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Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI: Richemont posts robust performance for the year ended 31 March 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AD HOC ANNOUNCEMENT PURSUANT TO ART. 53 LR
    16 MAY 2025

    Please find below the Highlights and Chairman’s commentary from Richemont FY25 Annual Results Announcement.

    RICHEMONT POSTS ROBUST PERFORMANCE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

    Group highlights

    • Group sales at € 21.4 billion; Q4 sales up 8% (+7% constant) with Jewellery Maisons up at double digits
    • Operating profit at € 4.5 billion including € 72 million of non-recurring costs 
    • Sustained focus on nurturing Maisons’ growth, investing in distribution, manufacturing assets and craftsmanship  
    • Renewed executive leadership, with appointment of Group CEO and expansion of Senior Executive Committee expertise to include Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier CEOs, as well as dedicated Group Chief People Officer
    • Completion of key strategic steps, with the addition of Italian jewellery Maison Vhernier and the finalisation of the sale of YNAP to Mytheresa in April 2025; Richemont now holds a 33% stake in newly created LuxExperience  

    Financial highlights

    • Full year sales up 4% at actual and constant exchange rates, led by high single-digit increase at Jewellery Maisons 
    • Double-digit growth across all regions, except for Asia Pacific, further rebalancing the Group’s regional mix
    • Operating profit down by 7%, or by 4% at constant exchange rates, resulting in a 20.9% operating margin
      • Strong performance at Jewellery Maisons, with sales up 8% at actual and constant exchange rates; operating margin at 31.9%
      • Sales at Specialist Watchmakers lower by 13% at actual and constant exchange rates, leading to a 5.3% operating margin
      • ‘Other’ business area’s sales up 7% at actual and constant exchange rates, operating margin at -3.7%; Fashion & Accessories Maisons margin impacted by inventory provisioning
    • € 3.8 billion profit for the year from continuing operations; € 1.0 billion loss from discontinued operations mainly due to the non-cash write-down of YNAP (improved against € 1.3 billion communicated in H1)
    • Robust net cash position of € 8.3 billion, supported by € 4.4 billion cash flow generated from operating activities
    • Proposed increase in dividend to CHF 3.00 per 1 ‘A’ share / 10 ‘B’ shares

    Key financial data (audited)

      2025 2024 change
    Sales € 21 399 m € 20 616 m +4%
    Gross profit € 14 319 m € 14 036 m +2%
    Gross margin 66.9% 68.1% -120 bps
    Operating profit € 4 467 m € 4 794 m -7%
    Operating margin 20.9% 23.3% -240 bps
    Profit for the year from continuing operations € 3 762 m € 3 818 m -1%
    Loss for the year from discontinued operations € (1 012) m € (1 463) m  
    Profit for the year € 2 750 m € 2 355 m  
    Earnings per ‘A’ share/10 ‘B’ shares, diluted basis € 4.671 € 4.077   
    Cash flow generated from operating activities € 4 443 m € 4 696 m -€ 253 m
    Net cash position € 8 257 m € 7 450 m  

    Chairman’s commentary

    Overview of results
    Richemont delivered a robust performance for the financial year ended 31 March 2025. In a persistently uncertain macroeconomic and geopolitical environment, we maintained our focus on nurturing Maisons’ current and future growth, investing in our distribution network, manufacturing assets and quality craftsmanship. Group sales increased by 4% at actual and constant exchange rates to € 21.4 billion, led by high single-digit growth at the Jewellery Maisons over the year. Operating profit came in at € 4.5 billion, down by 7% at actual rates, or by 4% at constant exchange rates.

    After a resilient first half, sales performance accelerated in the second part of the year, with a 10% rise in the third quarter followed by +8% in the fourth quarter at actual exchange rates. Over the year, most regions grew at double digits at both actual and constant exchange rates, more than offsetting the decline in Asia Pacific, led by China, illustrating the value of our balanced regional footprint. Notable growth rates included Europe at +10%, the Americas at +16%, Japan at +25% and Middle East & Africa at +15% at actual exchange rates. Direct to client sales rose further driven by both retail and online, overall representing 76% of Group sales.

    Our Jewellery Maisons – Buccellati, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Vhernier since October – saw their sales reach € 15.3 billion, growing by 8% at actual and constant exchange rates. This sales increase, combined with disciplined operating costs and targeted price increases, helped mitigate the impact of higher raw materials costs, notably gold, on our profitability. Our Jewellery Maisons delivered a € 4.9 billion operating result, up 4% versus the prior year, corresponding to a solid margin at close to 32%.

    As discussed in our first half report in November, the global watch market experienced a slowdown affecting volumes. This was led by demand weakness in China, with greater resilience of high-end price segments. While the watch market remained subdued in the second half, some improvement was visible outside of China. In this challenging context, our Specialist Watchmakers reported a 13% decline in sales at actual and constant exchange rates over the year, impacted by their high exposure to Asia Pacific, particularly to China, while the other regions showed resilience. The rate of decline was softer in the second half of the year, with notable growth in the Americas. While the Maisons demonstrated discipline on operating expenses, the overall decline in sales had a significant impact on production and fixed operating costs absorption. In addition, with our headquarters and most of our production located in Switzerland, the strengthening Swiss franc weighed on our operating result. Consequently, the Specialist Watchmakers’ operating result was down to € 175 million for the year, corresponding to a 5.3% margin.

    Sales at our ‘Other’ business area reached € 2.8 billion, an increase of 7% at actual and constant exchange rates, underpinned by faster growth in the second half. All regions other than Asia Pacific grew, with notable double-digit performances in the Americas, Europe and Middle East & Africa. Alaïa recorded another year of strong growth, and Peter Millar maintained its solid momentum. Overall, ready-to-wear sales rose by double-digits across the Maisons, with notably an encouraging performance from Chloé. Operating result was a € 102 million loss for the year, resulting in a margin of -3.7%. Within this, Fashion & Accessories Maisons posted a -2% operating margin when excluding targeted inventory provisioning.

    At Group level, operating profit came in at € 4.5 billion, including € 72 million of non-recurring charges. Operating margin was 20.9%.

    Profit for the year from continuing operations reached € 3.8 billion, down by 1%. The overall profit for the year amounted to € 2.8 billion, up 17%, after taking into account a € 1.0 billion loss for the year from discontinued operations, primarily reflecting the write-down of the carrying value of YOOX NET-A-PORTER (‘YNAP’) assets in the context of the sale to Mytheresa.

    The Group maintained a robust balance sheet, with a net cash position of € 8.3 billion at year end, up € 807 million versus the prior year. It excludes YNAP’s net cash position of € 0.2 billion presented as assets and liabilities of disposal group held for sale.

    Strengthening of our operations and portfolio of Maisons
    We are delighted to have welcomed Italian jewellery Maison Vhernier as part of Richemont’s Jewellery portfolio during the year. Vhernier is renowned for the distinctive modern aesthetic of its creations, and we are now working on the Maison’s integration and development to ensure that its full potential can be realised over time, as we have effectively been doing with our Italian high-end shoe Maison Gianvito Rossi which celebrated its first anniversary as part of our Fashion & Accessories (‘F&A’) portfolio with a very encouraging performance.

    It is also a pleasure to report that G/FORE, previously under Peter Millar’s umbrella since its acquisition in 2018, was added to Richemont’s F&A portfolio as a distinct Maison in February 2025. This marks a significant milestone for the Maison, whose products are sold in top golf shops, resorts, department stores and dedicated retail boutiques, reflecting its remarkable success to date.

    On 1 June 2024, Nicolas Bos, formerly Chief Executive Officer (‘CEO’) of Van Cleef & Arpels, was appointed CEO of Richemont and joined the Senior Executive Committee (‘SEC’), with direct oversight of all the Maisons, functions and regions. On 14 February 2025, the SEC was further strengthened with the appointments of Marie-Aude Stocker as Chief People Officer, alongside Catherine Rénier (CEO, Van Cleef & Arpels) and Louis Ferla (CEO, Cartier). Marie-Aude’s extensive background in luxury HR will be important to address our strategic resource management needs, while Catherine and Louis bring invaluable operational insights from their respective leadership roles.

    Following his appointment as CEO of Specialist Watchmaker Maison Jaeger-LeCoultre, Jérôme Lambert stepped down from the SEC and the Board of Directors, whilst Boet Brinkgreve, CEO of Laboratoire de Haute Parfumerie et Beauté, stepped down from the SEC when leaving the Group at the end of April 2025.

    YOOX NET-A-PORTER (‘YNAP’) 

    The closing of the transaction for the sale of 100% of YNAP to leading luxury multi-brand digital group Mytheresa occurred just outside of our FY25 reporting period, on 23 April 2025, following fulfilment of customary conditions, including regulatory approvals.

    At transaction closing, Richemont sold YNAP to Mytheresa with a cash position of € 555 million and no financial debt in exchange for shares issued by Mytheresa representing 33% of the fully diluted share capital of the newly combined group which has been listed under the new trade name LuxExperience from 1 May 2025. As per the terms of the agreement, Richemont provided a € 100 million revolving credit facility to finance YNAP’s corporate needs.

    We look forward to LuxExperience’s future success, as the closing of the transaction paves the way for both the Mytheresa and YNAP teams, their brand partners and clients alike to fully benefit from the enhanced value propositions and expanded global reach offered by the combined businesses.

    Dividend

    Based upon the performance of the year and net cash position of € 8.3 billion at the end of March 2025, the Board proposes to pay an ordinary dividend of 3.00 Swiss francs per 1 ‘A’ share (and CHF 0.30 per ‘B’ share), a 9% increase in the ordinary dividend over the prior year, subject to shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting (‘AGM’) on 10 September 2025.

    Annual General Meeting and Board changes

    The 2024 AGM in September saw Nicolas Bos, CEO of Richemont, elected as Executive Director of the Board, and Gary Saage as Non-executive Director, assuming the role of Chairman of the Audit Committee from Josua (Dillie) Malherbe.

    Shareholders also re-elected Wendy Luhabe as the ‘A’ shareholders’ representative and all Board members who stood for re-election for a further one-year term. Bram Schot succeeded Dillie as Non-executive Deputy Chairman of the Board and following the departure of Maria Ramos and Clay Brendish on 31 March, succeeded Clay as Chairman of the Compensation Committee.

    Once again, I would like to express my gratitude to Dillie for his contributions as Non-executive Deputy Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Audit Committee and for accepting to remain on the Audit and Strategic Security Committees, and to Maria and Clay for their invaluable contributions in their respective roles over the years.

    As indicated in the 2022 Annual Report, recognising shareholder expectations, we decided at the time to initiate a comprehensive tender process for our external audit function under the supervision of the Audit Committee. Having carefully considered the results of the tender, on 29 November 2024 we announced that the Audit Committee had recommended to the Board to propose to shareholders that KPMG be appointed as the new auditors of the Company for the financial year ending 31 March 2026 at the next AGM in September 2025.

    Concluding remarks

    Fiscal Year 2025 was a year of progress underscoring the Group’s strategic focus amidst a complex, fast-evolving global landscape. Whilst our Specialist Watchmakers’ performance mostly reflected weakness in their largest region, the Group’s performance was robust overall, driven by remarkable growth at our Jewellery Maisons and retail, and improved momentum at our ‘Other’ activities.

    We continued to invest in future growth by further strengthening our distribution network, enhancing our manufacturing capacity, and contributing to the nurturing and preservation of unique artisan skills. We also delivered on several strategic fronts, successfully completing the acquisition of Vhernier, and enabling Gianvito Rossi to further expand its brand globally, after having joined the Group last year. We are also pleased to have found a good home for YNAP, whose strengths Mytheresa will harness to create a new global leader in digital luxury.

    With a renewed leadership team and governance structure, the completion of seamless management transitions across several Maisons, and our teams of talented professionals committed to creativity and innovation, we are well-positioned to guide Richemont through its next phase of development.

    As I have said before, ongoing global uncertainties will continue to require strong agility and discipline. Richemont has solid foundations for sustained value creation over time, built upon our leading Maisons’ unique heritage and innovative craftsmanship, coupled with an increasingly balanced and tailored regional presence that allows us to better connect with and enchant clients. Our long-term perspective, underpinned by a healthy balance sheet, constitutes a proven formula that has delivered seven-fold sales growth over the past 25 years, and remains central to our strategy.

    Our achievements this year would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication of our teams and the invaluable collaboration of our partners. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to each of them for their significant contributions to Richemont’s success. I also wish to take this opportunity to thank our valued clients for their enduring trust and appreciation for the distinctive character and timeless appeal of our Maisons’ creations.

    Johann Rupert
    Chairman

    Compagnie Financière Richemont SA

    About Richemont 

    At Richemont, we craft the future. Our unique portfolio includes prestigious Maisons distinguished by their craftsmanship and creativity. Richemont’s ambition is to nurture its Maisons and businesses and enable them to grow and prosper in a responsible, sustainable manner over the long term.

    Richemont operates in three business areas: Jewellery Maisons with Buccellati, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Vhernier; Specialist Watchmakers with A. Lange & Söhne, Baume & Mercier, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Piaget, Roger Dubuis and Vacheron Constantin; and Other, primarily Fashion & Accessories Maisons with Alaïa, Chloé, Delvaux, dunhill, G/FORE, Gianvito Rossi, Montblanc, Peter Millar, Purdey, Serapian as well as Watchfinder & Co. Find out more at https://www.richemont.com/.

    Disclaimer

    This document contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Richemont’s forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions regarding the Company’s business and performance, the economy and other future conditions and forecasts of future events, circumstances and results. Our retail stores are heavily dependent on the ability and desire of consumers to travel and shop and a decline in consumer traffic could have a negative effect on our comparable store sales and/or average sales per square foot and store profitability resulting in impairment charges, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Reduced travel resulting from economic conditions, retail store closure orders of civil authorities, travel restrictions, travel concerns and other circumstances, including disease epidemics and other health-related concerns, could have a material adverse effect on us, particularly if such events impact our customers’ desire to travel to our retail stores. International conflicts or wars, including resulting sanctions and restrictions on importation and exportation of finished products and/or raw materials, whether self-imposed or imposed by international countries, non-state entities or others, may also impact these forward-looking statements. If international tariffs are imposed or increased, materials and goods that Richemont imports may face higher prices, which could lead to reduced margins or increased prices that could cause decreased consumer demand. As with any projection or forecast, forward-looking statements are inherently susceptible to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside the Group’s control. Richemont does not undertake to update, nor does it have any obligation to provide updates of, or to revise, any forward-looking statements.

    © Richemont 2025

    This announcement does not contain full details and should not be used as a basis for any investment decision in relation to the Company’s shares. Please find the full announcement available in PDF below: 

    Richemont FY25 Annual Results PDF EN | Richemont FY25 Annual Results PDF FR (abridged)

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Result of the Daily Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction held on May 16, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Tenor 3-day
    Notified Amount (in ₹ crore) 25,000
    Total amount of bids received (in ₹ crore) 5,293
    Amount allotted (in ₹ crore) 5,293
    Cut off Rate (%) 6.01
    Weighted Average Rate (%) 6.01
    Partial Allotment Percentage of bids received at cut off rate (%) NA

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/341

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • Ronaldo tops Forbes’ list of highest-paid athletes for third year in a row

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    ristiano Ronaldo topped Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid athletes for the third consecutive year and the fifth time in his career.

    Following his move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, Ronaldo’s estimated total earnings are around $275 million.

    The Portuguese forward increased his income by $15 million through off-field endorsements as well as lucrative sponsorship deals backed by his large social media followers: 939 million in total as of May.

    Meanwhile, Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, who in March became the first NBA player to reach 4,000 career three-pointers, jumped to second place in the rankings with $156 million.

    Boxer Tyson Fury claimed third place with $146 million. Despite losing his world heavyweight titles to Oleksandr Usyk in December, Fury’s income has been boosted by partnerships promoting Maltese tourism and his Netflix reality show.

    Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, reached fourth with $137 million, thanks to record-breaking signing bonuses and a lucrative contract extension.

    Meanwhile, Argentine Lionel Messi dropped to fifth place with $135 million — the same as last year — having moved to Major League Soccer side Inter Miami, as well as continuing to receive high-profile endorsements from Adidas and Apple.

    Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, nearing the end of his illustrious career, came sixth with $133.8 million.

    MLB New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto came in at a remarkable seventh place, earning $114 million. The 26-year-old Dominican signed a $765 million, 15-year contract, the largest in baseball history.

    French striker Karim Benzema, who plays for Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad, is eighth with earnings of $104 million.

    Japanese Shohei Ohtani is in ninth place with $102.5 million, having deferred most of his earnings from his mega-contract with MLB team Los Angeles Dodgers. His earnings were boosted significantly by their World Series victory last year.

    NBA Phoenix Suns’ Kevin Durant rounds off the top 10 with $101.4 million.

    –Reuters

  • India–UK Trade Deal to Spur 15 % Annual Growth Through 2030, Says CareEdge

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The bilateral trade between India and the United Kingdom is expected to grow by about 15 per cent a year until 2030, on the assumption that the recently concluded free-trade agreement (FTA) will take effect within the next twelve months, according to a report released on Friday.

    The accord, finalised on 6 May after nearly three years of negotiations, presents a strategic opportunity for Indian companies to deepen their presence in the British market, stimulate domestic manufacturing and drive overall economic expansion, CareEdge Ratings said.

    “This landmark FTA also fosters investment, joint ventures and collaboration in the services sector, thereby deepening economic ties. Going forward, the agreement marks a pivotal shift in India–UK economic relations, unlocking new opportunities for businesses, strengthening manufacturing and enriching consumer markets,” observed D. Naveen Kumar, Associate Director at CareEdge Ratings.

    At present the United Kingdom accounts for roughly two per cent of India’s total trade, yet the relationship has been expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 11 per cent over the past decade.
    Under the deal, India will cut tariffs on 90 per cent of British goods, with 85 per cent becoming entirely duty-free over ten years. In return, the UK will abolish duties on selected products, leaving 99 per cent of Indian exports tariff-free.

    “Key benefits for Indian exporters include improved market access, more resilient supply chains, greater competitiveness, higher volumes and fresh avenues for growth,” the report noted.

    Lower tariffs and streamlined regulations are expected to bolster India’s export performance, making its products more price-competitive and therefore more attractive to British buyers. Exporters, who have faced sluggish sales and uncertainty over possible retaliatory US tariffs, may find welcome relief.

    Significant gains are anticipated in automobiles, whisky, industrial machinery and pharmaceuticals, where steep tariff cuts and simplified norms will apply. The agreement is also set to open lucrative prospects for India’s gems-and-jewellery sector by leveraging the UK’s affluent consumer base and mature luxury market.

    Tariffs ranging from 8 per cent to 14 per cent on various electrical and engineering goods will be scrapped, giving Indian manufacturers a clear edge over global rivals, the report added. (IANS)

  • EAM Jaishankar speaks to Taliban’s acting foreign minister, thanks him for support after Pahalgam

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Thursday.

    The conversation came days after the Taliban administration—though not officially recognised by India—strongly condemned the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 people dead.

    Expressing “deep appreciation” for the condemnation, Jaishankar posted on X: “Welcomed his firm rejection of recent attempts to create distrust between India and Afghanistan through false and baseless reports.”

    He further noted India’s “traditional friendship with the Afghan people” and reiterated support for Afghanistan’s development needs. The two leaders also discussed potential avenues for future cooperation.

    The call marked the first political-level interaction between Indian and Afghan ministers since the Taliban seized power in Kabul in August 2021.

    It comes amid a series of recent diplomatic engagements between Indian officials and the Taliban.

    In January, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Muttaqi in Dubai. More recently, on April 27, senior Indian diplomat Anand Prakash was received by Muttaqi in Kabul, shortly after the Pahalgam terror attack and amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan.

  • Cricket West Indies calls for inclusive pathways to Olympic participation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Cricket West Indies (CWI) has formally written to the International Cricket Council (ICC), urging that the unique structure of West Indies cricket be fairly considered in ongoing discussions with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding qualification for cricket at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

    Unlike other Olympic participants, the West Indies represents a collective of sovereign Caribbean nations rather than a single country. With T20 cricket set to debut at the 2028 Games, CWI has raised concerns about how its teams will be accommodated under current Olympic eligibility rules, which only allow participation by independent nations.

    In its communication, CWI proposed two inclusive and practical qualification models that would allow Caribbean nations, with strong Olympic traditions, to participate in line with the values and requirements of the Olympic Charter.

    CWI President Dr. Kishore Shallow made an emphatic appeal for fairness and inclusion:
    “The Caribbean has always punched above its weight at the Olympics, inspiring the world with our athletic brilliance. Cricket’s return to the Games in 2028 must not exclude our young cricketers from the same dream that has long inspired our athletes. The Olympic Charter champions fairness, transparency, and universality. We ask only that these principles be reflected not just in words, but in action. West Indies cricket must have a pathway and fully deserves the opportunity to compete.”

    CWI’s appeal comes amid concerns that, under current Olympic rules, the West Indies men’s and women’s cricket teams would be ineligible for participation.

    To address this, CWI has recommended two potential pathways:

    1. Internal Qualification Model: If the West Indies men’s or women’s teams meet ICC Olympic qualification criteria, a tournament among Olympic-affiliated Caribbean nations could determine which country will represent the region at the Games.
    2. Expanded Global Qualification Pathway: A revised qualification system that includes associate ICC members across the five ICC Development Regions, along with the individual member countries of the West Indies.

    In its proposal, CWI cites the Olympic Charter’s Bye-law to Rule 40, which requires qualification systems to be “fair and transparent” and to promote universal representation, equal access, and the inclusion of top athletes from all regions.

    CWI reaffirmed its commitment to constructive dialogue with the ICC and expressed readiness to collaborate on a qualification framework that upholds Olympic values while recognizing the unique composition of Caribbean cricket.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • MIL-OSI China: India, Japan notify WTO of possible retaliation against US tariffs

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

    India and Japan have recently notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of potential retaliatory measures in response to U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum.

    The European Union(EU) and Britain had submitted similar notifications to the WTO earlier.

    WTO documents show that both India and Japan argue that the U.S. tariffs, imposed since March 2018, constitute safeguard measures under the WTO Agreement on Safeguards, although they were not officially notified by the United States to the WTO. In line with this agreement, the two countries, respectively, stated that they reserve the right to suspend concessions and other obligations by imposing additional tariffs on selected U.S. imports.

    India estimates that the tariffs will affect 7.6 billion U.S. dollars worth of its relevant exports to the United States, generating 1.91 billion dollars in duties. India has vowed to impose “an equivalent amount of duty collected from products originating in the United States” as part of its proposed suspension of concessions.

    Japan’s WTO notification reveals that its retaliatory measures will target not only U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs, but also American import restrictions on automobiles and auto parts.

    The proposed suspension of concessions will take the form of an equivalent increase in duties on selected U.S. products, said the notification, adding that the details, based on the most recent export data, will be provided to the WTO prior to the implementation.

    The United States began imposing 25 percent tariffs on steel and 10 percent on aluminum imports in March 2018 under Section 232 of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act, citing “national security concerns.”

    In February 2020, these tariffs were extended to derivative steel and aluminum products.

    Starting from March 12, 2025, the Trump administration raised tariffs on aluminum from 10 percent to 25 percent and ended duty-free quotas, exemptions and exclusions for steel and aluminum tariffs.

    These measures have triggered widespread condemnation and opposition. The EU and Britain have also notified the WTO that they reserve the right to suspend the substantially equivalent concessions. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Messi, Garnacho back for Argentina World Cup qualifiers

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

    Captain Lionel Messi has returned to Argentina’s squad for World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia, the Argentine football association said on Thursday.

    Argentina’s Lionel Messi tries to maneuver around Australia’s Kye Rowles during a friendly match at Workers’ Stadium on Thursday in Beijing. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The 37-year-old missed the team’s March qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil due to an adductor injury but has since returned to action for his club Inter Miami.

    Albiceleste manager Lionel Scaloni also recalled Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho and Strasbourg left-back Valentin Barco, who were both overlooked for the previous matches.

    But there was no place in the preliminary 28-man squad for Roma forward Paulo Dybala or River Plate defenders Marcos Acuna and German Pezzella.

    Argentina will meet Chile in Santiago on June 5 and Colombia in Buenos Aires five days later.

    The reigning World Cup and Copa America champion currently leads the 10-team South American World Cup qualifying group with 31 points from 14 games.

    The top six teams will earn an automatic spot at football’s showpiece tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada next year. The seventh-ranked side will advance to an intercontinental playoff.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: With a new minister for early childhood education, what can the federal government do to make centres safer?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Victoria Minson, Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education, Australian Catholic University

    This week, more reports emerged of horrific abuse of children at childcare centres.
    An ABC investigation reported young children had suffered burns and been verbally abused. In another case, a baby was repeatedly slapped by an early childhood educator.

    This follows claims of sexual abuse and neglect earlier this year.

    On Tuesday, we also saw the appointment of Victorian senator Jess Walsh as the new minister for early childhood education. As a former head of the union responsible for the sector, Walsh comes to the role with a thorough understanding of early education issues. She will also sit in cabinet.

    What does Walsh and the re-elected Albanese government need to do to better ensure children’s safety in early childhood education and care? Here are three ideas.



    Read more:
    Amid claims of abuse, neglect and poor standards, what is going wrong with childcare in Australia?

    1. Design safer centres

    One place to start is how centres are set up.

    “Safety by design” is a concept used in other sectors (such as online safety) and has its origins in crime prevention. It means planning spaces and systems to prevent harm before it happens. This could include changing the environment, routines or rules.

    For example, clear lines of sight in a room help educators watch children, and each other, more easily. Secure entrances ensure only authorised people can come into a centre.

    But safety isn’t just about buildings; it also depends on people. Educators need the right training to spot risks and signs of harm, and to act early.

    This means building their capability: not just knowing what to do, but feeling confident to speak up and raise concerns. This confidence needs to be encouraged by managers and leaders in centres – staff should be supported to speak openly.

    2. Conduct a thorough investigation

    Australia has a system to monitor quality standards in early childhood services via the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority or ACECQA. This body oversees a National Quality Framework.

    On Friday, National Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollonds said Australia needs to “urgently strengthen” regulatory frameworks.

    The recent reports of abuse and noncompliance certainly raise a series
    of questions: how could this happen? How could “trained professionals” think this treatment of children is OK?

    Multiple systemic failures could be the answer – meaning the mechanisms or processes in place to stop situations going from unacceptable to unfathomable, failed.

    A federally convened taskforce could investigate these breaches of child safety to identify risks and failures and prevent further cases of harm. Rather than yet another long inquiry, a taskforce could help get to the root of the problems and recommend solutions that can be implemented quickly.



    Read more:
    How can you tell if your child’s daycare is good quality?

    3. Boost the status of early childhood education

    Governments can also invest in the ongoing professionalisation of early childhood educators. They can do this by insisting on higher qualifications, pay, professional development and a strong ethical framework.

    In turn, this can enhance the ability of those in the sector to prevent and respond to abusive practices.

    Admittedly, the federal government has taken steps to increase requirements around qualifications and pay. But early childhood professionals continue to endure low status in the community.

    The people who work in early childhood services are not “babysitters” – they are trained educators. Early childhood education is also more than a means to increase productivity, by enabling parents to work. It provides education and care to children at a crucial time in their development.

    None of these perceptions help the sector or the service it provides. The whole community needs to understand the vital role it plays in our society – just like schools or hospitals.

    If Australians appreciate and value early childhood education, they can advocate for (or at least support) improvements and investments.

    A final word to parents

    It is understandable parents might find recent headlines about abuse and neglect in early childhood centres distressing. Keep in mind, 91% of early childhood services have been assessed as at least meeting national quality standards.

    If you have any concerns about your service, you can contact the regulatory authority in your state or territory.

    Victoria Minson is the Course Coordinator for the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years) (Accelerated) at Australian Catholic University. The Victorian offering of the course has received funding from the Victorian government and Victorian Department of Education. Victoria also receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    Daryl Higgins receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the National Health and Medical Research Council, and Australian Government and state/territory government departments.

    – ref. With a new minister for early childhood education, what can the federal government do to make centres safer? – https://theconversation.com/with-a-new-minister-for-early-childhood-education-what-can-the-federal-government-do-to-make-centres-safer-256802

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • UK court rejects Nirav Modi’s bail plea again amid CBI push for extradition in PNB fraud case

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a significant development, the High Court of Justice, King’s Bench Division, London, on Thursday rejected the latest bail petition filed by fugitive diamantaire Nirav Deepak Modi. This marks the tenth time Modi’s bail request has been denied since his detention in the United Kingdom.

    The bail application was strongly contested by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which was supported by a dedicated team from India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), including investigating and legal officers who travelled to London specifically for the hearing. The CBI effectively defended the Indian government’s position, leading to the court’s decision to deny bail.

    Nirav Modi is a declared fugitive economic offender wanted in India for trial in a massive bank fraud case involving the Punjab National Bank (PNB), in which he allegedly defrauded the bank of Rs. 6,498.20 crore. His extradition to India has already been approved by a UK court in favour of the Indian government.

    The latest rejection adds another layer to the prolonged legal battle, as Indian authorities continue their efforts to bring Modi back to face justice.

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Indonesia plans to export rice, provide humanitarian aid due to sufficient stocks

    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

    JAKARTA, May 16 (Xinhua) — The Indonesian government on Thursday announced a plan to export rice and also send it as humanitarian aid to needy countries as it has enough stocks to meet domestic demand.

    Indonesian Vice Agriculture Minister Sudariono said the government had discussed the possibility of exporting 2,000 tonnes of rice per month to Malaysia. However, an agreement has not yet been signed.

    The government is also exploring the possibility of using surplus rice to provide humanitarian aid, including to Palestine. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Backing a wage rise for low‑paid workers

    Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

    The Albanese Labor Government is backing another pay rise for low‑paid workers to help with the cost of living.

    Our economic plan is all about ensuring Australians earn more and keep more of what they earn.

    After the Australian Labor Party advocated to the Fair Work Commission during the election campaign, today the Government has also made a submission to the FWC recommending they award an economically sustainable real wage increase to Australia’s award workers.

    This will help around three million workers across the country, including cleaners, retail workers and early childhood educators.

    Boosting wages, cutting taxes for every taxpayer and creating more jobs are central parts of our efforts to help Australians with the cost of living.

    The Government’s previous recommendations that the real wages of low paid workers do not go backwards helped secure an increase of around $7500 each year in the National Minimum Wage.

    The minimum wage has already increased by $143 a week since we came to office, and the median wage has increased by $206 per week since we came to office.

    Now, we’re recommending they should go further, providing an economically sustainable real wage increase to Australia’s award workers.

    An increase in minimum and award wages is consistent with inflation sustainably remaining within the RBA’s target band, and will provide further relief to lower income workers who are still doing it tough.

    This position is both economically responsible and fair. It will ensure low paid workers can get ahead as inflation moderates and real wages continue to grow across the economy.

    Just this week, new ABS data showed that annual real wages have grown for a year and a half under the Albanese Government.

    When we came to office, real wages were going backwards by 3.4 per cent and had fallen for five consecutive quarters.

    This was part of Sussan Ley and the Liberals’ plan to keep wages low, a ‘deliberate design feature’ of their economic policy.

    Under Labor, inflation is down, unemployment is low, over 1.1 million jobs have been created, real wages and living standards are growing again, but the job is not done because people are still under pressure.

    Labor is helping Australians earn more and keep more of what they earn with strong and sustainable wages growth and tax cuts for every Australian taxpayer.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Career and study expo to be held

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Education Bureau will host the “Information Expo on Multiple Pathways 2025” at the Convention & Exhibition Centre’s Hall 1B on May 23 and 24.

    The expo will provide senior secondary school students, parents and teachers with up-to-date information on various study and career pathways.

    Around 30 institutions and organisations will have booths at the event.

    These will provide information on locally accredited post-secondary programmes, Diploma of Applied Education programmes, Information Portal for Accredited Post-secondary Programmes, Electronic Advance Application System for Post-secondary Programmes, the Concourse for Self-financing Post-secondary Education, and the Qualifications Framework.

    Hok Yau Club, the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups and the Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association will offer study and career guidance services to students.

    There will also be talks on pathways for school-leavers and strategies for transitioning to post-secondary education. Post-secondary students will share their experiences.

    The bureau’s own booth will feature interactive games for expo visitors to participate in.

    The expo will run from 10am to 6pm. Admission is free and prior registration is not required.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Land registration fees revised

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Government will increase fees for five types of land registration services in three phases through the 2025-26 to 2027-28 financial years, with the increases ranging from around 15% to 35% in each phase.

    The scope of fee adjustments will cover registration of instruments, including assignment and mortgage; registration of agreement for sale and purchase; lease registration, agreement, renewal and surrender; registration of other instruments; and registration of instruments whereby any charge or mortgage on any share or interest in a property is assigned or transferred.

    The Government explained that these five types of fees for services provided by the Land Registry Trading Fund have not been adjusted for almost 30 years.

    The fees were reviewed and adjusted in accordance with an established mechanism and the “user pays” principle, and have been set at levels considered generally adequate for recovering the full costs of providing the services.

    The amendment regulation was published in the Government Gazette today and will be tabled in the Legislative Council next Wednesday for its approval by negative vetting.

    Thereafter, the revised fees will come into effect in three phases from July 16 of this year, July 1 in 2026, and July 1 in 2027.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Prices keep rising while National cuts women’s pay

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    Prices for essentials, like milk, butter and electricity continue to get more expensive under National, at the same time as the Government takes money from women’s pockets to save their budget.  

    “It’s more bad news for families today as food prices continue to go up under this Government,” Labour finance and economy spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said.

    “Paying for the weekly shop keeps getting harder. The Government promised to bring prices down, but the only thing they’re bringing down is women’s pay.

    “These are staples in families’ budgets that we’re talking about. The price of butter has skyrocketed, now at $7.42 for a half-kilo, nearly $3 more expensive than this time last year. Milk and cheese are up 15% and 24%. Electricity and gas are also climbing.

    “Instead of helping, this Government has chosen to cut women’s pay, in favour of tax breaks for landlords and tobacco companies.

    “These are the wrong choices as the cost of living continues to bite,” Barbara Edmonds said.

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

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Minister’s rash orders fail frontline providers

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    The Auditor-General has found serious failings in the Government’s review of frontline providers such as counselling and prevention services.

    “It’s been nearly a year and frontline providers who work with vulnerable families are still waiting on certainty about funding,” Labour children’s spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime said.

    “The Auditor-General has found that Oranga Tamariki was poorly prepared to act on Minister Karen Chhour’s rash orders to cut and slash funding contracts for frontline services.

    “It’s even more concerning that officials don’t know the consequences of the Minister’s harmful choices on vulnerable children and their whānau.

    “I’ll tell you what happens when you take away prevention services – more harm to families and more children in care. Experts have warned about this.

    “With reports of vulnerable children almost doubling in the past year, Karen Chhour must act urgently.

    “Instead of listening to providers, she attacked them. It’s past time she takes responsibility, owns her mistake, and gives certainty to frontline services who remain anxious about their futures,” Willow-Jean Prime said.

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

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: During Police Week, Cortez Masto Takes Steps to Advance Key Legislation to Support Law Enforcement

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Washington, D.C. – During National Police Week, two of U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto’s (D-Nev.) bills supporting law enforcement were passed out of committee, the Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act and the Reauthorizing Support and Treatment for Officers in Crisis (STOIC) Act. She also gave a speech on the Senate floor urging the swift passage of her Invest to Protect Act.

    “During Police Week, I meet with officers from all over the Silver State to discuss how I can support them from Washington,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I am proud that these key bipartisan bills were moved through committee this week, and I urge my colleagues to swiftly pass them into law. I am dedicated to supporting the hardworking men and women who keep Nevadans safe.”

    The Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act, which Cortez Masto is leading alongside Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee today with unanimous bipartisan support. This legislation would ensure the families of retired law enforcement officers who were killed as a result of their service are not unjustly denied benefits. It now moves to the Senate floor.

    The STOIC Act, which Cortez Masto is sponsoring alongside Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), also passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee today with bipartisan support. This legislation would establish suicide prevention programs and mental health services within law enforcement communities. It now moves to the Senate floor.

    Cortez Masto also gave a speech on the Senate floor encouraging the swift passage of her bipartisan Invest to Protect Act, which she is leading alongside Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa). This legislation would set aside $250 million to help law enforcement agencies with fewer than 175 full-time sworn officers invest in training, mental health support, and recruitment and retention.

    As the former top law enforcement official in Nevada, Senator Cortez Masto has been a leading advocate in the Senate for our police officers and is part of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus. She has secured historic funding for the Byrne JAG grant program, the leading source of criminal justice funding in the country. Her bipartisan bills to combat the crisis of law enforcement suicide and provide mental health resources to police officers have been signed into law by presidents of both parties. Her BADGES for Native Communities Act to support the Bureau of Indian Affairs with law enforcement recruitment and retention passed the Senate Indian Affairs Committee.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Judiciary Committee Advances Eight Law Enforcement Bills During National Police Week

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – The Senate Judiciary Committee today advanced eight law enforcement bills amid National Police Week. This is the Judiciary Committee’s largest Police Week package in over 15 years. 

    Additionally, the Committee voted 12-9 to advance Jason Reding Quinones’ nomination to be U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. 

    “Day in and day out, the men and women in law enforcement put their lives on the line to protect communities across America. Today’s action helps ensure these brave individuals, and their families, are equally protected and supported,” Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) said. “The legislation advanced out of our committee this National Police Week will boost investment in local police departments, safeguard benefits for fallen officers’ families and improve law enforcement recruitment and retention. I’m proud to Back the Blue and look forward to quickly moving these bills on the Senate floor.” 

    Grassley also led 80 of his Senate colleagues in a resolution recognizing the service and sacrifice of America’s courageous law enforcement officers and their families. 

    The eight bipartisan bills passed out of the Judiciary Committee today are: 

    S. 180, Protecting First Responders from Secondary Exposure Act: 
    A bill to use existing Justice Department funds to equip state and local governments with additional training and containment tools to guard officers and first responders against accidental exposure to dangerous substances. 

    Cosponsors: Grassley, Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.)

    S.1563, Retired Law Enforcement Officers Continuing Service Act: 
    A bill to solve law enforcement staffing shortages by providing local police departments access to retired federal, state and local officers to perform investigations and analysis, as well as training for the next generation of law enforcement. 

    Cosponsors: Klobuchar, Grassley, Durbin

    S.419, Reauthorizing Support and Treatment for Officers in Crisis Act: 
    A bill to expand mental health resources for law enforcement officers. The legislation would help provide family –support, mental health services and suicide prevention programs within law enforcement communities. 

    Cosponsors: Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Grassley, Klobuchar, Durbin

    S.911, Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act: 
    A bill to ensure families of retired law enforcement officers who were killed as a result of their service are not unjustly denied benefits. The bill is named in honor of Chief Herbert D. Proffitt, a Korean war veteran and retired law enforcement officer who was tragically killed by an individual he had arrested a decade earlier. 

    Cosponsors: Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Blumenthal, Grassley, Durbin

    S.1316, Strong Communities Act: 
    A bill to boost law enforcement recruitment and retention by incentivizing officers to work in the communities where they live.  

    Cosponsors: Gary Peters (D-Mich.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Marsha Blackburn (D-Tenn.), Klobuchar, Cruz, Coons, Welch, Durbin, Hirono

    S.1595, Improving Police CARE Act: 
    A bill to equip law enforcement officers with quality trauma kits, which allows them to respond immediately if a civilian or fellow officer experiences a traumatic injury during a call. 

    Cosponsors: Cornyn, Whitehouse, Tillis, Coons, Durbin

    S.539, PROTECT Our Children Reauthorization Act: 
    A bill to reauthorize and modernize the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program, aiding state and local law enforcement agencies in combating child sexual exploitation and internet crimes against children. 

    Cosponsors: Cornyn, Blumenthal, Blackburn, Klobuchar, Hawley, Durbin

    S.237, Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act: 
    A bill to strengthen federal support for families of police officers, firefighters and first responders who are killed or permanently disabled by service-related cancers. 

    Cosponsors: Klobuchar, Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Blackburn, Blumenthal, Coons, Cornyn, Cruz, Durbin, Hirono, Padilla, Welch, Whitehouse 

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New Manawatū Commercial Vehicle Safety Centre focused on improving compliance and efficiencies

    Source: Argument for Lifting NZ Super Age

    Operations are now underway at the country’s newest commercial vehicle safety centre (CVSC), on State Highway 1/3 at Ohakea in Manawatū.

    This will streamline travel for heavy vehicle operators, deliver targeted enforcement by NZ Police, and efficient monitoring for heavy vehicle compliance.

    NZTA Commercial Vehicle Safety Programme Manager Sean Bridge is confident the new CVSC will improve travel efficiencies for compliant heavy vehicle operators and level the playing field for commercial transport operators in the region.

    “A CVSC screens heavy vehicles travelling past and provides data on operator and truck behaviour such as heavy vehicle weight, Certificate of Fitness status, and driver fatigue. This information is used to direct operators into the centre for inspection by NZ Police,” says Mr Bridge.

    “These centres will help to improve compliance at the same time as improving travel times for operators, because those not flagged during screening won’t need to pull into the centre. 

    “The data we collect will give us insight into the behaviour of heavy vehicles on the network. Using this data, we’ll be able to target our education and compliance work toward where safety issues are found.

    “This ensures everyone is paying their fair share for use of the road; keeps compliant operators moving through more smoothly and reduces the damage caused to the road by overloading, ultimately boosting safety and efficiency for all road users.”

    The Ohakea CVSC is one of 12 being built on important freight routes that will monitor the behaviour of heavy vehicles across the country.

    How the CVSC works: 

    The CVSC is connected to in-road scales, number plate recognition cameras and electronic signage on State Highway 1/3, leading to and from the centre.

    This technology collects data on passing vehicles 24/7 such as COF status, vehicle weight, load status, permit compliance, and if drivers are taking appropriate breaks.

    Where a heavy vehicle is required for inspection, its number plate will be displayed on the electronic signage, indicating it needs to pull into the centre for safe inspection by the NZ Police.

    The construction of a new roundabout on the state highway also means trucks can safely enter from both directions.   

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: 150 social homes for Hawke’s Bay through community-led approach

    Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

    Families in need will benefit from 150 new social homes to be delivered in Hawke’s Bay using a new community-led approach, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says.

    “As part of last year’s Budget, the Government invested $140 million into 1500 new social homes to be delivered by Community Housing Providers (CHPs) between June 2025 and June 2027. 

    “Hawke’s Bay has been chosen as a priority location for a pilot community-led approach to social housing delivery due to the high level of need, with disproportionate numbers of people in emergency and temporary housing and on the social housing waitlist. 

    “The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has worked with CHPs, iwi, local government and other community groups to agree a community-led approach to delivering up to 150 social homes across the region. 

    “The Hawke’s Bay, especially in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, presents both a significant need for social housing, and a unique opportunity for government and local groups to work differently together to deliver social homes.

    “Today in Flaxmere I met with representatives from the Hawke’s Bay Matariki Housing Leadership Group who are taking the lead for the Hawke’s Bay community-led delivery approach. I endorsed the group’s efforts to bring together many different parts of the community, alongside HUD, to deliver 150 social homes in the region. The Government is looking forward to working collaboratively with them to get these homes built.

    “To make contracting more efficient, the Government is delivering many of the 1500 social homes across the country through Strategic Partnership agreements with carefully selected CHPs. In Hawke’s Bay, strategic partner Emerge Aotearoa Housing Trust has already committed to delivering 24 homes. 

    “Our Government is committed to delivering social homes in the communities that need them most, alongside the organisations who know the communities best, using community housing providers who have a track record of delivery.

    “In addition to the community partnership in Hawke’s Bay announced today, I am also confirming the other priority locations for social housing delivery for the five strategic partners announced by the Government in April. 

    “These locations are Auckland, Tauranga, Hamilton, Porirua, Nelson/Tasman, and Rotorua. They have been identified based on social housing need and emergency housing use in each area, along with housing market performance and CHP capacity and capability to deliver. 

    “I look forward to seeing construction of these social homes underway.”

    Note to editor:

    Across the total 1,500 places funded through Budget 2024, over 661 places have already been contracted for delivery up to June 2027, with further places expected to be contracted in the coming months. 

    The first projects are expected to be delivered in the first half of this year, with delivery gaining momentum as time goes on.

    The five strategic partners for social housing delivery were selected based on their current performance, capability, and capacity, as demonstrated by the social homes they already manage and the quality of the housing developments they have delivered to date.

    The strategic partners are:

    • Accessible Properties New Zealand Limited
    • Community of Refuge Trust (CORT)
    • Emerge Aotearoa Housing Trust
    • Te Āhuru Mōwai Limited Partnership
    • The Salvation Army 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 257

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL7

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 257
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    930 PM EDT Thu May 15 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Northern and West-Central Indiana
    Far Southern Lower Michigan
    Lake Michigan

    * Effective this Thursday night and Friday morning from 930 PM
    until 300 AM EDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A few tornadoes and a couple intense tornadoes possible
    Scattered damaging winds likely with isolated significant gusts
    to 75 mph possible
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2.5
    inches in diameter possible

    SUMMARY…Thunderstorms will spread east-northeastward this evening
    and overnight while posing a threat for a few tornadoes, scattered
    severe/damaging winds with the ongoing cluster, and large hail with
    any sustained supercells.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 45 statute miles
    east and west of a line from 30 miles east of Benton Harbor MI to 90
    miles south of South Bend IN. For a complete depiction of the watch
    see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU7).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 253…WW 255…WW 256…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 2.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 65 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
    storm motion vector 24040.

    …Gleason

    SEL7

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 257
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    930 PM EDT Thu May 15 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Northern and West-Central Indiana
    Far Southern Lower Michigan
    Lake Michigan

    * Effective this Thursday night and Friday morning from 930 PM
    until 300 AM EDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A few tornadoes and a couple intense tornadoes possible
    Scattered damaging winds likely with isolated significant gusts
    to 75 mph possible
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2.5
    inches in diameter possible

    SUMMARY…Thunderstorms will spread east-northeastward this evening
    and overnight while posing a threat for a few tornadoes, scattered
    severe/damaging winds with the ongoing cluster, and large hail with
    any sustained supercells.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 45 statute miles
    east and west of a line from 30 miles east of Benton Harbor MI to 90
    miles south of South Bend IN. For a complete depiction of the watch
    see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU7).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 253…WW 255…WW 256…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 2.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 65 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
    storm motion vector 24040.

    …Gleason

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW7
    WW 257 TORNADO IN MI LM 160130Z – 160700Z
    AXIS..45 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    30E BEH/BENTON HARBOR MI/ – 90S SBN/SOUTH BEND IN/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 40NM E/W /24SSE PMM – 35N IND/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..2.5 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..65 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 24040.

    LAT…LON 42138497 40398546 40398718 42138672

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU7.

    Watch 257 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Mod (50%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Mod (30%)

    Wind

    Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

    Mod (60%)

    Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

    Mod (30%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Mod (50%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Mod (30%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (80%)

    For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Speech to Otago Regional Growth Summit

    Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

    Thank you for being here.

    We appreciate your time. We appreciate your work.

    You have been joined this morning by five Ministers:

    • The Honourable Shane Jones, a driving force for the economic success of provincial New Zealand.
    • Customs Minister Casey Costello.
    • South Island Minister James Meager, and
    • Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson.

    Today’s summit

    Ours is a country that has taken challenges and overcome them.

    Too often, we look to somebody else for an answer. We need look no further than ourselves.

    Gathered in this room are senior leaders from across the Otago region. Industry leaders, education leaders, transport leaders, elected leaders, and future leaders.

    Indeed, this entire region represents a story of New Zealand. One that embraces its resources, recognises its assets, develops itself, markets itself, attracts a thriving workforce and builds a community.

    These Regional Growth Summits have been set up as a forum for businesses, industry, and key regional leaders for your region’s priorities and how we can work together to grow regional economies.

    Rail as an economic enabler

    A man called Julius Vogel, from Dunedin, saw New Zealand as a nation and not as a series of regions. He connected us with rail, building more rail in ten years than in the 130 years which followed. One nation with many strengths.

    This morning, you have heard from Hon Shane Jones of our Government’s commitment of $8.2 million to build a three-track rail siding connecting Southern Link Logistics, an inland freight hub.

    Freight is about getting from A to B. Freight is the lifeblood of our economy. It’s no good making something if it doesn’t go to a customer.

    Rail boosts the network. Rail is the clearing house for busy ports, moving vast quantities of containers so ports can handle more ships. More ships enable more exports, more imports, more trade.

    Inland freight hubs mean local road freight operators, and rail freight, can feed regional goods into the hub and have rail take the combined heavy-haul to port. This model happens all over the country, and locals here in Otago have said they need it, and we have listened and delivered.

    Further, we have rebuilt the Hillside Railway Workshops in Dunedin. Brand new mechanical depots and network services, and an assembly operation is driving mechanical engineering expertise here in Otago and delivering 1,500 wagons to serve national goods.

    We don’t just talk. We deliver.

    Rebuilding the economy

    New Zealand requires a productive economy to thrive. 

    That means using what we have, adding value, and solving problems elsewhere in the world with our ideas and our products.

    This is not a new idea. Economic success requires work, right here, right now, every day.

    We have many assets as a nation:

    • Our people, their dedication to each other, their families and their communities. Their willingness to put in a hard days work, and our educators, thinkers and innovators and their tenacity to push humanity forward.
    • Our businesses, taking risk and investing for tomorrow, building industries, and backing their communities.
    • Our infrastructure – roads, rails, ports, farms, mills, depots, workshops, fibre, and much more. We have invested heavily, and these assets remain as vital to our success today as they have for decades.
    • Our resources – pastoral land, oceans and rivers, forests and yes, a thing called the extractive industry. Look around, 96 percent of this building and every building in New Zealand came from the extractive industry.

    We must aggressively sell our country as an attractive investment destination.

    The question that is always asked, “but why New Zealand?”, and we must have the answer.

    What gives us an edge over other small nations seeking investment? Why should an investor look to us, to our people, to our resources, to our future and decide we are where their future lies?

    Singapore, Taiwan, Ireland, and Croatia today, have answered these questions.

    So, what must we do?

    First, developing talent is essential to driving productivity gains.

    Many of you will also be aware of the work underway to redesign New Zealand’s vocational training to make it more regionally responsive, efficient, and relevant. These changes will help equip our people with the skills to take better opportunities within their communities, rather than needing to head off to Australia.

    Government investment through Regional Development funds, which started with the Provincial Growth Fund, has had a huge impact on growing job opportunities in Otago, with just under 1,000 jobs created through central government investment in Otago to date. 

    We will see these positive employment outcomes continue with the construction of the flood resilience projects and future potential investments through the Regional Investment Fund.

    Second, competitive business settings. We need the right policies and settings to allow development in the right places at the right time. We are talking here about sensible tax, predictable labour settings, and reliable migration settings.

    The length of time it takes to deliver infrastructure projects in New Zealand is costing us – in inflated costs, delays, and importantly from our perspective, in our international reputation for doing business. We see shovel-ready projects trapped in cycles of over-regulation and legal challenges.

    Third, promoting global trade and investment to boost the value of our exports, grow international markets and attract investment for our firms.

    As the Minister of Foreign Affairs this one is obvious. We are rebuilding the importance of solid relationships and working in partnership with other countries.

    Fourth, science and innovation systems are critical to boosting the number of knowledge-intensive, internationally connected firms.

    Improving digital connectivity and skills is a critical way of ensuring communities have access to a broader range of employment opportunities and enjoy greater productivity. To support these outcomes, the Provincial Growth Fund provided a $950,000 grant for the business case and $10 million grant toward the development of the Centre of Digital Excellence in Dunedin. 

    The centre invests in career pathways to the gaming industry, helps develop digital skills, grows digital capability, supports innovation through contestable funds, and attracts digital businesses to Dunedin.

    Fifth, long-term infrastructure. We want to see major projects on the Fast-Track. That is why we have legislated for economically significant infrastructure projects to be considered for what they are: the pathway to our future. We got things done in our past, and we are going to do it again.

    We are backing our roads and our rail because we know an export nation relies on solid connections to our coastal ports.

    And, if Minister Jones hasn’t made you aware, a $1.2 billion Regional Infrastructure Fund.

    Conclusion

    Now, we remind you that while the people of Wellington do have strengths, the public service within Wellington will not be the problem solver for Otago. That is your job.

    We need our regions to be running at full steam, increasing self-sufficiency, resilience, and for everyone to benefit from the changes we’re driving.

    And if you need help, tell Shane Jones what’s important to you as a region, and how we can work together to make that happen.

    You will be heard.

    Thank you very much.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Speech to Hillside Workshops

    Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

    Good morning.

    First, let us reiterate the thanks already given to civic leaders, Ministers, Mayors, parliamentarians past and present, union leaders, business leaders and members of the public gathered here today. 

    Let us also acknowledge the KiwiRail workers of Dunedin, especially the former and current workers here at Hillside today.

    You asked. We delivered.

    It is important to mark history. Knowing where we have come from helps us understand where we are going.

    Hillside Workshops have been a mainstay of New Zealand’s industrial heritage for a century. 

    A little over a decade ago the staff numbers were down to 12, and Hillside was closing.

    Today, 60 people work in the mechanical depot and 50 track workers serving the region have shifted here from Cumberland Street.

    The reason that Hillside is alive and well as you see it today is that in 2019, the Honourable Shane Jones allocated $20 million to start the masterplanning, demolition and rebuild of the main mechanical workshop here at Hillside.

    The masterplan was followed through when the Government approved $85 million more for the site, which included shifting the network operation here and funding the assembly of 1,500 wagons here in Dunedin.

    Our decisions, and your advocacy, saved Hillside Workshops.

    Dozens of people, almost entirely from Otago, have been employed and are learning technical mechanical engineering skills. Right here. Right now.

    The Honourable Mark Patterson visited last year and spoke with a mechanical engineer who grew up in Dunedin and worked at Fisher and Paykel. 

    His Fisher and Paykel role was made redundant, and he shifted to Australia, but the Hillside Workshop redevelopment brought him home. Like many others.

    These are technical minds and hands being put to work – and work is a matter of dignity and contribution.

    Hillside Workshops are an emblem of New Zealand’s industrial heritage.

    This city is famed for Julius Vogel who saw New Zealand as a nation, not a collection of regions. He connected the provinces by rail and built lines that stretched from Bluff to Kawakawa, and eventually connecting us as a nation with main trunks. He built more lines in ten years than in the following 130.

    We are committed to making sure rail has a strong future in this country and it rests on KiwiRail being able to serve its customers with assets that are fit for the job.

    That is what we have done here.

    The new, high-quality wagons that are being built here at Hillside are part of our Ministry’s strategy for rail. 

    They will lift service reliability, allowing KiwiRail to better deliver for their existing freight customers. In turn, that will attract more customers and grow freight volumes. 

    Now it’s up to KiwiRail to deliver, and it’s up to freight movers to “think rail”. Use it or lose it.  

    As you know, Dunedin is a dynamic city with a long history of contribution to the country’s engineering and technology sectors. 

    Our regional investments help build this capability in the city – from establishing the Inventors Lab and Centre of Digital Excellence to funding engineering equipment and support for technology manufacturing. 

    The Hillside redevelopment has also redefined KiwiRail’s footprint in Dunedin, freeing up its landholdings for wider industrial development. That means opportunities for investment here. That means jobs here.

    It’s a great privilege today to officially, albeit belatedly, declare the Hillside Workshops open.

    We don’t just the start the job, we finish it.

    Thank you to everyone who has been involved in this successful project and who are continuing to make it deliver. 

    Thank you very much.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Public Defence Service changes finalised

    Source: Tertiary Education Commission

    Headline: Public Defence Service changes finalised

    5:00pm – 15 May 2025

    The Public Defence Service (PDS) is releasing the final outcome of its change process following consultation with staff. 

    The proposal was announced on 3 March 2025, and staff had the opportunity to provide feedback until 1 May. 

    “We had a significant amount of feedback from across the PDS,” says Peter Hutchinson, Director, Public Defence Service. 

    Submissions were received from 94 individuals and 10 groups. 

    “We carefully considered this feedback and have made a number of changes to what was originally proposed as a result.” 

    “For example, noting the feedback regarding concerns over on-site support, legal secretary positions in local PDS offices will remain. In addition, while we will still establish two centralised legal secretary hubs, they will have a reduced number of legal support positions overall initially, and we will take a slower, more phased approach to establishing the hubs.” 

    Mr Hutchinson says they have also listened to feedback on proposed changes to the PDS Appeals Team and had made adjustments as a result. 

    “This change to the original proposal means the PDS will be at a similar senior court resourcing level as it was in 2022 and this will mean the reduction in senior court cases will be less than under the original proposal.” 

    Mr Hutchinson says proposed changes to the Duty Lawyer Service are being confirmed, including the loss of some management positions. 

    “While feedback from staff is acknowledged, we also note the extensive expertise of the PDS Duty Lawyer Supervisors that will remain with the PDS.” 

    The organisational realignment will result in a total of 23 PDS positions being disestablished, and 8.5 new positions being established. A number of internal reassignments are being offered, along with at least a further 12 lawyer positions in the future, funded from internal savings. 

    “I appreciate that this has been a stressful time for staff, and we appreciate their considered and comprehensive feedback.  

    “I believe these changes will enable the PDS to achieve its objective of enabling internal efficiencies and savings by increasing its cases each year, while continuing to deliver high quality legal services,” Mr Hutchison says. 

    About the PDS 

    • The PDS is an independent criminal law practice providing advice and representation to defendants who have legal aid in criminal cases. 
    • The PDS also oversees duty lawyer services in the courts where it operates. 
    • The PDS is the largest criminal law practice in New Zealand, with over 150 criminal defence lawyers in 10 offices across New Zealand. 

    ENDS 

    ← Back to the news

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Optimization of visa-free regime attracts more tourists to China

    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

    On May 2, 43 Lao tourists taking advantage of the visa-free regime for ASEAN tour groups traveling to Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, successfully cleared customs and entered China through Mohan Railway Port, Yunnan Province, in less than 15 minutes.

    Thanks to the continuous optimization of a series of visa-free measures such as 240-hour visa-free transit and regional visa-free regimes, China Travel remained extremely popular during the May Day holiday this year, with more and more travelers coming to China to discover the country.

    On the afternoon of May 1, at the arrival hall of Changle International Airport in Fuzhou City, US citizen Majid, with the assistance of border guards, successfully obtained a 240-hour temporary stay permit. “Fast processing and excellent service!” he said.

    These were the first May holidays after the introduction of 240-hour visa-free transit. Thanks to the comprehensive application of various visa-free measures, the average daily passenger flow here exceeded 5,300 people.

    On December 17 last year, the State Administration of Immigration comprehensively relaxed and optimized the visa-free transit policy, implementing a 240-hour visa-free regime for citizens of 54 countries. The number of entry points to which this policy applies was increased, and foreign tourists can now travel between provinces within the permitted stay zones.

    “The 240-hour visa-free transit not only extends the stay, but also allows for more cities in different regions, making travel planning more flexible,” said Majid. This time, in addition to experiencing the culture and cuisine of Fujian Province, he also plans to visit West Lake in Hangzhou.

    During the May holidays, the route “Hong Kong and Macao to Guangdong via Zhuhai” has become a popular destination among tourists from Southeast Asian countries.

    Around 7 a.m. on May 1, a group of tourists from Southeast Asia were waiting to clear customs at the arrival hall of the Gongbei border checkpoint. “I have been to China many times,” said Aye from the Philippines. “The Chinese people are very friendly, and I feel very comfortable here every time.”

    Since China introduced a trial visa-free regime for citizens of the Republic of Korea on November 8, 2024, more and more Koreans have been visiting China for tourism, business and family purposes.

    “Going forward, the National Administration for Immigration plans to implement more effective entry-exit and stay policies, and implement new measures to simplify procedures for border crossings, so as to make exchanges between Chinese and foreign citizens more convenient and effectively promote the ‘mutual circulation’ of China and the rest of the world,” said Lin Yongsheng, director of the policy and regulation department of the National Administration for Immigration.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Waste-to-energy in Australia: how it works, where new incinerators could go, and how they stack up

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ali Abbas, Associate Dean (Research), University of Sydney

    Martin Mecnarowski, Shutterstock.

    Every year, Australia buries millions of tonnes of waste in landfills. But these sites are filling fast, recycling has its own limitations, and most waste export is banned. So councils and state governments are looking for alternatives.

    Several large-scale incinerators have been proposed, to turn municipal solid waste into electricity. One is already up and running in Perth’s outer suburbs.

    The A$1.5 billion Parkes Energy Recovery project planned for New South Wales would be Australia’s biggest. However, community backlash over potential health risks could put the plan in doubt.

    As chemical engineers, we recognise the potential benefits of this technology. Modern facilities operating around the world show these processes can be efficient, safe and environmentally controlled. However, minimal risk does not mean zero risk. Understanding both the benefits and challenges is crucial to address community concerns.

    What is waste-to-energy?

    Waste-to-energy, also known as energy-from-waste, can transform waste otherwise destined for landfill into electricity, heat or fuel.

    This does not replace recycling. Instead, it offers a solution for materials that are difficult or impossible to recycle. Care must be taken, however, to ensure waste-to-energy technologies complement rather than supplant recycling efforts.

    How does it work?

    There are three main types of waste-to-energy technologies:

    1. Thermal: use heat to generate steam, which spins turbines to create electricity. The heat can come from burning waste, producing carbon dioxide, water and ash. Alternatively, solid waste can be turned into gas (hydrogen and carbon monoxide). This process is known as gasification.

    2. Biological: use microorganisms to break down organic matter in the waste stream, producing biogas, mainly methane. This is then used for power or heat generation.

    3. Chemical: use processes such as pyrolysis or hydrothermal liquefaction to convert hard-to-recycle materials into fuels or chemicals. These can feed into industrial and manufacturing processes.

    What’s holding Australia back?

    When most Australians hear about making energy from waste, they think of
    old-fashioned incinerators. Those outdated facilities released smoke and toxins into the air.

    But modern incinerators use advanced air pollution control systems that capture harmful emissions.

    Some use static electricity to remove dust or smoke particles from the gas stream. Other pollution control systems include acid gas scrubbers, catalytic converters and fabric filters.

    This can cut emissions of fine particles by up to 99%.

    The volume of waste sent to landfill is also reduced by up to 90%. What remains includes incinerator bottom ash and fly ash. Often these can be reused in making concrete, pavement and other construction materials. But regulatory issues will need to be overcome before this can happen in Australia.

    Introducing the Parkes project

    The Parkes Energy Recovery project, announced in March, promises to process around 600,000 tonnes of waste a year. This should generate at least 60 megawatts of electricity – enough to power 80,000 homes.

    To receive development approval, the project must comply with stringent environmental and health standards. This includes preparing an Environmental Impact Statement and Human Health Risk Assessment. The NSW Environment Protection Authority may then issue an Environment Protection Licence. Such a licence requires ongoing monitoring and frequent audits.

    Extensive community consultation is underway.

    Other projects around Australia

    There are two waste-to-energy plants in Western Australia, one at Kwinana and another under construction at East Rockingham. A third plant has been given the go-ahead in Victoria, at Maryvale.

    Kwinana received its first delivery of waste in July 2024.

    Licences to build other major waste-to-energy facilities have been issued in Victoria. Various proposals are also being considered in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia.

    Australia’s first standalone, large-scale waste-to-energy plant in WA | ABC News.

    Taking tips from overseas

    A shortage of landfill sites in cities across Europe and Asia originally promoted investment in waste-to-energy technology. These power plants are now commonplace in Germany, the Netherlands and Japan, substantially reducing reliance on landfill.

    The Amager Bakke plant in Copenhagen shows how such facilities can also enrich a community. This award-winning building doubles as a public recreation space, complete with a rooftop ski slope.

    In China, the proposed Shenzhen East Waste-to-Energy Plant could process 5,000 tonnes of waste a day. That works out to 1.8 million tonnes of waste a year, if run continuously.

    One of the world’s largest waste-to-energy plants is in Shenzhen, China (Dezeen)

    Waste-to-energy and the circular economy

    Waste-to-energy technology is useful in the transition to a circular economy. This is an economy where resources are continually cycled through the system and never wasted.

    Reusing, recycling and reducing waste must remain top priorities. Waste-to-energy technology should then be used as a last resort, extracting value from hard- or impossible-to-recycle materials.

    It’s certainly better than sending waste to landfill. When buried underground, waste can leach toxins into soil, ground and surface water. The potent greenhouse gas methane is also released when food rots in landfill.

    Over-reliance on waste-to-energy could supplant more sustainable circular recycling efforts. But incineration plants are being scaled back in Europe, as the focus shifts to reuse.

    Copenhagen’s power plant is also a ski slope (The Impossible Build)

    The case for waste-to-energy

    Despite its potential, waste-to-energy technology remains controversial in Australia. Some local communities remain concerned about emissions and potential long-term health risks. Environmental groups also question the potential effects on recycling rates.

    Nevertheless, growing awareness of the limitations of recycling, increasing landfill levies, bans on waste exports, and ambitious federal and state circular economy strategies are making waste-to-energy a more pragmatic option. Stringent regulation and community consultation will be necessary to get these projects off the ground.

    Responsible use of modern waste-to-energy technology can generate electricity and heat for homes with minimal emissions, and can extend benefits that serve local communities. It can also complement Australia’s renewable energy targets while taking a better approach to managing waste.

    Professor Ali Abbas is Associate Dean (Research) at the University of Sydney Faculty of Engineering. He is Australia’s Chief Circular Engineer (Circular Australia), and Founder and Executive Director Innovation at Scimita Group, a Deep Tech Innovation House working in sustainable technologies. He has previously advised government and industry on energy-from-waste and circular economy topics.

    Dominic Bui Viet is a Research Fellow at The University of Sydney in the Faculty of Engineering. He has previously received funding from a Cooperative Research Centre projects grant to conduct research into pyrolysis technologies for waste management.

    Eric Sanjaya is a Research Fellow at The University of Sydney, Faculty of Engineering. He has previously advised government and industry on energy-from-waste and circular economy topics

    – ref. Waste-to-energy in Australia: how it works, where new incinerators could go, and how they stack up – https://theconversation.com/waste-to-energy-in-australia-how-it-works-where-new-incinerators-could-go-and-how-they-stack-up-254395

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Pillar Two interactions with other provisions

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    Interaction with other provisions

    Australia’s implementation of the Global Anti-Base Erosion Model RulesExternal Link (GloBE Rules) includes consequential amendments to Australia’s income tax law to clarify its interaction with Pillar Two. The amendments are included in the Multinational—Global and Domestic Minimum Tax (Consequential) Act 2024External Link.

    In particular, the Consequential Act includes amendments to specific Australian cross-border tax provisions. These include rules concerning foreign income tax offsets, controlled foreign companies, hybrid mismatches and foreign hybrids.

    Australia’s foreign income tax offset (FITO) rules do not provide a foreign tax credit for taxes paid under a foreign income inclusion rule (IIR) and foreign undertaxed profits rule (UTPR).

    However, to the extent you satisfy the usual eligibility criteria and integrity rules, a FITO may be claimed in respect of foreign domestic minimum top-up tax (DMT) paid on income included in your Australian assessable income.

    The amount of the FITO allowed in respect of foreign DMT taxes is subject to an additional safeguard.

    New FITO integrity rule for foreign DMT taxes

    The amount of DMT tax which an entity is treated as having paid is reduced by:

    • the amount of a refundable tax credit that is refunded to an entity because the credit exceeds income tax liability
    • consideration received for the transfer of a transferable tax credit to which an entity was entitled in respect of a foreign income tax of that jurisdiction
    • cash or cash equivalent amounts recognised as government grants under International Accounting Standard 20 (or a comparable accounting standard applicable under a foreign law)
    • a benefit of a kind specified by the Minister in respect of a specified jurisdiction.

    This new integrity rule complements the existing FITO integrity rule. The existing rule reduces the amount of foreign income tax that an entity is considered to have paid:

    • to the extent it is entitled to refunds of the foreign income tax, or
    • by any other benefits worked out by reference to the amount of foreign income tax.

    Example: New FITO integrity rule for foreign DMT

    Entity A (a constituent entity located in unlisted country Jurisdiction A) is a Controlled Foreign Company (CFC), wholly owned by Aus Co, which is part of the same multinational enterprise group (MNE group).

    Jurisdiction A has a corporate tax rate of 10% and has enacted a Qualified Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax.

    Entity A receives a $6 grant from the government of Jurisdiction A (recognised as a government grant under an applicable accounting standard).

    Entity A derived $85 of attributable income, which is wholly attributable to Aus Co. In arriving at the $85 of attributable income, a notional deduction of $10 for corporate income tax and $5 for a foreign DMT tax paid in Jurisdiction A is claimed.

    Assuming other relevant conditions in the FITO rules are satisfied, the amount of FITO that could have been available for Aus Co would have been $15 (the combination of $10 CIT and $5 DMT), disregarding the new integrity rule.

    However, under the new integrity rule, the FITO is reduced by the government grant ($6), capped at the amount of foreign DMT tax paid ($5).

    Therefore, the FITO allowed is $15 – $5 = $10.

    End of example

    Controlled foreign company rules

    The CFC rules work to attribute foreign income earned by a foreign company back to Australia in certain circumstances. The interactions between the CFC rules and Pillar Two are such that:

    • Tax imposed under CFC tax regimes (including Australia) are taken into account when calculating the effective tax rate of a jurisdiction for Pillar Two purposes.
    • Foreign DMT, IIR or UTPR taxes are excluded from the meaning of ‘subject to tax’ for CFCs and transferor trusts located in a listed jurisdiction under section 324 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 (ITAA 1936). This will also impact whether certain income is considered eligible designated concession income (EDCI) and therefore taxed in Australia.
    • Taxpayers are precluded from notionally deducting foreign IIR tax and foreign UTPR tax in calculating attributable income under section 393 of the ITAA 1936.
    • A notionally allowable deduction may be available for payments of foreign DMT tax.

    Australia’s Qualified Domestic Minimum Tax (QDMT) is given priority in its application to Australian income and does not take into account taxes imposed under other CFC tax regimes.

    Example: Eligible designated concessional income

    Australian Entity A Co is an attributable taxpayer in respect of B Co, which is located in an overseas listed country. The listed country has implemented the IIR, UTPR and DMT.

    The listed country applies a QDMT, which includes an item of income from B Co in its Effective Tax Rate (ETR) calculation. This income is otherwise exempt for corporate income tax purposes in the listed country.

    In determining whether the item of income has been subject to tax in a listed country, the taxpayer is required to disregard any imposition of GloBE taxes (IIR, UTPR and DMT). The item is still considered as EDCI.

    The taxpayer is also entitled to a notional deduction for any foreign DMT paid in respect of the EDCI included in its notional assessable income.

    End of example

    Hybrid mismatch rules

    The operation of Australia’s hybrid mismatch rules broadly continues to operate unaffected by the Australian global and domestic minimum tax.

    Foreign DMT, IIR or UTPR and other foreign minimum taxes are disregarded when determining if an amount of income is subject to foreign income tax per the hybrid mismatch rules under section 832-120 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997. This ensures that a hybrid mismatch can be identified irrespective of whether a jurisdiction has implemented an IIR, UTPR or DMT.

    The disregarding of such taxes also applies in the context of Australia’s targeted integrity rule in Subdivision 832-J. Specifically, a foreign GloBE tax does not impact whether a payment of interest or an amount under a derivative financial arrangement is subject to foreign income tax at a rate of 10% or less. However, the application of foreign IIR, UTPR and DMT taxes may still be a relevant factor under the principal purpose test in determining whether it is reasonable to conclude that an entity entered a scheme with the requisite purpose.

    Foreign hybrid rules

    Similarly, Australia’s foreign hybrid rules broadly continues to operate unaffected by the Pillar Two regime.

    Australia’s foreign hybrid rules ensure that an entity that qualifies as a ‘foreign hybrid’ is treated as a partnership (rather than a company) for Australian tax purposes.

    One of the requirements for entities to be treated as foreign hybrids is that no foreign income tax is imposed on the entity itself. References to ‘foreign income tax’ do not include foreign IIR, UTPR and DMT taxes and other foreign minimum taxes, ensuring that the foreign hybrid rules are not impacted by a foreign jurisdiction’s decision to impose such taxes at the level of the foreign hybrid entity.

    Example: Foreign hybrid limited partnership

    Polar LLP is located in Jurisdiction A. AusCo, located in Australia, is a limited partner of Polar LLP. Under the corporate income tax regime of Jurisdiction A, Polar LLP is treated as fiscally transparent, and the imposition of taxes are on partners of Polar LLP of which AusCo is one.

    Assuming all other relevant conditions are met under Australia’s foreign hybrid rules, Polar LLP is treated as a fiscally transparent partnership for Australian tax purposes. One of the requirements to be met is that foreign income tax is imposed on the partners of Polar LLP (including AusCo) and not on Polar LLP itself.

    Jurisdiction A implements a IIR, UTPR and DMT, and legislates for these GloBE and DMT related liabilities to be imposed on limited partnerships (such as Polar LLP) instead of on its partners.

    AusCo is required to disregard the imposition of those taxes on the partnership and will continue to treat Polar LLP as a foreign hybrid limited partnership under Division 830.

    End of example

    More information

    For more information, see:

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Transparent, Standardized, and Simplified Review Process for Solar PV Applications, while Keeping Ecological Considerations in Mind

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    On March 31, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) announced revisions to several key regulations and associated forms to uphold the public’s right to information, clarify approval standards for local governments, and protect residential living environments. These revised regulations include the Regulations on Registration of the Electricity Industry, Regulations on Registration of Power Generation Equipment for Self-Use, Regulations for the Installation and Management of Renewable Energy Generation Equipment, and the Guidelines for Landscape and Ecological Impact Review of Ground-Mounted Solar PV Installations. These updates aim to enhance communication and coordination with local communities by requiring developers to hold public briefings during the application process, standardizing consent forms and criteria for local governments, and mandating appropriate buffer distance between solar facilities and nearby residences to maintain quality of life.

    The MOEA further explained that, to ensure local communities are well-informed, it convened relevant central agencies, local governments, and industry associations to revise the Regulations on Registration of Electricity Industry. Under the amended rules, solar developers are required to conduct public briefings in the villages or neighborhoods where the highest concentration of solar panels, step-up substations, or energy storage facilities will be located, prior to submission of an establishment permit application. Developers must submit records and sign-in sheets to strengthen local participation and clarify project details.

    In addition, the MOEA has revised the Regulations on Registration of the Electricity Industry to provide consistent standards for local governments when approving solar power businesses. As part of these amendments, a standardized Checklist for Local Government Approval of Solar Photovoltaic Power Generation Businesses has been introduced, providing consistent criteria to enhance administrative efficiency across different jurisdictions.

    To protect the quality of residential environments, the MOEA has also updated the Guidelines for Landscape and Ecological Impact Review of Ground-Mounted Solar PV Installations, explicitly requiring an appropriate buffer distance between solar facilities and residential areas. In line with these changes, corresponding amendments have also been made to the Regulations on Registration of the Electricity Industry, Regulations on Registration of Power Generation Equipment for Self-Use, and Regulations for the Installation and Management of Renewable Energy Generation Equipment. These updates ensure that all types of installations must fully consider potential impacts on landscape and ecology, as a way of supporting inclusive and harmonious development.

    Lastly, the MOEA reaffirmed that these regulatory improvements are designed to foster harmony in local communities, as well as their co-existence, co-prosperity, and synergy with solar energy development, building a friendly environment and realizing a sustainable, win-win future for all stakeholders.

    Spokesperson
    Wu, Chih-Wei, Deputy Director General
    Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs
    Tel: (02) 2775-7750 / 0922-339-410
    Email: cwwu@moeaea.gov.tw

    Contact for Further Information
    Liao, Shih-Wei, Deputy Division Chief
    Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs
    Tel: 0920-091-081
    Email: swliau@moeaea.gov.tw

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police seek witnesses to fatal crash

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Motorists who were in the Pahiatua area yesterday afternoon may be able to help Police with the investigation into a fatal crash.

    About 3pm, a flatbed truck carrying containers and a grey Mini hatchback collided on State Highway 2, near the intersection with Avery Road. The driver of the car died at the scene.

    Senior Sergeant Carey Williamson said Police needed to hear from any road users who witnessed the crash, or the manner of driving or either vehicle.

    “The truck was carrying large white containers filled with oil, while the Mini in itself is distinctive. If you observed either vehicle before the collision, or the crash itself, please contact us as soon as possible.”

    Anyone with information is asked to contact Police by making a report online, or by calling 105.

    Please use the reference number 250515/8522.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: World-first reusable space debris collector set to revolutionise sector

    Source:

    16 May 2025

    Paladin founder and CEO, Harrison Box, with Triton

    University of South Australia based startup Paladin Space has demonstrated the world’s first space payload capable of capturing debris from multiple targets and storing it on satellites for recycling, reducing the cost of space debris removal and making the process more sustainable.

    The company showcased their technology, called Triton, at a private demonstration event yesterday at UniSA’s Innovation & Collaboration Centre (ICC).

    The next steps will be to demonstrate the technology in orbit, secure pilot customers and perform qualification testing for a space mission. The company is also expecting to share news of an overseas expansion in coming months.

    South Australian Treasurer and Minister for Defence and Space Industries Stephen Mullighan says the potential of this innovative product demonstrates the impact South Australian based space startups are having in leading advances in space technology.

    “Space start-ups play a critical role in accelerating the growth of the South Australian space industry and strengthening our economic resilience and relevance,” Minister Mullighan said.

    “Paladin Space’s innovative technology, which has been developed right here in South Australia, is a perfect example of what’s possible when you foster an environment that nurtures bold ideas. It’s an example of homegrown ingenuity where South Australia is developing innovative ideas aimed at solving global challenges.”

    Space debris is a growing issue that poses significant threats to satellites and space missions. The large volume of debris, combined with its high velocity, creates a collision risk with potential to damage satellites and space infrastructure.

    A report by Northern Sky Research found that the ‘In-Orbit Servicing Market’ is expected to reach $4.7b by 2031, and roughly half of that market is debris removal and salvaging.

    Founder of Paladin Space, Harrison Box says their product will be able to capture multiple pieces of debris in a single mission.

    “Triton will make the process of debris removal more sustainable and cost effective while also being able to eject its contents on space targets, preserving the spacecraft in orbit to be reused for other missions,” he says.

    Their solution means Triton will eject its contents from the parent satellite at a very specific time so that it’s trajectory will not interfere with anyone else’s satellites. Shortly after ejection, Triton will descend into the Earth’s atmosphere, causing it to burn up completely within a matter of hours.

    The team are designing Triton to be compatible with future in-orbit recycling solutions so its contents can be delivered in-orbit as materials for manufacturing.

    “We are designing Triton to be able to dock easily with these in-orbit manufacturing stations so that the contents it collects can be recycled into metal rods or sheets for manufacturing satellites,” Mr Box says.

    “Not only is this practice sustainable, but incredibly cost effective for satellite manufacturers to ‘skip’ the launch phase of a mission and simply build their assets in space.”

    The Triton container is designed to capture many small pieces of debris such as fragments from collisions, however, the product is scalable depending on the mission. If a customer wants a larger volume, they could achieve 600mm (0.6m) cubed, or smaller missions may only require 300mm (0.3m) cubed.

    Paladin Space participated in UniSA’s space accelerator program Venture Catalyst Space in 2023, supported by the South Australian Space Industry Centre.

    Deputy Director: Business Incubation at the University of South Australia Craig Jones says the novel technology has the potential to make a huge impact on the space debris market.

    “Triton is on course to revolutionise the space debris industry and contribute to manufacturing in space, a mind-blowing proposition. We look forward to seeing it in action one day soon,” Jones says.

    “From placing second at an ICC global space hackathon, to participating in the Venture Catalyst Space program in 2023, we are incredibly proud to have played a small part in supporting this team to build their enterprise,” he says.

    Box says UniSA’s support and infrastructure continue to be instrumental to the success of his business.

    L-R, Harrison Box, Stephen Mulligan MP, Peter Stevens and Craig Jones

    “The advice I received in the early days helped to shape everything from our pitch deck to the financial accounting for our business, including areas like employability, beach-head markets, problem validation and general customer acquisition practices.

    “Having an office space to prototype and run our business from was also a game-changer that allowed Paladin Space to be put on the map, and I am still honoured to be a resident at the Innovation & Collaboration Centre – despite the team growing larger.”

    Box says he plans to keep his company headquarters in South Australia as they grow for as long as the government continues to support the space industry.

    Venture Catalyst Space, has supported 40 startups that have collectively raised almost $43 million in additional investment and grants, while creating almost 240 space jobs.

    About Harrison Box:

    • Box has a Masters in Aerospace Engineering with first-class honours from the University of Glasgow.
    • He spent a year of his study at the University of California where he led a team to design and build a liquid rocket engine test stand in the Mojave desert.
    • During his time at university he worked as a Powertrain Engineer at Nissan and a Avionics Engineer for a flight hardware company before becoming a Systems Engineer for BAE Systems. He spent two years working for multiple fast-jets in various countries, then was a Concept Engineer doing a variety of R&D work on military fast-jets for the remaining year before moving to Australia and becoming a Senior Systems Engineer for a novel radar project.

    Media contact: Megan Andrews, Megan.andrews@unisa.edu.au, 0434 819 275

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