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Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Northern B.C. shows how big resource projects can strain rural health care

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Gary N. Wilson, Professor of Political Science, University of Northern British Columbia

    American tariffs and fears of a prolonged recession have increased calls to expand resource development and infrastructure projects in Canada. The pace and scope of expansion projects like these have major implications for Canada on many levels, including: commitments to environmental sustainability, relations with Indigenous Peoples and the quality of local health services.

    In a study that I conducted with environmental health researcher Barbara Oke in northern British Columbia, we found that major resource projects can strain local health-care services in rural and remote regions. In particular, the influx of workers connected with development projects puts significant pressures on health-care providers. This is especially concerning as local health-care services are already experiencing funding, infrastructure and staff shortages.

    Therefore, it’s critical that government and industry actively consider these pressures when planning new projects.

    Health-care services under pressure

    In recent years, northern British Columbia has been home to some of the biggest capital investment projects in Canada, including a major hydroelectric dam, liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities, pipelines and mines.

    Our interviews with leaders from Northern Health, the region’s main health-care provider, have highlighted the link between major development projects and the pressures experienced by their health-care system.

    Pressures on the local health-care system mainly stem from the influx of a non-local workforce when compared to the size of the nearest community, and local contexts. The smaller the community, the more vulnerable its health-care system is to additional pressures, especially if capacity challenges already exist.

    How well a project manages its health service impacts clearly matters. When project workers resided in well-managed camps supported by competent onsite medical service providers, the pressures on the local system were less than when workforces did not have adequate accommodation and health supports.

    An older workforce

    Contrary to some popular assumptions that itinerant project workforces consist mainly of young, risk-taking individuals, most workers seeking health-care services were older and managing multiple chronic illnesses or disease risk factors.

    Therefore, most of the pressure on health-care services did not come from what one would consider typical “workplace injuries” but, rather, from workers experiencing injuries and illnesses common within any population.

    One health-care interviewee said: “It’s not that [project workers] are asking for special services, but just having more people needing health care adds to [the] pressure.”

    Emergency departments

    Impacts to the health-care system were felt primarily in the emergency departments of local hospitals and health-care centres.

    Many communities in northern B.C. do not have walk-in clinics and most doctor’s offices are already at patient capacity.

    So if a project does not provide its own on-site medical supports, the only option for workers is to seek care at a local emergency department, which are supposed to respond to urgent issues.

    When staff have to deal with non-urgent needs, such as prescription renewals, sick notes or to manage regular ailments, it compounds the challenges and congestion faced by emergency departments.

    Cumulative impacts on health services

    Beyond emergency departments, industry pressures have cascaded throughout the system, affecting services such as primary care, infectious disease, diagnostic and lab services, and administrative and ambulance transfer services.

    Rising workloads, combined with higher private-sector wages and an industry-driven increase in the cost of living, have made it harder to retain and recruit staff — especially in housekeeping, food services, laundry, administration, ambulance services and care aide roles.

    Several people interviewed noted the consistent and cumulative pressures of projects on the health-care system.

    While the pressures from a single project may seem inconsequential, the impacts from multiple projects in the same area pose a significant challenge to health-care services.

    Balancing resource development and health care

    The strategic and economic value of resource development is difficult to ignore.

    Major infrastructure projects contribute to both local and provincial economies. When managed well, the economic benefits of such projects can positively contribute to community health.

    But when not managed properly, the pressures that major infrastructure projects place on local health-care services can be significant. Therefore, we strongly urge governments and businesses to consider their impacts on overburdened and hard-working health-care providers in rural and remote communities.

    Barbara Oke contributed to this article. She recently completed her Master’s of Arts in Political Science at UNBC.

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

    – ref. Northern B.C. shows how big resource projects can strain rural health care – https://theconversation.com/northern-b-c-shows-how-big-resource-projects-can-strain-rural-health-care-256059

    MIL OSI –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: There are many things American voters agree on, from fears about technology to threats to democracy

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Emma Connolly, Research Fellow, Digital Speech Lab, UCL

    During his recent public spat with Donald Trump, Elon Musk tweeted a poll asking if a new political party would better represent the 80% of voters in the middle. Hundreds of thousands of people responded and more than 80% answered “yes”.

    The middle is still overlooked in US politics. This is because there is a perception that Republicans and Democrats have nothing in common, and therefore no issue will win support from both centrist Republicans and Democrats.

    Polarisation is problematic as it is linked to “democratic backsliding” – the use of underhand tactics in political processes. Worst of all, it poses a threat to democracy.

    Many think that polarisation is fuelled by echo chambers created on social media platforms. These only expose people to beliefs similar to their own.

    However, I study how narratives emerge on social media, and ways to investigate them. My work has two aims: first, to identify political issues that are likely to cross party lines, and a wider goal of exploring the role of social media in mitigating, rather than exacerbating, levels of polarisation.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Earlier this year, for example, I sorted through 12,000 posts from Republican and Democrat voters on subreddits (online forums discussing specific topics). Using a technique I developed in my PhD research, I analysed attitudes to contested political issues around the time of Trump’s inauguration. Like other researchers, I am finding that there are things both sides often agree on, and that not every issue splits neatly across party lines.

    Pew Research shows what Democrats and Republicans agree on.

    Although it’s a complex topic, people from both parties are worried about levels of free speech on social media. According to my work and other sources, some Democrats accuse TikTok of censoring hashtags such as #FreeLuigi (a reference to Luigi Mangione, accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO, Brian Thompson).

    Meanwhile, some Republicans are saying they are flooded with what they see as left-wing content pushed by the algorithms. Despite their differences, Republicans and Democrats agree that social media platforms need to be more transparent about the way they work.

    Both sides worry about the rise of authoritarianism and the growing negative influence of artificial intelligence in shaping the US’s future. There is a sense among some members of the two parties that the real enemies aren’t each other, but powerful corporations who hold too much power.

    People on both sides of the political divide can be distrustful of tech companies and big businesses, where billionaires have power regardless of who’s in charge. Divisions of “up v down” could be alternatives to seeing divisions as “left v right”.

    Some people are worried about the creation of a massive database of citizens’ details, and how their details could be used, or abused. Recently Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene said she would have opposed Trump’s “big, beautiful, bill”, had she read the AI clause thoroughly. The clause stops states from passing laws to regulate AI systems for the next ten years.

    What do people agree on?

    On the topic of protecting democracy, there are some suggestions that many Republicans and Democrats agree this is important, and under threat. In my study, some Republican and Democrat voters object to the possibility of Trump having a third term, aligning with the findings of several recent polls on the subject, and even among Trump’s most loyal support groups.

    Both Republicans and Democrats want “the best” leaders who could get things done fast and efficiently. But it would appear that people on both sides are concerned about the “slash-and-burn” way that Doge (the Department for Government Efficiency, the new agency tasked with cutting federal spending) is working.

    Also, deciding who is the best leader isn’t always about agreeing with specific policies. Instead, it’s about delivering decisive, efficient action. Even Republicans who don’t back everything Trump is doing say that at least he is doing something, especially in relation to immigration.

    Many Republicans criticise the left, and former Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris in particular, but for unclear messaging, as much as any one policy. They (and others) put her loss down to a lack of direction and clarity on key issues (among other things). This probably resulted in failing to win votes from independents and moderate Republicans and many Democrats are frustrated that the party still hasn’t addressed this.

    Research suggests that Democrat and Republican voters often agree that polarisation causes gridlock and prevents progress, but believe voices from the middle are not being heard. Some Republicans and Democrats also share a concern that both parties are more focused on fighting each other than on solving problems, with 86% of Americans believing this.

    Some Republican voters in the posts I am analysing suggest that working together to get things done would be positive, supporting findings from the US and abroad. Other important factors rather than political party, such as religion or family or everyday life experiences can bring people from both sides together.

    So, Americans might not be as divided as one might think. Levels of polarisation feel high but this could be skewed by the extreme views of a minority on both sides. And it isn’t helped by some sensationalist media reporting.

    Lots of people get their news from social media platforms which reward and monetise engagement. Posts that fuel division are often the most visible, but they rarely tell the whole story. Divisive views are also often shared by those who are themselves the most polarised.

    Like Musk’s online poll, research is starting to suggest that there is still a sizeable moderate middle in the US today who are open to compromise through clear messaging. These voters can make all the difference, especially if parties can frame issues in ways that appeal across the divide. With the 2026 midterm elections on the horizon, both sides might want to listen to them more.

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

    – ref. There are many things American voters agree on, from fears about technology to threats to democracy – https://theconversation.com/there-are-many-things-american-voters-agree-on-from-fears-about-technology-to-threats-to-democracy-258440

    MIL OSI –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Tax season in South Africa: the system is designed to tackle inequality – how it falls short

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Nadine Riedel, Director of the Institute for Public and Regional Economics, University of Münster

    South Africa’s personal income tax system is in the spotlight as the country’s tax filing season gets under way. Personal income tax is an important way of redistributing income from higher-earning to less-well-off individuals.

    But how effectively does it do this and what can get in the way?

    At the heart of any redistributive tax system is its structure: which incomes are taxed or exempted, which expenses are tax deductible, how the tax rate schedule is designed, and which tax credits are granted, including how much they reduce the tax owed. The schedule translates taxable income into the taxpayers’ tax liability by defining tax rates by tax brackets. The top tax rate is 45%.

    In a recent study we explore how features such as tax rates, deductions, credits, and bracket adjustments shape the redistributive capacity of South Africa’s personal income tax system. For this research, we analyse all the income tax returns of South African taxpayers provided by South Africa’s Revenue Service for the tax years 2015 and 2018. (All records were made anonymous.)

    The country´s personal income tax operates under a progressive tax scheme: People pay higher rates of tax as their income rises. Those with lower incomes may owe no income tax at all, while top earners can face marginal rates as high as 45%.

    Based on our analysis, this progressive rate schedule is the most effective mechanism for redistributing income from higher- to lower-income earners. By contrast, “tax expenditures” – that is, expenses, which taxpayers can deduct from what they owe in tax – lower the redistributive impact of the personal income tax system.

    Put differently: Allowing taxpayers to claim tax deductions and tax credits reduces the extent to which personal income taxation effectively lowers gaps between the after-tax income of high- and low-income earners.

    A number of recent tax policy reforms further dampened the redistributive capacity of the system. The spotlight is on potential policy reforms that may counter this.

    Weaknesses

    Our research shows that the benefits from tax expenditures in the country’s personal income tax system lower its ability to narrow income gaps. South African taxpayers can deduct various expenses from the personal income tax base and their tax liability respectively, including expenses for donations, home offices, certain insurance contributions and public offices.

    Many of these benefits are claimed by a relatively small number of taxpayers (often below 1% of the taxpayer population or under 100,000 taxpayers) and are concentrated among top earners. And average deduction amounts can be high.

    Even more widely used deductions and credits, such as those for pensions and medical schemes, are disproportionately claimed by higher-income individuals.

    We also found that recent reforms have weakened the redistributive capacity of the personal income tax system.

    Over the years, adjustments have been made, some intended to improve equity, others driven by the need to bolster revenues. A closer look at three key reforms offers some insight into the impact they have had on the distributive goal of the country’s tax system.

    In 2016, pension-related deductions were redesigned to be more generous and to harmonise the treatment of different pension funds. The goal of the reform was to create a fairer and more coherent pension deduction system. While the number of taxpayers claiming pension deductions increased after the reform, our research found that that the policy change still disproportionately benefited higher-income earners. This is because they are more likely to make pension contributions – and do so in larger amounts.

    As a result, the policy reduced the overall redistributive impact of the personal income tax system. In other words, it lowered the extent to which personal income taxation reduces income gaps between higher and lower income taxpayers.

    The following year, the government introduced a new top tax bracket which raised the marginal tax rate on incomes above R1.5 million (today roughly R1.8 million or US$100,700) from 41% to 45%. That is, if you earn more than R1.5 million, you pay 45% of this income in tax.

    The stated aim of the reform was to strengthen the progressivity of the personal income tax system. But our analysis suggests that the real-world impact was limited. This is because the pre-tax incomes of high earners grew more slowly than those of lower-income individuals after the reform. This may reflect that high income earners responded to the reform by lowering their taxable income. They could do so by tax avoidance – high income earners may, for example, shift income to the (potentially lower-taxed) future by compensation through stock options or higher retirement contributions. Or it could be through real adjustments, like earlier retirement entry or less job effort (and, in consequence, lower earnings).

    Between 2015 and 2018, inflation pushed wages and prices upward, but tax thresholds did not keep pace. This led to many taxpayers being shifted into higher tax brackets despite no real change in their purchasing power (referred to as bracket creep). This raised effective tax rates, but also had a regressive side-effect: lower- and middle-income earners were disproportionately affected, weakening the personal income tax system’s ability to reduce income inequality.

    For example, because of bracket creep, a significant fraction of low-income taxpayers – around 3% – became liable for tax. Without bracket creep they would have stayed below the tax exemption threshold.

    Reforms to the tax system

    South Africa’s progressive personal income tax structure has played an important redistributive role. Nevertheless, its effectiveness has been weakened by tax expenditures, bracket creep, and uneven reform outcomes.

    Targeted policy adjustments can strengthen its redistributive capacity.

    Deductions and tax credits: Most of these are regressive, with benefits concentrated among higher-income earners. Phasing out some could strengthen redistribution. But not without trade-offs. After all, deductions and credits also recognise unavoidable expenses, such as work-related or medical costs, and encourage behaviour like charitable giving or retirement saving.

    Yet their appropriateness remains widely debated and their use differs across countries.

    Beyond fairness, tax expenditures come with other downsides, too. For example, they can complicate tax enforcement and open the door to misreporting, particularly where qualifying expenses are hard to verify.

    Policymakers might also consider shifting from deductions to tax credits.
    While deductions reduce the taxable income of an individual, tax credits directly reduce the tax owed. Individuals in higher tax brackets gain a relatively higher advantage from deductions, as their tax rate is higher. Contrarily, one rand of tax credit provides the same relief to all taxpayers with a positive tax liability.

    Making credits refundable, though potentially costly, could further boost their redistributive effect.

    Standardised deductions could help as well, by allowing fixed rand amounts for certain expenses without requiring proof of payment, and offering relief to lower-income taxpayers who often forgo claims due to lack of resources or knowledge.

    Finally, addressing bracket creep by automatically indexing tax brackets to inflation could preserve the progressivity of the personal income tax system over time, shielding lower- and middle-income taxpayers from a quiet rise in tax burdens.

    Prof. Dr. Nadine Riedel receives funding from UNU WIDER.

    This research is part of the so-called SATIED program. In the context of the program, I act as an academic work stream lead and receive compensation through UNU WIDER (which is the University of the UN) for this role.

    Ida Zinke 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. Tax season in South Africa: the system is designed to tackle inequality – how it falls short – https://theconversation.com/tax-season-in-south-africa-the-system-is-designed-to-tackle-inequality-how-it-falls-short-260351

    MIL OSI –

    July 9, 2025

  • Mansukh Mandaviya kicks off Weightlifting League, says “Mirabai Chanu is the perfect role model”

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, inaugurated the 2025 season of the ASMITA League in Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh, on Tuesday. The 2025 season of ASMITA began with the weightlifting league, where 42 girls are participating in eight different weight categories during the two-day event being held in the Open category.

    In the current financial year 2025–26, 852 leagues across 15 sports disciplines have been planned. The leagues, spread across the states and Union Territories, will feature over 70,000 female athletes. Last season, 550 leagues were conducted across 27 sports disciplines, enabling the participation of 53,101 female athletes.

    “It is our mission to create opportunities at every level and then spot talent and groom them. I see there is a lot of fire in the eyes of these kids who have turned up here in Modinagar. I am sure we will be able to find another Mirabai Chanu,” said Mandaviya.

    Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Mirabai Chanu was among the host of dignitaries present at the inauguration of the ASMITA weightlifting league. Boosting the morale of the participants was Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse.

    “ASMITA is a big pillar in our robust sports programme. Women have demonstrated their ability to excel in sports, and the sky is the limit for them. The intent in the eyes of the kids is something that needs to be cultivated,” said Raksha Khadse.

    “You can’t have a better role model than Mirabai Chanu. Having come from a remote village in Manipur and achieved excellence at the highest levels, she has created a benchmark for all women weightlifters. Her presence should inspire the young girls who are taking part in weightlifting,” said Dr. Mandaviya.

    He also reiterated the government’s “360-degree” commitment to sports and emphasised how this is reflected in the sports budget, which has increased fourfold in the last 10 years.

    “We are looking to reach every corner of India and tell aspiring sportspersons that we now have a pathway for you to rise and shine. Our Khelo Bharat Niti (sports policy) has been designed in this manner, and by collaborating with the National Education Policy, we are giving a lot of impetus to school sports. These efforts will be reflected in the Khelo India calendar that we have created. There will be no dearth of opportunities,” he added.

    Olympian Mirabai said the ASMITA Leagues, which started in 2021, have been a huge boon for women in sports. “Its tiered structure is perfectly scripted. Everyone now has a vision of how to make it to the highest level. We didn’t get such opportunities, and that’s why ASMITA is a blessing for women who want to play a sport and dream big,” said Mirabai.

    IANS

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Recovered appeal: land to the south of Longfield Avenue, Fareham (ref: 3347627 – 8 July 2025)

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Correspondence

    Recovered appeal: land to the south of Longfield Avenue, Fareham (ref: 3347627 – 8 July 2025)

    Decision letter and Inspector’s Report for a recovered appeal.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Recovered appeal: land to the south of Longfield Avenue, Fareham (ref: 3347627 – 8 July 2025)

    PDF, 1.99 MB, 161 pages

    This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

    Request an accessible format.
    If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email alternativeformats@communities.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

    Details

    Decision letter and Inspector’s Report for a recovered appeal for outline planning permission for:

    • up to 1,200 new homes (C3)
    • 80 bed care homes (C2)
    • a new 2 form entry primary school (D1)
    • a local centre to comprise flexible commercial floorspace (A1, A2, A3 and A5 up to 800 square metres), and Community Centre and Health Care Facility (D1 use up to 700 square metres)
    • the formation of new means of access onto Longfield Avenue and Peak Lane
    • new open space including the laying out of a new country park and sports facilities
    • drainage infrastructure
    • walking and cycling infrastructure and other associated infrastructure works

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mini-exhibition aiming to create buzz around value of meadows

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    Through funding from the UK Government Prosperity Fund, Tayside Biodiversity Partnership commissioned Edinburgh-based environmental artist Natalie Taylor to create a new work raising awareness about the importance of nurturing wildflower meadows.  

    Workwear for Pollinators is a small but striking collection of re-imagined workwear designed to be worn while tending meadows and inspired by the pollinators who depend on them. This collection reimagines garments as tools for ecological care—functional pieces created for those restoring biodiversity one wildflower at a time. Drawing direct inspiration from nature’s own palette, the designs bloom with vibrant wildflowers, soft grasses, and the delicate shapes of rarely seen insect species. 

    The apron and boilersuit were created in collaboration with Auchterarder Churches Together Craft Group, Parkdale Care Home, New Rannoch Day Centre and participants at The Workshop in Perth, and feature contact prints of Scottish wildflowers gathered in Summer 2024, and lifesize handmade pollinators – knitted bees and printed butterflies, dragonflies and moths. 

    The exhibition launched at Auchterarder Library on Saturday 5 July (UK National Meadows Day) and is on display there until Wednesday 9 July, then touring to the AK Bell Library in Perth between Thursday 10 and Friday 18 July, and Blairgowrie Library from 18 July to Friday 1 August. The AK Bell Library will also host a free Pollinator Patch drop-in workshop on 10 July from 1pm to 3pm where participants can create their own pollinator critters. For more information, visit the Culture Perth and Kinross website at: https://www.culturepk.org.uk/event/mini-craft-session-woolly-meadow-critters/. 

    Climate Change & Sustainability Convener, Councillor Richard Watters said: “Appropriately opened on UK National Meadows Day, this exhibition reflects the importance of redeveloping our native meadows for the local environment and biodiversity.  

    “The project has been a real community effort with local groups working alongside the artist Natalie Taylor to create the workwear and I hope it and the allied events will encourage increased awareness of habitat loss and how we can all play our part to change this.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 8 July 2025 Strengthening outbreak response in Vanuatu through Go.Data

    Source: World Health Organisation

    COVID-19 response in Vanuatu © WHO / Valerie Fernandez

    Vanuatu, a South Pacific archipelago of 83 islands, is known for its natural beauty and vibrant Melanesian culture. However, the country faces persistent public health challenges, including outbreaks of several communicable diseases, exacerbated by limited infrastructure, climate change and frequent natural disasters. As one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, Vanuatu requires resilient, adaptable health systems to respond to public health emergencies quickly and effectively.

    To strengthen its outbreak response, the Ministry of Health adopted Go.Data, a tool developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with GOARN partners, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially deployed in January 2022 to support COVID-19 case investigation and contact tracing, Go.Data has since been expanded to cover measles, leptospirosis, tuberculosis, and yaws due to its usability and flexibility. This expansion reflects a strategic shift from reactive, one-off emergency use to an integrated digital surveillance platform embedded within Vanuatu’s broader public health infrastructure.

    Before Go.Data, disease surveillance relied heavily on manual reporting, ad hoc spreadsheets and fragmented communication. Health workers, especially in remote provinces, found it difficult to coordinate and respond effectively. Limited radio and mobile phone coverage further delayed case investigations and contact follow-ups. These constraints placed already vulnerable populations at greater risk during disease outbreaks.

    Recognizing the need for a flexible, offline-capable digital solution, the Ministry of Health implemented Go.Data with support from WHO. Go.Data was introduced to meet this need, offering a way to digitize and streamline field investigation, contact management and data-driven decision-making during outbreaks. Its integration into the Ministry’s core public health system, DHIS2, now ensures that outbreak intelligence is part of the national health surveillance and public health reporting system.

    Implementation included training provincial health surveillance teams, Health Information System (HIS) officers, and public health staff. The rollout prioritized capacity building, with follow-up mentoring and field-based support from the HIS team to ensure sustainability. One of the most transformative features has been Go.Data’s offline functionality, enabling field teams to continue working even in areas with no internet connectivity.

    Community outreach campaign in Tanna Island, Vanuatu © WHO / Aya Yajima

    Go.Data has significantly improved the country’s ability to detect and respond to outbreaks swiftly. It has supported faster containment, more precise mapping of transmission chains, and better public health messaging. Rachel Takoar, the HIS Manager at the Ministry of Health reflected, “Before Go.Data, we relied on phone calls and paper notes. Now, we can see the spread clearly, act quickly, and help protect our communities.”

    Today, Go.Data continues to be a cornerstone of Vanuatu’s digital health system. Aligned with the Digital Health Strategy 2025–2030, the Ministry of Health is advancing efforts to expand the use of Go.Data through continuous training to health and non-health actors; the refinement of standard operating procedures for multi-disease outbreak response; integration with the National Laboratory Information System; and the exploration of its role in climate-sensitive disease surveillance and integrated One Health initiatives. These efforts reflect a strong commitment to building a more resilient, data-driven public health system capable of responding to both current and emerging health threats.

    Key lessons from implementation underscore the importance of contextual adaptation, sustained capacity-building and continuous learning. Vanuatu’s experience illustrates how digital tools, when effectively implemented, can strengthen public health systems, enhance epidemic preparedness and safeguard communities during times of crisis.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Ding! Scammers are hiding in your text messages

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    July 8, 2025 – GATINEAU (Québec), Competition Bureau

    Phones are constantly buzzing, and scammers know the easiest way to you is through your text messages.

    Lately, many people are seeing more text messages from unknown numbers, saying things like “Unpaid highway toll detected on your vehicle. Pay now to avoid fines.” or “We’ve detected suspicious activity on your account – verify now”. Be on the lookout: it could be a common scam known as smishing.

    What is smishing?

    Smishing is a type of scam where fraudsters send text messages pretending to be trusted businesses, government agencies, or even people you know. They try to trick you into clicking malicious links or sharing sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers. Their goal is to steal your personal data or money.

    Warning signs

    Be cautious of text messages if:

    • it comes unexpectedly from an unknown number
    • it asks for personal info or requests you click a link
    • it creates a sense of urgency
    • it claims they are from a trusted business or bank to appear legitimate

    Protect yourself

    Take these steps to prevent becoming a victim:

    • Verify the sender by contacting them through another medium, like the phone number on the official website
    • Never click on suspicious links
    • Delete smishing messages and block the number
    • Ignore texts even if they ask to reply with “STOP” or “NO”
    • Flag spam texts by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM), helping your cellular provider investigate further
    • Report suspicious texts. If you believe you’ve come across smishing, report it to Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: IAM Union Members at Arrow Gear Ratify Strong Contract After 9 Weeks on Strike

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., July 7, 2025—After an intense nine-week strike, approximately 118 IAM Union Local 701 members at Arrow Gear in Downers Grove, Ill., have overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year agreement that delivers major victories, including significant economic gains and critical improvements to working conditions. The hard-fought contract also includes substantial increases to sick leave, stronger job protections, and more respectful terms on the shop floor.

    “The strength, solidarity, and determination of our members was truly unmatched,” said IAM Union Local 701 Directing Business Representative Mark Grasseschi. “They stood together for over nine weeks, fought for what they deserve, and made it clear that they would not settle for anything less than a fair and dignified contract. This contract gives our members the respect and dignity they deserve.”

    The strike, which began on May 5, centered around issues of job security, fair wages, healthcare, and workplace respect. IAM members at Arrow Gear are essential to the aerospace and defense industries, took a stand for a contract that reflected their value and hard work.

    Key gains in the new agreement include:

    • Job Security: Stronger protections against outsourcing, with the company committing to keep key work in-house.
    • Stability: A fair attendance policy that takes into account personal circumstances like injuries outside of work.
    • Respect: A commitment from the company to open, respectful communication.
    • Seniority Rights: Clear departmental homes and seniority-based job security, ensuring members’ rights are protected after years of dedicated service.

    “After nine weeks of unwavering solidarity, our members have secured a contract they can be proud of,” said IAM Union Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Their fight was not just for themselves, but for all Illinois workers. We are grateful for the community’s support and our labor allies who stood with us during this critical time.” 

    The post IAM Union Members at Arrow Gear Ratify Strong Contract After 9 Weeks on Strike appeared first on IAM Union.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: IAM Union Members at Arrow Gear Ratify Strong Contract After 9 Weeks on Strike

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., July 7, 2025—After an intense nine-week strike, approximately 118 IAM Union Local 701 members at Arrow Gear in Downers Grove, Ill., have overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year agreement that delivers major victories, including significant economic gains and critical improvements to working conditions. The hard-fought contract also includes substantial increases to sick leave, stronger job protections, and more respectful terms on the shop floor.

    “The strength, solidarity, and determination of our members was truly unmatched,” said IAM Union Local 701 Directing Business Representative Mark Grasseschi. “They stood together for over nine weeks, fought for what they deserve, and made it clear that they would not settle for anything less than a fair and dignified contract. This contract gives our members the respect and dignity they deserve.”

    The strike, which began on May 5, centered around issues of job security, fair wages, healthcare, and workplace respect. IAM members at Arrow Gear are essential to the aerospace and defense industries, took a stand for a contract that reflected their value and hard work.

    Key gains in the new agreement include:

    • Job Security: Stronger protections against outsourcing, with the company committing to keep key work in-house.
    • Stability: A fair attendance policy that takes into account personal circumstances like injuries outside of work.
    • Respect: A commitment from the company to open, respectful communication.
    • Seniority Rights: Clear departmental homes and seniority-based job security, ensuring members’ rights are protected after years of dedicated service.

    “After nine weeks of unwavering solidarity, our members have secured a contract they can be proud of,” said IAM Union Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Their fight was not just for themselves, but for all Illinois workers. We are grateful for the community’s support and our labor allies who stood with us during this critical time.” 

    The post IAM Union Members at Arrow Gear Ratify Strong Contract After 9 Weeks on Strike appeared first on IAM Union.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Inchelium Man Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Beating and Strangling His Intimate Partner

    Source: US FBI

    Spokane, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced that Rodney Alan Signor, 49, of Inchelium, Washington, was sentenced after pleading guilty to Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to a Spouse, Intimate Partner, or Dating Partner in Indian Country. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice imposed a sentence of 57 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.

    According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on June 9, 2022, Signor assaulted his intimate partner by striking her and causing her to suffer bruising. In addition to beating his victim, Signor also strangled her, which caused her to lose consciousness. Signor also gagged his victim, wielded a knife toward her, and threatened to kill her.

    “This case raised serious concerns for the victim’s safety, and I’m incredibly proud of the FBI’s swift and decisive response once the crime came to light,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Barker. “Our office remains firmly committed to protecting victims and holding domestic abusers accountable through aggressive prosecution.”

    “Mr. Signor treated his former partner reprehensibly, endangering her safety in multiple violent attacks. We hope this sentence sends a clear message to Mr. Signor and others like him that violent crime will not be tolerated. The FBI is committed to continuing our work to reduce violent crime in tribal communities alongside our tribal partners,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office.

    Compared to all other groups in the United States, Native American women experience some of the highest rates of domestic violence. Particularly pervasive among violent crime is nonfatal strangulation by intimate partners. Nearly half of domestic violence victims report being choked. Although nonfatal strangulation often leaves few visible signs of injury, it can cause severe physical, neurological, and psychological complications and too often forebodes future domestic homicide. A woman who has been nonfatally strangled is over seven times more likely to be killed by the same intimate partner. The recent increased focus on the dangers of nonfatal strangulation confirms what survivors of it have known for years—that many domestic violence perpetrators do not strangle their intimate partners to kill them; they strangle them to let them know they can kill them any time they wish.

    This case was investigated by the FBI and the Colville Tribal Police Department. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael L. Vander Giessen and Assistant United States Attorney Nowles H. Heinrich.

    2:23-cr-00145-TOR

    MIL Security OSI –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Inchelium Man Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Beating and Strangling His Intimate Partner

    Source: US FBI

    Spokane, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced that Rodney Alan Signor, 49, of Inchelium, Washington, was sentenced after pleading guilty to Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to a Spouse, Intimate Partner, or Dating Partner in Indian Country. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice imposed a sentence of 57 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.

    According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on June 9, 2022, Signor assaulted his intimate partner by striking her and causing her to suffer bruising. In addition to beating his victim, Signor also strangled her, which caused her to lose consciousness. Signor also gagged his victim, wielded a knife toward her, and threatened to kill her.

    “This case raised serious concerns for the victim’s safety, and I’m incredibly proud of the FBI’s swift and decisive response once the crime came to light,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Barker. “Our office remains firmly committed to protecting victims and holding domestic abusers accountable through aggressive prosecution.”

    “Mr. Signor treated his former partner reprehensibly, endangering her safety in multiple violent attacks. We hope this sentence sends a clear message to Mr. Signor and others like him that violent crime will not be tolerated. The FBI is committed to continuing our work to reduce violent crime in tribal communities alongside our tribal partners,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office.

    Compared to all other groups in the United States, Native American women experience some of the highest rates of domestic violence. Particularly pervasive among violent crime is nonfatal strangulation by intimate partners. Nearly half of domestic violence victims report being choked. Although nonfatal strangulation often leaves few visible signs of injury, it can cause severe physical, neurological, and psychological complications and too often forebodes future domestic homicide. A woman who has been nonfatally strangled is over seven times more likely to be killed by the same intimate partner. The recent increased focus on the dangers of nonfatal strangulation confirms what survivors of it have known for years—that many domestic violence perpetrators do not strangle their intimate partners to kill them; they strangle them to let them know they can kill them any time they wish.

    This case was investigated by the FBI and the Colville Tribal Police Department. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael L. Vander Giessen and Assistant United States Attorney Nowles H. Heinrich.

    2:23-cr-00145-TOR

    MIL Security OSI –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Calls to designate the Bishnoi gang a terrorist group shine a spotlight on Canada’s security laws

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Basema Al-Alami, SJD Candidate, Faculty of Law, University of Toronto

    British Columbia Premier David Eby recently called on Prime Minister Mark Carney to designate the India-based Bishnoi gang a terrorist organization.

    Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown echoed the request days later. The RCMP has also alleged the gang may be targeting pro-Khalistan activists in Canada.

    These claims follow a series of high-profile incidents in India linked to the Bishnoi network, including the murder of a Punjabi rapper in New Delhi, threats against a Bollywood actor and the killing of a Mumbai politician in late 2024.

    How terrorism designations work

    Eby’s request raises broader legal questions. What does it mean to label a group a terrorist organization in Canada and what happens once that label is applied?

    Under Section 83.05 of the Criminal Code, the federal government can designate an entity a terrorist organization if there are “reasonable grounds to believe” it has engaged in, supported or facilitated terrorist activity. The term “entity” is defined broadly, covering individuals, groups, partnerships and unincorporated associations.

    The process begins with intelligence and law enforcement reports submitted to the public safety minister, who may then recommend listing the group to cabinet if it’s believed the legal threshold is met. If cabinet agrees, the group is officially designated a terrorist organization.

    A designation carries serious consequences: assets can be frozen and financial dealings become criminalized. Banks and other institutions are protected from liability if they refuse to engage with the group. Essentially, the designation cuts the group off from economic and civic life, often without prior notice or public hearing.

    As of July 2025, Canada has listed 86 entities, from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to far-right and nationalist organizations. In February, the government added seven violent criminal groups from Latin America, including the Sinaloa cartel and La Mara Salvatrucha, known as the MS-13.

    This marked a turning point: for the first time, Canada extended terrorism designations beyond ideological or political movements to include transnational criminal networks.

    Why the shift matters

    This shift reflects a deeper redefinition of what Canada considers a national security threat. For much of the post-9/11 era, counterterrorism efforts in Canada have concentrated on groups tied to ideological, religious or political agendas — most often framed through the lens of Islamic terrorism.

    This has determined not only who is targeted, but also what forms of violence are taken seriously as national security concerns.

    That is why the recent expansion of terrorism designations — first with the listing of Mexican cartels in early 2025, and now potentially with the Bishnoi gang — feels so significant.

    It signals a shift away from targeting ideology alone and toward labelling profit-driven organized crime as terrorism. While transnational gangs may pose serious public safety risks, designating them terrorist organizations could erode the legal and political boundaries that once separated counterterrorism initiatives from criminal law.

    Canada’s terrorism listing process only adds to these concerns. The decision is made by cabinet, based on secret intelligence, with no obligation to inform the group or offer a chance to respond. Most of the evidence remains hidden, even from the courts.

    While judicial review is technically possible, it is limited, opaque and rarely successful.

    In effect, the label becomes final. It brings serious legal consequences like asset freezes, criminal charges and immigration bans. But the informal fallout can be just as harsh: banks shut down accounts, landlords back out of leases, employers cut ties. Even without a trial or conviction, the stigma of being associated with a listed group can dramatically change someone’s life.

    What’s at stake

    Using terrorism laws to go after violent criminal networks like the Bishnoi gang may seem justified. But it quietly expands powers that were originally designed for specific types of threats. It also stretches a national security framework already tainted by racial and political bias.



    Read more:
    Canadian law enforcement agencies continue to target Muslims

    For more than two decades, Canada’s counterterrorism laws have disproportionately targeted Muslim and racialized communities under a logic of pre-emptive suspicion. Applying those same powers to organized crime, especially when it impacts immigrant and diaspora communities, risks reproducing that harm under a different label.

    Canadians should be asking: what happens when tools built for exceptional threats become the default response to complex criminal violence?

    As the federal government considers whether to label the Bishnoi gang a terrorist organization, the real question goes beyond whether the group meets the legal test. It’s about what kind of legal logic Canada is endorsing.

    Terrorism designations carry sweeping powers, with little oversight and lasting consequences. Extending those powers to organized crime might appear pragmatic, but it risks normalizing a process that has long operated in the shadows, shaped by secrecy and executive discretion.

    As national security law expands, Canadians should ask not just who gets listed, but how those decisions are made and what broader political agendas they might serve.

    Basema Al-Alami 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. Calls to designate the Bishnoi gang a terrorist group shine a spotlight on Canada’s security laws – https://theconversation.com/calls-to-designate-the-bishnoi-gang-a-terrorist-group-shine-a-spotlight-on-canadas-security-laws-259844

    MIL OSI –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Tax season in South Africa: the system is designed to tackle inequality – how it falls short

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Nadine Riedel, Director of the Institute for Public and Regional Economics, University of Münster

    South Africa’s personal income tax system is in the spotlight as the country’s tax filing season gets under way. Personal income tax is an important way of redistributing income from higher-earning to less-well-off individuals.

    But how effectively does it do this and what can get in the way?

    At the heart of any redistributive tax system is its structure: which incomes are taxed or exempted, which expenses are tax deductible, how the tax rate schedule is designed, and which tax credits are granted, including how much they reduce the tax owed. The schedule translates taxable income into the taxpayers’ tax liability by defining tax rates by tax brackets. The top tax rate is 45%.

    In a recent study we explore how features such as tax rates, deductions, credits, and bracket adjustments shape the redistributive capacity of South Africa’s personal income tax system. For this research, we analyse all the income tax returns of South African taxpayers provided by South Africa’s Revenue Service for the tax years 2015 and 2018. (All records were made anonymous.)

    The country´s personal income tax operates under a progressive tax scheme: People pay higher rates of tax as their income rises. Those with lower incomes may owe no income tax at all, while top earners can face marginal rates as high as 45%.

    Based on our analysis, this progressive rate schedule is the most effective mechanism for redistributing income from higher- to lower-income earners. By contrast, “tax expenditures” – that is, expenses, which taxpayers can deduct from what they owe in tax – lower the redistributive impact of the personal income tax system.

    Put differently: Allowing taxpayers to claim tax deductions and tax credits reduces the extent to which personal income taxation effectively lowers gaps between the after-tax income of high- and low-income earners.

    A number of recent tax policy reforms further dampened the redistributive capacity of the system. The spotlight is on potential policy reforms that may counter this.

    Weaknesses

    Our research shows that the benefits from tax expenditures in the country’s personal income tax system lower its ability to narrow income gaps. South African taxpayers can deduct various expenses from the personal income tax base and their tax liability respectively, including expenses for donations, home offices, certain insurance contributions and public offices.

    Many of these benefits are claimed by a relatively small number of taxpayers (often below 1% of the taxpayer population or under 100,000 taxpayers) and are concentrated among top earners. And average deduction amounts can be high.

    Even more widely used deductions and credits, such as those for pensions and medical schemes, are disproportionately claimed by higher-income individuals.

    We also found that recent reforms have weakened the redistributive capacity of the personal income tax system.

    Over the years, adjustments have been made, some intended to improve equity, others driven by the need to bolster revenues. A closer look at three key reforms offers some insight into the impact they have had on the distributive goal of the country’s tax system.

    In 2016, pension-related deductions were redesigned to be more generous and to harmonise the treatment of different pension funds. The goal of the reform was to create a fairer and more coherent pension deduction system. While the number of taxpayers claiming pension deductions increased after the reform, our research found that that the policy change still disproportionately benefited higher-income earners. This is because they are more likely to make pension contributions – and do so in larger amounts.

    As a result, the policy reduced the overall redistributive impact of the personal income tax system. In other words, it lowered the extent to which personal income taxation reduces income gaps between higher and lower income taxpayers.

    The following year, the government introduced a new top tax bracket which raised the marginal tax rate on incomes above R1.5 million (today roughly R1.8 million or US$100,700) from 41% to 45%. That is, if you earn more than R1.5 million, you pay 45% of this income in tax.

    The stated aim of the reform was to strengthen the progressivity of the personal income tax system. But our analysis suggests that the real-world impact was limited. This is because the pre-tax incomes of high earners grew more slowly than those of lower-income individuals after the reform. This may reflect that high income earners responded to the reform by lowering their taxable income. They could do so by tax avoidance – high income earners may, for example, shift income to the (potentially lower-taxed) future by compensation through stock options or higher retirement contributions. Or it could be through real adjustments, like earlier retirement entry or less job effort (and, in consequence, lower earnings).

    Between 2015 and 2018, inflation pushed wages and prices upward, but tax thresholds did not keep pace. This led to many taxpayers being shifted into higher tax brackets despite no real change in their purchasing power (referred to as bracket creep). This raised effective tax rates, but also had a regressive side-effect: lower- and middle-income earners were disproportionately affected, weakening the personal income tax system’s ability to reduce income inequality.

    For example, because of bracket creep, a significant fraction of low-income taxpayers – around 3% – became liable for tax. Without bracket creep they would have stayed below the tax exemption threshold.

    Reforms to the tax system

    South Africa’s progressive personal income tax structure has played an important redistributive role. Nevertheless, its effectiveness has been weakened by tax expenditures, bracket creep, and uneven reform outcomes.

    Targeted policy adjustments can strengthen its redistributive capacity.

    Deductions and tax credits: Most of these are regressive, with benefits concentrated among higher-income earners. Phasing out some could strengthen redistribution. But not without trade-offs. After all, deductions and credits also recognise unavoidable expenses, such as work-related or medical costs, and encourage behaviour like charitable giving or retirement saving.

    Yet their appropriateness remains widely debated and their use differs across countries.

    Beyond fairness, tax expenditures come with other downsides, too. For example, they can complicate tax enforcement and open the door to misreporting, particularly where qualifying expenses are hard to verify.

    Policymakers might also consider shifting from deductions to tax credits. While deductions reduce the taxable income of an individual, tax credits directly reduce the tax owed. Individuals in higher tax brackets gain a relatively higher advantage from deductions, as their tax rate is higher. Contrarily, one rand of tax credit provides the same relief to all taxpayers with a positive tax liability.

    Making credits refundable, though potentially costly, could further boost their redistributive effect.

    Standardised deductions could help as well, by allowing fixed rand amounts for certain expenses without requiring proof of payment, and offering relief to lower-income taxpayers who often forgo claims due to lack of resources or knowledge.

    Finally, addressing bracket creep by automatically indexing tax brackets to inflation could preserve the progressivity of the personal income tax system over time, shielding lower- and middle-income taxpayers from a quiet rise in tax burdens.

    – Tax season in South Africa: the system is designed to tackle inequality – how it falls short
    – https://theconversation.com/tax-season-in-south-africa-the-system-is-designed-to-tackle-inequality-how-it-falls-short-260351

    MIL OSI Africa –

    July 9, 2025

  • Novartis wins approval for first malaria drug for newborns and babies

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Novartis said on Tuesday it had received approval in Switzerland for Coartem Baby, which it said was the first drug to treat malaria in babies and very young children.

    Eight African countries who participated in the assessment are now expected to issue quick approvals for the treatment, which is also known as Riamet Baby in some countries.

    Novartis launched Coartem to treat malaria in 1999, with a new dose strength now designed for small babies.

    The treatment was developed with scientific and financial support from Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), a Swiss non-profit group working to deliver medicines to treat, prevent and eliminate the disease that is spread by mosquitoes.

    The new infant version of Coartem is dissolvable, including in breast milk, and has a sweet cherry flavour to make it easier to administer.

    Until now, there has been no approved malaria treatment for infants weighing less than 4.5 kilograms (9.9 pounds), leaving a treatment gap, Novartis said.

    Currently available malaria treatments have only been tested in children at least six months old, because the very young are usually excluded from treatment trials.

    Previously, infants have used formulations meant for older children, increasing the risk of overdose. Malaria vaccines are also not approved for the youngest babies.

    The eight countries that took part in the assessment were Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda.

    Around 30 million babies are born in areas of malaria risk in Africa every year, with one survey across West Africa reporting infections ranging between 3.4% and 18.4% in infants younger than six months old, Novartis said.

    The treatment will be distributed on a largely not for profit basis, Novartis said.

    “Together with our partners, we are proud to have gone further to develop the first clinically proven malaria treatment for newborns and young babies, ensuring even the smallest and most vulnerable can finally receive the care they deserve,” said Novartis CEO Vas Narasimhan.

    -REUTERS

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Partners welcome Haxby Station announcement

    Source: City of York

    Work to build a new station at Haxby has taken a major step forward after funding was confirmed by the Department for Transport.

    Working in partnership with Network Rail and the Department for Transport (DfT), City of York Council have been striving to fulfil a decades-long ambition to bring a railway station back to Haxby.

    The original Haxby Station closed in 1930 and project partners are progressing plans to bring a station back to the area, reconnecting neighbourhoods in the north of York to the rail network, increasing sustainable travel options and improving connections to towns and cities across the country.

    The scheme was included in Yorkshire’s Plan for Rail – submitted to the Government in May – after the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, identified it as a key priority for the region’s rail network in order to improve journeys and drive growth.

    A planning application was submitted in 2024, with images showing what the station could look like in the future, with a fully accessible footbridge with lifts and steps connecting the two platforms, bike shelters, a 154-space car park (including EV charging), taxi rank and a bus stop. Shared-use paths will connect the station to residential areas of Haxby for those travelling to the station as pedestrians or by cycle.

    Partners on the project have welcomed the news:

    Cllr Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council said:

    “We welcome today’s significant investment in York and our wider region.

    We’ve been working hard to secure the funding for Haxby Station that will allow this important project to get started. We’ve been working with Network Rail and a range of other partners, the council itself has committed £4m to the project to help make the ambition of the new station a reality.

    “Haxby hasn’t had a station since the 1930’s and bringing one back has the potential to be an economic game changer for the north of our city and other places on this important line, like Scarborough. The new station will help people commute to work and school or have a day out in one of the many places on the TransPennine route and beyond. All while travelling sustainably.

    “With more homes being built across the city, this station is needed more than ever. It will take some pressure off the Outer Ring Road and reduce car journeys from the area into the city centre, helping to ease congestion on our roads, making it easier for everyone to get around.

    “The project still needs planning approval and we are following that process through, but this funding certainty is a welcome step forward for a project long in the making.”

    Chris Wright, senior sponsor for Network Rail, said:

    This is an important milestone for the Haxby station project, which will reconnect the local community to the rail network for the first time in almost a century.

    “The new station will provide better connections across the region and beyond, supporting sustainable travel options for local residents and visitors alike. We look forward to continuing our close partnership with all stakeholders as we progress through the planning process and work towards making this long-awaited station a reality.”

    The Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, said:

    Not only will residents benefit from a new station, faster journeys and better connections, Haxby Station will unlock opportunities for new homes and economic growth along the entire York to Scarborough corridor.

    “The scheme was one of our key priorities in the Yorkshire Plan for Rail we submitted to Government in May. This investment is clear recognition of the potential of the new station to drive growth and ease congestion by offering a new option for travel.

    “Once complete, 20,000 people will live within 3km of the station, benefiting from better access to jobs and opportunities.

    “I’m looking forward to working with the Government, City of York Council and Network Rail to ensure Haxby Station becomes part of an accessible, connected transport network serving York and North Yorkshire.”

    The planning application is in the planning process and is subject to a planning decision.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City awarded over £1.8m for new PlayZones programme

    Source: City of Leicester

    NINE community multi-sports mini pitches are to be developed in neighbourhoods across Leicester thanks to a £1.8 million funding award.

    The city council has successfully bid for nine grants – totalling £1,858,066 – from the Football Foundation’s national PlayZones Programme.

    PlayZones are safe, inclusive and accessible outdoor facilities that aim to bring communities together through recreational football and other sports.

    The cash will be used to create four new outdoor mini pitches and refurbish five existing ball courts at sites across the city.

    The locations for the four new PlayZones will be Elston Fields, in the Saffron area; Hamilton Park; Mowmacre and Sharmon Crescent Play Park, in Braunstone Frith.

    Existing ball courts will be refurbished at Atlas Close, in Highfields; Armadale Drive, in Netherhall; Cossington recreation Ground, in Belgrave; Eyres Monsell; and Spinney Hill Park.

    All nine of the new PlayZones will be able to be booked for free using The ClubSpark online system, and will have timed floodlighting and secure gates, to help manage access.

    Following installation, the new PlayZones will all offer a programme of structured activities led by professional sports clubs and local community groups.

    Cllr Vi Dempster, assistant city mayor for health and culture, said: “This new funding from the Football Foundation will help us to deliver valuable improvements to nine local communities.

    “Each of the areas have been selected due to a lack of high-quality sports facilities in the community which can create a barrier to physical activity.

    “The new PlayZones will help address that, offering safe and secure ball courts where the community can meet for recreational football and other activities, and enjoy a programme of events and training delivered by local sports clubs and other organisations.”

    All the new PlayZones are being designed following consultation with the local community.

    The Eyres Monsell PlayZone will be the first to be completed and is due to open to the public later this summer.

    Using investment from the Premier League, the FA and the Government through Sport England, the Football Foundation’s PlayZones Programme aims to engage with local communities across the country to create outstanding sports and activity spaces and tackle inequalities in participation.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: XV International Industrial Exhibition “Innoprom”.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The International Industrial Exhibition “Innoprom” has been held in Yekaterinburg annually since 2010 and is the main industrial, trade and export platform in Russia, serving as a platform where the foundations of industrial policy are laid. About 80% of the exhibition visitors are professional buyers from different countries of the world, specialists of industrial enterprises making decisions on the introduction of new products and technologies in production.

    The 15th International Industrial Exhibition Innoprom is taking place from July 7 to 10 at the Yekaterinburg-Expo IEC. The theme of Innoprom 2025 is Technological Leadership: Industrial Breakthrough.

    Drive

    Meeting of Mikhail Mishustin with Acting Governor of Sverdlovsk Region Denis Pasler

    Mikhail Mishustin inspected a prototype of the modernized Il-114-300 passenger aircraft

    Five countries are represented with national expositions this year: the partner country of Innoprom-2025 – the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as the republics of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus.

    Among Russian companies, large-scale stands will be presented by the Rostec State Corporation, the Rosatom State Corporation, Sber, GPB, Sinara, TMK, and PC Transport Systems. Collective expositions are planned to be presented by 33 regions of Russia: Vologda Oblast, DPR, Zaporozhye Oblast, Kaluga Oblast, Kirov Oblast, Krasnodar Krai, Krasnoyarsk Krai, Kurgan Oblast, Lipetsk Oblast, LPR, Moscow, Orenburg Oblast, Oryol Oblast, Perm Krai, Primorsky Krai, Rostov Oblast, Republic of Bashkortostan, Republic of Karelia, Komi Republic, Mari El Republic, Republic of Tatarstan, Samara Oblast, Sakhalin Oblast, Sverdlovsk Oblast, Tambov Oblast, Tver Oblast, Tomsk Oblast, Tula Oblast, Udmurt Republic, Chelyabinsk Oblast, Chuvash Republic, Kherson Oblast, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug – Yugra.

    Collective national expositions occupy an area of 2,445 sq. m. Official delegations are expected from China, the UAE, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Armenia, Myanmar, Egypt, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, the Central African Republic, Congo, Burkina Faso, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as countries represented with national expositions. Delegations of business representatives from at least 52 countries are expected, including Iran, Qatar, China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Senegal, Guinea, Ghana, and Turkey.

    The main tracks of the Innoprom business program are: International Cooperation, Industrial Innovations, Digital Production, Industrial IT, Cybersecurity in Industry, Finance and Industry, Industrial Infrastructure, New Mobility, Technologies for Cities, Labor Productivity, Human Resources, and Educational Solutions for Industry. The business program sessions will be held throughout all four days of the exhibition.

    The key event of the Innoprom-2025 business program will be the main strategic session “Technological Leadership: Industrial Breakthrough”, within the framework of which the presentation of the 11th Russian National Industrial Award “Industry” is planned.

    The award was established in 2014 by the Ministry of Industry and Trade to promote the implementation of advanced technologies in industrial production and public recognition of the best practices of Russian companies in industrial development. In 2015, “Industry” was awarded the status of a Government Award. In 2025, a record number of applications was received – 392. The largest number of applications came from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Sverdlovsk, Moscow and Chelyabinsk regions. The nominees were Biotekhno LLC, KEAZ JSC, Optic Fiber Systems JSC, NPP Radar MMS JSC and Severstal PJSC. The projects of the laureate and nominees will be presented at the stand of innovative industrial projects of the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Tatyana Golikova greeted the participants of the 10th All-Russian Forum of State Labor Inspectors

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova addressed the participants of the 10th All-Russian Forum of State Labor Inspectors with a video greeting.

    Video greeting from Tatyana Golikova to the participants of the 10th All-Russian Forum of State Labor Inspectors.

    15 hours ago

    From the transcript:

    Dear colleagues!

    I am pleased to welcome the participants and guests of the tenth anniversary All-Russian Forum of State Labor Inspectors.

    Over the years of its existence, the forum has become a unique platform for dialogue, professional training and the formation of new approaches to solving the most important social task of the state – protecting the labor rights of citizens.

    And here the main role is played by the federal labor inspection system, which has changed significantly over the past period.

    Rostrud was one of the first supervisory bodies to test the use of a risk-oriented approach, checklists and a prevention system – all of these developments were subsequently taken into account in the federal law on supervision, according to which all supervisory bodies now operate.

    The introduction of innovative principles has made it possible to achieve quite significant results.

    Thus, over the past 12 years, the level of industrial injuries has decreased by a third. The amount of wage arrears has decreased more than threefold. Last year alone, largely due to the implemented algorithm of interaction with employers without inspections, workers received their due payments in the amount of over 5.6 billion rubles. According to the results of last year, the rights of more than 367 thousand working citizens were restored. In accordance with the demands of labor inspectors, wages in the amount of over 14 billion rubles were paid.

    These figures represent the well-being of our citizens. And largely thanks to your work, sensitive, caring approach to solving problems that arise for workers, the sphere of labor relations remains stable.

    But of course, we can’t stop there.

    Today, you are faced with new challenges: the development of risk management systems, services for preventing violations of mandatory requirements, risk indicators as the main control tool and, of course, the digitalization of control activities, including the introduction of remote supervision elements.

    These are not easy tasks, but their solution will allow us to qualitatively improve the efficiency of labor supervision. Make it precise and targeted.

    I am confident that within the framework of the forum you will be able to exchange best practices, discuss existing problems and find solutions, and develop new approaches to organizing control and supervisory activities.

    You will become the conductors of the innovative ideas being implemented, and it is up to you to determine how flexible, fair and effective the system of control and prevention of labor relations will be.

    Participation of our foreign colleagues in the forum has become a good tradition. I hope that the forum will allow you to get acquainted with new approaches in the work of Russian inspectors, exchange experiences, and also improve the level of professional skills and competencies.

    I wish you all successful work.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Department of Construction Materials Technology and Metrology has developed methods to improve the fire safety of concrete

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Associate Professor of the Department of Construction Materials Technology and Metrology Dmitry Panteleev completed the research work “Crack resistance of dispersion-reinforced concrete after high-temperature heating” as part of the grant competition for the implementation of research work by scientific and pedagogical workers of SPbGASU in 2025.

    Every year in Russia there are many fires in buildings and structures. Their number can be reduced by increasing the requirements for the structural safety of buildings. For this, when designing, in addition to calculating the load-bearing structure for strength, it is also necessary to carry out a fire resistance calculation to guarantee the preservation of the load-bearing capacity in fire conditions for a specified time.

    In case of fire, high fire resistance of building structures is a guarantee not only of the structural integrity of the building, but also of the safety of people. After the fire starts to affect the structure, concrete can explode, breaking off from the heated surface in plates. Pieces of peeling concrete fly off with a bang to a distance of up to 10 m.

    During the research, fibre-reinforced concrete compositions were designed and manufactured, followed by determination of their properties after exposure to high-temperature heating.

    It was found that the use of steel fiber can increase the crack resistance and fracture toughness of concrete structures, thereby making them safer in the event of a fire, while the use of synthetic microfiber helps to avoid explosive destruction.

    As a result of the research, effective versions of fiber concrete were developed using high-modulus steel and low-modulus synthetic fibers to obtain highly fire-resistant concrete, to increase their technical and economic efficiency, reliability and operational safety of building and structure structures.

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The 2nd course for Kazakh entrepreneurs has been completed in Qingdao

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhua) — The second course for Kazakh entrepreneurs was held in Qingdao, Shandong Province, east China, in late June and early July.

    The 2nd training course on regional trade and economic cooperation between agricultural enterprises of China and Kazakhstan was held at the Institute of Trade and Economics of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) of Qingdao University. It was attended by 13 entrepreneurs from Kazakhstan, the local newspaper Dazhong Ribao reports.

    The course participants visited the SCO International Exhibition Centre, the SCO One-Stop Service Platform and local enterprises, where they learned about the development of livestock technology and China’s achievements in the application of intelligent agricultural technologies.

    In addition, last Friday the institute hosted a business meeting of entrepreneurs from China and Kazakhstan.

    “The meeting allowed us to establish contacts with several Kazakh enterprises. The parties agreed to deepen contacts to promote the implementation of agricultural investment projects in Kazakhstan,” Wang Huawei, director of investments at one of the Qingdao investment companies, told the newspaper in an interview.

    Since its establishment in 2022, the SCO Institute of Trade and Economics has conducted 175 courses, attended by 12,000 people from SCO countries and countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s military expresses confidence in fighting separatists seeking ‘Taiwan independence’

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhua) — China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has the confidence and ability to dispel all illusions of separatists advocating “Taiwan independence,” Defense Ministry spokesman Jiang Bin said Tuesday.

    Jiang Bin thus commented, at the request of journalists, on recent statements by the head of the Taiwanese administration, Lai Qingde, about the so-called increase in the “defense budget” and the “struggle for Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu.”

    Both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to China alone, and Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu are all part of China’s sacred territory, Jiang Bin stated.

    Jiang Bin criticized Lai Qingde for fabricating security threats to manipulate public opinion in Taiwan and attempting to militarize local society and drag Taiwan’s future into a scenario of external interference.

    Lai Qingde’s call to “fight for Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu” is actually a fight for the interests of the Democratic Progressive Party and the separatists’ desire for “Taiwan independence,” he confirmed.

    Commenting on Taiwan’s military exercises that will begin on Wednesday, Jiang Bin noted that no matter what exercises they conduct or what weapons they use, it will not stop the PLA’s countermeasures against “Taiwan independence” or stop the irresistible trend of national reunification. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Shanghai Welcomes Pushkin: Special Exhibition Introduces Chinese to Russian Poet

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    SHANGHAI, July 8 (Xinhua) — A special exhibition titled “Great Poet, Pride of the Nation – A.S. Pushkin and Eastern Repercussions” opened at the China Printing and Publishing Museum in Shanghai on Monday.

    The event presents more than one hundred exhibits from the collection of the All-Russian Museum of A.S. Pushkin, which provide a comprehensive overview of the creative path of Alexander Pushkin and the dissemination of his works in China over more than 100 years. Many of them were imported to China for the first time and shown to the country’s residents.

    The exhibition consists of three parts dedicated to the poet’s biography, his classical works, and his connection with China. Pushkin’s study in the Mikhailovskoye estate, where the Russian poet created the historical drama “Boris Godunov” and other famous lyric poems, was recreated on site.

    The exhibition also features valuable works of art created by Russian artists from the late 19th to the early 21st century, such as Ilya Repin’s painting “The Duel of Onegin and Lensky,” Alexander Benois’s illustrations for “The Bronze Horseman,” and Vladimir Favorsky’s illustrations for “Boris Godunov.”

    In addition, the exhibition pays great attention to the dissemination of the Russian poet’s works and their influence in China, and presents rich literary sources, including a copy of the Shiu Bao newspaper, in which, as is known, A.S. Pushkin was first mentioned in China.

    At the same time, the exhibition also displays manuscripts and personal collections of Chinese translators, which have become important evidence of Sino-Russian literary exchanges. Among them are works and translations by Ge Baoquan, Wang Zhiliang, Feng Chun, as well as the Pushkin Medal awarded to Liu Wenfei and his award certificate.

    Museum visitors can use an interactive device to receive commemorative postcards printed with poems such as “If Life Deceives You…,” translated by Ge Baoquan, Feng Chun and Liu Wenfei.

    The exhibition opened to the public on Tuesday and runs until October 9.

    Shanghai has an inseparable connection with Pushkin. Let us recall that at the beginning of the 20th century, Pushkin’s novel “The Captain’s Daughter” was translated into Chinese and published in Shanghai. This novel became the first work of Russian literature translated into Chinese and published as a separate book, which, according to some scholars, marked the beginning of the translation and dissemination of Russian literature in China.

    Moreover, in one of the squares of the Chinese metropolis there is a monument to the great Russian poet, which was originally erected in early February 1937, restored in February 1947 and reconstructed in August 1987. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Australian Prime Minister to Visit China /detailed version-1/

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhua) — At the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will pay an official visit to China from July 12 to 18, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Tuesday.

    Mao Ning noted at a regular press briefing that the visit is taking place at a time when the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership is entering its second decade.

    “Under the leadership of the two heads of state and the joint efforts of the two sides, China-Australia relations have continued to improve,” Mao Ning said.

    “China stands ready to work with Australia to seize the upcoming visit as an opportunity to intensify exchanges, enhance mutual trust and expand practical cooperation to further advance the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership,” Mao Ning said. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Measures will be tough – the Central Bank warned banks against imposing conditions on deposits

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Mainfin Bank –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Why did complaints arise about additional conditions for deposits?

    Russian investors complain about the behavior banks, which lure customers with higher rates, but require a number of actions to be taken to obtain generous terms. Among the banks that have requirements for high rates on deposits:

    Yandex Bank – the 21% rate is valid only with the Plus subscription and once for 62 days;
    VTB – 21.5% for 3 months, available only with MiXX subscription;
    Sovcombank – a surcharge to the deposit rate of up to 4% is provided for purchases using the “Halva” card with the “Ten” subscription;
    MTS Bank – the maximum rate is provided for card transactions over 90 thousand rubles per month;
    Sberbank – the best conditions apply to “new money” that has not been stored in accounts for more than two months, as well as when connecting a subscription.

    “It is becoming increasingly difficult to simply open a deposit – clients have to study a ton of conditions and meet dozens of criteria in order to receive a favorable interest rate: at the same time, the increased rates are valid for a limited period,” the expert noted.

    Banks require depositors to connect paid subscriptions, turnover on cards, keep certain balances, receive salaries into an account – it is much more difficult to calculate the real profitability of such deposits, not to mention convenience and transparency for the client.

    How does the Central Bank of the Russian Federation plan to combat the imposition of conditions on deposits?

    The Bank of Russia is closely monitoring the situation on the savings products market – credit institutions have been recommended to honestly inform citizens about the terms and conditions and to abandon the practice of putting forward numerous requirements to receive a higher rate. If the recommendations are not followed, the regulator will have to develop amendments to the legislation or create a banking standard to restore order in the industry.

    Let us recall that the high key rate has led to a surge in the popularity of deposits – this year, balances on individuals’ accounts have grown by 6%, amounting to over 61 trillion rubles: by the end of the year, the figure could reach 70 trillion rubles. However, after the key rate was reduced (from 21 to 20%), banks began to massively revise the terms of deposits for the worse, but the demand for deposits and savings accounts remains high.

    12:00 08.07.2025

    Source:

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FS meets finance sector in Seoul

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Financial Secretary Paul Chan today began his visit to Seoul, Korea, by meeting Bank of Korea Governor Rhee Chang-yong and Korea Investment Corporation President & Chief Executive Officer Park Il-young.

    Upon arrival in the afternoon, Mr Chan visited the Bank of Korea, the country’s central bank, and met Governor Rhee Chang-yong to discuss the developments in finance, trade and economic landscapes of the two places, in the region and around the globe.

    They also exchanged views on monetary and interest rate policies and investment trends.

    During the meeting, Mr Chan shared the latest developments in Hong Kong, particularly the continuous capital inflow to Hong Kong’s financial system, reflecting international investors’ confidence in Hong Kong in the current international environment.

    Mr Chan said that Hong Kong maintains a free and open economic and financial system as well as the Linked Exchange Rate System under the “one country, two systems” principle. He also highlighted that Hong Kong’s unique advantage of being connected to the Mainland and the world, as well as its highly internationalised characteristics, is further attracting more international participants and capital to enjoy opportunities brought by developments in China.

    Hong Kong’s international ties are continuously deepening, Mr Chan added.

    Thereafter, the finance chief visited the Korea Investment Corporation (KIC) and met its President & Chief Executive Officer Park Il-young to have an in-depth exchange of opinions on various issues of mutual concern, such as trends of investment markets, asset allocation strategies and digital asset developments.

    The KIC was established by the Korean government in 2005, responsible for managing part of Korea’s foreign exchange reserves and other public funds for overseas investments. Currently, over US$200 billion of assets are under its management.

    Mr Chan shared the recent developments in Hong Kong’s economic and financial markets, and its important role in connecting capital and investors from China and around the globe.

    He pointed out that Hong Kong’s capital market is closely connected to the Mainland’s innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem. The recent stock market is vibrant, with many leading Mainland I&T enterprises having listed or planning to list in Hong Kong. To international investors, Hong Kong serves as a highly effective gateway to tap into I&T opportunities in Greater China.

    Mr Chan welcomed Korean capital to better use the Hong Kong market to allocate international investments and jointly seize the vast business opportunities of I&T developments.

    In the evening, Mr Chan had dinner with leaders in Korea’s digital asset industry, where he shared Hong Kong’s developments and opportunities in digital assets.

    He also encouraged the local industry to actively participate in the Hong Kong market and jointly explore and expand more applications and developments in digital assets.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Railway financial scheme approved

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Transport & Logistics Bureau and the MTR Corporation have executed the Part 1 Project Agreement, subsequent to the approval of the financial arrangement for Part 1 of the Northern Link (NOL) Project by the Chief Executive in Council today.
     
    Supported by an independent checking consultant, the Government critically examined the financial estimates provided by the corporation in relation to Part 1 of the NOL Project, and verified that the capital cost estimate is about $31.4 billion (in July prices).
     
    Noting that the NOL Project embodies significant strategic value, the Government said that it has decided to make major breakthroughs to enhance the project’s speed and efficiency.
     
    It explained that it would take forward the project through a holistic planning and staged implementation strategy, planning the NOL Spur Line in combination with the NOL Main Line as one project to achieve synergies and realise cost savings.
     
    The project would be implemented under a two-part approach to expedite progress. The execution of the Part 1 Project Agreement at this juncture could propel the project forward immediately, and in parallel carry out the detailed planning and design as well as statutory procedures for the NOL Spur Line.
     
    In the spirit of innovating continuously, the Government is pursuing various strategies for reducing cost and accelerating project delivery, which would be implemented as soon as possible.
     
    Such strategies include leveraging Mainland approaches and capabilities in construction on account of the cross-boundary element of the project, and setting up a dedicated team in the Highways Department to handle building submissions in a manner to streamline the overall project workflow and expedite procedures.
     
    These initiatives will not only improve the construction efficiency of the cross-boundary NOL Spur Line, but may also benefit the NOL Main Line to a certain extent, the Government said.
     
    By adopting a result-oriented mindset, the construction efficiency will also be improved with railway-related Mainland standards, practices and resources, substantially bringing forward the planning of the NOL Spur Line.
     
    The target is to commission the NOL Spur Line together with the NOL Main Line by 2034 or earlier, which is about two years earlier than what was originally envisaged, the Government added.
     
    The Chief Executive in Council approved the grant of sites at Kam Sheung Road Station Phase 2; Fanling North Area 13 (East) and Area 16; Kwu Tung North Area 22 (East), Area 26 (West), Area 14 and Area 15; as well as San Tin Area 4D, Area 6A and Area 2A to the MTR Corporation for residential and commercial development under the “Rail-plus-Property” model.
     
    A total fixed lump sum of $39.05 billion, in money-of-the-day prices, would be deducted from the full market value land premium of the sites assessed on a “with-railway” basis in the future as funding support to the corporation in implementing Part 1 of the NOL Project.
     
    The execution of the Part 1 Project Agreement today would immediately kick-start works that are more ready and time-critical, including the civil and structural works of two sections of the NOL Main Line from the Kam Sheung Road Station to the intersection with the approach tunnels to Ngau Tam Mei Depot and from the San Tin Station to the Kwu Tung Station.
     
    The MTR Corporation is required to carry out the detailed planning and design of the NOL Spur Line simultaneously, including statutory procedures relating to the environmental impact assessment and railway scheme gazettal, and strive for completion as early as possible.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Two California Residents Plead Guilty in Connection with $16M Hospice Fraud Scheme and Money Laundering Scheme

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    Two California residents pleaded guilty yesterday in connection with their roles in defrauding Medicare of nearly $16 million through sham hospice companies and to laundering the proceeds of the fraud as part of a multi-year scheme.

    According to court documents, Karpis Srapyan, 35, of Winnetka, California, conspired with others, including co-defendants Petros Fichidzhyan and Juan Carlos Esparza, to bill Medicare for hospice services that were not medically necessary and never provided. To conduct their fraudulent scheme, they used a series of four sham hospice companies: one owned by Esparza and the other three owned by foreign nationals but controlled by the defendants. Srapyan and his co-defendants concealed the scheme by using foreign nationals’ personal identifying information to open bank accounts, submit information to Medicare, and sign property leases. They also misappropriated names and other identifying information of several doctors, two of whom were deceased, to fraudulently bill Medicare for purported hospice services. In total, Medicare paid the fake hospice companies nearly $16 million.

    Fichidzhyan, Esparza, and Srapyan worked with others to launder the fraudulent proceeds from their hospice scheme. Susanna Harutyunyan, 39, of Winnetka, was aware that her husband and co-defendant Mihran Panosyan was involved in illegal activity with Srapyan and Fichidzhyan. As part of the money laundering scheme, Harutyunyan and her co-defendants maintained fraudulent identification documents, bank documents, checkbooks, and credit and debit cards in the names of purported foreign owners in the residence where she and Panosyan lived and another residence that was owned in her name. Srapyan conducted dozens of financial transactions, totaling approximately $3.2 million, moving funds between accounts in the names of the sham hospice companies, accounts in the names of foreign nationals that were controlled by the defendants, and other accounts involved in the money laundering scheme. Harutyunyan knowingly spent fraudulent proceeds on personal expenses, including payments for a BMW automobile.

    Srapyan pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and money laundering and is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 6. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Harutyunyan pleaded guilty to money laundering and is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 17; she faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine their sentences after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Harutyunyan faces deportation.

    Co-defendant Petros Fichidzhyan previously pleaded guilty to health care fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering. In May, Fichidzhyan was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Co-defendant Mihran Panosyan pleaded guilty to money laundering in June and is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 8. Co-defendant Juan Carlos Esparza’s change of plea hearing is scheduled for July 14.

    The guilty pleas today are the most recent convictions in the Justice Department’s ongoing effort to combat hospice fraud in the greater Los Angeles area. Last year, a doctor was convicted at trial for his role in a scheme to bill Medicare for hospice services patients did not need, and two other defendants were sentenced for their roles in a hospice fraud scheme.  

    Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office, and Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement.

    The FBI and HHS-OIG are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Michael Bacharach, Sarah E. Edwards, and Allison L. McGuire of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara B. Vavere for the Central District of California is handling asset forfeiture.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of 9 strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Bulgaria ready to use the euro from 1 January 2026

    Source: European Union 2

    The EU has given the final green light for Bulgaria to introduce the euro on 1 January 2026. Joining the euro area will bring tangible benefits to Bulgarian citizens and businesses: no more currency exchange costs, increased price transparency, easier cross-border payments and access to finance.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two California Residents Plead Guilty in Connection with $16M Hospice Fraud Scheme and Money Laundering Scheme

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Two California residents pleaded guilty yesterday in connection with their roles in defrauding Medicare of nearly $16 million through sham hospice companies and to laundering the proceeds of the fraud as part of a multi-year scheme.

    According to court documents, Karpis Srapyan, 35, of Winnetka, California, conspired with others, including co-defendants Petros Fichidzhyan and Juan Carlos Esparza, to bill Medicare for hospice services that were not medically necessary and never provided. To conduct their fraudulent scheme, they used a series of four sham hospice companies: one owned by Esparza and the other three owned by foreign nationals but controlled by the defendants. Srapyan and his co-defendants concealed the scheme by using foreign nationals’ personal identifying information to open bank accounts, submit information to Medicare, and sign property leases. They also misappropriated names and other identifying information of several doctors, two of whom were deceased, to fraudulently bill Medicare for purported hospice services. In total, Medicare paid the fake hospice companies nearly $16 million.

    Fichidzhyan, Esparza, and Srapyan worked with others to launder the fraudulent proceeds from their hospice scheme. Susanna Harutyunyan, 39, of Winnetka, was aware that her husband and co-defendant Mihran Panosyan was involved in illegal activity with Srapyan and Fichidzhyan. As part of the money laundering scheme, Harutyunyan and her co-defendants maintained fraudulent identification documents, bank documents, checkbooks, and credit and debit cards in the names of purported foreign owners in the residence where she and Panosyan lived and another residence that was owned in her name. Srapyan conducted dozens of financial transactions, totaling approximately $3.2 million, moving funds between accounts in the names of the sham hospice companies, accounts in the names of foreign nationals that were controlled by the defendants, and other accounts involved in the money laundering scheme. Harutyunyan knowingly spent fraudulent proceeds on personal expenses, including payments for a BMW automobile.

    Srapyan pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and money laundering and is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 6. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Harutyunyan pleaded guilty to money laundering and is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 17; she faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine their sentences after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Harutyunyan faces deportation.

    Co-defendant Petros Fichidzhyan previously pleaded guilty to health care fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering. In May, Fichidzhyan was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Co-defendant Mihran Panosyan pleaded guilty to money laundering in June and is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 8. Co-defendant Juan Carlos Esparza’s change of plea hearing is scheduled for July 14.

    The guilty pleas today are the most recent convictions in the Justice Department’s ongoing effort to combat hospice fraud in the greater Los Angeles area. Last year, a doctor was convicted at trial for his role in a scheme to bill Medicare for hospice services patients did not need, and two other defendants were sentenced for their roles in a hospice fraud scheme.  

    Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office, and Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement.

    The FBI and HHS-OIG are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Michael Bacharach, Sarah E. Edwards, and Allison L. McGuire of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara B. Vavere for the Central District of California is handling asset forfeiture.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of 9 strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

    July 9, 2025
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