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  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Overnight shift of SH1 southbound traffic

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

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    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi advises the two southbound lanes on State Highway 1 between the BP motorway service centre and Drury Interchange will be shifted eastward overnight on Monday 10 February.

    Full closures from 9pm to 5am of the Southern Motorway in both directions between Papakura and Drury interchanges are required from Sunday 9 February to Thursday 13 February to roll out this traffic switch. During these closures, traffic will be detoured between these interchanges along Great South Road.

    This temporary realignment will see the two southbound lanes shift to the east. The two northbound lanes between the Drury Interchange and the BP motorway service centre will then be shifted westward in the coming weeks. These lane realignments will provide additional workspace in the central median for motorway widening and stormwater improvements.

    There will be further lane shifts in both directions across the life of Stage 1B of this project, similar to traffic layouts during Stage 1A of this project.

    For more information on the project and to sign up to updates, please visit the Papakura to Bombay project page:

    Papakura ki Pukekura – Papakura to Bombay project page

    Tags

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 13 Alleged Meth, Cocaine Traffickers Charged In 15-Count Indictment

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    Thirteen alleged drug traffickers operation out of the Texas Panhandle were federally charged in DEA-led Operation Put It In Reverse, announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad Meacham.

    Those charged in a 15-count indictment filed include:

    • Juan Gabriel Castro, aka “Big Boy,” charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine

    • Luis Gilberto Garcia, charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine,  possession with intent to distribute cocaine

    • Terry Deon Noble, charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, distribution of methamphetamine

    • David Dewayne Keelin, charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine

    • Charlotte Ann Villanueva, charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine

    • Kody Ryan Patterson, charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine

    • Melissa Lynn Nelson, charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine

    • Joshua James Tarver, charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of methamphetamine,

    • Danny James Wise, charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine

    • Christopher Steven Conley, charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine

    • Reba Lynn McLaughlin, charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine

    • Mario Socorro Martinez, charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine

    • Alfredo Olivares Jimenez, aka “Freddie,” charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine

    The defendants were arrested last week.

    Over th course of the investigation, law enforcement seized approximately 70 kilograms of methamphetamine, four kilograms of cocaine, two kilograms of fentanyl, $70,000 in assets, and eight firearms.

    “These arrests demonstrate the continued resolve of DEA Amarillo Resident Office to investigate this organization to the fullest extent possible,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Eduardo A. Chávez.  “Local street dealers, transporters, bulk suppliers, and anyone in between should know DEA is committed to holding everyone in this organization, and others like it, accountable for selling deadly drugs to our communities.”

    An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

    If convicted, the defendants face as much as twenty years to life in federal prison.

    The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Dallas Field Division – Amarillo Resident Office conducted the investigation with the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Criminal Investigation and Highway Patrol Divisions, the Amarillo Police Department, the Randall County Sheriff’s Department, the Potter County Sheriff’s Department, the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, Agents of the Texas Attorney General’s Office (OIG),  Texas Game Warden Officers, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives’ Dallas Field Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office, the United States Marshal’s Service, and Texas State Probation – Amarillo. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Marie Bell is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Money Market Operations as on February 03, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India
    (Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)
      Volume
    (One Leg)    		 Weighted
    Average Rate    		 Range
    A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV) 5,78,019.82 6.43 1.00-6.80
         I. Call Money 11,834.94 6.56 5.10-6.65
         II. Triparty Repo 4,05,311.75 6.38 5.50-6.55
         III. Market Repo 1,58,696.83 6.54 1.00-6.80
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 2,176.30 6.76 6.75-6.80
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 178.70 6.44 5.90-6.65
         II. Term Money@@ 636.50 – 6.35-7.50
         III. Triparty Repo 230.00 6.60 6.60-6.60
         IV. Market Repo 4,117.48 6.62 6.60-6.83
         V. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00 – –
      Auction Date Tenor (Days) Maturity Date Amount Current Rate /
    Cut off Rate
    C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
    I. Today’s Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo Mon, 03/02/2025 1 Tue, 04/02/2025 48,785.00 6.51
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF# Mon, 03/02/2025 1 Tue, 04/02/2025 1,170.00 6.75
    4. SDFΔ# Mon, 03/02/2025 1 Tue, 04/02/2025 1,13,121.00 6.25
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       -63,166.00  
    II. Outstanding Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo Fri, 24/01/2025 14 Fri, 07/02/2025 1,62,096.00 6.51
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF#          
    4. SDFΔ#          
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       9,556.71  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     1,71,652.71  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     1,08,486.71  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on February 03, 2025 9,00,623.53  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending February 07, 2025 9,12,544.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ February 03, 2025 48,785.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on January 10, 2025 -40,102.00  
    @ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).
    – Not Applicable / No Transaction.
    ** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.
    @@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.
    $ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.
    & As per the Press Release No. 2019-2020/1900 dated February 06, 2020.
    Δ As per the Press Release No. 2022-2023/41 dated April 08, 2022.
    * Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.
    ¥ As per the Press Release No. 2014-2015/1971 dated March 19, 2015.
    # As per the Press Release No. 2023-2024/1548 dated December 27, 2023.
    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    
    Press Release: 2024-2025/2071

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: As Trump deportations intensify, Pacific Island nations worry they could be overwhelmed

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Henrietta McNeill, Research fellow, Australian National University

    In his first term, Donald Trump deported far fewer people from the United States than his three predecessors: Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

    Just weeks into his second term, however, Trump is making the deportation of immigrants one of his top priorities. Immigration raids on those who have overstayed their visas and non-citizens with criminal histories have already commenced, with arrests increasing dramatically in recent days.

    His administration has announced plans to build a migrant detention facility at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba that could hold up to 30,000 people awaiting deportation. Trump has also threatened to use a little-known law from 1798 to speed up the process, bypassing immigration courts.

    While much of the attention has focused on the hundreds of thousands of migrants at risk of being deported to Latin America, many Pacific islanders are likely to be ordered to leave, as well.

    A list from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement of people with “final orders of removal” includes some 350 migrants from Fiji, 150 from Tonga and 57 people from Samoa, among others.

    Unsurprisingly, Trump’s threats have invoked fear across the Pacific. Prominent Fijian lawyer Dorsami Naidu told the ABC:

    We’ve had lots of people who have served prison sentences in America get sent back to Fiji where they introduce different kinds of criminal activities that they are well-groomed in.

    It should be noted, though, that not all of the people with orders to leave have been convicted of serious crimes. Many have simply overstayed their visas or may have only committed a minor infraction. Most want to turn their lives around.

    Lack of support

    Criminal deportations from the US, Australia and New Zealand have increased dramatically over the past decade, yet there is still a crucial lack of funding to support reintegration services.

    Concerns about the repercussions of criminal deportations are particularly high in Tonga, which received more than 1,000 returnees from 2009–20, nearly three-quarters of whom were from the US.

    One Tongan commentator suggested Trump’s decision would “unleash a wave of deportees that could drown Tonga and other Pacific nations in crisis”.

    Though some Tongan returnees are accepted back into families and societies, many struggle. A large number left the country when they were young and often have limited understanding of the local language and culture. As such, they experience difficulties reintegrating into society.

    My research shows that some deported Pacific islanders with criminal histories may turn “back to what they know” in the absence of support, which at times means involvement in the drug trade if there are no other means of gainful employment.

    In countries like Tonga where there is an escalating methamphetamine problem and a lack of employment opportunities, this is understandably concerning.

    Tonga, like other Pacific countries, struggles to fund organisations that crucially assist with deported peoples’ reintegration needs in order to prevent the risk of (re)offending. The countries deporting these individuals (such as the US, New Zealand or Australia) rarely provide any assistance, despite repeated requests from Pacific governments and non-governmental organisations.

    Can these countries negotiate instead?

    Countries can push back against Trump’s decisions to deport their citizens. Colombia was the first to do so, when President Gustavo Petro initially refused to allow military planes carrying deported migrants to land.

    Petro’s refusal was met with fury in Washington. Trump threatened a number of retaliatory trade measures, prompting Petro to eventually relent.

    Pacific states have previously tried to push back against deportations during the COVID pandemic. Samoa and Tonga, for instance, used diplomatic channels to request a “pause” on removals while they grappled with the unfolding health crisis.

    Australia and New Zealand complied with the request, but the US did not. Instead, it used punitive measures to force states into continue receiving deportations.

    For instance, the US blacklisted Samoan and Tongan nationals from the list of states eligible for seasonal work visas, affecting these countries’ economies. They were not returned to the list until they “complied” with US removals.

    International law mandates that countries accept their own citizens if they are deported. Those that refuse are deemed “deviant states”, which can cause problems for both the deporting state and returnees trapped in limbo.

    However, there are other ways of delaying deportation orders.

    For example, Samoa has requested additional information from the countries trying to deport Samoans and will not issue travel documents (for example, a passport) until this request is complied with. This information includes evidence of an individual’s connection to Samoa and family ties in the country.

    Samoan authorities maintain this helps organisations like the Samoa Returnees Charitable Trust find their families and arrange appropriate accommodation, aiding with their reintegration.

    Countries like Colombia and Samoa are acting in the interests of their citizens. While many have legitimate concerns about returnees potentially turning to crime once they are in their home countries, these states also want to challenge the perception that all migrants are criminals.

    As Petro, the Colombian president, was quick to point out:

    They are Colombians. They are free and dignified, and they are in their homeland where they are loved […] The migrant is not a criminal. He is a human being who wants to work and progress, to live life.

    Henrietta McNeill 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 Trump deportations intensify, Pacific Island nations worry they could be overwhelmed – https://theconversation.com/as-trump-deportations-intensify-pacific-island-nations-worry-they-could-be-overwhelmed-248900

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Peatlands and mangroves: Southeast Asian countries must protect these major carbon pools to boost climate ambitions

    Source: The Conversation – Indonesia – By Sigit Sasmito, Senior Research Officer, James Cook University

    Peat swamp in Danau Sentarum National Park, West Kalimantan. (Bramanthya Fathi Makarim/Shutterstock)

    Protecting and restoring peatlands and mangroves can strengthen Southeast Asian countries’ efforts to combat climate change, according to new findings from an international team of researchers.

    Carbon-dense peatlands and mangroves comprise only 5% of Southeast Asia’s surface. Protecting and restoring them, however, can reduce approximately 770±97 megatonnes of CO2 equivalent (MtCO2e) annually. This is equal to more than half of the carbon emissions from land use in the region.

    Conserving offers larger mitigation potential through reduced emissions from ecosystem loss in the region compared to gains from restoration. If optimally implemented, restoration can still play an important role in nature-based carbon sequestration.

    Having peatlands and mangroves included in the new climate pledges (Nationally Determined Contributions 3.0) can help countries set higher emissions reduction targets for 2030 and 2035.

    More benefits to offer

    The study reports extensive climate benefits from conserving and restoring peatlands and mangroves. Therefore, they make effective natural climate solutions for Southeast Asian countries.

    Both ecosystems protect organic matter from decay under natural conditions, acting as net carbon sinks. This means that carbon uptake exceeds carbon loss.

    Net carbon gains are mainly accumulated in their soils instead of their vegetation. More than 90% of carbon stocks in peatlands and 78% in mangroves are in their soils.

    At scale, protecting and restoring both types of wetlands also supports other valuable co-benefits. These include biodiversity preservation, water quality improvement, coastal protection, food security and rural development for millions of coastal people across Southeast Asian countries.

    Challenges remain

    Despite the benefits, many challenges and risks persist in conserving and restoring peatlands and mangroves.

    When peatlands and mangroves are disturbed – commonly due to land use change – they release large quantities of carbon into the atmosphere. This release can later exacerbate climate change.

    The new estimates suggest that changes in their land use for the past two decades (2001-2022) had caused the release of approximately 691±97 MtCO2e of excess emissions.

    Indonesia accounts for the largest portion of the region’s emissions, accounting for 73%. Malaysia (14%), Myanmar (7%), and Vietnam (2%) follow. The other seven Southeast Asian countries generate the remaining 4% of emissions.

    In Southeast Asia, mangroves and peatlands are often treated as unproductive land. Still, they have long been subject to agricultural land expansion planning.

    Moreover, unclear or multi-land ownership and lack of long-term participatory monitoring programs are critical challenges for prioritising and implementing restoration on the ground.

    Despite these challenges, government and corporate interest in developing conservation and restoration-based carbon projects for peatlands and mangroves is rapidly increasing.

    That is why now is a good opportunity to recognise their vital roles — not only for climate change mitigation — but also for people and nature.

    Implications for national emissions reduction targets

    The new study addresses a critical gap in climate policy for Southeast Asian by providing annual climate change mitigation potentials from peatlands and mangroves.

    Climate mitigation potential for national land-use emissions varies widely between countries.

    The findings suggest that it could reduce national land-use emissions by up to 88% in Malaysia, 64% in Indonesia, and 60% in Brunei. Other countries include Myanmar at 39%, the Philippines at 26%, Cambodia at 18%, Vietnam at 13%, Thailand at 10%, Laos at 9%, Singapore at 2%, and Timor-Leste at 0.04%.

    Our study also shows that mitigation potential from peatlands and mangroves in Indonesia can fulfil country Forestry and Other Land-use (FOLU) Net Sink targets by 2030.

    In its 2022 NDCs, Indonesia plans to reduce its annual emissions from FOLU by 2030 between 500-729 MtCO2e, depending on the level of external support. According to the study, this figure is within the same order of mitigation potential as peatlands and mangroves can collectively generate.

    However, peatland and mangrove mitigation potentials are insufficient to avoid dangerous levels of climate change in the future.

    Decarbonisation remains the most effective means of curbing climate change and its impacts, with peatland and mangrove protection enhancing these efforts.

    Susan Elizabeth Page menerima dana dari University of Leicester, UK.

    Dan Friess, David Taylor, Massimo Lupascu, Pierre Taillardat, Sigit Sasmito, dan Wahyu Catur Adinugroho tidak bekerja, menjadi konsultan, memiliki saham, atau menerima dana dari perusahaan atau organisasi mana pun yang akan mengambil untung dari artikel ini, dan telah mengungkapkan bahwa ia tidak memiliki afiliasi selain yang telah disebut di atas.

    – ref. Peatlands and mangroves: Southeast Asian countries must protect these major carbon pools to boost climate ambitions – https://theconversation.com/peatlands-and-mangroves-southeast-asian-countries-must-protect-these-major-carbon-pools-to-boost-climate-ambitions-247570

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI China: European stocks, euro slide due to US tariff concern

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    European stock markets and the euro currency took a sharp hit on Monday, as the latest U.S. tariff measures fueled concerns.

    Monday’s trading sessions marked the first since U.S. President Donald Trump signed executive orders on Saturday to impose a 25-percent additional tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10-percent tariff hike on imports from China, which has drawn widespread opposition and immediate retaliations.

    The euro weakened from 0.959 euros per dollar on Friday, before the tariff announcement, to 0.981 euros per dollar on Monday.

    European stock markets also reacted negatively to the developments. While major exchanges recovered slightly toward the end of the session, all closed with losses of at least 1 percent.

    In Milan, the blue-chip index on the Italian Stock Exchange ended 1.4 percent lower after dropping as much as 2.5 percent earlier in the day. France’s Paris Stock Exchange shed 1.3 percent, while blue chips on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in Germany declined 1.1 percent.

    London’s blue-chip stocks also fell 1.1 percent on Monday.

    Bond markets were not spared from the turbulence, as yields climbed and investors moved capital into perceived “safe” markets.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hong Kong’s economy grows 2.5% in 2024

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Hong Kong’s economy expanded 2.5 percent in 2024 as exports of goods and services maintained growth, according to advance estimates released by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Monday.

    In the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2024, the region’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew 2.4 percent year-on-year in real terms, faster than the 1.9-percent uptick in Q3, data from the Census and Statistics Department showed.

    In 2024, total exports of goods resumed growth amid improved external demand, while exports of services posted an increase on the back of rising visitor arrivals and improvement in other cross-border economic activities, commented a spokesperson for the HKSAR government.

    Overall investment expenditure expanded along with the economy at large, but private consumption expenditure recorded a slight decline owing to changes in residents’ consumption patterns, the spokesperson noted.

    Looking ahead, the Hong Kong economy is expected to register further growth in 2025 despite heightened uncertainties in the external environment, the spokesperson said.

    The central government’s various measures benefitting Hong Kong, coupled with the HKSAR government’s wide range of initiatives to promote economic growth, will support various economic activities, said the spokesperson.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: US stocks extend losses on tariff concerns

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A trader works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange in New York, the United States, on Feb. 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    U.S. stocks ended lower on Monday, as investors reacted to the Donald Trump administration’s planned tariff rollout.

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 122.75 points, or 0.28 percent, to 44,421.91. The S&P 500 sank 45.96 points, or 0.76 percent, to 5,994.57. The Nasdaq Composite Index shed 235.49 points, or 1.20 percent, to 19,391.96.

    Six of the 11 primary S&P 500 sectors ended in red, with technology and consumer discretionary leading the laggards by losing 1.80 percent and 1.35 percent, respectively. Meanwhile, consumer staples and utilities led the gainers by going up 0.68 percent and 0.46 percent, respectively.

    The tariffs, originally set to take effect Tuesday, include 25 percent duties on goods from Canada and Mexico and 10 percent on Chinese imports, with Canadian energy imports facing a reduced 10 percent rate.

    After a Monday morning call with Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum, Trump agreed to postpone tariffs on Mexican imports for a month following Sheinbaum’s commitment to deploying troops at the border to curb fentanyl trafficking and illegal immigration.

    Later on Monday, Trump said the tariffs on Canada announced on Saturday “will be paused for a 30 day period” to see whether or not a final economic deal with Canada can be structured.

    U.S. major indexes narrowed losses in the morning session thanks to the latest development.

    “This is a very fluid and evolving situation,” said Victoria Greene at G Squared Private Wealth. “For now, our baseline thesis is the bulk of these are transitory and likely more watered down with concessions. We are on top of developments and watching how this may affect earnings, the U.S. dollar and inflation.”

    While concerns persist over potential price hikes and economic strain, Wells Fargo Investment Institute noted Monday that the administration’s “targeted and gradual approach” aims to mitigate disruptions to U.S. growth.

    Paul Christopher, head of global investment strategy at the institute, emphasized that services remain the primary economic driver, while the industrial sector continues to struggle with weak pricing power amid a manufacturing downturn.

    “It’s probably going to take several quarters to have a noticeable impact,” Christopher said. “You could eventually see some higher prices, but not right away.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Policy bank lends 20.4B yuan to support dual-use public infrastructure

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China Development Bank issued loans of 20.4 billion yuan (about 2.85 billion U.S. dollars) in 2024 to support 136 “dual-use public infrastructure” projects in cities including Beijing, Shenzhen and Fuzhou, said the policy bank.

    Dual-use public infrastructure refers to public facilities such as stadiums, convention centers and parking facilities that can be easily converted for emergency use.

    In recent years, China has proposed strengthening the construction of affordable housing, renewing urban villages, and developing dual-use public infrastructure.

    Guan Hongyan, general manager of the bank’s transportation department, said the bank will increase medium- and long-term financing support for relevant projects.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Landmark trade corridor sees surge in transported goods

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A train runs on the railway that constitutes part of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor on Aug. 2, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, a key logistics network connecting China’s western regions to global markets, has transported a record 104,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) via intermodal rail-sea service in January, up 30.9 percent year on year, according to the China Railway Nanning Group.

    It was the fastest year to surpass the milestone volume of 100,000 TEUs since its opening in 2017 and 15 days earlier than 2024.

    “In January, phosphate rock powder, zinc concentrate, pyrophyllite, paper pulp and other goods were shipped in large quantities, and the demand for new year goods such as rapeseed oil and rice was also strong. About 24 trains were arriving and departing at the station every day,” said Wei Wenkang, head of the East Station of Qinzhou Port in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, a hub station on the corridor.

    With an operational hub based in southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality, this trade corridor connects global ports via railways, sea routes and highways through southern Chinese provincial regions such as Guangxi and Yunnan. The cargo service now covers 157 points in 73 domestic cities and expands its reach to 555 ports in 127 countries and regions.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hamas says ready to negotiate for 2nd phase of ceasefire

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A source from the political bureau of Hamas said on Monday that the movement is ready to engage in indirect negotiations with Israel to implement the second phase of the ceasefire and a potential prisoner-for-hostage exchange.

    The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “Hamas has fulfilled all the terms of the agreement and is ready to start indirect negotiations with Israel to finalize the second phase, which aims to ease the suffering of our people.”

    Under the three-phase ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas last month, negotiations on implementing the second phase were to begin before the 16th day of phase one, which falls on Monday.

    However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to Washington on Sunday to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump. Media reports indicated that Netanyahu decided to delay sending a negotiation team to Qatar for talks on the second phase until after his meeting with Trump.

    Since the truce took effect on Jan. 19, Hamas has released 18 hostages in exchange for Israel freeing hundreds of Palestinians from its prisons.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Lukashenko officially declared winner in Belarusian presidential elections

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    This file photo shows Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko (C) casting his ballot at a polling station in Minsk, Belarus, Jan. 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Belarusian Central Election Commission on Monday officially declared Alexander Lukashenko’s victory in the latest presidential elections with 86.82 percent of the votes.

    For other candidates, Sergei Syrankov received 3.21 percent, followed by Oleg Gaidukevich (2.02 percent), Anna Kanopatskaya (1.86 percent) and Alexander Khizhnyak (1.74 percent). Around 3.60 percent of voters voted against all candidates.

    The presidential elections were held in Belarus on Jan. 26. The turnout was 85.69 percent.

    Under Belarusian law, a presidential candidate who secures more than 50 percent of the vote is declared the winner.

    Lukashenko was first elected president of Belarus in 1994. He was later re-elected in 2001, 2006, 2010, 2015 and 2020.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Belgium’s new gov’t sworn in

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Bart De Wever (C) is sworn in as Belgium’s prime minister at the Royal Palace in Brussels, Belgium, Feb. 3, 2025. [Belga News Agency via Xinhua]

    Belgium’s new government was sworn in on Monday, ending months of political deadlock. Bart De Wever, leader of the Flemish nationalist N-VA party, which won the federal election last June, has taken office as prime minister — the first time a Flemish nationalist has led the federal government.

    In his general policy statement before the Chamber of Representatives, De Wever outlined key priorities for the remainder of the legislative term, including pension reforms, increased social benefits, and tax adjustments favoring supplementary income.

    Belgium’s fiscal deficit is projected to reach 28 billion euros (28.8 billion U.S. dollars) in 2024, or 4.6 percent of GDP — well above the 3-percent threshold set by the EU’s Stability and Growth Pact. In response, the European Commission has launched an excessive deficit procedure, requiring the government to submit a corrective plan by April 30. The five-party “Arizona” coalition has agreed to focus on pension reform, reductions in social welfare spending, and the introduction of a capital gains tax.

    Economists warn that Belgium’s current social spending is unsustainable. Bruno Colmant, a member of the Belgian Royal Academy, cautioned that the country is entering “a phase of rapid population aging” and that urgent reforms are needed to address structural imbalances.

    At the same time, economic growth is expected to slow. The National Bank of Belgium forecasts growth of 1.2 percent in 2024, dropping to 1 percent in 2025. The country’s heavy reliance on energy imports — currently at 74 percent — leaves it vulnerable to global price fluctuations.

    Meanwhile, the industrial sector has been in recession for over 18 months. A 7.2 percent rise in business bankruptcies in 2024 has intensified concerns over job losses and economic stability.

    Security and immigration remain major challenges. De Wever has pledged stricter policies to combat organized crime and illegal immigration, making them key priorities for his administration.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump says US to pause tariffs on Canada for one month

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference on an aircraft collision at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Jan. 30, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that the tariffs on Canada announced on Saturday “will be paused for a 30 day period” to see whether or not a final economic deal with Canada can be structured.

    “Canada has agreed to ensure we have a secure Northern Border, and to finally end the deadly scourge of drugs like Fentanyl,” Trump said in a post on social media platform Truth Social.

    In a post on X earlier, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that he “just had a good call with President Trump,” noting that “proposed tariffs will be paused for at least 30 days while we work together.”

    “Canada is implementing our $1.3 billion border plan – reinforcing the border with new choppers, technology and personnel, enhanced coordination with our American partners, and increased resources to stop the flow of fentanyl. Nearly 10,000 frontline personnel are and will be working on protecting the border,” Trudeau said.

    “In addition, Canada is making new commitments to appoint a Fentanyl Czar, we will list cartels as terrorists, ensure 24/7 eyes on the border, launch a Canada-U.S. Joint Strike Force to combat organized crime, fentanyl and money laundering. I have also signed a new intelligence directive on organized crime and fentanyl and we will be backing it with $200 million,” Trudeau continued.

    Trump said in his post that he is “very pleased with this initial outcome,” and the tariffs announced on Saturday will be paused for 30 days to allow further negotiations.

    Trump signed executive orders on Saturday to impose a 25 percent additional tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10-percent tariff hike on imports from China, which has drawn widespread opposition and immediate retaliations.

    The tariff order on Canada is 25 percent on all imports and 10 percent on energy products. Canada immediately hit back with 25 percent tariffs on 155 billion Canadian dollars (107 billion U.S. dollars) worth of American goods.

    Earlier on Monday, Trump said that he had “very friendly conversation” with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and the two sides agreed to “immediately pause” the anticipated tariffs for one month and continue negotiations.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 6.1-magnitude quake jolts off Indonesia’s North Maluku, no tsunami alert issued

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A 6.1-magnitude earthquake rocked off Indonesia’s North Maluku province early Tuesday without prompting large waves, the country’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency said.

    The agency had first issued the quake’s magnitude at 6.2 before revising it.

    The earthquake struck at 04:35 a.m. Jakarta time Tuesday (2135 GMT Monday), with its epicenter situated 86 km northeast of Doi Island in North Halmahera regency at a depth of 105 km under the seabed.

    No tsunami alert was issued as the tremors were not expected to trigger giant waves.

    Having situated on a vulnerable hit zone called the Pacific Ring of Fire, Indonesia, an archipelagic nation, has frequently been stricken by earthquakes. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Eurozone inflation rises to 2.5% in January: Eurostat

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The Eurozone’s annual inflation rate climbed to 2.5 percent in January, up from 2.4 percent in December 2024, according to a flash estimate released by Eurostat on Monday.

    Services are expected to record the highest annual inflation rate of 3.9 percent, down from 4 percent in the previous month. Inflation for food, alcohol, and tobacco stood at 2.3 percent, lower than 2.6 percent in December.

    Energy prices registered a sharp rise in annual inflation, increasing from 0.1 percent in December to 1.8 percent in January, while non-energy industrial goods inflation remained stable at 0.5 percent.

    Among eurozone members, Croatia recorded the highest inflation rates at 5 percent, followed by Belgium at 4.4 percent and Slovakia at 4.1 percent.

    The main EU economies registered the following inflation rates in January: Germany at 2.8 percent, France at 1.8 percent, Italy at 1.7 percent, and Spain at 2.9 percent.

    “Inflation rose from 2.4 percent to 2.5 percent in January, marking the fourth consecutive increase for the Eurozone,” said Bert Colijn, ING’s chief economist of the Netherlands.

    While inflation is expected to moderate over the year, Colijn cautioned that risks remain, including rising energy costs and the potential for a tariff dispute between the United States and the European Union.

    Last week, the European Central Bank (ECB) announced a 25-basis-point interest rate cut in response to sluggish economic data in the eurozone. The decision was based on “an updated assessment of the inflation outlook, the dynamics of underlying inflation, and the strength of monetary policy transmission,” the ECB said in a press release.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump says US agrees to pause tariffs on Mexico for one month

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that he had “very friendly conversation” with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and the two sides agreed to “immediately pause” the anticipated tariffs for one month and continue negotiations.

    “I just spoke with President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico. It was a very friendly conversation wherein she agreed to immediately supply 10,000 Mexican Soldiers on the Border separating Mexico and the United States. These soldiers will be specifically designated to stop the flow of fentanyl, and illegal migrants into our Country,” Trump said in a post on social media platform Truth Social.

    “We further agreed to immediately pause the anticipated tariffs for a one month period during which we will have negotiations headed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent, and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, and high-level Representatives of Mexico,” Trump continued.

    “I look forward to participating in those negotiations, with President Sheinbaum, as we attempt to achieve a ‘deal’ between our two Countries,” said the U.S. president.

    Trump signed executive orders on Saturday to impose a 25-percent additional tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10-percent tariff hike on imports from China, which has drawn widespread opposition and immediate retaliations.

    “The tariffs could increase how much U.S. consumers and businesses pay for goods coming from Canada, Mexico and China — including electronics, toys, shoes, fresh produce, lumber and cars. Tariffs are paid by companies importing goods into the U.S., similar to a tax,” according to a report by NBC News.

    The new tariffs mean that U.S. companies would have to either reduce profits or implement cuts to protect their margins, the report said, adding that the implications could be “wide-reaching” across the U.S. economy.

    Shortly after Trump’s announcement, Sheinbaum on Saturday instructed the Secretariat of Economy to implement tariff and non-tariff measures to defend Mexico’s interests in response to the levies imposed by the Trump administration.

    “We categorically reject the White House’s slander against the Mexican government of having alliances with criminal organizations, as well as any intention of intervention in our territory,” the Mexican president said on the social platform X.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Aviation – Recent drone usage around Auckland Airport raises serious concerns

    Source: Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)

    4 February 2025 – The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is concerned about any reports of unsafe drone operations near Auckland Airport which have the potential to delay flights.

    “Unauthorised drone activity is careless and can present a danger to both aviation and public safety,” says Dean Winter, DCE.

    The CAA continues to urge all drone operators to know, understand and comply with the Civil Aviation Rules and to fly responsibly. Anyone who needs to fly drones in controlled airspace must get clearance to do so from Air Traffic Control (ATC). This is easily done by filing a flight request through the Airshare phone app or online through the Airshare website:

    New Zealand’s hub for drone users – AirShare: https://govt.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f87e4df3e4e99e9d7eb7b4c7e&id=d1a6b915fc&e=f0dc75bbf6

    These incidents highlight the importance of attending drone training courses to understand how to operate drones in a safe manner, especially near airports or other areas where public safety could be impacted.

    When drones are reported in the controlled airspace adjacent to airport runways, Air Traffic Control have procedures to segregate passenger aircraft from any potential threat posed by unauthorised drone activity. Whilst this is not a normal situation, the procedures for dealing with such eventualities are trained for.

    The airport’s controlled airspace or ‘control zone’ includes areas where aircraft operate at lower altitudes during take-off and landing, which makes the presence of a drone in these areas potentially dangerous.

    Drone operators are required to get approval from air traffic control to operate within this airspace. Authorised drone activity within a control zone can occur with prior permission and/or coordination with ATC.

    This is just weeks after a drone operator filmed footage during Auckland’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, hovering dangerously close to the top of the Sky Tower.

    That flight, conducted at night, violated several Civil Aviation Rules, including flying over people and property without consent, operating within 4km of an aerodrome and flying at an altitude higher than the 120m legal limit.

    For more information about safe drone flying, see:

    CAA website’s drones section ( https://govt.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f87e4df3e4e99e9d7eb7b4c7e&id=9f31d38b71&e=f0dc75bbf6 )

    CAA’s summer campaign actively encourages drone operators to follow the rules ( https://govt.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f87e4df3e4e99e9d7eb7b4c7e&id=8cdc2fd5ac&e=f0dc75bbf6 )

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Medium grants of up to $10,000 now available through City’s Community Grants Program

    Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

    Applications for grants of up to $10,000 are now open for the City of Greater Bendigo’s Community Medium Grants category to support local groups to undertake projects that align with the objectives of the City’s Council Plan or a Local Community Plan.

    City of Greater Bendigo Manager Community Partnerships Andie West said each year Council allocates approximately $850,000 through the Community Grants Program and its various grant categories.

    “It’s an important program and we want to see as many groups as possible accessing funding through the program,” Ms West said.

    “The Medium Grants category provides up to $10,000 to help community groups afford things that are essential for them to function and that support activities that will align with the aims of the Greater Bendigo’s Council Plan 2021-2025 Mir wimbul or a local community plan.

    “The Community Grants Program is fantastic for local groups as they would often not be able to undertake important activities that benefit our community without this funding.

    “To be considered for a community grant, applicants must be a registered legal entity such as an incorporated association.  However, if you are informal group or individual your application can be submitted by an auspice organisation.

    “Before applying, groups should consider if there is a clear need for their activity, if there is community support for their activity and if they have the resources needed to deliver the activity.”

    Applications for the Medium Grants will close on Wednesday February 26, 2025.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo Continues Push to Reauthorize Program Supporting Rural Idaho Counties

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) led U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) and 17 other Senate colleagues in reintroducing legislation, S. 356, to reauthorize the U.S. Forest Service’s Secure Rural Schools and Self-Determination Program (SRS) through Fiscal Year 2026.  The legislation has strong bipartisan backing.
    “The SRS program is a vital lifeline for rural counties where federal lands generate insufficient revenue for important local services,” said Crapo.  “Failure to reauthorize the program puts most of Idaho’s counties in a precarious position with a lack of fudning for schools, road maintenance, public safety, and search and rescue operations.  I urege botht the Senate and House to take up this measure expeditiously, and remain committed to finding a viable long-term solution that provides more certainty to rural county governments in the future.”
    “Idaho’s counties rely on SRS funding for schools and road maintenance,” said Risch. “The federal government made a promise to rural communities, and until we can bring historic timber revenue back to these areas, Congress has an obligation to fulfill that promise. Congress must immediately reauthorize SRS.”
    “This is urgent business for the Oregonians living and working in counties that have long depended on millions of dollars from these federal funds for local schools, roads, law enforcement and more,” said Wyden, who co-authored the SRS legislation in 2000.  “I’m glad this bill is being reintroduced right at the start of this new Congress in this bipartisan spirit, and I strongly urge our House colleagues to act with the same urgency and bipartisan ethic to reconnect this proven lifeline ASAP for rural communities in Oregon and nationwide.”
    “Our bipartisan bill provides reliable funding that is crucial to keeping schools and libraries open, maintaining roads, restoring watersheds, and ensuring there are police officers and firefighters to keep rural?communities safe,”?said Merkley.  “Congress must swiftly pass this bill to extend the SRS program so Oregon communities can maintain access to these important lifelines and resources.” 
    “Reauthorizing Secure Rural Schools for three years will help counties with large tracts of federal forests meet the needs of residents and visitors,” said National Association of Counties Executive Director Matthew Chase.  “Without SRS, counties would face, on average, an 80 percent drop in resources for infrastructure improvement, education programs and forest health projects.  Many rural counties and school districts are already making difficult decisions due to a lack of funds. Counties applaud the leadership of Senators Crapo and Wyden and look forward to prompt passage of this vital legislation.”
    Additional co-sponsors of the bill include Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), Maggie Hassan (D-New Hampshire), John Curtis (R-Utah), Patty Murray (D-Washington), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), Michael Bennet (D-Colorado), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada).
    Crapo, Wyden, Risch and Merkley introduced the legislation in the 118th Congress and the Senate unanimously passed it in November 2024.  It did not receive a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives before the end of the Congress.  The program needs to be reauthorized as soon as possible to avoid a gap in funding for rural counties that rely on the program for much-needed services.
    Congress enacted SRS in 2000 to financially assist counties with public, tax-exempt forestlands.  The U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management administer the funds.  The totals are based on a formula including economic activity, timber harvest levels and other considerations that vary from county to county.  SRS payments are critical to maintain education programs for many rural counties that contain federal lands exempt from property taxes.
    Text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo, Wyden Announce Senate Finance Subcommittee Assignments

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) today announced subcommittee assignments, Joint Committee on Taxation membership and the designation of members to serve as Congressional Trade Advisors for the 119th Congress.

    Subcommittee on Social Security, Pensions and Family Policy

    Republicans

    Chuck Grassley, IA, Chairman

    Todd Young, IN

    Marsha Blackburn, TN

    Democrats

    Bernard Sanders, VT

    Catherine Cortez Masto, NV

    Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs and Global Competitiveness

    Republicans

    John Cornyn, TX, Chairman

    Chuck Grassley, IA

    John Thune, SD

    Tim Scott, SC

    Steve Daines, MT

    Todd Young, IN

    Thom Tillis, NC

    Roger Marshall, KS

    Democrats

    Raphael Warnock, GA

    Michael Bennet, CO

    Mark Warner, VA

    Sheldon Whitehouse, RI

    Catherine Cortez Masto, NV

    Elizabeth Warren, MA

    Tina Smith, MN

    Subcommittee on Energy, Natural Resources and Infrastructure

    Republicans

    James Lankford, OK, Chairman

    John Cornyn, TX

    Tim Scott, SC

    Steve Daines, MT

    John Barrasso, WY

    Roger Marshall, KS

    Democrats

    Maria Cantwell, WA

    Michael Bennet, CO

    Maggie Hassan, NH

    Ben Ray Luján, NM

    Peter Welch, VT

    Subcommittee on Health Care

    Republicans

    Todd Young, IN, Chairman

    John Thune, SD

    Tim Scott, SC

    Bill Cassidy, LA

    James Lankford, OK

    Steve Daines, MT

    John Barrasso, WY

    Ron Johnson, WI

    Thom Tillis, NC

    Marsha Blackburn, TN

    Roger Marshall, KS

    Democrats

    Maggie Hassan, NH

    Mark Warner, VA

    Sheldon Whitehouse, RI

    Catherine Cortez Masto, NV

    Elizabeth Warren, MA

    Bernard Sanders, VT

    Tina Smith, MN

    Ben Ray Luján, NM

    Raphael Warnock, GA

    Peter Welch, VT

    Subcommittee on Taxation and IRS Oversight

    Republicans

    John Barrasso, WY, Chairman

    Chuck Grassley, IA

    John Cornyn, TX

    John Thune, SD

    Bill Cassidy, LA

    James Lankford, OK

    Ron Johnson, WI

    Thom Tillis, NC

    Marsha Blackburn, TN

    Democrats

    Michael Bennet, CO

    Mark Warner, VA

    Sheldon Whitehouse, RI

    Maggie Hassan, NH

    Elizabeth Warren, MA

    Bernard Sanders, VT

    Ben Ray Luján, NM

    Raphael Warnock, GA

    Subcommittee on Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Growth

    Republicans

    Ron Johnson, WI, Chairman

    Bill Cassidy, LA

    Democrats

    Tina Smith, MN

    Designation of Members to Serve on the Joint Committee on Taxation

    Mike Crapo, ID

    Chuck Grassley, IA

    John Cornyn, TX

    Ron Wyden, OR

    Maria Cantwell, WA

    Designation of Members to Serve as Congressional Trade Advisors on Trade Policy and Negotiations

    Mike Crapo, ID

    Chuck Grassley, IA

    John Cornyn, TX

    Ron Wyden, OR

    Maria Cantwell, WA

    The chairman and ranking member are ex officio members of all subcommittees.

    The Rules of Procedure for the Senate Finance Committee are here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo: Christopher Wright will Advance and Promote American Energy Independence

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) issued the following statement after the Senate confirmed, by a vote of 59-38, Christopher Wright to be Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE):

    “Christopher Wright has committed to an all-of-the-above domestic energy strategy that will advance and promote innovative solutions to achieve greater American energy excellence, leadership and independence.  He has an extensive background spanning many energy sources.  Wright’s commitment to ensuring America is the leader in nuclear energy holds particular value for Idaho, which is home to one of the nation’s leading nuclear laboratories.  Under his leadership at DOE, our nation will prioritize affordable, reliable and secure energy sources that support American innovation and growth and improve the lives of Americans.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Man faces charges over series of thefts

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police have put a halt on an alleged crime spree in east Auckland, valued in the thousands.

    On Monday afternoon, Police caught up with the offender in the Botany area and have so far laid 15 charges.

    Senior Sergeant Simon Cornish, Counties Manukau East Intelligence Manager, says it is estimated more than $10,000 in property had been stolen. 

    “We have been aware of a vehicle of interest that had allegedly committed petrol drive-offs late last year and into January,” he says.

    “There have been reports in recent weeks of work vehicles being targeted in the East Tamaki area.”

    Senior Sergeant Cornish says handbags, wallets, tools, and camera gear had allegedly been stolen from vehicles.

    At this stage Police believe seven people have fallen victim to the man, with at least four petrol-drive offs allegedly committed.

    “Yesterday afternoon, a victim quickly contacted 111 and provided us information about a vehicle an offender was leaving the East Tamaki area in,” Senior Sergeant Cornish says.

    “A number of units deployed to the Botany area, including the Police Eagle helicopter, and the vehicle was stopped on Te Irirangi Drive.”

    A 34-year-old man was arrested and faces numerous charges in the Manukau District Court.

    Those charges include theft ex-car, theft and fraud offences relating to stolen credit cards.

    He was appearing the Manukau District Court today.

    Senior Sergeant Cornish says further charges cannot be ruled out as enquiries continue.

    “This is a great outcome, and it sends a message to those who are continuing to commit offending – it’s only a matter of time before we are catching up with you.”

    ENDS. 

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Moo-ving rescue after calf falls down mine shaft

    Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

    CFA crews staged an udderly remarkable rescue over the weekend after a young calf fell down an abandoned mineshaft in Yarck, in the state’s northeast.

    The Oscar Rescue Support Unit was alerted to a calf in distress at around 8:57 am on Saturday morning. Upon arrival crews found the calf trapped approximately 20 metres underground.  

    Using a carefully rigged rope system and a harness, rescue personnel worked together over approximately three hours to steer the operation to success.  

    Remarkably the young calf was completely uninjured. 

    Oscar Fire Brigade 1st Lieutenant Karl Shay praised the team’s coordination and problem-solving skills in handling the tricky rescue. 

    “It was fairly complex situation, before we could get down the shaft to reach the animal we needed to remove a stump that was blocking the entrance,” Karl said. 

    “I think the calf knew we were there to help, it was very calm throughout the whole process. 

    “Once we got the ropes on, we were able to safely bring the calf to safety. 

    “It’s not every day you get called to a rescue like this, but we’ll always be there when needed, whether it’s for people, property or livestock.” 

    Karl added that the rescue served as a timely reminder to the community to always call for help in situations like this and leave things to the trained professionals.   

    “Obviously these types of situations can be very distressing for pet and livestock owners. But in this situation the family involved made the correct decision to call 000 and wait for help to arrive,” he said. 

    The dairy-tired calf was safely reunited with its very relieved mum.

    Submitted by CFA Media

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz Announces Blanket Holds on Trump’s State Department Nominees Until Attack on USAID Is Reversed

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, today announced that he will place a blanket hold on all of President Donald Trump’s nominees to the State Department until its illegal attempt to shutter the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) as an independent agency is reversed. On Monday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that he would be acting administrator of USAID.

    “Dismantling USAID is illegal and makes us less safe. USAID was created by federal law and is funded by Congress. Donald Trump and Elon Musk can’t just wish it away with a stroke of a pen – they need to pass a law,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “Until and unless this brazenly authoritarian action is reversed and USAID is functional again, I will be placing a blanket hold on all of the Trump administration’s State Department nominees. This is self-inflicted chaos of epic proportions that will have dangerous consequences all around the world.”

     

    Schatz spoke out against attacks on USAID today in front of its Washington headquarters.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Shenzhou-19 astronauts share details of work and life in space

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    This undated video grab shows Shenzhou-19 astronauts sending their Spring Festival greetings from China’s Tiangong space station. (Xinhua)
    As China’s Shenzhou-19 mission reaches its halfway, the three astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station, orbiting 400 kilometers above Earth, have shared their experiences during the Spring Festival, offering a glimpse into their unique lives in space.
    SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGHS AND SPACEWALKS
    The crew commander Cai Xuzhe, who returned to the space station after about two years, described the feeling as “warm and familiar” in a video released on China’s CCTV on Thursday.
    This is Cai’s second time working and living in China’s space station, but his first time celebrating the Spring Festival there. In 2022, he spent six months in space during the Shenzhou-14 mission.
    The Shenzhou-19 astronauts entered the space station on Oct. 30, 2024. According to Cai, over the past three months, the crew has completed a series of tasks, including the handover with the Shenzhou-18 crew, routine maintenance of the space station, and two spacewalks.
    These extravehicular activities (EVAs), commonly known as spacewalks, are essential for repairs, experiments, and testing equipment outside the station.
    Cai emphasized the importance of their training, including system-wide emergency pressure drills and medical rescue exercises.
    “These exercises have significantly improved our ability to handle unexpected situations, allowing us to work more efficiently and safely,” he said.
    Supported by ground teams, the astronauts have also advanced scientific experiments, such as cutting-edge research on human brain organoids and new material exposure tests in the harsh environment of space.
    “We are steadily progressing with our scientific missions, focusing on space life science, microgravity physics, space material science, and aerospace medicine,” Cai noted.
    Song Lingdong, who participated in two spacewalks, shared his awe-inspiring experience.
    “Before my first EVA, I imagined what it would be like, but nothing prepared me for the moment I opened the hatch and saw Earth. It was breathtaking,” he recalled. “Climbing on the module walls, I felt as if I was walking on clouds.”
    “I was mesmerized by the beauty of space, but at the same time, I felt the weight of our mission,” he added.
    Their first nine-hour spacewalk proved China’s new-generation spacesuits to be both safe and effective, according to Song.
    Addressing public curiosity, Song explained how astronauts stay energized during long EVAs. “We eat high-calorie meals beforehand and drink functional beverages during the task. We highly concentrate on the tasks and don’t feel hungry,” he said.
    FAMILY, SPACE, GYM AND PRIDE
    Life aboard the space station is not all work. During the Spring Festival, the crew took time to rest, call their families, and capture stunning photos of Earth and space.
    “We sent New Year greetings from space and recorded videos to cherish these moments,” said Song, who plans to document his experiences for his children.
    Wang Haoze, China’s first female space engineer working in the space station, expressed pride in China’s space achievements, marveling at the sophisticated systems of their “space home.”
    Despite the busy schedule, the astronauts find joy in simple activities. “We float freely like ‘sky flyers,’ lift heavy objects effortlessly, interact with our AI assistant, and even grow vegetables and raise fruit flies,” Wang said.
    Wang enjoys writing space diaries. Her favorite pastime, however, is gazing at Earth through the porthole, admiring Earth’s landscapes, from vast oceans to majestic mountains.
    “Seeing our homeland from space fills me with excitement, pride, and longing,” said Wang.
    To combat the effects of weightlessness, the crew followed a strict exercise regimen using specialized equipment like the space treadmill, stationary bike and resistance devices.
    “These exercises keep our bones, muscles and hearts healthy. And with balanced meals, we feel strong and energized,” Wang explained.
    The crew also finds time to bond over meals, share humor, and maintain their spirits.
    As they celebrated three months in orbit during the Spring Festival, Wang sent a heartfelt message: “May our nation thrive, and may we achieve new heights together, from space to Earth.”
    This is the third Spring Festival since the full completion of the Chinese space station. Nine crew members from Shenzhou-15, Shenzhou-17 and Shenzhou-19 have welcomed the New Year and the Spring Festival in space.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China sees growing private pension funds sales agencies

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China saw a growing number of qualified fund sales agencies to cater to the wealth management demands of clients participating in the country’s private pension scheme.
    There were 52 funds sales institutions for private pension as of the end of 2024, up from 37 in 2022, said the Asset Management Association of China.
    Among them, 19 are commercial banks, including the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and the Agricultural Bank of China. The rest are 25 securities companies and eight independent sales institutions.
    To enhance the old-age security system, China piloted a private pension scheme in certain cities in 2022 and expanded the program nationwide in December 2024.
    The scheme allows participants to contribute up to 12,000 yuan (about 1,674 U.S. dollars) annually to their private pension accounts and offers them tax incentives. The account could be used to buy specific wealth management products such as funds.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chang’e-7 mission to land on lunar south pole

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    This far infrared photo taken by Tiandu-2 satellite camera on April 8, 2024 shows the Moon (L) and the Earth. [China National Space Administration/Handout via Xinhua]
    China’s Chang’e-7 lunar probe, scheduled for launch in 2026, will target the moon’s south pole to search for water ice and test cutting-edge technologies critical for sustainable human activities on the moon, China Media Group reported Monday.
    The mission using an innovative hopper spacecraft equipped with a water molecule analyzer aims to confirm the presence and distribution of water ice in permanently shadowed craters, said the report.
    The Chang’e-3 and Chang’e-5 missions successfully landed on the moon’s near side, while Chang’e-4 and Chang’e-6 achieved historic touchdowns on the far side. Therefore, Chang’e-7’s planned landing at the lunar south pole will test the capability of China’s lunar probe to reach any region of the moon, Tang Yuhua, deputy chief designer of the Chang’e-7 mission, said in the interview.
    If lunar water ice is successfully located, it could significantly reduce the cost and time required to transport water from Earth, facilitating the establishment of a human base for long-term activities on the moon and enabling further exploration of Mars or deep space, Tang said.
    According to Wu Weiren, the chief designer of China’s lunar exploration program, the Chang’e-7 probe – comprising an orbiter, a lander, a rover, and a mobile hopper – will face extreme challenges, including temperatures below minus 100 degrees Celsius and complex terrain.
    The hopper, a first-of-its-kind lunar explorer, will “jump” from sunlit areas to shadowed craters to conduct detailed analyses. The lander will deploy China’s inaugural deep-space “landmark image navigation” system to ensure precision, while the hopper utilizes active shock-absorption technology to safely land on slopes, said the report.
    The probe can autonomously analyze its landing terrain, with more than half of its operations performed independently without requiring ground intervention. The solar panels installed vertically on the probe are being optimized to capture low-angle sunlight near the lunar pole, Tang said, adding that the mission has entered its final assembly and testing phase.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Arrests made in relation to Ōpōtiki homicide

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Wilson:

    Two men have been arrested in relation to the death of a man on Church Street, Ōpōtiki on Saturday morning.

    Yesterday evening, a 31-year-old patched Mongrel mob member was arrested and charged with murder. He appeared in court this morning and has been remanded in custody ahead of his next appearance at the Tauranga District Court on 26 February.

    A 25-year-old man was also arrested on Sunday afternoon. He has been charged with assault and is due to reappear in the Whakatane District Court on 12 February.

    Police are not seeking anyone else in relation to the death.

    Additional Police resources from the wider Bay of Plenty District have been in Ōpōtiki since Saturday morning assisting with inquiries and providing reassurance to the public.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Funds flowing for new crisis and transitional housing

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    The Albanese Labor Government has announced that 42 projects across Australia will receive a share of $100 million building hundreds of new crisis and transitional homes for thousands of women and children impacted by family and domestic violence, and older women at risk of homelessness.

    Funded under the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF), the Crisis and Transitional Accommodation Program (CTAP) funds the building, remodelling or purchase of new or expanded crisis or transitional accommodation.

    The funding is part of the Albanese Government’s ambitious housing reform agenda, as well as our commitment, along with states and territories, to end gender‑based violence within one generation.

    Since coming to office, the Albanese Government is investing nearly 20 times more funding in crisis and transitional accommodation and programs than the previous Coalition government did in a decade.

    CTAP aligns with the Government’s broader housing and women’s safety agendas, including the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032, the National Housing Infrastructure Facility and builds on the work of existing emergency and crisis accommodation programs like the Safe Places Emergency Accommodation Program.

    A range of projects have been selected under CTAP, including projects that will be tailored to support culturally and linguistically diverse women and children, First Nations women and children, and older women.

    Hundreds of applications were received, demonstrating the critical need for secure housing across Australia after a decade of neglect by the Coalition. Those applications were assessed through an open, competitive grants process and all successful projects clearly demonstrated how the projects will meet the needs of women and children experiencing violence and older women at risk of homelessness.

    Our Government’s separate $100 million investment in the Safe Places Emergency Accommodation Program through the 2024 Inclusion Round is already bringing the total number of emergency accommodation places delivered under the program across Australia to around 1,500.

    Once all Safe Places projects are complete, more than 11,000 women and children experiencing family and domestic violence will be able to be supported each year, with this additional funding going towards helping thousands more.

    More information about the Crisis and Transitional Accommodation Program and the Safe Places Program is available from the Department of Social Services website.

    If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family, or sexual violence, call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.

    Connect with 13YARN Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters on 13 92 76, available 24/7 from any mobile or pay phone, or visit www.13yarn.org.au No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn.

    If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Clare O’Neil MP

    “Family and domestic violence is a scourge on our society which has a huge impact on vulnerable women and kids.

    “Labor knows that having a safe place to go can be the difference between leaving a violent relationship or staying. That’s what these projects are about – empowering some of the most vulnerable people in our community with a safe place to go.

    “42 organisations will be funded around the country to deliver hundreds of new crisis and emergency homes, resulting in more women and children having secure accommodation when they need it most.

    “We know that these groups are two of the most at risk for not having a safe place to call home, and this housing insecurity can lead to other disadvantages, and it’s a measure of any society how it protects its most vulnerable, and our Government is investing to secure a safer future for women.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth MP

    “Family and domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness and housing uncertainty for women and children across Australia, and we know there is an increased demand for emergency accommodation.

    “The impact of family and domestic violence ripples across communities and it is why, along with states and territories, our Albanese Labor Government is committed to ending violence against women and children in one generation. As Minister, I have thought about this issue every day in my portfolio.

    “This critical CTAP investment, along with our previous investment in the Safe Places Emergency Accommodation program, will ensure that women and children experiencing violence have a safe place to go and don’t have to choose between housing and their safety.”

    MIL OSI News –