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Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The NSU team took first place in one of the cases of the all-Russian hackathon “Smart Campus”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    The All-Russian hackathon “Smart Campus” has recently ended in Nizhny Novgorod, in which more than 80 students from more than 20 regions of Russia took part. The competition was held by NEIMARK University as part of the international conference CIPR-2025. NSU was represented at the hackathon by a team of students Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics (MMF), they won one of the hackathon cases – the development of a communication service for deaf students.

    — Over the past three years, the Smart Campus hackathon has become a vibrant tradition that unites talented students and progressive ideas. Active participation of students helps create an effective educational ecosystem that ensures the successful functioning of the campus. The developments presented at the hackathon are already being implemented in campuses, a constellation of which is being created today in Russia, — noted Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Russia Andrey Omelchuk.

    More than 20 student teams gathered in Nizhny Novgorod, they were offered 5 cases to solve, not intersecting with each other. Thus, 4 teams worked on each case, for each of the tasks three prize winners were determined.

    The winning team from NSU included Timur Yenikeev, a 4th-year student of the Engineering School of the Faculty of Mathematics and Mechanics of NSU, Maxim Yemelyanov, a 1st-year master’s student of the Faculty of Mathematics and Mechanics of NSU, Ivan Gudylin, a 2nd-year master’s student of the Faculty of Mathematics and Mechanics of NSU, and the team captain – Taisiya Uskova, a 1st-year master’s student of the Faculty of Mathematics and Mechanics of NSU.

    — I, like another member of our team, Maxim Yemelyanov, have participated in this event more than once. This year, the hackathon has changed dramatically — this concerns both the structure and the tasks. So, we solved only cases from partners. In addition, all the tasks were somehow related to inclusive education, which, in my opinion, is the main feature of this year’s hackathon, — said Taisiya.

    Over the course of two days, student teams developed education quality monitoring systems, created inclusive technologies for students with disabilities, and designed a universal mobile service for campuses. Participants also optimized digital educational interfaces and tried to integrate neurotechnology into the educational process.

    The NSU team worked on a case to improve the Yandex Conversation app, which is designed to help hearing-impaired people. This app recognizes speech and can read out messages written by the user.

    —Our task was to implement this application with the required design, which was provided by the customer-curators from Yandex. We had to propose a model and add the functionality of recognizing speakers and saving them, as well as develop other improvements. For example, we implemented functionality that allows the application to work offline, — Taisiya explained.

    According to Taisiya, the team’s perseverance, ability to quickly understand complex topics and work within tight deadlines helped them win.

    —The team was quite diverse, we didn’t have the necessary competencies for all the issues, but we managed. In two days, we figured out what we had never done before, and that’s why, in my opinion, we won, — Taisiya shared.

    Such events are aimed at developing the existing campus infrastructure and introducing new solutions in those campuses that are currently being built across the country as part of the national project “Youth and Children”. Therefore, it is important that students themselves propose and develop solutions that may be interesting and in demand on campuses.

    Thus, a modern NSU campus is currently under construction, the first stage was opened in 2024. In the fall of 2025, a new building of flow auditoriums is being prepared to receive students, which will also become a demonstration center for technologies in the field of artificial intelligence. For example, a “smart” library will operate there, students will be able to use self-service stations to check out books from the open collection, take them home and return them at any time.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • India, England to now play for the Tendulkar-Anderson trophy

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The India-England Test series will now be known as the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy, rechristened in honour of two legends of the game, Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson.

    The new identity was jointly announced on Thursday by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the trophy will be officially unveiled by Tendulkar and Anderson on the first day of the World Test Championship (WTC) final between Australia and South Africa, on June 11 at Lord’s.

    Notably, India and England are set to begin the new WTC cycle with a five-Test series starting 20 June at Headingley, Leeds.

    Anderson, the most successful fast bowler in Test cricket with 188 appearances, retired in July 2024. Over a career spanning more than two decades, the English seamer took over 700 Test wickets and became the first fast bowler in history to reach that milestone. Known for his relentless accuracy, late swing, and ability to adapt across conditions, Anderson was a mainstay of England’s attack and remains one of the most respected figures in the game.

    Tendulkar, widely regarded as one of the greatest batters in cricket history, retired in 2013 after becoming the first — and so far only — player to feature in 200 Test matches. He scored 15,921 runs in the format, including 51 centuries, and carried the weight of a cricket-obsessed nation for much of his 24-year international career. His technique, temperament, and unmatched consistency made him a global icon and a symbol of Indian cricket’s golden generation.

    Previously, the India-England series was played for different trophies depending on the host country. In England, it was the Pataudi Trophy, named after former India captain Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi. In India, it was the Anthony de Mello Trophy, named after one of the early architects of Indian cricket administration.

    The Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy replaces both to establish a uniform identity across series, while celebrating the legacy of two modern greats who defined the era they played in.

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Exhibition dedicated to 100th anniversary of Gury Ivanovich Marchuk opened at NSU

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    June 8 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of the famous Russian mathematician Gury Ivanovich Marchuk. Part of his life was connected with Akademgorodok and Novosibirsk State University. The NSU History Museum together with the Scientific Library of NSU and the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences have prepared an exhibition of Gury Ivanovich’s memoirs about life on Siberian soil.

    — The preparation process was three-sided: we collaborated with our NSU Scientific Library, which selected literature for us, books by Gury Ivanovich himself and related to him; we used our own funds and open funds of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences — the result was a collection of unique interesting photographs of Gury Ivanovich, which can be seen at the exhibition. In addition, the stands present both general information about where he worked and studied, and his memories of Siberia. The exhibition carries such a coloring of memories — memories of Gury Ivanovich about his life in the Novosibirsk Akademgorodok, his work in the Siberian Branch of the Academy of Sciences, — said Victoria Vybornova, keeper of the NSU History Museum.

    In 1962, Guriy Ivanovich Marchuk completed his project in Obninsk and came to Akademgorodok at the invitation of Mikhail Alekseevich Lavrentyev. Here he began working at the Computing Center and, as was traditionally established, became a professor at Novosibirsk State University. As Mikhail Alekseevich’s successor, in 1975 he became president of the Siberian Branch of the USSR Academy of Sciences, and later, in 1980, he moved to Moscow and became the last president of the USSR Academy of Sciences.

    — Despite the fact that he spent several years in Akademgorodok, he nevertheless retained very warm memories of our Siberian region, so the exhibition focuses on this period of his life. He had many friends and colleagues in Akademgorodok, and he was always concerned about the development of Siberian science.

    Of course, this is a great example for the younger generation to follow, because Guriy Ivanovich is a person full of energy, full of various ideas, initiatives. As a scientist, he was a man of the world, traveled a lot and was familiar with scientific communities of other countries. He saw how science was created all over the world. Guriy Ivanovich took the best, implemented it in our Siberian branch, and then in Moscow. This is a great example and a great image of a scientist of the Soviet period, who began his career creating a nuclear shield together with I.V. Kurchatov, with a large team. Later, he took up mathematical modeling in immunology, then ecology. He was always ahead of science, in its first ranks, so every student and employee of NSU, a resident of Akademgorodok will be interested to learn and be inspired by his story, – emphasized Victoria Vybornova.

    Until June 20, the exhibition will be located in the second-floor passage between the first and third blocks of the NSU Academic Building (1 Pirogova St.). Later, it will move to the skylight opposite Okladnikov Auditorium 2322 and will run until mid-July.

    Among the most interesting exhibits are photographs of Gury Ivanovich, his scientific works, personal memories of Siberia and memories of his contemporaries about him.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Update: Coast Guard responds to vessel fire offshore Adak, Alaska

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    News Release

    		  

    U.S. Coast Guard 17th District Alaska
    Contact: 17th District Public Affairs
    Office: (907) 463-2065
    After Hours: (907) 463-2065
    17th District online newsroom

     

    06/06/2025 12:43 AM EDT

    KODIAK, Alaska – The Coast Guard is continuing its response to a vessel fire approximately 340 miles southeast of Adak, Thursday. A Coast Guard HC-130J Super Hercules aircrew from Air Station Kodiak conducted an overflight of the cargo ship Morning Midas Wednesday and observed the vessel was still on fire. Currently, there are no visual indications that the ship is taking on water or listing, and the extent of the damage is unknown. Zodiac Maritime, the Morning Midas’s manager, is coordinating to send a team of salvage specialists to the vessel for further assessment. The Morning Midas’s crew, who evacuated the ship Wednesday, remains aboard the vessel Cosco Hellas transiting to the vessel’s next destination with no reported injuries. As of 4 p.m. Thursday, the vessel was located approximately 340 miles southeast of Adak. The Seventeenth Coast Guard District has issued a Broadcast Notice to Mariners to notify mariners in the area of the situation. The Coast Guard continues to work with Zodiac Maritime to coordinate recovery efforts of the vessel. Zodiac Maritime’s public information spokesperson can be contacted via email at media@navigateresponse.com or by phone at 44-207-283-9915 or 65-6222-6375. To receive the most current updates, follow @USCGAlaska on X.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: D-Day Remembered: Omaha Beach Survivor Jake Larson Shares His Story

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    D-Day: Through My Fingers, A V Corps Feature is a historical short that shares the experience of Jake Larson, a Soldier who landed on Omaha Beach with the first wave during the Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944.

    Told in Larson’s own words, the film also features commentary from V Corps Commanding General Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza and U.S. Army Europe and Africa Command Historian Michael Clauss. Together, they provide historical context and insight into Larson’s story; highlighting the scale of the operation, the leadership of Maj. Gen. Leonard T. Gerow, and the cost paid by Soldiers on that pivotal day.

    The feature draws a connection between V Corps’ legacy in World War II and its current mission on NATO’s eastern flank. It underscores how partnerships forged on the beaches of Normandy continue to shape allied cooperation 81 years later.

    Script by Sgt. Tyler Brock
    Video produced by Sgt. Tyler Brock
    Narrated by Sgt. Tyler Brock

    About the U.S. Army:
    The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.

    Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
    Visit: https://www.goarmy.com/?iom=BNL7-22-0…

    Connect with the U.S. Army online:
    Web: https://www.army.mil
    Facebook: / usarmy
    X: https://x.com/USArmy
    Instagram: / usarmy
    LinkedIn: / us-army

    #USArmy #Soldiers #Military #BeAllYouCanBe #DDay

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1akWaSdf30

    MIL OSI Video –

  • Sensex, Nifty open flat ahead of RBI’s monetary policy decision

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Domestic equity markets opened on a cautious note Friday, with benchmark indices trading flat ahead of the Reserve Bank of India’s monetary policy announcement. Investor sentiment remained subdued, even as select buying was observed in IT and PSU bank stocks during early trade.

    At around 9:23 a.m., the BSE Sensex was down by 82.43 points, or 0.10 per cent, at 81,359.61. The NSE Nifty slipped 7.70 points, or 0.03 per cent, to 24,743.20.

    The Nifty Bank index was marginally higher by 4.85 points at 55,765.70. The Nifty Midcap 100 gained 146.25 points, or 0.25 per cent, to trade at 58,449.25, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 rose 65.50 points, or 0.36 per cent, to 18,498.10.

    Markets are closely watching the RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) announcement, where a 25 basis points rate cut is widely expected and already priced in by investors.

    Analysts suggest that the central bank’s commentary on growth and inflation outlook for FY26 will be a more decisive factor for market movement.

    “If the inflation forecast is revised downward from 4 per cent, it could trigger a positive response in the markets,” said Dr. V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services.

    On technical levels, analysts believe Nifty has immediate support at 24,500, followed by 24,400 and 24,300. Resistance levels are seen at 24,850, 24,900, and the key psychological mark of 25,000.

    “A breach below 24,500 could trigger further selling pressure, while a breakout above 25,000 may open the door to fresh all-time highs,” said Mandar Bhojane, Equity Research Analyst at Choice Broking.

    Meanwhile, the India VIX, which indicates market volatility, declined by 4.21 per cent to 15.08, suggesting reduced short-term volatility expectations. However, with the RBI policy decision due, analysts urge caution as market volatility may increase depending on the central bank’s guidance.

    In the Sensex basket, top gainers included Bajaj Finserv, Tata Steel, IndusInd Bank, ITC, NTPC, Titan, and Eternal. On the other hand, Tata Motors, Bajaj Finance, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, and SBI were among the top laggards.

    Across Asian markets, indices in Hong Kong, China, and Bangkok were trading in the red, while Japan was the only major market in positive territory.

    In the U.S. markets, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 108 points lower at 42,319.74 in the previous session. The S&P 500 dropped 31.51 points to 5,939.30, while the Nasdaq Composite fell 162.04 points to 19,298.45.

    On the institutional front, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) were net sellers on June 5, offloading equities worth ₹208.47 crore. In contrast, Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) remained strong buyers with net purchases of ₹2,382.40 crore, offering support to the domestic markets.

    -IANS

  • Spain beat France 5-4 in thriller to reach Nations League final

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal inspired his country to a thrilling 5-4 win over France on Thursday to send the holders through to their third successive Nations League final where they will face Iberian neighbours Portugal.

    The European champions dazzled in the first half of the semi-final at the MHP Arena and raced into a 2-0 lead with fine goals by Nico Williams and Mikel Merino inside 25 minutes.

    Spain’s 17-year-old starlet Yamal then got in on the act to coolly add a third from the penalty spot nine minutes into the second half before his Barcelona teammate Pedri clipped a sublime fourth into the net less than a minute later.

    The goals continued to flow as France striker Kylian Mbappe also slotted home from the penalty spot near the hour mark before Yamal added Spain’s fifth after 67 minutes to cap an exhilarating individual performance.

    France then mounted an extraordinary comeback as a stunning strike from Rayan Cherki, Dani Vivian’s own goal and a Randal Kolo Muani finish caused Spain some late jitters but they held on to book a clash with their Portuguese rivals on Sunday.

    “I always say it to my mother, I try to give it all,” Yamal told Teledeporte. “It is what motivates me to play football, why I wake up in the mornings.

    “France have world class players. The scoreline after 60 minutes was very big, but they have players who make you suffer.

    “We (Spain and Portugal) are two very good teams with world-class players. The best will win. I hope to bring the cup to Spain.”

    Spain have been nearly imperious under coach Luis de la Fuente, losing just once in over two years, a run that helped them take home the European Championship title last year with victory over England in the final.

    Key to De la Fuente’s system is his lively wide men Nico Williams and Yamal, and after Mbappe had wasted a golden early chance in Stuttgart and Theo Hernandez crashed an effort against the crossbar, Williams’ emphatic finish edged Spain in front.

    Another fine, flowing move three minutes later resulted in Merino slotting home the second having been picked out by a pinpoint Mikel Oyarzabal pass. It was only the second time France had conceded twice inside the opening half hour of a match during coach Didier Deschamps’ 13-year tenure.

    France continued to create openings but could not make their moments count, with their profligacy proving costly as one of the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or award, Yamal, fired in from the penalty spot after the teenager had been fouled.

    Yamal, who already has over 100 appearances for Barcelona across all competitions before he has even turned 18, was equally calm for his second, after Pedro’s fine fourth and Mbappe’s penalty, poking the ball past France goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

    The strike from Olympique Lyonnais’ Cherki deserved to be more meaningful, before Vivian’s intervention gave Spanish supporters some cause for concern.

    Substitute Kolo Muani’s goal made extra time look a possibility, but it was too little, too late.

    The striker, however, ensured the enthralling semi-final became the first-ever Nations League match to feature nine goals. It was also the first time France had conceded five times in a match since 1969.

    “We had some bursts of play we haven’t had for a long time,” France skipper Mbappe said. “But in just 10 minutes of the first half, we conceded two goals — and the same thing happened in the second half.

    “We weren’t consistent throughout the 90 minutes, but we did improve. When you don’t win, there are always negative points that come out. But it’s not all negative.”

    (Reuters)

  • India test captain Gill ready to lead in his own way

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s new test captain Shubman Gill knows he has big shoes to fill after the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli but he wants to develop his own style of leadership, he said on Thursday.

    Rohit and Kohli, former skippers and batting mainstays of the team, both quit test cricket weeks before the start of India’s five-test series in England.

    Gill, 25, impressed as captain of Indian Premier League (IPL) side Gujarat Titans, leading them to the playoffs.

    “The pressure comes with every tour. The two big players have served us for so long, it is not easy to fill that space,” Gill told a news conference in Mumbai.

    “My style of captaincy will be my own, it will develop with experience. I like to communicate with the players. I would try to get them comfortable with their strengths and weaknesses. The players should feel secure, only then will they perform well.”

    Gill was picked as captain ahead of fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who led India in two recent tests in Australia.

    Chief selector Ajit Agarkar cited workload management concerns over the 31-year-old Bumrah who will not play all five tests in England.

    “We haven’t taken the call over which three games (Bumrah is) going to play,” India head coach Gautam Gambhir said. “We are going to have a discussion with him and a lot will depend on the results of the series as well, where the series is heading.”

    At least 11 people died and 47 were injured on Wednesday in a crowd surge outside IPL team Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s home stadium during celebrations of their maiden title.

    “My heart goes out to the people who lost their lives,” Gambhir said. “We are all equally responsible for this. Every life matters. If we are not ready to hold a road show, we should not do that.”

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘Godfather of AI’ now fears it’s unsafe. He has a plan to rein it in

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Armin Chitizadeh, Lecturer, School of Computer Science, University of Sydney

    fran_kie/Shutterstock

    This week the US Federal Bureau of Investigation revealed two men suspected of bombing a fertility clinic in California last month allegedly used artificial intelligence (AI) to obtain bomb-making instructions. The FBI did not disclose the name of the AI program in question.

    This brings into sharp focus the urgent need to make AI safer. Currently we are living in the “wild west” era of AI, where companies are fiercely competing to develop the fastest and most entertaining AI systems. Each company wants to outdo competitors and claim the top spot. This intense competition often leads to intentional or unintentional shortcuts – especially when it comes to safety.

    Coincidentally, at around the same time of the FBI’s revelation, one of the godfathers of modern AI, Canadian computer science professor Yoshua Bengio, launched a new nonprofit organisation dedicated to developing a new AI model specifically designed to be safer than other AI models – and target those that cause social harm.

    So what is Bengio’s new AI model? And will it actually protect the world from AI-faciliated harm?

    An ‘honest’ AI

    In 2018, Bengio, alongside his colleagues Yann LeCun and Geoffrey Hinton, won the Turing Award for groundbreaking research they had published three years earlier on deep learning. A branch of machine learning, deep learning attempts to mimic the processes of the human brain by using artificial neural networks to learn from computational data and make predictions.

    Bengio’s new nonprofit organisation, LawZero, is developing “Scientist AI”. Bengio has said this model will be “honest and not deceptive”, and incorporate safety-by-design principles.

    According to a preprint paper released online earlier this year, Scientist AI will differ from current AI systems in two key ways.

    First, it can assess and communicate its confidence level in its answers, helping to reduce the problem of AI giving overly confident and incorrect responses.

    Second, it can explain its reasoning to humans, allowing its conclusions to be evaluated and tested for accuracy.

    Interestingly, older AI systems had this feature. But in the rush for speed and new approaches, many modern AI models can’t explain their decisions. Their developers have sacrificed explainability for speed.

    Bengio also intends “Scientist AI” to act as a guardrail against unsafe AI. It could monitor other, less reliable and harmful AI systems — essentially fighting fire with fire.

    This may be the only viable solution to improve AI safety. Humans cannot properly monitor systems such as ChatGPT, which handle over a billion queries daily. Only another AI can manage this scale.

    Using an AI system against other AI systems is not just a sci-fi concept – it’s a common practice in research to compare and test different level of intelligence in AI systems.

    Adding a ‘world model’

    Large language models and machine learning are just small parts of today’s AI landscape.

    Another key addition Bengio’s team are adding to Scientist AI is the “world model” which brings certainty and explainability. Just as humans make decisions based on their understanding of the world, AI needs a similar model to function effectively.

    The absence of a world model in current AI models is clear.

    One well-known example is the “hand problem”: most of today’s AI models can imitate the appearance of hands but cannot replicate natural hand movements, because they lack an understanding of the physics — a world model — behind them.

    Another example is how models such as ChatGPT struggle with chess, failing to win and even making illegal moves.

    This is despite simpler AI systems, which do contain a model of the “world” of chess, beating even the best human players.

    These issues stem from the lack of a foundational world model in these systems, which are not inherently designed to model the dynamics of the real world.

    Yoshua Bengio is recognised as one of the godfathers of AI.
    Alex Wong/Getty Images

    On the right track – but it will be bumpy

    Bengio is on the right track, aiming to build safer, more trustworthy AI by combining large language models with other AI technologies.

    However, his journey isn’t going to be easy. LawZero’s US$30 million in funding is small compared to efforts such as the US$500 billion project announced by US President Donald Trump earlier this year to accelerate the development of AI.

    Making LawZero’s task harder is the fact that Scientist AI – like any other AI project – needs huge amounts of data to be powerful, and most data are controlled by major tech companies.

    There’s also an outstanding question. Even if Bengio can build an AI system that does everything he says it can, how is it going to be able to control other systems that might be causing harm?

    Still, this project, with talented researchers behind it, could spark a movement toward a future where AI truly helps humans thrive. If successful, it could set new expectations for safe AI, motivating researchers, developers, and policymakers to prioritise safety.

    Perhaps if we had taken similar action when social media first emerged, we would have a safer online environment for young people’s mental health. And maybe, if Scientist AI had already been in place, it could have prevented people with harmful intentions from accessing dangerous information with the help of AI systems.

    Armin Chitizadeh does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. ‘Godfather of AI’ now fears it’s unsafe. He has a plan to rein it in – https://theconversation.com/godfather-of-ai-now-fears-its-unsafe-he-has-a-plan-to-rein-it-in-258288

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • Sabalenka downs holder Swiatek to set up French Open final with Gauff

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    World number one Aryna Sabalenka battled past four-times champion Iga Swiatek to reach her first French Open final with a 7-6(1) 4-6 6-0 win on Thursday that ended the Pole’s reign in Paris and snapped her 26-game winning streak at the tournament.

    The Belarusian will face 2022 finalist Coco Gauff in Saturday’s showcase match after the American crushed French hopes with a straight-sets victory over wild card Lois Boisson.

    Sabalenka’s power proved too much for defending champion Swiatek, who was looking to become the first female player in the Open era since 1968 to win four consecutive titles in Paris.

    Swiatek had won the previous three editions along with her maiden crown in 2020.

    “Honestly, it feels incredible but I understand the job is not done yet. I’m just thrilled today with this win and the atmosphere,” Sabalenka said.

    “She’s the toughest opponent, especially on clay, especially at Roland Garros. It was a tough match, it was a tricky match but I managed.”

    Sabalenka, playing her second French Open semi-final and seeking her first title in Paris, powered into a 3-0 lead, twice breaking the Pole. She kept attacking her opponent’s serve with Swiatek winning just 35% of her points on her second serve.

    Swiatek, who late last year accepted a one-month doping ban and came into the tournament without a title win this season, had reached the semis dropping just one set in five matches. But she looked completely out of sorts on Thursday.

    With seven unforced errors in the first three games the Pole was playing catch-up from the start.

    She struggled with her serve and had racked up two double faults by the fifth game.

    SABALENKA POWER

    Swiatek gradually, however, found her range and precision, countering Sabalenka’s raw power with superb ball placement and levelled when her opponent double-faulted on break point.

    While the Pole found a way to grab the second set, Sabalenka was not to be denied, breaking the 24-year-old world number five at the start of the third to take control.

    “I think the pace from her was super fast,” Swiatek said. “Especially at the beginning of the match, she played just kind of as hard as possible and pretty risky. So it was just hard to get into any rally.”

    “In the third set I feel like we kind of came back to what happened in the first, and she for sure used her chances and I didn’t really keep up what I was doing in the second set.”

    Sabalenka gave her opponent no chance with her thunderous groundstrokes, powering through the decider as Swiatek ran out of steam.

    “It could not be more perfect than that,” Sabalenka said of her third-set performance. “I’m super proud right now, I’m glad I found my serve (again in the third set).”

    Gauff had a much easier task against Boisson, the first player in the Open Era since 1968 to reach the last four of the French Open.

    The wild card, ranked 361st in the world at the start, had taken the tournament by storm, beating two seeded players on her French Open debut, including world number three Jessica Pegula, but her scintillating run came to an abrupt halt against Gauff.

    The 21-year-old second seed, who can become the first American since Serena Williams in 2015 to lift the Suzanne Lenglen Cup, was a cut above her opponent on the day.

    “This is my first time playing a French player here. I was mentally prepared that it (the crowd) was to be 99% for her so I was trying to block it out,” said Gauff.

    For 22-year-old Boisson, who had played only two matches on the main tour in her career prior to the tournament, Gauff proved too big a hurdle.

    “I don’t know how to say, but she played on the right and on the left and on the right,” Boisson said. “I just feel like I was running everywhere on the court today, so it was really tough.”

    “She was really solid, and I couldn’t play my game today because she was just too good.”

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Stay Safe at the Finke Desert Race this Weekend

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force will be out and about at the iconic 2025 Finke Desert Race, ensuring everyone enjoys a safe and incident-free long weekend.

    Police will be patrolling along the racetrack between Alice Springs and Finke, working closely with race organisers, officials and attendees.

    Key Safety Tips for Attendees:

    • Do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
    • Always wear your seatbelt.
    • Follow all road rules and drive to the conditions.
    • Be aware of your belongings; lock your house and car and keep valuables out of sight.
    • Ensure you camp or sit clear of the track and run-off areas.
    • Leave any unregistered vehicles or trailers at home.
    • Be respectful to the environment and other people.
    • Listen carefully to official safety announcements and follow all directions given.

    Emergency services will be stationed at the following locations along the racetrack:

    • Start/Finish Line – Alice Springs
    • Deep Well Checkpoint – 63 km
    • Rodinga Checkpoint – 94 km
    • Bundooma Checkpoint – 136 km
    • Mount Squires – 169 km
    • Start/Finish Line & Finke Campground – 223 km

    Superintendent Michael Budge said, “We ask all attendees, participants and members of the community to cooperate with police and officials across the long weekend.

    “The Finke Desert Race is a fantastic event, and we want everyone to enjoy a safe and fun weekend with their friends and family. Please remember to be aware of the risks motorsport presents and leave the racing to the competitors.

    “Have fun, be responsible, and reach out if you need us.”

    If you witness crime or antisocial behaviour, please contact police on 131 444. For emergencies, dial Triple Zero (000). For more event information, visit the official event website: www.finkedesertrace.com.au. 

    MIL OSI News –

  • Trump, Musk feud explodes with threats of cutting contracts, backing impeachment

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Donald Trump threatened on Thursday to cut off government contracts with billionaire Elon Musk’s companies, while Musk suggested Trump should be impeached, turning their bromance into an all-out brawl on social media.

    The hostilities began when Trump criticized Tesla CEO Musk in the Oval Office. Within hours, the once-close relationship had disintegrated in full public view, as the world’s most powerful man and its richest launched personal barbs at one another on Trump’s Truth Social and Musk’s X.

    “The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

    Wall Street traders dumped shares of Musk’s electric vehicle maker and Tesla closed down 14.3%, losing about $150 billion in market value. It was Tesla’s largest single-day decline in value in its history.

    Minutes after the closing bell, Musk replied, “Yes,” to a post on X saying Trump should be impeached. Trump’s Republicans hold majorities in both chambers of Congress and are highly unlikely to impeach him.

    The trouble between the two started brewing days ago, when Musk denounced Trump’s sweeping tax-cut and spending bill. The president initially held his tongue while Musk campaigned to torpedo the bill, saying it would add too much to the nation’s $36.2 trillion in debt.

    Trump broke his silence on Thursday, telling reporters in the Oval Office he was “very disappointed” in Musk.

    “Look, Elon and I had a great relationship. I don’t know if we will anymore,” Trump said.

    While Trump spoke, Musk responded with increasingly acerbic posts on X.

    “Without me, Trump would have lost the election,” wrote Musk, who spent nearly $300 million backing Trump and other Republicans in last year’s election. “Such ingratitude.”

    In another post, Musk asserted that Trump’s signature tariffs would push the U.S. into a recession later this year.

    Besides Tesla, Musk’s businesses include rocket company and government contractor SpaceX and its satellite unit Starlink.

    Musk, whose space business plays a critical role in the U.S. government’s space program, said that as a result of Trump’s threats he would begin decommissioning SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft. Dragon is the only U.S. spacecraft currently capable of sending astronauts to the International Space Station.

    Hours later, Musk appeared to reverse that move. Responding to a follower on X urging Musk and Trump to “cool off and take a step back for a couple of days,” Musk wrote: “Good advice. Ok, we won’t decommission Dragon.”

    In another possible sign of de-escalation on Thursday evening, Musk separately posted, “You’re not wrong,” in response to hedge fund manager Bill Ackman saying Trump and Musk should make peace.

    PUGILISTIC PAIR

    The feud was not entirely unexpected. Trump and Musk are both political pugilists with sizable egos and a penchant for using social media to punch back against their perceived enemies, and many observers had predicted an eventual falling out.

    Even before Musk’s departure from the administration last week, his influence had waned following a series of clashes with cabinet members over his cuts to their agencies.

    For Trump, the fight was the first major rift he has had with a top adviser since taking office for a second time, after his first term was marked by numerous blow-ups.

    Trump parted ways with multiple chiefs of staff, national security advisers and political strategists during his 2017-2021 White House tenure. A few, like Steve Bannon, remained in his good graces, while many others, like U.N. Ambassador John Bolton, became loud and vocal critics.

    After serving as the biggest Republican donor in the 2024 campaign season, Musk became one of Trump’s most visible advisers as head of the Department of Government Efficiency, which mounted a sweeping and controversial effort to downsize the federal workforce and slash spending.

    Musk was frequently present at the White House and made multiple appearances on Capitol Hill, sometimes carrying his young son.

    Only six days before Thursday’s blowup, Trump and Musk held an appearance in the Oval Office where Trump praised Musk’s government service and both men promised to continue working together.

    A prolonged feud between Trump and Musk could make it more difficult for Republicans to keep control of Congress in next year’s midterm elections. In addition to his campaign spending, Musk has a huge online following and helped connect Trump to parts of Silicon Valley and wealthy donors.

    Musk had already said he planned to curtail his political spending in the future.

    Soon after Trump’s Oval Office comments on Thursday, Musk polled his 220 million followers on X: “Is it time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80% in the middle?”

    ‘KILL THE BILL’

    Musk targeted what Trump has named his “big, beautiful bill” this week, calling it a “disgusting abomination” that would deepen the federal deficit. His attacks amplified a rift within the Republican Party that could threaten the bill’s prospects in the Senate.

    Nonpartisan analysts say Trump’s bill could add $2.4 trillion to $5 trillion to the nation’s $36.2 trillion in debt.

    Trump asserted that Musk’s true objection was the bill’s elimination of consumer tax credits for electric vehicles. The president also suggested that Musk was upset because he missed working for the White House.

    “He’s not the first,” Trump said on Thursday. “People leave my administration… then at some point they miss it so badly, and some of them embrace it and some of them actually become hostile.”

    Musk wrote on X, “KILL the BILL,” adding he was fine with Trump’s planned cuts to EV credits as long as Republicans rid the bill of “mountain of disgusting pork” or wasteful spending.

    He also pulled up past quotes from Trump decrying the level of federal spending, adding, “Where is this guy today?”

    Musk came into government with brash plans to cut $2 trillion from the federal budget. He left last week having cut only about half of 1% of total spending while causing disruption across multiple agencies.

    Musk’s increasing focus on politics provoked widespread protests at Tesla sites in the U.S. and Europe, driving down sales while investors fretted that Musk’s attention was too divided.

    (Reuters)

  • PM Modi to visit J&K today to launch ₹46,000 crore infra projects, inaugurate world’s highest rail bridge

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Jammu and Kashmir today to inaugurate several key infrastructure projects worth ₹46,000 crore.
     
    These initiatives aim to significantly boost road and rail connectivity across the Union Territory, with a focus on improving accessibility, promoting tourism, and generating employment.
     
    In a post on X, PM Modi responded to J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, stating:  “Tomorrow, 6th June is indeed a special day for my sisters and brothers of Jammu and Kashmir. Key infrastructure projects worth ₹46,000 crores are being inaugurated which will have a very positive impact on people’s lives.
     
    During his visit, PM Modi will inaugurate the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, situated 359 metres above the Chenab River. The 1,315-metre-long steel arch bridge is engineered to withstand seismic and wind forces and will cut travel time between Jammu and Srinagar by two to three hours when the new Vande Bharat trains operate on it.
     
    The Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Anji Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge built in challenging terrain. Later, he will flag off Vande Bharat Express trains between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, enhancing travel options for residents, tourists, and pilgrims.
     
    The PM will dedicate the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project to the nation. The 272-km rail link, completed at a cost of around ₹43,780 crore, features 36 tunnels spanning 119 km and 943 bridges, providing seamless all-weather rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley.
     
    Commenting further on X, PM Modi wrote: “In addition to being an extraordinary feat of architecture, the Chenab Rail Bridge will improve connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar. The Anji Bridge stands tall as India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge in a terrain that is challenging,” PM Modi said on X in reply to CM Abdullah’s post.”
     
    “The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project ensures all weather connectivity and the Vande Bharat trains from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar will boost spiritual tourism and create livelihood opportunities,” he added.
     
    In addition to rail infrastructure, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone and inaugurate road projects to improve last-mile connectivity, particularly in border areas. These include the widening of the Rafiabad-Kupwara stretch on NH-701 and the construction of the Shopian bypass on NH-444, with a combined investment exceeding ₹1,952 crore.
     
    He will also inaugurate two flyovers at Sangrama Junction on NH-1 in Srinagar and Bemina Junction on NH-44 to ease traffic congestion.
     
    Further, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra. The ₹350 crore project will be the first medical college in Reasi district, enhancing healthcare infrastructure in the region.

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Arrest made over Pakuranga fire

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Counties Manukau Police have made an arrest following a fire at the McDonalds restaurant in Pakuranga last month.

    Detectives have been investigating the suspicious fire which occurred at the Pakuranga Road branch on 5 May.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Dean Batey, of Counties Manukau East CIB, says a 12-year-old young person has been arrested and charged with arson.

    “This young person has appeared in the Manukau Youth Court and is currently on court bail conditions,” he says.

    “Police appreciate the fire has been of high interest to the local community.

    “We are not able to comment further around the circumstances of the alleged offending, however Police cannot rule out any further arrests in relation to the matter.”

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Reappointment of Managing Director of Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority announced

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Reappointment of Managing Director of Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority announced 
         The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, welcomed the reappointment, adding, “Mr Cheng joined the MPFA in 2013 and has made valuable contributions to the MPFA since then. Under his leadership in the past three years, the MPFA has been actively taking forward various proposals to reform the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) System. In particular, the eMPF Platform, as a major reform initiative of the MPF System, has commenced operation since June 2024 with phased onboarding of MPF trustees under way. I look forward to Mr Cheng’s continuous effort in leading the MPFA to discharge its duties.”
     
         Mr Cheng Yan-chee was appointed Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of the MPFA in 2013 and Acting Managing Director in 2021. He has been the Managing Director of the MPFA since 2022.
     
         The MPFA is a statutory body established under the MPFSO in September 1998 for the regulation and supervision of the MPF System.
    Issued at HKT 12:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appointment of Chairman of Insurance Appeals Tribunal announced

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Appointment of Chairman of Insurance Appeals Tribunal announced 
         A Government spokesman said, “The IAT provides an effective safeguard to ensure the relevant regulatory decisions made by the Insurance Authority (IA) are reasonable and fair. With his profound expertise in the legal profession and a wealth of experience in public service, we believe that Mr Ma will lead the IAT to operate effectively and raise public confidence in the insurance regulatory regime.”
     
         The Government also expressed gratitude to the outgoing Chairperson, Ms Rachel Lam Yan-kay, SC, for her valuable contribution and dedicated service. 
     
         The IAT is a statutory tribunal established in 2017 under the Insurance Ordinance (Cap. 41) to review specified decisions made by the IA, and to hear and determine a question or issue arising out of or in connection with a review. 
    Issued at HKT 12:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Stablecoins Ordinance to commence operation on August 1, 2025

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Stablecoins Ordinance to commence operation on August 1, 2025 
         The Ordinance was gazetted on May 30, 2025. Its main purpose is to supervise activities involving stablecoins, and to introduce a licensing regime for regulated stablecoin activities in Hong Kong. 
     
         Section 1(2) of the Ordinance provides that the Ordinance will come into operation on a day to be appointed by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (SFST) by notice published in the Gazette. For this purpose, the SFST has made the Stablecoins Ordinance (Commencement) Notice to appoint August 1, 2025, as the day on which the Ordinance comes into operation.
     
         At the same time, the Financial Secretary has made the Stablecoins Ordinance (Specification of Persons for Purposes of Section 9(2)(b)(iii)) Notice, to specify professional investors (within the meaning given by section 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571)) as a class of persons for the purposes of section 9(2)(b)(iii) of the Ordinance, i.e. allowing the offering of specified stablecoins issued by a person who is not granted a licence under section 15 of the Ordinance to professional investors.
       
         The SFST, Mr Christopher Hui, said, “After the Ordinance commences operation, the licensing regime will provide suitable guardrails for relevant stablecoin activities. It will be a milestone in facilitating the sustainable development of the stablecoin and digital asset ecosystem in Hong Kong.”
     
         The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has also launched a consultation on the detailed regulatory requirements of the regime, including provisions related to anti-money laundering and the counter-financing of terrorism.
     
         The Notices will be tabled before the Legislative Council next Wednesday (June 11) for negative vetting.
    Issued at HKT 12:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Beijing hosts festive event dedicated to Russian Language Day

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    Every year, June 6 marks the birthday of the great Russian writer, poet, prose writer and founder of modern Russian literature Alexander Pushkin, as well as International Russian Language Day. On this day, literary events are held around the world in honor of Pushkin Day, which are of great importance for specialists and scholars in the field of teaching Russian, students of Russian studies and all lovers of the Russian language.

    At this time of year, students of Russian language departments traditionally gather at the Russian Cultural Center in Beijing to celebrate this significant holiday together, socialize, and demonstrate their mastery of the Russian language.

    The day before, on June 5, the Russian Cultural Center in Beijing celebrated the Russian Language Day. More than ten universities and high schools from Beijing, Tianjin, as well as students of Russian language courses at the RCC gathered at the Center, giving the audience a real literary and musical holiday – beautiful Russian songs, poems were performed, and theatrical performances were presented!

    1 2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   >  

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China successfully launches new low-orbit satellite constellation to provide internet access

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    TAIYUAN, June 6 (Xinhua) — China on Friday successfully launched a new low-orbit satellite constellation to provide internet access from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in north China’s Shanxi Province.

    The group, the fourth of its kind, was launched at 04:45 Beijing time by a modified Long March-6 carrier rocket. The satellites successfully entered their designated orbits.

    This flight was the 580th for the Long March series launch vehicles.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Harvard University files lawsuit against US ban on foreign students

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    NEW YORK, June 5 (Xinhua) — Harvard University on Thursday appealed in federal court a ban on foreign students entering the United States who plan to study there.

    The lawsuit was filed less than 24 hours after U.S. President Donald Trump issued a proclamation banning foreign nationals from entering Harvard. The university argues that the administration’s actions are intended to circumvent an earlier court ruling that stripped the Department of Homeland Security of the ability to bar Harvard from admitting foreign students.

    “Thus, the President’s actions are not taken to protect the ‘interests of the United States,’ but to further the government’s vendetta against Harvard,” the lawsuit says.

    “The special treatment given to our institution in terms of admitting international students and collaborating with other educational institutions around the world is yet another illegal step taken by the administration to get even with Harvard,” Harvard University President Alan Garber said in a statement after the lawsuit was filed.

    He added that the university is developing “contingency plans” to ensure that international students and scholars can continue their studies and work at Harvard this summer and into the next academic year. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash: SH1, Kaikōura

    Source: New Zealand Police

    A person has died after being hit by a truck at Peketā this morning.

    Emergency services were called to the crash, between Inland Kaikōura Road and Rakanui Road, about 9.20am.

    The person was a pedestrian and died at the scene.

    Police are providing support to their next of kin.

    The Serious Crash Unit has conducted a scene examination and State Highway 1 reopened about 2.40pm.

    Police would like to thank the emergency response teams who assisted at the scene, and motorists for their understanding and patience.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, Armed Forces of the Philippines conduct Maritime Cooperative Activity

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps, demonstrating a collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific, conducted a bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone, June 4.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: USS Tripoli forward deploys to Japan

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    SAN DIEGO – The America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) departed Naval Base San Diego May 19 to forward deploy to Sasebo, Japan, as part of a scheduled rotation of forces in the Pacific. The Tripoli will replace the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), which will depart Sasebo and move to San Diego.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police seeking public information in relation to missing tourists

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Police seeking public information in relation to missing tourists

    Friday, 6 June 2025 – 2:02 pm.

    Police are seeking public information in relation to the location of Leannedra Kang and Takahiro Toya (both aged in their 20s) who have been visiting Tasmania and were believed to have been in the St Helens/Scamander area recently. 
    They may be travelling in a (rental car) white Toyota Corolla with registration L67GW. 
    Leannedra and Takahiro were scheduled to leave Tasmania on Wednesday (4 June) flying from Launceston home to Brisbane, but they did not board their flight or return the rental vehicle.
    If you’ve seen them or the vehicle, or know where they are, please contact police on 131 444 and quote ESCAD 420-05062025. 
    *Leannedra and Takahiro if you see this, you’re not in any trouble, please phone police or family to let them know you’re ok.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Stolen property returned to owner

    Source: New South Wales – News

    A woman has been arrested after allegedly stealing thousands of dollars of property from a short-stay home in the western suburbs.

    Between Thursday 29 May and Saturday 31 May, a theft occurred at a home on Cairns Avenue at Lockleys, where a number of items were stolen including audio equipment, gaming console, jewellery and clothing.

    Following an investigation, patrols attended and searched a Findon address where they located items stolen from the Lockleys address.

    A 36-year-old woman from the address was arrested and charged with theft.  She was granted police bail to appear in Port Adelaide Magistrates Court on 3 July.

    A second address was later searched in Seaton, and further stolen items were located and subsequently returned to the victim.

    Police continue to investigate the theft and ask anyone with information that may assist to contact Crime Stoppers.  You can anonymously provide information to Crime Stoppers online at https://crimestopperssa.com.au or free call 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Emergency Services Volunteer Fund statement

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    This is a statement from City of Greater Bendigo Councillors regarding the Emergency Services Volunteer Fund.

    From July 1, the Emergency Services Volunteer Fund (ESVF) replaces the Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL). It will be calculated based on a fixed charge that varies by property type and a variable charge based on property value.

    The new levy will be applied to forthcoming rates notices and will be a cost increase experienced by all ratepayers.

    In particular, the City of Greater Bendigo acknowledges the deep disappointment and concern of our community, including our farming community, regarding the introduction of the ESVF, under which it has been reported farmers will pay many thousands of dollars more in comparison to the FSPL.

    The City cannot choose not to collect the levy. It is a legislative requirement, with the City effectively acting as a collection agency for the Victorian Government.

    At the Municipal Association of Victoria May State Council Meeting the City added its voice and voted in favour of resolution 1.1a that expressed disappointment with the implementation of the ESVF and Local Government collecting the funds on the State’s behalf.

    The City is also a member of Regional Cities Victoria (RCV), an alliance of regional cities, of which Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf is Deputy Chair. RCV has been consistently vocal about the adverse impacts of the ESVF.

    Despite the Victorian Government’s decision to cap the 2025/2026 ESVF levy at the 2024/2025 FSPL rate for primary producers, the reality is this is just a pause.

    To assist where it can, the City’s 2025/2026 Budget proposes to reduce the rate in the dollar rural landholders will pay and not increase waste charges for all ratepayers in the new financial year.

    The City also recognises the ESVF is just one of many challenges rural communities in central Victoria are facing that have a direct impact on their livelihoods – the ongoing impact of flood damage now being met with drought conditions, decreased water allocations, mining expansion, proposed renewable energy zones and upgrades to energy infrastructure.

    The Victorian Government’s decision to expand its drought relief package is welcome, however much more significant and longer-term support is needed if local farming businesses are to survive the current conditions.

    The cooler months are generally quieter for the Bendigo Livestock Exchange but over the past few weeks the City has seen unusually high yarding numbers for the Monday sheep sales, an example of farmers de-stocking due to a lack of fodder and high feed costs.

    On the plus side they are getting exceptional prices per head but the decision to sell can take a significant personal toll. Long term, they will also need to rebuild their flocks at a cost.

    The City looks forward to the newly established Drought Response Taskforce making recommendations on behalf of the farming community directly to government. The committee will be chaired by Premier and Member for Bendigo East, The Hon. Jacinta Allan, and RCV and the Bendigo Bank will be represented on the group.

    It is Council’s commitment to write to the Premier, relevant ministers and the taskforce to advocate for a roadmap for what comes next, asking things like is there a state fodder plan, how to do we keep money flowing to small rural businesses as farms dry up and what do ‘exceptional circumstances’ look like?

    Of course, we hope we don’t have to find out, but farmers are realists and need reassurance help will be there if they need it.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: On World Environment Day, Senators Markey, Duckworth, Booker Underscore How Recent Attacks on the National Environmental Policy Act Threaten Public Health and the Environment

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Washington (June 5, 2025) – Today, on World Environment Day, Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), co-chairs of the Senate Environmental Justice Caucus, released the following statement after a slew of recent actions that drastically undermine the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the country’s bedrock environmental law.

    “Between the recent actions by the Trump administration to severely limit the timing of environmental reviews, the Supreme Court’s decision narrowing the scope of environmental reviews, and Republicans’ Big Billionaire Bonus bill that creates a pay to play scheme—industry will have a free pass from all three branches of government to skirt the law that keeps our communities and planet healthy. Instead of gutting a seminal environmental law and cutting agency funding to implement it, we should be investing resources and personnel to more quickly conduct meaningful environmental reviews. Republicans in both chambers are fulfilling Trump’s wish to completely dismantle the safeguards that allow for well-informed federal decision-making—putting the American public, our wildlife, the health of our natural landscapes, and our collective livable future at risk.”

    Since January 2025, enforcement and implementation of NEPA has been subject to attacks from all three branches of government:

    Trump Administration

    The Trump administration has cut federal employees and funding intended for expedited yet meaningful NEPA reviews.

    • On May 23, the administration rubberstamped a mine in just 11 days despite similar projects with complex proposals typically taking two years to meaningfully review, and
    • On May 28, Trump appointed the architect of the provisions that severely limited the timing of NEPA reviews in the Fiscal Responsibility Act to head the Permitting Council (formerly the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council).

    Supreme Court

    The Supreme Court unanimously limited the scope of environmental reviews required by NEPA on May 29.

    Congress

    House and Senate Republicans proposed budget reconciliation text that:

    • Would allow project sponsors to pay for preferential treatment in NEPA environmental review processes and prohibit judicial review of environmental findings for these projects, and
    • Would repeal and rescind environmental review funding for the Environmental Protection Agency, Council on Environmental Quality, and state and local permitting authorities that would have enabled more efficient, accurate, and timely reviews under NEPA.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: NDB Board of Directors 47th Meeting Held in Shanghai

    Source: New Development Bank

    On May 30, 2025, the Board of Directors (Board) of the New Development Bank (NDB) convened its 47th Meeting at the NDB Headquarters in Shanghai.

    Operations

    The Board approved the amended General Conditions (Loans to Sovereigns or Loans with Sovereign Guarantees).

    During the meeting, an update on the Bank’s strong and dynamic project pipeline was provided to the Board. Members of the Board were briefed on project implementation, disbursement as well as project procurement in non-member countries.

    The Board engaged in a discussion on the benefits and value additions of NDB projects, underscoring that supporting infrastructure and sustainable development projects that bring development impact to the Bank’s member countries and the international community remains an overarching objective for NDB, in line with the General Strategy for 2022–2026.

    Treasury and Finance

    An update on funding for Q1 2025 was presented to the Board. It also evaluated the extension of the single currency funding limit and approved the Treasury Contingency Plan.

    Membership Expansion

    The Board warmly welcomed that Algeria had been become a full member of NDB on May 19, 2025

    Tenth Annual Meeting of the NDB Board of Governors

    The Board took note of the preparation work for the upcoming Tenth Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors, scheduled to take place on July 4-5, 2025, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

    Committee Meetings

    The 35th Meeting of the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee and the 31st Meeting of the Budget, Human Resources and Compensation Committee were held on May 29, 2025.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Money Market Operations as on June 05, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India
    (Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)
      Volume
    (One Leg)    		 Weighted
    Average Rate    		 Range
    A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV) 5,75,133.57 5.67 4.00-6.90
         I. Call Money 14,807.06 5.76 4.85-5.85
         II. Triparty Repo 3,79,237.90 5.66 5.55-5.75
         III. Market Repo 1,79,788.41 5.71 4.00-5.90
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 1,300.20 5.92 5.81-6.90
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 98.30 5.63 5.45-5.70
         II. Term Money@@ 650.00 – 5.70-6.60
         III. Triparty Repo 1,736.00 5.71 5.55-5.75
         IV. Market Repo 0.00 – –
         V. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00 – –
      Auction Date Tenor (Days) Maturity Date Amount Current Rate /
    Cut off Rate
    C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
    I. Today’s Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo Thu, 05/06/2025 1 Fri, 06/06/2025 4,138.00 6.01
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF# Thu, 05/06/2025 1 Fri, 06/06/2025 580.00 6.25
    4. SDFΔ# Thu, 05/06/2025 1 Fri, 06/06/2025 3,16,403.00 5.75
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       -3,11,685.00  
    II. Outstanding Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF#          
    4. SDFΔ#          
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       8,321.86  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     8,321.86  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     -3,03,363.14  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on June 05, 2025 9,39,627.47  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending June 13, 2025 9,41,551.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ June 05, 2025 4,138.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on May 16, 2025 3,48,763.00  
    @ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).
    – Not Applicable / No Transaction.
    ** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.
    @@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.
    $ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.
    & As per the Press Release No. 2019-2020/1900 dated February 06, 2020.
    Δ As per the Press Release No. 2022-2023/41 dated April 08, 2022.
    * Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.
    ¥ As per the Press Release No. 2014-2015/1971 dated March 19, 2015.
    # As per the Press Release No. 2023-2024/1548 dated December 27, 2023.
    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    
    Press Release: 2025-2026/488

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: A major step forward for the participation of Indigenous Peoples in the future of World Heritage

    Source: UNESCO World Heritage Centre

    From 26 to 28 May 2025, a landmark workshop was held at UNESCO Headquarters to reshape the engagement of Indigenous Peoples within the framework of the World Heritage Convention.

    Co-designed and co-led by the International Indigenous Peoples’ Forum on World Heritage (IIPFWH), together with the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies to the World Heritage Committee – ICCROM, ICOMOS and IUCN – the workshop marked a strategic turning point in advancing inclusive, rights-based approaches to World Heritage conservation.

    The initiative stemmed from a shared recognition: that the safeguarding of heritage cannot be fully realized without the meaningful participation of Indigenous Peoples and the effective application of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) – a principle that UNESCO has been actively promoting. More than a capacity-building effort, the workshop was a step towards fostering trust and establishing a foundation for reinforced collaboration between Indigenous knowledge holders and the institutions guiding the World Heritage system.

    Over three days, participants engaged in open dialogue and peer learning, deepening mutual understanding of roles, responsibilities and working methods. Discussions centred on three strategic priorities: strengthening Indigenous participation in World Heritage processes; embedding FPIC into evaluation and monitoring frameworks; and jointly developing an action plan to guide future cooperation.

    This milestone effort – made possible through the generous and long-standing support of the Governments of Australia and Canada – builds on the momentum of a growing global dialogue. It follows key international gatherings, including the expert workshop in Geneva and the New Delhi Dialogue in 2024, as well as discussions held around the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee (New Delhi, 2024).

    As the World Heritage system continues to evolve, the lessons, partnerships and mutual commitments forged during this workshop will inform practice across the World Heritage system. They pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future where Indigenous Peoples are heard and recognized as full partners and rights-holders in the governance of the world’s shared heritage.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –