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Category: Universities

  • MIL-OSI Global: 5 indie art spaces in African cities worth knowing more about

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Kim Gurney, Senior Researcher, Centre for Humanities Research — Platform: SA-UK Bilateral Digital Humanities Chair in Culture & Technics, University of the Western Cape

    Independent art spaces are collectives of artists (and others) who club together to set up a communal space – often in former industrial sites and more affordable parts of the city – to further their practice. These spaces are DIY art institutions, if you like, that operate largely under the radar. In art world lingo, “offspaces”.

    Designed for purpose over profit, they encourage experimental work and creative risk-taking. They also favour art in public space, which provides an intriguing lens on the city.

    My Africa-wide research took me to five such spaces, each at least 10 years old, so that I could learn their secret sauce of sustainability. I found it’s largely about shapeshifting, a capacity for constant reinvention. The key ingredient is artistic thinking, made up of five key principles highlighted in the examples below.



    Read more:
    Koyo Kouoh – tribute to a curator who fiercely promoted African art

    Offspaces are found everywhere but have notably grown across Africa over the past couple of decades, along with fast-changing cities and a resurgent art scene. One big picture point is crucial, and that’s about urbanisation. Globally, more and more people are moving to cities and most of them are young – by 2050, one in three young people in the world will be of African origin and the continent will be largely urban.

    There can be a lack of imagination about what all this means and that’s where artists come in. They offer new ideas to help build the world we want to live in, rather than reinforce the one we already have.

    Offspaces in Africa have to navigate prevailing uncertainty, which is a daily reality for most people living in cities. In response, artists band together to build their own pseudo institutions, bit by bit. These self-made pathways offer useful navigational tactics for others – or “panya routes”, as Kenyans call the trails that motorbike taxis invent.

    The spaces I visited were all moving away from reliance on foreign donor funding (given little or no state support) towards a hybrid model that blends with local philanthropy, collaborative economies and self-generated income schemes. They also want to own their own land and hold assets so that they can think about the future.

    1. The GoDown Arts Centre – Nairobi, Kenya

    Murals at the former GoDown (2010), currently being rebuilt.
    Katy Fentress/Flickr, CC BY-NC-SA

    The GoDown Arts Centre was established in 2003. Previously a large compound of repurposed warehouses (“godowns”) in Nairobi’s industrial area, right now it’s a construction site as it morphs into an iconic cultural hub. GoDown 2.0 is a multipurpose vision that works at different scales, like a fractal. There will be a large, welcoming facade leading into a semi-public section for music and dance, with artist studios at the heart. Plus galleries, library, museum, auditorium, offices, hotel, a restaurant, conference facilities and parking.



    Read more:
    Kenyan artists reflect Gen Z hopes and frustrations in new exhibition

    Its rebuild is a great example of how artists create public space: in phases. It follows a radical “design-with-people” approach, starting with years of input from all directions to reconsider the building and its relationship to the city.

    This ground-up ethos of horizontality, the first key principle, also shapes its signature event, an annual public arts festival called Nai Ni Who? (Who is Nairobi?). Local residents are the curators, and the everyday city is the artwork. Participants are taken around neighbourhoods on foot to experience the good, the bad, and the possibilities. These grounded insights also inform ongoing engagements GoDown has with policymakers about the shape of a future Nairobi.

    2. ANO Institute – Accra, Ghana

    ANO, established in 2002, repurposed a former workshop for car repairs into a gallery, after starting life in a public park. On the other side of the road, opposite the gallery, stood its office, residency space and growing library.

    Most intriguingly, a striking rectilinear structure was positioned alongside. This Mobile Museum mimics the trading kiosks that line every street. Many are also shapeshifters: kindergarten by day, church by night, for example.

    ANO’s empty museum, collapsible and see-through, went on a countrywide adventure in 2018 and 2019, asking people to imagine its contents, and later revisited with the results. It signalled a larger and ongoing effort, Future Museum, to find a more relevant exhibition form that’s alive to the fluid way culture is threaded here into everyday life.

    ANO demonstrates the second principle of performativity – that is, not only saying things with art but doing things too. More recently, it rebuilt on a new site in central Accra, designed by 87-year-old Ophelia Akiwumi, entirely from raffia palm in a focus on indigenous knowledge systems.

    3. Townhouse Gallery – Cairo, Egypt

    I visited Townhouse just after it reclaimed its inner-city premises following a partial physical collapse. But this turned out to be a false restart. It closed for good not long after, citing a complex brew of factors that ended 21 years of various battles and resurrections. That it survived so long – from 1998 until 2019 – is remarkable for an offspace.

    Part of the reason was its solidarity networks, including with neighbourhood communities – mostly mechanic shops and other artisanal trades who even helped Townhouse rebuild. In its heyday, Townhouse comprised an art gallery, library, theatre and performance venue, and notably hatched other spaces.

    The latest rose like a phoenix from its ashes – Access Art Space, which reanimates the same physical space with visual art exhibitions. The legacy of Townhouse is the third principle of elasticity – responding nimbly to constant flux but also being able to refuse impossible conditions with “the right no” (a necessary response in certain situations).

    4. ZOMA Museum – Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

    ZOMA Museum has also lived many lives. Starting small, its roots were in a three-day public arts festival called Giziawi #1 (Temporary). It comprised performances and exhibitions across the city but focused on Meskel Square, a key public space.

    Zoma Contemporary Art Centre grew out of that in 2002, followed in 2019 by Zoma Museum when its co-founders bought a plot of polluted land. Its rehabilitation into an ecological haven has become a case study in sustainable architecture.

    Zoma is built by local artisans from mud and straw using indigenous technologies going back centuries. Yet its elegant buildings look futuristic. Zoma is all about the fourth principle of convergence – the past, present and future all happening at once. It’s also about doing multiple things, like running Zoma School, an inherited kindergarten. The land is part of the curriculum.

    Just a year after it opened, Zoma spawned yet another life, an offshoot in a newly opened park blending nature with culture and recreation.

    5. Nafasi Art Space – Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

    Nafasi is Swahili for opportunity or chance, which fittingly describes the workings of Nafasi Art Space, established in 2008 – that is, second chance. This fifth and final principle of artistic thinking means giving materials, people and situations another go.

    A good example of this is Nafasi’s new art school, built using repurposed shipping containers, like the rest of its premises – artist studios, a spacious gallery and performance arena. In the 2022 academy cohort, a general practice lawyer and an accountant were learning alongside artists, with a biologist at the helm.

    Nafasi Art Academy cites the city’s biggest local market, Kariakoo, as design reference, particularly its distinctive elevated canopy and swirling stairwell. The curriculum also takes local context as a starting point, structured in themes to answer community-led questions. Its key function, like all the other offspaces, is storytelling. And the story it tells best is about institution-building as art.

    The research behind this article was supported by the South African Research Chair in Urban Policy at UCT’s African Centre for Cities, where the author was previously affiliated.

    – ref. 5 indie art spaces in African cities worth knowing more about – https://theconversation.com/5-indie-art-spaces-in-african-cities-worth-knowing-more-about-258009

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    June 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: 5 indie art spaces in African cities worth knowing more about

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Kim Gurney, Senior Researcher, Centre for Humanities Research — Platform: SA-UK Bilateral Digital Humanities Chair in Culture & Technics, University of the Western Cape

    Independent art spaces are collectives of artists (and others) who club together to set up a communal space – often in former industrial sites and more affordable parts of the city – to further their practice. These spaces are DIY art institutions, if you like, that operate largely under the radar. In art world lingo, “offspaces”.

    Designed for purpose over profit, they encourage experimental work and creative risk-taking. They also favour art in public space, which provides an intriguing lens on the city.

    My Africa-wide research took me to five such spaces, each at least 10 years old, so that I could learn their secret sauce of sustainability. I found it’s largely about shapeshifting, a capacity for constant reinvention. The key ingredient is artistic thinking, made up of five key principles highlighted in the examples below.



    Read more:
    Koyo Kouoh – tribute to a curator who fiercely promoted African art

    Offspaces are found everywhere but have notably grown across Africa over the past couple of decades, along with fast-changing cities and a resurgent art scene. One big picture point is crucial, and that’s about urbanisation. Globally, more and more people are moving to cities and most of them are young – by 2050, one in three young people in the world will be of African origin and the continent will be largely urban.

    There can be a lack of imagination about what all this means and that’s where artists come in. They offer new ideas to help build the world we want to live in, rather than reinforce the one we already have.

    Offspaces in Africa have to navigate prevailing uncertainty, which is a daily reality for most people living in cities. In response, artists band together to build their own pseudo institutions, bit by bit. These self-made pathways offer useful navigational tactics for others – or “panya routes”, as Kenyans call the trails that motorbike taxis invent.

    The spaces I visited were all moving away from reliance on foreign donor funding (given little or no state support) towards a hybrid model that blends with local philanthropy, collaborative economies and self-generated income schemes. They also want to own their own land and hold assets so that they can think about the future.

    1. The GoDown Arts Centre – Nairobi, Kenya

    Murals at the former GoDown (2010), currently being rebuilt.
    Katy Fentress/Flickr, CC BY-NC-SA

    The GoDown Arts Centre was established in 2003. Previously a large compound of repurposed warehouses (“godowns”) in Nairobi’s industrial area, right now it’s a construction site as it morphs into an iconic cultural hub. GoDown 2.0 is a multipurpose vision that works at different scales, like a fractal. There will be a large, welcoming facade leading into a semi-public section for music and dance, with artist studios at the heart. Plus galleries, library, museum, auditorium, offices, hotel, a restaurant, conference facilities and parking.



    Read more:
    Kenyan artists reflect Gen Z hopes and frustrations in new exhibition

    Its rebuild is a great example of how artists create public space: in phases. It follows a radical “design-with-people” approach, starting with years of input from all directions to reconsider the building and its relationship to the city.

    This ground-up ethos of horizontality, the first key principle, also shapes its signature event, an annual public arts festival called Nai Ni Who? (Who is Nairobi?). Local residents are the curators, and the everyday city is the artwork. Participants are taken around neighbourhoods on foot to experience the good, the bad, and the possibilities. These grounded insights also inform ongoing engagements GoDown has with policymakers about the shape of a future Nairobi.

    2. ANO Institute – Accra, Ghana

    ANO, established in 2002, repurposed a former workshop for car repairs into a gallery, after starting life in a public park. On the other side of the road, opposite the gallery, stood its office, residency space and growing library.

    Most intriguingly, a striking rectilinear structure was positioned alongside. This Mobile Museum mimics the trading kiosks that line every street. Many are also shapeshifters: kindergarten by day, church by night, for example.

    ANO’s empty museum, collapsible and see-through, went on a countrywide adventure in 2018 and 2019, asking people to imagine its contents, and later revisited with the results. It signalled a larger and ongoing effort, Future Museum, to find a more relevant exhibition form that’s alive to the fluid way culture is threaded here into everyday life.

    ANO demonstrates the second principle of performativity – that is, not only saying things with art but doing things too. More recently, it rebuilt on a new site in central Accra, designed by 87-year-old Ophelia Akiwumi, entirely from raffia palm in a focus on indigenous knowledge systems.

    3. Townhouse Gallery – Cairo, Egypt

    I visited Townhouse just after it reclaimed its inner-city premises following a partial physical collapse. But this turned out to be a false restart. It closed for good not long after, citing a complex brew of factors that ended 21 years of various battles and resurrections. That it survived so long – from 1998 until 2019 – is remarkable for an offspace.

    Part of the reason was its solidarity networks, including with neighbourhood communities – mostly mechanic shops and other artisanal trades who even helped Townhouse rebuild. In its heyday, Townhouse comprised an art gallery, library, theatre and performance venue, and notably hatched other spaces.

    The latest rose like a phoenix from its ashes – Access Art Space, which reanimates the same physical space with visual art exhibitions. The legacy of Townhouse is the third principle of elasticity – responding nimbly to constant flux but also being able to refuse impossible conditions with “the right no” (a necessary response in certain situations).

    4. ZOMA Museum – Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

    ZOMA Museum has also lived many lives. Starting small, its roots were in a three-day public arts festival called Giziawi #1 (Temporary). It comprised performances and exhibitions across the city but focused on Meskel Square, a key public space.

    Zoma Contemporary Art Centre grew out of that in 2002, followed in 2019 by Zoma Museum when its co-founders bought a plot of polluted land. Its rehabilitation into an ecological haven has become a case study in sustainable architecture.

    Zoma is built by local artisans from mud and straw using indigenous technologies going back centuries. Yet its elegant buildings look futuristic. Zoma is all about the fourth principle of convergence – the past, present and future all happening at once. It’s also about doing multiple things, like running Zoma School, an inherited kindergarten. The land is part of the curriculum.

    Just a year after it opened, Zoma spawned yet another life, an offshoot in a newly opened park blending nature with culture and recreation.

    5. Nafasi Art Space – Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

    Nafasi is Swahili for opportunity or chance, which fittingly describes the workings of Nafasi Art Space, established in 2008 – that is, second chance. This fifth and final principle of artistic thinking means giving materials, people and situations another go.

    A good example of this is Nafasi’s new art school, built using repurposed shipping containers, like the rest of its premises – artist studios, a spacious gallery and performance arena. In the 2022 academy cohort, a general practice lawyer and an accountant were learning alongside artists, with a biologist at the helm.

    Nafasi Art Academy cites the city’s biggest local market, Kariakoo, as design reference, particularly its distinctive elevated canopy and swirling stairwell. The curriculum also takes local context as a starting point, structured in themes to answer community-led questions. Its key function, like all the other offspaces, is storytelling. And the story it tells best is about institution-building as art.

    The research behind this article was supported by the South African Research Chair in Urban Policy at UCT’s African Centre for Cities, where the author was previously affiliated.

    – ref. 5 indie art spaces in African cities worth knowing more about – https://theconversation.com/5-indie-art-spaces-in-african-cities-worth-knowing-more-about-258009

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    June 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Small towns are growing fast across Ghana – but environmental planning isn’t keeping up

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Seth Asare Okyere, Visiting lecturer, University of Pittsburg and Adjunct Associate Professor, Osaka University, University of Pittsburgh

    Africa’s urban future will be shaped not only by large cities and capitals but also by its many small and medium-sized towns.

    Large capital cities are no longer the hotspots of rapid urban growth. According to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN Habitat), small and medium-sized towns are growing faster than large cities. These smaller towns often start as rural settlements.

    Despite their rapid growth, many small towns lack infrastructure and planning capacity, leaving them vulnerable to environmental risks.

    Ghana offers a telling example. While the spotlight is often on the rapid growth of the two major cities, Accra or Kumasi, dozens of smaller towns across the country are booming. At the same time, they are struggling with environmental problems such as decline in green spaces, flooding and pollution, usually associated with much larger cities.

    Our research examined this issue, arguing that overlooking small towns has put them on an unsustainable path. In Ghana, small towns often “rest in the shadows” of bigger cities when it comes to resource distribution and development priorities. They receive less funding, fewer services, and scant regulatory oversight compared to major urban centres.

    We conducted research in Somanya, Ghana. It lies in the eastern region, about 70km from Accra, the national capital. Our aim was to establish whether emerging sites of urbanisation like Somanya were developing in ways that made them sustainable, or replicating environmental problems seen in large cities.

    To identify the drivers of environmental risks in the town, we used geographic information data and interviewed residents, institutional representatives and local assembly members.

    We found that the urban growth of Somanya was linked with a decline in vegetation cover and loss of biodiversity. The main factors at play were: pollution from mining, political neglect, and lack of infrastructure facilities and services.

    We concluded that current realities pointed towards unsustainable futures where environmental problems will become pronounced and the impacts on everyday life will be destructive. Based on our findings we recommend that Ghana’s national urban sustainable development policies and international development programmes must not fixate solely on big cities. Small towns require attention and investment commensurate with their growth.

    Environmental risks in a rapidly growing small town

    Somanya’s population grew from 88,000 people in 2010 to over 122,000 by 2021. The proportion of the municipality’s population living in urban areas jumped from 31% to 47% in that period.

    Local leaders and officials we interviewed painted a worrying picture of a town rapidly growing without proactive environmental planning, grappling with multiple hazards at once.

    Declining ecological resources: Rapid expansion has led to the loss of green spaces and forests around Somanya. Hillsides that used to be covered with vegetation have been cleared for large mango plantations or speculative estate development. This situation has made the area more prone to erosion and flash floods. One community elder observed:

    The trees on the hills are almost all gone now. Without those natural buffers, flooding has become more frequent and severe, threatening homes built in low-lying areas.

    Pollution and toxicity from industry: Somanya’s growth has attracted extractive industries, notably stone quarries and small-scale mining. These bring jobs, but also environmental hazards. Residents described clouds of dust hanging over communities near a quarry. There are also reports of chemical runoff polluting local streams and soil. Heavy dust and particulate pollution have become part of daily life, and people worry about the health effects. One resident said:

    The dusty conditions are not only an infrastructure problem, but also an environmental risk for us, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

    Strained and inadequate infrastructure: Basic environmental infrastructure in Somanya has not kept pace with its growth. The town’s drains and gutters are few and often clogged, so even moderate rainstorms result in street flooding. Proper sewage and waste treatment facilities are non-existent. Piles of uncollected refuse are commonly seen, sometimes burnt in the open, posing health risks. One community leader remarked that:

    It is only when there’s a major flood or disaster outbreak that they pay us attention.

    These infrastructure deficits mean that as the town grows, so do the environmental health risks – from water-borne diseases to flooding and pollution.

    Governance lapses and political indifference: Underlying many of these problems is a sense of neglect and weak institutional capacity. Local authorities in Somanya operate with limited funding and fragmented responsibilities, and higher-level support from the central government is minimal. As an Assembly member put it:

    We live in a constant state of perpetual waiting for the crumbs after big cities have taken their lion’s share of available funding. If you are not connected to the ruling party, it’s hard to get the support you need.

    All these factors put small towns on a path to unsustainable futures.

    Steering towards sustainable urban futures

    Our research highlights the need to adopt a cross-sector, integrated approach to environmental planning at the local level. In practice, that means urban planners, environmental agencies, and community leaders all working together on development plans. For example, in Koa Hill settlement, Solomon Islands, a community-led development team with support from local groups and university experts led to the successful pilot of nature-inspired disaster risk reduction programmes.

    Therefore, communities should be involved in co-designing solutions, from problem identification to experimenting strategies and evaluating outcomes. After all, residents know the local risks and resources best.

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

    – ref. Small towns are growing fast across Ghana – but environmental planning isn’t keeping up – https://theconversation.com/small-towns-are-growing-fast-across-ghana-but-environmental-planning-isnt-keeping-up-257766

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    June 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Small towns are growing fast across Ghana – but environmental planning isn’t keeping up

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Seth Asare Okyere, Visiting lecturer, University of Pittsburg and Adjunct Associate Professor, Osaka University, University of Pittsburgh

    Africa’s urban future will be shaped not only by large cities and capitals but also by its many small and medium-sized towns.

    Large capital cities are no longer the hotspots of rapid urban growth. According to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN Habitat), small and medium-sized towns are growing faster than large cities. These smaller towns often start as rural settlements.

    Despite their rapid growth, many small towns lack infrastructure and planning capacity, leaving them vulnerable to environmental risks.

    Ghana offers a telling example. While the spotlight is often on the rapid growth of the two major cities, Accra or Kumasi, dozens of smaller towns across the country are booming. At the same time, they are struggling with environmental problems such as decline in green spaces, flooding and pollution, usually associated with much larger cities.

    Our research examined this issue, arguing that overlooking small towns has put them on an unsustainable path. In Ghana, small towns often “rest in the shadows” of bigger cities when it comes to resource distribution and development priorities. They receive less funding, fewer services, and scant regulatory oversight compared to major urban centres.

    We conducted research in Somanya, Ghana. It lies in the eastern region, about 70km from Accra, the national capital. Our aim was to establish whether emerging sites of urbanisation like Somanya were developing in ways that made them sustainable, or replicating environmental problems seen in large cities.

    To identify the drivers of environmental risks in the town, we used geographic information data and interviewed residents, institutional representatives and local assembly members.

    We found that the urban growth of Somanya was linked with a decline in vegetation cover and loss of biodiversity. The main factors at play were: pollution from mining, political neglect, and lack of infrastructure facilities and services.

    We concluded that current realities pointed towards unsustainable futures where environmental problems will become pronounced and the impacts on everyday life will be destructive. Based on our findings we recommend that Ghana’s national urban sustainable development policies and international development programmes must not fixate solely on big cities. Small towns require attention and investment commensurate with their growth.

    Environmental risks in a rapidly growing small town

    Somanya’s population grew from 88,000 people in 2010 to over 122,000 by 2021. The proportion of the municipality’s population living in urban areas jumped from 31% to 47% in that period.

    Local leaders and officials we interviewed painted a worrying picture of a town rapidly growing without proactive environmental planning, grappling with multiple hazards at once.

    Declining ecological resources: Rapid expansion has led to the loss of green spaces and forests around Somanya. Hillsides that used to be covered with vegetation have been cleared for large mango plantations or speculative estate development. This situation has made the area more prone to erosion and flash floods. One community elder observed:

    The trees on the hills are almost all gone now. Without those natural buffers, flooding has become more frequent and severe, threatening homes built in low-lying areas.

    Pollution and toxicity from industry: Somanya’s growth has attracted extractive industries, notably stone quarries and small-scale mining. These bring jobs, but also environmental hazards. Residents described clouds of dust hanging over communities near a quarry. There are also reports of chemical runoff polluting local streams and soil. Heavy dust and particulate pollution have become part of daily life, and people worry about the health effects. One resident said:

    The dusty conditions are not only an infrastructure problem, but also an environmental risk for us, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

    Strained and inadequate infrastructure: Basic environmental infrastructure in Somanya has not kept pace with its growth. The town’s drains and gutters are few and often clogged, so even moderate rainstorms result in street flooding. Proper sewage and waste treatment facilities are non-existent. Piles of uncollected refuse are commonly seen, sometimes burnt in the open, posing health risks. One community leader remarked that:

    It is only when there’s a major flood or disaster outbreak that they pay us attention.

    These infrastructure deficits mean that as the town grows, so do the environmental health risks – from water-borne diseases to flooding and pollution.

    Governance lapses and political indifference: Underlying many of these problems is a sense of neglect and weak institutional capacity. Local authorities in Somanya operate with limited funding and fragmented responsibilities, and higher-level support from the central government is minimal. As an Assembly member put it:

    We live in a constant state of perpetual waiting for the crumbs after big cities have taken their lion’s share of available funding. If you are not connected to the ruling party, it’s hard to get the support you need.

    All these factors put small towns on a path to unsustainable futures.

    Steering towards sustainable urban futures

    Our research highlights the need to adopt a cross-sector, integrated approach to environmental planning at the local level. In practice, that means urban planners, environmental agencies, and community leaders all working together on development plans. For example, in Koa Hill settlement, Solomon Islands, a community-led development team with support from local groups and university experts led to the successful pilot of nature-inspired disaster risk reduction programmes.

    Therefore, communities should be involved in co-designing solutions, from problem identification to experimenting strategies and evaluating outcomes. After all, residents know the local risks and resources best.

    – Small towns are growing fast across Ghana – but environmental planning isn’t keeping up
    – https://theconversation.com/small-towns-are-growing-fast-across-ghana-but-environmental-planning-isnt-keeping-up-257766

    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: 5 indie art spaces in African cities worth knowing more about

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Kim Gurney, Senior Researcher, Centre for Humanities Research — Platform: SA-UK Bilateral Digital Humanities Chair in Culture & Technics, University of the Western Cape

    Independent art spaces are collectives of artists (and others) who club together to set up a communal space – often in former industrial sites and more affordable parts of the city – to further their practice. These spaces are DIY art institutions, if you like, that operate largely under the radar. In art world lingo, “offspaces”.

    Designed for purpose over profit, they encourage experimental work and creative risk-taking. They also favour art in public space, which provides an intriguing lens on the city.

    My Africa-wide research took me to five such spaces, each at least 10 years old, so that I could learn their secret sauce of sustainability. I found it’s largely about shapeshifting, a capacity for constant reinvention. The key ingredient is artistic thinking, made up of five key principles highlighted in the examples below.

    Read more: Koyo Kouoh – tribute to a curator who fiercely promoted African art

    Offspaces are found everywhere but have notably grown across Africa over the past couple of decades, along with fast-changing cities and a resurgent art scene. One big picture point is crucial, and that’s about urbanisation. Globally, more and more people are moving to cities and most of them are young – by 2050, one in three young people in the world will be of African origin and the continent will be largely urban.

    There can be a lack of imagination about what all this means and that’s where artists come in. They offer new ideas to help build the world we want to live in, rather than reinforce the one we already have.

    Offspaces in Africa have to navigate prevailing uncertainty, which is a daily reality for most people living in cities. In response, artists band together to build their own pseudo institutions, bit by bit. These self-made pathways offer useful navigational tactics for others – or “panya routes”, as Kenyans call the trails that motorbike taxis invent.

    The spaces I visited were all moving away from reliance on foreign donor funding (given little or no state support) towards a hybrid model that blends with local philanthropy, collaborative economies and self-generated income schemes. They also want to own their own land and hold assets so that they can think about the future.

    1. The GoDown Arts Centre – Nairobi, Kenya

    Murals at the former GoDown (2010), currently being rebuilt. Katy Fentress/Flickr, CC BY-NC-SA

    The GoDown Arts Centre was established in 2003. Previously a large compound of repurposed warehouses (“godowns”) in Nairobi’s industrial area, right now it’s a construction site as it morphs into an iconic cultural hub. GoDown 2.0 is a multipurpose vision that works at different scales, like a fractal. There will be a large, welcoming facade leading into a semi-public section for music and dance, with artist studios at the heart. Plus galleries, library, museum, auditorium, offices, hotel, a restaurant, conference facilities and parking.

    Read more: Kenyan artists reflect Gen Z hopes and frustrations in new exhibition

    Its rebuild is a great example of how artists create public space: in phases. It follows a radical “design-with-people” approach, starting with years of input from all directions to reconsider the building and its relationship to the city.

    This ground-up ethos of horizontality, the first key principle, also shapes its signature event, an annual public arts festival called Nai Ni Who? (Who is Nairobi?). Local residents are the curators, and the everyday city is the artwork. Participants are taken around neighbourhoods on foot to experience the good, the bad, and the possibilities. These grounded insights also inform ongoing engagements GoDown has with policymakers about the shape of a future Nairobi.

    2. ANO Institute – Accra, Ghana

    ANO Institute’s Mobile Museum in Accra. Kim Gurney

    ANO, established in 2002, repurposed a former workshop for car repairs into a gallery, after starting life in a public park. On the other side of the road, opposite the gallery, stood its office, residency space and growing library.

    Most intriguingly, a striking rectilinear structure was positioned alongside. This Mobile Museum mimics the trading kiosks that line every street. Many are also shapeshifters: kindergarten by day, church by night, for example.

    ANO’s empty museum, collapsible and see-through, went on a countrywide adventure in 2018 and 2019, asking people to imagine its contents, and later revisited with the results. It signalled a larger and ongoing effort, Future Museum, to find a more relevant exhibition form that’s alive to the fluid way culture is threaded here into everyday life.

    ANO demonstrates the second principle of performativity – that is, not only saying things with art but doing things too. More recently, it rebuilt on a new site in central Accra, designed by 87-year-old Ophelia Akiwumi, entirely from raffia palm in a focus on indigenous knowledge systems.

    3. Townhouse Gallery – Cairo, Egypt

    Townhouse Gallery in 2019, exhibiting paintings by Imane Ibrahim. Kim Gurney

    I visited Townhouse just after it reclaimed its inner-city premises following a partial physical collapse. But this turned out to be a false restart. It closed for good not long after, citing a complex brew of factors that ended 21 years of various battles and resurrections. That it survived so long – from 1998 until 2019 – is remarkable for an offspace.

    Part of the reason was its solidarity networks, including with neighbourhood communities – mostly mechanic shops and other artisanal trades who even helped Townhouse rebuild. In its heyday, Townhouse comprised an art gallery, library, theatre and performance venue, and notably hatched other spaces.

    The latest rose like a phoenix from its ashes – Access Art Space, which reanimates the same physical space with visual art exhibitions. The legacy of Townhouse is the third principle of elasticity – responding nimbly to constant flux but also being able to refuse impossible conditions with “the right no” (a necessary response in certain situations).

    4. ZOMA Museum – Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

    One of Zoma Museum’s buildings crafted by local artisans using time-honoured building techniques. Kim Gurney

    ZOMA Museum has also lived many lives. Starting small, its roots were in a three-day public arts festival called Giziawi #1 (Temporary). It comprised performances and exhibitions across the city but focused on Meskel Square, a key public space.

    Zoma Contemporary Art Centre grew out of that in 2002, followed in 2019 by Zoma Museum when its co-founders bought a plot of polluted land. Its rehabilitation into an ecological haven has become a case study in sustainable architecture.

    Zoma is built by local artisans from mud and straw using indigenous technologies going back centuries. Yet its elegant buildings look futuristic. Zoma is all about the fourth principle of convergence – the past, present and future all happening at once. It’s also about doing multiple things, like running Zoma School, an inherited kindergarten. The land is part of the curriculum.

    Just a year after it opened, Zoma spawned yet another life, an offshoot in a newly opened park blending nature with culture and recreation.

    5. Nafasi Art Space – Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

    The classroom at Nafasi’s self-built art school in Dar es Salaam. Kim Gurney

    Nafasi is Swahili for opportunity or chance, which fittingly describes the workings of Nafasi Art Space, established in 2008 – that is, second chance. This fifth and final principle of artistic thinking means giving materials, people and situations another go.

    A good example of this is Nafasi’s new art school, built using repurposed shipping containers, like the rest of its premises – artist studios, a spacious gallery and performance arena. In the 2022 academy cohort, a general practice lawyer and an accountant were learning alongside artists, with a biologist at the helm.

    Nafasi Art Academy cites the city’s biggest local market, Kariakoo, as design reference, particularly its distinctive elevated canopy and swirling stairwell. The curriculum also takes local context as a starting point, structured in themes to answer community-led questions. Its key function, like all the other offspaces, is storytelling. And the story it tells best is about institution-building as art.

    – 5 indie art spaces in African cities worth knowing more about
    – https://theconversation.com/5-indie-art-spaces-in-african-cities-worth-knowing-more-about-258009

    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 15, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: Netanyahu has two war aims: destroying Iran’s nuclear program and regime change. Are either achievable?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Parmeter, Research Scholar, Middle East Studies, Australian National University

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel’s attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities could last for at least two weeks.

    His timing seems precise for a reason. The Israel Defence Forces and the country’s intelligence agencies have clearly devised a methodical, step-by-step campaign.

    Israeli forces initially focused on decapitating the Iranian military and scientific leadership and, just as importantly, destroying virtually all of Iran’s air defences.

    Israeli aircraft can not only operate freely over Iranian air space now, they can refuel and deposit more special forces at key sites to enable precision bombing of targets and attacks on hidden or well-protected nuclear facilities.

    In public statements since the start of the campaign, Netanyahu has highlighted two key aims: to destroy Iran’s nuclear program, and to encourage the Iranian people to overthrow the clerical regime.

    With those two objectives in mind, how might the conflict end? Several broad scenarios are possible.

    A return to negotiations

    US President Donald Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, was to have attended a sixth round of talks with his Iranian counterparts on Sunday aimed at a deal to replace the Iran nuclear agreement negotiated under the Obama administration in 2015. Trump withdrew from that agreement during his first term in 2018, despite Iran’s apparent compliance to that point.

    Netanyahu was opposed to the 2015 agreement and has indicated he does not believe Iran is serious about a replacement.

    So, accepting negotiations as an outcome of the Israeli bombing campaign would be a massive climbdown by Netanyahu. He wants to use the defanging of Iran to reestablish his security credentials after the Hamas attacks of October 2023.

    Even though Trump continues to press Iran to accept a deal, negotiations are off the table for now. Trump won’t be able to persuade Netanyahu to stop the bombing campaign to restart negotiations.

    Complete destruction of Iran’s nuclear program

    Destruction of Iran’s nuclear program would involve destroying all known sites, including the Fordow uranium enrichment facility, about 100 kilometres south of Tehran.

    According to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi, the facility is located about half a mile underground, beneath a mountain. It is probably beyond the reach of even the US’ 2,000-pound deep penetration bombs.

    The entrances and ventilation shafts of the facility could be closed by causing landslides. But that would be a temporary solution.

    Taking out Fordow entirely would require an Israeli special forces attack. This is certainly possible, given Israel’s success in getting operatives into Iran to date. But questions would remain about how extensively the facility could be damaged and then how quickly it could be rebuilt.

    And destruction of Iran’s nuclear centrifuges – used to enrich uranium to create a bomb – would be only one step in dismantling its program.

    Israel would also have to secure or eliminate Iran’s stock of uranium already enriched to 60% purity. This is sufficient for up to ten nuclear bombs if enriched to the weapons-grade 90% purity.

    But does Israeli intelligence know where that stock is?

    Collapse of the Iranian regime

    Collapse of the Iranian regime is certainly possible, particularly given Israel’s removal of Iran’s most senior military leaders since its attacks began on Friday, including the heads of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Iranian armed forces.

    And anti-regime demonstrations over the years, most recently the “Women, Life, Freedom” protests after the death in police custody of a young Iranian woman, Mahsa Amini, in 2022, have shown how unpopular the regime is.

    That said, the regime has survived many challenges since coming to power in 1979, including war with Iraq in the 1980s and massive sanctions. It has developed remarkably efficient security systems that have enabled it to remain in place.

    Another uncertainty at this stage is whether Israeli attacks on civilian targets might engender a “rally round the flag” movement among Iranians.

    Netanyahu said in recent days that Israel had indications the remaining senior regime figures were packing their bags in preparation for fleeing the country. But he gave no evidence.

    A major party joins the fight

    Could the US become involved in the fighting?

    This can’t be ruled out. Iran’s UN ambassador directly accused the US of assisting Israel with its strikes.

    That is almost certainly true, given the close intelligence sharing between the US and Israel. Moreover, senior Republicans, such as Senator Lindsey Graham, have called on Trump to order US forces to help Israel “finish the job”.

    Trump would probably be loath to do this, particularly given his criticism of the “forever wars” of previous US administrations. But if Iran or pro-Iranian forces were to strike a US base or military asset in the region, pressure would mount on Trump to retaliate.

    Another factor is that Trump probably wants the war to end as quickly as possible. His administration will be aware the longer a conflict drags on, the more likely unforeseen factors will arise.

    Could Russia become involved on Iran’s side? At this stage that’s probably unlikely. Russia did not intervene in Syria late last year to try to protect the collapsing Assad regime. And Russia has plenty on its plate with the war in Ukraine.

    Russia criticised the Israeli attack when it started, but appears not to have taken any action to help Iran defend itself.

    And could regional powers such as Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates become involved?

    Though they have a substantial arsenal of US military equipment, the two countries have no interest in becoming caught up in the conflict. The Gulf Arab monarchies have engaged in a rapprochement with Iran in recent years after decades of outright hostility. Nobody would want to put this at risk.

    Uncertainties predominate

    We don’t know the extent of Iran’s arsenal of missiles and rockets. In its initial retaliation to Israel’s strikes, Iran has been able to partially overwhelm Israel’s Iron Dome air defence system, causing civilian casualties.

    If it can continue to do this, causing more civilian casualties, Israelis already unhappy with Netanyahu over the Gaza war might start to question his wisdom in starting another conflict.

    But we are nowhere near that point. Though it’s too early for reliable opinion polling, most Israelis almost certainly applaud Netanyahu’s action so far to cripple Iran’s nuclear program. In addition, Netanyahu has threatened to make Tehran “burn” if Iran deliberately targets Israeli civilians.

    We can be confident that Iran does not have any surprises in store. Israel has severely weakened its proxies, Hezbollah and Hamas. They are clearly in no position to assist Iran through diversionary attacks.

    The big question will be what comes after the war. Iran will almost certainly withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and forbid more inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

    Israel will probably be able to destroy Iran’s existing nuclear facilities, but it’s only a question of when – not if – Iran will reconstitute them.

    This means the likelihood of Iran trying to secure a nuclear bomb in order to deter future Israeli attacks will be much higher. And the region will remain in a precarious place.

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

    – ref. Netanyahu has two war aims: destroying Iran’s nuclear program and regime change. Are either achievable? – https://theconversation.com/netanyahu-has-two-war-aims-destroying-irans-nuclear-program-and-regime-change-are-either-achievable-259014

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    June 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Scottish Technology Council

    Source: Scottish Government

    Expert advisers to help drive economic growth.

    An expert group will assist Ministers on how to maximise the economic benefits of Scotland’s multi-billion technology sector.

    A new Scottish Technology Council will help shape policy, provide a link between businesses and the Scottish Government and promote Scottish tech companies on the international stage.

    The tech sector is already a significant economic asset and employer. Latest figures show Scotland’s 6,800 information and communication technologies enterprises alone employed 67,800 staff in 2022 while the wider life sciences cluster supported 46,900 jobs in the same year.

    Council membership includes industry leaders and academics with a range of experience in international markets, including health and life sciences, financial services, data and AI, advanced manufacturing and space.

    Ahead of the council’s first meeting on Tuesday, Minister for Business and Employment Richard Lochhead said:

    “Innovation is part of Scotland’s DNA. It is embedded in our culture and our society – and it has the potential to turbocharge our economy. From leading the industrial revolution to television, ultrasound and pioneering renewable technology, Scotland’s inventions have helped shape the world around us and transformed industries and lives.

    “Our goal is to help Scotland become a leading tech nation. To ensure the world recognises our pioneering spirit as not just a thing of the past, but as a vital part of our future and to create an environment where businesses and entrepreneurs can flourish, develop new technologies and drive meaningful change.

    “Our world is increasingly fast-paced and the council will provide valuable insight from vastly experienced leaders in their fields, who have built their careers at the cutting edge, as we strive to support the sector to deliver high value jobs for generations of Scots, boost international trade and increase our tax revenue to deliver vital public services.”

    Background

    The initiative fulfils a Programme for Government commitment to establish a council of global business and academic experts to advise government on applying and benefiting from emerging technological trends.

    The council will be chaired by the Minister for Business and Employment. Membership comprises:

    • Prof. Qammer Abbasi, CEng, SMIEEE, FRSA, FEAI, FIET, FRSE, Professor of Applied Electromagnetics & Sensing with the James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow.
    • Dr. Caroline Barelle MBA, CEO, Elasmogan which specialises in Biotechnology, Life Sciences, Medical technology, Regenerative medicine
    • Michael Boniface, CEO, Kythera AI.
    • Catriona Campbell MBE, AI Partner at Ernest Young and Chair of the Scottish AI Alliance.
    • Sherry Coutu CBE, Senior Independent Non-Executive Director, Raspberry Pi Trading
    • Gerard Cunningham, Board Member, Stem, Inc.  30 years’ experience in Silicon Valley.
    • Sheila Flavell CBE, President TechUK.  32 years operating within the international IT space.  
    • Sheryl Newman, Founder and CEO, Appetite for Business – Board Member, ScotlandIS.  
    • Prof. Peter Proud, CEO and Founder, Forrit.
    • Prof. Michael Rovatsos, Professor of Artificial Intelligence, University of Edinburgh
    • Jim Rowan, Former CEO of Volvo, Former CEO of the Dyson Group and Former COO of Blackberry.
    • Prof. Ifor Samuel, Professor of Physics, University of St Andrews.
    • Dr Graham Spittle CBE FBCS FRSA   Dean of Innovation, University of Edinburgh.
    • Prof. Melissa Terras (MBE FREng), Professor of Digital Cultural Heritage, University of Edinburgh
    • Elizabeth Vega OBE, CEO, Informed Solutions.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    June 15, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: Israel’s attacks on Iran are already hurting global oil prices, and the impact is set to worsen

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joaquin Vespignani, Associate Professor of Economics and Finance, University of Tasmania

    The weekend attacks on Iran’s oil facilities – widely seen as part of escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran – represent a dangerous moment for global energy security.

    While the physical damage to Iran’s production facilities is still being assessed, the broader strategic implications are already rippling through global oil markets. There is widespread concern about supply security and the inflationary consequences for both advanced and emerging economies.

    The global impact

    Iran, which holds about 9% of the world’s proven oil reserves, currently exports between 1.5 and 2 million barrels per day, primarily to China, despite long-standing United States sanctions.

    While its oil output is not as globally integrated as that of Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates, any disruption to Iranian production or export routes – especially the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world’s oil supply flows – poses a systemic risk.

    Markets have already reacted. Brent crude prices rose more than US 6%, while West Texas Intermediate price increased by over US 5% immediately after the attacks.

    These price movements reflect not only short-term supply concerns but also the addition of a geopolitical risk premium due to fears of broader regional conflict.

    International oil prices may increase further as the conflict continues. Analysts expect that Australian petrol prices will increase in the next few weeks, as domestic fuel costs respond to international benchmarks with a lag.

    Escalation and strategic intentions

    There is growing concern this conflict could escalate further. In particular, Israel may intensify its targeting of Iranian oil facilities, as part of a broader strategy to weaken Iran’s economic capacity and deter further proxy activities.

    Should this occur, it would put even more upward pressure on global oil prices. Unlike isolated sabotage events, a sustained campaign against Iranian energy infrastructure would likely lead to tighter global supply conditions. This would be a near certainty if Iranian retaliatory actions disrupt shipping routes or neighbouring producers.

    Countries most affected

    Countries reliant on oil imports – especially in Asia – are the most exposed to such shocks in the short term.

    India, Pakistan, Indonesia and Bangladesh rely heavily on Middle Eastern oil and are particularly vulnerable to both supply interruptions and price increases. These economies typically have limited strategic petroleum reserves and face external balance pressures when oil prices rise.

    China, despite being Iran’s largest oil customer, has greater insulation due to its diversified suppliers and substantial reserves.

    However, sustained instability in the Persian Gulf would raise freight and insurance costs even for Chinese refiners, especially if the Strait of Hormuz becomes a contested zone. The strait, between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, provides the only sea access from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean.

    Australia’s exposure

    Australia does not import oil directly from Iran. Most of its crude and refined products are sourced from countries including South Korea, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates and Singapore.

    However, because Australian fuel prices are pegged to international benchmarks such as Brent and Singapore Mogas, domestic prices will rise in response to the global increase in oil prices, regardless of whether Australian refineries process Iranian oil.

    These price increases will have flow-on effects, raising transport and freight costs across the economy. Industries such as agriculture, logistics, aviation and construction will feel the pinch, and higher operating costs are likely to be passed on to consumers.

    Broader economic impacts

    The conflict could also disrupt global shipping routes, particularly if Iran retaliates through its proxies by targeting vessels in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, or Hormuz Strait.

    Any such disruption could drive up shipping insurance, delay delivery times, and compound existing global supply chain vulnerabilities. More broadly, this supply shock could rekindle inflationary pressures in many countries.

    For Australia, it could delay monetary easing by the Reserve Bank of Australia and reduce consumer confidence if household fuel costs rise significantly. Globally, central banks may adopt a more cautious approach to rate cuts if oil-driven inflation proves persistent.

    The attacks on Iran’s oil fields, and the likelihood of further escalation, present a renewed threat to global energy stability. Even though Australia does not import Iranian oil, it remains exposed through price transmission, supply chain effects and inflationary pressures.

    A sustained campaign targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure by Israel could amplify these risks, leading to a broader energy shock that would affect oil-importing economies worldwide.

    Strategic reserve management and diplomatic engagement will be essential to contain the fallout.

    Joaquin Vespignani is affiliated with the Centre for Australian Macroeconomic Analysis, Australian National University.

    – ref. Israel’s attacks on Iran are already hurting global oil prices, and the impact is set to worsen – https://theconversation.com/israels-attacks-on-iran-are-already-hurting-global-oil-prices-and-the-impact-is-set-to-worsen-259013

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    June 15, 2025

  • Vice President Dhankhar to attend key events in Puducherry on June 16-17

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar will be on a two-day official visit to Puducherry on June 16 and 17, during which he will attend key events at the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) and Pondicherry University.

    On June 16, the Vice President will be the Chief Guest at a special programme titled ‘Environmental Sustainability in Building the Nation’ at JIPMER’s APJ Abdul Kalam Auditorium.

    The event will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is aimed at fostering dialogue and awareness around sustainable development.

    Vice President Dhankhar will also engage in an interactive session with students, faculty, and staff of JIPMER, reflecting his commitment to connecting with the academic community on matters of national importance.

    A key highlight of the event will be the planting of a sapling by the Vice President under “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam (One Tree in the Name of Mother)” campaign. Initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on World Environment Day, the campaign promotes environmental awareness while paying tribute to motherhood.

    The sapling will be planted in the name of the Vice President’s mother, Kesari Devi. The event will be graced by several dignitaries, including Puducherry Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan, Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly R. Selvam, Rajya Sabha MP S. Selvaganabathy, Lok Sabha MP V. Vaithilingam, and MLA V. Aroumougame.

    In his capacity as the Chancellor of Pondicherry University, Vice President Dhankhar will make the visit on June 17 at 10:00 a.m., during which he will interact with faculty, students, and administrative staff at the Jawaharlal Nehru Auditorium, located within the Dr B.R. Ambedkar Administrative Building.

    The visit underscores the Vice President’s continued engagement with academic institutions and his emphasis on environmental sustainability, national development, and youth empowerment.

    Both the institutions – JIPMER and Pondicherry University – are preparing to welcome the Vice President with high-level arrangements and enthusiastic participation from the student and faculty communities.

    (With inputs from IANS)

    June 15, 2025

  • NEP 2020 key to making India a global education hub: Dharmendra Pradhan

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan said on Saturday that National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 envisions India as a global study destination, offering premium education at an affordable cost.

    He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of positioning India as a global knowledge hub the country is encouraging top international universities to establish campuses here, while empowering Indian higher education institutions to expand globally.

    He was speaking at an event titled ‘Mumbai Rising: Creating an International Education City’ held in Mumbai to issue Letters of Intent (LoIs) to five globally reputed universities from the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States of America and Italy.

    The Minister said the establishment of the branch campuses of University of York, University of Aberdeen, University of Western Australia, Illinois Institute of Technology and Instituto Europeo Di Design (IED), Italy, reflects a deep and growing trust in India’s education ecosystem and is a major milestone as we mark five transformative years of the NEP 2020.

    The handing of the LOIs took place in the presence of Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis, Minister of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Maharashtra, Chandrakant Patil, Principal Secretary, Government of Maharashtra, Aseem Gupta and Secretary, Department of Higher Education and Chairman, UGC, Dr Vineet Joshi.

    Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the swift issuance of LoIs reflects the speed and commitment of the government.

    He thanked the Prime Minister for NEP 2020 which has a provision for foreign universities to be a part of Indian education sector.

    The five universities, he noted, have added immense value to the State and NEP 2020 has truly opened doors for top global institutions to establish campuses in India.

    He stated that talented Indian students who faced accessibility and affordability issues in pursuing foreign education can now do so while remaining in the country at reduced costs.

    (IANS)

    June 15, 2025

  • NEP 2020 key to making India a global education hub: Dharmendra Pradhan

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan said on Saturday that National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 envisions India as a global study destination, offering premium education at an affordable cost.

    He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of positioning India as a global knowledge hub the country is encouraging top international universities to establish campuses here, while empowering Indian higher education institutions to expand globally.

    He was speaking at an event titled ‘Mumbai Rising: Creating an International Education City’ held in Mumbai to issue Letters of Intent (LoIs) to five globally reputed universities from the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States of America and Italy.

    The Minister said the establishment of the branch campuses of University of York, University of Aberdeen, University of Western Australia, Illinois Institute of Technology and Instituto Europeo Di Design (IED), Italy, reflects a deep and growing trust in India’s education ecosystem and is a major milestone as we mark five transformative years of the NEP 2020.

    The handing of the LOIs took place in the presence of Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis, Minister of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Maharashtra, Chandrakant Patil, Principal Secretary, Government of Maharashtra, Aseem Gupta and Secretary, Department of Higher Education and Chairman, UGC, Dr Vineet Joshi.

    Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the swift issuance of LoIs reflects the speed and commitment of the government.

    He thanked the Prime Minister for NEP 2020 which has a provision for foreign universities to be a part of Indian education sector.

    The five universities, he noted, have added immense value to the State and NEP 2020 has truly opened doors for top global institutions to establish campuses in India.

    He stated that talented Indian students who faced accessibility and affordability issues in pursuing foreign education can now do so while remaining in the country at reduced costs.

    (IANS)

    June 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Karasu checkpoint witnesses revival of Chinese-Tajik trade

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    URUMQI, June 15 (Xinhua) — Karasu Port, located in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, is the only land port on the border between China and Tajikistan. In recent years, it has become an important gateway for exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.

    The dynamic development of bilateral trade through the Karasu checkpoint is the embodiment of the rapid growth of pragmatic cooperation within the framework of the joint construction of the “Belt and Road”.

    The data show that there was a significant increase in the number of people and vehicles entering and leaving China through the Karasu Port in January-May 2025. In particular, the number of commercial vehicles exported through the Karasu Port during the reporting period jumped 102.4 percent to 9,096 units.

    A wide range of Chinese goods, including new energy vehicles, large-scale equipment and construction machinery, are exported to Tajikistan and other countries through the Karasu checkpoint.

    “Trade between China and Tajikistan has opened up new opportunities for me,” said Eliasjiang, a driver from the city of Kashgar, adding that his income has also increased due to the increased demand for cargo transportation.

    Shavkat Gulaezov, a businessman from Tajikistan, frequently travels between Dushanbe and Xinjiang.

    “Electronic products and NEV vehicles from China are particularly popular among Tajik consumers,” he said, adding that convenient customs clearance procedures at checkpoints have strengthened the confidence of Tajik businessmen in the prospects for economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

    Data shows that the trade volume between China and Tajikistan doubled between 2013 and 2023. Bilateral trade turnover reached $3.926 billion in 2023.

    The Karasu checkpoint is not only a busy trade channel, but also a bridge of friendship connecting the peoples of China and Tajikistan and carrying the dream of joint development.

    Sun Hui, a professor at Xinjiang University, said that with high-quality development and the continuous expansion of trade channels, the Karasu port will give strong impetus to deepening trade and economic cooperation between China and Central Asia. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    June 15, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 15, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 15, 2025.

    NZ’s Islamic Council calls on Luxon to condemn Israel over ‘unprovoked’ military strikes
    Asia Pacific Report The Islamic Council of New Zealand (ICONZ) has protested over Israel’s “unprovoked military strikes” against Iran, killing at least 80 people — 20 of them children, and called on the NZ government to publicly condemn Israeli’s actions. An open letter to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, read out to a Palestine rally in

    A video like no other – why the Israeli military revealed its own failure
    By Ramzy Baroud and Romana Rubeo Unlike the Palestinian message, the Israeli message is not global, but very much a localised cry for help — get us out of Gaza. This is not your typical video. The event itself might be similar to numerous other events in Gaza — a fighter emerging from a tunnel,

    Twyford condemns weak action by NZ over Israel’s ‘ruthless’ apartheid
    Asia Pacific Report Labour MP for Te Atatu Phil Twyford criticised the New Zealand government today for failing to take stronger action against Israel over its genocide and starvation strategy in Gaza, saying that NZ should implement comprehensive sanctions and recognise Palestine. Speaking at a rally in Henderson organised by the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

    As war breaks out with Israel, Iran has run out of good options
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ali Mamouri, Research Fellow, Middle East Studies, Deakin University The scale of Israel’s strikes on multiple, sensitive Iranian military and nuclear sites on Friday was unprecedented. It was the biggest attack on Iran since the Iran–Iraq War in the 1980s. As expected, Iran responded swiftly, even as

    ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 14, 2025
    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 14, 2025.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    June 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EUROPE/ITALY – Olivier Roy’s lecture at the Gregorian University: “Religion, Global Politics and the Crisis of Culture”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Rome (Agenzia Fides) – While Israel’s attack on Iran casts the shadow of a Global War on the world, Rome is examining the links between “Religion, Global Politics and the Crisis of Culture”. This is the title of the lecture that Professor Olivier Roy, of the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies (European University Institute), will hold on the afternoon of Monday, June 16, as part of the Rome Summer Seminars on Religion and Politics 2025.A political scientist and Islamist, author of several books on Iran, Islam and Asian politics, Professor Roy headed the OSCE’s (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) Mission for Tajikistan (1994) and Consultant for the UN Office of the Coordinator for Afghanistan (1988).The seminar will take place in room F007 of Palazzo Frascara at the Pontifical Gregorian University (Piazza della Pilotta 3), from 5.00 to 7.00 p.m.Professor Roy’s lecture will be preceded by greetings from Father Pino di Luccio SJ, President of the Collegium Maximum, and Archbishop Samuele Sangalli, Adjunct Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization and Coordinator of the Scuola Sinderesi.Professor Michael Driessen, from John Cabot University, Director of the Summer Seminar of Religion and Global Politics, and Dr. Antonella Piccinin (University of Notre Dame and Pontifical Gregorian University) will also participate in the conversation.The lecture is part of the series of seminars, public events and workshops organized as part of the 2025 edition of the Rome Summer Seminars on Religion and Global Politics.The Rome Summer Seminars are a two-week program aimed at graduate students, scholars and professionals interested in the relationship between religion and global politics, aimed at making the most of the spiritual resources and geopolitical horizon linked to the history and present of the city of Rome. (GV) (Agenzia Fides, 14/6/2025)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    June 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Signs Special Session Legislation into Law

    Source: US State of Missouri

    JUNE 14, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed Senate Bills (SB) 1, 3, and 4 into law following the special session he convened for disaster relief, property tax relief, economic development and business retention, and budget initiatives.

    “We are proud of how the General Assembly came together during this special session to deliver real results for Missourians,” said Governor Kehoe. “We called legislators back to Jefferson City because the stakes were too high to wait—families and communities needed disaster relief, taxpayers deserved certainty, and critical job-saving investments were on the line. Without action, thousands of Missourians would have been left without much-needed support, and the state would risk losing jobs and economic development opportunities that are key drivers for growth—not just for Kansas City, but for our entire state. These investments demonstrate that Missouri is committed to taking care of our own, staying competitive, and backing initiatives that secure long-term economic stability for our communities.”

    SB 1 appropriates $25 million in extraordinary support to the Missouri Housing Development Commission to provide additional emergency aid to low-income households impacted by severe weather. It also allocates $100 million to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) for disaster relief and $50 million to the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (DHEWD) for the University of Missouri for the planning, design, and construction of the Radioisotope Science Center at the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR). This legislation also provides non-General Revenue funding for a number of critical projects across the state, including:

    • $55 million to the Department of Agriculture (MDA) for new stalling barns at the Missouri State Fair
    • $13.25 million to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for State Parks capital improvements
    • $20.6 million to the Department of Conservation (MDC) for conservation projects across the state
    • $800,000 to DPS for Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) Troop A headquarters improvements
    • $12.7 million to the Office of Administration (OA) for a new Troop E crime lab
    • $35 million to OA for national guard facilities
    • $48.1 million to the Department of Mental Health (DMH) for the new Kansas City region 200-bed mental health hospital
    • $2.1 million to OA for Supreme Court building improvements

    SB 3 ensures Missouri remains competitive in retaining major sports teams, while also delivering targeted tax relief for storm-impacted Missourians and supporting long-term economic growth. The legislation includes the following provisions:

    • Show-Me Sports Investment Act: Authorizes the state to partner with professional sports teams to help finance stadium construction through bond payments and one-time tax credits with built-in protections for taxpayers.
    • Tax Credits for Homestead Damage: Creates a tax credit of up to $5,000 for home or renter insurance deductibles incurred due to severe weather damage in a declared disaster area in 2025, with flexible carry-forward and transfer options.
    • Tax Credits for Certain Sporting Events: Updates two different tax credit programs related to amateur sporting events in Missouri, aimed at making them easier to use and more effective at attracting and supporting sports events while making a positive impact on the state’s economy.
    • Property Tax Credit: Requires certain counties to ask voters whether to freeze or modestly cap real property tax increases for eligible homeowners.

    SB 4 streamlines the delivery of disaster housing relief by allowing the immediate transfer of emergency aid to the Missouri Housing Development Commission when the Governor requests a presidential disaster declaration. The legislation also expands existing program eligibility from 50 percent to 75 percent of median household income and removes administrative burdens and costs to expedite aid for Missouri families.

    For additional provisions and more information on the legislation signed into law, click here. To view photos from the bill signing, click this link.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Young People Are ‘Worthy Ambassadors of Friendship’ Between China and Central Asia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    ASTANA, June 14 (Xinhua) — Young people are the hope for the future. In recent years, cooperation between China and Central Asian countries has rapidly expanded and deepened, with a series of key initiatives promoting the development of the younger generation, strengthening mutual understanding between peoples, and working for the long term.

    Chinese President Xi Jinping has responded to letters from Central Asian students studying in China, encouraging them to be ambassadors of friendship and bridges of cooperation, supported joint Chinese-Kazakh universities, strengthened exchanges between young generations, encouraged mutual understanding, and promoted the joint development of the Lu Ban Workshops between China and Central Asian countries, opening the way to a brighter future for more and more young people from the region. The attention and care of the Chinese President have inspired young people to make new contributions to building a closer community with a shared future for China and Central Asia, and filled their common development and prosperity with youthful energy.

    CHAIRMAN XI JINPING’S ORDER

    “President Xi Jinping told us: be worthy ambassadors of friendship and bridges of cooperation between China and Central Asia. This is his order for us and at the same time a sign of trust,” young Turkmen Rakhman Bayramdurdyev recalls with excitement how he received a reply letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping two years ago.

    In 2023, Rahman, who was then a graduate student at the China University of Petroleum (Beijing), wrote a collective letter to the Chinese President along with his comrades from Central Asian countries. The young people shared their impressions of studying and living in China, expressed their desire to learn, strengthen cooperation, and contribute to building a community with a common future for China and Central Asia.

    “I remember my classmates and I were very excited when we received a response from Chairman Xi Jinping!” says Rahman.

    Rahman began his student life at the China University of Petroleum back in 2010. Over the course of 13 years, the young man successively completed undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs. At the time of receiving the letter from Xi Jinping, he was preparing to defend his dissertation and thinking about his future after graduation.

    “The friendship between China and Central Asian countries should be developed and passed on from generation to generation by more and more determined and active young people. You are not only witnesses and beneficiaries of the relations between China and Central Asia, but also their creators and disseminators,” these warm and encouraging words of the PRC leader strengthened Rahman’s determination to become an ambassador of China and Central Asian culture.

    The young man decided to stay in China and became an employee of the Institute of International Education of the China University of Petroleum /Beijing/. “I want to share my experience with other students from Central Asia and other countries, help them get to know China and understand it better,” he says.

    “I am always available,” is how Rahman describes his nearly two-year tenure at the institute. He helps new international students overcome language barriers and cope with everyday difficulties, schedules classes, and monitors exams and academic performance. In this intense but fulfilling job, Rahman has witnessed the growth and development of international students in China and gained a deeper understanding of the friendly relations between China and Central Asia.

    “Studying and living in China over the years has completely changed me, shaped me,” says Rahman.

    According to Yu Donghai, deputy director of the Institute of International Education at China University of Petroleum (Beijing), the university maintains extensive cooperation with educational institutions in Central Asian countries. Over the past twenty years, more than two thousand students from the region have studied here, and they now play an active role in strengthening exchanges and cooperation between China and Central Asian countries in many areas.

    June is graduation time. One of the authors of the letter to President Xi Jinping, student Mohammed Polat, is about to complete an unforgettable education in China. In eight years, he went from a preparatory course where he did not speak a word of Chinese to a master’s degree in business management and fluency in the language. “Studying in China changed my life,” he says with sincere gratitude.

    The 24-year-old Kazakh is looking forward to the second China-Central Asia summit. He hopes that more young people from Central Asia will be able to come to China to study, and Chinese companies will be able to work more actively in the region. “I am ready to contribute to building a bridge of friendship,” says Mukhammed.

    PROMOTING FRIENDSHIP DEVELOPMENT

    In recent years, in the context of sustainable development of cooperation with China in all areas, interest in this country and its language has been growing in Central Asian countries. “I decided to study Chinese because I consider it the language of the future,” Yerasyl Mukhtaruly, a student at the Kazakhstan branch of Beijing Language and Culture University, told Xinhua.

    In July 2024, when Xi Jinping visited Kazakhstan, he and the country’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev attended the opening ceremony of the Kazakhstan branch of Beijing Language and Culture University. Astana International University President Serik Irsaliev still remembers that day well.

    According to him, the attention of the heads of the two states is “very high responsibility”. “This year, about 100 of our students are completing their studies at the branch on language courses. After that, they will take the HSK exam and determine their future profession,” said S. Irsaliev.

    Yerasyl, 20, is one of the first students at the branch. He studied Chinese for almost nine months in preparatory courses. It was difficult at first, but the young man increasingly felt the depth of Chinese culture and understood better what he was striving for in life.

    The student recalls that at first he often made mistakes in tones, and the countless hieroglyphs were difficult to remember. “I have to spend more than an hour or even two hours every day studying hieroglyphs. I have to write them every day. Speaking practice also helps,” he said, adding that he is gradually overcoming difficulties.

    In the future, he plans to work in the fields of translation, international business or diplomacy. “I believe that everyone who studies Chinese contributes to the development of friendship between Kazakhstan and China,” Yerasyl noted.

    An unusual relic is kept behind glass in the Kazakhstan branch of Beijing Language and Culture University: a copy of President K.-Zh. Tokayev’s student ID card, which he obtained when he briefly studied abroad at Beijing Language and Culture University. Local students are very proud to have studied at the same university as the head of state. “President Tokayev also studied at Beijing Language and Culture University, which is of particular importance to us,” said Alina Abildinova, who is attending preparatory language courses.

    She told Xinhua that she loves Chinese tea culture and hopes to have the opportunity to study and work in China in the future. “Modern China can provide young people with various opportunities, allowing us to confidently move into the future,” she said.

    A VALUABLE PRACTICE OPPORTUNITY

    In the training lab of Lu Ban’s Workshop in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, about ten local students are working intently with measuring instruments under the guidance of a teacher. This is the “youngest” Lu Ban Workshop in Central Asia – it opened in October last year.

    Last July, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov in Astana during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. During the meeting, he stressed that the two sides should make full use of platforms such as the Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Center for Chinese Culture, and the Lu Ban Workshop in Kyrgyzstan to cultivate new successors to the Chinese-Kyrgyz friendly cooperation.

    The workshop was created through the joint efforts of the Zhejiang Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower and the Kyrgyz State Technical University named after I. Razzakov. Over the course of more than six months of its operation, more than four thousand students have received technical training here.

    Head of Lu Ban Workshop Akylbek Chymyrov told Xinhua that the country is experiencing a serious shortage of engineering personnel in areas such as hydropower, electrical engineering, road and bridge construction. At the same time, infrastructure projects for the construction of hydroelectric power plants, highways are being actively implemented, and construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway has begun. “The main advantage is that we are training highly qualified personnel together with our Chinese partners. Students receive modern knowledge, study modern technologies and standards,” he says.

    “Here we learn how to use the latest surveying instruments and equipment, and we also study drone technologies, which is new and very interesting for us,” said Aalybek uulu Erbol, a second-year student at the Kyrgyz State Technical University named after I. Razzakov, studying geodesy. According to him, the technical equipment makes the workshop especially attractive, which is rare at other universities. “This practical opportunity is very valuable for us,” he emphasized.

    The Chinese leader has always paid great attention and supported the establishment of “Lu Ban Workshops” in the Central Asian countries. In May 2023, in his keynote speech at the China-Central Asia Summit, he especially noted the need to increase the number of “Lu Ban Workshops” in the Central Asian states. To date, the “Lu Ban Workshop” in Tajikistan has been successfully operating for more than two years, preparations are underway to open a second workshop in Kazakhstan, and the first workshop in Uzbekistan was opened last year. These projects are actively promoted throughout Central Asia and contribute to the training of personnel for the socio-economic development and modernization of the countries in the region.

    “Lu Ban Workshop”, established by the East Kazakhstan Technical University named after D. Serikbayev jointly with the Tianjin Vocational Institute, began operations in December 2023 and became the first in Kazakhstan. In recent years, Chinese car brands have become increasingly popular in Kazakhstan. Taking into account the future need for specialists in the automotive industry, maintenance and repair, the Kazakh side chose the automotive industry as the main direction of training in this workshop.

    “Lu Ban’s Workshop gives students the opportunity to immediately move from theory to practice,” notes Anasyr Mirashev, head of the workshop at the D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University. “The teacher can demonstrate everything visually, and the students can do all the work with their own hands. This gives them great opportunities.”

    “I chose Lu Ban’s Workshop because it is the most promising project today,” says second-year master’s student Ilyas Isakanov. He said that thanks to training at the workshop, he became familiar with the latest technologies in the automotive industry and hopes to use the knowledge he gained in the future to help more people. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    June 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Dental services symposium held

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    ​The Department of Health (DH) today organised a symposium where renowned dental academics from the Mainland and overseas, as well as local dental professionals, explored the way forward and measures to promote oral health.

    Held at the Hong Kong Palace Museum auditorium, the symposium also celebrated the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the DH’s dental services.

    Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau, along with DH senior officials, officiated at the symposium’s opening ceremony.

    Addressing the event, Prof Lo said, “Oral health is vital to overall health. At the end of last year, the Government released the final report of the Working Group on Oral Health & Dental Care, shifting the focus of Hong Kong’s oral health and dental care system from treatment-oriented to an approach targeting prevention, early identification and timely intervention.”

    Prof Lo highlighted that the Primary Dental Co-care Pilot Scheme for Adolescents, launched by the Government in March this year, is an initiative of “widely promoting among citizens”, encouraging adolescents to prevent dental diseases, while the Community Dental Support Programme launched last month is an initiative focusing on enhancing dental services for the underprivileged.

    The Government looks forward to collaborating with the dental professionals, training institutions, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and members of the public to usher in a new era of dental services in Hong Kong, and continue to enhance various initiatives to promote oral health for all, he added.

    World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for the Western Pacific Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala delivered a video message for the symposium.

    Keynote speakers included WHO Collaborating Centre for Translation of Oral Health Science Director Prof Hiroshi Ogawa, Peking University School of Stomatology Department of Preventive Dentistry Chairman Prof Zheng Shuguo, and University College London Special Care Dentistry Consultant Dr Navdeep Kumar.

    They shared their insights on the WHO Global Strategy & Action Plan on Oral Health (2023-2030), the Mainland’s policy and efforts to promote global oral health, and the challenges and innovations in providing dental care to adult patients with special needs.

    In addition, 16 NGOs and partners who have been actively participating in government-subsidised dental programmes, such as the Outreach Dental Care Programme for the Elderly and Healthy Teeth Collaboration, shared their achievements in serving the elderly and people with special needs.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    June 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Entrepreneurs and retail leaders recognised in King’s Birthday Honours List

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Entrepreneurs and retail leaders recognised in King’s Birthday Honours List

    Recipients recognised for years of exceptional service and dedication, and who are trailblazers for helping drive economic prosperity and increasing the UK’s global standing.

    The chief executive of one of Britain’s most popular high-street bakeries, the founder of an iconic ceramics brand, and the head of the UK’s largest professional body for recruiters are included in the King’s Birthday Honours today. 

    The UK is home to many iconic brands, and a number of top entrepreneurs and pioneers have been rightly recognised for their outstanding achievements across a variety of sectors, from hospitality to arts and crafts. 

    Greggs chief executive Roisin Currie has been made a CBE for her services to hospitality, while the head of leading high-street brand Pets at Home has been awarded an OBE for services to retail. 

    Neil Carberry, the chief executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, has received an OBE for his services to the economy and to business, while Craig Beaumont has received an OBE for his work on the Federation of Small Businesses. 

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    I am immensely proud to see so many outstanding individuals recognised in the 2025 Birthday Honours for their exceptional contributions to British business and trade. These honours reflect the innovation, resilience and leadership that drives our economy forward.

    From pioneering entrepreneurs to champions of growth, these worthy recipients embody this government’s core mission – to unlock opportunity, boost productivity and champion growth across every region of the UK as part of our Plan for Change.

    Recipients include: 

    • Craig Beaumont has received an OBE for services to small businesses. Craig has worked as the voice of the small business community at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), developing reforms that helped thousands of its members and the broader community to grow. He oversaw FSB launching a pioneering mental health and disability programme with MIND and the Royal Foundation, set up a partnership with X-Forces Enterprise to help veterans into employment and self-employment, and created the UK’s first online LGBT+ business hub, now serving over 1,000 users. He contributes to the Social Mobility Commission, Building Back Britain Commission, Industry and Parliament Trust and the Worshipful Company of Communicators in the City of London. 
    • Douglas Perkins has received a CBE for services to business and trade. Doug co-founded Specsavers with his wife in 1984, growing it into a global optical and audiology leader. Today, the company operates 2,815 stores across multiple countries, employing over 45,000 people. In 2023/24, Specsavers reported £4.18 billion in revenue—a 7.5% increase – serving 48 million customers worldwide, with 24.8 million frames and 617 million contact lenses sold. 
    • Elaine Bell has received a BEM for services to the Stapleford High Street. Elaine founded Sewing Belle in Stapleford, transforming it into a vibrant high street anchor and creative community hub. Alongside selling fabrics and haberdashery, her adjoining sewing studio hosts up to 20 workshops a month, attracting over 200 participants. With visitors travelling from across the UK—many staying overnight—Sewing Belle has become a local draw, boosting nearby businesses. 
    • Emma Bridgewater CBE has received a Damehood for services to ceramics.  Founded in 1985, Emma Bridgewater has grown into a beloved British brand, renowned for its colourful, hand-decorated pottery and distinctive patterns. Sold online, in dedicated stores, and through retailers across the UK and internationally, the company continues to thrive. In 2022, it earned B Corporation certification, reflecting its enduring commitment to transparency, accountability, and high ethical standards. 
    • Lyssa McGowan has received an OBE for services to retail. Since becoming CEO of Pets at Home in 2022, Lyssa has led the transformation of the business into a truly integrated petcare business providing veterinary, retail and grooming services, which has driven strong growth, with consumer revenue rising to nearly £2 billion in 2025. Recognised by Retail Week as one of 2024’s most influential leaders, Lyssa’s leadership has also seen the Pets Club membership grow to over 8 million, building on her extensive consumer experience from an 12-year career at Sky UK.  * Neil Carberry has received an OBE for services to the economy and to business.  The Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) has become a key body for businesses navigating changing workforce needs. Representing firms who support recruitment and talent planning, a £43bn industry, REC’s research is a major contributor to understanding our changing jobs market and future needs. Neil has also contributed to positive employment relations through the Low Pay Commission and the Council of Acas. 
    • Roisin Currie has received a CBE for services to hospitality. Roisin has been instrumental in driving Greggs rapid expansion, with the company on track to double sales by 2026 following record-breaking results in 2024. Her leadership emphasises the strong internal culture shared by 33,000 colleagues – something she sees as central to Greggs continued success. With a career spanning over 35 years, Roisin has been a driving force in championing social mobility and nurturing talent across the sector. This honour reflects Roisin’s unwavering dedication to excellence and her lasting impact on the industry.

    Full list of recipients

    Dames Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) 

    Clare Barclay, Lately Chief Executive Officer, Microsoft UK. For services to Business, Technology and Leadership. 

    Emma Bridgewater CBE, Founder, Emma Bridgewater Pottery. For services to Ceramics.  

    Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) 

    Roisin Currie, Chief Executive Officer, Greggs PLC. For services to Hospitality. 

    Stephen Foots, Chief Executive Officer, Croda. For services to the Chemical and Life Sciences Industry. 

    Shevaun Haviland, Director General, British Chambers of Commerce. For services to Business.  

    Jonathan Holmes, Lately Co-Chair, Infrastructure Exports UK and Deputy Chairman, Mace. For services to Construction. 

    David Howden, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Howden Group. For services to the Insurance Industry. 

    Dr Peter Musgrove, Engineer and Renewable Energy Pioneer. For services to Renewable Energy. 

    Babatunde Olanrewaju, Managing Partner, Europe, McKinsey & Company. For services to Business. 

    Douglas Perkins, Co-Founder and Chair, Specsavers. For services to Business and Trade. 

    Tanuja Randery, Managing Director and Vice President, Amazon Web Services, Europe, Middle East, and Africa. For services to Business and the Technology Sector. 

    Stephen Scrimshaw, Lately Chief Executive Officer, Siemens Energy Ltd. For services to British Manufacturing, to Transport and to the Green Transition to Net Zero. 

    Dana Strong, Group Chief Executive Officer, Sky. For services to Business and to Media. 

    Stephen Varley, Lately UK Chair and Managing Partner, EY. For services to the Professional Services Industry. 

    David Ward, General Secretary, Communication Workers’ Union. For services to Trade Unions. 

    Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) 

    Craig Beaumont, Executive Director, Federation of Small Businesses. For services to Small Businesses 

    Neil Carberry, Chief Executive Officer, The Recruitment and Employment Confederation. For services to the Economy and to Business 

    Rachel Gardner-Poole, Director, Aviascia. For services to Aviation 

    Hannah Gibson, Chief Executive Officer, Ocado Retail. For services to Retail 

    Ruth Handcock, Chief Executive Officer, Octopus Money. For services to Financial Services and Investment 

    Richard Howells, Founder, Bronze Software Labs Ltd. For services to Business, Technology and Innovation 

    Professor Shirley Lane (Price), Emerita Professor of Toxicology, University of Surrey. For services to Industry and Consumer Protection 

    Andrew Love, Senior Adviser, The Ritz London. For services to Hospitality 

    Lyssa McGowan, Chief Executive Officer, Pets at Home. For services to Retail 

    Stephen Pegge, Lately Managing Director, UK Finance. For services to Business 

    Mohammad Sadique (Sid Sadique), Chairman and Owner, Electra Commercial Vehicles Ltd. For services to the Automotive and Transport Industry 

    Gareth Stapleton, Founder and Partner, RiSE International. For services to Architecture and to Project and Construction Management 

    Jane Whitehart, International Lead Associate Consultant, People1st International Limited. For services to International Trade 

    Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) 

    Noreen Burroughes, President, Organisation for Women in International Trade UK. For services to Women in International Trade and to Entrepreneurship 

    Karyle Davidge-Stringer, Service Manager, Rushmoor Citizens Advice. For services to the community in Hampshire 

    Dawn Edwards, Managing Director, Challenge Training and Consultancy Ltd. For services to the Business Community in Nottinghamshire 

    Daniel Fell, Chief Executive, Doncaster Chamber of Commerce. For services to Business and the Economy in South Yorkshire 

    Julian Hetherington, Automotive Transformation Director, Advanced Propulsion Centre. For services to Business Investment and Growth 

    Muhammad Abdul Musabbir, Chair, Hyde Bangladesh Welfare Association. For services to Community Cohesion 

    Laura Silverman, Creator and Head, London School of Economics and Political Science Generate. For services to Social Innovation and Education 

    Matthew Turner, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Creative Pod. For services to Business and to Charity 

    Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) 

    Elaine Bell, Managing Director, Sewing Belle. For services to The Stapleford High Street 

    Civil Servants recognised in the Birthday 2025 Honours List include: 

    Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) 

    Susan Clews, Lately Chief Executive, Acas. 

    Frederick Perry, Lately Director, Advanced Manufacturing, Department for Business and Trade 

    Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) 

    Tracy Buckingham, Deputy Director, Security and Cyber Security Exports, Department for Business and Trade.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 14 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    June 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Boosting university spin-outs

    Source: Scottish Government

    Capitalising on Scottish innovation, ideas and expertise.

    New initiatives taking advantage of Scotland’s world-class reputation as an innovation nation have been announced by the Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes.

    Three projects, backed by £4.4 million, are designed to help turn ground-breaking research across the country’s universities and colleges into high-growth businesses that create jobs and support economic growth.

    The package includes:

    • £2.9 million for the Proof of Concept Fund which will explore the commercial potential of research projects by developing prototypes and pitching to investors, as well as analysing markets to attract further investment 
    • £800,000 for the Spinout Pipeline Project which, led by the University of Strathclyde, will help share commercialisation expertise across Scottish universities, culminating in a summit where innovators will pitch to potential investors
    • £700,000 for the Entrepreneurial Campus Blueprint which will help college students to develop business skills and link in with investors

    A further £141,000, spent over two years, will support a new course at the University of Aberdeen to train 40 high school computing teachers, better preparing future generations for careers in tech-based businesses.

    Scaling businesses account for the majority of net job creation in the UK and their annual turnover is around £1.2 trillion, highlighting the opportunity afforded to Scotland’s economy by investing in the drive to turn research findings into high-growth start-ups.

    Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said:

    “The Scottish Government is fostering and supporting entrepreneurial talent as part of strategic investment to capitalise on Scotland’s reputation as a start-up nation. The economic opportunities presented by this are enormous.  

    “Our universities and colleges are the engines of innovation. They are known the world over as the home of some of the greatest ideas and inventions ever made and can present real solutions to the challenges we face.   

    “This new investment underlines our commitment to realising the economic potential of the incredible work taking place across Scottish universities and colleges.” 

    Chief Entrepreneur Ana Stewart said:

    “The world’s leading entrepreneurial economies are often powered by universities with strong entrepreneurial cultures. This is an ambitious package which positions Scottish institutions as drivers of start-up creation and growth.

    “I look forward to collaborating with universities to maximise the impact of this funding.”

    Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, University of Strathclyde, said:

    “We are pleased to welcome the Scottish Government’s continued investment in universities as engines of economic growth through excellent research, innovation and production of high-quality skills. This new Proof of Concept Fund will help to translate academic innovation into real-world economic and social impact.

    “As the lead institution for the Spinout Pipeline Project, and a leading entrepreneurial campus, the University of Strathclyde is also pleased to continue to play a central role in strengthening Scotland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

    “By harnessing the collective expertise of our universities, we aim to accelerate the journey from breakthrough ideas to market-ready ventures – creating high-value jobs, attracting investment, and supporting the next generation of innovators.”

    Background 

    Applications to the Proof of Concept Fund are open.

    Since 2011, Scottish universities have helped to produce 240 spin-outs.

    This includes Neuranics, a 2021 joint spinout from University of Edinburgh and Glasgow, which has developed state-of-the-art sensors used across a variety of sectors, including in healthcare and gaming, and has raised $8 million to accelerate its growth. The company is also backed by an £800,000 grant from Scottish Enterprise. 

    Another, Microplate Dx, is a multiple award-winning spinout from Strathclyde, developing novel solutions to the global threat of antimicrobial resistance. 

    Programme for Government 2025-2026

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    June 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Record-breaking of over 4 000 blood donors commended at Annual Donor Award Ceremony (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

    The Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) today (June 14) held its Annual Donor Award Ceremony to commend outstanding regular blood donors. The BTS also announced that a total of 4 081 donors gave blood 25 times or in its multiples in 2024/25, which breaks the BTS record for three consecutive years. This highlights the growing awareness and embrace of blood donation culture in Hong Kong. The BTS expressed its sincerest gratitude to all the enthusiastic blood donors.Prudential Hong Kong Limited
    Sino Group
    Nan Fung Group
    Link Asset Management Services Limited
    Sun Hung Kai Properties LimitedTsz Shan Monastery
    Rotary International District 3450
    Scout Association of Hong Kong
    Evangelical Free Church of China – Yan Fook ChurchWhampoa Garden Management Limited
    Lung Mun Oasis
    Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation The Chinese University of Hong Kong
    The University of Hong Kong
    The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Hong Kong Metropolitan University
    Hong Kong Baptist University
    The Hong Kong University of Science and TechnologyShatin College 
    West Island School
    Po Leung Kuk Wu Chung College  
    Discovery College
    Buddhist Hung Sean Chau Memorial College
    F.D.B.W.A. Szeto Ho Secondary School
    Cheung Sha Wan Catholic Secondary School
    King’s College
    PHC Wing Kwong College
    Lai Chack Middle School

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    June 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DH organises symposium on “A New Era for Dental Services in Hong Kong” to celebrate 80th anniversary of its Dental Services (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    DH organises symposium on “A New Era for Dental Services in Hong Kong” to celebrate 80th anniversary of its Dental Services  
    The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau; the Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam; the incumbent Consultant in-charge of the Dental Services of the DH, Dr Kitty Hse; and four former Consultant in-charge of the Dental Services of the DH officiated at the opening ceremony of the symposium.
     
    In his address, Professor Lo said, “Oral health is vital to overall health. At the end of last year, the Government released the final report of the Working Group on Oral Health and Dental Care, shifting the focus of Hong Kong’s oral health and dental care system from treatment-oriented to an approach targeting prevention, early identification and timely intervention. The Government adopts the strategies of widely promoting among citizens across all age groups prevention-oriented primary oral healthcare, and provides essential curative dental care services targeting underprivileged groups.”
     
    He stressed that the Primary Dental Co-care Pilot Scheme for Adolescents launched by the Government in March 2025 is an initiative of widely promoting among citizens, encouraging adolescents to prevent dental diseases while the Community Dental Support Programme launched last month is an initiative focusing on enhancing dental services for the underprivileged (including elderly who have financial difficulties). The Government looks forward to collaborating with the dental professionals, training institutions, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the members of the public to usher in a new era of dental services in Hong Kong, and continue to enhance various initiatives to promote oral health for all.
     
    Dr Lam said in his welcoming speech, “Since its establishment in 1945, the Dental Services of the DH has achieved significant development over the past 80 years. From providing emergency dental extraction service during the post-war period to introducing fluoridation of drinking water in Hong Kong in 1961 to combat and prevent dental diseases; to rolling out the prevention-oriented School Dental Care Service for all primary school students in Hong Kong in 1980, which has been well-received by parents; to providing specialist dental services to patients with special healthcare needs; and to implementing various community dental care programmes to cater for the needs of the elderly and underprivileged, etc. The Dental Services is expanding to meet the needs of the society, enhancing both the quality and quantity of services.”  
     
    He added that the Dental Services of the DH endeavours to grow alongside Hong Kong, and will continue to actively implement the Oral Health Action Plan through policy innovations, leveraging on technology and community collaboration, with emphasis on providing preventive care to the public and special community dental services to underprivileged groups, in order to promote oral health and the retention of natural teeth. 
     
    The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, also delivered a video message for the symposium. The keynote speakers were Professor Hiroshi Ogawa, the Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Translation of Oral Health Science; Professor Zheng Shuguo, the Chairman of the Department of Preventive Dentistry of the School of Stomatology of Peking University; and Dr Navdeep Kumar, Consultant in Special Care Dentistry of University College London. They shared insights on topics such as the WHO Global Strategy and Action Plan on Oral Health (2023-2030), the Mainland’s policy and efforts to promote global oral health, and the challenges and innovations in providing dental care to adult patients with special needs.
     
    Sixteen NGOs and partners who have been actively participating in government-subsidised dental programmes such as Outreach Dental Care Programme for the Elderly, Healthy Teeth Collaboration and Special Oral Care Service, were invited to attend the symposium to share their fruitful achievements in serving the elderly and persons with special needs.
     
    Apart from the symposium, the Bright Smiles Mobile Classroom of the DH’s Oral Health Promotion Division, decorated with a theme celebrating the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Dental Services, will tour around Hong Kong districts to promote oral health to the public. Details will be announced on the Facebook fan page of “愛牙 Love Teeth HKIssued at HKT 17:00

    NNNN

    CategoriesMIL-OSI

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    June 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese and Russian enterprises held a presentation of cooperation projects in Tianjin

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, June 14 (Xinhua) — Representatives from more than 200 Chinese and Russian enterprises and research institutes gathered in the north Chinese coastal city of Tianjin on Friday to exchange views on a range of business issues and seek cooperation partners in various fields including energy, machinery and information technology.

    The event was organized by Tianjin TEDA Export Development Center in Tianjin Economic and Technological Development Zone (EDZ), which is one of the first 14 national-level EDTZs in China. Its official title was: “The First International Forum on Industrial Development Coordination at Tianjin TEDA Export Development Center of North China – Special Sub-Forum on China-Russia Connectivity and SCO Cooperation in Energy, Manufacturing and Science and Technology”

    As reported on the local official website enorth.com.cn, the event was attended by such major enterprises as Gazprom, Rosneft and the metallurgical company NLMK Group from the Russian side, and from the Chinese side, among others, the company for the development of warehouse and logistics technologies under the PipeChina group (a Chinese state-owned pipeline operator), Sinomachfreet Shandong Industrial Holdings Co., Ltd, Tianjin University and the technology company IFlytek.

    At the event, cooperation projects were presented one by one by representatives from 7 Russian and 3 Chinese enterprises. They outlined in detail the key operations, priority areas of external cooperation and technological advantages of their enterprises. In the subsequent part of the event, business representatives of the two countries discussed in depth new trends and opportunities for cooperation in such areas as energy sector transformation, high-tech manufacturing, digital infrastructure and environmentally friendly agriculture.

    Before the event, a familiarization tour of the Nangang Industrial Park, owned by Tianjin ZTER, was organized for Russian entrepreneurs. There they visited several iconic facilities in the energy and chemical industries. The TEDA Comprehensive Export Service Center also contacted Russian enterprises in advance with inquiries about points of interest in cooperation with the Chinese side.

    One of the Russian representatives noted that the Nangang Industrial Park is home to a large number of modern enterprises, and the Tianjin ZTER generally provides convenient and comfortable conditions for attracting investment. Previously, a major Russian energy giant had already launched cooperation with the ZTER, and this time, many Russian enterprises also showed great interest in projects in the ZTER. This event directly stimulated inter-corporate contacts between the two countries, and it is expected that in the near future, a partnership between enterprises of the two countries will be concluded on a number of projects, the representative assured.

    Wang Hongwei, chairman of Sinomachfreet Shandong Industrial Holdings Co., Ltd, said that as a result of the event, his company signed a memorandum of understanding to establish cooperation with two Russian enterprises. According to him, the Russian partners expressed their need for equipment designed for oil production and offshore drilling, which is precisely the flagship product of his company. “We will continue to hold talks with our Russian partners on promising cooperation,” the entrepreneur said. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    June 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: U.S. consumer sentiment rises first time in six months

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

    Consumer sentiment improved for the first time in six months, according to the data released Friday by the University of Michigan.

    The index of consumer sentiment in June climbed 16 percent from last month but remained about 20 percent below December 2024, when the sentiment exhibited a post-election bump.

    The trends were unanimous across the distributions of age, income, wealth, political party, and geographic region, the survey found.

    Moreover, all five index components rose, with a particularly steep increase for short and long-run expected business conditions, consistent with a perceived easing of pressures from tariffs.

    “Consumers appear to have settled somewhat from the shock of the extremely high tariffs announced in April and the policy volatility seen in the weeks that followed,” said Surveys of Consumers Director Joanne Hsu.

    However, consumers still perceived wide-ranging downside risks to the economy.

    Their views of business conditions, personal finances, buying conditions for big ticket items, labor markets, and stock markets all remained well below six months ago in December 2024.

    “Despite this month’s notable improvement, consumers remain guarded and concerned about the trajectory of the economy,” Hsu said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    June 14, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: As war breaks out with Israel, Iran has run out of good options

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

    The scale of Israel’s strikes on multiple, sensitive Iranian military and nuclear sites on Friday was unprecedented. It was the biggest attack on Iran since the Iran–Iraq War in the 1980s.

    As expected, Iran responded swiftly, even as Israeli attacks on its territory continued. The unfolding conflict is reshaping regional dynamics, and Iran now finds itself with no easy path forward.

    Strikes come at a delicate time

    The timing of the Israeli strikes was highly significant. They came at a critical point in the high-stakes negotiations between Iran and the United States over Tehran’s nuclear program that began earlier this year.

    Last week, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) issued a report accusing Tehran of stockpiling highly enriched uranium at levels dangerously close to weaponisation.

    According to the report, Iran has accumulated around 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity. If this uranium is further enriched to 90% purity, it would be enough to build nine to ten bombs.

    The day before Israel’s attack, the IAEA board of governors also declared Iran to be in breach of its non-proliferation obligations for the first time in two decades.

    The nuclear talks recently hit a stumbling block over a major issue – the US refusal to allow Iran to enrich any uranium at all for a civilian nuclear program.

    Iran has previously agreed to cap its enrichment at 3.67% under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, a nuclear deal between Iran, the US and other global powers agreed to in 2015 (and abandoned by the first Trump administration in 2018). But it has refused to relinquish its right to enrichment altogether.

    US President Donald Trump reportedly urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to attack Iran last week, believing he was close to a deal.

    But after the attack, Trump ramped up his threats on Iran again, urging it to agree to a deal “before there is nothing left”. He called the Israeli strikes “excellent” and suggested there was “more to come”.

    Given this context, it is understandable why Iran does not view the US as an impartial mediator. In response, Iran suspended its negotiations with the US, announcing it would skip the sixth round of talks scheduled for Sunday.

    Rather than compelling Iran to agree to a deal, the excessive pressure could risk pushing Iran towards a more extreme stance instead.

    While Iranian officials have denied any intention to develop a military nuclear program, they have warned that continued Israeli attacks and US pressure might force Tehran to reconsider as a deterrence mechanism.



    Read more:
    As its conflict with Israel escalates, could Iran now acquire a nuclear bomb?

    Why surrender could spell the regime’s end

    On several occasions, Trump has insisted he is not seeking “regime change” in Iran. He has repeatedly claimed he wants to see Iran be “successful” – the only requirement is for it to accept a US deal.

    However, in Iran’s view, the US proposal is not viewed as a peace offer, but as a blueprint for surrender. And the fear is this would ultimately pave the way for regime change under the guise of diplomacy.

    Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei responded to the latest US proposal by insisting that uranium enrichment remains a “red line” for Iran. Abandoning this right from the Iranian perspective would only embolden its adversaries to escalate their pressure on the regime and make further demands – such as dismantling Iran’s missile program.

    The fear in Tehran is this could push the country into a defenceless state without a way to deter future Israeli strikes.

    Furthermore, capitulating to the US terms could ignite domestic backlash on two fronts: from an already growing opposition movement, and from the regime’s base of loyal supporters, who would see any retreat as a betrayal.

    In this context, many in Iran’s leadership believe that giving in to Trump’s terms would not avert regime change – it would hasten it.

    What options remain for Iran now?

    Caught between escalating pressure and existential threats, Iran finds itself with few viable options other than to project strength. It has already begun to pursue this strategy by launching retaliatory missile strikes at Israeli cities.

    This response has been much stronger than the relatively contained tit-for-tat strikes Israel and Iran engaged in last year. Iran’s strikes have caused considerable damage to government and residential areas in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

    Iran sees no alternative but to push forward, having already been drawn into open confrontation. Any sign of weakness would severely undermine the regime’s legitimacy at home and embolden its adversaries abroad.

    Moreover, Tehran is betting on Trump’s aversion to foreign wars. Iranian leaders believe the US is neither prepared nor willing to enter another costly conflict in the region – one that could disrupt global trade and jeopardise Trump’s recent economic partnerships with Persian Gulf states.

    Therefore, Iran’s leadership likely believes that by standing firm now, the conflict will be limited, so long as the US stays on the sidelines. And then, Iran’s leaders would try to return to the negotiating table, in their view, from a position of strength.

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

    – ref. As war breaks out with Israel, Iran has run out of good options – https://theconversation.com/as-war-breaks-out-with-israel-iran-has-run-out-of-good-options-258916

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    June 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Announces Over $1.2 Million in National Science Foundation Research Awards to Jackson State University

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bennie G Thompson (D-MS)

    BOLTON, MS – Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced that the National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded more than $1.2 million in research funding to Jackson State University (JSU) to support two groundbreaking projects that advance scientific innovation while strengthening STEM education and workforce development in Mississippi.

    The NSF awards are as follows:

    • $500,090.00 for the project entitled “Excellence in Research: Self-Healing Infrastructure with Natural-Based Enhancements (SHINE): Innovative Solutions Development for Resilient Earthen Infrastructure,” under the direction of Dr. Kejun Wen.
      • Award Start Date: September 1, 2025
      • This project will focus on improving the durability and resilience of earthen infrastructure through sustainable, nature-based engineering solutions. The SHINE project will integrate cutting-edge research with STEM education by training undergraduate and graduate students, and fostering partnerships with the Mississippi Department of Transportation, community colleges, and K-12 educators.
    • $699,948.00 for the project entitled “Excellence in Research: Phytoremediation Using Vetiver Grass to Address Heavy Metals and PFAS in Contaminated Soil and Wastewater,” under the direction of Dr. Sadik Khan.
      • Award Start Date: June 1, 2025
      • This research will evaluate and optimize the use of Vetiver grass in phytoremediation applications to remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and heavy metals from contaminated soils, leachate, and wastewater.

    Both projects are supported through the NSF’s Excellence in Research (EiR) program, which aims to expand the capacity for scientific discovery and innovation at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other Minority Serving Institutions.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 14, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 14, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 14, 2025.

    Fijian in Abu Dhabi worried about Pacific communities in Middle East
    By Susana Suisuiki, Presenter/producer of RNZ Pacific Waves Fiji’s Embassy in Abu Dhabi says it is closely monitoring the situation in Iran and Israel as tensions remain high. Israel carried out a dozen strikes against Iranian military and nuclear sites on Friday, claiming it acted out of “self-defence”, saying Iran is close to building a

    Eugene Doyle: Team Genocide and the West’s war on Iran
    COMMENTARY: By Eugene Doyle I have visited Iran twice. Once in June 1980 to witness an unprecedented event: the world’s first Islamic Revolution. It was the very start of my writing career. The second time was in 2018 and part of my interest was to get a sense of how disenchanted the population was —

    Greta Thunberg tried to shame Western leaders – and found they have no shame
    ANALYSIS: By Jonathan Cook in Middle East Eye If you imagined Western politicians and media were finally showing signs of waking up to Israel’s genocide in Gaza, think again. Even the decision this week by several Western states, led by the UK, to ban the entry of Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir, two far-right

    News of the Air India plane crash is traumatic. Here’s how to make sense of the risk
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hassan Vally, Associate Professor, Epidemiology, Deakin University simonkr/Getty Images On Thursday afternoon local time, an Air India passenger plane bound for London crashed shortly after takeoff from the northwestern Indian city of Ahmedabad. There were reportedly 242 people onboard, including two pilots and ten cabin crew. The

    News of the Air India plane crash is traumatic. Here’s how to make sense of the risk
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hassan Vally, Associate Professor, Epidemiology, Deakin University simonkr/Getty Images On Thursday afternoon local time, an Air India passenger plane bound for London crashed shortly after takeoff from the northwestern Indian city of Ahmedabad. There were reportedly 242 people onboard, including two pilots and ten cabin crew. The

    Selwyn Manning Analysis: Israel clearly saw an opportunity to strike Iran. Here’s the trip-wire… UPDATED
    Analysis and Notes by Selwyn Manning: Prep for Radio New Zealand – Israel Strikes Against Iran – June 13, 2025. Listen to the audio from 3:00 minutes in. Over the last 24 hours, the atomic control agency IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) formed a view at its UN Geneva meeting, that there was so-called evidence

    Selwyn Manning Analysis: Israel clearly saw an opportunity to strike Iran. Here’s the trip-wire…
    Analysis and Notes by Selwyn Manning: Prep for Radio New Zealand – Israel Strikes Against Iran – June 13, 2025. Listen to the audio from 3:00 minutes in. Over the last 24 hours, the atomic control agency IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) formed a view at its UN Geneva meeting, that there was so-called evidence

    Why did Israel defy Trump – and risk a major war – by striking Iran now? And what happens next?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amin Saikal, Emeritus Professor of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies, Australian National University; and Vice Chancellor’s Strategic Fellow, Victoria University Alarmed by an intelligence assessment that Iran will be able to produce nuclear weapons within months if not weeks, Israel has launched a massive air campaign

    Just one man survived the Air India crash. What’s it like to survive a mass disaster?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Erin Smith, Associate Professor and Discipline Lead (Paramedicine), La Trobe University Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British citizen returning from a trip to India, has been confirmed as the only survivor of Thursday’s deadly Air India crash. “I don’t know how I am alive,” Ramesh told family, according to

    Speculation about the cause of Air India crash is rife. An aviation expert explains why it’s a problem
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Natasha Heap, Program Director for the Bachelor of Aviation, University of Southern Queensland It has only been a few hours since Air India flight AI171 crashed in Ahmedabad, killing more than 260 people, yet public speculation about the causes of the disaster is already rife. Parts of

    What do we know about the Air India crash? How did one man survive? What now? An aviation safety expert explains
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Guido Carim Junior, Senior Lecturer in Aviation, Griffith University The back of Air India flight 171 after it crashed into a residential building in Ahmedabad. Sam Panthaky / AFP via Getty Images An Air India flight crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad in northwest India on Thursday

    The Daily Blog calls for NZ to immediately expel Israeli envoy for unprovoked attack on Iran
    OPINION: By Martyn Bradbury, editor of The Daily Blog The madness has begun. We should have suspected something when the cloud strike shut down occurred. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu needs to continue war so that he is never held to account. This madness is the last straw. NZ must immediately expel the Israeli Ambassador

    Trump may push Albanese on defence spending, but Australia has leverage it can use, too
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Thomas Corben, Research Fellow, Foreign Policy and Defence, University of Sydney Ahead of a prospective meeting between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Donald Trump at the G7 Summit Canada, two key developments have bumped defence issues to the top of the alliance agenda. First, in

    How long is a vagina? And how do I know if mine is ‘short’?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Keersten Fitzgerald, Lecturer in General Practice, University of Sydney Jarrod Simpson/Getty We often use the word vagina to describe everything “down there”, but that’s not actually anatomically correct. The vagina is the stretchy, muscular tube that connects the external genitalia, or vulva, to the cervix, which is

    ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 13, 2025
    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 13, 2025.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    June 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Collins Speaks at Northern Light Health Rural Dementia Training Project

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
    Published: June 13, 2025

    Click HERE and HERE for individual photos.
    Orono, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins delivered remarks at the Northern Light Health Maine Rural Dementia Training Project at the University of Maine. More than 100 medical professionals from across the state were in attendance for the all-day program, which trains rural medical professionals, caregivers, and social workers to care for patients with dementia in outpatient and hospital-based settings. Maine, being one of the oldest and most rural states in the nation, faces a high prevalence of age-associated cognitive disorders and limited access to dementia specialists.
    “Far too many of us know the pain of having a loved one stricken by dementia, including Alzheimer’s. I’ve seen it in my own family, and I understand how devastating these diseases can be,” said Senator Collins during her remarks. “In our large rural state, it can be difficult to secure an accurate, early diagnosis and a plan for care. That’s why I worked hard to secure funding for this important training program to help ensure families across Maine can access the care they need.”
    Last year, through her role on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins secured more than $1.3 million in Congressionally Directed Spending for Northern Light Acadia Hospital to create Rural Dementia Training Project.
    This week, Senator Collins delivered remarks at the 2025 Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM) Advocacy Forum in Washington. In her remarks, Senator Collins highlighted her successful legislative efforts to advance Alzheimer’s research, prevention, and treatment. In the 118th Congress, there were 1,868 standalone health care bills introduced in both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. Of those bills, only 15 passed both chambers and were signed into law. U.S. Senator Susan Collins led or co-led 5 of those 15 bills to passage with strong bipartisan support, and 3 of those 5 bills dealt directly with brain health. Those bills were the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA), the Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act, and the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The King’s Birthday Honours 2025

    Source: Scottish Government

    First Minister congratulates Scotland’s Honour recipients.

    First Minister John Swinney has paid tribute to Scotland’s recipients in The King’s Birthday Honours list.

    This year’s awards celebrate individuals making exceptional contributions to public life or their community in keeping with the theme of ‘public service’.  

    Professor Ursula Martin has been appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to science and education.

    Those being awarded a CBE include Professor Ewan Beattie OBE, Professor and Head of the Healthy Working Lives Group at the University of Glasgow for services to Occupational Medicine and reducing health inequalities; Professor Julie Fitzpatrick, Chief Scientific Adviser to Scottish Government; and businessman and philanthropist Dr John Watson OBE for services to education and charity.  

    Among those receiving an OBE are Lorna and John Norgrove, Co-founders of the Linda Norgrove Foundation for services to Women and Children Abroad and in Scotland; Karen Watt, lately Chief Executive Officer for the Scottish Funding Council for public service and Peter MacDonald, Head of Research for Scottish Tartans Authority is recognised for services to the tartan industry.

    Those receiving MBEs include Jennifer Gill, Founder of LoveOliver for services to families affected by childhood cancer, and Alistair Moffat, founder of Borders Book, Lennoxlove Book Festivals and Kelso Arts Festival for services to literature and culture.

    Among those honoured with a BEM are the co-founders of Calums Cabin, husband and wife Duncan and Caroline Speirs and Duncan’s twin sister Jenna, for services to charitable fundraising; Shirley Jamieson, former school crossing patrol person in Juniper Green, Edinburgh and Karen Wylie, Founder of the Grub Club for services to ending hunger in the community in Lochside.

    Gary Ritchie, Assistant Chief Constable Police Scotland will receive The King’s Police Medal. The King’s Fire Service Medal will be awarded to Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Volunteer Leader Gerry Ralston, and Watch Commander John Aitchison. Sarah Stevenson, Scottish Ambulance Service Corporate Risk Manager, will receive The King’s Ambulance Service Medal.

    The First Minister said:

    “My congratulations and thanks to The King’s Birthday Honours recipients who have each made outstanding contributions to community and public life in Scotland.  

    “The recipients of The King’s Police, Fire or Ambulance Service Medals demonstrate lives dedicated to keeping others safe and supporting communities. I sincerely thank them for their service and commitment.”

    Background
    Honours are announced twice annually, in June on the Monarch’s official birthday, and at New Year.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    June 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Afghan National Pleads Guilty to Plotting Election Day Terror Attack in the United States

    Source: US State of California

    Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, a native and citizen of Afghanistan, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Oklahoma City to two terrorism-related offenses: conspiring and attempting to provide material support and resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization, and receiving, attempting to receive, and conspiring to receive firearms and ammunition in furtherance of a federal crime of terrorism.

    “The defendant admits he planned and obtained firearms to carry out a violent terror attack on Election Day in 2024, a plot that was detected and disrupted through the good work of the FBI and our partners,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Let this serve as notice to anyone who tries to conduct attacks in our homeland for ISIS or any other terror group: we will find you and you’ll face American justice. I want to commend the FBI teams and our partners for their hard work and success in executing the mission.”

    “Through incredible law enforcement effort and coordination, a violent terrorist attack on American soil was thwarted, and those responsible are being held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma. “I commend the outstanding work by the FBI, our law enforcement partners, and prosecutors to diligently discover, thoroughly investigate, and completely foil this terror plot. These guilty pleas serve as an emphatic reminder that the Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners will aggressively pursue those who attempt to harm Americans through terrorist acts.”

    “Thanks to outstanding work by the Oklahoma City Joint Terrorism Task Force, the defendant’s plan to kill innocent Americans in a terrorist attack on Election Day was stopped,” said Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. “The FBI is grateful to all who stand beside us in our fight against terrorism. Together, we will continue to safeguard our communities from those who conspire against the United States.”

    According to court documents, Tawhedi admitted that between June 2024 and October 2024 he conspired with at least one other individual to purchase two AK-47 rifles, 500 rounds of ammunition, and 10 magazines, with the intent to carry out a mass-casualty attack on or around Election Day, Nov. 5, 2024, on behalf of ISIS.  According to a criminal complaint affidavit filed in the case, Tawhedi communicated with an ISIS facilitator about his plan to purchase firearms for use in the terror plot, including asking the individual whether 500 rounds of ammunition would be sufficient.

    Tawhedi and his co-conspirator, Abdullah Haji Zada, were arrested on Oct. 7, 2024, after purchasing the firearms and ammunition from an undercover FBI employee.  Zada, 18, pleaded guilty in April 2025 to the firearms offense in connection with his role in the terror plot and is awaiting sentencing. Zada, who was 17 at the time of his arrest, entered his guilty plea as an adult and will be sentenced as an adult.

    At sentencing, Tawhedi faces a maximum penalty 20 years in prison for the material support charge and up to 15 years in prison for the firearms charge. Zada faces up to 15 years in federal prison. Upon completion of any sentence, Tawhedi and Zada will be permanently removed from the United States and barred from reentry under stipulated judicial orders of removal to Afghanistan. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The FBI Oklahoma City Field Office’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Marshals Service, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Edmond Police Department, the Moore Police Department, the Oklahoma City Police Department, the Oklahoma City Community College Police Department, and the Oklahoma City University Police Department, is investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica L. Perry and Matt Dillon for the Western District of Oklahoma; Assistant U.S. Attorney Everett McMillian, who previously served in the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section; and Trial Attorney Jennifer Levy of the Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case. Trial Attorney Mark Stoneman of the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, who previously served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma, also assisted with the prosecution.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Afghan National Pleads Guilty to Plotting Election Day Terror Attack in the United States

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, a native and citizen of Afghanistan, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Oklahoma City to two terrorism-related offenses: conspiring and attempting to provide material support and resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization, and receiving, attempting to receive, and conspiring to receive firearms and ammunition in furtherance of a federal crime of terrorism.

    “The defendant admits he planned and obtained firearms to carry out a violent terror attack on Election Day in 2024, a plot that was detected and disrupted through the good work of the FBI and our partners,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Let this serve as notice to anyone who tries to conduct attacks in our homeland for ISIS or any other terror group: we will find you and you’ll face American justice. I want to commend the FBI teams and our partners for their hard work and success in executing the mission.”

    “Through incredible law enforcement effort and coordination, a violent terrorist attack on American soil was thwarted, and those responsible are being held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma. “I commend the outstanding work by the FBI, our law enforcement partners, and prosecutors to diligently discover, thoroughly investigate, and completely foil this terror plot. These guilty pleas serve as an emphatic reminder that the Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners will aggressively pursue those who attempt to harm Americans through terrorist acts.”

    “Thanks to outstanding work by the Oklahoma City Joint Terrorism Task Force, the defendant’s plan to kill innocent Americans in a terrorist attack on Election Day was stopped,” said Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. “The FBI is grateful to all who stand beside us in our fight against terrorism. Together, we will continue to safeguard our communities from those who conspire against the United States.”

    According to court documents, Tawhedi admitted that between June 2024 and October 2024 he conspired with at least one other individual to purchase two AK-47 rifles, 500 rounds of ammunition, and 10 magazines, with the intent to carry out a mass-casualty attack on or around Election Day, Nov. 5, 2024, on behalf of ISIS.  According to a criminal complaint affidavit filed in the case, Tawhedi communicated with an ISIS facilitator about his plan to purchase firearms for use in the terror plot, including asking the individual whether 500 rounds of ammunition would be sufficient.

    Tawhedi and his co-conspirator, Abdullah Haji Zada, were arrested on Oct. 7, 2024, after purchasing the firearms and ammunition from an undercover FBI employee.  Zada, 18, pleaded guilty in April 2025 to the firearms offense in connection with his role in the terror plot and is awaiting sentencing. Zada, who was 17 at the time of his arrest, entered his guilty plea as an adult and will be sentenced as an adult.

    At sentencing, Tawhedi faces a maximum penalty 20 years in prison for the material support charge and up to 15 years in prison for the firearms charge. Zada faces up to 15 years in federal prison. Upon completion of any sentence, Tawhedi and Zada will be permanently removed from the United States and barred from reentry under stipulated judicial orders of removal to Afghanistan. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The FBI Oklahoma City Field Office’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Marshals Service, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Edmond Police Department, the Moore Police Department, the Oklahoma City Police Department, the Oklahoma City Community College Police Department, and the Oklahoma City University Police Department, is investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica L. Perry and Matt Dillon for the Western District of Oklahoma; Assistant U.S. Attorney Everett McMillian, who previously served in the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section; and Trial Attorney Jennifer Levy of the Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case. Trial Attorney Mark Stoneman of the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, who previously served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma, also assisted with the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

    June 14, 2025
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  • Patterns
  • Themes

Twenty Twenty-Five

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