NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australian citizens in Iran and Israel are desperate to leave. Is the government required to help?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jane McAdam, Scientia Professor and ARC Laureate Fellow, Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law, UNSW Sydney

    As thousands of Australian citizens and permanent residents stuck in Iran and Israel continue to register for repatriation flights, the government is scrambling to find safe ways to evacuate them.

    With the airspace over both countries closed, the government is considering other ways to bring them home.

    The current plan is to charter buses from private companies to take people from Israel into neighbouring Jordan. As Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stressed: “We want to make sure people are looked after, but they need to be looked after safely as well”.

    This is not the first time Australia has faced challenges in evacuating nationals stranded abroad. When conflict, disasters or other emergencies occur overseas, the government regularly works to bring Australians home.

    In the early days of the COVID pandemic, for instance, the government arranged repatriation flights and established quarantine facilities to assist Australians who were stuck outside the country. Australia has repeatedly assisted its citizens caught in conflict zones to get back home, including from Afghanistan in 2021 and Lebanon in 2024.

    And when an earthquake devasted Vanuatu last December, Australia moved swiftly to get Australians out.

    Is Australia legally required to repatriate people?

    While there is a longstanding and widespread practice of governments repatriating their nationals in emergencies, countries generally do not have a legal responsibility to do so.

    Instead, governments’ decisions are discretionary and made on a case-by-case basis. They are often influenced by diplomatic, logistical and security considerations.

    Governments have a right – but not a duty – to provide consular assistance to their nationals abroad. This includes issuing travel documents, liaising with local authorities and, in exceptional cases, facilitating evacuations.

    The Consular Services Charter outlines what Australians abroad can expect from their government. It makes clear that while the government will do what it can, there are limits. Assistance is not guaranteed, especially in areas where Australia has no diplomatic presence or where security conditions make intervention too dangerous.

    The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is the lead agency responsible for coordinating Australians’ evacuation with embassies, airlines and international partners. Decisions to evacuate are ultimately made by the minister for foreign affairs following a recommendation, where possible, by the Inter-Departmental Emergency Task Force (IDETF).

    Repatriation efforts are guided by the Australian Government Plan for the Reception of Australian Citizens and Approved Foreign Nationals Evacuated from Overseas (AUSRECEPLAN). This arrangement that sets out a process for “the safe repatriation of Australians, their immediate dependants, permanent residents and approved foreign nationals (evacuees) following an Australian government-led evacuation in response to an overseas disaster or adverse security situation”. It outlines how federal, state and territory agencies coordinate to receive and support evacuees once they arrive in Australia, ensuring that returns are not only swift, but also safe and orderly.

    Challenges and constraints

    Repatriation during a crisis is a complex undertaking. Quite aside from the emergency conditions, which may close off usual travel options or routes, the Australian government cannot force another country to allow an evacuation. It also cannot guarantee safe passage, especially in conflicts.

    Identifying and communicating with citizens overseas can also be tricky, often requiring people to have self-registered with consular authorities to receive updates. In addition, consular services may be strained when embassies and consular offices have closed, as is the case in Israel and Iran.

    For these reasons, countries sometimes band together to assist each other. For instance, Australia and Canada have agreed that where one has a consular presence but the other does not, they will help to repatriate the other’s citizens.

    Similarly, the United States helped evacuate Australians and other allies’ nationals from Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover in 2021. Countries in the European Union can activate a special regional mechanism to facilitate the repatriation of their citizens caught up in emergencies abroad.

    In exceptional circumstances, countries have sometimes extracted their stranded nationals through military operations, known as “non-combatant evacuation operations” (NEOs). This involves the military temporarily occupying a location on foreign soil to evacuate people. Some recent examples include the large-scale evacuations of foreign nationals from Afghanistan in 2021, Sudan during the civil war that began in 2023 and Lebanon during the 2024 Israeli–Hezbollah conflict.

    NEOs generally require the consent of the country from where the evacuation takes place, but their precise legal basis remains ambiguous under international law.

    In all cases, the evacuation of nationals is operationally complex – as exemplified by the current situation in Iran and Israel. Countries with limited resources may struggle to repatriate their nationals at all. This can mean some foreign nationals are “rescued”, while others are left behind.

    And, of course, local populations generally aren’t eligible for evacuation at all. This can leave people in extremely dangerous circumstances.

    That is why we have proposed the creation of an Australian framework for humanitarian emergencies that, among other things, would facilitate the safe and swift departure of certain non-citizens at particular risk. This would underscore that Australia’s approach to evacuations is, at its heart, about protecting people during crises.

    Jane McAdam receives funding from the Australian Research Council (ARC) and is the Director of the ARC Evacuations Research Hub at the Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law, UNSW Sydney.

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

    – ref. Australian citizens in Iran and Israel are desperate to leave. Is the government required to help? – https://theconversation.com/australian-citizens-in-iran-and-israel-are-desperate-to-leave-is-the-government-required-to-help-259272

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – Gooooal! CommBank and Football Australia sign landmark deal to lift Australia’s biggest game to new heights

    Source: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CommBank)

    CommBank becomes the largest supporter of football in Australia’s history sponsoring the game at all levels and abilities, and extending its support of Australia’s most played team sport.1

    CommBank and Football Australia today announced a ground-breaking investment in the world game, and Australia’s most played team sport, for the next six years.

    With this agreement, CommBank will become Football Australia’s major sponsor at all levels. In addition to the existing sponsorship of the CommBank Matildas, the 2024 IFCPF Women’s World Cup Champions the ParaMatildas, and the Pararoos, CommBank will become the naming rights partner of the Socceroos, and the Emerging Matildas and Emerging Socceroos Championships.

    CommBank’s investment will place an emphasis on keeping young people engaged in the sport from grassroots to elite levels. The support of the Emerging Socceroos Championships and Emerging Matildas Championships will be a significant boost for Australia’s premier youth tournaments and talent identification pipeline for young players, creating greater professional pathways for the next generation of CommBank Matildas and Socceroos.

    This agreement is an extension of the success achieved during CommBank and Football Australia’s initial partnership, particularly in the Bank’s sponsorship of the CommBank Matildas. Since the beginning of the partnership in 2021, women’s and girls’ football participation has increased by 27 per cent,2 and CommBank Matildas game attendance is up more than 100 per cent, including a run of 17 sold-out matches in a row from 2023 to 2024.3 Through CommBank’s Growing Football Fund, over 230 grassroots clubs and associations have received grants of up to $5000 to support initiatives and programs.

    The expanded CommBank and Football Australia partnership is a commitment to supporting all Australians regardless of age, gender, ability or location participate in the most played team sport in the country.

    CommBank CEO, Matt Comyn, said: “With the Socceroos facing the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026™, and the CommBank Matildas preparing for the Australian-hosted AFC Women’s Asia Cup™, there has never been a more exciting time to be a fan of football in Australia.

    “When we partnered with Football Australia as naming rights sponsors of the CommBank Matildas, they were about to embark on a history making international campaign, and what an incredible amount they’ve achieved for Australian football and women’s sport since 2021.

    “This six-year extension, combined with our previous four years, will result in a 10-year partnership. We hope this long-term commitment will help drive positive and lasting change for the game, players and communities.

    “CommBank is proud to play our part in extending the incredible growth we’ve seen in the female game over the past few years into all facets of the game, including the men’s, para athletes and youth competitions – we are committed to promoting supporting inclusivity, keeping communities connected, and ensuring a brighter future for all.”

    Interim CEO of Football Australia, Heather Garriock, said: “We are beyond delighted to take this next step in our relationship with CommBank and continue with our joint purpose of creating a game that is accessible to and loved by all Australians.

    “CommBank have been incredible partners since 2021 – in the four years since, we have together taken the women’s and para games from strength to strength, and we cannot wait to extend this success into other programs.

    “This is so much more than a sponsorship agreement, it is a values-aligned business partnership through which we will innovate and support each other in many ways – with a core aim of improving the lives of Australians through the world game right across the country. We look forward to embarking on this next step in our journey together.”

    Commencing from 1 September 2025, the partnership between CBA and Football Australia will include, but is not limited to:

    Official Banking Partner of Football Australia
    Official Naming Rights Partner of the CommBank Matildas
    NEW Official Naming Rights Partner of the CommBank Socceroos (Sep 1, 2025)
    Official Naming Rights Partner of the U23 Matildas
    Official Naming Rights Partner of the CommBank Young Matildas
    Official Naming Rights Partner of the CommBank Junior Matildas
    NEW Official Naming Rights Partner of the CommBank Olyroos
    NEW Official Naming Rights Partner of the CommBank Young Socceroos
    NEW Official Naming Rights Partner of the CommBank Joeys
    Official Naming Rights Partner of the CommBank ParaMatildas
    Official Naming Rights Partner of the CommBank Pararoos
    Official Bank of the Matildas
    Official Bank of the of the U23 Matildas
    Official Bank of the Junior Matildas
    Official Bank of the Young Matildas
    NEW Official Bank of the Socceroos
    NEW Official Bank of the Olyroos
    NEW Official Bank of the Young Socceroos
    NEW Official Bank of the Joeys
    Official Bank of the CommBank ParaMatildas
    Official Bank of the CommBank Pararoos
    Official Partner of Female Football Week
    Presenting Partner of Matildas Fan Days
    NEW Presenting Partner of Socceroos Fan Days
    NEW Presenting Partner of the Socceroos and Matildas Player Mascots
    Financial Wellbeing Partner of Football Australia
    NEW Official Naming Rights Partner of the Emerging Matildas Championships
    NEW Official Naming Rights Partner of the Emerging Socceroos Championships
    Official Partner of the Growing Football Fund
    Official Partner of Coles Miniroos

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi’s attendance at 2nd China-Central Asia Summit renews friendship, charts course for development: Chinese FM

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

    Xi’s attendance at 2nd China-Central Asia Summit renews friendship, charts course for development: Chinese FM

    BEIJING, June 18 — Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the second China-Central Asia Summit in the Kazakh capital of Astana, where he renewed traditional friendship and drew a blueprint for development with heads of state of the five Central Asian countries, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday.

    Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks while briefing reporters on the conclusion of Xi’s trip.

    In Astana, Xi and the Central Asian leaders have discussed cooperation plans and achieved more than 100 cooperation outcomes, Wang said.

    Wang noted that the most prominent highlight of this summit is Xi’s announcement of the China-Central Asia Spirit, which connotes four aspects of practices, namely practicing mutual respect and treating each other as equals; seeking to deepen mutual trust and enhancing mutual support; pursuing mutual benefit and win-win cooperation and striving for common development; helping each other in time of need and standing together through thick and thin.

    The Central Asian leaders unanimously agreed to uphold this spirit, he added.

    Wang said that China and the five Central Asia countries are all developing countries and have always been partners on the path of modernization.

    The most distinctive theme at the summit is that the six heads of state together designated 2025 and 2026 as the Years of High-Quality Development of China-Central Asia Cooperation, said Wang.

    All parties will focus their cooperation on the six priority areas of smooth trade, industrial investment, connectivity, green mining, agricultural modernization and personnel exchanges to strive for more tangible outcomes, he said.

    Xi, together with the heads of state of the five Central Asian countries, witnessed the signing of an action plan for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, Wang said, noting that this is the first time that China signed Belt and Road cooperation documents with all countries in a neighboring region as a whole.

    China is the most important trade and investment partner of Central Asian countries, said Wang. All parties agreed that there is no winner in tariff wars or trade wars, and unilateralism and protectionism will lead nowhere, he noted.

    In response to the urgent desire of Central Asia for revitalization and boosting self-development capacities, Xi announced the establishment of three cooperation centers, i.e. on poverty reduction, on education exchange, and on desertification prevention and control, under the China-Central Asia cooperation framework, pledging to provide 3,000 training opportunities to Central Asian countries in the next two years, Wang said.

    The most important pioneering initiative in this summit is the signing of a treaty on eternal good-neighborliness, friendship and cooperation by the heads of state of the six countries to enshrine the principle of everlasting friendship in the form of law, which demonstrates that political mutual trust between China and Central Asian countries has reached a new height, Wang noted.

    During the summit, China and Central Asian countries reached a series of new cooperation outcomes in areas including subnational cooperation, personnel exchanges, educational exchanges and cultural tourism, among others, he said.

    The heads of state of the six countries witnessed the signing of multiple sister city agreements, thus the pairs of sister cities between China and the five Central Asian countries have exceeded 100, fulfilling the goal of an initiative proposed by Xi three years ago, Wang added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police incident in Mt Roskill

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police have closed a section of White Swan Road in Mt Roskill in response to an ongoing family harm incident.

    Cordons are in place between the intersections with Ellis Ave and Richardson Road.

    Police are attempting to engage with an individual in a nearby residence.

    The community can be reassured the matter is contained, and there is no wider risk.

    Further updates will follow when information is available.

    ENDS.

    Nicole Bremner/NZ Police 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Travis AFB sends KC-46 across the Pacific to train with Misawa F-16s 

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — This past week, aircrews assigned to the 9th Air Refueling Wing and 60th Air Mobility Wing flew a KC-46A Pegasus to Misawa Air Base, Japan, showcasing the indispensable role of air refueling during an off-station training in support of F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 14th Fighter Squadron (FS).

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray, DeLauro, Scott, Baldwin Call on Department of Education to Immediately Cease Illegal Plan to Transfer Career and Technical Education Program Responsibilities to Labor Department

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    As McMahon and Trump attempt to illegally dismantle ED, top lawmakers call on McMahon to follow the explicit mandates in key authorizing and appropriations laws—ensuring essential educational programs are faithfully administered for students nationwide

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee; Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee; Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA-03), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce; and Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, sent a letter to Department of Education (ED) Secretary Linda McMahon calling out the Department’s illegal efforts to attempt to transfer responsibility over career and technical education (CTE) programs to the Department of Labor (DOL).

    “We write to express our deep opposition to attempts, including the Interagency Agreement (IAA) dated May 21st, to move the administration of any aspect of career and technical education (CTE) programs authorized under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 or the adult education programs authorized under the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act in Title II of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act from the Department of Education to the Department of Labor,” write the lawmakers, noting that: “Perkins CTE and adult education are education programs whose purpose is to expand educational opportunities to youth and adults. Any attempt to move these programs to Labor would fundamentally alter the purposes of those programs and risk turning them into short-term job training programs, no different than those that are funded under WIOA. Most importantly, it would upend decades of work that took place at the state and local level to embed CTE programs into secondary and postsecondary offerings and improve the quality of CTE and adult education.”

    The lawmakers noted that in addition to being illegal, ED’s attempt to transfer administration of grant funding for CTE programs to DOL while maintaining some policy functions at ED would actually create more inefficiency and trouble for everyone who depends on the programs: “This likely would mean states, institutions of higher education, and school districts would have to work with two federal agencies in the administration of these programs, leading to delays in agency decision-making and grant administration. This will likely lead to increased inefficiency in the administration of these important programs.”

    “We have a simple demand: to follow our nation’s education and appropriations laws as Congress wrote them. Congress authorized the Department of Education to carry out Perkins career and technical education programs and adult education programs, and Congress annually appropriates funding to the Department of Education to carry out these programs,” state the lawmakers. “Should the Trump Administration have ideas for changing which agency should administer the federal career and technical education program, then the administration needs to propose its ideas to Congress for full and fair consideration through the normal legislative process. In the meantime, we urge you to cease plans to implement this IAA immediately and implement CTE and adult education programs as specified in authorizing and annual appropriations laws.”

    The full letter is available HERE and below:

    The Honorable Linda McMahon

    Secretary

    U.S. Department of Education

    400 Maryland Avenue, SW

    Washington, DC  20202

    Dear Secretary McMahon:

    We write to express our deep opposition to attempts, including the Interagency Agreement (IAA) dated May 21st, to move the administration of any aspect of career and technical education (CTE) programs authorized under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006[1] (Perkins) or the adult education programs authorized under the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act in Title II of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)[2] from the Department of Education to the Department of Labor (Labor). Congress authorized the Department of Education to carry out career and technical education programs, most recently with the bipartisan reauthorization of Perkins in 2018 and adult education programs in WIOA. Congress also appropriates funding annually, on a bipartisan basis, to the Department of Education to carry out career and technical education programs and adult education programs. You have also acknowledged in congressional testimony, that only Congress is responsible for determining whether to dismantle the Department of Education and its programs. We write to remind you that it is not within your authority to move the administration of these programs to any other agency. Perkins CTE and adult education are education programs whose purpose is to expand educational opportunities to youth and adults. Any attempt to move these programs to Labor would fundamentally alter the purposes of those programs and risk turning them into short-term job training programs, no different than those that are funded under WIOA. Most importantly, it would upend decades of work that took place at the state and local level to embed CTE programs into secondary and postsecondary offerings and improve the quality of CTE and adult education. 

    Congress passed the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act in 2018 to reauthorize Perkins and clearly vested responsibility for administering the law to the Department of Education.[3] The law also vests the Secretary of Education with various responsibilities, including: allotting funds to States;[4] rulemaking under the law;[5] assisting States in establishing State-determined levels of performance required under the law;[6] carrying out numerous reporting requirements;[7] making grants to outlying areas;[8] making grants to Indian tribes, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiian organizations;[9] reviewing and approving State plans;[10] working with States to implement improvement activities;[11] withholding a portion of an eligible agency’s allotment if the agency is not properly implementing improvement activities;[12] waiving distribution rules for Perkins formula dollars under certain circumstances;[13] and enforcing maintenance of effort requirements;[14] among other activities. But the law does not contain any provisions that would permit you to offload your responsibilities to another agency.

    Additionally, Congress authorized the Secretary of Education to carry out adult education programs in Title II of WIOA. As part of that title, Congress directed the Secretary to undertake various responsibilities in administering the adult education programs, including awarding grants to eligible agencies;[15] determining allotments for formula disbursements;[16] awarding grants to outlying areas;[17] carrying out fiscal management provisions;[18] enforcing supplement not supplant and maintenance of effort provisions;[19] carrying out national leadership activities;[20] awarding grants to state for integrated literacy and civics education;[21] and carrying out certain reporting requirements.[22] WIOA Title II does not contain any provisions that would permit you to offload your responsibilities to another agency.

    Congress also passes annual, bipartisan appropriations that provide funding to the Department of Education to carry out the Perkins career and technical education programs and the WIOA Title II adult education programs. As part of that annual appropriations process, Congress does not provide affirmative authority to the Department of Education to transfer career and technical education funding or adult education funding to Labor. In fact, the only transfer authority provided to the Department of Education by the annual appropriations bill is the authority to transfer one percent of discretionary funds between education appropriations accounts, so long as no such appropriation is increased by more than three percent by any such transfer.[23] Such a limited transfer within the Department of Education is not what you are contemplating here.[24] Moreover, transfers of any other type, including the type contemplated by the Department’s May 21st  IAA with the Department of Labor, are prohibited by section 512 of Division D of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (and maintained by the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025), which states, “None of the funds made available in this Act may be transferred to any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States Government, except pursuant to a transfer made by, or transfer authority provided in, this Act or any other appropriation Act.”[25] As with the authorizing statutes, the annual appropriations process clearly requires the Department of Education to carry out both Perkins career and technical education programs and adult education programs.

    In testimony to Congress, you have stated that you will follow the law.[26] In May, before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies, you testified that only Congress can abolish the Department of Education and end its functions, stating about you and President Trump, “We both know and understand that the Department of Education cannot be closed unless Congress votes to do that.”[27] But, troublingly, you also said about the Department that, “It is actually a pass-through mechanism for funding that is appropriated by Congress. And whether the channels of that funding are through HHS or whether they’re funneled through the DOJ, or whether they’re funneled through Treasury or SBA or other departments, the work is going to continue to get done.”[28]

    Respectfully, federal agencies are not interchangeable entities that simply hand out money to states and localities. Instead, each agency provides its own specific expertise in the administration of federal programs, in this case education programs. The Department of Education has the expertise in working with state educational agencies, institutions of higher education, and local school districts in the administration of these programs. Schools in local communities and state educational agencies rely on the guidance and technical expertise from the educational experts at the Department of Education to carry out these programs. Congress recognizes the expertise that specific agencies provide and very deliberately decides which agency to vest authority with when passing laws. Congress was similarly clear in 2018, when it vested the Department of Education with the authority to carry out Perkins career and technical education programs and did not provide any mechanism in the law for the Department to transfer that authority to another agency.

    The May 21 IAA flies in the face of laws enacted by Congress, annual appropriations requirements, and practice in states. The IAA also seems to purport to transfer the administration of grant funding for CTE and adult education programs to the Department of Labor, while maintaining some policy functions for CTE and adult education programs at your Department. This likely would mean states, institutions of higher education, and school districts would have to work with two federal agencies in the administration of these programs, leading to delays in agency decision-making and grant administration.  This will likely lead to increased inefficiency in the administration of these important programs.

    We have a simple demand – to follow our nation’s education and appropriations laws as Congress wrote them. Congress authorized the Department of Education to carry out Perkins career and technical education programs and adult education programs and Congress annually appropriates funding to the Department of Education to carry out these programs. Relying on interagency agreements drafted behind closed doors with no notice to the lawmakers who are responsible for the authorization and appropriations for these programs  cannot be considered “working with Congress” as one of your staff recently claimed you were doing on this matter.[29] Should the Trump Administration have ideas for changing which agency should administer the federal career and technical education program, then the administration needs to propose its ideas to Congress for full and fair consideration through the normal legislative process. In the meantime, we urge you to cease plans to implement this IAA immediately and implement CTE and adult education programs as specified in authorizing and annual appropriations laws. If you continue to flout the very clear reading of the law in this case, it will affirm deep concerns we have about how you will faithfully execute all laws you are tasked with carrying out as the Secretary of Education. 

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Growing Chinese market offers greater stability, opportunity to world economy

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

    From durian plantations to iron ore mines, producers around the world are placing their bets on China’s consumption boom.

    As the world’s second-largest importer, China boasts a vast market of 1.4 billion increasingly prosperous individuals. This market is offering much-needed stability amid subdued global growth and rising protectionism and unilateralism.

    Vendors transport packaged durians at Haijixing Market, a large wholesale fruit market, in Nanning, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, April 25, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

    As China strives to stimulate domestic demand across the board while expanding voluntary and unilateral opening up in an orderly manner, its vast market will create more opportunities and choices for the world.

    A market too big to ingnore 

    A freshly harvested durian in Malaysia can now land on a Chinese plate within a day — a logistic sprint to satisfy China’s growing appetite for the “king of fruits.”

    Eyeing a bigger slice of the multi-billion-U.S. dollar market in China, the Southeast Asian country began exporting fresh durian to China last August, adding to its existing trade in frozen pulp and processed products.

    “Over 70 percent of Malaysia’s durian exports went to China between 2017 and 2023,” said Edwyn Chiang, secretary general of the Malaysia International Durian Industry Development Association.

    The durian frenzy in China, the world’s top consumer of the spiky fruit, epitomizes the nation’s broad import appetite. From Brazilian soybeans to German machinery, the breadth of China’s consumption continues to buoy global trade even as other engines sputter.

    Boosting imports is critical to China’s high-quality development. By bringing in high-quality foreign goods and services, they not only directly meet domestic production and consumption needs, but also stimulate market competition, elevate overall supply standards, and ultimately fulfill people’s aspirations for better lives, said Yu Chunhai, a professor at Renmin University of China.

    An anchor of stability 

    Nearly half a world away, in Nyagatare, a district in Rwanda’s eastern province, the sun beats down on the vibrant chili fields of Gashora Farm PLC, where a story of cooperation and prosperity is unfolding.

    The farm’s link to the Chinese market began in 2018 when Managing Director Dieudonne Twahirwa attended the China International Import Expo in Shanghai. “The Chinese market is enormous. We saw strong demand for Rwandan dried chili,” Twahirwa said.

    In 2024, the Gashora Farm partnered China’s Hunan Modern Agriculture International Development Co., Ltd. to launch the Rwanda-Hunan Chili Pepper Industry Demonstration Project. Under a contract farming model, the project covers 100 hectares and spans the entire value chain — from seedling cultivation to export. In the first season following the signing of the deal, 200 tonnes of dried chili were shipped to China.

    “The Chinese market offers more than orders. It brings stability and investment,” said Twahirwa.

    Chili is among the growing number of African products entering the Chinese market. In the first five months of 2025, China’s imports of African coffee, cocoa beans and frozen strawberries surged 145.7 percent, 88.6 percent, and 82 percent, respectively, according to Chinese customs data.

    “China’s expanding imports directly benefit other countries by creating more trade opportunities. For instance, more African products are entering the Chinese market thanks to China’s favorable trade policy for the region,” said Bai Ming, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation.

    China has recently announced that it is ready to negotiate and sign the agreement of China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development to implement the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines for 53 African countries that have diplomatic relations with China.

    Challenges remain 

    Despite China’s huge potential to expand imports, challenges and difficulties remain due to the uncertainty of international trade policies and slowing global economic growth, experts cautioned. This trend is evident in the recent decline of imports into China.

    Commenting on the decline of imports in May, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) spokesperson Fu Linghui said at a press conference early this week that slowing global trade growth inevitably affected China’s import growth and the restrictive trade measures by some countries also had adverse effects on imports. The drop in international commodity prices, meanwhile, also impacted import data. In the first five months of 2025, the average prices of China’s imported iron ore, crude oil, coal and soybeans all decreased.

    As China makes efforts to promote economic restructuring and consumption-led growth, Bai noted that it would be an exaggeration to say that the decline in imports in recent months indicates weak progress in China’s transition toward consumption-driven growth.

    The latest NBS data showed that China’s consumer spending in May posted its strongest growth in nearly 18 months, with retail sales of consumer goods expanding 6.4 percent year on year in May, a 1.3-percentage-point increase from April.

    Bai said China’s import expansion would also hinge on the availability of high-quality and price-friendly foreign products, and whether foreign supplies can match the country’s consumption needs. He added that some countries’ restrictive measures on exports to China further complicated the matter. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Popular period-tracking apps can hold years of personal data – new NZ research finds mixed awareness of risk

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anna Friedlander, PhD Candidate in Sociology, University of Waikato

    Shutterstock/Krotnakro

    Period-tracking apps are popular digital tools for a range of menstrual, reproductive and general health purposes. But the way these apps collect and use data involves risk.

    Many apps encourage users to log information well beyond their menstrual cycle, including sexual activity, medications, sleep quality, exercise, social activity and perimenopause symptoms. As well as this logged data, apps often collect location and other personally identifiable information.

    Period tracking apps may pose a particularly high risk in places where abortion is illegal because user data may be accessed by law enforcement on request.

    Our new research examines how aware app users in Aotearoa New Zealand are of these risks. We found a range of levels of understanding and perspectives on risk, from untroubled to concerned and deeply worried about the implications of digital tracking for reproductive rights.

    Privacy, data and risk

    The first period-tracking app was released in 2013. Since then, hundreds of such apps have been created, with collectively hundreds of millions of downloads worldwide.

    A recent analysis found app downloads are particularly prevalent in North America, Europe, Australia and Aotearoa. The same study found three apps – Flo, Clue and Period Tracker – make up the majority of downloads.

    Some period apps can link to and import information from other apps and wearables. For example, Clue can link to and import information from the Oura smart ring and Apple Health, both of which gather personal health metrics. Flo can similarly import information from other health apps.

    A recent analysis of period app privacy policies found they often collect a range of personally identifiable information.

    Personal health data flows to third parties

    Some participants in our research have used an app for a decade or longer. This means the app holds a comprehensive database of years of intimate health data and other personal information, including some which they may not have chosen to provide.

    This data can be used by a range of third parties in commercial, research or other applications, sometimes without app users’ explicit knowledge or consent. One study found many period apps exported more data than was declared in privacy policies, including to third parties.

    Another study reported that apps changed privacy policies without obtaining user consent. Apps can also infer sensitive information not explicitly logged by users by combining data.

    In 2021, Flo reached a settlement with the US Federal Trade Commission on charges over its sharing of user data with marketing and analytics companies without user consent.

    App privacy policies often state that user data may be accessed by law enforcement on request, which is a major concern in places where abortion is illegal. Users may explicitly log the start and end of pregnancies, but pregnancy can also be inferred or predicted using other data. In some cases, period app data may therefore reveal a user’s miscarriage or abortion.

    Making sense of the risk in New Zealand

    Our exploration of user attitudes about the risk of period-tracking apps has revealed that about half of participants were unconcerned about their data. Some imagined positive uses for their data, such as improving the app or contributing to reproductive healthcare research. These potential uses are often highlighted by period-tracking apps in marketing materials.

    Other participants were concerned about their data. Some had risk minimisation strategies, including limiting what information they logged. Concerned participants were often resigned to uncontrolled uses of their data.

    One said:

    [there’s] no such thing as private data these days.

    Another thought that:

    everyone that does anything online […] is kind of accepting the fact that your data is being potentially accessed and used by third parties. It’s just kind of where it is now.

    About a third of participants in our study contextualised their concerns with respect to reproductive rights and abortion access, especially since the 2022 overturn of Roe v Wade in the US.

    Others wondered if what happened in the US could happen in New Zealand. One participant referenced concepts such as rangatiratanga and mana motuhake (self determination) when thinking about period app data. She said:

    I worry about the politics that happen overseas coming here to Aotearoa […] knowing that I don’t have full control or rangatiratanga over the data I provide .  I worry for all users about what this information can be used for in future, as much as we like to say ‘this is New Zealand, that would never happen here’, we have no idea.

    With gender and reproductive rights at risk around the world, such concerns are reasonable and justified.

    Study participants used period-tracking apps for diverse reasons, including to plan for periods, to track pain and communicate it to doctors, to help get pregnant, and to learn about their bodies. Some participants told us that using period apps was empowering. Some perceived period apps as risky, with limits to how they can mitigate the risk.

    Menstruators shouldn’t have to trade data privacy and security in order to access the benefits of period-tracking apps. Legislators and policy makers should understand the benefits and risks and ensure strong data protections are in place.

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

    – ref. Popular period-tracking apps can hold years of personal data – new NZ research finds mixed awareness of risk – https://theconversation.com/popular-period-tracking-apps-can-hold-years-of-personal-data-new-nz-research-finds-mixed-awareness-of-risk-258920

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russia is becoming a notable partner of China in the economy – Russian President V. Putin

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    St. Petersburg, June 19 /Xinhua/ — Russia is becoming a significant economic partner of China, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in response to a question from Xinhua News Agency Director General Fu Hua during a meeting with heads of international news agencies on the sidelines of the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, which is being held in St. Petersburg from June 18 to 21.

    “Russia is becoming a very visible partner for the People’s Republic of China in the economic sphere,” he noted.

    According to V. Putin, the volume of bilateral trade turnover of 240 billion US dollars is decent. In addition, Russia and China have planned investment projects worth 200 billion dollars. “And they are all realistic, they will all be implemented, I have no doubts,” he said.

    At the same time, the Russian President emphasized that the expansion of Russia’s economic cooperation with China is not connected with “some kind of turn” toward Asia. According to him, this is a natural direction of cooperation, and relations with China were not built yesterday. “This is not a matter of opportunism. All this is happening to a large extent, I must say frankly, due to the growth in the volume and quality of the Chinese economy, and, I hope, the growth in the volume and quality of the Russian economy,” the Russian leader added.

    Speaking about the priorities of bilateral cooperation, V. Putin named the financial sphere. “We need to ensure, of course, reliable financial flows that ensure growing volumes of trade turnover,” he said.

    The Russian President also spoke about the need to focus more on high-tech areas: the construction of heavy helicopters, space, and aircraft manufacturing. He praised China’s achievements in information technology. “I was surprised and pleased when the Chinese achieved simply demonstratively outstanding results in the development of artificial intelligence. It turned out to be 10 times cheaper than our competitors, and 10 times more effective – this is the result that our Chinese friends have achieved,” he noted.

    As V. Putin emphasized, military-technical cooperation is developing between Russia and China, which, according to him, is extremely important in order to “guarantee stability in world affairs.” “We have a whole plan for cooperation in this area, and the Ministry of Defense has its own plans for interaction. We regularly conduct exercises and will conduct them this year,” the president said.

    The Russian leader also declared his readiness to exchange military technologies with China. “We know about the wishes of our Chinese friends. This is not just about buying and selling, but about exchanging technologies. We are ready for this and will work in all directions,” he concluded. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update: Riccarton death not suspicious

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police can now advise that the death of a woman in Leslie Hills Drive, Riccarton yesterday was not suspicious.

    The woman was located critically injured in a car park, likely as a result of a medical event, and tragically died while being transported to hospital.

    A scene guard that was in place in the car park has been stood down and the woman’s death will be referred to the Coroner.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Willis launches Zest Insurance, a digital revolution for Australian SMEs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MELBOURNE, Australia, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Willis, a WTW business (NASDAQ: WTW), today launches Zest Insurance, a cutting-edge digital insurance platform tailored specifically for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Australia.

    Zest Insurance represents a bold step forward in the digital transformation of SME insurance. It offers a seamless, fast and intuitive online experience backed by expert broker support. Designed to meet the evolving needs of modern business owners, Zest Insurance empowers SMEs to purchase, manage and renew their insurance policies entirely online.

    James Baum, Head of Pacific, WTW says: “The launch of Zest Insurance comes at a pivotal time for the Australian SME market. With 97% of businesses having 20 or fewer employees, the platform is poised to serve a vast and growing segment of the market. Zest Insurance aims to bridge the gap between traditional insurance models and the digital expectations of modern SME owners.”

    Brent Lehmann, Head of Commercial & Affinity, Pacific at Willis, adds: “SMEs are the backbone of the Australian economy, yet many still face outdated, complex processes when it comes to insurance. They increasingly demand convenience, speed and tailored insurance solutions. Zest Insurance is our answer to that challenge, bringing together digital convenience and trusted expertise in one powerful platform. It aims to make purchasing business insurance more straightforward for small business owners.”

    The Australian SME market, valued at over AUD 9 billion in gross written premium, has been slower to adopt digital insurance solutions compared to global counterparts. Zest Insurance aims to close that gap by offering:

    • A fully digital customer journey – from insurance quote to bind, renewal, and policy management, all conducted online.
    • Industry-specific insurance solutions – with one dedicated insurer per industry to ensure tailored coverage to protect businesses.
    • User-friendly design – intuitive forms and interfaces built to enhance and simplify the customer experience.
    • Insurance broker support on demand – expert advice available when needed, ensuring confidence and clarity.

    Zest Insurance will be available initially to businesses in the administration and support services industry, including bookkeepers, payroll services, management and marketing consultants, market research firms and more, with plans to expand industry offerings in future phases. Zest Insurance policies for this first industry will be exclusively underwritten by Chubb, a world leader in insurance.

    James adds: “We’ve built Zest Insurance to be more than just a platform. It’s a new way of thinking about SME insurance. It’s about simplicity, transparency and putting the customer first. Together, we’re setting a new standard for SME insurance, starting in Australia.”

    For more information, visit: www.zestinsurance.com.

    About WTW

    At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce and maximize performance.

    Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success—and provide perspective that moves you. Learn more at wtwco.com.

    Media contact

    Clara Goh: +65 6958 2542
    clara.goh@wtwco.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Willis launches Zest Insurance, a digital revolution for Australian SMEs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MELBOURNE, Australia, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Willis, a WTW business (NASDAQ: WTW), today launches Zest Insurance, a cutting-edge digital insurance platform tailored specifically for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Australia.

    Zest Insurance represents a bold step forward in the digital transformation of SME insurance. It offers a seamless, fast and intuitive online experience backed by expert broker support. Designed to meet the evolving needs of modern business owners, Zest Insurance empowers SMEs to purchase, manage and renew their insurance policies entirely online.

    James Baum, Head of Pacific, WTW says: “The launch of Zest Insurance comes at a pivotal time for the Australian SME market. With 97% of businesses having 20 or fewer employees, the platform is poised to serve a vast and growing segment of the market. Zest Insurance aims to bridge the gap between traditional insurance models and the digital expectations of modern SME owners.”

    Brent Lehmann, Head of Commercial & Affinity, Pacific at Willis, adds: “SMEs are the backbone of the Australian economy, yet many still face outdated, complex processes when it comes to insurance. They increasingly demand convenience, speed and tailored insurance solutions. Zest Insurance is our answer to that challenge, bringing together digital convenience and trusted expertise in one powerful platform. It aims to make purchasing business insurance more straightforward for small business owners.”

    The Australian SME market, valued at over AUD 9 billion in gross written premium, has been slower to adopt digital insurance solutions compared to global counterparts. Zest Insurance aims to close that gap by offering:

    • A fully digital customer journey – from insurance quote to bind, renewal, and policy management, all conducted online.
    • Industry-specific insurance solutions – with one dedicated insurer per industry to ensure tailored coverage to protect businesses.
    • User-friendly design – intuitive forms and interfaces built to enhance and simplify the customer experience.
    • Insurance broker support on demand – expert advice available when needed, ensuring confidence and clarity.

    Zest Insurance will be available initially to businesses in the administration and support services industry, including bookkeepers, payroll services, management and marketing consultants, market research firms and more, with plans to expand industry offerings in future phases. Zest Insurance policies for this first industry will be exclusively underwritten by Chubb, a world leader in insurance.

    James adds: “We’ve built Zest Insurance to be more than just a platform. It’s a new way of thinking about SME insurance. It’s about simplicity, transparency and putting the customer first. Together, we’re setting a new standard for SME insurance, starting in Australia.”

    For more information, visit: www.zestinsurance.com.

    About WTW

    At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce and maximize performance.

    Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success—and provide perspective that moves you. Learn more at wtwco.com.

    Media contact

    Clara Goh: +65 6958 2542
    clara.goh@wtwco.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Wicker Leads SASC Hearing on the FY26 Defense Budget with Senior Pentagon Leadership

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker

    Watch Video Here

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today led a hearing to receive testimony from the Pentagon’s senior leaders on the department’s fiscal year 2026 budget.

     

    In his opening remarks, Chairman Wicker praised President Trump’s “peace through strength” leadership and Secretary Hegseth’s achievements in implementing that agenda at the Pentagon. The chairman also noted that maintaining the national defense budget at $893 billion, even with an additive $150 billion from defense reconciliation, would result in United States military spending falling far below 3 percent of GDP by 2029.

     

    Read Chairman Wicker’s hearing opening statement as delivered.

     

    The committee convenes this morning to hear testimony concerning the president’s fiscal year 2026 budget request. I welcome Secretary Hegseth, Chairman Caine, and Acting Comptroller MacDonnell.

     

    As we review the past five months, the president and the Department of Defense have much to be proud of. The administration has largely succeeded in refocusing the Pentagon on warfighting.  Our recruitment numbers have dramatically improved.  That is a very important achievement and one we will continue to celebrate.

     

    The U.S. military has played a significant supporting role in the president’s wholesale success at our southern border.  He has achieved operational control over the situation – a position the vast majority of Americans support.

     

    In Operation Rough Rider, the president imposed costs on the Houthis.  The operation was well executed by our service members, and it appears to have achieved its stated objectives for now.  Similarly, the president has relentlessly struck al-Qaeda and ISIS terrorists.  Those strikes have helped to open up space for diplomatic breakthroughs in Syria, and they have prevented significant external attacks that could have emanated from Somalia.

     

    Unfortunately, the Axis of Aggressors is resilient.  It is hell-bent on challenging American global leadership.

     

    It is clearer than ever that Vladimir Putin is uninterested in President Trump’s and President Zelenskyy’s offers for real peace negotiations.  The Europeans are heeding the president’s call to re-arm, but we are in a tenuous period: A precipitate withdrawal of U.S. forces from Europe could undo all that progress.

     

    In Asia, the Chinese Communist Party continues its campaign of aggression against its neighbors and still displays open ambitions to retake Taiwan.  Secretary Hegseth recently made this crucial point in an important speech in Shangri-La. He said, “China seeks to become a hegemonic power in Asia.”  He is right.  China intends to use military force to achieve Xi Jinping’s goals.

     

    Meanwhile, in the Middle East, the Ayatollah is hiding as his regime crumbles.  He still refusing to negotiate.

     

    In short, this is the most dangerous national security moment since World War II.  Unconstrained, aggressive dictators are on the move.  And, importantly, the character of warfare is rapidly changing.  That is a dangerous combination. We cannot have an American-led Golden Age of peace and prosperity if we fail to navigate these historic security challenges.

     

    President Trump is actively working to protect American interests against four main adversaries: Xi Jinping and his Chinese Communist Party, Vladimir Putin’s militarized Russia, Kim Jong Un’s North Korea, and the Ayatollah’s religious fanatics, including his web of terrorists. Our commander-in-chief deserves a military capable of maintaining deterrence and applying force when necessary to protect U.S. interests – as he has done in Yemen.  I regret to say that this fiscal year 2026 budget request will not deliver that military.

     

    When Secretary Hegseth testified before this committee in his confirmation hearing, he made the correct point that spending less than 3 percent of GDP on defense would be, and I quote, “very dangerous.” What we have in front of us is an inadequate budget request with precious little detail and no follow-on data about fiscal years 2027, 2028, or 2029. We must assume – and, in fact, we have heard – that OMB intends to maintain defense spending at $893 billion across the four years of this administration.  Even with a one-time $150 billion reconciliation infusion, this would leave us at 2.65 percent of GDP by 2029 – below the 3% of GDP, and well below the 5% of GDP that we really really need. Clearly, such a budget plan would allow the military balance to continue – as it has been, to tilt away from the United States and toward Communist China. Communist China has increased its budget by over 7% each year for the past decade.

     

    I know the secretary fought for a stronger fiscal year 2026 discretionary request, but we need to acknowledge that a flat fiscal year 2026 budget is what OMB delivered.  I expect we will spend today reviewing the numerous significant holes in this request – gaps that will make it much more difficult for President Trump to equip our service members and for his advisors to develop credible military options.

     

    Across the budget, we see significant holes: shipbuilding, tactical fighters, basic maintenance money, and more – all insufficient.  The budget seems to be written as if there are many items in the reconciliation package that simply are not in that bill.  This is confusing, because the text of the reconciliation bill has been public for quite some time. Chairman Rogers, of the House, and I worked closely with the executive branch on the contents of the package.  This budget threatens to undermine the good work we have done together on that bill, and it leads me to question whether some officials in the administration plan to ignore congressional intent.

     

    I believe ignoring congressional intent would be a wrong-headed decision for the United States of America. We all work for the American people and share largely identical goals when it comes to deterring Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and other threats.  We need to work much more closely together on investment strategies and actions necessary to rebuild our industrial base.  The president and the Congress want action on reindustrialization.  We want to rebuild the Arsenal of Democracy.  We need action on industrial base integration, streamlined weapons sales, and cooperation with our allies and partners.  We agree on fundamentally changing the way the DOD budgets and handles acquisition.  Now, we need to agree on providing the men and women of the Department of Defense with the resources they need to do their jobs. We have no time to waste, and we must commit to continued collaboration now.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Representatives Will Remain Available in Kahului and Lahaina

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today the availability of SBA  Recovery Centers on Maui to assist small businesses, private nonprofit (PNP) organizations and residents affected by wildfires occurring Aug. 9-Sept. 30, 2023.

    FEMA has announced an end to in-person staffing at the two public-facing recovery centers on June 18. SBA customer service representatives will remain on hand at the Recovery Centers in Kahului and Lahaina to answer questions and assist with the disaster loan application process. No appointment is necessary, walk-ins are welcome. Those who prefer to schedule an in-person appointment in advance can do so at appointment.sba.gov.

    The following locations are open and continue to serve survivors:

    MAUI COUNTY
    Council for Native Hawaiian
     Advancement (CNHA)
    70 E. Kaahumanu Ave., Unit D-1
    Kahului, HI  96732

    Mondays – Fridays, 
    9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

    MAUI COUNTY
    Maui Office of Recovery West
    Lahaina Gateway, Unit 102-B
    (Near Ace Hardware)
    325 Keawe St.
    Lahaina, HI  96761

    Mondays –Fridays, 
    8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

    “SBA’s Business Recovery Centers have consistently proven their value to business owners following a disaster,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “Business owners can visit these centers to meet face‑to‑face with specialists who will guide them through the disaster loan application process and connect them with resources to support their recovery.”

    Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and private nonprofit organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to these disasters. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

    SBA representatives will also provide help to business owners and residents at disaster recovery centers when they opened in the impacted area.

    Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 2.37% for nonprofits, and 2.50% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA determines eligibility and sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Majority of venues for 15th National Games completed

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

    Apart from six temporary venues that will be set up 15 to 20 days before the 15th National Games, all other venues in the Guangdong province have already been completed, according to the event’s organizing committee.

    “Of the venues, over 90 percent hosting competitions in Guangdong are existing facilities, which have been renovated, marking the fewest new venues constructed in recent editions of the National Games and the Special Olympics,” said Huang Mingzhong, deputy director of the Games’ Guangdong executive committee, during a press conference on Wednesday.

    In total, there are 105 venues for the National Games and Special Olympics, with 89 in Guangdong, nine in Hong Kong and seven in Macao.

    The opening ceremony of the 15th National Games and the Special Olympics, jointly hosted for the first time by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, is scheduled to be held on November 9 in Guangzhou, the provincial capital city of Guangdong.

    The 15th National Games and the Special Olympics will involve 36,000 athletes from across the country, along with 45,000 event volunteers and 4,000 journalists.

    Fifty-seven major events will be featured in the National Games and 46 events in the Special Olympics, making it the largest edition of its kind in the history.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Han, Zhang star as China top Japan in Asia Cup warm-ups

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

    Chinese centers Han Xu and Zhang Ziyu finished double-doubles respectively, helping China win over Japan 101-92 at the Asia Cup warm-up series on Wednesday.

    Han scored 18 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, Zhang had 18 points and 10 rebounds, and guard Yang Shuyu got 17 points. Japan’s Mai Kawai led her team with 13 points.

    In 2024, China suffered two defeats consecutively in the warm-ups against Japan in Xi’an. Before today’s clash, Chinese player Li Yuan told Xinhua that although Japan missed some of its best players, “we would prepare carefully for the game.”

    China took a 26-25 lead in the first quarter. In the second quarter, Zhang Ziyu bagged 10 points, bringing the home team a 49-44 lead before the half break.

    In the middle of the third quarter, China enjoyed a 10-4 run, extending the lead to 14 points. Japan netted five three-pointers, cutting the deficit to 10 before the final period.

    Although Japan narrowed the gap to seven points in the fourth quarter, China regained control with a 9-2 run.

    “Japan is actually a team with very prominent characteristics. They move fast and they are good at shooting beyond the arc,” said China head coach Gong Luming.

    “We showed our advantages in height and strength. What’s more, all the players had good performances in offense.”

    “However, we didn’t deal with Japanese three-pointer shooters well. We will do some adjustments in the next game,” added Gong.

    The two teams will meet again this Friday in Hefei, the capital of eastern China’s Anhui Province.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: State Highway 7, Stillwater closed following crash

    Source: New Zealand Police

    State Highway 7, Stillwater is currently closed at the intersection with Taylorville Road following a crash.

    Just after 12pm, Police were notified that a vehicle had collided with a stationary vehicle.

    One person has sustained minor injuries.

    Diversions are in place and motorists are advised to avoid the area.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update: Man dies after Edmund Road crash

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Attributable to Detective Sergeant Phil Wilkinson

    Rotorua Police can confirm the man who was found critically injured following a crash on Edmund Road has died in hospital.

    The man was found critically injured after having been struck by a motorcycle when crossing a designated pedestrian crossing.

    Emergency services were called to the crash on Sunday 15 June at around 2.15pm, where the man was located and transported to hospital.

    Sadly, as a result of the injuries received in the incident the 24-year-old man died in hospital yesterday surrounded by family.

    Police and Victim Support are providing support to his family at this difficult time.

    We are still working to determine the circumstances of the crash, and the events leading up to it.

    Investigators are continuing to comb through evidence and information provided by the public, and urge anyone with information who has not yet contacted us to please do so.

    A number of people were in the area and witnessed the crash, and we would like to speak with them and obtain any video and still images people may have of the incident.

    Today, Police are releasing four additional images of the motorcycle and its rider, in the hope that members of the community will recognise them and contact Police.

    The motorbike is believed to have been damaged in the crash, with damage to the front fairing. Family, friends, neighbours will notice a difference in the motorbike with either damage, changes to the bike or a motorbike that had previously been ridden in the street is now not being seen in the neighbourhood.

    If you are the rider or know who the rider is, please get in touch with us – do the right thing. The events of this incident will be weighing heavily on the rider’s mind. It is important that they come forward and speak to us.

    Police are thankful for the positive response from the community and the information that has been provided so far.

    As the man’s family are dealing with the death of their loved one, we ask that any information is sent to Police to ensure the family can grieve in private.

    You can provide information online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or by calling 105.

    Please use the reference number 250615/1168.

    You can also provide information through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Matariki weekend forecast mixed for star-gazing across New Zealand

    Source: NIWA

    New Zealanders hoping to see the Matariki stars over the long weekend will have mixed conditions, with the best viewing likely on Friday and Saturday in many areas, according to NIWA’s 2025 Matariki cloud cover forecast.
    With the Matariki star cluster visible on New Zealand’s eastern horizon just before the rising of the sun, NIWA’s forecast for each region covers the pre-dawn period 3am to 6am.
    Eastern regions such as Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa, and the lower North Island, along with parts of the upper and eastern South Island, can expect clearer skies for Matariki celebrations, says NIWA meteorologist and forecaster Chris Brandolino.
    “Stargazers can check NIWA’s cloud cover forecast for the best viewing conditions in their region Matariki Viewing Conditions on Vimeo, which is updated at 3:30pm each day for the following morning.”
    2025 Matariki Forecast for the hours between 3:00 am to 6:00 am
    Upper North Island (including Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Coromandel Peninsula)
    • Early Friday morning: Mostly cloudy with showers possible. Showers most likely over Northland and the Coromandel. Temperatures ranging from 11-13° in Whangārei and Auckland, to 7-9°C for the interior Waikato (e.g., Hamilton).
    • Early Saturday morning: Variable cloud cover, i.e., at times partly cloudy, other times mostly cloudy. Threat for scattered showers, mainly for the Auckland and Waikato regions. Best chances for ideal viewing conditions likely over eastern Northland and the Coromandel. Temperatures ranging from 10-12° in Whangārei and Auckland, to 7-9°C for the interior Waikato (e.g., Hamilton),
    East Coast (including Gisborne, Napier, Wairarapa)
    • Early Friday morning: Cloud cover looks to gradual thin in the lead up to sunrise. A few showers possible, especially Tairāwhiti/Gisborne. Temperatures ranging from 6-9°C.
    • Early Saturday morning: Partly cloudy, with overall for most, favourable viewing conditions likely. Temperatures ranging from 8-11°C.
    Western North Island (including New Plymouth, Whanganui)
    • Early Friday morning: Cloud will likely have the upper-hand. Threat for a few showers. Temperature between 9-11°C.
    • Early Saturday morning: Cloud will likely have the upper-hand. Threat for a few showers. Temperature between 6-8°C.
    Lower North Island (including Wellington)
    • Early Friday morning: Generally ideal viewing conditions with clear to partly cloudy skies. Temperature between 10-11°C.
    • Early Saturday morning: Generally ideal viewing conditions with clear to partly cloudy skies. Temperature between 7-9°C.
    Upper South Island (including Nelson, Blenheim)
    • Early Friday morning: Variable cloud cover, so viewing conditions are likely to range. Temperature between 5-7°C.
    • Early Saturday morning: Generally ideal viewing conditions with clear to partly cloudy skies. Temperature between 3-5°C.
    Eastern South Island (including Christchurch, Timaru)
    • Early Friday morning: Generally ideal viewing conditions with clear to partly cloudy skies. Temperature from 8-10°C.
    • Early Saturday morning: Variable cloud cover, so viewing conditions are likely to range. Temperature from 6-8°C.
    West Coast (including Greymouth, Hokitika)
    • Early Friday morning: Variable cloud cover, so viewing conditions are likely to range. Showers are likely to be around. Breezy, with a temperature around 8-9°C.
    • Early Saturday morning: Ideal conditions likely Hokitika/southwards, with more cloud likely farther north. Temperatures around 4-6°C.
    Lakes Region (including Queenstown, Wanaka)
    • Early Friday morning: Cloud is likely to have the upper-hand for most locations. Showers are likely to be around. Breezy with a temperature around 5-6°C.
    • Early Saturday morning: Variable cloud cover, so viewing conditions are likely to range. Temperature around 4-5°C.
    Lower South Island (including Dunedin, Invercargill)
    • Early Friday morning: Cloud is likely to have the upper-hand for Southland areas (e.g., Invercargill/Gore) with showers around. Eastern Otago and Dunedin is more likely to have less cloud and favourable viewing conditions. Breezy, with a temperature between 8-10°C
    • Early Saturday morning: Cloud is likely to have the upper-hand with less than ideal viewing conditions. Threat for a shower or two. Temperature between 8-10°C.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Amnesty International – Urgent need to protect civilians amid unprecedented escalation in hostilities between Israel and Iran

    Source: Amnesty International
    As more and more civilians bear the cruel toll of the terrifying military escalation in Iran and Israel since 13 June 2025, and amid threats of further escalation in the conflict, Amnesty International is urging the Israeli and Iranian authorities to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians.
    On 16 June, an Iranian government spokesperson reported that Israeli attacks had killed at least 224 people, including 74 women and children, without specifying how many of them were civilians. The health ministry also stated 1,800 people have been injured.
    In Israel, the Israeli Military Home Front reported that Iranian attacks had killed at least 24 people, including women and children, stating that they were all civilians, with nearly 600 injured.
    “As the number of deaths and injuries continue to rise, Amnesty International is urging both parties to comply with their obligations and ensure that civilians in both countries do not further pay the price of reckless military action,” said Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International.
    “Further escalation of these hostilities risks unleashing devastating and far-reaching consequences for civilians across the region and beyond.
    “Statements by the US and the G7 so far have failed to recognise the catastrophic impact this escalation will have on civilians in both countries.
    “Instead of cheering on one party to the conflict over another as if civilian suffering is a mere sideshow, states must ensure the protection of civilians. Preventing further suffering must be the priority – not the pursuit of military or geopolitical goals.
    “Both Israeli and Iranian authorities have time and again demonstrated their utter disregard for international human rights and humanitarian law, committing grave international crimes with impunity.
    “The world must not allow Israel to use this military escalation to divert attention away from its ongoing genocide against Palestinians in the occupied Gaza Strip, its illegal occupation of the whole Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) and its system of apartheid against Palestinians.
    “Likewise, the international community must not ignore the suffering that decades of crimes under international law by the Iranian authorities have inflicted upon people inside Iran, that is now being compounded by relentless bombardment.”
    Under international humanitarian law, all parties must take all feasible precautions to spare civilians and minimize their suffering and casualties. International humanitarian law strictly prohibits attacks directed at civilians and civilian objects, as well as attacks which do not distinguish between military targets and civilians or civilian infrastructure.
    For this reason, weapons that are extremely inaccurate and have large warheads that produce large area effects, such as ballistic missiles, should never be used in areas with large populations of civilians. Attacks on military objectives that are likely to result in disproportionate civilian casualties or destruction of civilian objects are also prohibited.
    In the deadliest incident in Israel, eight people including three children, were killed in Bat Yam, south of Tel Aviv, on 15 June.
    In Iran, at least 12 people including children and a pregnant woman were killed in one attack in Tajrish square in Tehran on 15 June.
    In the shadow of this latest escalation, Israeli authorities continue to forcibly displace and starve Palestinians in the occupied Gaza Strip as part of their ongoing genocide. They have imposed a full closure on the West Bank, where state-backed settler violence continues to rise, further entrenching Israel’s illegal occupation and apartheid system.
    Meanwhile, Iranian authorities have responded to Israel’s latest military attacks by imposing internet restrictions, arresting journalists and dissidents within the country. They have also restricted prisoners’ communication with the outside world, including those in prisons near sites of the bombings. On 16 June, the Iranian authorities executed a man for alleged espionage for Israel, raising concerns about the fate of others on death row for similar charges. The Iranian authorities must release all human rights defenders and others arbitrarily detained and should relocate other prisoners away from locations at risk of being attacked by Israel.
    Sinister and fear-inducing ‘ warnings’
    Over the past three days, Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister of Defence Israel Katz, and Persian-language spokesperson of the Israeli army Kamal Pinchasi have issued alarming threats and overly broad, ineffective evacuation warnings to millions of civilians in Tehran a major city with a population of around 10 million people, located in Tehran province which is home to around 19 million people. In some cases, warnings were issued in the middle of the night when residents were asleep or did not clarify if they referred to the city or the province of Tehran.
    On 16 June, Israel Katz, Israel’s Minister of Defense threatened on X that “the residents of Tehran will be forced to pay the price” for the actions of the Iranian authorities. Hours later, the Israeli military’s Persian-language spokesperson warned civilians to evacuate Tehran’s District Three – an area of approximately 30 square km and home to over 350,000 people- via a video showing unclear danger zones. The video included a map indicating danger zones for civilians but did not clearly specify targeted locations or areas of blast and fragmentation hazard, leaving residents uncertain about which areas to avoid. Iranian civil society activists later republished the map with cleared boundaries and locations named.
    Prior to the “evacuation” warnings on 16 June, the Israeli army had issued another overly broad warning in Persian, instructing people across the country to “immediately leave areas … [housing] military weapons manufacturing facilities and their support institutions”. The statement sowed panic and confusion among people, as the locations of military facilities are not known to the general public, and no clear guidance was provided on where civilians should or should not go to ensure their safety.
    Evacuation warnings, even if detailed and effective, do not release Israel from its other obligations under international humanitarian law. They must not treat as open-fire zones areas for which they have issued warnings. Millions of people in Tehran cannot leave, either because they have no alternative residences outside the city or due to limited mobility, disability, blocked roads, fuel shortages or other constraints. Israel has an obligation to take all feasible precautions to minimize harm to these civilians.
    Early morning Tehran time on 17 June, US President Donald Trump caused further panic with a Truth Social post stating: “Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran.” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the White House amplified the message on X, amid media reports that the United States may join Israel in striking Iran.
    In reaction to the Israeli warnings, Iranian state media reported on 15 June that the Iranian armed forces had issued warnings urging residents of Tel Aviv to evacuate. In a video aired on state media, Reza Sayed, spokesperson of the Communication Center of the General Staff of the Armed Forces stated: “Leave the occupied territories [referring to Israel and the OPT], as they will undoubtedly become uninhabitable for you in the future … Do not allow the criminal regime to use you as human shields. Avoid residing or moving near the aforementioned locations and know that even underground shelters will not provide you with safety.”
    In Israel, these Iranian warnings have not triggered the same level of chaos and mass evacuation, largely due to the presence of the Iron Dome defense system and available shelters. However, there have been cases where civilians, particularly Palestinian citizens of Israel and Bedouin communities, who do not have access to underground shelters, such as the Khatib family in the Palestinian town of Tamra, were killed as a result of an Iranian missile strike. Israeli civil society groups are calling on the government to urgently address the chronic lack of protected space for non-Jewish Israeli citizens
    Parties to armed conflicts are prohibited from issuing threats of violence which are designed to spread terror among the civilian population. They cannot hide behind overly general warnings to claim that they have met their obligations under international law. To constitute effective warnings under international humanitarian law, parties must provide civilians with clear and practical instructions on moving away from military objectives that will be targeted rather than unlawfully calling for the mass exodus of millions – an approach that appears designed more to incite panic and terror among civilians than to ensure their protection.
    Internet shutdowns and media censorship
    In Iran, the authorities have disrupted access to the Internet and instant messaging applications, preventing millions of people caught up in the conflict from accessing essential information and communicating with loved ones both inside and outside the country and thereby exacerbating their suffering.
    “Access to the Internet is essential to protect human rights, especially in times of armed conflict where communications blackouts would prevent people from finding safe routes, accessing life-saving resources, and staying informed. The Iranian authorities must immediately ensure full restoration of internet and communication services in all of Iran,” said Agnès Callamard.
    The Israeli authorities are also using vague security pretexts to target people over social media posts or sharing videos deemed to breach strict censorship rules.
    “Israeli authorities must refrain from using military escalations, as they have done in the past, as a further pretext to crack down on freedom of expression, disproportionately targeting Palestinian citizens of Israel, including through arbitrary detention over unsubstantiated allegations of incitement,” said Agnès Callamard.
    Background
    On 13 June 2025, Israeli authorities launched air and drone strikes against Iranian territory. Shortly afterwards, Israeli officials announced that they launched the operation to target Iranian nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities and decapitate Iran’s military leadership. The Israeli strikes began as Iran and the US were in the process of negotiating a new deal to limit Iran’s nuclear program and enrichment activities in exchange for sanctions relief.
    Iranian authorities have retaliated by launching hundreds of missiles and drones against Israeli territory.
    Israeli attacks have struck cities in multiple provinces across Iran, including the provinces of Alborz, East Azerbaijan, Esfahan, Fars, Kermanshah, Hamedan, Lorestan, Ilam, Markazi, Qom, Tehran, West Azerbaijan and Khorasan Razavi.
    Iranian attacks have struck several urban areas in Israel, such as Tel Aviv, Bat Yam, Tamra, Petah Tikva, Bnei Brak, Haifa, Herzliya.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Migrating bogong moths use the stars and Earth’s magnetic field to find ancestral summer caves each year

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Eric Warrant, Professor of Zoology at the University of Lund, Visiting Fellow at the Australian National University, and Adjunct Professor, University of South Australia

    Vik Dunis/iNaturalist, CC BY-NC

    It’s a warm January summer afternoon, and as I traverse the flower-strewn western slopes of Australia’s highest mountain, Mount Kosciuszko, I am on the lookout for a tell-tale river of boulders that winds its way down into the alpine valleys below.

    Here, hidden in cave-like hollows and crevices formed deep within the river of boulders, is one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in the insect world – the summer mass gathering of an iconic Australian insect, the bogong moth (Agrotis infusa).

    Tightly huddled together in their dim cool cavernous world, with each moth’s head pushed slightly under the wings of the moth just ahead, millions of bogong moths sleep out the summer, slumbering in a state of dormancy known as “aestivation”.

    Their little bodies coat the stone surfaces in an endless soft brown carpet, with 17,000 of them tiling each square metre of cave wall. It’s a sight that never fails to take my breath away.

    Bogong moths sleep through the summer heat clinging to the walls of caves in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales.
    Eric Warrant

    Marathon migrations

    To get here, these moths have flown from all over southeast Australia through the spring, arriving from as far away as south-eastern Queensland and far-western Victoria. Converted to human body length, these journeys of roughly 1,000 kilometres would be equivalent to a person circumnavigating Earth twice.

    The moths’ marathon voyages to the Alps are likely undertaken to escape the lethal heat of the coming summer in their breeding areas. When the cool of autumn arrives, the moths leave the mountains to produce their own offspring and die.

    Every summer, bogong moths travel up to 1,000 kilometres to sleep through the heat in cool mountain caves.
    Eric Warrant

    But how on Earth do they know how to find these caves? How do they know the direction to travel and how do they know when they’ve arrived?

    These questions have fascinated me and the other members of my research group for many years. It turns out bogong moths possess a most extraordinary ability to navigate, harnessing Earth’s magnetic field and the stars as compasses to follow their inherited migratory direction.

    Moths, magnets and stars

    We made these remarkable discoveries in a specialised lab we built a few years ago near Adaminaby in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales.

    First we light-trapped bogong moths that were either migrating towards the Alps in spring or away again in autumn. We next placed them in a special flight arena inside the lab, and finely controlled Earth’s magnetic field (with magnetic coils around the arena) and the starry night sky (by projecting a highly realistic starry night sky on the roof of the arena).

    Because we already knew bogong moths have a magnetic sense, we used the coils to completely remove, or null, the magnetic field in the arena. This ensured any orientation using the stars was not confounded by the ability to detect Earth’s magnetic field.

    The orientation of the nighttime sky determines the moths’ direction of movement. When researchers showed moths random star patterns, they flew in random directions.
    Dreyer et al./Nature

    What we found next astounded us. Using only the local Australian starry night sky projected above them, bogong moths flying in our arena were able to discern and follow their inherited migratory direction – both in spring and in autumn.

    If we turned this projected sky by 180°, the moths turned and flew in exactly the opposite direction. If we then took all of the stars in this projected natural sky and randomly distributed them across the roof of the arena, the moths became completely confused and lost their ability to migrate in their inherited migratory direction.

    Navigators with tiny brains

    In the absence of all other possible cues, bogong moths clearly used the stars as a true compass to discern a geographic direction relative to north.

    This is the first invertebrate we so far know of that can do this. Only human beings and some species of night-migratory birds are known to have this ability.

    But in moths this ability is even more remarkable considering their brain is approximately one-tenth the volume of a grain of rice and their eyes only a couple of millimetres wide.

    A magnetic backup system

    We made a final discovery when we moved our flight arena up onto the hill behind the lab under the magnificent dome of the natural starry sky. As expected, the moths were beautifully oriented in their inherited migratory direction.

    But on one of these nights the sky was heavily overcast with cloud. To our great surprise, the moths remained oriented in their migratory direction, even though the stars were obscured.

    The only remaining cue that could have been used was Earth’s magnetic field, which showed very clearly that moths rely on two compasses – a magnetic compass and a stellar compass.

    But of course, two compasses will always be better than one – if one becomes corrupted or drops out, the other can take over. Nature’s perfect solution for robust navigation!

    Bogong moths under threat

    Despite its fantastic abilities, this tiny navigator is under threat. A result of anthropogenic climate change, the recent drought in Australia saw bogong moth numbers fall by a jaw-dropping 99.5%.

    Endless thousands of generations of bogong moths have slept through summer in a few specific caves dotted across these outcrops.
    Eric Warrant

    Endangered alpine marsupials that depend on the moth’s arrival in spring for food – such as the mountain pygmy possum – suffered heavily as a result.

    Droughts in southeast Australia are only predicted to worsen in both frequency and intensity. The future of the bogong moth, as well as the fragile alpine ecosystem that depends on it, does not look very bright.

    Eric Warrant receives funding from the Swedish Research Council, the European Research Council, the Wenner-Gren Foundation and the Carl Tryggers Foundation. He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, The German National Academy of Science Leopoldina, the Royal Danish Society of Sciences and Letters, the Royal Institute of Navigation and the Royal Physiographic Society.

    – ref. Migrating bogong moths use the stars and Earth’s magnetic field to find ancestral summer caves each year – https://theconversation.com/migrating-bogong-moths-use-the-stars-and-earths-magnetic-field-to-find-ancestral-summer-caves-each-year-259361

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New Russia sanctions target enablers of war, including Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced new sanctions on crucial enablers of Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine.

    This latest round of sanctions targets actors involved in Russia’s military-industrial complex, supporters from North Korea, Iran, and Belarus, as well as vessels that are part of Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’.

    “New Zealand must continue to hold Russia and its enablers accountable. Military support from actors in North Korea, Iran, and Belarus has helped Russia sustain its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine,” Mr Peters said.

    These new sanctions target a further 18 individuals and entities who have been assisting Russia’s war efforts.

    In addition, 27 ‘shadow fleet’ vessels have also been designated. Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ enablers are involved in illegal activities to avoid sanctions, including through the transport of Russian oil at above the G7 Plus oil price cap, which New Zealand adopted last year.

    “The designation of Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ reflects a joint effort with likeminded international partners to prevent sanctions evasion and to maintain the pressure on Russia in support of a just and lasting peace for Ukraine,” Mr Peters says.

    Since the Russia Sanctions Act entered into force in March 2022, New Zealand has imposed sanctions on more than 1,800 individuals, entities, and shipping vessels, along with a range of trade measures. 

    More information about sanctions, travel bans, and export controls against Russia, as well as diplomatic, military and economic support to Ukraine, can be found on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade website here

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Demanding Meaningful Stablecoin Guardrails, Reed Votes Against So-Called “GENIUS Act”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC — Citing a lack of consumer and taxpayer protections and serious crypto corruption and national security concerns, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) voted against the so-called GENIUS Act (S.1582), which passed the U.S. Senate on a vote of 68-30.

    The controversial bill places a government stamp of approval on “stablecoins,” which are crypto dollars that could be minted by big retailers, big tech companies, foreign companies, and even President Trump’s family. In a similar way that banks allow customers to send and receive money, stablecoins claim to do the same in a faster and cheaper way.

    Exposing taxpayers, consumers, and the financial system to high levels of risk, the GENIUS Act says that stablecoin companies would not need to comply with dozens of the same consumer protection laws that apply to similar firms and that help prevent scams and fraud.

    This legislation repeats some of the same mistakes that led to the 2008 financial crisis, fostered by the mistaken belief that stablecoin issuers are simple and safe companies that are unlikely to get into trouble and do not need significant regulation to protect customer funds.

    Rather than provide meaningful protections for consumers, the legislation weakens existing state laws on cryptocurrency to make it possible for stablecoin companies to operate with near-zero capital, meaning that companies could be unable to weather a financial crisis.  This leaves U.S. taxpayers exposed to bailouts if crypto markets crash.

    Furthermore, the bill makes it possible for stablecoin companies to avoid getting an independent audit and makes it virtually impossible for the government to revoke a stablecoin company’s charter, even if the company engages in fraudulent activity. And if a stablecoin company goes bankrupt, consumers must get in line to get their money back and hope that they will make a full recovery.

    The bill coincides with the launch of the Trump family’s own stablecoin venture called “USD1,” which has already been used by a foreign government to funnel at least $2 billion to the President.  The bill actually includes an express provision greenlighting the ability to name a stablecoin “USD,” as President Trump has done.

    Another beneficiary of this bill is Tether, the world’s largest stablecoin that is based in El Salvador and is used by North Korea, Russian arms dealers, ransomware attackers, the Iranian military, drug cartels, and many other criminal organizations.  Russia, Iran, and North Korea will continue to have venues to use dollar alternatives to bypass U.S. sanctions.

    The GENIUS Act allows Tether to operate freely in the United States with minimal oversight and without providing sufficient tools for the government to stop its abuse for weapons proliferation, war, human trafficking, scams, and other illegal activity.

    Senator Reed says that Congress should be fostering innovation while protecting consumers and national security, however unless these issues are fixed, the GENIUS Act would not balance these two important goals.

    “The so-called GENIUS Act is deeply flawed and doesn’t do enough to protect consumers, national security, and U.S. taxpayers.  Instead of strengthening consumer protections and building clear guardrails that prevent America’s adversaries from using stablecoins to their advantage, this bill greenlights President Trump using his office to line his own pockets while looking the other way at North Korea’s crypto abuses,” said Senator Reed.  “As the popularity of stablecoins continues to grow, we need to provide real guardrails and authorities for regulators.  Nevertheless, Senate Republicans have prioritized the wants of President Trump over the needs of American consumers.”

    Senator Reed has taken to the Senate floor twice recently to outline his concerns with the GENIUS Act, including in a speech Monday night. In remarks on the Senate floor last Thursday, Senator Reed called on Republicans to work across the aisle to better serve American consumers and strengthen crypto guardrails.

    The full transcript of those remarks follows:

    Mr. President, I rise today to discuss S. 1582, the so-called GENIUS Act.

    Several weeks ago, when the Majority Leader said we would have votes on amendments, I took him seriously and was one of the first to file. 

    We could have been voting on my amendments and those of my colleagues at any time in the last few weeks, but that hasn’t happened.  That is regrettable, because the GENIUS Act, as it is currently drafted, is fundamentally flawed. 

    The GENIUS Act exposes taxpayers, consumers, and the financial system to unacceptable risk.  And it creates venues for criminals, terrorists, and rogue governments to finance their illicit activities.  

    Among other things, this bill places the U.S. government’s stamp of approval on Tether—the world’s largest stablecoin, which is based in El Salvador and favored by North Korea, Russian arms dealers, ransomware attackers, the Iranian military, the drug cartels, and so many other criminal organizations. 

    It takes already weak state laws, makes them weaker, and applies them nationwide…making it possible for stablecoin companies to operate with near-zero capital and unable to weather a financial crisis.  It’s possible for stablecoin companies to avoid getting an audit.  It’s impossible for the government to revoke a stablecoin company’s charter—even if it turns out to be a Ponzi scheme or if an executive dips into customer funds.

    The GENIUS Act buys into the belief that the billionaires running the industry know what they’re doing and that the marriage of complex financial products and complex technology simply can’t fail.  The one thing the billionaires know how to do is protect their interests. 

    Not surprisingly this bill leaves open the door to bailouts, which we have seen time and time again for other lightly regulated nonbanks that got into trouble, like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, AIG, and Bear Stearns. 

    When there is a run on a stablecoin…and there will be a run one day…the industry will run to the American taxpayer for a bailout, and the GENIUS Act paves the way for that to happen with no limits on the Federal Reserve’s authority to prop up the industry.

    Finally, this bill perpetuates Donald Trump’s naked corruption.  It actually greenlights the name of Trump’s stablecoin—USD1—and allows Trump’s hand-picked regulators to write the rules of the road governing his most recent business venture. 

    Mr. President, we need to provide real guardrails for financial regulators to protect consumers, real tools for national security agencies to address this new technology, and real authority for the government to intervene before a crisis gets out of hand. 

    Real guardrails and real tools . . .  not words on a page that give only the “aura” of regulation and protection with no teeth. 

    My amendments and those offered by colleagues on the both sides of the aisle would help provide these tools and authorities.  However, it appears that we won’t have the opportunity to consider a single one of them and fix this bill.

    I urge my colleagues to oppose this highly flawed bill.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Castro Statement on Israel-Iran Conflict

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joaquin Castro (20th District of Texas)

    June 18, 2025

    SAN ANTONIO, TX — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), a senior member of both the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement on the Israel-Iran conflict:

    “I represent Military City, USA — San Antonio, Texas. So many in our city have proudly served their country in the armed forces throughout the years, including during times of war. 

    “Each Memorial Day, the Edgewood District Veterans honor their classmates who died or were missing in action in the Vietnam War. The name of each service member is called out and parents, siblings or other remaining family members step forward in a procession of remembrance at Edgewood Veterans Stadium. Almost sixty years have passed but the pain and grief of loss is still strong. The war took the service members’ lives while it devastated the spirit of life for their families. 

    “No place, no city or community has a monopoly when it comes to military sacrifice. I know there are many ceremonies just like Edgewood’s across the country every Memorial Day. But I am certain that the neighborhoods where I grew up, the families of the city that I represent, have sacrificed their fair share.

    “They served because they believed in the values of this country. But that trust and goodwill was sometimes abused by political leaders who sent our service members to fight in wars under false pretenses based on bad or biased intelligence, and without a long-term plan or exit strategy. As we witness the first days of the war between Israel and Iran, I feel we’re on the verge of making the same old mistake in a new war in the Middle East.

    “I remain hopeful that there is a diplomatic breakthrough to address Iran’s nuclear program, despite the best efforts of Benjamin Netanyahu to sabotage negotiations. Even absent such a breakthrough, based on the military, intelligence, and diplomatic assessments I have seen as a senior member of the House Intelligence and Foreign Affairs Committees, I do not believe our participation in this war is in our interest.

    “If the President truly believes going to war with Iran is in the national interest, he must make his case to the Congress and the American people and secure an authorization for the use of military force. He has not done so.

    “I will support the War Powers resolution introduced by Representatives Massie and Khanna. Much like the vote to go to war with Iraq, this resolution will force members of Congress to make their position on this war clear. I urge them to oppose the war.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker, Van Hollen, Davis Introduce Bicameral World Sickle Cell Awareness Day Resolution

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker

    WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) introduced a resolution to designate June 19, 2025 as “World Sickle Cell Awareness Day” to increase public awareness about sickle cell disease and the continued need for research, early detection, and effective treatments that lead to a cure. U.S. Representative Danny Davis (D-IL-12) will introduce companion legislation in the House.

    Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a rare, inherited disorder that causes a person’s red blood cells to become deformed and get stuck in their veins, blocking oxygen flow throughout the body. In the United States, 100,000 people are affected by SCD, including 1 in every 365 African-American births, and 1 in every 16,300 Hispanic-American births. Around the world, sickle cell disease affects millions of people, particularly in some areas of sub-Saharan Africa, South and Central America, the Caribbean, South Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean basin. In countries with fewer resources, more than 90 percent of children diagnosed with sickle cell disease do not live to see adulthood. Despite being the most common inherited blood disorder in our country, research, treatment, and awareness efforts for the disease still lag far behind other chronic illnesses.

    “Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited blood disorder in our county, but despite its prevalence and severe health consequences, Americans battling sickle cell still face barriers to accessing care they need,” said Senator Booker. “We must continue allocating resources for research and treatment of this disease that primarily affects communities of color. I’m proud of the progress we have made over the past few decades in combating sickle cell, but know we must do more. I’m introducing a resolution to designate June 19 as World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, and am committed to continuing to fight for improved, comprehensive, high-quality care for those diagnosed with sickle cell.”

    “Sickle cell disease has claimed the lives of too many people here in the U.S. and around the world far too soon, including a former staff member of mine, John Amara. With this resolution, we recognize all those we’ve lost to this terrible disease – and reinforce our commitment to working toward a better future for today’s sickle cell warriors and their families. We will not stop fighting to raise awareness, strengthen networks of care and support, and ultimately make sickle cell disease a thing of the past,” said Senator Van Hollen.

    “I’m proud to join my colleagues in recognizing June 19th as World Sickle Cell Awareness Day.  Considering the health difficulties that sickle cell disease creates for millions of individuals both in the United States and globally, we need to invest more resources in improving awareness, comprehensive care, better treatments, and new cures that are accessible for those sickle cell warriors suffering from this dreadful disease,” said Representative Davis.    

    To read the full text of the resolution, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Economic growth still in the hole dug in 2024

    Source: NZCTU

    Data released by Stats NZ today shows that the economy grew on a quarterly basis by 0.8% but fell on an annual basis by 1.1% said NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi Economist Craig Renney. “This is positive data for the first quarter of this year, but the fact that the economy is about the same size it was in March 2023 tells you that essentially we have had almost zero economic growth (0.3%) over the past two years.”

    “GDP per capita ($52,872) is now lower than it was in March 2022 ($53,100). It took another fall on an annual basis of 2.4%. There were falls in 11 of the 16 sectors of the economy annually – led by construction (-9.3%), wholesale trade (-3.6%) , and business services (-2%). Both goods producing industries and service industries saw contraction this year.”

    “The data shows that workers incomes aren’t keeping up with profits. Stats NZ shows that compensation of employees rose 1.5% this quarter before inflation. Gross operating surplus and gross mixed incomes (a broad measure of profit) rose 2%. Employee compensation was revised down in the December quarter to -0.2%.”

    “The lack of business confidence in the economy is present in the business investment data. Business investment fell this year. Non-residential building investment fell 2.9%. Transport equipment purchases fell 6%. Households are feeling it to, with purchase of durable goods being lower than they were in December 2023,” Renney said.

    “This data shows us how far we fell over the past year in economic terms. The growth in GDP this quarter is welcome – but the economy is still smaller than at the election in real terms. With more recent data suggesting that the economy is struggling to grow, there is a real danger that we return to slow, no, or negative growth.”

    “It’s time for the Government to realise that its economic growth plan isn’t working. There are 23,000 more people on Jobseekers this year. 48% of workers in New Zealand got a pay cut in real terms. Business and consumer confidence are at levels associated with recessions. One quarter of data shouldn’t blind the government of the need for change.” 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Economic surprise great news for Kiwis

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Today’s surprise economic result is great news for workers, families and businesses, Finance Minister Nicola Willis said today.
    “Stats NZ reported today that the economy grew 0.8 per cent in the first three months of the year, twice the rate forecast by the Treasury and the Reserve Bank a short time ago. 
    “This is the second consecutive quarter in which growth outstripped forecasters’ assumptions and confirms the economy was gaining momentum late last year and at the start of this year.
    “Since then, global conflict has increased and new tariffs have been introduced, but New Zealanders should take heart that the country is back on track after six years of economic mismanagement that fuelled inflation, discouraged investment and ratcheted up prices.
    “I know many households and businesses are still doing it tough but the steps the Government has taken to stop wasteful spending, grow the economy and provide more support to households are paying dividends. So are the efforts of the private sector.
    “It is also pleasing to see that Gross Domestic Product per person grew by 0.5 per in the quarter, the highest rate since September 2022 and the second consecutive quarter of growth after eight quarters of negative or no growth.  
    “Inflation is down, interest rates are down, and many families have a little more money in their pockets. 
    “That money is flowing through to business tills aided by the steps the Government has taken to reduce red tape, incentivise investment and boost tourism, and the export records being set by New Zealand farmers and growers,” Nicola Willis says.     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Universities – Aotearoa to host world-leading conference on women’s entrepreneurship – UoA

    Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

    A major international conference in Auckland is putting the spotlight on how to better support female founders and highlighting wāhine Māori perspectives on entrepreneurship.
    What do female entrepreneurs really want and why is the system still stacked against them? These are a couple of the big questions due to be tackled at the world’s leading research conference on women’s entrepreneurship held in Aotearoa New Zealand for the first time ever this year.

    The Diana International Research Conference from 1-4 July, brings together top researchers and industry experts from around the world to tackle funding inequities, structural barriers and discuss the future of women-led enterprise, with a spotlight on te ao Māori perspectives.

    “This is the only conference that focuses solely on women’s entrepreneurship research, and it’s an opportunity to garner insights from interested attendees, researchers and founders,” says Professor Chris Woods, the Business School’s Theresa Gattung Chair for Women in Entrepreneurship, and Diana Conference co-chair.

    “We’ll be asking: What do women entrepreneurs want? How do we bridge the gap between academic research and industry, and how can we tackle the barriers women face when building businesses?”

    Hosted by the Business School’s Aotearoa Centre for Enterprising Women, the conference includes keynote talks, academic sessions, and a public-facing Impact Day on Friday 4 July, a one-day forum featuring panels on capital access, wāhine Māori leadership, and entrepreneurial futures.

    The day opens with ‘A boomer, Gen X, millennial and Gen Z walk into a panel’: Mana wāhine across the generations’.

    Business School senior lecturer Dr Kiri Dell (Ngāti Porou) says the panel will spotlight the unique strengths wāhine Māori bring to entrepreneurship. The kōrero will also explore te ao Māori concepts of sovereignty and entrepreneurship.

    “It’s about being role models, sharing networks and giving each other emotional support, challenging mainstream models of the ‘hyper solo, winner takes all’ entrepreneur model,” says Dell. “We’ll discuss what values-led approaches, honouring both the past and the present, can look like.”

    Next up, ‘The Supply and Demand Challenge: Getting More Capital to Women-Led Businesses’ panel will discuss why women still receive just 2 percent of global venture capital investment, with insights from venture capital, angel investment, and female founders actively raising capital.

    In the final session, business leader, author, philanthropist and investor Dame Theresa Gattung joins Darsel Keane (Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship), Sophie Bradley (co-CEO, Girls Mean Business), and research fellow Dr Amanda Elam (co-founder, Galaxy Diagnostics) to explore what the future holds for wāhine entrepreneurs in Aotearoa and beyond.

    Panel MC and conference co-host Dr Janine Swail, a senior lecturer at the Business School, says it’s a privilege to host a conference that spans academic research, PhD students, practitioners and community voices.

    “This is the only global conference that bridges academic research with real world insights and perspectives, with a dedicated focus on women’s entrepreneurship, and it’s happening here in Tāmaki Makaurau.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Economic growth still in the hole dug in 2024 – CTU Economist

    Source: NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi

    Data released by Stats NZ today shows that the economy grew on a quarterly basis by 0.8% but fell on an annual basis by 1.1% said NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi Economist Craig Renney. “This is positive data for the first quarter of this year, but the fact that the economy is about the same size it was in March 2023 tells you that essentially we have had almost zero economic growth (0.3%) over the past two years.”

    “GDP per capita ($52,872) is now lower than it was in March 2022 ($53,100). It took another fall on an annual basis of 2.4%. There were falls in 11 of the 16 sectors of the economy annually – led by construction (-9.3%), wholesale trade (-3.6%) , and business services (-2%). Both goods producing industries and service industries saw contraction this year.”

    “The data shows that workers incomes aren’t keeping up with profits. Stats NZ shows that compensation of employees rose 1.5% this quarter before inflation. Gross operating surplus and gross mixed incomes (a broad measure of profit) rose 2%. Employee compensation was revised down in the December quarter to -0.2%.”

    “The lack of business confidence in the economy is present in the business investment data. Business investment fell this year. Non-residential building investment fell 2.9%. Transport equipment purchases fell 6%. Households are feeling it to, with purchase of durable goods being lower than they were in December 2023,” Renney said.

    “This data shows us how far we fell over the past year in economic terms. The growth in GDP this quarter is welcome – but the economy is still smaller than at the election in real terms. With more recent data suggesting that the economy is struggling to grow, there is a real danger that we return to slow, no, or negative growth.”

    “It’s time for the Government to realise that its economic growth plan isn’t working. There are 23,000 more people on Jobseekers this year. 48% of workers in New Zealand got a pay cut in real terms. Business and consumer confidence are at levels associated with recessions. One quarter of data shouldn’t blind the government of the need for change.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: O Mahurangi – Penlink to fully open in 2028

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    While O Mahurangi – Penlink is still scheduled for completion in 2028, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) had planned to open some sections of the road earlier near Stillwater and Ara Wēiti. However, a major slip at the project’s largest fill site has now delayed construction of these sections. While NZTA is still working to understand the full scheduling impacts, the project will now open as a single completed corridor.

    Cracking in the ground which was first identified in December last year required all activity in the area to pause while it could be assessed. Extensive testing and monitoring showed a deep layer under the surface (deep shear plane layer) was significantly weaker than experienced on other similar sites on the project where earthworks had been undertaken. 

    Due to the slips continued movement, emergency works were declared in March to allow remediation works to be undertaken sooner. This minimises the risk of the slip damaging existing assets and private property.   

    Regional Manager Transport Services Stephen Collett acknowledges that this delay will be frustrating to residents of Stillwater and Ara Wēiti, as well as all road users that wanted to use the road to access State Highway 1 earlier.  

    “As the project uses a cut fill balance approach for earthworks, the material at this location is unable to be stored elsewhere until we can implement a solution. Until the solution can be implemented, earthworks are unable to continue at the previous pace along the alignment.  

    “Despite the delay, O Mahurangi remains on track to open in line with the Wēiti River bridge, giving people the complete benefit of the project from day one. This will ensure a seamless and more connected journey to and from State Highway 1” says Mr Collett. 

    While remediation works are completed, construction has continued at pace in other areas of the site, including: 

    • the placement of beams and deck for the future overbridge at State Highway 1 are in place
    • the ramps from State Highway 1 are starting to be formed
    • future alignment along Duck Creek Road has had beams placed, decks poured and barriers installed. Next the team will dig out the earth from under the bridge to build the future State Highway 19
    • the western side abutment of the Wēiti River bridge is completed and the two land-based piers are at their final height. An additional two in river piers are currently being constructed.
    • landscaping along the alignment has begun
    • approximately 600,000 cubic meters of earth has been moved (about 250 Olympic sized swimming pools). 

    Once complete, O Mahurangi – Penlink will unlock long term benefits for the Auckland region, providing a more resilient network to get people where they need to be faster, supporting economic growth and connecting people to new housing developments.  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –