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Category: Sport

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New wicket boosts opportunities for community cricket

    Source: City of Winchester


    The installation of a new wicket at a local cricket pitch has been celebrated during an opening ceremony.   

    The non-turf wicket at King George V Playing Field has been funded by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB), with support from Winchester City Council and Compton & Chandlers Ford Cricket Club (CCFCC).  

    The new wicket was officially opened on Wednesday 25 June with a celebratory under-16s girls’ match featuring CCFCC and St Cross Symondians Cricket Club.  

    The first ball bowled at the new wicket 

    Winchester City Council Cabinet Member for Heathy Communities Cllr Kathleen Becker said: 

    “Cricket is an important part of sporting life in the district, so I’m delighted to be able to open this new wicket in a space where it will benefit so many players including members of girls’, women’s and disability cricket teams.   

    “This new wicket at King George V playing field is durable and weather-resistant, opening up opportunities for more cricket to be played, for longer periods of the year. 

    “I’d particularly like to thank Compton & Chandlers Ford Cricket Club for the crucial role they have played in making this project happen”.  

    Michael Pollard, Senior Cricket Development Manager at Hampshire Cricket Board, said: 

    “Hampshire Cricket Board were delighted to be able to support Compton & Chandlers Ford Cricket Club and Winchester City Council to install a new artificial wicket, through the ECB County Grants Fund under the theme of providing enhanced playing facilities and opportunities.  

    “We are well aware of the increased pressures on facilities and grounds with the sheer amount of cricket being played across Winchester. This particular theme of the fund has an emphasis on growing the women’s, girls’, and disability game, which Compton & Chandlers Ford are playing a huge part in.  

    “CCFCC currently has girls’ teams at U9, 11, 13 and 15 age groups as well as a women’s softball and hard ball team. They also host one of our Disability Super 1s hubs at the club which is continuing to grow year-on-year. This new facility will allow the club to continue to grow by allowing more matches to be played, taking the pressure off the grounds team at both the club and Winchester City Council.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Axi launches ‘Trading Places’ campaign with Manchester City Women stars

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SYDNEY, July 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Leading online FX and CFD broker Axi has launched their new campaign, ‘Trading Places’ with Manchester City Women. Hosted by Sports Broadcaster and Manchester City presenter, Natalie Pike, the ‘Trading Places’ campaign features Man City Women stars as they step out of their comfort zones, and compete against one another in new roles.

    Axi is the Official Online Trading Partner of Manchester City since 2020, extending their contract in 2023 to include Manchester City Women. Last year, the broker launched ‘The Mentality Edge’, their first player activation with Manchester City Women. This year, Manchester City Women stars Katie Startup, Leila Ouahabi, and Naomi Layzell compete in a head-to-head showdown across a series of challenges such as tower building and cake decorating.

    Hannah Hill, Head of Brand and Sponsorship at Axi, expressed her enthusiasm for their new campaign, stating, “As with every year, working with the Man City Women players was really exciting. Their natural chemistry, both on and off the pitch, brings incredible energy to everything we create together. Like Axi, Man City Women always push for that extra edge – and that shared commitment to excellence makes for a great partnership.”

    In 2025, Axi has had a busy year as the company remains committed to its sponsorship portfolio. In March, the broker proudly launched their ‘Four Years’ campaign – a celebration of four years of collaboration and shared achievements with Manchester City. Further to the above, Axi is also the Official LATAM Online Trading Partner of LaLiga club, Girona FC, and the Official Online Trading Partner of Brazilian club, Esporte Clube Bahia.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LcNe7N7pG0&list=PLd10IG9ySzExfUBmpEOojnwf5huwQpsBn&pp=gAQB

    About Axi

    Axi is a global online FX and CFD trading brand, with thousands of customers in 100+ countries worldwide. Axi offers CFDs for several asset classes including Forex, Shares, Gold, Oil, Coffee, and more.

    For more information or additional comments from Axi, please contact: mediaenquiries@axi.com

    Promoted by AxiTrader Ltd. OTC derivatives carry a high risk of investment loss. Not available to AU, NZ, UK & EU residents. Not intended as investment advice.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/15efa0ec-f975-4882-9d0d-f1e0b7fa9486

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Why white clothing is a requirement at Wimbledon

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Roger Fagge, Associate Professor in the Department of History, University of Warwick

    When Carlos Alcaraz beat Jannik Sinner at the Roland Garros men’s final on June 8 2025, in what is already seen as a classic match, there was some comment on the sartorial choices of the two players.

    They both wore Nike tops. Alcaraz’s was collarless, with horizontal blue bordered green and black stripes, and black shorts. Meanwhile Sinner wore a green polo-style shirt with collar, blue shorts and a blue Nike cap. Sinner’s shirt bore more than a passing resemblance to an Irish rugby union top, and was seen by some as somewhat incongruous on a tennis court.

    In the women’s final on June 7, meanwhile, Coco Gauff brilliantly defeated Aryna Sabalenka, the number one seed. Gauff wore a custom New Balance kit with a dark blue marbled effect, finished off with a stylish grey leather jacket worn to and from the court. Sabalenka wore a colourful Nike tennis dress.

    Technology, design and fashion all play a role in a player’s choice of tennis kit, as does their commercial potential – Sabalenka’s exact dress can be bought from the Nike website. But things are different at the Wimbledon championships, where “almost entirely white” kit is still a requirement.

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    Founded in 1877, making it the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament in the world, at Wimbledon, any colour must be limited to a 10mm strip.

    White clothing was enforced at Wimbledon from the 19th century, in part because it covered up unwelcome signs of sweat. White clothing was also seen as cooler in the summer heat. But as time went on it became tied in with a sense of history and tradition, and the uniqueness of the Wimbledon tournament. Though there have been some occasional notable revisions.

    Many women in the tennis community, including Billie Jean King, Judy Murray and Heather Watson, have argued that women players find white undershorts problematic when they are menstruating. As a result, the All England Club revised the rules in 2023 to allow dark undershorts, “provided they are no longer than their shorts or skirt”.

    There had been earlier controversies over clothing at Wimbledon, sometimes over propriety, as in 1949, when Gertrude Moran challenged dress codes with “visible undergarments”. More recently in 2017 Venus Williams was asked to change during a rain break in a match because of visible fuchsia bras straps. The following year, Roger Federer, chasing his eighth Wimbledon title, was asked to change his orange-soled Nike shoes. They all acquiesced.

    This history of all-white kits

    All-white clothing is also linked to cricket, which shares elements of class and tradition with tennis. Playing in the summer sun meant cricket “whites” were a sensible option. However coloured caps of a player’s county or nation, were allowed by the cricket authorities, and cricket jumpers for the not so sunny days typically had the colours of the team on the v neck.

    White clothing is also associated with cricket.
    Shutterstock

    By 2020 the international Cricket Council (ICC) allowed larger sponsorship on shirts. The move to limited overs games played under floodlights saw the introduction of coloured kit, sometimes displaying a garishness that surpassed football shirts. However Test matches and longer-form cricket like the four-day county championship matches are still played in cricket whites.

    And white shirts and kit have played a role in other sports, including football. If white shirts suggest respectability and style, somewhat ironically, the powerful white-clad Leeds side of the mid 1960s-70s, managed by Don Revie, earned the sobriquet “dirty Leeds” for their feisty approach to the dark arts of football. History and tradition matter as much in football as any sport, and fans of a certain age at other clubs, still refer to the Yorkshire club by this moniker.

    But that’s enough football, as we’re firmly in Wimbledon season. So break out the Pimm’s, scones and jam, and let’s enjoy the tennis. Thankfully for the traditionalists among us there will be no marbled, green or blue kit on the centre court.

    This article features references to books that have been included for editorial reasons, and may contain links to bookshop.org. If you click on one of the links and go on to buy something from bookshop.org The Conversation UK may earn a commission.

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

    – ref. Why white clothing is a requirement at Wimbledon – https://theconversation.com/why-white-clothing-is-a-requirement-at-wimbledon-259469

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Euro 2025: women’s football has exploded – here’s how it can grow even more

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Christina Philippou, Associate Professor in Accounting and Sport Finance, University of Portsmouth

    Aside from victory and sporting glory, the players in the women’s Euro 2025 football tournament are playing for more money than ever before. The prize fund of €41 million (£35 million), to be shared among the 16 participating sides, is more than double what it was last time around.

    It’s still a long way off from the prize money on offer to the men’s equivalent tournament (€331 million), but is a clear indication of the continuing rise of interest and investment in women’s football, particularly within England.

    The English team’s hosting and victory of the 2022 women’s Euros were rightly credited with providing a massive boost to the game three years ago. But interest in women’s club football was already on the rise, with an almost sixfold increase in revenue between 2011 (the first season of the Women’s Super League (WSL)) and 2019.

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    Other numbers are encouraging too. Generally, match-day attendances have seen a dramatic rise including for the sport’s second tier (now named WSL2).

    Broadcasting income for WSL was up 40% in 2023-24 compared to the previous season. And a new five-year deal with Sky Sports and the BBC, worth £65 million, is worth almost double the previous arrangement.

    However, there’s room for improvement.

    Research suggests that well-considered scheduling (weekend games are best) can have a marked effect on attendances (as does weather and pricing). And stadium capacity matters too, partly because more people can attend but also because a larger (often iconic) stadium tends to act as an attraction in itself.

    For example, Arsenal’s women’s side saw average crowds of just under 29,000 in 2024-25 compared to a WSL average of 6,662. They have the highest revenue from match-day income, with nine games being played at the Emirates stadium last season and all WSL games scheduled to be played there in the next.

    Facilities within the stadiums are another concern, as they were traditionally built for mostly male spectators, so do not cater as well to the more female and family demographic of women’s football.

    This means, for example, that there are often not enough women’s toilets available, while refreshment options may be geared towards drinkers rather than children. Even the gates seem designed for a steady entry trickle of fans over an hour rather than a mass turnout of time-pressured families arriving just before kick-off.

    Some good news on this front is that Brighton and Hove Albion FC are now building a stadium specifically for use by their women’s team, due to be in use by 2027. And Everton have decided to repurpose Goodison Park for use by its women’s side following the men’s move to a new stadium.

    Commercial break

    But aside from people actually watching the matches, the biggest chunk of income for women’s teams comes from commercial enterprises. And while affiliated teams (those linked to a men’s side) can benefit from sharing a brand, there are also a large number of commercial partners emerging specifically in the women’s game.

    Companies selling makeup, baby products, sports bras and period pants are all involved in the business side of women’s football. More will probably follow.

    But while commercial and competition success stories are something to celebrate, women’s football still faces challenges. One of the big ones is to do with building a legacy – the idea that just hosting a major tournament should not be the end goal, but something which ensures lasting change and development.

    Building a legacy is not straightforward, but after England’s success in Euro 2022, the side used their platform to ensure change on issues including access to football for girls in schools and availability of kit.

    As for the club game, attitudes to building a legacy by offering financial support to women’s teams are mixed. Some clubs view the women’s team as different (in terms of marketing, say) but integrated as part of the club (in terms of ticketing and sharing of resources). Others seem to consider a women’s side as good PR or community outreach rather than a genuine commercial opportunity.

    In the last couple of years, we have seen both Reading and Blackburn women’s teams withdraw from the WSL2, while Wolves failed to apply for license to the league.

    All of those teams mentioned worries over costs. And most women’s teams do lose money.

    But men’s teams tend to lose money too, with the majority not only making losses but also being technically insolvent (meaning owners need to pump money in to keep clubs going).

    The difference is that women’s football is essentially in a start-up phase, with lots of commercial, broadcasting and match-day potential, as showcased by annual revenue growth rates. In contrast, the men’s football market is a mature one that has been professional for decades, and shows much lower annual revenue growth.

    Euro 2025 then, needs to play its part in keeping up momentum. It needs to keep the crowds, the commercial partners, the broadcasters and fans on board and committed.

    For while women’s football is connected to men’s football, it is a different business. And celebrating that difference could do the women’s game a world of economic good.

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

    – ref. Euro 2025: women’s football has exploded – here’s how it can grow even more – https://theconversation.com/euro-2025-womens-football-has-exploded-heres-how-it-can-grow-even-more-257864

    MIL OSI –

  • Liverpool’s Portuguese forward Diogo Jota dies in car crash in Spain

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Liverpool’s Portuguese forward Diogo Jota, 28, died in a car crash near Zamora in northwestern Spain with his brother, the Portuguese Football Federation said on Thursday.

    The regional fire department of Castile and Leon, where Zamora is located, said on its website a car crashed early on Thursday, shortly after midnight, and burst into flames, with two men, aged 28 and 26, found dead.

    “We have lost two champions. Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day,” the Portuguese Football Federation said in a statement.

    Spanish police told Reuters they could not yet officially confirm the names of the deceased, but everything pointed to it being Jota and his brother. The Lamborghini they were travelling veered off the road, the spokesperson said.

    The bodies have been taken to a forensics unit in nearby Zamora where autopsies will be performed, they said.

    Jota, who got married on June 28, helped Liverpool win the Premier League last season and also won the FA Cup and League Cup with the Merseyside outfit.

    Jota arrived at Anfield from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 and scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the club in all competitions.

    He also made 49 appearances for Portugal, twice winning the UEFA Nations League.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Global: What damage did the US do to Iran’s nuclear program? Why it’s so hard to know

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Joshua Rovner, Associate Professor of International Relations, American University

    Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, describes the U.S. military attack on Iranian nuclear sites, which occurred on June 21, 2025, . AP Photo/Alex Brandon

    The U.S. Air Force dropped a dozen ground-penetrating bombs, each weighing 30,000 pounds (13,607 kilograms), in a raid on Iran’s nuclear site at Fordo on June 21, 2025. The attack was an attempt to reach the uranium enrichment facility buried deep inside a mountain. The target, President Donald Trump declared, was “completely and totally obliterated.”

    Others were less sure. On June 24, the administration canceled a classified intelligence briefing to members of Congress, leading to frustration among those with questions about White House claims. While Defense Intelligence Agency analysts apparently agree that the strikes did real damage, they dispute the idea that the attack permanently destroyed Iran’s enrichment capability. Reports emerged that their initial analysis found that the strikes had only set Iran back a few months.

    Such disagreements are unsurprising. Battle damage assessment – originally called bomb damage assessment – is notoriously difficult, and past wars have featured intense controversies among military and intelligence professionals. In World War II, poor weather and the limits of available technology conspired against accuracy.

    Battle damage assessment remained a thorny problem decades later, even after radical improvements in surveillance technology. In the first Gulf War in 1990, for example, military leaders argued with CIA officials over the effects of airstrikes against Iraq’s armored forces.

    I am a scholar of international relations who studies intelligence and strategy in international conflicts, and the author of “Fixing the Facts: National Security and the Politics of Intelligence.” I know from history that overcoming the challenges of battle damage assessment is especially hard when the target is a facility hidden under hundreds of feet of earth and rock, as is the case at Fordo.

    How the U.S. military’s ‘bunker buster’ bomb works.

    Tools of the trade

    The intelligence community has a number of tools and techniques that can help with challenges like assessing the damage at Fordo. Imagery intelligence such as satellite photography is the obvious starting point. Before-and-after comparisons might reveal collapsed tunnels or topographical changes, suggesting unseen subterranean damage.

    More exotic data collection techniques may be able to help infer the underground effects based on particle and electromagnetic emissions from the site. These platforms provide what is called measurement and signatures intelligence. Specialized sensors can measure nuclear radiation, seismographic information and other potentially revealing information from camouflaged facilities. When combined with traditional imagery, measurement and signatures intelligence can provide a more detailed model of the likely effects of the bombing.

    Other sources may prove useful as well. Reporting from human intelligence assets – spies or unwitting informers with firsthand or secondhand knowledge – may provide information on internal Iranian assessments. These may be particularly valuable because Iranian officials presumably know how much equipment was removed in advance, as well as the location of previously enriched uranium.

    The same is true for signals intelligence, which intercepts and interprets communications. Ideally, battle damage assessment will become more comprehensive and accurate as these sources of intelligence are integrated into a single assessment.

    Pervasive uncertainty

    But even in that case, it will still be difficult to estimate the broader effects on Iran’s nuclear program. Measuring the immediate physical effects on Fordo and other nuclear sites is a kind of puzzle, or a problem that can be solved with sufficient evidence. Estimating the long-term effects on Iranian policy is a mystery, or a problem that cannot be solved even with abundant information on hand. It’s impossible to know how Iran’s leaders will adapt over time to their changing circumstances. They themselves cannot know either; perceptions of the future are inherently uncertain.

    Regarding the puzzle over Fordo, Trump seems to believe that the sheer volume of explosives dropped on the site must have done the job. As White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt put it: “Everyone knows what happens when you drop 14 30,000-pound bombs perfectly on their targets: total obliteration.”

    But the fact that Fordo is buried in the side of a mountain is a reason to doubt this commonsense conclusion. In addition, Iran may have moved enriched uranium and specialized equipment from the site in advance, limiting the effects on its nuclear program.

    Trump’s instincts might be right. Or the skeptics might be right. Both make plausible claims. Analysts will need more intelligence from more sources to make a confident judgment about the effects on Fordo and on Iran’s broader nuclear efforts. Even then, it is likely that they will disagree on the effects, because this requires making predictions.

    News coverage of the attack on Fordo and White House claims of success.

    Politicized intelligence

    In a perfect world, policymakers and intelligence officials would wrestle with dueling assessments in good faith. Such a process would take place outside the political fray, giving both sides the opportunity to offer criticism without being accused of political mischief. In this idealized scenario, policymakers could use reasonable intelligence conclusions to inform their decision-making process. After all, there are a lot of decisions about Middle Eastern security left to be made.

    But we are not in a perfect world, and hopes for a good faith debate seem hopelessly naïve. Already the battle lines are being drawn. Congressional Democrats are suspicious that the administration is being disingenuous about Iran. The White House, for its part, is going on the offensive. “The leaking of this alleged assessment is a clear attempt to demean President Trump,” Leavitt declared in a written statement, “and discredit the brave fighter pilots who conducted a perfectly executed mission.”

    Relations between policymakers and their intelligence advisers are often contentious, and U.S. presidents have a long history of clashing with spy chiefs. But intelligence-policy relations today are in a particularly dismal state. Trump bears the most responsibility, given his repeated disparagement of intelligence officials. For example, he dismissed the congressional testimony on Iran from Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard: “I don’t care what she said.”

    The problem goes deeper than the president, however. Intelligence-policy relations in a democracy are difficult because of the persuasive power of secret information. Policymakers fear that intelligence officials who control secrets might use them to undermine the policymakers’ plans. Intelligence officials worry that the policymakers will bully them into giving politically convenient answers. Such fears led to intelligence-policy breakdowns over estimates of enemy strength in the Vietnam War and estimates of Soviet missile capabilities in the early years of detente.

    This mutual suspicion has become progressively worse since the end of the Cold War, as secret intelligence has become increasingly public. Intelligence leaders have become recognizable public figures, and intelligence judgments on current issues are often quickly declassified. The public now expects to have access to intelligence findings, and this has helped turn intelligence into a political football.

    What lies ahead

    What does all this mean for intelligence on Iran? Trump might ignore assessments he dislikes, given his history with intelligence. But the acrimonious public dispute over the Fordo strike may lead the White House to pressure intelligence leaders to toe the line, especially if critics demand a public accounting of secret intelligence.

    Such an outcome would benefit nobody. The public would not have a better sense of the questions surrounding Iran’s nuclear effort, the intelligence community would suffer a serious blow to its reputation, and the administration’s efforts to use intelligence in public might backfire, as was the case for the George W. Bush administration after the war in Iraq.

    As with military campaigns, episodes of politicizing intelligence have lasting and sometimes unforeseen consequences.

    Joshua Rovner is associate professor of international relations at American University, and nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution.

    – ref. What damage did the US do to Iran’s nuclear program? Why it’s so hard to know – https://theconversation.com/what-damage-did-the-us-do-to-irans-nuclear-program-why-its-so-hard-to-know-260058

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Bali to Biarritz: Surf spot overcrowding and the fight to protect the essence of catching a wave

    Source: The Conversation – France – By Jérémy Lemarié, Maître de conférences à l’Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne (URCA)

    Invented in Hawaii, surfing gained popularity in the United States and Australia in the 1950s before becoming a global phenomenon. Now practiced in more than 150 countries, its spread has been driven by media and tourism. Surf tourism involves travelling to destinations to catch waves, either with a surfboard or through activities such as body surfing or bodyboarding. Tourists range from seasoned surfers to beginners eager to learn.

    The allure of California

    For many, surf tourism evokes exotic imagery shaped by California production companies. Columbia Pictures in 1959 and Paramount Pictures in 1961 introduced surfing to the middle class, showcasing the sport as a gateway to summer adventure and escape. However, it was the 1966 movie The Endless Summer, directed and produced by Bruce Brown, that became a box office success. The film follows two Californians travelling the globe in search of the perfect wave, which they ultimately find in South Africa. Beneath the seemingly lighthearted portrayal of a “surf safari”, it carries undertones of colonial ambition.

    In the film, the Californians tell people in Africa that waves are untapped resources ready to be named and conquered. This sense of Western cultural dominance over populations in poorer countries has permeated surf tourism. Since the 1970s, French surfers have flocked to Morocco for its long-breaking waves, Australians have flocked to Indonesia and Californians to Mexico. The expansion of surfing to Africa, Asia and Latin America was enabled by easier international travel and economic disparities between visitors and hosts.

    Surfing’s impact on local communities

    Indonesia, for instance, became a surfing hotspot after Australian surfers started to explore the waves of Bali and the Mentawai Islands in the 1970s. Once remote regions with modest living standards, these areas saw tourism infrastructure mushroom to meet demand. Today, destinations such as Uluwatu in Bali and Padang Padang in Sumatra attract surfers of all skill levels.

    Similarly, Morocco has experienced a surge in surf tourism, with spots such as Taghazout drawing European visitors in search of affordable waves and sunshine. While this has boosted local economies, it has also raised concerns about environmental degradation and the strain of tourism on previously untouched areas.

    The challenges of overtourism in coastal areas

    Although surfing is often seen as an activity in harmony with nature, mass tourism has created tensions between local surfers and visitors. Overtourism refers to the negative impact of excessive tourist numbers on natural environments and local communities.

    One response to overtourism is localism – where local surfers assert ownership of waves, sometimes discouraging or even intimidating outsiders. This has been particularly pronounced in economically dependent surf destinations. For example, in Hawaii during the 1970s and 1980s, local surfers protested against the influx of professional Australian surfers and international competitions. Today, localism persists globally, from Maroubra in Sydney to Boucau-Tarnos in France’s Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. These places are not systematically off-limits to beginners, but major conflicts can arise during peak tourist seasons.

    Surf schools, while crucial for teaching newcomers, also exacerbate crowding. During high seasons, beaches such as Côte des Basques in Biarritz become overcrowded, straining relations between experienced surfers, instructors and novices. Beginners, often unaware of surf etiquette and safety rules, contribute to frustrations among seasoned surfers.


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    The role of public authorities

    In response to these challenges, public initiatives have emerged to promote sustainable surf tourism. For instance, the Costa Rican government has established marine protected areas and regulated tourism activities to preserve a part of the coastal environment. Local authorities have also begun capping the number of surf schools and making access to the practice more difficult.

    In southwestern France, municipalities use public service delegations (DSP), temporary occupation authorisations (AOT) and other tools to regulate surf schools operating on public beaches. Environmental awareness programmes have been launched to educate tourists on responsible behaviour toward beaches and oceans.

    Gaps in regulation

    Despite these measures, many coastal regions face insufficient action to address the environmental and social challenges posed by surf tourism. In Fiji, a 2010 decree deregulated the surf tourism industry, eliminating traditional indigenous rights to coastal and reef areas. This allowed unregulated development of tourism infrastructure, often ignoring long-term ecological impacts.

    Similar issues are seen in Morocco, where lax regulations allow foreign investors to exploit coastal land for hotel development, often providing little benefit to local communities.

    Yet, there are success stories. In Santa Cruz, California, the initiative Save Our Shores mobilises citizens and tourists to protect beaches through anti-pollution campaigns and regular cleanups.

    Surf tourism has brought significant economic benefits to many coastal regions. However, it has also introduced social and environmental challenges, including localism, overcrowding and ecological strain. Managing these issues requires a collaborative approach, with governments, local stakeholders and tourists working together to preserve the sport’s connection to nature.

    This article was published as part of the 2024 Fête de la Science, of which The Conversation France was a partner. The year’s theme, “Oceans of Knowledge,” explored the wonders of the marine world.

    Jérémy Lemarié is a member of the Fulbright network, as the recipient of the “Chercheuses et Chercheurs” grant from the Franco-American Commission in 2022-2023.

    – ref. Bali to Biarritz: Surf spot overcrowding and the fight to protect the essence of catching a wave – https://theconversation.com/bali-to-biarritz-surf-spot-overcrowding-and-the-fight-to-protect-the-essence-of-catching-a-wave-244550

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Bali to Biarritz: Surf spot overcrowding and the fight to protect the essence of catching a wave

    Source: The Conversation – France – By Jérémy Lemarié, Maître de conférences à l’Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne (URCA)

    Invented in Hawaii, surfing gained popularity in the United States and Australia in the 1950s before becoming a global phenomenon. Now practiced in more than 150 countries, its spread has been driven by media and tourism. Surf tourism involves travelling to destinations to catch waves, either with a surfboard or through activities such as body surfing or bodyboarding. Tourists range from seasoned surfers to beginners eager to learn.

    The allure of California

    For many, surf tourism evokes exotic imagery shaped by California production companies. Columbia Pictures in 1959 and Paramount Pictures in 1961 introduced surfing to the middle class, showcasing the sport as a gateway to summer adventure and escape. However, it was the 1966 movie The Endless Summer, directed and produced by Bruce Brown, that became a box office success. The film follows two Californians travelling the globe in search of the perfect wave, which they ultimately find in South Africa. Beneath the seemingly lighthearted portrayal of a “surf safari”, it carries undertones of colonial ambition.

    In the film, the Californians tell people in Africa that waves are untapped resources ready to be named and conquered. This sense of Western cultural dominance over populations in poorer countries has permeated surf tourism. Since the 1970s, French surfers have flocked to Morocco for its long-breaking waves, Australians have flocked to Indonesia and Californians to Mexico. The expansion of surfing to Africa, Asia and Latin America was enabled by easier international travel and economic disparities between visitors and hosts.

    Surfing’s impact on local communities

    Indonesia, for instance, became a surfing hotspot after Australian surfers started to explore the waves of Bali and the Mentawai Islands in the 1970s. Once remote regions with modest living standards, these areas saw tourism infrastructure mushroom to meet demand. Today, destinations such as Uluwatu in Bali and Padang Padang in Sumatra attract surfers of all skill levels.

    Similarly, Morocco has experienced a surge in surf tourism, with spots such as Taghazout drawing European visitors in search of affordable waves and sunshine. While this has boosted local economies, it has also raised concerns about environmental degradation and the strain of tourism on previously untouched areas.

    The challenges of overtourism in coastal areas

    Although surfing is often seen as an activity in harmony with nature, mass tourism has created tensions between local surfers and visitors. Overtourism refers to the negative impact of excessive tourist numbers on natural environments and local communities.

    One response to overtourism is localism – where local surfers assert ownership of waves, sometimes discouraging or even intimidating outsiders. This has been particularly pronounced in economically dependent surf destinations. For example, in Hawaii during the 1970s and 1980s, local surfers protested against the influx of professional Australian surfers and international competitions. Today, localism persists globally, from Maroubra in Sydney to Boucau-Tarnos in France’s Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. These places are not systematically off-limits to beginners, but major conflicts can arise during peak tourist seasons.

    Surf schools, while crucial for teaching newcomers, also exacerbate crowding. During high seasons, beaches such as Côte des Basques in Biarritz become overcrowded, straining relations between experienced surfers, instructors and novices. Beginners, often unaware of surf etiquette and safety rules, contribute to frustrations among seasoned surfers.


    A weekly e-mail in English featuring expertise from scholars and researchers. It provides an introduction to the diversity of research coming out of the continent and considers some of the key issues facing European countries. Get the newsletter!

    The role of public authorities

    In response to these challenges, public initiatives have emerged to promote sustainable surf tourism. For instance, the Costa Rican government has established marine protected areas and regulated tourism activities to preserve a part of the coastal environment. Local authorities have also begun capping the number of surf schools and making access to the practice more difficult.

    In southwestern France, municipalities use public service delegations (DSP), temporary occupation authorisations (AOT) and other tools to regulate surf schools operating on public beaches. Environmental awareness programmes have been launched to educate tourists on responsible behaviour toward beaches and oceans.

    Gaps in regulation

    Despite these measures, many coastal regions face insufficient action to address the environmental and social challenges posed by surf tourism. In Fiji, a 2010 decree deregulated the surf tourism industry, eliminating traditional indigenous rights to coastal and reef areas. This allowed unregulated development of tourism infrastructure, often ignoring long-term ecological impacts.

    Similar issues are seen in Morocco, where lax regulations allow foreign investors to exploit coastal land for hotel development, often providing little benefit to local communities.

    Yet, there are success stories. In Santa Cruz, California, the initiative Save Our Shores mobilises citizens and tourists to protect beaches through anti-pollution campaigns and regular cleanups.

    Surf tourism has brought significant economic benefits to many coastal regions. However, it has also introduced social and environmental challenges, including localism, overcrowding and ecological strain. Managing these issues requires a collaborative approach, with governments, local stakeholders and tourists working together to preserve the sport’s connection to nature.

    This article was published as part of the 2024 Fête de la Science, of which The Conversation France was a partner. The year’s theme, “Oceans of Knowledge,” explored the wonders of the marine world.

    Jérémy Lemarié is a member of the Fulbright network, as the recipient of the “Chercheuses et Chercheurs” grant from the Franco-American Commission in 2022-2023.

    – ref. Bali to Biarritz: Surf spot overcrowding and the fight to protect the essence of catching a wave – https://theconversation.com/bali-to-biarritz-surf-spot-overcrowding-and-the-fight-to-protect-the-essence-of-catching-a-wave-244550

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Bali to Biarritz: Surf spot overcrowding and the fight to protect the essence of catching a wave

    Source: The Conversation – France – By Jérémy Lemarié, Maître de conférences à l’Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne (URCA)

    Invented in Hawaii, surfing gained popularity in the United States and Australia in the 1950s before becoming a global phenomenon. Now practiced in more than 150 countries, its spread has been driven by media and tourism. Surf tourism involves travelling to destinations to catch waves, either with a surfboard or through activities such as body surfing or bodyboarding. Tourists range from seasoned surfers to beginners eager to learn.

    The allure of California

    For many, surf tourism evokes exotic imagery shaped by California production companies. Columbia Pictures in 1959 and Paramount Pictures in 1961 introduced surfing to the middle class, showcasing the sport as a gateway to summer adventure and escape. However, it was the 1966 movie The Endless Summer, directed and produced by Bruce Brown, that became a box office success. The film follows two Californians travelling the globe in search of the perfect wave, which they ultimately find in South Africa. Beneath the seemingly lighthearted portrayal of a “surf safari”, it carries undertones of colonial ambition.

    In the film, the Californians tell people in Africa that waves are untapped resources ready to be named and conquered. This sense of Western cultural dominance over populations in poorer countries has permeated surf tourism. Since the 1970s, French surfers have flocked to Morocco for its long-breaking waves, Australians have flocked to Indonesia and Californians to Mexico. The expansion of surfing to Africa, Asia and Latin America was enabled by easier international travel and economic disparities between visitors and hosts.

    Surfing’s impact on local communities

    Indonesia, for instance, became a surfing hotspot after Australian surfers started to explore the waves of Bali and the Mentawai Islands in the 1970s. Once remote regions with modest living standards, these areas saw tourism infrastructure mushroom to meet demand. Today, destinations such as Uluwatu in Bali and Padang Padang in Sumatra attract surfers of all skill levels.

    Similarly, Morocco has experienced a surge in surf tourism, with spots such as Taghazout drawing European visitors in search of affordable waves and sunshine. While this has boosted local economies, it has also raised concerns about environmental degradation and the strain of tourism on previously untouched areas.

    The challenges of overtourism in coastal areas

    Although surfing is often seen as an activity in harmony with nature, mass tourism has created tensions between local surfers and visitors. Overtourism refers to the negative impact of excessive tourist numbers on natural environments and local communities.

    One response to overtourism is localism – where local surfers assert ownership of waves, sometimes discouraging or even intimidating outsiders. This has been particularly pronounced in economically dependent surf destinations. For example, in Hawaii during the 1970s and 1980s, local surfers protested against the influx of professional Australian surfers and international competitions. Today, localism persists globally, from Maroubra in Sydney to Boucau-Tarnos in France’s Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. These places are not systematically off-limits to beginners, but major conflicts can arise during peak tourist seasons.

    Surf schools, while crucial for teaching newcomers, also exacerbate crowding. During high seasons, beaches such as Côte des Basques in Biarritz become overcrowded, straining relations between experienced surfers, instructors and novices. Beginners, often unaware of surf etiquette and safety rules, contribute to frustrations among seasoned surfers.


    A weekly e-mail in English featuring expertise from scholars and researchers. It provides an introduction to the diversity of research coming out of the continent and considers some of the key issues facing European countries. Get the newsletter!

    The role of public authorities

    In response to these challenges, public initiatives have emerged to promote sustainable surf tourism. For instance, the Costa Rican government has established marine protected areas and regulated tourism activities to preserve a part of the coastal environment. Local authorities have also begun capping the number of surf schools and making access to the practice more difficult.

    In southwestern France, municipalities use public service delegations (DSP), temporary occupation authorisations (AOT) and other tools to regulate surf schools operating on public beaches. Environmental awareness programmes have been launched to educate tourists on responsible behaviour toward beaches and oceans.

    Gaps in regulation

    Despite these measures, many coastal regions face insufficient action to address the environmental and social challenges posed by surf tourism. In Fiji, a 2010 decree deregulated the surf tourism industry, eliminating traditional indigenous rights to coastal and reef areas. This allowed unregulated development of tourism infrastructure, often ignoring long-term ecological impacts.

    Similar issues are seen in Morocco, where lax regulations allow foreign investors to exploit coastal land for hotel development, often providing little benefit to local communities.

    Yet, there are success stories. In Santa Cruz, California, the initiative Save Our Shores mobilises citizens and tourists to protect beaches through anti-pollution campaigns and regular cleanups.

    Surf tourism has brought significant economic benefits to many coastal regions. However, it has also introduced social and environmental challenges, including localism, overcrowding and ecological strain. Managing these issues requires a collaborative approach, with governments, local stakeholders and tourists working together to preserve the sport’s connection to nature.

    This article was published as part of the 2024 Fête de la Science, of which The Conversation France was a partner. The year’s theme, “Oceans of Knowledge,” explored the wonders of the marine world.

    Jérémy Lemarié is a member of the Fulbright network, as the recipient of the “Chercheuses et Chercheurs” grant from the Franco-American Commission in 2022-2023.

    – ref. Bali to Biarritz: Surf spot overcrowding and the fight to protect the essence of catching a wave – https://theconversation.com/bali-to-biarritz-surf-spot-overcrowding-and-the-fight-to-protect-the-essence-of-catching-a-wave-244550

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Bali to Biarritz: Surf spot overcrowding and the fight to protect the essence of catching a wave

    Source: The Conversation – France – By Jérémy Lemarié, Maître de conférences à l’Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne (URCA)

    Invented in Hawaii, surfing gained popularity in the United States and Australia in the 1950s before becoming a global phenomenon. Now practiced in more than 150 countries, its spread has been driven by media and tourism. Surf tourism involves travelling to destinations to catch waves, either with a surfboard or through activities such as body surfing or bodyboarding. Tourists range from seasoned surfers to beginners eager to learn.

    The allure of California

    For many, surf tourism evokes exotic imagery shaped by California production companies. Columbia Pictures in 1959 and Paramount Pictures in 1961 introduced surfing to the middle class, showcasing the sport as a gateway to summer adventure and escape. However, it was the 1966 movie The Endless Summer, directed and produced by Bruce Brown, that became a box office success. The film follows two Californians travelling the globe in search of the perfect wave, which they ultimately find in South Africa. Beneath the seemingly lighthearted portrayal of a “surf safari”, it carries undertones of colonial ambition.

    In the film, the Californians tell people in Africa that waves are untapped resources ready to be named and conquered. This sense of Western cultural dominance over populations in poorer countries has permeated surf tourism. Since the 1970s, French surfers have flocked to Morocco for its long-breaking waves, Australians have flocked to Indonesia and Californians to Mexico. The expansion of surfing to Africa, Asia and Latin America was enabled by easier international travel and economic disparities between visitors and hosts.

    Surfing’s impact on local communities

    Indonesia, for instance, became a surfing hotspot after Australian surfers started to explore the waves of Bali and the Mentawai Islands in the 1970s. Once remote regions with modest living standards, these areas saw tourism infrastructure mushroom to meet demand. Today, destinations such as Uluwatu in Bali and Padang Padang in Sumatra attract surfers of all skill levels.

    Similarly, Morocco has experienced a surge in surf tourism, with spots such as Taghazout drawing European visitors in search of affordable waves and sunshine. While this has boosted local economies, it has also raised concerns about environmental degradation and the strain of tourism on previously untouched areas.

    The challenges of overtourism in coastal areas

    Although surfing is often seen as an activity in harmony with nature, mass tourism has created tensions between local surfers and visitors. Overtourism refers to the negative impact of excessive tourist numbers on natural environments and local communities.

    One response to overtourism is localism – where local surfers assert ownership of waves, sometimes discouraging or even intimidating outsiders. This has been particularly pronounced in economically dependent surf destinations. For example, in Hawaii during the 1970s and 1980s, local surfers protested against the influx of professional Australian surfers and international competitions. Today, localism persists globally, from Maroubra in Sydney to Boucau-Tarnos in France’s Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. These places are not systematically off-limits to beginners, but major conflicts can arise during peak tourist seasons.

    Surf schools, while crucial for teaching newcomers, also exacerbate crowding. During high seasons, beaches such as Côte des Basques in Biarritz become overcrowded, straining relations between experienced surfers, instructors and novices. Beginners, often unaware of surf etiquette and safety rules, contribute to frustrations among seasoned surfers.


    A weekly e-mail in English featuring expertise from scholars and researchers. It provides an introduction to the diversity of research coming out of the continent and considers some of the key issues facing European countries. Get the newsletter!

    The role of public authorities

    In response to these challenges, public initiatives have emerged to promote sustainable surf tourism. For instance, the Costa Rican government has established marine protected areas and regulated tourism activities to preserve a part of the coastal environment. Local authorities have also begun capping the number of surf schools and making access to the practice more difficult.

    In southwestern France, municipalities use public service delegations (DSP), temporary occupation authorisations (AOT) and other tools to regulate surf schools operating on public beaches. Environmental awareness programmes have been launched to educate tourists on responsible behaviour toward beaches and oceans.

    Gaps in regulation

    Despite these measures, many coastal regions face insufficient action to address the environmental and social challenges posed by surf tourism. In Fiji, a 2010 decree deregulated the surf tourism industry, eliminating traditional indigenous rights to coastal and reef areas. This allowed unregulated development of tourism infrastructure, often ignoring long-term ecological impacts.

    Similar issues are seen in Morocco, where lax regulations allow foreign investors to exploit coastal land for hotel development, often providing little benefit to local communities.

    Yet, there are success stories. In Santa Cruz, California, the initiative Save Our Shores mobilises citizens and tourists to protect beaches through anti-pollution campaigns and regular cleanups.

    Surf tourism has brought significant economic benefits to many coastal regions. However, it has also introduced social and environmental challenges, including localism, overcrowding and ecological strain. Managing these issues requires a collaborative approach, with governments, local stakeholders and tourists working together to preserve the sport’s connection to nature.

    This article was published as part of the 2024 Fête de la Science, of which The Conversation France was a partner. The year’s theme, “Oceans of Knowledge,” explored the wonders of the marine world.

    Jérémy Lemarié is a member of the Fulbright network, as the recipient of the “Chercheuses et Chercheurs” grant from the Franco-American Commission in 2022-2023.

    – ref. Bali to Biarritz: Surf spot overcrowding and the fight to protect the essence of catching a wave – https://theconversation.com/bali-to-biarritz-surf-spot-overcrowding-and-the-fight-to-protect-the-essence-of-catching-a-wave-244550

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: What damage did the US do to Iran’s nuclear program? Why it’s so hard to know

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Joshua Rovner, Associate Professor of International Relations, American University

    Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, describes the U.S. military attack on Iranian nuclear sites, which occurred on June 21, 2025, . AP Photo/Alex Brandon

    The U.S. Air Force dropped a dozen ground-penetrating bombs, each weighing 30,000 pounds (13,607 kilograms), in a raid on Iran’s nuclear site at Fordo on June 21, 2025. The attack was an attempt to reach the uranium enrichment facility buried deep inside a mountain. The target, President Donald Trump declared, was “completely and totally obliterated.”

    Others were less sure. On June 24, the administration canceled a classified intelligence briefing to members of Congress, leading to frustration among those with questions about White House claims. While Defense Intelligence Agency analysts apparently agree that the strikes did real damage, they dispute the idea that the attack permanently destroyed Iran’s enrichment capability. Reports emerged that their initial analysis found that the strikes had only set Iran back a few months.

    Such disagreements are unsurprising. Battle damage assessment – originally called bomb damage assessment – is notoriously difficult, and past wars have featured intense controversies among military and intelligence professionals. In World War II, poor weather and the limits of available technology conspired against accuracy.

    Battle damage assessment remained a thorny problem decades later, even after radical improvements in surveillance technology. In the first Gulf War in 1990, for example, military leaders argued with CIA officials over the effects of airstrikes against Iraq’s armored forces.

    I am a scholar of international relations who studies intelligence and strategy in international conflicts, and the author of “Fixing the Facts: National Security and the Politics of Intelligence.” I know from history that overcoming the challenges of battle damage assessment is especially hard when the target is a facility hidden under hundreds of feet of earth and rock, as is the case at Fordo.

    How the U.S. military’s ‘bunker buster’ bomb works.

    Tools of the trade

    The intelligence community has a number of tools and techniques that can help with challenges like assessing the damage at Fordo. Imagery intelligence such as satellite photography is the obvious starting point. Before-and-after comparisons might reveal collapsed tunnels or topographical changes, suggesting unseen subterranean damage.

    More exotic data collection techniques may be able to help infer the underground effects based on particle and electromagnetic emissions from the site. These platforms provide what is called measurement and signatures intelligence. Specialized sensors can measure nuclear radiation, seismographic information and other potentially revealing information from camouflaged facilities. When combined with traditional imagery, measurement and signatures intelligence can provide a more detailed model of the likely effects of the bombing.

    Other sources may prove useful as well. Reporting from human intelligence assets – spies or unwitting informers with firsthand or secondhand knowledge – may provide information on internal Iranian assessments. These may be particularly valuable because Iranian officials presumably know how much equipment was removed in advance, as well as the location of previously enriched uranium.

    The same is true for signals intelligence, which intercepts and interprets communications. Ideally, battle damage assessment will become more comprehensive and accurate as these sources of intelligence are integrated into a single assessment.

    Pervasive uncertainty

    But even in that case, it will still be difficult to estimate the broader effects on Iran’s nuclear program. Measuring the immediate physical effects on Fordo and other nuclear sites is a kind of puzzle, or a problem that can be solved with sufficient evidence. Estimating the long-term effects on Iranian policy is a mystery, or a problem that cannot be solved even with abundant information on hand. It’s impossible to know how Iran’s leaders will adapt over time to their changing circumstances. They themselves cannot know either; perceptions of the future are inherently uncertain.

    Regarding the puzzle over Fordo, Trump seems to believe that the sheer volume of explosives dropped on the site must have done the job. As White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt put it: “Everyone knows what happens when you drop 14 30,000-pound bombs perfectly on their targets: total obliteration.”

    But the fact that Fordo is buried in the side of a mountain is a reason to doubt this commonsense conclusion. In addition, Iran may have moved enriched uranium and specialized equipment from the site in advance, limiting the effects on its nuclear program.

    Trump’s instincts might be right. Or the skeptics might be right. Both make plausible claims. Analysts will need more intelligence from more sources to make a confident judgment about the effects on Fordo and on Iran’s broader nuclear efforts. Even then, it is likely that they will disagree on the effects, because this requires making predictions.

    News coverage of the attack on Fordo and White House claims of success.

    Politicized intelligence

    In a perfect world, policymakers and intelligence officials would wrestle with dueling assessments in good faith. Such a process would take place outside the political fray, giving both sides the opportunity to offer criticism without being accused of political mischief. In this idealized scenario, policymakers could use reasonable intelligence conclusions to inform their decision-making process. After all, there are a lot of decisions about Middle Eastern security left to be made.

    But we are not in a perfect world, and hopes for a good faith debate seem hopelessly naïve. Already the battle lines are being drawn. Congressional Democrats are suspicious that the administration is being disingenuous about Iran. The White House, for its part, is going on the offensive. “The leaking of this alleged assessment is a clear attempt to demean President Trump,” Leavitt declared in a written statement, “and discredit the brave fighter pilots who conducted a perfectly executed mission.”

    Relations between policymakers and their intelligence advisers are often contentious, and U.S. presidents have a long history of clashing with spy chiefs. But intelligence-policy relations today are in a particularly dismal state. Trump bears the most responsibility, given his repeated disparagement of intelligence officials. For example, he dismissed the congressional testimony on Iran from Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard: “I don’t care what she said.”

    The problem goes deeper than the president, however. Intelligence-policy relations in a democracy are difficult because of the persuasive power of secret information. Policymakers fear that intelligence officials who control secrets might use them to undermine the policymakers’ plans. Intelligence officials worry that the policymakers will bully them into giving politically convenient answers. Such fears led to intelligence-policy breakdowns over estimates of enemy strength in the Vietnam War and estimates of Soviet missile capabilities in the early years of detente.

    This mutual suspicion has become progressively worse since the end of the Cold War, as secret intelligence has become increasingly public. Intelligence leaders have become recognizable public figures, and intelligence judgments on current issues are often quickly declassified. The public now expects to have access to intelligence findings, and this has helped turn intelligence into a political football.

    What lies ahead

    What does all this mean for intelligence on Iran? Trump might ignore assessments he dislikes, given his history with intelligence. But the acrimonious public dispute over the Fordo strike may lead the White House to pressure intelligence leaders to toe the line, especially if critics demand a public accounting of secret intelligence.

    Such an outcome would benefit nobody. The public would not have a better sense of the questions surrounding Iran’s nuclear effort, the intelligence community would suffer a serious blow to its reputation, and the administration’s efforts to use intelligence in public might backfire, as was the case for the George W. Bush administration after the war in Iraq.

    As with military campaigns, episodes of politicizing intelligence have lasting and sometimes unforeseen consequences.

    Joshua Rovner is associate professor of international relations at American University, and nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution.

    – ref. What damage did the US do to Iran’s nuclear program? Why it’s so hard to know – https://theconversation.com/what-damage-did-the-us-do-to-irans-nuclear-program-why-its-so-hard-to-know-260058

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: What events will take place as part of “Summer in Moscow” in the coming days

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    A performance at the rollerdrome, water painting, evening readings and Moscow Sports Day – this and much more awaits guests of the Summer in Moscow project this week. We tell you where to spend time usefully and what to do at city venues from July 4 to 6.

    Rock, Paper, Scissors and Beauty Trucks

    A large-scale championship is taking place at city venues “Rock, Paper, Scissors”. Every day, children and adults can compete on Tverskoy Boulevard and in the west of the capital. On July 4, participants are expected on Aviatorov Street (building 5), and on July 5 – on Bolshaya Filevskaya Street (building 9) in the Fili Children’s Park. The sites will be open from 15:00 to 20:00.

    The final of the competition in the Western Administrative District will take place on July 6 at the address: Michurinsky Prospekt, Olympic Village, Building 4. Participation is free, registration is not required.

    From July 4 to 6, there will be a service for city residents Summer Club “Moscow”on Tverskoy Boulevard. There will be two pop-up stores with domestic clothing and jewelry brands and three beauty trucks. Gifts, surprises, raffles and master classes have been prepared for guests.

    Family Etiquette Rules and Lectures on Trends

    The department store of Russian designers “Leto” on Revolution Square will also tell about care, beauty and fashion. Everyone will be able not only to try on clothes they like and update their wardrobe, but also to listen to lectures, take part in master classes and even watch performances.

    On July 5 from 13:00 to 14:30 there will be a lecture “How Unusual 19th Century Trends Were Transformed into Tableware”. From asparagus tongs to mustache cups”, it will be read by the collector of antique and vintage tableware, founder of the cultural space Ekaterina Maslova. And at 15:00 she will hold a master class “Summer table setting using antique tableware”. Admission is free.

    A lecture will be held on July 6 at 15:00 “Rules of Family Etiquette: From Home Improvement to Table Setting”. It will be conducted by etiquette expert Yulia Ryabukhina. The master class will be held at 17:00 “Summer bookmark using herbarium technique”, and at 19:00 guests are invited to watch a mini-performance “Dandelion Wine”. Free admission.

    Salsa, bachata and 3D applique

    Open dance master classes for the whole family will be held on Chistoprudny Boulevard. On weekends, there will also be a children’s and youth tournament “Summer in Moscow. Dances”, where anyone can become a spectator.

    July 4 at 18:00 on the big stage Chistoprudny Boulevarda master class of the dance school “TanzBaza” will take place, and an hour later you can learn bachata there. On the middle stage at 19:00 they will teach salsa. On July 5 from 12:00 to 18:00 on the big stage of Chistoprudny Boulevard there will be a qualifying round of children’s dance competitions, and at 19:00 guests are invited to a master class in modern swing. At the same time, you can learn salsa on the middle stage.

    On July 6 at 19:00 on the big stage there will be a master class “Salsa Casino”, dance lessons will also be held on the middle stage at 17:00 and at 19:00. Admission is free.

    And in art studio on Strastnoy Boulevard In the coming days, they will teach drawing. On July 4 at 15:00 and 19:00, there will be lessons on creating a painting using the dot mosaic technique, at 16:00 — an interior panel using the pebble mosaic technique, at 17:00 — a three-dimensional painting using the 3D applique technique, at 18:00 — paintings in a geometric style.

    On July 5 at 14:00 there will be a master class “Bright Colors” on drawing in a geometric style, at 15:00 – “Gems” on 3D applique, at 16:00 and 19:00 you can depict a summer day using the dot mosaic technique, and at 17:00 – a blooming garden using the pebble mosaic technique. The duration of each lesson is 45 minutes. Guests over five years old are invited to participate. Admission is free.

    Day and Night of Moscow Sports

    On July 5, Muscovites will experience large-scale sports events. From 11:00 to 21:00, the event will take place “Moscow Sports Day”, and from 20:00 to 23:00 – “Moscow Sports Night”.

    The Luzhniki Olympic Complex will feature more than 20 themed zones. There will be demonstration performances, master classes, tournaments, as well as a mass stretching training session conducted by two-time bronze medalist of the World Gymnastics Championships Samira Mustafayeva. Throughout the festival, a concert with performances by famous artists will be held on the main stage.

    After 8:00 pm, the celebration will continue on the streets of the capital. The “Moscow Sports Night” will cover many venues in the central part of the city. 60 cycling machines will be installed on Pushkinskaya Square, where mass training sessions will take place accompanied by DJ sets. Flash tournaments and streetball master classes for festival visitors will be held on Tverskaya Street (near the Izvestia newspaper building). In Klimentovsky Lane, there will be an area with a ramp and a pump track for scooter and skateboard riding for children and adults.

    On Pyatnitskaya Street you can see demonstration performances of rope skipping. Myasnitskaya Street (the square near the Et Cetera Theatre) will become the center of table tennis, where every visitor will be able to participate or watch the competitions.

    In addition, a breakdance area will open on Arbat, where team and individual competitions will take place, as well as demonstration performances by professionals. On Nikolskaya Street, everyone will be able to play table football and hockey, and on Bolshaya Nikitskaya Street (the square near the TASS building) they will be able to try to assemble a puzzle for speed.

    Admission is free, but some events may require a membership. pre-registration.

    Bouquet of dried flowers, cycle and disco with DJs

    An interesting program has also been prepared at the Green Market of the Made in Moscow project on Bolotnaya Square. On July 5 from 13:00 to 18:00 you can learn how to weave for free decorative napkin.

    There is also a festival taking place on Bolotnaya Square “Youth Point”. Its program includes the event “The Path to Yourself”, dedicated to psychology. It will be held at the “Sport” site from 15:00 to 17:30. In addition, from 14:30 to 17:30 at the “Development” site there will be a master class on creating a memorable photo with floral inserts. At 18:00 there will be a creative painting lesson, where participants will learn to draw pictures on wooden blanks.

    At the “Creative” site, from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm, there will be a master class on creating bouquets of dried flowers, and at 6:00 pm you can join a class on customizing T-shirts.

    Events will also take place at the rollerdrome. At 13:00, you are invited to cycle — a class on exercise bikes. And at 14:00, everyone is welcome to a dance workout on the veranda. From 16:00 to 20:00, you can join mini-dates.

    Free skating will be organized at the rollerdrome from 10:00 to 11:45, and from 15:00 to 20:10 the performances “Memory Diary” by the ice theater team under the direction of Petr Chernyshev and Tatyana Navka will be shown. At 20:00 a disco with DJs will begin.

    On July 6 from 13:00 to 16:00 in the “Green Market” they will be painting candles and plaster products, and at 17:00 you can try to cook perfumed body scrub.

    On the same day, at the Youth Point festival in the Sport hub at 14:30, a miniature city beach festival called Express Moscow-Summer will be held. Guests will make a frame in a marine style, take part in a Zumba workout, play beach games, sing hits in karaoke and relax in the chill zone.

    From 15:00 to 17:00, the Development hub will host an event that will show the contrast between old and modern Moscow. At 18:00, a master class on painting using the ebru technique will begin. Anyone who wants to will be able to try making drawings on water.

    At the “Creative” site, at 15:00, there will be a master class on creating jewelry from beads, and at 18:00, a lesson on customizing shoppers.

    There will be free skating at the rollerdrome from 10:00 to 11:45, and from 15:00 to 20:10 the play “The Notebook of Memory” will also be shown.

    Yoga, ping pong and meeting tailed creatures

    On July 5 and 6, the Bauman Garden will host a traditional charity festival to mark Family, Love and Fidelity Day “City of the caring”Guests of all ages are invited to participate.

    From 11:00 to 18:00, more than 170 cats and dogs from Moscow shelters will be waiting for visitors at the Fluffy Friend site. All of them are vaccinated and ready to go to a new family.

    Those who wish can help the furry wards of the capital’s non-profit organizations by making a donation using charity service on the mos.ru portal. In addition, you can give pets food. It will be sent to shelters after the festival. Those who already have animals will be able to take memorable photos in the photo zone or get advice from a groomer and veterinarian. And more than 20 creative master classes await guests.

    An extensive program with dances, acrobatic stunts and tricks, animal shows and DJ sets will unfold on the stage. Guests will watch cartoons and films in the summer cinema, and take part in meetings with celebrities. On July 5 at 2:00 pm, actress and participant of the show “Women’s Stand-up” Maria Markova will talk about the importance of conscious charity, and on July 6 at the same time, singer Suzanne Varnina will pick up the baton of kindness.

    On July 5 at 15:00 there will be a show with cats, and on July 6 at 15:00 — a show with dogs. At 16:00 guests will be treated to an acrobatic show and magic tricks. Both days at 19:00 an evening of live music will begin. Festival guests will also be able to play badminton, ping-pong and do yoga. More details — at link.

    A performance about love and a lecture about cinema

    The Moskino cinema park also invites you to spend time usefully. On July 5 at 14:00 and 18:00, the Gonzaga Theatre will show the play “Isadora”The production will tell a story about love, poetry, passion and dance, based on the relationship between Sergei Yesenin and Isadora Duncan.

    On July 5 at 15:00 there will be lecture Director of the Theatre of Young Muscovites Andrey Zadubrovsky. He will talk about the interaction of actors on the set and their transformation into characters, and share his professional experience.

    On July 6, concerts will be held at the Gonzaga Theatre at 12:00, 16:30 and 19:00 quartet “Tomorrow”. The artists will perform songs based on the poems of Sergei Yesenin. The musicians will play electric and acoustic guitars and cajon.

    At 15:00 on the same day with lecture Irina Glebova, Dean of the Production Department of the Institute of Cinema and Television of the Russian Institute of Television and Radio Broadcasting, will speak to guests. She will talk about casting actors for the roles of historical characters and immersion in different eras during filming. The visit is included in the price entrance ticket to the cinema park.

    Rock Ballads and Open Mic

    This summer, you can listen to music in the capital’s parks. A symphony orchestra will play for guests, and singers will perform opera arias. Concerts will be held on July 4 at 19:00 in Pokrovsky Bereg Park, on July 5 at 19:00 in 50th Anniversary of October Park, and on July 6 at 19:00 in the Kolomenskoye Museum-Reserve.

    You can also listen to live music on July 4 from 19:00 to 20:30 in Raduga Park and on July 5 from 19:30 to 21:00 in Tagansky Park. Listeners will hear various compositions from jazz improvisations to rock ballads and electronic experiments.

    Concerts will also be held in the amphitheater of the Polytech Museum Park. On July 5 at 8:00 PM, the Fire Granny group will perform there. And at 8:00 PM, the Territory.Kids festival will take place.

    The State Darwin Museum also invites you to immerse yourself in the world of music. On July 5, from 10:30 to 16:00, guests will enjoy a program dedicated to Family, Love and Fidelity Day. Master classes, games and author’s excursions have been prepared for the guests. And if the weather permits, the roof of the museum will be transformed into an improvised concert venue. In the open microphone format, anyone can read poems about love or perform a song.

    Evening readings and chess

    Citizens are also invited to the project’s events. “Book in the City”. Thus, on July 5 at 16:00 on the site near the Vitali fountain there will be evening readings with the participation of theater and film actor Ivan Stebunov. And on Sretensky Boulevard at 17:00 the actor of the theater “Modern” and master of artistic words Alexey Bagdasarov will perform for the guests. He will read stories by Viktor Dragunsky from the collection “The Magic Power of Art”. Admission is free.

    On July 6 from 12:00 to 16:00 on Chistoprudny Boulevard the tournament “Heroes of the Chessboard. Moscow” will be held. The competition has become part of the program “Summer in Moscow” and is held with the support of the Department of Trade and Services of the City of Moscow, the Chess Federation of Russia and the Russian Military Historical Society as part of the project “The country helped chess, chess helped the country”.

    The tournament continues the tradition of mass intellectual competitions in the capital. This year, both beginners and titled chess players are taking part.

    The leaders of the qualifying games will fight for a place in the final, where the strongest will compete for the main prize. To participate, you will need pre-registration.

    Zumba, fitrock and circus divertissements

    On July 6, in the picturesque areas of the recreation areas near the water bodies, you can attend classes of the project “Summer. Beach. Moscow Sport” in yoga, stretching, zumba, fitrock and functional training. Join classescan be found in the recreation areas “Levoberezh’ye”, “Troparevo” and “Beloe Ozero”, in Serebryany Bor (beach No. 3), as well as on Shkolnoye Lake (Zelenograd) and in “Strogino Wake Park”.

    At 11:00 in Meshchersky Park there will be a fitrock class, and at 14:00 they invite you to a functional training. At 11:00 in the Levoberezhye recreation area there will be a stretching training session, and at 14:00 — a zumba training session. At 11:00 in the Troparevo recreation area there will be a functional training session, and at 14:00 — yoga on the beach. Near Shkolnoye Lake at 11:00 visitors will have a yoga session, and at 14:00 — a functional training session. At 11:00 in the Beloye Ozero recreation area there will be a yoga training session on the beach, and at 14:00 guests are invited to zumba.

    At 11:00 a stretching training session will be held at the Strogino Wake Park site, and at 14:00 visitors will enjoy a yoga session on the beach. Guests of Serebryany Bor are invited to yoga at 11:00 a.m., and to functional training at 2:00 p.m.

    And on July 4 at 19:00, July 5 and 6 at 14:00 and 18:00 in the park “Yuzhnoye Butovo”, Izmailovsky Park and Moskino cinema park circus divertissements have been prepared for guests. The program includes a show with the participation of artists of the Great Moscow Circus. You can buy a ticket at website.

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

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

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

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Shanghai Xuhui Chiangqiao Jiangnan Silk and Bamboo Ensemble to make Hong Kong debut at Chinese Culture Festival 2025 in August (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Chinese Culture Festival (CCF) 2025, organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), has invited the Shanghai Xuhui Chiangqiao Jiangnan Silk and Bamboo Ensemble (the ensemble) to make its Hong Kong debut and stage two concerts in early August. As a representative inheritor organisation of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Shanghai Municipality, the ensemble’s three representative inheritors of Jiangnan silk and bamboo, along with young professional musicians, will perform a selection of classical pieces from the “Eight Masterpieces of Silk and Bamboo Music” (“Eight Masterpieces”) and other famous compositions. Through century-old string and wind music, they will evoke the authentic cultural essence of the Jiangnan region. 

         Jiangnan silk and bamboo music is a traditional form of ensemble music popular in the southern Jiangsu, western Zhejiang and Shanghai regions, featuring Chinese string (silk) and wind (bamboo) instruments, such as erhu, yangqin, pipa, sanxian, dizi and sheng. It was inscribed on the first list of Intangible Cultural Heritage at the National Level in 2006. Its artistic style is characterised by qualities including delicacy, lightness, finesse and elegance. With diverse variation techniques such as “slowing down” (expanding the original melody’s rhythm and phrasing) and “ornamentation” (inserting new ornamental notes into the melody), complemented by synergy among the musicians and improvisation, the music presents a fascinating kaleidoscope of sound. The repertoire of Jiangnan silk and bamboo music is vast, with the “Eight Masterpieces” being the most representative of the works. 

         Zhou Feng (dizi) and Liu Yuehua (erhu), the representative inheritors of Jiangnan silk and bamboo of Shanghai Municipality, and Mi Peirong (yangqin), representative inheritor of Jiangnan silk and bamboo of Xuhui District, together with accomplished performers of sheng, pipa and sanxian will present two concerts featuring compositions from the “Eight Masterpieces”, including “Song of Joy”, “Sanliu” and “Zhonghua Liuban” as well as famous silk and bamboo classics “Song of the Warm Southerly Breeze” and “Song of Yang Ba”. Furthermore, each concert will feature distinctive selections: the first concert will present “Man Liuban” and “Festival March” from the “Eight Masterpieces”, along with the celebrated silk and bamboo piece “Rainbow Skirt Song”. The second concert will feature “Cloud Celebration” and “Best Wishes” from the “Eight Masterpieces”, as well as the beloved “Moonlight on the Spring River”. 

         The Shanghai Xuhui Chiangqiao Jiangnan Silk and Bamboo Ensemble is dedicated to safeguarding and passing on traditional Jiangnan silk and bamboo music in its pristine form. The ensemble’s members have inherited their musical heritage from previous generations in the family, with decades of performing experience and deep mastery of traditional playing techniques of the musical art form. In 2024, the ensemble was recognised as being among the seventh batch of representative inheritor organisations of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Shanghai Municipality.

         The first concert by the Shanghai Xuhui Chiangqiao Jiangnan Silk and Bamboo Ensemble will be held at 8pm on August 2 (Saturday) at the Theatre of Ngau Chi Wan Civic Centre. The second concert will be held at 8pm on August 3 (Sunday) at the Theatre of Sheung Wan Civic Centre. Tickets priced at $220 and $280 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). Group booking discounts and package booking discounts are available for purchasing selected CCF stage programmes, the “Chinese Opera Film Shows” of the Chinese Opera Festival (COF) 2025 and the “Legacy and Vision: Conversations with Chinese Cultural Masters” lecture. For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2268 7321 or visit www.ccf.gov.hk/en/programme/concert-by-shanghai-xuhui-chiangqiao-jiangnan-silk-and-bamboo-ensemble.

         A pre-concert talk entitled “Pure Melodies of Silk Strings: The Elegant Sounds of Jiangnan’s Silk and Bamboo Music” (in Putonghua) will be held at 7pm on August 3 (Sunday) at the Lecture Hall of Sheung Wan Civic Centre. The speakers include Shanghai Conservatory of Music Professor Xiao Mei and Shanghai Normal University Music College Associate Professor Li Ya. They will discuss the development and inheritance of Jiangnan silk and bamboo music and explore the principles of improvisation, guiding audiences to discover its charm and cultural connotations. Admission is free. Limited seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

         The CCF, presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the Chinese Culture Promotion Office under the LCSD, aims to promote Chinese culture and enhance the public’s national identity and cultural confidence. It also aims to attract top-notch artists and arts groups from the Mainland and other parts of the world for exchanges in Chinese arts and culture. The CCF 2025 is held from June to September. Through different performing arts programmes in various forms and related extension activities, including selected programmes of the COF, “Tan Dun WE-Festival”, film screenings, exhibitions, as well as community and school activities and more, the festival provides members of the public and visitors with more opportunities to enjoy distinctive programmes that showcase fine traditional Chinese culture, thereby facilitating patriotic education and contributing to the inheritance, transformation and development of traditional Chinese culture in Hong Kong. For more information about programmes and activities of the CCF 2025, please visit www.ccf.gov.hk.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Government acknowledges additional suffering of children placed in care

    Source: Government of the Netherlands

    News item | 30-06-2025 | 14:00

    The government recognises the additional distress that children experienced due to both the benefits scandal and subsequent care orders. In a letter to the House of Representatives, Minister Struycken (Legal Protection), Minister Palmen-Schlangen (Benefits and Redress) and Minister Tielen (Youth, Prevention and Sport) respond to the ‘Inheritance of Injustice’ report by the Hamer Commission that carried out the investigation. The government has also announced specific measures to support young people.

    As Minister Struycken explains, “These young people were affected first of all by unfair claims by the Tax and Customs Administration and then by being placed in care without the causes of the problems their families were facing being sufficiently recognised. The youth care and protection system failed to prevent them being placed in care.”

    Painful conclusions call for decisive action

    The report shows that, in many cases, claims by the Tax and Customs Administration led to debt, poverty and stress which in turn created or exacerbated family problems. Shortcomings on the part of neighbourhood teams and youth care and protection meant that the financial causes were insufficiently identified and this resulted in care orders that might otherwise have been prevented.

    In the words of Minister Palmen-Schlangen, “These young people are still burdened by the negative impact each and every day. You can rest assured that you’ve now been seen and heard and we recognise the government’s actions caused a great deal of suffering. That’s why we want to help young people with what they need most.”

    Three-pronged approach: recognise, support, learn

    The government acknowledges that these children have been particularly affected by its mistakes. It now wants to initiate a careful process during which it will work together with the partners and organisations involved, as well as with young people themselves, to determine how this process of recognition should be structured and implemented and apologies made. The government also wants to expand and improve the existing child support scheme.

    A national support centre is going to be set up for all parents and young people who are looking for help with their mental health issues. In addition, a new scheme is going to be introduced for young people who were placed in care and who want to help with training and development. The independent Support Team, which helps aggrieved parents and children who were affected by care orders, is going to continue its work.

    The government wants to learn from the mistakes made, for example by adopting an integrated family approach, strengthening legal protection in the context of youth protection and a culture change which revolves around trust in families.

    Young people central to the plans

    It is important to regain the trust of those families that were affected. That is why young people themselves are going to be closely involved in the process of developing the measures. They will play an active role, including in the actual implementation of those measures, for example in terms of contact with their peers or by providing information to youth welfare organisations.

    Joint responsibility

    The government wants to prevent families from experiencing the same kind of suffering again and it is taking the lessons from the Hamer Commission report on board. The report stresses the need to address complex problems in families in a coherent way and to make the youth sector more family orientated.

    As Minister Tielen explains, “In the Youth Reform Agenda it was agreed that strong local teams should look more closely at what young people and families really need. Their situation and life experiences are key in this respect. This is an important point of departure as far as the government is concerned.”

    This move is in line with the improvements in youth protection which are being made on the basis of the Future Scenario for Child and Family Protection. The government wants fewer children to be placed in care and a coherent approach to assistance.

    Cooperation with chain partners

    Organisations such as the Child Care and Protection Board (Raad voor de Kinderbescherming), certified institutions and the judiciary have completed their own reviews and have started introducing improvement measures.

    As Minister Struycken explains, “We are adopting a joint approach. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that this suffering is never repeated and that affected children receive the support they deserve for their recovery and future.”

    The government is going to inform the House of Representatives on progress with regard to all the planned measures by the end of 2025.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A number of streets and embankments will be closed in the center of Moscow on July 5

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    In connection with the holding of the “Two Rivers” bicycle race, the traffic pattern on the central embankments and adjacent streets will change.

    It will be limited on one right-hand lane on July 4 from 10:00 to 23:59 and from 22:30 on July 5 to 06:00 on July 6 on Khamovnichesky Val Street when moving towards Frunzenskaya Embankment from house 14 on Khamovnichesky Val Street to Frunzenskaya Embankment. And from 15:00 on July 5 to 02:00 on July 6 – on Frunzenskaya Embankment towards Luzhnetskaya Embankment, on Prechistenskaya Embankment towards Frunzenskaya Embankment, on Kremlevskaya Embankment when moving towards Prechistenskaya Embankment and on Moskvoretskaya Embankment towards Kremlevskaya Embankment.

    In addition, on July 5 from 00:01 to 22:30 it will be impossible to drive along Khamovnichesky Val Street in the direction of Frunzenskaya Embankment from house 14 on Khamovnichesky Val Street to Frunzenskaya Embankment. And from 14:30 to 22:30 traffic will be closed in the opposite direction – from the embankment to house 14.

    From 16:30 to 20:30, the following central embankments will be closed to cars: Frunzenskaya, Prechistenskaya, Kremlevskaya, Moskvoretskaya, Podgorskaya, Bernikovskaya, Nikoloyamskaya, Andronyevskaya, Zolotorozhskaya, Krasnokazarmennaya, Golovinskaya, Gospitalnaya, Semenovskaya, Preobrazhenskaya, as well as Veteranov Avenue.

    Parking will be temporarily prohibited on Khamovnichesky Val Street from 00:01 on July 4 until the end of the event, and from 00:01 on July 5 – in all restricted areas.

    Drivers are advised to plan their route in advance, taking into account temporary traffic changes. Full details can be found on the website Traffic Management Center.

    Bicycle race “Two Rivers”

    The annual Cyclingrace “Two Rivers” will take place in Moscow on July 5. This unique event will bring together professional athletes and active lifestyle enthusiasts, as well as everyone who wants to experience the joy of participation, spend time with family and like-minded people.

    The route will run along the two main waterways of the capital – the Moskva River and the Yauza. Participants will start and finish in Khamovniki. They will ride past the walls of the Kremlin along the picturesque embankments of Moscow through the historical districts of the city to Sokolniki and back.

    For experienced athletes, a track with distances from 74 to 111 kilometers has been prepared. Only road bikes with a ram-type handlebar are allowed to participate. Amateurs can choose a race with distances of 15 and 37 kilometers. They are allowed to use any bikes except specialized models: recumbent, tandem, time trial and motorized.

    At the finish line, participants will be provided with food, cold and hot drinks. To ensure safety, traffic will be temporarily closed during the bike race.

    You can register for the event at official websiteIt is recommended to check the technical condition of the bicycle in advance, study the safety rules and prepare the appropriate equipment taking into account the weather conditions.

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

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: 50 days to go – Sunderland gets ready to host the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025

    Source: City of Sunderland

    With just 50 days to go until Sunderland hosts the opening match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, more details have been released of exciting plans for the opening weekend.

    England’s Red Roses take on the USA at the Stadium of Light on the evening of Friday, 22 August in what promises to be a thrilling opener to the biggest Women’s Rugby World Cup tournament in history.

    Sunderland City Council is hoping to create a carnival atmosphere in the city in the build up to the big game with more than 150 colourful flags and banners adding to the party atmosphere in the city centre as well as live music, a fan parade to the stadium and fireworks post match, with the celebrations continuing into the Saturday.

    The build up to the spectacular opening weekend celebrations get underway at 4pm on Thursday 21 August with the opening of the Fan Village in Keel Square in the heart of the city centre a short walk from the Stadium of Light, featuring a line up of female led musicians through until 10pm that night. 

    There will also be additional seating and a bar at nearby Keel Edge along with a rugby themed immersive and interactive light installation. 

    On match day itself, the Fan Village is open from 9am, offering food, drink, and rugby-themed activities including pass speed and accuracy challenges, jump height tests, and a reaction wall, making it the perfect hub for fans to gather before and after the big match. 

    Visitors to the Fan Village can also look forward to live music throughout the day with tribute performances from Rock DJ, Mac Busted, Re-Take That and Royal Rhapsody, as well as interactive walkabout characters, ahead of a fan parade leading fans to the stadium for the match.

    Following the big match, the day will end with a spectacular firework display over the river.

    Celebrations continue on Saturday, 23 August, as Sunniside Market relocates to Keel Square for a day-long festival of local talent and creativity. With music, entertainment and family-friendly activities there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

    Attractions on the day include:

    • Circurama’s circus workshops and performances
    • Victoria Armstrong’s interactive bubble act
    • Chris Cross, the North East’s own magician
    • Aria Art & Movement’s aerial hoop taster sessions
    • A bustling art market and free craft activities
    • Outdoor drawing classes with the Atlas Theatre Company 
    • Live music from 10am to 3pm, curated by Sunderland Music City

    Councillor Michael Mordey, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “It’s incredibly exciting to be just 50 days away from the opening match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Sunderland, especially now that we’re starting to see visible signs like the lamp post banners springing up around the city centre.

    “This is the biggest ever Women’s Rugby World Cup tournament and it’s a proud moment for our city to be hosting the opener for such a prestigious event.

    “It’s also a brilliant opportunity to showcase Sunderland on the international stage and one which is set to provide an estimated £20m economic boost to the region.” 

    Councillor Beth Jones Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Tourism, added: “The opening weekend of the tournament is going to be really exciting and we’re looking forward to creating a real party atmosphere in the city.

    “It’s an event which has something for everyone, whether you’re coming along to the opening match, soaking up the live music and pre-match atmosphere in the Fan Village, watching the fireworks after the match or planning to come and enjoy some of the fantastic family-friendly free entertainment on the Saturday.

    “And with tickets selling like hot cakes and prices starting at just £10 for adults and £5 for children, it’s also a fantastic opportunity to see world-class rugby here in Sunderland. So I’d urge anyone who hasn’t already got a ticket for the opening match to get one while they’re still available.”

    England’s Red Rose are favourites to win the tournament after last winning the World Cup in 2014 when South Shields born University of Sunderland graduate Katy Daley McLean captained the team.  

    Tickets for the tournament are competitively priced from £10 for adults and £5 for children. This means a family of four can enjoy an evening at the Women’s Rugby World Cup Opening Game for £30. To find out more about the Women’s Rugby World Cup, how to get tickets and how to get involved in free rugby activities in Sunderland visit:Rugby World Cup 2025 – MySunderland

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: A robot revolution in building the largest railway station in west China

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

    As the new section of the Chongqing-Xiamen high-speed railway, from Chongqing to Qianjiang, officially opened a week ago, the key hub along this route, Chongqing East Railway Station, was also put into operation.

    From obtaining the design blueprints in May 2022 to its official inauguration, it has taken 38 months to complete what is now the largest high-speed rail station in west China. Behind this monumental construction project are a group of unsung heroes — robots.

    According to Sun Haoran, a manager of the railway station project under China Railway Construction Engineering Group, the station serves as a pilot for the “integration of stations and cities” as part of the nation’s efforts to strengthen transportation infrastructure.

    Located in the Nan’an District of Chongqing, the station features 15 platforms and 29 tracks. The station building spans eight floors with a total construction area of 1.22 million square meters, equivalent to 170 standard football fields. Its roof covers approximately 120,000 square meters and weighs 16,500 tonnes.

    “The scale of the station’s roof alone is colossal, making the construction difficult and posing high safety risks,” Sun said.

    Indeed, in this city where temperatures regularly hit 40 degrees Celsius during furnace-like summers, building a vast transportation hub on its rugged topography demands innovation.

    Robots have conducted a quiet revolution, transforming conventional construction in extreme environments.

    “Ground leveling in 40-degree heat used to mean workers often collapsing from heatstroke,” said Huang Pinqing, a senior official with China Railway 11th Bureau Group Corporation Limited, who is in charge of the railway station project.

    “Now, laser-guided bots did the job with millimeter precision at three times human speed, cutting labour costs by 40 percent.”

    “Meanwhile, in this mountain furnace in summer, steel never sweats,” he added.

    Huang proudly introduced his “robot army.”

    Four-wheel laser screed machines, equipped with LiDAR sensors, AI algorithms, and 5G connectivity, replaced manual concrete smoothing. While workers remotely monitor them from shaded shelters, their precision reduces waste.

    Patrol robots, undeterred by night or rain, became 24/7 sentinels. Using AI vision, they detect the absence of hard hats or misplaced vehicles within 100 meters during the day or 50 meters at night, slashing hazard identification time by 90 percent and quadrupling the quality inspection efficiency, he said.

    Glass installation robots tackle 800-kilogram panels needed for soaring facades. Precision servo arms position the massive glass units with millimeter accuracy, accelerating installation threefold while reducing accident risks by 90 percent compared to manual hoisting by dozens of workers.

    Omni-directional welding robots were used for joining overhead pipe installations. Capable of 0.1-millimeter accuracy swing control, they sealed an 800-millimeter diameter steel pipe joint in two hours — one-third the time required manually — ensuring consistent quality on high-altitude tasks.

    “Robots free our teams from the worst heat exposure,” Huang said. “They aren’t gimmicks but essential partners.”

    Data from China Railway 11th Bureau Group Corporation Limited confirmed that robotics tripled average work efficiency and nearly halved labour costs.

    In addition, safety incidents dropped by 90 percent, despite Chongqing’s challenging topography, where summer heatwaves now regularly test construction limits, including record-breaking temperatures in 2022 and 2024, forcing traditional sites to suspend daytime work.

    “This is how technology serves people — building faster, safer, and smarter, even in Chongqing’s furnace,” said Huang.

    This mountainous metropolis is also accelerating the power of automation to reshape infrastructure development and beyond.

    According to the Chongqing Municipal Economy and Information Technology Commission, in recent years, Chongqing has drafted action plans to boost robot application and cultivate future industries, empowering the development of the robotics industry from a top-level institutional perspective.

    By 2024, the city’s robotics output exceeded 60,000 units, with the total industrial chain output value surpassing 37 billion yuan (about 5.17 billion U.S. dollars).

    Meanwhile, the city is creating an internationally competitive intelligent equipment industrial cluster.

    Currently, Chongqing has gathered over 300 key robotics enterprises, and hosts 31 research and development platforms, such as the Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences and a national robotics testing center.

    This has led to the establishment of a comprehensive ecosystem encompassing research and development, manufacturing, testing, system integration, component supply, talent training and application services. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s grassroots ‘World Cup’ ignites football frenzy

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

    Players of Yangzhou greet supporters after winning the third round match against Changzhou at the 2025 Jiangsu Football City League (JSCL) in Changzhou, May 31, 2025. (Xinhua)

    Those eager to catch a glimpse of next year’s FIFA World Cup magic a little early may want to head to eastern China’s Jiangsu Province, where an amateur football league is offering an unlikely but extraordinary alternative.

    With a cheeky nod to both the English Premier League and the Chinese Super League, the Su Super League, or the Jiangsu Football City League, features a seven-month, 85-match grassroots showdown between 13 cities, packed with local pride, derby drama and an atmosphere that is nothing short of electric.

    The league has taken China by storm, even eclipsing the domestic buzz surrounding the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. On June 29, 43,617 fans packed into the stands to watch Suzhou take on Yangzhou, a crowd even larger than the average attendance of Italy’s Serie A last year.

    And that might just be the warm-up. The upcoming July 5 clash between Suzhou and Nanjing, moved to a stadium with over 60,000 seats, is expected to set a new attendance record. Ticket demand has been so wild that hundreds of thousands have scrambled online just for a shot at entry.

    Since its May 10 kick-off, the league had racked up a jaw-dropping 11 billion views on Chinese short video platforms by June 21, according to Jiangsu’s statistical authorities. That’s not a typo – billion with a “B.”

    Despite China’s struggles on the international football stage, the passion for the sport runs deep at home. And the Su Super League is a living proof. Unlike its professional counterparts, the league’s players come from everyday backgrounds like students, office workers and repairmen.

    But they deliver no fewer spectacles on the pitch. In that June 29 match, Suzhou scored just one minute and 18 seconds into the game, setting a league record for the fastest goal. The scorer was a 17-year-old high schooler who netted twice more in the second half, leading his team to victory.

    Even in defeat, the league finds its heroes. Changzhou, a team yet to register a win in five games, has become a fan favorite for their fight, grit and refusal to give in. Fans flood social media with affectionate memes, and the team’s underdog charm has sparked a local tourism and spending boom.

    “We never used to watch football,” said Xu Huaiyu, a housewife from Changzhou. “Now our whole family gathers for every match and cheers for our home team!”

    On weekends, the league streams across more than 20 platforms. According to Jiangsu TV, the past weekend’s locally televised broadcasts alone pulled in a combined audience of 83.7 million viewers.

    The fever is just as real offline. Bars, plazas and even cinemas across Jiangsu have seen surging crowds for public viewings – scenes typically reserved for the World Cup.

    In Nantong, 34 viewing spots in parks and commercial districts have become makeshift stadiums, filled with chants and applause. In Wuxi, outdoor screens and football-themed night markets serve up beer, barbecue and 90 minutes of grassroots glory under the stars.

    “The phenomenon reflects people’s rising enthusiasm for diverse, mass-participation sports events,” said Li Chao, a spokesperson of China’s National Development and Reform Commission. “It also reveals the immense potential for growth in China’s sports, cultural and tourism industries.”

    Suzhou has gone all in. More than 100 local restaurants, malls and scenic spots are offering discounts to traveling fans. Match ticket holders and visitors from opposing cities can enjoy free entry to over 40 attractions across the city.

    In Nantong, the economic impact is already measurable. On a recent home game Sunday, the city welcomed over 730,000 visitors and generated 420 million yuan (around 58 million U.S. dollars) in tourism revenue, a 44.5 percent and 52.3 percent jump year-over-year, respectively.

    A Jiangsu statistical department’s recent survey of over 3,000 local residents found that nearly 59 percent plan to increase household spending on sports this year – be it gear, training or participation – thanks to the league’s influence.

    “The Su Super League has broken through the walls of traditional competitive sports,” said Ding Xiang, associate professor at Nanjing University. “It’s creating a culture where everyone can talk football, watch football and be part of the experience,” he said. “It’s much like the World Cup at street level, with a ripple effect on diverse consumer behavior.”

    Multiple Jiangsu cities have already moved to capitalize, listing the league as a strategic economic priority for the second half of 2025. At a recent provincial briefing, Jiangsu Governor Xu Kunlin urged officials to “fully leverage the league to drive integration of culture, tourism, sports and commerce, and spark a consumption-led economy.”

    Beyond economic gains, the league is casting new light on youth development. Powerhouse teams like Nantong, who have netted 12 goals in four matches, are largely made up of players from local youth academies. The city has already made football part of high school entrance assessments and boasts over 240 national-level school football programs.

    Even Changzhou, winless but undaunted, is stepping up. The city is preparing a new three-year action plan to expand its youth training system and bring football further into schools.

    In March, German football giants Borussia Dortmund opened a youth training base in Changzhou. Bundesliga-level coaches now train local PE teachers and run regular sessions for students, embedding a global football philosophy into local roots.

    “The Su Super League reminds us of football’s raw passion and purity,” said Bai Yufei, professor at Beijing Sport University. “It’s getting longtime fans even more excited, and it’s bringing new ones into the game. That’s how you grow the sport at the grassroots level.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Concerts, master classes, film screenings will be held as part of the Friendship of Nations festival

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The fifth festival of national hospitality “Friendship of Peoples” will be held at VDNKh from July 3 to 6. Business, entertainment and cultural programs have been prepared for guests.

    The program will include concerts, family entertainment, the International Festival of Culture, Fashion and National Hospitality “Uzoryfest” and much more. In addition, for the first time, the festival will feature two national holidays – the republics of Chuvashia and Udmurtia, as well as a special program for Karachay-Cherkessia. Entrance to most events is free, but some require pre-registration. You can view the program on the official website VDNKh.

    As reported earlier Natalia Sergunina, Deputy Mayor of Moscow, as part of the festival “Friendship of Nations” Around 100 events of various formats are planned: expert discussions, art exhibitions, sports competitions, culinary master classes and tastings.

    The participants of the business program will gather in the congress hall of the Cosmonautics and Aviation Center. They will discuss current issues related to business tourism, fashion, and culture. On July 3 at 1:00 p.m., there will be a panel discussion on the topic of “Going beyond the showcase: how museums are becoming living mediators,” and at 3:00 p.m., there will be a panel discussion on “MICE tourism: a look into the future.” On July 4 at 1:00 p.m., the plenary session “Friendship of Peoples: a variety of formats for interstate events” will begin. To participate in the business program, you must register.

    The festival will take place from July 4 to 6 “Patterns Fest”. It will include two blocks: business and cultural and entertainment. They will be held from 11:00 to 20:00.

    On July 5, from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM, a concert program will be held on the main stage of the festival, located on the square between Pavilion No. 1 “Central” and the “Friendship of Peoples” fountain. It will feature the Moscow State Dance Ensemble “Russian Seasons”, the folk ensemble “Matrena-art”, the Udmurt State Theater of Folk Song and Dance “Aikai”, the folk group “Buranovskie Babushki”, the State Academic Choreographic Ensemble “Berezka” named after N.S. Nadezhdina, the State Academic Honored Dance Ensemble of Dagestan “Lezginka”, the State Song and Dance Ensemble of the Republic of Tatarstan, the State Academic Koryak National Dance Ensemble “Mengo” named after Alexander Gil (Gubernatorsky). The State Song and Dance Ensemble “Sayany” will present the world premiere of a fragment of the first Tuvan ballet “Subedei”. The main role will be played by People’s Artist of Russia Farukh Ruzimov.

    In addition, the People’s Artist of Russia Nadezhda Krygina, the folk song ensemble “Lyubo-milo”, the folk-metal group “Kalevala”, the neofolk group “Balakir”, the ethno-electropunk group Hagrin, as well as the poet and composer Lena Vasilek, the performer from Donetsk Natalia Kachura, the singer Islam Itlyashev, and the first Mari rapper Ship Liy will perform.

    Exhibitions, sports competitions, master classes

    On July 4, events prepared by the Karachay-Cherkess Republic will be held. A documentary photo exhibition dedicated to the 200th anniversary of Cherkessk will open in the southern rose garden. It will introduce visitors to archival and historical footage of the city. The Cosmonautics and Aviation Center will host a tourism presentation of the region as part of the business program. At 1:00 p.m., the VDNKh Culture House will show the play The Marriage of Balzaminov by the Russian Drama and Comedy Theater of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic, and at 4:00 p.m., the feature film The Aul Test will be shown.

    On July 5, the traditional holiday of the Udmurt Republic Gerber will be held. It is held after the end of spring field work to express gratitude to nature, perform symbolic rituals, conduct the first haymaking, cook barley porridge cooked in meat broth, and treat yourself to perepechi. The holiday will begin at 07:00 with a sports race on the northern loop of the VDNKh ring road. The route of the distances can be found atwebsiteYou can also register for the race here.

    Guests will be able to visit an exhibition-fair of goods from young republican entrepreneurs and artisans, an exhibition called “Udmurtia is proud”, lessons in the Udmurt language and film screenings in it, a presentation of books by national writers, as well as watch a concert program and take part in various master classes.

    On July 6, the national holiday of the Chuvash Republic, Akatuy, will take place. Sports competitions in kereshu wrestling will be organized for guests, as well as a special program in the “House of Russian Cuisine”: master classes, a concert, tastings. At 13:45, all those wishing to will walk around the “Friendship of Peoples” fountain in a round dance with the participation of artists in Chuvash costumes.

    At 14:30 there will be a grand opening of the festival, an award ceremony for outstanding Chuvash people, a fashion show in national costumes, and a concert featuring the Chuvash State Academic Song and Dance Ensemble, the classical group “Belcanto”, the folklore and pop ensemble “Syaval”, the vocal group “Yardy” and Avgustina Ulyandina, the Chuvash vocal ensemble “Sespel”, groups of the Chuvash State Philharmonic, and artists of the republican pop scene. From 12:00 to 21:00, an exhibition and fair of products from Chuvash manufacturers will be held at the site near pavilion No. 64.

    Outdoor events of the festival’s information partner are planned on the territory of the Orion Family Theme Park. The program “World Family Starts” will be held on July 3-4 from 17:00 to 20:00 and on July 5 and 6 from 13:00 to 20:00.

    National Pavilion Program

    Pavilion No. 4 (Exhibition and Trade Center of the Kyrgyz Republic) will participate in the festival for the first time. On July 3 and 4, guests will be able to attend a tea ceremony in a decorative yurt, take part in master classes on playing the komuz, attend Kyrgyz language lessons, play the folk board game “ordo” (“alchiki”), and take photos in national costumes.

    On July 3, the exhibition “80 Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War” will open in Pavilion No. 18 (Exhibition and Trade Center of the Republic of Belarus). It is dedicated to the Independence Day of the Republic of Belarus.

    On July 3, the Bel Canto Foundation’s concert “Beauty of Uzbekistan” will be held in Pavilion No. 66 (Exhibition, Cultural and Exposition Center of the Republic of Uzbekistan). Guests will listen to vocal numbers, as well as violin and guitar pieces. In addition, from July 3 to 6, it will be possible to view the interiors of the pavilion.

    On July 5, a master class on cooking the national dish “harisa” with tasting will be held in Pavilion No. 68 (Exhibition and Trade Center of the Republic of Armenia). In addition, musical and dance groups will perform for the guests.

    Good Neighborliness Festival, Equestrian Ceremony, Film Festival

    On July 4, the Children’s Embassy will host the circus program “Circus Lights Up the Lights,” and on July 5, it will host a good-neighborliness festival. Guests will visit a performance, workshops, a beauty gallery, get face painting, and see a clown and jugglers perform.

    On July 5 at 11:45, the equestrian ceremony of the riders of the Kremlin Equestrian School will begin. The route runs from the Center of National Equestrian Traditions to the Druzhby Narodov Square, where a performance with the participation of the orchestra will be held for the spectators. In pavilion No. 42, the Center of National Equestrian Traditions, a program dedicated to Caucasian horse breeds will be presented. It will include educational stories and creative master classes. On July 6 at 12:00, sports events will be held for guests of VDNKh on the site of pavilion No. 27, Physical Education and Sports.

    The Druzhba Narodov film festival will be held at the Cinema Museum at VDNKh. On July 3 at 4:00 PM, guests will be introduced to the festival program and the film Girl with a Guitar will be shown. On July 5 at 4:00 PM, the drama Little Sister will be presented, and on July 6 at 4:00 PM, the film Don’t Bury Me Without Ivan. Detailed information can be found on the website Cinema Museum.

    The Atom Museum invites you to the Atom Unites tour from July 4 to 6 at 19:00, which will open the world of international nuclear energy to visitors. You can register atwebsite. On July 3 at 17:00, there will be a master class “Radiation around: from the Urals to Kamchatka” and a quiz “Through the Arctic ice”. And on July 3 and 4 at 16:00, young visitors will be introduced to social geography at the master class “Across Eurasia with Atom”. You can find out more about it atwebsite.

    The Glavvino pavilion has prepared a special summer set, “Hospitality,” consisting of five Russian wines and snacks to go with them. The set is available for order from July 3 to 6.

    On July 5 at 16:00 in the hall “Krasnostop” (2nd floor of the pavilion “Glavvino”) there will be a tasting “Hospitality” with chef-caviste Vladimir Glukhov. In honor of the festival on the site in front of the pavilion from 15:00 to 22:00 there will be a DJ.

    Holding events for VDNKh guests corresponds to the objectives of the national project “Tourism and Hospitality” and is the most important part of the VDNKh strategy until 2030.

    Project “Summer in Moscow” — the main event of the season. It unites the most vibrant events of the capital. Every day in all districts of the city there are charity, cultural and sports programs, most of which are free. The Summer in Moscow project is being held for the second time, and this season will be more eventful: new, original and colorful festivals and events will be added to the traditional ones.

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

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

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

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/156166073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • Australian govt confirms $2.2 billion funding for 2032 Brisbane Games venues

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Australian government has confirmed it will contribute A$3.435 billion ($2.25 billion) towards the A$7.1 billion cost of building the venues for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, clearing the way for the start of construction.

    Queensland taxpayers and private finance will provide the balance of the money for the 17 new and upgraded venues for the Summer Games under the funding deal announced by state and federal governments on Thursday.

    “The Sydney 2000 Games left an incredible legacy and many Australians have memories that have lasted for decades,” Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said in a statement.

    “We are ready to deliver a Brisbane 2032 games that will leave the same incredible legacy for Queensland.

    “The Australian government’s commitment of A$3.4 billion towards the Games venues is the single largest contribution any Australian government has made towards sporting infrastructure in this country.”

    Brisbane was awarded hosting rights for the Games in 2021 but political wrangling over the venues meant the final plans were not decided until March this year.

    Organising committee chief Andrew Liveris welcomed Thursday’s announcement as a “significant shift in forward momentum”.

    “I thank the Australian and Queensland governments for moving swiftly following the Australian government’s recent return to office to agree on intergovernmental funding that will ensure physical works can get underway …” he said.

    The main stadium, which is estimated to cost A$3.7 billion, will be built in the city’s Victoria Park and seat 60,000 during the Olympics and 3,000 more for Australian Rules football and cricket matches after 2032.

    A new aquatics centre to host the swimming in 2032 will also be built nearby at an estimated cost of A$650 million.

    “Today’s landmark agreement is the beginning of a new partnership that sets the pathway to deliver 2032 as the best Games ever,” said Queensland’s Deputy Prime Minister Jarrod Bleijie.

    “We’ve also launched procurement on four key projects to kickstart the delivery of world-class venues in the delivery plan.

    “I can also announce that we will start site investigations at Victoria Park for Australia’s most exciting sporting precinct that will be home to the new main stadium and the new National Aquatic Centre.”

    Liveris said in May that he did not think any ground would be broken on the two major new venues until the end of 2026.

    The federal government has already committed A$12.4 billion for local transport improvements that the Queensland government believes are necessary for 2032, the statement said.

    (Reuters)

  • Australian govt confirms $2.2 billion funding for 2032 Brisbane Games venues

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Australian government has confirmed it will contribute A$3.435 billion ($2.25 billion) towards the A$7.1 billion cost of building the venues for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, clearing the way for the start of construction.

    Queensland taxpayers and private finance will provide the balance of the money for the 17 new and upgraded venues for the Summer Games under the funding deal announced by state and federal governments on Thursday.

    “The Sydney 2000 Games left an incredible legacy and many Australians have memories that have lasted for decades,” Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said in a statement.

    “We are ready to deliver a Brisbane 2032 games that will leave the same incredible legacy for Queensland.

    “The Australian government’s commitment of A$3.4 billion towards the Games venues is the single largest contribution any Australian government has made towards sporting infrastructure in this country.”

    Brisbane was awarded hosting rights for the Games in 2021 but political wrangling over the venues meant the final plans were not decided until March this year.

    Organising committee chief Andrew Liveris welcomed Thursday’s announcement as a “significant shift in forward momentum”.

    “I thank the Australian and Queensland governments for moving swiftly following the Australian government’s recent return to office to agree on intergovernmental funding that will ensure physical works can get underway …” he said.

    The main stadium, which is estimated to cost A$3.7 billion, will be built in the city’s Victoria Park and seat 60,000 during the Olympics and 3,000 more for Australian Rules football and cricket matches after 2032.

    A new aquatics centre to host the swimming in 2032 will also be built nearby at an estimated cost of A$650 million.

    “Today’s landmark agreement is the beginning of a new partnership that sets the pathway to deliver 2032 as the best Games ever,” said Queensland’s Deputy Prime Minister Jarrod Bleijie.

    “We’ve also launched procurement on four key projects to kickstart the delivery of world-class venues in the delivery plan.

    “I can also announce that we will start site investigations at Victoria Park for Australia’s most exciting sporting precinct that will be home to the new main stadium and the new National Aquatic Centre.”

    Liveris said in May that he did not think any ground would be broken on the two major new venues until the end of 2026.

    The federal government has already committed A$12.4 billion for local transport improvements that the Queensland government believes are necessary for 2032, the statement said.

    (Reuters)

  • Australian govt confirms $2.2 billion funding for 2032 Brisbane Games venues

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Australian government has confirmed it will contribute A$3.435 billion ($2.25 billion) towards the A$7.1 billion cost of building the venues for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, clearing the way for the start of construction.

    Queensland taxpayers and private finance will provide the balance of the money for the 17 new and upgraded venues for the Summer Games under the funding deal announced by state and federal governments on Thursday.

    “The Sydney 2000 Games left an incredible legacy and many Australians have memories that have lasted for decades,” Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said in a statement.

    “We are ready to deliver a Brisbane 2032 games that will leave the same incredible legacy for Queensland.

    “The Australian government’s commitment of A$3.4 billion towards the Games venues is the single largest contribution any Australian government has made towards sporting infrastructure in this country.”

    Brisbane was awarded hosting rights for the Games in 2021 but political wrangling over the venues meant the final plans were not decided until March this year.

    Organising committee chief Andrew Liveris welcomed Thursday’s announcement as a “significant shift in forward momentum”.

    “I thank the Australian and Queensland governments for moving swiftly following the Australian government’s recent return to office to agree on intergovernmental funding that will ensure physical works can get underway …” he said.

    The main stadium, which is estimated to cost A$3.7 billion, will be built in the city’s Victoria Park and seat 60,000 during the Olympics and 3,000 more for Australian Rules football and cricket matches after 2032.

    A new aquatics centre to host the swimming in 2032 will also be built nearby at an estimated cost of A$650 million.

    “Today’s landmark agreement is the beginning of a new partnership that sets the pathway to deliver 2032 as the best Games ever,” said Queensland’s Deputy Prime Minister Jarrod Bleijie.

    “We’ve also launched procurement on four key projects to kickstart the delivery of world-class venues in the delivery plan.

    “I can also announce that we will start site investigations at Victoria Park for Australia’s most exciting sporting precinct that will be home to the new main stadium and the new National Aquatic Centre.”

    Liveris said in May that he did not think any ground would be broken on the two major new venues until the end of 2026.

    The federal government has already committed A$12.4 billion for local transport improvements that the Queensland government believes are necessary for 2032, the statement said.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI China: Carrier CNS Shandong arrives in HK for maiden visit 2025-07-03 13:24:10 The nation’s first domestically built aircraft carrier, the CNS Shandong, sailed into Hong Kong Special Administrative Region waters on Thursday on its maiden visit to the city, accompanied by a powerful escort fleet.

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

    The People’s Liberation Army’s aircraft carrier CNS Shandong arrives in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on July 3 to mark the 28th anniversary of the city’s return to the motherland. The fleet will leave Hong Kong on July 7. [Photo by Edmond Tang/China Daily]

    The nation’s first domestically built aircraft carrier, the CNS Shandong, sailed into Hong Kong Special Administrative Region waters on Thursday on its maiden visit to the city, accompanied by a powerful escort fleet.

    The sprawling carrier, alongside three escort ships — the Yan’an (Type 055 destroyer), Zhanjiang (Type 052D destroyer), and Yuncheng (Type 054A frigate) — received a grand water salute as they sailed into Hong Kong waters and toward Victoria Harbor at around 8:00 am, drawing cheers from enthusiastic crowds gathered along the waterfront.

    The Shandong‘s massive flight deck — standing 20 stories tall and spanning two football fields — showcased 10 fighter jets alongside a formation of more than 700 sailors spelling out guoan jiahao, a Chinese phrase meaning “a secure nation ensures thriving families”.

    Shandong‘s visit makes Hong Kong the only city to have played host to two serving Chinese carriers, following CNS Liaoning‘s 2017 visit for the handover’s 20th anniversary.

    The People’s Liberation Army’s aircraft carrier CNS Shandong arrives in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on July 3 to mark the 28th anniversary of the city’s return to the motherland. The fleet will leave Hong Kong on July 7. [Photo by Edmond Tang/China Daily]

    A welcoming ceremony will be held at 10 am at the Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks — the People’s Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison’s naval base on Stonecutters Island — where Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu will deliver a speech.

    The fleet’s five-day stay in Hong Kong — which includes exclusive public tours — came on the heels of the July 1 celebrations marking the 28th anniversary of the city’s return to the motherland.

    The timing also aligns with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, blending military display with anti-war themes.

    Shandong‘s arrival has been greeted with enthusiasm on social media, as Hong Kong residents eagerly shared tips on prime viewing locations to watch the carrier group’s passage through the scenic East Lamma Channel — the waterway separating Hong Kong Island from Lamma Island — before its final docking.

    The People’s Liberation Army’s aircraft carrier CNS Shandong arrives in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on July 3 to mark the 28th anniversary of the city’s return to the motherland. The fleet will leave Hong Kong on July 7. [Photo by Edmond Tang/China Daily]

    The PLA HK garrison has distributed 10,000 free tickets through its WeChat account, with 2,000 allocated for tours of the Shandong anchored near Victoria Harbor.

    The remaining tickets will provide access to the guided-missile destroyer Zhanjiang and frigate Yuncheng docked at Stonecutters Island.

    Commissioned in December 2019, Shandong ushered in China’s “dual-carrier era”, joining the Liaoning, the nation’s first carrier commissioned in 2012.

    Shandong surpasses the Liaoning with a larger deck, expanded hangar, streamlined control tower, and upgraded radar and weaponry.

    The People’s Liberation Army’s aircraft carrier CNS Shandong arrives in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on July 3 to mark the 28th anniversary of the city’s return to the motherland. The fleet will leave Hong Kong on July 7. [Photo by Edmond Tang/China Daily]

    The escort fleet underscores China’s shipbuilding prowess.

    For example, the Yan’an, named after a revolutionary base in Northwest China, features stealth and hypersonic missile capabilities, though it is not open to the public this time.

    Meanwhile, the Zhanjiang — nicknamed Chinese Shield — and Yuncheng, a veteran of anti-piracy missions, reflect the navy’s global operational reach.

    The Ministry of National Defense has said that the visit aims to demonstrate military modernization achievements and the country’s commitment to national security.

    Hong Kong legislators have praised the event as a “living patriotic lesson” highlighting China’s military and industrial advancements.

    The People’s Liberation Army’s aircraft carrier CNS Shandong arrives in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on July 3 to mark the 28th anniversary of the city’s return to the motherland. The fleet will leave Hong Kong on July 7. [Photo by Edmond Tang/China Daily]

    Hong Kong residents and military enthusiasts gather at High West Viewing Point on Thursday morning to photograph the the CNS Shandong. [Photo by Adam Lam/China Daily]

    Hong Kong residents and military enthusiasts gather at High West Viewing Point on Thursday morning to photograph the the CNS Shandong. [Photo by Adam Lam/China Daily]

    Hong Kong residents and military enthusiasts gather at High West Viewing Point on Thursday morning to photograph the CNS Shandong. [Photo by Adam Lam/China Daily]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Wraps Up Anti-Scam Month with Over 65% of Participants Successfully Identifying Crypto Fraud Tactics

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has successfully concluded its 2025 Anti-Scam Month, a global initiative aimed at elevating user awareness and resilience against Web3 fraud. Throughout June, Bitget rolled out a series of gamified education tools, expert collaborations, and industry research to confront the rising threat of AI-enabled scams and security breaches across the crypto ecosystem.

    At the heart of the campaign was the Smarter Eyes Challenge, an interactive comic-based mini-game simulating real-life scam scenarios—from phishing and social engineering to fake token approvals. While only 8.60% of participants spotted all traps on their first attempt, a striking 65.41% eventually passed all three levels after receiving guided security clues, underscoring both the scale of the awareness gap and the campaign’s tangible impact.

    Bitget published six in-depth blog posts tackling common attack vectors like SMS spoofing, fake apps, and high-risk tokens. Over 80% of users scored full marks in follow-up security quizzes, signaling a sharp improvement in scam detection capabilities following the campaign’s educational content.

    Another flagship milestone was the release of Bitget’s 2025 Anti-Scam Research Report, co-authored with blockchain security leaders SlowMist and Elliptic. The report revealed that global crypto scam losses surpassed $4.6 billion in 2024, with deepfakes and social engineering responsible for the majority of high-value attacks. The findings spotlighted the growing sophistication of AI-driven fraud, including synthetic public figure videos, Trojan-laced job offers, and fake Zoom calls used to deceive victims.

    Throughout the month, Bitget convened key voices in Web3 security—including Hacken, GoPlus, BlockSec, and Security Alliance—for an Anti-Scam X Space discussion. Experts weighed in on future threats, the evolving role of collaboration, and how users, platforms, and audit firms can work together to build a safer digital asset environment.

    “Anti-Scam Month reflects our belief that education is the first line of defense in crypto security,” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. “By turning passive users into active defenders, we’re laying the groundwork for a more resilient ecosystem. And this is only the beginning—the Anti-Scam Hub will remain open year-round as a permanent resource for our global community.”

    Echoing this sentiment, Yevheniia Broshevan, Co-Founder & CBDO at Hacken, said, “Anti-Scam Month by Bitget is a fantastic initiative and a powerful example for the industry, demonstrating how companies can raise awareness, educate users, and reduce the risk of future hacks. Education truly is a vital part of this journey.”

    Yajin (Andy) Zhou, Co-Founder & CEO at BlockSec, added, “Hackers study user habits, such as copying addresses from transaction histories. Security efforts must focus on proactive defenses rather than blaming users. Security is not a solo battlefield. Blockchain platforms, compliance tools, and security firms must share threat intelligence to build a united defense system.”

    Michael Lewellen, Technical Council at Security Alliance, emphasized, “Security isn’t about being impossible to hack or scam users. It’s just being hard enough to discourage threat actors from investing effort in the attempt. We need to harden Web3 infrastructure enough so that this ecosystem is no longer an easy, profitable target.”

    The Bitget Anti-Scam Hub, now permanently live, offers users ongoing access to practical safety guides, real-time scam indicators, the official verification channel, and a crypto safety kit with 24/7 global support.

    For more details, please visit the Bitget Anti-Scam Hub here.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 120 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a leading non-custodial crypto wallet supporting 130+ blockchains and millions of tokens. It offers multi-chain trading, staking, payments, and direct access to 20,000+ DApps, with advanced swaps and market insights built into a single platform. Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet
    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a8d159ce-8a24-4435-a26b-bbe8c16cee3d

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Wraps Up Anti-Scam Month with Over 65% of Participants Successfully Identifying Crypto Fraud Tactics

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has successfully concluded its 2025 Anti-Scam Month, a global initiative aimed at elevating user awareness and resilience against Web3 fraud. Throughout June, Bitget rolled out a series of gamified education tools, expert collaborations, and industry research to confront the rising threat of AI-enabled scams and security breaches across the crypto ecosystem.

    At the heart of the campaign was the Smarter Eyes Challenge, an interactive comic-based mini-game simulating real-life scam scenarios—from phishing and social engineering to fake token approvals. While only 8.60% of participants spotted all traps on their first attempt, a striking 65.41% eventually passed all three levels after receiving guided security clues, underscoring both the scale of the awareness gap and the campaign’s tangible impact.

    Bitget published six in-depth blog posts tackling common attack vectors like SMS spoofing, fake apps, and high-risk tokens. Over 80% of users scored full marks in follow-up security quizzes, signaling a sharp improvement in scam detection capabilities following the campaign’s educational content.

    Another flagship milestone was the release of Bitget’s 2025 Anti-Scam Research Report, co-authored with blockchain security leaders SlowMist and Elliptic. The report revealed that global crypto scam losses surpassed $4.6 billion in 2024, with deepfakes and social engineering responsible for the majority of high-value attacks. The findings spotlighted the growing sophistication of AI-driven fraud, including synthetic public figure videos, Trojan-laced job offers, and fake Zoom calls used to deceive victims.

    Throughout the month, Bitget convened key voices in Web3 security—including Hacken, GoPlus, BlockSec, and Security Alliance—for an Anti-Scam X Space discussion. Experts weighed in on future threats, the evolving role of collaboration, and how users, platforms, and audit firms can work together to build a safer digital asset environment.

    “Anti-Scam Month reflects our belief that education is the first line of defense in crypto security,” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. “By turning passive users into active defenders, we’re laying the groundwork for a more resilient ecosystem. And this is only the beginning—the Anti-Scam Hub will remain open year-round as a permanent resource for our global community.”

    Echoing this sentiment, Yevheniia Broshevan, Co-Founder & CBDO at Hacken, said, “Anti-Scam Month by Bitget is a fantastic initiative and a powerful example for the industry, demonstrating how companies can raise awareness, educate users, and reduce the risk of future hacks. Education truly is a vital part of this journey.”

    Yajin (Andy) Zhou, Co-Founder & CEO at BlockSec, added, “Hackers study user habits, such as copying addresses from transaction histories. Security efforts must focus on proactive defenses rather than blaming users. Security is not a solo battlefield. Blockchain platforms, compliance tools, and security firms must share threat intelligence to build a united defense system.”

    Michael Lewellen, Technical Council at Security Alliance, emphasized, “Security isn’t about being impossible to hack or scam users. It’s just being hard enough to discourage threat actors from investing effort in the attempt. We need to harden Web3 infrastructure enough so that this ecosystem is no longer an easy, profitable target.”

    The Bitget Anti-Scam Hub, now permanently live, offers users ongoing access to practical safety guides, real-time scam indicators, the official verification channel, and a crypto safety kit with 24/7 global support.

    For more details, please visit the Bitget Anti-Scam Hub here.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 120 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a leading non-custodial crypto wallet supporting 130+ blockchains and millions of tokens. It offers multi-chain trading, staking, payments, and direct access to 20,000+ DApps, with advanced swaps and market insights built into a single platform. Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet
    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a8d159ce-8a24-4435-a26b-bbe8c16cee3d

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Overtourism is reshaping communities in Europe – could Australia be next?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Freya Higgins-Desbiolles, Adjunct professor and adjunct senior lecturer in tourism management, University of South Australia

    Bumble Dee/Shutterstock

    A media frenzy erupted over the recent Jeff Bezos “wedding of the century” in Venice.

    Also notable were the public protests that showed tensions around tourism, especially mass tourism, are increasing. Leading the action was the activist collective No space for Bezos, which declared:

    [This wedding] is at the expense of those who live, work, and study in this city [and who are] already faced with countless difficulties after years of mass tourism.

    They complained Venice had been turned into a “private amusement park” for the rich. Locals were fighting for what they describe as a “living Venice”, not a tourism playground.

    The backlash against overtourism is sparking protests across several countries. It has even prompted the US State Department to urge travellers to be cautious when heading to Europe this summer.

    Growth at all costs

    Local residents feel their communities are being reshaped to cater for visitors, and are pushing back against what they call the “touristification” of place.

    Touristification describes a situation where locals fear their home towns and cities are being developed, designed and managed to attract and accommodate tourists.

    This touristification process benefits commerce and industries that profit from catering to visitors. Everyone else misses out, or is literally pushed out by rising housing costs.

    At the heart of this polarising issue are some key questions. Are such places “tourism destinations” or do they belong to the local people who live there? Whose interests should prevail when tourism growth exacerbates tensions?

    These issues are being thoroughly investigated, including through a project I am involved in – Chronic Emergencies and Ecosocial Transformations in Touristified Coastal Spaces. Such research is focused on understanding the problems of tourism and co-designing solutions with communities.

    Continual growth in tourism is one of the guiding principles the industry promotes. It is this “growth fetish” that is catalysing overtourism and unsustainability. This is when tourism exceeds the local social and ecological carrying capacity of a place.

    It means there are simply too many tourists, and the impact is poorly managed.

    Aussie hotspots

    The dynamics of overtourism are emerging in some Australian locations. This includes popular coastal destinations such as Byron Bay and small towns along the scenic Great Ocean Road.

    Some places are overwhelmed by short-term overtourism. This may be the result of mega cruise ship visits or viral postings on social media, such as images of Western Australia’s popular pink lakes.

    Byron Bay offers a telling example. It has evolved from a place attractive for alternative lifestyles, to a magnet for social media influencers and the location for the Netflix series Byron Baes.

    As a result, Byron Bay is the epitome of overtourism in Australia. Local housing, for instance, is being sacrificed for holiday rentals, facilitated by agencies such as Airbnb.

    Not surprisingly, there is growing local resistance to tourism overwhelming the sense of place.

    Is Australia in danger of touristification?

    If we aren’t careful, popular opposition to mass tourism will continue to grow here in Australia.

    But whether we see the European phenomenon of touristification is harder to discern.

    It may already be evident when environmental and social regulations are overturned to make development processes more friendly to the tourism industry.

    Projects can be fast tracked if they are declared a high-priority “major development”, which allows governments to override restrictive regulations. Anti-red-tape rhetoric is clear in Queensland’s tourism strategy harnessing the growth power of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

    Another example of touristification may be when taxpayer-funded events are run for branding presence on a national or international stage rather, than for the benefit of the surrounding community.

    For example, the South Australian government found itself in hot water when its tourism commission held a marketing event featuring a Sam Smith concert at d’Arenberg winery. Social media influencers were invited to attend – many from interstate with all expenses paid – but locals weren’t welcome.

    It also occurs when public commons are appropriated for tourism purposes, including national parks and protected areas, public spaces and beaches.

    Another example – again from South Australia – involves the decision to move the annual LIV Golf tournament to the Adelaide Parklands from 2028. The state government is being accused of a public land grab. The Adelaide community loves these heritage listed parklands and has resisted attempts to co-opt their use for private interests for decades.

    Reclaimining a sense of place

    Ultimately, in places like Venice, Bali and even in Byron Bay, local communities do not feel heard or empowered by tourism models which are focused on growth.

    Their protest actions are designed to ensure their quality of life is not undermined in the process of catering to tourists. It is a struggle for reclaiming places as local people’s homes, rather than as tourist destinations.

    While locations can be shared, tourism must be better managed so locals don’t find their homes unrecognisable – or even worse, find themselves displaced.

    Freya Higgins-Desbiolles is a collaborator on a project led by colleagues at the University of the Balearic Islands entitled ‘Chronic Emergencies and Ecosocial Transformations in Touristified Coastal Spaces’. This article is part of the R+D+i PID2022-137648OB-C21 financed by MICIU/AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033 and by “ERDF, EU”.

    – ref. Overtourism is reshaping communities in Europe – could Australia be next? – https://theconversation.com/overtourism-is-reshaping-communities-in-europe-could-australia-be-next-260173

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Porirua launches Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities Work Programme (ROCC)

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Porirua has officially joined the rollout of the Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities (ROCC) work programme – a collaborative, community-led initiative designed to address the social conditions that enable organised crime and to support lasting change for whanau.

    The launch, held at the Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua today (Thursday 3 July) brought together local and national leaders to celebrate the expansion of the programme. Associate Minister of Police, the Honourable Casey Costello formally marked the occasion alongside key partners including Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, Police, and the Greater Wellington Regional Public Service. 

    ROCC supports communities to respond to harm in ways that are locally led, socially grounded and enduring. The programme recognises that enforcement alone is not enough – lasting impact comes from working alongside whānau, iwi, and local organisations to address the drivers of harm.

    Kāpiti-Mana Area Commander Inspector Renée Perkins welcomed the programme as a huge opportunity to make a difference to families and communities impacted by organised crime.

    “We know that that ROCC works and what sets it apart is its commitment to coordinated, wraparound responses – that is Police, iwi, partner agencies and community working side by side.

    “Enforcement is an important part of reducing harm in our communities, but we also know the reality of whānau left behind when a loved one is arrested, or imprisoned. At the heart of the ROCC community plan is building a resilient, strong, and thriving Porirua – which says to whānau, the whole system and community are here to support you through the tough times.

    “ROCC can be a game changer for whānau impacted by organised crime, and for the wider Porirua community,” she said.

    The ROCC in Porirua team is focused on building trust, strengthening local relationships, and supporting sustainable solutions.

    Steve Johnson from Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira said “The most powerful voices shaping ROCC are the voices of lived experience. People who’ve seen addiction tear through their whanau. Who’ve watched their children fall into harm. Who’ve fought their way back from darkness.
    “The people who know what works are the ones who’ve walked the path. That’s why lived experience isn’t just included in ROCC. Its centred,” he said.

    The ROCC Work Programme in Porirua has four key focus areas which have been identified as priorities by the local community:

    • Addressing the social drivers and harms associated with methamphetamine use.
    • Preventing intergenerational harm by disrupting pathways into organised crime. 
    • Persons impacted by methamphetamine and its associated harms.
    • Rangatahi (youth) on the pathway into organised crime (and their families)

    Associate Minister of Police Hon Casey Costello said: “The coalition government is strongly focused on law and order and making our communities safer. We are committed to developing a sustainable funding model for ROCC so that communities are supported to develop responses to organised crime that work for them.”

    She pointed to ROCC’s clear value, in Tauranga and Opotiki where, where ROCC teams helped local communities after enforcement activity targeted gangs and meth supply – pairing law enforcement with on-the-ground social support.

    Porirua’s approach exemplifies the wider ROCC kaupapa: community-led, regionally supported and nationally enabled. It centres community voices and leadership, especially those with lived experience, while building trusted partnerships across agencies.

    The Porirua event was an opportunity to reflect the Porirua community’s perseverance towards long-term, sustainable change and will be embedded in community, led with manaakitanga, and focused on connection and celebration.

    Porirua Community representative Tania Carr says Porirua has never waited to be told what to do—we lead from within. This kaupapa reflects that. It’s grounded in our people, our history, and our belief that real change happens when community leads and agencies walk alongside.

    A central feature of the launch, was the unveiling of a powerful mural, co-designed by local rangatahi and a Porirua based artist. The mural represents resilience, whakapapa, and the strength of the community in the face of adversity. It stands as a visual reminder of the kaupapa behind ROCC – that lasting change is rooted in connection, identity, and hope for the future.

    The event also celebrated the community’s vision for its rangatahi with a dedicated youth event   following the formalities offered a safe, fun environment during the school holidays. The space was designed in response to recent school holiday periods that saw over $70,000 in damage across schools in Porirua – a stark reminder of the need for positive outlets for young people.

    “Sports give rangatahi more than just something to do – it gives them a team, a purpose and a reason to stay on the right track” says Steve Johnson.

    This kind of prevention-focused, community designed solution is exactly what ROCC exists to support. The programme is about responding to harm – but also about creating space for hope, healing, and change.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Woltemade goes off-grid as Bayern-Stuttgart transfer saga grows

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

    As speculation swirls over his future, Germany’s breakout football star Nick Woltemade has taken a step back – literally disappearing from the public eye while on vacation with his family.

    Nick Woltemade (L) of VfB Stuttgart vies with Kim Min-Jae of Bayern Munich during the first division of Bundesliga match between VfB Stuttgart and Bayern Munich in Stuttgart, Germany, Feb. 28, 2025. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)

    The 23-year-old Stuttgart striker, whose rise from squad player to national team member has been one of the most remarkable stories in German football over the past year, is now at the center of a high-profile transfer battle between Stuttgart and Bayern Munich.

    While media reports continue to speculate on the transfer fee, Woltemade’s departure from Stuttgart appears increasingly inevitable, despite his status as a fan favorite at the club.

    Bayern’s interest in the forward was leaked two weeks ago, drawing criticism and casting sporting director Max Eberl and the Bavarian club in an unflattering light for prematurely unsettling the player before the official opening of the transfer window on July 1.

    Having failed in pursuits of players like Florian Wirtz, Jamie Gittens, Nico Williams and Bradley Barcola, Bayern now appears determined to land Woltemade. German media reports suggest the player and Bayern have already reached a personal agreement on a contract through 2029, worth a reported 7.5 million euros (8.8 million U.S. dollars) annually plus bonuses.

    Woltemade remains under contract with Stuttgart until 2028, adding another layer of complexity to the negotiations.

    Former German international and Stuttgart legend Karl-Heinz Forster offered a candid assessment, telling local media: “As hard as it might sound for Stuttgart, Woltemade is going to leave.”

    Woltemade’s meteoric rise has been one of the most talked-about stories in German football. After joining Stuttgart as a free agent from Werder Bremen in the summer of 2024, he quickly became a key figure, culminating in finishing last month’s UEFA U21 European Championship as top goalscorer.

    Bayern views Woltemade as a long-term successor to veteran forward Thomas Muller. Bayern coach Vincent Kompany reportedly outlined the club’s plans for him during a recent video call.

    While Bayern continues its campaign at the FIFA Club World Cup, with a quarterfinal against Paris Saint-Germain scheduled for Saturday, Eberl has returned to Europe to finalize talks with Stuttgart.

    Direct negotiations between the two clubs reportedly began after the transfer window officially opened on Tuesday. With the window running until September 1, Woltemade is expected to return from his holiday to find clarity on where he will be playing next season. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Sporting organisations

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    Your organisation will be exempt from income tax, and can self-assess its exemption, if it meets all of the following requirements:

    • it’s a not-for-profit society, association or club
    • it’s established for the purpose of encouragement of either of the following
      • a game or sport
      • animal racing
    • it’s not a charity
    • it meets one of the 3 following tests 
      • physical presence in Australia test
      • DGR test
      • prescribed by law test
    • it complies with all the substantive requirements in its governing rules
    • it applies its income and assets solely for the purpose for which it is established.

    Taxation Ruling TR 2022/2 Income tax: the games and sports exemption provides detailed guidance for organisations seeking additional information to determine whether they are entitled to self-assess as income tax exempt.

    If all of your organisation’s purposes are charitable purposes for the public benefit and you do not have any independent non-charitable purposes, your organisation cannot self-assess as income tax exempt under this category. Your organisation will need to be registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and receive our endorsement to access an income tax exemption.

    For more information on what is a charitable purpose, see the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission’s websiteExternal Link.

    Society, association or club

    A society, association or club is an entity made up of people who have come together to implement a common purpose.

    An individual, or an incorporated body that has only one member, is not a society, association or club. A fund which only holds money to support activities carried out by other entities is also not a society, association or club.

    The members of a society, association or club do not need to be natural persons. They can be an association of other entities.

    Main purpose

    The main purpose of the society, association or club must be encouragement of a game or sport, or animal racing. To work out your organisation’s main purpose, look at its:

    • constituent documents
    • activities
    • use of funds
    • history.

    Any other purpose of the organisation must be incidental, ancillary or secondary to encouragement of a game or sport, or animal racing.

    For example, if your organisation’s main purpose is providing social and recreational facilities and activities, it won’t be exempt. This is the case even if your organisation also gives money to encourage games, sports or animal racing.

    Example 1: not for the encouragement of a game or sport

    An NFP club’s main operations are providing dining, gaming and leisure facilities at its clubhouse. It gives a minor yearly grant to an associated rowing club but is not involved in rowing itself.

    The club doesn’t qualify for the exemption.

    End of example

    Example 2: car appreciation club (not encouraging a game or sport)

    Classic Car Club (the Club) is an NFP association that holds events for enthusiasts of a particular make of car. The Club’s events are focused on providing attendees with information on how to maintain their cars and opportunities to build networks with each other.

    The Club’s main purpose is to promote a common interest in a particular make of car, as opposed to encouraging a game or sport.

    The Club doesn’t qualify for the exemption.

    End of example

    Example 3: recreational fishing activities (not encouraging a game or sport)

    The One That Got Away Club (the Club) provides services and amenities for people who like to fish in the bay near the clubhouse and in surrounding watercourses. The services provided include weather and boating information, guest speakers and a bar and canteen which open daily. Members-only competitions are held once a month.

    While a fishing competition can be a sport, the Club’s main purpose is to provide services and amenities for members to do recreational fishing. The Club was not formed for the main purpose of encouraging a game or sport.

    The Club doesn’t qualify for the exemption.

    End of example

    Example 4: club with sporting facilities occasionally conducting sporting activities for members (not encouraging a game or sport)

    Our Community Club (the Club) is an NFP association which was initially established for networking purposes, but now also provides dining, entertainment, gym and sporting facilities for its members. Occasionally, the Club organises member-only sporting competitions using its sporting facilities.

    Whilst the Club occasionally organises sporting competitions for its members, the Club’s main purpose is to provide a broad variety of services and facilities to its members and encourage social and networking activities among its members.

    The Club doesn’t qualify for the exemption.

    End of example

    Example 5: services to members with incidental sporting activities – ski lodge (not encouraging a game or sport)

    Super Ski Club (the Club) is an NFP association which owns and operates a ski lodge. It was originally established to provide accommodation for its members to regularly participate in recreational skiing and snowboarding. When the Club’s lodging facilities are not fully used by its members, they are made available to the public on a commercial basis.

    The Club is affiliated with an association (the Association) which regularly holds snow sports competitions. The Club allows the Association to use its lodging facilities for meetings and equipment storage on an inconsistent basis. The Club also makes its lodging facilities available at discounted rates to individuals competing in the Association’s competitions, provided they are not already reserved by its members. The Club doesn’t enter any teams into any sporting competitions itself.

    The Club’s main purpose is the provision of accommodation to its members. The substantial and prioritised member usage of the Club’s lodging facilities, inconsistent support provided to the Association and lack of direct involvement in any sporting competitions indicates that the encouragement of a game or sport is not the Club’s main purpose.

    The Club doesn’t qualify for the exemption.

    End of example

    Game or sport

    The terms ‘game’ and ‘sport’ are not defined and take their ordinary meaning. Games and sports extend to athletic games or sports (such as football and swimming) and non-athletic games (such as chess and bridge).

    They don’t extend to:

    • stamp-collecting
    • keeping and showing pets
    • making model railways
    • maintaining vintage cars
    • various social and recreational pursuits.

    Encouragement of a game or sport extends to less direct means such as:

    • research or testing
    • developing referees
    • providing sporting facilities.

    Example 6: for the encouragement of a game or sport

    An NFP association’s purpose is to provide a sports ground for use by the local hockey, soccer and cricket clubs.

    The association will qualify for the exemption if it is not a charity and it also meets the other requirements.

    End of example

    Example 7: rallying and track racing club (encouraging a game or sport)

    Riverstone Rally Club (the Club) is an NFP association that holds rallying and track racing activities. It is managed by a committee of members that actively participate in competitive rallying and track racing.

    The Club owns and maintains a local motorsport circuit, which is available for public usage. It regularly hosts rallying and track racing contests on its circuit and participates in state and national-level competitions.

    The Club’s main purpose is to encourage a game or sport. It will qualify for the exemption.

    End of example

    Example 8: ski club (encouraging a game or sport)

    Aussie Alps Ski Club (the Club) is an NFP association. The Club’s governing document states it has been set up to promote snow sports. The Club’s management committee consists of former snow sports athletes.

    The Club owns and operates a snow sports lodge and training and conditioning facility, which are available to the public (at commercial rates) and to a development snow sports squad selected by a national snow sports body (at no cost).

    The Club also regularly hosts skiing competitions. The Club consistently uses most of its profits to cover the training, accommodation and travel fees of skiing athletes representing Australia in the Olympics.

    The Club’s main purpose is to encourage a game or sport. It will qualify for the exemption.

    End of example

    Animal racing

    The income tax exemption includes horse racing, trotting and greyhound racing, and the racing of other animals.

    If your organisation doesn’t meet all the requirements for exemption for this category, you should check the other exemption categories in Eligible types of income tax exempt organisations.

    Early self-review worksheet for sporting organisations with multiple purposes

    Sporting organisations with multiple purposes can use the Working out your club’s income tax status worksheet (PDF, 220KB) when conducting an early self-review of their income tax status. The worksheet includes a schedule to help sporting organisations with multiple purposes weigh up their features and work out their main purpose.

    Once completed, the worksheet should be kept for your records. It does not need to be sent to the ATO.

    It is important to note that non-charitable NFPs with an active ABN, including sporting organisations, must lodge an annual NFP self-review return to notify their eligibility to self-assess income tax exemption.

    The worksheet is not a substitute for the lodgment of the NFP self-review return. However, if your sporting organisation has multiple purposes, the worksheet may help your sporting organisation work out its main purpose, so that it may accurately complete its NFP self-review return.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: $HAREHOLDER ALERT: Class Action Attorney Juan Monteverde Investigates the Merger of Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp. (NASDAQ: BGFV)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Class Action Attorney Juan Monteverde with Monteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2024 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. The firm is headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and is investigating Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp. (NASDAQ: BGFV) related to its sale to a partnership comprised of Worldwide Golf and Capitol Hill for $1.45 share in cash without interest to Big 5 Sporting Goods shareholders. Is it a fair deal?

    Click here for more info https://monteverdelaw.com/case/big-5-sporting-goods-corp/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE EQUAL. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask:

    1. Do you file class actions and go to Court?
    2. When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders?
    3. What cases did you recover money in and how much?

    About Monteverde & Associates PC

    Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders…and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. 

    No one is above the law. If you own common stock in the above listed company and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

    Contact:
    Juan Monteverde, Esq.
    MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC
    The Empire State Building
    350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740
    New York, NY 10118
    United States of America
    jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com
    Tel: (212) 971-1341

    Attorney Advertising. (C) 2025 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com).  Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

    The MIL Network –