NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Universities – NTU Singapore scientists create ‘fungi tiles’ with elephant skin texture to cool buildings

    Source: Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore)

    Proof-of-concept shows promise as a sustainable passive cooling solution

    A team of scientists led by Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) have developed ‘fungi tiles’ that could one day help to bring the heat down in buildings without consuming energy.

    These wall tiles are made from a new biomaterial combining fungi’s root network – called mycelium – and organic waste. Earlier research has shown that mycelium-bound composites are more energy efficient than conventional building insulation materials such as expanded vermiculite and lightweight expanded clay aggregate.

    Building on this proven insulating property, the NTU Singapore team worked with local ecology and biomimicry design firm bioSEA to add a bumpy, wrinkly texture to the tile, mimicking an elephant’s ability to regulate heat from its skin. Elephants do not have sweat glands and rely on these wrinkles and crevices on their skin to regulate heat.

    In laboratory experiments, the scientists found that the cooling rate of their elephant skin-inspired mycelium tile was 25 per cent better than a fully flat mycelium tile, and the heating rate was 2 per cent lower. They also found that the elephant skin-inspired tile’s cooling effect improved a further 70 per cent in simulated rain conditions, making it suitable for tropical climates.

    The construction industry accounts for nearly 40 per cent of all energy-related emissions worldwide, so the search for eco-friendly insulation materials is critical. NTU’s Associate Professor Hortense Le Ferrand, who led the study, said mycelium-bound composites could be a promising alternative.

    Assoc Prof Le Ferrand, who holds a joint appointment at NTU’s Schools of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) and Materials Science and Engineering (MSE), said: “Insulation materials are increasingly integrated into building walls to enhance energy efficiency, but these are mostly synthetic and come with environmental consequences throughout their life cycle. Mycelium-bound composite is a biodegradable material that is highly porous, which makes it a good insulator. In fact, its thermal conductivity is comparable to or better than some of the synthetic insulating materials used in buildings today.

    “We worked closely with bioSEA to integrate natural design principles that can optimise its performance as a building insulator. The result is a promising proof of concept that takes us one step closer to efficient, sustainable, and cheaper passive cooling solutions in hot and humid conditions.”

    Dr Anuj Jain, the Founding Director of bioSEA explained the inspiration behind the elephant-linked innovation: “Elephants are large animals that live in hot and sometimes humid tropical climates. To withstand the heat, elephants evolved to develop a skin that is heavily wrinkled which increases water retention and cools the animal by evaporation. We were inspired by how an elephant could cool itself in hot weather without sweat glands, and tried to see how we could replicate the same cooling mechanisms of shading, trapping cool air, and increasing the surface area for water to evaporate.”

    This study, published in Energy & Buildings in February, builds on Assoc Prof Le Ferrand’s work on possible uses for mycelium-bound composites, such as for greener construction materials.

    Turning fungi into a functional material

    Mycelium-bound composites are created by growing fungi on organic matter such as sawdust or agricultural waste. As the fungus grows, it binds the organic matter into a solid, porous composite.

    For this study, the NTU scientists used the mycelium of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) – a commonly found fungus – and bamboo shavings collected from a furniture shop.

    These two components were mixed with oats and water and packed into a hexagonal mould with an elephant skin-inspired texture designed by bioSEA using computational modelling and algorithms to select the optimal design.

    The mycelium tiles were left to grow in the dark for two weeks, then removed from the hexagonal mould and left to grow in the same conditions for another two weeks.

    Finally, the tiles were dried in an oven at 48°C for three days. This final step removes any remaining moisture, prohibiting further mycelial growth.

    Elephant skin-inspired texture improves heat regulation

    Previous research has shown that mycelium-bound composites have thermal conductivity comparable to conventional building insulation materials like glass wool and extruded polystyrene.

    To assess how an elephant skin-inspired texture affects the mycelium tile’s heat regulation, the scientists heated mycelium tiles on a 100°C hot plate for 15 minutes and tracked temperature changes using an infrared camera.

    They found that the elephant skin-inspired tile absorbed heat more slowly. When its bumpy textured surface faced the heat source, its temperature increased by 5.01°C per minute, compared to 5.85°C per minute when its flat surface was exposed to heat. As a control, the scientists also heated a flat mycelium tile and found it gained 5.11°C per minute.

    To measure the tile’s cooling efficiency, the scientists heated one side at 100°C for 15 minutes, then exposed it to ambient conditions (22°C, 80% humidity) and measured temperature changes on the tile’s opposite side.

    The elephant-skin-inspired tile cooled fastest when heated from the flat side, losing 4.26°C per minute. When heated from the textured side, its flat side lost 3.12°C per minute. The fully flat control tile lost 3.56°C per minute.

    Based on these findings, the scientists recommended installing the tiles with the flat side adhered to the building façade and the textured surface exposed to external heat for optimal thermal performance (See image in Notes to Editor for how tiles could be used).

    Tiles perform better in wet weather

    To simulate the effect of rain on the tiles, the scientists heated the tiles as described earlier. While allowing them to cool, the scientists sprayed water onto the tiles at one-minute intervals over a 15-minute period.

    When misted on its bumpy side, the elephant skin-inspired tile lost 7.27°C per minute – a 70 per cent improvement compared to its performance in dry conditions.

    The scientists attributed this effect to the mycelium-bound composite’s hydrophobic nature. “The fungal skin that develops on the tile’s surface repels water, allowing droplets to remain on the surface rather than roll off immediately. This promotes evaporative cooling, increasing the cooling rate,” explained Eugene Soh, an NTU researcher and the study’s first author.

    Building on this proof of concept, the scientists are now exploring ways to enhance the tiles for real-world use, such as increasing their mechanical stability and durability or using different mycelium strains.

    The scientists are also working with local start-up Mykílio to scale up the size of the mycelium tiles and conduct outdoor tests on building façades.

    A challenge they foresee in scaling up the production of the tiles is the time needed to grow the mycelium tiles. While it requires minimal energy resources, the process takes three to four weeks.

    The scientists also expect high inertia towards using mycelium tiles as an alternative construction material due to the well-established infrastructure in production, storage, and transportation of common insulating materials.

    Said Assoc Prof Le Ferrand: “We’ve developed a promising eco-friendly alternative that transforms waste into a valuable resource while rethinking conventional thermal management materials. This opens the pathway for more elephant skin-inspired designs and the use of different mycelium strains to overcome the challenges that come with using mycelium tiles as an alternative construction material.”

    Notes

    The research paper titled “Biodegradable mycelium tiles with elephant skin inspired texture for thermal regulation of buildings” was published in Energy and Buildings in Volume 328, 1 February 2025, 115187

    DOI: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2024.115187  

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Election diary: Dutton tries to shake off Trump dust and avoid being trapped on wages

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    Ahead of Donald Trump’s tariff announcement early Thursday (Australian time), the United States president has become a serious and increasing worry for Peter Dutton’s campaign. Even apart from Labor’s obvious and constant “Trump-whistling”, many voters are apparently seeing a lot of Trump dust on the opposition leader.

    Liberal strategists know how dangerous this is, given Trump’s unpopularity with Australians. So Dutton is shaping up.

    In a Sky interview aired Wednesday, Dutton positioned himself as ready to take on Trump (or anyone else) if necessary. “If I needed to have a fight with Donald Trump or any other world leader to advance our nation’s interests, I’d do it in a heartbeat,” he declared. “And I’ll put the Americans on notice and anyone else who seeks to act against our national interest.”

    It’s a measure of where things are that an Australian conservative leader is putting “the Americans on notice”.

    Anthony Albanese – who once said Trump “scares the shit out of me” – suggested his opponent was going over the top.

    “Peter Dutton will always dial things up to 11. He thinks this is a contest of who can say the most aggro things. It’s not. It’s not the way that diplomacy works.”

    When it comes to Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff announcement – which will feed directly into the Australian campaign – it seems diplomacy hasn’t worked.

    Trade Minister Don Farrell told briefings for agricultural and industry groups on Tuesday and Wednesday he was “pessimistic”, suggesting the likelihood of a tariff of up to 20% across the board.

    Farrell indicated the Australian government had put an offer to the US, but that was rejected. Australia rejected a counter offer from the US, and resubmitted its original offer.

    At Wednesday’s briefing for the red meat industry, Farrell said, “Tomorrow might be the end of the first part of the process but we’ll continue to engage with the Americans to get these tariffs removed, as we did with the Chinese”.

    The government is preparing its response, which reportedly could involve taking the US to the World Trade Organisation. Asked about this, Albanese would not be drawn but told the ABC, “What we’re doing is supporting our US Free Trade Agreement, that says that goods and services between our two nations should be tariff-free.

    “That’s what we’re doing, supporting our agreement, holding to our word, standing up for Australia’s national interest, and calling for the United States not only to stand up for that agreement, but to stand up to their own interests as well.”

    Liberals play it cool on Albanese’s bid for real wage rise

    The Liberals had a very bad experience on wages in the 2022 election.

    Then-opposition leader Albanese said he’d “absolutely” support a wage increase to keep up with inflation, which was more than 5%.

    The Coalition went on the attack, branding him as economically irresponsible. As he campaigned in the following days, Albanese kept producing a gold coin to show how small the rise would be for those on the minimum wage. He still occasionally reprises this party trick.

    Labor is once again campaigning on wages, this time advocating a boost to real wages – that is, an increase above inflation, which is now down to 2.4%. (The submission put in on Wednesday to the Fair Work Commission went in from the Labor Party, rather than the government, because we’re in the “caretaker” period.)

    The government’s position is clever. It says the wage rise, which would cover about three million workers, should be “economically sustainable”. But it doesn’t recommend a figure.

    The Liberals a re trying to stay off the wages sticky paper. To be saying “no” in a cost-of-living election would only spell grief. Instead, they’re keeping their response vague. “We support wage increases”, Dutton said, without being specific about the government’s above-inflation pitch.

    As to a figure, “Without further economic advice from treasury and finance, our position is we want higher wages and we want to make sure we have downward pressure on costs”.

    “The prime minister is in search of a fight here,” Dutton said, a conclusion that didn’t require much perception, a fight Dutton was determined to try to side step.

    Labor’s case received some backing on Wednesday from the Australian Industry Group, which suggested a rise of 2.6%.

    The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry advocated a rise of no more than 2.5%. Asked what sort of difference there was between ACCI and the government, ACCI CEO Andrew McKellar said “that’s very hard to say. They are deliberately being non-specific.”

    The ABC is in the Liberals’ sights – again

    The ABC is a favourite target for many Liberals, including Dutton. In recent months he has singled out ABC reporters for attention when he didn’t like their questions.

    So would he look at its budget? Dutton is leaving the impression he likely would; moreover he is critical of the national broadcaster’s regional service, which even most Coalition MPs praise.

    “The approach that we would take is to reward excellence and where we find waste, to cut that waste.

    “And there are a lot of regional services for the ABC which I think are underdone,” he said in his Sky interview. He’d been in western Queensland this week looking at the floods “and the ABC could be a much more integral part of that community. But just having it based in Sydney or just being based in Melbourne is not helping people in outer metro areas or regional areas.”

    According to the ABC, it has about 600 employees in rural and regional Australia in 56 locations.

    Michelle Grattan 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. Election diary: Dutton tries to shake off Trump dust and avoid being trapped on wages – https://theconversation.com/election-diary-dutton-tries-to-shake-off-trump-dust-and-avoid-being-trapped-on-wages-253117

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: New discoveries in prehistoric culture shed light on origin of Chinese civilization

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Archaeological discoveries in many regions of China have injected new vitality into the study of Hongshan culture, an important prehistoric archaeological culture dating back roughly 5,000 to 6,000 years.

    Hongshan culture’s distribution covers three regions, which are located in the west of Liaoning Province, the north of Hebei Province and the east of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Among these, Liaoning is the core area in terms of Hongshan culture distribution and the focal region for studying this culture.

    NEW DISCOVERIES

    Multiple Hongshan culture sites were discovered in the city of Lingyuan, in northeast China’s Liaoning Province, said the provincial institute of cultural relics and archaeology in March.

    The found sites are located in the Wubaiding site complex, where archaeologists from the institute conducted a systematic archaeological survey covering approximately 285,000 square meters.

    During this survey, archaeologists collected pottery shards and stone artifacts from various periods and found a total of 53 sites, among which four have been confirmed as relic sites of Hongshan culture.

    These archaeological exploration efforts have revealed the composition and spatial distribution characteristics of the relic sites, which provides detailed evidence for the study of the social norms of late Hongshan culture, said Yu Huaishi, a researcher from the institute.

    Meanwhile, in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, three new jade dragons were unearthed in 2024, marking the largest number of such artifacts to be found in recent years — offering new evidence of the brilliance of ancient Chinese civilization.

    A jade dragon, measuring 15.8 cm in length, 9.5 cm in width and 3 cm in thickness, was excavated from a stone tomb in Yuanbaoshan in Aohan Banner, the city of Chifeng in Inner Mongolia. It is the largest jade dragon ever discovered, providing valuable new insights into the study of this ancient civilization. Alongside the dragon, over 100 other jade artifacts, including rings, discs, silkworms and owls, were also found.

    Chifeng, the birthplace of Hongshan culture, has more than 700 known Hongshan sites. The discovery of the Yuanbaoshan site adds to the region’s rich archaeological heritage.

    According to Dang Yu, a researcher at the regional institute of cultural relics and archaeology, the Yuanbaoshan site dates back about 5,000 years and represents a late Hongshan culture burial and ceremonial complex.

    HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

    The Niuheliang site, discovered in 1981 in the city of Chaoyang, Liaoning, represents a milestone in the study of China’s Hongshan culture. A large number of exquisite jade articles, painted pottery, stone tools and stone tombs were unearthed there.

    According to Wang Xuanlong, curator of the Niuheliang relic site museum, the Niuheliang site, centered on the temple of the goddess and surrounded by altars and stone tombs, is a large-scale prehistoric burial and religious worship site independent of the residence. It was the place where Hongshan people worshiped both their ancestors and heaven and earth more than 5,000 years ago.

    “The ruins and buildings of Niuheliang reflect the early state form of the combination of theocracy and royal power, and are important witnesses of the origins of civilization in China and even Northeast Asia,” said Guo Dashun, an expert in Hongshan culture who had previously presided over Hongshan culture excavations.

    Archaeological excavation endeavors regarding Hongshan culture reveal the continuity and unity of migration and evolution from north to south and to the Central Plains, which strongly proves that the Chinese civilization has not stopped since its birth, provides key support for figuring out the early development of Chinese civilization, and serves as the core link for exploring the origins of Chinese civilization.

    Notably, Hongshan, Lingjiatan and Liangzhu are known as the three major jade cultural centers in prehistoric China. Although more than 1,000 km apart, Hongshan culture experienced close exchanges with the Lingjiatan and Liangzhu cultures, according to Sun Jinsong, director of the Inner Mongolia regional institute of cultural relics and archaeology.

    “The jade owl of Hongshan culture and the jade eagle of Lingjiatan culture both reflect the prehistoric ancestors’ yearning and reverence for flying. The shape of the jade dragon unearthed from Liangzhu is very close to that of Hongshan culture jade carving. It is this kind of exchange and integration that eventually merged into the diversified and integrated Chinese civilization,” Sun said.

    The jade ritual system and jade culture, which originated from Hongshan culture and gradually expanded to East Asia, have become important sources of the unique cultural identity of Chinese civilization — and have profoundly influenced the etiquette system and cultural traditions of later generations.

    MODERN INHERITANCE

    The legacy of Hongshan culture continues to thrive in modern life. In the city of Chifeng, themed research activities have been organized, directly involving children by letting them make pottery and jade articles by themselves, thereby allowing them to immerse themselves in the charm of Hongshan culture. Symphonies and plays have also been staged to reveal more about this culture.

    “We will make further efforts in terms of the protection of these relics sites and the pursuit of their inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List, with the aim of making Hongshan culture shine with new brilliance in Chifeng and to make this culture the pride and love of the people,” said Zhang Guohua, vice mayor of Chifeng.

    In the future, via the deep integration of science and technology and culture, Hongshan culture is expected to break through geographical and time boundaries, enabling it to reach a wider audience with the assistance of technologies such as digital display and virtual reality.

    At the Niuheliang national archaeological relic site park, an archaeological team is ready to continue the archaeological excavation efforts — seeking to reveal more secrets about the social organization structure, religious beliefs and economic life of Hongshan culture, while injecting new vitality into the study of ancient civilizations. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FACT SHEET: Trump, Musk, & RFK Jr. Hollow Out HHS, Threatening Americans’ Health and Wellbeing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Trump carries out mass firings across HHS and subagencies today
    ICYMI: Murray, Former Health Department Leaders, Sound Alarm on Trump and RFK Jr. Gutting HHS
    ICYMI: Murray, DeLauro, Baldwin Demand Answers on RFK Jr.’s Plans to Gut HHS
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), responded to the Trump administration’s mass firings across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and its many subagencies, which are responsible for protecting Americans’ health and delivering essential health and social services. 
    “Today, two billionaires are making good on their vow to take a wrecking ball to the Department of Health and Human Services and put Americans’ health and wellbeing at serious risk–and Republicans are letting them,” said Senator Murray. “These firings make a lot of sense if you believe measles spreading like wildfire is good–or think we should be slashing cancer research. While Republicans work to pass more tax breaks for billionaires, Trump, Musk, and RFK Jr. are ripping essential health services away from the American people and decimating our country’s ability to prevent outbreaks and keep families safe. There’s no two ways about it: this is the type of carelessness that gets people killed.”
    Late last week, Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced plans to unilaterally push out 20,000 HHS employees (a ~25% reduction) and to dramatically reorganize and hollow out the Department–in clear violation of annual spending laws, including the one that Congress passed and was signed into law just weeks ago. 
    On Monday, Senator Murray led a letter to Secretary Kennedy demanding more information about the sweeping, devastating plans–noting that if this administration is truly committed to transparency, as it claims to be, and is confident its drastic plans will protect Americans’ health, it should be eager to share basic information about them. Thus far, however, the administration has provided no additional details to Congress or the public about its mass firings and reorganization.
    This morning, thousands of health officials woke up to emails notifying them that they were being fired. In addition to the mass firings, HHS says it will eliminate 5 of 10 regional offices, trim 28 divisions into 15, and consolidate and move essential functions to other agencies.
    Since taking office, Trump, Musk, and RFK Jr. have taken a sweeping array of actions to halt HHS’ essential, lifesaving work and diminish its capacity to keep families healthy. It has systematically choked off lifesaving medical research, and just last week, Trump ripped away resources communities nationwide are using to address bird flu, measles, the fentanyl epidemic, the mental health crisis, and more. 
    FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA)
    The FDA protects Americans’ health by ensuring the safety and effectiveness of medicines, biologics, and medical devices–and regulating food, cosmetics, and tobacco products. 
    The Trump administration announced last week it will cut 3,500 employees at the FDA. It has now pushed out senior leaders across the agency focused on food, drug, and medical device policy, as well as the head of the Center for Tobacco Products and the head of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. Among the thousands of FDA staff fired by the Trump administration are experts who manage the review of new applications for drugs, vaccines, and medical devices–which will delay approval of new, potentially life-changing products that patients are counting on. Others reportedly pushed out include veterinary medicine experts working on bird flu preparedness and response, the top Type 1 Diabetes expert, and regulatory staff focused on negotiations on User Fee Agreements that fund some of FDA’s work–among many others. 
    “Americans depend on the FDA every time they sit down for a meal or pick up a prescription–but that’s no matter: Trump and Musk are hollowing out the agency and putting their health at risk. Let’s be crystal clear: there’s nothing strategic about firing thousands of people who inspect our food and ensure our prescriptions and babies’ formula are safe. While they work overtime to pass more tax breaks for themselves, Trump, Musk, and RFK Jr. are insisting on senseless cuts to all but destroy FDA, jeopardizing Americans’ safety and leaving patients waiting longer for lifesaving drugs to get to market,” said Senator Murray.
    CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (CDC)
    CDC is charged with protecting the American people from health threats, including infectious diseases like measles and bird flu.
    The Trump administration announced plans to force out 2,400 employees at CDC. 
    Today, scores of CDC staff woke up to emails notifying them they are being fired. This includes mass reductions in force across most CDC centers, which will prevent the critical work CDC is responsible for from being carried out. Staff were fired en mass across CDC offices for domestic violence prevention, Smoking and Health, HIV prevention, Tuberculosis elimination, disability and health, childhood lead poisoning, asthma control, among many others. Trump has even reportedly fired the entire team focused on assistive reproductive technology like IVF–despite his wild claims to be the “fertilization president.”
    The Trump administration has also reportedly fired nearly two-thirds of the CDC National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) staff, or nearly 900 people. The Trump administration is now, for example, apparently working to shutter the CDC NIOSH Spokane Research Laboratory in Washington state, firing dozens of workers today who study how to protect workers’ health and safety on the job, particularly those in fields like mining, the maritime industry, and firefighting, where workers face elevated risks.
    “Decimating the CDC is a great way to make our communities less safe and less prepared to respond quickly and effectively when diseases–like measles and bird flu–put lives and livelihoods in danger. When the next pandemic hits and America is unprepared, it will be thanks to Donald Trump and Republicans destroying our public health infrastructure. Decimating the agency that helps prevent workplace injuries and illnesses is a slap in the face to workers across America–and will threaten the safety of firefighters, miners, construction and agricultural workers, and so many others while on the job,” said Senator Murray.
    NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (NIH)
    NIH is the nation’s premier biomedical research agency. Each year, NIH supports biomedical research that produces life-changing and, in many cases, lifesaving treatments and cures.
    The Trump administration has already pushed out top experts, scientists, and senior leadership, well over 1,100 NIH employees, and systematically choked off billions of dollars in NIH funding for new treatments and cures for devastating diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer.
    Now, it is firing even more NIH scientists and staff–including veterans and more than 1,300 additional employees as of this afternoon–decimating the agency. President Trump and RFK Jr. are pushing out senior NIH leadership, including Institute and Center Directors at the Fogarty International Center (FIC), the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), and the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD).  
    “Since taking office, Trump has systematically worked to break the NIH–he’s taking patients’ hopes for new treatments and cures and throwing them right in the shredder. These sweeping firings at NIH will set back our efforts to discover medical breakthroughs that save lives by decades. And they won’t just delay research, they will halt clinical trials in their tracks and cut patients off from care,” said Senator Murray.
    CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES (CMS)
    CMS helps ensure over 100 million Americans have access to affordable, high-quality health insurance by overseeing Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Affordable Care Act marketplaces. 
    The agency has long been understaffed and under-resourced, including for essential functions like nursing home safety inspections and protecting Americans from surprise medical bills. Nonetheless, Trump and Musk are pushing even more people out–and jeopardizing Americans’ health care in doing so. Trump announced that 300 employees at CMS will be cut. 
    “The American people are looking to their leaders to make sure they can get quality, affordable health care–instead, two billionaires are gutting the very agency that helps over 100 million Americans get health care. Undercutting CMS is an attack on Americans’ health care–full stop. Firing the people who keep our systems running, who ensure long-term care facilities are safe, and prevent health care companies from ripping people off makes no sense and will hurt patients nationwide,” said Senator Murray.
    INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE (IHS)
    IHS is responsible for providing direct medical and public health services to members of federally recognized Tribes, and it is the principal federal health care provider and health advocate for Tribal communities across the country. 
    IHS is already struggling to provide quality health care to 2.8 million Americans who rely on its services, and the actions being taken by the Trump administration to freeze federal hiring, reduce office space, and reduce the HHS workforce that IHS relies on are making matters worse. Chronic understaffing continues to plague the IHS, and despite some hiring exemptions for doctors and nurses, quality health care can’t be delivered without sufficient administrative personnel at HHS and at IHS hospitals and health clinics. 
    Adding to the IHS’ staffing struggles, the Trump administration is arbitrarily canceling leases that house IHS administrative offices across all service areas and its medical supply warehouse, which stockpiles and distributes critical medical supplies to all IHS hospitals and health clinics. IHS needs more resources and staffing to fulfill its mission, not less. 
    “Trump and Musk are leaving the Indian Health Service and our Tribes in the dust–freezing hiring at an already-strapped agency, canceling leases it counts on, and now, gutting essential HHS functions that enable IHS to serve patients. They are breaking government with no idea of what they are doing and no regard for who gets hurt–all while they enrich themselves,” said Senator Murray.
    SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (SAMHSA)
    SAMHSA is charged with improving services and support available to people across the country for substance use disorder and mental health. The agency plays a leading role in tackling the fentanyl and opioid crisis, and it oversees the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. 
    The Trump administration has announced plans to eliminate SAMHSA and collapse it into a new “Administration for a Healthy America.” But it has not provided any additional details on its illegal reorganization or how it will ensure SAMHSA’s statutorily-mandated, lifesaving functions would be carried out. Today, the Trump administration made more deep cuts to SAMHSA’s staff, which will result in the agency’s staffing levels being reduced by fifty percent since January–weakening the ability of communities to respond to the mental health and substance use crises. 
    “Just as we are finally starting to make progress getting opioid overdose deaths to trend down nationally, Trump and Musk have decided to scrap the agency responsible for our national response to the epidemic. These billionaires believe our country can afford to pay for more tax breaks for them but cannot afford to keep up the fight against the opioid epidemic. These chaotic, senseless moves will undermine federal support for all the work our communities on the frontlines are doing to tackle the opioid and mental health crises–and save lives,” said Senator Murray.
    ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES (ACF)
    ACF is responsible for administering a variety of programs to help children and families thrive–including the primary federal child care grant program, Head Start, family violence prevention programs, and Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), among many others. 
    Today, the Trump administration made deep cuts to the staff responsible for carrying out these programs, threatening the services and essential oversight families count on. The administration also shuttered half of the regional offices for the Office of Head Start, which are charged with ensuring Head Start services delivered to families are high-quality, without any explanation of how it will fulfill its mission and continue serving children and families without these offices or staff. Trump also gutted the Office of Community Services, which administers the LIHEAP program to help low-income individuals and families afford to heat and cool their homes and administers the Community Services Block Grant program, which helps communities nationwide fight poverty.
    “While the child care crisis crunches families’ budgets, Trump and Musk are focused on firing the very people who help make sure there are safe, affordable child care options available to families in every part of the country,” said Senator Murray. “Decimating this agency may well mean child care and Head Start centers don’t get the funding they need to keep their doors open, and shuttering regional offices will threaten families’ access to quality and reliable Head Start services. These firings will certainly risk kids’ safety–because that’s what happens when you get rid of the people who monitor centers’ care. These billionaires are ripping the rug out from under families just as they seek to give themselves more tax breaks.”
    ADMINISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING (ACL)
    ACL provides unique and critical support to help ensure seniors and Americans with disabilities can live independently and with the same opportunities as others in their communities. ACL programs improve access to health care and long-term care supports, fund essential services like congregate and home-delivered meals and respite care, and invest in essential research and innovation to better support seniors and Americans with disabilities.
    The Trump administration announced plans to eliminate ACL in clear violation of annual appropriations law that explicitly funds ACL–and has provided no additional details on how its essential, statutorily-mandated functions will continue without interruptions that seriously hurt seniors and people with disabilities.
    Today, Trump gutted ACL, firing scores of staff and leaving the administration of these critical programs in jeopardy.
    “Trump and Musk are ripping the rug out from underneath seniors and Americans with disabilities by gutting the agency that helps them get the support they need to not only live independently, but also thrive in their communities,” said Senator Murray.
    ADMINISTRATION FOR STRATEGIC PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE (ASPR)
    ASPR leads our country’s medical and public health preparedness for, response to, and recovery from disasters and public health emergencies–coordinating planning and response for when fires erupt, pathogens like COVID or bird flu emerge, and so much more.
    The Trump administration has announced that ASPR will be consolidated into CDC, and today laid off a number of staff, including staff for the Strategic National Stockpile.
    “As bird flu rages and measles spreads across the country in an outbreak with little recent precedent, apparently Donald Trump thinks it’s a good idea to destroy the very agency tasked with leading our public health preparedness efforts. Firing this staff puts our economy and our families in serious danger,” said Senator Murray.
    HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (HRSA)
    HRSA is charged with improving access to care for vulnerable and underserved populations. The agency runs critical programs to bolster the nation’s health workforce, improve maternal and child health, support high-quality care in community health centers and Ryan White HIV/AIDS clinics, address rural health needs, modernize the nation’s organ transplant system, and more.
    The Trump administration has announced it plans to eliminate HRSA and collapse it into a new “Administration for a Healthy America” but has not provided any additional details on how this reorganization might work and how it will ensure HRSA’s statutorily-mandated functions will be carried out.
    Today, the Trump administration reportedly fired hundreds of staff who provide support to the nation’s 1,400 community health centers, which operate more than 15,000 sites serving millions of patients across the U.S. regardless of their ability to pay. Others fired include those working on HRSA’s maternal and child health programs, who oversee states’ block grants and operate the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program to support mothers, children, and families. Staff were also fired from HRSA’s health workforce programs, where they work to engage with communities nationwide to address shortages of doctors and nurses, and provide scholarships and loan repayment for those working in high-need communities.
    “It defies logic to get rid of the people who help strengthen our nation’s health workforce, support our nation’s health centers, and work to ensure children grow up healthy. These reckless firings and thoughtless reorganization will set back efforts to improve maternal care, help Americans in rural areas get basic health services, and so much more,” said Senator Murray.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Nykredit extends the offer period concerning the recommended, voluntary public tender offer for Spar Nord Bank A/S until 24 April 2025 – Nykredit Realkredit A/S

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS PUBLISHED PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 9(3)-(5) AND SECTION 21(3) OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 636 OF 15 MAY 2020

    NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR TO ANY JURISDICTION WHERE DOING SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF SUCH JURISDICTION

    Publication of supplement concerning extension of offer period for Nykredit’s recommended, voluntary public tender offer for Spar Nord Bank A/S until 24 April 2025

    2 April 2025

    Nykredit extends the offer period concerning the recommended, voluntary public tender offer for Spar Nord Bank A/S until 24 April 2025

    In accordance with section 4(1) of the Danish Takeover Order1, Nykredit Realkredit A/S (“Nykredit”) announced on 10 December 2024 that Nykredit intended to submit a voluntary public tender offer (the “Offer”) to acquire all shares in Spar Nord Bank A/S (“Spar Nord Bank”), with the exception of Spar Nord Bank’s treasury shares, for a cash price of DKK 210 per share, valuing the aggregated issued share capital of Spar Nord Bank at DKK 24.7 billion.

    On 8 January 2025, Nykredit published the offer document regarding the Offer (the “Offer Document”), as approved by the Danish FSA in accordance with section 11 of the Danish Takeover Order. In the Offer Document, the offer period was set to expire on 19 February 2025 at 23:59 (CET) (the “Initial Offer Period”). The Initial Offer Period was subsequently extended to 20 March 2025, and on 19 March 2025, Nykredit published a supplement to the Offer Document, which extended the offer period to 3 April 2025 at 23:59 (CEST).

    Today, Nykredit published a supplement (the “Supplement”) to the Offer Document, which further extends the offer period for the Offer. The Supplement has been approved by the Danish FSA on 2 April 2025 in accordance with section 9(3)-(5) of the Danish Takeover Order. The Supplement should be read in conjunction with the Offer Document and the previous supplements as published on 18 February and 19 March 2025.

    With this Supplement, Nykredit further extends the offer period, such that the Offer will expire on 24 April 2025 at 23:59 (CEST). Subsequently, any reference to the “Offer Period” in the Offer Document or other documents relating to the Offer will refer to the period commencing on the day of publication of the Offer Document on 8 January 2025 and ending on 24 April 2025 at 23:59 (CEST) (the “Extended Offer Period”).

    The purpose of the extension is to provide Nykredit with time to obtain the approval from the Danish Competition and Consumer Authority required to complete the Offer. If the approval from the Danish Competition and Consumer Authority has not been granted by the expiry of the Extended Offer Period, Nykredit expects to extend the offer period further.

    The extension of the offer period entails that the expected completion of the Offer and settlement of the offer price to the Spar Nord Bank shareholders who have accepted the Offer will be extended correspondingly. Completion is subsequently expected to take place on 2 May 2025 (provided that the offer period is not extended further).

    This will result in an adjustment of the offer price in accordance with section 6.2 of the Offer Document, such that the offer price is increased by DKK 0.50 per share to DKK 210.50.

    The increase of the offer price affects all Spar Nord Bank shareholders who have already given their accept of the Offer and all Spar Nord Bank shareholders who accept the Offer following publication of the Supplement. Spar Nord Bank shareholders who have already accepted the Offer thus do not have to take further action.

    At the time of this announcement, Nykredit holds 32.79 per cent of the shares in Spar Nord Bank.

    In the supplement dated 19 March 2025 to the Offer Document, Nykredit announced that a preliminary compilation of the acceptances that Nykredit had information about showed that, including the irrevocable undertakings, acceptances corresponding to more than 46 per cent of the share capital of Spar Nord Bank had been submitted, and that Nykredit’s ownership interest in Spar Nord Bank, together with the irrevocable undertakings and the binding acceptances submitted that Nykredit had information about, totalled more than 80 per cent of the total share capital (excluding treasury shares) of Spar Nord Bank, indicating that the 67 per cent acceptance limit stated in the Offer has been reached.

    The final result of the Offer will be determined on expiry of the offer period and published in accordance with section 21(3) of the Danish Takeover Order.

    Nykredit intends to delist Spar Nord Bank from trading on Nasdaq Copenhagen and complete a compulsory acquisition of the remaining Spar Nord Bank shareholders, provided that Nykredit has obtained the necessary ownership interest, and the Offer has been completed. Spar Nord Bank shareholders who have opted not to accept the Offer, should expect that Nykredit, provided that the Offer is completed, will take steps to combine Nykredit Bank A/S and Spar Nord Bank, which will result in a further increase in Nykredit’s ownership interest in Spar Nord Bank. Not later than in continuation of the combination, Nykredit thus expects to hold a sufficient ownership interest to be able to delist Spar Nord Bank from trading on Nasdaq Copenhagen and complete a compulsory acquisition of the remaining Spar Nord Bank shareholders.

    The full terms and conditions of the Offer are contained in the Offer Document as amended by the Supplement. The Offer Document and the Supplement are published in the Danish FSA’s OAM database: https://oam.finanstilsynet.dk/ and can also, with certain restrictions, be accessed at https://www.nykredit.com/kobstilbud-spar-nord/ and https://www.sparnord.dk/investor-relations/overtagelsestilbud.

    About Spar Nord Bank

    Spar Nord Bank was founded in 1824 and is now a nationwide bank with 58 branches. Spar Nord Bank offers all types of financial services, consultancy and products, focusing its business on retail customers and primarily small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the local areas in which the bank is represented. The bank is also focused on leasing operations and large corporate customers, which are both business areas handled by the head offices.

    Spar Nord Bank has historically been rooted in northern Jutland and continues to be a market leader in this region. However, in the period from 2002 to 2024, Spar Nord Bank has established and acquired branches outside northern Jutland. Over the course of the years, the bank has adjusted its branch network in an ongoing process and now has a nationwide distribution network comprising 58 branches. These 58 branches are distributed on 32 banking areas, each of which is headed by a manager reporting directly to the bank’s executive board.

    The Spar Nord Bank Group consists of two earnings entities: Spar Nord Bank’s branches and the Trading Division. As an entity, the Trading Division serves customers from Spar Nord Bank’s branches as well as large retail customers and institutional clients in the field of equities, bonds, fixed income and forex products, asset management and international transactions. Finally, under the concept Sparxpres, the bank offers consumer loans to personal customers through Sparxpres’ platform as well as debt consolidation loans and consumer financing via retail stores and gift voucher solutions via shopping centres and city associations.

    About Nykredit

    Nykredit Realkredit A/S (“Nykredit”) is a public limited company incorporated under the laws of Denmark, company reg. (CVR) no. 12 71 92 80, having its registered office at Sundkrogsgade 25, 2150 Nordhavn, Denmark. Nykredit is a mortgage credit institution and, together with its wholly-owned subsidiary Totalkredit A/S, is a market leader of the Danish mortgage credit market with a market share of some 45.2 per cent. Nykredit offers mortgage financing for private individuals and businesses.

    Nykredit is part of the Nykredit Group, which historically dates back to 1851. In addition to carrying on mortgage credit business, the Group carries on banking business through Nykredit Bank – including banking and wealth management operations – and has a total of around 4,000 employees in Denmark.

    Nykredit is owned by an association of the Nykredit Group’s customers, Forenet Kredit. Forenet Kredit owns close to 80 per cent of Nykredit’s shares. Other major shareholders are five Danish pension funds: Akademikernes Pension AP Pension, PensionDanmark, PFA and PKA.

    Nykredit is known for the advantages offered through the association. Forenet Kredit makes capital contributions to the Nykredit Group when times are good, and Nykredit has decided to pass these on to its customers.

    Since, 2017, Forenet Kredit has paid over DKK 8 billion in capital contributions to the Nykredit Group, and in the period to 2027, Forenet Kredit has provided a further DKK 7 billion.

    Questions and further information

    Any questions concerning the Offer may be directed to:

    Nykredit Bank A/S

    Company reg. (CVR) no.: 10 51 96 08

    Sundkrogsgade 25

    2150 Nordhavn
    Denmark

    Telephone: +45 7010 9000

    and

    Carnegie Investment Bank

    Filial af Carnegie Investment Bank AB (publ), Sverige

    Company reg. (CVR) no. 35 52 12 67

    Overgaden Neden Vandet 9B

    1414 Copenhagen K
    Denmark

    E-mail: annette.hansen@carnegie.dk

    For further information about the Offer, please see: https://www.nykredit.com/kobstilbud-spar-nord/.

    This announcement and the Offer Document (with supplements) are not directed at shareholders of Spar Nord Bank A/S whose participation in the Offer would require the issuance of an offer document, registration or activities other than what is required under Danish law (and, in the case of shareholders in the United States of America, Section 14(e) of, and applicable provisions of Regulation 14E promulgated under, the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). The Offer is not made and will not be made, directly or indirectly, to shareholders resident in any jurisdiction in which the submission of the Offer or acceptance thereof would be in contravention of the laws of such jurisdiction. Any person coming into possession of this announcement, the Offer Document or any other document containing a reference to the Offer is expected and assumed to independently obtain all necessary information about any applicable restrictions and to observe these.

    This announcement does not constitute an offer or an invitation to purchase securities or a solicitation of an offer to purchase securities in accordance with the Offer or otherwise. The Offer will be submitted only in the form of the Offer Document (with supplements) approved by the FSA, which sets out the full terms and conditions of the Offer, including information on how to accept the Offer. The shareholders of Spar Nord Bank are advised to read the Offer Document and any related documents as they contain important information.

    Restricted jurisdictions

    The Offer is not made, and acceptance of the Offer to tender Spar Nord Bank shares is not accepted, neither directly nor indirectly, in or from any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance of the Offer would not be in compliance with the laws of such jurisdiction or would require any registration, approval or any other measures with any regulatory authority not expressly contemplated by the Offer Document (the “Restricted Jurisdictions”). Neither the United States nor the United Kingdom is a Restricted Jurisdiction.

    Restricted Jurisdictions include, but are not limited to: Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa.

    Persons obtaining documents or information relating to the Offer (including custodians, account holding institutions, nominees, trustees, representatives, fiduciaries or other intermediaries) should not distribute, communicate, transfer or send these in or into a Restricted Jurisdiction or use mail or any other means of communication in or into a Restricted Jurisdiction in connection with the Offer. Persons (including, but not limited to, custodians, custodian banks, nominees, trustees, representatives, fiduciaries or other intermediaries) intending to communicate this announcement, the Supplement, the Offer Document or any related document to any jurisdiction outside Denmark or the United States should inform themselves about these restrictions before taking any action. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the laws of such jurisdiction, including securities laws. It is the responsibility of all Persons obtaining this announcement, the Supplement, the Offer Document, earlier supplements, an acceptance form and/or other documents relating to the Offer, or into whose possession such documents otherwise come, to inform themselves about and observe all such restrictions.

    Nykredit is not responsible for ensuring that the distribution, dissemination or communication of this announcement, the Supplement or the Offer Document to shareholders outside Denmark, the United States and the United Kingdom is consistent with applicable law in any jurisdiction other than Denmark, the United States and the United Kingdom.

    Important Information for Shareholders in the United States

    The Offer concerns the shares in Spar Nord Bank, a public limited liability company incorporated and admitted to trading on a regulated market in Denmark, and is subject to the disclosure and procedural requirements of Danish law, including the Danish capital markets act and the Danish takeover order.

    The Offer is being made to shareholders in Spar Nord Bank in the United States in compliance with the applicable US tender offer rules under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “U.S. Exchange Act”), including Regulation 14E promulgated thereunder, subject to the relief available for a “Tier II” tender offer, and otherwise in accordance with the requirements of Danish law and practice

    Accordingly, US Spar Nord Bank shareholders should be aware that this announcement and any other documents regarding the Offer have been prepared in accordance with, and will be subject to, the disclosure and other procedural requirements, including with respect to withdrawal rights, the Offer timetable, settlement procedures and timing of payments of Danish law and practice, which may differ materially from those applicable under US domestic tender offer law and practice. In addition, the financial information contained in this announcement or the Offer Document has not been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or derived therefrom, and may therefore differ from, or not be comparable with, financial information of US companies.

    In accordance with the laws of, and practice in, Denmark and to the extent permitted by applicable law, including Rule 14e-5 under the U.S. Exchange Act, Nykredit, Nykredit’s affiliates or any nominees or brokers of the foregoing (acting as agents, or in a similar capacity, for Nykredit or any of its affiliates, as applicable) may from time to time, and other than pursuant to the Offer, directly or indirectly, purchase, or arrange to purchase, outside of the United States, shares in Spar Nord Bank or any securities that are convertible into, exchangeable for or exercisable for such shares in Spar Nord Bank before or during the period in which the Offer remains open for acceptance. These purchases may occur either in the open market at prevailing prices or in private transactions at negotiated prices. Any information about such purchases will be announced via Nasdaq Copenhagen and relevant electronic media if, and to the extent, such announcement is required under applicable law. To the extent information about such purchases or arrangements to purchase is made public in Denmark, such information will be disclosed by means of a press release or other means reasonably calculated to inform US shareholders of Spar Nord Bank of such information.

    In addition, subject to the applicable laws of Denmark and US securities laws, including Rule 14e-5 under the U.S. Exchange Act, the financial advisers to Nykredit or their respective affiliates may also engage in ordinary course trading activities in securities of Spar Nord Bank, which may include purchases or arrangements to purchase such securities.

    It may not be possible for US shareholders to effect service of process within the United States upon Spar Nord Bank, Nykredit or any of their respective affiliates, or their respective officers or directors, some or all of which may reside outside the United States, or to enforce against any of them judgments of the United States courts predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States or other US law. It may not be possible to bring an action against Nykredit, Spar Nord Bank and/or their respective officers or directors (as applicable) in a non-US court for violations of US laws. Further, it may not be possible to compel Nykredit and Spar Nord Bank or their respective affiliates, as applicable, to subject themselves to the judgment of a US court. In addition, it may be difficult to enforce in Denmark original actions, or actions for the enforcement of judgments of US courts, based on the civil liability provisions of the US federal securities laws.

    The Offer, if completed, may have consequences under US federal income tax and under applicable US state and local, as well as non-US, tax laws. Each shareholder of Spar Nord Bank is urged to consult its independent professional adviser immediately regarding the tax consequences of the Offer.

    NEITHER THE U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY SECURITIES COMMISSION OR OTHER REGULATORY AUTHORITY IN ANY STATE OF THE U.S. HAS APPROVED OR DECLINED TO APPROVE THE OFFER OR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT, PASSED UPON THE FAIRNESS OR MERITS OF THE OFFER OR PROVIDED AN OPINION AS TO THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT OR ANY OFFER DOCUMENT. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE IN THE UNITED STATES.

    1 Executive Order no. 636 of 15 May 2020

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Result of the Daily Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction held on April 02, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Tenor 1-day
    Notified Amount (in ₹ crore) 25,000
    Total amount of bids received (in ₹ crore) 9,170
    Amount allotted (in ₹ crore) 9,170
    Cut off Rate (%) 6.26
    Weighted Average Rate (%) 6.26
    Partial Allotment Percentage of bids received at cut off rate (%) NA

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/11

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Result of the Daily Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction held on April 02, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Tenor 1-day
    Notified Amount (in ₹ crore) 25,000
    Total amount of bids received (in ₹ crore) 9,170
    Amount allotted (in ₹ crore) 9,170
    Cut off Rate (%) 6.26
    Weighted Average Rate (%) 6.26
    Partial Allotment Percentage of bids received at cut off rate (%) NA

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/11

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update in investigation into deaths in Roseneath

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police can confirm that the deaths of two people at a residential property on Palliser Road, Roseneath are being treated as a murder-suicide.

    Police are providing support to the family at the centre of this tragic event. The family have requested privacy as they grieve their loss.

    We continue to appeal to anyone who may have information that can help our enquiries, and anyone with residential CCTV that captures traffic movements in the Roseneath area, particularly on Palliser Road and surrounding streets, to contact Police.

    Please update us online now or call 105, and reference the file number 250401/2474 or “Operation Palliser”.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Bharti Airtel and Nokia expand core network collaboration to speed-up new 5G service delivery

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release
    Bharti Airtel and Nokia expand core network collaboration to speed-up new 5G service delivery

    2 April 2025
    Espoo, Finland – Nokia and Bharti Airtel are expanding their partnership with the deployment of Nokia’s Packet Core appliance-based and Fixed Wireless Access solutions for providing a better network experience for Airtel’s growing 4G/5G customer base. The solution will help seamlessly integrate 5G and 4G technologies into a single set of servers. Nokia’s FWA will provide additional capacities for home broadband and enterprise-critical application services. Airtel will use Nokia’s automation framework to realise zero-touch service launch and efficient lifecycle management for core network functions to enhance its ability to deliver new services faster while reducing network operational costs.

    Using Nokia’s converged Packet Core solution for 5G standalone (SA) readiness, Airtel will continue its evolution toward advanced 5G and simplify its network architecture to meet the ever growing need of data while reducing network operational costs. This will help Airtel optimise its hardware footprint and reduce its cost per bit by utilising appliance-based Packet Core gateways, while maintaining the rest of the network elements in a cloud-native architecture.

    The rollout covers network automation in a multi-year deal that spans the majority of Airtel service regions across the country. The collaboration entails advancing autonomous networks by utilising GenAI for service orchestration and assurance.

    “Nokia’s innovative Packet Core deployment architecture enables critical changes to our network quality and reliability for meeting the fast-rising growth in customer data requirements. This rollout further demonstrates our longstanding success in jointly collaborating to strengthen the overall Airtel customer experience,” said Randeep Sekhon, CTO of Airtel.

    “Nokia and Airtel have a long-standing partnership and we are pleased to bolster its 5G SA readiness. Airtel’s use of Nokia’s Packet Core to build greater network agility and reliability demonstrates how we are both helping customers solve problems and furthering Nokia’s leadership position in the Core space, in India and around the world,” said Raghav Sahgal, President of Cloud and Network Services at Nokia.

    Nokia’s solution provides a pre-integrated and modular server-based configuration for increased flexibility to support a wider range of business and operational deployment models. This allows Airtel to better target new customers and create new revenue streams.

    Nokia’s Packet Core solution for Fixed Wireless Access enables additional capacity for home broadband and enterprise-critical application services for the delivery of extreme bandwidth and capacity to customers.

    Nokia has an expansive core footprint in Bharti Airtel’s network and already provides several other core technologies including VoLTE (Voice over LTE), HSS (Home Subscriber Server), HLR (Home Location Register), UDM (Unified Data Management) and VoNR (Voice over New Radio), along with MANO (automated Management & Orchestration).

    About Nokia 
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. 

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation. 

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future. 

    About Bharti Airtel Limited
    Headquartered in India, Airtel is a global communications solutions provider with over 550 million customers in 15 countries across India and Africa. The company also has its presence in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka though its associate entities. The company ranks amongst the top three mobile operators globally and its networks cover over two billion people. Airtel is India’s largest integrated communications solutions provider and the second largest mobile operator in Africa. Airtel’s retail portfolio includes high-speed 4G/5G mobile broadband, Airtel Xstream Fiber that promises speeds up to 1 Gbps with convergence across linear and on-demand entertainment, streaming services spanning music and video, digital payments and financial services. For enterprise customers, Airtel offers a gamut of solutions that includes secure connectivity, cloud and data centre services, cyber security, IoT, Ad Tech and cloud based communication. Within our diversified portfolio, we offer passive infrastructure services through our subsidiary Indus Tower Ltd. For more details visit www.airtel.com

    Media inquiries 
    Nokia Press Office 
    Email: Press.Services@nokia.com  

    Follow us on social media 
    LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Commissioner of Police appointed

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Chief Executive John Lee announced today that, upon his nomination and recommendation, and in accordance with the Basic Law, the Central People’s Government has approved the appointment of Joe Chow as Commissioner of Police, and the removal of Siu Chak-yee from the post.

    Mr Chow was previously Deputy Commissioner of Police. Mr Siu begins pre-retirement leave after serving the Police Force for 36 years.

    Commenting on the appointment, the Chief Executive said: “Mr Chow has served in the Police Force for almost 30 years and has extensive experience in criminal investigation, intelligence gathering, policy-making as well as personnel management. He has a distinguished performance and possesses proven leadership skills.

    “I am confident that he will capably lead the Police Force in meeting the challenges ahead.”

    On the retirement of Mr Siu, who had been Commissioner of Police since June 2021, Mr Lee lauded his efforts in maintaining Hong Kong’s status as one of the safest cities in the world.

    “He has demonstrated unswerving dedication and determination to safeguarding Hong Kong and upholding the rule of law in dealing with the social unrest.”

    Mr Lee added that as Commissioner of Police Mr Siu was devoted to introducing strong and effective measures to combat deception cases and other criminal activities.

    “Under his eminent leadership, the Police Force has continued to excel as a world-class professional law enforcement agency.

    “On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, I convey my heartfelt appreciation to Mr Siu for his contribution to Hong Kong and wish him a happy retirement.”

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Artist Louise Skačej to honour Canberra’s ‘Soup Kitchen Lady’ with a public artwork

    Source: Australian National Party

    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 02/04/2025

    The ACT Government has commissioned artist Louise Skačej to create a public artwork honouring Stasia Dabrowski OAM, Canberra’s ‘Soup Kitchen Lady,’ in recognition of her decades of selfless service to the community’s most vulnerable. This commission is part of an ongoing initiative to celebrate the legacy of significant Canberra women through the public art collection.

    Louise Skačej will collaborate with a strong team including partner and studio manager and technician Dean Colls, mentor Peter Corlett OAM, who has several works across Canberra, as well as two young and talented creatives, studio assistants, Isabeau Colls and Mads Hillam.

    Louise’s work may be familiar to Canberrans. A thought-provoking artwork displayed at the Australian War Memorial, the Battle of Kapyong Diorama, was created in collaboration with Dean Colls.

    Through the lens of her immigrant background, Louise’s art often explores themes of culture, heritage, and memory.

    The sculpture of Stasia Dabrowski will be installed in Garema Place in early 2026, close to the location of the original soup kitchen, creating a permanent tribute to her extraordinary life and work.

    Stasia Dabrowski (1926-2020), a Polish immigrant, became an iconic figure in the Canberra community through her dedication to helping those in need. From 1982, she ran a mobile soup kitchen from a corner of Garema Place, providing hot meals, bread, drinks, and most importantly compassion to the those in need every Friday night.

    Stasia funded the initiative by babysitting at night and cleaning houses during the day, using her earnings to purchase the ingredients. By 2005, she was feeding up to 500 people each week, with the help of her grandson Josh Kenworthy. Josh remembers Stasia as a humble and private person who never sought out the spotlight. She simply wanted to lend a hand.

    Despite receiving numerous awards in acknowledgement of her work and kindness, Stasia remained modest. “I never keep photos because I am not proud… the soup kitchen is a simple thing, just people cooking veggies, nothing special,” she once said. Stasia continued her work till the age of 92 and passing away two years later in 2020.

    Minister for Business the Arts and Creative Industries, Michael Pettersson is committed to continuing the ACT Government’s public art program that puts the focus on significant Canberra women.

    “Congratulations to the talented Louise Skačej, who has been selected to create a sculpture honouring this iconic Canberran,” said Minister Pettersson.

    “For decades Stasia Dabrowksi made an enormous contribution caring for thousands of Canberra’s most vulnerable. Her kindness and compassion left a lasting mark on our community. This tribute will ensure her legacy lives on.

    “I look forward to the unveiling of Louise’s artwork in Garema Place next year. It will offer Canberrans the chance to stop, reflect and admire the life of a woman who made a profound difference in the lives of so many.”

    More information on the public art commissioning process is available from artsACT on 02 6207 2384 or on the website at www.arts.act.gov.au/public-art.

    Quote attributable to artist Louise Skačej:

    “I’m honoured and grateful for the opportunity to create a sculpture of Stasia Dabrowski. Her simple but profound act of sharing love and compassion, shows us that love isn’t just a word – it’s something we do.

    “I hope this sculpture will inspire others to take action and bring light to those in need, just like Stasia did for so many.”

    – Statement ends –

    Michael Pettersson, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: New research lays bare the harsh realities facing artists and arts workers

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Grace McQuilten, Associate professor, RMIT University

    Australia’s visual arts and craft workers are facing increasingly deteriorating conditions, according to research published today.

    Our four-year study reveals workers are abandoning the visual art sector, largely because of unstable employment, below-average salaries and a lack of support.

    We present findings from the largest academic surveys of artists and arts workers to-date – the first conducted in 2022 (more than 700 respondents) and the second in 2024 (almost 900 respondents) – with income and employment data from four financial years between 2018 and 2024.

    Alongside the surveys, we conducted interviews with 20 artists and arts workers to better understand hybrid career patterns – and consulted widely with industry.

    Comparable to the gig economy

    Artists and arts workers represent a financially vulnerable group in Australia’s workforce. Our research identified concerning patterns of work, including:

    • high levels of education that don’t match salaries, which are well below the average for professional workers

    • high levels of unpaid work, volunteer work and self-employment

    • a highly gendered (majority women) workforce, with a significant gender pay gap

    • barriers to opportunity and career progression for people with disability and from diverse cultural backgrounds.

    We also found artists and arts workers often don’t know which awards and agreements they’re covered by, if any.

    A gendered workforce

    According to our 2024 survey responses, more than 74% of the visual arts workforce identify as women.

    Despite this, there was a significant gender pay gap. On average, woman artists earned 47% less than men artists, while women arts workers earned 23% less than men arts workers.

    This is much higher than the broader gender pay gap of 11.5% in 2024 (based on base pay for full-time workers).

    The average income from visual art or craft practice in 2023–24 was A$13,937, with men artists reporting an average of $23,130, women artists $12,330, and non-binary artists $14,074.

    This is matched with slow progression through career stages from emerging to “established”, particularly for women artists.

    Lack of security, long hours, little return

    Artists are surviving by taking multiple jobs. Only 25% of respondents spent 100% of their working time as an artist – with 82% receiving at least some income from other jobs.

    Half of artists also participated in unpaid work. This equated to an average of 28 hours per month.

    The cost-of-living crisis added further financial pressure, with 63% of respondents saying they were very or moderately financially stressed when it came to paying for essential goods and services.

    This had a flow-on effect on wellbeing. Half the artists surveyed rated their mental health as poor or fair, while 59% rated their work-life balance as poor or fair. These issues were amplified for artists with disability and from diverse cultural backgrounds, who experience significant barriers to participation.

    Arts workers, meanwhile, reported working an average of 45 hours per week in 2024. Despite this, 60% said they wanted to work even more hours – pointing to low pay and the challenges of making an arts career viable.

    On average, arts workers earned an annual income of $63,031. This was much lower than professionals in other industries, who earned an average income of $100,017.

    Levelling the playing field

    Our report contains a suite of policy recommendations and priority actions for the arts industry to address these issues.

    To address gender-related disparities, we suggest:

    • requiring gender pay gap reporting from organisations receiving public funding, along with action plans to address disparities

    • greater transparency in recruitment and promotion processes

    • commitments to gender equity targets in leadership positions.

    We also recommend greater transparency and reporting of disability and cultural diversity representation in staffing, including leadership and board roles, to promote accountability and drive cultural change.

    Funding incentives should be introduced to support diverse leadership – including higher pay to compensate for the additional workload carried by workers from First Nations, disability and culturally diverse backgrounds.

    Boosting incomes

    To address the intractable issue of low incomes, we suggest all funding contracts from state and federal arts bodies mandate adherence to industry best practice (such as NAVA’s Code of Practice). This will help agencies better support artists and arts workers, and uphold employment standards across the sector.

    Further, operational funding agreements should consistently prioritise secure work for artists and arts workers, by laying down permanent contracts or minimum fixed terms.

    Finally, there must be greater, more transparent recognition of the amount of unpaid labour in the arts, and a commitment to moving away from this. We therefore recommend sector-wide reportable targets aimed at reducing unpaid labour.

    Grace McQuilten received funding from the Australian Research Council. The Linkage Project Ambitious and Fair: strategies for a sustainable arts sector (LP200100054)

    Chloë Powell received funding from the Australian Research Council. The Linkage Project Ambitious and Fair: strategies for a sustainable arts sector (LP200100054).

    Jenny Lye received funding from the Australian Research Council. The Linkage Project Ambitious and Fair: strategies for a sustainable arts sector (LP200100054)

    Kate MacNeill received funding from the Australian Research Council. The Linkage Project Ambitious and Fair: strategies for a sustainable arts sector (LP200100054)

    Marnie Badham received funding from the Australian Research Council: Linkage Project Ambitious and Fair: strategies for a sustainable arts sector (LP200100054).

    – ref. New research lays bare the harsh realities facing artists and arts workers – https://theconversation.com/new-research-lays-bare-the-harsh-realities-facing-artists-and-arts-workers-253547

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police wheel in stolen property from city burglaries

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Auckland Central Police have cleared out two apartments full of stolen property, resulting in four arrests.

    In the process an excess of 80 stolen items, including 13 electric scooters, have been recovered by Police.

    Auckland Central Area Commander Inspector Grant Tetzlaff says an investigation has been underway into a series of burglaries at businesses and apartments in the city over the past month.

    On Wednesday morning, the City Tactical Crime Unit along with the Beat Team and Police Support Unit executed two search warrants.

    “Operation Rocket homed in on two apartments within a Hobson Street complex,” Inspector Tetzlaff says.

    “Inside our teams came across an Aladdin’s cave of stolen property and it’s going to take some time to work through where everything has come from.”

    Amongst the find was 13 electric scooters, an assortment of power tools and other electronic valuables.

    Some of the power tools have been linked to a North Shore burglary in 2019, Inspector Tetzlaff says.

    Four people at the addresses have been arrested and charged.

    “Charges laid at this point relate to two burglaries at a Wellesley Street business, and a Union Street apartment last month,” he says.

    Those charged are two men, aged 28 and 36, and two women, aged 35 and 41.

    A 28-year-old man has been charged with two counts of burglary. He has also been charged with the aggravated robbery of an electric scooter in January.

    A 41-year-old woman faces two charges of burglary. The other two arrested face charges of receiving stolen property.

    Separately, a 47-year-old woman was located during search warrants in possession of methamphetamine and charged accordingly.

    “The team working on Operation Rocket are continuing with their enquiries and further charges cannot be ruled out at this stage,” Inspector Tetzlaff says.

    “Burglary is a serious offence and brings with it a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment.

    “It’s a fantastic outcome as our team continue to work hard in holding this offending to account.”

    Those charged are now before the Auckland District Court.

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: ADB’s Work in Water: Overview of Water Operations

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Transcript

    Water is life. It quenches our thirst, powers our progress, and feeds nature.

    With countless rivers, vast oceans, and thundering storms, water can seem infinite.

    But for over 2 billion people in Asia and the Pacific, their daily relationship with water is one of struggle and hardship.

    NORIO SAITO

    Despite many achievements in Asia and the Pacific, 1.5 billion people in rural areas and 600 million more in urban areas still lack basic water supply and safely managed sanitation services. ADB is working to improve water security and resilience in the region by supporting sustainable service delivery. From 2014 to 2023, ADB committed a total of 23.5 billion U.S. dollars to the water sector across the region to benefit the lives of 654 million people.

    QINGFENG ZHANG

    The water-food-energy nexus is emerging as a critical issue in Asia and the Pacific. Agriculture is the biggest consumer of water in Asia. As of 2021, ADB has allocated 2 billion U.S. dollars to irrigation, 1 billion U.S. dollars to water-based natural resources management, and 477 million U.S. dollars to rural flood protection.

    SATOSHI ISHII

    ADB has been a long-standing partner in finding solutions for our developing member countries in Asia and the Pacific. Attaining the SDGs also means collaborating with other institutions and organizations, opening new channels for financing and encouraging public and private partnerships.

    VIVEK RAMAN

    80 percent of the wastewater generated in Asian cities is disposed of, untreated into our water bodies, making our sanitation services ineffective and more importantly our water bodies unsafe. In line with SDGs 6 and 11, ADB’s work prioritizes the provision of basic sanitation services, wastewater management, urban drainage and flood management, and solid waste management in Asia’s cities.

    YASMIN SIDDIQI

    In already arid countries like those in the Central West Asia region, water scarcity exacerbated by climate change is not only a food and water security issue but a transboundary challenge. ADB’s Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Program, CAREC, aims to develop a climate resilient framework for member countries in Central Asia region. This will enhance knowledge and technology transfer to support improved water resources and energy management.

    NEETA POKHREL

    Every year thousands of people are displaced in fragile and conflict-affected situations and small island developing states due to water-related climate and disaster events. How can we make informed investment decisions in this challenging environment? Therefore, ADB applies flexible business processes, we encourage field presence, and we implement in-depth analytics to better understand fragility and help our clients implement these.

    FATIMA MABOR BAUTISTA

    In 2022, ADB announced the Asia and the Pacific Water Resilience Initiative, an ambition to mobilize more than 200 million financing from internal sources and external partners to leverage 10 billion climate adaptation financing for ADB water sector operations from 2021 to 2030.

    TANYA HUIZER

    The Water Financing Partnership Facility, or WFPF, supports the Asia and the Pacific Resilience Initiative in accelerating implementation of sustainable development goals. With contributions from financing partners such as the Government of Austria, Spain, and the Netherlands, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, WFPF has helped ADB to do business as unusual.

    NORIO SAITO

    To achieve ADB’s vision of prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, providing sound water management and reliable services to the vulnerable is of vital importance. We at ADB are committed to seeing this vision to fruition.

    END CREDITS
     

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: One person in custody following Silverdale incident

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    One person has been taken into custody following a reported firearms sighting in Silverdale, Hamilton this afternoon.

    Police were called to Silverdale Road just before 3pm.

    Two imitation firearms have been recovered from the address.

    Nearby schools were put into lockdown as a precaution, which has since been lifted. Cordons have also been stood down.

    We want to thank the members of the Silverdale community for their cooperation as Police responded to this event.

    Charges are being considered.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police investigating unexplained death in Northland, Wellington

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Attributable to Detective Inspector Nick Pritchard:

    Police are continuing to investigate an unexplained death in Northland, Wellington yesterday.

    The investigation team have been conducting enquiries door-to-door in the Northland area and speaking to witnesses and people known to the victim.

    A scene guard will remain in place at the property over the coming days.

    Members of the Northland community can expect to see a continued Police presence in the area while enquiries into the circumstances of the death continue.

    If you have any information that could assist Police, please contact us via 105, either over the phone or online.

    Please reference file number 250401/4530.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Night closure ahead for Hawke’s Bay Expressway this Sunday 6 April

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    A stretch of State Highway 2 Hawke’s Bay Expressway will be closing overnight this Sunday for wire rope barrier repairs.

    SH2 Hawke’s Bay Expressway will be closing from 8pm this Sunday 6 April to 4am Monday, between Meeanee Road and Links Road/Pākōwhai Road roundabout, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

    During the closure crews will be carrying out repairs to flexible median barrier, damaged in a crash last weekend.

    Detour details light vehicles up to 44 tonnes

    A signposted detour will be place for all vehicles up to 44 tonnes.  Southbound vehicles will be detoured onto Meeanee Road, Awatoto Road, and right onto State Highway 51, through Clive to Te Ara Kahikatea, right onto Pākōwhai Road before rejoining the expressway. The reverse will apply for northbound vehicles.

    Emergency services will be assisted through the site if required.

    HPMV no suitable detour

    As there’s currently no suitable detour for HPMV (over 44 tonne), as Waitangi Bridge on SH51 has a 44 tonne MAX weight restriction, HPMV drivers will be required to wait at the closure points and crews will let them through the worksite as often as possible during the closure. 

    NZTA thanks all drivers for planning their journeys around this overnight closure for essential repairs.

    Hawkes Bay roadworks updates(external link)

    View larger map [PNG, 415 KB]

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Question of privilege concerning the conduct of four members during proceedings of the House

    Source: New Zealand ParliamentThe Privileges Committee met today to consider the Question of privilege concerning the conduct of four members during proceedings of the House. In light of the members Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, Rawiri Waititi, and Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke’s nonattendance at the hearings scheduled for today, we considered how to progress the question of privilege.
    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China museum to screen international science movies

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The China Science and Technology Museum said on Tuesday that it would launch a month-long display of 50 movies with special visual effects, to offer audiences an opportunity to engage with the world’s science-themed cinematic works.

    Running from April 8 to May 5, the screening is a part of the sci-tech section of the upcoming 15th Beijing International Film Festival.

    The films originate from 14 countries, including China, Russia, the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom. They cover a diverse range of topics, from nature and aerospace to frontier technology and fantasy animation.

    They will be shown on dome screens, giant screens and 4D.

    Four of the featured films will have their Asian premieres, and 21 will be shown for the first time in China during the screening, which will also include 21 classic and domestic science movies for free viewing, according to the museum.

    Other activities, such as academic salons, science education initiatives and film concerts will be held along with the film exhibition. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s State Council appoints HKSAR police chief

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

    BEIJING, April 2 — China’s State Council announced on Wednesday that it has decided to appoint Chow Yat-ming as the commissioner of police of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, replacing Siu Chak-yee.

    The decision was made in accordance with the HKSAR Basic Law, and was based on the nomination and suggestion put forward by HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee, the official announcement said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Backing builders by cracking down on cowboys

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is backing builders by making changes so Kiwis will more easily be able to identify high-quality, trusted professionals to carry out work on their homes, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.
    “Most tradies are highly skilled and trustworthy, but the industry tells me high-profile examples of poor workmanship are tarring the good with the bad. I have also heard that Kiwis want assurances that the Government’s work to unblock the building consent system won’t lead to corners being cut. 
    “There is an urgent need to strip back the layers of regulation choking productivity in the building system. Builders are waiting too long for the necessary paperwork to get on with the job adds costs for homeowners. That’s why we are hammering away at an ambitious programme of reforms, including a proposal that will enable trusted tradespeople to sign-off their own work. 
    “This will make it easier and more affordable to deliver new homes, but it’s important that there are checks in the system to protect against shoddy work. 
    “New rules announced today will help increase accountability and give consumers a clear path forward if things go wrong.“Master Builders welcome these changes, which will be significant in helping to bolster the reputation of the building and construction profession, and include:

    Strengthening the disciplinary process and introducing greater transparency by giving the Licensed Building Practitioners Registrar, who oversee the registration of Licensed Building Practitioners (LBP), more tools and publishing details of builders who have been suspended.
    Establishing a new waterproofing licence class for LBPs so consumers can be confident those completing wet area bathrooms and level-entry showers are suitably qualified and accountable for their work.
    Improving the complaints processes for licensed electrical workers, and licensed plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers by enabling the Registrars to initiate investigations more easily and enabling the creation of Codes of Ethics to promote professional standards of behaviour. 

    “We want builders to take pride in their work, and homeowners to have peace of mind about the quality of workmanship carried out. New rules will give the small minority of bad operators the chance to shape up or ship out.“This is just the beginning. More reforms are on the way to crack down on cowboy builders – including increasing penalties for careless work.”Notes to editors: 

    The changes will apply to work completed by licensed electrical workers, licensed building practitioners and plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers, and are expected to come into force in 2026.
    More information can be found on the MBIE Building Performance website: https://www.building.govt.nz/about-building-performance/all-news-and-updates/licensing-changes-for-licensed-building-professionals

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Kim Il Sung University is exploring the possibility of opening a representative office in Novosibirsk’s Akademgorodok

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    Kim Il Sung University, the leading university in the DPRK, is exploring the possibility of opening its representative office in Akademgorodok. Currently, the leadership of Novosibirsk State University, the Presidium of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and the scientific and technological park of the Novosibirsk Akademgorodok are actively engaged in resolving organizational issues and searching for a potential location for this representative office.

    The opening of the representative office will strengthen scientific and educational ties between North Korea and Russia, create a platform for joint research and exchange of experience in various fields of science and technology, and attract the attention of students and scientists to the educational opportunities provided by Novosibirsk.

    It is expected that this cooperation will result in joint research programs, student and teacher exchanges, and scientific conferences and seminars. This will create additional opportunities for the internationalization of education in both countries and will enhance the level of scientific research.

    — The visit of the delegation of Kim Il Sung University to Novosibirsk took place at the end of January 2025, within the framework of it, the rectors of Novosibirsk State University and Kim Il Sung University expressed confidence that the establishment of the representative office will be an important step towards the development of bilateral relations in the field of science and education. They also emphasized the importance of interaction with international partners to solve urgent scientific and technological problems facing society, – commented Evgeny Sagaydak, Head of the Department of Education Export at NSU.

    In addition, an agreement was reached that a partner school would be found in North Korea for WITHspecializededucationalscientific center of NSU (Physics and Mathematics School). This will allow us to jointly prepare North Korean schoolchildren for admission to Novosibirsk State University, providing them with the necessary knowledge and skills for successful study.

    The delegation of Kim Il Sung University also confirmed its intention to participate in the events of Interweek, which will be held at NSU in late April. This will open up new opportunities for the exchange of experience and knowledge between schoolchildren and teachers, and will also demonstrate interest in establishing closer academic ties between the two countries.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Can you tell the difference between real and fake news photos? Take the quiz to find out

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By T.J. Thomson, Senior Lecturer in Visual Communication & Digital Media, RMIT University

    A (real) photo of a protester dressed as Pikachu in Paris on March 29 2025. Remon Haazen / Getty Images

    You wouldn’t usually associate Pikachu with protest.

    But a figure dressed as the iconic yellow Pokémon joined a protest last week in Turkey to demonstrate against the country’s authoritarian leader.

    And then a virtual doppelgänger made the rounds on social media, raising doubt in people’s minds about whether what they were seeing was true. (Just to be clear, the image in the post shown below is very much fake.)

    This is the latest in a spate of incidents involving AI-generated (or AI-edited) images that can be made easily and cheaply and that are often posted during breaking news events.

    Doctored, decontextualised or synthetic media can cause confusion, sow doubt, and contribute to political polarisation. The people who make or share these media often benefit financially or politically from spreading false or misleading claims.

    How would you go at telling fact from fiction in these cases? Have a go with this quiz and learn more about some of AI’s (potential) giveaways and how to stay safer online.

    How’d you go?

    As this exercise might have revealed, we can’t always spot AI-generated or AI-edited images with just our eyes. Doing so will also become harder as AI tools become more advanced.

    Dealing with visual deception

    AI-powered tools exist to try to detect AI content, but these have mixed results.

    Running suspect images through a search engine to see where else they have been published – and when – can be a helpful strategy. But this relies on there being an original “unedited” version published somewhere online.

    Perhaps the best strategy is something called “lateral reading”. It means getting off the page or platform and seeing what trusted sources say about a claim.

    Ultimately, we don’t have time to fact-check every claim we come across each day. That’s why it’s important to have access to trustworthy news sources that have a track record of getting it right. This is even more important as the volume of AI “slop” increases.

    T.J. Thomson receives funding from the Australian Research Council. He is an affiliated researcher with the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making & Society.

    – ref. Can you tell the difference between real and fake news photos? Take the quiz to find out – https://theconversation.com/can-you-tell-the-difference-between-real-and-fake-news-photos-take-the-quiz-to-find-out-253539

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Getting valuable input from Northcote’s future generation

    Source: Auckland Council

    On behalf of Auckland Council, Eke Panuku creates amazing spaces for current and future generations across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. 

    In Northcote, they’re transforming the town centre over the next ten years. There will be new public facilities and, working with private investors, they’ll be new housing, eateries, offices, and shops, including a new larger supermarket.

    A key part of the transformation is delivering a new community hub, on the current Northcote Library site, and an upgrade of the neighbouring Puāwai Cadness Reserve.

    Kate Cumberpatch, Priority Location Director at Eke Panuku, says, “It’s critical that these public spaces work for everyone, particularly our youth, so last year we enlisted the help of students at Northcote Intermediate School for their input on the proposed design.”

    “Students loved being involved in the process and seeing their ideas come to life in the final design. They were so enthusiastic and eager to help and had some creative ideas and useful feedback, particularly for the upgrade of Puāwai Cadness Reserve.”

    “Some of their great ideas – a hamster wheel, trampolines, climbing and balance activities, and a big swing – are all part of the final design.”

    The students loved that there will be two separate playgrounds for younger and older kids and the general vibe of the design, with bright colours and lots of greenery. They were also very happy to see the field retained for playing games.

    Kate says, ‘It’s exciting times ahead in Northcote, with the new community hub and upgraded reserve kicking off the regeneration of the town centre. We’d like to thank the students from Northcote Intermediate School that worked with on this project for their energy and enthusiasm, helping us to create exciting public spaces in Northcote for everyone to enjoy.”  

    Construction of the community hub and upgrade of Puāwai Cadness Reserve, which is part of Te Ara Awataha – Northcote’s new greenway – is expected to start in late 2025.

    See here for more information about this project. Information about the wider transformation of Northcote is here.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Transport – Truck dashcams capture some hair-raising impatient driving

    Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand
    National road freight association Transporting New Zealand has shared dashcam footage from members showing some hair-raising near-misses, and says that impatient driving is endangering lives.
    Transporting New Zealand has been calling for members to submit footage of dangerous driving, highlighting the need for all road users to observe safe speeds, pass and merge safely, and observe appropriate following distances.
    Transporting New Zealand Chief Executive Dom Kalasih says the footage shows just how dangerous impatient and reckless driving can be.
    “Truck drivers spend more time on the roads than almost anyone else. Transporting New Zealand is consistently hearing concerns from our road freight members about incidents of impatient and unsafe driving they’re seeing while going about their work.
    “The roads are the workplace for truck drivers, and that’s a workplace where a moment’s impatience or inattention can shatter lives forever.”
    He says the maximum speed limit for heavy vehicles is 90 km/h, even on sections of road with 110 km/h speed limits, requiring patience from all road users when overtaking and merging.
    “Please be patient and wait until there’s a passing lane or a clear section of road before overtaking.
    “Think about how far you have to go to get clear of a truck and possibly a trailer. The combined length of both can be up to 23 metres – that’s a significant distance to cover and you need a safety gap at the other side.”
    Transporting New Zealand has shared three videos where disaster was narrowly avoided.
    Kalasih says that impatient or reckless driving is never worth the risk.
    “It’s not worth risking your life or anybody else’s for the sake of saving a few minutes. That’s how horrible wrecks happen.”
    Videos
    In Not the Foggiest there’s a van, a plan, and no visibility. You can almost hear the paint squeak as the over-taking vehicle ducks in. Submitted by a freight operator in Taupo.
    The next video was recorded near Waipawa in the Hawke’s Bay. A stock truck is carrying a load of bulls and has to swing wide to get into a driveway. Just as one of the team mentions what a tricky spot it is with some people trying to pass on the outside, a vehicle decides it will try a different approach. Some dialogue has been redacted.
    This next merging incident took place about 10 minutes outside of Rotorua.
    Reporting dangerous driving
    – If you believe someone’s driving is dangerous enough to be life-threatening, call the Police on 111.
    – You can call -555 from a mobile phone to report road incidents which are urgent but not life-threatening.
    About Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand
    Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand is the peak national membership association representing the road freight transport industry. Our members operate urban, rural and inter- regional commercial freight transport services throughout the country.
    Road is the dominant freight mode in New Zealand, transporting 92.8% of the freight task on a tonnage basis, and 75.1% on a tonne-km basis. The road freight transport industry employs over 34,000 people across more than 4700 businesses, with an annual turnover of $6 billion.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Local News – Young People’s Fund grant recipients aim to empower Porirua youth

    Source: Porirua City Council

    Recipients of the latest Young People’s Fund grants will run programmes ranging from boxing to podcasting, all aimed at positively impacting tamariki and rangatahi living in Porirua.
    This round of funding included two Tier 1 grants – $50,000 a year for three years, as well as five Tier 2 grants – one-off payments of $6000.
    This year’s Tier 1 funding recipients are the Cannons Creek Youth Charitable Trust – which runs the Cannons Creek Boxing Academy, and Voice of Aroha.
    The Cannons Creek Youth Charitable Trust will use the funding to provide their boxing programmes to local students aged 9-19 at no cost. Those involved in the charity say the programme will be “life changing” for participants.
    As well as learning boxing skills, the sessions include a check-in process and understanding of the academy’s value system.
    “This grant is acknowledgement of the hard work and dedication that the Cannons Creek Boxing Academy team and the Cannons Creek Youth Charitable Trust Board have put in over the last few years in growing and developing the academy to what it is today,” says Cannons Creek Youth Charitable Trust Te Tumu Whakahaere, Paegan Edmonds-Topia.
    The second Tier 1 recipient, Voice of Aroha, aims to equip Porirua young people with the skills and confidence to tell their stories, raise their voices, and create positive change in their communities.
    Over the three years they will run workshops on digital media production, podcasting, and public speaking, with a focus on issues such as mental health, identity and belonging.
    A panel of rangatahi aged 16-24 years-old representing a cross-section of the Porirua community worked with council officers to consider the applications for the Young People’s Fund before making recommendations to the council.
    Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says choosing the recipients this year was tough as there were so many excellent applicants.
    “There are many worthy projects out there for supporting our city’s young people. We’re happy to provide this assistance to a range of projects focusing on the environment, health and wellbeing, and diversity and inclusion.”
    Five organisations received Tier 2 funding this year:
    Holy Family School – for their Pa Harakeke (Harakeke Garden) project which comprises a labyrinth of harakeke complemented by clusters of edible and coastal plants, and areas for students to relax and meditate.
    Wellness Within – to run workshops aiming to educate, inspire, and support as many tamariki as possible in leading healthy, balanced lives and enhancing their overall wellbeing.
    Porirua Multicultural Council – for projects to support the identity of young people in Porirua from different communities and help them into the workforce.
    Wellington Access Radio – to support three short-run radio shows/podcasts with three different groups of young people in the Porirua community.
    Alofa Tunoa Trust –

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Launches Its First Top Load Washers With AI Features for Enhanced Performance and Efficiency

    Source: Samsung

     
    Samsung Electronics today announced the launch of the Bespoke AI Top Load Washer, its new 25-inch, 24-inch and 21-inch capacity top load washers that will be available in global markets.1 These new models mark the first time Samsung is introducing AI technology to its top load washer category. With the three AI functions — AI Wash, AI Energy Mode and AI Vibration Reduction Technology Plus (VRT+ ) —, the new washing machines offer an intelligent, efficient and quiet washing experiences.2
     
    “We’re excited to expand our wide array of AI-driven washing technologies to the top-loading category, allowing a wider audience of various needs to benefit from a convenient washing experience,” said Jeong Seung Moon, EVP and Head of the R&D Team at Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics. “With features like AI Wash, AI Energy Mode and AI VRT+ , we’re delivering products that enhance the washing experience by improving fabric care, enhancing energy efficiency and making quieter operation more accessible for consumers.”
     
     
    AI Technology Delivers the Ultimate Washing Experience
    The new washing machines are equipped with Samsung’s AI Wash,3 which intelligently senses the fabric type and weight to conveniently recommend the optimal settings for each load. Based on the detected laundry conditions, the cycle uses an AI algorithm to recommend suitable settings like the water level, agitation intensity, and washing and rinsing times. For delicate items, AI Wash will gently wash to reduce wear and tear, enabling up to 25% more fabric protection.4 For heavy duty fabrics, it will ensure an even, thorough wash without residue. Additionally, users can take advantage of AI Energy Mode through SmartThings Energy,5 which will allow them to reduce energy use by up to 20%.6
     
    AI VRT+ technology ensures quieter operation while adjusting to various floor conditions. This advanced version of the VRT+ system gathers a variety of signals sensed from the washer and sends it to an AI server,7 which analyzes the type of floor the washer is placed on.8 Using an AI algorithm, the server calculates the ideal settings and ensures the washer runs with less noise and vibration during the cycle, allowing users to have a more peaceful washing experience.
     

     
     
    Efficient Performance With Ecobubble
    The new top loaders also feature Ecobubble technology, which provides more effective cleaning performance while reducing fabric damage. This technology incorporates two key components: BubbleStorm , a fan-like device which effectively dissolves detergent into a foam for quicker penetration into fabrics, and Dual Storm , a pulsator that thoroughly mixes the bubbles and clothes together. By combining these components, Ecobubble allows users to achieve a thorough wash using up to 25% less energy9 and 14% less water.10 It allows the detergent to blend into the fabric 2.5 times faster,11 and also delivers up to 20% better fabric care,12 reducing wear on clothes.
     
    And for those who need to get their laundry done quickly, the Super Speed option can wash a load in just 31 minutes,13 delivering 40% faster washing while still maintaining effective cleaning performance.
     

     
     
    Additional Features for Enhanced Performance
    The new washers also come equipped with SmartThings connectivity, enabling easy management of the washing machine remotely for more convenience. To ensure long-lasting durability and reliable performance, the Digital Inverter Motor is backed by a 20-year warranty.14
     
    Hygiene Steam and Stain Wash provide specialized cleaning solutions for exceptionally clean washing.15 Hygiene Steam uses hot water and steam to eliminate up to 99.9%16 of certain types of bacteria17 and stubborn stains18 without the need for pre-treatment. Stain Wash, on the other hand, gives the option to use either warm or hot water to remove dirt and stains effectively, and it can clean everyday marks like sweat, at 40°C.19
     
    The new top load washers will roll out across various regions over the coming months. Available in five stylish colors — Black Caviar, Deep Charcoal, Lavender Gray, White and Brushed Navy20 — these models are designed to meet the diverse needs of consumers around the globe and offer powerful performance and enhanced efficiency as part of a convenient, reliable washing experience.
     
     
    1 The Bespoke AI Top Load Washer is launching in Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, Southwest Asia, Latin America, Middle East and Africa in 20252 Applied to WA80F******* models3 Fabric sensing uses an AI algorithm to sense three fabric types (Normal, Delicates, Towels) for loads up to 3kg. Mixed fabrics may reduce detection accuracy. Actual results may vary depending on individual use. To prevent wear, wash like fabrics together.4 Based on internal testing with WA80F/25, using IEC 3kg load (water level 6), comparing a normal cycle. Results may vary depending on the actual usage conditions.5 AI Energy Modes is available on Normal, AI Wash, Super Clean, Jeans, Aqua Preserve, Towels, and Clean Wash cycles. Available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required.6 Tested by Samsung on a WA80F/25 model with a 5kg load using AI Wash cycle and water level 6. Results provided to and interpreted by Intertek. The washing cycle time may be increased when using AI Energy Mode.7 A Wi-Fi connection is required. If a Wi-Fi connection is not available, it will use the washing machine’s internal algorithm.8 Standalone installation and level adjustment required for the accurate operation.9 Tested by Samsung with WA80F/25 16kg model with Ecobubble and Digital Inverter motor, using an IEC 3kg load (water level 4), comparing a normal cycle with Ecobubble and a normal cycle without Ecobubble . Results provided to and interpreted by Intertek.10 Tested by Samsung with a 25” WA80F/25 16kg model with Ecobubble and Digital Inverter motor, using an IEC 3kg load (water level 4), comparing a normal cycle with Ecobubble and a normal cycle without Ecobubble . Results provided to and interpreted by Intertek. Water savings are 13% on 24” washers and 11% on 21” washers.11 Based on internal testing on the WA80F/25 16kg model, using Artificially Soiled Fabric (EMPA 120), compared to a Samsung conventional washing machine. Results may vary depending on the actual usage conditions.12 Based on the severity of washing action index of the WA80F/25 16kg model, compared to a Samsung conventional washing machine. Results may vary depending on the actual usage conditions.13 Based on internal testing. A Normal wash can be completed in as little as 31 minutes using Super Speed at the default settings with a 3kg load, compared to 54 minutes in a Samsung washing machine without Super Speed. Results may vary depending on the actual usage conditions. The Super Speed cycle takes 31 minutes on 25” and 24” models, and 29 minutes on 21” models.14 As of April 2024, the 20 year parts warranty is only applicable to the inverter motor.15 This feature is not available in North America.16 Available when washing laundry loads of up to 3kg on 25” and 24” models, and 2kg on 21” models. Recommended to wash colorfast fabrics and heavily soiled laundry. Avoid clothes prone to fading or bleeding colors.17 Based on the Intertek test report on a WA80F/25 model for the Hygiene Steam cycle. Removes 99.9% of certain bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Individual results may vary.18 Based on internal testing. The optimal temperature may vary depending on the type and condition of the dirt and stains.19 The optimal temperature may vary depending on the type and condition of the dirt and stains.20 Available colors vary by market.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: New NZ TV series Happiness gives us an engaging musical peak behind the amateur theatre curtain

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Camp, Senior Lecturer, School of Music, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

    Warner Bros Discovery

    The last few decades have seen many attempts to make musical TV shows.

    Some of them applied the aesthetics of musicals (where people spontaneously sing and dance) to the television form, such as the recent cult series Schmigadoon! (2021–23) and the less successful medieval-set Galavant (2015–16).

    Others have foregrounded music by being backstage musicals, or “backstagers”, about the creation of musicals. Glee (2009–15), about the American high school show choir scene, was the most successful of these. It led to imitators like Smash (2013–14), about a Marilyn Monroe musical; 2018’s Rise, a major flop about a high school producing Spring Awakening; and, my favourite, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (2019–23), a meta-fictional take on the Disney musical canon.

    Backstagers have usually been more successful and also easier to produce than true through-and-through musicals for television, as they place their stories in settings that allow for the more or less “natural” presence of song and dance as part of the shows being staged. This acts as a bridge for audience members who might baulk at the singing and dancing fantasies inherent to the musical genre.

    With their new show Happiness, Kip Chapman and Luke Di Somma have created a welcome New Zealand answer to this style of musical TV show.

    Creating a musical

    Charlie (Harry McNaughton) has returned from New York to his hometown of Tauranga, having been dismissed from helming a Broadway revival of Cats.

    In a desperate attempt to demonstrate competency for a renewal of his visa – and to please his mum Gaye (Rebecca Gibney) – he decides to help out the local amateur musical theatre society Pizzaz (“the finest large-scale yet boutique classical musical theatre company in Tauranga”) with their latest production, an original musical called The Trojan Horse, based on the Iliad.

    The first number in the first episode is an airport flash mob set to Backstreet’s Back, which Charlie’s mum has arranged to welcome her son home. While the nod to the Backstreet Boys is fun, it would have been more effective to start the show with an original musical number. As many writers of musicals have argued, one has to set up the “rules” of a musical in the first ten minutes, otherwise there is a risk of confusing the audience.

    This number hints that Happiness might be a jukebox musical, but thankfully that is not the case. On the contrary, it has a whole set of new songs.

    Happiness takes an affectionate look at community musical theatre.
    Warner Bros Discovery

    The score that Luke Di Somma has written for the show-within-the-show is a convincing pastiche of standard musical theatre styles. There is lots of Les Misérables high drama, Chicago showbiz razzle-dazzle, and Dear Evan Hansen pop balladry.

    The songs carefully tread the line between portraying the well-meaning amateurishness of The Trojan Horse and being clever and competent enough in themselves to retain the audience’s interest.

    This collection of stylistic nods, at least among the songs heard in the first two episodes I was able to preview, is typical of musical theatre writing as it is currently done. Di Somma has nicely balanced his own personal style (on display in earlier works like That Bloody Woman and The Unruly Tourists) with the needs of Happiness’s pastiche to create a score that wouldn’t be out of place on any musical stage.

    An affectionate take

    Happiness takes an affectionate look at community musical theatre, with details like the mismatched teacups and homemade lamingtons available during rehearsal breaks, the amusingly stuffed prop and costume store, and the mix of ages and experiences in the cast.

    Backstagers are good fodder for TV as they can involve a wide variety of eccentric characters among the show’s cast and crew. The first episode does a good job of introducing them all. The usual backstage tropes are all there, like the young ingenue overshadowed by the haughty star and the put-upon music director (Marshayla Christie) trying to get her voice heard by the out-of-touch stage director (Peter Hambleton).

    Happiness brings a specific New Zealand spin to the backstage musical.
    Warner Bros Discovery

    This all makes Happiness fairly predictable, but it is also well observed and always engaging. A specific New Zealand spin comes with details such as the look of the the barn-like space that houses Pizazz, the Number Eight Wire attitude shown by the crew (they have $167 to make the Trojan Horse prop), and poking a bit of fun at the Kiwi accent. In one scene, Charlie suggests that local star Jacqui (Jessie Lawrence) as Helen of Troy might try it without the “Classical” English accent – which only ends up strengthening her Kiwi vowels.

    I hope that Warner Discovery, which produces the show, will distribute it abroad. Happiness paints New Zealand musical theatre talent in a positive light and shows what the locals can do, while also being very entertaining in its own right. It is a welcome addition to the “let’s put on a show” backstager genre.

    Happiness is available on Three and ThreeNow from tomorrow.

    Gregory Camp 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. New NZ TV series Happiness gives us an engaging musical peak behind the amateur theatre curtain – https://theconversation.com/new-nz-tv-series-happiness-gives-us-an-engaging-musical-peak-behind-the-amateur-theatre-curtain-253025

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The Medical Research Future Fund has grown far beyond its target. Why is so much of the money unused?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lesley Russell, Adjunct Associate Professor, Menzies Centre for Health Policy and Economics, University of Sydney

    AshTproductions/Shutterstock

    Australian researchers are reeling from the international reach of the Trump administration’s ideological war on science and research, which threatens local research projects that receive funding from the United States National Institutes of Health.

    In this context, some may have found a grain of comfort in Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s budget reply speech with his commitment of continued support for the Medical Research Future Fund.

    The fund provides a concrete opportunity to supplant those US funds without further cost to the federal budget. But to date the Medical Research Future Fund has struggled to deliver on the promises made at its inception in 2015 that, a decade on, are still so needed.

    What is the Medical Research Future Fund?

    This research fund was the sweetener in the Abbott government’s 2014–2015 budget, which slashed spending in health and Indigenous Affairs. Virtually all the savings were invested in the new research fund, with the target of reaching $A20 billion at maturity (this happened in 2020) and then distributing $1 billion each year.

    The funds are allocated in accordance with the Medical Research Future Fund’s funding principles. They are based on Australia’s medical and research innovation strategy (revised every five years) and priorities (which should be revised every two years, but have not been updated since 2022). These are set by an independent medical research advisory board.

    However, it is the federal government, via the Minister for Health and Aged Care, who develops the ten-year investment plan and has the final say in how funds are used.

    How is the money being used?

    The current ten-year plan (for the decade to 2033–2034) has four themes: patients, researchers, research missions and research translation. There are 22 initiatives under these themes across a wide range of basic and clinical research areas, population health initiatives and commercialisation endeavours.

    The Future Fund Management Agency is in charge of investing the funds which, by September 2024, had now grown to $23.85 billion.

    But although the returns on investment have always been above the annual set targets, the returns to research have fallen well short. This is because in 2021 the Morrison Government – with Labor support – enacted legislation to cap the fund’s expenditure at $650 million a year.

    Since 2015, the fund’s investments have earned $6.435 billion. Yet only $3.15 billion has gone out to fund research (data as of September 2024).

    This year, the Future Fund Board of Guardians has set the “maximum annual distribution amount” at $1.053 billion.

    The cap on yearly spending means $403 million that could boost research funding remains locked up in an oversubscribed investment portfolio. That pot of unallocated research funds will continue to grow unless there are legislative changes to lift the cap.

    A tough climate for research

    It’s not an exaggeration to say these are tough times for Australian researchers. Australian investment in research and development, as a proportion of GDP, has been falling steadily behind the OECD average.

    Funding awarded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (the other main source of government funding for biomedical research) has almost flat-lined over the past decade, at an average of $887 million a year.

    Success rates for researchers securing National Health and Medical Research Council and Medical Research Future Fund grants are at historic lows. The adverse impact on research and researchers is recognised on the National Health and Medical Research Council website.

    The COVID pandemic, the growing obesity epidemic, the burgeoning mental health crisis, health threats of climate change, the disappointing failures of Closing the Gap initiatives, and growing health inequalities – all point to the need to spend more on research and to do this smarter.

    The Medical Research Future Fund could and should do much more to fulfil its aim “to transform health and medical research and innovation to improve lives, build the economy and contribute to health system sustainability”.

    So, is it working?

    Over the years, there has been a range of criticisms of the fund’s processes. These prevent it from realising its mission and include:

    What’s being done to fix the issues?

    Some of these issues are being addressed. In particular, efforts are underway to reform the governance and administration of the Medical Research Future Fund and the National Health and Medical Research Council’s Medical Research endowment account. This to ensure the community obtains the greatest benefits from these investments in health and medical research. However, the timetable is regrettably slow – this work began in May 2023.

    The hard reality is that boosting Australia’s biomedical research capabilities and capacities requires bipartisan political commitment, which has been scarce in recent times.

    The last two budgets from the Albanese Government offered little for research, aside from the existing commitments to the fund. To date, all we have from Dutton is a single statement highlighting his role in establishing the fund and his ongoing commitment to it.

    It’s time to boost Australia’s reputation as a country that nurtures and promotes research excellence. This would be both an investment in Australians’ health and well-being and Australia’s economy and a counter to Trump’s denigration of biomedical science.

    I have previously worked as a health policy advisor to the Australian Labor Party.

    – ref. The Medical Research Future Fund has grown far beyond its target. Why is so much of the money unused? – https://theconversation.com/the-medical-research-future-fund-has-grown-far-beyond-its-target-why-is-so-much-of-the-money-unused-253338

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ACCC appeal against CFMEU and Hutchinson boycott judgment dismissed

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    The majority of the High Court has today dismissed an appeal by the ACCC against a decision of the Full Federal Court in proceedings against the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) and construction company J Hutchinson Pty Ltd (Hutchinson).

    The High Court ruling upholds an earlier appeal by the CFMEU and Hutchinson against a Federal Court finding that they had reached an anti-competitive boycott arrangement or understanding.

    The ACCC had alleged, and the Federal Court trial judge in the original judgment had found, that the CFMEU and Hutchinson made an arrangement or understanding to boycott a waterproofing subcontractor at the Brisbane Southpoint A apartments construction site in 2016, meaning the subcontractor could no longer perform the work.

    “We took this case originally because boycotts are a kind of anti-competitive conduct which harms the economy as well as individual businesses and consumers,” ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said.

    The ACCC’s appeal sought the High Court’s ruling on what is required to demonstrate that parties have reached an anti-competitive arrangement or understanding.

    “We took this appeal because the issue of what is needed to prove an arrangement or understanding is an important one for the enforcement of our competition laws,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said. 

    “The ACCC respects today’s High Court ruling. It reflects the complexity of enforcing these provisions of our competition laws.”

    “We remain committed to enforcing our laws and holding those who engage in anti-competitive conduct accountable,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

    Background

    Hutchinson is one of Australia’s largest privately owned construction companies.

    The Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union is a trade union organisation that represents members in a number of industries including the construction industry. When proceedings started it was known as the ‘CFMMEU’, while today it is known as the ‘CFMEU’.

    Sections 45E and 45EA of the Competition and Consumer Act prohibit contracts, arrangements or understandings that contain a provision included for the purpose of preventing or hindering the acquisition of goods or services from a supplier, which is also referred to as a “secondary boycott”.

    On 4 December 2020, the ACCC instituted proceedings against Hutchinson and the CFMEU.

    On 14 February 2022, the Federal Court found that by making and acting on the agreement, Hutchinson contravened sections 45E and 45EA of the Competition and Consumer Act.

    The CFMEU was found to have been knowingly concerned in, or party to, the contraventions by Hutchinson.

    The Court also found that the CFMEU induced Hutchinson’s contraventions by threatening or implying that there would be conflict with, or industrial action by, the CFMEU if Hutchinson did not stop using the particular subcontractor.

    On 30 August 2022, the Federal Court ordered the CFMEU and Hutchinson to pay penalties of $750,000 and $600,000 respectively.

    On 29 February 2024, the Full Federal Court upheld appeals by the CFMEU and Hutchinson against the first-instance decision.

    On 2 April 2024, the ACCC sought special leave to appeal to the High Court from the Full Federal Court’s judgment that upheld appeals by the CFMEU and Hutchinson. Leave was granted in August 2024, and the appeal was heard in December 2024.

    MIL OSI News –