NewzIntel.com

Category: Natural Disasters

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Blaze sparks wake-up call: Auckland Council urges industry vigilance on battery disposal

    Source: Auckland Council

    In the wake of a spate of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, including the most recent at Abilities’ North Shore recycling plant, Auckland Council supports the ruling by the Auckland District Court in the matter of Auckland Council v Sims Metal Industries Limited, following a significant fire at the Sims Metal scrap metal yard in Favona in July 2023.

    The incident, caused by the ignition of a lithium-ion battery within a large scrap metal stockpile released toxic smoke across parts of Auckland and highlighted a growing national and international issue surrounding battery disposal and fire risk.

    Judge Smith, in his decision, recognised the unique challenges posed by lithium-ion batteries, noting there is currently no available technology capable of reliably identifying or detecting them within scrap material.

    The judge described the situation as “a new and emerging issue,” which has led to fires not only in New Zealand but around the globe.

    While acknowledging Sims Metal’s cooperation and the absence of any intentional wrongdoing, Judge Smith imposed a fine of $30,000, reduced from an initial starting point of $50,000, to reflect an early guilty plea, meaningful cooperation, and the agreement to enforcement orders.

    Fire at the Sims Metal Scrapyard.

    The enforcement orders issued require Sims Metal to implement several improvements at the James Fletcher Drive, Favona site.

    These include the completion of a secondary access point to the site by May 2025, the development of a certified Fire Risk Management Plan and a Stockpile Management Plan. The orders are registered with the Environment Court and will remain in place unless superseded by conditions with a new resource consent.

    Judge Smith noted, “There has been considerable difficulty in finding a technical solution to the problems with batteries catching on fire.

    “This is not only a national problem but an international one; these orders form a workaround solution until more technical solutions, particularly for bulk disposal, are available.”

    Auckland Council’s Field Operations Manager for Compliance, David Pawson, emphasised the importance of remaining vigilant despite the novelty of the issue.

    “We recognise this is a new issue and we’re all finding our way with lithium-ion batteries and those handling them.

    “But businesses still need to take responsibility for their disposal – this is their business. While we’re all working on solutions, consent conditions still need to be met.”

    The council views this case as an important precedent in balancing empathy for emerging challenges with the necessity of regulatory compliance.

    It also highlights the importance of proactive risk management and industry-wide collaboration to adapt to evolving environmental risks.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: A ‘Trump slump’ has lifted the left in Canada and now Australia – what are the lessons for NZ?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Grant Duncan, Teaching Fellow in Politics and International Relations, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

    Trying to capitalise on the electoral success of US President Donald Trump, now that his policies are having real-world effects, is proving to be a big mistake for conservative leaders.

    Australian voters have delivered a landslide win for the incumbent Labor Party, returning Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for a second term with a clear majority of seats.

    When he said in his victory speech that Australians had “voted for Australian values”, an unspoken message was that they’d firmly rejected Trumpian values.

    Meanwhile, opposition and Liberal Party leader Peter Dutton had such a bad election he lost his own seat. While not the only reason for his electoral demise, Dutton’s adoption of themes associated with Trump backfired.

    As recently as mid-February, however, it was a completely different story. Opinion polls were projecting Dutton’s Coalition to win. Betting markets followed suit, pricing in a change of government.

    But by March, Labor had pulled ahead in the polls, and exceeded expectations in the election itself. As one commentator put it, the Liberals were “reduced to a right-wing populist party that is all but exiled from the biggest cities”.

    Reversal of fortune

    Where, then, did Dutton go wrong? Commentators identified a number of reasons, including his “culture wars” and being depicted by Labor as “Trump-lite”.

    Following a Trumpian pathway turned out to be a strategic blunder. And Dutton’s downfall mirrors Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre’s defeat in Canada’s election on April 28.

    In January, Canada’s incumbent centre-left Liberals were heading for defeat to the Conservatives. But there were two gamechangers: the Liberals switched leaders from Justin Trudeau to Mark Carney, and Trump caused a national uproar with his aggressive tariffs and his call for Canada to become the 51st US state.

    Pre-election opinion polls then did a dramatic flip in favour of the Liberals, who went on to win their fourth election in a row.

    Poilievre’s campaign had adopted elements of the Trump style, such as attacking “wokeness” and using derogatory nicknames for opponents.

    His strategy failed as soon as Trump rolled out “America First” policies contrary to Canadians’ economic interests and national pride. The takeaway for serious right-wing leaders in liberal democracies is clear: let Trump do Trump; his brand is toxic.

    Not a universal trend

    Trump’s actions are harming America’s allies. His tariffs, disregard for the rule of law, and tough policies on migrants, affirmative action and climate change have seen voters outside the US react with self-protective patriotism.

    A perceived association with Trump’s brand has now upended the electoral fortunes of (so far) two centre-right parties that had been in line to win, and had been banking on the 2024 MAGA success somehow rubbing off on them.

    Admittedly, what has been dubbed the “Trump slump” isn’t a universal trend.

    In Germany, the centre-left Social Democratic-led government was ousted in February, in spite of Trump ally Elon Musk’s unhelpful support for the far-right, anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

    And in the United Kingdom, the populist Reform UK party has risen above 25%, while Labour has fallen from 34% in last year’s election to the low 20s in recent polls.

    But other governing centre-left parties are seeing an upside of the Trump effect.
    Norway’s next election is on September 8. In early January it looked like the incumbent Labour Party would be trounced by the Conservatives and the right-wing Progress Party.

    Opinion polls dramatically flipped in early February, however, boosting Labour from below 20% back into the lead, hitting 30%. If that trend is sustained, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre will get another term in office.

    Denmark’s governing Social Democrats have enjoyed a small polling boost, too, since Trump declared he’d like to take Greenland off their hands.

    Lessons for NZ’s left and right

    The common denominator underlying these shifts to the left seems to be the Trump effect. Voters in countries normally closely allied with the US are turning away from Trump-adjacent politicians.

    In 2024, elections tended to go against incumbents. But, for now at least, people are rallying patriotically around centre-left, sitting governments.

    Ironically, Trump is harming leaders who could have been his allies. Unrepentant as always, the man himself seemed proud of the impact he had in Canada.

    Winston Peters: culture war rhetoric.
    Getty Images

    In Australia and New Zealand, polls in mid-2024 showed support for Trump was growing – heading well above 20%. Australia’s election suggests that trend may now be past its peak.

    In New Zealand, with debate over ACT’s contentious Treaty Principles Bill behind it, and despite NZ First leader Winston Peters’ overt culture-war rhetoric (which may appeal to his 6% support base), the right-wing coalition government’s polling shows it could be on track for a second term – for the time being.

    While the Trump effect may have benefited centre-left parties in Australia and Canada, polling for New Zealand’s Labour opposition is softer than at the start of the year.

    While “America First” policies continue to damage the global economy, centre-right leaders who learn the lesson will quietly distance themselves from the Trump brand, while maintaining cordial relations with the White House.

    Centre-left leaders, however, could do worse than follow Anthony Albanese’s example of not getting distracted by “Trump-lite” and instead promoting his own country’s values of fairness and mutual respect.

    Grant Duncan 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. A ‘Trump slump’ has lifted the left in Canada and now Australia – what are the lessons for NZ? – https://theconversation.com/a-trump-slump-has-lifted-the-left-in-canada-and-now-australia-what-are-the-lessons-for-nz-255715

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: People across China enjoy May Day holiday in various ways

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

    People across China enjoy May Day holiday in various ways

    Updated: May 5, 2025 09:35 Xinhua
    People enjoy their leisure time in front of a cafe in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, May 4, 2025. People across China enjoy the ongoing May Day holiday in various ways. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on May 3, 2025 shows tourists viewing azalea flowers in Yongzhou, central China’s Hunan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Folk artists perform a molten iron fireworks show in Tengzhong, east China’s Shandong Province, May 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People pose for a photo at the 798 art zone in Beijing, capital of China, May 4, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A child plays football by the Nanhu lake in Nanning, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, May 2, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists watch a folk art performance at a scenic area in Turpan, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, May 4, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People visit an alley in Changsha, central China’s Hunan Province, May 2, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists take a selfie by the lakeside in Nantong City, east China’s Jiangsu Province, May 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A girl poses for a photo with blooming jacaranda trees in Kunming, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, May 4, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists watch a robot show at Taizhou City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, May 4, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This drone photo taken on May 4, 2025 shows tourists visiting the Huangguoshu Scenic Area in Anshun City, southwest China’s Guizhou Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on May 3, 2025 shows tourists visiting the Fuzimiao scenic area in Nanjing, east China’s Jiangsu Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People visit an ancient town in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China’s Guizhou Province, May 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists enjoy themselves at a scenic spot in Baise, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, May 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Vloggers shoot a video at a historical cultural area in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, May 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Children enjoy a bubble show in Tancheng County, Linyi City, east China’s Shandong Province, May 4, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This aerial drone photo taken on May 4, 2025 shows tourists enjoy a boat tour in Rongcheng City, east China’s Shandong Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Reduce risk this autumn, register your burn-off online

    Source:

    Following a year that saw CFA volunteers respond to 936 incidents caused by escaped burn-offs, CFA and Triple Zero Victoria are urging landowners to take extra precautions before lighting up.

    With fire restrictions easing across the state, some residents are now taking the opportunity to burn-off grass, stubble, weeds and undergrowth to maintain and prepare their properties.

    While encouraged, landowners are reminded to register any planned burn-offs online through the Fire Permits Victoria website at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au/notify and ensure regulations and applicable local laws are followed.

    An online registration is the fastest and simplest option and allows 000 Call-takers to prioritise emergency calls. Unregistered burn-offs can not only cause a spike in calls to Triple Zero (000) but also unnecessary callouts for firefighters.

    Landowners will be looking to take advantage of the mild autumn conditions and authorities expect a surge in burn-off registrations over the coming weeks.

    Triple Zero Victoria Chief Operating Officer Nicole Ashworth encouraged residents to plan ahead and register their burn-off online.

    ‘When someone calls 000 to report seeing smoke we can confirm if it’s recorded on the burn-off register,” Ms Ashworth said.

    ‘So, check the weather, plan ahead and notify us online through Fire Permits Victoria’s website – it’s fast, easy and most importantly, allows our call-takers to focus on emergency calls.’

    Ms Ashworth said the Yarra Ranges, Cardinia, Greater Geelong and Macedon Ranges council areas saw the highest number of burn-off notifications last year.

    Acting CFA Chief Officer Garry Cook said the Fire Permits Victoria website is the preferred platform for community members to register their burns and is just one of many safety steps to take this autumn.

    “By registering your burn-off, it allows emergency services to verify the fire is not an emergency, manage fire risk effectively and avoid placing unnecessary strain on local brigades,” Garry said.

    “In 2024, over 19,084 volunteer hours were utilised responding to incidents involving escaped burn-offs. Our message is clear – please don’t leave your burn-off unattended.

    “We ask landowners have enough people and water on hand to monitor, contain and extinguish their burn-off safely and consistently monitor wind conditions before and after the burning day.”

    If you wish to start your burn-off immediately (within 2 hours), you can register calling 1800 668 511, however early online registration is preferred.

    For more information about burning off safely, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/burnoff.

    Before you notify us, ensure you: 

    • Follow regulations or laws by CFA and local council. 
    • Notify your neighbours if the burn will generate fire and smoke. 
    • Check the weather forecast for the day of the activity and a few days afterward.
    • Postpone your activity if high fire risk conditions develop. 
    • Establish a gap in vegetation or fire break of no less than three metres cleared of all flammable material. 
    • Have enough people to monitor, contain and extinguish the burn safely and effectively. Never leave a burn-off unattended. 

    Media contacts: CFA Media 1300 232 633  Triple Zero Victoria 1300 783 462

    Submitted by CFA media

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND: TRUMP & RFK JUST FIRED ANOTHER 16 HEALTH PROGRAM DOCS & SCIENTISTS, STUNTING WORLD TRADE CENTER HEALTH PROGRAM; SENATORS DEMAND NY GOP MEMBERS OF CONGRESS USE THEIR BUDGET VOTE AS…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
    Schumer & Gillibrand Say NY GOP House Members Have Political Leverage To Restore 9/11 Health Program If They Deny Trump Their Budget Vote; Senators Have Built WTCHP & Funded It; GOP Being Played Since April While Heroes Suffer 
    The World Trade Center Health Program Provides Services For Roughly 137,000 Sickened 9/11 First Responders & Other Survivors & Heroes Across Nation; Trump Admin Keeps Playing Games With Staff, The Program – And The People Who Need Care; Schumer Says This Must End NOW  
    Schumer, Gillibrand To NY House GOP: Find The Courage The 9/11 Heroes Had To End This Chaos By Using Your Leverage Over Budget
    U.S. Senator Schumer alongside U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said the Trump administration is at it again: attacking the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP). Yesterday, President Trump and RFK fired an additional 16 medical staff who help keep the WTCHP program alive at NIOSH.
    Schumer said this torrent of chaos must and – and that New York GOP House members have real leverage to end this negligence by using their budget vote and forcing the President to back off on his attacks at the WTCHP. The senators said that this chaos is a dereliction of duty by the federal government, a disservice that must be reversed, so that the 9/11 health program, its staff, the federal government and the amazing medical professionals can all do their jobs: save lives. Schumer and Gillibrand said that they will not rest until this chaos is over.  
    “Since the Trump administration started, more than a quarter of the WTCHP staff are now gone,” said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. “It is revolting that President Trump and Secretary Kennedy, Secretary of Health and Human Services, fired even more staffers yesterday at NIOSH, critical doctors and scientists who have dedicated their lives to helping these sick people and many others. None of these cuts have anything to do with efficiency. This is MAGA extremism pure and simple and it hurts our brave first responders and others who risked life and limb on 9/11, who rushed to the towers. These people are suffering. They’re getting cancers from the chemicals they breathed in when they ran to the towers to help protect us, and now they have to deal with this assault again, and again, and again. How vicious, how nasty, how callous.”
    Schumer, today, demanded New York GOP House members use their upcoming budget vote that President Trump so badly needs as leverage to end this negligence, restore the critical medical staff at WTCHP, NIOSH and help these heroes.
    “This political chaos is jeopardizing the healthcare of heroes. The NY House members in Congress must find the courage the 9/11 heroes had and use their leverage on the President as it relates to the budget, and join Senator Gillibrand and I to fix this mess now, because if these members haven’t realized it yet: they’re being played by the President,” Schumer added.
    “Cutting staff critical to the operation of the World Trade Center Health Program will devastate our ability to care for sick first responders and survivors,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Once again, President Trump is betraying the heroes who stepped up and risked their lives in one of our nation’s darkest hours. It’s an outrageous betrayal of ‘never forget,’ and I will not rest until these un-American decisions are reversed.”
    “The continued cuts to the WTC Health Program staff by the Trump Administration are a true disaster and place in peril the lives and health of every responder and survivor that rely on this program for their care. The delays in care these egregious actions are causing are reprehensible,” said Gary Smiley of FDNY EMS Local 2507, Uniformed EMTs, Paramedics & Fire Inspectors WTC Liaison.
    “Our community is very literally sick and tired and as Fannie Lou Hamer once put it, also “sick and tired of being sick and tired.” We’re tired of the Trump Administration and Secretary Kennedy’s lies.  We’re tired of having to trot our chronically ill onto stages to prove our suffering and attempt to humanize our losses and we’re tired of the constant mismanagement of the law for which we all fought so hard. 800 of our sick survivors and first responders couldn’t get certified in April because of the harm RFK Jr. has caused and we’re sick of it!” said Mariama James, WTCHP participant.
    “The World Trade Center Health Program must be made whole, it must be fully funded and this program must stay off the table for any future cuts,” said Sean Michael, FDNY Battalion Chief, Uniformed Fire Officers Association Board Member.
    Schumer and Gillibrand urged a once-and-for-all end to playing political football with the WTCHP because it saves lives and it is already lean. The senators said that this chaos is a dereliction of duty by the federal government, a disservice that must be reversed, so that the 9/11 health program, its staff, the federal government and the amazing medical professionals can all do their jobs: save lives. Schumer and Gillibrand said that they will not rest until this chaos is over.
    The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) provides critical medical treatment, research, and monitoring to over 137,000 responders and survivors of the September 11th terrorist attacks, living in every state and nearly every Congressional district. The WTCHP serves first responders and survivors from the World Trade Center and lower Manhattan, the Pentagon, and the crash site in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. This vital program provides life-saving care to the heroes who answered the call to serve in one of our nation’s darkest hours and the survivors who are forced to live with the health consequences from the attacks every single day. 
    Schumer and Gillibrand worked to establish the WTCHP on a bipartisan basis in 2011 with a five-year authorization to provide medical treatment and monitoring for 9/11 responders and survivors suffering from the effects of the toxins at Ground Zero. They worked to reauthorize the program in 2015 and extended through 2090 with bipartisan support. In 2022, Schumer and Gillibrand delivered $1 billion for the WTCHP in the end-of-year spending bill, and in 2023, they secured an additional $676 million for the program.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: South Sudan: MSF strongly condemns the deliberate bombing of its hospital in Old Fangak, Jonglei State – MSF

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

    Jonglei State, SOUTH SUDAN (May 4, 2025) – Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) strongly condemns the deliberate bombing of its hospital in Old Fangak, South Sudan. The attack began at around 4:30am when two helicopter gunships first dropped a bomb on the MSF pharmacy, burning it to the ground, then went on to fire on the town of Old Fangak for around 30 minutes. At around 7am, a drone bombed the Old Fangak market. There have been at least seven deaths and 20 injured.

    Mamman Mustapha, MSF Head of Mission in South Sudan, said “At 8am, we received around 20 wounded people at our hospital in Old Fangak, including four in a critical condition. There are reports of more fatalities and wounded in the community. One patient and two care givers, including one of our staff, who were already inside the hospital were injured in the bombing – patients who were not in a critical condition, ran from the facility. The bombing of our hospital in Old Fangak has resulted in significant damage, including the complete destruction of the pharmacy, which was burned to the ground. This is where all our medical supplies for the hospital and our outreach activities were stored, severely compromising our ability to provide care. We strongly condemn this attack, which took place despite the geolocations of all MSF structures, including Old Fangak Hospital, being shared with all parties to the conflict.

    “Old Fangak Hospital is the only hospital in Fangak county, serving a population of over 110,000 people who already had extremely limited access to healthcare. We are still assessing the full extent of the damage and the impact on our ability to provide care, but this attack clearly means people will now be even further cut-off from receiving life-saving treatment. We call on all parties to the conflict to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure – this includes health workers, patients and health facilities. Hospitals must never be targeted and the lives of civilians must be protected.”

    This is the second time an MSF hospital has been impacted in the past month, following the armed looting of our hospital and premises in Ulang, Upper Nile state on April 14, which led to the entire population of Ulang county being cut off from accessing secondary health care.

    Notes:

    Since 2014, MSF has been providing secondary healthcare services in Fangak County, a remote area where people struggle to access medical care due to flooding, insecurity, and displacement. The hospital supported by MSF is the only facility serving a population of over 110,000 people in Fangak county. Many patients travel for days by canoe to reach it, particularly during the rainy season when extreme flooding isolates entire communities.

    In South Sudan, MSF works in six of the country’s 10 states and in two administrative areas, providing a range of services including general healthcare, mental healthcare and specialist hospital care. Our mobile teams also provide health assistance to displaced people and remote communities. In addition to responding to emergencies and disease outbreaks, we also carry out preventative activities, such as vaccination campaigns, seasonal malaria chemoprevention, safe drinking water and distribution of non-food items.

    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-Evening Report: What is a ‘smart city’ and why should we care? It’s not just a buzzword

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milad Haghani, Associate Professor & Principal Fellow in Urban Risk & Resilience, The University of Melbourne

    guitar photographer/Shutterstock

    More than half of the world’s population currently lives in cities and this share is expected to rise to nearly 70% by 2050.

    It’s no wonder “smart cities” have become a buzzword in urban planning, politics and tech circles, and even media.

    The phrase conjures images of self-driving buses, traffic lights controlled by artificial intelligence (AI) and buildings that manage their own energy use.

    But for all the attention the term receives, it’s not clear what actually makes a city smart. Is it about the number of sensors installed? The speed of the internet? The presence of a digital dashboard at the town hall?

    Governments regularly speak of future-ready cities and the promise of “digital transformation”. But when the term “smart city” is used in policy documents or on the campaign trail, it often lacks clarity.

    Over the past two decades, governments around the world have poured billions into smart city initiatives, often with more ambition than clarity. The result has been a patchwork of projects: some genuinely transformative, others flashy but shallow.

    So, what does it really mean for a city to be smart? And how can technology solve real urban problems, not just create new ones?

    What is a smart city, then?

    The term “smart city” has been applied to a wide range of urban technologies and initiatives – from traffic sensors and smart meters to autonomous vehicles and energy-efficient building systems.

    But a consistent, working definition remains elusive.

    In academic and policy circles, one widely accepted view is that a smart city is one where technology is used to enhance key urban outcomes: liveability, sustainability, social equity and, ultimately, people’s quality of life.

    What matters here is whether the application of technology leads to measurable improvements in the way people live, move and interact with the city around them.

    By that standard, many “smart city” initiatives fall short, not because the tools don’t exist, but because the focus is often on visibility and symbolic infrastructure rather than impact.

    This could be features like high-tech digital kiosks in public spaces that are visibly modern and offer some use and value, but do little to address core urban challenges.

    The reality of urban governance – messy, decentralised, often constrained – is a long way from the seamless dashboards and simulations often promised in promotional material.

    But there is a way to help join together the various aspects of city living, with the help of “digital twins”.

    Slick digital dashboards that show the stats of a city at a glance are a far cry from the messy reality of city governance.
    thinkhubstudio/Shutterstock

    Digital twin (of?) cities

    Much of the early focus on smart cities revolved around individual technologies: installing sensors, launching apps or creating control centres. But these tools often worked in isolation and offered limited insight into how the city functioned as a whole.

    City digital twins represent a shift in approach.

    Instead of layering technology onto existing systems, a city digital twin creates a virtual replica of those systems. It links real-time data across transport, energy, infrastructure and the environment. It’s a kind of living, evolving model of the city that changes as the real city changes.

    This enables planners and policymakers to test decisions before making them. They can simulate the impact of a new road, assess the risk of flooding in a changing climate or compare the outcomes of different zoning options.

    Used in this way, digital twins support decisions that are better informed, more responsive, and more in tune with how cities actually work.

    Not all digital twins operate at the same level. Some offer little more than 3D visualisations, while others bring in real-time data and support complex scenario testing.

    The most advanced ones don’t just simulate the city, but interact with it.

    Where it’s working

    To manage urban change, some cities are already using digital twins to support long-term planning and day-to-day decision-making – and not just as add-ons.

    In Singapore, the Virtual Singapore project is one of the most advanced city-scale digital twins in the world.

    It integrates high-resolution 3D models of Singapore with real-time and historical data from across the city. The platform has been used by government agencies to model energy consumption, assess climate and air flow impacts of new buildings, manage underground infrastructure, and explore zoning options based on risks like flooding in a highly constrained urban environment.

    In Helsinki, the Kalasatama digital twin has been used to evaluate solar energy potential, conduct wind simulations and plan building orientations. It has also been integrated into public engagement processes: the OpenCities Planner platform lets residents explore proposed developments and offer feedback before construction begins.

    Urban planners in Helsinki have been using a digital twin to help plan building orientations.
    Mistervlad/Shutterstock

    We need a smarter conversation about smart cities

    If smart cities are going to matter, they must do more than sound and look good. They need to solve real problems, improve people’s lives and protect the privacy and integrity of the data they collect.

    That includes being built with strong safeguards against cyber threats. A connected city should not be a more vulnerable city.

    The term smart city has always been slippery – more aspiration than definition. That ambiguity makes it hard to measure whether, or how, a city becomes smart. But one thing is clear: being smart doesn’t mean flooding citizens with apps and screens, or wrapping public life in flashy tech.

    The smartest cities might not even feel digital on the surface. They would work quietly in the background, gather only the data they need, coordinate it well and use it to make citizens’ life safer, fairer and more efficient.

    Milad Haghani receives funding from The Australian Research Council & The Australian Government.

    Abbas Rajabifard receives funding from Victorian Government via Land Use Department.

    Benny Chen 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. What is a ‘smart city’ and why should we care? It’s not just a buzzword – https://theconversation.com/what-is-a-smart-city-and-why-should-we-care-its-not-just-a-buzzword-255419

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Arkansas Farmers Face Lingering Floodwaters

    Source: NASA

    After a slow-moving weather system swamped the Midwest U.S. in early April 2025, many rivers’ water levels soared to near-historic levels. Arkansas was particularly hard hit, with floodwaters spilling across rural landscapes in the Arkansas Delta, a region where commodity crops such as rice, corn, soybeans, and wheat are widely grown. Many farmers still faced high water levels more than a month after the flooding began.
    “This is one of the largest, most dramatic, and long-lasting agricultural floods we’ve seen in Arkansas in decades,” said Jason Davis, a remote sensing expert with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service, noting that the April 2025 flood exceeded the severity of floods in the state in 2018, 2019, and 2023.
    The OLI-2 (Operational Land Imager) on Landsat 9 captured this false-color image (right) showing flooding along the borders of Craighead and Jackson counties in northeastern Arkansas on April 13. For comparison, the other image shows the same area on April 17, 2023, when water levels were much lower. The images combine shortwave infrared, near infrared, and red light (bands 6-5-4) to make it easier to distinguish water (blue) from land (brown) and vegetation (green).
    The Cache River crested on April 7, but floodwaters lingered as water from upstream worked its way through the watershed, breaching a key levee and pooling in areas that drain poorly. Joe Christian, a rice and soybean farmer who farms along the Cache, chronicled the state of his farm as floodwaters overwhelmed it.

    Posts on X showed an aerial photo of his flooded storage shed, young plants that were submerged for days (above), and muddy rows that he simply describes as “toast.”  
    In the Landsat imagery, notice how the river widens a few kilometers upstream of Grubbs. “That’s the line where ‘channelizing’ and ‘dredging’ of the river stopped in the 1970s,” Christian said in an interview with NASA Earth Observatory. “North of Grubbs, we get floods almost every year now.”
    Astronauts aboard the International Space Station also captured several photos (available here) showing the scope of flooding in Arkansas. The photo below shows flooding along the White River in Jackson County near the towns of Newport and Bradford on April 15.
    Many Arkansas farmers got an early start on planting this spring, thinking it would lead to bumper harvests in the fall, explained Jarrod Hardke, a rice agronomist for the extension service. Instead, many farmers will likely muddle through a season that brings lower than usual yields, he said.

    Rice is more flood-tolerant than corn or soybeans, “but there’s a limit to that tolerance,” Hardke said. The chance of rice surviving “can drop dramatically” after being submerged for 10 days. If floodwaters cover the ground before young rice plants emerge from the soil, they can die even sooner, he added.
    Hardke and Davis are part of a University of Arkansas team that estimated that the deluge inundated about 30 percent of the 839,000 acres that farmers had planted, amounting to losses of $79 million. Some wheat will be a total loss, while corn, soybeans, and rice will have to be replanted, the team reported.
    Losses of rice were notably high despite its water tolerance. That’s in part because farmers often plant rice in fields with the poorest drainage. “Many fields have been flooded for more than 25 days now,” Hardke said. “Seeds that haven’t emerged are just rotting in the soil.”
    Though losses would have been even higher later in the season, replanting costs will be significant. The extension service team estimated $11 million for corn, $10 million for soybeans, and $21 million for rice. Replanting costs include new seeds, herbicides, diesel fuel, and fertilizer. The aerial image below, taken by a farmer from the area, shows flooded fields and roads along the Cache.

    “I don’t think most people realize how much time, money, and energy goes into every acre of crop that gets planted,” Davis said. “It’s expensive—a complete nightmare,” said Christian, noting that the flood killed about three-quarters of his soybeans.
    Davis is using satellite observations to validate and supplement the extension team’s crop damage estimates, which are typically based on farmer surveys. The survey response rate can be low in some counties, but the growing availability of timely satellite observations makes it easier to assess the scope of flooding events quickly.
    Davis typically uses imagery from several satellites to analyze an event like this—“anything and everything I can get,” he said, often leaning on data from Planet, NASA, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the European Space Agency. He uses the raw imagery to produce maps of flooded areas, which he then combines with data about crop type to calculate damage estimates.
    “Then we share what we’re finding with the governor’s office, state and federal ag officials, and others involved in disaster response,” he said. “The goal is to deliver actionable information to people making decisions as quickly as possible.”

    The aerial photograph above, taken by a local farmer, shows where a helicopter was used to place white sandbags in a levee breach. As the flood situation evolves, the Division of Agriculture extension team will continue to use satellite imagery and ground observations to update damage estimates for farmers and policymakers.
     
    NASA Earth Observatory images by Wanmei Liang, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey. Flooded plant photo courtesy of Joe Christian. Astronaut photograph provided by NASA’s Crew Earth Observations Facility and the Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit. Aerial photographs courtesy of David Hodges and provided by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. Story by Adam Voiland.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Funding Is Available To Support Cleanup of Your Home

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Funding Is Available To Support Cleanup of Your Home

    Funding Is Available To Support Cleanup of Your Home

    FRANKFORT, Ky

    – If your home was damaged but you can live in it safely after the April severe storms and flooding, FEMA may be able to provide you with money to cover costs associated with cleanup and sanitization

    This assistance is for eligible homeowners and renters in Anderson, Butler, Carroll, Christian, Clark, Franklin, Hardin, Hopkins, Jessamine, McCracken, Mercer, Owen and Woodford counties

    You may qualify for FEMA assistance if you meet the following criteria:Your pre-disaster primary residence is in a county designated for Individual Assistance

    FEMA verified you have disaster damage, and your primary residence is safe to occupy

    You have saved all receipts from any cleanup supplies, materials or paid help

    The costs are not covered by your insurance

    Avoiding damage from mold is an important responsibility of a resident

    Building owners are strongly encouraged to begin cleanup immediately after a flood to prevent the growth and spread of mold

    For more information about cleanup and documenting damages, you can read more here

    How To Apply for FEMA AssistanceThe first step to receive FEMA assistance is to apply

    Survivors of the April storms who live in the designated counties have until June 25 to apply for assistance

     You can apply in several ways:Online at DisasterAssistance

    gov

    Visit any Disaster Recovery Center

    To find a center close to you, visit fema

    gov/DRC, or text DRC along with your Zip Code to 43362 (Example: “DRC 29169”)

    Use the FEMA mobile app

    Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362

    It is open 7 a

    m

    to 10 p

    m

    Eastern Daylight Time

    Help is available in many languages

    If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service

     Apply for Each Disaster Separately Homeowners and renters in Woodford County may be eligible for federal assistance, if you had property damage or loss in Woodford County from the February severe incident, and then again from the April severe incident, you would need to complete two separate disaster assistance applications

    For more information about Kentucky flooding recovery, visit www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4860 and www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4864

    Follow the FEMA Region 4 X account at x

    com/femaregion4

    martyce

    allenjr
    Fri, 05/02/2025 – 18:54

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Office of the Governor — News Release — Gov. Green Wins Passage Of Historic Climate Impact Legislation

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    Office of the Governor — News Release — Gov. Green Wins Passage Of Historic Climate Impact Legislation

    Posted on May 2, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom, Office of the Governor Press Releases

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI 
    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI 
     
    JOSH GREEN, M.D. 
    GOVERNOR
    KE KIAʻĀINA 


    GOVERNOR GREEN WINS PASSAGE OF HISTORIC CLIMATE IMPACT LEGISLATION

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    May 2, 2025

    HONOLULU — Governor Josh Green, M.D., today heralded the Legislature’s passage of SB1396, creating the climate impact fee, or “green fee,” that will help the islands to mitigate the impacts of climate change and the roughly 10 million annual visitors we welcome to our shores.

    “This legislation, which I intend to sign, is the first of its kind in the nation and represents a generational commitment to protect our ‘āina. Hawai‘i is truly setting a new standard to address the climate crisis, and I want to thank lawmakers for their unrelenting work these past two years in bringing this to fruition,” said Governor Green.

    SB1396 will increase the state’s portion of the Transient Accommodation Tax (TAT) collections from 10.25% to 11%. Additionally, all four counties have exercised their legislated authority to apply an additional TAT of up to 3% and have adopted the full amount. The net result with this 0.75% increase is a TAT of 14% statewide. General Excise Tax is applied on top of room rates. It is estimated the fee will raise $100M annually to provide disaster mitigation for the Aloha State.

    “Given the devastation we saw on Maui in August of 2023, this measure is crucial because it will help us to deal with wildfire risk resulting from the climate change crisis. It is foundational to our ability to provide a safe and secure Hawai‘i for our children, our residents, our visitors and the environment,” Governor Green said.

    Governor Green has until July 9, 2025, to sign the bill into law. He has repeatedly indicated his intention to do so, as it has been a priority piece of legislation for his administration.

    A video statement by Governor Green shared on his social media platforms is available here. Courtesy: The Office of the Governor.

    ###


    Media Contacts:  
    Erika Engle
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawai‘i
    Office: 808-586-0120
    Email: [email protected] 

    Makana McClellan
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi
    Cell: 808-265-0083
    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: True American Hero – Army Capt. Daniel Ken Inouye

    Source: United States Department of Defense (video statements)

    @usarmy Capt. Daniel Inouye’s military and public service lasted more than half a century.

    During a #WWII battle in Italy, amidst heavy fire, Inouye led his platoon with unmatched bravery, taking out an enemy position and refusing to evacuate despite being severely wounded. For his courage and selflessness, he earned the #MedalofHonor. #TrueAmericanHero #military

    For more on the Department of Defense, visit: http://www.defense.gov

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RqymDyBnt4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Ukraine: call for protection of civilians – OCHA briefing at the Security Council | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    For her part, senior OCHA official Joyce Msuya said that as the war continues, millions of lives are impacted daily, essential services are disrupted and humanitarian needs deepened.

    She highlighted, “Attacks on healthcare services and health facilities are crippling access to maternal care,” highlighting that pregnant women are now giving birth amid blackouts, medicine shortages and under attack, with a 12 per cent rise in birth complications reported by health workers.

    “For many expectant mothers, basic, life-saving care is simply no longer available,” Msuya said.

    The Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator emphasized once again, “Under international humanitarian law, civilians and civilian objects must be protected.”

    “This means that indiscriminate attacks are strictly prohibited. It also means that parties must take all feasible precautions to avoid civilian harm, whether they are launching attacks or defending against them,” Msuya stressed.

    The Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator also noted that underfunding is forcing critical programmes to scale down, even as the operational environment becomes more complex and dangerous.

    “Additional resources are needed now to save lives and sustain assistance,” she concluded.

    For his part, US Acting Alternate Representative John Kelley said, “Right now, Russia has a great opportunity to achieve adorable peace,” adding that “the burden for ending the war rests with Russia and with Ukraine.”

    He said, “It is up to the leaders of both these countries to decide whether peace is possible. If both sides are ready to end the war, the United States will fully support their path to a lasting peace.”

    The US Representative highlighted, “The benefits for Ukraine and Russia accepting the US proposal are immense. Their economies can begin to grow, their cities to rebuild, and their peoples to heal.”

    Conversely, Kelley said, “the risks that accompany more war are immeasurable. The harm would disproportionately fall on ordinary Ukrainians and Russian families, who overwhelmingly desire peace.”

    The US Representative urged both Ukraine and Russia to “accept peace, “we ask our fellow council members and all UN member states to support the path to peace,” he said.

    Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia criticized that today’s meeting was “requested by a number of the most stubborn European sponsors of the Kyiv regime.”

    “This is a reflection of their fear of being sidelined in the context of the new US administration as it seeks to arrive at a long-term solution to the Ukrainian crisis. Hence the desire to thwart this process and to restore for Ukraine Zelensky’s image of a victim, which has been tarnished in recent months, in the light of the new facts that have surfaced,” the Russian Ambassador added.

    Ambassador Nebenzia also said that the Russian and US dialog is ongoing, “there will be discussions of a number of nuances for the future contours of the peace plan from the very start of the conflict,” he said.

    “We announced that we preferred diplomatic methods for the attainment of the goals of our special military operation. And this is why Russia remains focused on achieving a sustained, long-term solution that would eradicate the root causes of the conflict and to prevent that from occurring,” the Russian Ambassador emphasized.

    For her part, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Betsa Mariana reiterated, “Russia cannot be allowed to cherry pick the political convenient dates to announce a short lived ceasefire simply for PR purposes, or gain additional tactical advantages.”

    She said, “Ukraine is ready to support a just, comprehensive and lasting peace. And this is what we are constantly proposing for at least 30 days. And we reconfirm this proposal.”

    Foreign Minister Mariana stressed her country’s position on peace negotiations is “clear and consistent.”

    She said, “Ukraine wants peace like no one else. However, we cannot accept peace at any cost. We cannot accept peace at any price. Any future arrangement has to respect Ukraine’s redlines.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAD_Xa4R130

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: South Sudan: MSF strongly condemns the deliberate bombing of its hospital in Old Fangak, Jonglei State

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    Jonglei State, SOUTH SUDAN – Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) strongly condemns the deliberate bombing of its hospital in Old Fangak, South Sudan. The attack began at around 4:30am when two helicopter gunships first dropped a bomb on the MSF pharmacy, burning it to the ground, then went on to fire on the town of Old Fangak for around 30 minutes. At around 7am, a drone bombed the Old Fangak market. There have been at least seven deaths and 20 injured.

    Mamman Mustapha, MSF Head of Mission in South Sudan, said “At 8am, we received around 20 wounded people at our hospital in Old Fangak, including four in a critical condition. There are reports of more fatalities and wounded in the community. One patient and two care givers, including one of our staff, who were already inside the hospital were injured in the bombing – patients who were not in a critical condition, ran from the facility. The bombing of our hospital in Old Fangak has resulted in significant damage, including the complete destruction of the pharmacy, which was burned to the ground. This is where all our medical supplies for the hospital and our outreach activities were stored, severely compromising our ability to provide care. We strongly condemn this attack, which took place despite the geolocations of all MSF structures, including Old Fangak Hospital, being shared with all parties to the conflict.

    “Old Fangak Hospital is the only hospital in Fangak county, serving a population of over 110,000 people who already had extremely limited access to healthcare. We are still assessing the full extent of the damage and the impact on our ability to provide care, but this attack clearly means people will now be even further cut-off from receiving life-saving treatment. We call on all parties to the conflict to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure – this includes health workers, patients and health facilities. Hospitals must never be targeted and the lives of civilians must be protected.”

    This is the second time an MSF hospital has been impacted since in the past month, following the armed looting of our hospital and premises in Ulang, Upper Nile state on April 14, which led to the entire population of Ulang county being cut off from accessing secondary health care. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: GRANEYS LANE, KALANGADOO (Grass Fire)

    Source: South Australia County Fire Service

    KALANGADOO

    Issued on
    05 May 2025 09:14

    Grass Fire Kalangadoo

    Issued for KALANGADOO in the Lower South East.

    The CFS is responding to a grass and stubble fire at Kalangadoo near Penola in the Limestone Coast region, South Australia.

    Approximately 33 CFS volunteers on 8 trucks, supported by Forestry SA, are currently on the fireground working to extinguish the fire. Firefighters are also being supported by observational aircraft.

    The fire is currently burning in slashed blue gum plantations. Slashed refers to areas where the undergrowth or grass between the trees has been cut back.

    Smoke is impacting roads in the area, and visibility may be reduced. To ensure your safety and that of firefighters and other emergency personnel who are working in the area, please do not enter the area unless necessary.

    CFS crews will remain on the scene throughout the day to actively monitor conditions. Extreme Fire Danger is forecast for the Lower South East today and a Total Fire Ban is in place for the area.

    Message ID 0008578

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fire on Pakowhai Road, Hastings – public to avoid area

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police are currently assisting with road closures at a building fire on Pakowhai Road, Frimley, Hastings which was reported about 9.30 this morning.

    Fire and Emergency New Zealand are at the scene and the road is closed between Duke Street and Frederick Street.

    Motorists and pedestrians are advised to avoid the area if possible.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Four arrested after shots fired in Gisborne overnight

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    To be attributed to Inspector Danny Kirk, Tairāwhiti Area Commander:

    Tairāwhiti Police have arrested and charged four people following two firearms-related incidents overnight.

    At around 11.45pm yesterday, Police were called to Taruheru Crescent in Mangapapa, following a report of several shots being fired towards a house from a car.

    The occupants of the same car then fired one or two shots at an occupied vehicle in Valley Road, Mangapapa.

    Police located the car in Lytton Road and signalled the driver to stop, however he failed to do so.  

    Police pursued the car through the Elgin area, before stopping it near the intersection of Awapuni Road and Lytton Road.

    The four occupants of the car – males aged 15, 16, 28 and 36 – have been charged with discharging a firearm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Further charges are likely as our investigation into these incidents continue.

    Police have also seized a firearm and other items which the car’s occupants threw from the car as they were being pursued by Police.

    My message to all involved in this kind of offending is that this has to stop. Two people were injured as a result of the shots fired at the occupied vehicle in Valley Road – one seriously – and we could very easily have been dealing with one or more  fatalities.

    I want to acknowledge my frontline officers, who made a conscious decision to put themselves in harm’s way to apprehend those involved in this senseless violence. And I also want to acknowledge our investigators who work tirelessly to ensure that Police can put these people before the Court and hold them accountable for their actions.

    The four males arrested will be appearing in Gisborne District Court tomorrow.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Correction re shots fired in Gisborne overnight

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    An earlier media release regarding two firearms-related incidents in Gisborne overnight stated that two people were injured as a result of shots fired at a house on Taruheru Crescent.

    This was incorrect – the two people injured were in the vehicle in Valley Road that was also shot at.

    We apologise for the error.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan Announces Two Genome-Edited Rice Varieties Developed in India

    Source: Government of India

    Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan Announces Two Genome-Edited Rice Varieties Developed in India
    India Becomes the First Country in the World to Develop Genome-Edited Rice Varieties

    The new genome varieties hold the potential for revolutionary changes in higher production, climate adaptability, and water conservation

    Posted On: 04 MAY 2025 5:58PM by PIB Delhi

    Key Highlights:

    • “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has achieved a historic milestone in scientific research,” said Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
    • “Under the guidance of the Prime Minister, agricultural research has been given a new direction,” added Shri Chouhan.
    • “This is a golden opportunity for the agriculture sector,” stated Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
    • “These new varieties will play a leading role in heralding the second Green Revolution,” emphasized Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

    Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan today announced the development of two genome-edited rice varieties, in India, at Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, NASC Complex, New Delhi. This marks a new beginning in the field of scientific research and innovation. A large number of scientists and farmers attended the event.

    Addressing the gathering, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India’s vision for a developed nation is being realized, and farmers are moving towards prosperity. Today’s achievement will be written in golden letters. During the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Prime Minister Modi had called upon farmers to adopt modern techniques to overcome agricultural challenges. Inspired by his words, ICAR scientists have made exceptional achievements in the field of agriculture with the creation of these new varieties.”

    He further said that the development of these new crops will not only enhance production but will also yield positive results in environmental terms. It will save irrigation water and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, thereby lowering environmental pressure. This is a classic example of getting both benefits – increased production and environmental conservation.

    Shri Chouhan emphasized that in the coming times, there is a need for ensuring food security, increasing nutritious production, and providing food for both India and the world, while making India the food basket of the world. He stated, “We are proud that our efforts have led to the export of 48,000 crore worth of Basmati rice annually.”

    The Minister also urged the need to take further steps to increase production of soybean, arhar, tur, lentils, urad, oilseeds, and pulses.

    Shri Chouhan also introduced the “Minus 5 and Plus 10” formula, explaining that it involves reducing the area of rice cultivation by 5 million hectares while increasing rice production by 10 million tons in the same area. This would free up space for the cultivation of pulses and oilseeds.

    He urged the farmers, especially the young farmers, to adopt advanced farming techniques. Shri Chouhan said, “We need to take agricultural research to the farmers. When agricultural scientists and farmers come together, miracles will happen.”

    Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, virtually congratulated the scientists.

    Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, DA&FW, MoEF&CC, highlighted that the new varieties announced by ICAR today could be a game-changer for Indian agriculture:

    Dr. M.L Jat, Secretary (DARE) and Director General (ICAR), emphasized the importance of demand-driven research, highlighting the need to gather feedback from farmers about their specific requirements. This approach will ensure that research outcomes are tailored to meet the needs of farmers and effectively reach them with the right solutions.

    On this occasion, the Minister honored the scientists who contributed to the research of the two varieties. Dr. Vishwanathan C, Dr. Gopal Krishnan S, Dr. Santosh Kumar, Dr. Shivani Nagar, Dr. Archana Vats, Dr. Soham Ray, Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh and Dr. Pranjal Yadav, were honored for their work on Pusa DST Rice 1. Dr. Satyendra Kumar Mangruthia, Dr. R.M. Sundaram, Dr. R. Abdul Fiyaz, Dr. C.N. Neerja, and Dr. S.V. Sai Prasad were honored for their contribution to the development of of DRR Rice 100 (Kamla).

    Dr. Devendra Kumar Yadava, Deputy Director General, (Crop Science) ICAR, Dr. R.M. Sundaram, Director, ICAR-Indian Rice Research Institute, Hyderabad, Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh, Former Director, ICAR, and Dr. C.H. Srinivas Rao, Director, ICAR-IARI also addressed the event.

    Background:

    ICAR has developed India’s first genome-edited rice varieties – DRR Rice 100 (Kamla) and Pusa DST Rice 1. These varieties have the potential to bring about revolutionary changes in terms of higher production, climate adaptability, and water conservation.

    These new varieties were developed using genome-editing technology based on CRISPR-Cas, which makes precise changes in the organism’s genetic material without adding foreign DNA. Genome editing of SDN 1 and SDN 2 types of genes has been approved under India’s biosafety regulations for general crops.

    In 2018, ICAR initiated genome-editing research to improve two major rice varieties – Samba Mahsuri and MTU 1010 – under the National Agricultural Science Fund. The outcome of this research is the two advanced varieties that offer the following benefits:

    • A 19% increase in yield.
    • A 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
    • A saving of 7,500 million cubic meters of irrigation water.
    • Improved tolerance to drought, salinity, and climate stresses.

    The DRR Rice 100 (Kamala) variety was developed by ICAR-IIRR, Hyderabad, based on Samba Mahsuri (BPT 5204). Its objective is to increase the number of grains per panicle and it matures 20 days earlier (~130 days). Due to its shorter duration, it helps save water and fertilizers and reduces methane gas emissions. Its stalk is strong and does not fall. The rice quality is similar to the original variety, Samba Mahsuri.

    The second variety, Pusa DST Rice 1, was developed by ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, based on MTU 1010. This variety can increase yields by 9.66% to 30.4% in saline and alkaline soils, with the potential for up to 20% increase in production.

    These varieties have been developed for states such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala (Zone VII), Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh (Zone V), Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal (Zone III).

    The development of these varieties is a significant step toward India’s goal of becoming a developed nation and promoting sustainable agriculture. In the 2023-24 budget, the Government of India allocated ₹500 crores for genome editing in agricultural crops. ICAR has already initiated genome-editing research for several crops, including oilseeds and pulses.

    *****

    PSF/SRK/A

    (Release ID: 2126802) Visitor Counter : 87

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Albanese Labor Government invests $114 million to improve road connections to the New Richmond Bridge

    Source: Workplace Gender Equality Agency

    The Albanese Labor Government is announcing a further $114 million investment to improve safety and efficiency for users of key roads around the New Richmond Bridge.

    The new investment will upgrade key connecting road infrastructure around Richmond and North Richmond and construct a bypass to Londonderry via a new road parallel to Southee Road.

    The project will help reduce congestion, improve traffic flow, connectivity and safety for road users and communities in and transiting through North Richmond, Richmond, Hobartville and Londonderry.

    The days of Richmond and North Richmond being connected by a century old bridge with one lane in and out are numbered. Today’s announcement builds on the existing $515 million New Richmond Bridge and Traffic Improvements project, which has a commitment of $400 million from the Australian Government.

    The New Richmond Bridge will be built about 10 metres higher than the existing bridge, with elevated approach roads. This will allow the bridge to remain open during one-in-20-year flood events, improving safety and assisting in times of flood evacuation.

    The historic 120-year-old Richmond Bridge will be retained and will enter its next era. Once carrying a train line, then an ever-increasing number of cars, it will be transformed into a walking and cycling path.

    Today’s announcement follows $580 million already invested through the 2025-2026 Federal Budget to support flood resilience and housing growth in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley and surrounds.

    Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

    “This project will make a big difference for the Richmond community, as well as the broader Hawkesbury.

    “With fast-moving flooding occurring frequently in this region, we are building not just a new bridge but the connections to ensure people have that extra time to get in and out of the watch zones.
     
    “This work isn’t all about flood resilience, and I know the community will welcome the new walking and cycling route repurposed from the old Richmond Bridge.
     
    “This is a really good outcome for this community, and it wouldn’t have happened without the strong advocacy of their local member Susan Templeman, who’s been across every detail of this plan and has brought, State Government, Federal Government and the community together to deliver good outcomes.”
     
    Quotes attributable to Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman:

    “This funding provides the certainty the community has been seeking since the Review of Environmental Factors was released in December. It means there is funding for the approach roads, the new taller bridge and the bypass of Richmond to be built all together.

    “I’ve been fighting to reduce congestion and travel times for people across the river since 2010 and am proud to work with both the Federal and State Ministers to deliver this funding.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Men Charged After Evade Incident

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Men Charged After Evade Incident

    Saturday, 3 May 2025 – 2:47 pm.

    Two men have been charged with numerous offences following a protracted incident yesterday. Both men had been actively avoiding police and were arrested following the incident where they utilised two vehicles in an attempt to evade police. Today, they have been charged with a total of 60 offences.

    A 22 year old man with no fixed address has been charged with 35 separate charges including:
    1x Dangerous Driving
    2x Evade Police (aggravated circumstances)
    1x Aggravated assault
    1x Attempted Carjacking
    4x Drive whilst not the holder of a driver’s licence
    1x Computer related Fraud
    7x Motor Vehicle stealing
    1x Possess a controlled drug
    1x Unlawful possession of property
    1x Breach of interim Family Violence Order
    9x Breaches of bail
    2x Burglary
    1x Stealing
    1x Attempted stealing
    1x Destroy property
    1x Dangerous article in public place
    2x FTA Warrant
    1x Warrant First instance

    A 19 year old man from Herdsman Cove has been charged with 25 charges including:
    1x Motor vehicle stealing
    17x Breach of family violence order
    1x Possess a firearm to which a firearms licence may not be issued.
    1x Possess ammunition when not the holder of the appropriate firearm licence.
    1x Breach of restraint order
    1x Breach of bail conditions
    1x Unlawfully possess dangerous article in a public place.
    1x Possess a controlled drug
    1x Dangerous article in public place

    Tasmania Police would like to thank the members of the public who have provided information to support the investigation.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police investigate Moonah house fire

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Police investigate Moonah house fire

    Friday, 2 May 2025 – 7:50 am.

    Police are investigating a structure fire in Amiens Avenue, Moonah last night.Police and Tas Fire Service attended the property just after 11:30pm with theresidence well alight.TFS gained control of the fire quickly and prevented the fire from spreading toneighbouring properties.The owner of the property was taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital fortreatment.Investigations are continuing.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Two men charged after Hobart evade incident

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Two men charged after Hobart evade incident

    Friday, 2 May 2025 – 3:52 pm.

    Two men have been charged with numerous offences following a protracted incident yesterday. Both men had been actively avoiding police and were arrested following the incident where they utilised two vehicles in an attempt to evade police. Today, they have been charged with a total of 60 offences.
    A 22 year old man with no fixed address has been charged with 35 separate charges including:1x Dangerous Driving2x Evade Police (aggravated circumstances)1x Aggravated assault1x Attempted Carjacking4x Drive whilst not the holder of a driver’s licence1x Computer related Fraud7x Motor Vehicle stealing1x Possess a controlled drug1x Unlawful possession of property1x Breach of interim Family Violence Order9x Breaches of bail2x Burglary1x Stealing1x Attempted stealing1x Destroy property1x Dangerous article in public place2x FTA Warrant1x Warrant First instance
    A 19 year old man from Herdsman Cove has been charged with 25 charges including:
    1x Motor vehicle stealing17x Breach of family violence order1x Possess a firearm to which a firearms licence may not be issued.1x Possess ammunition when not the holder of the appropriate firearm licence.1x Breach of restraint order1x Breach of bail conditions1x Unlawfully possess dangerous article in a public place.1x Possess a controlled drug1x Dangerous article in public place
    Tasmania Police would like to thank the members of the public who have provided information to support the investigation.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police investigate Kingston house fire

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Police investigate Kingston house fire

    Friday, 2 May 2025 – 3:53 pm.

    Approximately 8:30am on 3 May 2025, Police and the Tasmania Fire Service were called to Lewan Avenue, Kingston in relation to a house on fire.The unit suffered significant damage, however the fire was contained within the address and extinguished.The fire appears to be suspicious and a 52 year-old Kingston man is currently assisting police with their enquiries.This appears to be an isolated incident and there is no threat to the wider community.Anyone with information is encouraged to contact:Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at crimestoppers.com.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Cleaver, Matsui Fitzpatrick Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Help Homeowners Plant More Trees and Reduce Energy Costs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

    (Washington, D.C.) – Today on Arbor Day, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Doris Matsui (D-CA), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) reintroduced the TREES Act, a bill that will help homeowners lower energy costs, increase tree canopy in underserved communities, and help mitigate the effects of climate change through residential tree planting.

    The TREES Act would create a cost-share grant program at the Department of Energy to provide $50 million in funding to plant a minimum of 300,000 trees annually in residential neighborhoods through 2028. The program seeks to prioritize low wealth communities as well as areas with low tree canopy and heat islands.

    “Kansas Citians know all too well that extreme heat waves are becoming increasingly frequent, costly, and dangerous to communities in the urban core due to the heat island effect exacerbating the historic rise in temperatures we’re seeing around the globe,” said Congressman Cleaver. “By providing states and municipalities the resources necessary to expand tree canopy in cities, we can not only boost the beautification and restoration of places like Kansas City, but we can also lower energy costs and temperatures to the benefit of local residents. That’s precisely what the TREES Act will do, and why I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Congresswoman Matsui.”

    “Urban forests are critical to addressing climate change and air pollution,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “Sacramento is the City of Trees—and through the proactive efforts of local organizations and partners we are working hard to build out a more equitable urban tree canopy across our city. The benefits at the local level are clear: we can lower energy costs, reduce temperatures on our streets, improve air quality, reduce stormwater runoff, and beautify our neighborhoods—all leading to healthier and more climate resilient communities. The TREES Act incentivizes successful programs like ours and scales them to the national level. By creating a competitive federal tree-planting grant program, we can empower communities to improve access to green space and clean air, reduce consumer costs, and help fight climate change.”

    “The TREES Act brings together environmental stewardship and economic relief—lowering energy costs while making our communities cleaner, healthier, and more vibrant,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “This is about investing in where we live—expanding green spaces, improving air quality, and creating lasting value for families in Bucks County, Montgomery County, and beyond. It’s a smart, bipartisan solution that delivers where it matters most: at the roots of our neighborhoods.”

    “This bill isn’t just about planting trees—it’s about improving lives,” said Joel Pannell, American Forests Vice President of Urban Forests Policy. “The bipartisan TREES Act delivers local benefits that communities will feel for generations—from cleaner air to lower utility bills—proving that smart, shared solutions can still bring people together. We thank Rep. Matsui, Rep. Fitzpatrick and Rep. Cleaver for introducing this critical and timely legislation.”

    Full text of the TREES Act is available here.

     

    Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Cleaver Joins Over 100 House Democrats in Filing to Defend Taxpayer Privacy at the IRS

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

    (Washington, D.C.) – This week, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) joined the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) and over 100 House Democrats in filing an amicus brief in the case Centro de Trabajadores Unidos v. Bessent, urging the D.C. district court to block an unprecedented agreement that would grant immigration enforcement access to millions of taxpayers’ confidential IRS records. 

    The brief reinforces Congress’s long-standing, bipartisan intent to maintain a strict firewall between tax administration and immigration enforcement. It defends the integrity of the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) program and taxpayer privacy protections under 26 U.S.C. § 6103. Established in 1996, the ITIN program enables individuals ineligible for Social Security Numbers to comply with federal tax law. In 2022 alone, ITIN filers paid $59.4 billion in federal income taxes—plus billions more to Social Security and Medicare, despite being ineligible to receive those benefits.

    “The American people have been very clear that they do not support the President allowing unelected bureaucrats or immigration extremists to access private, personal information on millions of American citizens at the Social Security Administration or the IRS; and historically, the courts have agreed to this commonsense principle,” said Congressman Cleaver. “As this administration continues to break the law to further their political goals, I’m proud to join my friends in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus in the fight to uphold the rule of law and protect the privacy of millions of Americans in Missouri and all across the country.”  

    “Taxpayer privacy is a cornerstone of our democracy and a principle Congress has protected for nearly 50 years,” said CHC Chair Adriano Espaillat. “The IRS promised immigrant taxpayers their information would be kept confidential when they stepped up to follow the law. Breaking that promise not only violates the law—it jeopardizes the critical contributions millions of working families make to programs like Social Security and Medicare.”

    The full list of signers includes Representatives Gabe Amo, Yassamin Ansari, Becca Balint, Nanette Barragán, Joyce Beatty, Ami Bera, Suzanne Bonamici, Julia Brownley, Salud Carbajal, Troy Carter, Greg Casar, Kathy Castor, Joaquin Castro, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Judy Chu, Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr., Yvette D. Clarke, Emanuel Cleaver, J. Luis Correa, Jim Costa, Joe Courtney, Jasmine Crockett, Danny K. Davis, Madeleine Dean, Maxine Dexter, Lloyd Doggett, Sarah Elfreth, Veronica Escobar, Adriano Espaillat, Cleo Fields, Lizzie Fletcher, Bill Foster, Laura Friedman, Maxwell Alejandro Frost, John Garamendi, Jesús G. “Chuy” Garcia, Robert Garcia, Sylvia Garcia, Jimmy Gomez, Maggie Goodlander, Al Green, Pablo Jose Hernandez, Steven Horsford, Jared Huffman, Glenn Ivey, Sara Jacobs, Pramila Jayapal, Henry C. (“Hank”) Johnson, Jr., Sydney Kamlager Dove, Robin L. Kelly, Ro Khanna, Teresa Leger Fernandez, Mike Levin, Sam Liccardo, Ted W. Lieu, Lucy McBath, Jennifer L. McClellan, Betty McCollum, James P. McGovern, LaMonica McIver, Gregory W. Meeks, Robert Menendez, Dave Min, Kevin Mullin, Jerrold Nadler, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Scott Peters, Chellie Pingree, Nellie Pou, Mike Quigley, Delia C. Ramirez, Emily Randall, Jamie Raskin, Luz Rivas, Deborah Ross, Raul Ruiz, Andrea  Salinas, Linda T. Sanchez, Mary Gay Scanlon, Jan Schakowsky, Lateefah Simon, Adam Smith, Darren Soto, Melanie Stansbury, Greg Stanton, Mark Takano, Shri Thanedar, Bennie G. Thompson, Dina Titus, Rashida Tlaib, Jill Tokuda, Paul Tonko, Norma Torres, Ritchie Torres, Lori Trahan, Derek Tran, Juan Vargas, Gabe Vazquez, Nydia M. Velázquez, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Maxine Waters, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Frederica S. Wilson.

    The official amicus brief is available here.

     

    Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MATSUI, SCHAKOWSKY, BONAMICI DEMAND ANSWERS ON THE DISBANDMENT OF THE ADMINISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswomen Doris Matsui (CA-07), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) led 63 House Democrats in a letter to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressing their strong opposition to the elimination of the Administration for Community Living (ACL) and the unjustified termination of nearly half of the agency’s workforce. 

    “Established in 2012, the ACL was created to eliminate fragmentation in federal programs for aging and disability populations, improve access to quality healthcare and long-term services, and ensure consistent policies across federal agencies,” wrote the lawmakers. “ACL’s workforce plays a crucial role in managing and coordinating federal, state, and local programs aimed at helping seniors and people with disabilities remain healthy and thrive in their homes and communities.”

    “We are gravely concerned about your arbitrary directive to dismantle the ACL and urgently request answers to understand the wide-ranging consequences this decision will have upon the health and wellbeing of older adults and individuals with disabilities,” the lawmakers continued.

    This letter is in response to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) announcement to end ACL’s critical programs across the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE), and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This month, a draft budget proposal outlining the proposed elimination of ACL’s Aging Programs and Nutrition and Disability Services Programs from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) was made public. 

    This letter has been endorsed by Justice in Aging, National Health Law Program (NHeLP), National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, National Council on Aging, National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA), USAging, Caring Across Generations, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, and National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

    Full text of the letter can be found here and below.

    Dear Secretary Kennedy:

    We are writing to express our strong opposition to the disbandment of the Administration for Community Living (ACL), the closure of ACL’s Regional Offices, and the unjustified termination of nearly half of the agency’s workforce, all of which threaten the delivery of critical services for our nation’s seniors, people with disabilities, families, and caregivers. Millions of Americans rely on the ACL’s supportive services—such as Meals on Wheels, caregiver supports, respite, and adult protective services—to live independently and with dignity. We are gravely concerned about your arbitrary directive to dismantle the ACL and urgently request answers to understand the wide-ranging consequences this decision will have upon the health and wellbeing of older adults and individuals with disabilities.

    ACL’s workforce plays a crucial role in managing and coordinating federal, state, and local programs aimed at helping seniors and people with disabilities remain healthy and thrive in their homes and communities. Established in 2012, the ACL was created to eliminate fragmentation in federal programs for aging and disability populations, improve access to quality healthcare and long-term services, and ensure consistent policies across federal agencies. The Older Americans Act (OAA) authorizes funding for various ACL- administered programs and activities, providing nearly $1.9 billion in 2024. The ACL oversees grants for state and community programs on aging, including nutrition services, in-home care, transportation, legal assistance, and research. For example, the ACL manages funding for research, training, and demonstration projects, such as the Alzheimer’s Disease Program, Chronic Disease Self-Management Education Program, Elder Falls Prevention Program, and the Senior Medicare Patrol Program. The ACL is also responsible for funding and overseeing disability programs under the Developmental Disabilities Act to support people with disabilities and their families through the State Councils on Developmental Disabilities and University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs), and to protect people with disabilities from abuse and neglect through the Protection & Advocacy programs. Moreover, the ACL administers the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and the Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Prevention Program. These programs advocate for the rights of residents in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities and train professionals in elder abuse prevention. Additionally, the ACL manages the State Health Insurance Assistance Program, which offers cost-free, unbiased Medicare guidance to seniors, people with disabilities, and their families. Lastly, The ACL also funds and administers the independent living programs, the state Assistive Technology Programs, and the Aging and Disability Resource Centers to help people get the supports they need to live in the community instead of nursing homes or other institutions.

    We understand that HHS has eliminated the staff of entire offices within ACL—seemingly eliminating these offices altogether. For example, the Center for Policy and Evaluation plays a critical role in supporting the Assistant Secretary for Aging in her role as the advisor to the HHS Secretary on aging and disability policy, engaging across HHS to ensure policies consider the needs of these populations, and evaluating the effectiveness of programs consistent with statutory requirements. We understand that all staff in that office have been fired. Finally, we understand that virtually all staff in the Center for Management and Budget, including the budget and grant staff that distribute and monitor funding, have been terminated. Finally, your announcement to eliminate all of ACL’s regional staff will put the direct work with local grantees, particularly the regional staff’s critical coordinating role during natural disasters and other emergencies, at risk.

    We are also deeply concerned with your decision to dissolve the ACL and reallocate whichever programs and functions HHS unilaterally decides to keep. We understand from HHS’ April 2nd fact sheet, HHS’ Transformation to Make America Healthy Again, that HHS plans to dismantle unspecified ACL functions across agencies, such as the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE), and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). On April 16th, a draft budget proposal from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) was made public, outlining the proposed elimination of the ACL’s Elder Falls Prevention, Long-term Care Ombudsman, Elder Rights Support Activities, etc. Additionally, the proposal recommended eliminating ACL’s Nutrition and Disability Services programs, including the State Councils on Developmental Disabilities, Paralysis Resource Center, Limb Loss Resource Center, etc. Lastly, the proposal suggested shifting the aging programs to CMS, the disability and nutrition programs to ACF, and the National Institute of Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), along with the UCEDD’s, to the Office of Strategy. ACL has been successful in coordinating across the aging and disability networks, ensuring that limited resources can reach most people.

    Spreading ACL’s programs across three separate agencies will undermine the efficiencies that have been created by housing these programs together.

    Given the severe impacts that ACL’s disbandment and mass staff firings will have on the health of seniors and people with disabilities, we request that you respond to the following questions no later than May 20th:

    1. Sec 201 of the OAA establishes the Administration on Aging and mandates that it be led by an Assistant Secretary for Aging. It is the Assistant Secretary’s duty to provide technical assistance and best practices to States, Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), and Aging and Disability Resource Centers, on how to coordinate services with health care organizations.13 With the elimination of the ACL, which point person will uphold the responsibilities previously held by the Assistant Secretary for Aging and oversee the federal, state, and local coordination of aging and disability services?
    2. We are deeply troubled by your directive to divide unspecified remaining ACL programs and allocate them across several agencies such as ACF, ASPE, and CMS. This decision is particularly alarming given the recent substantial staff terminations within these very same agencies. Given the insufficient staffing, how will you ensure that these agencies are equipped to take on additional responsibilities under ACL’s new organizational structure? With ACL’s programs spread across multiple departments, how do you plan to ensure effective coordination among them and the entities with which ACL coordinates to promote access to services for people with disabilities (including the Department of Labor, Department of Education, and others)?
    3. The proposed OMB draft budget suggests the elimination of ACL’s Aging Programs, Nutrition and Disability Services Programs, and the NIDILRR and the UCEDD’s. It also calls for the elimination of discretionary funding for the Aging and Disability Resource Centers and the State Health Insurance Assistance Program. If these proposed cuts are implemented, what concrete steps will be taken to address the critical needs these programs currently meet for individuals with disabilities, older adults, and their families?
    4. The ACL administers billions of dollars in grants annually to state and local governments and nonprofit organizations that offer services and supports for nearly 10.1 million seniors and people with disabilities.14 It has been reported that staff at ACL’s Center for Management and Budget, who are responsible for overseeing ACL’s grants and contracts, have been terminated. How will you guarantee that funds continue to be delivered in a timely manner to the 56 State Units on Aging (SUAs), 614 AAAs, over 280 Title VI Native American Aging Programs, and tens of thousands of local service providers? Can you guarantee that services and supports to disabled people and older adults will not be disrupted?

        # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MATSUI CONDEMNS TRUMP’S ILLEGAL ATTACK ON PUBLIC BROADCASTING

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, released the following statement in response to President Trump’s executive order and its illegal attempt to stop the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) from funding National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). This executive order comes on the heels of the President’s earlier attempt to illegally fire CPB board members.

    “Let’s be clear: no president is above the law, and no president can weaponize public broadcasting as a personal propaganda machine. Yet once again President Trump is trying to destroy free speech, silence our media, and keep people from the truth,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “Public broadcasting provides people with free community-supported access to news, educational content, and lifesaving emergency alerts. Congress established the Corporation for Public Broadcasting as an independent, nonprofit entity — precisely to protect public media from political interference and ensure Americans have access to fair, factual, and nonpartisan journalism.”

    “President Trump is not attacking public media because he cares about the truth,” Matsui continued. “He’s targeting it because it tells the truth — even when it doesn’t serve his interests. Time and again, he has used the power of his office to go after independent outlets that refuse to echo his talking points. I will keep fighting to protect public media and the First Amendment from the Trump Administration’s baseless attacks.” 

    The Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 established the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) as a private, non-profit corporation to provide non-commercial educational programming to the public. The CPB is not a federal executive agency subject to presidential authority. CPB provides grants to 1,216 public radio stations and 365 public television stations across the country, to provide nearly 99 percent of the U.S. population with free programming and services.

    Congresswoman Matsui is a longtime champion of public broadcasting and freedom of the press. She introduced the Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act, legislation that would prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from revoking broadcast licenses or taking action against broadcasters based on the viewpoints they broadcast. The legislation would reaffirm the importance of the independence of the FCC, including that the President should not mandate the FCC’s agenda. Congresswoman Matsui also led a bipartisan letter emphasizing the importance of federal funding for public radio and television.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister’s statement on International Firefighters Day

    Garry Begg, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, has released a statement on International Firefighters Day:

    “International Firefighters Day honours the courage and sacrifices made by firefighters, here at home and around the world, who risk their lives to keep our communities safe. On behalf of the government and people of British Columbia, I express my gratitude to every firefighter in this province for your unwavering dedication and service.

    “Every day, firefighters suit up and protect our homes, businesses, communities; and when wildfires strike, our precious forests. This work is dangerous, yet they heroically put their own safety on the line to protect others.

    “As first responders, firefighters are dedicated to the protection of life and property. They are on the front lines of almost every kind of emergency in our society, including the toxic-drug crisis, which has claimed thousands of lives in our province.

    “The heroic actions of firefighters have saved countless lives. The work that firefighters do day in and day out is the epitome of public service. Thank you for everything that you do.”

    Learn More:

    For more information about International Firefighters Day, visit: https://www.firefightersday.org/

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHNEIDER STATEMENT ON NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)

    WASHINGTON – Rep. Brad Schneider, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s announcement that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as interim National Security Advisor, in addition to his existing duties:

    “Americans depend on our Commander in Chief to ensure that our national security – and the safety of our troops and citizens around the world – is a top priority. It is astounding that the President appears to not take our national security seriously by diminishing the roles of the National Security Advisor and the Secretary of State into part-time positions. 

    “The President was right to fire Mike Waltz as National Security Advisor, but adding his responsibilities to Marco Rubio’s already heavy load as Secretary of State demonstrates a blatant disregard for the scale and seriousness of the global crises we face. There is a war in Ukraine, a genocide in Darfur, and a brewing conflict in Kashmir. American Edan Alexander is one of 59 hostages still held by Hamas, a year and a half after Hamas terrorists brutally attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. 

    “The job of the National Security Advisor is more than a full-time job. The same is true for the Secretary of State. No serious leader would believe one person can manage both – let alone amid multiple international emergencies. 

    “I wish we had a President that took his role as Commander in Chief seriously and chose people for their expertise rather than blind loyalty.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Wildfire smoke and extreme heat can occur together: Preparing for the combined health effects of a hot, smoky future

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Stephanie Cleland, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University

    In recent years, Canadians have been subjected to both severe wildfire smoke and extreme heat events, as evidenced by the record-breaking 2023 wildfire season and the 2021 heat dome. Western Canada in particular has a long history of wildfires and heat waves, and with climate change, communities have experienced an increasing number of days per year affected by wildfire smoke or extreme temperatures.

    It’s well understood that exposure to either wildfire smoke or extreme heat poses a significant threat to health. For example, there is substantial evidence linking wildfire smoke to an increased risk of hospitalizations for lung or heart complications, with emerging evidence that exposure may also affect birth outcomes and cognitive function. Similarly, we know that extreme heat can increase the risk of illness or death from conditions related to our lungs, hearts and brains.

    However, most available research has focused on the effects of these climate hazards in isolation, without considering what the health risks might be when wildfire smoke and extreme heat happen at the same time. We live in a complex world where we’re rarely exposed to one hazard at a time, and wildfire season overlaps with the warmest months of the year, making it essential to consider the potential risks of concurrent exposure to heat and smoke.

    While only a handful of studies have explored the effects of co-occurring wildfire smoke and extreme heat events, early evidence indicates that simultaneous exposure may actually amplify the adverse health effects, leading to worse respiratory, cardiovascular and birth outcomes than either exposure on their own.

    This emerging evidence of amplified effects, paired with expected increases in Canadians’ exposure to both wildfire smoke and extreme heat, prompted me and my colleagues at the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control to explore how often, and where, these climate hazards are co-occurring in Canada. In doing so, we aimed to identify priority communities to guide public health communication and adaptation planning in the face of hotter and smokier summers.

    When wildfire smoke and extreme heat co-occur

    To understand how often communities are simultaneously exposed to wildfire smoke and extreme heat, we analyzed 13 years of temperature and air pollution data across British Columbia. We calculated the number of days affected by both wildfire smoke and extreme heat in each dissemination area (small, government-defined geographic regions that have an average population of 400-700 people). We also assessed if the frequency and intensity of these simultaneous climate hazards has changed over time.

    The number of days with simultaneous exposure to wildfire smoke and extreme heat between 2010-2022. The number of days are calculated for each community (dissemination area) in British Columbia.
    (Cleland et al., 2025), CC BY-NC-ND

    We found that wildfire smoke and extreme heat frequently co-occur in British Columbia, with all communities experiencing at least seven, and upwards of 65, days with simultaneous exposure to wildfire smoke and extreme heat between 2010 to 2022.

    We also identified that the frequency and intensity of these events has escalated over time, with 42.5 per cent of communities (approximately 1.9 million people) experiencing significant increases in their exposure. For example, between 2018 to 2022, communities on average experienced 4.5 days per year with simultaneous exposure to wildfire smoke and extreme heat, compared with only one day per year between 2010 to 2014.

    Trends in the number of days with simultaneous exposure to wildfire smoke and extreme heat between 2010-2022. The left figure illustrates which communities (dissemination areas) experienced significant increases in their exposure, and the right figure illustrates the number of days with simultaneous exposure during each year of the study period.
    (Cleland et al., 2025), CC BY-NC-ND

    We also found that communities across the province were not equally affected by these co-occurring wildfire smoke and extreme heat events. Those in the northeastern and south-central regions of British Columbia tended to experience more frequent and intense exposure.

    When we dug a bit more into the characteristics of these highly exposed communities, we found that they were primarily located in rural and remote regions of the province, often with lower socioeconomic status and a higher proportion of susceptible populations, such as older adults.

    These types of communities tend to have lower resilience and adaptability to climate hazards, with reduced access to the resources necessary to follow public health guidance and reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke and extreme heat.

    Preparing for hotter and smokier summers

    Our findings, together with evidence of amplified health risks, make it clear that Canada needs to prepare for hotter and smokier summers. There is also a clear need to increase the resilience and adaptive capacity of rural and remote communities in certain regions of British Columbia.

    To do so, we need to invest in strategies that account for the unique ways in which a community experiences wildfire smoke and extreme heat as well as their specific needs and susceptibilities.

    While Health Canada and the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control provide guidance on actions to take when exposed to wildfire smoke and extreme heat together, a recent review of public health guidance on simultaneous exposure to smoke and heat found that the current messaging is often incomplete and inconsistent. This unclear messaging can make it difficult for communities to adequately plan and prepare for these recurrent and intense climate hazards.

    Additionally, a lot of the strategies that cities currently rely on to reduce exposure to smoke or heat do not account for the complex world of multiple hazards. For example, cities often open cooling centres during periods of extreme heat to provide access to air conditioning, but these centres don’t always have air filtration.

    Similarly, cities often designate cleaner air spaces during periods of wildfire smoke to provide access to clean indoor air, but these spaces don’t always have air conditioning.

    Moving forward, Canada needs to invest in co-ordinated public health guidance and adaptation strategies that serve multiple purposes and account for the numerous climate hazards that communities face each year. In doing so, we can better protect the health and well-being of the communities that are experiencing increasingly frequent and intense wildfire smoke and extreme heat events.

    Stephanie Cleland receives funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research

    – ref. Wildfire smoke and extreme heat can occur together: Preparing for the combined health effects of a hot, smoky future – https://theconversation.com/wildfire-smoke-and-extreme-heat-can-occur-together-preparing-for-the-combined-health-effects-of-a-hot-smoky-future-252245

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –