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

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

    Women’s sports are fighting an uphill battle against our social media algorithms
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hans Westerbeek, Professor of International Sport Business, Head of Sport Business Insights Group, Victoria University Women’s sport is more and more getting the attention it deserves. Stadiums are filling, television ratings for many sports are climbing and athletes such as the Matildas’ Mary Fowler, triple Olympic gold

    New taxes on super didn’t get much attention in the election campaign. But they could be tricky to implement
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Melatos, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Sydney Poetra.RH/Shutterstock The re-election of the Albanese government has led to renewed concern about planned changes to the taxation of investment returns in superannuation funds. Labor’s emphatic victory on Saturday night, including what looks like an increased presence in

    New Caledonia’s political talks – no outcome after three days of ‘conclave’
    By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific Desk After three solid days of talks in retreat mode, New Caledonia’s political parties have yet to reach an agreement on the French Pacific territory’s future status. The talks, held with French Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls and French Prime Minister’s special advisor Eric Thiers, have since

    Forest home of ‘polar dinosaurs’ 120 million years ago in southern Australia recreated in detail for the first time
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vera Korasidis, Lecturer in Environmental Geoscience, The University of Melbourne Artwork © Bob Nicholls 2024 Roughly 140 million to 100 million years ago, the piece of land that is modern day Australia was located much further south on Earth. In fact, what is now Victoria was once

    Ovarian cysts can be painful when they burst. When do you need to see a doctor?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anna Chruścik, Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences, University of Southern Queensland PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock Cysts are small pockets of fluid that form inside the body. Ovarian cysts are common, affecting around one in ten women. But sometimes they can cause pain – especially when they burst. You

    Keith Rankin Chart Analysis – International Trade over time: gifts with strings
    Analysis by Keith Rankin. The ‘see-saw’ chart above shows the accumulated ‘excess benefits’ that Aotearoa New Zealand, and a few other countries, have enjoyed from international trade over the last 40 years. These are benefits arising from ‘unbalanced trade’ which are in addition to the regular benefits – arising from efficient specialisation – of ‘balanced’

    ‘Utu’ as foreign policy: how a Māori worldview can make sense of a shifting world order
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicholas Ross Smith, Senior Research Fellow, National Centre for Research on Europe, University of Canterbury Getty Images There is a growing feeling in New Zealand that the regional geopolitical situation is becoming less stable and more conflicted. China has ramped up its Pacific engagement, most recently with

    While the Liberals haemorrhaged, the Nationals held their own. Is it time to break up the Coalition?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Linda Botterill, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University Among the notable features of this year’s election campaign was that Australia’s second-oldest political party was apparently missing in action. At the same time, it managed to avoid the rout inflicted on its coalition partner.

    Why is hospital parking so expensive? Two economics researchers explain
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa Farrell, Professor of Economics (Health Economist), RMIT University ThirtyPlus/Shutterstock Imagine having to pay A$39 dollars a day to park your car while visiting your sick child in hospital. For families already struggling in a cost-of-living crisis, hospital parking fees are not just another expense. They can

    Vietnam is poised to become a top 20 economy, so why is Australia taking so long to make trade and investment links?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anne Vo, Senior lecturer in Vietnamese culture and politics, University of Wollongong Aritra Deb/Shutterstock At a time of widespread global trade instability, Australia should be expanding and diversifying its economic partnerships. Supply chains remain fragile, and protectionist rhetoric is once again gaining traction in major Western economies.

    Marvel’s Thunderbolts* shines a light on men’s mental illness – but falls down with this outdated plotline
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emily Baulch, Research Associate, Discipline of Media and Communications, University of Sydney Marvel Studios This piece contains spoilers. Marvel’s men are sad. And that’s a good thing. Thor’s depressed in Avengers: Endgame. Tony Stark has panic attacks in Iron Man 3. Peter grieves in Spider-Man: No Way

    Australia is set to be a renewables nation. After Labor’s win, there’s no turning back
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wesley Morgan, Research Associate, Institute for Climate Risk and Response, UNSW Sydney bmphotographer/Shutterstock An emphatic election victory for the incumbent Labor government means Australia’s rapid shift to renewable energy will continue. As Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said on Saturday: In 2022, the Australian people

    Financial Times: The West’s shameful silence on Gaza – do more to restrain Benjamin Netanyahu
    EDITORIAL: The Financial Times editorial board After 19 months of conflict that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and drawn accusations of war crimes against Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu is once more preparing to escalate Israel’s offensive in Gaza. The latest plan puts Israel on course for full occupation of the Palestinian territory and would

    ‘Under no illusions’ about France, says author of new Rainbow Warrior book
    Pacific Media Watch The author of the book Eyes of Fire, one of the countless publications on the Rainbow Warrior bombing almost 40 years ago but the only one by somebody actually on board the bombed ship, says he was under no illusions that France was behind the attack. Journalist David Robie was speaking last

    Australia doesn’t have a federal Human Rights Act – but the election clears the way for overdue reform
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amy Maguire, Professor in Human Rights and International Law, University of Newcastle Master1305/Shutterstock The Albanese government has achieved an historic re-election, substantially building its majority in the House of Representatives. Much has already been written about the potential for a more ambitious legislative program on the back

    Samoa down in RSF media freedom world ranking due to ‘authoritarian pressure’
    Talamua Online News Samoa has dropped in its media and information freedom world ranking from 22 in 2024 to 44 in 2025 in the latest World Press Freedom Index compiled annually by the Paris-based Reporters Without Borders (RSF). For the Pacific region, New Zealand is ranked highest at 16, Australia at 29, Fiji at 40,

    How maximum security prison inmates and officers worked together to create a farm behind bars
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christian Tietz, Senior Lecturer in Industrial Design, UNSW Sydney Macquarie Correctional Centre Media Unit At Macquarie Correctional Centre in western New South Wales, a story of collaboration and persistence is unfolding. Inmates and prison officers are farming commercial quantities of fresh food in a purpose-built indoor facility.

    Can what you eat during pregnancy and breastfeeding affect whether your child develops food allergies?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jennifer Koplin, Evidence and Translation Lead, National Allergy Centre of Excellence; Chief Investigator, Centre of Food Allergy Research; Associate Professor and Group Leader, Childhood Allergy & Epidemiology Group, Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland Maria Evseyeva/Shutterstock Many questions pop up when you’re growing or raising

    How do you put a tariff on movies? Here’s what Trump’s plan could mean for Australia
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark David Ryan, Professor, Film, Screen, Animation, Queensland University of Technology Kirk Wester/Shutterstock US President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of a plan to impose a 100% tariff on movies “produced in foreign lands” could have a massive impact on the global entertainment industry. Film and television production

    Labor says its second term will be about productivity reform. These ideas could help shift the dial
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Roy Green, Emeritus Professor of Innovation, University of Technology Sydney Summit Art Creations/Shutterstock In his victory speech, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted social policy as a major factor in Labor’s electoral success, particularly Medicare, housing and cost of living relief. He was justified in doing so. But

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: MPI helps farmers prepare for winter grazing season

    Source: police-emblem-97

    The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will step up proactive farm visits and provide practical advice for farmers in the lead-up to the winter grazing season, says MPI national response manager Andrew Curtis.

    “We will prioritise visits to farms where it can be more problematic to manage soil conditions during periods of wet weather,” says Mr Curtis.

    “We’ll be assessing these farms before livestock start grazing winter feed and they will be closely monitored to ensure they are meeting animal welfare standards. We will do follow-up visits in June.”

    Alongside the above, MPI has been working with regional councils and industry groups, especially in Otago and Southland, to develop practical information to help farmers prepare.

    “This includes an information flyer that contains a winter grazing checklist. Extra support is available for Southland farmers around managing their animals and reducing mud build up should they need it,” says Mr Curtis.

    “Most farmers work hard to do the right thing and have carefully planned ahead to look after their animals.

    “Some farmers will need to continue adapting their approaches to ensure they have more robust back-up plans during extreme weather, which can come with little warning.

    “A well-planned winter grazing system supports good animal health and welfare. It ensures animals have sufficient and appropriate feed, access to clean water, and comfortable areas to lie down and rest.”

    MPI’s proactive on-the-ground support aims to ensure better outcomes for livestock, the environment, and farmers.

    “MPI will also have a helicopter in the air from time to time so that we can pinpoint potential winter grazing problem areas,” Mr Curtis says.

    Earlier this year MPI successfully prosecuted a Southland livestock grazing company for allowing hundreds of cattle to graze in mud with the company fined $48,750.

    Southland livestock grazing company fined $48,750 over hundreds of cattle grazing in mud

    “We visited numerous properties throughout Southland during winter 2024 and found most farmers were on top of their winter grazing requirements with good plans in place,” says Mr Curtis.

    “Sector groups have useful resources and information on their websites to help minimise the amount of mud created during winter grazing, such as back fencing and using portable water troughs to reduce walking distances for livestock.”

    Winter grazing is an annual practice where livestock are grazed on forage crops between May and September throughout Southland, much of Otago and other parts of New Zealand.

    Further information about winter grazing

    Animal welfare is everyone’s responsibility and MPI strongly encourages any member of the public who is aware of animal ill-treatment or cruelty to report it to the MPI animal welfare complaints freephone 0800 00 83 33.

    For further information and general enquiries, email info@mpi.govt.nz

    For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: New taxes on super didn’t get much attention in the election campaign. But they could be tricky to implement

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Melatos, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Sydney

    Poetra.RH/Shutterstock

    The re-election of the Albanese government has led to renewed concern about planned changes to the taxation of investment returns in superannuation funds.

    Labor’s emphatic victory on Saturday night, including what looks like an increased presence in the Senate, suggests the legislation is likely to become law in the near future.

    Retirement income in Australia

    Australia’s retirement income system comprises two pillars: a government-funded age pension as well as private superannuation.

    Super includes compulsory employer-funded contributions as well as additional personal contributions.

    These two pillars are complementary; a person can receive a pension even if they have private super. But the more super they have, the less pension they are eligible for.

    About 70% of superannuation assets are held in Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA)-regulated funds and 25% are held in self-managed super funds (SMSFs).

    There are two types of tax – and tax concessions – on super. First, employer contributions and capped personal contributions are taxed at a concessional rate of 15%. Second, income earned by a super fund is taxed at 15% for balances in the accumulation phase (when contributions are being made). Income earned in the pension phase is tax-free.

    So what does the proposed reform entail?

    Starting July 1, the government proposes to increase the concessional tax rate on super account earnings in the accumulation phase from 15% to 30% for balances above A$3 million.

    Those affected – about 80,000 super account holders, or 0.5% of the total – will continue to benefit from the existing 15% concessional tax rate on earnings on the first $3 million of their super balance.

    They will also be able to carry forward any loss as an offset against their tax liability in future years.

    The proposed increase in taxes would affect about 80,000 account holders.
    Fizkes/Shutterstock

    Concerns with the proposed reform

    Concerns have been raised this reform implies the taxation of unrealised capital gains on assets held in super accounts, such as shares or property, even if they have not been sold.

    This is, indeed, a significant departure from the status quo. Both APRA-regulated funds and SMSFs are currently only required to pay capital gains tax once the asset is sold and the gain is crystallised.

    The move to tax unrealised capital gains is likely to prove particularly onerous for SMSFs. The typical industry super fund has a diversified portfolio of assets of varying liquidity, including significant cash holdings. But SMSF portfolios are often dominated by a large and illiquid asset (ones that cannot be easily sold and converted into cash) such as a farm or business property.

    As a result, an SMSF facing a large unrealised capital gain, say from an increase in property values, may not have sufficient cash flow to pay the associated tax bill. The SMSF trustee might be forced to prematurely sell assets to meet the fund’s tax liability.

    In the United States, President Joe Biden’s 2025 budget included a similar proposal to tax unrealised capital gains for households with more than US$100 million in wealth.

    Purpose of the proposed reform

    In announcing this initiative, Treasurer Jim Chalmers suggested the motivation was two-fold.

    First, the federal government is facing pressure on the budget bottom line and generous tax concessions for super are becoming expensive.

    Second, current super tax concessions are highly regressive. This means most benefits of the concessions flow to the wealthiest households which, in any case, will not be eligible for the pension.

    The cost of current super concessions to the federal budget is about $50 billion in foregone revenue, according to Treasury. That is almost the cost of the age pension.

    The Grattan Institute argues superannuation has become a “taxpayer-funded inheritance scheme”. A Treasury review found most Australians die with large outstanding super balances.

    The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia Retirement Standard calculates that, for a comfortable retirement, a couple needs a super balance of about $700,000 if they retire at age 67. The $3 million threshold is out of the ballpark. However, if the threshold is not indexed more people will be affected over time.

    So, is this reform useful?

    According to the government’s Retirement Income Review, the objective of Australia’s super system should be to “deliver adequate standards of living in retirement in an equitable, sustainable and cohesive way”.

    While the proposed tax change aims to improve the equity and sustainability of Australia’s super system, it is not clear how it will work in practice.

    In response to SMSF concerns about the difficulty in paying tax bills, the government’s proposal gives taxpayers 84 days to pay the tax liability instead of the usual 21 days. This hardly mitigates the risk that SMSF trustees may have to liquidate the main asset in their fund.

    The Biden proposal had presented an alternative model, allowing for the tax liability to be paid over several years, not all at once. Alternatively, taxpayers could pay an interest-like charge while deferring their unrealised capital gains tax liability.

    Such alternatives do not appear to have been seriously considered in the Australian government’s proposal.

    Ultimately, though, the question must be asked: is taxing volatile unrealised capital gains really the most effective way to improve equity in, and the sustainability of, the superannuation system?

    Mark Melatos 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. New taxes on super didn’t get much attention in the election campaign. But they could be tricky to implement – https://theconversation.com/new-taxes-on-super-didnt-get-much-attention-in-the-election-campaign-but-they-could-be-tricky-to-implement-255871

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: First National Bank Alaska announces unaudited results for first quarter 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ANCHORAGE, Alaska, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First National Bank Alaska’s (OTCQX:FBAK) net income for the first quarter of 2025 was $17.7 million, or $5.60 per share. This compares to a net income of $13.5 million, or $4.26 per share, for the same period in 2024.

    “The momentum we gained in 2024 propelled the bank to a very strong first quarter performance,” said First National Board Chair and CEO/President Betsy Lawer. “Our unrivaled 600-plus employees are delivering dynamic improvements to services across the bank. By focusing on improving our customer experiences whether in person or online, we are creating efficiencies in our operations, enhancing cybersecurity awareness and reducing the impact of fraud on the bank and our customers. Our balance sheet remains well positioned to support opportunities for Alaskans.”

    Loans totaled $2.6 billion as of March 31, 2025, an increase of $137.1 million during first quarter 2025, and an increase of $237.8 million compared to the same period in 2024. First quarter loan quality was strong with nonperforming loans of $4.2 million, 0.16% of outstanding loans compared to $4.3 million and 0.17% as of Dec. 31, 2024. The provision for credit losses totaled $1.5 million as of March 31, 2025, compared to $0.9 million as of March 31, 2024. The allowance for credit losses as of March 31, 2025 totaled $19.5 million, or 0.75% of total loans.

    First quarter total interest and loan fee income was $56.0 million, a 5.9% decrease from $59.5 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024. The bank repaid all borrowings in 2024 reducing earning assets. Interest income to average earning assets increased to 4.61% compared to 4.28% as of March 31, 2024.

    Assets totaled $4.9 billion as of March 31, 2025, decreasing $322.9 million primarily due to the repayments under the Federal Reserve Bank Term Funding Program during 2024. Return on assets as of March 31, 2025, increased to 1.42%, forty-seven basis points higher than first quarter 2024, on strong first quarter net income performance.

    Deposits and repurchase agreements totaled $4.3 billion as of March 31, 2025, compared to $4.2 billion as of March 31, 2024, and $4.4 billion as of Dec. 31, 2024. First quarter activity represented normal seasonal outflow.

    Total interest expense for the quarter decreased $9.2 million compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2024 without interest incurred on borrowed funds. Interest expense to average earning assets decreased to 98 basis points compared to 1.52% as of March 31, 2024. Net interest margin through March 31, 2025, was 3.63% compared to 2.76% for the year ended March 31, 2024.

    Noninterest income for first quarter 2025 was $6.8 million, an increase of 3.5% compared to first quarter 2024. Quarterly improvement occurred in fiduciary, mortgage loan servicing, and bankcard activities. Noninterest expenses for the first quarter of 2025 increased 1.0% compared to the same period in 2024. The efficiency ratio for March 31, 2025, was 49.70% and remains better than First National’s peer groups, both in Alaska and across the nation.

    Shareholders’ equity was $535.1 million as of March 31, 2025, compared to $516.6 million as of Dec. 31, 2024. This $18.5 million increase resulted from a decrease in the net unrealized loss position of the securities portfolio and net income retained in excess of dividends paid. Return on equity as of March 31, 2025, was 13.49% compared to 13.60% as of Dec. 31, 2024. Book value per share increased to $168.98, compared to $163.11 as of Dec. 31, 2024. The bank’s March 31, 2025, Tier 1 leverage capital ratio of 11.72% remains above well-capitalized standards.

    ABOUT FIRST NATIONAL BANK ALASKA

    Alaska’s community bank since 1922, First National Bank Alaska proudly meets the financial needs of Alaskans with ATMs and 28 locations in 19 communities throughout the state, and by providing banking services to meet their needs across the nation and around the world.

    In 2025, Forbes selected First National as the sixth best bank on their America’s Best Banks list, and Newsweek recognized the bank as one of the nation’s Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions. In 2024, Alaska Business readers voted First National “Best of Alaska Business” in the Best Place to Work category for the ninth year in a row, Best Bank/Credit Union for the fourth time, and Best Customer Service. The bank was also voted “Best of Alaska” in 2024 in the Anchorage Daily News awards, ranking as one of the top three in the Bank/Financial category for the sixth year in a row. American Banker again recognized First National as a “Best Bank to Work For” in 2024, for the seventh consecutive year.

    For more than a century, the bank has been committed to supporting the communities it serves. In 2024, for the eighth consecutive reporting period, over a span of twenty-four years, First National received an Outstanding Community Reinvestment Act performance rating from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

    First National Bank Alaska is a Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, and recognized as a Minority Depository Institution by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, as it is majority-owned by women.

    CONTACT: Marketing, 907-777-3451

       
      Quarter Ended ($ in thousands)
    Financial Overview (Unaudited)
      3/31/2025 12/31/2024 9/30/2024 6/30/2024 3/31/2024
    Balance Sheet          
    Total Assets $ 4,890,081   $ 4,997,767   $ 5,557,306   $ 5,116,066   $ 5,212,976  
    Total Securities $ 1,882,332   $ 1,928,625   $ 2,602,519   $ 2,197,788   $ 2,404,078  
    Total Loans $ 2,607,081   $ 2,469,935   $ 2,445,596   $ 2,391,593   $ 2,369,282  
    Total Deposits $ 3,580,147   $ 3,679,155   $ 3,728,181   $ 3,698,631   $ 3,665,066  
    Repurchase Agreements $ 716,908   $ 743,193   $ 647,043   $ 615,096   $ 571,463  
    Total Deposits and Repurchase Agreements $ 4,297,055   $ 4,422,348   $ 4,375,224   $ 4,313,727   $ 4,236,529  
    Total Borrowing under the Federal Reserve Bank Term Funding Program $ –   $ –   $ 249,868   $ 249,868   $ 430,000  
    Unrealized loss on marketable securities, net of tax $ (49,465 ) $ (62,985 ) $ (52,020 ) $ (86,857 ) $ (95,809 )
    Total Shareholders’ Equity $ 535,148   $ 516,562   $ 527,864   $ 485,167   $ 470,702  
               
    Income Statement          
    Total Interest And Loan Fee Income $ 56,005   $ 63,439   $ 64,615   $ 56,773   $ 59,493  
    Total Interest Expense $ 11,956   $ 18,591   $ 21,319   $ 16,521   $ 21,168  
    Provision for Credit Losses $ 1,535   $ (118 ) $ (432 ) $ 318   $ 953  
    Total Noninterest Income $ 6,768   $ 7,011   $ 7,293   $ 7,389   $ 6,540  
    Total Noninterest Expense $ 25,334   $ 27,696   $ 25,928   $ 25,637   $ 25,085  
    Provision for Income Taxes $ 6,214   $ 4,350   $ 7,099   $ 6,039   $ 5,351  
    Net Income $ 17,734   $ 19,931   $ 17,994   $ 15,647   $ 13,476  
    Earnings per common share $ 5.60   $ 6.29   $ 5.68   $ 4.94   $ 4.26  
    Dividend per common share $ 4.00   $ 6.40   $ 3.20   $ 3.20   $ 3.20  
               
    Financial Measures          
    Return on Assets   1.42 %   1.22 %   1.15 %   1.08 %   0.95 %
    Return on Equity   13.49 %   13.60 %   12.90 %   12.30 %   11.52 %
    Net Interest Margin   3.63 %   3.12 %   3.04 %   2.98 %   2.76 %
    Interest Income to Average Earning Assets   4.61 %   4.57 %   4.51 %   4.40 %   4.28 %
    Interest Expense to Average Earning Assets   0.98 %   1.45 %   1.47 %   1.42 %   1.52 %
    Efficiency Ratio   49.70 %   53.51 %   53.59 %   54.94 %   56.00 %
               
    Capital          
    Shareholders’ Equity/Total Assets   10.94 %   10.34 %   9.50 %   9.48 %   9.03 %
    Tier 1 Leverage Ratio   0.98 %   1.45 %   1.47 %   1.42 %   1.52 %
    Regulatory Well Capitalized Minimum Ratio – Tier 1 Leverage Ratio   5.00 %   5.00 %   5.00 %   5.00 %   5.00 %
    Tier 1 (Core) Capital $ 584,613   $ 579,547   $ 579,884   $ 572,024   $ 566,511  
               
    Credit Quality          
    Nonperforming Loans and OREO $ 4,243   $ 4,313   $ 4,186   $ 4,731   $ 28,634  
    Nonperforming Loans and OREO/Total Loans   0.16 %   0.17 %   0.17 %   0.20 %   1.21 %
    Nonperforming Loans and OREO/Tier 1 Capital   0.73 %   0.74 %   0.72 %   0.83 %   5.05 %
    Allowance for Loan Losses $ 19,500   $ 18,025   $ 18,550   $ 19,000   $ 18,800  
    Allowance for Loan Losses/Total Loans   0.75 %   0.73 %   0.76 %   0.79 %   0.79 %
               
    Net interest margin, yields, and efficiency ratios are tax effected.      
    Financial measures are year-to-date.          
    Per common share amounts are not in thousands.        
               

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s Red Cross establishes over 1,000 rescue teams

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

    Members of the Chinese Red Cross International Emergency Response Team conduct rescue efforts in Mandalay, Myanmar, March 31, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) has established over 1,000 specialized teams with approximately 100,000 personnel for emergency rescue duties, according to a press conference on Wednesday.

    These teams operate across eight fields, spanning disaster relief, medical aid, water supply management, public health services, emergency transport, psychological support, search and rescue, and aquatic rescue operations.

    The RCSC activated emergency response measures 565 times and deployed 775,000 relief items in 2024, said Wang Bin, deputy president of the organization.

    The RCSC is further committed to leveraging its grassroots networks and volunteers, integrating technological solutions to enhance rescue capacities, and collaborating with emergency response agencies to deliver rapid humanitarian assistance to disaster-stricken communities.

    In addition, Chinese Red Cross Foundation President Bei Xiaochao highlighted the foundation’s closed-loop system, which covers everything from fundraising and resource allocation to compliance monitoring.

    Bei said that the foundation maintains real-time updates on relief operations and the distribution of materials in compliance with regulations, ensures the public disclosure of donation receipts and expenditures, and publishes audit reports for transparency.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China stresses efforts to curb occurrence of serious accidents

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

    Passengers disembark at Harbin Railway Station in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, May 5, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The Work Safety Commission under China’s State Council on Wednesday urged greater efforts to prevent the occurrence of serious accidents in the country.

    In a notice, the commission called on governments at all levels and central enterprises to take strong actions to ensure that safety prevention responsibilities and measures are implemented at the grassroots level and among frontline personnel.

    The notice also highlights the need to respond actively to the challenges that adverse weather conditions pose to production safety.

    Further efforts should be made to enhance safety prevention in the transportation sector, with intensified inspections and patrols, as well as strengthened early warnings during adverse weather and peak traffic periods, according to the notice.

    Additionally, it stresses the need to strengthen safety supervision in crowded places. Measures for visitor evacuation and the suspension of operations in extreme weather conditions should also be implemented.

    The notice also calls for the elimination of hidden dangers in key industries and fields. This includes improving the safety of chemical parks, promoting the rectification of aging chemical equipment safety, and enhancing expert guidance services in key areas.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Historic victory returns some of Chinese snooker’s lost luster

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

    In a moment that will reverberate far beyond the walls of the Crucible Theatre, China’s Zhao Xintong etched his name into sporting history by becoming the first Asian to win the World Snooker Championship.

    With a commanding victory over three-time world champion Mark Williams, 28-year-old Zhao not only claimed his first world title, but also redefined the global landscape of a sport long dominated by British players.

    “I can’t believe it. It’s like a dream,” said Zhao, his voice trembling as he raised the Chinese national flag beside the table.

    Zhao Xintong celebrates with the trophy after claiming the title by defeating Mark Williams of Wales in the final at World Snooker Championship 2025 in Sheffield, Britain, May 5, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Just months earlier, Zhao had rejoined competitive events as an amateur following a 20-month suspension for his involvement in match-fixing. His success at the Crucible was more than a win. It was a moment of arrival for himself, for Chinese snooker, and for the global game.

    A MILESTONE FOR ASIA

    Zhao’s win marks the first time in snooker’s modern history since 1969 that the world title has been won by an Asian player. He becomes the fourth champion from outside the United Kingdom and Ireland, following Canada’s Cliff Thorburn (1980), Neil Robertson of Australia (2010), and Belgium’s Luca Brecel (2023).

    Yet Zhao’s victory added symbolic weight: it is the culmination of China’s decades-long effort to develop snooker from a niche interest to a national movement.

    “I once said, ‘I’m glad to see that the threshold I shattered back then has become a runway for everyone.’ Today someone has finally crossed the finish line on that runway,” wrote Chinese icon Ding Junhui, who reached the World Championship final in 2016.

    “He has achieved the dream that generations of Chinese snooker players have shared,” Ding added.

    Zhao’s triumph echoed another landmark moment for Chinese snooker two decades ago. In the 2005 China Open final, Ding, then just 18 and playing as a wildcard, stunned the snooker world by defeating legend Stephen Hendry to claim China’s first ranking title.

    However, the sport itself faced a turning point. At that time, snooker was struggling in its traditional heartland. A European Union ban on tobacco advertising had stripped the sport of long-time sponsors, and its unpredictable match durations made broadcasting inconvenient. By the 2005-06 season, the snooker calendar had shrunk to just six ranking events.

    At that critical juncture, China’s interest in the game, backed by a vast population, emerging media market and surging youth participation, proved to be a lifeline. Ding’s victory helped ignite a snooker boom in China that would change the sport’s future.

    In the 2024-25 season, snooker has nearly 20 ranking tournaments, a dramatic revival made possible, in large part, by China’s sustained investment and growing influence.

    Once there was only Ding as an elite Chinese player; now there is a whole generation. A record 10 Chinese players qualified for the main draw at this year’s World Championship, six of whom reached the last 16. Moreover, nine Chinese players are currently ranked inside the world’s top 32.

    This depth of talent is no accident. Over the past two decades, China has invested heavily in snooker infrastructure from grassroots clubs to elite academies. In cities like Dongguan, Guangzhou and Beijing, children learn the sport in specialized training centers, guided by a growing network of coaches, many of them trained overseas.

    “Snooker used to be seen as just a hobby,” said Huang Zhufeng, head of the World Snooker Academy’s Guangdong branch. “Now it’s a real career path — a sport the country is proud of.”

    FROM CHINA TO WORLD

    As the talent pool expanded, so did the calendar. China now hosts nearly one-third of professional ranking events each season, far more than any other country outside the U.K..

    Tournaments in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan, and the small but iconic town of Yushan are now fixtures on the global snooker circuit. The Yushan International Billiards Culture Center, home to the World Snooker Hall of Fame and Museum, has been dubbed “the second Crucible” by players.

    Jason Ferguson, chairman of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, said the sport’s growth in China has reshaped its global future.

    “China has developed its own history in the sport. It’s no longer a U.K.-based sport, and it’s no longer just U.K. players. We’ve learned a lot in China of how to develop snooker, and some of those things we’ve learned, we are now taking them to new countries and helping those to develop as well,” Ferguson said.

    The sport also has a fast-growing fanbase in China. A report shows that by 2022, China’s billiards and snooker enthusiasts have surpassed 210 million, with an increase of 180 percent year-on-year. According to a survey from data analysis provider iiMedia Research, more than 100,000 billiards-related businesses were registered in China in 2023 alone. In April 2024, the number of 24-hour self-service snooker halls grew by 25 percent year-on-year.

    Millions of Chinese fans tuned in to Zhao’s final late at night, with their excitement visible in the fast-scrolling comments flooding livestream platforms.

    For a long time, snooker was a sport of British tradition. Zhao’s victory symbolized the start of a new chapter: one that reflects a more global, diverse, and dynamic future for the sport.

    “I did realize that my victory is important for Chinese snooker,” Zhao said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua.

    “Zhao’s title highlights China’s 40-year resilient snooker journey on the global stage. What we’re seeing now is just the beginning,” Huang noted. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese ice hockey veteran defies age to reach career peak

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

    At 36, most athletes are winding down their careers. But Yu Baiwei, captain of China’s women’s ice hockey team, is unfazed by this notion.

    “If anyone doubts my fitness, just watch me when I hit the ice,” she said.

    As the only team member born in the 1980s, Yu has been a competitive fixture for 20 years.

    She made her national team debut at 17 and played in the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, where China placed seventh, and led the squad to a ninth-place finish on home ice at Beijing 2022.

    Yu Baiwei (R) of China vies with Klara Hymlarova of the Czech Republic during the women’s ice hockey preliminary round Group B match between China and the Czech Republic at Wukesong Sports Center in Beijing, China, Feb. 3, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Fei)

    At the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship Division I Group A, held in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen in April, the veteran was named China’s best player.

    LATE CAREER PEAK

    “Most people think my prime was in my twenties,” Yu reflected. “Actually, I think that I have been getting stronger and more skilled since 29.”

    The secret is self-discipline. Since then, Yu has barely taken a real off-season break. Back home in Harbin, she trained with male players to sharpen her skills and address her weaknesses, and also put in extra hours at the gym.

    “I know the older I get, the harder I will bounce back from fatigue. That’s why I can’t afford to fall behind,” she explained.

    19-year-old goalkeeper Zhan Jiahui called Yu a role model. “She trains through discomfort, targets her weaknesses, and stays in peak condition. She’s the oldest on the team, but still one of the best. She’s inspired me so much.”

    “My mentality is wired for high-intensity competition,” said Yu. “When I set a goal, I give it 120 percent. I just want to see how far I can go.

    “Don’t let the age define what you can achieve. If you have a dream, go for it. It’s never too late.”

    PLAYING THROUGH PAIN

    Yu has rarely been injury-free throughout her career. Chronic shoulder dislocations, a torn ligament in her left knee, and ankle damage are just a few entries on her long injury list.

    “It’s uncomfortable,” she admitted, “but I’ve learned to live with it.”

    Ahead of Beijing 2022, she tore her left anterior cruciate ligament, a career-threatening injury. But Yu denied doctors’ recommendation for surgery. Instead, she strapped on a knee brace, trained the surrounding muscles, and went back on the ice.

    She hasn’t taken the brace off since.

    Time and again, she’s chosen rehab over surgery, putting her national team duties above anything else. “Some people joke that I’m a medical miracle,” she laughed.

    In February’s 2026 Winter Olympic qualifiers, with a shoulder injury limiting the use of her shooting arm, Yu managed to score against hosts Japan. The goal lifted her team’s morale in a tough match.

    “Pain wears you down,” she admitted. “But once you’ve pushed through it, life becomes more fun.”

    A LEGACY BEYOND ICE

    “Each stage of my career has brought new responsibilities,” Yu said. “I’m lucky to have spent 20 years with this team, including two Olympics, it’s a complete career.”

    Yet one goal remains for Yu: leading China back into the world’s top eight. “Wearing the national jersey isn’t just about pride – it’s a responsibility. That belief is in my bones. And I want to pass it on.”

    As a player and assistant coach, Yu is helping build the team’s future. China is currently going through a transitional period, with a new generation of players rising and veterans like Kong Minghui and Zhao Qinan holding the line.

    For Yu, the path ahead is clear. “Whether I’m a player, a coach, or in any other role, I’ll keep contributing to Chinese hockey,” she said. “This sport has shaped my life. I want to help our team stand firm in the world.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Quan faces growing challenge head on

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

    Taller, heavier and tougher — China’s diving sensation Quan Hongchan is embracing new challenges brought by her growing pains, with the three-time Olympic champion poised to regain her competitive edge.

    Quan Hongchan remains upbeat, despite missing out on gold at the World Cup season finale. XINHUA

    Dubbed as the master of the “splash-disappearing technique”, Quan has twice redefined the benchmark of elite diving by winning back-to-back 10m platform golds at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, leaving the judges stunned, commentators speechless and fans in awe with full-mark dives defining her early career.

    As almost invincible as she appeared in the buildup to Paris, Quan has recently been dealt a tricky challenge from within — the rapid growth of her body frame — as the 18-year-old now measures at least 15 centimeters taller and 10 kilograms heavier than the diminutive prodigy who made some of the world’s most difficult dives look effortless at her breakout Games debut in Tokyo.

    The pull of gravity, now, feels much stronger, while the control of her spins, velocity and entry angle takes more training and greater strength to perfect, Quan admitted. Errors on dives she never messed up before now happen more frequently, she added.

    “I’ve lost the feeling that I was used to when performing my dives,” Quan confessed last week during the World Aquatics Diving World Cup Super Final in Beijing.

    It’s nothing new for teen talent in sports such as diving, gymnastics and artistic swimming. It’s just the resilience to accept it, embrace it and beat it that sets consistent, true winners apart from the short-term bloomers.

    Quan has braced herself for perhaps the biggest challenge of her career with a positive mindset.

    “I’ve grown a lot physically. The way my body moves has changed, so, naturally, I cannot re-adapt as quickly as I need to,” Quan said after finishing runner-up, beaten by her teammate Chen Yuxi, on the 10m platform at the Beijing super final.

    “I am OK with that, and I think I’ve done a pretty good job today.

    “I will work harder and add more fitness and strength training to my daily routine in order to help myself get used to my changing size. And, from there, I will try to perfect my dives again.”

    The silver finish at the Cup series’ season finale at the Water Cube on Saturday was Quan’s third consecutive loss to her close friend Chen, who is also her synchro event partner, since she outscored Chen by a small margin of merely 4.9 points from five rounds to retain her Olympic gold in Paris.

    In fact, since her international debut in 2021, Quan had never finished runner-up three times in a row across all the meets she’s ever contested in the Cup, world championships and Olympics.

    The flaw that cost Quan a career-first Super Final gold in Beijing remained the same 207C routine — a dive involving three-and-a-half backward flips — that has forced her to misjudge her entry angle twice before at the earlier Mexico and Canada legs of Cup series.

    Her coach Chen Ruolin, though, wasn’t so concerned about Quan’s ability to readjust.

    “It’s the natural process of puberty development that every teen athlete has to experience. She’s so talented, so demanding on herself, and always works harder.

    “I have full confidence in her ability to navigate through it,” said the coach, herself a legendary five-time Olympic champion, who overcame the same challenge.

    The healthy competition with her biggest rival and bestie outside the pool is helpful as well.

    Whatever happens in an individual competition, Quan said she feels free to always seek advice and comfort from Chen Yuxi whenever she has a bad day.

    And Chen Yuxi, who is two years Quan’s senior, feels likewise.

    “We are close to each other and talk about everything all the time. We always have each other’s back and support each other, no matter what,” said Chen Yuxi, who claimed three titles in a row on the Cup series to be named the “Best Female Diver of 2025”.

    Youth surge celebrated

    Boasting a strong roster of multiple Olympic and world champions, the host contingent completed a clean sweep of all nine gold medals up for grabs at the Super Final in Beijing, with the rise of some next-generation divers stealing the show at the iconic Olympic arena.

    In women’s 3m springboard, 20-year-old Chen Jia continued her winning streak from two earlier Cup legs, and clinched the title in Beijing with 382.05 points, edging her Olympic champion teammate Chen Yiwen into second place. Maddison Keeney of Australia and Chiara Pellacani of Italy followed as the third and fourth finishers.

    As a rookie to the Cup series, Chen Jia wrapped up her fruitful campaign with a huge confidence boost.

    “I am really happy with the gold, but I still need to learn a lot from others. I should say I was a slow learner to the new format of head-to-head competition. I found my familiar pace only during the final,” said the Sichuan province native, who was only selected into the national team at the end of last year.

    Young men’s 10m platform combo Zhu Zifeng and Cheng Zilong have emerged as surprising crowd pleasers, as they both scored perfect 10s in their attempts in the men’s individual final.

    Zhu earned five 10s from seven judges on his opening dive, and collected five 90-plus scores in six dives to win his first Super Final title and the Best Male Diver award.

    “I didn’t expect to win this gold medal, because I finished second at the two previous legs, but I also learned from that. I told myself to concentrate on my own techniques,” said the 22-year-old Zhu, who also bagged the synchronized gold with partner Cheng.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Wildlife Act fix enables economic growth with animal protection

    Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

    Date:  08 May 2025 Source:  Office of the Minister of Conservation

    The High Court recently decided it was unlawful for the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai to authorise the killing of wildlife unless there was a direct link between killing and protecting wildlife. Incidental harm to wildlife, while not desired, sometimes happens when carrying out a lawful activity, such as consented construction works.

    “This decision placed multiple projects, which previously received DOC authorisations, in a state of uncertainty,” Mr Potaka says. “Projects include activities for building new solar and wind farms, plantation forests, and powerline maintenance that are essential for supporting our growing economy.

    “Today’s improvements give certainty to authority holders that their projects can continue lawfully, whether it’s for important conservation work like pest control or development and infrastructure projects.

    “Today’s changes clarify how authorisations can be consistent with protecting wildlife, and that the Director-General of the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai can make authorisations. We are restoring the approach that DOC was taking for authorising activities before the Court’s decision and provide legal clarity.

    “These changes keep safeguards to protect wildlife. It’s important Aotearoa New Zealand’s wildlife continues to be protected, and that species can thrive as we support a strong and growing economy.

    “Under the amended Wildlife Act, authority holders are still expected to avoid and minimise harm to protected species. Examples include relocating animals before doing any construction work – to protect populations and support the ongoing viability of species,” says Mr Potaka.

    “Now the amendments have been enacted, we can turn to accelerating a comprehensive review of the Wildlife Act.”

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Haiti – MSF trauma hospital in Port-au-Prince nears its limits as fighting intensifies in Haiti’s capital

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF)

    Port-au-Prince, May 6, 2025 – Port-au-Prince is undergoing extremely high level of violence as armed groups are coordinating attacks on several areas of the city that were previously beyond their control.

    Plagued by years of political instability and an alarming humanitarian situation, Haiti has been experiencing a new upsurge in violence since mid-February as armed groups, united in a single coalition, attempt to increase their control of Port-au-Prince. Fighting is intensifying and the front lines are shifting, squeezing the last remaining districts of the capital.

    Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is warning that its Tabarre trauma hospital – one of the last in the capital is nearing the limits of its capacity. This would create an even more desperate situation for the city’s residents, whose access to surgical care would be considerably reduced.

    MSF’s Tabarre hospital is under great pressure, having already increased its capacity by half. The hospital is strained by the growing number of seriously injured people requiring treatment. Although the number of trauma beds is officially 50, the hospital regularly has over 70 trauma patients. Beyond the 75-patient limit, it will be virtually impossible to accept new cases.

    “The number of seriously injured patients has risen steadily over the past four weeks. Nearly 40% of them are women and children,” said Dr Seybou Diarra, coordinator of MSF’s Tabarre hospital. “We’re already overloaded, and we can’t push the walls. We are now creating hospital rooms in the meeting rooms. The medical teams are exhausted, and the intensification of violence around the hospital complicates the conduct of our activities, as we are located next to areas that are regularly under attack, with a high risk of stray bullets.”

    In this unprecedented context, where over 60% of health facilities in Port-au-Prince are closed or non-functional according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, those that remain open are facing severe shortages of human resources, equipment and specialized services. In just one month, the number of hospitals able to treat trauma cases has fallen from four to two.The Mirebalais University Hospital, one of the last hospitals capable of providing trauma care, suspended its activities on April 23 due to insecurity in the area, as it is located on a road now controlled by armed groups. MSF had to suspend its activities at its trauma center in Carrefour, following a security incident in March, while the Hôpital Universitaire de la Paix, which remains open, is overloaded.

    “It’s becoming increasingly difficult for Haitians to access health facilities, and nearly impossible for those requiring trauma care,” explains Dr Diarra. “If the situation doesn’t calm down, I fear that many of the wounded will die for lack of available treatment.”

    MSF calls for the protection of civilians and respect for health facilities in combat zones.

    For over 30 years, MSF has been responding to the urgent medical needs of vulnerable populations in Haiti. In 2024, our teams carried out more than 72,000 consultations, treated 31,500 emergencies,performed 7,400 surgical procedures and assisted 1,300 births. Located in the most vulnerable areas of Port-au-Prince and beyond, we provide essential care, particularly in trauma, maternal health, sexual and reproductive health, and support for survivors of sexual violence.

    MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation. MSF has been working in Haiti for over 30 years, offering general healthcare, trauma care, burn wound care, maternity care, and care for survivors of sexual violence. MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. In 2022, more than 120 project staff from Australia and New Zealand worked with MSF on assignment overseas. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Solomon Islands – Central Honiara Constituency Boosts HCC health service delivery with brand-new vehicles

    Source: Government of the Solomon ISlands – Ministry of Rural Development (MRD)

    The Central Honiara Constituency (CHC) office has provided timely support with the delivery of two brand-new 15-seater buses worth $497,231.80 to the Honiara City Council (HCC), Health Division last week, Friday.

    The assistance was part of the constituency’s ongoing commitment and resolute action under the leadership of Honourable Member of Parliament (MP), Gordon Darcy Lilo, to boost the delivery of healthcare services to communities within the constituency.

    The support was made possible under the national government’s Constituency Development Funds (CDF) programme with funding from the CHC budget allocation for 2024.

    Direct beneficiaries are Mbokonavera Clinic and Mataniko Pikinini Clinic.  

    The generous assistance is targeted towards improving logistics and supporting the transportation needs of the council’s health outreach programs, medical supply delivery, community health workers’ mobility, and for transporting critically sick patients from respective clinics to the National Referral Hospital (NRH) for immediate medical attention if the need arises.

    “…because of the obvious challenge our nurses from these clinics faced every day with transportation, we stepped in to support, ensuring our nurses reach their work stations on time to serve our clinics, the constituents, and the wider Honiara community. Not only that, but one of the constituency’s top priorities is support for health under the essential services sector, to ensure quality and timely health services are accessible for our people,” Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Rexford Paul explained.

    Mr. Paul further said, “Working collaboratively with HCC is one of our missions going forward under the Essential Services sector.

    “It is the firm commitment of the constituency office, under the guidance of our Member of Parliament Gordon Darcy Lilo, to put the community first through strategic support and partnership.

    “This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen service delivery and ensure the well-being of our people. We are proud to stand with the Honiara City Council in this shared mission,” he underscored.

    Meanwhile, the Honiara City Clerk, Justus Denni, while acknowledging the generous assistance, recognized Hon. Lilo’s leadership and his constituency’s officers for their strong commitment to public service and community well-being, adding that the provision of this logistical support will greatly enhance the delivery of the much-needed health services in Honiara.          

    Held at the HCC Car Park, the handover ceremony was attended by the City Clerk Justus Denni, HCC’s Health Director, Dr Lawrance Diau, Nurses from Mbokonavera and Mataniko Clinics, CHC Officers, CHC Ward Leaders, and HCC staff.

    Constituency Development Program is a national programme of the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) administered by the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD).

    It is implemented by the 50 constituencies in the country, purposely to improve the socio-economic livelihoods of Solomon Islanders.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Africa – The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group Entities to Host the 13th Private Sector Forum in Algiers, Algeria (20-22 May 2025)

    SOURCE: Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB Group)

    The forum will enhance public-private partnerships by strengthening collaboration between governments and private enterprises to drive economic diversification and sustainable development

    ALGIERS, Algeria, May 6, 2025/ — The Entities of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group (www.IsDB.org), including the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), and the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum (THIQAH), are pleased to announce the 13th edition of the Private Sector Forum (PSF 2025), taking place from May 20 to 22, 2025, at the Abdelatif Rahal International Conference Center in Algiers, Algeria. This prestigious event will take place on the sidelines of the IsDB Group Annual Meetings and is organized under the high patronage of His Excellency Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria.

    Under the theme “Diversifying Economies, Enriching Lives” PSF 2025 aims to reinforce the pivotal role of the private sector in fostering sustainable economic growth, enhancing trade and investment flows, and unlocking opportunities for strategic partnerships across the IsDB member countries. The forum will provide an exclusive platform for key stakeholders to explore new business opportunities, exchange knowledge, and strengthen regional and international economic cooperation.

    PSF 2025 will promote investment and trade by highlighting emerging opportunities in key sectors such as infrastructure, energy, technology, healthcare, and finance while facilitating cross-border investments and trade.  The forum will enhance public-private partnerships by strengthening collaboration between governments and private enterprises to drive economic diversification and sustainable development. It will also empower entrepreneurs and startups by providing a dedicated platform to support innovative startups and SMEs through networking, capacity-building, and funding opportunities.  Additionally, it will facilitate business networking by organizing B2B and B2G meetings, fostering strategic alliances between businesses, investors, policymakers, and financial institutions.  Finally, it will showcase success stories and best practices by sharing real-world insights from industry leaders and experts to inspire growth, resilience, and transformation within member economies.

    The event is expected to attract over 1,500 participants, including high-level government officials, chairpersons, presidents, and CEOs of leading local and international companies, multilateral development institutions, chambers of commerce and industry, business associations, investment promotion agencies, individual investors, and entrepreneurs.

    In addition to insightful panel discussions and keynote speeches, PSF 2025 will feature a dedicated exhibition where partners can showcase their projects, services, and investment opportunities. It will include a startup competition designed to foster innovation and highlight groundbreaking business ideas. For the third time, the event will introduce the IsDB Group recognition awards, honoring distinguished organizations and individuals for their contributions to economic development and trade facilitation.

    The forum will welcome prominent speakers, including the Chief Executive Officers of the IsDB Group entities, Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, CEO of ICIEC and Acting CEO of ICD, and Eng. Adeeb Al Aama, CEO of ITFC. These leaders, along with industry experts, will share success stories, experiences, and best practices to further strengthen investment and trade across the IsDB member countries.

    For further details, please visit the event’s official website: www.IsDBG-PSF.org

    About Islamic Development Bank (IsDB):
    The Islamic Development Bank is a multilateral development bank that works to improve the lives of those it serves by promoting social and economic development in Muslim countries and communities around the world and making a difference at scale. Through collaborative partnerships between communities in its 57 member countries, the Bank seeks to equip communities to drive their own economic and social progress at scale, and put the infrastructure in place to enable them to realize their potential. The Bank’s new business model of “making markets work for development” contributes to enhancing the competitiveness of our member countries in strategic industries in order to improve participation and upgrading in global value chains. This is in the field of food and agricultural industries, textiles, clothing, leather, shoes, petrochemicals and petroleum, construction, and Islamic finance. The Bank also promotes innovative and sustainable solutions to the biggest development challenges in the world, and takes advantage of the scientific potential in technology and innovation as strategic drivers of economic growth, and we also work to achieve the United Nations sustainable development goals.

    About The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC)
    About ICIEC:
    ICIEC commenced operations in 1994 to strengthen economic relations between OIC member countries and promote intra-OIC trade and investments by providing risk mitigation tools and financial solutions. The Corporation is uniquely the only Islamic multilateral insurer in the world. It has led from the front in delivering a comprehensive suite of solutions to companies and parties in its member countries. ICIEC, for the 17th consecutive year, maintained an “Aa3” insurance financial strength credit rating from Moody’s, ranking the Corporation among the top of the Credit and Political Risk Insurance (CPRI) Industry. Additionally, ICIEC has been assigned a First-Time “AA-” long-term Issuer Credit Rating by S&P with Stable Outlook.  ICIEC’s resilience is underpinned by its sound underwriting, reinsurance, and risk management policies. Cumulatively, ICIEC has insured more than US$121 billion in trade and investment. ICIEC activities are directed to several sectors – energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture.

    For more information, visit: http://ICIEC.IsDB.org ,

    About the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD):
    The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) is a multilateral organization affiliated with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). It supports the economic development of its member countries by providing financial assistance to private sector projects in accordance with the principles of Shari’ah. It also mobilizes additional resources for projects and encourages the development of Islamic finance. ICD’s operations complement the activities of IsDB in member countries and also those of national financial institutions. ICD has 55 member countries and five public financial institutions as its shareholders and has an authorized capital of USD 4 billion.

    About the International Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC):
    The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) is a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. It was established with the primary objective of advancing trade among OIC member countries, which would ultimately contribute to the overarching goal of improving socioeconomic conditions of the people across the world. Commencing operations in January 2008, ITFC has provided more than US$ 83 billion of financing to OIC member countries, making it the leading provider of trade solutions for these member countries’ needs. With a mission to become a catalyst for trade development for OIC member countries and beyond, the Corporation helps entities in member countries gain better access to trade finance and provides them with the necessary trade-related capacity building tools, which would enable them to successfully compete in the global market.

    About the Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum (THIQAH):
    The Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum (THIQAH) is the window of the IsDB Group that facilitate contact and coordination between entities concerned of the IsDB Group and private sector firms and related institutions in IsDB Group member countries. The main objective of THIQAH is to establish a unique platform for effective dialogue, cooperation and inclusive partnership for business leaders committed to partnering in promising investment opportunities. Through facilitation and catalyst roles, THIQAH will be leveraging IsDB Group’s resources to offer necessary services and confidence to investors and to establish strategic partnerships with the leaders of the private sector. The primary focus will be on maximizing cross-border investment among member countries to be supported by IsDB Group’s financial products and services. (www.IDBGBF.org)

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Southern road police targeting red lights and mobile phones

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Southern road police targeting red lights and mobile phones

    Thursday, 8 May 2025 – 11:55 am.

    Southern Road Policing Services conducted a targeted traffic operation in central Hobart yesterday, focusing on road safety offences, including drivers disobeying red lights and using mobile phones while driving.
    Inspector Kathy Bennett said police were disappointed at the number of drivers who appeared to push the limits of red and orange traffic lights, failing to recognise the importance of stopping safely.
    “We remind all motorists that they have a brake pedal as well as an accelerator, and the decision to rush through a changing light could have serious consequences,” she said.
    Throughout the operation, officers detected and issued infringements for multiple offences:
    • 22 people were caught using mobile phones
    • 14 people were caught disobeying red lights
    • One driver was caught not wearing a seatbelt
    Inspector Bennett said these sorts of operations will continue to target dangerous driving behaviours.
    “We will continue conducting targeted operations to ensure motorists adhere to the law and prioritise safety,” she said.
    “If you’re on the roads, please follow the road rules, and avoid distractions while behind the wheel.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Young Chinese inventor among top 10 innovators for 2025 EPO prize

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

    A young Chinese inventor and her collaboration partner have been named among the top 10 innovators of the Young Inventors Prize 2025, standing out from more than 450 candidates, the European Patent Office (EPO) announced on Tuesday.

    Chinese inventor Wen Roujia and Alisha Fredriksson co-founded a startup to develop a retrofittable carbon capture system to help shipowners cut emissions without needing to replace their fleets.

    “We bind the CO2 in solid form using calcium-based materials, making storage as simple as carrying cargo. No specialized equipment, no extreme conditions, just a stable, scalable way to reduce emissions at sea,” explained Wen.

    Aimed at individuals aged 30 and under, the EPO said that the Young Inventors Prize showcases the transformative power of youth-driven solutions and recognizes the remarkable young people paving the way to a more sustainable future.

    According to the EPO, the top 10 innovators for this year’s prize span five continents. They contribute to multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and provide solutions in areas such as e-waste, rare earth element recovery, aviation, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, carbon capture, food security, and environmental protection. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Golden monkeys from China make European debut at French zoo

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

    Three golden monkeys from China made their public debut on Wednesday at the ZooPark of Beauval in central France, marking the species’ first journey outside Asia.

    The three primates – one male and two females – arrived in early April from the Shanghai Wild Animal Park, accompanied by a Chinese caretaker, and have since completed a month-long quarantine period.

    Their arrival is part of a ten-year partnership between the ZooPark of Beauval and the China Wildlife Conservation Association, aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in wildlife protection and conservation.

    At a welcoming ceremony, the zoo’s director, Rodolphe Delord, unveiled the names of the new residents: Jindou (Golden Seed), Jinbao (Golden Treasure), and Jinhua (Golden Flower). These names were chosen through an online naming competition launched earlier this year.

    “Like the pandas, the arrival of these primates strengthens the ties between France and China in the field of animal conservation,” Delord said during the event. “We hope to see the birth of babies soon, which can then be returned to China for reintroduction into their natural environment.”

    The ZooPark of Beauval previously welcomed giant pandas Huanhuan and Yuanzai from China in 2012, launching a Sino-French cooperation program on panda breeding. With the arrival of the golden monkeys, the zoo has become the first outside Asia to host this rare and endangered species.

    The golden monkey is native to the mountainous forests of central and southwest China. Known for its striking golden-orange fur and distinctive upturned nose, the golden monkey is a national treasure in China and is under top-level state protection. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Inter hero Sommer emotional ahead of Munich return

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

    Inter Milan goalkeeper Yann Sommer fought back tears of joy after helping his side reach the UEFA Champions League final, then opened up to German media about a difficult chapter of his career.

    Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries (L) and goalkeeper Yann Sommer (C) celebrate at the end of the UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg match between Inter Milan and Barcelona in Milan, Italy, May 6, 2025. (Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua)

    After being named Man of the Match in Inter’s dramatic 4-3 extra-time win over Barcelona, the 36-year-old carefully set down his trophy and embraced former Borussia Monchengladbach teammate Christoph Kramer at a jubilant San Siro.

    “I’m 36 now – not the youngest anymore – and I finally get to play in a Champions League final with this marvelous team. I couldn’t be happier,” Sommer told a German TV crew.

    Sommer delivered a series of decisive saves in the semifinal second leg, helping Inter reach the final on May 31 at Munich’s Allianz Arena – a stadium that carries deep personal significance. The Switzerland international spent six months at Bayern Munich in 2023, stepping in after Manuel Neuer’s injury. Despite making 19 league appearances, he struggled to gain the club’s full trust and left after a brief, mixed spell.

    “That time didn’t leave him unaffected. He had to deal with it for quite a while,” former Switzerland coach Murat Yakin once said.

    Kramer called Sommer “underrated,” adding, “He wasn’t evaluated properly in Munich.” Former Bayern player and executive Matthias Sammer echoed that sentiment.

    “Now he can show his skills in Munich,” Sammer said. “At Bayern, he didn’t receive the appreciation he deserved. I love people like him, who stay grounded despite great achievements. He’s adding something special to Inter’s game.”

    While Bayern Munich failed to reach this year’s final on home soil, their former goalkeeper will be there – with another club. Sommer described Inter’s path to the final as fueled by belief and unity.

    “There’s unbelievable faith in this team. We left everything on the pitch and were carried by the energy of this arena,” he said. “I couldn’t hold back my tears after the final whistle.”

    Interviewed live on German television, Sommer smiled as pundits praised his resilience and form. Reflecting on Inter’s journey, he added, “Morale and belief – I can’t say it enough. This team is special.”

    Now with 94 caps for Switzerland, Sommer returns to Munich not as a stopgap, but as a Champions League finalist. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Low-altitude tourism takes off on China’s tropical island

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

    A tourist enjoys paragliding in Lingshui Li Autonomous County, south China’s Hainan Province, May 3, 2025.  (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

    A helicopter was slowly ascending, offering a breathtaking view of the vast blue ocean below and the stunning tropical coastal city of Sanya in south China’s Hainan.

    Sat in the cabin of the helicopter was He Jixu, a tourist from southwest China’s Sichuan Province. It was the first time he had enjoyed a helicopter ride over the resort city, an unforgettable highlight of his trip.

    “Seeing the ocean from the sky is an entirely different experience. The view is incredibly expansive, the scenery is more breathtaking, and it feels so unique,” he said.

    For tourists, the charm of the island now extends beyond its signature sea and beaches. From helicopter tours and paragliding, to skydiving and hot air balloon rides, a thrilling array of aerial adventures has enriched tourists’ experiences.

    At Sanya Tarhe skydiving base, the largest of its kind in Hainan, the lobby bustled with visitors from across the country. Some awaited their turn with eager anticipation, while others returned excitedly after their skydiving.

    “The moment I jumped out, my heart raced. But when calm returned, I enjoyed the sight of the glittering sea and the endless blue sky, and felt completely at peace,” said Wang Xiaoling, a tourist from north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. For Wang, skydiving is not just a thrilling adventure, but also a gateway to a whole new world.

    “I love exploring different places and having diverse experiences. This skydiving attempt is also about challenging myself to become braver,” she added. 

    Zhang Enming, general manager of Sanya Tarhe Skydiving Club, said the base offered several skydiving packages, with prices ranging from 3,999 yuan (about 550 U.S. dollars) for fixed-wing aircraft to 6,999 yuan and 8,699 yuan for helicopter-based experiences.

    During the May Day holiday, the number of skydiving bookings surged, with daily traffic increasing by about 70 percent compared to usual.

    Low-altitude tourism, a burgeoning sector, offers a unique perspective and experience for tourists, and is especially appealing to young people, said Zhang. The base served over 10,000 customers last year, and the number in the first quarter of this year has reached 6,000.

    As China’s only tropical island province, Hainan enjoys a significant advantage in developing low-altitude tourism, with over 300 days of flyable weather each year.

    Hainan’s low-altitude tourism market mainly focuses on aerial sightseeing and skydiving. According to the Hainan Provincial Development and Reform Commission, in 2024, Hainan recorded 209,800 takeoffs and landings for aerial sightseeing and 14,900 for skydiving, accounting for 48 percent and 44 percent of the national totals, respectively. 

    Flight hours for aerial sightseeing and skydiving reached 11,200 and 3,600 hours, respectively, representing 28 percent and 31 percent of national totals, with both categories ranking first in China.

    Policy support has played a key role in the sector’s growth. China has included low-altitude economy in the government work report for two consecutive years, vigorously promoting its development.

    As an innovative application of the low-altitude economy, low-altitude tourism has injected new vitality into tourism while revealing the sector’s enormous market potential.

    Many local governments have also taken proactive steps to develop low-altitude tourism. In July 2024, Guangzhou introduced a series of measures to support low-altitude tourism and aerial sports development. In January 2025, Shanghai successfully tested its first low-altitude passenger route directly connecting to a hotel, enriching the city’s tourism offerings in the area.

    A three-year plan on the development of low-altitude economy in Hainan from 2024 to 2026 proposes expanding low-altitude aircraft tourism scenarios. It supports cities and counties along Hainan’s round-the-island highway to open low-altitude tourism routes using helicopters, electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, and flying cars, enhancing the diversity of low-altitude tourism.

    “With the government’s strong support for the low-altitude economy, we’re highly confident about the future of skydiving and the entire low-altitude tourism sector,” Zhang said.

    Chen Yao, director of a Hainan-based tourism development research institute, said in the future Hainan will develop low-altitude tourism along the round-the-island highway, creating multi-dimensional, immersive and innovative tourism products.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Why historical truth of WWII should never be distorted

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

    Aircraft fly in formation over Red Square during a rehearsal for the Victory Day military parade, which marks the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, in Moscow, Russia, May 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

    This year marks the 80th anniversary of victory in World War II (WWII). Chinese President Xi Jinping travels to Russia on Wednesday for a state visit and celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War.

    The commemoration stands as a powerful reminder of the brutality of war, the precious hard-won peace and stability, and the importance of historical truth — especially at a time when the world is grappling with a resurgence in unilateralism, economic coercion and hegemonic mentality.

    What is alarming is that in recent years, there have been repeated attempts to distort or deny the legacy of the WWII victory. These attempts, drawing widespread criticism and concern, have reminded the world of the necessity to safeguard the integrity of the history of WWII.

    WHO IS DISTORTING WWII HISTORY?

    In these years, politicians from certain countries have sought to achieve political gains by manipulating historical truth.

    “We are witnessing increasing efforts to rehabilitate Nazism and racial supremacy, glorify Nazis and their collaborators, and revive practices of racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance,” Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told Xinhua in a recent interview.

    In March, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, while attending a memorial service on Iwo Jima to honor those who died in one of WWII’s pivotal battles, claimed Japan as being indispensable in tackling “Chinese aggression” and complimented the “valor” of Japanese soldiers.

    Hegseth’s remarks sparked sharp criticism, with many viewing them as an attempt to whitewash Japan’s militarism during WWII. His comments were also seen as a betrayal of those who sacrificed their lives in anti-fascist fight.

    Such attempts to distort or deny the history of the World Anti-Fascist War are not new.

    After WWII, as the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union intensified, Washington chose to support Japan as a strategic counterweight in Asia. In doing so, the remnants of Japanese fascism were not fully eradicated.

    Until this day, some right-wing Japanese politicians still refuse to renounce Japan’s militaristic past, and even question or deny the outcomes of the war.

    They continue to pay tribute to the notorious Yasukuni Shrine, which honors 14 convicted Class-A Japanese WWII war criminals, revise high school history textbooks to downplay Japan’s wartime atrocities, and deny the forced recruitment of “comfort women” by the Japanese military during WWII.

    “In recent years, Japan has recklessly tampered with textbooks, and the theory of no guilt for aggression has a relatively large market in Japan,” said Sun Huixiu, an associate professor with the School of History at Beijing Normal University.

    Similar historic revisionism took place in the West. There have been attempts by some Western countries to downplay or even completely deny the role of the Red Army and the Soviet people in the victory over Nazism.

    A survey conducted by IFOP, an international market research group, in May 1945 showed that 57 percent of French people credited the Soviet Union with having made the greatest contribution to Nazi defeat, compared to just 20 percent backing the United States and 12 percent Britain.

    However, by 2018, a YouGov survey showed a dramatic shift in public perception: 56 percent of the French believed the United States played the most important role, 11 percent credited Britain, and only 15 percent recognized Russia’s contribution.

    WHY HISTORICAL TRUTH SO IMPORTANT?

    During the deadliest military conflict in human history 80 years ago, more than 80 countries and regions, involving roughly 2 billion people, were drawn into the war. More than 100 million worldwide were killed or wounded, and global economic losses exceeded 4 trillion U.S. dollars.

    To resist fascist aggression, more than 50 countries, including China and the Soviet Union, formed a united front. As the main theater in the East during the World Anti-Fascist War, China paid a heavy price — over 35 million casualties in its fight against the majority troops of Japanese militarism.

    A woman visits the site used to be a bacterial laboratory at the former site of the Unit 731 in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Xie Jianfei)

    Preserving the truth of history is the most meaningful tribute to the soldiers and civilians who perished during WWII. It is also a foundation for reconciliation between former belligerent nations.

    “How should we respond to the sin of the Holocaust for which we should take responsibility? Summing up the past can be a prerequisite to reconciliation,” said former German Chancellor Angela Merkel during her visit to Japan in 2015.

    More importantly, as noted by Xi at the general debate of the 70th session of the UN General Assembly back in 2015, history is a mirror, and only by drawing lessons from history can the world avoid repeating past calamities.

    After WWII, the Allied powers carried out the Nuremberg and Tokyo Trials, which marked the first time in human history that war criminals were prosecuted before an international tribunal, delivering rightful punishment, upholding international justice and sending a powerful warning to fascist forces.

    Based on the WWII victory, key members of the anti-fascist alliance jointly initiated the founding of the United Nations and formulated a series of important international documents including the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation and the Charter of the United Nations, which laid the foundation for the modern international order and established the basic norms governing contemporary international relations.

    “These instruments helped to hold fascist crimes accountable, and through a series of institutional frameworks, effectively placed a ‘security lock’ on the postwar world to help preserve peace,” said He Lei, former vice president of the Academy of Military Science of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, in an article.

    Since the end of WWII, the world has witnessed a level of global prosperity unprecedented in human history thanks to the largely peaceful era it has been in. “We need to firmly remember the history of WWII and maintain the world political and economic order,” said Sun.

    “Today, it seems no one disputes that the victory over fascism and militarism was one of humanity’s greatest achievements in the 20th century,” said Kirill Babayev, director of the Institute of China and Modern Asia at the Russian Academy of Sciences.

    This underscores that Russia and China must remain at the forefront of preserving this memory, he noted.

    “In the global agenda, we must uphold a position that demands full respect for historical truth, rejects its distortion, and, above all, safeguards the memory of those who perished during World War II while defending our freedom,” he added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: People fleeing violence in North Darfur need shelter, water, and food story May 06, 2025

    Source: Doctors Without Borders –

    In the weeks since the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) conducted a large-scale ground offensive on Sudan’s Zamzam camp, where nearly 500,000 people were taking shelter, tens of thousands of people are fleeing to areas including the town of Tawila, in North Darfur, while intense fighting reportedly continues in the state capital, El Fasher. 

    People are arriving in Tawila from Zamzam in extreme need; famine was declared in the camp in August 2024, and many people have been seriously injured in the attack. Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is providing medical care in dedicated health posts in Tawila, as well as distributing water and donating dry food, but the needs of the arriving people are overwhelming emergency and nutritional services at the local hospital that MSF supports. People speak of fleeing horrific violence.

    Why are people fleeing Zamzam and going to Tawila?

    • On April 11, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), one of the parties in the war in Sudan, launched a massive ground offensive on Zamzam camp, North Darfur, which is home to at least 500,000 displaced people. Hundreds of people are estimated to have been killed.
    • MSF teams in Tawila, about 35 miles away, witnessed the arrival of thousands of displaced families, who told us that fighters  were going door-to-door, shooting people hiding in their homes, and burning large parts of the camp. 
    • The two health posts MSF set up at the main arrival sites in Tawila have been overwhelmed for two weeks in a row, providing up to 850 medical consultations per day, with patients suffering advanced states of dehydration and exhaustion. People have also arrived with gunshots and shrapnel injuries. MSF has set up a mass casualty plan, and in three weeks, our teams treated 779 patients with gunshot and shrapnel wounds, including 138 children under 15. Of these, 187 were severe cases (including 24 children). 
    • Tens of thousands of people have now set up makeshift shelters in the surroundings of Tawila, and are trying to survive in extremely dire conditions.

    Dr. Mohamed Abubaker examines a patient in the pediatrics department in Tawila. | Sudan 2025 © Thibault Fendler/MSF

    The RSF came with their machine guns and drones,” says Mariam* who reached Tawila three days after the attack on Zamzam took place. “They attacked and killed [people]—including children. They burned our house with everything we had inside. They raped the women. They killed, they looted. Even before the attack, people had died of thirst and of starvation because of the siege that had been imposed on Zamzam for the past year. … They entered the house of one of my sisters, dragged her out, and killed her. My uncle’s son, my aunt’s son, and many people were killed. They slaughtered us like animals.”

    Mariam arrived in Tawila with 20 family members, including her mother, her sisters and their own children. They now spend their days crammed into a makeshift shelter they built with branches and a piece of fabric, sharing the little shade it provides.

    Makeshift shelters have filled what was an empty grass field in Tawila, as thousands of families flee the massive offensive on Zamzam camp. | Sudan 2025 © Thibault Fendler/MSF

    Newly displaced people are living in fields

    Since April 12, when the people first began reaching Tawila from Zamzam, the areas surrounding the town have been completely transformed, with tens of thousands of people now estimated to be living in makeshift shelters in fields that were totally uninhabited just a few weeks ago.

    “For four days now, we have been staying here as you see us, with nothing: no walls, no roof,” says Ibrahim, who fled Zamzam on foot with 11 of his family members. He carried one of his children on his shoulders and another on his back for five days. It’s the fourth time in 10 years he has been displaced in similar circumstances. He describes how soldiers entered people’s homes, forced them outside, and opened fire. Three of his brothers were killed in this manner. On his way to Tawila, he was robbed and witnessed people being beaten so harshly that they could no longer move.

    “We don’t see any future anymore”

    “I’ve been displaced four times over the past 10 years. We arrived in Tawila on April 16. We have been living here since then, under this tree, all 11 of us.

    On Friday, April 11, it started with shelling directly on the camp. Shells were falling where people were gathering. Then they attacked on the ground. We heard gunfire everywhere. Many people got killed, including three of my brothers. Soldiers entered their houses, brought them outside, and opened fire.

    When we managed to leave Zamzam, we left on foot. We had no vehicles, no donkey, no cart, nothing. I had one of my children on my shoulders, another one on my back. My older son and daughter were carrying their younger siblings the same way. Everyone around us was doing the same.

    We were stopped at the exit of the camp by armed men. They searched everyone, even the smallest children. There were looking for anything that had value. Some of us were beaten so harshly, they were not able to move anymore.

    The first night, we took shelter a few miles from there, in the valley of Golo. But there as well, they came for us, to steal from us. We had nothing left, but all those who did, got looted and beaten, once again.

    For four days now, we have been staying here with nothing—no walls, no roof. Under this tree, it is so crowded. We’re lacking water, shelter, and there is nothing to eat. Everyone is hungry. We’re getting most of our food from community kitchens. Sometimes, we manage to get some rice when they distribute meals, but if we don’t, we must wait until the next day to eat something. For the water, we go to the well, which is a bit further away, with our jerrycans. But there are many people, and we have to wait hours to be able to drink. 

    We have nothing left—no money, nothing that could help us leave. We just stay here, hoping we will get enough food to survive on the next day. We don’t see any future anymore.”

    -Ibrahim*

    Needs far outweigh available assistance

    A handful of organizations are present in Tawila, but the number of people in need of assistance far exceeds the capacity to respond. MSF teams have set up two health posts at the main arrival sites to provide newcomers with water and immediate nutritional and medical support, and are referring critical patients to the local hospital that MSF has been supporting since October 2024.

    “Every single person they saw, they shot at”

    “In my life, I have been displaced many times by the violence, from Sarafaya to Mouqrin in 2014, then to Shagra last year, and to Zamzam earlier this year, to finally arrive here, in Tawila. It was on Monday, April 14.

    It was already a similar attack that made us flee from Shagra to Zamzam. In 2024, attackers came on camels and motorcycles and stole everything from us: our horses, our donkeys, our camels, even the tobacco we had just harvested. 

    When we got to Zamzam, the camp was already under siege. Everything was blocked, no supplies entering anymore. Everything became so expensive: food was not affordable anymore. Then the attack on Zamzam happened. It has started with a lot of shelling and then shooting. They came walking, directly inside the camp. Every single person they saw, they shot at them, not matter if it was a child, a woman, or an old person. 

    At the exit of the camp, they were waiting for us. They searched the women, they took anything they thought had value: our money, our cell phones, even our clothes. And on the road to Tawila, it happened again. What little we had left was looted on the way, including our blankets. 

    I arrived to Tawila with my children. I came walking, carrying my youngest children on our donkey. The little water we had was finished. I saw two bodies on the way, with my own eyes. Dead from thirst. 

    Living conditions here are terrible. My elder children go to the market, they buy big boxes of biscuits they then resell by unit. With that very little money, we manage to survive. For water, we can go to a water tank which is a bit further away, but sometimes it’s empty. We managed to buy two jerrycans on the market, but here as well, they were really expensive.

    My children are coughing a lot. We have been to MSF’s health post; they gave us medications, but their condition is not improving. Nights are so cold; we are sleeping on the floor and only have two blankets for the 11 of us.

    As long as we remain safe here, we will stay. And if not… well, we will leave. Once again.”

    –Hamida* 

    Tiphaine Salmon, MSF head nurse, was working in the hospital on the day the mass influx of severe cases began on April 12. “The emergency room was overwhelmed,” she says. “Over the first few days, the number of patients in the hospital almost doubled. At one point, we had four patients in a bed because we did not have enough space. A lot of people had gunshot wounds and blast injuries—we’ve treated 779 people over the past three weeks, including 138 children. Of the 779 patients, 187 were severe cases. The youngest I saw was a 7-month-old baby with a bullet wound that went under his chin and into his shoulder. We also received patients as young as 1 day old suffering from dehydration. Many children arrived without their parents—and many parents were searching desperately for their children.”

    At the same time, our teams in the hospital witnessed an explosion of admissions in our intensive therapeutical feeding center, which treats children under 5 years old suffering from severe acute malnutrition. In the week following the influx, admissions increased almost tenfold, from an average of 6 or 7 per week to more than 60. They were mostly children from Zamzam.

    MSF nurse Hitham checks a patient at an MSF health post in Tawila Umda, where hundreds of people suffering from exhaustion and dehydration have arrived over the past few days. | Sudan 2025 © Thibault Fendler/MSF

    Disease and displacement make a deadly combination

    A suspected measles outbreak began in Tawila in March, worsening an already catastrophic situation. MSF has treated more than 900 suspected measles cases since early February, with more than 300 patients in such severe condition that they required hospitalization. This situation led our teams to launch a large-scale vaccination campaign in the city in the first week of April, reaching 18,000 children under 5 years old.

    Only one week after the massive influx of people from Zamzam began, our teams saw several suspected cases among children who had just arrived from the camp, meaning that measles had already begun to spread in displacement sites.

    In such sites with a high population density and low hygiene conditions, malnutrition and measles can be an especially deadly combination, with disastrous consequences for young children.

    “They just slaughtered us like animals” 

    “Our household is composed of 20 people, including my 12 children, my mother, my sisters and their own children. We arrived from Zamzam five days ago. We were living there since 2014.

    The RSF came with their machine guns and drones. They attacked and killed, including children. They burned our house with everything we had inside. They raped the women. They killed, they looted. But even before that, people died of thirst and of starvation, because of the siege they imposed on Zamzam for the past year. Everything was so expensive and so unaffordable in the end.

    I’ve seen a full group of children being killed during the attack by a shelling. I’ve seen it with my own eyes as we were fleeing.

    Nobody will ever go there and bury them now.

    They entered the house of one of my sisters, dragged her out, and killed her. My uncle’s son, my aunt’s son, and many people were killed. They slaughtered us like animals. 

    On our way to Shagra, at a checkpoint, I asked them why they were killing us like this. They didn’t answer. They raped several girls there. They beat the people, and loot them once again, whatever they had. We had a bit of water left, but they took the bottle and emptied it on the ground, in front of us. They also took our luggage, threw everything on the ground, and chose what they wanted to keep. I only had about 1,500 Sudanese pounds on me [about $2.25], even that they took from me. 

    On the way, there were six checkpoints like this one. At every single checkpoint, they emptied our luggage, searched, and kept what had value. Then they ordered us to pick up the rest and leave immediately. 

    Here, in Tawila, there is no food. Some people in Tawila shared a bit of millet flour with us, from which we make porridge. This is how we have survived so far: begging. We have one blanket for all of us.

    We don’t have any other place to go, and even if we did, we wouldn’t have the money to do so. So, we’re just staying here, hoping to receive a bit of help. We need a better place to stay than this shelter we built with our hands.”

    –Mariam*

    Immediate scale-up of aid is imperative

    MSF is continuing to scale up its intervention in Tawila. As well as carrying out hundreds of medical consultations per day, our organization has donated food to local community kitchens, enabling them to prepare and distribute more than 16,000 meals per day. We have also been providing 100,000 liters of clean water daily, and we have additional plans to construct 300 latrines.

    But the needs of people in Tawila are immense and far outstrip our capacity to respond. Although other actors have also mobilized, and a first mass food distribution has taken place, the humanitarian response still needs to be urgently and rapidly scaled up. We urge UN agencies to substantially increase their presence on the ground so they can coordinate a response with the magnitude to meet the ever-growing needs.

    *Names have been changed for privacy. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Week 7 of “Dirty Dems” campaign sets its sights on Assembly Member Esmeralda Soria

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    FRESNO, CA (May 6, 2025)—As part of the ongoing “Dirty Dems” campaign, Greenpeace USA, in collaboration with the California Working Families Party and Courage California, continues to hold California State legislators accountable for their damaging connections to the oil and gas industry and their failure to support critical climate, economic justice, and progressive priorities.

    In its final week, the campaign turns to Fresno’s Assembly Member Esmeralda Soria. Though Soria has only spent just over two years in office, she has already directly accepted $53,000 from the oil and gas industry, including $29,500 in just the last session alone. 

    Amy Moas, Ph.D., Greenpeace USA Senior Climate Campaigner, said: “Assembly Member Soria’s ties to the fossil fuel industry are particularly alarming because she signed the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge while running for Congress in 2020. Her abrupt reversal to supporting toxic polluters begs the question: why is she unwilling to stand up for resilient families and a healthy future? In two short years, Soria has quickly made her priorities and true alliances known.”

    Assembly Member Soria has earned failing grades from every major environmental and progressive scorecard across the state for both years she has been in office. Some lowlights of her time as an elected official include the following: skipped voting on a bill to monitor noxious pollutants in neighborhoods that have been linked to asthma and cancer (SB 674); skipped voting on a bill to reduce toxins in everyday packaging (AB 2761); and skipped voting on a bill to protect Californians from inflated utility prices by requiring the comparison of rates to actual costs (AB 2666). 

    But Assembly Member Soria has also failed on other progressive issues, especially those related to protecting workers. In 2024, she skipped both voting on a bill to improve employment standards for janitorial labor in the state (AB 2364) and voting on a bill focused on establishing more protections against workplace violence (SB 553). While Soria has every reason to be a voice for a healthier and more resilient California, she has actively chosen corporate polluters over her communities. Thus, she has been named a “Dirty Dem.”

    Greenpeace USA is part of a global network of independent campaigning organizations that use peaceful protest and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future. Greenpeace USA is committed to transforming the country’s unjust social, environmental, and economic systems from the ground up to address the climate crisis, advance racial justice, and build an economy that puts people first. Learn more at www.greenpeace.org/usa.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia card acquiring market to hit $700 billion in 2025 as growth set to slow amid global uncertainty, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    The Australian card acquiring market is projected to grow by 5.5% to reach AUD1.1 trillion ($713.4 billion) in 2025. Despite this growth, global economic uncertainty linked to recent US tariffs may weigh on momentum, slowing the pace of expansion compared to previous years of stronger performance driven by cashless trends and consumer spending, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s Merchant Acquiring Analytics reveals that the card acquiring value in Australia registered a growth of 7.5% in 2024, driven by the rise in consumer spending and increasing consumer preference for cashless transactions. However, the current global uncertainty because of latest US tariffs can pose a challenge for the Australia’s overall economic growth, which is expected to impact even payment industry resulting a slower growth in card acquiring value in 2025.

    Asha Lalitha, Senior Banking and Payments Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Domestic transactions with Australian-issued cards dominate the acquiring space in the country, accounting for over 97% of the total value of acquiring transactions. Well-established card acceptance infrastructure, nearly-100% banking population, and the burgeoning e-commerce market are all contributing to this.”

    The number of POS terminals per one million inhabitants in Australia rose from 36,012 in 2020 to 40,055 in 2025. In addition to the traditional POS terminals, companies are offering POS solutions designed to target SMEs. For instance, Fiserv launched “Clover” POS solution in March 2025, especially targeting SMEs operating in the hospitality, service, and retail sectors.

    Debit cards accounted for 59% of the total domestic card acquiring value in 2024. Credit and charge cards, on the other hand, accounted for 75.3% share in the total foreign card acquiring value, supported by high usage of foreign issued credit and charge cards for purchases of goods and services in Australia both online and in-person.

    Traditional banks such as Commonwealth Bank (CommBank), Westpac, and National Australian Bank held significant share in Australia’s card acquiring space, accounting for around 60% of total acquiring value in 2024. CommBank is the leading operator in the Australian merchant acquiring market. The bank offers a wide range of POS terminals, including mobile POS terminals. In May 2023, CommBank rolled out the Smart Mini reader for small businesses, enabling them to accept all types of card payments. The terminals are equipped with features such as surcharging, tipping, and digital receipts.

    In addition to banks, non-bank financial institutions such as Tyro, Worldline, and Fiserv also have a presence in the acquiring space in the country.

    Asha concludes: “The Australian card acquiring market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5%, reaching AUD1.3 trillion ($866.7 billion) by 2029. This growth is supported by strong consumer awareness of digital payments, wider merchant acceptance, and a rising preference for contactless and e-commerce transactions.”

    About GlobalData

    4,000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, financial, technology and professional services sectors.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Secretary Noem Puts Sanctuary City Leaders on Notice: Time to Put Americans First

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Secretary Noem Puts Sanctuary City Leaders on Notice: Time to Put Americans First

    lass=”text-align-center”> The Secretary blasted sanctuary jurisdictions for failing to uphold federal law and called on leaders to stand up for Americans who have been victimized by reckless sanctuary policies
    SPRINGFIELD, IL – Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem today held a press conference highlighting the devastation sanctuary policies have caused in Illinois and across America with Angel families who shared their tragic stories of their loved ones lost because of illegal alien crime

    The Secretary also called out Illinois Governor Pritzker for shielding law breakers

    “As Secretary of Homeland Security, I’m going to uphold our federal immigration laws,” said Secretary Kristi Noem

    “I’m going to draw attention to people who are breaking the law and violating our Constitution

    I’m going to fight for the victims every single day and draw attention to them as long as we can

    And President Trump will continue to do that as well

    We should be united as a country around bringing violent criminals to justice and getting them out of the United States of America

    ”

    To watch the full press conference, click here

    Some of the Angel Families who attended the press conference include: 

    Jim Walden, Angel Father of Lance Corporal James Ray “Jimmy” Walden III

    Jimmy was killed by a twice-deported illegal alien who crashed into Jimmy’s motorcycle

    He was killed in Maryland, but his father lives in Illinois

    Kathy Zander, Angel Mother of John Zander

    Four days before his 23rd birthday, John was convinced by his best friend to snort cocaine, not knowing that his friend had spiked it with fentanyl

    John died from fentanyl poisoning

    Brian McCann, Angel Brother of Dennis “Denny” McCann

    Denny was crossing the street when he was hit by a car in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood and dragged to his death by an illegal alien

    The driver was charged in the fatal crash, but after being released on bond, he disappeared

       
    Nancy Platania Angel Mother of Nick Platania who tragically lost his life to a fentanyl overdose

    Nick worked to get others clean from drugs and started his own business before his life was tragically taken by deadly drugs funneled into American communities

    There are more than 200 sanctuary jurisdictions across the nation

    The following headlines are only a handful of examples of sanctuary leaders refusing to work with federal law enforcement to protect Americans

     
    New York Governor Kathy Hochul:

    Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers:

    Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell:

    Portland Police Chief Bob Day:

    Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell:

    Boston Police Department Commissioner Michael Cox:

    On April 28, 2025, President Donald Trump signed the Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens Executive Order

    Under the President’s order, the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General are directed to publish a list of states and local jurisdictions that obstruct the enforcement of federal immigration laws

    Under President Trump’s leadership, DHS will work with DOJ to end violations of federal immigration law and bring jurisdictions into compliance with the laws of the United States

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Statement on Nomination of Matt Anderson for Deputy Administrator

    Source: NASA

    Acting NASA Administrator Janet Petro issued the following statement regarding the nomination by President Donald Trump of Matt Anderson Wednesday to serve as the agency’s deputy administrator:
    “As a retired United States Air Force colonel and executive of the Space Force Association, Matt Anderson brings extensive knowledge of space operations, aeronautics expertise, and industry experience. If confirmed, he would join NASA’s leadership team at a time when partnerships and a sharpened focus on mission are essential to our continued success. Along with President Trump’s nominee to lead NASA, Jared Isaacman, he will strengthen collaboration across sectors and help NASA advance exploration, serve the American people, and deliver results for the benefit of all.”
    Throughout his over 24-year tenure in the U.S. Air Force, Anderson culminated his career as the U.S. Transportation Command’s senior liaison officer to North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), and U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM). He retired as a colonel Oct. 1, 2021. Anderson is currently a vice president and Space Force & Air Force client executive at CACI. He also serves as the chief growth officer at the Space Force Association.
    An alum of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Anderson holds degrees in biology, aeronautical science, and leadership & counseling. In 2024, Anderson was named by the Washington Exec as one of their “Top Space Execs to Watch.”
    For more about NASA’s mission, visit:

    Home Page

    -end-
    Bethany Stevens / Amber JacobsonHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1600bethany.c.stevens@nasa.gov / amber.c.jacobson@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Key Portion of NASA’s Roman Space Telescope Clears Thermal Vacuum Test

    Source: NASA

    One half of NASA’s nearly complete Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope just passed a lengthy test to ensure it will function properly in the space environment. This milestone keeps Roman well on track for its target launch by May 2027, with the team aiming for as early as fall 2026.

    “This milestone tees us up to attach the flight solar array sun shield to the outer barrel assembly, and deployable aperture cover, which we’ll begin this month,” said Jack Marshall, who leads integration and testing for these elements at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. “Then we’ll complete remaining environmental tests for the flight assembly before moving on to connect Roman’s two major assemblies and run the full observatory through testing, and then we’ll be ready to launch!”
    Prior to this thermal testing, technicians integrated Roman’s deployable aperture cover, a visor-like sunshade, to the outer barrel assembly, which will house the telescope and instruments, in January, then added test solar panels in March. They moved this whole structure into the Space Environment Simulator test chamber at NASA Goddard in April.
    There, it was subjected to the hot and cold temperatures it will experience in space. Next, technicians will join Roman’s flight solar panels to the outer barrel assembly and sunshade. Then the structure will undergo a suite of assessments, including a shake test to ensure it can withstand the vibrations experienced during launch.

    Meanwhile, Roman’s other major portion — the spacecraft and integrated payload assembly, which consists of the telescope, instrument carrier, and two instruments — will undergo its own shake test, along with additional assessments. Technicians will install the lower instrument sun shade and put this half of the observatory through a thermal vacuum test in the Space Environment Simulator.
    “The test verifies the instruments will remain at stable operating temperatures even while the Sun bakes one side of the observatory and the other is exposed to freezing conditions — all in a vacuum, where heat doesn’t flow as readily as it does through air,” said Jeremy Perkins, an astrophysicist serving as Roman’s observatory integration and test scientist at NASA Goddard. Keeping the instrument temperatures stable ensures their readings will be precise and reliable.
    Technicians are on track to connect Roman’s two major parts in November, resulting in a complete observatory by the end of the year. Following final tests, Roman is expected to ship to the launch site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida for launch preparations in summer 2026. Roman remains on schedule for launch by May 2027, with the team aiming for launch as early as fall 2026.

    To virtually tour an interactive version of the telescope, visit:
    https://roman.gsfc.nasa.gov/interactive
    The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is managed at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, with participation by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California; Caltech/IPAC in Pasadena, California; the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore; and a science team comprising scientists from various research institutions. The primary industrial partners are BAE Systems Inc. in Boulder, Colorado; L3Harris Technologies in Rochester, New York; and Teledyne Scientific & Imaging in Thousand Oaks, California.
    By Ashley BalzerNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.
    ​​Media Contact:Claire AndreoliNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center301-286-1940

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Visualization From NASA’s Webb Telescope Explores Cosmic Cliffs

    Source: NASA

    In July 2022, NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope made its public debut with a series of breathtaking images. Among them was an ethereal landscape nicknamed the Cosmic Cliffs. This glittering realm of star birth is the subject of a new 3D visualization derived from the Webb data. The visualization, created by NASA’s Universe of Learning and titled “Exploring the Cosmic Cliffs in 3D,” breathes new life into an iconic Webb image.
    It is being presented today at a special event hosted by the International Planetarium Society to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first public planetarium in Munich, Germany.
    The landscape of “mountains” and “valleys” known as the Cosmic Cliffs is actually a portion of the nebula Gum 31, which contains a young star cluster called NGC 3324. Both Gum 31 and NGC 3324 are part of a vast star-forming region known as the Carina Nebula Complex.
    Ultraviolet light and stellar winds from the stars of NGC 3324 have carved a cavernous area within Gum 31. A portion of this giant bubble is seen above the Cosmic Cliffs. (The star cluster itself is outside this field of view.)
    The Cliffs display a misty appearance, with “steam” that seems to rise from the celestial mountains. In actuality, the wisps are hot, ionized gas and dust streaming away from the nebula under an onslaught of relentless ultraviolet radiation.
    Eagle-eyed viewers may also spot particularly bright, yellow streaks and arcs that represent outflows from young, still-forming stars embedded within the Cosmic Cliffs. The latter part of the visualization sequence swoops past a prominent protostellar jet in the upper right of the image.

    [embedded content]
    In July 2022, NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope made history, revealing a breathtaking view of a region now nicknamed the Cosmic Cliffs.This glittering landscape, captured in incredible detail, is part of the nebula Gum 31 — a small piece of the vast Carina Nebula Complex — where stars are born amid clouds of gas and dust.This visualization brings Webb’s iconic image to life — helping us imagine the true, three-dimensional structure of the universe… and our place within it.

    Produced for NASA by the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) with partners at Caltech/IPAC, and developed by the AstroViz Project of NASA’s Universe of Learning, this visualization is part of a longer, narrated video that provides broad audiences, including youth, families, and lifelong learners, with a direct connection to the science and scientists of NASA’s Astrophysics missions. That video enables viewers to explore fundamental questions in science, experience how science is done, and discover the universe for themselves.
    “Bringing this amazing Webb image to life helps the public to comprehend the three-dimensional structure inherent in the 2D image, and to develop a better mental model of the universe,” said STScI’s Frank Summers, principal visualization scientist and leader of the AstroViz Project.
    More visualizations and connections between the science of nebulas and learners can be explored through other products produced by NASA’s Universe of Learning including a Carina Nebula Complex resource page and ViewSpace, a video exhibit that is currently running at almost 200 museums and planetariums across the United States. Visitors can go beyond video to explore the images produced by space telescopes with interactive tools now available for museums and planetariums.
    NASA’s Universe of Learning materials are based upon work supported by NASA under award number NNX16AC65A to the Space Telescope Science Institute, working in partnership with Caltech/IPAC, Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian, and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
    The James Webb Space Telescope is the world’s premier space science observatory. Webb is solving mysteries in our solar system, looking beyond to distant worlds around other stars, and probing the mysterious structures and origins of our universe and our place in it. Webb is an international program led by NASA with its partners, ESA (European Space Agency) and CSA (Canadian Space Agency).
    NASA’s Universe of Learning is part of the NASA Science Activation program, from the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters. The Science Activation program connects NASA science experts, real content and experiences, and community leaders in a way that activates minds and promotes deeper understanding of our world and beyond. Using its direct connection to the science and the experts behind the science, NASA’s Universe of Learning provides resources and experiences that enable youth, families, and lifelong learners to explore fundamental questions in science, experience how science is done, and discover the universe for themselves.
    To learn more about Webb, visit:
    https://science.nasa.gov/webb
    Downloads
    View/Download all image products at all resolutions for this article from the Space Telescope Science Institute.

    Laura Betz – laura.e.betz@nasa.govNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.
    Christine Pulliam – cpulliam@stsci.eduSpace Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, Md.

    Explore more: Carina Nebula Complex from NASA’s Universe of Learning
    Read more: Webb’s view of the Cosmic Cliffs
    Listen: Carina Nebula sonification
    Read more: Webb’s star formation discoveries
    More Webb News
    More Webb Images
    Webb Science Themes
    Webb Mission Page

    What is the Webb Telescope?
    SpacePlace for Kids
    En Español
    Ciencia de la NASA
    NASA en español 
    Space Place para niños

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Statement on Appointment of New JPL Director

    Source: NASA

    The following is a statement from acting NASA Administrator Janet Petro on the appointment of David Gallagher as director of the agency’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California. NASA JPL announced Wednesday Laurie Leshin would step down effective Sunday, June 1.
    “Laurie Leshin’s leadership at JPL has been nothing short of extraordinary. She brought a sharp scientific mind, a strong sense purpose, and a clear vision that helped propel the lab forward during a pivotal time. From groundbreaking missions to remarkable technological milestones, Laurie advanced JPL’s legacy of exploration and innovation. We are grateful for her service and wish her the very best as she continues to inspire in the next phase of her career.
    “I’m equally confident in Dave Gallagher’s ability to lead JPL’s next chapter. He brings decades of experience, a steady hand, and a deep understanding of what makes JPL unique. With Dave at the helm, JPL remains well-positioned to continue delivering for NASA and the nation – pushing the boundaries of science and discovery for the benefit of all.”
    For more information about NASA, visit:

    Home Page

    -end-
    Bethany Stevens / Amber JacobsonHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1600bethany.c.stevens@nasa.gov / amber.c.jacobson@nasa.gov 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dave Gallagher Named 11th Director of JPL as Laurie Leshin Steps Down

    Source: NASA

    Laurie Leshin has decided to step down as director of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory on Sunday, June 1. David Gallagher, who has been serving as the Lab’s associate director for Strategic Integration, has been selected by Caltech to lead the federally funded research and development center. Caltech manages JPL for NASA.
    A distinguished geochemist, Leshin was named by Caltech to lead the lab in early 2022. Her career has spanned academia and senior positions at NASA. Several NASA missions managed by JPL have launched under her leadership, including EMIT, SWOT, Psyche, PREFIRE, Europa Clipper, and SPHEREx, with the NASA-Indian Earth satellite NISAR set for a June launch. In addition, JPL has advanced the development of NASA’s asteroid-hunting NEO Surveyor mission as well as the trio of CADRE lunar rovers, and it delivered the Coronagraph Instrument, a technology demonstration with NASA’s forthcoming Roman Space Telescope.
    “I am proud of the many things JPL has accomplished over the past three years,” said Leshin. “In addition to the long list of missions that have launched or moved toward launch during that time, we saved Voyager more than once and flew into history on Mars with Ingenuity. We have made more amazing scientific discoveries than I can name, including finding potential ancient Martian biomarkers with Perseverance. And we’ve driven the forefront of technology on Earth and in space. I know those achievements will continue under Dave’s capable leadership.”
    Leshin, who has also served as Caltech vice president, is stepping down for personal reasons and will remain a Bren Professor of Geochemistry and Planetary Science at Caltech.
    “While we respect Laurie’s decision to step away from her leadership position at JPL, we will miss her drive, compassion, and dedication,” Caltech President Thomas Rosenbaum said. “At the same time, we are grateful to Dave Gallagher for his devotion to JPL and his continuing leadership and partnership going forward. Dave’s experience working across multiple government and private sector entities will help secure ongoing support for America’s agenda in space, with JPL continuing to play an essential role.”
    Gallagher will draw on his deep experience at JPL to lead the lab into the future. He arrived at JPL 36 years ago, in 1989, and went on to hold numerous leadership positions. Along with having served as the director and deputy director for Astronomy, Physics, and Space Technology, he was manager of JPL’s Advanced Optical Systems Program Office. An electrical engineer, Gallagher also managed the Spitzer Space Telescope and, among other roles, led the team that built and tested the Wide Field/Planetary Camera 2 (WF/PC-2) — a critical instrument that corrected the spherical aberration on NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope.
    “Laurie has made a significant impact on energizing and focusing the lab, guiding it back on track after the Covid-19 pandemic. I wish her great success in this next chapter of her career, and I look forward to a very smooth transition at the lab,” said Gallagher. “We have exciting opportunities ahead helping to advance our nation’s space agenda and a fantastic team to help realize them.”
    Founded by Caltech faculty and students in 1936, JPL has been managed by Caltech on behalf of NASA since 1958.
    News Media Contacts
    Matthew Segal / Veronica McGregorJet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.818-354-8307 / 818-354-9452matthew.j.segal@jpl.nasa.gov / veronica.c.mcgregor@jpl.nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Expands Youth Engagement With New Scouting America Agreement

    Source: NASA

    NASA and the Sam Houston Area Council (SHAC) of Scouting America signed a collaborative Space Act Agreement on December 17, 2024, expanding youth access to programs and opportunities with the Johnson Space Center’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) in Houston.
    The agreement forges the first formal partnership between NASA OSTEM and Scouting America. It will leverage NASA’s educational outreach programs to enrich scout activities and experiences while providing the agency with new opportunities to engage youth around its mission, vision, and goals.

    “Our ability to explore the unknown and innovate for the benefit of all humanity depends on a highly skilled and competitive STEM workforce,” said NASA Acting Associate Administrator Vanessa Wyche. “Together with SHAC, we can inspire future generations of explorers, scientists, and engineers to help us take the next giant leap toward exciting discoveries.”
    The agreement has already enabled NASA and SHAC to collaborate on a new space-focused summer experience at Camp Strake, the council’s premier camping facility in Southeast Texas. During the weeklong program, scouts will participate in hands-on STEM activities created in partnership with NASA, tour Johnson Space Center, attend robotics and space exploration workshops, and get an in-depth look at NASA’s current projects. SHAC serves approximately 25,000 youth in 16 counties in Southeast Texas.

    “NASA and SHAC share common goals of growing youth interest in science, technology, engineering, and math careers, and providing access to programs and experiences that prepare them to enter the STEM workforce,” said Gamaliel Cherry, director of Johnson’s Office of STEM Engagement. “We are excited to connect more students to NASA’s mission, work, and people through this partnership.”
    NASA OSTEM provides opportunities for the next generation of explorers to discover and hone the science, technology, engineering, and math skills needed for the agency’s bold exploration plans.
    For the latest NASA STEM events, news, and activities for students at any grade level, visit:
    https://stem.nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH NOW: Secretary Noem Calls Out Governor J.B. Pritzker’s and his Sanctuary Policies That Put Illegal Aliens Before Americans

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: WATCH NOW: Secretary Noem Calls Out Governor J

    B

    Pritzker’s and his Sanctuary Policies That Put Illegal Aliens Before Americans

    PRINGFIELD, IL – Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem hosts a press conference in Illinois Governor Pritzker’s backyard with Angel Families to call out the state’s sanctuary policies that undermine the rule of law and endanger fellow Americans

      
    Some of the Angel Families that will be in attendance are: 

    The family of Denny McCann: Denny was crossing the street when he was hit by a car in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood and dragged to his death by an illegal alien

    The driver was charged in the fatal crash, but after being released on bond, he disappeared

      
    The family of Jimmy Walden: Jimmy was killed by a twice deported illegal alien who crashed into Jimmy’s motorcycle

    He was killed in Maryland, but his father lives in Illinois

    You can watch the full press conference here

        
    “I am calling upon Governor Pritzker, and other leaders in the state of Illinois, to abandon these dangerous sanctuary policies,” said Secretary Kristi Noem

    “We need to return to law and order and put the safety of Americans first

    ”  
    Just this month, ICE arrested Mexican national, Martin Chavez-Lomeli Jr

    , convicted in 2023 of killing his father and was sentenced to 20 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC)

    After his conviction for second-degree murder, he was removeable from the country

    However, in 2023, ICE placed a detainer on Chavez-Lomeli Jr

    at Illinois Department of Correction and the State of Illinois elected not to honor the ICE detainer

    Chavez-Lomeli Jr

    was released from prison after serving less than 6 years of a 20-year sentence and was placed on parole

      
     
    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –