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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Active Chlorine Component of Hypochlorous Acid Solution Volatilized in the Air Suppresses Over 99% of RS Viruses

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Active Chlorine Component of Hypochlorous Acid Solution Volatilized in the Air Suppresses Over 99% of RS Viruses

    Osaka, Japan – Panasonic Corporation (https://holdings.panasonic/global/) today announced that its Heating & Ventilation A/C Company (hereinafter referred to as Panasonic) verified that the active chlorine component volatilized from the hypochlorous acid solution, produced by electrolysis of salt water, effectively suppresses over 99% of respiratory syncytial viruses (RS viruses) adhered in a space of approx. 25 m3 within 8 hours(*2).
    The hypochlorous acid solution is produced through the electrolysis of salt water and demonstrates high efficacy in sterilization and deodorization. Since adopting the hypochlorous acid solution for the hygiene maintenance system of cup-dispensing vending machines in 1987(*3), Panasonic has been researching hypochlorous acid technology for approximately 40 years.  The company verified in the past few years that the solution is effective in suppressing viruses, including the influenza virus (H1N1), novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant, and enterovirus and coxsackievirus, which can cause hand-foot-and-mouth disease, as well as herpangina.
    RS viruses are major pathogen responsible for bronchiolitis and pneumonia, particularly known for causing severe illness in infants and the elderly. The viruses are primarily transmitted through contact with respiratory secretions from infected individuals or via airborne droplets released during coughing or sneezing. Upon infection, individuals may exhibit symptoms such as fever, nasal discharge, and coughing. In more severe cases, the condition may progress to wheezing and difficulty breathing.
    Based on the current verification results, the active chlorine component volatilized from the hypochlorous acid solution is expected to suppress RS viruses adhered to tables, railings, and other objects.

    [Figure 1. Infectivity titer of viruses by time elapsed]

    ■Verification methodTwo cases were verified: one by soaking the rotary sterilization filter in a hypochlorous acid solution of approx. 150 mg/L, exposing the filter to a given amount of wind (3.8 m3/min) to volatilize the active chlorine component, and then exposing RS viruses-attached samples to the volatilized substance; and the other by not exposing the specimens to the active chlorine component (natural attenuation).
    ■Verification resultsThe effect of suppressing over 99% of RS viruses within 8 hours was confirmed (Figure 1).

    *1: Solution made by electrolysis of salt water
    *2: These verifications were conducted for basic research purposes and did not involve any products containing the hypochlorous acid solution.
    *3: Including the SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    July 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Loch Sport member leads by example

    Source:

    Lyn Krejci donating blood as part of the Emergency Services Blood Drive

    For Loch Sport Fire Brigade member Lyn Krejci, regular blood and plasma donations are just another way to give back to the community.

    Having made 21 donations over two decades, Lyn rolls up her sleeves wherever she can by travelling to her closest blood bank or booking into the mobile van when it comes to town. 

    With many people close to her affected by cancer, she has witnessed first-hand the vital impact that donated blood products have on lifesaving treatments.  

    “I have a really good friend who is currently fighting multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, my sister has been battling breast cancer, and I have actually had a cancer scare myself some years ago,” Lyn said.  

    “I lost both of my parents from cancer, so it’s a cause that’s very close to home for me.”  

    Donated blood products contribute to lifesaving treatments for a range of conditions and situations, including cancer, rare blood disorders, immune deficiencies, road trauma and more.  

    “So many people rely on blood, and it’s important for me to contribute to that,” Lyn said.  

    “As my friend goes through her treatment and I see the impact of how donated blood has helped her, it really hits home how important it is to do my part.” 

    After retiring to Loch Sport with her family three years ago, Lyn was inspired to join CFA following a fire in the area.  

    “My husband was previously a career firefighter and joined CFA when we first moved here. Not long after, there was a fire that impacted Loch Sport, and I realised that I didn’t know a lot about what to do in that situation,” Lyn said.   

    “I had planned to join CFA as a non-operational member, but then discovered I was capable of doing so much more than I originally thought.  

    “I did my General Firefighter training and now I’m an active firefighter and Brigade Community Safety Coordinator, and I love educating the community about being fire safe.” 

    For Lyn, both donating blood products and volunteering with CFA come back to one core philosophy – helping others.  

    “The way I look at it, donating blood or plasma is something extra I can do to support the community. It’s a cause that I am personally close to, it’s easy for me to do and it’s also so important for people to get behind. 

    “Every time I sit in the chair to donate, I think of all those people I know who have been impacted, and I think to myself ‘thank you for inspiring me to do this’.” 

    The Lifeblood Emergency Services Blood Drive runs until 31 August. You can join CFA’s team and book a donation by visiting www.lifeblood.com.au, calling 13 14 95 or downloading the Donate Blood app.    

    Submitted by CFA Media

    MIL OSI News –

    July 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Aggravated assault – Roper Gulf Region

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating an aggravated assault incident in a community in the Roper Gulf Region on Saturday.

    About 1am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of a 35-year-old female being speared through the abdomen throughout a large disturbance.

    The female was conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital by Careflight in a stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.

    Investigations remain ongoing to understand the circumstances of the incident and identify the alleged offender.

    The Central Division has carriage.

    MIL OSI News –

    July 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Admits the Armed Robbery of Two St. Louis County Stores

    Source: US FBI

    ST. LOUIS – A St. Louis man on Thursday admitted robbing two St. Louis County, Missouri businesses at gunpoint in 2024.

    Stanley E. Alford, 58, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to two counts of robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. He admitted robbing a store on Gravois Bluffs Boulevard in Fenton, Missouri on Jan. 24, 2024, and a pawnshop in the 8100 block of Gravois Road in St. Louis County two days later.

    During the first robbery, Alford asked a cashier for change and left when she said she couldn’t open the register. He returned a short time later to return an item that he’d just purchased. When the victim opened the register, Alford pulled a handgun and ordered the cashier to give him the cash drawer. He then made her put the cash in a bag and shoved her head with the barrel of the gun.

    At the pawnshop, Alford browsed jewelry before pulling a handgun. After the employee who was helping Alford ran for her life, he jumped over the counter and stole a tray containing ten gold and diamond rings.

    Surveillance video captured Alford committing both robberies and fleeing in a vehicle registered to him. He was also wearing or had in his possession several stolen rings, and officers found distinctive clothing and other evidence connecting him to the robberies.

    Alford is scheduled to be sentenced on October 14. The robbery charges are punishable by up to 20 years in prison. The brandishing charges carry a penalty of seven years in prison, consecutive to any other charge, meaning Alford faces at least 14 years in prison.

    The St. Louis County Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Bluestone is prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

    July 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Why Texas Hill Country, where a devastating flood killed more than 130 people, is one of the deadliest places in the US for flash flooding

    Source: The Conversation – USA (2) – By Hatim Sharif, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Texas at San Antonio

    A Kerrville, Texas, resident watches the flooded Guadalupe River on July 4, 2025. Eric Vryn/Getty Images

    Texas Hill Country is known for its landscapes, where shallow rivers wind among hills and through rugged valleys. That geography also makes it one of the deadliest places in the U.S. for flash flooding.

    In the early hours of July 4, 2025, a flash flood swept through an area of Hill Country dotted with summer camps and small towns about 70 miles northwest of San Antonio. More than 130 people died in the flooding. The majority of them were in Kerr County, including more than two dozen girls and counselors at one summer camp, Camp Mystic. Dozens more people were still unaccounted for a week later.

    The flooding began with a heavy downpour, with more than 10 inches of rain in some areas, that sent water sheeting off the hillsides and into creeks. The creeks poured into the Guadalupe River.

    A river gauge at Hunt, Texas, near Camp Mystic, showed how quickly the river flooded: Around 3 a.m. on July 4, the Guadalupe River was rising about 1 foot every 5 minutes at the gauge, National Weather Service data shows. By 4:30 a.m., it had risen more than 20 feet. As the water moved downstream, it reached Kerrville, where the river rose even faster.

    Flood expert Hatim Sharif, a hydrologist and civil engineer at the University of Texas at San Antonio, explains what makes this part of the country, known as Flash Flood Alley, so dangerous.

    What makes Hill Country so prone to flooding?

    Texas as a whole leads the nation in flood deaths, and by a wide margin. A colleague and I analyzed data from 1959 to 2019 and found 1,069 people had died in flooding in Texas over those six decades. The next highest total was in Louisiana, with 693.

    Many of those flood deaths have been in Hill County. It’s part of an area known as Flash Flood Alley, a crescent of land that curves from near Dallas down to San Antonio and then westward.

    The hills are steep, and the water moves quickly when it floods. This is a semi-arid area with soils that don’t soak up much water, so the water sheets off quickly and the shallow creeks can rise fast.

    When those creeks converge on a river, they can create a surge of water that wipes out homes and washes away cars and, unfortunately, anyone in its path.

    Hill Country has seen some devastating flash floods. In 1987, heavy rain in western Kerr County quickly flooded the Guadalupe River, triggering a flash flood similar to the one in 2025. Ten teenagers being evacuated from a camp died in the rushing water.

    San Antonio, at the eastern edge of Hill Country, was hit with a flash flood on June 12, 2025, that killed 13 people whose cars were swept away by high water from a fast-flooding creek near an interstate ramp in the early morning.

    Why does the region get such strong downpours?

    One reason Hill Country gets powerful downpours is the Balcones Escarpment.

    The escarpment is a line of cliffs and steep hills created by a geologic fault. When warm air from the Gulf rushes up the escarpment, it condenses and can dump a lot of moisture. That water flows down the hills quickly, from many different directions, filling streams and rivers below.

    As temperature rise, the warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, increasing the downpour and flood risk.

    A tour of the Guadalupe River and its flood risk.

    The same effect can contribute to flash flooding in San Antonio, where the large amount of paved land and lack of updated drainage to control runoff adds to the risk.

    What can be done to improve flash flood safety?

    First, it’s important for people to understand why flash flooding happens and just how fast the water can rise and flow. In many arid areas, dry or shallow creeks can quickly fill up with fast-moving water and become deadly. So people should be aware of the risks and pay attention to the weather.

    Improving flood forecasting, with more detailed models of the physics and water velocity at different locations, can also help.

    Probabilistic forecasting, for example, can provide a range of rainfall scenarios, enabling authorities to prepare for worst-case scenarios. A scientific framework linking rainfall forecasts to the local impacts, such as streamflow, flood depth and water velocity, could also help decision-makers implement timely evacuations or road closures.

    Education is particularly essential for drivers. One to two feet of moving water can wash away a car. People may think their trucks and SUVs can go through anything, but fast-moving water can flip a truck and carry it away.

    Officials can also do more to barricade roads when the flood risk is high to prevent people from driving into harm’s way. We found that 58% of the flood deaths in Texas over the past six decades involved vehicles. The storm on June 12 in San Antonio was an example. It was early morning, and drivers had poor visibility. The cars were hit by fast-rising floodwater from an adjacent creek.

    This article, originally published July 5, 2025, has been updated with the death toll rising.

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

    – ref. Why Texas Hill Country, where a devastating flood killed more than 130 people, is one of the deadliest places in the US for flash flooding – https://theconversation.com/why-texas-hill-country-where-a-devastating-flood-killed-more-than-130-people-is-one-of-the-deadliest-places-in-the-us-for-flash-flooding-260555

    MIL OSI –

    July 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Northland Regional Council news briefs – 14 July 2025

    Source: Northland Regional Council

    TOTAL MOBILITY KAITAIA
    The Total Mobility scheme will be operating in Kaitaia from Monday 14 July. The operator is Driving Miss Daisy, and the scheme is administered by Northland Regional Council with funding from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and Far North District Council.
    Total Mobility is a nationwide scheme that provides a transport subsidy to help people with disabilities stay connected within their community. The scheme is already available in Whangārei and other areas in the Mid and Far North where there is an approved Transport Operator.
    If you have a disability that prevents you from using public transport, you could be eligible for a 75% subsidy (up to a maximum of $45) on authorised door-to-door transport to help you get around.
    To be enrolled on the scheme you must have an eligibility assessment. To discuss contact the Total Mobility team at Northland Regional Council on 0800 002 004. For more information on the Total Mobility scheme: https://www.nrc.govt.nz/transport/total-mobility/ LEARN TO WIPE OUT NORTHLAND’S WORST WEEDS AT FREE WORKSHOPS
    Northlanders keen to join the fight to tackle the region’s worst weeds can learn how at Northland Regional Council’s free weeds workshops next month.
    Council’s pest plant expert will be sharing tips at a series of workshops in Kaitaia, Russell, Kerikeri, Maungaturoto, and Whangārei from Monday 04 August to Friday 08 August.
    The workshops are hands-on and delivered in a relaxed and fun way to help people learn how best to tackle a wide variety of nasties, including wild ginger, lantana, moth plant, Taiwan cherry and privet.
    Spaces are limited. Those wanting to attend should register at www.nrc.govt.nz/weedsworkshops or contact Biosecurity Specialist Sara Brill on freephone 0800 002 004.   

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    July 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Call for information on jewellery store burglary

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Call for information on jewellery store burglary

    Monday, 14 July 2025 – 11:20 am.

    Investigations are under way into a burglary at a jewellery business on Murray Street, Hobart, in the early hours of Sunday.Police were called to the business on Murray Street about 2am on July 13 after it was broken into and a quantity of jewellery, including rings and watches, was stolen.Entry was gained by smashing a security door and a glass front door.Detectives are calling for any members of the public who observed the break-in or suspicious activity in Murray Street or Collins Street – where a stolen vehicle was set on fire – to contact police or Crime Stoppers.The following link https://taspol.au.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/police_investigating_hobart_jewellery_business_burglary is provided to upload any CCTV or dash cam footage that members of the public may have.Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.
    Please quote offence report number 779855 .

    MIL OSI News –

    July 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: ECRL mega rail project marks another milestone with breakthrough of Genting Tunnel

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

    A drone photo taken on July 12, 2025 shows entrances to the Genting Tunnel of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) in Pahang state, Malaysia. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), a mega rail project in Malaysia being built by the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), marked another key milestone on Saturday with the breakthrough of the 16.39-kilometer Genting Tunnel.

    The breakthrough represents a significant achievement in itself, situated beneath more than 750 meters of mountainous terrain, the company said in a statement following a ceremony to mark the occasion.

    Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook, who officiated the ceremony, told a press briefing that the breakthrough also highlights the successful cooperation between the two countries in the field of railway engineering.

    “The ECRL is also touted as a ‘game changer’ for the movement of passengers and freight in Peninsular Malaysia, as this rail infrastructure will link state capitals, major urban centres, industrial hubs, seaports, airports, and tourism zones while interchanging with existing railway lines along the ECRL corridor,” he added.

    “The Genting Tunnel breakthrough also signals the completion of excavation works for all 41 ECRL tunnels along the 665-km alignment. This major milestone highlights the strong collaboration and dedication among ECRL personnel at all levels in carrying out tunnel excavation works with meticulous planning and robust safety protocols,” Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) Chief Executive Officer Darwis Abdul Razak noted.

    Located within the Titiwangsa mountain range, the Genting Tunnel was the most technically challenging of the 41 tunnels constructed along the ECRL alignment, being constructed with the use of advanced tunnel boring machines (TBMs) and drill-and-blast techniques in highly complex and varied geological conditions.

    Explaining the challenges of working under these conditions and the use of high-technology methods to overcome them, Chen Jianfeng, deputy general manager of CCCC Second Highway Engineering Co., Ltd., told Xinhua that China’s TBM technology is among the world’s most advanced and well-suited to handle these challenges.

    “The Genting Tunnel has highly complex geological conditions, including water ingress, rock bursts, soft surrounding rock, and six fault zones along the alignment. Due to these challenges, we chose the TBM method, which offers greater safety, stability, and efficiency for tunneling under such difficult conditions,” he said.

    He also emphasized that the Chinese side has worked well with the Malaysian side to share knowledge and integrate processes, not only by bringing in advanced machinery and expertise but also by incorporating localization.

    “Throughout the construction process in Malaysia, we have placed strong emphasis on localization while continuously working towards the integration of Chinese and Malaysian standards — a key focus of our efforts. During the project, we incorporated a wide range of local Malaysian elements and actively nurtured local talent,” he said.

    “Many Malaysian technical personnel have been sent to China for training. Looking ahead, the ECRL will be operated through a joint China-Malaysia partnership, with both parties working together as part of an integrated operation and maintenance team,” he added.

    With the completion of all tunnelling works, the ECRL project now moves into its next phase, which includes track installation, electrification, signaling and communication systems, as well as station interior fit-outs. All works remain on schedule and aligned with the project’s master timeline.

    The ECRL extends from Malaysia’s largest transport hub, Port Klang, and runs across the peninsula to the northeastern Kelantan state. The railway is expected to greatly enhance connectivity and bring more balanced growth to the country by linking its less-developed region on the east coast to the economic heartland on the west coast. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    July 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Songshan Lake: A microcosm of China’s innovation ecosystem

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

    A staff member operates robot to climb stairs at a robot base in Dongguan, south China’s Guangdong Province, June 23, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Songshan Lake, nestled in south China’s Guangdong Province, buzzes with youthful energy as tomorrow’s tech leaders weave through roads once scented by lychees.

    Just two decades ago, this thriving innovation hub was a quiet orchard. Today, it blossoms with ideas instead of fruit.

    Covering 103 square kilometers, this high-tech zone hosts over 17,000 market entities. Among them are seven national-level manufacturing champion enterprises and 770 national high-tech enterprises, each playing a part in the rise of new-generation industries technology — from connected vehicles and robotics to intelligent equipment manufacturing, biomedicine and the frontiers of new materials and energy.

    Fueling this rapid enterprise growth is Songshan Lake’s innovation ecosystem. It houses six universities and 18 provincial-level new R&D institutions. It is also home to several key scientific facilities, including China Spallation Neutron Source and the under-construction Advanced Attosecond Laser Infrastructure.

    The journey of ePropulsion, a company co-founded by Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) graduate Pan Zongliang and his three classmates, exemplifies this ecosystem.

    In 2012, spotting significant potential in marine new energy, they formed a startup team dedicated to marine electric propulsion R&D. By 2014, they had developed a prototype for their first electric outboard motor. However, turning that breakthrough into a market-ready product was not easy sailing — industrialization turned out to be a formidable voyage.

    Luckily, HKUST professor Li Zexiang founded the XbotPark robotics base within Songshan Lake also in 2014, and Li recommended and helped ePropulsion’s five-member team relocate their company to Songshan Lake.

    “As a marine new energy company, we needed a water area for product testing,” explained Pan, ePropulsion’s co-founder and COO. The Songshan Lake administrative committee provided the team a crucial asset: a dedicated water testing dock. “It was tremendous support,” Pan recalled.

    Beyond policy backing, Songshan Lake’s strategic location allows XbotPark companies to leverage the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area’s supply chain advantages.

    “Teams here often say, ‘If you can imagine it, you can build it’,” said director of the XbotPark robotics base. “Good ideas can typically find suppliers for implementation within half an hour.”

    Today, ePropulsion operates a manufacturing plant in Dongguan City, where Songshan Lake is located, with its products — ranging from 500W to 1000kW electric outboards, pod drives, inboard systems, and matching battery and control systems — sold globally.

    “Our main market is Europe and the United States, and our small and medium-sized electric outboards ranked first globally in shipments last year,” Pan noted. “Domestic market share is also rising with China’s expanding new energy vessel sector.”

    Their green propulsion systems now power boats in events like the SailGP and America’s Cup, as well as scenic waters across China, including Wuhan’s East Lake, Hangzhou’s West Lake, and Guilin’s Li River.

    According to XbotPark, it has incubated over 80 robotics and smart hardware startups, of which six are unicorns, boasting an over 80 percent survival rate. Its top companies have a cumulative valuation of 10 billion U.S. dollars.

    An intelligent underwater robot is tested at a provincial institute of intelligent robotics in Dongguan, south China’s Guangdong Province, June 24, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Nearby at the Guangdong Intelligent Robotics Institute (GIRI), another industrial park at Songshan Lake, a bright yellow robot maneuvers in a testing pool, surfacing and diving with fish-like agility. This intelligent underwater inspection robot, developed by BlueDiveBot, performs comprehensive, blind-spot-free surveys.

    “Underwater robots can handle equipment maintenance, debris removal, water quality monitoring, and emergency response, overcoming human limitations and safety risks,” explained Hu Gangyi, general manager of BlueDiveBot.

    Incubated by the GIRI and founded in 2023, BlueDiveBot has established a collaborative innovation platform integrating industry, academia, research, and application for advanced underwater equipment. It has mastered a series of cutting-edge technologies in unmanned underwater intelligent systems, some being domestic firsts.

    “The well-developed industrial chain in Dongguan and surrounding areas accelerates our R&D commercialization,” Hu said. “We rapidly achieved production capacity and significant market sales growth.”

    Since its establishment in August 2015, GIRI has focused its R&D and commercialization efforts on core robotics components like high-power lasers, sensors, and machine vision, alongside core products including industrial robots, high-end intelligent equipment, unmanned autonomous systems, and industrial big data.

    GIRI vice president Zhou Xiaoxiao likens prototype technology to “an unripe green apple,” which needs refinement to turn into “a mature red apple” that can then serve a whole chain of products, such as apple jam and apple juice.

    Further empowering innovation, the Songshan Lake high-tech zone partnered with Huawei Cloud to build a developer village in April 2022. It addresses enterprise digitalization needs through deep integration and collaborative innovation among different developer organizations, fostering digital innovation and industrial upgrading. Currently, 29 companies have settled there.

    “The Songshan Lake high-tech zone has deployed frontier basic research,” concluded Wang Qianqian, deputy director of the Songshan Lake Science, Technology and Innovation Bureau. “Based on fundamental research results, we are forging a complete innovation chain from pioneering research to commercialization and industrial development.”

    MIL OSI China News –

    July 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Three men charged with drug and firearms offences in northern Tasmania

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Three men charged with drug and firearms offences in northern Tasmania

    Monday, 14 July 2025 – 11:17 am.

    Three men have been charged with drug and firearms offences following a recent police operation in northern Tasmania.
    Detective Inspector Nathan Johnston said the operation, led by the Northern Drugs and Firearms Unit, had been running since May.
    “The operation, which involved a range of specialist police resources, was brought to a planned resolution on 10 July, when two men were taken into custody at a property in Newnham,” he said.
    “Police located $24,000 in cash at the property, as well as a quantity of methylamphetamine and a luxury vehicle believed to have been stolen from Victoria in March.”
    “Several other searches were conducted in the Launceston area, with a further $140,000 in cash located alongside more methylamphetamine in a storage container linked to one of the men.”
    “A suspected stolen motorcycle was also seized.”
    “Police also located two firearms in another container linked to a third man, who was then taken into custody at the scene.”
    Charges:

    A 32-year-old man was charged with trafficking in a controlled substance, dealing with property suspected of being proceeds of crime, motor vehicle stealing and other offences. He was remanded in custody to reappear in the Launceston Magistrates Court at 2.15pm today.
    A 30-year-old man was charged with firearms offences.
    A 45-year-old man was charged with minor drug offences.

    MIL OSI News –

    July 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s booming marine economy drives sustained, stable growth in global trade, development

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

    China’s booming marine economy drives sustained, stable growth in global trade, development

    Updated: July 14, 2025 08:42 Xinhua
    This aerial photo taken on July 9, 2025 shows a New Zealand cargo ship unloading at Damaiyu Port in Yuhuan City, east China’s Zhejiang Province. China’s maritime industry now handles nearly one-third of global maritime shipping volume, according to the 2025 China Maritime Day Forum held in the coastal town of Boao in south China’s Hainan Province on Friday. China’s booming marine economy is driving sustained and stable growth in global trade and development. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This aerial drone photo taken on July 10, 2025 shows a view of Longtan Container Terminal of Nanjing Port in Nanjing, east China’s Jiangsu Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This aerial drone photo taken on July 13, 2025 shows a view of Yangzhou Port in Yangzhou, east China’s Jiangsu Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This aerial drone photo taken on July 8, 2025 shows container ships entering Qingdao Port in Qingdao, east China’s Shandong Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This aerial photo taken on July 13, 2025 shows engineering mechanical products for export rallied at a port in Lianyungang City, east China’s Jiangsu Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This aerial photo taken on July 13, 2025 shows motor vehicles waiting to be exported at a port in Lianyungang City, east China’s Jiangsu Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This aerial drone photo taken on July 8, 2025 shows a container ship approaching to Qingdao Port in Qingdao, east China’s Shandong Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

    July 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: North-South Motorway clear after truck rollover at Dry Creek

    Source: New South Wales – News

    The North-South Motorway has reopened after a semi-trailer rolled at Dry Creek on Sunday evening.

    About 5.15pm on Sunday 13 July, police and emergency services were called to the interchange of the Port River expressway and North-South motorway following reports that a truck carrying flour had rolled.

    The driver, a 26-year-old man from Victoria, was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.  He has been issued with a 12-month instant loss of licence for dangerous driving.

    The ramp for Port River Expressway eastbound traffic to head southbound on the North-South Motorway was closed until about 10am this morning while the truck was towed and the roadway cleaned.

    The investigation into the crash is ongoing.

    Anyone who was a witness or has dashcam of the crash can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

    MIL OSI News –

    July 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Diesel spill, Wellington

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Wellington motorists are advised to take extra care around the city centre, Miramar, and towards Kaiwharawhara, after a large amount of diesel leaked from a truck.

    Clean up in affected areas has been organised but will take some time.

    Delays can be expected and Police would like to thank motorists for their paitence.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    July 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: UPDATE: State Highway 6 Rocks Road closure to continue in Nelson

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Monday 14 July 11:58am

    State Highway 6 Rocks Road is expected to remain closed to traffic for at least the next two days.

    Rob Service, System Manager Nelson/Tasman, says further inspections of the site were completed this morning.

    “Geotechnical investigations confirm that heavy rain has created another unstable wedge of soil, with vegetation and rocks hanging above the highway. Pieces of debris are continuing to fall intermittently.”

    “Our contractors have begun sluicing to remove the debris, which is being collected and removed at the base of the slip,” Mr. Service says.

    Because of the ongoing risk to the public, Mr. Service says State Highway 6 must remain closed between Bisley Avenue and Richardson Street.

    “We ask that everyone—drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians—obey the road closure while work to fix the slip continues. At this stage, we do not expect to have SH6 Rocks Road open before Thursday.”

    Drivers and residents can expect ongoing travel delays and congestion while the closure remains in place – particularly during peak commuting times. People are encouraged to factor this into their travel plans.

    Sunday 13 July 5:56pm

    Work continues in Nelson and Tasman to restore the region’s critical state highway links.

    Nelson’s link to Murchison and the West Coast was restored this afternoon with the reopening of State Highway 6 between Belgrove and Kohatu.

    Work to reopen State Highway 6 at Rocks Road continues.

    SH6 Rocks Road

    Mark Owen, Regional Manager Lower North Island/Top of the South, says the situation with Rocks Road is serious.

    “We have had crews up assessing the site, removing the material, and monitoring earth movement over the weekend.”

    “This has shown that, for safety reasons, State Highway 6 Rocks Road must remain closed,” Mr Owen says.

    Slip site, SH6 Rocks Road

    Mr Owen says NZTA/Waka Kotahi will continue to work with Civil Defence and the Nelson City Council on the matter

    “We will work together to develop a solution, and we will do this as quickly as possible.”

    “However, it does mean the road closure must remain in place until further notice. There is a clear and present risk to public safety, which must be carefully managed,” Mr Owen says.

    The closure will have a significant impact on traffic flows in and out of the city and Mr Owen warns drivers must be ready for it.

    “Thousands of vehicles use this route daily, shifting them on to the detour route on Waimea Road will create congestion and delays – especially during morning and afternoon rush hours. We also ask that drivers use Waimea Road as the detour and avoid using smaller residential streets.”

    “People need to be ready for this and plan their travel accordingly. If you can use public transport to get to work or delay your trip in and out of the city, please do so. This will help reduce pressure on the network,” Mr Owen says.

    He also asks that the public respect the closure points in place.

    “They are there to keep the public safe. Falling material has a very real potential to badly hurt or even kill you. Please stay clear while we work to reopen the road.”

    Mr Owen says steps are in place ensure access to local businesses is available.

    “They need to keep operating, which is why we have soft closure is in place at the intersection of Russell Street. People can get to these businesses and shops – we just ask no-one travel between Bisley Avenue and Richardson Street.”

    SH6 Belgrove to Kohatu

    Mr Owen says contractors made fantastic progress to reopen this section of State Highway 6, earlier today.

    “It wasn’t just heavy rain that hammered the region over Friday and into Saturday, wind was a major problem too.”

    “Hundreds of trees were brought down along this section of State Highway 6, and it has been an immense job to get them cleared, as well as tackle slips, rockfalls, and washouts. It also means the transport link between Nelson and the West Coast is restored,” Mr Owen says.

    Treefalls, SH6 Belgrove – Kohatu

    He says the other good news is that the stop bank built at Kohatu after the Motueka River breached its banks two weeks ago has held up well.

    “This area was particularly hard hit just two weeks ago and it’s great to see the protection put in place worked.”

    Stopbank by SH6, Kohatu

    General advice

    All other state highways are open, but it is not business as usual on the roads or for driving.

    In Marlborough, State Highway 63, Korere-Tophouse Road to Waihopai Valley Road remains restricted to residents and essential travel only.

    State Highway 60 Tākaka Hill, while open to light and heavy vehicles, has suffered slip and washout damage and extra care and time is needed when travelling this route. It is vulnerable to further disruptions and possible closure.

    Across the network, because of weather damage, drivers must drive to the conditions and take extreme care when travelling. There remains an ongoing risk of slips, rock and tree falls, and the potential for further road closures. These may happen at short notice.

    Road users can expect to encounter multiple road work and repair sites across the region and must allow extra time for their journeys.

    Please follow all traffic management and temporary speed limits in place. They are there to keep the public and work crews safe.

    More information

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    July 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Historic day for equality as plasma donation rules change

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 14/07/2025

    The ACT Government has today welcomed the lifting of restrictions on plasma donations, with gay and bisexual men and transgender women now eligible to donate plasma under new inclusive rules.

    From today, most sexual activity-based deferrals that previously excluded many LGBTIQA+ people from donating plasma will be removed, a milestone moment in the journey toward equity in Australia’s healthcare system.

    Lifeblood has also been progressing changes to blood donation eligibility, with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approving a submission to remove gender-based sexual activity rules for blood and platelets, expected next year.

    Chris Steel MLA, a long-time advocate for blood donation reform, will mark the occasion by donating plasma at the Lifeblood’s Civic Donor Centre.

    “Today we are no longer being treated differently because of who we are or who we love,” Minister Steel said.

    “Like thousands of other Australians, the LGBTIQIA+ community have been ready and willing to roll up our sleeves to safely contribute to the blood supply, and now we can.

    “This is a win for equality, for evidence-based policy, and for public health.

    “I hope these changes encourage everyone who can to consider donating.”

    Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the change comes at a critical time for Australia’s health system.

    “Plasma is the most in-demand blood product in the country, with rising demand for lifesaving treatments across Australia,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

    “Opening up donation to more Australians not only strengthens the blood and plasma supply, it also sends a strong signal that our donation system is based on safety, science and fairness.”

    “This change reflects the ACT Government’s longstanding commitment to inclusion and health equity, and I commend Australian Red Cross Lifeblood and the Therapeutic Goods Administration for delivering this important reform.”

    Canberra is also leading the way when it comes to plasma donation. On a per capita basis, Canberra’s plasma donors are the most generous in the country, ahead of every other capital city.

    Today’s change means people previously excluded from plasma donation, including gay and bisexual men, sex workers, people on PrEP, and more, can now donate, provided they meet standard eligibility criteria.

    These changes are expected to allow an additional 24,000 Australians to donate and enable 95,000 more plasma donations every year.

    Australians are encouraged to consider donating plasma. To check eligibility or book a donation, visit www.lifeblood.com.au or call 13 14 95.

    – Statement ends –

    Chris Steel, MLA | Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

    July 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: When disasters fall out of the public eye, survivors continue to suffer – a rehabilitation professional explains how sustained mental health support is critical to recovery

    Source: The Conversation – USA (3) – By Lee Ann Rawlins Williams, Clinical Assistant Professor of Education, Health and Behavior Studies, University of North Dakota

    In Kerrville, Texas, Leighton Sterling watches the rushing floodwaters along the Guadalupe River on July 4, 2025. Eric Vryn via Getty Images News

    The devastating losses from the historic flooding in Texas Hill Country on July 4, 2025, are still coming into grim focus, with 121 deaths confirmed and more than 100 still missing as of July 10.

    As emergency responders focus on clearing debris and searching for victims, a less visible and slower disaster has been unfolding: the need for ongoing mental health support long after headlines fade.

    This phase is no less critical than restoring power or rebuilding bridges. Disasters destabilize emotional well-being, leaving distress, prolonged recovery and long-term impacts in their wake long after the event is over.

    Without sustained emotional support, people and communities face heightened risks of prolonged trauma and stalled recovery.

    As an educator and practitioner focused on disability and rehabilitation, I explore the intersection of disaster recovery and the impact of disasters on mental health. Both my research and that of others underscore the vital importance of support systems that not only help people cope in the immediate aftermath of a disaster but also facilitate long-term healing over the months and years that follow – especially for vulnerable populations like children, older adults and people with disabilities.

    The emotional toll of disasters

    Natural disasters disrupt routines, displace families and challenge people’s sense of control and security. In the immediate aftermath, survivors often experience shock, grief, anxiety and sleep disturbances. Often these symptoms may evolve into chronic stress, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder or a combination of these conditions.

    A 2022 study found that Texans who experienced two or more disasters within a five-year span had significantly poorer mental health, as reflected by lower scores on standardized psychological assessments, which highlights the cumulative toll repeated disasters can have on mental well-being.

    After Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans in 2005, nearly a third of survivors continued to experience poor mental health years later.

    And reports following Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico in 2017 revealed surging rates of anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts, especially in areas where services remained unavailable for extended periods of time.

    There are actionable ways to make a difference in the recovery process.

    Strained recovery systems

    Disaster response understandably focuses on immediate needs like rescue operations, providing post-disaster housing and repairing damaged infrastructure. In addition, short-term mental health supports such as mobile health clinics are often provided in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.

    However, although emergency services are deployed quickly after a disaster, long-term mental health support is often delayed or under-resourced, leaving many people without continued care during the recovery period, especially in remote or rural communities, exposing deep structural gaps in how recovery systems are designed.

    One year after Hurricane Harvey devastated parts of Texas in 2017, more than 90% of Gulf Coast residents reported ongoing stress related to housing instability, financial hardship or displacement. Yet less than 10% of people stated that they or someone in their household had used mental health services following the disaster.

    Hurricane Helene in 2024 similarly tested the resilience of rural mental health networks in western North Carolina. The storm damaged roads and bridges, schools and even local clinics.

    This prompted a news organization, North Carolina Health News, to warn of rising “trauma, stress and isolation” among residents as providers scrambled to offer free counseling despite legal barriers stemming from licensing requirements to provide counseling across state borders. State health officials activated community crisis centers and helplines, while mobile mental health teams were dispatched from Tennessee to help those impacted by the disaster. However, state representatives stressed that without long-term investment, these critical supports risk being one-off responses.

    These events serve as a powerful reminder that while roads and buildings can often be restored quickly, emotional recovery is a slower, more complex process. Truly rebuilding requires treating mental health with the same urgency as physical infrastructure. This requires investing in strong mental health recovery systems, supporting local clinics, sustaining provider networks and integrating emotional care into recovery plans from the start.

    In Hunt, Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott speaks to volunteers and community members during a news conference on July 8, 2025.
    Brandon Bell via Getty Images News

    Finding mental health support following a disaster

    Lessons learned from previous disasters and an abundance of research show how sustained mental health supports can help people recover and build resilience.

    These six lessons are particularly helpful for finding needed mental health support following a disaster:

    • If you’re feeling overwhelmed after a disaster, you’re not alone, and help is available. Free and confidential support is offered through resources like the Disaster Distress Helpline (1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746), which connects you to trained counselors 24/7.

    • Many communities offer local mental health crisis lines or walk-in centers that remain active well after the disaster passes. Check your county or state health department’s website for updated listings and information.

    • Even if physical offices are closed, many clinics now offer virtual counseling or can connect you with therapists and medication refills remotely. If you’ve seen someone before, ask if they’re still available by phone or video.

    • After major disasters, states often deploy mobile health clinics that include mental health services to shelters, churches or schools. These temporary services are free and open to the public.

    • If someone you care about is struggling, help them connect with resources in the community. Share hotline numbers, offer to help make an appointment or just let them know it’s OK to ask for support. Many people don’t realize that help is available, or they think it’s only for more “serious” problems. It’s not.

    • Mental health support doesn’t always arrive right away. Keep an eye on local news, school updates or health department alerts for new services that may become available in the weeks or months after a disaster.

    Disasters don’t just damage buildings; they disrupt lives in lasting ways.

    While emotional recovery takes time, support is available. Staying informed and sharing resources with others can help ensure that the road to recovery isn’t traveled alone.

    Lee Ann Rawlins Williams does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. When disasters fall out of the public eye, survivors continue to suffer – a rehabilitation professional explains how sustained mental health support is critical to recovery – https://theconversation.com/when-disasters-fall-out-of-the-public-eye-survivors-continue-to-suffer-a-rehabilitation-professional-explains-how-sustained-mental-health-support-is-critical-to-recovery-260781

    MIL OSI Analysis –

    July 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: When disasters fall out of the public eye, survivors continue to suffer – a rehabilitation professional explains how sustained mental health support is critical to recovery

    Source: The Conversation – USA (3) – By Lee Ann Rawlins Williams, Clinical Assistant Professor of Education, Health and Behavior Studies, University of North Dakota

    In Kerrville, Texas, Leighton Sterling watches the rushing floodwaters along the Guadalupe River on July 4, 2025. Eric Vryn via Getty Images News

    The devastating losses from the historic flooding in Texas Hill Country on July 4, 2025, are still coming into grim focus, with 121 deaths confirmed and more than 100 still missing as of July 10.

    As emergency responders focus on clearing debris and searching for victims, a less visible and slower disaster has been unfolding: the need for ongoing mental health support long after headlines fade.

    This phase is no less critical than restoring power or rebuilding bridges. Disasters destabilize emotional well-being, leaving distress, prolonged recovery and long-term impacts in their wake long after the event is over.

    Without sustained emotional support, people and communities face heightened risks of prolonged trauma and stalled recovery.

    As an educator and practitioner focused on disability and rehabilitation, I explore the intersection of disaster recovery and the impact of disasters on mental health. Both my research and that of others underscore the vital importance of support systems that not only help people cope in the immediate aftermath of a disaster but also facilitate long-term healing over the months and years that follow – especially for vulnerable populations like children, older adults and people with disabilities.

    The emotional toll of disasters

    Natural disasters disrupt routines, displace families and challenge people’s sense of control and security. In the immediate aftermath, survivors often experience shock, grief, anxiety and sleep disturbances. Often these symptoms may evolve into chronic stress, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder or a combination of these conditions.

    A 2022 study found that Texans who experienced two or more disasters within a five-year span had significantly poorer mental health, as reflected by lower scores on standardized psychological assessments, which highlights the cumulative toll repeated disasters can have on mental well-being.

    After Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans in 2005, nearly a third of survivors continued to experience poor mental health years later.

    And reports following Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico in 2017 revealed surging rates of anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts, especially in areas where services remained unavailable for extended periods of time.

    There are actionable ways to make a difference in the recovery process.

    Strained recovery systems

    Disaster response understandably focuses on immediate needs like rescue operations, providing post-disaster housing and repairing damaged infrastructure. In addition, short-term mental health supports such as mobile health clinics are often provided in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.

    However, although emergency services are deployed quickly after a disaster, long-term mental health support is often delayed or under-resourced, leaving many people without continued care during the recovery period, especially in remote or rural communities, exposing deep structural gaps in how recovery systems are designed.

    One year after Hurricane Harvey devastated parts of Texas in 2017, more than 90% of Gulf Coast residents reported ongoing stress related to housing instability, financial hardship or displacement. Yet less than 10% of people stated that they or someone in their household had used mental health services following the disaster.

    Hurricane Helene in 2024 similarly tested the resilience of rural mental health networks in western North Carolina. The storm damaged roads and bridges, schools and even local clinics.

    This prompted a news organization, North Carolina Health News, to warn of rising “trauma, stress and isolation” among residents as providers scrambled to offer free counseling despite legal barriers stemming from licensing requirements to provide counseling across state borders. State health officials activated community crisis centers and helplines, while mobile mental health teams were dispatched from Tennessee to help those impacted by the disaster. However, state representatives stressed that without long-term investment, these critical supports risk being one-off responses.

    These events serve as a powerful reminder that while roads and buildings can often be restored quickly, emotional recovery is a slower, more complex process. Truly rebuilding requires treating mental health with the same urgency as physical infrastructure. This requires investing in strong mental health recovery systems, supporting local clinics, sustaining provider networks and integrating emotional care into recovery plans from the start.

    In Hunt, Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott speaks to volunteers and community members during a news conference on July 8, 2025.
    Brandon Bell via Getty Images News

    Finding mental health support following a disaster

    Lessons learned from previous disasters and an abundance of research show how sustained mental health supports can help people recover and build resilience.

    These six lessons are particularly helpful for finding needed mental health support following a disaster:

    • If you’re feeling overwhelmed after a disaster, you’re not alone, and help is available. Free and confidential support is offered through resources like the Disaster Distress Helpline (1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746), which connects you to trained counselors 24/7.

    • Many communities offer local mental health crisis lines or walk-in centers that remain active well after the disaster passes. Check your county or state health department’s website for updated listings and information.

    • Even if physical offices are closed, many clinics now offer virtual counseling or can connect you with therapists and medication refills remotely. If you’ve seen someone before, ask if they’re still available by phone or video.

    • After major disasters, states often deploy mobile health clinics that include mental health services to shelters, churches or schools. These temporary services are free and open to the public.

    • If someone you care about is struggling, help them connect with resources in the community. Share hotline numbers, offer to help make an appointment or just let them know it’s OK to ask for support. Many people don’t realize that help is available, or they think it’s only for more “serious” problems. It’s not.

    • Mental health support doesn’t always arrive right away. Keep an eye on local news, school updates or health department alerts for new services that may become available in the weeks or months after a disaster.

    Disasters don’t just damage buildings; they disrupt lives in lasting ways.

    While emotional recovery takes time, support is available. Staying informed and sharing resources with others can help ensure that the road to recovery isn’t traveled alone.

    Lee Ann Rawlins Williams does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. When disasters fall out of the public eye, survivors continue to suffer – a rehabilitation professional explains how sustained mental health support is critical to recovery – https://theconversation.com/when-disasters-fall-out-of-the-public-eye-survivors-continue-to-suffer-a-rehabilitation-professional-explains-how-sustained-mental-health-support-is-critical-to-recovery-260781

    MIL OSI Analysis –

    July 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Professional development round for teachers and educators

    Source: Murray Darling Basin Authority

    The Albanese Government is strengthening the early childhood education sector by upskilling workers through a new round of paid prac subsidy and professional development opportunities.

    Applications open today for the next round of the Professional Development Subsidy, Paid Practicum Subsidy and the Practicum Exchange Living Allowance grants.

    Professional development not only helps early educators build skills and knowledge but also contributes to safe, high-quality education and care.

    The Professional Development Subsidy enables positions to be backfilled while early childhood educators, teachers and centre directors undertake professional development opportunities, or allows staff to be paid for undertaking these opportunities outside of work hours.

    Professional development opportunities can include highly recommended training, such as additional child safety and quality training, inclusion training and/or leadership training, and mandatory training such as First Aid and/or CPR training.

    The Paid Practicum Subsidy helps early learning providers to give existing educators paid leave while they undertake the practicum placements required to complete their early childhood education and care qualifications.

    The Paid Practicum Subsidy is available for educators undertaking a Diploma of Early Childhood Education or relevant Early Childhood Teaching qualifications, including post-graduate Early Childhood Teaching qualifications.

    To assist with living and travel costs while educators undertake a practicum placement in a rural or remote area organised via the Practicum Exchange Network, applications will also open for the Practicum Exchange Living Allowance.

    The subsidies and Practicum Exchange Living Allowance are part of the Government’s $72.4 million Early Childhood Education Workforce Package, introduced in 2023 to support the training and development of the Early Childhood Education and Care workforce.

    Over the past two years, the Government has supported approximately 2,850 student educators through the paid practicum subsidy and more than 86,000 educators have benefited from the professional development subsidy.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Early Childhood Education and Minister for Youth, Senator Dr Jess Walsh:

    “I want to ensure that children have a positive, rewarding and safe early education experience so they get the best possible start in life.

    “These grants help to build and retain our existing highly skilled early learning workforce.

    “Creating a stable workforce also paves the way for our plans to continue expanding access to quality early education, starting with our 3 Day Guarantee that comes in from January next year.”

    MIL OSI News –

    July 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s railway investment up 5.5 pct in H1

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

    China’s railway construction saw stable progress in the first half (H1) of 2025, with fixed-asset investment expanding 5.5 percent year on year, according to the country’s railway operator.

    During the January-June period, fixed-asset investment in the railway sector reached 355.9 billion yuan (nearly 50 billion U.S. dollars), according to data from China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.

    The investment volume has remained high, the company said, noting that railway investment involves a long industrial chain and covers a wide range of sectors, thus serving as a significant growth driver.

    Railway projects have advanced steadily across the country this year, with 301 km of new routes put into operation and the preparatory work for the construction of new lines making headway. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    July 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Tackling a $1.2 billion problem for Australian farmers using dirt-cheap crushed volcanic rock

    Source:

    14 July 2025

    UniSA researcher Dr Binoy Sarkar and a student spreading basalt onto crops.

    Cheap volcanic rock that languishes in open cut mines and quarries could transform Australia’s farming sector as a natural fertiliser, boosting crop yields and removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

    It turns out that crushed basalt – a common rock used to make roads, houses, schools and hospitals – may address two very critical issues of our time: climate change and acidic soils.

    University of South Australia (UniSA) environmental researcher Dr Binoy Sarkar is leading an Enhanced Rock Weathering trial that involves applying crushed basalt to agricultural soils, measuring its nutrient release and carbon capture.

    Dr Sarkar, from UniSA’s Future Industries Institute,  is collaborating with James Cook University, the Tropical North Queensland Drought Hub, and industry partner Carbonaught Pty Ltd on two projects, funded by the Federal Government and Cascade Climate.

    “Australian farmers spend nearly $1.2 billion a year to tackle soil acidification, using expensive liming materials that in themselves contribute to greenhouse gas emissions,” Dr Sarkar says.

    “Large volumes of adequately fine rock particles – a byproduct of the mining and construction industry – can be bought for as little as $30 per ton and applied to soils using existing farm equipment, with negligible expense.

    “Basalt does not completely replace chemical fertilisers, but it can cut fertiliser amounts needed to grow crops, saving farmers a lot of money and substantially improving their profit margins.”

    A truck spreading basalt – crushed rock from quarries – onto crops.

    Farming with basalt solves two critical challenges facing Australian agriculture: improving infertile soils and simultaneously removing greenhouse gas emissions from farming practices that include nitrogen fertilisers, deforestation and land clearing.

    “As a country, we have committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Almost 18% of our emissions are produced by the agricultural sector, primarily from crop production and emissions from livestock,” Dr Sarkar says.

    “Lime is commonly used for correcting soil acidity, but it is expensive and contributes heavily to on-farm carbon dioxide emissions. Basalt naturally reduces acidity, captures carbon, and it also releases nutrients such as phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and silicon into the soil.”   

    Dr Sarkar says the research will not only benefit Australia’s agricultural sector, but also the mining sector, where basalt is a byproduct that has to be dug and moved aside before reaching valuable minerals located at depth.

    This byproduct is already crushed to make road building and construction materials, but finer fractions are stockpiled, often taking up large amounts of space with negligible commercial use.

    Society at large is also a winner, thanks to basalt scrubbing gigatons of carbon dioxide from the air.

    Dr Sarkar’s collaborative team is the first in Australia to receive significant R&D federal funding ($5 million) to trial the low-cost carbon cutting technology nationally.

    “I hope we can see a lot more trials in the next few years, to build confidence and propel a large-scale adoption of this rock weathering technology.

    “It will also provide opportunities for farmers and quarry owners to sell carbon credits and earn additional profits. Our farmers will be able to take advantage of this huge market when we have a strong monitoring, reporting and verification program for the technology.”

    A video accompanying this media release is available at: https://youtu.be/rivrFCol0g0

    Contact for interview: Dr Binoy Sarkar M: +61 433 801 054 E: binoy.sarkar@unisa.edu.au

    Media contact: Megan Andrews M: +61 434 819 275 E: megan.andrews@unisa.edu.au

    Other articles you may be interested in

    MIL OSI News –

    July 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: SH2 Pekatahi Bridge gets decked out 

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Pekatahi Bridge on State Highway 2 (SH2) near Tāneatua in the Eastern Bay of Plenty will be getting the facelift it very much needs, with funding now confirmed for a total deck replacement says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

    “A new deck for this one lane bridge will improve safety by reducing the risk of damage to vehicles and cut the need for frequent closures for ongoing repairs, supporting more reliable journey times for locals and freight to Tairāwhiti, the Bay of Plenty and Port of Tauranga,” says Regional Manager of Maintenance and Operations, Roger Brady. 

    “We have listened to the freight industry and community concerns about the condition of the Pekatahi Bridge and re-prioritised to secure funding for deck construction.” 

    The design for the new bridge deck is well underway and expected to be completed in the coming months.

    All going to plan, construction is expected to start early 2026.
     
    “Once the deck replacement and structural maintenance is completed, it will significantly extend the life of the bridge by another 20 years,” Mr Brady says. 

    The cost of the deck replacement and additional work, which will include painting, concrete repairs and scour protection to the substructure, is expected to be around $14 million.  The timeline for construction will be confirmed in coming weeks. 

    “This is the most practical solution to address the current issues quickly while funding is constrained. A new and more durable deck will improve safety and quality and extend the bridge’s lifespan without overloading the structure,” Mr Brady says. 

    The proposed new deck will be made of plywood panels, bolted in place, limiting movement and subsequent breakage of the new surface. The deck replacement work will require full closure of Pekatahi Bridge for a significant period of time.  

    Quarterly bridge maintenance will continue until construction begins.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    July 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Presidential Message on the Anniversary of the Tragedy in Butler, Pennsylvania

    Source: US Whitehouse

    One year ago today, at 6:11 pm—eight minutes after taking the stage on the grounds of Butler Farms to address thousands of Americans gathered at a campaign rally—rifle fire broke out, and an assassin’s bullet came within a quarter inch of ending my life and silencing our movement to restore American greatness.  Yet, by the hand of providence and the grace of Almighty God, my life was spared.  As we commemorate one year since the harrowing events of July 13, 2024, we reaffirm that the American spirit has and will always triumph over forces of evil and destruction.

    Those who carry scars from that July evening defended our Republic during one of our Nation’s darkest hours—running to the injured amid chaos and uncertainty to provide comfort and lifesaving care.  Doctors and first responders rushed to help the wounded, rallygoers guided their fellow citizens to safety, and patriots raised their fists in the air in an outpouring of support and national pride.  These men and women arrived at the rally grounds as ordinary Americans, but left as heroes.  They represent the very best of our Nation, and we are forever indebted for their kindness and compassion.

    However, one name stands above all for selfless service and ultimate sacrifice on that fateful day.  The world will never forget the tragic loss of Corey Comperatore, a firefighter, veteran, and devoted husband and father.  When gunfire erupted, Corey did not hesitate to protect his wife and two daughters.  He died a hero, and we are eternally grateful for his inspiring love, valor, and faithfulness.

    It remains my firm conviction that God alone saved me that day for a righteous purpose: to restore our beloved Republic to greatness and to rescue our Nation from those who seek its ruin.  One year after the attempt on my life in Butler, our country is in the midst of a new Golden Age.  History will remember the would-be assassin for his cowardice and failure, but the magnificent legacy of the heroes of July 13, 2024, will forever be etched upon the heart of our Nation.  Today, we pay tribute to their spirit of love, unity, and resilience—and we proclaim with one voice the epic battle cry that has reverberated all across the world: “Fight, fight, fight!”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Appointments to the Broadcasting Standards Authority

    Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage

    Karyn Fenton-Ellis has been appointed to the Board of the Broadcasting Standards Authority and current member John Gillespie has been reappointed.
    The Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA) is an independent Crown entity that receives and determines complaints from people dissatisfied with the outcome of complaints made to broadcasters about the standards on television and radio. The BSA also encourages the development and observance by broadcasters of codes of broadcasting practice appropriate to the type of broadcasting undertaken by them.
    “These appointments ensure a well-balanced board with an appropriate mix of skills and experience. The appointments are made by the Governor-General on the advice of the Minister for Media and Communications, Hon Paul Goldsmith,” says Secretary for Culture and Heritage, Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae.
    “Karyn Fenton-Ellis, of Waikato, has had a 26-year broadcasting career, with a particular focus on the racing industry. She received the NZTR Media Award in 2012 and was appointed as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2014 for services to the community, the arts, and to racing. Ms Fenton-Ellis has been appointed as the public interest member on the Board.
    “Ms Fenton-Ellis provides strengths in strategic awareness and a high-level understanding of key stakeholder communications. She has a good understanding of Crown governance and has good knowledge of the sector and the role of the BSA.
    “John Gillespie of Auckland is a communications professional with 30 years of sector experience and a considerable career in executive leadership. He was the Head of News and Current Affairs at TVNZ from 2013 to 2020. Mr Gillespie holds the ‘broadcasting industry’ position on the board.
    “We would like to acknowledge and thank departing board member Pulotu Tupe Solomon-Tanoa’i for her contribution to the BSA. Tupe has been on the board since December 2021”, Leauanae says
    The appointment for Ms Fenton-Ellis is until 31 May 2028 and Mr Gillespie’s appointment is until 31 May 2029.
    Bios
    Karyn Fenton-Ellis
    Karyn Fenton-Ellis of Waikato is a licensed syndicator with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing. She was one of the inaugural presenters for both TAB Trackside Television and TAB Trackside Radio.
    Ms Fenton-Ellis hosted the Retro, Weigh-In and First Call programmes, as well as being a studio presenter in a broadcasting career stretching 26 years. She co-hosted the Karaka Premier Sale television coverage for 10 years and was MC for the Horse of the Year Awards on many occasions. She was presented with the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) Media Award in 2012 and was appointed as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2014 for services to the community, the Arts, and to racing.
    Ms Fenton-Ellis is a former World Chairman and President of Junior Chamber of Commerce International, former member of the Arts Council, trustee of the New Zealand Arts Foundation, and board member of the Christchurch Arts Festival. She won the World Public Speaking Contest in 1989 and was also the recipient of a rare Trinity College of London Exhibition Award.
    John Gillespie
    John Gillespie of Auckland is a communications professional with 30 years sector experience and a considerable career in executive leadership. He was the Head of News and Current Affairs at TVNZ from 2013 to 2020 and also held roles as the Executive Producer of Fair Go and Head of News for Canterbury Television. Mr Gillespie has extensive knowledge of the broadcasting sector with a particular focus on news and current affairs. He has knowledge of the BSA and media law, and is committed to listening, learning and leading with courage, tenacity and a deep sense of values.
    Mr Gillespie holds the ‘broadcasting industry’ position on the board.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    July 14, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: Music is at the forefront of AI disruption, but NZ artists still have few protections

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dave Carter, Associate Professor, School of Music and Screen Arts, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University

    Getty Images

    Was the recent Velvet Sundown phenomenon a great music and media hoax, a sign of things to come, or just another example of what’s already happening ?

    In case you missed it, the breakout act was streamed hundreds of thousands of times before claims emerged the band and their music were products of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI).

    Despite the “band” insisting they were real, an “associate” later admitted it was indeed an “art hoax” marketing stunt. Much of the subsequent commentary was concerned with fairness – particularly that a “fake” band was succeeding at the expense of “real” artists.

    But Velvet Sundown is only the most recent example in a long history of computer generated and assisted music creation – going back to the 1950s when a chemistry professor named Lejaren Hiller debuted a musical composition written by a computer.

    By the 1980s, David Cope’s Experiments in Musical Intelligence created music so close to the style of Chopin and Bach it fooled classically trained musicians.

    Artist and composer Holly Herndon was highlighting a need for the ethical use and licensing of voice models and deepfakes several years before Grimes invited others to use AI-generated versions of her voice to make new music, and “Deepfake Drake” alarmed the major record labels.

    At the same time, music companies, including Warner, Capitol and rapper-producer Timbaland, have since inked record contracts for AI-generated work.

    GenAI-powered tools, such as those offered by Izotope, LANDR and Apple, have become commonplace in mixing and mastering since the late 2000s. Machine learning technology also underpins streaming recommendations.

    Creativity and copyright

    Despite this relatively long history of technology’s impact on music, it still tends to be framed as a future challenge. The New Zealand government’s Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, released this month, suggests we’re at a “pivotal moment” as the AI-powered future approaches.

    In June, a draft insight briefing from Manata Taonga/Ministry for Culture & Heritage explored “how digital technologies may transform the ways New Zealanders create, share and protect stories in 2040 and beyond”.

    It joins other recent publications by the Australasian Performing Rights Association and New Zealand’s Artificial Intelligence Researchers Association, which grapple with the future impacts of AI technologies.

    One of the main issues is the use of copyright material to train AI systems. Last year, two AI startups, including the one used by Velvet Sundown, were sued by Sony, Universal and Warner for using unlicensed recordings as part of their training data.

    It’s possible the models have been trained on recordings by local musicians without their permission, too. But without any requirement for tech firms to disclose their training data it can’t be confirmed.

    Even if we did know, the copyright implications for works created by AI in Aotearoa New Zealand aren’t clear. And it’s not possible for musicians to opt out in any meaningful way.

    This goes against the data governance model designed by Te Mana Raraunga/Māori Sovereignty Network. Māori writer members of music rights administrator APRA AMCOS have also raised concerns about potential cultural appropriation and misuse due to GenAI.

    Recent research suggesting GenAI work displaces human output in creative industries is particularly worrying for local musicians who already struggle for visibility. But it’s not an isolated phenomenon.

    In Australia, GenAI has reportedly been used to impersonate successful, emerging and dead artists. And French streaming service Deezer claims up to 20,000 tracks created by GenAI were being uploaded to its service daily.

    Regulation in the real world

    There has been increased scrutiny of streaming fraud, including a world-first criminal case brought last year against a musician who used bots to generate millions of streams for tracks created with GenAI.

    But on social media, musicians now compete for attention with a flood of “AI slop”, with no real prospect of platforms doing anything about it.

    More troublingly, New Zealand law has been described as “woefully inadequate” at combating deepfakes and non-consensual intimate imagery that can damage artists’ brands and livelihoods.

    The government’s AI strategy prioritises adoption, innovation and a light-touch approach over these creative and cultural implications. But there is growing consensus internationally that regulatory intervention is warranted.

    The European Union has enacted legislation requiring AI services to be transparent about what they have trained their models on, an important first step towards an AI licensing regime for recorded and musical works.

    An Australian senate committee has recommended whole-of-economy AI guardrails, including transparency requirements in line with the EU. Denmark has gone even further, with plans to give every citizen copyright of their own facial features, voice and body, including specific protections for performing artists.

    It’s nearly ten years since the music business was described as the “canary in a coalmine” for other industries and a bellwether of broader cultural and economic shifts. How we address the current challenges presented by AI in music will have far-reaching implications.

    Dave Carter is a writer member of APRA AMCOS. He has received funding and contributed to projects funded by Manatū Taongao Ministry for Culture and Heritage, NZ on Air and APRA AMCOS.

    Jesse Austin-Stewart has completed commissioned research for NZ On Air and participated in focus groups for Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage. He has received competitive funding from Creative New Zealand, NZ On Air, Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture & Hertiage, and the NZ Music Commission. He is a writer member of APRA AMCOS and a member of the Composer’s Association of New Zealand and Recorded Music NZ

    Oli Wilson has previously completed research in partnership with or commissioned by APRA AMCOS, Toi Mai Workforce Development Council, Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture & Heritage and the NZ Music Commission. He has also received funding, or contributed to projects that have benefited from funding from NZ on Air, the NZ Music Commission and Recorded Music New Zealand. He has provided services to The Chills, owns shares in TripTunz Limited, and is a writer member of APRA AMCOS.

    – ref. Music is at the forefront of AI disruption, but NZ artists still have few protections – https://theconversation.com/music-is-at-the-forefront-of-ai-disruption-but-nz-artists-still-have-few-protections-260299

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    July 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Trade win unlocks £250 million for British firms in Vietnam

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Trade win unlocks £250 million for British firms in Vietnam

    Trade win unlocks £250 million in exports for British pharmaceutical firms in Vietnam.

    Trade win unlocks £250 million in exports for British pharmaceutical firms in Vietnam

    • Major pharmaceutical trade barrier with Vietnam removed as bilateral trade increased by £1.2 billion in current prices to £8.1 billion in 2024 in boost to UK economy
    • Pharmaceutical sectors given boost making it faster and cheaper to sell UK medicines to Vietnam
    • Trade Strategy in action as UK continues to eye fast deals across the globe for key industries to create jobs and boost innovation as part of our Plan for Change

    British pharmaceutical companies are set to gain up to £250 million over the next five years as part of a Vietnamese law change that makes it easier to sell UK-made medicines to the country.

    The announcement comes ahead of the latest Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) today [14 July] co-chaired by Trade Minister Douglas Alexander and Vice Minister Nguyen Hoang Long.

    The meeting aims to deepen trade ties – which have risen to more than £8 billion – and remove barriers for UK businesses in key sectors like healthcare, finance, and clean energy – which will boost growth to deliver for working people as part of the Plan for Change.

    It follows the launch of the UK’s landmark Trade Strategy which aims to secure more nimble deals while promoting sectors like financial services and renewable energy which drive the most economic growth.

    Thanks to UK government efforts, Vietnam has changed its laws to streamline the registration of new medicines and vaccines, now recognising approvals from trusted international regulators such as the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

    It opens to the door to more commercial opportunities for UK companies who can avoid time-consuming paperwork and expensive legal processes if their products have been approved in the last five years by the MHRA, making it cheaper, quicker and easier to sell products to Vietnam.

    The JETCO will reflect the UK’s goal of deepening ties with fast-growing economies in Asia while supporting key sectors like life sciences, education, and green energy – core pillars of the UK’s Industrial Strategy.

    Renewable energy will be on today’s agenda as both countries pledge to work together to support the development of Vietnam’s renewable energy sector, particularly around offshore wind, with the industry in the UK forecast to support 100,000 jobs by 2030.

    Trade Minister Douglas Alexander said:

    Vietnam is today a dynamic, fast-growing economy.

    The removal of pharmaceutical barriers with one of our closest trading partners in Asia is a boost for the UK pharmaceutical industry and proof our Industrial and Trade Strategies are already delivering.

    The UK is committed to strengthening its relationship with Vietnam, which is witnessing rapid economic growth and fast becoming a major global manufacturing base for electronics, textiles, and renewable energy.

    Discussions will also celebrate the good news for our world-leading financial services sector as the government commits support for Vietnam to design its first International Finance Centre in Ho Chi Minh City which is expected to streamline regulations and encourage international investments, making it simpler for British firms to trade with Vietnam.

    The swift removal of pharmaceutical barriers and progress on financial and energy collaborations with Vietnam demonstrates the government is securing quick wins through nimble, targeted interventions and delivering on the key ambitions of the newly launched Trade Strategy.

    Miles Celic OBE, Chief Executive Officer, TheCityUK, said:

    There is great potential for British firms and other international investors in Vietnam; it is a rapidly growing market with increasing demand for sophisticated financial products. There are also mutual benefits to be gained through sharing expertise in areas such as green finance, innovation, and digital transformation.

     We’ve been working closely with the UK Government and British Embassy in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to help lay the groundwork for the development of an international financial and business centre in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang and are very supportive of the government’s commitment to support its creation and its contribution to Vietnam’s economic growth and net-zero agenda.

    Annex

    Notes on analysis

    The £250m over five-year figure is a mid-point of a range of £100m – £400m. The DBT methodology to value market access barriers can be found here:

    https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/methodologies-for-valuing-market-access-barriers

    Sources:

    https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/renewable-technologies-future-job-estimates-methodology/job-estimates-for-wind-generation-by-2030-methodology-note

    2025-06-19 Vietnam – UK Trade and Investment Factsheet

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    Published 14 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Weekly injection could be life changing for Parkinson’s patients

    Source:

    14 July 2025

    UniSA PhD candidate Deepa Nakmode and Professor Sanjay Garg in the lab.

    A new weekly injectable drug could transform the lives of more than eight million people living with Parkinson’s disease, potentially replacing the need for multiple daily tablets.

    Scientists from the University of South Australia (UniSA) have developed a long-acting injectable formulation that delivers a steady dose of levodopa and carbidopa – two key medications for Parkinson’s – over an entire week.

    Their findings have been reported in the journal Drug Delivery and Translational Research.

    The biodegradable formulation is injected under the skin or into muscle tissue, where it gradually releases the medication over seven days.

    Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurological disorder, affecting more than 8.5 million people worldwide. Currently there is no cure and the symptoms – tremors, rigidity and slow movement – are managed with oral medications that must be taken several times a day.

    The frequent dosing is a burden, especially for elderly patients or those with swallowing difficulties, leading to inconsistent medication levels, more side effects, and reduced effectiveness.

    Lead researcher Professor Sanjay Garg, from UniSA’s Centre for Pharmaceutical Innovation, says the newly developed injectable could significantly improve treatment outcomes and patient adherence.

    “Our goal was to create a formulation that simplifies treatment, improves patient compliance, and maintains consistent therapeutic levels of medication. This weekly injection could be a game-changer for Parkinson’s care,” Prof Garg says.

    “Levodopa is the gold-standard therapy for Parkinson’s, but its short life span means it must be taken several times a day.”

    UniSA PhD student Deepa Nakmode says the in-situ implant is designed to release both levodopa and carbidopa steadily over one week, maintaining consistent plasma levels and reducing the risks associated with fluctuating drug concentrations.

    “After years of focused research, it’s incredibly rewarding to see our innovation in long-acting injectables for Parkinson’s disease reach this stage. Our invention has now been filed for an Australian patent,” Nakmode says.

    The injectable gel combines an FDA-approved biodegradable polymer PLGA with Eudragit L-100, a pH-sensitive polymer, to achieve a controlled and sustained drug release.

    Extensive lab tests confirmed the system’s effectiveness and safety:

    • More than 90% of the levodopa dose and more than 81% of the carbidopa dose was released over seven days.
    • The implant degraded by over 80% within a week and showed no significant toxicity in cell viability tests.
    • The formulation can be easily administered through a fine 22-gauge needle, minimising discomfort and eliminating the need for surgical implant.

    “The implications of this research are profound,” Prof Garg says. “By reducing the frequency of dosing from multiple times a day to a weekly injection is a major step forward in Parkinson’s therapy. We’re not just improving how the drug is delivered; we’re improving patients’ lives.”

    Prof Garg says the technology could also be adapted for other chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, pain management, and chronic infections that require long-term drug delivery.in

    The system can be tuned to release drugs over a period ranging from a few days to several weeks depending on therapeutic needs.

    UniSA scientists hope to start clinical trials in the near future and are exploring commercialisation opportunities.

    The study, titled “Development of an in-situ forming implant system for levodopa and carbidopa for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease,” is authored by Professor Sanjay Garg,  Deepa Nakmode, Dr Sadik Abdella and Dr Yunmei Song. DOI: 10.1007/s13346-025-01892-y

    …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

    Contact for interview: Professor Sanjay Garg E: sanjay.garg@unisa.edu.au

    Media contact: Candy Gibson M: +61 434 605 142  E: candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au

    Other articles you may be interested in

    MIL OSI News –

    July 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA News: SUNDAY SHOWS: Trump Administration is Putting Americans First

    Source: US Whitehouse

    This morning, officials joined the Sunday shows to discuss the historic steps the Trump Administration is taking to ensure the safety and security of the American people — including the government-wide response to the devastating Texas flooding, unprecedented action to secure the homeland, and protecting our national security through supply chain resiliency.

    Here’s what you missed:

    Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem

    • “Within just an hour or two after the flooding, we had resources from the Department of Homeland Security there helping those individuals in Texas … This is the fastest, I believe, in years, maybe decades, that FEMA has been deployed to help individuals in this type of a situation.” Watch
    • “This is what I think is really unfortunate is that we have a situation where so many individuals are playing politics with what happened to Texas.” Watch
    • “This week, we’ve got murderers off the street, rapists, child pedophiles. If you look at that marijuana grow facility that we recently just did an operation on, over 319 individuals were brought into custody — and 14 unaccompanied children.” Watch

    Border Czar Tom Homan

    • “If you’re in the country legally, you shouldn’t fear ICE — but what you should fear is the criminal aliens walking the communities in sanctuary cities.” Watch
    • “You didn’t see [Democrats] complaining about, under the Biden Administration, people being held in a Border Patrol parking lot surrounded by a fence in the sweltering heat. Not a word. You didn’t a word about half a million children being trafficked into the country and them not being able to locate 300,000 … They ignored four years of open borders, historic migrant death, historic Americans dying from fentanyl, historic numbers of women and children being sex trafficked, historic number of people on the terrorist watchlist coming across the border. Silence.” Watch

    National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett

    • “Tariff revenue over the next ten years — which will help reduce the deficit and secure our entitlement programs — it’s $3 trillion, and consumers haven’t seen that.” Watch
    • “We’re trying to put America First … This is about America getting itself ready for the Golden Age by getting our house in order, by getting our tariff and trade policy and tax policy exactly where it needs to be for a Golden Age.” Watch
    • “If there is a time of war, we need to have the metals that we need to produce American weapons, and copper is a key component in many American weapons. As we look forward to the threats that America faces, the President decided that we have plenty of copper in the U.S., but not enough copper production — and that’s why he has taken this strong step.” Watch

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN-backed labour standards at risk as tariff uncertainty grows

    Source: United Nations 2

    Threatened or actual tariff increases are largely focused on taxing imports into the United States and will make the products made by factories outside the country more expensive – a situation which may drive down demand.

    The ILO’s Better Work programme, a partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), has supported garment factories, many of which export their products to the United States.

    The ILO’s Sara Park explained to UN News what could happen next.

    Sara Park: Better Work currently operates in the garment, textile and footwear sector in 13 countries around the world.

    It was set up 24 years ago in Cambodia to monitor the working conditions in garment factories and since then has focused on improvement and capacity building of factories and our constituencies in the sector, for example occupational safety and health.

    There are other elements that support the sector to promote social dialogue, safe and decent work which includes fair wages and working hours. The programme has also helped build productivity in those sectors.

    UN News: How is the ILO involved?

    Sara Park: The ILO is a tripartite organization, so we work with governments, employers, the unions who represent workers, usually Ministries of Labour, but also with ministries of trade or commerce because the programme focuses on exports.

    © Better Work/Aron Simeneh

    A worker at a factory in Ethiopia carries out an inspection on fire safety equipment.

    But what maybe makes us different from other projects is that we have a very close collaboration with major brands from the US, UK, Europe and Japan to promote responsible business practices.

    UN News: How successful has this programme been?

    Sara Park: Our studies show that at the factory level we’ve made significant impact, for example by increasing wages and supporting gender-equality related issues, women’s empowerment and women getting more supervisory roles.

    Over the quarter of a century of its existence, Better Work has lifted millions of people out of poverty and reduced the environmental impact of the apparel sector by creating decent work in sustainable enterprises.

    It’s still hard for unions as freedom of association remains a big challenge.

    © ILO/Aaron Santos

    A woman works at a Better Work-affiliated factory in Viet Nam.

    If you’re trying to develop a whole industry and make it competitive, it takes years if not decades; however, we have seen improvements in the factories where we work.

    Better Work-enrolled factories have also reported an increase in orders from buyers.

    UN News: So, this is good for business as well?

    Sara Park: This is good for business, and productivity in individual factories. Governments also tell us that the programme supports confidence and thus growth of the industry as a whole in participating countries.

    © Better Work/Marcel Crozet

    Garment employees work on a production line of an exporting clothing plant in Jordan.

    UN News: How has Better Work been affected by recent global changes in development funding?

    Sara Park: As we know from recent developments, the US Government has cut funding and that has affected our programmes in Haiti and Jordan, which were almost fully funded by the US. The other countries have not been affected, as we are lucky to have very diverse funding.

    UN News: Why is the ILO’s ongoing support needed once the relationship between factory and the buyer is set up?

    Sara Park: The buyers, which are often well-known companies, require a sustainable way of monitoring working conditions to ensure they are in compliance with international labour standards; this is important to eliminate risk from the buyers’ perspective.

    The Better Work programme supports improvements in factories, by conducting assessments, advisory and learning sessions and helps all parties to better understand compliance with the standards. It also works with governments, workers and employers to build capacity.

    © Better Work/Feri Latief

    Workers take their lunch break at a garment factory in Indonesia.

    UN News: Currently there is widespread uncertainty about tariffs, the taxing of imported goods particularly into the United States. How is the garment sector impacted?

    Sara Park: At the moment, we don’t know what the impact will be. Governments are monitoring the situation. Employers and, of course, the unions are worried.

    It is extremely challenging for factories as uncertainty means they cannot plan even for the short term, as they don’t know what orders they will have. They are also concerned about paying workers.

    Better Work-enrolled factories are providing primarily jobs in the formal sector; if they close, then those jobs may move to the informal sector where workers have fewer protections.

    In countries like Jordan for example, migrants make up the majority of the workforce in the garment industry, most of them come from South and Southeast Asia.

    UN News: How is this uncertainty impacting investment in the global garment industry?

    Sara Park: During periods of crisis or uncertainty, investment generally pauses. One concern is that factories stop investing in improving working conditions, which could affect occupational safety and health.

    For example, heat stress is a serious issue. Recently, in Pakistan temperatures reached 50 degrees Celsius so action needs to be taken to protect workers. This may not happen if investment dries up.

    UN News: What would you say to a garment worker who was worried about his or her job?

    Sara Park: We understand this is a worry for many workers. Yet the work of the ILO is continuing to ensure that workers are protected and the ILO remains in those countries and is committed to improving conditions for all workers across different sectors.

    We will continue to promote social dialogue because that’s how improvements can be made at factory, sectoral and national level.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    July 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Stolen BMW recovered at Elizabeth East

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Police are still looking for a driver who stole a car during a break-in at Norwood overnight.

    Police were called to a report of a break-in and car theft from a home on Kensington Road, Norwood about 1.45am on Monday 14 July.

    An intruder broke into the house and stole a handbag, wallet and car keys to the red BMW hatchback parked in the driveway.

    The stolen car’s onboard tracking showed it outside several addresses in Royston Park before it led police across the northern suburbs to Adare Court, Elizabeth East where the car was located, abandoned at 2.45am.

    Police searched the area with the assistance of PolAir and Police Dog Enzo, but the suspect was not located.

    Police found another set of car keys to a Subaru inside the stolen BMW and ask any residents in the Norwood, Royston Park area to check to see if they have also had keys stolen overnight.

    Anyone with information or CCTV or dashcam footage that may assist police is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

    MIL OSI News –

    July 14, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: Can’t work out without music? Neither could the ancient Greeks and Romans

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Konstantine Panegyres, Lecturer in Classics and Ancient History, The University of Western Australia

    Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    These days when you see people exercising, they’re usually also listening to music, whether they’re at the gym, or out jogging on the street.

    It makes sense, as studies have shown listening to music can help you get the most out of a workout.

    Somehow the ancient Greeks and Romans knew this too, long before modern science was there to back it.

    A more than 2,000-year-old habit

    In his oration To the People of Alexandria, the Greek writer Dio Chrysostom (40-110 CE) complained about a phenomenon he saw all the time.

    Dio wrote people loved to listen to music in their daily activities. According to him, music could be found in the courtroom, in the lecture theatre, in the doctor’s room, and even in the gym.

    “Everything is done to music […] people will presently go so far as to use song to accompany their exercise in the gymnasium,” Dio wrote.

    But exercising to music wasn’t a new thing in his day. This practice has been recorded across the ancient Greek and Roman worlds from the earliest times, and as far back as the poems of Homer (circa 800 BCE).

    Why exercise to music?

    There are many depictions of professional athletes training, or competing, to the accompaniment of music in ancient Greek vase paintings.

    In one vase painting from the 5th century BCE, a group of athletes trains while a musician plays the aulos, a type of ancient pipe instrument.

    Young men exercising to the sound of an aulos player (an ancient wind instrument).
    Wikimedia

    The ancient writer Plutarch of Chaeronea (46-119 CE) tells us music was also played while people wrestled or did athletics.

    Athenian writer Flavius Philostratus (circa 170-245 CE) offers clues as to why. In a book about gymnastics, Philostratus wrote music served to stimulate athletes, and that their performance might be improved through listening to music.

    Today’s researchers have proven this to be true. One 2020 study involving 3,599 participants showed listening to music during exercise had many benefits, such as reducing the perception of fatigue and exertion, and improving physical performance and breathing.

    Singing and trumpets

    Since ancient people didn’t have electronic devices, they found other ways to exercise to music. Some had music played by a musician during their exercise routine. Others sang while they exercised.

    Singing while playing ball games was particularly popular. In Homer’s Odyssey (circa 8th century BCE), Nausicaa, the daughter of the King of Phaeacia, plays a ball game with her girl friends, and they all sing songs as they play.

    Similarly, the historian Carystius of Pergamum (2nd century BCE) wrote the women of his time “sang as they played ball”.

    Another popular activity was dancing to music. Dancing was widely regarded as a gymnastic exercise people could do for better health.

    One famous advocate of the benefits of dancing as exercise was the great Athenian philosopher Socrates (circa 470-399 BCE). According to the historian Diogenes Laertius (3rd century CE), “it was Socrates’ regular habit to dance, thinking that such exercise helped to keep the body in good condition”.

    Exercising to music was depicted in several ancient Greek vase painting.
    Wikimedia, CC BY-NC-SA

    Apart from individuals using music in their personal exercise, soldiers also did training exercises, and marched to battle, to the sound of trumpets.

    Don’t skip leg day

    There was a belief in ancient Greek and Roman that music and exercise played an important role in shaping and developing the body and soul.

    The ideal was harmony and moderation. The body and soul needed to be balanced and proportionate in all their parts, without any excess. As such, doing one kind of exercise too often, or exercising one body part excessively, was frowned upon.

    The physician Galen of Pergamum (129-216 CE) criticised types of exercise that focused too much on one part of the body. He preferred ball games as they exercised the whole body evenly.

    Immoderation in music – that is, listening to too much, or listening to music that was too emotional – was also sometimes frowned upon.

    For example, the Athenian philosopher Plato (circa 428-348 BCE) famously argued most music should be censored as it can stir the passions too strongly. Plato thought only simple and unemotional music, listened to in moderation, should be allowed.

    If the ancients could see today’s people running along the pavement with music thumping in their ears, they would surely be amazed. And they’d probably approve – as long as it wasn’t being done in excess.

    Konstantine Panegyres 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. Can’t work out without music? Neither could the ancient Greeks and Romans – https://theconversation.com/cant-work-out-without-music-neither-could-the-ancient-greeks-and-romans-258069

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    July 14, 2025
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