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  • MIL-Evening Report: hMPV is likely one of the viruses making us sick this winter. Here’s what to know about human metapneumovirus

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lara Herrero, Associate Professor and Research Leader in Virology and Infectious Disease, Griffith University

    svetikd/Getty Images

    As winter settles over Australia, it’s not just the drop in temperature we notice – there’s also a sharp rise in respiratory illnesses. Most of us are familiar with the usual winter players such as COVID, influenza and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), which often dominate news headlines and public health messaging.

    But scientists are now paying closer attention to another virus that’s been spreading somewhat under the radar: human metapneumovirus (hMPV).

    Although it’s not new, hMPV is now being recognised as a significant contributor to seasonal respiratory infections, especially among young children, older people, and people with weaker immune systems.

    So what do you need to know about this winter lurgy?

    What does a hMPV infection look like?

    hMPV is a close relative of RSV, and can cause infections in the upper or lower respiratory tracts.

    Like other respiratory viruses, hMPV infection causes symptoms such as cough, fever, sore throat and nasal congestion. While most people experience relatively mild illness and recover in about a week, hMPV can lead to serious illness – such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia – in babies, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

    hMPV spreads much like the flu or SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID) – through tiny droplets from coughs and sneezes, and potentially by touching surfaces where the virus has landed and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

    Most people will catch it at some point in their lives, commonly more than once. While an infection confers some immunity, this wanes over time.

    hMPV generally follows a seasonal pattern, tending to peak in winter and spring.

    hMPV around the world

    By the end of 2024, China saw a surprising spike in cases of hMPV – enough to catch the attention of public health experts. While there were some suggestions hospitals were becoming overwhelmed, exact numbers were not clear.

    The World Health Organization subsequently issued a statement in January indicating this rise in hMPV infections in China aligned with expected seasonal trends.

    Other countries, such as the United States, have also noted increases in hMPV infections since the COVID pandemic. Realising hMPV might be playing a more significant role in seasonal illness than we’d previously thought, and with improvements in diagnostic technology, global health agencies have ramped up their monitoring.



    Read more:
    hMPV may be spreading in China. Here’s what to know about this virus – and why it’s not cause for alarm

    In Australia, comprehensive national data on hMPV is limited because hMPV is not one of the viruses with mandatory reporting. In other words, if a patient is found to have hMPV (through a PCR swab sent to a pathology lab) there’s no requirement for the doctor or the pathology lab to make a public health report of a positive result, as they would with another illness such as influenza, RSV or measles.

    However, selected medical clinics voluntarily participate in systematic data collection on specific health conditions, which give us an idea of the proportion of people of people who may be infected (though not the absolute numbers).

    The Australian Sentinel Practice Research Network (ASPREN) is a national surveillance system funded by the federal department of health. In 2024, up to December 15, based on ASPREN data, 7.8% of patients presenting with fever and cough symptoms tested positive for hMPV.

    This year, to June 1, ASPREN data shows us hMPV has made up 4.2% of infections among people with flu-like illness, behind RSV (7.7%), COVID (10.9%), influenza (19%) and rhinovirus (a virus which causes the common cold, 46.1%).

    hMPV can hit harder in young children.
    Tomsickova Tatyana/Shutterstock

    What about vaccines and treatments?

    hMPV is likely to be part of the array of respiratory viruses circulating in Australia this winter. If you have a cold or flu-like illness and have done one of those at-home rapid tests for COVID, flu and RSV but came up all negative, it’s possible hMPV is the culprit.

    There’s currently no specific treatment or vaccine for hMPV. Most cases are mild and can be managed at home with rest and symptom relief such as taking medication (paracetamol or ibuprofen) for pain and fever. But more serious infections may require hospital care.

    If your baby or young child has a respiratory infection and is having trouble breathing, you should take them to the emergency department.

    Researchers and companies such as Moderna, Pfizer and Vicebio are actively working on vaccines for hMPV, however they’re not yet available.

    The best way to protect yourself and others against hMPV and other respiratory viruses is through simple hygiene practices. These include washing your hands often, covering coughs and sneezes, staying home if you’re sick, cleaning shared surfaces regularly, and considering wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces during virus season.

    Lara Herrero receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council.

    – ref. hMPV is likely one of the viruses making us sick this winter. Here’s what to know about human metapneumovirus – https://theconversation.com/hmpv-is-likely-one-of-the-viruses-making-us-sick-this-winter-heres-what-to-know-about-human-metapneumovirus-257802

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE organizes study trip to Finland for representatives of the Graduate School of Business and Entrepreneurship

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: OSCE organizes study trip to Finland for representatives of the Graduate School of Business and Entrepreneurship

    Meeting at the Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce (OSCE) Photo details

    From 2 to 6 June, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan (PCUz) organized a study visit to Finland for a delegation from the Graduate School of Business and Entrepreneurship under the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan. The visit aimed at deepening institutional knowledge on sustainable development, green economy policies and educational innovation.
    The programme included a series of meetings with Finnish governmental bodies, educational institutions and business associations to explore Finland’s successful integration of sustainability into governance, education and entrepreneurship.
    During the visit, the Uzbek delegation met with key Finnish institutions including the Finnish Institute of Public Management (HAUS), the Finnish Association of Entrepreneurs, Aalto and Metropolia universities and the Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce, amongst other partners.
    Discussions focused on integrating sustainability into public administration, supporting green entrepreneurship and embedding green economy principles into education and training.
    The programme also featured site visits to the city of Lahti, highlighting Finland’s circular economy and waste management practices, offering practical insights into how government, academia and the private sector collaborate to promote sustainable development.
    The study trip is a continuation of the PCUz’s support of Uzbekistan’s green transition and ongoing collaboration with the Graduate School of Business and Entrepreneurship in improving its curriculum and best practices.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • Indian corporates to double capital spending to $800-$850 billion over next 5 years

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian corporates are projected to double their capital spending to $800 billion-$850 billion over the next five years, which will be largely financed by operating cash flows and facilitated by ample domestic funding options, said an S&P Global Ratings report on Tuesday.

    Barring execution mistakes or negative macro changes, these investments should boost business scale without driving up leverage, the report noted.

    “Corporate India is chasing growth opportunities. In our view, Indian companies are well positioned for a growth run. Balance sheets are the leanest they’ve been in years. Companies are investing to meet demand underpinned by favourable government policies and a positive economic outlook,” according to the credit rating agency.

    Successful execution of plans would enlarge their operational scale, providing lasting cost benefits and business efficiencies.

    Higher investments in power, particularly renewables, will be a major spending area. Power, including transmission, combined with airlines, and emerging areas like green hydrogen, will (by estimates) account for about three-quarters of the increase in capex over the next five years.

    “In absolute terms, investments in airports could double, or even triple during this period. Conventional sectors such as steel, cement, oil and gas, telecom and autos will grow at a more steady pace of 30-40 per cent,” said the report.

    Healthy starting points and strong operating cash flows will keep credit strains in check. Companies across sectors have deleveraged meaningfully over the past three to four years including utilities (except renewables).

    Earnings and operating cash flow across sectors are about 60 per cent higher or double the levels from five years back, and will grow further, the report noted.

    In the airlines sector, total investment in new aircrafts will likely exceed $100 billion.

    New areas such as green hydrogen, semiconductors and battery plants should see significant debt funding. However, these projects are undertaken predominantly by large companies, including conglomerates, the report noted.

    (IANS)

  • Frederick Forsyth, ‘Day of the Jackal’ author, dies at 86

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    British novelist Frederick Forsyth, who authored best-selling thrillers such as “The Day of the Jackal” and “The Dogs of War,” has died aged 86, his publisher said.

    A former correspondent for Reuters and the BBC, and an informant for Britain’s MI6 foreign spy agency, Forsyth made his name by using his experiences as a reporter in Paris to pen the story of a failed assassination plot on Charles de Gaulle.

    “The Day of the Jackal”, in which an English assassin, played in the film by Edward Fox, is hired by French paramilitaries angry at de Gaulle’s withdrawal from Algeria, was published in 1971 after Forsyth found himself penniless in London.

    Written in just 35 days, the book was rejected by a host of publishers who worried that the story was flawed and would not sell as de Gaulle had not been assassinated. De Gaulle died in 1970 from a ruptured aorta while playing Solitaire.

    But Forsyth’s hurricane-paced thriller complete with journalistic-style detail and brutal sub-plots of lust, betrayal and murder was an instant hit. The once poor journalist became a wealthy writer of fiction.

    “I never intended to be a writer at all,” Forsyth later wrote in his memoire, “The Outsider – My Life in Intrigue”. “After all, writers are odd creatures, and if they try to make a living at it, even more so.”

    So influential was the novel that Venezuelan militant revolutionary Illich Ramirez Sanchez, was dubbed “Carlos the Jackal”.

    Forsyth presented himself as a cross between Ernest Hemingway and John le Carre – both action man and Cold War spy – but delighted in turning around the insult that he was a literary lightweight.

    “I am lightweight but popular. My books sell,” he once said.

    His books, fantastical plots that almost rejoiced in the cynicism of an underworld of spies, criminals, hackers and killers, sold more than 75 million copies.

    Behind the swashbuckling bravado, though, there were hints of sadness. He later spoke of turning inwards to his imagination as a lonely only child during and after World War Two.

    The isolated Forsyth discovered a talent for languages: he claimed to be a native French speaker by the age of 12 and a native German speaker by the age of 16, largely due to exchanges.

    He went to Tonbridge School, one of England’s ancient fee-paying schools, and learned Russian from two emigre Georgian princesses in Paris. He added Spanish by the age of 18.

    He also learned to fly and did his national service in the Royal Air Force where he flew fighters such as a single seater version of the de Havilland Vampire.

    THE REPORTER

    Impressing Reuters’ editors with his languages and knowledge that Bujumbura was a city in Burundi, he was offered a job at the news agency in 1961 and sent to Paris and then East Berlin where the Stasi secret police kept close tabs on him.

    He left Reuters for the BBC but soon became disillusioned by its bureaucracy and what he saw as the corporation’s failure to cover Nigeria properly due to the government’s incompetent post-colonial views on Africa.

    It was in 1968 that Forsyth was approached by the Secret Intelligence Service, known as MI6, and asked by an officer named “Ronnie” to inform on what was really going on in Biafra.

    By his own account, he would keep contacts with the MI6, which he called “the Firm”, for many years. His novels showed extensive knowledge of the world of spies and he even edited out bits of The Fourth Protocol (1984), he said, so that militants would not know how to detonate an atomic bomb.

    His writing was sometimes cruel, such as when the Jackal kills his lover after she discovers he is an assassin.

    “He looked down at her, and for the first time she noticed that the grey flecks in his eyes had spread and clouded over the whole expression, which had become dead and lifeless like a machine staring down at her.”

    THE WRITER

    After finally finding a publisher for “The Day of the Jackal,” he was offered a three-novel contract by Harold Harris of Hutchinson.

    Next came “The Odessa File” in 1972, the story of a young German freelance journalist who tries to track down SS man Eduard Roschmann, or “The Butcher of Riga”.

    After that, “The Dogs of War” in 1974 is about a group of white mercenaries hired by a British mining magnate to kill the mad dictator of an African republic – based on Equatorial Guinea’s Francisco Macias Nguema – and replace him with a puppet.

    The New York Times said at the time that the novel was “pitched at the level of a suburban Saturday night movie audience” and that it was “informed with a kind of post‐imperial condescension toward the black man”.

    Divorced from Carole Cunningham in 1988, he married Sandy Molloy in 1994. But he lost a fortune in an investment scam and had to write more novels to support himself. He had two sons – Stuart and Shane – with his first wife.

    His later novels variously cast hackers, Russians, al Qaeda militants and cocaine smugglers against the forces of good – broadly Britain and the West. But the novels never quite reached the level of the Jackal.

    A supporter of the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, Forsyth scolded Britain’s elites for what he cast as their treachery and naivety.

    In columns for The Daily Express, he gave a host of withering assessments of the modern world from an intellectual right-wing perspective.

    The world, he said, worried too much about “the oriental pandemic” (known to most as COVID-19), Donald Trump was “deranged”, Vladimir Putin “a tyrant” and “liberal luvvies of the West” were wrong on most things.

    He was, to the end, a reporter who wrote novels.

    “In a world that increasingly obsesses over the gods of power, money and fame, a journalist and a writer must remain detached,” he wrote. “It is our job to hold power to account.”

    (Reuters)

  • Air Chief Marshal AP Singh wishes Group Captain Shubahanshu Shukla ahead of Axiom-4 space mission

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, on Tuesday interacted via video conference with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is set to embark on the Axiom-4 space mission, an official statement from the Indian Air Force said.

    Air Chief Marshal Singh extended best wishes to Group Captain Shukla, who will be India’s second astronaut to travel to space since 1984.

    In a post on X, IAF said, “As Group Captain Shubahanshu Shukla prepares to embark on the Axiom-4 space mission tomorrow, Chief of the Air Staff and all Air Warriors of IAF wish him and the entire crew of Axiom-4 all the best for a safe and successful trip to the International Space Station. This will add a new chapter to the Indian Space Odyssey”.

    The Axiom-4 mission, originally scheduled for launch on June 10, was postponed due to unfavorable weather and is now set for 5:30 PM IST on June 11. The mission will carry Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS). The crew includes members from India, Poland, and Hungary, marking each nation’s first mission to the ISS. According to Axiom Space, this will be India’s second government-sponsored human spaceflight since Rakesh Sharma’s historic flight in 1984.

    In a video message shared by Axiom Space, Shukla expressed his excitement about the opportunity, recalling how he was inspired by India’s first astronaut, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma. He also revealed that he learned about his selection just a week before reporting for training.

    Earlier, SpaceX Vice President of Build and Flight Reliability, William Gerstenmaier, emphasized safety improvements in the Dragon capsule used for this mission, noting design changes to propulsion components to enhance reliability for human spaceflight.

    Notably, SpaceX is on track for a record-breaking year, with around 100 launches remaining to reach its ambitious target of 170 orbital missions in 2025.

    -ANI

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM call with Chancellor Merz of Germany: 9 June 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    PM call with Chancellor Merz of Germany: 9 June 2025

    The Prime Minister spoke to the German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz ahead of the G7 and NATO summits later this month.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz ahead of the G7 and NATO summits later this month.

    The leaders began reflecting on the Chancellor’s visit to Washington D.C. last week and welcomed President Trump’s efforts to secure a sustainable peace for Ukraine.

    Both leaders also welcomed efforts by NATO Allies to step up defence spending and agreed on the importance of a NATO that was fair, resilient and had the capabilities it needed to face the threats of today.

    Discussing proposals to increase focus and funding for national resilience and protecting critical national infrastructure, the leaders welcomed NATO’s suggestions in this space.

    Turning to the challenge of tackling illegal migration, the leaders agreed on the importance of working together to intercept migrant routes upstream, and the need to go further together to break the business model of smuggling gangs.

    Both looked forward to seeing one another again soon.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Rolls-Royce SMR selected to build small modular nuclear reactors

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Rolls-Royce SMR selected to build small modular nuclear reactors

    Rolls-Royce SMR selected as preferred bidder to build country’s first small modular reactors

    • New era for nuclear power as Rolls-Royce SMR selected as preferred bidder to build country’s first small modular reactors 

    • Follows rigorous two-year competition to select nuclear technology for UK deployment, building clean power for the country through publicly-owned company

    • Project could support up to 3,000 jobs at peak construction and power the equivalent of around 3 million of today’s homes as part of government’s Plan for Change to make the UK a clean energy superpower

    Rolls-Royce SMR has been selected as the preferred bidder to partner with Great British Energy – Nuclear to develop small modular reactors, subject to final government approvals and contract signature – marking a new golden age of nuclear in the UK. 

    Today (Tuesday 10 June) Great British Energy – Nuclear is taking on a new name from Great British Nuclear, reflecting its joint mission with Great British Energy to rollout clean homegrown power as two publicly-owned energy companies.

    As part of the government’s modern Industrial Strategy to revive Britain’s industrial heartlands, the government is pledging over £2.5 billion for the overall small modular reactor programme in this Spending Review period – with this project potentially supporting up to 3,000 new skilled jobs and powering the equivalent of around 3 million homes with clean, secure homegrown energy.

    The biggest nuclear rollout for a generation will support the clean power mission – boosting energy security and protecting families’ finances. Great British Energy – Nuclear is aiming to sign contracts with Rolls-Royce SMR later this year and will form a development company.

    Great British Energy – Nuclear will also aim to allocate a site later this year and connect projects to the grid in the mid-2030s. Once small modular reactors and Sizewell C come online in the 2030s, combined with the new station at Hinkley Point C, this will deliver more nuclear to the grid than over the previous half century.

    “SMRs” are smaller and quicker to build than traditional nuclear plants, with costs likely to come down as units are rolled out. The outcome of this competition is the first step towards reducing costs and unlocking private finance, enabling the UK to realise its long-term ambition of delivering one of Europe’s first small modular reactor fleets. It comes after the government announced plans to shake up the planning rules to make it easier to build nuclear, including small modular reactors across the country.

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: 

    We are ending the no-nuclear status quo as part of our Plan for Change and are entering a golden age of nuclear with the biggest building programme in a generation. 

    Great British Energy – Nuclear has run a rigorous competition and will now work with the preferred bidder Rolls-Royce SMR to build the country’s first ever small modular reactors – creating thousands of jobs and growing our regional economies while strengthening our energy security.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

    The UK is back where it belongs, taking the lead in the technologies of tomorrow with Rolls-Royce SMR as the preferred partner for this journey.

    We’re backing Britain with Great British Energy – Nuclear’s ambition to ensure 70% of supply chain products are British built, delivering our Plan for Change through more jobs and putting more money in people’s pockets.

    Simon Bowen, Chairman of Great British Energy – Nuclear said: 

    This announcement is a defining moment for the UK’s energy and industrial future. 

    By selecting a preferred bidder, we are taking a decisive step toward delivering clean, secure, and sovereign power. This is about more than energy—it’s about revitalising British industry, creating thousands of skilled jobs, and building a platform for long-term economic growth.

    Gwen Parry-Jones, CEO of Great British Energy – Nuclear, said:  

    We are proud to lead this national mission. Nuclear is the cornerstone of the UK’s energy strategy, and today’s announcement will accelerate deployment.  

    Together with Rolls-Royce SMR, our selected preferred bidder, and subject to government approvals and contract signature, we will deliver a programme that is technically world-class and delivers real value to the British people—through energy security, economic opportunity, and environmental leadership.

    The global SMR market is, according to the International Energy Agency, projected to reach up to nearly £500 billion by 2050, and today’s announcement puts Britain at a competitive advantage as a frontrunner in the global race to build new nuclear technology. 

    The selection follows a rigorous and transparent procurement process over two years, with the competition having launched in July 2023. Subject to final approvals and contract signature, Rolls-Royce SMR Ltd will enter a strategic technology development partnership with Great British Energy – Nuclear – a fully publicly-owned company. 

    Rolls-Royce SMR is progressing through the final stage of the assessment by the UK nuclear industry’s independent regulators.

    ENDS

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Delegation from Lobnya, Moscow Region, Visits Mount Taishan

    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 10 (Xinhua) — A delegation from Lobnya City District of the Moscow Region of the Russian Federation visited Mount Taishan in Shandong Province, where they experienced the unique charm of traditional Chinese culture at the Daimiao Temple and felt the continuity of the spiritual origins of Chinese civilization at the peak of Mount Taishan.

    Founded during the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD), the Daimiao Temple is the largest surviving ancient architectural complex at the foot of Mount Taishan. It was designated a national cultural heritage site by the State Council of China in 1988.

    As reported by the Shandong Province information portal “sdchina.com.cn”, on the morning of May 29, the delegation members visited the Daimiao Temple. The ancient buildings and priceless relics, preserving a thousand-year history, aroused genuine interest among the guests. Olga Felyaeva, a member of the delegation, was especially delighted by the majestic “fused cypresses of the Han Dynasty”, whose crowns proudly reach into the sky.

    The delegation then ascended to the “Southern Gate of Heaven” /”Nantianmen”/. Since ancient times, Mount Taishan has symbolized the stability of the state and the prosperity of the nation. Despite their prior acquaintance with Mount Taishan, the majestic scenery left an indelible impression on the guests.

    “It is a great honor for us to visit Taishan. We hope that more and more tourists will be able to appreciate its unique beauty. Lobnya intends to deepen friendship with the city of Tai’an, expand cultural exchanges and mutual enrichment of civilizations,” said O. Felyaeva.

    Sister cities Lobnya /Moscow region/ and Tai’an /Shandong province, eastern China/ have maintained friendly ties since 2006, actively developing cooperation in the fields of culture, sports, education and economics. The current visit has strengthened mutual understanding and trust, taking inter-municipal relations to a new level.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: California Sues Trump for ‘Illegal’ Deployment of National Guard

    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

    SACRAMENTO, United States, June 10 (Xinhua) — The U.S. state of California on Monday sued the Donald Trump administration for deploying National Guard troops to Los Angeles amid protests against immigration raids, calling it “an undeniable step toward authoritarianism.”

    California Gov. Gavin Newsom and state Attorney General Rob Bonta announced Monday that they had filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to stop the “unlawful and unjustified deployment” of National Guard troops, which they said “has led to an unnecessary escalation of chaos and violence in Los Angeles County.”

    The lawsuit names President Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the Department of Defense. It alleges that the deployment of National Guard troops violates the U.S. Constitution and exceeds the president’s authority because it was done without the governor’s consent or participation and was unjustified, the governor’s office said in a press release Monday.

    The protests initially began in response to immigration enforcement. Tensions between protesters and law enforcement escalated on Friday, with some demonstrators throwing objects and police using tear gas and flash-bang grenades.

    In response, Trump ordered the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops on Saturday. Protests intensified on Sunday, with clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement officers increasing.

    “President Trump’s order to deploy federal National Guard troops to Los Angeles over the objections of the Governor and local law enforcement is unnecessary and counterproductive,” California Attorney General Robert Bonta said in a statement Monday.

    According to G. Newsom, the deployment of the National Guard is a “man-made crisis.” The state governor accused D. Trump of “deliberately creating chaos, terrorizing the population, and threatening the principles of our great democracy.”

    “This is an undoubted step towards authoritarianism. We cannot allow this,” the governor added.

    After the lawsuit was announced, Trump wrote on social media that his administration would “fight back” if protesters “spit” on National Guard troops.

    On Monday, D. Trump called for the arrest of the governor of California. “The President of the United States just called for the arrest of a sitting governor. I hoped I would never see this day in America,” Newsom wrote in response on social media. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: President of Uzbekistan held a meeting with the Prime Minister of Slovakia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Tashkent, June 10 (Xinhua) — Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico held a meeting, the press service of the Uzbek leader reported on Monday.

    “On June 9, negotiations were held at the Kuksaroy residence between the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic Robert Fico,” the statement said.

    As reported, current issues of further development of practical cooperation between Uzbekistan and Slovakia were discussed. At the beginning of the meeting, the leader of Uzbekistan particularly emphasized that the current visit opens a qualitatively new stage in the history of Uzbek-Slovak multifaceted relations.

    It is noted that special attention was paid to issues of increasing trade turnover, primarily by expanding the range of mutual deliveries. “We are talking about deliveries from Uzbekistan of textile, agricultural, electrical, chemical products, polymers, and from Slovakia – rubber, auto components, pharmaceuticals, and other industrial goods,” the report says.

    In conclusion, an agreement was reached that, in order to ensure timely and high-quality implementation of the decisions and agreements made, the governments of the two countries will adopt a comprehensive “road map.” –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: All members of CDC’s immunization advisory committee fired

    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

    NEW YORK, June 10 (Xinhua) — U.S. Surgeon General Robert Kennedy Jr. on Monday fired all 17 members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s immunization advisory committee, saying the move would restore public confidence in vaccines.

    About two-thirds of the commission’s members were appointed in the final year of the Biden administration, Kennedy Jr. said in announcing his decision in a column for the Wall Street Journal.

    “The CDC’s immunization advisers wield enormous influence,” the New York Times commented. They scrutinize vaccine data, debate the evidence, and decide who should get shots and when. Insurance companies and federal health insurance programs like Medicaid are required to pay for vaccines recommended by the committee.

    The committee was scheduled to meet from June 25 to 27. It is not yet known when the new members will be announced, but the meeting will go ahead as planned, according to a statement released by the Department of Health and Human Services.

    “This is the latest in a series of steps by Mr. Kennedy, a vaccine skeptic, to destroy decades of immunization standards,” the statement said. The advisory committee, which is more aligned with the views of R. Kennedy Jr., could significantly change or even reverse recommendations for immunizations for Americans, including childhood vaccinations. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Pakistan sees gradual economic recovery, GDP grows 2.7 percent – Economic Review

    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

    ISLAMABAD, June 10 (Xinhua) — Pakistan’s economy registered a 2.7 percent growth in its gross domestic product (GDP) in the outgoing fiscal year, according to the Economic Survey 2024-25 released by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Monday.

    Although the figure remained below the government’s initial target of 3.6 percent, the growth was achieved despite the difficult global economic situation, the minister said.

    “I think this is the right way forward in terms of sustainable growth,” Aurangzeb said, describing the 2.7 percent figure as a sign of gradual economic recovery.

    Pakistan’s GDP contracted by 0.2 percent in the previous fiscal year, but has grown to 2.5 percent this year. The minister stressed that the government is keen to avoid a return to cyclical fluctuations. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Automated container berth in Qingdao Port, Shandong Province

    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

    QINGDAO, June 10 (Xinhua) — This photo shows an automated container berth at the Qingdao Port in east China’s Shandong Province.

    QINGDAO, June 10 (Xinhua) — This photo shows an automated container berth at the port of Qingdao in east China’s Shandong Province.

    QINGDAO, June 10 (Xinhua) — This photo shows an automated container berth at the Qingdao Port in east China’s Shandong Province.

    QINGDAO, June 10 (Xinhua) — This photo shows an automated container berth at the Qingdao Port in east China’s Shandong Province.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New Tourism Growth Roadmap

    Source: Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE)

    This includes investing more than $19 million in international marketing across core and emerging tourism markets plus $8 million on attracting business and major events to New Zealand.

    The Government is also investing $4 million towards improving the visitor experience along the Milford Road corridor.

    This is the first stage of the Tourism Growth Roadmap, which sets out steps the Government is taking to grow the value of tourism, which is currently New Zealand’s second largest export. As visitor numbers increase, the Roadmap will shift over time to focus more on the supply side of tourism to support this growth.

    Funding comes from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).

    Find out more on the MBIE website:

    Tourism Growth Roadmap

    Read the Minister’s release:

    More funding to grow international tourism(external link) — Beehive.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Euronext announces volumes for May 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Euronext announces volumes for May 2025        

    Amsterdam, Brussels, Dublin, Lisbon, Milan, Oslo and Paris – 10 June 2025 – Euronext, the leading European capital market infrastructure, today announced trading volumes for May 2025.

    Euronext informs that the template has been aligned with the new reporting framework, which was implemented as of the first quarter 2025 results publication.

    Monthly and historical volume tables are available at this address:

    euronext.com/investor-relations#monthly-volumes

    CONTACTS  

    ANALYSTS & INVESTORS – ir@euronext.com

    Investor Relations        Aurélie Cohen                 

            Judith Stein        +33 6 15 23 91 97          

    MEDIA – mediateam@euronext.com 

    Europe        Aurélie Cohen         +33 1 70 48 24 45   

            Andrea Monzani         +39 02 72 42 62 13 

    Belgium        Marianne Aalders         +32 26 20 15 01                 

    France, Corporate        Flavio Bornancin-Tomasella        +33 1 70 48 24 45                 

    Ireland        Catalina Augspach        +33 6 82 09 99 70                        

    Italy         Ester Russom         +39 02 72 42 67 56                 

    The Netherlands        Marianne Aalders         +31 20 721 41 33                 

    Norway         Cathrine Lorvik Segerlund        +47 41 69 59 10                 

    Portugal         Sandra Machado        +351 91 777 68 97                 

    About Euronext  

    Euronext is the leading European capital market infrastructure, covering the entire capital markets value chain, from listing, trading, clearing, settlement and custody, to solutions for issuers and investors. Euronext runs MTS, one of Europe’s leading electronic fixed income trading markets, and Nord Pool, the European power market. Euronext also provides clearing and settlement services through Euronext Clearing and its Euronext Securities CSDs in Denmark, Italy, Norway and Portugal.

    As of March 2025, Euronext’s regulated exchanges in Belgium, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and Portugal host nearly 1,800 listed issuers with €6.3 trillion in market capitalisation, a strong blue-chip franchise and the largest global centre for debt and fund listings. With a diverse domestic and international client base, Euronext handles 25% of European lit equity trading. Its products include equities, FX, ETFs, bonds, derivatives, commodities and indices.

    For the latest news, go to euronext.com or follow us on X and LinkedIn.

    Disclaimer

    This press release is for information purposes only: it is not a recommendation to engage in investment activities and is provided “as is”, without representation or warranty of any kind. While all reasonable care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the content, Euronext does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Euronext will not be held liable for any loss or damages of any nature ensuing from using, trusting or acting on information provided. No information set out or referred to in this publication may be regarded as creating any right or obligation. The creation of rights and obligations in respect of financial products that are traded on the exchanges operated by Euronext’s subsidiaries shall depend solely on the applicable rules of the market operator. All proprietary rights and interest in or connected with this publication shall vest in Euronext. This press release speaks only as of this date. Euronext refers to Euronext N.V. and its affiliates. Information regarding trademarks and intellectual property rights of Euronext is available at www.euronext.com/terms-use.

    © 2025, Euronext N.V. – All rights reserved. 

    The Euronext Group processes your personal data in order to provide you with information about Euronext (the “Purpose”). With regard to the processing of this personal data, Euronext will comply with its obligations under Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and Council of 27 April 2016 (General Data Protection Regulation, “GDPR”), and any applicable national laws, rules and regulations implementing the GDPR, as provided in its privacy statement available at: www.euronext.com/privacy-policy. In accordance with the applicable legislation you have rights with regard to the processing of your personal data: for more information on your rights, please refer to: www.euronext.com/data_subjects_rights_request_information. To make a request regarding the processing of your data or to unsubscribe from this press release service, please use our data subject request form at connect2.euronext.com/form/data-subjects-rights-request or email our Data Protection Officer at dpo@euronext.com.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash: Seaview Avenue, Northcote

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police are attending a fatal single vehicle crash in Northcote this evening.

    The crash occurred just after 4.30pm, where a vehicle left Onewa Road and collided with a power pole on Seaview Avenue.

    Despite medical assistance being provided at the scene, sadly we can confirm the sole occupant has died.

    The Serious Crash Unit attended the scene and carried out an examination.

    Enquiries will be carried out on behalf of the Coroner.

    ENDS

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Search for Victorian man at Cradle Mountain

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Search for Victorian man at Cradle Mountain

    Tuesday, 10 June 2025 – 4:23 pm.

    Parks and Wildlife Service rangers, with the support of a Tasmania Police drone, are continuing to search at Cradle Mountain for a 52-year-old Victorian man.
    There are concerns for the welfare of Christopher Michael Inwood, whose white Toyota HiAce van (VIC Rego 1TZ8PQ) was located in the car park of a ranger station on Cradle Mountain Road about 7.30am on Tuesday.
    A backpack, believed to belong to Mr Inwood, was located about 500m along the Cradle Mountain Road leading from the car park, in the direction of Dove Lake.
    Initial inquiries established Mr Inwood’s last confirmed location as Kelso, in the state’s north, on Sunday night.
    However, further investigation has identified a possible sighting of Mr Inwood and his vehicle in the Kindred area, about 8:30pm on Monday. It is believed he may have travelled to Cradle Mountain later that night.
    Police have released a CCTV image of Mr Inwood, captured over the weekend, to assist in identifying him.
    The search operation is being coordinated by Tasmania Police Search and Rescue however, specialist search officers have not yet been deployed.
    As of 3pm today, weather conditions in the area remain relatively clear, with a temperature of about 3°C.
    Anyone who has seen Mr Inwood, knows of his movements, or has any information that may assist the search, is urged to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Revolutionizing Trade Intelligence: Market Inside Unveils Advanced Analytics Dashboard

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    YORK, United Kingdom and LONDON, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Market Inside, a global leader in trade intelligence solutions, has launched three brand-new features under its Advanced Analytics Dashboard, designed to take the stress out of working with trade data. With three new features – “Universal Search”, “All Overview”, and “Custom Sorting” – the dashboard gives users a powerful way to understand global markets.

    Explore The New Features Built For Real Trade Challenges

    These tools don’t just add data – they reduce your effort and increase your confidence.

    Universal Search

    All Markets, All Insights – At a Glance

    With Universal Search, all the country data in your plan comes together in one place – no back-and-forth.

    Let’s say you’re tracking machinery exports from China and want to compare them with India and Vietnam. Instead of opening three separate reports, you get a single, clear view that shows it all side by side.

    All Overview

    Spot Untapped Potential Beyond Your Plan

    Not sure which countries might be relevant for your product?

    All Overview gives you a quick, clear snapshot of product activity across all countries, so you can easily spot where the action is and decide which new markets are truly worth exploring.

    It’s like your personal trade preview tool – offering just the right amount of insight to help you make smart, confident, and data-driven decisions.

    Custom Sorting

    Custom Views for Faster, Sharper Insights

    Digging through messy data when you need fast answers is frustrating. That’s why we built Custom Sorting – so you can organize your trade data exactly the way you work.

    Imagine you’re researching electronics shipments. With one click, sort records by HS code to group similar products, then reorder by country to see which markets lead in exports. Next, sort by date to spot rising trends over the last quarter – all without scrolling through hundreds of lines.

    Time to Experience the Next-Gen Dashboard!

    Explore these features today at Market Inside.

    About Market Inside:

    Market Inside is a trusted global trade data platform helping businesses unlock valuable insights from import-export information. Covering more than 195 countries, we serve global companies, small businesses, and trade professionals who rely on data that drives real growth and smart decisions.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5a3cf892-d23f-4867-9502-eb983815ee2c

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: Announcement on Open Market Operations No.108 [2025]

    Source: Peoples Bank of China

    Announcement on Open Market Operations No.108 [2025]

    (Open Market Operations Office, June 10, 2025)

    The People’s Bank of China conducted reverse repo operations in the amount of RMB198.6 billion through quantity bidding at a fixed interest rate on June 10, 2025.

    Details of the Reverse Repo Operations

    Maturity

    Rate

    Bidding Volume

    Winning Bid Volume

    7 days

    1.40%

    RMB198.6 billion

    RMB198.6 billion

    Date of last update Nov. 29 2018

    2025年06月10日

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: AFRICA GREEN HYDROGEN SUMMIT LAUNCH

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements-2)

    AFRICA GREEN HYDROGEN SUMMIT LAUNCH

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=layePzK4MfI

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: More funding to grow international tourism

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is increasing funding for attracting overseas visitors and investing in tourism infrastructure as part of its new Tourism Growth Roadmap, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.
    “We’re investing $35 million to deliver the first stage of the Roadmap, which sets out the Government’s plan to double the value of tourism,” Louise Upston says.
    “International visitors bring billions of dollars into New Zealand, from big ticket spends to everyday purchases in local cafes and accommodation. 
    “We want to welcome more visitors to New Zealand, and we want our regional communities to improve their capacity to look after those visitors.
    “The Government must work with industry to unlock the full potential of our tourism sector, and the Roadmap lays out initiatives and investments to ensure our infrastructure, workforce and communities can support further growth.
    “For the 2025/26 financial year, we’re investing $6 million in international marketing across emerging tourism markets, $3 million to increase the number of business events hosted in New Zealand, and an additional $5 million towards the Major Events Fund.
    “These commitments follow the recent announcements of $13.5 million invested in international tourism marketing and $4 million of investment towards improving the visitor experience along the Milford Road corridor.
    “Recent tourism funding has been about boosting visitor numbers. As those higher numbers become established, the Roadmap will shift over time to focus more on supporting communities to look after them well,” Louise Upston says. 
    This investment comes from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy. This levy is charged to most international visitors, and ensures they are contributing to the public services, facilities and natural environment they will enjoy while in New Zealand.
    More information can be found on the MBIE website.
    Notes to editor: 
    The Tourism Growth Roadmap is attached as a separate document.
    New tourism investments for the 2025/26 financial year include:

    $6 million in Tourism New Zealand’s marketing in the emerging markets of India and Southeast Asia,
    $3 million to increase the number of business events hosted in New Zealand, as part of Tourism New Zealand’s collaboration with Business Events Industry Aotearoa,
    An additional $5 million towards the Major Events Fund,
    $13.5 million in Tourism New Zealand’s marketing in core markets of Australia, the United States and China,
    $4 million towards a wider package of work to improve visitor experiences and reduce congestion along the Milford Road corridor. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tourism Growth Roadmap speech to Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA)

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Tēnā koutou katoa. Thank you for the warm welcome. It is my pleasure to welcome you all to MEETINGS 2025.

    First, I would like to acknowledge Mayor Wayne Brown attending MEETINGS 2025 today and a special acknowledgment to Ngāti Whatua Orakei for their pōwhiri and welcome. 

    I would also like to recognise Tataki Auckland Unlimited and in particular the Auckland Convention Bureau for their dedication and hard work advocating for Auckland as a world-class visitor destination.

    Last but not the least, I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to some incredible individuals who make events like this possible, a huge thank you again to BEIA Chief Executive Lisa Hopkins and Board Chair Martin Snedden.

    Your leadership across the business events in New Zealand and creating such vibrant and energetic gatherings like MEETINGS 2025 are truly appreciated and make a difference to New Zealand.

    To our local and international buyers, exhibitors and media – thank you for making the journey from around the world to join us in Auckland. 

    Events like MEETINGS are so important for bringing incredible opportunities to our regions, building valuable connections with our offshore markets and strengthening our business events sector.

    There is no doubt that New Zealand’s business events industry is on the rise – and that’s thanks to the fantastic organisations and individuals like you in this room today. 

    You are the driving force behind a growing pipeline of high-value deals across sectors. These opportunities are helping boost productivity, support local communities, and grow our regions.

    Together, we are putting New Zealand as a top place to do business – and the conversations and connections you make over the next few days will help us even further.

    Events like this are a powerful reminder of what it takes to deliver world-class experiences – whether its state-of-the-art venues, exceptional food and catering, smooth logistics, or engaging content. 

    Beyond their direct economic benefits, business events connect us, foster new ideas and drive innovation across industries. I want to acknowledge the vital role you all play – not just as the professionals of tourism and hospitality, but as ambassadors of New Zealand.

    Your commitment lay the foundation for successful events and help position our country as a world leader in the excellence we are known for.

    Increasing tourism and creating a strong economy is a key focus for the next few years, and the economic contribution of the business events sector is a critical element to success. 

    Business events punch well above their weight in attracting high-value international conferences to our regions and main centres throughout the year, and MEETINGS is a prime example of this. 

    I hope you enjoy your Auckland experience and participate in the amazing visitor experience while you are here. 

    As Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, I have two priorities for the portfolio. 

    My first priority is to grow international tourism by both increasing the number of international visitors to New Zealand in the short term, and doubling the value of tourism exports by 2034.

    My second priority is to grow the number of Kiwis in tourism and hospitality jobs which will further support our wider economic growth objectives.

    Our business events sector plays a huge role in showcasing New Zealand as a progressive, entrepreneurial destination and will play a significant role in achieving our goal of doubling tourism exports. 

    Business event participants spend an average of $175 more per day than other visitors, and importantly, often visit in the off-peak period between March and November, boosting tourism and economic activity year-round. This is exactly why we are making positive changes to support its growth.

    In April, alongside the Minister of Health and the Minister for Regulation, I was thrilled to announce a change to the Medicines Act. The change will allow for medicines to be advertised that have not yet been consented by Medsafe at medical conferences in New Zealand. 

    This shift removes a long-standing barrier and opens the door to hosting more international medical conferences and trade shows, unlocking an estimated $90 million in future revenue. 

    On top of that, we’re continuously working to attract high-value incentive business to New Zealand. It’s all part of our effort to make our country a go-to place for significant business events.

    As part of my Tourism Boost package, I provided $3 million to Tourism New Zealand to make an additional 15-20 bids for business events in 2026 and beyond through its existing Conference Assistance Programme. 

    This investment has already supported Tourism New Zealand to win three bids valued at $7.5 million.

    Our message is clear, New Zealand is open for business. We are looking forward to welcoming more business events and conferences to New Zealand and hosting them in our great facilities.

    Tourism is our second largest export earner and a crucial component of our workforce, and we cannot understate the benefits it provides to our country.

    We’re committed to continue growing the sector, which is why today, I am announcing the launch of the Tourism Growth Roadmap. The Roadmap follows my recent Tourism Boost package and is the second step towards doubling our tourism export value by 2034.

    The final Roadmap has been carefully developed based on the conversations I have had with industry leaders since taking over the portfolio and reflects what I’ve heard is important to you. 

    The first package of investment will continue to prioritise increasing international visitor volumes, with around 80 per cent of the investment going towards demand initiatives and 20 per cent towards supply initiatives.

    I am also announcing a $35 million investment from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy to deliver the first stage of the Roadmap.

    Yesterday, the Prime Minister and I announced $13.5 million in new funding to Tourism New Zealand to uplift marketing activity in our core markets of Australia, the United States and China. 

    This investment is expected to generate around $300 million in spending and deliver an extra 72,000 international visitors to our shores.

    These are big numbers, but this is only part of the full $35 million package we’re unveiling today.

    I am also committing a further $6 million in new funding to uplift marketing activity in our emerging markets of India and Southeast Asia. 

    We know that Tourism New Zealand does an important job of marketing our country internationally, acting as the primary influence for approximately 14 per cent of international holiday visitors. I expect these investments to result in almost $360 million in incremental visitor spend in the economy.

    As I have been saying today, I see the business events sector as an incredibly valuable visitor market for supporting tourism growth.

    That is why I’m thrilled to announce I am committing an additional $3 million to Tourism New Zealand to boost business events attraction for a further year. This reinforces the important role that all of you play, and I am excited to see the positive outcomes from this investment. 

    I am also providing a $5 million boost for major events attraction. Major events drive economic benefits to New Zealand through international visitation and additional direct spend in the host region. 

    To complement these demand initiatives, I am investing in specific regional tourism infrastructure projects. 

    Last week, alongside Minister Potaka, I announced $4 million to improve visitor experiences along the Milford Road corridor. This investment is co-funded and will be delivered by the Department of Conservation.

    As you all know, Milford Sound Piopiotahi is one of our most iconic destinations and a huge drawcard for international visitors. This investment will support improved visitor experiences, infrastructure and reduced congestion. 

    We have an enormous opportunity on our hands. 

    Tourism has the potential to become our biggest export earner – we’ve done it before, and I believe we can do it again. It will take significant effort from us all, and the industry is united with shared purpose, aspirations, and enthusiasm.

    Achieving this will require action on the supply-side and I have asked my officials to begin a review of our tourism system to support this. This includes looking at issues surrounding our workforce:

    • data
    • infrastructure
    • funding
    • our regions and communities
    • aviation and cruise connectivity
    • and the overall visitor experience that we offer.

    We’re looking at what is working well and what do we need to change to ensure we are fit for the future.

    The key to our success will be working together.

    There is plenty of work to do and I am excited to continue working alongside the tourism and hospitality sector to build on the incredible foundations already in place. 

    Ladies and Gentlemen, the next few days are packed with opportunities. 

    New Zealand is open for business, and we welcome the opportunity to attract more business, exhibition and incentive travellers to New Zealand and grow our economy. Together, let’s maximise the value tourism brings to our beautiful country!

    Thank you again.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Local News – ELECTRIFY QUEENSTOWN TO RETURN IN 2026

    Source: Destination Queenstown

    Queenstown, New Zealand (10 June 2025) – Electrify Queenstown will return for a third year, following the huge success of the 2025 event which built strong momentum across the region.

    Now a cornerstone event in Queenstown’s calendar, Electrify Queenstown will take place from 17 – 19 May 2026, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, politicians and policymakers to share practical, cost-effective ways for businesses and households to electrify.

    Mat Woods, Chief Executive of Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism, says Electrify Queenstown is an event designed to turn ideas into action.

    “The energy this year was incredible with hundreds of people turning up to explore new and emerging technologies and future-focused solutions that not only save you money, but are good for the environment too.” he said.

    Attendees this year included local residents, visitors from around New Zealand, business owners, and change makers all eager to share the opportunities and challenges involved in a low-emissions future.

    The event featured bold announcements including plans for a low-emissions urban cable car network in Queenstown, the debut of new electric marine propulsion technology on Lake Whakatipu, and the release of Rewiring Aotearoa’s policy manifesto.

    Mike Casey, CEO of Rewiring Aotearoa, says there’s an exciting opportunity for New Zealand to lead the global energy transition, and events like Electrify Queenstown are helping educate kiwis about what’s possible.  

    “Aotearoa New Zealand is one of the few countries that has reached the electrification tipping point where it’s cheaper to electrify than use the fossil fuel alternative.

    “Whether you’re in it for the cost savings, lowering emissions, or energy security, we all win by going electric.” Mike said.

    Electrify Queenstown is proving to be a valuable platform for businesses and innovators to showcase energy-efficient solutions for homes and enterprises.  

    Sharon Fifield, CEO of Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce, says it’s inspiring to see the momentum that’s been built since the inaugural one-day event in 2024.

    “Businesses are seeing the economic value of electrification alongside the environmental benefits, and there’s genuine enthusiasm to get involved and make a difference.” Sharon said.

    With strong interest from locals eager to lower their bills, become more energy efficient and resilient, organisers say Electrify Queenstown 2026 will again cater to everyone with even more opportunities for collaboration and innovation.

    “Each year, more people are seeing what’s possible through electrification and it’s exciting to think about what 2026 will bring.” Mat added.

    Electrify Queenstown 2026 will take place at the Queenstown Events Centre, Sunday 17 May – Tuesday 19 May 2026.

    The event supports Queenstown Lakes’ destination management plan and the broader goal of regenerative tourism and a carbon-zero visitor economy by 2030.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Education – Ara researchers publish groundbreaking work on AI in vocational education

    Source: Ara Institute of Canterbury

    Ara Institute of Canterbury is celebrating the publication of a pioneering book that reframes the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, shifting the narrative from plagiarism prevention to unlocking its potential for better learning.
    AI in Vocational Education and Training, published by Springer Nature, brought together a multi-disciplinary group of educators and researchers from Ara and Otago Polytechnic to critically explore the use of AI-supported learning across a wide range of vocational education contexts.
    The book was edited by Dr Selena Chan, an Ara Education Developer and previous Ako Aotearoa Prime Minister’s Supreme award winner for excellence in tertiary teaching. The collection presents practical insights and research-backed strategies for integrating teaching and learning to improve student success.
    Dr Chan said the book offers a roadmap for using AI tools effectively in vocational education and training (VET).
    “It also addresses ethical concerns, ensuring AI supports learning rather than undermine academic integrity,” she said.
    While the arrival of AI-powered natural language chatbots such as ChatGPT have sparked widespread debate about plagiarism, Dr Chan said the book offers an alternative perspective – highlighting AI’s enormous potential to support deeper engagement, critical thinking and independent analysis.
    Covering disciplines from construction management and graphic design to nursing and business, the book also highlights a significant project exploring how AI can be adapted to support neurodivergent learners.
    Dr Chan said educational developers, learning designers, tutors and senior students collaborated on designing AI-supported activities that not only engage learners but also foster independent analysis and strengthen practical application skills.
    She wanted to acknowledge the invaluable input of ākonga (students) in the research, “without whom the work would not have been completed,” as well as the support of Scott Klenner who is both Ara’s Research Manager and the Director of Rangahau, Research and Postgraduate Studies at Otago Polytechnic. “Scott’s guidance on inclusivity, rangahau (Māori research) and the incorporation of mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) in research design was invaluable.
    Klenner said the publication highlighted the two institutes’ leadership in applying AI to vocational education in New Zealand. He commended “our academics’ te hinengaro me te ringa mahi (thinking and work) for producing leading research, with an international publisher, exploring the most significant evolution of education this century”.
    With case studies, guidelines and frameworks, the book provides a valuable resource for educators and policymakers working to future-proof vocational education in Aotearoa New Zealand.
    Notes: 
    Dr Chan is an educational developer, academic capability leader and co-editor of the International Journal of Training Research. She has published extensively on vocational education and technology-enhanced learning and received the Ako Aotearoa Prime Minister’s Supreme Award in 2007 for teaching excellence.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: AMD EPYC Processors Now Power Nokia Cloud Infrastructure for Next-Gen Telecom Networks

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    — Nokia Cloud Platform will use 5thGen AMD EPYC CPUs for leadership performance and energy efficiency across virtualization deployments —

    SANTA CLARA, Calif., June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) today announced that Nokia has included 5th Gen AMD EPYC™ processors to power the Nokia Cloud Platform, bringing the leadership performance and performance per watt to next-generation telecom infrastructure.

    “Telecom operators are looking for infrastructure solutions that combine performance, scalability, and power efficiency to manage the growing complexity and scale of 5G networks,” said Dan McNamara, senior vice president and general manager, Server Business, AMD. “Working together with Nokia, we’re using the leadership performance and energy efficiency of the 5th Gen AMD EPYC processors to help our customers build and operate high-performance, and efficient networks.”

    “This expanded collaboration between Nokia and AMD brings a multitude of benefits and underscores Nokia’s commitment to innovation through diverse chip partnerships in 5G network infrastructure. The new 5th Gen AMD EPYC processors offer high performance and impressive energy efficiency, enabling Nokia to meet the demanding needs of its 5G customers while contributing to the industry’s sustainability goals,” said Kal De, senior vice president, Product and Engineering, Cloud and Network Services, Nokia.

    The processors will be deployed within Nokia Cloud Platform, a key component that supports containerized workloads foundational to 5G Core, edge, and enterprise applications. By integrating the AMD EPYC 9005 Series processors into Nokia Cloud Platform, Nokia will deliver impressive performance per watt—a critical factor in delivering both computing power and energy efficiency for modern telecom networks that must meet growing data demands while minimizing environmental impact.

    Supporting Resources

    About AMD
    For more than 50 years AMD has driven innovation in high-performance computing, graphics and visualization technologies. Billions of people, leading Fortune 500 businesses and cutting-edge scientific research institutions around the world rely on AMD technology daily to improve how they live, work and play. AMD employees are focused on building leadership high-performance and adaptive products that push the boundaries of what is possible. For more information about how AMD is enabling today and inspiring tomorrow, visit the AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) website, blog, LinkedIn and X pages.

    AMD, the AMD Arrow logo, EPYC and combinations thereof, are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Other names are for informational purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Dai-ichi Life Group and Capgemini sign multi-year agreement to establish a Global Capability Center in India to drive international digital transformation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press contact:
    Pek Kee Sum
    Tel.: +65 89 40 71 98
    E-mail: pek-kee.sum@capgemini.com

    Dai-ichi Life Group and Capgemini sign multi-year agreement to establish a Global Capability Center in India to drive international digital transformation

    Singapore, June 10, 2025 – Capgemini and Dai-ichi Life Holdings, today announced the signing of a multi-year agreement to establish a Global Capability Center (GCC) in India.

    This landmark agreement is poised to accelerate Dai-ichi Life Group’s digital transformation globally. The GCC aims to tap into India’s deep pool of skilled professionals to support and enhance its IT and digital strategies. As a result, Dai-ichi Life Group’s goal is to significantly strengthen its in-house digital capabilities and technology platforms, driving innovation and operational efficiency on a global scale.

    This strategic collaboration with Capgemini, which initially spans Japan, the United States, and Australia, will leverage a broad spectrum of the GCC’s digital capabilities including advanced software development, infrastructure modernization, AI & data solutions, and robust cybersecurity measures. It is designed with the flexibility to expand into other countries based on market needs and potential, to support the global ambitions of Dai-ichi Life Group.

    “This strategic partnership with Capgemini supports our long-term ambition to build differentiated, internal capabilities through the establishment of our Global Capability Center,” said Tetsuya Kikuta, President and CEO at Dai-ichi Life Holdings. “By adopting a Build-Operate-Transfer model, we are not only accelerating our digital transformation but also laying the foundation for in-house expertise in critical areas such as AI, data, and cybersecurity. This approach sets us apart and strengthens our ability to deliver innovative, high-impact solutions across the Dai-ichi Life Group.”

    Capgemini will bring its end-to-end capabilities at scale, including its strong presence and delivery track record in Japan, the Asia Pacific region and globally, to enable Dai-ichi Life Group’s transformation agenda. The partnership will focus on co-innovating solutions that streamline operations, harness the power of data analytics and artificial intelligence, and fortify cybersecurity defenses, all while helping to ensure a seamless and enhanced experience for Dai-ichi Life Group’s customers.

    “This strategic collaboration with Dai-ichi Life Group, a distinguished leader in the insurance sector, comes at a crucial time for the industry. Today, customer service remains one of the most powerful tools for encouraging loyalty and shaping brand perception, and this is increasingly enabled through technology,” said Aiman Ezzat, Chief Executive Officer at Capgemini. “This partnership is built on a shared vision to leverage technology and innovation to not only meet but exceed consumer expectations. By combining Dai-ichi Life’s deep industry knowledge with Capgemini’s global business and technology transformation expertise, including our proven ability to deliver complex solutions, our partnership will help unlock new value for the Dai-ichi Life Group and set new benchmarks in customer service and operational efficiency.”

    About Capgemini
    Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2024 global revenues of €22.1 billion.
    Get The Future You Want | www.capgemini.com

    About Dai-ichi Life Group
    Dai-ichi Life Group was founded in 1902 as Japan’s first mutual life insurance company. It became a joint-stock company and was listed on the stock exchange in 2010, before transitioning to a holding company structure in 2016. The Group has since expanded its operations globally, including across the Asia-Pacific region and North America, and now serves over 50 million customers while managing approximately USD 430 billion in consolidated assets. Our IT and Digital strategies enable us to innovate, improve efficiency, and enhance customer experience, while driving long-term growth and sustainability.
    By your side, for life | www.dai-ichi-life-hd.com

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    The MIL Network –

  • Making India stronger: PM Modi highlights 11 years of defence reforms, self-reliance

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday hailed the remarkable strides made by India’s defence sector over the past 11 years, underlining the twin focus on modernisation and self-reliance.

    In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “The last 11 years have marked significant changes in our defence sector, with a clear focus on both modernisation and becoming self reliant when it comes to defence production. It is gladdening to see how the people of India have come together with the resolve of making India stronger! #11YearsOfRakshaShakti”.

    The post was part of a broader national campaign highlighting the transformation of India’s defence capabilities since 2014, coinciding with the beginning of PM Modi’s first term as the Prime Minister.

    From being heavily import-dependent to becoming a notable arms exporter, India’s defence journey has seen a fundamental shift.

    The Ministry of Defence and senior officials echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiment, praising the nation’s move towards indigenisation and innovation.

    The Ministry of Defence elaborated on this transformation in a post on X: “Over the past 11 years, under PM Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership, India’s defence sector has transformed from import-dependent to a global exporter, powered by Aatmanirbhar Bharat & Make In India. Indigenous innovations like Brahmos missile & advanced submarines have fortified our security and global standing. Defence exports now reach 100+ countries, marking a historic rise in self-reliance. As we celebrate 11 Years Of Raksha Shakti, we salute the strides toward a safer, stronger India.”

    Key milestones during this period include the record growth in defence exports, which have surpassed Rs 21,000 crore in recent years, the successful deployment of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, the commissioning of indigenous aircraft carriers like INS Vikrant, and the development of homegrown fighter jets like the HAL Tejas.

    The celebration of ’11 Years of Raksha Shakti’ underscores the government’s emphasis on reducing dependency on foreign suppliers and promoting indigenous defence production under flagship initiatives like Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Greens denounce Labour’s Spending Review as ‘spreadsheet Britain’ and call for a ‘hopeful vision for a better future’  

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    Ahead of Wednesday’s Spending Review, Adrian Ramsay MP, co-leader of the Green Party, accused the government of lacking a vision for a better future. He said: “This Spending Review shows that the government knows the cost of everything but the value of nothing.” 

    He went on to say: 

    “This looks like a spreadsheet Britain approach, leading the country into deliberate decline, when we need a hopeful vision for a better future.  

    “Austerity has meant our hospitals, schools and transport services have sustained real terms budget cuts, and long-term capital investment will not deliver fast enough to impact people’s lives. Millions of people are facing financial, health and housing insecurity right now. The Spending Review will fail those children stuck in poverty today – children who need warm homes and enough to eat.” 

    “We need to invest in a more secure future for everyone. Real security comes from people feeling warm and comfortable in their homes, valued in their communities and secure in the knowledge that climate action will safeguard the future for their children and grandchildren.” 

    Ramsay said there should be a much stronger focus on building, providing and retrofitting social homes. He said: 

    “Rather than turning the screw further on councils which are already on their knees, the Chancellor must commit the billions that councils need to buy, build and design social housing instead of offering a blank cheque to developers to build executive homes that few can afford.  

    “We know this is what people want. A new YouGov survey commissioned by the Greens has found that people are three times more likely to want the Government to build more social housing than encouraging developers to build more private homes.” 

    Ramsay also repeated calls for a fairer tax system to raise money and reverse chronic underspending in public services.    

    “A wealth tax of 1% on assets over £10 million and 2% on assets above £1 billion could raise £24 billion a year. Cutting support to disabled people while billionaires are gaining £35 million a day in wealth is indefensible. We are one of the wealthiest countries in the world – it’s time the super-rich paid up and for Labour to start taxing wealth fairly. 

    Adrian Ramsay MP concluded: 

    “From child poverty to climate breakdown, the challenges we face are not small – and neither should be our response. People want a government that invests in them, in their homes, in their services, in building a resilient future. Cuts don’t create hope. Investment does. We need public services that are fit for purpose, homes that are warm and affordable, and a tax system that serves the many, not the wealthy few.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia should stand up for our feta and prosecco in trade talks with the EU

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hazel Moir, Honarary Associate Professor; economics of patents, geographical indications and other “IP”; trade treaties, Australian National University

    TY Lim/Shutterstock

    Trade Minister Don Farrell has confirmed Australia and the European Union will restart negotiations for a free trade agreement immediately. Two years ago, Australia walked away over a disappointing market access offer for our beef, sheep, dairy and sugar exporters.

    But with US President Donald Trump’s unilateral tariff increases, the world has changed. The chances of successfully completing the negotiations with the EU on increasing access for some agricultural products and cutting red tape now seem good.

    Australia wants improved access for its beef and lamb exports to Europe, but European farmers have significant political influence. The 2023 offer from the EU would have accounted for just 0.3% of its agricultural imports. It was also less than that offered to other trading partners.

    Another major stumbling block was the EU’s demand that Australia give up naming rights for hundreds of food and drink products.

    The EU wants Australia to adopt its system of regulating names for regional food and spirit specialties. If accepted, this could negatively impact on consumers, Australian dairies and boutique spirit makers.

    What is the EU asking for?

    The EU wants Australia to adopt its so-called “geographical indications” approach to protect the names of European products. It has listed 170 food names and 236 spirit names for Australia to give up.

    The EU argues Australia should allow only Greek feta to be sold here; currently Australian, Greek, Danish and Bulgarian feta are all sold in our shops. It also wants the names prosecco and parmesan reserved for European producers.

    Australia approaches food product labels differently, mainly through consumer protection laws. Further, there is little culture of fraud here, while the European system was originally introduced for wines because of widespread fraud, before it spread to food products.

    Problems arise with the specific food and spirit names the EU wants reserved for their producers. Australia argues these are common names for the food items and we shouldn’t lose access to them.

    Intellectual property privileges limit what other producers can do. So there is always a process to allow other parties to object. Our trade agreements also provide for objections processes.

    In 2019, the Australian government called for producers to raise any objections, but provided no follow-up and no process for the resolution of objections. Producers have received no feedback. This denies those affected by the European naming demands access to due process of law.

    The problem with parmesan

    The worst problems are with the common names that, in Australia, are recognised as generic product names.

    Prosecco grapes growing in the Veneto region of Italy. The EU wants to restrict use of the name prosecco.
    StevanZZ/Shutterstock

    The EU does recognise many food names as common names, such as gouda, brie, edam and camembert cheese. But they want Australia to declare that feta, parmesan and prosecco are not common names in Australia. Australian producers, retailers and consumers would disagree.

    The Europeans argue parmesan is a translation of its geographical indication, Parmigiano Reggiano. It refuses to accept that in Australia consumers recognise parmesan as the common name for a hard cheese while Parmigiano Reggiano is an Italian cheese.

    In 2024, the Singapore Court of Appeal ruled parmesan is not a translation of Parmigiano Reggiano in Singapore and is available for use in Singapore as a common name. It is also clearly recognised as a common name in the EU-Korea trade agreement.

    Carve-outs for feta producers

    Feta is not a place name (it means slice). Canada solved the feta problem in its trade deal with Europe by accepting feta as a geographical indication, but grandfathered the right of all existing Canadian producers to continue to produce and sell feta. Vietnam achieved similar safeguards.

    Australia could ask for the same deal as provided to Canada, and this would ensure no negative impacts on producers or Australian consumers. To protect Australian consumers, who are currently also able to buy Danish and Bulgarian feta, Australia should ensure this exception includes companies exporting into Australia.

    Who can make prosecco?

    Prosecco is specified as a grape variety in the 1994 Australia-Europe bilateral wine treaty, and in Italy until 2009.

    Since then the Italian government took action to privatise the name prosecco and the EU endorsed prosecco as a proprietary name.

    However, all treaties with geographical indications provisions recognise that animal breed and plant variety names should remain free for common use. Our prosecco producers make wine with the prosecco grape, and should be allowed to label it as such. Just like pinot noir is labelled as pinot noir, the grape variety, and not Burgundy, the region.

    If the EU does not provide better access to its agricultural markets, and demands naming provisions which hurt Australian dairies and consumers, and our boutique spirits industry, we would be better to walk away from the proposed treaty.

    Hazel Moir is affiliated with the Centre for European Studies in the Research School of Social Sciences at the Australian National University. From 2017-2019 she was lead researcher in a co-funded ANU and EU’s Erasmus+ Programme study which involved a meta-analysis of the available empirical evidence on the impact of GIs on farmers and regional development. The project funding was purely for research costs and involved no personal remuneration.

    John Power worked for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry from 2003 to 2019. He contributed to negotiations of the 2010 Australia-EU Trade in Wine Agreement and Australia’s FTAs. John led the amendments of the Wine Australia Act 2013 that introduced an objections process for wine GIs. In 2020 he joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as a GI specialist negotiator.

    – ref. Australia should stand up for our feta and prosecco in trade talks with the EU – https://theconversation.com/australia-should-stand-up-for-our-feta-and-prosecco-in-trade-talks-with-the-eu-258392

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: New ultra-high voltage project begins operation to deliver power from Xinjiang to Chongqing

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

    New ultra-high voltage project begins operation to deliver power from Xinjiang to Chongqing

    BEIJING, June 10 — The State Grid Corporation of China on Tuesday announced the operation of the ±800 kV ultra-high voltage direct current transmission project linking eastern Xinjiang’s Hami with southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality.

    This marks China’s third major project to transmit electricity from the energy-rich Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to other parts of the country.

    The transmission line spans 2,260 kilometers and is supported by 14.2 million kilowatts of installed power capacity, including 10.2 million kilowatts from wind, solar photovoltaic, and solar thermal sources. New energy accounts for over 70 percent of the total capacity.

    Xinjiang serves as a key sending hub in China’s west-to-east power transmission program. The new line is expected to deliver more than 36 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually to Chongqing’s power load center, significantly enhancing the municipality’s energy supply capacity.

    It is also expected to contribute to economic development in both Xinjiang and Chongqing, enhance regional coordinated development, facilitate rural revitalization, and help improve public welfare, the corporation said.

    The corporation now operates the world’s largest ultra-high-voltage transmission network, providing strong support for ensuring a secure and reliable power supply and advancing green, low-carbon development.

    MIL OSI China News –