NewzIntel.com

Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI China: Tech innovation key as foreign investors bet on China

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

    China’s surging technology innovation is rewriting the playbook for foreign investors, with the country’s booming tech sector having reshaped expectations regarding its long-term growth potential.

    The latest example came as Goldman Sachs unveiled a list of what it has identified as China’s Prominent 10, a move reminiscent of the Magnificent Seven, a group of high-performing and influential stocks in the U.S. tech sector.

    The top 10 Chinese stocks, most of which are affiliated with tech giants, are expected to significantly expand their share of China’s equity market over the coming two years.

    Among these 10 are internet behemoth Tencent, e-commerce giant Alibaba, smartphone maker Xiaomi, electric car manufacturer BYD, digital shopping platform Meituan and pharmaceutical company Hengrui.

    They “embody the theme of AI/Tech development, self-sufficiency, going global, services and new forms of consumption, and China’s improving shareholder returns,” according the investment bank’s research findings.

    Behind the stock picks spreadsheets of Wall Street economists lies a deeper recalibration, with those observers who once declared “peak China” now overhauling their models, and transitioning to a view which sees tech innovation as driving a new wave of substantial expansion in China.

    Last month, MSCI added five A-share stocks, including VeriSilicon, Baili-Pharm and APT Medical, to its China Index. These new constituents are mostly in tech and biotech sectors, reflecting global index compilers’ recognition of China’s economic transformation.

    Top global investors, including Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan, have turned bullish on China’s market — driven by global investor interest in Chinese equities due to the country’s AI push, led by DeepSeek. This month, notably, major investment banks have raised their growth forecasts for the Chinese economy.

    As of May 29, the Hang Seng Tech Index had surged over 40 percent year on year, outperforming major global tech indices. Of the top ten most actively traded Hong Kong stocks, seven are Hang Seng Tech constituents, with the three most active being Tencent, Alibaba and Xiaomi.

    China’s AI breakthroughs highlight its supply chain and innovation strengths, supported by a robust ecosystem of infrastructure, data, talent and energy, said Xing Ziqiang, Morgan Stanley’s chief economist for China.

    “China’s tech innovations are shifting from isolated breakthroughs to systematic integration, with many fields experiencing their ‘DeepSeek moment’ and some emerging tech firms achieving a global presence from the start,” said Wu Qing, head of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, at a forum in east China’s Shanghai on Wednesday.

    Additionally, tech stars like DeepSeek and Huawei weren’t included in Goldman Sachs’ stock picks only because they’re not publicly traded. Beyond these giants, many Chinese startups are rising to prominence. China now has more than 400 unicorn companies, nearly one-third of the global total.

    The country’s recent economic data also support such an outlook.

    Data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows that China’s high-tech manufacturing added value grew by 8.6 percent in May, outpacing the overall growth of large-scale industrial added value by 2.8 percentage points.

    Within this sector, production of 3D printing equipment, industrial robots and new energy vehicles increased by 40.0, 35.5 and 31.7 percent, respectively.

    China is not only the largest market but arguably also the world’s innovation hub, propelling cost efficiencies and next-gen robotics development, said a Morgan Stanley research note recently.

    “It is becoming apparent that national support for ’embodied AI’ may be far greater in China than in any other nation, driving continued innovation and capital formation,” said Zhong Sheng, Morgan Stanley’s head of industrials research.

    “The continuing AI and technology breakthroughs have rewritten the narrative and brightened the growth prospects” for China’s privately-owned enterprises, who also lead the charge of “China’s ‘Going Global’ ambition,” according to the Goldman Sachs report.

    This year, overseas demand for China’s AI-driven tech products has surged. Data from AliExpress reveals that during its March promotion, sales of AR/VR glasses, led by brands like XREAL and Rokid, had jumped 600 percent from the previous month.

    “Last year, our AR glasses’ overseas business accounted for nearly 70 percent of total sales, with overseas sales growing by 30 percent year on year,” said Zhang Longjie, global sales head of consumer-grade AR glasses firm XREAL.

    Despite global uncertainties, China’s high-tech product exports performed strongly in the first five months of 2025 — rising 6.1 percent year on year in U.S.-dollar terms, according to the General Administration of Customs data.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: West Australian miners flexed their muscle to block a federal EPA last year. Will it be different this time?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Diane Dowdell, PhD Candidate in Sustainable Mining, The University of Queensland

    CUHRIG/Getty

    This week, Environment Minister Murray Watt met with groups representing business, the environment, renewable energy and First Nations communities in a bid to restart Labor’s stalled environmental reforms. There was one group in the room Watt presumably had to woo hardest: Western Australia’s miners.

    Last year, the WA mining lobby mounted an ultimately successful campaign opposing proposed changes to national environment laws, and the plan to set up an environmental protection authority. State premier Roger Cook also lobbied Prime Minister Anthony Albanese directly.

    Watt has pledged to revive the reform process and on Thursday claimed a compromise could be reached. The existing laws, he said, are “not working for the environment, and they are not working for business”.

    Whether his efforts will be enough to overcome the scepticism of the mining industry remains to be seen. These companies have influence – and they will use it if they see new laws as a threat.

    The mining state

    The mining industry dominates WA economically, politically and socially. WA’s mining sector is substantially larger than the mining interests in any other Australian state. Underground lie huge reserves of iron ore, gas, gold, lithium and many other resources.

    The sector funnelled A$267 billion into the Australian economy in 2023–24 through salaries, royalties and taxes. About $60 billion directly flowed to Western Australians in wages and salaries.

    The leaders of WA mining companies see themselves, by and large, as doing economically vital work.

    I have interviewed many WA mining executives for my doctorate, which is currently underway. One clear common narrative emerged: they saw mining as a national good. They believed their companies brought wealth and prosperity to communities, built infrastructure, and funnelled money into state and federal treasuries.

    The justification is powerful. It underpins the way those in the industry see their work – and how they respond to any threat, perceived or otherwise.

    It also dates back over a century. The link between WA resources and prosperity originates from the 1890s WA gold rush, which transformed the fortunes of the state. This self image has been nurtured through successive resource booms, from gold to iron ore to natural gas and more gold.

    Many company executives see any duplication of environmental approvals as time-consuming, unproductive and economically damaging. A 2023 WA Chamber of Commerce and Industry report suggested “green tape” (approval delays) was threatening 40% of mining proposals in the pipeline.

    Miners and their political backers often frame the industry as environmentally positive, particularly for resources vital to the green energy transition such as lithium, rare earth elements and – more controversially – gas.

    Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King – who is West Australian – regularly draws this link. As she said in 2023:

    let me be clear, the global clean energy transition will need more mining, not less […] the road to net zero runs through the Australian resources sector.

    Mining is vital to Western Australia.
    Inc/Shutterstock

    Wielding influence

    WA miners are represented by well-organised and well-resourced lobbying bodies such as the Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA, the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies, and the Minerals Council of Australia.

    These groups maintain relationships with politicians at both state and federal levels, regardless of which party is in power.

    Broadly, their goals are to promote the continued expansion of resource projects (minerals, oil and gas) under conditions most advantageous to industry interests.

    Mining companies use these industry lobby groups to support or critique government policy and push for changes. They exert influence through targeted lobbying, close relationships with elected officials and political candidates, and direct engagement with federal processes.

    What happens when the sector sees a potential threat from policymakers in Canberra? Often, the mining companies unify against it.

    For example, WA miners were prominent in the 2010 campaign against efforts by the Rudd government to introduce a super profits tax on mining.

    Why WA miners oppose nature law reform

    A tax is one thing. But what did the WA miners see as the key problems in the environmental reforms?

    One issue was a perceived contradiction between the federal government’s intention to streamline developmental approvals and introduce a federal Environmental Protection Agency, while failing to deal with existing duplication between state and federal processes.

    The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies lobby group gave another reason in a submission to government: the proposed independence of the EPA would remove the discretionary power of the minister.

    Rather than an independent federal EPA, they pushed for a model similar to the WA version – the advice of which the minister can overrule. The group also warned the laws would impede the global competitiveness of the mining industry and hinder investment.

    The state government echoed these statements, calling the reforms an overreach that would stifle economic development.

    This alignment of government and industry messaging shows how closely their interests are intertwined.

    Premier Roger Cook leaves no ambiguity about this. Ahead of this year’s WA and federal elections, Cook warned the “latte sippers” over east:

    do not for a moment think that we will stand by idly and allow you to damage our economy because, ultimately, it will damage your standard of living.

    Is a deal possible?

    Across Australia, there is broad support for environmental law reform, because the current national laws are seen as not fit for purpose.

    Murray Watt came to the role of environment minister with a reputation as a fixer. The question now is, what will he trade to get the miners on side?

    The industry will be cautious and will insist on much more detail about any changes. It’s possible a deal could be struck. But we can expect to continue to see very strong pushback if Watt tries to expand federal powers into what is seen as state responsibilities.

    The industry will also expect greater federal resourcing for delivery of timely approvals. Nationally important industries don’t like to wait.

    Diane Dowdell is a PhD Candidate in the Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining (CSRM) within the Sustainable Minerals Institute at the University of Queensland. She was the recipient of an industry scholarship from Newcrest Mining for her PhD research. She works for SLR Consulting Pty Ltd. Diane is a fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) and the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ).

    – ref. West Australian miners flexed their muscle to block a federal EPA last year. Will it be different this time? – https://theconversation.com/west-australian-miners-flexed-their-muscle-to-block-a-federal-epa-last-year-will-it-be-different-this-time-257892

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Simon Birmingham appointed as ABA CEO

    Source: Premier of Victoria

    Former Federal Finance Minister and Senate Leader, The Hon. Simon Birmingham, will join the Australian Banking Association as Chief Executive Officer.

    ABA Chair and National Australia Bank CEO Andrew Irvine today announced Mr Birmingham’s appointment, replacing retiring CEO, The Hon. Anna Bligh AC.

    “We are delighted to have Simon lead our industry and help ensure Australian banks continue making the right decisions for customers and the broader economy,” Mr Irvine said.

    “He is a recognised leader who has had deep involvement in significant and long-lasting policy decisions and actions throughout his career that have helped to shape our country.

    “Simon’s ability to navigate difficult and complex environments, bringing together varied interests and perspectives, makes him ideal for this role. He will be a sensible, consistent and respected voice on behalf of the industry.”

    Mr Birmingham served in the Australian Parliament as a Liberal Senator for South Australia from 2007 to 2025. His roles included Minister for Finance, Leader of the Government in the Senate, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Minister for Education and Training and Manager of Government Business in the Senate. He was Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2022 until his retirement from the Senate.

    Prior to politics, he worked with the Winemakers’ Federation of Australia and the Australian Hotels Association. He is currently ANZ’s Head of Asia Pacific Engagement and Chairman, South Australia. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Adelaide.

    “I thank the ABA board for their vote of confidence in my ability to lead this industry. As the ABA CEO I will always put trust in Australia’s banking system first, pursue a competitive regulatory environment, and work to ensure innovation in banking strengthens Australia’s financial interests. I also want to acknowledge ANZ for their support and encouragement through this process,” Mr Birmingham said.

    “Banks are central to our economy, essential to businesses of all sizes and entrusted by Australians with their personal financial wellbeing. From trade and capital flows from large and international banks, to the choice offered by smaller banks, regional banks and customer-owned organisations, a strong, healthy, customer-focused financial services sector is vital for all Australians.”

    Mr Birmingham will start on 18 August. Ms Bligh, who announced in February that she would retire after eight years as ABA CEO, will finish on 22 August.

    “Anna has had a remarkable and lasting impact on this industry and how we look after our customers,” Mr Irvine said. We are enormously grateful for her time advocating for customers, particularly the disadvantaged, across financial services.”

    For more information, visit the ABA’s website here.

    Contact:  Mark Alexander, National Australia Bank (as ABA Chair bank), 0412 171 447

    Topics

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    Media Enquiries

    For all media enquiries, please contact the NAB Media Line on 03 7035 5015

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Global survey finds 8 out of 10 people support taxing oil and gas corporations to pay for climate damages

    Source: Oxfam Aotearoa

    A majority of people believe governments must tax oil, gas and coal corporations for climate-related loss and damage, and that their government is not doing enough to counter the influence on politics of the super-rich and polluting industries. These are the key findings of a global survey, which reflects broad consensus across political affiliations, income levels and age groups. Today’s study, which was jointly commissioned by Greenpeace International and Oxfam International, was launched at the Bonn UN climate meetings (SB62 16-26 June), where governments are discussing key climate policy priorities, including ways to mobilize at least US $1.3 trillion annually in climate finance for Global South countries by 2035. The poll was conducted across 13 countries, including most G7 countries. The study, run by Dynata, comes with additional research by Oxfam showing that a polluter profits tax on 590 oil, gas and coal companies could raise up to US $400 billion in its first year. This is equivalent to the estimated annual costs of climate damage in the Global South. Loss and damage costs from climate change to the Global South are estimated to reach between $290bn to $580bn annually by 2030.
    Key findings of the survey include:
    • 81% of people surveyed support new taxes on the oil, coal and gas industry to pay for damages caused by fossil-fuel driven climate disasters like storms, floods, droughts and wildfires.
    • 86% of people in surveyed countries support channelling revenues from higher taxes on oil and gas corporations towards communities who are most impacted by the climate crisis. Climate change is disproportionately hitting people in Global South countries, who are historically least responsible for greenhouse gas emissions.
    • When asked who should be taxed to pay for helping survivors of fossil-fuel driven climate disasters, 66% of people across countries surveyed think it should be oil and gas companies compared to than 5% who support taxes on working people, 9% on goods people buy, and 20% in favour of business taxes.
    • 68% felt that the fossil fuel industry and the super-rich had a negative influence on politics in their country. 77% say they would be more willing to support a political candidate who prioritises taxing the super-rich and the fossil fuel industry. 
    Oxfam’s research finds that 585 of the world’s largest and most polluting fossil fuel companies made $583 billion in profits in 2024, a 68% increase since 2019. The annual emissions of 340 of these corporations (for whom data was available) accounted for over half of global greenhouse gas emissions caused by humans. Their emissions in just one year are enough to cause 2.7 million heat-related deaths over the next century. A polluter profits tax on these companies would ensure that renewable energy is more profitable than fossil fuels, encouraging companies to invest in renewables, as well as avoid more deaths driven by fossil fuelled climate change. This new tax must be accompanied by higher taxes on the super-rich and other polluting companies. Governments should impose such taxes nationally and engage positively at the UN to ensure a fair global tax agreement.
    Nick Henry, Climate Justice Lead for Oxfam Aotearoa, said: “This new poll shows that people support Oxfam’s call for our leaders to make polluting corporations pay for the damage they cause to our climate.”
    “People understand that storms, floods, drought, wildfires, and other extreme weather events are being fuelled by oil and gas corporations. Instead of leaving communities exposed to deal with these devastating costs alone, governments can unlock huge sums of money to invest in climate solutions through making dirty energy companies pay,” said Rebecca Newsom, Global Political Lead for Greenpeace’s Stop Drilling, Start Paying campaign. “The Polluters Pay Pact unites communities on the frontlines of climate disasters, concerned citizens, first responders like firefighters and humanitarian groups around the world to call on politicians to act now through making polluters, not people, pay for climate damages.”  
    Amitabh Behar, Executive Director of Oxfam International, said: “Mega-rich coal, oil and gas companies have known for decades about the damage their polluting products wreak on humanity. Corporations continue to cash in on climate devastation, and their profiteering destroys the lives and livelihoods of millions of women, men and children, predominantly those in the Global South who have done the least to cause the climate crisis. Governments must listen to their people and hold rich polluters responsible for their damages. A new tax on polluting industries could provide immediate and significant support to climate-vulnerable countries and finally incentivise investment in renewables and a just transition.”
    Nick Henry continued: “Rather than subsidising new oil and gas drilling, and fast-tracking coal mines, our Government should be holding fossil fuel companies responsible for the costs facing our communities to adapt to climate change.”
    NOTES:
    • The research was conducted by market research company Dynata in May-June, 2025, in Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Kenya, Italy, India, Mexico, the Philippines, South Africa, Spain, the UK and the US. Together, these countries represent close to half the world’s population. Results available here.
    • Oxfam’s polluter profits tax model is explained in this blog and methodology note attached. The methodology note also explains the basis for the emissions of fossil fuel companies and their impacts on heat-related deaths. These deaths were calculated on the basis of emissions in 2023. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Africa – From natural resources to natural capital: Africa charts path to prosperity in Nairobi

    Source: Global Landscapes Forum (GLF)

    GLF Africa 2025 gathered nearly 2,500 people online and in Nairobi, Kenya, to explore and learn from experts how communities and ecosystems across the continent can thrive under a nature economy.  

    Nairobi, Kenya (19 June 2025) – Today, GLF Africa 2025: Innovate, Restore, Prosper – hosted by the Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) and CIFOR-ICRAF – brought together nearly 2,500 participants from 118 countries online and in Nairobi, Kenya, to explore how local communities are spearheading a green transition across Africa.  

    The Forum, which has reached over 9 million people on social media, convened African and global innovators, scientists, investors and community leaders to raise their voices, share insights and spotlight how grassroots action is leading the way – from ecosystem restoration, land rights and diverse knowledge systems to green jobs, natural capital and AI.  

    Here’s what experts shared at GLF Africa 2025:

    Innovation and AI for people and planet

    “When raw data is given meaning, it becomes information. When information is put into context, it becomes knowledge. And when knowledge becomes actionable and applied, only then does it become wisdom. That is the work we all need to do – to move into wisdom territory. To turn data into gold. Africa already has immense natural capital. It’s our responsibility to bring intelligence, meaning and context towards a nature economy.” – Éliane Ubalijoro, CEO, CIFOR-ICRAF.

    “AI technology is going to help us only when we include the farmer not just as the end user but as a co-creator in our solutions. … Leveraging what people know is one way we can find better fitting solutions for them.” – Esther Maina, Geospatial Developer, Kenya Space Agency.

    “Data and AI play a pivotal role in unlocking some of those insights that we’ve never had access to before, bringing a level of transparency that can restore trust in our ecosystem. Data creates transparency, transparency creates trust, and trust accelerates investments. It will only work, though, if we really start treating our natural capital as a core economic driver … with the potential to unlock trillions in capital.” – Kate Kallot, Founder & CEO, Amini AI

    Restoring and reclaiming Africa’s landscapes  

    “Land rights are the foundation for Africa’s nature economy. How can we make sure that Africa’s relationship with the West or the private sector is based on a win-win situation? We all know that the West has the technology, but we have the resources, so that should put Africa in a very powerful bargaining position.” – Solange Bandiaky-Badji, President, Rights and Resources Group (RRG), Coordinator, Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI)

    “Indigenous people, particularly those on drylands – they have been living their life for generations, overcoming challenges and uncertainties just with the simple knowledge of understanding the environment.” – Joshua Laizer, Co-founder, Tanzania Conservation and Community Empowerment Initiative (TACCEI) and GLFx Maasai Steppe

    “We need to create enabling ecosystems that support people to do more restoration and tap into nature-based economies, because policies without people is just poetry.” – Melyn Abisa, INUKA Project coordinator, Youth4Nature

    Prosperity through working with nature

    “We [need to] give value to our biomass … that helps keep natural capital in the right state. The current model that we operate in the restoration community is only capturing and valuing 6–10% of the biomass. It’s largely based around commodities and non-timber forest products: coffee, cashew, macadamia, timber. We export everything raw.” – Peter Minang, Director for Africa, CIFOR-ICRAF.

    “We need a shift from aid to investment-centered development. Africa is home to $6.5 trillion in natural resources, a population that is about to reach 2.5 billion by 2050 and 60% of the world’s renewable energy potential. This is not a charity case. This is a compelling investment case that the world cannot afford to ignore.” – Sellah Bogonko, Co-Founder and CEO, Jacob’s Ladder Africa.

    “Africa’s nature economy has the potential to sustain ourselves, so there’s no need for us to heavily rely on foreign aid. We are our own resource” – Steve Misati, Director at Youth Pawa and 2024 Ocean Restoration Steward.

    FIGURES

    Over 60% of Africa’s economy relies on its natural capital – from forests and biodiversity to water and land.    
    Investing in restoration and sustainable landscape practices could deliver major ecological, social and financial returns, with up to 600% returns on investment.
    Up to 70% of communities in Sub-Saharan Africa rely on forests and woodlands for their livelihoods.
    65% of Africa’s productive landscapes are degraded, driven largely by the climate crisis, insecure land rights and underfunded restoration initiatives.
    Africa’s demands for food, shelter and jobs will increase as its population is expected to grow from 1.5 billion to 2.5 billion by 2050.

    Rewatch GLF Africa 2025 for free and learn first-hand what all experts shared: bit.ly/GLFAfrica2025.

    ABOUT THE GLF

    The Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) is the world’s largest knowledge-led platform on integrated land use, connecting people with a shared vision to create productive, profitable, equitable and resilient landscapes. It is led by the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), in collaboration with its co-founders UNEP and the World Bank, and its charter members. Learn more at www.globallandscapesforum.org.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hong Kong becoming more attractive as int’l financial center: spokesperson

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

    BEIJING, June 19 — Hong Kong is becoming more attractive as an international financial center, and it is drawing more foreign companies and individuals to make investments and start new businesses, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

    Spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks at a regular news briefing when asked to comment on Hong Kong’s rise in the rankings in the 2025 IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook, released recently by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne, Switzerland.

    The yearbook said Hong Kong advances to the third position in the global competitiveness rankings. This is the first time Hong Kong has returned to top three in the rankings since 2019. The yearbook also puts Hong Kong at the first in the Tax Policy and Business Legislation rankings.

    “The yearbook is a recognition of Hong Kong’s unique position and strength, and the prospect of ‘one country, two systems.’ Hong Kong has entered a stage where it is set to thrive,” Guo said, adding that Hong Kong remains one of the world’s freest economies and most competitive regions.

    According to statistics, the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) gained No.1 spot in global fundraising in the first half of this year, with a total amount of 14 billion U.S. dollars. The number of overseas visitors received by Hong Kong in the first five months of this year rose by 18 percent year on year, and a number of large international companies have redomiciled to Hong Kong, Guo said.

    “Those are votes of confidence for Hong Kong from the international community,” he said.

    Noting the Hong Kong national security law will soon enter its fifth year of implementation, Guo said China believes that with the institutional safeguards of “one country, two systems,” and given Hong Kong’s unique advantage of having the backing of the motherland and being connected to the world as well as a secure environment for high-quality development, Hong Kong is headed to an even brighter future.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £750,000 to break down barriers and get more young people into aviation jobs

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    £750,000 to break down barriers and get more young people into aviation jobs

    Organisations have until 12 September 2025 to apply for the latest Reach for the Sky Challenge fund.

    • new funding will break down barriers and help young people from disadvantaged backgrounds into aviation careers
    • this brings the Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund to over £3 million: helping to secure the pilots, engineers and aviation professionals of the future
    • this funding will further turbocharge the £20 billion air transport and aerospace sector, supporting its 240,000 UK jobs and delivering growth through our Plan for Change

    The next generation of pilots and engineers will benefit from new £750,000 funding to inspire them, support them into jobs and break down barriers to the sector.

    Organisations can, from today (20 June 2025), apply for the latest Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund to help deliver aviation outreach programmes targeting disadvantaged young people, including those from ethnic minorities, who may not have considered a career in the sector before.  

    Now on its fourth round, Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund has already delivered £2.5 million to 40 organisations and has reached over 100,000 young people across the country.

    Funding can be used to deliver a range of programmes from career events, mentorship schemes, interactive demonstrations and educational initiatives with schools and universities.  

    This builds on the government’s promise to secure the long-term success of aviation by growing the workforce of the future. It will also break down the barriers which prevent people from joining the industry, including limited access to education, financial constraints and lack of exposure to career options.

    To launch the funding, Aviation Minister Mike Kane visited a careers workshop being held by current funding recipients, The King’s Trust, in a Liverpool youth centre. Young adults, ranging from 16 to 30, met aviation specialists, learning about the job opportunities locally in the industry and how to apply. They also took part in employability workshops focused on developing the practical skills needed for work.

    Aviation Minister, Mike Kane, said:

    This is exactly what this government is all about – breaking down barriers to opportunity so that everyone, no matter their background, has a decent shot at getting a good career and building a good life. 

    This funding will enable organisations like The King’s Trust to reach out to disadvantaged kids and support them into careers in aviation.  

    It also delivers on our promise to help the sector grow, by delivering the pilots, engineers and technicians of the future, boosting jobs and growth across the country as part of the Plan for Change.

    Such DfT-funded schemes have already supported over 100,000 young adults across the country to consider joining the industry.

    Aspiring aerospace engineer James, 24, from Bath, has struggled to find work since finishing school. Challenges with his mental health impacted his studies and confidence, and he left without the qualifications he wanted. 

    After completing a King’s Trust ‘Get Ready with Aviation’ programme last November, he successfully applied to study science, engineering and maths at Bristol University and starts in September.

    James said:

    Before the programme, I felt lost and uncertain about my future. I’d always been interested in space, but didn’t know where to start or what my options were. It felt out of reach. The programme helped me realise that working in the industry is possible and inspired me to apply for university and pursue my dream.

    Applications for the fund are now open until 12 September 2025 and applications will be reviewed by a joint panel of  DfT and UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) , which administers the fund on DfT’s behalf.

    Sophie Jones, STEM Sponsor at the CAA, said:

    As the aviation regulator, we are dedicated to inspiring the next generation who will take the sector forward.

    The Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund helps reach people making the first step.

    By reaching and empowering diverse communities and creating a lasting impact, we are inspiring young people across the UK to explore exciting careers in aviation.

    Julia Beaumont, Chief Technology and Programmes Officer at The King’s Trust, said:

    During the past 2 years, this funding has been vital in raising awareness of the job opportunities available for young people in the aviation industry, alongside equipping them with the confidence and skills to pursue these roles.  

    With a rapidly changing jobs market, supporting this generation to overcome the barriers they face in accessing these opportunities is crucial, not only benefiting them, but also their local communities and economy.

    Jeni Trice, CEO and Chief Coding Adventurer at Get with the Program, said:

    We’re already so pleased by the fantastic impact of our 2024 Reach for the Sky grant, which is helping us inspire 18,000 children aged 5 to 8 to become the aerospace tech innovators of the future.

    We know that higher aspirations, skills development, and social mobility opportunities are all vital for the UK’s future economic success and through this grant funding, we’ve been able to deliver initiatives, such as our ‘Moon Landing Coding Adventure’, which exposes children to exciting STEM careers in aerospace.

    Mariya Tarabanovska, Founder of Flight Crowd and DfT Aviation Ambassador, said:

    Thanks to this funding, Flight Crowd has connected the next generation of talent with the fast-evolving Future Flight sector — delivering outreach, mentoring, 1:1 career support and industry insights that have empowered over 400 students to shape the skies of tomorrow.

    As a 2-time recipient and DfT Aviation Ambassador, I know how vital it is to invest in our future workforce. This is an unmissable opportunity for organisations to create real, lasting impact.

    Aviation, Europe and technology media enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777 878

    Switchboard 0300 330 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Many elite athletes live below the poverty line. Tax-deductible donations won’t solve the problem

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle O’Shea, Senior Lecturer, School of Business, Western Sydney University

    Australia’s Jaclyn Narracott competes in the women’s skeleton at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. Joe Klamar/AFP via Getty Images

    As the end of the 2024-25 financial year nears, the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), in partnership with the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF), has launched a new joint fundraising initiative allowing Australians to make tax-deductible donations directly to Australia’s Olympians and Paralympians.

    The ASF is an “Item 1” Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) and is the only organisation in Australia that allows a donor to claim a tax deduction for philanthropic donations to sport.

    This is because sport is not currently eligible for either DGR or charitable status under Australian law.

    But is this new joint fundraising initiative a gold medal idea for our athletes, or one that falls short of a podium finish?

    Aussies tax payers and Olympic dreams

    The new initiative, named the “Aspiring Australian Olympian Funding program”, means individual donations of A$2 or more made through the ASF are tax-deductible.

    Australians can direct funds to a specific athlete, coach or official selected to participate in representative, elite or high performance sport in the Olympic/Paralympic program (summer and winter).

    Depending on the donor’s marginal tax rate, the effective cost of a donation may be reduced up to 62% for the highest earners (over $250,000).

    For instance, a $1,000 donation could yield a tax refund of up to $470, bringing the net cost down to just $530.

    Companies paying the full company tax rate that donate $1,000 would reduce their tax by $300 (30%).

    Ahead of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, more than 30 Australian athletes (from disciplines such as alpine skiing, bobsleigh and figure skating) have signed up to use the platform.

    However, many Australian athletes are struggling financially, so more financial support is needed.

    The brutal reality for many athletes

    The ASF’s 2023 “Running on Empty” report found many of Australia’s elite athletes were under significant financial pressure: 46% of those over the age of 18 were earning less than $23,000 per year. This places them below the poverty line at $489 a week.

    The report also found 67% of elite athletes said their financial struggles affected their parents and support networks. Also, 42% of elite athletes aged 18-34 reported they were suffering poor mental health as a result of their financial predicament.

    The report also found the costs of training, equipment, travel and accommodation continued to rise, resulting in many questioning the sustainability of elite sport funding models both here and abroad.

    Pros and cons

    The new funding program’s use of tax incentives as a funding carrot is good in principle, but there are potential unintended consequences.

    This includes athletes being pitted against one another: there is a danger the athletes best skilled in marketing and public relations will receive more funding.

    The current economic climate doesn’t bode well for the program. Many Australians are facing cost-of-living pressures, which means a lot of people may not be able to donate even if they want to.

    Also, what happens if an athlete who benefits from the program is injured or found to be a drug cheat, and can’t compete? Can a donor request a refund?

    Finally, taxpayers who have the most capacity to donate are likely high income earners, some of whom may donate to sport entities already. Now, their donations will be subsidised by the tax system.

    Some alternative ideas

    In the United Kingdom, National Lottery revenue plays a significant role in funding Olympic and Paralympic sports. Administered by UK Sport (the UK’s equivalent of the ASC) funds from the lottery are directed to high performance sports programs and athletes.

    This approach could be replicated in Australia.

    Another idea is to redirect a portion of government taxes collected from sports betting, which could be lucrative given Australia’s love of sports gambling.



    Read more:
    Gambling in Australia: how bad is the problem, who gets harmed most and where may we be heading?

    The federal government could offer a further incentive by matching peoples’ donations dollar for dollar.

    As we direct funds to athletes, we need also think about the potential tax impact for them. Will the funds they receive be considered income and be taxed? The government could consider making the payment to the athlete tax free.

    If we are going to succeed on the world stage, especially as the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games approach, we need to financially support our athletes so they can focus on representing their country.

    Michelle O’Shea receives funding from the Olympic Studies Centre.

    Connie Vitale receives funding from the federal government as part of the National Tax Clinic Program. She is affiliated with the Institute of Public Accountants and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

    Robert B Whait receives funding from the federal government as part of the National Tax Clinic Program, Financial Literacy Australia (now Ecstra Foundation), ANZ Bank, and the Consumer Policy Research Centre (CPRC). He is affiliated with the Tax Institute of Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

    – ref. Many elite athletes live below the poverty line. Tax-deductible donations won’t solve the problem – https://theconversation.com/many-elite-athletes-live-below-the-poverty-line-tax-deductible-donations-wont-solve-the-problem-258914

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: WHO – Global Leaders Unite to Accelerate Cervical Cancer Elimination Efforts

    Source: World Health Organization (WHO)

    New commitments at Bali Forum drive momentum to save hundreds of thousands of girls and women from cancer

    BALI, Indonesia, 19 June 2025 – Governments, donors, multilateral institutions, the private sector, and partners today announced significant policy, programmatic, and financial commitments to eliminate one of the most preventable cancers.

    At the 2nd Global Cervical Cancer Elimination Forum, hosted in Bali, Indonesia, on 17-19 June, leaders announced a wave of new investments and policy pledges to expand access to HPV vaccination, screening, and treatment – bringing the world closer to making cervical cancer the first cancer to ever be eliminated.  

    The Forum is attended by more than 300 participants, among them are high-level delegates, such as Ministers of Health from Fiji, Indonesia, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Timor-Leste, and Vanuatu, as well as Vice Ministers from Costa Rica, Paraguay, and South Africa, demonstrating strong political commitment from countries across regions.

    The Global Strategy for the elimination of cervical cancer sets clear targets for 2030: 90% of girls fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by age 15; 70% of women screened with a high-performance test by age 35 and again at 45; and 90% of women identified with cervical disease receiving appropriate treatment. Progress across all three pillars is essential to achieve and sustain elimination.

    “In 2018, WHO issued a global call for action to eliminate cervical cancer on the world to act, and the commitments made here in Indonesia show that call is being answered,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “But we must go further and faster. Every girl who remains unvaccinated and every woman who lacks access to screening or treatment is a reminder that equity must be at the heart of our elimination strategy. Together, we can consign cervical cancer to the history books.”

    Despite being preventable, cervical cancer still claims the life of a woman every two minutes – 94% of them in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Less than five per cent of women in many LMICs receive cervical cancer screening due to health system limitations, cost barriers and logistical challenges.  

    Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) – the leading cause of cervical cancer – can prevent the vast majority of cases, averting 17.4 deaths for every 1000 girls vaccinated. Combined with screening and treatment—including for precancerous lesions and invasive cancer— it provides a path to elimination. However, as of 2024 only 46 per cent of low-income countries have introduced HPV vaccination nationally, compared to 98 per cent of high-income nations.

    The Bali forum builds on momentum from Cartagena, Colombia, where nearly US$ 600 million was committed last year to scale up efforts. 194 countries have adopted WHO’s global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer and 75 countries globally

    have adopted the single-dose HPV vaccine, which expands access to the vaccine to even more girls and saves costs. Vaccination coverage is also improving: in Africa, first dose coverage rose from 28% in 2022 to 40% in 2023 – making it the region with the second-highest rate globally and empowering millions of girls to protect their health and realize their potential. There is increased vaccine supply thanks to market shaping efforts by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and updated recommendations are helping to make cervical cancer screening and treatment more affordable.

    The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia continues to accelerate the national HPV vaccination program to reduce mortality rates from cervical cancer. Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin emphasized the urgency of this initiative, as cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of death among women in Indonesia.

    To address this issue, the Ministry of Health is not only expanding free HPV vaccination coverage for school-age girls but also strengthening early detection programs for cervical cancer through DNA HPV test and co-testing with IVA (Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid) at health-care facilities. Additionally, the ministry is collaborating with various stakeholders, including local governments and community organizations, to enhance public education and awareness about the importance of early prevention.

    “We cannot rely solely on treatment. Prevention is far more important. Therefore, in addition to HPV vaccination, we strongly encourage regular screening so that cancer can be detected at an early stage before it progresses,” said Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin.

    Early detection significantly increases the chances of recovery and reduces treatment cost. For this reason, combining screening and vaccination is essential for effectively preventing and tackling cervical cancer.

    Alongside gains in vaccination, countries are also reporting progress in expanding access to cervical cancer screening and treatment, aligned with WHO recommendations. Innovations such as self-sampling are improving reach and feasibility, especially in low-resource settings. Many countries are scaling up national screening programmes and investing in treatment services to ensure that women who test positive receive timely and appropriate care.

    This growing global push, driven by renewed commitments from governments and partners at the Forum shows that it is possible to reverse the tide and prevent annual deaths from rising to over 410 000 by 2030, as currently estimated.

    To sustain and accelerate this momentum, donors committed to a future free from cervical cancer are strongly urged to fully fund Gavi, which aims to vaccinate an additional 120 million girls between 2026-2030, saving 1.5 million lives.

    “At its heart, this movement is about justice. It’s about ensuring that every girl and every woman, regardless of where she lives or what she earns, has access to basic, lifesaving care,” said Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. “As we build these services, we are not just preventing cancer, we are strengthening the bond between women and the health system. We are breaking down barriers. We are dismantling stigma. We are advancing the broader agenda for women’s health. Let us act now—so that every woman, everywhere, can live a healthy, dignified life.”

    Continued support is also essential for the coordinated efforts of governments, and global partners across the full elimination strategy to help bring us closer to a world where no girl or woman dies from a disease that there is the power to eliminate. Further, the forum calls countries to set ambitious national targets, align with global commitments, and strengthen collective action toward a cervical cancer-free world by 2030 through the Bali Declaration to Reaffirm Commitment to Cervical Cancer Elimination.

    Notes:

    Country commitments made at the forum include:

    Government of Indonesia

    Indonesia stands unwavering in its mission to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030, ensuring that every woman, regardless of socioeconomic status, can live free from its threat. With an ambitious national 90-75-90 target, Indonesia is scaling up its efforts and setting a precedent for bold, decisive action.

    Recognizing that elimination requires sustained commitment, Indonesia is mobilizing all sectors through evidence-based programming, strong local leadership, and dynamic multi-stakeholder collaboration. We are prioritizing substantial investments in the health system and fortifying the key pillars of progress—governance, financial sustainability, and social outreach—to drive real change.

    With the National Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan 2023–2030 launch, Indonesia has solidified a comprehensive partnership ecosystem spanning ministries, local governments, civil society, communities, and international development partners. Significant strides have been made across the three elimination pillars: vaccination, screening, and treatment. To accelerate our impact, Indonesia is advancing the following commitments:

    1. HPV Vaccination – Reaching Every Girl, Every Woman

    By the end of 2025, Indonesia will transition to a single-dose HPV vaccination schedule, deploying both school-based and community-based platforms to ensure 90% coverage of HPV vaccination among girls and women in all target groups by 2030.

    2. Cervical Cancer Screening – Scaling Up and Innovating

    Indonesia is dramatically expanding its screening efforts to reach 75% of women aged 30–69 by 2030, using high-performance HPV DNA testing—a globally recognized best practice. Nationwide pilots are already underway, with full-scale adoption targeted by the end of 2025.

    3. Treatment and Care – Strengthening Access and Innovation

    Indonesia is fortifying its health system by closing diagnostic and treatment services gaps. Key advancements include accelerated procurement of essential diagnostic tools and treatment equipment and expanded access to chemotherapy, immunohistochemistry testing, and cryotherapy across all regions. Additionally, we are upskilling our healthcare workforce to ensure expertise in the latest treatment techniques.

    As we move forward, Indonesia is embedding cervical cancer elimination within its broader National Cancer Control Plan 2025–2034, driving continuous monitoring, research, and evidence-based policy refinement to guarantee universal access to preventive and curative services.

    Indonesia is fully committed to accelerating progress, ensuring that every woman across the country has access to the services needed for cervical cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. At this pivotal global forum, Indonesia with the participants of the forum urge countries to set ambitious national targets, align with global commitments, and strengthen collective action toward a cervical cancer-free world by 2030 through the adoption of Bali Declaration to Reaffirm Commitment to Cervical Cancer Elimination.

     

    Other Government commitments

    Government of Pakistan

    The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination reaffirms Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to cervical cancer elimination, aligning with the WHO’s 2030 targets. With over 5,000 new cases and 3,000 deaths annually, cervical cancer is a public health challenge in Pakistan. We are prioritizing a comprehensive strategy focusing on HPV vaccination for adolescent girls starting in 2025, alongside strengthening screening programs and ensuring timely treatment access.

    Our goal is to achieve a future where no woman in Pakistan loses her life to this preventable disease.

    Government of Papua New Guinea

    Papua New Guinea has committed to eliminate cervical cancer from the country. Integrated cervical cancer screening and treatment has been scaled up and the country plans to introduce HPV vaccine nationally in 2026.

    Government of Samoa

    Samoa has made major strides:

    Over 80% HPV vaccination coverage among girls aged 10–18, supported by ADB and UNICEF.
    Our first Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy was developed in 2023 with UNFPA support.
    The National Cancer Policy and Action Plan (2024–2029) was approved by our government last December and was funded with Australian assistance.

     

    Our approach integrates screening into primary care, uses mobile outreach, and embeds community engagement through the Fa’asamoa and “Healthy Islands” principles.

    We recognise the challenges—limited resources and workforce—but we remain committed to combining prevention, screening, and partnerships to achieve our goals.

    This program is about equity, hope, and action. Every woman in Samoa deserves access to life-saving care. As a Pacific nation and proud Commonwealth member, we are determined to lead by example.

    Together, we will eliminate cervical cancer and save lives.
    Thank you for the assistance from our Development Partners and the Global Community.

    Co-host commitments

    Gates Foundation

    The Gates Foundation is committed to protecting the next generation of women from cervical cancer by increasing equitable, sustainable access to HPV vaccines in low- and middle-income countries and we are proud to support Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and countries in the ongoing work to accelerate the introduction and scale-up of HPV vaccines.

    We continue in our commitment that supports research on new prophylactic HPV vaccines, further studies investigating the durability of protection of single-dose vaccination, and tools to help countries better understand how vaccines might be used beyond current target populations. And we remain dedicated to our partnerships with governments, non-governmental organizations, multilateral organizations, and the private sector. Working together, we can eliminate cervical cancer.  

    Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

    Gavi reaffirms its commitment to the Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative by supporting lower- and middle-income countries to introduce, finance and scale up coverage of HPV vaccines to drive equitable and sustainable access.

     In partnership with countries and Alliance partners, Gavi is on track to reach its ambitious goal of protecting 86 million girls with the lifesaving HPV vaccine by the end of 2025. To date, we have supported 45 countries to introduce the HPV vaccine to their routine systems. This effort is expected to prevent more than 1.4 million future deaths from cervical cancer and represents a major step forward in advancing health equity.

    In Gavi’s next strategic period 2026–2030, Gavi aims to intensify its efforts by reaching over 120 million additional girls with the HPV vaccine- an initiative that could save 1.5 million more lives. Achieving this goal will depend on a fully funded Gavi for the next strategic period. Gavi’s investment in HPV vaccination programmes provides a strong foundation for elimination initiatives across the pillars of WHO’s Global Strategy for Cervical Cancer Elimination.

    Investing in the health of women and girls is essential to unlocking their full potential and building a healthier, more equitable future for all.

    UNICEF

    At the 2024 Forum, UNICEF announced an investment of USD 10 million towards the HPV vaccine programme (the HPV Plus initiative). Through the HPV Plus initiative and other investments and partnerships, UNICEF supported the vaccination of over 20 million girls across the 21 HPV Plus implementing countries. Importantly, UNICEF forged strong multi-sectoral engagements and partnerships, working directly with over 250,000 stakeholders in the 21 countries to ensure access for key integrated adolescent health services including nutrition, sexual and reproductive health, HIV/AIDs, menstrual hygiene management, and related services to over 490,000 girls – in addition to receiving the HPV vaccine.  

     

    In UNICEF’s next strategic plan for 2026-2029 we commit to supporting vaccination of 100 million girls with the HPV vaccine. UNICEF will continue to leverage its programmatic and multi-sectoral footprint to advance effective initiatives including integrated HPV vaccination and adolescent health services and strengthening effective delivery platforms including school-based vaccination.  We will also continue to generate and share evidence to help build stronger immunization and health programmes that advance the wellbeing of adolescent girls.

     

    UNICEF will also leverage its Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) program alongside its cervical cancer diagnostic toolkit to shape markets and to create linkages for the screening and treatment pillars of the cervical cancer elimination strategy. Through key programmatic touchpoints, we will raise awareness among country stakeholders and partners about effective screening and treatment options, while providing technical support where feasible.

    Unitaid

    Unitaid has been a leading investor in the secondary prevention of cervical cancer for over six years and ever since the WHO launched the call to action in 2018. This long-standing engagement reflects Unitaid’s dedication to closing the prevention gap for millions of women worldwide who are not eligible for or able to access the HPV vaccination.

    Building on this foundation, Unitaid will invest an additional US$50 million over the next two years to accelerate access to screening and pre-cancer treatment, resulting in a cumulative commitment now reaching US$130 million. This includes an immediate US$18 million investment to directly support 18 countries across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean in establishing and scaling national programs. These efforts will prioritize the rapid uptake of HPV testing and pre-cancer treatment devices, decentralized screening models to reach underserved populations, and the integration of services into health systems in ways that are both sustainable and cost-effective.

    In addition to country-level support, Unitaid will strengthen regional mechanisms that benefit a broader set of countries. This includes expanding supply options to improve access to affordable commodities and fostering South-South learning structures that promote local innovation and experience sharing. Through these efforts, Unitaid aims to help countries accelerate progress toward their national cervical cancer elimination goals and contribute meaningfully to the global 90-70-90 targets.

    Civil Society Organisations

    African Cervical Health Alliance (ACHA)

    As a network of grassroots civil society organisations, activists and allies committed to advancing the health and wellbeing of African women, thus safeguarding the fabric of our communities, and nations, the African Cervical Health Alliance (ACHA) remains committed to using our knowledge of the community, our collective voices, experiences, and skills as cervical cancer survivors, caregivers and allies, in our advocacy with and for our women and girls, in the achievement of the WHO 90/70/90 targets by 2030.

    ACHA will continue scaling up the use of our evidence based, customisable IEC materials to reach at least 150,000 adolescent girls, women, parents, and community leaders across underserved communities with culturally appropriate and age-specific messages about HPV, the importance of HPV vaccination for all eligible girls, routine cervical cancer screening and access to treatment.

    We will also continue to advocate for increased HPV vaccine uptake by integrating cervical health messages into at least 100 advocacy and community engagement activities annually with key populations, including but not limited to school health programs, youth forums, and faith-based initiatives.

    We are also committed to supporting government-led efforts in our respective member countries, through technical input, stakeholder engagement, and community mobilization to adopt WHO’s recommendation for single-dose HPV vaccine schedule for our girls, and to expand access to high performance screening tests for all women, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas.

    We stand firm in our commitment to building the advocacy capacity of grassroots champions and cancer survivors, by training at least 200 advocates by June 2026 to lead awareness campaigns, reduce stigma, and foster demand for cervical cancer prevention services.

    Our commitments remain resolute, in accelerating the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem across Africa, with a focus on underserved populations, and advocating for the integration of preventive services at all levels of implementation. We therefore pledge to use our unified voice, networks, and tools to catalyse political will, drive accountability, and ensure no woman or girl is left behind in the journey to a cervical cancer free Africa.

    Association for Mothers and Newborns (AMAN)

    The Association for Mothers and Newborns (AMAN) reaffirms its commitment to cervical cancer elimination, in alignment with the WHO’s 90-70-90 targets and as a national health priority of Pakistan.

    As a community-rooted professional organization, AMAN recognizes that demand generation, social mobilisation, and evidence-based advocacy are essential pillars to increase the uptake of HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening services, particularly in underserved and marginalized communities. AMAN also provides professional training in Screening methods (Cytology, VIA), and treatment with Colposcopy, LLETZ and Surgical management.

    Through its GAVI-funded advocacy project in Sindh province (2025–26), AMAN is addressing vaccine hesitancy, countering misconceptions, and mobilizing families, community leaders, teachers, and caregivers to support HPV vaccination for adolescent girls. The initiative aims to reach over 400,000 adolescent girls, parents, and teachers via community awareness sessions, health camps, and digital outreach. It has also successfully engaged local influencers, health workers, and peer educators as advocates for cervical cancer prevention and health equity.

    AMAN pledges to collaborate with public health authorities, civil society, and global partners to amplify local voices, remove barriers, and accelerate Pakistan’s progress toward the global goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem. Together, with a multipronged approach, we can end cervical cancer.

    Cancer Awareness, Prevention and Early Detection Trust (CAPED)

    As a founding member of the Cervical Cancer Elimination Consortium – India (CCEC-I), CAPED commits to being the community engagement partner and extending outreach through its 48 partner organizations and their extended networks to support the rollout of HPV vaccination and a national cervical cancer screening program.

    By June 2026, we will coordinate efforts to:
    • Develop a national preparedness map and readiness report using real-time grassroots data, reflecting local realities on awareness, access, and health system readiness.
    • Collect and document human interest stories from communities to highlight both challenges and successes in cancer prevention efforts.
    • Create and disseminate contextually relevant communication materials that resonate with diverse audiences and address stigma, misinformation, and fear.

    These efforts will help ground national strategies in lived experiences and ensure that civil society plays a central role in advancing equitable, people-centred cervical cancer elimination in India.

    Girls and Women Health Initiative (GWHI)

    GWHI commits to double its impacts in advocacy for HPV vaccination, cervical cancer screening and treatment, along with disseminating the findings from the first ever situation analysis commissioned by the Ministry of National Health Services Regulation and Coordination, Pakistan and WHO.

    GWHI has also created the Pakistan Alliance for Cervical Cancer Elimination (PACCE), a platform to bring together all partners, governmental and non-governmental, working in Pakistan for cervical cancer elimination, to amplify efforts and impact.

    Union for International Cancer Control

    The Union for International Cancer Control is committed to working alongside its 1,150 members across 172 countries and territories to address inequities and drive global action towards the elimination of cervical cancer. With a strong reputation in global advocacy, a rich history of delivering initiatives to support national action, and flagship convening platforms that facilitate peer-to-peer exchange and foster collaboration, UICC continues to champion efforts that improve access to care, sustain progress, and lessen the impact of cervical cancer on individuals, their families and communities.

    As part of its new three-year business plan, UICC will further strengthen its engagement—including through its role in the ‘Elimination Partnership in the Indo-Pacific for Cervical Cancer’, ongoing support for cervical cancer programmes in Francophone Africa, and initiatives that amplify the voices of those with lived experience, including as part of its current three-year World Cancer Day campaign – United by Unique. A core focus of this work will be to mobilise and equip civil society to advocate for the elimination of cervical cancer—ensuring communities are heard, policies are strengthened, and accountability is upheld.

    UICC is rooted in its belief that everyone experiencing cancer should have access to quality treatment and care, and no one should die from a preventable cancer. To achieve this, UICC will leverage its established learning and knowledge-sharing opportunities, its broad multi-sectoral network, and continued advocacy to further progress and ensure that health systems are equipped to improve cancer control, and eliminate cervical cancer.

     

    Private sector

    Becton Dickinson

    Becton Dickinson HPV Access Pricing Initiative: Becton Dickinson (BD) proudly commits to a Global Access Price for our advanced HPV Screening Solution, featuring integrated Extended Genotyping and a self-collection option to expand equitable access to life-saving diagnostics globally. This all-inclusive “Price per Patient Result” will be available to governments and non-governmental organizations advancing public sector programs in 73 Low and Low-Middle Income Countries. Through multi-stakeholder collaboration, we aim to expand access, improve patient management, and help public sector programs implement high-quality, sustainable, and scalable screening programs for effective cervical cancer prevention.

    The Ministry of Health Indonesia and Becton Dickinson (BD) are partnering to expand cervical cancer screening in West Java, aiming to reach 300,000 women in three years. Building on a successful pilot in Papua, the initiative supports Indonesia’s National Action Plan, improving patient management and long-term cost-effectiveness through HPV DNA testing, self-collection, and extended genotyping.

    Roche

    Roche commits to expand affordable pricing for its cobas® HPV DNA test to 17 additional countries, bringing the total to 106 countries, with the potential to positively impact more than 600 million women worldwide. The decision reflects Roche’s unwavering dedication to continuous innovation and advancing equitable access to cervical cancer screening, a critical step in supporting countries as they work towards their elimination goals. Roche’s commitment ext

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Alexander Novak: Russian fuel and energy complex has become more competitive and technologically advanced

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak spoke at the panel session “The World Fuel and Energy Market in Search of a Balance between the Interests of Producers and Consumers” at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. The session was also attended by OPEC Secretary General Haitham al-Ghaith, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Turkey Alparslan Bayraktar, Minister of International Economic Relations under the Government of the Republic of Serbia, Chairman of the Serbian People’s Party Nenad Popovic, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Economic Relations of Hungary Peter Szijjarto, and Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Jamshid Khodjaev.

    Alexander Novak outlined the vector of Russia’s current strategy in the current conditions of the global energy market and spoke about the key steps being taken to ensure the sustainable development of the country’s oil and gas sector.

    “The oil and gas industry is key to the Russian economy. It is a driver for investment, the economy, new inventions, and the implementation of modern research and development work. Over the past 20 years, our oil and gas industry has made a huge leap. Firstly, oil production has increased from 300 to over 500 million tons per year (80%). We have new production regions – we have begun to extract raw materials in Eastern Siberia, on the shelf. We have developed and learned to apply TRIZ technologies. This is important, since the lion’s share of future reserves are reserves that are located at greater depths, with more difficult-to-extract layers,” said Alexander Novak.

    The Deputy Prime Minister added that the issue of technological development is key today.

    “Despite numerous sanctions from unfriendly countries and the desire to stop the development of the Russian economy, including through the fuel and energy complex, we see that our industry has not only maintained its production indicators, but has also survived and become an order of magnitude more efficient. It has become more competitive and technologically advanced. The sanctions have forced us to ensure import substitution, and our own developments have appeared instead of technologies that were previously purchased abroad. Our industry has been loaded, and an impetus has been given to the development of the Russian economy as a whole,” said Alexander Novak.

    He recalled that the key tasks for the development of the fuel and energy complex set by President Vladimir Putin include ensuring domestic energy security, increasing the share of high-value-added products through the development of oil and gas refining and petrochemicals, international cooperation, and the development of infrastructure for the supply of energy resources to domestic and foreign markets.

    OPEC Secretary General Haitham al-Ghaith noted that global demand for oil is growing.

    “We see that the world’s population is growing, and by 2050, there will be 2 billion new people on the planet, and the global economy will double compared to current parameters. By 2030, half a billion people will live in new cities that will be the size of 100 St. Petersburgs. And this means heating, air conditioning, and overall growth in energy consumption. In addition, new consumers are mining and data centers. By 2050, we predict a 24 percent increase in energy consumption compared to the current level, which requires additional investment in the sector. They need to be stimulated,” said OPEC Secretary General Haitham al-Gais. OPEC does not see peak demand for oil even by 2050.

    Turkey is already seeing both gas consumption and the share of renewable energy sources grow. And the country’s main goal is to ensure the security and availability of energy supplies. “We are diversifying our portfolio by investing in renewable energy sources. By 2035, we want to quadruple the capacity of solar and wind energy components. We have ambitious plans for nuclear energy – to increase its production to at least 20 GW by 2050. To do this, we need four reactors, and we are working with Rosatom. There is also a focus on small-scale generation and a desire to build another 5 GW station,” said Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar about plans for energy development in the country.

    According to him, Turkey has also begun developing offshore fields, which already supply energy to 4 million households in the country. By 2028, this number is planned to increase fourfold. Turkey is searching for oil and gas in developing countries, and is also investing in its own infrastructure and preparing to create large-scale capacities for gas export to Europe.

    “Hungary will continue energy cooperation with the Russian Federation, because it is very important for us to keep prices low for all our citizens, for our families. Without Russian energy resources, this is impossible for us,” said Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, commenting on the European Commission’s plan to have EU countries abandon Russian energy resources by 2027. In his opinion, Brussels and Kyiv have set the goal of cutting off Europe from the supplier of cheap and affordable oil and gas, which Russia has been for Hungary for many years. At the same time, the European Commission does not offer any alternative in the form of other equally reliable and inexpensive sources of energy resources.

    The participants in the discussion agreed that in the context of growing energy consumption in the world, it is necessary to diversify its sources and international cooperation for the development and reliable supply of both traditional and alternative types of energy resources. This is especially important in a period of geopolitical instability and the aggravation of local conflicts in a number of regions of the world.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Alexander Novak: We are witnessing a global transformation in economic development

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak took part in the opening session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

    The Minister of Energy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, the President of the New Development Bank of BRICS Dilma Rousseff, the President and Secretary General of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Lazar Comanescu, and the Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam Nguyen Chi Dung also shared their vision of the development of the global economy and the prospects for international cooperation.

    Alexander Novak noted that the main vector of development of the global economy in the next decade will be concentrated in countries where the birth rate is growing today and which are gaining new positions in global markets.

    “The modern world has entered an era of fundamental changes. We are witnessing a global transformation in terms of economic development. Large countries of Southeast Asia such as China and India have become global participants in the world market in recent decades, the main drivers of demand and supply of goods to global world markets. Countries of South Asia and Africa are increasingly asserting themselves. They have a high birth rate and a still low level of urbanization. And this is the potential that will change the landscape of the global economy in the next decade. Growth will no longer be concentrated in the countries of Europe and North America, which are gradually losing their positions in the global economy, but in the BRICS countries and states that want to join the association,” said Alexander Novak. He added that since the 2000s, the share of the BRICS countries in the world economy was 22%, and today it has increased to 36%, which means growth of more than 50%. At the same time, the share of the G7 countries has decreased from 45% to 30% over the same period.

    Minister of Energy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud spoke about the main mechanism for achieving balance in the global oil market. “The OPEC deal has proven itself to be an effective tool. OPEC has managed to achieve tremendous success in ensuring market stability and has become, in fact, the central regulator of oil markets,” Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud noted.

    He also emphasized that the governments of Saudi Arabia and Russia are working to create favorable conditions for those wishing to invest in the economies of Saudi Arabia and the Russian Federation on the basis of various formats, including joint ventures. The Saudi Arabian authorities understand the situation and are willing to find ways to overcome existing restrictions.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Alexander Novak: Cooperation between Russia and Turkey in the energy sector is truly strategic in nature

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Alexander Novak held a meeting with Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

    The parties discussed cooperation in the oil, gas, coal, electric power and nuclear industries. The discussion focused on the creation of a gas hub, the terms of Russian energy supplies to the Turkish market, and the construction of the Akkuyu NPP.

    “Cooperation between Russia and Turkey in the energy sector is truly strategic. This is largely due to the principled sovereign line that Turkey pursues under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Against the backdrop of the turbulent situation in the region and the world as a whole, cooperation in the energy sector is of particular importance. The driving force of the Turkish economy is industry, which cannot develop without stable supplies of energy resources and electricity production. Russia has been and remains a reliable supplier of gas, oil and other natural resources to the Turkish market,” said Alexander Novak.

    The Deputy Prime Minister invited Alparslan Bayraktar and the Turkish delegation to take part in the annual forum “Russian Energy Week”, which will be held from October 15 to 17 in Moscow.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Dundee Corporation Announces Voting Results from 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dundee Corporation (TSX: DC.A) (“Dundee” or the “Corporation”) is pleased to announce the voting results from its Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Meeting”) which was held earlier today. Shareholders voted in favour of all items of business before the Meeting, as follows:

    Appointment of Auditor

    PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP were appointed as Auditor of the Corporation and the directors of the Corporation were authorized to fix the remuneration of the Auditor. Details of the voting results are set out below:

      Total Votes % of Votes Cast  
    Votes in Favour 354,684,508 99.94  
    Votes Withheld 204,353 0.06  
    Total Votes Cast 354,888,861 100  
           

    Election of Directors

    The shareholders elected each of the seven nominees listed in the Corporation’s Management Proxy Circular. Details of the voting results are set out below:

    Name Votes in Favour % Votes Withheld %
    Tanya Covassin 348,156,952 99.85 529,846 0.15
    Jaimie Donovan 348,165,977 99.85 520,821 0.15
    Jonathan Goodman 348,482,415 99.94 204,383 0.06
    Bruce McLeod 348,216,718 99.87 470,080 0.13
    Andrew Molson 348,148,753 99.85 538,045 0.15
    Peter Nixon 348,220,518 99.87 466,280 0.13
    Allen Palmiere 348,203,263 99.86 483,535 0.14
             

    The Corporation also announces the departure of Steven Sharpe as Executive Vice Chair with the Corporation’s orderly disposition of its non-mining legacy investment portfolio nearly complete. We would like to thank Mr. Sharpe for his valuable contribution to the organization and wish him continued success in his future endeavors.

    ABOUT DUNDEE CORPORATION

    Dundee Corporation is a public Canadian independent mining-focused holding company, listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “DC.A”. The Corporation is primarily engaged in acquiring mineral resource assets. The Corporation operates with the objective of unlocking value through strategic investments in mining projects globally. Our team conducts due diligence in order to assess the geological, technical, environmental, and financial merits and risks of each project and looks to deploy capital where it can either seek to generate investment returns or where the Corporation can collaborate with operating partners and take strategic partnerships through direct interests in mining operations.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

    Investor and Media Relations
    T: (416) 864-3584
    E: ir@dundeecorporation.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Dundee Corporation Announces Voting Results from 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dundee Corporation (TSX: DC.A) (“Dundee” or the “Corporation”) is pleased to announce the voting results from its Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Meeting”) which was held earlier today. Shareholders voted in favour of all items of business before the Meeting, as follows:

    Appointment of Auditor

    PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP were appointed as Auditor of the Corporation and the directors of the Corporation were authorized to fix the remuneration of the Auditor. Details of the voting results are set out below:

      Total Votes % of Votes Cast  
    Votes in Favour 354,684,508 99.94  
    Votes Withheld 204,353 0.06  
    Total Votes Cast 354,888,861 100  
           

    Election of Directors

    The shareholders elected each of the seven nominees listed in the Corporation’s Management Proxy Circular. Details of the voting results are set out below:

    Name Votes in Favour % Votes Withheld %
    Tanya Covassin 348,156,952 99.85 529,846 0.15
    Jaimie Donovan 348,165,977 99.85 520,821 0.15
    Jonathan Goodman 348,482,415 99.94 204,383 0.06
    Bruce McLeod 348,216,718 99.87 470,080 0.13
    Andrew Molson 348,148,753 99.85 538,045 0.15
    Peter Nixon 348,220,518 99.87 466,280 0.13
    Allen Palmiere 348,203,263 99.86 483,535 0.14
             

    The Corporation also announces the departure of Steven Sharpe as Executive Vice Chair with the Corporation’s orderly disposition of its non-mining legacy investment portfolio nearly complete. We would like to thank Mr. Sharpe for his valuable contribution to the organization and wish him continued success in his future endeavors.

    ABOUT DUNDEE CORPORATION

    Dundee Corporation is a public Canadian independent mining-focused holding company, listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “DC.A”. The Corporation is primarily engaged in acquiring mineral resource assets. The Corporation operates with the objective of unlocking value through strategic investments in mining projects globally. Our team conducts due diligence in order to assess the geological, technical, environmental, and financial merits and risks of each project and looks to deploy capital where it can either seek to generate investment returns or where the Corporation can collaborate with operating partners and take strategic partnerships through direct interests in mining operations.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

    Investor and Media Relations
    T: (416) 864-3584
    E: ir@dundeecorporation.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Game changer for the nation

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Game changer for the nation

    £900 million investment in major sporting events and grassroots sport.

    • Major sporting events and grassroots sport across the UK to benefit from over £900 million in funding, as part of government’s Plan for Change 
    • More than £500 million to support delivery of world class major sporting events hosted in the UK, including UEFA EURO 2028, Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes Grand Départs 2027 
    • At least £400 million to be invested in new and upgraded grassroots sport facilities in communities across the country

    Villages, towns and cities across the UK are set to benefit from a transformational investment of more than £900 million in sport, which will support a pipeline of major international events and deliver new grassroots facilities that can drive economic growth and inspire people of all ages to get active. 

    The funding commitment, which was outlined in the Spending Review last week, has now been set out by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy. 

    It will see more than £500 million committed to supporting the delivery of a host of world class sporting events being held in the UK over the coming years, including:

    • The men’s and women’s Tour de France Grand Départs in 2027
    • Men’s UEFA EURO 2028 – alongside Ireland
    • The European Athletics Championships 2026 in Birmingham

    These events are expected to deliver significant economic benefits, with EURO 2028 alone projected to generate up to £2.4 billion in socio-economic value across the UK. 

    Work is also continuing with the Home Nation football associations (FA)s and devolved administrations to develop the bid for the UK to host the Women’s FIFA World Cup in 2035. 

    In tandem at least £400 million will be invested in new and upgraded grassroots sport facilities that promote health, wellbeing and community cohesion. Work to remove the barriers to physical activity for under-represented groups, such as women and girls, people with disabilities, and ethnic minority communities will continue. 

    Already, government funding has helped local clubs from Ayrshire to Anglesey, Strangford to Somerset, build new pitches and changing rooms, install floodlights, solar panels and goalposts; supporting a range of sports including football and rugby.  

    Together, this strategic investment in sport will help to deliver on the government’s mission to kickstart economic growth by creating jobs, driving regional prosperity and encouraging visitors to the UK. It is also designed to reduce barriers to opportunity, bring communities together through shared national moments and showcase the best of the UK to the world. 

    Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, said:

    Sport tells our national story in a way few other things can – uniting communities, inspiring millions, and showcasing our nation on the global stage.

    This major backing for world-class events will drive economic growth across the country, delivering on our Plan for Change. Coupled with strong investment into grassroots sport, we’re creating a complete pathway to allow the next generation of sporting heroes to train and take part in sport in communities across the UK.

    This investment is central to the government’s commitment to delivering major sporting events with pride and impact and stands alongside ongoing work with partners in the sport sector and across the UK. The pipeline of major events already secured includes this Summer’s Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026, the ICC T20 Cricket women’s and men’s World Cups (in 2026 and 2030 respectively), the Invictus Games 2027 in Birmingham, and many other elite continental and world championships. 

    Debbie Hewitt MBE, Chair of the UK and Ireland 2028 Board, said:

    We welcome today’s announcement of significant investment in sport from the UK government, which marks a major boost to the successful delivery of UEFA EURO 2028. This commitment will not only help us stage a world-class tournament but also ensure that communities across the UK feel long-lasting benefits – from enhanced grassroots facilities to stronger local economies. 

    UEFA EURO 2028 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity and with this investment, we are better placed than ever to deliver an event with pride, purpose and impact.

    Nick Webborn, Chair of UK Sport, said: 

    We welcome the government’s ongoing commitment to hosting the Tour De France, Tour De France Femmes and Euro 2028. These events have huge potential to drive economic growth, bring people together and inspire the next generation in communities across the UK. 

    We believe that live sport is a fundamental part of this country’s social fabric. We are really excited to be working with the government and support their commitment to secure the pipeline of big events beyond 2028 to ensure we can continue to reach, inspire and unite people in every corner of the country.

    Chair of Sport England, Chris Boardman said:

    The government’s continued investment into grassroots sport facilities is welcome news; the nation’s pitches, pools and leisure centres play a pivotal role in keeping people moving.

    With every £1 invested in community sport and physical activity generating £4.20 in value for our economy, supporting grassroots facilities isn’t just good for public health — it’s a smart investment in the nation’s social and economic wellbeing.

    Notes to Editors

    • On grassroots funding, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport will work closely with sporting bodies and local leaders to establish what each community needs and then set out further plans.

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Registration open for training grant that supports in-demand jobs

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    People hoping to build better careers will continue to have access to a popular grant program, as registration for StrongerBC future skills grant funded programming opens for the fall semester.

    People living in British Columbia can continue to access grants for eligible short-term training programs at public post-secondary institutions, giving them more opportunities to gain new skills for in-demand jobs. The grant covers up to $3,500 and is open to B.C. residents over age 19.

    “British Columbia is the engine of Canada’s new economy, but it’s the strength of our workforce that drives the machine,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. “The StrongerBC future skills grant removes barriers so more people can get the skills they need to start or advance their careers. By helping more people get into the workforce, we’re closing the skills gap and building a more robust economy.”

    Since its launch in fall 2023, more than 10,000 people have benefited from the grant, which plays a pivotal role in preparing people for current and emerging job markets.

    “I’m grateful for the opportunity that the future skills grant has given me to complete a risk management professional certificate from Simon Fraser University,” said Erica Commons, recent grant recipient and current student. “This training is already benefiting me in my current role as an enterprise risk manager, and the certificate satisfies the education requirements for the Canadian Risk Management designation, which is highly valued by employers. Obtaining this designation will help advance my career.”

    More than 300 programs are eligible for the grant at 24 public post-secondary institutions throughout B.C. The eligible programs address the province’s labour market needs and government priorities, including training opportunities in high-demand sectors, such as health care, construction and mining.

    “The StrongerBC future skills grant made it possible for me to enrol in Simon Fraser University’s climate action certificate, training I needed to retool my communications career for the climate future we all face,” said Michelle Gaudet, recent grant recipient and program graduate. “This grant allowed me to gain essential skills without taking on debt. Accessible education funding like this is key to helping people pursue meaningful learning opportunities.”

    Course offerings from participating post-secondary institutions will be released daily throughout the months of June and July. Those interested should check Education Planner BC or the post-secondary institution they plan to attend frequently for updates and program additions.

    Learning opportunities include in-person, online or hybrid delivery, making it easier for people throughout B.C. to find training that fits. Types of training that are supported include:

    • health-care training, such as medical terminology, emergency medical responder and dental office administration;
    • trades and firefighting training, such as construction, automotive (electric vehicle) repair services, and wildfire fighting;
    • professional, scientific and technical training, such as cybersecurity training and digital marketing; and
    • other certificates and micro-credentials across many industries, including education, mining and marine transportation, finance and more.

    The StrongerBC: Future Ready Action Plan is a cross-government plan to make education and training more accessible, affordable and relevant to help prepare the people of B.C. for the jobs of today and tomorrow.

    Learn More:

    To explore and register for eligible programs as they are rolled out over June and July, visit Education Planner BC: https://www.educationplannerbc.ca/future-skills-grant (can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com)

    For general information about the future skills grant, visit: https://www.workbc.ca/find-loans-and-grants/students-and-adult-learners/strongerbc-future-skills-grant

    To learn more about the StrongerBC: Future Ready Action Plan, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/jobs-and-training/

    A backgrounder follows.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: New Affordable Housing Units Open for Seniors in Saskatoon Through Federal and Provincial Funding

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 19, 2025

    Solving Canada’s housing crisis requires immediate action to address the urgent needs of Canadians. To provide seniors with increased access to affordable and sustainable housing, the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan announced today a $990,000 joint investment. The official opening of the Columbian Manor Expansion Phase V, developed by KC Charities, marks a significant step in providing safe, supportive homes for low-income seniors. 

    This project is adding 134 housing units for seniors in Saskatoon, including the development of 30 one-bedroom units, 20 fully accessible units and 10 barrier-free units for low-income seniors with limited mobility.  

    The developer, KC Charities, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing affordable housing and supportive services for seniors in Saskatoon. 

    Funding provided for this project is as follows:

    •  $990,000 in cost-matched funding from the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan through the National Housing Strategy (NHS) -Saskatchewan Priorities Initiative (SPI).
    • $ 340,000 from the City of Saskatoon. 
    • $1,750,000 from KC Charities. 

    Quotes:

    “Everyone deserves a home to call their own,” Secretary of State (Rural Development) and Member of Parliament for Desneth Missinippi Churchill RiverBuckley Belanger said. ” Thanks to our partnership with Saskatchewan through the National Housing Strategy, your federal government is helping to make that a reality for more seniors in Saskatoon. Safe, affordable, and accessible senior housing is a key part of our housing plan, making sure no one is left behind.”

    “When we work together with community partners, we can support developments that make a real difference in the lives of Saskatchewan people,” Social Services Minister and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC) Terry Jenson said. “The Columbian Manor project provides dignity, comfort and connection to seniors who have given so much to our communities.” 

    “The City of Saskatoon is proud to support the expansion of Columbian Manor, which reflects our ongoing commitment to building a more inclusive and caring community,” Saskatoon Mayor Cynthia Block said. “This partnership with KC Charities and other orders of government helps ensure that seniors in Saskatoon have access to safe, affordable housing and the support they need to thrive.”   

    “A place to call home, where comfort meets affordability, and every senior is valued, respected, and cared for,” KC Charities Inc Executive Director of Operations Norma Denis said.

    Quick facts:

    The NHS is a 10 plus year, $115 plus billion plan to give more Canadians a place to call home. Progress on programs and initiatives are updated quarterly on the Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) website. The Housing and Infrastructure Project Map shows affordable housing projects that have been developed. 

    As of March 2025, the federal government has committed $65.84 billion to support the creation of over 166,000 units and the repair of over 322,000 units. These measures prioritize those in greatest need, including seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and women and children fleeing violence. 

    NHS is built on strong partnerships between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments, and continuous engagement with others, including municipalities, Indigenous governments and organizations, and the social and private housing sectors. This includes consultations with Canadians from all walks of life and people with lived experience of housing need. 

    All NHS investments delivered by the federal, provincial, and territorial governments will respect the key principles of NHS that support partnerships, people and communities. 

    In 2019, the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan entered into an agreement through the NHS. TheCanada-Saskatchewan Bilateral Agreement will invest $585 million over 10 years, which is cost matched between the federal and provincial governments.

    The Rental Development Program (RDP) provides one-time capital funding in the form of a forgivable loan to assist in the development of affordable rental housing units for households with low incomes. The RDP is funded by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC). 

    KC Charities is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing affordable housing and supportive services for seniors in Saskatoon. Since 2007, it has worked with government and community partners to develop over 150 affordable housing units, helping seniors live independently in a caring and inclusive environment. 

    Associated Links:

    Visit Canada.ca/housing for the most requested Government of Canada housing information. 

    CMHC plays a critical role as a national facilitator to promote stability and sustainability in Canada’s housing finance system. Our mortgage insurance products support access to homeownership and the creation and maintenance of rental supply. We also actively support the Government of Canada in delivering on its commitment to make housing more affordable. Our research and data help inform housing policy. By facilitating cooperation between all levels of government, private and non-profit sectors, we contribute to advancing housing affordability, equity, and climate compatibility. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook. 

    Progress on programs and initiatives are updated quarterly on the Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) website. The Housing and Infrastructure Project Map shows affordable housing projects that have been developed. 

    In November 2019, the Government of Saskatchewan released Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan: the Next Decade of Growth 2020-2030, which sets out the government’s vision for a province of 1.4 million people by 2030. The plan identifies principles, goals and actions to ensure Saskatchewan is capturing the opportunities and meeting the challenges of a growing province. To learn more, visit: www.saskatchewan.ca.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    Media Relations
    Social Services
    Regina
    Phone: 306-787-3610
    Email: MediaMSS@gov.sk.ca

    Sofia Ouslis
    Office of the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure
    Email: Sofia.Ouslis@infc.gc.ca

    Mark Rogstad
    Media Relations Manager,
    Saskatoon
    Email: mark.rogstad@saskatoon.ca

    Media Relations
    Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
    Email: media@cmhc-schl.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Jaws at 50: the first summer blockbuster is still a film that bites – even when the shark didn’t work

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Will Jeffery, Sessional Academic, Discipline of Film Studies, University of Sydney

    Photo by Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images

    When I was eight years old, on a Saturday night before surf lifesaving training, my dad put on the film Jaws and it changed my life forever.

    Unlike the generations of filmgoers who were afraid of sharks and going into the water during its initial release in 1975, I fell in love with the water and sharks.

    Steven Spielberg’s film was the first summer blockbuster, received Academy Awards for sound, editing and music, and became the first film to earn US$100 million at the United States box office.

    It was only the third film for the 28-year-old Steven Spielberg, and his second theatrical release (his first film, Duel, was made for TV), and success arrived only after much trouble.

    Jaws was only the second feature film for Spielberg, pictured here on set.
    Photo by Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Image

    A marketed behemoth

    Chief of Police Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) has recently moved from New York City to Amity Island with his wife, Ellen (Lorriane Gary), and their two children. As the small town prepares for its crucial 4th of July celebrations, a series of shark attacks threatens the festivities – and the town’s summer economy.

    Mayor Larry Vaughan (Murray Hamilton) insists on keeping the beaches open for “summer dollars”. When the shark strikes again, local fisherman Quint (Robert Shaw) is hired to hunt it down. Brody and visiting marine biologist Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) insist on joining the expedition to save the island.

    The film was advertised as a suspense and horror monster movie. In what director Spielberg described as a marketing “blitzkrieg” campaign, Jaws, was released in the summer – peak swimming season.

    Universal Pictures made sure every household knew about the film. There were multiple TV spots, a cover on Time Magazine, talk show appearances from cast and crew, and a wave of merchandise. It was the most money the company had ever spent on a film’s pre-release marketing.

    The first American film released in more than 400 theatres at once, Jaws found its audience with overwhelmingly positive reviews and word of mouth – because Jaws was also extremely well made.

    Wrangling the shark

    Peter Benchley was hired to adapt his novel, but another screenwriter, Carl Gottlieb, was brought in to redraft Benchley’s more serious narrative and provide comic relief.

    Jaws was initially planned for 55 days of shooting, but ballooned to 159 days and $8 million over budget. The main reason: the shark.

    Apart from one scene using real underwater shark footage from Australians Ron and Valerie Taylor, the shark was mechanical. There were three sharks made for the film, all nicknamed “Bruce” after Spielberg’s lawyer.

    Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts depicted the fictional Amity Island, and much of the second half was shot in water.

    Much of the second half of the film was shot on the water.
    Photo by Universal Studios/Courtesy of Getty Images

    The mechanical shark sank … a lot. No wonder Spielberg named the temperamental and unreliable shark after his lawyer.

    With the lack of a functioning shark, Spielberg made the artistic decision – echoing Alfred Hitchcock – to suggest the shark’s presence rather than show it outright in the film’s first half.

    Spielberg even quotes Hitchcock’s Vertigo shot (a dolly zoom) in the scene when Brody realises a shark attack is unfolding under his watch.

    Even without appearing onscreen, the shark has an overwhelming presence and effect on the audience, thanks to John Williams’ music: most of the film’s cues are associated with the shark.

    Tension onscreen

    One of my favourite moments in the film is in the aftermath of an attack on the young Alex Kintner (and poor dog Pippet!). Brody is slapped in the face by the mother of the slain Alex – but this is followed by a cute and wholesome encounter between Chief Brody and his son Sean.

    As a father, Brody’s failure to prevent the attack on Alex reflects his loss of authority to capitalism. The water is the island’s summer revenue, and the hungry shark swims in it.

    The film could have seen an early shark attack and immediately launched a shark hunt. However, the shark doesn’t appear much at all for a monster movie due to its malfunctioning. This worked in the film’s favour.

    Instead, the film relied on good writing and strong performances to heighten the tension and build anticipation for the rare moments the shark has onscreen.

    A lot of the film’s success comes from the dynamic and well-written trio of Brody, Hooper and Quint. In the final act set at sea with just the three leads on a boat surrounded by the shark, they needed to deliver – and they did, arguably stealing the movie from the shark.

    Possibly the most famous scene in the entire film comes when the shark is fully revealed for the first time. Startled by its size, Brody backs into the cabin and delivers an improvised line: “you’re gonna need a bigger boat”.

    Dreyfuss and Shaw famously didn’t get along in real life. You can see that tension play out onscreen. It arguably enhances their performances.

    Still, one of the most iconic moments comes when Dreyfuss’s Hooper is left speechless by Quint’s USS Indianapolis monologue, describing being in the water with sharks after the warship was torpedoed.

    The monologue was scripted, but Shaw improvised much of it.

    A cinema classic

    Jaws is now a cinema classic.

    It launched Spielberg’s illustrious career, scared an entire generation from going into the water, and also inspired a new generation of marine activists – such as myself – who love sharks and the ocean.

    I hope you’ll join me in revisiting Amity Island one more time to watch this timeless film that, apart from its mechanical shark, completely works.

    Will Jeffery 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. Jaws at 50: the first summer blockbuster is still a film that bites – even when the shark didn’t work – https://theconversation.com/jaws-at-50-the-first-summer-blockbuster-is-still-a-film-that-bites-even-when-the-shark-didnt-work-246247

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Jaws at 50: the first summer blockbuster is still a film that bites – even when the shark didn’t work

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Will Jeffery, Sessional Academic, Discipline of Film Studies, University of Sydney

    Photo by Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images

    When I was eight years old, on a Saturday night before surf lifesaving training, my dad put on the film Jaws and it changed my life forever.

    Unlike the generations of filmgoers who were afraid of sharks and going into the water during its initial release in 1975, I fell in love with the water and sharks.

    Steven Spielberg’s film was the first summer blockbuster, received Academy Awards for sound, editing and music, and became the first film to earn US$100 million at the United States box office.

    It was only the third film for the 28-year-old Steven Spielberg, and his second theatrical release (his first film, Duel, was made for TV), and success arrived only after much trouble.

    Jaws was only the second feature film for Spielberg, pictured here on set.
    Photo by Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Image

    A marketed behemoth

    Chief of Police Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) has recently moved from New York City to Amity Island with his wife, Ellen (Lorriane Gary), and their two children. As the small town prepares for its crucial 4th of July celebrations, a series of shark attacks threatens the festivities – and the town’s summer economy.

    Mayor Larry Vaughan (Murray Hamilton) insists on keeping the beaches open for “summer dollars”. When the shark strikes again, local fisherman Quint (Robert Shaw) is hired to hunt it down. Brody and visiting marine biologist Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) insist on joining the expedition to save the island.

    The film was advertised as a suspense and horror monster movie. In what director Spielberg described as a marketing “blitzkrieg” campaign, Jaws, was released in the summer – peak swimming season.

    Universal Pictures made sure every household knew about the film. There were multiple TV spots, a cover on Time Magazine, talk show appearances from cast and crew, and a wave of merchandise. It was the most money the company had ever spent on a film’s pre-release marketing.

    The first American film released in more than 400 theatres at once, Jaws found its audience with overwhelmingly positive reviews and word of mouth – because Jaws was also extremely well made.

    Wrangling the shark

    Peter Benchley was hired to adapt his novel, but another screenwriter, Carl Gottlieb, was brought in to redraft Benchley’s more serious narrative and provide comic relief.

    Jaws was initially planned for 55 days of shooting, but ballooned to 159 days and $8 million over budget. The main reason: the shark.

    Apart from one scene using real underwater shark footage from Australians Ron and Valerie Taylor, the shark was mechanical. There were three sharks made for the film, all nicknamed “Bruce” after Spielberg’s lawyer.

    Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts depicted the fictional Amity Island, and much of the second half was shot in water.

    Much of the second half of the film was shot on the water.
    Photo by Universal Studios/Courtesy of Getty Images

    The mechanical shark sank … a lot. No wonder Spielberg named the temperamental and unreliable shark after his lawyer.

    With the lack of a functioning shark, Spielberg made the artistic decision – echoing Alfred Hitchcock – to suggest the shark’s presence rather than show it outright in the film’s first half.

    Spielberg even quotes Hitchcock’s Vertigo shot (a dolly zoom) in the scene when Brody realises a shark attack is unfolding under his watch.

    Even without appearing onscreen, the shark has an overwhelming presence and effect on the audience, thanks to John Williams’ music: most of the film’s cues are associated with the shark.

    Tension onscreen

    One of my favourite moments in the film is in the aftermath of an attack on the young Alex Kintner (and poor dog Pippet!). Brody is slapped in the face by the mother of the slain Alex – but this is followed by a cute and wholesome encounter between Chief Brody and his son Sean.

    As a father, Brody’s failure to prevent the attack on Alex reflects his loss of authority to capitalism. The water is the island’s summer revenue, and the hungry shark swims in it.

    The film could have seen an early shark attack and immediately launched a shark hunt. However, the shark doesn’t appear much at all for a monster movie due to its malfunctioning. This worked in the film’s favour.

    Instead, the film relied on good writing and strong performances to heighten the tension and build anticipation for the rare moments the shark has onscreen.

    A lot of the film’s success comes from the dynamic and well-written trio of Brody, Hooper and Quint. In the final act set at sea with just the three leads on a boat surrounded by the shark, they needed to deliver – and they did, arguably stealing the movie from the shark.

    Possibly the most famous scene in the entire film comes when the shark is fully revealed for the first time. Startled by its size, Brody backs into the cabin and delivers an improvised line: “you’re gonna need a bigger boat”.

    Dreyfuss and Shaw famously didn’t get along in real life. You can see that tension play out onscreen. It arguably enhances their performances.

    Still, one of the most iconic moments comes when Dreyfuss’s Hooper is left speechless by Quint’s USS Indianapolis monologue, describing being in the water with sharks after the warship was torpedoed.

    The monologue was scripted, but Shaw improvised much of it.

    A cinema classic

    Jaws is now a cinema classic.

    It launched Spielberg’s illustrious career, scared an entire generation from going into the water, and also inspired a new generation of marine activists – such as myself – who love sharks and the ocean.

    I hope you’ll join me in revisiting Amity Island one more time to watch this timeless film that, apart from its mechanical shark, completely works.

    Will Jeffery 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. Jaws at 50: the first summer blockbuster is still a film that bites – even when the shark didn’t work – https://theconversation.com/jaws-at-50-the-first-summer-blockbuster-is-still-a-film-that-bites-even-when-the-shark-didnt-work-246247

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Despite decades of cost cutting, governments spend more than ever. How can we make sense of this?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Lovering, Lecturer in International Relations, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington

    Getty Images

    Recent controversies over New Zealand’s Ka Ora, Ka Ako school lunch program have revolved around the apparent shortcomings of the food and its delivery. Stories of inedible meals, scalding packaging and general waste have dominated headlines.

    But the story is also a window into the wider debate about the politics of “fiscal responsibility” and austerity politics.

    As part of the mission to “cut waste” in government spending, ACT leader and Associate Education Minister David Seymour replaced the school-based scheme with a centralised program run by a catering corporation. The result was said to have delivered “saving for taxpayers” of $130 million – in line with the government’s overall drive for efficiency and cost cutting.

    While Finance Minister Nicola Willis dislikes the term “austerity”, her May budget cut the government’s operating allowance in half, to $1.3 billion. This came on top of budget cuts last year of around $4 billion.

    Similar policy doctrines have been subscribed to by governments of all political persuasions for decades. As economic growth (and the tax revenue it brings) has been harder for OECD countries to achieve over the past 50 years, governments have looked to make savings.

    What is strange, though, is that despite decades of austerity policies reducing welfare and outsourcing public services to the most competitive corporate bidder, state spending has kept increasing.

    New Zealand’s public expense as a percentage of GDP increased from 25.9% in 1972 to 35.9% in 2022. And this wasn’t unusual. The OECD as a whole saw an increase from 18.9% in 1972 to 29.9% in 2022.

    How can we make sense of so-called austerity when, despite decades of cost cutting, governments spend more than ever?

    Austerity and managerialism

    In a recent paper, I argued that the politics of austerity is not only about how much governments spend. It is also about who gets to decide how public money is used.

    Austerity sounds like it is about spending less, finding efficiencies or living within your means. But ever rising budgets mean it is about more than that.

    In particular, austerity is shaped by a centralising system that locks in corporate and bureaucratic control over public expenditure, while locking out people and communities affected by spending decisions. In other words, austerity is about democracy as much as economics.

    We typically turn to the ideology of neoliberalism – “Rogernomics” being the New Zealand variant – to explain the history of this. The familiar story is of a revolutionary clique taking over a bloated postwar state, reorienting it towards the global market, and making it run more like a business.

    Depending on your political persuasion, the contradiction of austerity’s growing cost reflects either the short-sightedness of market utopianism or the stubbornness of the public sector to reform.

    But while the 1980s neoliberal revolution was important, the roots of austerity’s managerial dimension go back further. And it was shaped less by a concern that spending was too high, and more by a desire to centralise control over a growing budget.

    Godfather of ‘rational’ budgeting: US Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara at a Vietnam War briefing in 1964.
    Getty Images

    Many of the managerial techniques that have arrived in the public sector over the austerity years – such as results-based pay, corporate contracting, performance management or evaluation culture – have their origins in a budgetary revolution that took place in the 1960s at the US Department of Defense.

    In the early 1960s, Defense Secretary Robert McNamara was frustrated with being nominally in charge of budgeting but having to mediate between the seemingly arbitrary demands of military leaders for more tanks, submarines or missiles.

    In response, he called on the RAND Corporation, a US think tank and consultancy, to remake the Defense Department’s budgetary process to give the secretary greater capacity to plan.

    The outcome was called the Planning Programming Budgeting System. Its goal was to create a “rational” budget where policy objectives were clearly specified in quantified terms, the possible means to achieve them were fully costed, and performance indicators measuring progress were able to be reviewed.

    This approach might have made sense for strategic military purposes. But what happens when you apply the same logic to planning public spending in healthcare, education, housing – or school lunches? The past 50 years have largely been a process of finding out.

    What began as a set of techniques to help McNamara get control of military spending gradually diffused into social policy. These ideas travelled from the US and came to be known as the “New Public Management” framework that transformed state sectors all over the world.

    What are budgets for?

    Dramatic moments of spending cuts – such as the 1991 “Mother of all Budgets” in New Zealand or Elon Musk’s recent DOGE crusade in the US – stand out as major exercises in austerity. And fiscal responsibility is a firmly held conviction within mainstream political thinking.

    Nevertheless, government spending has become a major component of OECD economies. If we are to make sense of austerity in this world of permanent mass expenditure, we need a broader idea of what public spending is about.

    Budgets are classically thought to do three things. For economists, they are a tool of macroeconomic stabilisation: if growth goes down, “automatic stabilisers” inject public money into the economy to pick it back up.

    For social reformers, the budget is a means of progressively redistributing resources through tax and welfare systems. For accountants, the budget is a means of cost accountability: it holds a record of public spending and signals a society’s future commitments.

    But budgeting as described here also fulfils a fourth function – managerial planning. Decades of reform have made a significant portion of the state budget a managerial instrument for the pursuit of policy objectives.

    From this perspective, underlying common austerity rhetoric about eliminating waste, or achieving value for money, is a deeper political struggle over who decides how that public money is used.

    To return to New Zealand’s school lunch program, any savings achieved should not distract from the more significant democratic question of who should plan school lunches – and public spending more broadly.

    Should it be the chief executives of corporatised public organisations and outsourced conglomerates managing to KPIs on nutritional values and price per meal, serving the directives of government ministers? Or should it be those cooking, serving and eating the lunches?

    Ian Lovering is affiliated with the Tertiary Education Union Te Hautū Kahurangi o Aotearoa.

    – ref. Despite decades of cost cutting, governments spend more than ever. How can we make sense of this? – https://theconversation.com/despite-decades-of-cost-cutting-governments-spend-more-than-ever-how-can-we-make-sense-of-this-258902

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Despite decades of cost cutting, governments spend more than ever. How can we make sense of this?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Lovering, Lecturer in International Relations, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington

    Getty Images

    Recent controversies over New Zealand’s Ka Ora, Ka Ako school lunch program have revolved around the apparent shortcomings of the food and its delivery. Stories of inedible meals, scalding packaging and general waste have dominated headlines.

    But the story is also a window into the wider debate about the politics of “fiscal responsibility” and austerity politics.

    As part of the mission to “cut waste” in government spending, ACT leader and Associate Education Minister David Seymour replaced the school-based scheme with a centralised program run by a catering corporation. The result was said to have delivered “saving for taxpayers” of $130 million – in line with the government’s overall drive for efficiency and cost cutting.

    While Finance Minister Nicola Willis dislikes the term “austerity”, her May budget cut the government’s operating allowance in half, to $1.3 billion. This came on top of budget cuts last year of around $4 billion.

    Similar policy doctrines have been subscribed to by governments of all political persuasions for decades. As economic growth (and the tax revenue it brings) has been harder for OECD countries to achieve over the past 50 years, governments have looked to make savings.

    What is strange, though, is that despite decades of austerity policies reducing welfare and outsourcing public services to the most competitive corporate bidder, state spending has kept increasing.

    New Zealand’s public expense as a percentage of GDP increased from 25.9% in 1972 to 35.9% in 2022. And this wasn’t unusual. The OECD as a whole saw an increase from 18.9% in 1972 to 29.9% in 2022.

    How can we make sense of so-called austerity when, despite decades of cost cutting, governments spend more than ever?

    Austerity and managerialism

    In a recent paper, I argued that the politics of austerity is not only about how much governments spend. It is also about who gets to decide how public money is used.

    Austerity sounds like it is about spending less, finding efficiencies or living within your means. But ever rising budgets mean it is about more than that.

    In particular, austerity is shaped by a centralising system that locks in corporate and bureaucratic control over public expenditure, while locking out people and communities affected by spending decisions. In other words, austerity is about democracy as much as economics.

    We typically turn to the ideology of neoliberalism – “Rogernomics” being the New Zealand variant – to explain the history of this. The familiar story is of a revolutionary clique taking over a bloated postwar state, reorienting it towards the global market, and making it run more like a business.

    Depending on your political persuasion, the contradiction of austerity’s growing cost reflects either the short-sightedness of market utopianism or the stubbornness of the public sector to reform.

    But while the 1980s neoliberal revolution was important, the roots of austerity’s managerial dimension go back further. And it was shaped less by a concern that spending was too high, and more by a desire to centralise control over a growing budget.

    Godfather of ‘rational’ budgeting: US Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara at a Vietnam War briefing in 1964.
    Getty Images

    Many of the managerial techniques that have arrived in the public sector over the austerity years – such as results-based pay, corporate contracting, performance management or evaluation culture – have their origins in a budgetary revolution that took place in the 1960s at the US Department of Defense.

    In the early 1960s, Defense Secretary Robert McNamara was frustrated with being nominally in charge of budgeting but having to mediate between the seemingly arbitrary demands of military leaders for more tanks, submarines or missiles.

    In response, he called on the RAND Corporation, a US think tank and consultancy, to remake the Defense Department’s budgetary process to give the secretary greater capacity to plan.

    The outcome was called the Planning Programming Budgeting System. Its goal was to create a “rational” budget where policy objectives were clearly specified in quantified terms, the possible means to achieve them were fully costed, and performance indicators measuring progress were able to be reviewed.

    This approach might have made sense for strategic military purposes. But what happens when you apply the same logic to planning public spending in healthcare, education, housing – or school lunches? The past 50 years have largely been a process of finding out.

    What began as a set of techniques to help McNamara get control of military spending gradually diffused into social policy. These ideas travelled from the US and came to be known as the “New Public Management” framework that transformed state sectors all over the world.

    What are budgets for?

    Dramatic moments of spending cuts – such as the 1991 “Mother of all Budgets” in New Zealand or Elon Musk’s recent DOGE crusade in the US – stand out as major exercises in austerity. And fiscal responsibility is a firmly held conviction within mainstream political thinking.

    Nevertheless, government spending has become a major component of OECD economies. If we are to make sense of austerity in this world of permanent mass expenditure, we need a broader idea of what public spending is about.

    Budgets are classically thought to do three things. For economists, they are a tool of macroeconomic stabilisation: if growth goes down, “automatic stabilisers” inject public money into the economy to pick it back up.

    For social reformers, the budget is a means of progressively redistributing resources through tax and welfare systems. For accountants, the budget is a means of cost accountability: it holds a record of public spending and signals a society’s future commitments.

    But budgeting as described here also fulfils a fourth function – managerial planning. Decades of reform have made a significant portion of the state budget a managerial instrument for the pursuit of policy objectives.

    From this perspective, underlying common austerity rhetoric about eliminating waste, or achieving value for money, is a deeper political struggle over who decides how that public money is used.

    To return to New Zealand’s school lunch program, any savings achieved should not distract from the more significant democratic question of who should plan school lunches – and public spending more broadly.

    Should it be the chief executives of corporatised public organisations and outsourced conglomerates managing to KPIs on nutritional values and price per meal, serving the directives of government ministers? Or should it be those cooking, serving and eating the lunches?

    Ian Lovering is affiliated with the Tertiary Education Union Te Hautū Kahurangi o Aotearoa.

    – ref. Despite decades of cost cutting, governments spend more than ever. How can we make sense of this? – https://theconversation.com/despite-decades-of-cost-cutting-governments-spend-more-than-ever-how-can-we-make-sense-of-this-258902

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Bribe or community benefit? Sweeteners smoothing the way for renewables projects need to be done right

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hugh Breakey, Deputy Director, Institute for Ethics, Governance & Law, Griffith University

    Louise Beaumont/Getty

    When a renewable energy developer announces a new project, there’s one big question mark – how will nearby communities react?

    Community pushback has scuttled many renewables projects. Sometimes, communities are angry landowners hosting infrastructure will be paid, but neighbours and those further afield may not.

    As a result, renewable projects often involve schemes where the developer gives funding or resources to local community initiatives.

    Australia has dozens of these schemes, with many more to come as the clean energy transition accelerates. The Clean Energy Council estimates developers contribute about A$1,050 to communities for every megawatt of wind and about $850 for solar.

    The problem is, research shows poorly designed schemes can look a lot like bribery. Developers dish out money to gain community acceptance. Our new research points to a clear solution: design these schemes carefully.

    How do these schemes work?

    Renewable developers usually structure community-benefit schemes in one of three ways:

    • community funds, where a developer offers a one-time or ongoing payment for local infrastructure such as roads, services or community projects

    • in-kind benefits, such as investment in local sports fields or tourism initiatives

    • local ownership models, such as offering community members preferential access to shares in the company or a community co-ownership model of the project.

    In Australia, a number of community schemes are already established or planned.

    More are on their way. The Queensland government has introduced laws which require wind and solar farm developers enter into community benefit agreements.

    Worldwide, offshore wind farms have for many years involved community benefit sharing. Australia is very likely to follow suit as this industry emerges.

    Developers will sometimes set up more targeted neighbour payment schemes where funding is given to nearby landowners.

    What are they for?

    There are three reasons why benefit sharing can be a good idea overall. They are:

    1. Impact on locals: solar farms take up large areas of land, while wind farms on land or sea draw the eye and can compete with other uses of the space. Community benefit schemes can help counterbalance these impacts.

    2. Benefits are centralised: solar, wind and battery developments generate significant economic value. But this is largely captured by the developer. Benefit schemes can make residents feel the deal is fairer.

    3. Acceptance: change of any kind is often hard. Offering incentives to towns and communities can make the change easier.

    Payments to communities hosting renewable projects can look like bribes if not done carefully.
    myphotobank.com.au/Shutterstock

    Straying into bribery?

    The definition of a bribe is a benefit which influences or intends to influence a person to violate their role-based obligations. Offering money to a police officer to avoid losing your licence would count as a bribe.

    Community benefit sharing isn’t a bribe in a strict legal sense. But the payments can resemble bribes if they influence community members to accept the new development. Improving community acceptance is often a central goal of such schemes.

    The accusation is common. In the United Kingdom, researchers observe these schemes are regularly seen:

    as an attempt by local developers to ‘bribe’ local communities to ‘buy’ support for their wind farm development.

    Community members may decry a scheme as a “paltry bribe” or “shut up candy”. Some insist their “principles are not for sale”.

    Developers recognise this too. As one says:

    you don’t just turn up in a community and say, don’t worry, we’ll buy you a new rugby pitch […] because it really does look like you’re trying to buy them off.

    But do local communities have obligations which accepting a renewables project might violate?

    As part of a democracy, residents have civic obligations to make public-spirited decisions, evaluating policies and developments based not on self-interest but in a principled way.

    This is why it’s illegal to pay someone to vote for a particular candidate in an election, for instance.

    Offering money for community initiatives isn’t intrinsically wrong. As a community objector to a wind farm proposal put it:

    Of course it is a relevant planning consideration if a wind power company is offering to pour significant sums of money into a community for the life of a wind farm […] Why should that not be recognised as a good thing?

    But any economic boon to a town must be considered alongside other important concerns, rather than wiping them away.

    If these schemes operate by influencing citizens to ignore their civic duties, that’s intrinsically wrong. Worse still, it risks a backlash from offended community members.

    In the worst cases, benefit sharing operates as a pay-off, where uneasy communities are given money to reduce their resistance.

    Offshore wind farm developers overseas often set up community benefit schemes.
    Tupungato/Shutterstock

    Achieving fairness, avoiding bribery

    The solutions are straightfoward: design these schemes strategically so they are fair and avoid eroding civic obligations. Here are four aims:

    1. Minimise self-interest. Schemes should avoid large up-front payments and focus on in-kind benefits.

    2. Respect the community. Employ and contract local staff, keep the community informed and respond transparently to complaints.

    3. Encourage community involvement. Big renewable projects should stack up on energy, environmental, economic and community grounds. Robust and genuine community consultation should be used when designing any benefit scheme.

    4. Ensure integrity. Development and implementation of any scheme should be genuine, transparent and accountable.

    Getting it right

    As climate change intensifies, Australia’s clean energy transition has a clear moral urgency. But this cannot be done by steamrolling local residents or buying them off with cash for community projects.

    When community benefit schemes are sensibly designed with local input, it will boost both climate action and civic legitimacy.

    Hugh Breakey receives funding from the Blue Economy CRC. This research was funded through the project ‘Pre-conditions for the Development of Offshore Wind Energy in Australia’ by the Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre.

    Charles Sampford receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the Professional Services Council and the Blue Economy CRC.

    Larelle Bossi 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. Bribe or community benefit? Sweeteners smoothing the way for renewables projects need to be done right – https://theconversation.com/bribe-or-community-benefit-sweeteners-smoothing-the-way-for-renewables-projects-need-to-be-done-right-258903

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Bribe or community benefit? Sweeteners smoothing the way for renewables projects need to be done right

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hugh Breakey, Deputy Director, Institute for Ethics, Governance & Law, Griffith University

    Louise Beaumont/Getty

    When a renewable energy developer announces a new project, there’s one big question mark – how will nearby communities react?

    Community pushback has scuttled many renewables projects. Sometimes, communities are angry landowners hosting infrastructure will be paid, but neighbours and those further afield may not.

    As a result, renewable projects often involve schemes where the developer gives funding or resources to local community initiatives.

    Australia has dozens of these schemes, with many more to come as the clean energy transition accelerates. The Clean Energy Council estimates developers contribute about A$1,050 to communities for every megawatt of wind and about $850 for solar.

    The problem is, research shows poorly designed schemes can look a lot like bribery. Developers dish out money to gain community acceptance. Our new research points to a clear solution: design these schemes carefully.

    How do these schemes work?

    Renewable developers usually structure community-benefit schemes in one of three ways:

    • community funds, where a developer offers a one-time or ongoing payment for local infrastructure such as roads, services or community projects

    • in-kind benefits, such as investment in local sports fields or tourism initiatives

    • local ownership models, such as offering community members preferential access to shares in the company or a community co-ownership model of the project.

    In Australia, a number of community schemes are already established or planned.

    More are on their way. The Queensland government has introduced laws which require wind and solar farm developers enter into community benefit agreements.

    Worldwide, offshore wind farms have for many years involved community benefit sharing. Australia is very likely to follow suit as this industry emerges.

    Developers will sometimes set up more targeted neighbour payment schemes where funding is given to nearby landowners.

    What are they for?

    There are three reasons why benefit sharing can be a good idea overall. They are:

    1. Impact on locals: solar farms take up large areas of land, while wind farms on land or sea draw the eye and can compete with other uses of the space. Community benefit schemes can help counterbalance these impacts.

    2. Benefits are centralised: solar, wind and battery developments generate significant economic value. But this is largely captured by the developer. Benefit schemes can make residents feel the deal is fairer.

    3. Acceptance: change of any kind is often hard. Offering incentives to towns and communities can make the change easier.

    Payments to communities hosting renewable projects can look like bribes if not done carefully.
    myphotobank.com.au/Shutterstock

    Straying into bribery?

    The definition of a bribe is a benefit which influences or intends to influence a person to violate their role-based obligations. Offering money to a police officer to avoid losing your licence would count as a bribe.

    Community benefit sharing isn’t a bribe in a strict legal sense. But the payments can resemble bribes if they influence community members to accept the new development. Improving community acceptance is often a central goal of such schemes.

    The accusation is common. In the United Kingdom, researchers observe these schemes are regularly seen:

    as an attempt by local developers to ‘bribe’ local communities to ‘buy’ support for their wind farm development.

    Community members may decry a scheme as a “paltry bribe” or “shut up candy”. Some insist their “principles are not for sale”.

    Developers recognise this too. As one says:

    you don’t just turn up in a community and say, don’t worry, we’ll buy you a new rugby pitch […] because it really does look like you’re trying to buy them off.

    But do local communities have obligations which accepting a renewables project might violate?

    As part of a democracy, residents have civic obligations to make public-spirited decisions, evaluating policies and developments based not on self-interest but in a principled way.

    This is why it’s illegal to pay someone to vote for a particular candidate in an election, for instance.

    Offering money for community initiatives isn’t intrinsically wrong. As a community objector to a wind farm proposal put it:

    Of course it is a relevant planning consideration if a wind power company is offering to pour significant sums of money into a community for the life of a wind farm […] Why should that not be recognised as a good thing?

    But any economic boon to a town must be considered alongside other important concerns, rather than wiping them away.

    If these schemes operate by influencing citizens to ignore their civic duties, that’s intrinsically wrong. Worse still, it risks a backlash from offended community members.

    In the worst cases, benefit sharing operates as a pay-off, where uneasy communities are given money to reduce their resistance.

    Offshore wind farm developers overseas often set up community benefit schemes.
    Tupungato/Shutterstock

    Achieving fairness, avoiding bribery

    The solutions are straightfoward: design these schemes strategically so they are fair and avoid eroding civic obligations. Here are four aims:

    1. Minimise self-interest. Schemes should avoid large up-front payments and focus on in-kind benefits.

    2. Respect the community. Employ and contract local staff, keep the community informed and respond transparently to complaints.

    3. Encourage community involvement. Big renewable projects should stack up on energy, environmental, economic and community grounds. Robust and genuine community consultation should be used when designing any benefit scheme.

    4. Ensure integrity. Development and implementation of any scheme should be genuine, transparent and accountable.

    Getting it right

    As climate change intensifies, Australia’s clean energy transition has a clear moral urgency. But this cannot be done by steamrolling local residents or buying them off with cash for community projects.

    When community benefit schemes are sensibly designed with local input, it will boost both climate action and civic legitimacy.

    Hugh Breakey receives funding from the Blue Economy CRC. This research was funded through the project ‘Pre-conditions for the Development of Offshore Wind Energy in Australia’ by the Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre.

    Charles Sampford receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the Professional Services Council and the Blue Economy CRC.

    Larelle Bossi 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. Bribe or community benefit? Sweeteners smoothing the way for renewables projects need to be done right – https://theconversation.com/bribe-or-community-benefit-sweeteners-smoothing-the-way-for-renewables-projects-need-to-be-done-right-258903

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Sudan: Free medical care by Indian peacekeepers gives hope to over 300 displaced people

    As security concerns continue in parts of Upper Nile state, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is making every effort to protect civilians and boost community confidence.

    As an example—Blue Helmets from India hosted a two-day medical outreach at the UN Protection of Civilians site, adjacent to the Mission’s base in Malakal where some 315 displaced people received free treatment.

    Patients suffering from various ailments were diagnosed and provided with care options.

    For Dr. Sandeep Ravi, a medical peacekeeper, such interventions lie at the heart of the UN Peacekeeping mission’s mandate to help build lasting peace in this country.

    “Accessible and inclusive healthcare is key for communities to thrive. Across Upper Nile state, conflict has disrupted not only people’s lives and livelihoods but also reduced the number of available health facilities. So, we decided to come together and, for a limited time, bridge this gap as much as possible,” he explained.

    “Bringing quality healthcare directly to communities goes beyond free consultations and treatment. It gives hope to people who are most vulnerable.”

    Mary Joseph, a 20-year-old patient, can testify to Dr Ravi’s opinion.

    “I’ve had a problem with my leg for three months now but had no money to pay for treatment at the local clinics in town. Today, Indian doctors have examined me carefully and given me medications to treat the condition as well as manage my pain. I hope I can restart my small business soon,” she said with a smile.

    Albino Amum, a community leader residing at the camp who helped peacekeepers mobilize this event, described the activity as timely and significant.

    “Earlier, we were receiving healthcare from various international and nongovernmental organizations, but we understand that there is a reduction in funding, which has left a big vacuum. So, this medical drive by our friends at UNMISS came at a very opportune time. We hope they’ll consider doing similar activities for us for five or six days in future. It makes a big difference for those who are financially constrained yet need urgent health checks,” stated Mr. Amum.

    For his part, Dr. Ravi reveals that the biggest satisfaction was the response from community members.

    “As medical professionals and peacekeepers, there is no greater reward than the genuine appreciation we have received from the displaced communities we treated. I believe this initiative is a testament to what collective effort and compassion can achieve in strengthening public health.”

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Joly travels to France to support innovative Canadian industries

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    June 19, 2025 – Paris, France 

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, led Canada’s presence at the 55th International Paris Air Show.

    Minister Joly showcased Canada’s highly innovative aerospace sector and promoted the country as a top destination for global aerospace investment—at a time when Canada is seeking to help build trusted, reliable partnerships that support its companies and workers.

    Minister Joly met with CEOs of Canadian and global aerospace businesses as well as with key provincial partners, including François Legault, Premier of Quebec; Christine Fréchette, Quebec Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy; and the Honourable Victor Fedeli, Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

    During the visit, Minister Joly underscored Canada’s world-class aerospace sector, with its strong workforce and cutting-edge innovation, and highlighted that the government is committed to making major investments in the economy and supporting Canada’s defence sector. These investments will generate jobs and opportunities throughout Canada’s industrial base, strengthen domestic capabilities, and diversity Canada’s international partnerships. She also advocated for workers across other Canadian industries, including steel and aluminum, which are well positioned to be better integrated into global aerospace supply chains.

    A highlight of the visit was LOT Polish Airlines’ announcement of its intention to purchase up to 84 Canadian-built Airbus A220 aircraft, made in Mirabel, Quebec. This is a major win for Canadian workers. The deal will create many high-paying jobs and highlights Canada’s desire for deeper industrial and commercial ties with Europe at a time when cooperation with reliable partners is more important than ever.

    Minister Joly welcomed France’s announcement of its purchase of new GlobalEye aircraft from Saab, which uses Bombardier’s Canadian-designed, -developed and -built Global 6500 platform. 

    In addition, Minister Joly welcomed the announcement of $87.4 million for the latest projects from the Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology (INSAT), a pan-Canadian, industry-led network focused on accelerating sustainable innovation in aviation.

    Prior to the Paris Air Show, Minister Joly represented Canada at VivaTech 2025, Europe’s largest startup and tech event. Canada was Country of the Year at the event, and its participation was a celebration of our leadership in AI and new technologies that the world needs.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Litecoin Surges as ETF Decision Nears; DRML Miner Launches New Cloud Mining Service

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, NY, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Market eyes potential ETF approval as DRML Miner introduces compliant, green Litecoin mining solution amid increased investor demand

    In a significant development for the crypto market, Litecoin has shown strong momentum despite broader volatility, fueled by regulatory updates and a sharp rise in investor interest. 

    DRML Miner, a UK-based cloud mining platform, has introduced a new Litecoin-focused cloud mining service aimed at retail investors. This launch comes just as on-chain data indicates a $600 million surge in LTC transactions over the past 48 hours, with much of the volume shifting toward regulated platforms like DRML Miner. Retail participation has also seen a sharp increase, with new user sign-ups reportedly up by more than 300%.

    What’s New: DRML Miner’s Litecoin Mining Service

    The new offering allows users to mine Litecoin remotely without the need to purchase or manage physical hardware. DRML Miner supports multiple assets, including BTC, XRP, and DOGE, and connects users to high-efficiency mining farms using real-time optimization systems.

    With mainstream Litecoin mining equipment now costing between $4,000–$6,000 and global electricity rates continuing to rise, DRML Miner’s model offers an alternative built around three key features:

    1. Regulatory Compliance and Asset Security
       DRML Miner operates under UK licenses. User assets are stored via cold wallets and protected with military-grade encryption. The platform holds $1.9 billion in managed assets and has maintained a zero-incident security record for six consecutive years.
    2. Green, Efficient Mining Infrastructure
       The company operates a global network of mining centers powered entirely by renewable energy sources such as hydro, wind, and solar. Its system automatically switches to the highest-yielding coins based on market conditions, maximizing daily returns through ASIC and GPU clustering.
    3. Low-Barrier Daily Income for Retail Users
       New users can register and receive a $10 starting bonus. No hardware investment is required—users simply select a contract, and mining income is automatically calculated and distributed every 24 hours, with full control over reinvestment and withdrawal.

    Analyst Outlook

    According to DRML Miner analysts, a Litecoin ETF approval—expected as early as June—could mark the beginning of broader altcoin financialization. “Cloud mining allows retail participants to engage with major market shifts without taking on hardware or compliance risks,” one analyst noted.

    How to Participate

    1. Register on the official website to receive a $10 bonus.
    2. Select a mining contract that aligns with your financial strategy.
    3. Track and manage returns using a real-time dashboard, with income distributed daily.

    About DRML Miner

    Established in 2018 and based in the UK, DRML Miner provides regulated cloud mining and asset management services to over 7.2 million users worldwide. Its infrastructure is designed to support a transparent and environmentally responsible approach to digital asset mining.

    For more details, visit https://drmlminer.com/.

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading recommendations. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and the possibility of losing funds. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Litecoin Surges as ETF Decision Nears; DRML Miner Launches New Cloud Mining Service

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, NY, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Market eyes potential ETF approval as DRML Miner introduces compliant, green Litecoin mining solution amid increased investor demand

    In a significant development for the crypto market, Litecoin has shown strong momentum despite broader volatility, fueled by regulatory updates and a sharp rise in investor interest. 

    DRML Miner, a UK-based cloud mining platform, has introduced a new Litecoin-focused cloud mining service aimed at retail investors. This launch comes just as on-chain data indicates a $600 million surge in LTC transactions over the past 48 hours, with much of the volume shifting toward regulated platforms like DRML Miner. Retail participation has also seen a sharp increase, with new user sign-ups reportedly up by more than 300%.

    What’s New: DRML Miner’s Litecoin Mining Service

    The new offering allows users to mine Litecoin remotely without the need to purchase or manage physical hardware. DRML Miner supports multiple assets, including BTC, XRP, and DOGE, and connects users to high-efficiency mining farms using real-time optimization systems.

    With mainstream Litecoin mining equipment now costing between $4,000–$6,000 and global electricity rates continuing to rise, DRML Miner’s model offers an alternative built around three key features:

    1. Regulatory Compliance and Asset Security
       DRML Miner operates under UK licenses. User assets are stored via cold wallets and protected with military-grade encryption. The platform holds $1.9 billion in managed assets and has maintained a zero-incident security record for six consecutive years.
    2. Green, Efficient Mining Infrastructure
       The company operates a global network of mining centers powered entirely by renewable energy sources such as hydro, wind, and solar. Its system automatically switches to the highest-yielding coins based on market conditions, maximizing daily returns through ASIC and GPU clustering.
    3. Low-Barrier Daily Income for Retail Users
       New users can register and receive a $10 starting bonus. No hardware investment is required—users simply select a contract, and mining income is automatically calculated and distributed every 24 hours, with full control over reinvestment and withdrawal.

    Analyst Outlook

    According to DRML Miner analysts, a Litecoin ETF approval—expected as early as June—could mark the beginning of broader altcoin financialization. “Cloud mining allows retail participants to engage with major market shifts without taking on hardware or compliance risks,” one analyst noted.

    How to Participate

    1. Register on the official website to receive a $10 bonus.
    2. Select a mining contract that aligns with your financial strategy.
    3. Track and manage returns using a real-time dashboard, with income distributed daily.

    About DRML Miner

    Established in 2018 and based in the UK, DRML Miner provides regulated cloud mining and asset management services to over 7.2 million users worldwide. Its infrastructure is designed to support a transparent and environmentally responsible approach to digital asset mining.

    For more details, visit https://drmlminer.com/.

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading recommendations. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and the possibility of losing funds. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Georgia: Court order on five independent NGOs a blow to freedom of association 

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Reacting to news that a court in Georgia has ordered five independent civil society organizations to submit highly sensitive information about beneficiaries protected through their human rights work, as well as information on their activities and grants, to the Anti-Corruption Bureau, Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, said:

    “This order is yet another example of the authorities’ escalating repression of the rights to freedom of expression and association in Georgia and weaponization of the country’s justice system and the Anti-Corruption Bureau to target and crackdown on human rights defenders, activists and independent civil society organizations. Targeting those who fight for justice and combat corruption is contrary to Georgia’s international human rights obligations including the rights to freedom of expression and association.

    Targeting those who fight for justice and combat corruption is contrary to Georgia’s international human rights obligations including the rights to freedom of expression and association

    Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia

    “Forcing non-governmental organizations to hand over sensitive information, including their beneficiaries’ names, photographs, banking records and health data limits the independence and autonomy of the organizations, and grants disproportionate governmental control over the operations of the organizations. It places impingements on the crucial work of Georgia’s vibrant civil society and human rights defenders who protect those who have suffered from torture, sexual violence, corruption or other human rights violations. This blatant violation of the rights to privacy and freedom of expression and association must stop.

    “The authorities must immediately revert the order, repeal the repressive legislation which targets the independence and autonomy of civil society organizations, and guarantee and ensure that human rights defenders and activists can work free from fear of retaliation.”

    Background

    An order by the Tbilisi City Court, dated 12 June 2025, granted the Anti-Corruption Bureau the right to demand from five civil society organizations – Transparency International Georgia, Sapari, Civil Society Foundation, Economic Policy Research Center and Georgia’s Future Academy – vast amounts of programmatic, administrative, financial and personal information, including on all their contractors and individual beneficiaries, from 1 January 2024 to 10 June 2025.

    The order invokes the Law on Grants, the Law on Political Associations of Citizens and the Law on Combatting Corruption, all recently amended by the ruling Georgian Dream party in its campaign aimed at curtailing the rights to freedom of association and expression and other human rights.

    The NGOs have condemned the move and vowed to challenge it in court.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Marshall & Baldwin Introduce Bill to Strengthen Rail Supply & Improve Freight Rail Services for American Farmers & Businesses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
    Washington – On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) joined Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin) in reintroducing the Reliable Rail Service Act, which addresses unreliable service and high rail shipping costs for farmers and manufacturers and aims to strengthen our rail supply chains. It ensures major freight railroads deliver reliable service at reasonable rates, enabling American businesses to get products to market more efficiently.
    “Kansas’s farmers and ranchers depend upon reliable transport of their world-class goods to the rest of the country, and Class 1 railroads are not meeting expectations – this is a disservice to hard-working Kansans,” said Senator Marshall. “This bill lays out reasonable requirements for rail carriers to meet these important obligations, and I look forward to working with Senator Baldwin on getting this to the finish line.”
    “Across the Badger State, our farmers, small businesses, and manufacturers rely on rail service to get their products to market and make ends meet,” said Senator Baldwin. “But when rail service is unreliable, it puts their livelihoods on the line, disrupts supply chains, and drives up costs for hardworking Wisconsin families. That’s why I am proud to work with my Republican colleague to once again introduce our Reliable Rail Service Act and help level the playing field for Wisconsin workers, grow our Made in Wisconsin economy, and keep costs down for consumers.”
    The Reliable Rail Service Act is supported by members of the agricultural industry, labor organizations, energy producers, and manufacturers who know firsthand how poor service, significant disruptions, and sky-high prices are impacting their businesses and prices for consumers.
    Click here to read the full text of the bill.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Marshall & Baldwin Introduce Bill to Strengthen Rail Supply & Improve Freight Rail Services for American Farmers & Businesses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) joined Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin) in reintroducing the Reliable Rail Service Act, which addresses unreliable service and high rail shipping costs for farmers and manufacturers and aims to strengthen our rail supply chains. It ensures major freight railroads deliver reliable service at reasonable rates, enabling American businesses to get products to market more efficiently.
    “Kansas’s farmers and ranchers depend upon reliable transport of their world-class goods to the rest of the country, and Class 1 railroads are not meeting expectations – this is a disservice to hard-working Kansans,” said Senator Marshall. “This bill lays out reasonable requirements for rail carriers to meet these important obligations, and I look forward to working with Senator Baldwin on getting this to the finish line.”
    “Across the Badger State, our farmers, small businesses, and manufacturers rely on rail service to get their products to market and make ends meet,” said Senator Baldwin. “But when rail service is unreliable, it puts their livelihoods on the line, disrupts supply chains, and drives up costs for hardworking Wisconsin families. That’s why I am proud to work with my Republican colleague to once again introduce our Reliable Rail Service Act and help level the playing field for Wisconsin workers, grow our Made in Wisconsin economy, and keep costs down for consumers.”
    The Reliable Rail Service Act is supported by members of the agricultural industry, labor organizations, energy producers, and manufacturers who know firsthand how poor service, significant disruptions, and sky-high prices are impacting their businesses and prices for consumers.
    Click here to read the full text of the bill.

    MIL OSI USA News –