NewzIntel.com

Category: Australia

  • MIL-Evening Report: NZ group slams Israeli ‘hoodwinking’ of US over nuclear strikes – Peters calls for talks

    Asia Pacific Report

    The Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa has called on New Zealanders to condemn the US bombing of Iran.

    PSNA co-chair Maher Nazzal said in a statement that he hoped the New Zealand government would be critical of the US for its war escalation.

    “Israel has once again hoodwinked the United States into fighting Israel’s wars,” he said.

    “Israel’s Prime Minister has [been declaring] Iran to be on the point of producing nuclear weapons since the 1990s.

    “It’s all part of his big plan for expulsion of Palestinians from Palestine to create a Greater Israel, and regime change for the entire region.”

    Israel knew that Arab and European countries would “fall in behind these plans” and in many cases actually help implement them.

    “It is a dreadful day for the Palestinians. Netanyahu’s forces will be turned back onto them in Gaza and the West Bank.”

    ‘Dreadful day’ for Middle East
    “It is just as dreadful day for the whole Middle East.

    “Trump has tried to add Iran to the disasters of US foreign policy in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan. The US simply doesn’t care how many people will die.”

    New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters “acknowledged the development in the past 24 hours”, including President Trump’s announcement of the US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

    He described it as “extremely worrying” military action in the Middle East, and it was critical further escalation was avoided.

    “New Zealand strongly supports efforts towards diplomacy. We urge all parties to return to talks,” he said.

    “Diplomacy will deliver a more enduring resolution than further military action.”

    The Australian government said in a statement that Canberra had been clear that Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programme had been a “threat to international peace and security”.

    It also noted that the US President had declared that “now is the time for peace”.

    “The security situation in the region is highly volatile,” said the statement. “We continue to call for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy.”

    Iran calls attack ‘outrageous’
    However, the Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, said the “outrageous” US attacks on Iran’s “peaceful nuclear installations” would have “everlasting consequences”.

    His comments come as an Iranian missile attack on central and northern Israel wounded at least 23 people.

    In an interview with Al Jazeera, Dr Mehran Kamrava, a professor of government at Georgetown University in Qatar, said the people of Iran feared that Israel’s goals stretched far beyond its stated goal of destroying the country’s nuclear and missile programmes.

    “Many in Iran believe that Israel’s end game, really, is to turn Iran into Libya, into Iraq, what it was after the US invasion in 2003, and/or Afghanistan.

    “And so the dismemberment of Iran is what Netanyahu has in mind, at least as far as Tehran is concerned,” he said.

    US attack ‘more or less guarantees’ Iran will be nuclear-armed within decade

    ‘No evidence’ of Iran ‘threat’
    Trita Parsi, the executive vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, said there had been “absolutely no evidence” that Iran posed a threat.

    “Neither was it existential, nor imminent,” he told Al Jazeera.

    “We have to keep in mind the reality of the situation, which is that two nuclear-equipped countries attacked a non-nuclear weapons state without having gotten attacked first.

    “Israel was not attacked by Iran — it started that war; the United States was not attacked by Iran — it started this confrontation at this point.”

    Dr Parsi added that the attacks on Iran would “send shockwaves” throughout the world.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: What is a ‘bunker buster’? An expert explains what the US dropped on Iran

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Dwyer, Lecturer, School of Social Sciences, University of Tasmania

    The jagged silhouette of a B2 stealth bomber seen during a 2015 flyover in the US. Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images

    Late on Saturday night, local time, the United States carried out strikes against Iranian nuclear enrichment sites at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, marking its open participation in the conflict between Iran and Israel.

    The US says it fired 30 submarine-launched missiles at the sites in Natanz and Isfahan, as well as dropping more than a dozen “bunker buster” bombs at Fordow and Natanz.

    The kind of bomb in question is the extremely destructive GBU-57 Massive Ordance Penetrator, or MOP, which weighs around 13.5 tonnes.

    The attacks raise a lot of questions. What are these enormous bombs? Why did the US feel it had to get involved in the conflict? And, going forward, what does it mean for Iran’s nuclear ambitions?

    What are ‘bunker busters’, and why are they used?

    Bunker busters are weapons designed to destroy heavily protected facilities such as bunkers deep underground, beyond the reach of normal bombs.

    Bunker busters are designed to bury themselves into the ground before detonating. This allows more of the explosive force to penetrate into the ground, rather than travelling through the air or across the surface.

    Iran’s nuclear enrichment sites at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan are built deep underground. Estimates suggest that Fordow for example could be 80m beneath the surface, and capped with layers of reinforced concrete and soil.

    What is the MOP?

    The bunker buster used in this particular operation is the largest in the US arsenal. Leaving aside nuclear weapons, the MOP is the largest known buster buster in the world.

    Weighing some 13.5 tonnes, the MOP is believed to be able to penetrate up to 60 metres below ground in the right conditions. It is not known how many the US possesses, but the numbers are thought to be small (perhaps 20 or so in total).

    We also don’t know exactly how many were used in Iran, though some reports say it was 14. However, it is likely to be a significant portion of the US MOP arsenal.

    Why does only the US possess this capability?

    The US is not the only state with bunker-busting weaponry. However, the size of MOP means it requires very specialised bombers to carry and drop it.

    Only the B2 stealth bomber is currently able to deploy the MOP. Each B2 can carry at most two MOPs at a time. Around seven of America’s 19 operational B2s were used in the Iran operation.

    There has been some consideration whether large transport aircraft such as the C-130 Hercules could be modified to carry and drop the MOP from its rear cargo doors. While this would allow other countries (including Israel) to deploy the MOP, it is for now purely hypothetical.

    Why has the US (apparently) used them in Iran

    The Trump administration claims Iran may be only a few weeks from possessing a nuclear weapon, and that it needed to act now to destroy Iranian nuclear enrichment sites. This claim is notably at odds with published assessments from the US intelligence community.

    However, Israel lacks bunker busting weaponry sufficient to damage the deeply buried and fortified enrichment sites at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.

    An F-15E Strike Eagle releases a GBU-28 ‘bunker buster’ laser-guided bomb, a smaller equivalewnt of the 13,600 kg GBU-57 ‘Massive Ordnance Penetrator’ believed to have been used in Iran.
    Michael Ammons / US Air Force

    Only the MOP could do the job (short of using nuclear weapons). Even then, multiple MOPs would have been required to ensure sufficient damage to the underground facilities.

    The US has claimed that these sites have been utterly destroyed. We cannot conclusively say whether this is true.

    Iran may also have other, undeclared nuclear sites elsewhere in the country.

    Iran’s reaction

    The US has reportedly reached out to Iran via diplomatic channels to emphasise that this attack was a one-off, not part of a larger project of regime change. It is hard to say what will happen in the next few weeks.

    Iran may retaliate with large strikes against Israel or against US forces in the region. It could also interrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, which would affect a large portion of global oil shipments, with profound economic implications.

    Alternatively, Iran could capitulate and take steps to demonstrate it is ending its nuclear program. However, capitulation would not necessarily mean the end of Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

    The value of nuclear weapons

    Perhaps a greater concern is that the attack will reinforce Iran’s desire to go nuclear. Without nuclear weapons, Iran was unable to threaten the US enough to deter today’s attack.

    Iran may take lessons from the fate of other states. Ukraine (in)famously surrendered its stockpile of former Soviet nuclear weapons in the early 1990s. Russia has since felt emboldened to annex Crimea in 2014 and launch an ongoing invasion in 2022. Other potential nuclear states, such as Iraq and Gadaffi’s regime in Libya, also suffered from military intervention.

    By contrast, North Korea successfully tested its first nuclear weapon in 2006. Since then there has been no serious consideration of military intervention in North Korea.

    Iran may yet have the ability to produce useful amounts of weapons-grade uranium. It may now aim to buy itself time to assemble a relatively small nuclear device, similar in scale to the bombs used in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

    Depending on what facilities and resources have survive the US strikes, the attack has likely reinforced that the only way the Iranian regime can guarantee its survival is to possess nuclear weapons.

    James Dwyer 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. What is a ‘bunker buster’? An expert explains what the US dropped on Iran – https://theconversation.com/what-is-a-bunker-buster-an-expert-explains-what-the-us-dropped-on-iran-259508

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The US has entered the Israel-Iran war. Here are 3 scenarios for what might happen next

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Parmeter, Research Scholar, Middle East Studies, Australian National University

    After prevaricating about whether the United States would enter Israel’s war on Iran, President Donald Trump finally made a decision.

    Early Sunday, US warplanes struck three of Iran’s nuclear sites at Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow, where the Iranians have a uranium enrichment plant buried about 80 metres beneath a mountain.

    These strikes have to be viewed as part of an overall continuum that began with the Gaza war following Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and then continued with Israel’s attacks on Hezbollah (the Iran-backed militant group in Lebanon) and the fall of the Iran-backed Assad regime in Syria.

    Iran has never been weaker than it is now. And when Trump said it may take two weeks for him to decide whether to bomb Iran, the Israelis likely pushed him to act sooner.

    We can assume there was a lot of Israeli pressure on Trump to use the massive ordnance penetrators, the 30,000-pound (13,600-kilogram) “bunker buster” bombs that only the US can deploy with its B2 bombers.

    Now that Trump has taken the significant step of entering the US in yet another Middle East war, where could things go from here? There are a few possible scenarios.

    Iran strikes back

    The Iranians know they don’t have the strength to take on the US, and that the Americans can do enormous damage to their country and even put the Iranian regime’s stability at risk.

    This is always the prime consideration of of the clerical regime led by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei – everything else is subordinate to that.

    To gauge Iran’s possible reaction, we can look at the how it responded to the first Trump administration’s assassination of the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ elite Quds Force, Qassem Soleimani, in January 2020.

    Iran said there would be a major reaction, but all it did was launch a barrage of missiles at two American bases in Iraq, which caused no US fatalities and very little damage. After that token retaliation, Iran said the matter was closed.

    Iran’s reaction to the new US strikes will likely be along these lines. It probably won’t want to get into a tit-for-tat with the US by launching attacks against American facilities in the region. Trump has promised to respond with force:

    Iran, a bully of the Middle East, must now make peace. If they do not, future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier.

    It’s also unclear how long Iran will be able to prosecute this war. This depends largely on how many ballistic missiles and launchers it has left.

    There are various estimates as to how many ballistic missiles Iran may have remaining in its stockpiles. It was believed to have about 2,000 missiles capable of reaching Israel at the start of the war. Some estimates say Iran has fired 700 of them; others say around 400. Whatever the number is, its stockpiles are dwindling quickly.

    Israel has also destroyed about a third of Iran’s ballistic missile launchers. If Israel is able to destroy all of them, Iran would have very limited ability to fight back.

    Iran backs down

    Before the US got involved in the conflict, Iran said it was prepared to negotiate, but it wouldn’t do so while Israel was still attacking.

    So, one scenario is that some sort of compromise can now be worked out, in which Israel announces a ceasefire and Iran and the US agree to resume negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear program.

    The big problem is that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he doesn’t trust the negotiating process and he doesn’t want to stop Israel’s military actions until all of Iran’s nuclear facilities have been completely destroyed. He’s also been bombing Iran’s oil terminals and gas facilities to put even more pressure on the regime.

    But the regime has shown itself to be incredibly determined not to lose face. It was under great pressure at different times during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s and never considered surrendering until a US missile mistakenly took down an Iranian passenger jet, killing 290 people.

    Iran then agreed to a UN-brokered ceasefire. But the Iran-Iraq war lasted eight years, causing an estimated one million deaths. And when the then-supreme leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, agreed to the ceasefire, he said it was “worse than drinking poison”.

    Given the state of Iran’s military capabilities, Khamenei, the current supreme leader, might surrender simply to try to preserve the regime. But this would be quite a climbdown as far as he’s concerned, and he has been very obstinate in the past.

    The regime is very unpopular, but the Iranian people, in my experience, are strongly patriotic – loyal to their country, if not the regime. Though it’s difficult to gauge opinion in a country of 90 million people, a lot of Iranians would not want to be ordered to do anything by the US or Israel, and would rather fight on.

    Netanyahu has said he wants to create the conditions for the Iranian people to rise up against the regime.

    But it’s worth bearing in mind that the opposite of autocracy is not necessarily democracy. It could possibly be chaos. Iran has a number of different ethnic groups and there may be huge disagreements over what should take the place of the clerical regime, were it to fall.

    At this stage, the regime will probably be able to hold together. And even if Khameini were to die suddenly, the regime will likely be able to quickly replace him.

    Though we don’t know his probable successor, the regime has had plenty of time to plan for this. Those in senior positions will also know that a post-Khamenei succession struggle really would put the regime at risk.

    The US engagement is limited

    According to the new polling by The Economist and YouGov, released on June 17, 60% of Americans were opposed to joining the conflict between Israel and Iran, with just 16% in favour. Among Republicans, 53% opposed military action.

    So, these strikes were not an obviously popular move among Americans at this stage. However, if this is an isolated event and succeeds in bringing a swift end to the war, Trump will probably be applauded by a majority of Americans.

    If the US has to go back with more bombers – or there are serious attacks on US interests in the region – there could be more adverse reactions among Americans.

    Another question is whether Iran’s 400 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium have been destroyed in the US attack.

    If it hasn’t been destroyed, and depending how much damage has been done to its centrifuges, Iran may be able to reconstruct its nuclear program relatively quickly. And it could have more incentive to further enrich this uranium to 90% purity, or weapons-grade level, to build a nuclear device.

    Ian Parmeter 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. The US has entered the Israel-Iran war. Here are 3 scenarios for what might happen next – https://theconversation.com/the-us-has-entered-the-israel-iran-war-here-are-3-scenarios-for-what-might-happen-next-259509

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Press Arrangements for IAEA Board of Governors Meeting, 20-22 November 2024 

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

    The IAEA Board of Governors will convene its regular November meeting at the Agency’s headquarters starting at 10:30 CET on Wednesday, 20 November, in Board Room C, Building C, 4th floor, in the Vienna International Centre (VIC). 

    Board discussions are expected to include, among others: applications for membership of the Agency; report of the Technical Assistance and Cooperation Committee; verification and monitoring in the Islamic Republic of Iran in light of United Nations Security Council resolution 2231 (2015); nuclear verification: the conclusion of safeguards agreements and of additional protocols (if any), staff of the Department of Safeguards to be used as Agency inspectors, application of safeguards in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, implementation of the NPT safeguards agreement in the Syrian Arab Republic, naval nuclear propulsion: Australia and naval nuclear propulsion: Brazil, and NPT safeguards agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran; nuclear safety, security and safeguards in Ukraine; transfer of the nuclear materials in the context of AUKUS and its safeguards in all aspects under the NPT; and restoration of the Sovereign Equality of Member States in the IAEA. 

    The Board of Governors meeting is closed to the press. 

    Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi will open the meeting with an introductory statement, which will be released to journalists after delivery and posted on the IAEA website.  

    Press Conference 

    Director General Grossi is expected to hold a press conference at 13:00 CET on Wednesday, 20 November, in the Press Room of the M building. 

    A live video stream of the press conference will be available. The IAEA will provide video footage of the press conference and the Director General’s opening statement here and will make photos available on Flickr.  

    Photo Opportunity 

    There will be a photo opportunity with the IAEA Director General and the Chair of the Board, Ambassador Philbert Abaka Johnson of Ghana, before the start of the Board meeting, on 20 November at 10:30 CET in Board Room C, in the C building in the VIC. 

    Press Working Area 

    The Press Room on the M-Building’s ground floor will be available as a press working area, starting from 9:00 CET on 20 November. 

    Accreditation

    All journalists interested in covering the meeting in person – including those with permanent accreditation – are requested to inform the IAEA Press Office of their plans. Journalists without permanent accreditation must send copies of their passport and press ID to the IAEA Press Office by 14:00 CET on Tuesday, 19 November. 

    We encourage those journalists who do not yet have permanent accreditation to request it at UNIS Vienna. 

    Please plan your arrival to allow sufficient time to pass through the VIC security check. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Statement by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi on the Occasion of the International Conference on Nuclear Security 2024

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

    When we met the last time, at ICONS 2020, many of us could not have imagined the momentous change we would experience between then and today, change that would affect billions of people, international peace and security, and nuclear security. A global pandemic was in the making and a war – in Ukraine – for first time soon would be fought among the facilities of one of Europe’s biggest nuclear power programmes.

    Meanwhile, profound technological advances have been made. Assessing their impact on nuclear security is a crucial task. Artificial Intelligence, and unmanned vehicles pose both a threat to nuclear security and offer new tools with which to enhance it. In the nuclear field itself, Small Modular Reactors promise new opportunities for applications such as desalination and power brought to remote communities via barge, but also require us to consider new security elements.

    The use of nuclear science and technology, often facilitated by the IAEA, has come on in leaps and bounds. Climate change and the drive for energy security are fuelling a desire for nuclear power. At this past Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, COP28, world leaders – those whose states use nuclear power and those whose do not – for the first time in nearly 30 years of COP meetings agreed nuclear power must be part of the transition to net zero. More than 20 countries have signed a pledge towards tripling nuclear power capacity and at the IAEA’s Nuclear Energy Summit in March heads of state agreed on the urgent need for conducive financial conditions. 

    Nuclear security is relevant throughout all the steps of the nuclear fuel cycle and is part of the social contract that underpins the existence and growth of nuclear power. Nuclear power programmes require national nuclear security threat assessments and “security by design”. Nurturing relevant research and a strong security culture are key, not only in countries with NPPs.

    The use of life-saving and life-affirming applications of nuclear science and technology is growing, from cancer patients gaining access to radiotherapy to farmers benefiting from new crop varieties developed with the help of irradiation. IAEA initiative such as Rays of Hope: Cancer care for all; Nutec Plastics; Zoonotic Disease Integrated Action (ZODIAC); and Atoms4Food are key vehicles facilitating wider access.

    All these opportunities to use nuclear and radioactive material depend on a strong and adaptive global nuclear security regime. For countries new to using nuclear and radioactive material, this means building up legal infrastructure, practices and culture that bolster nuclear security.  Nationally and across borders, collaboration and laser-focused vigilance are key to preventing groups with malicious intent from using nuclear and radioactive material to cause panic and harm.

    The threats to nuclear and other radioactive material and associated facilities are real and varied. The international nuclear security threat landscape keeps evolving. Today, anyone can type a few words into a computer and generative AI can create images of nuclear Armageddon, meaning it is now possible to spread panic about radiation fallout without a nuclear device. Risk scenarios include theft of nuclear and other radioactive material for use in improvised devices and sabotage at nuclear installations or during transport of nuclear and radioactive material. The risk of cyber-attacks requires the implementation of computer security programmes by those who use nuclear power and those who don’t. Risks come from outsiders and from those within the fold who are disgruntled or have been corrupted.

    Nuclear security is the national responsibility of individual states, but it also benefits enormously from close collaboration and the enabling role of the IAEA.  ICONS, which started in 2013, has been the place for ministers, policymakers, senior officials, and experts to gather to assesses current priorities, prepare for new challenges, and engage in scenario-based policy discussions. ICONS 2024, presided over by the co-presidents, HE Tim Watts, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia and HE Sungat Yessimkhanov, Vice-Minister of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, covers the themes of policy, law and regulation; technology and infrastructure for prevention, detection and response; capacity building; and cross-cutting areas, such as the interface between nuclear security and nuclear safety. ICONS is the most important high-level international meeting on nuclear security. At this time of heightened tensions, it is imperative that there remains a unity of purpose and that nuclear security does not become a political football.

    This year marks the 10-year anniversary of the IAEA’s Division of Nuclear Security. The IAEA is at the forefront of adapting nuclear security to new challenges, including war. The seven indispensable pillars for ensuring nuclear safety and security have broad international support. They have brought crucial clarity at a time of war and are testament to the adaptiveness of the IAEA and the security regime.

    Those seven pillars are backed up by an enormous ongoing effort by the IAEA to support Ukraine, including through the continuous presence of IAEA experts at all of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, including Zaporizhzhya NPP on the front lines of the war. When there were allegations of nuclear security breaches, the IAEA was there to investigate with impartiality and science. We set the facts straight that no nuclear material had been diverted, cutting through the fog of war, and diffusing a tense situation.   

    Not all our efforts require quite as much courage as our experts have shown in Ukraine, nor do they make international headlines. But every day, the IAEA – the Secretariat and the Member States – work together fastidiously to underpin nuclear security, never resting, always learning.

    Radioactive sources are extensively used in many domains, including medicine, industry, agriculture and research. An incident in one State can have far-reaching consequences for others, so security for one is security for all. That means supporting States with no, or less developed nuclear security infrastructure makes everyone safer. That support, which often comes via the IAEA, includes making lawmakers aware of their responsibilities.

    Nuclear Security requires the implementation of appropriate and robust legislative regulatory frameworks. In 2022, the first Conference of the Parties to the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (A/CPPNM) was held under the auspices of the IAEA. Reflecting the global importance of the legal framework and of nuclear security, parties managed to agree an outcome document and for the IAEA convene a subsequent conference. Since 2020, 14 new parties have joined the A/CPPNM bringing the total to 136. Five new Parties joined the CPPNM, bringing that total to 164. In addition to the A/CPPNM, political commitment to legally non-binding instruments, like the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources and its supplementary guidance, is a strong indication of radiation safety and nuclear security culture.

    But legal frameworks are just the beginning. They must be implemented. The IAEA plays a central role in assisting its Members States so they are able to do that. Last year we inaugurated the most visible symbol of our collaboration: the Nuclear Security Training and Demonstration Centre (NSTDC). This first-of-its-kind space, made possible by 15 donors, is a cornerstone for capacity building amid the growing need for sophisticated hands-on nuclear security training using advanced, specialized equipment. The NSTDC is part of a wide range of services offered by the IAEA, including peer reviews, such as the International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS), of which there have now been more than 100, and Advisory Missions on Regulatory Infrastructure for Radiation Safety and Nuclear Security (RISS), a service we launched in 2022. Our Incident and Trafficking Database (ITDB) now has 145 members and has enabled the reporting of more than 600 incidents in which nuclear or radioactive material went out of regulatory control.  Almost 8,000 people have benefited from our training in nuclear security, and we continue to work very hard to remove barriers that prevent talent from entering the field.  In March 2021, we launched the Women in Nuclear Security Initiative (WINSI) to support the achievement of gender equality in nuclear security. Meanwhile, the IAEA’s Marie Sklodowska Curie Fellowship Programme financially supports women pursuing a master’s degree in nuclear subjects and offers them internships, while our Lise Meitner offers women in the early and middle part of their career enriching opportunities within the field.   

    As the use of nuclear and other radioactive material around the world increases, more and more States are needing to increase their level of nuclear security. Nuclear security is as important as nuclear safety – we must put it on equal footing in terms of reliability of funding and the robustness of implementation.

    At ICONS 2024 we are – as the name of the conference indicates – “shaping the future”, not only of nuclear security, but of the world our children will inherit. That is because nuclear security is about more than preventing nuclear terrorism. It is an enabler to providing, through nuclear science and technology, the clean energy; cutting-edge medicine; nutritious food and hope for a better tomorrow.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Muted response from Albanese government on US attack on Iran

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

    The Albanese government has given a tepid response to the United States’ bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities.

    The Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement from a government spokesperson, but there were no plans on Sunday afternoon for Anthony Albanese or any minister to front the media.

    This contrasted with the full support given by the opposition, which said, “the Coalition stands with the United States of America today. We can never allow the Iranian regime the capacity to enact its objectives of the destruction of the United States and Israel.”

    The government has constantly urged deescalation of the Middle East conflict.

    The government spokesperson’s statement recognised the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program but did not specifically refer to the American military action.

    It said: “we have been clear that Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile program has been a threat to international peace and security.”

    “We note the US President’s statement that now is the time for peace.

    “The security situation in the region is highly volatile.

    “We continue to call for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy.

    “Australians in Israel and Iran and the region should continue to monitor public safety information provided by local authorities, including to shelter in place when required.

    “The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will be communicating directly with registered Australians about preparations for assisted departures.”

    Earlier, Defence Minister Richard Marles, interviewed before news of the US bombing, said the Australian government was making it clear it saw the Iranian program as a threat to the peace and stability of the region and the world.

    “What we’re saying in relation to this specific conflict is that we are worried about its prospect for escalation,” he said.

    Marles, who will attend this week NATO summit at The Hague, declined to say whether he had conversations or communication with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in the last week or so to discuss the American position.

    But he told Sky: “America is considering its position. So, exactly where America stands is a matter which is under consideration right now”.

    He said the US had been holding a defensive posture in support of their assets and people in the region.

    “We obviously understand that. And they too have been making arguments in relation to there being greater dialogue around this question and in this moment.”

    Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and acting Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Andrew Hastie released a statement saying,

    “The world can never accept a nuclear-armed Iranian regime and today the United States military has taken proactive action to ensure that we never need to.

    “A nuclear armed Iranian regime would be a serious and direct threat to world peace and stability, especially as it continues to engage in terrorism including by supporting its proxies: Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen.”

    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. Muted response from Albanese government on US attack on Iran – https://theconversation.com/muted-response-from-albanese-government-on-us-attack-on-iran-259510

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • Sri Lanka’s Angelo Matthews bids farewell to Test cricket

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Sri Lankan great Angelo Matthews bowed out from the longest format after the first Test between the hosts and Bangladesh at the Galle International Stadium. In 119 Tests, Mathews has amassed 8214 runs at an average of 44.4, while picking 33 wickets. He was given a guard of honour by the Bangladesh side as he made his way back for the final time in whites.

    “Since I announced my retirement, I can’t believe the love that I have received so far. I am certainly overwhelmed. Ever so grateful to all those who supported me right throughout. It wasn’t an easy journey; there were a lot of ups and downs, happiness and sadness. But through it all, I was able to do it because of the support that I have received,” said Matthews post-game.

    Mathews made his Test debut in 2009. He captained Sri Lanka in 34 Tests, including a famous win in Headingley in 2014, and is currently Sri Lanka’s third leading run-getter in the longer format after Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.

    “(Emotional?) Well, obviously. Retiring from the best format, the format that I loved playing. It’s time for the younger players to take the baton and drive Sri Lanka through. We certainly have the young talent in the dressing room. I should congratulate Bangladesh, they’ve had a wonderful Test match,” he added.

    Matthews also reflected on what were his favourite memories were during his long Test career, to which he replied, “The win against England in England and whitewashing the Australians in Sri Lanka 3-0, that was a huge highlight and honour achieved by the entire team. I am thankful to all the players who have supported me throughout, the coaches, and all the fans for being there with me. The love that I have received, thank you so much.”

    In the end, the first Test of the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in Galle ended in a tense draw, marked by a dramatic final session.

    Sri Lanka, chasing a target of 296 in 37 overs, chose to play defensively and finished at 72/4, surviving a late spin assault led by Taijul Islam, who took 3-23, including key wickets of Angelo Mathews—playing his final Test—and Dinesh Chandimal.

    (With inputs from IANS)

     

  • MIL-Evening Report: What is a ‘bunker buster’? An expert explains what the US dropped on Iran – and what might happen now

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Dwyer, Lecturer, School of Social Sciences, University of Tasmania

    The jagged silhouette of a B2 stealth bomber seen during a 2015 flyover in the US. Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images

    Late on Saturday night, local time, the United States carried out strikes against Iranian nuclear enrichment sites at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, marking its open participation in the conflict between Iran and Israel.

    The US says it fired 30 submarine-launched missiles at the sites in Natanz and Isfahan, as well as dropping more than a dozen “bunker buster” bombs at Fordow and Natanz.

    The kind of bomb in question is the extremely destructive GBU-57 Massive Ordance Penetrator, or MOP, which weighs around 13.5 tonnes.

    The attacks raise a lot of questions. What are these enormous bombs? Why did the US feel it had to get involved in the conflict? And, going forward, what does it mean for Iran’s nuclear ambitions?

    What are ‘bunker busters’, and why are they used?

    Bunker busters are weapons designed to destroy heavily protected facilities such as bunkers deep underground, beyond the reach of normal bombs.

    Bunker busters are designed to bury themselves into the ground before detonating. This allows more of the explosive force to penetrate into the ground, rather than travelling through the air or across the surface.

    Iran’s nuclear enrichment sites at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan are built deep underground. Estimates suggest that Fordow for example could be 80m beneath the surface, and capped with layers of reinforced concrete and soil.

    What is the MOP?

    The bunker buster used in this particular operation is the largest in the US arsenal. Leaving aside nuclear weapons, the MOP is the largest known buster buster in the world.

    Weighing some 13.5 tonnes, the MOP is believed to be able to penetrate up to 60 metres below ground in the right conditions. It is not known how many the US possesses, but the numbers are thought to be small (perhaps 20 or so in total).

    We also don’t know exactly how many were used in Iran, though some reports say it was 14. However, it is likely to be a significant portion of the US MOP arsenal.

    Why does only the US possess this capability?

    The US is not the only state with bunker-busting weaponry. However, the size of MOP means it requires very specialised bombers to carry and drop it.

    Only the B2 stealth bomber is currently able to deploy the MOP. Each B2 can carry at most two MOPs at a time. Around seven of America’s 19 operational B2s were used in the Iran operation.

    There has been some consideration whether large transport aircraft such as the C-130 Hercules could be modified to carry and drop the MOP from its rear cargo doors. While this would allow other countries (including Israel) to deploy the MOP, it is for now purely hypothetical.

    Why has the US (apparently) used them in Iran

    The Trump administration claims Iran may be only a few weeks from possessing a nuclear weapon, and that it needed to act now to destroy Iranian nuclear enrichment sites. This claim is notably at odds with published assessments from the US intelligence community.

    However, Israel lacks bunker busting weaponry sufficient to damage the deeply buried and fortified enrichment sites at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.

    An F-15E Strike Eagle releases a GBU-28 ‘bunker buster’ laser-guided bomb, a smaller equivalewnt of the 13,600 kg GBU-57 ‘Massive Ordnance Penetrator’ believed to have been used in Iran.
    Michael Ammons / US Air Force

    Only the MOP could do the job (short of using nuclear weapons). Even then, multiple MOPs would have been required to ensure sufficient damage to the underground facilities.

    The US has claimed that these sites have been utterly destroyed. We cannot conclusively say whether this is true.

    Iran may also have other, undeclared nuclear sites elsewhere in the country.

    Iran’s reaction

    The US has reportedly reached out to Iran via diplomatic channels to emphasise that this attack was a one-off, not part of a larger project of regime change. It is hard to say what will happen in the next few weeks.

    Iran may retaliate with large strikes against Israel or against US forces in the region. It could also interrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, which would affect a large portion of global oil shipments, with profound economic implications.

    Alternatively, Iran could capitulate and take steps to demonstrate it is ending its nuclear program. However, capitulation would not necessarily mean the end of Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

    The value of nuclear weapons

    Perhaps a greater concern is that the attack will reinforce Iran’s desire to go nuclear. Without nuclear weapons, Iran was unable to threaten the US enough to deter today’s attack.

    Iran may take lessons from the fate of other states. Ukraine (in)famously surrendered its stockpile of former Soviet nuclear weapons in the early 1990s. Russia has since felt emboldened to annex Crimea in 2014 and launch an ongoing invasion in 2022. Other potential nuclear states, such as Iraq and Gadaffi’s regime in Libya, also suffered from military intervention.

    By contrast, North Korea successfully tested its first nuclear weapon in 2006. Since then there has been no serious consideration of military intervention in North Korea.

    Iran may yet have the ability to produce useful amounts of weapons-grade uranium. It may now aim to buy itself time to assemble a relatively small nuclear device, similar in scale to the bombs used in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

    Depending on what facilities and resources have survive the US strikes, the attack has likely reinforced that the only way the Iranian regime can guarantee its survival is to possess nuclear weapons.

    James Dwyer 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. What is a ‘bunker buster’? An expert explains what the US dropped on Iran – and what might happen now – https://theconversation.com/what-is-a-bunker-buster-an-expert-explains-what-the-us-dropped-on-iran-and-what-might-happen-now-259508

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: USS America Arrives in Sydney

    Source: United States Navy

    SYDNEY – Amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), the flagship of the America Strike Group, arrived in Sydney, today, June 14, for a scheduled port visit. The ship carries embarked Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and is currently conducting routine operations in the South Pacific.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: USS San Diego, USS Rushmore Join USS America in Sydney

    Source: United States Navy

    SYDNEY — Amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22), amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47), and embarked elements from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived in Sydney, Australia, for a routine port visit while conducting operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, June 15.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: 3d Multi-Domain Task Force changes command on historic Palm Circle

    Source: United States Army

    1 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers assigned to the 3d Multi-Domain Task Force stand in formation during the unit’s change of command ceremony on historic Palm Circle at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, June 18, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Perla Alfaro)

    (Photo Credit: Sgt. Perla Alfaro)

    VIEW ORIGINAL

    2 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The 3d Multi-Domain Task Force conducts a change of command ceremony on historic Palm Circle at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, June 18, 2025, marking the formal transition of leadership from Brig. Gen. Michael D. Rose to Col. Wade A. Germann through the traditional passing of the unit colors. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Perla Alfaro) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Perla Alfaro) VIEW ORIGINAL
    3 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The 3d Multi-Domain Task Force conducts a change of command ceremony on historic Palm Circle at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, June 18, 2025, marking the formal transition of leadership from Brig. Gen. Michael (Photo Credit: Sgt. Perla Alfaro) VIEW ORIGINAL
    4 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The 3d Multi-Domain Task Force conducts a change of command ceremony on historic Palm Circle at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, June 18, 2025, marking the formal transition of leadership from Brig. Gen. Michael D. Rose to Col. Wade A. Germann through the traditional passing of the unit colors. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Perla Alfaro)

    (Photo Credit: Sgt. Perla Alfaro)

    VIEW ORIGINAL

    5 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Brig. Gen. Michael D. Rose relinquishes command of the 3d Multi-Domain Task Force to Col. Wade A. Germann during a change of command ceremony on historic Palm Circle at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, June 18, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Perla Alfaro) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Perla Alfaro) VIEW ORIGINAL
    6 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Col. Wade A. Germann assumes command of the 3d Multi-Domain Task Force during a ceremony on historic Palm Circle at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, June 18, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Perla Alfaro) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Perla Alfaro) VIEW ORIGINAL
    7 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Gen. Ronald P. Clark, commanding general of U.S. Army Pacific, presides over the 3d Multi-Domain Task Force change of command ceremony on historic Palm Circle at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, June 18, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Perla Alfaro) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Perla Alfaro) VIEW ORIGINAL

    FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii — The U.S. Army’s 3d Multi-Domain Task Force (3MDTF) held a change of command ceremony June 18, 2025, on historic Palm Circle, as Brig. Gen. Michael D. Rose relinquished command to Col. Wade A. Germann. The ceremony marked the conclusion of a transformative and impactful command under Brig. Gen. Rose and the start of a new chapter for the Army’s cutting-edge multi-domain force operating in the Indo-Pacific.

    Brig. Gen. Rose, who assumed command of 3MDTF in June 2023, played a crucial role in enhancing the Task Force’s readiness and integration with Joint and regional partners and allies across all domains. Under his leadership, 3MDTF participated in key exercises across the theater as part of OPERATIONS PATHWAYS, demonstrating the synchronization of long-range precision fires, cyber, space, and information operations to project combat power across the Indo-Pacific Theater.

    Presiding over the ceremony, Gen. Ronald P. Clark, Commanding General of U.S. Army Pacific, commended Brig. Gen. Mike Rose for his exceptional leadership and contributions to the 3d MDTF.

    “I’m exceptionally grateful for the tremendous efforts of our outgoing commander, Brigadier General Mike Rose,” said Clark. “You have generated lethality through tough and realistic training and applied exquisite effects with land forces who can fight on and from the land in combined, joint, and multi-domain environments.”

    Clark highlighted several Army firsts executed by 3d MDTF, including the first employment of the Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher (AML) and first Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) live fire west of the international dateline.

    During his tenure, Brig. Gen. Rose emphasized experimentation, interoperability, and speed, driving the 3MDTF to implement concepts crucial for deterrence and joint campaigning. His time in command accelerated the integration of Australian and United Kingdom personnel, transforming 3MDTF into a combined headquarters to become an embodiment of AUKUS Pillar 2 agreements. Furthermore, the unit’s participation in major exercises, such as Talisman Sabre, Yama Sakura, and Valiant Shield, highlights its expanding operational reach and its ability to coordinate effects in real-time across the Indo-Pacific.

    During his speech at the ceremony, Rose said, “We’ve gone from a concept to a campaign-ready force in record time. We’ve planned, rehearsed, and executed operations to span thousands of miles. We’ve operated across every domain — land, sea, air, space, and cyber — and we’ve integrated with every service in the Joint Force.”

    Emphasizing the importance of 3MDTF’s integration with the Joint Force, partners, and allies, he continued, “We’ve trained and deployed with our allies and partners across the region — from Japan to the Philippines to Thailand, Korea, Singapore, India, and more. And most importantly, we’ve done our part to contribute to deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, creating new dilemmas — dilemmas for our adversaries — deterring aggression, and assuring allies and partners that the Army stands ready.”

    Col. Germann assumes command with more than two decades of operational and strategic experience. His prior assignments include roles in joint and combined environments, and his leadership will continue to advance 3MDTF’s mission in support of integrated deterrence and dynamic campaigning.

    After taking the podium, Col. Germann expressed his gratitude.

    “I’m humbled to lead and work with the incredible men and women of the 3d Multi-Domain Task Force who stand before us today on this field and represent not just those here, but many others who are not here because they’re currently out on mission across the Indo-Pacific.”

    Established in 2022, 3MDTF is the Army’s newest Multi-Domain Task Force and the second assigned to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s Area of Operation. Headquartered at Fort Shafter, 3MDTF increases lethality of the Joint Force through the layering of kinetic and non-kinetic effects across multiple domains, enhancing deterrence and strengthening regional security.

    The 3MDTF’s unique structure and capabilities reflect the Army’s modernization priorities and commitment to campaigning in competition, crisis, and conflict, and assuring partners and Allies throughout the Indo-Pacific.

    “The change of command ceremony is a defining moment in the life of any organization, and the 3d MDTF is no different. But as leadership changes, our mission remains the same. We will continue to present complex dilemmas to our adversary across multiple domains to prevent war,” said Gen. Clark.

    3MDTF remains ready to fight and win across all domains — anytime, anywhere.

    HUNT FORWARD!

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Caitlin Johnstone: Israel supporters will be despised for the rest of their lives

    Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. –

    COMMENTARY: By Caitlin Johnstone

    Do Israel’s supporters know it’s over for them? Like, they know they’re going to be despised for the rest of their lives, right? That they will never, ever live down the fact that they supported a live-streamed genocide?

    And that it will only get worse for them as history clarifies things?

    Surely they must realise this by now. Surely they must realise that nothing they do for the rest of their lives will ever be as significant as the fact that they played cheerleader for genocide and all of Israel’s demented warmongering, long after normal people realised it was the wrong thing to do.

    That in the eyes of the world they will all always be first and foremost someone who supported and defended history’s first live-streamed genocide.

    I wonder what that’s like, knowing that about yourself? If that was me maybe I’d be pushing for World War Three as well, I dunno. Maybe I’d hope we could turn the whole world into Gaza and let the flames wash away human memory of the things we had done. That enough death and destruction spread out across enough of the earth would make my crimes look small in comparison or something.

    It won’t work, though. Everyone’s always going to remember what they did. Their grandchildren will be disgusted by them. Their families will carry their shame for generations.

    What a terrible way to be.


    Israel supporters will be despised for the rest of their lives    Video: Caitlin Johnstone

    STOP PRESS:

    ❖

    The UK will reportedly be designating Palestine Action as a terrorist group for spraying British military planes with red paint to protest the genocide in Gaza.

    It says a lot about how backwards and diseased western civilization has become when peace activists are designated as terrorists for trying to stop the world’s worst acts of terrorism.

    ❖

    Iran is having more and more success with its missile strikes on Israel. I am not a military expert, but I’ve been hearing for years that Israel doesn’t want to fight Iran because it can’t reliably stop Iran’s missiles. Israel of course would have known this, so it looks like the plan was always for Israel to get itself into hot water and have the US pull it out.

    ❖

    Iran’s real sin is insisting upon its own sovereignty as a nation. That’s why it’s a target of the Western empire. Giving up sovereignty over its own energy infrastructure would be giving up the very thing the Iranians started fighting for in the first place all those years ago. They’re not going to do it unless they are forced to, otherwise what was the point of resisting absorption into the imperial blob that whole time?

    ❖

    I’m supposed to hate a country for saying “Death to America”? I yell that during sex.

    ❖

    The only reason they get to call the Gaza holocaust a “war” is because they’re using bombs and bullets to do the extermination. If they were using gas chambers to kill the same number of people with the exact same motive, all it would change is the world’s understanding of what’s happening.

    ❖

    War after war after war the Western empire has told us it needs to ship off our young to go fight evil murderous tyrants, only for the West to wake up to the reality that the empire’s dearest ally in the Middle East is the most evil, murderous and tyrannical regime around.

    ❖

    The idea of war with Iran would be even less popular than it is now if the Western media hadn’t spent all these years referring to Iran’s civilian nuclear energy programme as “Iran’s nuclear programme”, deliberately causing people to assume that Iran is working on nuclear weapons.

    ❖

    Friendly reminder that last year the official Democratic Party platform slammed Trump for choosing not to go to war with Iran in 2018, 2019 and 2020 during his last presidency.

    Americans aren’t allowed to vote against war.

    Caitlin Johnstone is an Australian independent journalist and poet. Her articles include The UN Torture Report On Assange Is An Indictment Of Our Entire Society. She publishes a website and Caitlin’s Newsletter. This article is republished with permission.

    This article was first published on Café Pacific.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Appeal for information following assault in Newtown

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Please attribute to Detective Inspector Haley Ryan, Wellington District CIB:

    Wellington Police investigating an assault on a woman in Newtown this morning are seeking information and footage from the public.

    The incident occurred on the footpath on Colombo Street at around 7:30am. The woman was approached from behind and when she turned around she was confronted by a man holding a knife. The victim found an opportunity to run from the man into a nearby address and call Police. 

    Police are offering support to the victim, after what was a deeply concerning incident.

    While the victim was not physically injured, she is understandably extremely shaken.

    Police will also ensure we increase our presence in the Newton area to provide reassurance to that community. 

    As part of our ongoing enquiries, we are seeking the public’s assistance to help identify and locate the alleged offender.

    He is reported as being in his late 20s, Caucasian, and about 5’7 [170cm] in height, with a medium build.

    He was wearing a grey jumper with a red hoodie underneath, grey pants and a hospital face mask.

    We are asking for anyone who was in the areas of Colombo Street, Rintoul Street, Adelaide Road, and Riddiford Street, between the hours of 7am and 8am today and may have seen this man, to please contact Police. 

    This male is probably a local resident and someone in our community may recognise the description provided by the victim.  We ask anyone who may know the identity of this male to also make contact with us. 

    Additionally, if anyone has CCTV, dashcam, or video footage from the mentioned areas that may have captured the man at any point, please contact Police and we can come and collect the footage from you.

    You can report information to Police via 105, either over the phone or online, referencing event number 250622/1969.

    Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    We’d also like to remind people to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to Police, by calling 111 if it is happening now, or 105 if it is after the fact.

    ENDS.

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrest after officer struck at RBT

    Source: New South Wales – News

    A female driver was arrested last night following investigations into an incident earlier this month when a police officer was struck by a car at a driver testing station.

    Just before 4pm on Monday 9 June (Kings birthday public holiday), a Ford Falcon sedan was stopped at a driver testing site on Curtis Road, Munno Para.

    The female driver allegedly drove off at speed, hitting a police officer, and then colliding with another vehicle a short distance away.

    The officer sustained a leg injury and has since returned to work.

    Enquiries identified the Ford sedan was stolen from Freeling in May.

    Following extensive investigations, police attended a northern suburbs address yesterday evening, Saturday 21 June, and allegedly found the woman hiding in a caravan in the rear yard.

    The 33-year-old woman was arrested and charged with illegal use, driving disqualified, recklessly cause harm to another, leave the scene of a crash and numerous other traffic offences.

    She was refused police bail and will appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on Monday 23 June.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrests – Aggravated Burglary – Palmerston

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Northern Territory Police have arrested 5 youths after they allegedly forced their way into a Palmerston home and stole 2 vehicles early this morning.

    At 1:16am the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received information that a number of offenders armed with edged weapons had entered a home in Rosebery.

    Earlier the victims had locked themselves in a bedroom before the offenders smashed the bedroom door with a machete and demanded money and keys to 2 vehicles.

    After locating the keys the offenders left the scene and a short time later they allegedly burgled a shop at Frances Bay where they stole a large quantity of alcohol.

    General Duties officers attended the Rosebery home and a crime scene was established.

    Members from Strike Force Trident and the K9 unit were also called out before the stolen vehicles were located on police CCTV and tracked.

    Police then engaged in a short pursuit in Palmerston before the offenders stopped the vehicles and ran.

    The K9 unit then tracked the offenders to an address in Moulden where police arrested a 15-year-old male, 17-year-old male and three 16-year-old males.

    Investigations are continuing.

    Police are urging anyone who may have information about the incidents to contact police on 131 444 as soon as possible and quote reference number P25167478.

    Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Serious crash at Meadows

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Two men have been injured in a serious crash at Meadows overnight.

    About 2am Sunday 22 June, police and emergency services were called to Morris Road at Meadows following reports that a car had collided with a tree.

    The driver of the Toyota ute, a 28-year-old man from the Mid North, sustained life threatening injuries while his passenger, a 47-year-old man from Meadows was critically injured. Both men were transported to hospital for treatment.

    Morris Road is currently closed between Brookman Road and Arunga Road while Major Crash investigators examine the scene. Road users are asked to avoid the area.

    MIL OSI News –

  • PM Modi leads historic Yoga Day gathering in Visakhapatnam with over 3 lakh participation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday led the nation in celebrating the 11th International Day of Yoga at a spectacular gathering along the picturesque coast of Visakhapatnam. Marking a historic milestone, the event witnessed the participation of over three lakh citizens, earning recognition in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest-ever yoga gathering.
     
    In his address, the Prime Minister extended greetings to people across the country and the world on this global occasion. Reflecting on the journey since the inception of International Yoga Day in 2015, he recalled India’s proposal at the United Nations that received support from 175 countries. He said this support reflected a rare global consensus for the welfare of humanity. “Eleven years on, yoga has become an integral part of the lifestyle of millions across the globe,” he said.
     
    The Prime Minister said that yoga has the power to transcend boundaries, backgrounds, age, or ability. He noted how it is now practiced from the steps of the Sydney Opera House to the summit of Mount Everest, and even in space by scientists. He also mentioned how Divyang individuals are reading yogic texts in Braille, and students from rural areas are taking part in Yoga Olympiads, reaffirming that yoga truly belongs to everyone.
     
    Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Modi lauded the city of Visakhapatnam for hosting the grand celebrations and praised its vibrant blend of natural beauty and progress. He appreciated the efforts of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and actor-politician Pawan Kalyan for their leadership in organising the event and launching the state-wide Yogandhra Abhiyan.
     
    He gave special recognition to Nara Lokesh for his dedication in turning yoga into a social celebration that engaged communities across all sections of society. The Prime Minister said that the participation of over two crore people in the Yogandhra campaign reflects the spirit of Jan Bhagidari, which is the bedrock of a Viksit Bharat. He said that when citizens take ownership of national movements, even the most ambitious goals become achievable.
     
    Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav, in his address, credited the Prime Minister for initiating the historic resolution at the UN General Assembly, which laid the foundation for a global wellness movement celebrated in more than 180 countries today. He announced the launch of 10 signature events this year as part of the International Day of Yoga celebrations, including Harit Yoga, Yoga Connect, Yoga Parks, Yoga Bandhan, Yoga Mahakumbh, and Yoga Sangam. These events have seen participation from over 10 lakh organisations across India.
     
    Jadhav also praised the Andhra Pradesh government for the successful launch of the Yogandhra Abhiyan on May 21. He noted that as part of the campaign, over 22,000 tribal students performed 12 rounds of Surya Namaskar in just 15 minutes, setting another Guinness World Record.
     
    He further informed that the Ministry of Ayush, inspired by the Prime Minister, has launched an initiative to promote healthy eating habits. As part of this effort, Ayush Aahar based on moringa was distributed at 70 locations across Delhi during Yoga Day celebrations, offering a healthy and tasty alternative to the public.
     
    Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, while expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister for selecting Andhra Pradesh to host the main event, said that the state celebrated Yoga Day with unprecedented enthusiasm. He noted that the month-long Yogandhra campaign concluded with participation from 2.17 crore people across the state, setting several records in the process.
     
    Joining the nationwide celebration, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh participated in the Yoga Day event in Udhampur. He said that yoga, a tradition passed down by India’s sages, is now being followed globally and is more than a practice—it is a way of life.
     
    Union Home Minister Amit Shah took part in the celebrations in Ahmedabad and shared on social media that yoga has become an essential daily habit, bringing unity to the mind, body, and brain.
     
    Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Jagat Prakash Nadda, participated in the celebrations at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. He said that yoga nurtures balance across physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions and praised the Prime Minister’s leadership for bringing global attention to yoga. He encouraged all citizens to continue practicing and promoting yoga as an essential part of a healthy lifestyle.
     
    More than 100 events were organised across the national capital to mark the 11th International Day of Yoga, further reflecting the nationwide enthusiasm and deep cultural connection to the ancient practice.

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Hainan Free Trade Port to Play Key Role in China’s Opening-Up Policy

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    HAIKOU, June 21 (Xinhua) — Canadian tourist Stephanie Wing Xi Yao found the wellness treatments at a medical center in Boao Township, south China’s Hainan Province, more like a “resort.”

    “Everything here is top-notch, the staff pays attention to all aspects of health – not only physical but also mental,” she told Xinhua at the Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone in Boao, which is home to more than 30 leading domestic and foreign medical institutions.

    Through special policy measures, 485 advanced drugs and medical equipment licensed abroad but not yet available domestically were brought into the pilot zone, benefiting more than 130,000 patients, including Yao.

    Her four-day experience at the medical centre, which combined cutting-edge medical examinations, traditional Chinese medicine treatments, tea ceremonies and cultural immersion, was much more than just a chance to relax. It demonstrates the concrete outcome of a key step in China’s opening-up strategy: turning Hainan into a free trade port (FTP).

    As Hainan FCT prepares to launch a separate customs control regime by the end of the year, it plans to become not only a tourist mecca but also an important gateway for China’s high-level opening-up.

    PLACE OF FREE MOVEMENT OF FACTORS

    The central component of this transformation is the Lecheng Medical Tourism Pilot Zone. A total of 25 medical tourism routes have been launched, covering a wide range of needs, including traditional Chinese medicine, chronic disease treatment, premium diagnostics, and beauty rehabilitation, which have gained popularity among residents of Indonesia, Russia, Spain, and other countries.

    In 2024, the medical special zone was visited more than 410,000 times, which is 36.76 percent more than the previous year.

    Lecheng is just one part of Hainan’s broader efforts to open up. Beyond the medical sector, the province is accelerating foreign companies’ access to finance, education, communications and high-tech industries as China seeks to create a free trade zone with the highest global trading standards.

    Backed by China’s huge domestic market and its strategic positioning, Hainan is an important hub linking the world’s second-largest economy to global markets.

    The Hainan PCT is poised to become “a key gateway leading China into a new era of opening up,” said Chi Fulin, head of the China Institute of Reform and Development Studies.

    With the approach of the launch of the separate customs control regime, the political system of the PST was formed, based on such features as zero tariffs, low tax rates, a simplified tax system and facilitated movement of production factors.

    For companies based in Lecheng, the zero-tariff policy on medical imports has saved nearly 8.2 million yuan (about $1.14 million) in duties since December 2024.

    The launch of separate customs control will be a concrete step towards creating an important gateway for China’s high-level opening up, Chi Fulin noted.

    INSTITUTIONAL OPENNESS ATTRACTS FOREIGN CAPITAL

    Since the Hainan FCT has prioritized institutional integration and coordination in trade, financial and regulatory systems, experts believe that this will create a strong driving force for the development of the FCT and contribute to China’s high-level opening-up expansion strategy.

    Official data show that Hainan Province has implemented a total of 158 institutional innovations to date. These reforms include technology-enhanced government tenders, a one-stop shop for business licenses, and the establishment of a dedicated IP zone to support the breeding industry.

    The Hainan Free Trade Zone serves not only as a testing ground for the free movement of goods, services and data, but also as a front for innovation in regulation and mechanisms, said Zhou Xiaochuan, vice chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia (BOA).

    With an optimized business environment, Hainan has become a leading destination for foreign investment, ranking among the best in the country in terms of its performance. In 2024, the number of foreign-invested enterprises in Hainan increased by 19.2 percent year-on-year, and the volume of foreign direct investment attracted allowed the region to rise to 10th place in the country.

    To date, Hainan has attracted investment from 158 countries and regions, and its economic openness ratio – the ratio of total foreign trade to GRP – has more than doubled from 17.3 percent in 2018 to 35 percent in 2024.

    The province’s landmark events such as BAF, a leading platform advocating for openness and multilateral cooperation, and the China International Consumer Goods Expo, the largest consumer expo in the Asia-Pacific region, offer dynamic opportunities for global investors to observe China’s evolving opening-up agenda.

    LVMH’s luxury retail arm DFS made its largest single investment in 60 years in 2024, opening a landmark complex in Yalong Bay in Sanya, Hainan’s famous tropical resort city. The project will combine luxury retail, hotels and entertainment to create a premier luxury shopping and tourism destination.

    “The Hainan FTA represents China’s commitment to high-standard opening-up,” said DFS China President Nancy Liu.

    China’s special economic zones, such as the Hainan Free Trade Zone and the 21 pilot free trade zones, serve as key drivers of industrial transformation and opening-up, Chi Fulin stressed, noting their role as “growth accelerators for both regional and global economies.”

    Once the separate customs control is put into effect, the Hainan FCP will create key opportunities for international enterprises to more effectively access China’s domestic market and play a greater role in strengthening market connectivity with global markets through regulatory harmonization focused on trade in services, he added. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Port Noarlunga South home break-in

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Police are investigating a break-in at Port Noarlunga South this morning and have released CCTV of the suspects and their getaway scooter.

    Three unknown males attended an address in Aldam Road, Port Noarlunga South about 8.30am on Saturday 21 June.  One suspect waited outside on a scooter while two males entered the home and confronted the four occupants.

    Three victims were assaulted during the incident and sustained minor injuries.

    The offenders stole a Playstation 5 and two wallets before getting back on the silver and black scooter, described as similar to a Yamaha NMAX 155, and heading west along Aldam Road.

    They were all dressed in black, with their faces covered.

    Southern District CIB detectives are investigating.

    Anyone who recognises the trio or scooter or has dashcam or CCTV footage that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Kirsty Coventry Unveils Collaborative & Inclusive International Olympic Committee (IOC) Leadership Vision at First Public Media Roundtable

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    In her first major media appearance since being elected President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Kirsty Coventry offered a strikingly human portrait of the leader she intends to be: humble, collaborative, and unwaveringly grounded in the values of sport, equity, and Olympism, as she addressed international media during an online open roundtable on Zoom this afternoon.

    FIRST WOMAN & AFRICAN Speaking candidly for over an hour, the Zimbabwean reflected on the life journey that brought her from the pools of Harare to the corridors of Olympic power in Lausanne. Her presidency, set to begin officially on Olympic Day, 23 June 2025, will mark a historic moment as she becomes the first woman and first African to lead the IOC.

    GROUNDED LEADERSHIP Coventry made it clear that her leadership will not be rooted in authority, but in consensus and a collaborative, human-centred vision: ”In both my personal and professional career, I’ve always had incredible people around me to keep me grounded and humble; those are people whom I will continue to keep around me.” 

    She added: “Values are at the core of our daily business, they’re incredibly important in today’s communities, and I hold this very close to my heart.”

    WHY IOC FORUMS MATTER Replying to a question from Japan’s Wakako Yuki on the role of IOC Forums in attribute Conventry’s vision as president, “I have a vision that I would like to see, but I want to do it in a collaborative way. The Athletes Forum, eSport, Olympism365, the two ASOIF and WOF General Assemblies have been great platforms to listen to people, to hear topics that are important to them.”

    2ND MEDIA ROUNDTABLE IN SIGHT Coventry announced that immediately following the IOC Session on June 23-24, she has invited members to stay for a two-day “pause and reflect” workshop, an opportunity for honest dialogue about the IOC’s challenges and future direction: 

    “I’ve invited the IOC members to stay two extra days so that I can hear what is on their mind and what they see as our opportunities and what they may see as our challenges, as we move into the future and come up with different ideas. This is the first point in a longer consultation process with all stakeholders, including yourselves as media, where we’ll create another round table where I’ll get to ask you all a bunch of questions. That will strengthen the Olympic movement in a collaborative way.”

    VALUES CARRIED TO IOC PRESIDENCY Nadine Hassan from Jordan asked Kirsty, looking back on her journey, from Olympic champion to minister and now IOC President, which moments off the podium had the greatest impact in shaping the person she is today? “I’ll need a moment to properly reflect on this. I think I’d have to go back to my roots. Growing up in Zimbabwe played a huge role. It’s a small community in many ways. We’re a big country geographically, but we’re just 15 million people, and we lean on each other.

    “I think that kind of upbringing, maybe a bit more sheltered, surrounded by strong values and close-knit support, helped me understand the importance of having grounded, humble, genuine people around me. And it’s those people who’ve consistently reminded me of where I come from. That’s been one of the most powerful influences throughout my journey.

    CHALLENGES, AND DIFFICULT MEN.. New York Times reporter Tariq Panja referenced Coventry’s previous remarks about dealing with “difficult men.” She smiled knowingly and recounted the pressures she faced as a young Olympic medallist representing Zimbabwe during politically turbulent times: 

    “As athletes, we had a lot of pressure coming from different government officials in Zimbabwe, and you know, it was hard. To look at others and trying to say, I’m an athlete, I don’t believe in the politics in sport. I want to just focus on performing well,” She said, without names mentioned, “Looking back now, it taught me a lot about how to work with people, how to be respectful of differing opinions and still move forward on a shared agenda.”

    WOMEN SUPPORT WOMEN USA’s Rachel Axon asked, How has your career been shaped by other women at various career points, adding the gender equality initiatives to your role as female IOC President. Conventry highlighted the women who shaped her path, from her mother and grandmother to her university head swim coach, even Olympic trailblazers like Donna de Varona:

    She said, “My grandfather passed away when Mom was in her late teens. And so my grandmother was a single mom for most of her life, with three kids, and both were just incredibly strong women who raised families, and I think my mom’s pretty great, and my uncle and aunt. She did a great job, but she also had a successful career in fashion. My mum got to see her doing that, so she was always an incredible role model for my sister and I.”

    She adds: “My swim coach, Kim, who became a Division I coach while her husband was deployed overseas, with two very young kids, watching how she balanced that was inspiring. When we were preparing for the 2004 Olympics, her eldest came to Athens as a baby.. Again, I’ve been fortunate in my life to have very strong women around me who have shown me that it’s possible. It’s not always easy, but it’s possible,” noting her hope to pay that inspiration forward, especially for her two daughters.

    AFRICAN HERITAGE A question from China’s Mandan Zhu touched on Coventry’s rich international background and the impact of her African heritage, coming from Harare to Lausanne as a little girl with big dreams,“I can remember exactly where I was standing in my parents’ living room. I was still in my swimsuit, feeling cold after swimming in the pool, only to stand in front of the TV and watch divers compete. I would say that there’s never a dream too big.

    “You know, where there is a will to achieve, there’s a way. And don’t let someone talk you out of having that dream of what could be the best thing that happens to you. It’s quite powerful.”

    WEIGHT OF BEING ‘FIRST’ British journalist Jamie Gardner asked Coventry about the significance of becoming the IOC’s first female president at this particular moment in history. While she admitted it wasn’t something she initially focused on, the outpouring of messages from women around the world has since left a powerful mark: “I had a coworker tell me that his mum said, ‘Never in my lifetime did I think I’d see a woman lead the movement you work for.’” That moment, she admitted, hit her deeply. “It’s not just an exciting day, it’s a day with a lot of responsibility.”

    FROM SYDNEY TO BRISBANE Australia, particularly the Sydney 2000 Games, remains a defining touchstone for Coventry’s Olympic journey. Asked about her journey coming full circle, from a wide-eyed young swimmer at Sydney 2000 to President for Brisbane 2032, Coventry shared a funny tale about struggling to put on her first Speedo sharkskin suit, helped up by none other than Australian legend Susie O’Neill:

    “When we arrived in Sydney, I went into the changing room to try my Speedo suit on, and it turned into a total disaster. I had one leg in, was struggling to get the other in, lost my balance completely, and toppled over. Mortifying. Then this amazing person next to me leans down to help, and as I look up, I realise… It’s Susie. I never forget that moment because she was a role model to me, those Games, changed everything for me,” she recalled. “Now I hope Brisbane will show the world the warmth and passion of Australia, and inspire the next generations like Sydney did for me.”

    LIFTING VOICES As the media roundtable with IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry progressed, her clarity of purpose sharpened further. In a movement often shaped by the world’s most powerful nations, Coventry made a point of bringing attention to her roots, and how they shape her priorities: “I come from a much smaller NOC, a developing country,” she said of Zimbabwe. “And I understand the challenges our athletes face. How do we close that gap? How do we ensure that athletes from all walks of life, if not with the same opportunities, at least have equal opportunities?”

    Coventry affirms that she intends to elevate voices often left on the margins. Her presidency, she hinted, will focus as much on inclusion as it will on innovation.

    LEARNING FROM YOUNG GENERATIONS Perhaps the most poignant reminder of who Coventry is, and who she intends to be as IOC President, came when she spoke about her own children. “They’re a daily reminder of our responsibility to keep sport relevant, and to listen, really listen, to what young people think is important. Kids are honest,” she said with a smile. “And sometimes that’s a very good thing.”

    Her two young daughters, she explained, are constant reminders that sport must remain relevant and engaging for younger generations. Despite the gravity of her new role, Coventry remains adamant about keeping her family grounded: “We won’t be staying in the Lausanne Palace. I want my kids to grow up doing the same things I did, making their beds, doing house chores, and just being kids.”

    ROAD AHEAD As Kirsty Coventry prepares to officially assume the role on June 23, her message is one of optimism, inclusivity, and integrity. With the weight of history on her shoulders and the wind of lived experience at her back, she is poised not just to lead the Olympic Movement but to reshape it for the modern age, starting by one athlete, one story, one honest conversation at a time.

    – on behalf of International Sports Press Association (AIPS).

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Domestic Violence Stabbing – Alice Springs

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Northern Territory Police are calling for information after a 25-year-old woman was allegedly stabbed multiple times with an edged weapon by her partner in Alice Springs early this morning.

    At 4:43am this morning NT police received information that a woman had been stabbed outside a store on Todd Street.

    CCTV captured a 32-year-old man, who is believed to be known to the woman, stabbing her multiple times, but the footage was not sufficiently clear enough to establish the nature of the weapon used, or the severity of the injuries sustained.

    The offender fled prior to police attendance and the victim got into a vehicle, which was leaving as police arrived.  That vehicle, a white commodore with a white decal across the front windscreen, is believed to be involved in the incident.

    Therefore, the condition of the victim could not be established, however, it is likely the victim has sustained substantial injuries.

    A crime scene was declared and investigations remain ongoing.

    The victim and the offender have now been identified and police are urging anyone who may have witnessed, or who have information about the incident to contact police on 131 444 as soon as possible and quote reference number NTP2500063207

    Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Man arrested for aggravated robbery in West Lakes car park

    Source: New South Wales – News

    A man was arrested after allegedly trying to steal a woman’s car at knifepoint at West Lakes this morning.

    About 8.40am on Saturday 21 June, the victim, a woman aged in her 60s, was seated in her parked car in a car park on Bower Road, West Lakes when she was approached by a man.

    The man opened her car door, presented a knife and demanded the car keys.  The woman screamed, alerting witnesses and the suspect ran away.

    It will be alleged he was located a short distance away by patrols.

    Police Dog Bandit and Water Operations Police were called in to search the area to locate items discarded by the offender as he fled the scene.  PD Bandit located a backpack and other items, while divers are searching the canal and surrounds for the knife believed to have been discarded.

    A 19-year-old Semaphore Park man was arrested and charged with aggravated robbery.  He will be interviewed by Western District CIB detectives and has not yet applied for bail.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 21, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 21, 2025.

    Former New Zealand PM Helen Clark blames Cook Islands for crisis
    By Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific presenter/producer Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark believes the Cook Islands, a realm of New Zealand, caused a crisis for itself by not consulting Wellington before signing a deal with China. The New Zealand government has paused more than $18 million in development assistance to the Cook Islands after

    View from The Hill: Albanese decides against pursuing Donald Trump to NATO
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Anthony Albanese, just back from the G7 and his cancelled meeting with Donald Trump, has abandoned the idea of going to next week’s NATO meeting in pursuit of face time with the elusive president. The word was that the prime

    Britain’s support for AUKUS is unwavering – but its capacity to deliver is another matter
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tom Howe, PhD candidate in International Relations, Monash University A recently announced Pentagon review of the AUKUS pact has sparked a renewed bout of debate in Australia. Led by the “AUKUS-agnostic” US Undersecretary of Defense Elbridge Colby, the review raises serious questions over whether Australia will receive

    ‘I was in a semi-breaking-down sort of place’: new study sheds light on the emotional toll for emergency volunteers
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Natalie Roche, PhD Candidate, Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, La Trobe University Sergey Dolgikh/Getty Images In Australia, there are around 235,000 emergency service volunteers who help communities respond and recover after natural disasters and other traumatic events. These include volunteers with metropolitan and rural fire services

    Australia wants more foreign investment. That’s why a $29 billion bid for Santos puts the Treasurer in a tricky position
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shumi Akhtar, Associate Professor, University of Sydney Marlon Trottmann/Shutterstock The Australian origins of Santos have made an indelible mark on the company’s very name. The energy giant was first incorporated in 1954 under the acronym for “South Australia Northern Territory Oil Search”. It was publicly listed on

    15 months after ‘flour massacre’ shock, Israel commits daily Gaza food aid killings
    BEARING WITNESS: By Cole Martin in occupied Bethlehem Kia ora koutou,  I’m a Kiwi journo in occupied Bethlehem, here’s a brief summary of today’s events across the Palestinian and Israeli territories from on the ground. At least 16 killed by Israeli airstrike on al-Shati refugee camp in northern Gaza. 92 killed across Gaza in total,

    ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 20, 2025
    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 20, 2025.

    ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 20, 2025
    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 20, 2025.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • Yoga is for everyone, beyond age, backgrounds or boundaries: PM Modi in Visakhapatnam

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday took part in the 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations, where he hailed yoga as a gift “beyond age” that transcends all boundaries and unites humanity in “health and harmony.”

    The event took place against the scenic backdrop of the Visakhapatnam coastline, with Indian Navy ships stationed near the shore, adding to the grandeur of the celebrations.

    The Prime Minister praised the efforts of the Andhra Pradesh government and extended his appreciation to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan for hosting the event in Visakhapatnam. He lauded their leadership as “inspiring” and described the state’s initiative to promote yoga as “commendable.”

    Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said, “Yoga is for everyone—beyond boundaries, beyond backgrounds, beyond age or physical ability. It is a universal gift that unites humanity in health, harmony, and consciousness. Friends, I am truly delighted that we are gathered here in Visakhapatnam, a city that beautifully blends nature with progress. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Chandrababu Naidu Garu and Pawan Kalyan for hosting such a wonderful event under your inspiring leadership. It is commendable that the state of Andhra Pradesh has taken this meaningful initiative to promote yoga,”

    Over three lakh individuals joined him for a mass yoga session in the coastal city, reinforcing this year’s message that ‘yoga belongs to everyone’ and brings the world together.

    The Prime Minister recalled India’s initiative at the United Nations in 2014 to declare June 21 as International Yoga Day, a move that received wide global support in record time.

    “I remember when India proposed to the United Nations that June 21st be celebrated as International Yoga Day. Remarkably, in a very short span of time, 175 countries came forward to support this initiative. Such unity and overwhelming global support was truly extraordinary. This was not just about agreeing to a proposal; it was a collective step taken for the betterment of humanity. It reflected a shared vision for a healthier, more conscious world. Today, in 2025, we can proudly see that yoga has become an integral part of many people’s lives across the globe,” the Prime Minister said.

    He also highlighted how yoga has reached every corner of the planet and has become a global symbol of health and peace.

    “Be it the steps of the Sydney Opera House, the peaks of Everest, or the expanse of the ocean, the message everywhere is the same — Yoga belongs to all and is for all,” the PM added.

    Reflecting on the journey over the past decade, PM Modi said the global acceptance of yoga was not just symbolic but a united push for human well-being.

    “When I look back at the journey of yoga over the past decade, I remember many things. That day when India proposed in the United Nations that June 21st be recognised as International Yoga Day, and then in the shortest possible time, 175 countries of the world stood with our proposal. Such solidarity, such support is not a common occurrence in today’s world. This was not just support for a proposal; it was a collective effort of the world for the welfare of humanity,” he said.

    At the beginning of his address, the Prime Minister extended his greetings to people across the globe.

    “Happy International Yoga Day to all the people across the country and the world. Today, for the 11th time, the whole world is doing Yoga together on June 21st. The simple meaning of yoga is to join. And it is wonderful to see how Yoga has connected the whole world,” PM Modi said.

    BJP national president JP Nadda also took part in the International Day of Yoga celebrations in New Delhi. He spoke about the deeper meaning of yoga and how it has gone far beyond just being a form of physical exercise.

    “Yoga is not merely a physical exercise. For many, it holds a much deeper meaning. It is a path through which we strive to connect with our inner consciousness, often through practices like meditation. The word ‘Yoga’ itself means ‘to unite’ or ‘to sum up,’ symbolising the union of body, mind, and spirit. It is not only a physical discipline but also a profound mental and spiritual practice,” said JP Nadda.

    He also praised PM Modi’s role in taking yoga to the global stage through the United Nations.

    “In December 2014, the United Nations General Assembly declared that June 21 will be celebrated as International Yoga Day every year. The proposal put forward by the Honorable Prime Minister was unanimously passed by the United Nations, and International Yoga Day started being celebrated from 2015,” Nadda said.

    “I would like to congratulate all of you on the occasion of International Yoga Day. As you know, the proposal to observe an International Day of Yoga was put forward by our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, at the United Nations. With overwhelming support, the UN passed the resolution, and since June 21, 2015, the world has been celebrating International Yoga Day. It has now been 10 years, and we are stepping into the 11th year of this global celebration. Over the past decade, we have witnessed how the world has embraced and accepted yoga as a powerful practice for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being,” he added.

    “We all know that the idea of Yoga Day and celebrating Yoga Day all over the world was started by our respected Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji in 2014. In 2014, he said in the United Nations General Assembly that Yoga Day should be celebrated, and more than 170 countries supported it,” the Union Minister said.

    Meanwhile, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan performed yoga at the Kishan Mela Ground in Pusa, New Delhi, joining thousands of participants across the country in marking the occasion.

    The 11th International Day of Yoga saw widespread participation acoss states.

    (ANI)

  • Yoga is for everyone, beyond age, backgrounds or boundaries: PM Modi in Visakhapatnam

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday took part in the 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations, where he hailed yoga as a gift “beyond age” that transcends all boundaries and unites humanity in “health and harmony.”

    The event took place against the scenic backdrop of the Visakhapatnam coastline, with Indian Navy ships stationed near the shore, adding to the grandeur of the celebrations.

    The Prime Minister praised the efforts of the Andhra Pradesh government and extended his appreciation to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan for hosting the event in Visakhapatnam. He lauded their leadership as “inspiring” and described the state’s initiative to promote yoga as “commendable.”

    Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said, “Yoga is for everyone—beyond boundaries, beyond backgrounds, beyond age or physical ability. It is a universal gift that unites humanity in health, harmony, and consciousness. Friends, I am truly delighted that we are gathered here in Visakhapatnam, a city that beautifully blends nature with progress. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Chandrababu Naidu Garu and Pawan Kalyan for hosting such a wonderful event under your inspiring leadership. It is commendable that the state of Andhra Pradesh has taken this meaningful initiative to promote yoga,”

    Over three lakh individuals joined him for a mass yoga session in the coastal city, reinforcing this year’s message that ‘yoga belongs to everyone’ and brings the world together.

    The Prime Minister recalled India’s initiative at the United Nations in 2014 to declare June 21 as International Yoga Day, a move that received wide global support in record time.

    “I remember when India proposed to the United Nations that June 21st be celebrated as International Yoga Day. Remarkably, in a very short span of time, 175 countries came forward to support this initiative. Such unity and overwhelming global support was truly extraordinary. This was not just about agreeing to a proposal; it was a collective step taken for the betterment of humanity. It reflected a shared vision for a healthier, more conscious world. Today, in 2025, we can proudly see that yoga has become an integral part of many people’s lives across the globe,” the Prime Minister said.

    He also highlighted how yoga has reached every corner of the planet and has become a global symbol of health and peace.

    “Be it the steps of the Sydney Opera House, the peaks of Everest, or the expanse of the ocean, the message everywhere is the same — Yoga belongs to all and is for all,” the PM added.

    Reflecting on the journey over the past decade, PM Modi said the global acceptance of yoga was not just symbolic but a united push for human well-being.

    “When I look back at the journey of yoga over the past decade, I remember many things. That day when India proposed in the United Nations that June 21st be recognised as International Yoga Day, and then in the shortest possible time, 175 countries of the world stood with our proposal. Such solidarity, such support is not a common occurrence in today’s world. This was not just support for a proposal; it was a collective effort of the world for the welfare of humanity,” he said.

    At the beginning of his address, the Prime Minister extended his greetings to people across the globe.

    “Happy International Yoga Day to all the people across the country and the world. Today, for the 11th time, the whole world is doing Yoga together on June 21st. The simple meaning of yoga is to join. And it is wonderful to see how Yoga has connected the whole world,” PM Modi said.

    BJP national president JP Nadda also took part in the International Day of Yoga celebrations in New Delhi. He spoke about the deeper meaning of yoga and how it has gone far beyond just being a form of physical exercise.

    “Yoga is not merely a physical exercise. For many, it holds a much deeper meaning. It is a path through which we strive to connect with our inner consciousness, often through practices like meditation. The word ‘Yoga’ itself means ‘to unite’ or ‘to sum up,’ symbolising the union of body, mind, and spirit. It is not only a physical discipline but also a profound mental and spiritual practice,” said JP Nadda.

    He also praised PM Modi’s role in taking yoga to the global stage through the United Nations.

    “In December 2014, the United Nations General Assembly declared that June 21 will be celebrated as International Yoga Day every year. The proposal put forward by the Honorable Prime Minister was unanimously passed by the United Nations, and International Yoga Day started being celebrated from 2015,” Nadda said.

    “I would like to congratulate all of you on the occasion of International Yoga Day. As you know, the proposal to observe an International Day of Yoga was put forward by our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, at the United Nations. With overwhelming support, the UN passed the resolution, and since June 21, 2015, the world has been celebrating International Yoga Day. It has now been 10 years, and we are stepping into the 11th year of this global celebration. Over the past decade, we have witnessed how the world has embraced and accepted yoga as a powerful practice for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being,” he added.

    “We all know that the idea of Yoga Day and celebrating Yoga Day all over the world was started by our respected Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji in 2014. In 2014, he said in the United Nations General Assembly that Yoga Day should be celebrated, and more than 170 countries supported it,” the Union Minister said.

    Meanwhile, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan performed yoga at the Kishan Mela Ground in Pusa, New Delhi, joining thousands of participants across the country in marking the occasion.

    The 11th International Day of Yoga saw widespread participation acoss states.

    (ANI)

  • Yoga is for everyone, beyond age, backgrounds or boundaries: PM Modi in Visakhapatnam

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday took part in the 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations, where he hailed yoga as a gift “beyond age” that transcends all boundaries and unites humanity in “health and harmony.”

    The event took place against the scenic backdrop of the Visakhapatnam coastline, with Indian Navy ships stationed near the shore, adding to the grandeur of the celebrations.

    The Prime Minister praised the efforts of the Andhra Pradesh government and extended his appreciation to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan for hosting the event in Visakhapatnam. He lauded their leadership as “inspiring” and described the state’s initiative to promote yoga as “commendable.”

    Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said, “Yoga is for everyone—beyond boundaries, beyond backgrounds, beyond age or physical ability. It is a universal gift that unites humanity in health, harmony, and consciousness. Friends, I am truly delighted that we are gathered here in Visakhapatnam, a city that beautifully blends nature with progress. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Chandrababu Naidu Garu and Pawan Kalyan for hosting such a wonderful event under your inspiring leadership. It is commendable that the state of Andhra Pradesh has taken this meaningful initiative to promote yoga,”

    Over three lakh individuals joined him for a mass yoga session in the coastal city, reinforcing this year’s message that ‘yoga belongs to everyone’ and brings the world together.

    The Prime Minister recalled India’s initiative at the United Nations in 2014 to declare June 21 as International Yoga Day, a move that received wide global support in record time.

    “I remember when India proposed to the United Nations that June 21st be celebrated as International Yoga Day. Remarkably, in a very short span of time, 175 countries came forward to support this initiative. Such unity and overwhelming global support was truly extraordinary. This was not just about agreeing to a proposal; it was a collective step taken for the betterment of humanity. It reflected a shared vision for a healthier, more conscious world. Today, in 2025, we can proudly see that yoga has become an integral part of many people’s lives across the globe,” the Prime Minister said.

    He also highlighted how yoga has reached every corner of the planet and has become a global symbol of health and peace.

    “Be it the steps of the Sydney Opera House, the peaks of Everest, or the expanse of the ocean, the message everywhere is the same — Yoga belongs to all and is for all,” the PM added.

    Reflecting on the journey over the past decade, PM Modi said the global acceptance of yoga was not just symbolic but a united push for human well-being.

    “When I look back at the journey of yoga over the past decade, I remember many things. That day when India proposed in the United Nations that June 21st be recognised as International Yoga Day, and then in the shortest possible time, 175 countries of the world stood with our proposal. Such solidarity, such support is not a common occurrence in today’s world. This was not just support for a proposal; it was a collective effort of the world for the welfare of humanity,” he said.

    At the beginning of his address, the Prime Minister extended his greetings to people across the globe.

    “Happy International Yoga Day to all the people across the country and the world. Today, for the 11th time, the whole world is doing Yoga together on June 21st. The simple meaning of yoga is to join. And it is wonderful to see how Yoga has connected the whole world,” PM Modi said.

    BJP national president JP Nadda also took part in the International Day of Yoga celebrations in New Delhi. He spoke about the deeper meaning of yoga and how it has gone far beyond just being a form of physical exercise.

    “Yoga is not merely a physical exercise. For many, it holds a much deeper meaning. It is a path through which we strive to connect with our inner consciousness, often through practices like meditation. The word ‘Yoga’ itself means ‘to unite’ or ‘to sum up,’ symbolising the union of body, mind, and spirit. It is not only a physical discipline but also a profound mental and spiritual practice,” said JP Nadda.

    He also praised PM Modi’s role in taking yoga to the global stage through the United Nations.

    “In December 2014, the United Nations General Assembly declared that June 21 will be celebrated as International Yoga Day every year. The proposal put forward by the Honorable Prime Minister was unanimously passed by the United Nations, and International Yoga Day started being celebrated from 2015,” Nadda said.

    “I would like to congratulate all of you on the occasion of International Yoga Day. As you know, the proposal to observe an International Day of Yoga was put forward by our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, at the United Nations. With overwhelming support, the UN passed the resolution, and since June 21, 2015, the world has been celebrating International Yoga Day. It has now been 10 years, and we are stepping into the 11th year of this global celebration. Over the past decade, we have witnessed how the world has embraced and accepted yoga as a powerful practice for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being,” he added.

    “We all know that the idea of Yoga Day and celebrating Yoga Day all over the world was started by our respected Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji in 2014. In 2014, he said in the United Nations General Assembly that Yoga Day should be celebrated, and more than 170 countries supported it,” the Union Minister said.

    Meanwhile, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan performed yoga at the Kishan Mela Ground in Pusa, New Delhi, joining thousands of participants across the country in marking the occasion.

    The 11th International Day of Yoga saw widespread participation acoss states.

    (ANI)

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 2025–26 ACT Budget: what’s in it for Molonglo, Weston Creek and Woden

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Our CBR is the ACT Government’s key channel to connect with Canberrans and keep you up-to-date with what’s happening in the city. Our CBR includes a monthly print edition, email newsletter and website.

    You can easily opt in or out of the newsletter subscription at any time.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NH Delegation Introduces Legislation to Deliver Full-Service VA Hospital to NH

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan

    Manchester, NH – Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), ranking member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, introduced the Veterans Full-Service Care and Access Act, legislation that would require VA to operate, at minimum, one full-service Veterans Health Administration hospital within each state in the contiguous 48 states. U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, is leading companion legislation in the Senate. U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan, a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), a member of the House Armed Services Committee and former intelligence officer in the United States Navy Reserve, are cosponsors of the legislation in their respective houses of Congress.

    “Our veterans have each put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms, and they ought to receive the care and benefits they have earned after their service. Unfortunately, New Hampshire veterans are not on an equal footing with those in other states. New Hampshire still lacks a full-service VA hospital, meaning our veterans may not have access to, or may need to travel long distances for, essential care. My legislation would finally right this wrong,” said Congressman Pappas. “I have fought to prevent the closure of Community-Based Outpatient Clinics, reduce the backlog of cases at VA, and ensure that toxic-exposed veterans are finally receiving the help they need. I will continue my work to strengthen veterans’ health care by pushing for a full-service hospital for New Hampshire veterans who deserve the highest quality care and services.”

    “Every freedom and right we enjoy today was paid for with the sacrifices of the men and women who have served in the military—the least we can do is ensure veterans can access first rate health care no matter where they live,” said Senator Shaheen. “Our bill would help more Granite State veterans access the health care they deserve by helping establish a full service VA hospital in New Hampshire—the only state in the continental U.S. without one.” 

    “America’s best deserve our best, which is why it’s past time that New Hampshire veterans have a full-service VA facility in our state,” said Senator Hassan. “I have a record of advocating for a full-service VA hospital in New Hampshire and I urge my colleagues in the House and Senate to support this bill and help us uphold our commitment to our veterans.”

    “We have a sacred obligation to the tens of thousands of women and men across New Hampshire who served our country in uniform. They put their lives on the line to keep us safe, and it’s my mission in Congress to ensure these brave American heroes have access to the full range of healthcare they need,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “This bill is an important step in this mission.”

    “The New Hampshire Veterans of Foreign Wars fully supports the Veterans Full-Service Care and Access Act. We believe the Act will enhance veterans’ access to quality care and offer greater flexibility in choosing providers, ensuring veterans can access care whether at a VA facility or through community providers,” said AJ Corrow, NH VFW Legislative Chairman.

    Background: 

    New Hampshire is the only state in the contiguous 48 states to not have a dedicated, full-service VA hospital. 

    An Executive Order issued by President Trump on May 9th instructed VA to begin a feasibility study on expanding services to support a full-service medical center in New Hampshire within 30 days and submit an action plan to the President within 180 days. 

    Following the issuance of the Executive Order, Pappas led the New Hampshire delegation in a letter calling on VA Secretary Doug Collins to seriously and fully follow through on the feasibility study and action plan, with the goal of establishing a full-service VA hospital in New Hampshire. He also secured a commitment from VA Secretary Collins at a House Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing to engage with New Hampshire veterans and stakeholders as the Department conducts the study and develops its action plan.

    As a senior member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, Shaheen has worked tirelessly to make health care more accessible for New Hampshire veterans and has long worked to secure federal funding for VA health care sites throughout New Hampshire. The first piece of legislation she introduced in Congress was the Veterans Health Equity Act in 2009, which would require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure that every state has a full-service veterans’ hospital or that comparable services are provided by contracting with in-state hospitals. 

    Senator Hassan is working to get New Hampshire veterans the care and benefits that they have earned and deserve. Senator Hassan raised the importance of building a full-service veterans hospital during the confirmation hearing for VA Secretary Doug Collins. Additionally, Senator Hassan has been pushing the VA for answers about its plans to fire 80,000 VA employees and the ways in which that would harm care and benefits for veterans. Senator Hassan also helped develop and pass into law the PACT Act, which fundamentally reforms and improves the ways in which veterans exposed to toxic substances receive health care and benefits from the VA. To date, more than two million PACT Act-related claims have been filed and over 200,000 veterans have enrolled for VA health care under the PACT Act.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Serious Assault – Dundee Beach

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    A man has been flown to Royal Darwin Hospital for treatment after a serious assault at Dundee Beach late last night.

    Shortly after 11pm the Joint Emergency Services Communications Centre received a report of an alleged assault on a 55-year-old man by a group of people after a minor vehicle crash. Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash.

    As a result of the alleged assault, the victim suffered serious injuries to his face.

    General Duties police, St John Ambulance and a CareFlight helicopter attended the scene before the man was flown to RDH where he underwent surgery.

    A crime scene was declared, and investigations are ongoing.

    The offenders remain outstanding, and police urge anyone with information to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference P25166318. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine & Ricketts Introduce Bipartisan AUKUS Improvement Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, and Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, introduced the AUKUS Improvement Act, bipartisan legislation to strengthen the Australia-United Kingdom-United States (AUKUS) agreement by streamlining defense industrial base collaboration and co-production of Virginia-class submarines. This legislation builds upon provisions that Kaine pushed to get signed into law as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act.

    “The AUKUS partnership is critical to countering the threat from China and ensuring the Indo-Pacific remains free and open,” said Kaine. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to strengthen AUKUS and boost defense collaboration among our countries.”

    Specifically, the AUKUS Improvement Act would:

    • Exempt U.S. State Department-vetted entities that have been approved as AUKUS Authorized Users from the requirement to obtain Third Party transfer approvals under Foreign Military Sales.
    • Exempt Australia and the United Kingdom from the need for Congressional Notification for overseas manufacturing.

    Kaine has been a strong champion of AUKUS in Congress and has helped get signed into law provisions to implement and strengthen the partnership. He has played a key role in securing more resources for the submarine industrial base, including additional funding for the Virginia-class submarine program that is currently facing significant delays because of workforce challenges and supply chain disruptions. The on-time completion of Virginia-class submarines, which are built in Virginia and Connecticut, is critical to fulfilling the AUKUS agreement, through which the U.S. will sell at least two Virginia-class submarines to Australia to boost security and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific, and counter Chinese military aggression in the region.

    In addition to Kaine and Ricketts, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Chris Coons (D-DE), Deb Fischer (R-NE), and Rick Scott (R-FL).

    Full text of the legislation is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –