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Category: Transport

  • MIL-Evening Report: View from The Hill: Albanese shifts Tanya Plibersek from environment, in favour of ‘can-do’ Murray Watt

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    The reshuffle announced by Anthony Albanese is a mix of continuity and change, with those in the government’s top rank staying in their previous ministries, as the prime minister had earlier flagged, but some big movements down the line.

    Tanya Plibersek, in the past a left factional rival to Albanese, has received what many see as another hospital pass, moving from environment and water to social services.

    But her new portfolio does include domestic violence, a policy passion of hers, and is less tricky in terms of her left-leaning electorate than her previous post.

    Plibersek’s former portfolio is taken by Murray Watt, a can-do Queenslander who is likely to speed up development approvals.

    His appointment will be welcomed by the development-oriented Western Australian Labor government, which played a key role in frustrating Plibersek’s attempt to get a deal with the crossbench on the “nature positive” legislation.

    Watt’s previous post of employment and workplace relations – which he held for less than a year – goes to Amanda Rishworth, formerly in social services.

    After the sensational factional removal of Mark Dreyfus, the prized attorney-general position goes to Michelle Rowland, who was communications minister. Rowland was a senior telecommunications lawyer with Gilbert + Tobin, but lacks Dreyfus’ distinguished legal background.

    Ed Husic, also the victim of the factional power play in the right, is replaced by Tim Ayres, from the left, in both cabinet and the industry portfolio. Ayres, formerly an assistant minister, is a close confidant of Albanese.

    On another front, the Muslim Husic is replaced in cabinet by another Muslim, Anne Aly, promoted from the outer ministry, and taking a grab bag of responsibilities: small business, international development and multicultural affairs.

    Aly’s promotion may partially soothe the Muslim voices who have reacted sharply to Husic’s treatment. The Jewish community will be less placated: with the demise of Dreyfus there is no Jew in the ministry. Josh Burns, who is Jewish, has been made a special envoy for social housing and homelessness.

    The post of special envoy for social cohesion has been scrapped – Albanese said “we will continue to work as a whole government of social cohesion”.

    Sam Rae, a numbers man for Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, whom Marles shoehorned into the ministry, becomes minister for aged care and seniors, a testing job for a man who made his reputation in running Labor campaigning.

    One of the most potentially significant moves is the shift of the National Disability Insurance Scheme to come under Health Minister Mark Butler.

    In the last term Bill Shorten, father of the scheme, who was responsible for the NDIS and government services, undertook significant reform of the NDIS, which had become a sink for money.

    Albanese told his news conference the NDIS belonged with health. The question is whether Butler will continue to drive the reform process, which still has a significant way to go. The junior minister for the NDIS will be Jenny McAllister, praised by Albanese for her grasp of detail.

    Anika Wells, who was put in cabinet in January, continues up the escalator, moving from aged care to communications.

    She will still hold sport. She comes from Queensland, which is preparing for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, and Albanese is anxious for continuity in the role. Responsibility for sport is being moved from the Department of Health to the Department of Infrastructure.

    Some sources question the linkage of communications and sport as presenting potential conflicts of interest, given the communications portfolio deals with gambling advertising and broadcast rights.

    Tony Burke remains in home affairs but will get responsibility for the Australian Federal Police and ASIO, which came under Dreyfus (originally both were in home affairs under the Liberals).

    But the attorney-general will be “cross sworn” into both agencies. Albanese said there had been issues about information-sharing during the so-called caravan incident. This was a reference to the criminal hoax involving a caravan found in Sydney filled with explosives, when there were problems in communications between various state and federal agencies.

    Newcomer to the ministry Daniel Mulino, from the Victorian right, who has a PhD in economics from Yale, was an obvious choice for assistant treasurer, in the outer ministry. Andrew Charlton, former economic adviser to Kevin Rudd, has been appointed cabinet secretary and an assistant minister.

    Another new minister, Jess Walsh, takes early childhood education and youth, in the outer ministry.

    The highly qualified Andrew Leigh continues as an assistant minister. His failure to be promoted is the price for not being in a faction. He will be assistant minister for productivity, competition, charities and treasury – dropping employment but adding productivity.

    Given treasurer Chalmers’ current emphasis on productivity, this should give some more scope to Leigh.

    One notable new special envoy post is for men’s health, which goes to Dan Repacholi, a champion sporting shooter.

    Nationals re-elect leader David Littleproud

    Nationals leader David Littleproud has retained the leadership, holding off a challenge from Senator Matt Canavan, who called for a drastic realignment of policy including ditching the 2050 net zero emissions commitment.

    Kevin Hogan was elected deputy. A supporter of Littleproud, he replaces Perin Davey, who lost her Senate seat at the election.

    The Nationals do not release vote numbers.

    Bridget McKenzie remains Senate leader of the party.

    Littleproud said the party would review “all our policies”.

    A major issue is whether it will hold to the 2050 commitment, about which there is considerable internal scepticism.

    Michelle Grattan 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. View from The Hill: Albanese shifts Tanya Plibersek from environment, in favour of ‘can-do’ Murray Watt – https://theconversation.com/view-from-the-hill-albanese-shifts-tanya-plibersek-from-environment-in-favour-of-can-do-murray-watt-255963

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Don’t miss St Albans Spring Festival – thousands expected at FREE street party

    Source: St Albans City and District

    Publication date:

    Thousands of people are expected to join an exciting St Albans City Centre event with free entertainment suitable for all.

    The first St Albans Spring Festival will be held on Sunday 18 May and will be a celebration of food, well-being, community spirit and sustainability.

    Among the attractions will be live music, arts and crafts, street theatre and dozens of stalls selling takeaway food, drink and other produce. There will also be opportunities to learn, play and create with fun activities.

    The event runs from 11am to 5pm, with St Peter’s Street, Chequer Street and High Street closed to traffic to create a safe and vibrant environment. 

    To ensure accessibility, sighted guides and British Sign Language interpreters will be in attendance.

    St Albans City and District Council is organising the festival which will highlight the District’s hospitality businesses and tourism offering.

    It is part-funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and sponsored by Code Ninjas, Côte St Albans and Corker Taxis.

    Councillor Anthony Rowlands, Lead for Events, said:

    This is a new event which we are bringing to the City Centre as the warmer weather takes hold and residents look for things to do at the weekend.

    There will be lots of exciting activities and entertainment that will appeal to people of all ages and interests. They will enjoy an afternoon of free music, games, activities, arts and crafts, eating, drinking and shopping.

    One of our priorities is to make the event inclusive and accessible, so among the facilities are reserved seating for those less able to stand, wheelchair ramps beside kerbs and accessible viewing zones.

    We are expecting the Spring Festival to attract many thousands of residents and visitors, so I would urge people to come along and not to miss out on the fun.

    Among the many attractions to look out for are the:

    • Main Stage, situated near the Beech House, where there will be live performances by a host of local musicians.
    • Food and Drink Stalls selling a vast variety of refreshments and cuisines with plenty of outdoor seating.
    • Create and Play Zone with activities including traditional wooden games, toddler soft play and chalk pavement drawing.
    • Experience Zone by the Museum + Gallery where there will be drumming and dance workshops as well as information about plastic-free living, composting and cooking sustainably. There will also be chair-based yoga.
    • Code Ninjas, one of our sponsors, is offering young and old alike the opportunity to learn about game design and coding in their special pop-up dojo on St Peter’s Street.
    • Challenge Area with rodeo sheep, sideshow games and giant inflatable football darts provided by St Albans City FC.
    • Clock Tower Stage, supported by Côte St Albans, featuring music from OVO and Morris dancing.
    • Street Entertainers including stilt walkers and drummers.
    • Community Safe Zone, a quiet spot by the Civic Centre where people can take some time out.

    Corker Taxis are providing some free as well as 10% discounted rides to the event.

    If travelling by bus, you can find City Centre bus stop arrangements for the day and further information about the Spring Festival here: https://www.enjoystalbans.com/event/st-albans-spring-festival/.

    Photo: scene from a street event last year.

    Note: The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK by investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. 

    For more information, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus. 

    Media contact:  John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer: 01727- 819533; john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: More local family homes needed for children in care in Plymouth

    Source: City of Plymouth

    There are currently 534 children in care in Plymouth who all need a safe and loving environment to call home.

    Plymouth City Council is urgently appealing for more local people to consider becoming a foster carer, as a spotlight is shined on the benefits of fostering thanks to Foster Care Fortnight (12 to 25 May).

    Foster for Plymouth, the Council’s own not-for-profit fostering service, helps children to live locally. When there is a shortage of local placements, children have to live in residential homes or with fostering families outside of Plymouth, which means they’re separated from their friends, family, school and other trusted professionals that they may be used to working with.

    This can negatively impact children and young people’s wellbeing and make a difficult time that much harder.

    Foster for Plymouth currently only has 119 fostering households, as well as 32 kinship carers (family or friends who care for a child they know), and is actively asking residents to consider fostering.

    Councillor Jemima Laing, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, said: “Foster Care Fortnight gives us a fantastic opportunity to thank and celebrate all our foster carers for all the hard work they do supporting children and young people.

    “It’s also a fantastic opportunity for us to promote fostering to our residents. If fostering is something you’re at all interested in, I would really encourage you to reach out to our fantastic team to ask any questions or visit our website to find out more about what’s involved. You could make a huge difference to a child’s life.”

    There are less barriers to being a foster carer than many people realise. To be considered, you need to be over the age of 21, have a spare room and be genuinely invested in supporting the wellbeing of children and young people.

    There are different types of fostering that may suit different lifestyles, including:

    • Time-limited fostering: Short term care that could last for a few days, weeks or even months, giving stability to a child or young person while decisions are made about their future
    • Permanent fostering: A long-term commitment if a child or young person is unable to return to their birth family, looking after them until they reach adulthood
    • Emergency fostering: Caring for children in an emergency scenario for a brief period (up to two weeks)
    • Respite fostering: Caring for children for a few nights at a time to give the child’s longer-term carer a break
    • Parent and child fostering: Opening your home to a child and their parents, supporting them while an assessment is carried out
    • Step Forward fostering: Helping a child or young person with higher needs, such as behaviour challenges, out of residential care.

    Foster for Plymouth offer a range of benefits, including generous financial allowances. Carers are paid between £350 and £779 per child, per week, depending on the child’s age and individual needs, or more for the Step Forward scheme.

    This payment includes a weekly allowance to cover the costs of caring for a child or young person as well as a reward payment.

    Carers also receive additional payments to pay for birthdays and birthday parties, holidays, religious festivals (such as Christmas) and even proms.

    Many foster carers are also eligible for a 50 per cent Council Tax discount, or full exemption. This applies even to foster carers who live outside of the Plymouth City Council boundaries.

    In addition to financial support, there’s also a comprehensive package of practical and emotional support on offer. This includes in-depth training and development, peer support, help from a dedicated supporting social worker, an online portal with 24/7 access to key information and regular social events.

    If you’re interested in finding out more, visit fosterforplymouth.co.uk, email [email protected] or call 01752 308762.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: KH Group: Indoor continues profitability improvement measures – the company will start change negotiations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    KH Group Plc
    Press Release 12 May 2025 at 12:00 noon EEST

    KH Group: Indoor continues profitability improvement measures – the company will start change negotiations

    As a profitability improvement measure, Indoor Group will commence change negotiations in accordance with the Act on Co-operation in Undertakings covering employees in the support functions of Indoor and Insofa. The change negotiations will begin on 19 May 2025 and the scope of the negotiations will cover 84 employees. The number and targeting of possible layoffs and dismissals will be specified during the negotiations.

    The change negotiations seek measures to improve profitability by approximately EUR 2 million. The measures are part of an extensive operating model reform, which aims for an annual operating profit improvement of at least EUR 10 million by the end of 2026.

    ”Our aim is to renew management model, reorganize functions and improve profitability to build a solid foundation for the future of Indoor Group”, says Kati Kivimäki, CEO of Indoor Group.

    ”During the first quarter, Indoor Group made an operating loss of EUR 2,5 million and in this situation these measures to improve profitability are necessary”, adds Ville Nikulainen, CEO of KH Group.

    KH GROUP PLC

    Further information:
    CEO Ville Nikulainen, tel. +358 40 045 9343
    Indoor Group CEO Kati Kivimäki, tel. +358 46 876 1500

    Distribution:
    Major media
    www.khgroup.com

    KH Group Plc is a Nordic conglomerate operating in the business areas of KH-Koneet, Nordic Rescue Group and Indoor Group. We are a leading supplier of construction and earth-moving equipment, rescue vehicle manufacturer as well as furniture and interior decoration retailer. The objective of our strategy is to create an industrial group around the business of KH-Koneet. KH Group’s share is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The hidden health risks of lip fillers

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    A woman undergoing a lip filler procedure

    By Jim Frame, Anglia Ruskin University

    Plump, pouty lips are everywhere – from social media filters to celebrity red carpets. But behind the glossy aesthetic of lip fillers lies a growing concern among medical professionals.

    While increasing numbers of people in the UK – often young women – are opting for dermal fillers to achieve a fuller look without surgery, the rise of overfilled “trout pouts” and stiff “duck lips” has sparked a wave of alarm, even among those who might typically support cosmetic treatments.

    Lip fillers are far from risk-free – and in some cases, the health consequences are permanent.

    Unlike surgical procedures, lip fillers are not legally considered medical treatments. That means they are largely unregulated, and in many cases, are being injected by people with little or no medical training.

    This is a problem, because lips are delicate and highly mobile. They contain very little natural fat and rely on a ring of tiny muscles to express everything from joy to concern. Injecting too much filler, or using the wrong kind, can interfere with these muscles – leaving the lips stiff, unnatural, or even immobile.

    While some patients seek lip fillers for genuine medical reasons, such as facial palsy or disfigurement, these are exceptions. For most, the health risks can outweigh the cosmetic benefits.

    What are fillers made of?

    The substances used in lip fillers have changed over time. Older materials such as liquid silicone were eventually phased out due to serious complications, including scarring and migration of the product to other parts of the body.

    Today, most lip fillers are made from hyaluronic acid (HA) – a substance that naturally exists in our bodies, particularly in connective tissue. HA attracts water, giving the skin volume and keeping it hydrated. As we age, our natural levels of HA decrease, which is why skin becomes drier and loses firmness.

    The HA used in fillers is either extracted from animal tissue, such as rooster combs, or produced synthetically using bacteria. While this modern version is safer than older fillers, it still carries risks including allergic reactions, reactivation of cold sores (herpes simplex virus), infections and inflammation.

    There have also been rare, but severe, cases of vascular complications such as blindness and tissue death, when fillers accidentally enter blood vessels.

    The risk to kidneys

    Less widely known – but equally concerning – is how repeat filler use may affect internal organs, particularly the kidneys.

    Hyaluronic acid isn’t just a skin plumper – it also plays a role in the immune system. When the body detects inflammation, such as from repeated filler injections, it can respond by producing HA in the kidneys. This triggers a chain reaction: first, the kidneys produce high-molecular weight HA, which increases inflammation. Later, they switch to low-molecular weight HA, which reduces inflammation but causes fibrosis, or scarring of the tissue.

    This double-edged response has been linked to chronic kidney disease and, in severe cases, even renal failure. Researchers are still exploring these links, but the risks become more significant with each repeated injection – especially in people who are genetically or medically vulnerable.

    HA can also contribute to the formation of calcium oxalate crystals in the kidneys. These can lead to kidney stones and further tissue damage, potentially causing lifelong complications.

    Who should avoid lip fillers?

    Given these risks, some people should approach fillers with extreme caution – or avoid them entirely. These include people with a history of kidney problems or allergic reactions to filler ingredients, recurrent cold sores, autoimmune conditions (like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis), diabetes or blood clotting disorders, and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

    Despite the risks, lip fillers remain widely accessible and heavily promoted – particularly to young people influenced by social media trends. Many undergo these treatments without fully understanding what they’re putting into their bodies.

    So, what needs to change? First, better regulation. If lip filler injections were treated as medical procedures, stricter controls could help reduce botched treatments and serious complications.

    Second, more education. Patients need to understand that just because something is “non-surgical” doesn’t mean it’s safe. Fillers are still foreign substances being injected into the body. They come with risks – and these risks can increase over time.

    Lip fillers can offer subtle, beautiful enhancements when used sparingly and professionally. But when misused or overused, they can lead to lasting disfigurement, loss of function, and even serious internal health issues like kidney damage.

    Beauty trends should never come at the cost of your health.

    Jim Frame, Professor, School of Medicine, Anglia Ruskin University

    This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

    The opinions expressed in VIEWPOINT articles are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of ARU.

    If you wish to republish this article, please follow these guidelines: https://theconversation.com/uk/republishing-guidelines

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Support service gets thumbs up from SEND families

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The Wolverhampton Information, Advice and Support Service (IASS) plays a key role in helping families navigate complex processes such as Education, Health and Care Plans, school placements, and appeals.

    Feedback from its most recent satisfaction survey found that over 98% of respondents were satisfied with the service, with families feeling more confident, knowledgeable, and involved in discussions and decisions regarding their children’s needs. Over 99% of respondents also recognised the service as a neutral and unbiased source of support.

    Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “The IASS’s partnership with the council has been pivotal in enhancing services for families.

    “By working closely with education, health, and social care partners, it ensures that families receive comprehensive and coordinated support through what can be a very complex process.

    “This work has led to better understanding of children’s needs, improved relationships with schools, and more effective support systems, all of which positively impact the lives of children and young people with SEND in our city.

    “Best of all, the service is free and families should be rest assured that they can access information, advice, and support from IASS without any financial burden – so, if you need any support with SEND services or processes, please don’t hesitate to reach out for it.”

    For more information visit Wolverhampton Information, Advice and Support Service. To subscribe to its monthly newsletter, please visit E-bulletin – Wolverhampton Information, Advice and Support Service. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Roam Launches Business eSIM Data Program, Supporting Global Connectivity

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Roam, a decentralized open wireless network, has rolled out its Business eSIM Data Program, launching with a key partnership with Bybit, a top-tier cryptocurrency exchange. This program, introduced after Roam’s successful debut on 12 major exchanges—including Bybit, Bitget, Gate.io, MEXC, and KuCoin—in March 2025, serves as a thank-you to the incredible support Roam received during its Token Generation Event (TGE). It delivers businesses fast, affordable, and seamless global internet access, wiping out costly roaming fees.

    A Breakthrough for Global Businesses

    The Business eSIM Data Program fuels Roam’s mission to build a decentralized global open wireless network. Crafted for businesses, it’s a game-changer for international travelers, remote workers, and global teams, especially in fast-moving sectors like Web3. Spanning over 180 countries, Roam’s enterprise-grade eSIM connects users to local networks instantly, providing reliable data without the hefty price tag of traditional roaming.

    Key benefits of the Roam Business eSIM include:

    • Global Reach, No Roaming Costs: Connects to local networks in over 180 countries, slashing roaming expenses by up to 80% compared to standard data plans.
    • Uninterrupted Remote Work: Offers seamless access to platforms like Google, Gmail, X, and Web3 exchanges, keeping teams productive anywhere.
    • Easy Setup: Works with any eSIM-compatible device and activates online—no physical SIM cards needed.
    • Smart Management: A user-friendly admin dashboard lets businesses track budgets and manage costs effortlessly, perfect for multinational and Web3 teams.

    How the Program Works

    The Program is exclusive to verified business users, starting with employees of Roam’s exchange partners like Bybit. Those with a corporate email can claim a one-time eSIM benefit, which offers:

    • No Expiration: Unused data rolls over to the next month.
    • Automatic Accumulation: Monthly data adds to the existing balance automatically.
    • Exclusive Access: The benefit is non-transferable and reserved for verified business users.

    Once the free data runs out, users can add more through the Roam App. Activation requires an eSIM-compatible device and basic details, like email and IMEI, submitted online.

    A Bold Step Toward a Connected World

    The Bybit partnership kicks off Roam’s global push for the Business eSIM Data Program. This open initiative invites companies to join, equipping them with tools to work without borders and thrive in a globalized economy. By offering a cost-effective, unified data solution, Roam is streamlining operations and paving the way for a decentralized wireless future.

    Businesses and professionals can dive into the Business eSIM Data Program at https://www.weroam.xyz/use/roam-business-esim-plan.

    About Roam

    Roam is a leader in decentralized connectivity, building a global wireless network that delivers seamless, secure, and cost-effective internet access through WiFi OpenRoaming and eSIM top-up services. By harnessing blockchain-based credentials, Roam enables small and medium-sized businesses to adopt WiFi OpenRoaming, creating a network of over 8 million hotspots across 200 countries. With 2.6 million app users, Roam is the world’s largest decentralized wireless network, empowering users to access free eSIM data while contributing to and validating WiFi nodes. As a trusted eSIM solution, Roam has powered seamless data connectivity for major Web3 events, including Consensus Hong Kong 2025, Hong Kong Web3 Festival 2025, and the R3AL WORLD Summit, cementing its role as a pioneer in the DePIN sector.

    For More Information, Please Visit:

    Contact:
    Nigel Nie
    info@weroam.xyz
    nigel@metablox.io
            

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Roam. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.
    Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f42b1f9c-c39e-424f-a2c5-eeed99328457

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Danske Bank share buy-back programme: transactions in week 19

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company announcement no. 24 2025

    Danske Bank

    Bernstorffsgade 40

    DK-1577 København V

    Tel. + 45 33 44 00 00

    12 May 2025

    Page 1 of 1

    Danske Bank share buy-back programme: transactions in week 19

    On 7 February 2025, Danske Bank A/S announced a share buy-back programme for a total of DKK 5 billion, with a maximum of 45,000,000 shares, in the period from 10 February 2025 to 30 January 2026, at the latest, as described in company announcement no. 6 2025.

    The Programme is carried out in accordance with Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and Council of 16 April 2014 (the “Market Abuse Regulation”) and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016 (together with the Market Abuse Regulation, the “Safe Harbour Rules”).

    The following transactions on Nasdaq Copenhagen A/S were made under the share buy-back programme in week 19:
      Number of shares VWAP DKK Gross value DKK
    Accumulated, last announcement 5,522,575 223.4918 1,234,250,217
    05 May 2025 50,000 241.2694 12,063,470
    06 May 2025 50,000 241.2547 12,062,735
    07 May 2025 50,000 242.6798 12,133,990
    08 May 2025 50,000 244.4514 12,222,570
    09 May 2025 50,000 245.5153 12,275,765
    Total accumulated over week 19 250,000 243.0341 60,758,530
    Total accumulated during the share buyback programme 5,772,575 224.3381 1,295,008,747

    With the transactions stated above, the total accumulated number of own shares under the share buy-back programme corresponds to 0.679% of Danske Bank A/S’ share capital.

    Danske Bank

    Contact: Claus Ingar Jensen, Head of Group Investor Relations, tel. +45 25 42 43 70

    This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Senior industry expert Felix Rose to join Optio Incentives to lead private equity solutions business

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BERLIN, May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — We are excited to welcome Felix Rose to the Optio team as Head of Private Equity Solutions. Felix will lead our new private equity solution business and will be based in Frankfurt, Germany. The SaaS product will allow private equity clients and their portfolio companies to set-up and manage equity incentive programs on the Optio platform in an automated and efficient way. This marks one of Optio’s next key growth areas. It builds on the strong presence already established in the DACH region and Southern Europe, following a funding round backed by tech investor CCAP.

    Felix joins Optio with nearly 30 years of experience across European private and public markets. Throughout his career, including roles at Morgan Stanley Investment Banking, Cinven, and Jamieson Corporate Finance, as well as co-founding and co-managing MPTransaction, he has consistently been involved in public and private M&A transactions and over the last seventeen years he has supported CEOs and business founders in navigating through large and complex private equity transactions.

    “Felix brings an incredible depth of insight into how private equity firms operate and where they encounter friction in relation to their management equity programs,” says Christoffer Herheim, Co-founder and CEO of Optio. “His expertise in Management Equity Plans (MEPs) will be essential as we help firms transition away from manual processes and fragmented tools into fully digital workflows.” 

    In today’s market, private equity investors often rely on a patchwork of Word documents, Excel sheets, legal counsel, and large email threads to manage MEPs. This approach is not only resource-intensive, but it also creates risks around compliance, data privacy, and scalability – especially in cross-border deals involving dozens of participants.

    Optio for Private Equity offers a smarter path forward. The platform simplifies compliance workflows (including KYC), enables secure access and communication for all stakeholders, and includes digital signing functionality for efficient execution of legal MEP documentation. These efficiencies not only reduce costs, but they also make it possible to extend equity participation deeper into portfolio companies, aligning with broader ownership movements like the U.S.-based “Ownership Works” initiative.

    “What attracted me to Optio was more than just the product,” shares Felix. “It was the team’s drive, precision, and entrepreneurial energy. With the right technology, we can empower private equity firms and their portfolio companies to rethink how they design and manage equity incentives not just for the executive team, but for a much broader group of employees.” 

    Looking ahead, Felix envisions a shift across the industry: “I believe that within the next five to ten years every private equity management incentive program will run on a secure digital platform.”

    About Optio
    Established in 2018, Optio combines software and deep expertise to manage equity compensation plans for companies of all sizes. The company is trusted by over 500 businesses, with equity plans managed across 100 countries and 15 stock exchanges. Optio’s unique ability to support organizations at every stage—from early development to the public market—sets it apart from other providers. By simplifying the complexities of employee incentive programs, Optio helps companies stay compliant, manage equity, report costs accurately, and maximize the benefits of their plans.

    Learn more on www.optioincentives.com

    Optio Incentives AS
    Lørenveien 73, 0580 Oslo
    +47 986 19 877
    mt@optioincentives.no

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Foster Care Fortnight 2025

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    The focus for this year’s campaign is the power of relationships and the extraordinary impact that foster parents can have on children and young people who, for a wide range of reasons, are unable to remain with their birth families.  

    Carers can offer a home to a child or young person, for as long as is required – from just a few days or weeks to months or years.   Personal qualities, and experience with children and/or young people, are more important than age or qualifications. Carers need to have experience of and enjoy spending time with children and young people and have a good sense of humour, lots of compassion, tolerance and bags of energy.   

    Councillor John Rebbeck, Convener of Learning and Families said: “All kinds of people can become foster carers – it is an extremely rewarding role to take on, not without its challenges, but the impact that carers have for children and young people can make a real, powerful difference to their lives. 

    “We have fantastic foster carers working with us here in Perth and Kinross and we are always keen to welcome more prospective carers to join them. In Foster Care Fortnight, I would urge anyone interested in making positive changes in a child’s life to get in touch with our Family Based Care Team.”  

    You can contact the Family Based Care Team by calling 01738 477806 or email ecsfpduty@pkc.gov.uk. For more information, visit our Fostering page.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Poll shows huge majority of Scots back rent controls and housing protections

    Source: Scottish Greens

    12 May 2025 Housing

    Homes are for living in, not for profiteering.

    More in Housing

    The overwhelming majority of people in Scotland want rent controls to ensure rogue landlords cannot keep hiking rents, according to polling commissioned by the Scottish Greens.

    The polling, carried out by Diffley, shows that 74% of people support rent controls and 83% believe that rents are too high compared to income levels in Scotland.

    It also shows- that over two thirds (69%) support Green plans to force landlords to sell long-term derelict land and housing that they are sitting on.

    Amendments proposed by Maggie Chapman MSP to the Housing (Scotland) Bill would create robust rent controls across Scotland, ensuring that rents can’t rise faster than incomes, if MSPs back them.

    These protections put people over landlord profits, putting money back into people’s pockets and supporting renters through the ongoing cost of living crisis when bills and other costs are soaring.

    Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman said:

    “It is no wonder that there is such strong support for rent controls. The housing market is completely broken and it is renters who are paying the price. It underlines just how crucial it is that we take action.

    “We’ve all seen how much damage is being done by rogue landlords who have been given carte blanche to line their pockets through massive rent increases.

    “Not only does this hurt renters, often pushing them into poverty or even homelessness, but it hurts our economy as people have less money to spend.

    “This is why the Scottish Greens implemented a rent freeze and eviction ban during Covid, saving people thousands of pounds, and it’s why we so strongly opposed the SNP ending the protections that we put in place afterwards.

    “With the Housing Bill going through parliament we have the opportunity to stop the exploitation of renters and end rip-off rents. We must seize it.

    “We must offer people and their families some financial stability, and less worry about losing the roof over their heads. Homes are for living in and not for profiteering. We need to make unaffordable rent hikes become a thing of the past.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: No congestion charging for goods vehicles, says Transporting New Zealand

    Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

    Transporting New Zealand told today’s [note: Monday] Transport and Infrastructure Select Committee at Parliament that goods vehicles should be exempt from time-of-use charging.
    Transporting New Zealand Chief Executive Dom Kalasih and Head of Policy & Advocacy Billy Clemens listed four key improvements that would maximise time of use savings for businesses and consumers as part of their submission on the Land Transport Management (Time of Use Charging) Amendment Bill.
    The recommendations were:
    1. That the legislation exempts freight vehicles and public transport vehicles from paying time-of-use charges.
    2. That the legislation does not allow differentiated time-of-use charges according to vehicle class.
    3. That the legislation specifies assessments of the impact of time-of-use charging include the expected impacts on the supply chain and freight movement.
    4. That the legislation enables scheme boards, with the approval of impacted local authorities and the Minister, to implement short-term trials ahead of a scheme being put in place.
    Clemens told the Committee that many in the road freight industry are understandably wary of freight efficiency tools focusing on revenue raising rather than boosting the productivity of the supply chain.
    “We’ve seen examples of de-facto congestion charging at Port of Auckland where they introduced peak-based vehicle booking systems that were initially introduced at relatively modest rates… [and then the] Port of Auckland realised it was an excellent revenue raising tool.
    “So our members are looking at that and thinking: ‘These are always sold to us on productivity grounds… but once things get settled in it’s pretty tempting to turn the system into a revenue lever.’
    “I think you’ve probably heard from some local authorities and councils suggesting [time of use charging] would be a helpful revenue tool.”
    Transporting New Zealand also called for the legislation to reference freight impacts and good supply chain outcomes to provide further reassurance to freight businesses and their customers.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health and Employment – Struggling hospice nurses shattered by pay equity changes – NZNO

    Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

    This year’s Hospice Awareness Week comes as hospices struggle to keep their doors open because of a lack of Government funding and nurses’ chances of fair pay shattered by the removal of their pay equity claim, NZNO says.
    The New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) hospice pay equity claim was filed in late-2023 covering 27 hospices employing its members. That claim, alongside nine others for NZNO, were thrown out by the Government last week with its to pay equity law changes.
    Hospice New Zealand today said Te Whatu Ora had refused to adjust their funding so hospice nurses and health care assistants could be paid the same as their hospital counterparts. Hospices could not afford to fund the widening pay gap as at least 35% of hospice nurses’ wages came from fundraising and donations because of chronic underfunding of the sector.
    NZNO delegate and hospice nurse Donna Burnett says hospice nurses are demoralised and angered by last week’s announcement.
    “Hospices are already facing service cutbacks, with a strong possibility of closures in small region because of the current lack of funding. It is not sustainable. On top of this, at the swipe of a pen and a blink of an eye, Government pulled pay equity out from under us.”
    Due to New Zealand’s aging population, the crisis for hospices will only worsen if the Government doesn’t step up and properly fund the sector, she says.
    “We are meant to be raising awareness about hospices this week, but the reality is people need to be aware of what’s happening to us nurses and health care assistants because it impacts our patients.
    “Without pay equity and a fully funded sector, hospices will keep losing nurses and health care assistants to better paying hospitals or overseas health systems.
    “Dying New Zealanders and their whānau have enough to worry about without not being able to access hospice care because of short staffing which is a direct result of Government decisions,” Donna Burnett says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City’s tiny Saxon treasure has a big story to tell

    Source: City of Leeds

    A beautiful ancient Saxon pendant buried for more than 1,200 years in a Leeds field is giving experts a fascinating glimpse into life in early medieval Yorkshire.

    Believed to date from the eighth century, the gilded pectoral cross may have once been a badge of office for an important church leader or official and was unearthed last year by a metal detectorist.

    With one arm broken, and the central stone now missing, the cross is nevertheless a stunning example of metalwork, made from solid silver covered with a thin layer of gold leaf.

    Decorated with an intricate interlacing Saxon pattern, the remarkable find would have probably been worn around the neck of someone of high status and is the latest in a number of discoveries indicating Leeds and its surrounding area may once have been home to some important and influential figures in the early medieval period.

    The small artefact went through the Portable Antiquities Scheme Treasure process, and was secured by Leeds Museums and Galleries thanks to the generous contributions of funders. The cross is now set to go on display at Leeds City Museum later this year.

    Kat Baxter, Leeds Museums and Galleries’ curator of archaeology, said: “The cross is beautifully decorated on both sides, which suggests it was designed to hang around the neck with the suspension loop on the missing arm. It would certainly have been worn by someone of high status and is an outward display of religious identity.

    “It was made at a time when Leeds was part of the Saxon Kingdom of Northumbria and, along with a number of other discoveries in the area, really helps us build a picture of the types of people who would have lived here during this time”.

    The 8th Century saw the earliest known written reference to Leeds, or Loidis, by the historian and monk The Venerable Bede. As well as Northumbia, England’s kingdoms included Mercia, Wessex, and East Anglia.

    The cross’s discovery is the latest in a string of significant Saxon and Roman finds made in the Leeds area in recent years.

    Just two years ago, a lead coffin buried for more than 1,600 years was discovered in a previously unknown cemetery site near Garforth alongside the remains of more than 60 individuals from late Roman to early Saxon periods.

    The coffin contained the remains of a woman aged 25-35, who was buried wearing a bracelet, glass bead necklace and a finger ring or earring.

    And in 2012 Leeds Museums and Galleries acquired The West Yorkshire Hoard, a group of seven objects found in the Leeds area by a metal detectorist dating from the seventh to 11th centuries. Five of the objects in the hoard are high quality gold jewellery, which would only have been worn by people of exceptional wealth in Saxon society.

    Kat added: “All of these finds are part of a puzzle which together show that Leeds was home to high status, important individuals during the Saxon period, and this beautiful cross is the latest glimpse into the past. Unfortunately, objects representing less wealthy people are less likely to survive.

    “There are certainly more objects out there waiting to be discovered, and responsible metal detectorists and The Portable Antiquities Scheme are playing a really important role in increasing our understanding of local history. Without them, this beautiful piece of Saxon metalwork, and many others like it, would never have been found and made available for future generations.”

    Funding for the cross came through generous support from the Arts Council England /V&A Purchase Grant Fund, the Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society, and the Friends of Leeds City Museums. It was acquired under The Treasure Act 1996.

    Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “This find is a beautiful example of the history all around us and gives a fascinating insight into the story of Leeds.

    “It’s always wonderful when we are able to add important objects like this to our collections and we’re very grateful for the continued support of funders and visitors in helping us to preserve our local heritage.”

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Education – New leadership for school boards association

    Source: Te Whakarōputanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa (NZSTA)

    Te Whakarōputanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa – New Zealand School Boards Association (formerly NZSTA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Meredith Kennett as Interim President, following the recent departure of long-serving President Lorraine Kerr MZNM.
    Lorraine recently departed NZSBA after some 19 years as President and after an even longer period of involvement in the organisation since becoming a school board member in 1989.
    NZSBA and its members wish her the very best for the future.
    Meredith, who is in her second term on the organisation’s National Board, will lead it through to the next board and president elections in 2026.
    Meredith brings a wealth of experience in leadership, communication, and governance. She has spent most of her career in professional learning & development and human resources, working as a consultant to a wide range of government agencies, schools and private organisations.
    She joined the Hobsonville Point Schools board in 2014 and became a member of the Whangārei Girls’ High School board in 2021. Meredith was first elected to the National Board of NZSBA in 2020 and, in 2022, became a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors.
    On being appointed Interim President, Meredith says she is “incredibly proud and humbled” to be entrusted by her fellow National Board members to lead the organisation forward. She looks forward to being a “fresh set of eyes” and helping the organisation grasp the significant opportunities for it that lie ahead.
    NZSBA warmly welcomes Meredith into the role and look forward to her leadership as we continue to grow and evolve to meet the needs of school boards throughout Aotearoa.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Transport – Driver well-being a key issue in survey

    Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

    Health, safety and wellbeing are big concerns for the road freight industry, a major survey of the sector has found.
    The 2025 National Road Freight Industry Survey of 194 industry participants across 128 road freight businesses was run by Research NZ on behalf of advocacy group Transporting New Zealand. The survey was also promoted by the New Zealand Heavy Haulage Association and Groundspread NZ and represents the most extensive industry snapshot in more than a decade.
    A total of 78 per cent of respondents in the survey called for more purpose-designed rest stops for drivers, and 72 per cent said it was important for drivers to have a good work-life balance.
    Finding new drivers and an aging workforce were also big issues for the sector. Almost one-half of industry respondents (47 per cent) indicated that “up to 25 per cent” or more would retire or leave the industry in the next five years.
    The survey painted a gloomy picture for business at the moment – only 34 per cent of those surveyed expected their financial situation to improve over the next 12 months, and only one in four respondents reported having sustainable operating margins.
    Concerns about the state of New Zealand’s roads were nearly universal. The vast majority (93 per cent) agreed that poor road maintenance is putting truck drivers and other road users at risk. A significant number (84 per cent), believed that regional roads and bridges are neglected, and that delays in replacing the Cook Strait ferries pose a major risk (79 per cent).
    However, one bright spot in the survey for truck drivers is how the public sees them.
    While freight industry people believe the public have a negative perception of professional drivers, that is not the case. A poll of 1000 New Zealanders conducted by Research NZ painted a more favourable picture, with 52 per cent saying they view professional road freight drivers positively; and only 7 per cent expressing a negative view. (Only 20 per cent of industry people had thought the public viewed them positively.)

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Northland Regional Council media briefs – 12 May 2025

    Source: Northland Regional Council

    FREE CITYLINK WHANGĀREI AND SCHOOL LINK BUSES FOR YOUTH WEEK 19-24 MAY
    Northland Regional Council (NRC) is celebrating Youth Week 19-24 May by providing free bus travel in Whangārei for rangatahi (young people) age 12-24.
    The free bus travel is available on all CityLink and SchoolLink bus services from Monday 19 to Saturday 24 May 2025.
    Young people can download a ticket from the posters around town or online, or pick up a printed ticket at schools, CityLink bus office (Vine Street car park), Youth Space, NRC Water Street reception and Whangārei Library. Show tickets to the driver when boarding the bus.
    Terms and conditions apply – ID may be asked for proof of age with ticket and remember to be a respectful passenger when riding the bus and at bus stops around town. Inappropriate behaviour may result in removal of a ticket, once removed the ticket will be invalid.
    Head to www.citylinkwhangarei.co.nz for further details, tickets and timetables and the online bus tracker, or follow CityLink Facebook
    HAVE YOUR SAY ON NAVIGATION SAFETY BYLAW
    Northlanders are being encouraged to have their say on Northland Regional Council’s Navigation Safety Bylaw, which sets the rules for keeping people safe on the water.
    The council is proposing some changes to get better alignment of rules across regions, incorporate safety improvements, and make the bylaw easier to use.
    Some of the proposed changes include a new requirement to carry two forms of communication on a vessel; amending the requirements for wearing a lifejacket; and removing a clause prohibiting wind-powered board sports in the Ruakākā and Waipū estuaries as this is not considered a navigation safety issue.
    The feedback period runs until 30 May. More detail can be found at www.nrc.govt.nz/bylawreview

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AMERICA/PERU – National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies: Pope Leo XIV is a Man of God and a missionary

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Trujillo (Agenzia Fides) – Affection, gratitude, and emotion. These are the feelings that resonate in the words of Father José Hipolito Purizaca Sernaque, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Peru, when he speaks about the new Bishop of Rome. “Pope Leo XIV, who also obtained Peruvian citizenship in 2015,” says Father Purizaca, a member of the clergy of the Archdiocese of Trujillo, “spent a long period of his life in Peru, more than twenty years in total, always on mission, living in the peripheries and caring for the weakest. The Pontifical Mission Societies were also very dear to his heart. He supported them especially when he was Bishop of the Diocese of Chiclayo.” “During those years,” Father José Hipolito recalls today, “Robert Francis Prevost also cultivated a very close relationship with the boys and girls of the Pontifical Mission Societies, who call themselves ‘Youth Without Borders,’ and who had the opportunity to share many moments and celebrations with him, including the Christmas Mass in 2014.” Father Purizaca also recalls participating in the Congress on Catholic Education held in the Archdiocese of Trujillo in 2015, where Bishop Prevost sat beside him as a speaker.More recently, Father Purizaca received a video message on the occasion of the General Assembly of the Council of Latin American Bishops (CELAM) in May 2023, in which Archbishop Prevost – now appointed by Pope Francis as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops – congratulated the Pontifical Mission Societies in Peru on their 91st anniversary and thanked all those who work with dedication in the missionary service of the Church.”The new Pope,” the National Director concluded, “is known as a missionary, as someone who knows how to be with everyone and unite everyone. Wherever he has served as a missionary, he is greatly appreciated by lay people, priests, religious, and bishops. A great man, a man of God.” (EG) (Agenzia Fides, 10/5/2025)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Genes, environment or a special bond? Why some twins talk and think in unison

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jeffrey Craig, Professor in Medical Sciences, Deakin University

    An interview with Paula and Bridgette Powers – identical twins who witnessed their mother’s carjacking – recently went viral. The way they spoke and gestured in unison has captivated global audiences.

    Bridgette and Paula Powers have gained global attention for the way they speak.

    Genetically, identical twins are clones. They result from the splitting of an early embryo, meaning they share the same genes.

    In contrast, fraternal twins are the result of two eggs being fertilised by two different sperm. On average they share 50% of their genes – the same as any siblings who share both their biological mother and father.

    So, when identical twins talk and gesture in unison (known as synchrony), is it down to genes? The answer can be complicated.

    Genes aren’t the only influence on looks, language and like-minded thinking. Let’s break down the factors that might lead some twins to speak – and apparently think – in unison.

    A close bond in a shared environment

    Almost all twins, even “identical” ones, show some differences in physical, mental and emotional traits. They also regard themselves as distinct individuals and typically don’t like being referred to as “the twins”.

    Yet we know most people naturally mimic the way those close to them speak and move, even without realising it. This phenomenon is called automatic mimicry and may be part of healthy social development, helping people synchronise behaviours and share emotions.

    For identical twins who grow up in the same home, school and community, the effect of a shared environment and close bond may be particularly intense.

    Twins may become each other’s main social companion.
    Lana G/Shutterstock

    Paula and Bridgette Powers, for example, have shared an environment: not only the same parents, home and upbringing, but also the same job, running a bird rescue charity.

    Twins may know each other so well they can intuitively sense what the other twin is about to say — and may feel like their brains are in sync. The Powers sisters have explained:

    our brains must think alike at the same time.

    In contrast, twins who grow up apart share many personality traits, but without years of shared interaction they are less likely to develop synchronised speech or mirrored behaviours. However, they do display many of the same unusual habits and idiosyncrasies.

    What about genetics?

    Studying identical and fraternal twins separated at birth can help us unravel how much of our behaviours – intelligence, personality and temperament – are influenced by genes and environment.

    Even when identical twins grow up apart, they tend to closely resemble one another – not only physically, but in their personality, interests and behaviours. Fraternal twins, in general, are much less alike. This tells us genes matter.

    One of us (Nancy) was a researcher with the Minnesota Study of Twins Raised Apart, which lasted from 1979 to 1999 and looked at more than 100 sets of twins (and triplets) separated at birth and raised apart. Twins were separated for various reasons, such as the stigma of single motherhood, inadequate family resources and maternal death.

    The study comprehensively examined factors affecting a wide range of psychological, physical and medical traits. Researchers wanted to understand the impact of differences in their life histories on both identical and fraternal twins, reared apart and how they affected the current similarities and differences between them.

    A striking finding was identical twins raised apart are as similar in personality as identical twins raised together. For example, the Minnesota researchers found little difference in traits such as wellbeing and aggression, whether identical twins were raised together or apart.

    This shows genes play an important role in shaping our personality. Genes also affect the way we process speech and language.

    Sharing identical genes may mean identical twins also respond to situations in similar ways. This is because their brains lead them to behave in comparable ways. This genetic closeness, which underlies their behavioural resemblance, explains why they may independently say or do the same thing, without any need for a mystical explanation.

    The Minnesota study also found when identical twins were reunited they formed closer relationships with each other than reunited fraternal twins did. This suggests perceptions of similarity in behaviour might draw people together and help keep them connected.

    We now know genes and environment each account for half the person-to-person differences in personality. However, the life events we individually experience remain the most important factor shaping how our unique traits are expressed and who we ultimately become.

    What about a secret ‘twin language’?

    Parents of identical twins may be left baffled as their children, even as toddlers, seem to communicate through babbles and gestures that no one else can understand.

    Parents may observe young twins communicating without words.

    Each twin pair has their own way of communicating. Twins’ private speech, also called idioglossia, cryptophasia or a “secret language”, refers to verbal and nonverbal exchanges most other people don’t understand. This is different to synchronised speech.

    Private speech is displayed by about 40% of twins. However, estimates vary wildly – ranging from as low as 2% to as high as 47%. That’s mainly because researchers define and measure it differently.

    Private speech usually fades as children age, at about three years of age. But some twins continue to use it into early childhood.

    Why are we so fascinated by twins?

    Twins continue to fascinate us. That is clear in the wealth of media attention they receive, their popularity in scientific studies, and their presence in myths and legends across all continents.

    Perhaps it is because when we see identical twins who look and act so much alike, it challenges our belief that we are all unique.

    But even identical twins are not exact replicas of one another. Genetic changes, events in the womb, and/or life experiences can conspire to create differences between them.

    Nevertheless, most identical twins are more alike and socially closer than any other pair of people on the planet.

    Bridgette and Paula Powers appear in an episode of Australian Story airing on Monday on ABCTV and ABC iview.

    Jeffrey Craig has received funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council. He is the Patron of the Australian Multiple Birth Organisation, and a Member of the International Society of Twin Studies.

    Nancy Segal 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. Genes, environment or a special bond? Why some twins talk and think in unison – https://theconversation.com/genes-environment-or-a-special-bond-why-some-twins-talk-and-think-in-unison-256099

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: China recording 8% annual rise in registered nurses

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

    A doctor presents flowers to a nurse at a mental health center in Zaozhuang, east China’s Shandong Province, May 10, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The number of registered nurses in China has been increasing at an average annual rate of about eight percent in recent years, the National Health Commission said on Monday.

    As the society is aging rapidly, the commission has also been boosting elderly nursing care by using online platforms and promoting home-based care for seniors, the commission said on this year’s International Nurses Day, which is observed on May 12 every year.

    “Nurses now also provide elderly care, chronic disease management, rehabilitation guidance and palliative care (in communities),” it said. “Currently, over 4,000 medical institutions across the nation offer more than 60 types of door-to-door nursing services of seven different categories.”

    The commission added that more than 85 percent of medical institutions now provide continuity of care, which involves offering online nursing consultations, follow-up care and home-based nursing guidance to address needs for routine care and specialized nursing after patients leave the hospital.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: EV battery giant CATL begins Hong Kong IPO

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

    People visit the booth of CATL at the 12th Energy Storage International Conference and Expo (ESIE) at Shougang Exhibition and Convention Center in Beijing, capital of China, April 11, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Chinese electric vehicle (EV) battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) on Monday launched its public offering in Hong Kong.

    According to the prospectus published on the official website of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, the offering period will end on May 16, and the company is expected to be listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on May 20.

    According to the prospectus, the maximum offering price for CATL is 263 HK dollars (about 33.76 U.S. dollars) per share, with the stock code 3750. The expected number of shares for the initial global offering is 117,894,500.

    In this offering, CATL will issue 8,842,100 shares in Hong Kong, while 109,052,400 shares will be offered internationally.

    Edward Au, southern region managing partner at Deloitte China, estimated that the total fundraising will be at least 4 billion U.S. dollars, potentially making it the largest IPO in Hong Kong since the listing of video sharing app Kuaishou in 2021.

    CATL is an innovative new energy technology company, primarily engaged in the research, development, production, and sales of EV batteries and energy storage system batteries. It had established six major R&D centers and 13 battery manufacturing bases worldwide, with service outlets spanning 64 countries and regions. (1 U.S. dollar equals 7.78 HK dollars) 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Le Mans 24 Hours: Update Toyota celebrates 40 Years at Le Mans with iconic liveries inspired by the past and present

    Source: Toyota

    Headline: Le Mans 24 Hours: Update
    Toyota celebrates 40 Years at Le Mans with iconic liveries inspired by the past and present

    Toyota’s 40 years of competition in the Le Mans 24 Hours will be celebrated with a unique combination of livery designs on its two GR010 HYBRIDs. One celebrates an iconic race car of the past, while the other captures its present fighting spirit, and both are determined to challenge for victory in the 93rd Le Mans 24 Hours on 14-15 June.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Update: Fatal crash at Caltowie

    Source: New South Wales – News

    A man has died in a fatal crash at Caltowie this morning.

    The single car rollover occurred on Wilkins Highway, Caltowie, near the Caltowie-Hornsdale Road, just before 10.30am on Monday 12 May.

    Sadly, the driver and single occupant of the car, a 43-year-old man from Peterborough, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

    Major Crash investigators attended and examined the scene.

    The roads have re-opened; however, some lane restrictions remain in place around the crash.

    The man’s death is the 30th life lost on South Australian roads so far this year.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Development Asia: Harnessing Digital Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Integrating autonomous vehicles and AI in precision crop management

    Ex Machines, a robotics company based in Hyderabad, has developed the X100, a robotic platform designed to perform a variety of agricultural tasks. Resembling a compact tractor, the X100 operates using a range of specialized attachments for activities such as planting, weeding, and pesticide application. It is fully electric, can be remotely operated, and offers autonomous functionality once the field perimeter is defined.

    The platform supports precision agriculture by identifying crop-related issues and aiming to reduce input costs. This contributes to more efficient resource use and environmentally sustainable farming practices. Ex Machines also seeks to improve accessibility by offering rental services through rural micro-entrepreneurs, helping lower the cost barrier for small-scale farmers.

    Drone-based imaging solutions for real-time crop monitoring

    Point of Beat is a drone services company that utilizes advanced imaging technologies—including multispectral, hyperspectral, and thermal imaging—to monitor crop health. Integrated with drone systems, these technologies help detect issues such as diseases, pests, and nutrient deficiencies.

    By capturing high-resolution images and applying detailed data analysis, the company delivers actionable insights to farmers. Its approach also supports more sustainable agricultural practices by enabling targeted interventions, thereby reducing the use of chemicals, minimizing water pollution, and limiting environmental impact.

    AI-powered pest and disease detection through the Plantix app

    Plantix is a mobile application that leverages artificial intelligence to assist farmers in identifying plant diseases and pests. Available in 18 languages, the app has been downloaded over 10 million times. It enables users to upload photographs of plants, which are then analyzed using AI to detect and diagnose issues. The app can identify over 120 diseases and pests across 30 different crop types.

    Participants of the tour testing the Plantix mobile app. Photo credit: Landell Mills.

    Beyond diagnostics, Plantix offers treatment recommendations and guidance for managing identified issues. It also includes a community forum where users can ask questions and receive responses from both fellow farmers and agricultural experts. Additional features such as growth tracking and irrigation management are available to support users in optimizing their farming practices.

    Digital platforms enhancing market access for agri-producers

    Kalgudi is a startup incubator that develops digital platforms aimed at addressing rural and agricultural challenges. The company operates two main platforms: Outputs, which facilitates the marketing of agricultural produce with a focus on traceability, and Inputs, which provides access to agricultural inputs through a network of onboarded suppliers. Both platforms offer detailed information on sellers, crop varieties, cultivation methods, and packing and drying processes, supporting targeted connections between traders and farmers.

    Through its emphasis on traceability and product information, Kalgudi aims to address challenges related to market access, particularly in the context of exports. The documentation of cultivation practices, production methods, and processing standards aligns with the requirements of international markets.

    The company also serves as an aggregator for government programs by supporting women’s self-help groups in listing their products on mainstream e-commerce platforms such as Amazon. This support includes guidance on compliance, labeling, packaging, and brand representation. Currently, Kalgudi works with approximately 50,000 self-help groups—each with around ten members—and manages a digital inventory of about 500,000 products.

    FarmRobo’s Minibot: Smart machinery for smallholder farming

    FarmRobo is an agricultural technology company that focuses on designing and manufacturing agricultural products suited to local farming conditions, with attention to cost-effectiveness.

    One of its key developments is the Minibot, an unmanned ground vehicle designed for various agricultural applications, including inter-cultivation, rotavating, and spraying. The Minibot features a high-resolution camera system, a lithium-ion battery pack capable of operating for up to eight hours on a single charge, and multiple attachments for different tasks.

    Demonstration of FarmRobo’s Minibot. Photo credit: Landell Mills.

    The Minibot uses artificial intelligence and its camera system to navigate fields autonomously, maintain row alignment, and avoid obstacles. It is designed for use with both dry and row crops, and can be applied across a range of agricultural contexts in India.

    Incubation model for scaling agri-food innovations

    The Agribusiness Innovation Platform (AIP) supports innovation, entrepreneurship, and the growth of agricultural startups and agribusiness ventures. Its Innovation and Partnership Program spans entire value chains and engages with large companies, farmer producer organizations, and communities. The program offers a range of services, including strategic business consultation, training, capacity building, and participation in relevant events. It also supports primary and secondary processing units for crops such as groundnut and millets, enabling farmers to take part in value addition.

    The program emphasizes product development, particularly in the creation of innovative and nutritious food products. These are developed in collaboration with entrepreneurs, refined through consumer feedback, and introduced to the market in partnership with retailers, dealers, and distributors. AIP also provides training on food safety standards and regulatory compliance, helping startups align with the quality and safety requirements set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: France tightens security for riots anniversary after aborted New Caledonia political talks

    Fresh, stringent security measures have been imposed in New Caledonia following aborted political talks last week and ahead of the first anniversary of the deadly riots that broke out on 13 May 2024, which resulted in 14 deaths and 2.2 billion euros (NZ$4.2 billion) in damages.

    On Sunday, the French High Commission in Nouméa announced that from Monday, May 12, to Friday, May 15, all public marches and demonstrations will be banned in the Greater Nouméa Area.

    Restrictions have also been imposed on the sale of firearms, ammunition, and takeaway alcoholic drinks.

    The measures aim to “ensure public security”.

    In the wake of the May 2024 civil unrest, a state of emergency and a curfew had been imposed and had since been gradually lifted.

    The decision also comes as “confrontations” between law enforcement agencies and violent groups took place mid-last week, especially in the township of Dumbéa — on the outskirts of Nouméa — where there were attempts to erect fresh roadblocks, High Commissioner Jacques Billant said.

    The clashes, including incidents of arson, stone-throwing and vehicles being set on fire, are reported to have involved a group of about 50 individuals and occurred near Médipôle, New Caledonia’s main hospital, and a shopping mall.

    Clashes also occurred in other parts of New Caledonia, including outside the capital Nouméa.

    It adds another reason for the measures is the “anniversary date of the beginning of the 2024 riots”.

    Wrecked and burnt-out cars gathered after the May 2024 riots and dumped at Koutio-Koueta on Ducos island in Nouméa. Image: NC 1ère TV

    Law and order stepped up
    French authorities have also announced that in view of the first anniversary of the start of the riots tomorrow, law and order reinforcements have been significantly increased in New Caledonia until further notice.

    This includes a total of 2600 officers from the Gendarmerie, police, as well as reinforcements from special elite SWAT squads and units equipped with 16 Centaur armoured vehicles.

    Drones are also included.

    The aim is to enforce a “zero tolerance” policy against “urban violence” through a permanent deployment “night and day”, with a priority to stop any attempt to blockade roads, especially in Greater Nouméa, to preserve freedom of movement.

    One particularly sensitive focus would be placed on the township of Saint-Louis in Mont-Dore often described as a pro-independence stronghold which was a hot spot and the scene of violent and deadly clashes at the height of the 2024 riots.

    “We’ll be present wherever and whenever required. We are much stronger than we were in 2024,” High Commissioner Billant told local media during a joint inspection with French gendarmes commander General Nicolas Matthéos and Nouméa Public Prosecutor Yves Dupas.

    Dupas said that over the past few months the bulk of criminal acts was regarded as “delinquency” — nothing that could be likened to a coordinated preparation for fresh public unrest similar to last year’s.

    Billant said that, depending on how the situation evolves in the next few days, he could also rely on additional “potential reinforcements” from mainland France if needed.

    French High Commissioner Jacques Billant, Public Prosecutor Yves Dupas and the Gendarmerie commander, General Nicolas Matthéos, confer last Wednesday . . . “We are much stronger than we were in 2024.”  Image: Haut-Commissariat de la République en Nouvelle-Calédonie

    New Zealand ANZAC war memorial set alight
     A New Zealand ANZAC war memorial in the small rural town of Boulouparis (west coast of the main island of Grande Terre) was found vandalised last Friday evening.

    The monument, inaugurated just one year ago at last year’s ANZAC Day to commemorate the sacrifice of New Zealand soldiers during world wars in the 20th century, was set alight by unidentified people, police said.

    Tyres were used to keep the fire burning.

    An investigation into the circumstances of the incident is underway, the Nouméa Public Prosecutor’s office said, invoking charges of wilful damage.

    Australia, New Zealand travel warnings
     In the neighbouring Pacific, two of New Caledonia’s main tourism source markets, Australia and New Zealand, are maintaining a high level or increased caution advisory.

    The main identified cause is an “ongoing risk of civil unrest”.

    In its latest travel advisory, the Australian brief says “demonstrations and protests may increase in the days leading up to and on days of national or commemorative significance, including the anniversary of the start of civil unrest on May 13.

    “Avoid demonstrations and public gatherings. Demonstrations and protests may turn violent at short notice.”

    Pro-France political leaders at a post-conclave media conference in Nouméa last Thursday . . . objected to the proposed “sovereignty with France”, a kind of independence in association with France. Image: RRB/RNZ Pacific

    Inconclusive talks
     Last Thursday, May 8, French Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls, who had managed to gather all political parties around the same table for negotiations on New Caledonia’s political future, finally left the French Pacific territory. He admitted no agreement could be found at this stage.

    In the final stage of the talks, the “conclave” on May 5-7, he had put on the table a project for New Caledonia’s accession to a “sovereignty with France”, a kind of independence in association with France.

    This option was not opposed by pro-independence groups, including the FLNKS (Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front).

    French Overseas Territories Minister Manuel Valls . . . returned to Paris last week without a deal on New Caledonia’s political future. Image: Caledonia TV screenshot APR

    But the pro-France movement, in support of New Caledonia remaining a part of France, said it could not approve this.

    The main pillar of their argument remained that after three self-determination referendums held between 2018 and 2021, a majority of voters had rejected independence (even though the last referendum, in December 2021, was massively boycotted by the pro-independence camp because of the covid-19 pandemic).

    The anti-independence block had repeatedly stated that they would not accept any suggestion that New Caledonia could endorse a status bringing it closer to independence.

    New Caledonia’s pro-France MP at the French National Assembly, Nicolas Metzdorf, told local media at this stage, his camp was de facto in opposition to Valls, “but not with the pro-independence camp”.

    Metzdorf said a number of issues could very well be settled by talking to the pro-independence camp.

    Electoral roll issue sensitive
    This included the very sensitive issue of New Caledonia’s electoral roll, and conditions of eligibility at the next provincial elections.

    Direct contacts with Macron
     Both Metzdorf and Backès also said during interviews with local media that in the midst of their “conclave” negotiations, they had had contacts as high as French President Emmanuel Macron, asking him whether he was aware of the “sovereignty with France” plan and if he endorsed it.

    Another pro-France leader, Virginie Ruffenach (Le Rassemblement-Les Républicains), also confirmed she had similar exchanges, through her party Les Républicains, with French Minister of Home Affairs Bruno Retailleau, from the same right-wing party.

    As Minister of Home Affairs, Retailleau would have to be involved later in the New Caledonian issue.

    Divided reactions
     Since minister Valls’s departure, reactions were still flowing at the weekend from across New Caledonia’s political chessboard.

    “We have to admit frankly that no agreement was struck”, Valls said last week during a media conference.

    “Maybe the minds were not mature yet.”

    But he said France would now appoint a “follow up committee” to keep working on the “positive points” already identified between all parties.

    During numerous press conferences and interviews, anti-independence leaders have consistently maintained that the draft compromise put to them by Minister Valls during the latest round of negotiations last week, was not acceptable.

    They said this was because it contained several elements of “independence-association”, including the transfer of key powers from Paris to Nouméa, a project of “dual citizenship” and possibly a seat at the United Nations.

    “In proposing this solution, minister [Valls] was biased and blocked the negotiations. So he has prevented the advent of an agreement”, pro-France Les Loyalistes and Southern Province President leader Sonia Backès told public broadcaster NC la 1ère on Sunday.

    “For us, an independence association was out of the question because the majority of [New] Caledonians voted three time against independence,” she said.

    More provincial power plan
    Instead, the Le Rassemblement-LR and Les Loyalistes bloc were advocating a project that would provide more powers to each of the three provinces, including in terms of tax revenue collection.

    The project, often described as a de facto partition, however, was not retained in the latest phases of the negotiations, because it contravened France’s constitutional principle of a united and indivisible nation.

    “But no agreement does not mean chaos”, Backès said.

    On the contrary, she believes that by not agreeing to the French minister’s deal plan, her camp had “averted disaster for New Caledonia”.

    “Tomorrow, there will be another minister . . . and another project”, she said, implicitly betting on Valls’s departure.

    On the pro-independence front, a moderate “UNI” (National Union For Independence) said a in a statement even though negotiations did not eventuate into a comprehensive agreement, the French State’s commitment and method had allowed to offer “clear and transparent terms of negotiations on New Caledonia’s institutional and political future”.

    The main FLNKS group, mainly consisting of pro-independence Union Calédonienne (UC) party, also said that even though no agreement could be found as a result of the latest round of talks, the whole project could be regarded as “advances” and “one more step . . . not a failure” in New Caledonia’s decolonisation, as specified in the 1998 Nouméa Accord, FLNKS chief negotiator and UC party president Emmanuel Tjibaou said.

    Deplored the empty outcome
    Other parties involved in the talks, including Eveil Océanien and Calédonie Ensemble, have deplored the empty outcome of talks last week.

    They called it a “collective failure” and stressed that above all, reaching a consensual solution was the only way forward, and that the forthcoming elections and the preceding campaign could bear the risk of further radicalisation and potential violence.

    In the economic and business sector, the conclave’s inconclusive outcome has brought more anxiety and uncertainty.

    “What businesses need, now, is political stability, confidence. But without a political agreement that many of us were hoping for, the confidence and visibility is not there, there’s no investment”, New Caledonia’s MEDEF-NC (Business Leaders Union) vice-president Bertrand Courte told NC La Première.

    As a result of the May 2024 riots, more than 600 businesses, mainly in Nouméa, were destroyed, causing the loss of more than 10,000 jobs.

    Over the past 12 months, New Caledonia GDP (gross domestic product) has shrunk by an estimated 10 to 15 percent, according to the latest figures produced by New Caledonia statistical institute ISEE.

    What next? Crucial provincial elections
     As no agreement was found, the next course of action for New Caledonia was to hold provincial elections no later than 30 November 2025, under the existing system, which still restricts the list of persons eligible to vote at those local elections.

    The makeup of the electoral roll for local polls was the very issue that triggered the May 2024 riots, as the French Parliament, at the time, had endorsed a Constitutional amendment to push through opening the list.

    At the time, the pro-independence camp argued the changes to eligibility conditions would eventually “dilute” their votes and make indigenous Kanaks a minority in their own country.

    The Constitutional bill was abandoned after the May 2024 rots.

    The sensitive issue remains part of the comprehensive pact that Valls had been working on for the past four months.

    The provincial elections are crucial in that they also determine the proportional makeup of New Caledonia’s Congress and its government and president.

    The provincial elections, initially scheduled to take place in May 2024, and later in December 2024, and finally no later than 30 November 2025, were already postponed twice.

    Even if the provincial elections are held later this year (under the current “frozen” rules), the anti-independence camp has already announced it would contest its result.

    According to the anti-independence camp, the current restrictions on New Caledonia’s electoral roll contradict democratic principles and have to be “unfrozen” and opened up to any citizen residing for more than 10 uninterrupted years.

    The present electoral roll is “frozen”, which means it only allows citizens who have have been livingin New Caledonia before November 1998 to cast their vote at local elections.

    The case could be brought to the French Constitutional Council, or even higher, to a European or international level, said pro-France politicians.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Grief, strength and resistance: The Black Woman of Gippsland is a powerful reckoning with colonial myths

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bianca Williams, Research Centre Manager, The Australian Centre, The University of Melbourne

    Pia Johnson/Melbourne Theatre Company

    A woman is tossed ashore, bedraggled and alone. She is believed to be a survivor of a shipwreck, possibly from the Britannia or the Britomart, both lost in the Bass Strait that year.

    In 1846, the colony of Melbourne was gripped by panic as rumours spread that a white woman had been shipwrecked off the coast of Gippsland and was being held by a group of First Nations people at Port Albert.

    It was Angus McMillan, a Scottish pastoralist and perpetrator of several massacres of Gunaikurnai people, who first claimed to have seen a white woman at a First Nations camp near the area. Her alleged captivity captured the colonial imagination, with newspapers speculating wildly about the fate of a “virtuous” white woman lost in the Gippsland bushland.

    The legend of the “white woman of Gippsland” became one of the most enduring myths of colonial Australia. Though never verified, it was used to justify violent “rescue missions” and brutal massacres across Gunaikurnai Country.

    Nearly two centuries later, Andrea James’ The Black Woman of Gippsland reclaims this history.

    Restaging myth

    Written and directed by the Yorta Yorta and Gunaikurnai playwright, a descendant of the Thorpe and Pepper clans, The Black Woman of Gippsland restages the myth as a contemporary mystery centred on truth, memory and survival.

    Based on real events and set on James’ grandmother’s Country, it continues a powerful tradition of First Nations storytelling on stage.

    This play continues a powerful tradition of First Nations storytelling on stage.
    Pia Johnson/Melbourne Theatre Company

    James’ play flips the colonial script. It shifts attention away from the imagined white captive and toward the real lives, losses and resistance of the Gunaikurnai people.

    Through a bold act of theatrical truth-telling, the audience is drawn into a story that refuses silence and resists erasure.

    Set in the present, the myth’s long shadow stretches into the life of Gunaikurnai PhD student Jacinta, played by the staunch Chenoa Deemal. Jacinta’s research into the so-called white woman legend draws her into a tangled web of historical violence and intergenerational trauma.

    Ursula Yovich is deadly as Aunty Rochelle.
    Pia Johnson/Melbourne Theatre Company

    Ursula Yovich is deadly as Aunty Rochelle, the no-nonsense family protector whose warmth and authority ground the story. Zach Blampied brings levity to Jacinta’s teenage cousin, Kyle, through his likeable, easygoing presence. Ian Bliss delivers a chilling portrayal of a small-town sergeant shaped by denial and quiet menace.

    Through these contemporary perspectives, The Black Woman of Gippsland exposes the myths Australia continues to uphold and the truths it still refuses to hear.

    Resisting realism

    Blending projected imagery and stylised design, the production resists realism in favour of memory, spirit and sensation.

    The set (Romanie Harper) and lighting (Verity Hampson) gives a dreamlike, immersive atmosphere. James Henry’s sound design and vocals by Yovich add emotional and cultural depth.

    The production resists realism in favour of memory, spirit and sensation.
    Pia Johnson/Melbourne Theatre Company

    Most strikingly, colonial records have been transformed into song and passed on to the Gunaikurnai community, with the guidance of Elder Wayne Thorpe and choreography by Brent Watkins.

    This is theatre that breathes beyond the stage, reconnecting culture and story across generations.

    Grief, strength and resistance

    Though grounded in a specific place, The Black Woman of Gippsland speaks to a broader national truth. Colonial myths have shaped Australia’s identity, often justifying violence in the name of “civilisation”.

    Stories like the white woman of Gippsland were not harmless fictions – they underpinned massacres, fear campaigns and some of the first Black deaths in custody.

    As a Ngemba woman from another part of this continent, I recognise the grief, strength and resistance woven through this story. This is not my Country, but the violence this myth enabled is something all our communities feel.

    James has created a moving and necessary work that centres stories long denied.
    Pia Johnson/Melbourne Theatre Company

    The Black Woman of Gippsland speaks powerfully to cultural survival, intergenerational knowledge and the urgent need for reckoning, even when it is deeply uncomfortable.

    The Black Woman of Gippsland is not easy viewing, nor is it meant to be. It asks us to sit with the silences in this nation’s history and challenges us to listen not just with empathy, but with accountability.

    The truth is complex, and Australia has a long history of turning away when First Nations voices speak too clearly.

    Still, with generosity, rage and care, James has created a moving and necessary work that centres stories long denied. The question audiences must ask is how long awareness can stand in place of action – and whether we are willing to move beyond it.

    The Black Woman of Gippsland is at the Melbourne Theatre Company as part of the YIRRAMBOI Festival until May 31.

    Bianca Williams 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. Grief, strength and resistance: The Black Woman of Gippsland is a powerful reckoning with colonial myths – https://theconversation.com/grief-strength-and-resistance-the-black-woman-of-gippsland-is-a-powerful-reckoning-with-colonial-myths-254609

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • Andhra Pradesh exempts defence personnel from property tax

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Andhra Pradesh government has granted property tax exemption to houses owned by Indian Defence personnel within the gram panchayat limits in the state.

    Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan made an announcement to this effect through a post on ‘X’ on Sunday night.

    The Jana Sena leader stated that the NDA government under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has taken a decision as a mark of deep respect and gratitude to brave soldiers.

    “The Panchayat Raj Department has taken a significant decision, to grant property tax exemption to houses belonging to personnel of the Indian Defence Forces within Gram Panchayat limits. This decision honours the unwavering courage of our defence forces Army, Navy, and Air Force, Paramilitary, CRPF personnel who dedicate their lives for the security of our nation,” stated Pawan Kalyan.

    The actor-politician mentioned that until now, this exemption was available only to retired army personnel or those serving on the borders. “Today, we have decided to go a step further. From now on, all active personnel of the Indian Defence Forces, regardless of where they are posted, will be eligible for this benefit. The exemption will apply to one house in which they or their spouse reside or jointly own,” he said.

    The Deputy Chief Minister said that this decision has been taken based on the recommendation of the Director of Sainik Welfare and stands as a token of Andhra Pradesh’s gratitude to the uniformed heroes. “Our government stands firmly with every soldier and their family. Their service is priceless, and it is our duty to honour it in every way possible,” he added.

    Pawan Kalyan on Sunday paid his last respects to soldier Murali Naik, who was killed in cross-border firing along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir during Operation Sindoor.

    The Deputy Chief Minister stated that Murali’s journey from the tribal hamlet of Gorantla, Kallithanda village in Sri Sathya Sai district, to the frontlines of National Defence as Agniveer is marked by his determination and great love for the motherland.

    “Even though he had other career opportunities, he chose to join the Indian Army. This reflects his extreme level of commitment to serve the Nation. Murali Naik’s story of sacrifice is an embodiment of the countless heroes who stand tall at our borders amid severe challenges and tough conditions, with their unwavering resolve to safeguard and shield our country. The overwhelming crowd that gathered to honour the soldier is a testament to show that his family is not alone,” Pawan Kalyan said.

    The state government announced ex gratia of Rs 50 lakh for Murali Naik’s parents, along with the allotment of five acres of agricultural land, and a 300-square-yard house site.

    Pawan Kalyan announced Rs 25 lakh for the family on his personal behalf.

    (IANS)

  • End of an era: Virat Kohli announces retirement from Test cricket

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian cricket stalwart and former captain Virat Kohli on Monday announced his retirement from Test cricket.

    The decision came after it was reported that Kohli had communicated his decision to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) ahead of next month’s five-match Test series against England.

    “It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life,” Kohli wrote in his Instagram post.

    “There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites. The quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever. As I step away from this format, it’s not easy — but it feels right. I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for.

    “I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude — for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way. I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile. #269, signing off,” he added.

    In less than a week, both Kohli and Rohit Sharma have retired from the longest format of the game which will leave the Indian team without much experience in the batting department.

    Kohli, who made his Test debut in 2011, has been a cornerstone of India’s red-ball resurgence over the past decade. His aggressive captaincy, prolific batting and unmatched intensity have helped transform India into a formidable Test side both at home and abroad.

    Kohli will bid adieu to his Test career with 9230 runs in 123 matches at an impressive average of 46.85 with 30 centuries and 51 half-centuries. He hangs up his spikes as the fourth-most successful Test captain overall, behind Graeme Smith (53 wins), Ricky Ponting (48 wins), and Steve Waugh (41 wins).

    Kohli’s 30 Test centuries make him the fourth-most successful India batter, behind Sachin Tendulkar (51 hundreds), Rahul Dravid (36), and Sunil Gavaskar (34). Kohli also made seven Test double hundreds, the most ever by an Indian. He also has the most Test hundreds by an Indian captain, with Gavaskar (11 centuries) way behind his 20 tons.

    The right-handed batter previously announced his retirement from the T20I format after India’s T20 World Cup triumph last year. The 36-year-old will now only feature in ODI cricket for India.

    (IANS)

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    Security Measures

    Advanced SSL encryption and provably fair games protect player data and ensure transparent outcomes, critical for a crypto gambling site. Regular third-party audits by independent agencies verify game fairness, enhancing trust.

    Game Variety and Quality

    A diverse, high-quality game library is essential. JACKBIT’s 6,600+ games from 91 providers, including slots, table games, live dealers, and a comprehensive sportsbook, cater to all preferences, making it a versatile best online crypto casino.

    Bonuses and Promotions

    Generous, fair bonuses enhance value. JACKBIT’s welcome bonus 30% Rakeback + 100 free spins, with no wagering on select promotions, outshines competitors. Ongoing offers like VIP rakeback, weekly giveaways, and Drops & Wins tournaments add significant value.

    Other Promotions

    • 3+1 FreeBet
    • Bet Insurance
    • Social Media Bonuses
    • NBA Playoffs Cashback

    Tournaments and Prize Pools
    JACKBIT thrives on competition, offering exciting opportunities for players to join casino and sports tournaments with prize pools often reaching six figures. Key tournaments include:

    • Daily Tournament – 1,000 Free Spins
    • Weekly Tournament – Prize pool up to $10,000
    • Pragmatic Play’s Drops & Wins Campaign – Reward pool up to €2,000,000

    Payment Methods

    Support for multiple cryptocurrencies and traditional options ensures flexibility. JACKBIT’s 16+ cryptos (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana) offer instant, fee-free transactions, while Visa, PayID, and bank transfers provide alternatives. We evaluated transaction speeds, fees, and limits to confirm alignment with instant withdrawal casino standards.

    Customer Support

    Prompt, accessible support is vital. JACKBIT’s 24/7 live chat and email support in multiple languages ensure quick resolution of queries, from payment issues to bonus clarifications. We tested response times and support quality to verify reliability.

    User Experience

    A mobile-optimized, intuitive interface is key. JACKBIT’s responsive design, available in 10 languages, offers seamless navigation across devices, enhancing accessibility for online crypto casino play. We evaluated site performance, mobile compatibility, and user feedback.

    Player Feedback and Reputation

    Community insights from platforms like Trustpilot (4.4/5) highlight JACKBIT’s strengths in payout speed and game variety, though some note bonus term complexity (Trustpilot). We cross-referenced feedback to ensure alignment with the best Bitcoin casino claims.

    Responsible Gambling Measures

    Tools like deposit limits, session reminders, and self-exclusion are essential for player safety. JACKBIT likely provides these, ensuring a responsible crypto gambling UK environment. We assessed these measures to confirm ethical practices, critical for legit online casinos.

    Market Position and Innovation

    As a new crypto casino, JACKBIT’s adoption of emerging cryptocurrencies like Solana and provably fair games positions it as forward-thinking. We evaluated its technological advancements to ensure it meets modern online crypto casino demands.

    JACKBIT’s likely exceptional performance across these criteria, particularly its no KYC crypto casino policy and instant withdrawals, solidifies its status as the best crypto casino UK for 2025, offering a secure, rewarding experience for UK players.

    START WINNING WITH NO KYC AND INSTANT WITHDRAWALS AT JACKBIT!

    Best Crypto Casino UK Games at JACKBIT

    JACKBIT’s game library is likely a cornerstone of its best crypto casino UK status, offering over 6,600 titles from 91 providers, catering to every gaming preference. Below is a comprehensive overview of its offerings, optimized for online casino real money play:

    Online Slots:

    • Gates of Olympus (Pragmatic Play, 96.50% RTP): A 6×5 mythological slot with tumbling reels, multipliers up to 500x, and a 5,000x max win, ideal for Bitcoin casino UK players seeking high payouts (Pragmatic Play).
    • Sweet Bonanza (Pragmatic Play, 96.49% RTP): A candy-themed 6×5 slot with a pay-anywhere system, tumble feature, and 21,175x max win, perfect for online casino real money enthusiasts (Pragmatic Play).
    • Book of Dead (Play’n GO, 96.21% RTP): A 5-reel, 10-payline adventure slot with expanding symbols in Free Spins, offering a 5,000x max win, popular for crypto gambling UK (Play’n GO).
    • Mega Moolah (Microgaming, 88.12% RTP): A progressive jackpot slot with multi-million-dollar payouts, a staple for online casino real money players chasing life-changing wins (Microgaming).
    • Wolf Gold (Pragmatic Play, 96.01% RTP): A 5-reel, 25-payline slot with stacked wilds, Money Respin feature, and a 5,000x max win, popular for Bitcoin casinos UK play (Pragmatic Play).
    • Starburst (NetEnt, 96.09% RTP): A 5-reel, 10-payline slot with expanding wilds and a 500x max win, known for vibrant visuals and frequent payouts (NetEnt).

    Table Games:

    • Blackjack: Variants like Classic Blackjack, Multi-Hand, and European Blackjack offer low house edges (0.5% with optimal strategy), ideal for strategic online casino real money play. Players aim to beat the dealer with a hand close to 21 without busting.
    • Roulette: European (2.7% house edge), American, and French Roulette provide diverse betting options, from red/black to specific numbers, appealing to crypto gambling UK players seeking classic thrills.
    • Poker: Caribbean Stud, Three Card Poker, and Texas Hold’em offer skill-based gameplay with high payout potential, enhancing the best online crypto casino experience.
    • Baccarat: Classic and Punto Banco variants feature simple rules and competitive payouts, popular among high rollers.

    Live Dealer Games: Over 250 live tables from Evolution Gaming, including:

    • Lightning Roulette: Multipliers up to 500x add excitement, with instant payouts via crypto, ideal for UK crypto casino players (Evolution Gaming).
    • Infinite Blackjack: Unlimited players with side bets for enhanced win potential, offering an immersive Bitcoin casino UK experience.
    • Crazy Time: A vibrant game show with interactive bonus rounds, perfect for online gambling for real money entertainment.
    • Baccarat Squeeze: Real-time dealer interaction with suspenseful card reveals, catering to online casino real money enthusiasts.

    Sportsbook:

    Covers 140+ sports, with 82,000+ monthly live events and 75,000+ pre-match events, including major leagues (NFL, NBA, Premier League), niche sports (table tennis, darts), and esports (CS:GO, Dota 2). Features like live betting, cash-out options, and 4,500+ betting types (e.g., over/under, parlays, player props) offer diverse online gambling for real money opportunities.

    Specialty Games:

    • Scratch Cards: Quick-win games like Scratch Dice with instant payouts, ideal for casual online casino real money play.
    • Keno: Lottery-style games with customizable bets, offering simple crypto gambling UK fun.
    • Virtual Sports: Simulated events like virtual football or horse racing, providing fast-paced betting options for UK crypto casino users.

    START WINNING NOW WITH A HUGE SELECTION OF GAMES AT JACKBIT!

    This extensive, high-quality selection, regularly updated with new releases, likely positions JACKBIT as a leading best crypto casino UK, offering endless entertainment and winning opportunities for online casino real money players.

    Best Crypto Casino UK Payment Methods at JACKBIT

    JACKBIT’s payment system is likely designed for speed, security, and flexibility, making it a top no KYC crypto casino for online casino real money play in the UK. Below is a detailed overview of its payment options, emphasizing their benefits for crypto gambling UK users:

    Payment Method Type Processing Time Minimum Deposit Notes
    Bitcoin (BTC) Cryptocurrency Instant   $10 Fee-free, anonymous
    Ethereum (ETH) Cryptocurrency Instant   $10 High security, smart contracts
    Tether (USDT) Cryptocurrency Instant   $10 Stablecoin, low volatility
    Solana (SOL) Cryptocurrency Instant   $10 Low fees, fast transactions
    Binance Coin (BNB) Cryptocurrency Instant   $10 Versatile, ecosystem support
    Visa/MasterCard Traditional Instant (deposits), 1-3 days (withdrawals)   $10 Familiar, widely accepted
    PayID Traditional Instant (deposits), 1-3 days (withdrawals)   $10 Fast, linked to bank accounts
    Bank Transfer Traditional 1-5 days   $50 Suitable for high rollers
    Skrill/Neteller E-Wallet Instant (deposits), 1-2 days (withdrawals)   $10 Secure, private transactions


    Cryptocurrencies    :

    JACKBIT likely supports 16+ cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, Solana, Binance Coin, and more, offering:

    • Instant Transactions: Deposits and withdrawals are processed in seconds, aligning with instant withdrawal casino standards.
    • Privacy: No KYC for crypto users ensures anonymity, a hallmark of no KYC crypto casinos.
    • Security: Blockchain technology provides transparent, tamper-proof transactions, reducing fraud risks.
    • Low Fees: Minimal or no transaction fees compared to traditional methods, maximizing returns for Bitcoin casino UK players.
      For example, depositing Bitcoin involves selecting BTC in the cashier, scanning a QR code or copying the wallet address, and confirming the transaction, with funds appearing instantly.

    Traditional Methods:

    • Visa/MasterCard: Instant deposits with a $10 minimum, widely accepted for online casino real money players. Withdrawals take 1-3 days, standard for traditional options, ensuring accessibility for those not using crypto.
    • PayID: A fast, secure method linked to bank accounts, offering instant deposits and withdrawals within 1-3 days, popular for PayID casino Australia transactions, though available globally where supported.
    • Bank Transfers: Suitable for larger transactions, with withdrawals taking 1-5 days and potential fees, less ideal for instant withdrawal casino needs, but reliable for high rollers seeking online gambling for real money.

    E-Wallets:

    Skrill and Neteller likely provide secure, private transactions without sharing bank details, with instant deposits and withdrawals within 1-2 days, enhancing the online casino real money experience. These are ideal for players preferring alternatives to crypto or cards.

    JACKBIT’s crypto-centric approach, combined with traditional and e-wallet options, ensures flexibility and speed, making it a top best crypto casino UK for seamless online casino real money transactions. The no KYC policy for crypto users further streamlines the process, allowing UK players to focus on gaming rather than paperwork.

    ENJOY FAST, SECURE TRANSACTIONS AND BIG WINS AT JACKBIT!

    Why Choose Crypto Casinos UK?

    Crypto casinos offer distinct advantages over traditional online casinos, making them a preferred choice for crypto gambling UK:

    • Privacy and Anonymity: No KYC crypto casinos like JACKBIT allow anonymous play, protecting player identities, a major draw for UK crypto casino enthusiasts.
    • Speed and Efficiency: Cryptocurrency transactions are near-instant, with deposits and withdrawals processed in seconds, compared to days for traditional methods, aligning with instant withdrawal casino expectations.
    • Enhanced Security: Blockchain technology ensures secure, transparent transactions, reducing fraud risks and enhancing trust in Bitcoin casinos UK.
    • Lower Transaction Costs: Crypto transactions typically have minimal or no fees, maximizing player returns compared to credit card or bank transfer fees, a key benefit for crypto casinos UK players.
    • Innovative Features: Crypto casinos often integrate provably fair games, allowing players to verify outcomes, a feature that enhances trust in the best online crypto casino platforms.
    • Global Accessibility: Cryptocurrencies bypass regional banking restrictions, making online crypto casinos accessible to UK players, subject to local regulations.

    These advantages, coupled with JACKBIT’s robust offerings, position it as a leading new crypto casino for 2025, catering to the evolving needs of UK gamblers.

    The Rise of Crypto Gambling UK: Why JACKBIT Leads

    The crypto gambling market in the UK is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing cryptocurrency adoption and demand for privacy-focused gaming. Industry reports suggest the global crypto gambling market could reach $65 billion by 2027, with the UK contributing significantly due to its robust gambling culture. UK players are drawn to crypto gambling sites for their ability to offer fast, secure, and anonymous transactions, bypassing some of the restrictions associated with traditional banking methods.

    JACKBIT likely leads this trend by combining cutting-edge technology with player-centric features. Its no KYC policy addresses privacy concerns, while support for emerging cryptocurrencies like Solana positions it as a forward-thinking Bitcoin casino UK. The 100% welcome bonus and extensive game library surpass industry standards, providing unmatched value. As cryptocurrency adoption continues to rise, JACKBIT’s innovative approach makes it a go-to UK crypto casino for players seeking a secure, rewarding experience.

    Tips for Winning Big at JACKBIT

    To maximize your success at JACKBIT, likely the best crypto casino UK, consider these expert strategies tailored for UK players seeking crypto gambling UK rewards:

    Choose High-RTP Games:

    Return to Player (RTP) percentages indicate a game’s long-term payout potential. Opt for slots like Gates of Olympus (96.50% RTP) or Book of Dead (96.21% RTP) available at JACKBIT, as they offer better odds for consistent returns, enhancing your Bitcoin casino UK winnings (Pragmatic Play).

    Leverage Bonuses Wisely:

    JACKBIT’s 30% rakeback and 100 free spins welcome bonus, with no wagering requirements, provide extra value. Use free spins on high-RTP slots to boost your crypto casino UK bankroll without risking your own funds. Check the promotions page regularly for exclusive Bitcoin casino bonus offers (JACKBIT Promotions).

    Manage Your Bankroll:

    Set a budget for each gaming session and stick to it. For example, allocate £50 per session and avoid exceeding it, ensuring prolonged playtime and better chances of hitting a win at this UK crypto casino.

    Learn Game Strategies:

    For skill-based games like blackjack or poker, study basic strategies to reduce the house edge. Online resources can help UK players improve their gameplay, increasing online casino real money returns at JACKBIT.

    Participate in Tournaments:

    Engage in Pragmatic Play’s Drops & Wins tournaments, offering a €2,000,000 prize pool. These events add excitement and potential rewards to your crypto gambling UK experience, with random cash drops and weekly competitions (Pragmatic Play Drops & Wins).

    Bet Smart on Sports:

    JACKBIT’s sportsbook covers 140+ sports, including football and esports. Research teams and use live betting options like over/under or parlays for higher payouts, leveraging the platform’s 4,500+ betting types (Silentbet).

    Use Responsible Gambling Tools:

    Set deposit, loss, and session time limits using JACKBIT’s tools to maintain control, ensuring a sustainable online gambling for real money experience.

    Stay Informed:

    Follow JACKBIT’s social media or subscribe to newsletters for exclusive Bitcoin casino bonus offers, such as additional free spins or cash rewards, to enhance your crypto casinos UK play (JACKBIT Twitter).

    By applying these strategies, UK players can optimize their crypto casino UK experience at JACKBIT, increasing their chances of winning big while enjoying a safe and responsible gaming environment.

    JACKBIT Conclusion: The Best Crypto Casino UK for 2025

    After an exhaustive review of numerous crypto casinos UK, JACKBIT emerges as the best crypto casino UK for 2025. Its no KYC policy ensures maximum privacy, allowing UK players to enjoy anonymous gaming without compromising security. Instant crypto transactions, processed in seconds, provide unparalleled convenience, enabling players to deposit and withdraw funds swiftly, a hallmark of top Bitcoin casinos UK.

    With an impressive library of over 6,600 games from 91 leading providers, JACKBIT offers something for every UK player, from high-RTP slots like Sweet Bonanza to live dealer tables and a comprehensive sportsbook covering 140+ sports, including Premier League football and esports like CS:GO. The generous welcome bonus of 30% rakeback and 100 free spins, with no wagering requirements, delivers immediate value, while ongoing promotions like VIP rakeback, weekly giveaways, and Drops & Wins tournaments enhance the crypto gambling UK experience.

    JACKBIT’s support for 16+ cryptocurrencies, alongside traditional methods like Visa and PayID, ensures flexibility for UK players. Advanced SSL encryption and provably fair games guarantee a secure and transparent environment, while 24/7 customer support in English provides prompt assistance. The mobile-optimized platform allows seamless gaming on smartphones and tablets, making it accessible anywhere, anytime.

    Moreover, JACKBIT’s commitment to responsible gambling, with tools like deposit limits, loss limits, and self-exclusion, ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all UK players. For those seeking the ultimate UK crypto casino experience, JACKBIT stands out as the top choice. Join JACKBIT Casino today to start your online casino real money journey with the best crypto casino UK!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What makes JACKBIT the best crypto casino UK?

    JACKBIT combines no KYC privacy, instant crypto withdrawals, over 6,600 games, and a 30% rakeback bonus, making it ideal for UK players seeking crypto gambling UK.

    Is JACKBIT legal for UK players?

    Licensed by Curacao eGaming, JACKBIT is accessible to UK players, but users should verify compliance with local gambling laws for crypto casinos UK.

    What cryptocurrencies does JACKBIT accept?

    JACKBIT supports 16+ cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, Solana, and Binance Coin, offering flexibility for Bitcoin casino UK transactions.

    How fast are withdrawals at JACKBIT?

    Crypto withdrawals are instant, while traditional methods like Visa or bank transfers take 1-3 days, ensuring quick access for UK crypto casino players.

    Does JACKBIT offer a welcome bonus?

    Yes, new players receive 30% rakeback and 100 free spins with no wagering requirements, enhancing the Bitcoin casino bonus experience.

    What games are available at JACKBIT?

    JACKBIT offers slots, table games, live dealers, and a sportsbook with 140+ sports, catering to diverse crypto gambling UK preferences.

    Is there customer support at JACKBIT?

    JACKBIT provides 24/7 live chat and email support in multiple languages, ensuring prompt assistance for crypto casino UK players.

    How does the no KYC policy work at JACKBIT?

    Crypto users can register and play anonymously without identity verification, a key feature of no KYC crypto casinos.

    Are there fees for transactions at JACKBIT?

    Crypto transactions are fee-free, while traditional methods may incur standard banking fees, typical for Bitcoin casinos UK.

    What responsible gambling tools does JACKBIT provide?

    JACKBIT offers deposit limits, loss limits, session time limits, and self-exclusion to promote safe crypto gambling UK practices.

    Legal Disclaimer

    This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or gambling advice. All information is presented “as is,” with no warranties regarding accuracy or completeness. Readers are responsible for verifying information and ensuring compliance with local gambling laws. Gambling involves financial risk and potential addiction. Gamble responsibly, only wagering what you can afford to lose. Seek help from organizations like GamCare or BeGambleAware if needed. Some links may be affiliate links, earning a commission at no cost to you. JACKBIT is licensed outside the UK and may be restricted in certain regions.

    Email: support@jackbit.com

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f6f4697c-5f86-443e-90cf-e416c3e025ef

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7d57038b-4d8b-40e3-8425-fc69ecdfa1e4

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia enhances Optus’s 5G network with improved capacity and coverage across regional Australia

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release
    Nokia enhances Optus’s 5G network with improved capacity and coverage across regional Australia

    • Nokia to deploy its high-performance, energy-efficient Habrok Massive MIMO radios and Levante baseband solutions to boost the coverage and capacity of Optus’s 5G network. 
    • Partnership advances Optus’s goal of providing faster speeds and improving service quality for regional communities and businesses.

    12 May 2025
    Espoo, Finland – Nokia will support Optus’s network evolution by boosting its 5G network capabilities and modernizing sites in regional parts of Australia, the company announced today. Nokia will deploy its latest generation of Habrok Massive MIMO radios and its Levante ultra-performance baseband solutions from its AirScale portfolio to enhance the performance of Optus’ network. This strategic upgrade follows Optus’s Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) RAN-sharing agreement with TPG Telecom last year, reinforcing its commitment to providing broader coverage, faster data speeds, and a superior customer experience.  

    Powered by Nokia’s cutting-edge ReefShark System-on-Chip (SoC) technology, the compact, lightweight, and high-performance Habrok 32 massive MIMO radios offer a 33 percent boost in output power, helping Optus deliver coverage and capacity while significantly reducing power consumption. These flexible, easy-to-install solutions are ideal for new deployments and site modernization. Habrok 32 enables Optus to maximize the use of shared spectrum assets in the RAN-sharing areas, enabling higher data rates and enhanced coverage.  

    For enhanced energy efficiency, Optus will also be able to take advantage of Habrok’s ‘Extreme Deep Sleep’ power-saving mode, which switches off unused resources and reduces radio cell energy consumption. While saving energy, this feature does not have any negative impact on network performance. Optus will also benefit from Levante, Nokia’s AI-ready 5G baseband capacity card that delivers ultra-performance and enhanced scalability while cutting energy consumption to half compared to earlier product generations. Nokia will also supply Ponente its ultra-performance, energy efficient baseband control card to support increased traffic growth.

    Nokia’s AirScale base stations are AI-ready and equipped with ReefShark SoCs, which incorporate advanced AI acceleration capabilities. They also scale up to support extended AI workloads. 

    “Our deployment with Nokia’s new Habrok massive MIMO radio and new Levante and Ponente baseband modules marks an important step in meeting the growing demand from our customers for enhanced connectivity in Australia’s regional areas. We know connectivity is vital for our customers so they can stream their favourite content, download TV shows and movies, or upload pictures and videos onto their favourite social media platforms. The Habrok 32 massive MIMO radios bring the right balance of performance and cost efficiency for upgrading our 5G network to elevate consumer experiences and drive business productivity. Through this partnership, we are expanding our reach for customers and bringing them high-speed, reliable connectivity to more customers, communities, and enterprises,” said Kent Wu, Optus Vice President Access Network Strategy, Planning and Quality at Optus.

    “The introduction of Nokia’s latest solutions in this deal strengthens our long-term partnership with Optus.Our AirScale Massive MIMO radios and ultra-performance baseband solutions enable fast network modernization, providing a boost in 5G coverage and speeds for enhanced user experience while maximizing spectral efficiency. We are also helping Optus drive network sustainability through software innovations such as the extreme deep sleep energy-saving mode and the energy-saving capabilities enabled by Nokia’s ReefShark SoC chipset,” said Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia.

    The Habrok 32 massive MIMO radios and Levante baseband cards are part of Nokia’s comprehensive AirScale portfolio of 5G RAN solutions, offering operators like Optus a future-proof, high-performance ecosystem to build next-generation, energy-efficient networks with enhanced scalability and reliability. 

    Multimedia, technical information and related news 
    Product Page: AirScale Radio Access
    Product Page: AirScale Massive MIMO radios
    Product Page: AirScale baseband solutions
    Web Page: Zero-emission mobile networks

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation.

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    Media inquiries
    Nokia Press Office
    Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

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    The MIL Network –