NewzIntel.com

Category: Science

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU Startup Studio Presented Its Projects for the First Time in the Form of the Artificial Intelligence Alley

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The Alley of Friendship of Artificial and Natural Intelligence was a horizontal space designed as a real alley: it had trees and a waterfall, and an interactive exhibition was inscribed into such a landscape. The alley symbolized a walk of an ordinary person through the world of artificial intelligence and modern technologies that are available on the market and that can be tried right here and now. In total, over 1,000 people walked through the alley during the day of work – from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: each of the visitors got involved in the interactive activities presented at the stands. A separate bright component of the exhibition was the game “Startup Race”, which the NSU Startup Studio presented to a wide audience and tested in action.

    The alley included the following technologies and developments:

    1. Emotion analyzer

    At the reception for registering guests of Smart Picnic there was a special camera with an interactive screen. Anyone could come up, make a face, and the screen would display the emotion they were experiencing.

    The guests were particularly impressed by this invention: everyone had fun and amusement checking how well their faces were able to express emotions. The technology also has medical applications for diagnosing diseases associated with incorrect display of emotions on the face.

    2. Virtual assistant

    After the first stop, guests were met by a virtual animator from the NSU Startup Studio, who announced all the technologies created using artificial intelligence.

    3. Emulator of human personality in voice

    NSU students who received a grant created a voice simulator that imitated the personality of famous people. Visitors to the alley interacted with the simulator through their voice, trying to sell it a pen or ask a question, like in the movie “The Wolf of Wall Street.”

    4. Smile analyzer

    The next stand was a smile analyzer, developed jointly with a doctor from the Rostov Medical University. The device, using a patented method, gave recommendations on the health of teeth and the oral cavity based on a smile analysis.

    5. Game “Academ Dreams”

    This stand offered to immerse oneself in the world of Akademgorodok in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Players could become virtual residents of the science town and interact with its inhabitants, creating a copy of themselves in the virtual space.

    6. Swaid Monitor

    It was a photoplethysmograph that recorded heart rate readings and constructed a stress index using the Baevsky method. Together with the staff of the Psychology department of the Institute of Medicine and Medical Technologies of NSU, the game “Calm Down” was developed, in which participants put on a bracelet and, while meditating, watched the stress line decrease on the screen. The monitor helped participants achieve a meditative state even in a crowd.

    7. Map of emotions

    Each of the visitors to the alley and the Picnic sites in general could mark themselves on the map and indicate what emotion they are currently experiencing in real time. The development is also intended for deep behavioral research: for example, what emotion and how intensely a particular group of people in a particular location experiences.

    8. Games with artificial intelligence

    Several separate stands presented interactive games in which visitors fought against AI – “Crocodile” and “Riddles”. Separately, an interactive demo board was presented with photographs of how people interact with inventions at the exhibition.

    9. Game “Startup Race”

    The development was first presented at the alley and was tested in real time.

    Of course, not all projects of the NSU Startup Studio were presented at the Alley, since among its participants there are more than 30 residents with their own ideas and projects.

    — The Artificial Intelligence Exhibition became a kind of “frontier” for us, which could be organized at the Smart Picnic site. On the one hand, the alley became our product and even an element of the interactive show, and, on the other hand, it was also a challenge for our residents and partners — they had to show their technology to people in extreme conditions and, despite everything, think through to the smallest detail how to present a demo version of the product, what to say in the opening speech, at what points it is worth speeding up production in order to show a finished product, and not just developments and an idea. That is, the Artificial Intelligence Alley became a powerful incentive for our residents to work, — said Evgeny Ivanov, a representative of the NSU Startup Studio and managing partner of the Coion investment syndicate.

    According to Evgeniy, some startups actually showed high growth rates thanks to their participation in the Alley.

    — One of the projects, Lexis Voice, the very same stand with a voice imitator and the question “Sell a pen”, showed a good result. The team accelerated in all directions, from development to sales market. Thus, in a month and a half, the project’s revenue increased 5 times, because there was a strict deadline – participation in the exhibition, and a clear understanding of what should be ready by this time, — summed up Evgeny Ivanov.

    The next step in popularizing innovative entrepreneurship after the Artificial Intelligence Alley is the Startup Unit school, which started in July, where anyone can feel like a budding entrepreneur. After the school, in the fall, all students will be able to start the NSU acceleration program .catalyst, and residents of the NSU startup studio will also be able to take part in the Siberian Venture Fair, where they will present projects in the format of idea boards. The goal of all these projects is one – to bring to life the ideas and developments of students.

    — The fair is really one of the elements of the chain, which the Startup Studio is developing with its residents. Ultimately, all this is so that innovators launch some product, a viable business, and then return to the state the resources that are invested in them in the form of various subsidies, grant support that they can attract. Our task is for our residents to “spend” these funds correctly and as a result, a finished product is obtained that is needed by someone and will be sold, — emphasized Alexey Starostin, Director of the NSU Startup Studio.

    Material prepared by: Tatyana Ershova, NSU press service

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China to host cultural festival dedicated to Kyrgyz heroic epic “Manas”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhua) — The International Cultural and Tourism Festival on the Theme of the Kyrgyz Oral Heroic Epic “Manas” will be held from July 13 to 20 in Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the prefectural government said.

    The festival, which will bring together more than 300 guests from China and abroad, will feature eight thematic events, including scientific seminars, a Manas epic storytelling competition, and the signing of agreements in the fields of culture and tourism.

    During the festival, memorandums of cooperation in the field of culture, tourism and physical education will be signed between the cities and regions of Kyrgyzstan and the Kyzylsu-Kyrgyz Autonomous Okrug, covering the joint protection of intangible cultural heritage, holding sports competitions, cross-border tourism and border trade and the joint development of cross-border e-commerce.

    Innovative methods for preserving the epic will be an important part of the events. Experts from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and other organizations will discuss issues related to preserving the epic using digital technology. In addition, the festival will launch a new research institution aimed at digitizing, protecting and preserving Manas. The founders of this institution are Xinjiang Normal University and the authorities of the Kyzylsu Kyrgyz Autonomous Region.

    The heroic epic “Manas” is a cycle of tales related to the life and exploits of the main character – the legendary hero Manas, the unifier of the Kyrgyz tribes. It occupies an important place in the oral folklore of the Kyrgyz. This epic poem is known as one of the three heroic epics of the national minorities of China, along with the heroic epics “King Gesar” of the Tibetan ethnic group and “Dzhangar” of the Mongolian ethnic group.

    Let us recall that on May 1 of this year, a new legislative act on the preservation of the Manas epic came into force in the XUAR. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Happy Family, Love and Fidelity Day!

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Official website of the State –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    This year, Russia celebrates Family, Love, and Fidelity Day at the official state level for the third time. The holiday came to the secular calendar from the church calendar, where the memory of the holy spouses Peter and Fevronia is honored on July 8.

    The traditional family is one of the fundamental values of humanity. In recent years, the Government of the Russian Federation has been seriously working to support this fundamental institution of society. Since January 1, 2025, a new national project “Family” has been in effect, which has become a continuation of the national project “Demography”. Its goal is to increase the number of families with children, including large families, and to strengthen family values.

    The State University of Management is also working in this direction – with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, it is implementing a single comprehensive model for providing support to representatives of young families in the format of a “single window” system. Also in March of this year, a mother and child room was opened at the university, and in April the 2nd International Scientific Conference “Family in Modern Russian Society” was held.

    We congratulate everyone on this bright, kind and important holiday. We wish the students of the State University of Management to find their soul mates, and to those who have already done so – an unquenchable family hearth. Women, support your men, they really need it, even if they don’t show it. Men, show your women signs of attention every day, because they are so pleased. For example, today you can give daisies – a symbol of Family, Love and Fidelity Day.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 7 July 2025 Through Edith’s eyes: bringing clear vision to Lima’s elders

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Over the past three years, Edith has helped organize and support more than 70 vision screening events in the Lima area, bringing clearer vision—and renewed independence—to hundreds of seniors. These campaigns are essential, she says, because many older adults simply cannot afford to visit an eye doctor or purchase eyeglasses.  

    “With Pensión 65, these reading glasses are free,” Edith says proudly. For her, the Para Verte Mejor programme is about more than dispensing near-vision eyeglasses—it is about restoring dignity and enhancing the quality of life through improving self-sufficiency and productivity. The seniors that she serves tell her so. “With these eyeglasses, I can see better,” one said. “They help me to read, write, and do things that I couldn’t do before.” 

    Para Verte Mejor delivers vision screening and near-vision eyeglasses across the country. The initiative is a partnership between the National Solidarity Assistance Programme of the Ministry of Development and Social Inclusion, Pensión65, and Management Sciences for Health (MSH)-Perú, a local NGO, with the support of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and RestoringVision, the global nonprofit dedicated to tackling the challenges of presbyopia. RestoringVision partners with MSH-Perú to provide high-quality near-vision eyeglasses and technical support. Locally, MSH-Perú collaborates with Pensión 65 and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to implement vision screening and eyeglasses campaigns. To date, this partnership has given the gift of clear sight to more than 328,000 Pensión 65 beneficiaries across Peru.

    In Lima, the numbers do not matter to Edith; what matters is the satisfaction she gets from helping each person. “It is support that gives them visual clarity, and therefore, a better life,” she says. “I feel happy. I enjoy my work with Pensión 65.”  

    Presbyopia is a frequent eyesight issue tied to aging that starts after you hit 40. It makes focusing on things up close hard, which can turn activities like reading, threading needles, or spotting small details into a challenge. It’s not an illness; it happens as the lens in the eye becomes less flexible with age. The most cost-effective treatment for presbyopia is eyeglasses. Since presbyopia happens with age, you can’t stop it from occurring. Regular eye checkups help to detect it and avoid its effects.  

    This story was developed by RestoringVision, based on an interview conducted and photographed by MSH-Perú. 

    Photo credits:Jorge Luis Verástegui Topovich and Ricardo Edu Alemán Sánchez. 

    “,”datePublished”:”2025-07-07T06:37:47.0000000+00:00″,”image”:”https://cdn.who.int/media/images/default-source/topics/health-and-well-being/disability/blindness-and-vision-impairment/edith-have-vision.jpg?sfvrsn=2d16c35a_3″,”publisher”:{“@type”:”Organization”,”name”:”World Health Organization: WHO”,”logo”:{“@type”:”ImageObject”,”url”:”https://www.who.int/Images/SchemaOrg/schemaOrgLogo.jpg”,”width”:250,”height”:60}},”dateModified”:”2025-07-07T06:37:47.0000000+00:00″,”mainEntityOfPage”:”https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/through-edith-s-eyes–bringing-clear-vision-to-lima-s-elders”,”@context”:”http://schema.org”,”@type”:”Article”};
    ]]>

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: In Novosibirsk, practical training in the field of research methods using synchrotron radiation sources is taking place at the SKIF Center for Collective Use

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    From July 1 to 11, practical training in the field of research methods using synchrotron radiation sources is taking place in Novosibirsk at the SKIF Collective Use Center. The initiator and main organizer of the event is the Siberian Ring Photon Source Collective Use Center, and the co-organizer is Novosibirsk State University. This year, the practice, which is being held for the third time, has acquired international status: almost 30 people are participating in it — students of the Faculty of Physics, Mathematics and Natural Sciences of RUDN, master’s students of Bauman Moscow State Technical University and young scientists of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus. At Novosibirsk State University, the project is being implemented with the support of the Priority 2030 program.

    — The main goal of the event is to introduce the possibilities of synchrotron research methods — first of all, X-ray diffraction and spectroscopy. Lectures during the practice are given by leading Novosibirsk scientists who specialize in these areas. Another task is to prepare and attract future users of the SKIF Cosmonaut Training Center, because those students who take part in the practice will know where they can go to conduct research using synchrotron radiation when they work in science or other fields, — said Kristina Schaefer, senior lecturer at the Department of Catalysis and Absorption. Faculty of Natural Sciences of NSU, one of the organizers of practical training.

    On July 4, the participants of the internship spent a day at Novosibirsk State University. They were given practical classes on decoding and refining the crystal structures of low-molecular organic compounds and biopolymers, which were conducted by teachers of the Department of Solid State Chemistry of the Faculty of Natural Sciences of NSU. In the following days, they will have practice on an X-ray diffractometer and an X-ray photoelectron spectrometer, where they will be able to apply the knowledge they have gained.

    They were also given a tour of the Analytical and Technological Research Center “High Technologies and Nanostructured Materials” Physics Department of NSU. NSU ATIC conducts structural-functional and technological research in solid state physics and chemistry, studies unique nanosystems and materials. Research is carried out within the framework of such promising areas as nanoelectronics, nanophotonics, methods of nanomaterial certification, functional nanomaterials, nanostructured materials and nanopowders.

    The participants of the internship were attracted by the topic and the wide range of scientific research opportunities provided by Akademgorodok and Novosibirsk.

    Anna Zhernosek, 3rd year student of the Faculty of Chemistry of RUDN:

    — I am interested in the opportunity to study certain areas in greater depth, to acquire and improve skills. This internship provides such a very good opportunity. Novosibirsk and Akademgorodok have a large knowledge base, there are universities and research institutes that are deeply involved in the topics that interest me.

    Maxim Fomin, first-year master’s student at Bauman Moscow State Technical University:

    — The program I am studying is aimed at studying the synchrotron structure, we work with its components. That is why I was interested in this internship.

    Anastasia Rotkovich, Junior Researcher, State Scientific and Practical Center for Materials Science of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus:

    — I work on an X-ray diffractometer and, in general, use ionizing radiation, gamma radiation, for my research. The topic of practical training overlaps with what I do, so I decided to take part. NSU has a wide range of modern equipment. It would be interesting to collaborate in this regard, to build international connections for joint research.

    By the end of the current week, the participants of the internship will visit the Boreskov Institute of Catalysis of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Sobolev Institute of Geology and Mineralogy of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Lavrentyev Institute of Hydrodynamics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and the Novosibirsk State Technical University, where they will have introductory tours of laboratories, lectures from leading scientists, and practical work in groups.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 3,716 Foreign Businessmen in China’s Yiwu Granted Skilled Personnel Status

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    HANGZHOU, July 8 (Xinhua) — As of the end of June this year, 3,716 foreign entrepreneurs in Yiwu City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, had been granted the status of skilled personnel under a new assessment system launched by the local government. Among them, 37 were classified as Category A (foreign highly skilled personnel) and 3,679 as Category B (foreign professional specialists), according to the Yiwu City Science and Technology Administration.

    Yiwu has pioneered the creation of an innovative “foreign talent contribution evaluation system,” with key criteria including annual exports, job creation for local residents, and sustainable contribution to the regional economy.

    To qualify for Category A, foreign investors/entrepreneurs must meet conditions such as the company’s annual sales volume exceeding RMB 50 million (about US$6.99 million) with an individual annual salary of RMB 600,000 or more; or the company employs more than 10 local people and has 10 years of continuous individual work experience in Zhejiang Province with an annual income of RMB 600,000 or more.

    Category B is assigned if the company has such indicators as an annual volume of foreign exchange transactions of USD 500,000 or an annual foreign trade turnover of over 10 million yuan.

    According to the established rules, foreign personnel of category A receive 5-year work permits and priority processing of documents, and foreigners of category B receive work permits for a period of 2 to 4 years.

    Yiwu, known as the “supermarket of the world,” maintains trade links with more than 230 countries and regions around the world. More than 28,000 foreign traders visit here every day, accounting for about a fifth of the total number in Zhejiang Province. To further attract investment, the city launched this pilot program for foreign business personnel in September 2024. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for July 8, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on July 8, 2025.

    Being kind to people – the new challenge for the public service
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jennifer Smith-Merry, Director, Centre for Disability Research and Policy, University of Sydney When Labor was re-elected in May, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese used his acceptance speech to describe the type of country he wanted to lead. He spoke of how the Australian people had voted for fairness,

    It’s harder than you think to become a top sports official in football, soccer and the rugby codes
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kath O’Brien, Senior Lecturer – Faculty of Health (School Exercise & Nutrition Sciences), Queensland University of Technology Brendon Thorne/Getty Images Sport officials, regardless of which code they supervise, are appointed to be impartial figures. They have to quickly interpret infractions, adjudicate rules and communicate commands, all while

    First it was ‘protein goals’, now TikTok is on about ‘fibre goals’. How can you meet yours?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Saman Khalesi, Senior Lecturer and Head of Course Nutrition, HealthWise Research Group Lead, Appleton Institute,, CQUniversity Australia Westend61/Getty Images “Protein goals” have long been a thing on TikTok and Instagram. But now social media users are also talking about “fibre goals”. This reflects a positive broader shift

    Bougainville election process begins as writs issued for September poll
    RNZ Pacific The Bougainville election process begins today with the issuance of the writs yesterday. Nominations open Tuesday, July 8, and close on Thursday, July 10. Voting is scheduled for one week starting on September 2, allowing seven weeks of campaigning. Candidates will be vying for a total of 46 seats, with the autonomous Parliament

    Australia is set to get more AI data centres. Local communities need to be more involved
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bronwyn Cumbo, Transdisciplinary social researcher and lecturer, University of Technology Sydney A Google data centre in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom. Richard Newstead/Getty Data centres are the engines of the internet. These large, high-security facilities host racks of servers that store and process our digital data, 24 hours a

    How can you keep kids off screens during the winter holidays?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Victoria Minson, Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education, Australian Catholic University Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Children’s Games, 1560. ©KHM-Museumsverband, CC BY-NC The winter school holidays can be a tricky time for families. Parents are often juggling work and chilly conditions make it easy for kids to end

    Quitting the quit-aid: people trying to stop vaping nicotine need more support – here are some strategies to help
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joya Kemper, Associate Professor in Marketing, University of Canterbury Getty Images New Zealand is among a number of countries that encourage vaping (the use of e-cigarettes) as a tool to help people stop smoking tobacco. But what happens when people want to quit vaping? Nicotine vapes can

    If you have a pet as a kid, does this lower your risk of asthma and eczema?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Samantha Chan, Immunology and Allergy Lead, Snow Centre for Immune Health, WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research) Catherine Delahaye/Getty Images As the number of people with allergies grows worldwide, scientists are trying to work out precisely how and why these conditions – such as

    A top court has urged nations to clamp down on fossil fuel production. When will Australia finally start listening?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wesley Morgan, Research Associate, Institute for Climate Risk and Response, UNSW Sydney GREG WOOD/AFP via Getty Images As Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen tours the Pacific this week to spruik his government’s commitment to climate action, fossil fuel exporters such as Australia are under unprecedented

    Kumanjayi Walker inquest: racism and violence, but findings too little and too late
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Thalia Anthony, Professor of Law, University of Technology Sydney First Nations people please be advised this article speaks of racially discriminating moments in history, including the distress and death of First Nations people. The inquest findings into the death of 19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker are among the most

    Cape Town’s sewage treatment isn’t coping: scientists are worried about what the city is telling the public
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lesley Green, Professor of Earth Politics and Director: Environmental Humanities South, University of Cape Town Urban water bodies – rivers, lakes and oceans – are in trouble globally. Large sewage volumes damage the open environment, and new chemicals and pharmaceutical compounds don’t break down on their own.

    View from The Hill: Albanese’s Curtin speech becomes latest political football in debate over US relationship
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Anthony Albanese seems to find himself on eggshells whenever the Australian-American relationship comes up. After the G7 debacle, he’s persistently pursued – to his obvious irritation – by journalists asking when he’ll have his first face-to-face meeting with Donald Trump.

    A Shakespearean, small-town murder: why Australia became so obsessed with the Erin Patterson mushroom case
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Xanthe Mallett, Criminologist, CQUniversity Australia The “mushroom murder trial”, as it has popularly become known, has gripped Australia over the past 11 weeks. More than that, it’s prompted worldwide headlines, multiple daily podcasts, and even YouTube videos of self-proclaimed “body language experts” assessing defendant Erin Patterson’s every

    Peter Russell-Clarke’s greatest gift was how he made you feel like one of the family
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wendy Hunt, Senior Lecturer, Academic Chair, Food Science and Nutrition, Murdoch University Impressions/Getty Images Throughout my teenage years, our lounge room sang “Come and get it, come and get it” and all in earshot would carol back, “with Peter. Russell. Clarke!” The chef, restaurateur, cookbook author and

    Sleep divorce: could sleeping separately from your partner lead to a better night’s rest?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alix Mellor, Research Fellow, Psychology, Monash University Cemile Bingol/Getty Images Hundreds of years ago, it was common for married couples among the European upper classes to have separate bedrooms. Sleeping separately was a symbol of luxury and status historically reserved for royalty and the very wealthy. Nowadays,

    A test of political courage: Yoorrook’s final reports demand action, not amnesia
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jeremie M Bracka, Law Lecturer and Transitional Justice Academic, RMIT University Australia’s colonial era may be formally over but its legacies of inequality, land dispossession and systemic racism continue to shape daily life for First Peoples. Last week, the Victorian Yoorrook Justice Commission delivered its two final

    Erin Patterson has been found guilty in the mushroom murder trial. Legal experts explain why
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rick Sarre, Emeritus Professor in Law and Criminal Justice, University of South Australia After seven weeks of evidence, six days of summing up, and six and a half days of jury deliberation in the Victorian Supreme Court sitting in Morwell, Victoria, the verdict is finally in. Erin

    In Texas, parents search flood debris for missing kids. Are Australians ready for our own sudden floods?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Erica Kuligowski, Vice-Chancellor’s Senior Research Fellow, School of Engineering, RMIT University Harrowing stories are emerging in the wake of catastrophic and sudden flooding over the fourth of July weekend in Texas – where many people were camping, and children were at riverside summer camp. More than 80

    What is rejection sensitive dysphoria in ADHD? And how can you manage it?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Victoria Barclay-Timmis, Adjunct Lecturer in Psychology, University of Southern Queensland Vitalii Khodzinskyi/Unsplash Imagine your friend hasn’t replied to a message in a few hours. Most people might think, “they are probably just busy”. But someone with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) might spiral into a flood of thoughts

    NZDF not considering recruiting personnel from Pacific nations
    By Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is not considering recruiting personnel from across the Pacific as talk continues of Australia doing so for its Defence Force (ADF). In response to a question from The Australian at the National Press Club in Canberra about Australia’s plans to potentially recruit from

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for July 8, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on July 8, 2025.

    Being kind to people – the new challenge for the public service
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jennifer Smith-Merry, Director, Centre for Disability Research and Policy, University of Sydney When Labor was re-elected in May, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese used his acceptance speech to describe the type of country he wanted to lead. He spoke of how the Australian people had voted for fairness,

    It’s harder than you think to become a top sports official in football, soccer and the rugby codes
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kath O’Brien, Senior Lecturer – Faculty of Health (School Exercise & Nutrition Sciences), Queensland University of Technology Brendon Thorne/Getty Images Sport officials, regardless of which code they supervise, are appointed to be impartial figures. They have to quickly interpret infractions, adjudicate rules and communicate commands, all while

    First it was ‘protein goals’, now TikTok is on about ‘fibre goals’. How can you meet yours?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Saman Khalesi, Senior Lecturer and Head of Course Nutrition, HealthWise Research Group Lead, Appleton Institute,, CQUniversity Australia Westend61/Getty Images “Protein goals” have long been a thing on TikTok and Instagram. But now social media users are also talking about “fibre goals”. This reflects a positive broader shift

    Bougainville election process begins as writs issued for September poll
    RNZ Pacific The Bougainville election process begins today with the issuance of the writs yesterday. Nominations open Tuesday, July 8, and close on Thursday, July 10. Voting is scheduled for one week starting on September 2, allowing seven weeks of campaigning. Candidates will be vying for a total of 46 seats, with the autonomous Parliament

    Australia is set to get more AI data centres. Local communities need to be more involved
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bronwyn Cumbo, Transdisciplinary social researcher and lecturer, University of Technology Sydney A Google data centre in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom. Richard Newstead/Getty Data centres are the engines of the internet. These large, high-security facilities host racks of servers that store and process our digital data, 24 hours a

    How can you keep kids off screens during the winter holidays?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Victoria Minson, Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education, Australian Catholic University Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Children’s Games, 1560. ©KHM-Museumsverband, CC BY-NC The winter school holidays can be a tricky time for families. Parents are often juggling work and chilly conditions make it easy for kids to end

    Quitting the quit-aid: people trying to stop vaping nicotine need more support – here are some strategies to help
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joya Kemper, Associate Professor in Marketing, University of Canterbury Getty Images New Zealand is among a number of countries that encourage vaping (the use of e-cigarettes) as a tool to help people stop smoking tobacco. But what happens when people want to quit vaping? Nicotine vapes can

    If you have a pet as a kid, does this lower your risk of asthma and eczema?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Samantha Chan, Immunology and Allergy Lead, Snow Centre for Immune Health, WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research) Catherine Delahaye/Getty Images As the number of people with allergies grows worldwide, scientists are trying to work out precisely how and why these conditions – such as

    A top court has urged nations to clamp down on fossil fuel production. When will Australia finally start listening?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wesley Morgan, Research Associate, Institute for Climate Risk and Response, UNSW Sydney GREG WOOD/AFP via Getty Images As Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen tours the Pacific this week to spruik his government’s commitment to climate action, fossil fuel exporters such as Australia are under unprecedented

    Kumanjayi Walker inquest: racism and violence, but findings too little and too late
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Thalia Anthony, Professor of Law, University of Technology Sydney First Nations people please be advised this article speaks of racially discriminating moments in history, including the distress and death of First Nations people. The inquest findings into the death of 19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker are among the most

    Cape Town’s sewage treatment isn’t coping: scientists are worried about what the city is telling the public
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lesley Green, Professor of Earth Politics and Director: Environmental Humanities South, University of Cape Town Urban water bodies – rivers, lakes and oceans – are in trouble globally. Large sewage volumes damage the open environment, and new chemicals and pharmaceutical compounds don’t break down on their own.

    View from The Hill: Albanese’s Curtin speech becomes latest political football in debate over US relationship
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Anthony Albanese seems to find himself on eggshells whenever the Australian-American relationship comes up. After the G7 debacle, he’s persistently pursued – to his obvious irritation – by journalists asking when he’ll have his first face-to-face meeting with Donald Trump.

    A Shakespearean, small-town murder: why Australia became so obsessed with the Erin Patterson mushroom case
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Xanthe Mallett, Criminologist, CQUniversity Australia The “mushroom murder trial”, as it has popularly become known, has gripped Australia over the past 11 weeks. More than that, it’s prompted worldwide headlines, multiple daily podcasts, and even YouTube videos of self-proclaimed “body language experts” assessing defendant Erin Patterson’s every

    Peter Russell-Clarke’s greatest gift was how he made you feel like one of the family
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wendy Hunt, Senior Lecturer, Academic Chair, Food Science and Nutrition, Murdoch University Impressions/Getty Images Throughout my teenage years, our lounge room sang “Come and get it, come and get it” and all in earshot would carol back, “with Peter. Russell. Clarke!” The chef, restaurateur, cookbook author and

    Sleep divorce: could sleeping separately from your partner lead to a better night’s rest?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alix Mellor, Research Fellow, Psychology, Monash University Cemile Bingol/Getty Images Hundreds of years ago, it was common for married couples among the European upper classes to have separate bedrooms. Sleeping separately was a symbol of luxury and status historically reserved for royalty and the very wealthy. Nowadays,

    A test of political courage: Yoorrook’s final reports demand action, not amnesia
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jeremie M Bracka, Law Lecturer and Transitional Justice Academic, RMIT University Australia’s colonial era may be formally over but its legacies of inequality, land dispossession and systemic racism continue to shape daily life for First Peoples. Last week, the Victorian Yoorrook Justice Commission delivered its two final

    Erin Patterson has been found guilty in the mushroom murder trial. Legal experts explain why
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rick Sarre, Emeritus Professor in Law and Criminal Justice, University of South Australia After seven weeks of evidence, six days of summing up, and six and a half days of jury deliberation in the Victorian Supreme Court sitting in Morwell, Victoria, the verdict is finally in. Erin

    In Texas, parents search flood debris for missing kids. Are Australians ready for our own sudden floods?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Erica Kuligowski, Vice-Chancellor’s Senior Research Fellow, School of Engineering, RMIT University Harrowing stories are emerging in the wake of catastrophic and sudden flooding over the fourth of July weekend in Texas – where many people were camping, and children were at riverside summer camp. More than 80

    What is rejection sensitive dysphoria in ADHD? And how can you manage it?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Victoria Barclay-Timmis, Adjunct Lecturer in Psychology, University of Southern Queensland Vitalii Khodzinskyi/Unsplash Imagine your friend hasn’t replied to a message in a few hours. Most people might think, “they are probably just busy”. But someone with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) might spiral into a flood of thoughts

    NZDF not considering recruiting personnel from Pacific nations
    By Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is not considering recruiting personnel from across the Pacific as talk continues of Australia doing so for its Defence Force (ADF). In response to a question from The Australian at the National Press Club in Canberra about Australia’s plans to potentially recruit from

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on June 26, 2025 2025-07-08 Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers questions at a regular press conference on the afternoon of June 26, 2025.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

    By Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND)

    Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers questions at a regular press conference on the afternoon of June 26, 2025. (mod.gov.cn)

    (The following English text is for reference. In case of any divergence of interpretation, the Chinese text shall prevail.)

    Zhang Xiaogang: Friends from the media, good afternoon. Welcome to this month’s regular press conference of the Ministry of National Defense of the People’s Republic of China. I have no information torelease. The floor is open for questions.

    Journalist: It is reported that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Defense Ministers’ Meeting was held in Qingdao, Shandong Province. Please brief us on the Chinese military’s participation in SCO defense and security cooperation.

    Zhang Xiaogang: The SCO Defense Ministers’ Meeting was held in Qingdao, Shandong Province from June 25 to 26. China’s Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun presided at the meeting and delivered a speech. This year, China is the rotating chair of the SCO, and hosting the Defense Minister’s Meeting is an important activity to perform the chair’s duties.

    Defense and security cooperation plays a significant role in the establishment and development of the SCO. The Chinese side actively promotes strategic communication and substantive cooperation within the SCO and initiated many cooperation programs. First, we organized or participated in meetings of SCO defense ministers, chiefs of general staff, and international military cooperation organs to communicate and build consensus with other member states and send a “SCO voice” on international and regional security issues. Second, we hosted or participated in Peace Mission joint exercises, Fanfare for Peace military tattoos and expert working group meetings, and conducted professional exchanges on military medicine, military transportation, and military translation to deepen cooperation across the board. Third, we initiated and hosted the SCO Seminar for Senior-Level Officers, the SCO Junior-and-Middle-Level Officers’ Exchange, and the SCO+ Young Scholars’ Salon to enrich exchanges among service members of the member states and strengthen their friendship and mutual trust.

    He who walks with others walks far. The Chinese military will work with militaries of other SCO member states to carry forward the Shanghai Spirit, further broaden and deepen defense cooperation, join hands in building a common home featuring solidarity and mutual trust, peace and tranquility, prosperity and development, good-neighborliness and friendship, and fairness and justice, and contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind.

    Journalist: It is reported that India refused to sign the joint statement of the recent SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting due to disagreements over terrorism issues. Besides, could you provide some information about the meeting between the defense ministers of India and China?

    Zhang Xiaogang: As far as I know, with joint efforts of all parties, the SCO Defense Ministers’ Meeting achieved a full success. We will release information on the meeting between the Chinese and Indian defense ministers in a timely manner.

    Journalist: I have two questions. First, according to media reports, sea trial of PLANS Fujian is steadily advancing and the PLA Navy will soon have three operational aircraft carriers. Does that mean China’s third aircraft carrier will be commissioned soon? What role will the three carrier task groups play in safeguarding China’s overseas interests and maintaining regional stability? Second, it is reported that the US side recently invited representatives of Taiwan’s military to observe a joint air exercise between the US and its allies. Lately, the US House Appropriation Committee approved the Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Appropriation Act, which includes a $500 million budget for military assistance to Taiwan. What’s your comment?

    Zhang Xiaogang: On your first question, building a strong and modernized navy is a century-old dream of the Chinese nation. China builds aircraft carriers in line with our national security needs and the development of equipment and technology. Starting from scratch, the PLA Navy has made leapfrog progress in aircraft carrier development. After successive commissioning of PLANS Liaoning and PLANS Shandong capable of ski jump launch, we now have the first carrier with electromagnetic catapult launch, PLANS Fujian. It should be emphasized that China develops weapons and equipment only to safeguard our national sovereignty, security and development interests. The Chinese military remains a staunch force for world peace. The more capable we are, the stronger the force in defending peace and preventing war.

    On your second question, we firmly oppose any form of military collusion between the US and China’s Taiwan region. Such collusion, be it military aid, arms sale or under any other excuse, reveals the extremely malicious intention of the US to mislead Taiwan into the flames of war, harming Taiwan itself and destroying its interests. We urge the US side to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués, and stop sending wrong signals to the “Taiwan independence” separatist forces. We warn the DPP authorities that “soliciting US support for independence” is doomed to fail, and “resisting reunification by force” is a dead end.

    Journalist: I have two questions. First, it is reported that the poll initiated by the Democratic Culture and Education Foundation in Taiwan showed that 66% of the respondents believed that the US may sell out Taiwan for its own interests; 67% believed that the US mainly uses Taiwan as a bargaining chip in its rivalry with the Chinese mainland. What’s your take on that? Second, the leader of the Taiwan region Lai Ching-te recently launched a so-called “10 talks on unity”, which include many contents on cross-Strait relations. May I have your comment on this?

    Zhang Xiaogang: On your first question, the US always puts its own interests first and this won’t be different when it comes to the Taiwan question. Acting as a pawn, the DPP authorities cannot escape the fate of being abandoned. Many more compatriots in Taiwan have now realized that “Taiwan independence” is a dead end, foreign support is unreliable, and China’s reunification is inevitable. Those who act against the trend of reunification and attempt to separate the country will never have a good end.

    On your second question, Taiwan is a part of China. It has never been and will never be a country. Lai Ching-te has distorted historical facts and made up false theories with an ill attempt to provoke for independence and escalate tensions across the Strait. His delirious talks will never change the legal fact that Taiwan is a part of China and the international community’s commitment to the one-China principle, and will never stop the historical trend that China will and must be reunified. The PLA shows zero tolerance towards “Taiwan independence” separatist activities. We will strengthen military training and combat readiness and resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

    Journalist: It is reported that the US plans to deploy another Typhon mid-range missile system in the Philippines. The Philippine side claims that the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Intervention System (NMESIS) would remain within the Philippines after a recent military exercise with the US and serve as a deterrence to those attempting to coerce or invade the Philippines. Do you have any comment?

    Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers questions at a regular press conference on the afternoon of June 26, 2025. (mod.gov.cn)

    Zhang Xiaogang: The Asia-Pacific region is a key hub for peaceful development rather than an arena for major-power rivalry. The Philippines has intensified its efforts to introduce strategic and tactical weapons, tied itself to the US war chariot, and become a co-conspirator in destabilizing the region. These actions severely undermined common interests of the peoples in the region. Those who “invited wolves into the house” will ultimately have themselves harmed and their home destroyed. We urge the Philippine side to take lessons from history and avoid making a same mistake.

    Journalist: I have two questions. First, the recent Jiangsu Football City League has been extremely popular. Many netizens commented in the account of the PLA Eastern Theater Command, hoping that on the day of the final game, fighter jets such as J-10 can fly over the stadium, emulating the practice of the US NFL “Super Bowl”. What’s your comment on this? Second, two warships of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF), helicopter destroyer JS Ise and frigate JS Suzunami, recently docked at the Port of Manila in the Philippines to hold joint training with the Philippine military. Rear Admiral Takashi Natsui of the JMSDF accused China of increasing activities in waters surrounding Japan and unilaterally changing the status quo with strength, which posed a serious challenge to the international order. He said that Japan would closely monitor movements of the PLA Navy to ensure full vigilance and leave no room for error. What’s your comment on this?

    Zhang Xiaogang: On your first question, the Jiangsu Football City League is such a big hit recently. Fans show quite strong patriotic sentiments. I should say our fighter planes will always be on their combat posts to safeguard all of us.

    On your second question, Japan is not a party concerned in the South China Sea issue and therefore should not support provocative actions of some certain country. We urge the Japanese side to stop stirring up troubles on the South China Sea issue, stop undermining regional peace and stability, and do not head further down a wrong path.

    Journalist: The DPP authorities claimed that 46 PLA fighter jets crossed the Taiwan Strait and six PLA vessels circled around Taiwan within 24 hours, which is the largest PLA operation around the island recently. What’s your comment on this?

    Zhang Xiaogang: PLA military drills around the Taiwan Island are necessary actions to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as stern warnings against the “Taiwan independence” separatist forces and the interference of external forces. They are fully justified, legitimate, and reasonable. The Lai Ching-te authorities have taken continued actions to seek independence, which could push Taiwan into a dangerous situation of war. They are the culprits who undermine security and well-being of Taiwan compatriots and will surely be disdained by the people and judged by the time.

    Journalist: A former commander of the US Pacific Command has reportedly said that 2027 is a critical year for the PLA not only to attack Taiwan but also to become a world-class military. The Chinese side now sails its aircraft carriers and other large vessels beyond the Second Island Chain to put pressure on Taiwan, Japan and the US. He called it “gunboat diplomacy”. Do you have any comment?

    Zhang Xiaogang: The Taiwan question is purely China’s internal affair. How to resolve the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese people, which brooks no foreign interference. The operation and training activities conducted by Chinese aircraft carrier task groups conform to international law and practices, and do not target at any third party. In addition, China has never done such things as “gunboat diplomacy”. We urge the US side not to perceive China with its own hegemonic mindset, and stop misinterpreting China’s legitimate actions with false ideas.

    Journalist: China will hold a grand military parade on September 3 to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. According to the information released on June 24, weapons and equipment to be displayed in the parade are all domestically developed. What new weapons and equipment will be on display?

    Zhang Xiaogang: I believe many of you are interested in this question. Please be patient about the new weapons and equipment to be displayed. And no spoilers from me.

    Journalist: It is reported that the US Secretary of Defense recently claimed at a congressional hearing that China is a “pacing threat”, and that the US will prioritize re-establishing deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region to “achieve peace through strength”. The One Big Beautiful Bill of the US would allocate 12 billion US dollars for the “Pacific Deterrence Initiative”, further strengthening combat readiness of US forces in the Indo-Pacific and boosting defense capabilities of Taiwan. What’s your comment?

    Zhang Xiaogang: Zero-sum game should not be the way that major countries handle each other, and peaceful coexistence should be a bottom line both China and the US hold. China’s development poses no threat to other countries and we never resort to deterrence or coercion preferred by some certain country.

    The Taiwan question is purely China’s internal affair which brooks no foreign interference. The US side has repeatedly gone back on its own words and kept arming Taiwan, which would only backfire. We urge the US side to have an objective and rational perception of China, stop blaming China on everything, and stop deceiving and misleading the US public and the international community, so as to create favorable conditions for developing state-to-state and mil-to-mil relations between China and the US.

    Journalist: I have two questions. First, it is reported that this year’s enrollment in military academies in Taiwan has been hotly discussed, with the number of female cadets in many academies surpassing that of male cadets. “When male soldiers are not enough, female soldiers have to fill the gap”. Such a situation does not reflect gender equality, but rather a fact that no one want to throw their lives away for “Taiwan independence”. Do you have any comment? The second question, it is reported that the Trump administration planned to significantly increase arms sales to Taiwan during the second term. In the following four years, military sales to Taiwan is expected to surpass the $18.3 billion approved during the first Trump administration. The US side is also reportedly pressuring Taiwan’s opposition parties not to obstruct the DPP authorities’ efforts to raise defense budget. In addition, Lai Ching-te said that Taiwan’s defense budget should reach 3% of its GDP or even higher, and expressed the hope that Taiwan-US security cooperation would evolve beyond military procurement to joint production and joint research and development. What’s your comment on this?

    Zhang Xiaogang: There is a good point in your first question, no one want to throw their lives away for “Taiwan independence”. It is unworthy and meaningless to be cannon fodders for the armed forces of “Taiwan independence”.

    On your second question, Lai Ching-te and his kind are trying to find all kinds of ways to pay “protection fees” to their US masters, which squandered hard-earned money of the people in Taiwan. This is exactly “selling off the farmland of one’s family without being conscience-stricken”. We warn the DPP authorities that their attempts to solicit US support for “Taiwan independence” and resist reunification by force will only fail.

    Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers questions at a regular press conference on the afternoon of June 26, 2025. (mod.gov.cn)

    Journalist: According to reports, during its summit in the Hague from June 24 to 25, NATO accused China of providing Russia with key support in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and expressed concerns over the South China Sea, the East China Sea and the Taiwan question. NATO Secretary General recently said that China is significantly strengthening its military capabilities, building the world’s largest navy, and expanding its nuclear arsenal. Therefore, NATO should strengthen its partnership with Indo-Pacific countries to deal with the military challenges posed by China. What’s your comment?

    Zhang Xiaogang: China adheres to the path of peaceful development, and is committed to a national defense policy that is defensive in nature. China’s military development is purely aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests. China-Russia cooperation does not target at any third party, nor will it be interfered by any third party.

    As a product of the Cold War and the largest military bloc in the world, NATO stirs up troubles and provokes conflicts and wars in various regions, making itself a true war machine. In recent years, NATO has overstretched its geographic boundary stipulated by its own Treaty, and ill-expanded its power and authority, arousing high vigilance among regional countries. We firmly oppose NATO using China as an excuse to “expand eastward into the Asia-Pacific” and urge NATO to reflect on its own behaviors, change course, and contribute more to global security and stability.

    Journalist: It is reported that when meeting with heads of the world’s leading news agencies, Russian President said that China and Russia are strengthening their extensive military cooperation on defense industries and other fields. The two sides hold joint exercises on a regular basis. The Russian Defense Ministry has made a detailed road map to deepen cooperation with China. What’s your take on that?

    Zhang Xiaogang: Based on the principle of non-alliance, non-confrontation and not targeting at any third party, cooperation between China and Russia has maintained a steady and sound momentum.

    Journalist: According to media reports, Taiwan’s first indigenous submarine Hai Kun recently completed its maiden sea trial. Do you have any comment on that?

    Zhang Xiaogang: The “Taiwan independence” separatist forces tried very hard to build the submarine Hai Kun only to find a form of psychological comfort. It can be easily defeated by the PLA.

    Journalist: It is reported that the Philippines has launched a so-called “New Hero-Fisherfolk” Program to encourage its fishermen to exploit fishing resources in waters near Nansha to the fullest extent. What’s your take on that?

    Zhang Xiaogang: China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao and its adjacent waters, and has sovereign rights and jurisdiction over relevant waters. The Philippine side attempts to use fishing activities as a pretext to infringe upon China’s sovereignty and make provocations. This will never work. The Chinese side will strengthen administrative control of relevant waters in accordance with laws and regulations, and firmly safeguard our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

    Journalist: A former Chief of Staff of Japan Self-Defense Force said that China has increased its maritime presence near Diaoyu Dao over the past two years. The increasingly aggressive actions taken by the Chinese side recently may be preparations for a landing operation to take control of Diaoyu Dao. What’s your comment on that?

    Zhang Xiaogang: Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated islands are China’s inherent territory. Patrols and law enforcement activities conducted by the Chinese side in waters under China’s jurisdiction are legitimate actions. It is the Japanese side who is undermining stability and escalating tensions in the relevant region.

    Journalist: It is reported that the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute of Sweden recently released its annual report on global nuclear forces, stating that China currently possesses 600 nuclear warheads, ranking third in the world. It says China’s stockpile is increasing at a speed of approximately 100 per year, faster than that of any other country. What is your comment?

    Zhang Xiaogang: I will not comment on this kind of speculative reports. China adheres to a nuclear strategy of self-defense, and commits itself to a nuclear policy of no first use of nuclear weapons. We keep our nuclear force at a minimum level required for national security and have no intention to engage in arms race with any country. China will continue to safeguard its legitimate security interests and uphold world peace and stability.

    Zhang Xiaogang: If there are no other questions, it concludes today’s press conference.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: It’s harder than you think to become a top sports official in football, soccer and the rugby codes

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kath O’Brien, Senior Lecturer – Faculty of Health (School Exercise & Nutrition Sciences), Queensland University of Technology

    Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

    Sport officials, regardless of which code they supervise, are appointed to be impartial figures.

    They have to quickly interpret infractions, adjudicate rules and communicate commands, all while maintaining the highest levels of objectivity and sense – not to mention the fitness required.

    So, what does it take to become a sport official at the elite level, such as NRL referees or AFL umpires?

    And why do so many sports fans think these officials are at fault when their team keeps getting penalised?



    Read more:
    1 in 5 community footy umpires have been assaulted, while others cop death threats: new research

    It’s harder than you think

    Recently, there were calls for Ashley Klein to be stripped of officiating duties for the third and final rugby league State of Origin clash after NRL commentators queried a one-sided penalty count in the Maroons’ favour during game two in Perth.

    Likewise, the AFL recently faced criticism when video evidence revealed Collingwood’s Lachie Schultz had suffered a concussion, but the umpires in charge failed to stop play immediately, as they should have.

    Every week, fans also voice their displeasure at perceived injustices, whether that be at the ground, watching on TV or venting on social media.

    However, very few people fully understand the complexity or intricacies of what it takes to perform a sport official’s role, particularly at the elite level.

    Elite officials must have detailed rule knowledge, incredible physical and mental fitness and be composed regardless of crowd pressure. They must be able to instantly move on from any mistakes made.

    They also need situational awareness and a level of calmness to effectively supervise two groups of competitors fiercely battling against each other in these highly charged environments.

    Figuratively speaking, this can be like emergency department (ED) doctors or air traffic controllers, who are required to manage multiple events and competing task demands in a calm and consistent manner.

    Even though elite officials don’t work continuously for long hours like ED doctors or pilots – the total playing time of most of our winter sporting codes is generally between 90-120 minutes – the level of concentration, composure and mental toughness required is immense.

    Making good decisions when both players and the ball are constantly shifting position also requires exceptional game understanding and an ability to convey decisions that are appropriate to the game context.

    In other words, elite referees operate in situations in which time pressure, stress and high risk decision-making are always present.

    So who would want to perform a role where coaches, fans and some sections of the media continually question your knowledge, integrity and skills?

    Professional or part-time?

    Currently, of Australia’s major winter codes, only the NRL has a full quota of referees who are full time, paid professionals.

    Soccer’s A-League has a small group of full-time officials and an impressive number of top officials are part of FIFA’s panel of international referees. Yet, most A-League referees are part-time operators.

    Similarly, Rugby Australia has a small team of full-time professional referees who are appointed to Super League games and international matches not involving Australia, but most are part-timers.

    In the AFL, most umpires work part-time, with pressure mounting on the league to transition its umpires into full-time positions as ongoing criticisms over controversial decisions continue to grow.

    What elite officials get paid can be shrouded in secrecy but AFL field umpires reportedly earn A$120–130,000 each year while the best NRL referees earn more than $300,000 each season.

    Current pathways into the top level for most sporting codes require extensive apprenticeships in lower grades.

    To reach those top pay levels, extensive on-field experience in lower grades is required. Those who stand out are selected in high-performance squads where specialist coaching is provided.

    An often thankless task

    So, do you think you have what it takes to be an elite sports official?

    Could you maintain an optimal level of physical and cognitive performance while running at high speeds when you know every decision you make can be reviewed by video technology and re-watched in slow motion at one 25th of a second?

    It might be good to remember most decisions in sport are not black and white.

    Referees are human. They make mistakes. Sometimes they have to follow a policy or refereeing method they might not agree with.

    However, what we need to remember before we shout at them during a game is elite officials are trying to make games as fair, open, free flowing and entertaining as possible as they strive to impartially apply the rules of the game.

    Kath O’Brien 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. It’s harder than you think to become a top sports official in football, soccer and the rugby codes – https://theconversation.com/its-harder-than-you-think-to-become-a-top-sports-official-in-football-soccer-and-the-rugby-codes-259036

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Texas floods raise doubts over US weather warnings, response levels

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

    As the desperate search continues for survivors of the flash floods in Central Texas, concerns have already been raised about the shortcomings of the United States’ weather warning service and the response of local authorities.

    The death toll stood at 82 late on Sunday, with Texas Governor Greg Abbott saying that 41 people were unaccounted for across the state, adding that more people could be missing, local media reported.

    In Kerr County, home to Camp Mystic and other youth camps in the Texas Hill Country, searchers have found the bodies of 68 people, including 28 children, said Sheriff Larry Leitha, who pledged to keep searching until “everybody is found”.

    The flash floods happened in a region where the natural beauty of rivers, lakes and hills has made it a popular destination for summer vacations. The Guadalupe River bank area had attracted many visitors for the long Fourth of July weekend.

    However, before daybreak on Friday destructive, fast-moving waters rose rapidly on the river in only 45 minutes, washing away homes and vehicles.

    Questions are growing about whether enough warnings were issued in an area long vulnerable to flooding and whether enough preparations were made.

    Families were allowed to look around Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp along the river where 10 girls and a counselor were still unaccounted for, on Sunday morning.

    One girl was seen walking out of a building carrying a large bell. A woman and a teenage girl, both wearing rubber waders, briefly went inside one of the cabins, which stood next to a pile of soaked mattresses, a storage trunk and clothes. At one point, the pair doubled over, sobbing before they embraced.

    Father’s sacrifice

    Several of those who died in the floods have already been praised by loved ones for their heroism.

    Julian Ryan, 27, died trying to save his mother, his fiancee Christina Wilson, and the couple’s two young children, according to local media reports.

    Wilson told a Houston television station the water came to the front step of their trailer home near the river in Ingram before dawn on Friday and rose fast. Their mattress began to float. The door was stuck shut and Ryan broke a window with his arm for the family to escape. However, he suffered serious cuts from the broken glasses and soon bled to death.

    “He had lost so much blood and knew he wasn’t going to make it,” Wilson said. “He said, ‘I love you. I’m so sorry.’ In minutes, he was gone. He died trying to save us.”

    Camp Mystic director Dick Eastland, 70, died while trying to rescue campers during the catastrophic flooding, according to a tribute shared by his grandson on Instagram on Saturday.

    “If he wasn’t going to die of natural causes, this was the only other way — saving the girls that he so loved and cared for,” George Eastland wrote. “That’s the kind of man my grandfather was. He was a husband, father, grandfather, and a mentor to thousands of young women.”

    A Camp Mystic employee, Glenn Juenke, told CNN Eastland died “remaining a true hero until the very end”.

    Almost a century old and founded in 1926, Camp Mystic had been run by Dick and Tweety Eastland since 1974 and can host up to 700 children.

    In Kerrville, Tivy High School boys soccer coach Reece Zunker and his wife Paula died in the flood, according to a Facebook post. Their two young children were missing.

    The Guadalupe River Heart O’ the Hills Camp announced on its website that its director and co-owner Jane Ragsdale was killed in the flood. Luckily no children were at the camp at the time.

    Two sisters from Dallas, Blair and Brooke Harber, 11 and 13 respectively, were staying with their grandparents in a cabin along the Guadalupe River, which was washed away by the flood. The sisters were confirmed dead and their grandparents were missing, according to The New York Times.

    Too late, inaccurate

    The National Weather Service first issued a forecast on Thursday afternoon that heavy rain was coming and flooding was possible. It predicted 127 to 177 millimeters of rain.

    The flood warning was issued at 1:14 am on Friday when most people were asleep. It triggered Wireless Emergency Alerts which sent notifications to all the mobile phones in the emergency area.

    However, it’s a feature that mobile phone users can disable and parts of the Hill Country lack good mobile phone reception.

    The rain began to fall around midnight, but actual rainfall far exceeded the forecast. Some local weather stations recorded 305 mm of rainfall by sunrise on Independence Day, local meteorologists said.

    The water level rose rapidly. The water gauge in a section of the Guadalupe River gauge where it forks recorded a 6.7-meter rise in only two hours, Bob Fogarty, a meteorologist at the NWS Austin/San Antonio office said.

    In Kerrville, the water level rose from 0.3 meters to 10.3 meters between 2 am and 7 am on Friday.

    Fogarty said the alert was updated nine times throughout Friday. The most serious warning came at 4:03 am when NWS issued a flood emergency, warning of an “extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation “and urging “immediate evacuations”.

    The riverbank overflow occurred about three hours after the first flood warning, with the strong torrent washing away cabins and vehicles.

    Some meteorologists said local authorities are partially responsible for the devastating consequences of the floods.

    “The heartbreaking catastrophe that occurred in Central Texas is a tragedy of the worst sort because it appears evacuations and other proactive measures could have been undertaken to reduce the risk of fatalities had the organizers of impacted camps and local officials heeded the warnings of the government and private weather sources, including AccuWeather,” AccuWeather chief meteorologist Jonathan Porter wrote in a statement on Saturday morning.

    Local officials blamed the NWS for inadequate weather information. Nim Kidd, chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management pointed to NWS forecasts that projected up to 152 mm of rain. “It did not predict the amount of rain that we saw,” Kidd said.

    Facing questions on why officials didn’t organize evacuations, Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly said: “We didn’t know this flooding was coming. Rest assured, no one knew this kind of flood was coming.”

    Kelly said they deal with floods frequently and locals know the area as “flash flood valley”. However, Kerr County doesn’t have a flood warning system in place. Kelly said the county considered implementing one a few years ago, but the plan was put aside due to the cost.

    Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice told the media that the suddenness and intensity of the flood caught city officials flat-footed.

    “This happened very quickly over a very short amount of time that could not be predicted,” Rice said,”… things like this happen in a very strategic, very isolated area and when those two things converge you have what happened today.”

    Staff shortage at NWS

    The unexpectedness of the flood has led many to question whether the understaffed NWS has contributed to the tragedy.

    Its ability to help the entire country prepare for natural disasters was also questioned due to funding cuts under the Trump administration’s Big Beautiful Bill which was passed the day before July 4.

    Federal funding cuts made earlier by the Department of Government Efficiency led to staff cuts in the NWS, which the service says has resulted in many of its local offices being understaffed.

    Its mission statement is to: “Provide weather, water and climate data, forecasts, warnings, and impact-based decision support services for the protection of life and property and enhancement of the national economy.”

    Accurate weather warnings are the key to “give every individual a fighting chance to survive nature’s worst”, it adds.

    Since President Donald Trump took office, almost 600 people have left the NWS, equivalent to the total number of employees who left the service in the past 15 years.

    Many of those who left were seasoned meteorologists with experience in dealing with a variety of weather scenarios. Experts had previously warned that the service had already been crippled due to its large number of vacant positions and sudden departure of senior staff.

    The NWS Austin/San Antonio Office, which oversees flood-devastated Kerr County, is currently short six staff members. A senior hydrologist, staff forecaster and meteorologist in charge were missing, according to the NWS website.

    While no one at the NWS has explained the big gap between the forecast and actual rainfall, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the administration, saying that it’s hard to accurately predict rainfall.

    Noem argued that the technology was “ancient” and that the Trump administration is working to upgrade it.

    “We know that everybody wants more warning time, and that’s why we’re working to upgrade the technologies that have been neglected (for) far too long,” Noem said at a Saturday news conference.

    Houston has a problem

    Jason Walls, a Houston resident, told China Daily the tragedy unfolding in Central Texas had made him worried about his own safety in Houston.

    “We are in the hurricane season right now. I can’t imagine how many people would die from an inaccurate weather forecast and inadequate warning because we are much more populated than Central Texas. I am very concerned,” Walls said.

    He’s aware that the NWS Houston/Galveston Office has a serious staff shortage with 11 positions out of 25 vacant. The departures happened after a number of experienced meteorologists left due to the DOGE cuts.

    The vacancies include meteorologist-incharge, warning coordination meteorologist, science and operations officer, and port meteorological officer. In addition, four meteorologists, including two senior positions, are also vacant.

    Meteorologist Jeff Masters, a former National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration hurricane hunter, earlier told the Texas Tribune that most of the roles won’t be able to be filled in time for the 2025 hurricane season.

    “This was done very inefficiently,” Masters told the newspaper. “First, all of the probationary employees were fired, then incentives were given to get the most experienced managers out through early retirement. Now they’re trying to do some rehiring, and then it’s just not being done very efficiently.”

    Masters said that the local offices across the country have lost critical institutional knowledge and expertise. Nationwide, reduced staff numbers have meant fewer weather balloon launches, therefore fewer data critical to accurate storm modeling is available.

    Currently, the Houston office is being helped by members from other NWS locations, and a meteorologist in Oklahoma is helping as an acting meteorologist-incharge for Houston.

    “Look at what happened in Kerr County when the NWS local office is without a warning coordination meteorologist,” Walls said. “We are in a worse situation in Houston — we don’t have a warning coordinator, we don’t have one in charge, we are missing almost half of very critical positions. How can we be ready for any weather disaster in the coming months?”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: New talent system benefits over 3,700 foreign businesspeople in China’s Yiwu

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

    Foreigners carry a suitcase for sample purchasing at Yiwu International Trade Market in Yiwu, east China’s Zhejiang Provence, May 16, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    A total of 3,716 foreign businesspeople operating in the city of Yiwu, east China’s Zhejiang Province, have been recognized as talent by the local government as of the end of June.

    The group includes 37 classified as A-level (foreign high-end talent) and 3,679 as B-level (foreign professional talent), according to Yiwu’s science and technology bureau.

    The city has pioneered a novel “contribution-based evaluation system” for identifying foreign talent. Factors such as annual export volumes, job creation for local workers, and sustained contributions to the local economy are key determinants.

    Foreign investors/businesspeople can qualify as A-level talent if they meet certain conditions, such as annual sales of their company exceeding 50 million yuan (about 6.99 million U.S. dollars) while they receive an annual salary of over 600,000 yuan each; or the company employing over 10 local workers while they have worked in Zhejiang continuously for 10 years with a similar salary.

    B-level status is attainable through metrics such as foreign exchange settlements of a company exceeding 500,000 U.S. dollars annually, or generating annual import-export volumes surpassing 10 million yuan.

    A-class talent receive longer work permits valid for five years and prioritized approval services, while B-level talent qualify for work permits lasting two to four years, according to the policy.

    Renowned as the “world supermarket,” Yiwu maintains trade links with over 230 countries and regions. With over 28,000 foreign merchants daily — constituting about one-fifth of Zhejiang’s total — the city launched this foreign business talent pilot program in September 2024 to further attract investment. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Int’l Deep Space Exploration Association launched in China

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

    This photo taken on July 7, 2025 shows an exterior view of the Deep Space Exploration Laboratory in Hefei, east China’a Anhui Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    HEFEI, July 7 — The International Deep Space Exploration Association (IDSEA), an international academic organization dedicated to deep space exploration, was officially launched on Monday in Hefei, capital of east China’s Anhui Province.

    The move marks a key step in global collaboration to advance space technology and build a community with a shared future for humanity in outer space.

    This association was jointly initiated by the Hefei-based Deep Space Exploration Laboratory, the Lunar Exploration and Space Program Center of the China National Space Administration, the Chinese Society of Astronautics, the Chinese Society of Space Research and the French initiative “Planetary Exploration, Horizon 2061.” The founding of the IDSEA was also co-sponsored by 20 academicians from China and 31 international scientists.

    Wu Weiren, chief designer of China’s lunar exploration program and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, was elected as the association’s first chairman.

    Wu said the association’s establishment holds great significance for international exchange and cooperation in China’s space program, as it is a crucial step toward collaborative innovation within the global space community.

    He said the association will focus on areas including lunar exploration, planetary exploration and asteroid defense. It will conduct studies on trends in international deep space exploration, host international academic events, foster global talent in space science and technology, take part in making standards and rules concerning outer space, and advance the peaceful and sustainable use of outer space.

    He extended a warm invitation to scientists and engineers worldwide to join the association and contribute to global exploration of the universe.

    Despite being a latecomer to outer space exploration, China has rapidly emerged as a prominent player in this field while also demonstrating its commitment to cooperating with other nations.

    In April 2025, China announced that seven institutions from six countries — France, Germany, Japan, Pakistan, the United Kingdom and the United States, have been authorized to borrow lunar samples collected by China’s Chang’e-5 mission for scientific research purposes.

    China has also invited global partners to participate in its Mars missions. The country plans to launch the Tianwen-3 Mars sample-return mission around 2028, with the primary scientific goal of searching for signs of life on Mars.

    Retrieval of samples from Mars, the first mission of its kind in human history, is considered the most technically challenging space exploration task since the Apollo program.

    This photo taken on July 7, 2025 shows an exterior view of the International Deep Space Exploration Association in Hefei, east China’a Anhui Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Guests visit the show room of the Deep Space Exploration Laboratory in Hefei, east China’s Anhui Province, July 7, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government AI Strategy to boost productivity

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti has launched New Zealand’s first AI Strategy to boost productivity and grow a competitive economy.
    “AI could add $76 billion to our GDP by 2038, but we’re falling behind other small, advanced economies on AI-readiness and many businesses are still not planning for the technology,” says Dr Reti.
    “We must develop stronger Kiwi AI capabilities to drive economic growth, and this Strategy sends a strong signal that New Zealand supports the uptake of AI.
    “The Government’s role in AI is to reduce barriers to adoption, provide clear regulatory guidance, and promote responsible AI adoption.
    “We’re taking a light-touch approach, and the Strategy sets out a commitment to create an enabling regulatory environment that gives businesses confidence to invest in the technology.
    “Private sector AI adoption and innovation will boost productivity by unlocking new products and services, increasing efficiency, and supporting better decision-making.
    “New Zealand’s strength lies in being smart adopters. From AI-powered precision farming techniques to diagnostic technology in healthcare, Kiwi businesses can tailor AI to solve our unique challenges and deliver world-leading solutions.”
    The Strategy aligns with OECD AI Principles and the Government will continue to work with international partners on global rules to support the responsible use and development of AI.
    “New Zealanders will need to develop trust and give social licence to AI use, so the Government has also released Responsible AI Guidance to help businesses safely use, develop and innovate with the technology,” says Dr Reti.
    The Government will use existing legislation and regulations such as privacy, consumer protection and human rights, to manage risk and privacy concerns.
    New Zealand’s Strategy for Artificial Intelligence and the Responsible AI Guidance for Businesses can be found on the MBIE website.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: First it was ‘protein goals’, now TikTok is on about ‘fibre goals’. How can you meet yours?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Saman Khalesi, Senior Lecturer and Head of Course Nutrition, HealthWise Research Group Lead, Appleton Institute,, CQUniversity Australia

    Westend61/Getty Images

    “Protein goals” have long been a thing on TikTok and Instagram. But now social media users are also talking about “fibre goals”. This reflects a positive broader shift toward overall health and wellbeing rather than a narrow focus on weight loss or muscle gain.

    Foods high in fibre are among the healthiest we can eat. Not getting enough can lead to constipation, haemorrhoids and boost the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and bowel cancer.

    So what’s the expert evidence say about “fibre goals” and how to hit them?

    Different types of fibre

    Dietary fibres are indigestible parts of plant foods. Unlike other carbohydrates that break down into sugar, these complex carbs pass through our digestive tract mostly unchanged.

    There are two main types of dietary fibre:

    Soluble fibres dissolve in water to form gel-like substances. You can find these in fruits such as apples and berries, vegetables such as sweet potatoes and carrots, as well a legumes and oats.

    Soluble fibres can slow down digestion and help us feel fuller for longer. They support heart health, lower blood cholesterol and help regulate blood sugar levels.

    Insoluble fibres don’t dissolve in water, but add bulk to food. You can get this type of fibre from wheat bran, fruits and vegetable skins, nuts and seeds, beans and whole grain foods.

    Insoluble fibres add bulk to the stool and help regulate bowel movements and reduce constipation.

    Resistant starch is also a type of complex carb that isn’t technically a fibre, but behaves like one; it resists digestion and feeds gut bacteria. These are found in legumes, cooked potato, and undercooked pasta.

    Unlike many fibre supplements (which often only offer one type of fibre) most sources of fibre we eat contain both soluble and insoluble forms. For example, oats, apples and avocado have both.

    Both soluble and insoluble fibre benefit our gut and overall health.

    Both can be fermented by good gut bacteria, although soluble dietary fibres (and resistant starches) tend to ferment more readily.

    Our gut bacteria rely on fermenting these fibres as a fuel to help digest foods, fight against pathogenic microbes such as germs and viruses, and improve physical and mental health.

    Avocados are high in fibre.
    Rouzes/Getty Images

    What should my fibre goal should be?

    Sadly, there’s no quick lab test to measure it.

    A simple indicator is how well your digestion works. If you’re rarely constipated, you’re likely getting enough fibre.

    The National Health and Medical Research Council recommends daily fibre intakes vary by age and gender.

    But in general, adult men should have about 30 grams of fibre per day. Women should have about 25 grams.

    There are many apps and websites to help you calculate your current fibre intake.

    It’s hard to have too much dietary fibre; even eating 50g per day is not considered harmful.

    How do I meet that goal without overthinking it?

    Foods rich in fibre include:

    • fruits
    • vegetables
    • nuts
    • seeds
    • legumes
    • beans
    • wholegrain or wholemeal breads and cereals.

    Aim for variety in your diet, so you don’t get bored of the same foods.

    The federal government’s Australian Dietary Guidelines suggest a daily intake of:

    • two serves of medium-sized fruits
    • five serves of vegetables (one serve is half a cup of cooked veggies or one cup of salad greens)
    • two to three serves of nuts and seeds (where one serve is about 30g or a handful) or two to three serves of legumes/beans (where one serve is a cup of cooked beans, lentils, chickpeas, split peas).

    What not to do

    Here are some important things to remember:

    1. avoid drastic changes such as cutting out entire food groups or nutrients (such as carbohydrates) unless advised by your health practitioner. Even low-fibre food groups (such as dairy or lean meats) provide important nutrients. Avoiding them can potentially cause other health problems

    2. avoid focusing on just one type of fibre (soluble or insoluble). Each has different benefits, so incorporating both is best

    3. avoid a sudden increase in fibre. It can cause abdominal pain and increased flatulence. Start by adding just one or two high-fibre foods each day and slowly increase this over a few weeks

    4. fibre needs water to work effectively, so drink plenty of fluids. Aim for at least eight to ten glasses of water per day.

    How do I hit my goal without being a weirdo about it?

    Eating well doesn’t need to be a competition.

    It’s great people are sharing ideas on social media about increasing fibre intake and setting fibre goals, but we can do it without constantly obsessing over food.

    Focus on gradual changes and incorporating fibre-rich foods naturally into your diet. Start by eating more fresh fruit and vegetables, and adding legumes and pulses (such as kidney beans and chickpeas) to meals.

    Simple switches can go a long way. For example, swap refined grain products (such as white rice or white bread) for wholemeal or wholegrain varieties. If you like breakfast cereals, choose one with at least 5g of fibre per serve (read the nutrition panel on the packet).

    Finally, listen to your body. If you experience any digestive discomfort or have certain conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome that requires managing your fibre intake, consult with a health-care professional.

    Saman Khalesi is a committee member for Nutrition Society Australia Queensland Group and Queensland Cardiovascular Research Network.

    Chris Irwin is a committee member for Nutrition Society Australia Queensland Regional Group.

    Seyed Farhang Jafari 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. First it was ‘protein goals’, now TikTok is on about ‘fibre goals’. How can you meet yours? – https://theconversation.com/first-it-was-protein-goals-now-tiktok-is-on-about-fibre-goals-how-can-you-meet-yours-258694

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump calls Musk’s new political party ‘ridiculous’

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

    U.S. President Donald Trump has dismissed billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk’s threats to form a third political party.

    “I’m saddened to watch Elon Musk go completely ‘off the rails,’ essentially becoming a TRAIN WRECK over the past five weeks,” Trump posted on social media Sunday night.

    He was referring to Musk’s threats to form a third political party to rival Democrats and Republicans.

    The president called that idea “ridiculous,” adding that it would cause confusion.

    The feud between the two billionaires began in early June after Musk blasted Trump’s landmark One Big Beautiful Bill, a gargantuan tax and spending package that Trump signed into law on Friday, the Independence Day.

    Musk lambasted the legislation, saying it could add trillions of U.S. dollars to the national debt.

    “Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom,” Musk said on social media.

    In response, Trump posted on social media that third parties “have never succeeded in the United States,” adding that “the one thing (they) are good for is the creation of Complete and Total DISRUPTION & CHAOS.”

    Musk’s announcement caused shares of his company Tesla to take a dive. On Monday, the stock saw its largest single-day loss since June 5.

    Christopher Galdieri, a political science professor at Saint Anselm College in the northeastern state of New Hampshire, told Xinhua: “Right now, Republicans have narrow margins in both chambers of Congress. If Musk were to fund primary challengers or independent general election candidates… that could cost Republicans in next year’s midterms.”

    “Building a real party, rather than a vanity project, would involve finding and running credible candidates up and down the ballot, for unglamorous offices like school board and city council,” Galdieri said.

    Clay Ramsay, a researcher at the Center for International and Security Studies at the University of Maryland, told Xinhua: “Things like this have been tried not very long ago… The problem is that a political party needs a core idea.”

    “This venture would have to attract people younger than 45 who are already politicians on some level, and who have real political talent,” Ramsay said.

    “If Musk were to just concentrate on knocking out specific Republican senators and members, that would be a slightly better plan than starting a new political party,” Ramsay added.

    Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Darrell West told Xinhua: “There are lots of people who would like choices between the two major parties. Each has moved to the extremes and does not represent the broad swathe of America.”

    “He needs to find someone to lead the party who could appeal to more people,” West said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Unlocking economic growth on conservation land

    Source: New Zealand Government

    A targeted effort to reduce the backlog of applications for use of conservation land is accelerating economic growth without compromising conservation values, says Conservation Minister Tama Potaka.

    “Over the years, decision makers at the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai became wrapped and trapped in a sticky ball of red tape unnecessarily slowing the success of tourism operators, researchers, major infrastructure project developers, among many others.

    “The department is doing a great job delivering on my expectation to crack on with the mahi. The total number of applications awaiting decisions has dropped from around 1300 last September to now under 550. The processing of these applications in April and May this year were nearly three times faster than the same time last year – up by 180 per cent.

    “We’re achieving these results through a data-driven approach and smarter, more efficient systems and processes, including new technology such as AI tools helping to scan statutory documents. 

    “A standout example is the new one-off drone permits process: previously taking weeks, these applications are now processed within five working days.

    “Around a third of the applications DOC has processed since February are related to tourism, the country’s second-largest export earner, where more than 380 tourism related applications in the last three months were processed, including guiding activities in Fiordland and Heli hunt and fish concessions for helicopter landings in the North Island.

    “This month, DOC has approved Kokiri Lime’s application to quarry 1ha of rock needed for critical roading and flood protection infrastructure projects in South Westland having first received the application more than five years ago.

    “Processing applications quicker means businesses get certainty faster. DOC is enabling a wide range of activities that connect people with nature and support local economies, while more quickly declining proposals where the effects on nature or heritage cannot be avoided, remedied, or mitigated.

    “The conservation estate covers a third of our country. It’s not just a sanctuary, it’s a shared space where tourism, science, infrastructure, and community projects intersect with nature. We’re now managing that balance faster and smarter.

    “We are ensuring activity on conservation land is lawful and sustainable while protecting the natural environment that is the lifeblood of our economy.” 

    Notes to editors

    • From guided walks and scientific research to filming and infrastructure, a wide range of activities on public conservation land rely on DOC’s permissions system to proceed responsibly and sustainably.
    • Each year, millions of international visitors (3.3 million in 2024 alone) are drawn to Aotearoa New Zealand by its spectacular natural landscapes. Around a third of all permissions applications DOC processes annually are tourism-related, underscoring the importance of timely decisions for the visitor economy and regional communities.
    • Since the end of February, DOC has made 386 decisions on tourism-related applications. In June 2025, 71 tourism decisions were processed, triple the number from June 2024, when 23 were completed, reflecting a sharp improvement.
    • Of the tourism-related decisions in June, 35% were for guiding activities. The number of tourism applications on-hand has dropped from 374 in June 2024 to just 137 in June 2025.
    • Tourism is a crucial part of the Government’s focus on economic growth, with domestic and international tourism expenditure at $44.4 billion and supporting more than 300,000 jobs.
    • Conservation-related tourism is worth around $3.4 billion a year.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: BAY Miner Launches Flexible Cloud Mining for BTC, SOL, XRP, and DOGE Investors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Washington, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Are you tired of missing out on big crypto gains? BAY Miner is changing how investors approach mining. This cloud mining platform gives you a chance to take a daily income from cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Solana (SOL), Ripple (XRP), or Dogecoin (DOGE) all with a fraction of the costs and effort of mining.!

    BAY Miner has fast become the answer for many crypto lovers globally as it has forms of asset growth for crypto traders at any level, from the experienced trader to the new trader learning how to grow their crypto assets in new and exciting ways with ease designed for consistent passive income.

    Why BAY Miner Stands Above the Competition

    BAY Miner doesn’t just promise earnings — it delivers them. With potential daily returns reaching up to $20,777, BAY Miner is built for investors who want results. Miner uses cutting-edge mining farms and renewable energy to bring you increased efficiency and lower operating expenses, which means more profit for you.

    Whereas most platforms support just one or two coins, BAY Miner allows you to mine BTC, SOL, XRP, and DOGE simultaneously. This allows for a fully diversified mining experience that evenly balances your earnings if one coin’s market goes down.

    How to Get Started with BAY Miner

    It is simple and fast. You can start mining and earn in just a few minutes.

    Step 1: Go to the https://www.bayminer.com/.

    Step 2: Download the mobile app to control your account from anywhere.

    Step 3: Create a profile and choose a mining contract according to your budget.

    As soon as your mining plan is active, BAY Miner will take care of everything through their world-class infrastructures. You have no expensive equipment, loud rigs, or high electric bills to worry about.

    Get Daily Earnings with Total Transparency

    One of the biggest concerns in crypto is trust. BAY Miner takes transparency seriously. The platform provides detailed dashboards so you can track exactly how much you’re earning daily. You’ll see your mining power, daily payouts, and wallet balance all in one place.

    Better yet, withdrawals are fast and simple. You’re free to take out your earnings anytime, letting you react to market opportunities instantly.

    Leverage Renewable Energy for Sustainable Profits

    BAY Miner is not only lucrative, but is also environmentally sustainable. Their mining activities utilize primarily renewable energy which reduces the platform’s carbon footprint and gives you a healthier conscience with your crypto earnings.

    By using green energy and advanced cooling systems, BAY Miner maximizes efficiency. This keeps costs low and gives you higher returns without damaging the planet.

    Perfect for All Levels of Crypto Enthusiasts

    It doesn’t matter if you’re brand new to digital currencies or already hold a diverse portfolio. BAY Miner is designed for everyone. The user-friendly interface makes it easy for newcomers to follow each step and for seasoned investors to find the advanced stats and flexible mining options the platform offers. 

    Want an even broader distribution? You can split your investment across your chosen BTC, SOL, XRP, and DOGE. This smart strategy helps you protect your overall returns from sudden price drops in any single coin.

    Why More Crypto Investors Trust BAY Miner

    With countless cloud mining platforms appearing online, it’s hard to know who to trust. BAY Miner stands out with a proven record, secure data centers, and 24/7 system monitoring. Your assets are always protected with top-tier security protocols.

    Customer service is responsive and professional. If you have a general query or need help changing your mining plan, just ask.

    Boost Your Earnings with Exclusive Promotions

    As one off deals, BAY Miner sporadically offers promo deals for new clients, increasing your mining power at discounted rates. This allows further daily profits with no additional cost to you. Look out on their site or app notifications for announcement of promotional deals.

    Get in Touch with BAY Miner Today

    Contact Information:

    Website: www.bayminer.com

    Email: info@bayminer.com

    Click here to download the mobile app now

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading recommendations. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks. There is a possibility of financial loss. You are advised to perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BAY Miner Launches Flexible Cloud Mining for BTC, SOL, XRP, and DOGE Investors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Washington, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Are you tired of missing out on big crypto gains? BAY Miner is changing how investors approach mining. This cloud mining platform gives you a chance to take a daily income from cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Solana (SOL), Ripple (XRP), or Dogecoin (DOGE) all with a fraction of the costs and effort of mining.!

    BAY Miner has fast become the answer for many crypto lovers globally as it has forms of asset growth for crypto traders at any level, from the experienced trader to the new trader learning how to grow their crypto assets in new and exciting ways with ease designed for consistent passive income.

    Why BAY Miner Stands Above the Competition

    BAY Miner doesn’t just promise earnings — it delivers them. With potential daily returns reaching up to $20,777, BAY Miner is built for investors who want results. Miner uses cutting-edge mining farms and renewable energy to bring you increased efficiency and lower operating expenses, which means more profit for you.

    Whereas most platforms support just one or two coins, BAY Miner allows you to mine BTC, SOL, XRP, and DOGE simultaneously. This allows for a fully diversified mining experience that evenly balances your earnings if one coin’s market goes down.

    How to Get Started with BAY Miner

    It is simple and fast. You can start mining and earn in just a few minutes.

    Step 1: Go to the https://www.bayminer.com/.

    Step 2: Download the mobile app to control your account from anywhere.

    Step 3: Create a profile and choose a mining contract according to your budget.

    As soon as your mining plan is active, BAY Miner will take care of everything through their world-class infrastructures. You have no expensive equipment, loud rigs, or high electric bills to worry about.

    Get Daily Earnings with Total Transparency

    One of the biggest concerns in crypto is trust. BAY Miner takes transparency seriously. The platform provides detailed dashboards so you can track exactly how much you’re earning daily. You’ll see your mining power, daily payouts, and wallet balance all in one place.

    Better yet, withdrawals are fast and simple. You’re free to take out your earnings anytime, letting you react to market opportunities instantly.

    Leverage Renewable Energy for Sustainable Profits

    BAY Miner is not only lucrative, but is also environmentally sustainable. Their mining activities utilize primarily renewable energy which reduces the platform’s carbon footprint and gives you a healthier conscience with your crypto earnings.

    By using green energy and advanced cooling systems, BAY Miner maximizes efficiency. This keeps costs low and gives you higher returns without damaging the planet.

    Perfect for All Levels of Crypto Enthusiasts

    It doesn’t matter if you’re brand new to digital currencies or already hold a diverse portfolio. BAY Miner is designed for everyone. The user-friendly interface makes it easy for newcomers to follow each step and for seasoned investors to find the advanced stats and flexible mining options the platform offers. 

    Want an even broader distribution? You can split your investment across your chosen BTC, SOL, XRP, and DOGE. This smart strategy helps you protect your overall returns from sudden price drops in any single coin.

    Why More Crypto Investors Trust BAY Miner

    With countless cloud mining platforms appearing online, it’s hard to know who to trust. BAY Miner stands out with a proven record, secure data centers, and 24/7 system monitoring. Your assets are always protected with top-tier security protocols.

    Customer service is responsive and professional. If you have a general query or need help changing your mining plan, just ask.

    Boost Your Earnings with Exclusive Promotions

    As one off deals, BAY Miner sporadically offers promo deals for new clients, increasing your mining power at discounted rates. This allows further daily profits with no additional cost to you. Look out on their site or app notifications for announcement of promotional deals.

    Get in Touch with BAY Miner Today

    Contact Information:

    Website: www.bayminer.com

    Email: info@bayminer.com

    Click here to download the mobile app now

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading recommendations. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks. There is a possibility of financial loss. You are advised to perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New mapping tool launched to help bring healthy food to those who need it most

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    New mapping tool launched to help bring healthy food to those who need it most

    New project, backed by government, will develop mapping tool to bring tackle food inequality.

    £8.5 million to tackle food inequality.

    • Government funded project will develop a mapping tool to direct a mobile greengrocer to visit areas of Liverpool where social housing residents have limited access to fresh, nutritious food.
    • Work in Liverpool is one of 6 innovative new projects to tackle food inequality receiving government funding.
    • Projects support government plans to build a fairer Britain, where everyone lives well for longer under the Plan for Change and 10 Year Health Plan.

    Households that may struggle to eat nutritious meals due to a lack of accessible healthy options are to receive government support as through 6 projects across the UK, the Science and Technology Peter Kyle unveiled today (Monday 7 July).

    One such project is based in Liverpool, where researchers are investigating the factors that influence the diets of people living in social housing and creating a mapping tool to help direct a mobile greengrocer, the Queen of Greens, to visit areas where social housing residents have limited access to fresh, nutritious food.

    The Queen of Greens bus has been bringing affordable fresh fruit and vegetables to communities across Liverpool and Knowsley since 2022 – the new research will expand and help target their route to ensure it reaches residents in social housing who may find it harder to access healthier options in their neighbourhoods.

    In some areas, the project will also include the offer of fruit and vegetable vouchers, provided by the Alexandra Rose Charity, for residents to make purchases on the Queen of Greens. The researchers will measure how diet and health changes as a result and then use a computer model to predict the broader impacts on health and accessibility to healthy foods if these interventions were rolled out across the country.

    This comes just after the government’s launch of the 10 Year Health Plan which set out various measures to help people make the healthy choice the easy choice, acknowledging that where people live can make good health easier or harder. By understanding the impact of innovative local interventions like mobile greengrocers and voucher schemes, this research could help shape more effective ways of improving diet and reducing health inequalities across the country.

    Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said:

    No one in this country should be left unable to access the healthy food they need – which is why interventions like the Queen of Greens are so important – and measuring their impact is so vital.

    These projects will draw on the power of research to actively explore the best ways to get healthy food into the mouths of those who need it, potentially having a transformational effect on people’s lives, and fulfilling the missions set in our Plan for Change.

    This project in Liverpool is one of 6 receiving £8.5 million in government funding, through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), aimed at improving the accessibility of nutritious food and potentially tackling food waste, by making good food more available to people who need it.

    Lucy Antal, director of Alchemic Kitchen CIC who run the Queen of Greens, said:

    We are very much looking forward to working on this new research project with all the team assembled by the University of Liverpool. It will be a great opportunity to trial an expansion into supporting social housing tenants to access fresh produce, and to have the health and social impact of this intervention measured and assessed. The Queen of Greens is for everyone, and the data produced will help support our future activity.

    Professor Alison Park, Deputy Executive Chair of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), said: 

    Everyone should have access to healthy, nutritious food but we know the number of food insecure households across the UK is increasing. These innovative projects from across the UK – from Wales to Dundee, Nottingham to the Isle of Wight – will go a long way in helping us understand how to tackle food inequalities and what interventions really make a difference.

    Other projects

    2 ‘public restaurants’ (state-subsidised eateries) will be piloted in Dundee and Nottingham, to provide universal access to nutritious and sustainably produced foods in social settings, and to particularly meet the needs of deprived households with children. The pilots will draw on public health nutrition research with these groups, co-design sessions with a wide range of customers and insights from public restaurants historically in the UK and in other contexts.

    The role of community food markets in areas of Glasgow with limited access to grocery stores – known as ‘food deserts’ – will be assessed. To explore successful methods to promote food markets, researchers will incorporate art and food literacy activities to one market and compare the intervention against another market without the intervention.

    The quality of food is typically low at food pantries – which unlike the majority of food banks, do not require a referral – and  schemes in Southampton, the New Forest and the Isle of Wight will improve the nutritional, low-cost food made available by using online platforms linking supply and providers, in turn reducing waste and keeping surplus food more local. People using food pantries will be asked what other activities and support  they would like to see on offer – which might include cooking sessions or recipe boxes – and  the intervention will result in a toolkit of resources that councils and pantries can use to collect data about health and diet.

    Improving the nutritional content and take-up of free school meals and comparing school food systems across the UK will be the focus of a project led by academics in Wales. Researchers will assess what food is currently offered, what is chosen by families, and what is consumed by learners in the dinner hall. They will then work with schools to analyse the nutritional value and how this compares to established nutrient standards. Recommendations will be provided on how to enhance the nutritional content of school food and how to encourage families and children to take up school meals.

    Across England, workshops will be delivered in local authorities with more deprived populations. The main focus of the project will be to work with local authorities to develop and implement new policies to reduce local food inequalities.

    Notes to editors

    The project in Liverpool, ‘Supporting communities in social housing and optimising urban food system interventions for equity (SCHOUSE)’ will be led by the University of Liverpool.

    ‘DISHED: co-designing innovative infrastructure for sustainable healthy and equitable diets’, piloting public restaurants, will be led by the Institute of Development Studies at the University of Sussex.

    ‘Community food market as a driver for equitable, sustainable food systems’ will be led by the University of Glasgow.

    ‘Food aid inequality rectified (FAIR-food)’, using online platforms to target high quality food to food pantries, will be led by the University of Southampton.

    ‘Reducing inequalities in school food environments (RISE)’: supporting provision, uptake and consumption of free school meals in primary schools’ will be led by Cardiff University.

    ‘Group model building to address dietary health inequalities in English local authorities: a randomised controlled trial with process evaluation’ will be led by the University of Cambridge.

    To speak to any of project leads, please contact the UKRI press office:

    DSIT media enquiries

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko: Russian schoolchildren awarded the Grand Prix of the International Scientific Physics Olympiad

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The III International Scientific Physics Olympiad (ISPhO-2025) has ended in Khanty-Mansiysk

    The III International Scientific Physics Olympiad (ISPhO-2025) has ended in Khanty-Mansiysk. The Russian national team repeated the success of 2024 and once again won the Grand Prix of the tournament. Russian schoolchildren received five medals and showed an absolute result, confirming their status as one of the strongest teams in the world. The organizers of the Olympiad were the Ministry of Education of Russia, the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and the government of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug – Yugra.

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko and Minister of Education Sergei Kravtsov congratulated the children on their success.

    “President Vladimir Putin recently said that it is with the participation of talented, passionate people that we will make a colossal step forward. The team of Russian schoolchildren became one of the strongest at the International Scientific Olympiad in Physics. We are proud of the medalists and thank their teachers, mentors and parents for their support and solid knowledge,” noted Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    Gold medals were awarded to:

    § Seraphim Bunin, Phystech Lyceum named after P.L. Kapitsa, Dolgoprudny, Moscow region;

    § Denis Romanov, Phystech Lyceum named after P.L. Kapitsa, Dolgoprudny, Moscow region;

    § Anton Toroshchin, Phystech Lyceum named after P.L. Kapitsa, Dolgoprudny, Moscow region.

    Silver awards were received by:

    § Alena Reznikova, Lyceum “Second School” named after V.F. Ovchinnikov, Moscow;

    § Vadim Rybakov, Presidential Physics and Mathematics Lyceum No. 239, St. Petersburg.

    “You have not only demonstrated deep knowledge of the subject and the ability to solve complex problems, but also confirmed the leading position of the Russian physics school on the world stage. In a fair competition with the strongest peers from more than 20 countries, you have shown that Russian education gives the opportunity not only to test your skills, meet like-minded people, but also to take the first serious steps in science. I am sure that your victories are only the beginning of a long scientific path,” Minister of Education Sergey Kravtsov addressed the children.

    The head of the Russian Ministry of Education addressed special words of gratitude to teachers and coaches – their professionalism and dedication to the cause allowed schoolchildren to win the highest awards. Separately, Sergey Kravtsov noted the high level of the international intellectual tournament.

    This year, the following took part in the Olympiad:HTTPS: //ed.gov.ru/Press/10090/v-yugra-START-SUNNER-Scientific-FISIC-OLIMPIADA/) high school students from more than 20 countries, including teams from the CIS, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. The tournament was held in a mixed format: 11 teams came to the capital of Yugra, and participants from 12 foreign countries solved the tasks remotely.

    The Russian national team has won the highest award of the Olympiad – the ISPhO Grand Prix Cup – for the third year in a row. The tournament table is formed based on the sum of points of the participants of the national teams. The result of the Russian physicists was twice as high as the bronze medalists. In the individual standings, the Russian schoolchildren won three gold and two silver medals.

    According to the results of the Olympics, the gold in the team standings went to the Kazakhstan team, the silver went to the Belarus team, and the bronze went to the Malaysia team.

    In accordance with the regulations, separate results of the theoretical and experimental rounds were summed up. The best result in theory was shown by a participant from Israel. Russian schoolboy Denis Romanov (Physical and Technical Lyceum named after P.L. Kapitsa, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region), who received the maximum score, was noted for the best result in the experiment.

    After the completion of the Olympiad in Khanty-Mansiysk, eight national teams will go to special training camps, which are organized at the MIPT base in Dolgoprudny. The guys will undergo an intensive training program under the guidance of leading Russian specialists.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Universities – Game of Rivals: E-sports Study Finds Winning Formula – UoA

    Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

    As Saudi Arabia kicks off the 2025 Esports World Cup with a US $70 million prize pool and an opening-night concert by Post Malone, researcher Dr Kenny Ching (University of Auckland) says the most successful squads may well be built on past rivalries.

    By analysing esports teams, Ching and co-authors Enrico Forti (Manhattan College) and Evan Rawley (University of Connecticut) find that people who’ve competed against each other in the past make better teammates.

    Their study evaluates millions of randomly formed teams in the global multiplayer game Defense of the Ancients 2 (DOTA 2).

    Players in DOTA 2 are frequently reshuffled into new teams, offering the chance to measure how different team compositions influence success, says Ching, an avid gamer himself.

    “Defense of the Ancients is a high-pressure game where two teams of five players battle head-to-head.

    “With millions of active players and a professional circuit that sells out stadiums, it’s one of the most competitive and team-oriented games in the esports world.”

    The large-scale study finds that teammates who’ve competed against one another in the past, gaining what the researchers call ‘competitive familiarity’, perform significantly better than those who haven’t.

    So why might past rivalry make for better teamwork?

    Ching says competition, especially high-stakes public competition, offers insights into how people think, react, and strategise.

    “When those same individuals become teammates, those insights can be used to improve coordination and decision-making.

    “Competing against a person builds familiarity. Things that might be overlooked when on the same team might be more clearly noticed and remembered during competition.”

    One professional player quoted in the study, Su ‘Super’ Peng, described how competition helped him “feel” his opponent’s style of play, allowing for a deeper understanding once they were on the same team.

    “Competitive familiarity is surprisingly common in organisational life,” says Ching. “It happens when companies merge, poach talent from competitors, or bring rival teams together for product development.”

    Real-world examples where organisations harness rivalry to drive innovation and learning include Samsung, where competition between some internal teams is encouraged before bringing them together to develop new products.

    Cybersecurity and tech companies sometimes form ‘red teams’ of internal contrarians who mimic rival attackers to identify weaknesses. And sports teams frequently pay big bucks to bring former adversaries into the fold.

    Ching’s paper, published in Organization Science, includes a few ideas to harness the benefits of competition: Rotating employees through competing teams, staging internal competitions and encouraging former rivals to co-lead projects.

    “Esports provides a unique lens into how teams form, adapt and compete under pressure,” he says. “Just as people learn to work better together through collaboration, they can also learn and have better outcomes through competition.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 7.7.25

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jul 7, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:
     
    Thanne Berg, of Albany, has been appointed Deputy Director of Site Mitigation and Restoration Program at the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. Berg has been Acting Deputy Director of Site Mitigation and Restoration Program at the California Department of Toxic Substances Control since 2024. She was an Attorney of Hazardous Waste Program at the United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 9, from 2023 to 2024. She was Special Advisor to Center Associate Director for the National Aeronautics Space Administration Ames Research Center in 2023. Berg was the Senior Program Advisor at the United State Environmental Protection Agency Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance from 2021 to 2023. She was Associate Director for the Water and Pesticides Branch at the United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 9 Enforcement Division from 2016 to 2021. Berg was Attorney Supervisor at the United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 9 from 2011 to 2016. She was the National Lead Region Coordinator for Enforcement at the United States Environmental Protection Agency from 2008 to 2010. Berg was Supervisor for Region 9 Superfund Case Development and Cost Recovery for the United States Environmental Protection Agency from 2006 to 2008. Berg was Attorney for the Hazardous Waste Programs of the United States Environmental Protection Agency from 1997 to. She earned a Juris Doctor degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from the University of Alabama. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $203,004. Berg is a Democrat.
     
    Albert Lundeen, of Sacramento, has been appointed Deputy Director of the Office of Communications at the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. Lundeen has been Assistant Secretary in the Office of Public and Employee Communications at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation since 2023. He was Deputy Executive Director for Strategic Planning and Media at the California Energy Commission from 2014 to 2021. Lundeen was Media Relations and Legislative Affairs Manager at the Financial Information System for California from 2012 to 2014. He was Partner at LundeenMacdonald from 2011 to 2012. Lundeen was Deputy Director of Public Affairs at the California Department of Public Health from 2009 to 2011. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, a Master of Arts degree in English from California State University, Sacramento, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies (Broadcast Journalism) from California State University, Chico. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $167,052. Lundeen is a Democrat.

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    Jul 7, 2025

    News Recovery moves into next phase with focused plan to fast-track reconstruction and support impacted communities What you need to know: Governor Newsom has announced that debris removal for the Los Angeles firestorm is now substantially complete just six months…

    Jul 4, 2025

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring July 4, 2025, as “Independence Day” in the State of California.The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATIONEach year on the Fourth of July, we…

    Jul 3, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – A day after announcing California has more than doubled its Film and Television Tax Credit Program, Governor Gavin Newsom today signed legislation to further strengthen the state’s commitment to film and television production:AB 1138 by…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: National Emergency Alert test to be held on 7th September

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    National Emergency Alert test to be held on 7th September

    The UK Government will send a test Emergency Alert to mobile phones across the UK at around 15:00 on 7th September 2025

    • Emergency Alert to be sent to mobile phones across the UK in the second ever national test of the system
    • Alert will sound at around 3pm on Sunday 7 September 
    • Test comes as the government publishes a Resilience Action Plan with new steps to secure the country and deliver the Plan for Change

    Mobile phones in the UK will be sent a test Emergency Alert at around 15:00 on Sunday 7th September 2025, as part of plans to strengthen the country’s preparedness. 

    The Emergency Alerts system is used to warn if there’s a danger to life nearby, including extreme weather. It allows vital information and advice to be sent to people rapidly in an emergency.

    During the test, mobile phones will vibrate and make a loud siren sound for roughly ten seconds, even if they are set to silent. A message will also appear on phone screens, making it clear the alert is only a test. There are approximately 87 million mobile phones in the UK.

    The test will be just the second of its kind and follows a government commitment to test the system regularly to make sure it works optimally and familiarise the public with the alerts. This is in line with standard practice in other countries, such as Japan and the USA.

    Ahead of the national test, the government will be running a public information campaign to notify people that the test is taking place, including communications targeted at vulnerable groups, such as victims of domestic abuse. The campaign will also feature products in British Sign Language.

    Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said:

    Emergency Alerts have the potential to save lives, allowing us to share essential information rapidly in emergency situations including extreme storms. Just like the fire alarm in your house, it’s important we test the system so that we know it will work if we need it. 

    This test is part of our action plan to build resilience across the whole country and secure the nation under the Plan for Change – from the £1 billion we’re investing in a new network of National Biosecurity Centres to the £4.2 billion we’re investing to build a new generation of flood defences to protect local communities.

    Since the first national test of the Emergency Alerts system in April 2023, five alerts have been sent, including during major storms when lives were at risk.

    The largest ever use of the system saw approximately 4.5 million people in Scotland and Northern Ireland receive an alert during Storm Éowyn in January 2025, after a red weather warning was issued, meaning there was a risk to life. 

    Approximately 3.5 million people across Wales and the South West of England received an alert during Storm Darragh in December 2024. The storm went on to kill two people. 

    Other activations have included when an unexploded World War II bomb was discovered in Plymouth, as well as during localised flash flooding in Cumbria and Leicestershire.

    The news comes as the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden, unveils a new Resilience Action Plan to improve the way the government prepares for and responds to emergencies. The Resilience Action Plan, to be published on Tuesday, sets out: 

    • The government will raise awareness of GOV.UK/PREPARE, which gives information on simple and effective steps people can take to be more prepared for an emergency.
    • The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is investing £370 million to better secure the UK’s telecommunications networks through research and investment in new technology and infrastructure.
    • The National Situation Centre and the Devolved Governments are going to sign a data sharing MoU to ensure that every nation in the UK has the best available data to prepare and respond to crises.

    The government will also publish an update on the implementation of the 2023 Biological Security Strategy on Tuesday, outlining further action being taken to secure the country from biological risks, including:

    • £15m funding will be made available in FY25/26 via the Integrated Security Fund to help strengthen biosecurity capability across government
    • A Pandemic Preparedness and Response Research Framework will be published by the Department for Health and Social Care, helping to coordinate scientific research to prepare for the next pandemic.
    • The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) will invest £1m through the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) across projects with Kromek Group, Cambridge Consultants Ltd, University of Glasgow, Queens University Belfast and Cardiff University to develop new, novel methods to detect and attribute biological incidents.
    • A new network of National Biosecurity Centres, announced in the National Security Strategy and backed by over £1.3 billion of investment, will bolster the UK’s defences against biological incidents, accidents and attacks.

    The announcements follow the publication of the National Security Strategy last month, which set out the largest sustained increase in national security spending since the Cold War, as the government takes more action to secure the county. 

    In June, DEFRA announced it was investing £4.2 billion in new flood defences to keep communities safe.

    This Autumn will also see the Department for Health and Social Care and the UK Health Security Agency deliver the largest pandemic exercise in the country’s history. 

    For the first time, the government can reveal that preparations for pandemic exercise (‘Exercise Pegasus’) are already underway. Exercise Alkarab, an initial simulation, took place in May with more than 150 participants from across the UK, including health officials and government ministers.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Could new pipelines shield Canada from U.S. tariffs? The answer is complicated

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Torsten Jaccard, Assistant Professor of Economics, University of British Columbia

    It should come as no surprise that United States President Donald Trump’s tariff threats have renewed interest in building pipelines that don’t rely on access to the American market. Almost four million barrels of crude oil cross the Canada-U.S. border each day, generating revenue of more than $100 billion per year — a quarter of Alberta’s GDP.

    A February survey by the Angus Reid Institute found that half of Canadians believe the federal government isn’t doing enough to expand pipeline capacity. Meanwhile, two-thirds said they would back reviving the Energy East project — a cancelled pipeline that would have transported oil from western Canada to New Brunswick and Québec.

    But would new pipelines truly insulate Canada from the threat of U.S. tariffs? And how much new pipeline capacity is necessary? Despite the apparent urgency of approving new infrastructure projects, these questions remain surprisingly unexplored.

    In a recent paper I co-authored with researcher Jotham Peters, which is currently under revision, we applied formal economic modelling techniques to parse through the costs and benefits of new pipelines, and in particular to understand the role of American tariffs in shaping these costs and benefits.

    How tariffs could hit Canadian oil producers

    In a worst-case scenario where the U.S. follows through on its threat of a 10 per cent tariff on Canadian oil exports, Canadian producers could lose as much as $14 billion in annual revenue — roughly a 10 per cent decrease.

    Simply put, Canada’s existing pipeline network severely limits access to markets other than the U.S., and as a consequence oil producers bear the full brunt of American tariffs.

    But what if Northern Gateway and Energy East — two previously cancelled pipelines that would have brought Canadian oil to tidewater — had been built?

    If Northern Gateway and Energy East were operational in 2025, Canada would be more resilient, but not completely immune, to U.S. tariffs. Instead of a $14 billion loss, tariffs would reduce annual revenue by $9 billion.

    Ultimately, the combined capacity of Northern Gateway and Energy East, which would be 1.625 million barrels per day, pales in comparison to the four million barrels per day of existing pipeline capacity connecting Canadian producers with American refineries.

    Closing this gap would require an expansion of east-west pipeline capacity far beyond the cancelled pipelines of the last decade.

    The economic case for pipelines

    So have the recent shifts in U.S. trade policy fundamentally altered the economic case in favour of new east-west pipelines? As with most economic analyses, the answer is complicated.

    On the one hand, any progress that mitigates the significant cost of U.S. tariffs are likely dollars well spent. Building new pipelines strengthens the bargaining power of Canadian producers, which carries an additional benefit of potentially increasing the return on each barrel sold to our southern neighbour.

    There’s also a long-term capacity issue. Existing pipelines may reach their limit by 2035. In the absence of new pipelines, any new production after 2035 would either need to be transported by rail at a higher cost, or left in the ground.

    On the other hand, if the U.S. never follows through on tariffs on energy exports — or if future administrations do not share Trump’s affinity for chaotic trade policy — Canada could end up right back where it started when these projects were cancelled.

    All pipelines carry some economic benefit, but such benefits were not enough in 2016 and 2017 to warrant the construction of the Northern Gateway and Energy East pipelines.

    Inflated construction costs threaten benefits

    The elephant in the room is whether a significant expansion in pipeline capacity could realistically be achieved at reasonable cost. Recent evidence suggests it could be a challenge.

    The Trans Mountain expansion project, for instance, was initially estimated to cost $5.4 billion in 2013. By the time it was completed in 2024, the final price tag had ballooned to $34 billion — a cost overrun of 380 per cent when accounting for inflation.

    The Coastal GasLink pipeline, which transports natural gas, faced similar issues. It was initially projected to cost $4 billion in 2012 and was completed in 2023 at a final cost of $14.5 billion, with an inflation-adjusted overrun of 180 per cent.

    While some of these costs were circumstantial — a major flood affected Trans Mountain, for example — increased efficiency in pipeline construction is necessary for the economic benefits of new pipelines to be realized, regardless of U.S. trade policy.

    Beyond economics costs

    While our research explores the economic impact of new pipelines in the face of U.S. tariffs, we acknowledge there are other issues that need to be considered.

    Chief among them is ensuring Canada meets its constitutional obligation to consult First Nations on decisions, like natural resources projects, that affect their communities and territories. Although this lies beyond our area of expertise, it will inevitably be an important element of consideration for any new pipeline developments.



    Read more:
    The complicated history of building pipelines in Canada

    The environmental impacts of new pipelines are another key concern. These impacts range from local exposure to oil spills to upstream greenhouse gas emissions associated with oil production. While these varying and complex impacts are also beyond the scope of our current work, future research should focus on quantifying the potential environmental impacts of new pipelines.

    Our research cannot say whether any new pipeline project is good, bad or in Canada’s national interest. But we can help Canadians reach an informed decision about how changes in U.S. trade policy may or may not alter the economic case for new pipelines in this country.

    While Canada would undoubtedly be in a stronger position to respond to U.S. tariffs were Northern Gateway and Energy East operational in 2025, it would still find itself significantly exposed to Trump’s tariff threats.

    Fully removing this exposure would require not one but seven pipelines equivalent to Northern Gateway. Whether that’s a goal worth pursuing is a broader question — one we hope our research can help Canadians and policymakers reach on their own.

    Torsten Jaccard receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    – ref. Could new pipelines shield Canada from U.S. tariffs? The answer is complicated – https://theconversation.com/could-new-pipelines-shield-canada-from-u-s-tariffs-the-answer-is-complicated-259660

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia is set to get more AI data centres. Local communities need to be more involved

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bronwyn Cumbo, Transdisciplinary social researcher and lecturer, University of Technology Sydney

    A Google data centre in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom. Richard Newstead/Getty

    Data centres are the engines of the internet. These large, high-security facilities host racks of servers that store and process our digital data, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

    There are already more than 250 data centres across Australia. But there are set to be more, as the federal government’s plans for digital infrastructure expansion gains traction. We recently saw tech giant Amazon’s recent pledge to invest an additional A$20 billion in new data centres across Sydney and Melbourne, alongside the development of three solar farms in Victoria and Queensland to help power them.

    The New South Wales government also recently launched a new authority to fast-track approvals for major infrastructure projects.

    These developments will help cater to the surging demand for generative artificial intelligence (AI). They will also boost the national economy and increase Australia’s digital sovereignty – a global shift toward storing and managing data domestically under national laws.

    But the everyday realities of communities living near these data centres aren’t as optimistic. And one key step toward mitigating these impacts is ensuring genuine community participation in shaping how Australia’s data-centre future is developed.

    The sensory experience of data centres

    Data centres are large, warehouse-like facilities. Their footprint typically ranges from 10,000 to 100,000 square metres. They are set on sites with backup generators and thousands of litres of stored diesel and enclosed by high-security fencing. Fluorescent lighting illuminates them every hour of the day.

    A data centre can emanate temperatures of 35°C to 45°C. To prevent the servers from overheating, air conditioners are continuously humming. In water-cooled facilities, water pipes transport gigalitres of cool water through the data centre each day to absorb the heat produced.

    Data centres can place substantial strain on the local energy grid and water supply.

    In some places where many data centres have been built, such as Northern Virginia in the United States and Dublin in Ireland, communities have reported rising energy and water prices. They have also reported water shortages and the degradation of valued natural and historical sites.

    They have also experienced economic impacts. While data centre construction generates high levels of employment, these facilities tend to employ a relatively small number of staff when they are operating.

    These impacts have prompted some communities to push back against new data centre developments. Some communities have even filed lawsuits to halt proposed projects due to concerns about water security, environmental harm and heavy reliance on fossil fuels.

    A unique opportunity

    To date, communities in Australia have been buffered from the impacts of data centres. This is largely because Australia has outsourced most of its digital storage and processing needs (and associated impacts) to data centres overseas.

    But this is now changing. As Australia rapidly expands its digital infrastructure, the question of who gets to shape its future becomes increasingly important.

    To avoid amplifying the social inequities and environmental challenges of data centres, the tech industry and governments across Australia need to include the communities who will live alongside these crucial pieces of digital infrastructure.

    This presents Australia with a unique opportunity to set the standard for creating a sustainable and inclusive digital future.

    A path to authentic community participation

    Current planning protocols for data centres limit community input. But there are three key steps data centre developers and governments can take to ensure individual developments – and the broader data centre industry – reflect the values, priorities and aspirations of local communities.

    1. Developing critical awareness about data centres

    People want a greater understanding of what data centres are, and how they will affect their everyday lives.

    For example, what will data centres look, sound and feel like to live alongside? How will they affect access to drinking water during the next drought? Or water and energy prices during the peak of summer or winter?

    Genuinely engaging with these questions is a crucial step toward empowering communities to take part in informed conversations about data centre developments in their neighbourhoods.

    2. Involving communities early in the planning process

    Data centres are often designed using generic templates, with minimal adaptation to local conditions or concerns. Yet each development site has a unique social and ecological context.

    By involving communities early in the planning process, developers can access invaluable local knowledge about culturally significant sites, biodiversity corridors, water-sensitive areas and existing sustainability strategies that may be overlooked in state-level planning frameworks.

    This kind of local insight can help tailor developments to reduce harm, enhance benefits, and ensure local priorities are not just heard, but built into the infrastructure itself.

    3. Creating more inclusive visions of Australia’s data centre industry

    Communities understand the importance of digital infrastructure and are generally supportive of equitable digital access. But they want to see the data centre industry grow in ways that acknowledges their everyday lives, values and priorities.

    To create a more inclusive future, governments and industry can work with communities to broaden their “clean” visions of digital innovation and economic prosperity to include the “messy” realities, uncertainties and everyday aspirations of those living alongside data centre developments.

    This approach will foster greater community trust and is essential for building more complex, human-centred visions of the tech industry’s future.

    Bronwyn Cumbo does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Australia is set to get more AI data centres. Local communities need to be more involved – https://theconversation.com/australia-is-set-to-get-more-ai-data-centres-local-communities-need-to-be-more-involved-259799

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: A top court has urged nations to clamp down on fossil fuel production. When will Australia finally start listening?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wesley Morgan, Research Associate, Institute for Climate Risk and Response, UNSW Sydney

    GREG WOOD/AFP via Getty Images

    As Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen tours the Pacific this week to spruik his government’s commitment to climate action, fossil fuel exporters such as Australia are under unprecedented scrutiny.

    In a landmark ruling on Friday, Latin America’s highest human rights court found countries in that region are legally obliged to protect people from climate harms. The obligation includes tougher government regulations for fossil fuel extraction.

    The finding applies to nations in the Organization of American States. But it adds to a growing number of international rulings clarifying nations’ legal obligations to tackle the climate crisis – especially if they export fossil fuels.

    And it echoes long-held concerns from Australia’s Pacific neighbours: that climate change is an existential threat, and coal and gas exporters have a responsibility to act.

    A legal tide is building

    Australia is a major fossil-fuel exporter. When coal and gas mined in Australia is burned overseas, emissions are three times those of our entire domestic economy.

    Since 2000, Australia has approved more than 700 oil, gas and coal projects. This includes federal approval in May for Woodside’s North West Shelf project – a huge expansion of gas production off Western Australia.

    Emissions from these projects damage Earth’s climate, increasing the risk of harm to people around the world.

    As climate change worsens, the United Nations and others are calling on countries to phase out fossil fuel production. A string of litigation involving human rights and the environment is adding to the pressure.

    In a ruling handed down late last week, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights said people have the right to a stable climate and that states should regulate fossil fuel extraction and exploration.

    The ruling was delivered in Spanish. According to an English translation, it said nation-states should require fossil-fuel companies to:

    take effective measures to combat climate change and related human rights impacts, to conduct appropriate due diligence, to adopt transition plans, and to provide accurate information regarding the impacts of their operations on climate change and human rights.

    The ruling was an “advisory opinion”, and not legally binding. But it establishes the law on human rights obligations for the nations involved, and interpretations of international law for other nations.

    Pictured: judges from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.
    JOHAN ORDONEZ/AFP via Getty Images

    It comes as the International Court of Justice weighs up a request from the United Nations General Assembly, to clarify countries’ obligations under international law to protect Earth’s climate and environment from greenhouse gas emissions.

    The campaign for the case was launched in 2019 by a group of law students at the University of the South Pacific.

    This ruling will apply directly to Australia. Judges in the case are likely to take into account the findings of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights – and Australian policymakers will be watching closely.

    International law is catching up with the science

    Key instruments of international law, such as the UN Human Rights Conventions, were developed in the decades before a scientific consensus on global warming.

    But the science has moved on. And it’s now clear that nations have legal obligations to prevent human rights harms arising from climate change.

    In 2022, the UN Human Rights Committee found Australia was failing to meet its obligations to protect Indigenous Torres Strait Islanders from the adverse impacts of climate change.

    In May this year, UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change and Human Rights, Elisa Morgera, called on nations to end new fossil fuel projects and begin phasing out of fossil fuel production this decade, to protect human rights.

    Australia has argued only the Paris Agreement – which requires countries to set targets to cut domestic emissions – should apply when it comes to mitigating climate change. It has also argued protecting human rights does not extend to obligations to tackle climate change by cutting emissions.

    Such arguments have now been rejected by international courts and tribunals. Continuing to approve new fossil fuel projects, with no plan to phase out fossil fuel production, puts Australia in violation of international legal obligations.

    Australia’s obligations are also being considered in domestic cases. For instance, the Federal Court is next week due to hand down a decision on the government’s obligations to cut emissions to protect Torres Strait Islanders from climate impacts. If successful, the case may force the federal government to rapidly reduce emissions.

    The law is not on Australia’s side

    On his trip to the Pacific this week, Chris Bowen will emphasise Australia’s commitment to tackling climate change, and progress discussions on the joint Australia–Pacific bid to host the global COP31 climate talks next year. He told the media:

    Australia and the Pacific’s joint bid for COP31 is about ensuring that the region’s voice shapes global climate action for the benefit of the Australian and Pacific people.

    I look forward to deepening our cooperation with Pacific neighbours; not only to build a fairer, cleaner energy future, but to bring COP31 home for our region in 2026.

    People in the Pacific now know international law is on their side. Ultimately, a managed shift away from fossil fuels is inevitable – and the time for Australian policymakers to ignore the industry’s climate harms is ending.

    Wesley Morgan is a fellow with the Climate Council of Australia.

    Gillian Moon does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. A top court has urged nations to clamp down on fossil fuel production. When will Australia finally start listening? – https://theconversation.com/a-top-court-has-urged-nations-to-clamp-down-on-fossil-fuel-production-when-will-australia-finally-start-listening-259996

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: If you have a pet as a kid, does this lower your risk of asthma and eczema?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Samantha Chan, Immunology and Allergy Lead, Snow Centre for Immune Health, WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research)

    Catherine Delahaye/Getty Images

    As the number of people with allergies grows worldwide, scientists are trying to work out precisely how and why these conditions – such as asthma and eczema – develop.

    One long-standing idea is the “hygiene hypothesis”. This suggests our modern indoor lifestyles are to blame, as they limit our early exposure to germs and allergens which help train the immune system.

    But growing evidence suggests having a pet may counter this effect. As any pet owner knows, our furry friends bring a lot of mess, germs and fur into our homes – along with the cuddles.

    So, does spending time with animals lower children’s risk of allergies? Here’s what we know.

    How allergies develop

    During early childhood, our immune systems learn what to attack and what to ignore to stop us getting sick.

    Evidence suggests early exposure – to family members, food, germs, dust, dirt, pollen and pet dander (skin flakes) – shapes this immune response.

    Allergic conditions develop when the immune system overreacts to harmless substances, such as dust, pollen or certain foods. These reactions can affect the skin, airways and gut.

    Dogs bring both love and mess – which might be just what a developing immune system needs.
    Samantha Chan/Author provided, CC BY-NC-ND

    However, we still don’t fully understand why some people develop allergies while others don’t.

    Scientists have identified genes linked to allergic conditions. But most have subtle effects on the immune system and act as “risk factors” – they increase the chance of disease but don’t cause it outright.

    Recent research suggests exposure to bacteria in our environment could be another major factor.

    From birth, our bodies are colonised by bacteria, especially in the gut. This community of microorganisms is known as the microbiome.

    Ongoing “crosstalk” between the microbiome and immune system is crucial for healthy immune function. When this balance is disturbed, it can contribute to inflammation and disease.

    The effect of our early environment

    In the last few decades, studies of children raised on farms gave us some of the first clues that early environments can affect allergy risk.

    Compared to children raised in cities, children on farms are less likely to have allergic conditions such as eczema and asthma. This is especially true of those in close contact with animals.

    Notably, farm-raised children tend to develop a more diverse microbiome than children raised in urban environments. This may help make their immune system more tolerant to foreign substances (such as bacteria and dirt) and less likely to develop allergies.

    However, across the world children are increasingly living in urban areas.

    This means a pet may be the closest contact they have with animals. So, does this still lower their risk of developing allergies?

    Children raised on farms, especially those in close contact with animals, seem to have a lower risk of allergic diseases.
    Peter van Haastrecht / 500px/Getty Images

    What the studies show in eczema

    Some studies indicate children with pets may be less likely to have allergies.

    However this evidence hasn’t always been easy to interpret.

    It can be difficult to tell whether lower allergy rates are due to the pets themselves or other factors, such as location, lifestyle or a family history of allergies.

    A review of results from 23 studies found children exposed to dogs early in life were significantly less likely to develop eczema.

    Another 2025 study analysed genetic data from more than 270,000 people. It found a gene linked to eczema only increased risk of eczema in children who hadn’t been exposed to dogs.

    This suggests early dog exposure may help protect children who are genetically more likely to develop eczema.

    What about asthma?

    When it comes to asthma, the story gets trickier.

    One 2001 study followed more than 1,000 children in the United States from birth to age 13. It found those living with dogs indoors were less likely to develop frequent wheezing – a common asthma symptom – but only if they didn’t have a family history of asthma.

    A Korean study from 2021 found those who had dogs during childhood were less likely to develop allergies. But they had a slightly higher risk of non-allergic wheeze — a type of breathing difficulty usually caused by airway irritation or infections (not allergens).

    This suggests while growing up with a dog may protect against allergic conditions, such as asthma, it may increase the chance of certain non-allergic respiratory symptoms.

    What about cats?

    It’s challenging to tease apart the specific effects of cats versus dogs, since many early studies grouped all furry pets together.

    But in studies that have looked at them separately, living with cats didn’t seem to reduce allergy risk.

    One potential reason is cats and dogs carry very different microbes, which may influence how they shape the household environment.

    Cats and dogs carry very different microbes, which may influence how they shape the household environment.
    Photo by Mochamad Reza Aditya on Unsplash

    So, should you get a pet?

    If you’re already thinking about getting a dog, there’s decent evidence early exposure could reduce your child’s risk of eczema, and possibly other allergic conditions too.

    It’s not a guarantee, but a potential bonus – alongside companionship, joy and never having to worry about what to do with leftovers.

    And if a dog’s not on the cards, don’t worry. Spending time outdoors, encouraging messy play, and avoiding overuse of disinfectants can all help build a more resilient immune response.

    Samantha Chan has served on advisory boards for CSL Behring. She is in receipt of funding from the Allergy and Immunology Foundation Australia and Walter & Eliza Hall Institute. She is affiliated with the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology and European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. She is a physician for the Snow Centre for Immune Health, funded by the Snow Medical Research Foundation.

    In the past five years, Jo Douglass has served on advisory boards, provided advice or undertaken presentations on behalf of Astra-Zeneca P/L, GSK, CSL, Stallergenes, Immunosis P/L , Novartis and Sanofi. She is in receipt of funding from the Medical Research Future Fund for studies in allergic asthma. She is a clinical co-director of the Snow Centre for Immune Health, funded by the Snow Medical Research Foundation.

    – ref. If you have a pet as a kid, does this lower your risk of asthma and eczema? – https://theconversation.com/if-you-have-a-pet-as-a-kid-does-this-lower-your-risk-of-asthma-and-eczema-258581

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Quitting the quit-aid: people trying to stop vaping nicotine need more support – here are some strategies to help

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joya Kemper, Associate Professor in Marketing, University of Canterbury

    Getty Images

    New Zealand is among a number of countries that encourage vaping (the use of e-cigarettes) as a tool to help people stop smoking tobacco. But what happens when people want to quit vaping?

    Nicotine vapes can be addictive. While they have helped many New Zealanders quit smoking cigarettes, others – including people who never smoked – now find themselves wanting to quit vaping.

    To better understand how and why people try to quit, we surveyed more than 1,000 people in Aotearoa New Zealand who have used nicotine vapes.

    The findings from our study point to a need for support that treats vaping cessation like quitting smoking because for many, the challenges are similar.

    We focused on New Zealanders aged 16 and over who had vaped nicotine. Of the 1,119 respondents, 401 currently vaped and 718 had quit vaping. Around one in eight had never smoked tobacco at all.

    We found using vapes for more than two years and with nicotine concentrations above 3% was linked to higher dependence on vaping. Most current or past vapers wanted to stop, and more than three-quarters of participants had made up to three serious attempts to quit vaping.

    How people try to stop vaping

    Some people wanted to quit vaping because what began as a tool to support quitting smoking has become a new source of frustration or worry.

    The most common reasons to stop vaping were concerns about current or future health, disliking the feeling of being dependent, and the cost of vaping products. These motivations echo the reasons many people cite for quitting smoking, suggesting that people who vape (like most people who smoke) do not want to remain hooked on nicotine, even if it helped them quit cigarettes.

    Participants used a variety of strategies to quit, including abrupt cessation (“cold turkey”), switching to other forms of reduced-harm nicotine (such as nicotine patches, gums, lozenges, mouth sprays), and tapering down nicotine levels. Many also relied on support from whānau (family) and friends.

    These strategies mirror those used in smoking cessation.

    Our participants reiterate the importance of personal strategies, building on previous work on interventions that target vaping cessation.

    Some people did quit vaping and had no problem quitting. However, others struggled. Triggers that cause a relapse to vaping are similar to those many people who smoke experience, including stress and symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

    Being around others who vape is also a trigger for relapse. These factors highlight the social and psychological effects of vaping, just as they have long been recognised in tobacco addiction research.

    Importantly, these triggers appeared consistent across different groups regardless of age, gender, cultural background or smoking history. Whether someone vaped to stop smoking or whether vaping was the first nicotine product they tried, quitting came with similar challenges.

    Better support for vaping cessation

    Our study suggests many New Zealanders are now trying to quit nicotine vapes, and some face real barriers to doing so.

    We think existing smoking-cessation support and medications could play a useful role. These tools include behavioural support, such as building self-belief in the ability to quit, identifying key triggers (and strategies to avoid them), stress management strategies, and access to tapering schedules (cutting down the frequency of vaping over time or gradually reducing nicotine concentration).

    As previous work shows, the type of support needed may differ between older tobacco smokers and the growing population of teens taking up vaping.

    Vaping as an exit from tobacco smoking should still be offered to people who smoke. Once vaping is taken up, it should be promoted as a medium-term, step-down tactic (3–12 months), while ensuring that relapse to smoking is avoided. Such a strategy aligns with vaping-cessation guidance provided in the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand.

    But it’s clear the landscape has shifted. Vaping is no longer just used to quit smoking; vapes are used by people who have never smoked.

    For some, vaping becomes a habit they want to quit in its own right, but it may not always be easy given the addictive nature of nicotine. We need dedicated support for vaping cessation to address this growing concern.

    Findings from our survey have been key to the development of a New Zealand vaping-cessation clinical trial currently underway. People who are interested in quitting vaping can find out more and register their interest.

    This study was supported by a grant from the University of Auckland, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences Research and Development Fund.

    Amanda Palmer has received funding from the US National Institutes of Health and Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina.

    Bodo Lang has received funding from the Health Research Council of NZ.

    Chris Bullen receives funding from the Health Research Council of NZ, Ministry of Health and US NIH for research projects on smoking and vaping and personal funding from Kenvue Asia for cochairing ASEAN smoking-cessation leadership meetings. He co-chairs the smokefree expert advisory group for Health Coalition Aotearoa.

    George Laking has received funding from the Health Research Council of NZ.

    Jamie Brown has received (most recently in 2018) unrestricted funding to study smoking cessation from Pfizer and J&J, which manufacture medically licensed smoking cessation medications.

    Lion Shahab received personal fees from a grant funded by the US National Cancer Institute as part of his role as a member of an external scientific advisory committee outside of the submitted work. He also acted as a paid reviewer for grant awarding bodies and as a paid consultant for health-care companies and, in the past, has received honoraria for talks, an unrestricted research grant, and travel expenses to attend meetings and workshops by producers of smoking cessation medication (Pfizer/Johnson&Johnson).

    Natalie Walker has received personal fees from a grant funded by the US National Cancer Institute as part of her role as a member of the external scientific advisory committee. She is involved in a grant (in-kind) supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia. She also received grants from the Health Research Council of NZ and funds from the US National Institute for Health and the Food and Drug Administration tobacco regulatory science grant. She has acted as a paid reviewer for grant awarding bodies. She has no financial links with tobacco companies, e-cigarette manufacturers, or their representatives.

    Vili Nosa has received funding from the Health Research Council of NZ.

    – ref. Quitting the quit-aid: people trying to stop vaping nicotine need more support – here are some strategies to help – https://theconversation.com/quitting-the-quit-aid-people-trying-to-stop-vaping-nicotine-need-more-support-here-are-some-strategies-to-help-259899

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OCEANIA/PAPUA NEW GUINEA – Resignation and appointment of the Bishop of Alotau-Sideia

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Monday, 7 July 2025

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Holy Father has accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the Diocese of Alotau-Sideia (Papua New Guinea), presented by His Exc. Msgr. Rolando Crisostomo Santos, C.M. The Holy Father has appointed the Rev. Fr. Jacek Piotr Tendej, C.M., currently Rector of the Holy Spirit Seminary, Bomana (Port Moresby) as Bishop of Alotau-Sideia (Papua New Guinea).His Exc. Msgr. Jacek Piotr Tendej, C.M., was born on 26 June 1963 in Handzlówka, Łańcut (Poland). After his perpetual profession in the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians), he obtained a Master in Moral Theology from the Pontifical Academy of Theology in Krakow, a Licentiate in Educational Sciences from the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome and a Doctorate in Pedagogy from the Akademia Pedagogiczma im. Kaomisji Edukacji Narodowej in Krakow.He was ordained a priest on May 25, 1991.He has held the following positions: Primary School Teacher in Zakopane, Poland (1991-1995); High School Teacher in Krakow, Poland (1995-1997); Teacher and Chaplain at St. Stanislaus Kostka in Brooklyn, New York, USA (2000); Youth Educator at the Fr. Siemaszko Foundation in Krakow (2001-2002); Professor of Educational Sciences at the Theological Institute of the Pontifical University John Paul II in Krakow (2001-2013). Since 2014, he has been Rector of the Holy Spirit Seminary, Bomana (Port Moresby). (EG) (Agenzia Fides, 7/7/2025)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –