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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Panasonic HD develops multimodal generative AI “OmniFlow” which enables Any-to-Any generation between text, image, and audio

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Panasonic HD develops multimodal generative AI “OmniFlow” which enables Any-to-Any generation between text, image, and audio

    Osaka, Japan, June 4, 2025 – Panasonic Holdings Co., Ltd. (Panasonic HD) and Panasonic R&D Company of America (PRDCA), in collaboration with researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), have developed OmniFlow, a multimodal generative AI that can freely convert different data formats such as text, images, and audios (hereinafter referred to as “Any-to-Any”).
    In recent years, research on multimodal generative AI that realizes conversion between different data formats has been actively conducted, but since it is usually necessary to prepare all pairs of data to be handled for training data, the cost of acquiring data increases as the type of data to be handled increases. By flexibly combining generative AI (text audio, text image) specialized for each data format, OmniFlow can learn high-precision Any-to-Any models even with a small number of data (text audio images) consisting of all three sets of modalities, and has succeeded in significantly reducing the cost of creating training data. (Fig. 1)
    This technology has been internationally recognized for its advanced technology and has been accepted at CVPR 2025, a top conference for AI and Computer Vision. It will be presented at the plenary conference to be held in Nashville, USA from June 11, 2025 to June 15, 2025.

    ■Details of the technology

    Panasonic HD and PRDCA are working on research on multimodal generative AI. In recent years, multimodal generative AI that incorporates audio in addition to text and images has been attracting attention, but the method of obtaining data that includes all text, images, and audio has been limited, and it has been costly to increase variations.
    The solution to this problem is the key to accelerating the use of multimodal generative AI, and research has been actively conducted in recent years. In fact, a method that can learn even if the combination of different data including all the data formats you want to handle is not completely aligned has recently been proposed, but it is realized by averaging the input data. It can be said that there is still a lot of room for improvement in terms of expressive ability.
    On the other hand, we have developed OmniFlow, which extends the existing framework of image generation flow matching*, and can learn complex relationships between data that cannot be obtained by averaging by connecting and processing three different data features during the generation process. (Fig. 2)
    * A technology that uses Flow to find the optimal conversion path between arbitrary data.In recent years, it has been attracting attention as it has been adopted for various generative models, including image generation.

    A big advantage of OmniFlow is that you can easily connect AIs that specialize in text-to-image and text-to-audio generation into a single multimodal generative AI. (Fig. 3) Since specialized AI is excellent at generating each data, it was possible to obtain high multimodal performance without learning a large amount of data consisting of all modalities.

    In the evaluation experiment, the performance of the “text→image” and “text→audio” generation tasks was compared with existing methods. (Fig. 4) As a result, it was confirmed that OmniFlow has the best performance among any-to-any methods (Generalist) and specialized methods for each task. We also found that the data size required to train OmniFlow can be reduced to up to 1/60 compared to other any-to-any methods.

    ■Future prospects

    The newly developed OmniFlow is an any-to-any method that flexibly combines generative AI specialized for each data format (text→audio, text→image) and is highly accurate even if the number of training sheets for all three data pairs (text audio image) is small. By learning this technology in various fields such as factories and lifestyles, it will be possible to generate various types of data specialized in those sites, and it is expected to expand the range of applications of multimodal AI.
    Going forward, Panasonic HD will continue to accelerate the social implementation of AI and promote the research and development of AI technologies that contribute to the usefulness of our customers’ lives and workplaces.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Deputy Minister Mhlauli donates blankets to senior citizens at the Monwabisi Seniors Club

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements-2)

    Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Ms. Nonceba Mhlauli, leads a heartfelt blanket donation to senior citizens at the Monwabisi Seniors Club in Nyanga Cape Town.

    This outreach forms part of government’s ongoing efforts to support and uplift vulnerable members of society, particularly senior citizens who have laid the foundations for today’s generation. The donation of warm blankets is a gesture of compassion and appreciation, ensuring that the elderly are not left behind during the winter season.

    The Deputy Minister emphasises the importance of honouring and caring for older persons, reaffirming government’s commitment to promoting social inclusion, dignity, and community solidarity. South Africa

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84itQhyKuVs

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Deputy Minister Mr Botes Africa Day Message 2mov

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements-2)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zz0XwbP_ktc

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI: Orange County Bancorp, Inc. Announces Pricing of Public Offering of Common Stock

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIDDLETOWN, N.Y., June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orange County Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company” – Nasdaq: OBT), parent company of Orange Bank & Trust Company, (the “Bank”) and Hudson Valley Investment Advisors, Inc. (“HVIA”), today announced the pricing of an underwritten public offering of 1,720,430 shares of its common stock at a price of $23.25 per share. The Company also granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 258,064 shares of common stock.

    The aggregate gross proceeds of the offering will be approximately $40.0 million before discounts and expenses. Assuming full exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares, the aggregate gross proceeds of the offering would be approximately $46.0 million before discounts and expenses. The Company plans to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, which may include investments in the Bank supporting continued growth, augmenting regulatory capital and liquidity and providing for potential strategic acquisitions. The Company has no current plans, arrangements or understandings relating to any specific acquisition or similar transaction. The offering is expected to close on June 5, 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.

    Piper Sandler & Co. and Stephens Inc. are serving as joint book-running managers.

    The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a shelf registration statement (including a prospectus) on Form S-3 (File No. 333-280793) and a preliminary prospectus supplement for the offering to which this press release relates. Before you invest, you should read the preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, including the information incorporated by reference therein, and the other documents we have filed and will file with the SEC for more complete information about the Company and this offering. The proposed offering is being made only by means of an effective shelf registration statement, including a preliminary prospectus supplement and final prospectus supplement, copies of which may be obtained for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Additionally, electronic copies may be obtained from Piper Sandler & Co., Attention: Prospectus Department, 800 Nicollet Mall, J12S03, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402, or by phone at 1-800-747-3924, or by email at prospectus@psc.com, or Stephens Inc., 111 Center Street, Little Rock, AR 72201, or by phone at 1-800-643-9691.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.   The securities being offered have not been approved or disapproved by any regulatory authority, nor has any such authority passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the prospectus supplement or the shelf registration statement or prospectus relating thereto.

    About Orange County Bancorp, Inc.

    Orange County Bancorp, Inc. is the parent company of Orange Bank & Trust Company and Hudson Valley Investment Advisors, Inc. Orange Bank & Trust Company is an independent bank that began with the vision of 14 founders over 125 years ago. It has grown through innovation and an unwavering commitment to its community and business clientele to approximately $2.6 billion in total assets. Hudson Valley Investment Advisors, Inc. is a Registered Investment Advisor in Goshen, NY. It was founded in 1996 and acquired by the Company in 2012.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    The information disclosed in this press release includes various forward-looking statements that are made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “anticipates,” “projects,” “intends,” “estimates,” “expects,” “believes,” “plans,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” and other similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. The Company cautions that these forward-looking statements are necessarily speculative and speak only as of the date made, and are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, all of which may change over time. Actual results could differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. In addition to the specific risk factors disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from such forward-looking statements: those related to the real estate and economic environment, particularly in the market areas in which the Company operates, competitive products and pricing, fiscal and monetary policies of the U.S. Government, inflation, changes in government regulations affecting financial institutions, including regulatory fees and capital requirements, changes in prevailing interest rates, tariffs, increased levels of loan delinquencies, problem assets and foreclosures, credit risk management, asset-liability management, cybersecurity risks, geopolitical conflicts, public health issues, the financial and securities markets and the availability of and costs associated with sources of liquidity. The Company does not undertake and specifically declines any obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions that may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

    For further information:
    Michael Lesler
    EVP & Chief Financial Officer
    mlesler@orangebanktrust.com
    Phone: (845) 341-5111

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Artist Janenne Eaton’s retrospective is a compelling account of our troubled times

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julie Shiels, Senior Industry Fellow, RMIT University

    Janenne Eaton R E E F 2015 enamel paint, vinyl decals, mirror and polymer clay on canvas Geelong Gallery Gift of the artist, 2019. Photographer: Mark Ashkanasy © the artist.

    With bad news-overload it is easy to conclude it is time to disengage. But troubling events don’t go away just because you stop looking. Janenne Eaton’s retrospective reminds us that art can provide new perspectives and a reason to look even harder.

    As a respected painter and teacher Eaton has influenced generations of Australian artists. She has exhibited extensively in museums and galleries nationally and internationally since 1978. Lines of Sight – Frame and Horizon is long overdue.

    This comprehensive exhibition is aesthetically and intellectually compelling. The paintings, drawings and installations offer complex, layered reflections on key moments from the last four decades.

    Rather than adopting a linear chronology, artworks are clustered to prompt dialogues between works across time. Eaton’s technical mastery and dexterity produces deliberate ambiguities. Her recognisable motifs and grid patterns convey rich ideas about human rights, colonisation, climate and First Nations justice, all underpinned by existential questions about uncertainty and meaning.

    Locked in or locked out?

    Supersized artworks populate the first space – Eaton’s underground car park drawings (1982–86) and two works using fences, from 2016 and 2019. Both series use layering to represent built structures, but proximity to each other in the gallery emphasises the differences.

    The dusty, velvety surfaces of the car parks emphasise volume and perspective. The fences made from acrylic board and high-gloss enamel flatten and compress space.

    In the carpark series, Eaton’s knowledge of art history is apparent in her Renaissance-influenced use of light and perspective. Texture and surface have been achieved by papering the canvas with found photocopies.

    Janenne Eaton, Adelaide I 1983, graphite, charcoal and photocopy toner on paper on canvas, Heide Museum of Modern Art, The Baillieu Myer Collection of the ‘80s.
    Photographer: Mark Ashkanasy, © the artist.

    Dense, sooty carbon extracted from ink-cartridges smothers the solid areas and light in touch graphite and charcoal drawing produce an underground environment that some may find contemplative and others sinister.

    They evoke an ambiguity of being simultaneously attracted and repelled. And there are sensory questions. Does it smell or echo? Is that the sun or artificial light? Is it hot or cold?

    This series reflects Eaton’s training in archaeology and draws attention to the cultural significance of subterranean spaces. In a time of geopolitical turbulence and endemic inequality other readings are open to us.

    By comparison, Fences, Borders, Walls (2016) makes clear who is locked in and who is locked out. The foreground dominates with hard-edged geometric forms; the word “fence” is mirrored and repeated, compromising its legibility but adding structural heft as a physical and psychological barrier.

    The small diamond grid is immediately legible in the middle ground as the chain-link barriers that kept men, women and children refugees incarcerated for indefinite periods on Manus and Nauru. The skilfully airbrushed background provides gradations of light and shade, suggesting the movement of bodies.

    Janenne Eaton, BORDERLANDS 2019, enamel paint on high-impact polystyrene, metal.
    Courtesy of the artist. Photographer: Mark Ashkanasy, © the artist.

    In Borderlands (2019), the grid is reprised and the phrase “keep clear” repeated and butted against two upended half skulls that stare out at the viewer. We are implicated as we peer back into our own reflections in the empty intervals of glossy black.

    Recognisable motifs

    Eaton reworks familiar imagery from popular culture, mass media and advertising – gunshot decals, slogans, road signs, everyday idioms. The immediate visual recognition invites us into her work and encourages us to look harder.

    Sometimes, the title and date alludes to a backstory. Banner for the Deputy Sheriff (2006) brings to mind depictions of John Howard as America’s “deputy sheriff”.

    Janenne Eaton, Banner for the Deputy Sheriff 2006, enamel paint on canvas, Courtesy of the artist. Photographer: Mark Ashkanasy, © the artist.

    A two-metre toy sheriff’s star floats on a painted ground of ranch-like planks. The mismatched scale of the two planes suggests the overblown self-importance of a leader desperate to ingratiate himself in Washington, rather than galvanise relationships with Australia’s Asian and Pacific neighbours. At the centre of the star, the upended moniker “Deputy Sheriff” surrounds a shooting target replete with a smudgy spatter.

    Bullet holes are regular motifs in Eaton’s compositions, as adhesive decals, perforations, or rendered in paint. Dark Star (2015) is a dense mix of bullet puncture holes, grids, stars and pop symbols and text. Like many of Eaton’s compositions, it is visually weighty.

    Nearest Neighbour Analysis (2021) is light and airy, as Eaton connects her field of evenly spaced bullet-hole decals with a network of lines, creating a painting devoid of signs of earthly life that is both cellular and paradoxically celestial.

    Janenne Eaton, Dark Star 2015, enamel paint and vinyl decals on canvas, Private collection. Photographer: Mark Ashkanasy, © the artist.

    OUTGO (2009) is a speculative visualisation of a digital realm. Eaton’s painting draws on the aesthetics of the screen and corrupted computer code. Constructed from multiple layers of bitmaps and pixelations, gobbledygook text and marzipan-coloured lozenges appear to float across the picture plane. It is oddly luscious and captivating.

    Eaton’s interest in archaeology and principles of stratification inform the layering processes in her artwork. Across the five rooms at Geelong Gallery, curator Jason Smith and Eaton have created a layered experience for the viewer.

    Janenne Eaton, OUTGO 2009, enamel paint on canvas, National Gallery of Victoria, Gift of the artist, 2019.
    Photographer: Mark Ashkanasy, © the artist.

    Aesthetic frissons, shifting ambiguities, hindsight and insight accumulate and become a complex account of the human condition in a time of flux and uncertainty. And it’s a potent reminder to look even harder.

    Lines of Sight – Frame and Horizon, is at Geelong Gallery until August 17.

    Julie Shiels 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. Artist Janenne Eaton’s retrospective is a compelling account of our troubled times – https://theconversation.com/artist-janenne-eatons-retrospective-is-a-compelling-account-of-our-troubled-times-254069

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: While Taiwanese man travels alone, mainland netizens shower him with affection

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    “Help! Dad flew to Shenyang alone!”

    “He doesn’t know how to use Alipay or WeChat, and he’s not even good with his phone in Taiwan,”

    “He only took cash,”

    “He’s already on the plane now”…

    Recently, a post asking for help from a Taiwanese netizen on the Xiaohongshu platform caused a heated reaction and discussion in the comments: “Has Uncle arrived yet? Should I meet him?”, “It’s okay, he won’t get lost!”, “I’m a local, contact me if anything happens.”

    A solo Taiwanese traveller and an online message sent from across the strait began the story of touching concern shown by mainland internet users.

    Seven months ago, Taipei resident Chen Zhaohong and his wife took their first trip to Shenyang, accompanied by their daughter. The leisurely pace of life and affordable delicacies inspired him to return here after retirement for a “deep dive” into the local culture. And so, in the middle of this month, his journey began.

    Chen Zhaohong, 61, is “not very good with his phone and doesn’t know how to use social apps.” That’s why his daughter in Taiwan was very worried when her father went on a trip alone. Neither father nor daughter expected such warm support from the entire city of Shenyang that followed the post online. To ensure that the guest didn’t get lost on the way to his pre-booked accommodation, local netizens posted detailed guides “accurate to the meter”; concerned about his lack of a travel plan, they began leaving recommendations in the comments for visiting “secret” attractions and the best restaurants in the city; remembering that upon arrival in the north, a resident of a warm region may not immediately adapt to the northern climate, users reported weather information and clothing advice in real time… More than 4,000 comments turned into countless touching and useful recommendations.

    While traveling around Shenyang, Chen Zhaohong noticed that any problems that arose were quickly resolved. He told his daughter that the locals were friendly, sincere, and open: “Even just walking along the streets is a pleasure.”

    “I visited a lot of museums this time!” Chen Zhaohong visited five museums in seven days. At the Shenyang Palace Complex, he took a photo with ancient blue and white Qinghua porcelain in the background. At the Shenyang Museum of Chinese Industry, the old workshops and equipment made him feel nostalgic. At the September 18th History Museum, thanks to a tour guide, he learned details about important historical events of the past for the first time.

    Chen Zhaohong also immersed himself in the daily life of Shenyang, pushing his way through the crowds of bustling morning markets and farmers’ markets, sampling fluffy steamed buns and crispy pancakes; chatting with vendors at a flower, bird and fish market, observing the locals’ daily lives; and visiting Beiling Park, where he saw elderly people writing poetry with water, beautifully writing characters on the ground with a brush.

    He tried all the local delicacies: chicken carcasses, shashlik, stews cooked in cast iron pots – and only repeated with a smile: “The only problem is that the portions are too big!”

    More than twenty years ago, Chen Zhaohong had the chance to visit Nanjing, Hangzhou and do home care in Dongguan. Years later, a return visit to Shenyang left a huge impression on him: “Mainland China has changed a lot – it has become more modern, and people’s living standards have improved significantly.”

    “It’s impossible to see all the sights of Shenyang in a few days! Let’s leave something for next time,” – before leaving, he did not return the remaining amount on the metro card, saying: “I’ll leave it for a future trip.”

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Press Conference – Ellenbrook

    Source: Murray Darling Basin Authority

    JASON CLARE, MINISTER FOR EDUCATION: This is really exciting. It’s about bringing university closer to where people live in the outer suburbs of our big cities and in particular here in Perth. We’re setting up a hub here in Ellenbrook, but also in Armadale and in Mandurah. It’s about making sure that wherever you live, you get a chance at going to university. And this will help people who are studying at uni now to be able to study closer to home. But also hopefully it’ll help a lot of young people who’ve got a dream to go to university but just think that it’s too far away. 

    Next door I got a chance to meet a young woman who’s studying to become a school teacher. She’s at Edith Cowan University at the moment and she’s got to travel about an hour to get to university. Now she only has to travel five minutes. I met a bloke who’s doing a PhD at RMIT in Victoria. He just lives across the road and now he could study right across the road, just a two minute walk to get to university. And I’m hoping that for kids at school today in Ellenbrook, they’ll see the sign university and they’ll know that, “hey, I can go to uni too.”

    JOURNALIST: 100 per cent, that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? You’re obviously in Perth for Cabinet today. Anything on your agenda?

    CLARE: This is the first time that the Cabinet’s back in Perth since the election and it’s a great opportunity not just to meet as a Cabinet and talk about the fantastic things that are happening here in WA, but to meet with Roger Cook and his team and continue the great work that we’re doing together. As Education Minister, I’m doing a lot of work with WA. WA was the first state in Australia to sign up to the new education agreement to fully fund our schools. So, I’m looking forward to catching up with the Education Minister tomorrow. 

    JOURNALIST: First thing on the agenda is cutting HECS. Is that something that really excites you?

    CLARE: Big time. There are 3 million Aussies across the country that have a HECS debt and we’re going to cut their debt by 20 per cent. It’ll be the very first piece of legislation that we introduce into the Parliament next month and I’ll have the privilege to introduce that legislation. That’s going to make a massive difference for young people right across the country. The average debt today is about $27,000. That means for a lot of people it’s going to cut their debt by $5,000. That’ll make it a lot easier for young people starting out who are just getting started, just moving out of home, just wanting to get a mortgage and buy their first home. Cutting that debt will make a world of difference. I want more young people to have a crack at university. That means setting up hubs like this and also means cutting their debt.

    JOURNALIST: 100 per cent. Tania, is there anything you’d like to add on the announcement today?

    TANIA LAWRENCE, MEMBER FOR HASLUCK: Yes. Ellenbrook is a part of the growth corridor in the outer region of Perth. There will be projected 76,000 people living out in this area by 2036. And we know that the infrastructure that’s needed for this community is being realised under the Labor Government both at the state and the federal level. We’ve now got a train station just within proximity, walking distance of today’s opening of the Ellenbrook Study Hub. We have a need to ensure that every student has access to affordable education. We’re achieving that with the reduction in the HECS debt. We are achieving that with making access to a study hub environment like this. 

    A means for students, no matter where they live, no matter their home environment, that they have the opportunity to be able to study in a place that is supportive, that’s inclusive and that allows them access to resources to ensure they get the best results at university. I’m definitely proud to be part of a Labor Government that sees education as a silver bullet. That we are investing in education from tiny tots with early education access right through to as the Minister spoke about having every public school now fully funded within Western Australia through to free TAFE and now with university making it more affordable but also more accessible with the Ellenbrook Study Hub opening today.
     

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont To Sign Legislation on Electric Ratepayer Relief

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he will soon sign into law legislation that takes a step forward in reducing electric bills, delivering Connecticut consumers nearly $400 million in annual savings, as well as laying the groundwork for longer term reductions in public benefits charges and cuts in supply, delivery, and transmission fees.

    The legislation is Senate Bill 4, An Act Concerning Energy Affordability, Access and Accountability. It is the result of a collaboration between the Lamont administration and Democratic and Republican lawmakers. It was approved in the Senate yesterday by a vote of 34 to 1, and in the House of Representatives this evening by a vote of 144 to 3.

    “Like many people, I think electric bills are too damn high, and this bipartisan bill is a first step in addressing a complex issue that is the result of policy decisions made years ago by legislators in both parties that have continued to impact our utility rates,” Governor Lamont said. “I want to be clear – this legislation is one step in the effort to make energy rates more affordable and we should not stop here. This legislation is the result of cooperative input, and I am encouraged that we can continue taking additional steps that will lower electric bills further. I thank Democrats and Republicans in the General Assembly for approving this legislation and I will sign it into law when it is transmitted to my desk. Let’s keep doing more to reduce electric rates.”

    The savings achieved in the legislation are in addition to the recent 25% reduction in the public benefits charge that the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) approved in the May 2025 rate adjustment mechanism and to the upcoming 13% reduction in supply rates on July 1, 2025.

    As required under legislative rules, now that the bill has been approved by both chambers of the General Assembly it will be transmitted to the nonpartisan Legislative Commissioners’ Office for engrossing and supervision of printing in its final form. Once engrossed, it is required to go through an approval process by the Office of the House Clerk, the Office of the Senate Clerk, and the Office of the Secretary of the State before it can finally be transmitted to the governor for his signature. This engrossing and approval process usually takes several days to complete.

    Upon receiving the bill, the Office of the Governor will make an announcement when a date has been selected for it to be signed by the governor.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China launches service consumption season

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

    A staff member works at an oil-paper umbrella shop in Huangling Village of Wuyuan County, east China’s Jiangxi Province, July 3, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    This year’s national service consumption season was launched on Tuesday in Nanjing, capital city of east China’s Jiangsu Province, marking a major initiative to boost growth in the service sector.

    Co-hosted by the Ministry of Commerce and China Media Group, the initiative aims to cultivate new consumption hotspots while fostering a virtuous cycle between supply and demand in China’s service economy.

    The campaign brings together government departments, industry associations and leading companies to jointly hold more than 160 key events, so as to innovate consumption scenarios, unlock consumer potential, expand high-quality service supply, and meet diversified public demand.

    Jiangsu’s service consumption expenditure accounted for 46.3 percent of its total consumer spending in 2024, 0.2 percentage points higher than the national average. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese carmakers lead Israel’s imported vehicle market in Jan.-May

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

    Chinese car manufacturers accounted for the largest share of Israel’s imported passenger car sales in the first five months, selling 39,582 gasoline and electric vehicles, according to figures issued by the Israel Vehicle Importers Association on Tuesday.

    BYD Auto led electric vehicle (EV) sales in Israel, selling 3,813 units between January and May, driven by its subcompact crossover Atto 3 and the mid-size Seal U SUV.

    Chinese automaker Xpeng Motor secured the second place with 3,650 EVs sold across three models. MG Motor, a Chinese-owned British brand, ranked third with 1,694 EVs sold, followed by China’s Chery, 1,675.

    Chinese automakers also dominated Israel’s EV market during the five months, accounting for 82.4 percent of total EV sales with 19,193 units delivered.

    South Korea and Japan were positioned as Israel’s second- and third-largest suppliers of imported cars in January-May, with 27,210 and 22,438 units sold, respectively, the data indicated. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: US Disney laying off hundreds of employees worldwide

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

    The Walt Disney Co., a U.S. mass media and entertainment conglomerate, is laying off several hundred employees worldwide as it looks to trim some costs and adapt to evolving industry conditions.

    The exact number of jobs being cut is unknown, but layoffs will occur across several divisions, including television and film marketing, TV publicity, casting and development, and corporate financial operations. No entire teams will be eliminated, The Associated Press quoted official source as confirming on Tuesday.

    Last month Disney posted solid profits and revenue in the second quarter as its domestic theme parks thrived and the company added well over a million subscribers to its streaming service. The company also boosted its profit expectations for the year, according to the report.

    Disney has also been riding a wave of box office hits, including “Thunderbolts*” and “Lilo & Stitch,” which is now the second-highest grossing movie of the year with 280.1 million U.S. dollars in domestic ticket sales. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Norwegian official hails Chinese innovation, calls for deeper maritime ties

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

    Even Tronstad Sagebakken (2nd L, Front), state secretary at Norway’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, tours the China Pavilion at Nor-Shipping 2025 in Lillestrom, Norway, on June 3, 2025. A Norwegian official has praised the green technologies and innovative solutions showcased by Chinese companies at Nor-Shipping 2025, expressing hope for enhanced maritime cooperation between Norway and China. [Photo/Xinhua]

    A Norwegian official has praised the green technologies and innovative solutions showcased by Chinese companies at Nor-Shipping 2025, expressing hope for enhanced maritime cooperation between Norway and China.

    After visiting the China Pavilion, Even Tronstad Sagebakken, state secretary at Norway’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, said he was impressed by the technological progress demonstrated by Chinese shipbuilders.

    It is impressive to see not only the innovation but also the practical implementation of green solutions by Chinese shipbuilders, Sagebakken said. “They are at the forefront of technology development… the advancements we need to drive the green transition in the maritime sector.”

    Sagebakken highlighted the long-standing collaboration between Norwegian and Chinese maritime firms, noting that many Norwegian suppliers are already involved in China’s shipbuilding industry. “It’s a partnership that goes way back, has developed over time, and is very much appreciated by the Norwegian side.”

    He expressed optimism that this cooperation will grow even stronger in the future, delivering further progress for both countries.

    Held in Lillestrom, about 20 km east of Oslo, Nor-Shipping is one of the world’s premier maritime trade fairs. Established in 1965 and held biennially, the four-day event runs through June 6, drawing nearly 1,000 companies and organizations from over 50 countries and regions.

    This year’s China Pavilion features more than 60 Chinese enterprises — both major state-owned and private companies, marking the largest Chinese presence in the event’s history. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Sabalenka weathers Zheng storm to reach French Open semis

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

    China’s tennis sensation Zheng Qinwen lost to world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus 7-6 (3), 6-3 in the French Open women’s singles quarterfinals on Tuesday.

    The 22-year-old Zheng, the eighth seed, broke first in the first set before the 27-year-old Sabalenka came back to win a tie-breaker. The top seed maintained the momentum in the second set to seal the victory.

    Zheng Qinwen reacts during the women’s singles quarterfinal between Zheng Qinwen of China and Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus at the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros, Paris, France, June 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

    Zheng has delivered her career best performance at the French Open by reaching the quarterfinals.

    “That was a true battle, and honestly I have no idea how I was able to break her back and get back in the first set. I was just trying to fight and put as many balls as I could back because I didn’t start well. I am really glad that I found my rhythm and won this match,” Sabalenka said after the game.

    At the Italian Open quarterfinals last month, the Paris 2024 Olympic champion Zheng defeated the three-time Grand Slam winner Sabalenka for the first time. This time at Roland Garros, also on the clay, Sabalenka took the match against Zheng as a revenge.

    “I have to say that last tournament I was pretty exhausted, and honestly at the end of the match I was actually glad that I lost that match, because I needed a little break before Roland Garros. Today, I was just more fresh, and I was ready to battle,” Sabalenka explained.

    As the best result for Sabalenka at the French Open before was the semifinals in 2023, she hopes to make breakthroughs this time, “Everyone wants that beautiful trophy. I am really glad that I have another opportunity, another semifinal to do better than I did last time. I really hope that by the end of the clay season this year, I will be very proud of myself.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: New-look China women’s volleyball team opens VNL campaign in Beijing

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

    A revamped Chinese women’s volleyball team is set to begin its 2025 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) campaign on home soil, as the Beijing leg of the tournament kicks off Wednesday at the National Indoor Stadium.

    At a pre-tournament press conference Tuesday, newly appointed head coach Zhao Yong and team captain Gong Xiangyu expressed both hope and determination ahead of their opening match against Belgium.

    “Playing at home brings both pressure and motivation, but the motivation is greater,” said Zhao, 49, who took over as head coach last month, succeeding Cai Bin. “It has been years since a major international tournament was held in Beijing, and for this new generation of players, it is more of an encouragement.”

    China’s 18-player squad for the Beijing leg features a host of newcomers, with more than half making their national team debut. The roster includes Wu Mengjie, Zhuang Yushan, Tang Xin, and Dong Yuhan as outside hitters; Wang Yuanyuan, Wan Ziyue, Shan Linqian, Chen Houyu, and Wang Aoqian as middle blockers; Gong Xiangyu, Yang Shuming, and Fan Boning as opposites; Zou Jiaqi, Yin Xiaolan, and Zhang Zixuan as setters; and Ni Feifan, Wang Mengjie, and Zheng Xinyi as liberos.

    “All the athletes have shown great commitment and a strong desire to bring honor to the country and the team,” Zhao said. “We hope to grow and improve through tough competition.”

    Gong, 28, now in her 10th year with the national team, said the players are supporting one another as they embrace a new chapter.

    “We are a completely new team. Every chance to play against world-class opponents is a valuable learning opportunity,” she said. “The encouragement among teammates is our greatest strength.”

    China will face Belgium in its opening match. The two teams last met at the 2022 FIVB Women’s World Championship, where China earned a straight-set victory (25-18, 25-18, 27-25). In that match, Belgium’s outside hitter Britt Herbots posted a match-high 21 points.

    “Belgium has a very strong and complete outside hitter,” Gong said. “We are fully focused on this match and hope to give our best performance in front of home fans.”

    Herbots, 25, missed nearly two years of international play due to injury but is now back with the Belgian national team. “Every VNL match is difficult for us,” she said. “I hope to help the younger players enjoy the game and keep improving. I’m very happy to be back, and as an experienced player, I’ll try to help the team with my experience.”

    The five-day Beijing leg features six teams: China, Belgium, Poland, Thailand, Türkiye, and France. All six will be in action Wednesday, with France taking on Türkiye and Thailand facing Poland.

    After the opener against Belgium, China will meet Poland on Thursday, face France on Saturday, and wrap up with Türkiye on Sunday.

    China, a traditional powerhouse in women’s volleyball, has a decorated international history, with three Olympic gold medals (1984, 2004, 2016), two World Championship titles (1982, 1986), and five World Cup titles (1981, 1985, 2003, 2015, 2019).

    At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, China advanced through the group stage undefeated but fell short of the podium following a quarterfinal loss to Türkiye.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Brentford sign goalkeeper Kelleher from Liverpool

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

    Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has left Premier League champions Liverpool to join Premier League rivals Brentford, the south London club confirmed on Tuesday.

    Kelleher has signed a five-year contract with Brentford for an initial fee of around 15 million U.S. dollars and leaves after making 25 Premier League appearances and over 40 appearances in various cup competitions for Liverpool since joining five years ago.

    Liverpool’s goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher looks dejected as Plymouth Argyle scores from a penalty-kick during the FA Cup 4th Round match between Plymouth Argyle FC and Liverpool FC in Plymouth, Britain, on Feb. 9, 2025. (Xinhua)

    The Irishman replaces Mark Flekken, who has left Brentford to sign for Bayer Leverkusen, while Georgian international Giorgi Mamardashvili has moved to Liverpool from Valencia.

    “I don’t think it was very difficult for me to leave. I felt for my own career that the time was right for me to go, to be a number one and to play every week,” Kelleher told the Brentford website.

    “I heard of some interest a number of weeks ago. Once I knew Brentford was in for me, it was definitely one I was really excited about and wanted to do as quickly as possible,” continued the goalkeeper.

    Brentford Director of Football Phil Giles celebrated the signing: “When Mark Flekken had the opportunity to move to Bayer Leverkusen, we immediately thought about Caoimhin as his replacement.”

    “As well as being a very good goalkeeper, I’ve rarely met a player for whom everybody has such positive words to say about his personality and character. I’m therefore confident he’ll be an excellent addition to the squad,” he added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chelsea sign Essugo in time for Club World Cup

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

    Chelsea has finalized the signing of Portuguese midfielder Dario Essugo from Sporting CP. The 20-year-old joins the newly crowned UEFA Conference League winners for a fee of 18 million pounds (24.3 million U.S. dollars) and has signed a contract through June 2033.

    Essugo, known for his tough tackling, spent last season on loan at La Liga side Las Palmas, where he made 27 appearances and was a bright spot in an otherwise difficult campaign that ended in relegation.

    The Portugal under-21 international made history as the youngest ever player to debut for Sporting’s first team, breaking the record previously held by Luis Figo when he took the field at 16 years and six days old. He also spent the 2023-24 season on loan with Chaves, appearing in 14 matches.

    The deal was initially agreed upon in March but was completed with the reopening of the transfer window ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup. Essugo will join Chelsea’s squad for the tournament, which kicks off with a match against Los Angeles Galaxy on June 16.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Kimmich nears 100th cap for Germany

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

    Preparing for his 100th appearance with the German national team this Wednesday against Portugal, Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich is reflecting on his journey in football.

    Ahead of the UEFA Nations League semifinal, the 30-year-old is set to face one of the sport’s all-time greats, Cristiano Ronaldo.

    Joshua Kimmich (L) of Bayern Munich controls the ball during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Bayern Munich and VfB Stuttgart in Munich, Germany, May 8, 2022. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)

    Kimmich was just eight years old when the Portuguese legend made his international debut in August 2003, and nine when Ronaldo competed in his first major tournament, the 2004 UEFA European Championship.

    “Going into my 100th game is special, but it feels like I’m still far away from what he’s accomplished over the past 20 years,” said Kimmich, a 2020 treble winner with Bayern.

    The German international praised Ronaldo as “someone I watched as a boy, and he’s still competing at a very high level.”

    Ronaldo, 40, has amassed 220 caps and 136 goals for Portugal-figures Kimmich described as “incredible” as he reflected on his own career and the so-called “title-less generation” of German players.

    “We have the chance to win a smaller title with the Nations League,” said Kimmich, with one year remaining before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His only international title so far is Germany’s 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup victory. He emphasized his desire to add a major trophy soon.

    Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann will be without several key players in the semifinal, including Jamal Musiala, Antonio Rüdiger and Kai Havertz. But Kimmich said the Nations League title is meaningful for “us, because we can prove we can beat big nations.”

    He stressed that the tournament has implications beyond 2025. “The World Cup preparation doesn’t start in a few months-it starts now,” Kimmich said, noting that winning a major title remains a constant goal.

    Kimmich, who has played at a world-class level as both a fullback and midfielder-according to German legend Lothar Matthaus-has endured highs and lows in the national team shirt, including early World Cup exits in 2018 and 2022.

    Now, with Nagelsmann’s generational overhaul, Germany is reemerging as a contender. The team is revitalized by young talent, but still light on experience. “There aren’t 15 players who have already won a lot,” Kimmich said.

    For him, facing Ronaldo marks more than just a personal milestone-it’s a symbol of a new chapter. “Everyone’s determination to win some silverware is tangible. Everyone is joining the team trying to prove their class.”

    Kimmich also spoke of a new atmosphere and a stronger winning mentality-qualities Ronaldo has embodied for two decades. The Portuguese forward’s record continues to inspire Kimmich and his teammates to pursue long-overdue international success.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Name release, fatal crash, Okoia

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police can now release the name of the man who died following a crash in Okoia on Monday 26 May.

    He was 76-year-old David Hauparoa Hiroti, of Okoia.

    Our thoughts are with those close to him at this difficult time.

    Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Meets with FAA Administrator Nominee Bryan Bedford

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    June 03, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator and Ranking Member of the Senate’s Aviation Safety Subcommittee Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today met with Federal Aviation Administrator nominee Bryan Bedford to discuss how he plans to address the aviation safety crisis if confirmed. During their meeting, Duckworth reiterated her strong opposition toward any further reduction in force at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and toward any effort to weaken the 1,500-hour rule and jeopardize the safety of the flying public in the wake of the deadly DCA midair collision and the spike in close calls across the country, among other things.

    “In the wake of the deadly DCA crash, surge in near misses and air traffic controller shortage, our nation needs a strong leader at FAA who will reject complacency and work vigorously to address this dire aviation safety crisis and protect the flying public,” said Duckworth. “I made clear to Mr. Bedford how critical it is for the next FAA Administrator to safeguard the 1,500-hour rule, as well as how mass staff reductions at FAA would be detrimental to the agency’s ability to improve aviation safety and risk mitigation. I also stressed the urgent need for FAA to take not only immediate, but also long-term action to modernize our air traffic control systems—something I’ve been sounding the alarm on for years—and discussed with Mr. Bedford the importance of FAA continuing enhanced oversight over Boeing. I look forward to hearing more from Mr. Bedford at his confirmation hearing.”

    For years—long before the deadly DCA crash—Duckworth has been sounding the alarm that we must make critical aviation safety investments immediately to prevent all-too-often near-misses from becoming catastrophic tragedies. Last Congress, Duckworth chaired two CST Aviation Subcommittee hearings—one last December and the other a year prior—to address our aviation industry’s chilling surge in near-deadly close calls and underscore the urgent need to improve air traffic control systems to protect the flying public.

    As our nation continues to experience an air traffic controller shortage amid multiple near-misses, midair collisions and communication outages, Duckworth has underscored how critical it is that the FAA does not sacrifice effectiveness in favor of efficiency by lowering its longstanding high standards that new controllers must meet. Two weeks after the horrific DCA aircraft collision that killed 67 passengers and crew, the Trump Administration began firing hundreds of FAA employees. In April, Duckworth sent a letter to FAA Acting Administrator Rocheleau on the reasoning behind these cuts to the workforce.

    Last year, Duckworth helped author the landmark bipartisan FAA reauthorization that was signed into law to extend the FAA’s funding and authorities through Fiscal Year 2028. The reauthorization included several of her provisions to safeguard the 1,500-hour rule, improve consumer safety, expand the aviation workforce and enhance protections for travelers with disabilities.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Hong Kong and New Zealand, the easiest jurisdictions for doing business in APAC, says GBCI 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Global Business Complexity Index (GBCI), recently launched by TMF Group, analyses the business environment of 79 jurisdictions, accounting for 94% of the world’s GDP. It also ranks them based on over 250 indicators of business complexity, with the jurisdiction ranked 1st as the most complex and the jurisdiction ranked 79th, the least.

    Among the world’s 10 least complex jurisdictions for doing business, Hong Kong, SAR remains the 4rth easiest jurisdiction for the second year in a row. The jurisdiction offers a favourable business environment, characterised by a straightforward and low tax regime that appeals to international businesses.

    New Zealand, also included in the 10 easiest jurisdictions worldwide, maintains its reputation as a straightforward place for business operations. This is largely due to the government’s proactive approach in welcoming foreign investments and streamlined administrative processes.

    Meanwhile, business complexity in India (18th) is mainly driven by recent regulatory changes, according to this year’s GBCI report. Over the past year, India has introduced numerous regulatory amendments aimed at boosting transparency and accountability. Although these are expected to bring benefits in the long term, they have added layers of complexity for businesses operating in the country, requiring constant adaptation to new compliance needs.

    Japan is ranked 43rd in this year’s GBCI, showing a decrease in complexity from last year’s position (38th). This decrease in complexity is partly due to recent simplifications and governmental initiatives to provide English-language support to international financial service companies. These measures facilitate easier operations and reduce barriers for foreign businesses, improving investment attractiveness.

    Singapore, ranking 48th, continues to demonstrate resilience and adaptability in its trade corridors. This jurisdiction invests heavily in technology and infrastructure upgrades, reinforcing its status as a regional hub.

    China’s Mainland (10th) enters the top 10 most complex jurisdictions for businesses in 2025. According to the report, the complexity is driven by its frequent regulatory changes and regional disparities. Despite these challenges, the government continues to offer incentives to attract investment and to promote infrastructure development to enhance trade logistics.

    TMF Group’s Head of APAC, Shagun Kumar, commented: “We’re seeing a growing effort by decision-makers and businesses across APAC to reduce unnecessary burdens for doing business in the region — these have in the past delayed development, leading to complex evaluations for investment. Such efforts contribute to unlocking the region’s drive towards economic growth, and we expect businesses to adapt and continue to leverage the potential of APAC as a key contributor for their global strategies.”

    Top and bottom ten (1= most complex, 79= least complex) 
    1. Greece  79. Cayman Islands 
    2. France  78. Denmark 
    3. Mexico  77. New Zealand 
    4. Turkey  76. Hong Kong, SAR 
    5. Colombia  75. Jersey 
    6. Brazil  74. Netherlands 
    7. Italy  73. Jamaica 
    8. Bolivia  72. British Virgin Islands 
    9. Kazakhstan  71. Curaçao 
    10. China’s Mainland  70. Czech Republic 
       

    Media Contacts
    Marina Llibre Martin
    marina.llibremartin@tmf-group.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Former Congress staffer allowed to return to New Caledonia

    By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk

    One of seven people transferred to mainland France almost a year ago, following the May 2024 riots in New Caledonia, has been allowed to return home, a French court has ruled.

    Frédérique Muliava, a former Congress staffer, was part of a group of six who were charged in relation to the riots.

    Under her new judicial requirements, set out by the judge in charge of the case, Muliava, once she returns to New Caledonia, is allowed to return to work, but must not make any contact with other individuals related to her case and not take part in any public demonstration.

    Four days after their arrest in Nouméa in June 2024, Muliava and six others were transferred to mainland France aboard a chartered plane.

    They were charged with criminal-related offences (including being a party or being accomplice to murder attempts and thefts involving the use of weapons) and have since been remanded in several prisons across France pending their trial.

    In January 2025, the whole case was removed from the jurisdiction of New Caledonia-based judges and has since been transferred back to investigating judges in mainland France.

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

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The chicks are alright: what songbirds can teach us about divorce and moving on

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Frigg Janne Daan Speelman, PhD Candidate in Behavioural Ecology, Macquarie University

    Charli Davies, CC BY-NC-ND

    In humans, it’s very common for the traditional family structure of two parents raising children to change abruptly. Usually, this happens when the parents decide to separate.

    Many separated couples are able to navigate this change well to ensure their children are not overly affected. But this isn’t guaranteed. Parental separation can lead to behavioural, developmental and health issues in children. The effect can be long-lasting.

    That’s humans. But many other species have a similar arrangement in choosing a long-term mate to raise offspring. What effect does it have when these couples split up?

    In our new research, we examine what happens after a family split in a tropical bird species known for its long-lasting partnerships. To our surprise, we found the separation had no long term effect on the health of their offspring.

    Family drama on a tropical island

    Most birds form strong partnerships to raise offspring as a couple. Raising baby birds is an intense job. Having two parents at the nest is often essential for the survival of the chicks.

    The Seychelles warbler is no exception. These small songbirds live only on the Seychelles, northeast of Madagascar.

    They often pair for life and defend a territory together. The longest documented partnership is 15 years.

    Still, family life is not always perfect for these warblers. Of all warbler couples, about one in seven (14%) end in a separation.

    In these cases, one of the parents leaves their territory and finds a new mate elsewhere when there is still an egg, young chick or fledgling in their original nest.

    The Seychelles warbler lives on a few islands in the Seychelles. This is the view from Cousin Island, home to a long-studied population of these songbirds.
    Frigg Speelman, CC BY-NC-ND

    How do you know if a bird is stressed?

    For decades, a team of international researchers has studied the population of warblers on Cousin Island nature reserve. The dataset they have gathered includes information about the relationship status of all birds, as well as measures of their wellbeing, lifespan and how many offspring they produce.

    Using this data, we looked at what happened to the offspring of partners who had split up.

    We measured the stress levels of chicks who hatched just before the ending of their parents’ relationship up to the moment they reached adolescence.

    In humans, it’s common to measure stress by looking at the levels of cortisol in saliva and hair. But measuring stress in birds is a little different. To do this, we used three biomarkers which indicate physiological stress experienced by animals.

    The first is telomere length, the protective “caps” on the end of chromosomes which protect DNA against damage. The shorter the telomeres, the higher the stress.

    The second is the percentage of red blood cells in blood, which shows how well a warbler chick can use oxygen. The third is body condition, which indicates a bird’s fat reserves. These three markers let us gauge the stress levels and health of young warblers.

    We also wanted to know whether parental separation would have lifelong consequences for the chicks. To find this out, we compared chicks from separated parents to those with more stable nests and assessed how long they lived and how many offspring they produced.

    Warbler separation doesn’t stress chicks

    What we found was surprising. There was no evidence the separation of parents affected the stress levels of chicks or their long-term survival and breeding success.

    Why might this be?

    One reason is that these birds don’t linger on the past. They move on very quickly.

    When a partnership ends through separation or death, it opens up a vacancy – which can be quickly filled.

    When separation happens, one bird leaves. The remaining partner can find themselves left with offspring to take care of themselves.

    But parenting chicks is only half the story – nesting is also about territory. Cousin is a very small island of just 0.3 square kilometres with over 300 Seychelles warblers living on it.

    That means the space to breed is very limited. As a result, when vacancies arise they’re often filled just hours after separation.

    For the chicks, this means they now have a step-parent who can help raise them almost immediately. This means they don’t face a future with less parental care.

    Family life can be complicated for the Seychelles warbler. Separations leave quickly filled vacancies, where unrelated birds can help raise young.
    Charli Davies, CC BY-NC-ND

    That’s not all. The Seychelles warbler is known for an unusual arrangement in which breeding couples sometimes receive help from other warblers, known as cooperative breeding.

    On Cousin Island, there are more Seychelles warblers than there are breeding vacancies, meaning many adults can’t secure a partner and territory. These adults can join couples in established territories and help raise the offspring. This extra help may offset any reduced parental care after the ending of a partnership, meaning the offspring are still well off.

    What we can learn from this

    Our research shows Seychelles warbler chicks are better able to weather their parents separating than we expected.

    Importantly, this humble bird is just one of a huge group of species who form socially monogamous partnerships where both parents raise the offspring.

    Whether a parental relationship ending affects other species remains to be seen.

    Frigg Janne Daan Speelman 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. The chicks are alright: what songbirds can teach us about divorce and moving on – https://theconversation.com/the-chicks-are-alright-what-songbirds-can-teach-us-about-divorce-and-moving-on-256101

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Just the ticket? The problem with local body candidates aligning with national political parties

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julienne Molineaux, Senior Lecturer, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Auckland University of Technology

    Getty Images

    With accusations flying thick and fast last year about supposed “dysfunction” and a “shambles” at Wellington City Council, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown stepped in and appointed a Crown Observer.

    Announcing the move, Brown said the “financial and behavioural challenges” facing the council represented a problem under the Local Government Act. Part of the issue, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon claimed recently, was that there had been “way too much ideology and party politics”.

    With the Green-endorsed current mayor Tory Whanau withdrawing from the next election, and former Labour cabinet minister Andrew Little announcing his mayoralty bid, it remains to be seen whether those partisan perceptions have diminished.

    But at the other end of the political spectrum, the ACT Party is actively recruiting candidates to stand at the 2025 elections using its branding and policy platform. The ACT website states clear policy positions for prospective candidates to campaign on.

    The Local Government Act, on the other hand, requires elected members to consult with people affected by their decisions and to do so with an open mind. Reinforcing this point, the Office of the Auditor-General says those managing public resources must avoid holding pre-determined positions:

    You are not required to approach every decision as though you have given it no prior thought, or have no existing knowledge or opinion. However, you are required to keep an open mind, and you must be prepared to change or adjust your views if the evidence or arguments warrant it.

    If ACT is successful in building a local government ticket nationally, this tension – and the kind of tensions recently at play in Wellington – could be seen in other councils.

    Benefits of party branding

    Political party affiliations in local government are not actually the norm. In 2019, winning councillors around New Zealand mostly left the affiliation section of their nomination forms blank (60%) or stated they were “independent” (18%).

    Only 3% of winning councillors were affiliated with a registered political party, and 4% with a local grouping or ticket.

    But the picture changes in our three largest councils: Auckland Council, Christchurch City Council and Wellington City Council. No winning councillors in those cities left the affiliation section blank in 2019, 38% ran on a local ticket, and 22% for a political party.

    And there are good reasons for local body candidates to run as party-endorsed or on a local ticket, as former local body politician Shirin Brown outlined in her PhD thesis on Local Boards in Auckland: shared costs, shared resources (such as party volunteers to deliver leaflets), shared expertise and brand recognition for voters.

    Importantly, a candidate with low name recognition can coat-tail on higher profile candidates on the same ticket, or the public profile of the ticket overall. Other research suggests the strategy works: in Auckland, at least, those who stand with a group affiliation are more likely to be elected than those who do not.

    In larger urban areas, with high populations and low levels of representation per capita, visible groupings of local government candidates make sense. Research reveals a major obstacle to voting in local elections is a lack of information about candidates and what they stand for.

    Blurred party lines

    Once elected, though, there are questions about the cohesion of groupings. Shirin Brown found the ad-hoc nature of some local tickets for Auckland’s local boards – formed for strategic election reasons but with little coherence or discipline once elected – sometimes collapsed once in office.

    In Auckland, ward councillors and the mayor have run with group branding, but there is little evidence of whipping along party, ticket or broad ideological lines.

    As a councillor for the Manukau ward (2016-2022), the late Efeso Collins stood for election as a Labour Party candidate, but he voted against some initiatives of the Mayor Phil Goff, a former leader of the Labour Party.

    Communities and Residents (C&R) councillors have mostly been aligned with the National Party, but have also included ACT and unaffiliated centre-right candidates.

    While they often voted against Goff, and earlier against Labour Party member Len Brown (mayor from 2010-2016), it wasn’t always as a uniform block. Indeed, Brown’s initiatives were simultaneously opposed by Cathy Casey (City Vision) on the left and Cameron Brewer (C&R) on the right.

    Keeping an open mind

    As this year’s local elections approach, the Crown Observer for Wellington City Council, Lindsay McKenzie, has written candidate guidelines about political affiliations and their legal obligations to avoid predetermined positions.

    These cover the promises they make on the campaign trail as well as how they act once elected. They address the tension between the democratic act of signalling your values and policy positions to voters, and the requirement under the Local Government Act to make decisions based on local concerns rather than political affiliation.

    As McKenzie points out, having an open mind is not just an issue for party members. It also applies to those who stand as independents and adhere rigidly to policy positions they campaigned on.

    Irrespective of their affiliation, candidates in the upcoming local elections have a tightrope to walk – between declaring their values and policy positions, and being receptive to new information and perspectives once elected.

    Voters need to accept elected members may have access to information that was not available when they were campaigning. And the political media needs to give some leeway to councillors and mayors who change their positions.

    Julienne Molineaux 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. Just the ticket? The problem with local body candidates aligning with national political parties – https://theconversation.com/just-the-ticket-the-problem-with-local-body-candidates-aligning-with-national-political-parties-257887

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘Not available in your region’: what is a VPN and how can I use one safely?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Meena Jha, Head Technology and Pedagogy Cluster CML-NET, CQUniversity Australia

    Linaimages/Shutterstock

    “This video is not available in your location”. It’s a message familiar to many people trying to watch global content online. But beneath this frustration lies a deeper question – how do we navigate digital borders safely and ethically?

    As our digital lives expand, so too does our desire for access. Maybe you want to see the latest streaming shows before they arrive in your country. Maybe you’re a sports fan wanting to watch live broadcasts of international events. Or perhaps you need to log into your company’s secure intranet while at home or overseas.

    Enter the virtual private network (VPN) – a technology that’s become as essential as antivirus software for many. With many commercial and free VPN providers on the market, interest in these services has grown in recent years.

    How does a VPN work?

    A VPN is like a secure tunnel between your device and the internet. When you use a VPN, your internal traffic is scrambled into unreadable data and routed through a remote server, which also masks your real IP address.

    Think of it like this: instead of sending a postcard with your return address, you send it in an envelope to a trusted friend overseas who mails it on your behalf. To anyone looking at the envelope, it looks like the message came from your friend and not you.

    This technique shields your identity, protects your data from snoopers, and tricks websites into thinking you are browsing from another location.

    While often marketed as tools for online privacy, VPNs have grown popular for another reason: access.

    Many people use VPNs to access geo-blocked content, secure their internet activity, work remotely – especially when handling sensitive data – and protect against online tracking and targeted advertising.



    Read more:
    What does it mean to ‘accept’ or ‘reject’ all cookies, and which should I choose?

    VPNs are legal, if a bit grey

    VPN services are offered by dozens of providers globally. Companies such as NordVPN, ProtonVPN, ExpressVPN and Surfshark offer paid subscriptions with strong security guarantees. Free VPNs also exist but come with caveats (more on this in a moment).

    In most countries, including Australia, using a VPN is completely legal.

    However, what makes it murky is what one might use it for. While using a VPN is legal, engaging in illegal activities while using one remains prohibited.

    Streaming services like Netflix or Disney+ license content by region. Using a VPN to access a foreign catalogue may violate their terms of service and potentially be grounds for account suspension.

    Australian law does not criminalise accessing geo-blocked content via VPN, but the copyright act does prohibit circumventing “technological protection measures” in certain cases.

    The grey area lies in enforcement. Technically, copyright law does ban getting around certain protections. However, the latest advice does not mention any cases where regular users have been taken to court for this kind of behaviour.

    So far, enforcement has mostly targeted websites and platforms that host or enable large-scale copyright infringement; not everyday viewers who want to watch a show a bit early.

    Beware of ‘free’ VPNs

    Not all VPNs are created equal. While premium services invest in strong encryption and privacy protections, free VPNs often make money by collecting user data – the very thing you may be trying to avoid.

    Risks of unsafe VPNs include data leaks, injection of ads or trackers into your browsing, and malware and spyware, especially in free mobile apps that claim to provide a VPN service.

    Using a poorly designed or dishonest VPN is like hiring a bodyguard who sells your location. It might give the impression of safety, but you may actually be more vulnerable than before.

    Okay, so how do I choose a VPN?

    With so many VPNs available, both free and paid, it can be hard to know which one to trust. If you are considering a VPN, here are five things to look for.

    No-log policy. A trustworthy VPN should have a strict no-log policy, meaning it does not store any records of your internet activity, connection time or IP address. This ensures even if the VPN provider is hacked, subpoenaed or pressured by a government, they have nothing to hand over.

    Strong encryption standards. Encryption is what makes your data unreadable to anyone snooping on your connection, such as hackers on public WiFi or your internet provider. A somewhat technical thing to look out for is AES 256-bit encryption – it’s extremely secure and is used by banks and governments.

    Independent audits. Reliable VPN services voluntarily undergo third-party audits to verify their privacy claims and the security of their infrastructure.

    Kill switch. A kill switch is a critical safety feature that automatically blocks internet traffic if the VPN connection drops. This prevents your real IP address and data from being exposed, even momentarily.

    Jurisdiction. VPNs are subject to the laws of the country they are based in. The countries in the Five Eyes intelligence alliance (Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States and New Zealand) may legally compel providers to hand over user data. If a VPN service has a strict no-log policy and does not collect information about what you do online, then even under legal pressure, there is nothing to hand over. So, you are safe.

    In an era of growing surveillance, cybercrime and corporate data collection, VPNs are essential tools for reclaiming your online privacy and data.

    But like any tool, the effectiveness (and ethics) of VPNs depend on how you use them. Next time you fire up your VPN, ask yourself – am I just dodging a digital border, or actively protecting my online freedom?

    Meena Jha 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. ‘Not available in your region’: what is a VPN and how can I use one safely? – https://theconversation.com/not-available-in-your-region-what-is-a-vpn-and-how-can-i-use-one-safely-256559

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • Asia Pacific – A Roundup of Significant Articles on ForeignAffairs.co.nz for June 4, 2025

    Asia Pacific: Here is a summary of significant articles published on ForeignAffairs.co.nz on June 4, 2025.

    MIL-OSI Security: Pacific Partnership 2025 Kicks off with urban rescue training in Virac, Philippines, June 2, 2025 [Image 6 of 9]
    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific) Issued by: on VIRAC, Philippines (June 2, 2025) – Hawaii National Guard Spc. Jayeson Laga, instructs Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel, local emergency responders, and civilian authorities how to tie different knots to perform urban rescue operations in Virac, Philippines, June 2, 2025. This effort is […]

    MIL-OSI Security: Pacific Partnership 2025 Kicks off with urban rescue training in Virac, Philippines, June 2, 2025 [Image 6 of 9]
    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific) Issued by: on VIRAC, Philippines (June 2, 2025) – Hawaii National Guard Spc. Jayeson Laga, instructs Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel, local emergency responders, and civilian authorities how to tie different knots to perform urban rescue operations in Virac, Philippines, June 2, 2025. This effort is […]

    MIL-OSI Security: Pacific Partnership 2025 Conducts Mission Stop in Philippines, June 2025 [Image 1 of 9]
    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific) Issued by: on VIRAC, Philippines (June 1, 2025) – Hawaii National Guardsmen and personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines construct a platform used to conduct urban rescue training with local emergency responders and civilian authorities in Virac, Philippines, June 1, 2025. This effort is part […]

    MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Army Demonstrates Multi-Modal Mobility of HIMARS in Support of Salaknib 25
    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND ZAMBALES, Philippines — U.S. Army soldiers from the 1st Multi-Domain Task Force’s 5th Battalion, 3rd Long Range Fires Battalion, working alongside the U.S. Air Force’s 374th Airlift Wing, 5th Air Force, and the Philippine Navy successfully demonstrated the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) multi-modal mobility throughout northern Luzon […]

    MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police BUS-ting out a new recruitment campaign
    Source: New Zealand Police Police’s newest recruitment advertising campaign is now mobile across Tāmaki Makaurau with five double-decker buses wrapped in Police livery.  Commissioner Richard Chambers says: “This campaign represents another positive step toward delivering our target of 500 additional officers. “These newly decorated double-decker buses seat 500 people, which is exactly the number we […]

    MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tasman Targets Anti-Social Road Users
    Source: New Zealand Police Attributable to Tasman District Road Policing Manager, Acting Inspector Nathan Snell. From Wednesday 28 May to Sunday 1 June 2025, Tasman Police delivered an operation focused on anti-social road users. This was in response to an increase in complaints from the local community. Two search warrants were executed, resulting in a […]

    MIL-OSI New Zealand: SH29 Kaimai Range overnight closures in June
    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency State Highway 29 (SH29) Kaimai Range will be closed for 4 nights, from Sunday 15 June to Thursday 19 June, between 8pm and 3.30am each night. These closures are necessary to complete routine maintenance, including drain clearing, sign maintenance, road marking and surface repairs. “We occasionally close SH29 for essential […]

    MIL-Evening Report: Ship runs aground in Fiji – then its rescue vessel capsizes
    RNZ Pacific Fiji’s Maritime Safety Authority has launched an investigation into Goundar Shipping Limited following two incidents involving its vessels. Late last month, one vessel ran aground on the reef of Ono-i-Lau, and villagers had to step in to ferry stranded passengers to nearby islands using small boats. On Monday, the Lomaiviti Princess II was […]

    MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Reserve Bank predicts more job losses
    Source: New Zealand Labour Party The Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Statement predicts a sluggish economy with higher inflation and more job losses. “Just days after Nicola Willis slashed women’s pay in order to deliver her so-called ‘Growth Budget’, growth is now predicted to slow,” Labour finance and economy spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said. “The Reserve Bank […]

    MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Govt continues to undermine women
    Source: New Zealand Labour Party The Government is continuing its attack on women, this time targeting the pay of early childhood education (ECE) teachers. David Seymour’s changes will mean new ECE teachers being at the whim of their employers who will choose what they’re paid, regardless of any higher qualifications. “It wasn’t enough that the […]

    MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Charter school failures clocking up
    Source: New Zealand Labour Party Public schools aren’t converting to charter schools at the rate David Seymour claimed they would. Due to low demand over the past year, $4 million was taken out of the money set aside for charter schools to be used on other things. Despite that, the Government is still funding ACT’s […]

    MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Govt driving away Kiwi innovators and scientists
    Source: New Zealand Labour Party The Government continues to obliterate science and innovation in New Zealand. “New Zealand’s world leading crown research institutes are being left to dwindle, and New Zealand’s best scientists are losing their jobs and leaving the country,” Labour science and innovation spokesperson Reuben Davidson said. “National’s decision to cut Callaghan Innovation […]

    MIL-OSI China: Dragon boat races spark rise in tourism spending during ancient Chinese festival
    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News Villagers compete during a dragon boat race at Xixi National Wetland Park in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on May 31, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua] In the watery maze of Diejiao Village in Foshan, south China’s Guangdong Province, dragon boat teams race through S-curves, L-bends and tight C-turns […]

    MIL-OSI China: Lee Jae-myung elected S. Korea’s president
    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News Lee Jae-myung of South Korea’s majority liberal Democratic Party was elected president, the ongoing vote count by the National Election Commission showed on Wednesday. With 94.4 percent of the votes counted after midnight, Lee won 48.8 percent and his major rival Kim Moon-soo of the conservative […]

    MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Inaugural edition of Kung Fu Film Festival successfully concluded in Toronto (with photos)
    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region ​The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) (Toronto ETO) supported the inaugural edition of the Kung Fu Film Festival (Festival), which has presented six screenings of martial arts movies across the Greater Toronto Area from May 31 to June 1 (Toronto time) to celebrate the 50 years […]

    MIL-OSI New Zealand: Prolific shoplifter sentenced to two years’ imprisonment
    Source: New Zealand Police A prolific Tauranga shoplifter has been sentenced to two years in prison after being convicted of 37 shoplifting charges dating back to 2024. Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said it was the result of outstanding investigative work by an officer in the Tauranga Retail Crime Unit. The officer began his investigation based […]

    MIL-OSI New Zealand: Ruakura four-lane road to boost Hamilton’s economic growth
    Source: New Zealand Government The NZ Transport Agency’s Board has endorsed the detailed business case for a new four-lane road in Hamilton which will deliver economic growth for the region, and approved $4.1 million for the next stage of design work, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says. The project, which is cost-shared between Hamilton City Council […]

    MIL-OSI Global: Ukraine’s drone attacks on Russian airfields could derail Russia’s war efforts
    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By James Horncastle, Assistant Professor and Edward and Emily McWhinney Professor in International Relations, Simon Fraser University The drone attacks by Ukrainian Operation Spider’s Web forces on Russian airfields have called into question Russia’s supposed military strength. Russian authorities have acknowledged damage from the June 1 attacks — an […]

    MIL-OSI New Zealand: Surprise kiwi encounter rewards safe driver
    Source: NZ Department of Conservation Date:  04 June 2025 Campbell Hutchings nearly sped up the car when he saw something brown and vaguely possum-like on the road, but he’s glad he didn’t. He slowed down on the road near Ōtanewainuku and was rewarded with a kiwi encounter many New Zealanders dream of. In a video sure to […]

    MIL-OSI China: Chinese premier meets Japanese business delegation
    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with a delegation led by Yohei Kono, president of the Japanese Association for the Promotion of International Trade (JAPIT), at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua] BEIJING, June 3 — Chinese Premier […]

  • South America – A Roundup of Significant Articles on ForeignAffairs.co.nz for June 4, 2025

    South America: Here is a summary of significant articles published on ForeignAffairs.co.nz on June 4, 2025.

    MIL-OSI Video: Cuban Labor Export Program
    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements) Spokesperson Tammy Bruce discusses new visa restrictions on several Central American government officials who are responsible for deals with the corrupt Cuban regime to import medical personnel in their forced labor scheme. ———- Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the […]

    MIL-OSI USA: WA leads multistate fight to protect youth from conversion ‘therapy’
    Source: Washington State News SEATTLE — Attorney General Nick Brown today led a multistate coalition in an amicus brief defending a Michigan law that prohibits licensed health professionals from practicing conversion “therapy” on minors. Conversion “therapy,” also called sexual orientation or gender identity change efforts, are harmful and ineffective practices that attempt to change a person’s […]

    MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Grigorenko awarded the winners of the international IT Olympiad
    Translation. Region: Russian Federal Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article. Dmitry Grigorenko awarded the winners of the international IT Olympiad. With the Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Gleb Nikitin and the Chairman of the Board of Sberbank German Gref. The results of the […]

    MIL-OSI Security: FBI’s Fugitive Task Force Returns Man Who Was Extradited From Mexico for 2013 Murder
    Source: US FBI A Mexican man wanted for a 2013 murder in Los Angeles was returned to the United States from Mexico over the weekend by members of the FBI’s Fugitive Task Force. The man, Luis Alberto Gutierrez Tejeda, 33, a Mexican national whose most recent U.S. address was in Sylmar, was arrested last year […]

    MIL-OSI USA: June 3rd, 2025

    Heinrich, Rounds Urge Agriculture Secretary to Prepare for HPAI Outbreaks in Cattle
    US Senate News: Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) sent a letter to Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Brooke Rollins urging her to develop an emergency plan to vaccinate cattle against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).  Since the […]

    MIL-OSI USA: June 3rd, 2025

    Heinrich, Luján Statement on President Trump’s 2026 Budget
    US Senate News: Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich Heinrich and Luján: “Trump’s budget is an attack on New Mexicans” WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Finance, released the following […]

    MIL-Evening Report: In the trade wars, there are lessons for the US from Brexit. Australia and our trading partners should take note
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Draper, Professor, and Executive Director: Institute for International Trade, and Director of the Jean Monnet Centre of Trade and Environment, University of Adelaide General_4530/Getty While the Trump administration’s on-again, off-again trade wars wreak havoc on the business plans of the world’s exporters, the risks to the […]

    MIL-OSI NGOs: Historic Forest Congress ends with pressing demands from Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities
    Source: Greenpeace Statement – Brazzaville, Republic of Congo – In a show of unity, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) from the world’s largest tropical forest basins, the Amazon, Congo, Borneo-Mekong-Papua and Mesoamerica, have concluded their first-ever global congress with an urgent call for protection, recognition and respect for the forests as well as the provision […]

    MIL-OSI: Epsilon Energy Ltd. Announces Quarterly Dividend
    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) HOUSTON, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Epsilon Energy Ltd. (“Epsilon” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: EPSN) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a dividend of $0.0625 per share of common stock (annualized $0.25/sh) to the stock holders of record at the close of business on June 13, 2025, payable […]

    MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Rep. Stansbury Slams GOP Scheme to Kick Millions off Medicaid, Food Assistance
    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01) Republicans raid healthcare, SNAP, environmental programs to make billionaires richer WASHINGTON D.C. – Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) slammed House Republicans’ efforts to advance the devastating reconciliation bill this week that would increase taxes for our lowest-income working Americans, and gut healthcare and food assistance programs […]

    MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Rep. Stansbury Votes No on GOP Tax Bill after 29-hour Fight
    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01) GOP bill guts healthcare, food assistance for millions to fund permanent tax breaks for billionaires WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) released the following statement after House Republicans narrowly passed their H.R. 1 tax bill by one vote after 29 straight hours of debate.   Watch Rep. Stansbury […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Interview with Dave Des Marais
    Source: NASA Let’s start with your childhood, where you’re from, your family at the time, if you have siblings, your early years, and when it was that you became interested in what has developed into your career as an astrophysicist or research scientist? I was born in Richmond, Virginia in 1948, the youngest of four […]

    MIL-OSI United Nations: As Hurricane season begins WFP raises the alarm on Haiti
    Source: World Food Programme This is a summary of what was said by WFP Regional Coordinator in Latin America and the Caribbean, Lola Castro, to whom quoted text may be attributed – at the UN Noon Briefing in New York today NEW YORK/ PANAMA CITY: As the United Nations World Food Programme Regional Coordinator in […]

    MIL-OSI USA: SPC Jun 3, 2025 1730 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook
    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration  For best viewing experience, please enable browser JavaScript support. Jun 3, 2025 1730 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook Updated: Tue Jun 3 17:13:18 UTC 2025 (Print Version |   |  ) Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table  Forecast Discussion SPC AC 031713 Day 2 Convective OutlookNWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK1213 PM […]

    MIL-OSI Security: DACA recipient and another sentenced for scheme involving firearms destined for Mexico
    Source: Office of United States Attorneys McALLEN, Texas – Two men residing in Edinburg have been sentenced for their roles in the straw purchasing of firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Mario Elier Leal, 22, and Rodolfo Benitez-Garza, 24, pleaded guilty in 2024. Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Leal to […]

    MIL-OSI USA: South Texas stash house discovered by ICE Rio Grande Valley leads to the arrest of 16 illegal aliens
    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement HARLINGEN, Texas — A suspected stash house in Mercedes, Texas, was uncovered June 2 by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement resulting in the apprehension of 16 illegal aliens. On June 1, ICE received a tip from an anonymous caller reporting that multiple illegal aliens were being harbored at a […]

    MIL-OSI Security: Man Sentenced to Seven and One Half Years in Federal Prison for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of Victim in Marin Headlands
    Source: US FBI SAN FRANCISCO – Esbin Ramirez-Garcia was sentenced today to 90 months in federal prison for committing aggravated sexual abuse while on federal land.  Senior U.S. District Judge William Alsup handed down the sentence. Ramirez-Garcia, 28, a national of Mexico, pleaded guilty on Feb. 25, 2025, to one count of aggravated sexual abuse […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Stansbury on Trump’s “Skinny” Budget to Congress: The Great Betrayal Continues

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01) 22.6% reduction in critical programs threatens millions of American lives, including critical programs for schools, healthcare, the opioid epidemic, clean water, and tribal programs WASHINGTON D.C. — Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) released the following statement after President Trump delivered a “skinny” version of his […]

    MIL-OSI USA: 15,000 Attend Congresswoman Stansbury Town Halls Across New Mexico
    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01) ALBUQUERQUE — This week, Representative Melanie Stansbury (NM-01)wrapped up a Town Hall Tour across New Mexico, reaching more than 15,000 New Mexicans across 10 counties and 12 cities and towns with 15 events. The Congresswoman traveled across New Mexico’s 1st Congressional District, covering a […]

    MIL-OSI Economics: Xbox Games Showcase 2025 kicks off June 8
    Source: Microsoft Headline: Xbox Games Showcase 2025 kicks off June 8 This Sunday, June 8, it’s time for another huge double feature. The Xbox Games Showcase 2025 kicks off at 10am Pacific / 1pm Eastern / 6pm UK, immediately followed by The Outer Worlds 2 Direct – a deep-dive into the upcoming sequel to Obsidian […]

  • India – A Roundup of Significant Articles on ForeignAffairs.co.nz for June 4, 2025

    India: Here is a summary of significant articles published on ForeignAffairs.co.nz on June 4, 2025.

    MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – Meeting of 4 June 2025 – Delegation for relations with India
    Source: European Parliament Next ordinary meeting of the Delegation for relations with India (D-IN) is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 4 June 2025 at 16:30-18:00 in Brussels. As main topic on the draft agenda there will be an exchange of views with a delegation from the Indian Parliament. The meeting will be held in […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Smith, Feenstra Urge USTR to Improve Market Access for U.S. Agricultural Products in India
    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) Washington, DC — Last week, Reps. Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Randy Feenstra (R-IA) led a letter to United States Trade Ambassador Jamieson Greer urging improved market access for American agricultural exports – specifically U.S. ethanol, distillers’ dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and soybean meal […]

    Indian astronaut to conduct groundbreaking space research on Axiom-4 Mission
    Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) Union Minister of State for Science & Technology and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh on Tuesday announced that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, one of India’s four selected astronauts for the Gaganyaan mission, will undertake critical scientific experiments during the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). […]

    MIL-OSI Security: Illegal immigrant gets 12 years in prison for his part in India-based fraud targeting elderly victims across the Midwest
    Source: Office of United States Attorneys EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – An illegal immigrant from India got 12 years in prison for his role in an imposter scam that defrauded elderly victims in three states out of more than $400,000. In February, a federal jury convicted Nirav B. Patel, 44, an Indian citizen, of one […]

    Election Commission of India introduces tech-driven voter turnout reporting system
    Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday announced a significant upgrade to its voter turnout reporting process, introducing a streamlined, technology-driven system to provide faster and more accurate updates on approximate voter turnout trends. This initiative, set to be implemented before the upcoming Bihar elections, […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Feenstra, Smith Lead Letter Urging U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to Prioritize Improved Market Access for American Agricultural Exports in India
    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Randy Feenstra (IA-04) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Reps. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) and Adrian Smith (R-NE) led a letter to U.S. Trade Ambassador Jamieson Representative urging improved market access for American agricultural exports – specifically U.S. ethanol, distillers’ dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and soybean meal […]

    India to build first-ever Polar Research Vessel as GRSE signs MoU with Norway’s Kongsberg
    Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) In a major milestone for India’s maritime sector, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) and Norwegian firm Kongsberg, marking the beginning of India’s journey […]

    MIL-OSI: CBAK Energy Secures $3 Million Follow-up Order from Livguard, Strengthening Strategic Partnership in India
    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) DALIAN, China, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CBAK Energy Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBAT) (“CBAK Energy,” or the “Company”), a leading lithium-ion battery manufacturer and electric energy solution provider in China, today announced the receipt of a significant follow-up order from Livguard, a prominent Indian energy storage solutions provider. Valued at approximately USD […]

    IMD warns of heavy rain in Northeast, thunderstorms in Northwest, and heat waves in East India
    Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather forecast predicting significant weather events across India over the next few days, including heavy rainfall in the Northeast, thunderstorms in the Northwest, and heat wave conditions in parts of East India. The IMD has warned of continued […]

    MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on India Home Loan Ltd., Mumbai, Maharashtra
    Source: Reserve Bank of India The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated May 27, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹32,000 (Rupees Thirty Two Thousand only) on India Home Loan Ltd., Mumbai, Maharashtra (the company) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Know Your Customer (KYC)’. This penalty has […]

    Indian delegation concludes visit to Liberia strengthening global consensus against terrorism
    Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) An all-party Indian Parliamentary delegation led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Eknath Shinde concluded three-day visit to Liberia on Monday, reinforcing India’s global campaign against terrorism and strengthening bilateral ties with the West African nation. The delegation held meetings with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, the Speaker […]

    Egypt: Indian delegation meets Arab League chief, stresses unified stance against terrorism
    Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) An all-party Indian Parliamentary delegation led by NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule called on League of Arab States Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit on Tuesday, underscoring India’s unified stance and collective determination to combat terrorism. The leaders stressed that countering terrorism is a priority for both the […]

    India’s cultural revival: a journey of pride and progress over 11 years
    Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) Over the past eleven years, the Government of India has embarked on a wide-ranging cultural renaissance, blending tradition with progress and positioning India’s heritage at the heart of its national identity. From restoring ancient temples to honouring forgotten heroes, the country’s cultural revival is now seen […]

    MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK and India hold high level dialogue in Delhi
    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements World news story UK and India hold high level dialogue in Delhi Sir Oliver Robbins, Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is in India. Sir Oliver Robbins, Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office with India’s Foreign Secretary, Shri Vikram Misri Sir Oliver […]

    India urges deeper BRICS cooperation for building future-ready digital ecosystem
    Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) India reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready digital development at the 11th BRICS Communications Ministers’ Meeting held in Brasília, Brazil.   Delivering India’s national statement, Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, highlighted the country’s progress in digital governance […]

    Indian companies post satisfactory Q4 results despite global challenges: Bank of Baroda Report
    Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) Corporate performance of Indian companies in the fourth quarter of financial year 2025 remained satisfactory despite a tough global economic environment, according to a recent report by Bank of Baroda. The report highlighted that most companies are optimistic about their future growth prospects, and there is […]

    After month-long exposition in Vietnam, holy Buddha relics return to India
    Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) The holy relics of Lord Buddha returned to India on Tuesday after a month-long exposition tour across Vietnam. The relics were ceremoniously received at Palam Air Force Station in New Delhi. The delegation accompanying the relics was led by Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati , along […]

    Top UK leaders back India’s zero tolerance policy against terrorism
    Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) An all-party Indian Parliamentary delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad on Monday held high-level engagements in London with UK ministers, lawmakers, leaders, think tanks, and India friendship groups, highlighting Operation Sindoor as a significant shift in the country’s counter-terrorism approach. The delegation received wide-ranging […]

    Sanjay Jha-led delegation conveys India’s stance on terrorism to Malaysian political leaders, think-tanks
    Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) An all-party Indian parliamentary delegation led by Janata Dal (United) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha held high-level discussions with key Malaysian political leaders and think tanks in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, as part of India’s diplomatic outreach under Operation Sindoor. The nine-member delegation arrived in Malaysia on […]

    Kanimozhi-led delegation concludes Spain visit, reaffirming India’s stand against terrorism
    Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) An all-party Indian Parliamentary delegation led by DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi successfully concluded its visit to Spain in the early hours of Tuesday, conveying India’s zero-tolerance approach to terrorism. “The visit of All-Party Parliamentary Delegation to Spain was successful in effectively conveying India’s zero-tolerance approach to […]

  • China – A Roundup of Significant Articles on ForeignAffairs.co.nz for June 4, 2025

    China: Here is a summary of significant articles published on ForeignAffairs.co.nz on June 4, 2025.

    MIL-OSI China: China slams EU’s protectionist move targeting Chinese medical device firms
    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News China firmly opposes the EU’s protectionist move to limit Chinese medical device firms from participating in major EU public procurement tenders, the Ministry of Commerce said Tuesday. The statement came in response to the EU member states’ decision to block Chinese companies from participating in public […]

    MIL-OSI China: Dragon boat races spark rise in tourism spending during ancient Chinese festival
    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News Villagers compete during a dragon boat race at Xixi National Wetland Park in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on May 31, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua] In the watery maze of Diejiao Village in Foshan, south China’s Guangdong Province, dragon boat teams race through S-curves, L-bends and tight C-turns […]

    MIL-OSI China: Lee Jae-myung elected S. Korea’s president
    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News Lee Jae-myung of South Korea’s majority liberal Democratic Party was elected president, the ongoing vote count by the National Election Commission showed on Wednesday. With 94.4 percent of the votes counted after midnight, Lee won 48.8 percent and his major rival Kim Moon-soo of the conservative […]

    MIL-OSI China: Chinese premier meets Japanese business delegation
    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with a delegation led by Yohei Kono, president of the Japanese Association for the Promotion of International Trade (JAPIT), at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua] BEIJING, June 3 — Chinese Premier […]

    MIL-OSI China: China unveils new regulations on government data sharing
    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News BEIJING, June 3 — China on Tuesday unveiled a document to further regulate the sharing of government data to enhance the country’s digital governance capabilities and the effectiveness of public services. Premier Li Qiang has signed a State Council decree to promulgate the new regulations, which […]

    MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese Foreign Minister Meets US Ambassador to China, Expresses Hopes US Diplomat Will Promote Healthy, Stable and Sustainable Bilateral Relations /more/
    Translation. Region: Russian Federal Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian – Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News BEIJING, June 3 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday welcomed David Perdue as the U.S. ambassador to China and expressed hope that he will […]

    MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with the US Ambassador to China and called on him to promote the healthy, stable and sustainable development of bilateral relations
    Translation. Region: Russian Federal Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian – Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News Xinhua | 03. 06. 2025 Key words: China-USA Source: Xinhua Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with the US Ambassador to China and called on him to […]

    MIL-OSI Russia: Special Report: Silkworms Weave New Ties of Cooperation Between China and Azerbaijan under Belt and Road Initiative
    Translation. Region: Russian Federal Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian – Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News BAKU, June 3 (Xinhua) — In the small town of Gakh, 350 km northwest of Baku, Chief Engineer Manet Suleymanli was inspecting a mulberry plantation at the […]

    MIL-OSI Russia: China introduces special visa for 10 ASEAN countries and East Timor as an observer of the association
    Translation. Region: Russian Federal Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian – Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News BEIJING, June 3 (Xinhua) — China has introduced the “Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) visa” for 10 ASEAN countries and East Timor as an observer state, […]

    MIL-OSI China: China expands pediatric care in Traditional Chinese Medicine hospitals
    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News BEIJING, June 3 — Over 95 percent of China’s top-tier public Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) hospitals have established pediatric departments as part of efforts to enhance healthcare services for children, authorities said Tuesday. At a press conference held by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, […]

    MIL-OSI China: China accelerates push for high-quality power connectivity
    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News BEIJING, June 3 — China is making continuous efforts to enhance electricity access in order to meet the growing demand for high-quality power services and support the country’s economic and social development. A guideline issued by the National Development and Reform Commission as well as the […]

    MIL-OSI China: Tianjin boosts high-quality development through urban area renewal
    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News Tianjin boosts high-quality development through urban area renewal Updated: June 3, 2025 21:08 Xinhua An aerial drone photo taken on May 29, 2025 shows the construction site of an urban renewal project at Nanmenwai Street business district in north China’s Tianjin. [Photo/Xinhua] An aerial drone photo […]

    MIL-OSI China: China launches NEV promotional campaigns in rural regions
    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News BEIJING, June 3 — China is seeking to boost the consumption of new energy vehicles (NEVs) in the country’s rural regions with accelerated efforts to improve the supporting environment for their use. According to a circular issued by five government departments on Tuesday, including the Ministry […]

    MIL-OSI China: China’s domestic trips rise 5.7% during annual Duanwu holiday
    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News An aerial drone photo taken on May 31, 2025 shows teams playing a dragon boat-based tug-of-war at Xujiachong bay in Zigui County, central China’s Hubei Province, on May 31, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua] China’s tourism sector saw steady growth during the 2025 Duanwu Festival holiday, with domestic trips […]

    MIL-OSI China: China rolls out ‘ASEAN visa’ for 10 ASEAN countries, ASEAN observer Timor-Leste
    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News China has launched an “ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Visa” for the 10 ASEAN countries and ASEAN observer Timor-Leste, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a regular press briefing on Tuesday. According to Lin, China will issue the corresponding category of “ASEAN Visa” […]

    MIL-OSI China: China calls for strengthening financial cooperation among SCO members
    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News BEIJING, June 3 — Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on Tuesday called for strengthening financial cooperation among member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to give strong impetus to the development of regional countries. Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political […]

    MIL-OSI Russia: China has issued a stern warning over the US, Japan, Australia and the Philippines hyping up the so-called “China threat”
    Translation. Region: Russian Federal Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian – Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News BEIJING, June 3 (Xinhua) — China has expressed strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to the United States, Japan, Australia and the Philippines hyping up the so-called “China […]

    MIL-OSI United Nations: WFP in Jordan to provide school meals to 30,000 students in camps starting September, with China’s support
    Source: World Food Programme JORDAN—The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a contribution from the Government of the People’s Republic of China to support the National School Feeding Programme in Jordan by providing healthy school meals for 30,000 students in the Zaatari and Azraq refugee camps. The contribution will enable WFP to distribute […]

    MIL-OSI Russia: Over 650 million inter-regional passenger trips made during three-day weekend of China’s Dragon Boat Festival
    Translation. Region: Russian Federal Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian – Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News BEIJING, June 3 (Xinhua) — China recorded a total of 653.7 million inter-regional passenger trips during the three-day Dragon Boat Festival holiday, official data released by the […]

    MIL-OSI Russia: China, Egypt sign agreement to operate CBD in Egypt’s new administrative capital
    Translation. Region: Russian Federal Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian – Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News CAIRO, June 3 (Xinhua) — Egypt’s New Urban Communities Authority and a Chinese-Egyptian joint venture have signed an agreement on the comprehensive operation and maintenance of the […]

  • Economy – A Roundup of Significant Articles on ForeignAffairs.co.nz for June 4, 2025

    Economy: Here is a summary of significant articles published on ForeignAffairs.co.nz on June 4, 2025.

    MIL-OSI Canada: Adam Scott to the Canadian Telecom Summit
    Source: Government of Canada News Toronto, OntarioJune 3, 2025 Adam Scott, Vice-Chairperson, TelecommunicationsCanadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) Check against delivery Thank you for the invitation to speak today and for that warm welcome. Before I begin, I would like to acknowledge that we are on the traditional territory of many nations, including the Mississaugas […]

    MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Reserve Bank predicts more job losses
    Source: New Zealand Labour Party The Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Statement predicts a sluggish economy with higher inflation and more job losses. “Just days after Nicola Willis slashed women’s pay in order to deliver her so-called ‘Growth Budget’, growth is now predicted to slow,” Labour finance and economy spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said. “The Reserve Bank […]

    MIL-OSI China: Dragon boat races spark rise in tourism spending during ancient Chinese festival
    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News Villagers compete during a dragon boat race at Xixi National Wetland Park in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on May 31, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua] In the watery maze of Diejiao Village in Foshan, south China’s Guangdong Province, dragon boat teams race through S-curves, L-bends and tight C-turns […]

    MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Kickstarting economic transformation
    Source: Scottish Government £24 million to realise Kishorn Port potential. A multi-million pound investment is being made in one of Scotland’s most strategically important ports. Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) will invest up to £24 million at Kishorn Port in the west Highlands to enhance its capacity and capabilities, with an expanded dry dock and land […]

    MIL-OSI Global: Ukraine’s drone attacks on Russian airfields could derail Russia’s war efforts
    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By James Horncastle, Assistant Professor and Edward and Emily McWhinney Professor in International Relations, Simon Fraser University The drone attacks by Ukrainian Operation Spider’s Web forces on Russian airfields have called into question Russia’s supposed military strength. Russian authorities have acknowledged damage from the June 1 attacks — an […]

    MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tenfold increase in UK drone deliveries for Ukraine at 50-nation Ukraine summit
    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments Press release Tenfold increase in UK drone deliveries for Ukraine at 50-nation Ukraine summit The UK is investing a record £350m this year to increase the supply of drones to Ukraine from a target of 10,000 in 2024 to 100,000 in 2025 The UK is ramping up […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Reed Smacks Down Trump’s Efforts to Cut Education Funding by Over 15 Percent
    US Senate News: Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed WATCH: During key Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, Sen. Reed takes on Trump’s Education Secretary Linda McMahon, bluntly stating: “You are shrinking educational opportunity in the United States for a whole generation and also shrinking our ability to compete internationally and globally.” WASHINGTON, DC – […]

    MIL-OSI New Zealand: Construction Sector – Construction cost growth flatlines as industry slowdown persists
    Source: Quotable Value The latest figures from QV CostBuilder show construction costs overall have barely risen in the second quarter of 2025, amidst an ongoing downturn for the industry.  The average cost of building a standard one- or two-storey 150/230m² home in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Dunedin or Palmerston North has rose just 0.1% in the […]

    MIL-OSI New Zealand: Banking – ASB Business Survey: The impact of Trump’s tariffs, according to Kiwi businesses
    Source: ASB Research released today by ASB, supported by Talbot Mills Research, shows Kiwi businesses see US tariffs as more impactful than Covid-19 or the Global Financial Crisis.  More than 300 business leaders, including CEOs and founders, contributed to the study, giving their insights on President Trump’s recently announced trade policies.   Two-thirds (67%) of […]

    MIL-OSI Russia: Financial News: Meeting of Finance Ministers and Heads of Central Banks of SCO Countries Held
    Translation. Region: Russian Federal Source: Central Bank of Russia – A meeting of finance ministers and heads of central banks of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) countries was held in Beijing. The Bank of Russia was represented by Gulnara Khaidarshina, Director of the Department for Cooperation with International Organizations. The parties exchanged views on the […]

    MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Increases Section 232 Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum
    Source: US Whitehouse COUNTERING TRADE PRACTICES THAT UNDERMINE NATIONAL SECURITY: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed a Proclamation to increase the tariff to 50% on steel and aluminum. President Trump is taking action to protect America’s critical steel and aluminum industries, which have been harmed by unfair trade practices and global excess capacity. President Trump […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Welch’s Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act Advances in the Agriculture Committee
    US Senate News: Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont) WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, today celebrated the advancement of his bipartisan, bicameral Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, legislation to support America’s students and dairy farmers. This bipartisan […]

    MIL-OSI Global: Chagos islands: how Mauritius can turn a diplomatic triumph into real economic growth
    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Dev K (Roshan) Boojihawon, Associate professor of Strategy and International Business, University of Birmingham The decades-long Chagos islands dispute has finally entered a new chapter. The UK officially agreed to return the sovereignty of the archipelago to Mauritius. The Indian Ocean islands are strategically situated near key […]

    MIL-OSI USA: June 3rd, 2025

    Heinrich, Luján Statement on President Trump’s 2026 Budget
    US Senate News: Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich Heinrich and Luján: “Trump’s budget is an attack on New Mexicans” WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Finance, released the following […]

    MIL-Evening Report: In the trade wars, there are lessons for the US from Brexit. Australia and our trading partners should take note
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Draper, Professor, and Executive Director: Institute for International Trade, and Director of the Jean Monnet Centre of Trade and Environment, University of Adelaide General_4530/Getty While the Trump administration’s on-again, off-again trade wars wreak havoc on the business plans of the world’s exporters, the risks to the […]

    MIL-OSI NGOs: Greenpeace USA’s “Dirty Dems” called out in Capitol Rotunda 
    Source: Greenpeace Statement – SACRAMENTO, CA (June 3, 2025)—Today, as legislators are in session moving bills toward key legislative deadlines, Greenpeace USA activists deployed banners in the Capitol Rotunda naming nine Democrats who take large sums of money from the oil and gas industry and receive failing grades on progressive issues. Activists also took to […]

    MIL-OSI: Nasdaq Reports May 2025 Volumes
    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) NEW YORK, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) today reported monthly volumes for May 2025 on its Investor Relations website. A data sheet showing this information can be found at: http://ir.nasdaq.com/financials/volume-statistics. About Nasdaq Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) is a leading global technology company serving corporate clients, investment managers, banks, brokers, […]

    MIL-OSI: Gevo Promotes Lindsay Fitzgerald to Chief Advocacy and Communications Officer
    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) ENGLEWOOD, Colo., June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO) announced today the promotion of Lindsay Fitzgerald to Chief Advocacy and Communications Officer, effective immediately. In this expanded leadership role, Ms. Fitzgerald will focus on advancing Gevo’s mission to strengthen American energy and food security by unlocking the full value […]

    MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Is the 2040 intermediate climate target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 90 % legally and economically feasible? – E-001551/2025(ASW)
    Source: European Parliament EU climate policies have been highly effective, with EU net territorial emissions meeting the 2020 target already in 2019 ahead of 2020 and being 37% below 1990 levels in 2023[1]. Consumption-based emissions can be beyond the EU legislator’s jurisdiction. Still, this footprint as estimated by the Directorate-General for Statistics (ESTAT) declined by 14% […]

    MIL-OSI Economics: Celebrating Pride in every LGBTQIA+ story
    Source: Microsoft Headline: Celebrating Pride in every LGBTQIA+ story Animated Story Nurturing Inner Peace When Ethan started at Microsoft, he prioritized money over his wellbeing. Twelve years later, the senior customer success manager and ERG storytelling host knows that the only way to truly take care of others is to first take care of yourself. Discover his story of gratitude […]

  • Business – A Roundup of Significant Articles on ForeignAffairs.co.nz for June 4, 2025

    Business: Here is a summary of significant articles published on ForeignAffairs.co.nz on June 4, 2025.

    MIL-OSI USA: MENG INTRODUCES COMPREHENSIVE LEGISLATION TO END PERIOD POVERTY AND IMPROVE ACCESS TO MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS
    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) announced that she reintroduced her Menstrual Equity for All Act, a bold, whole-of-government approach to eradicating period poverty and improving access to menstrual products. Menstruation is a natural part of life […]

    MIL-OSI Canada: Adam Scott to the Canadian Telecom Summit
    Source: Government of Canada News Toronto, OntarioJune 3, 2025 Adam Scott, Vice-Chairperson, TelecommunicationsCanadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) Check against delivery Thank you for the invitation to speak today and for that warm welcome. Before I begin, I would like to acknowledge that we are on the traditional territory of many nations, including the Mississaugas […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Signs Bills into Law Supporting Service Members, Veterans, and Military Connected Coloradans and Families
    Source: US State of Colorado DENVER – Today, Governor Polis bills into law to support members of the military, veterans, and military connected families.  Governor Polis signed the following bills into law:  SB25-279 – Colorado Code of Military Justice Updates, sponsored by Senators Matt Ball Byron Pelton, and Representatives Monica Duran and Andrew Hartsook SB25-282 […]

    MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Reserve Bank predicts more job losses
    Source: New Zealand Labour Party The Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Statement predicts a sluggish economy with higher inflation and more job losses. “Just days after Nicola Willis slashed women’s pay in order to deliver her so-called ‘Growth Budget’, growth is now predicted to slow,” Labour finance and economy spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said. “The Reserve Bank […]

    MIL-OSI China: China slams EU’s protectionist move targeting Chinese medical device firms
    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News China firmly opposes the EU’s protectionist move to limit Chinese medical device firms from participating in major EU public procurement tenders, the Ministry of Commerce said Tuesday. The statement came in response to the EU member states’ decision to block Chinese companies from participating in public […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Feenstra Supports Legislation to Combat SBA Loan Fraud
    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Randy Feenstra (IA-04) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) voted for, and the U.S. House of Representatives passed, the 7(a)Loan Agent Oversight Act, which would require the U.S. Small Business Administration to provide annual reports to Congress on loan agents, which serve as intermediaries, […]

    MIL-OSI: Plantro Ltd. Announces Completion of its Tender Offer for Shares of Information Services Corporation
    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) ST. HELIER, Jersey, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Plantro Ltd. (“Plantro”) today announced the completion of its all-cash tender offer (the “Tender Offer”) to acquire class A limited voting shares (“Class A Shares”) in the capital of Information Services Corporation (TSX: ISC) (“ISC” or the “Company”) at a price of $30 […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Public Servants Sentenced for COVID-19 Relief Fraud
    Source: United States Small Business Administration Click Here to View the Original U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Press Release Angelo Stephen, 33, a former Federal Bureau of Prisons Correctional Officer, and George Arestuche, 47, a former Miami-Dade County Aviation Department employee, were sentenced in separate cases after pleading guilty to defrauding COVID-19 relief programs. Angelo […]

    MIL-OSI Banking: Meet the Next Chapter of Ultra
    Source: Samsung For years, Samsung has listened to users asking for bigger screens, better cameras and new ways to connect and create. The demand is clear — an Ultra-experience that goes beyond a simple list of upgraded features in a smaller and more portable form factor. That’s why Galaxy’s next chapter is to provide an […]

    MIL-OSI Global: Ukraine’s drone attacks on Russian airfields could derail Russia’s war efforts
    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By James Horncastle, Assistant Professor and Edward and Emily McWhinney Professor in International Relations, Simon Fraser University The drone attacks by Ukrainian Operation Spider’s Web forces on Russian airfields have called into question Russia’s supposed military strength. Russian authorities have acknowledged damage from the June 1 attacks — an […]

    MIL-OSI: Acceleware Announces Board Appointments
    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) CALGARY, Alberta, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Acceleware® Ltd. (“Acceleware” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: AXE), a leading innovator of transformative technologies using radio frequency (RF) technology targeting industrial process heat in the critical minerals and enhanced oil production industries, announces the strategic appointment of two seasoned energy executives to the Board […]

    MIL-OSI: Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund Provides Unaudited Balance Sheet Information and Announces Its Net Asset Value and Asset Coverage Ratios as of May 31, 2025
    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) HOUSTON, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) (NYSE: KYN) today provided a summary unaudited statement of assets and liabilities and announced its net asset value and asset coverage ratios under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”) as of May 31, 2025. […]

    MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tenfold increase in UK drone deliveries for Ukraine at 50-nation Ukraine summit
    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments Press release Tenfold increase in UK drone deliveries for Ukraine at 50-nation Ukraine summit The UK is investing a record £350m this year to increase the supply of drones to Ukraine from a target of 10,000 in 2024 to 100,000 in 2025 The UK is ramping up […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Carbajal-Backed Bipartisan Bill to Expand Aerial Firefighting Fleet Passes House
    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24) U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) released the statement below following House passage of the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act. Earlier this year, Carbajal joined Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA-04), Jake Ellzey (R-TX-06), and Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02) in introducing this legislation to improve our nation’s aerial firefighting […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Congressman McGarvey’s Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Reporting Act Passes Unanimously in the House of Representatives
    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan McGarvey (Kentucky-03) June 03, 2025 Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey’s Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Reporting Act of 2025 passed unanimously in the House of Representatives. Congressman McGarvey, who serves as Vice Ranking Member of the House Small Business Committee, introduced the legislation in February alongside Congressman Pete Stauber […]

    MIL-OSI New Zealand: Banking – ASB drops mortgage rates for the seventh time this year
    Source: ASB ASB has today reduced several of its fixed home lending rates by up to 20 basis points, marking the bank’s seventh fixed rate mortgage drop in 2025. ASB has also lowered some of its term deposit rates by between 5 and 20 basis points. ASB’s Executive General Manager Personal Banking Adam Boyd says […]

    MIL-OSI New Zealand: Banking – ASB Business Survey: The impact of Trump’s tariffs, according to Kiwi businesses
    Source: ASB Research released today by ASB, supported by Talbot Mills Research, shows Kiwi businesses see US tariffs as more impactful than Covid-19 or the Global Financial Crisis.  More than 300 business leaders, including CEOs and founders, contributed to the study, giving their insights on President Trump’s recently announced trade policies.   Two-thirds (67%) of […]

    MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Texas Small Businesses, Private Nonprofits and Residents Affected by May Storms
    Source: United States Small Business Administration SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to Texas small businesses, private nonprofits and residents to offset physical and economic losses from the severe storm and straight‑line winds occurring May 8. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request […]

    MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Grigorenko: The government has taken special control of key projects to replace foreign software
    Translation. Region: Russian Federal Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article. The government has defined a list of key projects to replace foreign software with domestic analogues. These projects will be under special control. This was discussed at a meeting of Deputy Prime Minister – […]

    MIL-OSI Russia: Financial News: Meeting of Finance Ministers and Heads of Central Banks of SCO Countries Held
    Translation. Region: Russian Federal Source: Central Bank of Russia – A meeting of finance ministers and heads of central banks of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) countries was held in Beijing. The Bank of Russia was represented by Gulnara Khaidarshina, Director of the Department for Cooperation with International Organizations. The parties exchanged views on the […]