NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI China: Books open youth up to whole new galaxy

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Within the first month of 2025, the trend of reading pop science books, particularly ones with fascinating text and illustrations attractive to children, has risen among young readers thanks to policy support from various authorities.

    On Jan 1, the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Science and Technology, along with cooperating departments, announced its annual New Discovery Pop-Science Booklist of 21 types of books, including one that explains sound to readers and one about flying birds, both of which had good sales records on domestic bookselling websites.

    The Beijing Book Fair was held from Jan 9 to 11 at the China International Exhibition Center (Chaoyang Hall), where pop science books appeared as a genre that both readers and publishers marveled at. Their popularity was evident with over 2,900 display booths seeing their opening hours hosting pop-science writers’ lectures where they shared knowledge that was well-received among audiences.

    “We get double the information by attending the lectures,” said 38-year-old Deng Hong, who attended three pop-science book-sharing lectures with her daughter on Jan 9.

    “We both get to know what a new book is about and take in science knowledge,” she added.

    One of the lectures Deng attended was given by Cao Yong, a professor from Northwestern Polytechnical University Ningbo branch, who was in charge of a team that designed a robotic “ghost fish”, a bionic submersible that could travel autonomously in the ocean. Cao shared how the “ghost fish” swims underwater and answered questions such as, “would such a bionic fish be eaten by a bigger fish”, or “what materials is its skin made of that can withstand high water pressure”. Cao also gifted a book about big airplanes to Beijing No 15 High School whose students attended his lecture.

    The Young Scientist, a pop science cartoon series, is another major product that attracted over 100 people on-site and sold more than 1,000 copies online during the past two weeks. Written by 10 renowned domestic scientists and pop science writers with illustrations by 11 professional artists, the series teaches readers about the latest advancements in major science sectors and enhances their prospects. Four of the 10 writers held an open seminar in which about three dozen were kids that they “hope to influence the most”, according to its editor Zou Li.

    The four writers shared key points in their books. For example, “a long rumor is that mankind invented radar-imitating bats that find their way by sending ultrasonic waves”, said Yuan Lanfeng, chief editor of the series, “but while writing and editing the book about bionics, we consulted a bat expert, a radar expert and an acoustics professor and found that mankind invented the radar long before discovering that bats emitted ultrasonic waves. The two are similar but not imitating each other.”

    The writers also answered questions raised by the pupils. The most popular question was: “What do we do now to become scientists like you?”

    “If you want to be an astronaut or astronautic scientist, stay healthy and do your homework to become educated,” answered Zhou Binghong, one of the writers who is also a researcher at the China Academy of Space Technology, pointing out that the line between astronauts and astronautic scientists is vague as these professions need extensive knowledge to travel to space for on-site experiences. “Health and knowledge are the most important factors for both professions, which are becoming increasingly popular at a lower cost.”

    Wang Dapeng, a researcher at the China Research Institute for Science Popularization, encourages the idea of recruiting scientists to write their stories. “We need more scientific researchers to tell stories of their research fields. Science in the form of stories is more digestible to children because reading is not only for acquiring knowledge but also for enriching lives and improving oneself.”

    Li Hui, deputy Party secretary and vice-chairperson of the board of Hunan Publishing Investment Holding Group, said that pop science works play an irreplaceable role in cultivating children’s scientific literacy and stimulating their innovative potential. The publishing group follows the national innovation-driven development strategy and is committed to publishing excellent popular science works and enhancing scientific literacy.

    “How many galaxies are there in the universe besides ours?” asked a 7-year-old at the end of the seminar.

    “So far, we know of about 100 billion,” Zhou answered, “which means for each of the 8 billion people on Earth, there is an average of a dozen galaxies. The coming generations have a mission to work harder on space science so that one day we can travel at the speed of light into the deep universe to explore them.

    “Let’s find our own galaxies,” Zhou said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Long-term care insurance becoming more popular

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

    China is making strides in popularizing long-term care insurance, improving the quality of life for people who have lost the ability to perform daily activities and easing the burden on their families.

    The National Healthcare Security Administration recently announced that by the end of 2024, more than 180 million people were covered by long-term care insurance, with 2.6 million individuals receiving benefits. The program, which began its trial phase in 2016, now covers 49 cities, including Beijing and Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province.

    Long-term care insurance is designed to assist people who are unable to perform basic daily activities such as eating, bathing or dressing due to aging, injury, illness or mental deterioration. Participation in the insurance program is voluntary.

    Experts say the insurance is an important supplement to China’s existing social insurance system, which includes pension, healthcare, work-related injury, unemployment and maternity coverage.

    Local governments have pushed for broader implementation of long-term care insurance to address the aging population and improve the quality of life for impaired people.

    In Ningbo, Zhejiang province, the program expanded from 2017 to 2023, eventually covering the entire city. Hangzhou and Huzhou, two other cities in Zhejiang, fully implemented the program last month, allowing local residents to join for an annual payment of 90 yuan ($12.35).

    Before receiving benefits, insured individuals must undergo a scientific evaluation by professional workers to assess their abilities in areas such as mobility, eating, bathing, cognition and communication.

    Despite its progress, the expansion of long-term care insurance faces several challenges, including a shortage of certified long-term care workers and reluctance from some people to pay for the insurance.

    According to the Ministry of Civil Affairs, China’s elderly population — people age 60 and above — reached 297 million by the end of 2023, and the proportion of these individuals who have lost the ability to perform basic living tasks has risen in recent years. It’s estimated that 46 million elderly people will lose such abilities by 2035, with the number rising to 58 million by 2050.

    However, the number of certified nursing workers remains around 500,000, while the demand for such workers is estimated to be 10 million, according to state broadcaster China Central Television.

    Li Yanqing, a 28-year-old nursing worker in Shanghai, said the demand for nursing talent will continue to increase due to the growing elderly population. She pointed out that issues such as low social recognition, low pay, physically demanding work and unclear career advancement have caused many colleagues to quit in recent years.

    “I plan to get the official certificate of long-term care worker,” Li said.

    Fan Weidong, an official with the National Healthcare Security Administration, said at a recent news conference that the administration is working to establish a long-term care insurance system that alleviates the financial burden on individuals and families.

    “The implementation of long-term care insurance has created about 300,000 jobs and attracted approximately 60 billion yuan in social and industrial investment,” Fan said. “We will continue exploring ways to involve commercial healthcare insurance and social organizations in expanding coverage, and encourage local authorities and companies to develop smarter, more digitalized services for people with impaired living abilities.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Aotearoa Clinical Trials Expands to New Site in Botany, East Auckland, Strengthening Community Access to Clinical Trials

    Source: Aotearoa Clinical Trials

    Auckland, New Zealand – February 10, 2025 – Aotearoa Clinical Trials is pleased to announce the opening of a new, third site in Botany, East Auckland, expanding its reach and further cementing its commitment to the local community. This new standalone site will allow the clinical trial organisation to provide enhanced access to a diverse range of participants, while strategically supporting the Counties Manukau region’s rapidly growing population.
    Why are clinical trials important to this community?
    “Research is incredibly important as it provides pathways to addressing current health challenges. In Māoridom, research is akin to the role of a tohunga (expert or healer)-it represents foresight in the face of illness. As Māori, we all possess the taonga (treasure) of rangatiratanga (sovereignty and leadership); we have this foresight. I believe that my living data today is far more valuable to helping prevent disease than data collected after my death. You can’t solve a problem by only knowing that I died in my 50s from diabetes. It could have been prevented if I had been tested earlier. I believe that if I give the system my blood today, it will help them develop interventions, because prevention is better than cure”. Kaumaatua Robert Clark.
    With significant growth in housing developments, infrastructure projects, and shopping centres, Botany is one of Auckland’s most thriving and dynamic areas. It is home to a vibrant, ethnically diverse community, making it an ideal location for Aotearoa Clinical Trials to continue its mission of bringing essential clinical research closer to the people it serves.
    “We are excited to announce the expansion of our clinical trials into the Botany region,” said Ed Watson, CEO of Aotearoa Clinical Trials. “As we build our presence in East Auckland, we are not only responding to a clear need in the community but also aligning with our broader strategy to reach more individuals from diverse backgrounds, especially within Counties Manukau, one of New Zealand’s most multicultural regions. This site will play a crucial role in improving access to medical research for communities that need it the most.”
    The Botany site will be staffed by a dedicated team of clinical investigators, who bring extensive experience in conducting high-quality clinical trials across various therapeutic areas. By offering increased access to a wide range of participants, the Botany location will help accelerate advancements in medical research while improving healthcare outcomes for local communities.
    Aotearoa Clinical Trials’ expansion to Botany is part of a larger strategy to build deeper connections within the community through decentralised clinical trials (DCTs) and thereby providing access to participants in their communities. The organisation has plans to also collaborate with Pukekohe Hospital, extending its reach even further across the Counties Manukau area.
    The addition of the Botany site brings a new level of convenience and access to East Auckland, which, in turn, will further strengthen the network of clinical trials available to the surrounding regions.
    For more information about Aotearoa Clinical Trials and its expansion efforts, please visit https://www.aotearoatrials.nz/
    About Aotearoa Clinical Trials
    Aotearoa Clinical Trials is a leading provider of clinical trial services in New Zealand, offering world-class research across many therapeutic areas from Phase I to Phase IV. With a focus on providing greater access to diverse populations, Aotearoa Clinical Trials partners with healthcare providers, sponsors, and local communities to deliver vital research that improves patient outcomes.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: BusinessNZ – Forging international partnerships in energy

    Source: BusinessNZ

    The BusinessNZ Energy Council (BEC) recently hosted a delegation responsible for India’s electricity market to find a more sustainable energy future, together.
    The delegation of commissioners, responsible for regulatory bodies in 26 regions across India, and New Zealand energy sector leaders explored key challenges, opportunities, and areas for potential collaboration in energy transition.
    BEC Executive Director Tina Schirr says although New Zealand and India are vastly different in size, we share many of the same energy challenges.
    “The conversation reinforced that energy transition is not just a technical challenge – it’s an economic and social one too. Growth and sustainability must go hand in hand, and international cooperation is critical in achieving this balance.
    “India has experienced significant economic growth since the turn of the century. There is real opportunity for us to work closer together – particularly in workforce development.
    “India produces more than one million engineering graduates each year, with deep expertise across energy-related fields. New Zealand will need a skilled workforce to meet its decarbonisation goals.
    “India has the expertise and the capacity. Closer collaboration on workforce solutions could be a win-win for both countries.
    “BEC remains committed to fostering international partnerships to support a secure, sustainable, and equitable energy future.”
    The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Trump is now flagging tariffs on steel and aluminium. Can Albanese win an exemption for Australia?

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

    The Albanese government is set to mount a major effort to win an exemption from a proposed 25% tariff on steel and aluminium imports to the United States foreshadowed by President Donald Trump.

    Assuming Trump follows through on the move, it will put major pressure on the prime minister to match the success of the Turnbull government in 2018 when Trump put a 25% tariff on steel and a 10% tariff on aluminium in his first administration.

    Speaking to reporters travelling on Air Force One, Trump flagged he would make the tariff announcement on Monday (Washington time). He said the tariffs would start “almost immedciately” on all foreign steel and aluminium imports.

    The Australian government on Monday was scrambling to put together its response, although government sources insisted it was not surprised and was well prepared.

    Cabinet met on Monday morning where the Trump comments were presumably discussed.

    Trade Minister Don Farrell said on Monday:

    We have consistently made the case for free and fair trade, including access into the US market for Australian steel and aluminium.

    Our bilateral economic relationship is mutually beneficial – Australian steel and aluminium is creating thousands of good paying American jobs, and are key for our shared defence interests too.

    Sources said the government had been making representations on steel and aluminium for months.

    Last week, Farrell said he was seeking talks with incoming US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, but that would have to wait until he was confirmed.

    In the lobbying for special treatment, the government will stress that the US has a trade surplus with Australia.

    In 2023-24, the US imported about 240,000 tonnes of steel products from Australia, valued at US$250 million (A$400 million).

    US imports of Australian aluminium peaked in 2019 at about 270,000 tonnes and declined to around 83,000 in 2024. The three-year average imports from Australia were 167,000 tonnes per year, valued at US$496 million (A$791 million).

    Nationals leader David Littleproud said the issue was a test for Anthony Albanese and Australia’s ambassador to the US, Kevin Rudd.

    Littleproud said:

    When you make disparaging comments about leaders in other parts of the world sometimes it comes back to bite you.

    And unfortunately it could be the Australian economy that gets the bite.

    This is a test to see whether Anthony Albanese’s previous remarks and Kevin Rudd’s previous remarks about President Trump has done this nation harm.

    Littleproud said if Rudd was “not the right person to have these discussions, then we should be mature enough as a country to send someone who can have those discussions to get that carveout”.

    Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has just returned from Washington.

    At a news conference there, he was asked whether Australia was concerned about direct reciprocal tariffs or a flow-on effect from them.

    Marles said:

    We obviously are engaging with the United States in respect of our bilateral relationship in respect to tariffs.

    We’ll obviously press Australia’s interest in our case in respect of that. But none of this is a surprise. We know what President Trump’s platform was as he went into the American election.

    He’s been very clear about his policy direction. And so I think we all understand that is going to see changes in American policy in relation to this. From an Australian point of view, we will continue to press the Australian case around the question of trade.

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

    – ref. Trump is now flagging tariffs on steel and aluminium. Can Albanese win an exemption for Australia? – https://theconversation.com/trump-is-now-flagging-tariffs-on-steel-and-aluminium-can-albanese-win-an-exemption-for-australia-249476

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Serious crash – Daly River Region

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force have responded to a serious crash involving 12 people in the Daly River Region on Saturday night.

    About 5:40pm, police were notified of a single vehicle rollover about 1.5km South-East of Tipperary Station, near Dorat Road at the end of Daly River Road.

    Members from Naiyu and Peppimenarti Police attended Naiyu Clinic where all 12 passengers presented following the crash. Adelaide River and Batchelor Police deployed to the crash scene to continue investigations.

    At the clinic, 9 of the 12 people were identified with varying injuries; including fractures and head injuries before being transported to the Royal Darwin Hospital by Careflight for treatment.

    A 5-year-old female among those injured, was identified with a serious head injury.

    The driver tested negative for alcohol.

    Acting Superintendent Erica Gibson said, “When a vehicle this overloaded crashes, regardless of the cause, it is just pure luck that no one is killed.

    “This behaviour was incredibly dangerous and irresponsible. It goes without saying that the maximum number of passengers in any vehicle is the same as the number of seats.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Firearms trafficking arrest

    Source: South Australia Police

    A man will appear in court today charged with firearms offences after police searched his Salisbury Park home yesterday.

    Police allegedly located a gelbaster (handgun) and magazine and the sawn-off stock of a .22 calibre rifle.

    The 25-year-old Salisbury Park man was arrested and charged with firearm trafficking, possess firearm (gelblaster) and breach of bail.

    He did not apply for bail and will appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court today.

    Anyone with information about illicit firearms in our community is encouraged to report it to police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

    CO2500005640

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Second suspect arrested over Mitchell Park break-in

    Source: South Australia Police

    A second man has been arrested over a Mitchell Park break-in last month and will face court today.

    Just after 6.30pm on Friday 24 January the victims returned home and were confronted by a group of intruders leaving their Handley Avenue property.

    The suspects stole property including a Play Station, jewellery and cash and left in a silver Holden VE Commodore.

    Thankfully there were no physical injuries.

    A 20-year-old Elizabeth North man was arrested on 27 January and charged with serious criminal trespass, theft, aggravated robbery, assault, theft, illegal use of motor vehicle and fail to truly answer questions.

    Following investigations, a second suspect was arrested yesterday, Sunday 9 February.

    The 24-year-old Prospect man was charged with aggravated serious criminal trespass, aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, illegal use and drive while disqualified.  He was refused police bail and will appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court later today.

    Investigations are ongoing. Anyone with information that may assist is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au – you can remain anonymous.

    CO2500003741, C02500005663

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: State-Owned Enterprise Reform Handbook

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    The publication looks at the fiscal governance of SOEs that play a key role in sectors such as energy, finance, transportation, and water, addresses restructuring, and considers ways to better compete against the private sector. Focused on policymakers, regulators, and SOE managers, it looks at privatization’s risks and benefits, widening access to finance, and improving the transparency and efficiency of the organizations that are central to the region’s green transition.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Cook Islands crisis: Haka with the taniwha or dance with the dragon?

    The Cook Islands finds itself in a precarious dance — one between the promises of foreign investments and the integrity of our own sovereignty. As the country sways between partners China and Aotearoa New Zealand, the Cook Islands News asks: “Do we continue to haka with the Taniwha, our constitutional partner, or do we dance with the dragon?”

    EDITORIAL: By Thomas Tarurongo Wynne, Cook Islands News

    Our relationship with China, forged through over two decades of diplomatic agreements, infrastructure projects and economic cooperation, demands further scrutiny. Do we continue to embrace the dragon with open arms, or do we stand wary?

    And what of the Taniwha, a relationship now bruised by the ego of the few but standing the test of time?

    If our relationship with China were a building, it would be crumbling like the very structures they have built for us. The Cook Islands Police Headquarters (2005) was meant to stand as a testament to our growing diplomatic and financial ties, but its foundations — both literal and metaphorical — have been called into question as its structure deteriorated.

    COOK ISLANDS NEWS

    Then, in 2009, the Cook Islands Courthouse followed, plagued by maintenance issues almost immediately after its completion. Our National Stadium, also built in 2009 for the Pacific Mini Games, was heralded as a great achievement, yet signs of premature wear and tear began surfacing far earlier than expected.

    Still, we continue this dance, entranced by the allure of foreign investment and large-scale projects, even as history and our fellow Pacific partners across the moana warn us of the risks.

    These structures, now symbols of our fragile dependence, stand as a metaphor for our relationship with the dragon: built with promises of strength, only to falter under closer scrutiny. And yet, we keep returning to the dance floor. These projects, rather than standing as enduring monuments to our relationship with China, serve as cautionary tales.

    And then came Te Mato Vai.

    What began as a bold and necessary vision to modernise Rarotonga’s water infrastructure became a slow and painful lesson in accountability. The involvement of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) saw the project mired in substandard work, legal disputes and cost overruns.

    By the time McConnell Dowell, a New Zealand firm, was brought in to fix the defects, the damage — financial and reputational — was done.

    Prime Minister Mark Brown, both as Finance Minister and now as leader, has walked an interesting line between criticism and praise.

    In 2017, he voiced concerns about the poor workmanship and assured the nation that the government would seek accountability, stating, “We are deeply concerned about the quality of work delivered by CCECC. Our people deserve better, and we will pursue all avenues to ensure accountability.”

    In 2022, he acknowledged the cost overruns but framed them as necessary lessons in securing a reliable water supply. And yet, most recently, during the December 2024 visit of China’s Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, he declared Te Mato Vai a “commitment to a stronger, healthier, and more resilient nation. Together, we’ve delivered a project that not only meets the needs of today but safeguards the future of Rarotonga’s water supply.”

    The Cook Islands’ relationship with New Zealand has long been one of deep familial, historical and political ties — a dance with the taniwha, if you will. As a nation with free association status, we have relied on New Zealand for economic support, governance frameworks and our shared citizenship ties.

    And they have relied on our labour and expertise, which adds over a billion dollars to their economy each year. We have well-earned our discussion around citizenship and statehood, but that must come from the ground up, not from the top down.

    China has signed similar agreements across the Pacific, most notably with the Solomon Islands, weaving itself into the region’s economic and political fabric. Yet, while these partnerships promise opportunity, they also raise concerns about sovereignty, dependency and the price of such alignments, as well as the geopolitical and strategic footprint of the dragon.

    But as we reflect on the shortcomings of these partnerships, the question remains: Do we continue to place our trust in foreign powers, or do we reinvest in our own community and governance systems?

    At the end of the day, we must ask ourselves: How do we sign bold agreements on the world stage without consultation, while struggling to resolve fundamental issues at home?

    Healthcare, education, the rise in crime, mental health, disability, poverty — the list goes on and on, while our leaders are wined and dined on state visits around the globe.

    Dance with the dragon, if you so choose, but save the last dance for the voting public in 2026. In 2026, the voters will decide who leads this dance and who gets left behind.

    Republished from the Cook Islands News with permission.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Improving lives through AI

    Source: Scottish Government

    Funding for artificial intelligence projects.

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) is to be harnessed to develop technologies to address issues such as cancer risk amongst rescue workers.

    The latest round of the Scottish Government’s CivTech programme has awarded up to £9 million to 14 companies developing AI products to tackle challenges faced by charities and public sector organisations. CivTech 10 is the first round of the programme to focus on AI.

    Products being developed include:

    • a software to help identify toxic contaminants to address the risk of cancer for firefighters.
    • an AI system which can help teachers with administrative tasks.  
    • using drones and an automated mapping system to monitor puffin populations in a less invasive way.
    • an AI support system to enable entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.

    Previous rounds of CivTech have seen £20 million invested into 90 companies and entrepreneurs since 2016. These include software company Volunteero which developed a mobile app to help charities manage administrative tasks.

    Business Minister Richard Lochhead said:

    “Scotland is well-placed to harness the advantages of artificial intelligence with its rich history of innovation and high concentration of world-leading universities and colleges.

    “The rapidly growing AI sector offers opportunities for Scotland, from helping to detect health issues such as lung cancer earlier, to enabling businesses to work more efficiently.

    “Through CivTech, we are revolutionising how public sector organisations work by collaborating with businesses to develop products which improve lives.”

    Rebekah MacLeod, Lead Project Liaison Officer at White Ribbon Scotland, a charity tackling violence against women which uses Volunteero’s app, said:

    “Working with Volunteero through the CivTech programme has completely changed how we work as a charity.

    “The app means we spend less time worrying about paperwork and more time working with men and boys to directly address violence against women and girls.

    “This includes encouraging more men and boys to speak out about violence against women and girls.”

    Background

    CivTech companies have created more than 400 jobs and attracted more than £126 million of private sector investment. Nearly 80% of products developed in past rounds of CivTech are still in use.

    Products being developed in CivTech 10 are:

    • Technology developed by Rowden to help firefighters improve their situational awareness in emergency situations.
    • A system to detect and monitor firefighters’ exposure to toxins created by FireHazResearch.
    • Drones and an automated mapping system from EOLAS and The University of Edinburgh to monitor puffin colonies in a less invasive way.
    • Sensors developed by Arctech Innovation to monitor breeding success, seasonal changes and harmful disease in puffins.
    • Technology for public sector organisations to use data securely, developed by Verifoxx.
    • A platform for citizens and policy makers to understand how AI and other emerging technologies could be used in the public sector, developed by CrownShy.
    • A programme created by Talent Engine to provide detailed labour market insights to target skills and development training in Glasgow.
    • An AI tool from Rethink Carbon to document woodland and peatland projects.
    • A new approach to monitoring carbon balances from woodland and peatland projects from the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology.
    • Sylvera are developing advanced remote-sensing capabilities to enhance monitoring of carbon projects.
    • An AI programme to forecast pharmaceutical demand by postcode area to help reduce waste, developed by PharmovoAI.
    • A planning tool created by Looper to help NHS Scotland reduce waste and emissions.
    • An AI system to support teachers with administrative tasks, developed by SupportEd.
    • A software from BobbAI to help entrepreneurs to access business growth resources and support services. 

    CivTech 10 Challenges and details of the CivTech process are available online.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 34-2025: Services Restored: Monday 10 February 2025 – COLS

    Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

    10 February 2025

    Who does this notice affect?

    All importers and customs brokers who are required to lodge imported cargo documentation to the department for biosecurity assessment.

    Information

    Resolved time:

    As of: 10:05 Monday 10 February 2025 (AEDT).

    Between 07:45 and 10:05, the Cargo Online Lodgement System (COLS) was experiencing an unplanned service disruption.

    This issue has since been resolved and clients can now submit…

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Rescuers race against time to find landslide survivors

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Braving the cold, rescuers are making all-out efforts to find survivors after a landslide in southwest China’s Sichuan Province left one dead, 28 missing and two injured.
    The landslide occurred at about 11:50 a.m. on Saturday in Jinping Village, which is located in Junlian County in the city of Yibin.
    On Sunday morning, firefighters from multiple regions across Sichuan assembled to continue the rescue operation.
    At the rescue site, which has been divided into 10 search grid zones, multiple excavators have been deployed at the lower end of the landslide, while rescuers equipped with search dogs and life detectors conduct a thorough search.

    Rescuers search for missing people at the site of a landslide in Junlian County in the city of Yibin, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, Feb. 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    “The rescue operation faces three major challenges: cold and damp weather, slippery roads and narrow passages due to rain, and the risk of secondary collapses at the site,” said Li Zhuo, head of the fire and rescue brigade in Yibin.
    Advanced equipment, including slope monitoring radars, drones and oblique aerial cameras, has also been deployed in the rescue operation.
    The landslide also buried 10 residential houses and a production building.
    So far, 360 people from 95 households have been evacuated, with temporary shelters set up. The two injured people are receiving treatment at a hospital in Junlian.
    Due to continuous rainfall and geological conditions, the landslide has transformed into debris flows, which, according to a preliminary assessment, have resulted in an accumulation of debris stretching approximately 1.2 kilometers and having a total volume of over 100,000 cubic meters.
    The landslide body is approximately 10 to 20 meters thick and about 100 meters wide.

    Staff members work at an emergency command center in Jinping Village, Junlian County in the city of Yibin, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, Feb. 8, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    On the national level, the Ministry of Emergency Management on Saturday launched a Level-III emergency geological disaster response, while the national commission for disaster prevention, reduction and relief has activated a Level-IV national disaster relief emergency response.
    China has a four-level emergency disaster relief response system, with Level IV being the lowest and Level I the highest.
    The country also allocated 80 million yuan (about 11.16 million U.S. dollars) to support disaster relief and recovery efforts in Sichuan.

    Rescuers transfer emergency equipment at the site of a landslide in Junlian County in the city of Yibin, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, Feb. 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Sichuan has mobilized 949 personnel from the military, armed police, firefighting, emergency response, transportation, medical, telecommunication, and other forces to carry out or assist the rescue efforts.
    In addition, engineering rescue equipment and emergency supplies have been dispatched to conduct rescue assessments, search and rescue operations, and emergency investigations.
    Local authorities have provided 30 generators, 100 cotton tents, 400 beds, and 1,100 quilts to ensure the essential needs of the affected people.

    Staff members set up an emergency medical service site at a middle school in Junlian County in the city of Yibin, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, Feb. 8, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    “We have prepared ample cotton clothing and shoes for the affected residents to ensure they stay warm,” said Gao Jianzhong, Party secretary and executive vice president of the Yibin Red Cross Society.
    Considering the ongoing temperature drop, continuous rainfall and landslide conditions, local authorities have designated danger zones in Jinping Village and surrounding areas.
    Real-time monitoring has also been implemented for the mountain slopes on both sides of the landslide, with designated emergency evacuation routes and signals in place, to prevent secondary disasters and ensure the safety of rescue operations, local authorities said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Canadian disruptor, Questrade, introduces $0 trade commissions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questrade (www.questrade.com) — Canada’s #1 rated¹ online brokerage — eliminates trading commissions on its platforms, further empowering Canadians. 

    “We are continuing our tradition of disrupting the industry,” said Edward Kholodenko, president and CEO, Questrade. “We believe Canadians should keep more of their money, and $0 commissions, coupled with our industry-leading platform, will help them do just that – whether they are just starting out or are highly sophisticated traders.” 

    The new $0 pricing, which is now live, will allow Questrade customers to trade Canadian and U.S. listed equities and ETFs commission-free, with options as low as 75¢ per contract².

    Because news this big needed a launch to match, Questrade partnered with actor Gabriel Macht. Known for portraying characters who “get theirs,” Gabriel introduces Canadians to the idea of $0 commissions being the way for you to finally “Get Yours.” Macht says, “I really respect what Questrade stands for as a brand, to me the partnership was the perfect fit.”

    Questrade, a 100% Canadian-owned independent brokerage, has a long history of providing value to Canadians. It was first to reduce trading fees to $9.95, when most brokerages charged $30 or more. Then, Questrade introduced the $4.95 stock trade, and shook things up again with stock trading for as little as one cent per share. 

    However, the company’s innovation isn’t just its pricing. On top of $0 commissions, Questrade has an unmatched suite of offerings, such as: 

    • Being the first Canadian broker to offer the First Home Savings Account (FHSA), helping customers save for a home faster
    • Award-winning customer service³
    • Edge platforms for advanced traders, available on mobile, web, and desktop  
    • Complex order types, such as multi-leg options
    • Seamless integration with 30+ platforms, including TradingView and Passiv
    • Lower fees for better returns with Questwealth Portfolios⁴
    • Free U.S. dollar (USD) accounts

    “We are obsessed with helping our customers build a better financial future – that’s our mission,” said Kholodenko. 

    Awards and Recognition

    About Questrade

    Questrade, Inc. (“Questrade”) is changing the Canadian financial services industry by leveraging technology to lower fees while providing a viable alternative to traditional financial investment options, thereby allowing Canadians to Keep More of their Money. As a leader and innovator in financial services, Questrade is a trusted ally that advocates for consumers, focused on improving value. With 25 years of challenging the status quo as one of Canada’s leading, non-bank online brokerages and over $50 billion in assets under administration, Questrade and its affiliates provide financial products and services, including securities and foreign currency investments. For more information, visit www.questrade.com or on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) @Questrade. Questrade, Inc. is a registered investment dealer, a member of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO), and a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF). Questrade is a wholly owned subsidiary of Questrade Financial Group Inc.

    ¹MoneySense 2024

    ²For options trades placed online through the Questrade, Inc. website or mobile apps, the base commission has been reduced to 0.99¢ per contract. The per contract rate for online options trading is further reduced to 0.75¢ if subscribed to an active trader plan.

    ³In 2025, Questrade was awarded the DALBAR Seal of Service Excellence for the seventh consecutive year. The recognition is given to firms across the financial services industry that demonstrate standout customer service and an exceptional standard of care, including telephone interactions and service delivery.

    ⁴Questrade.com/questwealth-portfolios

    Media Contact

    For more information, contact Susan Willemsen at The Siren Group Inc. Tel: 416-461-1567 or M: 416-402-4880, or email: susan@thesirengroup.com.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6df3f9c6-5c49-4b13-b3c7-48bef6f963de

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: NZ households will be slightly worse off if Trump triggers a trade war – new modelling

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Niven Winchester, Professor of Economics, Auckland University of Technology

    Getty Images

    Donald Trump has already made good on his threat to impose an additional 10% tax on Chinese goods, and is due to announce a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminium imports into the United States.

    While he has paused proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports for the time being, a trade war between the US and the rest of the world remains a real possibility.

    Mexico, Canada and China responded to Trump’s tariff plans by drafting retaliatory tariffs and countermeasures. But Trump’s threatened tariffs extend well beyond North America and China.

    During his 2024 election campaign he said all trading nations could expect similar treatment, and he explicitly stated his intention to target the European Union (EU):

    They don’t take our cars, they don’t take our farm products, they take almost nothing and we take everything from them. Millions of cars, tremendous amounts of food and farm products.

    While it’s true the EU exports more to the US than it imports, it’s simplistic to use bilateral trade balances as a gauge of the overall economic benefits. International trade allows countries to concentrate on producing the goods and services they do well, and to exchange them for ones more costly to produce domestically.

    Ultimately, trade allows everyone to consume more. A trade war therefore makes nations worse off: tariffs divert trade flows and reduce the exchange of goods. And, of course, this filters down to affect ordinary household incomes.

    Households worse off

    The impact of a trade war on any given country will depend on several factors, including the share of a nation’s exports exposed to new tariffs, and the importance of trade to each economy.

    Small countries tend to trade more than large ones because they specialise in producing a relatively small number of goods, and rely on trade to consume a variety of products.

    To quantify the impacts of a trade war, I consider a scenario where the US imposes additional tariffs of 25% on all merchandise imports (the figure Trump has consistently used), and all other countries respond with similar tariffs on US goods.

    I simulate the tariffs in a global model of production, trade and consumption similar to that used by the New Zealand Productivity Commission’s inquiry into improving economic resilience. The model uses input-output tables that describe production of 32 commodities in each country, and data on bilateral trade in each commodity between nations.

    National-level impacts are measured by calculating the equivalent impact on aggregate household income. This metric converts the effects from the tariffs – including changes in product prices, wages and business profits – into changes in household income.

    In New Zealand, the trade war decreases aggregate household income by 0.1% or NZ$322 million per year. Divided among the country’s nearly two million households, this means each household is worse off by NZ$163 per year.

    Global income declines

    The impacts of the simulated trade war are larger in North America. It decreases US annual aggregate household income by 1.5%, which equates to US$262 billion, or US$2,963 per household.

    In Canada and Mexico, for which the US is both a major export market and source of imports, average household income decreases by 3.6% (US$2,963) and 4.6% (US$1,192), respectively, each year.

    Across all nations, the tariff war results in an equivalent decrease in aggregate household income of 0.7% (US$414 billion) per year.

    The simulated tariff war also results in a reshuffling of trade. New Zealand merchandise exports to the US decrease by NZ$4.4 billion, but exports to other nations increase by a similar amount (due to their price advantage relative to US goods).

    Likewise, New Zealand merchandise imports from the US decrease by NZ$4.7 billion and imports from other nations increase by about the same amount. As a result, the trade war has little impact on New Zealand’s total exports and imports.

    Aggregate trade changes are largest in the US, which imposes new tariffs on all its imports and faces new tariffs in all export markets. US merchandise exports and imports both decrease by around US$565 billion (NZ$1 trillion).

    Overall, the modelling confirms the well known result that trade wars decrease global economic activity and routinely make all nations worse off.

    The Conversation

    Niven Winchester has previously received funding from the Productivity Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to estimate the impacts of potential trade policies. He is affiliated with Motu Economic & Public Policy Research.

    – ref. NZ households will be slightly worse off if Trump triggers a trade war – new modelling – https://theconversation.com/nz-households-will-be-slightly-worse-off-if-trump-triggers-a-trade-war-new-modelling-249120

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: AI is being used in social services – but we must make sure it doesn’t traumatise clients

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Suvradip Maitra, PhD Student, Australian National University

    Tero Vesalainen/Shutterstock

    Late last year, ChatGPT was used by a Victorian child protection worker to draft documents. In a glaring error, ChatGPT referred to a “doll” used for sexual purposes as an “age-appropriate toy”. Following this, the Victorian information commissioner banned the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in child protection.

    Unfortunately, many harmful AI systems will not garner such public visibility. It’s crucial that people who use social services – such as employment, homelessness or domestic violence services – are aware they may be subject to AI. Additionally, service providers should be well informed about how to use AI safely.

    Fortunately, emerging regulations and tools, such as our trauma-informed AI toolkit, can help to reduce AI harm.

    How do social services use AI?

    AI has captured global attention with promises of better service delivery. In a strained social services sector, AI promises to reduce backlogs, lower administrative burdens and allocate resources more effectively while enhancing services. It’s no surprise a range of social service providers are using AI in various ways.

    Chatbots simulate human conversation with the use of voice, text or images. These programs are increasingly used for a range of tasks. For instance, they can provide mental health support or offer employment advice. They can also speed up data processing or help quickly create reports.

    However, chatbots can easily produce harmful or inaccurate responses. For instance, the United States National Eating Disorders Association deployed the chatbot Tessa to support clients experiencing eating disorders. But it was quickly pulled offline when advocates flagged Tessa was providing harmful weight loss advice.

    Recommender systems use AI to make personalised suggestions or options. These could include targeting job or rental ads, or educational material based on data available to service providers.

    But recommender systems can be discriminatory, such as when LinkedIn showed more job ads to men than women. They can also reinforce existing anxieties. For instance, pregnant women have been recommended alarming pregnancy videos on social media.

    Recognition systems classify data such as images or text to compare one dataset to another. These systems can complete many tasks, such as face matching to verify identity or transcribing voice to text.

    Such systems can raise surveillance, privacy, inaccuracy and discrimination concerns. A homeless shelter in Canada stopped using facial recognition cameras because they risked privacy breaches – it’s difficult to obtain informed consent from mentally unwell or intoxicated people using the shelter.

    Risk-assessment systems use AI to predict the likelihood of a specific outcome occurring. Many systems have been used to calculate the risk of child abuse, long-term unemployment, or tax and welfare fraud.

    Often data used in these systems can recreate societal inequalities, causing harm to already-marginalised peoples. In one such case, a tool in the US used for identifying risk of child mistreatment unfairly targeted poor, black and biracial families and families with disabilities.

    A Dutch risk assessment tool seeking to identify childcare benefits fraud was shut down for being racist, while an AI system in France faces similar accusations.



    Read more:
    Algorithms that predict crime are watching – and judging us by the cards we’ve been dealt

    The need for a trauma-informed approach

    Concerningly, our research shows using AI in social services can cause or perpetuate trauma for the people who use the services.

    The American Psychological Association defines trauma as an emotional response to a range of events, such as accidents, abuse or the death of a loved one. Broadly understood, trauma can be experienced at an individual or group level and be passed down through generations. Trauma experienced by First Nations people in Australia as a result of colonisation is an example of group trauma.

    Between 57% and 75% of Australians experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime.

    Many social service providers have long adopted a trauma-informed approach. It prioritises trust, safety, choice, empowerment, transparency, and cultural, historical and gender-based considerations. A trauma-informed service provider understands the impact of trauma and recognises signs of trauma in users.

    Service providers should be wary of abandoning these core principles despite the allure of the often hyped capabilities of AI.

    Can social services use AI responsibly?

    To reduce the risk of causing or perpetuating trauma, social service providers should carefully evaluate any AI system before using it.

    For AI systems already in place, evaluation can help monitor their impact and ensure they are operating safely.

    We have developed a trauma-informed AI assessment toolkit that helps service providers to assess the safety of their planned or current use of AI. The toolkit is based on the principles of trauma-informed care, case studies of AI harms, and design workshops with service providers. An online version of the toolkit is about to be piloted within organisations.

    By posing a series of questions, the toolkit enables service providers to consider whether risks outweigh the benefits. For instance, is the AI system co-designed with users? Can users opt out of being subject to the AI system?

    It guides service providers through a series of practical considerations to enhance the safe use of AI.

    Social services do not have to avoid AI altogether. But social service providers and users should be aware of the risks of harm from AI – so they can intentionally shape AI for good.

    The Conversation

    The project was funded by the Notre Dame-IBM Technology Ethics Lab.

    Suvradip Maitra is funded by an Australian Government Research Training Program Domestic Scholarship.

    Lyndal Sleep was funded by the University of Notre Dame for this research. She is affiliated with the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision Making and Society.

    Paul Henman receives funding from the Australian Research Council (ARC). He is affiliated with the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision Making and Society.

    Suzanna Fay received funding from the Notre Dame-IBM Technology Ethics Lab for this project.

    – ref. AI is being used in social services – but we must make sure it doesn’t traumatise clients – https://theconversation.com/ai-is-being-used-in-social-services-but-we-must-make-sure-it-doesnt-traumatise-clients-248555

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government fires starting gun on AI Growth Zones to turbocharge Plan for Change

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Thousands of new jobs are set to be created as bidding opens for AI Growth Zones.

    Local authorities can submit proposals to become the next AI Growth Zone.

    • UK government ramps up its Plan for Change as new AI Growth Zone bidding opens
    • Development hotbeds for AI set to revitalise local communities, attract fresh investment and deliver new opportunities
    • Interest is already building for high-potential sites in Scotland, Wales, the North East and North West – with others now poised to come forward

    Thousands of new jobs are set to be created as the government opens bidding for its AI Growth Zones in a major drive to revitalise local communities as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    Local and regional authorities across the UK are being encouraged to put their communities forward to become dedicated hotbeds for AI infrastructure development and attracting millions in private investment.

    The UK government will put particular focus on deindustrialised areas of the country to become the next AI Growth Zones as local and regional authorities submit their proposals, including sites with existing access to power or which would be suitable to establish major energy infrastructure.

    This closely follows the AI Opportunities Action Plan, which has put the UK on course to revolutionise public services and become an AI superpower – already attracting over £14 billion in investment since launching just last month. 

    Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Peter Kyle, said: 

    We set out our new blueprint for AI less than a month ago, and we’re already delivering on that vision by harnessing technology to supercharge our Plan for Change.

    These new AI Growth Zones will deliver untold opportunities – sparking new jobs, fresh investment and ensuring every corner of the country has a real stake in our AI-powered future. 

    We’re leaving no stone unturned in how we can harness expertise from all over the UK to deliver new opportunities, fresh growth, better public services and cement our position as an AI pioneer, and that’s the message I will be sending to international partners and AI companies at the AI Action Summit.

    As part of the talks, he will also bang the drum for more inward investment to deliver the AI Opportunities Action Plan, including to build the infrastructure needed across AI Growth Zones.

    Industry – including energy companies and data centre developers – are also being called upon to help drive forward government plans to rollout AI Growth Zones. Their proposals will help to inform the final selection of sites and broader policy decisions later this year, meaning the government will be able to move swiftly to secure investment and drive growth in regions across the country. 

    Interest is already building for promising sites in Scotland, Wales, the North East, and North West, with further exploratory work now set to begin on additional locations across the UK.

    Scotland Office Minister, Kirsty McNeill, said:

    Scotland has always been a leader in innovation, with our rich history of pioneering advancements in fields such as engineering, medicine, and technology, which continues today.

    The UK government’s Plan for Change looks to harness AI’s potential in these industries and unlock new opportunities for innovation and economic growth.

    Scotland is already at the centre of these plans, with our world-leading universities at the forefront of AI development and our industrial heritage providing a range of possible sites.  I would encourage our Local Authorities to explore becoming an AI Growth Zone, which will help attract further investment.

    These areas will speed up planning permission to rapidly build AI infrastructure including data centres and give them the energy connections needed to power AI innovations in areas like healthcare. As part of this, the government will work with network operators to rapidly scale each zone to 500MW+, enough to power roughly two million homes.

    This will attract significant private investment, create local jobs and strengthen the UK’s global AI leadership – delivering opportunities for working people across the country as part of the AI Opportunities Action Plan announced less than two weeks ago. The ideal ingredients and key criteria for communities looking to host AI Growth Zones include: 

    • sites with large existing power connections (with a current capacity of 500+ MW) or a clear vision on how energy capacity can be increased. 
    • deindustrialised areas with land and infrastructure standing ready for redevelopment. 
    • locations close to suitable sites for major energy infrastructure such as nuclear reactors, solar stations and wind farms, or battery storage. 

    This expression of interest also extends to AI data centre companies and energy firms who are looking to tap into the potential of AI Growth Zones to deliver on the government’s AI blueprint.  

    Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said:

    It was great to be invited to visit 10 Downing Street last week to talk about the massive potential AI has to bring a huge leap forward in industries across our nation.

    Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool has always been at the forefront of cutting-edge technology – from the friction match to the railways and the chemical industry.

    My job above everything is to bring good, well-paid, long-term jobs to local people. We have everything we need to host an AI Growth Zone in our region. We have the land, we have the power and we have shown in our efforts at Teesworks how we can get huge projects moving forward at pace.

    As part of these industry proposals, data centre developers and energy firms are being called on to set out: timelines and development milestones which detail how they will plan to ramp up energy capacity; partnership opportunities with local authorities and a plan for how their proposals will support the UK’s AI ambitions, as well as what additional support is needed from government to help drive forward their proposals. 

    Announcing its response to the AI Opportunities Action Plan, the government confirmed the first of these AI Growth Zones will be based in Culham, Oxfordshire – home of the UK’s Atomic Energy Authority. This site will also serve as a testing ground to drive forward research on how sustainable energy like fusion technology can power the UK’s AI ambitions. The creation of a new AI Energy Council chaired by the Science and Energy Secretaries will also help to ensure responsible energy sources are being used to drive forward the UK’s AI blueprint, directly supporting the government’s mission to become a clean energy superpower.

    The AI Opportunities Action Plan announced last month is also at the heart of the government’s Industrial Strategy and the first plank of the upcoming Digital and Technology Sector Plan, to be published in the coming months. Following the opening of the expression of interest, the government will open the formal selection process in the spring, with the first AI Growth Zones then due to be announced in the summer.

    Further information

    Information on the AI Growth Zones: expression of interest.

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

    Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm 020 7215 300

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK-wide blitz on illegal working to strengthen border security

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Most successful January in over half a decade for Home Office Immigration Enforcement teams tackling illegal working.

    A record-breaking January for illegal working enforcement activity has been revealed by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper as the government’s landmark Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill returns to Parliament for its second reading, today (Monday 10 February).     

    Tackling illegal working plays a vital part in the Home Office’s system-wide approach to ending the promise of false jobs used by smuggling gangs to sell spaces on boats and taking down their business models as we restore order to the immigration system. 

    Following a drive from this government to have more deployable enforcement staff, a renewed crackdown on those attempting to undermine the UK’s borders last month saw the highest January in over half a decade for enforcement activity.   

    Throughout January alone, Immigration Enforcement teams descended on 828 premises, including nail bars, convenience stores, restaurants and car washes, marking a 48% rise compared to the previous January. Arrests also surged to 609, demonstrating a 73% increase from just 352 the previous year.    

    More broadly, between 5 July last year and 31 January, both illegal working visits and arrests have soared by around 38% compared to the same 12 months prior. During the same period, the Home Office issued a total of 1,090 civil penalty notices. Employers could face a fine of up to £60,000 per worker if found liable.   

    In many cases, those who come to the UK and end up working illegally are sold false promises about their ability to live and work in the UK, creating a dangerous draw for people to risk their lives by crossing the Channel on a small boat.  

    In reality, illegal working is inextricably linked to squalid living conditions, little to no pay and inhumane working hours. By paying so little, rogue employers often attempt to avoid paying their fair share in taxes to contribute to the economy and undercut honest competitors who follow the law.   

    Under its Plan for Change, the government is delivering steadfast action to restore order to the UK immigration system and the surge in enforcement activity to crack down on illegal working is a vital cog in the government’s wider machine to identify, disrupt and tackle irregular migration across the country.    

    Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:     

    The immigration rules must be respected and enforced. For far too long, employers have been able to take on and exploit illegal migrants and too many people have been able to arrive and work illegally with no enforcement action ever taken.

    Not only does this create a dangerous draw for people to risk their lives by crossing the Channel in a small boat, but it results in the abuse of vulnerable people, the immigration system and our economy.   

    That’s why, as part of our Plan for Change, we are boosting enforcement to record levels alongside tough new legislation to smash the criminal gangs that undermine our border security and who have been getting away with it for far too long.

    While enforcement teams respond to illegal working intelligence in all sectors, a significant proportion of last month’s activity took place at restaurants, takeaways and cafes as well as in the food, drink and tobacco industry.  

    An operation in Cheshire to vape shops led to 10 immigration arrests and 2 criminal arrests for counterfeit documents, with civil penalty referral notices being made to employers, and a visit to an Indian restaurant in Humberside led to 7 arrests and 4 detentions. Elsewhere, in South London, a visit to a grocery warehouse resulted in 6 arrests and 4 people being detained.  

    As part of this activity, Immigrant Enforcement play a critical safeguarding role, working closely with the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority and other organisations to allow employees to report labour exploitation.    

    Eddy Montgomery, Director of Enforcement, Compliance and Crime, said:     

    These figures demonstrate the commitment of my teams to crack down on those who think they can flout our immigration system.   

    I hope it sends a strong signal that there is no hiding place from the law, and we will continue to ramp up our activity to ensure those involved face the full consequences.   

    We also know that many people who end up working illegally are often subjected to extremely poor conditions, so we will continue to do all we can to safeguard and protect the most vulnerable.

    Border Security is central to the government’s Plan for Change and, alongside enforcement activity, the Home Office is ramping up returns of individuals with no right to be in the UK. Just last month, the department smashed its target to drive the removal of foreign criminals and immigration offenders to the highest level since 2018, with 16,400 people removed since the election. This figure is expected to go up later today when the Home Office publishes updated figures running to the end of January.  

    Since July, bespoke charter flights have also removed immigration offenders to countries around the world, including 4 of the biggest returns flights in the UK’s history carrying more than 800 people. Individuals removed since the election include criminals convicted of drug offences, theft, rape and murder.   

    We’re also working upstream to deter people from entering the UK illegally by launching a new international campaign to debunk people smugglers’ lies.  

    Social media adverts went live in Vietnam in December and Albania in January, highlighting real stories from migrants who entered the UK illegally, only to face debt, exploitation, and a life far from what they were promised. The campaign also warns prospective migrants about the realities of illegal working, as the government continues to crack down on employers who break the law and exploit people for profit. 

    In the months ahead, we will go further than ever by introducing new counter terror-style powers to identify, disrupt and smash people smuggling gangs as part of new, robust legislation to protect UK borders, set to be discussed in Parliament today.    

    The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill will grant law enforcement additional powers to take earlier and more effective action against organised crime gangs, including seizing mobile phones from people who come to the UK illegally before the point of arrest. 

    Next month, the government will go further by hosting a landmark Border Security Summit at the historic Lancaster House in London.   

    A watershed moment in the UK’s fight against Organised Immigration Crime, the summit will bring together delegates from over 40 countries, as well as guest participants from a range of international institutions, including the European Union.   

    The summit will be held on Monday 31 March and Tuesday 1 April, and will facilitate a range of discussions on the best ways to tackle criminal networks facilitating organised immigration crime and migrant smuggling.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Ruth Money appointed Chief Victims Advisor

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Ruth Money MNZM has been appointed New Zealand’s Chief Victims Advisor, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
    “Ms Money is already an outspoken and energetic victims advocate with a proven track record of driving change. She has been a full-time volunteer since 2012 following a successful business career, and has extensive experience across the many and varied components of the justice system. She is committed to the view that society can and must do better for victims.
    “The advice provided by Ms Money over the next two years will be essential in ensuring there are 20,000 fewer victims of violent crime by 2029, while keeping the needs of victims at the forefront of our justice system.
    “I would like to acknowledge the work of Dr Kim McGregor in the role of Chief Victims Advisor over the past nine years, and I wish her well in the future.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Build to rent homes for essential workers in Sydney take off

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 10 February 2025

    Released by: The Premier, Minister for Housing, Minister for Lands and Property, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces

    New homes for rent at a subsidised rate are on the way for essential workers in Sydney with the Minns Labor Government today announcing the first site of it’s essential worker Build-to-Rent plan.

    Funded through the Minns Labor Government’s $450 million investment to deliver housing for essential workers, the Government’s developer Landcom will transform the former WestConnex dive site in Camperdown to deliver:

    • at least 200 build-to-rent units offered to essential workers like health workers, paramedics, teachers, police officers and firefighters at a discount to market rent, through a separate subsidy
    • approximately 300 additional units, including private units and a proportion of affordable rental housing
    • ground-floor retail or commercial, landscaped outdoor spaces and new pedestrian links, enhancing the neighbourhood’s amenity and vibrancy.

    The site was identified under the NSW Government’s Land Audit, which set out to find surplus government land that had been sitting unused and could be used to develop more homes.

    Landcom and Homes NSW were given first pick of the land audit sites, with this being the first site to be developed by Landcom.

    The site is well-located, close to transport, public spaces, amenities and education and health centres including one of Sydney’s largest hospitals, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

    Community and stakeholders will have the opportunity to help shape the design of the mixed-use development as the applications progresses through consultation.

    Construction is expected to begin in 2026, pending approvals, with the first essential workers moving in around 2028.

    The Camperdown site is the first secured by Landcom as part of the NSW Government’s build-to-rent essential worker housing program, with Landcom investigating additional sites.

    Landcom is also expected to start construction this year on 110 build-to-rent units in NSW’s Northern Rivers and South Coast, boosting rental supply in regions feeling the combined stresses of rising rents and lack of housing availability.

    The Government will retain ownership of the build-to-rent housing. Details about eligibility criteria, how to apply and the rental subsidy will be available closer to project completion.

    This is all part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to rebuild our essential services while delivering critical new housing for those who need it across NSW.

    Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

    “Essential workers are feeling the impact of the immense cost of housing and many can’t afford to live near their jobs. That’s why our plan is delivering this well-located, secure and accessible rental housing for the essential workers who keep Sydney running.

    “The former WestConnex dive site in Sydney’s Inner West has sat unused for years and thanks to our plan to identify vacant land, it will now to deliver housing for essential workers close to their jobs.

    “Every single day essential workers turn up to work keep our state running, the very least we can do is make sure that they have access to the housing they need, near their jobs at an affordable price.”

    Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

    “The Camperdown site is the first secured by Landcom as part of the NSW Government’s $450 million investment to deliver more than 400 build-to-rent homes for essential workers in metropolitan Sydney, closer to their jobs and services.

    “The new rental homes in Sydney’s Inner West will ease the pressure on essential workers employed nearby, providing greater housing choice, security and affordability, improving quality of life.

    “The development will transform unused Government-owned land with new homes for renters and buyers, while rejuvenating a key part of the Parramatta Road corridor.”

    Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

    “The land audit is delivering and this site is proof. Instead of collecting dust, this site will help deliver much needed housing as part of approximately 7,000 new homes identified by the land audit.

    “The Minns Government is focused on building better communities and this large site will support our number one priority of delivering more housing for the people of NSW.”

    Minister for Housing Rose Jackson said:

    ”This is about providing much-needed affordable housing for the next generation of Sydneysiders so they can continue to live and work in their local areas.

    “Key workers are being priced out of their own communities, making it harder to build a future where they live and work. This investment is about backing them in—giving nurses, teachers and first responders more affordable rental options close to their jobs so they can keep doing the work that keeps our city running.”

    Mayor of Inner West Council Darcy Bryne said:

    ”We desperately need more affordable housing for essential workers in the Inner West and this project will make a real dent in the problem.”

    “For years people have talked about the Parramatta Road corridor as being an ideal location for higher density housing, this project will actually make that happen.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Stands with Federal Workers in Lawsuit Against Federal Buyout

    Source: US State of New York

    NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today joined a coalition of 20 other attorneys general in standing with the nation’s federal employees in a challenge to the Trump administration’s harmful and misleading federal “buyout” plan. The coalition today filed an amicus brief in support of a motion for a temporary restraining order (TRO) filed by unions representing more than 800,000 federal employees, including nurses caring for veterans, school bus drivers, childcare providers, civil engineers, sanitation workers, scientists, and more. The attorneys general assert that the directive encouraging federal employees to resign would have a devastating impact on states’ ability to respond to natural disasters, support veterans, and deliver crucial services to millions of Americans. 

    “The administration’s plan to eliminate thousands of federal employees’ jobs is dangerous and would be disastrous for our country,” said Attorney General James. “Millions of Americans count on federal employees for crucial services like health care, childcare, transportation, emergency response, and so much more. Without the work of thousands of federal employees, communities across the country will suffer. My office is standing up for all working people against this reckless and unlawful directive.”

    In their brief, Attorney General James and the coalition emphasize that the indiscriminate loss of federal employees could have a devastating effect on cooperative aspects of federal, state, and local government—from those who care for veterans to those who arrive on the scene to provide aid when disaster strikes. In addition, the coalition states that the directive does not offer federal employees basic information about their pensions, health benefits, reinstatement rights, retirement, or other benefits. The coalition urged the court to grant a temporary restraining order to prevent this harm to federal workers and to protect the public interest.

    The unions filed suit in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, emphasizing that the directive caused widespread confusion and dismay among federal employees, who were faced with an arbitrary deadline to accept a misleading buyout offer that is illegal and contrary to federal ethics regulations. On February 6, 2025, U.S. District Court Judge George A. O’Toole, Jr. stayed the purported deadline of the directive until Monday, February 10, 2025, with a hearing to be held at 2:00 p.m.

    On February 3, after the so-called “Fork in the Road” directive was issued, Attorney General James led a coalition of 11 other attorneys general in warning federal employees of the misleading program and urging them to consult their unions before making a decision.

    Joining Attorney General James in submitting today’s brief are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaiʻi, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Stands with Federal Workers in Federal Buyout Challenge

    Source: US State of California

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined a coalition of 21 state attorneys general, standing with the nation’s federal employees in a challenge to the Trump administration’s federal “buyout” plan. In today’s amicus brief, the attorneys general support a motion for a temporary restraining order filed by the plaintiffs—the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE); AFGE Local 3707; the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees; and the National Association of Government Employees—against the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) “Fork in the Road” directive, issued on January 28, 2025. The directive is an attempt to force federal workers to choose, with only days to decide, between accepting a legally fraught “buyout” and potentially being terminated. It gave most federal employees little more than a week (until February 6) to accept “deferred resignation,” which purportedly would allow federal workers to resign and retain pay and benefits without showing up to work until September 30, 2025, under an implicit threat that their positions may otherwise be eliminated anyway.  

    “This much is clear: the Trump Administration continues to trample over the rights of workers,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Our federal employees provide necessary services that Americans rely on and contribute to our economy. At the California Department of Justice, we will continue to stand firm in our commitment to fighting for workers’ rights and the unions that support them.”

    The plaintiff unions filed suit in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, emphasizing that the directive and associated FAQs—which were revised multiple times—caused widespread confusion and disarray among federal employees, who were faced with an arbitrary deadline based on a directive that the plaintiff unions assert is illegal and contrary to federal ethics regulations. On February 6, 2025, U.S. District Court Judge George A. O’Toole, Jr., stayed the purported deadline of the “Fork directive” until Monday, February 10, 2025, with a hearing to be held at 2:00 p.m. that day in Boston.

    In today’s amicus brief, the attorneys general emphasized that the coercive nature of the directive to our Nation’s public servants harms the federal workforce.  The brief also explained that the indiscriminate loss of indispensable federal employees could have a devastating effect on federal, state, and local government, by improperly eliminating employees across the States who care for veterans to those who arrive when natural disaster strikes. The coalition urged the court to grant a temporary restraining order to prevent this harm to federal workers and to protect the public interest.

    Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia in filing this amicus brief. 

    A copy of the amicus brief can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Planning in process for John Renshaw Drive

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 10 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Regional Transport and Roads

    The Australian and New South Wales governments are investing $15 million to progress planning work that will help cut congestion, reduce travel times and improve road safety at a major Hunter traffic bottleneck. 

    Currently, motorists face major travel time delays when navigating the junction of the M1 Pacific Motorway, John Renshaw Drive, Weakleys Drive and New England Highway at Beresfield.

    These delays are driven by high traffic volumes, multiple traffic signals and a lack of road capacity.

    The John Renshaw Drive project is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments, with the Australian Government providing $12 million and the NSW Government providing $3 million.

    The NSW Government will investigate upgrades to John Renshaw Drive including improvement options for the intersection of the M1 Motorway and Weakleys Drive; lane duplication of Weakleys Drive between Enterprise Drive and Canavan Drive; and access from Weakleys Drive to the New England Highway.

    Once designed and delivered, the upgrades will reduce travel times for motorists and make movement of freight more efficient along a key part of the regional freight network which connects to the Port of Newcastle and Newcastle Airport.

    Further traffic and economic modelling is being conducted to confirm what the proposed upgrades will include and the final design. 

    Timelines for construction will be dependent on further funding and planning approvals.

    More information about the project is available here: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/jrdup

    Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

    “These upgrades to John Renshaw Drive will improve safety and traffic flow for better travel times and more reliable trips, especially during peak periods.

    “It will help meet current and future traffic demands in the area, as well as support the development of the proposed industrial areas and broader regional economy.”

    Quotes attributable to NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:

    “John Renshaw Drive is a key connector between Maitland, Newcastle, Cessnock, Wallsend and the Upper Hunter.

    “Upgrades to John Renshaw Drive will support the development of proposed industrial areas as well as the broader regional economy by providing more efficient access for commuters and heavy freight between the Lower and Upper Hunter and to key regional employment areas such as the Port of Newcastle and Newcastle Airport.

    “This incredibly important planning is one of several projects, including M1 to Raymond Terrace and Hexham Straight Widening, we are undertaking to address current and predicted traffic growth at the critical strategic junction of the M1 Motorway, Pacific and New England highways.”

    Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson:

    “The Australian and NSW governments are proud to be getting the ball rolling on upgrading John Renshaw Drive & Weakleys Drive which will improve connectivity, road transport efficiency and safety for many motorists.

    “We are planning for a more reliable, less congested road network in one of the fastest growing areas of NSW. This is essential for local residents in and across Maitland, Thornton and Beresfield.  We need better infrastructure and to build greater capacity in the network where it links to the M1 Pacific Motorway”

    Quotes attributable to State Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery:

    “This area of the Hunter is growing rapidly which is why we need to ensure our infrastructure is up to shape.

    “I’m looking forward to seeing solutions which will ensure the best possible road network for our regional travellers while also minimising traffic delays for our local commuters.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Best spots to enjoy Valentine’s Day in Auckland

    Source: Auckland Council

    Love is in the air this Valentine’s Day… and it’s in the water and on the land all across the Auckland region. This year Tāmaki Makaurau is more loved up than ever on 14 February with festivities, walks and outdoor spots that are perfect for expressing aroha. Whether you’re spending time with your romantic partner or are single and celebrating your love for life with friends and family, we’ve got you covered with these dreamy date ideas.

    Share your love for the outdoors with your loved ones by exploring Auckland’s parks and trails. The region’s world-class parks have recently been recognised in the Green Flag awards, with eight of the 38 winning parks in Australia and New Zealand coming from Tāmaki Makaurau. To stretch your legs on a longer hike, consider the Green Flag-winning Ātiu Creek Regional Park and Hunua Ranges Regional Park.

    There are also many great spots that are particularly picturesque for a sunrise or sunset stroll, including Maungawhau / Mt Eden and Maungauika / North Head. Coastal paths like Tāmaki Drive Coastal Path, Westhaven Path or St Heliers to Achilles Point Path are great waterfront options, and you could even finish your walk by enjoying fish and chips while admiring the view. To find more walks visit the Akl Paths website.

    The St Heliers to Achilles Point Path is a 30-minute walk offering views of Rangitoto and is a great spot for enjoying sunrises and sunsets.

    If you’re harbouring romantic feelings, get out on the water this Valentine’s Day. Adventurous couples can enjoy testing the waters of their relationship with a gentle paddleboard along Takapuna Beach, St Heliers Beach or French Bay. 

    The still waters of Takapuna Beach are ideal for paddleboarding.

    This year Valentine’s Day also coincides with the BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival. Celebrate the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Snake at the Manukau Sports Bowl on 13-16 February. More than 500 handcrafted lanterns will be on display at this free and family-friendly event which is typically held around the 15th day of the first Lunar month at the end of the Lunar New Year festivities.

    Wander down lantern boulevard to enjoy more than 500 lanterns at the BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival this Valentine’s Day.

    Take a romantic stroll through the ‘lantern boulevard’, grab some delicious food from the many stallholders, watch a cultural performance on the main stage and end the night at 9.50pm with the spectacular fireworks display.

    Please note that registration is now required for entry into the festival. Book your free tickets online.

    There’s a reason why ‘dinner and a show’ is a classic date night option. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to Auckland’s eateries, and enjoying theatre, comedy or a night of entertainment is a great way to make memories with your loved ones.

    Auckland Council supports many theatres through funding such as the Regional Arts and Culture grants programme. This Valentine’s Day there’s plenty on stage including queer cabaret show Leather Lungs: Shut Up & Sing at Q Theatre, queer poetic performance and musical soundscape In the Body at Basement Theatre and Little Red Riding Hood-inspired adults-only circus cabaret Devour at Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre.

    In The Body, written and performed Redwood Reider is a poetic performance and soundscape at Basement Theatre.

    For those that prefer the classics, The Taming of the Shrew is playing in Shakespeare in the Park at The PumpHouse. The performance takes place in the outdoor amphitheatre but if the weather turns rainy mid performance, the production moves inside the auditorium.

    Pack the picnic basket, fill the thermos, roll up the blanket and prepare your loved one’s favourite food to dine al fresco in one of Auckland’s parks this Valentine’s Day. There are more than 4000 parks to choose from, including secluded seaside spots such as Secret Cove, Charcoal Bay and Tawhitokino Regional Park (accessible at low tide), as well as gorgeous green spaces like Grey Lynn Park, Murphys Bush Reserve or Pukekawa / Auckland Domain.

    If you’re looking to show off your grill skills to your beloved then try Cornwallis, Maungarei Springs Wetland or Shepherds Park – to find other barbecues near you, search for ‘barbecue’ on Auckland Council’s Find a park or beach page.

    Barbecue facilities at Maungarei Springs Wetland is the perfect place for a Valentine’s Day picnic.

    To really make romance bloom combine your picnic with a walk through the sculpture trail at Sculpture in the Gardens at Auckland Botanic Gardens.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Man arrested after officers threatened with machete

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Attribute to Inspector Lincoln Sycamore

    A man faces a raft of charges after allegedly swinging a machete at Police in Napier overnight.

    A 21-year-old Taradale man has been charged with dangerous driving; possession of an offensive weapon; assaulting Police; injures with intent to cause grievous bodily harm; resisting Police; threatening to kill; and driving with excess breath alcohol. He is due to appear in the Hastings District Court today, Monday 10 February.

    About 1.30am, a vehicle was seen driving at speed on Kennedy Road in Napier with its headlights off. Police lost sight of the car, but a member of the public pointed Police toward Clive, where the vehicle was located travelling at double the speed limit. 

    As plans were being put in place to set up cordons and stop the vehicle, it crashed into a fence on Waitangi Road, Awatoto, causing significant damage to the car and fence.  Police were not pursuing the vehicle.

    A unit located the vehicle and the sole occupant, who was initially compliant. As Police approached him, the man allegedly pulled a machete from the vehicle and began chasing one of the officers while swinging the weapon.

    Both officers deployed Tasers, which were ineffective in stopping the man, before he was subdued with OC spray.

    Neither officer was injured by the weapon.

    The officers involved were stood down for the rest of their shift. One officer was treated at the scene for a minor injury but did not require hospitalisation.

    I’m incredibly proud of their efforts. They were faced with a dangerous and unpredictable situation where a moment’s delay could have been fatal. They used training and experience to bring the alleged offender into custody without serious injury to him, or themselves.

    Sadly, this is a reminder of the needless violence Police face, often with little to no warning. While Police are trained to make decisions rapidly and under pressure, nothing prepares you for seeing your colleague being threatened with a machete.

    I am proud of the way both officers executed their duty bravely – the community is safer because of their actions.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKETO, Brussels hosts receptions in Türkiye and Italy to celebrate Chinese New Year (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    HKETO, Brussels hosts receptions in Türkiye and Italy to celebrate Chinese New Year (with photos)
    HKETO, Brussels hosts receptions in Türkiye and Italy to celebrate Chinese New Year (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

         The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (HKETO, Brussels) hosted Chinese New Year receptions in Istanbul and Izmir, Türkiye respectively on January 30 and 31, followed by Milan, Italy on February 6, to carry on its series of celebration activities for the Year of the Snake.            The Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung emphasised in her welcoming remarks at the reception in Istanbul that Hong Kong remained as the prime gateway and super connector between China and the rest of the world, with our distinctive advantages under “One Country, Two Systems”.            “As an international financial, trade and shipping centre, and international hub for high caliber talents, we welcome more investors, innovators, start-ups and talents to make Hong Kong your partner and base for grapping the opportunities at both regional and global levels,” said Ms Yung.           Ms Yung highlighted that Hong Kong’s appeal as a global destination continues to grow. She also shared the good news of the reduction in liquor tax, and encouraged enterprises to take Hong Kong as a hub for global wine and liquor trade.            “We invite you to visit Hong Kong and indulge in its tempting gastronomic experience, complemented by high-quality wines and liquors,” added Ms Yung.            HKETO, Brussels took the opportunity to showcase Hong Kong’s unique East-meets-West culture. A cross-media performance fused with Chinese kung-fu, modern electronic music, comic and animation inspired by Hong Kong action movies was presented by the Hong Kong Arts Centre (Comix Home Base), showcasing the innovation and creativity of young artists in Hong Kong. The guests attending the reception in Milan were greeted by a delightful mix of Italian opera aria and Cantonese songs performed by an ensemble of talented Hong Kong musicians.           The receptions in Istanbul, Izmir and Milan brought together 400 guests, including officials from national governments, consulates and embassies, financial and business sectors, academia, cultural and creative sectors, media and the Chinese community, in Türkiye and Italy to mark the enduring friendship with Hong Kong. They were co-organised with Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

     
    Ends/Monday, February 10, 2025Issued at HKT 3:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Lamp lighting ceremony of 29 Nursing Cadets of XI Batch of College of Nursing, Army Hospital (Research & Referral) Delhi held

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 09 FEB 2025 8:13PM by PIB Delhi

    Lamp lighting ceremony of 29 Nursing Cadets of XI Batch of College of Nursing, Army Hospital(Research & Referral) Delhi was conducted on 08 Feb 2025 . Senior Officers, MNS Officers, Retired Officers, representatives from Civil Nursing Colleges,attended the ceremony.

    Lt Gen Shankar Narayan, Commandant, AH(R&R) addressed the students, motivating them to uphold the professional standards. Maj Gen Sheena PD, Addl DGMNS, Guest of Honour for the event administered the Nurse’s Pledge to the students.

    Passing of light symbolizes the dissemination of knowledge, skill and wisdom from the learned to the learners. The ADGMNS passed the light to Principal and Faculty who in turn passed it to the Nursing Cadets.

    The serene ceremony ended with the message that Nursing is a calling to serve, to care and to make a difference in the lives of our clientele.

    ******

    SR/Anand

    (Release ID: 2101189) Visitor Counter : 54

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: INDIAN NAVY CHIEFS’ CONCLAVE 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 09 FEB 2025 5:40PM by PIB Delhi

    The Indian Navy Chiefs’ Conclave was held at the Naval Headquarters, New Delhi from 08 – 09 Feb 25, bringing together eight Former Naval Chiefs and the current Naval leadership.

    The aim of the Conclave was to gain from the collective experience and knowledge of the former Chiefs, and also update them on the latest developments and policy initiatives of the Navy.

    On 08 Feb, the former Chiefs were presented with an operational update, including policy initiatives, technological, materiel, and operational logistics advancements, and perspective plans at the new Nausena Bhawan.

    An exclusive session was also conducted to deliberate Manthan on key issues of interest, fostering an open exchange of ideas on the future of warfare and maritime strategy in an evolving geo-political landscape and HR paradigms.

    A Book titled “Legacy of Leadership: Naval Chiefs through Time” was released on the sidelines of the Conclave; chronicling the inspiring journeys of former CNSs.

    With personal stories, rare photographs and firsthand accounts, this “collector’s edition” offers a unique glimpse into the leadership of the former CNSs.

    “We are committed to carrying forward your illustrious legacy and the Indian Navy will continue to safeguard India’s national maritime interests, anytime, anywhere, anyhow” – CNS

    The Former Naval Chiefs also laid wreaths at the National War Memorial and paid homage to the Bravehearts of the Nation.

    The Chiefs’ Conclave 2025 reaffirms the Navy’s commitment to institutional continuity, leveraging the wisdom of past leadership while shaping the future of India’s maritime power.

    _____________________________________________________________

    VM/SKY                                                                                                        34/25

    (Release ID: 2101179) Visitor Counter : 33

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Raksha Mantri to inaugurate Aero India 2025 at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru on February 10, 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Raksha Mantri to inaugurate Aero India 2025 at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru on February 10, 2025

    Showcasing air power, cutting-edge innovations & potential new global collaborations, the five-day event to provide thrust to the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047

    Aero India 2025 will advance our vision of a strong, capable, secure & self-reliant India: Shri Rajnath Singh

    Participation of over 900 exhibitors & 90 countries set to make it the biggest-ever Aero India till date; Approx. 30 Defence Ministers & over 100 OEMs to attend

    Domestic defence production expected to cross Rs 1.60 lakh crore by 2025-26, with exports touching Rs 30,000 crore mark: RM

    Posted On: 09 FEB 2025 6:21PM by PIB Delhi

    The 15th edition of Aero India, Asia’s biggest aerospace and defence exhibition, will be inaugurated by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru, Karnataka on February 10, 2025. With the broad theme of ‘The Runway to a Billion Opportunities’, the five-day extravaganza will showcase India’s aerial prowess and indigenous cutting-edge innovations alongside state-of-the-art products of global aerospace companies. In line with ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ vision, the event will also provide a stage to forge international collaborations to fast-track the indigenisation process, thereby providing a thrust to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi-led Government’s resolve of making the country Viksit Bharat by 2047.

    Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru on the eve of the event, Raksha Mantri described Aero India as a crucial platform, which will drive forward the Government’s vision of a strong, capable India, secure and self-reliant India. “Aero India is a platform that showcases the strength, resilience, and self-reliance of New India. It is not just crucial for India’s defence preparedness, but it also plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of our nation. It will demonstrate our defence capabilities and forge global partnerships. Our goal is to enhance collaboration in areas of common interest with our friendly nations, fostering deeper cooperation and shared progress. The event is not just a showcase of technology and innovation, but will also serve as a source of inspiration for our youth, fostering scientific temperament and a spirit of innovation,” he said.

    Organised in a total area of over 42,000 sq m and with the confirmed participation of over 900 exhibitors, including 150 foreign companies, the event is set to be the biggest-ever Aero India till date. Shri Rajnath Singh termed the participation of more than 90 countries as a testament to the growing global confidence in India’s aerospace and defence capabilities. “Defence ministers or representatives from about 30 countries have come to participate in this event. The presence of Air Chiefs and Secretaries from 43 countries further highlights the significance of this event – not just for India, but for the entire international defence community,” he said.

    Highlighting the transformation of the defence and aerospace sector in the recent years, Raksha Mantri asserted that, today, India is not only capable of designing and developing major platforms and equipment within India, it has also successfully established a vast supply chain within the country. “Advanced platforms like Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Light Combat Helicopter Prachand and C-295 Transport Aircraft are now being produced in India. We have also taken a firm resolve to manufacture fifth-generation fighter aircraft within the country. From the advanced variants of the Agni missile, the Astra missile system, and the Pinaka missile system to the cutting-edge Hypersonic missile system and the Akash air defence system, we have built numerous success stories. These achievements have played a crucial role in strengthening our defence sector, making India more self-reliant and secure,” he said.

    Shri Rajnath Singh added that post corporatisation of Ordnance Factory Board, the newly formed companies have started performing exceptionally well in defence production. “Under a well-considered and well-developed plan, we have actively worked to empower the private sector in the defence and aerospace industries. Today, India has a thriving private defence industry that has firmly established itself and is making significant contributions to our national security,” he said.

    Raksha Mantri expressed confidence that defence production, having crossed the record figure of Rs 1.27 lakh crore, will exceed Rs 1.60 lakh crore by the end of 2025-26. Defence exports, which touched the record figure of Rs 21,000 crore, he said, will surpass Rs 30,000 crore.

    Shri Rajnath Singh underlined the crucial role being played by the defence industrial sector in making India an economic super power. He stated that any breakthrough in the defence sector not only strengthens national security, but also impacts the economy. Technologies developed for defence applications promote innovation in the civil sector as well, leading to employment generation and economic development, he said. He termed Aero India a significant driver of economic strength, contributing to the overall growth and development of the economy. He expressed confidence that Aero India will be remembered as a historic milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a global leader in the aerospace and defence sector.

    The 15thAero India will be held between 10thand 14thFebruary 2025. February 10thto 12thhave been reserved as business days, with 13th& 14thset as public days for people to witness the show. The event comprises Defence Ministers’ Conclave; CEOs Roundtable; inauguration of India & iDEX Pavilions; Manthan iDEX event; Samarthya Indigenisation event; Valedictory function; seminars; breath-taking airshows and an exhibition of aerospace companies.

    Defence Ministers’ Conclave

    With the aim to strengthen defence cooperation with friendly nations amidst a rapidly-evolving global security landscape, Raksha Mantri will host the Defence Ministers’ Conclave on February 11 in hybrid mode. The theme this year ‘Building Resilience through International Defence and Global Engagement (BRIDGE)’ underscores the importance of supply chain resilience and strategic collaboration in defence.

    The last edition witnessed the participation of 27 Defence Ministers and Deputy Defence Ministers alongside 15 Defence & Service Chiefs and 12 Permanent Secretaries. This year, the participation has expanded as representatives from more than 80 countries are likely to participate in the conclave. Approx. 30 Defence Ministers in addition to Defence/Service Chiefs and Permanent Secretaries from friendly nations will attend the event.

    The conclave will provide a crucial platform to address key aspects such as Defence capacity building through investment, joint ventures & co-production, Collaboration in R&D, training & technological advancements in AI & space, Maritime security cooperation and strategic partnerships.

    CEOs Roundtable

    CEOs Roundtable 2025 will be chaired by Raksha Mantri on February 10, on the theme ‘Enabling Defence Cooperation through Global Engagement (EDGE)’. Over 100 Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have confirmed their participation in the event. These include 55 from 19 countries (USA, France, Russia, South Korea, UK, Japan, Israel & Brazil etc), 35 Indian (Larsen & Toubro, Bharat Forge Ltd, Adani Defence & Aerospace, Mahindra Defence Systems Ltd, BrahMos Aerospace & Ashok Leyland Defence) and 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs). Shri Rajnath Singh had addressed over 73 CEOs of 28 Foreign OEMs and 45 Indian OEMs in the 2023 edition of the event.

    Major foreign OEMs including Airbus (France), Ultra Maritime (USA), GNT (South Korea), John Cockerill Defence (UK), Mitsubishi (Japan), Rafael Advance Defence System (Israel), Safran (France) and Liebherr Aerospace (France) are expected to highlight their future plans, Joint Ventures, collaborations, partnerships with Indian companies for production of spares parts, development of aero-engines, setting up of Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) facilities and establishment of R&D facilities etc.

    India Pavilion

    The India Pavilion will provide an opportunity to Indian Defence Industries to showcase their design, development, innovation and manufacturing capabilities. It will be inaugurated by Raksha Mantri on February 10. The grandeur show at India Pavilion would signify the ‘Flight of Self-Reliance’ which encapsulates India’s journey towards becoming a global aerospace and defence powerhouse.

    India Pavilion will be divided into five distinct zones displaying indigenous capabilities in aero aviation, land aviation and naval aviation, def-space and niche technologies domains.  More than 275 exhibits will be at display through various mediums, represented by complete defence ecosystem of the country which includes DPSUs, design houses, private corporates including MSMEs and start-ups. The Central Area exhibits will include a striking display of marquee platforms including Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, Combat Air Teaming System, Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter.

    iDEX Pavilion

     The iDEX Pavilion will be inaugurated by Raksha Mantri on February 10. It will showcase cutting-edge indigenously developed products and technologies, marking a significant milestone in India’s defence innovation journey. Leading innovators will display their indigenously-developed products spanning a wide-range of advanced domains including Aerospace, DefSpace, Aero Structures, Anti-drone systems, Autonomous Systems, Robotics, Communication, Cybersecurity, Surveillance & Tracking, Unmanned Ground Vehicles etc. The Pavilion will also feature a dedicated section highlighting the winners of Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme, showcasing their ground-breaking work in critical and niche technologies.

    iDEX has successfully onboarded over 600 start-ups and MSMEs, marking a significant milestone in fostering innovation. Furthermore, 40 prototypes developed under iDEX have received official clearance for procurement, with 31 procurement contracts worth Rs 1,560 crore already signed.

    Manthan

    Manthan 2025, the flagship annual defence innovation event, will be graced by Raksha Mantri on February 12. Organised by Innovations for Defence Excellence – Defence Innovation Organisation (iDEX-DIO), the event will bring together stakeholders of the defence innovation ecosystem including innovators, industry leaders, academia, incubators, investors, thought leaders, senior government officials etc.

    Manthan will deliberate on emerging challenges and opportunities in the sector, with a focus on supporting defence start-ups and MSMEs, enhancing innovation capabilities, and fostering strategic collaborations within the defence ecosystem. It stands as a testament to the scale and speed of iDEX, showcasing the rapid strides made in defence innovation and the pivotal role of start-ups in transforming India’s defence capabilities.

    Samarthya

    On the success story of indigenisation and innovation in the defence sector, an Indigenisation event on the theme ‘SAMARTHYA’ will be held on February 12 alongside the Valedictory function which will be graced by Raksha Mantri. This event is first-of-its-kind during Aero India, as it will showcase India’s indigenous ingenuity in defence manufacturing by demonstrating some of the major items indigenised by DPSUs, DRDO and Services with the involvement of the private sector.

    Bilateral Meetings

    Bilateral meetings at the levels of Raksha Mantri/Raksha Rajya Mantri/Chief of Defence Staff/Service Chiefs/Defence Secretary/Secretary (Defence Production) will take place on the sidelines of Aero India 2025.

    Seminars

    A number of seminars on a variety of topics will be organised as part of Aero India 2025. On February 11, Raksha Mantri is scheduled to address a seminar organised by the Indian Air Force on the theme ‘Manned Unmanned teams for Aerial Warfare – concept to targeting’ and another organised by DRDO on the theme ‘DRDO Industry Synergy towards Viksit Bharat’.

    Other seminars on the themes – Mission DefSpace: From Vision to Reality – A Progress Report; Indigenous Development of Aerospace Materials: Strengthening India’s Self-Reliance; Transition to Aatmanirbhar Indian Naval Aviation 2047 and its associated ecosystem; Transformation of Maritime Aviation by Adopting Technological trends and Indigenisation; Aligning Technologies to Future Conflicts; and Investment Opportunities for Aerospace & Defence Manufacturers in Karnataka – will also be held as part of the event.

    Historic First – Su-57 and F-35 at Aero India

    For the first time in history, Aero India 2025 will witness the participation of two of the world’s most advanced fifth-generation fighter aircraft – the Russian Su-57 and the American F-35 Lightning II. It marks a milestone in global defence collaboration and technological advancement, offering aviation enthusiasts and defence experts an unparalleled prospect to witness these state-of-the-art warplanes.

     

    • Su-57: Russia’s premier stealth multirole fighter is designed for superior air superiority and strike capabilities. Equipped with advanced avionics, supercruise capability, and stealth technology, it is making its debut at Aero India 2025. Visitors can expect high-speed aerial manoeuvres and tactical demonstrations that highlight the fighter’s agility, stealth and firepower.

     

    • F-35 Lightning II: The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, the most widely-deployed fifth-generation fighter, integrates advanced stealth, unparalleled situational awareness and networked combat capabilities. Its presence at Aero India 2025 will enable visitors to witness the flagship of US Air Force.

     

    The inclusion of both the Su-57 and F-35 highlights India’s position as a key hub for international defence and aerospace collaboration. Aero India 2025 will provide a rare side-by-side comparison of Eastern and Western fifth-generation fighter technology, offering defence analysts, military personnel and aviation enthusiasts valuable insights into their respective capabilities.

     

    Visitor-Friendly Experience

    With key infrastructure upgrades and improved amenities, Aero India 2025 promises to be bigger, smoother and more visitor-friendly than ever before.

     

    • Enhanced Infrastructure & Traffic Management: Recognising past challenges, extensive improvements have been made to facilitate seamless entry, movement and connectivity and there has been close coordination between Ministry of Defence, Indian Air Force (IAF), various arms of Karnataka State Government like Bengaluru Traffic Police, BBMP, NHAI, and Namma Metro. Approach roads have been widened to optimise traffic flow around Air Force Station Yelahanka so as to ease congestion and improve movement around the venue.

     

    • Security and Emergency Preparedness: Red drone zones have been designated and published with countermeasures in place to tackle unauthorised drone activity. Rapid Mobile Units will be deployed strategically to provide quick assistance and emergency support. Continuous mock drills with multiple agencies are being conducted to ensure practical and implementable contingency plans.

     

    • Exhibitor & Visitor Experience Enhancements: To enhance the experience for exhibitors and business delegates, the exhibition area has been revamped with several key upgrades:

     

    • Expanded and better-ventilated exhibition halls to accommodate more exhibitors and visitors comfortably.
    • Improved seating and rest zones throughout the venue.
    • Additional food courts and refreshment kiosks, including Indira Canteens (at parking areas).
    • Lost and found counters and ATM kiosks for visitor convenience.
    • Multiple water points, medical aid posts, and a dedicated cardiac aid post for emergencies, including medical evacuation.

     

    • Multi-Layered Security Measures: Ensuring the safety of all attendees, a multi-layered security system is being deployed in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Bengaluru Police, CISF, and Intelligence Agencies. Measures include:

     

    • Enhanced security protocols and faster access control.
    • An operational Command and Control Centre for real-time responses to security concerns.
    • 24/7 CCTV monitoring for situational awareness.
    • Dedicated screening zones for visitors, exhibitors, and VIPs.
    • Disaster management and fire safety committees to handle emergencies.

     

    • Connectivity & Digital Infrastructure: To address connectivity challenges, all telecom service providers are deploying temporary mobile towers and network boosters for uninterrupted communication. A dedicated Aero India 2025 mobile app has also been launched which will provide live updates, navigation assistance, and event scheduling. Secure digital communication channels have also been established for coordination among agencies. Additionally, provisions have been made to support increased electricity demands during the event while ensuring safety.

     

    • Airspace Management & Demonstrations: Aero India demonstrations and aircraft movements are a major highlight of Aero India 2025. In coordination with AAI and HAL, the Indian Air Force has structured a dedicated Airspace management plan including:

     

    • Temporary flight restrictions around Aero India Force Station Yelahanka to maintain safety during scheduled demonstrations.
    • Strategic Aircraft parking and refuelling plans for domestic and international participants.

     

    • Business and Innovation Support: The Aero India provides a platform for collaborations and to facilitate B2B, G2B interactions and hosting roundtable discussions to showcase technological advancements. Special focus will be given to supporting start-ups and MSMEs by providing them with a global platform to present indigenous innovations.

     

    • Sustainability Initiatives: Aero India 2025 is committed to sustainability and has incorporated several eco-friendly measures in its conduct like:

     

    • Reduced vehicle movement to minimise pollution and enhance pedestrian comfort.
    • Exclusive use of more than 100 E Karts for movement of visitors in the exhibition venue.
    • Comprehensive waste management, including increased recycling bins, waste segregation zones, and timely disposal of waste.

     

    With these multi-agency collaborations, Aero India 2025 is set to be one of the most well-coordinated and better organised editions to date.

     

    Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff & Secretary, Department of Military Affairs General Anil Chauhan, Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka Dr Shalini Rajneesh, Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat, other senior officials of Ministry of Defence and industry leaders attended the curtain raiser press conference.

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    VK/SR/SPS/Savvy

    (Release ID: 2101170) Visitor Counter : 115

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India’s quantum leap testified by global success stories like Vaccine, Chandrayaan, says Dr. Jitendra Singh

    Source: Government of India (2)

    India’s quantum leap testified by global success stories like Vaccine, Chandrayaan, says Dr. Jitendra Singh

    India’s Scientific Rise: From DNA Vaccines to Space Tech, Dr. Jitendra Singh Highlights Key Achievements

    Traditional Knowledge is India’s Exclusive Asset, Says Dr. Jitendra Singh

    Integration is No Longer an Option But a Necessity: Dr. Jitendra Singh Calls for Greater Scientific Collaboration

    Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Inaugurates Vigyan Bharati’s New Premises in New Delhi

    Posted On: 09 FEB 2025 5:10PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh said here today that India’s quantum leap was testified by global success stories like Vaccine and Chandrayaan.

    He was speaking after inaugurating the new premises of “Vigyan Bharati” in the national capital, describing the same as a long-felt need. He emphasized that the office would serve as a center for exchange of ideas and a seat of learning.

    Addressing the ceremony, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh stated that India is witnessing a transformative era in science under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He highlighted how the Prime Minister not only encourages but also provides unwavering support to the scientific community, strengthening it with resources and enabling collaborations with non-governmental sectors to achieve the best outcomes.

    Reflecting on the advancements of the past decade, Dr. Jitendra Singh stressed that while India has always had immense scientific acumen and talent, the missing element was commitment and prioritization from the political leadership—something that is now being actively addressed under PM Modi’s governance.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the significant progress India has made, particularly in healthcare. He noted that India, once not taken seriously in curative healthcare, is now emerging as a global leader in preventive healthcare. He proudly mentioned India’s achievements, including: The first DNA vaccine developed during the pandemic. The first indigenous HPV vaccine to combat cervical cancer and rapid advancements in space technology, despite a late start in the sector. He also spoke about India’s commitment to global climate change efforts, reaffirming the country’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the importance of Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), calling it a valuable repository of indigenous wisdom. He cited examples such as:
    The Konark Temple in Odisha, which remained intact even after the super cyclone of 2000, showcasing India’s architectural resilience.

    The growing interest in traditional medicine, as seen during the pandemic when the West explored homeopathy and naturopathy for potential remedies. He also referenced India’s success in using steel slag for road construction in Arunachal Pradesh, in collaboration with the Tata Group, drawing parallels with the durable routes of Ajanta and Ellora that have withstood the test of time.

    Quoting Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Dr. Singh remarked, “By remaining committed to our legacy, we should not deprive ourselves of what is happening across the world.” He urged Vigyan Bharati to act as an interface for identifying initiatives and fostering collaborations, similar to how IN-SPACe and BIRAC have become successful platforms for the space and biotechnology sectors, respectively.

    He also proudly announced India’s recent breakthrough in pharmaceuticals with the creation of the indigenous antibiotic ‘Nafithromycin’, positioning India as a leader in both traditional and cutting-edge technologies.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that integration is no longer an option but a necessity and called upon Vigyan Bharati to become a key medium for broader scientific integration. He expressed confidence that such efforts would drive India’s continued rise as a global powerhouse in science and technology.

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    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2101153) Visitor Counter : 48

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –