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Category: Sport

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Workers must be protected from extreme weather

    Source: Scottish Greens

    28 Jan 2025 Climate Economy

    Scottish Greens echo calls from the Scottish Trade Union Council to stop endangering the lives of workers.

    More in Climate

    Storm Éowyn caused mass chaos across Scotland on Friday, with schools, public transport, and football all being cancelled due to high winds.

    However, many hospitality and retail businesses remained open despite a red weather warning from the Met Office. Now, Scottish Greens Co-Leader Lorna Slater MSP is calling on the UK Government to protect workers from extreme weather events.

    Extreme weather events such as Storm Éowyn will only become more frequent with the looming climate breakdown. The Met Office’s red weather warning is a rare precaution but one that many Scots could become more used to in coming years.

    Despite advice to remain at home, many businesses forced their employees to travel to work during the storm. Many bartenders, shop workers, and waiters all had to brave 100mph winds to attend work.

    We need your support to put people and planet before profit. Take action today to help.

    Scottish Greens Co-Leader Lorna Slater said:

    “Red weather warnings are rare, but the damage that they do is severe. It’s appalling that any business forced workers to ignore government advice and come into work during one of the worst storms for a long time.

    “We’ve seen the devastating impact of Storm Eowyn on communities across Scotland, with hundreds of thousands of homes losing power, railways brought to a standstill, and, tragically, the loss of life.

    “As the climate crisis worsens, we will face increasing climate chaos, so we must be prepared to protect communities and workers against these extreme weather events.

    “The best thing the UK government can do is take real action to tackle the climate crisis and reduce emissions, but they must also adapt to the damage already done.

    “Governments must face the reality of climate breakdown and adapt legislation to protect workers; we need to see robust rights in place for workers to stay safe during red weather warnings by rejecting shifts or avoiding unnecessary travel.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Athletics test event on Feb 23

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The 2025 Shenzhen-Hong Kong marathon and the 15th National Games athletics (marathon) test event will be held in Shenzhen and Hong Kong on February 23.

    The Shenzhen Bay Bridge will serve as a link connecting Shenzhen and Hong Kong, with a closed-loop arrangement to be adopted throughout the event.

    To ensure it runs smoothly, the Shenzhen Bay Port’s operating hours will be adjusted as appropriate on the day. Details of the bridge’s closure time and related arrangements for vehicles and traffic will be announced in due course.

    The public and visitors are advised to monitor the relevant announcements and duly arrange their itineraries. 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Councillor Louise Upton set to become Lord Mayor of Oxford

    Source: City of Oxford

    Councillor Louise Upton is set to become the new Lord Mayor of Oxford.

    The ceremonial role will see Councillor Upton carry out a wide range of civic engagements during 2025/26, from leading Oxford’s Remembrance service to school visits and charity events.

    Councillor Susan Brown, the Leader of Oxford City Council, made the announcement at the Council meeting last night (27 January).

    She also announced that Councillor Mike Rowley will be the Deputy Lord Mayor of Oxford, and Councillor Andrew Gant will be the Sheriff of Oxford for 2024/25.

    Mayor making

    The Lord Mayor, Deputy and Sheriff will be sworn in at the traditional mayor making ceremony in Oxford Town Hall in May.

    The ceremony will see the outgoing Lord Mayor, Councillor Mike Rowley, officially step down and hand over their chains of office to Councillor Upton.

    The bells of Carfax Tower will then be rung by the Oxford Society of Change Ringers to commemorate the ceremony.

    Councillor Louise Upton

    Councillor Louise Upton was born in Shropshire and first came to Oxford to study for a degree in Biochemistry at New College, Oxford, where she also captained the university’s Women’s Football Team. After that came a PhD in Cell Physiology from University College London. Since then she has worked as a research scientist, first in Paris for several years and then for 25 years at the University of Oxford, where she continues to teach neuroscience.

    Councillor Upton was elected to Oxford City Council in 2013 and represents Walton Manor ward. She is currently Cabinet Member for Planning, and for many years held the role of Cycling Champion.

    Lord Mayor of Oxford

    The Lord Mayor generally carries out more than 300 engagements each year. These cover a wide range, from Royal visits and leading Oxford’s annual Remembrance Sunday service to small community group meetings and charity events.

    The Lord Mayor also raises money for charity during their year-long term of office. Councillor Upton has chosen The Gatehouse, OXSRAD and TRAX to be her Lord Mayor’s charities for 2024/25.

    The first recorded Mayor of Oxford is Laurence Kepeharme, 1205-1209. Mayors’ names stretch in an unbroken line until 1962, when the dignity of the Lord Mayor was granted to Oxford by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

    Comment

    “I am so looking forward to being the Lord Mayor. We live in one of the most vibrant, most historic, most diverse cities in the UK, and I will be incredibly proud to represent every single one of our citizens.

    “The number of engagements is daunting, but it will be an amazing opportunity to meet many of the wonderful people who make Oxford tick.”

    Councillor Louise Upton

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Spring Festival: A Chinese tradition with growing global appeal

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Set against a vibrant orange backdrop, a bold green snake rises proudly on a commemorative stamp issued by La Poste Group, France’s postal service, earlier this month to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year. 2025 marks the 21st consecutive year France has celebrated the Spring Festival with zodiac-themed stamps.

    Actors perform the lion dance during the Lunar New Year celebration at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Jan. 24, 2025. (Photo by Winston Zhou/Xinhua)
    At the close of 2024, UNESCO added the Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of traditional new year, to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. A year earlier, the 78th UN General Assembly recognized the Chinese New Year as an official UN holiday, underscoring the festival’s growing global presence.
    Spring Festival customs are now celebrated in nearly 200 countries and regions, with almost 20 nations designating it as an official public holiday. Each year, around one-fifth of the global population takes part in this cherished tradition.
    CUSTOMS WITH GLOBAL APPEAL
    Spring Festival’s core customs — celebrating family reunions, wishing for good fortune and creating traditional crafts — captivate cultural enthusiasts worldwide with its unique approach to welcoming the new year.
    In the Hungarian capital of Budapest, the streets of Chinatown bustled with a two-day Spring Festival celebration. Visitors took part in dumpling-making, calligraphy workshops and lantern crafting. This vibrant celebration mirrors a global trend where Spring Festival traditions are increasingly embraced across diverse cultures.
    “It’s amazing to see the performances and learn about traditions that are so different yet so universal,” said Kata Szabo, a local resident who attended the event with her young daughter.

    People watch a demonstration of sugar figure art during a temple fair celebrating the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year in Budapest, Hungary, on Jan. 18, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Hao)
    To Giacomo Bechini, a 29-year-old web designer from Florence, Italy, this year’s Spring Festival is more than a holiday: It is an opportunity to connect with his wife’s Chinese heritage and immerse himself in the festival’s traditions.
    His fascination with the Chinese Lunar Calendar, a lunisolar dating system, has deepened his appreciation even further. “It’s incredible how the Spring Festival is tied to a different calendar. I’ve been learning about its symbolic meanings and how the festivities last for days,” Bechini said.
    For Tichaona Zimuto, a 34-year-old professional acrobat from Zimbabwe, Spring Festival traditions have evolved from a simple interest into a meaningful practice. About two weeks ago, Zimuto and his group, Blackstar Acrobatics, captivated a local audience in Harare with a rhythmic lion dance performance during a Spring Festival celebration.
    The lion dance, which originated in ancient China, blends dance, music and martial arts, with performers mimicking a lion’s movements in elaborate costumes. This traditional art has grown on Zimuto over the past year.
    “When I was wearing the lion dance costume, I just felt excited. I just felt great, something special. I just felt like a lion, a real lion,” he said.

    A lion dance performance is staged at the 4th edition of the Chinese New Year cultural festival at the National Arts Center in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, Jan. 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin)
    The Chinese New Year and its rich cultural heritage are also being shared in exciting new ways. Disney California Adventure Park recently launched its 2025 Lunar New Year celebrations, offering a lively blend of Asian cultural performances. Legendary Chinese warrior Mulan and her quick-witted dragon sidekick, Mushu, led the Lunar New Year procession, celebrating family, friendship and the hope for a prosperous year ahead.
    Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia recently hosted a one-of-a-kind Spring Festival Market at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh, which buzzed with energy during its two-day run. The Chinese e-sports zone was a standout attraction, featuring popular titles such as “Black Myth: Wukong” and “Honor of Kings.”
    Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, president of the Saudi National E-Sports Association, said e-sports are a powerful way to connect young people around the globe.
    “We can create games about Saudi culture and bring them to China and the world,” he said.
    VALUES OF UNIVERSAL RESONANCE
    Beneath its traditional customs, the Chinese New Year carries a universal resonance of hope, family unity and aspirations for a better life — values that underpin its global appeal.
    People believe that celebrating the Chinese New Year will bring them good luck, good fortune and happiness in the new year, said Heoun Thary, a 32-year-old Cambodian housewife.
    She was referring to the recent Lunar New Year festivities in Phnom Penh, which drew hundreds of revelers. Thary noted that the event not only introduced Cambodians to Chinese traditions but also strengthened the bond between the two nations.
    In Tanorn village, 60 km south of Phnom Penh, Cambodian villagers participating in a China-aided poverty alleviation project also embraced the spirit of the Spring Festival. The celebration featured red lanterns and couplets.
    “People believe that celebrating the Chinese New Year can help increase their luck, promoting their business to make more money,” said Khlok Chamroeun, a 62-year-old deputy chief of the village.

    People watch a lion dance performance at the 2025 Chinese New Year Festival and Market Day in Auckland, New Zealand, Jan. 25, 2025. The event was held here on Saturday. (Photo by Wu Jiaxiang/Xinhua)
    In New Zealand, a Year of the Snake concert put together Eastern and Western musical traditions. Musicians from China’s Yijing Chamber Ensemble of the Central Conservatory of Music and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra performed in Christchurch, blending the pipa, erhu and bamboo flute with classical symphonies. “Music knows no boundaries. The unique qualities of Eastern and Western music can truly resonate with each other,” said Chinese Consul General He Ying.
    This vision of harmony came alive at the United Nations in New York on Friday night. At a Lunar New Year celebration, Miguel Angel Moratinos, UN under-secretary-general and high representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, delivered Lunar New Year wishes in Chinese, “Chunjie Kuaile (Happy Spring Festival),” in the lobby of the main building at the UN Headquarters.
    “The Lunar New Year marked the beginning of the Year of the Snake, which is associated with characteristics like wisdom, caution and strategy, and signifies transformation and growth,” he said.
    “With the numerous challenges the world is facing, the spirit embodied by the Lunar New Year offers us a beacon of hope and positivity,” Moratinos said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 15th National Games athletics (marathon) test event to be held on February 23

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    15th National Games athletics (marathon) test event to be held on February 23
    15th National Games athletics (marathon) test event to be held on February 23
    *****************************************************************************

         The 2025 Shenzhen-Hong Kong marathon and the 15th National Games (NG) athletics (marathon) test event will be held in Shenzhen and Hong Kong on February 23 (Sunday) morning. The event is organised by the Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government, and hosted by the Executive Committee for the 15th NG, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG) in Shenzhen and the People’s Government of Nanshan District, Shenzhen, with the support of the National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong), the Culture, Media, Tourism and Sports Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, and the Authority of Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen Municipality, as well as the Guangdong Athletics Association. The Chinese Athletic Association serves as an advisor, while the Hong Kong, China Association of Athletics Affiliates and a Shenzhen agency act as the executive units.     The Shenzhen Bay Bridge will serve as a link connecting Shenzhen and Hong Kong during the event. A closed-loop arrangement will be adopted throughout the event. To ensure the smooth running of the event, operating hours of the Shenzhen Bay Port will be adjusted as appropriate on the event day. The Executive Committee for the 15th NG, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG in Shenzhen and the National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) will announce later the details of closure time of the Bridge and arrangements for vehicles and traffic.     Members of the public and visitors are advised to pay attention to the relevant announcements and duly arrange their itineraries that day.

     
    Ends/Tuesday, January 28, 2025Issued at HKT 15:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko: Russia will host 95 international tournaments in 2025

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    In 2025, 14.4 thousand sporting events are planned in Russia, of which more than 9 thousand have already been included in the unified calendar plan. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko and Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev presented plans for the development of competitive activities and Russia’s participation in the international sports movement.

    Of the planned events, 290 competitions have been classified as priorities.

    “As President Vladimir Putin noted, Russia has always been and will remain true to the ideals of sport and will continue to actively promote them in the country and in the world – in close cooperation with our friends from other countries. This year, the Russian Federation will host 95 international tournaments, including with athletes from BRICS, SCO, EAEU and CIS, 40 all-Russian complex competitions with foreign participants and teams, as well as 155 Russian championships in Olympic sports and other important sports disciplines,” said Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that, despite external restrictions, Russia maintains high competitive activity.

    “On the international stage, Russian athletes will take part in 57 world championships in Olympic sports. One of the key events will be the Games of the Future, which were first held in Russia in 2024, and this year will be held in the United Arab Emirates,” added Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    According to him, the Government continues to support Russian athletes and create conditions for their training and participation in competitions.

    “Russia is planning to host 25 major international competitions with the participation of foreign athletes. The Silk Way Race will once again pass through Russia and Mongolia, bringing together the best racers in the world. Our athletes must be ready for the largest world competitions – this is the strategic goal that President Vladimir Putin sets for our industry,” said Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev.

    These tournaments include the Ivan Yarygin Wrestling Cup, which was attended by representatives from 20 countries, the Alina Kabaeva Rhythmic Gymnastics Champions Cup, and the Moscow Sabre International Fencing Tournament, which will bring together athletes from 15 countries.

    “We will increase the number of major international competitions in Russia and are ready to offer our partners modern sports venues and a high level of organization. We are waiting for a consolidated plan for holding world championships and other international tournaments up to 2038 from sports federations by February 1,” the minister emphasized.

    Mikhail Degtyarev also noted that 2025 will be a special year in terms of sporting events.

    “The year of the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War has been declared the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland by Russian President Vladimir Putin. We have proposed that sports leagues, clubs and federations use the approved brand book of the Pobeda organizing committee at each match and tournament, inform spectators about the significance of this year and hold patriotic events. More than 70 major sporting events, including the Cross of Nations, the Run.RF, the Spartakiad of Pre-Conscription Youth and many others, will be dedicated to this important date,” the Minister of Sports said.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Here’s what ‘deep listening’ can tell us about the natural world and our place in it

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Monty Nixon, PhD Student in Education, University of Canberra

    Jakub Maculewicz, Shutterstock

    Have you ever taken the time to stop and listen to nature? Deeply, quietly and patiently?

    If not, don’t worry, there’s still time to learn. Deep listening is a skill that can be developed.

    There’s much more to it than simply recognising the call or song of a particular species. To listen deeply to nature is to become aware of behaviours, relationships and patterns of interaction between multiple species, and to learn from what we hear.

    This is what Indigenous people have been doing for many thousands of years, in Australia and overseas.

    Under the supervision and guidance of Indigenous knowledge holders of Karulkiyalu Country, my PhD research, explores ways to embed this Indigenous approach to deep listening in Australia’s education system.

    The project builds on previous work showing positive results for student and teacher wellbeing, as well as an increased understanding of and desire to care for the natural world.

    The Rufous whistler is an Australian virtuoso.
    Andrew Skeoch

    What is deep listening?

    If you’d like to try deep listening, take some time to visit a natural place and find a quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed. Turn off your electronic devices.

    Close your eyes, and extend your sense of hearing into the landscape around you. Try focusing your listening in each direction, then above and even below. How far you can hear?

    At first you will hear the voices of individual creatures, perhaps one then another. After a while, you may begin to notice interactions and patterns of communication between them. Be curious. Does one respond to another? How, and why?

    Hearing all the interconnected activity going on around you in that moment can help you comprehend the living system as a whole.

    Acoustic ecologist Andrew Skeoch recording the sounds of nature in the Australian bush.
    Andrew Skeoch

    What can we learn from nature by listening?

    People often simplify complex relationships down to perceptions of either cooperation or competition.

    But listening to nature affirms that cooperative partnerships play a far greater role than meets the eye. Relationships between species that accommodate each other’s needs are ubiquitous throughout the biosphere.

    For instance, multiple species of birds forage efficiently and safely in mixed flocks, by communicating and alerting each other to information about food and threats. This practice of foraging collectively is so worthwhile it’s encountered the world over.

    Listening to the animated twittering of these flocks – which continually communicates and affirms each bird’s location – reminds us how beneficial cooperation can be. More importantly, cooperation is most advantageous when it embraces diversity.

    Addressing the existential threats facing humanity will require cooperation and collaboration on a massive scale. Many of these threats are interlinked. They tend to resist independent solutions and need to be tackled together.

    So there is an urgent need to embrace and celebrate our differences. Listening to mixed-species flocks reminds us that diversity can be a source of great strength.

    Lessons about competition

    Listening can also tell us about competitive interactions, particularly between members of the same species.

    In the morning twilight of the breeding season, songbirds join the dawn chorus – singing with repertoire and behaviours not heard at other times of day or year. It’s also clear they are listening to each other.

    At dawn, songbirds use formal vocal interactions to negotiate their most essential relationships. These include defining home ranges, establishing and maintaining pair bonds, acknowledging neighbours and affirming community identities.

    In this way, the dawn chorus is a sonic expression of a widespread principle in nature: that while the potential for competition exists, life-threatening aggression is risky, inefficient and costly.

    Many animals have developed specialised behaviours to sort out their relationships and status while minimising the risks of serious harm. For instance “boxing” kangaroos engage in scrapping or sparring rather than injurious fighting.

    While these physical behaviours are found widely throughout the animal world, songbirds have evolved their own trick: they use song to negotiate their interactions. Listening to them singing at dawn reminds us that competitive behaviours and aggression are not advantageous. Negotiation, mutual acknowledgement and respect are more successful ways of living.

    Boxing kangaroos negotiate their status without causing injury.
    victoriam, Shutterstock

    Educational possibilities from listening

    Learning through deep listening was integral to the education system in Australia for thousands of years. It allowed First Nations peoples to understand the ecological community around them and how to live with these groups of species.

    In this education system, Country and Earth-Kin, (such as plants and animals) were both central knowledge holders and teachers. Humans (primarily grandparents) provided support for childrens’ learning from these knowledge holders. In this way children came to know, understand and care for land.

    People and Country flourished through this way of learning. Australia became home to the longest continuing cultures in human history.

    Research is demonstrating how this old teaching and learning method can work in modern schooling. More than 120 educators across the ACT are involved in the Country as Teacher project. Cultivating a practice of deep listening to Earth-Kin and Country helped teachers and students develop an improved sense of wellbeing, as well as knowledge and understanding of the places they live.

    The research argues that teachers first need to cultivate their own practice of listening. Then they can embed this process in their approach to education. By slowing down, developing nuanced awareness, following curiosity, listening empathically to other beings and opening to being affected emotionally, teachers can cultivate their own deeper sense of care, appreciation and understanding. From their personal listening journey, educators can then facilitate these experiences for their students.

    Deep listening to Earth-Kin or Country as Teacher offers an old and new pathway to return to a valuable and important way of being for our schools and society.

    This path offers us the chance to come to appreciate and care for the ecological communities of the Earth. Through listening we can learn the ways in which species across the Earth adapt, survive and thrive, providing guidance for our own cultures as we confront increasing social and environmental uncertainty.

    This article was written in collaboration with acoustic ecologist Andrew Skeoch.

    Monty Nixon receives funding from The ACT Affiliated Schools Network.

    – ref. Here’s what ‘deep listening’ can tell us about the natural world and our place in it – https://theconversation.com/heres-what-deep-listening-can-tell-us-about-the-natural-world-and-our-place-in-it-235868

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: How the AFL and NRL have crept into cricket’s traditional summer timeslot

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vaughan Cruickshank, Senior Lecturer in Health and Physical Education, University of Tasmania

    Most of Australia has four seasons each year.

    However, when it comes to sport, the Australian calendar has long been dominated by two seasons: cricket and football.

    Traditionally, cricket has been played from October to March when the weather is suitable, and Australian rules football and rugby league from April to September.

    But in recent years, a lack of international cricket in Australia after January – coupled with earlier start dates for the AFL and NRL seasons – has resulted in football receiving more local media coverage and attention from fans during the summer.

    For many Australian cricket fans, the season will be finished once the Big Bash League and women’s Ashes conclude in early February.

    In February and March, the Australian men’s and women’s cricket teams will play matches overseas and the Australian states will play each other in one-day and four-day games.

    However, the reduced media attention and free-to-air TV coverage of cricket in Australia means many sports fans turn their attention to other sports, usually football or rugby league.

    But has this always been the case?



    Read more:
    How is the Big Bash League faring after 14 years of ups and downs – and what’s next?

    Football seasons are getting longer

    Cricket has been played in Australia for more than 200 years. While Australian rules football was initially developed to keep cricketers fit through the winter, football competitions such as the AFL and NRL have now arguably become more dominant across the sporting calendar.

    The 2024 AFL season was the longest in the sport’s history. The 2025 season will be exactly the same length, stretching nearly seven months, from March 6 to September 27.

    The 2025 NRL season will be even longer. It starts in Las Vegas on March 2 and doesn’t finish until the Grand Final on October 5.

    The 2025 AFLW and NRLW seasons will also be the longest ever, finishing as late as November 30.

    Football seasons are starting earlier

    While an AFL Grand Final in late September and an NRL Grand Final leading into NSW’s Labour Day in early October are well established, the start of the season has been slowly creeping forward over the decades.

    Twenty years ago, the AFL season started in late March, 50 years ago it was early April, and 80 years ago it was late April. The first AFL (VFL) season in 1897 started on May 8.

    The start of the NRL season has also moved forward over time. The first NRL (NSWRL) season in 1908 started on April 20.

    While these historical season start dates did not overlap with the cricket season, that is no longer the case.

    This year, the AFL and NRL will have completed three premiership rounds before the Sheffield Shield final ends the Australian domestic cricket season in late March.

    And then there are the AFL and NRL pre-season competitions, with games starting as early as February 7.

    Why are football seasons getting longer?

    Some of the factors that have contributed to extensions of football seasons include:

    • the introduction of more teams that all need to play each other
    • revenue opportunities for broadcasters, venues and clubs, and
    • additional mid-season byes and rest periods.

    AFL and NRL players have cited fatigue because of the long seasons. Consequently, some players’ associations and coaches have advocated for shorter seasons.

    However, playing fewer games would likely mean less money for the AFL and NRL, and for players and clubs.

    Adding more teams to the AFL and NRL and extending the AFLW and NRLW seasons may allow for more flexibility with future season lengths, as football codes can be played any time of year.

    Unless your stadium has an expensive roof, cricket cannot because of the threat of rain.

    What does this mean for cricket?

    While Australians can still play both cricket and football at junior and community levels, this is no longer possible at representative levels because of the overlap between seasons.

    The encroachment of football into traditional cricket months means increased competition for players, often forcing talented young athletes to make a decision about which sport to pursue.

    Greater perceived opportunities to play at the elite level may convince some players to prioritise football.

    For example, the six Australian state cricket teams generally contract 20 to 25 players each season. In comparison, the 17 NRL teams each have 30 contracted players and the 18 AFL clubs can have 44 players in their squads.

    Current AFL players such as Stephen Coniglio, Caleb Serong and Brent Daniels all represented their state in underage cricket before choosing football. Manly lock Nathan Brown and retired star Braith Anasta are NRL examples.

    Luckily for cricket, current players such as Alex Carey (GWS under-18 captain 2010), Mitch Marsh (under-18 WA AFL team 2008) and Will Sutherland (under-18 Victorian Metro AFL team 2017) are examples of young players choosing cricket after successful underage football careers.

    Venue availability and scheduling conflicts

    The extended football seasons pose logistical challenges for venues. Iconic stadiums such as the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) traditionally host both cricket and football matches and now face increased scheduling pressure with the seasons overlapping.

    For instance, in 2024, the MCG only had a 22-day turnaround between hosting the AFL Grand Final and the Victoria vs NSW Sheffield Shield match.

    Hosting concerts at these venues increases revenue but also adds to scheduling difficulties.

    It all adds up to a difficult juggling act for venues, which will be made even trickier if the football codes creep even further into the traditional cricket season.

    Cricket, too, has a battle on its hands to stay relevant to fans, broadcasters, commercial partners and even participants as the AFL and NRL seasons continue to expand.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. How the AFL and NRL have crept into cricket’s traditional summer timeslot – https://theconversation.com/how-the-afl-and-nrl-have-crept-into-crickets-traditional-summer-timeslot-247330

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin: RFK Jr. Is Dangerously Unqualified To Serve As HHS Secretary

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    January 27, 2025
    In a speech on the Senate floor, Durbin warns that Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s dangerous and irresponsible views could jeopardize children’s health
    WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today spoke out against the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), citing the nominee’s false and irresponsible views on vaccines.  In his remarks, Durbin pointed to specific examples of Kennedy spreading lies about vaccines, fluoride, and other measures with proven scientific history of safety and improving health.
    “Every day HHS makes life or death decisions. That [department] oversees the Food and Drug Administration to make sure that what we eat is safe, to make sure the drugs that are sold to us are effective and safe as well. The National Institutes of Health, the premier medical research agency in the world, with $48 billion spent each year to find cures, to find new drugs, to move us toward a better America.  And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to make sure that whatever is going around, as they say, doesn’t hit our families. We count on them every single day. It’s a big job, it requires responsible leadership and honesty,” Durbin began. 
    Durbin acknowledged that he has some common ground with Kennedy, specifically related to curbing pharmaceutical advertisements, which mirrors a policy laid out in Durbin’s DTC Act.
    “There may be some certain areas where we agree, such as curbing drug ads or improving the quality of food supply… I can work with him on those issues,” Durbin said.
    “But on the fundamentals… his leadership is troublesome.  Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is dangerously, dangerously unqualified and entirely irresponsible in his judgement.  He embraces quack science and cherry-picks information to fulfill his numerous conspiracy theories,” Durbin said.
    Durbin spoke to Kennedy’s record of spreading lies about the efficacy and safety of vaccines.  Durbin quoted Kennedy directly during his remarks, reiterating that Kennedy has said as recently as July 2023 that, “there’s no vaccine that is safe and effective.”
    “His decades-long crusade to spread lies about vaccines is just one example,” Durbin said.  “Contrary to scientific fact, he has also said that ‘I do believe that autism does come from vaccines.’”
    Durbin explained that Kennedy helped to publish, promote, and wrote the foreword for a book called Cause Unknown, which included faulty, unsubstantiated claims linking COVID-19 vaccines and deaths in children.  The book’s cover features the face of 12-year-old Braden Fahey, implying that COVID-19 vaccines played a role in Braden’s death.  However, Braden never received a COVID-19 vaccine—he died at football practice due to a malformed blood vessel in his brain, but the book included Braden’s photo without the knowledge or consent of his grieving parents.
    “The height of irresponsibility.  Mr. Kennedy pushes facts aside when he wants to tell us about his agenda.  The Hippocratic Oath for doctors states: first, do no harm.  But I am fearful that if we put Robert F. Kennedy Jr., in charge of our nation’s health, innocent children will die,” Durbin continued.
    “It’s no secret what he would do.  Mr. Kennedy himself petitioned the FDA to rescind authorization of all COVID vaccines in 2021.  And a key associate of his has petitioned to remove the polio vaccine,” Durbin said.
    “In 1952, polio paralyzed more than 21,000 Americans and killed more than 3,000.  But thanks to researcher Jonas Salk, a vaccine was discovered and studied among 1.3 million children… It was proven safe,” Durbin said.
    As Durbin points out, Kennedy has travelled internationally to spread doubt and falsehoods about the safety and efficacy of the measles vaccine.
    “Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has spread conspiracy theories to discourage uptake of the measles vaccine, for example – including travelling to Samoa to spread lies about its safety, fueling an outbreak that took 80 lives,” Durbin continued.  “Before the measles vaccine, 48,000 people were hospitalized each year—with thousands experiencing life-threatening brain swelling.  By 2000, measles was declared eliminated because of vaccines.”
    Durbin then spoke about Kennedy’s unsupported claims that fluoride in water is unhealthy despite clear scientific evidence proving that fluoride helps prevent cavities and dental surgery.
    “Mr. Kennedy’s dangerous, anti-science views don’t stop… He has also targeted the fluoride in drinking water.  We’ve been adding… fluoride in our drinking water for over 70 years in the United States.  We have tested it every way you can imagine, as we should, to make sure that it is safe for all of us to drink,” Durbin said.
    “This man is not a scientist… He has no special knowledge or authority when it comes to these issues and sadly, [he] buys into a myriad of conspiracy theories,” Durbin said.  “God forbid we encounter another pandemic or infectious disease threat.  Do you really want this vaccine denier, Robert Kennedy Jr., at the helm?”
    Durbin concluded his floor speech by calling on his Senate colleagues to stand against Kennedy’s nomination for the sake of public health.
    “I issue a challenge to my 99 Senate colleagues: go ask your local children’s hospital if they think this nominee, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., would help or harm their work to treat sick children,” Durbin said.  “The United States Senate is better than this.  I urge my colleagues to think twice before voting for this irresponsible nominee…  This is the wrong nominee for this critical agency.”
    Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
    Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
    Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Senator Reverend Warnock Pushes for Key Commitments from Agriculture Nominee to Support Georgia Farmers and Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    WATCH: Senator Reverend Warnock Pushes for Key Commitments from Agriculture Nominee to Support Georgia Farmers and Families

    At today’s Senate Agriculture committee hearing, Senator Reverend Warnock questioned Brooke Rollins, President Trump’s nominee to run the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
    Senator Reverend Warnock pushed for key commitments to ensure disaster assistance is distributed both swiftly and equitably, Georgia farmers are protected from the high costs associated with trade wars, and more
    Following the catastrophic damage of Hurricane Helene in September 2024, Senator Reverend Warnock helped secure nearly $21 billion in disaster relief funding for farmers as well as $10 billion in economic assistance for row crops farmers, including cotton and peanut farmers in Georgia; if confirmed, Ms. Rollins will oversee the distribution of this funding
    Senator Reverend Warnock also pushed Rollins on how she would protect Georgia farmers from high costs associated with trade wars and expanding market access 
    Senator Reverend Warnock: “Farmers, as you know, do incredible work. It’s a tough business. There’s so much you don’t control. The margins are narrow, and so I do everything I can to protect my growers in Georgia. I cannot overstate how critical it is for USDA to distribute this assistance, this disaster assistance to Georgia farmers as quickly as possible–but also as equitably as possible. If confirmed, how will you work to ensure disaster assistance is distributed both swiftly and equitably?”
    Senator Reverend Warnock: “Farmers in Georgia are already concerned about potential retaliatory actions following President Trump’s promises to levy heavy tariffs. They are already dealing with slim margins due to high input costs, and the last thing they need is to be caught in the middle of a trade war that could drive-up food prices for all of us”

    Watch Senator Reverend Warnock at Thursday’s Agriculture nominee hearing  HERE and  HERE
    Washington, D.C. – Today, during a U.S. Senate Agriculture committee hearing on the nomination of Brooke Rollins to lead the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) pushed for key commitments from Rollins to ensure disaster assistance is distributed both swiftly and equitably, Georgia farmers are protected from the high costs associated with trade wars, and more. The Senator also pushed Rollins to commit to protecting Fort Valley State’s partnership with USDA and to removing red tape from low-income children and families receiving nutrition benefits.
    If confirmed, Rollins would oversee USDA’s rollout of disaster funding for farmers Senator Warnock secured in December. Following the catastrophic damage of Hurricane Helene in September 2024, Senator Warnock fought for the inclusion of agricultural disaster funding in any end-of-year government funding package, which included nearly $21 billion in disaster relief funding for farmers as well as $10 billion in economic assistance for row crops farmers, including cotton and peanut farmers in Georgia.
    “Farmers, as you know, do incredible work. It’s a tough business. There’s so much you don’t control. The margins are narrow, and so I do everything I can to protect my growers in Georgia. I cannot overstate how critical it is for USDA to distribute this assistance, this disaster assistance to Georgia farmers as quickly as possible–but also as equitably as possible. If confirmed, how will you work to ensure disaster assistance is distributed both swiftly and equitably?,” Senator Reverend Warnock asked. 
    As a veteran member of the Senate committee overseeing federal agriculture policies, and as a senator representing a state with a proud and prosperous history of agriculture excellence, Senator Warnock is vigilant in defending programs that help Georgia farmers keep more profits in their pockets and keep the industry at the frontlines of Georgia’s success.
    “Farmers in Georgia are already concerned about potential retaliatory actions following President Trump’s promises to levy heavy tariffs. They are already dealing with slim margins due to high input costs, and the last thing they need is to be caught in the middle of a trade war that could drive-up food prices for all of us. If confirmed, what will you do from your position at USDA to ensure that Georgia’s farmers and families aren’t caught up in a trade war? It’s something I have worked on with Republicans, helping to get our farmers’ goods to market, it’s something we think about a lot,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. 
    Watch the first part of the Senator’s remarks  HERE and the second part  HERE.
    See below a transcript of key exchanges between Senator Warnock and USDA nominee Brooke Rollins (remarks have been lightly edited for clarity):
    On federal disaster assistance for Georgia farmers 
    SRW: Last year I worked hard with my colleagues in a bipartisan manner to provide $21 billion to help farmers recover from natural disasters like Hurricane Helene. Farmers, as you know, do incredible work. It’s a tough business. There’s so much you don’t control. The margins are narrow, and so I do everything I can to protect my growers in Georgia. I cannot overstate how critical it is for USDA to distribute this assistance, this disaster assistance to Georgia farmers as quickly as possible–but also as equitably as possible. If confirmed, how will you work to ensure disaster assistance is distributed both swiftly and equitably?
    Brooke Rollins (BR): Yes sir, thank you, and I’ll try to answer quickly so we can go on. The day I got the call from President Trump, it was Saturday, November 23rd. We were in our motorhome traveling across the country to an Aggie football game. Within a few hours of accepting the nomination, I began to immediately pivot to how we distribute this disaster and so important economic aid working with a few of the senators on this committee. Clearly I am not confirmed yet, so this is going to await my arrival. But in the meantime, sir, we’ve already announced the undersecretary who worked on this in the last Trump administration who is already building the team who distributed these funds so they know what they’re doing. We’re not reinventing the wheel.
    SRW: Will you work with our state agriculture commissioner to ensure Georgia producers, including our foresters, have the support they need from USDA to get that assistance without having to jump through a bunch of bureaucratic hoops?
    BR: Of course.
    SRW: And will you also commit to equitably getting that assistance to all eligible farmers, all eligible farmers, including those who’ve been historically left out of USDA assistance, often due to discrimination.
    BR: Sir, we will follow the law and ensure that that is the case.
    SRW: Is that a yes or a no?
    BR: Yes.
    On protecting Georgia farmers from costs of trade wars
    SRW: Farmers in Georgia are already concerned about potential retaliatory actions following President Trump’s promises to levy heavy tariffs. They are already dealing with slim margins due to high input costs, and the last thing they need is to be caught in the middle of a trade war that could drive-up food prices for all of us. If confirmed, what will you do from your position at USDA to ensure that Georgia’s farmers and families aren’t caught up in a trade war? It’s something I have worked on with Republicans, helping to get our farmers’ goods to market, it’s something we think about a lot.
    BR: When I was in your office last month we talked about your commitment to your farmers and what a priority this was to you. Georgia is a very important agricultural state. You’re obviously pastoring in a church and in the United States Senate, but I was impressed at your commitment to your ag community in your state and look forward to continuing to work with you. It’s very clear the coming tariffs, and I think there is no doubt President Trump has been very transparent that he believes this is an extremely important tool in his toolkit to put America first, to revive the economy, to get us back to a place where he believes we need to be, and I agree with him and hope to help him execute that vision. But it also should not be surprising that his heart and his commitment to our farmers and our agriculture community was certainly clear in the last administration. The number one answer from my perspective is working around the clock to expand market access and working on new trade deals and getting new partners from around the world. I already have an undersecretary named, hopefully get him confirmed, so we can begin to build those teams. The president is a consummate dealmaker, and I feel very confident we will be able to expand those markets, begin to peel back the trade deficit, and get back to trade surpluses. But immediately moving into the distribution of disaster relief, economic relief, the new farm bill that’s coming out, I’ve already announced the undersecretary and put the team in place to be able to deploy that.
    SRW: I agree with you that access to farm markets is critical and in Georgia we’ve got a lot of sectors that are relying on strong export markets: timber, poultry, pecans. Are you concerned that isolationist trade practices may harm our abilities, our farmers’ ability to access these foreign markets?
    BR: I have full confidence in President Trump’s ability to lead us on this, and, and hopefully he and many of you have confidence in my ability to help from the ag perspective.
    On supporting 1890 land grant institutions
    SRW: Ms. Rollins, good morning and welcome to you and to your family and all those who are here to support you and congratulations on your nomination. I enjoyed meeting with you last month to discuss your nomination and plans for USDA, and this morning I’d just like to follow up on some of the issues, many of which we’ve already discussed. But first, it has come to my attention that a recent executive order has led to the potential termination of USDA’s liaisons to our 1890 land grant institutions, institutions like Fort Valley State University in Fort Valley, Georgia. There’s strong bipartisan support for these institutions. They’ve done an incredible job, often doing so much for so many with so very little for such a long time that it’s lost on people the work these institutions do every day. I’m deeply concerned about this and the actions to shut out their voices at USDA. Ms. Rollins, if you are confirmed, will you commit to supporting our 1890 institutions?
    BR: I am not familiar with exactly what you’re speaking of, but my commitment to you is to find out and to continue a really important discussion and to learn more about the issue.
    SRW: Well the executive order could lead to the potential termination of USDA’s liaisons to these 1890 institutions which helped them to navigate their relationship with the USDA. Can I have your commitment to protect those who serve these institutions at the USDA?
    BR: Again, sir, I would want to know more and understand more before I can make that commitment, but clearly, those institutions are important. They are bipartisan supported, and you have my commitment to have a very robust dialogue at any moment, any time of day or night, to ensure that we have all the data as we’re making any decisions.
    SRW: I appreciate that. I’ve had good relationships and good work, bipartisan work, supporting these institutions, and I hope you’ll keep your eye on that issue.
    BR: I will.
    On fighting hunger and protecting nutritional benefits
    SRW: Fighting hunger has long been a part of my life’s work long before I was elected to the Senate. As you know, I’m a pastor, and the one miracle story that’s in all the gospels, all four, is the feeding of the 5000. And so I constantly hear from Georgia families about how their dollar just doesn’t go as far at the grocery store as it used to. The average Georgian participating in SNAP, a food assistance program that provides critical nutrition, aid to our most vulnerable families, has about $6.15 a day to spend on food. In your view, is $6.15 a day adequate to avoid hunger for Georgia families.
    BR: Sir, this is a supplemental program. I am just getting my arms around it. There are few that will be in my role, if confirmed, that have a passion for this more than I do. Serving those who are most in need, as you and I discussed in your office, is a driving force of my entire life. It almost sent me to seminary, but I ended up in public policy instead, so you have my wholehearted commitment to look and ensure that the people who need this the most are receiving it in the best way possible, but at the same time ensuring that all of the tax dollars that are spent on it are also spent in the best way possible.
    SRW: One of the things as these families struggle, one of the things that I’m concerned about are proposals to slash this critical assistance and create additional work verification red tape for families participating in these programs. Do you think creating more bureaucratic red tape for families will help them purchase nutritious food?
    BR: I think it’s extremely important that we take a wholesale look at every one of these programs and ensure that they are serving the people that are needing the programs and that they are the safety net that they truly set out to be. Obviously I do not like the words bureaucracy or red tape, but ensuring that we have set up the appropriate lifelines and the appropriate structure so that we can get these resources to the families that need them the most.
    SRW: As we talk about work requirements, and I support work, I was raised by a father and a mother who had a serious work ethic, but we want to help these families have a basic safety net. Most poor people are children. I think it’s important to remember that most poor people are children. SNAP lifts children, seniors, veterans, and folks with disabilities out of poverty, and it’s proven to reduce health care costs and stimulate our local economies. If you’re confirmed, I hope we can find ways to work together to ensure our most vulnerable families and our neighbors can afford groceries. I think, as someone who preaches the miracle of the feeding of 5000, I think it’s the right thing to do, but I also think it’s a smart thing to do.
    BR: Yes sir, you have my commitment.
    On combating the history of racial discrimination in USDA
    SRW: USDA has a long documented and unfortunate history of racial discrimination, even recent history. I was proud to have secured funding in the Inflation Reduction Act to provide financial assistance to farmers who had previously experienced discrimination at the hands of their USDA farm lending programs. This was a meaningful step in rebuilding trust. However, USDA still has a lot of work to do and this will only be more difficult following the new administration’s executive order aimed at rolling back all of this progress. I was proud Congress passed my legislation in 2021 to require USDA to create an equity commission, and the commission’s final report provides an excellent road map for continuing this work. Chair Boozman, without objection, I would like to enter the USDA’s 2024 equity report into the record. Thank you so much. When we met last month, you promised to read the equity report. Have you gotten a chance to read it yet?
    BR: 90 pages and 66 recommendations. Yes, sir. Now that has been about a little over a month ago, so please don’t ask me to quote page 66, but yes.
    SRW: I’m glad you got a chance to read it. I understand it’s been removed from the website or there’s no access to it. I’m glad you got a chance to read it. Will you seriously consider the recommendations of the equity commission’s report if you’re confirmed?
    BR: Senator, let me answer this way. I was really appreciative of the conversation. For me, more knowledge is always best, understanding where everyone comes from, whether I agree or disagree, recognizing what’s in the past is important, but also realizing the path ahead and how we forge the path…
    SRW: Will you consider the recommendations?
    BR: Sir, I will consider anything that’s on the table. I think that’s only fair, but also, President Trump won on the concept of removing the diversity, equity and inclusion, making sure that we are basing our decisions on merit, and I obviously support that 100% as well, but I look forward, Senator, to continuing to talk about this. My friend Alveda has long talked to me about the plight of black farmers in Georgia and other places around the country, and I’m always open to discussions, always, and may I say there is no room for racism at the United States Department of Agriculture. 
    SRW: In that regard, will you commit to recruiting more diverse employees who understand these communities, have relationships with these communities, so that we build trust between these communities and the lending office?
    BR: Sir, my commitment is to recruit the best workforce in the history of the United States Department of Agriculture, period, full stop. I believe that will include many members of all different corners of our country.
    SRW: Do you think a diverse workforce and a high-quality workforce are somehow oppositional objectives?
    BR: I think always hiring based on who is the best person for the job, who is gonna do the most excellent service, who is best equipped to execute on all of the promises is the promise of America, but I also believe to your point and have long held that ensuring that we give all people a chance to succeed and to thrive and for equal opportunity is a bedrock foundational principle of America.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Championing creativity and diversity during NSW Women’s Week 2025

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 28 January 2025

    Released by: Minister for Women

    Fifteen organisations across New South Wales have received a share of more than $430,000 to host events that highlight women’s creativity, diversity and empowerment during this year’s Women’s Week.

    The NSW Government is building better communities where women and girls can achieve their potential and thrive.

    Women’s Week Grants have been running since 2018 to fund innovative events that empower women and girls to participate in our communities, to advance gender equality in the longer term.

    The 15 successful recipients of the 2025 Women’s Week Grants include:

    1. Interrelate Ltd – Empowerment through education: addressing the need for menstrual education to support young women in need (Coonamble LGA)
    2. Kiama Municipal Council - Paint the Town Femme (Kiama LGA) 
    3. Powerhouse Youth Theatre Inc. - Khair (خير): A Woman’s Tale (Fairfield LGA)
    4. NSW Tonga Netball Association Inc - Her Journey (Queanbeyan-Palerang LGA)
    5. Mudgee Local Aboriginal Land Council - Yinaagirbang Maywang (Women Together) (Mid-Western LGA)
    6. Accessible Arts - Wellbeing Through Art (City of Sydney LGA)
    7. African Sub-Sahara International Development Agency (ASSIDA) - African Women Celebration Week (Liverpool LGA)
    8. SSI – Settlement Service International – Celebrating the diversity of regional women (Coffs Harbour LGA)
    9. Walhallow Local Aboriginal Land Council - Rise & Shine: Gamilaroi Women’s Week Celebration (Liverpool Plains LGA)
    10. Lane Cove Council – Resilience and Radiance (Lane Cove LGA)
    11. Diversity Arts Australia - Empowering Diversity: Women in Arts and Creativity Symposium (Parramatta LGA)
    12. Northern Beaches Council - NSW Women’s Week Writing and Poetry Workshop Series – Celebrating Female Authors living with a Disability (Northern Beaches LGA)
    13. Nourish Nation Foundation Inc – Nourishing Women: A Path to Health Empowerment (Wagga Wagga LGA)
    14. Randwick City Council – Women’s Work art show and live music performance (Randwick LGA)
    15. Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Organisation –Because of Her, We Can: Health and Wellbeing in Far West NSW (Broken Hill, Central Darling Shire and Balranald LGAs)

    NSW Women’s Week, which runs from Sunday 2 to Saturday 8 March, is an annual showcase of the stories and remarkable achievements of women in our state.

    The NSW Government’s Women of the Year Awards at the International Convention Centre is the culmination the week-long celebrations and will be held in Sydney on Thursday 6 March.

    To find out more about Women’s Week 2025 events, visit NSW Women’s Week 2025 | NSW Government.

    Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

    “The NSW Government is thrilled to fund one of the most diverse range of Women’s Week events this year.

    “Alongside some great activities that focus on women’s health, art and stories, we have funded events we hope will engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community, women with a disability and women from rural, regional and remote NSW.

    “We want these events to inspire creativity and talent, empower women of all ages and backgrounds and encourage diversity and inclusion. I encourage everyone to get involved in the events that are planned in your communities.

    “NSW Women’s Week gives women a platform to honour the many contributions to our families and communities in all aspects of social, cultural, and political life.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New life-saving defibrillators awarded for NSW sports facilities

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 28 January 2025

    Released by: The Premier, Minister for Sport

    The Minns Labor Government is today announcing the delivery of almost 200 life-saving defibrillators to sporting and recreation organisations across the state.

    This announcement brings the total number of devices awarded under this program to more than 2,500 defibrillators.

    Every year, more than 9,000 people experience cardiac arrests outside of hospitals and these defibrillators play a key role in helping save the lives of a number of these people.

    These portable defibrillators detect and analyse a person’s heart activity and, if needed, deliver an electric shock through the chest to the heart.

    The NSW Government’s Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program provides up to $3,000 for the purchase, installation and training in new automated external defibrillators.

    A total of $500,000 has been made available each year to NSW sporting organisations to pay for these devices.

    Importantly, approximately 80 per cent of defibrillators awarded under this round of funding went to regional and remote communities, where emergency medical services naturally are further apart.

    This follows a decision made by the Minns Labor Government to ensure funding was directed to grassroots sporting organisations in some of NSW’s most disadvantaged areas for new life-saving defibrillators at local sports facilities.

    The NSW Labor Government is committed to rebuilding our grassroots sporting communities and ensuring local facilities are fit-for-purpose.

    To view the full list of recipients, visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/local-sport-defibrillator-grant-program

    Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

    “Access to one of these defibrillators can be the difference between life and death for thousands of people across NSW who suffer cardiac arrests each year – which is what makes this so important.”

    “Delivering hundreds of new defibrillators to sporting organisations across our state will give even more people the confidence to exercise and play sport safely.”

    “We’re making sure that areas that have been neglected for far too long, also have access to these life saving devices.”

    Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

    “The Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program equips sports clubs to be able to respond to potentially life-threatening emergencies at their sports facilities.”

    “The first few minutes following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest are critical, that is why the NSW Government is ensuring people participating in sport activities have access to potentially life-saving equipment.

    “This investment by the NSW Government has the potential to mean the difference between life and death.”

    Founder, Heartbeat of Football Andy Paschalidis said:

    “I applaud the NSW Government for the ongoing defibrillator rollout programme which is saving lives.”

    “Last year, at least six footballers in Sydney alone were saved because of defibrillator access at their grounds and the rapid response by individuals trained in CPR.

    “It’s wonderful to see 200 sporting clubs will now be able to purchase and install these life saving devices.”

    Co-deputy Director of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute Professor Jamie Vandenberg said:

    “Around 10,000 people in NSW suffer a cardiac arrest outside of hospital each year, and currently the vast majority will die.

    “Being able to access a defibrillator in those crucial first minutes can make all the difference, so it’s incredibly heartening to see that almost 200 sporting clubs will now be able to purchase and install these lifesaving devices. This will help keep families together

    “This is a sobering statistic but it’s one we can change for the better by installing more of these lifesaving devices in sports clubs across the State.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray, Booker, Colleagues Introduce Resolution Designating January as Muslim-American Heritage Month

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) joined Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and 8 of their Senate colleagues, along with U.S. Representative André Carson (D, IN-07), in introducing a resolution recognizing January as Muslim-American Heritage Month and celebrating the achievements of Muslims living in the United States. The resolution highlights the incredible contributions Muslim Americans have made across multiple sectors of society—from medical professionals to entrepreneurs, to faith leaders, athletes, and public servants—to help build a better nation.
    The resolution further notes the religious discrimination experienced by Muslim Americans, saying: “nearly 50 percent of Muslim Americans have reported experiencing religious discrimination, with that number rising to 64 percent for Muslim Americans whose appearance identifies them as Muslim, such as women who wear the hijab or headscarf.”
    The resolution stresses the “need for public education, awareness, and policies that are culturally competent when describing, discussing, or addressing the impacts of being Muslim American in all aspects of the society of the United States.”
    “I’m proud to join my colleagues once again in celebrating Muslim-American Heritage Month this January,” said Senator Murray. “Their voices and contributions are integral to the American story. I will always stand with Muslim-Americans—in Washington and all across our country—and speak up against hate and intolerance.”
    In addition to Senators Murray and Booker, the resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Peter Welch (D-VT).
    The full text of the resolution can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Presentation of the Polish Presidency – Committee on Culture and Education

    Source: European Parliament

    Logo of the Polish presidency of the Council of the EU © European Union (2025)

    On 30 January , Ms Barbara Nowacka (Minister of Education), Mr Marcin Kulasek (Minister of Science and Higher Education), Ms Hanna Wróblewska (Minister of Culture and National Heritage) and Mr Piotr Borys, (Secretary of State at the Ministry of Sport and Tourism), will present the priorities of the Polish Presidency in the fields of education, culture, youth and sports to the CULT Committe.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Invites Media to Pre-Super Bowl Tours at New Orleans Facility

    Source: NASA

    Media are invited to visit NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans between Tuesday, Feb. 4, and Thursday, Feb. 6, ahead of Super Bowl LIX for an inside look America’s rocket factory, as well as interview agency experts.
    During this behind-the-scenes visit, media will tour NASA’s location for the manufacturing and production of large-scale space structures and see hardware that will carry astronauts back to the Moon as part of the Artemis campaign.
    Registered members of the media will have the opportunity to:

    Capture images and video of hardware NASA Michoud is building for the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket, Orion spacecraft, and SLS exploration upper stage for the agency’s Artemis campaign.
    Tour special locations around NASA Michoud, one of the largest facilities in the world, with 43 acres of manufacturing space under one roof — a space large enough to contain more than 31 professional football fields.
    Learn about NASA’s state-of-the-art manufacturing and welding equipment — including the world’s largest friction-stir welding tool.

    Media must RSVP no later than 6 p.m. EST, Thursday, Jan. 30, to Jonathan Deal at: jonathan.deal@nasa.gov and Craig Betbeze at: craig.c.betbeze@nasa.gov. Please indicate a preferred date to visit between Feb. 4 and Feb. 6. This event is open to U.S. media. NASA’s media accreditation policy is available online.
    Through Artemis, NASA will send astronauts to explore the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and to build the foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars.
    Learn more about NASA’s Artemis campaign:
    https://www.nasa.gov/artemis
    -end- 
    Rachel KraftNASA Headquarters, Washington202-358-1100rachel.h.kraft@nasa.gov
    Jonathan DealMarshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala. 256-544-0034 jonathan.e.deal@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM to visit Odisha and Uttarakhand on 28th January

    Source: Government of India

    PM to visit Odisha and Uttarakhand on 28th January

    PM to inaugurate the Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 in Bhubaneswar

    Conclave aims to position Odisha as the anchor of Purvodaya vision, leading investment destination and industrial hub in India

    PM to inaugurate the 38th National Games in Dehradun

    Theme for National Games: Green Games

    Posted On: 27 JAN 2025 6:44PM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit Odisha and Uttarakhand on 28th January. At around 11 AM, he will inaugurate the Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar. Thereafter, he will travel to Dehradun in Uttarakhand and at around 6 PM, he will inaugurate the 38th National Games.

    PM in Odisha

    Prime Minister will  inaugurate the Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 in Bhubaneswar. The flagship Global Investment Summit, being hosted by the Government of Odisha, aims to position the state as the anchor of the Purvodaya vision as well as a leading investment destination and industrial hub in India.

    Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Make in Odisha Exhibition that highlights achievements of the state in developing a vibrant industrial ecosystem. The two day conclave will be held from 28th to 29th January. It will serve as a platform for industry leaders, investors, and policymakers to converge and discuss the opportunities Odisha offers as a preferred investment destination. The conclave will host CEOs and Leaders’ Roundtables, Sectoral Sessions, B2B meetings, and Policy Discussions, ensuring targeted engagement with investors across the globe.

    PM in Uttarakhand

    Prime Minister will inaugurate the 38th National Games in Dehradun. It is being hosted in Uttarakhand during its Silver Jubilee year and will be held in 11 cities across 8 districts of Uttarakhand from 28th January to 14th February.

    36 states and one union territory will participate in the National Games. Over 17 days, competitions for 35 sports disciplines will be held. Among these, medals will be awarded for 33 sports, while two will be exhibition sports. Yoga and Mallakhamb have been included in the National Games for the first time. More than 10,000 athletes from across the country will participate in the event.

    With a focus on sustainability, the theme for the National Games this year is “Green Games.” A special park, called the Sports Forest, will be developed near the venue, where more than 10,000 saplings will be planted by athletes and guests. The medals and certificates for the athletes will be made from environmentally friendly and biodegradable materials.

    *******

    Mattu J.P.Singh/Siddhant Tiwari

    (Release ID: 2096772) Visitor Counter : 61

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Research and Innovation are Essential for Progressing in the World: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya

    Source: Government of India

    Research and Innovation are Essential for Progressing in the World: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya

    PM Modi has said that we will host Olympics in 2036, which will symbolize India’s growing strength: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya

    India’s Pathway to the 2036 Olympics; Rashtriya Raksha University Hosts First International Olympic Research Conference

    Over 60 research papers to be presented by experts from around the world during this four-day conference

    Posted On: 27 JAN 2025 6:34PM by PIB Delhi

    The first International Olympic Research Conference was inaugurated today by the Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, at Rashtriya Raksha University. The four-day conference aims to establish India as a significant player in the global Olympic ecosystem, focusing on financial sustainability, strategic planning and collaborative networks to bolster India’s bid for the 2036 Olympics.

    In his inaugural address, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized that the research and innovation at Rashtriya Raksha University reflect the transformation and progress of the nation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He stated, “The university represents the changing face of India. I would call the B-CORE initiative of the university the ‘core of India’ because the nation is prioritizing research and innovation in this era of transformation. We must advance, progress, and strive to achieve our goals, for which research and innovation play a crucial role. Without research or the implementation of new ideas, one cannot stay ahead in the world. If we want to lead, we must prioritize research and innovation.” He highlighted that Rashtriya Raksha University has taken a significant step by focusing on research in sports and the Olympics.

    Dr. Mandaviya remarked that the Olympics are not just competitions but a symbol of sports and their integral role in our lifestyle. He said sports can provide solutions to numerous challenges, which is why Prime Minister Modi initiated major campaigns like Khelo India and Fit India to keep the nation fit. He further added, “PM Modi has envisioned hosting the Olympics in 2036, which symbolizes India’s growing strength. As we move toward a developed India, the nation will celebrate its centenary of independence in 2047. By then, India will be among the developed nations. The role of Fit India is crucial in ensuring not just physical fitness but also mental fitness among citizens. A mentally and physically fit person contributes to building an ideal society, which paves the way for a prosperous nation. Hence, sports are a symbol of our rising strength. By 2036, Modi Ji has set the goal for India to rank among the top 10 nations in sports, and by the centenary year of independence, we aim to rank among the top 5. To achieve this, we must step onto the field, compete, and win. Those who win leave their mark and convert their victories into medals. Sports science plays a vital role in enhancing our medal tally. Therefore, when we talk about Olympic research, it involves studying its social, youth, exposure, and international perception impacts, which together create comprehensive Olympic research.”

    He further stated, “This conference is not a small event; over 60 research papers will be presented here. Researchers from many countries conducting research on the Olympics are participating in this conference. This is the first such conference in South Asia, and it will have a significant impact not only on our nation but globally. This will take sports one step further.”

    Dr. Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), conveyed a powerful message emphasizing the integration of sports and education to create a holistic approach to youth development and nation-building.

    The Vice Chancellor of RRU, Prof. (Dr.) Bimal N. Patel, expressed pride in hosting this landmark event, highlighting the anticipated publication of over 60 research papers post-conference. He emphasized the significance of sports in shaping the youth and transformative impact on the country’s development.

    A high-level panel discussion featured prominent personalities, including Dr. Utsav Chaware, Director of BCORE, Shri (Dr.) Mansukh Mandaviya, Prof. (Dr.) Bimal N. Patel VC Rru,Prof. (Dr.) Kalpesh H. Wandra, Pro Vice-Chancellor Rru,Prasanth Shanthakumaran Partner KPMG in India and Mr. Lambis Konstantinidis, Executive Director of Planning and Coordination for Paris 2024 Olympics. The panel deliberated on India’s bid for the 2036 Olympics, potential challenges from other bidders, sustainable infrastructure planning, and the importance of avoiding mistakes on the global stage. Mr. Konstantinidis highlighted critical aspects India must address, including sustainability, technical planning, and creating a compelling narrative that showcases India’s uniqueness and readiness to host the Games.

    Shri Harsh Sanghavi, Hon’ble State Minister of Sports, Gujarat, highlighted the state’s grassroots sports initiatives, particularly the record-breaking participation in the Khel Mahakumbh. He emphasized aligning sports with youth education and underscored the critical role of a strong sports culture in preparing India’s youth for international platforms.

    The day concluded with a keynote presentation by Mr. Lambis Konstantinidis, offering an insightful roadmap for India’s Olympic preparations. He stressed the importance of sustainable development, strong leadership, and technical expertise to ensure the success of the sports. He posed five thought-provoking questions for India’s strategic planning, including what the Games can offer India, what India can contribute to the Olympics, and the long-term legacy of hosting the event.

    The conference, set to run until January 30, 2025, is poised to leave a lasting impact on India’s Olympic ambitions, bringing together policymakers, academicians, and global experts to create a sustainable, innovative, and collaborative pathway to the 2036 Olympics.

    *****

    Himanshu Pathak

    (Release ID: 2096767) Visitor Counter : 84

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Greg Dolezal Introduces the ‘Fair and Safe Athletic Opportunities’ Act

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (January 27, 2025) — On Monday, January 13, Sen. Greg Dolezal (R–Cumming) introduced Senate Bill (SB) 1, the “Fair and Safe Athletic Opportunities” Act, which would provide competitively fair and safe student participation in sports. The bill would require athletes to participate on teams that align with their biological sex at birth.

    “This summer, I had the privilege of serving as Chairman of the Georgia Senate Special Committee on the Protection of Women’s Sports,” said Sen. Dolezal. “As the father of three daughters, I take this issue to heart. Female athletes have worked tirelessly to earn their place in competition, and they deserve a level playing field. Ideologically driven policies that undermine the fairness in women’s sports have no place in Georgia. Our committee dedicated countless hours to thoroughly studying this issue, and I’m proud to say the Majority Caucuses in both the Senate and House stand firmly united in protecting these opportunities for women and girls. I am confident this legislation will move swiftly through the General Assembly and deliver the protection female athletes deserve.”

    “Biological men do not belong in women’s sports, period,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “This is common sense to everyone but the most radical liberals in Georgia. The Senate has always led the way on protecting women’s sports and with Senate Bill 1, we will continue to be on the right side of this common-sense issue. I will never waver in the fight to protect our sisters and our daughters participating on equal footing in Georgia sports. I look forward to Senate Bill 1 becoming law and the protection of women’s sports becoming a reality for all female athletes in Georgia.”

    SB 1 aims to provide equal athletic opportunities and safety for men and women at all levels. It would prohibit males from participating in interscholastic and intercollegiate competitions on teams designated as female as well as prohibit females from participating in competition on intercollegiate teams designated as male.

    SB 1 can be found here.

    # # # #

    Sen. Greg Dolezal serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Transportation. He represents the 27th Senate District, which includes a portion of Forsyth County. He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-7127 or via email at greg.dolezal@senate.ga.gov.

    For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Immigration presents yearly review

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Immigration Department today presented a review of its work in 2024, covering passenger traffic at control points and law enforcement, among other things.

    The department highlighted that a total of around 298 million passengers passed through Hong Kong’s control points in 2024, representing an increase of about 41% over 2023 and a return to the 300 million level in 2019.

    During the year, the total number of visitor arrivals was around 44.5 million, constituting an increase of about 31% when compared with 2023.

    Meanwhile, the department conducted a total of 13,664 related inspection operations at various immigration control points and intercepted 32,551 passengers for enquiries.

    In 2024, the department determined over 2,700 non-refoulement claims. As at the end of last year, there were about 850 claims pending screening.

    Looking ahead, to enhance clearance efficiency, the department said that it will adjust the applicable age of the e-Channel service for Hong Kong permanent residents from the first quarter of this year onwards so that children aged seven or above holding a valid Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport and a Hong Kong permanent identity card can undergo self-service immigration clearance with a smart identity card using facial recognition technology at e-Channels.

    The department also plans to introduce the new e-Channel at the Hong Kong International Airport’s arrival hall in the third quarter of this year, which will enable eligible Hong Kong residents to experience hassle-free self-service immigration clearance through verification of identity by facial recognition technology at the new e-Channel upon arrival.

    Additionally, the department fully supports the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games to be held this year, whereby special immigration lanes will be provided in the closed areas of designated control points on the Hong Kong side to provide faster and more convenient clearance services for athletes from the Mainland and Macau.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Apple introduces the 2025 Black Unity Collection

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Apple introduces the 2025 Black Unity Collection

    UPDATE January 27, 2025

    Inspired by the rhythm of humanity, a new Apple Watch Black Unity Sport Loop, watch face, and iPhone and iPad wallpapers honor Black History Month

    Apple today unveiled a new Black Unity Collection to honor Black History Month, and celebrate Black culture and community. Inspired by the rhythm of humanity, the collection includes a special-edition Apple Watch Black Unity Sport Loop, a matching watch face, and iPhone and iPad wallpapers.

    As part of the launch, Apple is supporting several global organizations whose work focuses on elements of rhythm, creativity, and community. This includes grants to the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music in New Orleans; Battersea Arts Centre in London; Music Forward Foundation in Los Angeles; Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney; and The National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, Tennessee. Apple’s support for these organizations builds upon the company’s longstanding commitment to advancing economic, educational, and creative opportunities in communities around the world.

    Black creatives and allies at Apple collaborated on the design of the new collection. The collection, Unity Rhythm, weaves together the colors of the Pan-African flag: black, green, and red. The Black Unity Sport Loop is woven in a custom pattern of raised and recessed loops that creates a lenticular effect, revealing green on one side of each loop, and red on the other. When the band is worn, the colors appear dynamic, shifting from green to red as a user moves their wrist, and the color yellow appears in the transition, as if by magic.

    The matching Unity Rhythm watch face features custom numerals formed by intertwined threads of red, green, and yellow. The watch face reacts to the gyroscope, so when a user raises their wrist to check the time, the strands coalesce from a series of abstract brush strokes into digits. When using the Unity Rhythm watch face, distinctive, rhythmic chimes mark every hour and half hour.

    The matching Unity Rhythm watch face features custom numerals formed by intertwined threads of red, green, and yellow.

    The Unity Rhythm iPhone and iPad wallpapers feature the same custom lettering writing the word “Unity,” which changes orientation when the device is unlocked and locked.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Three public figures awarded Freedom of the City

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Three public figures known for their achievements in Plymouth and in recognition of their outstanding leadership, were awarded Freedom of the City at the Full Council meeting today (27 January).

    Sir Gary Streeter

    Gary had a career in politics spanning over 30 years, he started his involvement with politics in 1986 as he was passionate about contributing to the community.

    Gary was an Elected Member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton from 1992 to 1997 when the boundaries changed, and subsequently elevated to the whip’s office. He was also then promoted to Minister in the Lord Chancellor’s department in 1996 to 1997.

    Gary was Shadow Secretary of State for International Development from 1998 to 2001.

    Gary was re-elected as MP for South West Devon, and became Vice Chairman of the Conservative party in 2001 to 2002, and Member of Parliament for South West Devon from 1997 to 2024.

    Gary said: “It is a great honour to be granted the freedom of such a great city. It has been an absolute privilege to serve so many Plymouth residents for over 30 years as their member of parliament. I am very grateful to the city council for bestowing such an honour upon me.”

    Kevin Nancekivell

    Kevin played non-league football for Bideford Town and Tiverton Town before getting his chance with Argyle at the age of 28. 

    Retiring from playing in 2004, Kevin began a coaching journey that saw him rise through various roles with Argyle’s Centres of Excellence and Academy, gaining his UEFA A Licence in 2010.

    In 2011, new Argyle manager Carl Fletcher asked Nancekivell to join his first-team coaching staff, and when Fletcher left in 2013 Kevin, along with Romain Larrieu, took temporary charge of the team.

    It was the first of five times where Nance has taken caretaker charge of Argyle, either solo or as a unit, typically with strong results.

    For his passion, dedication and honesty, not to mention his skill as a coach, Kevin is a beloved figure to the Green Army, who sometimes refer to him as ‘Mr Plymouth Argyle’.

    Kevin said: ‘I’m incredibly honoured to receive the Freedom of the City award. Plymouth has been a huge part of my life, and it’s a privilege to represent this great city through football. 

    “To be recognised in this way is truly humbling but it wouldn’t have been possible with the support and dedication of my family, colleagues, teammates and of course Argyle supporters.”

    Linda Gilroy

    With a political career spanning over 40 years, Linda started her journey in Plymouth politics in 1987, when she was elected as the secretary to the Plymouth Drake Constituency Labour Party and was elected chairwoman of the Cornwall Labour Party for four years from 1990.  

    Linda was the Member of Parliament (MP) for Plymouth Sutton for 13 years from 1997 until 2010.

    In parliament she was a member of the European legislation select committee from 1997 until the 2001 General Election when she was appointed Minister of State for Local and Regional Government. From 2005 to 2010 she served on the Defence Select Committee and as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Science Minister.

    Linda said: “In thanking the Lord Mayor and the Council for this honour, I would like to pay tribute to Plymouth City Council’s award-winning work.  During my time representing the city this helped many campaigns succeed. These included bringing down the dockyard wall and the regeneration of Devonport still flowing from this, rescuing Ford Park Cemetery from dereliction and securing investment for the Peninsula Medical and Dental Schools and community health facilities in Cattedown and Mount Gould. It is good to see that work going from strength to strength.”

    Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Tina Tuohy added: “I am pleased to present the award to Sir Gary, Kevin and Linda for their achievements in the service of Plymouth, and in recognition of their outstanding leadership, contributions to the public and the Plymouth communities.

    “This is why we have chosen to grant Freedom of the City to them today. I would like to thank them for all the incredible work that they do. A huge congratulations to them all.”

    Kevin Nancekivell, Lord Mayor Councillor Tina Tuohy and Sir Gary Streeter

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Officials celebrate with the grassroots

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki and other principal officials of the Government met different families on the third day of their year-end caring visits across Hong Kong’s 18 districts in celebration of the upcoming Lunar New Year.
     
    While visiting elderly singleton and doubleton grassroots families living in Po Lam Estate, Mr Chan chatted with them and celebrated the festive joy together.
     
    Over in Kennedy Town, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam visited seniors living there to learn about their daily lives and needs and presented them with Chinese New Year blessing bags.
     
    Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong visited elderly couples, grassroots and ethnic-minority households living in Lei Muk Shue Estate.
     
    Meantime, other principal officials toured Kwun Tong, Yuen Long, Sham Shui Po, Eastern, North, Wan Chai and Tai Po districts to meet grassroots families, seniors and people with disabilities.
     
    Secretary for Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau, Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho, Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung, Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan, Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law and Acting Secretary for Labour & Welfare Ho Kai-ming also joined the event.
     
    They were accompanied by the district council members and representatives from the District Services & Community Care Team.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Arax Investment Partners Acquires Cedrus Financial

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Arax Investment Partners (“Arax”), a premier wealth and asset management platform company backed by RedBird Capital Partners (“RedBird”), today announced that it has acquired Cedrus Financial (“Cedrus”), an established RIA headquartered in Littleton, Colorado, managing around $1 billion in assets under management. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

    The acquisition marks the latest addition to Arax’s expanding platform, which partners with leading boutique wealth management firms and financial advisors to unlock strategic business growth and provide complementary investment opportunities, alongside an enhanced client experience. Cedrus will operate within Arax Advisory Partners, which is Arax’s coalition of independent firms focused on specialized services, investment advice and supervisory solutions for institutions, high-net-worth families and elite athletes.

    “At Cedrus, our goal has always been meeting the needs of our clients,” said Mark Neely, Managing Partner at Cedrus. “Joining the Arax platform provides access to operational synergies and technological advancements that will support the scaled growth of our business, compounding our ability to deliver premium service to our clients and help them achieve their financial goals.”

    “Our multi-boutique wealth management strategy continues to attract the best in the business, supporting the growth and expansion of the Arax platform,” said Haig Ariyan, Chief Executive Officer of Arax. “In Cedrus, we found a partner firm with a unique and personalized approach that prioritizes integrity and collaboration in service of clients – in other words, a natural fit for our platform. We look forward to working with the Cedrus team.”

    About CĒDRUS Financial
    Founded in 2013, Cedrus is a wealth management and investment advisory firm providing financial planning, portfolio management and advisor selection services to high-net-worth families. The firm pairs cutting-edge wealth management strategies with 100 years of combined experience in small business ownership, corporate management and wealth preservation to create holistic wealth management solutions in support of its clients’ financial goals. With a footprint across Colorado and Idaho, Cedrus is the partner of choice for individuals seeking a transparent and communicative approach to managing family wealth.

    About Arax Investment Partners
    Arax Investment Partners is a rapidly growing, multi-boutique wealth management platform making strategic control investments in best-in-class operating companies in partnership with their founders and management teams. Arax is focused on making strategic investments and supporting RIAs, hybrid wealth managers, and advisor teams seeking a new growth platform to scale their businesses.

    Arax enables its partners and affiliates to be entrepreneurial and focus on delivering industry-leading financial services to their clients. Firms within the Arax network benefit from a seasoned management team with a successful track record of scaling wealth platforms, M&A experience, capital sourcing capabilities and company-building expertise backed by a proven investor with an extensive network, RedBird Capital Partners. Our experienced leaders, multi-platform structure and growth equity partnership create a unique advantage for our partners. For more information, please go to www.araxpartners.com.

    About RedBird Capital Partners
    RedBird Capital Partners is a private investment firm that builds high-growth companies with strategic capital solutions to founders and entrepreneurs. The firm currently manages $10 billion in assets on behalf of a global group of blue chip institutional and family office investors. Founded in 2014 by Gerry Cardinale, RedBird integrates sophisticated private equity investing with a hands-on business building mandate that focuses on three core industry verticals – Financial Services, Sports and Media & Entertainment. Over his 30-year investment career, Cardinale has partnered with founders and entrepreneurs to build some of the most iconic growth companies in their respective industries. For more information, please go to www.redbirdcap.com.

    Media Contact:

    Dan Gagnier
    Gagnier Communications
    RedBird@gagnierfc.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Fuels NASCAR Productions’ Remote Race Control Room

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung is now a NASCAR Technology Partner and will provide cutting-edge digital displays to elevate the NASCAR fan experience, racing operations and enterprise processes. The multi-year partnership will begin with the introduction of Samsung’s industry-leading displays and monitors for NASCAR Productions’ newly launched remote race control room.
    Housed in NASCAR’s 58,000 square-foot production facility in Concord, N.C., the state-of-the-art control room features Samsung’s The Wall as its centerpiece, allowing officials to review comprehensive, real-time video, audio and data from the track and remotely officiate races. The installation of The Wall spans an astounding 32 feet wide and nine feet high.
    Blazing the trail for remote race control
    The new control room sets the stage for NASCAR to remotely execute officiating in a precise and data-driven approach for large-scale races nationwide. During races, up to 24 officials in the room will use The Wall as their primary screen to access replays from the SBG Sports Software system, capable of aggregating up to 200 camera angles, all driver audio and voice-to-text transcription of team radio transmissions. The Wall’s true-to-life picture quality will deliver the footage and data with the finest level of detail, equipping remote officials with crisp and clear information to confidently make decisions on penalties and race results.
    “Our indoor LED displays and monitors will help NASCAR fuel a new era of race-day precision from the first lap to the final stretch,” said David Phelps, Head of the Display Division, Samsung Electronics America. “With superior visuals and real-time data, officials will experience unmatched clarity and insight into every moment of each race—offering a level of visibility that surpasses what they could see on-site at the track. This is just the beginning of our partnership as we help to pave the future of motorsports.”

    Advancing connectivity between the track and control room
    Remote officials in Concord, N.C., will remain fully immersed in the racing action via live feeds and intercom communications to consult with their counterparts at the track. The Wall’s large-scale display provides the officials with a real-time view of information as drivers make their laps and pit stops. The screen will showcase a variety of data, including feeds from onboard cameras, Engine Control Units (ECUs), optical tracking cameras, Pit Road Officiating (PRO) systems and official cameras positioned at the pit, start and finish lines, restart zones and other key locations.
    Officials will use a range of Samsung monitors to gather and analyze insights, including 25 models of the 27-inch ViewFinity S6 high-resolution monitor and seven models of the 49-inch Odyssey G9 monitor. The ultra-wide, curved Odyssey G9 monitors offer extensive screen real estate for officials to simultaneously view and assess multiple data sources, enhancing their ability to efficiently support track operations.
    CONCORD NC – September 24, 2024, NASCAR Race Conrol.
    “Remote Race Control will give NASCAR officials unparalleled views of more than 200 camera angles with multiple data points from every car that were previously not available,” said Steve Stum, NASCAR Vice President of Operations and Technical Production. “It will also allow us to make competition calls faster and more accurately than ever before to ultimately help improve the product.”
    The remote race control room will be fully operational and revved up to support the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series, kicking off with the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on Sunday, February 2.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Norovirus, aka the winter vomiting bug, is on the rise – an infectious disease expert explains the best ways to stay safe

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By William Schaffner, Professor of preventive medicine, health policy, infectious diseses, Vanderbilt University

    Norovirus is accompanied by abdominal pain, diarrhea and explosive vomiting. Alla Bielikova/Moment via Getty Images

    The highly contagious norovirus – popularly known as “stomach flu” or the “winter vomiting bug” – is now surging through the U.S.. The number of outbreaks is up significantly over previous years, possibly due in part to a new strain of the virus. Outbreaks can occur after direct contact with someone who is infected. Food and household surfaces can also become contaminated.

    William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine and infectious diseases at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, discusses the symptoms of norovirus, how best to treat it, and the populations most vulnerable to this illness.

    Dr. William Schaffner discusses the norovirus.

    The Conversation has collaborated with SciLine to bring you highlights from the discussion that have been edited for brevity and clarity.

    What are the symptoms of a norovirus infection?

    William Schaffner: Norovirus is an intestinal virus that can make you very, very sick. It is indelicately called winter vomiting disease, and it begins suddenly, often with an explosive vomit that then repeats itself.

    Norovirus can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea at the same time, along with a fever. It will probably make you feel miserable for two or three days – but then everybody pretty much recovers.

    How should norovirus be treated?

    William Schaffner: The major problem norovirus causes is dehydration from all that vomiting and diarrhea. So you have to stay hydrated. Do this with little sips of clear liquids, because if you take too much, it’ll come right back up. Sports drinks are very good.

    Most people who get into trouble are either very young or older and more frail. They may have to go to the hospital to get rehydrated with an IV. When the occasional death occurs due to this dehydrating infection, it’s in those vulnerable populations.

    Why does norovirus tend to surge during the winter?

    William Schaffner: You can get it any time of the year, but there is a seasonal increase in the winter for reasons that scientists are not quite sure of. But people spend a lot of time indoors with each other in wintertime, so that makes it easier for the virus to get from one place to another. All that travel over the holidays, as well as family gatherings and parties, can spread the virus.

    How can people protect themselves from the norovirus?

    William Schaffner: The most important thing is good hand hygiene. Washing with soap and water works the best. Those hand hygiene gels and wipes – the hand sanitizers – that people tend to use aren’t as effective against norovirus, so just wash frequently with good old soap and water. And then, of course, avoid people who are sick.

    Also, remember that the virus can survive on environmental surfaces, like counters, doorknobs and tables. You don’t want to pick up those viruses on your fingers. If you get a little bit of virus on your fingertips and then touch your lips, you can get an infection because it just takes a small dose of the virus to make you sick.

    Who’s particularly vulnerable to norovirus?

    William Schaffner: The people who are more susceptible to catching it are those living in semi-enclosed or enclosed populations. For example, people in nursing homes, schools and prisons – essentially any circumstance where people are together for a long period of time.

    Another place where the virus can spread is cruise ships, which is why norovirus is also called the cruise ship virus. When people are confined on a ship for days and days, these outbreaks can run through most of the passengers.

    Interestingly enough – and this has never been well explained – the crew is usually less affected.

    But again, the most serious illness occurs in older, frail and immune-compromised people, or in the very young, where dehydration can be more serious.

    Where’s the research on developing a norovirus vaccine?

    William Schaffner: Norovirus has presented some scientific challenges. It’s actually rather difficult to grow in the laboratory, and so that has delayed the development of a vaccine. But researchers are working on it.

    Are there other infectious diseases going around right now?

    William Schaffner: Along with norovirus, respiratory viruses are still out there: influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. They’re all perking up at the same time. It looks as though we’re having a very brisk winter viral season.

    Watch the full interview to hear more.

    SciLine is a free service based at the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a nonprofit that helps journalists include scientific evidence and experts in their news stories.

    William Schaffner receives funding from the CDC-sponsored Emerging Infections Program Collaborative Agreement.

    – ref. Norovirus, aka the winter vomiting bug, is on the rise – an infectious disease expert explains the best ways to stay safe – https://theconversation.com/norovirus-aka-the-winter-vomiting-bug-is-on-the-rise-an-infectious-disease-expert-explains-the-best-ways-to-stay-safe-247667

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Exercise does increase calorie burn – but probably not as much as you might hope

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dylan Thompson, Professor of Human Physiology, University of Bath

    Exercise can still be a benefit if you’re trying to lose weight or get fit. Green Elk/ Shutterstock

    It’s generally accepted that exercise is a key element of losing weight. But this long-held view has been called into question in recent years – with no shortage of articles and podcasts claiming it’s a myth that exercise increases your metabolism and helps you burn calories after you work out.

    The central tenet of these reports is that the amount of calories we burn each day is somehow constrained. This hypothesis was first proposed in 2012 by the evolutionary anthropologist Herman Pontzer. He posited that as you increase your daily energy expenditure (calories burned) through physical activity, your body will find ways to cut back on energy expended on other biological processes – such as your resting metabolism. This leaves your overall daily energy expenditure unchanged.

    This theory has since been popularised in Pontzer’s 2021 book Burn, in which he theorises that “we burn calories within a very narrow range: nearly 3,000 calories per day, no matter our activity level”.

    Building on this, Pontzer suggests that, “The bottom line is that your daily (physical) activity levels have almost no bearing on the number of calories that you burn each day.”

    But before you pack away your running shoes, let’s look at what the research shows us. The most rigorous and robust evidence available on the topic actually shows that exercise does increase energy expenditure – though perhaps not as much as we might expect.

    Exercise and energy expenditure

    The evidence Pontzer used to support his hypothesis came from observational studies that compared energy expenditure in different populations around the world. In an observational study, researchers only take measurements and make comparisons between groups without actually introducing any changes.

    The most eye-catching of the studies Pontzer used to support his hypothesis was research on the Hadza tribe – one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer groups in Africa. Hunter-gatherers are assumed to be highly active in order to survive. But the study observed that the Hadza expended no more energy than the average Westerner did each day.

    We reviewed the constrained energy expenditure hypothesis in 2023. We concluded that Pontzer’s theory raises some interesting questions. However, it’s generally not very convincing due to flaws in the nature of the evidence.

    Indeed, Pontzer’s own observational data shows that daily energy expenditure can vary by more than 1,000 calories per day in a group of older people. This directly contradicts his suggestion that it’s fixed at 3,000 calories a day for everyone.

    The effects of exercise on calorie burn may be more modest than we might hope, however.
    Dean Drobot/ Shutterstock

    When we look at data from randomised controlled trials, we can clearly see that exercise does have an effect on energy expenditure.

    Randomised controlled trials allow researchers to establish cause and effect from a specific treatment or intervention. They allow groups of people to be fairly compared with just one variable manipulated at a time.

    Trials show that a structured, supervised exercise programme done up to five times a week for six and ten months increases daily energy expenditure. These effects were shown in both young and middle-aged men and women.

    This research clearly shows that physical activity does increase how many calories you burn each day.

    Modest increase

    It’s important to note that these trials do report, however, that the increases in daily energy expenditure were not always as big as expected. Put simply, burning 600 calories in the gym will not necessarily increase your daily energy expenditure by the same amount.

    However, a more-modest-than-expected increase in energy expenditure is a far cry from bold statements that exercise does not increase daily energy expenditure at all. The exact number is difficult to estimate though, as it varies a lot between people.

    As we discuss in our review, there are many possible reasons why exercise does not increase energy expenditure by as much as would be expected. Some factors might include physical activity substitution (when your new workout substitutes for physical activity you would normally have done at that time – so you might only end up burning a few calories more than you normally would have) and behavioural compensation (doing less activity later in the day after a morning workout).

    This also highlights a common misunderstanding about the magnitude of exercise’s effects. Exercise can feel hard – so people might reasonably expect a large return on their investment. But five hours of exercise a week is only about 4% of our typical waking time. So this will only go so far in shifting the dial upwards in terms of how many calories we burn through physical activity.

    Part of the misunderstanding about changes in energy expenditure and potential weight loss through exercise is perhaps related to unrealistic expectations about how many calories we burn when working out.

    So, despite what you might have heard or read, the strongest evidence from robust trials clearly demonstrates that exercise can increase daily energy expenditure. Though this might not be as much as you expect or hope.

    Dylan Thompson receives funding from BBSRC, NIHR, and Heart Research UK. He has previously had funding from MRC, BHF, and Unilever. He is a Fellow of The Physiological Society and the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences.

    Javier Gonzalez receives funding from BSRC, MRC, British Heart Foundation, Clasado Biosciences, Lucozade Ribena Suntory, ARLA Foods Ingredients, Cosun Nutrition Center, Innocent Drinks and the Fruit Juice Science Centre; is a (non-exec) scientific advisory board member to ZOE; and has completed paid consultancy for 6d Sports Nutrition, Science in Sport, The Dairy Council, PepsiCo, Violicom Medical, Tour Racing Ltd., and SVGC. For a full list of disclosures see https://gonzalezjt1.wordpress.com/2024/03/.

    – ref. Exercise does increase calorie burn – but probably not as much as you might hope – https://theconversation.com/exercise-does-increase-calorie-burn-but-probably-not-as-much-as-you-might-hope-247720

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Immigration Department Review 2024 (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Director of Immigration, Mr Kwok Joon-fung, held a press conference today (January 27) to review the work of the Immigration Department (ImmD) over the past year and look ahead to the future. The following is a summary of the department’s major activities in 2024 and its outlook:      Staying committed to its mission and safeguarding national security      The Safeguarding National Security Ordinance took effect upon gazettal in 2024. Together with the Hong Kong National Security Law, a comprehensive legal system and enforcement mechanism for safeguarding national security have been established in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). With a crucial role to play in safeguarding national security, the department has been guarding the country’s southern gateway rigorously with patriotism, and acts in accordance with all applicable laws and prevailing immigration policies to protect Hong Kong’s national sovereignty, security and development interests. Staying principled and innovative, the Government actively seeks reforms so that Hong Kong can advance from stability to prosperity and better integrate into the national development. It also strives to consolidate and enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre. The ImmD continues to render full support to the HKSAR Government in its policy directions and measures, with a view to contributing to the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.      Enhancing efficiency and facilitating connections and integration (A) Passenger traffic at control points      In 2024, a total of around 298 million passengers passed through Hong Kong’s control points, representing an increase of about 41 per cent over 2023 and a return to the 300 million level in 2019. The total number of visitor arrivals was around 44.5 million, representing an increase of about 31 per cent as compared with that of 2023, of which Mainland visitor arrivals were around 34.04 million, representing an increase of about 27 per cent when compared with that of 2023. Meanwhile, the number of arrivals of other visitors in 2024 was around 10.46 million, representing an increase of about 44 per cent over 2023. Among the visitor arrivals in 2024, around 9.86 million visitors travelled through the Airport Control Point, while around 32.81 million visitors and around 1.84 million visitors passed through land control points and sea control points respectively. (B) Enabling people movement (1) Enhancing handling capacity of control points      The ImmD has been taking various measures, including flexible deployment of manpower, optimisation of workflow and effective use of information technology, etc, to continuously enhance the handling capacity and efficiency of control points. Among them, the Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point has seen a continuous increase in users since its passenger clearance services commenced operation in February 2023. To further enhance the clearance capacity, the ImmD set up 10 additional mobile counters in the arrival hall of the Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point and completed the enhancement works in early June 2024 to replace some of the conventional counters with e-Channels, thereby increasing the number of e-Channels in the arrival hall from the existing 14 to 18. Furthermore, to enhance the handling capacity and efficiency of the Express Rail Link West Kowloon Control Point, in addition to the existing 22 e-Channels, 19 extra e-Channels were installed in phases in the arrival hall, which were then put into service progressively starting from June 26, 2024. (2) Extension of e-Channel service            The ImmD launched the Contactless e-Channel service in 2021 to allow registered Hong Kong residents to undergo self-service immigration clearance using an encrypted QR code generated by the “Contactless e-Channel” mobile application and facial recognition technology. As at the end of 2024, around 5 million Hong Kong residents had registered for the service and the number of passengers who used the service reached around 150 million, accounting for nearly 75 per cent of the daily number of Hong Kong residents using the e-Channels. On July 19, 2024, the ImmD launched the Mutual Use of QR Code between HKSAR and Macao SAR Clearance Service in collaboration with the relevant authorities of Macao. Eligible Hong Kong residents who have registered for using the Macao Automated Passenger Clearance Service may use the encrypted QR code generated by the “Contactless e-Channel” mobile application for self-service immigration clearance in Macao. Similarily, eligible Macao permanent residents may also use the encrypted QR code generated by the “Macao One Account” mobile application for self-service immigration clearance through the e-Channels in Hong Kong. As at the end of 2024, the numbers of Hong Kong residents and Macao residents who used the service were around 400 000 and 210 000 respectively. (3) Cancelling the requirement for visitors to furnish arrival or departure cards      To further streamline immigration procedures, the ImmD has cancelled the requirement for visitors to furnish an arrival or departure card with effect from October 16, 2024. All passengers are no longer required to complete and furnish an arrival or departure card, thereby facilitating a faster and more convenient immigration clearance process.      Attracting talent by building Hong Kong into an international hub for talent      In support of the Government’s initiatives to attract and retain talent, as well as building Hong Kong into an international hub for talent, the ImmD continued to implement the various enhanced talent admission schemes and deployed additional manpower and streamlined the system to speed up the processing of relevant applications. Meanwhile, technology was also utilised to enhance electronic services, making the submission of visa applications more convenient and efficient. (For details of the numbers of applications for visas/entry permits/extensions of stay received and approved under various admission schemes/policies, please refer to the Annex.) (A) Enhancing talent admission schemes (1) Enhancing the assessment criteria and arrangements for the General Points Test under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme      With effect from November 1, 2024, the General Points Test (GPT) under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) has been enhanced by adopting clearer and more objective scoring criteria, as well as streamlining the application and selection process. The enhanced GPT replaced the original item-by-item scoring system with an assessment questionnaire comprising 12 assessment criteria across six major aspects, namely age, academic qualifications, language proficiency, work experience, income and business ownership. Applicants may submit applications if they meet a minimum of six assessment criteria. The ImmD will pass the eligible applications to an assessment panel chaired by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare. The assessment panel will then provide advice to the Director of Immigration according to the selection results. There is no annual quota under the enhanced GPT. (2) Expanding the list of eligible universities under the Top Talent Pass Scheme and extending the validity period of the first visa for Category A applications      To further expand the network for attracting talent, starting from November 1, 2024, 13 top Mainland and overseas universities/institutions have been added to the list of eligible universities under the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS). The aggregate list currently covers a total of 199 eligible institutions after the annual update. In addition, with effect from October 16, 2024, the validity period of the first visa of applicants approved under Category A of the TTPS has also been extended from two years to three years to facilitate their advance planning for relocation to Hong Kong with their families. The new measure also applies to Category A applicants whose applications were approved before the aforementioned date. (3) Extending the immigration arrangements for graduates from the Greater Bay Area campuses of Hong Kong universities      In late 2022, the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates was expanded to include graduates from the Greater Bay Area (GBA) campuses of Hong Kong universities on a pilot basis for two years. The HKSAR Government announced in October 2024 that the arrangements would be extended for two years to the end of 2026. (B) Temporarily exempting full-time non-local undergraduate students from restrictions on taking up part-time jobs      Starting from November 1, 2024, full-time non-local undergraduate students have been temporarily exempted from the restrictions on taking up part-time jobs to enhance their personal experience of working in Hong Kong, thereby increasing their incentive to stay in Hong Kong for development after graduation. Eligible full-time non-local undergraduate students are allowed to take up part-time employment within the duration of their studies, with no restrictions on the number of working hours and location. (C) Implementation of New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme      The New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme was launched on March 1, 2024, with the aim to further enrich the talent pool and attract more new capital to Hong Kong. An eligible applicant must invest a minimum of HK$30 million in the permissible investment assets. Invest Hong Kong is responsible for assessing whether the applications fulfil the financial requirements, and the ImmD is responsible for assessing the applications for visa and entry permits and extensions of stay, etc. (D) Relaxation of visa arrangements for nationals of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam      To foster closer ties with countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), following the relaxation of criteria for Vietnamese nationals applying for multiple-entry visas for travel or business in 2023, the relaxation measure has been extended to include nationals of Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar starting from October 16, 2024. Meanwhile, the validity period of multiple-entry visas for nationals of these four ASEAN countries has also been extended from two years to three years. The ImmD has put in place a fast-track arrangement for group visitors from ASEAN countries who submit their visa applications via local travel agents, so that the processing time of the visa applications can be significantly shortened.      Be people-oriented and improve their livelihood in pursuit of happiness (A) Commissioning of the new Immigration Headquarters      Located at the Tseung Kwan O town centre, the new Immigration Headquarters officially commenced operation on June 11, 2024, marking a new milestone in the development of the department. Not only is the new headquarters equipped with better facilities and infrastructure, it also houses the Tseung Kwan O Marriage Registry and Tseung Kwan O Births Registry, delivering quality public services to citizens. The marriage hall of the Tseung Kwan O Marriage Registry features an innovative design with special wall panels, a lighting system that can be set to different colours, as well as various photo-taking spots. Since its opening on June 26, the hall has been popular among the public. As at the end of 2024, more than 1 300 weddings were held there. (B) New submission and collection kiosks for personal documentation      The Registration of Persons (Amendment) Regulation 2024 came into effect on December 13, 2024. On the same day, the ImmD introduced self-application services for identity cards (ICs), expanding the service scope of the Personal Documentation Submission Kiosks to cover IC applications, in addition to HKSAR passport applications. The new services cover three types of replacement applications of IC holders who are aged 18 or above holding a locally issued smart IC, i.e. (i) replacement for an adult IC for persons reaching the age of 18; (ii) replacement for a permanent IC for persons having their eligibility for a permanent IC verified; and (iii) replacement for a new smart identity card for persons holding a valid old form of smart identity IC. Eligible applicants may apply for an IC replacement in a self-service manner and submit their HKSAR passport applications in one go. For collection of documents, members of the public may also collect their ICs and HKSAR passports in a self-service manner through the Personal Documentation Collection Kiosks. A total of 54 new personal documentation kiosks are provided in the new headquarters. The service hours of some of the kiosks have been further extended until 10pm to enable eligible applicants’ access to the services beyond office hours. In addition, starting from December 13, 2024, the processing time for new smart ICs has been shortened from the current seven working days to five working days. Members of the public may collect their new ICs on the next working day upon completion of application processing by the ImmD. (C) Conclusion of Territory-wide Identity Card Replacement Exercise      Following the conclusion of the Territory-wide Identity Card Replacement Exercise on March 3, 2023, the Smart Identity Card Replacement Centres ceased operation. Residents who have yet to replace their smart identity cards can visit the four designated Registration of Persons (ROP) Offices during the extended service hours or the ROP – Kwun Tong (Temporary) Office for identity card replacement. As at the end of 2024, a total of some 7.32 million identity card holders had replaced their smart identity cards, representing a replacement rate of about 91 per cent. The Secretary for Security has made the Registration of Persons (Invalidation of Identity Cards) Order 2024 under section 7C of the Registration of Persons Ordinance (Cap. 177), declaring that the old form of smart identity cards issued before November 26, 2018, will be invalidated in two phases in 2025. Moreover, the On-site Identity Card Replacement Service (On-site Service), which had been temporarily suspended for over two years due to the pandemic, resumed in November 2022 to provide on-site identity card replacement service to eligible residents of residential care homes (RCHs). As at the end of 2024, the outreach teams had visited around 1 100 RCHs to complete the replacement procedures for over 45 200 residents. It is anticipated that the On-site Service will conclude in the first quarter of 2025. (D) Granting of visa-free access for HKSAR passport holders      In 2024, the ImmD issued a total of more than 900 000 HKSAR passports. Since July 2024, the period of visa-free entry for HKSAR passport holders to Thailand has been extended from up to 30 days to 60 days. As at the end of 2024, 171 countries or territories had granted visa-free access or visa-on-arrival for HKSAR passport holders. The ImmD will continue to lobby more countries or territories to grant visa-free access or visa-on-arrival for HKSAR passport holders to provide travel convenience. (E) Services and support for Hong Kong residents in distress outside Hong Kong (1) Assistance to Hong Kong residents in distress outside Hong Kong      The ImmD’s Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit (AHU) has been making every effort to provide practical assistance to Hong Kong residents in distress outside Hong Kong. The AHU maintains close ties with the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR (OCMFA), Chinese diplomatic and consular missions overseas and other relevant HKSAR government departments to provide all practicable help and support to assistance seekers. To step up its services and support for Hong Kong residents in distress outside Hong Kong, the ImmD introduced the 1868 WeChat assistance hotline and 1868 Chatbot on March 18, 2024. Along with the existing options, Hong Kong residents may contact the AHU through a total of six different channels for assistance. In 2024, the AHU handled 3 302 requests for assistance in total, most of which involved loss of travel documents, hospitalisation, casualties, etc outside Hong Kong. Among the requests received, there were cases of Hong Kong residents suspected of having been lured to Southeast Asian countries and detained to engage in illegal work. The ImmD has provided appropriate advice and practicable assistance to the persons concerned or their families according to their wishes. In the light of the situation in Lebanon and Israel, the ImmD has also maintained close contact with the OCMFA and relevant Chinese Embassies to follow up as appropriate. With the assistance of the Embassy, three Hong Kong residents were safely evacuated from Lebanon by vessel and flight under the national arrangements. (2) Publicity on consular protection and outbound travel safety     In June 2024, the ImmD and the OCMFA co-organised the Consular Protection Month to widely disseminate information on consular protection and outbound travel safety through a series of activities, including holding the launching ceremony of the Consular Protection Month at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), organising roving exhibitions on consular protection across the territory, setting up booths at the International Travel Expo and conducting joint seminars with the OCMFA. Meanwhile, the “Consular Protection and Outbound Travel Safety” online exhibition was launched to enable members of the public to learn more about consular protection and outbound travel safety through various activities. (F) Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (Non-Chinese Citizens)      The Exit and Entry Administration of the People’s Republic of China started to issue Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (Non-Chinese Citizens) (Permits) from July 10, 2024, onwards. To apply for the Permit, applicants are required to apply for a Notice of Application for Access to Information (Notice) from the ImmD. The Notice will normally be made available within 10 days upon receipt of the request. As at the end of 2024, a total of about 87 000 applications in relation to the Notice had been received, among which 99 per cent had been processed.      Stringent law enforcement and securing social stability (A) Law enforcement           The ImmD is dedicated to combating immigration-related crimes. Its Cybercrime and Forensics Investigation Group has been actively conducting targeted cyber patrols and taking enforcement actions against those who organise, arrange or incite the public to commit serious crimes such as employing illegal workers through social media or instant messaging software, with a view to tackling illegal employment and protecting the job opportunities of local workers. (1) Combating illegal employment      In 2024, the ImmD conducted a total of 17 906 operations against illegal employment and arrested 4 172 illegal workers and 513 local employers altogether. In particular, a total of 444 non-ethnic Chinese illegal workers and 146 local employers who employed them were arrested during the enforcement operations against non-ethnic Chinese illegal workers. Employing illegal workers is a serious offence. A dishwashing service company licensee was convicted for employing illegal workers and sentenced to 19 months’ imprisonment in February 2024. In July and August 2024, under the co-ordination of the Exit and Entry Administration of the People’s Republic of China, the ImmD mounted a cross-boundary joint operation with the Exit and Entry Administration Offices of the public security authorities of Guangxi and Guangdong and the Shenzhen Frontier Inspection Station, cracking down on a cross-boundary forgery syndicate that specialised in soliciting Mainlanders to take up illegal employment in Hong Kong, resulting in the arrest of a total of 201 persons and the seizure of a large quantity of forgery equipment and forged documents. In regards to the Hong Kong side, the ImmD mounted an operation codenamed “Vanguard” and arrested a total of 97 persons, including a syndicate mastermind and serveral core members, as well as a number of suspected illegal workers and employers suspected of employing them. (2) Strengthening counter-terrorism preparedness, combating illegal transnational migration and document fraud      Officers of the ImmD intercepted suspicious persons at immigration control points in light of terrorist threat assessments and actual circumstances, and kept visitors in suspected association with terrorist activities under surveillance to prevent such persons from attempting to enter Hong Kong. In 2024, the ImmD conducted a total of 13 664 related inspection operations at various immigration control points, and intercepted 32 551 passengers in total for enquiries. To enhance its preparedness and response capability for emergencies and terrorist attacks, the ImmD participated in a large-scale interdepartmental counter-terrorism exercise codenamed “Wisdomlight” at the Kai Tak Sports Park in December 2024. During the exercise, the ImmD showcased its recently commissioned mobile identification tactical unit, while the Emergency Response Team of the Castle Peak Bay Immigration Centre (CIC) demonstrated how to quell a disturbance. Moreover, the ImmD has been working with different law enforcement agencies to combat illegal transnational migration, with the focus on investigation into document fraud, in order to prevent anyone from entering Hong Kong or travelling to other countries or territories via Hong Kong with forged travel documents. The ImmD’s Anti-Illegal Migration Agency conducted a total of 30 438 operations against forgery activities, including joint operations with overseas and local law enforcement agencies against illegal transnational migration. A total of 23 693 passengers were intercepted for enquiries. (B) Handling non-refoulement claims (1) Combating illegal entry of non-ethnic Chinese      The ImmD has commenced dedicated operations with Mainland and local law enforcement agencies since 2016 in order to take sustained enforcement action against illegal immigration activities of non-ethnic Chinese. While a sharp increase in the number of non-ethnic Chinese illegal immigrants intercepted in the second half of 2023 was once noted, the situation has improved significantly following the strengthened enforcement actions through concerted efforts of enforcement agencies. The number of interceptions plummeted by 84 per cent from the peak of 364 in October 2023 to a monthly average of 57 in 2024. The ImmD will continue to step up intelligence exchanges with enforcement agencies on the Mainland and in Macao to further combat illegal immigration precisely. (2) Advance Passenger Information System      To meet the aviation security requirements of the Convention on International Civil Aviation and to align Hong Kong with other aviation hubs worldwide, as well as to enable the ImmD to further enhance its clearance and enforcement capabilities to prevent undesirables, including potential non-refoulement claimants, from boarding flights heading to Hong Kong, the ImmD implemented the Advance Passenger Information (API) System on September 3, 2024, requiring airlines to transmit advance information to the ImmD about flights and passengers heading to Hong Kong through the API System when checking in travellers, and act upon the direction given through the system to allow or not allow specific travellers to board the aircraft heading to Hong Kong. To allow sufficient time for over 100 airlines to connect to the API System and to ensure that the system will run in a smooth and orderly manner, the rollout will be carried out in phases. A transitional period of around 12 months will also be provided. The offences and defences, and the miscellaneous provisions relating to the API System under Cap. 115Q, Laws of Hong Kong will come into effect after the transitional period, namely starting from September 1, 2025. (3) Stepping up the screening process      The ImmD continued to speed up the screening of non-refoulement claims with flexible staff deployment and optimised workflow. In 2024, the ImmD determined over 2 700 non-refoulement claims. As at the end of last year, there were about 850 claims pending screening by the ImmD. Under the unified screening mechanism, over 95 per cent of the claimants rejected by the ImmD lodged appeals against the decisions. As at the end of 2024, there were about 750 claimants who had lodged appeals pending decision by the Torture Claims Appeal Board/Non-refoulement Claims Petition Office. (4) Better management of detainees      To enhance security and management efficiency, the CIC is pressing ahead with a number of enhancement projects, including overhauling the CCTV surveillance system; launching an RFID (radio frequency Identification) Equipment Management System; and installing a Contactless Vital Sign Monitoring System to remotely monitor the vital signs of detainees. The CIC has also deployed small unmanned aircraft to carry out patrol duties from time to time to eliminate potential security threats. In addition to the CIC, the HKSAR Government included the Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution and the Nei Kwu Correctional Institution (NKCI) as places of detention of the ImmD in 2021 and 2023 respectively, thereby increasing the number of detention places for detaining non-refoulement claimants to three. When the in-situ expansion of the NKCI is completed in 2025, the overall detention capacity of the three detention places will increase to 940. (5) Enhancing efficiency of removing unsubstantiated claimants      The ImmD has been committed to promptly removing unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants from Hong Kong. In 2024, the ImmD removed 2 219 unsubstantiated claimants from Hong Kong, representing a rise of 24 per cent when compared with that in 2023. Under the updated removal policy effective from December 7, 2022, the ImmD may generally proceed with the removal of an unsubstantiated claimant whose judicial review case has been dismissed by the Court of First Instance of the High Court, thereby enhancing the efficiency of and efforts in removing unsubstantiated claimants. Since the implementation of the policy till the end of 2024, the ImmD removed a total of 4 070 unsubstantiated claimants from Hong Kong, including 314 claimants who were removed under the updated removal policy.      Nurturing young people and strengthening patriotic teams (A) Hong Kong will prosper when its young people thrive (1) Immigration Department Youth Leaders Corps      The ImmD formed the Immigration Department Youth Leaders Corps (IDYL) to provide systematic and regular disciplinary and leadership training for members by sending dedicated training officers to secondary schools with the aim of nurturing them to become pillars of society who love the country and Hong Kong. There is also a post-secondary student team, IDYL Plus, members of which have already been admitted to post-secondary institutes. They will be the experienced leaders to pass the values of the IDYL and their personal experiences to younger members. To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the IDYL organised a Shanghai summer exchange tour in July for 75 members to learn about the history of the motherland and have an in-depth exchange of ideas with local young people. As at the end of 2024, a total of over 950 students participated in the IDYL. (2) Immigration Department Youth Ambassador Programme      The ImmD launched the Immigration Department Youth Ambassador Programme in November 2023 and used the Immigration Divisions of the Mainland Offices of the HKSAR Government (Mainland Offices) as bases to recruit young people from Hong Kong who are studying and living in various provinces on the Mainland as Youth Ambassadors. Since the launch of the Programme, the ImmD has appointed 32 Youth Ambassadors in Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Wuhan. The appointed Youth Ambassadors will have diverse learning opportunities provided by the ImmD during the one-year term and collaborate with the Mainland Offices in disseminating the latest information and in briefing the public on the business scope of the department. The ImmD expects that the Programme will broaden the Youth Ambassadors’ horizons and lay solid groundwork for their different future positions in society. (B) Staff training and continuous development (1) Recruitment of service members      The ImmD launched a new round of in-service appointments and open recruitment of Immigration Officers in May 2024, while the open recruitment of Immigration Assistants continued to be all year round. During the recruitment exercises in 2024, the department recruited about 100 Immigration Officers and 210 Immigration Assistants. (2) National studies     In 2024, a total of 366 members of the Immigration Service were arranged to attend training courses in various Mainland institutes, including the National Academy of Governance, the First Standing Force of the Exit and Entry Administration of the People’s Republic of China, the China Foreign Affairs University, and the China People’s Police University. Moreover, in order to reinforce the concept of national security among newly recruited Immigration Officers, deepen their understanding of the history and development of the motherland as well as enhance their knowledge of the country’s immigration regime, with the staunch support of the Ministry of Public Security and the China People’s Police University, the ImmD has arranged 200 Immigration Officer trainees to participate in the National Affairs and Immigration Control Training Course for Immigration Officer Trainees at the China People’s Police University (Guangzhou) since October 2023. The ImmD will actively co-ordinate with relevant Mainland authorities so that newly recruited Immigration Assistants can also receive training in the Mainland.      Vision for 2025      Utilising technologies to enhance service standards (A) New milestone of e-Channel service      Since the launch of the first e-Channel at the Lo Wu Control Point in December 2004, the total number of users of e-Channels has exceeded 2 billion. Over the past two decades, the ImmD has been striving for innovation in enhancing the clearance efficiency of e-Channels and expanding the service target group in order to provide immigration services of the highest quality to members of the public and visitors. To further enhance service quality, the ImmD has set two key directions for the future development of e-Channels, namely “simplicity” and “efficiency”. While ensuring information security, the ImmD will introduce more innovative technologies for e-Channel users to perform immigration clearance in a more convenient and faster manner. (1) Extension of applicable age of e-Channel service      At present, Hong Kong permanent residents aged 11 or above holding a smart identity card can use e-Channels for self-service immigration clearance. To enhance clearance efficiency, the ImmD will adjust the applicable age of the e-Channel service for Hong Kong permanent residents from the first quarter of 2025 onwards so that children aged 7 or above holding a valid HKSAR passport and a Hong Kong permanent identity card can undergo self-service immigration clearance with a smart identity card using facial recognition technology at e-Channels. The implementation date will be announced later. (2) Introduction of new e-Channel      The ImmD plans to introduce the new e-Channel at the Arrival Hall of HKIA in the third quarter of 2025, which will enable eligible Hong Kong residents to experience hassle-free self-service immigration clearance through verification of identity by facial recognition technology at the new e-Channel upon arrival without prior enrolment or presenting travel documents or QR codes. (3) Innovative proposal for the application of technologies in handling immigration clearance for private cars      The ImmD and the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding in April 2024 to explore an innovative proposal for the application of technologies in four areas, i.e. Innovative Immigration Control Operation, Biometric Identification and Authentication, Artificial Intelligence Assisted Immigration Application and Collaborative Robotics Technology. Currently, the ImmD is making substantial efforts in a collaborative project relating to the Innovative Immigration Control Operation with ASTRI, actively researching whether a technology solution underpinned by facial recognition technology can be used to handle immigration clearance of private car passengers, with a view to further enhancing passenger clearance experience. (B) Upgrading infrastructure of boundary control points (1) Redevelopment of Huanggang Port      To tie in with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development blueprint and enable smooth and efficient people and cargo flows within the area, the HKSAR Government has been forging ahead with a series of measures to further enhance the capacity of control points and the clearance efficiency, with the redevelopment of the Huanggang Port as one of the key projects. The new Huanggang Port will implement the “co-location arrangement” and adopt a new clearance mode of “collaborative inspection and joint clearance”, making it the first boundary control point between Guangdong Province and the HKSAR adopting such a clearance mode. Currently, Hong Kong and Shenzhen are taking forward the construction works of the new Huanggang Port building and specific immigration clearance arrangements. The target is to strive for basic completion of the new Huanggang Port building by the end of 2025. The ImmD will continue to maintain close liaison with the authorities of both Hong Kong and the Mainland, and proactively implement all relevant preparatory work. (2) Airport Terminal 2      With the full commissioning of the Three-Runway System (3RS) of HKIA in 2024, the capacity of HKIA will be substantially enhanced. Terminal 2 (T2) under the 3RS project is undergoing expansion. Upon completion, it will provide full-fledged terminal services with additional immigration facilities, which include a total of 137 immigration clearance counters and 60 e-Channels. T2 will be opened in phases based on passenger traffic demand. The ImmD will maintain close ties with the Airport Authority Hong Kong and other relevant HKSAR government departments to ensure the smooth commissioning and running of T2. (C) Providing immigration facilitation to the 15th National Games      The ImmD fully supports the 15th National Games, and the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games to be held in 2025, whereby special immigration lanes will be provided in the closed areas of designated control points on Hong Kong side to provide faster and more convenient clearance services for athletes from the Mainland and Macao and their accompanying staff. (D) Commencement of study of Fourth Information Systems Strategy (ISS-4)      To further work in tandem with the HKSAR Government’s smart city initiative and proactively seize the opportunities of innovative technology and artificial intelligence technology, the ImmD has appointed a consultant in August 2024 to conduct a new round of reviews on information systems and formulate the ISS-4 as the department’s long-term information technology development blueprint. The research for the ISS-4 is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2025. (E) Enhancing various measures for attracting talent      The ImmD will continue to fully support the HKSAR Government’s measures for attracting and retaining talent. A new channel will be introduced under the General Employment Policy and the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals in 2025 to allow young and experienced non-degree talent with relevant professional and technical qualifications to apply for entry into Hong Kong to join the skilled trades facing acute manpower shortage. There will be a quota under such an arrangement. Moreover, a new mechanism will be introduced under the QMAS in 2025 to proactively invite top-notch and leading talent to come to Hong Kong for development, promoting Hong Kong as the focal point of international high-calibre talent.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: North West Angling Fair to return to banks of the Mourne in March

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    North West Angling Fair to return to banks of the Mourne in March

    27 January 2025

    Strabane is set to play host to thousands of fishing enthusiasts in March when the North West Angling Fair returns to the Melvin Sports Complex.

    The annual celebration of angling will host some of the UK and Ireland’s leading fly dressers, casters and angling specialists and the programme will include professional casting and fly fishing demonstrations on the River Mourne.

    The public will also have the opportunity to source angling merchandise from a wide range of fishing tackle producers, fly tying brands and fishing outfitters in the Melvin’s Main Hall.
    The event is organised by Derry City and Strabane District Council with support from the Loughs Agency.
    Mayor of Derry and Strabane, formally announced Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th of March as the dates for the event on the Strabane foot bridge on the River Mourne this week.
    “The North West Angling Fair will bring thousands of visitors to Strabane in a celebration of everything that makes angling such a unique and rewarding pastime,” she said.
    “Whether you’re a complete beginner looking to try something new or an experienced angler eager to refine your skills, this event has something for everyone.
    “From expert demonstrations and technique masterclasses to sourcing the latest equipment, it’s a great opportunity to share ideas and connect with others who share a passion for angling.”
    Festival and Events Officer at Council, Helena Hasson, said the full programme will be released in the coming weeks.
    “We are looking forward to welcoming an internationally renowned lineup of fly dressers, casters, and instructors to this year’s event,” she said.
    “The programme will feature demonstrations on the pitches at the Melvin and on the Mourne as well as talks and fly tying demos inside the Melvin where a diverse range of traders will be exhibit in the Main Hall.
    “We will also showcase and celebrate the many young people in our region who take part in angling and create opportunities for young people who are new to fishing.”
    Sharon McMahon, Loughs Agency CEO, said: “We’re delighted to once again support Derry City and Strabane District Council in delivering one of the most anticipated events on the angling calendar, right here in the North West.
    “Angling has played a vital role within our communities, providing enjoyment, tradition, and opportunities for generations.

    “Our Fisheries and Angling Improvement Strategy underscores our commitment to enhancing angling experiences for everyone in our catchments, ensuring the sport continues to thrive.

     “We are excited to welcome both seasoned anglers and newcomers alike to what is sure to be a fantastic event on the banks of the Mourne in March.”
    Council are currently accepting applications from individuals, businesses and organisations interested in trading at the fair.
    You can apply online at https://bit.ly/42bEbnR and the deadline for submission is Friday 31st January at midday.
    Any queries relating to the application can be sent to [email protected].
    For updates and programme information on the North West Angling Fair visit www.derrystrabane.com/anglingfair and follow Northwestangling on facebook.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Take a LEAP into sports coaching!

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    A new employability programme aimed at helping unemployed and under-employed people to kick start a coaching career in the leisure industry has been launched by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.

    The Leisure Employability Activity Programme (LEAP) is encouraging applications from 16–30-year-olds living in the Neighbourhood Renewal Area of Lurgan, Craigavon and Portadown to give them the skills and qualifications needed to become a qualified sports coach.

    The programme is funded by the Department for Communities through the Sport in the Community programme, which aims to use sport to develop communities by providing participants with opportunities to participate in sport, gain qualifications and employment.

    Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Councillor Sarah Duffy said: “Sport plays a pivotal role in every society in promoting physical activity and building community spirit. This programme is a fantastic opportunity for unemployed and under-employed people to get the skills and qualifications they need to enhance their future job prospects.

    “Taking the first step into training and employment can be daunting however our experienced sports coaches and industry professionals will guide and direct you towards achieving your goals. I would encourage those with an interest in turning a passion for sports coaching into reality to register their interest in the programme.”

    Applications are currently open for three programmes – Running Leader, Football Coach and Basketball Coach. Over a period of 7 weeks, participants will complete workshops and training in areas of personal development, application writing, interview skills, coaching qualifications, safeguarding and first aid.

    For more information and to apply, please visit https://getactiveabc.com/hw_programs/leap-programme/

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Technological advancements to continue to drive surge in mobile sports betting, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Technological advancements to continue to drive surge in mobile sports betting, says GlobalData

    Posted in Sport

    With the proliferation of smartphones and tablets, customers can now take sports bets at any time from anywhere. As mobile technology continues to advance and more customers engage in mobile betting, the surge in mobile sports betting is expected to continue, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s latest report, “Sports Betting – Strategic Intelligence,” reveals that esports betting is also a major trend, which is contributing to the revenue of online sports betting. The increase in the popularity of esports has resulted in a greater demand for esports betting.

    In 2024, the worldwide sports betting industry was estimated to be valued at just over $45 billion, according to Statista. Additionally, the UK is among the top three sports betting markets in Europe, with over 49% of gamblers placing their bets online.

    With a surge in sports betting, illegal activities related to it are also on the rise, particularly in the US. Over the past two years, dozens of professional and collegiate athletes and coaches have been suspended or fired for gambling violations. In 2024, the National Basketball Association (NBA) banned Jontay Porter for life after discovering Porter had violated the league’s rules by disclosing confidential information to sports bettors.

    Olivia Snooks, Sport Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The punishments and bans which are being handed out to players are showing that the legal system is working, with the increased visibility of the betting that is taking place helping spot anomalies. With that being said, however, the incidents involving players is not stopping.”

    The UK features as one of the larger gambling markets in the world; the convenience of mobile sports betting has significantly transformed the UK betting industry. Legal sports betting sites in the UK feature a broad range of options, soccer reigns supreme in the UK’s sports betting market. About 45% of active bettors place bets on soccer, with the Champions League and the English Premier League being the most common competitions to bet on. Betting on horse racing is also very popular in the UK and is a major driver in terms of revenue.

    Snooks concludes: “The upcoming ban on sports betting brands appearing as front-of-shirt sponsors for English Premier League soccer clubs marks a significant step in the industry’s self-regulation to promote socially responsible sports sponsorship. Despite the likely impact of the ban, some have argued that self-regulation does not go far enough to tackle the relationship between soccer and sports betting, particularly as the prohibition agreed by the Premier League is limited to front-of-shirt only.”

    MIL OSI Economics –