NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: How social media is changing the game for athletes

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Elyse Gorrell, PhD, CMPC, Brock University

    A landmark multibillion-dollar legal settlement is set to transform the landscape of college sports in the United States. A court recently approved the House v. NCAA settlement, requiring the NCAA (the National Collegiate Athletic Association) to pay nearly US$2.8 billion in damages over the next 10 years to athletes who competed from 2016 through to the present day.

    The settlement opens the door for college athletes to earn a share of revenue moving forward, marking a shift away from the traditional ideals of amateurism in sport.

    Amateurism was traditionally defined as the notion of athletes playing sport for the love of it rather than for financial reasons. Historically, it was created by upper-class elite groups as a way to exclude others. Today, its definition continues to be contested, especially since many athletes have been exploited by amateurism.

    The concept of NIL (name, image and likeness) has only exacerbated this by encouraging athletes to promote themselves on social media. Some sport organizations now even factor social media presence into recruitment decisions.

    These developments raise key questions: should we be treating athletes as brands? And what are the consequences of doing so, both on and off the field?

    Social media and the modern athlete

    Social media offers a way for athletes to build a community of followers, share and discuss their personal lives, and interact with fans.

    For many athletes, social media platforms have become tools for building a personal brand and differentiating themselves from other competitors and ultimately having more control over their public image. In turn, social media can allow them to seek out sponsorships and endorsement deals.

    However, research also shows there are negative side-effects of social media use. It also exposes athletes to public scrutiny and online abuse from fans, and can lead to effects similar to cyber-bullying.

    One study of NCAA Division I athletes found that maintaining a polished image on Twitter lead student-athletes to censor themselves to uphold a certain image, which stifled their self-expression. Athletes also reported that social media affected their concentration and raised performance anxiety due to pressure to perform well or face negative critiques.

    Other research has found that platforms like Facebook can distract athletes from optimal mental preparation. The pressure to manage and maintain a personal brand can result in some athletes prioritizing online presence over performance. Constant exposure to competitors’ content can also heighten stress and insecurity.

    My master’s thesis found that social media, and the way athletes use it, influences self-efficacy in combat sport athletes. I found that what athletes see online can disrupt their belief in their own abilities, sometimes more than their actual experience in sport.

    Impact on youth athletes

    My PhD research found that many athletes are unaware of how social media affects their mental game and performance. There’s even less information about how social media impacts youth athletes.

    Elite athletes already face a unique set of pressures: rigorous training schedules, limited leisure time, injury risks, competition pressure and the pursuit of scholarships or team placements. For young athletes, these challenges are layered on top of the developmental process of forming a sense of self. Social media now plays a central role in this development.

    For youth athletes, athletic identity becomes a major part of this process. It shapes how they think, feel, behave and relate to others through their connection to sport.

    But there is a complex relationship between social media and adolescent psychosocial development. Excessive or problematic social media use can negatively impact mental health and well-being, increasing risk of depression, low self-esteem, harassment and burnout.

    Despite these risks, there is limited social media training for athletes, and many are unaware of the effects social media use has on their performance.

    Coaches see the impact

    Since social media is now a constant part of athletes’ lives, understanding how coaches view it is essential. Research shows coaches are often more aware of how social media impacts their athletes’ performance and engagement. Many see it as a growing challenge.

    For my PhD thesis, which was later published as a peer-reviewed paper, I interviewed six high-performance coaches across a range of sports to understand their perspectives of athletes’ social media use.

    Many of the coaches I interviewed expressed concern that social media places too much emphasis on results and encourages constant comparison with others.

    They felt the instant feedback loop introduced too many voices that competed with their own, making it harder for athletes to focus on performance goals and training. Many of the coaches also believed athletes could become overly concerned with their public image and how they are perceived.

    What role should coaches play?

    Current recommendations for coaches recognize that an outright ban of social media and technology use for athletes is outdated and unrealistic. Athletes, especially younger ones, are digital natives.

    Instead, coaches are encouraged to adapt their methods to better align with the generation they are working with. But there aren’t many resources tailored for this purpose.

    What’s needed are tools to help coaches engage with their athletes and help them understand how social media influences their mental performance and well-being. Resources need to go beyond helping coaches use technology to providing them with information on how to communicate with their athletes safely or protect them from liability.

    In addition, trust between coaches and athletes has been strained in some cases by problematic social media-related incidents. For example, one study found that Snapchat has been used by coach perpetrators to sexually abuse their athletes by overcoming internal inhibitions, avoiding external barriers and breaking down victim resistance.

    Rather than focusing on controlling what athletes post on social media, organizations should educate athletes on the way social media might affect them while they are using it. This starts with awareness.

    Navigating the realities of social media

    The American Psychological Association offers general guidelines for recognizing problematic social media use in youth. While these recommendations provide a useful starting point, athletes face a unique set of challenges.

    Unlike their peers, many athletes are encouraged to use social media to brand themselves. Because of this, they need to understand how to balance healthy engagement and harmful overuse.

    At the same time, coaches also need better education. There must be a spectrum between coaches who don’t want anything to do with social media at all and coaches who are overly involved in their athlete’s social media.

    Coaching resources need to be created to address this. They should be accessible, and provide effective and appropriate assistance that aligns with, and supports, individual coaching methods. A one-size-fits-all solution is unlikely to be effective.

    Social media is here to stay, and both athletes and coaches need the tools to help them navigate it well.

    Elyse Gorrell 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. How social media is changing the game for athletes – https://theconversation.com/how-social-media-is-changing-the-game-for-athletes-258887

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Japanese prime minister’s abrupt no-show at NATO summit reveals a strained alliance with the US

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Craig Mark, Adjunct Lecturer, Faculty of Economics, Hosei University

    Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has sent a clear signal to the Trump administration: the Japan–US relationship is in a dire state.

    After saying just days ago he would be attending this week’s NATO summit at The Hague, Ishiba abruptly pulled out at the last minute.

    He joins two other leaders from the Indo-Pacific region, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, in skipping the summit.

    The Japanese media reported Ishiba cancelled the trip because a bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump was unlikely, as was a meeting of the Indo-Pacific Four (IP4) NATO partners (Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Japan).

    Japan will still be represented by Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, showing its desire to strengthen its security relationship with NATO.

    However, Ishiba’s no-show reveals how Japan views its relationship with the Trump administration, following the severe tariffs Washington imposed on Japan and Trump’s mixed messages on the countries’ decades-long military alliance.

    Tariffs and diplomatic disagreements

    Trump’s tariff policy is at the core of the divide between the US and Japan.

    Ishiba attempted to get relations with the Trump administration off to a good start. He was the second world leader to visit Trump at the White House, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

    However, Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs imposed a punitive rate of 25% on Japanese cars and 24% on all other Japanese imports. They are already having an adverse impact on Japan’s economy: exports of automobiles to the US dropped in May by 25% compared to a year ago.

    Six rounds of negotiations have made little progress, as Ishiba’s government insists on full tariff exemptions.

    Japan has been under pressure from the Trump administration to increase its defence spending, as well. According to the Financial Times, Tokyo cancelled a summit between US and Japanese defence and foreign ministers over the demand. (A Japanese official denied the report.)

    Japan also did not offer its full support to the US bombings of Iran’s nuclear facilities earlier this week. The foreign minister instead said Japan “understands” the US’s determination to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

    Japan has traditionally had fairly good relations with Iran, often acting as an indirect bridge with the West. Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe even made a visit there in 2019.

    Japan also remains heavily dependent on oil from the Middle East. It would have been adversely affected if the Strait of Hormuz had been blocked, as Iran was threatening to do.

    Unlike the response from the UK and Australia, which both supported the strikes, the Ishiba government prioritised its commitment to upholding international law and the rules-based global order. In doing so, Japan seeks to deny China, Russia and North Korea any leeway to similarly erode global norms on the use of force and territorial aggression.

    Strategic dilemma of the Japan–US military alliance

    In addition, Japan is facing the same dilemma as other American allies – how to manage relations with the “America first” Trump administration, which has made the US an unreliable ally.

    Earlier this year, Trump criticised the decades-old security alliance between the US and Japan, calling it “one-sided”.

    “If we’re ever attacked, they don’t have to do a thing to protect us,” he said of Japan.

    Lower-level security cooperation is ongoing between the two allies and their regional partners. The US, Japanese and Philippine Coast Guards conducted drills in Japanese waters this week. The US military may also assist with upgrading Japan’s counterstrike missile capabilities.

    But Japan is still likely to continue expanding its security ties with partners beyond the US, such as NATO, the European Union, India, the Philippines, Vietnam and other ASEAN members, while maintaining its fragile rapprochement with South Korea.

    Australia is now arguably Japan’s most reliable security partner. Canberra is considering buying Japan’s Mogami-class frigates for the Royal Australian Navy. And if the AUKUS agreement with the US and UK collapses, Japanese submarines could be a replacement.

    Ishiba under domestic political pressure

    There are also intensifying domestic political pressures on Ishiba to hold firm against Trump, who is deeply unpopular among the Japanese public.

    After replacing former prime minister Fumio Kishida as leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) last September, the party lost its majority in the lower house of parliament in snap elections. This made it dependent on minor parties for legislative support.

    Ishiba’s minority government has struggled ever since with poor opinion polling. There has been widespread discontent with inflation, the high cost of living and stagnant wages, the legacy of LDP political scandals, and ever-worsening geopolitical uncertainty.

    On Sunday, the party suffered its worst-ever result in elections for the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, winning its lowest number of seats.

    The party could face a similar drubbing in the election for half of the upper house of the Diet (Japan’s parliament) on July 20. Ishiba has pledged to maintain the LDP’s majority in the house with its junior coalition partner Komeito. But if the government falls into minority status in both houses, Ishiba will face heavy pressure to step down.

    Craig Mark 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. Japanese prime minister’s abrupt no-show at NATO summit reveals a strained alliance with the US – https://theconversation.com/japanese-prime-ministers-abrupt-no-show-at-nato-summit-reveals-a-strained-alliance-with-the-us-259694

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: What’s the difference between an eating disorder and disordered eating?

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Gemma Sharp, Researcher in Body Image, Eating and Weight Disorders, Monash University

    PIKSEL/Getty

    Following a particular diet or exercising a great deal are common and even encouraged in our health and image-conscious culture. With increased awareness of food allergies and other dietary requirements, it’s also not uncommon for someone to restrict or eliminate certain foods.

    But these behaviours may also be the sign of an unhealthy relationship with food. You can have a problematic pattern of eating without being diagnosed with an eating disorder.

    So, where’s the line? What is disordered eating, and what is an eating disorder?

    What is disordered eating?

    Disordered eating describes negative attitudes and behaviours towards food and eating that can lead to a disturbed eating pattern.

    It can involve:

    • dieting

    • skipping meals

    • avoiding certain food groups

    • binge eating

    • misusing laxatives and weight-loss medications

    • inducing vomiting (sometimes known as purging)

    • exercising compulsively.

    Disordered eating is the term used when these behaviours are not frequent and/or severe enough to meet an eating disorder diagnosis.

    Not everyone who engages in these behaviours will develop an eating disorder. But disordered eating – particularly dieting – usually precedes an eating disorder.

    What is an eating disorder?

    Eating disorders are complex psychiatric illnesses that can negatively affect a person’s body, mind and social life. They’re characterised by persistent disturbances in how someone thinks, feels and behaves around eating and their bodies.

    To make a diagnosis, a qualified health professional will use a combination of standardised questionnaires, as well as more general questioning. These will determine how frequent and severe the behaviours are, and how they affect day-to-day functioning.

    Examples of clinical diagnoses include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder.

    How common are eating disorders and disordered eating?

    The answer can vary quite radically depending on the study and how it defines disordered behaviours and attitudes.

    An estimated 8.4% of women and 2.2% of men will develop an eating disorder at some point in their lives. This is most common during adolescence.

    Disordered eating is also particularly common in young people with 30% of girls and 17% of boys aged 6–18 years reporting engaging in these behaviours.

    Although the research is still emerging, it appears disordered eating and eating disorders are even more common in gender diverse people.

    Can we prevent eating disorders?

    There is some evidence eating disorder prevention programs that target risk factors – such as dieting and concerns about shape and weight – can be effective to some extent in the short term.

    The issue is most of these studies last only a few months. So we can’t determine whether the people involved went on to develop an eating disorder in the longer term.

    In addition, most studies have involved girls or women in late high school and university. By this age, eating disorders have usually already emerged. So, this research cannot tell us as much about eating disorder prevention and it also neglects the wide range of people at risk of eating disorders.

    Is orthorexia an eating disorder?

    In defining the line between eating disorders and disordered eating, orthorexia nervosa is a contentious issue.

    The name literally means “proper appetite” and involves a pathological obsession with proper nutrition, characterised by a restrictive diet and rigidly avoiding foods believed to be “unhealthy” or “impure”.

    These disordered eating behaviours need to be taken seriously as they can lead to malnourishment, loss of relationships, and overall poor quality of life.

    However, orthorexia nervosa is not an official eating disorder in any diagnostic manual.

    Additionally, with the popularity of special diets (such as keto or paleo), time-restricted eating, and dietary requirements (for example, gluten-free) it can sometimes be hard to decipher when concerns about diet have become disordered, or may even be an eating disorder.

    For example, around 6% of people have a food allergy. Emerging evidence suggests they are also more likely to have restrictive types of eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder.

    However, following a special diet such as veganism, or having a food allergy, does not automatically lead to disordered eating or an eating disorder.

    It is important to recognise people’s different motivations for eating or avoiding certain foods. For example, a vegan may restrict certain food groups due to animal rights concerns, rather than disordered eating symptoms.

    What to look out for

    If you’re concerned about your own relationship with food or that of a loved one, here are some signs to look out for:

    • preoccupation with food and food preparation

    • cutting out food groups or skipping meals entirely

    • obsession with body weight or shape

    • large fluctuations in weight

    • compulsive exercise

    • mood changes and social withdrawal.

    It’s always best to seek help early. But it is never too late to seek help.

    In Australia, if you are experiencing difficulties in your relationships with food and your body, you can contact the Butterfly Foundation’s national helpline on 1800 33 4673 (or via their online chat).

    For parents concerned their child might be developing concerning relationships with food, weight and body image, Feed Your Instinct highlights common warning signs, provides useful information about help seeking and can generate a personalised report to take to a health professional.

    Gemma Sharp receives funding from an NHMRC Investigator Grant. She is a Professor and the Founding Director and Member of the Consortium for Research in Eating Disorders, a registered charity.

    – ref. What’s the difference between an eating disorder and disordered eating? – https://theconversation.com/whats-the-difference-between-an-eating-disorder-and-disordered-eating-256787

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Canada Day: Symbols take centre stage in debates about Canadian nationalism

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Paul Hamilton, Associate Professor of Political Science, Brock University

    The recent resurgence of Canadian nationalism is a response to explicit threats made by United States President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly expressed his desire to make Canada the 51st American state.

    Canadian flag sales have skyrocketed, informal and formal boycotts of American goods are continuing and Canadians are being urged to stay home and spend their vacation dollars domestically. Even in Québec, pro-Canadian sentiments are evident. Canadian nationalism is back.



    Read more:
    Is Trump’s assault on Canada bringing Québec and the rest of the country closer together?

    Yet only a decade ago, the newly elected Justin Trudeau labelled Canada the first “post-national nation” in an interview with The New York Times. In essence, the prime minister suggested, Canada was moving beyond nationalism to some new phase of social identity. Nationalism, like a step in the launch of a spacecraft, would be jettisoned now that it was a vestigial and outdated feature of Canadian society.

    As we argue in a recently presented paper to be published soon, Canadians are nowhere near either a homogeneous, popularly held identity, nor are they “beyond nationalism” as if it were an outdated hairstyle.

    Instead, Canadian steps toward a united, widely held nationalism continue to be stymied by both substantial constitutional issues (Québec, western alienation, Indigenous aspirations to self-determination) but also by battles over banal symbols of national identity. Canadians are, in the words of journalist Ian Brown, “a unity of contradictions.”

    The importance of symbols

    In his influential book, Banal Nationalism, British social science scholar Michael Billig highlighted the role of symbols like stamps, currency and flags to identify barely noticed transmitters of national consciousness.

    Writing in 1995, at a time of ethnic nationalist resurgence in the former Yugoslavia, Billig contrasted the understated, reserved nationalism of citizens of established states like Canada with the dangerous, passionate expressions of nationalism in the Balkans.

    This genteel nationalism is barely noticed much of the time, but proposals to alter national symbols arouse debate — like during the great Canadian flag debate of the mid-1960s — and expose deep emotional attachments. Canadians, too, are nationalists.

    But they’re also citizens of a liberal democracy where nationalistic narratives compete to define and unite the nation. Societies evolve and generational change can lead to new symbols reflecting changing values. The historical episodes of discontent pertaining to national symbols show how Canadian society has evolved since its drift away from Britain after the Second World War.

    During the flag debate, Liberal Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson said Canada needed a new flag that would present a united nation rather than a confusing amalgamation of different people. Conservative Leader John Diefenbaker, on the other hand, argued Canada should be “all Canadian and all British” during the debate, adding that any Canadian who disagreed should “be denounced.”

    The leaders could not agree, with Diefenbaker opting for something like the status quo and Pearson for a complete redesign that would represent all Canadians, regardless of national heritage. In a 1964 La Presse article on the debate, columnist Guy Cormier crudely voiced Québec’s concerns that Pearson’s handling of the flag debate was an attempt to “artificially inseminate” his agenda on the province. The Philadelphia Evening Bulletin reported on the debate, declaring that “tinkering with a nation’s flag is sort of like playing volleyball with a hornets nest.”

    Mountie symbolism

    As Canada became increasingly more multicultural in the 1980s, another symbol became the centre of controversy. A Sikh entering the RCMP wanted to be able to wear a turban instead of the traditional Stetson.

    Despite government and RCMP support, public opinion was mixed. Racist lapel pins were sold with the message “Keep the RCMP Canadian” as some argued the old uniform should remain and that new recruits should adapt to it.

    While few Canadians knew much about the design and history of the RCMP uniform, almost all Canadians consider it an iconic representation of Canada. Changes to it represent a threat to some, inclusion for others.

    Changes to the anthem, passport

    Changes to O Canada, the national anthem, have been proposed over the past decades. Recently, a more inclusive version was drafted, changing “in all thy sons command” to “all of us command.”

    Conservative MPs and some television pundits argued the change wasn’t necessary and the anthem doesn’t belong to a political party. Opponents argued that most people aren’t offended by the anthem’s lyrics, the anthem wasn’t broken and was not in need of fixing. Ultimately, the change was made, with great praise from some and vexation from others.

    Removing images of the late Terry Fox in 2023 from the Canadian passport, a document few think about until checking its expiry date before a vacation, caused significant uproar.

    Other images from Canadian history were also removed, but Fox’s removal was most notable since he was someone most Canadians consider the embodiment of a Canadian hero.

    The response to these changes ranged from mild — with those arguing that Canada needs more Terry Fox, not less, — to furious, as some accused Trudeau of being out of touch with Canadians and a “fault finder-in-chief.”

    Far from trivial, these arguments over national symbols reveal how deeply some Canadians are attached to them. The nature of Canadian identity and nationalism will continue to be dated and contested. In that respect, Canadians are no different than the citizens of any other country.

    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. Canada Day: Symbols take centre stage in debates about Canadian nationalism – https://theconversation.com/canada-day-symbols-take-centre-stage-in-debates-about-canadian-nationalism-259847

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Trump’s f-bomb: a psychologist explains why the president makes fast and furious statements

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Geoff Beattie, Professor of Psychology, Edge Hill University

    Donald Trump’s latest forthright outburst was made as part of his attempts to create a peace deal with Iran and Israel. “I’m not happy with Israel,” he told reporters on June 24. “We basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don’t know what the fuck they’re doing.”

    This came a day after Trump had announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. By the next day, the ceasefire had been violated by both Iran and Israel. Trump was clearly furious, and his language showed it.

    This was not a verbal slip – there was no immediate correction, no apology, no nonverbal indication of embarrassment. He just stormed off, clearly angry.

    This is not the kind of language that is normally associated with a president. Some have been reported to use the f-word before, but usually behind closed doors.

    Donald Trump uses the f-word in a press conference.

    We expect presidents to be calm, measured, thoughtful, considered. Trump’s comment was none of these things. Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th US president, once recommended a foreign policy strategy that was based on speaking softly and carrying a big stick. He was suggesting quiet menace, but Trump showed frustration, barely contained. His furious, aggressive response was like something straight out of an old psychology textbook.

    In the 1930s, psychologists developed the frustration-aggression hypothesis to explain how aggressive behaviour can arise. The hypothesis suggested that when a person’s goal is blocked in some way, it leads to frustration, which then results in aggression. Aggression was considered a “natural” way of releasing this unpleasant state of frustration. They were clearly different times.

    Over the next few decades, this hypothesis was thought by most psychologists to be a gross oversimplification of complex human behaviour. It assumed a direct causal relationship between frustration and aggression, ignoring all the other situational and cognitive factors that can intervene.

    Human beings are more complex than that, psychologists argued — they find other ways of dealing with their frustrations. They use their rational system of thought to find solutions. They don’t have to lash out when they’re frustrated in this seemingly primitive way.

    Perhaps, that’s why many people feel shocked when they watch this US president in certain situations. To many of us, it all seems so basic, so unsophisticated, so frightening.

    Fast v slow thinking

    The Nobel laureate and psychologist Daniel Kahneman, in his book Thinking, Fast and Slow (2011), characterised the two systems that underpin everyday decision-making. His work may help with understanding of what’s going on here.

    He describes system one as the evolutionary, basic system. It operates unconsciously, automatically and very quickly, handling everyday tasks like reading other people’s emotions, without any effort. It is an intuitive system designed to work in a world full of approach and avoidance, scary animals and friendly animals. It is heavily reliant on affect to guide decision-making.

    In contrast, system two is slower, more deliberative. It requires conscious effort and is used for complex thinking, solving difficult problems, or making careful decisions.

    The relationship between the two systems is critical, and that may get us thinking about Trump in more detail.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Kahneman says that system one is a bit of a “workaholic”, beavering away all the time, making “suggestions” for system two to endorse. Good decisions – depend upon system two checking the suggestions of system one. But system one often jumps quickly and unconsciously to certain conclusions. System two should check them, but often doesn’t, even when it would be easy.

    Here is a well-known example. Answer the following question: “A bat and ball cost one pound ten pence, the bat costs one pound more than the ball. How much does the ball cost?”

    One answer looks blatantly obvious – but it isn’t correct. The correct answer (after a bit of thought) is five pence.

    About 80% of university students give the very quick and incorrect answer of ten pence because it “looks” right. Their system two never checked.

    In many people, it seems system two is not used nearly enough. There are striking individual differences in the way that people rely on emotion and gut instinct versus the rational system in making decisions.

    Emotional decisions?

    It appears that Trump makes decisions very quickly (classic system one), often without extensive deliberation or consultation with advisers. Both in his presidency and in his business career, he seemed to prioritise immediate action over any sort of prolonged and thoughtful analysis. That’s why he changes his mind so often.

    His decisions seem to be driven by strong emotions. His response to events, opponents and issues are often passionate and visceral. This could lead to to decisions being unduly influenced by personal feelings, first impressions based on arbitrary cues, and interpersonal perceptions, rather than anything more substantial.

    Trump’s style of decision-making emphasises immediacy and emotional conviction, which can be effective in rallying supporters and creating a sense of decisiveness. However, it also can lead to unpredictable outcomes and, as has been seen again and again, somewhat controversial, impulsive actions.

    Many suggest that Trump’s decision-making style reflects his background in the high-pressure and high-stakes world of business, where quick judgements and gut instinct can be advantageous in these sorts of competitive winner-takes-all environments

    But the world at war is a more precarious place, where system one needs to be kept more firmly in check. Gut instincts may have a role to play, but that old lazy system two needs to be more vigilant. Especially, it would seem, in Trump’s case.

    This article features references to books that have been included for editorial reasons, and may contain links to bookshop.org. If you click on one of the links and go on to buy something from bookshop.org The Conversation UK may earn a commission.

    Geoff Beattie 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. Trump’s f-bomb: a psychologist explains why the president makes fast and furious statements – https://theconversation.com/trumps-f-bomb-a-psychologist-explains-why-the-president-makes-fast-and-furious-statements-259735

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: I analyzed more than 100 extremist manifestos: Misogyny was the common thread

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Karmvir K. Padda, Researcher and PhD Candidate, Sociology, University of Waterloo

    Two years have passed since a 24-year-old former student walked into a gender studies classroom at the University of Waterloo and stabbed the professor and two students.

    The attack left the campus shaken and sparked national outrage. Many saw the attack as a shocking but isolated act of violence. But a close analysis of his 223-word manifesto reveals much more.

    What emerges is a chilling picture of how deep-seated misogyny, disguised as grievance and moral outrage, can escalate ideological violence. Though short, the manifesto is saturated with anti-feminist, conspiratorial rhetoric.

    As a researcher looking at digital extremism and gender-based violence, I’ve analyzed more than 100 manifestos written by people who carried out mass shootings, stabbings, vehicular attacks and other acts of ideologically, politically and religiously motivated violent extremism in Canada, the United States and beyond.

    These attackers may not belong to formal terrorist organizations, but their writings reveal consistent ideological patterns. Among them, one stands out: misogyny.

    Misogyny is the ‘gateway drug’

    The Waterloo case is not unique. In fact, it mirrors a growing number of violent incidents where gender-based hate plays a central role. Reports by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue and Public Safety Canada show misogynist extremism is rising in Canada. It’s often entangled with white nationalism, anti-LGBTQ+ hate and anti-government sentiment.

    According to political sociologist Yasmin Wong, misogyny now acts as a “gateway drug” to broader extremist ideologies. This is particularly true in digital spaces where hate and grievance are cultivated algorithmically.

    In my analysis of manifestos collected from 1966 to 2025, gender identity-driven violence appeared in nearly 40 per cent of them. These violent beliefs were either the primary or a significant secondary motivation for the attack. This includes direct expressions of hatred toward women, trans and queer people and references to feminist or LGBTQ+ movements.

    ‘Salad bar’extremism

    The Waterloo attacker did not explicitly identify as an “incel” (involuntary celibate), but the language in his manifesto closely echoes those found in incel and broader manosphere discourse. Feminism is portrayed as dangerous, gender studies as ideological indoctrination and universities as battlegrounds in a supposed culture war.

    The Waterloo attacker destroyed a Pride flag during the attack, referred to the professor he targeted as a “Marxist,” and told police he hoped his actions would serve as a “wake-up call.”

    At one point, he praised leaders like Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Canadian far-right politician Maxime Bernier as “based Chads.” “Based Chads” is a slang term used in online extremist communities to glorify or refer to dominant and assertive males.

    Alongside anti-feminist messaging, the attacker’s writing echoes common far-right narratives: fear of “cultural Marxism,” disdain for liberal elites, and the belief that violence is necessary to awaken the public. He referenced prior mass attacks, including the 2011 Norway massacre and the 2019 Christchurch mosque shooting. These two incidents are frequently celebrated in far-right spaces.

    These references place him within a transnational digital subculture where misogyny, white supremacy and ideological violence are valourized.

    It reflects what researchers described as “salad bar extremism”: a mix-and-match worldview where misogyny is blended with white nationalism, anti-government sentiment and conspiratorial thinking to justify violence.

    Manifestos rationalize violence

    The authors of manifestos are frequently dismissed as “nutters” — demented or socially unstable people.

    But the manifestos are valuable documents for understanding how ideology works. They show how people rationalize violence, where their ideas come from and how they see themselves as political entities. They also reveal the role of digital communities in shaping those beliefs.

    Researchers can use them to map ideological ecosystems and identify patterns. These analyses can inform prevention strategies.

    The Waterloo manifesto is no exception. It draws from a familiar ideological playbook — one that dehumanizes feminists, academics and LGBTQ+ people while portraying violence as both righteous and necessary.

    These are not isolated ideas; they are symptoms of a wider digital ecosystem of online hate and ideological grooming.



    Read more:
    The stabbing attack at the University of Waterloo underscores the dangers of polarizing rhetoric about gender

    Deliberate, ideologically motivated attacks

    While a psychological assessment of the attacker raised questions about a psychotic break, there was no clinical diagnosis of psychosis. His actions — planning the attack, writing and posting a manifesto, selecting a specific target — were deliberate and ideologically motivated.

    Yet the terrorism charge brought against him by federal prosecutors was ultimately dropped. The judge ruled his beliefs were “too scattered and disparate” to constitute a coherent ideology.

    But his manifesto shared language and ideological frameworks recognizable across incel, anti-feminist and far-right communities. The idea that this doesn’t constitute “ideology” reflects how outdated our legal and policy frameworks have become.

    Confronting ongoing danger

    Two years on, we remember the victims of the Waterloo attack. We must also confront the larger danger the attack represents.

    Misogyny is not just a cultural or emotional problem. Instead, it increasingly functions as an ideological gateway, connecting personal grievance with broader calls for violent extremism.

    In this era of rising lone-actor violence, it is one of the most consistent and dangerous drivers of extremism.

    If we continue to treat gender-based hate as peripheral or personal, we will keep misunderstanding the nature of violent radicalization in Canada. We must name this threat and take it seriously, because that’s the only way to prepare for what’s coming next.

    Karmvir K. Padda receives research funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

    – ref. I analyzed more than 100 extremist manifestos: Misogyny was the common thread – https://theconversation.com/i-analyzed-more-than-100-extremist-manifestos-misogyny-was-the-common-thread-259347

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representatives Norma Torres and Brad Schneider Reintroduce the Multiple Firearm Sales Reporting Modernization Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

    June 30, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Norma J. Torres (CA-35) and Brad Schneider (IL-10) reintroduced the Multiple Firearm Sales Reporting Modernization Act, legislation aimed at curbing illegal gun trafficking and reducing gun violence. The bill would require federally licensed firearms dealers to report the sale of two or more long guns—such as AR-15s or AK-47s—to the same individual within a five-day period.

    In 2022, law enforcement officials reported that the shooter from the Uvalde school shooting– which claimed the lives of 19 children and 2 teachers– purchased two AR platform rifles within a three-day period from a federally authorized dealer. In the United States, firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens. Every year, 22,000 children and teens are shot and killed or wounded, and approximately 3 million are exposed to gun violence. In 2024 alone, there were  503 mass shootings, resulting in more than 16,725 deaths and 31,646 injuries. 

    “Just this month, I sat with young students in my district— who should be thinking about school, friends, and their futures—but instead, are advocating for a call to action against gun violence,” said Congresswoman Norma Torres. “Their voices, stories and their courage stay with me every day. This bill is a commonsense step to prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands. Gun violence is now the leading cause of death for children in America. That is a heartbreaking and unacceptable reality. Yet, Republicans in Congress continue to block meaningful reforms, and the Trump Administration is making it easier for dangerous individuals to access deadly weapons. I refuse to stand by as our communities suffer and families are torn apart. I’ll keep fighting with everything I have to close deadly loopholes, strengthen background checks, and finally ban assault weapons.”

    Mass shootings do not have to be inevitable—commonsense policies like requiring a report on the sale of two or more long guns in a 5-day period will help prevent tragedies and save lives,” said Rep. Schneider. “I’m proud to join Rep. Torres to introduce this bill and help address our senseless epidemic of mass shootings.”

    The Multiple Firearm Sales Reporting Modernization Act is supported by numerous gun safety and public interest organizations, including: March for Our Lives, Brady: United Against Gun Violence, GIFFORDS, Everytown for Gun Safety, National Education Association, and Amnesty International. 

    “There’s nothing unpredictable about gun violence in this country. When assault-style rifles are bought in bulk with no oversight, tragedy is often just days away. Young people have been sounding the alarm, and this bill answers that call with real, preventative action. The Multiple Firearm Sales Reporting Modernization Act is common sense. We thank Reps. Torres and Schneider for stepping up, and we condemn anyone who stands in the way. A vote against this bill isn’t about gun rights. It’s a choice to look away while innocent people are murdered.” Jackie Corin, Executive Director of March For Our Lives

    “When individuals purchase multiple firearms in quick succession, it is often a sign of tragedy to come. Bulk firearms purchases are a strong indicator of gun trafficking or that guns will be used in criminal activity. It is essential that we require licensed gun dealers to report sales of multiple firearms, not just handguns, so we can better identify potential gun trafficking and cut off the supply of firearms that fuel transnational cartels and violence in our communities. Brady applauds Congresswoman Torres for introducing the Multiple Firearm Sales Reporting Modernization Act and for her continued commitment to freeing America from gun violence.” Mark Collins, Director of Federal Policy, Brady: United Against Gun Violence

    “Requiring gun dealers to report bulk purchases of long guns is a commonsense step to help prevent gun trafficking and mass shootings. In many instances, individuals intent on causing harm have purchased multiple firearms within days of committing an attack. This bill provides law enforcement with a critical tool to identify patterns of suspicious activity and intervene before tragedy strikes. We applaud Congresswoman Torres for her leadership in modernizing how we detect and respond to potential threats.”  Vanessa Gonzalez, Vice President of Government & Political Affairs at GIFFORDS

    One of the most glaring red flags for a mass shooting is someone stockpiling semi-automatic weapons in a matter of days — but too often, this flag goes unnoticed,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety. “We applaud Congresswoman Torres for introducing common-sense legislation to require gun dealers to speak up when they notice a seller stocking up on weapons of war.”

    Currently, a federal firearms licensee (e.g., a gun dealer) must report multiple sales or dispositions of pistols or revolvers to the same person within five business days- however, this requirement excludes reporting requirements for long guns, which include assault style rifles and shotguns. The Multiple Firearm Sales Reporting Modernization Act changes the requirement so federal firearms licensees must report multiple sales or dispositions of all firearms to the same person within five business days.

    Bill text

    The legislation is also cosponsored by Representatives: Barragán (CA-44), Cleaver (MO-5), DeGette (CO-01), Foushee (NC-04), García (IL-04), Goldman (NY-10), Johnson (GA-04), Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Lynch (MA-08), Neguse (CO-02), Norton (DC), Peters (CA-50), Pettersen (CO-07), Scanlon (PA-05), Schakowsky (IL-09), Smith (WA-09), Stansbury (NM-01), Swalwell (CA-14), Torres (NY-15), Vargas (CA-52), Velázquez (NY-07). 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Poached gecko seen alive in the wild

    Source: NZ Department of Conservation

    Date:  01 July 2025

    The gecko was one of three females illegally taken and held in captivity until they were discovered during a Department of Conservation (DOC) investigation in 2022.

    All three required life-saving surgery at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s Wildbase Hospital to remove stuck eggs, and after successful recuperation, the trio were returned to their alpine home in November 2023.  

    Last month, a nature watcher photographed a striking, bright green gecko on a tree in a West Coast conservation area and uploaded photos to iNaturalist NZ – Mātaki Taiao – a site where nature lovers share their observations.

    The photo was spotted by the sharp-eyed New Zealand Herpetological Society president, Nick Harker, who recognised the unique markings along her back. A careful check with previous photos of the gecko confirmed her identity.

    It was amazing to see the gecko alive and apparently well after her ordeal, says Nick Harker.

    “She and two of her friends were stolen, smuggled to the North Island, kept in captivity and then had major surgery – which is a lot to go through.

    “This gecko species is sensitive to changes in its environment and vulnerable to a range of threats, so we were delighted to see her alive.

    “West Coast green geckos have fragmented populations and often live in isolated pockets, so every individual – and especially every female – is important.”

    DOC Senior Technical Advisor Lynn Adams says the gecko sighting shows the power of citizen science in monitoring and identifying lizards.

    “Green geckos live in trees and are highly camouflaged, making them difficult to see and monitor. We love it when people share their observations and photos, which in this case confirmed the survival of the repatriated gecko.

    “Photos of lizards sent to us or posted to iNaturalist and other sites have helped identify new species and new populations we didn’t know about.”   

    The photos show the gecko with wrinkled flanks – a sign she may have given birth although this can’t be confirmed. In one photo, taken from below, you can see the faint scar from her surgery.  

    The threatened West Coast green gecko (Naultinus tuberculatus) may only breed every two to three years, producing just one or two young.

    New Zealand has an incredible diversity of gecko and skink species – all of which are found only here and nowhere else in the world. There are 126 species and counting as new species are still being discovered.  

    Introduced predators such as mice, rats, stoats, cats and even wasps pose a threat to all lizards.

    People can report lizard sightings to DOC at herpetofauna@doc.govt.nz.

    The taking of lizards is an offence under the Wildlife Act and carries penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $100,000. People can help prevent lizard smuggling by reporting suspicious activities to our 24-hour hotline, 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

    Background information

    For information on how to identify and report lizards see: Amphibian and Reptile Distribution Scheme

    These sites can help identify lizards: New Zealand Herpetological Society and iNaturalistNZ

    Wildbase website

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Economy – Depositor Compensation Scheme now in effect – Reserve Bank

    Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

    1 July 2025 – The Depositor Compensation Scheme (DCS) came into effect today, protecting depositors for up to $100,000 in the unlikely event that their bank or other licensed deposit taker fails.  

    Licensed deposit takers include banks, credit unions, building societies and finance companies who take retail deposits in New Zealand and are supervised by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand.  

    The scheme covers money held in standard banking products, including transaction, savings, notice, and term deposit accounts. It protects individuals, businesses and trusts, and applies automatically from today.    

    The scheme is established under the Deposit Takers Act 2023, and the Reserve Bank will manage and administer the scheme. It is fully funded by levies on industry.

    Kerry Beaumont, Director of Enforcement and Resolution at the Reserve Bank says, “While deposit taker failures are rare, the DCS gives depositors extra peace of mind that their standard banking products are protected. This type of protection already exists in many other countries and contributes to the stability of New Zealand’s financial system.”  

    The scheme does not cover investments like KiwiSaver, bonds, shares, and similar products. It also does not protect against frauds or scams.  

    Banks, credit unions, building societies and finance companies who take retail deposits will list their DCS-protected products on their websites so depositors can check if their accounts are covered. Information about the scheme is also available on the Reserve Bank website.
     

    More information

    You can find a list of all deposit takers that offer DCS-covered deposits on the RBNZ’s website here: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=7fb4bc651b&e=f3c68946f8

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Groundbreaking technology boosts Met’s fight against violence towards women and girls

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    The Metropolitan Police Service has today unveiled a revolutionary new technology – now being rolled out across London – that makes it easier to photograph and visualise bruising on victims of violence, particularly on darker skins.

    A trial of the first-of-its-kind device, known as Project Archway, allows officers to better assess victims’ injuries – a game-changing development in the ongoing fight against violence towards women and girls (VAWG).

    Previously, officers often faced challenges in capturing visible evidence of bruising – particularly on darker skin tones or during early stages of injury. This could limit evidential strength at the charging stage. Now, with Project Archway, this critical gap is being closed

    The innovative handheld device, developed in-house by the Met, uses a technique called cross-polarisation to dramatically enhance the visibility of injuries, particularly bruises that may not appear clearly to the naked eye.

    Crucially, the technology helps to overcome disparities in how bruising appears on different skin tones, ensuring that victims of all backgrounds receive equal chances of obtaining justice.

    This is not just about visibility – it’s about viability in court. Clearer images help investigators build stronger files, support CPS charging decisions, and give courts the visual evidence needed to hold perpetrators accountable.

    The technology is already improving justice outcomes – of 33 uses during a pilot in south London, 45% have resulted in charges, with several others under investigation.

    With this innovation, the Met becomes the only force in the UK to develop and deploy this kind of frontline equipment to strengthen evidence, support victims from the first police contact, and help bring violent perpetrators to justice.

    These results reflect the device’s power to turn what was once anecdotal or unseen into compelling, admissible evidence. It enables frontline officers to gather forensic-grade material within minutes of first contact.

    This cutting-edge technology is the latest milestone in the Met’s comprehensive plan to rebuild trust and bring more VAWG perpetrators to justice, as it publishes its annual progress report.

    Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said:

    “We have made big strides in protecting women and girls from predatory men – and this new device is a bold symbol of that transformation.

    “Compared to three years ago, our charge rate for offences for violence against women and girls offences has tripled, and we’re going after the most dangerous individuals through our V100 programme. Women in London are better protected, and this is reflected in the trust gap between men and women closing.

    “These improvements are a credit to our people – to their empathy, determination, and courage as they take on these heartrending cases day after day.

    “The Met is leading nationally on innovation that puts victims first. We are the only police service to develop this kind of frontline technology, and we’re already seeing how it strengthens evidence, builds trust, and ensures victims feel seen and heard from the moment they report abuse.”

    Cross-polarisation has long been used by forensic imaging specialists – but Project Archway is the first time it has been integrated into a simple, handheld tool for frontline police officers. The technology eliminates glare on the skin and enhances visual contrast, especially important for identifying bruises on different skin tones and early-stage injuries invisible to the naked eye.

    The device has undergone ethical scrutiny and wide consultation, including input from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Black Police Association, and the Met Ethics Board. Officers were specially trained prior to use and can only use the device with full consent from victims, ensuring it’s an investigative aid, and that the victim remains at the heart of every interaction.

    Today’s announcement comes as the Met publishes its three-year progress report on tackling Violence Against Women and Girls, a comprehensive plan of reform, action, and cultural change across the force.

    In 2024 alone, more than 123,000 VAWG-related crimes were reported to the Met. In response:

    • The Met has more than doubled arrests and charges for rape and serious sexual offences, thanks in part to the national Operation Soteria pilot.
    • Charge rates for rape and sexual violence have improved to 9.9%, demonstrating real change in the way cases are investigated and prosecuted.
    • Over 20,000 officers have been trained in trauma-informed response.
    • The launch of My Met Service, a digital platform for victims to track their case and access support, is giving survivors more transparency and control.
    • The V100 programme, a targeted effort to pursue the most dangerous offenders, has already resulted in over 129 convictions and 154 serious charges, including rape and attempted murder. The V100 list of the most harmful offenders is updated each month. The programme has more than doubled the risk of arrest for the most harmful violence against women and girls suspects compared to before the initiative existed. Around three quarters of those on the V100 stack are accused of rape and multiple sexual assaults, as well as murder.

    To date:

    • A total of 154 people have been charged with 802 offences, including rape, grievous bodily harm (GBH), non-fatal strangulation and attempted murder.
    • 177 arrests have been made for a total of 1724 offences.
    • 127 of those relate to VAWG – 50 for rape, 20 for GBH and 17 for non-fatal strangulation.

    Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Ben Russell, the Met’s Director of Intelligence and V100 lead, said:

    “The level of violence directed at women and girls in London is unacceptable. Project Archway shows how we are innovating to respond to this crisis – not just with more officers, but with better tools, better evidence, and better care. Technology like this can change the outcome of a case, and more importantly, the life of a survivor.”

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:

    “The forensic technology unveiled today is a game-changer it is the first in the country and is already improving justice outcomes for victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault. This cutting-edge technology will be rolled out across London and is the latest milestone in the Met’s action – backed by record funding from City Hall – to rebuild trust and bring more perpetrators to justice.

    “From the Met’s V100 action arresting and convicting perpetrators who pose the greatest risk to women and girls, to strengthened teams of specialist officers and staff working to support victims of domestic abuse, rape and sexual violence – it’s clear the Met’s approach to tackling VAWG is improving. But there is more to do, and I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure that ending violence against women and girls is treated with the utmost urgency both by our police and society as a whole to build a safer London for all.”

    Minister for Safeguarding and Violence against Women and Girls Jess Phillips said:

    “I welcome police forces using every lever at their disposal to support victims from all backgrounds and ensure perpetrators face justice.

    “It’s essential that these crimes are treated with the utmost seriousness. By doing so, we can build communities where people feel safer and deliver on our mission to halve violence against women and girls in a decade.”

    Christabel Yeboah, CEO, HERSANA, said:

    “We welcome innovation like Project Archway and its potential to transform how bruising and injury evidence is documented in cases of violence against women and girls. For the Black survivors we support, whose injuries are too often overlooked or dismissed due to skin tone and systemic bias, this technology presents a critical opportunity to improve both recognition and response.

    “But technology alone cannot fix systems that have long failed survivors. Tools like this must be implemented alongside survivor-led consent protocols, meaningful community consultation, anti-racist practice and robust accountability. Only then can trust begin to be rebuilt and justice truly served.”

    Officers who have used the technology, said:

    “Overall I have found that Archway has proved a fantastic tool that’s convenient, quick and simple to use. Victims themselves have commented about the clarity of injury under archway. I would say it has certainly helped secure more charges.”

    Another officer, added:
    “I think this is a great invention and addition to front line police and would like to see it get to the point where it can either be personal issue or one in every vehicle. The images I was able to capture really highlighted the injuries caused to a young child, the initial pictures of the victim showed reddening and slight bruising but after using the device it showed the true extent of the injuries.”

    The Met will now expand the trial of Project Archway across additional boroughs, custody suites, sexual assault referral centres, and forensic teams. The aim is to determine where the device delivers the greatest value — with the longer-term goal of rolling it out more widely across London.

    The technology is already being explored for post-mortem investigations and other forensic applications, broadening its potential even further.

    As the Met continues to reform its approach to VAWG, Project Archway stands as a clear example of the force’s new direction – one rooted in innovation, equity, and survivor-focused policing.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard Cutter Kimball holds change of command ceremony

    Source: United States Coast Guard

     

    06/30/2025 06:43 PM EDT

    HONOLULU — The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Kimball (WMSL 756) held a change of command ceremony, Friday, in Honolulu. Vice Adm. Andrew Tiongson, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area, presided over the ceremony in which Capt. Craig Allen relieved Capt. Robert Kinsey as Kimball’s commanding officer.

    For breaking news follow us on twitter @USCGHawaiiPac

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz: Republicans Are Ripping People Off, Plunging Country Into Energy Crisis To Cut Taxes For Billionaires

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz

    WASHINGTON – During a debate on the Republican tax bill, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) condemned the bill’s provisions to gut clean energy which will raise people’s energy bills by more than a hundred dollars starting next year and make blackouts and power outages more common across the country.

    “This is the worst piece of legislation for the planet in the history of our country, and it’s not even close. Republicans are effectively codifying Big Oil’s wish list into law, without exception. They are killing clean energy. They are subsidizing coal. They are dramatically expanding oil and gas leasing. They’re purposely jacking up energy prices and creating shortages and creating shortages,” said Senator Schatz. “And for what? It’s to find enough savings to shovel tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of dollars into the pockets of individual billionaires.”

    Senator Schatz continued, “This bill will kill 300,000 jobs in wind and solar per year. We’re going to lose out on $450 billion in capital as thousands of projects go under. And because of that, we’re going to generate about 500GW less energy in the next decade. We are going to have energy shortages as a result of this legislation.”

    A transcript of Senator Schatz’s remarks is below. Video is available here.

    There are a lot of people in this chamber and across the country who, on a non-ideological basis, want a consistent tax code so that businesses can invest with certainty and predictability. So let’s look at some of the numbers here in terms of the impact of this bill. This bill will kill 300,000 jobs in wind and solar per year. We’re going to lose out on $450 billion in capital as thousands of projects go under. And because of that, we’re going to generate about 500GW less energy in the next decade.

    Now, there was a time, and I lived through it as a politician, there was a time when people who wanted to take climate action had to argue for that climate action because it is a planetary emergency and there were tradeoffs. And people on the other side said, “look, as we try to take action to deal with this planetary crisis, we can’t create shortages, we can’t increase prices, we can’t impede economic progress.” All that has flipped.

    This bill will create shortages. This bill will impede economic progress. This bill will increase prices. The 500GW less energy in the next decade is pretty much exactly the amount of energy that we’re going to need to meet rising demand. We are going to have energy shortages as a result of this legislation.

    And you don’t have to love clean energy or be an environmentalist. And I love clean energy, and I’m an environmentalist. But you don’t have to care about the climate. I think you should. You don’t have to care about the climate to understand that this is a basic question of supply and demand. Energy demand is soaring for the first time in decades, largely not exclusively, but largely because of AI data centers. And our best chance of meeting it in the next few years is with wind and solar, not oil and gas, even nuclear and geothermal are going to take a while.

    That is not just a political talking point or a preference of mine. It’s just a fact that gas turbines are stuck in a years-long backlog. It’s also a fact that 80 percent of the new capacity on the grid last year came from solar and storage. It’s growing, it’s cheap, it works. And there are hundreds more projects that are in the pipeline waiting to be hooked up.

    So the idea that we’re going to kill the only energy that can be brought online in the short run, the very same week that half the country was meeting, melting in a record heat wave which left tens of thousands without power is beyond absurd.

    Let’s talk about how this bill does all of this damage. Specifically, it creates an impossible deadline for projects to be operational in order to claim the clean energy tax credits. Remember, these clean energy tax cuts are federal law. They’re on the books. So when you have a federal statute, it is not unreasonable as an investor to say, look, I got this tax credit. I’m going to get X number, X percent back for my initial investment. And you do the pro forma, you do the underwriting. And you figure out that the thing pencils out. And now what they’re saying is that you got to be operational in 60 days. If anyone has even built a deck in their front yard or tried to do an extension – nothing gets built in 60 days. Certainly not a clean energy project, and it has to be placed in service. What does placed in service mean? It means not only do you have to have the thing built, you have to have a power purchase agreement through your public service commission or public utilities commission. You have to have a deal in place in the next 60 days after enactment, or you get nothing.

    So imagine you’re a company investing in a solar battery storage project. You’ve already put money down, you’ve secured land and a power purchase agreement, and you’re working on permits. And when you started the project, the tax code said you could claim a credit to cover the upfront costs. Now, unless you are fully operational, you’re out of luck. On average, a project takes four years to go through the full process. So even if you’ve already started that progress, you now have very, very little time to get it done. We are going to strand hundreds of billions of dollars in capital. And so the impact on price is going to be crazy. The impact on jobs is going to be crazy. But the impact on America as an investable proposition is the most dangerous part of this. I don’t know that we’ve ever, through federal law, made a big subsidy, made a big bet on a certain industry. And then halfway through that process, said, never mind. We didn’t mean that. You’re stuck.

    According to the Edison Electric Institute. And by the way, I can guarantee you this is the first and maybe last time I will ever, ever quote the Edison Electric Institute. That’ll cost people, not companies, people, ratepayers $60 billion in this decade alone. Your electric bills are about to go up. A representative of a solar company in Hawaii put it this way. It is really unclear in the current version of the bill what the renewable energy industry even looks like, if it were passed today.

    An owner of a solar company in Montana, worried that the credits disappearing would force them to lay off half of his workers. He says, “Montana is deeply red, but it’s also a very practical place. And so green energy renewables became a taboo phrase somehow. The practical energy needs are undeniable, so we can get past our disagreements and about phraseology. We realize that electrons, watts, amps, it’s all cheaper.” A representative of a wind turbine company in Colorado said, “I don’t look at what we do as green or blue or red. An electron doesn’t have a color.” And that’s the point. Electrons don’t have color. Wanting cheap, abundant energy is not woke. Wanting a livable planet for today and for future generations is not radical and wanting reliable power and to avoid blackouts and brownouts is not a leftist project. But even if you set all of that aside for a minute, the states that have benefited the most from these investments are Republican states.

    According to estimates, nearly three quarters of clean energy manufacturing facilities are located in Republican states. It means that Republicans are going to pay more for energy. It means Republicans will lose jobs in clean energy because of a Republican bill. It means Republicans are going to have more blackouts in their homes and businesses. Gutting clean energy is not somehow owning the libs, and at least some Republicans in the Senate and House understand that even if their votes have not manifested to say otherwise.

    Here’s a letter from 21 House Republicans earlier this year, “As our conference has long believed, and all of the above energy approach combined with a robust, advanced manufacturing sector will help support the United States position as a global energy leader. Countless American companies are utilizing sector wide energy tax credits, many of which have enjoyed broad support in Congress to make major investments in domestic energy production and infrastructure for traditional and renewable sources alike.” And it goes on, “As energy demand continues to skyrocket. Any modifications that inhibit our ability to deploy new energy production risks sparking an energy crisis risks sparking an energy crisis.” 21 House Republicans are worried about an energy crisis imposed by the Republican Congress. It goes on. “This is especially true for energy credits with direct pass through benefit to ratepayers, where such repeals would increase utility bills the very next day – would increase utility bills the very next day.”

    This is not me, progressive Senator from the state of Hawai‘i, who has made a career out of fighting climate change. This is 21 House Republicans saying, like, “we’re going to create a crisis here. Maybe we shouldn’t pass this thing. A lot of this stuff benefits us. If we’re all out here talking about all of the above. Why are we cutting off our nose to spite our face?” Just because someone wants a talking point? People are literally going to lose their jobs immediately upon enactment. America is going to become a very challenging place to make major investments in, immediately upon enactment. The AI industry may move abroad immediately upon enactment, and prices will go up pretty much right away as well.

    A group of 175 mayors and local leaders wrote, “For the first time, state and local governments, as well as essential nonprofit community organizations such as houses of worship, hospitals and schools, can access the same clean energy tax credits as the private sector through elective pay. This has led to major projects in our communities, like solar installations for town halls, alternative fueling infrastructure, and charging stations for local government fleets. After one year of direct pay implementation, over 1200 organizations, including 500 state and local governments are already accessing these incentives. We are excited about these projects and the benefits that they will bring to our communities. However, as local leaders, we are concerned that repealing these tax credits would create economic uncertainty in our communities as it would prevent us from accessing those important benefits.”

    You know, I grew up to understand Republicans were for avoiding unintended consequences. Republicans were against radical change too quickly. Republicans wanted a solid business environment that people could rely upon. This is literally none of that. This is ideology manifesting itself as energy policy. And what’s going to happen is people are going to lose their jobs and pay tons more for electricity.

    The building trades unions called this bill “the biggest job killing bill in the history of this country.”  And they go on. “Simply put, it is the equivalent of terminating more than 1000 Keystone XL pipeline projects.” I’ve been here for a while. Keystone XL was a big deal to our friends in labor. I had some very tough conversations with my friends and labor about how important that project was to them, and how it was in tension with some of our climate goals.

    But listen to what they say. It is the equivalent of terminating 1,000 Keystone XL pipeline projects. These guys are not me or Jeff Merkley or Eddie Markey, or Sheldon Whitehouse, or Martin Heinrich, or Rep Ocasio-Cortez, or any climate advocate. This is the building trades, and they’re saying this is the biggest job killer, perhaps, perhaps in American history. We actually don’t have to do this.

    The impetus behind this bill was essentially border spending and preventing the Trump tax cuts from expiring. And then a bunch of stuff got added on because that’s what happens. And we were there for our own version of this, our own BBB, our own Build Back Better. And everybody in your party piles on with something new. And then the thing becomes a really challenging thing to pass, because everybody’s got their hobbyhorse and somebody’s hobbyhorse is not just to have an all of the above energy strategy, but to go out of your way to kill clean energy.  It doesn’t matter that it’s going to raise prices. It doesn’t matter that it’s going to kill jobs.

    People at all levels, in the public and private sectors across the political spectrum are all saying the same thing, which is this is a bad bill for regular people, for the economy and for the planet. One of the great things about our climate Bill was that it made what was good for the planet also good for the economy. Clean energy become became eminently profitable for businesses and widely accessible to consumers. And we made a choice there because some in our party didn’t like the basic premise. They were attached to the idea of personal political, economic sacrifice because the planet is in peril.

    And I understand that instinct. I understand that instinct. But we’ve paved a new path, and we decided, look, there’s enough technology out there. There are abundant energy sources out there that we can actually solve our planetary crisis and create jobs and lower prices, and we can do it in such a way that blue states and red states, urban rural, suburban all benefit. Republicans are on the verge of undoing all of that, even though it will hurt their constituents. And in doing so, we’re virtually guaranteeing China’s dominance in clean energy for decades to come. Because if you’re a China, you cannot believe your luck. Your biggest competitor is willingly forfeiting the fight over who controls the energy technologies of the future because Donald Trump is too busy trying to get us back to the pre-industrial age.

    This is the worst piece of legislation for the planet in the history of our country, and it’s not even close. Republicans are effectively codifying Big Oil’s wish list into law, without exception. They are killing clean energy. They are subsidizing coal. They are dramatically expanding oil and gas leasing. They’re purposely jacking up energy prices and creating shortages and creating shortages. And for what? Partially, it’s to find enough savings to shovel tens, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars into the pockets of individual billionaires. But even kicking more than 16 million people off of health care coverage, denying food to the poor, and adding almost $5 trillion to the national debt was not enough.

    People voted for Donald Trump for all sorts of reasons, but no one voted for higher energy bills. No one voted for more frequent blackouts and brownouts and dirtier air and water. No one, whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican or independent, wants that. I want to be clear this fight is far from over. This fight over this bill is far from over.

    But even if this bill passes, it will set us back. But the fight for the planet is bigger than any one bill or vote, and that includes the big climate bill that we passed in the previous administration. And as any movement that has successfully mobilized and made changes knows, progress is not linear. Progress always has setbacks and frustrations, and progress is not assured.

    States like Hawai‘i will continue to do everything that they can to protect our environment, and the rest of the world will move on without us, because doing nothing in the face of this worsening crisis is simply not an option. But make no mistake, what Congress is doing today will cost all of us in the years and decades to come.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Alar Karis, President of the Republic of Estonia

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Alar Karis, President of the Republic of Estonia, on the margins of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development held in Sevilla, Spain.  The Secretary-General and the President discussed the war in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East.

    The Secretary-General commended Estonia’s engagement with the UN to advance the international financing for development agenda.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Provinces seek changes on federal policy failures

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government confirms non-taxability of Canada Carbon Rebates for Small Businesses

    Source: Government of Canada News

    June 30, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Department of Finance Canada

    Canada’s new government is bringing down costs and putting more money in Canadians’ pockets.

    Today, the Minister of Finance and National Revenue, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, issued draft legislation to ensure that all Canada Carbon Rebates for Small Businesses are provided tax-free—securing small businesses the full financial benefit of the rebates. 

    Specifically, payments received by corporations in respect of the 2019-20 to 2023-24 fuel charge years would not be included in income for tax purposes, and the final payment to be made under the Canada Carbon Rebate for Small Businesses (i.e., in respect of the 2024-25 fuel charge year) will also be tax-free.

    The government will introduce legislation in Parliament to implement these changes in the fall.

    Once the legislation receives Royal Assent, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will have the authority to process amended T2 corporation income tax returns for those who have already included the rebate in their taxable income, ensuring the rebate is processed as tax-free (i.e., not included in the taxable income reported in the T2). Further guidance will be provided by the CRA at that time.

    The Government also confirms that eligible businesses that filed their 2023 tax return after July 15, 2024, and on or before December 31, 2024, will also be eligible to receive tax-free payments in respect of the 2019-20 to 2023-24 fuel charge years, once the legislation receives Royal Assent. Eligible businesses that file their 2024 income tax return by July 15, 2025, will be eligible to receive a tax-free payment in respect of the 2024-25 fuel charge year.

    Finally, with the removal of the fuel charge from law and the winding down of proceeds return mechanisms, the government will no longer proceed with proposed changes announced in the 2024 Fall Economic Statement which would have expanded eligibility for the Canada Carbon Rebate for Small Businesses to cooperative corporations and credit unions, added a minimum payment for smaller businesses, and introduced a phaseout for larger businesses.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Foundations set for ferry infrastructure

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Ferry Holdings has reached agreement with CentrePort, Port Marlborough and KiwiRail on core infrastructure scope, Rail Minister Winston Peters announced today.
    The agreements set out the scope of physical work and equipment to be delivered by 2029 when two new ferries arrive, with port and KiwiRail agreements to be entered later this year to confirm the investment splits between Ferry Holdings and each other company and other commercial terms.
    “This is not our first regatta, as this no-nonsense infrastructure focus is what was supposed to happen in 2020 until poor management and a lack of oversight allowed iReX to blow out. We will save the taxpayer billions through our disciplined approach.
    “The agreements entered into effectively mean the ports and KiwiRail are in, boots and all, with Cabinet’s preferred low-cost option.
    “The focus of the agreements is primarily about the marine infrastructure. In Picton, new wharves and linkspans will be built while in Wellington we will be maximising the use of the existing Aratere infrastructure by modifying and strengthening the existing wharf to suit new ferries for the next 30 years and building a new linkspan.
    “The ports and KiwiRail have agreed to minimal scope improvements to the yards, avoiding much of the costly scope creep which occurred under iReX which sought to lift the yards by metres and then complete required reconfigurations. Instead, perfectly good yards will continue to serve us as they have for decades.
    “We are pleased to confirm for the locals in Picton that the Dublin Street overbridge will be built – ridding the town of the blocked streets it will experience when freight-laden trains arrive at the port. The road and rail will be grade separated before 2029 as a safety and an efficiency improvement for road and rail.
    “The teams at Ferry Holdings, CentrePort, Port Marlborough and KiwiRail are doing an outstanding job in the service of the taxpayer, and we thank them for it,” Mr Peters says.
    Ferry Holdings have also released their first Statement of Performance Expectations and Statement of Intent in line with Ministers expectations, outlining the jobs ahead to 2029.
     
    Additional information: 
    Major components of the Wellington infrastructure:

    Reuse existing wharf, extending this by the minimal amount necessary to accommodate the new, larger ships.
    Reuse passenger and commercial vehicle facilities, as well as the terminal building.
    Reuse as much of the rail yard as possible.
    Deliver a new linkspan and connecting infrastructure to ensure a safe, resilient connection between the ship and the shore.

    Major components of the Picton infrastructure:

    Reuse passenger and commercial vehicle facilities, as well as the terminal building.
    Reuse as much of the rail yard as possible.
    Relocate the existing passenger walkway and reuse this.
    Deliver a new wharf to support the new, larger ships.
    Deliver a new linkspan and connecting infrastructure to ensure a safe, resilient connection between the ship and the shore.
    A new overbridge at Dublin Street.

    Ferry Holdings – Statement of Intent (SOI) and Statement of Performance Expectations (SPE)

    SOI – 5 March 2025 – 31 December 2029 outlines the four-year plans for the Ferry Holdings programme of work.
    SPE – 5 March 2025 – 30 June 2026 outlines the annual plan for the Ferry Holdings programme of work.
    These documents are available on ferryholdings.co.nz (from the time of the announcement).

    Ship Procurement Process

    Ferry Holdings is managing a closed tender procurement process with six shipyards. There is no update on the process.
    The shipyards are competing on price and quality and Ferry Holdings has reported strong engagement by all six shipyards.
    After full assessment of proposals, Ferry Holdings will narrow the list of shipyards through a final tender stage.
    Ferry Holdings will then make a recommendation to shareholding Ministers before awarding a contract later this year.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Breast Cancer Risk in Younger Women May Be Influenced by Hormone Therapy

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Scientists at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have found that two common types of hormone therapy may alter breast cancer risk in women before age 55. Researchers discovered that women treated with unopposed estrogen hormone therapy (E-HT) were less likely to develop the disease than those who did not use hormone therapy. They also found that women treated with estrogen plus progestin hormone therapy (EP-HT) were more likely to develop breast cancer than women who did not use hormone therapy. Together, these results could help to guide clinical recommendations for hormone therapy use among younger women.
    The two hormone therapies analyzed in the study are often used to manage symptoms related to menopause or following hysterectomy (removal of uterus) or oophorectomy (removal of one or both ovaries). Unopposed estrogen therapy is recommended only for women who have had a hysterectomy because of its known association with uterine cancer risk.
    “Hormone therapy can greatly improve the quality of life for women experiencing severe menopausal symptoms or those who have had surgeries that affect their hormone levels,” said lead author Katie O’Brien, Ph.D., of NIH’s National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). “Our study provides greater understanding of the risks associated with different types of hormone therapy, which we hope will help patients and their doctors develop more informed treatment plans.”
    The researchers conducted a large-scale analysis that included data from more than 459,000 women under 55 years old across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Women who used E-HT had a 14% reduction in breast cancer incidence compared to those who never used hormone therapy. Notably, this protective effect was more pronounced in women who started E-HT at younger ages or who used it longer. In contrast, women using EP-HT experienced a 10% higher rate of breast cancer compared to non-users, with an 18% higher rate seen among women using EP-HT for more than two years relative to those who never used the therapy.
    According to the authors, this suggests that for EP-HT users, the cumulative risk of breast cancer before age 55 could be about 4.5%, compared with a 4.1% risk for women who never used hormone therapy and a 3.6% risk for those who used E-HT. Further, the association between EP-HT and breast cancer was particularly elevated among women who had not undergone hysterectomy or oophorectomy. That highlights the importance of considering gynecological surgery status when evaluating the risks of starting hormone therapy, the researchers noted.
    “These findings underscore the need for personalized medical advice when considering hormone therapy,” said NIEHS scientist and senior author Dale Sandler, Ph.D. “Women and their health care providers should weigh the benefits of symptom relief against the potential risks associated with hormone therapy, especially EP-HT. For women with an intact uterus and ovaries, the increased risk of breast cancer with EP-HT should prompt careful deliberation.”
    The authors noted that their study is consistent with previous large studies that documented similar associations between hormone therapy and breast cancer risk among older and postmenopausal women. This new study extends those findings to younger women, providing essential evidence to help guide decision-making for women as they go through menopause.
    Reference: O’Brien KM, et al. 2025. Hormone therapy use and young-onset breast cancer: a pooled analysis of prospective cohorts included in the Premenopausal Breast Cancer Collaborative Group. Lancet Oncol 26: 911–23.

    Previous National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences News Release
    April 16, 2024 Microplastics, Algal Blooms, Seafood Safety Are Public Health Concerns Addressed by New Oceans and Human Health Centers April 16, 2024

    See all News Releases

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Now partnerships of all sizes can lodge digitally

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    Before 1 July 2025, you could only digitally lodge statements of distribution (SODs) for up to 160 partners in a partnership. The rest had to be lodged manually.

    We’ve now updated the lodgment software so you can digitally lodge SODs for all partners.

    Lodging digitally means the data will be available to you for lodgment in future years, saving you time in the long run. Digitally lodged data helps us cross-check and assure that partners are correctly reporting income in their returns. This helps us target our compliance actions more accurately and lets us readily identify partners who are doing the right thing. This is even more important given our increased focus on allocation of profits within professional firms. 

    When you lodge your SODs, it’s critical to make sure all the information is complete and correct. Avoid the common errors that can lead to penalties and costs by completing all required information for each partner in the SOD labels, including:

    • the name of each individual or entity
    • tax file numbers
    • residential or business addresses
    • date of birth for individuals
    • Australian business numbers for other entities (if they have one).

    Remember that the SOD labels are part of the partnership return in which you make accountable statements to the ATO. To steer clear of unintended or adverse consequences, always be 100% certain of the data you input.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Residential fees for a foreign person

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    When to pay a fee

    If you are a foreign person investing in residential property in Australia, you must pay a fee when:

    There are very limited circumstances where we grant a fee waiver or remission.

    How much is the fee

    Your application fee is generally based on the value of the property you intend to buy.

    Fees for property developers applying for a New or near-new dwelling exemption certificate are different to residential property application fees.

    Types of residential fees

    Application fees

    Table 1: Application fees for acquisitions of new or near new residential dwellings or vacant residential land from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026

    Amount

    Fee per action

    Less than $75,000

    $4,500

    $1 million or less

    $15,100

    $2 million or less

    $30,300

    $3 million or less

    $60,600

    $4 million or less

    $90,900

    $5 million or less

    $121,200

    $6 million or less

    $151,500

    $7 million or less

    $181,800

    $8 million or less

    $212,100

    $9 million or less

    $242,400

    $10 million or less

    $272,700

    $11 million or less

    $303,000

    $12 million or less

    $333,300

    $13 million or less

    $363,600

    $14 million or less

    $393,900

    $15 million or less

    $424,200

    $16 million or less

    $454,500

    $17 million or less

    $484,800

    $18 million or less

    $515,100

    $19 million or less

    $545,400

    $20 million or less

    $575,700

    $21 million or less

    $606,000

    $22 million or less

    $636,300

    $23 million or less

    $666,600

    $24 million or less

    $696,900

    $25 million or less

    $727,200

    $26 million or less

    $757,500

    $27 million or less

    $787,800

    $28 million or less

    $818,100

    $29 million or less

    $848,400

    $30 million or less

    $878,700

    $31 million or less

    $909,000

    $32 million or less

    $939,300

    $33 million or less

    $969,600

    $34 million or less

    $999,900

    $35 million or less

    $1,030,200

    $36 million or less

    $1,060,500

    $37 million or less

    $1,090,800

    $38 million or less

    $1,121,100

    $39 million or less

    $1,151,400

    $40 million or less

    $1,181,700

    More than $40 million

    $1,205,200

    From 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2027, foreign persons are banned from purchasing established dwellings in Australia unless a limited exception applies. For more information, see Types of property a foreign person can buy.

    Table 2: Application fees for acquisitions of established dwellings from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026

    Amount

    Fee per action

    Less than $75,000

    $13,500

    $1 million or less

    $45,300

    $2 million or less

    $90,900

    $3 million or less

    $181,800

    $4 million or less

    $272,700

    $5 million or less

    $363,600

    $6 million or less

    $454,500

    $7 million or less

    $545,400

    $8 million or less

    $636,300

    $9 million or less

    $727,200

    $10 million or less

    $818,100

    $11 million or less

    $909,000

    $12 million or less

    $999,900

    $13 million or less

    $1,090,800

    $14 million or less

    $1,181,700

    $15 million or less

    $1,272,600

    $16 million or less

    $1,363,500

    $17 million or less

    $1,454,400

    $18 million or less

    $1,545,300

    $19 million or less

    $1,636,200

    $20 million or less

    $1,727,100

    $21 million or less

    $1,818,000

    $22 million or less

    $1,908,900

    $23 million or less

    $1,999,800

    $24 million or less

    $2,090,700

    $25 million or less

    $2,181,600

    $26 million or less

    $2,272,500

    $27 million or less

    $2,363,400

    $28 million or less

    $2,454,300

    $29 million or less

    $2,545,200

    $30 million or less

    $2,636,100

    $31 million or less

    $2,727,000

    $32 million or less

    $2,817,900

    $33 million or less

    $2,908,800

    $34 million or less

    $2,999,700

    $35 million or less

    $3,090,600

    $36 million or less

    $3,181,500

    $37 million or less

    $3,272,400

    $38 million or less

    $3,363,300

    $39 million or less

    $3,454,200

    $40 million or less

    $3,545,100

    More than $40 million

    $3,615,600

    Variation application fees

    You must pay a fee to apply to vary an existing foreign investment approval.

    For 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026, the fee is:

    • $4,500 for a simple variation (considered immaterial or minor)
    • $30,300 for a complex variation (not of an immaterial or minor nature).

    We will cap your fee where you are seeking to vary an application notice and you originally paid a lower fee. For example, if you requested a complex variation in May 2023 for an approval where you originally paid a $13,200 fee, the variation fee is capped at $13,200.

    Tenants in common share of fees

    If you are purchasing the property as tenants in common, the fee payable for the interest is equal to your percentage of ownership in the property.

    Example: tenants in common

    Sara is a foreign person, and she is purchasing an Australian property with another investor as tenants in common.

    On 1 May 2023, she applies for residential approval to purchase 25% of a $1.5 million property with the other investor.

    The application fee for a $1.5 million property is $26,400. When Sara submits her application, she needs to pay $6,600 which is 25% of the total fee for the property.

    End of example

    Annual vacancy fee

    You pay a vacancy fee if:

    • your property is vacant for 183 days (6 months) or more in a vacancy year
    • you fail to lodge your annual vacancy fee return on time.

    For vacancy years starting 9 April 2024 the fee will be double your foreign investment application fee.

    Fees are calculated when you lodge your vacancy fee return.

    Example: working out your vacancy fee

    Rishi is a foreign person looking to buy a newly developed apartment in the Sydney area for under $2 million. He applies for approval for a residential property exemption certificate for a new property in April 2024 and pays the $28,200 application fee.

    Rishi’s application is approved, and he has 12 months to purchase a newly developed apartment. On 2 November 2024 he completes settlement on a newly developed apartment and makes it available for rent.

    Rishi’s vacancy year will end on 1 November each year. He will need to lodge a vacancy fee return by 1 December 2025. If the apartment was unoccupied and not available to rent for more than 183 days (6 months), he will pay a vacancy fee of $56,400. This is twice the fee he paid for the exemption certificate application.

    End of example

    Application fee for property developers

    Property developers applying for a New or near-new dwelling exemption certificate must pay an initial application fee of $65,200 for 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026.

    As a developer you are then required to report the sales of new or near-new dwellings every 6 months. A separate fee per sale will be payable for each dwelling sold to a foreign person under the certificate.

    Fees are updated once a year

    Fees for foreign investment applications are indexed each financial year on 1 July. The information on this page is correct at the time of publishing.

    For more information, see The Treasury’s Guidance Note 10: FeesExternal Link.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Department of Defense agrees: it’s time for Trump’s militarization of Los Angeles to end

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jun 30, 2025

    What you need to know: As President Trump’s illegal militarization of Los Angeles continues to hamstring crucial firefighting resources in California, new reporting indicates top military officials are asking the Secretary of Defense to return troops to firefighting operations as Governor Newsom has urged.

    SACRAMENTO – According to new reporting by the Associated Press, the top military commander overseeing troops illegally deployed to Los Angeles is asking Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to return 200 of those troops to firefighting operations – echoing Governor Gavin Newsom’s continued pleas. 

    With fires popping up across the state and red flag conditions in the forecast, the California National Guard’s (CalGuard) critical firefighting crews – known as Task Force Rattlesnake – are operating at just 40% capacity. Eight of 14 teams have been diverted to Los Angeles as part of President Trump’s illegal – and highly inefficient – federalization of the Guard. 

    We’re glad to see the top military commander overseeing Trump’s illegal militarization of Los Angeles agree: it’s time to pull back National Guard troops and get them back to their critical firefighting duties. President Trump: listen to your military leaders, and stop the political theater.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Joint Task Force Rattlesnake is made up of over 300 California National Guard (CalGuard) members, who work at the direction of CAL FIRE to help fight and prevent fires. The President’s illegal federalization of the Guard has already impacted firefighting efforts, leaving CAL FIRE to step in to fill the gaps left by the Guard’s understaffing. 

    The National Guard impact is on top of the Trump administration’s dangerous cuts to the U.S. Forest Service, which also threatens the safety of communities across the state. The U.S. Forest Service has lost 10% of all positions and 25% of positions outside of direct wildfire response – both of which are likely to impact wildfire response this year. 

    President Trump’s unlawful deployment has also slashed California’s National Guard fentanyl and drug interdiction force by 32% — undermining public safety and weakening border fentanyl seizure operations.

    California’s unprecedented wildfire readiness 

    Despite the strain caused by President Trump, California stands ready to protect communities. As part of the state’s ongoing investment in wildfire resilience and emergency response, CAL FIRE has significantly expanded its workforce over the past five years by adding an average of 1,800 full-time and 600 seasonal positions annually – nearly double that from the previous administration. Over the next four years and beyond, CAL FIRE will be hiring thousands of additional firefighters, natural resource professionals, and support personnel to meet the state’s growing demands.

    This builds on consecutive years of intensive and focused work by California to confront the severe ongoing risk of catastrophic wildfires, and Governor Newsom’s emergency proclamation signed in March to fast-track forest and vegetation management projects throughout the state. Additionally, to bolster the state’s ability to respond to fires, Governor Newsom recently announced that the state’s second C-130 Hercules airtanker is ready for firefighting operations, adding to the largest aerial firefighting fleet in the world. 

    New, bold moves to streamline state-level regulatory processes builds long-term efforts already underway in California to increase wildfire response and forest management in the face of a hotter, drier climate. A full list of California’s progress on wildfire resilience is available here.

    Recent news

    Jun 30, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom is issuing an extension to his executive order making it easier for survivors of the LA firestorms to retain temporary shelter. The order helps continue to boost temporary housing supply by extending the amount of time…

    Jun 30, 2025

    News What you need to know: Californians are urged to practice common sense and safety when using fireworks to celebrate this Fourth of July. People who resort to using illegal fireworks will be held accountable. SACRAMENTO – With Fourth of July celebrations set to go…

    Jun 27, 2025

    News ✅ CUMPLIDO: Reducción de impuestos para jubilados militares ✅ CUMPLIDO: Pre-kinder universal para todos ✅ CUMPLIDO: Ampliación de programas antes y después de clases y cursos de verano ✅ CUMPLIDO: Alimentación escolar gratuita para todos los niños ✅ CUMPLIDO:…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China Resolutely Opposes Forced Shutdown of Hikvision’s Business in Canada – China’s Ministry of Commerce

    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

    BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhua) — China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firmly opposes the Canadian government’s order to stop Chinese company Hikvision’s operations in Canada, a spokesman for China’s Ministry of Commerce said Monday.

    China noted that the Canadian side forcibly stopped Hikvision’s operations in the country and prohibited Canadian government agencies from purchasing and using Hikvision products under the pretext of protecting “national security,” the official said.

    According to him, the so-called national security review undertaken by the Canadian side lacked transparency and yielded uncertain results. The representative of the Chinese agency called it a typical example of the generalization of the concept of national security.

    “The actions of the Canadian side not only undermine the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, but also negatively affect the confidence of companies from both countries in cooperation, and harm normal trade and economic relations between China and Canada,” the official representative emphasized.

    China, he continued, urges Canada to immediately correct its wrong actions, stop politicizing economic and trade issues and generalizing the concept of national security, and ensure an open, fair, just and non-discriminatory environment for enterprises from all countries, including China, to invest and do business in Canada.

    The Chinese side will take all necessary measures to resolutely protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, added the official representative of the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Naval squadrons led by Chinese aircraft carriers return to ports after completing deep-sea training /more details/

    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

    BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhua) — The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) naval squadrons led by the aircraft carriers Liaoning and Shandong have safely returned to their home ports after completing combat-style training on the high seas, the PLA Navy said Monday.

    The training was conducted in a coordinated and systematic manner. Two aircraft carrier formations deployed to the western Pacific Ocean, interacted with the relevant branches of the armed forces, and carried out a number of tasks simulating real combat operations, such as reconnaissance and early detection, counterattack, naval assault, air defense, and day and night tactical flights of carrier-based aircraft.

    The current exercise has produced a series of research results in relevant areas of military affairs and greatly enhanced the systemic combat potential of China’s aircraft carrier formations. It is a continuation of the previous two-carrier high-sea exercise conducted jointly by the two naval formations last year.

    It is noted that during the training, individual foreign warships and aircraft repeatedly carried out close reconnaissance, escort and surveillance maneuvers. The Chinese naval units maintained heightened vigilance and combat readiness for immediate response, organized numerous carrier-based aircraft sorties, and professionally and confidently dealt with the situation that arose.

    The PLA Navy said that these exercises, conducted in accordance with the annual plan, have effectively tested the results of joint training of relevant troops and enhanced their capacity to protect the country’s sovereignty, security and development interests. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Administrator Loeffler Pens Op-Ed in Support of One Big Beautiful Bill

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, Kelly Loeffler, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), published an op-ed in Fox News – highlighting how President Donald J. Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill will benefit America’s 34 million small businesses. Her piece underscores specific provisions of the legislation that will drive Main Street job creation, growth, and prosperity – including making the 199A Pass-Through Deduction permanent, eliminating tax on tips and overtime, incentivizing the return of Made in America, bringing more able-bodied Americans back into the workforce, and cutting red tape.

    This month, Administrator Loeffler has traveled to Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, and North Carolina to meet with small business owners and highlight the urgent need to pass the One Big Beautiful Bill – to protect working- and middle-class job creators from the largest tax hike in American history.

    Read the op-ed or view excerpts below:

    “Since February, I’ve traveled across the country meeting with small business owners in nearly every sector – from family farms and factory floors to the Main Street cornerstones of restaurants and retailers. Their message is clear: they don’t want bailouts, bigger tax bills or bureaucracy. They want a tax code that enables them to plan for the long term, puts more money in their pockets, and rewards – not punishes – work, entrepreneurship and growth. This bill delivers on all three.”

    “The “One Big, Beautiful Bill” prevents the largest tax hike in history. It makes the 2017 tax cuts permanent, including the Section 199A deduction – leaving more capital in the hands of America’s 34 million small business owners to hire, expand and reinvest in their operations. This provision alone is projected to create 1 million new jobs on Main Street and generate $750 billion in economic activity over the next decade.”

    “Unlike his predecessor, Trump has never lost sight of those who drive the American economy. The “One Big Beautiful Bill” is a reflection of his commitment to working families and small businesses. It delivers real tax relief, trims Washington overreach, rewards work and puts small businesses back where they belong – at the center of America’s success story.  Congress should act without delay. Small businesses are ready to keep building, hiring and innovating – this time with most in Washington finally behind them.”

    # # #

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration
    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: RBNZ Protecting your money with the Depositor Compensation Scheme (DCS)

    Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand (video statements)

    Visit https://dcs.govt.nz/ to learn more

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wG4wIDQbjus

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: RBNZ Introducing the Depositor Compensation Scheme (DCS) – NZSL

    Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand (video statements)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zoaiBd9dYXs

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Security Council Renews Democratic Republic of Congo Sanctions Regime, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2783 (2025)

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    The Security Council today renewed the sanctions regime concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo until 1 July 2026 and extended the mandate of the corresponding Group of Experts until 1 August 2026.

    Unanimously adopting resolution 2783 (2025) (to be issued as document S/RES/2783(2025)) under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, the Council decided to renew measures relating to arms, finances and travel relating to the Democratic Republic of the Congo until 1 July 2026.

    The representative of France, whose delegation submitted the text, thanked all Council members for their engagement and said the sanctions regime and Group of Experts are central tools in combating violence and destabilization in the eastern part of the country.  He noted the 27 June Council meeting, during which Council members marked the signing of a draft peace agreement by the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, under the auspice of the United States Government.  “What we are doing shows that improvement in the Great Lakes region can occur,” he said.  “We must do all that we can to support peace and security in the region.”

    The resolution reiterated that the armed and security forces of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo are exempt from the embargo on the supply of military equipment and assistance, as agreed on 2 May 2024, and from any notification procedure, as set out in paragraphs 1 and 2 of the resolution.

    By other terms of the text, the Council decided to extend until 1 August 2026 the mandate of the Group of Experts, as set forth in paragraph 6 of resolution 2360 (2017), and expressed its intention to review the mandate and take appropriate action regarding further extension no later than 1 July 2026.  It also requests the Group of Experts to provide the Council, after discussion with the Committee, a mid-term report no later than 30 December 2025 and a final report not later than 15 June 2026, as well as monthly updates.

    The resolution also recalled the Secretary-General’s commitment that the United Nations will do everything possible to ensure that the perpetrators of the killing of the two members of the Group of Experts and the four Congolese nationals accompanying them are brought to justice and stressed the importance of a follow-up in assisting the Democratic Republic of the Congo with the national investigation, within existing resources.

    The representative of Guyana, President of the Council for June, speaking in her national capacity, noted her delegation’s appreciation to all Council members and the Secretariat staff for their support, which let the Council rally to consensus on several important issues.  She extended her best wishes to the incoming Council President from Pakistan.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: All Have Right to Make Informed Choices, Secretary-General Says on World Population Day

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for World Population Day, observed on 11 July:

    On this World Population Day, we celebrate the potential and promise of the largest youth generation ever.

    They are not only shaping our future; they are demanding one that is just, inclusive, and sustainable.

    The theme — “Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world” — reaffirms the promise of the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development:  that every person has the right to make informed choices about their lives and futures.

    Many young people today face economic uncertainty, gender inequality, health challenges, the climate crisis and conflict.

    Still, they are leading — with courage, conscience and clarity.  And they are calling for systems that uphold their rights and support their choices.

    I urge countries to invest in policies that ensure education, healthcare, decent work, and the full protection of their reproductive rights.

    Let us stand with young people and build a future where every person can shape their destiny in a world that is fair, peaceful and full of hope.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘New Dawn’ Rises for Financing Development Progress, Secretary-General Tells Business Forum at International Conference

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks at the opening of the International Business Forum at the Conference on Financial Development, in Sevilla, Spain, today:

    This Forum reflects a fundamental fact.  Development is everyone’s business.  And the private sector is an essential partner in helping countries climb the development ladder and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

    Businesses are not just engines of jobs and economic growth. They help propel the innovation, technology and investment that development demands.

    We are here to boost support for initiatives that benefit people and planet.  We meet against the backdrop of an incredibly challenging global environment.  As we gather in Sevilla, trade barriers and macroeconomic risks are rising.  Major aid cuts are making a bad situation even worse.

    Mistrust and geopolitical divisions are blocking effective global solutions.  And the financing gap for the Sustainable Development Goals has ballooned to $4 trillion.

    When the world came together for this conference 10 years ago in Addis Ababa, countries recognized that achieving the Goals was impossible without mobilizing private capital at scale.

    One decade later, we continue to fall short.  Last year, investment in infrastructure in developing countries dropped by 35 per cent — including in key sectors like renewable energy, water and sanitation.

    And foreign direct investment has declined two years in a row, with investment flows largely bypassing Least Developed Countries altogether. We need to create the conditions to change course.  And that begins here in Spain.

    The Sevilla Commitment document includes important steps to get the engine of development revving again:  Through new domestic and global commitments that can channel public and private finance to the areas of greatest need […] By overhauling the world’s approach to debt to make borrowing work in service of sustainable development […] And by reforming the global financial architecture to reflect today’s realities and the urgent needs of developing countries.

    The Sevilla Commitment also puts forward a number of specific actions to unlock private sector investment in sustainable development. This includes steps to strengthen the way we blend public and private capital together to maximize the use of public money in crowding-in private funds.  It includes new approaches to manage currency risk that prevent otherwise promising investment opportunities from securing the capital required.

    And it includes a call to review financial regulations to ensure that risk weightings are well-designed, and help — not hinder — institutional investors from embracing projects in frontier markets.

    These are significant steps, informed by lessons learned over the past 10 years.  When one looks at today’s world, the crises in the official development assistance (ODA), the crises in the global funds available, it is absolutely evident that we need to be able to multiply the resources available for investments.

    And the main obligation, in my opinion, of public development banks, most national and international, should be today concentrated, not essentially, in their operations, and I understand the pressure of any bureaucracy to do their own things, but those public funds available in developing banks, should be more and more put to work to multiply resources through de-risking private finances and private investments.

    Giving guaranties, stablishing coalitions in which they are the first risk takers and creating the conditions to massively increase the massive private finance and private investment in countries in which, without the necessary de-risking, it is practically impossible to see enough development.

    This is a new mentality that we need to guaranty in the investment banks, the public investment banks, both national and international.

    Throughout, we are counting on the leadership and vision of all of you to carry forward the spirit of collaboration and bold solutions.  By uniting public and private sector leaders, regulators and development banks, we can ensure that this conference is not an end, but rather a beginning.

    The beginning of a new era of action and collaboration on some of the most urgent issues facing our world today.  And a new dawn for how we finance development progress around the world.

    Thank you all for being part of this important effort. I hope that the joint participation of the public and private sectors can multiply the resources we have.

    Knowing that much more investment is needed in today’s world, but that there are mechanisms that allow available public funds to mobilize much more private financing and investment than today.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘Don’t Agonize — Organize, Help Realize Change Our World Urgently Needs’, Deputy Secretary-General Tells Sciences Po Graduating Class

    Source: United Nations 4

    Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s remarks at the graduation ceremony for the Paris School of International Affairs, Sciences Po, in Paris today:

    Let me begin with the most important word of all:  congratulations.

    You now join a long line of Sciences Po alumni who have shaped our world — including some of whom are doing it every day at the United Nations as they work in my office supporting the Secretary-General.

    Let’s also take a moment to recognize your families, friends and loved ones — who have been with you every step of the way.  They deserve a round of applause.

    Students representing more than 120 nationalities come here to learn how the world works, and how it can work better.  That spirit of global curiosity and purpose has also carried me through every chapter of my own journey:  designing schools and hospitals in my home country of Nigeria; advising four Presidents on poverty reduction, development policy planning and public sector reform; supporting Member States to lead the process that transformed global aspirations into the Sustainable Development Goals; and now as the longest-serving Deputy Secretary-General in United Nations history, supporting the Secretary-General on some of the most complex situations in our history, from COVID to Ukraine to Sudan and Gaza and today’s continuing crisis in the Middle East.

    Today, I want to reflect on the lessons I have learned along the way.

    First, don’t agonize, organize.  We live in a world of hurt.  A world that is messy, complicated and often overwhelming.  And I know it might be easy to feel paralysed by the scale and hopelessness of today’s challenges.  Don’t. Because more than ever, those challenges are connected — and we solve them by seeing those connections and coming together.

    When I served as Nigeria’s Minister for Environment, my job was never just about the environment.  When Lake Chad was drying up, it wasn’t just an ecological crisis — it was a security crisis.  Boko Haram was born and abducted 200 schoolgirls.  When we faced population and urban sprawl and tensions rose between farmers and herders, it wasn’t just about water access — it was about food systems and growing cities. When I met girls walking hours to fetch water, missing school every day — it wasn’t just about resources — it was about gender equality.

    We didn’t work in siloes.  We built coalitions across sectors — civil society, young people, traditional leaders, the private sector — to find real solutions.  We didn’t agonize, we organized.  And, yes, there’s plenty to agonize about today — especially when multilateralism is under attack and international cooperation is on the back foot. But I have seen what’s possible when we find common ground and forge ahead.

    Just look at the last two months at the UN.:  a landmark Pandemic Treaty approved at the World Health Organization; major new protections for our oceans at the World Ocean Conference in Nice; and from Paris, I head to Sevilla — where the world is coming together to commit to better finance sustainable development.

    So, when the problems seem larger than life, too tangled, too tough — don’t agonize.  Organize.  Mobilize.   And help realize the change our world so urgently needs. Remember you did not fail for want of trying.

    The second lesson — keep learning and delivering.

    Graduation isn’t the end of learning.  In many ways, it’s just the start of your lifelong journey.

    When I joined the UN, I was not steeped in the intricacies of international diplomacy.  Throughout my career, I have had to learn fast — and deliver even faster.  So will you.

    Even now, I am learning every day — about artificial intelligence (AI), about geothermal energy, space debris, biotechnology, cybersecurity.  You will face even more change, even faster, especially in the new era of super technologies.  Regardless of the task that is put in front of you, get ahead of it. Learn more.  Do more.  Show your stuff and deliver.  Performance opens doors.  Yes, some of life is luck and privilege.  But I guarantee:  the harder you work, the luckier you will get.

    Third, make hope your most powerful asset.  The world is a cynical place.  And international affairs is not for the faint of heart.  There will be setbacks and critics.  There will be many days when the problems seem too big, and the politics too small.  When anxieties grip you like a fever.  Just look around:  war in Ukraine, atrocities in Sudan, catastrophe in Gaza, climate chaos everywhere.

    But never forget, hope is not a four-letter word.  Hope is the courage to build when others are tearing down.  Hope is the decision to get up one more time, to negotiate one more deal, even when the odds are against you.

    I have sat with young girls who survived the worst horrors of war and sexual violence.  And in their eyes, I saw not just pain — but power.  The power to heal, to lead, to hope, to survive and thrive.

    Hope is not the absence of fear.  It is the refusal to be defined by it.  So, carry it with you.  Guard it fiercely.  Because hope is not just a feeling.  It’s a force.

    Fourth, hold onto your moral compass.

    Your degree will open doors.  But your integrity will tell you which ones are worth walking through.  And in today’s world — where the global moral compass is spinning — that clarity matters more than ever.

    We live in a world where military spending is soaring, while development budgets shrink.  Where fossil fuel subsidies dwarf investments in climate action.  Where conflict and hardship has forced more people from their homes than at any time since the Second World War.

    In this world, your role as changemakers is not just to make the right deals.  It is to draw the right lines.  There will be pressure to stay silent.  There will be moments when abandoning principles may seem an easier choice.  But integrity matters most.

    As Deputy Secretary-General, I have had to tell hard truths to powerful people. To remind leaders of the many promises they made — and the people they made them to.  It is never easy to challenge power.  But we don’t serve power.  We serve people.  And if we truly serve people, we must use our superpower and stand for justice, dignity and solidarity.

    As we mark Beijing+30, we cannot talk about a future and leave women and girls behind.  Gender equality is not charity.  It powers our agency.  And human rights.  And everyone wins when we leave no one behind.  But let’s be honest, we are not there yet.  So, to the men here today, I say:  don’t stand in the way.  Don’t walk ahead.  Walk with.  Stand with. And speak up.  For the other half of your society, women.

    The final lesson is this:  invest time in what truly sustains you.

    Your career will have highs and lows.  Plans change.  Titles come and go.  But what will carry you through are the people who know you beyond your résumé.  Friends, families, mentors, partners.  Protect those bonds.  Nurture them.  Because in the toughest moments, those relationships will remind you of who you are, why you started and why you must keep going.  So, no matter how far you go, or how fast — never lose sight of what, and who, matters most.

    Today, you are not just stepping into the world.  You are inheriting its unfinished business, and its boundless possibilities.  As I look out, I see the next generation of climate champions, human rights defenders and world class diplomats.  And I am filled with hope.  Whatever path you choose, walk it with courage and conviction.

    Congratulations, Class of 2025.  The world is waiting.  And I, for one, can’t wait to see what you will do.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister Carney speaks with President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, spoke with the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

    Prime Minister Carney and President el-Sisi underscored the economic and cultural ties between Canada and Egypt, and emphasized opportunities to deepen trade, commerce, and investment.

    The leaders discussed the situation in the Middle East and stressed the imperative of a ceasefire in Gaza. The Prime Minister reiterated that Hamas must release all hostages and have no future role in the governance of Gaza. He called for urgent, life-saving humanitarian aid to reach civilians and affirmed Canada’s support for a two-state solution.

    The Prime Minister and the President agreed to remain in contact.

    Associated Link

    MIL OSI Canada News –