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Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HK ranked world’s freest economy

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Fraser Institute’s Economic Freedom of the World 2024 Annual Report published today has ranked Hong Kong as the world’s freest economy among 165 economies, up by one place from 2023.

    Among the five areas of assessment in the report, the city ranked top in “Freedom to trade internationally” and “Regulation”, while its ranking in “Sound money” rose to third.

    In a statement, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government said that Hong Kong has for long, fully leveraged the advantages of a free market, and maintained a free, open, effective and fair business environment, and the ranking fully reflects the international recognition of these advantages.

    The statement noted that Hong Kong’s free market and premier business environment are attributable to its distinctive institutional strengths under “one country, two systems”.

    These include the practice of the common law system, robust rule of law, a judiciary that exercises powers independently, free flow of goods and factors of production such as capital, talent, and information, a simple tax system and low tax rates, a conducive business environment as well as efficient and transparent markets, and a regulatory regime that adheres to international standards.

    These factors have made Hong Kong an ideal city for doing business, it added.

    Looking forward, the Hong Kong SAR Government said that with the staunch support of the country, Hong Kong will proactively integrate into the overall national development, align with national development strategies, maintain and improve a free and open business environment, and continue to serve as a two-way springboard for attracting international enterprises to Hong Kong and supporting Mainland enterprises to “go global”.

    The Policy Address delivered by the Chief Executive today has set out clear directions as well as specific and impactful policies and measures to reinforce and enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international financial, shipping and trading centre, build itself into an international hub for high-calibre talent, develop new quality productive forces tailored to local conditions, and foster collaboration with the Greater Bay Area, to further enhance the city’s development momentum and promote the high-quality development of its economy.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Online Public Briefing- National Panel of Assessors Request for Tender (RFT)

    Source: Australian Department for Social Services

    16 October 2024

    The Department of Social Services is hosting a National Panel of Assessors (NPA) Request for Tender (RFT) public briefing which will take place on Monday 21 October at 1pm (AEDT).

    To register for the webinar, visit: National Panel of Assessors (NPA) – Public Briefing Webinar (humanitix.com).

    The RFT is open from Wednesday 16 October 2024 to 12pm (AEDT) on Monday 11 November 2024.

    What is the NPA?

    The Australian Government is committed to ensuring that people with disability have access to a range of Assessment Services to support them in the workplace. The NPA program will bring together a panel of independent Providers under a Deed of Standing Offer arrangement to conduct:

    • Supported Wage System (SWS) assessments
    • Ongoing Support Assessments (OSA), and
    • Workplace Modifications Services (WMS) assessments.  

    Respondents to the RFT may bid to provide either or both of the following combinations of assessments:

    • OSA and SWS assessments together, or
    • WMS assessments, including any specialist WMS assessments nominated by the Respondent.

    What the online public briefing will cover?

    The briefing will outline key elements of the NPA RFT, provide an overview of key changes from the Exposure Draft and provide an overview of the procurement process. The presenters are Pene Futcher, Branch Manager, Disability Employment Programs and Sonya McCarthy, Acting Branch Manager, Disability Employment Implementations.

    Questions and comments will not be open for this briefing. It will be an accessible live streamed event. If you are unable to attend the briefing, it will be recorded and made available on engage.dss.gov.au and dss.gov.au.

    For questions about the briefing registration process, please contact DESCommunications@dss.gov.au.

    Find out more

    The RFT is available on AusTender. Find out more about the NPA program.

    All questions in relation to the RFT must be submitted to the Contact Officer at DE2025Purchasing@dss.gov.au. Publication of responses to questions will be managed in accordance with the process outlined in the RFT.

    Last updated: 16 October 2024 – 4:00pm

    MIL OSI News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Subdivided flats policy explained

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    (To watch the full press conference with sign language interpretation, click here.)

    Chief Executive John Lee today said the new policy of regulating subdivided units (SDUs) balances the genuine demand for these flats with ensuring the market is healthy in its existence.

    Mr Lee proposed in his Policy Address to set minimum standards to eradicate inadequate SDUs through legislation.

    Elaborating on the policy initiatives at a press conference this afternoon, Mr Lee stressed that the system he plans to introduce through legislation does not intend to make what is illegal legal.

    “What is illegal now will continue to be illegal under the respective ordinances; enforcement will be taken accordingly, and of course we will step up enforcement in concert with the new policy of subdivided flats, which will be introduced in residential buildings.

    “The intention is to first of all regulate the subdivided flats using this basic housing concept, so that we have a standard below which we will take action against (owners), because it will not be regarded as the right standard for our households to live in. I think that is the intention.”

    Acknowledging that eradicating inadequate SDUs is a difficult matter, he expressed hope that the proposed system could be thoroughly debated in the Legislative Council to enable the Government to enhance it.

    “We also want to ensure the new system will be able to tell the market, which in some way needs to exist by the sheer evidence that over 110,000 households are living in this accommodation. We want this market to be healthy in its existence.”

    The Chief Executive also said the Government will allow an adequate grace period for pre‑existing SDU owners and households to make necessary arrangements, and handle SDUs in residential buildings by batches in an orderly manner.

    “We will be taking action after a reasonable registration period and a reasonable tolerance period, giving the Secretary for Housing flexibility so as to divide the non-satisfying units and enforce action according to the actual situation, so that it will take them off the market lot by lot.”

    Mr Lee added that he is determined to solve the problem.

    “I think we have to be realistic as to why subdivided flats (have existed) for a long period of time – because of need, because of the actual need of households, because of a lack of enough supply of flats. So we have to be realistic, pragmatic.

    “It is not easy, but I am determined, and I think society supports that we should solve the problem.”

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

    Source: US Department of Veterans Affairs

    Monica Rivera, thanks very much for that kind introduction.

    Katherine Martinez, it’s great to see you again. You are certainly a Veteran “worth knowing,” and I’m glad you could join us today. And thanks very much for your powerful remarks, especially about how VA can fit into Veterans lives, rather than Veterans trying to fit their lives into VA.

    Jaime Areizaga-Soto and our panel members—thank you for the great conversation this morning.

    And thank you, Nathan Maenle and team, for putting together the program today.

    I don’t have to look far to see Hispanic Americans making an impact at VA—serving Vets as well as they’ve served all of us.

    To close today’s program, I’d like to tell you about a few extraordinary VA teammates. One demonstrating leadership in a moment of crisis. Another, an example of a Veteran dedicating his life to serving other Vets. A third, a young cemetery director committed to honoring our fallen Vets and preserving their stories. And finally, an emerging leader dedicated to healing human suffering wherever he finds it.

    First, Fernando Rivera. Fernando’s the Executive Director of the Southeast Louisiana Health Care system and was born in Cuba. His mother was a government public relations professional. His father was a military officer. Both were disillusioned—to put it mildly—with the oppression of Castro’s communist regime, and secretly participated in the movement to overthrow the government. In 1961, Fernando’s father was imprisoned in Havana and paid the ultimate price for his efforts to ensure his family and country could live in freedom. He was executed.

    Fernando immigrated to the United States—New Orleans—in 1969 as a political refugee. He was nine years old. His mother worked three jobs to support him and his grandparents. As a young man he started at VA as a GS-5 Project Engineer—and advanced to roles including Medical Center Director, Network Director, and Acting Deputy Under Secretary. He’s been with VA for 39 years and counting. Along the way, in 1992, he met the love of his life—his wife Stacie—at VA. That’s part of the reason Fernando calls VA his family.

    Ten years ago, he went home—so to speak—when he helped bring VA healthcare back to New Orleans nearly a decade after the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. Fernando’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic set national standards, caring for over 1,600 infected patients, and coordinating responses across VA and private-sector healthcare systems. Just last month, Fernando’s steady leadership guided the Veterans, staff, and volunteers at VA when Hurricane Francine made landfall in Louisiana. Fernando’s team responded quickly. They kept in close contact with the most vulnerable patients. When the storm had passed, Fernando had the medical center and 6 of 7 community-based outpatient clinics up and running within 24 hours and the final, most impacted clinic, up within 48 hours.

    Every day when Fernando goes to work, he reads a sign at the front of the hospital in New Orleans. It says, “The price of freedom can be seen within these walls.” Fernando says that he can never take for granted those who have served in uniform because they are the reason he and his family are free. Perhaps few can appreciate that freedom more profoundly than Fernando.

    Next, I’d like to talk about Francisco Vazquez. Francisco is the Medical Center Director at the Houston VA. His story of service starts with his beloved father, also named Francisco. His father grew up an orphan in Puerto Rico and saw the Army as a way out of the cycle of poverty and hopelessness he experienced. He joined the famous 65th Infantry Regiment shortly after his 18th birthday in 1951. Within a year, he found himself landing on the shores of Inchon, Korea. He stayed in the Army and Francisco, the younger, was born in Fort Chafee, Arkansas. When Francisco was eight, his father retired from the Army and moved the family back to Puerto Rico where he experienced firsthand the richness and warmth of the family-centered culture there.

    Francisco is very proud of his Puerto Rican heritage—where, as he says, “the island is beautiful … the food is amazing … and the people are welcoming, valiant, and determined.” After graduating from college, Francisco attended Navy Officer Candidate School, following his father in service to the nation. He served on the USS Okinawa for four years. His VA journey began in 1995 at the Central Texas Healthcare System. Since then, Francisco has served in seven VA hospitals. “We have the best mission in the world,” Francisco says. “We help our nation pay back part of the debt of gratitude we owe our Veterans for their service and sacrifice through the delivery of world-class care.”

    And for Francisco, it all goes back to the values his father modeled for him and his siblings during his Army career: honesty, hard work, humility, and putting the needs of others above your own. It was these values that inspired Francisco’s oldest son, Armando, to join the Army. And though Francisco’s father and son are no longer with us, their memory inspires and motivates him every single day to fulfill the second part of what President Biden calls our one truly sacred obligation as Americans, to prepare and equip the troops we send into harm’s way, and then care for them and their families when they come home. Three generations of Hispanic Americans who have put service and love of country at the forefront of their lives and are an example for us all.

    Next, I’d like to tell you about Marcos De Jesus. Marcos is the Director of the South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, Florida. He was born in the Dominican Republic. When he was four, his mother—Maria—and he immigrated to Puerto Rico where he says he truly found his home. Marcos’ commitment to service started with the values taught by his mother—the belief that even if you don’t have much, you should still strive to give back to the world. By the time Marcos left for college it was only natural that he should join the ROTC program there, where the Air Force’s core value of “Service Before Self” resonated with him. Marcos served five years as an Air Force officer, deploying to Colombia and Abu Dhabi. He was impressed with the fact that in the Air Force he met people from all walks of life who were dedicated to one thing: serving their country.

    Like many Vets, when Marcos left the military, he searched for a similar sense of purpose and service. He found that purpose in the National Cemetery Administration in 2021.  His life came full circle when he returned to Puerto Rico for NCA’s Cemetery Director’s Development Program. Marcos takes pride in learning and sharing Veteran stories preserved in our National Cemeteries, especially through the Veterans Legacy Memorial site. Along the way, he met and married his wife, Barbara, from Caracas, Venezuela. Being a part of a Venezuelan family now, Marcos sees similarities in the values he witnessed growing up in Puerto Rico: courage, determination, and perseverance. Marcos jokes that he knows he and his wife will have debates about which heritage their children will claim. But they are certain of one thing—their children will inherit their shared values of hard work and service.

    Finally, I’d like to tell you about Dr. Alexander Tenorio. Alexander is a White House Fellow—one of America’s most prestigious programs for emerging leaders—serving with us here at VACO. Hispanic alumni of this program include the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Jaime Areizaga-Soto, our Chairman of the Board of Veterans Appeals, and Alberto Ramos, my Chief Speechwriter. Alexander and his family immigrated to the United States from Mexico in the 1980s, fleeing violence in their hometown. Alexander grew up poor in South Los Angeles, selling clothing on the streets to help his family make ends meet. It was on those streets that he saw drug use, gang violence, and the healthcare challenges the people in his community faced.

    So, he decided to go to medical school and become a neurosurgeon, one of the most under-represented specialties. During his residency in San Diego, Alexander came face-to-face with the horrific reality that is all too common along our southern border—individuals sustaining life changing wounds like Traumatic Brain Injury—T.B.I.—and spinal cord damage after falling from the 30-foot border wall—fleeing the same violence his parents did in the ‘80s. He’s dedicated his life to raising awareness of these tragic and preventable accidents, advocating for increased access to care for Hispanic and non-citizen populations. Alexander says that some of the most grateful patients he cared for as a resident in San Diego were our Vets. And that’s part of his motivation to serve his fellowship here at VA. His parents, who sacrificed so much to help him become a neurosurgeon, instilled in him the core value he lives by today: to help the helpless, and to heal human suffering wherever he finds it.

    So, why did I tell you about these extraordinary individuals this morning? Well, because frankly, these folks—Katherine, Francisco, Fernando, Marcos, and Alexander—know better than most what America is all about. And we need more leaders like them at VA. Because a diverse VA is a stronger VA. We all travel our unique journeys in life. Whether from Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, or Minnesota. And the convergence of those varied paths is what makes us stronger. We all cherish our freedoms as Americans. That’s why—you and I—are here to fight like hell for those who raise their hands to defend those freedoms. I thank you all for allowing me to join you this morning. God bless you all. And God bless our Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: For the first time in F1 history, a video game will be fully integrated with an F1 team

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: For the first time in F1 history, a video game will be fully integrated with an F1 team

    Xbox, Bethesda Softworks and the BWT Alpine F1 team arrive in style to the United States F1 Grand Prix in Austin, Texas this week, sporting the unmistakable style of Indiana Jones through a first of its kind video game collaboration with Xbox and Bethesda Softworks’ hotly anticipated Indiana Jones and the Great Circle game. For the first time in F1 history, a video game will be fully integrated with an F1 team. Both of Alpine’s F1 cars, as well as the race suits of drivers Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon, will undergo a complete transformation based on the Indiana Jones franchise, creating an unprecedented collaboration on the track. 

    [embedded content]

    Bringing Indiana Jones and the Great Circle theming to some of the fastest cars on the planet marks the next chapter in Xbox and Alpine’s official partnership, showcasing the rich storytelling both brands are known for. The car liveries and race suits worn by drivers Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon feature intricate details inspired by the game, including a map of the location’s players will explore, along with other branded elements from the games beautiful Collector’s Edition. The striking new car designs are revealed today, with their in-person debut set for Thursday, October 17. F1 and gaming fans alike can catch both cars in action at the United States F1 Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, from October 18 to 20. 

    “Working with the Xbox team to bring alive the incredible Indiana Jones and the Great Circle livery for the United States Grand Prix has been fantastic,” says Oliver Oakes, BWT Alpine Formula One Team, Team Principal. “The new look will be right at home in the Austin setting this weekend. In the past year, our partnership with Xbox has reached new heights and this is our biggest activation yet. There’s even more to come and I’m looking forward to getting my hands on a copy of the game when it comes out.” 

    We began teasing this collaboration with an epic real-life road trip. It all started in Los Angeles at a twilight-lit shipyard, where an Indiana Jones and the Great Circle-themed semi-truck set off, carrying a mysterious crate. Along its journey, the truck made stops at iconic U.S. landmarks like Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, Bonneville Salt Flats, and White Sands National Park, before arriving, shrouded in secrecy, at the Circuit of the Americas during a breathtaking sunset. There, the crate was finally opened to reveal its special cargo. To relive this incredible journey, visit the social channels of BWT Alpine F1 team, Bethesda, MachineGames, and Circuit of The Americas (COTA). 

    Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is developed by MachineGames and Bethesda Softworks, in collaboration with Lucasfilm Games, and launches on December 9 on Xbox Series consoles, Xbox Game Pass and PC – with early access starting on December 6. The game is a first-person, single-player adventure set between the events of ‘Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark’ and ‘Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade’. In the year 1937, sinister forces are scouring the globe for the secret to an ancient power connected to the mysterious Great Circle, and only one person can beat them to it – Indiana Jones. Blending cinematic set-pieces, puzzle-solving, and hand-to-hand combat, players will embark on an authentic Indiana Jones experience that spans the world during the height of the legendary archaeologist’s career. 

    Pre-orders for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle are now open for Xbox Series X|S consoles and PC, with wish listing also available on PlayStation. Those who purchase the Premium Edition, Premium Upgrade or Collector’s Edition of the game will receive 3 days of early access, beginning December 6. More information on pre-orders can be found here. Stay tuned for more details at https://indianajones.bethesda.net/

    MIL OSI Economics –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO Defence Ministers to advance work on deterrence and defence, support to Ukraine and global partnerships

    Source: NATO

    As NATO Defence Ministers prepare to meet at NATO Headquarters in Brussels on Thursday and Friday (17-18 October 2024), Secretary General Mark Rutte previewed the expected outcomes of the meeting in a press conference at NATO Headquarters.

    Allies need “to move further and faster to meet the growing threats we face”, he explained, adding that ”this requires more forces, capabilities and investment to meet the ambitious targets set by our defence plans.” Mr Rutte listed expanded defence industrial capacity, more robust supply chains and new technologies as critical to ensuring the Alliance remains resilient across all domains. He said he expected Ministers to greenlight a new NATO initiative to improve standardisation, explaining that “better implementation of standards can help reduce the cost of defence procurement, so this is essential work for NATO.”
     
    The Secretary General reaffirmed that NATO stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine, both now and into the future. NATO Defence Ministers will meet with their Ukrainian counterpart, Rustem Umerov in the NATO-Ukraine Council on Thursday evening to discuss the battlefield situation and Ukraine’s most urgent needs. Mr Rutte indicated that work is well on track both to set up the new NATO command in Wiesbaden to coordinate security assistance and training for Ukraine, and to deliver on the pledge of 40 billion euros in military aid for Ukraine. He announced that “NATO Allies provided 20.9 billion euros in military assistance to Ukraine during the first half of 2024 and Allies are on track to meet their commitments for the rest of the year”, adding that “the message is clear: NATO is delivering for Ukraine, and we will continue to do so.”
     
    The Defence Ministers’ meeting will also be an opportunity to exchange views on the current global security situation with NATO’s close partners in the Indo-Pacific and with the European Union. For the first time, Defence Ministers from Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the Republic of Korea are joining a NATO Defence Ministers’ meeting. “In this more interconnected world, it is vital that we tackle our shared security challenges together” the Secretary General concluded.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S., UAE Forces Begin Exercise Iron Defender in Arabian Gulf

    Source: United States Naval Central Command

    MANAMA, Bahrain —

    U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard forces joined the United Arab Emirates naval defense force for exercise Iron Defender 24, Oct. 14-24. This maritime exercise will take place in the UAE and its territorial and coastal waters.

    The combined bilateral exercise is designed to broaden levels of cooperation, support long term regional security, and enhance interoperability. Scenarios included: visit, board, search and seizure, unmanned system integration, harbor defense, diving, medical training, and training at sea.

    This is one of many exercises in which the U.S. military participates with partner nations in the Middle East intended to enhance partnerships and interoperability.

    The U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses nearly 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, parts of the Indian Ocean and three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal and Bab al-Mandeb.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Property and Social Trends – Are Kiwis moving more often than ever?

    Source: RealEstate.nz

    New data suggests the ‘forever home’ may be a thing of the past, with the ‘seven-year itch’ now closer to five.

    • Auckland, where properties were sold the fastest saw a modest 12.2% increase in average asking prices. 
    • Conversely, West Coast, where properties were held for longer, saw an impressive 97.9% rise over the average selling period.
    • Taranaki tops the list for staying power, holding onto their homes the longest— six years and five months on average.

    17 October 2024 – The concept of the ‘forever home’ appears to be fading in New Zealand, with new data from realestate.co.nz revealing that Kiwis now hold onto their homes for an average of just five and a half years before selling.

    The data, which looks at the amount of time that property is held onto until it is re-sold, shows, on average, people hold properties for the least time in Auckland.

    The time between sales for properties in Auckland was approximately five years and three months. At the other end of the scale, Kiwis held onto their properties for the longest in Taranaki (six years and five months) and Manawatu/Whanganui (six years and four months).

    “People move for many reasons—employment opportunities, the desire for more space, the need to accommodate aging parents, or even downsizing after the kids have left. This frequent movement is likely a reflection of changing lifestyle needs and opportunities across New Zealand,” says Vanessa Williams, realestate.co.nz spokesperson.

    The movers: Auckland, Waikato, Nelson & Bays, and Bay of Plenty

    Whether it’s the pace of the city, the pull of keeping up with the Joneses, or the appeal of various lifestyle changes, Auckland has seen its properties change hands the most often.  

    Williams says as our most populated region, Auckland’s size is likely a factor:

    “Auckland offers good employment opportunities while catering for lifestyle changes of all kinds, including for those looking for their second home or wanting to downsize into retirement. This could explain why properties are sold more often in this region.”

    Other regions where property moved more quickly than the national average were Waikato, Nelson and Bays, and Bay of Plenty, where the average time between sales was five years and four months.

    The districts where properties were sold the most often were Selwyn in Canterbury (four years and nine months), Franklin in Auckland (four years and 10 months), the Waikato district (five years), and Papakura in Auckland (five years).

    Williams notes that it’s no surprise the districts with the fastest sales are in Canterbury, Auckland, and Waikato.

    “Buying a property is so often an emotional decision. And in these larger regions, where there is more to choose from, the chances of wandering into an open home and falling in love or spotting a for sale sign on a house in the perfect location are probably higher.”


    Region

    District

    Average time between sales

    Canterbury

    Selwyn

    4 years, 9 months

    Auckland

    Franklin

    4 years, 10 months

    Waikato

    Waikato

    5 years, 0 months

    Auckland

    Papakura

    5 years, 0 months

    Auckland

    Rodney

    5 years, 1 months

    Waikato

    Waipa

    5 years, 1 months

    Canterbury

    Waimakariri

    5 years, 1 months

    Wairarapa

    Carterton

    5 years, 2 months

    Bay of Plenty

    Tauranga

    5 years, 2 months

    Auckland

    North Shore City

    5 years, 3 months


    The districts where people are re-selling their properties faster

    The stayers: Taranaki, Manawatu/Whanganui, Gisborne, West Coast, and Hawke’s Bay

    Kiwis held onto their homes longest in Taranaki (six years and five months), Manawatu/Whanganui (six years and four months), Gisborne (six years and three months), West Coast (six years and two months), and Hawke’s Bay (six years).

    At a district level, properties in South Taranaki were held the longest (six years and eight months), followed by Tararua in Manawatu/Whanganui (six years and six months) and Ruapehu in Central North Island (six years and six months).

    Williams says smaller towns tend to have fewer properties available for sale:

    “In smaller regions, limited housing options often lead people to stay in their homes longer while waiting for the ideal property to hit the market,” says Williams. “In addition, close-knit communities and businesses like farms can create a deeper connection to the area, making people less inclined to move frequently.”

    The districts where people are holding onto their properties for longer

    Region

    District

    Average time between sales

    Southland

    Gore

    6 years, 4 months

    Wellington

    Wellington City

    6 years, 4 months

    Manawatu / Whanganui

    Horowhenua

    6 years, 4 months

    Wellington

    Lower Hutt City

    6 years, 4 months

    West Coast

    Buller

    6 years, 4 months

    Manawatu / Whanganui

    Palmerston North City

    6 years, 4 months

    Manawatu / Whanganui

    Whanganui

    6 years, 5 months

    Central North Island

    Ruapehu

    6 years, 6 months

    Manawatu / Whanganui

    Tararua

    6 years, 6 months

    Taranaki

    South Taranaki

    6 years, 8 months

    But what about the financial gains? Does it pay to stay, or should you go?

    All regions saw a lift in their average asking prices, regardless of how long properties were held between sales. However, there were some regional differences.

    Five years and three months ago, in June 2019, the average asking price in Auckland was $929,742; in September 2024 it was 12.2% higher at $1,042,883. In Waikato, the increase was more substantial, with average asking prices rising 32.6%, from $609,272 in May 2019 to $808,153 in September 2024.

    “Aucklanders have been the fastest to move on, but of all regions, they have seen the smallest financial gain over the last five and a half years.”

    “Holding for longer can sometimes mean bigger gains, but many factors can impact this, including market conditions, economic factors, legislative changes, your region, and demand in your area,” says Williams.

    The biggest increases in average asking prices over the average selling period were seen on the West Coast, where prices rose by 97.9% over six years and two months. In Gisborne, where homes were sold on average every six years and three months, prices increased by 79.1%. In Manawatu/Whanganui, where properties changed hands every six years and four months, prices rose by 76.7%.

    Ultimately, Williams urges people to buy based on their personal circumstances, rather than trying to predict what the market might do.

    More than a million New Zealand homes have never been sold

    We may be a nation of property fanatics, but well over a million homes have never gone up for sale on realestate.co.nz, despite the site listing 935,048 individual properties since records began 17 years ago.

    “Statistics New Zealand data from September 2024 estimates there are just over 2 million private dwellings in New Zealand, meaning there are more than a million homes that have been in the same hands since realestate.co.nz records began 17 years ago,” says Williams.

    She notes that Kiwis tend to have a strong connection to property and place.

     “It will be interesting to look back again in another decade or two and see, as lifestyles change if we see a similar percentage of homes staying with the same owners,” adds Williams.

    About realestate.co.nz

    We’ve been helping people buy, sell, or rent property since 1996.  

    Established before Google, realestate.co.nz is New Zealand’s longest-standing property website and the official website of the real estate industry.

    Dedicated only to property, our mission is to empower people with a property search tool they can use to find the life they want to live. With residential, lifestyle, rural and commercial property listings, realestate.co.nz is the place to start for those looking to buy or sell property.  

    Whatever life you’re searching for, it all starts here.

    Want more property insights?

    Market insights: Search by suburb to see median sale prices, popular property types and trends over time.
    Sold properties: Switch your search to sold to see the last 12 months of sales and prices.
    Valuations: Get a gauge on property prices by browsing sold residential properties, with the latest sale prices and an estimated value in the current market.

    Glossary of terms:

    Average asking price (AAP) is neither a valuation nor the sale price. It is an indication of current market sentiment. Statistically, asking prices tend to correlate closely with the sales prices recorded in future months when those properties are sold. As it looks at different data, average asking prices may differ from recorded sales data released simultaneously.

    Sales data is provided by the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ)

    New listings are a record of all the new residential dwellings listed for sale on realestate.co.nz for the relevant calendar month. The site reflects 97% of all properties listed through licensed real estate agents and major developers in New Zealand. This description gives a representative view of the New Zealand property market.

    Stock is the total number of residential dwellings that are for sale on realestate.co.nz on the penultimate day of the month.

    Rate of sale is a measure of how long it would take, theoretically, to sell the current stock at current average rates of sale if no new properties were to be listed for sale. It provides a measure of the rate of turnover in the market.

    Seasonal adjustment is a method realestate.co.nz uses to represent better the core underlying trend of the property market in New Zealand. This is done using methodology from the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research.

    Truncated mean is the method realestate.co.nz uses to supply statistically relevant asking prices. The top and bottom 10% of listings in each area are removed before the average is calculated to prevent exceptional listings from providing false impressions.      

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canada announces $29.4 million in funding to support small-scale financial institutions in developing countries

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Canada is helping companies of every size get a fair chance to succeed. But too often in developing countries around the world, financing, such as loans and insurance, is tough to access. That means that opportunities to grow are scarce.

    October 16, 2024 – Montréal, Quebec – Global Affairs Canada

    Canada is helping companies of every size get a fair chance to succeed. But too often in developing countries around the world, financing, such as loans and insurance, is tough to access. That means that opportunities to grow are scarce.

    Canada is changing that by improving access to financial services for underserved global populations, including women.

    Today, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, announced $22.9 million in funding for the Aequitas Impact Investment Fund and $6.5 million for the fund’s Technical Assistance Facility, for a total of $29.4 million. This 12-year project, in partnership with Desjardins International Development (DID), will help make personalized financial services available to underserved communities around the world—helping them to grow and succeed.

    The Aequitas Impact Investment Fund, launched in 2021, invests in small-scale financial institutions in developing countries to help them improve the availability of financial products, such as bank accounts, loans and insurance. These investments increase the availability of financial products and services for entrepreneurs who run micro-, small and medium-sized businesses, including women, youths and small-scale farmers in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America. Canada’s investment in this fund represents a key milestone in Canada’s progress in implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly with investments in gender equality and international development.

    Canada’s investment is supported by a technical assistance facility that helps financial institutions and their clients improve their access to financial products and services to build and sustain their businesses. 

    “We are extremely proud of the Government of Canada’s commitment to the Aequitas Impact Investment Fund. By pooling our efforts and resources, we will be able to do more to promote the economic empowerment of women, young people and entrepreneurs of micro-, small and medium-sized businesses. This investment lines up perfectly with our goal of having a positive impact on gender equality, climate action and sustainable development—not just in Canada, but around the world.”

    – Guy Cormier, President and CEO, Desjardins Group

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: National consultations show widespread, systemic racism damaging lives

    Source: Australian Human Rights Commission

    Racism is commonplace and normalised in Australia and can affect almost every part of a person’s daily life, according to a new report for the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC). National consultations with diverse and marginalised communities revealed first-hand accounts from hundreds of people who have experienced racism. 

    The report, An Anti-Racism Framework: Experiences and perspectives of multicultural Australia, was commissioned by the AHRC and conducted by the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA). Among the key findings was that, despite the diversity of people’s backgrounds – including location, age, disability, sexuality, faith and cultural background – racism was prevalent throughout the country and entrenched in society. 

    Racism, the report found, is often being experienced at the same time as another form of discrimination such as disability or sex discrimination, and is taking place in people’s schools, workplaces, public spaces, and during interactions with health services or law enforcement.  

    The report also found governments and the media are culpable in further marginalising people through a culture of silence, which either ignores or minimises incidents of racism or stokes divisions through sensationalist rhetoric. 

    Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman: “These powerful and at times heartbreaking first-hand accounts from diverse and marginalised communities reaffirm the fact that racism in Australia is ubiquitous, insidious and profoundly damaging. 

    “The racism described is more than hurtful words being said to someone. It is systemic, often involving dealings with some level of authority, whose power determines access to opportunities, basic needs, services, or justice.  

    “Racism seeps into almost every aspect of people’s lives, and in ways that have become so normalised that victims don’t feel they can talk about it and decide to ‘learn to live with it’. Everyday racism is hidden in plain sight.  

    “People spoke of how they felt they had to lose their identity to fit in, their experience of subtle acts of discrimination or alienation at school, work or their communities, and biases they felt in dealing with those in power. Sadly, people not feeling safe because of their race is widespread.”  

    The report made 11 recommendations, including:  

    • The Australian Government must lead the way to change and commit to a whole-of-society, anti-racism agenda, such as through a national anti-racism framework.  

    • Combating First Nations racism must be at the forefront of reform.  

    • Public and private institutions, including in education, employment, healthcare, and justice, must have policies in place to address racism in all its forms. This includes incorporating preventative and redress mechanisms, reviewing all current policies and procedures for accessing opportunities and services, and introducing mandatory anti-racism training.  

    • Introducing a national Human Rights Act, also in line with the key finding of the Commission’s landmark Free + Equal Project.  

    “The first step to systemic change is to break the silence around racism. No longer should victims just ‘get on with it’,” Commissioner Sivaraman said.  

    “Racism is a barrier to ensuring all Australians are afforded the same opportunity, dignity, respect and access as others. We must urgently have a sound human rights protection system that establishes a safe and inclusive environment for all.”  

    FECCA conducted more than 40 consultations with 860 participants across all states and territories, and an online survey with more than 400 responses. They each captured people’s personal experiences of racism and their ideas about solutions. The report is part of a suite of work helping inform the National Anti-Racism Framework, which the Commission will deliver to the Federal Government on 26 November.  

    FECCA Chairperson Carlo Carli: “This report shows the need for a comprehensive anti-racism strategy in this country has never been stronger. 

    “We are delighted that the voices of people with lived experience of racism will help shape the National Anti-Racism Framework, driving meaningful change and accountability across all sectors. The courage of those who shared their stories should compel all of us to confront and address the systemic nature of racism in Australia. 

    “By incorporating the insights of those who endure this daily, the National Anti-Racism Framework has the potential to dismantle discriminatory structures and build a fairer society for all.” 

    Read the report: An Anti-Racism Framework: Experiences and perspectives of multicultural Australia 

    Commissioner Sivaraman will release the report today (17 October 2024) at the FECCA Conference in Brisbane.

    A separate report outlining insights from consultations with First Nations communities will be released later this month. It is part of a suite of work that includes this consultations report that will feed into the development of the National Anti-Racism Framework. 

    ENDS | Media contact: media@humanrights.gov.au or 0457 281 897 

    MIL OSI News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cardin, Van Hollen Lead Senate Call for Humanitarian Protections for Guatemalans Living in the U.S.

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maryland Ben Cardin

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Van Hollen (both D-Md.), along with more than a dozen other senators, wrote to President Joe Biden requesting that his administration “provide temporary humanitarian protections for Guatemalan nationals living in the United States.” The letter asks for the president to designate Temporary Protected Status for Guatemala or authorize Deferred Enforced Departure for Guatemalan nationals. 

    “Guatemala presently faces significant and overlapping natural disasters leading to food insecurity, corruption, and violence that impede the ability of Guatemalan nationals currently in the United States to return home safely at this time. Guatemala has long experienced significant environmental disasters, which have worsened food insecurity and displaced a sizable amount of the population,” the senators wrote. “Providing these humanitarian protections will reinforce the relationship that the United States is developing with the new, democratically elected government under President Bernardo Arevalo” who “has committed to taking steps to try to ameliorate many of the conditions that have long been neglected by previous leaders.”

    They added: “Despite the efforts underway under the new administration, a sober assessment of conditions in the country today would support the conclusion that Guatemala is unable to adequately handle the return of the significant number of nationals currently in the United States.”

    Senators Cardin and Van Hollen have previously requested TPS designation for Guatemala in both 2021 and 2022.

    Joining Senators Cardin and Van Hollen on this Senate letter are Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Martin Heinrich (D-Nev.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Mark Warner (D-Va.). Last month, Representative Lou Correa (D-Calif.-46) led a similar letter among House members.

    Full text of the Senate letter is available HERE.

    Through the Immigration Act of 1990, Congress established the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program, where individuals may apply for TPS if Congress or the Secretary of Homeland Security issues a designation that “conditions in the country temporarily prevent the country’s nationals from returning safely.” Upon registration with and approval by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), TPS holders are protected from deportation and can receive work authorization. Only individuals already in the United States when a designation is announced are eligible to receive Temporary Protected Status.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Joint statement on establishing Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT)

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Several countries gave a joint statement on the establishment of the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT) in response to the termination of the mandate of the Panel of Experts for the UNSC 1718 Sanctions Committee in April this year.

    The Republic of Korea, Japan, the USA, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Australia, Canada and New Zealand gave a statement on their recent establishment of the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT) for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions regarding the DPRK:

    We, the participating states of the MSMT, are aligned in our commitment to uphold international peace and security and to safeguard the global non-proliferation regime and address the threat arising from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missile programs, which are in violation of UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs).

    In light of the veto which disbanded the UN Security Council’s 1718 Committee Panel of Experts this year, we hereby express our intention to establish the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT), a multilateral mechanism to monitor and report violations and evasions of the sanction measures stipulated in the relevant UNSCRs. The goal of the new mechanism is to assist the full implementation of UN sanctions on the DPRK by publishing information based on rigorous inquiry into sanctions violations and evasions attempts.

    We underscore our shared determination to fully implement relevant UNSCRs regarding the DPRK, reaffirm that the path to dialogue remains open, and call on all states to join global efforts to maintain international peace and security in the face of the ongoing threats from the DPRK.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

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    Published 16 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Wallet Becomes The Second Most Downloaded App Closing in on Binance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, Oct. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget Wallet, the leading Web3 non-custodial wallet, has seen nearly 6 million app downloads in September, becoming the second most downloaded crypto app worldwide trailing Binance and surpassing the majority of Web3 wallets and crypto exchanges in new user adoption. Bitget Wallet has also announced the milestone of surpassing 40 million users globally, increasing over 100% since March 2024. This significant growth positions Bitget Wallet as the fastest-growing decentralized wallet this year, and shows the growing demand for decentralized solutions, positioning them as primary entry points into Web3.

    Key Drivers Behind Explosive Growth

    Several key factors have fueled Bitget Wallet’s impressive growth. Its intuitive user interface and robust product features make decentralized finance accessible, particularly for first-time crypto users. The wallet seamlessly integrates all of Web3 in one app—including asset management, swaps, launchpads, crypto trading, staking, and a DApp explorer—into a single platform. A pivotal aspect of its growth this year has been the integration with TON ecosystem and Telegram, which has facilitated user access to wallet services directly within the popular messaging platform, bridging Web2 users into Web3. In Q3 alone, the wallet saw an incredible 4886% growth in TON onchain addresses. Additionally, Bitget Wallet has gained significant traction in emerging markets, allowing for a smooth onboarding experience for new users entering crypto space. Notably, Bitget Wallet saw the strongest user growth in Q3 recorded in regions like Africa with a staggering 413% increase, followed by South Asia at 126% and the Middle-East at 105%.

    Decentralized Wallets: The Future Gateway to Web3

    Bitget Wallet’s rapid expansion signifies a broader trend in the industry: decentralized wallets are emerging as essential gateways to Web3, increasingly competing with centralized exchanges in terms of user base and functionality. More wallets are now working directly with Web2 platforms, such as payment solutions and social messaging apps, to increase the usability of tokens directly from self-custodial wallets. However, the Web3 landscape still faces challenges, particularly in terms of user retention. While onboarding has become easier, retaining users within decentralized ecosystems can be difficult due to limited real-world use cases and complex user interfaces. Therefore, it is critical to develop user-friendly applications and facilitate seamless interactions to ensure long-term engagement in this evolving digital landscape.

    Seamless Integration of All Web3 Services in One App

    Since its founding in 2018, Bitget Wallet has established itself as a comprehensive Web3 hub. It supports 100+ blockchains, 20,000+ DApps and millions of tokens onchain, positioning it among the largest decentralized marketplaces. The wallet’s seamless swap feature allows for fast and cost-effective token exchanges, sourcing the best prices by aggregating liquidity from 100+ DEXes. In Q3, swap activity on Bitget Wallet grew 125%, while DApp activities increased 128%, and token transfers jumped by 175%, reflecting the rising adoption of decentralized financial services. Furthermore, its advanced tools—including full candlestick charts, Smart Money Alerts and hot token discovery—provide users with real-time, in-depth market insights to make informed trading decisions. With a focus on security, Bitget Wallet includes features such as keyless MPC wallet, on-chain fund tracking, and a $300 million user protection fund, ensuring a safe and user-friendly experience.

    A Vision for the Future of Web3

    Alvin Kan, COO of Bitget Wallet, remarked, “Surpassing 40 million users is a testament to our vision of making crypto accessible to everyone, everywhere. Bitget Wallet registered nearly 6 million downloads in a month, closing in on top exchanges signaling that decentralized wallets are catching up with centralized platforms, and we’re excited to be leading this shift. Our mission is clear: to provide a secure and user-friendly gateway to Web3 for the next billion users.” He added, “The future of Web3 depends on how effectively we bridge the gap between Web2 and Web3. By integrating with platforms like Telegram, we’re simplifying crypto adoption for mainstream users and creating tools that enable seamless interaction with decentralized platforms. Decentralized wallets will evolve to serve as one of the primary entry points for billions of new users exploring Web3 for the first time.”

    About Bitget Wallet

    Bitget Wallet stands as one of the world’s leading non-custodial Web3 wallets and decentralized ecosystem platform. With the Bitget Onchain Layer, the wallet is well-poised to develop a burgeoning DeFi ecosystem through co-creation and strategic incubation. Aside from a powerful Swap function, Bitget Wallet also offers multi-chain asset management, smart money insights, a native Launchpad, Inscriptions Center, and an Earning Center. Supporting over 100 major blockchains, 500,000+ tokens, and a wide array of DApps, Bitget Wallet is your top wallet for asset discovery and Web3 exploration.

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | Discord

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6a37bd8e-f170-43d7-8fa3-eb6f0cbf64da

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3f73fa7d-5f9f-4607-9f22-0dae149abbb4

    The MIL Network –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Three ways the upcoming UN biodiversity summit could make a difference

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Harriet Bulkeley, Professor of Geography, Durham University

    Projects on the Indus River in Pakistan are helping to tackle biodiversity loss. Salik Javed/Shutterstock

    When negotiations at Cop15 – the UN’s biodiversity conference – ended in December 2022, many delegates breathed a sigh of relief.

    Threatening snowstorms outside the convention centre in Montreal, Canada seemed to lift just as the political weather changed and the long-awaited Kunming-Montreal global biodiversity framework was agreed. It’s mission: to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 in order to achieve the ultimate goal of a society living in harmony with nature by 2050.

    Fast forward two years and governments, businesses, representatives of Indigenous people and local communities, experts from environmental groups such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and scientists will gather for the follow-up Cop16 meeting in Cali, Colombia, from October 21. Many due to attend, including myself, wonder whether the promise made to “halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030” is achievable.

    Initial signs are not promising. For starters, no international targets for biodiversity have ever been met.

    Only a handful of countries, including China, Canada and France, have submitted new national biodiversity plans demonstrating how they will implement the promises made two years ago. Most countries, including the UK, (that’s more than 80% in total) haven’t submitted their full plans.

    Countries can also submit updates for the 23 targets listed in the framework. The UK and others have submitted targets such as promising to reduce the impact of pollution on nature and ensuring that 30% of land is effectively protected in line with the framework.

    But crucial questions remain about how those goals will be reached. To make Cop16 effective, three things need to happen.

    1. Decide on a plan

    When delegates gather in Cali, questions of implementation will be front and centre of the negotiations. The first challenge is that the approach for monitoring progress on all 23 targets – including issues such as improving access to nature in cities, reducing harmful subsidies and restoring 30% of degraded ecosystems – is yet to be agreed.

    For some, the approach that has been developed so far lacks ambition in crucial areas. Indicators suggested for monitoring progress on reducing the impacts of consumption on nature remain very weak for example. For others, it may prove too challenging.

    For example, countries with limited access to data might not be able to track alien species or assess how critical services provided by nature to make societies more resilient might be affected by climate change. Getting agreement at the Cop16 negotiations will be vital in order to hold countries to account as the 2030 deadline set to achieve all of the targets approaches.

    2. Find the funds

    Another crucial issue is funding: who will pay for the action required? The global biodiversity framework fund (GBFF) was established in 2023 to provide financial support.

    Yet so far, it has only attracted contributions of around US$230 billion (£176 billion) from a small group of countries including Canada, the UK, Germany, Japan and Spain. Leaders gathering in Cali, and especially those from developing countries, are calling for more funding and for greater control over how it is allocated.

    The next UN biodiversity conference will be held in Cali, Columbia from October 21 to November 1.
    Tudoran Andrei/Shutterstock

    3. Make biodiversity matter

    A third debate will decide how best to ensure that biodiversity action is mainstreamed across governments, businesses and communities.

    In Montreal, countries agreed to make sure that the impacts on nature were considered across different policy areas (such as building new roads or developing new energy sources) and in economic sectors, from fishing to agriculture and mining to tech.

    They agreed that groups most likely to be affected by the loss of nature, including Indigenous people and local communities, women and youth, should help make key decisions. While targets such as protecting 30% of the land and sea for nature are crucial, progress will only happen if nature is put on everyone’s bottom line.

    Delivering real change

    The urgent need for action is not lost on delegates gathering in Cali. There is a real risk that the promise countries made in Montreal to deliver “transformative action by governments, and regional and local authorities, with the involvement of all of society” won’t be met.

    But there are some hopeful signs of transformative change to conserve and restore nature and ensure its sustainable use.

    Take, for example, the Tree Equity Partnership in Detroit, US. This partnership between the city, US-based charity American Forests and the local non-profit charity Greening of Detroit aims to plant 75,000 trees. This will create places of beauty, biodiversity and climate resilience in underserved neighbourhoods and generate 300 new jobs in the city.

    In Pakistan, the Living Indus initiative is an umbrella organisation that has identified 25 projects involving local and regional governments, businesses and communities working together to restore the ecological health of the Indus river.

    Businesses are also calling for real change. More than 170 investors have signed a pledge developed by a coalition of financial institutions called the Finance for Biodiversity Foundation to take action for nature across their portfolios.

    New science-based standards are being developed to drive the mainstreaming of biodiversity action through their companies and associated supply chains. Cop16 is expected to see increased interest from the private sector and a focus on tackling climate change and biodiversity together.

    These projects are successfully tackling the root causes of global biodiversity loss. They integrate solutions and deal with social and environmental issues – poverty and exploitation, climate risks and land use change. Tackling these problems is just as vital as the need for sustainable production and consumption plus investment that works for, not against, nature.

    Projects such as these are the ones that give scientists and conservationists like me – and organisations like WWF that I work with – hope. We want to see more projects that take action on nature, climate and social justice together. If Cop16 can make even a small step in this direction, the world will be travelling towards making real progress by the end of this decade.


    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 35,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Harriet Bulkeley receives funding from the European Commission and currently serves as an advisor to the UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

    – ref. Three ways the upcoming UN biodiversity summit could make a difference – https://theconversation.com/three-ways-the-upcoming-un-biodiversity-summit-could-make-a-difference-240225

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Haegue Yang’s Leap Year is a bold and diverse show mixing cultural references and folk traditions

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Martin Lang, Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader in Fine Art , University of Lincoln

    Leap Year, a new exhibition of work by South Korean artist Haegue Yang at the Southbank Centre’s Hayward Gallery, is a bold and diverse display of contemporary art, mixing materials and ideas in unexpected ways.

    Those with a knowledge of art history over the last 70 years, like me, will appreciate how Yang plays with and combines various art traditions. For example, her use of LED, neon strip-lights, steel, text, projected video and even smell are deliberate references to materials commonly used in contemporary art.

    Yang’s art isn’t particularly “Korean”, but why should it be? Like many artists from around the world, Yang has been influenced by western pop culture. Coca-Cola and Hollywood movies have been as much part of life in South Korea since the Korean war as in Britain. While some see this as a downside of globalisation, many in South Korea embrace these influences, seeing them as a sign of progress. This fusion of cultures is a fact of life for Yang, and it runs through her art.

    In the wall text at the exhibition, Yang claims to have developed a “culturally hybrid visual language”. Her work references modernism, minimalism and conceptual art. Large black-and-white photo collages that bring to mind early 20th-century dada art (a post-war movement that was anti-bourgeois and often satirical and nonsensical) provide the backdrop for sculptures mounted on wheeled frames, reminiscent of stage sets or even fairground rides.

    Another resembles a shower cubicle, but with grab handles on the outside. The title, Sol LeWitt Vehicle, points to the conceptual artist Sol LeWitt. Geometric floor patterns recall the work of Gabriel Orozco, another well-known contemporary artist. In one room, the walls are painted in a blue that’s close to Yves Klein’s famous International Klein Blue (a shade of pure ultramarine he claimed to have invented and which features in his most famous works), although the paint was sourced locally by gallery staff.

    Connecting with tradition

    Yang is particularly interested in the ways contemporary art connects with older folk and craft traditions. For example, she explores weaving practices from different cultures, even working with Filipino artisans. These pieces sit alongside Reflected Red-Blue Cubist Dancing Mask, a sculpture that takes inspiration from how early cubist artists saw African masks as pure aesthetic objects, rather than ritualistic tools.

    Yang’s interpretation has wheels and handles, allowing it to be worn and used performatively, restoring its function, but with a modernist aesthetic twist.

    Her interest in folk traditions goes deeper. During the COVID lockdown in Seoul, she began exploring paper cutting, a traditional Korean craft often linked with shamanic rituals. From there, she expanded her research to include paper-cutting practices from other parts of the world, like wycinanki from eastern Europe and amate from Mexico.

    In her Mesmerising Mesh series, she uses traditional Korean paper (hanji), as well as Japanese washi and graph paper, to create intricate collages. The wooden structures she builds around these works resemble shrines from different cultures. Though some viewers might think of them as something more familiar, like the decor in a western Chinese restaurant. In fact, these designs were inspired by the Hmong people of Southeast Asia.

    In the west, since the second world war, the idea of universal art has often been viewed as tied to colonialism or cultural dominance, yet we embrace universal ideas like healthcare and human rights as progressive. Yang’s work suggests that art, too, has the power to bridge divides and foster empathy, breaking down barriers between cultures. Art may vary greatly across traditions, but at its core, it speaks to our shared humanity – a message as relevant as ever in our polarised times.

    Haegue Yang’s Leap Year: Universal Art for a Divided World is on at the Hayward Gallery in London from October 9 2024 to January 5 2025


    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    Martin Lang 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. Haegue Yang’s Leap Year is a bold and diverse show mixing cultural references and folk traditions – https://theconversation.com/haegue-yangs-leap-year-is-a-bold-and-diverse-show-mixing-cultural-references-and-folk-traditions-241508

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why The Rock beats politicians for trust and leadership – and what would-be rulers can learn

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Carl Senior, Reader in Behavioural Sciences, Aston University

    Celebrities can have huge influence and reach enormous audiences. That’s why Kamala Harris was happy to recently gain the endorsement of musician Taylor Swift.

    Due to their media attention and massive fan bases, some Hollywood stars and musicians can appear more powerful than traditional politicians. And these perceptions of influence may also translate into actual impact.

    Indeed, some celebrities have taken up causes, using their fame to overtly push for change (for instance, Bob Geldof and Princess Diana). Others endorse politicians, or successfully run for office themselves (for instance, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ronald Reagan).

    While it may seem like celebrities who pivot to politics are able to trade on their pre-existing notoriety, few celebrities are well known beyond their fan bases and many people would expect them to lack the gravitas of world leaders.

    However, results of our recent exploratory study conducted in the UK shows that at least one celebrity, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, stands out. He achieved public recognition, leadership and trust ratings as high as the most well-known politicians.

    Indeed, our study found that The Rock’s recognition was on par with the Nobel prize-winning, two-term US president Barack Obama. He was also considered more trustworthy than many politicians.

    In the study, we invited 251 participants to evaluate the faces of 40 seasoned politicians and celebrities to assess their leadership potential and perceived personality traits.

    Only six of the faces had close to universal recognition. Former US presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump, former UK prime minister Boris Johnson and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson scored 90% or above. By contrast, US president Joe Biden and Russian president Vladimir Putin were each recognised by 80%.

    Interestingly, The Rock was also judged to be more considerate, competent, credible, intelligent and trustworthy than most politicians.

    When asked to indicate how strongly participants felt about each figure’s leadership potential, the results were surprising. Biden scored 64%, higher than Putin’s 56%, which was in turn higher than Trump and Boris Johnson who both received 42%.

    But a much larger percentage, 72%, rated The Rock as a strong leader, only bettered by Obama’s score of 87%. In our statistical models, two key personality traits, competency and credibility, predicted The Rock’s perceived potential as a national leader.

    The Rock’s fame, stemming from his wrestling career persona, television presence, and Hollywood stardom, seem to demonstrate the impact of a well-maintained media image. His expertise in wrestling’s “kayfabe” style of performance (a dramatic wrestling style that is presented as genuine) has greatly boosted his public persona as an authentic “nice guy”.

    This early experience, and a strong screen presence, is likely to have contributed to leadership scores similar to Obama. Here it seems that The Rock’s heavily cultivated media personality has translated into perceptions of effective leadership.

    This idea connects with the theory of mediated authenticity , which suggests that positive perceptions arise when audiences view media figures in a favourable light. The Rock’s wrestling persona has allowed him to build a connection to his fans and he seems to have developed this further with his Hollywood roles.

    What can Trump and Harris learn?

    Politicians must also connect with the public. Boris Johnson, for example, did well in the 2019 UK election because he knew how to connect and leveraged this ability to his advantage.

    However, leaders also need to be seen as knowledgeable and trustworthy to make an enduring positive difference.

    The Rock was asked about political ambitions.

    Some theorists of power argue that social influence derives from being well-liked, not just being famous. Of course, The Rock is famous for his nice guy image, along with his movie catalogue and perpetually perfect physique. His perceived leadership potential could come from being both popular and seen as a good role model.

    The Rock’s potential has been spotted by political parties. He describes himself as an independent and back in 2023 he revealed that he had been approached by multiple political parties about possibly running for office.

    Can you be a ‘nice’ populist?

    The last few years has seen the rise of numerous political leaders around the world, who have been labelled with the term “populist”. Leading figures on this list include Trump, India’s prime minister Narendra Modi, former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro and Boris Johnson. However, these leaders tend not to be highly trusted.

    The erosion of trust in politicians and political systems is a significant issue that can lead to decreased engagement with the democratic process, regardless of political level. This ultimately results in a civic structure that fails to represent the people it is meant to serve.

    With the US presidential election just weeks away, and still virtually tied, political strategists for both of the major parties must confront a key question: how much trust does each candidate have from the public?

    Like it or not, The Rock’s wrestling persona relied on building a genuine connection with fans through his kayfabe-style performance, and his friendly image. The careful cultivation of this has given him enduring popularity and, as an unintended consequence of that performance, leadership appeal on the national stage.

    When you are perceived as being a genuinely nice leader, our early research suggests, trust will follow. Something that more politicians clearly need to understand.

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

    – ref. Why The Rock beats politicians for trust and leadership – and what would-be rulers can learn – https://theconversation.com/why-the-rock-beats-politicians-for-trust-and-leadership-and-what-would-be-rulers-can-learn-236987

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Narrowing the Digital Divide: Households with broadband, laptops and desktops rising

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Narrowing the Digital Divide: Households with broadband, laptops and desktops rising

    Today, we’re launching a refresh of the Microsoft Digital Equity Data Dashboard with current data from the FCC, the United States Census Bureau, Code.org, Broadband Now, and Microsoft to help federal, state, and local policymakers gain a better understanding of the factors contributing to the digital divide in communities across the United States. Originally launched in 2022 as part of our Airband Initiative, the dashboard provides critical data to help understand broadband gaps at the local level, allowing these decision makers to anchor their policies and programs in data and maximize investments in areas of highest need.  

    Today’s update allows tracking of historical broadband data to analyze trends and progress being made as a result of government and private sector investments. This includes the new data from the dashboard, which shows that all states, including Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, saw an increase in the number of households with broadband connections as well as an increase in the number of households with laptops or desktops. The greatest changes were in households earning less than $20,000. These households saw an average increase of over 10.8 percentage points in internet connectivity compared to previous metrics, meaning there are nearly 325,000 more households connected in this group. 

    We’ve long held the belief in the value of data, and this dashboard refresh is the latest step in our ongoing journey to help close the digital divide around the world. 

    Bridging the Rural Broadband Gap in the United States 

    In 2017, we launched the Microsoft Airband Initiative with a clear mission: to bridge the significant rural broadband gap in the United States. That year, government data showed that at least 23.4 million people across the United States did not have access to reliable high-speed internet, and this lack of access created significant barriers to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. At the same time, it’s been shown that increasing access and usage of broadband in rural areas leads to higher property values, increased job and population growth, increased entrepreneurship, and lower unemployment rates. This stark reality illustrated by this data highlighted the urgent need for action to bridge the digital divide.  

    We set out to help solve the problem by bringing private sector investment and innovative technologies together with advocacy for regulatory support and financial frameworks to increase connectivity. Over the years, we have tried different approaches to bridging the digital divide, and we’ve learned a lot. We initially focused on TV White Spaces, believing this unique technology would extend reliable and affordable broadband to rural areas. As time went on, we determined that to make a tangible impact in rural communities, we couldn’t rely on specific technology, so we shifted to a technology neutral approach. Today, our partners are leveraging fiber, fixed wireless, satellite, and other disruptive technologies to drive broad networks deeper into rural areas. As a result, our partners have extended coverage to over 7.4 million people in rural communities across 41 states and territories in the United States.   

    But technology alone was not a solution. High costs, the absence of new and alternative technologies, and market and regulatory conditions all hampered efforts. The economic impact was substantial, not only hindering individual progress but also stifling the overall development of rural areas. So, we also used our corporate voice and joined forces with others to directly advocate for Congress to deploy targeted funding to combat the digital divide.  

    Targeted Funding to Combat the Digital Divide 

    In the U.S., none of the progress we’ve seen would be possible, without the vision of the U.S. Congress to proactively and significantly invest in broadband infrastructure programs. Our experiences since 2017 have made it clear that these government investments are necessary to drive deep impact. Bipartisan investments in digital infrastructure and inclusion through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) were a huge step forward in our journey to close the digital divide in the United States.  

    As a result of these government investments and public private partnerships, our internet service provider partners in the U.S. have received more than $725 million in government infrastructure funding awards to accelerate network expansion and drive broadband adoption across the country, with approximately 80% going to rural communities.  

    An example includes Microsoft partner, Nextlink Internet, which is leveraging government investment and partnership to bring meaningful connectivity to rural communities in the Midwest, Southwest, and Southeast regions of the United States. Federal infrastructure funding enabled Nextlink to extend their seven-state footprint to 11 states in total: Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.   

    Looking Forward Globally with a Clear Vision 

    Outside of the United States, our global partnerships have brought coverage to nearly 100 million previously unserved and underserved people. Internationally, we’re also seeing success from similar models of participating in government infrastructure programs, with the U.S. government leading the way. This includes significant investments and leadership from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) via the Digital Invest program and the Women in the Digital Economy Fund (Wi-DEF), as well as the United States Trade and Development Agency’s (USTDA) Digital Transformation with Africa initiative.  

    These partnerships have also enabled digital infrastructure and off-grid energy in unserved and underserved communities around the world. In Nigeria, for instance, providers like Tizeti are leveraging government investments to bring connectivity to schools, health clinics, and community anchor institutions. And communities are experiencing improved outcomes in education and healthcare as a result. If connectivity alone has enabled these outcomes, imagine what additional innovation AI could unlock. 

    But there are still 2.6 billion people who remain offline. Limited internet can exacerbate economic inequalities and inhibit access to social services, civic activities, and online learning resources. In places where we’re using AI to map global populations in real-time, we can provide early warnings that allow communities to better plan disaster recovery during times of crisis. Communities that remain offline do not get these early warnings and cannot act on them. As AI becomes more prevalent, communities that remain offline will not be able to fully access the benefits of this new technology. 

    To continue momentum, we are looking to the lessons we learned in the U.S. We must scale innovative technologies, expand connectivity and energy access, and leverage strategic partnerships. Governments, financial institutions, philanthropic institutions, and the private sector must come together to address critical financing barriers, invest in development finance, and expand digital infrastructure. 

    We’ve committed to reaching 250 million people with meaningful connectivity by the end of next year. Today, we’re calling for continued support and collaboration from all sectors to ensure no one is left behind. We call on all stakeholders to join us in this mission. 

    • Governments must create enabling regulatory environments that prioritize funding for digital infrastructure and support quick and efficient allocation of funding by federal, state, and local entities. 
    • The private sector must invest in innovative technologies and business models. 
    • Philanthropic organizations must continue to advocate for digital inclusion and develop initiatives anchored in the local community. 

    The journey to close the digital divide is a long one. Building out infrastructure takes time. It’ll take time for us to see some of the direct results of this work, but there is room for optimism. We are extremely grateful for the leadership and vision of the United States government, which is laying a blueprint for other countries to follow, as well as state and local leaders working to ensure these programs are successful. We encourage all policymakers to proceed efficiently so the benefits of these investments reach local communities sooner rather than later.  

    With continued collaboration and commitment, we can use the power of data, technology, and partnership to achieve our ambitious goals. We’re dedicated to making a lasting impact, and we are excited about the future. Let’s come together to bring the power of digital connectivity and transformation to people around the world. 

    Tags: Airband initiative, broadband, broadband access, connectivity, digital access, digital divide, digital inequity, Digital Inequity Dashboard, Internet access, rural broadband

    MIL OSI Economics –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Denis Manturov took part in the opening of a customs and logistics terminal in Buryatia

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Denis Manturov took part in the opening of the Kyakhta customs and logistics terminal on the Russian-Mongolian border

    19 hours ago

    First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov took part in the opening of the new Kyakhta customs and logistics terminal on the Russian-Mongolian border via video link. The event was also attended by the head of Buryatia, Aleksey Tsydenov.

    “A modern, technologically advanced complex has been created for cargo handling, temporary storage, customs clearance of goods, radiation and phytosanitary control. The formed infrastructure will increase the efficiency of customs procedures when moving goods across the Russian-Mongolian border. We currently have 10 border crossings in this direction. Among them, the Kyakhta automobile checkpoint is one of the busiest. The new terminal will allow us to expand bottlenecks and increase throughput. This is especially important given the growing role of Asian countries in the global economy and the reorientation of significant volumes of our foreign trade to this direction. The counter flow of goods with the states of the eastern macroregion will continue to expand. Therefore, today’s event, we can safely say, contributes to the development of Russia’s foreign economic activity,” Denis Manturov noted.

    “The terminal that opens today in Kyakhta is the first and so far the only such facility. Kyakhta is the main checkpoint and communications hub between Russia and Mongolia. And the growing cargo flow is exactly what meets the task set by the President of increasing the throughput capacity of international transport corridors by one and a half times. The new infrastructure for handling cargo and handling vehicles creates all the necessary conditions for increasing throughput capacity,” said Alexey Tsydenov.

    The total area of the terminal is 188.8 thousand square meters. The customs control zone is designed to accommodate 80 trucks at a time. Temporary storage warehouses can accommodate up to 350 trucks. There are also two accredited laboratories on the territory of the terminal, which will allow checking the quality of supplied products and other goods. All this will increase throughput: clearance at the point will take no more than 10 minutes.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://government.ru/nevs/53010/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis announces $800,000 in pre-development grants now available for Tribal Nations Housing Development Assistance Program

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (“FHLBank Indianapolis” or the “Bank”) announced today that pre-development affordable housing grants are now available to the 12 federally recognized tribal nations located in Michigan through the Tribal Nations Housing Development Assistance Program (TNHDAP).

    Announced earlier this year, the TNHDAP is a unique and innovative capacity-building housing development grant program in partnership with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). The TNHDAP provides dedicated training and technical assistance coupled with grant funding opportunities to support tribal nations in creating innovative housing solutions tailored to the unique needs of each nation. The Bank’s program grant of up to $3 million marks the largest investment to a single organization in FHLBank Indianapolis history.

    FHLBank Indianapolis is making $800,000 available for project-specific pre-development grants with up to $75,000 available per project. Pre-development dollar grants may support either rental or homeownership projects, dependent upon individual tribal priorities.

    “Pre-development grants are often the hardest type of funding to find, and one of the most impactful tools to help kickstart projects,” said Anna Shires, VP, Community Investment Outreach Partner at the Bank. “We’re excited to complement all of the technical assistance underway, and help tribes get one major step closer to providing safe and affordable housing for their communities.”

    Through the program, the Bank also will be providing project-specific gap funding subsidies as well as supporting additional capacity building needs identified by tribal nations in Michigan. Through next year, each tribe also will receive dedicated technical assistance to identify their unique housing needs, support for overall housing initiatives and project-specific guidance.

    In keeping with the knowledge and capacity-building focus of the program, the National American Indian Housing Council and its partners facilitated a series of training sessions earlier this year focusing on the wide range of available affordable housing solutions. Sessions focused on multi-unit development, Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LITHC) and other funding sources, housing development for special needs populations, and homeownership development opportunities. Sessions included presentations and discussions between the tribes and FHLBank Indianapolis, MSHDA, HUD leadership, the Michigan Balance of State Continuum of Care, and local and national housing and finance industry leaders.

    “The completion of this training series represents a significant commitment of time and effort, and we commend everyone involved for their dedication to this critical work,” said Karen Gagnon, Tribal Liaison for MSHDA. “It’s truly exciting to see the program entering its next phase. This support will play a pivotal role in advancing essential housing projects for these communities, and we look forward to the far-reaching impact of these new investments and partnerships.”

    For more information about the pre-development grants, visit the Tribal Nations Housing Development Assistance Program page on MSHDA’s website.

    More information on the Tribal Nations Housing Development Assistance Program is available at fhlbi.com. For information on FHLBank Indianapolis’ other programs to support affordable housing and community development, see the Community Programs page on fhlbi.com.

    Media contact information:
    For more information, contact Katherine Marshall, Corporate Communications Specialist, at kmarshall@fhlbi.com.

    Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis: Building Partnerships. Serving Communities
    FHLBank Indianapolis is a regional bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. FHLBanks are government-sponsored enterprises created by Congress to provide access to low-cost funding for their member financial institutions, with particular attention paid to providing solutions that support the housing and small business needs of members’ customers. FHLBanks are privately capitalized and funded, and they receive no Congressional appropriations. One of 11 independent regional cooperative banks across the U.S., FHLBank Indianapolis is owned by its Indiana and Michigan financial institution members, including commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, savings institutions and community development financial institutions. For more information about FHLBank Indianapolis, visit http://www.fhlbi.com and follow the Bank on LinkedIn, and Instagram and X at @FHLBankIndy.

    The MIL Network –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: This year’s Nobel prize exposes economics’ problem with colonialism

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jostein Hauge, Assistant Professor in Development Studies, University of Cambridge

    Bumble Dee / Shutterstock

    Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson and James Robinson have been awarded the 2024 Nobel memorial prize in economics for their influential work on how institutions shape economic development. Some would say the decision to award these scholars the Nobel was long overdue.

    The paper that formed the basis of their work is one of the most cited in economics. Acemoglu and Robinson’s subsequent book, Why Nations Fail, has also been hugely influential.

    These works have inspired a rich debate on the relationship between societal institutions and economic development – so in that sense, congratulations are in order. But they have also been the subject of substantial criticism. In the aftermath of the award, it is fitting to highlight the blind spots in their analysis.

    The most important piece of criticism concerns the connection between the quality of a country’s societal institutions and its level of economic development. Acemoglu, Johnson and Robinson’s work divides institutions into two categories: “inclusive” and “extractive”.

    Inclusive institutions – such as those that enforce property rights, protect democracy and limit corruption – foster economic development, according to the laureates. In contrast, extractive institutions, which give rise to a high concentration of power and limited political freedom, seek to concentrate resources in the hands of a small elite and thus stifle economic development.

    The laureates claim the introduction of inclusive institutions has had a positive long-term effect on economic prosperity. Indeed, these institutions are today found primarily in high-income countries in the west.

    A huge problem with this analysis, however, is the claim that certain institutions are a precondition for economic development.

    Mushtaq Khan, a professor of economics at Soas, University of London, has analysed Acemoglu, Johnson and Robinson’s work extensively. He argues that it mainly shows today’s high-income countries score higher on western-based institution indexes, and not that economic development was achieved because states first established inclusive institutions.

    In fact, history is rife with examples of countries that grew rapidly without having these inclusive institutions in place as a precondition for growth. East Asian states such as Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan are good examples. Most recently, so too is China.

    Yuen Yuen Ang’s award-winning books on China’s development process have laid out in detail how China was riddled with corruption during its growth process. In the wake of this year’s Nobel award, Ang went as far as saying that the laureates’ theory not only fails to explain growth in China, but also growth in the west. She points out that institutions in the US were smeared with corruption during the country’s development process.

    Ignoring the brutality of colonialism

    Nations are not wrong to pursue some of the inclusive institutions outlined in Acemoglu, Johnson and Robinson’s work. But another worrying part of their analysis is that it legitimises the supremacy of western institutions – and, at worst, processes of imperialism and colonialism.

    Their work has, indeed, been criticised for not paying attention to the brutality of colonialism. We need to dig a bit deeper into their methods to understand this criticism.

    The laureates establish their claim by looking at long-term development in settler colonies versus non-settler colonies. In settler colonies, such as the US, Canada and Australia, Europeans established inclusive institutions. But in non-settler colonies, which include large parts of Africa and Latin America, Europeans established extractive institutions.

    Acemoglu, Johnson and Robinson point out that, over time, settler colonies perform better. European institutions are thus better for development, they argue.

    But, considering that the process of colonisation is a central method of their paper, it’s a mystery that the laureates do not discuss the costs of colonialism more broadly.

    Even in settler colonies, where inclusive institutions were eventually developed, years of violence – in many cases verging on the genocide of native populations – predated the development of such institutions. Should this not be factored into the development process?

    According to this year’s laureates, Europeans settled in the poorest and most sparsely populated places, and introduced institutions that contributed to long-term prosperity.
    Johan Jarnestad / Nobel Prize Outreach

    After receiving the award, Acemoglu said that normative questions of colonialism didn’t concern them: “Rather than asking whether colonialism is good or bad, we note that different colonial strategies have led to different institutional patterns that have persisted over time.”

    This statement might come a shock to some people – why is Acemoglu not concerned about whether colonialism is good or bad? But for those familiar with the inner workings of the economics discipline, this statement doesn’t come as a surprise.

    It has, sadly, become a badge of honour in mainstream economics to analyse the world without a normative lens or value judgments. This is a broader issue with the discipline and, in part, explains why economics has become increasingly insular and distant from other social sciences.

    The Nobel prize in economics, which actually wasn’t among the five original Nobel prizes, also illustrates this problem. The list of past winners is narrow in geographical and institutional scope, mainly consisting of economists based at economics faculties in a small number of elite universities in the US.

    Furthermore, a recent study found the institutional and geographic concentration of awards in economics is much higher than in other academic fields. Almost all the winners of major awards have had to journey through one of the top US universities (limited to less than ten) in their career.

    This year’s Nobel prize in economics is no exception. Perhaps this is why it feels like every year, the prize goes to someone who asks “how does a change in variable X affect variable Y”, rather than asking difficult questions about colonialism, imperialism or capitalism – and daring to question the supremacy of western institutions.

    Jostein Hauge 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. This year’s Nobel prize exposes economics’ problem with colonialism – https://theconversation.com/this-years-nobel-prize-exposes-economics-problem-with-colonialism-241400

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Azure Cobalt 100-based Virtual Machines are now generally available

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Azure Cobalt 100-based Virtual Machines are now generally available

    We are excited to announce the general availability of the new Azure Cobalt 100 Virtual Machines (VMs). These VMs run on Microsoft’s first fully custom Arm-based Cobalt 100 CPU and represent a significant milestone in our end-to-end approach to building cloud infrastructure.

    Today we are announcing the general availability of the new Azure Cobalt 100-based Virtual Machines (VMs). These VMs run on Microsoft’s first 64-bit Arm-based Azure Cobalt 100 CPU, which has been fully designed in-house. They represent a significant milestone in our journey in designing and building out our cloud infrastructure, with optimization and customization across every layer of the infrastructure stack—from silicon, to servers, to services. Through vertical integration across hardware and software, Azure Cobalt 100-based VMs are one of Microsoft’s latest examples of innovating to enhance and optimize our cloud infrastructure with an end-to-end systems approach, to deliver the right mix of performance, power efficiency, and scale for our customers.

    The Cobalt 100-based VMs consist of our new general purpose Dpsv6-series and Dplsv6-series and our memory-optimized Epsv6-series VM series. They offer up to 50% better price performance than our previous generation Arm-based VMs, making them an attractive option for a wide range of scale-out and cloud-native Linux-based workloads, including data analytics, web and application servers, open source databases, caches, and more. 

    The new Azure Cobalt 100-based VMs deliver leading performance across various workloads compared to previous generations of Azure Arm-based VMs: up to 1.4x CPU performance, up to 1.5x performance on Java-based workloads, and up to 2x performance on web servers, .NET applications, and in-memory cache applications compared to the previous generation Azure Arm-based VMs. These VMs also support 4x local storage IOPS (with NVMe) and up to 1.5x network bandwidth compared to the previous generation Azure Arm-based VMs.

    The new VMs are broadly available in Canada Central, Central US, East US 2, East US, Germany West Central, Japan East, Mexico Central, North Europe, Southeast Asia, Sweden Central, Switzerland North, UAE North, West Europe, and West US 2. The number of regions will continue to expand in 2024 and beyond with Australia East, Brazil South, France Central, India Central, South Central US, UK South, West US 3, and West US coming soon.

    Customer adoption and scenarios

    We have been working with several internal and external customers during the preview period. For example, IC3, the platform that powers billions of customer conversations in Microsoft Teams, is serving its growing customer base more efficiently, achieving up to 45% better performance on Cobalt 100-based VMs.

    We’re also delivering Cobalt 100-based VMs to many of our independent software vendor (ISV) partners offering platform as a service (PaaS) and software as a service (SaaS) solutions on Microsoft Azure.

    “The Cobalt 100, Microsoft Azure’s new Arm-based processor, represents a huge step forward for optimizing performance and productivity. Cadence and Microsoft’s collaboration helps our mutual customers tackle the demands of giga-scale compute that advanced-node silicon design demands. The Cobalt 100 helps our thousands of electronic design automation (EDA) and systems customers meet their ever-increasing demands for throughput to speed time-to-market.” —Mahesh Turaga, Vice President (VP) of Cloud Business Development, Cadence

     “We are really excited about the new Cobalt 100 VMs. We are making them the primary platform for our Databricks SQL Serverless offering on Azure, as they offer outstanding efficiency and allow us to deliver significant price-performance improvements to our customers. Customers using our Azure Databricks classic Jobs offering will also greatly benefit from Cobalt VMs by selecting them for their Jobs cluster nodes, achieving noticeable performance improvements while keeping operating costs down.” —Michael Kiermaier, VP of Business Strategy and Operations, Databricks

    “At Elastic, we are driving innovation and cost-efficiency by enabling customers to leverage our Search AI-powered observability, security, and search solutions on Arm-based architecture. Azure Virtual Machines with Cobalt 100 Arm CPUs enables Elastic to deliver better throughput and up to 37% improved performance compared to Azure’ previous generation Arm based VMs.”  —Uri Cohen, Vice President, Product Management, Elastic

    “At Rescale, our mission is to elevate innovation by providing the best tools in high performance computing, data, and AI to organizations of every size to deliver engineering and scientific breakthroughs that enrich humanity. We have tested the Azure Cobalt 100 VMs to power our high-performance computing platform and found it to deliver about a 40% improvement in performance compared to Azure’s previous generation Arm-based VMs. We look forward to upgrading our Azure infrastructure to these new VMs and offer comparable performance improvements to our customers so they can tackle complex challenges with greater speed and efficiency.” —Adam McKenzie, Chief Technology Officer, Rescale 

    “Siemens EDA continues to expand its partnership with Microsoft to develop innovative solutions for our mutual silicon and electronic systems customers. Our collaboration around Microsoft Azure Cobalt 100 Arm-based VMs running analog, standard-cell, memory, and digital verification workloads has demonstrated compelling performance and economic benefits. The general availability of these new VMs marks an important milestone for the industry, highlighting its fast-growing reliance on continuously advancing hardware and software platforms optimized for high throughput and efficiency.” —Craig Johnson, Vice President, Siemens EDA Strategy

    “We have extensively tested Azure’s new Cobalt 100 VMs and compared them to the previous generation Arm VMs on Azure using Snowflake workloads. We’re thrilled with the significant improvements in performance. And now, we’re excited to adopt these latest Cobalt 100 VMs and share that performance improvement with our customers!” —Gabe Bryant, Senior Manager, Snowflake

    “In the face of unprecedented compute and memory demands driven by increasingly sophisticated systems, designers are leveraging the cloud to scale their computing resources. Our close collaboration with Microsoft Azure facilitates the adoption of Arm architecture-based compute resources by providing customers with industry-leading, AI-driven EDA tools enabled on the Azure cloud to help them address the escalating workload demands.” —Sanjay Bali, senior vice president of EDA strategy and product management at Synopsys

    “Templafy relies on the stability and scalability of Microsoft Azure to run our document generation platform for enterprises worldwide, and we’re excited about the new Azure Cobalt 100 VMs. After evaluation we’ve observed significant performance improvements, including approximately 25% higher throughput and 35% lower CPU usage compared to Azure’s previous generation Arm-based VMs. We look forward to harnessing these advancements to enhance our platform’s performance and deliver even better experiences for our customers when it comes to their critical business documents.”  —Marco van Kimmenade, Director of Engineering, Templafy

    Synergy with our technology partners

    We value the collaboration with our technology partners.

    “The Cobalt 100 processor is a fantastic example of how Arm-based silicon, supported by a robust software ecosystem, is addressing the growing compute complexity of modern infrastructure,” said Mohamed Awad, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Infrastructure Business, Arm. “Following years of collaboration with Microsoft to bring Arm-based VMs to market, the general availability of Cobalt 100 marks an important milestone in our partnership, and demonstrates the power, efficiency and flexibility of Arm Compute Subsystems in driving the workloads of the future.”

    The journey to Arm: Embracing innovation and customer benefits

    Microsoft has a longstanding history of contributing to Arm architecture and integrating Arm technology. This experience has enabled us to develop important industry standards that prepared the Arm architecture for datacenter-scale computing. We have also been working closely with Arm on industry initiatives such as ServerReady and SystemReady and received industry recognition for both initiatives. Our journey into Arm-based VMs is based on a vision to deliver superior price-performance and power efficiency. The Cobalt 100-based VMs embody this vision by offering these benefits. By embracing Arm-based VMs, we have been able to offer our customers a unique combination of performance and cost effectiveness.

    Developer ecosystem 

    The developer ecosystem for Arm continues to thrive and has seen tremendous progress in the last couple of years. Major developer platforms and languages such as C++, .NET, and Java provide Arm-native versions. We have invested in Arm-specific optimizations for each of these platforms and languages so we’re fully leveraging the capabilities of the Arm architecture.  

    The larger ecosystem has embraced Arm with many popular infrastructure and deployment solutions now available with native Arm support. GitHub Actions, GitHub’s continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) workflow engine, is an integral part of many developers’ workflows and used to continuously build, test, and deploy apps. This is now available for Arm in two flavors—self-hosted runners that can be hosted on an Arm VM or on local Arm hardware, and GitHub-hosted runners. 

    Containers are a popular deployment target for many reasons: a streamlined development workflow, isolation and security, efficient resource utilization, portability, and reproducibility. Microsoft Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) now supports the creation of Arm agent nodes as well as mixing x86 and Arm architecture nodes within a cluster. 

    Specifications

    You can select from a range of Azure Virtual Machines of three memory ratios for a given vCPU size, giving you the flexibility to choose the configuration that works best for your workloads in terms of CPU performance and memory needs. All these VM series are available with and without local disks so that you can deploy the option that best fits your workload.  

    • The new Dpsv6-series and Dpdsv6-series general-purpose VMs offer up to 96 vCPUs and 384 GiB of RAM (4:1 memory-to-vCPU ratio). They are ideal for scale-out workloads, cloud-native solutions like AKS, small to medium open-source databases, application servers, and web servers. Arm developers can use these VMs in CI/CD pipelines, development, and test scenarios.
    • The new Dplsv6-series and Dpldsv6-series VMs provide up to 96 vCPUs and 192 GiB of RAM (2:1 memory-to-vCPU ratio). They are perfect for media encoding, small databases, gaming servers, microservices, and workloads that don’t need high RAM per vCPU.  
    • The new Epsv6-series and Epdsv6-series memory-optimized VMs offer up to 96 vCPUs and 672 GiB of RAM (up to 8:1 memory-to-vCPU ratio). These VMs are designed for memory-intensive workloads such as large databases, in-memory caching applications, and data analytics.

    The new virtual machines support all remote disk types such as Standard SSD, Standard HDD, Premium SSD and Ultra Disk storage. To learn more about various disk types and their regional availability, please refer to Azure managed disk type. Disk storage is billed separately from virtual machines. You can deploy these new VMs using existing methods including the Azure portal, SDKs, APIs, PowerShell, and the command-line interface (CLI). 

    You can learn more about the new Azure Cobalt 100-based VMs by visiting the specification pages: Dpsv6-series, Dpdsv6-series, Dplsv6-series, Dpldsv6-series, Epsv6-series, Epdsv6-series.   

    Pricing 

    To learn more about the pricing of Azure Cobalt 100-based VMs, please visit the Azure Virtual Machines pricing and Pricing calculator pages. 

    You can also take advantage of Reserved Instances, Azure savings plan for compute, and Spot Virtual Machines to lower your costs. Reserved VM Instances can reduce costs and improve your budget forecasting through upfront one-year or three-year commitments. For a limited time, you can save up to 15% more when you purchase one-year Azure Reserved Virtual Machine (VM) Instances for select Linux VMs. This offer is available between from October 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025. See here for more details. The Azure savings plan for compute gives you the flexibility to save across multiple Azure services, including Azure VMs. Spot Virtual Machines can significantly reduce the cost of running in Azure and further optimize your cloud spend for workloads that can tolerate interruptions and have flexible execution time.

    A new era of price performance and power efficiency

    The general availability of Azure Cobalt 100-based VMs marks the beginning of a new era in Azure’s infrastructure. With our custom silicon program, we are delivering exceptional price performance and power efficiency to our customers. We are excited to see the impact of these innovations on our customers’ businesses and we look forward to bringing even better solutions to our customers in the future.

    Thank you for joining us on this exciting journey.

    For questions, please go to Azure Support and our experts will be there to help you. 

    Additional resources 

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Dinner for Defence Chiefs 2024

    Source: New Zealand Governor General

    E nga rau rangatira mā, e huihui nei I tenei po, tēnei aku mihi nui ki a koutou. Nau mai, piki mai, tauti mai.

    Thank you for accepting the invitation to join Richard and myself here for dinner at Government House. I especially wanted the chance to meet the most senior leaders of the NZDF, with a new CDF and new Heads of Armed Services. You take up these roles at a critical time in the country and world history.

    This is an opportunity to thank you and your loved ones, for the support you give me in undertaking my role as Governor General and Commander-in-Chief.

    I have had the opportunity over the past three years to meet the men and women serving our nation and I couldn’t be prouder of the calibre of people that we have defending our interests – whether it be in peace-keeping or Treaty monitoring, surveillance and intelligence, or information gathering to inform our national and international obligations, we do a sterling job with far fewer resources than other five-eye nations.

    Current conflict in Lebanon, Israel, Gaza and Syria, highlights the sometimes life-threatening circumstances our United Nations peace-keepers can encounter in our nation’s commitment to contribute to a wider international rules based order and stability.

    Cyclone Gabrielle and subsequent extreme weather events, remind New Zealanders of how much we and our Pacific neighbours depend on the courage and expertise of Defence personnel to assist people in coping with the aftermath of extreme weather events. Climate change is a huge challenge for us all.

    I have been proud to act as reviewing officer at graduation ceremonies and Beat Retreat in Waitangi and look forward to ‘push the colour’ at the upcoming Kings Colour ceremony in Christchurch which reinstates a crucial part of our military legacy, recognising as it does the Māori Battalion and Pioneer Battalion battles. We will be the first Commonwealth country to issue the new Kings Colours under King Charles III.

    Tonight’s dinner is our way of saying, on behalf of fellow New Zealanders, how much we appreciate your leadership in the delivery of Defence services on behalf of Aotearoa New Zealand.

    I fully intended this to be a celebration of recent leadership appointments. At the same time, I acknowledge HMNZS Manawanui and the aftermath of its loss may be top of mind for us all.

    My thoughts have been with you all, especially Rear Admiral Golding, the crew of Manawanui and Defence personnel involved in the response to this sinking.

    The progress of Defence Chiefs through to the highest levels of command is testament to the wealth of experience, training, and expertise you bring to those challenges, and which will serve you in good stead in inspiring those you lead with hope and confidence into the future.

    Every time I visit other countries, be it the Republic of Korea such as the DMZ, Malaysia or Australia, they sing the praises of the New Zealand members of the Armed Forces and their contribution to their efforts. This goes beyond doing one’s duty, to being the best person to fulfil a wider brief of leadership and collaboration. Thank you for this.

    I wish you all the very best with your duties and look forward to working with you all. Please enjoy the hospitality of Government House tonight.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: What’s the story with compliance?

    Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

    We often get asked how we do compliance and why it’s important. This page explains how we monitor compliance with resource consents and handle cases of non-compliance.

    A resource consent is an important asset that allows individuals or businesses to do an activity, such as taking water for irrigation or being able to discharge wastewater on to land. Some activities also benefit both the individual and often the wider community too.

    Because these activities can impact the environment, consents usually come with several conditions. Essentially, the consent is a contract between us – as the regulator – and the consent holder and the community.

    The expectation is that the consent holder will meet the conditions of their consent, while we monitor to make sure they are doing so.

    Monitoring is a shared responsibility

    Improving environmental and community outcomes is a shared responsibility between government (central and regional/local), resource users, industry and our communities.

    In Waitaha/Canterbury, there are about 26,000 consents and 416,000 consent conditions across a large geographical area, with a range of activities covered by ever-evolving rules set up at the national, regional and local government level.

    The size and complexity of the monitoring landscape means it’s not possible without considerable cost to us – and to ratepayers – to monitor every consent every year.

    Compliance is one of several tools designed to protect the environment. Others include audited farm environment plans, voluntary efforts from groups or individuals, and peer or community pressure to do the right thing.

    Types of consents and activities we monitor

    Compliance monitoring is a key priority for us – it is required by law under the Resource Management Act, our plans and consent conditions, and it is expected of us by the community.

    Monitoring depends on the type of consent. When we grant a consent we assess the environmental risk of the activity, in particular the magnitude of potential damage and the probability it will occur.

    This is informed by the scale and location of the activity, type of activity and the consent holder’s compliance history.

    Over time, risk levels can change due to regulation changes, new information coming to light, or higher risk at the beginning of an activity, such as one that involves construction.

    For example, an activity may be seen as high risk due to the level of non-compliance. However, once compliance is being demonstrated, the resulting risk level would lower.

    Some consents we assess as being a high priority for monitoring due to their:

    • risk to the environment
    • importance to the community
    • compliance history
    • scale.

    Over the last two years (2023/24) most monitoring done was on water consents (40%), discharge consents (38%) and land-use consents (21%). The remaining (1%) were coastal consents.

    Enforcement for consent condition breaches

    We appreciate that education isn’t always going to work. When a consent holder breaches conditions, we may take enforcement actions, such as:

    • Notice of non-compliance
    • Letter of formal warning
    • Cost recovery
    • Requesting an application for a retrospective resource consent
    • Abatement notice
    • Infringement notice
    • Enforcement order from the Environment Court
    • Alternative Environmental Justice (AEJ)
    • Prosecution.

    Find out more about

    types of enforcement actions.

    Improving our compliance process

    We acknowledge we haven’t always allocated or prioritised our resources effectively for environmental or community outcomes. We are committed to improving the way we manage compliance risks and communicating with consent holders and the community.

    We know that we must do more to enable consent holders to demonstrate their compliance – for example, by ensuring consent conditions are written clearly, so consent holders have a good understanding of what their responsibilities are – including what they should be keeping records of and what monitoring they can expect from us.

    We’ve recently started a project specifically to shift the conversation away from a consent-by-consent approach towards helping resource users to comply and better identifying risk priorities. This will improve both the customer experience and improve environmental outcomes.

    We’re trialling this in Rakaia, where compliance concerns are high and consent complexity is significant.

    We are introducing new processes, roles and measures to focus on key priorities like nutrient management, drinking water protection, and water use compliance.

    Our goal is to create a flexible compliance monitoring programme that uses both human and technological resources efficiently.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Joint statement on establishing Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team for implementation of UN Security Council resolutions on Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

    Source: Government of Canada News

    We, the participating states of the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT), are aligned in our commitment to upholding international peace and security, safeguarding the global non-proliferation regime and addressing the threat arising from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK’s) weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs, which are in violation of UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs).

    October 16, 2024- Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

    “We, the participating states of the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT), are aligned in our commitment to upholding international peace and security, safeguarding the global non-proliferation regime and addressing the threat arising from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK’s) weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs, which are in violation of UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs).

    “In light of the veto which disbanded the UN Security Council’s 1718 Committee Panel of Experts this year, we hereby express our intention to establish the MSMT, a multilateral mechanism to monitor and report violations and evasions of the sanction measures stipulated in the relevant UNSCRs. The goal of the new mechanism is to assist in the full implementation of UN sanctions on the DPRK by publishing information based on rigorous inquiry into sanctions violations and evasion attempts.

    “We underscore our shared determination to fully implement relevant UNSCRs regarding the DPRK; reaffirm that the path to dialogue remains open; and call on all states to join global efforts to maintain international peace and security in the face of the ongoing threats from the DPRK.”

    Signed: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, U.K, and U.S.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Enovix to Release Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results on October 29, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FREMONT, Calif., Oct. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enovix Corporation (“Enovix”) (Nasdaq: ENVX), a global high-performance battery company, today announced it will release financial results for the third quarter of 2024 on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, after the close of the market.

    Enovix will hold a live video call at 2:00 PM PT / 5:00 PM ET on October 29, 2024, to discuss the company’s business updates, key milestones, and financial results. To join the call, participants must use the following link to register: https://enovix-q3-2024.open-exchange.net/registration. This link will also be available via the Investor Relations section of Enovix’s website at https://ir.enovix.com. Investors may also submit questions on the registration page that they would like addressed on the call by Enovix management.

    An archived version of the call will be available on the Enovix investor website for one year at https://ir.enovix.com.

    About Enovix

    Enovix is on a mission to deliver high-performance batteries that unlock the full potential of technology products. Everything from IoT, mobile, and computing devices, to the vehicle you drive, needs a better battery. Enovix partners with OEMs worldwide to usher in a new era of user experiences. Our innovative, materials-agnostic approach to building a higher performing battery without compromising safety keeps us flexible and on the cutting-edge of battery technology innovation.

    Enovix is headquartered in Silicon Valley with facilities in India, Korea and Malaysia. For more information visit http://www.enovix.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

    For media and investor inquiries, please contact:

    Enovix Corporation

    Robert Lahey

    Email: ir@enovix.com

    The MIL Network –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Wagga Wagga added as second site for innovative paramedic pilot

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 17 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Regional Health

    A second NSW hospital has joined an innovative pilot scheme that has paramedics working alongside other healthcare professionals to improve access to care in regional settings.

    Wagga Wagga Base Hospital has joined Mudgee Hospital’s emergency department in the Integrated Paramedic Workforce Model Pilot, which is seeing paramedics included in a multidiscplinary team to provide care to patients in the hospital’s Rapid Access Clinic.

    The paramedics will be working alongside other clinical staff in the Rapid Access Clinic, which was originally developed in 2018 to help reduce waiting times in the hospital’s Emergency Department.

    The Rapid Access Clinic has since been expanded to offer a range of healthcare services including diagnostics, allied health, Hospital in the Home, an Infusion Clinic, minor procedures and specialist team review.

    The Wagga Wagga trial will see up to two NSW Ambulance paramedics rostered on in the Rapid Access Clinic and Hospital in the Home service, working alongside regular clinic staff for a period of eight weeks.

    How a paramedic works with existing Rapid Access Clinic staff as part of the multidisciplinary team in treatment areas will depend on each patient’s individual needs and hospital staff will inform patients if a paramedic is involved in their care.

    The trial, which is open to NSW Ambulance paramedics across the state, is evaluating how paramedics may be able to complement existing workforces in healthcare settings.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park

    “In Wagga Wagga, paramedics will provide additional clinical care working alongside our dedicated doctors, nurses and allied health teams to provide treatment, and improve access to care.

    “Attracting and retaining healthcare workers in regional settings is a longstanding challenge faced by every state and territory in Australia, and the NSW Government is committed to building a more supported regional health workforce through innovative initiatives like the Integrated Paramedic Workforce Model Pilot.”

    Quotes attributable to Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr

    “I welcome the news that Wagga Wagga Base Hospital has been selected to trial this innovative model to improve access to care.

    “Access to care in regional and rural areas is something we need to improve, and I look forward to the results of this pilot.”

    Quotes attributable to Murrumbidgee Local Health District Chief Executive Jill Ludford

    “Murrumbidgee Local Health District has a long history of innovation in the delivery of high-quality care, so we are proud to join Mudgee Hospital in trialling another innovation – the Integrated Paramedic Workforce Model Pilot.

    “Our District continues to work closely with our colleagues at NSW Ambulance to consider how and when paramedics will provide their skills, to ensure all patients receive appropriate care from appropriate staff.”

    MIL OSI News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious crash, Mount Albert

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Motorists are being advised to expect delays following a serious crash in Mount Albert this afternoon.

    At about 12.05pm, emergency services responded to reports of a crash involving a motorcyclist and vehicle at the intersection of Carrington Road and Fontenoy Street.

    One person has been transported to hospital in a serious condition.

    The road has been closed and diversions are in place.

    Motorists are being advised to avoid the area or expect delays.

    The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Return of UFC Octagon puts Sydney cage on the world stage

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    Published: 17 October 2024

    Released by: The Premier, Minister for Jobs, Minister for Sport, Minister for Tourism

    The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) will return to Sydney, attracting tens of thousands of fans, millions of dollars in spending, and millions of global television viewers, as the Minns Labor Government delivers on another election commitment.

    The UFC 312 event will be held in The Octagon at Qudos Bank Arena on 9 February 2025. This event is the second of three mega events the Minns Government secured as part of a four year deal with the world’s premier mixed martial arts organisation.

    The first event in the Sydney series (UFC 293) in September 2023 sold out in 13 minutes with 18,168 people attending. 9,500 (52%) were from overseas or interstate, injecting more than $15.3 million into the NSW visitor economy.

    The highly anticipated UFC 312 is also expected to sell-out and deliver another significant boost to the NSW visitor economy. It will also generate valuable global exposure for Sydney as the nation’s premier city for major sporting events through the UFC’s huge pay-per-view television audience and online following.

    There are now more than 700 million UFC fans across the globe, including a combined 233 million followers across UFC’s social media channels. In Australia and New Zealand combined, UFC has more than 4.3 million fans and 6 million social media followers.

    The UFC’s contribution to NSW goes beyond the Octagon, earlier this year the UFC signed a three-year partnership with PCYC NSW Fit for Life program to establish the UFC’s first youth mentoring initiative in the country.

    Today the NSW Premier Chris Minns, the Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham and the Minister for Sport Steve Kamper will join UFC Vice President for Australia/NZ Pete Kloczko and No.1 UFC featherweight and former champion Alex Volkanovski, to announce the global juggernaut will again light up the NSW sporting calendar.

    Ticket sales and the fight card for UFC 312 will be announced later this year. For all the latest information head to ufc.com/Sydney.

    NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

    “UFC’s return to Sydney is another step in us delivering on this election commitment.

    “Last years event was a huge success and we expect next years event will match that, showcasing Sydney on the global stage as a top destination for sporting events.

    “We are continuing to secure a calendar of unmissable events that help local businesses and create jobs, and that’s exactly what these UFC events do.”

    Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said:

    “Hosting the UFC cage puts Sydney on the world stage, demonstrating that we punch above our weight when it comes to hosting blockbuster events.

    “When the Octagon comes to town, so do thousands of visitors who stay in our hotels, eat in our cafes and restaurants and visit other attractions.

    “Hosting the UFC alongside our calendar of incredible arts and cultural events like Vivid or SXSW Sydney, shows NSW has a diverse world class offering that will continue driving our visitor economy to new heights.”

    Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

    “The Minns Labor Government is focused on securing Sydney’s place as the premier destination of the Asia Pacific, and we are once again ready to showcase Sydney to millions around the world with UFC 312.

    “This partnership is delivering more than just a boost to our economy, with PCYC NSW and UFC partnering together to deliver a life changing program which will promote a healthy lifestyle and positive decision making.”

    MIL OSI News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Six is custody following Counties vehicle crime

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    It was a busy night for officers in Counties Manukau, with six people taken into custody following a spate of vehicle crime across the district.

    At about 10.35pm, officers in Papatoetoe attempted to stop a vehicle travelling on Plunket Road.

    Counties Manukau West Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Steve Albrey, says the vehicle failed to stop for Police and continued to drive dangerously through the area.

    “Police elected not to pursue and the Eagle helicopter was able to provide commentary.

    “The vehicle has continued to drive in a dangerous manner before coming to a stop outside an address in Gray Avenue, where one person was quickly taken into custody.”

    A 34-year-old man will appear in Manukau District Court today facing charges including unlawfully taking a motor vehicle and failing to stop.

    A couple of hours later at 12.40pm, Police received a report from a member of the public who had allegedly interrupted two offenders stealing a vehicle parked on Fusion Road, Flat Bush.

    Counties Manukau East Area Commander, Inspector Rod Honan, says the informant also believed one of the offenders pointed an object that looked like a firearm in their direction before driving off in the stolen vehicle.

    “At about 1pm, the vehicle was observed travelling on the motorway near Newmarket.

    “Eagle was able to get overhead and units subsequently spiked the vehicle on State Highway 20, before it exited at Hillsborough Road.”

    Inspector Honan says the vehicle came to a stop and officers quickly took five people into custody.

    He says a search of the vehicle didn’t locate any firearms.

    “We hope the public can be reassured with have no tolerance for this brazen behaviour in our community.”

    Four people, aged 12-16, will appear in Manukau Youth Court today charged with dangerous driving and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Benefit numbers continue to soar under National

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    National’s all pain approach to beneficiaries has yielded no gain as benefit numbers continue to surge past projected figures.

    “We don’t begrudge New Zealanders for needing a benefit, but it isn’t a good look when National have raved about getting tough on beneficiaries, only to have numbers soar on their watch,” Labour’s social development spokesperson Carmel Sepuloni said.

    “We have almost 30,000 more people on a main benefit, more than 22,000 receiving Jobseeker Support. What doesn’t make sense is that hardship assistance has decreased even though beneficiaries have skyrocketed under National compared to when there were fewer beneficiaries and more hardship assistance during the same period last year.

    “Times are hard and yet the Government has chosen not to support services like food banks, with some now closing their doors to hungry families because of National’s choices.

    “Louise Upston has continued to ignore advice from her officials to the detriment of struggling Kiwis. Most recently, she went against advice and is preventing beneficiaries with non-financial sanctions from accessing hardship assistance, like food grants.

    “When you’re cutting thousands of jobs, restricting access to MSD food grants, and then denying food banks the funding they need to support families – how do you expect vulnerable families to feed themselves?

    “It’s been a year since the election and New Zealand is going backwards. Unemployment is on the rise and naturally, so are benefit numbers.

    “The Government must take responsibility for its failings and actually support New Zealanders during this tough time, rather than kicking them while they’re down,” Carmel Sepuloni said. 

    Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 23, 2025
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