Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Xinjiang, key sending hub in China’s west-to-east power transmission program
Category: AM-NC
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MIL-OSI China: Xinjiang, key sending hub in China’s west-to-east power transmission program
A drone photo taken on July 6, 2025 shows power lines of the Changji-Guquan ±1100 kV ultra-high voltage direct current power transmission project in the Kazak Autonomous County of Mori, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Xinjiang is a key sending hub in China’s west-to-east power transmission program. Once considered economic obstacles, Xinjiang’s vast deserts and arid landscapes have been transformed into a renewable energy goldmine, blessed with strong wind and long hours of sunshine. Since 2010, Xinjiang has cumulatively transmitted over 900 billion kilowatt-hours of power outside the region, with renewable energy accounting for approximately 30 percent of the total. The electricity supply coverage extends to 22 provincial-level regions across China. [Photo/Xinhua] An aerial drone photo taken on March 22, 2025 shows a power plant of the Hami-Chongqing ±800 kV ultra-high voltage direct current power transmission project in Hami, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua] An aerial drone photo taken on Nov. 1, 2023 shows a convertor station of the Hami-Zhengzhou ±800 kV ultra-high voltage direct current power transmission project in Hami, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua] An aerial drone photo taken on March 23, 2025 shows a solar power station of the Hami-Chongqing ±800 kV ultra-high voltage direct current power transmission project in Hami, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua] This photo taken on July 5, 2025 shows power lines of the Changji-Guquan ±1100 kV ultra-high voltage direct current power transmission project in the Kazak Autonomous County of Mori, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua] A drone photo taken on Sept. 10, 2024 shows a view of the Santanghu wind power farm in Hami, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua] A drone photo taken on April 26, 2025 shows the power lines of the Hami-Chongqing ±800 kV ultra-high voltage direct current power transmission project in Hami, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua] This photo taken on July 6, 2025 shows power lines of the Changji-Guquan ±1100 kV ultra-high voltage direct current power transmission project in the Kazak Autonomous County of Mori, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua] Staff members patrol along the power lines of the 750 kV grid around the Tarim Basin in Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, April 27, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] -
MIL-OSI China: Many places in China enter peak tourist season
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Many places in China enter peak tourist season
A drone photo taken on July 5, 2025 shows tourists visiting the Shenxianju scenic spot in Xianju County of Taizhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province. With the arrival of summer vacation, many places in China have entered the peak tourist season. [Photo/Xinhua] An aerial drone photo taken on July 5, 2025 shows tourists enjoying themselves at a tourist resort in Huzhou City, east China’s Zhejiang Province. [Photo/Xinhua] An aerial drone photo taken on July 6, 2025 shows tourists riding a boat to enjoy lotus flowers at a scenic spot in Xinghua City, east China’s Jiangsu Province. [Photo/Xinhua] A drone photo taken on July 5, 2025 shows tourists enjoying themselves at a beach in Weihai, east China’s Shandong Province. [Photo/Xinhua] Tourists enjoy rafting at a scenic area in Luzhou City, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, July 5, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua] Tourists enjoy paragliding in Rongcheng City, east China’s Shandong Province, July 5, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua] -
MIL-OSI China: ‘World’s supermarket’ embraces foreign trade talents
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
A merchant (L, front) from Nepal watches dragon dance performance outside the Yiwu International Trade Market in Yiwu, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Feb. 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
In a city long famed as the “world’s supermarket,” foreign businesspeople are no longer just visitors — they are being officially recognized as vital drivers of China’s future development.
Yiwu City, a bustling hub in east China’s Zhejiang Province that trades with over 230 countries and regions, has launched China’s first standardized system for formally certifying foreign trade talents.
The pilot program, launched in June, marks a shift away from traditional talent criteria that focus solely on education or technical credentials, instead rewarding foreign entrepreneurs for their real-world business contributions.
Under the new guidelines, any foreign national with a valid work permit and a registered company in Yiwu can be classified as A or B-level talent if they meet key performance metrics, such as import-export volume, job creation, or long-term local operations.
B-level talent now enjoys two- to four-year work permits, rather than having to renew them annually. At the same time, A-level recognition offers five-year permits, along with priority services and faster approvals.
“Foreign businesses and investors are essential participants in China’s modernization,” said Wang Liqin, head of the talent and cooperation section at Yiwu’s science and technology bureau. “This pilot program offers institutional support for their entrepreneurship and serves as a model of high-quality development in trade and foreign investment.”
As of late June, over 609 foreign businesspeople in Yiwu had been certified under the program, part of a community of more than 8,600 foreign work permit holders that makes Yiwu the top city in Zhejiang for foreign employment.
Yiwu’s decision to pioneer this reform reflects its long-standing international DNA. On any given day, more than 28,000 foreign merchants work in the city, a density unmatched in most of China.
For Sakhi Brahim, a Moroccan businessman who first learned about China at a Confucius Institute back home, Yiwu represents the ideal place to build a career bridging cultures.
“Foreigners are afraid of miscommunication,” he said. “So I decided to be that bridge.”
Brahim arrived in Yiwu in 2013 after studying at Beijing International Studies University. He now runs a kitchenware export business while helping Moroccan clients understand the Chinese market and ensuring local suppliers profit.
“The work opportunities here are very good. Even getting a driver’s license is easy — they offer the theory test in Arabic,” said Brahim.
Brahim credits the city’s infrastructure, openness, and new certification system for creating a foundation of trust. “It shows they recognize our contribution. That trust is why I can succeed here,” he said.
Nidal R.A. Sabarneh, who calls himself “Ni Dale” in China — a name he chose to express his hope that the support and opportunities he finds in China can reach his homeland, Palestine — also found a professional home in Yiwu.
Born in 1994, he was inspired by his father’s trade trips to China and chose to study international economics at Wuhan University, central China’s Hubei Province.
He arrived in Yiwu in 2016 and now runs his own company that sells automotive repair tools. His supply network includes over 80 factories across Zhejiang.
“Honestly, if it wasn’t Yiwu, a modern, open trade city, I doubt I could get so many factories to work with me,” he said.
His products reach 36 countries, with demand rising thanks to China’s own booming new energy vehicle exports. Yet for him, Yiwu’s greatest advantage is security.
“My home is in a war zone. I’ve traveled to many countries, and China is the safest place I know. That security is what allows us to do business,” he said.
For Dumaru Bishnuprasad, head of the Nepal-China chamber of commerce and industry in Yiwu, Yiwu has been both a business base and a family home for over two decades. He first arrived in 2002, married a local from Ningbo, and is raising three children in China.
“Yiwu is a great platform for foreigners,” he said. He pointed to opportunities created by the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and the dedicated China-Nepal railway cooperation.
Bishnuprasad’s businesses encompass trade and logistics, with a focus on selling hardware, stationery and footwear. As chamber head, he often mediates disputes between merchants and suppliers. “Ninety percent of problems can be solved inside the chamber,” he said.
He also praised Yiwu’s attentiveness to foreign families. “I take my parents to local senior centers and dining halls. It’s convenient and reassuring,” he said.
As Yiwu deepens its role as a testbed for comprehensive trade reforms, officials say the new talent certification system is only the beginning. Future plans include refining criteria, expanding service support, and sharing lessons with other regions in China.
For foreign merchants in Yiwu, the new system is not just about paperwork. It represents a formal invitation to build a lasting life in China — a place where trade ties turn into personal connections and foreign investment becomes local development.
“Yiwu isn’t just a city of small commodities,” Bishnuprasad said. “It’s a city that really takes care of people.”
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MIL-OSI China: Hong Kong’s IPO applications surge on investor confidence: Financial secretary
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Applications for initial public offerings (IPOs) in Hong Kong had surged to around 200 so far in 2025 as investors are bullish about the Hong Kong bourse in the second half of this year, Paul Chan, financial secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, wrote on his blog on Sunday.
Companies from the Middle East and Southeast Asia were among the applicants for IPOs, said Chan.
A total of 42 IPOs in the first six months raised over 107 billion Hong Kong dollars (13.63 billion U.S. dollars), landing Hong Kong the top spot in the world in terms of IPO proceeds.
The benchmark Hang Seng Index had hiked 20 percent, or more than 4,000 points, over the first half of 2025. The biggest-ever half-year increase by points was buoyed by investor preference on tech-related stocks, noted Chan.
Brisk trading of tech-related derivatives made exchange-traded products (ETPs) a major provider of liquidity in Hong Kong’s securities market in recent years. Hong Kong has over 210 listed ETPs, according to the financial secretary.
The Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited is working to list more exchange-traded funds, one of the best-known types of ETP, to help finance the growth of the real economy, Chan said.
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MIL-OSI China: Tech, tourism fuel ‘cave economy’ in southwest China’s mountainous regions
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Helmet strapped and headlamp shining, 14-year-old Wang Zichen zipped into the shadowy depths of a karst cave, part of a growing wave of underground adventure tourism in southwest China’s mountainous regions.
Beneath the towering peaks of Guizhou Province stretches a vast karst world filled with tens of thousands of ancient caves. Formed over hundreds of millions of years by persistent water erosion, these caves hold dramatic geological formations, rich biodiversity and traces of early human activity.
In February, Guizhou rolled out a plan to promote classified management, ecological restoration and responsible development of cave resources, aiming to enhance their ecological, scientific and tourism values. An expanding range of cave-based ventures is now flourishing across the province, drawing visitors and boosting local economies.
This photo taken on July 5, 2025 shows a sign of the Eco Forum Global Guiyang 2025 in Guiyang, southwest China’s Guizhou Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
The province’s efforts align with the theme of the ongoing Eco Forum Global Guiyang 2025, which opened Saturday in the provincial capital, highlighting the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.
“Cave economy” takes off
“It is both exciting and informative,” said Wang, who explored the Forest Coolpark scenic spot nestled in Libo Karst — part of the South China Karst, a UNESCO World Heritage Site — with friends during his summer vacation. Inside the cave, he admired the stunning stalactites while learning about karst geology.
According to Ren Peng, general manager of the scenic site, a variety of cave-based activities have been developed to suit diverse terrain, including caving adventures, sightseeing tours, cave camping and even cave hotpot dining. Since the May Day holiday this year, the site has welcomed nearly 10,000 tourists, generating over 7 million yuan (about 978,542 U.S. dollars) in revenue.
“We follow an ecology-first principle in our development,” Ren said. “We preserve the caves’ natural features while designing tour routes, and avoid any construction in deeper sections. All waste is strictly managed and removed from the caves daily.”
“It’s necessary to develop caves based on solid scientific cave research,” said Jean Bottazzi, a French caver and representative of the French Federation of Speleology in China, in an interview with Xinhua during the eco forum. He has spent over three decades studying Shuanghedong Cave, the longest known cave in Asia, located in Guizhou’s Suiyang County.
Over the years, Bottazzi has worked with local authorities and developers to provide expert guidance on balancing cave tourism with conservation. “It’s encouraging to see that responsible development not only preserves the cave environment, but also brings economic benefits to local villagers by creating new job opportunities,” he added.
According to incomplete statistics, the direct market size of Guizhou’s cave tourism sector has reached an estimated 1 billion yuan.
In addition to tourism, many caves have been creatively repurposed for commercial use. Some have been transformed into restaurants, bars and homestays, while others serve as sites for winemaking, mushroom cultivation, or even data storage, taking advantage of their naturally stable temperature and humidity.
“These caves, once dormant in the depths of the mountains, are now awakening as unique assets of the region. They are no longer just natural wonders, but also cultural and economic symbols,” said Qin Xiaokang, deputy director of the culture, radio, television and tourism bureau of Libo County.
This photo taken on July 4, 2025 shows the intelligent tourism system of Zhijindong Cave UNESCO Global Geopark in Bijie, southwest China’s Guizhou Province. [PhotoXinhua]
Modern tech moves in
Speaking at a sub-forum of the ongoing event, Hassina Mouri, president of the International Union of Geological Sciences, emphasized the role of innovative technologies in promoting environmental engagement. “By using tools like big data and artificial intelligence, we detect, predict and better comprehend the interactions among different parts of our natural environment.”
In an interview with Xinhua, Zhou Wenlong, deputy director of the Guizhou Institute of Mountain Resources, said high-tech tools are playing a key role in addressing the challenges of karst cave conservation and development.
“Some caves have fragile ecosystems and complex terrains that are difficult to access,” Zhou said. “We use terrestrial laser scanning technology to produce high-precision 3D models of cave interiors, and leverage digital tools to offer virtual access to these delicate sites.”
These technologies have already been applied in Zhijindong Cave UNESCO Global Geopark in Guizhou’s Bijie City. According to Liu Haibo, general manager of Guizhou Zhijindong Cave Tourism Development Co., Ltd., the geopark first completed a full laser scan of the caves in 2015, with a second scan planned for next year.
“By comparing the records, we can monitor the condition of each stalactite, whether it’s growing or damaged, and adjust our conservation and development strategy accordingly,” Liu said.
Since 2019, the geopark has also introduced an intelligent tourism system to monitor cave temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide levels and visitor flow in real time, helping to ensure both landscape protection and tourist safety.
China’s green development practices are drawing international recognition. “The ideas and approaches taken in China’s green provinces to balance economic growth and environmental protection are applicable everywhere,” said Erik Solheim, former United Nations under-secretary-general. “Many cities in the developing world could look to China for inspiration.”
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MIL-OSI China: Optimism as sales see strong growth
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Visitors learn about new energy vehicles of Chinese carmaker BYD during the 27th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Auto Show at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province, June 16, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]
Major carmakers in China have concluded the first half with positive growth, bracing themselves for possible record-high deliveries in the year.
BYD topped the chart with deliveries of 2.14 million vehicles, up 33 percent year-on-year. It sold 377,628 passenger vehicles in June, up 11 percent from a year earlier.
Of its half-year sales, 472,000 were sold in overseas markets, up 132 percent year-on-year. That was even more than the total of its overseas sales in 2024.
Data released by JATO Dynamics indicated the Chinese automaker almost matched Tesla’s European registrations in May, building on its initial outperformance of its US rival in April.
It nearly quadrupled European sales in the first four months of 2025, figures from researcher Dataforce show.
BYD was followed by SAIC, which was the second carmaker to deliver more than 2 million units in the first half.
The Shanghai-based giant saw its wholesale figure reach 2.05 million units from January to June, up 12.4 percent year-on-year.
Its retail figures were even higher, at 2.2 million units. SAIC’s sales target for 2025 is 4.5 million units.
Also of note is that SAIC is now less reliant on its joint ventures with GM and Volkswagen respectively.
In the first half, the Chinese carmaker’s indigenous brands saw their combined sales reach 1.3 million units, up 21.1 percent year-on-year.
The figure accounted for 64 percent of its total deliveries, up 4.6 percentage points from the same period of 2024.
FAW, which owns the iconic Hongqi brand, and has joint ventures with Toyota and Volkswagen, delivered 1.57 million units, up 6.1 percent year-on-year.
Changan, Chery and Geely each saw record-number deliveries in the period, standing at 1.36 million units, 1.26 million units, and 1.41 million units respectively.
Geely’s sales were up 47.45 percent year-on-year. This strong performance was primarily driven by the Geely Galaxy sub-brand and the robust performance of battery electric vehicle models.
In the first half of 2025, Geely’s BEV sales reached 510,803 units, a year-on-year growth of 173.09 percent. Its plug-in hybrid electric vehicle sales for the same period were 214,348 units, up 61 percent year-on-year.
Geely has raised its full-year 2025 sales guidance from 2.71 million units to 3 million units.
It said that this is due to the group’s strong sales performance so far this year, and it will strive to achieve this target.
Data showed that it sold 236,036 vehicles in June, marking the 10th consecutive month since September 2024 that sales have exceeded 200,000 units.
The three were trailed by BAIC and Great Wall Motors, whose sales stood at 817,000 units, up 6 percent year-on-year, and 571,000 units, up 1.8 percent.
NEV startups saw robust momentum as well. XPeng delivered 34,611 cars in June, the eighth-straight month where it delivered more than 30,000 cars.
Nio reported 24,925 car deliveries in June, a slight increase from May, thanks to growth across its premium Nio brand and lower-priced Onvo and Firefly brands.
Li Auto reported 36,279 vehicle deliveries in June, an 11.2 percent drop from May. But its total deliveries in the second quarter came in at 111,074 units, better than the company’s lowered guidance of 108,000 cars.
Overseas brands are starting to catch up with Chinese rivals.
General Motors and its joint ventures in China posted the biggest quarterly sales surge in four years in the second quarter of this year, driven by the strong performance of its growing new energy vehicle lineup and high-volume nameplates.
The US carmaker said its Q2 deliveries exceeded 447,000 units, marking its second consecutive quarter of year-over-year sales growth in China with a 20 percent increase — the highest annual gain for a single quarter since the first quarter of 2021.
Sales of NEVs, including pure battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, and extended range electric vehicles, soared 50 percent in the quarter compared to the same period of 2024.
Its cumulative sales in the first half of 2025 exceeded 890,000 units, up 9.4 percent from a year earlier.
Meanwhile, GM achieved year-over-year market share growth in both the second quarter and the first half of 2025.
“Our strong Q2 performance reflects the sustainable growth trajectory we are building in both sales and market share through local innovations,” said Steve Hill, GM senior vice-president and president of GM China.
“We remain committed to driving profitable growth for China business by focusing on strong execution, business agility, and customer choices,” said Hill.
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MIL-OSI Analysis: We don’t need deep-sea mining, or its environmental harms. Here’s why
Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Justin Alger, Associate Professor / Senior Lecturer in Global Environmental Politics, The University of Melbourne
Potato-sized polymetallic nodules from the deep sea could be mined for valuable metals and minerals. Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images Deep-sea mining promises critical minerals for the energy transition without the problems of mining on land. It also promises to bring wealth to developing nations. But the evidence suggests these promises are false, and mining would harm the environment.
The practice involves scooping up rock-like nodules from vast areas of the sea floor. These potato-sized lumps contain metals and minerals such as zinc, manganese, molybdenum, nickel and rare earth elements.
Technology to mine the deep sea exists, but commercial mining of the deep sea is not happening anywhere in the world. That could soon change. Nations are meeting this month in Kingston, Jamaica, to agree to a mining code. Such a code would make way for mining to begin within the next few years.
On Thursday, Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, released research into the environmental impacts of deep-sea mining. It aims to promote better environmental management of deep-sea mining, should it proceed.
We have previously challenged the rationale for deep-sea mining, drawing on our expertise in international politics and environmental management. We argue mining the deep sea is harmful and the economic benefits have been overstated. What’s more, the metals and minerals to be mined are not scarce.
The best course of action is a ban on international seabed mining, building on the coalition for a moratorium.
The Metals Company spent six months at sea collecting nodules in 2022, while studying the effects on ecosystems. Managing and monitoring environmental harm
Recent advances in technology have made deep-sea mining more feasible. But removing the nodules – which also requires pumping water around – has been shown to damage the seabed and endanger marine life.
CSIRO has developed the first environmental management and monitoring frameworks to protect deep sea ecosystems from mining. It aims to provide “trusted, science-based tools to evaluate the environmental risks and viability of deep-sea mining”.
Scientists from Griffith University, Museums Victoria, the University of the Sunshine Coast, and Earth Sciences New Zealand were also involved in the work.
The Metals Company Australia, a local subsidiary of the Canadian deep-sea mining exploration company, commissioned the research. It involved analysing data from test mining the company carried out in the Pacific Ocean in 2022.
The company has led efforts to expedite deep-sea mining. This includes pushing for the mining code, and exploring commercial mining of the international seabed through approval from the US government.
In a media briefing this week, CSIRO Senior Principal Research Scientist Piers Dunstan said the mining activity substantially affected the sea floor. Some marine life, especially that attached to the nodules, had very little hope of recovery. He said if mining were to go ahead, monitoring would be crucial.
We are sceptical that ecological impacts can be managed even with this new framework. Little is known about life in these deep-water ecosystems. But research shows nodule mining would cause extensive habitat loss and damage.
Do we really need to open the ocean frontier to mining? We argue the answer is no, on three counts.
How does deep-sea mining work? (The Guardian) 1. Minerals are not scarce
The minerals required for the energy transition are abundant on land. Known global terrestrial reserves of cobalt, copper, manganese, molybdenum and nickel are enough to meet current production levels for decades – even with growing demand.
There is no compelling reason to extract deep-sea minerals, given the economics of both deep-sea and land-based mining. Deep-sea mining is speculative and inevitably too expensive given such remote, deep operations.
Claims about mineral scarcity are being used to justify attempting to legitimise a new extractive frontier in the deep sea. Opportunistic investors can make money through speculation and attracting government subsidies.
2. Mining at sea will not replace mining on land
Proponents claim deep-sea mining can replace some mining on land. Mining on land has led to social issues including infringing on indigenous and community rights. It also damages the environment.
But deep-sea mining will not necessarily displace, replace or change mining on land. Land-based mining contracts span decades and the companies involved will not abandon ongoing or planned projects. Their activities will continue, even if deep-sea mining begins.
Deep-sea mining also faces many of the same challenges as mining on land, while introducing new problems. The social problems that arise during transport, processing and distribution remain the same.
And sea-based industries are already rife with modern slavery and labour violations, partly because they are notoriously difficult to monitor.
Deep-sea mining does not solve social problems with land-based mining, and adds more challenges.
Hidden Gem was the world’s first deep-sea mineral production vessel with seabed-to-surface nodule collection and transport systems.
Photo by Charles M. Vella/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images3. Common heritage of humankind and the Global South
Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the international seabed is the common heritage of humankind. This means the proceeds of deep-sea mining should be distributed fairly among all countries.
Deep-sea mining commercial partnerships between developing countries in the Global South and firms from the North have yet to pay off for the former. There is little indication this pattern will change.
For example, when Canadian company Nautilus went bankrupt in 2019, it saddled Papua New Guinea with millions in debt from a failed domestic deep-sea mining venture.
The Metals Company has partnerships with Nauru and Tonga but the latest deal with the US creates uncertainty about whether their agreements will be honoured.
European investors took control of Blue Minerals Jamaica, originally a Jamaican-owned company, shortly after orchestrating its start up. Any profits would therefore go offshore.
Australian Gerard Barron is Chairman and CEO of The Metals Company, formerly DeepGreen.
Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times via Getty ImagesA wise investment?
It is unclear whether deep-sea mining will ever be a good investment.
Multiple large corporate investors have pulled out of the industry, or gone bankrupt. And The Metals Company has received delisting notices from the Nasdaq stock exchange due to poor financial performance.
Given the threat of environmental harm, the evidence suggests deep-sea mining is not worth the risk.
Justin Alger receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
D.G. Webster receives funding from the National Science Foundation in the United States and various internal funding sources at Dartmouth University.
Jessica Green receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
Kate J Neville receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
Stacy D VanDeveer and Susan M Park 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. We don’t need deep-sea mining, or its environmental harms. Here’s why – https://theconversation.com/we-dont-need-deep-sea-mining-or-its-environmental-harms-heres-why-260401
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MIL-OSI Analysis: We don’t need deep-sea mining, or its environmental harms. Here’s why
Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Justin Alger, Associate Professor / Senior Lecturer in Global Environmental Politics, The University of Melbourne
Potato-sized polymetallic nodules from the deep sea could be mined for valuable metals and minerals. Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images Deep-sea mining promises critical minerals for the energy transition without the problems of mining on land. It also promises to bring wealth to developing nations. But the evidence suggests these promises are false, and mining would harm the environment.
The practice involves scooping up rock-like nodules from vast areas of the sea floor. These potato-sized lumps contain metals and minerals such as zinc, manganese, molybdenum, nickel and rare earth elements.
Technology to mine the deep sea exists, but commercial mining of the deep sea is not happening anywhere in the world. That could soon change. Nations are meeting this month in Kingston, Jamaica, to agree to a mining code. Such a code would make way for mining to begin within the next few years.
On Thursday, Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, released research into the environmental impacts of deep-sea mining. It aims to promote better environmental management of deep-sea mining, should it proceed.
We have previously challenged the rationale for deep-sea mining, drawing on our expertise in international politics and environmental management. We argue mining the deep sea is harmful and the economic benefits have been overstated. What’s more, the metals and minerals to be mined are not scarce.
The best course of action is a ban on international seabed mining, building on the coalition for a moratorium.
The Metals Company spent six months at sea collecting nodules in 2022, while studying the effects on ecosystems. Managing and monitoring environmental harm
Recent advances in technology have made deep-sea mining more feasible. But removing the nodules – which also requires pumping water around – has been shown to damage the seabed and endanger marine life.
CSIRO has developed the first environmental management and monitoring frameworks to protect deep sea ecosystems from mining. It aims to provide “trusted, science-based tools to evaluate the environmental risks and viability of deep-sea mining”.
Scientists from Griffith University, Museums Victoria, the University of the Sunshine Coast, and Earth Sciences New Zealand were also involved in the work.
The Metals Company Australia, a local subsidiary of the Canadian deep-sea mining exploration company, commissioned the research. It involved analysing data from test mining the company carried out in the Pacific Ocean in 2022.
The company has led efforts to expedite deep-sea mining. This includes pushing for the mining code, and exploring commercial mining of the international seabed through approval from the US government.
In a media briefing this week, CSIRO Senior Principal Research Scientist Piers Dunstan said the mining activity substantially affected the sea floor. Some marine life, especially that attached to the nodules, had very little hope of recovery. He said if mining were to go ahead, monitoring would be crucial.
We are sceptical that ecological impacts can be managed even with this new framework. Little is known about life in these deep-water ecosystems. But research shows nodule mining would cause extensive habitat loss and damage.
Do we really need to open the ocean frontier to mining? We argue the answer is no, on three counts.
How does deep-sea mining work? (The Guardian) 1. Minerals are not scarce
The minerals required for the energy transition are abundant on land. Known global terrestrial reserves of cobalt, copper, manganese, molybdenum and nickel are enough to meet current production levels for decades – even with growing demand.
There is no compelling reason to extract deep-sea minerals, given the economics of both deep-sea and land-based mining. Deep-sea mining is speculative and inevitably too expensive given such remote, deep operations.
Claims about mineral scarcity are being used to justify attempting to legitimise a new extractive frontier in the deep sea. Opportunistic investors can make money through speculation and attracting government subsidies.
2. Mining at sea will not replace mining on land
Proponents claim deep-sea mining can replace some mining on land. Mining on land has led to social issues including infringing on indigenous and community rights. It also damages the environment.
But deep-sea mining will not necessarily displace, replace or change mining on land. Land-based mining contracts span decades and the companies involved will not abandon ongoing or planned projects. Their activities will continue, even if deep-sea mining begins.
Deep-sea mining also faces many of the same challenges as mining on land, while introducing new problems. The social problems that arise during transport, processing and distribution remain the same.
And sea-based industries are already rife with modern slavery and labour violations, partly because they are notoriously difficult to monitor.
Deep-sea mining does not solve social problems with land-based mining, and adds more challenges.
Hidden Gem was the world’s first deep-sea mineral production vessel with seabed-to-surface nodule collection and transport systems.
Photo by Charles M. Vella/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images3. Common heritage of humankind and the Global South
Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the international seabed is the common heritage of humankind. This means the proceeds of deep-sea mining should be distributed fairly among all countries.
Deep-sea mining commercial partnerships between developing countries in the Global South and firms from the North have yet to pay off for the former. There is little indication this pattern will change.
For example, when Canadian company Nautilus went bankrupt in 2019, it saddled Papua New Guinea with millions in debt from a failed domestic deep-sea mining venture.
The Metals Company has partnerships with Nauru and Tonga but the latest deal with the US creates uncertainty about whether their agreements will be honoured.
European investors took control of Blue Minerals Jamaica, originally a Jamaican-owned company, shortly after orchestrating its start up. Any profits would therefore go offshore.
Australian Gerard Barron is Chairman and CEO of The Metals Company, formerly DeepGreen.
Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times via Getty ImagesA wise investment?
It is unclear whether deep-sea mining will ever be a good investment.
Multiple large corporate investors have pulled out of the industry, or gone bankrupt. And The Metals Company has received delisting notices from the Nasdaq stock exchange due to poor financial performance.
Given the threat of environmental harm, the evidence suggests deep-sea mining is not worth the risk.
Justin Alger receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
D.G. Webster receives funding from the National Science Foundation in the United States and various internal funding sources at Dartmouth University.
Jessica Green receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
Kate J Neville receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
Stacy D VanDeveer and Susan M Park 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. We don’t need deep-sea mining, or its environmental harms. Here’s why – https://theconversation.com/we-dont-need-deep-sea-mining-or-its-environmental-harms-heres-why-260401
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MIL-OSI Analysis: Ageing bridges around the world are at risk of collapse. But there’s a simple way to safeguard them
Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Andy Nguyen, Senior Lecturer in Structural Engineering, University of Southern Queensland
The Story Bridge, with its sweeping steel trusses and art deco towers, is a striking sight above the Brisbane River in Queensland. In 2025, it was named the state’s best landmark. But more than an icon, it serves as one of the vital arteries of the state capital, carrying more than 100,000 vehicles daily.
But a recent report revealed serious structural issues in the 85-year-old bridge. These included the deterioration of concrete, corrosion and overloading on pedestrian footpaths.
The findings prompted an urgent closure of the footpath for safety reasons. They also highlighted the urgency of Brisbane City Council’s planned bridge restoration project.
But this example – and far more tragic ones from around the world in recent years – have also sparked a broader conversation about the safety of ageing bridges and other urban infrastructure. A simple, proactive step known as structural health monitoring can help.
A number of collapses
In January 2022, the Fern Hollow Bridge in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the United States collapsed and injured several people. This collapse was caused by extensive corrosion and the fracturing of a vital steel component. It stemmed from poor maintenance and failure to act on repeated inspection recommendations. These problems were compounded by inadequate inspections and oversight.
Three years earlier, Taiwan’s Nanfang’ao Bridge collapsed. Exposure to damp, salty sea air had severely weakened its suspension cables. Six people beneath the bridge died.
In August 2018, Italy’s Morandi Bridge fell, killing 43 people. The collapse was due to corrosion in pre-stressed concrete and steel tendons. These factors were worsened by inspection and maintenance challenges.
In August 2007, a bridge in the US city of Minneapolis collapsed, killing 13 people and injuring 145. This collapse was primarily due to previously unnoticed problems with the design of the bridge. But it also demonstrated how ageing infrastructure, coupled with increasing loads and ineffective routine visual inspections, can exacerbate inherent weaknesses.
A technology-driven solution
Structural health monitoring is a technology-driven approach to assessing the condition of infrastructure. It can provide near real-time information and enable timely decision-making. This is crucial when it comes to managing ageing structures.
The approach doesn’t rely solely on occasional periodic inspections. Instead it uses sensors, data loggers and analytics platforms to continuously monitor stress, vibration, displacement, temperature and corrosion on critical components.
This approach can significantly improve our understanding of bridge performance compared to traditional assessment models. In one case, it updated a bridge’s estimated fatigue life – the remaining life of the structure before fatigue-induced failure is predicted to occur– from just five years to more than 52 years. This ultimately avoided unnecessary and costly restoration.
Good structural health-monitoring systems can last several decades. They can be integrated with artificial intelligence techniques and bridge information modelling to develop digital twin-based monitoring platforms.
The cost of structural health monitoring systems varies by bridge size and the extent of monitoring required. Some simple systems can cost just a few thousand dollars, while more advanced ones can cost more than A$300,000.
These systems require ongoing operational support – typically 10% to 20% of the installation cost annually – for data management, system maintenance, and informed decision-making.
Additionally, while advanced systems can be costly, scalable structural health monitoring solutions allow authorities to start small and expand over time.
A model for proactive management
The design of structural health monitoring systems has been incorporated into new large-scale bridge designs, such as Sutong Bridge in China and Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge in the US.
But perhaps the most compelling example of these systems in action is the Jacques Cartier Bridge in Montreal, Canada.
Opened in 1930, it shares design similarities with Brisbane’s Story Bridge. And, like many ageing structures, it faces its own challenges.
Opened in 1930, the Jacques Cartier Bridge in Montreal, Canada, shares design similarities with Brisbane’s Story Bridge.
Pinkcandy/ShutterstockHowever, authorities managing the Jacques Cartier Bridge have embraced a proactive approach through comprehensive structural health monitoring systems. The bridge has been outfitted with more than 300 sensors.
Acoustic emission monitoring enables early detection of micro-cracking activity, while long-term instrumentation tracks structural deformation and dynamic behaviour across key spans.
Satellite-based radar imagery adds a remote, non-intrusive layer of deformation monitoring, and advanced data analysis ensures that the vast amounts of sensor data are translated into timely, actionable insights.
Together, these technologies demonstrate how a well-integrated structural-health monitoring system can support proactive maintenance, extend the life of ageing infrastructure – and ultimately improve public safety.
A way forward for Brisbane – and beyond
The Story Bridge’s current challenges are serious, but they also present an opportunity.
By investing in the right structural health monitoring system, Brisbane can lead the way in modern infrastructure management – protecting lives, restoring public confidence, preserving heritage and setting a precedent for cities around the world.
As climate change, urban growth, and ageing assets put increasing pressure on our transport networks, smart monitoring is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity.
Andy Nguyen receives funding from the Queensland government, through the Advance Queensland fellowship. He is on the executive committee of Australian Network of Structural Health Monitoring.
– ref. Ageing bridges around the world are at risk of collapse. But there’s a simple way to safeguard them – https://theconversation.com/ageing-bridges-around-the-world-are-at-risk-of-collapse-but-theres-a-simple-way-to-safeguard-them-260005
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MIL-OSI Analysis: Astronomers have spied an interstellar object zooming through the Solar System
Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Kirsten Banks, Lecturer, School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology
This week, astronomers spotted the third known interstellar visitor to our Solar System.
First detected by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) on July 1, the cosmic interloper was given the temporary name A11pl3Z. Experts at NASA’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies and the International Astronomical Union (IAU) have confirmed the find, and the object now has an official designation: 3I/ATLAS.
The orbital path of 3I/ATLAS through the Solar System.
NASA/JPL-Caltech, CC BY-NCThere are a few strong clues that suggest 3I/ATLAS came from outside the Solar System.
First, it’s moving really fast. Current observations show it speeding through space at around 245,000km per hour. That’s more than enough to escape the Sun’s gravity.
An object near Earth’s orbit would only need to be travelling at just over 150,000km/h to break free from the Solar System.
Second, 3I/ATLAS has a wildly eccentric orbit around the Sun. Eccentricity measures how “stretched” an orbit is: 0 eccentricity is a perfect circle, and anything up to 1 is an increasingly strung-out ellipse. Above 1 is an orbit that is not bound to the Sun.
3I/ATLAS has an estimated eccentricity of 6.3, by far the highest ever recorded for any object in the Solar System.
Has anything like this happened before?
An artist’s impression of the first confirmed interstellar object, 1I/‘Oumuamua.
ESO/M. Kornmesser, CC BYThe first interstellar object spotted in our Solar System was the cigar-shaped ‘Oumuamua, discovered in 2017 by the Pan-STARRS1 telescope in Hawaii. Scientists tracked it for 80 days before eventually confirming it came from interstellar space.
The interstellar comet 2I/Borisov, imaged by the Hubble Space Telescope.
NASA, ESA, and D. Jewitt (UCLA), CC BY-NCThe second interstellar visitor, comet 2I/Borisov, was discovered two years later by amateur astronomer Gennadiy Borisov. This time it only took astronomers a few weeks to confirm it came from outside the Solar System.
This time, the interstellar origin of 3I/ATLAS has been confirmed in a matter of days.
How did it get here?
We have only ever seen three interstellar visitors (including 3I/ATLAS), so it’s hard to know exactly how they made their way here.
However, recent research published in The Planetary Science Journal suggests these objects might be more common than we once thought. In particular, they may come from relatively nearby star systems such as Alpha Centauri (our nearest interstellar neighbour, a mere 4.4 light years away).
Alpha Centauri A and Alpha Centauri B, from the triple star system Alpha Centauri.
ESA/Hubble & NASA, CC BYAlpha Centauri is slowly moving closer to us, with its closest approach expected in about 28,000 years. If it flings out material in the same way our Solar System does, scientists estimate around a million objects from Alpha Centauri larger than 100 metres in diameter could already be in the outer reaches of our Solar System. That number could increase tenfold as Alpha Centauri gets closer.
Most of this material would have been ejected at relatively low speeds, less than 2km/s, making it more likely to drift into our cosmic neighbourhood over time and not dramatically zoom in and out of the Solar System like 3I/ATLAS appears to be doing. While the chance of one of these objects coming close to the Sun is extremely small, the study suggests a few tiny meteors from Alpha Centauri, likely no bigger than grains of sand, may already hit Earth’s atmosphere every year.
Why is this interesting?
Discovering new interstellar visitors like 3I/ATLAS is thrilling, not just because they’re rare, but because each one offers a unique glimpse into the wider galaxy. Every confirmed interstellar object expands our catalogue and helps scientists better understand the nature of these visitors, how they travel through space, and where they might have come from.
A swarm of new asteroids discovered by the NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory. Thanks to powerful new observatories such as the NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory, our ability to detect these elusive objects is rapidly improving. In fact, during its first 10 hours of test imaging, Rubin revealed 2,104 previously unknown asteroids.
This is an astonishing preview of what’s to come. With its wide field of view and constant sky coverage, Rubin is expected to revolutionise our search for interstellar objects, potentially turning rare discoveries into routine ones.
What now?
There’s still plenty left to uncover about 3I/ATLAS. Right now, it’s officially classified as a comet by the IAU Minor Planet Center.
But some scientists argue it might actually be an asteroid, roughly 20km across, based on the lack of typical comet-like features such as a glowing coma or a tail. More observations will be needed to confirm its nature.
Currently, 3I/ATLAS is inbound, just inside Jupiter’s orbit. It’s expected to reach its closest point to the Sun, slightly closer than the planet Mars, on October 29. After that, it will swing back out towards deep space, making its closest approach to Earth in December. (It will pose no threat to our planet.)
Whether it’s a comet or an asteroid, 3I/ATLAS is a messenger from another star system. For now, these sightings are rare – though as next-generation observatories such as Rubin swing into operation, we may discover interstellar companions all around.
Kirsten Banks 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. Astronomers have spied an interstellar object zooming through the Solar System – https://theconversation.com/astronomers-have-spied-an-interstellar-object-zooming-through-the-solar-system-260422
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MIL-OSI New Zealand: GREENPEACE – A dawn service to commemorate the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior in Auckland
Source: Greenpeace“You can’t sink a rainbow.”The iconic Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior will sail into Auckland today to mark the 40th anniversary of the bombing of the original Rainbow Warrior on 10 July 1985.A dawn ceremony of remembrance will be hosted by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei on board the Rainbow Warrior from 7am on 10 July 2025 at Halsey Street Wharf in the Viaduct.[To have cameras set up on the ship, please be there by 06:30am.]Speakers include:Russel Norman, Greenpeace Aotearoa executive directorTui Warmenhoven, Ngati Porou, Greenpeace Aotearoa board chairSharon Hawke, Ngāti Whātua ŌrākeiCarmen Gravatt, Greenpeace International programme directorStephanie Mills, former Greenpeace nuclear campaignerThe Rainbow Warrior comes fresh from confronting bottom trawlers off the East Coast of New Zealand on the Chatham Rise, a biodiversity hotspot under threat from the destructive fishing practice of bottom trawling. Activists from the Rainbow Warrior painted the words Ocean Killer on a Talley’s bottom trawling vessel and then again on a Sealord vessel. In response to the painting in June.Russel Norman says, “The Rainbow Warrior’s return to Aotearoa comes at a pivotal moment as the fight to protect our planet’s fragile life-support systems has never been more urgent.“On a planetary scale, climate change, ecosystem collapse, and accelerating species extinction pose an existential threat to us all, while here in Aotearoa, our Government is waging an all-out war on nature.“As we remember the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior and the murder of Fernando Pereira onboard that night 40 years ago, it’s important to remember why the French Government committed such an extreme act of violence.“They targeted our ship because Greenpeace and the campaign to stop nuclear weapons testing in the Pacific were so effective. We posed a threat to the French Government’s military programme and colonial power in the Pacific.“And it’s critical to remember that they failed to stop us. They failed to intimidate us, and they failed to silence us.“We showed that you can’t sink a rainbow. We showed that courage is contagious. Greenpeace only grew stronger and continued the successful campaign against nuclear weapons testing in the Pacific.“That lesson is important because now, forty years on, we are just as effective, and it is the fossil fuel industry and the billionaire oligarchs who try to stop us. This time, not with bombs but with armies of lawyers and legal attacks of the kind that right now could threaten the very existence of Greenpeace in the US and beyond.“But just like in 1985 when the French bombed our ship, now too in 2025, we are showing that we can not be intimidated, we will not back down, and we will not be silenced.“The Rainbow Warrior has sailed ever since as a symbol of resistance in action. And we cannot be silenced because we are a movement of people committed to peace and to protecting Earth’s ability to sustain life, protecting the blue oceans, the forests and the life we share this planet with,” says Norman.Following the anniversary, the Rainbow Warrior will be open to the public for tours and talks with the crew on the week -
MIL-OSI Australia: Hazelwood North Primary leads the way in fire education pilot
Source:
Hazelwood North Primary School has become the first school in District 27 to pilot the Schools in Fire Country program, an exciting new initiative aimed at helping our older students understand fire risk, preparedness, and their role in community resilience.
Situated in one of Victoria’s fire risk areas, Hazelwood North Primary was a fitting choice to launch the program. Over the last term, students in Years 5/6 engaged in a series of interactive learning sessions designed to deepen their knowledge about bushfires and how they impact communities like their own.
Delivered in collaboration with local CFA members and community safety representatives from Hazelwood North Fire Brigade, the program gave students a chance to explore real-life scenarios, learn about fire behaviour, and discover what actions families and communities can take to stay safe.
CFA Community Engagement Coordinator Hayley King said the pilot at Hazelwood North was a standout success.
“The students were incredibly engaged and asked thoughtful questions. It was inspiring to see them thinking critically about the risks in their own environment and how they can be part of the solution,” Hayley said.
A highlight of the program was a student-led presentation day, where learners shared their knowledge and fire safety ideas with parents, staff, and CFA.
From bushfire emergency plans to creative artwork and quizzes, and testing CFA Assistant Chief Fire Officer Bryan Russell on his bushfire knowledge, the presentations reflected both the seriousness of the topic and the confidence the students had gained.
Hazelwood North Brigade Community Safety Coordinator Maria Harkins worked hard and supported the program’s practical and empowering approach.
Following its successful rollout, CFA’s District 27 and 9 will evaluate the program’s impact and explore how Schools in Fire Country can be expanded to other schools in the Latrobe Valley and beyond.
By equipping the next generation with knowledge and a sense of shared responsibility, Hazelwood North Primary is helping to build a safer and more fire-aware future for all.
Submitted by CFA media -
MIL-OSI Australia: Tax Time 2025 update – 1 July
Source: New places to play in Gungahlin
Welcome and governance
The ATO Co-chair welcomed members and ATO attendees to the first Tax Practitioner Stewardship Group (TPSG) Tax Time 2025 meeting.
ATO updates
Frontline Services
Frontline Services provided the following update:
- Tax time has progressed well on day 1, noting the day is not over yet.
- We’ve received 4,000 calls from tax agents so far, which is similar to this time last year.
- Lodgment numbers are slightly higher from this time last year, but we expect this figure to level out throughout the week.
- We’ve put in place a safety net that may be removed progressively throughout this week.
Member comments
Members queried whether we will investigate and amend tax returns lodged early this year. We stated that this will depend on the circumstances and reiterated the safety net should help prevent this as has been done in previous years.
IT system updates and maintenance
Enterprise Solutions and Technology provided the following update:
- Good system performance throughout the day with notably good response times.
- There is a small issue with the availability of webchat functionality in myTax, which is currently being worked through, but this has had no impact on Online Services for Agents.
ATO Digital services
Digital services are operating as intended and there is nothing to report.
ATO Communications
Marketing and Communications provided the following update:
- Key focus for tax time communications this year is to encourage people to wait until all pre-fill information is available before lodging, with our strategy and messages centered on ‘Back to basics’ themes emphasising record keeping, eligibility to claim, and substantiation.
- The ATO Tax Time Spokesperson has been engaging with a wide range of audiences through media, podcasts, webinars and events, and achieving early reach in partnerships with high-profile consumer brands.
- Our flagship tax time toolkits, including the Investors toolkit, the Individuals tax time toolkit and the Tax time toolkit for small business, have been successfully updated, offering a helpful resource for tax agents to guide conversations with individuals and small business clients.
- A significant focus this tax time is encouraging uptake of the ATO app, with new security features rolling out to keep users safe and their ATO records secure. Recent communication around real time security messaging has been successful in generating uptake, with a number of instances already confirmed of blocking suspected fraud.
- The recent tax time webcast with tax professionals was a success with a total of 2,051 attendees and 132 questions from participants. The recorded version of the webcast will be included in this week’s edition of the Tax professional’s newsletter.
Member comments
Members highlighted that 142,000 early lodged returns last year were adjusted or reviewed for errors is an important message for taxpayers.
Superannuation
Superannuation and Employer Obligations provided the following update:
- Super Guarantee (SG) rate will increase to 12% on 1 July. This rate applies for payments of salary and wages to eligible workers on and after 1 July, even if some or all of the pay period it relates to is before 1 July.
- SG contributions should be made by 28 July in full, on time and to the right fund. For the quarter ending 30 June, apply the 11.5% SG rate for salary and wage payments made before 1 July.
- As of 1 July, some pay as you go (PAYG) withholding schedules and tax tables have been updated. Tax agents should ensure they are using the correct tax tables or the tax withheld calculator to work out how much to withhold from employees’ payments
- a reminder to update payroll software to withhold, report and pay the correct amount of tax.
- Single Touch Payroll (STP) reporting and finalisation declarations are due by 14 July
- lodge a finalisation declaration for all employees paid and reported through STP so they have the right information to lodge their income tax returns
- finalise all employees paid in the financial year, even those that haven’t been paid for a while, like terminated employees
- if an employer changes payroll software providers, they should finalise records before they change. This ensures employers and employees have accurate information during tax time.
Member insights and experience
Member comments
A professional association representative member raised an issue in relation to an ATO LinkedIn poll asking taxpayers what they thought was the fastest and easiest way to lodge this tax time. Members were disappointed that this poll did not acknowledge lodging through a registered tax agent is also a valid, fast and easy option.
Members raised concerns that ATO communications do not acknowledge the role of tax professionals and in the current environment with changes to the Tax Agent Services Act (TASA), this adds to the increasing unease across the tax professional community.
Members encouraged us to continue to engage the Communication Content Working Group (CCWG) and the TSPG to improve messaging that positions tax agents alongside myTax in our communications.
We expressed appreciation for this feedback and noted that the post was intended to be a light-hearted and engaging way to spark conversation around tax time, rather than a comprehensive overview of lodgment options. We stated that registered tax agents were considered as an option in this poll, however thought placing them alongside choices like paper returns or interpretive dance might unintentionally come across as disrespectful to tax agents, and not in keeping with the playful tone of the post.
We absolutely recognise the vital role tax professionals play and regularly highlight the contributions they make across our channels, encouraging the community to seek support from registered agents. We’ve taken this feedback on board and will keep this in mind this for all future communications. We apologised to tax professionals for this post and any offence taken and have since taken the poll down.
A professional association representative member raised an increase in their members commenting on ATO outbound calls, where our officers are requesting the tax agents to go through a POI process, which at tax time is causing an increased level of frustration amongst agents.
Members quired whether there is an easier solution to provide verification through a message in Practice Mail.
Members raised the amendments made by the ATO to 142,000 tax returns lodged within the first 2 weeks of tax time last year and whether shortfall interest charge (SIC) was applied to these taxpayers.
Useful links
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MIL-OSI Australia: Lodging the self-review return if your NFP may be charitable
Source: New places to play in Gungahlin
It’s time for self-assessing as income tax exempt not-for-profits (NFPs) with an ABN to lodge the NFP self-review return.
NFPs that have only charitable purposes and meet the legal definition of a charity can register as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and be formally endorsed by the ATO as income tax exempt. Once registered, you don’t have to lodge the NFP self-review return.
But what if your NFP has applied to the ACNC and you’re waiting for the outcome? Or if your NFP may be eligible to register as charitable, but you haven’t yet applied to the ACNC?
Lodge while waiting for the ACNC’s response
Your NFP should continue to lodge annual NFP self-review while you wait to hear the outcome of your charitable registration application to the ACNC. You must lodge the 2024–25 NFP self-review return by 31 October if you have not received the outcome of your application by then.
If you haven’t yet lodged the 2023–24 return, lodge it now. When you lodge, select ‘yes’ or ‘unsure’ to the question ‘Does your organisation have charitable purposes?’.
Use ACNC resources if unsure your NFP is charitable
If your NFP has already lodged the 2023–24 NFP SRR and selected ‘yes’ or ‘unsure’ to the question ‘Does your organisation have charitable purposes?’ take the next step now:
- To see if your NFP is eligible to register as charitable, use the ACNC’s charity registration self-assessment toolExternal Link.
- If your NFP is eligible, apply to register as a charity with the ACNC. Backdate your application to the period your organisation first became a charity so you can access tax exemptions for that period.
If your NFP hasn’t yet lodged the 2023–24 NFP SRR, it is overdue. Lodge it now, select ‘yes’ or ‘unsure’ to the question ‘Does your organisation have charitable purposes?’, and then use the ACNC tool to check if your NFP can register as a charity.
Sporting clubs
Some community sporting clubs have answered ‘unsure’ to the question asking if they have charitable purposes. In most cases, sporting clubs are not charitable, but they are eligible to self-assess as income tax exempt.
You can check if your sporting club is eligible to register as charitable by using the charity registration self-assessment tool on the ACNC websiteExternal Link.
If your sporting club is not charitable, submit your NFP self-review return and select ‘no’ to the question about charitable status. If your NFP self-review return gives an income tax exempt outcome, continue to lodge it annually.
How to lodge
Find out more about lodging your NFP self-review return in this edition of NFP news, or check out the information available at ato.gov.au/NFPtaxexempt.
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MIL-OSI Video: President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers an intervention during the 2nd session of the XVII BRICS Summit
Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)
His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers an intervention during the second session of the XVII BRICS Summit held under theme: “Strengthening Multilateralism, Economic-Financial Affairs, and Artificial Intelligence”.
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Checkout more: http://www.thepresidency.gov.za
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MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – CommBank unveils new brand platform Doubt Never Did, designed to inspire Australians – CBA
Source: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)Cinematic hero film leads a bold new brand campaign across TV, social, OOH and digital.
CommBank has launched Doubt Never Did, a bold new campaign designed to empower Australians to overcome self-doubt and take action towards their personal and business goals.
The next evolution of CommBank’s enduring brand platform, Can.
Informed by deep cultural insights and macro tr
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MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – Green approach to increase wastewater recycling in regional towns – Flinders
Source: Flinders UniversityRising rural populations, drought and climate change are making water scarcity a problem in country townships – with more efficient handling of sewage system wastewater part of the solution.
Pioneered by Flinders University environmental health experts, local councils in South Australia are operating sustainable energy-efficient sewage treatment operations with low-cost high-rate algal pond (HRAP) systems.
Now new research led by Flinders University is investigating improved effluent treatment and biosolids removal with ‘sequencing batch reactors’ – or low-cost ‘SBR-HRAP’ technology field trials – installed at SA Water’s Angaston wastewater treatment plant in the Barossa Valley.
The good news is that the newer systems under development can work better and faster without major capital expense – due to the latest research of new approaches to bio-processing inside them, says Professor Howard Fallowfield, from the College of Science and Engineering at Finders University.
The SBR techniques under development involve a new kind of algae and improved removal of waste from the water, for better quality non-potable water for use in parks, gardens, sporting fields and other purposes.
“Supported by SA Water and the ARC Biofilm Research and Innovation Centre at Flinders, we are trialling selective enrichment of algal-bacterial combinations to produce higher quality treated effluent,” says Professor Fallowfield.
“Using wastewater from the Angaston community, our six pilot-scale HRAP tanks will compare the performance of these improved processes against the original HRAP operations.”
Large high-rate algal pond systems, which have been treating wastewater at local council-owned facilities near Kingston-on-Murray (since 2013) and Peterborough (since 2018) in South Australia, use low-energy paddlewheels to move township and business organic waste along shallow channels where harmless green microalgae and bacteria remove pathogens and contaminants.
PhD candidate Felipe Sabatté, who has used a native freshwater filamentous algal population to produce higher quality clarified treated effluent, says the latest developments will be scaled up in the Angaston field trials.
“While high-rate algal ponds are an accepted method of wastewater treatment, particularly for regional and rural communities, they utilise microalgae which are difficult to remove from the treated wastewater leading to unacceptably high suspended solids in the discharge,” says Mr Sabatté.
“These larger filamentous algae offer the prospect of easier separation from the treated wastewater, significantly improving treated effluent quality.”
The outcome of this research provides a new operational strategy for wastewater HRAPs, particularly for the benefit of regional and rural communities challenged with water restrictions and to help meet UN SDG6 (clean water and sanitation) targets in the long run, he says.
See more, ‘High-rate algal ponds operated as sequencing batch reactors: Towards wastewater treatment with filamentous algae’ (2025) by Felipe Sabatté, Ryan Baring and Howard Fallowfield, just published in the Journal of Applied Phycology – DOI: 10.1007/s10811-025-03545-6
First published 13 June 2025 – https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-025-03545-6
This research was conducted by the Australian Research Council Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation and funded by the Australian Government.
Also at the Angaston trial site, Flinders ARC Biofilm Research and Innovation Centre PhD researcher Sam Butterworth is investigating how to use this new technology to develop dense, algae-bacterial granules, which can be more readily removed from wastewater and to potentially reduce phosphorus levels.
“Algae-bacterial granule formation is a positive way for biofilms to form dense, fast-settling biomass and improve treated wastewater quality,” says Mr Butterworth.
“Using microalgae in high-rate algal ponds is increasingly seen as a better alternative to other wastewater treatment systems, such as activated sludge,” he says.
Traditional wastewater treatment methods can use more energy and water and can be less sustainable due to higher greenhouse gas emissions.
An independent validation of the HRAP projects approved the treated wastewater to be used for non-food crop irrigation. For example, the Kingston-on-Murray ponds supply reuse water to irrigate a woodlot, and the ponds in Peterborough provide reuse water for a golf course and a sports field.
Working with industry, the Flinders University ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation is working on a range of sustainable and environmentally friendly research solutions. See more at the website and https://youtu.be/FbWhd-lc9z0?si=pCnUqEaDDlymcDRF
Acknowledgements: This research was conducted by the Australian Research Council Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation (project number IC2201000003).
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MIL-OSI Submissions: Pacific-Solomon Islands – 62 companies sign PSA contracts with SIG/MRD to supply materials to constituencies
Source: Government of the Solomon IslandsThe Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) has completed the qualification process and recently signed legally binding agreements with 62 private companies under the Solomon Islands Government Preferred Supplier Arrangement (PSA).
The PSA qualifies these Companies to supply materials, equipment, goods and services to the national government through the 50 constituencies.
This signing marks a significant milestone toward the full implementation of the 2025 Constituency Development Funds (CDF) budget; enabling the mobilization of essential resources for rural development projects and community improvements.
The PSA is a SIG procurement administrative process designed to streamline and fix procurement procedures particularly for commonly procured goods or equipment by engaging legally registered, genuine, and qualified companies to supply goods and services to the government. The goal is to improve efficiency and ensure the delivery of quality services to both the government and the public.
“The PSA contracts are valid for one year, with procurement of goods and services governed by and in compliance with Sections 73 and 74 of the Public Financial Management (PFM) Act 2013 and Section 28 of the Constituency Development Funds (CDF) Act 2023” MRD said in an official statement.
“The processes will be closely monitored by MRD in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT) to ensure all procurement procedures under the relevant sections of the PFM Act 2013, SIG Procurement Manual and the CDF Act 2023 are complied with, guaranteeing that quality goods and services are delivered to the constituencies,” the statement added.
It further explained that, to ensure impartiality, the PSA underwent a rigorous selection and evaluation process, including physical site inspections and assessments on suppliers conducted by the MRD Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC). The process also involved scrutiny by the Ministry of Finance (MoFT) and the Central Tender Board (CTB) before contracts were awarded to successful suppliers.
Regarding pricing, MRD secured fixed prices for various items based on prevailing market rates, ensuring value for money and consistent quality of materials purchased by constituencies for development projects.
Price evaluation was conducted exclusively for the 62 qualified companies across the following categories/items:
Hardware and Building Materials
Forestry Milling Products
Marine, Seagoing, and Fishing Equipment
Plant & Motor Vehicles
Electrification Supplies
Plumbing, Water Supply, and Sanitation Equipment
Communication, Musical, and Sound Equipment
Sports Equipment and Accessories
Agriculture and Gardening Equipment
Tailoring, Embroidery, and Fabric Printing Equipment
Cookery, Bakery, and Kitchenware
Retail GoodsThe CTB serves as the awarding authority, responsible for the tender awards following the completion of all technical evaluation processes undertaken by MRD. PSA contracts are prepared by MRD, with signatories including Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (Chairman of the CTB), PS MRD (Chairman of the Ministerial Tender Board, MTB), and the suppliers.
The contracts are valid for one year (12 months), with fixed prices throughout the period. The list of the qualified suppliers for the PSA will be published when all contract documentations are finalised soon.
The Tender for the PSA was publicized in October 2024, with 68 companies submitting bids. After thorough evaluation, six companies were disqualified for failing to meet the minimum technical requirements outlined in the tender documentation, including Section VI, Schedule of Requirements. MRD also undertook a quick review of the selling prices of commonly procured goods under the PSA which resulted in some decrease in pricing on some commonly procured goods under the scheme.
Funding for the 2025 PSA is allocated from the MRD/SIG Development Budget.
The SIG support to the Constituency Development Program totals $250 million, which will be equally shared among the 50 constituencies—each receiving $5 million. Of this amount, $3.2 million is allocated and to be processed via the Preferred Suppliers Arrangement, while $1.8 million is provided as grants to the respective constituencies.
Funding utilization will follow the sectoral allocations stipulated in the CDF Act 2023, Section 26. Specifically, the funding utilisation will be portioned as follows:
40% for the Productive & Resources Sector
20% for Essential Services
20% for Cross-Sectoral, Inclusivity, and Gender initiatives
20% for Social and Cultural ObligationsThe implementation of the 2025 CDF program continues to progress smoothly.
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EAM Jaishankar holds talks on “regional developments” with Iranian Foreign Minister
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Sunday met Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, with discussions focused mainly on recent developments in West Asia.
“Glad to meet FM @araghchi of Iran this evening. Our conversation focused on recent regional developments,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.
The meeting comes amid heightened tensions in the region, including conflict between Iran and Israel and recent US strikes on Iran. India has called for de-escalation and urged a return to dialogue and diplomacy to help restore regional peace and stability.
In June, Jaishankar held a phone call with Araghchi to discuss the situation following the flare-up between Iran and Israel. He also thanked Tehran for assisting in the evacuation of Indian nationals stranded in Iran.
India and Iran share centuries-old ties rooted in civilisational links, which continue to shape the contemporary relationship. Both sides maintain cooperation in trade, connectivity and cultural exchanges.
IANS
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BRICS: Indonesia joins as full member, 10 countries welcomed as partners
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Leaders of the BRICS nations on Sunday welcomed Indonesia as a full member of the group, along with the inclusion of 10 countries — Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Malaysia, Thailand, Cuba, Vietnam, Uganda, and Uzbekistan — as partner countries.
In a joint declaration issued at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, the leaders said, “We welcome the Republic of Indonesia as a BRICS member, as well as the Republic of Belarus, the Plurinational State of Bolivia, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Republic of Cuba, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Malaysia, the Kingdom of Thailand, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the Republic of Uganda, and the Republic of Uzbekistan as BRICS partner countries.”
The declaration also highlighted key initiatives adopted during the summit, including the BRICS Leaders’ Framework Declaration on Climate Finance, the BRICS Leaders’ Statement on the Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence, and the launch of the BRICS Partnership for the Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases.
During the BRICS session on ‘Peace and Security and Reform of Global Governance,’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised that the expansion demonstrates BRICS’ ability to evolve with changing times. He called for urgent reforms in global institutions such as the United Nations Security Council, the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and Multilateral Development Banks.
“The expansion of BRICS and the inclusion of new partners reflect its ability to evolve with the times. Now, we must demonstrate the same determination to reform institutions like the UN Security Council, the WTO, and Multilateral Development Banks. In the age of AI, where technology evolves every week, it’s unacceptable for global institutions to go eighty years without reform. You can’t run 21st-century software on 20th-century typewriters,” the Prime Minister said.
BRICS was originally established as BRIC after the leaders of Russia, India, China, and Brazil met during the G8 Outreach Summit in 2006. The grouping formalised its cooperation with the first BRIC Summit in Russia in 2009. South Africa joined in 2010, expanding the group to BRICS.
A further expansion took place in 2024 with Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE becoming full members from January 1. Indonesia became a full member in January 2025, while Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan were inducted as BRICS partner countries.
(ANI)
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MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks at the 17th BRICS Summit Session on “Strengthening Multilateralism, Economic-Financial Affairs and Artificial Intelligence” [as delivered]
Source: United Nations secretary general
Prezado Presidente Lula, muito obrigado pelo seu amável convite e pela sua hospitalidade tão amiga.
Excellencies,
Artificial intelligence is reshaping economies and societies.
The fundamental test is how wisely we will guide this transformation.
How we minimize the risks and maximize the potential for good.
I am particularly concerned with the weaponization of AI, in a world where peace is more necessary than ever.
Peace in Palestine, based on building the two-State solution, starting by an immediate, permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate and unconditional release of hostages, free and unimpeded humanitarian aid delivery, and the ending of the crippling annexation and violence in the West Bank.
A just and sustainable peace in Ukraine, in line with the UN Charter, international law and relevant UN resolutions.
Silencing the guns in Sudan, where civilians have also suffered too much.
And the list goes on, from the DRC to Somalia, from the Sahel to Myanmar.
Excellencies,
Artificial intelligence needs a multilateral response grounded in equity and human rights.
The Pact for the Future, approved by the General Assembly of the United Nations, calls for a new architecture of trust and cooperation – starting with the establishment by the UN of an Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence.
This Panel should provide impartial, evidence-based guidance available to all Member States.
The Pact also calls for a periodic Global Dialogue on AI within the UN, with all the Member States and relevant stakeholders.
The AI can’t be a club of the few, but must benefit all, and in particular, developing countries which must have a real voice in global AI governance.
I will also soon present a report outlining innovative voluntary financing options to support AI capacity-building in developing countries, and I urge the BRICS’ support and your support for these efforts.
But we cannot govern AI effectively – and fairly – without confronting deeper, structural imbalances in our global system.
We are in a multipolar era.
Power relations are shifting.
A multipolar world requires multilateral governance – with global institutions tuned for the times, in particular the Security Council and the international financial architecture.
They were designed for a bygone age, a bygone world, with a bygone system of power relations.
The reform of the Security Council is crucial.
The message from the Financing for Development Conference last week in Sevilla was clear:
Ensuring that developing countries have a greater participation in global economic governance and its institutions;
Putting into place an effective debt restructuring mechanism;
And tripling the lending capacity of multilateral development banks, in particular, with concessional funding and in local currencies.
All this is crucial for countries, especially in the Global South – to bridge the digital divide and fully harness artificial intelligence’s potential, making AI a powerful driver for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Excellencies,
At a time when multilateralism is being undermined, let us remind the world that cooperation is humanity’s greatest innovation.
That begins with trust, and trust begins with all countries respecting International Law without exceptions.
Let us rise to this moment – and reform and modernize multilateralism, including the UN and all the systems and institutions to make it work for everyone, everywhere.
Thank you.
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MIL-OSI New Zealand: Retaining wall complete at rockfall site
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Work at a rockfall site on the West Coast has reached an important milestone with the completion of a micropile retaining wall to improve resilience and safety for users of State Highway 6.
Efforts to reduce the ongoing rockfall risk have been underway at the Epitaph Rift site, north of Haast and south of Knights Point, since a storm in November last year triggered a slip. The event required an initial highway closure and ongoing traffic management since then.
Work at the site has included use of explosives and blasting to reduce and remove unstable pieces of rock above the road.
See an example of the rock clearing work at the Epitaph site.(external link)
In March, work shifted to the construction of the micropile retaining wall below road level, with funding of $1.7 million for the work.
“This has involved the construction of 110 metres of micropiles, down to depths of up to nine metres, to ensure the stability of the outside shoulder of the highway,” says Moira Whinham, Maintenance Contract Manager for NZTA on the West Coast.
“This wall is an important step to improving the short-term resilience of the site while work on a business case looking at long term resilience options is completed.”
Completion of the retaining wall means two lanes of unrestricted traffic are now restored on SH6.
“There is still some work remaining at the site to complete repairs to the road surface that was damaged during the rockfall and subsequent scaling that happened to make the site safe. This work needs to occur in warmer temperatures and is programmed for our next construction season this coming summer,” Miss Whinham says.
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MIL-OSI New Zealand: Export Awards – Finalists Announced for 2025 ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Export Awards
Source: Business Central
Finalists Announced for 2025 ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Export AwardsHawke’s Bay exporters are being recognised for their excellence with today’s announcement of the finalists for the ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Export Awards.In a time of substantial global volatility, ExportNZ is proud to recognise just some of the amazing exporters who continue to innovate and succeed in the global market.The awards celebrate high calibre exporters from Hawke’s Bay up to the southern tip of Gisborne and are awarded annually.Finalists for 2025 were selected from a wide field of entries, with an expert panel of judges assessing their success across a wide range of categories. The winners of each individual award category will automatically go in the running for the supreme award of the night, the ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Exporter of the Year.Judges have lauded the creativity and quality of this year’s finalists, highlighting their innovation, strategy and global growth.ASB’s Head of International Trade, Mike Atkins said it was exciting to see this year’s finalists covered a mix of businesses from the Food & Fibre sector along with Productive Manufacturing:“We are extremely proud to enter our eleventh year of celebrating some of the country’s most innovative and inspiring companies and the achievements of the Hawke’s Bay export sector. It was particularly inspiring to see the level of innovation being adopted, including some world firsts,” said Atkins.Congratulations to all this year’s finalists and award winners – the region should be proud of these amazing achievements.”This year’s category finalists are:ContainerCo Emerging Business Award– Ovenden Seeds Limited– Six Barrel Soda– Haumako– Bayleaf OrganicsT&G Global Best Established Business Award– ABB– Apollo Foods– Starboard Bio LimitedZiwi Excellence in Innovation Award– Norsewear– King Bees– ABB– Starboard Bio Limited– Apollo FoodsThe Judges’ Choice Award, NZME Service to Export Award and Napier Port Unsung Heroes Award will be announced on the night – as will this year’s supreme prize, ASB Exporter of the Year.Winners of each category will also go on to the final stage of the New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE) International Business Awards, held in Auckland on November 11 th.ExportNZ Hawke’s Bay Executive Officer Amanda Liddle applauded all the efforts of the finalists and the exporting community.“There’s no denying that the past few years have been challenging for exporters. Yet, time and again, our exporters have not only persevered but outperformed on the global stage-a true testament to their resilience, quality, and determination,” said Liddle.“Amid ongoing global uncertainty, it’s more important than ever to pause and celebrate their achievements. ExportNZ is proud to stand behind our exporters-driving economic growth, lifting national pride, and showcasing New Zealand to the world.”“This night would not be possible without the support of our category sponsors and our family sponsors. A special thank you to New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Hastings District Council, Napier City Council, Hawke’s Bay Airport and Craggy Range Winery. Congratulations to all the finalists.”Gala Dinner and Winners AnnouncementThe winners in each category will be revealed during the upcoming Gala Dinner and Awards night on July 31st, at the Toitoi Hawke’s Bay Arts and Event Centre. Tickets for the event are available for purchase here: https://exportnz.org.nz/event/exportnz-asb-hawkes-bay-export-awards-2025/Notes:ExportNZ Hawke’s Bay is overseen by Business Central, which represents around 3,500 organisations across the lower North Island. Business Central offers advice, learning, advocacy, and support to a wide range of organisations across Central New Zealand. Business Central is part of the BusinessNZ Network.Tickets to the event go on sale today on the Export NZ website: https://exportnz.org.nz -
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Universities – Nafanua Purcell Kersel named as 2025 Emerging Pasifika Writer in Residence – Vic
Source: Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of WellingtonTe Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s International Institute of Modern Letters (IIML) is delighted to announce the appointment of Nafanua Purcell Kersel as the Emerging Pasifika Writer in Residence for 2025.
Nafanua, a Sāmoan writer and performer, is based in Heretaunga, Te Mātau-a-Māui (Hawke’s Bay). She will use the residency to work on a stage adaptation of her debut poetry collection Black Sugarcane, as well as a new book of poems.
Her aspiration is to create work that creates more. “More alofa, more creativity, more understanding in our communities and worlds,” says Nafanua.
Nafanua has a background in facilitation and community storytelling, including her role with Nevertheless NZ, where she leads the storytelling programme and runs creative writing workshops with Māori, Pasifika, and Rainbow+ communities. Her creative work includes poetry, theatre and spoken word, often centring on themes of intergenerational memory and Pasifika knowledge systems. (ref. https://neverthelessnz.com/ )
Black Sugarcane, published in 2025 by Te Herenga Waka University Press, grew out of Nafanua’s Master of Creative Writing at IIML, for which she won the 2022 Biggs Family Prize in Poetry. Her poetry has appeared in anthologies and in various literary journals including Cordite, Landfall and Turbine l Kapohau.
Nafanua says it is a privilege and an honour to receive this award.
“I admire each of the previous recipients, and feel humbled to have been chosen to follow on from them.
“My wish is to write work which offers an insight into the complexity of community and the subtle work of shared stories, through my own experiences, dreams, and observations. My goal for the residency is to produce work which is mana-enhancing and unapologetic in its cultural depth. Fa’afetai, fa’afetai, fa’afetai tele lava mo le avanoa.”
Nafanua will receive a stipend of $15,000 to write her new work at the IIML for three months. She will also work with a mentor during the residency.Damien Wilkins, Director of the IIML, says Nafanua’s wonderful first book of poems shows her to be a highly skilled writer with new things to say.
“We’re excited to see her work develop. The IIML is also very appreciative of the support of the University and Creative New Zealand.”
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MIL-OSI USA: YORK – Governor Shapiro Announces Full Implementation of Medical Licensure Compacts, Reducing Barriers for Health Care Workers
Source: US State of Pennsylvania
July 07, 2025 – York, PA
ADVISORY – YORK – Governor Shapiro Announces Full Implementation of Medical Licensure Compacts, Reducing Barriers for Health Care Workers
Governor Shapiro Announces Full Implementation of Medical Licensure Compacts, Reducing Barriers for Health Care Workers
York, PA – Tomorrow, Governor Josh Shapiro will join lawmakers and healthcare providers to announce that Pennsylvania has fully implemented three health care licensure compacts to cut red tape and reduce barriers for qualified, licensed medical professionals.
These compacts will streamline the application process for the more than 300,000 nurses, nearly 65,000 doctors, and more than 17,000 physical therapists currently licensed in Pennsylvania to provide care in multiple states – and allow licensed providers in other states to easily work in the Commonwealth.
WHO:
Governor Josh Shapiro
Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt
Rep. Frank Burns, Chairman of the PA House Professional Licensure Committee
Patty Donley, Senior VP & Chief Nursing Executive, Wellspan Health
Stephanie Watkins, Senior VP of Advocacy and Policy, Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania
Hollis King, Student, Jersey College School of Nursing at Wellspan HealthWHEN:
Monday, July 7, 2025, at 11:00 AMWHERE:
Wellspan Education Center
1409 Williams Rd
York, PA 17402LIVE STREAM:
pacast.com/live/gov
governor.pa.gov/live/RSVP:
Press who are interested in attending must RSVP with the names and phone numbers for each member of their team to ra-gvgovpress@pa.gov. -
BRICS nations support India’s bid to host COP 33; call for stronger climate action
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Leaders of the BRICS nations on Sunday welcomed India’s candidacy to host the 33rd Conference of the Parties (COP 33) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2028.
In a joint declaration at the 17th BRICS Summit, the leaders said, “We express our full support to the Presidency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP-30, which will take place in Belém, Brazil, highlighting the importance of action and cooperation on all pillars of the UNFCCC as applicable, considering each country’s membership and commitments thereunder. We also underscore our full commitment to a successful COP30 that will catalyze progress in implementing the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement. We welcome India’s candidacy to host COP 33 in 2028.”
The declaration reiterated the commitment of BRICS countries to remain united in pursuing the goals of the UNFCCC and called on all countries to uphold their existing commitments under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement. It urged intensified efforts in mitigation, adaptation, and providing support to developing nations, reflecting equity and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.
The BRICS leaders called for a stronger global response to climate change, linking it to sustainable development and poverty eradication. They endorsed the BRICS Climate Leadership Agenda as a pledge to advance solutions that support development priorities while accelerating implementation of the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement.
The joint statement also highlighted the critical role of forests in conserving biodiversity, regulating water cycles, combating desertification, and serving as carbon sinks. It noted the United for Our Forests initiative and India’s proposal to form an international Big Cats Alliance, encouraging cooperation among BRICS countries on conservation efforts.
The leaders stressed the urgent need to reform the governance of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to ensure fairer representation and easier access to resources for developing countries, including Indigenous peoples and local communities.
The declaration praised Brazil’s BRICS Chairship in 2025 and expressed full support for India’s Chairship in 2026 and the hosting of the 18th BRICS Summit.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with other leaders, attended the 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday. Brazil took over the BRICS Chairship on January 1, 2025, under the theme ‘Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.
ANI
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MIL-OSI Australia: Practise your home fire escape plan these school holidays
Source:
Victoria’s fire services are encouraging families to practice their home fire escape plans these school holidays.
Fires can take hold at any time, and a practised escape plan could save lives.
Last year, 18 people tragically lost their lives in preventable residential fires in Victoria, with research showing that young children, people aged over 65, smokers and people with disabilities are more likely to die in house fires.
All occupants of the home should know the quickest and safest way to escape from every room, and know of two exits from every room, either through doors or windows.
You can find materials on both FRV and CFA’s respective websites to help create a plan.
FRV Deputy Commissioner Community Safety Joshua Fischer said all family members should know what to do in the event of a fire.
“In an emergency people can often panic and might not know what to do – particularly children,” Deputy Commissioner Fischer said.
“Having a practised home fire escape plan will significantly increase your chances of survival, ensuring that all members of the house know how to safely evacuate as quickly as possible.”
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said fire escape plans should be tailored to your living environment and the abilities of all members of the household.
“If you live in a high-rise building, know where the fire exits are, always take the stairs, and know the building’s evacuation procedures,” Chief Officer Heffernan said.
“And if you have people in the family who will require assistance to evacuate, such an elderly family member or young child, consider this in your plan.”
“Kids are always looking for things to do during school holidays, so why not practise your home fire escape plan together?”
When making your home fire escape plan, remember:
- Know what to do if a fire occurs. Whether you are a homeowner or a renter, you should have a Home Fire Escape Plan in place.
- Practice your plan with everyone in the home.
- If you must keep deadlocks locked, leave your keys in the door.
When there is a fire:
- Get out and stay out by getting down low and staying out of the smoke.
- If it is safe, close the doors to slow down the spread of fire and smoke.
- Alert other people on your way out and meet at a safe place, such as the letterbox or out the front of your home.
- Call 000 from a mobile phone or neighbour’s phone.
For more information, visit frv.vic.gov.au or cfa.vic.gov.au
Submitted by CFA media -
South America – A Roundup of Significant Articles on ForeignAffairs.co.nz for July 7, 2025
South America: Here is a summary of significant articles published on ForeignAffairs.co.nz on July 7, 2025.
BRICS nations support India’s bid to host COP 33; call for stronger climate action
Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) Leaders of the BRICS nations on Sunday welcomed India’s candidacy to host the 33rd Conference of the Parties (COP 33) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2028. In a joint declaration at the 17th BRICS Summit, the leaders said, “We express […]MIL-OSI China: Bayern’s Musiala set for lengthy layoff after horror injury
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious ankle injury during his side’s 2-0 FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinal defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Jamal Musiala (R) of FC Bayern Munich passes the ball during the quarterfinal match between Paris […]BRICS leaders back India, Brazil for bigger UN Security Council role
Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) Leaders of BRICS nations have reiterated their support for “comprehensive” reform of the United Nations, including its Security Council, to make it more democratic, representative, effective and efficient. In a joint declaration at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, China and Russia — as […]PM Modi meets Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim, Cuba’s President Diaz-Canel on sidelines of BRICS
Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held a bilateral meeting with his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. PM Modi also met Cuba’s President Miguel Diaz-Canel on the sidelines of the summit. External Affairs Minister […]MIL-OSI China: Chinese premier calls on BRICS to be vanguard in advancing global governance reform
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News Chinese premier calls on BRICS to be vanguard in advancing global governance reform RIO DE JANEIRO, July 6 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Sunday that BRICS countries should strive to become the vanguard in advancing the reform of global governance. Li made the remarks when […]Sakshi, Jaismine, Nupur clinch gold as India bags 11 medals at World Boxing Cup Astana 2025
Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) India’s women boxers led the country’s best-ever show at the World Boxing Cup in Astana on Sunday, with Sakshi (54kg), Jaismine (57kg) and Nupur (80+kg) clinching gold medals to cap off a memorable campaign. Sakshi outclassed USA’s Yosline Perez with a unanimous verdict in the women’s […]MIL-OSI Economics: New Development Bank’s Board of Governors Convened its 10th Annual Meeting in Rio de Janeiro
Source: New Development Bank On July 5, 2025, the Board of Governors (Board, BoG) of the New Development Bank (NDB) convened the Business Session of its Tenth Annual Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, under the theme of “Driving Development: Fostering Innovation, Cooperation, and Impact through a Multilateral Development Bank for the Global South”. The […]MIL-OSI Africa: President notes Provincial Commissioner’s statements
Source: Government of South Africa Sunday, July 6, 2025 The Presidency says President Cyril Ramaphosa has noted statements made earlier today in a media briefing by South African Police Service (SAPS) KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The Provincial Commissioner held a media briefing earlier on Sunday at the KwaZulu-Natal SAPS headquarters where he […]MIL-OSI United Nations: First Person: Japanese UN volunteer ‘motivated by the passion of others’ to support peace
Source: United Nations 2 Haruki Ume spoke to UN News at the UN Pavilion at Expo 2025 currently being held in the Japanese city of Osaka. One section of the pavilion features a rotating presentation focusing on a specific UN agency or entity and recently, attention turned to the UN Volunteers programme. “As a 17-year-old, […]Condemning terrorism should be our “principle”, not just “convenience”: PM Modi at BRICS summit
Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called terrorism the “most serious challenge” facing humanity and said condemning it must be a matter of principle, not convenience. Speaking at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, PM Modi cited the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, […]MIL-OSI Africa: Call for urgent reform of international governance structures
Source: Government of South Africa By Gabi Khumalo Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for enhanced global cooperation and urgent reform of international governance structures amid the “dramatic reshaping of global dynamics-politically, economically, technologically, and environmentally”. Speaking during the opening of the 17th BRICS Summit, currently underway in Rio de Janeiro, […]PM Modi calls for urgent reforms in global governance at 17th BRICS Summit
Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called for urgent reforms in global governance institutions, emphasising that the interests of the Global South must be given due importance in decision-making bodies that were built in the 20th century but continue to shape 21st-century challenges. Addressing the BRICS […]BRICS expands footprint, eyes stronger Global South cooperation under Brazil’s 2025 chairship
Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) The BRICS grouping, which brings together major emerging economies, has continued to expand its global footprint, adding new members and partners while outlining ambitious plans to deepen cooperation across sectors under Brazil’s ongoing chairship in 2025. Originally coined as BRIC by Goldman Sachs in 2001 in […]MIL-OSI Video: President Cyril Ramaphosa arrives in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to attend the XVII BRICS Summit.
Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements) His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa, accompanied by Minister in the Presidency, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola,, arrives in Rio de Janeiro, Federative Republic of Brazil to attend the XVII BRICS Summit. President Cyril Ramaphosa is received by Secretary of Economic […]MIL-OSI China: Chinese premier says to expand cooperation with Brazil in digital economy, aerospace
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Saturday that China is willing to work with Brazil to leverage each other’s complementary advantages and expand cooperation in such areas as digital economy, green economy, sci-tech innovation and aerospace. Li made the remarks during his meeting with Brazilian President […]MIL-OSI Africa: President Ramaphosa arrives in Brazil ahead of Rio Summit
Source: Government of South Africa By Gabi Khumalo Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – President Cyril Ramaphosa is in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for his working visit to attend the 17th BRICS Summit, which kicks off today. The President, who arrived on Saturday evening, will attend the Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) Summit […]MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Premier Announces Intention to Expand Cooperation with Brazil in Digital Economy, Aerospace
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 RIO DE JANEIRO, July 6 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Saturday that China is willing […]PM Modi receives grand welcome in Brazil, interacts with Indian Diaspora
Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a grand welcome from the Indian community on Saturday (local time) upon his arrival in Rio de Janeiro for a four-day visit to Brazil. During this visit, he will participate in the 17th BRICS Summit and undertake a State Visit. In […]MIL-OSI Russia: The government has approved a decree on holding the International Junior Science Olympiad in Russia
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. Order dated July 1, 2025 No. 1768-r Document Order dated July 1, 2025 No. 1768-r The 22nd International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO 2025) will be held in Russia […]MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese Premier Arrives in Brazil to Attend 17th BRICS Summit
Translation. Region: Russian Federal Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian – Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News RIO DE JANEIRO, July 5 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday to attend the 17th BRICS summit. Brazil, which holds […] -
India – A Roundup of Significant Articles on ForeignAffairs.co.nz for July 7, 2025
India: Here is a summary of significant articles published on ForeignAffairs.co.nz on July 7, 2025.
BRICS nations support India’s bid to host COP 33; call for stronger climate action
Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) Leaders of the BRICS nations on Sunday welcomed India’s candidacy to host the 33rd Conference of the Parties (COP 33) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2028. In a joint declaration at the 17th BRICS Summit, the leaders said, “We express […]BRICS leaders back India, Brazil for bigger UN Security Council role
Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) Leaders of BRICS nations have reiterated their support for “comprehensive” reform of the United Nations, including its Security Council, to make it more democratic, representative, effective and efficient. In a joint declaration at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, China and Russia — as […]PM Modi meets Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim, Cuba’s President Diaz-Canel on sidelines of BRICS
Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held a bilateral meeting with his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. PM Modi also met Cuba’s President Miguel Diaz-Canel on the sidelines of the summit. External Affairs Minister […]Sakshi, Jaismine, Nupur clinch gold as India bags 11 medals at World Boxing Cup Astana 2025
Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) India’s women boxers led the country’s best-ever show at the World Boxing Cup in Astana on Sunday, with Sakshi (54kg), Jaismine (57kg) and Nupur (80+kg) clinching gold medals to cap off a memorable campaign. Sakshi outclassed USA’s Yosline Perez with a unanimous verdict in the women’s […]Death toll from Texas floods reaches 78; Trump plans visit
Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) The death toll from catastrophic floods in Texas reached at least 78 on Sunday, including at least 28 children, as the search for girls missing from a summer camp entered a third day and fears of more flash flooding as rain fell on saturated ground prompted fresh evacuations. […]Death toll from Texas floods reaches 69, including 21 children
Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) The death toll from catastrophic floods in Texas reached at least 69 on Sunday, including at least 21 children, as the search for girls missing from a summer camp entered a third day. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, speaking at a press conference on Sunday afternoon, said the death toll […]Akash Deep dedicates historic Edgbaston Test win to sister battling cancer
Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) Indian pacer Akash Deep has dedicated India’s historic Test win at Edgbaston to his elder sister, who has been undergoing treatment for cancer for the past two months. Speaking after India’s victory over England in the second Test, the 27-year-old revealed that he had kept his […]You cannot be serious! Wimbledon line-calling system under fire after glitch
Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) Wimbledon‘s automated line-calling technology came under fire on Sunday after an embarrassing malfunction robbed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of a point during her last-16 victory over Britain’s Sonay Kartal on Centre Court. Russian Pavlyuchenkova had reached game point at 4-4 in the opening set and Kartal hit a shot that looked clearly long but there was […]Alcaraz resists red-hot Rublev to reach Wimbledon quarter-finals
Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) Carlos Alcaraz came through a ferocious fourth-round firefight against a red-hot Andrey Rublev to win 6-7(5) 6-3 6-4 6-4 on Centre Court and keep his bid for a third successive Wimbledon title on track on Sunday. The Spanish second seed stuttered in his opening three rounds but found […]EAM Jaishankar meets Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, discusses bilateral cooperation
Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Sunday met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the 2025 BRICS summit, during which the two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation among other key issues. “Good to meet with FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia on the sidelines […]MIL-OSI Economics: New Development Bank’s Board of Governors Convened its 10th Annual Meeting in Rio de Janeiro
Source: New Development Bank On July 5, 2025, the Board of Governors (Board, BoG) of the New Development Bank (NDB) convened the Business Session of its Tenth Annual Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, under the theme of “Driving Development: Fostering Innovation, Cooperation, and Impact through a Multilateral Development Bank for the Global South”. The […]Good catching up with my friend: PM Modi meets South African President Ramaphosa
Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) Prime Minister Narendra Modi met South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, shortly before Ramaphosa backed his call for reform of the United Nations Security Council. “Good catching up with my friend, President Ramaphosa of […]MIL-OSI United Nations: First Person: Japanese UN volunteer ‘motivated by the passion of others’ to support peace
Source: United Nations 2 Haruki Ume spoke to UN News at the UN Pavilion at Expo 2025 currently being held in the Japanese city of Osaka. One section of the pavilion features a rotating presentation focusing on a specific UN agency or entity and recently, attention turned to the UN Volunteers programme. “As a 17-year-old, […]India bury Birmingham blues, script record 336-run win over England in 2nd Test
Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) India created history with a 336-run win over England in the second Test at Birmingham, securing not only their first-ever victory at Edgbaston but also their biggest Test win away from home in terms of runs. Skipper Shubman Gill, along with pacers Akash Deep and Mohammed […]Condemning terrorism should be our “principle”, not just “convenience”: PM Modi at BRICS summit
Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called terrorism the “most serious challenge” facing humanity and said condemning it must be a matter of principle, not convenience. Speaking at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, PM Modi cited the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, […]BRICS leaders condemn Pahalgam terror attack, call out “double standards” on terrorism
Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) Leaders of BRICS nations on Sunday strongly condemned the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists. In a joint declaration at the summit in Rio de Janeiro, the leaders described terrorism as “criminal and unjustifiable”, regardless of […]PM Modi calls for urgent reforms in global governance at 17th BRICS Summit
Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called for urgent reforms in global governance institutions, emphasising that the interests of the Global South must be given due importance in decision-making bodies that were built in the 20th century but continue to shape 21st-century challenges. Addressing the BRICS […]BRICS nations urge advanced economies to scale up climate finance for developing countries
Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) BRICS member nations have called on advanced economies and the international financial system to provide “substantial” financing to support climate mitigation efforts in developing economies. “We call on advanced economies and other relevant actors in the international financial system, as well as the private sector, to […]India has never faced fuel shortage, says Hardeep Puri
Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Sunday said India has never faced a shortage of petroleum products, even during the Covid pandemic or global conflicts, crediting the government’s foresight for ensuring uninterrupted supplies. “Whether it was the period of the global Covid pandemic […]PM Modi receives grand welcome in Brazil, interacts with Indian Diaspora
Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a grand welcome from the Indian community on Saturday (local time) upon his arrival in Rio de Janeiro for a four-day visit to Brazil. During this visit, he will participate in the 17th BRICS Summit and undertake a State Visit. In […] -
China – A Roundup of Significant Articles on ForeignAffairs.co.nz for July 7, 2025
China: Here is a summary of significant articles published on ForeignAffairs.co.nz on July 7, 2025.
MIL-OSI China: Chelsea confirm Jamie Gittens transfer from Dortmund
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News Chelsea continued with its movement in the summer transfer market with the club on Saturday announcing the signing of England winger Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund. Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (L) of Dortmund vies with Phillipp Steinhart of 1860 Munich during a German Cup first round football match […]MIL-OSI China: Bayern’s Musiala set for lengthy layoff after horror injury
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious ankle injury during his side’s 2-0 FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinal defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Jamal Musiala (R) of FC Bayern Munich passes the ball during the quarterfinal match between Paris […]MIL-OSI China: Kyle Walker leaves Manchester City for Burnley
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News Veteran England defender Kyle Walker has joined newly promoted Burnley from Manchester City for a fee of around five million pounds (6.8 million U.S. dollars). Manchester City’s Kyle Walker (L) is challenged by Manchester United’s Fred during the FA Cup Final match between Manchester City and […]MIL-OSI China: Late drama as Real Madrid, PSG storm to Club World Cup semis
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News Real Madrid will face Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinals after both sides claimed quarterfinal victories on Saturday. In New Jersey, Real Madrid survived a late scare to secure a 3-2 win over a fast-finishing Borussia Dortmund while Paris Saint-Germain overcame Bayern Munich […]MIL-OSI China: Arsenal sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News Arsenal has completed the signing of Spain international midfielder Martin Zubimendi on a “long-term” contract. The 26-year-old, who had spent all of his career with Real Sociedad, joined last season’s Premier League runner-up for 51 million pounds (70 million U.S. dollars) and becomes the second player […]MIL-OSI China: Gaza ceasefire talks begin in Qatar as Netanyahu heads to Washington
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed for an official visit to Washington on Sunday, calling the trip a “great opportunity” to expand the circle of peace in the Middle East. Speaking before boarding his flight, Netanyahu said there were new prospects for Israel to reach normalization […]MIL-OSI China: S. Korea’s special counsel seeks warrant to detain ex-President Yoon
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News South Korea’s special counsel investigating former President Yoon Suk-yeol’s short-lived martial law imposition sought a warrant to detain the ousted president, the special counsel team’s spokesperson said Sunday. Cho Eun-suk, independent counsel leading the investigation into Yoon’s insurrection and other charges, requested the warrant issuance from […]MIL-OSI China: Selected works of Xi Jinping on ecological civilization published
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News BEIJING, July 6 — The first volume of selected works of Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on ecological civilization has been published and is available nationwide. The volume brings together 79 pieces of Xi’s most important and fundamental […]MIL-OSI China: Chinese premier calls on BRICS to be vanguard in advancing global governance reform
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News Chinese premier calls on BRICS to be vanguard in advancing global governance reform RIO DE JANEIRO, July 6 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Sunday that BRICS countries should strive to become the vanguard in advancing the reform of global governance. Li made the remarks when […]MIL-OSI Russia: China ready to advance flagship project under Belt and Road, boost trade, investment with Ethiopia – Chinese Premier
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 RIO DE JANEIRO, July 6 (Xinhua) — China is willing to work with Ethiopia to promote the […]MIL-OSI Russia: China ready to advance flagship project within Belt and Road, stimulate trade and investment with Ethiopia – Premier of State Council of China /more details/
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 RIO DE JANEIRO, July 6 (Xinhua) — China is willing to work with Ethiopia to promote the […]MIL-OSI Russia: China puts domestically developed seven-functional deep-sea robotic manipulator into operation
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 TIANJIN, July 6 (Xinhua) — China has put into operation its first domestically-made seven-functional robotic manipulator for […]MIL-OSI Russia: Breaking: China ready to advance flagship project under Belt and Road, boost trade, investment with Ethiopia – Chinese Premier
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 RIO DE JANEIRO, July 6 (Xinhua) — China is willing to work with Ethiopia to promote the […]MIL-OSI China: Chinese premier calls for promoting true multilateralism
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News RIO DE JANEIRO, July 6 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Sunday that China is willing to work with Ethiopia to promote joint efforts by all parties to practice true multilateralism, and firmly safeguard economic globalization and free trade. Li made the remarks during his […]MIL-OSI China: China ready to promote flagship Belt and Road project, boost trade, investment with Ethiopia, says Premier Li
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News China ready to promote flagship Belt and Road project, boost trade, investment with Ethiopia, says Premier Li RIO DE JANEIRO, July 6 — China stands ready to work with Ethiopia to promote the sustainable development of the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway, a flagship project of the high-quality […]MIL-OSI China: 31st Lanzhou investment and trade fair draws global participation
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News LANZHOU, July 6 – The 31st China Lanzhou Investment and Trade Fair opened on Sunday in Lanzhou, the capital of northwest China’s Gansu Province, attracting over 2,000 domestic and international enterprises. This year’s fair features Indonesia as its guest country of honor. Participation has surpassed previous […]MIL-OSI China: China to take measures against medical devices imported from EU in government procurement
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News China to take measures against medical devices imported from EU in government procurement BEIJING, July 6 — China will take relevant measures against medical devices imported from the European Union (EU) through government procurement projects in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, the Ministry of Finance […]MIL-OSI Russia: China Completes Major Desertification Control Project in Inner Mongolia
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 HOHHOT, July 6 (Xinhua) — The construction of an anti-sand belt spanning three deserts in north China’s […]MIL-OSI Russia: Xi Jinping responds to letter from US youth pickleball cultural exchange delegation regarding their visit to China
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 6 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday responded to a letter from teachers […]MIL-OSI Russia: China to crack down on EU medical equipment in government procurement /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 6 (Xinhua) — China will take corresponding measures on some medical equipment imported from the […]
