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Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: National Emergencies – Volunteers crucial to our emergency management system – NEMA

    Source: National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)

     

    Emergency management is everyone’s responsibility – and this National Volunteer Week (15-21 June), NEMA is celebrating the people in our communities that put in the hard yards when things get tough.

     

    Volunteers are involved at every level in Aotearoa New Zealand’s emergency management system. They are a crucial part of all four Rs – risk reduction, readiness, response and recovery – and they balance home, family and day jobs alongside stepping up for their communities.

     

    “There are so many ways volunteers contribute to our emergency management system, and we want to thank everyone who gets involved,” NEMA’s Director of Civil Defence Emergency Management John Price says.

    • New Zealand Response Teams (known as NZRTs) support Civil Defence Emergency Management groups, working with emergency services, helping manage evacuations and running Civil Defence Centres. NZRTs are staffed by qualified personnel and there are teams across the country.
    • Most communities have a Civil Defence Centre or community hub, where locals can come together during and after an emergency. These are opened and run by people in the community.
    • Many different organisations provide search and rescue services, including Land Search and Rescue, Coastguard New Zealand, Amateur Radio Emergency Communications and Surf Live Saving New Zealand.
    • Volunteers with Fire and Emergency New Zealand help communities prevent, prepare, respond and recover from emergencies.

     

    “I also want to give a shout-out to the people across the country who help their communities in other ways,” John Price says.

     

    “There are lots of ways to help out in emergencies, whether it’s as part of an organised group or just mucking in and helping your neighbours.

     

    “Volunteers are the golden thread creating closer ties across communities and building the social cohesion that is so important.

     

    “We also need to remember that behind every volunteer who’s out in the field, there are administrators, people running training and logistics – and those at home who are keeping the whānau safe.

     

    “Volunteers tell us they love what they do and find it extremely rewarding, as well as a great way to meet people and build closer ties with communities.”

     

    For those who want to get involved, John Price says there’s more information on NEMA’s Get Ready site, as well as Volunteering New Zealand which can match keen people with opportunities to get stuck in.

     

    “Without our volunteers, we’d be in trouble in an emergency. That’s why we always want to hear from people who can step up when things are tough, and help their community.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Call for information – Property Damage – Katherine

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force are calling for information after four vehicles were damaged at a block of units along Grevillea Road in Katherine East overnight.

    Police received reports this morning that four vehicles were damaged within the area and upon review of available CCTV footage it was identified that there were two suspects involved. Police believe the two also allegedly continued to canvass nearby properties throughout the night.

    The persons of interest are believed to be youths, with one wearing a red hoodie with black sleeves, and the other wearing a camouflage patterned black and white hoodie.

    If anyone has any information in relation to this incident, particularly those who may have CCTV footage from the area to contact police on 131 444. Please reference job number NTP2500062353. You can anonymously report crime via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Scrapping the national census raises data sovereignty and surveillance fears for Māori

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lara Greaves, Associate Professor of Politics, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington

    Getty Images

    Yesterday’s announcement that the five-yearly national census would be scrapped has raised difficult questions about the effectiveness, ethics and resourcing of the new “administrative” system that will replace it.

    An administrative census will use information collected in day-to-day government activities, such as emergency-room admission forms, overseas travel declarations and marriage licences.

    The move is not necessarily bad in principle, especially given the rising cost of the census and declining participation rates. But to make it effective and robust it must be properly resourced. And it must give effect to the principles of te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi), as set out in the Data and Statistics Act.

    The transformation process so far leaves considerable room for doubt that these things will happen. In particular, there are major ethical and Māori data sovereignty issues at stake.

    As Te Mana Raraunga (the Māori Data Sovereignty Network) advocates, data is a living taonga (treasure), is of strategic value to Māori, and should be subject to Māori governance. Changes to census methods risk compromising these values – and undermining public trust in the official statistics system in general.

    Because the new system takes census data gathering out of the hands of individual citizens and households, it also raises questions about state surveillance and social licence.

    Surveillance and social licence

    Surveillance means more than police stakeouts or phone-tapping. The state constantly collects and uses many kinds of data about us and our movements.

    For more than a decade, the Integrated Data Infrastructure has been the government’s tool to patch gaps in its own data ecosystems.

    This administrative data is collected without our direct and informed consent, and there is no real way to opt out. The safeguard is that information about individuals is “de-identified” once it enters the Integrated Data Infrastructure – no names, just data points.

    Stats NZ, which administers the system, says it has the social licence to collect, cross-reference and use this administrative data. But genuine social licence requires that people understand and accept how their data is being used.

    Stats NZ’s own research shows only around one in four people surveyed have enough knowledge about its activities to make an informed judgement.

    The risks associated with this form of surveillance are amplified for Māori because of their particular historical experience with data and surveillance. The Crown used data collection and monitoring systems to dispossess land and suppress cultural practices, which continue to disproportionately affect Māori communities today.

    Meaningful work to address this has taken place under the Mana Ōrite agreement, a partnership between Stats NZ and the Data Iwi Leaders Group (part of the National Iwi Chairs Forum). The agreement aims to solidify iwi authority over their own data and ensure Māori perspectives are heard in decision-making around data and statistics.

    Data and a distorted picture of Māori

    On the face of it, repurposing administrative data seems like a realistic solution to the census budget blowout. But there are questions about whether the data and methods used in an administrative census will be robust and of high quality. This has implications for policy and for communities.

    Administrative data in its current form is limited in many ways. In particular, it misses what is actually important to Māori communities, and what makes life meaningful to them.

    Administrative data often only measures problems. It is collected on Māori at their most vulnerable – when they’re in crisis, sick or struggling – which creates a distorted picture. In contrast, Te Kupenga (a survey by Stats NZ last run in 2018) included information by Māori and from a Māori cultural perspective that reflected lived realities.

    Before increasing reliance on administrative data, greater engagement with Māori will be needed to ensure a data system that gathers and provides reliable, quality data. It is especially important for smaller hapori Māori (Māori communities), which need the data to make decisions for their members.

    Stats NZ plans to partly fill the data void left by removing the traditional census with regular surveys. But the small sample size of surveys often makes it impossible to obtain reliable information on smaller groups, such as takatāpui (Māori of diverse gender and sexualities) or specific hapū or iwi groups.

    It is not clear the implications of this have been fully been worked through in the census change process. Nor is it clear whether the recommendations from Stats NZ’s Future Census Independent External Review Panel – from Māori and a range of experts – have been fully considered.

    This included crucial recommendations around commissioning an independent analysis informed by te Tiriti principles, meaningful engagement with iwi-Māori, and the continuing implementation of a Māori data governance model developed by Māori data experts.

    We are not opposed to updating the way in which census data is collected. But for the new approach to be just, ethical and legal will require it to adhere to te Tiriti o Waitangi and the relationship established in the Mana Ōrite agreement.

    Lara Greaves receives funding from the Royal Society of NZ, MBIE, and Horizon Europe. Lara is affiliated with Te Mana Raraunga-Māori Data Sovereignty Network.

    Ella Pēpi Tarapa-Dewes is affiliated with Te Mana Raraunga-Māori Data Sovereignty Network.

    Kiri West receives funding from Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga. She is affiliated with Te Mana Raraunga-Māori Data Sovereignty Network.

    Larissa Renfrew is affiliated with Te Mana Raraunga-Māori Data Sovereignty Network.

    – ref. Scrapping the national census raises data sovereignty and surveillance fears for Māori – https://theconversation.com/scrapping-the-national-census-raises-data-sovereignty-and-surveillance-fears-for-maori-259274

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • Indian stock market trades flat amid US Fed policy decision

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian benchmark indices opened on a flat note Thursday, reacting cautiously to the US Federal Reserve’s latest policy decision and weak cues from Asian markets. Early trade saw selling pressure across IT, PSU banking, FMCG, and pharma sectors.

    At around 9:34 am, the Sensex was trading marginally higher by 1.66 points at 81,446.32, while the Nifty edged up by 9.90 points to 24,821.95, showing a minimal gain of 0.04%.

    The Nifty Bank index was up by 43.15 points, or 0.08%, at 55,871.90. Meanwhile, the Nifty Midcap 100 dropped 40.35 points, or 0.07%, to 58,068.85, whereas the Nifty Smallcap 100 gained 25.60 points, or 0.14%, reaching 18,404.05.

    Analysts noted that while the US Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged, it maintained its projection of two rate cuts this year. However, an increasing number of policymakers now foresee no cuts at all.

    “Additionally, the Fed slightly revised its long-term outlook, projecting just one quarter-point cut each in 2026 and 2027,” said Mandar Bhojane of Choice Broking.

    Market experts believe the 24,500–25,000 range for the Nifty will likely hold unless geopolitical developments — particularly from the Israel-Iran conflict — shift the market mood.

    “If there’s news of de-escalation, the Nifty may break out of the upper band. However, any escalation, especially affecting the Strait of Hormuz and causing a spike in crude oil prices, could threaten the 24,500 support level,” said Dr. V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services.

    Among Sensex stocks, Tech Mahindra, IndusInd Bank, Infosys, HCLTech, PowerGrid, and Tata Steel were the top losers in early trade. On the other hand, Titan, M&M, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Tata Motors emerged as top gainers.

    Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) remained net buyers on June 18, purchasing equities worth ₹890 crore. Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) also showed buying interest, investing ₹1,091 crore during the session.

    Across Asia, markets in Bangkok, Japan, Seoul, Jakarta, Hong Kong, and China were trading in the red.

    Meanwhile, US markets ended on a mixed note in the previous session, reacting to the Federal Reserve’s policy announcement and Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s comments. The Dow Jones closed at 42,171.66, down 44.14 points or 0.10%, while the S&P 500 dipped 1.85 points to 5,980.87. The Nasdaq, however, gained 25.18 points to close at 19,546.27, up 0.13%.

    — IANS

  • President Murmu to visit Uttarakhand from June 19–21, will launch key civic and cultural projects in Dehradun

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Droupadi Murmu will undertake a three-day official visit to Uttarakhand from June 19 to 21, during which she will inaugurate a series of development and public engagement initiatives at Rashtrapati Niketan in Dehradun. The President will also participate in various cultural and educational programmes.

    On June 19, President Murmu will inaugurate an amphitheatre at Rashtrapati Niketan and lay foundation stones for staff quarters, stables, and barracks.

    The following day, the President will formally open Rashtrapati Niketan for public visits and inaugurate visitor amenities including a Facilitation Centre, Cafeteria, and Souvenir Shop. She will also inaugurate Rashtrapati Tapovan and lay the foundation for Rashtrapati Udyan. Both Rashtrapati Niketan and Rashtrapati Tapovan will open to the public from June 24.

    President Murmu is also scheduled to visit the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities in Dehradun on June 20, where she will attend an exhibition, visit a model school science lab, and interact with students. Later in the evening, the President will release a commemorative postage stamp marking 125 years of Raj Bhavan, Nainital.

    On June 21, President Murmu will participate in a mass yoga demonstration at the State Police Line Maidan, Dehradun, as part of International Yoga Day celebrations.

  • Young guns shine as Juventus hammer Al-Ain 5-0 at Club World Cup

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Randal Kolo Muani and Francisco Conceicao both scored twice as the young guns of Juventus made a statement in their Club World Cup opener with a dominant 5-0 win over Emirati club Al-Ain on Wednesday.

    Kolo Muani grabbed both of his goals in the first half, Conceicao scored either side of the break while Turkey forward Kenan Yildiz also found the net as Juventus dazzled the crowd at Audi Field with some mesmeric football.

    “I’m very happy to win the game, the team played a great game so we’re happy and now we’ll get ready for the next game,” said Kolo Muani.

    “I finished last season well and we’ve started this good as well.”

    The convincing victory sent Juventus top of Group G level on three points with England’s Manchester City, who beat Wydad Casablanca 2-0 earlier on Wednesday.

    Twice Asian champions Al-Ain conceded two thirds of the pitch for much of the first half and Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram ran the show from about 35 metres out with Conceicao and Yildiz buzzing around in front of him.

    A neat exchange of passing in the 11th minute set Alberto Costa free on the edge of the box and the young Portuguese right back lofted over a cross which Kolo Muani met with a powerful header at the far post for the opening goal.

    Costa’s fine work down the right flank 10 minutes later set up the second goal for Conceicao, who ghosted across the box before unleashing a shot which took a deflection and flew over the outstretched arms of Rui Patricio in the Al-Ain goal.

    A further 10 minutes on and the lively Yildiz took the ball on the left before cutting inside, taking two touches and firing a shot into the net off the post.

    Al-Ain had to push forward if they were going to get anything out of the game but they paid the price for their ambition in stoppage time at the end of the first half.

    A through ball from Thuram found Kolo Muani peeling off the last defender and the French striker slotted the ball into net with the outside of his right foot to take his tally to five goals in his last six games for The Old Lady.

    The Emirati side had a goal ruled out for offside at the start of the second half and skipper Kodjo Laba drew a fine save out of Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio in the 49th minute.

    Conceicao, however, put the game well beyond them in the 58th minute when he skipped into the box from the right wing and beat Portuguese Patricio for the second time with a fine low strike.

    Patricio finally showed the quality that earned him 108 Portugal caps to deny Kolo Muani a hat-trick in the 66th minute and Juventus substitute Douglas Luiz came close to further blowing out the scoreline in the last couple of minutes.

    Juventus next play Morroco’s Wydad in Philadephia on Sunday, while Al-Ain, who lost to Real Madrid in the 2018 Club World Cup final, face City in Atlanta later the same day.

    -Reuters

  • Captain Gill to bat at number four as India look to fill Kohli void

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s new test captain Shubman Gill will drop down one spot in the order to take Virat Kohli’s old position at number four, vice skipper Rishabh Pant said on Wednesday ahead of their series opener against England.

    Kohli, who scored 9,230 runs in tests including 30 centuries, followed former captain Rohit Sharma into retirement from the format last month.

    India named Gill as their new test captain in May, picking the 25-year-old batter over pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.

    “I think Shubman is going to bat at number four and I’m going to stick to number five as of now,” Pant told reporters.

    “And (the) rest, we are going to keep on discussing about that.

    “Obviously, it’s a new start for us, big people have left. Yes, there will be a gap, but at the same time, it’s an opportunity for us to build a new culture from here or take a culture forward from there, just adding to it.”

    Pant said his friendship with Gill will help them tackle the leadership responsibilities, with their first big challenge coming up on Friday when the first test kicks off at Leeds.

    “If you’re good friends off the field, it eventually comes on the field. It’s much better for cricket always, and that is something I’ve always believed in,” he said.

    “Me and him, we get along really well together. We keep on having conversations, and the kind of comfort zone we have with each other, I think that is really going to be special for us.”

    -Reuters

  • Fed keeps key rates steady; cites ‘meaningful’ inflation, cautious path ahead

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The U.S. central bank held interest rates steady on Wednesday and policymakers signaled borrowing costs are still likely to fall in 2025, but Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell cautioned against putting too much weight on that view, and said he expects “meaningful” inflation ahead as consumers pay more for goods due to the Trump administration’s planned import tariffs.

    “No one holds these … rate paths with a great deal of conviction, and everyone would agree that they’re all going to be data-dependent,” Powell said in a press conference after the end of a two-day U.S. central bank meeting where policymakers slowed their overall outlook for rate cuts in response to a more challenging outlook of weaker economic growth, rising joblessness, and faster price increases.

    If not for tariffs, Powell said, rate cuts might actually be in order, given that recent inflation readings have been favorably low.

    But a cost shock is coming, he insisted, with producers, manufacturers and retailers still involved in a complicated struggle over who will pay the levies imposed so far, and President Donald Trump still contemplating an aggressive set of import duties that could go into effect early next month.

    “Everyone that I know is forecasting a meaningful increase in inflation in coming months from tariffs, because someone has to pay for the tariffs … between the manufacturer, the exporter, the importer, the retailer,” Powell said. “People will be trying not to be the ones who can pick up the cost. Ultimately, the cost of the tariff has to be paid, and some of it will fall on the end consumer.”

    “We’ll make smarter and better decisions if we just wait a couple of months or however long it takes to get a sense of really what is going to be the pass-through of inflation” from the higher import taxes, Powell said.

    In new economic projections released alongside the Fed’s statement, policymakers sketched a modestly stagflationary picture of the economy, with growth in 2025 slowing to 1.4%, unemployment rising to 4.5%, and inflation ending the year at 3%, well above the current level.

    While policymakers still anticipate cutting rates by half a percentage point this year, as they projected in March and December, they slightly slowed the pace from there to a single quarter-percentage-point cut in each of 2026 and 2027 in a protracted fight to return inflation to their 2% target.

    And there was a split among the 19 policymakers, with seven of them feeling no rate cuts will be needed. That diversity of views reflects that while uncertainty over Trump’s tariff policy is down from its peak in April, it’s still “a very foggy time,” Powell said, adding that policymakers may have divergent assessments of the risk that inflation could stay persistently higher, or that the labor market could weaken.

    Under the new projections, inflation will remain elevated at 2.4% through 2026 before falling to 2.1% in 2027 amid largely stable unemployment.

    The projected 1.4% GDP growth this year compares to the 1.7% rate seen in the last round of projections in March, and the 4.5% unemployment rate expected at the end of the year is up from the 4.4% projected in March. The rate in May was 4.2%

    So far, however, “the unemployment rate remains low, and labor market conditions remain solid,” the Fed said in a policy statement that kept its benchmark overnight interest rate in the 4.25%-4.50% range. The decision was approved unanimously.

    “There’s still bias towards some version of stagnation, lower growth with rising sticky inflation,” said Jack McIntyre, portfolio manager for global fixed income at Brandywine Global. “It feels like it’s a Fed that’s still being very patient, and they’re still biased towards cutting rates in the near future.”

    TRUMP LASHES OUT

    The Fed’s statement did not mention the sudden outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Iran and the risk that conflict posed to global oil or other markets.

    Powell said the Fed is watching the conflict “like everybody else” and that while it’s possible energy prices could rise, such price spikes generally fade and don’t have lasting effects on inflation.

    “For the time being we are well positioned to wait to learn more about the likely course of the economy before considering any adjustments to our policy stance,” Powell said. The Fed, he added, is set up to “react” to incoming information in a timely way.

    U.S. stock indexes closely largely flat on the day, while the 10-year Treasury yield was mostly unchanged. Interest rate future prices continued to suggest the Fed’s September 16-17 meeting was the most likely point for the next rate cut, with another reduction in borrowing costs likely by the end of 2025.

    The central bank’s latest action again ignored Trump’s call for immediate rate cuts, a move Fed officials feel would be counter to their effort to ensure inflation returns to the 2% target until key tariff changes are finalized and their effects are better understood.

    As Fed officials were meeting on Wednesday, Trump called Powell “stupid” and said the policy rate should be slashed in half, the type of move usually reserved for severe economic emergencies. The president also mused about installing himself as Fed chief.

    The Fed cut rates three times last year, with the last move coming in December. Policymakers, however, have been reluctant to commit to a timeline for further cuts given the volatility of U.S. trade policy, and the difficulty of estimating how the burden of higher import taxes will be spread among consumers, importers, and producing nations.

    (Reuters)

  • Fed keeps key rates steady; cites ‘meaningful’ inflation, cautious path ahead

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The U.S. central bank held interest rates steady on Wednesday and policymakers signaled borrowing costs are still likely to fall in 2025, but Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell cautioned against putting too much weight on that view, and said he expects “meaningful” inflation ahead as consumers pay more for goods due to the Trump administration’s planned import tariffs.

    “No one holds these … rate paths with a great deal of conviction, and everyone would agree that they’re all going to be data-dependent,” Powell said in a press conference after the end of a two-day U.S. central bank meeting where policymakers slowed their overall outlook for rate cuts in response to a more challenging outlook of weaker economic growth, rising joblessness, and faster price increases.

    If not for tariffs, Powell said, rate cuts might actually be in order, given that recent inflation readings have been favorably low.

    But a cost shock is coming, he insisted, with producers, manufacturers and retailers still involved in a complicated struggle over who will pay the levies imposed so far, and President Donald Trump still contemplating an aggressive set of import duties that could go into effect early next month.

    “Everyone that I know is forecasting a meaningful increase in inflation in coming months from tariffs, because someone has to pay for the tariffs … between the manufacturer, the exporter, the importer, the retailer,” Powell said. “People will be trying not to be the ones who can pick up the cost. Ultimately, the cost of the tariff has to be paid, and some of it will fall on the end consumer.”

    “We’ll make smarter and better decisions if we just wait a couple of months or however long it takes to get a sense of really what is going to be the pass-through of inflation” from the higher import taxes, Powell said.

    In new economic projections released alongside the Fed’s statement, policymakers sketched a modestly stagflationary picture of the economy, with growth in 2025 slowing to 1.4%, unemployment rising to 4.5%, and inflation ending the year at 3%, well above the current level.

    While policymakers still anticipate cutting rates by half a percentage point this year, as they projected in March and December, they slightly slowed the pace from there to a single quarter-percentage-point cut in each of 2026 and 2027 in a protracted fight to return inflation to their 2% target.

    And there was a split among the 19 policymakers, with seven of them feeling no rate cuts will be needed. That diversity of views reflects that while uncertainty over Trump’s tariff policy is down from its peak in April, it’s still “a very foggy time,” Powell said, adding that policymakers may have divergent assessments of the risk that inflation could stay persistently higher, or that the labor market could weaken.

    Under the new projections, inflation will remain elevated at 2.4% through 2026 before falling to 2.1% in 2027 amid largely stable unemployment.

    The projected 1.4% GDP growth this year compares to the 1.7% rate seen in the last round of projections in March, and the 4.5% unemployment rate expected at the end of the year is up from the 4.4% projected in March. The rate in May was 4.2%

    So far, however, “the unemployment rate remains low, and labor market conditions remain solid,” the Fed said in a policy statement that kept its benchmark overnight interest rate in the 4.25%-4.50% range. The decision was approved unanimously.

    “There’s still bias towards some version of stagnation, lower growth with rising sticky inflation,” said Jack McIntyre, portfolio manager for global fixed income at Brandywine Global. “It feels like it’s a Fed that’s still being very patient, and they’re still biased towards cutting rates in the near future.”

    TRUMP LASHES OUT

    The Fed’s statement did not mention the sudden outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Iran and the risk that conflict posed to global oil or other markets.

    Powell said the Fed is watching the conflict “like everybody else” and that while it’s possible energy prices could rise, such price spikes generally fade and don’t have lasting effects on inflation.

    “For the time being we are well positioned to wait to learn more about the likely course of the economy before considering any adjustments to our policy stance,” Powell said. The Fed, he added, is set up to “react” to incoming information in a timely way.

    U.S. stock indexes closely largely flat on the day, while the 10-year Treasury yield was mostly unchanged. Interest rate future prices continued to suggest the Fed’s September 16-17 meeting was the most likely point for the next rate cut, with another reduction in borrowing costs likely by the end of 2025.

    The central bank’s latest action again ignored Trump’s call for immediate rate cuts, a move Fed officials feel would be counter to their effort to ensure inflation returns to the 2% target until key tariff changes are finalized and their effects are better understood.

    As Fed officials were meeting on Wednesday, Trump called Powell “stupid” and said the policy rate should be slashed in half, the type of move usually reserved for severe economic emergencies. The president also mused about installing himself as Fed chief.

    The Fed cut rates three times last year, with the last move coming in December. Policymakers, however, have been reluctant to commit to a timeline for further cuts given the volatility of U.S. trade policy, and the difficulty of estimating how the burden of higher import taxes will be spread among consumers, importers, and producing nations.

    (Reuters)

  • Israel Strikes Iran’s Police Headquarters as Conflict Enters Seventh Day with Mounting Casualties

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Israel-Iran conflict has intensified dramatically as it enters its sixth day, with Israeli forces conducting three waves of airstrikes across Iran while Iranian authorities report mounting casualties from the sustained bombardment. The latest escalation came as Israel targeted Iran’s national police headquarters, injuring several people according to Iranian state news agency IRNA, while Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed his country had destroyed the headquarters of Iran’s public security.

    On Wednesday, Israel launched its most extensive military operation against Iran since the conflict began, carrying out airstrikes in three waves across the day.

    The first wave, overnight, struck around 40 targets in the Tehran area , including centrifuge manufacturing sites and anti-tank missile production facilities. By afternoon, a second series of strikes hit 20 additional locations, focusing on three major missile production centers. The evening assault targeted surface-to-surface missile launch and storage sites in western Iran.

    The sustained bombardment has triggered a mass exodus from Tehran and other Iranian cities. Thousands are fleeing, with reports of widespread panic and heavy congestion along evacuation routes.

    Iranian authorities and human rights groups now estimate at least 585 people have been killed and over 1,300 injured since the start of hostilities , many of them civilians.

    Infrastructure across the region is reeling. Airport closures and travel restrictions continue to disrupt civilian movement and affect foreign nationals throughout West Asia.

    Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency has confirmed that Israeli strikes successfully hit two centrifuge production sites that were once monitored under the 2015 nuclear deal , a development seen as a significant escalation in efforts to degrade Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

    Iran has responded with overwhelming force, launching over 400 ballistic missiles and approximately 1,000 drones at Israel since hostilities began. While Israel’s defense systems intercepted the majority of incoming projectiles, at least 20 missiles struck urban areas, resulting in 24 confirmed deaths and more than 500 wounded Israelis. Fires and destruction have been reported across Tel Aviv and other major cities as air raid sirens continue to sound throughout the country.

    The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps has vowed continued retaliation while Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has rejected mounting international pressure for de-escalation. Iran has issued stark warnings that any direct United States intervention would trigger ‘irreparable consequences’ and an ‘all-out war’ throughout West Asia, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.

    U.S President Donald Trump has dramatically escalated American involvement by demanding Iran’s “unconditional surrender” while increasing military deployments to the region. The administration is reportedly weighing direct strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and has begun evacuating some embassy personnel from Israel in preparation for possible expanded hostilities. Trump’s shift from earlier calls for restraint to open support for Israeli military actions marks a significant policy change that could reshape the conflict’s trajectory.

  • Israel Strikes Iran’s Police Headquarters as Conflict Enters Seventh Day with Mounting Casualties

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Israel-Iran conflict has intensified dramatically as it enters its sixth day, with Israeli forces conducting three waves of airstrikes across Iran while Iranian authorities report mounting casualties from the sustained bombardment. The latest escalation came as Israel targeted Iran’s national police headquarters, injuring several people according to Iranian state news agency IRNA, while Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed his country had destroyed the headquarters of Iran’s public security.

    On Wednesday, Israel launched its most extensive military operation against Iran since the conflict began, carrying out airstrikes in three waves across the day.

    The first wave, overnight, struck around 40 targets in the Tehran area , including centrifuge manufacturing sites and anti-tank missile production facilities. By afternoon, a second series of strikes hit 20 additional locations, focusing on three major missile production centers. The evening assault targeted surface-to-surface missile launch and storage sites in western Iran.

    The sustained bombardment has triggered a mass exodus from Tehran and other Iranian cities. Thousands are fleeing, with reports of widespread panic and heavy congestion along evacuation routes.

    Iranian authorities and human rights groups now estimate at least 585 people have been killed and over 1,300 injured since the start of hostilities , many of them civilians.

    Infrastructure across the region is reeling. Airport closures and travel restrictions continue to disrupt civilian movement and affect foreign nationals throughout West Asia.

    Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency has confirmed that Israeli strikes successfully hit two centrifuge production sites that were once monitored under the 2015 nuclear deal , a development seen as a significant escalation in efforts to degrade Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

    Iran has responded with overwhelming force, launching over 400 ballistic missiles and approximately 1,000 drones at Israel since hostilities began. While Israel’s defense systems intercepted the majority of incoming projectiles, at least 20 missiles struck urban areas, resulting in 24 confirmed deaths and more than 500 wounded Israelis. Fires and destruction have been reported across Tel Aviv and other major cities as air raid sirens continue to sound throughout the country.

    The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps has vowed continued retaliation while Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has rejected mounting international pressure for de-escalation. Iran has issued stark warnings that any direct United States intervention would trigger ‘irreparable consequences’ and an ‘all-out war’ throughout West Asia, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.

    U.S President Donald Trump has dramatically escalated American involvement by demanding Iran’s “unconditional surrender” while increasing military deployments to the region. The administration is reportedly weighing direct strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and has begun evacuating some embassy personnel from Israel in preparation for possible expanded hostilities. Trump’s shift from earlier calls for restraint to open support for Israeli military actions marks a significant policy change that could reshape the conflict’s trajectory.

  • ‘We are proud to be Indians’: evacuated students thank Modi govt after return from Iran

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    After arriving safely in New Delhi on Thursday, all 110 Indian citizens evacuated from Iran expressed their gratitude to the Narendra Modi-led Union government and the Indian embassies in Iran and Armenia for their timely and safe evacuation amid the escalating military conflict in the Middle East.

    As part of Operation Sindhu, the first flight carrying Indian nationals from Iran landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. The evacuees, including 90 students from Urmia Medical University, were flown in on IndiGo flight 6E 9487, which arrived at Terminal-3 in the early hours of Thursday.

    Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, welcomed the evacuees at the airport.

    Speaking to IANS, Singh said, “We have planes ready. Another aircraft will depart today. We are evacuating more people from Turkmenistan. Our missions have opened 24-hour helplines for any evacuation requests. As the situation evolves, more planes and chartered flights will be dispatched to bring back all Indian nationals from Iran.”

    Several students, visibly emotional, recounted their experiences and expressed appreciation for the Indian government’s swift action.

    One student said, “The situation was extremely dangerous and we were scared. We saw drones, injured people, and the internet was down—nothing was working. But the Indian government came through, took us in, and brought us home safely. Salute to them. They took an unbelievable step, and we’re truly proud to be Indians.”

    Another student added, “The situation in Iran is worsening rapidly. Just two days ago it seemed manageable, but now it’s much worse. We are extremely thankful to the Indian government and the Indian embassies in Iran and Armenia for the way they took care of us and brought us back.”

    A third student said, “The embassies prioritized our evacuation and ensured we were the first to return to India. Their efforts were remarkable.”

    Operation Sindhu was launched by India to evacuate its nationals from Iran amid rising regional tensions. The first batch included students from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

    The evacuation was coordinated through Armenia, with the students traveling by road to Yerevan, the Armenian capital, under the supervision of the Indian missions in Iran and Armenia. The students departed from Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan at 14:55 IST on June 18, arriving in Delhi in the early hours of June 19.

    On Wednesday evening, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that Indian students residing in Tehran were safely moved out of the city as a precautionary measure.

    In an official statement, the MEA said, “Indian students in Tehran have been moved out of the city for safety reasons through arrangements made by the Indian Embassy.”

    MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also announced on Twitter, “Operation Sindhu begins. India evacuated 110 students from northern Iran who crossed into Armenia under the supervision of our Missions in Iran and Armenia on June 17.”

    The Indian government has expressed gratitude to the governments of Iran and Armenia for their cooperation in facilitating the smooth evacuation.

    “India accords the highest priority to the safety and security of Indian nationals abroad. As part of the ongoing operation, the Indian Embassy in Iran has been assisting large numbers of Indian nationals in relocating from high-risk areas to safer zones and evacuating them through available and feasible routes,” the MEA stated.

    Indian nationals in Iran have been advised to stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Tehran through its emergency helpline, as well as the 24×7 Control Room established by the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi.

    — IANS

  • ‘We are proud to be Indians’: evacuated students thank Modi govt after return from Iran

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    After arriving safely in New Delhi on Thursday, all 110 Indian citizens evacuated from Iran expressed their gratitude to the Narendra Modi-led Union government and the Indian embassies in Iran and Armenia for their timely and safe evacuation amid the escalating military conflict in the Middle East.

    As part of Operation Sindhu, the first flight carrying Indian nationals from Iran landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. The evacuees, including 90 students from Urmia Medical University, were flown in on IndiGo flight 6E 9487, which arrived at Terminal-3 in the early hours of Thursday.

    Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, welcomed the evacuees at the airport.

    Speaking to IANS, Singh said, “We have planes ready. Another aircraft will depart today. We are evacuating more people from Turkmenistan. Our missions have opened 24-hour helplines for any evacuation requests. As the situation evolves, more planes and chartered flights will be dispatched to bring back all Indian nationals from Iran.”

    Several students, visibly emotional, recounted their experiences and expressed appreciation for the Indian government’s swift action.

    One student said, “The situation was extremely dangerous and we were scared. We saw drones, injured people, and the internet was down—nothing was working. But the Indian government came through, took us in, and brought us home safely. Salute to them. They took an unbelievable step, and we’re truly proud to be Indians.”

    Another student added, “The situation in Iran is worsening rapidly. Just two days ago it seemed manageable, but now it’s much worse. We are extremely thankful to the Indian government and the Indian embassies in Iran and Armenia for the way they took care of us and brought us back.”

    A third student said, “The embassies prioritized our evacuation and ensured we were the first to return to India. Their efforts were remarkable.”

    Operation Sindhu was launched by India to evacuate its nationals from Iran amid rising regional tensions. The first batch included students from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

    The evacuation was coordinated through Armenia, with the students traveling by road to Yerevan, the Armenian capital, under the supervision of the Indian missions in Iran and Armenia. The students departed from Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan at 14:55 IST on June 18, arriving in Delhi in the early hours of June 19.

    On Wednesday evening, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that Indian students residing in Tehran were safely moved out of the city as a precautionary measure.

    In an official statement, the MEA said, “Indian students in Tehran have been moved out of the city for safety reasons through arrangements made by the Indian Embassy.”

    MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also announced on Twitter, “Operation Sindhu begins. India evacuated 110 students from northern Iran who crossed into Armenia under the supervision of our Missions in Iran and Armenia on June 17.”

    The Indian government has expressed gratitude to the governments of Iran and Armenia for their cooperation in facilitating the smooth evacuation.

    “India accords the highest priority to the safety and security of Indian nationals abroad. As part of the ongoing operation, the Indian Embassy in Iran has been assisting large numbers of Indian nationals in relocating from high-risk areas to safer zones and evacuating them through available and feasible routes,” the MEA stated.

    Indian nationals in Iran have been advised to stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Tehran through its emergency helpline, as well as the 24×7 Control Room established by the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi.

    — IANS

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: State Highway 60 cleared following crash near Mapua Drive, Tasman

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police can advise State Highway 60 has reopened in both directions following an earlier crash near Mapua Drive.

    The two vehicle crash occurred at about 3pm.

    Police thank motorists for their coperation on the road while it was closed.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Team

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Mt Roskill incident resolved safely

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police have resolved a family harm incident in Mt Roskill safely.

    One man is in custody after Police spent a lengthy time trying to engage with the man who was inside a property with a distressed female.

    The Police helicopter, Eagle, identified an opportunity to separate the pair.

    Specialist staff deployed distraction devices and the man was taken into custody.

    No one was injured.

    Police anticipate road cordons around White Swan Road will lift shortly and greatly appreciate co-operation from the public this afternoon.

    Our priority was to ensure the safety of the pair inside the residence and of the wider community.

    There is no ongoing risk to the public at this time.

    ENDS

    Nicole Bremner/NZ Police 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Overhead power lines kill millions of birds a year. Scientists found a way to help cut the devastating toll

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Pay, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania

    Wolfram Steinberg/picture alliance via Getty Images

    Millions of birds are killed by power lines each year. Sometimes they collide with the lines when flying and are either electrocuted or fatally injured. Other times they are electrocuted when perching on power poles.

    Power line collisions are one of the leading causes of injury and death for large birds of prey. In Tasmania, an endangered population of wedge-tailed eagles lost 110 individuals to power lines between 2017 and 2023.

    New research I led, the first of its kind in Australia, used GPS tracking data to predict which power lines were most dangerous for these eagles.

    We hope the findings will help protect birds and other wildlife from overhead wires as electricity networks expand.

    Power lines and birds: a fatal mix

    Overhead power lines span more than 90 million kilometres of our planet. The network keeps growing as demand for electricity rises and renewable energy projects expand into new areas.

    In the United States alone, between 12 and 64 million birds are estimated to be killed by power lines each year. These deaths can damage populations of some species.

    Birds can also be killed when perched on poles – for example, if they stretch their wings and connect two energised parts.

    The economic costs can be considerable – disrupting electricity services, causing fires and damaging infrastructure.

    Energy companies can reduce the risks through various measures. They include attaching objects to power lines to make them more visible to birds, and redesigning poles to reduce the likelihood of electrocution.

    But these solutions can be expensive, and challenging to implement on a large scale. So, prioritising the riskiest power lines is the most cost-effective solution.

    The presence of bird carcasses has traditionally been used as a way to identify high-risk power lines. But this approach can give a biased picture, because people are more likely to find dead birds in accessible, less vegetated areas.

    New research by my colleagues and I explores a different approach.

    Tracking Tasmania’s wedgies

    We used GPS tracking of animal movements to predict which power lines were most dangerous for Tasmania’s wedge-tailed eagles.

    GPS tracking can record a bird’s location, altitude and speed – as frequently as every few seconds. This detailed information can show how birds behave around power lines, helping identify when and where they’re most at risk.

    In 2017, my colleagues and I attached lightweight GPS trackers to 23 Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagles, then analysed six years of tracking data. We identified more than 9,400 power line crossings at risky altitudes.

    We then linked these crossings to different landscape features. This allowed us to build a model predicting where eagles are most likely to cross power lines at dangerous heights across Tasmania.

    Power line crossings were most likely at or near open land, forest edges, rural residential developments, wet forest and freshwater sources. Risky crossings peaked in autumn and winter.

    Almost half of known collisions occurred on the 20% of Tasmania’s power line network with the highest risk.

    Importantly, we tested our predictions against locations where eagles had collided with power lines. The model accurately predicted many of these collision sites, confirming that areas with more low-flying eagle activity carry a greater risk of collisions.

    This means our model can not only pick up on known hotspots, but can reveal risky areas that would be missed if carcass records were used exclusively to identify risk. It also means dangerous power lines can be identified before birds have died.

    GPS information can show how birds behave around power lines.
    Julian Stratenschulte/picture alliance via Getty Images

    A powerful new tool

    Our research is part of a growing number of studies examining animal movement to improve wildlife management.

    Risky animal behaviours have been monitored using GPS trackers and then used to inform models predicting the risk of wildlife interactions with road vehicles, wind turbines and aircraft.

    Recently, GPS tracking data was used in Europe, North Africa and North America to map and reduce wildlife risks around power lines.

    Like ours, these studies can help guide where devices should be attached to lines and inform where new lines are built.

    GPS tracking data offers a powerful tool to guide the sustainable design of power lines, target mitigation efforts, and make our expanding energy infrastructure safer for wildlife.

    James Pay receives funding from the Australian Research Council (LP210200539), NRM South, Woolnorth Renewables, TasNetworks, the Bookend Trust, New Forests, Norske Skog, ACEN Renewables, Ark Energy and Goldwind Australia.

    – ref. Overhead power lines kill millions of birds a year. Scientists found a way to help cut the devastating toll – https://theconversation.com/overhead-power-lines-kill-millions-of-birds-a-year-scientists-found-a-way-to-help-cut-the-devastating-toll-258295

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: As the federal government fumbles on nature law reform, the states are forging ahead

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Phillipa C. McCormack, Future Making Fellow, Environment Institute, University of Adelaide

    Jakub Maculewicz, Shutterstock

    The South Australian parliament today passed a new law to conserve, restore and enhance biodiversity.

    It brings together native vegetation management, protection for native species and habitat, and conservation on private land. When introducing the bill to the Parliament, Deputy Premier Susan Close said:

    Just as South Australia has led the way on climate action, committing to net zero emissions by 2050, we must now take the same ambitious approach to biodiversity. (This) crucial piece of legislation … will modernise and strengthen protections for South Australia’s biodiversity to benefit us and our future generations.

    SA is not the first state to revise its nature laws. But this is the first environment law in years to be drafted from scratch in Australia. Rather than waiting for federal reform, SA has leapfrogged the protracted process. This new legislation achieves some things no Australian law has done before.

    National environment law reform has stalled

    This all comes at a time when the federal law reform is up in the air.

    The Albanese government failed to pass new national environment laws during its first term.

    Environment protection even went backwards just before the election. The rushed amendments limited powers to reconsider certain environment approvals when an activity is harming the environment.

    Last month, the new Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt said environmental law reform was a priority. Still, it may be difficult to get the essential ambitious national reforms over the line.

    In the meantime, state and territory governments are forging ahead.

    Time for states and territories to lead?

    The last state to write a new nature law was New South Wales, in 2016. But a scathing 2023 review of the law recommended a major overhaul.

    The NSW government committed to most of the recommendations, announcing big plans for nature law reforms in July last year. These plans include strengthening land-clearing codes, improving species protections and monitoring, and preparing a new “nature positive” strategy.

    So far, the NSW government has only managed to pass legislation to fix problems with biodiversity offsets. Offset schemes allow developers to compensate for their destruction of vital habitat with gains elsewhere.

    In Victoria, the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 was amended in 2019. These reforms inserted new principles around how the Act should be implemented, and a new approach to crucial habitat. The reforms also emphasised the need to improve species’ survival and adaptation to climate and environmental change.

    The Nature Conservation Act and strategy in the ACT are also due for review. Early consultation concluded in July 2024. A revised Act is likely to be released later this year.

    Does Australia really need two layers of environment laws?

    The short answer is yes, Australia needs both state and federal environment laws. But the interactions between the two could be managed better.

    The Australian Constitution doesn’t give the federal government explicit authority to make laws about the environment. That’s left to the states and territories, which means they make most laws about threatened species, waterways, native vegetation and protected areas.

    The federal government has an overarching responsibility to protect environments that are important to all of us, in national laws. We call these “matters of national environmental significance”.

    Some matters are significant because they involve Australia’s promises to the rest of the world. Australia has international obligations to protect world heritage areas and internationally significant wetlands, for example.

    Other matters cross state borders. The orange-bellied parrot, for instance, migrates across three states to find food and nesting sites.

    Individual states and territories do not have sufficient resources or the national perspective needed to protect these species and places.

    Why do the South Australian reforms matter?

    SA’s new Biodiversity Act does some things no Australian law has done before.

    For example, it looks beyond species and ecosystems, offering protection to so-called “ecological entities”. Regulations will be needed to define what an ecological entity is. But the concept may protect refuges where species shelter from extreme events. It might also offer a new way to protect important landscape features such as coastal dunes.

    Another new concept is “culturally significant biodiversity entities”. The Act defines a culturally significant biodiversity entity as:

    • a native species or ecological community
    • with cultural value to some or all Aboriginal people
    • which is critical to Aboriginal peoples’ relationships with and adaptation to Country.

    The Act also sets up a new Aboriginal Biodiversity Committee. That committee will co-develop policies with the minister. One of these policies will explain how culturally significant biodiversity entities will be identified and managed.

    Other policies will be developed in collaboration with the Aboriginal Biodiversity Committee. These include policies to guide cultural burning of native plants, or to consider and apply Aboriginal knowledge. At long last, Aboriginal people will have a “seat at the table”.

    SA becomes the third state (after NSW and Victoria) to mention climate change in its nature law. This is an important reform. Laws are needed to help nature survive more frequent and severe droughts, floods and fires.

    Environmental scientist and polar explorer Tim Jarvis on biodiversity (Department for Environment and Water)

    All hands on deck

    Australian environments are extraordinary, diverse and ancient. But Australia has long been an extinction hotspot. The continent’s ecosystems remain under serious pressure.

    Our environment laws must be clear and avoid complex clashes or gaps between national and state responsibilities. But SA, NSW, Victoria and soon the ACT show law reform can also be more ambitious. Nature laws can truly help the environment to flourish even as the climate changes.

    Phillipa C. McCormack receives funding from the Australian Research Council, Natural Hazards Research Australia, the National Environmental Science Program, Green Adelaide and the ACT Government. She is a member of the National Environmental Law Association and affiliated with the Wildlife Crime Research Hub and the Centre for Marine Socioecology.

    – ref. As the federal government fumbles on nature law reform, the states are forging ahead – https://theconversation.com/as-the-federal-government-fumbles-on-nature-law-reform-the-states-are-forging-ahead-257666

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley Calls on Biden to Release Autopen Consent Records, Grills Democrats for Covering Up Biden’s Cognitive Decline

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)

    Wednesday, June 18, 2025

    In a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) called on former President Joe Biden to release documents showing that he consented to his staff’s use of the autopen.

    “Today, I call on former President Biden and his staff: release the documents… Show us the documents where the President authorized the use of the pen for every single pardon and clemency and stay application. Let’s see it. Let’s see all of it. And if you won’t do it, we should subpoena those documents, and we should find out the truth of who was really running the White House because I think we can see it was not Biden,” Senator Hawley said.

    Senator Hawley called out Democrats for lying to the American people about Biden’s mental acuity for years and for failing to take accountability or even attend the hearing.  

    “All you have to do is look over at this side of the dais to see that the stonewall continues… Where are they?” Senator Hawley said. “They lied to us for four years, and we know they lied. They know they lied. It’s why they’re not here. They don’t want to answer a single question. They can’t bear to show their faces in public.”

    Senator Hawley has long raised concerns about President Biden’s mental fitness. In February 2024 following the release of the Hur Report, he called on then Attorney General Merrick Garland to invoke the 25th Amendment or prosecute Biden.

    Watch the full video here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley Calls on Biden to Release Autopen Consent Records, Grills Democrats for Covering Up Biden’s Cognitive Decline

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)

    Wednesday, June 18, 2025

    In a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) called on former President Joe Biden to release documents showing that he consented to his staff’s use of the autopen.

    “Today, I call on former President Biden and his staff: release the documents… Show us the documents where the President authorized the use of the pen for every single pardon and clemency and stay application. Let’s see it. Let’s see all of it. And if you won’t do it, we should subpoena those documents, and we should find out the truth of who was really running the White House because I think we can see it was not Biden,” Senator Hawley said.

    Senator Hawley called out Democrats for lying to the American people about Biden’s mental acuity for years and for failing to take accountability or even attend the hearing.  

    “All you have to do is look over at this side of the dais to see that the stonewall continues… Where are they?” Senator Hawley said. “They lied to us for four years, and we know they lied. They know they lied. It’s why they’re not here. They don’t want to answer a single question. They can’t bear to show their faces in public.”

    Senator Hawley has long raised concerns about President Biden’s mental fitness. In February 2024 following the release of the Hur Report, he called on then Attorney General Merrick Garland to invoke the 25th Amendment or prosecute Biden.

    Watch the full video here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: What events for children and adults will the capital’s NGOs organize in June

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The capital’s non-profit organizations (NPOs) invite city residents to exciting events for children and adults. They will be held from June 26 to 30. Guests will enjoy a charity run, an intellectual game, “Cornflower Picnic” and a theater festival. To participate in some events, you must register and make a fee. All funds raised will go to support the wards of socially oriented NPOs, including seriously ill children and adults.

    Those who want to support people with hearing and vision impairments should attend the foundation’s events. “Compound”. They will be dedicated to the Day of the Deaf-Blind Person. It is celebrated in Russia and other countries on June 27. Thus, the Tsvetnoy Theater (Tsvetnoy Boulevard, Building 11, Building 2) will host the Not Alone in the Dark festival on June 26 and 27. The So-edinenie Foundation is organizing it with the support of grants from the Mayor of Moscow for socially oriented NGOs. On the first day of the event at 18:30, there will be a presentation of the books I Speak: Conversations with Deaf-Blind People and Lost and Found Light: Monologues of Deaf-Blind People. After that, everyone will be able to attend a lesson on fingerspelling. Its participants will learn a special skill – conveying words using gestures. And at 20:00, the theater stage will show the play Carmen. Deaf-blind actors from the Inclusion Creative Projects Center will be involved in the modern production of Prosper Mérimée’s novella. For attending a performance You need to register.

    The next day, June 27, Muscovites are invited to listen to performances by friends of the foundation and participants in the literary competition “Co-creation”. At 18:30 they will read works of various genres on stage, including their own compositions. At 20:00 guests will be presented with the play “Touchables 3.0”. The production was created jointly by the “So-edinenie” foundation and the Moscow Theater of Nations. Sighted and deaf-blind actors will tell the audience personal stories about love, dreams, fears and overcoming them. The play will be translated into sign language and subtitles. After the viewing, viewers will have the opportunity to attend a creative meeting with the artists. You can register for the play atlink.

    And on June 30, the So-edinenie foundation will organize the intellectual game “What? Where? When?”. It will be held in two rounds of 12 questions each. The host will be the master of the game “What? Where? When?” Maxim Potashev. Anyone can take part. To do this, you need to register a team of up to six people onwebsite and make a charitable contribution. If there is no team, then when registering, you need to select the option “I’m alone for now”. The event will take place at 13 Bolshaya Dmitrovka Street, starting at 8:00 PM. The funds raised will go to help the ward of the So-edinenie foundation – twelve-year-old deaf-blind Maria. Thanks to this, the girl will be able to move around the house, study and do her favorite thing – music.

    Sports enthusiasts are invited to join the “It’s Time to Live” race on June 28. It will be held in Victory Park on Poklonnaya Hill. The event is organized by Leukemia Foundation. People of any age can take part in the race. Four distances of one, two, five and 10 kilometers have been prepared for them. Participants will be able to choose a suitable route depending on their level of training and capabilities. In addition to the individual race, a team relay race will be held in Victory Park. Each of the four athletes in the team will have to run five kilometers. The winner of the competition will be awarded a special prize – the Leukemia Foundation Cup. To participate in all sports events, you must first obtain permission from a doctor and the appropriate certificate.

    All participants and guests of sports events will be able to undergo typing – give a blood sample for molecular genetic testing for the possibility of becoming a bone marrow donor. This is a completely safe procedure, it will take no more than five minutes. Thanks to such assistance, patients who need a bone marrow transplant will have a chance to find a donor faster.

    The Leukemia Foundation is holding such races for the fourth time. More than eight thousand Muscovites have already taken part in them. Over 32 million rubles have been collected for the organization. All funds were used to treat the people under its care. More detailed information about the “It’s Time to Live” program can be found atwebsite.

    On the same day, June 28, you can visit the foundation’s “Cornflower Picnic” “Live now”. It will be held at the F.A. Ardalionov estate at 51 Dubininskaya Street. The event is organized to support people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This is a rare disease in which it becomes increasingly difficult for a person to move and breathe. With the support of the Live Now foundation, the wards receive the necessary assistance – medical, psychological, legal, their quality of life significantly improves. The symbol of ALS is a cornflower, as it resembles a human motor neuron, which is affected by this disease. That is why the Live Now foundation’s event is called Cornflower Picnic. It will be held for the 10th time this year. The wards of the foundation, their families, friends, volunteers and all caring people will gather at the F.A. Ardalionov estate. Creative master classes, educational quizzes and a Russian-style tea party with a samovar and bagels will be arranged for the guests of the picnic. The atmosphere of the summer holiday will also be created by musicians. They will perform classical and modern pieces. In addition, all visitors to the Ardalionov estate will be able to see a special exhibition dedicated to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and the Live Now Foundation until June 30. Those wishing to take part in the picnic must register atlink.

    Non-profit organizations in the capital can receive financial support for their good initiative. To do this, you need to submit an application for the Moscow Mayor’s Grant Competition. In 2025, they will be accepted from June 3. Participants have 12 nominations to choose from. The total budget of the competition is 600 million rubles. The grant amounts depend on the length of the NPO’s work in the capital and the scale of the projects. Organizations with more than a year of experience receive up to five million rubles, with a registration period of six months – up to 500 thousand rubles. In 2024, more than 900 people took part in the competition preparation program. Applications will be accepted until July 3.

    You can find out more about how NGOs are organized and how to help those who otherwise cannot cope on the website “Cities of the Caring”. This project was created with the support of Committee on Public Relations and Youth Policy to develop charity in the capital.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155452073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: City residents are invited to an eco-festival as part of the Summer in Moscow project

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    From June 20 to 22, the N.E. Bauman Garden will host Ecological festival “Eco-Moscow”. It will be held as part of the Summer in Moscow project. For three days, the garden will become a platform for exchanging experiences in environmental protection, demonstrating ideas and projects. Guests will enjoy lectures, master classes, environmental quizzes, interactive art objects and photo zones. In total, more than 60 events will be held.

    Get to know cutting-edge projects and talk to experts

    The central alley of the N.E. Bauman Garden will host more than 10 interactive stands. Here visitors will learn about cutting-edge projects in the field of ecology, modern approaches to waste management, rules for recycling, and useful eco-habits.

    The center of professional dialogues will be the lecture hall. Guests will hear speakers on ecology and sustainable development. The first day of the lecture hall is dedicated to eco-projects and initiatives. The second day’s speeches are united by the theme “Eco-education”. The third day of discussions covers the issues of eco-innovations and technologies.

    Experts will talk about the types and sources of plastic, what to replace it with in everyday life, how to sort waste and what happens to it at waste recycling plants, and what cosmetics are considered natural. Listeners will learn about environmental education in the city and tools for forming the environmental culture of residents. Speakers will give examples from Russian and international experience. In addition, the work of environmental startups and green offices, eco-habits, eco-footprint, the profession of an ecologist and debunking myths will be discussed. Visitors will be able to personally communicate with experts, ask questions and discuss real ways to solve environmental problems.

    Learn to create things from recycled materials

    The interactive zone will feature 15 sites where guests will learn how to create useful things from recycled materials during master classes. Here you can also watch presentations of modern waste recycling technologies.

    The festival will feature eco-exchange points where you can bring used batteries, caps, books or clothes. City residents will be reminded of the extensive network for collecting secondary raw materials. Thus, within the framework of the “Moscow Ecopoints” project, more than 250 textile collection points have been opened throughout the capital, and recently 14 more points began accepting used car tires. Thus, with the active participation of Muscovites, a large volume of waste is reused. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, residents collected about 220 tons of unnecessary clothing and textiles.

    On special platforms, you can take stylish photos related to the topic of ecology. In addition, quizzes will be held for guests. With the help of creative art objects, visitors will be shown how to create a tree from secondary materials, and a large-scale panel from hundreds of used plastic caps.

    Moscow redeems green bonds for the population, which became the first such securitiesTelegram bot will help city residents join the waste separation program

    The Eco-Moscow ecological festival will become a space for inspiration and new solutions. It will allow even more city residents to join the culture of responsible attitude to the environment and implement their ideas in the field of ecology.

    Project “Summer in Moscow”— the main event of the season. It brings together the most vibrant events of the capital. Every day, charity, cultural and sports events are held in all districts of the city, most of which are free. The Summer in Moscow project is being held for the second time, and this season will be more eventful: new, original and colorful festivals and events will be added to the traditional ones.

    Get the latest news quickly official telegram channelthe city of Moscow.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow has allocated more than 50 land plots to implement the renovation program

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Since the beginning of this year, the city has selected and allocated more than 50 land plots for the construction of houses under the renovation program and related infrastructure. This was reported by Ekaterina Solovieva, Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Moscow Department of City Property.

    “The city regularly allocates land to the Moscow Fund for Renovation of Residential Development for the construction of residential complexes, as well as the creation of related infrastructure – utilities and access roads. Since the beginning of 2025, the Department has concluded 53 agreements for the gratuitous use of land plots and lease of sites located in eight administrative districts of the capital. The total area of the allocated land exceeded 25 hectares,” said Ekaterina Solovyova.

    For example, a plot of land has been allocated on Kaspiyskaya Street for the construction of a residential complex with a total area of about 40 thousand square meters. Another new building with an area of over 15 thousand square meters will be erected on the site of a vacated house on Dmitrovskoye Highway.

    The first floors are designed to be non-residential. They will house various social, commercial and cultural facilities.

    Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin said that the renovation program also included 131 sites for the construction of houses.

    The renovation program was approved in August 2017. It concerns about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses. Sergei Sobyanin ordered to increase the pace of its implementation in twice.

    Moscow is one of the leaders among regions in terms of construction volumes. High rates of housing construction correspond to the goals and initiatives of the national project “Infrastructure for life”.

    Get the latest news quickly official telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Painting, fine stucco and sculptures: the subject of protection of the USSR Transport pavilion at VDNKh has been expanded

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The specialists supplemented and approved the subject of protection of the cultural heritage site of federal significance, pavilion No. 26 “Transport of the USSR” (former pavilion “Agriculture”). Now, not only the entire structure, but also the details of its decoration are under the protection of the state.

    “Expanding the subject of protection of a cultural heritage site allows us to preserve and maintain in their original form the elements of the structure that have cultural and historical value. Specialists conducted comprehensive scientific research of the pavilion, which allowed us to expand the subject of protection. Now the document also includes the composition and architectural and artistic design of the facades and interiors of the pavilion. This is, for example, elegant stucco with a plant pattern, as well as picturesque panels that decorate the coffered ceilings,” explained the head of the Department of Cultural Heritage of the city of Moscow

    Alexey Emelyanov.

    He added that further restoration work in the pavilion, including the development of scientific and design documentation, will be carried out taking into account the expanded subject of protection and only after agreement with the department.

    Pavilion No. 26 was built in 1937 according to the design of architects M.B. Schneider, V.K. Oltarzhevsky, M.A. Minkus and A.P. Ershov. Initially, it was called “Grain”. A year later, it was renamed “Cotton”. In 1954, after a major reconstruction, the pavilion received a new name – “Agriculture”. The appearance of the building was done in the Stalinist Empire style. Then a portico of 10 thin columns was added to the main facade, which symbolize the stems of plants. Inside the portico, a small loggia appeared, also with columns, the walls of which were decorated with stucco with plant patterns. At the top of the portico is a composition with sheaves, a sickle and a hammer, and on the sides of it are sculptures of a collective farmer and a tractor driver with a book and a sheaf. The corners of the portico are decorated with small sculptural compositions with sheaves and Soviet symbols. The author of the monuments is Lev Pisarevsky.

    The exhibition of the Agriculture pavilion consisted of six thematic sections. They were devoted to methods of increasing soil fertility, production and use of fertilizers, development of new lands, work of advanced collective and state farms. In 1956, the pavilion was named Geology, Oil, Chemistry, and a year later it was renamed Chemical Industry. In 1967, Pavilion No. 26 housed the Transport of the USSR exhibition. In 2014, after the reconstruction of the pavilion, the Polytechnic Museum exhibition opened there, and since May 2021, Transport of the USSR has become the flagship site of the Moscow Transport Museum.

    The portico of pavilion No. 26 is awaiting restoration. Scientific and design documentation is currently being developed and approved. Preparations for restoration work pavilion “Optics” (former “Leningrad and the North-West of the RSFSR”).

    Today, work continues at VDNKh on five cultural heritage sites. These are pavilions No. 35 “Glavtabak”, No. 62 “Environmental Protection” (former “Construction Materials” pavilion), No. 70, built to present the achievements of the USSR at the Expo-67 exhibition in Montreal, No. 284 “Main Facade of the Zolotoy Kolos Restaurant” (former “Main Restaurant”) and No. 518 “Leto Cafe” (former “Tea Room”).

    Since 2014, a total of 40 cultural heritage sites have been restored at VDNKh. Among them are not only historical pavilions, but also fountains, sculptures and landscape objects.

    Get the latest news quickly official telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Kola Peninsula and Yamal: more than 20 expeditions carried out by pupils of the Moscow Palace of Pioneers

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    This academic year, more than 600 students from the Moscow Palace of Pioneers took part in 23 research expeditions and hiking trips. The children studied the nature of different places in Russia – from Murmansk to Yamal.

    “The Moscow Palace of Pioneers has opened more than three thousand children’s clubs. Among them are over 30 sections dedicated to tourism. Expeditions throughout Russia are organized for the children who attend them. This is an opportunity not only to see the nature of our country, but also to take their first steps in science. Such trips help to deepen knowledge in the field of biology, geography and ecology, and also teach teamwork,” the press service of the capital’s

    Department of Education and Science.

    Thus, the center for environmental education of the Moscow Palace of Pioneers organized three expeditions, where schoolchildren studied climate and soil. Practical classes and field research took place in the Moscow region – for example, the children identified species of animals, plants and mushrooms. Students from the third to the 11th grade took part in the trips.

    Young geographers from the Na Donskoy center have been on six trips. For example, in the spring they studied the northern taiga and the White Sea coast in the Murmansk region. The children took water samples, analyzed the soil composition and studied rare birds from the Red Book. They compiled their observations into scientific articles, which they have already published. At the end of June, the schoolchildren will go on a new expedition – to Yamal.

    “The expedition to the Kola Peninsula was the most interesting for me! This is not the first time I have participated in scientific trips – I study lichens and mushrooms. This time I discovered several species that had not been seen in these places before. Now this data will be published in a scientific journal,” shared his impressions Miron Alfimenkov, a pupil of the “Na Donskoy” center.

    The Young Paratroopers Club held 14 hikes around the Moscow region. Schoolchildren learned to navigate the terrain, set up camp, and cover multi-kilometer routes. In addition, high school students completed special tasks – they transmitted coordinates and adjusted routes using maps and mobile applications.

    Sobyanin: The number of military-patriotic clubs in schools and colleges has doubledMoscow schoolchildren and college students will follow the routes of famous travelers

    Supplementary education programs develop creative and critical thinking in schoolchildren, and form skills that will be useful to them in their future profession. The events held within the framework of such classes contribute to the project “All the best for children” of the national project “Youth and Children”.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow to help industrial enterprises strengthen information security

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The capital’s enterprises will be provided with modern domestic technologies and solutions in the field of information security (IS). A number of special events will also be organized for them to exchange experience and test advanced information systems. The corresponding agreement was signed at the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum by the Minister of the Moscow Government, the head of the capital’s Department of Investment and Industrial Policy Anatoly Garbuzov and the general director of the Solar Group of Companies (GC), vice president for information security of the public joint-stock company Rostelecom Igor Lyapunov.

    “Information security of the industrial sector plays a key role in ensuring national security. It is especially relevant in the context of growing digitalization of production and the increase in the volume of data processed by enterprises every day. The city’s initiative will allow industrialists to improve their competencies in the field of information security on the basis of the capital’s Bank of Technologies service and ensure reliable protection of corporate resources, technological processes, confidential data and personal information from cyber threats,” noted Anatoly Garbuzov.

    The parties will organize joint work with industrial enterprises of Moscow to inform about modern domestic technologies in the field of information security and to improve the efficiency of production processes. In addition, comprehensive solutions in the areas of information security, multifunctional platforms and systems that combine advanced Russian developments and expertise will be tested. Thematic events are also planned to develop the theoretical and practical skills of the organizations’ employees.

    In 2024, the Bank of Technologies service included nine information security solutions from the Solar group of companies for the capital’s business and the public sector. The list included a DLP platform, a next-generation firewall, and a service for controlling user access to the Internet.

    The Bank of Technologies service has been expanded with new high-tech developments

    The service also includes technologies in the field of monitoring the efficiency of employees’ working hours and protecting workstations from targeted attacks, an IdM system, a platform for managing privileged access and a solution for monitoring access to confidential information. The secure development segment features a Russian application code analyzer.

    “Moscow is home to the largest and most significant companies, federal agencies and control centers of critical information infrastructure facilities, which daily repel the most powerful flow of cyberattacks in Russia. Many of these organizations are protected by Solar Group. Our information security products are based on attack-centric technologies, deep expertise in repelling cyber threats, and experience in implementing and operating in the largest infrastructures in Russia. In this way, we help provide turnkey protection for corporations, small and medium-sized businesses,” said Igor Lyapunov, CEO of Solar Group.

    “Bank of Technologies”— a free Moscow service that helps save time and quickly select the necessary high-tech tools and innovative IT solutions for digitalization and automation of production, product lifecycle management, information security, mathematical modeling, expansion of new lines. The online registry contains over 530 advanced proven domestic developments.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: The city has put five commercial premises in the north of Moscow up for auction

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Five commercial premises in the Voykovsky district have been put up for open auction. All the properties are located in residential buildings and have a flexible designation. This was reported by the head of the capital’s Department of Competition Policy Kirill Purtov.

    “Voykovsky District has a developed transport and social infrastructure. There are metro stations and the Moscow Central Circle, parks and squares, one of the largest shopping centers in Moscow, as well as several educational institutions. The premises put up for auction have a flexible purpose, a separate entrance and are suitable for almost any type of business. Their area varies from 53.6 to 493.5 square meters. Bid campaigns end between June 24 and July 16, depending on the lot,” said Kirill Purtov.

    The premises are located at the following addresses: Narvskaya street, house 11, building 5 (first floor), Kosmonavta Volkova street, house 3 (first floor), 3rd Novopodmoskovny lane, house 6 (base), 6th Novopodmoskovny Lane, Building 3 (first floor), Leningradskoe shosse, house 8, building 1 (basement).

    The properties on Narvskaya Street and 6th Novopodmoskovny Lane have electricity, water supply, and sewerage. The property on 3rd Novopodmoskovny Lane also has gas supply. The property on Leningradskoye Shosse only has electricity, while the property on Kosmonavta Volkova Street only has sewerage.

    The auction will be held from July 3 to July 25 on the electronic platform. “RoselTorg”To participate, you will need registration and an enhanced qualified electronic signature.

    The capital is putting various properties up for auction, and the showcase for them is Moscow investment portal. In the section “Property from the city” Information about the lots is published, including photographs, documentation, conditions and form of implementation.

    Development of electronic services for business corresponds to the objectives of the national project “Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State” and the regional project of the city of Moscow “Digital Public Administration”.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Name release: Fatal house fire, Waitara

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police are now in a position to release the name of the man who was found deceased after a house fire in Waitara on Friday 6 June.

    He was 45-year-old, Jamie Elliott.

    His dog was found alongside him.

    Police extends our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.

    The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Consumer Council chief named

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau today welcomed the Consumer Council’s appointment of Alaina Shum as its Chief Executive from August 21.

    The appointment was made following an open recruitment and selection process.

    Mr Yau said Ms Shum is well placed to lead the Consumer Council due to her extensive management experience in public organisations.

    Ms Shum is currently Vocational Training Council Deputy Executive Director, responsible for strategic development work on the Mainland and overseas, and for the promotion of collaboration among various stakeholders.

    “I hope that the Consumer Council, under Ms Shum’s leadership, will continue to join hands with various sectors to further enhance the protection of consumer rights and interests,” Mr Yau added.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrests – Aggravated robbery – Darwin City

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Police have arrested two female youths in relation to an aggravated robbery in Darwin City yesterday evening.

    Around 6:30pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that a 25-year-old woman had been robbed along Garramilla Boulevard.

    It is alleged that three female youths approached the woman, with one attempting to steal her bag. When the victim resisted, one of the offenders allegedly produced a pair of scissors and threatened to stab her. The victim then surrendered her bag, and the group fled the scene on foot.

    There were no reported injuries during the incident.

    Police conducted patrols of the area and subsequently arrested two 13-year-old females. One of the alleged offenders was found in possession of items belonging to the victim at the time of arrest.

    One offender remains outstanding.

    The two 13-year-old youths remain in police custody with charges expected to follow.

    Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference number P25163904. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Straight from the source – June 2025

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    In between writing Straight from the source each month, I’m quite active on LinkedInExternal Link, sharing regular reminders and messages. I hope you’ve also been seeing my updates to the not-for-profit (NFP) sector there, especially about lodging the 2023–24 NFP self-review return.

    I’ve met and spoken to many NFPs at various events across Brisbane, Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Darwin and Alice Springs over the last 6 weeks, and I’m always encouraged by the passion and commitment of people making a difference in the community.

    My message remains constant: ‘we’re here to help you get it right!’

    NFP self-review return helping NFPs identify their correct status

    The NFP self-review return was introduced to enhance transparency and integrity across the NFP population who self-assess as income tax exempt. As anticipated, with the first year of lodgment now behind us we’ve seen some shifts in the NFP population, with some NFP organisations identifying their correct taxable status at law.

    While our data is still being assessed, our preliminary observations indicate that as of 31 May 2025:

    • Over 29,000 NFPs have lodged their self-review return for the 2023–24 income year – these organisations will have their future year returns pre-populated making it easier to lodge the 2024–25 return. Around 97% of NFPs who have lodged have confirmed their eligibility to an income tax exemption.
    • Around 4,000 NFPs have registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) as a charity, having realised they cannot self-assess as income tax exempt.
    • Almost 1,000 NFPs have lodged a non-lodgment advice (NLA) with the ATO to indicate that they are taxable NFPs with taxable income less than $416. Around 600 NFPs have lodged income tax returns disclosing combined total income in the millions.
    • Many NFPs have also cancelled their ABN because the NFP no longer exists, which is a legislative requirement of holding an ABN.

    We expect a continued shift in the NFP population as organisations continue to review their purpose, activities and identify their correct taxable status. Here is what you need to know.

    Charitable NFPs

    NFPs with solely charitable purposes must be registered with the ACNC and endorsed by the ATO to access an income tax exemption. There’s no provision in the tax law for a charitable organisation to self-assess an income tax exemption. So, unless you’re registered with the ACNC, you are a taxable NFP.

    Charitable NFPs should pay particular attention to the following points:

    • ensure you’re compliant with the ACNC governance standards, external conduct standards and that your Annual Information Statement (AIS) is lodged with the ACNC as non-lodgment can affect your income tax status and access to other tax concessions
    • meet all your tax and employer obligations as this is a requirement of maintaining your taxable status
    • reach out for assistance early if you’re having difficulty with any of your tax, super and registry obligations.

    Lodgment obligations for NFPs with an active ABN that self-assess as income tax exempt

    Since 1 July 2024, NFPs that have an active ABN and self-assess as income tax exempt have been required to lodge an annual NFP self-review return. The self-review return is due between 1 July and 31 October each year. It can be lodged using Online services for business, through the self-help phone service or by a registered tax agent.

    To demonstrate that the entity is operating as an NFP, it needs to have and follow requisite NFP clauses in their governing documents. We’ve provided additional time through to 30 June 2026 for NFPs to update their governing documents. To be eligible for this additional time your organisation must not have made any distribution of income or assets to particular individuals or members.

    NFPs that haven’t lodged their first self-review return are required to lodge their 2023–24 return as soon as possible. Once the 2023–24 return is lodged, we can prepopulate future returns to make compliance even easier.

    If you haven’t yet lodged your 2023–24 return, when you log into online services this tax time you will see you have 2 NFP self-review returns due. You need to lodge your return for 2023–24 first, as they need to be lodged sequentially. Here are some handy tips:

    • Refer to our update, connect and lodge flowchart on the ATO website for a step-by-step guide on how to update your ABN details and set up access to Online services for business. You can find the flowchart by visiting ato.gov.au/NFPlodgmentsteps.
    • If you’re having trouble lodging online, you can still lodge your return using our automated self-help phone service on 13 72 26.
    • Check out our tailored guidance that supports NFPs at ato.gov.au/NFPtaxexempt and we encourage you to subscribe to our NFP newsletter at subscribe.news.ato.gov.auExternal Link. You’ll be kept up to date with how to meet your tax and super obligations.
    • We also maintain a dedicated NFP Advice Service on 1300 30 248. If you have a question, you can call our team.

    Taxable NFPs

    If you don’t meet the requirements of the self-assessing income tax exempt categories, or you’re charitable, haven’t registered with the ACNC and have been endorsed by us, you’re a taxable NFP.

    Taxable NFPs may have to lodge income tax returns and pay income tax, or in some instances notify us of a non-lodgment advice.

    The following points are important for taxable NFPs:

    • Identify all sources of income. This may include income from your members such as membership fees, income from non-members and income earned from other sources such as bank interest.
    • Use our mutuality guide to find out if you can apply the mutuality principle when calculating taxable income. The guide will help you to identify your members and non-members, and how to correctly classify revenue and expenses.
    • If you’re a taxable NFP company and your taxable income is $416 or less, you can meet your lodgment obligation by downloading and completing the non-lodgment advice form.
    • If you do have income tax to pay but can’t pay on time, reach out to us early to discuss support options you can access to meet your tax and super obligations.

    Other news

    Engage early if you have a debt to pay – NFPs aren’t exempt from our debt collection action. Our key message is for NFPs to seek early support from us when they’re having difficulty meeting their reporting and/or payment obligations. Employer obligations is a significant focus area for us given the NFP sector employs 10% of Australia’s workforce.

    Giving fund reforms – Treasury has opened consultation on Giving fund reforms and invites your feedback on the following proposed changes:

    • renaming ancillary funds to giving funds in the tax law
    • aligning the annual distribution rate between public and private giving funds
    • increasing the annual distribution rate
    • allowing funds to smooth distributions across years.

    Submissions to this consultation can be made up until 1 August 2025 and the paper is available on the Treasury website at Giving fund reforms: distribution rate and smoothingExternal Link.

    Read the government’s announcement on the Treasury website for more information at Supporting philanthropic givingExternal Link.

    ATO Vulnerability Framework – Our draft ATO Vulnerability Framework to support people experiencing vulnerability has been published and is open for public consultation.

    You’re invited to share your feedback to help us refine our final version so that it reflects the needs and experiences of the people it’s designed to support. Responses can be submitted up until 18 July 2025.

    Super guarantee rate – A reminder that the super guarantee (SG) rate will increase to 12% on 1 July 2025. This is the final scheduled increase. The 12% rate will need to be applied for all salary and wages paid to eligible workers on and after 1 July. This is even if some or all of the pay period it relates to is before 1 July. Employers need to remember to pay SG in full, on time and to the right fund. The next quarterly due date is 28 July. Contributions must be paid quarterly but can be paid more frequently.

    In summary

    We remain committed to supporting NFPs through education and guidance as part of our transitionary approach. Our goal is to help organisations understand and meet their tax, super and registry obligations with confidence.

    We encourage early engagement, and when organisations reach out before issues escalate we can work together to find practical solutions. We want to avoid situations where delaying action to meet lodgment and payment obligations can lead to more complex challenges.

    Our focus continues to be on prevention and tailored support. Whether it’s understanding income tax obligations, applying the mutuality principle, or accessing support when facing financial difficulty, we’re here to help you get it right.

    Let’s keep the conversation going – because when we work together, we can ensure the NFP sector remains strong, sustainable and compliant.

    I look forward to speaking with many of you at future events.

    Take care and stay safe
    Jennifer

    MIL OSI News –