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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: A Budget that will add momentum towards our collective resolve of building a Viksit Bhara: Prime Minister

    Source: Government of India (2)

    A Budget that will add momentum towards our collective resolve of building a Viksit Bhara: Prime Minister

    PM highlights key initiatives from Union Budget which will propel India towards Viksit Bharat  

    Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 5:53PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has hailed the Union Budget 2025 as a game-changer for India’s progress, emphasizing its role in accelerating the country’s journey towards Viksit Bharat.

    Union Budget paves the way for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth across multiple sectors, including AI, toy manufacturing, agriculture, footwear, food processing, and the gig economy.

    Responding to a X post thread by MyGov, PM Modi wrote;

    “A Budget that will add momentum towards our collective resolve of building a Viksit Bharat! #ViksitBharatBudget2025” 

    **************

    MJPS/ST

    (Release ID: 2098663) Visitor Counter : 81

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Statement on DOGE Commission’s Reported Access to Sensitive U.S. Treasury Systems

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    02.02.25
    Cantwell Statement on DOGE Commission’s Reported Access to Sensitive U.S. Treasury Systems
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released this statement regarding reports that Elon Musk and his DOGE team gained access to sensitive Treasury data including Social Security and Medicare customer payment systems:
    “Congress needs an explanation as to why the head of a private data management corporation and his volunteer team needed access to this system in the middle of the night. We need to know why they want to access the system, what they intend to do with our data, and whether there are any safeguards in place. This threatens the privacy and funds owed to every American taxpayer and Social Security recipient. Congressional Republicans cannot continue to turn a blind eye as to how their own constituents’ private financial records are handled.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia spends $714 per person on roads every year – but just 90 cents goes to walking, wheeling and cycling

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matthew Mclaughlin, Adjunct Research Fellow, The University of Western Australia

    Nick Starichenko/Shutterstock

    What could you buy for 90 cents? Not much – perhaps a banana.

    Unfortunately, that’s how much the Australian government has invested per person annually on walking, wheeling and cycling over the past 20 years.

    How would Australians’ lives change if that figure rose?



    Read more:
    What makes a city great for running and how can we promote ‘runnability’ in urban design?

    The state of play here and overseas

    From 2008-2028, the federal government spent $384 million on the following active transport investments:

    All up, about $714 per person is spent annually on roads; 90 cents out of this $714 is just pocket change.

    Even if you don’t want to walk, wheel or ride, you should care because less driving helps everyone, including other drivers, who benefit from reduced traffic.

    As a result of this over-investment in car road-building, Australia has the smallest number of walking trips of 15 comparable countries across Western Europe and North America.

    Cycling rates are equally dismal.

    Globally, the United Nations recommends nations spend 20% of their transport budgets on walking and cycling infrastructure.

    Countries like France, Scotland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and the largest cities in China invest between 10% and 20%.

    These places were not always known for walking and cycling – it took sustained redirecting of investment from roads to walking and cycling.

    Meanwhile, many Australians are dependent on cars because they have no other choice in terms of transport options.

    Why spend more on walking and cycling?

    Road use is inherently dangerous – in Australia last year, more than 1,300 people died on our roads, which is more than 25 people a week.

    Owning a car can also be expensive, which is especially concerning for those struggling with the cost-of-living.

    The typical Australian household spends 17% of its income on transport – with car ownership making up 92.5% of that figure, compared to 7.5% on public transport.

    Many Australians feel forced to own a car to get around, so investing in paths and public transport provides people the freedom to get around how they choose.

    Congestion is getting worse in most major cities and we can’t build our way out of it with more or wider roads.

    About two-thirds of car journeys in our cities could be walked, wheeled or cycled in 15 minutes or less, but these short car trips clog up our roads with traffic.

    A major source of all emissions in Australia are from driving.

    If more people felt safe to walk, cycle or take public transport, it would reduce this major emissions source.

    There is a strong rationale and economic argument, too. The NSW government has estimated every kilometre walked benefits the national economy by $6.30, while every kilometre cycled benefits the economy by $4.10.

    This means that by simply walking 500 metres to the local shops and back, you’re saving the economy about $6, while riding five kilometres to work and back saves a whopping $41 for the economy.

    But where could we get this funding from?

    Redirecting funding from the current road budget makes the most sense, because getting more people walking, wheeling and cycling eases pressure on the transport system (think of school holiday traffic).

    This is a popular proposition. One study found two-thirds of Australians supported the redirection of funding from roads to walking and cycling infrastructure. Another found many Australians support building more walking and cycling paths where they live.

    This is not a partisan issue: all Australians in all communities would benefit, including drivers who would face less traffic and enjoy more parking availability.

    Unfortunately, false solutions to our unwalkable and un-cycleable communities continue to derail our focus on fixing the root cause of our problems. For example, telling people to ride to work, while not providing them a safe place to do so, doesn’t make sense.

    What could $15 per person get us?

    Investing $15 per Australian per year would create a better built environment to walk, wheel or ride and deliver significant economic, social and environmental benefits.

    If this was matched with 50:50 funding from state and territory governments (which often happens with transport projects) over a ten-year period, this investment would deliver the four national projects already shortlisted on Infrastructure Australia’s infrastructure priority list for our largest capital cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane.

    It could also fund up to 15 regional cities to build comprehensive networks. Wagga Wagga for example, is about to finish building a 56 kilometre network of walking and cycling paths. As a result, those using the network are 3.7 times more likely to meet physical activity guidelines than those who don’t.

    Such an investment could also fund supporting initiatives, such as electric bike subsidies which have proven extremely popular in both Queensland and Tasmania.

    What could $10 or $5 per person get us?

    The Australian government could invest less than $15 per person – at $5 or $10 per year, the key projects outlined in Infrastructure Australia’s infrastructure priority list could still be targeted, but those would just take proportionally longer because there is less money.

    Or, instead of investing in the four capital cities on the infrastructure priority list, it could invest in two.

    A different approach could be to spend $5 or $10 to fund infrastructure for regional towns, but this wouldn’t help the problems in our capital cities.

    When it comes to transport, the saying goes “we get what we build” – so if we build more roads, we get more people driving. If we build paths, we get more people walking and cycling short journeys and our roads are less congested.

    We need bold solutions, and $15 should be seen not as an extravagance.

    Acknowledgement: We would like to thank Sara Stace, President of Better Streets Australia, for her expertise in discussions regarding this article.

    Dr Matthew ‘Tepi’ Mclaughlin has received research funding from government research funding organisations. He is currently a Board Member of Better Streets.

    Peter McCue receives an Australian Postgraduate Research Award to study a PhD. He is a member of the Executive Committee and Chair of the Advocacy Committee of the Asia-Pacific Society for Physical Activity.

    Grant Ennis 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. Australia spends $714 per person on roads every year – but just 90 cents goes to walking, wheeling and cycling – https://theconversation.com/australia-spends-714-per-person-on-roads-every-year-but-just-90-cents-goes-to-walking-wheeling-and-cycling-247902

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Living cost inflation continues downward trend

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Average household living cost inflation has continued a downward trend, showing the steps the Government has taken are having an impact, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. 

    Data released by Stats NZ today shows the yearly household living costs increased by 3 per cent in the year to December 2024, after increasing 3.8 per cent in the year to September 2024 and 7.4 per cent in the year to September 2023. 

    “Today’s statistics release shows Kiwis are still battling with the cost of living, but the pressure is starting to ease,” Nicola Willis says. 

    “The Government said it would address the cost of living. We are making progress. 

    “We worked fast to refocus the Reserve Bank solely on tackling inflation, and we made its job easier by reining in wasteful public spending and respecting taxpayers’ dollars. 

    “Drops in the Official Cash Rate have flowed through to average interest rates, easing pressure on household budgets.  

    “We also delivered New Zealanders their first tax relief package in 14 years, and we’re helping low and middle-income families through FamilyBoost. 

    “There is still more work to do.  

    “That’s why we’re focused on economic growth to deliver a stronger economy for New Zealanders. Economic growth will lift New Zealanders’ incomes, improve their living standards and support future investment in health, education and other vital public services.” 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Text of Vice-President’s address at ICAI Annual Function at the World Forum of Accountants, New Delhi (Excerpts)

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 02 FEB 2025 8:51PM by PIB Delhi

    I am extremely happy and delighted to be at this World Forum of Accountants. Greetings to everyone, those from the country and outside. This is a unique gathering that is bound to inspire, energise, and motivate not only me, but many others.

    Chartered Accountant stands, not for Chartered Accountant, but credibility, ambassadors, change accelerators, and I would urge you to be conscience arbiters, ethical guardians, and bold decision makers. Friends, the theme of this year’s event, Accountability Meets Innovation for a Sustainable Planet, is of supreme contemporaneous relevance. India’s ancient wisdom, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam stands as a lighthouse illuminating humanity’s path through today’s twin challenges of climate crisis and technological disruptions.

    This philosophy, anchored in our G20 motto, ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ guides us and our collective journey towards sustainable solutions and unified global action. Our sacred earth, Dharti Mata, stands, distinguished audience, at a critical precipice.

    The rivers once sacred now choke, forests fall silent, and toxic air strangles life itself. Peremptorily demanding, we unite Vedic sustainability with modern action before time runs out on humanity’s final chance to survive.

    Friends, in today’s world, sustainability is not just a choice, it is an imperative. There is no other option. Businesses are increasingly being evaluated, not just on their financial performance, but also on the will of their social and environmental impact. It is soothing that building on its successful G20 leadership and Global Biofuels Alliance, India continues this vision at this World Forum of Accountants, thanks to your organisation.

    Artificial intelligence emergence, or if you may call it onslaught, is no less than industrial revolution. The world is at the cusp of a change at a level unknown before. Artificial intelligence balances immense potential with critical challenges, data quality, ethics, regulations, bias, and transparency. Effective and efficient use of artificial intelligence requires organisations to walk the fine line between innovation and responsibility, guided by robust ethical frameworks and proactive leadership. If not tapped and regulated, artificial intelligence will emerge as a monster. Artificial intelligence landscape is suffering a paradigm shift by the moment.

    Friends, let me first advert briefly to the state of the nation. India has had unparalleled remarkable economic rise and upsurge, infrastructure development, technology penetration, and deep digitisation in the last few years amongst large economies, its growth stands out. An environment of hope and possibility is all-pervasive. There has been a budget booster, and for me there has been a Kumbh booster, the two are coupled. Budget booster, particularly for taxpaying populace has generated radiance all around. My visit to Kumbh, an event of unparalleled consequence for humanity. When I took the holy dip, in an event that celestially occurs after 144 years, population beyond America had already visited the place.

    Excellent management! I’m sure, World-level arrangements, you have noticed. It will be studied for many, how in such a small area, such a large human congregation has been taken care of. Reflecting India’s inclusivity, peace within us, there was a mishap but what stands out, the management thereof. The response was electric, nuclear. It was done in a moment. Health facilities, law and order facilities, helping hand facilities.

    I, therefore, as an Indian, take pride that we as a nation have come of age where such human congregation, driven by commitment to religiosity, sublimity, spirituality, and our civilisational ethos, has come together and peacefully handling situations. I salute everyone associated with such kind of exemplary management.

    Friends, a challenge to all of us. We allow some people to have microscopic approach to generate sensation, to get space when something happens. Ignoring the major achievements, I’m sure this distinguished group, which is unique, will take note of it and be on the watch out. Friends, our nation’s youth demographic component is global envy. Our median age is 28 for the U.S. it is 39 and China 40 but what is particularly of critical importance is, and what is heartening to note, that around 68% of the total chartered accountants in India, they are under 40. This global powerhouse, situated in the largest democracy on the planet, can effect wonders. I am optimistic you will do it.

    Friends, I would be a little honest in my thought process sharing with you and this is underscored by my very strong belief that if I express myself before you, it will generate a dialogue. Expression and dialogue, both are essential to democracy. Once you understand my point, you will realise to what extent you can make the difference. While undoubtedly affirmative and innovative governance policies are enabling for expanding potential and talent, hand-holding is essential to get human resources out of silos and grooves they have long believed in.

    Youth has to look beyond government jobs as therein lies a goldmine for them. Friends, so is also true of industry, commerce, business and trade. You will appreciate a discerning audience, International Monetary Fund has accoladed India as the favourite global destination of investment and opportunity. Friends, surely it is not premised on government jobs, something else. Friends, you as a distinguished category of professionals having deep connect with those who control economy. You can wisen people and youth in particular that there are growing vistas for you where the youth gets to be involved.

    They have to look beyond government jobs and that is something which can emanate from your side. In such a scenario, those in executive governance, parliamentarians, bureaucracy, business tycoons and managers, professionals in all fields have to rise and they have to rise to make aware to our youth, to our entrepreneurs, opportunity basket that is available for them. Our youth, our entrepreneurs can optimally contribute towards national development. If they come to know of new vistas where they can really contribute. For instance, let me tell you, blue economy, space economy have enormous potential. For the youth, number of avenues are available. They have to get into the groove of change, get out of silos.

    Friends, without adverting more, since I am frankly communicating with you, without adverting more, without elaborating, I dare assert each segment, the professionals, the parliamentarian, those in business and the like, have enough to reflect, soul search and resolve to be in correctional mode sooner than later so as to act in this direction. Friends, in last decade, a big change has taken place in the mindset of the people. People have tested development at all levels. What was beyond belief, amenities as toilet, gas connections, electricity, and ongoing pipe water schemes in all rural households, this has had transformative impact.

    Internet connectivity and smartphones have generated a particular climate of participation in all spheres, including governance. The people have now got into aspirational mode. This aspirational mode is premised that in last decade, no nation has progressed as much on development aspect as Bharat. So when people taste development, they want more. This has converted one-sixth of humanity as most aspirational population and therefore, this discerning, demanding populace is an asset but it is also a challenge. If it is restive, it is ticking time bomb. If energy is channelised, it is no less than nuclear power. I strongly feel bodies like yours have capacity to convert youth dividend into nuclear power and keep it away from restive temperament. After some analysis of the budget proposals yesterday, you are experts. I analysed it and I found there is all around joy, hope, and expectation of delivery.

    In such a scenario, keeping the principle of nation ever first, as a prestigious organisation like yours, you ought to fire on all cylinders to contribute to the attainment of a developed nation at 2047. Viksit Bharat at 2047 is no longer a dream, it is our destination. We will accomplish it in 2047 when we celebrate centenary of our independence, if not before. But for that, you all will have been overdrive.

    Friends, assured of your indulgence, assured of your consideration, and fully assured that you will not misunderstand me, I seek to assert that the chartered accountants fraternity will have to walk the talk. Soul searching will make you realise that your potential still remains untapped. If you fully exploit your potential, the results for the nation will be geometric.

    Friends, I am venturing into troubled waters to so indicate, as I trust your deep sense of understanding and also alive to your potential as a class to fuel research, innovation, ethical governance, and promote venturing into new economic vistas of artificial intelligence, blue and space economies of the kind.

    Friends, I am deeply concerned when I notice that when balance sheets shine premised on avoidable imports, finances blossom on raw material exports, the national economy bleeds as there is avoidable drain of foreign exchange, loss of employment, and impeding of entrepreneurial growth. There is need, and this need you alone can satisfy. There is need to imbibe the spirit of economic nationalism, as a distinguished class, chartered accountants are immediately positioned and suited to propagate and nurture the spirit of nationalism.

    Such an approach will be highly beneficial to the economy and save us billions in foreign exchange, billions of dollars, and create millions of jobs and account for growth of entrepreneurship. Bharat is home to one-sixth of humanity, it is gifted with human resource that is invaluable. Time has come for us to emerge a global leader in accounting profession. No one doubts your talent, no one doubts your potential but at global level, our chartered accountant outfits have to emerge. They have to occupy the space which is yours.

    I appeal to all concerned also in the government, to be proactive so that our chartered accountants as individuals or in conglomerates occupy global space. It’s a matter of concern that on those front, there seems to be no moment in as much as we are yet to be liberated on the home front. I want our firms, homegrown firms, to occupy a place of pride, and that is need of the times and also the challenges including data privacy we suffer.

    Arthashastra by Chanakya is a treatise of foundation for economic thought. We need to propagate this legacy and our firms must be amongst the top names in the world. All concerned, I appeal, must converge to secure this, and I’m sure the Institute will take proactive steps.

    Friends as a nation, and with civilisational history of thousands of years, and getting knowledge from our ethos, we can confidently assert to the world that adherence to the highest standards of ethics, property, and propriety are the ones that we have followed all throughout. When it comes to your profession, a profession that is unique because it is a repository of trust of people, unqualified trust, unqualified belief, and therefore I call upon you to maintain and exemplify scrupulously highest ethical standards because for your profession that is minimal requirement. There can be no human lapse than betrayal of trust. You are a repository of that.

    Friends, I come from a stream of legal profession. Like your profession, we also have self-regulation. I would therefore urge placatory stance at your end is fraught with severe consequences when there are transgressions in law. We must take all care and caution to see that we are not afflicted by ingratiating with our fraternal feelings or taking care because they belong to our fraternity.

    As an institution and as a class, you will be beacon of hope and trust to everyone once your disciplinary prescriptions are adhered to in exemplary manner.

    Friends, I earnestly appeal to you to realise and amplify your potential and potency to effect transformative change in economy and commerce. Set global benchmarks in transparency, accountability, and ethical standards. Be torchbearers of the change in your sector. Budget boost beacons you to add taxpayers and achieve higher formal economy. We have graduated into formal economy but now is the time for professionals in your category to contribute massively to see that more and more people contribute to national development by coming in tax net. As the architects of economic stability, watchdogs of financial integrity, and guardians of fiscal discipline, you are particularly enjoined to contribute optimally for nation’s march to unprecedented growth and prosperity.

    We are living in times when influencers in various walks of life matter hugely but as a class, you are the most potent influencers for transformative change in economy. There is no other class other than chartered accountants who can bring about revolutionary positive change in business ethics, business promotion. Your unique position at the intersection of business, finance, and governance enables you to bring about, catalyse reforms from the grassroots to the highest corporate achievements. You have the potential to be nerve centre for big change to contribute to our economy.

    A challenge to be a developed nation has to be understood at your level. A developed nation status, you know more than I do, is not as such defined, but certain global parameters can be called out and that, in my modest understanding of economics, means our per capita income has to rise eightfold. A daunting challenge, but achievable. Let us keep that in mind.

    Friends, as guardians of upright governance, your role transcends mere compliance. You are the conscious keepers of corporate India, wielding the power to shape ethical business practises and ensure transparent operations that build trust in our financial system. Your profession must emerge as harbinger of innovation, leading industry and business into new frontiers. Your expertise in financial structuring, risk management, and which is occurring very frequently now, and strategic planning positions you perfectly to guide businesses, industry, commerce, and organisations through technological transformations and sustainable growth initiatives.

    I firmly believe, and I’m sure nobody will disagree with me, if chartered accountants are first responders to transgression of law and ethics in any form, this will herald needed exit of malpractices. No malpractices can flourish if chartered accountants are so determined. I need not reflect in detail, but you are aware, placatory positioning of one of the world’s largest chartered accountants firm led to its exit from the radar, that’s a lesson to one and all.

    Friends, may you as a class get positioned at global level, befitting the largest, oldest, and most functional democracy in the land that has over 5,000 years of unparalleled civilisational and cultural heritage. Time is now, Time is ripe. Several steps will have to be taken by regulators in our country as well, by the CAG, by the RBI, and by the Ministry of Finance. Get in communication with them as a body. Make your suggestions. Lay bare your intent and I would want, as I dream, Indian accountancy and consultancy firms dominating not only the national scene, but also global scene.

    Friends, I’m sure the deliberations would have been highly productive and fruitful, particularly the young professionals. I’m addressing young professionals. You are the most impactful, powerful stakeholder in economy, in democracy, in shaping the future of Bharat. You are required to fire on all cylinders, contribute optimally to the Marathon March which the nation is having for Viksit Bharat at 2047. I have no doubt in your capacity.

    अंत में मैं यही कहूंगा, दुनिया के किसी भी कोने में चले जाओ, एक छत के नीचे इतने प्रतिभाशाली लोगों का एकत्रित होना।

    On a lighter note, I wish to share. A very distinguished parliamentarian, who was a distinguished senior advocate, he is no more with us. He paid tribute to your profession and he was a lawyer like me. उन्होंने कहा, Chartered Accountancy में पास होना मुश्किल है और कानूनी की शिक्षा में फेल होना मुश्किल है। That is your power.

    जब देश के सामने संकट भारी हो, जिनको जो काम करना है, कर्तव्य का निर्वाह करना है, वो नहीं कर रहे। आज के दिन अति आवश्यक है कि भारत की युवा शक्ति, जिसके apex पर आप लोग हैं, वह सही रास्ते पर डाले। यदि अगर संसद में चर्चा नहीं होगी, वाद-विवाद नहीं होगा, उसेमे व्यवधान होगा तो आपको भी कुछ करना पड़ेगा।

    मेरे लिए चिंता, चिंतन और मंथन का विषय बन गया है कि संविधान सदन के अंदर क्या होता था, चर्चा, विचार-विमर्श कोई टकराव नहीं, हार-जीत का प्रश्न नहीं था, लक्ष्य एक था, लक्ष्य था —राष्ट्रहित में क्या अच्छा है। आज का परिदृश्य क्या है? उसके ठीक विपरीत। 

    कई बच्चे मुझे कहते हैं, आप कुछ क्यों नहीं करते, सदन तो अखाड़ा बन गया है, कुश्ती दंगल बन गया है। सोचने की बात है।

    दूसरा, भारत की अप्रत्याशित छलांग, ऐसी विकास यात्रा की दुनिया की संस्थाएं अचंभित हैं। चमत्कारी योजनाओं का जमीनी हकीकत, कुछ लोगों को ठीक नहीं लगता है और ऐसे हालात में आ जाते हैं कई बार कि sensation generate करो, एक narrative करो, narrative के अंदर भारतीयता को भूल जाते हैं, राष्ट्रवाद,  राष्ट्रहित को भूल जाते हैं  और ऐसा कृत करते हैं जैसे उस टहनी को काट रहे हैं, जिस पर बैठे हैं।

    I appeal to youth, I appeal to platinum category of young minds that are before me. You have now gifted power in your hand to neutralise the Anti-National narratives. To defeat those forces that are inimical to India, your mind should be concerned, with the existential challenges we are facing, and the government is doing much. Our nation, cannot afford to have, millions of illegal migrants. We cannot have, we cannot allow, our electoral politics, to be disturbed, by demographic dislocations, and earthquakes.

    These are things which will matter for you because, these are the challenges, for which you collectively, have to find an answer. I have no doubt.

    अंत में मैं यही कहूंगा, दुनिया के किसी भी कोने में चले जाओ, एक छत के नीचे इतने प्रतिभाशाली लोगों का एकत्रित होना।

    On a lighter note, I wish to share. A very distinguished parliamentarian, who was a distinguished senior advocate, he is no more with us. He paid tribute to your profession and he was a lawyer like me. उन्होंने कहा, Chartered Accountancy में पास होना मुश्किल है और कानूनी की शिक्षा में फेल होना मुश्किल है। That is your power.

    जब देश के सामने संकट भारी हो, जिनको जो काम करना है, कर्तव्य का निर्वाह करना है, वो नहीं कर रहे। आज के दिन अति आवश्यक है कि भारत की युवा शक्ति, जिसके apex पर आप लोग हैं, वह सही रास्ते पर डाले। यदि अगर संसद में चर्चा नहीं होगी, वाद–विवाद नहीं होगा, उसेमे व्यवधान होगा तो आपको भी कुछ करना पड़ेगा।

    मेरे लिए चिंता, चिंतन और मंथन का विषय बन गया है कि संविधान सदन के अंदर क्या होता था, चर्चा, विचार–विमर्श कोई टकराव नहीं, हार–जीत का प्रश्न नहीं था, लक्ष्य एक था, लक्ष्य था —राष्ट्रहित में क्या अच्छा है। आज का परिदृश्य क्या है? उसके ठीक विपरीत।

    कई बच्चे मुझे कहते हैं, आप कुछ क्यों नहीं करते, सदन तो अखाड़ा बन गया है, कुश्ती दंगल बन गया है। सोचने की बात है।

    दूसरा, भारत की अप्रत्याशित छलांग, ऐसी विकास यात्रा की दुनिया की संस्थाएं अचंभित हैं। चमत्कारी योजनाओं का जमीनी हकीकत, कुछ लोगों को ठीक नहीं लगता है और ऐसे हालात में आ जाते हैं कई बार कि sensation generate करो, एक narrative करो, narrative के अंदर भारतीयता को भूल जाते हैं, राष्ट्रवाद, राष्ट्रहित को भूल जाते हैं और ऐसा कृत करते हैं जैसे उस टहनी को काट रहे हैं, जिस पर बैठे हैं।

    I appeal to youth, I appeal to platinum category of young minds that are before me. You have now gifted power in your hand to neutralise the Anti-National narratives. To defeat those forces that are inimical to India, your mind should be concerned, with the existential challenges we are facing, and the government is doing much. Our nation, cannot afford to have, millions of illegal migrants. We cannot have, we cannot allow, our electoral politics, to be disturbed, by demographic dislocations, and earthquakes.

    These are things which will matter for you because, these are the challenges, for which you collectively, have to find an answer. I have no doubt.

    मेरे लिए इतना कहना काफी है क्योंकि कहा जाता है, समझदार को इशारा काफी है।

    ****

    JK/RC/SM

    (Release ID: 2099009) Visitor Counter : 62

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police investigating Tea Tree burglary

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Police investigating Tea Tree burglary

    Monday, 3 February 2025 – 11:47 am.

    Police are calling for information in relation to a house burglary on Middle Tea Tree Road at Tea Tree about 4pm Saturday 1 February.
    A white Toyota Hilux utility vehicle with NSW registration plates was recovered by police on Grices Road shortly after the incident.
    Police are interested in any dash cam footage of the vehicle in the Tea Tree area between 3.50pm and 4.50pm Saturday.
    Anyone with information is asked to contact Bridgewater CIB on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Online portal for COVID-19 Inquiry opens

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden is welcoming the opening of an online portal for the public to submit to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons Learned.

    “The portal is an easy way for members of the public to have their say to the Inquiry about how the response to the COVID-19 pandemic affected them, their families, and their businesses. The terms or reference covered by Phase 2 of the Inquiry includes the use of vaccines, lockdowns, testing, and public health materials,” says Ms van Velden.

    Last year the Government announced that there would be a second phase of the Inquiry into COVID-19 covering outstanding matters of public concern. Both the ACT-National and New Zealand First-National coalition agreements include commitments to expand the Inquiry into COVID-19. Phase 2 of the Inquiry began on 29 November and will deliver the final report in February 2026. 

    Any member of the public can submit to the Inquiry using the portal at www.covid19inquiry.nz. Submissions close at midnight on 27 April 2025.

    “I would strongly encourage New Zealanders to have their say by making a submission to the Inquiry. I look forward to seeing the final report delivered to me in February 2026.”

    The full terms of reference for Phase 2 of the Inquiry is available here: https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2022/0323/latest/LMS792965.html

    Note to Editors:

    The Phase 1 report is publicly available at the Royal Commission’s website. [https://www.covid19lessons.royalcommission.nz/]

    Bios for the Commissioners:

    Grant Illingworth KC (Chair)

    Mr Illingworth is a litigation specialist, and he has conducted his own practice since 1975. During this time, he has conducted a wide range of civil, criminal, and immigration cases, and tribunal proceedings. Mr Illingworth has appeared as counsel at every level of the New Zealand legal system, including in the Court of Appeal, Privy Council, and the Supreme Court.

    His area of expertise is in public law, including constitutional law, administrative law, and judicial review. He has experience in tribunal proceedings, particularly disciplinary proceedings for medical, legal, and accountancy professions. Mr Illingworth has acted as counsel in proceedings involving two constitutional crises in Fiji.

    Judy Kavanagh (Commissioner)

    Ms Kavanagh is a public policy professional with experience and expertise in evaluating evidence and in making evidence-based policy recommendations to Government. She has held Director of Inquiries roles including at the Infrastructure Commission and ten years at the Productivity Commission. She has a background in economics with a particular interest in urban economics, infrastructure pricing and policy. Ms Kavanagh worked as a lecturer in Economics for fifteen years and produced research on regulatory systems.

    Anthony Hill (Commissioner)

    Mr Hill is a practicing barrister, and has a background in health and disability sectors, having held senior positions at the Ministry of Health for 15 years. Mr Hill served as the Health and Disability Commissioner for 10 years, after six years as a Deputy Director-General of Health. This involved oversight of the funding and performance of the District Health Boards, and a range of health crown entities. He also served as the Ministry of Health’s chief legal counsel and was a solicitor with the Ministry of Commerce.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – MCEC opens new accessible facilities

    Source: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)

    3 February 2025 – To coincide with Physical Disability Awareness Day, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) is proud to unveil its new Changing Places facility, providing welcoming and accessible bathroom facilities for visitors with high support needs.

    The new state-of-the-art facility was developed in collaboration with Folk Architects and constructed, using funding available through a Changing Places Grant provided by the Victorian Government.

    MCEC and the architects sought feedback and input from community members with lived experience to ensure their needs and preferences were considered in the design of the space.

    Featuring warm materials, an inviting colour palette, interesting textures and soft lighting, the facility has been specifically created as a welcoming and safe environment. Bespoke furniture, including bench seating for carers, created to be both beautiful and comfortable to use, enhance the overall experience.

    Universal Design principles are incorporated throughout the space. Fully functional and hygienic fixtures and fittings such as a height-adjustable adult changing table, a ceiling track hoist system and a centrally located peninsula toilet, ensure the facility is inclusive for all users.

    MCEC’s Changing Place is located centrally within the venue, close to Plenary theatre, Goldfields Café and the Exhibition Centre car park, as well as in close proximity to the surrounding retail and dining precinct.

    The new facility will enable children, young people and adults with profound or multiple disabilities to visit MCEC and participate in the diverse range of events we host, including events that specially attract people with disabilities such as the Melbourne Disability Expo, Disability Connections Expo, Source Kids Disability Expo and the Variety Kids Christmas Party.

    In addition to the new Changing Place facility, the adjoining Parents Room has also been upgraded, continuing a warm, inviting feeling throughout both spaces and providing accessible facilities for all ages and abilities.

    The opening of the Changing Place facility is a major step in the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust’s Accessibility Action Plan, which was launched earlier this year.

    Quote attributable to Minister for Disability Lizzie Blandthorn

    “This Changing Places facility further cements Victoria’s reputation as a state that prioritises inclusion and accessibility – as we continue removing barriers for thousands in the community.”

    “Accessible facilities are essential to creating an inclusive and comfortable experience for all Victorians and visitors, and we’re proud to support another Changing Places site.”

     Quote attributable to MCEC Chief Executive Natalie O’Brien AM

    “As an iconic venue, MCEC is committed to creating accessible and inclusive spaces, enabling everyone to meaningfully participate and engage in events that provide important social and economic value.”

    “We’re proud to unveil our new Changing Place, providing a safe, hygienic and welcoming bathroom facility. The thoughtful design elements and attention to detail prioritise accessibility and comfort for all users. We’re proud to work with the Victorian Government and Folk Architects to create a truly inclusive facility.”

    Quote attributable to Director of Folk Architects Tim Wilson

    “As architects, we are passionate about designing for everybody, to create inclusive and equitable spaces that engage with the community.”

    “On a personal note, as a parent of a child with complex additional needs we are excited and proud of this project. Not only will it encourage broader participation in all of the incredible events that the MCEC precinct has on offer but importantly it sends a message that people with disability, their families, friends and support networks can be included in all aspects of society and engage with the vibrant city of Melbourne.”

    ABOUT MCEC
    At Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), visionary ideas come to life, and the world’s thought leaders gather. The iconic venue hosts dynamic exhibitions, conferences, galas, and concerts—everyone who visits leaves inspired and excited.  

    MCEC loves all communities and interests, creating a space where everyone feels welcome. Blending trendy eats, sustainability, and cutting-edge tech, it creates mind-blowing, globally recognised events.  

    Thanks to its progressive sustainability practices, choosing MCEC means making a positive environmental impact. Feel Melbourne’s vibe, discover the next big thing, and be part of the conversation that shapes the future.

    Acknowledgement of Country

    Built on the banks of the Birrarung (Yarra River), Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) Acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Narrm, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and to Elders of all First Nations communities that visit MCEC. We recognise the ongoing significance of the Birrarung to Traditional Owners as a life source and a meeting place for millennia and seek to honour this long-standing tradition of building community and exchanging ideas on these lands.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Africa – Sudan malnutrition crisis: MSF renews call for immediate action to prevent death and starvation

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF)

    3 February, 2025: International donors, the UN, Sudan’s warring parties and their allies must act now to prevent even more avoidable deaths from malnutrition in Sudan, as the already catastrophic situation is expected to worsen this year, according to Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF).

    Half of Sudan’s population faces high levels of acute food insecurity (24.6 million people), among whom 8.5 million people face an emergency or famine-like situation according to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report. “Despite this new wake-up call, robust humanitarian and diplomatic mobilisation to act on aid deliveries has fallen far short of the needs. To provide only those in the most extreme situation with monthly food rations, 2,500 aid trucks per month would be required, whereas only about 1,150 crossed into Darfur between August and December”, says Stephane Doyon, MSF operations manager.

    MSF has released data showing horrific rates of malnutrition in multiple locations, both at the height of Sudan’s lean season last year and as recently as December 2024. The conflict-driven malnutrition crisis has been exacerbated by the continued obstruction of aid by both of Sudan’s warring parties and by the neglectful inertia of the UN and aid system in Darfur. With the seasonal hunger gap coming in May, decisive action must be taken now.

     “Parts of Sudan are difficult to work in. But it is certainly possible, and this is what humanitarian organisations and the UN are supposed to do,” says Marcella Kraay, MSF emergency coordinator, speaking from Nyala, South Darfur state.

    “In places that are easier to access, as well as in the hardest to reach areas like North Darfur, options like air routes remain unexplored. The failure to act is a choice, and it’s killing people,” Kraay continued.

    The malnutrition crisis has been acknowledged for some time, with the UN in October warning that “never in history have so many people faced starvation and famine as in Sudan today.”[1]

    Moving supplies will become an even more difficult task during the upcoming rainy and lean season, when flooded dirt roads become impossible to navigate. A wide-scale humanitarian response must be launched now, including by drastically increasing available funding and logistical capacities, securing food pipelines and prepositioning food stocks in Chad and neighbouring countries.

    MSF is calling for UN agencies, international organisations, donor countries, and governments with leverage to pursue all options, including air routes, to complement and even replace road access where necessary.

    Bureaucratic requirements from the warring parties have long been an obstacle to international organisations’ ability to reach and provide services to people. Rather than reacting to critical needs in a timely manner, permissions to respond are either delayed or denied altogether by the warring parties. This is impeding MSF ‘s work in South Darfur with aid trucks stuck in Chad waiting for permissions to move from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their offices. A food distribution in South Darfur was also recently postponed as MSF was refused the necessary travel permits.

    Warring parties must grant unhindered access for humanitarian organisations. Access must be defined by lifesaving aid reaching people who need it, not by announcements celebrating piecemeal measures that fall far short. MSF calls for the warring parties, their allies, and influential states to use their leverage to ease the obstacles that are causing deaths and suffering.

    MSF has provided data from different locations to demonstrate the depth of the malnutrition crisis. In North Darfur, where an RSF siege on its capital El Fasher is starving people and depriving them from lifesaving assistance, MSF teams screened over 9,500 children under five years old while conducting a therapeutic food distribution in Tawila locality in December 2024. They found a staggering global acute malnutrition estimate of 35.5 %, with 7% of the screened children suffering from severe acute malnutrition. Last September, 34% of the 29,300 children screened by MSF during a vaccination campaign in Zamzam camp were found to be suffering from acute malnutrition. Since the beginning of December, repeated shelling has made it impossible for our team to carry out further assessments in the camp and has most likely exacerbated the levels of malnutrition.

    MSF teams also see concerning rates of malnutrition outside of Darfur, in areas where displaced people have sought shelter, or in areas closer to the conflict. In Omdurman, Khartoum state, a conflict zone under control of the SAF, MSF carried out a nutritional screening while assisting with a vaccination campaign for children in October 2024, finding 7.1% of children screened were severely acutely malnourished.

    MSF data also reveals that malnutrition is not only an issue for people close to frontlines, but also in more stable cities like Nyala, the capital of South Darfur. In October 2024, 23% of children under five screened at MSF-supported facilities in Nyala, South Darfur’s capital, and nearby locations were suffering from severe acute malnutrition. In two MSF-supported facilities, 26% of the pregnant and breastfeeding women seeking care were acutely malnourished. With WFP food distributions lacking, MSF launched a targeted food distribution in South Darfur in December 2024, providing two months’ food to about 30,000 people.

     

    Zahra Abdullah, 25 years old, received food for her and her son, they live together in the Al Salam displacement camp outside of Nyala city.

    “This is not the first war I have experienced, but it is definitely the most devastating to my life. The living conditions here are harsh, and everything is a daily struggle. The aid we receive has somewhat improved our situation. At least now, we finally have a meal in the morning,” says Zahra.

    “But even so, the suffering never ends. It starts with finding clean water to drink, continues with trying to provide enough food, and ends with finding a place to sleep. Sometimes I sit alone and think: is this the life I will live forever?” she says.

    For millions of people like Zahra, the time is now to act to prevent the situation from becoming ever more dire. MSF will continue to do what it can, but the scale is well beyond the organisation’s capacity to respond. We need to see a massive response now to prevent more death and starvation; timeliness is a matter of survival, not political expediency.

    ________________________________

    MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation. MSF has been working in Haiti for over 30 years, offering general healthcare, trauma care, burn wound care, maternity care, and care for survivors of sexual violence. MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. In 2022, more than 120 project staff from Australia and New Zealand worked with MSF on assignment overseas. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: SH1 Flyger Road rebuild: Plan ahead and expect delays

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is reminding people to plan ahead and expect delays as contractors will be rebuilding the southbound left lane on State Highway 1, between Flyger Road and Prescott Road, from Monday 10 February 2025.

    This work had been scheduled to start at the end of January but has been pushed back due to delays completing other works because of poor weather.

    Contractors will undertake approximately 4 weeks of day works, followed by 2 weeks of night works, with work expected to be complete by Friday 21 March 2025.

    The passing lane will remain closed for the duration of the works, with a 50km/h temporary speed limit in place 24/7.

    During the day works, traffic flow will be maintained in both directions, except for brief periods of stop/go to allow contractors to shift equipment or set-up and pack-down the site.

    During night works, the road will operate under stop/go traffic management.

    Alternative southbound passing lanes are located between Puwera and Oakleigh (slightly south of Puwera) and between Oakleigh and Mata (near Totara Road).

    Travel delays during these works are expected to be 5-10 mins.

    Please be patient and treat our crews with kindness and respect. Reduce your speed, adhere to the temporary speed limits and follow the directions of traffic management staff and signs.

    Rebuilding the road, which often involves replacing all or most of the structural road layers, improves the longevity of the network, the resilience and ultimately the safety and efficiency for all road users.

    This summer maintenance period (September 2024 to May 2025), we’re investing in the largest road rebuild programme ever for the region, with Northland one of three regions across Aotearoa with the most significant road rebuild programmes over the next three years. 

    Work is weather dependent and there may be changes to the planned works in the case of unsuitable weather. Please visit the NZTA Journey Planner website for up-to-date information on these works, including any changes due to weather.

    Journey Planner(external link)

    For more information about the overall maintenance programme and planned works, visit the Northland state highway maintenance programme website: 

    Northland state highway maintenance programme(external link)   

    NZTA thanks everyone for their patience while we undertake this important work to improve the safety and efficiency of our roads.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: SH2 Oringi rail overbridge to close for 1 night of maintenance

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    |

    Oringi rail overbridge, just south of Dannevirke, on State Highway 2 will be closing for 1 night at the beginning of March for asphalt resurfacing.

    Crews will be resurfacing the bridge on Monday 3 March working between 6pm and 6am (Tuesday 4 March).

    During these work times, a section of SH2 will be closed with the following detour in place:

    • All northbound traffic will be detoured via Pinfold Road, Coppermine Road to Top Grass Road, to Tamaki River Road before rejoining to SH2.
    • Southbound traffic will be detoured via Maharahara Road, Kiritaki Road, Top Grass Road, Coppermine Valley Road to Pinfold Road then back to SH2.

    The detour is expected to add an additional 10 minutes to journey times. Please note, this detour is not suitable for heavy vehicles. High Productivity Motor Vehicle (HPMV) and over-dimension loads will be escorted through the SH2 worksite.

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi thanks all road users for their patience and for taking the detours during this work, which will boost the long term resilience of this stretch of road.

    Tags

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Tourists flock to scenic areas along Beijing Central Axis during Spring Festival holiday

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

    Tourists flock to scenic areas along Beijing Central Axis during Spring Festival holiday

    Updated: February 3, 2025 07:46 Xinhua
    Tourists visit the Drum Tower along the Central Axis in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 31, 2025. Beijing is now celebrating the first Spring Festival after the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inscribed the Beijing Central Axis in its World Heritage List and the Spring Festival in its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, both in last year. Lots of residents and tourists have flocked to the scenic areas along the Beijing Central Axis to enjoy the festive atmosphere during the Spring Festival holiday. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A girl poses for photos with a drum for good fortune under the Drum Tower along the Central Axis in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 31, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists visit the Shichahai area along the Central Axis in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 2, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists visit the Jingshan Park in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 31, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists visit the Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) Park in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 30, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists visit the Qianmen Street along the Central Axis in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists watch a performance of Sichuan opera stunt “Bianlian,” also known as face-changing, at the Jingshan Park in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 31, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists visit the Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) Park in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 30, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists visit the Palace Museum along the Central Axis in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 2, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Foreign tourists taste Chinese New Year flavor

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

    Foreign tourists taste Chinese New Year flavor

    Updated: February 3, 2025 08:15 Xinhua
    Tourists from Belarus and Russia pose for photos at the Yuyuan Garden area in east China’s Shanghai, Feb. 1, 2025. As the Chinese people are celebrating the Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year, they have been joined this year by an increased number of foreign tourists, who have come to experience Chinese culture following the implementation of a new visa-free transit policy. China continued easing its visa policies in 2024 to boost openness and people-to-people exchange, allowing more foreign travelers and businesspeople to visit the country visa-free. Its latest move was an extension of its visa-free transit policy, which has permitted eligible foreign travelers to stay in the country for 240 hours without a visa. Statistics released by Chinese online travel service giant Trip.com Group show that the volume of travel bookings from foreign tourists to China during the Chinese Lunar New Year holiday grew by 203 percent compared to the same period last year. According to Tujia, a Chinese homestay booking platform, Shanghai’s Spring Festival homestay reservations made by foreign tourists more than tripled from last year, and the number of homestays available for foreign guests was up by 30 percent, with many providing English services. Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of the traditional new year, was added by UNESCO into its list of intangible cultural heritage in December last year. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists from France and Bulgaria pose for selfies at the Bund area in east China’s Shanghai, Feb. 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    South Korean tourist Taeyeol Kim records vlog at the Yuyuan Garden area in east China’s Shanghai, Feb. 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists Junghoo Shim (L) and Taeyeol Kim from South Korea pose for photos with a cup of bubble tea at the Yuyuan Garden area in east China’s Shanghai, Feb. 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    French tourists Paul Baisse (L) and Jules Ramos visit Yuyuan Garden area in east China’s Shanghai, Feb. 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Canadian tourist Johnathan Alexiuk takes photos at the Yuyuan Garden area in east China’s Shanghai, Feb. 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A French couple Tristan and Anouk Masselin visit Yuyuan Garden area in east China’s Shanghai, Feb. 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s annual trade in services exceeds 1 trillion USD, boasting significant potential

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

    China’s annual trade in services exceeds 1 trillion USD, boasting significant potential

    BEIJING, Feb. 3 — China’s annual trade in services exceeded 1 trillion U.S. dollars for the first time last year, demonstrating significant potential for further growth.

    China’s services import and export value amounted to a record-high of 7.5 trillion yuan (about 1.05 trillion U.S. dollars) in 2024, expanding 14.4 percent year on year, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Commerce (MOC).

    Exports grew 18.2 percent year on year and imports grew 11.8 percent, according to the MOC.

    Driven by the global trends of digitization, smart technology advancement and green development, China’s trade in services grew in scale, its structure was optimized further and its international competitiveness was enhanced in 2024, said Li Jun, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation under the MOC.

    He noted that the comprehensive relaxation and optimization of China’s visa-free transit policy has played a role in boosting inbound tourism over the last year.

    The broadly welcomed new policy has sparked the rise of “China Travel,” a popular hashtag on social media where many travelers share their experiences in China, with increasing numbers of international tourists being drawn by the country’s cultural landmarks, nature and city walks.

    “‘China Travel’ is booming rapidly, and this growth is expected to boost the country’s services trade further, while helping to drive the global travel industry toward continued recovery and prosperity,” Li said.

    China’s digital cultural platforms and content have been gaining significant traction overseas, Li said, noting the popularity of Chinese video game “Black Myth: Wukong,” the distribution of high-quality Chinese films and TV dramas on overseas streaming platforms such as Netflix and YouTube, and the fact that Chinese internet literature is influencing an increasing number of international readers.

    The Chinese government released a guideline on promoting the high-quality development of trade in services through high-standard opening-up in August last year.

    The document offered robust policy support for the development of China’s services trade, Li said, calling for more efforts to advance opening-up, innovation and international cooperation in the sector.

    Noting that China established a nationwide negative list management system for cross-border trade in services last year, Li suggested that the level of institutional opening-up should be improved continuously, that the negative list should be shortened gradually as appropriate, and that high-standard international economic and trade rules should be aligned with actively.

    He urged launching the construction of national demonstration zones for the innovative development of trade in services as soon as possible.

    To facilitate innovation, Li called for the potential of industrial digitization and digital transformation to be unlocked, for support for the professional organizations offering services in finance, consulting, design and certification to enhance their ability to provide international services, and for the accelerated development of green services.

    Bilateral, multilateral and regional collaboration in digital trade and trade in services should be expanded, Li said, suggesting that the role of major exhibition platforms should continue to be leveraged, and that international services trade cooperation parks should be developed.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Household living costs increase 3.0 percent – Stats NZ media and information release – Household living-costs price indexes: December 2024 quarter

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Household living costs increase 3.0 percent – 3 February 2025 – The cost of living for the average New Zealand household increased 3.0 percent in the 12 months to the December 2024 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

    The 3.0 percent increase, measured by the household living-costs price indexes (HLPIs), follows a 3.8 percent increase in the 12 months to the September 2024 quarter. The most recent high was 8.2 percent recorded in the 12 months to the December 2022 quarter.

    Meanwhile, inflation – as measured by the consumers price index (CPI) – was 2.2 percent in the 12 months to the December 2024 quarter, following a 2.2 percent increase in the 12 months to the September 2024 quarter. The most recent CPI high was 7.3 percent, recorded in the 12 months to the June 2022 quarter. Consumers price index (CPI) has more information.

    Files:

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Press Conference – Goodstart, Garran

    Source: Australian Ministers for Education

    ANNE ALY, MINISTER FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION: Well, good morning, everyone. We’re here at Goodstart Garran, having a great time with some of the littlest Aussies here in Garran and talking to the staff here. This week the Albanese Government will be introducing legislation for a 3 Day Guarantee. What does that mean? That means that more than 100,000 families across Australia will have access to more subsidised care – three days a week. And more than 66,000 families across Australia will be better off with our 3 Day Guarantee.

    Now, when you look at the children here and you watch them play and you see their interactions, you get a bit of an understanding of just how important early childhood education and care can be in children’s lives. But also, when you talk to the families and the parents, you understand also how much of an essential service it is for those families and parents. Changing the activity test to ensure that there is a three day guarantee means that every family, no matter what their circumstances, and every child, no matter what their background, no matter what their postcode, no matter where they live, and no matter what their parents’ circumstances are, has access to good quality early childhood education and care that helps them to grow, that helps them to thrive and that has a lasting impact throughout their life. Not just, not just at this age, not just with these little ones here, but right through school, right through adolescence and right into adulthood as well.

    So, the Albanese Labor Government is committed to reforming early childhood education and care, to creating a universal system in the great Labor traditions of Medicare and universal superannuation. We’re building the blocks, building the blocks for a future where every single Australian child and every single Australian family can have access to good quality early childhood education and care, so that parents can work if they need to work; primary caregivers, mostly mothers, mostly women, can go back to work or go back to study. And importantly – importantly, so that our children can have that care and that education that they need to grow and to thrive. I’m going to hand over to Minister Jason Clare to say a few more words on the Albanese Government’s 3 Day Guarantee. Jase?

    JASON CLARE, MINISTER FOR EDUCATION: Thanks, Anne. G’day, everybody. Childcare is essential for more than a million parents across the country and it’s critical to help children get ready for school. When we were elected two and a half years ago, the cost of childcare had skyrocketed, gone through the roof, and we’ve cut the cost of childcare now for more than a million families. When we were elected two and a half years ago, teachers and educators in childcare were leaving the sector in droves. And we’ve turned that around now with a 15 per cent pay rise. And this is the next step. Fundamentally, this is about helping to make sure that every child gets a great start in life, helping to make sure that every child gets the benefit of early education and care. Because we know that if you’re in early education and care, you’re less likely to start school behind. You’re more likely to start school ready to go, ready to learn. 
    That’s why we’ll build more centres where they don’t exist at the moment, in the bush, in the regions and in the outer suburbs, and why we are getting rid of the Liberals’ activity test that stops a lot of children from poor families from ever getting access to early education in the first place. As I said, if you’re a child who gets access to early education, you’re more likely to start school ready to learn. And that’s what this 3 Day Guarantee is all about. Guaranteeing 3 days of subsidised care for every child 3 days a week. Because if you get 3 days of early education a week, you’re more likely to start school ready to learn. Fundamentally, that’s what this is all about. We know that children have got a right to go to school and that government’s got a responsibility to help provide that. Children have also got a right to early education, so they start school ready to learn, and the government’s got a responsibility to help make that happen. And that’s what this legislation that we’re going to introduce this week is all about.

    Now, what will the Liberals do? Well, the Liberals were opposed to our changes to cut the cost of childcare. They’re opposed to our pay rise for early educators, they’re opposed to building more centres where they don’t exist. And I expect the Liberals will be opposed to this as well. The only thing that they’ve said that they will do is make cuts right across the board. 
    Peter Dutton yesterday said that if he’s elected Prime Minister then there’ll be cuts, hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of cuts, but he won’t tell you where the cuts will be. Well, you don’t have to be Einstein to work it out. It’ll be cuts to childcare, cuts to aged care, cuts to Medicare. It’s the same old story from the Liberals on repeat. This will be Tony Abbott 2.0. Tony Abbott said that he wouldn’t cut health and education and then when he was elected, that’s what he did. It was like Nightmare on Elm Street. He ripped the guts out of Medicare, ripped the guts out of school funding. Peter Dutton says that he will cut, but he won’t tell you what he’s going to cut. This is like a used car salesman who won’t let you look under the bonnet before you buy the car. My message to the Australian people is, if you don’t know, vote no. And if you do know what he’s going to cut, you would never, ever vote for this bloke. Thanks very much.
     

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New housing on track for Croydon

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 3 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Planning and Public Spaces

    More homes are on the way for Sydney’s Inner West with new planning controls being introduced around Croydon Station.

    The new planning controls to be introduced this week around Croydon Station in the Inner West local government area (LGA) will provide capacity for more than 2,700 new homes over the next 15 years.

    The Croydon Transport Oriented Development (TOD) precinct sits across two LGAs with Inner West Council to the south and east of the railway line, and Burwood Council to the north and west of the station.

    Croydon’s TOD State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) provisions will be triggered for Inner West Council as Council did not meet the strategic planning deadline to provide their own masterplan with equal or greater housing outcomes before 31 January 2025.

    Burwood City Council meanwhile has taken up the Minister’s challenge to produce its own detailed master planning in place of the TOD SEPP on the western side of the Croydon precinct.

    Council’s plan seeks to concentrate higher and mid-rise density development on the northern side of the rail corridor between Croydon and Burwood Town Centres, while protecting existing important heritage and character areas to the southern section of Burwood North.

    The plan recommends changes to land use zones, building heights, and density within the Croydon Masterplan Investigation Area. It also aims to improve the public domain by expanding open spaces, ensuring appropriate setbacks, planting street trees, and enhancing parking and active transport facilities.

    Public consultation was undertaken by Council with feedback considered before final plans were submitted to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) by the January deadline.

    DPHI is now assessing Council’s plans to ensure they meet the requirements of the agreement between Council and the NSW Government.

    You can view Burwood Council’s proposed plans for the Croydon TOD SEPP precinct here.

    Inner West Council and Burwood Council will continue to assess, consider and weigh up the merits of the impacts of proposed developments during the development assessment stage, unless a proposal is assessed through a State Significant Development pathway.

    Croydon’s new TOD SEPP planning controls in the Inner West LGA can be viewed on the NSW Government Spatial Viewer once the changes are notified early in February.

    Housing affordability is the single largest cost of living concern for people of NSW with the impacts being felt across the state, whether it be students, workers, young families or people looking to downsize later in life.

    The TOD Program is just one part of the Minns Labor Government’s efforts to confront the housing crisis by speeding up the planning system, investing in social and affordable housing, and reforming NSW rental laws.

    TOD provisions now apply to 29 stations across Greater Sydney with only 5 stations remaining to be scheduled between now and June 2025. These stations include Cockle Creek, North Wollongong, St Marys, Punchbowl and Wiley Park.

    Up to 37 locations were identified as being suitable for inclusion in the TOD SEPP program. Eighteen of the station precincts were adopted on 13 May 2024 with the remaining 19 deferred for further strategic work to be rolled out between now and June 2025.

    Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

    “Sydney’s inner west has always been bustling with activity and these planning changes will mean more people get to enjoy its great location and connectivity.

    “Croydon provides an ideal strategic location to leverage the benefits of Inner West living, while being close to public transport and essential services in and around Croydon and Burwood. 

    “Burwood Council has suggested a planning solution that means more homes near a train station, near services and the community.

    “Croydon now stands ready for an exciting new chapter in its long-storied history whereby thousands of new residents will get to experience the great cosmopolitan lifestyle this suburb offers.”

    Member for Strathfield Jason Yat-Sen Li said:

    “Burwood Council’s draft masterplan was the product of months of detailed consultation between the council and the community.

    “The Masterplan represents a sound blueprint for Croydon’s future. It balances the urgent need for more quality homes close to transport with the community imperative to protect long-established heritage conservation areas such as the Malvern Hill Estate, Cintra Estate and the Strand.

    “The Masterplan will also aim to improve amenity by expanding open spaces, providing appropriate setbacks, planting street trees, and enhancing parking and active transport facilities.

    “I would like to thank Burwood Council and the many residents who made their voices heard during this important process.” 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: First look at Canterbury Hospital redevelopment

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 3 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Health

    Today, the Canterbury community will have its first look at the $350 million Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment with the new expansion of the facility and major upgrades to be unveiled with the launch of the master plan images, alongside the key clinical priorities for the redevelopment.

    The master plan provides the framework for how the redevelopment will integrate with existing facilities while allowing for future development opportunities.

    It follows extensive consultation with over 250 patients, staff, carers, volunteers and community members, and the master plan reflects their views on the future of the hospital.

    Feedback highlighted preference for more green spaces and access to natural light, updated amenities for staff, patients and carers, better accessibility, signage and wayfinding, and increased patient and visitor parking.

    New or increased services at the redeveloped site that have been identified as priorities for the redevelopment will include:

    • a new expanded and enhanced intensive care unit
    • new purpose-built adult in-patient accommodation
    • expanded and enhanced emergency department
    • additional surgical theatres
    • improved and expanded antenatal care
    • additional ambulatory and outpatient care capacity
    • other clinical and non-clinical enhancements to existing and retained facilities, to support changing models of care
    • improved accessibility to the campus, including internal access, urban spaces, landscaping and wayfinding.

    The redevelopment will maximise the capacity of existing facilities available at the Canterbury Hospital campus, including the main hospital building and the Canterbury Health Centre.

    Following the completion of master planning, the project team will continue through the planning and design phases for the redevelopment, with further consultation to continue throughout 2025.  

    The last major redevelopment of the century-old hospital took place in 1998.

    The Canterbury area – like much of Sydney – has had significant population growth, placing pressure on hospital services.

    The Canterbury-Bankstown Local Government Area is forecast to grow by 13 per cent in the next 12 years, with an estimated population of 443,000 by 2036.

    It is also expected to have a larger proportion of elderly people, with those aged 70 years and over forecast to grow by more than 60% between 2021 and 2036.

    The area is home to a culturally diverse community – some of which have complex health needs.  

    The redevelopment of Canterbury Hospital will enable services to better support the health and wellbeing of our growing local communities, now and into the future.

    The Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment is part of the Minns Labor Government’s delivery of over $3 billion in hospital infrastructure across Western Sydney, including:

    • $700 million for the Rouse Hill Hospital  
    • $120 million for Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals – additional beds
    • $1.3 billion for the New Bankstown Hospital
    • $550 million for the Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:

    “We are working to deliver the healthcare infrastructure to meet the needs of this growing community.

    “Today’s announcement is a critical next step in the delivery of this significant project.

    “What this facility will mean will be enhanced services and more beds for Canterbury and surrounding suburbs.”

    Quotes attributable to Member for Canterbury Sophie Cotsis:

    “It’s very exciting to see the master plan images for this $350 million investment which will help build healthcare infrastructure to meet the needs of Canterbury’s diverse and growing community.

    “I welcome what will be the largest upgrade to Canterbury Hospital in almost three decades.

    “This significant redevelopment will allow improved health care access and outcomes for generations to come, both for people living in the area and for those from Greater Sydney.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Minns Labor Government slashes consultant and contractor spend by $450m, following years of Liberal-National waste

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Minns Labor Government slashes consultant and contractor spend by $450m, following years of Liberal-National waste

    Published: 2 February 2025

    Last updated: 03 February 2025

    Released by: Treasurer

    The Minns Labor Government has delivered more than $450 million in savings on external consultants and individual contractors in its first full year in government.

    The savings include a $72 million reduction in consultant spend across agencies, down from $130 million in 2022-23 to $58 million in 2023-24.

    This follows a NSW Auditor-General’s report which found that the previous Liberal-National Government spent more than $1 billion on external consultants without adequate procurement and managements policies in place. Subsequent analysis also found that the previous government issued more than 10,000 contracts in their last five years in office, averaging a new contract every hour.

    In addition, the Minns Labor Government is also delivering on its election commitment to reduce the government’s spend on payments to contractors acting as de facto employees in the public service. Known as contingent labour, this figure blew out under the previous government. 

    Controls put in place by the Minns Labor Government saw that figure drop from $2.1 billion in 2022-23 to $1.7 billion in 2023-24, a 17 per cent reduction.

    The Minns Labor Government continues to progress the establishment of a new unit within the Premier’s Department to reduce the use of consultants by redirecting agencies to in-house expertise to deliver better outcomes across the government.

    Under the previous government, 15% of contracts for external consultants were for ‘generalist work’ which could be done in-house and includes work like policy design and evaluation.

    A report released by the Government in May 2024 found that utilising the existing expertise within the public service could save as much as 52% per contract. It also means that the public sector can retain knowledge and talent, thereby improving the quality of future, similar projects.

    The result highlights the progress being made by the Minns Labor Government to correct twelve years of waste and mismanagement by the previous Liberal-National Government.

    Quotes attributable to Acting Treasurer Courtney Houssos:

    “This government is committed to paying consultants less and essential workers more.

    “The growth in consultant spend under the previous government was out of control. We said we’d end wasteful spending, and that’s what we’ve done.

    “There is always more to be done, and the Minns Labor Government continues working to ensure that every dollar of taxpayer money is being spent more efficiently.

    “Delivering on these savings required a forensic approach to the state’s accounts and a culture shift which prioritises harnessing the expertise and knowledge within the existing public service.

    “Instead of wasting money, we’re bolstering the public service’s capacity and focusing their efforts on what matters most to families and households in NSW.

    “Given the scale of the problem we inherited, there is still much work to do.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Teacher vacancies drop under Minns Labor Government

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Teacher vacancies drop under Minns Labor Government

    Published: 3 February 2025

    Released by: The Premier, Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Early Learning

    Thousands more children will now have a qualified teacher in front of them when school returns this year with new data released today showing teacher vacancies falling to a four-year low.

    There are now 1,294 vacancies in NSW public schools – a 40 per cent reduction since the same time in 2023 before the Minns Labor Government came into office and the lowest number of vacancies at the start of a school year since 2021.

    While there is more work to do to improve the teacher retention and recruitment record left by the former Liberal National government, the Minns Labor Government is continuing work to rebuild public education which started with scrapping the wages cap that saw teacher resignations and retirements reach record highs.

    As a result, the rate of attrition is also consistently falling as more teachers – including those with decades of experience – see the value of remaining in the profession.

    At the same time as thousands of classes were merged each day and resignations outstripped retirements for the first time, the former Education Minister Sarah Mitchell denied a teacher shortage crisis was occurring, and continued to advocate for a wages cap which suppressed teachers’ pay. Under her watch, vacancies peaked at 3,311 in 2022.

    The Minns Labor Government was elected with a commitment to rebuild public education across the state, improve teacher recruitment and retention and lift student outcomes. While this work is ongoing, it is already delivering results and has included:

    • Delivering the largest pay rise in a generation to all of NSW’s public school teachers.
    • Making over 16,000 teachers and school support staff on temporary contracts permanent.
    • Expanding the Department’s Priority Recruitment Support model from 79 to 110 schools, giving them targeted support to fill vacancies.
    • Banning mobile phones in all public schools, minimising classroom distractions.
    • Addressing workload by allowing additional time to roll out a new curriculum, improving mandatory training and professional learning requirements, providing access to AI assistance, providing additional administrative support in schools.

    Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

    “It’s hard to measure the impact that public school teachers have, but I think almost everyone has a teacher they can point to as being an incredible, positive influence on their lives.

    “We respect teachers, and we want them at the front of our classrooms doing what they do best. That is what we committed to before the election and that is what we are continuing work to deliver.

    “We know there’s more to do, but it’s brilliant that thousands more kids will return this year to a qualified teacher at the front of their classroom.”

    Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said: 

    “Labor was elected to rebuild essential services after a decade of neglect under the former Liberal National government and I am proud the Minns Labor Government is delivering.

    “We inherited a teacher shortage crisis from the former Liberal National Government that was leading to thousands of collapsed and merged classes every day. That’s thousands of lost teaching hours every day.

    “The massive fall in teacher vacancies shows what you can achieve when you actually listen to our dedicated and hardworking teachers and value the life-changing work they do.

    “Having a qualified teacher at the front of every classroom is vital to delivering improved academic outcomes for our students.

    “These figures show that the uplift in teachers’ pay – opposed by the Liberal and National Parties – means so many more of our students now have a teacher in their classroom, which can only lead to better outcomes.

    “The drop in resignations and retirements shows teachers are hearing that we value their work and they feel supported to focus on the job of delivering quality teaching and learning.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Household living costs increase 3.0 percent – Stats NZ media and information release – Household living-costs price indexes: December 2024 quarter

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Household living costs increase 3.0 percent – 3 February 2025 – The cost of living for the average New Zealand household increased 3.0 percent in the 12 months to the December 2024 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

    The 3.0 percent increase, measured by the household living-costs price indexes (HLPIs), follows a 3.8 percent increase in the 12 months to the September 2024 quarter. The most recent high was 8.2 percent recorded in the 12 months to the December 2022 quarter.

    Meanwhile, inflation – as measured by the consumers price index (CPI) – was 2.2 percent in the 12 months to the December 2024 quarter, following a 2.2 percent increase in the 12 months to the September 2024 quarter. The most recent CPI high was 7.3 percent, recorded in the 12 months to the June 2022 quarter. Consumers price index (CPI) has more information.

    Files:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New benefit sanctions for Traffic Light System

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Two more non-financial benefit sanctions will be added to MSD’s Traffic Light System to drive economic growth by incentivising more job seekers to enter the workforce, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says.

    “Our economy is stronger when more people are in work, and as we look to unleash economic growth, it’s important that as many Kiwis as possible share in the benefits.

    “It’s important that beneficiaries who can work are taking reasonable steps to re-enter the workforce or remain work-ready, and that consequences exist for those who don’t.

    “Today I’m announcing the Government’s intention to add two more non-financial sanctions with a strong focus on work to the Traffic Light System. They are:

    • Report Job Search – where job seekers will be required to perform a minimum of three job-search activities every week for four weeks and report back to MSD on this. This sanction will support increased accountability for beneficiaries who are meant to be looking for work.
    • Upskilling – where job seekers will be required to attend and participate, to MSD’s satisfaction, in one or more employment-related training courses or programmes for a minimum of five hours per week over a four-week period. This sanction will support beneficiaries with building the skills they need to get into work.

    “These new sanctions will ensure there is accountability in the welfare system for those who aren’t taking reasonable steps to seek employment, while also recognising that reducing benefits isn’t the answer for everyone.

    “These sanctions are in addition to the new Money Management and Community Work Experience sanctions that will come into force later in the year.

    “We’re gearing up the welfare system to make the most of the forecast improvement in economic growth in the coming years by providing MSD with the tools and focus to reduce welfare dependency and support more people into work.

    “Our approach has already shown signs of early success with more than 33,000 people moving off Jobseeker into work between July and December, a 22 per cent increase on the same period in 2023. This coincided with about 15,600 more benefit sanctions being issued during that period – an increase of 126 per cent.

    “It’s clear that returning consequences for job seekers is having a positive impact by getting more people off welfare and into jobs.”

    Notes on new non-financial sanctions

    • Non-financial sanctions provide an alternative to financial penalties for first-time obligation failures for some job seekers, allowing them to continue receiving their full benefit payment while under sanction.
    • The legislative change required for these new non-financial sanctions will be included in the Social Security Amendment Bill, which is currently before Parliament.
    • Those sanctioned will also be required to provide evidence of their activities at the end of their sanction to return to ‘green’ in the Traffic Light System.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Northland Regional Council media briefs 03/02/25

    Source: Northland Regional Council

    Safeswim: Your ‘go-to’ for water safety updates
    Before heading to Northland’s beaches, lakes, or rivers, you can check the Safeswim website or app for updates on water conditions, weather, tides, and lifeguard availability.
    This service ensures you and your whānau can enjoy a safe and fun day at the beach.
    Safeswim is a collaborative initiative by Auckland Council, Northland Regional Council, Surf Life Saving New Zealand and others, offering real-time information on water quality and swimming conditions at popular freshwater and coastal spots.
    Visit safeswim.org.nz or download the app by searching “Safeswim” in your app store. A quick check can make all the difference in having a great raumati (summer).
    Whangārei Beach Buses Summer 2025
    Beach buses are running again this summer with an improved service tailored to passenger requirements, following a community survey.
    The buses have two new routes from central Whangārei to Waipū Cove and Matapouri.
    Buses depart from Vine Street at 9.30am on Saturdays. (This is a change from Rose Street while construction works for a new bus hub are ongoing.)
    A single trip costs $5 and return $10. Bee cards are not accepted – EFTPOS and cash only.
    Please note: – There may not be lifeguards at the beach, so please stay safe. – Seats are limited on the bus and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. – Children under 14 years old must be supervised.
    Go to buslink.co.nz for all the timetables details and follow CityLink Whangārei on Facebook for the latest updates.
    Tū i te ora Scholarships – applications close soon
    Applications for Northland Regional Council’s Tū i te ora Scholarships must be with the council by Thursday 13 February.
    Six scholarships are available; each includes $4000 to assist with study costs, plus paid full-time work experience with NRC from mid-November 2025 to mid-February 2026.
    The scholarships recognise, encourage and support students to undertake study that relates to council’s environmental and regulatory functions, whilst contributing to council’s vision ‘Tiakina te taiao, tuia te here tangata – Nurture the environment, bring together the people’.
    The scholarships have a specific aim to build Māori capacity within Te Taitokerau, with three of the six scholarships earmarked for Māori who whakapapa to Te Taitokerau.
    Keen to korero – come see us at events
    Northland Regional Council staff will be at various summer events, offering information and advice. This week, they’ll be at Waitangi Day with a large display on the sportsfield.
    The focus will be on the moana, discussing water safety and protecting the marine environment from pests.
    Land management staff will also be available to talk about caring for the whenua. Councillors will be present for chats throughout the day.
    The climate action team will join the Far North District Council stand, while Civil Defence will be with Fire and Emergency.
    Visit the NRC stand if you’re heading to Waitangi Day. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government encourages victims of sexual violence to seek support

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Victims of rape and sexual abuse are being encouraged to seek vital support through a new Government campaign. 

    Image credit: Ministry of Justice

    • New campaign to raise awareness of 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line
    • Service provides free support to all victims and their families
    • Campaign key to delivery of Government’s Plan for Change to create safer streets

    Over one million adults a year experience sexual violence, yet many are not aware of the free help available through the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support line.  

    A dedicated awareness campaign, launching today, is designed to reach the survivors still suffering in silence. This contributes to the Government’s Safer Streets Mission to halve violence against women and girls over the next 10 years. The campaign launch coincides with Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week.

    Funded by the Ministry of Justice and delivered by Rape Crisis England & Wales, the line handled over 100,000 calls and webchats in its second year, providing victims aged 16 and over with a free, confidential, emotional support and listening service.  

    Minister of State for Courts and Legal Services, Sarah Sackman, said: 

    Talking about sexual assault isn’t easy, but no one should suffer in silence. 

    Sexual violence – in all forms – is a traumatic crime. It takes courage to seek help, and the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line is there to support people with that essential first step. 

    If you’re in need of help today, please get in touch to get the support you deserve.

    The Support Line is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to all survivors. It is accessible through phone and webchat, with additional online resources to help friends and family who are supporting survivors to rebuild their lives. 

    The Government is determined to reach more victims of sexual violence and encourage them to reach out for support, regardless of gender or background.  

    Ciara Bergman, CEO, Rape Crisis England & Wales, said: 

    The 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line provides free and specialist support to anyone aged 16+ in England and Wales who has experienced something sexual that they didn’t want, didn’t consent to or are feeling confused about – no matter when or where it happened.  

    We’re delighted to support the Ministry of Justice’s campaign to raise awareness of the Support Line, ensuring more survivors have access to this vital service.

    Further Information 

    • The 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line campaign looks to raise awareness of the support available to victims of sexual violence and encourage them to reach out for support. The campaign wants victims to understand that, no matter what happened: you deserve support, it wasn’t your fault, we’ll listen to you, and we’ll believe you. The campaign directs victims to call 0808 500 2222 or visit 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk to chat online or find out more. If you want to support the campaign, or gain access to campaign materials, please email 247Campaign@justice.gov.uk.
    • This builds on the work of the Government to tackle perpetrators and address the root causes of abuse and violence. Ministers have already announced the launch of the Domestic Abuse Protection Orders pilot, outlined plans to introduce independent legal advisers for adult rape victims, and set out a new drive to inform all victims of crime of their rights via the Victims’ Code. 
    • The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) provides the best measure of victimisation and estimated that 2.3% of adults (3.3% women and 1.2% men) aged 16 years and over were victims of sexual assault (including attempts) in the year ending March 2022 survey; this equates to an estimated 1.1 million adults (798,000 women and 275,000 men). 
    • Data provided by Rape Crisis England and Wales covers calls and webchats in the year December 2023 – December 2024.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ofsted sets out proposals for fairer education inspections and new, more detailed report cards

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government Non-Ministerial Departments 2

    Ofsted is consulting on a new approach to inspecting education providers and the introduction of report cards.

    Proposals for a new inspection model include:  

    • Introducing the Ofsted report card, giving parents detailed information about standards across more areas of practice in their child’s school, early years, or further education provider.

    • Replacing the ‘single word judgement’ with a new 5-point grading scale for each evaluation area, including a new top ‘exemplary’ grade to help raise standards.

    • Returning to schools with identified weaknesses, to check timely action is being taken to raise standards.

    • Increasing focus on support for disadvantaged and vulnerable children and learners , including those with SEND.

    • More emphasis on providers’ circumstances and local context.

    • New toolkits to tailor inspections to the phase and type of provider.

    Ofsted has today launched a major consultation, seeking the views of parents, carers, professionals and learners, on a new approach to inspecting and reporting on education providers, from the autumn.    

    The consultation sets out a series of proposals that aim to serve the interests of the parents and children Ofsted works for, while strengthening the trust and cooperation of professionals working in the services it inspects and regulates.   

    In the past 12 months Ofsted has already made some significant changes to support education providers’ wellbeing, but further reforms were promised in the response to last year’s Big Listen. Today’s proposals apply to inspections of early years settings, state-funded schools, non-association independent schools, FE and skills providers, and initial teacher education (ITE) providers.

    Respond to the consultation

    New Ofsted report cards

    The Big Listen returned a clear message from parents, carers and professionals that the overall effectiveness grade should go, and that inspection reports should provide a more nuanced view of a provider’s strengths and areas for improvement. But there were different views on how to do that. Parents and carers favoured a clear assessment of a wider set of categories, while most professionals wanted narrative descriptions of performance.   

    Today’s proposals aim to bring both preferences together. New Ofsted report cards will give better information to parents in a simple format, as well as driving higher standards for children and learners. They include a colour-coded 5-point grading scale to evaluate more areas of a provider’s work at-a-glance, accompanied by short summaries of inspectors’ findings in more detail. An overall effectiveness grade will not be awarded.

    The 5-point scale will allow inspectors to highlight success when things are working well, provide reassurance that leaders are taking the right action where improvement is needed, and identify where more urgent action is required to avoid standards declining. As well as giving parents more nuanced information, this approach will help reduce pressure on staff – by presenting a balanced picture of practice across more areas, not a single overall grade.   

    The proposed scale ranges from ‘causing concern’ at the lowest end, through ‘attention needed’, ‘secure’ and ‘strong’, to ‘exemplary’ – where a provider’s practice is of such exceptional quality that it should be shared with others across the country so they can learn from it.   

    Ofsted is seeking feedback on the proposed layout for the new inspection reports and has produced this video demonstrating how they could look.

    Disadvantage and inclusion   

    Under the proposals, evaluation areas differ slightly by education phase (early years, schools, further education) but in all cases include a new focus on inclusion. This means inspectors will look at how well providers support vulnerable and disadvantaged children and learners, including those with SEND, making sure these children are always at the centre of inspection. 

    Taking context into account  

    Ofsted is also proposing to include more contextual data in inspections and reports, such as learner characteristics, performance outcomes, absence and attendance figures, and local area demographics. Inspectors will use this information to help understand the circumstances in which leaders are operating and to assess their work in context – for instance, whether they are working hard in a disadvantaged area facing particular challenges, or – if they have a high-attaining intake – whether they are stretching their most able pupils. This will help parents make national and local comparisons, and comparisons between providers working in similar contexts.

    Tailoring inspections to each phase of education

    Under the proposals, the inspection process will be better tailored to the phase and type of provider, to make sure the focus is on what really matters for children and learners in that setting. New inspection ‘toolkits’ list the standards that each type of provider will be evaluated against.   

    These toolkits provide more detail and clarity about what will be considered on inspection. They are intended to help drive greater consistency on inspection and give providers clarity about the expected standards and what they need to do to improve.

    Changes to monitoring arrangements for schools

    From autumn 2025, it’s proposed that Ofsted will no longer carry out ungraded inspections of state-funded schools. This means every school will know that its next routine Ofsted inspection will be a full, graded one. Ofsted is also proposing that all schools with an identified need for improvement will receive monitoring calls and visits, to check that timely action is being taken to raise standards. This includes schools with any evaluation area graded ‘attention needed’. Ofsted will only monitor for as long as is necessary to see a tangible difference for children.

    His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, said:   

    Our mission is to raise standards and improve the lives of children, particularly the most disadvantaged. Today’s proposals for a new Ofsted report card and a new way of inspecting are designed to do just that. 

    The report card will replace the simplistic overall judgement with a suite of grades, giving parents much more detail and better identifying the strengths and areas for improvement for a school, early years or further education provider.  

    Our new top ‘exemplary’ grade will help raise standards, identifying world-class practice that should be shared with the rest of the country. And by quickly returning to monitor schools that have areas for improvement, we will ensure timely action is taken to raise standards. 

    We also hope that this more balanced, fairer approach will reduce the pressure on professionals working in education, as well as giving them a much clearer understanding of what we will be considering on inspection.

    Tom Rees, CEO of Ormiston Academies Trust & Chair of the DfE Expert Advisory Group for Inclusion said: 

    It is right that Ofsted is putting disadvantaged children and children with SEND at the heart of their reforms. Inclusion should not be a secondary consideration, but a fundamental principle of schooling and education – a truly great education system serves the needs of all children. 

    It is vital that schools, nurseries and colleges have the highest possible expectations for all children. Schools with expert teaching, a stretching curriculum, high standards of behaviour and attendance are the entitlement of every child – especially the most vulnerable.

    Jason Elsom, Chief Executive of Parentkind said: 

    We know that an effective partnership between school and home is a cornerstone of the most successful of schools, enhances pupil well-being, and can add the equivalent impact of up to 3 years of education. 

    Schools increasingly face issues with attendance, behaviour, and the mental health and well-being of their pupils. Years of evidence shows that getting parental engagement right is vital to reducing these challenges, which is why we welcome Ofsted making parental engagement an important part of the process for inspecting schools.  

    We are delighted to have supported Ofsted’s work on a new ‘report card’ for schools, which recognises the need for school leaders to focus on building sustainable, long-term partnerships with parents, as well as the role of parents in helping improve behaviour and attitudes to learning, attendance, and personal development and well-being. Getting this right will deliver significant benefits for schools and children.

    The consultation will run for 12 weeks, from 3 February to 28 April 2025. As well as the online survey, Ofsted will hold focus groups during the consultation period. Formal pilots of the inspection approach and further user testing of report cards will also be carried out over the coming months, to help inform and improve the proposals.  

    Ofsted will publish a report on the outcome of the consultation in the summer, reflecting on all feedback and challenge received. The final agreed reforms will then be piloted again across all education remits, before being formally implemented from autumn 2025.   

    Changes to children’s social care inspections will follow in 2026.

    Notes to editors  

    1. In parallel with this consultation, the Department for Education (DfE) is consulting on proposed changes to intervention and support in maintained schools and academies. The plan is to put those changes in place in the autumn, alongside Ofsted’s new inspection approach. The Department is also seeking feedback on a product that could include Ofsted reports, along with other information about a provider.

    2. Proposed evaluation areas for schools, including independent schools:

      • leadership and governance
      • curriculum
      • developing teaching
      • achievement
      • behaviour and attitudes
      • attendance
      • personal development and well-being
      • inclusion
      • safeguarding (assessed as met or not met)
      • early years in schools
      • sixth form in school

    3. Proposed evaluation areas for early years providers:

      • leadership and governance  
      • achievement  
      • curriculum  
      • teaching  
      • behaviour, attitudes and establishing routine  
      • children’s welfare and well-being  
      • inclusion  
      • safeguarding

    4. Proposed evaluation areas for FE and skills providers:

      Provider as a whole:

      • leadership 
      • inclusion
      • safeguarding 

      Provider as a whole, but only in colleges and specialist designated institutions:

      • contribution to meeting skills needs

      For each type of provision offered (education programmes for young people, provision for learners with high needs, apprenticeships and adult learning programmes):

      • curriculum
      • developing teaching and training 
      • achievement
      • participation and development

    5. Proposed evaluation areas for ITE providers we inspect:  

      • leadership  
      • inclusion  
      • curriculum  
      • teaching  
      • achievement  
      • professional behaviours, personal development and well-being

    6. Parentkind is one of the UK’s largest federated charities. It has supported parents and schools to build strong and supportive school communities for almost 70 years and has a network of more than 23,500 schools, parent teacher associations (PTAs) and parent councils.

    7. The DfE is providing Ofsted with £6.2m to support development and delivery of the report card.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 3 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: North East Scotland leading the way on energy transition

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Scotland Office Minister’s visit to focus on clean energy

    • Recently launched Skills Passport allowing workers more flexibility to move between sectors 
    • North East companies shining example of clean energy initiatives and economic growth

    Scotland’s clean energy future will be top of the agenda as Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill visits Aberdeenshire and Angus today (Mon) to meet with companies at the cutting edge of the green revolution. 

    Minister McNeill will meet with the iconic Scottish brand, Mackie’s, who have invested in sustainable energy through wind turbines, solar panels and biomass projects at their base in Rothienorman, outside Inverurie. 

    As part of the UK Government’s commitment to a clean energy future for the North East, the Minister will also visit 3t Training Services in Dyce who are helping to provide training to energy workers looking to transfer their skills and experience in oil and gas into renewables. 

    Ahead of her visit, Ms McNeill said: 

    “The UK Government is committed to a clean energy future that helps economic growth and creates skilled jobs. We are already seeing fantastic examples of businesses in the North East who are leading the way and showing that cutting their emissions while continuing to grow go hand in hand. 

    “This is an exciting time for the region. With GB Energy being headquartered in Aberdeen, the north east is vital to our clean energy plans. 

    “As part of our Plan for Change, the UK Government, alongside the Scottish Government and industry, are working to remove the red tape for our skilled oil and gas workers who are looking to work in clean energy. These people have incredible skills and experience that should be utilised and we are ensuring they are supported through this transition. I’m looking forward to meeting with some of them as well as those helping to train them.” 

    Jamie Purves, General Manager at 3t’s Dyce training centre, emphasised the importance of upskilling and industry collaboration in ensuring a smooth energy transition. He said:

    “The North East has long been a centre of excellence in energy, and we are committed to making sure its workforce continues to thrive as the sector evolves. At 3t, we work closely with industry and Government to provide the specialist training and support needed to help energy professionals move seamlessly into renewables. 

    “The Skills Passport is a game-changer. It simplifies the transition process and ensures we retain the invaluable expertise developed in oil and gas. This is about securing a sustainable future while creating new opportunities for workers and businesses alike.”

    Working alongside the industry and Scottish Government, the UK Government has recently launched the Skills Passport initiative as part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change and clean energy superpower mission. 

    Oil and gas workers will be able to access the skills passport online, which will initially help them identify routes into several roles in offshore wind, including construction and maintenance  – before being expanded over the coming year to recognise other pathways from oil and gas into the renewable sector.

    This is in addition to Aberdeen being identified as one of four key growth regions in the UK for clean energy. Work is ongoing to identify the skills support needed in their area to deliver clean power by 2030. 

    The minister will also meet with Montrose Port, a recent recipient of the Carbon Reduction Award at the Scottish Green Energy awards. The port, which helps service windfarms including Scotland’s largest – SSE’s Seagreen – is currently going through an expansion as demand for renewable projects increases.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Letter to Church of England Diocesan Bishops

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    CEO David Holdsworth has written to Diocesan Bishops who are also trustees of Church charities to seek further information on Church safeguarding processes.

    Applies to England and Wales

    Documents

    Letter to Diocesan Bishops who are trustees of their Diocesan Board of Finance or other Church charities

    HTML

    Details

    As regulator of charities in England and Wales, the Charity Commission is engaging with certain National Church Institutions regarding safeguarding in Church charities following the recent publication of the Makin Review.

    This letter to bishops, sent on 31 January 2025, seeks their assessment of whether any aspects of Church law, structure or processes are currently preventing trustees of Church charities from fulfilling their safeguarding obligations. The letter follows a letter sent to Members of the General Synod who are also trustees of Church charities on 24 January 2025.

    A press release with more information about the Commission’s engagement can be found via this link: Regulator sets out safeguarding expectations ahead of key Synod votes – GOV.UK

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 February 2025

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Resurfacing works for SH1 Turntable Hill, Moerewa, start tomorrow

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) advises overnight asphalt resurfacing works will get underway on State Highway 1 at Turntable Hill, Moerewa tomorrow (Tuesday 4 February), before pausing for Waitangi Day holiday traffic.

    Asphalting works will then resume from Sunday 9 February through to Thursday 13 February (finishing on the morning of Friday 14 February), with one night of chipsealing scheduled in Moerewa the following week.

    The asphalting work will take place between 8pm and 5am, with stop/go traffic management and a 30km/h temporary speed limit operating during the works. During the day, the passing lane will be closed with a 50km/h temporary speed limit in place.

    On Thursday 20 February, contractors will undertake chipsealing along the main street in Moerewa. Between 6pm and 6am, the road will operate under stop/go traffic management with a 30km/h temporary speed limit in place.

    During the chipsealing works there will be no access to SH1 (Main Road, Moerewa) from the Marshall St/Pembroke St intersection, Wynyard St, Nisbet St and Snowden Ave. There will also be no parking from 50m north of the Marshall St/Pembroke St intersection to 100m past Snowden Ave.

    Temporary speed limits and traffic management will remain in place the following day to guide traffic over the new seal and help to embed it successfully.

    It’s important to slow down through newly sealed sections of road because small chips can be flicked up from the road surface and damage vehicles – especially windscreens. That’s why we often keep temporary speed limits in place even after it looks like the work has been completed. As well as safety, the temporary speed limit also helps ensure the quality of the reseal. Travelling at the posted temporary speed limit allows for the chips to be embedded into the road surface and for them to remain in place as the seal cures.

    Travel delays during the resurfacing and chipsealing works are expected to be 5-10minutes.

    This work is part of Northland’s significant summer maintenance programme, which will see approximately 203 lane kilometres of state highway renewed across the region by the end of May.

    As well as ensuring a smooth, skid-resistant surface, road resurfacing helps to protect the important structural layers underneath, improves waterproofing to help prevent potholes, and extends the life of the road. It’s like the paint on your house or the varnish on your deck – it looks good, but, more importantly, it helps keep your most valuable assets safe and sound.

    There will be increased noise for residents and businesses in the area, and short delays for road users. We encourage road users to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.

    Access for residents and emergency services will be maintained throughout the works.

    Please be patient and treat our crews with kindness and respect. Reduce your speed, adhere to the temporary speed limits and follow the traffic management directions at our work sites. 

    This work is weather dependent and there may be changes to the planned works in the case of unsuitable weather. Please visit the NZTA Journey Planner website for up-to-date information on these works, including any changes due to weather.

    Journey Planner(external link)

    For more information about the overall maintenance programme and planned works, visit the Northland state highway maintenance programme website:

    Northland state highway maintenance programme(external link)

    NZTA thanks everyone for their understanding and support while we carry out this essential maintenance.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Crash blocks Wainuiomata Hill heading towards Lower Hutt

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    The Wainuiomata Hill is currently closed heading towards Lower Hutt following a crash.

    The two-vehicle crash involving a car and a motorcycle was reported on the Wainuiomata side of the hill just after 11:30am.

    One person has been seriously injured.

    Motorists are advised to expect delays.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Robots add futuristic twist to China’s Spring Festival

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

    BEIJING, Feb. 2 — The Chinese Spring Festival is traditionally celebrated with dumplings, firecrackers and red paper-cut decorations. This year, however, a new element is joining the festivities: robots.

    A group of humanoid robots performing a dance routine has become the most talked-about performance at this year’s Spring Festival Gala, broadcast on Chinese New Year’s Eve. These black-painted life-size robots, adorned with colorful sleeveless jackets, danced alongside 16 human performers in Yangko, a traditional folk dance renowned for its sweeping steps and twirling handkerchiefs.

    Behind their precise mechanical arm movements is the integration of advanced AI algorithms and smart sensors.

    In addition to the televised event, the first-ever tech-driven temple fair, held in Beijing’s Haidian District, also combined cultural heritage with cutting-edge technology.

    A robot greeting visitors with Chinese New Year blessings, a humanoid robot playing Peking Opera tunes, and the first AI display of the Chinese mythological character Lord Rabbit are all part of the ongoing 2025 Haidian Spring Festival-Themed Sci-Tech Temple Fair.

    Over 70 AI application scenarios from over 50 innovative companies are on display, showcasing the integration of AI technology with traditional Spring Festival customs and elements.

    Other attractions included a robot band and bipedal humanoid robot soccer matches, offering visitors a captivating and futuristic experience.

    A recently viral video on social media showcased a performance in the city of Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province, where robot dogs took the stage to perform a lion dance, enthralling the crowd.

    During the 8-day Chinese New Year holiday, many Chinese people chose to climb mountains for exercise. A news story about an “exoskeleton robot” assisting climbers on Mount Tai, one of China’s most popular mountain tourist spots, garnered widespread attention.

    Weighing only 1.8 kg, this robotic leg device uses advanced ergonomics, power, electronics and AI algorithms to perceive lower limb movements and provide timely assistance, making mountain climbing a much easier endeavor.

    “Wearing this robot has been a great help to my legs,” said a tourist. “Climbing the mountain feels much easier than walking on flat ground.”

    This isn’t the first instance that robots have been used to offer a tech-savvy enhancement to the culturally and historically significant Mount Tai. Last October, a team of four-legged robotic dogs tasked with waste collection made headlines.

    Intelligent robots are becoming more common, facilitating daily life and work. These robotic products reflect the rapid development of China’s robotic industry.

    In 2023, China produced 7.833 million service robots, a 21.3 percent increase from the previous year. Industrial robot production reached 430,000 units, accounting for about 73 percent of the global total.

    According to a recent report by the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, humanoid robots are poised to become the next big terminal after personal computers, smartphones and new energy vehicles, potentially forming a new trillion-yuan-level market.

    Broad market potential has attracted not only tech companies but also automotive firms and internet giants investing in humanoid robot projects.

    Driven by these pioneers, this year will mark the beginning of mass production for humanoid robots, with significant commercial applications on the horizon, the report noted.

    MIL OSI China News –