

    The construction of five-star hotels is planned on the territory adjacent to the cross-border cableway under construction, in the immediate vicinity of the planned international congress and exhibition center.

    The Alley of Fountains is the largest fountain complex in Eurasia, which has become the new calling card of the capital of the Amur Region. It is a pedestrian fountain with an area of 3 thousand square meters with a fogging system and 2114 jets. It was put into operation in May 2024.

    In the evening, the fountain jets “dance” to music, being painted in different colors thanks to the spotlights installed next to the nozzles. Spectators can see “swan wings”, “hearts”, and other water figures.

    The Amur Dinopark is an immersive area that will feature more than 20 exhibits, such as animatronic dinosaurs in jungle-like interiors. Finishing work is currently underway in the new building, with completion scheduled for May 2026.

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: WFP partners with Careem to deliver food aid in Gaza

    Source: World Food Programme

    Dubai, UAE – July 21, 2025: The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), through its award-winning ShareTheMeal app, has partnered with Careem, a leading multi-service app in the Middle East, to launch a donation campaign across Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. The initiative enables Careem users to support WFP’s emergency food assistance efforts in Gaza and the West Bank directly through the Careem app.

    WFP is delivering life-saving food aid in Gaza despite worsening security, limited access, and rising desperation. A recent assessment shows nearly one in three people are going days without food, putting more lives at risk. Since May 21, WFP teams have dispatched dozens of aid convoys with over 1,200 trucks carrying 18,247 metric tons (MT) of food into Gaza.

    Through Careem’s in-app donations platform “Right Click”, users can contribute directly to WFP’s emergency response, with donations going towards delivering wheat flour, hot meals, and nutrition supplements to communities across Gaza and the West Bank, where WFP aims to reach over 1.5 million people this year.

    “We welcome this important partnership with Careem, which empowers those in Jordan and the UAE to directly support families in Gaza through our joint platforms. These meaningful contributions will enable WFP to save lives in one of the toughest operations to date,” said Stephen Anderson, Director of WFP UAE Office & Representative to GCC Region. 

    “At Careem, we believe in using our platform to empower communities and respond to moments that matter. The crisis in Gaza is a humanitarian emergency that demands urgent action, and through our partnership with the World Food Programme, we’re enabling our customers in Jordan and the UAE to make a direct impact,” Mudassir Sheikha, CEO and co-founder of Careem. “With just a few taps in the app, you can contribute to life-saving food assistance for families who are facing unimaginable hardship.”

    In Gaza, food aid has become the only realistic option for people to eat, as flour prices have soared to 3,000 times pre-war levels, and cooking fuel is virtually impossible to find. Currently, WFP has pre-positioned over 116,000 metric tons of food assistance just outside Gaza, enough to feed the entirety of Gaza’s population for two months.

    In 2025 alone, Careem has facilitated over $200,000 in donations to various causes, including emergency relief and education support, reflecting the ongoing commitment of Careem customers to making an impact through the app.

    WFP’s campaign is now live on Careem’s donations platform “Right Click” in Jordan and the UAE. Download the latest version of the Careem app on iOS or Android to donate and be part of the impact.

    -END-

    About WFP

    The United Nations World Food Program is the largest humanitarian organization in the world, which saves lives during emergencies and provides food assistance to build a road to peace, stability and prosperity amongst populations which are recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change.

    Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter: @WFP_GCC and Instagram: @wfp_gcc

    Subscribe to our WhatsApp channel.

    About Careem

    Careem is building the Everything App for the greater Middle East, making it easier than ever to move around, order food and groceries, manage payments, and more. Careem is led by a powerful purpose to simplify and improve the lives of people and build an awesome organisation that inspires. Since 2012, Careem has created earning opportunities for over 3.5 million Captains, simplified the lives of over 75 million customers, and built a platform for the region’s best talent to thrive and for entrepreneurs to scale their businesses. Careem operates in over 70 cities across 10 countries, from Morocco to Pakistan.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Catherine Staggs: Advancing Artemis Through Contracting Expertise

    Source: NASA

    A lifelong baseball fan, Catherine Staggs set out with her family to visit all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums across the United States. That love of the game eventually led them to settle in Houston about eight years ago – a choice that helped lead Staggs to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where she is a contracting officer for the agency’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative. Through CLPS, she helps manage the contracts with commercial companies delivering science and technology to the Moon. These efforts support NASA’s Artemis campaign and lay the groundwork for continuous human presence on the lunar surface.

    She joined NASA as a civil servant in 2018, but Staggs’ career in the federal government stretches back to her college days. She completed an accounting co-op with the Department of Defense as a student at Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina, and secured a full-time accounting position with the agency following her graduation. She transitioned to a business financial manager position supporting U.S. Marine Corps projects while earning an MBA from The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina. “That position is where I started to dabble in contracting,” she said.
    Staggs moved to Texas in 2014 to be closer to her boyfriend – now husband – who was stationed at Fort Hood in Killeen. She was hired as a contract compliance manager for a small, Killeen-based business that specialized in government contracts, officially launching her career in contracting. When Staggs’ husband retired from the Army, the couple decided to move to Houston because they loved to watch the Houston Astros play ball. Staggs continued working for the contracting company from her new home but missed meeting new people and collaborating with colleagues in person.
    “I applied for a contract specialist job with NASA to get back into the office, and the rest is history,” she said.
    Her current role at Johnson involves managing the administrative contract functions for the 13 base contracts that support CLPS, which are valued at $2.6 billion. She is also the contracting officer for Firefly’s Blue Ghost Mission-3 and helps to train and develop up-and-coming contract specialists. “I love to see the development each contract specialist has over their career,” she said. “My first Pathways intern is now working full-time for NASA as a contract specialist, and they are working to become a limited warrant contracting officer.”

    Her training experience provides valuable perspective on new team members. “Everyone starts at the bottom, not knowing what they don’t know,” she said. “We all have a beginning, and we need to remember that as we welcome new employees.”
    Staggs said that navigating change has at times been difficult in her career, but she strives to remain flexible and open to adjusting work and life to meet the needs of the mission. “My time at NASA has helped develop my leadership skills through confidence in myself and my team,” she said.

    She looks forward to mentoring the Artemis Generation and sharing her contracting knowledge with new team members. She also anticipates crossing more baseball stadiums off her family’s list this summer.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Six Months of Keeping America Safe Under President Trump and Secretary Noem

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Six Months of Keeping America Safe Under President Trump and Secretary Noem

    lass=”text-align-center”>DHS has accomplished more in six months than most Administrations achieve in an entire term
    WASHINGTON – In just six months, President Trump and Secretary Noem have delivered the American people a long list of victories in their mission to secure the homeland and Make America Safe Again

     
    Under their leadership, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has closed the southern border, removed violent criminal illegal aliens, restored law and order to our immigration system, supported Americans in times of crisis, revolutionized our Coast Guard to meet the challenges of the 21st Century, and kept Americans safe

     
    Secured the Southern Border 

    On day one, President Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border

        
    President Trump immediately reinstated “Remain in Mexico” and ended catch-and-release

     
    Daily border encounters have plunged by 93% since President Trump took office

    Under President Trump’s leadership, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has located over 10,000 unaccompanied children

    Migrants are turning BACK before they even reach our border— migration through Panama’s Darien Gap is down 99%

    President Trump—with $46

    5 billion from the Big Beautiful Bill—is finishing the border wall

    DHS already has more than 85 miles either planned or under construction with funding from the prior year, in addition to hundreds of miles that are now planned to be funded by the bill

     President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill also includes over $5 billion for new technology and border surveillance

    With the Big Beautiful Bill, CBP will get the resources they need to keep America safe, including $4

    1 billion to hire additional personnel, including 5,000 more customs officers and 3,000 new Border Patrol agents

    In June, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) had the lowest number of nationwide encounters in CBP history at 25,228

    The number of nationwide apprehensions in June was also a historic low of just 8,024

       
    Notably, on June 28, Border Patrol recorded only 136 apprehensions across the entire Southwest Border—the lowest single-day total in agency history

    And in both May and June, U

    S

    Border Patrol reported zero parole releases—reinforcing the Administration’s commitment to ending catch-and-release policies

    Removed the Worst of the Worst Illegal Aliens  

    The Trump Administration empowered our brave men and women in law enforcement to use common sense to do their jobs effectively

     
    DHS returned to using the term “illegal alien” which is the statutory language

    President Trump will not allow political correctness to hinder law enforcement

     
    The Trump administration has arrested more than 300,000 illegal aliens in 2025 alone

    70% of ICE arrests are criminal illegal aliens with criminal charges or convictions

         
    The Big Beautiful Bill will allow ICE to arrest and remove even more criminal aliens by providing $14

    4 billion for removals, 10,000 new ICE agents, 80,000 new ICE beds, and a $10,000 signing bonus for new ICE agents

    This will help ICE achieve as many as 1 million deportations per year

    As part of 287(g), DHS partnered with the State of Florida and opened Alligator Alcatraz, giving the Trump administration the capability to lock up some of the worst scumbags who entered the country illegally under the previous administration

    The new facility expands facility and bed space by the thousands

    Operation Tidal Wave, the first 287(g) enforcement operation coordinated with state and federal law enforcement partners, resulted in over 800 arrests

    President Trump and Secretary Noem are empowering state and local law enforcement to get these criminal illegal aliens off our streets

    DHS has secured more than 800 signed agreements with state and local partnerships under 287(g)

        
    At the direction of President Trump, CBP and ICE began widescale immigration enforcement operations in sanctuary city Los Angeles and southern California

    The month-long operation resulted in arresting some of the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens

    In July, federal law enforcement officers executed criminal warrant operations at marijuana grow sites in Carpinteria and Camarillo

    At least 14 migrant children have been rescued from potential exploitation, forced labor and human trafficking

    Federal officers also arrested at least 361 illegal aliens from both sites in Carpinteria and Camarillo

    After weeks of delays by activist judges, the Department of Homeland Security finally deported eight barbaric, violent criminal illegal aliens to South Sudan

    Delivering Justice for Victims of Illegal Immigration  

    President Trump and Secretary Noem reopened the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) office, which was shuttered by the Biden Administration

    President Trump and Secretary Noem are standing up for the victims of illegal alien crime and ensuring they have access to much needed resources and support they deserve

    Incentivizing Historic Self-Deportations 

    President Trump ended the CBP One app that allowed more than one million aliens to illegally enter the U

    S

    The Trump Administration replaced this disastrous program with the CBP Home app, which has a new self-deportation reporting feature for aliens illegally in the country

    President Trump launched Project Homecoming through a presidential EO

    The United States is also offering any illegal alien who uses the CBP Home App a stipend of $1,000 dollars, paid after their return to their home country has been confirmed through the app

    So far, tens of thousands of illegal aliens have used the app to self-deport

     
    In addition to offering CBP Home, DHS announced illegal aliens who self-deport through the app will receive forgiveness of any civil fines or penalties for failing to depart the United States

     DHS also made CBP Home more user friendly by eliminating certain steps and making it easier than ever for illegal aliens to self-deport

    DHS and DOJ are enforcing our immigration laws and fining illegal aliens who do not depart when they are supposed to

    So far, nearly 10,000 fine notices have been issued by ICE

    Restoring Common Sense to America’s Legal Immigration System 

    President Trump ended the broad abuse of humanitarian parole and returned the program to a case-by-case basis

    As part of this effort, Secretary Noem terminated the Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela parole programs

    Following victory at the U

    S

    Supreme Court, DHS began sending termination notices in June, informing the illegal aliens both their parole is terminated, and their parole-based employment authorization is revoked – effective immediately

    DHS has returned the Temporary Protected Status immigration program to its original status: temporary

    No longer will this program be abused and exploited by illegal aliens

    Secretary Noem rescinded the previous administration’s extension of Venezuelan, Haitian, Nicaraguan, Honduran, and Afghan TPS

    Secretary Noem terminated Harvard University’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification—meaning Harvard can no longer enroll foreign students and existing foreign students must transfer or lose their legal status—for fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party

    It is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enroll foreign students and benefit from higher tuition to help pad their multibillion-dollar endowments

    Harvard University repeatedly abused this privilege and even stonewalled DHS’s request for information

    Initiating a Golden Age in American Air Travel 

    Secretary Noem terminated the politically motivated Quiet Skies Program, which since its existence has failed to stop a single terrorist attack while costing US taxpayers $200 million a year

    The program, under the guise of “national security,” was used to target political opponents and benefit political allies

    TSA ended the “shoes-off” travel policy, allowing passengers traveling through domestic airports to keep their shoes on while passing through security screening at TSA checkpoints

    This change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at our TSA checkpoints, leading to a more pleasant and efficient passenger experience

    The Trump administration fully implemented REAL ID enforcement measures nationwide—a law signed 20 years ago

    REAL ID helps ensure that travelers are who they say they are and prevents fraud by criminals, terrorists, and illegal aliens

    Most travelers have not even noticed a difference because nearly 94% of travelers are already REAL ID compliant

    Secretary Noem ended collective bargaining for the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Transportation Security Officers, which constrained TSA’s chief mission to safeguard our transportation systems

    Fixing Disaster Relief for the 21st Century 

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency is now shifting from bloated, DC-centric dead weight to a lean, deployable disaster force that empowers state actors to provide relief for their citizens

    The old processes are being replaced because they failed Americans in real emergencies for decades

    President Trump has established the FEMA Review Council to provide recommendations on how to best conduct disaster relief at the federal level

     
    Under Secretary Noem’s leadership, the FEMA Review Council is developing a comprehensive plan for necessary change

    DHS has empowered state and local governments to lead disaster relief efforts without interference from the federal government

    Provided Rapid and Effective Support to Flood Victims in Texas 

    Within moments of the flooding in Texas, DHS assets, including the U

    S

    Coast Guard (USCG), CBP Border Search, CBP BORSTAR, and FEMA personnel surged into unprecedented action alongside Texas first responders for search and rescue operations

    FEMA deployed 311 staffers delivering critical intelligence, aerial imagery, and shelter for 171 survivors

    Combined state and federal rescue efforts evacuated and rescued over 1,500 people

    Getting CISA Back on Mission 

    Under the Biden Administration, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) censored free speech and targeted Americans

    Under President Trump’s direction, DHS closed CISA’s politically weaponized offices and fired those responsible for abusing their power

    CISA is now back on-mission: Protecting Americans and critical infrastructure from cyberthreats

    CISA is shifting away from an all-hazards approach to a risk-informed approach, prioritizing resilience and action over mere information sharing

     
    CISA personnel are deployed across 10 regions in support of all 56 states/territories

     
    CISA is also on the front lines of defending America from cyberattacks

     
    CISA partnered with the FBI and NSA to ensure state and local governments have information and resources necessary for protection

    CISA is also providing security support for next year’s FIFA World Cup

    Secretary Noem discontinued the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council (CIPAC) as a part of the implementation of President Trump’s Executive Order 14217, Commencing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy, and removed members of the Cyber Safety Review Board (CSRB), which CISA oversees

    Revolutionizing the Coast Guard 

    When President Trump came back into office, the Coast Guard faced its greatest readiness crisis since World War II because the Biden Administration left it underfunded and neglected

    President Trump’s order to surge Coast Guard assets to our maritime border changed the game

    In the first few months of the Trump Administration, the Coast Guard seized more cocaine and other illegal drugs than during the entirety of 2024

    For the first time in years, the Coast Guard expects to exceed its recruiting goals

    In Fiscal Year 2025, the Coast Guard has brought in more than 4,250 recruits – 1,200 more than the same time last year

    That’s 108% over the goal

    Under Biden, the Coast Guard fell short of its recruiting goals four years straight

    Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, the Coast Guard is unleashing “Force Design 2028,” a revolutionary new blueprint that will make the Coast Guard more agile, more capable, and more responsive than ever before

    Standing up for the American taxpayer 

    The United States Coast Guard (USCG) eliminated an ineffective information technology (IT) program, saving nearly $33 million, and is now focusing resources where they’re most needed to protect our homeland

     
    USCG partially terminated a wasteful Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) contract with Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG), which has been slow to deliver four OPCs, harming U

    S

    defense capabilities

    The Trump Administration stopped aliens on the Terror Watchlist from receiving Medicaid benefits

         
    Secretary Noem cancelled CISA’s expensive headquarters project, saving taxpayers over half a billion dollars

    To stop policies that were magnets for illegal immigration, DHS froze all funding to non-governmental organizations that facilitate illegal immigration and announced a partnership with the U

    S

    Department of Housing and Urban Development to ensure taxpayer dollars do not go to housing illegal aliens

     
    ###  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Tests Scalable Satellite Tech to Launch Sensors Quicker

    Source: NASA

    NASA’s Athena Economical Payload Integration Cost mission, or Athena EPIC, is a test launch for an innovative, scalable space vehicle design to support future missions. The small satellite platform is engineered to share resources among the payloads onboard by managing routine functions so the individual payloads don’t have to.
    This technology results in lower costs to taxpayers and a quicker path to launch.

    “Increasing the speed of discovery is foundational to NASA. Our ability to leverage access to innovative space technologies across federal agencies through industry partners is the future,” said Clayton Turner, Associate Administrator for Space Technology Mission Directorate at NASA headquarters in Washington. “Athena EPIC is a valuable demonstration of the government at its best — serving humankind to advance knowledge with existing hardware configured to operate with new technologies.”
    The NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and the U.S. Space Force are government partners for this demo mission. Athena EPIC’s industry partner, NovaWurks, provided the space vehicle, which utilizes a small satellite platform assembled with a Hyper-Integrated Satlet, or HISat.

    The HISat instruments are similar in nature to a child’s toy interlocking building blocks. They’re engineered to be built into larger structures called SensorCraft. Those SensorCraft can share resources with multiple payloads and conform to different sizes and shapes to accommodate them. This easily configurable, building-block architecture allows a lot of flexibility with payload designs and concepts, ultimately giving payload providers easier, less expensive access to space and increased maneuverability between multiple orbits.
    Scientists at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, designed and built the Athena sensor payload, which consists of an optical module, a calibration module, and a newly developed sensor electronics assembly. Athena EPIC’s sensor was built with spare parts from NASA’s CERES (Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System) mission. Several different generations of CERES satellite and space station instruments have tracked Earth’s radiation budget.
    “Instead of Athena carrying its own processor, we’re using the processors on the HISats to control things like our heaters and do some of the control functions that typically would be done by a processor on our payload,” said Kory Priestley, principal investigator for Athena EPIC from NASA Langley. “So, this is merging an instrument and a satellite platform into what we are calling a SensorCraft. It’s a more integrated approach. We don’t need as many capabilities built into our key instrument because it’s being brought to us by the satellite host. We obtain greater redundancy, and it simplifies our payload.”

    This is the first HISat mission led by NASA. Traditional satellites, like the ones that host the CERES instruments — are large, sometimes the size of a school bus, and carry multiple instruments. They tend to be custom units built with all of their own hardware and software to manage control, propulsion, cameras, carousels, processors, batteries, and more, and sometimes even require two of everything to guard against failures in the system. All of these factors, plus the need for a larger launch vehicle, significantly increase costs.
    This transformational approach to getting instruments into space can reduce the cost from billions to millions per mission.  “Now we are talking about something much smaller — SensorCraft the size of a mini refrigerator,” said Priestley. “If you do have failures on orbit, you can replace these much more economically. It’s a very different approach moving forward for Earth observation.”

    Athena EPIC is scheduled to launch July 22 as a rideshare on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. The primary NASA payload on the launch will be the TRACERS (Tandem Reconnection and Cusp Electrodynamics Reconnaissance Satellites) mission. The TRACERS mission is led by the University of Iowa for NASA’s Heliophysics Division within the Science Mission Directorate. NASA’s Earth Science Division also provided funding for Athena EPIC.
    “Langley Research Center has long been a leader in developing remote sensing instruments for in-orbit satellites. As satellites become smaller, a less traditional, more efficient path to launch is needed in order to decrease complexity while simultaneously increasing the value of exploration, science, and technology measurements for the Nation,” added Turner.
    For more information on NASA’s Athena EPIC mission:
    https://science.nasa.gov/misshttps://science.nasa.gov/mission/athena/ion/athena/

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Curiosity Blog, Sols 4602-4603: On Top of the Ridge

    Source: NASA

    Written by Alex Innanen, Atmospheric Scientist at York University
    Earth planning date: Wednesday, July 16, 2025
    As we hoped, we successfully climbed the 11-meter ramp (about 36 feet) and have arrived at the top of the ridge and the start of the main boxwork region. This means we’re moving into the next phase of the boxwork campaign, which is all about assessing these features and how we can navigate our way through them, and learning everything we can about their composition.
    In support of that, we’re taking a good look around at the boxwork ridges with both ChemCam and Mastcam. Both instruments are taking mosaics of the more distant ridges to get a broader view of their features. A bit closer in, Mastcam has three more mosaics: two looking at different views of “El Corral” and “Chapare,” both of which we saw in Monday’s plan, and “Meson,” which is the ridge we’ll be heading for in today’s 15-meter drive (about 49 feet).
    It’s not all looking ahead, though. The workspace in front of us has a lot to offer as well. Mastcam will be turning its sights to some nearby linear features. Our workspace is also full of nodular bedrock, which is getting lots of up-close attention. ChemCam will be turning its LIBS laser on a target called “Altamora,” and MAHLI and APXS will be examining another target called “Nocarane.”
    With all the geological excitement, we can still manage to squeeze in some time to keep an eye on the environment. Though we don’t always mention them, REMS, RAD, and DAN are always there working steadily away to build up our understanding of Mars’ environment. We’ll also round out the plan with a suprahorizon cloud movie and a 360-degree dust-devil survey.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Inflation at 1.4% in June

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Overall consumer prices rose 1.4% year on year in June, less than the 1.9% increase in May, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

    Netting out the effects of the Government’s one-off relief measures, underlying inflation was 1%, the same as that in May.

    Compared with a year before, price increases were recorded in May in the following categories: housing; transport; electricity, gas and water; alcoholic drinks and tobacco; meals out and takeaway food; miscellaneous goods; and miscellaneous services.

    Meanwhile, year-on-year decreases were logged in clothing and footwear; durable goods; and basic food.

    The Government said consumer price inflation stayed modest in June, and that price pressures on various major components were contained in general.

    It expects that overall inflation should remain modest in the near term, with pressures from domestic costs and external prices staying broadly in check.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Development Bureau and relevant departments proactively follow up on relief work after passage of Typhoon Wipha

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    A spokesman for the Development Bureau today (July 20) said that its departments and relevant departments are making all-out efforts to carry out relief work after the passage of Typhoon Wipha, with a view to enabling the community to resume normalcy as soon as possible.
     
    As at 8pm today, the Government’s 1823 Call Centre and the Fire Services Department received 286 and 425 reports of fallen trees respectively. In order to remove fallen trees affecting carriageways and footpaths as early as possible, prior to the issuance of Strong Wind Signal No. 3 by the Hong Kong Observatory, the Highways Department has commenced inspections of carriageways across the territory to immediately remove fallen trees when necessary.
     
    During the passage of Typhoon Wipha, five reports of collapsed scaffolding were received as at 7pm. Among these, the Housing Department removed the scaffolding affecting Choi Hung Road at around 3pm and is making arrangement to dismantle the scaffolding collapsed on Wah King Street near Wah Fu Estate. The Architectural Services Department is striving to remove the scaffolding collapsed on Siu Sai Wan Road, with a view to resuming traffic soonest. There are two separate scaffoldings collapsed at private housing estates at Cloud View Road, North Point and Tin Hau Temple Road respectively. The former is affecting the outdoor carpark of the estate while the latter is affecting Tin Hau Temple Road. The Buildings Department (BD) is proactively following up with relevant owners’ corporations and the scaffolding affecting Tin Hau Temple Road will be removed as soon as possible.
     
    As at 6pm, the BD received 21 reports of building-related incidents, which mainly involve unstable windows. The BD is following up on 15 cases and has referred the remaining six cases to relevant departments for follow up.
     
    As at 8pm, the Drainage Services Department (DSD) has received seven confirmed cases of flooding at Lam Kam Road in Tai Po, Lung Cheung Road near Lung Cheung Mall, Lung Cheung Road near Ngau Chi Wan Village, Tai Hom Road in Wai Tai Sin, Clear Water Bay Road in Sai Kung, Chuk Yuen Road in Wong Tai Sin, and Ko Chiu Road in Yau Tong. The aforementioned cases have been resolved.
     
    As storm surge might lead to a rise in sea levels and increase the flooding risk in the area of Tai Po Market, the DSD made early preparation and implemented various flood prevention measures last night (July 19), including installing temporary water-filled flood barriers near Kwong Fuk Bridge along Lam Tsuen River in Tai Po, and placing water pumps in the vicinity of Tai Po Market and Sam Mun Tsai New Village. No report of flooding at the aforementioned locations has been received so far.
     
    Moreover, Typhoon Wipha did not result in any landslide incidents.
     
    The spokesman said the relevant departments have commenced a new round of special inspections after the issuance of Strong Wind Signal No. 3 by the Hong Kong Observatory to inspect roadside trees, structures (including external walls and signboards), slopes and construction sites, etc. to identity locations with potential risks after the passage of strong wind to ensure public safety. The Government urges members of the public to remain vigilant when going outdoors, and avoid staying under trees, signboards or structures with signs of concrete spalling, as well as in the vicinity of slopes. They may call the Government’s 1823 hotline to report dangerous trees, slopes and structures.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hospital Authority service arrangement

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

    The Hospital Authority (HA) announces that as the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 has been issued, its general out-patient clinics will be closed today (July 20). Outpatients are advised to make a new appointment after the cancellation of the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8. The service of Accident & Emergency Department of public hospitals remains normal.
     
    The HA has made preparations to cope with the adverse weather conditions and established contingency plans for inclement weather. Drills have been conducted to ensure uninterrupted medical services across all public hospitals. Also, the HA has reminded all clusters to conduct a comprehensive review of their preparedness to effectively respond to adverse weather conditions.
     
    All clusters have allocated additional manpower, food and medical supplies to maintain normal hospital operations. Enhanced inspections have been carried out at various locations within public hospitals, including potential flood-prone areas, drainage systems and trees. Furthermore, contractors of HA construction sites have been instructed to implement proper reinforcement and safety precautionary measures against strong wind and heavy rain to minimise the impact of severe weather.
     
    The HA Major Incident Control Centre will closely monitor the operations of all hospitals and maintain close communication with relevant government departments to ensure public hospital services remain unaffected during adverse weather conditions.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Care centres, services units and SWD welfare units operating on Sundays and public holidays will not open

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

    Please broadcast the following special announcement immediately, and repeat it at frequent intervals:

    “The Social Welfare Department announces that as Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above is now hoisted, all welfare services units of the department, services units providing after school care programmes for primary school children and elderly services centres will not open to the public. After the No. 8 signal is cancelled, those centres and units that normally operate on Sundays and public holidays will resume normal operation in two hours, if the weather and conditions permit.”

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Classes of all day schools are suspended today

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    As the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above is now in force, classes of all day schools, including secondary schools, primary schools, special schools, kindergartens, and kindergarten-cum-child care centres, are suspended today (July 20). If classes of evening schools are required to be suspended tonight, the Education Bureau will make the announcement in due course.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LD urges employers and employees to make work arrangements in times of tropical cyclones and rainstorms

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         As Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 (T8) will soon be in force, the Labour Department (LD) today (July 19) reminded employers to make work arrangements for employees during and after tropical cyclone warnings, rainstorm warnings and extreme conditions, including arrangements on reporting for duty, release from work, resumption of work and remote work (if applicable). 
          
         An LD spokesman said, “In drawing up and implementing the work arrangements, apart from factors such as operational needs of establishments, employers should give prime consideration to employees’ safety and the feasibility of employees travelling to and from their workplaces. Employers should also give consideration as much as possible to the different situations faced by individual employees, such as their place of residence and the road and traffic conditions in the vicinity, and adopt a sympathetic and flexible approach with due regard to their actual difficulties and needs. For example, employers may permit employees who have difficulties in returning to workplaces to work remotely (if applicable) or allow more time for them to report for duty and resume work.”
          
         If the Government makes an extreme conditions announcement, apart from those required by employers to report for duty at workplaces, employees are advised to stay in the place they are currently in or in safe places when extreme conditions are in force, instead of heading for work. Employees who have already reported for duty at workplaces could continue to work as usual in a safe manner. If the workplaces are in danger, employers should release staff from work early under feasible conditions and in a safe manner, or make available a safe place as temporary shelter for employees. If the working time ends while extreme conditions are still in force, employers can release employees from workplaces in a safe manner or provide a suitable area as temporary shelter for those still at workplaces.
          
         If it is necessary for employees to report for duty at workplaces under adverse weather or extreme conditions, employers should work out arrangements for their transportation, safety, meals, rest places and more. If public transport services are suspended or limited when there is a T8 signal or higher, or extreme conditions are in force, employers should provide safe transport services for employees travelling to and from workplaces, or grant them an extra travelling allowance.
          
         The spokesman reminded employers to observe the statutory liabilities and requirements under the Employment Ordinance, Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance, Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance, Employees’ Compensation Ordinance and Minimum Wage Ordinance.
          
         The LD has published the “Code of Practice in Times of Adverse Weather and ‘Extreme Conditions’”, which provides the major principles, reference guidelines and information on relevant legislation on making work arrangements for the reference of employers and employees. The booklet can be obtained from branch offices of the Labour Relations Division or downloaded from the department’s webpage (www.labour.gov.hk/eng/public/wcp/Rainstorm.pdf). 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Innovate and Lead – The New Wave Logistics Competition held today for students from Hong Kong and Macao to exhibit innovative solutions

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    ​The Innovate and Lead – The New Wave Logistics Competition, funded under the Logistics Promotion Funding Scheme of the Maritime and Aviation Training Fund launched by the Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB) and organised by the Hong Kong Association of Freight Forwarding and Logistics (HAFFA), was held today (July 19). The competition attracted 40 secondary school teams from Hong Kong and Macao, providing students with the opportunity to propose innovative solutions for the future development of the logistics industry in three specific themes, namely smart city logistics, sustainable logistics and Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) as well as entrepreneurship and innovation in logistics.
     
    In the Action Plan on Modern Logistics Development promulgated in 2023, the TLB proposed to strengthen the promotion of the modern logistics industry with a view to enriching the younger generation’s understanding of the latest developments in the logistics sector, thereby inspiring their interest in and attracting them to join the industry. This competition provides a platform for students to unleash their creativity on one hand and promotes the innovation of the industry on the other hand.
     
    The participating teams showcased their solutions to the public and the professional judging panel via exhibitions at the Grand Hall of Hong Kong Science Park. The judging panel evaluated each team based on their understanding of industry development challenges, the feasibility and practicability of their proposed solutions, and so on. Gold, silver, bronze, and merit prizes, as well as an overall grand champion and Cathay Cargo merit prize were awarded to the winning teams to recognise their efforts and creativity. 
     
    At the award ceremony, the Under Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Liu Chun-san, pointed out that the logistics sector has been advancing towards smart development, digitalisation and modernisation. He expressed his trust that the competition helped students experience the professionalism, innovation and vitality of the modern logistics industry. He also encouraged students to participate in the Internship Scheme on Modern Logistics to gain personal exposure to the interesting work of the industry and understand its various opportunities for career development.
     
    To better equip students for the competition, HAFFA arranged a series of logistics-related seminars, simulation and virtual-reality trainings, as well as workshops ahead of the event. Senior industry professionals were invited to share their knowledge and insights, with a view to helping students gain an understanding of the latest developments in the modern logistics industry.
     
    The event was fully supported by the logistics sector and academia, demonstrating the collaborative effort across sectors to promote young talent development in the logistics industry. Members of the Hong Kong Logistics Development Council also visited the exhibitions this morning to understand the details and ideas behind each participating team’s creative proposal and spoke highly of the students for their creativity. For more information on the Innovate and Lead – The New Wave Logistics Competition, please visit haffa.aiatros.com/.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “She Inspires” Mentorship Programme Launched (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, and the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, officiated at the kick-off ceremony of the first cohort of the “She Inspires” Mentorship Programme launched by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau today (July 19).
     
    In his speech, Mr Chan noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action at the United Nations’ Fourth World Conference on Women. The two milestone documents have laid the foundation for the advancement of women’s causes globally. Hong Kong, as the international gateway for the country, has consistently taken concrete actions to promote women’s development. The launch of the Programme represented a significant step forward in this endeavour.
     
    Mr Chan also encouraged the mentees of the Programme, “I hope that all of you will not only possess professional expertise, but also resilience and a heart that cares for our country and gives back to society. Today, you benefit from the selfless guidance of your mentors. I hope that when you become leaders in the future, you will also be beacons for the next generation, your juniors, passing on the power of women.”
     
    Miss Mak expressed her gratitude to the mentors and mentees for their active participation, as well as to the local universities for their assistance and support.
     
    She said, “Looking forward, we hope this Programme will become a source of strength which encourages more women to realise their potential in the workplace. I look forward to seeing each mentee to face challenges bravely, discover their talents, and achieve excellence in their future careers under the guidance of mentors.”
     
    Also officiating at the ceremony were the Chairperson of the Women’s Commission (WoC), Dr Eliza Chan, and the Permanent Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Ms Shirley Lam. Members of the WoC, mentors and mentees participating in the Programme as well as representatives from local universities also attended the ceremony.
     
    The Programme matches local female university students who aspire to pursue a career in the professional or business sectors with women leader mentors, and provides relevant training and activities to help them enhance their skills, build confidence and network to thrive in their future career and nurture the future strength that “hold up half the sky”. For the first cohort of the Programme, over 50 women leaders participated as mentors, and more than 250 applications from students were received, with more than 80 of them being selected as mentees.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Automated passenger services permitting scheme

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Written statement to Parliament

    Automated passenger services permitting scheme

    Have your say on the proposals that will help regulate new self-driving vehicle passenger services.

    I wish to provide the House with an update on steps the government is taking to progress the implementation of automated passenger services (APS) regulations to kickstart economic growth, a top priority in the government’s Plan for Change.

    The APS permitting regime was created to address complexities of applying current taxi, private hire vehicle and public service vehicle legislation to passenger services that would operate without a driver. This scheme will help facilitate commercial pilots of services with paying passengers and no safety driver to be deployed from spring 2026.

    In June, I announced the government’s intention to accelerate the introduction of APS regulations, subject to the outcome of a consultation launching in summer. Today (21 July 2025) I can announce that the consultation on the draft regulations and wider considerations in respect of the management and use of the permitting scheme has been published. The consultation will run until 28 September 2025.

    Through the APS permitting scheme, we intend to provide businesses with the regulatory confidence to invest in testing and deploying these innovative services on our streets, reinforcing Great Britain’s position among the world leaders in tech deployment.

    Safety, including the safeguarding of passengers, is at the heart of the proposed permitting scheme. Where automated vehicle technology needs approval by government before it can be used, government will use comprehensive safety standards that take into account the developing United Nations regulation for automated driving systems.

    Government intends that the accessibility of services will be a factor in consideration of whether to grant a permit, alongside a reporting requirement placed on to permit holders. Pilot deployments will continue building government’s understanding of new ways in which accessibility can be achieved through these services. Government will continue to explore the role for research in further understanding of how self-driving passenger services can best enable older and disabled people to travel, alongside others with limited or restricted mobility.

    Consultation proposals

    The consultation is divided into 7 chapters, covering a range of matters relevant to the implementation of APS permitting.

    These chapters consider the outline of the legislative scheme, necessary guidance regarding the consent process for local licensing authorities and bus franchising authorities, the application process, the variation, suspension and withdrawal of a permit, accessibility, the review process and disclosure of information.

    A copy of this publication and associated annexes will be placed in the libraries of both houses and published on GOV.UK.

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Two killed, nine injured in Kunming road accident

    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

    KUNMING, July 21 (Xinhua) — Two people were killed and nine others were injured in a traffic accident in Kunming, capital of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, on Sunday, the city’s public security bureau said Monday.

    The incident happened at 1:16 p.m. on Sunday on Jinbi Road in Xishan District, a thoroughfare in Kunming’s main commercial area.

    According to police, a 49-year-old local resident surnamed Li, who was driving a small blue SUV, collided with pedestrians and e-bikers who were following the rules while entering Jinbi Road. The driver then fled the scene, hitting and colliding with other road users.

    The accident left two people dead, four people with minor injuries and five people with minor injuries. All victims were taken to hospitals for treatment and are reported to be in stable condition.

    The driver has now been detained by the police. The results of the preliminary investigation have confirmed that the incident has been classified as a hit and run. According to the report, suspicions of drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs have been ruled out.

    Further investigation into the accident is underway. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Fujian Province Activates Emergency Response Over Typhoon Flood Threat

    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

    FUZHOU, July 21 (Xinhua) — East China’s Fujian Province issued a Level 4 emergency response at 8 a.m. Monday to address the flood threat posed by Typhoon Wipha, the provincial flood and drought relief headquarters said.

    Under the influence of the outer circulation of Typhoon Wipha, the sixth this year, heavy rains and downpours have been lashing coastal areas of Fujian Province since Sunday.

    According to meteorological services, heavy rains will continue in some areas of the province over the next three days.

    The Provincial Flood and Drought Management Headquarters calls for heightened vigilance against severe weather. All districts and agencies must quickly adopt or make necessary adjustments to emergency response measures, with increased emphasis on monitoring, early warning, and joint consultation to assess risks.

    It is necessary to carefully formulate and implement a large-scale strategy to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall disasters and respond to secondary hazards such as flash floods in mountainous areas, floods in small and medium-sized rivers, geological disasters and urban flooding, the headquarters stressed.

    On Sunday at around 8:15 p.m., Vipha made landfall for the second time as a strong tropical storm near Hailing Island in Yangjiang, Guangdong Province, southern China. Maximum sustained winds near its epicenter reached 25 meters per second.

    China has a four-tier emergency response system, with tier one being the most serious. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: SCO countries are continuously deepening the interconnectivity of supply chains and production chains

    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

    QINGDAO, July 21 (Xinhua) — With the global economic architecture changing rapidly, member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) have been continuously deepening the connectivity of supply chains and industrial chains through pragmatic cooperation, according to participants at the China-SCO Regional Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference held recently in Qingdao, east China’s Shandong Province.

    Li Gang, assistant general manager of Sinopec Group Co., Ltd., expressed hope for deeper cooperation in the upstream and downstream sectors of industrial chains, including joint projects in crude oil refining, jointly upgrading industrial technology, and building more competitive chemical industry clusters, so as to promote the coordinated development of manufacturing industries in the region.

    Logistics and transportation are an important pillar for deepening the connectivity of supply chains and industrial chains. According to the management committee of the China-SCO Regional Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Zone in Qingdao, 4,500 China-Europe international railway trains have been operated on the zone, linking it with 54 cities in 23 countries.

    In addition, at present, the China-SCO Demonstration Zone is also the leader in China in terms of the number of truck shipments under the TIR /International Road Transport/ system.

    According to a local international economic and trade company, the TIR system has greatly improved the efficiency of international trade. With the introduction of the “TIR plus two-way cold chain transportation” model, fruits and vegetables produced in China’s Shandong, Sichuan, Hunan, Guangdong and other regions can also be delivered to Belarus, Russia and other countries.

    “We deliver these fruits and vegetables to St. Petersburg in a maximum of 6 days. For comparison, the transportation of these products by traditional road transport took about 15 days. This business model has attracted many Russian buyers and Chinese exporters of fruits and vegetables,” the company noted.

    According to experts, the continuous deepening of the interconnectedness of supply chains and production chains within the SCO not only promotes the integration development of the regional economy, but also helps to ensure the stability of the global supply chain. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Jubilee of the Youth: more than just a trip, it is a journey of faith

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Monday, 21 July 2025

    Avosa

    Abu Dhabi (Agenzia Fides) – A group of 90 faithful from across the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia (AVOSA) are traveling to Italy for a two-week pilgrimage that includes several spiritual stops before arriving in Rome: Padua, Assisi, and San Giovanni Rotondo, where they will take part in the official Jubilee of the Youth program (July 28 to August 3).The group, around 80 people from the United Arab Emirates and about ten from Oman, will be accompanied by several priests and religious sisters who are involved in youth and vocations ministry.”This is more than just a trip: it is a journey of faith, a time to pray, reflect, and discover that we are part of something much greater than ourselves,” said Fr. Godfrey Rodriques. “For me personally, it’s a chance to renew my own sense of purpose and draw closer to God in the heart of the Church.”On Sunday, July 13, Bishop Paolo Martinelli, OFM Cap., Apostolic Vicar of Avosa, which extends across Oman, Yemen, and the United Arab Emirates, handed over the pilgrimage Cross and the Vicariate flag to the delegates, which they will carry throughout their journey. Bishop Paolo will personally join the youth in Rome to walk with them, cross the Holy Door, and take part in the key Jubilee moments with Pope Leo. “We go on pilgrimage to rediscover the meaning of life: to love and be loved,” he declared.(AP) (Agenzia Fides, 21/7/2025)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: BlackRock® Canada Announces July Cash Distributions for the iShares® ETFs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited (“BlackRock Canada”), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE: BLK), today announced the July 2025 cash distributions for the iShares ETFs listed on the TSX or Cboe Canada which pay on a monthly basis. Unitholders of record of the applicable iShares ETF on July 28, 2025 will receive cash distributions payable in respect of that iShares ETF on July 31, 2025.

    Details regarding the “per unit” distribution amounts are as follows:

    Fund Name Fund Ticker Cash Distribution
    Per Unit
    iShares 1-10 Year Laddered Corporate Bond Index ETF CBH $0.051
    iShares 1-5 Year Laddered Corporate Bond Index ETF CBO $0.051
    iShares S&P/TSX Canadian Dividend Aristocrats Index ETF CDZ $0.117
    iShares Equal Weight Banc & Lifeco ETF CEW $0.063
    iShares 1-5 Year Laddered Government Bond Index ETF CLF $0.033
    iShares 1-10 Year Laddered Government Bond Index ETF CLG $0.037
    iShares S&P/TSX Canadian Preferred Share Index ETF CPD $0.055
    iShares US Dividend Growers Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) CUD $0.087
    iShares Convertible Bond Index ETF CVD $0.071
    iShares Global Monthly Dividend Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) CYH $0.077
    iShares Canadian Financial Monthly Income ETF FIE $0.040
    iShares U.S. Aggregate Bond Index ETF XAGG $0.111
    iShares U.S. Aggregate Bond Index ETF(1) XAGG.U $0.068
    iShares U.S. Aggregate Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XAGH $0.096
    iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF XBB $0.080
    iShares Core Canadian Corporate Bond Index ETF XCB $0.069
    iShares ESG Advanced Canadian Corporate Bond Index ETF XCBG $0.121
    iShares U.S. IG Corporate Bond Index ETF XCBU $0.134
    iShares U.S. IG Corporate Bond Index ETF(1) XCBU.U $0.112
    iShares Core MSCI Global Quality Dividend Index ETF XDG $0.073
    iShares Core MSCI Global Quality Dividend Index ETF(1) XDG.U $0.047
    iShares Core MSCI Global Quality Dividend Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XDGH $0.063
    iShares Core MSCI Canadian Quality Dividend Index ETF XDIV $0.117
    iShares Core MSCI US Quality Dividend Index ETF XDU $0.064
    iShares Core MSCI US Quality Dividend Index ETF(1) XDU.U $0.047
    iShares Core MSCI US Quality Dividend Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XDUH $0.058
    iShares Canadian Select Dividend Index ETF XDV $0.126
    iShares J.P. Morgan USD Emerging Markets Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XEB $0.064
    iShares S&P/TSX Composite High Dividend Index ETF XEI $0.112
    iShares Core Canadian 15+ Year Federal Bond Index ETF XFLB $0.113
    iShares Flexible Monthly Income ETF XFLI $0.189
    iShares Flexible Monthly Income ETF(1) XFLI.U $0.138
    iShares Flexible Monthly Income ETF (CAD-Hedged) XFLX $0.185
    iShares S&P/TSX Capped Financials Index ETF XFN $0.167
    iShares Floating Rate Index ETF XFR $0.050
    iShares Core Canadian Government Bond Index ETF XGB $0.050
    iShares Global Government Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XGGB $0.041
    iShares Canadian HYBrid Corporate Bond Index ETF XHB $0.075
    iShares U.S. High Dividend Equity Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XHD $0.072
    iShares U.S. High Dividend Equity Index ETF XHU $0.081
    iShares U.S. High Yield Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XHY $0.084
    iShares U.S. IG Corporate Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XIG $0.071
    iShares 1-5 Year U.S. IG Corporate Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XIGS $0.122
    iShares Core Canadian Long Term Bond Index ETF XLB $0.062
    iShares S&P/TSX North American Preferred Stock Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XPF $0.067
    iShares High Quality Canadian Bond Index ETF XQB $0.054
    iShares S&P/TSX Capped REIT Index ETF XRE $0.062
    iShares ESG Aware Canadian Aggregate Bond Index ETF XSAB $0.049
    iShares Core Canadian Short Term Bond Index ETF XSB $0.070
    iShares Conservative Short Term Strategic Fixed Income ETF XSC $0.054
    iShares Conservative Strategic Fixed Income ETF XSE $0.046
    iShares Core Canadian Short Term Corporate Bond Index ETF XSH $0.061
    iShares ESG Advanced 1-5 Year Canadian Corporate Bond Index ETF XSHG $0.119
    iShares 1-5 Year U.S. IG Corporate Bond Index ETF XSHU $0.149
    iShares 1-5 Year U.S. IG Corporate Bond Index ETF(1) XSHU.U $0.110
    iShares Short Term Strategic Fixed Income ETF XSI $0.056
    iShares Core Canadian Short-Mid Term Universe Bond Index ETF XSMB $0.101
    iShares ESG Aware Canadian Short Term Bond Index ETF XSTB $0.048
    iShares 0-5 Year TIPS Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XSTH $0.142
    iShares 0-5 Year TIPS Bond Index ETF XSTP $0.162
    iShares 0-5 Year TIPS Bond Index ETF(1) XSTP.U $0.118
    iShares 20+ Year U.S. Treasury Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XTLH $0.111
    iShares 20+ Year U.S. Treasury Bond Index ETF XTLT $0.127
    iShares 20+ Year U.S. Treasury Bond Index ETF(1) XTLT.U $0.093
    iShares Diversified Monthly Income ETF XTR $0.040
    iShares S&P/TSX Capped Utilities Index ETF XUT $0.100

    (1) Distribution per unit amounts are in U.S. dollars for XAGG.U, XCBU.U, XDG.U, XDU.U, XFLI.U, XSHU.U, XSTP.U, XTLT.U.

    Estimated July Cash Distributions for the iShares Premium Money Market ETF

    The July cash distributions per unit for the iShares Premium Money Market ETF are estimated to be as follows:

    Fund Name Fund Ticker Estimated Cash
    Distribution Per Unit
    iShares Premium Money Market ETF CMR $0.121
     

    BlackRock Canada expects to issue a press release on or about July 25, 2025, which will provide the final amounts for the iShares Premium Money Market ETF.

    Further information on the iShares Funds can be found at http://www.blackrock.com/ca.

    About BlackRock

    BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com/corporate | Twitter: @BlackRockCA

    About iShares ETFs

    iShares unlocks opportunity across markets to meet the evolving needs of investors. With more than twenty years of experience, a global line-up of 1600+ exchange traded funds (ETFs) and US$4.7 trillion in assets under management as of June 30, 2025, iShares continues to drive progress for the financial industry. iShares funds are powered by the expert portfolio and risk management of BlackRock.

    iShares® ETFs are managed by BlackRock Canada. 

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investing in iShares ETFs. Please read the relevant prospectus before investing. The funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional.

    Standard & Poor’s® and S&P® are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”). Dow Jones is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (“Dow Jones”). TSX is a registered trademark of TSX Inc. (“TSX”). All of the foregoing trademarks have been licensed to S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and sublicensed for certain purposes to BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BFA”), which in turn has sub-licensed these marks to its affiliate, BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited (“BlackRock Canada”), on behalf of the applicable fund(s). The index is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, and has been licensed for use by BFA and by extension, BlackRock Canada and the applicable fund(s). The funds are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, Dow Jones, S&P, any of their respective affiliates (collectively known as “S&P Dow Jones Indices”) or TSX, or any of their respective affiliates. Neither S&P Dow Jones Indices nor TSX make any representations regarding the advisability of investing in such funds.

    MSCI is a trademark of MSCI, Inc. (“MSCI”). The ETF is permitted to use the MSCI mark pursuant to a license agreement between MSCI and BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A., relating to, among other things, the license granted to BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. to use the Index. BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. has sublicensed the use of this trademark to BlackRock. The ETF is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by MSCI and MSCI makes no representation, condition or warranty regarding the advisability of investing in the ETF.

    Contact for Media:
    Sydney Punchard
    Email:Sydney.Punchard@blackrock.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BlackRock® Canada Announces July Cash Distributions for the iShares® ETFs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited (“BlackRock Canada”), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE: BLK), today announced the July 2025 cash distributions for the iShares ETFs listed on the TSX or Cboe Canada which pay on a monthly basis. Unitholders of record of the applicable iShares ETF on July 28, 2025 will receive cash distributions payable in respect of that iShares ETF on July 31, 2025.

    Details regarding the “per unit” distribution amounts are as follows:

    Fund Name Fund Ticker Cash Distribution
    Per Unit
    iShares 1-10 Year Laddered Corporate Bond Index ETF CBH $0.051
    iShares 1-5 Year Laddered Corporate Bond Index ETF CBO $0.051
    iShares S&P/TSX Canadian Dividend Aristocrats Index ETF CDZ $0.117
    iShares Equal Weight Banc & Lifeco ETF CEW $0.063
    iShares 1-5 Year Laddered Government Bond Index ETF CLF $0.033
    iShares 1-10 Year Laddered Government Bond Index ETF CLG $0.037
    iShares S&P/TSX Canadian Preferred Share Index ETF CPD $0.055
    iShares US Dividend Growers Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) CUD $0.087
    iShares Convertible Bond Index ETF CVD $0.071
    iShares Global Monthly Dividend Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) CYH $0.077
    iShares Canadian Financial Monthly Income ETF FIE $0.040
    iShares U.S. Aggregate Bond Index ETF XAGG $0.111
    iShares U.S. Aggregate Bond Index ETF(1) XAGG.U $0.068
    iShares U.S. Aggregate Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XAGH $0.096
    iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF XBB $0.080
    iShares Core Canadian Corporate Bond Index ETF XCB $0.069
    iShares ESG Advanced Canadian Corporate Bond Index ETF XCBG $0.121
    iShares U.S. IG Corporate Bond Index ETF XCBU $0.134
    iShares U.S. IG Corporate Bond Index ETF(1) XCBU.U $0.112
    iShares Core MSCI Global Quality Dividend Index ETF XDG $0.073
    iShares Core MSCI Global Quality Dividend Index ETF(1) XDG.U $0.047
    iShares Core MSCI Global Quality Dividend Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XDGH $0.063
    iShares Core MSCI Canadian Quality Dividend Index ETF XDIV $0.117
    iShares Core MSCI US Quality Dividend Index ETF XDU $0.064
    iShares Core MSCI US Quality Dividend Index ETF(1) XDU.U $0.047
    iShares Core MSCI US Quality Dividend Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XDUH $0.058
    iShares Canadian Select Dividend Index ETF XDV $0.126
    iShares J.P. Morgan USD Emerging Markets Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XEB $0.064
    iShares S&P/TSX Composite High Dividend Index ETF XEI $0.112
    iShares Core Canadian 15+ Year Federal Bond Index ETF XFLB $0.113
    iShares Flexible Monthly Income ETF XFLI $0.189
    iShares Flexible Monthly Income ETF(1) XFLI.U $0.138
    iShares Flexible Monthly Income ETF (CAD-Hedged) XFLX $0.185
    iShares S&P/TSX Capped Financials Index ETF XFN $0.167
    iShares Floating Rate Index ETF XFR $0.050
    iShares Core Canadian Government Bond Index ETF XGB $0.050
    iShares Global Government Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XGGB $0.041
    iShares Canadian HYBrid Corporate Bond Index ETF XHB $0.075
    iShares U.S. High Dividend Equity Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XHD $0.072
    iShares U.S. High Dividend Equity Index ETF XHU $0.081
    iShares U.S. High Yield Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XHY $0.084
    iShares U.S. IG Corporate Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XIG $0.071
    iShares 1-5 Year U.S. IG Corporate Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XIGS $0.122
    iShares Core Canadian Long Term Bond Index ETF XLB $0.062
    iShares S&P/TSX North American Preferred Stock Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XPF $0.067
    iShares High Quality Canadian Bond Index ETF XQB $0.054
    iShares S&P/TSX Capped REIT Index ETF XRE $0.062
    iShares ESG Aware Canadian Aggregate Bond Index ETF XSAB $0.049
    iShares Core Canadian Short Term Bond Index ETF XSB $0.070
    iShares Conservative Short Term Strategic Fixed Income ETF XSC $0.054
    iShares Conservative Strategic Fixed Income ETF XSE $0.046
    iShares Core Canadian Short Term Corporate Bond Index ETF XSH $0.061
    iShares ESG Advanced 1-5 Year Canadian Corporate Bond Index ETF XSHG $0.119
    iShares 1-5 Year U.S. IG Corporate Bond Index ETF XSHU $0.149
    iShares 1-5 Year U.S. IG Corporate Bond Index ETF(1) XSHU.U $0.110
    iShares Short Term Strategic Fixed Income ETF XSI $0.056
    iShares Core Canadian Short-Mid Term Universe Bond Index ETF XSMB $0.101
    iShares ESG Aware Canadian Short Term Bond Index ETF XSTB $0.048
    iShares 0-5 Year TIPS Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XSTH $0.142
    iShares 0-5 Year TIPS Bond Index ETF XSTP $0.162
    iShares 0-5 Year TIPS Bond Index ETF(1) XSTP.U $0.118
    iShares 20+ Year U.S. Treasury Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XTLH $0.111
    iShares 20+ Year U.S. Treasury Bond Index ETF XTLT $0.127
    iShares 20+ Year U.S. Treasury Bond Index ETF(1) XTLT.U $0.093
    iShares Diversified Monthly Income ETF XTR $0.040
    iShares S&P/TSX Capped Utilities Index ETF XUT $0.100

    (1) Distribution per unit amounts are in U.S. dollars for XAGG.U, XCBU.U, XDG.U, XDU.U, XFLI.U, XSHU.U, XSTP.U, XTLT.U.

    Estimated July Cash Distributions for the iShares Premium Money Market ETF

    The July cash distributions per unit for the iShares Premium Money Market ETF are estimated to be as follows:

    Fund Name Fund Ticker Estimated Cash
    Distribution Per Unit
    iShares Premium Money Market ETF CMR $0.121
     

    BlackRock Canada expects to issue a press release on or about July 25, 2025, which will provide the final amounts for the iShares Premium Money Market ETF.

    Further information on the iShares Funds can be found at http://www.blackrock.com/ca.

    About BlackRock

    BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com/corporate | Twitter: @BlackRockCA

    About iShares ETFs

    iShares unlocks opportunity across markets to meet the evolving needs of investors. With more than twenty years of experience, a global line-up of 1600+ exchange traded funds (ETFs) and US$4.7 trillion in assets under management as of June 30, 2025, iShares continues to drive progress for the financial industry. iShares funds are powered by the expert portfolio and risk management of BlackRock.

    iShares® ETFs are managed by BlackRock Canada. 

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investing in iShares ETFs. Please read the relevant prospectus before investing. The funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional.

    Standard & Poor’s® and S&P® are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”). Dow Jones is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (“Dow Jones”). TSX is a registered trademark of TSX Inc. (“TSX”). All of the foregoing trademarks have been licensed to S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and sublicensed for certain purposes to BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BFA”), which in turn has sub-licensed these marks to its affiliate, BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited (“BlackRock Canada”), on behalf of the applicable fund(s). The index is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, and has been licensed for use by BFA and by extension, BlackRock Canada and the applicable fund(s). The funds are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, Dow Jones, S&P, any of their respective affiliates (collectively known as “S&P Dow Jones Indices”) or TSX, or any of their respective affiliates. Neither S&P Dow Jones Indices nor TSX make any representations regarding the advisability of investing in such funds.

    MSCI is a trademark of MSCI, Inc. (“MSCI”). The ETF is permitted to use the MSCI mark pursuant to a license agreement between MSCI and BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A., relating to, among other things, the license granted to BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. to use the Index. BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. has sublicensed the use of this trademark to BlackRock. The ETF is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by MSCI and MSCI makes no representation, condition or warranty regarding the advisability of investing in the ETF.

    Contact for Media:
    Sydney Punchard
    Email:Sydney.Punchard@blackrock.com

    The MIL Network –