NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Gaza – Nasser hospital at risk: MSF partially relocates activities

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

    Flash quote from Pascale Coissard, MSF emergency coordinator

    “Israeli forces’ displacement orders and bombings in the close vicinity of Nasser hospital, in Khan Younis, have forced MSF to adjust its operations in the hospital and move part of its burn and orthopaedic activities to our field hospital in Deir Al Balah. This minimises the risk to some patients and staff, whose safety is our top priority. Despite the insecurity and movement restrictions, our commitment to Nasser hospital continues through our physical presence and our work in the maternity and paediatric wards, technical expertise, specialist visits, and financial support. 

    “This facility has the last functioning intensive care units for children and newborns in the south, which cannot be moved. Nasser hospital is the only remaining hope for Palestinians in southern Gaza, especially women and children in need of urgent medical care who are living under constant bombardment and displacement with no access to even basic supplies and services. It is crucial that this medical facility is fully protected, respected and remains able to function.”

    MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation. MSF has been working in Haiti for over 30 years, offering general healthcare, trauma care, burn wound care, maternity care, and care for survivors of sexual violence. MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. In 2022, more than 120 project staff from Australia and New Zealand worked with MSF on assignment overseas. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – Understanding the decline in FCAS prices in Australia – GridBeyond

    Source: GridBeyond

    Sydney, 10 June 2025 – In recent years, Frequency Control Ancillary Services (FCAS) have provided a lucrative revenue stream for many I&C energy users. But recent FCAS prices have seen a significant decline. In its latest White Paper, Understanding the decline in FCAS prices, energy technology company GridBeyond explores the reasons why FCAS prices have fallen and what businesses can do to recoup lost revenues.

    According to the latest Quarterly Energy Dynamics report (covering Q1 2025), published by AEMO, total FCAS costs reached $13M in Q1 2025, representing approximately 0.3% of the total cost of consumed energy* for the quarter. This marks a $16M decrease compared to the same period last year. This reduction was mainly driven by lower FCAS prices and a smaller number of volatility events during the quarter, relative to last year. In the same time period BESS output increased by 86% year-on-year in the NEM, reaching an average of 98MW . The significant decline in FCAS prices reflects the impact of increased battery storage capacity and evolving market dynamics. But although FCAS prices are decreasing, energy prices will stay high providing an opportunity for businesses to recoup lost revenues, with the right technology.

    While falling FCAS prices present a challenge, they also mark a shift in how value is created in the evolving energy ecosystem. There are still strategic pathways for I&C businesses to recoup lost revenue. The key for I&C businesses is to shift from passive participation in legacy markets to proactively stacking value. Businesses that embrace this change can recoup lost value and capture even greater returns in the long run – says the report.

    In conclusion, demand side response and process optimisation can allow businesses to identify real flexibility opportunities, enable more informed decision-making in optimising energy and creating a more efficient and cost-effective energy strategy.

    About GridBeyond

    GridBeyond’s vision is to deliver a global zero carbon future. By leveraging AI, we innovate and collaborate with our customers to create optimal value from energy generation, demand and storage to deliver a zero-carbon future. By bridging the gap between distributed energy resources and electricity markets, GridBeyond’s technology means every connected asset – whether utility-scale renewables generation, battery storage, or industrial load – can be utilized to help maximize opportunities and enhance the grid. By intelligently dispatching flexibility into the right market, at the right time, asset owners and energy consumers unlock new revenues and savings, resilience, and management of price volatility, while supporting the transition to a Net Zero future.

    For more information, visit www.gridbeyond.com

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Video: Kaine Delivers Opening Remarks at SASC Navy Posture Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    BROADCAST-QUALITY VIDEO OF KAINE’S EXCHANGE IS AVAILABLE HERE.

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), delivered opening remarks at the SASC hearing on U.S. Navy posture. During his remarks, he discussed his concerns about President Trump and Secretary Hegseth activating thousands of National Guard members and 700 Marines in California—over the objections of California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass—in response to immigration protests.

    “I have a lot of experience in dealing with the [National] Guard as a former mayor and governor,” said Kaine. “The genius of the Guard is that it is a partnership between the President and the Governors and Guardsmen and women… The President’s decision to deploy thousands of Guardsmen and women to quell protests in Los Angeles—without a request by the California Governor and in fact, over the objection of the California Governor—is nearly unprecedented.”

    Kaine continued, “We are in very, very dangerous territory. I think my colleagues and I are right to be concerned about this. The American public is concerned about this.”

    “To deploy active duty Marines to quell civilian protests is, in my view, very, very dangerous,” said Kaine. “It’s dangerous beyond the escalatory effects that both the Governor and Mayor of Los Angeles are warning us about. If we screw up the balance of how we use the Guard or how we use the military in the instance of civilian protests that local law enforcement can handle, we will regret that for a very, very long time.”

    “Many Americans are worried now that if they express dissenting voices to policies and the Administration, they’re concerned that the military may be deployed against them,” Kaine continued. “We’re coming up on the commemoration of 250 years of American democracy. It’s on the shoulders of this generation to decide whether the commemoration will be a celebration or a requiem or a wake or a coronation. We need to make it a celebration, and for that, we need brave and patriotic citizens who are willing to, without fear, exercise rights that were guaranteed to them from the very first days of this country.”

    Then, Kaine rebutted comments from his colleague erroneously comparing Trump’s decision to activate the National Guard in California to President Dwight Eisenhower’s activation of the Arkansas National Guard to ensure the integration of Central High School in Little Rock.

    “The issue is not is there lawless behavior that can be controlled by local law enforcement. You either believe in a federal system or you don’t where a Governor requests the National Guard or doesn’t, and you either believe in a civilian military division or you don’t,” Kaine said.

    “Senator Cotton brings up the example of Little Rock. President Eisenhower, Republican President, did federalize the Guard in that instance. Why? Because it was the Governor that was violating federal law. There is no suggestion that Governor Newsom is violating federal law. In fact, he said, arrest me if I’m violating the law—and yesterday, the chief border agent for the United States said there is no cause to arrest you. You are not violating federal law,” said Kaine.

    Kaine continued, “The right balance in this instance is to let a local official—mayor, governor—seek assistance if they need it. If the President decides if more assets are needed, we wouldn’t even be having this discussion if he sent in federal law enforcement—FBI, DEA. We’re having this discussion because the President in an unprecedented way, without a request and over the objection of the local elected leadership decided to send in the United States military.”

    Kaine also raised concerns about the Trump Administration’s failure to submit a full budget request; delays with naval shipbuilding programs, including Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarines and amphibious assault ships; and the lack of the nomination from the Administration for a new Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). He also expressed his commitment to continuing to work with the Department of the Navy and other services on the implementation of provisions from the Brandon Act, which he helped get signed into law to make it easier for servicemembers to access mental health care.

    “The Navy does remain the finest maritime force in the world, but it’s struggled to grow and maintain the fleet… Many vessels—aircraft carriers, multiple destroyers and frigates, and some of the air platforms—are behind schedule,” Kaine said. “In particular, the Virginia-class fast attack subs and Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines, which are so critical and prioritized very highly by all of you, are delayed and face budgetary challenges… We need to do more. I continue to believe that the most significant challenge we have is a workforce challenge.”

    “The Brandon Act was passed by this body a number of years back—named after a young sailor, Brandon Caserta, who died by suicide in Norfolk,” said Kaine. “There were a lot of challenges and problems with, frankly, lack of access to mental health services, and it was a pivotal step toward improving access to mental health services, not just for the Navy, but everybody in the service. The implementations across the Armed Services—we’ve seen fits and starts, but some critical gaps in effectiveness, fragmented implementation, undefined procedures for mental health requests, lack of policies tailored toward the National Guard and Reserves… I would really love your help working to continue to implement this.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s refined tax refund policy fuels inbound consumption

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

    China saw a vibrant surge in inbound consumption following the rollout of its refined tax-refund-upon-departure policy, with notable increases in both the number of tax refund stores and the total amount refunded.

    Between April 27 and May 26, the number of departure tax refund transactions processed by the country’s tax authorities jumped 116 percent year on year, and sales at tax refund stores climbed 56 percent, the State Taxation Administration said on Tuesday.

    The country has expanded its refund-upon-purchase service model nationwide, with the number of related transactions increasing 32-fold and sales surging 50-fold year on year, according to data released by the administration.

    Driven by the new policy measures, 1,303 new departure tax refund stores were established across the country during the period, raising the total to 5,196, which was a 40 percent increase from the end of 2024, the data shows.

    This rise in inbound consumption is a result of China’s latest efforts to encourage foreign tourist spending. On April 27, the country introduced a package of measures to optimize its departure tax refund policy, including measures lowering the minimum purchase threshold for refunds, raising the cash refund ceiling, expanding the network of participating stores, and broadening the range of products covered.

    China is also promoting a refund-upon-purchase service model, allowing eligible tourists to receive tax refunds instantly at retail outlets rather than waiting until they leave the country.

    International tourists in China can now claim a tax refund if they spend at least 200 yuan (about 27.84 U.S. dollars) at a single store in a single day and meet other relevant requirements, with refunds payable in multiple forms, including mobile, bank and cash payments. The upper limit for cash refunds has been raised to 20,000 yuan.

    China’s metropolises led this shopping surge. In the month following the policy rollout, Shanghai saw an 86 percent year-on-year increase in sales involving tax refund transactions and a 77 percent rise in the total amount refunded, according to local tax authorities.

    With a raised cash refund ceiling and a lowered minimum purchase threshold for refunds, the new policy allows shoppers from overseas to enjoy benefits across a wide range of products, from high-end goods to everyday items like clothing, said Chen Xiaoling, general manager of Shanghai’s Florentia Village outlet mall. The policy has made shopping in China more convenient and yielded better value for money for international visitors, Chen noted.

    This streamlined refund process has boosted shopping enthusiasm among international tourists.

    At WF Central, which is a luxury mall on Beijing’s popular Wangfujing shopping street, a large banner promoting the refund-upon-purchase tax service hangs prominently in the central atrium. This service is now available at nearly 40 international-brand stores in the mall.

    Alice, a tourist from the United States visiting her family in China, recently purchased a watch and applied for a tax refund immediately after. She presented her passport along with her shopping and departure details at the service counter, and received her refund within minutes. It was her first time purchasing luxury goods in China, and she found the service to be convenient, she said.

    Plaza 66 in Shanghai regards the refund-upon-purchase service as an important engine to boost its market competitiveness and strengthen its international profile. As of May 27, the mall has processed over 280 refund-upon-purchase transactions — already exceeding the whole-year total for 2024.

    China is accelerating development of international consumption center cities to stimulate inbound spending. The country is working to transform five cities — Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Tianjin and Chongqing — into major centers for shopping.

    Also to stimulate inbound consumption, China will increase its number of duty-free stores and expand the range of products eligible for the refund-upon-purchase service, particularly high-tech digital goods such as smartphones, smartwatches and small household appliances, as well as items that are popular among younger consumers, Shi Zeyi, an official of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, said last month.

    China’s Vice Commerce Minister Sheng Qiuping recently stated that China will continue to improve its international consumption environment, increase its supply of high-quality products, and create more diversified consumption scenarios to boost inbound consumption. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Official medal for 15th National Games debuts

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

    The medal for the 15th National Games of China is officially unveiled on June 10, featuring a design that integrates the shared aspirations of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, splendid Chinese cultural heritage, and the journey of the National Games.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Dean Huijsen presented as new Real Madrid player

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

    New Real Madrid signing Dean Huijsen was officially presented as a new player at the club’s Valdebebas training ground on Tuesday.

    The 20-year-old’s transfer to Real Madrid from Bournemouth for almost 60 million euros was confirmed on May 17th, but he wasn’t officially presented due to his commitments with the Spain national team and he played both the semi-final and the final of the UEFA Nations League, which the Spanish lost on penalties to Portugal on Sunday night.

    Huijsen impressed both against Portugal and also against France in the semifinal and the club hopes he will provide balance and height for a defense that struggled with defensive injuries last season, with both Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal suffering campaign ending injuries early in the campaign and David Alaba never getting fully fit after knee surgery.

    Although he was born in the Netherlands, Huijsen grew up close to Malaga and moves to Real Madrid after an impressive debut season in the Premier League.

    At his presentation he admitted it had been easy to make the decision to return to Spain despite interest from other English clubs.

    “I’m joining the best club in the world and I’m here to give my all,” he said, adding that he had “wanted to be here since day one, since they called me, I didn’t consider any other team.”

    “I’m here to give my all. I’m going to work as hard as I can and remain humble. Hopefully, we can win lots of trophies together, starting with the Club World Cup,” said Huijsen.

    The defender will have his first training session with his new team-mates on Tuesday and then after two more Real Madrid flies to Miami to play its opening game against Saudi Arabian outfit, Al-Hilal on June 18th. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Barca midfielder De Jong optimistic over new contract

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

    FC Barcelona’s Dutch international midfielder Frenkie de Jong says he is hopeful of reaching an agreement to extend his current contract with the club, which is due to expire at the end of June 2026.

    Vinicius Jr. (R) of Real Madrid vies with Frankie de Jong of Barcelona during the Spain’s Copa del Rey (King’s Cup) semifinal first leg football match between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona in Madrid, Spain, March 2, 2023. (Photo by Pablo Morano/Xinhua)

    “I think I will sign a new contract, but you can never say that with a hundred percent certainty. If everything goes well, then it will happen.”

    “They want it and I want it, so normally you can work it out,” De Jong told Dutch outlet Voetbalzone.

    The news marks a big turnaround in De Jong’s fortunes over the last 12 months. He ended the 2023-24 season with an ankle problem and with Barcelona desperately looking to lower its wage bill and raise funds to meet financial fair play requirements, it looked as if he could be sold.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. LaMalfa, Matsui, Kim Introduce Bill to Keep Homeownership Costs Down

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Doug LaMalfa 1st District of California

    Washington, D.C.— Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale), with Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Congresswoman Young Kim (R-CA), introduced the bipartisan Keeping Homeownership Costs Down Act (H.R. 3800) to help reduce housing costs by directing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to resume issuing exemption letters, while court-mandated Endangered Species Act (ESA) reviews take place, that keep homeowners from having to purchase expensive flood insurance if their properties are unlikely to flood.

    “California families are already struggling with the rising cost of housing and requiring them to purchase expensive flood insurance when their home is unlikely to flood adds another financial burden to homeownership,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “Following a court ruling in 2019, FEMA stopped issuing exemptions while it was forced to conduct additional and duplicative environmental reviews of this practice.  This is ridiculous.  My common sense, bipartisan bill helps make owning a home more affordable by requiring FEMA to restart issuing flood insurance purchase exemptions right away while environmental reviews take place.

    “In Northern California, we have long had to balance lifesaving flood protection measures with our critical need for additional housing,” said Rep. Matsui. “The Keeping Homeownership Costs Down Act is a commonsense fix that restores a tool in building affordable houses in our region. By ensuring FEMA can continue issuing LOMR-Fs, we prevent families from being priced out of homeownership while upholding key environmental protections.”

    Background:

    • CLOMR-F and LOMR-F letters allow FEMA to revise flood maps for properties that have been elevated above flood zones, removing the federal requirement to purchase flood insurance.
    • FEMA stopped issuing these letters in six counties in 2020, expanding the pause to 32 counties in 2023, after a lawsuit required the agency to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service under the ESA on these letters.
    • California builds fewer than 80,000 homes per year despite needing around 180,000 annually to meet demand. Rising construction costs and mandatory flood insurance contribute to high housing prices.
    • Developers already go through ESA compliance when seeking permits to build housing projects. Requiring FEMA to conduct separate ESA reviews for LOMR-F and CLOMR-F letters add regulatory duplication without improving environmental protections.
    • The Keeping Homeownership Costs Down Act directs FEMA to issue the letters, as appropriate, until the ESA consultation process is completed, helping lower housing costs and avoid unnecessary delays.

    Congressman Doug LaMalfa is Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba Counties.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: USDA Approves Sanders’ Waiver to Ban Soft Drinks, Unhealthy Drinks, and Candy from Food Stamps Program

    Source: US State of Arkansas

    USDA Approves Sanders’ Waiver to Ban Soft Drinks, Unhealthy Drinks, and Candy from Food Stamps Program

    Arkansas’ plan is a first-of-its-kind model that bans both soft drinks AND candy

    LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins today signed Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ waiver to ban soft drinks and candy from Arkansas’ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also referred to as food stamps. Governor Sanders submitted her waiver in April. The State will use the GS1 US food categorization system to implement these policy changes.
     
    “This approval sends a clear message: President Trump and his administration are tackling America’s chronic disease epidemic and Arkansas stands with him in that fight,” said Governor Sanders. “I am incredibly grateful for Secretary Rollins’ quick approval of our waiver. Arkansas leads the nation in getting unhealthy, ultra-processed foods off food stamps and helping our most vulnerable citizens lead healthier lives.”
     
    “The Trump Administration is unified in improving the health of our nation. America’s governors have proudly answered the call to innovate by improving nutrition programs, ensuring better choices while respecting the generosity of the American taxpayer,” said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. “Each waiver submitted by the states and signed is yet another step closer to fulfilling President Trump’s promise to Make America Healthy Again.”
     
    “The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is about providing nutritious meals to families in need, and for too long we’ve not focused purposefully on that mission and have allowed SNAP dollars to be used for unhealthy items like candy and soda. That approach changes with this waiver, and Arkansas families will benefit by having healthier options on their tables. We are grateful for the support of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in approving our plan and for Gov. Sanders’ leadership in this critical area, and we are excited to now work toward implementing this innovative and beneficial change to the SNAP program,” said Arkansas Secretary of Human Services Kristi Putnam.
      
    Food stamps are a $119 billion federal program designed to supplement the lowest-income Americans’ nutritional needs. However, about 23% of food stamp spending – $27 billion annually – now goes toward soft drinks, unhealthy snacks, candy, and desserts. One-third of Arkansans have diabetes or pre-diabetes. 
     
    Studies have consistently shown the link between the overconsumption of sugary, highly processed foods like soft drinks and candy and chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. One study from Stanford found that just banning sugary drinks from food stamps could prevent obesity in 141,000 kids and Type 2 diabetes in 240,000 adults.
     
    Earlier this year, Governor Sanders signed SB59 into law, providing every student in Arkansas with free school breakfast. The legislation also repurposes Medical Marijuana tax revenue to ensure both Summer EBT and Arkansas’ free lunch and breakfast programs are fully funded into the future.
     
    Governor Sanders previously announced Arkansas will continue its Summer EBT program this year after serving 260,000 last summer. The Governor previously signed legislation to provide free school lunches for students who previously qualified for reduced-price meals.
     
    Governor Sanders submitted her waiver in April, 2025. She previously announced her intent to pursue this waiver in December, 2024.
     
    A copy of the waiver is here and a copy of the Governor’s letter accompanying the waiver is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 690 years of CFA service celebrated at Christmas Hills

    Source:

    Fred Kober receiving his 60-year medal of service from Captain Michael Scroggie and MC Peter Mildenhall

    Christmas Hills Fire Brigade members and their families gathered at Panton Hill Hotel on 4 June to celebrate the end of a long fire season, and to acknowledge a number of members who between them have accumulated 690 years of service.

    Sixty members and their guests enjoyed dinner at the Panton Hill Hotel while the presentations were made. A special slide show celebrating the rich history of the brigade also featured throughout the evening.

    “This was an important event because one of our still operational members, Fred Kober, celebrated 60 years of service with our brigade,” Captain Michael Scroggie said.

    “Fred joined us as a 16-year-old and has undertaken many roles over the years including captain, and has maintained his skills and fitness and still regularly turns out at local incidents,” he said.

    Not only did Fred receive a 60-year service medal but also a National Emergency clasp for his role as part of a District 14 strike team during the Black Summer fires of 2019-20. This clasp is in addition to his medal awarded for his service in the Black Saturday fires of 2009 which had a strong impact on the Christmas Hills community.

    Acting Commander Matt Baber also presented Pete Rae and John Roberts with National Emergency Medals for their service in the Black Summer fires. He also presented service awards to more than 30 other members of the brigade.

    This included four five-year certificates of service, five 10-year medals, nine 15-year medals (these were members who joined in the aftermath of the Black Saturday fires), four 25-year medals, two 30-year medals, one 35-year medal, two 40-year medals, two 45-year medals, a 50-year medal, and Fred’s 60-year medal.

    Michael Scroggie paid particular tribute to two active members who received 45-year medals.

    “Di Simmons and Robyn Adams have provided outstanding service to the brigade as active firefighters, but more particularly as members of the Brigade Management Team over the past 40 years or so,” he said. 

    “They have performed nearly all the BMT roles over extended periods of time, from captain in Di’s case to all levels of lieutenant roles, secretary/treasurer, training, OHS and comms. I don’t think there has a been a time in the past 40 years when one or the other or both haven’t been on the BMT.”

    Nillumbik Group Officer Matt Knight also paid tribute to Di and Robyn’s leadership and support at the group and district level as well and noted their strong role in the mentoring of women firefighters and leaders across CFA.

    Their previous professional lives as lecturers and researchers into fire science and environmental studies at Deakin was also instrumental in the development of the brigade mantra ‘Red truck green heart’ which underlies our approach to fire management and suppression in Christmas Hills.

    “While we took this opportunity to thank them for their enormous contribution to the effectiveness of our brigade up until now,” said Michael Scroggie, “we are further grateful that Dianne and Robyn will continue as active firefighters at Christmas Hills and in management roles at Nillumbik Group”.

    • Di Simmons and Robyn Adams receiving their 45 Year medals
    • Many of the members who received service awards
    Submitted by Peter Mildenhall

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: US criticises allies as NZ bans two top far-right Israeli ministers

    RNZ News

    The United States has denounced sanctions by Britain and allies — including New Zealand and Australia — against Israeli far-right ministers, saying they should focus instead on the Palestinian armed group Hamas.

    New Zealand has banned two Israeli politicians from travelling to the country because of comments about the war in Gaza that Foreign Minister Winston Peters says “actively undermine peace and security”.

    New Zealand joins Australia, Canada, the UK and Norway in imposing the sanctions on Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

    Peters said they were targeted towards two individuals, rather than the Israeli government.

    “Our action today is not against the Israeli people, who suffered immeasurably on October 7 [2023] and who have continued to suffer through Hamas’ ongoing refusal to release all hostages.

    “Nor is it designed to sanction the wider Israeli government.”

    The two ministers were “using their leadership positions to actively undermine peace and security and remove prospects for a two-state solution”, Peters said.

    ‘Severely and deliberately undermined’ peace
    “Ministers Smotrich and Ben-Gvir have severely and deliberately undermined that by personally advocating for the annexation of Palestinian land and the expansion of illegal settlements, while inciting violence and forced displacement.”

    The sanctions were consistent with New Zealand’s approach to other foreign policy issues, he said.

    Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir (left) and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich . . . sanctioned by Australia, Canada, the UK and Norway because they have “incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights. These actions are not acceptable,” says British Foreign Minister David Lammy. Image: TRT screenshot APR

    “New Zealand has also targeted travel bans on politicians and military leaders advocating violence or undermining democracy in other countries in the past, including Russia, Belarus and Myanmar.”

    New Zealand had been a long-standing supporter of a two-state solution, Peters said, which the international community was also overwhelmingly in favour of.

    “New Zealand’s consistent and historic position has been that Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories are a violation of international law. Settlements and associated violence undermine the prospects for a viable two-state solution,” he said.

    “The crisis in Gaza has made returning to a meaningful political process all the more urgent. New Zealand will continue to advocate for an end to the current conflict and an urgent restart of the Middle East Peace Process.”

    ‘Outrageous’, says Israel
    Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the move was “outrageous” and the government would hold a special meeting early next week to decide how to respond to the “unacceptable decision”.

    His comments were made while attending the inauguration of a new Israeli settlement on Palestinian land.

    Peters is currently in Europe for the sixth Pacific-France Summit hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron in Nice.

    US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce told reporters: “We find that extremely unhelpful. It will do nothing to get us closer to a ceasefire in Gaza.”

    Britain, Canada, Norway, New Zealand and Australia “should focus on the real culprit, which is Hamas”, she said of the sanctions.

    “We remain concerned about any step that would further isolate Israel from the international community.”

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

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: NZ and Gaza – Peters appearing to do something, when doing nothing

    COMMENTARY: By Steven Cowan, editor of Against The Current

    The New Zealand Foreign Minster’s decision to issue a travel ban against two Israeli far-right politicians is little more than a tokenistic gesture in opposing Israel’s actions.

    It is an attempt to appease growing opposition to Israel’s war, but the fact that Israel has killed more than 54,000 innocent people in Gaza, a third under the age of 18, still leaves the New Zealand government unmoved.

    Foreign Minister Peters gave the game away when he commented that the sanctions were targeted towards two individuals, rather than the Israeli government.

    Issuing travel bans against two Israeli politicians, who are unlikely to visit New Zealand at any stage, is the easy option.

    It appears to be doing something to protest against Israel’s actions when actually doing nothing. And it doesn’t contradict the interests of the United States in the Middle East.

    Under the government of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, New Zealand has become a vassal state of American imperialism.

    New Zealand has joined four other countries, the United States, Britain, Australia and Norway, in issuing a travel ban. But all four countries continue to supply Israel with arms.

    Unions demand stronger action
    Last week, the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions demanded that the New Zealand government take stronger action against Israel. In a letter to Winston Peters, CTU president Richard Wagstaff wrote:

    “For too long, the international community has allowed the state of Israel to act with impunity. It is now very clearly engaged in genocide and ethnic cleansing in Gaza.

    “All efforts must be made to put diplomatic and economic pressure on Israel to end this murderous campaign.”

    THE CTU has called for a series of sanctions to be imposed on Israel. They include “a ban on all imports of goods made in whole or in part in Israel” and “a rapid review of Crown investments and immediately divest from any financial interests in Israeli companies”.

    The CTU is also calling for the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador.

    This article was first published on Steven Cowan’s website Against The Current. Republished with permission.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard interdicts 5 aliens off the coast of Point Loma, Calif.

    Source: United States Coast Guard

     

    06/10/2025 07:51 PM EDT

    A crew aboard a Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team Los Angeles/Long Beach boat interdicted five aliens aboard a 20-foot pleasure craft, approximately 4 miles southwest, of Point Loma, Monday.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The Project really did do news differently. Its demise is our loss

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Dodd, Professor of Journalism, Director of the Centre for Advancing Journalism, The University of Melbourne

    The most unsettling thing about the closure of Network Ten’s The Project is that it might come to be seen as the moment commercial network television gave up on young audiences for news programming.

    If that’s what’s happening, it’s a worrying thought. Bringing news and current affairs to young audiences is exactly what The Project has done so well over its 16-year lifespan, and it’s hard to imagine how the channel will replace it in ways that work for audiences already disengaged with mainstream media.

    The Project will be missed. Perhaps not by those such as a caller to ABC Melbourne’s Drive program yesterday afternoon, who described The Project as Behind the News for grown-ups.

    The caller’s tone signalled an insult but that discredits both the long-running ABC program for schoolchildren and the goal of engaging young adult audiences in news and current affairs.

    Declining numbers

    In 2010, a year after the program launched, it was rating 1.1 million in the country’s capital cities, which made it competitive with other commercial TV news services.

    By last weekend, the program was drawing an average national audience of 270,000 across the regions as well as the capital cities, according to media commentator, Tim Burrowes’, Unmade newsletter. Even allowing for the overall decline in the number of people watching television since 2010, those ratings figures are dismal.

    Burrowes, the author of Media Unmade: Australian Media’s Most Disruptive Decade, suggests the controversial hiring of former Nine Network star, Lisa Wilkinson, in 2017, to present the program’s Sunday edition may have unsettled The Project’s internal harmony after the Bruce Lehrmann defamation trial she was involved in.

    A winning format for younger audiences

    The Project’s formula of combining news with comedy emerged from the success of The Panel, the weekly show produced in the late 1990s by Working Dog and featuring the D-Generation team of Rob Sitch, Santo Cilauro and Tom Gleisner, along with Kate Langbroek, Glenn Robbins and, for a while, Jane Kennedy.

    The Panel opening theme song, Working Dog Productions.

    It was edgy and topical. It bounced off current events with short piss-take scene-setting video grabs, followed by wry observations and silly gags.

    It was just as much comedy as it was current affairs, and it was all about appealing to young and disenfranchised viewers.

    The Panel anticipated the exodus away from the po-faced solemnity of commercial terrestrial TV news well before streaming had taken hold.

    Rove McManus and his production company saw its potential, as did Ten, which knew it needed to try new things. It could not compete with Seven and Nine, who were then – and in many ways still are – locked in a perpetual ratings war while being almost identical to one another.

    The Project’s producers knew they had a winning format. They ensured the show was rarely boring and avoided the predictability of worthiness. They weren’t afraid to ask the non-PC question, or laugh at themselves, or debate or discuss or delve.

    But that didn’t mean they resorted to meanness or took pleasure in others’ misfortune. Admittedly, Steve Price did need to be reined in from time to time.

    The format encouraged audiences to stick with them and in the process they actually learnt stuff. Young, disengaged kids saw politicians discussing matters of substance, with the show challenging assumptions.

    News for the social media era

    As increasing numbers of young people stopped turning on TVs, The Project became consumable in bite-size chunks on social media.

    The show’s producers cottoned on to this earlier than most and began crafting segments that could be easily shared. Waleed Aly became an Instagram star for his impassioned, informed editorialising about racial issues, along the way earning nominations for several Logie awards, and winning the Gold Logie in 2016.

    Peter Helliar, Dave Hughes and Charlie Pickering made audiences laugh. And another Gold Logie winner, Carrie Bickmore, made them care, especially in 2013 when she broke the fourth wall of television to talk about the need to improve public awareness of brain cancer following a story about a potential cure for the disease in ten years’ time. A few years previously Bickmore’s husband had died of the disease.

    The loss of another media town square

    While The Project was on air, the network was at least making an effort to inform a section of the market that had long been under-served by the news media.

    With relatively recent entrants, like the Daily Aus, stepping in to that gap, perhaps Ten thought it was becoming too crowded?

    We’ll have to assess what the network does next to see if it thinks investing in current affairs is no longer worth the effort.

    With the ABC threatening to walk away from Q&A, it looks like commercial and public networks are coming to the same view: that panel-based current affairs programming is a turn-off for audiences, regardless of whether they’re young or old.

    This is especially troubling because the closure of each program means the loss of another media town square, where the capacity to listen to, and learn from one another, in civil ways also disappears.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. The Project really did do news differently. Its demise is our loss – https://theconversation.com/the-project-really-did-do-news-differently-its-demise-is-our-loss-258588

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley, Welch Introduce Legislation to Increase Federal Minimum Wage to $15 Per Hour

    US Senate News:

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

    Tuesday, June 10, 2025

    Today, U.S. Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) introduced the Higher Wages for American Workers Act, which would increase the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour and allow the federal minimum wage to increase with inflation in subsequent years. When adjusted for inflation, the current federal minimum wage is lower than at any point since the 1940s. Meanwhile, the cost of housing, healthcare, and education has skyrocketed, leaving millions of full-time workers struggling to make ends meet.

    “For decades, working Americans have seen their wages flatline. One major culprit of this is the failure of the federal minimum wage to keep up with the economic reality facing hardworking Americans every day. This bipartisan legislation would ensure that workers across America benefit from higher wages,” Senator Hawley said.  

    “We’re in the midst of a severe affordability crisis, with families in red and blue states alike struggling to afford necessities like housing and groceries. A stagnant federal minimum wage only adds fuel to the fire. Every hardworking American deserves a living wage that helps put a roof over their head and food on the table–$7.25 an hour doesn’t even come close,” said Senator Welch. “Times have changed, and working families deserve a wage that reflects today’s financial reality. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort to raise the minimum wage nationwide to help more folks make ends meet,” Senator Welch added.
     
    If signed into law this year, the Higher Wages for American Workers Act would:

    • Increase the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour starting in January 2026.
    • Allow the federal minimum wage to increase with inflation in subsequent years.

    Read the full bill text here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen Leads New Hampshire Delegation in Announcing 14th Experience New Hampshire Reception in Washington, DC

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) led Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and U.S. Representatives Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) in announcing that the New Hampshire State Society Event, “Experience New Hampshire,” will return to Capitol Hill on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. The New Hampshire Congressional delegation and other members of Congress will attend the event, which exhibits Granite State businesses and their first-class products in the U.S. Capitol. This year’s event marks the New Hampshire State Society’s 14th year hosting the reception.
    “From our world-famous maple syrup to tourism in the White Mountains, Experience New Hampshire showcases the businesses, institutions and entrepreneurs that make the Granite State a uniquely wonderful place,” said Senator Shaheen. “By allowing businesses to share their products and services and to connect with industry leaders and policymakers, the reception puts New Hampshire on the map. I’m thankful to the New Hampshire State Society for their work year after year to make this event possible.”
    “Experience NH provides an opportunity to showcase some of the many small businesses, vendors, foods, and artists that make our state so great,” said Senator Hassan. “I look forward to Experience NH every year and I appreciate all those who are joining for this year’s celebration and helping bring our Granite State spirit to Washington.”
    “By highlighting our state’s small businesses and their unique products and services, Experience New Hampshire brings Granite State culture to our nation’s capital,” said Congressman Pappas. “In New Hampshire, small businesses are the fabric of our communities, economy, and way of life. I am once again thrilled to join our federal delegation in welcoming guests to this popular event, and I look forward to seeing fellow Granite Staters and their small businesses in D.C.”
    “New Hampshire is home to the best of America,” said Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander. “I’m proud to partner with New Hampshire’s federal delegation and the New Hampshire State Society to help bring a taste of the Granite State to Congress and connect New Hampshire businesses and innovators with legislators and leaders in our nation’s Capitol.”
    Some participating businesses this year will include Echo Farm Puddings, Contoocook Creamery, Shire’s Naturals, Concord Regional Technical Center, the New Hampshire Maple Producers, SkiNH, The Spicy Shark and more.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee Chairwoman Kim Delivers Opening Remarks at Hearing on Strengthening U.S.-ASEAN Ties

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-321-9747

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee Chairwoman Young Kim delivered opening remarks at a hearing titled, “Building Bridges, Countering Rivals: Strengthening U.S.-ASEAN Ties to Combat Chinese Influence.”

    Watch Here

    -Remarks-

    This hearing presents an opportunity for us to examine China’s growing footprint in ASEAN and to discuss ways the US can counter it by strengthening cooperation across economic security, diplomatic and law enforcement sectors.

    China has long prioritized Southeast Asia in its foreign policy, using diplomacy, infrastructure investment and trade to entrench its influence. In contrast, US economic engagement has stumbled. Initiatives like the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Indo-Pacific Economic framework for prosperity aimed high but failed to deliver meaningful market access or address trade imbalances. Despite our inability to engage economically, we continue to build robust relationships with countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, and Singapore, but we too often underestimate ASEAN’s collective weight in our own Indo-Pacific strategy.

    We need to ensure the United States has a genuinely responsive and effective strategy to remain the partner of choice in ASEAN and ask ourselves: Where have our past strategies in Southeast Asia fallen short? What legislative tools can strengthen our regional position? Are our frameworks aligned with ASEAN partners priorities? Despite China’s reach, the United States is the preferred long-term partner of choice for many ASEAN countries. In the 2025 State of Southeast Asia Survey, 52.3% favored the United States over China, recognizing our leadership and investment, security, innovation, and shared values.

    On security, the United States has made real strides expanding maritime security with the Philippines and partnering with other South Asia, South China Sea nations on law enforcement, maritime safety, and capacity building training, enhancing disaster response and maritime governance capabilities.

    Economically, however, we are under leveraged. While China remains ASEAN’s top trading partner, the region is a $4 trillion market with enormous potential, especially in critical minerals, regional trade and development financing. The threat of Chinese dominance isn’t going away. China is aggressively pursuing deals. Over 100 secured just this April with Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia. These efforts reflect Beijing’s recognition of growing US engagement and its desire to blunt it.

    We must show ASEAN partners that China’s promises rarely deliver lasting benefits. We also need a bold whole of government strategy. One that affirms our leadership, reinforces our alliances and oppose the sovereignty and rules-based order that underpins a free and open Indo-Pacific.

    I look forward to hearing from our witnesses today. Your expertise will guide us in crafting stronger, smarter US policy in South Asia.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MANHEIM – Shapiro Administration to Announce Investment to Increase Agricultural Product Sales and Exports

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    June 11, 2026 – Manheim, PA

    ADVISORY – MANHEIM – Shapiro Administration to Announce Investment to Increase Agricultural Product Sales and Exports

    Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding will tour sixth-generation Waltz Estate Winery and Family Farm to announce another Shapiro Administration investment to support the growth and success of family businesses in agriculture.

    The event will highlight Pennsylvania’s 4th in the nation wine industry and vibrant agriculture-based tourism industry – both connecting visitors to made-in-PA culinary adventures and Great American Getaways through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s PA Preferred® program and the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Tourism Office.

    Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget proposes an increase of $13 million to the historic Agricultural Innovation Grant program to help family farms across Pennsylvania compete and succeed, building on a full menu of PA Farm Bill investments, record conservation funding to help farms improve and protect soil and water, and millions in research dollars to keep Pennsylvania agriculture on the cutting edge of technology.

    WHO:
    Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding
    Pennsylvania Wine Association President Mark Rozum
    Pennsylvania Wine Association Vice President Zach Waltz
    State Senator James Malone

    WHEN:
    Wednesday, June 11 at 1 p.m.
    Tour of winemaking operation, grounds, and tasting room to follow announcement

    WHERE:
    1599 Old Line Road
    Manheim, PA 17545

    RSVP:
    Press attending should RSVP with news outlet and photographer and reporter names to aginfo@pa.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Boost to search operation at Cradle Mountain

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Boost to search operation at Cradle Mountain

    Wednesday, 11 June 2025 – 9:42 am.

    The search for a Victorian man believed to be in the Cradle Mountain area will resume this morning.
    Members of the Tasmania Police Search and Rescue unit, State Emergency Service volunteers and Parks and Wildlife Service rangers will be involved in ground patrols, while helicopter resources will conduct aerial searches.
    Concerns for the welfare of 52-year-old Christopher Inwood were raised on Tuesday morning, after his white Toyota HiAce van was found at the car park of a ranger station on Cradle Mountain Road.
    A backpack believed to belong to Mr Inwood was found alongside the road about 500m from the station, heading in the direction of Dove Lake.
    Mr Inwood was last seen at Kindred, in Tasmania’s north, about 8.30pm on Monday and police believe he drove to Cradle Mountain later that night.
    Preliminary searches of the Cradle Mountain area on Tuesday by PWS rangers, with the assistance of a police drone, did not locate Mr Inwood.
    Temperatures were below freezing in the Cradle Mountain area overnight.
    Anyone who has information that could assist police locate Mr Inwood, pictured, is urged to call 131 444.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Brownley, Carbajal Condemn Cruel and Reckless ICE Activities in Ventura County

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

    Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) and Congressman Salud Carbajal (CA-24) released the following statement regarding reports of recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations throughout Ventura County, California. These operations follow a wave of escalated enforcement in neighboring Los Angeles County and are spreading fear, chaos, and distress across the region.

    “We have received disturbing reports of ICE enforcement actions in Ventura County, including in Oxnard, Port Hueneme, and Camarillo, where agents have reportedly stopped vehicles, loitered near schools, and attempted to enter agricultural properties and facilities in the Oxnard Plain. These actions are completely unjustified, deeply harmful, and raise serious questions about the agency’s tactics and its respect for due process.

    “Let us be clear: these raids are not about public safety. They are about stoking fear. These are not criminals being targeted. They are hardworking people and families who are an essential part of Ventura County. Our local economy, like much of California’s and the country’s as a whole, depends on undocumented labor. These men and women are the backbone of our farms, our fields, our construction and service industries, and our communities.

    “We are outraged by the cruelty and recklessness of this campaign. It is unconscionable. The Trump administration is deliberately inflicting harm on immigrant families and doing so without transparency, accountability, or even basic communication with Congress. Neither we nor our colleagues have received any notification or briefing from ICE about these activities. Our inquiries to the administration have gone unanswered. This total lack of transparency is unacceptable.

    “The Trump administration continues to use immigration enforcement as a political weapon, targeting vulnerable families to score political points. This is not how you keep people safe. In fact, this kind of chaos only makes our communities more insecure. And as these actions continue to traumatize families and tear communities apart, they are also tearing at the fabric of our humanity and who we are as a country.

    “ICE should be focused on individuals who pose real threats to public safety, not terrorizing entire communities with broad, unjust sweeps. These actions are a misuse of limited resources and a betrayal of the values that define us as Americans.

    “We will continue working closely with state and local officials to protect our community and ensure that all Ventura County families, regardless of immigration status, feel safe. We can and we must enforce our immigration laws while upholding the rule of law and respecting due process. The Trump administration must be held accountable for these deeply damaging and politically motivated actions. We remain committed to protecting the rights, safety, and well-being of every resident of Ventura County.”

    ###

    Issues: 119th Congress, Immigration, Local Issues

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese vice premier meets with foreign guests attending Belt and Road conference

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

    Chinese vice premier meets with foreign guests attending Belt and Road conference

    CHENGDU, June 10 — Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on Tuesday held separate meetings with several foreign guests who are in China to attend the second Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange in Chengdu, Sichuan Province.

    When meeting with Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Serbia Marina Ragus, Ding, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China is willing to work with Serbia to implement the important consensus reached between the two heads of state, support each other’s major concerns and core interests, deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, transform sci-tech innovation cooperation into a new growth point for bilateral relations, and promote further achievements in the construction of a China-Serbia community with a shared future in the new era.

    Ragus said that Serbia highly values its friendship with China, adheres firmly to the one-China principle, and is willing to strengthen practical cooperation with China in such fields as investment, the economy and trade, and science and technology, with the aim of building a community with a shared future between the two countries.

    When meeting with Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ramatov Achilbay Jumaniyazovich, Ding said China is ready to work with Uzbekistan to consolidate their political mutual trust and long-standing friendship, deepen their alignment of development strategies, and promote in-depth, substantive cooperation in areas such as connectivity, the economy and trade, and sci-tech innovation under the framework of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.

    Ramatov said that Uzbekistan is willing to deepen practical cooperation with China under the guidance of the strategic consensus reached between the two heads of state, and to promote the continuous development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

    When meeting with Iran’s Vice-President of Science, Technology and Knowledge-Based Economy Hossein Afshin, Ding said that guided by the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, China is willing to make joint efforts with Iran to implement the China-Iran comprehensive cooperation plan well, promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and further tap the cooperation potential in the field of science and technology to bring more tangible benefits to the people of the two countries.

    Afshin said that Iran attaches great importance to the development of bilateral relations with China and is willing to enhance its people-to-people bonds with the country, promote the implementation of the comprehensive cooperation plan, and make new progress in sci-tech cooperation.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Sweet Police work aids Auckland driver

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Quick thinking and a priority transport of chocolate has aided the recovery of an Auckland motorist. 

    Police in central Auckland received information about a man who appeared intoxicated, getting into a vehicle on Tuesday afternoon.

    Auckland Central Area Commander, Inspector Grant Tetzlaff says frontline staff attended just after 3pm on Union Street.

    “On arrival, staff found a middle-aged man slumped over the car’s steering wheel and losing consciousness,” he says.

    “The officers acted quickly on their feet, taking the initiative and checked for a medical alert on the man’s phone.”

    It revealed he was a Type One diabetic.

    “Wasting no time and with time of the essence,  the staff called for an ambulance and for another patrol to bring some chocolate, pronto!”

    “The chocolate arrived on scene quickly and the man began to regain some consciousness.”

    Ambulance staff arrived on scene and he was transported to hospital.

    “I commend the actions of the frontline staff in what was a medical emergency and ended up being a sweet result,” Inspector Tetzlaff says.

    ENDS. 

    Nicole Bremner/NZ Police 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • Indian Foreign Secretary meets UAE officials in Abu Dhabi, strengthens counter-terrorism cooperation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri conducted key meetings with senior UAE officials in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, reinforcing bilateral cooperation on security matters and expressing gratitude for the UAE’s support of recent Indian parliamentary initiatives.

    Foreign Secretary Misri met with Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE’s Minister of Tolerance and Co-Existence, where he conveyed gratitude for the warm reception of the All-party delegation by His Highness and the UAE. The discussions emphasized the shared values of harmony and tolerance that form the foundation of India-UAE relations.

    In a separate meeting, Misri held talks with Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Defence Affairs, Interior and Foreign Affairs Committee of the Federal National Council of UAE, where “both sides reaffirmed their commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.” The officials also explored opportunities to enhance India-UAE parliamentary cooperation.During the Mid-Year Review in Abu Dhabi, Foreign Secretary Misri also met with UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem Al Hashimy. The discussions focused on taking stock of bilateral relations and exploring avenues for future collaboration across sectors.

    The meetings follow a recent high-level all-party delegation visit from India to the UAE, led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Eknath Shinde, which focused on strengthening cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts. During that visit, UAE officials had expressed solidarity with India following recent security challenges, with Sheikh Nahyan stating that India and UAE would tackle terrorism together.

  • ‘Proud’ at how they advocated India’s stance, says PM Modi at meeting with Op Sindoor delegations

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met members of the various delegations who represented India in different countries at his official residence.

    The members elaborated on India’s commitment to peace and the need to eradicate the menace of terrorism. We are all proud of the manner in which they put forward India’s voice.

    The members of multi-party delegations who recently returned from diplomatic missions abroad, “played a crucial role in elaborating India’s commitment to peace and the need to eradicate the menace of terrorism”.

    PM Modi commended the delegations for their dedication in advancing India’s voice on global platforms.

    In a post on X, PM Modi wrote: “Met members of the various delegations who represented India in different countries and elaborated on India’s commitment to peace and the need to eradicate the menace of terrorism. We are all proud of the manner in which they put forward India’s voice.”

    The meeting underscored India’s proactive approach in shaping international discourse on terrorism, reinforcing its commitment to global security and diplomatic engagement.

    The delegation comprising parliamentarians (MPs) from various political parties, former MPs, and seasoned diplomats, were tasked with conveying India’s firm stance against terrorism and its dedication to world peace following Operation Sindoor.

    This military operation was launched in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, during which India executed precision strikes against terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

    As part of a broader diplomatic outreach, seven delegations visited 33 countries, engaging with policymakers, elected representatives, and international institutions to highlight India’s counterterrorism measures and expose Pakistan’s long-standing support for extremist groups.

    During the meeting, delegation members shared insights from their interactions with global leaders, detailing how India’s position was received on the international stage.

    Leading these diplomatic teams were BJP’s Ravi Shankar Prasad and Baijayant Panda, Congress’ Shashi Tharoor, JD(U)’s Sanjay Jha, Shiv Sena’s Shrikant Shinde, DMK’s Kanimozhi, and NCP-SP’s Supriya Sule.

    The government initiated this outreach to project a unified national front against terrorism, with opposition leaders such as Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi joining forces with ruling alliance members to advocate India’s position internationally.

    External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had earlier engaged with the delegations, commending their efforts in effectively articulating India’s position.

    (IANS)

  • World Bank pegs India’s growth at 6.3 pc for FY26, country remains fastest growing economy

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The World Bank on Tuesday kept India’s economic growth projection at 6.3 per cent for FY 2025-26, as the country remains the fastest growing economy globally.

    “In the next two fiscal years, starting in FY2026/27, growth is expected to recover to 6.6 per cent a year, on average, partly supported by robust services activity contributing to a pickup in exports,” said the World Bank in its ‘Global Economic Prospects’ report.

    In India, growth moderated in FY2024/25 (April 2024 to March 2025), partly reflecting a deceleration in industrial output growth.

    “However, growth in construction and services activity remained steady, and agricultural output recovered from severe drought conditions, supported by resilient demand in rural areas,” said the World Bank.

    Meanwhile, heightened trade tensions and policy uncertainty are expected to drive global growth down this year to its slowest pace since 2008 outside of outright global recessions.

    The turmoil has resulted in growth forecasts being cut in nearly 70 per cent of all economies — across all regions and income groups.

    “Global growth is projected to slow to 2.3 per cent in 2025, nearly half a percentage point lower than the rate that had been expected at the start of the year,” said the World Bank.

    “A global recession is not expected. Nevertheless, if forecasts for the next two years materialise, average global growth in the first seven years of the 2020s will be the slowest of any decade since the 1960s,” it added.

    “Outside of Asia, the developing world is becoming a development-free zone,” said Indermit Gill, the World Bank Group’s Chief Economist and Senior Vice President for Development Economics.

    “It has been advertising itself for more than a decade. Growth in developing economies has ratcheted down for three decades—from 6 per cent annually in the 2000s to 5 per cent in the 2010s—to less than 4 per cent in the 2020s,” he noted.

    That tracks the trajectory of growth in global trade, which has fallen from an average of 5 per cent in the 2000s to about 4.5 per cent in the 2010s — to less than 3 per cent in the 2020s. Investment growth has also slowed, but debt has climbed to record levels.

    The report argued that in the face of rising trade barriers, developing economies should seek to liberalise more broadly by pursuing strategic trade and investment partnerships with other economies and diversifying trade, including through regional agreements.

    Given limited government resources and rising development needs, policymakers should focus on mobilising domestic revenues, prioritising fiscal spending for the most vulnerable households, and strengthening fiscal frameworks, the report said.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Apple’s WWDC 2025 focuses on streamlined interfaces, AI integration, and future of edge intelligence, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Apple’s WWDC 2025 focuses on streamlined interfaces, AI integration, and future of edge intelligence, says GlobalData

    Posted in Technology

    Following the news that US tech giant Apple Inc’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025 began on 9 June 2025;

    Anisha Bhatia, Senior Technology Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers her view:

    “Apple did what Apple does best – simplifying user interfaces for daily use and enhancing the seamless integration and uniform appearance of its devices across various platforms. The key highlights from the event included a streamlined operating system naming convention aligned with the current year, improvements to continuity features across its ecosystem, and the introduction of a new design aesthetic known as Liquid Glass across products, a Vision Pro feature.

    “Apple Intelligence was peppered throughout the announcements. The Cupertino-based company acknowledged the need for additional time to meet its quality standards – the nonchalant manner of the announcement reflected Apple’s confidence in its ongoing development, despite recent discussions around AI advancements in the industry.

    “Among the notable features showcased were the Live Translate function, which leverages on-device intelligence, Visual Intelligence capabilities, and a contextual search feature called Spotlight, exclusive to MacBook users. Apple also announced plans to open access to its on-device AI models for developers, enabling the creation of applications that utilize edge AI technology and taking advantage of its stellar – and massive – developer community. Developers will now be able to build customized services within applications that leverage edge AI for improved performance and functionality. This move is expected to result in a surge of sophisticated features that can operate with enhanced intelligence, directly on users’ devices without incurring cloud costs.

    “Generative AI does not pose as significant a threat to Apple’s financial health as it does to Google’s. Consequently, it was appropriate for Google’s developer conference to indicate a strategic pivot toward Gemini. However, it may not be entirely fair to evaluate Apple using the same criteria. Nevertheless, the reality is that AI is a permanent fixture in the technological landscape, and it would be advantageous for Apple to embrace and implement the AI features it announced last year on a larger scale with alacrity.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Trump’s move to transform US pharma manufacturing raises doubts over its effectiveness, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Trump’s move to transform US pharma manufacturing raises doubts over its effectiveness, says GlobalData

    Posted in Pharma

    In a bold move to reshape the landscape of pharmaceutical manufacturing in the US, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order on May 5 aimed at streamlining regulatory hurdles for domestic producers while tightening the reins on foreign manufacturers. This directive, which instructs the FDA to expedite the approval process for US pharmaceutical facilities, has ignited a wave of skepticism within the industry regarding its potential effectiveness, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Kathryn Kinch, Senior Pharma Product Manager at GlobalData, comments: “The executive order mandates the FDA to increase fees and inspections for foreign manufacturing plants, but critics are raising eyebrows over the lack of clarity surrounding its implementation. Questions linger about whether the new regulations will apply universally or be limited to specific facilities, production lines, or products. As federal agencies scramble to develop actionable guidelines, the pharmaceutical sector watches closely.”

    GlobalData’s Bio/Pharmaceutical Outsourcing Report notes as the industry grapples with these changes, major players are making significant investments in US manufacturing capabilities. Johnson & Johnson is set to invest a staggering $55 billion over the next four years, including a $2 billion biologics production site in North Carolina that promises to create 500 jobs. Similarly, Genentech has announced a $700 million investment in a new East Coast facility, expected to generate over 400 permanent positions.

    Katarina Zahedi, Pharma Analyst at GlobalData, adds: “These investments reflect a growing trend among pharmaceutical companies to bolster domestic operations in response to geopolitical pressures and potential tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals.”

    The Bio/Pharmaceutical Outsourcing Report is a monthly analysis of news and trends affecting pharmaceutical contract manufacturing organizations. The report lists the latest contract manufacturing agreements, opportunities and threats for CDMOs, M&A and financing of CDMOs, and emerging regulatory news.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Michael Hill, MyHouse, and Hairhouse Online pay penalties over alleged misleading Black Friday ‘sitewide’ sales

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    Three major retailers have paid penalties for allegedly making false and misleading representations about their Black Friday sales. Each retailer paid a penalty of $19,800 after the ACCC issued them with one infringement notice each.

    This follows an ACCC sweep of dozens of sales advertisements for last year’s Black Friday and post-Christmas sales events which identified concerns that the ads misrepresented the size and scope of discounts being offered to consumers.

    The ACCC issued one infringement notice each to Michael Hill Jeweller (Australia) Pty Ltd (Michael Hill), Global Retail Brands Australia Pty Ltd (GRBA) in relation to its homewares business MyHouse, and Hairhouse Warehouse Online Pty Ltd (Hairhouse Online) which operates the Hairhouse hair and beauty website, because the ACCC alleged that the businesses were misrepresenting the nature of their sales, including by falsely describing discounts as applying ‘sitewide’.

    “We allege these claims misled consumers that all goods in the physical or online store were discounted, or that the discounts were greater than was actually the case,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

    “Advertisements that talk about ‘sitewide’ or ‘storewide’ sales or promise discounts ‘off everything’ should deliver what customers expect, and not be used by retailers to hook consumers under false pretences.”

    “Businesses are legally obliged to accurately describe their sale offers and should not use small point disclaimers to terms and conditions to disguise the real extent of their offers,” Ms Lowe said.

    “During the EOFY sales, retailers should be aware that we will continue to keep an eye on sales promotions to ensure consumers are not being misled, and retailers may face enforcement action if they make sales representations that contravene the Australian Consumer Law.”

    Michael Hill pays penalty for “25% off Sitewide” sale ad

    Jewellery business Michael Hill, a subsidiary of Michael Hill International Limited (ASX: MHJ), has paid one infringement notice issued by the ACCC, totalling $19,800 in relation to an alleged misleading representation about its Black Friday sale.

    Its online advertisement promoted the sale with the words ‘Member Event 25% off Sitewide’.

    “Michael Hill’s statement may have misled consumers, and contravened the Australian Consumer Law, because some of the products in its online store were not part of the sale and were not discounted,” Ms Lowe said.

    MyHouse pays penalty amid ACCC concern its ad was misleading

    Homewares retailer GRBA paid its $19,800 penalty after the ACCC issued it with one infringement notice in relation to its MyHouse store’s online Black Friday sale ad which the ACCC alleges was misleading.

    The ad displayed on the MyHouse website during the sale included:

    • a ribbon banner stating ‘Black Friday Up to 60% Off Sitewide + EXTRA 20% off’; and
    • a large headline graphic stating ‘Up to 60% OFF RRP EVERYTHING ON SALE’ followed by the text ‘+EXTRA 20% OFF’

    “We say this was misleading because the extra 20 per cent discount was not available on all of its products,” Ms Lowe said.

    “Retailers need to ensure that their advertising makes it clear to consumers which products are discounted, and by how much.”

    Hairhouse Online allegedly misleads consumers with ‘Save 20% to 50% sitewide’ ads

    Hairhouse Online paid one infringement notice of $19,800, in relation to its online ad for its Black Friday sale with the statement: ‘SAVE 20% to 50% SITEWIDE’.

    The ACCC considered the statement misled consumers that all items on its website would be discounted by between 20 and 50 per cent for the duration of the Black Friday sale, when in fact more than a quarter of the products on its website were not included in the sale offer.

    “Businesses that make false discount claims not only risk misleading consumers, they also compete unfairly against other businesses which correctly state the nature of their sales,” Ms Lowe said.

    Notes to editors

    The ACCC can issue an infringement notice when it has reasonable grounds to believe a person or business has contravened certain consumer protection provisions in the Australian Consumer Law.

    The payment of a penalty specified in an infringement notice is not an admission of a contravention of the Australian Consumer Law. The Australian Consumer Law sets the penalty amount.

    Background

    Michael Hill Jeweller (Australia) Pty Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Michael Hill International Limited which has its headquarters in Brisbane. The Michael Hill retail group is a specialty retailer of jewellery which operates about 170 bricks-and-mortar stores in Australia and also operates in New Zealand and Canada.

    Homewares business MyHouse is operated by homewares and kitchen goods retailer GRBA as an online business and in 28 physical stores in Australia. GRBA also operates a range of similar businesses such as House, Robins Kitchen, House Bed & Bath and Baccarat.

    Hairhouse Online is a related entity of The Hairhouse Warehouse Pty Ltd, a private company based in Melbourne with 125 stores across Australia, offering haircuts, hair extensions spray tans, manicures, waxing, make-up and other hair and beauty services.

    In December 2024, following a sweep of advertisements, the ACCC raised concerns about a range of concerning practices in Black Friday sales promotions, from ‘sitewide’ discounts that were not in fact sitewide, potentially misleading ‘was/now’ pricing, as well as dubious claims about the value of discounts on offer.

    One of the ACCC’s Compliance and Enforcement Priorities for 2025-26 is ‘consumer and fair trading concerns in the supermarket and retail sectors, with a focus on misleading pricing practices’.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Cyberattack could have cost M&S up to £130m in online apparel sales so far, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Cyberattack could have cost M&S up to £130m in online apparel sales so far, says GlobalData

    Posted in Retail

    Following Marks & Spencer resuming online orders after its cyberattack:

    Pippa Stephens, Senior Apparel Analyst at GlobalData, offers her view:

    “Marks & Spencer’s (M&S) resumption of online orders across select fashion products following a cyberattack will be a welcome relief for shoppers, with many holding off on purchases for almost seven weeks due to its physical locations being less convenient to visit or there being insufficient stock instore. However, the retailer is currently estimating delivery times of up to 10 days, which may still deter customers who are accustomed to faster delivery options from its competitors. Many key products are also lacking availability across several sizes, which could frustrate customers and lead to lost sales opportunities.

    “M&S was one of the biggest winners in the UK apparel market in 2024, with its market share rising 0.4ppts to 5.2%*, the highest it has been since 2017. This upward trajectory has now been compromised by the cyberattack, with GlobalData estimating that the retailer could have lost up to £130m in online apparel sales while its website was down, depending on how much spend shifted to stores. There are further losses to come still until the website is fully operational again, with disruption expected to continue until at least July. Alongside reduced availability in its food division, and anticipated increased stock management costs, M&S also expects the attack will have a £300m impact on group operating profit in its FY2025/26.

    “The impact of this cyberattack will be long-lasting for M&S, with the stealing of customer data potentially undermining its hard-won gains in brand reputation and customer loyalty. The retailer will have also been left with excess seasonal stock, impacting its margins as it will be forced to implement more discounts. Therefore, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities retailers face in an increasingly digital landscape, where a single breach can have far-reaching consequences. The recent cyberattacks on other prominent apparel players such as Harrods, The North Face and Adidas underscores the pervasive threat to the retail industry and highlights the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures.”

    *Data is from GlobalData’s Retail Intelligence Center. Market shares are calculated from UK apparel sales for the calendar year, including sales tax. Shares are as of May 2025.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Newstead Brigade Annual Awards night

    Source:

    Newstead Captain awarded CFA Outstanding Service Medal

    On 24 May 2025 Newstead Fire Brigade held its Annual Awards night.

    It was a great night attended by about 70 people, including most of the brigade’s operational and support members and their families.

    Well known to almost everyone in Newstead, Captain Doug Richardson has been an integral part of the Newstead brigade for more than 45 years and has been the Captain for almost 40 of those years; a feat not matched by many.

    He has seen significant change in the brigade not only in membership, but equipment, buildings, vehicles, tactics and techniques during his many years of service.  Not only that, but he has also seen his fair share of major fires, road accidents, grass fires, floods and anything else you can think of that CFA attends.

    This year, Doug was awarded the CFA Outstanding Service Medal, CFA’s highest award apart from valor awards. It’s a fitting tribute to a man who has dedicated so many years to the protection of life and property in Newstead and surrounding districts.

    This year, the brigade also instituted its own awards to recognise the special efforts of some of the members.

    Firefighter Scott Chaney was awarded the inaugural Rookie of the Year award in recognition of his enthusiasm and commitment to developing his firefighting skills since joining the brigade. 

    Firefighter Chris Simmins was awarded the Captain’s Award and was also presented with the Simmins Family Memorial Plaque in honour of his family being the driving force behind the brigade’s support of the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal for more than 10 years.

    The ‘Russell Hodges’ Memorial Shield for Brigade Member of the Year, was awarded to Firefighter Ron Archer. This award is in recognition of our late friend Russell Hodges who passed away suddenly two years ago. During his time in the brigade, Russell became a highly valued member who was always around and could always be relied upon for just about anything. Ron is one of our most reliable members, always on hand when the pager goes off and doing sterling work in running the Newstead Community Market.

    CFA service awards were presented to 13 brigade members ranging from 10 years, up to 45 years of service, including three CFA Life Members. Notably, four members of the former ladies’ auxiliary – Bev Richardson, Joan Sartori, Lorraine Burgess and Carmel Longmire – were recognised for their unwavering support of the brigade by receiving their 45-year service medals.

    Also presented on the night was some long overdue National Medals. The National Medal recognises prolonged exposure to hazardous circumstances in the service of the community. This year 17 members of the brigade were presented with this honour, including Don Hepburn who was recognised for his 45+ years of service to the Newstead community.

    All in all, a great night was had by all who attended with some coming from interstate to share in the event.

    On behalf of the members of the Newstead Fire Brigade we would like to congratulate Doug Richardson and all the members who received awards and on behalf of the community, thank you for your service to Newstead and surrounding districts.

    • CFA Service Award Recipients
    • National Medal Recipients
    • CFA Life Members Service Award recipients
    • Brigade Award Winners
    Submitted by Hilton Hazeltine

    MIL OSI News –