NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Universities – Economists moot bold income tax plan – UoA

    Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

    What if your income tax didn’t go to the government but into your own savings account? A bold proposal makes the case.

    New Zealand’s ageing population and ballooning welfare and health costs are piling pressure on the public purse.

    In response, former Minister of Finance Sir Roger Douglas and University of Auckland economics professor Robert MacCulloch are reimagining their ambitious 2016 proposal to overhaul the country’s tax, health and welfare systems by shifting income taxation to mandatory savings.

    In their research article, the pair argue that income tax on earnings up to $60,000 should be redirected into individual savings accounts. These accounts would fund each person’s healthcare, pension and risk cover, replacing much of the current public system with private provision.

    By 2060, 26 percent of New Zealanders will be over 65, up from 16 percent in 2021, which will intensify the strain on superannuation and healthcare.

    “We need to change the way we’re doing things so government costs can be reduced, quality of outcomes increased, and the plight of low earners, who are most vulnerable to public cuts, improved,” say Douglas and MacCulloch in their paper How to change the welfare state from a taxation to a savings-based model.

    The economists attempt a politically feasible plan that maintains total welfare funding from both public and private sources, while opening up more choice and competition in the supply of healthcare services.

    “We need to adjust the tax system so the vast majority of New Zealanders of working age can provide for themselves,” says MacCulloch. “The first step is to build mandatory savings accounts for health, pensions and risk cover via the transfer into them of current taxes paid on income up to $60,000.”

    According to their model, an individual could save around $21,000 annually: $9,450 into a health account, $7,350 for superannuation, and $4,200 for risk cover.

    A drop in corporate taxes would help fund employer contributions, and the government would retain sufficient tax revenues so it could act as ‘insurer of last resort’, paying for people who can’t meet their welfare costs out of their savings accounts.

    “Our savings-not-taxation reform offers scope for efficiency gains in healthcare. It does so by opening up choice for individuals,” says MacCulloch.

    “Rather than the government dictating where to go, people can choose their preferred public or private supplier.”

    The researchers point to Singapore, which employs mandatory savings accounts and has one of the highest-quality healthcare systems in the world, yet spent 5.6 percent of its GDP on healthcare in 2021 (including both public and private sectors), compared to New Zealand’s 10.1 percent.

    “Our reform keeps the pension but would raise the retirement age gradually from 65 to 70 years old over a 20-year period,” says MacCulloch.

    The authors would do away with fee subsidies and interest-free loans for tertiary students from well-off families. Instead, a means test would see only students from low-income, low-capital families receive aid.

    They would scrap grants to the movie industry, winter energy subsidies to wealthy households, favourable tax treatment for owners of rental housing, and allowances to sectors such as forestry, fishing, and bloodstock.

    The money saved from these changes would be directed towards helping low earners build savings and cover the welfare needs of those who are chronically unwell.

    “Perhaps more than any other feature of our reform, it’s the ‘miracle of compound interest’ that governments like New Zealand’s are not taking proper advantage of,” says MacCulloch. “If we can do this, it’ll help our financial situation.”

    MacCulloch notes that the proposal isn’t without flaws, but says bold change and ideas are needed, and fast, if Aotearoa New Zealand is to create a resilient economy in the face of an ageing population.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces additional deployment of California resources to support New Mexico following Texas and Oregon disaster response efforts

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jul 9, 2025

    What you need to know: California is sending more resources to assist New Mexico, Oregon, and Texas in disaster response, including incident support personnel and Urban Search and Rescue teams. 

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that California is continuing to answer calls for assistance from other states facing severe disasters by deploying additional emergency resources to New Mexico, Oregon, and Texas.

    California is sending Urban Search and Rescue teams, firefighter strike teams, and specialized incident support personnel to assist in response efforts ranging from deadly flooding in Texas to severe wildfires in Oregon and flooding in New Mexico.

    “California stands ready to help all Americans in times of crisis. Whether it’s battling wildfires or conducting life-saving search and rescue operations, our state’s highly trained first responders are answering the call to serve communities in need.” 

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Deployments include:

    • Texas flooding: California deployed 9 FEMA Incident Support Team personnel to Texas alongside a cache of equipment and supplies. These staff members bring advanced planning and coordination expertise to help local and federal agencies manage the impacts of ongoing severe flooding.
    • Additional Texas support: 18 personnel from California local agencies have been mobilized as part of a second wave of canine search and recovery teams.
    • Oregon wildfires: A CAL FIRE strike team of five engines including 19 personnel, as well as 28 additional overhead personnel have been sent to Oregon to assist with containment efforts on dangerous wildfires threatening communities and infrastructure.
    • New Mexico flooding: Three additional FEMA Incident Support personnel from California have been deployed to Ruidoso, New Mexico, to support flood response and recovery operations.

    “California’s emergency management system is built on mutual aid and the spirit of helping our neighbors,” said Nancy Ward, Director of Cal OES. “Our highly trained teams stand ready to deploy wherever they’re needed, bringing critical expertise and resources to save lives and support communities in crisis. We’re proud to assist Texas, Oregon, and New Mexico during these challenging times.”

    “We stand with Oregon during this critical time, just as they’ve stood with us during some of California’s toughest fire seasons,” said Anale Burlew, Chief Deputy Director of CAL FIRE. “These mutual aid partnerships are built on trust, coordination, and a shared commitment to public safety.”

    Governor Newsom emphasized that even as California deploys aid to other states, Cal OES is ensuring that resources remain available to respond to emergencies at home, including the state’s own heightened wildfire risk during the summer season.

    This deployment builds on California’s far-reaching efforts to aid other states during emergencies. In 2023, California deployed Urban Search and Rescue members to Hawaii to support wildfire response. In 2022, California deployed firefighters, disaster recovery experts, and other personnel to Montana, New Mexico, and Oregon. In 2021, California sent fire engines to assist Oregon’s response to the Bootleg Fire and Specialized Urban Search and Rescue Resources teams to Florida following the Surfside condo collapse.

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    Jul 9, 2025

    News Sacramento, California – Acting Governor Eleni Kounalakis today issued a proclamation declaring July 2025 as Disability Pride Month.The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATION California joins communities around the nation in…

    Jul 9, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom announced $35 million for law enforcement partners, local governments and community groups tackling impaired driving. Sacramento, California – Helping to address the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or…

    Jul 8, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO — As wildfire conditions intensify across the Pacific Northwest, Governor Newsom has directed the deployment of a CAL FIRE Type 3 engine strike team to assist firefighting efforts in southern Oregon. The deployment includes five fire engines and a…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – NAIDOC Week – Refugees feel welcomed by Indigenous communities – study

    Source: AMES

    Refugees settling in Australia feel welcomed by Indigenous communities and believe it is important to respect and learn about first nations’ culture, according to a new survey.

    More than half (63 per cent) of respondents said that felt welcomed by Indigenous communities and that it was important to be welcoming to Indigenous Australians, while just 13 per cent said it was not important.

    The findings are part of a survey of refugees who have settled in regional Australia, conducted by migrant and refugee settlement agency AMES Australia and the University of Wollongong.

    The interim results of the ‘Settling Well’ survey found refugees in the regions feel welcome and safe, and value the peaceful environment regional communities provide in raising children.

    The study is a five-year longitudinal comparative assessment of the impacts of refugee settlement in regional Australia.

    The study surveyed refugee and established communities in Nhilll, Mildura, Albury-Wodonga, Cowra-Orange, Rockhampton and Townsville.

    Mildura based former refugee Jules Kangeta said it was important to respect Indigenous culture.

    “I find welcome to country ceremonies very moving. You can see an ancient culture at work and the local Indigenous community are telling us we are welcome,” Mr Kangeta said.

    “It is a very generous gesture that shows love and shows that these are good people. The ceremonies are important because the give authority and agency to newcomers, like me, to this country.

    “It is important that Indigenous communities are recognised and have a say in the country that was originally theirs,” Mr Kangeta said.

    AMES Australia CEO Cath Scarth said refugee and Indigenous communities had many things in common and natural affinity.

    “Many people from both communities can, at times, feel marginalised and can struggle to find their places in mainstream society. So, it’s not surprising there is a level of empathy between them,” she said.

    The study also found refugees were finding employment opportunities and affordable housing in the regions.

    It found refugees valued the lack of congestion in regional Australia and they most planned to stay.

    But it also identified issues with a lack of service provision and educational opportunities.

    It asked refugees how they felt about life in rural Australia in terms of economic, cultural and social outcomes as well as access to opportunity and health and wellbeing.

    The study surveyed 324 people from 25 countries. Most of the participants were from the Democratic republic of Congo, Burma, the Central African Republic, Afghanistan and Bhutan.

    “Overall, people feel safe and peaceful in regional Australia. They felt welcomed by, but also a little isolated from, communities mostly because of language barriers,” the report said.

    “They like the lack of congestion, and they see regional communities as better places to raise kids because they see them as safer from bad influences. But this also comes with less educational opportunities.

    “Many people have been able to buy houses, that would have been out of reach in the cities. And employment opportunities are generally good,” the report said.

    Asked if they planned to stay in regional Australia, 75 per cent said they planned to stay long term and just 5 per cent said they did not.

    The study found refugees were mostly satisfied with the support they received on settling into new communities.

    “We found that individuals – settlement workers, volunteers and community members – were important in helping people to settle,” the report said.

    The study also found services in the regions were less accessible that in cities.

    “In some communities we found a lack of things like dental services, refugee mental health and immigration lawyers,” the report said.

    “We also found that younger adults were missing out on schooling and further educational opportunities.”

    The study also identified a lack of English language tuition in secondary settlement locations, where mainstream settlement services are not available.

    The study’s preliminary recommendations included: flexible settlement core funding to respond to needs that arise; reassessment of needs after initial settlement, and flexible delivery of English language classes tailored to different aspirations and locations.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: One year of more Police back on the beat

    Source: New Zealand Government

    One year on, more Police on the beat across New Zealand’s major cities is being celebrated by Police Minister Mark Mitchell.
    “Today I am excited to be part of welcoming the new Beat Team in Rotorua and getting some time to be out on the beat with them,” Mark Mitchell says.
    “Our beat officers have an important role in ensuring our retailers and members of the public feel and are safe.  
    “We know it makes a huge difference to our communities to see Police out on the streets. Not only does it make people feel safer, we know it discourages crime.”
    Police report that the beat teams in Wellington, Christchurch, and Auckland have done 14,108 hours of foot patrols on the beat since starting in July last year to the end of April this year. This is an increase of 189% from the same period in 2023-2024. 
    “We have already seen the positive impact our Police beat teams are having across our major CBDs.  Police data shows in the last 12 months robberies have reduced in Auckland by 25 per cent, in Wellington by 22 per cent, and Christchurch by 67 per cent. 
    “These results are encouraging, and shows inroads are being made at the violent end of retail crime, but we know there is more to do, particularly to address low level theft.   
    “As announced this week, stronger penalties for theft will ensure real consequences for shoplifters and help protect the livelihood of our retailers. 
    “Getting on top of retail crime is a priority, and we will continue to back Police with the powers and tools they need to deter and hold offenders to account.  
    “I look forward to seeing more community beat teams rolled out into towns and regional centres over the course of the year.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Tracking insect and bug health in a heartbeat from a digital camera

    Source:

    10 July 2025

    In a world-first pilot study, researchers from the University of South Australia (UniSA) have used video footage of insects to extract their heart rates without touching or disturbing them.

    The innovation, published in the Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology, could transform how scientists monitor the health and stress levels of arthropods, that account for more than 80% of animal species.

    Taking footage from smartphones, social media videos and digital cameras, the researchers used sophisticated signal processing methods to monitor the heart activity of ants, bees, caterpillars, spiders, grasshoppers and stick insects.

    Unlike mammals, arthropods have an open circulatory system in which blood fills the body cavity, bathing the internal organs and tissues. Their heart is located on the top (dorsal) side of their body in the abdomen.

    Led by UniSA PhD candidate Danyi Wang and her supervisor Professor Javaan Chahl, the study demonstrates that subtle body movements captured on standard digital or smartphone cameras can be analysed to reveal accurate and detailed cardiac activity in a range of insect species.

    Unlike traditional methods that require physical contact or immobilisation, this technique allows insects to remain free, without disrupting their natural behaviour.

    “Insects are vital to our ecosystems, and understanding their physiological responses to environmental change is essential,” Wang says.

    “Existing methods to measure insect’ vital signs are invasive, however. Our method preserves their natural behaviour while providing accurate insights into their heart activity.”

    The extracted heart rates closely matched the physiological ranges recorded via traditional techniques, validating the system’s accuracy.

    Senior author Prof Javaan Chahl says the system successfully captured heart rates across multiple insect species, detecting physiological differences influenced by factors such as wing morphology and temperature.

    “From ants with heart rates of around 50 beats per minute, to bees reaching 119bpm, our results consistently aligned with established reference values,” Prof Chahl says.

    “What’s exciting is that this was all achieved without attaching sensors or disturbing the insects in any way.”

    One of the most impressive validations came from caterpillar recordings, where the team compared their video-derived cardiac signals to data from infrared contact sensors in previous studies. The shapes and frequencies were almost identical.

    The study also revealed interesting inter-species variations. For example, spider heart rates varied significantly, reflecting differences between species rather than activity levels, since all subjects were at rest during filming.

    Advanced image processing techniques, including motion tracking algorithms and magnification, were applied to detect tiny movements associated with heartbeats. These signals were analysed using spectral filtering and transformed into frequency data to isolate the heart rate.

    According to Prof Chahl, the study marks an important step forward in insect research.

    “Non-invasive cardiac monitoring offers tremendous potential; not just for studying insect health, but also for understanding environmental stressors, pesticide effects, or even the wellbeing of social insects like ants and bees, where heart signals can provide insights into colony health and behaviour.”

    His team has previously used a similar technique with digital cameras to remotely extract cardiac signals in humans and wildlife.

    The researchers hope to test the system in the field and refine it by using machine learning to improve the accuracy across different body types and light conditions.

    “With more refinement, this could become a cost effective and valuable tool in the ecological research toolkit,” says Wang. “It gives us the ability to listen to the hearts of the smallest creatures without harming them.”

    ‘Extracting Cardiac Activity for Arthropods Using Digital Cameras: Insights from a Pilot Study’ is published in the Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology. DOI:  10.1002/arch.70076

    A video demonstrating the experiment is available at: redback_final.mp4 – Google Drive

    …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

    Research contact for interview: Professor Javaan Chahl E: javaan.chahl@unisa.edu.au

    Media contact: Candy Gibson M: +61 434 605 142 E: candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: GAZA: Siege on fuel could cut off supplies of clean water to about 44,000 children supported by Save the Children in matter of days

    Source: Save the Children

    Fuel shortages in Gaza could cut off supplies of clean drinking water to about 44,000 children supported by Save the Children in a matter of days, increasing the risk of waterborne illnesses such as cholera, diarrhoea and dysentery, with these children only a small number of those impacted by fuel running out. 
    Save the Children relies on fuel to transport safe, clean water daily to over 50 communities across the Gaza Strip, including about 44,072 children. But fuel supplies have been entirely restricted from entering Gaza since Israeli authorities imposed a total siege on 2 March, putting the entire humanitarian response at risk of grinding to a halt. 
    Access to safe water is a fundamental human right, critical not just for drinking but for staving off disease that is rife across Gaza, where nearly everyone now lives in crowded shelters and tents having been displaced multiple times. Acute watery diarrhoea – one of the world’s biggest killers of children – is present in 39% of people seeking medical consultations, according to the UN, and malnutrition is rife. 
    The child rights organisation said it is critical – and obligatory under International Humanitarian Law – that Israeli authorities fully lift the siege on fuel and aid in parallel to current ceasefire talks, and that humanitarian access – and children’s lives – are not used as bargaining chips in negotiations. 
    Other aid organisations have sounded the alarm about their own operations as fuel supplies dry up, impacting water, sanitation and any remaining health facilities The UN is warning that hundreds of newborn babies in incubators are at imminent risk of death in a matter of days if the power goes off. 
    Ahmad Alhendawi, Save the Children’s Regional Director for the Middle East, Eastern Europe and North Africa, said: 
    ” Access to safe water is a fundamental human right. But in Gaza, it could now be denied to 44,072 children we deliver it to as fuel runs dry. 
    “Not only is food and aid being withheld to an entire population on the brink – fuel that powers the systems that are critical for survival has not been allowed in for four months. This lack of fuel is posing a severe threat to the entire humanitarian response across Gaza. 
    “There is no time to waste. While a definitive, lasting ceasefire is desperately needed to spare children from bombs and bullets, talks should not distract from the desperate need inside Gaza for fuel, aid and commercial supplies. These should not be used as bargaining chips – children need both safety and life-sustaining resources, as is their right and the Government of Israel’s obligation to provide under international humanitarian law. The siege must immediately be lifted.” 
    Save the Children is on the ground in Gaza, as we have been for decades, ready to deliver lifesaving aid alongside our partners. Our teams deliver lifesaving water, run child-friendly spaces that offer safe places for children to play and receive psychosocial support, and set up temporary learning centres to help children continue their education during the crisis. Save the Children is running a primary healthcare centre in Deir Al-Balah, providing essential services to children, mothers, and families, including screening and treatment for malnutrition.  
    About Save the Children NZ:
    Save the Children works in 120 countries across the world. The organisation responds to emergencies and works with children and their communities to ensure they survive, learn and are protected.
    Save the Children NZ currently supports international programmes in Fiji, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Laos, Nepal, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Areas of work include child protection, education and literacy, disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation, and alleviating child poverty.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Greenpeace holds dawn commemoration of 40 years since Rainbow Warrior bombing, death of photographer Fernando Pereira

    Source: Greenpeace

    Greenpeace Aotearoa held a dawn ceremony on board the Rainbow Warrior this morning to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the bombing of the original Rainbow Warrior and the death of photographer Fernando Pereira. The ceremony was hosted by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and attended by over a 150 people.
    Greenpeace Aotearoa Executive Director Dr Russel Norman, speaking from the deck of the Rainbow Warrior says, “French government agents came from the other side of the planet not only to kill our friend and colleague, and to kill our ship, but most of all they came here to try to kill our dream of a nuclear free Pacific.
    “And it is true that they killed Fernando, and it is true that they sank the first Rainbow Warrior, now resting in the north of Aotearoa under the watchful eye of Ngāti Kura at Matauri Bay.
    “But it is not true that they killed our dream of a nuclear-free Pacific. In fact, their act of violence was a catalyst for the further growth of the nuclear-free movement here and around the world.”
    At the time of the bombing in 1985, the Rainbow Warrior was preparing to lead a flotilla to Mororoa to protest French nuclear testing.
    Greenpeace International Programme Director Carmen Gravitt, also speaking from the Rainbow Warrior, said, “The French government tried to silence these voices with violence, fear, and intimidation. But they miscalculated. Instead of breaking our movement, they amplified it. They blew wind into our sails.”
    “We built a new Rainbow Warrior and sailed to Moruroa. The peoples of the Pacific rose. And the world joined them. Together, we did not stop – not until we won and France halted its nuclear testing.
    “Every right we have today was won by people who dared to fight for it. People who demanded the vote even when it was dangerous, workers who demanded dignity even when it cost them everything, indigenous peoples and frontline communities who demanded justice even when no one thought they could win. Today, we also honour them. And humbly seek to carry their legacy forward.”
    In the wake of the bombing of the first Rainbow Warrior, protests and international pressure against nuclear weapons testing continued to build. Greenpeace mounted three further protest expeditions to Mururoa in 1990, 1992 and 1995 on board the second Rainbow Warrior.
    In 1995, the Rainbow Warrior sailed into the test zone, defying exclusion orders and attempting to disrupt the tests, drawing global media attention and support. French forces seized the ship and arrested the crew, sparking widespread international condemnation. Although six tests went ahead, the intense backlash contributed to France announcing a permanent end to nuclear testing in 1996.
    Greenpeace Aotearoa says today is a moment to reflect on the past, and remember the life of Fernando Pereira, the photographer who was killed in the bombing. But the organisation also says it is a moment to look to the future and to challenge current attacks on environmental protest.
    “There’s no doubt that we’re facing challenging times. Nature is under attack. Peace and democracy are under attack too. The world feels more unstable than ever,” says Norman.
    “But when the environment and democracy are threatened, we all have to step up and get braver. The bravery of the nuclear-free activists – who sailed into a test zone and put themselves at enormous risk – is an inspiration for the courage we need to find now in the face of the climate and biodiversity crisis.”
    The Rainbow Warrior will be open for tours of the ship for the next two week

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Analysis – OCR on hold, probably only temporarily – Cotality

    Source and Analysis: Kelvin Davidson, Chief Property Economist for Cotality NZ (formerly CoreLogic)

    As widely expected, the Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee voted unanimously to keep the official cash rate unchanged today at 3.25%, the first ‘hold decision’ after six consecutive cuts. In its short commentary alongside the decision, the Committee noted a concern about lurking, near-term inflationary pressures and the need to keep monitoring those factors before any further moves are made.

    However, the record of the meeting also set out the expectation that the tariffs and changes in global trading patterns will tend to restrain economic growth and eventually being inflation back down again. The voting options in the latest meeting were also for no OCR change or a cut, indicating a downwards bias.
    As such, there was also a clear signal that we haven’t seen the last of the OCR cuts in this cycle yet, and a drop in August (20th) seems very much on the cards. By then, we’ll also have the Q2 CPI figures, which are due out 21st July.
    Meanwhile, the housing market effects from today’s decision are likely to be negligible.
    Mortgage rates have already fallen a long way from their peak – and by a similar amount to the OCR – and we’re recently seeing in the data that a higher proportion of borrowers are now looking at longer-term fixed rates again, after a period of going short as market rates fell.
    Even if a fresh bout of competition among the banks did re-emerge in the near term, the scale would be smaller than the falls in mortgage rates we’ve already seen. And the greater focus in the housing market at the moment seems to be on the other side of the ledger – i.e. the price restraint being supplied by abundant listings and labour market uncertainty.
    Those concerns about job security might mean that many existing borrowers who are rolling off higher fixes from the past and down onto the new prevailing rates might choose to save their extra cash rather than spend it in the economy or property market. All in all, the second half of the year for NZ’s housing market may be just as subdued as the first.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Winter break for the 42 Traverse

    Source: NZ Department of Conservation

    Date:  10 July 2025

    The 42 Traverse, or T42, is a popular multi-use track and off-roading destination in the Tongariro Forest Conservation Area in the Central North Island. The area provides habitat for iconic species including kiwi and whio.

    Department of Conservation Team Lead Tongariro Michael Christie says the winter closure to four-wheel drives protects the track and provides safe access for critical conservation work – including protecting threatened species.

    “Winter off-roading causes heavy track damage, affecting our work and impacting the track experience for other users.

    “It’s also a safety issue – large vehicles can increase the risk of slips from sodden soils.”

    To protect the 42 Traverse, four-wheel drive vehicles are not permitted on the track between May 1 and November 30. These restrictions are outlined in the Tongariro/Taupō Conservation Management Strategy (CMS).

    “To be clear, we have to focus our efforts and funding where it matters most, and we cannot afford to continue fixing a road purely so a few can tear it up again,” says Michael.

    “If you wreck it, it will likely become inaccessible to everyone.”

    The 42 Traverse extends through native forest, offers superb views back to Tongariro National Park, and is enjoyed by people doing a range of other activities including tramping, hunting, and mountain biking.

    The 42 Traverse will reopen to four-wheel drive vehicles from December 1.

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Appeal for information following fatal crash in Ashburton

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Attributable to Senior Sergeant Janine Bowden,

    Police are appealing for information from the public following a fatal crash on Burnett Street in Ashburton.

    On Saturday 5 July, Police received a report of a crash involving a car and a person in an electric wheelchair at around 1pm.

    One person was located with injuries and was transported to hospital.

    Sadly, the person passed away in hospital last night.

    We offer our condolences to the family of the deceased during this difficult time.

    While our investigation into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing, Police would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the crash.

    We would also like to hear from anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage in the Burnett Street and Park Street areas.

    If you have information that may assist in our enquiries, please contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or call 105.

    Please use the reference number 250706/8918.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Illegal Alien from Honduras Sentenced to Prison in Vast Alien Smuggling Conspiracy

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A Honduran national unlawfully residing in the United States was sentenced today in the Western District of Texas for his leadership role in a massive alien smuggling conspiracy that spanned three years and involved thousands of aliens from over 11 different countries.

    Enil Edil Mejia-Zuniga, also known as Chino, 34, of Olancho, Honduras, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release for his role in smuggling thousands of aliens into the United States for financial gain. He was also ordered to pay a $4,500 fine.

    Co-defendants Monica Hernandez-Palma, 33, of Mexico, and Allyson Elsires Alvarez-Zuniga, 26, of Honduras, entered guilty pleas on April 7, 2025, and Aug. 21, 2023, respectively, and are awaiting sentencing. Co-defendant Genyi Arguenta-Flores, 32, of Comayagua, Honduras was sentenced to five years in prison on May 12. A final co-defendant is in custody in Mexico pending an extradition request from the United States.

    “Mejia-Zuniga and his co-conspirators made millions of dollars off the backs of thousands of people whom they smuggled into the United States,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This case represents the epitome of the ruthless and sophisticated criminal organizations that exploit our borders for personal financial gain. The Criminal Division will not stop investigating these cases until all human smuggling organizations are eradicated and the criminals who operate them are prosecuted.”

    “In an effort to satisfy his greed, Mejia-Zuniga facilitated the illegal movement of thousands of Middle Easterners into the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “His actions put our national security at risk. However, thanks to our many federal law enforcement partners, Mejia-Zuniga will no longer be allowed to enrich himself to the detriment of this country.”

    “This sentence sends a clear message to those who exploit our immigration system for personal profit,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Antonio. “For more than three years, these individuals operated a transnational smuggling ring driven by greed, moving illegal aliens from 11 countries in blatant disregard of the law. The sentencing in this case is a testament to HSI’s commitment to upholding national security. Human smuggling undermines the security of our borders and disrupts lawful immigration processes. HSI will continue to work tirelessly to protect our national security.”

    “United States Border Patrol’s (USBP) Intelligence and Information Task Force played a critical role in supporting Operation Red Tide through extensive research and analysis,” said Scott Good, Chief of USBP Law Enforcement Operations Directorate. “Our team’s exploitation of subpoena returns and identification of key financial patterns helped bring these smugglers to justice. The USBP will continue working with law enforcement agencies at home and abroad to dismantle criminal networks and secure our nation’s borders.”

    According to court documents, from November 2020 through March 2023, the Mejia-Zuniga alien smuggling organization (ASO) smuggled aliens from Afghanistan, Yemen, Egypt, India, Pakistan, and Colombia, through Eagle Pass, Texas. Aliens primarily contracted with a Pakistani smuggler based in Brazil to be transported to the United States. In turn, the Brazilian-based smuggler worked with Mejia-Zuniga, who was based in San Antonio, Texas, to facilitate travel of the aliens from South America to the United States. Mejia-Zuniga directed operations of the ASO and paid drivers, armed “coyotes,” and stash house operators.

    Mejia-Zuniga admitted to smuggling between 2,500 to 3,000 aliens into the United States in just two years. The organization charged between $6,500 to $12,000 per alien. Mejia-Zuniga admitted that he made $30,000 for every ten illegal aliens who made it to the Rio Grande River and another $30,000 if those ten illegal aliens made it to San Antonio.

    One of the smuggled aliens reported paying the organization $20,000 to be brought illegally into the United States along with his brother. The Mejia-Zuniga ASO directed that alien to a stash house in Monterrey, Mexico, where it housed him with 10 other aliens. The ASO later moved the same alien to a stash house in Piedras Negras, Mexico, with another 20 to 25 aliens. Ultimately, an armed coyote guided the group of aliens across the Rio Grande River. Once across the Rio Grande, the Mejia-Zuniga ASO transported the aliens to a hotel in San Antonio. 

    In addition to witness statements, other evidence gathered during the investigation included wire transfers, customer ledgers, foreign identification documents, and photographs of members of the Mejia-Zuniga ASO with firearms.

    Defendant Mejia-Zuniga with semi-automatic high-capacity firearms.

    Photographs of alien smuggling proceeds and an armed “coyote” in the bush.

    Mejia-Zuniga pleaded guilty to three counts of bringing an alien to the United States for financial gain and aiding and abetting.

    HSI Del Rio engaged in an extensive, years-long investigation in Operation Red Tide, which led to the development of this case, with assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol Del Rio Sector, HSI Monterrey, HSI Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., and U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force.

    Trial Attorney Jenna E. Reed of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Kass for the Western District of Texas are prosecuting the case.

    The investigation and arrests of the defendants in Operation Red Tide were coordinated under Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has been elevated and expanded by the Attorney General with a mandate to target cartels and other transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia that impact public safety and the security of our borders. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the border. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by HRSP and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, the Office of Enforcement Operations, and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 390 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 350 U.S. convictions; more than 300 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and other transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: USS George Washington Departs Manila

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    MANILA, Philippines – Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), the flagship of the USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GWA CSG), with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 embarked, departed Manila, Philippines, following a scheduled port visit, July 7, 2025.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Azerion announces definitive agreement with DoubleDown Interactive for the sale of Whow Games Company sharpens focus on digital advertising, cloud services and AI

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Amsterdam, 9 July 2025 – Azerion, a leading European digital advertising platform, today announces the sale of its subsidiary Whow Games, the lion’s share of its Premium Games segment, to DoubleDown Interactive, part of South Korea-based DoubleUGames, for a total consideration of €65 million. The deal consists of an upfront payment of €55 million and an earn-out of up to €10 million, subject to customary adjustments.

    The transaction marks another significant step in Azerion’s strategy, a journey the company has been on for some years now, reinforcing digital advertising as the company’s core business. In addition, Azerion continues to expand into cloud infrastructure and AI-driven solutions.

    The sale follows a series of portfolio optimisations, including the divestment of its social card games portfolio in 2023 for €81.3 million. With a strong position as one of Europe’s most innovative players in digital advertising, Azerion is now also addressing growing European demand for scalable cloud and AI alternatives to large US providers. After more than 10 years of developing AI software and cloud services for its own use, Azerion is now offering these services to clients. This puts it in markets where many European companies are currently seeking an alternative to the American tech giants.

    Founded in the Netherlands in 2014, Azerion has grown into a major player in digital advertising through a series of strategic acquisitions. Listed on Euronext Amsterdam since February 2022, the company generated €551 million in revenue in 2024, up 7% year-on-year. Revenue guidance for 2025 is in the range of €600–650 million. In Q1 2025, the company reported EBITDA growth of 68% compared to the same period last year thanks to a continued focus on efficiency and profitability.

    Reinforcing digital advertising

    “We are excited to take this further step to strengthen our digital advertising business.” said Sebastiaan Moesman, Chief Strategy Officer of Azerion. “This sale enables us to dedicate even more resources and attention on realizing our growth and expansion plans. We are also demonstrating once again that our investment strategy can create long-term value for our shareholders.”

    Azerion recently launched Azerion Intelligence, a platform offering affordable and independent cloud hosting as well as access to a range of open-source AI tools. “Across Europe, companies and public institutions are increasingly looking to bring their data closer to home to be less reliant on one partner,” said Moesman. “While this desire is not new, we’re seeing a clear shift in priority. Organisations are now actively seeking alternatives to major cloud providers. At the same time, demand for local, cost-efficient AI services is on the rise. Azerion is well positioned to support organisations ready to take the next step in digital sovereignty.”

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Red tape relief making a difference for businesses

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says that small businesses will benefit from upcoming reforms to New Zealand’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) laws, as the Government moves to make compliance more proportionate and practical for low-risk operators.

    Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee has announced Cabinet’s approval to draft a new Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (Omnibus) Amendment Bill to overhaul the existing system.

    Under current rules, even small businesses and professionals, such as real estate agents, face complex and time-consuming checks, often regardless of how much risk they face,” Mrs McKee says. 

    “This level of scrutiny is overkill for a small business dealing with law abiding New Zealanders and it’s an example of why our AML laws need to be smarter and more risk-based,” Mrs McKee says. 

    “These reforms will enable simplified customer due diligence (CDD) where businesses have assessed the risk of money laundering or terrorist financing to be low and have appropriate controls in place to manage risk. This will support a wide range of small businesses to reduce costs for their customers.

    “For example, currently, families selling their home must undergo enhanced customer due diligence if the home is held within a family trust.

    “Even when there are clear low risk indicators, such as a property being owned for over a decade and held in a non-trading trust, real estate agents are still required to collect extensive personal and legal information.

    “For real estate agents, this would mean taking a common-sense approach to low-risk customers, for example only needing to verify the homeowners’ identity documents and their role as trustees, and retaining a copy of the trust deed.

    “Similarly, share brokers and bookkeepers may be able to reduce the level of CDD required for low-risk customers and businesses where there are appropriate restrictions and conditions put in place, such as transaction limits.”

    The Government has also directed the future AML/CFT supervisor to issue clear guidance so that businesses like bookkeepers, real estate agents, lawyers, and banks know exactly how to apply these simplified checks without fear of penalty.

    “This Government is serious about targeting criminals, not clogging up legitimate businesses and everyday people with red tape.

    “We’ve heard from parents who’ve been unable to set up bank accounts for their kids because they can’t prove where their child lives. We’ve heard from elderly Kiwis who, after the death of a spouse, find they can’t open an account in their own name due to a lack of documentation. That’s not a system based on risk, that’s bureaucracy getting in the way of people’s lives.”

    As well as making things easier for small business, the bill will enable:

    • Simplified CDD for low-risk individuals and activities such as opening children’s bank accounts and using digital wallets.
    • Simplify compliance for small businesses in rural areas.
    • Grant new powers to combat criminal activity, such as a $5,000 cap on payments of cash for international transfers and banning crypto ATMs.

    “Since 2019, the global financial landscape has shifted dramatically, and New Zealand is overdue for a clear and modern national strategy, one that protects against organised crime, while also making compliance easier for those doing the right thing,” Mrs McKee says.

    “We want New Zealand to be the safest place in the world to do business legitimately, and the hardest place for criminals to operate.

    “By the time we’re finished, New Zealand will have a world-class AML/CFT regime – one that hits criminals hard, not ordinary New Zealanders.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Illegal Alien from Honduras Sentenced to Prison in Vast Alien Smuggling Conspiracy

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    A Honduran national unlawfully residing in the United States was sentenced today in the Western District of Texas for his leadership role in a massive alien smuggling conspiracy that spanned three years and involved thousands of aliens from over 11 different countries.

    Enil Edil Mejia-Zuniga, also known as Chino, 34, of Olancho, Honduras, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release for his role in smuggling thousands of aliens into the United States for financial gain. He was also ordered to pay a $4,500 fine.

    Co-defendants Monica Hernandez-Palma, 33, of Mexico, and Allyson Elsires Alvarez-Zuniga, 26, of Honduras, entered guilty pleas on April 7, 2025, and Aug. 21, 2023, respectively, and are awaiting sentencing. Co-defendant Genyi Arguenta-Flores, 32, of Comayagua, Honduras was sentenced to five years in prison on May 12. A final co-defendant is in custody in Mexico pending an extradition request from the United States.

    “Mejia-Zuniga and his co-conspirators made millions of dollars off the backs of thousands of people whom they smuggled into the United States,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This case represents the epitome of the ruthless and sophisticated criminal organizations that exploit our borders for personal financial gain. The Criminal Division will not stop investigating these cases until all human smuggling organizations are eradicated and the criminals who operate them are prosecuted.”

    “In an effort to satisfy his greed, Mejia-Zuniga facilitated the illegal movement of thousands of Middle Easterners into the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “His actions put our national security at risk. However, thanks to our many federal law enforcement partners, Mejia-Zuniga will no longer be allowed to enrich himself to the detriment of this country.”

    “This sentence sends a clear message to those who exploit our immigration system for personal profit,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Antonio. “For more than three years, these individuals operated a transnational smuggling ring driven by greed, moving illegal aliens from 11 countries in blatant disregard of the law. The sentencing in this case is a testament to HSI’s commitment to upholding national security. Human smuggling undermines the security of our borders and disrupts lawful immigration processes. HSI will continue to work tirelessly to protect our national security.”

    “United States Border Patrol’s (USBP) Intelligence and Information Task Force played a critical role in supporting Operation Red Tide through extensive research and analysis,” said Scott Good, Chief of USBP Law Enforcement Operations Directorate. “Our team’s exploitation of subpoena returns and identification of key financial patterns helped bring these smugglers to justice. The USBP will continue working with law enforcement agencies at home and abroad to dismantle criminal networks and secure our nation’s borders.”

    According to court documents, from November 2020 through March 2023, the Mejia-Zuniga alien smuggling organization (ASO) smuggled aliens from Afghanistan, Yemen, Egypt, India, Pakistan, and Colombia, through Eagle Pass, Texas. Aliens primarily contracted with a Pakistani smuggler based in Brazil to be transported to the United States. In turn, the Brazilian-based smuggler worked with Mejia-Zuniga, who was based in San Antonio, Texas, to facilitate travel of the aliens from South America to the United States. Mejia-Zuniga directed operations of the ASO and paid drivers, armed “coyotes,” and stash house operators.

    Mejia-Zuniga admitted to smuggling between 2,500 to 3,000 aliens into the United States in just two years. The organization charged between $6,500 to $12,000 per alien. Mejia-Zuniga admitted that he made $30,000 for every ten illegal aliens who made it to the Rio Grande River and another $30,000 if those ten illegal aliens made it to San Antonio.

    One of the smuggled aliens reported paying the organization $20,000 to be brought illegally into the United States along with his brother. The Mejia-Zuniga ASO directed that alien to a stash house in Monterrey, Mexico, where it housed him with 10 other aliens. The ASO later moved the same alien to a stash house in Piedras Negras, Mexico, with another 20 to 25 aliens. Ultimately, an armed coyote guided the group of aliens across the Rio Grande River. Once across the Rio Grande, the Mejia-Zuniga ASO transported the aliens to a hotel in San Antonio. 

    In addition to witness statements, other evidence gathered during the investigation included wire transfers, customer ledgers, foreign identification documents, and photographs of members of the Mejia-Zuniga ASO with firearms.

    Defendant Mejia-Zuniga with semi-automatic high-capacity firearms.

    Photographs of alien smuggling proceeds and an armed “coyote” in the bush.

    Mejia-Zuniga pleaded guilty to three counts of bringing an alien to the United States for financial gain and aiding and abetting.

    HSI Del Rio engaged in an extensive, years-long investigation in Operation Red Tide, which led to the development of this case, with assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol Del Rio Sector, HSI Monterrey, HSI Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., and U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force.

    Trial Attorney Jenna E. Reed of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Kass for the Western District of Texas are prosecuting the case.

    The investigation and arrests of the defendants in Operation Red Tide were coordinated under Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has been elevated and expanded by the Attorney General with a mandate to target cartels and other transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia that impact public safety and the security of our borders. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the border. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by HRSP and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, the Office of Enforcement Operations, and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 390 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 350 U.S. convictions; more than 300 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and other transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Black Bear and Fond Du Luth Casinos Select Quick Custom Intelligence Enterprise Platform

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) and Black Bear and Fond Du Luth Casinos are thrilled to announce their strategic partnership that is set to transform the gaming and hospitality landscape in the Minnesota market. This dynamic collaboration represents an exciting fusion of advanced technology and exceptional guest experiences, with Black Bear and Fond Du Luth Casinos leading the charge. By leveraging QCI’s cutting-edge data analytics platform, the partnership aims to redefine how casinos operate, providing unparalleled insights into player behavior, enhancing operational efficiency, and delivering personalized guest experiences like never before. This bold move positions Black Bear and Fond Du Luth Casinos at the forefront of innovation, setting a new standard in how technology can drive the future of gaming and hospitality.

    This partnership marks the beginning of a new era, where the seamless integration of artificial intelligence, data-driven decision-making, and world-class service will create an unmatched environment for entertainment and hospitality in the region.

    Morgan Fritzinger, Director of Marketing for the Black Bear and Fond Du Luth Casinos, shared her excitement about this partnership, stating, “We are excited to embark on this transformative journey with QCI. The QCI platform is truly a game-changer for our host and marketing departments, and we’re confident it will not only optimize our operations but also enhance the quality of service and entertainment we provide to our valued guests. With QCI’s innovative solutions, we’re poised to deliver an unparalleled gaming experience in the Minnesota market. This partnership perfectly aligns with our commitment to excellence and innovation.”

    Dr. Ralph Thomas, CEO of QCI, expressed his satisfaction with this newly established partnership, stating, “We place immense value on partnerships that are built on mutual respect, a shared vision, and a strong commitment to innovation. Our collaboration with Black Bear and Fond Du Luth Casinos exemplifies this kind of relationship. From the very beginning, we have been deeply impressed by the Black Bear and Fond Du Luth Casinos team’s dedication, their passion for excellence, and their relentless focus on delivering extraordinary guest experiences. I am incredibly proud of what we have already achieved together and even more excited for the future. This partnership represents a unique opportunity to set new benchmarks in the Minnesota market, and I am confident that together, we will redefine what’s possible in the gaming and hospitality industry.”

    ABOUT Black Bear Casino and Fond Du Luth Casinos
    Black Bear Casino Resort, located in Carlton, Minnesota, and Fond-du-Luth Casino, situated in the heart of downtown Duluth near Lake Superior’s vibrant tourist district, are premier gaming and entertainment destinations owned and operated by the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Together, these properties offer a dynamic blend of gaming, dining, lodging, and live entertainment, while honoring the cultural heritage and economic strength of the Fond du Lac Band. Committed to excellence in guest service and community impact, both casinos serve as proud tributes to the resilience and vision of the Ojibwe people. For more information, visit www.blackbearcasinoresort.com or call (218) 878-BEAR (2327) or www.fondduluthcasino.com and (218) 720-5100.

    ABOUT QCI
    Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has pioneered the revolutionary QCI Enterprise Platform, an artificial intelligence platform that seamlessly integrates player development, marketing, and gaming operations with powerful, real-time tools designed specifically for the gaming and hospitality industries. Our advanced, highly configurable software is deployed in over 250 casino resorts across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Latin America, and Europe. The QCI AGI Platform, which manages more than $35 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, stands as a best-in-class solution, whether on-premises, hybrid, or cloud-based, enabling fully coordinated activities across all aspects of gaming or hospitality operations. QCI’s data-driven, AI-powered software propels swift, informed decision-making vital in the ever-changing casino industry, assisting casinos in optimizing resources and profits, crafting effective marketing campaigns, and enhancing customer loyalty. QCI was co-founded by Dr. Ralph Thomas and Mr. Andrew Cardno and is based in San Diego, with additional offices in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Dallas, and Tulsa. Main phone number: (858) 299.5715. Visit us at www.quickcustomintelligence.com.

    ABOUT Dr. Ralph Thomas
    Dr. Ralph Thomas is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Quick Custom Intelligence. Ralph is a product visionary in applied analytics and the founder of two companies that deliver solutions in casino gaming, education, and adult learning. As a gaming industry veteran, Dr. Thomas has substantial experience implementing analytics into single and multi-property gaming companies to drive tangible and measurable gains to the bottom line and has built business intelligence tools for multibillion-dollar casinos. Dr. Thomas is co-author of seven books and over 80 articles on applied analytics and data science in gaming, an inventor on dozens of patents, and understands gaming from raw data up through casino operations, giving him a unique, 360-degree view of the industry.

    Contact:
    Laurel Kay, Quick Custom Intelligence
    Phone: 858-349-8354

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Samsung UK Takes Over Outernet London with Immersive Experiences, Creator Sessions and Workshops

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced a takeover of Outernet London, transforming the space into an immersive cultural destination for a limited time. Visitors can expect to find interactive zones, exclusive talks, a deep dive into Korean culture, and a chance to win unmissable prizes.
     
    Open to the public from 9th July to 10th August at Outernet London, Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Fold7 Devices and ZFlip7 devices will be available for a hands-on experience, where visitors can be amongst the first to try out everything they have to offer. The space will immerse visitors in Samsung’s latest innovations and also play host to a series of exciting special events. Here are the top five things you can expect to find at Samsung’s Galaxy Experience Space:

    Dive into K-culture
    From learning your Korean zodiac sign to perfecting your K-pop content captures, visitors can join six unique sessions, each with a different theme to explore how the Galaxy Z Fold7 Series and Galaxy ZFlip7 Series can help you connect more deeply with culture and express your creativity.
     
    Chances to win
    All visitors to the Samsung Experience Space have the chance to win big, including Samsung Galaxy products and digital vouchers for discounts at local businesses. To be in with a chance, visitors will need to scan a QR code and complete three themed zones throughout the space – each of which gives you the chance to experience different Galaxy technologies.
     
    Embrace your interests
     There’s something for everyone at the Galaxy Experience Space. Gaming fans can enjoy a tournament which will allow them to experience Samsung tech at its best. Or for something a bit different, join content creator community UK Shooters for a workshop on how to be the best photographer using Samsung’s newest devices.
     
    Level up your content game
    Join Stefani Nurding, Team Samsung Galaxy Skateboarding ambassador, and content creator K Jordy for advice on creating viral videos and insights into how to level up your social media game. These special ticketed sessions will take place on 11th July, 18th July and 8th August.
     
    See yourself on the big screen
     As well as the Outernet site, Samsung will also host Galaxy Hangouts at iconic London locations for the duration of the takeover, where visitors can discover more about the Samsung Galaxy portfolio and submit a photo to be featured on the big screen at Outernet.
     
    For more information, please visit: https://www.samsung.com/uk/store/samsung-kx/discover/Galaxy-experience-space-london.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: From robotic trucks to smart bins: how technology is helping cities sort their waste problem

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Breno Nunes, Associate professor in Sustainable Operations Management, Aston University

    Since early January 2025, residents of Birmingham in the UK have been caught in the dispute between the city council and the Unite union over pay, terms and conditions for waste and recycling collectors. The latest attempt at talks broke down in acrimony.

    At one point during the crisis, there were 17 tonnes of uncollected rubbish in Birmingham. Businesses and residents face public health and safety risks including pest infestations and the spread of disease and fire hazards.

    These have tainted the reputation of the city and hurt its chances of hosting events and attracting visitors. The news of cat-sized rats in Birmingham has made headlines from the US to Australia.



    Read more:
    Birmingham bin strikes: a threat to public health

    Workers’ pay is being negotiated between the union and the council in Birmingham. However, this is a fairly dangerous job and, with an ageing population, it may become more difficult to hire new workers. We argue that a more fair approach would be to use technology to help transition workers (including through training) towards better paid and safer positions.

    This would be an opportunity to build more sustainable waste management in the UK’s second largest city and beyond. Advances in robotics and AI are making automated refuse collection a reality, for example. Some cities in the US, Canada and parts of Europe already use robotics-enabled equipment in their refuse collection systems.

    A shortage of skilled personnel threatens the transition towards a greener economy. People have to be at the centre of the solution. In this case, skilled workers are needed to keep different types of waste separate and so improve recycling rates.

    The recovery value can be high for certain products such as electronics, automotive parts, as well as materials like plastic and metal. This is still difficult for machines to do.

    Smart bins and automated trucks

    Birmingham city council has already proposed improvements to waste collection. Based on publicly available information, it aims at increasing the number of rubbish trucks, reducing the number of collection days and retraining refuse collectors. But it has yet to take full advantage of existing advanced technologies.

    The plan, for instance, proposes improving communication with residents about collection day via text messages. While welcome, this is rather basic. It was only during the pandemic that all recycling centres started using online booking systems. Prior to that, endless queues were common – wasting time and increasing emissions with traffic jams.

    We argue that a whole-systems approach is needed to make the most of the opportunities new technology affords. Automated side loader trucks and smart bins are already used in various cities – the latter use sensors to monitor waste volumes and predict when collection is needed. The council could analyse the strengths and weaknesses of each technology in different areas of the city.

    Side loader trucks, which can lift up large bins and empty them, automate a dangerous process and are already considered a mature technology, used in cities across the US, Canada and Sweden. These trucks are difficult to drive in narrow streets. But, where appropriate, their benefits include increased productivity, reduced collection costs and greater worker safety.

    Sensors embedded in the vehicle, including from cameras, can provide data on the distribution of waste in different areas. This helps to produce a waste map. AI algorithms can analyse the data and provide customised collection schedules that optimise the use of trucks in the collection fleet. The algorithms can learn and be continuously revised to improve the service.

    In busy areas of the city, information from smart bins can prevent rubbish accumulating. Advanced machine learning techniques can then be employed to further optimise the collection schedule by detecting, for instance, anomalies such as a sudden increase in some types of waste. Such systems can provide more adaptable solutions and increase the productivity of officers.

    Recent improvements in imaging techniques and chemical analysis can help to identify different waste materials and allow automatic sorting, and the identification of hazardous waste.

    Other technological solutions, such as the use of smart underground large storage containers as communal bins allow for less frequent collections, but they may require significant changes to both infrastructure and trucks. These already exist in parts of Spain.

    Pneumatic waste collection systems have been tested in Wembley, a suburb in northwest London. In this system, waste is sucked through underground pipes by a fan system at speeds approaching 50mph to a central point, where it is stored in airtight containers until further treatment takes place. More than 30 countries adopt this system.

    Educating the public is vital too. Reducing waste in the first place is a good way to save money and would reduce pressure on waste collection systems.

    As far as Birmingham goes, overlooking advanced technologies won’t make the council’s task of satisfying residents and waste collection teams any easier. We think a lot of people would be happier to see more robotics trucks and smart bins than more rats in the streets.

    Breno Nunes receives funding from InnovateUK for a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project on sustainable manufacturing strategy.

    Roberto Castro Alamino 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. From robotic trucks to smart bins: how technology is helping cities sort their waste problem – https://theconversation.com/from-robotic-trucks-to-smart-bins-how-technology-is-helping-cities-sort-their-waste-problem-260023

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Rare book collection returns to EIT

    Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

    27 seconds ago

    After surviving Cyclone Gabrielle and more than two years in chilled, climate-controlled care, a rare and irreplaceable collection of books has returned to EIT’s Hawke’s Bay campus.

    The 225 books, which include out-of-print and culturally significant works of Māori and New Zealand history, were removed from the library following the February 2023 floods to protect them from humidity and further damage.

    With support from MTG Hawke’s Bay, the collection was packed into eight boxes and transferred into the museum’s chilled, climate-controlled archival facility.

    Heather Pilbeam, EIT Library and Learning Support Manager, with a rare collection of books that have been in safe keeping at MTG.

    Heather Pilbeam, EIT Library and Learning Support Manager, said the books are significant taonga that could not be replaced.

    “They include important Ngāti Kahungunu histories and other titles that are out of print and incredibly hard to find. And they inform our postgraduate programmes.”

    Many of the books were saved thanks to their position inside a cabinet, which kept them above the flood line as water and mud swept through the library.

    “The bottom of the cabinet got wet, but the books inside stayed dry. We were incredibly lucky.”

    Last week, the books were returned to the refurbished Tim Twist Building, formerly the Twist Library and now EIT’s central student hub Te Parongo.

    The rare collection joins the other books from EIT’s wider physical library collection that have now been returned to the shelves.

    In the months following the cyclone, staff packed the 30,000-book collection into boxes, stored them in apple bins, and moved them to dry storage at the far end of campus. Over three months, each book was unpacked, assessed, cleaned, scanned and repackaged.

    Heather said 13.7 per cent of the books were damaged in some way.

    “We thought there would be more damage after so long, but we were really lucky. I think it came down to the care we took in those early months.”

    A second three-month phase of work earlier this year saw the collection re-sequenced and returned to the library shelves.

    Heather acknowledged the many staff across campus who played a role in restoring and returning the books to the library, and thanked MTG Hawke’s Bay for stepping in when it was needed most.

    Ondene van Dulm, Executive Director for Student and Academic Services, also expressed her appreciation for the work of those within and outside of EIT.

    “The support from MTG in caring for these books while EIT facilities have gradually been rebuilt is a shining example of how community comes together in the face of adversity.

    “Just as we have been welcoming staff and students back onto campus over the last 18 months, it’s now a huge pleasure to have this rare book collection back in its rightful home.”

    While the majority of EIT’s library collection is now digital, Heather said print books still play an important role for students.

    “The library has a much more significant online collection these days, with databases covering subjects like nursing, health sciences, computing, business and all of our degree programmes.

    “But there are some titles that aren’t available as e-books, and some students simply prefer using print when they can.”
    The team is now looking forward to welcoming students back for the start of the new semester.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Attending events is the ticket to happiness

    Source:

    10 July 2025

    The cold winter snaps might make it hard to get out and about, but new research led by the University of South Australia has found that frequently attending in-person events can significantly boost wellbeing.

    A study by tourism and event management experts at UniSA and Flinders University has found that regularly attending events such as festivals, exhibitions, sporting events, farmer’s markets and food events can lead to greater positive emotions and feelings such as joy, contentment, happiness and excitement.

    It is also significantly related to higher levels of engagement and being fully absorbed and immersed in an activity, so time seems to slip away unnoticed.

    Researchers surveyed more than 350 South Australians about how often they attended in-person and online events and how this related to their wellbeing.

    The results revealed an association between the frequency of attending in-person events and higher well-being through higher levels of positive emotions, such as joy, happiness and excitement, as well as a stronger sense of being absorbed in an activity.

    UniSA’s Associate Professor Sunny Son says although it is often claimed that event experiences can enhance people’s wellbeing, there is limited research examining their overall impact.

    “Our study took a holistic approach by looking at the relationships between attending events and wellbeing. We found evidence that attending events can meaningfully improve individuals’ wellbeing, encouraging communities to leverage events to improve general well-being,” she says.

    “Wellbeing has become an increasingly important focus for individuals and communities and is linked to many benefits related to health, work, family and community.

    “Previous studies have shown that higher levels of wellbeing can lead to a reduced risk of illness and injury and increase longevity. People with high levels of wellbeing tend to perform better in the workplace and contribute positively to their community, so it’s important not only for public health but also for building strong socially sustainable and connected communities.”

    The study also found that attending virtual events – such as an online concert or livestream experience – contributes to people’s sense of accomplishment. However, unlike in-person events, virtual events have no impact on other dimensions of wellbeing.

    Flinders University Senior Lecturer Dr Eliza Kitchen says organisations can take advantage of the benefits of in-person events by incorporating them into employee reward programs, inviting clients, partners or other stakeholders to events or distributing free event tickets to staff.

    “These strategies not only enhance employee satisfaction and morale but also foster a more engaged and productive workforce,” she says.

    “We believe that universities and schools can also use events to support student wellbeing, which is particularly important given the high prevalence of mental health issues among young people.

    “Special events can provide students with valuable opportunities to interact with one another, relieve stress and achieve personal growth. This is also the case for local councils who can host free events to help their residents to connect with their neighbours and foster a stronger sense of community, support and wellbeing.”

    “What we found is that events do much more than just drive tourism and boost the economy; they also play a critical role in enhancing wellbeing. This gives us another strong reason to support events, not just for visitors, but for the benefits of locals as well.’

    View the research paper: Son, Sunny, Eliza Kitchen and Julia Jones, ‘The Value of Events for Personal Well-Being: A PERMA Perspective’ [2025] International Journal of Tourism Research.

    Contact for interview: Associate Professor Sunny Son, Program Director: Sport & Rec Management, Tourism & Event Management, Art & Cultural Management, UniSA E: Sunny.Son@unisa.edu.au
    Media contact: Melissa Keogh, Communications Officer, UniSA M: +61 403 659 154 E: melissa.keogh@unisa.edu.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Samsung India Begins Pre Orders for Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7 – The Most Advanced Galaxy Z series yet

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today announced that it has begun taking pre orders for the most advanced Galaxy Z series yet – Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7.
     
    Galaxy Z Fold7 brings together the best of Galaxy design, camera functionality and AI innovation in the thinnest and lightest Galaxy Z Fold series to date. It delivers the premium performance and experience of an ultra-smartphone, while unlocking new levels of efficiency and productivity with a larger, more immersive display when unfolded.
     
    Thinnest, Lightest Galaxy Z Fold To Date
    Galaxy Z Fold7 is crafted for those who want the everyday portability and intuitive feel of a traditional smartphone, combined with the enhanced power and flexibility of a larger, unfolded display – all in one device. With its ultra-thin and light design and wider cover display, Galaxy Z Fold7 delivers a seamless on-the-go experience that makes typing and browsing effortless when it is folded.
     

    At just 215 grams, Galaxy Z Fold7 is even lighter than Galaxy S25 Ultra.
    It is just 9 mm thick when folded and 4.2 mm thick when unfolded.
    The device comes with 5-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x cover display, a wider screen with a new 21:9 aspect ratio.

     
    Most Expansive Screen on Galaxy Smartphone
    When unfolded, Galaxy Z Fold7 reveals an expansive screen that expands the workspace for editing, multitasking and immersive viewing – getting more out of Galaxy AI. The main display on Galaxy Z Fold7 is 11% larger than the previous generation, providing even more screen real estate for content editing and multitasking across multiple apps.
     

    The 8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x main display offers ultra-rich contrast, true blacks and vibrant detail that makes everything pop — from movies to tabs open while multitasking.
    With Vision Booster and up to 2,600 nits of peak brightness, Galaxy Z Fold7 stays brilliantly visible even in direct sunlight.

     
    Looks Sleek, Built Tough
    From repeated folding to being tossed in a bag, it’s engineered for everyday durability and built to last longer, with a restructured hinge and foldable display.
     

    The Armor FlexHinge is thinner and lighter, thanks to an enhanced water droplet design and newly implemented multi-rail structure that reduces visible creasing and strengthens durability by evenly dispersing stress.
    The cover display is made with Corning® Gorilla® Glass Ceramic 2, a new glass ceramic that has crystals intricately embedded within its glass matrix. This secures the screen’s durability and crack deflection capabilities and delivers protection in a remarkably thin form factor.
    Advanced Armor Aluminum in the frame and hinge housing increases strength and hardness by 10%.
    The main display is restructured to be thinner and lighter – yet stronger. This was achieved by implementing the Titanium plate layer. Additionally, Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) was increased to be 50% thicker, making the display tougher.

     
    The Most Powerful Processor Customized for Galaxy
    Under the hood, Galaxy Z Fold7 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy delivers performance boosts of 41% in NPU, 38% in CPU, and 26% in GPU compared to the previous generation. This power fuels Galaxy Z Fold7’s ability to process more AI experiences on-device without compromise.
     
    Ultra 200MP Camera
    Galaxy Z Fold7 now brings the best of the Galaxy’s pro-grade camera experience to a foldable, combining advanced hardware with intelligent processing for consistently stunning results. AI-enhanced imaging automatically optimizes lighting, detail and realism, so photos and videos stay sharp and vivid.
     

    Featuring the first 200MP wide-angle camera in the Galaxy Z series, it captures 4x more detail, producing images that are 44% brighter.
    The 10MP 100° camera on the main display expands the frame, so when users unfold their phone, it’s easy to capture group selfies, valuable moments and more of the world in a single shot.
    Samsung’s next generation ProVisual Engine processes images faster, enabling every photo and video to be more crisp, vibrant and full of detail.
    With Night Video, intelligent motion detection now separates moving subjects from still backgrounds to reduce noise.
    10-bit HDR provides more color depth. The result is videos with richer color, deeper contrast and more lifelike detail, no matter the time of day.

     
    Ultra AI Experience
     
    Galaxy Z Fold7 harnesses the power of the foldable display to amplify the power and convenience of AI, delivering experiences that are instinctive, adaptive and effortlessly efficient. With the new One UI 8 that is context-aware and naturally responsive, optimized for Galaxy Z Fold7’s flexible format and expansive screen offer a more intuitive and immersive way to interact with AI. There’s less jumping between apps and screens and more frictionless creativity and productivity happening seamlessly in one place.
     

    Designed as a true multimodal agent, One UI 8 seamlessly combines large-screen multitasking with intelligent tools that understand what users’ type, say and even see. And, with an AI-powered camera and privacy built into every layer, Galaxy Z Fold7 becomes a smart and secure personal assistant, ready to help anytime, anywhere.
    Launching with the all-new One UI 8 on Android 16, Galaxy Z Fold7 debuts Samsung’s latest AI-powered platform on foldables, delivering the latest Android experience straight out of the box.
    Gemini Live is now enhanced with multimodal AI that understands what users see, say and do, making it possible to seamlessly type or speak contextual questions and get answers without having to toggle back and forth between apps.
    With Circle to Search, gaming tips appear exactly when and where you need them.
    With Galaxy AI Optimized for Large Screens, Galaxy Z Fold7 delivers experiences that maximize the benefits of the expansive foldable display to boost productivity. AI Results View displays results from AI features in a separate Split View or in a Floating View, so the user’s original content remains unobstructed and visible. Users can be more efficient with Drag & Drop AI-generated content, including images and text, directly from Multi Window. With tools like Drawing Assist or Writing Assist, it’s easier than ever to move ideas and visuals, enabling a smoother creative process.
    Shots look flawless with Photo Assist, which moves, erases or enlarges objects and adjusts angles and fills in backgrounds with AI-powered precision. Users can seize vibrant expressions, including pet profiles with Portrait Studio and refine their photos using Galaxy’s enhanced Generative Edit. It offers proactive suggestions with the new Suggest Erases. Moreover, Side-by-Side Editing and Show Original enables real-time comparison of original images and edited versions on the large screen, making it easier to decide what to modify and what to keep. Audio Eraser has also been upgraded to be more intelligent and convenient.

     
    Galaxy Z Flip7 is a compact AI phone with multimodal capabilities, powered by a new FlexWindow. Small enough to slip into a pocket, yet powerful enough to deliver the handiest assistance, it melds Galaxy AI with a now edge-to-edge FlexWindow, a flagship level camera and an ultra-compact and iconic design. From intuitive voice AI to the best selfie capabilities, the Galaxy Z Flip7 is an intelligent pocket-sized companion built for seamless interaction and everyday reliability.
     

    The1-inch Super AMOLED FlexWindow is the largest ever on a Galaxy Z Flip, with edge-to-edge usability that enables users to see and do more on the cover screen.
    With 2,600 nits of peak brightness and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate on both the main display and the FlexWindow, Galaxy Z Flip7 enables ultra-fluid scrolling, streaming and gaming. Plus, the FlexWindow gets an upgrade with Vision Booster, enhancing outdoor visibility so users can stay connected wherever they are.
    The main display is a 9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, built for an ultra-smooth, immersive experience.
    Weighing just 188 grams and measuring only 13.7mm when folded, Galaxy Z Flip7 is the slimmest Galaxy Z Flip yet.
    The cover and back are protected by Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2.
    The Armor FlexHinge is thinner than the hinge on the previous generation and features a restructured design and high-strength materials for smoother folds and long-lasting durability.
    A robust Armor Aluminum Frame provides a tough exterior for resilience.

     
    Power That Lasts Longer and Works Smarter
     
    While the Galaxy Z Flip7 has been slimmed down and refined throughout, it now features a bigger battery and an even bigger display – all in a more compact form.
     

    The 4,300mAh battery is the largest ever on a Galaxy Z Flipdelivering up to 31 hours of video play time on a single charge.
    The Galaxy Z Flip7 is powered by the latest 3nm processor, customized for Galaxy and fit for today’s lifestyle with an even more powerful CPU, GPU and NPU than Galaxy Z Flip6.
    Samsung DeX comes to a Galaxy Z Flip7 for the first time, enabling it to instantly transform into a handy workstation: users can flip it open, connect to a screen and instantly get PC-like tools for enhanced multitasking.
    Powered by the newest One UI 8 and Android 16 right out of the box, it delivers true multimodal AI experiences optimized for the Flip’s iconic design, with many tasks now able to be handled right from the cover screen.
    Gemini Live is now available directly on the FlexWindow, enabling users to search for information with their voice and complete tasks – hands-free. Users getting ready for an overseas trip can just tell Gemini what they need. It can pull up flight details from Samsung Wallet, set a reminder for when to leave for the airport and even find top-rated restaurants at the user’s destination. Plus, all this information can be stored in Samsung Notes for easy access later. It’s like having a personal assistant, right on the cover screen.
    With camera sharing on Gemini Live, getting real-time help is as easy as pointing the camera. Whether packing for a trip or choosing an outfit, users can simply show Gemini what they’re looking at. Ask questions like, “Which of these outfits is better for the weather in Seoul?” Gemini will respond, just like a helpful friend would.
    Now Bar shows real-time app activity, podcast progress and alerts right on the cover screen, and it’s now integrated with even more third-party apps. A quick glance at the FlexWindow lets users check on the ETA of their ride-share, see what song is playing, peek at the latest football scores, and so much more.
    Now Brief provides even more personalized daily updates including traffic, reminders, calendar events, and fitness summaries. Users can get personalized music and video recommendations based on subscriptions and interests, as well as easily access health and wellness data pulled from Samsung Health and Galaxy Watch.
    The FlexWindow’s clock adapts and stretches to compliment a user’s wallpaper, wrapping the font around faces or objects in the image to keep the time display clear. Whether it’s a close-up selfie or a scenic skyline, the lock screen ensures the clock remains visible without disrupting the image.

     
    A Pocket-Sized Selfie Studio
     
    Galaxy Z Flip7 brings flagship-level photography and Samsung’s best selfie camera yet with Samsung’s advanced ProVisual Engine.
     

    The dual rear camera system includes a 50MP Wide and a 12MP Ultra-Wide lens, delivering flagship-level clarity in any lighting, whether capturing scenic shots or snapping high-quality selfies directly from the cover screen.
    With Enhanced Nightography, users can capture vivid photos in low-light environments through improved lighting adjustments and the removal of noise and blurred frames.
    10-bit HDR provides richer color, deeper contrast and more life-like detail in video, no matter the time of day.
    Galaxy Z Flip7 takes selfies to the next level, right from the FlexWindow. Real-Time Filters now lets users preview and perfect FlexCam shots instantly. And with the new Zoom Slider, users can quickly zoom in or out with just a swipe- making it perfect for capturing a full outfit or fitting everyone into the frame for a flawless group selfie.
    With Dual Preview, the photographer and the subject can see the composition live on the FlexWindow, helping users nail the perfect shot on the first go.
    Everyday pet moments become eye-catching shots with Portrait Studio in Photo Assist whether featuring a playful cartoon style, a quirky fisheye look or a polished, professional finish.

     
    Bringing the foldable experience to even more users, Samsung also announced Galaxy Z Flip7 FE. Compact when folded and expansive when opened, Galaxy Z Flip7 FE features a 6.7-inch Main Display for an immersive viewing experience. The 50MP FlexCam enables high-quality selfies and video in Flex Mode, letting users capture content hands-free, without even opening the device. Now Brief surfaces helpful updates – including weather, daily schedules and commute alerts – on the cover screen, in a layout optimized for Galaxy Z Flip7 FE’s compact form.
    Future-Ready Mobile Security
    As mobile experiences grow ever more intelligent and interconnected, Samsung is reinforcing the foundations that protect them – unveiling new protections for on-device AI, expanding cross-device threat detection and enhancing network security with quantum-resistant encryption. One UI 8 brings enhanced privacy to personalized AI experiences with the new Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP). KEEP creates encrypted, app-specific storage environments within the device’s secure storage area, ensuring each app can access only its own sensitive information and nothing more. With One UI 8, Samsung is advancing Knox Matrix to deliver more proactive and user-friendly protection across the Galaxy ecosystem. Furthermore, as part of its ongoing commitment to quantum-safe security, Samsung is integrating post-quantum cryptography into Secure Wi-Fi. This enhancement secures the key exchange process at the core of encrypted connections, helping ensure robust privacy even over public networks.
    Availability, Price and Offers
     
    The Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7 & Galaxy Z Flip7 FE will be available for pre-order starting today on Samsung.com, Amazon.in, Flipkart.com and all leading retail outlets across the country.
     

    Model
    Memory Storage
    Colors
    Price (INR)

    Galaxy Z Fold7
    12GB_256GB
    Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow, Jet Black
    174,999

    12GB_512GB
    186,999

    16GB_1TB
    210,999

    Galaxy Z Flip7
    12GB_256GB
    Blue Shadow, Jet Black, Coral Red
    109,999

    12GB_512GB
    121,999

    Galaxy Z Flip7 FE
    8GB_128GB
    Black, White
    89,999

    8GB_256GB
    95,999

     
     
    Consumers buying the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 through Samsung.com will have an additional color option to choose from – Mint.
     
    Pre-Order Offers
     
    Customers pre-ordering the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 will receive Free Storage Upgrade worth INR 12,000. Customers pre-ordering the Galaxy Z Flip7 FE will receive Free Storage Upgrade worth INR 6,000. Additionally, up to 24-months No Cost EMI will be available for all the three models. Consumers can also pre-order on Samsung Live at https://www.samsung.com/in/live-offers/ starting today.
     
     

    Model Name
    Offers
    No Cost EMI

    Galaxy Z Fold7
    Benefits worth INR 12K
    Up to 24 months

    INR 12K Storage Upgrade (Pre-order 256GB and get 512GB)

    Galaxy Z Flip7
    Benefits worth INR 12K
    Up to 24 months

    INR 12K Storage Upgrade (Pre-order 256GB and get 512GB)

    Galaxy Z Flip7 FE
    Benefits worth INR 6K
    Up to 24 months

    INR 6K Storage Upgrade (Pre-order 128GB and get 256GB)

     

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Samsung India Begins Pre Orders for Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7 – The Most Advanced Galaxy Z series yet

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today announced that it has begun taking pre orders for the most advanced Galaxy Z series yet – Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7.
     
    Galaxy Z Fold7 brings together the best of Galaxy design, camera functionality and AI innovation in the thinnest and lightest Galaxy Z Fold series to date. It delivers the premium performance and experience of an ultra-smartphone, while unlocking new levels of efficiency and productivity with a larger, more immersive display when unfolded.
     
    Thinnest, Lightest Galaxy Z Fold To Date
    Galaxy Z Fold7 is crafted for those who want the everyday portability and intuitive feel of a traditional smartphone, combined with the enhanced power and flexibility of a larger, unfolded display – all in one device. With its ultra-thin and light design and wider cover display, Galaxy Z Fold7 delivers a seamless on-the-go experience that makes typing and browsing effortless when it is folded.
     

    At just 215 grams, Galaxy Z Fold7 is even lighter than Galaxy S25 Ultra.
    It is just 9 mm thick when folded and 4.2 mm thick when unfolded.
    The device comes with 5-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x cover display, a wider screen with a new 21:9 aspect ratio.

     
    Most Expansive Screen on Galaxy Smartphone
    When unfolded, Galaxy Z Fold7 reveals an expansive screen that expands the workspace for editing, multitasking and immersive viewing – getting more out of Galaxy AI. The main display on Galaxy Z Fold7 is 11% larger than the previous generation, providing even more screen real estate for content editing and multitasking across multiple apps.
     

    The 8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x main display offers ultra-rich contrast, true blacks and vibrant detail that makes everything pop — from movies to tabs open while multitasking.
    With Vision Booster and up to 2,600 nits of peak brightness, Galaxy Z Fold7 stays brilliantly visible even in direct sunlight.

     
    Looks Sleek, Built Tough
    From repeated folding to being tossed in a bag, it’s engineered for everyday durability and built to last longer, with a restructured hinge and foldable display.
     

    The Armor FlexHinge is thinner and lighter, thanks to an enhanced water droplet design and newly implemented multi-rail structure that reduces visible creasing and strengthens durability by evenly dispersing stress.
    The cover display is made with Corning® Gorilla® Glass Ceramic 2, a new glass ceramic that has crystals intricately embedded within its glass matrix. This secures the screen’s durability and crack deflection capabilities and delivers protection in a remarkably thin form factor.
    Advanced Armor Aluminum in the frame and hinge housing increases strength and hardness by 10%.
    The main display is restructured to be thinner and lighter – yet stronger. This was achieved by implementing the Titanium plate layer. Additionally, Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) was increased to be 50% thicker, making the display tougher.

     
    The Most Powerful Processor Customized for Galaxy
    Under the hood, Galaxy Z Fold7 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy delivers performance boosts of 41% in NPU, 38% in CPU, and 26% in GPU compared to the previous generation. This power fuels Galaxy Z Fold7’s ability to process more AI experiences on-device without compromise.
     
    Ultra 200MP Camera
    Galaxy Z Fold7 now brings the best of the Galaxy’s pro-grade camera experience to a foldable, combining advanced hardware with intelligent processing for consistently stunning results. AI-enhanced imaging automatically optimizes lighting, detail and realism, so photos and videos stay sharp and vivid.
     

    Featuring the first 200MP wide-angle camera in the Galaxy Z series, it captures 4x more detail, producing images that are 44% brighter.
    The 10MP 100° camera on the main display expands the frame, so when users unfold their phone, it’s easy to capture group selfies, valuable moments and more of the world in a single shot.
    Samsung’s next generation ProVisual Engine processes images faster, enabling every photo and video to be more crisp, vibrant and full of detail.
    With Night Video, intelligent motion detection now separates moving subjects from still backgrounds to reduce noise.
    10-bit HDR provides more color depth. The result is videos with richer color, deeper contrast and more lifelike detail, no matter the time of day.

     
    Ultra AI Experience
     
    Galaxy Z Fold7 harnesses the power of the foldable display to amplify the power and convenience of AI, delivering experiences that are instinctive, adaptive and effortlessly efficient. With the new One UI 8 that is context-aware and naturally responsive, optimized for Galaxy Z Fold7’s flexible format and expansive screen offer a more intuitive and immersive way to interact with AI. There’s less jumping between apps and screens and more frictionless creativity and productivity happening seamlessly in one place.
     

    Designed as a true multimodal agent, One UI 8 seamlessly combines large-screen multitasking with intelligent tools that understand what users’ type, say and even see. And, with an AI-powered camera and privacy built into every layer, Galaxy Z Fold7 becomes a smart and secure personal assistant, ready to help anytime, anywhere.
    Launching with the all-new One UI 8 on Android 16, Galaxy Z Fold7 debuts Samsung’s latest AI-powered platform on foldables, delivering the latest Android experience straight out of the box.
    Gemini Live is now enhanced with multimodal AI that understands what users see, say and do, making it possible to seamlessly type or speak contextual questions and get answers without having to toggle back and forth between apps.
    With Circle to Search, gaming tips appear exactly when and where you need them.
    With Galaxy AI Optimized for Large Screens, Galaxy Z Fold7 delivers experiences that maximize the benefits of the expansive foldable display to boost productivity. AI Results View displays results from AI features in a separate Split View or in a Floating View, so the user’s original content remains unobstructed and visible. Users can be more efficient with Drag & Drop AI-generated content, including images and text, directly from Multi Window. With tools like Drawing Assist or Writing Assist, it’s easier than ever to move ideas and visuals, enabling a smoother creative process.
    Shots look flawless with Photo Assist, which moves, erases or enlarges objects and adjusts angles and fills in backgrounds with AI-powered precision. Users can seize vibrant expressions, including pet profiles with Portrait Studio and refine their photos using Galaxy’s enhanced Generative Edit. It offers proactive suggestions with the new Suggest Erases. Moreover, Side-by-Side Editing and Show Original enables real-time comparison of original images and edited versions on the large screen, making it easier to decide what to modify and what to keep. Audio Eraser has also been upgraded to be more intelligent and convenient.

     
    Galaxy Z Flip7 is a compact AI phone with multimodal capabilities, powered by a new FlexWindow. Small enough to slip into a pocket, yet powerful enough to deliver the handiest assistance, it melds Galaxy AI with a now edge-to-edge FlexWindow, a flagship level camera and an ultra-compact and iconic design. From intuitive voice AI to the best selfie capabilities, the Galaxy Z Flip7 is an intelligent pocket-sized companion built for seamless interaction and everyday reliability.
     

    The1-inch Super AMOLED FlexWindow is the largest ever on a Galaxy Z Flip, with edge-to-edge usability that enables users to see and do more on the cover screen.
    With 2,600 nits of peak brightness and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate on both the main display and the FlexWindow, Galaxy Z Flip7 enables ultra-fluid scrolling, streaming and gaming. Plus, the FlexWindow gets an upgrade with Vision Booster, enhancing outdoor visibility so users can stay connected wherever they are.
    The main display is a 9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, built for an ultra-smooth, immersive experience.
    Weighing just 188 grams and measuring only 13.7mm when folded, Galaxy Z Flip7 is the slimmest Galaxy Z Flip yet.
    The cover and back are protected by Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2.
    The Armor FlexHinge is thinner than the hinge on the previous generation and features a restructured design and high-strength materials for smoother folds and long-lasting durability.
    A robust Armor Aluminum Frame provides a tough exterior for resilience.

     
    Power That Lasts Longer and Works Smarter
     
    While the Galaxy Z Flip7 has been slimmed down and refined throughout, it now features a bigger battery and an even bigger display – all in a more compact form.
     

    The 4,300mAh battery is the largest ever on a Galaxy Z Flipdelivering up to 31 hours of video play time on a single charge.
    The Galaxy Z Flip7 is powered by the latest 3nm processor, customized for Galaxy and fit for today’s lifestyle with an even more powerful CPU, GPU and NPU than Galaxy Z Flip6.
    Samsung DeX comes to a Galaxy Z Flip7 for the first time, enabling it to instantly transform into a handy workstation: users can flip it open, connect to a screen and instantly get PC-like tools for enhanced multitasking.
    Powered by the newest One UI 8 and Android 16 right out of the box, it delivers true multimodal AI experiences optimized for the Flip’s iconic design, with many tasks now able to be handled right from the cover screen.
    Gemini Live is now available directly on the FlexWindow, enabling users to search for information with their voice and complete tasks – hands-free. Users getting ready for an overseas trip can just tell Gemini what they need. It can pull up flight details from Samsung Wallet, set a reminder for when to leave for the airport and even find top-rated restaurants at the user’s destination. Plus, all this information can be stored in Samsung Notes for easy access later. It’s like having a personal assistant, right on the cover screen.
    With camera sharing on Gemini Live, getting real-time help is as easy as pointing the camera. Whether packing for a trip or choosing an outfit, users can simply show Gemini what they’re looking at. Ask questions like, “Which of these outfits is better for the weather in Seoul?” Gemini will respond, just like a helpful friend would.
    Now Bar shows real-time app activity, podcast progress and alerts right on the cover screen, and it’s now integrated with even more third-party apps. A quick glance at the FlexWindow lets users check on the ETA of their ride-share, see what song is playing, peek at the latest football scores, and so much more.
    Now Brief provides even more personalized daily updates including traffic, reminders, calendar events, and fitness summaries. Users can get personalized music and video recommendations based on subscriptions and interests, as well as easily access health and wellness data pulled from Samsung Health and Galaxy Watch.
    The FlexWindow’s clock adapts and stretches to compliment a user’s wallpaper, wrapping the font around faces or objects in the image to keep the time display clear. Whether it’s a close-up selfie or a scenic skyline, the lock screen ensures the clock remains visible without disrupting the image.

     
    A Pocket-Sized Selfie Studio
     
    Galaxy Z Flip7 brings flagship-level photography and Samsung’s best selfie camera yet with Samsung’s advanced ProVisual Engine.
     

    The dual rear camera system includes a 50MP Wide and a 12MP Ultra-Wide lens, delivering flagship-level clarity in any lighting, whether capturing scenic shots or snapping high-quality selfies directly from the cover screen.
    With Enhanced Nightography, users can capture vivid photos in low-light environments through improved lighting adjustments and the removal of noise and blurred frames.
    10-bit HDR provides richer color, deeper contrast and more life-like detail in video, no matter the time of day.
    Galaxy Z Flip7 takes selfies to the next level, right from the FlexWindow. Real-Time Filters now lets users preview and perfect FlexCam shots instantly. And with the new Zoom Slider, users can quickly zoom in or out with just a swipe- making it perfect for capturing a full outfit or fitting everyone into the frame for a flawless group selfie.
    With Dual Preview, the photographer and the subject can see the composition live on the FlexWindow, helping users nail the perfect shot on the first go.
    Everyday pet moments become eye-catching shots with Portrait Studio in Photo Assist whether featuring a playful cartoon style, a quirky fisheye look or a polished, professional finish.

     
    Bringing the foldable experience to even more users, Samsung also announced Galaxy Z Flip7 FE. Compact when folded and expansive when opened, Galaxy Z Flip7 FE features a 6.7-inch Main Display for an immersive viewing experience. The 50MP FlexCam enables high-quality selfies and video in Flex Mode, letting users capture content hands-free, without even opening the device. Now Brief surfaces helpful updates – including weather, daily schedules and commute alerts – on the cover screen, in a layout optimized for Galaxy Z Flip7 FE’s compact form.
    Future-Ready Mobile Security
    As mobile experiences grow ever more intelligent and interconnected, Samsung is reinforcing the foundations that protect them – unveiling new protections for on-device AI, expanding cross-device threat detection and enhancing network security with quantum-resistant encryption. One UI 8 brings enhanced privacy to personalized AI experiences with the new Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP). KEEP creates encrypted, app-specific storage environments within the device’s secure storage area, ensuring each app can access only its own sensitive information and nothing more. With One UI 8, Samsung is advancing Knox Matrix to deliver more proactive and user-friendly protection across the Galaxy ecosystem. Furthermore, as part of its ongoing commitment to quantum-safe security, Samsung is integrating post-quantum cryptography into Secure Wi-Fi. This enhancement secures the key exchange process at the core of encrypted connections, helping ensure robust privacy even over public networks.
    Availability, Price and Offers
     
    The Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7 & Galaxy Z Flip7 FE will be available for pre-order starting today on Samsung.com, Amazon.in, Flipkart.com and all leading retail outlets across the country.
     

    Model
    Memory Storage
    Colors
    Price (INR)

    Galaxy Z Fold7
    12GB_256GB
    Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow, Jet Black
    174,999

    12GB_512GB
    186,999

    16GB_1TB
    210,999

    Galaxy Z Flip7
    12GB_256GB
    Blue Shadow, Jet Black, Coral Red
    109,999

    12GB_512GB
    121,999

    Galaxy Z Flip7 FE
    8GB_128GB
    Black, White
    89,999

    8GB_256GB
    95,999

     
     
    Consumers buying the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 through Samsung.com will have an additional color option to choose from – Mint.
     
    Pre-Order Offers
     
    Customers pre-ordering the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 will receive Free Storage Upgrade worth INR 12,000. Customers pre-ordering the Galaxy Z Flip7 FE will receive Free Storage Upgrade worth INR 6,000. Additionally, up to 24-months No Cost EMI will be available for all the three models. Consumers can also pre-order on Samsung Live at https://www.samsung.com/in/live-offers/ starting today.
     
     

    Model Name
    Offers
    No Cost EMI

    Galaxy Z Fold7
    Benefits worth INR 12K
    Up to 24 months

    INR 12K Storage Upgrade (Pre-order 256GB and get 512GB)

    Galaxy Z Flip7
    Benefits worth INR 12K
    Up to 24 months

    INR 12K Storage Upgrade (Pre-order 256GB and get 512GB)

    Galaxy Z Flip7 FE
    Benefits worth INR 6K
    Up to 24 months

    INR 6K Storage Upgrade (Pre-order 128GB and get 256GB)

     

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Samsung India Begins Pre Orders for Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7 – The Most Advanced Galaxy Z series yet

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today announced that it has begun taking pre orders for the most advanced Galaxy Z series yet – Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7.
     
    Galaxy Z Fold7 brings together the best of Galaxy design, camera functionality and AI innovation in the thinnest and lightest Galaxy Z Fold series to date. It delivers the premium performance and experience of an ultra-smartphone, while unlocking new levels of efficiency and productivity with a larger, more immersive display when unfolded.
     
    Thinnest, Lightest Galaxy Z Fold To Date
    Galaxy Z Fold7 is crafted for those who want the everyday portability and intuitive feel of a traditional smartphone, combined with the enhanced power and flexibility of a larger, unfolded display – all in one device. With its ultra-thin and light design and wider cover display, Galaxy Z Fold7 delivers a seamless on-the-go experience that makes typing and browsing effortless when it is folded.
     

    At just 215 grams, Galaxy Z Fold7 is even lighter than Galaxy S25 Ultra.
    It is just 9 mm thick when folded and 4.2 mm thick when unfolded.
    The device comes with 5-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x cover display, a wider screen with a new 21:9 aspect ratio.

     
    Most Expansive Screen on Galaxy Smartphone
    When unfolded, Galaxy Z Fold7 reveals an expansive screen that expands the workspace for editing, multitasking and immersive viewing – getting more out of Galaxy AI. The main display on Galaxy Z Fold7 is 11% larger than the previous generation, providing even more screen real estate for content editing and multitasking across multiple apps.
     

    The 8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x main display offers ultra-rich contrast, true blacks and vibrant detail that makes everything pop — from movies to tabs open while multitasking.
    With Vision Booster and up to 2,600 nits of peak brightness, Galaxy Z Fold7 stays brilliantly visible even in direct sunlight.

     
    Looks Sleek, Built Tough
    From repeated folding to being tossed in a bag, it’s engineered for everyday durability and built to last longer, with a restructured hinge and foldable display.
     

    The Armor FlexHinge is thinner and lighter, thanks to an enhanced water droplet design and newly implemented multi-rail structure that reduces visible creasing and strengthens durability by evenly dispersing stress.
    The cover display is made with Corning® Gorilla® Glass Ceramic 2, a new glass ceramic that has crystals intricately embedded within its glass matrix. This secures the screen’s durability and crack deflection capabilities and delivers protection in a remarkably thin form factor.
    Advanced Armor Aluminum in the frame and hinge housing increases strength and hardness by 10%.
    The main display is restructured to be thinner and lighter – yet stronger. This was achieved by implementing the Titanium plate layer. Additionally, Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) was increased to be 50% thicker, making the display tougher.

     
    The Most Powerful Processor Customized for Galaxy
    Under the hood, Galaxy Z Fold7 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy delivers performance boosts of 41% in NPU, 38% in CPU, and 26% in GPU compared to the previous generation. This power fuels Galaxy Z Fold7’s ability to process more AI experiences on-device without compromise.
     
    Ultra 200MP Camera
    Galaxy Z Fold7 now brings the best of the Galaxy’s pro-grade camera experience to a foldable, combining advanced hardware with intelligent processing for consistently stunning results. AI-enhanced imaging automatically optimizes lighting, detail and realism, so photos and videos stay sharp and vivid.
     

    Featuring the first 200MP wide-angle camera in the Galaxy Z series, it captures 4x more detail, producing images that are 44% brighter.
    The 10MP 100° camera on the main display expands the frame, so when users unfold their phone, it’s easy to capture group selfies, valuable moments and more of the world in a single shot.
    Samsung’s next generation ProVisual Engine processes images faster, enabling every photo and video to be more crisp, vibrant and full of detail.
    With Night Video, intelligent motion detection now separates moving subjects from still backgrounds to reduce noise.
    10-bit HDR provides more color depth. The result is videos with richer color, deeper contrast and more lifelike detail, no matter the time of day.

     
    Ultra AI Experience
     
    Galaxy Z Fold7 harnesses the power of the foldable display to amplify the power and convenience of AI, delivering experiences that are instinctive, adaptive and effortlessly efficient. With the new One UI 8 that is context-aware and naturally responsive, optimized for Galaxy Z Fold7’s flexible format and expansive screen offer a more intuitive and immersive way to interact with AI. There’s less jumping between apps and screens and more frictionless creativity and productivity happening seamlessly in one place.
     

    Designed as a true multimodal agent, One UI 8 seamlessly combines large-screen multitasking with intelligent tools that understand what users’ type, say and even see. And, with an AI-powered camera and privacy built into every layer, Galaxy Z Fold7 becomes a smart and secure personal assistant, ready to help anytime, anywhere.
    Launching with the all-new One UI 8 on Android 16, Galaxy Z Fold7 debuts Samsung’s latest AI-powered platform on foldables, delivering the latest Android experience straight out of the box.
    Gemini Live is now enhanced with multimodal AI that understands what users see, say and do, making it possible to seamlessly type or speak contextual questions and get answers without having to toggle back and forth between apps.
    With Circle to Search, gaming tips appear exactly when and where you need them.
    With Galaxy AI Optimized for Large Screens, Galaxy Z Fold7 delivers experiences that maximize the benefits of the expansive foldable display to boost productivity. AI Results View displays results from AI features in a separate Split View or in a Floating View, so the user’s original content remains unobstructed and visible. Users can be more efficient with Drag & Drop AI-generated content, including images and text, directly from Multi Window. With tools like Drawing Assist or Writing Assist, it’s easier than ever to move ideas and visuals, enabling a smoother creative process.
    Shots look flawless with Photo Assist, which moves, erases or enlarges objects and adjusts angles and fills in backgrounds with AI-powered precision. Users can seize vibrant expressions, including pet profiles with Portrait Studio and refine their photos using Galaxy’s enhanced Generative Edit. It offers proactive suggestions with the new Suggest Erases. Moreover, Side-by-Side Editing and Show Original enables real-time comparison of original images and edited versions on the large screen, making it easier to decide what to modify and what to keep. Audio Eraser has also been upgraded to be more intelligent and convenient.

     
    Galaxy Z Flip7 is a compact AI phone with multimodal capabilities, powered by a new FlexWindow. Small enough to slip into a pocket, yet powerful enough to deliver the handiest assistance, it melds Galaxy AI with a now edge-to-edge FlexWindow, a flagship level camera and an ultra-compact and iconic design. From intuitive voice AI to the best selfie capabilities, the Galaxy Z Flip7 is an intelligent pocket-sized companion built for seamless interaction and everyday reliability.
     

    The1-inch Super AMOLED FlexWindow is the largest ever on a Galaxy Z Flip, with edge-to-edge usability that enables users to see and do more on the cover screen.
    With 2,600 nits of peak brightness and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate on both the main display and the FlexWindow, Galaxy Z Flip7 enables ultra-fluid scrolling, streaming and gaming. Plus, the FlexWindow gets an upgrade with Vision Booster, enhancing outdoor visibility so users can stay connected wherever they are.
    The main display is a 9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, built for an ultra-smooth, immersive experience.
    Weighing just 188 grams and measuring only 13.7mm when folded, Galaxy Z Flip7 is the slimmest Galaxy Z Flip yet.
    The cover and back are protected by Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2.
    The Armor FlexHinge is thinner than the hinge on the previous generation and features a restructured design and high-strength materials for smoother folds and long-lasting durability.
    A robust Armor Aluminum Frame provides a tough exterior for resilience.

     
    Power That Lasts Longer and Works Smarter
     
    While the Galaxy Z Flip7 has been slimmed down and refined throughout, it now features a bigger battery and an even bigger display – all in a more compact form.
     

    The 4,300mAh battery is the largest ever on a Galaxy Z Flipdelivering up to 31 hours of video play time on a single charge.
    The Galaxy Z Flip7 is powered by the latest 3nm processor, customized for Galaxy and fit for today’s lifestyle with an even more powerful CPU, GPU and NPU than Galaxy Z Flip6.
    Samsung DeX comes to a Galaxy Z Flip7 for the first time, enabling it to instantly transform into a handy workstation: users can flip it open, connect to a screen and instantly get PC-like tools for enhanced multitasking.
    Powered by the newest One UI 8 and Android 16 right out of the box, it delivers true multimodal AI experiences optimized for the Flip’s iconic design, with many tasks now able to be handled right from the cover screen.
    Gemini Live is now available directly on the FlexWindow, enabling users to search for information with their voice and complete tasks – hands-free. Users getting ready for an overseas trip can just tell Gemini what they need. It can pull up flight details from Samsung Wallet, set a reminder for when to leave for the airport and even find top-rated restaurants at the user’s destination. Plus, all this information can be stored in Samsung Notes for easy access later. It’s like having a personal assistant, right on the cover screen.
    With camera sharing on Gemini Live, getting real-time help is as easy as pointing the camera. Whether packing for a trip or choosing an outfit, users can simply show Gemini what they’re looking at. Ask questions like, “Which of these outfits is better for the weather in Seoul?” Gemini will respond, just like a helpful friend would.
    Now Bar shows real-time app activity, podcast progress and alerts right on the cover screen, and it’s now integrated with even more third-party apps. A quick glance at the FlexWindow lets users check on the ETA of their ride-share, see what song is playing, peek at the latest football scores, and so much more.
    Now Brief provides even more personalized daily updates including traffic, reminders, calendar events, and fitness summaries. Users can get personalized music and video recommendations based on subscriptions and interests, as well as easily access health and wellness data pulled from Samsung Health and Galaxy Watch.
    The FlexWindow’s clock adapts and stretches to compliment a user’s wallpaper, wrapping the font around faces or objects in the image to keep the time display clear. Whether it’s a close-up selfie or a scenic skyline, the lock screen ensures the clock remains visible without disrupting the image.

     
    A Pocket-Sized Selfie Studio
     
    Galaxy Z Flip7 brings flagship-level photography and Samsung’s best selfie camera yet with Samsung’s advanced ProVisual Engine.
     

    The dual rear camera system includes a 50MP Wide and a 12MP Ultra-Wide lens, delivering flagship-level clarity in any lighting, whether capturing scenic shots or snapping high-quality selfies directly from the cover screen.
    With Enhanced Nightography, users can capture vivid photos in low-light environments through improved lighting adjustments and the removal of noise and blurred frames.
    10-bit HDR provides richer color, deeper contrast and more life-like detail in video, no matter the time of day.
    Galaxy Z Flip7 takes selfies to the next level, right from the FlexWindow. Real-Time Filters now lets users preview and perfect FlexCam shots instantly. And with the new Zoom Slider, users can quickly zoom in or out with just a swipe- making it perfect for capturing a full outfit or fitting everyone into the frame for a flawless group selfie.
    With Dual Preview, the photographer and the subject can see the composition live on the FlexWindow, helping users nail the perfect shot on the first go.
    Everyday pet moments become eye-catching shots with Portrait Studio in Photo Assist whether featuring a playful cartoon style, a quirky fisheye look or a polished, professional finish.

     
    Bringing the foldable experience to even more users, Samsung also announced Galaxy Z Flip7 FE. Compact when folded and expansive when opened, Galaxy Z Flip7 FE features a 6.7-inch Main Display for an immersive viewing experience. The 50MP FlexCam enables high-quality selfies and video in Flex Mode, letting users capture content hands-free, without even opening the device. Now Brief surfaces helpful updates – including weather, daily schedules and commute alerts – on the cover screen, in a layout optimized for Galaxy Z Flip7 FE’s compact form.
    Future-Ready Mobile Security
    As mobile experiences grow ever more intelligent and interconnected, Samsung is reinforcing the foundations that protect them – unveiling new protections for on-device AI, expanding cross-device threat detection and enhancing network security with quantum-resistant encryption. One UI 8 brings enhanced privacy to personalized AI experiences with the new Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP). KEEP creates encrypted, app-specific storage environments within the device’s secure storage area, ensuring each app can access only its own sensitive information and nothing more. With One UI 8, Samsung is advancing Knox Matrix to deliver more proactive and user-friendly protection across the Galaxy ecosystem. Furthermore, as part of its ongoing commitment to quantum-safe security, Samsung is integrating post-quantum cryptography into Secure Wi-Fi. This enhancement secures the key exchange process at the core of encrypted connections, helping ensure robust privacy even over public networks.
    Availability, Price and Offers
     
    The Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7 & Galaxy Z Flip7 FE will be available for pre-order starting today on Samsung.com, Amazon.in, Flipkart.com and all leading retail outlets across the country.
     

    Model
    Memory Storage
    Colors
    Price (INR)

    Galaxy Z Fold7
    12GB_256GB
    Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow, Jet Black
    174,999

    12GB_512GB
    186,999

    16GB_1TB
    210,999

    Galaxy Z Flip7
    12GB_256GB
    Blue Shadow, Jet Black, Coral Red
    109,999

    12GB_512GB
    121,999

    Galaxy Z Flip7 FE
    8GB_128GB
    Black, White
    89,999

    8GB_256GB
    95,999

     
     
    Consumers buying the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 through Samsung.com will have an additional color option to choose from – Mint.
     
    Pre-Order Offers
     
    Customers pre-ordering the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 will receive Free Storage Upgrade worth INR 12,000. Customers pre-ordering the Galaxy Z Flip7 FE will receive Free Storage Upgrade worth INR 6,000. Additionally, up to 24-months No Cost EMI will be available for all the three models. Consumers can also pre-order on Samsung Live at https://www.samsung.com/in/live-offers/ starting today.
     
     

    Model Name
    Offers
    No Cost EMI

    Galaxy Z Fold7
    Benefits worth INR 12K
    Up to 24 months

    INR 12K Storage Upgrade (Pre-order 256GB and get 512GB)

    Galaxy Z Flip7
    Benefits worth INR 12K
    Up to 24 months

    INR 12K Storage Upgrade (Pre-order 256GB and get 512GB)

    Galaxy Z Flip7 FE
    Benefits worth INR 6K
    Up to 24 months

    INR 6K Storage Upgrade (Pre-order 128GB and get 256GB)

     

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives shatters the church’s century-long effort to curate its own image

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brenton Griffin, Casual Lecturer and Tutor in History, Indigenous Studies, and Politics, Flinders University

    Hulu

    Reality TV series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives follows a number of social media influencers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who rose to prominence through social media, and particularly TikTok.

    The show is based in Utah, United States, where the church has its headquarters. But it stands in stark contrast with the stereotypical perception of Mormons – and especially Mormon women – the church has promoted for more than a century.

    Through its exploration of traditionally “taboo” topics such as sex, marital issues, mental illness and sexual abuse, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives clashes against the church’s carefully curated public image.

    Historical pariahs

    Historically, the church’s practice of polygamy placed it at odds with the mainstream sexual and familial norms of 19th century America.

    Polygamy had been practised by Mormons since at least the 1830s, and was officially announced as permissible by the church in 1852. The church now acknowledges its founder, Joseph Smith, married almost 40 women and teenage girls before his death in 1844.

    When Mormon missionaries began to proselytise throughout the world, newspapers criticised the practice, and Mormons were framed as sexual deviants and racialised “pariahs”. In other words, Mormons were presented as being racially different to the rest of white American society. This claim was even supported by doctors at the time.

    1904 Time cartoon by C.J. Rudd, captioned: ‘Mormon Elder Berry – out with his six year olds, who take after their mothers.’
    KUER/Religion of a Different Color: Mormonism and the Struggle for Whiteness’ (2017) by W. Paul Reeve.

    To Mormons, however, polygamy was a reintroduction of the correct form of marriage, and they pointed to biblical prophets to justify it.

    In 1862, the US congress passed a series of laws aimed at abolishing polygamy. This resulted in the arrest of church leaders and the confiscation of church-owned funds and properties in Utah.

    Then, in the 1870s, exposés written by former Mormons (particularly women) decried polygamy as evil, increasing hostility against Mormon leaders.

    Ann Eliza Webb Young, ex-wife of Mormon prophet Brigham Young, wrote the exposé ‘Wife No. 19, Or The Story of Life in Bondage’.
    Internet Archive Open Library

    In 1890, church leader Wilford Woodruff announced in a revelation known as the Manifesto that polygamy would cease. The Manifesto was accepted by most Mormons as the government’s harassment increased. However, breakaway groups called “fundamentalists” continued the practice.

    Today, Mormon scriptures continue to state polygamy is the correct form of marriage, and will exist in the afterlife.

    The stereotypical Mormon

    Since the ending of polygamy, the church has sought to establish itself as a moral equal to mainstream Christian norms, especially sexual norms. In 1995, it released a document titled Family: A Proclamation to the World which emphasised the view that heterosexual marriage and strict gender roles are divinely ordained.

    The 1995 official Mormon document, ‘The Family: A Proclamation to the World’.
    BYU Scholar Arcive

    As the church has grown, it has presented its members as model citizens of the nations they reside in.

    In doing so, it has promoted unique doctrines and practices, such as sexual abstinence before marriage, and a particular health code called the Word of Wisdom which bars alcohol, tea, coffee and tobacco.

    These doctrines, and existing stereotypes of Mormons, are examined in The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.

    Colliding perceptions

    The 2024 release of the series caused waves in the Latter-day Saints community, with a number of Mormon-focused publications condemning it.

    Before the show was released, the church published a general statement saying media portrayals of Mormons “often rely on sensationalism and inaccuracies that do not fairly and fully reflect the lives of our Church members”. It has yet to directly comment on the show.

    Nonetheless, the representation of Mormons in The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is problematic for the church, because it transgresses its highly curated image of Mormonism.

    As the influencers put it, there is a desire to push back against stereotypes around Mormonism, and particularly Mormon women. These stereotypes have been crystallised by the church to combat perceptions of Mormons as sexually abhorrent, due to past practices of polygamy.

    The women in the show wear clothing that would not cover “temple garments”, the mandatory Latter-day Saint undergarments which seek to impose sexual modesty.

    There is also a tongue-in-cheek acknowledgement that while the church prohibits stimulants such as tea, coffee and alcohol, Mormons within Utah and surrounds still consume other, somewhat surprising, substances. For instance, the use of ketamine in therapy is allowed when administered by a healthcare professional.

    The series also engages with topics considered taboo in the church, such as marital issues, mental health struggles and consensual sex. Even if these are being played up by the cast or producers, such discussions are lacking in broader Mormon circles.

    Importantly, there are admissions by some cast members, including one of the husbands, of being sexually abused as children. According to the cast members themselves, these disclosures are intended to empower viewers who may have had similar experiences.

    This is a powerful critique, because the Mormon church has come under intense scrutiny for its failure to properly respond to child sexual assault, both in the US and globally.

    The next steps

    The show is having a marked impact on perceptions of Mormonism, despite the church’s stance it doesn’t represent the beliefs and lifestyle of Mormons more broadly.

    For many viewers, it might be their introduction to the religion. This is concerning for adherents, and particularly for the church’s leadership.

    The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives reunion special aired earlier this month.
    Hulu

    There are internal tools the church could use against the show’s cast members, such as disciplinary councils or excommunication. But these would be ineffective since only about half the members consider themselves “faithful” Mormons.

    It’s interesting the church has yet to condemn the show. Perhaps maintaining an image of reluctant acceptance is more important, as in recent years the church has been criticised for overreach against its own members.

    In this case, the show would be an uncomfortable reality the church will just have to live with. Either way, the damage to the stereotypical Mormon image is done.

    The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is available to stream on Disney+.

    Brenton Griffin was raised as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but is no longer a practising member of the church. His research is focused on the religion’s place in Australian and New Zealand popular culture, politics, and society from the 19th century to present.

    – ref. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives shatters the church’s century-long effort to curate its own image – https://theconversation.com/the-secret-lives-of-mormon-wives-shatters-the-churchs-century-long-effort-to-curate-its-own-image-260418

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Defence spending is like insurance – how will NZ pay the higher premiums?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Hickson, Lecturer in Economics and Director, Business Taught Masters Programme, University of Canterbury

    Getty Images

    Defence spending is like insurance – you have to pay for it but you hope you never have to use it. And the higher the risk you face, the higher your premium will be.

    New Zealand has now committed to paying those higher defence insurance premiums. The government’s 2025 Defence Capability Plan, released in April, includes NZ$9 billion in extra funding over the next four years. That’s a sizable increase on a current annual budget of just under $5 billion.

    New Zealand is not alone, of course. Driven by geopolitical tensions and US President Donald Trump’s demand that other countries spend a higher proportion of their GDP on defence, global military spending rose for the tenth year in a row to US$2,718 billion in 2024, with huge increases in Europe and the Middle East.

    How much “insurance” a country should buy in the form of defence spending will vary. Too little, and it cannot respond when it needs to; too much, and resources are needlessly wasted. For New Zealand, it is a matter of finding the right balance.

    Economically, however, defence spending is more complicated than simply buying weapons and recruiting more personnel. There can be benefits beyond basic security considerations.

    One involves what economists call “technology spillovers”. Past innovations developed for military use – such as jet engines, GPS and the internet – often found important civilian applications.

    The challenge is to design defence investments to deliberately build skills and technologies with wider economic benefit: advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity or clean tech. New Zealand’s defence plan includes this kind of spending, including
    between $100 million and 300 million on cybersecurity.

    On the other hand, promises of new jobs from large projects are often overstated, with New Zealand’s best known example being the “Think Big” policy of the 1970s. Rather, there can be job substitution as people move from civilian roles into military ones.

    Guns and butter

    In the end, of course, increased defence spending must be funded – through higher taxes, more debt or reduced spending on other items. Higher GDP growth would make the expenditure more affordable, but even then we face the same tradeoffs. It’s not possible to have lower taxes and debt as well as higher government spending.

    Most of the expenditure set out in the defence plan will be on equipment. But any increase in the output of the defence industry will likely crowd out other consumer and investment goods.

    While clearly an extreme example, one only has to look at how defence spending rose during WWII. The increase in military output came at the expense of other goods, leading to shortages and rationing.

    New Zealand doesn’t face that scale of change, but there is still likely to be some shift in production from “butter to guns”. We might also see a shift in how businesses spend their research and development money, towards military and away from civilian applications.

    New Zealand does not have a large defence industry and will need to import much of the new equipment. This implies a need for higher exports to pay for those imports, meaning fewer goods for New Zealanders to consume.

    Costs and benefits

    Most countries are understandably reluctant to cut spending on health, education and other things voters care about in order to boost defence. Hence, governments can be tempted to label new expenditures as “defence” when it could otherwise be classified as “updated infrastructure”.

    Spending on dual-purpose capital works is likely to increase, therefore, with projects earmarked for defence more likely to be funded. The New Zealand defence plan already allows for housing, airfield and port facilities that can all have multiple uses.

    There are also ethical considerations. Many consumers prefer not to invest in the arms trade, but components used in weapons manufacture often have non-military uses as well.

    Similarly, many consumer items, such as phones, vehicles and food, can be purchased by the military but clearly have non-military uses. We may see more of the output of companies that also produce non-military items directed into defence.

    All of this can make it difficult to classify a company as a defence contractor, and may be challenging for large investors (such as superannuation funds) with ethical investment policies. At the same time, the cost of not investing in defence firms might also rise as demand for their products or services increases and they become better investments.

    Like people in general, countries prefer lower insurance premiums. But when risks increase, so too does the price of insurance. Voters will disagree on how much should be spent on defence, but that is largely a political question.

    What economics teaches us, however, is that if you want to reduce your insurance premium, then reduce your risk. And that is something easier said than done.

    Stephen Hickson 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. Defence spending is like insurance – how will NZ pay the higher premiums? – https://theconversation.com/defence-spending-is-like-insurance-how-will-nz-pay-the-higher-premiums-260399

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Where do giant volcanic eruptions come from? New study finds missing link to ‘blobs’ deep within Earth

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicolas Flament, Associate Professor and ARC Future Fellow, Environmental Futures, School of Science, University of Wollongong

    Volcanic eruptions at Earth’s surface have significant consequences. Smaller ones can scare tourists on Mount Etna or disrupt air traffic.

    Giant, large-scale eruptions can have more serious impacts. One such event contributed to the demise of the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. Giant volcanoes also triggered events that led to the largest mass dying on Earth, the Permian–Triassic extinction 252 million years ago).

    But what fuels a giant eruption, and how does it make its way to the surface from deep within the planet?

    In a new study published in Communications Earth and Environment, we show that columns of hot rock, which rise some 3,000 kilometres through Earth’s mantle and cause giant eruptions, are connected to continent-sized source regions we call BLOBS.

    Hidden blobs within Earth

    BLOBS are hot regions at the bottom of Earth’s mantle (between about 2,000km and 3,000km in depth) which might be composed of different material compared with the surrounding mantle rocks.

    Scientists have long known about these two hot regions under the Pacific Ocean and Africa. Geologist David Evans from Yale University suggested the acronym BLOBS, which stands for Big LOwer-mantle Basal Structures.

    These BLOBS have possibly existed for hundreds of millions of years. It is unclear whether they’re stationary or if they move around as part of mantle motion (called convection).



    Read more:
    Volcanoes, diamonds, and blobs: a billion-year history of Earth’s interior shows it’s more mobile than we thought

    Mantle plumes were the implicit link in previous studies relating BLOBS to giant volcanic eruptions. Their shape is a bit like a lollipop: the “stick” is the plume tail and the “candy” is the plume head.

    Connection between the deep mantle and Earth’s surface showing the relationship between BLOBS, mantle plumes and giant volcanic eruptions – not drawn to scale.

    Mantle plumes rise very slowly through the mantle because they transport hot solid rock, not melt or lava. At lower pressures in the uppermost 200km of Earth’s mantle, the solid rock melts, leading to eruptions.

    A long-sought relationship

    In our new study, we simulated mantle convection from 1 billion years ago and found that mantle plumes rise from moving BLOBS and can sometimes be gently tilted.

    Giant volcanic eruptions can be identified by the volume of volcanic rocks preserved at Earth’s surface. The ocean floor preserves detailed fingerprints of mantle plumes for the past 120 million years or so (there is not much seafloor older than that).

    Oceanic plateaus, such as the Ontong Java-Manihiki-Hikurangi plateau currently in the southwest Pacific Ocean, are linked to plume heads. In contrast, series of volcanoes such as the Hawaii-Emperor seamount chain and the Lord Howe seamount chain are linked to plume tails.

    We used statistics to show that the locations of past giant volcanic eruptions are significantly related to the mantle plumes predicted by our models. This is encouraging, as it suggests that the simulations predict mantle plumes in places and at times generally consistent with the geologic record.

    Model BLOBS, plume tails, and giant volcanic eruptions under the African hemisphere from 300 million years ago. BLOBS are coloured in dark red and plume tails are coloured by depth in yellow to orange tones, with warmer colours at greater depths. At the surface, the outlines of continental blocks are shown in transparent grey, and giant volcanic eruption locations are shown as green triangles.

    Are BLOBS fixed or mobile?

    We showed that the considered eruption locations fall either onto or close to the moving BLOBS predicted by our models. Eruption locations slightly outside moving BLOBS could be explained by plume tilting.

    We represented fixed BLOBS with 3D images of Earth’s interior, created using seismic waves from distant earthquakes (a technique called seismic tomography). One out of the four seismic tomographic models that we considered matched the locations of past giant volcanic eruptions, implying that the fixed BLOBS scenario cannot be ruled out for geologically recent times – the past 300 million years.

    One of the next steps for this research is to explore the chemical nature of BLOBS and plume conduits. We can do so with simulations that track the evolution of their composition.

    Our results suggest the deep Earth is dynamic. BLOBS, which are some 2,000km below Earth’s surface, move hundreds of kilometres over time, and are connected to Earth’s surface by mantle plumes that create giant eruptions.

    To take a step back and keep things in perspective: while deep Earth motions are significant over tens of millions of years, they are generally in the order of 1 centimetre per year. This means BLOBS shift at roughly the rate at which human hair grows.



    Read more:
    Where should we look for new metals that are critical for green energy technology? Volcanoes may point the way

    Nicolas Flament receives funding from the Australian Research Council, Anglo American and De Beers.

    Annalise Cucchiaro receives funding from the Australian Research Council, Anglo American and De Beers.

    – ref. Where do giant volcanic eruptions come from? New study finds missing link to ‘blobs’ deep within Earth – https://theconversation.com/where-do-giant-volcanic-eruptions-come-from-new-study-finds-missing-link-to-blobs-deep-within-earth-259804

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Earth’s ‘oldest’ impact crater is much younger than previously thought – new study

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Aaron J. Cavosie, Senior Lecturer, School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Curtin University

    Outcrops of shocked rocks from the Miralga impact structure. Aaron Cavosie

    Ever been late because you misread a clock? Sometimes, the “clocks” geologists use to date events can also be misread. Unravelling Earth’s 4.5-billion-year history with rocks is tricky business.

    Case in point: the discovery of an ancient meteorite impact crater was recently reported in the remote Pilbara region of Western Australia. The original study, by a different group, made headlines with the claim the crater formed 3.5 billion years ago. If true, it would be Earth’s oldest by far.

    As it turns out, we’d also been investigating the same site. Our results are published in Science Advances today. While we agree that this is the site of an ancient meteorite impact, we have reached different conclusions about its age, size and significance.

    Let’s consider the claims made about this fascinating crater.

    One impact crater, two versions of events

    Planetary scientists search for ancient impacts to learn about Earth’s early formation. So far, nobody has found an impact crater older than the 2.23-billion-year-old Yarrabubba structure, also in Australia. (Some of the authors from both 2025 Pilbara studies were coauthors on the 2020 Yarrabubba study.)

    The new contender is located in an area called North Pole Dome. Despite the name, this isn’t where Santa lives. It’s an arid, hot, ochre-stained landscape.

    The sun sets on the arid landscape of North Pole Dome in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
    Alec Brenner

    The first report on the new crater claimed it formed 3.5 billion years ago, and was more than 100 kilometres in diameter. It was proposed that such a large impact might have played a role in forming continental crust in the Pilbara. More speculatively, the researchers also suggested it may have influenced early life.

    Our study concludes the impact actually happened much later, sometime after 2.7 billion years ago. This is at least 800 million years younger than the earlier estimate (and we think it’s probably even younger; more on that in a moment).

    We also determined the crater was much smaller – about 16km in diameter. In our view, this impact was too young and too small to have influenced continent formation or early life.

    So how could two studies arrive at such different findings?

    Subtle clues of an impact

    The originally circular crater is deeply eroded, leaving only subtle clues on the landscape. However, among the rust-coloured basalts are unique telltale signs of meteorite impact: shatter cones.

    Outcrop photo of shatter cones in basalt at the Miralga impact structure. The black pen cap is 5cm long.
    Alec Brenner

    Shatter cones are distinctive fossilised imprints of shock waves that have passed through rocks. Their unique conical shapes form under brief but immense pressure where a meteorite strikes Earth.

    Both studies found shatter cones, and agree the site is an ancient impact.

    This new crater also needed a name. We consulted the local Aboriginal people, the Nyamal, who shared the traditional name for this place and its people: Miralga. The “Miralga impact structure” name recognises this heritage.

    Determining the timing of the impact

    The impact age was estimated by field observations, as neither study found material likely to yield an impact age by radiometric dating – a method that uses measurements of radioactive isotopes.

    Both studies applied a geological principle called the law of superposition. This states that rock layers get deposited one on top of another over time, so rocks on top are younger than those below.

    Example of the law of superposition, known as Hutton’s unconformity, at Siccar Point Scotland. The gently dipping layered rocks at the top left were deposited onto – and are therefore younger than – the nearly vertical layered rocks at the bottom right.
    Anne Burgess/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    The first group found shatter cones within and below a sedimentary layer known to have been deposited 3.47 billion years ago, but no shatter cones in younger rocks above this layer. This meant the impact occurred during deposition of the sedimentary layer.

    Their observation seemed to be a “smoking gun” for an impact 3.47 billion years ago.

    As it turns out, there was more to the story.

    Our investigation found shatter cones in the same 3.47 billion-year-old rocks, but also in younger overlying rocks, including lavas known to have erupted 2.77 billion years ago.

    Outcrop of shatter cones in 2.77-billion-year-old basalt at the Miralga impact structure. These lavas are the youngest rocks in the area we found to have shatter cones. They have distinctive holes (vesicles) representing trapped gas bubbles. The pen is 15cm long.
    Aaron Cavosie

    The impact had to occur after the formation of the youngest rocks that contained shatter cones, meaning sometime after the 2.77-billion-year-old lavas.

    At the moment, we don’t know precisely how young the crater is. We can only constrain the impact to have occurred between 2.7 billion and 400 million years ago. We’re working on dating the impact by isotopic methods, but these results aren’t yet in.

    Smaller than originally thought

    We made the first map showing where shatter cones are found. There are many hundreds over an area 6km across. From this map and their orientations, we calculate the original crater was about 16km in diameter.

    A 16km crater is a far cry from the original estimate of more than 100km. It’s too small to have influenced the formation of continents or life. By the time of the impact, the Pilbara was already quite old.

    Artist’s depiction looking northwest across the Pilbara, over the 16km-wide Miralga crater. The crater is shown 3km above the modern land surface to account for the deep erosion that has since erased it. The crater size is based on the distribution of shatter cones (inset). The cones point up and back towards the original ‘ground zero’ of the impact. Maps produced using Google Earth Studio.
    Alec Brenner

    A new connection to Mars

    Science is a self-policing sport. Claims of discovery are based on data available at the time, but they often require modification based on new data or observations.

    While it’s not the world’s oldest, the Miralga impact is scientifically unique, as craters formed in basalt are rare. Most basalts there formed 3.47 billion years ago, making them the oldest shocked target rocks known.

    Prior to impact, these ancient basalts had been chemically altered by seawater. Sedimentary rocks nearby also contain the earliest well-established fossils on Earth. Such rocks likely covered much of early Earth and Mars.

    This makes the Miralga impact structure a playground for planetary scientists studying the cratered surface (and maybe early life) of Mars. It’s an easily accessible proving ground for Mars exploration instruments and imagery, right here on Earth.

    Aaron J. Cavosie receives or has received funding from the Australian Research Council, the US National Science Foundation, and NASA.

    Alec Brenner 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. Earth’s ‘oldest’ impact crater is much younger than previously thought – new study – https://theconversation.com/earths-oldest-impact-crater-is-much-younger-than-previously-thought-new-study-259803

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • Commemorative stamp released to mark 125th birth anniversary of Syama Prasad Mookerjee

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Department of Posts, Government of India, has released a commemorative postage stamp to mark the 125th birth anniversary of Syama Prasad Mookerjee, a prominent educationist, statesman, and founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh. The unveiling ceremony was held at the Siri Fort Auditorium in the national capital, in the presence of senior government officials and distinguished guests.

    Organised by the Ministry of Culture, the event paid tribute to Mookerjee’s legacy through cultural performances, exhibitions, and a theatrical presentation. The stamp was formally released by Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology Jitendra Singh. The first stamp album was presented by Col. Akhilesh Kumar Pandey, Chief Postmaster General of the Delhi Circle.

    The programme featured patriotic instrumental performances and a theatrical act by the National School of Drama. A short documentary film and an exhibition highlighting Mookerjee’s life and contributions added depth to the occasion.

    In their addresses, the dignitaries recalled Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s pivotal role in Indian education, industry, and constitutional development. His vision for national unity and inclusive growth, rooted in Indian civilisational values, was also underscored.

    Designed by Nenu Gupta, the commemorative stamp symbolises Mookerjee’s lifelong commitment to public service and intellectual leadership. Along with the stamp, a specially designed First Day Cover and Brochure were also launched.

    The commemorative stamp and related philatelic items are now available at Philatelic Bureaus across the country and can also be purchased online at www.epostoffice.gov.in.

  • MIL-OSI: Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited Announces Closing of Approximately $5 Million Initial Public Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Hong Kong, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: ANPA) (the “Company”), a financial printing and corporate services provider which specializes in designing and printing high quality financial print materials in Hong Kong, today announced the closing of its initial public offering (“Offering”) of 1,250,000 ordinary shares at a public offering price of $4.00 per share, for total gross proceeds of $5 million to the Company before underwriting discounts and commissions. Proceeds from the Offering will be used for the incorporation of generative AI features into the Company’s service modules; the setting up of new branches and offices in the U.S. and to recruit suitable and appropriate staffs to support the Company’s expansion; potential strategic alliances with other industry players; and working capital and for other general corporate purposes.

    All of the Ordinary Shares are offered by the Company. The Offering closed on July 9, 2025 and the Ordinary Shares commenced trading on Nasdaq Capital Market on July 8, 2025 under the ticker symbol “ANPA.” The Company has granted the Underwriters an option to purchase up to 187,500 additional Ordinary Shares within 45 days of the effective date of the Company’s registration statement in relation to the Offering.

    The Offering was conducted on a firm commitment basis. Eddid Securities USA Inc. acted as the underwriter (the “Underwriter”) for the Offering. Loeb & Loeb LLP acted as counsel to the Company, and Sichenzia Ross Ference Carmel LLP acted as counsel to the Underwriter in connection with the Offering.

    A registration statement on Form F-1 relating to the Offering was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) (File Number: 333-285592) and was declared effective by the SEC on June 27, 2025. The Offering was made only by means of a prospectus, forming a part of the registration statement. Copies of the final prospectus relating to the Offering may be obtained from Eddid Securities USA Inc., 40 Wall Street, Suite 1606, New York, NY 10005. In addition, a copy of the prospectus relating to the Offering may be obtained via the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    Before you invest, you should read the prospectus and other documents the Company has filed or will file with the SEC for more complete information about the Company and the Offering. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Company’s securities, nor shall such securities be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation, or sale of any of the Company’s securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction.

    About Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited

    Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited is a financial printing and corporate services provider which specializes in designing and printing high quality financial print materials in Hong Kong. Its service portfolio covers a myriad of deliverables, mainly including listing documents, financial reports, fund documents, circulars and announcements. The Company offers to its customers a wide range of convenient and quality financial printing services, from typesetting, proofreading, translation, design and printing. In addition, it also offered advisory services such as conducting internal control assessment and environmental, social and governance performance evaluation as well as other services including provision of co-working space at its leased office.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    All statements other than statements of historical fact in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, the Company’s Offering. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and in its other filings with the SEC.

    For more information, please contact:

    Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited
    Matthew Chan, CEO
    mc@anpa.com.hk

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited Announces Closing of Approximately $5 Million Initial Public Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Hong Kong, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: ANPA) (the “Company”), a financial printing and corporate services provider which specializes in designing and printing high quality financial print materials in Hong Kong, today announced the closing of its initial public offering (“Offering”) of 1,250,000 ordinary shares at a public offering price of $4.00 per share, for total gross proceeds of $5 million to the Company before underwriting discounts and commissions. Proceeds from the Offering will be used for the incorporation of generative AI features into the Company’s service modules; the setting up of new branches and offices in the U.S. and to recruit suitable and appropriate staffs to support the Company’s expansion; potential strategic alliances with other industry players; and working capital and for other general corporate purposes.

    All of the Ordinary Shares are offered by the Company. The Offering closed on July 9, 2025 and the Ordinary Shares commenced trading on Nasdaq Capital Market on July 8, 2025 under the ticker symbol “ANPA.” The Company has granted the Underwriters an option to purchase up to 187,500 additional Ordinary Shares within 45 days of the effective date of the Company’s registration statement in relation to the Offering.

    The Offering was conducted on a firm commitment basis. Eddid Securities USA Inc. acted as the underwriter (the “Underwriter”) for the Offering. Loeb & Loeb LLP acted as counsel to the Company, and Sichenzia Ross Ference Carmel LLP acted as counsel to the Underwriter in connection with the Offering.

    A registration statement on Form F-1 relating to the Offering was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) (File Number: 333-285592) and was declared effective by the SEC on June 27, 2025. The Offering was made only by means of a prospectus, forming a part of the registration statement. Copies of the final prospectus relating to the Offering may be obtained from Eddid Securities USA Inc., 40 Wall Street, Suite 1606, New York, NY 10005. In addition, a copy of the prospectus relating to the Offering may be obtained via the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    Before you invest, you should read the prospectus and other documents the Company has filed or will file with the SEC for more complete information about the Company and the Offering. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Company’s securities, nor shall such securities be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation, or sale of any of the Company’s securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction.

    About Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited

    Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited is a financial printing and corporate services provider which specializes in designing and printing high quality financial print materials in Hong Kong. Its service portfolio covers a myriad of deliverables, mainly including listing documents, financial reports, fund documents, circulars and announcements. The Company offers to its customers a wide range of convenient and quality financial printing services, from typesetting, proofreading, translation, design and printing. In addition, it also offered advisory services such as conducting internal control assessment and environmental, social and governance performance evaluation as well as other services including provision of co-working space at its leased office.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    All statements other than statements of historical fact in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, the Company’s Offering. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and in its other filings with the SEC.

    For more information, please contact:

    Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited
    Matthew Chan, CEO
    mc@anpa.com.hk

    The MIL Network –