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Category: housing

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Surge in number of children facing sexual abuse as they flee Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to Burundi with aid cuts reducing support – Save the Children

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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    The number of children reporting sexual assault after fleeing into Burundi to escape violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has more than tripled this year with aid cuts dramatically reducing the support available, said Save the Children.

    Between January and June this year, Save the Children staff in Burundi recorded over 478 cases of gender-based violence (GBV) including over 172 against children, most of them rape cases, which was a 249% increase from a year ago.

    More than one million people have been displaced by violence in DRC this year as the conflict dramatically escalated, including over 41,000 who have fled to Burundi, according to the UN.

    More than 65% of the GBV cases managed by Save the Children involve rape, along with psychological abuse and physical violence, the aid agency said, with horrifying stories of children being raped together with their parents and mothers being raped in front of their children.

    However, major cuts to aid supporting refugees from the DRC have curtailed the ability of humanitarian agencies to help the thousands of children housed in reception centres on arrival and refugee sites, putting their safety and wellbeing at risk. Normally survivors of gender-based violence would receive dignity and hygiene items including diapers, pads, underpants and soap, however the aid cuts mean not everyone is now receiving these essential items, said Save the Children.

    Due to the conflict, more than 500 children have arrived this year separated from their families, with about 300 unaccompanied children requiring services to trace their families and reunite them.

    Save the Children staff in Burundi said children who have faced sexual violence are in dire need of psychological support to overcome the trauma and are at risk of low self-esteem, self-blame, isolation, stigmatization and discrimination without help.

    Rita*, a 16-year-old girl living in a refugee camp in eastern Burundi, told Save the Children: “Before arriving in Burundi, my mother, my siblings and I spent several days hiding in the mountains near our village. Some days we would return home from the bushes when the sound of gunfire went down but go back to the forest in the evening. One evening we decided to stay in the house and that’s when it happened. Armed men entered our house and raped me, my sister and my mother. We then decided to flee the next day. It is very hard to look my mother in eye after what happened but also very difficult for our mother to talk to us about it.”

    Nadege Nizigama, Save the Children’s Child Protection and GBV case worker for Burundi, said:  

    “I speak to children who have faced various forms of abuse including rape and forced marriages. At the moment, I have two girls and one boy who are undergoing psychosocial support after experiencing rape while fleeing the conflict earlier this year. For the last few months, I have heard horrifying stories of children being raped together with their parents and mothers being raped in front of their children. No child should be subjected to this kind of violence. We are doing our best to provide all the support we can to help the children overcome their trauma but more needs to be done to restore the children’s wellbeing and strengthen their resilience.”

    Geoffrey Kirenga, Save the Children’s Head of Mission in Burundi, said:

    “Conflict related sexual violence has long been used as a tool of war to intimidate and terrorise civilians. The impact on children is devastating, and my team witness this daily. Save the Children’s work in Burundi reveals critical child protection concerns and survivors need to receive medical care and protection. 

    “Tragically we know the number of cases we have registered is just a drop in the ocean.  Children and community members often don’t report cases of severe violations because of fear of being victimized. It’s a tragic situation.

    “The impact of aid cuts is huge, considering the degree of vulnerability of our beneficiaries. Most of the families we are supporting have faced psychological trauma due to conflict and many left their homes with nothing. The funding gaps we’re now facing could force us to close down programmes that are a lifeline to children and families in dire need. We are calling on the international community not to abandon these children at a time when they need them most.”

    Save the Children has been working in Burundi since 2016 providing services in child protection, prevention and response to gender-based violence, health, child right governance and education. We have a team in Burundi assisting thousands of displaced children and their families.

    – on behalf of Save the Children.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Annabel Rook’s family issue statement after Hackney death

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    The family of a woman who was stabbed to death in Hackney have paid tribute to her.

    A murder investigation was launched following the death of Annabel Rook at a house in Dumont Road, Hackney.

    In a statement, Annabel’s family said:

    “The family are struggling to come to terms with this terrible tragedy. We have lost our beautiful daughter, sister, friend and mother. Annabel was a truly wonderful woman. She touched the hearts of so many.

    “She gave her life to helping the vulnerable and the disadvantaged whether it was in refugee camps in Africa or setting up MamaSuze in London, to enhance the lives of survivors of forced displacement and gender-based violence.

    “We would really appreciate it if our privacy could be respected.”

    Officers were called at 04:57hrs on Tuesday, 17 June to reports of a gas explosion with a person trapped inside the address.

    Officers attended alongside the London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade.

    Annabel, 46 was found inside the property with stab wounds. Despite the efforts of paramedics, she was sadly declared dead at the scene.

    A 44-year-old man was arrested at the address on suspicion of murder. He was taken to hospital before later being discharged into police custody where he remains.

    Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command are leading the investigation.

    Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police on 101 quoting CAD 926/17June or to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • India set to outpace G7 economies, says Equirus report

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A recent report by wealth management firm Equirus has underlined India’s structural economic strengths, stating the country is poised to outpace G7 economies in the coming years. The report suggests that global capital can no longer afford to ignore India’s evolving economic landscape.

    According to Equirus, India’s growth is being powered by strong macroeconomic fundamentals, government-led capital expenditure, a revival in rural consumption, and a structural shift in manufacturing. These factors, the report notes, are positioning India favourably amid a globally uncertain economic environment.

    Equirus Credence Family Office CEO Mitesh Shah said India is no longer just the fastest-growing economy on paper, but is structurally better placed than most of the G7 nations. He described this as a “seismic shift” in global economic dynamics. Highlighting the shift in global macro trends, Shah pointed out that India is expected to contribute over 15 per cent to global GDP growth between 2025 and 2030, whereas traditional global investment strategies are beginning to falter.

    The report outlines how India is benefiting from critical structural trends. These include a significant uptick in rural demand, where FMCG consumption in rural areas grew by 6 per cent, compared to 2.8 per cent in urban regions. In addition, government-led capital expenditure is set to increase by 17.4 per cent, alongside a Rs 2.5 lakh crore liquidity infusion currently underway.

    Over the last decade, the monthly per capita expenditure gap between rural and urban households has narrowed from 84 per cent to 70 per cent, further supporting the case for a consumption-led recovery in the Indian economy.

    Equirus also questions the continued relevance of the traditional 60/40 portfolio strategy, which divides assets between equities and bonds. In an increasingly fragmented global financial landscape, the report argues, dynamic and geography-spanning asset allocation is not just advisable but essential for both capital preservation and alpha generation.

    India’s rising global economic stature is evident in its growing contribution to global GDP growth, which now significantly exceeds that of Japan and Germany. The report also highlights broader global shifts that support India’s rise, including a decline of around 6 per cent in the Dollar Index (DXY) from its 2025 peak and stable crude oil prices near $70 per barrel, both of which help ease India’s import burden.

    On the manufacturing front, the report notes the gradual materialisation of the ‘China +1’ strategy. With multinational corporations like Apple moving parts of their iPhone production to India, the country is gaining from favourable cost structures, lower attrition rates, and stronger geopolitical alignment.

    India’s post-election economic outlook is also bolstered by a capex push led by both central and state governments. With a 17.4 per cent rise in capital spending and liquidity support via phased CRR cuts, the report sees these developments as a key force behind India’s economic momentum.

    -IANS

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Over 700 job vacancies to be offered at Talent-Wise Inclusive Job Fair

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Over 700 job vacancies to be offered at Talent-Wise Inclusive Job Fair    
    More than 40 organisations ranging from small and medium-sized enterprises to large-scale corporations will participate in the two-day job fair, offering over 700 job vacancies from various industries, including those of information technology, finance, transport, catering, hotel, property management and social services, providing employment opportunities to various types of persons with disabilities.
     
    Over 20 organisations will set up booths and conduct recruitment each day. A wide variety of positions will be offered, including systems analyst, accounting assistant, clerk, technician, marketing assistant, customer service officer, room attendant, warehouse worker, railway technical trainee, automotive mechanic apprentice, graphic designer, library material maintenance assistant, cook, waiter, multi-skilled cleaner, property service assistant, laundry steam presser, hair therapist, beauty salon assistant and receptionist, etc. Job seekers can visit the LD’s Interactive Selective Placement Service Website (www.jobs.gov.hk/isps    
    Job seekers can submit applications during the event and may be able to attend on-the-spot interviews. They can also make enquiries on and register for the employment services provided for persons with disabilities by the LD’s Selective Placement Division at its counter inside the venue.
        
    The job fair will be held from 10.30am to 5pm at G/F, TungPo of TWGHs in San Po Kong, Kowloon (accessible via Kai Tak Station or Diamond Hill Station of MTR). Admission is free, with final admission time at 4.30pm each day.
    Issued at HKT 15:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Wang caps ‘dream week’ in Berlin with breakthrough

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

    Despite a hard-fought loss in her first-ever WTA Tour singles final, China’s Wang Xinyu is leaving Berlin with a career-best result and a “dream week” to build on.

    In a grueling three-set final, Wang was edged out by former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, 7-6 (10), 4-6, 6-2 in the WTA 500 Berlin Open final on Sunday, but the 23-year-old delivered a career-best performance on grass and signaled her growing presence among the game’s elites.

    Wang Xinyu capped off a milestone week at the WTA 500 Berlin Open with a runner-up finish on Sunday, following a fierce three-set battle against former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova.

    “This week has been a dream for me. I’ve been playing unbelievable tennis here,” Wang said.

    It marked Wang’s first appearance in a tour-level singles championship match after six previous attempts ended in the semifinal stage.

    The journey to the final was a story of resilience and giant-killing upsets.

    After navigating two rounds of qualifying, the Chinese ousted world No. 16 Daria Kasatkina in the first round, then stunned newly-crowned French Open champion and world No. 2 Coco Gauff 6-3, 6-3 for her first career victory against a top-two player.

    In the quarterfinals, Wang took the first set 6-1 before Paula Badosa was forced to retire due to injury. Wang’s subsequent 6-4, 6-1 win over Liudmila Samsonova in the semifinals marked her fourth consecutive victory over a top-20 opponent this week.

    But Wang’s week almost ended before it truly began.

    Behind this string of victories was a moment of doubt that almost sent her home. Wang revealed that her team had to practically force her to continue playing during that first qualifying match.

    “Coming to this match [the semifinal], and coming to every match here I wasn’t expecting anything. For me, it’s really just to enjoy the stage. They [My team] literally pushed me back out there [in the first qualifying round]. I was walking towards the net, thinking, ‘That’s it, it’s not my day,’ but they said, ‘No, no, no, get back out there and play!’” Wang said.

    She got back out there, and reeled off six straight wins.

    “Enjoy the match” became her mantra throughout the week. Even after the final loss, Wang was quick to focus on the positives she had built.

    “People might focus more on the parts of the match where you didn’t play well, and you remember the tough losses,” Wang reflected. “But I have to remind myself to remember the great shots I played this week, to focus on the positive aspects, and to enjoy the upcoming tournaments.”

    This resilient mindset isn’t new.

    At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Wang and her mixed doubles partner Zhang Zhizhen made a surprise run to the final. The Chinese mixed doubles pair lost a nailbiter 6-2, 5-7, 10-8 to the Czech Republic’s Tomas Machac and nine-time Grand Slam doubles winner and Tokyo women’s doubles gold medalist Katerina Siniakova.

    A day later, Wang had already come to terms with the result.

    “We had many opportunities to take the lead, and we did our best in those moments. Of course, there are some regrets,” she said at the time. “But looking back, I think we need to give ourselves more encouragement and affirmation.”

    It is this calm nature that allows Wang to take wins and losses in stride.

    In her own words, it’s a simple philosophy that keeps her moving forward –“If you lose a match, there’s always a new opportunity next week to go chase a victory.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AMERICA/ECUADOR – Salesians distribute work kits to fishermen in difficulty after the environmental disaster in Esmeraldas

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Saturday, 21 June 2025

    ANS

    Esmeraldas (Agenzia Fides) – On March 13, 2025, a pipeline rupture in the province of Esmeraldas, northwest Ecuador, caused a huge amount of oil to spill into the river of the same name, which gives the region its name. It reached the Pacific Ocean and altered the biodiversity of unique river and marine ecosystems for kilometers.Most of the region’s population makes a living from fishing. An activity that, several months later, is struggling to restart. According to authorities, more than half a million people are still affected by the environmental disaster: while in March, the oil-related water crisis required rationing and the use of water reserves, in recent weeks, fishermen have struggled to resume their fishing activities as the “oil spill” damaged their equipment. Just over a month later, the same region was hit by an earthquake that caused even more damage.Salesian missionaries, through the Salesian Foundation North Coast and the Salesian Inspectorate Campaign of Ecuador “Together for Emeraldas”, delivered artisanal fishing kits and construction materials last week to areas affected by the oil spill and the recent earthquake, according to the Salesian news agency ANS.Thanks to the support of the Salesian Procurator of Ireland and the active collaboration of the Salesian Works of Ecuador, the kits were distributed to various groups of fishermen on the banks of Santa Cruz and in the Santa Martha II neighborhood. The kits include basic tools for artisanal fishing, such as nets, hooks, ropes, safety devices, and other supplies.At the same time, families affected by the violent earthquake of April 25 received building materials to rebuild their homes. The beneficiary families come from the Santa Martha and 5 de Junio neighborhoods, where the earthquake caused serious structural damage to several homes. (F.B.) (Agenzia Fides, 21/6/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Woodside’s North West Shelf gas extension is being challenged in the courts. Could it be stopped?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Samantha Hepburn, Professor, Deakin Law School, Deakin University

    The controversial extension of Woodside’s North West Shelf gas project off Western Australia faces two legal challenges. Both raise significant concerns about the validity of government approvals. One could even seek an injunction, preventing federal environment minister Murray Watt from making a final decision.

    The first battle is being fought along climate lines. Enormous amounts of greenhouse gases will be released when gas from the project is exported and burned overseas. The Friends of Australian Rock Art group now argues the then WA environment minister Reece Whitby should have taken this pollution into account when approving the extension in December.

    The second concerns ancient Aboriginal rock art in the Murujuga National Park on the Burrup Peninsula. There’s evidence greenhouse gas emissions released during extraction of fossil fuels is damaging the artwork, and Traditional Owners are seeking a protection order.

    The decision to grant the extension appears at odds with national heritage and state environment laws. Both cases will be a closely watched test of these legal protections.

    What’s the North West Shelf approval about?

    Approval for the North West Shelf gas processing plant in Karratha, WA, was to expire in 2030. Woodside Energy sought to extend the project to 2070.

    The state government gave approval to the extension in December, and the federal government gave conditional approval last month.

    Watt gave Woodside ten business days to respond to “strict conditions particularly relating to the impact of air emissions” on nearby rock art, but that deadline was not met. Woodside has been given more time to review the conditions.

    Meanwhile, two legal challenges have been mounted.

    The Friends of Rock Art case

    Earlier this month, the group Friends of Australian Rock Art requested judicial review of the approval by Whitby.

    Judicial review is where courts review government decisions to ensure they are lawful and fair. The case is yet to be heard in the WA Supreme Court.

    The group argues the state failed to give proper regard to the climate impact of the proposal, as required under the WA Environment Protection Act.

    Specifically, the group argues the approval did not fully examine the climate impacts of so-called “scope three” emissions. These occur when the exported gas is burned overseas.

    Under WA state law, the minister must consider whether a proposal will have a significant effect on the environment. This is a broad requirement and the climate effects of a decision are relevant.

    The WA Office of Environmental Protection makes this clear in a statement of objectives, which include minimising “the risk of environmental harm associated with climate change by reducing greenhouse gases as far as practicable”.

    Guidelines published in November to help implement this objective set out that where scope three emissions are likely to exceed 100,000 tonnes a year, extra information must be provided to government. This includes “a summary of where the scope three emissions will be emitted (domestic or international), and whether they are or are reasonably likely to be subject to emission reduction requirements as scope 1 or 2 emissions”.

    The guidelines further state that the EPA’s usual minimum expectation for proposals is for “deep, substantial and sustained emission reductions” this decade – with net zero no later than 2050, and reductions occurring along a linear trajectory (at minimum) from 2030.

    Woodside has indicated the project extension would emit about 80 million tonnes of scope three emissions annually – about equal to the emissions from a small to medium-sized country.

    Co-convener of the Friends group, Judith Hugo, said the minister did not give adequate regard to the guidelines and failed to consider the project’s full impact on the climate, as well as the nearby rock art.

    While litigation on scope three emissions is relatively new, it is gaining traction globally. It has become an increasingly significant factor underlying corporate climate action and policy development.

    Announcing the legal challenge on June 17, 2025 (Friends of Australian Rock Art)

    2. The Traditional Owner case

    Raelene Cooper is a Mardathoonera woman and founder of the group Save our Songlines. She filed legal action in the Federal Court in 2022, seeking temporary protection from industrial emissions for the art.

    Murujuga has some of the planet’s oldest known rock art, dating back 40,000 years. Research has shown rocks closer to the industrial operations have been degraded by past emissions.

    On May 23 this year, Cooper called for an “urgent assessment of the ongoing impacts of all industry on the Burrup” before the federal government decided on Woodside’s proposed extension.

    She had filed a motion in the Federal Court seeking to compel Watt to make a determination of her Murujuga Section 10 cultural heritage assessment. But Watt announced conditional approval for the Woodside extension on May 28.

    Watt reportedly promised to give Cooper three days’ notice of the approval. That would have given Cooper an opportunity to file an injunction preventing the minister from making a final decision to approve the North West Shelf prior to resolving her section 10 protection order.

    Resolution of the protection order is particularly important given the art has been nominated for UNESCO World Heritage listing. The World Heritage Committee referred the nomination back to the federal government so as to “prevent any further industrial development adjacent to, and within, the Murujuga Cultural Landscape”.

    This referral occurred before the project extension was approved. If the approval is finalised, the nomination may fail, because the government cannot ensure the area will be protected.

    Cooper’s case is set to be heard in July.

    Saving Murujuga Rock Art (The Australia Institute)

    High stakes and delicate decision-making

    These legal actions reflect deep public concern over the North West Shelf gas project extension.

    In the context of a worsening climate emergency and damage to ancient rock art, properly adhering to the legal requirements for the assessment of such projects couldn’t be more crucial.

    Samantha Hepburn 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. Woodside’s North West Shelf gas extension is being challenged in the courts. Could it be stopped? – https://theconversation.com/woodsides-north-west-shelf-gas-extension-is-being-challenged-in-the-courts-could-it-be-stopped-259130

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • Man City down Al-Ain 6-0 to reach Club World Cup knockout stage with Juve

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Ilkay Gundogan scored two goals as Manchester City comfortably dispatched Emirati club Al-Ain 6-0 on Sunday to ease into the knockout stage of the Club World Cup from Group G along with Juventus.

    The German midfielder found the net in the ninth and 73rd minutes while Argentine teenager Claudio Etcheverri also fired home a free kick and Erling Haaland a penalty before the break.

    Substitutes Oscar Bobb and new signing Rayan Cherki sealed the emphatic victory in the last 10 minutes to draw City level on goal difference with Juventus, who beat Wydad Casablanca 4-1 earlier on Sunday.

    City and Juventus meet in their final group match in Orlando on Thursday to decide which of them progresses to the round of 16 as group winners.

    “A really good performance,” said Gundogan. “I think we had our moments in the first half, and then also the second part of the second half.

    “I think the result speaks for itself, and in the end, fully deserved.”

    City manager Pep Guardiola illustrated the depth of his squad by making 11 changes, and Gundogan made the most of his start by opening the scoring with a chipped cross that floated over the head of Al-Ain keeper Khalid Eisa and into the net.

    Al-Ain were showing more ambition than they had in their 5-0 loss to Juventus and winger Nassim Chadli had a chance to equalise in the 15th minute but City keeper Stefan Ortega Moreno managed to push it wide.

    Etcheverri, making his first start for City, doubled the lead in the 27th minute when he bent a free kick around a poorly-placed defensive wall and past the hapless Eisa.

    Haaland almost immediately created a chance for himself by dispossessing the final defender but he took the ball too wide to get around Eisa and his shot went across the goal.

    The big Norwegian went through on goal again in the 41st minute before again angling his shot wide of the far post but made no mistake from the spot with his third chance to score in first-half stoppage time.

    Egyptian Ramy Rabia wrestled Manuel Akanji to the ground from a corner and after VAR informed the referee of the offence, Haaland sent Eisa to the left and banged the ball into the right-hand corner for his 32nd goal of the season.

    City kept up the pressure in the second half and forward Matheus Nunes turned and volleyed the ball past the post just after the hour mark before Eisa finally showed his quality by twice denying Haaland from close range.

    Chadli had another chance in the 69th minute but fired his shot high over the bar and Gundogan soon ended any hopes of a comeback with his second goal.

    Bernardo Silva drifted across the edge of the box before drilling a pass towards the penalty spot and Gundogan got a great first touch to take him past the defence before lifting the ball over Eisa.

    Bobb cut inside the box onto his left foot to beat Eisa at his near post eight minutes from time before his fellow winger Cherki sealed the rout with a clinical finish from the edge of the box.

    (Reuters)

  • Airlines weigh Middle East cancellations after US strikes in Iran

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Commercial airlines around the world on Monday were weighing how long to suspend Middle East flights as a conflict which has already cut off major flight routes entered a new phase after the U.S. attacked key Iranian nuclear sites and Tehran vowed to defend itself.

    The usually busy airspace stretching from Iran and Iraq to the Mediterranean has been largely empty of commercial air traffic for 10 days since Israel began strikes on Iran on June 13, as airlines divert, cancel and delay flights through the region due to airspace closures and safety concerns.

    New cancellations of some flights by international carriers in recent days to usually resilient aviation hubs like Dubai, the world’s busiest international airport, and Qatar’s Doha, show how aviation industry concerns about the region have escalated.
    However, some international airlines were resuming services on Monday.

    Leading Asian carrier Singapore Airlines, which described the situation as “fluid”, was set to resume flying to Dubai on Monday after cancelling its Sunday flight from Singapore.

    Similarly, Flightradar24 departure boards show British Airways, owned by IAG, was set to resume Dubai and Doha flights on Monday after cancelling routes to and from those airports on Sunday.

    Air France KLM cancelled flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh on Sunday and Monday.

    With Russian and Ukrainian airspace also closed to most airlines due to years of war, the Middle East had become a more important route for flights between Europe and Asia. Amid missile and air strikes during the past 10 days, airlines have routed north via the Caspian Sea or south via Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

    Added to increased fuel and crew costs from these long detours and cancellations, carriers also face a potential hike in jet fuel costs as oil prices rise following the U.S. attacks.

    AIRSPACE RISKS

    Proliferating conflict zones are an increasing operational burden on airlines, as aerial attacks raise worries about accidental or deliberate shoot-downs of commercial air traffic.

    Location spoofing and GPS interference around political hotspots, where ground-based GPS systems broadcast incorrect positions which can send commercial airliners off course, are also a growing issue for commercial aviation.

    Flightradar24 told Reuters it had seen a “dramatic increase” in jamming and spoofing in recent days over the Persian Gulf. SkAI, a Swiss company that runs a GPS disruption map, late on Sunday said it had observed more than 150 aircraft spoofed in 24 hours there.

    Safe Airspace, a website run by OPSGROUP, a membership-based organisation that shares flight risk information, noted on Sunday that U.S. attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites could heighten the threat to American operators in the region.

    This could raise additional airspace risks in Gulf states like Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, it said.

    In the days before the U.S. strikes, American Airlines suspended flights to Qatar, and United Airlines and Air Canada did the same with flights to Dubai. They have yet to resume.

    While international airlines are shying away from the region, local carriers in Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq are tentatively resuming some flights after widespread cancellations.

    Israel is ramping up flights to help people return home, and leave. The country’s Airports Authority says that so-called rescue flights to the country would expand on Monday with 24 a day, although each flight would be limited to 50 passengers.

    From Monday, Israeli airlines will start to operate outbound flights from Israel, the authority said.

    Israeli airline El Al on Sunday said it had received applications to leave the country from about 25,000 people in about a day.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Regional Infrastructure Fund backs solar energy

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Three solar projects in regional New Zealand will receive loans of up to $28.1 million combined from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to ensure security of local energy supply and community resilience, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Energy Minister Simon Watts say.

    “The loans for these projects in Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay and Rakiura/Stewart Island will allow them to get under way this year, helping them to improve economic prosperity and resilience. They will also create up to 150 jobs during construction,” Mr Jones says.

    “These projects support the Coalition Government’s objective of doubling renewable energy generation by 2050 and enabling a more reliable and affordable electricity supply for regional New Zealand,” Mr Watts says.

    The three projects are:

    • Rakiura/Stewart Island – a suspensory loan of up to $15.35m to Southland District Council to build the first stage of a solar farm, and network upgrades, replacing high-cost, diesel-generated electricity for the island’s 494 permanent electricity connections
    • Ongaonga, Hawke’s Bay – a loan of up to $8m to local lines company Centralines Ltd to build a 35ha solar farm to generate 52GW annually and provide about 9000 electricity connections in Central Hawke’s Bay with a local source of generation
    • Te Kaha, Bay of Plenty – a loan of up to $4.75m to Te Huata Charitable Trust to build an 804kW-peak solar farm to ensure reliable electricity supply to about 320 homes and businesses.

    The Rakiura/Stewart Island project is expected to reduce diesel consumption by 200,000 litres within two years of beginning. During construction, about 40 high-skilled workers will be required.

    When complete, more competitive energy costs will help business growth on the island including in aquaculture, tourism and hospitality.

    The Ongaonga solar farm will improve electricity network resilience and support more competitive pricing for residents and commercial customers. Power could also be supplied to the national grid at peak generation. About 80-100 roles are expected to be needed during construction.

    The Te Kaha project will provide more reliable, competitively priced power for a Māori community that regularly suffers electricity outages. The solar farm battery will have storage capacity for up to 72 hours which will protect the community from power outages. Reliable power will also help the Ōpōtiki region with its bid to be an aquaculture centre of national significance. During construction, up to 12 people will be employed.

    “Solar power is playing an increasingly important role in increasing electricity generation in New Zealand. It will help us reach our renewable energy targets and bolster the security and affordability of our energy supply,” Mr Watts says.

    “The Government has been making great progress on a series of exciting new solar and battery initiatives recently. I look forward to seeing these three projects make a real difference for these communities.”

    Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson travelled to Rakiura for the announcement today. He said the project should lead to considerable savings for residents.

    “The Regional infrastructure Fund is contributing to energy security where communities cannot gain investment from other sources, and there are wider benefits for the communities,” Mr Patterson says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • June 25, ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’—A Sombre Reminder: Vice-President

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    lign=”center”>Supreme Court’s Verdict During Emergency Was The Darkest In Judicial History, Says VP
    The Judgment Of The Supreme Court Overruling Judgement of Nine High Courts, Legitimised Dictatorship And Authoritarianism, Says VP
    More Than 100,000 Citizens Of This Country Were Put Behind Bars In Hours, Reminds VP
    Our Constitution Ceased To Exist; Our Media Was Held Hostage during Emergency, Recalls VP
    It Is My Very Passionate Appeal — Yoga Is Not Meant For One Day, but for Every Moment of your Day, Urges VP
    Yoga Will Give Relief, Purify Every Sin, Highlights VP On The Eve Of International Yoga Day
    Vice-President addresses Rajya Sabha Interns in New Delhi

    The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, today reminded the gathering of a critical historical episode, namely Emergency, saying, “Today I am reflecting on an incident, which comes as a sad anniversary within seven days. India was in the 28th year of its independence from the British colonial regime in 1975. It was June 25, 1975, at midnight. The President of India, then, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, signed, at the instance of the then Prime Minister, Smt. Indira Gandhi — a declaration of Emergency in the nation. It was for the first time.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1936010233819595171

    Interacting with participants of the 7th Batch of Rajya Sabha internship program (RSIP-7) at Vice-President Enclave, New Delhi, Shri Dhankhar said, “Now you are discerning minds. A President cannot act on the advice of an individual, the Prime Minister. The Constitution is very categorical. There is a council of ministers headed by the Prime Minister to aid and advise the President. This was one violation, but what was the result? More than 100,000 citizens of this country were put behind bars in hours.”

    Reflecting on the collapse of democratic institutions, he said, “They were dragged out of their homes, put in jails all over the country. Our Constitution ceased to exist. Our media was held hostage. Some of the illustrious newspapers had blank editorials.”

    Sharing a chilling account of those arrested, he noted, “And you know, illustratively, who were these people who were suddenly put behind bars? Many of them became Prime Ministers of this country — Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Morarji Desai, Chandra Shekhar Ji. Many of them became Chief Ministers, Governors, Scientists, and talented people. Many of them were your age.”

    Turning to the judiciary’s role, the Vice-President highlighted, “That was a time when the fundamental essence of democracy capsized in times of distress. People look up to the Judiciary. Nine High Courts in the country have gloriously defined that, emergency or no emergency, people have fundamental rights, and there is access to the justice system. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court overturned all nine High Courts and gave a judgment which will be the darkest in the history of any Judicial institution in the world that believes in the rule of law. The decision was that it is the will of the Executive to have Emergency for as much time as it thinks fit.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1936010558882414738

    “And secondly, during an Emergency, there are no fundamental rights. So the judgment of the Supreme Court legitimised dictatorship, authoritarianism, and despotism in this land, Bharat, the oldest and now most vibrant democracy. You, therefore, have to remember it because you were not there. I was there.”

    Drawing attention to a significant development, he added, “And therefore, the present government thought very wisely, and a notification was issued on July 11, 2024. And that was for a valid reason — we were having the 75th year of our Republic. We became independent in 1947. The 75th came earlier, but we became a Republic. So, we were starting that adoption of the Indian Constitution, the 75th year, and this day was declared officially by a gazette notification on July 11, 2024 — that June 25th will be Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1936010747953238229

    He said with a call to duty, “And this is to make the event a sombre reminder — that we have to be ourselves, Guardians and watchdogs of democratic values. So, I urge all of you to carefully analyze. Then you will come to know the price of democracy.”

    Emphasising another important aspect, Shri Dhankhar said, “India is a country that believes in harmony, which means you practice a religion as per your volition, your option, your choice. You cannot be made to be attracted to a religion by sugar-coated promises, allurements. That is a step towards destroying a sense of Indian identity. Anyone has the right to choose a religion of his or her choice. But if there is allurement, temptation, something that comes with a string that is a challenge to our civilizational assets.  Our foundations will shake, and I can assure you this change is taking place. Every individual has a right and a duty to attend to this.”

    Moreover, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, reflected on the significance of International Yoga Day saying, “Tomorrow is International Yoga Day, अंतर्राष्ट्रीय योग दिवस. This emanates from our treasure. It has its origin in Bharat. It is deeply embedded in our scriptures, the essence of it. Our Atharvaveda is encyclopedic about health, wellness, and how to take care of the body. So this idea occurred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that we must share this good practice with the entire world, and we had a great achievement,” he said.

    He recalled, “In September 2014, when the Prime Minister began his first term, he made a clarion call at the United Nations while he was addressing the United Nations General Assembly. He said, and I quote, ‘Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition’.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1936009765034807664

    The Vice-President noted how the world embraced this vision. “The world picked it up in the shortest of time, within 75 days, with the largest number of countries, 177 nations, that converged into a resolution of the United Nations, namely Resolution 69/131 on December 11, 2014, declaring June 21 as International Yoga Day. Since then, it is celebrated all over the nation.”

    He shared his personal experience, saying, “I had the occasion to be at the main function in the Nation on 9th International Yoga Day at Jabalpur. And the Prime Minister of the country, of the largest, most vibrant, oldest democracy, had the occasion to participate in a similar program at United Nations Headquarters.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1936009953891778588

    Addressing the young interns, the Vice-President emphasized, “Boys and girls, Yoga is not limited only to International Yoga Day celebrations on June 21. June 21 is a focal point for everyone to know about. It has to be part of your daily life. Start practicing it. You can do it in parts at any time of the day, also. It will give you relief, purify you from every sin, and take on occasional despondency out of you.”

    Shri P.C. Mody, Secretary General, Rajya Sabha, Dr. K.S. Somashekhar, Additional Secretary, Rajya Sabha, and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Liberia to Commemorate International Day of Women in Diplomacy on June 24, 2025


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    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the support of UN Women Liberia, will host a high-level event on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in observance of the International Day of Women in Diplomacy. The event will take place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Monrovia. Established by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution 76/269 in 2022, the International Day of Women in Diplomacy is observed annually on June 24. This day recognizes the critical contributions of women to diplomacy, international affairs, and peacebuilding, from grassroots activism to global negotiations. It also shines a spotlight on the persistent barriers that hinder women’s equal participation and leadership in diplomatic spaces.

    Despite gradual progress, women remain significantly underrepresented in diplomatic leadership worldwide. As of 2024, only 21% of ambassadors globally are women, with Africa accounting for 20%, up just slightly from 19% in 2023. These statistics reflect slow but ongoing efforts toward gender parity in diplomacy. In Liberia, women represent 43.9% of the Ministry’s home office staff and 37.3% of foreign mission staff. However, they remain underrepresented in leadership roles, holding only 27.1% of home office leadership positions and 40.1% of decision-making roles in foreign missions. These figures demonstrate the urgent need for targeted reforms to advance gender-balanced leadership across the diplomatic service. In April 2025, the UN Human Rights Council adopted Resolution 58/15 on Women, Diplomacy and Human Rights, led by Morocco, Chile, Mexico, and Spain and co-sponsored by more than 95 Member States. The resolution calls for systemic reforms to eliminate discrimination in diplomatic spaces and reaffirms the global commitment to women’s full, equal, and meaningful participation in diplomacy.

    Liberia has a proud legacy of women’s leadership in diplomacy and peacebuilding. From former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first elected female head of state, to Nobel Laureate Leymah Gbowee, Liberian women have long shaped the country’s diplomatic and peacebuilding efforts. Community-based mechanisms such as Peace Huts further highlight Liberia’s grassroots innovations in women-led diplomacy. Liberia is also among the growing number of countries advancing a Feminist Foreign Policy (FFP). A member of the FFP+ Group at the United Nations, Liberia reaffirmed its commitment to gender-responsive diplomacy at the 78th UN General Assembly and again at the 2025 African Union Summit. These efforts align with Liberia’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (NAP-WPS) and global frameworks such as UNSCR 1325 and HRC Resolution 58/15.

    The June 24th event presents a strategic opportunity to:

    • Celebrate the contributions of Liberian women to diplomacy and peacebuilding;
    • Disseminate and contextualize HRC Resolution 58/15 within Liberia’s policy landscape;
    • Reaffirm Liberia’s leadership in advancing gender-equitable diplomacy.

    Objectives of the Event

    1. Raise national awareness of the International Day of Women in Diplomacy and its alignment with Liberia’s foreign policy and gender equality goals.
    2. Recognize and celebrate the achievements of Liberian women in formal and informal diplomatic spaces (Track I, II, and III).
    3. Disseminate HRC Resolution 58/15 and explore its relevance to Liberia’s Feminist Foreign Policy.
    4. Facilitate dialogue among stakeholders on institutional reforms, mentorship, and pathways to expand women’s leadership in diplomacy.
    5. Generate actionable recommendations for creating enabling environments for women across Liberia’s foreign service.

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs invites stakeholders from across government, civil society, academia, diplomatic missions, and development partners to join this important occasion in honoring and advancing the role of women in diplomacy.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • Satellite images indicate severe damage to Fordow, but doubts remain

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Commercial satellite imagery indicates the U.S. attack on Iran’s Fordow nuclear plant severely damaged – and possibly destroyed – the deeply-buried site and the uranium-enriching centrifuges it housed, but there was no confirmation, experts said on Sunday.

    “They just punched through with these MOPs,” said David Albright, a former U.N. nuclear inspector who heads the Institute for Science and International Security, referring to the Massive Ordnance Penetrator bunker-busting bombs that the U.S. said it dropped. “I would expect that the facility is probably toast.”

    But confirmation of the below-ground destruction could not be determined, noted Decker Eveleth, an associate researcher with the CNA Corporation who specializes in satellite imagery. The hall containing hundreds of centrifuges is “too deeply buried for us to evaluate the level of damage based on satellite imagery,” he said.

    To defend against attacks such as the one conducted by U.S. forces early on Sunday, Iran buried much of its nuclear program in fortified sites deep underground, including into the side of a mountain at Fordow.

    Satellite images show six holes where the bunker-busting bombs appear to have penetrated the mountain, and then ground that looks disturbed and covered in dust.

    The United States and Israel have said they intend to halt Tehran’s nuclear program. But a failure to completely destroy its facilities and equipment could mean Iran could more easily restart the weapons program that U.S. intelligence and the U.N. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) say it shuttered in 2003.

    ‘UNUSUAL ACTIVITY’

    Several experts also cautioned that Iran likely moved a stockpile of near weapons-grade highly enriched uranium out of Fordow before the strike early Sunday morning and could be hiding it and other nuclear components in locations unknown to Israel, the U.S. and U.N. nuclear inspectors.

    They noted satellite imagery from Maxar Technologies showing “unusual activity” at Fordow on Thursday and Friday, with a long line of vehicles waiting outside an entrance of the facility. A senior Iranian source told Reuters on Sunday most of the near weapons-grade 60% highly enriched uranium had been moved to an undisclosed location before the U.S. attack.

    “I don’t think you can with great confidence do anything but set back their nuclear program by maybe a few years,” said Jeffrey Lewis of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey. “There’s almost certainly facilities that we don’t know about.”

    Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, a Democrat and member of the Senate intelligence committee who said he had been reviewing intelligence every day, expressed the same concern.

    “My big fear right now is that they take this entire program underground, not physically underground, but under the radar,” he told NBC News. “Where we tried to stop it, there is a possibility that this could accelerate it.”

    Iran long has insisted that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

    But in response to Israel’s attacks, Iran’s parliament is threatening to withdraw from the Non-Proliferation Treaty, the cornerstone of the international system that went into force in 1970 to stop the spread of nuclear weapons, ending cooperation with the IAEA.

    “The world is going to be in the dark about what Iran may be doing,” said Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association advocacy group.

    ‘DOUBLE TAP’

    Reuters spoke to four experts who reviewed Maxar Technologies satellite imagery of Fordow showing six neatly spaced holes in two groups in the mountain ridge beneath which the hall containing the centrifuges is believed to be located.

    General Dan Caine, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters that seven B-2 bombers dropped 14 GBU-57/B MOPs, 30,000-pound precision-guided bombs designed to drive up to 200 feet into hardened underground facilities like Fordow, according to a 2012 congressional report.

    Caine said initial assessments indicated that the sites suffered extremely severe damage, but declined to speculate about whether any nuclear facilities remained intact.

    Eveleth said the Maxar imagery of Fordow and Caine’s comments indicated that the B-2s dropped an initial load of six MOPs on Fordow, followed by a “double tap” of six more in the exact same spots.

    Operation Midnight Hammer also targeted Tehran’s main uranium enrichment facility at Natanz, he said, and struck in Isfahan, the location of the country’s largest nuclear research center. There are other nuclear-related sites near the city.

    Israel had already struck Natanz and the Isfahan Nuclear Research Center in its 10-day war with Iran.

    Albright said in a post on X that Airbus Defence and Space satellite imagery showed that U.S. Tomahawk cruise missiles severely damaged a uranium facility at Isfahan and an impact hole above the underground enrichment halls at Natanz reportedly caused by a Massive Ordnance Penetrator bunker-busting bomb that “likely destroyed the facility.”

    Albright questioned the U.S. use of cruise missiles in Isfahan, saying that those weapons could not penetrate a tunnel complex near the main nuclear research center believed to be even deeper than Fordow. The IAEA said the tunnel entrances “were impacted.”

    He noted that Iran recently informed the IAEA that it planned to install a new uranium enrichment plant in Isfahan.

    “There may be 2,000 to 3,000 more centrifuges that were slated to go into this new enrichment plant,” he said. “Where are they?”

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Overseas investment decisions twice as fast

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Associate Minister of Finance David Seymour is encouraged to see overseas investment decisions being made twice as fast following his Ministerial directive letter (the letter) to Land Information New Zealand (LINZ). 

    “Last year I issued a Ministerial directive letter setting out my expectations for faster consent processing timeframes under the Overseas Investment Act (the Act),” Mr Seymour says. 

    “The letter set my expectation that LINZ, the regulator for the Act, will process 80 per cent of consent applications in half the statutory timeframes for decisions. 

    “The financial year beginning 1 July 2024 is on track to meet my expectations. So far, LINZ has been processing 88 per cent of consent applications in half the statutory timeframe. 

    “Since this financial year began, processing times have reduced by 39 per cent faster than the previous financial year. The average timeframe has reduced from 71 working days in the last financial year, to 28 working days this financial year. 

    “The improvements to processing times are largely owed to the new risk-based approach LINZ take to verifying information and streamlining consent processes. This recognises that the majority of consent applications are low-risk and should be processed more efficiently.

    “1 July 2024 to 19 June 2025 saw 122 applications for overseas investment, decreasing from 146 in the financial year prior (both figures exclude ‘only home to live in’ applications). The decrease is explained by a significant drop in applications for residential land development due to poor property market conditions. I expect these numbers to bounce back with the rise of the property market.

    “In order to have a strong growing economy New Zealand needs to be more welcoming to investment. Long waiting times for applications was creating uncertainty and impacting the attractiveness of investing in New Zealand. This affected New Zealand businesses that rely on overseas investment for capital or for liquidity.

    “Since delegating most decision-making to LINZ and directing officials to focus on realising the benefits of overseas investment, there has been a significant improvement in processing times.

    “Feedback from investors has been overwhelmingly positive, and they have welcomed the changes to make the application process more efficient, while still giving the right level of scrutiny to high-risk transactions.

    “LINZ still has the full statutory timeframe to process 20 per cent of consent applications, which will allow them to manage complex and higher-risk applications.

    “This week will see the first reading of thee Overseas Investment (National Interest Test and Other Matters) Amendment Bill as well.

    “The Bill will consolidate and simplify the screening process for less sensitive assets, introducing a modified national interest test that will enable the regulator to triage low-risk transactions, replacing the existing benefit to New Zealand test and investor test. If a national interest risk is identified, the regulator and relevant Minister will have a range of tools to manage this, including through imposing conditions or blocking the transaction. 

    The current screening requirements will stay in place for investments in farmland and fishing quota.

    “New Zealand has been turning away opportunities for growth for too long. Having one of the most restrictive overseas investment regimes in the OECD means we’ve paid the price in lost opportunities, lower productivity, and stagnant wages. This Bill is about reversing that.   

    “For all investments aside from residential land, farmland and fishing quota, decisions must be made in 15 days, unless the application could be contrary to New Zealand’s national interest. In contrast, the current timeframe in the Regulations for the benefit test is 70 days, and the average time taken for decisions to be made is 30 days for this test,” says Mr Seymour.

    “International investment is critical to ensuring economic growth. It provides access to capital and technology that grows New Zealand businesses, enhances productivity, and supports high paying jobs.

    The Bill can be read here: Overseas Investment (National Interest Test and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 171-1 (2025), Government Bill Contents – New Zealand Legislation

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New requirement to audit Care Minutes Performance Statement

    Source:

    All residential aged care providers will be required to complete a new Care Minutes Performance Statement, which must be externally audited and submitted to the 2025–26 Aged Care Financial Report. Find out how to prepare for these new requirements.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: NZ’s plan to ‘welcome anyone, from anywhere, anytime’ is not a sustainable tourism policy

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Regina Scheyvens, Professor of Development Studies, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University

    Getty Images

    Attracting more Chinese tourists to New Zealand, including during the off-season, was a major part of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s trade agenda during his visit to China last week. As Tourism Minister Louise Upston put it: “we welcome anyone, from anywhere, anytime”.

    It’s all part of the government’s plan to “turbocharge” the tourism sector with an additional NZ$13.5 million for marketing this year. The hope is this will help double the value of tourism as an export earner by 2034.

    The China visit built on the government’s Tourism Growth Roadmap which aims to attract 3.89 million visitors by 2026, and 4.78 million by 2030-34.

    Ironically, the release of the roadmap coincided with unprecedented, organised push-back against mass tourism across southern Europe this month. Fed up with the economic and cultural impact of too much “touristification”, residents of popular cities and islands in Italy, Portugal and Spain took part in coordinated protests, some even spraying tourists with water pistols.

    Before COVID upended international tourism in 2020, similar serious concerns were voiced in New Zealand about environmental degradation, crowding and congestion, and declining public support for tourism.

    But the plan to turbocharge tourism specifically aims to return international visitor arrivals to pre-COVID levels.

    From destination management to marketing

    As part of the government’s Tourism Boost Package, money generated by the International Visitor Levy (IVL) will be spent driving demand in Australia and elsewhere over the next two years.

    But this use of the visitor levy (which was raised to $100 in October last year) seems at odds with its stated purpose. According to New Zealand Immigration, “The IVL is your contribution to maintaining the facilities and natural environment you will use and enjoy during your stay”.

    Visitor levy revenue was strategically intended to support tourism regions to protect their natural environments and maintain crucial infrastructure.

    Diverting visitor levy income to fund overall tourism growth also seems to turn a deaf ear to the 2020 interim report from the Tourism Futures Taskforce and the 2023 Tourism Adaptation Roadmap from the Aotearoa Circle industry group.

    Both were widely acknowledged for their vision and ambition to create a future tourism that served the aspirations of Māori and local communities.

    There’s also a risk of the 29 Destination Management Plans developed since 2021 (with financial support from the visitor levy) being shelved in this detour from destination management to marketing.

    Anti-tourism protesters in Barcelona brandish water pistols, June 15.
    Getty Images

    Redefining tourism ‘value’

    There are several key questions about the practical implications of the government’s growth-oriented tourism development approach.

    Firstly, staff and infrastructure limitations mean destinations and business will struggle to accommodate more numbers. As the acting mayor of MacKenzie District has noted, several businesses around Tekapo were forced to operate below capacity last summer because there was no suitable housing available for the staff, only up-market holiday rentals.

    New Zealand also faces a tourism workforce crisis. Over the past ten years, there has been a 63% drop in the number of students taking tourism-related tertiary courses, and a 73% decrease in those completing hospitality courses.

    Meanwhile, from Northland to Queenstown, basic utilities such as electricity and drinking water are being stretched beyond capacity during peak visitation times.

    Secondly, there is a real risk of environmental damage from overtourism compromising the appeal of iconic attractions and destinations.

    But despite concern over growing visitor pressure at Piopiotahi/Milford Sound over the past decade, the government recently rejected a plan to manage numbers and ban cruise ships in the inner sound.

    Thirdly, there is the risk of tourism losing its social licence, as is happening in parts of Europe, given the huge burdens on small communities. As the mayor of Queenstown said recently: “When I first started as the mayor, I think it was one resident night to every 30 visitor nights. It is now one to 47.”

    Ultimately, long-term value creation through tourism can only happen when “value” is defined in more than monetary terms and in ways that deliver for all stakeholders, including businesses, visitors, communities, mana whenua and nature.

    The government’s focus on “turbocharging” economic growth through tourism now puts at risk what little progress has been made toward a sustainable tourism model and giving the regions most affected a voice.

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

    – ref. NZ’s plan to ‘welcome anyone, from anywhere, anytime’ is not a sustainable tourism policy – https://theconversation.com/nzs-plan-to-welcome-anyone-from-anywhere-anytime-is-not-a-sustainable-tourism-policy-259246

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Information sought over Pooraka arson

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Police are investigating a suspicious fire at a warehouse in Pooraka earlier this month.

    About 1am Saturday 14 June police and fire crews were called to a business on Main North Road after reports of a fire.

    Fire fighters quickly extinguished the blaze which caused minor internal damage to the building.

    CCTV from the incident shows a dark coloured vehicle, possibly a VN commodore, with light coloured mag wheels in the vicinity at the time of the fire.

    Police believe the fire was deliberately lit and ask anyone who recognises the car, who may have witnessed any suspicious activity or who may have CCTV or dashcam footage to assist with the investigation to anonymously provide information to Crime Stoppers online at https://crimestopperssa.com.au or free call 1800 333 000.

    Quote 25-84M.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Your top 5 work-from-home questions

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    1. What is the fixed rate for Tax Time 2024?

    The fixed rate for the 2023–24 income year is 67 cents per hour worked from home.

    As this rate may change each year, it’s important to check our website so you can claim the right amount for that year, for your clients. We encourage you and your clients to use our home office expenses calculator.

    2. Is there a minimum number of hours to qualify for a working from home (WFH) deduction?

    No, there’s no minimum number of hours required to claim a WFH deduction. To claim these expenses, your client must:

    • be working from home to fulfil their employment duties, not just carrying out minimal tasks, like checking emails or taking calls
    • incur additional running expenses because of working from home
    • have records that show they incurred these expenses.

    3. What types of records do taxpayers need to prove their ‘total hours worked from home’?

    To claim a deduction using the fixed rate method, your clients need to have records that show all of their hours worked from home between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024 (including their start and finish time, each time they worked from home). This can be recorded through a diary, spreadsheet, rosters or timesheets.

    The record of hours must be made at the time they work from home, or as soon as possible afterwards. We will no longer accept an estimate or a representative record.

    4. What is a practical way to prove work use of my phone?

    If your client uses the fixed rate method to claim their working from home expenses, they can’t claim a separate deduction for their phone calls and data usage. These expenses are included in the fixed rate per hour.

    If your client is planning to use the actual cost method to claim their working from home expenses, they will need to calculate their work-related percentage of phone calls and data usage on a reasonable basis.

    Keeping a diary for a continuous 4-week period is the easiest way to work out the deduction. This can be paper or electronic records that show how they calculated the percentage of work-related use (for example – number of phone calls made, or time spent using the internet for work versus private use).

    A record of a continuous 4-week period representing work use can then be used across the rest of the income year to calculate the full deduction.

    5. Can an employee claim rent as part of the actual cost method if they work from home full time?

    An employee working from home generally can’t claim for occupancy expenses such as rent, insurance or mortgage interest – except in limited circumstances where they have an area of their home set aside as a ‘place of business’. If your client is intending to claim occupancy expenses, there may be capital gains tax (CGT) implications for their home.

    MIL OSI News –

  • Iran weighs retaliation against U.S. for strikes on nuclear sites

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Iran and Israel traded air and missile strikes as the world braced on Monday for Tehran’s response to the U.S. attack on its nuclear sites and U.S. President Donald Trump raised the idea of regime change in the Islamic republic.

    Iran vowed to defend itself on Sunday, a day after the U.S. joined Israel in the biggest Western military action against the country since its 1979 Islamic Revolution, despite calls for restraint and a return to diplomacy from around the world.

    Commercial satellite imagery indicated the U.S. attack on Saturday on Iran’s subterranean Fordow nuclear plant severely damaged or destroyed the deeply buried site and the uranium-enriching centrifuges it housed, but the status of the site remained unconfirmed, experts said.

    In his latest social media comments on the U.S. strikes, Trump said “Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran.”
    “The biggest damage took place far below ground level. Bullseye!!!” he wrote on his Truth Social platform.

    Trump earlier called on Iran to forgo any retaliation and said the government “must now make peace” or “future attacks would be far greater and a lot easier.”

    The U.S. launched 75 precision-guided munitions including bunker-buster bombs and more than two dozen Tomahawk missiles against three Iranian nuclear sites, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, told reporters.

    The U.N. nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, said no increases in off-site radiation levels had been reported after the U.S. strikes. Rafael Grossi, the agency’s director general, told CNN that it was not yet possible to assess the damage done underground.

    A senior Iranian source told Reuters that most of the highly enriched uranium at Fordow had been moved elsewhere before the attack. Reuters could not immediately corroborate the claim.

    Tehran, which denies its nuclear programme is for anything other than peaceful purposes, sent a volley of missiles at Israel in the aftermath of the U.S. attack, wounding scores of people and destroying buildings in Tel Aviv.

    But it had not acted on its main threats of retaliation, to target U.S. bases or choke off oil shipments that pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

    Attempting to strangle Gulf oil supply by closing the strait could send global oil prices skyrocketing, derail the world economy and invite conflict with the U.S. Navy’s massive Fifth Fleet based in the Gulf.

    Oil prices jumped on Monday to their highest since January. Brent crude futures rose $1.88 or 2.44% at $78.89 a barrel as of 1122 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude advanced $1.87 or 2.53% at $75.71.

    Iran’s parliament has approved a move to close the strait, which Iran shares with Oman and the United Arab Emirates. Iran’s Press TV said closing the strait would require approval from the Supreme National Security Council, a body led by an appointee of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

    Caine said the U.S. military had increased protection of troops in the region, including in Iraq and Syria. The U.S. State Department issued a security alert for all U.S. citizens abroad, calling on them to “exercise increased caution.”

    The United States already has a sizeable force in the Middle East, with nearly 40,000 troops and warships that can shoot down enemy missiles.

    The Israeli military reported a missile launch from Iran in the early hours of Monday morning, saying it was intercepted by Israeli defences.

    Air raid sirens blared in Tel Aviv and other parts of central Israel. Iran has repeatedly targeted the Greater Tel Aviv – a metropolitan area of around 4 million people – the business and economic hub of Israel where there are also critical military assets.

    Iranian news agencies reported air defences were activated in central Tehran districts to counter “enemy targets”, and that Israeli air strikes hit Parchin, the location of a military complex southeast of the capital.

    REGIME CHANGE

    In a post to the Truth Social platform on Sunday, Trump raised the idea of regime change in Iran.

    “It’s not politically correct to use the term, ‘Regime Change,’ but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!” he wrote.

    Trump’s post came after officials in his administration, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, stressed they were not working to overthrow Iran’s government.

    Israeli officials, who began the hostilities with a surprise attack on Iran on June 13, have increasingly spoken of their ambition to topple the hardline Shi’ite Muslim clerical establishment.

    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is expected to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Monday. The Kremlin has a strategic partnership with Iran, but also close links with Israel.

    Speaking in Istanbul on Sunday, Araqchi said his country would consider all possible responses and there would be no return to diplomacy until it had retaliated.

    Russia’s foreign ministry condemned the U.S. attacks which it said had undermined the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

    “The risk of the conflict spreading in the Middle East, which is already gripped by multiple crises, has increased significantly,” it said.

    The U.N. Security Council met on Sunday to discuss the U.S. strikes as Russia, China and Pakistan proposed the 15-member body adopt a resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Middle East.

    U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the Security Council the U.S. bombings in Iran marked a perilous turn in the region and urged a return to negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Budget supports more homes for Canberrans

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    • This article outlines the various measures being supported by the Budget.

    The 2025-26 ACT Budget supports the delivery of more homes for Canberrans.

    Practical initiatives will:

    • boost supply
    • increase affordability
    • deliver diverse housing to suit different stages of life.

    As well as investing in affordable homes now, the Budget lays the foundations for more equitable housing in future.

    Key initiatives include:

    • an increase to the stamp duty concession threshold to above $1 million for all eligible purchasers
    • 85 new public housing dwellings delivered through community housing providers under the Housing Australia Future Fund Facility (HAFFF)
    • additional funding for the Affordable Housing Project Fund
    • 300 affordable Build-to-Rent homes
    • seven new social housing townhouses acquired in Coombs under the Social Housing Accelerator
    • ongoing investment in the Growing and Renewing Public Housing Program to maintain and expand Canberra’s public housing portfolio.

    Stamp duty concessions

    Stamp duty concessions will be expanded.

    This makes it easier for Canberrans to enter the market and find a home that suits their needs.

    From 1 July 2025, the Government will also increase the price threshold for the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, the Pensioner Duty Concession Scheme and the Disability Duty Concession Scheme.

    Price thresholds will be indexed annually to the Canberra Consumer Price Index. In 2025-26, the threshold will be $1.02 million.

    In 2025–26, eligible Canberrans looking to buy a new apartment, townhouse or a unit-titled property off-the-plan or in a suburban area (RZ1) for $1.02 million or less may be exempt from paying stamp duty.

    This exemption aims to support development of dual occupancy properties on RZ1 blocks, contributing to more housing choice, access and affordability in our suburbs.

    Reducing stamp duty will help to lower barriers to Canberrans seeking to fulfil their goal of home ownership.

    Boosting the housing supply pipeline

    The ACT Government is committed to enabling 30,000 new homes by 2030.

    This is in partnership with the Australian Government.

    Budget investment will kickstart a significant pipeline of new housing.  A range of policy initiatives and industry incentives will support this.

    The Housing Supply and Land Release Program

    • The release of Government land will support nearly 26,000 homes over the next five years.
    • Direct investment will build social and affordable housing.
    • It’s expected new planning reforms will allow thousands more homes to be delivered on leased land.

    Housing where and how Canberrans want to live

    Budget investment will make it easier for people to find the home they need.

    It will help Canberrans at all stages of life, whether they’re buying their first home, raising a family, ageing in place, or in need of supported housing.

    This includes:

    • direct investment in new social and affordable homes
    • modernising the planning system to support medium-density supply
    • targeted reforms to improve fairness and choice in the housing market.

    Streamlining planning in the ACT

    The ACT Government is also continuing the planning work needed to ensure Canberra grows in a smart, inclusive and sustainable way.

    This includes:

    • planning for new housing and community facilities in well-located areas. This applies particularly to those around town centres, local shops and public transport corridors.
    • funding to support the Construction Productivity Agenda for the ACT of the new Planning Act. This is aimed at streamlining approvals and making things clearer for developers and the community.

    Supporting apprentices in the construction industry

    The ACT Government is also investing in construction skills and trades and productivity.

    The Budget supports an increase to apprenticeship subsidies for training in six key construction trades.

    Subsidies will rise to 90 per cent. This increase builds on existing investment in electrotechnology apprenticeships.

    Investing in industry training will shape the workforce needed to build more homes.

    Developing a future construction workforce

    The ACT Government is also investing in measures to further build the workforce needed to meet housing targets. These include:

    • an increase in training subsidies to 90 per cent for carpenters, plumbers, tilers, bricklayers and other critical construction trades
    • the Try-a-Trade program in ACT public high schools to support more young women to enter the construction industry
    • a $250 cost-of-living payment to apprentices and trainees
    • an extra $250 for first-year apprentices and trainees. This complements the $10,000 payments available under the Commonwealth’s residential construction training incentive.

    The Government will also continue to progress missing middle housing reforms, as well as supporting more well-located homes close to transport, services and jobs.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: East China’s time-honored ceramic industry sees export boom

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

    Every June, ceramic enterprises in Dehua County, east China’s Fujian Province, enter their busiest production season as international clients place advance orders for Christmas and other holidays.

    At Quanzhou Shunmei Group Co., Ltd., rows of Christmas-themed ceramic figurines are being carefully packed for export. “Although international trade remains challenging and some orders have been impacted, we remain confident,” said Zheng Pengfei, the company’s general manager.

    “This year, we’re actively exploring emerging markets, reducing dependence on a sole market, and participating in domestic and international expos to tap into new demand,” he added.

    Despite rising raw material costs and uncertainties in global demand, Dehua’s ceramic industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience. From January to April this year, the county’s ceramic exports had exceeded 1.2 billion yuan (about 167 million U.S. dollars), representing a 23.69 percent year-on-year increase, according to official data.

    An ancient county with centuries of ceramic-making history and famed for its white porcelain, Dehua has established a full industrial chain that spans kaolin mining, clay processing, mold-making, glazing, forming and sales. More than 4,500 ceramic enterprises operate in the county, employing over 100,000 people. Dehua ceramics are now exported to more than 190 countries and regions worldwide.

    Industry insiders say Dehua’s success lies in its shift from competing on price to competing on design, branding and production efficiency, driven by a strong focus on innovation and transformation.

    “Our output value reached 200 million yuan in 2024, with average annual growth of 20 percent in recent years,” said Zeng Liangwang, deputy general manager of Fujian Dehua Tongxin Ceramics Co., Ltd.

    He noted that the company is accelerating the development of “ceramics-plus” products, including artistic and smart flowerpots and festive homeware, which are now sold to over 50 countries and regions.

    The Tangfeng Ceramics Co., Ltd. developed a tea set inspired by China’s Dunhuang murals, as part of its efforts to enhance product value through storytelling and cultural integration.

    “Teaware with cultural depth is more attractive to consumers and allows us to increase added value,” said the company’s general manager Li Jianyang. “As industry competition intensifies, we must dig deeper into our cultural heritage.”

    Likewise, Shunmei is forging cooperation with world-renowned brands like Disney and Universal Studios, whose intellectual property has made its products more appealing to global consumers.

    Meanwhile, a wave of intelligent transformation is reshaping the production landscape, with widespread adoption of technologies like 3D clay printing, 5G-enabled smart factories, and automated casting machines.

    In Tongxin Ceramics’ 3D printing zone, once the modeling is finished, the data is transmitted to the printer. A hollow, sculptural flower vase that once took hours to craft can now be produced in just 30 minutes.

    In addition, Tongxin operates 75 automated production lines at full capacity. It takes just 10 seconds to press a lump of clay into a flowerpot, 15 seconds for a mold to complete the slip-casting process, and only 10 minutes for a fully automated line to complete an entire production cycle.

    Dehua Huamao Ceramics Co., Ltd. has established a 5G-enabled network that connects its production equipment and enables real-time monitoring. “Our data system collects key process indicators to support continuous optimization,” said Chen Weibin, deputy general manager of Huamao Ceramics.

    The local government is committed to building a complete “ceramic industry ecosystem” covering raw material supply, technological innovation and talent development, with the goal of providing sustained momentum for the industry’s long-term growth.

    “Behind the resilience of the ceramics industry is the joint efforts of enterprises and government,” said Zeng Xiansheng, an official with the ceramics development committee of Dehua. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Rural market in spotlight to tap growth

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

    The campaign to promote new energy vehicles in China’s rural areas features a larger and more diversified portfolio this year, catered to evolving consumer demands to unlock consumption potential in the extensive market.

    Now in its sixth year, the “NEVs Going to the Countryside” initiative — launched by government bodies including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the Ministry of Commerce — has selected 124 models, 25 more than 2024.

    The selected models need to meet essential requirements including good sales performance, high brand recognition, and a well-established network of maintenance service points, said Xu Haidong, vice-chief engineer of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, one of the campaign organizers.

    BYD’s Dynasty and Ocean series, along with models from Dongfeng, Geely, Changan and BAIC, have joined in the program with high cost-performance offerings. Their product portfolios span plug-in hybrid SUVs to new energy commercial vehicles, including newcomers such as off-roaders and pickup trucks.

    Notably, the Model Y and Model 3 have been selected, marking Tesla’s first inclusion in the initiative.

    Other models priced above 200,000 yuan ($27,850) on the list include the Li Auto L6 SUV, Nio ES6 SUV and ET5 sedan, Zeekr 001 shooting brake, and XPeng G9 SUV.

    The involvement of the high-end brands indicates the upgrading of rural consumption, Xu said. Many automakers are keen to capture this significant vast market by providing high-performance, cost-effective models.

    Cui Dongshu, secretary-general of the China Passenger Car Association, said that counties, towns and villages have a certain level of economic strength, and consumers there are willing to improve their quality of life. The untapped potential for NEV consumption in rural areas could become another driving force of growth in the Chinese automotive market.

    At the first stop of the 2025 “NEVs Going to the Countryside” campaign held in Rugao, Jiangsu province, in mid-June, some models on display were tailored for rural consumers.

    For those engaged in freight transport, some vehicles featured extra-large cargo spaces. For users balancing personal and commercial needs, there were models that offer five, six, or seven-seat configurations alongside pure electric and range-extended powertrain options.

    However, Xu pointed out that the lack of charging infrastructure remains an obstacle to the widespread adoption of NEVs in rural areas, saying the vast geographical area and low population density result in high construction costs and long payback periods for charging stations.

    In recent years, relevant departments have issued documents aimed at filling the gaps in county-level charging facilities, specifying annual construction tasks, and investment.

    At the event in Rugao, some 10 charging station companies showcased their products and technologies. For example, private charging piles can be shared via apps, providing innovative solutions.

    Xu suggested that properly advancing the layout of charging stations could promote NEV popularization, boost rural tourism, and aid the development of commercial vehicles.

    He cited examples of automakers piloting integrated solar energy storage charging projects in rural areas, which use photovoltaic power generation to power charging stations, thereby cutting operational costs.

    This year, the incentives for “NEVs Going to the Countryside” have been increased. In addition to the national trade-in policy and local government support, automakers such as BYD and Wuling have introduced exclusive discounts, with some models seeing price reductions of more than 10,000 yuan.

    Financial institutions are contributing by offering low-interest loans, interest-free installment plans, and other financial solutions.

    According to data from the CAAM, NEV sales in rural outreach activities exhibited growth from 2020 to 2024.Sales increased from 397,000 vehicles in 2020 to nearly 7.6 million in 2024, surpassing the sector’s total market growth.

    Fu Bingfeng, secretary-general of the CAAM, said over the past five years, there were more than 500 NEV models involved in the program with combined sales totaling 15 million units. Some rural areas have one NEV per five households, driving green mobility transformation in these regions, he added.

    From January to May, NEV sales reached 5.61 million units in China, a year-on-year increase of 44 percent. NEVs accounted for 44 percent of the total new car sales during this period.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Instant retail reshapes consumption habits in China, driving new growth

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

    In the charming countryside of south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Alex Turner, a British expat, made a few taps on his phone as he hobbled back to his guesthouse, careful not to knock the toe he had just hurt while out for a hike. In just 30 minutes, a sealed yellow paper bag arrived at his doorstep.

    “I bought a nail clipper and some first-aid stuff to deal with the injury,” said Turner. “And I also bundled some dental floss and mosquito repellent for a bigger discount.”

    This prompt service epitomizes China’s rapidly growing instant retail sector. E-commerce giants like Alibaba, JD.com, and Meituan have all placed significant bets on a new model centered around the concept of “everything can be delivered within 30 minutes.” As more and more consumers in China turn to smartphone apps for everything from groceries to medical supplies, instant, or “flash,” delivery has become a game-changer to daily life.

    A recent report by MoonFox Data, a leading Chinese data insights provider, shows that China’s instant retail sector reached 780 billion yuan (about 108.8 billion U.S. dollars) in 2024 and is projected to exceed 2 trillion yuan by 2030. Platforms run by Alibaba, JD.com and Meituan are fueling this growth by catering to consumers’ increasing demand for instant gratification.

    “Today’s consumers prioritize speed and accessibility above all,” said Zhao Feng, dean of the school of business administration at Guangxi University of Finance and Economics. “The promise of half-hour delivery is not just a marketing ploy — it’s a game-changer. It taps into consumers’ desire for convenience, reduces the hassle of shopping, encourages impulse buying, and ultimately drives up overall spending.”

    A study by consultancy firm Accenture shows that over half of consumers born after 1995 expect same-day delivery for their purchases and are more willing to pay a premium for faster shipping.

    For Li Wei, a personal trainer in Nanning, Guangxi’s capital city, the speed of instant retail eliminates the need to plan ahead.

    “I don’t have to stock up on toilet paper, snacks or energy drinks anymore,” said Li. “With a few clicks on my phone, the groceries will be here before I can second-guess myself.”

    The appeal extends beyond on-demand convenience as many cost-conscious shoppers chase discounts and enjoy the thrill of snagging a deal.

    “Sometimes, it goes beyond the convenience,” said Zhang Chaozhen, a postgraduate student at Guangxi University as she scrolled through an app during her lunch break, hunting for the steepest discounts on a skincare product. “It’s about getting a deal and feeling smart about it.”

    Behind the scenes, the explosive wave of instant retail is reshaping supply chain logistics, fostering a deeper connection between online platforms and brick-and-mortar stores.

    Unlike traditional e-commerce, which typically depends on a few centralized warehouses, instant retail platforms utilize advanced AI to connect hundreds of local stores with a vast network of strategically placed, highly automated micro-warehouses.

    These facilities are designed to process retailer orders efficiently, expedite inventory shipment, and prevent the accumulation of excess “wrong” products in stores, according to Zhou Yimu, an industry insider and brand manager of Guishuangbai, a local convenience store chain in Guangxi.

    In late May, Alibaba reported that its flash delivery platform has logged a daily order volume exceeding 40 million in less than one month since its official launch.

    The model of instant retail unleashes a “triple wins” dynamic as the digital platforms gain access to a vast network of inventory, retailers boost sales through online channels, and consumers enjoy faster delivery and broader product selections, said Liu Yuanshuai with Chaoyigou, a supermarket chain that specializes in instant retail business in Guangxi.

    “Partnering with those instant retail platforms has been the revenue booster,” said Tao Zhaogui, a manager at a chain pharmacy in Nanning. “Before, we largely relied on walk-in customers, but now, with the round-the-clock access to online prescriptions, our online orders have increased by 41 percent year on year.”

    However, the rapid growth of the sector has also raised concerns about consumer rights. Some platforms are accused of exploiting big data to engage in “discriminatory pricing,” adjusting prices based on individual consumers’ purchase histories, according to Tang Yating, a lawyer specializing in civil and commercial law. Additionally, after-sales services often fall short, with cumbersome return and exchange policies that remain unresolved. There is also a tendency for platforms and sellers to shirk responsibility.

    “Stronger oversight is the key,” said Tang. “Clear regulations must safeguard consumer interests within this rapidly evolving sector by ensuring transparency and accountability in pricing and service.” 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: SW China city brewing champion coffee culture

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

    Guiyang, in southwest China’s Guizhou Province, has earned the title “City of Coffee Champions,” a remarkable feat for a region that grows no coffee beans but fosters champion baristas and thousands of cafes.

    Its streets, lined with over 3,000 cafes boasting a density surpassing even that of east China’s Shanghai, serve as the training ground for an elite cadre of baristas dominating global competitions.

    PIONEER SHOPS TO WORLD STAGE

    Guiyang’s coffee culture started in 2005 when pioneering cafes introduced specialty coffee years before it became mainstream in China. This sparked passion in a generation of young coffee enthusiasts.

    Peng Jinyang is among the pioneers. In May 2025, the Guiyang native won the World Brewers Cup Championship in Jakarta, Indonesia. Already China’s 2024 champion, this marked the first such win for a Chinese mainland competitor since 2019.

    Peng discovered specialty coffee in a Guiyang cafe during high school. His career faced early struggles — his first coffee bean venture sold only 40 bags in its opening month. He then temporarily diversified his business before again focusing solely on coffee roasting via his Captain George brand.

    To improve his skills, Peng traveled for training purposes and learned directly from world champions. He also brought global expertise back to Guiyang by organizing workshops featuring top baristas.

    His competitive record is impressive — champion roaster at Taiwan’s Takao International Coffee Competition (2016), repeated top finishes in the China Brewers Cup Championship (CBrC), and his recent world title. His team, meanwhile, has dominated the CBrC for five consecutive years since 2020.

    Notably, Guiyang has so far nurtured more than 10 world and national titleholders.

    COMMUNITY COFFEE CULTURE

    Black Rock Coffee owner Lei Ming faced a critical choice during a 2017 business slump. Rather than close down, he opted to borrow money to renovate and deepen his coffee expertise. This risk succeeded handsomely.

    After the renovation, his customer base recovered, while Lei also transitioned from competitor to certified coffee judge. During this year’s Dragon Boat Festival, Black Rock served over 300 cups daily, with tourists making up nearly 75 percent of its patrons.

    Lei’s story echoes that of Liu Kaisheng, who started as a barista at one of Guiyang’s earliest specialty coffee cafes. Unhappy with the inconsistent bean quality, Liu taught himself roasting, progressing from temporary setups to a professional studio.

    “Focus entirely on the quality of coffee,” he said. Such dedication is common among Guiyang cafe owners — many of whom are both competition champions and certified judges.

    LOCAL FLAVORS DRIVE INNOVATION

    Guiyang’s cafes stand out through specializing in niches like roasting, brewing, latte art and creative drinks, thereby building unique identities in a crowded market.

    Innovation often carries a local flavor. Lei’s unexpected fusion, a blending of Guiyang’s fish mint with an Americano, evolved from a curiosity into a signature hit. In addition, his “One Bean, Three Ways” menu, pairing single-origin coffee with regional ingredients like fish mint, became a bestseller.

    Beyond taste, unique spaces also fuel the Guiyang coffee scene. Orchard Coffee, housed in a concrete-and-glass structure resembling an art community more than a traditional cafe, merges a roastery with an educational hub. Founder Qiang Hua, himself a top competition judge, said that “champions aren’t just about brewing well — they must elevate the entire industry and push peers forward.”

    At Good Coffee, meanwhile, artistry is evident on the cup. Cups hand-painted by owner Luo Nianyu and her team transform each serving into a unique canvas, earning the cafe a reputation as Guiyang’s “most warm-hearted.” 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Behind Labubu craze: China’s rise as global IP powerhouse

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

    Toys themed on Labubu, a popular furry doll from Chinese toy company Pop Mart, are pictured during the opening ceremoy of a new offline store of Pop Mart in Bangkok, Thailand, July 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Sun Weitong)

    The shop floor of a pajama factory in Jiangsu Province, east China, had stood still for some time before recently springing back to life, its resurrection kickstarted by a fluffy toy.

    “Labubu was not really my cup of tea, but now I think it is adorable,” said Qiu Zunzun, general manager of Shuofeng daily necessities company in Suzhou, jokingly.

    With its signature spiky toothed grin, Labubu has taken the world by storm. Noticing the craze, Qiu, spotted a gap in the market — outfits for collectors to dress up their fluffy friends. So, he bought some toy samples and cloth, and by the end of May, the factory was rolling out dresses for the little imp.

    “In less than 20 days we produced more than 80 kinds of doll’s dresses, with a turnover of about 170,000 yuan (about 23,643 U.S. dollars).” Qiu estimated that with orders still growing, the monthly sales revenue could reach 1 million yuan.

    The punky, cute, bunny-eared creature from China has inspired fans around the world to line up for a chance to own one. It is the latest case of Chinese IP globalization, which signals a shift in China’s role from a manufacturing hub to a source of original cultural exports, and injects vitality into traditional industries.

    CHINESE IP GOES ABROAD

    Maraid Vintena in Sydney, Australia, lined up for an hour earlier this week to check the Pop Mart Labubu vending machine in her suburb. “There are four Pop Mart vending machines near my house,” she said. “But most of the time, they’re sold out. I check their website like ten times a day… I’m really addicted, but it’s fun.”

    “As you get older, life is a little bit mundane. Something small, like a Labubu, a blind box, is like a little bit of excitement,” Vintena said, explaining why she fell in love with the doll.

    Amid the ever-growing Labubu craze, fashion brand Uniqlo has announced to partner with Pop Mart for their new collection The Monsters.

    It is not the only Chinese IP which gained recognition around the world. From the hit video game “Black Myth: Wukong” last year that amassed 1.04 million concurrent players merely an hour after its debut, to the cinematic marvel of “Ne Zha 2,” which has risen to the fifth spot on the worldwide box office chart, success of Chinese IP shows the rise of both cultural confidence and the empowerment of the country’s industrial system, said Wang Ruotong, a researcher with the Tianjin Foreign Studies University.

    Beyond the cultural sector, a number of Chinese brands have made inroads into the world-class IP categories, from the artificial intelligence (AI) to new energy vehicles and consumer technology.

    Data from China’s General Administration of Customs shows that China sustained its growth momentum on exports of new energy vehicles, with the volume of pure electric car exports topping 2 million units for the first time in 2024.

    Chinese carmaker BYD is establishing factories in Thailand and Mexico, integrating Chinese aesthetics into automotive design.

    In the AI domain, China has made holistic advancements in AI development, fostering a thriving AI industrial ecosystem. The country now hosts over 400 “little giant” firms — specialized small and medium-sized enterprises that excel in niche AI markets, including AI innovator DeepSeek.

    The vibrant growth of creative Chinese IPs has been driven by China’s booming domestic cultural consumption and a solid industrial manufacturing foundation. As China shifts from mass production to smart, high-end manufacturing, the fusion of aesthetics and craftsmanship is driving the country’s manufacturing sector to move up the global value chain.

    In 2024, China’s per-capita expenditure on education, culture, and entertainment registered 3,189 yuan, marking a 9.8-percent increase and accounting for 11.3 percent of total per-capita consumption spending, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. The continuously expanding cultural consumption market is emerging as a robust engine driving the development of China’s IP industry.

    INJECTING VITALITY INTO TRADITIONAL INDUSTRIES

    At Yiwu International Trade Market, buyers carrying black plastic bags walk from one booth to another asking “do you have dresses for Labubu?” The global frenzy for this tiny creature has offered business opportunities for China’s “world supermarket”.

    In Zhu Hui’s store, one could not only find shirts, trousers and skirts for Labubu, but also accessories like glasses and hats. “Our dresses are sold at seven to 15 yuan a piece, while the accessories are one or two yuan each,” she said.

    Zhu’s store opened only half a month ago, with number of orders increasing quickly. “At first we received orders for dozens or several hundred pieces a day, but now it is more than 10,000 pieces,” she said. Zhu has about 50 workers in her factory, all of whom are working overtime recently.

    Inspired by Labubu, other toy producers also tried to make their products more attractive.

    Sun Lijuan is manager of the Yiwu Hongsheng Toys Factory, which exports dolls to more than 80 countries and regions in South America, Middle East, Central Asia, Europe and Africa.

    “Our dolls can talk, sing and tell stories,” she said. Recently they are applying AI technology to create products to meet different needs of consumers.

    Sun told Xinhua that in recent years, they had witnessed the development of new technology which has empowered their business and helped them avoid homogeneous competition. Their toy factory was founded 13 years ago, but in recent years its turnover has been growing steadily.

    “The greatest potential for future IP to go global lies in the continuous development of content and its deep integration with technology,” said Wang Ruotong. “With the maturation of technologies such as AI and virtual reality, the presentation of IP is going towards immersive and interactive experience.”

    “China has a solid foundation in manufacturing,” she continued. “Therefore, the popularity of Labubu this time brought a huge development opportunity to this industry. I’m sure that in the future there will be more Labubus emerging.” 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Concern for welfare – Ngukurr

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Police hold concerns for the welfare of 21-year-old Regen who is believed to have departed his home address in Ngukurr yesterday at 6am and has not arrived at his destination.

    Regen may have been heading to the Nulawan Outstation, 23km to the east of the Ngukurr community.    

    The Search and Rescue Section (SRS) and local police are currently conducting a land search and rescue operation around Ngukurr Community.

    The SRS are currently coordinating aerial assets and ground teams in response to the situation.

    Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Regen or his intended destination are encouraged to call police on 131 444.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: LGBTIQA+ guide to Canberra

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    • Canberra is Australia’s most welcoming city for the LGBTIQA+ communities.
    • This article lists art and entertainment, events, sports and activities and health related information for LGBTIQA+ communities.

    As the Capital of Equality, Canberra offers a lot for LGBTIQA+ people who call it home.

    For people living here, this isn’t just a saying — it’s something you can see and feel every day. Whether you’ve lived in Canberra your whole life or just moved here, there are many ways to feel safe, meet others, and be yourself.

    Across the city, there are support services, social groups, and events that celebrate LGBTIQA+ communities. You can find places to connect, have fun, and get help if you need it.

    This guide will help you discover a glimpse of what’s out here and how to get involved.

    Art and entertainment

    Canberra Qwire is Canberra’s own LGBTIQA+ choir which celebrates a common love of music and singing. With 120+ members from all walks, you can join the choir or attend a concert.

    SpringOUT is Canberra’s own pride festival held annually in November. While still a little away, the applications to run a range of LGBTIQA+ events or to hold a stall at the Fair Day will soon open.

    FLESH: Queer Life Drawing sessions feature a life model run by and for LGBTIQA+ folks. Join the relaxed, social atmosphere to pursue your own creative approaches.

    Queer Variety Show is a bi-monthly event featuring LGBTIQA+ and disabled performers held at Smith’s Alternative.

    Smith’s Alternative is one of Canberra’s most iconic and loved performance venues. The bar and performing arts cafe celebrate queerness and local culture. Smiths is known for providing a safe and inclusive space. It offers live music, poetry, comedy, burlesque, theatre, drag, queer shows, cabaret, art exhibitions and dance parties.

    She Shapes History is on a mission to promote gender equality through tourism. Join their walking tour to learn about women’s and LGBTIQA+ history of Canberra. You can also listen to the She Shapes History Queer Past podcast about Canberra’s queer history.

    Tuggeranong Arts Centre is a creative hub and gathering place in South Canberra. The centre aims to connect people, create new experiences and celebrate the arts. Keep an eye out for events and workshops.

    Belconnen Arts Centre is an inner-north hub for visual and performing arts classes. As part of the many LGBTIQA+ events and workshops they run, Kaleidescope, an annual exhibition, celebrating LGBTIQA+ experiences.

    Sport and the outdoors

    Queer run CBR is an inclusive community of runners, riders, rollers and strollers. If you are looking to find a space that celebrates LGBTIQA+ folks and allies, look no further.

    ACT Water Polo is an inclusive and diverse club that promotes physical activity and friendship in a safe and judgement free space.

    Pink Tennis is a welcoming group of LGBTIQA+ individuals who encourages people of all abilities to pick up a racquet and join a bunch of queer people in Canberra who like to play tennis.

    Rainbow Racquets Squash is a squash group for LGBTIQA+ people and their allies. They create a relaxed and inclusive space to enjoy squash and connect.

    Canberra Roller Derby League are a competitive flat track roller derby club run by the skaters, for the skaters. They are dedicated to promoting health, sport, community and inclusion.

    Pride Fitness Canberra is a business focused on providing a safe space for community to meet and get active. They offer bootcamp, running meets and post workout coffees.

    Support for LGBTIQA+ communities and their families

    A Gender Agenda is a community organisation that supports intersex, trans, and gender diverse people. Check out their resources and support services.

    Meridian is a community organisation that provides health and social support services to LGBTIQA+ communities.

    Seahorse Playgroup is a local playgroup and community space for LGBTIQA+ parents, carers, and their children.

    Community and support for young LGBTIQA+ people

    Encampment 2025 is a locally run initiative that brings LGBTIQA+ young people aged 13-17 years old together. They help to navigate gender identities and sexualities and strengthen their connection to the community. Check their application dates for 2025/26.

    Bit Bent offers weekly culturally safe and participant-led groups for LGBTIQA+ young people aged 10 to 25. Whether you’re looking for resources, connections, or simply a place to hang out and be with like-minded individuals, they have you covered.

    Rainbow Mob is a local community organisation run for and by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQASB+ young people.

    Variations in sex characteristics is a psychosocial service at Canberra Health Services that provides support to children and young people born with sex characteristics that do not fit the typical definitions for male or female bodies.

    Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT (SHFPACT) supports public, private and faith-based schools in Canberra with age-appropriate, accurate and sexuality education. View their resources and education workshops.

    Stun Magazine is a Canberra born and bred queer magazine. New to the scene but already making a huge impact. The magazine covers readers across Sydney, Canberra, Wollongong and Newcastle with high-quality entertainment and queer content.

    FUSE Magazine is a national gay, lesbian bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer lifestyle magazine. It covers everything from news, entertainment, fashion health and social issues.

    LGBTIQA+ Directory is exactly what is sounds like. If you are looking for LGBTIQA+ support, businesses, or community-based connections, look no further.

    ACT Government 

    The Office of LGBTIQA+ Affairs run a community grants program called Capital of Equality Grants, hosts LGBTIQA+ events and engages with LGBTIQA+ communities to help make Canberra the capital of equality.

    For more information visit their website, follow their Facebook page for the Office of LGBTIQA+ Affairs or subscribe to their newsletter.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Illegal US attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities came in spite of no evidence

    BEARING WITNESS: By Cole Martin in occupied Bethlehem

    Kia ora koutou,

    I’m a Kiwi journo in occupied Bethlehem, here’s a brief summary of today’s events across the Palestinian and Israeli territories from on the ground.

    The US struck three of Iran’s nuclear facilities overnight, entering the illegal aggression on Iran with heavy airstrikes despite no evidence that nuclear weapons are being developed. Israel continued its strikes attacking dozens of locations across Iran throughout the day. Three were killed in an Israeli drone attack on an ambulance in central Iran. At least 400 have been killed and 2000 injured, according to the latest Health Ministry figures.

    *

    Heavy Iranian retaliation strikes on Israeli territories saw about 27 injured.

    *

    At least 47 killed by Israeli attacks in Gaza today, 18 while seeking aid. Two killed and 15 wounded in an Israeli airstrike on a house west of Gaza city. The murder of firefighter Muhammad Ghurab brings the total Gaza civil defence casualties to 121, representing 14.3 percent of its employees.

    Today I met a 10-year-old kid called Hassan on the streets of Bethlehem. He was looking for work. His dad had recently stopped working, unemployed like many in Bethlehem; around 80 percent of jobs here depend on tourism. He lives in al-Khader village, an hour’s walk away, but without opportunities there he had walked all this way in an attempt to help support his family.

    Israel’s illegal occupation of the West Bank has suffocated the economy here for decades. Now, as the genocidal war on Gaza continues and Israeli aggression expands to Iran, drawing in the USA and threatening regional collapse, a 10-year-old boy takes to the streets of Bethlehem to find work.

    *

    Israel’s illegal siege across the West Bank continues. Large numbers of Israeli soldiers conducted extensive raids on Bethlehem’s Dheisheh camp including demolitions, arrests, and interrogations last night. Mass demolitions continue across Nour Shams camp in the north, and further arrests, demolitions, and incursions took place across the West Bank. Bethlehem’s gasoline shortages continue due to Israel’s ongoing siege.

    *

    Twenty five killed in a terror attack targeting Mar Elias Church in Damascus, Syria.

    Cole Martin is an independent New Zealand photojournalist based in the Middle East and a contributor to Asia Pacific Report.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Ceremonies honor Fu Xi on both sides of Taiwan Strait

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

    Ma Ying-jeou (3rd from left), former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, and Song Tao (left), head of the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, participate in a commemorative ceremony honoring Fu Xi, a mythical ancestor of the Chinese people, in Tianshui, Gansu province, on Saturday. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The majority of people in Taiwan hold a strong belief in Chinese culture and identity, which is an enduring virtue, said Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, during a commemorative ceremony on the Chinese mainland on Saturday.

    On Saturday morning, the annual ceremony honoring Fu Xi, a mythical ancestor of Chinese civilization, took place at Fu Xi Temple in Tianshui, a city in Northwest China’s Gansu province that is regarded as the birthplace of Fu Xi and the cradle of Fu Xi culture. Paying tribute to Fu Xi is a local tradition in Tianshui that dates back to ancient times.

    Ma and a delegation of students from China’s Taiwan island participated in the ceremony.

    “This is not only a time-honored tradition of the Chinese nation to trace its roots and honor its ancestors, but also a valuable opportunity for young people to experience the profound influence of Chinese culture and civilization,” Ma said after the ceremony.

    The ceremony, which began at 9:50 am, was held simultaneously on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, with a parallel event held at Xianse Temple in New Taipei City in Taiwan. It marked the 12th consecutive cross-Strait joint commemoration of Fu Xi.

    On Saturday, which marked the solar term Summer Solstice, the ceremony began with 34 drumbeats, symbolizing the descendants of Chinese civilization across the 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities on the mainland, as well as the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions and Taiwan. A series of solemn rituals followed, including the reading of a eulogy, ceremonial bows and ritual music and dance performances.

    Ma and Song Tao, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, attended the ceremony together and paid their respects at the ancestral temple.

    Ma said he brought the student delegation to take part in the ceremony to demonstrate the importance that people in Taiwan place on honoring their ancestors and respecting traditional Chinese culture, and to raise awareness about the need to preserve and pass on the nation’s cultural heritage.

    “I hope that through the solemn tribute to the cultural ancestor of Chinese civilization, young people across the Strait could join hands and work together to build a bright future for the Chinese nation,” Ma said.

    The ceremony in Tianshui drew around 750 participants from home and abroad, including more than 240 compatriots from Taiwan.

    In New Taipei City, Wang Jinpyng, the officiant of the commemorative ceremony and a KMT politician, noted that Fu Xi represents the root of Chinese culture. He expressed the hope that Fu Xi culture could be further promoted on the island to strengthen cultural confidence and identity.

    Lee Chien-lung, who is in charge of Xianse Temple, said that the ceremony served not only to honor the ancestor but also to educate and inspire the younger generation, according to a Xinhua News Agency report.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Agreements worth $80.3B signed at St. Petersburg Intl Economic Forum

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

    A total of 1,060 agreements worth 6.3 trillion rubles (about 80.3 billion U.S. dollars) were signed at the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Russian presidential advisor Anton Kobyakov said Saturday.

    Kobyakov, who also serves as executive secretary of the SPIEF Organizing Committee, announced the figures at the forum’s closing press conference.

    He highlighted a renewed sense of optimism about restoring global business ties, noting that this year’s forum drew delegates from over 100 countries and regions.

    Held under the theme “Shared Values: The Foundation of Growth in a Multipolar World,” the forum featured more than 350 events, including 24 business dialogues with key partner countries and regions.

    Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered the keynote address during the forum’s plenary session on Friday.

    Kobyakov also announced that Saudi Arabia will be the guest country at SPIEF 2026.

    First held in 1997, SPIEF has become one of Russia’s most important international economic forums. 

    MIL OSI China News –