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Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI Global: It’s not just ‘chronic fatigue’: ME/CFS is much more than being tired

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Sarah Annesley, Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Cell and Molecular Biology, La Trobe University

    Edwin Tan/Getty

    Myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is as complex as its name is difficult to pronounce. It’s sometimes referred to as simply “chronic fatigue”, but this is just one of its symptoms.

    In fact, ME/CFS is a complex neurological disease, recognised by the World Health Organization, that affects nearly every system in the body.

    The name refers to muscle pain (myalgia), inflammation of the brain (encephalomyelitis), and a profound, disabling fatigue that rest can’t relieve.

    However, the illness’s complexity – and its disproportionate impact on women – means ME/CFS has often been incorrectly labelled as a psychological disorder.

    What is ME/CFS?

    ME/CFS affects people of all ages but is most commonly diagnosed in middle age. It is two to three times more common in women than men.

    While the exact cause is unknown, ME/CFS is commonly triggered by an infection.

    The condition has two core symptoms: a disabling, long-lasting fatigue that rest doesn’t relieve, and a worsening of symptoms after physical or mental exertion.

    This is known as post-exertional malaise. It means even slight exertion can make symptoms much worse, and take much longer than expected to recover.

    This varies between people, but could mean simply having a shower or attending a social event triggers worse symptoms, either immediately or days later.

    These symptoms include pain, sleep issues, cognitive difficulties (such as thinking, memory and decision-making), flu-like symptoms, dizziness, gastrointestinal problems, heart rate fluctuations and many more.

    For some people, symptoms can be managed in a way that allows them to work. For others, the disease is so severe it can leave them housebound or bedridden.

    Symptoms can fluctuate, changing over time and in intensity, making ME/CFS a particularly unpredictable and misunderstood condition.

    Not just ‘in your head’

    A growing body of scientific evidence, however, clearly shows ME/CFS is a biological, not mental, illness.

    Neuroimaging studies have revealed differences in the brain activity and structure of people with ME/CFS, including poor blood flow and lower levels of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the nervous system).

    Other research indicates the condition affects how the body produces energy (the metabolism), fights infection (the immune system), delivers oxygen to muscles and tissues, and regulates blood pressure and heart rate (the vascular system).

    Issues with criteria

    To diagnose ME/CFS, a clinician will also exclude other possible causes of fatigue, which can be a lengthy process. A patient needs to meet a set of clinical criteria.

    But one of the major challenges in researching ME/CFS is that the diagnostic criteria clinicians use vary worldwide.

    Some criteria focus solely on fatigue and include people with alternate reasons for fatigue, such as a psychiatric disorder.

    Others are more narrow and may only capture ME/CFS patients with more severe symptoms.

    As a result, it can be very difficult to compare across different studies, as the reasons they include or exclude participants vary so much.

    Changes to the guidelines

    In Australia, doctors often receive little formal education about ME/CFS.

    Most commonly, they follow the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners’ clinical guidelines to diagnose and manage ME/CFS. These are based on the Canadian Consensus Criteria which are considered more stringent than other ME/CFS diagnostic criteria.

    They include post-exertional malaise and fatigue for more than six months as core symptoms.

    However, these guidelines are outdated and rely heavily on controversial studies that assumed the primary cause of ME/CFS was “deconditioning” – a loss of physical strength due to a fear or avoidance of exercise.

    These guidelines recommend ME/CFS should be treated with cognitive behavioural therapy – a common psychotherapy which focuses on changing unhealthy thoughts and behaviours – and graded exercise therapy, which gradually introduces more demanding physical activity.

    While cognitive behaviour therapy can be effective for some people managing ME/CFS, it’s important not to frame this condition primarily as a psychological issue.

    Graded exercise therapy can encourage people to push beyond their “energy envelope”, which means they do more than their body can manage. This can trigger post-exertional malaise and a worsening of symptoms.

    In June 2024, the Australian government announced A$1.1 million towards developing new clinical guidelines for diagnosing and managing ME/CFS.

    Leading organisations have scrapped the recommendation of graded exercise therapy in the United States (in 2015) and the United Kingdom (in 2021). Hopefully Australia will follow suit.

    What can people with ME/CFS do?

    While we wait for updated clinical guidelines, “pacing” – or working within your energy envelope – has shown some success in managing symptoms. This means monitoring and limiting how much energy you expend.

    Some evidence also suggests people who rest in the early stages of their initial illness often experience better long-term outcomes with ME/CFS.

    This is especially relevant after the COVID pandemic and with the emergence of long COVID. Studies indicate more than half of those affected meet stringent clinical criteria for ME/CFS.

    In times of acute illness we should resist the temptation to push through. Choosing to rest may be a crucial step in preventing a condition that is much more debilitating than the original infection.

    Sarah Annesley receives funding from The Judith Jane Mason & Harold Stannett Williams Memorial Foundation and ME Research UK (SCIO charity number SCO36942).

    – ref. It’s not just ‘chronic fatigue’: ME/CFS is much more than being tired – https://theconversation.com/its-not-just-chronic-fatigue-me-cfs-is-much-more-than-being-tired-258803

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: It’s not just ‘chronic fatigue’: ME/CFS is much more than being tired

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Sarah Annesley, Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Cell and Molecular Biology, La Trobe University

    Edwin Tan/Getty

    Myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is as complex as its name is difficult to pronounce. It’s sometimes referred to as simply “chronic fatigue”, but this is just one of its symptoms.

    In fact, ME/CFS is a complex neurological disease, recognised by the World Health Organization, that affects nearly every system in the body.

    The name refers to muscle pain (myalgia), inflammation of the brain (encephalomyelitis), and a profound, disabling fatigue that rest can’t relieve.

    However, the illness’s complexity – and its disproportionate impact on women – means ME/CFS has often been incorrectly labelled as a psychological disorder.

    What is ME/CFS?

    ME/CFS affects people of all ages but is most commonly diagnosed in middle age. It is two to three times more common in women than men.

    While the exact cause is unknown, ME/CFS is commonly triggered by an infection.

    The condition has two core symptoms: a disabling, long-lasting fatigue that rest doesn’t relieve, and a worsening of symptoms after physical or mental exertion.

    This is known as post-exertional malaise. It means even slight exertion can make symptoms much worse, and take much longer than expected to recover.

    This varies between people, but could mean simply having a shower or attending a social event triggers worse symptoms, either immediately or days later.

    These symptoms include pain, sleep issues, cognitive difficulties (such as thinking, memory and decision-making), flu-like symptoms, dizziness, gastrointestinal problems, heart rate fluctuations and many more.

    For some people, symptoms can be managed in a way that allows them to work. For others, the disease is so severe it can leave them housebound or bedridden.

    Symptoms can fluctuate, changing over time and in intensity, making ME/CFS a particularly unpredictable and misunderstood condition.

    Not just ‘in your head’

    A growing body of scientific evidence, however, clearly shows ME/CFS is a biological, not mental, illness.

    Neuroimaging studies have revealed differences in the brain activity and structure of people with ME/CFS, including poor blood flow and lower levels of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the nervous system).

    Other research indicates the condition affects how the body produces energy (the metabolism), fights infection (the immune system), delivers oxygen to muscles and tissues, and regulates blood pressure and heart rate (the vascular system).

    Issues with criteria

    To diagnose ME/CFS, a clinician will also exclude other possible causes of fatigue, which can be a lengthy process. A patient needs to meet a set of clinical criteria.

    But one of the major challenges in researching ME/CFS is that the diagnostic criteria clinicians use vary worldwide.

    Some criteria focus solely on fatigue and include people with alternate reasons for fatigue, such as a psychiatric disorder.

    Others are more narrow and may only capture ME/CFS patients with more severe symptoms.

    As a result, it can be very difficult to compare across different studies, as the reasons they include or exclude participants vary so much.

    Changes to the guidelines

    In Australia, doctors often receive little formal education about ME/CFS.

    Most commonly, they follow the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners’ clinical guidelines to diagnose and manage ME/CFS. These are based on the Canadian Consensus Criteria which are considered more stringent than other ME/CFS diagnostic criteria.

    They include post-exertional malaise and fatigue for more than six months as core symptoms.

    However, these guidelines are outdated and rely heavily on controversial studies that assumed the primary cause of ME/CFS was “deconditioning” – a loss of physical strength due to a fear or avoidance of exercise.

    These guidelines recommend ME/CFS should be treated with cognitive behavioural therapy – a common psychotherapy which focuses on changing unhealthy thoughts and behaviours – and graded exercise therapy, which gradually introduces more demanding physical activity.

    While cognitive behaviour therapy can be effective for some people managing ME/CFS, it’s important not to frame this condition primarily as a psychological issue.

    Graded exercise therapy can encourage people to push beyond their “energy envelope”, which means they do more than their body can manage. This can trigger post-exertional malaise and a worsening of symptoms.

    In June 2024, the Australian government announced A$1.1 million towards developing new clinical guidelines for diagnosing and managing ME/CFS.

    Leading organisations have scrapped the recommendation of graded exercise therapy in the United States (in 2015) and the United Kingdom (in 2021). Hopefully Australia will follow suit.

    What can people with ME/CFS do?

    While we wait for updated clinical guidelines, “pacing” – or working within your energy envelope – has shown some success in managing symptoms. This means monitoring and limiting how much energy you expend.

    Some evidence also suggests people who rest in the early stages of their initial illness often experience better long-term outcomes with ME/CFS.

    This is especially relevant after the COVID pandemic and with the emergence of long COVID. Studies indicate more than half of those affected meet stringent clinical criteria for ME/CFS.

    In times of acute illness we should resist the temptation to push through. Choosing to rest may be a crucial step in preventing a condition that is much more debilitating than the original infection.

    Sarah Annesley receives funding from The Judith Jane Mason & Harold Stannett Williams Memorial Foundation and ME Research UK (SCIO charity number SCO36942).

    – ref. It’s not just ‘chronic fatigue’: ME/CFS is much more than being tired – https://theconversation.com/its-not-just-chronic-fatigue-me-cfs-is-much-more-than-being-tired-258803

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Who are Iran’s allies? And would any help if the US joins Israel in its war?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ali Mamouri, Research Fellow, Middle East Studies, Deakin University

    As Israel continues its attacks on Iran, US President Donald Trump and other global leaders are hardening their stance against the Islamic Republic.

    While considering a US attack on Iran’s nuclear sites, Trump has threatened Iran’s supreme leader, claiming to know his location and calling him “an easy target”. He has demanded “unconditional surrender” from Iran.

    Meanwhile, countries such as Germany, Canada, the UK and Australia have toughened their rhetoric, demanding Iran fully abandon its nuclear program.

    So, as the pressure mounts on Iran, has it been left to fight alone? Or does it have allies that could come to its aid?

    Has Iran’s ‘axis of resistance’ fully collapsed?

    Iran has long relied on a network of allied paramilitary groups across the Middle East as part of its deterrence strategy. This approach has largely shielded it from direct military strikes by the US or Israel, despite constant threats and pressure.

    This so-called “axis of resistance” includes groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) in Iraq, the Houthi militants in Yemen, as well as Hamas in Gaza, which has long been under Iran’s influence to varying degrees. Iran also supported Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria before it was toppled last year.

    These groups have served both as a regional buffer and as a means for Iran to project power without direct engagement.

    However, over the past two years, Israel has dealt significant blows to the network.

    Hezbollah — once Iran’s most powerful non-state ally — has been effectively neutralised after months of attacks by Israel. Its weapons stocks were systematically targeted and destroyed across Lebanon. And the group suffered a major psychological and strategic loss with the assassination of its most influential leader, Hassan Nasrallah.

    In Syria, Iranian-backed militias have been largely expelled following the fall of Assad’s regime, stripping Iran of another key foothold in the region.

    That said, Iran maintains strong influence in Iraq and Yemen.

    The PMF in Iraq, with an estimated 200,000 fighters, remains formidable. The Houthis have similarly sized contingent of fighters in Yemen.

    Should the situation escalate into an existential threat to Iran — as the region’s only Shiite-led state — religious solidarity could drive these groups to become actively involved. This would rapidly expand the war across the region.

    The PMF, for instance, could launch attacks on the 2,500 US troops stationed in Iraq. Indeed, the head of Kata’ib Hezbollah, one of the PMF’s more hardline factions, promised to do so:

    If America dares to intervene in the war, we will directly target its interests and military bases spread across the region without hesitation.

    Iran itself could also target US bases in the Persian Gulf countries with ballistic missiles, as well as close the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world’s oil supply flows.

    Will Iran’s regional and global allies step in?

    Several regional powers maintain close ties with Iran. The most notable among them is Pakistan — the only Islamic country with a nuclear arsenal.

    For weeks, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has tried to align Iran more closely with Pakistan in countering Israel’s actions in Gaza.

    In a sign of Pakistan’s importance in the Israel-Iran war, Trump has met with the country’s army chief in Washington as he weighs a possible strike on its neighbour.

    Pakistan’s leaders have also made their allegiances very clear. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has offered Iran’s president “unwavering solidarity” in the “face of Israel’s unprovoked aggression”. And Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif recently said in an interview Israel will “think many times before taking on Pakistan”.

    These statements signal a firm stance without explicitly committing to intervention.

    Yet, Pakistan has also been working to de-escalate tensions. It has urged other Muslim-majority nations and its strategic partner, China, to intervene diplomatically before the violence spirals into a broader regional war.

    In recent years, Iran has also made diplomatic overtures to former regional rivals, such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt, in order to improve relations.

    These shifts have helped rally broader regional support for Iran. Nearly two dozen Muslim-majority countries — including some that maintain diplomatic relations with Israel — have jointly condemned Israel’s actions and urged de-escalation.

    It’s unlikely, though, that regional powers such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey would support Iran materially, given their strong alliances with the US.

    Iran’s key global allies, Russia and China, have also condemned Israel’s strikes. They have previously shielded Tehran from punitive resolutions at the UN Security Council.

    However, neither power appears willing — at least for now — to escalate the confrontation by providing direct military support to Iran or engaging in a standoff with Israel and the US.

    Theoretically, this could change if the conflict widens and Washington openly pursues a regime change strategy in Tehran. Both nations have major geopolitical and security interests in Iran’s stability. This is due to Iran’s long-standing “Look East” policy and the impact its instability could have on the region and the global economy.

    However, at the current stage, many analysts believe both are unlikely to get involved directly.

    Moscow stayed on the sidelines when Assad’s regime collapsed in Syria, one of Russia’s closest allies in the region. Not only is it focused on its war in Ukraine, Russia also wouldn’t want to endanger improving ties with the Trump administration.

    China has offered Iran strong rhetorical support, but history suggests it has little interest in getting directly involved in Middle Eastern conflicts.

    Ali Mamouri 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. Who are Iran’s allies? And would any help if the US joins Israel in its war? – https://theconversation.com/who-are-irans-allies-and-would-any-help-if-the-us-joins-israel-in-its-war-259265

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Energy Sector – Electricity generators collaborate to help secure New Zealand’s energy future

    Source: Energy Resources Aotearoa

    Energy Resources Aotearoa welcomes today’s announcement from Genesis Energy and other major electricity generators, Mercury, Meridian, and Contact, setting out a proposed long-term agreement to establish a strategic energy reserve and retain Huntly’s Rankine units to support a secure energy future for New Zealand.
    Energy Resources Aotearoa Chief Executive John Carnegie says the proposal is a pragmatic signal that generators can work together to manage growing system risks.
    “As New Zealand navigates the challenges of declining domestic natural gas, growing but intermittent renewable generation, and highly volatile economic and geopolitical conditions, this proposal is a practical response to uncertainty.
    “Huntly has long been New Zealand’s energy security blanket. Its dual-fuel capability – capable of running on both coal and natural gas – provides the system with resilience and flexibility, with the potential to expand this to biomass in the future.
    More domestic gas supply will further enhance this capability and reduce our dependence on coal during periods of peak demand or supply shortfall.”
    “We welcome more wind and solar, but they also make the system more volatile. We need to increase our firm generation capacity even more, in the form of more gas-fired power plants, to meet demand peaks. There’s no single fix, but this proposal is a useful part of the solution as we manage uncertainty.”
    Energy Resources Aotearoa will continue to advocate for policy and regulatory settings that support long-term investment in reliable, secure and affordable energy, to power New Zealand’s future.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ACT Budget 2025–26: Supporting Primary Care and Building a More Inclusive Health Workforce

    Source: Australian National Party

    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 19/06/2025

    The 2025–26 ACT Budget will deliver targeted investment to strengthen local general practice, improve affordability and access to primary care, and support a more inclusive and self-determined First Nations health workforce.

    The ACT Government is investing in new health funding over four years to ensure Canberrans can access the right care in the right place, with a stronger primary care system that delivers better outcomes and equity.

    This includes:

    • $7.3 million over four years to support general practice through bulk billing incentives, wellbeing and professional development support for GPs, and more junior doctor placements in ACT general practices.
    • $2.36 million over four years (ongoing and indexed) to grow the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce and address systemic barriers to participation.
    • Payroll tax changes for medical practices from 1 July 2025 that will exempt income from bulk billed GP services – a measure that will support affordability and access while reducing the administrative burden on practices.

    Treasurer Chris Steel said that investments is part of  ACT Government’s delivering on its health priorities and compliments the Federal Government’s commitments to strengthening Medicare.

    “Health care is our biggest priority in the Budget, and these measures will support more affordable local access to primary health care,” Minister Steel said.

    “The Government will provide support for both the workforce and the community – with more bulk billing appointments, better support for GPs, and a stronger First Nations workforce to deliver culturally safe care. These measures will ensure Canberrans can access the care they need, closer to home.”

    Key measures in the Budget will deliver on Government commitments to support GPs to expand services and reduce out-of-pocket costs for families. A $1.5 million grants program will be piloted over two years to support general practices that commit to bulk billing all children under 16.

    The Government is also delivering on the Government commitment to support for the primary health care workforce by investing in professional development and wellbeing, including funding for the Drs4Drs mental health support program and expanding Junior Medical Officer (JMO) placements into general practice settings to promote early consideration of a GP career pathway.

    To support greater access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to health careers, the Budget also includes funding for new workforce governance structures, culturally safe supervision, and support for local implementation of the National First Nations Workforce Plan.

    Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said the investments are part of a coordinated approach to grow and support the health workforce and are key actions in the ACT Health Workforce Strategy: Action Plan 2024-2026 .

    “Primary care is the foundation of a strong health system, and we’re backing our GP workforce to do what they do best – deliver high-quality, accessible care to the community,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

    “We’re also backing a stronger, more self-determined Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce. This Budget funds new dedicated roles, better training and supervision, and action on systemic racism in the health system.

    “Together, these investments will help build a more inclusive, sustainable health system – one that puts equity, respect and workforce wellbeing at its core.

    “They complement Federal Labor’s commitments to expanding bulk billing and build on the ACT Government’s broader work to expand community-based, person-centred healthcare and reduce pressure on the hospital system.”

    – Statement ends –

    Chris Steel, MLA | Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Almost 16 thousand Moscow teachers will take courses on teaching mathematics in a new format

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    About 16 thousand Moscow teachers will undergo training to use new approaches in teaching mathematics, of which over 1.5 thousand teachers work in the fifth and sixth grades. Employees of 150 schools will begin training. These are teachers, methodologists and principals. This was reported by the press service Department of Education and Science of the City of Moscow.

    “Starting from the new academic year, Moscow schools will introduce additional courses in mathematics, science and technology for grades one through four. Large-scale training of teachers is being conducted for this purpose. Already 14,000 primary school teachers have begun classes, and now teachers of grades five through six will join them. They will master the stratified approach, in which students are divided into groups depending on the child’s interest in studying mathematics: mathematics for everyone, mathematics for those interested, and mathematics for those passionate. Teachers will learn to work with children with different educational needs,” the department’s press service noted.

    Children’s groups (strata) will be formed based on the results of diagnostics and taking into account the opinions of parents. In the first half of the year, children will be able to try themselves at different levels, and from the second half, they will continue their studies in a suitable group. At the same time, they can move to a simpler level at any time.

    This approach will help schoolchildren master mathematics at a comfortable pace. The tasks will correspond to their level of preparation and interests, which will have a positive effect on the results and motivation. To do this, teachers will study different teaching methods, get acquainted with the experience of schools that already use the stratified approach, and learn how to build interaction with students and parents.

    Courses in mathematics, science and technology in grades one through four will begin in September 2025. The emphasis will be on creative tasks and the development of modern skills. Some classes will be devoted to Moscow’s opportunities and in-demand professions. The program also does not include homework, so as not to create an additional burden.

    Earlier, the capital created expert council for the development of mathematical and natural science education. Its goal is to improve the quality of education in schools and support children’s interest in the exact sciences. The Council is engaged in the development of promising proposals for the development of mathematical and natural science education, the examination of teaching aids, advanced training courses for teachers, and the analysis of best pedagogical practices. It is headed by the Rector Moscow City Pedagogical University Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences Igor Remorenko. The group includes leading specialists – coaches of Olympic teams, teachers, scientists, methodologists, representatives of universities and industrial partners.

    Strengthening mathematical and natural science training is part of the Moscow education development strategy approved by Sergei Sobyanin. The measures taken will help maintain the capital’s advantage in this area. This year, young Muscovites won a record number of awards at the All-Russian School Olympiad — 1,863 diplomas, and by the end of 2024, they had received more than 50 percent of the country’s gold medals at international intellectual competitions.

    Sobyanin: Muscovites win medals at international chemistry and physics olympiadsMoscow schoolchildren won 17 medals at the International Informatics TournamentIn the Kingdom of Science: How Moscow Schoolchildren Win Medals at International Olympiads

    The advanced training program was organized by the Center for Pedagogical Excellence of the Moscow Department of Education and Science and the Moscow City Pedagogical University.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155456073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Scrapping the national census raises data sovereignty and surveillance fears for Māori

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lara Greaves, Associate Professor of Politics, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington

    Getty Images

    Yesterday’s announcement that the five-yearly national census would be scrapped has raised difficult questions about the effectiveness, ethics and resourcing of the new “administrative” system that will replace it.

    An administrative census will use information collected in day-to-day government activities, such as emergency-room admission forms, overseas travel declarations and marriage licences.

    The move is not necessarily bad in principle, especially given the rising cost of the census and declining participation rates. But to make it effective and robust it must be properly resourced. And it must give effect to the principles of te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi), as set out in the Data and Statistics Act.

    The transformation process so far leaves considerable room for doubt that these things will happen. In particular, there are major ethical and Māori data sovereignty issues at stake.

    As Te Mana Raraunga (the Māori Data Sovereignty Network) advocates, data is a living taonga (treasure), is of strategic value to Māori, and should be subject to Māori governance. Changes to census methods risk compromising these values – and undermining public trust in the official statistics system in general.

    Because the new system takes census data gathering out of the hands of individual citizens and households, it also raises questions about state surveillance and social licence.

    Surveillance and social licence

    Surveillance means more than police stakeouts or phone-tapping. The state constantly collects and uses many kinds of data about us and our movements.

    For more than a decade, the Integrated Data Infrastructure has been the government’s tool to patch gaps in its own data ecosystems.

    This administrative data is collected without our direct and informed consent, and there is no real way to opt out. The safeguard is that information about individuals is “de-identified” once it enters the Integrated Data Infrastructure – no names, just data points.

    Stats NZ, which administers the system, says it has the social licence to collect, cross-reference and use this administrative data. But genuine social licence requires that people understand and accept how their data is being used.

    Stats NZ’s own research shows only around one in four people surveyed have enough knowledge about its activities to make an informed judgement.

    The risks associated with this form of surveillance are amplified for Māori because of their particular historical experience with data and surveillance. The Crown used data collection and monitoring systems to dispossess land and suppress cultural practices, which continue to disproportionately affect Māori communities today.

    Meaningful work to address this has taken place under the Mana Ōrite agreement, a partnership between Stats NZ and the Data Iwi Leaders Group (part of the National Iwi Chairs Forum). The agreement aims to solidify iwi authority over their own data and ensure Māori perspectives are heard in decision-making around data and statistics.

    Data and a distorted picture of Māori

    On the face of it, repurposing administrative data seems like a realistic solution to the census budget blowout. But there are questions about whether the data and methods used in an administrative census will be robust and of high quality. This has implications for policy and for communities.

    Administrative data in its current form is limited in many ways. In particular, it misses what is actually important to Māori communities, and what makes life meaningful to them.

    Administrative data often only measures problems. It is collected on Māori at their most vulnerable – when they’re in crisis, sick or struggling – which creates a distorted picture. In contrast, Te Kupenga (a survey by Stats NZ last run in 2018) included information by Māori and from a Māori cultural perspective that reflected lived realities.

    Before increasing reliance on administrative data, greater engagement with Māori will be needed to ensure a data system that gathers and provides reliable, quality data. It is especially important for smaller hapori Māori (Māori communities), which need the data to make decisions for their members.

    Stats NZ plans to partly fill the data void left by removing the traditional census with regular surveys. But the small sample size of surveys often makes it impossible to obtain reliable information on smaller groups, such as takatāpui (Māori of diverse gender and sexualities) or specific hapū or iwi groups.

    It is not clear the implications of this have been fully been worked through in the census change process. Nor is it clear whether the recommendations from Stats NZ’s Future Census Independent External Review Panel – from Māori and a range of experts – have been fully considered.

    This included crucial recommendations around commissioning an independent analysis informed by te Tiriti principles, meaningful engagement with iwi-Māori, and the continuing implementation of a Māori data governance model developed by Māori data experts.

    We are not opposed to updating the way in which census data is collected. But for the new approach to be just, ethical and legal will require it to adhere to te Tiriti o Waitangi and the relationship established in the Mana Ōrite agreement.

    Lara Greaves receives funding from the Royal Society of NZ, MBIE, and Horizon Europe. Lara is affiliated with Te Mana Raraunga-Māori Data Sovereignty Network.

    Ella Pēpi Tarapa-Dewes is affiliated with Te Mana Raraunga-Māori Data Sovereignty Network.

    Kiri West receives funding from Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga. She is affiliated with Te Mana Raraunga-Māori Data Sovereignty Network.

    Larissa Renfrew is affiliated with Te Mana Raraunga-Māori Data Sovereignty Network.

    – ref. Scrapping the national census raises data sovereignty and surveillance fears for Māori – https://theconversation.com/scrapping-the-national-census-raises-data-sovereignty-and-surveillance-fears-for-maori-259274

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • Indian stock market trades flat amid US Fed policy decision

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian benchmark indices opened on a flat note Thursday, reacting cautiously to the US Federal Reserve’s latest policy decision and weak cues from Asian markets. Early trade saw selling pressure across IT, PSU banking, FMCG, and pharma sectors.

    At around 9:34 am, the Sensex was trading marginally higher by 1.66 points at 81,446.32, while the Nifty edged up by 9.90 points to 24,821.95, showing a minimal gain of 0.04%.

    The Nifty Bank index was up by 43.15 points, or 0.08%, at 55,871.90. Meanwhile, the Nifty Midcap 100 dropped 40.35 points, or 0.07%, to 58,068.85, whereas the Nifty Smallcap 100 gained 25.60 points, or 0.14%, reaching 18,404.05.

    Analysts noted that while the US Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged, it maintained its projection of two rate cuts this year. However, an increasing number of policymakers now foresee no cuts at all.

    “Additionally, the Fed slightly revised its long-term outlook, projecting just one quarter-point cut each in 2026 and 2027,” said Mandar Bhojane of Choice Broking.

    Market experts believe the 24,500–25,000 range for the Nifty will likely hold unless geopolitical developments — particularly from the Israel-Iran conflict — shift the market mood.

    “If there’s news of de-escalation, the Nifty may break out of the upper band. However, any escalation, especially affecting the Strait of Hormuz and causing a spike in crude oil prices, could threaten the 24,500 support level,” said Dr. V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services.

    Among Sensex stocks, Tech Mahindra, IndusInd Bank, Infosys, HCLTech, PowerGrid, and Tata Steel were the top losers in early trade. On the other hand, Titan, M&M, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Tata Motors emerged as top gainers.

    Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) remained net buyers on June 18, purchasing equities worth ₹890 crore. Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) also showed buying interest, investing ₹1,091 crore during the session.

    Across Asia, markets in Bangkok, Japan, Seoul, Jakarta, Hong Kong, and China were trading in the red.

    Meanwhile, US markets ended on a mixed note in the previous session, reacting to the Federal Reserve’s policy announcement and Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s comments. The Dow Jones closed at 42,171.66, down 44.14 points or 0.10%, while the S&P 500 dipped 1.85 points to 5,980.87. The Nasdaq, however, gained 25.18 points to close at 19,546.27, up 0.13%.

    — IANS

  • ‘We are proud to be Indians’: evacuated students thank Modi govt after return from Iran

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    After arriving safely in New Delhi on Thursday, all 110 Indian citizens evacuated from Iran expressed their gratitude to the Narendra Modi-led Union government and the Indian embassies in Iran and Armenia for their timely and safe evacuation amid the escalating military conflict in the Middle East.

    As part of Operation Sindhu, the first flight carrying Indian nationals from Iran landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. The evacuees, including 90 students from Urmia Medical University, were flown in on IndiGo flight 6E 9487, which arrived at Terminal-3 in the early hours of Thursday.

    Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, welcomed the evacuees at the airport.

    Speaking to IANS, Singh said, “We have planes ready. Another aircraft will depart today. We are evacuating more people from Turkmenistan. Our missions have opened 24-hour helplines for any evacuation requests. As the situation evolves, more planes and chartered flights will be dispatched to bring back all Indian nationals from Iran.”

    Several students, visibly emotional, recounted their experiences and expressed appreciation for the Indian government’s swift action.

    One student said, “The situation was extremely dangerous and we were scared. We saw drones, injured people, and the internet was down—nothing was working. But the Indian government came through, took us in, and brought us home safely. Salute to them. They took an unbelievable step, and we’re truly proud to be Indians.”

    Another student added, “The situation in Iran is worsening rapidly. Just two days ago it seemed manageable, but now it’s much worse. We are extremely thankful to the Indian government and the Indian embassies in Iran and Armenia for the way they took care of us and brought us back.”

    A third student said, “The embassies prioritized our evacuation and ensured we were the first to return to India. Their efforts were remarkable.”

    Operation Sindhu was launched by India to evacuate its nationals from Iran amid rising regional tensions. The first batch included students from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

    The evacuation was coordinated through Armenia, with the students traveling by road to Yerevan, the Armenian capital, under the supervision of the Indian missions in Iran and Armenia. The students departed from Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan at 14:55 IST on June 18, arriving in Delhi in the early hours of June 19.

    On Wednesday evening, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that Indian students residing in Tehran were safely moved out of the city as a precautionary measure.

    In an official statement, the MEA said, “Indian students in Tehran have been moved out of the city for safety reasons through arrangements made by the Indian Embassy.”

    MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also announced on Twitter, “Operation Sindhu begins. India evacuated 110 students from northern Iran who crossed into Armenia under the supervision of our Missions in Iran and Armenia on June 17.”

    The Indian government has expressed gratitude to the governments of Iran and Armenia for their cooperation in facilitating the smooth evacuation.

    “India accords the highest priority to the safety and security of Indian nationals abroad. As part of the ongoing operation, the Indian Embassy in Iran has been assisting large numbers of Indian nationals in relocating from high-risk areas to safer zones and evacuating them through available and feasible routes,” the MEA stated.

    Indian nationals in Iran have been advised to stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Tehran through its emergency helpline, as well as the 24×7 Control Room established by the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi.

    — IANS

  • ‘We are proud to be Indians’: evacuated students thank Modi govt after return from Iran

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    After arriving safely in New Delhi on Thursday, all 110 Indian citizens evacuated from Iran expressed their gratitude to the Narendra Modi-led Union government and the Indian embassies in Iran and Armenia for their timely and safe evacuation amid the escalating military conflict in the Middle East.

    As part of Operation Sindhu, the first flight carrying Indian nationals from Iran landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. The evacuees, including 90 students from Urmia Medical University, were flown in on IndiGo flight 6E 9487, which arrived at Terminal-3 in the early hours of Thursday.

    Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, welcomed the evacuees at the airport.

    Speaking to IANS, Singh said, “We have planes ready. Another aircraft will depart today. We are evacuating more people from Turkmenistan. Our missions have opened 24-hour helplines for any evacuation requests. As the situation evolves, more planes and chartered flights will be dispatched to bring back all Indian nationals from Iran.”

    Several students, visibly emotional, recounted their experiences and expressed appreciation for the Indian government’s swift action.

    One student said, “The situation was extremely dangerous and we were scared. We saw drones, injured people, and the internet was down—nothing was working. But the Indian government came through, took us in, and brought us home safely. Salute to them. They took an unbelievable step, and we’re truly proud to be Indians.”

    Another student added, “The situation in Iran is worsening rapidly. Just two days ago it seemed manageable, but now it’s much worse. We are extremely thankful to the Indian government and the Indian embassies in Iran and Armenia for the way they took care of us and brought us back.”

    A third student said, “The embassies prioritized our evacuation and ensured we were the first to return to India. Their efforts were remarkable.”

    Operation Sindhu was launched by India to evacuate its nationals from Iran amid rising regional tensions. The first batch included students from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

    The evacuation was coordinated through Armenia, with the students traveling by road to Yerevan, the Armenian capital, under the supervision of the Indian missions in Iran and Armenia. The students departed from Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan at 14:55 IST on June 18, arriving in Delhi in the early hours of June 19.

    On Wednesday evening, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that Indian students residing in Tehran were safely moved out of the city as a precautionary measure.

    In an official statement, the MEA said, “Indian students in Tehran have been moved out of the city for safety reasons through arrangements made by the Indian Embassy.”

    MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also announced on Twitter, “Operation Sindhu begins. India evacuated 110 students from northern Iran who crossed into Armenia under the supervision of our Missions in Iran and Armenia on June 17.”

    The Indian government has expressed gratitude to the governments of Iran and Armenia for their cooperation in facilitating the smooth evacuation.

    “India accords the highest priority to the safety and security of Indian nationals abroad. As part of the ongoing operation, the Indian Embassy in Iran has been assisting large numbers of Indian nationals in relocating from high-risk areas to safer zones and evacuating them through available and feasible routes,” the MEA stated.

    Indian nationals in Iran have been advised to stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Tehran through its emergency helpline, as well as the 24×7 Control Room established by the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi.

    — IANS

  • MIL-Evening Report: As the federal government fumbles on nature law reform, the states are forging ahead

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Phillipa C. McCormack, Future Making Fellow, Environment Institute, University of Adelaide

    Jakub Maculewicz, Shutterstock

    The South Australian parliament today passed a new law to conserve, restore and enhance biodiversity.

    It brings together native vegetation management, protection for native species and habitat, and conservation on private land. When introducing the bill to the Parliament, Deputy Premier Susan Close said:

    Just as South Australia has led the way on climate action, committing to net zero emissions by 2050, we must now take the same ambitious approach to biodiversity. (This) crucial piece of legislation … will modernise and strengthen protections for South Australia’s biodiversity to benefit us and our future generations.

    SA is not the first state to revise its nature laws. But this is the first environment law in years to be drafted from scratch in Australia. Rather than waiting for federal reform, SA has leapfrogged the protracted process. This new legislation achieves some things no Australian law has done before.

    National environment law reform has stalled

    This all comes at a time when the federal law reform is up in the air.

    The Albanese government failed to pass new national environment laws during its first term.

    Environment protection even went backwards just before the election. The rushed amendments limited powers to reconsider certain environment approvals when an activity is harming the environment.

    Last month, the new Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt said environmental law reform was a priority. Still, it may be difficult to get the essential ambitious national reforms over the line.

    In the meantime, state and territory governments are forging ahead.

    Time for states and territories to lead?

    The last state to write a new nature law was New South Wales, in 2016. But a scathing 2023 review of the law recommended a major overhaul.

    The NSW government committed to most of the recommendations, announcing big plans for nature law reforms in July last year. These plans include strengthening land-clearing codes, improving species protections and monitoring, and preparing a new “nature positive” strategy.

    So far, the NSW government has only managed to pass legislation to fix problems with biodiversity offsets. Offset schemes allow developers to compensate for their destruction of vital habitat with gains elsewhere.

    In Victoria, the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 was amended in 2019. These reforms inserted new principles around how the Act should be implemented, and a new approach to crucial habitat. The reforms also emphasised the need to improve species’ survival and adaptation to climate and environmental change.

    The Nature Conservation Act and strategy in the ACT are also due for review. Early consultation concluded in July 2024. A revised Act is likely to be released later this year.

    Does Australia really need two layers of environment laws?

    The short answer is yes, Australia needs both state and federal environment laws. But the interactions between the two could be managed better.

    The Australian Constitution doesn’t give the federal government explicit authority to make laws about the environment. That’s left to the states and territories, which means they make most laws about threatened species, waterways, native vegetation and protected areas.

    The federal government has an overarching responsibility to protect environments that are important to all of us, in national laws. We call these “matters of national environmental significance”.

    Some matters are significant because they involve Australia’s promises to the rest of the world. Australia has international obligations to protect world heritage areas and internationally significant wetlands, for example.

    Other matters cross state borders. The orange-bellied parrot, for instance, migrates across three states to find food and nesting sites.

    Individual states and territories do not have sufficient resources or the national perspective needed to protect these species and places.

    Why do the South Australian reforms matter?

    SA’s new Biodiversity Act does some things no Australian law has done before.

    For example, it looks beyond species and ecosystems, offering protection to so-called “ecological entities”. Regulations will be needed to define what an ecological entity is. But the concept may protect refuges where species shelter from extreme events. It might also offer a new way to protect important landscape features such as coastal dunes.

    Another new concept is “culturally significant biodiversity entities”. The Act defines a culturally significant biodiversity entity as:

    • a native species or ecological community
    • with cultural value to some or all Aboriginal people
    • which is critical to Aboriginal peoples’ relationships with and adaptation to Country.

    The Act also sets up a new Aboriginal Biodiversity Committee. That committee will co-develop policies with the minister. One of these policies will explain how culturally significant biodiversity entities will be identified and managed.

    Other policies will be developed in collaboration with the Aboriginal Biodiversity Committee. These include policies to guide cultural burning of native plants, or to consider and apply Aboriginal knowledge. At long last, Aboriginal people will have a “seat at the table”.

    SA becomes the third state (after NSW and Victoria) to mention climate change in its nature law. This is an important reform. Laws are needed to help nature survive more frequent and severe droughts, floods and fires.

    Environmental scientist and polar explorer Tim Jarvis on biodiversity (Department for Environment and Water)

    All hands on deck

    Australian environments are extraordinary, diverse and ancient. But Australia has long been an extinction hotspot. The continent’s ecosystems remain under serious pressure.

    Our environment laws must be clear and avoid complex clashes or gaps between national and state responsibilities. But SA, NSW, Victoria and soon the ACT show law reform can also be more ambitious. Nature laws can truly help the environment to flourish even as the climate changes.

    Phillipa C. McCormack receives funding from the Australian Research Council, Natural Hazards Research Australia, the National Environmental Science Program, Green Adelaide and the ACT Government. She is a member of the National Environmental Law Association and affiliated with the Wildlife Crime Research Hub and the Centre for Marine Socioecology.

    – ref. As the federal government fumbles on nature law reform, the states are forging ahead – https://theconversation.com/as-the-federal-government-fumbles-on-nature-law-reform-the-states-are-forging-ahead-257666

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: What events for children and adults will the capital’s NGOs organize in June

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The capital’s non-profit organizations (NPOs) invite city residents to exciting events for children and adults. They will be held from June 26 to 30. Guests will enjoy a charity run, an intellectual game, “Cornflower Picnic” and a theater festival. To participate in some events, you must register and make a fee. All funds raised will go to support the wards of socially oriented NPOs, including seriously ill children and adults.

    Those who want to support people with hearing and vision impairments should attend the foundation’s events. “Compound”. They will be dedicated to the Day of the Deaf-Blind Person. It is celebrated in Russia and other countries on June 27. Thus, the Tsvetnoy Theater (Tsvetnoy Boulevard, Building 11, Building 2) will host the Not Alone in the Dark festival on June 26 and 27. The So-edinenie Foundation is organizing it with the support of grants from the Mayor of Moscow for socially oriented NGOs. On the first day of the event at 18:30, there will be a presentation of the books I Speak: Conversations with Deaf-Blind People and Lost and Found Light: Monologues of Deaf-Blind People. After that, everyone will be able to attend a lesson on fingerspelling. Its participants will learn a special skill – conveying words using gestures. And at 20:00, the theater stage will show the play Carmen. Deaf-blind actors from the Inclusion Creative Projects Center will be involved in the modern production of Prosper Mérimée’s novella. For attending a performance You need to register.

    The next day, June 27, Muscovites are invited to listen to performances by friends of the foundation and participants in the literary competition “Co-creation”. At 18:30 they will read works of various genres on stage, including their own compositions. At 20:00 guests will be presented with the play “Touchables 3.0”. The production was created jointly by the “So-edinenie” foundation and the Moscow Theater of Nations. Sighted and deaf-blind actors will tell the audience personal stories about love, dreams, fears and overcoming them. The play will be translated into sign language and subtitles. After the viewing, viewers will have the opportunity to attend a creative meeting with the artists. You can register for the play atlink.

    And on June 30, the So-edinenie foundation will organize the intellectual game “What? Where? When?”. It will be held in two rounds of 12 questions each. The host will be the master of the game “What? Where? When?” Maxim Potashev. Anyone can take part. To do this, you need to register a team of up to six people onwebsite and make a charitable contribution. If there is no team, then when registering, you need to select the option “I’m alone for now”. The event will take place at 13 Bolshaya Dmitrovka Street, starting at 8:00 PM. The funds raised will go to help the ward of the So-edinenie foundation – twelve-year-old deaf-blind Maria. Thanks to this, the girl will be able to move around the house, study and do her favorite thing – music.

    Sports enthusiasts are invited to join the “It’s Time to Live” race on June 28. It will be held in Victory Park on Poklonnaya Hill. The event is organized by Leukemia Foundation. People of any age can take part in the race. Four distances of one, two, five and 10 kilometers have been prepared for them. Participants will be able to choose a suitable route depending on their level of training and capabilities. In addition to the individual race, a team relay race will be held in Victory Park. Each of the four athletes in the team will have to run five kilometers. The winner of the competition will be awarded a special prize – the Leukemia Foundation Cup. To participate in all sports events, you must first obtain permission from a doctor and the appropriate certificate.

    All participants and guests of sports events will be able to undergo typing – give a blood sample for molecular genetic testing for the possibility of becoming a bone marrow donor. This is a completely safe procedure, it will take no more than five minutes. Thanks to such assistance, patients who need a bone marrow transplant will have a chance to find a donor faster.

    The Leukemia Foundation is holding such races for the fourth time. More than eight thousand Muscovites have already taken part in them. Over 32 million rubles have been collected for the organization. All funds were used to treat the people under its care. More detailed information about the “It’s Time to Live” program can be found atwebsite.

    On the same day, June 28, you can visit the foundation’s “Cornflower Picnic” “Live now”. It will be held at the F.A. Ardalionov estate at 51 Dubininskaya Street. The event is organized to support people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This is a rare disease in which it becomes increasingly difficult for a person to move and breathe. With the support of the Live Now foundation, the wards receive the necessary assistance – medical, psychological, legal, their quality of life significantly improves. The symbol of ALS is a cornflower, as it resembles a human motor neuron, which is affected by this disease. That is why the Live Now foundation’s event is called Cornflower Picnic. It will be held for the 10th time this year. The wards of the foundation, their families, friends, volunteers and all caring people will gather at the F.A. Ardalionov estate. Creative master classes, educational quizzes and a Russian-style tea party with a samovar and bagels will be arranged for the guests of the picnic. The atmosphere of the summer holiday will also be created by musicians. They will perform classical and modern pieces. In addition, all visitors to the Ardalionov estate will be able to see a special exhibition dedicated to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and the Live Now Foundation until June 30. Those wishing to take part in the picnic must register atlink.

    Non-profit organizations in the capital can receive financial support for their good initiative. To do this, you need to submit an application for the Moscow Mayor’s Grant Competition. In 2025, they will be accepted from June 3. Participants have 12 nominations to choose from. The total budget of the competition is 600 million rubles. The grant amounts depend on the length of the NPO’s work in the capital and the scale of the projects. Organizations with more than a year of experience receive up to five million rubles, with a registration period of six months – up to 500 thousand rubles. In 2024, more than 900 people took part in the competition preparation program. Applications will be accepted until July 3.

    You can find out more about how NGOs are organized and how to help those who otherwise cannot cope on the website “Cities of the Caring”. This project was created with the support of Committee on Public Relations and Youth Policy to develop charity in the capital.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow has allocated more than 50 land plots to implement the renovation program

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Since the beginning of this year, the city has selected and allocated more than 50 land plots for the construction of houses under the renovation program and related infrastructure. This was reported by Ekaterina Solovieva, Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Moscow Department of City Property.

    “The city regularly allocates land to the Moscow Fund for Renovation of Residential Development for the construction of residential complexes, as well as the creation of related infrastructure – utilities and access roads. Since the beginning of 2025, the Department has concluded 53 agreements for the gratuitous use of land plots and lease of sites located in eight administrative districts of the capital. The total area of the allocated land exceeded 25 hectares,” said Ekaterina Solovyova.

    For example, a plot of land has been allocated on Kaspiyskaya Street for the construction of a residential complex with a total area of about 40 thousand square meters. Another new building with an area of over 15 thousand square meters will be erected on the site of a vacated house on Dmitrovskoye Highway.

    The first floors are designed to be non-residential. They will house various social, commercial and cultural facilities.

    Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin said that the renovation program also included 131 sites for the construction of houses.

    The renovation program was approved in August 2017. It concerns about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses. Sergei Sobyanin ordered to increase the pace of its implementation in twice.

    Moscow is one of the leaders among regions in terms of construction volumes. High rates of housing construction correspond to the goals and initiatives of the national project “Infrastructure for life”.

    Get the latest news quickly official telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Painting, fine stucco and sculptures: the subject of protection of the USSR Transport pavilion at VDNKh has been expanded

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The specialists supplemented and approved the subject of protection of the cultural heritage site of federal significance, pavilion No. 26 “Transport of the USSR” (former pavilion “Agriculture”). Now, not only the entire structure, but also the details of its decoration are under the protection of the state.

    “Expanding the subject of protection of a cultural heritage site allows us to preserve and maintain in their original form the elements of the structure that have cultural and historical value. Specialists conducted comprehensive scientific research of the pavilion, which allowed us to expand the subject of protection. Now the document also includes the composition and architectural and artistic design of the facades and interiors of the pavilion. This is, for example, elegant stucco with a plant pattern, as well as picturesque panels that decorate the coffered ceilings,” explained the head of the Department of Cultural Heritage of the city of Moscow

    Alexey Emelyanov.

    He added that further restoration work in the pavilion, including the development of scientific and design documentation, will be carried out taking into account the expanded subject of protection and only after agreement with the department.

    Pavilion No. 26 was built in 1937 according to the design of architects M.B. Schneider, V.K. Oltarzhevsky, M.A. Minkus and A.P. Ershov. Initially, it was called “Grain”. A year later, it was renamed “Cotton”. In 1954, after a major reconstruction, the pavilion received a new name – “Agriculture”. The appearance of the building was done in the Stalinist Empire style. Then a portico of 10 thin columns was added to the main facade, which symbolize the stems of plants. Inside the portico, a small loggia appeared, also with columns, the walls of which were decorated with stucco with plant patterns. At the top of the portico is a composition with sheaves, a sickle and a hammer, and on the sides of it are sculptures of a collective farmer and a tractor driver with a book and a sheaf. The corners of the portico are decorated with small sculptural compositions with sheaves and Soviet symbols. The author of the monuments is Lev Pisarevsky.

    The exhibition of the Agriculture pavilion consisted of six thematic sections. They were devoted to methods of increasing soil fertility, production and use of fertilizers, development of new lands, work of advanced collective and state farms. In 1956, the pavilion was named Geology, Oil, Chemistry, and a year later it was renamed Chemical Industry. In 1967, Pavilion No. 26 housed the Transport of the USSR exhibition. In 2014, after the reconstruction of the pavilion, the Polytechnic Museum exhibition opened there, and since May 2021, Transport of the USSR has become the flagship site of the Moscow Transport Museum.

    The portico of pavilion No. 26 is awaiting restoration. Scientific and design documentation is currently being developed and approved. Preparations for restoration work pavilion “Optics” (former “Leningrad and the North-West of the RSFSR”).

    Today, work continues at VDNKh on five cultural heritage sites. These are pavilions No. 35 “Glavtabak”, No. 62 “Environmental Protection” (former “Construction Materials” pavilion), No. 70, built to present the achievements of the USSR at the Expo-67 exhibition in Montreal, No. 284 “Main Facade of the Zolotoy Kolos Restaurant” (former “Main Restaurant”) and No. 518 “Leto Cafe” (former “Tea Room”).

    Since 2014, a total of 40 cultural heritage sites have been restored at VDNKh. Among them are not only historical pavilions, but also fountains, sculptures and landscape objects.

    Get the latest news quickly official telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Kola Peninsula and Yamal: more than 20 expeditions carried out by pupils of the Moscow Palace of Pioneers

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    This academic year, more than 600 students from the Moscow Palace of Pioneers took part in 23 research expeditions and hiking trips. The children studied the nature of different places in Russia – from Murmansk to Yamal.

    “The Moscow Palace of Pioneers has opened more than three thousand children’s clubs. Among them are over 30 sections dedicated to tourism. Expeditions throughout Russia are organized for the children who attend them. This is an opportunity not only to see the nature of our country, but also to take their first steps in science. Such trips help to deepen knowledge in the field of biology, geography and ecology, and also teach teamwork,” the press service of the capital’s

    Department of Education and Science.

    Thus, the center for environmental education of the Moscow Palace of Pioneers organized three expeditions, where schoolchildren studied climate and soil. Practical classes and field research took place in the Moscow region – for example, the children identified species of animals, plants and mushrooms. Students from the third to the 11th grade took part in the trips.

    Young geographers from the Na Donskoy center have been on six trips. For example, in the spring they studied the northern taiga and the White Sea coast in the Murmansk region. The children took water samples, analyzed the soil composition and studied rare birds from the Red Book. They compiled their observations into scientific articles, which they have already published. At the end of June, the schoolchildren will go on a new expedition – to Yamal.

    “The expedition to the Kola Peninsula was the most interesting for me! This is not the first time I have participated in scientific trips – I study lichens and mushrooms. This time I discovered several species that had not been seen in these places before. Now this data will be published in a scientific journal,” shared his impressions Miron Alfimenkov, a pupil of the “Na Donskoy” center.

    The Young Paratroopers Club held 14 hikes around the Moscow region. Schoolchildren learned to navigate the terrain, set up camp, and cover multi-kilometer routes. In addition, high school students completed special tasks – they transmitted coordinates and adjusted routes using maps and mobile applications.

    Sobyanin: The number of military-patriotic clubs in schools and colleges has doubledMoscow schoolchildren and college students will follow the routes of famous travelers

    Supplementary education programs develop creative and critical thinking in schoolchildren, and form skills that will be useful to them in their future profession. The events held within the framework of such classes contribute to the project “All the best for children” of the national project “Youth and Children”.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Consumer Council chief named

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau today welcomed the Consumer Council’s appointment of Alaina Shum as its Chief Executive from August 21.

    The appointment was made following an open recruitment and selection process.

    Mr Yau said Ms Shum is well placed to lead the Consumer Council due to her extensive management experience in public organisations.

    Ms Shum is currently Vocational Training Council Deputy Executive Director, responsible for strategic development work on the Mainland and overseas, and for the promotion of collaboration among various stakeholders.

    “I hope that the Consumer Council, under Ms Shum’s leadership, will continue to join hands with various sectors to further enhance the protection of consumer rights and interests,” Mr Yau added.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Straight from the source – June 2025

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    In between writing Straight from the source each month, I’m quite active on LinkedInExternal Link, sharing regular reminders and messages. I hope you’ve also been seeing my updates to the not-for-profit (NFP) sector there, especially about lodging the 2023–24 NFP self-review return.

    I’ve met and spoken to many NFPs at various events across Brisbane, Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Darwin and Alice Springs over the last 6 weeks, and I’m always encouraged by the passion and commitment of people making a difference in the community.

    My message remains constant: ‘we’re here to help you get it right!’

    NFP self-review return helping NFPs identify their correct status

    The NFP self-review return was introduced to enhance transparency and integrity across the NFP population who self-assess as income tax exempt. As anticipated, with the first year of lodgment now behind us we’ve seen some shifts in the NFP population, with some NFP organisations identifying their correct taxable status at law.

    While our data is still being assessed, our preliminary observations indicate that as of 31 May 2025:

    • Over 29,000 NFPs have lodged their self-review return for the 2023–24 income year – these organisations will have their future year returns pre-populated making it easier to lodge the 2024–25 return. Around 97% of NFPs who have lodged have confirmed their eligibility to an income tax exemption.
    • Around 4,000 NFPs have registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) as a charity, having realised they cannot self-assess as income tax exempt.
    • Almost 1,000 NFPs have lodged a non-lodgment advice (NLA) with the ATO to indicate that they are taxable NFPs with taxable income less than $416. Around 600 NFPs have lodged income tax returns disclosing combined total income in the millions.
    • Many NFPs have also cancelled their ABN because the NFP no longer exists, which is a legislative requirement of holding an ABN.

    We expect a continued shift in the NFP population as organisations continue to review their purpose, activities and identify their correct taxable status. Here is what you need to know.

    Charitable NFPs

    NFPs with solely charitable purposes must be registered with the ACNC and endorsed by the ATO to access an income tax exemption. There’s no provision in the tax law for a charitable organisation to self-assess an income tax exemption. So, unless you’re registered with the ACNC, you are a taxable NFP.

    Charitable NFPs should pay particular attention to the following points:

    • ensure you’re compliant with the ACNC governance standards, external conduct standards and that your Annual Information Statement (AIS) is lodged with the ACNC as non-lodgment can affect your income tax status and access to other tax concessions
    • meet all your tax and employer obligations as this is a requirement of maintaining your taxable status
    • reach out for assistance early if you’re having difficulty with any of your tax, super and registry obligations.

    Lodgment obligations for NFPs with an active ABN that self-assess as income tax exempt

    Since 1 July 2024, NFPs that have an active ABN and self-assess as income tax exempt have been required to lodge an annual NFP self-review return. The self-review return is due between 1 July and 31 October each year. It can be lodged using Online services for business, through the self-help phone service or by a registered tax agent.

    To demonstrate that the entity is operating as an NFP, it needs to have and follow requisite NFP clauses in their governing documents. We’ve provided additional time through to 30 June 2026 for NFPs to update their governing documents. To be eligible for this additional time your organisation must not have made any distribution of income or assets to particular individuals or members.

    NFPs that haven’t lodged their first self-review return are required to lodge their 2023–24 return as soon as possible. Once the 2023–24 return is lodged, we can prepopulate future returns to make compliance even easier.

    If you haven’t yet lodged your 2023–24 return, when you log into online services this tax time you will see you have 2 NFP self-review returns due. You need to lodge your return for 2023–24 first, as they need to be lodged sequentially. Here are some handy tips:

    • Refer to our update, connect and lodge flowchart on the ATO website for a step-by-step guide on how to update your ABN details and set up access to Online services for business. You can find the flowchart by visiting ato.gov.au/NFPlodgmentsteps.
    • If you’re having trouble lodging online, you can still lodge your return using our automated self-help phone service on 13 72 26.
    • Check out our tailored guidance that supports NFPs at ato.gov.au/NFPtaxexempt and we encourage you to subscribe to our NFP newsletter at subscribe.news.ato.gov.auExternal Link. You’ll be kept up to date with how to meet your tax and super obligations.
    • We also maintain a dedicated NFP Advice Service on 1300 30 248. If you have a question, you can call our team.

    Taxable NFPs

    If you don’t meet the requirements of the self-assessing income tax exempt categories, or you’re charitable, haven’t registered with the ACNC and have been endorsed by us, you’re a taxable NFP.

    Taxable NFPs may have to lodge income tax returns and pay income tax, or in some instances notify us of a non-lodgment advice.

    The following points are important for taxable NFPs:

    • Identify all sources of income. This may include income from your members such as membership fees, income from non-members and income earned from other sources such as bank interest.
    • Use our mutuality guide to find out if you can apply the mutuality principle when calculating taxable income. The guide will help you to identify your members and non-members, and how to correctly classify revenue and expenses.
    • If you’re a taxable NFP company and your taxable income is $416 or less, you can meet your lodgment obligation by downloading and completing the non-lodgment advice form.
    • If you do have income tax to pay but can’t pay on time, reach out to us early to discuss support options you can access to meet your tax and super obligations.

    Other news

    Engage early if you have a debt to pay – NFPs aren’t exempt from our debt collection action. Our key message is for NFPs to seek early support from us when they’re having difficulty meeting their reporting and/or payment obligations. Employer obligations is a significant focus area for us given the NFP sector employs 10% of Australia’s workforce.

    Giving fund reforms – Treasury has opened consultation on Giving fund reforms and invites your feedback on the following proposed changes:

    • renaming ancillary funds to giving funds in the tax law
    • aligning the annual distribution rate between public and private giving funds
    • increasing the annual distribution rate
    • allowing funds to smooth distributions across years.

    Submissions to this consultation can be made up until 1 August 2025 and the paper is available on the Treasury website at Giving fund reforms: distribution rate and smoothingExternal Link.

    Read the government’s announcement on the Treasury website for more information at Supporting philanthropic givingExternal Link.

    ATO Vulnerability Framework – Our draft ATO Vulnerability Framework to support people experiencing vulnerability has been published and is open for public consultation.

    You’re invited to share your feedback to help us refine our final version so that it reflects the needs and experiences of the people it’s designed to support. Responses can be submitted up until 18 July 2025.

    Super guarantee rate – A reminder that the super guarantee (SG) rate will increase to 12% on 1 July 2025. This is the final scheduled increase. The 12% rate will need to be applied for all salary and wages paid to eligible workers on and after 1 July. This is even if some or all of the pay period it relates to is before 1 July. Employers need to remember to pay SG in full, on time and to the right fund. The next quarterly due date is 28 July. Contributions must be paid quarterly but can be paid more frequently.

    In summary

    We remain committed to supporting NFPs through education and guidance as part of our transitionary approach. Our goal is to help organisations understand and meet their tax, super and registry obligations with confidence.

    We encourage early engagement, and when organisations reach out before issues escalate we can work together to find practical solutions. We want to avoid situations where delaying action to meet lodgment and payment obligations can lead to more complex challenges.

    Our focus continues to be on prevention and tailored support. Whether it’s understanding income tax obligations, applying the mutuality principle, or accessing support when facing financial difficulty, we’re here to help you get it right.

    Let’s keep the conversation going – because when we work together, we can ensure the NFP sector remains strong, sustainable and compliant.

    I look forward to speaking with many of you at future events.

    Take care and stay safe
    Jennifer

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Can a foreign government hack WhatsApp? A cybersecurity expert explains how that might work

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By David Tuffley, Senior Lecturer in Applied Ethics & CyberSecurity, Griffith University

    On The Back Of Camera/Shutterstock

    Earlier today, Iranian officials urged the country’s citizens to remove the messaging platform WhatsApp from their smartphones. Without providing any supporting evidence, they alleged the app gathers user information to send to Israel.

    WhatsApp has rejected the allegations. In a statement to Associated Press, the Meta-owned messaging platform said it was concerned “these false reports will be an excuse for our services to be blocked at a time when people need them most”. It added that it does not track users’ location nor the personal messages people are sending one another.

    It is impossible to independently assess the allegations, given Iran provided no publicly accessible supporting evidence.

    But we do know that even though WhatsApp has strong privacy and security features, it isn’t impenetrable. And there is at least one country that has previously been able to penetrate it: Israel.

    3 billion users

    WhatsApp is a free messaging app owned by Meta. With around 3 billion users worldwide and growing fast, it can send text messages, calls and media over the internet.

    It uses strong end-to-end encryption meaning only the sender and recipient can read messages; not even WhatsApp can access their content. This ensures strong privacy and security.

    Advanced cyber capability

    The United States is the world leader in cyber capability. This term describes the skills, technologies and resources that enable nations to defend, attack, or exploit digital systems and networks as a powerful instrument of national power.

    But Israel also has advanced cyber capability, ranking alongside the United Kingdom, China, Russia, France and Canada.

    Israel has a documented history of conducting sophisticated cyber operations. This includes the widely cited Stuxnet attack that targeted Iran’s nuclear program more than 15 years ago. Israeli cyber units, such as Unit 8200, are renowned for their technical expertise and innovation in both offensive and defensive operations.

    Seven of the top 10 global cybersecurity firms maintain R&D centers in Israel, and Israeli startups frequently lead in developing novel offensive and defensive cyber tools.

    A historical precedent

    Israeli firms have repeatedly been linked to hacking WhatsApp accounts, most notably through the Pegasus spyware developed by Israeli-based cyber intelligence company NSO Group. In 2019, it exploited WhatsApp vulnerabilities to compromise 1,400 users, including journalists, activists and politicians.

    Last month, a US federal court ordered the NSO Group to pay WhatsApp and Meta nearly US$170 million in damages for the hack.

    Another Israeli company, Paragon Solutions, also recently targeted nearly 100 WhatsApp accounts. The company used advanced spyware to access private communications after they had been de-encrypted.

    These kinds of attacks often use “spearphishing”. This is distinct from regular phishing attacks, which generally involve an attacker sending malicious links to thousands of people.

    Instead, spearphishing involves sending targeted, deceptive messages or files to trick specific individuals into installing spyware. This grants attackers full access to their devices – including de-encrypted WhatsApp messages.

    A spearphishing email might appear to come from a trusted colleague or organisation. It might ask the recipient to urgently review a document or reset a password, leading them to a fake login page or triggering a malware download.

    Protecting yourself from ‘spearphishing’

    To avoid spearphishing, people should scrutinise unexpected emails or messages, especially those conveying a sense of urgency, and never click suspicious links or download unknown attachments.

    Hovering the mouse cursor over a link will reveal the name of the destination. Suspicious links are those with strange domain names and garbled text that has nothing to do with the purported sender. Simply hovering without clicking is not dangerous.

    Enable two-factor authentication, keep your software updated, and verify requests coming through trusted channels. Regular cybersecurity training also helps users spot and resist these targeted attacks.

    David Tuffley 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. Can a foreign government hack WhatsApp? A cybersecurity expert explains how that might work – https://theconversation.com/can-a-foreign-government-hack-whatsapp-a-cybersecurity-expert-explains-how-that-might-work-259261

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Are Israel’s actions in Iran illegal? Could it be called self-defence? An international law expert explains

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Shannon Bosch, Associate Professor (Law), Edith Cowan University

    Israel’s major military operation against Iran has targeted its nuclear program, including its facilities and scientists, as well as its military leadership.

    In response, the United Nations Security Council has quickly convened an emergency sitting. There, the Israeli ambassador to the UN Danny Danon defended Israel’s actions as a “preventative strike” carried out with “precision, purpose, and the most advanced intelligence”. It aimed, he said, to:

    dismantle Iran’s nuclear programme, eliminate the architects of its terror and aggression and neutralise the regime’s ability to follow through on its repeated public promise to destroy the state of Israel.

    So, what does international law say about self-defence? And were Israel’s actions illegal under international law?

    When is self-defence allowed?

    Article 2.4 of the UN charter states:

    All members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations.

    There are only two exceptions:

    1. when the UN Security Council authorises force, and
    2. when a state acts in self-defence.

    This “inherent right of individual or collective self-defence”, as article 51 of the UN charter puts it, persists until the Security Council acts to restore international peace and security.

    So what’s ‘self-defence’ actually mean?

    The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has consistently interpreted self-defence narrowly.

    In many cases, it has rejected arguments from states such as the United States, Uganda and Israel that have sought to promote a more expansive interpretation of self-defence.

    The 9/11 attacks marked a turning point. The UN Security Council affirmed in resolutions 1368 and 1373 that the right to self-defence extends to defending against attacks by non-state actors, such as terrorist groups. The US, invoking this right, launched its military action in Afghanistan.

    The classic understanding of self-defence – that it’s justified when a state responds reactively to an actual, armed attack – was regarded as being too restrictive in the age of missiles, cyberattacks and terrorism.

    This helped give rise to the idea of using force before an imminent attack, in anticipatory self-defence.

    The threshold for anticipatory self-defence is widely seen by scholars as high. It requires what’s known as “imminence”. In other words, this is the “last possible window of opportunity” to act to stop an unavoidable attack.

    As set out by then-UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in 2005:

    as long as the threatened attack is imminent, no other means would deflect it and the action is proportionate, this would meet the accepted interpretation of self defence under article 51.

    As international law expert Donald Rothwell points out, the legitimacy of anticipatory self-defence hinges on factual scrutiny and strict criteria, balancing urgency, legality and accountability.

    However, the lines quickly blurred

    In 2002, the US introduced a “pre-emptive doctrine” in its national security strategy.

    This argued new threats – such as terrorism and weapons of mass destruction – justified using force to forestall attacks before they occurred.

    Critics, including Annan, warned that if the notion of preventive self-defence was widely accepted, it would undermine the prohibition on the use of force. It would basically allow states to act unilaterally on speculative intelligence.

    Annan acknowledged:

    if there are good arguments for preventive military action, with good evidence to support them, they should be put to the Security Council, which can authorise such action if it chooses to.

    If it does not so choose, there will be, by definition, time to pursue other strategies, including persuasion, negotiation, deterrence and containment – and to visit again the military option.

    This is exactly what Israel has failed to do before attacking Iran.

    Lessons from history

    Israel’s stated goal was to damage Iran’s nuclear program and prevent it from developing a nuclear weapon that could be used against it.

    This is explicitly about preventing an alleged, threatened, future attack by Iran with a nuclear weapon that, according to all publicly available information, Iran does not currently possess.

    This is not the first time Israel has advanced a broad interpretation of self-defence.

    In 1981, Israel bombed Iraq’s Osirak nuclear reactor, which was under construction on the outskirts of Baghdad. It claimed a nuclear-armed Iraq would pose an unacceptable threat. The UN Security Council condemned the attack.

    As international law stands, unless an armed attack is imminent and unavoidable, such strikes are likely to be considered unlawful uses of force.

    While there is still time and opportunity to use non-forcible means to prevent the threatened attack, there’s no necessity to act now in self defence.

    Diplomatic engagement, sanction, and international monitoring of Iran’s nuclear program – such as through the International Atomic Energy Agency – remain the lawful means of addressing the emerging threat posed by Tehran.

    Preserving the rule of law

    The right to self-defence is not a blank cheque.

    Anticipatory self-defence remains legally unsettled and highly contested.

    So were Israel’s attacks on Iran a legitimate use of “self-defence”? I would argue no.

    I concur with international law expert Marko Milanovic that Israel’s claim to be acting in preventive self-defence must be rejected on the facts available to us.

    In a volatile world, preserving these legal limits is essential to avoiding unchecked aggression and preserving the rule of law.

    Shannon Bosch 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. Are Israel’s actions in Iran illegal? Could it be called self-defence? An international law expert explains – https://theconversation.com/are-israels-actions-in-iran-illegal-could-it-be-called-self-defence-an-international-law-expert-explains-259259

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Warning issued after ACCC phone numbers spoofed by scammers

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    The National Anti-Scam Centre is warning Australians to remain vigilant following reports scammers have been impersonating phone numbers belonging to the ACCC in an attempt to steal personal information.

    The ACCC and the National Anti-Scam Centre, which operates under the ACCC, have become aware of scammers using publicly available ACCC phone numbers, which are listed on the agency’s official website.

    In some reported cases, the scammers claimed to be representatives of the ACCC and requested sensitive information over the phone. In others, they misused the ACCC acronym to impersonate an unrelated organisation and spoke in a language other than English.

    The National Anti-Scam Centre warns that the ACCC phone numbers have been ‘spoofed’. The ACCC does not make calls from its reception numbers.

    “Spoofing is when scammers disguise their phone number to make it look like they’re calling from a trusted organisation — including government agencies like the ACCC — to deceive people into answering and sharing personal information,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

    “This is a tactic that helps scammers hide their true identity while posing as trusted institutions – it’s designed to lower your guard. If a call or message feels off, trust your instincts and hang up. It’s safer to end the call and check in directly with us.”

    The ACCC and the National Anti-Scam Centre will never ‘cold’ call or email consumers and ask for your personal information such as your passwords, bank details or answers to security questions. The ACCC does not charge money for its services and would never threaten or pressure you to stay on the line.

    If you receive a call claiming to be from the ACCC where personal information such as passwords or bank details are requested, do not provide this information and hang up.

    “We encourage all Australians to report scams — every report helps us track patterns and protect others,” Ms Lowe said.

    The National Anti-Scam Centre also reminds the community to be extremely wary of urgent requests asking people to act immediately, and to never provide personal information if unsure. Do not click on any links or download attachments from messages unless you are sure it is someone you can trust.

    How to spot and avoid scams

    STOP – Don’t give money or personal information to anyone if you’re unsure. Scammers will create a sense of urgency. Don’t rush to act. Say ‘no’, hang up, delete.

    CHECK – Ask yourself could the call or text be fake? Scammers pretend to be from organisations you know and trust. Contact the organisation using information you source independently, so that you can verify if the call is real or not.

    PROTECT – Act quickly if something feels wrong. Contact your bank immediately if you lose money. If you have provided personal information call IDCARE on 1800 595 160. The more we talk the less power they have. Report scams to the National Anti-Scam Centre’s Scamwatch service at scamwatch.gov.au when you see them. If you’re contacted on a messaging platform like WhatsApp or iMessage, please also report the scam in the app.

    MIL OSI News –

  • Operation Sindhu: Flight carrying 110 Indian citizens evacuated from Iran arrives in Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The first flight carrying 110 Indian citizens, including 90 students from Jammu and Kashmir, arrived in New Delhi on Thursday after being successfully evacuated from Iran amid the escalating military conflict in the Middle East.

    All the evacuees were flown to the capital aboard IndiGo flight 6E 9487.

    Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, welcomed the evacuated students at the Indira Gandhi International Airport.

    The evacuation was part of Operation Sindhu, a mission launched by the Indian government to ensure the safety of its citizens in Iran.

    The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Wednesday evening that Indian students residing in Tehran had been safely moved out of the city through arrangements coordinated by the Indian Embassy.

    “Indian students in Tehran have been moved out of the city for safety reasons through arrangements made by the Indian Embassy,” the Ministry stated in an official release.

    The students departed from Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan, Armenia, on a special flight at 14:55 IST on June 18, with their arrival in New Delhi expected in the early hours of June 19.

    MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal announced the launch of the operation on X, saying, “Operation Sindhu begins. India launched Operation Sindhu to evacuate Indian nationals from Iran. India evacuated 110 students from northern Iran who crossed into Armenia under the supervision of our Missions in Iran and Armenia on June 17.”

    This is one of several steps taken by the Indian government over the past few days to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals stranded in Iran, following appeals for assistance due to the worsening situation in the Middle East.

    The Indian government also expressed gratitude to the governments of Iran and Armenia for their cooperation in facilitating the evacuation process.

    “India accords the highest priority to the safety and security of Indian nationals abroad,” the MEA said in a statement. “As part of the ongoing operation, the Indian Embassy in Iran has been assisting large numbers of Indian nationals in relocating from areas witnessing increased hostilities to relatively safer regions within the country, and subsequently evacuating them through available and feasible options.”

    — IANS

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Uzbekistan prioritizes development and strengthening of relations with China — expert

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Tashkent, June 19 /Xinhua/ — The China-Central Asia mechanism is a strategic platform aimed at strengthening Chinese-Central Asian cooperation. Uzbekistan attaches priority importance to developing relations with China. Afzal Artikov, chief researcher at the Center for Economic Research and Reforms under the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Uzbekistan, said this in an exclusive interview with Xinhua recently.

    According to him, since its establishment, the China-Central Asia Dialogue Format has become an important tool for strengthening multi-vector cooperation, developing political, economic and cultural ties between Central Asia and China, and also serves as a platform for dialogue on key issues, including economic development, security and cultural exchange.

    Afzal Artikov noted that in Uzbekistan, taking into account the priorities of the country’s foreign policy and efforts aimed at ensuring socio-economic development, interaction within the framework of the China-Central Asia format is considered an important tool for attracting investment, expanding export opportunities, developing infrastructure and increasing regional connectivity.

    Particular importance is attached to areas of cooperation that directly contribute to the implementation of national strategies in the field of industrial modernization, digitalization, food and energy security, he said, adding that in this context, Uzbekistan is actively promoting initiatives to develop transport and logistics corridors, participate in Green Belt projects, joint scientific and educational programs, as well as deepen humanitarian and cultural exchange.

    Uzbekistan attaches priority importance to the development and strengthening of relations with China, which is one of the key strategic partners for all Central Asian countries. Such cooperation is considered not only as an important element of foreign policy, but also as an effective mechanism for supporting sustainable economic growth in the region, the expert concluded. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Kiwis’ Lotto generosity turns into 161 completed cyclone recovery projects – Northland

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says that communities in Northland are benefitting from $3.59 million in grants from funds raised through a special Lotto draw for Cyclone Gabrielle relief, two years later. 
     

    “Cyclone Gabrielle had a devasting impact on Northland, causing widespread destruction to property and requiring significant relief efforts. Now one year after grant applications closed, more than 161 community organisations have received funding to rebuild thanks to the generosity of Kiwis who bought tickets to the special Lotto draw for Cyclone Gabrielle relief,” says Ms van Velden. 
     

    Funds raised from the special Lotto draw were passed on to the Cyclone Gabrielle Appeal Trust, which accepted grant applications until May 2024 and distributed all funds by October 2024. Grants were given to community organisations in regions where a state of emergency was declared for Cyclone Gabrielle, which were Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, East Coast, Hawke’s Bay, and Tararua.  
     

    “As well as repairing and replacing community facilities that were damaged by the cyclone, the proceeds of the lottery draw went towards upgrading local emergency services organisations so they can be better prepared for any future severe weather events”. 
     

    Northland projects that received funding include: 

    $6,000 to Surf Life Saving Baylys Beach Incorporated to purchase a generator to supply power for future adverse weather events 

    $20,000 to the Waimamaku Community Civil Defence Group for equipment and supplies to set up the community hall as an emergency assembly point  

    $19,800 to Oakura Beach Reserve Board in Ōakura for a shipping container to store seven generators to be used in emergencies 

    “Raising funds for important community projects is at the heart of what Lotto does. I’m pleased that the funds raised from this special Lotto draw went towards better preparing impacted communities for future events.” 
     

    The special draw was a part of the overall cyclone recovery effort and complemented the work that government, charities, mayoral relief funds, corporate partners and local fundraisers did in raising money to help with the response and recovery in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle. 
     

    The Cyclone Gabrielle Appeal Trust was established by the Crown as an independent entity to distribute funds raised in the Cyclone Gabrielle Appeal. The Trust allocated $14,511,916 in total across the regions affected to help recovery efforts, of which $11,770,000 came from the live Lotto NZ draw on 18 March 2023. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Kiwis’ Lotto generosity turns into 178 completed cyclone recovery projects – Hawke’s Bay

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says that communities in Hawke’s Bay are benefitting from $4.77 million in grants from funds raised through a special Lotto draw for Cyclone Gabrielle relief. 

    “Cyclone Gabrielle had a devasting impact on Hawke’s Bay, causing widespread destruction to property and requiring significant relief efforts. Now, one year after grant applications closed, 178 community organisations have received funding to rebuild thanks to the generosity of Kiwis who bought tickets to the special Lotto draw for Cyclone Gabrielle relief,” says Ms van Velden. 

    Funds raised from the special Lotto draw were passed on to the Cyclone Gabrielle Appeal Trust, which accepted grant applications until May 2024 and distributed all funds by October 2024. Grants were given to community organisations in regions where a state of emergency was declared for Cyclone Gabrielle, which were Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, East Coast, Hawke’s Bay, and Tararua.  

    “As well as repairing and replacing community facilities that were damaged by the cyclone, the proceeds of the lottery draw went towards upgrading local emergency services organisations so they can be better prepared for any future severe weather events”. 

    Hawke’s Bay projects that received funding include: 

    • $30,000 to Radio Kidnappers Charitable Trust to upgrade its AM transmission and expand emergency radio coverage across Hawke’s Bay 
    • $9,300 to the Ashley Clinton Fire Brigade (Fire and Emergency New Zealand) to purchase and install a generator and starlink 
    • $30,000 to Eskview and Districts Rugby Football Club to build an outside shelter facility for use as a hub in civil defence emergencies  
    • $20,000 to Waipuka Civil Defence to upgrade the emergency stations and communication hub, and expand shelter space 

    “Raising funds for important community projects is at the heart of what Lotto does. I’m pleased that the funds raised from this special Lotto draw went towards better preparing impacted communities for future events.” 

    The special draw was a part of the overall cyclone recovery effort and complemented the work that government, charities, mayoral relief funds, corporate partners and local fundraisers did in raising money to help with the response and recovery in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle. 

    The Cyclone Gabrielle Appeal Trust was established by the Crown as an independent entity to distribute funds raised in the Cyclone Gabrielle Appeal. The Trust allocated $14,511,916 in total across the regions affected to help recovery efforts, of which $11,770,000 came from the live Lotto NZ draw on 18 March 2023. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: $414,527 worth of lottery-funded cyclone recovery projects now complete in Waikato

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says that communities in the Waikato are benefitting from over $414,000 in grants from funds raised through a special Lotto draw for Cyclone Gabrielle relief. 
     

    “Cyclone Gabrielle had a significant impact on parts of the Waikato, causing destruction to property, blocked roads, and requiring coordinated relief efforts Now, one year after grant applications closed, 18 community organisations have received funding to rebuild thanks to the generosity of Kiwis who bought tickets to the special Lotto draw for Cyclone Gabrielle relief,” says Ms van Velden. 
     

    Funds raised from the special Lotto draw were passed on to the Cyclone Gabrielle Appeal Trust, which accepted grant applications until May 2024 and distributed all funds by October 2024. Grants were given to community organisations in regions where a state of emergency was declared for Cyclone Gabrielle, which were Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, East Coast, Hawke’s Bay, and Tararua.  
     

    “As well as repairing and replacing community facilities that were damaged by the cyclone, the proceeds of the lottery draw went towards upgrading local emergency services organisations so they can be better prepared for any future severe weather events”. 
     

    Waikato projects that received funding include: 
     

    $29,500 to the Sunset Beach Surf Lifesaving Trust in Port Waikato for a new power generator to provide power supply to the community civil defence hub 

    $30,000 to the Oparau Hall Society Incorporated for repairs to the hall and equipment 

    $29,875 to the Port Project to restore and improve community walkways damaged by the cyclone 

    Sunset Beach Surf Lifesaving Trust had its first use of the generator in May 2025 when the Port had a major power outage.   Malcolm Beattie, president of the Sunset Beach Lifesaving Trust, says “it kicked in and the community had access to the Community Hub for full power immediately. Having this service immediately available for our community free of any charges was amazing.” 

     The special draw was a part of the overall cyclone recovery effort and complemented the work that government, charities, mayoral relief funds, corporate partners and local fundraisers did in raising money to help with the response and recovery in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle. 

    “Raising funds for important community projects is at the heart of what Lotto does. I’m pleased that the funds raised from this special Lotto draw went towards better preparing impacted communities for future events.” says Ms van Velden. 
     

    The Cyclone Gabrielle Appeal Trust was established by the Crown as an independent entity to distribute funds raised in the Cyclone Gabrielle Appeal. The Trust allocated $14,511,916 in total across the regions affected to help recovery efforts, of which $11,770,000 came from the live Lotto NZ draw on 18 March 2023. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: City to welcome new Director Corporate Performance

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    The City of Greater Bendigo is pleased to announce Angela Hays as its new Director Corporate Performance.

    Ms Hays joins the City following roles as Head of People & Customer at Melton City Council and Director Corporate Services at Mackay Regional Council.

    Chief Executive Officer Andrew Cooney said Ms Hays’ experience in providing high level strategic direction, financial management, and her sound understanding of Local government processes made her a strong candidate.

    “Angela has built a diverse career in government roles, while leading and supporting capable teams across a diverse set of portfolios,” Mr Cooney said.

    “Angela will be leading the Financial Strategy, IT, People and Culture, Governance & Performance and Customer Engagement & Communication units.

    “Having recently relocated to Bendigo with her family; Angela is excited about contributing to the community she now calls home.  We look forward to Angela joining the team and bringing her leadership, skills, and experience to the organisation.”

    Ms Hays said she was excited by the opportunity to contribute to the continued success of the City.

    “Having previously worked in Local Government, I understand the important leadership role a council has in a community,” she said.

    “The City is a highly regarded Local Government and I am delighted to accept this role and get to know the Corporate Performance staff and broader organisation.”

    Ms Hays will start with the City on Monday July 7, 2025. 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Kiwis’ Lotto generosity turns into 121 completed cyclone recovery projects – Gisborne

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says that communities in the Gisborne region are benefitting from $3.55 million in grants from funds raised through a special Lotto draw for Cyclone Gabrielle relief. 
     

    “Cyclone Gabrielle had a devasting impact on the East Coast, causing widespread destruction to property and requiring significant relief efforts. Now, one year after grant applications closed, 121 community organisations have received funding to rebuild thanks to the generosity of Kiwis who bought tickets to the special Lotto draw for Cyclone Gabrielle relief,” says Ms van Velden. 
     

    Funds raised from the special Lotto draw were passed on to the Cyclone Gabrielle Appeal Trust, which accepted grant applications until May 2024 and distributed all funds by October 2024. Grants were given to community organisations in regions where a state of emergency was declared for Cyclone Gabrielle, which were Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, East Coast, Hawke’s Bay, and Tararua.  
     

    “As well as repairing and replacing community facilities that were damaged by the cyclone, the proceeds of the lottery draw went towards upgrading local emergency services organisations so they can be better prepared for any future severe weather events”. 

    Gisborne projects that received funding include: 
     

    $49,916 to St John Gisborne Area to protect the ambulance station from flooding 

    $29,839 to the Pehiri Emergency Management Group for communications systems, emergency supplies, and equipment  

    $30,000 to the Ruatoria Volunteer Fire Brigade (Fire and Emergency New Zealand) to purchase and install additional water storage tanks to increase brigade water capacity and resilience for fire emergency response 

    $25,000 to the Tahunga Residents Association Incorporated for amenities and upgrades to the community hall so it can be used as an emergency hub 

    “Raising funds for important community projects is at the heart of what Lotto does. I’m pleased that the funds raised from this special Lotto draw went towards better preparing impacted communities for future events.” 
     

    The special draw was a part of the overall cyclone recovery effort and complemented the work that government, charities, mayoral relief funds, corporate partners and local fundraisers did in raising money to help with the response and recovery in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle. 
     

    The Cyclone Gabrielle Appeal Trust was established by the Crown as an independent entity to distribute funds raised in the Cyclone Gabrielle Appeal. The Trust allocated $14,511,916 in total across the regions affected to help recovery efforts, of which $11,770,000 came from the live Lotto NZ draw on 18 March 2023. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Kiwis’ Lotto generosity turns into 71 completed cyclone recovery projects – Auckland

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says that communities across Auckland are benefitting from $1.8 million in grants from funds raised through a special Lotto draw for Cyclone Gabrielle relief.  

    “Cyclone Gabreille had a devasting impact on parts of Auckland, causing widespread damage to property and requiring significant relief efforts. Now, two years on, 71 community organisations have received funding to rebuild thanks to the generosity of Kiwis who bought tickets to the special Lotto draw for Cyclone Gabrielle relief,” says Ms van Velden.  

    Funds raised from the special Lotto draw were passed on to the Cyclone Gabrielle Appeal Trust, which were then distributed to the community in regions where a state of emergency was declared for Cyclone Gabrielle, which were Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, East Coast, Hawke’s Bay, and Tararua. 

    “As well as repairing and replacing community facilities that were damaged by the cyclone, the proceeds of the lottery draw went towards upgrading local emergency services organisations so they can be better prepared for any future severe weather events.” 

    Auckland projects that received funding include:  

    $20,000 to the Titirangi Volunteer Coastguard Incorporated to replace equipment damaged in the cyclone 

    $21,921 to Karekare Surf Life Saving Club for essential search and rescue equipment to support lifeguard operations during extreme weather events 

    $30,000 to South Kaipara Good Food for water tanks, generators, irrigation systems and other equipment to support food resilience   

    $24,733 to Bethells Beach Emergency Resilience Group for equipment and resources for emergency support  

    “Raising funds for important community projects is at the heart of what Lotto does. I’m pleased that the funds raised from this special Lotto draw went towards relief for Aucklanders doing it tough in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle.” 

    The special draw was a part of the overall cyclone recovery effort and complemented the work that government, charities, mayoral relief funds, corporate partners and local fundraisers did in raising money to help with the response and recovery in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle. 

    The Cyclone Gabrielle Appeal Trust was established by the Crown as an independent entity to distribute funds raised in the Cyclone Gabrielle Appeal.  

    The Trust allocated $14,511,916 in total across the regions affected to help recovery efforts, of which $11,770,000 came from the live Lotto NZ draw on 18 March 2023.  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Greenpeace submits against the Regulatory Standards Bill and its far-right fringe ideas

    Source: Greenpeace

    Greenpeace Aotearoa has today filed its submission opposing the Regulatory Standards Bill and calling for it to be rejected in full.
    The Greenpeace submission has pulled no punches, stating:
    “Dressed up in the language of freedom and liberty, this Bill promotes a fringe libertarian worldview that individuals and corporations are entitled to harm nature and others, and if restrictions are placed on them, then they should be compensated.”
    “This ideology is fundamentally at odds with our nation’s deeply-rooted values of fairness, care, and collective responsibility.”
    “At its core, this Bill is an attempt by a far-right politician to create a bill of rights for corporations, at the expense of the rights of New Zealanders, the rights of nature, and the rights of Māori guaranteed to them under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.”
    “If enacted, it will, without doubt, erode environmental protection, lead to the extinction of precious native wildlife, and impair the Government’s ability to take action on climate change.”
    The Greenpeace Aotearoa submission goes on to warn that the Bill would open the floodgates for corporations to expect taxpayer handouts for any regulation that protects public health and the environment, or tries to manage the cost of living. It gives a series of chilling examples:
    • If rules were strengthened to prevent catastrophic oil spills such as the Deepwater Horizon disaster, the executives at BP oil would expect millions from the taxpayer.
    • Basic protections for our drinking water or lakes and rivers, would see Fonterra making complaints to an unelected regulatory standards board and expecting a public payout.
    • Supermarket giants would expect compensation for any efforts to limit price gouging and bring down grocery prices.
    • Offshore shareholders of multinational forestry companies would expect a payout for any new laws compelling them to prevent further deaths of New Zealand forestry workers.
    • Even the Tobacco industry would expect taxpayer dollars simply for efforts to save New Zealanders’ lives and get us to a smoke-free reality.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • Prime Minister Modi departs for New Delhi after completing successful three-nation tour

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday, emplaned for New Delhi after completing a successful visit to Croatia, the last leg of the three nation tour, marking a significant milestone in the bilateral ties between the two countries.

    The Prime Minister’s first stop was Cyprus, followed by Canada, where he attended the G7 Summit, and then Croatia, making it the first visit by an Indian PM to the European nation.

    During his visit, PM Modi was warmly welcomed by the people and government of Croatia. He expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and highlighted the visit’s significance in ushering in a new chapter in the shared journey of friendship and extensive cooperation between India and Croatia.

    “Grateful to the people and Government of Croatia for the warm welcome during what has been a truly landmark visit. This visit ushers in a new chapter in our shared journey of friendship and extensive cooperation,” PM Modi posted on X.

    He noted that the visit marked an important milestone in bilateral relations, with many significant decisions made to strengthen India-Croatia ties.

    His remarks came after a day of high-level engagements, including talks with his Croatian counterpart Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and a ceremonial welcome in the capital city of Zagreb, which he shared highlights of on Wednesday.

    Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi posted a series of updates on his engagements during the visit. He wrote, “Grateful to my friend, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic for the special gesture of showing me the city centre of the historical and culturally rich city of Zagreb.”

    He also shared glimpses of the ceremonial reception accorded to him in Zagreb, saying, “Pictures from the ceremonial welcome in Zagreb, Croatia.”

    Following his meeting with the Croatian Prime Minister, PM Modi posted, “Held productive talks with my friend, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic in Zagreb. Our talks covered many sectors, aimed at making the India-Croatia bond even stronger. We will be working closely in the fields of defence and security, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, IT, renewable energy, technology and more. Synergies in areas like semiconductors, shipbuilding, connectivity and more will also be greatly beneficial.”

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that India and Croatia will promote cooperation in several areas including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and information technology.

    He added that a Defence Cooperation Plan will also be formulated for long-term collaboration in the defence sector. In a joint press statement with Croatia PM Andrej Plenkovic after their delegation-level talks, PM Modi said the two countries have emphasised joint research and collaboration between their academic institutions and India will share its space experience with Croatia.

    PM Modi reached Croatia earlier in the day in the last leg of his three-nation visit. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Croatian Prime Minister and the Croatian government for the enthusiasm, warmth and affection with which he has been welcomed.

    “This is the first visit of any Indian Prime Minister to Croatia, and I have had the good fortune of it. India and Croatia are connected by common values like democracy, rule of law, pluralism and quality. It is a happy coincidence that last year the people of India have given me and the people of Croatia have given the opportunity to Croatian Prime Minister, Andrej Plenkovic, to serve for the third consecutive time,” he said. The Prime Minister was earlier accorded ceremonial welcome on his arrival in Croatia. (IANS)