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Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Hold up, humans. Ants figured out medicine, farming and engineering long before we did

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Tanya Latty, Associate Professor in Entomology, University of Sydney

    Tambon Nong Chaeng/Pexels

    Think back to a time you helped someone move a heavy object, such as a couch. While at first the task may have appeared simple, it actually required a suite of advanced behaviours.

    The job needed verbal commands for social coordination (“pivot!”) and anticipation of near-future events (moving other furniture out of the way). It also required a clear, shared vision of the final goal (which room to take the couch to).

    It’s a small but satisfying example of human cooperation. But before we all get too pleased with ourselves, consider that ants – creatures with tiny brains and no capacity for speech – routinely pull off feats that rival, and sometimes exceed, our own.

    Ants routinely pull off feats that rival, and sometimes exceed, our own.
    Andre Moura/Pexels

    Understanding ant intelligence

    Earth is literally crawling with ants. Scientists estimate there are at least 20 quadrillion ants on Earth. That’s 20 followed by 15 zeros – more ants than stars in our galaxy!

    These incredible insects are amongst the most successful organisms on the planet. Part of the success comes from an ability to form complex societies, ranging from a few individuals to millions. And those societies, or colonies, are remarkably co-operative.

    Take, for example, ants’ abilities to move large food items. To do it, they mobilise teams of dozens – or even hundreds – of fellow workers. Together, they efficiently work together to transport the load back to the nest.

    Longhorn crazy ants (Paratrechina longicornis) are even known to clear debris from a path before a heavy object arrives – seemingly anticipating its trajectory and preparing the way.

    One experiment pit longhorn crazy ants against humans, all tasked with moving T-shaped objects (scaled to body size) through tight spaces. In some trials, the human teams were not permitted to speak or use gestures.

    And the result? Ants performed better in larger groups compared to smaller ones, showing the clear benefits of collective action. In contrast, human performance did not improve with group size. And when communication was restricted, human performance declined as group size increased.

    All this highlights how ants rely on collective intelligence, without the need for central control or sophisticated cognition.

    Expert farmers

    Humanity’s invention of agriculture 12,000 years ago is understandably hailed as one of our greatest achievements.

    But leaf cutter ants beat us to it. These ants (from the species Atta and Acromyrmex) evolved to undertake large-scale agriculture about 55 million years ago.

    These ants cut and transport fresh leaves not to eat directly, but to feed a fungus that serves as their main food source.

    This evolutionary partnership allows the ants to feed colonies with populations in the millions.

    Remarkably, leaf cutter ants have also evolved a form of biological pest control to protect their crops from bacteria. Some worker ants patrol the gardens, detecting infected sections of the fungus. Then they apply antibiotics produced by bacteria that live on their bodies.

    What’s more, many ant species farm aphids and other sap-sucking insects.

    As these farmed insects feed on plant sap, they excrete a sugary liquid the ants eagerly collect. In return, ants serve as bodyguards, defending their tiny livestock from predators such as ladybirds and lacewings.

    In some species, queen ants gently carry sap-sucking insects in their jaws as they fly off to start new colonies. Fossilised ants preserved in amber suggest this behaviour evolved up to 20 million years ago, long before humans domesticated animals.

    Ant medicine

    Medical care may seem like a distinctly human innovation. But several ant species have evolved sophisticated ways to treat injuries.

    When a Florida carpenter ant (Camponotus floridanus) is injured during a battle between colonies, its nest-mates will amputate a damaged limb to prevent infection from spreading. Ants receiving this battlefield care are more likely to survive than ants left untreated.

    Some ants can also detect infection and treat infected wounds by cleaning them and applying antimicrobial secretions from specialised glands.

    Master builders

    Some ant species are known to literally put their bodies on the line for the colony.

    Army ants (Eciton burchellii) join their bodies together to form structures. These include bridges across gaps on the forest floor, and “scaffolds” across steep terrain to prevent other ants from slipping.

    Even the nest is made of hundreds of thousands of ants joined together, complete with tunnels and chambers housing the larvae and the queen. The entire structure is packed up and rebuilt each day, after the colony emigrates a few hundred metres into the forest.

    Army ants join their bodies together to form structures.
    Smartse/Wikimedia, CC BY

    Weaver ants (Oecophylla smaragdina), meanwhile, self-assemble into rope ladders to span vertical gaps.

    They also form a line of workers that pull leaves together in treetops to form nests. Once the leaves are winched into place, other ants arrive with ant larvae in their jaws. Each larva produces a tiny blob of silk which the ants use to glue the leaves together.

    Fire ants (Solenopsis invicta), a major pest species, owes its invasive success partly to a unique method of dispersal.

    When their underground nests are flooded by rain, the ants join together into a huge raft which floats on a layer of buoyant larvae. These rafts can ride floodwaters in safety for hundreds of kilometres, until the ants reach dry land.

    When their nests are flooded, fire ants join together into a huge raft.
    TheCoz/Wikimedia, CC BY

    Lessons for humanity?

    Humans rightly take pride in our greatest achievements – agriculture, medicine, engineering and building civilisations. But remarkably, ants mastered these innovations millions of years before we did.

    Ants may be tiny – but by working together they can build complex societies and solve many problems. They might even teach humans a thing or two.

    Tanya Latty co-founded and volunteers for conservation organisation Invertebrates Australia, is former president of the Australasian Society for the Study of Animal Behaviour and is on the education committee for the Australian Entomological Society. She receives funding from the Australian Research Council, NSW Saving our Species, and Agrifutures Australia

    Chris R. Reid receives funding from the Australian Research Council and Macquarie University. He is secretary of the Australasian Society for the Study of Animal Behaviour and is on the education committee for the Australasian Entomological Society.

    – ref. Hold up, humans. Ants figured out medicine, farming and engineering long before we did – https://theconversation.com/hold-up-humans-ants-figured-out-medicine-farming-and-engineering-long-before-we-did-258922

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Cook Islanders flock from outer islands for 60th anniversary celebrations

    By Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist

    The Cook Islands’ outer islands, or Pa Enua, are emptying as people make the pilgrimage to Rarotonga for constitution celebrations.

    This year is particularly significant, August 4 marks 60 years of the Cook Islands being in free association with New Zealand.

    Cook Islands Secretary of Culture Emile Kairua said this year’s Te Maeva Nui, which is the name for the annual celebrations, is going to be huge.

    “For the first time in a long time, we are able to bring all our people together for a long-awaited reunion, from discussions with the teams that have already arrived, there’s only handful of people that’s been left on each of our outer islands,” Kairua said.

    “Basically, the outer islands have been emptied out.”

    According to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management, more than 900 people are making the trip to Rarotonga from the Pa Enua which are spread across an area similar to the size of Mexico.

    Cook Islands News reports that the government has allocated $4.1 mllion for event transport.

    Biggest calendar event
    Kairua said Te Maeva Nui is the biggest event on the Cook Islands’ calendar.

    “Te Maeva Nui has become an iconic event for the Cook Islands, for the nation, as well as the diaspora.”

    A comparable event was in 2015 when 50 years was marked.

    Kairua said for many people it will be the first time visiting Rarotonga since the start of the covid-19 pandemic.

    “Sixty years looks like it’s going to be a lot bigger than 50 for a number of reasons, because we’ve had that big gap since covid hit. If we liken it to covid it’s like the borders being lifted, and everyone now has that freedom to come to Raro.”

    Two ships, one from Tonga and the other from Tuvalu, are tasked with transporting people from the Northern Group islands to Rarotonga.

    While, Air Rarotonga has the job of moving people from the Southern Group.

    Tourist season peak
    The airline’s general manager Sarah Moreland said Te Maeva Nui comes during the peak of the tourism season, making July a very busy month.

    “We’ve got about 73 people from Mauke, 76 passengers from Mangaia, 88 from Aitutaki, 77 from Atiu and even 50 coming from the small island of Mitiaro, Nukuroa,” Moreland said.

    She said transporting people for Te Maeva Nui is a highlight for staff.

    “They love it, I think it’s so cool that we get to bring the Pa Enua from the islands, they just come to Rarotonga, they bring a whole different vibe. They’re so energetic, they’re ready for the competition, it just adds to the buzz of the whole Te Maeva Nui, it’s actually awesome.”

    The executive officer of Atiu Taoro Brown said two months of preparation had gone into the performances which represents the growth of the nation over the past 60 years.

    “It’s an exciting time, we come together, we’re meeting all our cousins and all our families from all the other islands, our sister islands, it’s a special moment.”

    Brown said this year the island had given performance slots to people from Atiu living in Rarotonga, Australia and New Zealand.

    “We wanted everybody from around the region to participate in celebrations.”

    Friendly competition
    Food is another big part of the event, an area Brown said there’s a bit of friendly competition in between islands.

    Pigs, taro, and “organic chicken” had all been sent to Rarotonga from Atiu.

    “Everyone likes to think they’ve got this the best dish but the food I feel, it’s all the same, you know, the island foods, it’s about the time that you put in.”

    For Kairua and his team at the Ministry of Culture, he said they needed to mindful to not allow the event to pass in a blur.

    “Otherwise we end up organising the whole thing and not enjoying it.

    “This is not our first big rodeo, or mine. I was responsible for taking away probably the biggest contingency to Hawai’i for the FestPAC and because we got so busy with organising it and worrying about the minor details, many of us at the management desk forgot to enjoy it, but this time, we are aware.”

    Turbulent relationship
    In the backdrop of celebrations, the Cook Islands and New Zealand’s relationship is in turbulent period.

    Last month, New Zealand paused $18.2 million in development assistance funding to the nation, citing a lack of consultation over several controversial deals with China.

    Unlike for the 50th celebrations, New Zealand’s prime minister and foreign minister will not attend the celebrations, with the Governor-General representing New Zealand.

    A statement from the Cook Islands Office of the Prime Minister last week said officials from the country have reconfirmed their commitment to restore mutual trust with New Zealand in a meeting on 10 July.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why has a bill to relax foreign investment rules had so little scrutiny?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jane Kelsey, Emeritus Professor of Law, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

    Getty Images

    While public attention has been focused on the domestic fast-track consenting process for infrastructure and mining, Associate Minister of Finance David Seymour has been pushing through another fast-track process – this time for foreign investment in New Zealand. But it has had almost no public scrutiny.

    If the Overseas Investment (National Interest Test and Other Matters) Amendment Bill becomes law, it could have far-reaching consequences. Public submissions on the bill close on July 23.

    A product of the ACT-National coalition agreement, the bill commits to amend the Overseas Investment Act 2005 “to limit ministerial decision making to national security concerns and make such decision making more timely”.

    There are valid concerns that piecemeal reforms to the current act have made it complex and unwieldy. But the new bill is equally convoluted and would significantly reduce effective scrutiny of foreign investments – especially in forestry.

    A three-step test

    Step one of a three-step process set out in the bill gives the regulator – the Overseas Investment Office which sits within Land Information NZ – 15 days to decide whether a proposed investment would be a risk to New Zealand’s “national interest”.

    If they don’t perceive a risk, or that initial assessment is not completed in time, the application is automatically approved.

    Transactions involving fisheries quotas and various land categories, or any other applications the regulator identifies, will require a “national interest” assessment under stage two.

    These would be assessed against a “ministerial letter” that sets out the government’s general policy and preferred approach to conducting the assessment, including any conditions on approvals.

    Other mandatory factors to be considered in the second stage include the act’s new “purpose” to increase economic opportunity through “timely consent” of less sensitive investments. The new test would allow scrutiny of the character and capability of the investor to be omitted altogether.

    If the regulator considers the national interest test is not met, or the transaction is “contrary to the national interest”, the minister of finance then makes a decision based on their assessment of those factors.

    Inadequate regulatory process

    Seymour has blamed the current screening regime for low volumes of foreign investment. But Treasury’s 2024 regulatory impact statement on the proposed changes to international investment screening acknowledges many other factors that influence investor decisions.

    Moreover, the Treasury statement acknowledges public views that foreign investment rules should “manage a wide range of risks” and “that there is inherent non-economic value in retaining domestic ownership of certain assets”.

    Treasury officials also recognised a range of other public concerns, including profits going offshore, loss of jobs, and foreign control of iconic businesses.

    The regulatory impact statement did not cover these factors because it was required to consider only the coalition commitment. The Treasury panel reported “notable limitations” on the bill’s quality assurance process.

    A fuller review was “infeasible” because it could not be completed in the time required, and would be broader than necessary to meet the coalition commitment to amend the act in the prescribed way.

    The requirement to implement the bill in this parliamentary term meant the options officials could consider, even within the scope of the coalition agreement, were further limited.

    Time constraints meant “users and key stakeholders have not been consulted”, according to the Treasury statement. Environmental and other risks would have to be managed through other regulations. There is no reference to te Tiriti o Waitangi or mana whenua engagement.

    Forestry ‘slash’ after Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023: no need to consider foreign investors’ track records.
    Getty Images

    No ‘benefit to NZ’ test

    While the bill largely retains a version of the current screening regime for residential and farm land, it removes existing forestry activities from that definition (but not new forestry on non-forest land). It also removes extraction of water for bottling, or other bulk extraction for human consumption, from special vetting.

    Where sensitive land (such as islands, coastal areas, conservation and wahi tapu land) is not residential or farm land, it would be removed from special screening rules currently applied for land.

    Repeal of the “special forestry test” – which in practice has seen most applications approved, albeit with conditions – means most forestry investments could be fast-tracked.

    There would no longer be a need to consider investors’ track records or apply a “benefit to New Zealand” test. Regulators may or may not be empowered to impose conditions such as replanting or cleaning up slash.

    The official documents don’t explain the rationale for this. But it looks like a win for Regional Development Minister Shane Jones, and was perhaps the price of NZ First’s support.

    It has potentially serious implications for forestry communities affected by climate-related disasters, however. Further weakening scrutiny and investment conditions risks intensifying the already devastating impacts of international forestry companies. Taxpayers and ratepayers pick up the costs while the companies can minimise their taxes and send profits offshore.

    Locked in forever?

    Finally, these changes could be locked in through New Zealand’s free trade agreements. Several such agreements say New Zealand’s investment regime cannot become more restrictive than the 2005 act and its regulations.

    A “ratchet clause” would lock in any further liberalisation through this bill, from which there is no going back.

    However, another annex in those free trade agreements could be interpreted as allowing some flexibility to alter the screening rules and criteria in the future. None of the official documents address this crucial question. As an academic expert in this area I am uncertain about the risk.

    But the lack of clarity underlines the problems exemplified in this bill. It is another example of coalition agreements bypassing democratic scrutiny and informed decision making. More public debate and broad analysis is needed on the bill and its implications.

    Jane Kelsey has received funding from the Marsden Fund for research related to New Zealand’s foreign investment regime and international agreements.

    – ref. Why has a bill to relax foreign investment rules had so little scrutiny? – https://theconversation.com/why-has-a-bill-to-relax-foreign-investment-rules-had-so-little-scrutiny-261370

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Australian gamemakers level-up with major funding from Screen Australia

    Source: AMP Limited

    21 07 2025 – Media release

    Retopia
    New games capture distinctive stories, landscapes and communities from across the country
    Screen Australia has today announced the latest games and gaming events to be supported through the agency’s industry-leading funding programs – providing $1.4 million for gamemakers to upskill and develop stand-out projects.
    The funding supports 26 games including a hand-drawn puzzle game about a flooded village rebuilding after climate catastrophe, a point-and-click visual novel with small town mysteries to solve, and an action-adventure RPG (Role-Playing Game) about a brave native mouse. It also supports the Freeplay 2025 Events Series, solidifying the agency’s commitment to foster a sector that has both a robust sense of independence and a strong community focus.
    In 2024-25, the agency invested $3 million into the tenacious local industry which included support for 49 games and 200 Australian gamemakers. Initiatives like the Future Leaders Delegation and support for ten Festivals and Events provided Australian independent gamemakers the opportunity to showcase over 270 games for national and international audiences.
    Minister for the Arts Tony Burke said, “Digital Games are a billion dollar global industry and Australia’s sector is growing every year. This funding ensures that we’re backing home-grown talent in order to be at the top of the leader board.”
    Screen Australia Head of Games Joey Egger said, “What struck me about these projects is the depth of talent and the distinctiveness of the content; the diversity of our culture, communities, landscapes and stories really shines through. We’re seeing games being developed all across the country including regional towns such as Wallabadah in New South Wales and Toongabbie in Victoria.”  
    “It’s also incredibly exciting to see another round of projects transitioning from the Emerging Gamemakers Fund through to the Games Production Fund. It reinforces our unique position as an end-to-end avenue for Australian gamemakers to take their projects from concept to prototype, to production and then launch.”
    The past 12 months have seen five games from the Emerging Gamemakers Fund progressing to the Games Production Fund: Monster Snap (WA), Rocketcard Defence (ACT), Wyrmspace Tactics (VIC) and L8R SK8R (QLD), as well as Management in Space (NSW).
    Funded games include:

    Ashes (VIC): For fans of graphic novels and interactive fiction, seasoned players and those new to games, comes adventure game Ashes. The creative team includes producer/developer Clea Frost, lead developer Nick Loki, 2D artists Phoenix Waddell and Jennifer Reuter and composer Trent Francis. It follows 16-year-old skater Azar Warren who, after witnessing a murder, takes refuge in a rural compound with her estranged grandfather.
    Buru and The Old People (NSW): A narrative-driven adventure game set in a vibrant anthropomorphic world rich in Indigenous storytelling. Buru and The Old People is from creative director and recipient of the ‘Rising Star’ award at the 2024 Australian Game Developer Awards Benjamin Armstrong, producer Brooke Collard (Yokai), 2D artist Letoya Muraru, and composer Alexander Tulett.
    Nothing To Do Summer Vacation – Part 1 (NT): A unique point and click visual novel game from lead programmer Adam Prenger and creative director Mel Stringer, an accomplished illustrator and comic artist making her exciting debut in games. In this game, Summer is bored out of her mind in the small town of Driftwood, until fresh mysteries come calling to be uncovered.
    Penguin Colony (VIC): A stylish action-adventure game from producer Megan Faulkner, audio engineer David Mason and creative director Naphtali Faulkner, the developer behind the Independent Games Festival Grand Prize-winning Umurangi Generation. In Penguin Colony, players explore the depths of Antarctica at their own pace as different penguins – unravelling difficult truths along the way.
    Retopia (NSW): From creative lead Jennyfer Ong, lead designer Nicholas King and lead producer James Lockrey, this cosy management game is the latest project from the Australian Game Developer Awards’ 2024 Studio of the Year, Chaos Theory Games. Retopia follows a cast of quirky robot companions as they restore life to a collapsed world by salvaging lost technology, rebuilding community, and nurturing a floating sanctuary in the sky. The game continues Chaos Theory’s tradition of values-driven development after the success of the award-winning Crab God.
    Fern: Seed Guardian (WA): An action-adventure RPG from creative director Sophie Till and technical director Jamie Dougall. In a fantastical Australian bushland, a brave native mouse battles an encroaching, mysterious goo.  She must overcome not only this encroaching danger but also her deep fears, as the Goo uses them to manipulate her perception of reality.
    Slumbering Woods (QLD): An evocative, hand-drawn puzzle adventure game with a unique crafting and building twist from creative director Svitlana Amelina, lead developer Oleg Chernyshenko and sound designer Jane Wei. In a world recovering from a long-past climate catastrophe, players help a flooded village thrive, rebuild and find their way home along the way. Slumbering Woods is financed with support from Screen Queensland’s Games Grants.

    Additional projects supported through the Games Production Fund include Bravest Coconut (QLD), Mission Delta (VIC), Dungeon Breakers (NSW) and Rocketcard Defence (ACT).
    Additional projects supported through the Emerging Gamemakers Fund include SCAV (VIC), Pixellated (VIC), Dead Zone Mycologist (VIC), Dicot (VIC), Ash and Earth: Wilderness Reclaimed (NSW), Spin Spirits (WA), Eclipsia (NSW), Untitled Cube Game (Working Title) (QLD), Stewards of Nu Juno (QLD), Displaced: Oath of Tomes (VIC),Kaiju Critters (QLD)and Trinket (NSW).
    For the full list of funded gamemakers and projects supported throughout the 2024-25FY, please see the Games blocklines here.
    Applications for the Emerging Gamemakers Fund and Games Production Fund are now open. For more information about Games funding at Screen Australia and to apply, click here.
    For accompanying image assets, click here.
    Ashes
    Media enquiries
    Jessica Parry | Senior Publicist (Mon, Tue, Thu)
    + 61 428 767 836  | [email protected]
    All other general/non-media enquiries
    Sydney + 61 2 8113 5800  |  Melbourne + 61 3 8682 1900 | [email protected]

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Zoom in on 3rd CISCE from three perspectives

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

    The third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), which concluded on Sunday in Beijing, has reinforced its role as a vital platform for promoting resilient, diversified and cooperative global supply chains, with a promising increase in international collaborations.

    With over 6,000 cooperation agreements and partnership intents reached this year, the world’s first national-level exhibition dedicated to supply chains is steadily transforming the global supply network into a chain of shared benefits for all.

    “This event is much more than an expo. It is a forest of connections between economies, industries and people,” John Denton, the secretary-general of the International Chamber of Commerce, said at the opening ceremony. “We are here together to advance our shared prosperity.”

    Innovation

    After three editions, CISCE has built a reputation as a hub of technological innovation in supply chain and a striking showcase for China’s new quality productive forces.

    “Innovation is the defining feature of CISCE and the source of its vitality,” said Yu Jianlong, the vice chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), organizer of the expo.

    This year’s expo showcased an array of standout technologies, including a humanoid robot equipped with Nvidia chips, an AI-supported car paint defect inspection system, and a hydrogen energy supply chain display based on liquid hydrogen technology.

    Beyond the high-tech products dazzling eager audiences, this edition of the expo also spotlighted a deeper question: how to transform technological achievements into powerful drivers of industrial development.

    This year’s CISCE featured, for the first time, a dedicated innovation chain zone. Though modest in size, the zone brings together a diverse range of 14 participating institutions, including the World Intellectual Property Organization and the China National Intellectual Property Administration. These exhibitors represent key players across various stages of science and technology commercialization, ranging from policy-making and technology transfer to innovation incubation, and provide targeted solutions to critical challenges in transforming technological achievements.

    “Here in China, people are so advanced. The technology adoption is so fast,” said Jensen Huang, Nvidia CEO, during an interview on the sidelines of the expo, citing many examples of how China’s innovative applications are setting global trends — with companies worldwide learning from its practices.

    Cooperation

    As an international expo shared by the world, the CISCE continues to promote inclusive and mutually beneficial cooperation globally. Through the expo, an increasing number of international participants are aligning with the world’s most comprehensive supply chain while keeping pace with its rapid development.

    According to the data from CCPIT, the expo has seen a steady rise in international participation. The proportion of overseas exhibitors has grown from 26 percent in the first edition to 32 percent in the second, and reached 35 percent this year. Over 65 percent of the exhibitors are Fortune Global 500 companies or industry leaders. Meanwhile, the geographic reach of participants has expanded from 55 countries and regions in the inaugural expo to 75 in the latest edition.

    Major multinational companies have utilized CISCE to strengthen local partnerships and expand their presence in China. “Over the past three years at CISCE, we’ve showcased progress alongside our suppliers in smart manufacturing, green manufacturing and talent development,” Isabel Ge Mahe, Apple’s vice president and managing director of Greater China, told Xinhua.

    She highlighted Apple’s 20 billion U.S. dollars investment in China over the past five years, primarily focused on innovation and supply chain advancements, and praised China’s dynamic innovation ecosystem and sophisticated smart supply chains. “We are deeply rooted here, incredibly proud of the supply chain we helped build, and will continue to invest and innovate with our local partners.”

    Domestic provinces also used the expo to court supply-chain partners. At a side event, southwest China’s Sichuan Province drew foreign giants with its complete industrial chain, pro-business climate and huge market.

    “We entered China more than 40 years ago and we’re still expanding,” said Utsugi Yuyama, executive officer of Japanese material manufacturer AGC Inc. The company already runs chemical and electronic lines in Sichuan and plans more. He hailed the province’s talent pool and comprehensive industrial chain, where local and foreign enterprises integrate to drive growth.

    Greener supply chain

    Green development has increasingly become the foundation and highlight of the expo. How to promote green and low-carbon development across industrial and supply chains has become a notable question at the expo, and an increasing number of major enterprises in their supply chain are stepping up with innovative solutions.

    “Green standards, including carbon tracking and sustainability metrics, are becoming essential across industries,” said Zhou Xing, head of public affairs at PwC China, who identified green transformation as one of the four key trends shaping the current global supply chain restructuring.

    At this year’s expo, multinational companies such as Schneider Electric made their debut, showcasing digital solutions for sustainable supply chain construction. The company is working to establish an efficient and resilient green supply chain that can respond swiftly to market shifts.

    “The supply chain expo provides an important platform for global enterprises, especially in green supply chain construction,” said Yin Zheng, executive vice-president of Schneider Electric and president of its China and East Asia operations. Yin added that Schneider Electric hopes to share its experience and seek more cooperation opportunities through the event.

    Returning to CISCE for the third consecutive year, Starbucks China spotlighted a comprehensive look at the “green path” from coffee bean to brewed cup. According to the company, around 30 percent of its total carbon emissions in China stem directly or indirectly from its own operations, while the remaining 70 percent originate upstream, from sectors like dairy production and logistics.

    To tackle this challenge, Starbucks China announced a strategic partnership with Envision Group, a leading green tech company, at this year’s expo. Over the next three years, the two sides will work together to roll out a digital carbon management platform aimed at gradually covering 100 percent of Starbucks China’s direct suppliers. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Employment – 1500 specialist education workers represented by PSA to strike

    Source: PSA

    PSA members have voted to strike in support of their bargaining with the Ministry of Education, which has stretched on now for nine months.
    The staff represented by the PSA work on several programmes of work to support educators, ranging from education reform to managing emergency responses.
    “The Ministry is threatening flexible working arrangements by removing explicit commitments in the collective to allow members to work in a way which suits their family circumstances, said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
    “This is the thin end of the wedge, reflecting this government’s hostility to what are modern workplace practices around the world.
    “PSA members are also upset by the Ministry’s miserly pay offer at a time when the cost of living is still putting pressure on household budgets.
    “We don’t take this step lightly and will continue to press the Ministry to come back to the table with a fair offer,” Fitzsimons said.
    There are a further 800 specialist education staff from the Ministry of Education represented by NZEI who have also voted to strike in support of their bargaining next week.
    What: 1500 PSA members and 800 NZEI members to strike from 10am-12pm on 22 July in support of current bargaining between their respective union and the Ministry of Education.
    Where: Various locations in Auckland, Hamilton, Napier, Lower Hutt, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin – details below.
    When: 10am – 12pm, 22 July 2025.
    Who: PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons to speak at the Wellington PSA picket on corner of The Terrace and Bowen St, at 10:25am.
    Picket details:
    Whangārei, Walkout at 10am, picket in a line along Dent Street at Town Basin (near Hundertwasser).
    • Auckland Maungawhau, Walkout at 10am, picket in a line down Normanby Rd.
    • Auckland Henderson , Walkout at 10am, march down to Edmonton/Falls roundabout for picket.
    • Auckland Botany, Walkout at 10am, march up Bishop Dunn Pl to Te Irirangi Dr traffic lights for picket.
    • Tauranga (Western BOP), Walkout at 10am, picket at intersection of Elizabeth St and Cameron Rd.
    • Hamilton, Walkout at 10am, march down to the intersection of Home Straight and Te Rapa Rd by the lights for picket.
    • Napier, Walkout at 10am, picket on corner of Lever and Bridge St.
    • Lower Hutt, Walkout at 10am, march down to Chris Bishop MP office on Bloomfield St.
    • Wellington, Walkout at 10am, picket on corner of The Terrace and Bowen St from 10:25am.
    • Christchurch, Walkout at 10am, picket at Bridge of Remembrance.
    • Dunedin, Walkout at 10am, picket outside office on Moray Pl. 
    The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health, and community groups.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Employment – Kmart workers secure new “industry-leading” two-year living wage deal

    Source: Workers First Union

    Kmart workers are celebrating today after Workers First Union members ratified a new 2-year pay deal that includes minimum living wages after six months’ service for both 2025 and 2026, union-only bonuses and more.
    Rudd Hughes, Deputy Secretary (Retail) at Workers First, said he believed the new agreement put Kmart workers among the highest-paid retail chain workers in the country.
    “We’re extremely proud of our Kmart bargaining team and hopeful that this new agreement sets a standard in the retail industry that other big brands are paying attention to,” said Mr Hughes.
    “We started negotiations with the company talking about the CPI and “clawbacks” of previous entitlements, but due to the efforts of our dedicated group of Kmart workers on the bargaining team, we’ve ended with an industry-leading agreement that includes a progressive living wage for two years and a generous union-only bonus.”
    Of the more than 1,110 Workers First members at Kmart, 96% voted to ratify the new collective agreement in a series of store-by-store meetings over the last three weeks. The agreement includes the new living wage of $28.95 per hour after six months’ service from September 2025, increasing to the living wage for 2026/27 the following year, union-only bonuses of $500 for full-time workers, $350 for part-time workers and $200 for casual workers, an improved pathway from casual to permanent employment, and an increase to safety and medical footwear reimbursements. 
    For Tarsh Sullivan, a coordinator from Kmart Te Rapa who was part of the bargaining team, the new agreement is a “huge win” for workers.
    “The union-only bonus is a big deal for a lot of the younger workers because it shows them why we’re in a union and what you can do when you stick together,” said Ms Sullivan.
    “We were also really happy to lock in a better pathway for casual workers to get into full-time employment, because you can get stuck there in retail jobs sometimes.”
    “The future is unpredictable, especially under this Government. I’m happy that we’re making progress and moving forward with this deal – we know it’s not the same for all retail workers at the moment.”
    “Our goal now is to keep recruiting new union members and building momentum for next time we bargain, because we can do even better.”
    Rudd Hughes said the Kmart deal sent a clear message to other big-box retailers like Farmers, The Warehouse and Briscoes.
    “Many of the other big retailers still don’t believe their staff are worth a living wage,” said Mr Hughes. “But Kmart has been thriving as a business because their staff are fairly paid and feel more motivated and valued by their employer.”
    “We need to start measuring company success differently and move on from the ‘infinite growth’ mentality. We should be asking companies more about what their staff earn, not their CEO.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: New Cloud Mining Plans to Launch as Crypto Platforms AIXA Miner Prepare for Increased Retail Participation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Denver, Colorado, July 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With cryptocurrency prices stabilising at multi-month highs and mining infrastructure adapting to market momentum, several platforms are responding by updating their contract models, particularly for new users entering during this phase of renewed adoption. Starting Monday, July 21, AIXA Miner to roll out revised contract options designed to optimise accessibility, profitability, and energy alignment. These changes come as Bitcoin holds above $115,000 and demand for distributed infrastructure continues to rise globally.

    In a July 19 release, AIXA Miner highlighted backend expansions that support smart contract execution, AI-automated resource allocation, and global data centre load balancing. These updates have enabled more adaptive contract frameworks aligned with live market metrics and energy conditions.

    “The model of locking static contracts without regard for network variables or energy markets is becoming outdated,” said Marcus Enright, a blockchain infrastructure advisor and contributor to MiningData.io. “The next wave of platforms will need to offer contracts that are both cost-reflective and environmentally responsible.”

    In this context, the planned updates are timely. According to a 2025 industry report by Statista, the global cloud mining market is expected to reach $7.3 billion by 2028, with strong momentum driven by smart contract platforms, mobile-friendly interfaces, and broader demand for passive crypto income. New users are particularly active in this space, seeking exposure to crypto mining without owning physical hardware.

    The revised plans are expected to introduce variable-duration options that better accommodate entry-level capital, while being tied to automated performance metrics such as real-time hash price, network difficulty, and carbon offset ratios. This allows contracts to adapt to on-chain congestion and energy usage levels without requiring user-side intervention.

    Critically, the update also reflects a larger push toward sustainable mining practices. The Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance has reported that 39% of current Bitcoin mining operations use renewable energy sources. However, cloud mining companies that transparently link contract payouts to energy origin—whether hydro, solar, or wind—are seen as taking the next logical step toward building a green blockchain infrastructure.

    AIXA Miner’s operations span the U.S., Southeast Asia, and South America, where their use of clean energy crypto infrastructure is backed by regional energy partnerships and smart grid monitoring. With Monday’s contract refresh, the company is expected to further integrate energy source transparency into its offering, responding to both ESG-minded users and regulatory shifts in key markets.

    “As user awareness grows, so does the expectation that crypto income should be both profitable and environmentally grounded,” said Elaine Zhang, Research Fellow at the Global CleanTech Blockchain Forum. “The idea of green mining isn’t just about optics—it’s about data traceability and operational accountability.”

    These developments coincide with broader market interest in tokenised yield products, staking-based derivatives, and decentralised investment vehicles—all of which now intersect with cloud mining as a high-profit platform model. The modularity of upcoming contracts is seen as a step toward better integrating cloud mining with the wider DeFi and blockchain ecosystem.

    With rollout scheduled for Monday, July 21st 2025, market watchers will be looking to see how updated mining plans compare across platforms in terms of returns, smart contract integration, and energy sourcing. For new entrants, the changes represent a chance to access adaptive contracts in a rising market—one that increasingly values transparency, automation, and sustainability.

    Media Contact:
    PR Division
    info@aixaminer.com
    https://aixaminer.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: New Cloud Mining Plans to Launch as Crypto Platforms AIXA Miner Prepare for Increased Retail Participation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Denver, Colorado, July 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With cryptocurrency prices stabilising at multi-month highs and mining infrastructure adapting to market momentum, several platforms are responding by updating their contract models, particularly for new users entering during this phase of renewed adoption. Starting Monday, July 21, AIXA Miner to roll out revised contract options designed to optimise accessibility, profitability, and energy alignment. These changes come as Bitcoin holds above $115,000 and demand for distributed infrastructure continues to rise globally.

    In a July 19 release, AIXA Miner highlighted backend expansions that support smart contract execution, AI-automated resource allocation, and global data centre load balancing. These updates have enabled more adaptive contract frameworks aligned with live market metrics and energy conditions.

    “The model of locking static contracts without regard for network variables or energy markets is becoming outdated,” said Marcus Enright, a blockchain infrastructure advisor and contributor to MiningData.io. “The next wave of platforms will need to offer contracts that are both cost-reflective and environmentally responsible.”

    In this context, the planned updates are timely. According to a 2025 industry report by Statista, the global cloud mining market is expected to reach $7.3 billion by 2028, with strong momentum driven by smart contract platforms, mobile-friendly interfaces, and broader demand for passive crypto income. New users are particularly active in this space, seeking exposure to crypto mining without owning physical hardware.

    The revised plans are expected to introduce variable-duration options that better accommodate entry-level capital, while being tied to automated performance metrics such as real-time hash price, network difficulty, and carbon offset ratios. This allows contracts to adapt to on-chain congestion and energy usage levels without requiring user-side intervention.

    Critically, the update also reflects a larger push toward sustainable mining practices. The Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance has reported that 39% of current Bitcoin mining operations use renewable energy sources. However, cloud mining companies that transparently link contract payouts to energy origin—whether hydro, solar, or wind—are seen as taking the next logical step toward building a green blockchain infrastructure.

    AIXA Miner’s operations span the U.S., Southeast Asia, and South America, where their use of clean energy crypto infrastructure is backed by regional energy partnerships and smart grid monitoring. With Monday’s contract refresh, the company is expected to further integrate energy source transparency into its offering, responding to both ESG-minded users and regulatory shifts in key markets.

    “As user awareness grows, so does the expectation that crypto income should be both profitable and environmentally grounded,” said Elaine Zhang, Research Fellow at the Global CleanTech Blockchain Forum. “The idea of green mining isn’t just about optics—it’s about data traceability and operational accountability.”

    These developments coincide with broader market interest in tokenised yield products, staking-based derivatives, and decentralised investment vehicles—all of which now intersect with cloud mining as a high-profit platform model. The modularity of upcoming contracts is seen as a step toward better integrating cloud mining with the wider DeFi and blockchain ecosystem.

    With rollout scheduled for Monday, July 21st 2025, market watchers will be looking to see how updated mining plans compare across platforms in terms of returns, smart contract integration, and energy sourcing. For new entrants, the changes represent a chance to access adaptive contracts in a rising market—one that increasingly values transparency, automation, and sustainability.

    Media Contact:
    PR Division
    info@aixaminer.com
    https://aixaminer.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Remote zone tax offset – determining eligibility

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    Taxpayers may be eligible for tax offsets depending on their individual circumstances. Tax offsets reduce the amount of tax people need to pay.

    We’ve recently updated the remote zone tax offset web content to make it easier for you and your clients to understand the eligibility requirements.

    Determining eligibility

    Taxpayers are generally eligible for the remote zone tax offset when they have resided in a relevant area of Australia for more than 183 days during the financial year in which they are claiming the offset. That is, when their usual place of residence is within a remote zone.

    The 183 days does not have to be a continuous period of residency but must be within one financial year unless certain circumstances apply.

    Where your client hasn’t resided within a remote zone for 183 days during the income year, they may still be able to claim the offset if their usual place of residence was in a remote zone for a continuous period of less than 5 years, and:

    • they were unable to claim in the first year because it was not their residence for 183 days or more
    • the total of the days they resided there in the first year and the current income year is 183 days or more
    • the period they resided in a zone in the current income year includes the first day of the income year.

    Fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) and offshore oil or gas rig workers are generally not eligible to claim the zone tax offset, unless their usual place of residence is within a remote zone for the required number of days.

    Temporarily working in a zone, staying at an employer’s camp or provided accommodation does not mean the worker resided in the zone where the worker’s usual place of residence is outside a zone.

    Australian zone list

    We have a non-exhaustive list of locations that are within a remote zone. There may be other eligible locations that are not included on the list but are geographically within a remote zone.

    If your client resides at a location that is geographically within a remote zone, it does not need to be on the list in order to claim the offset.

    Claiming the offset – address details

    Before lodging your client’s income tax return, confirm if there have been any changes to their residential and postal addresses. It’s important to ensure your clients keep their ATO record up to date with their current phone number, postal, residential and email address details.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Employment – Workers to deliver 80,000 strong pay equity petition – CTU

    Source: NZCTU

    What: Pay equity petition handover

    Where: Forecourt, Parliament, Wellington

    When: 1pm, Wednesday 23 July

    Women representing the more than 300,000 workers in female-dominated industries affected by the Government’s gutting of New Zealand’s pay equity system will deliver a 80,000 strong petition to opposition MPs at Parliament this Wednesday.

    Workers will make the case to MPs that the changes have impacted on not just them but also on the essential work they do to support education, health, families and communities.

    “The gutting of pay equity claims have reversed decades of progress to correct pay rates for women, but we are heartened that tens of thousands of New Zealanders are supporting us,” said secondary school teacher and PPTA delegate Clare Preston.

    “This was a huge slap in the face for women and has a massive impact on the families and communities we care for, but we will continue to rise up,” said care and support worker and E tū delegate Jo-Chanelle Pouwhare.

    “The Government has made it virtually impossible for people in female-dominated industries to be paid fairly, but this petition shows that women will not be deterred in our fight to achieve pay equity for all,” said PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Property Market – It’s a deal: Home buyers and sellers finally agree on price – RealEstate.co.nz

    Source: Brainchild PR for RealEstate.co.nz

    • Sellers are getting, on average, more than their final asking price for properties listed on realestate.co.nz
    • 8 out of 19 regions recorded higher average selling price than asking price
    • Wellington homeowners getting on average $17,000 more for homes than they were expecting.
    An analysis of house price data on realestate.co.nz reveals that at a national level, on average, sellers are getting more for their properties than they asked for.

    The analysis, which compared the asking and selling prices of more than 53,000 residential homes listed and sold on realestate.co.nz between 1 January 2024 and 31 May 2025, showed that by the time a home sold, people were getting more than their final asking price.

    During this period, New Zealand homeowners asked for an average of $894,915 for their properties but achieved an average selling price of $898,845, putting an extra $3,930 in their pockets.

    The two price types were compared in the month that the property was officially sold, using sales data provided by the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ).

    Vanessa Williams, spokesperson for realestate.co.nz, says sellers are meeting the market and exceeding their own expectations.

    “The last 18 months have been tough for sellers, but we are seeing that by the time their home sells, vendors are getting realistic with their price expectations. This seems to be having a surprisingly positive outcome, as they are ending up with slightly more than they bargained for.”

    Whether vendors were up or down with their pricing expectations varied greatly around the country. Eight of realestate.co.nz’s 19 regions recorded a higher average selling price than asking price, while the remaining 11 asked, on average, for more than the average selling price.

    Wellington sellers take the win

    Sellers in Wellington had the biggest positive variance between asking and selling prices, with vendors getting, on average, $17,185 more for their homes than what they asked for.

    The average asking price over this period in the region was $901,484, while the average selling price was $918,668.

    Canterbury followed suit with an average asking price of $745,995, and a selling price of $759,715 – an average of $13,721 more in the hand for vendors.

    Gisborne also recorded a bigger-than-average gain between asking and selling, from $692,420 to $704,256, an average upside of $11,835.

    Coromandel buyers not budging

    Meanwhile, Coromandel stood out as the region where vendors received notably less than their expectations, with an average asking price of $1,116,914 compared to an average selling price of $1,071,241 – a gap of $45,673.”

    Other regions with the greatest disparity between asking and selling prices were Northland (-$14,117) and Waikato (-$8,399).

    “While we always want to see a deal taking place, the property market only functions when buyers and sellers are prepared to negotiate and make sacrifices,” says Williams.

     “With more properties on the market and prices holding steady, successful transactions often come down to pricing that both parties can agree upon and open negotiation.”

    About realestate.co.nz

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

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

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

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

    Want more property insights?

    Market insights: Search by suburb to see median sale prices, popular property types and tr

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Northland Regional Council News briefs – 21 July 2025

    Source: Northland Regional Council

    • Enroll to vote
    Northlanders keen to vote in this year’s local elections – including a poll to keep or remove Māori constituency seats – must be enrolled by Friday 01 August to receive a standard voting pack. After this date, you’ll need to cast a special vote.
    Meanwhile people keen to stand for council also have until Friday 01 August get their nominations in. Anyone aged 18 and over can stand for election provided they’re a New Zealand citizen, enrolled on the Parliamentary electoral roll and are nominated by two electors whose names appear on the electoral roll within the constituency the candidate is standing for.
    More information about the upcoming elections and poll is available at www.nrc.govt.nz/elections
    • Last chance for feedback on Navigation Safety Bylaw
    Northlanders are being urged to have their say on Northland Regional Council’s Navigation Safety Bylaw, which sets the rules for keeping people safe on the water, by Monday 28 July.
    After a first feedback period during May, this second opportunity provides more detail on the key proposals. The proposals include a new requirement to carry two forms of communication on a vessel; amending the requirements for wearing a lifejacket; and removing a clause prohibiting wind-powered board sports in the Ruakākā and Waipū estuaries.
    The feedback period runs until Monday 28 July. More detail can be found at www.nrc.govt.nz/bylawreview

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Work begins soon to raise flood-prone area near Te Karaka, SH2

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Work begins soon on a major flood resilience project – Hakanui Straight (formerly Nesbitt’s Dip) – on State Highway 2 near Te Karaka.

    The upgrade will see an 850 metres long flood-prone section of the highway raised by 3 metres, new drainage installed, the main culvert for Hakanui Stream replaced and safety barriers installed. 

    The work is being delivered by Transport Rebuild East Coast (TREC) and local contractor crews, and is one of two projects which have been added to the recovery programme funded by savings found from other projects. The second project will involve flood resilience on SH35 at Rototahe.

    TREC project manager Richard Bayley says the work will keep communities connected and freight moving and ensure a stronger, safer and more reliable route.

    Mr Bayley says in the past this stretch of road had to close during heavy weather events because the area is prone to flooding.

    “These closures create disruption for communities and the flow of freight, as well as causing safety risks for emergency services.

    “To reduce the risk of future flooding, we’re raising the highway and upgrading drainage, making it stronger, safer, and more reliable for everyday travel and emergency response.

    “The Hakanui Straight project spans a vital link for freight between the Bay of Plenty and the East Coast, and ensuring its resilience is essential for businesses, residents, and regional connectivity,” says Mr Bayley.

    The improvements being made are particularly significant for Te Karaka residents, who faced severe flooding during Cyclone Gabrielle when water breached the stopbanks of the Waipaoa River. In the early hours of 14 February 2023, around 500 residents evacuated to surrounding hills, watching as the floodwaters overtook their homes, workplaces, and marae. 

    Kaitiaki of Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki, Pimia Wehi, says working with TREC throughout the design process has been crucial in ensuring the upgrade meets the community’s needs. 

    “This is a huge step forward for Te Karaka, Puha, and Whatatutu. The devastation of Cyclone Gabrielle is still fresh in our minds as families lost their homes, businesses were destroyed, and many of us were stranded without communication for more than a day,” says Pimia Wehi. 

    “Seeing this work begin is a relief. It means our people will have better access to emergency routes and won’t have to face being completely cut off again.” 

    Mr Bayley says early enabling work, such as the site office establishment, fencing and services relocation, is expected to begin this week, weather permitting.

    “Road users aren’t likely to notice too much activity until the physical work begins, which is expected next month.

    “At that stage, short traffic delays are expected while crews carry out the upgrades. Traffic will be managed by closing the road shoulder during early works, followed by one lane closures with stop/go to maintain two-way traffic during major works with reduced speed limits along the work site.

    “Please drive to the conditions and be aware of the increased truck movements and trucks crossing the road.”

    About the name Hakanui Straight

    The project name is ‘Hakanui Straight’ but was formerly Nesbitt’s Dip. This is a change requested by hapū and Iwi representatives as the name reflects the area’s cultural and historical significance. The Hakanui Stream was important for local food gathering, mahinga kai, and as a travel route for waka.

    With the road being elevated to ensure safer and quicker evacuations during floods, ‘Straight’ (rather than ‘Dip’), embodies strength, directness, and a clear path forward.

    What’s changing at Hakanui Straight?

    • An 850-metre section of SH2 will be raised by approximately three metres to reduce flood risks and keep the road open in severe weather. 
    • The Hakanui Stream culvert will be upgraded with a larger, 1.8-metre-diameter structure to handle higher water volumes, prevent highway flooding and allow safe fish passage to protect local aquatic life.

    For more updates, visit the SH2 Tairāwhiti recovery project page 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Elles Road roundabout, Invercargill, gets its fourth leg

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Invercargill’s Clifton industrial area will get a new, safer and more efficient access point from next week.

    New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) advises the new access off the Elles Road roundabout, across the recently upgraded KiwiRail level crossing, will be available from Monday 28 July. It will be the key route to the Invercargill City Council (ICC) Pound, ICC Wastewater Treatment Plant and Freight Haulage.

    “The existing access via Lake Street, about 300 metres south of the Elles Road roundabout will be closed,” says Jason Forbes, Senior Project Manager for NZTA in Southland.

    The additional access takes the Elles Road roundabout to four legs (as seen in the aerial map below).

    Mr Forbes says there will be signs advising of the closure of Lake St ahead of 28 July and people should find the new, wider route preferable to Lake St.

    “Lake St is attracting increasing numbers of large trucks and with further developments in this area now underway, this traffic growth means this intersection is no longer fit for purpose,” Mr Forbes says.

    “The new access off the Elles Road roundabout will have new bells and barrier arms to protect road users at the rail line, there will also be a separated cycle path adjacent to the new road which will have automatic gates at the rail crossing to protect cyclists and pedestrians.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: International pop music festival kicks off on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, July 20 (Xinhua) — The 4th International Pop Music Festival “Making Asia” opened at the hippodrome in Cholpon-Ata, Issyk-Kul region of Kyrgyzstan on Sunday.

    Talented artists from more than 20 countries of Asia and Europe came to the event. Among them were performers from Kazakhstan, Turkey, Russia, as well as the best representatives of the Kyrgyz stage.

    As reported, the festival guests will have a rich program, which includes performances and cultural exchanges. The event is aimed at promoting the international image of Kyrgyzstan, its integration into the global tourism and humanitarian space.

    The festival will run until July 22. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Early Signups, Bigger Profits: Cloud Mining Platform, AIXA Miner Expands Its Contracts

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DENVER, Colorado, July 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  As cryptocurrency prices continue an upward trend—driven by Bitcoin’s recent rally past the $115,000 mark—cloud mining platforms are reevaluating how they onboard new users, particularly those entering the market amid increased competition for block rewards. In response, providers are introducing time-sensitive contract options designed to improve early access efficiency and reward entry-level participation with $20 bonus.

    One such example comes from AIXA Miner, which recently adjusted its cloud mining contract structure to accommodate a broader segment of users entering during this bullish market cycle. 

    This development reflects a larger pattern within the industry, as cloud mining continues to evolve beyond static contract models toward more dynamic, reward-calibrated options. A 2025 report from Statista estimates that the global cloud mining market is on track to surpass $7.3 billion by 2028, driven largely by first-time users seeking to earn passive income without directly operating mining hardware.

    “We’re seeing a measurable increase in first-time contract activations this quarter—many of which are coming from regions that were previously underrepresented in cloud mining,” said Amir Nadeem, Head of Product Modeling at AIXA Miner. “The design focus now is on flexible entry points that align with rising energy costs, blockchain congestion, and onboarding demand.”

    AIXA’s recent move includes tiered contract durations and automated yield recalibration based on network fees and power availability. These modifications follow the introduction of AI-backed hash allocation systems earlier this month, allowing platforms to better manage resource deployment across different contract volumes and time zones.

    Industry analysts note that entry-level participation is becoming more important not just for accessibility but for decentralization. As mining becomes more capital-intensive at the industrial scale, cloud mining provides a counterbalance by opening access to retail users—particularly in emerging economies with limited access to crypto infrastructure.

    Additionally, the integration of green blockchain principles is influencing contract design. Energy inputs tied to clean energy crypto sources—such as solar, hydro, and wind—are being tracked more transparently and in some cases weighted into reward schedules. AIXA’s mining operations, for example, span facilities in the U.S., Southeast Asia, and South America, all selected for renewable grid compatibility and regional power subsidies.

    From a sustainability standpoint, this represents a shift from traditional mining frameworks. The AIXA MIner’s Centre for Alternative Finance notes that nearly 40% of global Bitcoin mining is now powered by renewables, but the disparity in efficiency remains large across geographies. Cloud-based platforms that incorporate these considerations early in the user lifecycle are positioned to offer both ethical and financial advantages.

    For users signing up amid this market cycle, the timing is particularly relevant. As network difficulty adjusts in response to increased transaction activity, earlier contracts tend to yield more favourable mining results, especially when tied to AI-optimised deployment strategies. These dynamics are pushing platforms to prioritise contract activation windows and improve time-to-reward for new users.

    “What used to be a static engagement—sign up, lock capital, and wait—is becoming far more responsive,” added Nadeem. “It’s not just about passive income anymore; it’s about smarter income.”

    As crypto mining continues to intersect with retail participation, environmental impact, and institutional demand, cloud mining platforms are under increasing pressure to adapt quickly and responsibly. Updates to user onboarding and contract modelling mark one of several steps toward meeting those expectations.

    Media Contact:
    PR Division
    info@aixaminer.com
    https://aixaminer.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Does play belong in primary school? New research suggests teachers are not sure

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katy Meeuwissen, Lecturer in Early Childhood and Primary Education, University of Canberra

    Jon Challicom/ Getty Images

    Play is one of the most important parts of early childhood education in Australia.

    We know children learn about the world through play and it helps them build creativity and independence.

    There is also broad agreement among early childhood educators and policymakers about the importance of play from birth to five years.

    But once children start school, there is less certainty. Despite growing research about the importance of play in primary school, play is not often used for learning in these years.

    Our new study with Australian primary teachers highlights significant confusion about the role of play in their schools.

    Play can benefit older kids

    There is nothing to suggest the importance of play suddenly stops when children reach school age.

    Research shows play can support learning well into the primary years, helping students develop critical thinking, problem-solving and social skills.

    Recent studies even show play has learning benefits well beyond childhood. Young adults (aged 19–25) who engage in regular play have shown improved emotional intelligence and resilience.

    What do we mean by play?

    When we are talking about play in primary school, it is more than just playground time during recess and lunch.

    Play is what children do naturally, whereas play-based learning is when teachers use that natural playfulness as a teaching tool. Teachers will deliberately incorporate various types of play with specific learning goals and varying levels of adult guidance.

    For example, children might explore mathematical concepts such as geometry and spatial reasoning through LEGO construction. Teachers would guide discovery of patterns, measurements and problem-solving, and then step back to allow students to be creative.

    There is also evidence play can support literacy, numeracy and other academic goals, because it supports attention, memory and planning skills that underpin academic learning.

    Research shows it can also help maintain students’ enjoyment of and engagement in their studies.

    So when used effectively, it could be used across the school curriculum.

    Our research

    To better understand what teachers think about play and why they hold these views, we surveyed 238 teachers across Australia primary schools. Teachers ranged from those teaching the first year of primary school through to Year 6.

    Most of the teachers were from public schools. We used an online questionnaire and recruited participants through email and social media.

    Teachers’ different views on play

    The results revealed some inconsistencies in teachers’ views.

    Teachers strongly agreed play benefits children’s development. More than three-quarters (77%) strongly agreed students develop social skills through play, with similar numbers supporting play’s role in emotional, physical and language development.

    One teacher described play as “magic” and “where real learning happens”.

    However, only 52% strongly agreed students develop academic skills during play, revealing uncertainty about play’s educational value. As another teacher told us:

    Play is something that children do and it’s fun for them, however, [it] should be out of school. School is for learning.

    Some teachers still viewed play as separate from learning, with 61% agreeing that “play is a necessary break from learning” – suggesting they see play and learning as distinct entities rather than integrated.

    Adding to this confusion, teachers often used the terms “play” and “play-based learning” interchangeably, despite these being different concepts.

    How should play-based learning be structured?

    Even when teachers valued play in principle, they struggled to provide time for it in their classrooms. Teachers reported feeling caught between covering mandated content and providing meaningful play experiences. As one teacher told us:

    Play is fantastic for children but a challenge when there is so much limited time to cover such a huge curriculum.

    Teachers were also divided about their role in children’s play. Should they structure it? Leave kids alone? Supervise but not interfere?

    Our analysis revealed several distinct approaches, from hands-off supervision to active involvement. This reveals confusion about best practice (the research suggests different approaches can work, depending on the context).

    What can we do instead?

    Our research suggest there is missed opportunity when it comes to structuring play as part of learning in primary schools.

    To address this, we need several changes. Teacher education programs should include training in practical ways to use play as a teaching tool. For example, how to teach science concepts through games and experiments that feel like play to children.

    Professional development should also help existing teachers understand how to structure meaningful play that supports the curriculum.

    At a policy level, we also need better alignment between the early education and primary years, to ensure play does not disappear at the school gate.

    Katy Meeuwissen does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Does play belong in primary school? New research suggests teachers are not sure – https://theconversation.com/does-play-belong-in-primary-school-new-research-suggests-teachers-are-not-sure-259800

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Hold up, humans. Ants figured out medicine, farming and engineering long before we did

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tanya Latty, Associate Professor in Entomology, University of Sydney

    Tambon Nong Chaeng/Pexels

    Think back to a time you helped someone move a heavy object, such as a couch. While at first the task may have appeared simple, it actually required a suite of advanced behaviours.

    The job needed verbal commands for social coordination (“pivot!”) and anticipation of near-future events (moving other furniture out of the way). It also required a clear, shared vision of the final goal (which room to take the couch to).

    It’s a small but satisfying example of human cooperation. But before we all get too pleased with ourselves, consider that ants – creatures with tiny brains and no capacity for speech – routinely pull off feats that rival, and sometimes exceed, our own.

    Ants routinely pull off feats that rival, and sometimes exceed, our own.
    Andre Moura/Pexels

    Understanding ant intelligence

    Earth is literally crawling with ants. Scientists estimate there are at least 20 quadrillion ants on Earth. That’s 20 followed by 15 zeros – more ants than stars in our galaxy!

    These incredible insects are amongst the most successful organisms on the planet. Part of the success comes from an ability to form complex societies, ranging from a few individuals to millions. And those societies, or colonies, are remarkably co-operative.

    Take, for example, ants’ abilities to move large food items. To do it, they mobilise teams of dozens – or even hundreds – of fellow workers. Together, they efficiently work together to transport the load back to the nest.

    Longhorn crazy ants (Paratrechina longicornis) are even known to clear debris from a path before a heavy object arrives – seemingly anticipating its trajectory and preparing the way.

    One experiment pit longhorn crazy ants against humans, all tasked with moving T-shaped objects (scaled to body size) through tight spaces. In some trials, the human teams were not permitted to speak or use gestures.

    And the result? Ants performed better in larger groups compared to smaller ones, showing the clear benefits of collective action. In contrast, human performance did not improve with group size. And when communication was restricted, human performance declined as group size increased.

    All this highlights how ants rely on collective intelligence, without the need for central control or sophisticated cognition.

    Expert farmers

    Humanity’s invention of agriculture 12,000 years ago is understandably hailed as one of our greatest achievements.

    But leaf cutter ants beat us to it. These ants (from the species Atta and Acromyrmex) evolved to undertake large-scale agriculture about 55 million years ago.

    These ants cut and transport fresh leaves not to eat directly, but to feed a fungus that serves as their main food source.

    This evolutionary partnership allows the ants to feed colonies with populations in the millions.

    Remarkably, leaf cutter ants have also evolved a form of biological pest control to protect their crops from bacteria. Some worker ants patrol the gardens, detecting infected sections of the fungus. Then they apply antibiotics produced by bacteria that live on their bodies.

    What’s more, many ant species farm aphids and other sap-sucking insects.

    As these farmed insects feed on plant sap, they excrete a sugary liquid the ants eagerly collect. In return, ants serve as bodyguards, defending their tiny livestock from predators such as ladybirds and lacewings.

    In some species, queen ants gently carry sap-sucking insects in their jaws as they fly off to start new colonies. Fossilised ants preserved in amber suggest this behaviour evolved up to 20 million years ago, long before humans domesticated animals.

    Ant medicine

    Medical care may seem like a distinctly human innovation. But several ant species have evolved sophisticated ways to treat injuries.

    When a Florida carpenter ant (Camponotus floridanus) is injured during a battle between colonies, its nest-mates will amputate a damaged limb to prevent infection from spreading. Ants receiving this battlefield care are more likely to survive than ants left untreated.

    Some ants can also detect infection and treat infected wounds by cleaning them and applying antimicrobial secretions from specialised glands.

    Master builders

    Some ant species are known to literally put their bodies on the line for the colony.

    Army ants (Eciton burchellii) join their bodies together to form structures. These include bridges across gaps on the forest floor, and “scaffolds” across steep terrain to prevent other ants from slipping.

    Even the nest is made of hundreds of thousands of ants joined together, complete with tunnels and chambers housing the larvae and the queen. The entire structure is packed up and rebuilt each day, after the colony emigrates a few hundred metres into the forest.

    Army ants join their bodies together to form structures.
    Smartse/Wikimedia, CC BY

    Weaver ants (Oecophylla smaragdina), meanwhile, self-assemble into rope ladders to span vertical gaps.

    They also form a line of workers that pull leaves together in treetops to form nests. Once the leaves are winched into place, other ants arrive with ant larvae in their jaws. Each larva produces a tiny blob of silk which the ants use to glue the leaves together.

    Fire ants (Solenopsis invicta), a major pest species, owes its invasive success partly to a unique method of dispersal.

    When their underground nests are flooded by rain, the ants join together into a huge raft which floats on a layer of buoyant larvae. These rafts can ride floodwaters in safety for hundreds of kilometres, until the ants reach dry land.

    When their nests are flooded, fire ants join together into a huge raft.
    TheCoz/Wikimedia, CC BY

    Lessons for humanity?

    Humans rightly take pride in our greatest achievements – agriculture, medicine, engineering and building civilisations. But remarkably, ants mastered these innovations millions of years before we did.

    Ants may be tiny – but by working together they can build complex societies and solve many problems. They might even teach humans a thing or two.

    Tanya Latty co-founded and volunteers for conservation organisation Invertebrates Australia, is former president of the Australasian Society for the Study of Animal Behaviour and is on the education committee for the Australian Entomological Society. She receives funding from the Australian Research Council, NSW Saving our Species, and Agrifutures Australia

    Chris R. Reid receives funding from the Australian Research Council and Macquarie University. He is secretary of the Australasian Society for the Study of Animal Behaviour and is on the education committee for the Australasian Entomological Society.

    – ref. Hold up, humans. Ants figured out medicine, farming and engineering long before we did – https://theconversation.com/hold-up-humans-ants-figured-out-medicine-farming-and-engineering-long-before-we-did-258922

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Is spinal cord stimulation safe? Does it work? Here’s what you need to know if you have back pain

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Caitlin Jones, Postdoctoral Research Associate in Musculoskeletal Health, University of Sydney

    AsiaVision/Getty

    Spinal cord stimulators are electrical devices that are surgically implanted in the body to treat long-term pain. They have a battery pack and leads that deliver electrical impulses directly to the spinal cord. The devices are thought to work by providing electrical impulses that interfere with how the brain senses pain.

    Spinal cord stimulators are mainly used to treat chronic back pain, especially when other less invasive treatments have not worked. They also aim to reduce people’s reliance on risky pain medicines. These include opioids, which research shows are ineffective and harmful for low-back pain.

    But research, including our own, shows spinal cord stimulators work no better than a placebo. And they can also carry risks.

    Do they work?

    In a 2023 Cochrane review, researchers reviewed data from 13 randomised controlled trials on low-back pain and found no benefits in the short and medium term. These international reviews draw together the most robust evidence to provide a detailed summary of what we know on a particular topic.

    Only one of the trials in the review tested efficacy in the longer term (six months). That trial found no benefits of spinal cord stimulation.

    An earlier Cochrane review looked at the evidence of spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain in general, including for neck pain. Reviewers looked at 15 randomised controlled trials and couldn’t be certain about its benefits, largely due to the quality and reliability of the available trials.

    Are there side effects?

    Aside from disappointing results for pain relief, there are risks and side effects to consider.

    We co-authored an analysis of 520 adverse events reported to Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). We found 79% of reported events were rated as severe, with 13% life-threatening. The same research found 80% of events required surgery to correct.

    Our recent analysis in the Medical Journal of Australia looked at data from private health insurers. These cover 90% of spinal cord stimulation implants in Australia. Five major insurers, which covered 76% of privately insured people, contributed de-identified data.

    We found about one-quarter of people who had a spinal cord stimulator implanted needed corrective surgery afterwards. These surgeries occurred within a median of about 17 months. This indicates these surgeries are not routine or expected interventions, such as to replace batteries, which are meant to last five to ten years.

    Our previous research shows the sorts of reasons for corrective surgery. These include to replace a malfunctioning device, or the person was in more pain, had an infection, or a puncture of the delicate tissues covering the spinal cord.

    However, even our latest findings are likely to underestimate the risk of these devices.

    Sometimes the lead delivering the electrical current moves away from the spinal cord to elsewhere in the body. This requires surgery to reposition the lead, but does not necessarily require new hardware, such as a brand new lead. So this type of corrective surgery is not counted in the data from the private health insurance companies.

    How much does it cost?

    We found spinal cord stimulators cost about A$55,000 per patient, including the device, its insertion, and managing any associated additional surgeries.

    For people who only had a “trial” – where the leads are implanted temporarily but the battery pack remains outside the body – this cost was about $14,000 per patient.

    These figures do not include any out-of-pocket costs.

    What do regulators say about the devices?

    In 2022 the TGA began a review of spinal cord stimulators on the market because of safety and performance concerns.

    As a result, several devices were removed from the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods – that is, they were banned from use in Australia, but existing stock could still be used.

    The rest of the devices had conditions imposed, such as the manufacturers being required to collect and report safety data to the TGA at regular time points.

    Should I do my own online research?

    Yes, but be careful. Unfortunately not all online information about spinal cord stimulators is correct.

    Look for sites independent of those who manufacture or implant these devices.

    Government agencies, health departments and universities that have no financial interests in this area may be a better option.

    The Cochrane Library is also a reliable and independent source for trustworthy health information.

    What shall I ask my doctor?

    The Australian health department provides useful advice for consumers about medical implants.

    It says medical implants “are considered higher-risk therapeutic goods, and the decision to get one should not be taken lightly”. It recommends asking your health professional these questions:

    • do I really need this medical implant?

    • what are the risks/benefits?

    • is the medical implant approved?

    • where can I get more information?

    • what happens if I experience an adverse event?

    What else could I do for my back pain?

    There are other treatment options that are effective and have fewer risks than spinal cord stimulation.

    For example, education about how to manage your pain yourself, exercise, cognitive behavioural therapy (a type of psychological therapy), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (such as ibuprofen) all have solid evidence to back them. All offer benefits that are not outweighed by their potential risks.

    Australian research has shown other types of therapy – such as sensorimotor retraining and cognitive functional therapy – are also effective. You can discuss these and other options with your health professional.

    Spinal cord stimulation is a good example of a treatment that got ahead of the evidence. Although the devices have been around since the 1960s, we’ve only had reliable trials to test whether they work in recent years.

    Everyone wants to find ways to help people with chronic pain, but we must ensure medical care is grounded in reliable science.

    Christopher Maher holds a research fellowship funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council.

    Caitlin Jones does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Is spinal cord stimulation safe? Does it work? Here’s what you need to know if you have back pain – https://theconversation.com/is-spinal-cord-stimulation-safe-does-it-work-heres-what-you-need-to-know-if-you-have-back-pain-261364

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Federal election feel like ages ago? Parliament is now back. Here’s your political refresher

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jill Sheppard, Senior Lecturer, School of Politics and International Relations, Australian National University

    Tracey Nearmy/Getty

    Despite many pre-election predictions, the 48th Australian parliament looks quite similar to the 47th. The Labor Party has greater representation than before: 94 Members of the House of Representatives (up from 77) and 29 Senators (up from 26).

    The Coalition’s numbers were famously smashed at the election, and will be represented by 43 Members and 27 Senators.

    Despite the landslide electoral victory, Labor’s parliamentary position is not materially improved. It retains a majority in the House of Representatives, but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faces the problem of finding jobs to keep such a large backbench occupied. Restless politicians reliably create havoc for their leaders (just ask Keir Starmer).

    In the Senate, Labor has more possible paths to a majority, but none is particularly pretty. Pre-election, the government required 12 additional senators to support its legislation. Often this support came from the Coalition, with the crossbench bypassed entirely, as in the case of political donation reforms.

    Other reforms, including workplace relations, were passed by a combination of Greens and independent senators.

    Labor can achieve a majority (38 votes) in the new Senate by negotiating with either the Greens or the Coalition. If neither is forthcoming, Labor can then turn to a disparate group of crossbenchers: four One Nation Senators, plus Fatima Payman, Jacqui Lambie, Ralph Babet and David Pocock.



    Read more:
    Grattan on Friday: New parliament presents traps for Albanese and Ley

    Clearing the decks

    How the new Senate configuration affects Labor’s legislative agenda depends on what exactly that agenda looks like.

    Labor went into the 47th parliament emphasising the Voice referendum, COVID and rising inflation.

    At the end of that term, ten bills were listed for debate but were “timed out” by the constitutional requirement to hold an election.

    The most controversial of these is the proposal to add a new 15% tax on superannuation balances of more than $3 million. The Greens, under previous leader Adam Bandt, promised to support the bill in 2023 pending the government extending superannuation to paid parental leave (which was legislated in 2024 and came into effect on July 1 2025).



    Read more:
    Actually, Gen Z stand to be the biggest winners from the new $3 million super tax

    The Greens continue to support the tax proposal in principle, but want the threshold lowered to $2 million.

    One Nation is strongly opposed. The Coalition has expressed willingness to negotiate on the condition that unrealised gains are exempt from valuations.

    The government has also proposed cutting the number of overseas students at Australian universities, ostensibly due to concerns over exploitation of the student visa program. The Greens have called the proposal “disastrous for tertiary education”.

    Pocock and the Coalition have both called for key changes to the bill. Their primary concerns are about a ministerial power to decide appropriate student numbers without parliamentary approval.

    Despite opposing the bill for different reasons, the Greens and Coalition were willing to team up against the government – perhaps foreshadowing strategy in the new parliament.

    What’s on the horizon?

    Labor announced just 15 specific policy proposals before the election. Only two costed promises are registered with the Parliamentary Budget Office. This gives Labor a free hand to determine its policy agenda in the 48th parliament.

    Right out of the gate, the government promised to cut HECS debt by 20%. Given the Greens would wipe all current HECS debt, they seem likely to wave this through the Senate.

    Treasurer Jim Chalmers has since declared that while “the first term was primarily inflation without forgetting productivity, the second term will be primarily productivity without forgetting inflation”.

    In search of new thinking, the government has announced an economic reform roundtable comprising government, business and experts, and covering economic resilience, skills, new technologies, healthcare reform and clean energy.

    Productivity is notoriously difficult to measure and improve. Whether policies arising from the roundtable will pass the parliament remains to be seen.

    However, the government’s invitation to Shadow Treasurer Ted O’Brien was accompanied with commentary that Chalmers does not believe O’Brien or his leader Sussan Ley are “by their nature constructive, collaborative types”.

    Other election policies should be legislated with ease. The Coalition has already supported purchasing the Port of Darwin, promised instant asset write-offs for small business, and pledged to match Labor’s Medicare spending dollar for dollar.

    The Coalition is also likely to support new fast-track training for 6,000 tradies.

    The Greens will likely support pro-worker reforms. These include legislated weekend penalty rates and new mental health spending.

    In general, the government’s stated agenda is incremental and should be achievable in this parliament. If the Greens won’t play ball, the Coalition will be waiting in line.

    This will probably lead to quixotic policymaking as Labor bounces between two ideologically opposed partners.

    Elsewhere, as in the case of the government’s post-election approval of new licences for gas extraction, policy can happen without parliamentary approval at all.

    In such cases, meaningful opposition will come from the cross- and backbenches, full of politicians eager to make a name for themselves.

    Jill Sheppard receives funding from the Australian Research Council. She worked as an adviser to Coalition parliamentarians between 2003 and 2007.

    Patrick Leslie receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    – ref. Federal election feel like ages ago? Parliament is now back. Here’s your political refresher – https://theconversation.com/federal-election-feel-like-ages-ago-parliament-is-now-back-heres-your-political-refresher-261360

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Vietnam tourist boat death toll adjusted to 35

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    HANOI, July 20 (Xinhua) — Thirty-five people have been confirmed dead and four are missing after a tourist boat sank in Halong Bay off the coast of Quang Ninh Province in northern Vietnam, local authorities said Sunday.

    The Quang Ninh Provincial People’s Committee released the above figures at a press conference on Sunday afternoon, adding that 10 people had been rescued.

    Previously, 37 people were reported dead, but after verification, the number was adjusted to 35 people.

    The Vietnam News Agency clarified that there were 46 passengers and three crew members on board the plane, all Vietnamese citizens. Earlier it was announced that there were 53 people on board.

    The ship capsized on Saturday during an excursion after being caught in a storm.

    The search area has been expanded to locate the four missing persons. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: President Trump Marks Six Months in Office with Historic Successes

    Source: US Whitehouse

    Today, President Donald J. Trump celebrates the most successful first six months in office for any President in modern American history.

    • Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill, thereby delivering the largest tax cut in American history, increasing Americans’ take-home pay by as much as $13,300, and terminating benefits for at least 1.4 million illegal immigrants who were gaming the system.
    • Congress passed President Trump’s historic rescissions package, which will save taxpayers $9 billion in wasteful, politically-motivated funding for leftwing foreign aid scams and biased NPR and PBS.
    • The wholesale price of a dozen eggs is down 53%, or $3.09, since the inauguration and is down 62%, or $5.08, from its March peak.
    • The U.S. economy has now added a net of 671,000 jobs since January 2025, with jobs numbers beating expectations four months in a row. Native-born workers have accounted for all job gains, with native-born employment increasing 2,079,000 while foreign-born employment has fallen 543,000.
    • U.S. Customs and Border Patrol encountered just 6,070 illegal immigrants at the southern border in June — setting a new record low (15% lower than the previous record set in March). Additionally, zero illegal immigrants were released into the U.S. on parole in June, compared to 27,766 a year prior.
    • The administration has ramped up deportations, breaking a record for the number of deportation flights in a month in June. President Trump’s self-deportation push has also been a massive success. Additionally, over 600 known and suspected terrorists have been removed from the United States.
    • At President Trump’s direction, U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement has arrested over 100,000 illegal alien criminals, including over 2,700 members of the vicious Tren de Aragua gang.
    • Following President Trump’s declaration of an energy emergency, the U.S. has reached its fastest rate of new oil and gas drilling permits in years, exceeding the Biden administration by 44%.
    • Since President Trump took office, core inflation has tracked at just 2.1% — levels not seen since the first Trump Administration, when prices were low and stable — and has come in below or at economists’ expectations every single month. Meanwhile, wholesale inflation remained flat in June, while import prices came in far below expectations.
    • Summer gas prices reached their lowest point since 2021, and, inflation-adjusted, are near a 20-year low.
    • President Trump’s deregulatory efforts have already saved Americans over $180 billion, or $2,100 per family of four, with the rollback of automobile-related rules alone expected to save consumers more than $1.1 trillion.
    • President Trump secured a historic agreement for NATO members to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP – a foreign policy feat long thought impossible.
    • Under President Trump’s strong and decisive leadership, the U.S. obliterated Iran’s nuclear program.
    • President Trump secured ceasefires between India and Pakistan and Israel and Iran, a peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and a pathway to stability for Syria.
    • As a result of his historic peacemaking efforts, President Trump has already received three Nobel Peace Prize nominations since returning to office.
    • In May, blue-collar wage growth saw its largest increase in nearly 60 years since President Trump’s return to office.
    • Companies and foreign governments have pledged over $7.6 trillion in investments into the U.S.
    • The U.S. Treasury has taken in nearly $90 billion in tariff duties since January 2025, with the agency posting a record $27.2 billion surplus in June – the first June surplus since 2005.
    • President Trump has once again proved to be the Dealmaker-in-Chief, inking a minerals deal with Ukraine, a $14 billion “perpetual Golden Share” sale of U.S. Steel, and trade deals with the United Kingdom, China, and Indonesia.
    • President Trump has signed over 170 executive orders, delivering on key campaign promises such as closing the border, protecting children from chemical and surgical mutilation, removing men from women’s sports, unleashing American energy, ending federal censorship, ending the radical indoctrination in K-12 schooling, and ending radical and wasteful government DEI programs and preferencing.
    • The S&P 500 and Nasdaq market indices have reached multiple record highs.
    • The Supreme Court consistently bolstered the Trump administration’s agenda, blocking activist judges from issuing nationwide injunctions, permitting “third-country deportations,” greenlighting the revocation of temporary protected status (TPS) from more than 500,000 migrants and approving efforts to shrink the federal bureaucracy.
    • President Trump signed several pieces of landmark legislation, including the Genius Act, the Halt Fentanyl Act, the Laken Riley Act, and the Take It Down Act.
    • The U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Space Force all reached their recruitment goals months in advance.
    • The Trump administration has made incredible strides in its effort to Make America Healthy Again, with roughly 35% of the American food industry making a commitment to eliminate the use of artificial dyes, including Hershey, Consumer Brands and dozens of ice cream companies representing more than 90% of the ice cream volume sold in the U.S.
    • President Trump has ensured U.S. benefit programs serve U.S. citizens, with the administration now having protected more than $40 billion in benefit programs from illegal aliens since POTUS signed an Executive Order in February “Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders.”
    • President Trump inked an agreement to provide billions of dollars of military equipment to Ukraine, with NATO footing the bill.
    • President Trump has cracked down on international cartels, designating eight Latin American cartels as terrorist groups, including Tren de Aragua, MS-13 and the Sinaloa Cartel.
    • President Trump has solidified the U.S.’s position as the world leader in artificial intelligence, attracting north of $1 trillion in AI investment, including $90 billion in groundbreaking AI and energy investments in Pennsylvania.
    • The U.S. is on track for its lowest murder rate on record following President Trump’s reinstatement of law and order.
    • Following President Trump’s February executive order, universities and school systems have stopped allowing men in women’s sports, including the University of Pennsylvania, the Virginia High School League and the University of Maine System.
    • Hospitals and hospital systems across the country have halted so-called “gender-affirming care” for minors following President Trump’s executive order “protecting children from chemical and surgical mutilation.”
    • In his first six months, President Trump has met with 23 foreign leaders, including three visits from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as two visits from the NATO Secretary General — compared to thirteen foreign leaders and the UN Secretary General, the NATO Secretary General, and the Chinese Foreign Minister for Obama and just five in-person visits for Biden. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Child Poverty – Families below the Income Floor face growing crisis – new research

    Source: Child Poverty Action Group

    Many low income households across Aotearoa are now living below the income floor, with increasingly fewer households able to cover the bare essentials, according to new research released today by Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG).
    The research builds on modelling by the Welfare Expert Advisory Group (WEAG) and ext

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Statement by PJSC NK Rosneft in connection with the illegal EU sanctions against the Nayara Energy refinery

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    PJSC NK Rosneft considers the decision of the European Union to introduce restrictive measures against the Indian Nayara Energy refinery to be unfounded and illegal. These sanctions are another example of the extraterritorial application of politically motivated restrictions that grossly violate international law and infringe on the economic interests of a sovereign state.

    Rosneft emphasizes that it is not the controlling shareholder of Nayara Energy – the Company’s share in the authorized capital of the enterprise is less than 50%. The enterprise is managed by an independent Board of Directors.

    The EU’s reason for imposing sanctions is completely far-fetched and false in content, Nayara Energy is an Indian legal entity whose economic activity is aimed at developing the asset. The company is taxed entirely in India. Nayara Energy shareholders have never received dividends, and the accumulated profits were used exclusively for the development of oil refining and petrochemicals, as well as the company’s retail network in India.

    The Nayara Energy refinery is a strategically important asset of the Indian energy sector, ensuring stable supplies of petroleum products to the country’s domestic market. The introduction of sanctions against the enterprise directly threatens India’s energy security and will negatively affect its economy.

    Such actions by the EU demonstrate a complete disregard not only for international law, but also for the sovereignty of third countries. Rosneft views these sanctions as part of the EU’s destructive policy aimed at destabilizing global energy markets. The restrictions on Nayara Energy are yet another example of the EU using unfair competition practices.

    We expect that Nayara Energy will take measures to protect the legitimate interests of its shareholders and consumers, which will be supported by the governments of Russia and India.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: AIXA Miner Advances Scalable Cloud Mining Solutions as Institutional Blockchain Demand Grows

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Denver, Colorado, July 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  As the global cryptocurrency infrastructure continues to mature, a growing divide has emerged between large-scale institutional blockchain adoption and the accessibility of underlying mining technologies. In response, leading cloud mining platforms are rethinking how to scale operations while maintaining inclusivity for a broader range of users.

    AIXA Miner, a U.S.-based cloud mining operator, recently announced infrastructure updates aimed at addressing this industry-wide challenge—developments that coincide with a renewed wave of institutional interest in blockchain infrastructure and asset-backed mining contracts.

    According to a 2025 report by Statista, the global cloud mining market is projected to exceed $7.3 billion by 2028, driven largely by enterprise blockchain deployment and passive-income investment models. These trends are reinforcing the need for platforms that can balance regulatory compliance, high-volume hash power, and usability for both corporations and individuals.

    In a press release published on Yahoo Finance earlier this week, AIXA Miner outlined a suite of upgrades including integration with Gemini 2.5 Pro, a real-time AI engine used to optimize mining allocations based on transaction costs and network load. These updates also expanded backend support for large-scale contracts and institutional wallet integrations, timed alongside Bitcoin’s recent surge past $117,000 per coin.

    “What we’re seeing now is a convergence of interest from traditional financial firms and DeFi-native institutions. Many are looking for mining solutions that don’t require hardware investment but still offer performance transparency,” said Elina Chambers, Head of Infrastructure Strategy at AIXA Miner. “Our role is to enable that transition—without excluding individual participants who helped shape the ecosystem.”

    This development reflects a broader industry trend: decentralized infrastructure as a service. As blockchain moves beyond tokenization into supply chains, finance, and data privacy, mining operations are becoming more than just reward generators; they’re foundational compute layers. Institutional investors now demand verifiable uptime, audited compliance, and secure API access for treasury operations, all while being increasingly conscious of sustainability metrics.

    AIXA Miner’s hybrid model, combining contract-based mining for individuals with institutional-grade ASIC/GPU deployment—addresses these priorities through geographic dispersion, energy diversification, and encrypted reporting layers. Recent expansion efforts have centered on renewable-powered data centers across North America and Southeast Asia.

    While these developments are relevant to institutional actors, the company maintains that everyday users remain core to its growth strategy. The platform retains smart contract–based daily payout structures and entry-level plans starting at $100, even as it integrates enterprise wallet compatibility and third-party custodial options.

    From a regulatory standpoint, AIXA’s infrastructure roadmap also appears aligned with the sector’s current direction. In June 2025, the company completed an external audit of its asset verification and system redundancies, a move increasingly expected of platforms serving institutional clients.

    Industry experts note that such dual-tier strategies are likely to become more common as cloud mining seeks to reposition itself from a speculative income source to a standardized financial product. “As cloud mining matures, platforms will need to meet very different requirements on the retail and institutional ends of the spectrum,” said Dr. Lena Moore, a blockchain infrastructure researcher at the University of California. “Scalability will no longer just mean processing power, it will mean operational flexibility, risk mitigation, and reporting transparency.”

    That shift is underscored by developments elsewhere in the crypto sector. In Q2 2025, several exchanges expanded their DeFi analytics platforms to support mining-related metrics, indicating that mining is being folded into broader asset evaluation strategies. Similarly, asset managers are increasingly allocating to mining-yield derivatives and tokenised staking products mechanisms that parallel traditional bond structures.

    In this context, AIXA Miner’s recent platform adaptations represent a relevant case study in the evolution of cloud mining from a niche service into an enterprise-aligned infrastructure solution. Whether the future of mining lies in AI-optimized routing, renewable capacity expansions, or smart wallet integrations, one reality is becoming clear: cloud mining is no longer solely the domain of crypto-native retail users.

    Instead, it is emerging as a structural component of blockchain’s institutional future—one that demands both scale and accessibility in equal measure.

    Media Contact:
    PR Division
    info@aixaminer.com
    https://aixaminer.com

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  • MIL-OSI: AIXA Miner Advances Scalable Cloud Mining Solutions as Institutional Blockchain Demand Grows

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Denver, Colorado, July 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  As the global cryptocurrency infrastructure continues to mature, a growing divide has emerged between large-scale institutional blockchain adoption and the accessibility of underlying mining technologies. In response, leading cloud mining platforms are rethinking how to scale operations while maintaining inclusivity for a broader range of users.

    AIXA Miner, a U.S.-based cloud mining operator, recently announced infrastructure updates aimed at addressing this industry-wide challenge—developments that coincide with a renewed wave of institutional interest in blockchain infrastructure and asset-backed mining contracts.

    According to a 2025 report by Statista, the global cloud mining market is projected to exceed $7.3 billion by 2028, driven largely by enterprise blockchain deployment and passive-income investment models. These trends are reinforcing the need for platforms that can balance regulatory compliance, high-volume hash power, and usability for both corporations and individuals.

    In a press release published on Yahoo Finance earlier this week, AIXA Miner outlined a suite of upgrades including integration with Gemini 2.5 Pro, a real-time AI engine used to optimize mining allocations based on transaction costs and network load. These updates also expanded backend support for large-scale contracts and institutional wallet integrations, timed alongside Bitcoin’s recent surge past $117,000 per coin.

    “What we’re seeing now is a convergence of interest from traditional financial firms and DeFi-native institutions. Many are looking for mining solutions that don’t require hardware investment but still offer performance transparency,” said Elina Chambers, Head of Infrastructure Strategy at AIXA Miner. “Our role is to enable that transition—without excluding individual participants who helped shape the ecosystem.”

    This development reflects a broader industry trend: decentralized infrastructure as a service. As blockchain moves beyond tokenization into supply chains, finance, and data privacy, mining operations are becoming more than just reward generators; they’re foundational compute layers. Institutional investors now demand verifiable uptime, audited compliance, and secure API access for treasury operations, all while being increasingly conscious of sustainability metrics.

    AIXA Miner’s hybrid model, combining contract-based mining for individuals with institutional-grade ASIC/GPU deployment—addresses these priorities through geographic dispersion, energy diversification, and encrypted reporting layers. Recent expansion efforts have centered on renewable-powered data centers across North America and Southeast Asia.

    While these developments are relevant to institutional actors, the company maintains that everyday users remain core to its growth strategy. The platform retains smart contract–based daily payout structures and entry-level plans starting at $100, even as it integrates enterprise wallet compatibility and third-party custodial options.

    From a regulatory standpoint, AIXA’s infrastructure roadmap also appears aligned with the sector’s current direction. In June 2025, the company completed an external audit of its asset verification and system redundancies, a move increasingly expected of platforms serving institutional clients.

    Industry experts note that such dual-tier strategies are likely to become more common as cloud mining seeks to reposition itself from a speculative income source to a standardized financial product. “As cloud mining matures, platforms will need to meet very different requirements on the retail and institutional ends of the spectrum,” said Dr. Lena Moore, a blockchain infrastructure researcher at the University of California. “Scalability will no longer just mean processing power, it will mean operational flexibility, risk mitigation, and reporting transparency.”

    That shift is underscored by developments elsewhere in the crypto sector. In Q2 2025, several exchanges expanded their DeFi analytics platforms to support mining-related metrics, indicating that mining is being folded into broader asset evaluation strategies. Similarly, asset managers are increasingly allocating to mining-yield derivatives and tokenised staking products mechanisms that parallel traditional bond structures.

    In this context, AIXA Miner’s recent platform adaptations represent a relevant case study in the evolution of cloud mining from a niche service into an enterprise-aligned infrastructure solution. Whether the future of mining lies in AI-optimized routing, renewable capacity expansions, or smart wallet integrations, one reality is becoming clear: cloud mining is no longer solely the domain of crypto-native retail users.

    Instead, it is emerging as a structural component of blockchain’s institutional future—one that demands both scale and accessibility in equal measure.

    Media Contact:
    PR Division
    info@aixaminer.com
    https://aixaminer.com

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Statement of Rosneft Oil Company Regarding Illegal EU Sanctions on Nayara Energy Refinery

    Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Rosneft Oil Company considers the European Union’s decision to impose restrictive measures on the Indian refinery of Nayara Energy as unjustified and illegal. These sanctions are yet another example of extraterritorial implementation of politically motivated restrictions that blatantly violate international law and infringe on the economic interests of a sovereign state.

    Rosneft emphasizes that it is not a controlling shareholder of Nayara Energy – the Company’s share in the authorized capital of the enterprise is less than 50%. The enterprise is managed by an independent Board of Directors.

    The European Union’s grounds for imposing sanctions are completely far-fetched and false in content, Nayara Energy is an Indian legal entity whose economic activity is aimed at the development of its asset. The entity is taxed entirely in India. Nayara Energy shareholders have never received dividend payments and the accumulated profits have been used exclusively for the development of the refinery and petrochemicals and the company’s retail network in India.

    The Nayara Energy refinery is a strategically important asset for the Indian energy industry, providing a stable supply of petroleum products to the country’s domestic market. The imposition of sanctions against the refinery directly threatens India’s energy security and will have a negative impact on its economy.

    Such actions of the European Union demonstrate complete disregard not only for international law, but also for the sovereignty of third countries. Rosneft views these sanctions as part of the EU’s destructive policy aimed at destabilizing global energy markets. The restrictions on Nayara Energy are yet another example of the EU’s use of unfair competition practices.

    We are counting on the fact that Nayara Energy will take measures to protect the legitimate interests of its shareholders and consumers, which will be supported by the governments of Russia and India.

    Please note; this information is the raw content received directly from the information source. This is exactly what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Japan’s ruling coalition will struggle to maintain majority in upper house of parliament – exit polls

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    TOKYO, July 20 (Xinhua) — Japan’s ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Komeito Party will struggle to maintain a majority in the House of Councillors (upper house of parliament) following Sunday’s election, media reported.

    Voting in the upper house elections, where half of the legislators were up for reelection, ended at 8 p.m. local time. The ruling coalition risks losing its majority, public broadcaster NHK reported, citing its exit poll.

    Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s LDP and its coalition partner Komeito need to win at least 50 of the 125 possible seats to secure a majority. NHK predicts they could win between 32 and 51 seats.

    An exit poll by the Kyodo Tsushin news agency also showed the ruling bloc struggling to maintain a majority in the 248-seat House of Councillors.

    The LDP and Komeito currently have 75 seats in the upper house. As Kyodo Tsushin noted, the coalition’s failure to secure another 50 seats in this election will lead to political instability in Japan, as Shigeru Ishiba will have to seek support from opposition parties.

    The ruling coalition has already lost its majority in the more powerful House of Representatives (lower house) in the October 2024 general election, forcing Shigeru Ishiba to form Japan’s first government without a parliamentary majority in more than three decades. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Typhoon Wipha leaves HK

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Hong Kong Observatory downgraded the storm signal from No. 8 to No. 3, as Typhoon Wipha moved away from the city this evening.

    The No. 8 Southeast Gale or Storm Signal, issued at 4.10 this afternoon was replaced by the Strong Wind Signal No. 3 at 7.40pm.

    The Hospital Authority said that 33 people received medical treatment at public hospitals due to typhoon-related injuries.

    During the storm, the Government’s 1823 Call Centre received 286 reports of fallen trees and the Fire Services Department received 425 reports, while the Drainage Services Department received seven flooding cases.

    Meanwhile, the Home Affairs Department opened 34 temporary shelters at which 277 people sought refuge.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –