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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Celebrate NAIDOC Week in Canberra

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    • The 2025 NAIDOC Week theme is The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy.
    • 2025 NAIDOC Week celebrations will be held from 6 to 13 July 2025.
    • This story lists free and paid 2025 NAIDOC Week events.

    Each year, Canberra celebrates NAIDOC Week with a range of events and activities.

    NAIDOC Week 2025 is a special time to stop, reflect and celebrate the enduring culture, history and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

    This year’s theme is ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy – 50 Years of NAIDOC Week’. It marks an important milestone and honours the voices, culture and strength of Indigenous communities.

    The theme looks back on the past with pride and looks forward with hope. It celebrates the work of young leaders, the dreams of communities and the powerful legacy left by ancestors.

    Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD), Parkes
    From Sunday, 6 July to Sunday, 13 July
    Hear stories of how First Nations Australians have created change. Learn about Wiradjuri Elders travelling to Old Parliament House, activists who campaigned for a voice and visit heritage spaces of significance.
    Bookings required.
    Cost: free.

    Australian Parliament House
    From Sunday, 6 July to Tuesday, 8 July
    Visit Parliament House to see Michelle Lewis’ breathtaking artwork illuminated on the Parliament House façade. View the striking colours and designs of Michelle’s Tjala Dreaming (Honey Ant), a 2023 artwork.
    To mark the event, a ceremonial lighting will be held on Monday, 7 July from 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm.
    No bookings required.
    Cost: free.

    National Museum of Australia (NMA), Acton
    Thursday, 10 July
    The NMA is featuring a screening of Keeping Country Strong on Thursday, 10 July. This new documentary highlights the critical work of Indigenous Rangers in Indigenous Protected Areas across Australia.  A panel discussion with Traditional Owners will follow.
    Bookings required.
    Cost: $15 for a standard ticket, $12.50 for a concession and $10 for friends.

    National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA), Acton
    Saturday, 12 July
    The NFSA is hosting a dementia-friendly screening of A Day at the Movies: Top End Wedding on Saturday, 12 July.
    Enjoy a warm and light-hearted comedy that celebrates the joyful chaos of family and the strength of community.
    Bookings required.
    Cost: $16 for a full price ticket, $12 for concession card holders and free for carers.

    National Library of Australia, Parkes
    Tuesday, 8 July
    Join Brooke Blurton and Dr Melanie Saward as they yarn about their new young adult novel, A Good Kind of Trouble. They discuss what it means to write Indigenous-led stories for today’s young people. Bookings required. Watch online or attend in person.
    Cost: free.

    Palace Electric Theatre, Canberra
    Tuesday, 8 July
    Come and watch the award-winning film from 10 Indigenous filmmakers from Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. It interweaves eight stories – both fictional and non-fictional – that span 1,000 years. Each showcases the resilience and survival of Indigenous peoples.
    Bookings required.
    Cost: admission is free for First Nations attendees and $10 for non-First Nations attendees.

    ANCA Gallery, Dickson
    From Sunday, 6 July to Sunday, 13 July
    Join Thomas Coen Bonson, an emerging artist and one of Australia’s few First Nations jewellers. His solo exhibition is called Elegance in Heritage: First Nations Jewellery Unveiled.
    RSVP required
    Cost: free.

    Belconnen Arts Centre, Belconnen
    Saturday 12, July
    Belco Arts is celebrating the 10th anniversary of NAIDOC in the North. The event is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture through story, song, art dance and ceremony. Check out a huge program of events. Learn from our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community through workshops, performances, activities and entertainment.
    No bookings required.
    Cost: free.

    Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Tuggeranong
    From Saturday, 5 July to Sunday, 13 July
    Visit the Arts Centre for a range of events including workshops and exhibitions that celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Bookings required.
    Cost: from free to $10.

    ACT Historic Places, Tharwa
    Saturday, 12 July
    Join Ngunawal custodian Wally Bell on a walk at ACT Lanyon Homestead. Learn about Aboriginal connection to the area and the Murrumbidgee River. Discover the significance of the Canoe Tree to the Ngunnawal people and what its presence here tells us of the strong community that lived within the cultural landscape.
    Bookings required.
    Cost: $30 for standard ticket and $25 for concession.

    National Capital Authority (NCA), Reconciliation Place
    From Monday, 7 July to Sunday, 13 July
    Join the NCA for a guided tour along Reconciliation Place that explores the rich history, culture and contributions of First Nations peoples. Bookings required. 
    Cost: free.

    Winnunga Warriors Basketball Club and Basketball ACT
    Friday, 11 July to Sunday, 13 July
    Be part of a fun and exciting event with over 125 teams from around the country. Celebrate Indigenous culture through basketball and enjoy games for all age groups as they honour NAIDOC Week together.  
    No bookings required.
    Cost: free for spectators.

    To learn more about NAIDOC Week and explore upcoming events, visit the official NAIDOC website.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:

    MIL OSI News –

  • Trump says US nears trade deals as tariff deadline delayed

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The United States is close to finalizing several trade pacts in coming days and will notify other countries of higher tariff rates by July 9, President Donald Trump said on Sunday, with the higher rates set to take effect on August 1.

    Since taking office, Trump has set off a global trade war that has roiled financial markets and sent policymakers scrambling to protect their economies, through efforts such as deals with the United States and other countries.

    In April Trump unveiled a base tariff rate of 10% on most countries and additional duties of up to 50%, but later gave a three-week reprieve until Wednesday for all but 10% of them.

    Trump, whose remarks to reporters on Sunday came just before his return to Washington from a weekend golfing in New Jersey, had flagged the August 1 date earlier, but it was unclear if all tariffs would increase then.

    Asked to clarify, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told reporters the higher tariffs would take effect on August 1, but Trump was “setting the rates and the deals right now.”

    In a posting on his Truth Social website, Trump later said the U.S. would start delivering tariff letters from 12:00 pm ET (1600 GMT) on Monday.

    In a separate post, he rolled out a wholly new tariff policy, calling for countries “aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies” of the BRICS developing nations to be charged an extra 10% tariff, with no exceptions to be granted.

    The first BRICS summit in 2009 was attended by leaders from Brazil, China, India and Russia, with South Africa joining later while Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were included last year.

    Trump has close ties to leaders of some of those countries, such as Saudi Arabia and UAE, and has been touting the prospect of a trade deal with India for weeks.

    On Sunday, BRICS leaders condemned attacks on Gaza and Iran, called for reforms to global institutions and warned that the rise in tariffs threatened global trade.

    It was not immediately clear if Trump’s tariff threat would derail trade talks with India, Indonesia and other BRICS nations, however.

    Earlier on Sunday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNN’s “State of the Union” that several big trade agreements would be announced in the next days, adding that European Union talks had made good progress.

    Trump would also send letters to 100 smaller countries with which the United States does not have much trade, notifying them of higher tariff rates, he added.

    “President Trump’s going to be sending letters to some of our trading partners saying that if you don’t move things along, then on August 1 you will boomerang back to your April 2 tariff level,” Bessent said.

    “So I think we’re going to see a lot of deals very quickly.”

    Kevin Hassett, who heads the White House National Economic Council, told CBS’s “Face the Nation” program there might be wiggle room for countries engaged in earnest negotiations.

    “There are deadlines, and there are things that are close, and so maybe things will push back past the deadline,” Hassett said, adding that Trump would decide.

    ‘I HEAR GOOD THINGS’

    Stephen Miran, chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, told ABC News’ “This Week” program that countries needed to make concessions to get lower tariff rates.

    “I hear good things about the talks with Europe. I hear good things about the talks with India,” Miran said. “And so I would expect that a number of countries that are in the process of making those concessions … might see their date rolled.”

    Bessent told CNN the Trump administration was focused on 18 important trading partners that account for 95% of the U.S. trade deficit. But he said there had been “a lot of foot-dragging” among countries in finalizing trade deals.

    Thailand, keen to avert a 36% tariff, is now offering greater market access for U.S. farm and industrial goods and more purchases of U.S. energy and Boeing BA.N jets, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira told Bloomberg News on Sunday.

    India and the United States are likely to make a final decision on a mini trade deal in the next 24 to 48 hours, local Indian news channel CNBC-TV18 reported on Sunday, with average tariffs of 10% on Indian goods shipped to the U.S., it said.

    Hassett told CBS News that framework agreements already reached with Britain and Vietnam offered guidelines for other countries. He said Trump’s pressure was prompting countries to move production to the United States.

    The Vietnam deal was “fantastic,” Miran said.

    “It’s extremely one-sided. We get to apply a significant tariff to Vietnamese exports. They’re opening their markets to ours, applying zero tariff to our exports.”

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI China: David Tao’s first album in 12 years set for global release

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

    David Tao, widely known as the godfather of Mandarin R&B, will make his first full-length album in 12 years, “Stupid Pop Songs,” available globally with the support of Universal Music Greater China (UMGC), the company announced Friday.

    A photo of David Tao. [Photo courtesy of UMGC]

    “Stupid Pop Songs” has been available on major digital platforms since April, with a physical worldwide release planned on July 11 through UMGC. The album is the first project under a new partnership among Tao, his company Great Entertainment and UMGC, a division of Universal Music Group. 

    The 15-track album features Tao’s blend of distorted guitars, raw vocals, sweeping ballads and experimental textures. Inspired by years of reflection, the release aims to challenge conventional pop with honesty, humor and soul, and encourages listeners to rediscover joy and authenticity in simplicity, according to UMGC.

    “David Tao is one of the most visionary and influential figures in Mandopop history,” said Timothy Xu, chairman and CEO of UMGC. “His music has shaped the genre and inspired generations with its emotional depth and artistic courage. We are proud to welcome David to the Universal Music family. This alliance underscores our long-term investment in iconic artistry and reinforces our commitment to expanding the global reach of Mandarin pop.”

    David Tao (left), recording artist and founder of Great Entertainment, and Timothy Xu, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Greater China, pose in front of decorations featuring Tao’s new album cover art. [Photo courtesy of UMGC]

    Tao said music has always been a borderless and personal journey for him. 

    “This new chapter with Universal Music allows us to bring our creative work to a broader global stage,” Tao said. “I am grateful for the trust and alignment in vision, and excited to explore new possibilities with Universal Music Greater China to elevate Mandarin pop and share our stories with the world.”

    The singer has played a pivotal role in redefining the sound of Mandarin pop over the past three decades. Before launching his solo career, he was already an in-demand producer.

    His 1997 debut album, “David Tao,” won Golden Melody Awards and was recognized by Billboard as the best Asian singer-songwriter. The album featured hits such as “Love, Very Simple,” which has been covered by artists internationally. Tao’s early trilogy of albums — “David Tao,” “I’m OK” and “Black Tangerine” — blended East-West sounds with emotional honesty, helping establish a new direction for Mandarin pop. 

    Now in his 28th year in music, “Stupid Pop Songs” signals both a comeback and a bold reinvention, according to UMGC’s press release.

    Universal said it remains committed to promoting Chinese pop music internationally through its global network.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China completes major desert control project in Inner Mongolia

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

    China completes major desert control project in Inner Mongolia

    Xinhua | July 7, 2025

    An aerial drone photo taken on May 15, 2024 shows tree seedlings planted at an afforestation area in the Horqin sandy land in Tongliao city, North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region. [Photo/Xinhua]

    A barrier belt spanning three deserts in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region has been completed, marking a milestone achievement in the country’s desertification control efforts.

    Workers laid the final straw checkerboard — a traditional sand-fixing technique — on Sunday, completing the last stretch of the 1,856-km green barrier across the Badain Jaran, Tengger and Ulan Buh deserts to halt further desert encroachment.

    The three deserts within the Alxa League of Inner Mongolia cover a total area of 94,700 square kilometers, accounting for 83.04 percent of the region’s total desert land.

    “We use the straw checkerboard method to first lock the shifting sand, followed by planting drought-resistant trees such as sacsaoul. This approach helps us build an effective sand prevention and control system, ultimately strengthening the ecological barrier,” said Zhang Youyong, chief engineer at the forestry, grassland and desert control bureau of Alxa Right Banner.

    Over the past four decades, the Alxa League has carried out desertification prevention and control across nearly 100 million mu (6.67 million hectares). It has also built two green belts, stretching a total of 460 kilometers in length and 3 to 20 kilometers in width, along the southeastern edge of the Tengger Desert and the southwestern edge of the Ulan Buh Desert. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Young person arrested in relation to aggravated robberies

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Please attribute to Sean Cairns, Area Investigations Manager, Southern District Police:

    A young person is set to appear in front of the Youth Court today, after he was arrested in relation to two aggravated robberies in Invercargill on Saturday morning.

    At around 6am on Saturday, Police responded to two robberies at commercial premises on Tay Street and Dee Street.

    The youth fled from the scene of the second robbery in a stolen vehicle, however was located and arrested by Police a short time later near Otepuni Ave.

    Enquiries into the two incidents remain ongoing, however Police are not seeking anybody else in relation to them.

    We’d also like to thank the members of the public who assisted Police with information at the time.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • PM Modi welcomes Indonesia as full BRICS member at 17th Summit in Brazil

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday welcomed Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as a full member of BRICS during the 17th BRICS Summit held in Brazil, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

    MEA Secretary (Economic Relations) Dammu Ravi, addressing a special media briefing on PM Modi’s visit, highlighted that Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva attached great importance to Modi’s participation at the summit.

    “Today was a full-day programme with three sessions, a working lunch, and several bilateral and pull-aside meetings. The Honourable Prime Minister thanked President Lula for his warm hospitality and welcomed the Indonesian President for joining BRICS as a full member,” Ravi said.

    Ravi underlined that PM Modi’s presence carried added significance as India is a founding member of BRICS and is set to assume the group’s chairmanship next year.

    “The Prime Minister’s visit elevated the entire summit. It reflects the value President Lula placed on India’s role and the fact that India will take over the chair next year,” he added.

    This year’s summit comes amid rapidly evolving global dynamics. “The theme of Brazil’s 17th BRICS Summit is ‘Strengthening Global South Cooperation for Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,’” Ravi said.

    He noted the scale of participation this year, with 11 permanent members, nine partner countries, eight invitee nations and seven heads of international organisations attending the summit.

    Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Indonesia posted on X, “PM Modi and President Prabowo among world leaders at the BRICS Summit 2025 in Brazil — strengthening India-Indonesia ties on the global stage.”

    (ANI)

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ACT Drug Strategy Action Plan – mid-point progress report released

    Source: Australian National Party

    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 07/07/2025

    The ACT is making significant progress in delivering the ACT Drug Strategy Action Plan 2022-2026 (DSAP), with 27 of the 34 actions being significantly progressed or completed.

    The DSAP outlines the ACT Government and whole of sector priorities to address and minimise harms from alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs and non-medical use of pharmaceuticals.

    It supports Canberrans by focusing on areas such as improved service navigation, stigma reduction and supports for individuals with co-occurring issues.

    As part of the Action Plan, the ACT has become home to Australia’s first fixed-site drug checking service, CanTEST.

    The CanTEST service tested nearly 3000 samples in its first two years of operation, helping Canberrans to make safer choices, with one in 10 people choosing to discard potentially dangerous substances after testing.

    Significant drug law reforms and criminal justice initiatives have also helped to keep people out of the criminal justice system while ensuring they get the help they may need. The government has expanded the Drug and Alcohol Sentencing List from 35 to 42 concurrent participants and reduced the maximum penalties for personal possession of illicit drugs through the Drugs of Dependence (Personal Use) Amendment Act 2022.

    Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith welcomed the DSAP mid-point progress report and noted stable community outcomes and declining drug-related charges, which demonstrates the changes are working for the benefit of our whole community.

    “We are also investing across the health sector to improve alcohol and other drug services and facilities in the ACT, with programs like the Pathways to Assistance and Treatment (PAT) mobile clinic, and the Take-Home Naloxone Program, making a real difference to people’s lives,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

    “We are also working with our community partners to deliver specialised services for vulnerable groups in the ACT, including Canberra’s first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander alcohol and other drug residential rehabilitation facility, as well as a new facility for Ted Noffs’ youth alcohol and other drug treatment service.”

    The DSAP also aims to reduce vaping and tobacco smoking harms in the ACT. During the life of the Action Plan, the ACT Government has secured a $1.065 million Federation Funding Agreement to enhance Quitline and other smoking and vaping cessation support services.

    “Youth vaping remains a major concern in the community, which is why – through our partnership with the Commonwealth – the ACT is enhancing its Quitline service to include digital support options and establishing a new vaping cessation support service for young people,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

    The ACT Government has also funded an independent harm reduction review, led by the Australian National University and Burnet Institute, partnering with the Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy.

    The review found that current harm reduction interventions in the ACT are cost effective, with the ACT investing in effective initiatives including opioid maintenance therapy (OMT), needle and syringe programs (NSP), naloxone, and CanTEST.

    The review also provided insight into further service development and enhancement opportunities to be considered in the future.

    The ACT Drug Strategy Action Plan 2022-2026 Mid-Point Progress Report is available at: https://act.gov.au/open/act-drug-strategy-action-plan.

    The ACT Harm Reduction Cost-Benefit Analysis is available at: https://www.act.gov.au/open/act-harm-reduction-cost-benefit-analysis-harm-reduction-review.

    – Statement ends –

    Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Case Note 329275 [2025] NZ Priv Cmr 2 – Individual complains about use and disclosure of their photo

    Source: Privacy Commissioner

    Background

    The complainant, who was in New Zealand on a working holiday, was employed at a factory on a short-term basis. They consented to the company taking a photograph of them while they worked and said they thought that the photos were to be only used internally. However, two years later after they’d returned to their home country, the complainant learnt via friends in New Zealand that their photos were being used for marketing. The complainant’s photo had been used on the side of the factory, on billboards, and in shopping centres. The photo was also used in the agency’s annual report. 

    The complainant was upset about this as they felt that they had not been fully informed about why their photo was being taken, and that they had not consented to the use of their image for the purpose the company had used it for.  They complained to our Office about the collection, use, and disclosure of their personal information.

    The principles applying to this case

    This complaint raised issues under principles 3, 10, and 11 of the Privacy Act. 

    Principle 3 requires agencies to be open about the collection of personal information, telling people at the time of collection why it is being collected and how it will be used. 

    Principles 10 and 11 state agencies can generally only use and disclose personal information for the purpose it was collected, and there are limits to using personal information for different purposes. 

    Our approach

    In this case, the agency felt it had proper consent from the complainant to use their image in the way it had, but the complainant disagreed.  Despite this difference in opinion, both parties (each were legally represented) wanted to be able to resolve the complaint. However, they hadn’t been able to before the complainant (the person in the photo) complained to our Office. 

    We focus on resolving complaints wherever possible, and section 77 of the Privacy Act allows us to try to resolve a complaint without first investigating.  

    We spoke with both parties who agreed to participate in our conciliation process to discuss their respective positions and try to resolve the complaint. 

    Even though the parties didn’t agree on whether the complainant had consented to the use of their image in the way the company had used it, the company was genuinely upset and remorseful that the complainant did not feel they had consented. They accepted that they had caused the complainant a significant level of harm and distress.

    The complainant provided psychological reports that explained they had a pre-existing mental health condition, for which they had received treatment and recovered. The evidence the complainant provided made it clear that finding out about the marketing campaign had caused a significant regression and required ongoing psychological care. 

    The company apologised and agreed to review its procedures around consent for collection and use of employee photographs. It also agreed to stop using the complainant’s image and to take their picture down from their website and other platforms.  

    Financial compensation was also paid, to reimburse the complainant for their legal costs, for their psychological care, and to compensate for the significant injury to feelings the complainant had suffered.

    The matter was resolved, and we closed our file.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: The Northern Territory Police Force acknowledges the Findings of the Coronial Inquest into the Death of Kumanjayi Walker

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force acknowledges the findings and recommendations handed down today by Coroner Elisabeth Armitage following the conclusion of the inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker.

    The inquest, which commenced in 2022, has been one of the most comprehensive and difficult processes in the Territory’s recent history. It has examined not just the tragic events of November 2019, but also the broader systemic and cultural challenges that intersect with frontline policing.

    We recognise the enduring grief experienced by Kumanjayi Walker’s family, the Yuendumu community, and many others across the Northern Territory. Today’s findings mark a significant moment in what has been a long and painful journey for all involved.

    The Northern Territory Police Force will now carefully consider the Coroner’s recommendations in full. We are committed to taking time to review and reflect on the findings and recommendations to continue our efforts to build a modern police force that serves all Territorians with fairness, respect, and integrity.

    “We acknowledge the Coroner’s work and thank her for the careful consideration she has given to such a complex and sensitive matter,” Acting Commissioner Martin Dole said.
    “We extend our sympathies to the family of Kumanjayi Walker and acknowledge the courage of those who contributed to this process. This has been a hard road, and we are determined to ensure that what has been learned is not lost.”

    As the inquest progressed, the Northern Territory Police Force initiated a number of internal reforms in direct response to the issues that were raised:

    • Anti-Racism Strategy: A draft strategy, which has been developed with the assistance of major Aboriginal organisations in the NT, will soon be out for broader consultation.
    • On going delivery of Cultural Awareness and Anti-Racism Training: Territory-wide programs continue to be rolled out to enhance cultural competency and eliminate racism in all its forms across the organisation.
    • Recruitment and Training Reforms: New entry and training pathways are in place to better prepare and screen recruits for the realities and responsibilities of policing in diverse communities, particularly Aboriginal communities. These reforms stand alongside our commitment to reach 30 per cent Aboriginal representation across our entire organisation.
    • Disbanding of the Immediate Response Team (IRT): The unit involved in the incident was disbanded.
    • Creation of the Cultural Reform Command: Led by Executive Director Leanne Liddle, this command is focused on strengthening relationships, rebuilding trust with Aboriginal people and communities, and tackling racism.

    Reform is not a single act — it is an ongoing responsibility and continuous journey. The NT Police Force will continue to work with government, Aboriginal leadership, and the broader community to ensure the recommendations are considered in the spirit in which they were made: to improve, to heal, and to build a better path forward.

    Media Contact:
    NT Police Media Unit
    Phone: 0417 770 686

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Heritage and LEGO a perfect fit for competition winner

    Source: Heritage NZ
    The winner of a LEGO building competition that combines the iconic multi-coloured bricks with some of New Zealand’s equally iconic heritage buildings has been announced.
    Adam Richards of Christchurch has won first prize in the first-ever CBS Heritage Competition in this year’s Christchurch Brick Show with his model of the Church of the Good Shepherd.
    Adam has won a $200 Toyworld voucher supplied by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, the sponsor of the competition.
    Runners up, Ivan and Tamsin Mackintosh, won a $50 voucher for their model of the Christchurch Public Trust office.
    Competition judges, LEGO master Centuri Chan and Rosemary Baird of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, were looking for technical skill – and in particular what LEGO aficionados refer to as NPU (Nice Piece Usage – using pieces in unusual or creative ways), and accuracy to the historical building.
    The winning model ticked all the technical and creative boxes.
    “We selected this as the winner because of the technical skill in recreating the vari-coloured stonework and the night sky and stars. They also recreated the snowy terrain skillfully. It’s hard to make LEGO look organic,” says Centuri.
    “It was very difficult to choose winners. All the entries were of a high calibre.”
    The judges also praised the runner-up entry, the Public Trust building, saying it was “nicely built for the scale they chose”.
    Exhibitors to this year’s show were offered the opportunity to enter a special competition to recreate in LEGO a place recognised on the New Zealand Heritage List Rārangi Kōrero – the national inventory managed by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga that records the country’s rich and diverse place-based heritage.
    Seven LEGO masters took up the challenge building models that included the Church of the Good Shepherd, Lyttelton Gaol, Kotahitanga Church, Cape Egmont Lighthouse, the Fire Watchtower, the Boer War Memorial in Invercargill and the Christchurch Public Trust Office.
    A further six models were also put forward to display as non-entry exhibition models.
    According to Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Senior Outreach Advisor, Rosemary Baird, the inspiration for the competition was a model of the Lyttelton Timeball created by Christchurch LEGO master Mark Dowers, which featured in the 2023 Brick Show.
    “The Timeball model highlighted the close synergy between heritage buildings and LEGO,” she says.
    “We thought it would be cool to see what interest there might be in combining the two in a competition – and this year’s incredible entries were the result.”
    In addition to the prizes, Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga compiled some information for each of the listed places that featured in the competition.
    “It was so interesting researching properties from our list that I was unfamiliar with. I was fascinated to learn about the history of the Cape Egmont Lighthouse, for example, which was reconstructed from a previous lighthouse and became implicated in the New Zealand government’s invasion of Parihaka,” she says.
    “The impressive Invercargill Boer War memorial illustrates a time when many New Zealanders identified so closely with ‘Mother Britain’. These places are not just buildings – their history really highlights how our society has changed over the years.”
    Christchurch Brick Show organiser Lisa Moon was delighted with all of the exhibits at this year’s show – and was particularly impressed with the heritage entries.
    “The entries in the CBS Heritage Competition are amazing, and have generated a lot of positive interest from visitors to the Brick Show, as well as among many building experts who have shown interest in giving it a go next year,” says Lisa.
    The Christchurch Brick Show – New Zealand’s largest LEGO fan event – involved 300 exhibitors this year and drew over 15,000 visitors.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s Central Archives opens over 57,000 documents to public

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

    BEIJING, July 7 — China’s Central Archives on Monday opened over 57,000 documents to the public to mark the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

    The newly accessible material includes more than 40,000 items specifically chronicling the resistance period from September 1931 to September 1945.

    The wartime records — sourced from Party-led government bodies, organizations, military units and mass groups — feature telegrams, announcements, summaries, reports and other records highlighting the Communist Party of China’s leadership role.

    These documents can be accessed at the Central Archives upon presentation of an ID card or relevant credentials.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update: Continued appeal for missing person in Whanganui

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police are continuing to make enquiries to locate missing man Kahu, who was last seen on Friday 27 June.

    A vehicle was located in the Whanganui River, matching the description of the vehicle belonging to Kahu.

    Kahu is still yet to be located, and we’re asking the public for any sightings of him in the Whanganui area.

    He was last seen wearing a black hoody, with red text on the sleeves, and camo cargo pants.

    We’re asking anybody who is walking along or near the river or coastline near Whanganui to report any unusual findings or clothing matching the description of what Kahu was wearing.

    If you have any information, please contact Police via 105 either over the phone or online, and reference file number 250702/3842.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China releases list of key science, engineering challenges amid tech push

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

    China on Sunday released a list of what it has determined to be the 30 most pressing scientific questions, engineering challenges and industrial technology bottlenecks facing the nation’s development.

    The China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) made the announcement of the list, the eighth of its kind since 2018, during its 27th annual meeting.

    People visit the “AI+” demonstration area at the Zhongguancun Exhibition Center in Beijing, capital of China, June 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

    A rigorous selection process was overseen by 80 national scientific societies, with its initial phase seeing 56 eminent strategic scientists nominate 90 issues spanning 10 major fields, including the basic sciences and manufacturing technology, before finalizing the list of 30 priorities, according to CAST.

    The carefully selected roster lists the country’s top 10 frontier science problems, including the topological and geometric classification of manifolds, as well as the properties and origin of mass of the Higgs boson.

    The top 10 engineering technology challenges involve breakthrough applications, with notable entries including those related to integrated algorithms for the design-simulation-manufacturing of complex models, as well as AI-streamlined network systems that integrate communication and intelligence.

    CAST also announced China’s top 10 industrial technology issues, which require a focus on overcoming critical manufacturing and application barriers, with priority areas including autonomous mining technologies for the utilization of deep-space resources, as well as brain function assessment and closed-loop, brain-computer intelligent intervention.

    Keyword: AI

    Notably, the fusion of AI and diverse scientific disciplines is a critical pathway to solving fundamental challenges, spanning secure communication networks and advanced health care solutions.

    Leading the list of the top 10 problems in frontier science, which were chosen by scientists working in the field, is establishing “new theories and protective frameworks for AI security from a cryptographic perspective,” according to CAST.

    As AI advances rapidly globally, its security vulnerabilities are becoming increasingly critical. Cryptographic approaches to security offer a promising shift from reactive defenses to mathematically verifiable security paradigms.

    “Cryptography plays a dual role,” explained Wang Xiaoyun, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).

    “On one hand, it is crucial to protecting the privacy of data and information within AI systems. On the other hand, cryptographic principles like provable security frameworks can help combat threats like deepfakes, ensuring AI remains reliable, safe and controllable,” Wang said.

    Noting that cryptographic research for AI security is an emerging, interdisciplinary frontier field while global research is advancing concurrently, Wang said, “By nominating this problem, we hope to draw the attention of more experts in both AI and cryptography to this evolving field.”

    The list of the top 10 engineering technology challenges also features an AI-centric communication solution: creating AI-streamlined network systems integrating communication and intelligence.

    Zhang Ping, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, highlighted the current bottlenecks plaguing communication systems.

    “The field faces theoretical limitations, a lack of inherent intelligence, and inflexibility, struggling to meet the demand for pervasive intelligence and sustainable development,” Zhang noted.

    AI-streamlined networks offer novel system architecture by merging communication deeply with AI, significantly simplifying design.

    “The fundamental challenge in communication is that wider bandwidth and higher speeds demand more resources,” Zhang said.

    “It’s like expanding roads — more lanes or wider roads require more land. Evolving toward AI-powered natural interaction provides a new engine to reduce resource consumption and waste of computing power in communication systems,” he added.

    The listed medical technology challenges also feature AI integration. One key industrial technology issue focuses on brain function assessment and closed-loop, brain-computer intelligent intervention, proposing the use of multimodal neuroimaging combined with AI analysis and brain-computer interfaces to enhance neural plasticity and reorganization for stroke rehabilitation.

    This year’s initiative uniquely paired senior strategic scientists with younger counterparts, who served as academic secretaries and were involved in interpreting and refining the nominated problems.

    This approach aimed to ensure authoritative selection while actively cultivating the next generation of research talent, CAST said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Israel launches strikes on Red Sea ports in Yemen

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

    Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Yemen’s Red Sea ports in western Hodeidah Province late Sunday night.

    The strikes came minutes after the Israeli military issued an urgent evacuation warning on the social media platform X. Witnesses reported explosions in several locations along Yemen’s western coast, including the port of Hodeidah.

    Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a statement that the strikes targeted what he described as Houthi strongholds, including the ports of Hodeidah, As Salif, and Ras Isa, the Ras Katib power station, and the Galaxy Leader, a ship seized by Houthi forces in November 2023.

    The Israeli military said the targeted ports had been used by the Houthis to “transfer weapons from the Iranian regime, which are then used to carry out terror operations against the State of Israel and its allies.”

    It added that the Galaxy Leader had been equipped with a radar system used to track vessels in the Red Sea, facilitating further militant activities.

    Katz suggested a broader escalation may follow, saying, “Yemen will be treated the same as Tehran.”

    “Anyone who tries to harm Israel will be harmed, and anyone who raises a hand against Israel will have it cut off,” Katz said. “The Houthis will continue to pay a heavy price for their actions.”

    Earlier on Sunday, a missile fired by Houthi forces triggered air raid sirens in southern Israel and was intercepted without causing injuries, according to the Israeli military. The Houthis claimed it was a hypersonic missile targeting Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv.

    Israel has carried out several strikes on key ports and infrastructure in Yemen in recent months, as the Houthis continue to fire missiles toward Israel, citing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Anhui’s Suzhou intensifies efforts to build computing power hub

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

    A screen displays real-time data and operations at the Bianshui Riverside Supercomputing Center, part of the Suzhou Computing Power Industrial Park in Suzhou city, Anhui province, July 5, 2025. [Photo by Xu Xiaoxuan/China.org.cn]

    Suzhou, a city in eastern China’s Anhui province, is ramping up efforts to grow its computing power industry, with plans to build an industrial cluster expected to be worth 100 billion yuan ($13.8 billion).

    Not to be confused with Suzhou in neighboring Jiangsu province, Suzhou in Anhui is seeking to become a regional center for advanced computing and data services.

    At the center of this push is the Suzhou Computing Power Industrial Park, which opened in 2012 and spans about 15 hectares. The park is currently being expanded to include 100,000 square meters of data center facilities.

    Equipped with extensive network infrastructure, the site serves major clients such as Huawei, QuantumCTek and Inspur, along with academic institutions including Tsinghua University, Peking University and the Beijing Institute of Technology. It also provides resources to research organizations specializing in atmospheric physics and automation.

    The park supports sectors including big data, software development, mobile gaming, animation rendering and e-commerce livestreaming, according to Liang Xixi, a staff member at Suzhou Huarui Network Information Service, which helped develop the project.

    Liang told China.org.cn that the park offers both supercomputing and intelligent computing services, which are used for distinct purposes.

    “Supercomputing is used for high-precision tasks, such as tracking typhoon paths or analyzing protein structures, mostly serving research institutions,” Liang said. “Intelligent computing, by contrast, is used in everyday applications. For example, animation rendering for games like ‘Black Myth: Wukong’ and films such as ‘Ne Zha 2’ relied on intelligent computing.”

    Key projects at the park include the Huaihai Intelligent Computing Center and the Bianshui Riverside Supercomputing Center. Plans are underway for additional facilities, including a China Mobile computing power center and a Baidu intelligent cloud computing center.

    Suzhou currently hosts 465 enterprises related to the computing power sector, generating nearly 7.5 billion yuan in annual revenue. The city plans to increase its computing power capacity to 6,000 petaflops this year and aims to ultimately reach 8,000 petaflops.

    Officials are also cooperating with partners across the Yangtze River Delta to establish an integrated computing power network that can meet rising regional demand.

    The city will continue supporting integrated industrial development, according to the Suzhou City Development and Reform Commission. Priorities include a regional low-altitude intelligent computing center to improve flight route optimization and safety, as well as a data service platform for smart connected vehicles and tests of vehicle-to-road collaboration technology.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for July 7, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on July 7, 2025.

    The hard questions NZ must ask about the claimed economic benefits of fast-track mining projects
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Glenn Banks, Professor of Geography, School of People, Environment and Planning, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University Getty Images Much of the debate about the fast-track applications by a number of new or extended mining projects has, understandably, focused on their environmental impacts. But the other

    New US directive for visa applicants turns social media feeds into political documents
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Samuel Cornell, PhD Candidate in Public Health & Community Medicine, School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney Angel DiBiblio/Shutterstock In recent weeks, the US State Department implemented a policy requiring all university, technical training, or exchange program visa applicants to disclose their social media handles used over the

    Ageing bridges around the world are at risk of collapse. But there’s a simple way to safeguard them
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andy Nguyen, Senior Lecturer in Structural Engineering, University of Southern Queensland The Story Bridge, with its sweeping steel trusses and art deco towers, is a striking sight above the Brisbane River in Queensland. In 2025, it was named the state’s best landmark. But more than an icon,

    Much to celebrate as NAIDOC Week turns 50, but also much to learn
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lynette Riley, Co-chair of the National NAIDOC Committee and Professor in the Sydney School of Education and Social Work; and Chair, Aboriginal Education and Indigenous Studies.original Education & Indigenous Studies., University of Sydney Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article contains names and/or images

    Just $7 extra per person could prevent 300 suicides a year. Here’s exactly where to spend it
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Karinna Saxby, Research Fellow, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne xinlan/Shutterstock Medicare spending on mental health services varies considerably depending on where in Australia you live, our new study shows. We found areas with lower Medicare spending on out-of-hospital mental health

    A Māori worldview describes the immune system as a guardian – this could improve public health in Aotearoa NZ
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tama Te Puea Braithwaite-Westoby, Tautoro Māori Engagement Advisor, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research Getty Images In biomedical science, the immune system is described as a cellular defence network that identifies and neutralises threats. In te ao Māori (the Māori worldview), it can be seen as a dynamic

    We don’t need deep-sea mining, or its environmental harms. Here’s why
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Justin Alger, Associate Professor / Senior Lecturer in Global Environmental Politics, The University of Melbourne Potato-sized polymetallic nodules from the deep sea could be mined for valuable metals and minerals. Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images Deep-sea mining promises critical minerals for the energy

    ‘The customer is always right’: why some uni teachers give higher grades than students deserve
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ciprian N. Radavoi, Associate Professor in Law, University of Southern Queensland Pixels Effect/ Getty Images Grade inflation happens when teachers knowingly give a student a mark higher than deserved. It can also happen indirectly, when the level of difficulty of a course is deliberately lowered so students

    The Rainbow Warrior saga. Part 2: Nuclear refugees in the Pacific – the evacuation of Rongelap
    COMMENTARY:  By Eugene Doyle On the last voyage of the Rainbow Warrior prior to its sinking by French secret agents in Auckland harbour on 10 July 1985 the ship had evacuated the entire population of 320 from Rongelap in the Marshall Islands. After conducting dozens of above-ground nuclear explosions, the US government had left the

    Legends of a Nuclear-Free and Independent Pacific – Octo Mote
    Pacific Media Watch West Papuan independence advocate Octovianus Mote was in Aotearoa New Zealand late last year seeking support for independence for West Papua, which has been ruled by Indonesia for more than six decades. Mote is vice-president of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) and was hosted in New Zealand by the

    ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for July 6, 2025
    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on July 6, 2025.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: New US directive for visa applicants turns social media feeds into political documents

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Samuel Cornell, PhD Candidate in Public Health & Community Medicine, School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney

    Angel DiBiblio/Shutterstock

    In recent weeks, the US State Department implemented a policy requiring all university, technical training, or exchange program visa applicants to disclose their social media handles used over the past five years. The policy also requires these applicants to set their profiles to public.

    This move is an example of governments treating a person’s digital persona as their political identity. In doing so, they risk punishing lawful expression, targeting minority voices, and redefining who gets to cross borders based on how they behave online.

    Anyone seeking one of these visas will have their social media searched for “indications of hostility” towards the citizens, culture or founding principles of the United States. This enhanced vetting is supposed to ensure the US does not admit anyone who may be deemed a threat.

    However, this policy changes how a person’s online presence is evaluated in visa applications and raises many ethical concerns. These include concerns around privacy, freedom of expression, and the politicisation of digital identities.

    Digital profiling

    The Trump administration has previously taken aim at higher education with the goal of changing the ideological slant of these institutions, including making changes to international student enrolment and the role of foreign nationals in US research institutions.

    Digital rights advocates have expressed concerns this new requirement could lead to self-censorship and hinder freedom of expression.

    It is unknown exactly which specific online actions will trigger a visa refusal, as the US government hasn’t disclosed detailed criteria. However, guidance to consular officers indicates that digital behaviour suggesting “hostility” toward the US or its values may be grounds for concern.

    Internal advice suggests officers are trained to look for social media content that may reflect extremist views, criminal associations or ideological opposition to the US.

    Political ‘passport’

    In a sense, this policy turns a visa applicant’s online presence into a kind of political passport. It allows for scrutiny not just of past behaviour but also of ideological views.

    Digital identity is not just a technical construct. It carries legal, philosophical and historical weight. It can influence access to rights, recognition and legitimacy, both online and offline.

    Once this identity is interpreted by state institutions, it can become a tool for control shaped by institutional whims. Governments justify digital surveillance as a way to spot threats. But research consistently shows it leads to overreach.

    A recent report found that US social media monitoring programs have frequently flagged activists and religious minorities. It also found the programs lacked transparency and oversight.

    Digital freedom nonprofit Electronic Frontier Foundation has warned these tools risk punishing people for lawful expression or for simply being connected to certain communities.

    The US is not alone in integrating digital surveillance into border security. China has implemented social credit systems. And the United Kingdom is exploring digital ID systems for immigration control. There are even calls for Australia to use artificial intelligence to facilitate digital border checks.

    The United Nations has raised concerns about the global trend toward digital vetting at borders, especially when used without judicial oversight or transparency.

    A free speech issue

    These new checks could have a chilling effect on self-expression. This is particularly true for those with views that don’t align with governments or who are from minority backgrounds.

    We’ve seen this previously. After whistleblower Edward Snowden revealed widespread use of data gathering by US intelligence agencies, people stopped visiting politically sensitive Wikipedia articles. Not because they were told to, but because they feared being watched.

    This policy won’t just affect visa applicants. It could shift how people use social media in general. That’s because there is no clear rulebook for what counts as “acceptable”. And when no one knows where the line is, people self-censor more than is necessary.

    What can you do?

    If you think you might apply for an affected visa in the future, here are some tips.

    1. Audit your social media history now. Old posts, “likes” or follows from years ago may be reviewed and judged out of context. Review your public posts on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and X. Delete or archive anything that might be misconstrued.

    2. Separate personal and professional online identities. Consider keeping distinct accounts for private and public engagement. Use pseudonyms for creative or informal content. Immigration authorities are far less likely to misinterpret context when your online presence is clearly tied to your educational or professional goals.

    3. Understand your online visibility and history. Even if you have privacy settings enabled, tagged content, public “likes”, comments and follows can still be seen. Algorithms expose content based on associations, not just what you post. Don’t assume your visibility is limited to your followers.

    4. Keep records of any deleted or misinterpreted posts. If you think something might be questioned or if you delete posts ahead of an application, keep a backup. Consular officials may request clarification or evidence. It’s better to be prepared than to be caught off-guard without explanation.

    Your social media is no longer a personal space. It may be used by governments to determine whether you fit in.

    Samuel Cornell receives funding from an Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship.

    Daniel Angus receives funding from Australian Research Council through Linkage Project ‘Young Australians and the Promotion of Alcohol on Social Media’. He is a Chief Investigator with the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision Making & Society.

    T.J. Thomson receives funding from the Australian Research Council. He is an affiliate with the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision Making & Society.

    – ref. New US directive for visa applicants turns social media feeds into political documents – https://theconversation.com/new-us-directive-for-visa-applicants-turns-social-media-feeds-into-political-documents-260201

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Charges – Drug offences – Darwin CBD

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force have charged a 26-year-old male with several drug and traffic offences following a traffic apprehension on Friday night.

    Around 11:45pm, Darwin Traffic Operations members apprehended a vehicle on Tiger Brennan Drive, after it was detected speeding at 136km/h in a 100km/h speed limit area.

    The driver of the vehicle was subjected to a roadside drug test which returned a positive result for cocaine, methamphetamine, and opiates.

    Whilst being taken into custody, the driver was searched and was found to have a less than traffickable quantity of cocaine in his possession.

    Darwin Traffic Operations members conducted a further lawful search of the man’s vehicle and located a commercial quantity of MDMA, traffickable quantity of cannabis and a less than traffickable quantity of cocaine. The vehicle was seized by police.

    The man was arrested, and the matter was referred to detectives from the Drug & Organised Crime Squad. Detectives executed a search warrant at the male’s residence, where the following was located and seized:

    • A less than traffickable quantity of cocaine

    • A less than traffickable quantity of MDMA

    • A less than traffickable quantity of cannabis

    • Items indicative of drug supply

    The man has been charged with:

    • Supply Dangerous Drug Commercial Quantity – schedule 1

    • Possess Dangerous Drug Commercial Quantity – schedule 1

    • Possess Dangerous Drug Traffickable Quantity – schedule 2

    • Possess Dangerous Drug less than Traffickable Quantity – schedule 1

    • Receiving or Possessing Tainted Property

    • Driver with Prohibited Drug in Blood

    • Exceed Speed – 31-45km/h Over Limit

    He is remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court today.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: 73 per cent positive feedback on school lunches

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour is pleased to see the Healthy School Lunch Programme Term 3 menu has received positive feedback from three quarters of students, and complaints have fallen by 92 per cent, while at the same time taxpayers are saving over $130 million.
    “The menu for Term 3 is being tested with students across the lower North Island. The result is 73 per cent positive feedback. Any parent knows getting children to like something is no easy task. I’d say if you’re winning 73 per cent of the time, that’s a great result”, Mr Seymour says.
    Taste testing took place at schools across Taranaki, Palmerston North, Wairarapa, Wellington, Hawke’s Bay, and the Bay of Plenty. In total more than 120 students provided feedback during these sessions, forming the basis for the 73 per cent positive rating.
    “Since the beginning of Term 1 2025, the Programme has delivered over 13.8 million nutritious meals, to 242,000 students, in 1011 schools,” says Mr Seymour.
    “This marks the first time a single national supplier has provided meals at such scale, let alone meals which children enjoy, are nutritious, and are delivered on time. We are providing a high-quality service which is affordable for taxpayers.
    “The Programme has taken on feedback and responded to issues as they arise. For example, in Term 1, students were unhappy with menu variation and meal quality. The variation and quality improved in Term 2, and students say they’ve been enjoying their lunches.
    “The Programme must also be financially responsible. That’s why we are committed to reducing surplus meals. We are working towards this by ensuring students enjoy the meals and adjusting order volumes to better align with student attendance. 
    “Previously there were issues with meals not arriving on time. The Programme got more trucks, streamlined delivery routes, and heard from principals and schools how they could address concerns. Now they deliver on-time, more than 98 per cent of the time, every day. 
    “Many of the previous issues arose from the use of ‘stop gap’ frozen meals, exacerbated by Libelle’s liquidation. This has been fixed. Equipment was upgraded, and staff numbers increased, to increase meal production and control quality better. Production is now exceeding daily targets, and two million meals are expected to be ready for distribution by the start of Term 3.
    “Since March, complaints to the Ministry have reduced by 92 per cent. The transparent feedback system has allowed the programme to be responsive and effective at improving processes.
    “The programme has also already realised taxpayer savings of over $130 million. $8 million of those savings will go to ensuring 10,000 children in early learning services receive a taxpayer funded lunch every day. 
    “When the Government manages its accounts like families and businesses have to, money goes a lot further.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: ‘World’s supermarket’ embraces foreign trade talents

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

    A merchant (L, front) from Nepal watches dragon dance performance outside the Yiwu International Trade Market in Yiwu, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Feb. 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    In a city long famed as the “world’s supermarket,” foreign businesspeople are no longer just visitors — they are being officially recognized as vital drivers of China’s future development.

    Yiwu City, a bustling hub in east China’s Zhejiang Province that trades with over 230 countries and regions, has launched China’s first standardized system for formally certifying foreign trade talents.

    The pilot program, launched in June, marks a shift away from traditional talent criteria that focus solely on education or technical credentials, instead rewarding foreign entrepreneurs for their real-world business contributions.

    Under the new guidelines, any foreign national with a valid work permit and a registered company in Yiwu can be classified as A or B-level talent if they meet key performance metrics, such as import-export volume, job creation, or long-term local operations.

    B-level talent now enjoys two- to four-year work permits, rather than having to renew them annually. At the same time, A-level recognition offers five-year permits, along with priority services and faster approvals.

    “Foreign businesses and investors are essential participants in China’s modernization,” said Wang Liqin, head of the talent and cooperation section at Yiwu’s science and technology bureau. “This pilot program offers institutional support for their entrepreneurship and serves as a model of high-quality development in trade and foreign investment.”

    As of late June, over 609 foreign businesspeople in Yiwu had been certified under the program, part of a community of more than 8,600 foreign work permit holders that makes Yiwu the top city in Zhejiang for foreign employment.

    Yiwu’s decision to pioneer this reform reflects its long-standing international DNA. On any given day, more than 28,000 foreign merchants work in the city, a density unmatched in most of China.

    For Sakhi Brahim, a Moroccan businessman who first learned about China at a Confucius Institute back home, Yiwu represents the ideal place to build a career bridging cultures.

    “Foreigners are afraid of miscommunication,” he said. “So I decided to be that bridge.”

    Brahim arrived in Yiwu in 2013 after studying at Beijing International Studies University. He now runs a kitchenware export business while helping Moroccan clients understand the Chinese market and ensuring local suppliers profit.

    “The work opportunities here are very good. Even getting a driver’s license is easy — they offer the theory test in Arabic,” said Brahim.

    Brahim credits the city’s infrastructure, openness, and new certification system for creating a foundation of trust. “It shows they recognize our contribution. That trust is why I can succeed here,” he said.

    Nidal R.A. Sabarneh, who calls himself “Ni Dale” in China — a name he chose to express his hope that the support and opportunities he finds in China can reach his homeland, Palestine — also found a professional home in Yiwu.

    Born in 1994, he was inspired by his father’s trade trips to China and chose to study international economics at Wuhan University, central China’s Hubei Province.

    He arrived in Yiwu in 2016 and now runs his own company that sells automotive repair tools. His supply network includes over 80 factories across Zhejiang.

    “Honestly, if it wasn’t Yiwu, a modern, open trade city, I doubt I could get so many factories to work with me,” he said.

    His products reach 36 countries, with demand rising thanks to China’s own booming new energy vehicle exports. Yet for him, Yiwu’s greatest advantage is security.

    “My home is in a war zone. I’ve traveled to many countries, and China is the safest place I know. That security is what allows us to do business,” he said.

    For Dumaru Bishnuprasad, head of the Nepal-China chamber of commerce and industry in Yiwu, Yiwu has been both a business base and a family home for over two decades. He first arrived in 2002, married a local from Ningbo, and is raising three children in China.

    “Yiwu is a great platform for foreigners,” he said. He pointed to opportunities created by the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and the dedicated China-Nepal railway cooperation.

    Bishnuprasad’s businesses encompass trade and logistics, with a focus on selling hardware, stationery and footwear. As chamber head, he often mediates disputes between merchants and suppliers. “Ninety percent of problems can be solved inside the chamber,” he said.

    He also praised Yiwu’s attentiveness to foreign families. “I take my parents to local senior centers and dining halls. It’s convenient and reassuring,” he said.

    As Yiwu deepens its role as a testbed for comprehensive trade reforms, officials say the new talent certification system is only the beginning. Future plans include refining criteria, expanding service support, and sharing lessons with other regions in China.

    For foreign merchants in Yiwu, the new system is not just about paperwork. It represents a formal invitation to build a lasting life in China — a place where trade ties turn into personal connections and foreign investment becomes local development.

    “Yiwu isn’t just a city of small commodities,” Bishnuprasad said. “It’s a city that really takes care of people.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Tech, tourism fuel ‘cave economy’ in southwest China’s mountainous regions

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

    Helmet strapped and headlamp shining, 14-year-old Wang Zichen zipped into the shadowy depths of a karst cave, part of a growing wave of underground adventure tourism in southwest China’s mountainous regions.

    Beneath the towering peaks of Guizhou Province stretches a vast karst world filled with tens of thousands of ancient caves. Formed over hundreds of millions of years by persistent water erosion, these caves hold dramatic geological formations, rich biodiversity and traces of early human activity.

    In February, Guizhou rolled out a plan to promote classified management, ecological restoration and responsible development of cave resources, aiming to enhance their ecological, scientific and tourism values. An expanding range of cave-based ventures is now flourishing across the province, drawing visitors and boosting local economies.

    This photo taken on July 5, 2025 shows a sign of the Eco Forum Global Guiyang 2025 in Guiyang, southwest China’s Guizhou Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The province’s efforts align with the theme of the ongoing Eco Forum Global Guiyang 2025, which opened Saturday in the provincial capital, highlighting the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.

    “Cave economy” takes off 

    “It is both exciting and informative,” said Wang, who explored the Forest Coolpark scenic spot nestled in Libo Karst — part of the South China Karst, a UNESCO World Heritage Site — with friends during his summer vacation. Inside the cave, he admired the stunning stalactites while learning about karst geology.

    According to Ren Peng, general manager of the scenic site, a variety of cave-based activities have been developed to suit diverse terrain, including caving adventures, sightseeing tours, cave camping and even cave hotpot dining. Since the May Day holiday this year, the site has welcomed nearly 10,000 tourists, generating over 7 million yuan (about 978,542 U.S. dollars) in revenue.

    “We follow an ecology-first principle in our development,” Ren said. “We preserve the caves’ natural features while designing tour routes, and avoid any construction in deeper sections. All waste is strictly managed and removed from the caves daily.”

    “It’s necessary to develop caves based on solid scientific cave research,” said Jean Bottazzi, a French caver and representative of the French Federation of Speleology in China, in an interview with Xinhua during the eco forum. He has spent over three decades studying Shuanghedong Cave, the longest known cave in Asia, located in Guizhou’s Suiyang County.

    Over the years, Bottazzi has worked with local authorities and developers to provide expert guidance on balancing cave tourism with conservation. “It’s encouraging to see that responsible development not only preserves the cave environment, but also brings economic benefits to local villagers by creating new job opportunities,” he added.

    According to incomplete statistics, the direct market size of Guizhou’s cave tourism sector has reached an estimated 1 billion yuan.

    In addition to tourism, many caves have been creatively repurposed for commercial use. Some have been transformed into restaurants, bars and homestays, while others serve as sites for winemaking, mushroom cultivation, or even data storage, taking advantage of their naturally stable temperature and humidity.

    “These caves, once dormant in the depths of the mountains, are now awakening as unique assets of the region. They are no longer just natural wonders, but also cultural and economic symbols,” said Qin Xiaokang, deputy director of the culture, radio, television and tourism bureau of Libo County.

    This photo taken on July 4, 2025 shows the intelligent tourism system of Zhijindong Cave UNESCO Global Geopark in Bijie, southwest China’s Guizhou Province. [PhotoXinhua]

    Modern tech moves in 

    Speaking at a sub-forum of the ongoing event, Hassina Mouri, president of the International Union of Geological Sciences, emphasized the role of innovative technologies in promoting environmental engagement. “By using tools like big data and artificial intelligence, we detect, predict and better comprehend the interactions among different parts of our natural environment.”

    In an interview with Xinhua, Zhou Wenlong, deputy director of the Guizhou Institute of Mountain Resources, said high-tech tools are playing a key role in addressing the challenges of karst cave conservation and development.

    “Some caves have fragile ecosystems and complex terrains that are difficult to access,” Zhou said. “We use terrestrial laser scanning technology to produce high-precision 3D models of cave interiors, and leverage digital tools to offer virtual access to these delicate sites.”

    These technologies have already been applied in Zhijindong Cave UNESCO Global Geopark in Guizhou’s Bijie City. According to Liu Haibo, general manager of Guizhou Zhijindong Cave Tourism Development Co., Ltd., the geopark first completed a full laser scan of the caves in 2015, with a second scan planned for next year.

    “By comparing the records, we can monitor the condition of each stalactite, whether it’s growing or damaged, and adjust our conservation and development strategy accordingly,” Liu said.

    Since 2019, the geopark has also introduced an intelligent tourism system to monitor cave temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide levels and visitor flow in real time, helping to ensure both landscape protection and tourist safety.

    China’s green development practices are drawing international recognition. “The ideas and approaches taken in China’s green provinces to balance economic growth and environmental protection are applicable everywhere,” said Erik Solheim, former United Nations under-secretary-general. “Many cities in the developing world could look to China for inspiration.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Optimism as sales see strong growth

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

    Visitors learn about new energy vehicles of Chinese carmaker BYD during the 27th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Auto Show at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province, June 16, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Major carmakers in China have concluded the first half with positive growth, bracing themselves for possible record-high deliveries in the year.

    BYD topped the chart with deliveries of 2.14 million vehicles, up 33 percent year-on-year. It sold 377,628 passenger vehicles in June, up 11 percent from a year earlier.

    Of its half-year sales, 472,000 were sold in overseas markets, up 132 percent year-on-year. That was even more than the total of its overseas sales in 2024.

    Data released by JATO Dynamics indicated the Chinese automaker almost matched Tesla’s European registrations in May, building on its initial outperformance of its US rival in April.

    It nearly quadrupled European sales in the first four months of 2025, figures from researcher Dataforce show.

    BYD was followed by SAIC, which was the second carmaker to deliver more than 2 million units in the first half.

    The Shanghai-based giant saw its wholesale figure reach 2.05 million units from January to June, up 12.4 percent year-on-year.

    Its retail figures were even higher, at 2.2 million units. SAIC’s sales target for 2025 is 4.5 million units.

    Also of note is that SAIC is now less reliant on its joint ventures with GM and Volkswagen respectively.

    In the first half, the Chinese carmaker’s indigenous brands saw their combined sales reach 1.3 million units, up 21.1 percent year-on-year.

    The figure accounted for 64 percent of its total deliveries, up 4.6 percentage points from the same period of 2024.

    FAW, which owns the iconic Hongqi brand, and has joint ventures with Toyota and Volkswagen, delivered 1.57 million units, up 6.1 percent year-on-year.

    Changan, Chery and Geely each saw record-number deliveries in the period, standing at 1.36 million units, 1.26 million units, and 1.41 million units respectively.

    Geely’s sales were up 47.45 percent year-on-year. This strong performance was primarily driven by the Geely Galaxy sub-brand and the robust performance of battery electric vehicle models.

    In the first half of 2025, Geely’s BEV sales reached 510,803 units, a year-on-year growth of 173.09 percent. Its plug-in hybrid electric vehicle sales for the same period were 214,348 units, up 61 percent year-on-year.

    Geely has raised its full-year 2025 sales guidance from 2.71 million units to 3 million units.

    It said that this is due to the group’s strong sales performance so far this year, and it will strive to achieve this target.

    Data showed that it sold 236,036 vehicles in June, marking the 10th consecutive month since September 2024 that sales have exceeded 200,000 units.

    The three were trailed by BAIC and Great Wall Motors, whose sales stood at 817,000 units, up 6 percent year-on-year, and 571,000 units, up 1.8 percent.

    NEV startups saw robust momentum as well. XPeng delivered 34,611 cars in June, the eighth-straight month where it delivered more than 30,000 cars.

    Nio reported 24,925 car deliveries in June, a slight increase from May, thanks to growth across its premium Nio brand and lower-priced Onvo and Firefly brands.

    Li Auto reported 36,279 vehicle deliveries in June, an 11.2 percent drop from May. But its total deliveries in the second quarter came in at 111,074 units, better than the company’s lowered guidance of 108,000 cars.

    Overseas brands are starting to catch up with Chinese rivals.

    General Motors and its joint ventures in China posted the biggest quarterly sales surge in four years in the second quarter of this year, driven by the strong performance of its growing new energy vehicle lineup and high-volume nameplates.

    The US carmaker said its Q2 deliveries exceeded 447,000 units, marking its second consecutive quarter of year-over-year sales growth in China with a 20 percent increase — the highest annual gain for a single quarter since the first quarter of 2021.

    Sales of NEVs, including pure battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, and extended range electric vehicles, soared 50 percent in the quarter compared to the same period of 2024.

    Its cumulative sales in the first half of 2025 exceeded 890,000 units, up 9.4 percent from a year earlier.

    Meanwhile, GM achieved year-over-year market share growth in both the second quarter and the first half of 2025.

    “Our strong Q2 performance reflects the sustainable growth trajectory we are building in both sales and market share through local innovations,” said Steve Hill, GM senior vice-president and president of GM China.

    “We remain committed to driving profitable growth for China business by focusing on strong execution, business agility, and customer choices,” said Hill.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: We don’t need deep-sea mining, or its environmental harms. Here’s why

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Justin Alger, Associate Professor / Senior Lecturer in Global Environmental Politics, The University of Melbourne

    Potato-sized polymetallic nodules from the deep sea could be mined for valuable metals and minerals. Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

    Deep-sea mining promises critical minerals for the energy transition without the problems of mining on land. It also promises to bring wealth to developing nations. But the evidence suggests these promises are false, and mining would harm the environment.

    The practice involves scooping up rock-like nodules from vast areas of the sea floor. These potato-sized lumps contain metals and minerals such as zinc, manganese, molybdenum, nickel and rare earth elements.

    Technology to mine the deep sea exists, but commercial mining of the deep sea is not happening anywhere in the world. That could soon change. Nations are meeting this month in Kingston, Jamaica, to agree to a mining code. Such a code would make way for mining to begin within the next few years.

    On Thursday, Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, released research into the environmental impacts of deep-sea mining. It aims to promote better environmental management of deep-sea mining, should it proceed.

    We have previously challenged the rationale for deep-sea mining, drawing on our expertise in international politics and environmental management. We argue mining the deep sea is harmful and the economic benefits have been overstated. What’s more, the metals and minerals to be mined are not scarce.

    The best course of action is a ban on international seabed mining, building on the coalition for a moratorium.

    The Metals Company spent six months at sea collecting nodules in 2022, while studying the effects on ecosystems.

    Managing and monitoring environmental harm

    Recent advances in technology have made deep-sea mining more feasible. But removing the nodules – which also requires pumping water around – has been shown to damage the seabed and endanger marine life.

    CSIRO has developed the first environmental management and monitoring frameworks to protect deep sea ecosystems from mining. It aims to provide “trusted, science-based tools to evaluate the environmental risks and viability of deep-sea mining”.

    Scientists from Griffith University, Museums Victoria, the University of the Sunshine Coast, and Earth Sciences New Zealand were also involved in the work.

    The Metals Company Australia, a local subsidiary of the Canadian deep-sea mining exploration company, commissioned the research. It involved analysing data from test mining the company carried out in the Pacific Ocean in 2022.

    The company has led efforts to expedite deep-sea mining. This includes pushing for the mining code, and exploring commercial mining of the international seabed through approval from the US government.

    In a media briefing this week, CSIRO Senior Principal Research Scientist Piers Dunstan said the mining activity substantially affected the sea floor. Some marine life, especially that attached to the nodules, had very little hope of recovery. He said if mining were to go ahead, monitoring would be crucial.

    We are sceptical that ecological impacts can be managed even with this new framework. Little is known about life in these deep-water ecosystems. But research shows nodule mining would cause extensive habitat loss and damage.

    Do we really need to open the ocean frontier to mining? We argue the answer is no, on three counts.

    How does deep-sea mining work? (The Guardian)

    1. Minerals are not scarce

    The minerals required for the energy transition are abundant on land. Known global terrestrial reserves of cobalt, copper, manganese, molybdenum and nickel are enough to meet current production levels for decades – even with growing demand.

    There is no compelling reason to extract deep-sea minerals, given the economics of both deep-sea and land-based mining. Deep-sea mining is speculative and inevitably too expensive given such remote, deep operations.

    Claims about mineral scarcity are being used to justify attempting to legitimise a new extractive frontier in the deep sea. Opportunistic investors can make money through speculation and attracting government subsidies.

    2. Mining at sea will not replace mining on land

    Proponents claim deep-sea mining can replace some mining on land. Mining on land has led to social issues including infringing on indigenous and community rights. It also damages the environment.

    But deep-sea mining will not necessarily displace, replace or change mining on land. Land-based mining contracts span decades and the companies involved will not abandon ongoing or planned projects. Their activities will continue, even if deep-sea mining begins.

    Deep-sea mining also faces many of the same challenges as mining on land, while introducing new problems. The social problems that arise during transport, processing and distribution remain the same.

    And sea-based industries are already rife with modern slavery and labour violations, partly because they are notoriously difficult to monitor.

    Deep-sea mining does not solve social problems with land-based mining, and adds more challenges.

    Hidden Gem was the world’s first deep-sea mineral production vessel with seabed-to-surface nodule collection and transport systems.
    Photo by Charles M. Vella/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

    3. Common heritage of humankind and the Global South

    Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the international seabed is the common heritage of humankind. This means the proceeds of deep-sea mining should be distributed fairly among all countries.

    Deep-sea mining commercial partnerships between developing countries in the Global South and firms from the North have yet to pay off for the former. There is little indication this pattern will change.

    For example, when Canadian company Nautilus went bankrupt in 2019, it saddled Papua New Guinea with millions in debt from a failed domestic deep-sea mining venture.

    The Metals Company has partnerships with Nauru and Tonga but the latest deal with the US creates uncertainty about whether their agreements will be honoured.

    European investors took control of Blue Minerals Jamaica, originally a Jamaican-owned company, shortly after orchestrating its start up. Any profits would therefore go offshore.

    Australian Gerard Barron is Chairman and CEO of The Metals Company, formerly DeepGreen.
    Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

    A wise investment?

    It is unclear whether deep-sea mining will ever be a good investment.

    Multiple large corporate investors have pulled out of the industry, or gone bankrupt. And The Metals Company has received delisting notices from the Nasdaq stock exchange due to poor financial performance.

    Given the threat of environmental harm, the evidence suggests deep-sea mining is not worth the risk.

    Justin Alger receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    D.G. Webster receives funding from the National Science Foundation in the United States and various internal funding sources at Dartmouth University.

    Jessica Green receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    Kate J Neville receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    Stacy D VanDeveer and Susan M Park do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. We don’t need deep-sea mining, or its environmental harms. Here’s why – https://theconversation.com/we-dont-need-deep-sea-mining-or-its-environmental-harms-heres-why-260401

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: We don’t need deep-sea mining, or its environmental harms. Here’s why

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Justin Alger, Associate Professor / Senior Lecturer in Global Environmental Politics, The University of Melbourne

    Potato-sized polymetallic nodules from the deep sea could be mined for valuable metals and minerals. Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

    Deep-sea mining promises critical minerals for the energy transition without the problems of mining on land. It also promises to bring wealth to developing nations. But the evidence suggests these promises are false, and mining would harm the environment.

    The practice involves scooping up rock-like nodules from vast areas of the sea floor. These potato-sized lumps contain metals and minerals such as zinc, manganese, molybdenum, nickel and rare earth elements.

    Technology to mine the deep sea exists, but commercial mining of the deep sea is not happening anywhere in the world. That could soon change. Nations are meeting this month in Kingston, Jamaica, to agree to a mining code. Such a code would make way for mining to begin within the next few years.

    On Thursday, Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, released research into the environmental impacts of deep-sea mining. It aims to promote better environmental management of deep-sea mining, should it proceed.

    We have previously challenged the rationale for deep-sea mining, drawing on our expertise in international politics and environmental management. We argue mining the deep sea is harmful and the economic benefits have been overstated. What’s more, the metals and minerals to be mined are not scarce.

    The best course of action is a ban on international seabed mining, building on the coalition for a moratorium.

    The Metals Company spent six months at sea collecting nodules in 2022, while studying the effects on ecosystems.

    Managing and monitoring environmental harm

    Recent advances in technology have made deep-sea mining more feasible. But removing the nodules – which also requires pumping water around – has been shown to damage the seabed and endanger marine life.

    CSIRO has developed the first environmental management and monitoring frameworks to protect deep sea ecosystems from mining. It aims to provide “trusted, science-based tools to evaluate the environmental risks and viability of deep-sea mining”.

    Scientists from Griffith University, Museums Victoria, the University of the Sunshine Coast, and Earth Sciences New Zealand were also involved in the work.

    The Metals Company Australia, a local subsidiary of the Canadian deep-sea mining exploration company, commissioned the research. It involved analysing data from test mining the company carried out in the Pacific Ocean in 2022.

    The company has led efforts to expedite deep-sea mining. This includes pushing for the mining code, and exploring commercial mining of the international seabed through approval from the US government.

    In a media briefing this week, CSIRO Senior Principal Research Scientist Piers Dunstan said the mining activity substantially affected the sea floor. Some marine life, especially that attached to the nodules, had very little hope of recovery. He said if mining were to go ahead, monitoring would be crucial.

    We are sceptical that ecological impacts can be managed even with this new framework. Little is known about life in these deep-water ecosystems. But research shows nodule mining would cause extensive habitat loss and damage.

    Do we really need to open the ocean frontier to mining? We argue the answer is no, on three counts.

    How does deep-sea mining work? (The Guardian)

    1. Minerals are not scarce

    The minerals required for the energy transition are abundant on land. Known global terrestrial reserves of cobalt, copper, manganese, molybdenum and nickel are enough to meet current production levels for decades – even with growing demand.

    There is no compelling reason to extract deep-sea minerals, given the economics of both deep-sea and land-based mining. Deep-sea mining is speculative and inevitably too expensive given such remote, deep operations.

    Claims about mineral scarcity are being used to justify attempting to legitimise a new extractive frontier in the deep sea. Opportunistic investors can make money through speculation and attracting government subsidies.

    2. Mining at sea will not replace mining on land

    Proponents claim deep-sea mining can replace some mining on land. Mining on land has led to social issues including infringing on indigenous and community rights. It also damages the environment.

    But deep-sea mining will not necessarily displace, replace or change mining on land. Land-based mining contracts span decades and the companies involved will not abandon ongoing or planned projects. Their activities will continue, even if deep-sea mining begins.

    Deep-sea mining also faces many of the same challenges as mining on land, while introducing new problems. The social problems that arise during transport, processing and distribution remain the same.

    And sea-based industries are already rife with modern slavery and labour violations, partly because they are notoriously difficult to monitor.

    Deep-sea mining does not solve social problems with land-based mining, and adds more challenges.

    Hidden Gem was the world’s first deep-sea mineral production vessel with seabed-to-surface nodule collection and transport systems.
    Photo by Charles M. Vella/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

    3. Common heritage of humankind and the Global South

    Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the international seabed is the common heritage of humankind. This means the proceeds of deep-sea mining should be distributed fairly among all countries.

    Deep-sea mining commercial partnerships between developing countries in the Global South and firms from the North have yet to pay off for the former. There is little indication this pattern will change.

    For example, when Canadian company Nautilus went bankrupt in 2019, it saddled Papua New Guinea with millions in debt from a failed domestic deep-sea mining venture.

    The Metals Company has partnerships with Nauru and Tonga but the latest deal with the US creates uncertainty about whether their agreements will be honoured.

    European investors took control of Blue Minerals Jamaica, originally a Jamaican-owned company, shortly after orchestrating its start up. Any profits would therefore go offshore.

    Australian Gerard Barron is Chairman and CEO of The Metals Company, formerly DeepGreen.
    Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

    A wise investment?

    It is unclear whether deep-sea mining will ever be a good investment.

    Multiple large corporate investors have pulled out of the industry, or gone bankrupt. And The Metals Company has received delisting notices from the Nasdaq stock exchange due to poor financial performance.

    Given the threat of environmental harm, the evidence suggests deep-sea mining is not worth the risk.

    Justin Alger receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    D.G. Webster receives funding from the National Science Foundation in the United States and various internal funding sources at Dartmouth University.

    Jessica Green receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    Kate J Neville receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    Stacy D VanDeveer and Susan M Park do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. We don’t need deep-sea mining, or its environmental harms. Here’s why – https://theconversation.com/we-dont-need-deep-sea-mining-or-its-environmental-harms-heres-why-260401

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Ageing bridges around the world are at risk of collapse. But there’s a simple way to safeguard them

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Andy Nguyen, Senior Lecturer in Structural Engineering, University of Southern Queensland

    The Story Bridge, with its sweeping steel trusses and art deco towers, is a striking sight above the Brisbane River in Queensland. In 2025, it was named the state’s best landmark. But more than an icon, it serves as one of the vital arteries of the state capital, carrying more than 100,000 vehicles daily.

    But a recent report revealed serious structural issues in the 85-year-old bridge. These included the deterioration of concrete, corrosion and overloading on pedestrian footpaths.

    The findings prompted an urgent closure of the footpath for safety reasons. They also highlighted the urgency of Brisbane City Council’s planned bridge restoration project.

    But this example – and far more tragic ones from around the world in recent years – have also sparked a broader conversation about the safety of ageing bridges and other urban infrastructure. A simple, proactive step known as structural health monitoring can help.

    A number of collapses

    In January 2022, the Fern Hollow Bridge in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the United States collapsed and injured several people. This collapse was caused by extensive corrosion and the fracturing of a vital steel component. It stemmed from poor maintenance and failure to act on repeated inspection recommendations. These problems were compounded by inadequate inspections and oversight.

    Three years earlier, Taiwan’s Nanfang’ao Bridge collapsed. Exposure to damp, salty sea air had severely weakened its suspension cables. Six people beneath the bridge died.

    In August 2018, Italy’s Morandi Bridge fell, killing 43 people. The collapse was due to corrosion in pre-stressed concrete and steel tendons. These factors were worsened by inspection and maintenance challenges.

    In August 2007, a bridge in the US city of Minneapolis collapsed, killing 13 people and injuring 145. This collapse was primarily due to previously unnoticed problems with the design of the bridge. But it also demonstrated how ageing infrastructure, coupled with increasing loads and ineffective routine visual inspections, can exacerbate inherent weaknesses.

    A technology-driven solution

    Structural health monitoring is a technology-driven approach to assessing the condition of infrastructure. It can provide near real-time information and enable timely decision-making. This is crucial when it comes to managing ageing structures.

    The approach doesn’t rely solely on occasional periodic inspections. Instead it uses sensors, data loggers and analytics platforms to continuously monitor stress, vibration, displacement, temperature and corrosion on critical components.

    This approach can significantly improve our understanding of bridge performance compared to traditional assessment models. In one case, it updated a bridge’s estimated fatigue life – the remaining life of the structure before fatigue-induced failure is predicted to occur– from just five years to more than 52 years. This ultimately avoided unnecessary and costly restoration.

    Good structural health-monitoring systems can last several decades. They can be integrated with artificial intelligence techniques and bridge information modelling to develop digital twin-based monitoring platforms.

    The cost of structural health monitoring systems varies by bridge size and the extent of monitoring required. Some simple systems can cost just a few thousand dollars, while more advanced ones can cost more than A$300,000.

    These systems require ongoing operational support – typically 10% to 20% of the installation cost annually – for data management, system maintenance, and informed decision-making.

    Additionally, while advanced systems can be costly, scalable structural health monitoring solutions allow authorities to start small and expand over time.

    A model for proactive management

    The design of structural health monitoring systems has been incorporated into new large-scale bridge designs, such as Sutong Bridge in China and Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge in the US.

    But perhaps the most compelling example of these systems in action is the Jacques Cartier Bridge in Montreal, Canada.

    Opened in 1930, it shares design similarities with Brisbane’s Story Bridge. And, like many ageing structures, it faces its own challenges.

    Opened in 1930, the Jacques Cartier Bridge in Montreal, Canada, shares design similarities with Brisbane’s Story Bridge.
    Pinkcandy/Shutterstock

    However, authorities managing the Jacques Cartier Bridge have embraced a proactive approach through comprehensive structural health monitoring systems. The bridge has been outfitted with more than 300 sensors.

    Acoustic emission monitoring enables early detection of micro-cracking activity, while long-term instrumentation tracks structural deformation and dynamic behaviour across key spans.

    Satellite-based radar imagery adds a remote, non-intrusive layer of deformation monitoring, and advanced data analysis ensures that the vast amounts of sensor data are translated into timely, actionable insights.

    Together, these technologies demonstrate how a well-integrated structural-health monitoring system can support proactive maintenance, extend the life of ageing infrastructure – and ultimately improve public safety.

    A way forward for Brisbane – and beyond

    The Story Bridge’s current challenges are serious, but they also present an opportunity.

    By investing in the right structural health monitoring system, Brisbane can lead the way in modern infrastructure management – protecting lives, restoring public confidence, preserving heritage and setting a precedent for cities around the world.

    As climate change, urban growth, and ageing assets put increasing pressure on our transport networks, smart monitoring is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity.

    Andy Nguyen receives funding from the Queensland government, through the Advance Queensland fellowship. He is on the executive committee of Australian Network of Structural Health Monitoring.

    – ref. Ageing bridges around the world are at risk of collapse. But there’s a simple way to safeguard them – https://theconversation.com/ageing-bridges-around-the-world-are-at-risk-of-collapse-but-theres-a-simple-way-to-safeguard-them-260005

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – Green approach to increase wastewater recycling in regional towns – Flinders

    Source: Flinders University

    Rising rural populations, drought and climate change are making water scarcity a problem in country townships – with more efficient handling of sewage system wastewater part of the solution.

    Pioneered by Flinders University environmental health experts, local councils in South Australia are operating sustainable energy-efficient sewage treatment operations with low-cost high-rate algal pond (HRAP) systems.

    Now new research led by Flinders University is investigating improved effluent treatment and biosolids removal with ‘sequencing batch reactors’ – or low-cost ‘SBR-HRAP’ technology field trials – installed at SA Water’s Angaston wastewater treatment plant in the Barossa Valley.

    The good news is that the newer systems under development can work better and faster without major capital expense – due to the latest research of new approaches to bio-processing inside them, says Professor Howard Fallowfield, from the College of Science and Engineering at Finders University.

    The SBR techniques under development involve a new kind of algae and improved removal of waste from the water, for better quality non-potable water for use in parks, gardens, sporting fields and other purposes.

    “Supported by SA Water and the ARC Biofilm Research and Innovation Centre at Flinders, we are trialling selective enrichment of algal-bacterial combinations to produce higher quality treated effluent,” says Professor Fallowfield.

    “Using wastewater from the Angaston community, our six pilot-scale HRAP tanks will compare the performance of these improved processes against the original HRAP operations.”

    Large high-rate algal pond systems, which have been treating wastewater at local council-owned facilities near Kingston-on-Murray (since 2013) and Peterborough (since 2018) in South Australia, use low-energy paddlewheels to move township and business organic waste along shallow channels where harmless green microalgae and bacteria remove pathogens and contaminants.

    PhD candidate Felipe Sabatté, who has used a native freshwater filamentous algal population to produce higher quality clarified treated effluent, says the latest developments will be scaled up in the Angaston field trials.

    “While high-rate algal ponds are an accepted method of wastewater treatment, particularly for regional and rural communities, they utilise microalgae which are difficult to remove from the treated wastewater leading to unacceptably high suspended solids in the discharge,” says Mr Sabatté.

    “These larger filamentous algae offer the prospect of easier separation from the treated wastewater, significantly improving treated effluent quality.”

    The outcome of this research provides a new operational strategy for wastewater HRAPs, particularly for the benefit of regional and rural communities challenged with water restrictions and to help meet UN SDG6 (clean water and sanitation) targets in the long run, he says.

    See more, ‘High-rate algal ponds operated as sequencing batch reactors: Towards wastewater treatment with filamentous algae’ (2025) by Felipe Sabatté, Ryan Baring and Howard Fallowfield, just published in the Journal of Applied Phycology – DOI: 10.1007/s10811-025-03545-6

    First published 13 June 2025 – https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-025-03545-6

    This research was conducted by the Australian Research Council Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation and funded by the Australian Government.

    Also at the Angaston trial site, Flinders ARC Biofilm Research and Innovation Centre PhD researcher Sam Butterworth is investigating how to use this new technology to develop dense, algae-bacterial granules, which can be more readily removed from wastewater and to potentially reduce phosphorus levels.

    “Algae-bacterial granule formation is a positive way for biofilms to form dense, fast-settling biomass and improve treated wastewater quality,” says Mr Butterworth.

    “Using microalgae in high-rate algal ponds is increasingly seen as a better alternative to other wastewater treatment systems, such as activated sludge,” he says.

    Traditional wastewater treatment methods can use more energy and water and can be less sustainable due to higher greenhouse gas emissions.

    An independent validation of the HRAP projects approved the treated wastewater to be used for non-food crop irrigation. For example, the Kingston-on-Murray ponds supply reuse water to irrigate a woodlot, and the ponds in Peterborough provide reuse water for a golf course and a sports field.

    Working with industry, the Flinders University ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation is working on a range of sustainable and environmentally friendly research solutions. See more at the website and https://youtu.be/FbWhd-lc9z0?si=pCnUqEaDDlymcDRF

    Acknowledgements: This research was conducted by the Australian Research Council Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation (project number IC2201000003).

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Retaining wall complete at rockfall site

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Work at a rockfall site on the West Coast has reached an important milestone with the completion of a micropile retaining wall to improve resilience and safety for users of State Highway 6.

    Efforts to reduce the ongoing rockfall risk have been underway at the Epitaph Rift site, north of Haast and south of Knights Point, since a storm in November last year triggered a slip. The event required an initial highway closure and ongoing traffic management since then.

    Work at the site has included use of explosives and blasting to reduce and remove unstable pieces of rock above the road.

    See an example of the rock clearing work at the Epitaph site.(external link)

    In March, work shifted to the construction of the micropile retaining wall below road level, with funding of $1.7 million for the work.

    “This has involved the construction of 110 metres of micropiles, down to depths of up to nine metres, to ensure the stability of the outside shoulder of the highway,” says Moira Whinham, Maintenance Contract Manager for NZTA on the West Coast.

    “This wall is an important step to improving the short-term resilience of the site while work on a business case looking at long term resilience options is completed.”

    Completion of the retaining wall means two lanes of unrestricted traffic are now restored on SH6.

    “There is still some work remaining at the site to complete repairs to the road surface that was damaged during the rockfall and subsequent scaling that happened to make the site safe.  This work needs to occur in warmer temperatures and is programmed for our next construction season this coming summer,” Miss Whinham says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: YORK – Governor Shapiro Announces Full Implementation of Medical Licensure Compacts, Reducing Barriers for Health Care Workers

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    July 07, 2025 – York, PA

    ADVISORY – YORK – Governor Shapiro Announces Full Implementation of Medical Licensure Compacts, Reducing Barriers for Health Care Workers

    Governor Shapiro Announces Full Implementation of Medical Licensure Compacts, Reducing Barriers for Health Care Workers

    York, PA – Tomorrow, Governor Josh Shapiro will join lawmakers and healthcare providers to announce that Pennsylvania has fully implemented three health care licensure compacts to cut red tape and reduce barriers for qualified, licensed medical professionals.

    These compacts will streamline the application process for the more than 300,000 nurses, nearly 65,000 doctors, and more than 17,000 physical therapists currently licensed in Pennsylvania to provide care in multiple states – and allow licensed providers in other states to easily work in the Commonwealth.

    WHO:
    Governor Josh Shapiro
    Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt
    Rep. Frank Burns, Chairman of the PA House Professional Licensure Committee
    Patty Donley, Senior VP & Chief Nursing Executive, Wellspan Health
    Stephanie Watkins, Senior VP of Advocacy and Policy, Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania
    Hollis King, Student, Jersey College School of Nursing at Wellspan Health

    WHEN:
    Monday, July 7, 2025, at 11:00 AM

    WHERE:
    Wellspan Education Center
    1409 Williams Rd
    York, PA 17402

    LIVE STREAM:
    pacast.com/live/gov
    governor.pa.gov/live/

    RSVP:
    Press who are interested in attending must RSVP with the names and phone numbers for each member of their team to ra-gvgovpress@pa.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • BRICS nations support India’s bid to host COP 33; call for stronger climate action

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Leaders of the BRICS nations on Sunday welcomed India’s candidacy to host the 33rd Conference of the Parties (COP 33) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2028.

    In a joint declaration at the 17th BRICS Summit, the leaders said, “We express our full support to the Presidency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP-30, which will take place in Belém, Brazil, highlighting the importance of action and cooperation on all pillars of the UNFCCC as applicable, considering each country’s membership and commitments thereunder. We also underscore our full commitment to a successful COP30 that will catalyze progress in implementing the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement. We welcome India’s candidacy to host COP 33 in 2028.”

    The declaration reiterated the commitment of BRICS countries to remain united in pursuing the goals of the UNFCCC and called on all countries to uphold their existing commitments under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement. It urged intensified efforts in mitigation, adaptation, and providing support to developing nations, reflecting equity and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.

    The BRICS leaders called for a stronger global response to climate change, linking it to sustainable development and poverty eradication. They endorsed the BRICS Climate Leadership Agenda as a pledge to advance solutions that support development priorities while accelerating implementation of the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement.

    The joint statement also highlighted the critical role of forests in conserving biodiversity, regulating water cycles, combating desertification, and serving as carbon sinks. It noted the United for Our Forests initiative and India’s proposal to form an international Big Cats Alliance, encouraging cooperation among BRICS countries on conservation efforts.

    The leaders stressed the urgent need to reform the governance of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to ensure fairer representation and easier access to resources for developing countries, including Indigenous peoples and local communities.

    The declaration praised Brazil’s BRICS Chairship in 2025 and expressed full support for India’s Chairship in 2026 and the hosting of the 18th BRICS Summit.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with other leaders, attended the 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday. Brazil took over the BRICS Chairship on January 1, 2025, under the theme ‘Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.

    ANI

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Brian Cox CBE and Radek Rudnicki to receive honorary degrees Abertay graduation

    Source: University of Abertay

    A world-renowned Scottish actor and a pioneering sound artist will be awarded Honorary Degrees at Abertay University’s summer graduation ceremony later this month.  

    Dundee-born Hollywood star Brian Cox CBE will be recognised for his contribution to the performing arts over the last 50 years, while Radek Rudnicki will be honoured for his innovative work in new media and spatial sound.  

    The ceremony will take place on Friday 11 July at Caird Hall in Dundee, where over 400 graduates from Abertay’s academic schools will gather to celebrate the culmination of their studies.

    Photo credit: Jakub Hader

    Graduates from Abertay’s academic faculties – the Faculty of Design and Informatics and Business, the Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences, and the Graduate School – will be joined by friends, family, and members of the University leadership team, including Chancellor Professor Alice Brown and Vice-Chancellor Professor Liz Bacon, for a memorable day of celebration. 

    Professor Liz Bacon, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, said:

    Graduation is one of the most memorable days in the university calendar, and this summer we’re thrilled to celebrate not only our talented students but also two outstanding individuals whose careers represent the very best of creativity, innovation and dedication. We’re delighted to welcome Brian Cox and Radek Rudnicki to the Abertay community and to honour their extraordinary achievements.

    Brian Cox began his acting career in 1961 at Dundee Repertory Theatre, going on to become a founding member of the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh. With a stage and screen career spanning more than six decades, his breakthrough Hollywood role came in 1986’s Manhunter and has since appeared in films such as Braveheart, Adaptation, The Bourne Identity, Troy, 25th Hour and X2: X-Men United, an iconic portrayal of the much-loved Dundee comedy character Bob Servant, and most recently in the award-winning HBO drama Succession. He has received two BAFTAs, an Emmy, and a Golden Globe, and remains deeply connected to his theatrical roots, including a forthcoming return to the Dundee Rep stage in Make It Happen.

    Radek Rudnicki is a new media artist, composer, and sound designer whose work blends spatial audio and immersive storytelling. Currently the lead sound designer for the Precyzja Foundation and director of Wave Folder Records, Radek’s digital studio develops cutting-edge experiences showcased around the world. His career includes collaborations with NASA’s Goddard Institute and the Stockholm Environment Institute, and partnerships with hardware synthesizer manufacturers like Waldorf, Elektron and Cwejman. His accolades include the Emerging Excellence Award, the Provost Award for World-Class Excellence in Research. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –