NewzIntel.com

Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Fortaleza, Brazil, Opens Call for Urban Mobility Challenge with Focus on Vulnerable Areas

    Source: Toyota

    Headline: Fortaleza, Brazil, Opens Call for Urban Mobility Challenge with Focus on Vulnerable Areas

    Fortaleza City Hall, through the Fortaleza Science, Technology and Innovation Foundation (Citinova), has launched a new Open Innovation Call for Urban Mobility. This call for proposals is targeted at various companies and organizations in the field of innovation and aims to develop innovative solutions for the various modes of transport, with a focus on reducing the mobility challenges faced in regions with a low Human Development Index (HDI).

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health Education – Nursing students ready to walk – NZNO

    Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

    Concerning interim findings of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) 2025 Student Survey has found most students will go overseas if they can’t get jobs in New Zealand.
    This comes as Te Whatu Ora refused to address NZNO claims around its obligation to employ new graduates in collective agreement negotiations.
    The survey was completed by 1246 nursing students, and NZNO National Student Unit Co-chair Bianca Grimmer said the results were crystal clear – “hire us or we will leave”.
    “The survey shows 61.86% of students were considering seeking a nursing job overseas if they were unable to get a new graduate job in Aotearoa New Zealand. This increased to 73% of Māori respondents.
    “This is a significant potential loss of our domestic nursing workforce.”
    Finances remained a significant issue for all students and was linked to high levels of stress by 80.39% of respondents, Bianca Grimmer said.
    “An increased fear of not getting work is exacerbated by most students’ money concerns issues, many of whom depend on funding from student loans for their survival.
    “We have a health system in crisis. At a time when we desperately need more homegrown nurses, the Government and nursing schools really need to do more to encourage students to stay in their studies and come out well and ready to nurse.”
    At least 35.61% of respondents said they did not work in paid employment and 61.58% of respondents had to significantly reduce their paid work hours during placement, she said.
    “Paying all students the minimum or living wage while on clinical placements would make a massive difference to graduate numbers. Nursing students need assistance while they study.”
    NZNO Te Rūnanga Tauira chair Davis Ferguson said Māori and Pacific students are essential, and better cultural support in nurse training would result in a health system that better meets the needs of Māori and Pacific peoples.
    “The lack of appropriate cultural support in nursing studies is an issue the Government and training providers need to urgently address.”
    The full findings of the survey will be made available on the NZNO website later this year.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Announcement on Open Market Operations No.127 [2025]

    Source: Peoples Bank of China

    Announcement on Open Market Operations No.127 [2025]

    (Open Market Operations Office, July 4, 2025)

    The People’s Bank of China conducted reverse repo operations in the amount of RMB34 billion through quantity bidding at a fixed interest rate on July 4, 2025.

    Details of the Reverse Repo Operations

    Maturity

    Rate

    Bidding Volume

    Winning Bid Volume

    7 days

    1.40%

    RMB34 billion

    RMB34 billion

    Date of last update Nov. 29 2018

    2025年07月04日

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Announcement on Open Market Operations No.127 [2025]

    Source: Peoples Bank of China

    Announcement on Open Market Operations No.127 [2025]

    (Open Market Operations Office, July 4, 2025)

    The People’s Bank of China conducted reverse repo operations in the amount of RMB34 billion through quantity bidding at a fixed interest rate on July 4, 2025.

    Details of the Reverse Repo Operations

    Maturity

    Rate

    Bidding Volume

    Winning Bid Volume

    7 days

    1.40%

    RMB34 billion

    RMB34 billion

    Date of last update Nov. 29 2018

    2025年07月04日

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Hong Kong’s light fades as another pro-democracy party folds

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendan Clift, Lecturer in Law & Justice, UNSW Sydney

    Thomas Yau/Shutterstock

    The demise of one of Hong Kong’s last major pro-democracy parties, the League of Social Democrats, is the latest blow to the city’s crumbling democratic credentials.

    The league is the third major opposition party to disband this year. The announcement coincides with the fifth anniversary this week of the national security law, which was imposed by Beijing to suppress pro-democracy activity.

    The loss of this grassroots party, historically populated by bold and colourful characters, vividly illustrates the dying of the light in once-sparkling Hong Kong.

    The city is now greyed and labouring under a repressive internal security regime that has crushed civil society’s freedoms and democratic ambitions.

    Authoritarian crackdown

    The world witnessed Hong Kong at its brightest during the 2014 Umbrella Movement, when hundreds of thousands of pro-democracy protesters camped out on city streets for several months.

    We also saw the brutal sequel in 2019, when paramilitarised police sought to put down further civil unrest and protesters fought back.

    Since then, “lawfare” has been the preferred strategy of China’s national government and its Hong Kong satellite. The new approach has included a vast security apparatus and aggressive prosecutions.

    When Beijing intervened in July 2020, it was nominally about national security. In reality, the new law was designed and used to bring Hongkongers to heel.

    Civil freedoms were further curtailed by a home-grown security law, introduced last year to fill the gaps.

    International standards such as the Johannesburg Principles, endorsed by the United Nations, require national security laws to be compatible with democratic principles, not to be used to eliminate democratic activity.

    Prison or exile

    The League of Social Democrats occupied the populist left of the pro-democracy spectrum. It stood apart from contemporaries such as the Democratic Party and the Civic Party, which were dominated by professionals and elites, and have since been disbanded.

    The League was most notably represented by the likes of “Long Hair” Leung Kwok-hung– known for his Che Guevara t-shirts and banana-throwing – and broadcaster and journalism academic Raymond Wong Yuk-man, also known as “Mad Dog”.

    Despite their rambunctious styles, these men had real political credentials and were repeatedly elected to legislative office. But Leung is now imprisoned for subversion, while Wong has left for Taiwan.

    Leung Kwok-hung was sentenced to subversion under the national security law.
    Edwin Kwok/Shutterstock

    Party leaders such as Jimmy Sham Tsz-kit and Figo Chan Ho-wun were also prominent within the Civil Human Rights Front. It was responsible for the annual July 1 protest march that attracted hundreds of thousands of people every year. The front is yet another pro-democracy organisation that has dissolved.

    Sham and Chan have been jailed for subversion and unlawful assembly under the colonial-era Public Order Ordinance, which has been used to prosecute hundreds of activists.

    Zero tolerance

    The demise of these diverse organisations are not natural occurrences, but the result of a deliberate authoritarian programme.

    Under China, Hong Kong’s political system has been half democratic at best. But it now resembles something from the darkest days of colonialism, with pre-approved candidates, appointed legislators and zero tolerance for critical voices.

    The effort to eliminate opposition has seen the pro-independence National Party formally banned and scores of pro-democracy figures jailed after mass trials.

    Activists and watchdogs are stymied by the national security law. It criminalises – among other things – engagement and lobbying with international organisations and foreign governments.

    Distinctive voices such as law professor Benny Tai Yiu-ting, media mogul Jimmy Lai Chee-ying and firebrand politician Edward Leung Tin-kei have been jailed and silenced, as have many moderates and lesser-known figures.

    Shattered dreams

    Then there are the millions of ordinary Hongkongers whose dreams of a liberal and self-governing region under mainland China’s umbrella – as promised in the lead up to the 1997 handover – have been shattered.

    Some activists have fled overseas. The more outspoken are the subjects of Hong Kong arrest warrants.

    But countless ex-protesters remain in the city, where it is impermissible to speak critically of power, and where mandatory patriotic education may ensure new generations will never even think to speak up.

    Much blame lies with the British, who failed to institute democratic elections until the last gasp of their rule in Hong Kong. This was despite the colony tolerating liberalism and habit-forming democratic activity over a longer period.

    Now China, after almost three decades in charge, has responded to democratic challenges by defaulting to authoritarian control. Hong Kong can only be grateful it has been spared a Tiananmen-style incident. Nor has it experienced the full genocidal extent of the so-called “peripheries playbook” Beijing has used in Tibet and Xinjiang.

    Turmoil and authoritarian swings in the United States and elsewhere give China an opportunity to present as a voice of reason on the international stage.

    But we should not forget its commitment to repressive politics at home, nor what its support of belligerent regimes such as Putin’s Russia might mean for Taiwan, the region and the world.

    Above all, we should not forget the people, in Hong Kong and elsewhere, who made it their life’s work to achieve democracy only to be rewarded with prison or exile.

    Brendan Clift 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. Hong Kong’s light fades as another pro-democracy party folds – https://theconversation.com/hong-kongs-light-fades-as-another-pro-democracy-party-folds-260186

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Hong Kong’s light fades as another pro-democracy party folds

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendan Clift, Lecturer in Law & Justice, UNSW Sydney

    Thomas Yau/Shutterstock

    The demise of one of Hong Kong’s last major pro-democracy parties, the League of Social Democrats, is the latest blow to the city’s crumbling democratic credentials.

    The league is the third major opposition party to disband this year. The announcement coincides with the fifth anniversary this week of the national security law, which was imposed by Beijing to suppress pro-democracy activity.

    The loss of this grassroots party, historically populated by bold and colourful characters, vividly illustrates the dying of the light in once-sparkling Hong Kong.

    The city is now greyed and labouring under a repressive internal security regime that has crushed civil society’s freedoms and democratic ambitions.

    Authoritarian crackdown

    The world witnessed Hong Kong at its brightest during the 2014 Umbrella Movement, when hundreds of thousands of pro-democracy protesters camped out on city streets for several months.

    We also saw the brutal sequel in 2019, when paramilitarised police sought to put down further civil unrest and protesters fought back.

    Since then, “lawfare” has been the preferred strategy of China’s national government and its Hong Kong satellite. The new approach has included a vast security apparatus and aggressive prosecutions.

    When Beijing intervened in July 2020, it was nominally about national security. In reality, the new law was designed and used to bring Hongkongers to heel.

    Civil freedoms were further curtailed by a home-grown security law, introduced last year to fill the gaps.

    International standards such as the Johannesburg Principles, endorsed by the United Nations, require national security laws to be compatible with democratic principles, not to be used to eliminate democratic activity.

    Prison or exile

    The League of Social Democrats occupied the populist left of the pro-democracy spectrum. It stood apart from contemporaries such as the Democratic Party and the Civic Party, which were dominated by professionals and elites, and have since been disbanded.

    The League was most notably represented by the likes of “Long Hair” Leung Kwok-hung– known for his Che Guevara t-shirts and banana-throwing – and broadcaster and journalism academic Raymond Wong Yuk-man, also known as “Mad Dog”.

    Despite their rambunctious styles, these men had real political credentials and were repeatedly elected to legislative office. But Leung is now imprisoned for subversion, while Wong has left for Taiwan.

    Leung Kwok-hung was sentenced to subversion under the national security law.
    Edwin Kwok/Shutterstock

    Party leaders such as Jimmy Sham Tsz-kit and Figo Chan Ho-wun were also prominent within the Civil Human Rights Front. It was responsible for the annual July 1 protest march that attracted hundreds of thousands of people every year. The front is yet another pro-democracy organisation that has dissolved.

    Sham and Chan have been jailed for subversion and unlawful assembly under the colonial-era Public Order Ordinance, which has been used to prosecute hundreds of activists.

    Zero tolerance

    The demise of these diverse organisations are not natural occurrences, but the result of a deliberate authoritarian programme.

    Under China, Hong Kong’s political system has been half democratic at best. But it now resembles something from the darkest days of colonialism, with pre-approved candidates, appointed legislators and zero tolerance for critical voices.

    The effort to eliminate opposition has seen the pro-independence National Party formally banned and scores of pro-democracy figures jailed after mass trials.

    Activists and watchdogs are stymied by the national security law. It criminalises – among other things – engagement and lobbying with international organisations and foreign governments.

    Distinctive voices such as law professor Benny Tai Yiu-ting, media mogul Jimmy Lai Chee-ying and firebrand politician Edward Leung Tin-kei have been jailed and silenced, as have many moderates and lesser-known figures.

    Shattered dreams

    Then there are the millions of ordinary Hongkongers whose dreams of a liberal and self-governing region under mainland China’s umbrella – as promised in the lead up to the 1997 handover – have been shattered.

    Some activists have fled overseas. The more outspoken are the subjects of Hong Kong arrest warrants.

    But countless ex-protesters remain in the city, where it is impermissible to speak critically of power, and where mandatory patriotic education may ensure new generations will never even think to speak up.

    Much blame lies with the British, who failed to institute democratic elections until the last gasp of their rule in Hong Kong. This was despite the colony tolerating liberalism and habit-forming democratic activity over a longer period.

    Now China, after almost three decades in charge, has responded to democratic challenges by defaulting to authoritarian control. Hong Kong can only be grateful it has been spared a Tiananmen-style incident. Nor has it experienced the full genocidal extent of the so-called “peripheries playbook” Beijing has used in Tibet and Xinjiang.

    Turmoil and authoritarian swings in the United States and elsewhere give China an opportunity to present as a voice of reason on the international stage.

    But we should not forget its commitment to repressive politics at home, nor what its support of belligerent regimes such as Putin’s Russia might mean for Taiwan, the region and the world.

    Above all, we should not forget the people, in Hong Kong and elsewhere, who made it their life’s work to achieve democracy only to be rewarded with prison or exile.

    Brendan Clift 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. Hong Kong’s light fades as another pro-democracy party folds – https://theconversation.com/hong-kongs-light-fades-as-another-pro-democracy-party-folds-260186

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Hong Kong’s light fades as another pro-democracy party folds

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendan Clift, Lecturer in Law & Justice, UNSW Sydney

    Thomas Yau/Shutterstock

    The demise of one of Hong Kong’s last major pro-democracy parties, the League of Social Democrats, is the latest blow to the city’s crumbling democratic credentials.

    The league is the third major opposition party to disband this year. The announcement coincides with the fifth anniversary this week of the national security law, which was imposed by Beijing to suppress pro-democracy activity.

    The loss of this grassroots party, historically populated by bold and colourful characters, vividly illustrates the dying of the light in once-sparkling Hong Kong.

    The city is now greyed and labouring under a repressive internal security regime that has crushed civil society’s freedoms and democratic ambitions.

    Authoritarian crackdown

    The world witnessed Hong Kong at its brightest during the 2014 Umbrella Movement, when hundreds of thousands of pro-democracy protesters camped out on city streets for several months.

    We also saw the brutal sequel in 2019, when paramilitarised police sought to put down further civil unrest and protesters fought back.

    Since then, “lawfare” has been the preferred strategy of China’s national government and its Hong Kong satellite. The new approach has included a vast security apparatus and aggressive prosecutions.

    When Beijing intervened in July 2020, it was nominally about national security. In reality, the new law was designed and used to bring Hongkongers to heel.

    Civil freedoms were further curtailed by a home-grown security law, introduced last year to fill the gaps.

    International standards such as the Johannesburg Principles, endorsed by the United Nations, require national security laws to be compatible with democratic principles, not to be used to eliminate democratic activity.

    Prison or exile

    The League of Social Democrats occupied the populist left of the pro-democracy spectrum. It stood apart from contemporaries such as the Democratic Party and the Civic Party, which were dominated by professionals and elites, and have since been disbanded.

    The League was most notably represented by the likes of “Long Hair” Leung Kwok-hung– known for his Che Guevara t-shirts and banana-throwing – and broadcaster and journalism academic Raymond Wong Yuk-man, also known as “Mad Dog”.

    Despite their rambunctious styles, these men had real political credentials and were repeatedly elected to legislative office. But Leung is now imprisoned for subversion, while Wong has left for Taiwan.

    Leung Kwok-hung was sentenced to subversion under the national security law.
    Edwin Kwok/Shutterstock

    Party leaders such as Jimmy Sham Tsz-kit and Figo Chan Ho-wun were also prominent within the Civil Human Rights Front. It was responsible for the annual July 1 protest march that attracted hundreds of thousands of people every year. The front is yet another pro-democracy organisation that has dissolved.

    Sham and Chan have been jailed for subversion and unlawful assembly under the colonial-era Public Order Ordinance, which has been used to prosecute hundreds of activists.

    Zero tolerance

    The demise of these diverse organisations are not natural occurrences, but the result of a deliberate authoritarian programme.

    Under China, Hong Kong’s political system has been half democratic at best. But it now resembles something from the darkest days of colonialism, with pre-approved candidates, appointed legislators and zero tolerance for critical voices.

    The effort to eliminate opposition has seen the pro-independence National Party formally banned and scores of pro-democracy figures jailed after mass trials.

    Activists and watchdogs are stymied by the national security law. It criminalises – among other things – engagement and lobbying with international organisations and foreign governments.

    Distinctive voices such as law professor Benny Tai Yiu-ting, media mogul Jimmy Lai Chee-ying and firebrand politician Edward Leung Tin-kei have been jailed and silenced, as have many moderates and lesser-known figures.

    Shattered dreams

    Then there are the millions of ordinary Hongkongers whose dreams of a liberal and self-governing region under mainland China’s umbrella – as promised in the lead up to the 1997 handover – have been shattered.

    Some activists have fled overseas. The more outspoken are the subjects of Hong Kong arrest warrants.

    But countless ex-protesters remain in the city, where it is impermissible to speak critically of power, and where mandatory patriotic education may ensure new generations will never even think to speak up.

    Much blame lies with the British, who failed to institute democratic elections until the last gasp of their rule in Hong Kong. This was despite the colony tolerating liberalism and habit-forming democratic activity over a longer period.

    Now China, after almost three decades in charge, has responded to democratic challenges by defaulting to authoritarian control. Hong Kong can only be grateful it has been spared a Tiananmen-style incident. Nor has it experienced the full genocidal extent of the so-called “peripheries playbook” Beijing has used in Tibet and Xinjiang.

    Turmoil and authoritarian swings in the United States and elsewhere give China an opportunity to present as a voice of reason on the international stage.

    But we should not forget its commitment to repressive politics at home, nor what its support of belligerent regimes such as Putin’s Russia might mean for Taiwan, the region and the world.

    Above all, we should not forget the people, in Hong Kong and elsewhere, who made it their life’s work to achieve democracy only to be rewarded with prison or exile.

    Brendan Clift 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. Hong Kong’s light fades as another pro-democracy party folds – https://theconversation.com/hong-kongs-light-fades-as-another-pro-democracy-party-folds-260186

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: Why High-Net-Worth Investors Are Turning to BTC Miner for Daily Crypto Returns Amid Market Turbulence

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Chicago, Illinois, July 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Introducing BTC Miner — the cloud mining solution designed not for traders, but for wealth builders. For family offices, crypto funds, and large-scale investors seeking dependable yield in a volatile asset class, BTC Miner offers what the market cannot: stable, automated, daily income backed by clean energy infrastructure.

    Not Just Another Crypto Tool — A Full-Scale Income Engine

    BTC Miner isn’t trying to “beat the market.” It’s designed to exit the market’s chaos altogether.

    Here’s what makes it different:

    • Daily fixed payouts — earn even when BTC drops
    • No equipment, no maintenance — just automated profit
    • Powered by wind energy — slashing costs, boosting margins
    • Scalable contracts — grow your income with your capital
    • Withdraw profits or reinvest daily — full liquidity, full control

    In an era where uncertainty is the new norm, BTC Miner gives investors the one thing missing from crypto: certainty.

    $500 Free Contract to Experience the Model — No Capital Required

    BTC Miner’s offer to new users is as aggressive as it is attractive:
    Register and receive a $500 contract at no cost.
     That’s $2 in real, daily income, without any deposit or credit card.

    Reach $200 in accumulated earnings, and you can withdraw — completely free.

    For wealth managers, it’s a way to test BTC Miner’s profitability and user flow before committing real capital.

    Turn Capital into Daily Crypto Cash Flow

    Traditional Bitcoin investment is binary: price goes up, you win.
    BTC Miner rewrites that rule.

    Investors purchase cloud mining contracts that deliver predictable daily yield, regardless of BTC’s price on the open market.

    And the more you invest — and the longer the contract term — the more income you generate, with no ceiling on daily payouts.

    Some investors have integrated BTC Miner into multi-million-dollar portfolios as a crypto cash-flow engine alongside DeFi, real estate, and yield products.

    Wind Energy Infrastructure = Higher Margins + ESG Compliance

    BTC Miner operates global mining nodes powered primarily by wind farms in Northern Europe and Iceland.

    That means:

    •  Energy cost advantage = higher profits for users
    •  ESG-aligned income = ideal for institutional mandates
    • Reduced regulatory scrutiny vs. carbon-intensive operations

    For institutional capital with sustainability requirements, BTC Miner offers green mining with uncompromising returns.

    Earn Passively Through Network Effect

    BTC Miner also rewards user growth with a powerful two-tier referral structure:

    •  7% Level 1 commission
    •  2% Level 2 commission

    Invite others to participate and earn lifetime rewards based on their contract activity — no deposit required to activate this stream.

    Why the Wealthy Are Quietly Allocating to BTC Miner

    It scales: From $500 to $500,000 — the returns model adapts
    It compounds: Reinvest daily for exponential income growth
    It protects: Earn regardless of BTC price
    It’s hands-free: No tech skills, no downtime, no stress
    It’s real: Withdraw anytime. Use your income daily.

    BTC Miner is increasingly being used as a core yield-generating instrument by long-term crypto capital — not for speculation, but for strategic, systematic income generation.

    How to Get Started — and Why You Should

    1. Visit https://btcminer.net
    2. Register and claim your $500 free contract — earn daily with no investment
    3. Explore scalable plans or refer others to grow your passive cash flow

    Whether you’re an accredited investor or managing capital for others, BTC Miner can serve as your turnkey, real-yield crypto asset — with no drawdowns, no counterparty risk, and full daily liquidity.

    Learn More

    Website: https://btcminer.net

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BTC Miner Users Tap to Earn as Bitcoin Surges to $110K — Investors Make Gains from the Couch

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    San Francisco, CA, July 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin has once again asserted its dominance in the digital asset space, recently breaking through the $110,149.8 mark and signaling renewed investor confidence in its long-term value. As Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Ripple (XRP), and other major cryptocurrencies also ride the wave of bullish momentum, blockchain activity and capital inflows are surging across the board.

    In this climate of opportunity, more investors are turning to low-risk, passive income strategies—and leading the charge is BTC Miner, a next-generation cloud mining platform offering high returns, seamless access, and fully automated daily payouts.

    BTC Miner: Turning Passive Mining Into Reliable High-Yield Income

    Unlike traditional mining setups that require hardware, maintenance, and technical know-how, BTC Miner makes crypto mining accessible to all through cloud-based smart contracts. Users simply register, select a mining contract, and receive stable and remarkably high daily earnings—with no need for physical equipment or technical expertise.

    Contracts are short-term and flexible, ranging from 1 to 13 days, with clear terms and real-time profits. Some options deliver annualized returns exceeding 300%, making BTC Miner one of the most attractive passive earning tools on the market.

    Get $500 Free Mining Power Just for Signing Up

    New users receive $500 worth of cloud mining power upon registration—no deposit required. This bonus can be used to activate real contracts, and all profits generated are 100% yours to keep.

    This feature alone has attracted tens of millions of users from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, and beyond. The platform has earned praise for its fast payouts, transparent earnings, and beginner-friendly design.

    Double-Layer Referral Program: 7% + 2% Commissions

    To reward community growth, BTC Miner offers a two-tier affiliate program:

    • Level 1 Bonus – 7%: Earn 7% of every contract purchased by users you refer.
    • Level 2 Bonus – 2%: Also earn 2% from purchases made by people invited by your referrals.

    All referral rewards are credited instantly, with no limits or lock-ups, and can be withdrawn or reinvested freely.

    Fully FCA Registered – Legal and Transparent

    BTC Miner is operated by a UK-registered company that is officially listed under the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Company registration details and credentials are publicly verifiable on the UK government website, making BTC Miner one of the few cloud mining platforms to offer both high returns and regulatory credibility.

    Official Access and Supported Assets

    •  Website: https://btcminer.net
    •  Supported cryptocurrencies: BTC, USDT (TRC20/ERC20), ETH, LTC, USDC, BNB, XRP, DOGE, BCH, SOL, and more.

    A New Era of “Risk-Free” Passive Crypto Income

    As Bitcoin ETFs gain momentum and global monetary policy eases, the crypto landscape is shifting from high-risk speculation toward structured portfolio allocation. BTC Miner provides the ideal gateway for both newcomers and experienced investors to harness blockchain income with zero technical complexity and low barriers to entry.

    Whether you’re looking to grow your holdings or build passive cash flow, BTC Miner transforms cloud mining into a stable, hands-free wealth strategy.

    BTC Miner: Where crypto mining meets real-world simplicity and unmatched rewards.

    Start now at  https://btcminer.net

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BTC Miner Users Tap to Earn as Bitcoin Surges to $110K — Investors Make Gains from the Couch

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    San Francisco, CA, July 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin has once again asserted its dominance in the digital asset space, recently breaking through the $110,149.8 mark and signaling renewed investor confidence in its long-term value. As Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Ripple (XRP), and other major cryptocurrencies also ride the wave of bullish momentum, blockchain activity and capital inflows are surging across the board.

    In this climate of opportunity, more investors are turning to low-risk, passive income strategies—and leading the charge is BTC Miner, a next-generation cloud mining platform offering high returns, seamless access, and fully automated daily payouts.

    BTC Miner: Turning Passive Mining Into Reliable High-Yield Income

    Unlike traditional mining setups that require hardware, maintenance, and technical know-how, BTC Miner makes crypto mining accessible to all through cloud-based smart contracts. Users simply register, select a mining contract, and receive stable and remarkably high daily earnings—with no need for physical equipment or technical expertise.

    Contracts are short-term and flexible, ranging from 1 to 13 days, with clear terms and real-time profits. Some options deliver annualized returns exceeding 300%, making BTC Miner one of the most attractive passive earning tools on the market.

    Get $500 Free Mining Power Just for Signing Up

    New users receive $500 worth of cloud mining power upon registration—no deposit required. This bonus can be used to activate real contracts, and all profits generated are 100% yours to keep.

    This feature alone has attracted tens of millions of users from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, and beyond. The platform has earned praise for its fast payouts, transparent earnings, and beginner-friendly design.

    Double-Layer Referral Program: 7% + 2% Commissions

    To reward community growth, BTC Miner offers a two-tier affiliate program:

    • Level 1 Bonus – 7%: Earn 7% of every contract purchased by users you refer.
    • Level 2 Bonus – 2%: Also earn 2% from purchases made by people invited by your referrals.

    All referral rewards are credited instantly, with no limits or lock-ups, and can be withdrawn or reinvested freely.

    Fully FCA Registered – Legal and Transparent

    BTC Miner is operated by a UK-registered company that is officially listed under the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Company registration details and credentials are publicly verifiable on the UK government website, making BTC Miner one of the few cloud mining platforms to offer both high returns and regulatory credibility.

    Official Access and Supported Assets

    •  Website: https://btcminer.net
    •  Supported cryptocurrencies: BTC, USDT (TRC20/ERC20), ETH, LTC, USDC, BNB, XRP, DOGE, BCH, SOL, and more.

    A New Era of “Risk-Free” Passive Crypto Income

    As Bitcoin ETFs gain momentum and global monetary policy eases, the crypto landscape is shifting from high-risk speculation toward structured portfolio allocation. BTC Miner provides the ideal gateway for both newcomers and experienced investors to harness blockchain income with zero technical complexity and low barriers to entry.

    Whether you’re looking to grow your holdings or build passive cash flow, BTC Miner transforms cloud mining into a stable, hands-free wealth strategy.

    BTC Miner: Where crypto mining meets real-world simplicity and unmatched rewards.

    Start now at  https://btcminer.net

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Money Market Operations as on July 03, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India
    (Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)
      Volume
    (One Leg)    		 Weighted
    Average Rate    		 Range
    A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV) 6,29,660.72 5.15 1.00-6.40
         I. Call Money 17,240.47 5.26 4.75-5.35
         II. Triparty Repo 4,15,519.40 5.12 5.00-5.20
         III. Market Repo 1,94,980.30 5.20 1.00-5.60
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 1,920.55 5.39 5.32-6.40
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 151.55 5.21 4.90-5.30
         II. Term Money@@ 315.00 – 5.35-5.75
         III. Triparty Repo 4,973.40 5.24 5.20-5.30
         IV. Market Repo 1,284.86 5.28 5.25-5.35
         V. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00 – –
      Auction Date Tenor (Days) Maturity Date Amount Current Rate /
    Cut off Rate
    C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
    I. Today’s Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF# Thu, 03/07/2025 1 Fri, 04/07/2025 1,111.00 5.75
    4. SDFΔ# Thu, 03/07/2025 1 Fri, 04/07/2025 3,26,770.00 5.25
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       -3,25,659.00  
    II. Outstanding Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo Fri, 27/06/2025 7 Fri, 04/07/2025 84,975.00 5.49
    3. MSF#          
    4. SDFΔ#          
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       6,217.11  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     -78,757.89  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     -4,04,416.89  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on July 03, 2025 9,56,688.84  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending July 11, 2025 9,52,318.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ July 03, 2025 0.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on June 13, 2025 5,62,116.00  
    @ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).
    – Not Applicable / No Transaction.
    ** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.
    @@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.
    $ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.
    & As per the Press Release No. 2019-2020/1900 dated February 06, 2020.
    Δ As per the Press Release No. 2022-2023/41 dated April 08, 2022.
    * Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.
    ¥ As per the Press Release No. 2014-2015/1971 dated March 19, 2015.
    # As per the Press Release No. 2023-2024/1548 dated December 27, 2023.
    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    
    Press Release: 2025-2026/649

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Challenges and opportunities: what lies ahead for the world economy?

    Source: European Central Bank (video statements)

    Tariffs and geopolitical conflicts have created uncertainty around the world. But how does the new trade environment affect inflation and the economy? How can central banks adapt? And what is the potential impact on the dominance of the US dollar ?

    In the third episode of our special Sintra series of the ECB Podcast, our host Paul Gordon talks to London School of Economics Professor Silvana Tenreyro.

    The views expressed are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the European Central Bank.

    Published on 4 July 2025 and recorded on 1 July 2025.

    In this episode:
    01:30 How is the world economy doing?
    What developments are having an impact on our economy today? And what uncertainties are arising from tariffs, trade fragmentation and armed conflicts in different parts of the world?

    03:30 Tariffs, trade fragmentation and the economy
    How can trade tariffs and fragmentation affect economic growth and inflation in the euro area and beyond?

    06:25 How are prices changing?
    How are prices changing in different countries? Will tariffs cause prices in the United States to rise, and those in Asia and Europe to fall? And why?

    07:55 Lessons for central banks
    Given the extremely high level of uncertainty, what lessons from past shocks can central banks apply in the future? Why do we need clearly defined frameworks? And what role do governments play?

    09:55 How can governments prepare for potential shocks?
    Investing in technologies that are difficult to substitute, diversifying energy sources and creating buffers for critical inputs – why it’s crucial that governments have a strategy to withstand various shocks.

    12:05 What is a dominant currency?
    When is a currency considered internationally “dominant”? And what dominant currencies have there been in the past?

    13:40 Dollar dominance and monetary policy transmission
    Does dollar dominance in international trade transactions reduce the effectiveness of monetary policy?

    17:30 The future of dollar dominance
    How will the dominance of the US dollar develop in the future? Is its role as a primary reserve currency at risk due to the Trump Administration’s policies?

    19:10 What keeps you up at night?
    What happens to our economy if there is a sudden shortage of a certain input? What impact will AI have if it remains largely unregulated? And what do stablecoins and digital currencies mean for our economy?

    21:00 Our guest’s hot tip

    Silvana shares her hot tip with our listeners.

    Further readings:

    Michael McLeay and Silvana Tenreyro: Dollar dominance and the transmission of monetary policy

    Sintra Series episode 1/4: Price stability in times of change

    Sintra Series episode 2/4: Adapting to change: Ensuring price stability in a new geopolitical era

    Silvana’s hot tip: I’m still here/Ainda estou aqui

    ECB Instagram
    https://www.instagram.com/europeancentralbank/

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1YYRg69syw

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rare earth metal exports have never been a problem in China-EU relations and should not become one – Wang Yi

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BERLIN, July 4 (Xinhua) — Rare earth metal exports have never been a problem in China-Europe relations and should not become one, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said at a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul here on Thursday.

    Responding to a question about European companies’ concerns about China’s export controls on rare earth metals, Wang Yi stressed that any country has the sovereign right to impose necessary regulations on dual-use (military and civilian) goods and bears international responsibility for doing so. According to the head of the Foreign Ministry, China’s policy is in line with international practice and contributes to ensuring global peace and stability.

    He stressed that the normal demand of European businesses will be met as long as export control rules are followed and due procedures are followed. Wang Yi noted that Chinese authorities have also set up an expedited mechanism to facilitate export operations with European companies.

    Certain forces are deliberately inflating this issue in relations between China and Europe, guided by hidden motives, the minister emphasized. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China reassures Europe on rare earth supply amid export controls

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

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L) attends a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Berlin, Germany, July 3, 2025. [Photo/fmprc.gov.cn]

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that rare earth exports have never been and should not become an issue between China and Europe.

    Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Berlin.

    Responding to a question about European companies’ concerns over China’s rare earth export controls, Wang emphasized that it is a sovereign right and international responsibility for any country to impose necessary regulations on dual-use items — goods that can serve both civilian and military purposes.

    China’s policy is consistent with international practices, and contributes to safeguarding global peace and stability, Wang said.

    He highlighted that as long as export control regulations are followed and the proper procedures are completed, the normal demands of European enterprises will be met.

    Wang noted that Chinese authorities have also established a “fast track” mechanism to facilitate exports to European companies.

    Certain forces are deliberately hyping this matter between China and Europe with ulterior motives, Wang stressed.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s global financial ranking on rise

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

    This panoramic aerial photo taken on Jan. 10, 2023 shows a view of Lujiazui area in the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone in east China’s Shanghai. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China ranks fourth in terms of its global financial competitiveness this year, following the United States, United Kingdom and Japan, with China’s rank one place higher than last year, according to a new report released at the Digital Finance Forum during the Global Digital Economy Conference 2025 in Beijing.

    The report, which evaluates 31 countries globally and was released by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences on Thursday, states the gap between the scores of China and the US has narrowed for four consecutive years.

    Global financial competitiveness is defined as the ability of an economy’s financial system to allocate financial resources and manage risks more effectively on a global scale compared to other economies, thereby promoting economic growth and social development, according to the CASS.

    “For segmented indicators, China’s financial technology competitiveness has ranked third for two straight years, and this year’s score is significantly higher than last year, driven by notable development potential of China’s fintech industry,” said Liu Dongmin, a senior research fellow at the Institute of World Economics and Politics of the CASS.

    Meanwhile, the score of China’s fintech industry development potential index increased from 35.12 last year to 57.25 this year, and this ranking has risen from 12th last year to fourth place globally this year. Among the sub indicators, the AI talent index in China has risen from eighth place last year to fourth place this year, the report said.

    Major economies globally are actively promoting the growth of the digital economy, and China’s digital finance market is highly dynamic and ranks top in the world in terms of its market size, said Li Dongrong, former deputy governor of the People’s Bank of China.

    Last year, the market size of global digital finance exceeded $4.5 trillion, and China’s digital finance market size reached $3.2 trillion, becoming an important engine driving global growth, according to industry research company ChinaIRN.

    “China’s development of digital finance technology, especially mobile payment technology, is globally leading. Leveraging on the growth of digital technology, China’s financial services have effectively covered areas that were previously difficult to reach and the country has made effective breakthroughs in inclusive finance,” Li said at the forum.

    Chen Wenhui, former vice-chairman of the former China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, said China’s application of artificial intelligence technology in the financial industry is accelerating. The digital wave has brought and will bring comprehensive transformation to the economy and society. AI is on a track with high certainty, and the financial sector should pay close attention to it.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Green, healthy lifestyle revolution boosts China’s consumer market

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

    Cyclists compete during Stage 5 at the 16th Tour of Hainan cycling race from Dongfang to Sanya, south China’s Hainan Province, April 11, 2025. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

    With policy support and improving environmental awareness and growing health consciousness of the public, a green and healthy lifestyle revolution is gaining momentum in China, driving the growth of eco-friendly and healthy industries and unlocking new economic potential.

    For 38-year-old Cao Bin, a daily office worker, the highlight of his day now comes after hours: lacing up his running shoes, changing into sportswear, and hitting the park for a 10-kilometer jog. “Running gives me back to myself. I often finish with a clearer mind — that’s why I start and keep going,” he said.

    A dedicated fitness enthusiast who frequents gyms and runs marathons, Cao estimates that he spends around 2,000 yuan (about 279.54 U.S. dollars) monthly on his routine, including gym memberships, athletic gear and high-protein organic meals.

    His story mirrors a broader trend as more and more people in China are embracing a “sweat over indulgence” lifestyle, with activities like running, cycling, climbing, and gym workouts driving growth across sports retail, event tourism, and related sectors.

    Health-conscious demand has catapulted sportswear to become China’s second-most popular apparel category, trailing only casual wear, according to a 2025 report by iiMedia Research. Cycling’s surging popularity, for instance, has boosted sales of premium bikes, while plant-based meats and functional foods are gaining ground as consumers prioritize post-pandemic wellness.

    This fitness craze is also fueling a boom in event tourism. Trail running, mountaineering, and cycling events now draw participants from across the country, injecting vitality into local economies. A 2024 trail race in Shaowu, Fujian Province, hometown of legendary Taoist master Zhang Sanfeng, attracted over 1,300 participants and generated more than 10 million yuan in revenue for local accommodation, catering, and retail sectors alone.

    Sports industry expert Zhang Qing notes that policy support, including China’s national fitness strategy, weight management initiatives, and recent plans to upgrade public fitness infrastructure, such as sports parks and trails, is fueling this growth. These measures build on May’s mandate for a “15-minute community life circle” in all cities, ensuring residents have easy access to fitness facilities and essential services within a 15-minute walk.

    Alongside health, sustainability has emerged as a key priority for Chinese consumers, driving demand for eco-friendly fashion, low-carbon food delivery, and energy-efficient appliances, unlocking new economic opportunities, industry experts note.

    Leading sportswear brands are responding, with Anta and Li-Ning utilizing recycled materials and eco-friendly manufacturing processes to enhance product performance while expanding their eco-conscious lines. Anta’s 2024 ESG Report shows sustainable products accounted for over 30 percent of its total offerings last year, with 26 carbon-neutral certified items launched.

    In the food delivery sector, this shift is reflected in Meituan’s “Green Mountains Initiative,” launched in 2017. The program has spurred a widespread move toward sustainable consumption. By early June, about 500 million users had opted for utensil-free deliveries, while more than 1 million merchants had joined eco-actions ranging from plastic reduction to food waste prevention.

    China’s nationwide consumer goods trade-in program further underscores this trend. Ministry of Commerce data reveals that in 2024, over 60 percent of newly purchased vehicles were new energy vehicles, and more than 90 percent of new appliance sales involved Tier-1 energy-efficient models. This has driven four consecutive months of double-digit sales growth for smart and high-efficiency appliances.

    “Green appliances are now the preferred choice, offering consumers a premium lifestyle while advancing sustainability,” noted Xu Dongsheng, vice chairman of the China Household Electrical Appliances Association.

    As China’s support for new quality productive forces accelerates shifts in consumption patterns, driven by enterprises offering greener, smarter products and services, companies are racing to innovate.

    In the fitness sector, supply chains are advancing rapidly, driven by intensified research and development (R&D) and quality upgrades. Official data show that 146 national “Little Giant” enterprises — specialized, high-tech small and medium-sized firms — now operate in sports-related fields, ranging from smart wearables to bicycle parts manufacturing and fitness and rehabilitation equipment.

    Global players are also actively expanding their presence to tap into China’s fitness boom. Last Saturday, French sports retailer Decathlon simultaneously opened stores in Shanghai, Beijing, and Nanjing. These hubs offer one-stop sports gear and host community activities such as cycling, hiking and running, catering directly to China’s fitness boom, the company’s communications department said.

    Cao’s running passion has taken him from a half-marathon in Baotou, Inner Mongolia, to training for Beijing’s premier marathon later this year. “This fitness craze is no fad, it’s our new lifestyle,” he says. “And as it grows, so will our drive to live healthier, greener lives.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wicker Details the Provisions of the Reconciliation Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., detailed the provisions of the reconciliation bill which President Trump will soon sign into law.
    “The reconciliation bill is an investment in the future of the United States. Through this legislation, the Senate secured a down payment on a generational upgrade for our nation’s defense capabilities. Many of the key provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will be cemented and expanded. This will stimulate the economy and benefit job creators across the country. Additionally, this legislation will help secure the southern border and unleash American energy production. This legislation delivers on the promises Republicans made to the American people in November.”
    Click here for the full legislative text.
    Below is a list of provisions in the reconciliation bill that benefit Mississippians:
    Key tax cuts from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are made permanent with an adjustment for inflation.
    This reconciliation bill delivers the largest tax cut for the middle class in American history.
    The Child Tax Credit is doubled from $1,000 to $2,000, and the legislation increases tax credits available for childcare expenses.
    The adoption tax credit is now partially refundable, making it more affordable for families to manage costs related to adoption.
    A 20 percent small business deduction is maintained, ensuring small businesses can continue to invest in themselves and their employees.
    A 53 percent long-run wage increase for Mississippians. This legislation ensures Mississippians will take home more dollars and have improved economic security.
    Research and development expenditures will be fully expensed for small business owners. This provision encourages innovation, boosts productivity, and improves competitiveness for businesses across Mississippi.
    The creation of permanent opportunity zones. Making opportunity zones permanent provides certainty for the individuals and companies that utilize the credit and invest in underserved communities.
    Up to a $25,000 deduction for qualified cash tips received in occupations that customarily receive tips, available to both employees and independent contractors.
    The 1099-K reporting threshold increased to $20,000 and 200 transactions. This will reduce burdensome red tape and unnecessary regulations imposed by Democrats in 2021, improving economic activity and job creation across Mississippi.
    The New Market Tax Credit is made permanent, driving investment in rural and underutilized areas across Mississippi.
    Work requirements will now be required for Medicaid coverage, ensuring these benefits are available to those who are truly in need of care. This provision will also eliminate much of the waste, fraud, and abuse within Medicaid.
    Medicaid is no longer available for illegal immigrants.
    There is an allocated $50 billion over five fiscal years for states to carry out rural health transformation plans. This funding would be available to improve access to hospitals and ensure the financial stability of rural hospitals.
    This legislation repeals $6 billion in climate related Green New Deal funds, restores lease sales blocked by the Biden administration, cuts permitting red tape, and funds resupplying the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) with American-sourced energy.
    All unspent funds and unobligated money in the Inflation Reduction Act will be rescinded.
    The methane tax is paused for the next 10 years, stopping Democrats’ natural gas tax hike, which would have increased gas prices and continued Biden’s inflationary policies.
    The Federal Communications Commissions’ (FCC) spectrum auction authority is restored until September 30, 2034. The FCC would be required to auction at least 800 megahertz—500 megahertz of Federal and 300 megahertz of non-Federal spectrum—within an eight-year period.
    There is an allocated $4.3 billion for the procurement of Polar Security Cutters, which are built at the Bollinger Shipbuilding’s Pascagoula yard.
    A total of $175 billion on funding for securing the southern border, including:
    $46.5 billion for Customs and Border Protection for construction of the border wall.
    $45 billion for expanding ICE detention capacity.
    $4.1 billion for border patrol agents, air and marine agents, and field support personnel.
    $6 billion for border technology and screening upgrades.
    $10 billion in grant funding to reimburse states for border security expenses.
    The John C. Stennis Space Center will receive $120 million for infrastructure modernization projects. As NASA’s largest rocket propulsion test facility, these investments will enable NASA to update aging facilities and support development to attract commercial companies to the site.
    The Space Launch System for Artemis Missions IV and V receives $4.1 billion. All engines in the Artemis program are tested at the Stennis Center. This will enable additional testing of engines for Artemis V to continue at the Stennis Center.
    The legislation narrows the Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program (SNAP) exceptions for work requirements for able-bodied adults, ensures benefits are available for those who truly need it.
    SNAP is no longer available for illegal immigrants.
    Commodities reference prices are increased to account for inflation so farmers and cattlemen can produce food here in the United States. It is imperative we are not relying on other nations for the food to feed our nation.
    Farm-raised fish producers who experience losses associated with bird predation are eligible for emergency assistance in the event of a disaster.
    The competitive research grants included in this bill for agriculture research facilities will ensure the next generation of students have access to cutting-edge facilities and research opportunities.
    The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau funding would be decreased by 45 percent, limiting this unaccountable federal entity from issuing needless bureaucratic regulations that reduce consumer access to financial services.
    As Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, Chairman Wicker secured a total of $150 billion for investment in our military. Below are a few of those provisions:
    $25 billion for the Golden Dome for America. This missile defense system will shield our homeland and troops in the age of hypersonic weapons.
    $29 billion for shipbuilding and the Maritime Industrial Base. Expands the size and enhances the capability of our naval fleet. Invests in autonomous surface and subsurface technology. Builds capacity and improves infrastructure in the maritime industrial base.
    $15 billion for nuclear deterrence. Accelerates modernization of the triad. Improves readiness of our current nuclear deterrent. Invests in infrastructure needed to restore America’s ability to manufacture nuclear weapons.
    $350 million to replace antiquated business systems and inject automation and AI at the DOD. This funding would support DOGE so that the DOD can finish its first audit by end of 2028.
    $16 billion to improve readiness, including through modernization of depots, additional spare parts for aircraft, and expanded naval maintenance.    
    $9 billion for service member quality of life. These funds increase allowances and special pays, as well as improvements to housing, healthcare, childcare, and education. 
    $16 billion to expedite innovation to the warfighter. This legislation increases scale production of innovative low-cost and next-generation weapons like drones, counter-drone tech, low-cost munitions, and artificial intelligence.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Back to Back Theatre tackles an epic Shakespearian conflict – set in a factory, with cardboard props

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Hunter, Senior Lecturer in Art and Performance, Deakin University

    Jeff Busby/Back To Back Theatre/ACMI

    Back to Back Theatre is one of Australia’s national treasures. Over 30 years this dynamic Geelong-based company – an ensemble of actors who are perceived to have intellectual disabilities – has built a dynamic body of innovative work renowned for its formal experimentation.

    Led by director Bruce Gladwin, the company is internationally acclaimed, including winning the International Ibsen Award in 2022 and the Venice Biennale Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement in Theatre in 2024.

    Commissioned by ACMI, Back to Back’s latest offering is a screen project that reenacts a section of Shakespeare’s Henry V: the battle of Agincourt.

    Back to Back’s Agincourt draws from iconic film performances such as Laurence Olivier’s Henry V, but places the action in a factory in North Geelong. This industrial re-imagining is replete with hi-viz vests, concrete floors, and a very idiosyncratic costume design consisting of coats of armour made entirely out of cardboard.

    Agincourt begins with the desperate English monarch Henry V (Sarah Mainwaring) calling to his exhausted troops to take up arms against the marauding French, who are marching determinedly down the suburban street towards them.

    The English prepare for war, fortifying the factory space and gathering themselves for an inevitable onslaught, and a heinous confrontation ensues.

    Language and time

    More than 100 community members contributed to this work. A key aim was to ensure North Geelong residents and factory workers were given the opportunity to work as an artist, either in front of the camera or behind the scenes. The audition process included the proviso that every person made their own costume.

    Gladwin works closely with cinematographer/editor Rhian Hinkley and the actors to employ the elements of language and time in very specific ways.

    The performers’ natural speech patterns bring a real spaciousness in the vocal delivery to Shakespeare’s lines. There are also subtitles throughout the work.

    At times a split screen is used which repeats action at slightly differing angles, often in extreme closeup.

    These elements crystallise the audience’s focus, bringing a particular attention to the rich language of Shakespeare. We slow down, we read, we listen. We have time to let the words land, and to see the actors in their own unguarded, vulnerable moments.

    We see the actors in their own unguarded, vulnerable moments.
    Jeff Busby/Back To Back Theatre/ACMI

    The performances are strong. In particular, Mainwaring as a set-upon Prince Hal is compelling. Her laser stare is juxtaposed with a slightly wavering physicality which brings the first soliloquy into monumental, rousing proportion as she rallies the troops with the ominous pronouncement “We shall be remembered”.

    Do-it-yourself aesthetic

    Design and sound are front and centre in this 23-minute film. The actors worked with local company Boxwars to make their costumes and props, and Agincourt’s factory setting provides the background for the do-it-yourself aesthetic which features an impressive array of ornately decorated cardboard costumes.

    Props are also made from cardboard and we see swirling maces, pointed lances, bows and arrows, and fearfully brandished swords. The detail is brilliant.

    It is hard to describe the satisfaction of viewing a violent battle staged with cardboard – an inherently theatrical material which has the capacity to be firm and resilient but also to disintegrate spectacularly over time.

    (If you aren’t aware of the delightful cardboard community that is Boxwars, I highly recommend checking out their numerous YouTube videos: you won’t be disappointed.)

    A mythic, epic conflict

    The idea of staging an epic conflict in such a playful way seems outrageous, but there is a mythic quality to the work – the call to arms, the messy scrabbling, the physicality – that transcends the silliness. In the end, there is a kind of gravitas to the action.

    Over the course of the film, Agincourt moves from a grand and heroic sensibility to a sweaty, bloody depiction of war.

    Helmeted riders on horses (made from old mattresses) are pushed into the fray amid forklifts, trolleys and pallets of yarn. Beautiful woven fabrics play backdrop to regal pronouncements as the bricked walls of this industrial space are transformed into a chaotic battlefield.

    The actors worked with local company Boxwars to make their costumes and props.
    Jeff Busby/Back To Back Theatre/ACMI

    Gladwin uses his cast of thousands (and stunt directors) to great effect, creating phalanxes of archers raising bows in unison, or lines of soldiers in rows, swords at the ready.

    These orderly patterns are juxtaposed with fight scenes which become more and more volatile as soldiers wade through pulped paper-mud and drag bodies across the concrete floor.

    The sound design is suitably battle worn, accompanying the slow motion death scenes and bloodied faces with war cries, horses galloping and whinnying and the squelch of bodily disembowelment.

    Towards the end of the film, the factory becomes, once again, a work space.

    As the workers in this supported employment service go about their tasks – stripping mattresses, recycling materials, packaging kindling, objects deconstructed and re-purposed – a discussion ensues about how the workers want to be treated: as individuals … or as soldiers.

    Agincourt can be read as a contemporary comment on the viciousness and futility of war. But it is also a charge to action for those whose influence has been underestimated.

    Agincourt is at ACMI, Melbourne, until February 1 2026.

    Kate Hunter 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. Back to Back Theatre tackles an epic Shakespearian conflict – set in a factory, with cardboard props – https://theconversation.com/back-to-back-theatre-tackles-an-epic-shakespearian-conflict-set-in-a-factory-with-cardboard-props-257545

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Avoid bad breath, don’t pick partners when drunk: ancient dating tips to find modern love

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Konstantine Panegyres, Lecturer in Classics and Ancient History, The University of Western Australia

    Henryk Siemiradzki via Wikimedia Commons

    To love and be loved is something most people want in their lives.

    In the modern world, we often see stories about the difficulties of finding love and the trials of dating and marriage. Sometimes, the person we love doesn’t love us. Sometimes, we don’t love the person who loves us.

    Ancient Greeks and Romans also had a lot to say about this subject. In fact, most of the issues people face today in their search for love are already mentioned in ancient Greek and Roman literature.

    So, what did they say? And is the advice they put forward still relevant for modern people?

    Advice for finding a lover

    The Roman poet Ovid (43BCE–17CE) wrote a poem called The Art of Love (Ars Amatoria). In it, he offered advice for those who are still single.

    First, Ovid says, you should make an effort to find someone you’re interested in. Your lover “will not come floating down to you through the tenuous air, she must be sought”.

    As suitable places to find a lover, Ovid recommends walking in porticos and gardens, attending the theatre, or (surprisingly enough) lingering near law courts.

    You need to catch someone’s eye and then invent an excuse to talk with them, he says.

    Seek your lover in the daytime, says Ovid. Be careful of the night. You won’t choose the right person if you’re drunk. And you can’t see their face properly if it’s too dark – they might be uglier than you think.

    Second, Ovid says you need to look presentable. Make sure your clothes are clean and you have a good haircut. Moreover, keep yourself groomed properly at all times:

    Do not let your nails project, and let them be free of dirt; nor let any hair be in the hollow of your nostrils. Let not the breath of your mouth be sour and unpleasing.

    Ovid’s The Art of Love may be regarded as a kind of love manual. But aside from making personal efforts to find a lover, people could also use matchmakers.

    However, matchmaking was a difficult process. Sometimes matchmakers didn’t tell the truth about the situations of the parties involved. So the Athenian writer Xenophon (430–353 BCE) says people were sometimes “victims of deception” in the matchmaking process.

    What if you’re not in love?

    The ancients recognised that not being in love can be a problem. They thought it bad for your mental and physical health, but also for society more broadly.

    For example, the Roman writer Claudius Aelian (2nd–3rd century CE) in his Historical Miscellany says soldiers who are in love will fight better than soldiers who are not in love:

    In the heat of battle when war brings men into combat, a man who is not in love could not match one who is. The man untouched by love avoids and runs away from the man who loves, as if he were an outsider uninitiated into the god’s rites, and his bravery depends on his character and physical strength.

    According to Aelian, the Spartans had a punishment for men who did not fall in love:

    Any man of good appearance and character who did not fall in love with someone well-bred was also fined, because despite his excellence he did not love anyone […] lovers’ affection for their beloved has a remarkable power of stimulating the virtues.

    So, when two people are in love, they can inspire each other and bring out the best in one another. Being in love can help a person become better and achieve more.

    Fighting for and keeping a lover

    If we are lucky, the person we love will also love us back, and we won’t have any love rivals.

    But what happens when the person we love is also loved by someone else? We may need to put in more effort to win the affection of that person, but sometimes this brings us into conflicts.

    For example, the Roman orator and politician Marcus Tullius Cicero (106–43 BCE), in his On the Orator, tells how Gaius Memmius, Roman tribune of the year 111 BCE, apparently took a bite out of his love rival’s arm, “when he had a quarrel with him at Tarracina over a girlfriend”.

    Some ways to keep one’s lover interested that are mentioned in ancient sources include showing off one’s wealth.

    For example, in one of the plays of the poet Alexis (375–275 BCE) a young man who is in love puts on a large banquet to impress his girlfriend with a display of wealth. Engagements were at that time sometimes cancelled if it turned out the husband was too poor.

    Of course, things did not always work out, and people had grievances against former lovers. One particularly famous invective was from the poet Martial (38–104 CE) to a woman called Manneia:

    Manneia, your little dog licks your face and lips. Small wonder that a dog likes eating dung!

    Timeless concerns

    Today, we often see debates about whether it’s better to stay single or get into a relationship.

    The same goes for antiquity. In the 4th-century BCE play Arrephoros or The Pipe Girl by poet Menander, one character says:

    If you’ve got any sense, you won’t get married […] I’m married myself – which is why I’m advising you not to do it.

    Others lamented that they missed their opportunity for love. So the poet Pindar (6th–5th century BCE) wrote a poem regretting that he could not make the much younger Theoxenus his boyfriend:

    You should have picked love’s flowers at the right time, my heart, when you were young. But as for the sparkling rays from Theoxenus’ eyes, whoever looks on them and is not roiled with longing has a black heart forged with cold fire out of steel or iron.

    Clearly, finding a lover was as difficult then as it is now.

    Konstantine Panegyres 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. Avoid bad breath, don’t pick partners when drunk: ancient dating tips to find modern love – https://theconversation.com/avoid-bad-breath-dont-pick-partners-when-drunk-ancient-dating-tips-to-find-modern-love-250792

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Astronomers have spied an interstellar object zooming through the Solar System

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kirsten Banks, Lecturer, School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology

    K Ly / Deep Random Survey

    This week, astronomers spotted the third known interstellar visitor to our Solar System.

    First detected by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) on July 1, the cosmic interloper was given the temporary name A11pl3Z. Experts at NASA’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies and the International Astronomical Union (IAU) have confirmed the find, and the object now has an official designation: I3/ATLAS.

    The orbital path of I3/ATLAS through the Solar System.
    NASA/JPL-Caltech, CC BY-NC

    There are a few strong clues that suggest 3I/ATLAS came from outside the Solar System.

    First, it’s moving really fast. Current observations show it speeding through space at around 245,000km per hour. That’s more than enough to escape the Sun’s gravity.

    An object near Earth’s orbit would only need to be travelling at just over 150,000km/h to break free from the Solar System.

    Second, 3I/ATLAS has a wildly eccentric orbit around the Sun. Eccentricity measures how “stretched” an orbit is: 0 eccentricity is a perfect circle, and anything up to 1 is an increasingly strung-out ellipse. Above 1 is an orbit that is not bound to the Sun.

    3I/ATLAS has an estimated eccentricity of 6.3, by far the highest ever recorded for any object in the Solar System.

    Has anything like this happened before?

    An artist’s impression of the first confirmed interstellar object, 1I/‘Oumuamua.
    ESO/M. Kornmesser, CC BY

    The first interstellar object spotted in our Solar System was the cigar-shaped ‘Oumuamua, discovered in 2017 by the Pan-STARRS1 telescope in Hawaii. Scientists tracked it for 80 days before eventually confirming it came from interstellar space.

    The interstellar comet I2/Borisov, imaged by the Hubble Space Telescope.
    NASA, ESA, and D. Jewitt (UCLA), CC BY-NC

    The second interstellar visitor, comet 2I/Borisov, was discovered two years later by amateur astronomer Gennadiy Borisov. This time it only took astronomers a few weeks to confirm it came from outside the Solar System.

    This time, the interstellar origin of I3/ATLAS has been confirmed in a matter of days.

    How did it get here?

    We have only ever seen three interstellar visitors (including I3/ATLAS), so it’s hard to know exactly how they made their way here.

    However, recent research published in The Planetary Science Journal suggests these objects might be more common than we once thought. In particular, they may come from relatively nearby star systems such as Alpha Centauri (our nearest interstellar neighbour, a mere 4.4 light years away).

    Alpha Centauri A and Alpha Centauri B, from the triple star system Alpha Centauri.
    ESA/Hubble & NASA, CC BY

    Alpha Centauri is slowly moving closer to us, with its closest approach expected in about 28,000 years. If it flings out material in the same way our Solar System does, scientists estimate around a million objects from Alpha Centauri larger than 100 metres in diameter could already be in the outer reaches of our Solar System. That number could increase tenfold as Alpha Centauri gets closer.

    Most of this material would have been ejected at relatively low speeds, less than 2km/s, making it more likely to drift into our cosmic neighbourhood over time and not dramatically zoom in and out of the Solar System like I3/ATLAS appears to be doing. While the chance of one of these objects coming close to the Sun is extremely small, the study suggests a few tiny meteors from Alpha Centauri, likely no bigger than grains of sand, may already hit Earth’s atmosphere every year.

    Why is this interesting?

    Discovering new interstellar visitors like 3I/ATLAS is thrilling, not just because they’re rare, but because each one offers a unique glimpse into the wider galaxy. Every confirmed interstellar object expands our catalogue and helps scientists better understand the nature of these visitors, how they travel through space, and where they might have come from.

    A swarm of new asteroids discovered by the NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory.

    Thanks to powerful new observatories such as the NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory, our ability to detect these elusive objects is rapidly improving. In fact, during its first 10 hours of test imaging, Rubin revealed 2,104 previously unknown asteroids.

    This is an astonishing preview of what’s to come. With its wide field of view and constant sky coverage, Rubin is expected to revolutionise our search for interstellar objects, potentially turning rare discoveries into routine ones.

    What now?

    There’s still plenty left to uncover about 3I/ATLAS. Right now, it’s officially classified as a comet by the IAU Minor Planet Center.

    But some scientists argue it might actually be an asteroid, roughly 20km across, based on the lack of typical comet-like features such as a glowing coma or a tail. More observations will be needed to confirm its nature.

    Currently, 3I/ATLAS is inbound, just inside Jupiter’s orbit. It’s expected to reach its closest point to the Sun, slightly closer than the planet Mars, on October 29. After that, it will swing back out towards deep space, making its closest approach to Earth in December. (It will pose no threat to our planet.)

    Whether it’s a comet or an asteroid, 3I/ATLAS is a messenger from another star system. For now, these sightings are rare – though as next-generation observatories such as Rubin swing into operation, we may discover interstellar companions all around.

    Kirsten Banks 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. Astronomers have spied an interstellar object zooming through the Solar System – https://theconversation.com/astronomers-have-spied-an-interstellar-object-zooming-through-the-solar-system-260422

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for July 4, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on July 4, 2025.

    Astronomers have spied an interstellar object zooming through the Solar System
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kirsten Banks, Lecturer, School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology K Ly / Deep Random Survey This week, astronomers spotted the third known interstellar visitor to our Solar System. First detected by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) on July 1, the

    Avoid bad breath, don’t pick partners when drunk: ancient dating tips to find modern love
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Konstantine Panegyres, Lecturer in Classics and Ancient History, The University of Western Australia Henryk Siemiradzki via Wikimedia Commons To love and be loved is something most people want in their lives. In the modern world, we often see stories about the difficulties of finding love and the

    Back to Back Theatre tackles an epic Shakespearian conflict – set in a factory, with cardboard props
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Hunter, Senior Lecturer in Art and Performance, Deakin University Jeff Busby/Back To Back Theatre/ACMI Back to Back Theatre is one of Australia’s national treasures. Over 30 years this dynamic Geelong-based company – an ensemble of actors who are perceived to have intellectual disabilities – has built

    Australia’s new lung cancer screening program has chosen simplicity over equity, and we’re concerned
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa J. Whop, Associate Director of Research and Senior Fellow, Yardhura Walani, National Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing Research, Australian National University Thurtell/Getty Images Australia’s lung cancer screening program launched on July 1, and marks real progress and opportunity. It aims to reduce the

    Lost in space: MethaneSat failed just as NZ was to take over mission control – here’s what we need to know now
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicholas Rattenbury, Associate Professor in Physics, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Environmental Defense Fund, CC BY-SA This week’s announcement of the loss of a methane-detecting satellite, just days before New Zealand was meant to take over mission control, is a blow to the country’s space research

    Rare wooden tools from Stone Age China reveal plant-based lifestyle of ancient lakeside humans
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bo Li, Professor, Environmental Futures Research Centre, School of Science, University of Wollongong Excavation at the Gantangqing site. Liu et al. Ancient wooden tools found at a site in Gantangqing in southwestern China are approximately 300,000 years old, new dating has shown. Discovered during excavations carried out

    I’ve seen the brain damage contact sports can cause – we all need to take concussion and CTE more seriously
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alan Pearce, Professor, Adjunct Research Fellow, School of Health Science, Swinburne University of Technology AAP Image/The Conversation, CC BY Concussion in sport continues to make headlines, whether it be class actions, young men flocking to the highly violent “RunIt” activity or debate about whether Australian rules football

    NZ will soon have no real interisland rail-ferry link – why are we so bad at infrastructure planning?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy Welch, Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images) Another week, another Cook Strait ferry breakdown. As the winter maintenance season approaches and the Aratere prepares for its final months of service, New Zealand faces a self-imposed crisis. The government

    Mauna Loa Observatory captured the reality of climate change. The US plans to shut it down
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alex Sen Gupta, Associate Professor in Climate Science, UNSW Sydney Izabela23/Shutterstock The greenhouse effect was discovered more than 150 years ago and the first scientific paper linking carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere with climate change was published in 1896. But it wasn’t until the 1950s that

    6 simple questions to tell if a ‘finfluencer’ is more flash than cash
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dimitrios Salampasis, Associate Professor, Emerging Technologies and FinTech | FinTech Capability Lead, Swinburne University of Technology Oleg Golovnev/Shutterstock Images of flashy sports cars. Lavish lifestyle shots. These are just some of the red flags consumers should watch out for when they turn to social media for financial

    Grattan on Friday: how two once hot-button issues this week barely sparked media and political interest
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Political and news cycles often work in a certain and predictable way. Issues flare like bushfires, then rage for weeks or even months, until they are finally extinguished by action or fade by being overtaken by the next big thing.

    How many serious incidents are happening in Australian childcare centres? We don’t really know
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Erin Harper, Lecturer, School of Education and Social Work, University of Sydney Catherine Delahaye/ Getty Images This week, a Melbourne childcare worker was charged over alleged sexual abuse of young children in his care. Families are justifiably appalled and furious – with 1,200 children urged to be

    Too much vitamin B6 can be toxic. 3 symptoms to watch out for
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nial Wheate, Professor, School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University Selena3726/Shutterstock Side effects from taking too much vitamin B6 – including nerve damage – may be more widespread than we think, Australia’s medicines regulator says. In an ABC report earlier this week, a spokesperson for the Therapeutic Goods

    Too much vitamin B6 can be toxic. 3 symptoms to watch out for
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nial Wheate, Professor, School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University Selena3726/Shutterstock Side effects from taking too much vitamin B6 – including nerve damage – may be more widespread than we think, Australia’s medicines regulator says. In an ABC report earlier this week, a spokesperson for the Therapeutic Goods

    10 steps governments can take now to stamp out child sexual abuse in care settings
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ben Mathews, Distinguished Professor, School of Law, Queensland University of Technology Recent cases of prolific alleged child sexual abuse in Melbourne and other Australian early childhood education and care settings have shocked even experienced people who work to prevent child sexual abuse. Parents are right to be

    Tears, trauma and unpaid work: why men in tinnies aren’t the only heroes during a flood disaster
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rebecca McNaught, Research Fellow, Rural and Remote Health, University of Sydney Dan Peled/Getty Images When flooding strikes, our screens fill with scenes of devastated victims, and men performing heroic dinghy rescues in swollen rivers. But another story often goes untold: how women step in, and step up,

    The takeaway from the Venice Biennale saga: the art world faces deep and troubling structural inequality
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Grace McQuilten, Professor of Art and Associate Dean, Research and Innovation, School of Art, RMIT University Creative Australia’s decision earlier this year to rescind the selection of artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino as Australia’s 2026 representatives at the Venice Biennale sent shockwaves through the arts

    The Rainbow Warrior saga: 1. French state terrorism and NZ’s end of innocence
    COMMENTARY: By Eugene Doyle Immediately after killing Fernando Pereira and blowing up Greenpeace’s flagship the Rainbow Warrior in Auckland harbour, several of the French agents went on a ski holiday in New Zealand’s South Island to celebrate. Such was the contempt the French had for the Kiwis and the abilities of our police to pursue

    Does eating cheese before bed really give you nightmares? Here’s what the science says
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Charlotte Gupta, Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Appleton Institute, HealthWise Research Group, CQUniversity Australia Phoenixns/Shutterstock, The Conversation, CC BY Have you heard people say eating cheese before bed will cause you to have vivid dreams or nightmares? It’s a relatively common idea. And this week, a new study

    Experiencing extreme weather and disasters is not enough to change views on climate action, study shows
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Omid Ghasemi, Research Associate in Behavioural Science at the Institute for Climate Risk & Response, UNSW Sydney STR / AFP via Getty Images Climate change has made extreme weather events such as bushfires and floods more frequent and more likely in recent years, and the trend is

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for July 4, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on July 4, 2025.

    Astronomers have spied an interstellar object zooming through the Solar System
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kirsten Banks, Lecturer, School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology K Ly / Deep Random Survey This week, astronomers spotted the third known interstellar visitor to our Solar System. First detected by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) on July 1, the

    Avoid bad breath, don’t pick partners when drunk: ancient dating tips to find modern love
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Konstantine Panegyres, Lecturer in Classics and Ancient History, The University of Western Australia Henryk Siemiradzki via Wikimedia Commons To love and be loved is something most people want in their lives. In the modern world, we often see stories about the difficulties of finding love and the

    Back to Back Theatre tackles an epic Shakespearian conflict – set in a factory, with cardboard props
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Hunter, Senior Lecturer in Art and Performance, Deakin University Jeff Busby/Back To Back Theatre/ACMI Back to Back Theatre is one of Australia’s national treasures. Over 30 years this dynamic Geelong-based company – an ensemble of actors who are perceived to have intellectual disabilities – has built

    Australia’s new lung cancer screening program has chosen simplicity over equity, and we’re concerned
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa J. Whop, Associate Director of Research and Senior Fellow, Yardhura Walani, National Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing Research, Australian National University Thurtell/Getty Images Australia’s lung cancer screening program launched on July 1, and marks real progress and opportunity. It aims to reduce the

    Lost in space: MethaneSat failed just as NZ was to take over mission control – here’s what we need to know now
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicholas Rattenbury, Associate Professor in Physics, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Environmental Defense Fund, CC BY-SA This week’s announcement of the loss of a methane-detecting satellite, just days before New Zealand was meant to take over mission control, is a blow to the country’s space research

    Rare wooden tools from Stone Age China reveal plant-based lifestyle of ancient lakeside humans
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bo Li, Professor, Environmental Futures Research Centre, School of Science, University of Wollongong Excavation at the Gantangqing site. Liu et al. Ancient wooden tools found at a site in Gantangqing in southwestern China are approximately 300,000 years old, new dating has shown. Discovered during excavations carried out

    I’ve seen the brain damage contact sports can cause – we all need to take concussion and CTE more seriously
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alan Pearce, Professor, Adjunct Research Fellow, School of Health Science, Swinburne University of Technology AAP Image/The Conversation, CC BY Concussion in sport continues to make headlines, whether it be class actions, young men flocking to the highly violent “RunIt” activity or debate about whether Australian rules football

    NZ will soon have no real interisland rail-ferry link – why are we so bad at infrastructure planning?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy Welch, Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images) Another week, another Cook Strait ferry breakdown. As the winter maintenance season approaches and the Aratere prepares for its final months of service, New Zealand faces a self-imposed crisis. The government

    Mauna Loa Observatory captured the reality of climate change. The US plans to shut it down
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alex Sen Gupta, Associate Professor in Climate Science, UNSW Sydney Izabela23/Shutterstock The greenhouse effect was discovered more than 150 years ago and the first scientific paper linking carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere with climate change was published in 1896. But it wasn’t until the 1950s that

    6 simple questions to tell if a ‘finfluencer’ is more flash than cash
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dimitrios Salampasis, Associate Professor, Emerging Technologies and FinTech | FinTech Capability Lead, Swinburne University of Technology Oleg Golovnev/Shutterstock Images of flashy sports cars. Lavish lifestyle shots. These are just some of the red flags consumers should watch out for when they turn to social media for financial

    Grattan on Friday: how two once hot-button issues this week barely sparked media and political interest
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Political and news cycles often work in a certain and predictable way. Issues flare like bushfires, then rage for weeks or even months, until they are finally extinguished by action or fade by being overtaken by the next big thing.

    How many serious incidents are happening in Australian childcare centres? We don’t really know
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Erin Harper, Lecturer, School of Education and Social Work, University of Sydney Catherine Delahaye/ Getty Images This week, a Melbourne childcare worker was charged over alleged sexual abuse of young children in his care. Families are justifiably appalled and furious – with 1,200 children urged to be

    Too much vitamin B6 can be toxic. 3 symptoms to watch out for
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nial Wheate, Professor, School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University Selena3726/Shutterstock Side effects from taking too much vitamin B6 – including nerve damage – may be more widespread than we think, Australia’s medicines regulator says. In an ABC report earlier this week, a spokesperson for the Therapeutic Goods

    Too much vitamin B6 can be toxic. 3 symptoms to watch out for
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nial Wheate, Professor, School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University Selena3726/Shutterstock Side effects from taking too much vitamin B6 – including nerve damage – may be more widespread than we think, Australia’s medicines regulator says. In an ABC report earlier this week, a spokesperson for the Therapeutic Goods

    10 steps governments can take now to stamp out child sexual abuse in care settings
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ben Mathews, Distinguished Professor, School of Law, Queensland University of Technology Recent cases of prolific alleged child sexual abuse in Melbourne and other Australian early childhood education and care settings have shocked even experienced people who work to prevent child sexual abuse. Parents are right to be

    Tears, trauma and unpaid work: why men in tinnies aren’t the only heroes during a flood disaster
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rebecca McNaught, Research Fellow, Rural and Remote Health, University of Sydney Dan Peled/Getty Images When flooding strikes, our screens fill with scenes of devastated victims, and men performing heroic dinghy rescues in swollen rivers. But another story often goes untold: how women step in, and step up,

    The takeaway from the Venice Biennale saga: the art world faces deep and troubling structural inequality
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Grace McQuilten, Professor of Art and Associate Dean, Research and Innovation, School of Art, RMIT University Creative Australia’s decision earlier this year to rescind the selection of artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino as Australia’s 2026 representatives at the Venice Biennale sent shockwaves through the arts

    The Rainbow Warrior saga: 1. French state terrorism and NZ’s end of innocence
    COMMENTARY: By Eugene Doyle Immediately after killing Fernando Pereira and blowing up Greenpeace’s flagship the Rainbow Warrior in Auckland harbour, several of the French agents went on a ski holiday in New Zealand’s South Island to celebrate. Such was the contempt the French had for the Kiwis and the abilities of our police to pursue

    Does eating cheese before bed really give you nightmares? Here’s what the science says
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Charlotte Gupta, Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Appleton Institute, HealthWise Research Group, CQUniversity Australia Phoenixns/Shutterstock, The Conversation, CC BY Have you heard people say eating cheese before bed will cause you to have vivid dreams or nightmares? It’s a relatively common idea. And this week, a new study

    Experiencing extreme weather and disasters is not enough to change views on climate action, study shows
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Omid Ghasemi, Research Associate in Behavioural Science at the Institute for Climate Risk & Response, UNSW Sydney STR / AFP via Getty Images Climate change has made extreme weather events such as bushfires and floods more frequent and more likely in recent years, and the trend is

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: World Trading Tournament Reschedules Main Event to March 2026 and Announces Official Mini Tournament Series

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOCKESSIN, Delaware, July 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The World Trading Tournament (WTT) announces a strategic update regarding its operations and event calendar. In line with long-term planning and platform optimization, the WTT Main Event, initially scheduled for July 2025, will now take place in March 2026.

    This adjustment reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to delivering a reliable and inclusive global trading experience. The decision was driven by several key developments:

    • Platform Expansion and Technology Enhancements:
      WTT is integrating advanced infrastructure to support real-time performance tracking, global participant access, and enhanced security. The goal is to ensure a seamless tournament experience for all users and traders.
    • Strategic Partnerships:
      Several institutional and fintech partners have expressed interest in deeper collaboration. Extending the timeline allows WTT to onboard these partners more effectively, ensuring alignment across key objectives.
    • Global Outreach:
      This strategic shift enables WTT to expand its global marketing and onboarding efforts, improve accessibility for traders in emerging markets, and provide additional time for participants to prepare and qualify.

    World Trading Tournament: Dates Updated

    Participants already registered for the original July 2025 event may retain their entry or request a full refund by contacting support@worldtradingtournament.com.

    In conjunction with this update, WTT is launching its official Co-Branded Mini Tournament Program. This initiative enables selected community leaders and trading influencers to host WTT-sponsored tournaments with a fully funded USD 350 prize pool. Each mini tournament will be coordinated with the WTT operations team and must meet specific participation criteria.

    Co-Brand Mini Tournament Prize Pool

    These Mini Tournaments will serve as a lead-up to the March 2026 Main Event, encouraging early participation and community involvement under WTT’s brand and oversight.

    WTT reaffirms its commitment to transparency, fairness, and innovation as it continues to build a structured, competitive global trading platform.

    Media Contact:
    World Trading Tournament Customer Support
    support@worldtradingtournament.com
    https://worldtradingtournament.com

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/95160a63-101d-4e3f-8824-03ea0f94d855

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2557ef84-0877-4b0c-b647-5b761da73ff5

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: World Trading Tournament Reschedules Main Event to March 2026 and Announces Official Mini Tournament Series

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOCKESSIN, Delaware, July 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The World Trading Tournament (WTT) announces a strategic update regarding its operations and event calendar. In line with long-term planning and platform optimization, the WTT Main Event, initially scheduled for July 2025, will now take place in March 2026.

    This adjustment reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to delivering a reliable and inclusive global trading experience. The decision was driven by several key developments:

    • Platform Expansion and Technology Enhancements:
      WTT is integrating advanced infrastructure to support real-time performance tracking, global participant access, and enhanced security. The goal is to ensure a seamless tournament experience for all users and traders.
    • Strategic Partnerships:
      Several institutional and fintech partners have expressed interest in deeper collaboration. Extending the timeline allows WTT to onboard these partners more effectively, ensuring alignment across key objectives.
    • Global Outreach:
      This strategic shift enables WTT to expand its global marketing and onboarding efforts, improve accessibility for traders in emerging markets, and provide additional time for participants to prepare and qualify.

    World Trading Tournament: Dates Updated

    Participants already registered for the original July 2025 event may retain their entry or request a full refund by contacting support@worldtradingtournament.com.

    In conjunction with this update, WTT is launching its official Co-Branded Mini Tournament Program. This initiative enables selected community leaders and trading influencers to host WTT-sponsored tournaments with a fully funded USD 350 prize pool. Each mini tournament will be coordinated with the WTT operations team and must meet specific participation criteria.

    Co-Brand Mini Tournament Prize Pool

    These Mini Tournaments will serve as a lead-up to the March 2026 Main Event, encouraging early participation and community involvement under WTT’s brand and oversight.

    WTT reaffirms its commitment to transparency, fairness, and innovation as it continues to build a structured, competitive global trading platform.

    Media Contact:
    World Trading Tournament Customer Support
    support@worldtradingtournament.com
    https://worldtradingtournament.com

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/95160a63-101d-4e3f-8824-03ea0f94d855

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2557ef84-0877-4b0c-b647-5b761da73ff5

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Panasonic HD develops “SparseVLM” technology that doubles the processing speed of Vision-Language Model

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Panasonic HD develops “SparseVLM” technology that doubles the processing speed of Vision-Language Model

    Figure 1: Comparison of “SparseVLM” and existing sparsification methods (quoted from the accepted paper)

    Osaka, Japan, July 4, 2025 – Panasonic R&D Company of America (PRDCA) and Panasonic Holdings Co., Ltd. (Panasonic HD), in collaboration with researchers from Peking University, Fudan University, University of California, Berkeley, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University, have developed “SparseVLM,” a technology that speeds up Vision-Language Models (VLMs), AI models that can understand and process both visual data such as images and videos, and text data.In recent years, VLMs have seen rapid development. These models can process visual and textual information simultaneously and can answer questions about visual content. However, handling a large amount of data, especially high-resolution images and long videos, leads to longer inference times and higher computational complexity for the AI model. “SparseVLM” adopts a novel approach by focusing solely on the visual information relevant to the input prompt (Figure 1), significantly reducing inference time and computational complexity while maintaining high accuracy in answering questions about images.This research has been accepted for presentation at the 42nd International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML2025), one of the premier conferences for AI and machine learning research. The conference will take place in Vancouver, Canada from July 13 to July 19, 2025.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Panasonic HD develops “SparseVLM” technology that doubles the processing speed of Vision-Language Model

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Panasonic HD develops “SparseVLM” technology that doubles the processing speed of Vision-Language Model

    Figure 1: Comparison of “SparseVLM” and existing sparsification methods (quoted from the accepted paper)

    Osaka, Japan, July 4, 2025 – Panasonic R&D Company of America (PRDCA) and Panasonic Holdings Co., Ltd. (Panasonic HD), in collaboration with researchers from Peking University, Fudan University, University of California, Berkeley, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University, have developed “SparseVLM,” a technology that speeds up Vision-Language Models (VLMs), AI models that can understand and process both visual data such as images and videos, and text data.In recent years, VLMs have seen rapid development. These models can process visual and textual information simultaneously and can answer questions about visual content. However, handling a large amount of data, especially high-resolution images and long videos, leads to longer inference times and higher computational complexity for the AI model. “SparseVLM” adopts a novel approach by focusing solely on the visual information relevant to the input prompt (Figure 1), significantly reducing inference time and computational complexity while maintaining high accuracy in answering questions about images.This research has been accepted for presentation at the 42nd International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML2025), one of the premier conferences for AI and machine learning research. The conference will take place in Vancouver, Canada from July 13 to July 19, 2025.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s e-bike trade-in program sees robust production, sales in first half of 2025

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

    Customers apply for trade-in subsidy from the government at a cashier in Fuyang, Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Oct. 31, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China’s electric bicycle trade-in program has driven a boom in both production and sales, played an active role in expanding consumption, benefited livelihoods and promoted safety, according to the Ministry of Commerce on Thursday.

    In the first six months of 2025, on average, sales of electric bicycles through the trade-in program across the country increased by 113.5 percent month on month, He Yongqian, spokesperson for the ministry, told a press conference.

    By the end of June, a total of about 8.47 million new electric bicycles had been sold to replace old ones across the country, which is 6.1 times that of 2024. Sales in Jiangsu, Hebei and Zhejiang provinces all exceeded 1 million units, while in each of 16 other provincial-level regions including Anhui and Shandong, sales exceeded 100,000 units, He said.

    During the same period, the total sales value reached about 24.77 billion yuan (about 3.46 billion U.S. dollars), 6.6 times that of last year. About 8.4 million buyers across the country enjoyed subsidies under the favorable policy, according to the spokesperson.

    The ministry’s data also shows that the industry benefits from robust production and sales under the trade-in program. In the first half of this year, the output of the top 10 brands of electric bicycles increased by 27.6 percent year on year.

    Meanwhile, a total of 82,000 sales stores participated in the trade-in program, most of which were small and micro enterprises and individual merchants. On average, it increased the sales of each store by 302,000 yuan, according to the industry.

    The program, which sees old electric bicycles traded in for new ones, has also ensured the safety of electric bicycle industries and consumers, according to the spokesperson. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Landmark effort launched at Beijing conference to democratize digital processes

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

    .

    As the digital economy reshapes societies, a critical question emerges: how can its benefits move beyond privileged tech hubs to empower cities everywhere?

    At the 2025 Global Digital Economy Conference in Beijing, more than 40 partner cities spanning Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Latin America answered by launching the Global Digital Economy Cities Alliance (DEC40) — a landmark effort to democratize digital processes.

    While 5G and artificial intelligence (AI) advance rapidly, infrastructure gaps and governance challenges exclude billions, especially in developing nations. DEC40 directly tackles it by institutionalizing multilateral cooperation on cross-border data rules, ethical AI and smart city solutions — frameworks essential for inclusive growth.

    This photo taken on July 2, 2025 shows a sign of the Global Digital Economy Conference 2025 in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin)

    CHINA’S ROLE AS CATALYST

    “Technologies from industry and academia need multilateral platforms to become true ‘digital public goods,’” stressed Zhao Houlin, former secretary-general of the International Telecommunication Union, at the conference running from Wednesday to Saturday.

    China’s practical models, showcased through DEC40, offer scalable blueprints: The digital governance platform of the city of Beijing streamlines administrations, serving 500,000 civil servants. Its Level-4 autonomous vehicles logged 170 million km, a replicable testbed for global urban mobility.

    “Urban development in the digital era requires not just technological breakthroughs, but also new ideas for governance and stronger international cooperation,” said Jiang Guangzhi, director of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology. “We are ready to share our practice and provide a ‘Beijing Solution.’”

    “These innovations will be shared through the DEC40 platform to help other cities, especially in developing countries, adopt adaptable technology solutions,” Jiang added.

    Under DEC40, Beijing has a preliminary plan to implement three major initiatives. Over the next three years, the Chinese capital aims to provide digital infrastructure planning and consulting services to 100 cities in developing countries, train 100 city-level digital governance officers, and jointly build 10 demonstration projects in smart agriculture and digital healthcare.

    Beijing has already established connections with cities in countries such as Angola and Tajikistan, and the first training course for 50 officials is expected to be launched this year.

    Looking ahead, Rakhimova Durdona Shukurrullayevna, deputy mayor of Tashkent, Uzbekistan, believed that cooperation with Beijing will help ensure every resident shares in digital dividends.

    This photo taken on April 17, 2025 shows a China-developed WeRide Robobus (front) operating at an airport in Zurich, Switzerland. (Xinhua)

    PRIVATE SECTOR’S CROSS-BORDER IMPACT

    Beyond government-led efforts, Chinese private companies are also expanding their global footprint in the digital economy and taking their digital expertise to the world stage.  

    Chinese autonomous driving leaders like Pony.ai and WeRide now operate across more than eight countries, from Paris to Riyadh, contributing to local job creation in operations and tech support.

    “Our expansion attracts global suppliers to invest locally, building industrial clusters,” said Peng Jun, Pony.ai co-founder and chief executive officer.

    And benefits go beyond factories. According to Zhang Yuxue, WeRide’s director of PR and marketing, local partnerships have also led to job creation in areas such as fleet management and technical support.

    As Chinese autonomous driving firms gain global traction, collaboration with global players is deepening. Uber, for instance, has teamed up with WeRide and Pony.ai to integrate Chinese-developed autonomous driving technologies into its ride-hailing platform, starting with pilot operations in the Middle East.

    “It’s clear that the future of mobility will be increasingly shared, electric and autonomous,” said Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi. “We look forward to working with Chinese leading autonomous vehicle companies to help bring the benefits of autonomous technology to cities around the world.”

    Co-organized with the UN Development Program, the Global Digital Economy Conference signals that “digital inclusion is now a shared governance imperative.” As Beate Trankmann, resident representative of the United Nations Development Program in China, underscored, collective action turns tech potential into “tangible human benefits.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Survivors recount toxic gas ordeal at landfill pit

    Source: Worksafe New Zealand

    As a WorkSafe prosecution comes to a close, two workers overcome by fumes from a toxic gas pit have for the first time told of their experience of narrowly dodging death.

    The men were doing an excavation, to try to fix the smell of rotting plasterboard at the Taylorville Resource Park near Greymouth in August 2023. The smell was hydrogen sulphide and the workers were not told of dangerously high levels of the toxic, colourless gas measured weeks before at the contaminated waste facility.

    The excavator operator went into the pit to clear a pump blockage but as he was climbing out fell unconscious and face down into black liquid at the base of the pit, known as leachate. His supervisor saw this from above and twice fell unconscious while trying to rescue him. He eventually managed to climb out and call for help.

    The pit at Taylorville Resource Park where two men were overcome by hydrogen sulphide.

    WorkSafe found inadequate risk assessment and planning for the excavation work, workers not being advised of the risks of hydrogen sulphide, and no gas monitors available on site. Two companies were prosecuted for health and safety failures and have now been sentenced in the Greymouth District Court.

    Both survivors have permanent name suppression. The supervisor suffered from toxic gas exposure and now lives with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

    “Every night for the first six months after the incident and now once a week, I wake up suffering flashbacks thinking I am still in the pit, not being able to breathe, and thinking I am going to die,” says the 64-year-old who has not been able to work since.

    Although the man has been left “in a dark financial situation” he says there have been other losses too.

    “My entire social circle consisted solely of my workmates so when I lost my job, I suddenly lost my social network and became socially isolated and alone… losing my social circle has probably been my biggest loss.”

    “This incident has taken away my life, all my goals and aspirations can no longer be achieved. The mental, physical, and financial impacts have had a profound impact in every area of my life and will continue to do so for a long time.”

    The operator suffered chemical burns to his eyes, chemical pneumonitis, atrial fibrillation, and seizures. He is now 38 and has returned to work. He has no memory of the incident, although he says he “feels bad for what happened” to his colleague “and the stress he had to go through when he pulled me out of the leachate”.

    WorkSafe’s role is to influence businesses to meet their responsibilities and keep people healthy and safe.

    “We salute the courage it has taken for these two survivors to stay strong throughout our investigation and prosecution,” says WorkSafe’s Inspectorate Head, Rob Pope.

    “The experience these men have gone through was both terrifying and completely avoidable. It’s only by sheer luck that both survived. Businesses must manage their health and safety risks, and when they do not we will hold them to account.”

    Read WorkSafe’s guidance on preventing harm from hydrogen sulphide

    Background

    • Taylorville Resource Park Limited and Paul Smith Earthmoving 2002 Ltd were sentenced at Greymouth District Court on 4 July 2025.
    • Taylorville Resource Park was fined $302,500 and Paul Smith Earthmoving $272,250. Reparations of $81,256 were also ordered.
    • Both entities were charged under sections 48(1) and (2)(c) and s 36(1)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
      • Being a PCBU having a duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers who work for the PCBU, while the workers were at work in the business or undertaking, namely carrying out the excavation and associated work to access the base of Cell C (the excavation work), did fail to comply with that duty, and that failure exposed workers to a risk of death or serious injury.
    • The maximum penalty is a fine not exceeding $1.5 million.

    Media contact details

    For more information you can contact our Media Team using our media request form. Alternatively:

    Email: media@worksafe.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy School Choice Legislation Heads to President Trump’s Desk as Part of One, Big, Beautiful Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today released a statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed President Trump’s One, Big, Beautiful Bill that included Cassidy’s Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA). The bill is now headed to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law.
    “Parents should decide where their kids go to school. This bill helps them do that,” said Dr. Cassidy. “I am grateful to see President Trump sign the first federal school choice bill into law as a part of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill.”
    “Passage of ECCA is a historic moment for educational freedom and parents’ ability to choose the best option for their children. Students deserve the opportunity to succeed in the setting which best meets their needs, and this investment will open new doors for millions of American families. It has been a privilege to work so diligently with Rep. Owens, Sen. Cassidy, and Sen. Scott to accomplish this historic legislation, and I look forward to continuing our work supporting American families as the Treasury Department implements this legislation,” said Representative Adrian Smith (NE-03).
    In January, Cassidy and U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) led their colleagues in introducing ECCA to expand educational freedom and opportunity for students. Specifically, it provides a charitable donation incentive for individuals and businesses to fund scholarship awards for students to cover expenses related to K-12 public and private education. ECCA will be the first federal school choice legislation to be signed into law in American history.
    Cassidy was joined by U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-SC), John Thune (R-SD), John Cornyn (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Ted Budd (R-NC), Tom Cotton (R-AR), John Kennedy (R-LA), Tommy Tubberville (R-AL), Jim Justice (R-WV), James Risch (R-ID), John Barrasso (R-WY), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Todd Young (R-IN), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Katie Britt (R-AL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jon Husted (R-OH), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Jim Banks (R-IN), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), John Boozman (R-AR), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Ashley Moody (R-FL).

    MIL OSI USA News –