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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Russia: From saving birds to educating Muscovites: how the bird rehabilitation and adaptation center in Sokolniki Park is organized

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Get to know black crows, see how tawny owls pretend to be trees, and make a bird out of feathers and wood chips – all this can be done at the bird rehabilitation and adaptation center Moscow Zoo, which opened at the end of May in Sokolniki ParkIts employees nurse wounded birds of prey listed in the Red Book back to health and release them into the wild, while telling guests about the bird world.

    mos.ru correspondents visited the center and found out what birds are found in Moscow and the Moscow region, how a background species differs from a synanthropic one, whether an injured individual can return to the wild, and why it is important to teach city residents from childhood to take care of the environment.

    First aid for predators

    The Moscow Zoo Bird Recovery and Adaptation Center is located in 1st Luchevoy Prosek. This is a fenced area among trees, above which rises a fly-in area — a pavilion under a latticed, as if woven, dome with an area of about 700 square meters. Adjacent to it is an observation deck with a lawn and greenery. From here, the entire territory of the center is clearly visible, in particular the veterinary clinic and rounded enclosures covered with panels (lamellas). Birds are comfortable in such an environment.

    “There is enough space for 100 birds here, but we do not plan to keep that many. Birds need a free life, they should fly, hunt, and not sit in a cage. Therefore, our task is to help our charges get on the wing and release them as quickly as possible. We save birds of prey, as well as storks, herons, cranes and other birds listed in the Red Book and return them to the wild,” says the head of the center, Alexander Tomashevsky.

    According to him, swifts, pigeons and grey crows can be nursed back to health by yourself or by seeking help from the nearest veterinary clinic.

    “Such bird species are called background: their population is very large, and, as sad as it may sound, the death of individual birds is part of natural selection. Therefore, we cannot take them into care. The center’s specialists work with predatory species: there are initially fewer of them in the natural food chain, and in the conditions of anthropogenic landscapes, their numbers decrease,” our interlocutor explains.

    If the found bird is classified as a predator or is included in the Red Book, leave a preliminary application by phone: 112 or the number of the single information service of the Moscow City Hall: 7 495 777-77-77. After that, the bird can be brought to the center, where veterinarians will decide on the possibility of saving it.

    Alexander Tomashevsky is a veterinarian who understands bird diseases. “Fresh injuries, no older than 10 days, are usually operable and curable, even a broken wing. Birds do not have subcutaneous tissue like humans, and in the case of a fracture, the bone pierces the muscles and comes out. If you do not provide assistance in time, this section of the bone dies. When the injury is recent, we check whether the ligaments and tendons are damaged (they cannot be restored), and if not, we install a special structure – an external fixation device,” says the head of the center.

    The fracture heals within 30 days. From the first days after the operation, the bird gradually begins to develop the injured limb. A month later, when the ability to fly freely is fully restored, it is released into the wild. “A large flight cage is not required. It is enough for the bird to try out the wing in the aviary,” explains Alexander Tomashevsky.

    The veterinary clinic is located on the territory of the adaptation center, its examination room has a glass wall so that visitors can watch how doctors examine patients. This is part of the educational work.

    In the capital Department of Nature Management and Environmental Protection remind that in the event of a situation involving wild animals that requires urgent intervention, you must call: 7 495 777-77-77. The experts also emphasize that the removal of animals from their natural environment without the appropriate permits violates environmental legislation.

    Arkasha, Karkusha and Karkasha

    There are currently 37 birds living in the center. Unfortunately, they cannot be released into the wild: some have a broken wing or leg that has not healed properly, and some were born in captivity and are unable to get food on their own.

    The birds were housed in oval outdoor enclosures, each species having its own “nest” measuring three to six square meters. Inside, there is a shelf covered with green flooring the color of the grass, dividing the space into two floors.

    Those who can fly use both tiers, while those who cannot stay on the lower tier. There are signs on the enclosures with information about the birds for those who come on excursions. They are held every hour from 10:00 to 18:00 (the last session is at 17:00).

    “These birds now act as storytellers: by watching them, visitors learn what species live in our region, become familiar with their biological characteristics and understand how important it is to protect nature. After all, it is mostly people who hurt animals. The mission of our center is, first of all, educational,” emphasizes Alexander Tomashevsky.

    One of the enclosures is home to tawny owls and long-eared owls. During the day, they sit on a perch and, frozen, pretend to be tree bark. Indeed, you won’t notice them from afar, you’ll mistake them for protrusions on the trunk. “These birds hide all day. This is because they are hunted by crows, who find tawny owls by their bright eyes,” explains the head of the center.

    Four kestrels have settled in another house. These colorful birds are synanthropic, meaning they live in cities, among people, making nests in ventilation holes. The kestrel catches mice, hovering for a long time and fluttering its wings over the fields. Often the birds lie in wait for prey by the road, which is why they become victims of motorists.

    Three more enclosures are occupied by buzzards: rough-legged, common and long-legged. “They can be used to study the geography of our country. The smallest species of buzzards live in the south, their small size allows them to cool off easily in the heat. And the large ones, on the contrary, are natives of the north, where they have to accumulate fat in case of cold and hunger,” notes Alexander Tomashevsky.

    We stop at the house of an eagle named Arkasha. He is huge. He was born and raised in captivity, so he is not afraid of people and looks with interest at bright accessories, such as a yellow umbrella. “Soon, a tall, long pavilion, originally intended for crows, will be built for him and several other eagles: we will hang a swing and various shelves there,” explains the mos.ru source.

    While we are walking around the center, the staff are feeding two black ravens – Karkusha and Karkasha. They are brother and sister, about a year old. The crows were picked up about a month ago in the park. The birds have a high level of intelligence, equal to that of a dog. They are very trainable. Therefore, Alexander Tomashevsky and his colleagues decided to keep Karkusha and Karkasha for a future show that visitors will soon be able to see.

    “We are currently teaching them not to be afraid of people. We put food on a glove so that the birds sit on the hand, and we slowly touch them. When the birds get used to human attention, we will begin training them in the nesting area: we will teach them to circle and return to the hand. While the crow chicks are small, although they look like adults, even their beaks are pink inside: a bright color in nature allows parents to find their children and bring them food. Later, the beaks will turn black,” says Angelina Rodionova, a methodologist at the Moscow Zoo’s bird rehabilitation and adaptation center.

    Birds are easy to train. For example, they can get an object from the bottom of a bottle using a stick held in their paws.

    Grains of knowledge

    The show will take place in the exhibition area, where an amphitheater for spectators will soon be built.

    “This show will be educational, not entertaining. First, we plan to conduct a tour, tell visitors about bird species, what harm humans can do to them, why all birds are important in nature, and then we will show what they can do. For example, goshawks live in forests and know no obstacles. We will demonstrate this skill: the bird will fly through a narrow pipe, folding its wings. And the black kite always hovers over its prey and never lands – the audience will see this too. We will also talk about falconry, including nature conservation, based on humane and competent use of nature,” says Alexander Tomashevsky.

    Another part of the center’s educational work is master classes, which are held on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in a separate pavilion. Participation in them is included in the price of the excursion ticket, which can be purchased at the box office at the entrance. Guests are offered to make a bird from genuine leather, feathers, pieces of wood, chips and other ecological materials. Samples of such products from previous classes are displayed on the shelves.

    “Not all people, especially children, understand how wild nature works, what laws and rules there are. Our task is to sow at least a grain of knowledge so that visitors think and take a closer look at what surrounds them,” the mos.ru source sums up.

    A nesting area, a dovecote and a crow house: what the new ornitharium of Sokolniki Park will be likeWhat endangered animals live in Losiny OstrovDalmatian pelicans arrive at the center for reproduction of rare species of animalsParticipants of the Active Citizen project have chosen a name for a hornbill chick

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channelthe city of Moscow.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155894073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Experts from the capital’s consumer portal gave recommendations for online shopping

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Online shopping has become an integral part of city residents’ lives. It can be done at any time of the day, it allows you to save time on going to the store, and also choose goods from a wider range and often at lower prices than in retail outlets. But despite the obvious advantages of distance selling, it also has disadvantages – often purchases are not delivered on time, and the quality of the purchased goods does not meet expectations. Experts capital consumer portalgave simple recommendations on what to pay attention to when shopping online, how to defend your rights and avoid falling for the tricks of scammers.

    “When choosing and paying for food, clothing, footwear or medicines on the websites of stores and marketplaces, a number of features should be taken into account. They are described in detail in the materials of the capital’s consumer portal. Step-by-step instructions are also published here to help return goods and protect consumer rights in the event of disputes. For the convenience of city residents, all thematic materials are collected in the “Remote Selling” section. In addition, you can quickly find the expert’s advice you need by entering a query in the search bar,” the press service of the capital said.

    Department of Information Technology.

    What You Need to Know About Online Trading

    The main feature of distance selling is that the buyer cannot examine the product in person before purchasing it. Therefore, the seller is obliged to provide information about its main consumer properties on their website, by phone or in other information materials (catalogs, brochures, photographs, etc.). In addition, the buyer must know the form and methods of filing claims, the procedure and terms for returning the product. You can read more about the nuances of online trading in of this publication.

    It happens that the delivered item does not look the same in reality as in the catalog on the store’s website or on the product card of the marketplace, or does not fit in color, appearance or size. This may apply to both shoes and clothes, as well as household goods. In this case, the consumer has the right to return a product of proper quality within seven days of receipt. It is important that the item retains its presentation and consumer properties. In this case, the seller may retain the costs of return shipping. And if the buyer receives a defective product, the seller is obliged to bear the costs of its transportation. Experts spoke about other details of the purchase return procedure in in this material.

    You can buy not only things online, but also over-the-counter medicines and dietary supplements (DS). However, buying these products requires a particularly careful approach to avoid possible risks. Thus, it is important to remember that the sale of drugs via the Internet is carried out by pharmacies that have had a license for at least one year and have the appropriate permission from the Federal Service for Surveillance in Healthcare. Individual entrepreneurs do not have the right to sell drugs online.

    When receiving medications, it is worth examining the packaging, checking its integrity and the presence of markings. And in order to safely purchase dietary supplements online, you need to make sure that the product has a state registration certificate. You can check this on the Rospotrebnadzor website in the section “Register of State Registration Certificates”. What else is important to pay attention to when buying medicines and dietary supplements online is explained in this expert article, and also in thematic video.

    How to protect your rights when shopping online

    You can encounter fraud and dishonesty of sellers in online trading on resources for posting ads. Experts advise using a simple algorithm of actions to protect yourself and your funds when ordering goods through marketplaces. For example, you should not communicate with the seller outside the trading platform via instant messengers, and you must pay for goods or services only through the payment services offered by the selected Internet platform. To protect the consumer from financial losses, funds are blocked until the purchase is received. The trading platform sends them to the seller only when the customer receives the order.

    If after paying for the goods there are controversial situations with the seller, which he refuses to resolve by oral appeal, the consumer has the right to make a written claim. The procedure in such a case is described in the article “Pre-trial procedure for resolving disputes on consumer rights protection issues”. You can file a claim using ready templateon the portal.

    Consumer portal was created in 2022 by the Moscow Government and the Moscow Office of Rospotrebnadzor. The resource contains more than 230 materials: articles, instructions, memos, webinars, and expert interviews. In addition to practical recommendations from experts, the publications contain the names of relevant regulations that can be relied on when communicating with legal entities or individual entrepreneurs to protect consumer rights.

    You can also get advice on consumer rights protection issues by calling the 24-hour hotline of the Rospotrebnadzor Administration for the city of Moscow: 7 495 539-36-96.

    The creation and support of information security tools, as well as counteracting cyber fraud, are in line with the objectives of the national project “Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State”.

    Get the latest news quickly official telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155904073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A Billiards Palace will appear in the Khoroshevo-Mnevniki district as part of a large-scale investment project

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    For the construction of the Billiards Palace as part of the implementation of a large-scale investment project (MaIP), the city will provide a land plot in the Khoroshevo-Mnevniki district. This was reported by Ekaterina Solovieva, Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Moscow Department of City Property.

    The construction site will be allocated on Nizhnie Mnevniki Street, next to the future tennis center and not far from the Terekhovo station of the Big Circle Line of the metro.

    “As part of the sports cluster in the Mnevnikovskaya floodplain, as part of the implementation of a large-scale investment project, a Billiards Palace will be built, which will have more than 100 tables. For this, the city will provide the investor with 2.37 hectares of land. The lease agreement for the plot is planned to be concluded for three years – this is the maximum term for the project. At the moment, a land surveying project is being developed. The total area of the facility will be 9.8 thousand square meters,” said Ekaterina Solovieva.

    The new complex will house up to 55 Russian billiard tables, 16 pool tables, 26 snooker tables and 16 Chinese eight-ball tables. It is planned that the center will be able to accommodate up to 110 visitors.

    A modern sports cluster is being created on the territory of the Mnevnikovskaya floodplain. Ice arenas, football fields, a tennis center and other facilities will appear here. For their construction, Moscow provides land for rent for the implementation of the MAIP. This mechanism of interaction between the city and investors has been in effect in the capital since 2016 and applies to industrial production and social, sports, business and transport infrastructure facilities.

    Earlier, within the framework of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Sergei Sobyanin signed construction agreement There are three large sports facilities in the Mnevnikovskaya floodplain.

    Get the latest news quickly official telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155903073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • Vinicius dazzles as Real Madrid ease past Salzburg into Club World Cup round of 16

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Vinicius Jr scored one and set up another as Real Madrid secured a 3-0 victory over RB Salzburg on Thursday to seal top spot in Group H and advance to the Club World Cup round of 16.

    The Spaniards finished with seven points, two clear of Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal, who defeated Pachuca 2-0 in the day’s other group fixture. Austria’s Salzburg, with four points, and Mexican side Pachuca, who failed to register a point, were eliminated.

    Real Madrid will next face Group G runners-up Juventus on Tuesday at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, while Al-Hilal take on Manchester City in Orlando on Monday.

    Under steady rain in Philadelphia, Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid dominated proceedings against a lacklustre Salzburg, who created few clear-cut chances.

    Salzburg’s 18-year-old goalkeeper Christian Zawieschitzky was sharp from the outset and denied Vinicius an early opener with a point-blank save.

    The Brazilian forward squandered further opportunities while Gonzalo Garcia also missed a golden chance from a Vinicius cross near the half-hour mark.

    The breakthrough finally arrived in the 40th minute with Jude Bellingham threading a perfectly timed pass through to Vinicius, who danced past two defenders and unleashed from the edge of the box to leave Zawieschitzky with no chance.

    Vinicius played a pivotal role in Real’s second during first-half added time, picking up a loose ball in the box and delivering an audacious back-heeled pass to Federico Valverde, who fired home from close range.

    Real Madrid maintained control in the second half but continued to waste chances in front of goal and it was not until the 84th minute that Gonzalo Garcia wrapped up the win, lobbing over the Salzburg goalkeeper in a quick counter.

    “I’m very happy with the goal and the assist. But now comes the most important part, the knockouts, and we’re looking forward to it,” Vinicius told DAZN.

    “The vibes were good. We played very well in the first half, but we were a bit slower in the second. That’s normal given the matches coming up, where we can’t afford to slip up.”

    Real should also be able to call on Kylian Mbappe for the knockout rounds after the French forward missed the entire group stage due to illness.

    Mbappe returned to training on Wednesday after being struck down by acute gastroenteritis last week but Alonso said they decided to leave him out of the Salzburg match to allow him to make a full recovery for the knockout stage.

    -Reuters

  • World famous Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra begins today

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A large crowd of devotees has gathered at the Jagannath Temple in Puri as the grand Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath begins today. Also known as the Chariot Festival or Shree Gundicha Yatra, this major Hindu festival is celebrated annually in Odisha with great devotion and enthusiasm.
     
    The Rath Yatra is observed on Dwitiya Tithi—the second day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) of the lunar month. This period is considered spiritually auspicious due to the increasing brightness of the moon.
     
    Renowned scholar of Jagannath culture, Suryanarayan Rath Sharma, speaking to IANS, said, “The Rath Yatra is the most ancient chariot festival in the world. It is believed that having darshan of Lord Jagannath during this Yatra grants a devotee moksha (liberation).”
     
    Millions of devotees have gathered to witness the divine journey as Lord Jagannath, along with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, embarks on a nine-day sojourn from their 12th-century abode to the Gundicha Temple.
     
    Devotees, filled with spiritual ecstasy, will pull the three majestic chariots—Nandighosh (for Lord Jagannath), Taladhwaja (for Lord Balabhadra), and Darpadalan (for Goddess Subhadra)—along a 3-kilometre route to the Gundicha Temple. According to some legends, this temple is believed to be the birthplace of the Chaturddha Murti—Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Maa Subhadra, and Sudarshan.
     
    To ensure a smooth and peaceful celebration, various departments of the state government have made elaborate preparations.
     
    “We are fully prepared for the grand Rath Yatra. All rituals and arrangements have been meticulously planned and will be carried out with equal dedication. I seek the blessings of Mahaprabhu and the cooperation of all devotees to ensure a smooth and sacred celebration,” said Puri Collector Sidharth Shankar Swain on Thursday.
     
    The city of Puri has been placed under a five-tier security blanket for the nine-day-long festival. As many as 200 platoons of police forces and eight companies from the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and other central agencies have been deployed throughout the holy town.
     
    Additionally, around 10,000 personnel from the Odisha Police, Central Armed Police Forces, and Home Guard have been stationed in and around the city to manage the massive crowd.
     
    For the first time, an integrated command-and-control system has been established to monitor the event. Police officers at central and sub-control rooms are keeping an eye on traffic and crowd movement through live feeds from approximately 275 AI-enabled CCTV cameras installed from Uttara Square to Puri Town, as well as along the Puri-Konark route.
     
    — IANS

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Lauren Underwood Delivers Remarks at Defense Funding Bill Markup to Highlight How Republican Funding Bill Undermines Military Readiness and Democracy at Home and Abroad

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14)

    WASHINGTON — During today’s House Appropriations full committee markup of the 2026 Defense funding bill, Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14) delivered the following remarks: 

    “I am unable to support the Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Appropriations Act we have before us today.   

    While it does include a few provisions I would support, especially an increase in basic pay for all military personnel and additional pay increases for junior enlisted, it fails our troops and our national security in almost every other way.  

    Our servicemembers and military families make enormous sacrifices to serve our country. The least we can do to honor those sacrifices is treat them with dignity and respect.  

    Unfortunately, the Republican Majority has chosen to use our armed services as political pawns instead of prioritizing the health and safety of our troops, their families’ quality of life, or our nation’s military readiness.   

    For starters, this bill codifies a dangerous new policy of the Trump Administration by banning servicemembers from traveling to access reproductive healthcare.   

    And thanks to the ongoing effort to ban abortion nationwide, almost half of active-duty servicewomen are effectively unable to access abortion services without traveling.  

    This extremist provision is a slap in the face to the women in uniform who risk their lives for a country that refuses to provide for their health or acknowledge their fundamental human rights.  

    I am disappointed in my Republican colleagues, but not surprised—at this point in their all-out assault on reproductive freedom, the bar is on the floor.  

    This bill also includes provisions that target LGBTQ+ servicemembers by blatantly endorsing discrimination.   

    And of course, this bill also bans funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within the D-O-D, despite widespread agreement among security professionals that a diverse talent pool is a mission-critical priority for our armed forces. 

    To give just one example of how diversity strengthens our military readiness, the Navajo Code Talkers played a key role in securing our victory in the Battle of Iwo Jima, saving countless American and Allied lives. In fact, in both World Wars, Native American servicemembers have used indigenous languages to successfully transmit secret information. 

    It recently got harder to learn about this history since the Trump Administration deleted information about the Code Talkers from D-O-D websites. 

    So let me remind my colleagues that military’s ability to recruit and retain, for example, speakers of diverse languages is essential to its ability to win battles and save American lives.  

    In other words, the GOP’s obsession with culture wars hurts our readiness for real wars. It’s foolish, it’s shortsighted, and it’s making us less safe.  

    While House Republicans are happy to rubberstamp the Trump Administration’s reckless and hateful agenda, I am not. This bill fails our servicemembers, and it fails to keep us safe, so I will be voting against it.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Charges – Assault a worker – Millner

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The NT Police Force arrested an 18-year-old male after he allegedly assaulted a shop attendant in Millner yesterday afternoon.

    About 2pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of male allegedly threatening shop attendants at a local grocery shop on Sabine Road. The male allegedly went behind the counter and attempted to open the register before the shop attendants and members of the public intervened.

    One of the shop attendants was struck with a stapler that was thrown at his head causing a minor laceration. The male fled the scene before police arrival.

    The Dog Operations Unit and Territory Safety Division officers responded. Patrol Dog Wedge was deployed and tracked the male to a location nearby where he was arrested without incident.

    The 18-year-old male has since been charged with Assault with intent to steal, Assault a worker – Suffers harm and two counts of Assault a worker. He was remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court today.

    Strike Force Trident has carriage of the investigation.

    Anyone with information in relation to this incident is urged to contact police on 131 444. You can make an anonymous report via Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pacific Partnership 2025 Conducts Mission Stop in Nuku’Alofa, Tonga, June 26, 2025 [Image 1 of 5]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga (June 26, 2025) U.S. Public Health Service Lt. Sung Jik Park, left, Environmental Health Officer with Pacific Partnership 2025 (PP-25), trains local public health officials in the quality testing of public water sources during PP-25 in Nuku’Alofa, Tonga, June 26, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)

    Date Taken: 06.26.2025
    Date Posted: 06.26.2025 23:46
    Photo ID: 9135016
    VIRIN: 250626-N-ED646-2069
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    Location: NUKU’ALOFA, TO
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  • MIL-OSI Security: Pacific Partnership 2025 Conducts Mission Stop in Nuku’Alofa, Tonga, June 26, 2025 [Image 2 of 5]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga (June 26, 2025) U.S. Public Health Service Lt. Sung Jik Park, left, Environmental Health Officer with Pacific Partnership 2025 (PP-25), trains local public health officials in the quality testing of public water sources during PP-25 in Nuku’Alofa, Tonga, June 26, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)

    Date Taken: 06.26.2025
    Date Posted: 06.26.2025 23:46
    Photo ID: 9135017
    VIRIN: 250626-N-ED646-7867
    Resolution: 8485×5661
    Size: 12.29 MB
    Location: NUKU’ALOFA, TO
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  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Klobuchar Introduce Legislation to Increase Support for Identifying and Returning Kidnapped Ukrainian Children

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) introduced their bipartisan Abducted Ukrainian Children Recovery and Accountability Act. This legislation would support Ukraine’s efforts to investigate and track the nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children who have been abducted during Putin’s brutal invasion. The bill would assist with the rehabilitation and reintegration of children who are returned and provide justice and accountability for perpetrators of these abductions.  

    “After he started the largest war in Europe since World War II, Putin kidnapped thousands of Ukrainian children to brainwash and Russify them, trying to destroy their cultural identity and heritage. These children should be returned home as soon as possible. Our bipartisan legislation supports critical tools to identify and track the location of these children and reintegrate them into their homeland. We’re also helping hold perpetrators accountable for their atrocities to ensure justice is served,” Grassley said.

    “The mass kidnapping of Ukrainian children by Russia is an atrocity. We cannot accept a world where children are abducted during wartime and used as a form of hostage-taking for negotiations. Our bipartisan legislation will provide the necessary resources to bring them home and hold the perpetrators accountable,” Klobuchar said.  

    Download text of the bill HERE.

    Background:

    This legislation follows a bipartisan resolution Grassley and Klobuchar led in May condemning Russia’s abduction and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children and demanding their return before reaching a final peace agreement.   

    In March, Grassley and Klobuchar, along with Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), led a bipartisan letter calling on the State Department to continue supporting efforts to investigate Russia’s abduction and deportation of Ukrainian children.  

    To date, Ukrainian authorities have received at least 19,546 confirmed reports of unlawful deportations and forced transfers of Ukrainian children to Russia, Belarus or Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory. The abductions aim to erase the children’s Ukrainian names, language and identity. As of April 16, Ukraine and its partners have only managed to return 1,274 abducted children.

    The State Department’s 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report found Russia recruits or uses child soldiers, has a state-sponsored policy or pattern of human trafficking and is among the worst hubs for human trafficking in the world.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU students can do an internship at the experimental fur farm of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    Researchers at the Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences invite students to take part in studying the cognitive abilities and behavioral characteristics of foxes Faculty of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University. By participating in the research, young people will be able to join the experiment on domestication of silver-black foxes, started in 1959 by the Soviet geneticist, academician Dmitry Belyaev. As a result, over decades of careful selection, scientists of the ICG SB RAS bred a population of foxes genetically adapted to humans. These animals are trusting and friendly to humans, and in adulthood they retain “childish” behavioral and external features. It is important that such friendly behavior is formed on a genetic basis and is stably maintained throughout the life of each individual and its descendants. Selection was carried out only on the basis of behavioral traits, but despite this, from generation to generation, external changes were observed in the “tame” foxes – like many domestic animals, they partially lost melanin and white spots began to appear in their color. In addition, it was found that these foxes had significantly reduced levels of cortisol (the main stress hormone) compared to their relatives from the control population, which were not subjected to behavioral selection.

    — Our experimental farm contains foxes of three populations — aggressive, wild and “friendly”. We need these groups for our research. Aggressive foxes, like “kind” ones, were selected based on behavioral characteristics, but this selection began 10 years later. “Evil” foxes perceive humans with hostility: they try to drive them away, are ready to fight back against a “stranger” or run away, and do not make contact. Representatives of the second group — “wild” ones — do not show aggression towards humans, but they are not friendly either. They are not disposed towards people, but they show interest in them. But domesticated foxes are completely tame. They strive to communicate with humans, are devoid of aggression and fear towards them. The selection of fox cubs based on “malice” or “kindness” begins at the age of one and a half months. Subsequently, they are kept in the same conditions, while the contact with people for representatives of both groups is minimal. Students who undergo practical training with us work mainly with domesticated (“kind”) foxes, said Irina Mukhamedshina, PhD in Biology and Senior Researcher at the Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics at the Scientific Research Center of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

    Currently, students of Perm State University Ksenia Besogonova and Ekaterina Morsakova are undergoing practical training at the experimental fur farm of the ICG SB RAS. The girls are studying at the Department of Vertebrate Zoology and Ecology of the Biological Faculty. Ksenia Besogonova is a first-year master’s student, and Ekaterina Morsakova is a third-year bachelor’s student. The research data they are working on during their summer practical training will form the basis of Ksenia’s master’s dissertation and Ekaterina’s diploma work. The young researchers will spend two months at the experimental fur farm of the ICG SB RAS. They are involved in experiments with domesticated and “wild” foxes and work together with experienced scientists who have been studying the behavioral characteristics of both groups of animals for many years.

    — Using special methods, we compare the behavior of tame foxes with the behavior of “wild” foxes that have not been subjected to selective breeding. We are currently at the stage of selecting individuals for the study. We have already selected 10 “wild” and 20 domesticated puppies aged 2 months. During the observations, we will observe in the enclosure how puppies of both populations and different ages interact with the environment, and then we will conduct an extrapolation test. We will record the entire research process on video. I began studying fox behavior back at Perm State University, where I am studying. Last year I worked here for the first time, and now I have come back again to continue my work, — said Ksenia Besogonova.

    — Domesticated foxes are very different from their “wild” relatives. It is very interesting to work with them. These unique animals are drawn to humans, they gladly allow themselves to be stroked, exposing their bellies. When they see people, they wag their tails like dogs. For our research, we select those in whom these qualities are most pronounced. From the “wild” ones, we choose those that are not afraid of us, show interest in us and do not try to bite. For us, as future scientists, such practice is very useful. I am sure that based on the materials of our research, we will prepare several articles for scientific collections and presentations for participation in various conferences, — Ekaterina Morsakova shared her impressions.

    The girls learned about the large-scale experiment of academician Dmitry Belyaev and his famous domesticated foxes from publications in the media and from their scientific supervisors. And the girls wanted to join this research and work with unique animals themselves.

    “It is very interesting to observe what parameters influence the behavior of foxes – both “wild” and “tame”, to compare them and establish similarities and differences,” said Ksenia Besogonova.

    — In our work, it is important not to be afraid of animals, because we interact with “tame” foxes without gloves. We also check the reaction of “wild” foxes with unprotected hands. Both can accidentally scratch or lightly bite. But it does not lead to serious wounds, because this is not a manifestation of aggression or hostility. It is just that the fox cubs study us this way, — explained Ekaterina Morsakova.

    Irina Mukhamedshina says that students are welcome here: practical training at the experimental fur farm of the ICG SB RAS can be an excellent basis for a diploma thesis or master’s dissertation, and help in conducting experiments and observations will be very important for the scientists themselves. However, she warns that this is not an easy job, requiring energy and physical effort, but it is very interesting and exciting, although perseverance, concentration and a lot of patience are important here.

    — We mainly observe animals, so we have to constantly move foxes from cages to enclosures and back. We conduct many different tests and experiments, and we have to prepare for each of them, install equipment and inventory. But still, the most important thing in our work is to love animals. And also hard work, — said Irina Mukhamedshina.

    Irina Mukhamedshina has been studying the behavior of foxes since 2010, when she began writing her diploma thesis, which was followed by a PhD dissertation, which she successfully defended three years ago.

    — I have been observing animal behavior since childhood, although at that time the object of my interest was dogs, and I became interested in foxes already in my student years. Now I am studying cognitive abilities, decision-making processes, age-related changes in the behavior of these animals. Also, our department regularly resumes studies of changes in hormonal systems during domestication. And in these works, NSU students can prove themselves as novice researchers, — explained Irina Mukhamedshina.

    More photos from the fur farm can be seenin the album by the link

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK joins ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime for the first time

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    World news story

    UK joins ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime for the first time

    This was done in partnership with Vietnam to propose joint action against human trafficking and scam centres, reinforcing commitment to regional security and law enforcement cooperation.

    The United Kingdom has participated for the first time in the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) open consultation, marking a significant milestone in its growing partnership with Southeast Asia on regional security and law enforcement cooperation. The UK was represented by the Home Office Director of International Strategy, Engagement and Devolution.

    During this event, the UK and Vietnam presented a joint proposal for future regional activity on the critical areas of trafficking in persons and scam centres, which was warmly welcomed by the group. These issues cause immense harm across the world and continue to devastate lives and undermine security.

    This engagement builds on the UK’s existing collaboration with ASEAN, including through the UK’s National Crime Agency’s formal partnership with ASEANAPOL and the UK’s active role in supporting the establishment of an ASEAN Money Laundering Working Group, in collaboration with Malaysia and UNODC.

    SOMTC Viet Nam said:

    As Country Coordinator for ASEAN-UK Dialogue Relations for the 2024–2027 period, Viet Nam is pleased to support the strengthening of this important partnership, grounded in mutual trust and a shared commitment to regional peace and stability. The ASEAN-UK Open Consultation at SOMTC represents a timely and meaningful step forward in our collective efforts to address transnational crime, particularly in areas of growing concern such as trafficking in persons and scam centres.

    The joint proposal led by SOMTC – Viet Nam and the United Kingdom reflects our common resolve to foster practical, forward-looking cooperation. We welcome the UK’s continued engagement with ASEAN and remain committed to working closely with all partners to promote a rules-based regional order, reinforce law enforcement collaboration, and protect the safety and well-being of our communities.

    Malaysia, as 2025 ASEAN Chair said:

    Malaysia together with ASEAN welcomes the United Kingdom’s inaugural participation in the SOMTC Open Consultation, which reflects ASEAN’s shared commitment in tackling the evolving threats of transnational crime.

    Malaysia looks forward in deepening collaboration with the UK and ASEAN partners, particularly in strengthening financial integrity, addressing online scams, and dismantling criminal networks that exploit regional vulnerabilities.

    The UK’s participation in SOMTC reflects its broader commitment as an ASEAN Dialogue Partner to support ASEAN centrality, regional stability, uphold international norms, and promote a safe and secure Indo-Pacific. Through continued collaboration, the UK and ASEAN aim to build more resilient institutions, strengthen law enforcement cooperation, and protect the rights and safety of people across the region.

    UK Ambassador to ASEAN, Sarah Tiffin, said:

    Transnational crime knows no borders, and neither should our cooperation. The UK is proud to stand alongside ASEAN in tackling the serious threats posed by trafficking, fraud and illicit finance (including money laundering). These crimes not only harm individuals and communities—they also erode trust, fuel corruption, weaken governance and threaten the rule of law. Our shared commitment to addressing these challenges is stronger than ever.

    The UK is pleased to work jointly with ASEAN to tackle fraud and the flow of dirty money that fuels organised crime, corruption, and instability across the region.

    The UK has committed to supporting the UNODC-INTERPOL Global Fraud Summit, taking place in March 2026, and will be hosting an Illicit Finance Summit, both of which will convene a diverse coalition of countries to accelerate the implementation of global standards and enhance long-term cooperation between governments, law enforcement and the private sector. 

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Car Loans For Bad Credit Guaranteed Approval Online 2025 By Viva Payday Loans

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, June 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Viva Payday Loans has just expanded its suite of lending options, now offering a comprehensive range of car loans and auto loans for 2025. From bad credit car loans to auto loans for bad credit, as well as car title loans, used car loans, and low interest auto loans, Viva Payday Loans connects everyday Americans with real lenders right when they need it most.

    Apply for Car & Auto Loans Online in Minutes >>

    Whether you need financing for a brand-new ride or a dependable used vehicle, Viva Payday Loans makes it simple. With a fast, secure online application, borrowers can compare the best car loans and best auto loans without ever stepping foot in a dealership. The platform works with a network of licensed lenders, providing flexible options like car loans for bad credit, auto loans rates, and even auto repair loans, perfect for covering any surprise expenses on the road.

    “Everyone deserves a fair shot at owning or fixing their car—regardless of credit,” says Maria Delgado, Chief Product Officer at Viva Payday Loans. “We’ve built a platform that puts people first, with online car loans and online auto loans available for all credit types.”

    What Makes Viva Payday Loans Different for Car and Auto Loans?

    • Instant decisions, zero dealership pressure: Apply for online car loans or online auto loans 24/7.
    • Wide lender network: Get matched for bad credit auto loans, car title loans near me, and even capital one auto loans or wells fargo car loans.
    • Current interest rates for car loans and auto loans rates are shown upfront.
    • Car loans calculator: See exactly what your payments and interest look like before you commit.
    • Transparent terms: All fees, rates, and repayment details are presented before you sign.

    Check Your Eligibility for Car Loans or Auto Loans Online >>

    Flexible Loan Options for Every US Driver

    Bad Credit Car Loans & Auto Loans for Bad Credit: Traditional banks might turn you away, but Viva Payday Loans works with lenders that look beyond your score. Bad credit car loans and auto loans for bad credit are available for those with less-than-perfect history—based on your current income, not just your past.

    Used Car Loans & New Car Loans: Compare used car loans rates or explore new car loans the platform lets you weigh your options with a simple click.

    Car Title Loans & Auto Repair Loans: Need fast cash using your vehicle as collateral? Find car title loans near me or quick auto repair loans to keep your life moving.

    Auto Refinance Loans: Already have a loan but want better terms? Search for auto refinance loans and secure low interest auto loans or even cheap car loans with better rates.

    Apply for Car Loans & Auto Loans Online in Minutes >>

    Why Borrowers Are Choosing Car Loans for Bad Credit in 2025

    • No hard credit checks to view offers
    • Same-day decisions and, in many cases, same-day funding
    • Options to refinance, extend, or pick repayment plans that fit your budget
    • Support for everyone—from first-time buyers to those needing fast auto repair loans

    How to Use the Car Loans Calculator for the Best Rates

    The Viva Payday Loans car loans calculator is a powerful tool for anyone comparing options. Simply enter the amount you want to borrow, your preferred repayment period, and see instantly calculated monthly payments and interest rate for car loans. This makes it easy to budget and find the most affordable option—whether you need low interest car loans or want to compare auto loans rates.

    Compare Interest Rates on Car Loans and Auto Loans

    Interest rates can vary widely depending on your credit, the lender, and the type of loan you choose. Viva Payday Loans shows you the current interest rates for car loans and auto loans rates from multiple lenders, including AAA car loans, capital one auto loans, and wells fargo car loans. With full transparency, you can pick the best deal with confidence.

    Online Car Loans and Auto Loans for Every Situation

    Whether you need a loan for a family vehicle, your first car, or you’re looking to repair your current ride, Viva Payday Loans is designed for all situations:

    • First-time buyers
    • Borrowers with poor or limited credit
    • Drivers looking for auto refinance loans
    • Customers searching for cheap car loans or low interest auto loans
    • Anyone who prefers online car loans without the dealership hassle

    Why Borrowers Are Choosing Viva Payday Loans in 2025

    • No hard credit checks to view offers
    • Same-day decisions and, in many cases, same-day funding
    • Options to refinance, extend, or pick repayment plans that fit your budget
    • Support for everyone—from first-time buyers to those needing fast auto repair loans

    How to Apply for Car Loans and Auto Loans with Viva Payday Loans

    1. Apply Online: Fill in a simple form about your needs car, truck, or repair.
    2. Compare Offers: Instantly see real offers for car loans, auto loans, and even car title loans.
    3. Choose and Drive: Select the best deal, review your terms, and get back on the road.

    About Viva Payday Loans

    Viva Payday Loans is an established online platform connecting Americans with trusted lenders for car loans, auto loans, personal loans, and more. With a focus on speed, clear terms, and broad eligibility, Viva Payday Loans puts you in control—so you get the funds you need, when you need them.

    Media Contact
    Mukesh Bhardwaj
    Email: mukesh@paydayventures.com

    Disclaimer: Viva Payday Loans is not a lender and does not make credit decisions. Loan approval, rates, and terms are determined by third-party lenders. Please read all terms carefully before borrowing.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Collins Receives Inaugural Lieberman Award from No Labels

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Click HERE, HERE for individual photos

    Washington, D.C. – Today, at a bicameral meeting of congressional No Labels members, U.S. Senator Susan Collins was presented with the inaugural Senator Joseph I. Lieberman Award.

    The award, established by No Labels in memory of its co-founder Senator Joseph Lieberman, recognizes courageous leaders who embody his legacy of principled pragmatism and bipartisanship. These individuals have endeavored to persuade and forge consensus for the good of the country, often in opposition to powerful constituencies within their own parties. By acting according to principle rather than party allegiance, they inspire others to follow their lead, just as Senator Lieberman did during his many illustrious years in public service.

    “I had the privilege of serving in the Senate alongside Joe Lieberman, and I saw firsthand his deep commitment to public service and bipartisanship. Joe believed that respectful dialogue could bridge even the deepest divides, and he never stopped working to bring his colleagues on both sides of the aisle together to solve problems,” said Senator Collins. “I’m honored to receive this inaugural award in memory of my good friend, and I remain committed to carrying on his spirit of cooperation as we confront the many challenges facing our nation.”

    “Susan Collins is a giant of the United States Senate who should be a model for every member of Congress who comes to Washington,” said No Labels board chair Andy Bursky. “She exudes decency, works tirelessly to understand the issues that matter most to her constituents, and has authored and led the passage of the most consequential bipartisan legislation in modern American history. She is both courageous and pragmatic, and I cannot think of anyone who better deserves No Labels’ Lieberman award.”

    Senator Collins has ranked as the most bipartisan member of the Senate in 9 of the last 11 years, according to the Lugar Center and Georgetown University’s Bipartisan Index.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: TOMORROW: Governor Newsom to respond to Trump’s Big Ugly Bill, outline devastating hit to Californians’ health care

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jun 26, 2025

    SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom will join state healthcare and social service officials to host a virtual press conference in response to Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill,” which threatens to eliminate coverage for up to 3.4 million Californians and cut at least $28.4 billion in Medicaid funding to California.

    WHEN: Friday, June 27 at approximately 1:15 p.m.

    WHO: 

    • Governor Gavin Newsom
    • Secretary Kim Johnson, California Health and Human Services Agency
    • Director Michelle Baass, California Department of Health Care Services
       

    LIVESTREAM: Governor’s Twitter page, Governor’s Facebook page, and the Governor’s YouTube page. This event will also be available to TV stations on the LiveU Matrix under “California Governor.”

    NOTE: Credentialed media interested in asking a question during the virtual press conference must RSVP by clicking here no later than 12:30 p.m., June 27. 

    Media advisories, Recent news

    Recent news

    Jun 26, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Kira Younger, of Fair Oaks, has been appointed Chief Financial Officer and Director of the Finance and Accounting Division at the California Department of Social Services. Younger has…

    Jun 26, 2025

    News What you need to know: La Passeggiata on Lindsey Street in Stockton is the latest site to be transformed from excess, underutilized state land into affordable housing under Governor Newsom’s executive order. STOCKTON — Today, state leaders broke ground on a new…

    Jun 25, 2025

    News What you need to know: There are many disingenuous claims swirling about California gas prices “set to soar” – the truth is that gas prices won’t come anywhere close to increasing by 65 cents, as many would have you believe.   SACRAMENTO – California gas prices…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrest – Escape custody – Alice Springs

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    A 30-year-old male has been arrested after he escaped custody yesterday evening in Alice Springs.

    Around 9:30pm, the male was arrested at a casino on Barrett Drive for engaging in disorderly behaviour and drinking in a public place.

    As he was being walked to the police vehicle, two males aged 32 and 34 began harassing the police member maintaining custody of the offender.

    The 30-year-old escaped custody and fled into the Todd River, evading police attempts to apprehend him.

    Additional units attended and a cordon was established. At 10:20pm, the male was re-arrested without incident. He has since been charged with Escape from custody, Disorderly behaviour in a public place and Nuisance public drinking. He was bailed to appear in court on 29 July.

    The 32 and 34-year-olds were taken into protective custody.

    Anyone who witnesses crime or antisocial behaviour is urged to contact police on 131 444. In an emergency, dial 000. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: A strange bright burst in space baffled astronomers for more than a year. Now, they’ve solved the mystery

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Clancy William James, Senior Lecturer (astronomy and astroparticle physics), Curtin University

    CSIRO’s ASKAP radio telescope on Wajarri Country. © Alex Cherney/CSIRO

    Around midday on June 13 last year, my colleagues and I were scanning the skies when we thought we had discovered a strange and exciting new object in space. Using a huge radio telescope, we spotted a blindingly fast flash of radio waves that appeared to be coming from somewhere inside our galaxy.

    After a year of research and analysis, we have finally pinned down the source of the signal – and it was even closer to home than we had ever expected.

    A surprise in the desert

    Our instrument was located at Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara – also known as the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory – in remote Western Australia, where the sky above the red desert plains is vast and sublime.

    We were using a new detector at the radio telescope known as the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder – or ASKAP – to search for rare flickering signals from distant galaxies called fast radio bursts.

    We detected a burst. Surprisingly, it showed no evidence of a time delay between high and low frequencies – a phenomenon known as “dispersion”.

    This meant it must have originated within a few hundred light years of Earth. In other words, it must have come from inside our galaxy – unlike other fast radio bursts which have come from billions of light years away.

    A problem emerges

    Fast radio bursts are the brightest radio flashes in the Universe, emitting 30 years’ worth of the Sun’s energy in less than a millisecond – and we only have hints of how they are produced.

    Some theories suggest they are produced by “magnetars” – the highly magnetised cores of massive, dead stars – or arise from cosmic collisions between these dead stellar remnants. Regardless of how they occur, fast radio bursts are also a precise instrument for mapping out the so-called “missing matter” in our Universe.

    When we went back over our recordings to take a closer a look at the radio burst, we had a surprise: the signal seemed to have disappeared. Two months of trial and error went by, until the problem was found.

    ASKAP is composed of 36 antennas, which can be combined to act like one gigantic zoom lens six kilometres across. Just like a zoom lens on a camera, if you try to take a picture of something too close, it comes out blurry. Only by removing some of the antennas from the analysis – artificially reducing the size of our “lens” – did we finally make an image of the burst.

    We weren’t excited by this – in fact, we were disappointed. No astronomical signal could be close enough to cause this blurring.

    This meant it was probably just radio-frequency “interference” – an astronomer’s term for human-made signals that corrupt our data.

    It’s the kind of junk data we’d normally throw away.

    Yet the burst had us intrigued. For one thing, this burst was fast. The fastest known fast radio burst lasted about 10 millionths of a second. This burst consisted of an extremely bright pulse lasting a few billionths of a second, and two dimmer after-pulses, for a total duration of 30 nanoseconds.

    So where did this amazingly short, bright burst come from?

    The radio burst we detected, lasting merely 30 nanoseconds.
    Clancy W. James

    A zombie in space?

    We already knew the direction it came from, and we were able to use the blurriness in the image to estimate a distance of 4,500 km. And there was only one thing in that direction, at that distance, at that time – a derelict 60-year-old satellite called Relay 2.

    Relay 2 was one of the first ever telecommunications satellites. Launched by the United States in 1964, it was operated until 1965, and its onboard systems had failed by 1967.

    But how could Relay 2 have produced this burst?

    Some satellites, presumed dead, have been observed to reawaken. They are known as “zombie satellites”.

    But this was no zombie. No system on board Relay 2 had ever been able to produce a nanosecond burst of radio waves, even when it was alive.

    We think the most likely cause was an “electrostatic discharge”. As satellites are exposed to electrically charged gases in space known as plasmas, they can become charged – just like when your feet rub on carpet. And that accumulated charge can suddenly discharge, with the resulting spark causing a flash of radio waves.

    Electrostatic discharges are common, and are known to cause damage to spacecraft. Yet all known electrostatic discharges last thousands of times longer than our signal, and occur most commonly when the Earth’s magnetosphere is highly active. And our magnetosphere was unusually quiet at the time of the signal.

    Another possibility is a strike by a micrometeoroid – a tiny piece of space debris – similar to that experienced by the James Webb Space Telescope in June 2022.

    According to our calculations, a 22 micro-gram micrometeoroid travelling at 20km per second or more and hitting Relay 2 would have been able to produce such a strong flash of radio waves. But we estimate the chance the nanosecond burst we detected was caused by such an event to be about 1%.

    Plenty more sparks in the sky

    Ultimately, we can’t be certain why we saw this signal from Relay 2. What we do know, however, is how to see more of them. When looking at 13.8 millisecond timescales – the equivalent of keeping the camera shutter open for longer – this signal was washed out, and barely detectable even to a powerful radio telescope such as ASKAP.

    But if we had searched at 13.8 nanoseconds, any old radio antenna would have easily seen it. It shows us that monitoring satellites for electrostatic discharges with ground-based radio antennas is possible. And with the number of satellites in orbit growing rapidly, finding new ways to monitor them is more important than ever.

    But did our team eventually find new astronomical signals? You bet we did. And there are no doubt plenty more to be found.

    Clancy William James receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    – ref. A strange bright burst in space baffled astronomers for more than a year. Now, they’ve solved the mystery – https://theconversation.com/a-strange-bright-burst-in-space-baffled-astronomers-for-more-than-a-year-now-theyve-solved-the-mystery-259893

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: A strange bright burst in space baffled astronomers for more than a year. Now, they’ve solved the mystery

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Clancy William James, Senior Lecturer (astronomy and astroparticle physics), Curtin University

    CSIRO’s ASKAP radio telescope on Wajarri Country. © Alex Cherney/CSIRO

    Around midday on June 13 last year, my colleagues and I were scanning the skies when we thought we had discovered a strange and exciting new object in space. Using a huge radio telescope, we spotted a blindingly fast flash of radio waves that appeared to be coming from somewhere inside our galaxy.

    After a year of research and analysis, we have finally pinned down the source of the signal – and it was even closer to home than we had ever expected.

    A surprise in the desert

    Our instrument was located at Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara – also known as the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory – in remote Western Australia, where the sky above the red desert plains is vast and sublime.

    We were using a new detector at the radio telescope known as the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder – or ASKAP – to search for rare flickering signals from distant galaxies called fast radio bursts.

    We detected a burst. Surprisingly, it showed no evidence of a time delay between high and low frequencies – a phenomenon known as “dispersion”.

    This meant it must have originated within a few hundred light years of Earth. In other words, it must have come from inside our galaxy – unlike other fast radio bursts which have come from billions of light years away.

    A problem emerges

    Fast radio bursts are the brightest radio flashes in the Universe, emitting 30 years’ worth of the Sun’s energy in less than a millisecond – and we only have hints of how they are produced.

    Some theories suggest they are produced by “magnetars” – the highly magnetised cores of massive, dead stars – or arise from cosmic collisions between these dead stellar remnants. Regardless of how they occur, fast radio bursts are also a precise instrument for mapping out the so-called “missing matter” in our Universe.

    When we went back over our recordings to take a closer a look at the radio burst, we had a surprise: the signal seemed to have disappeared. Two months of trial and error went by, until the problem was found.

    ASKAP is composed of 36 antennas, which can be combined to act like one gigantic zoom lens six kilometres across. Just like a zoom lens on a camera, if you try to take a picture of something too close, it comes out blurry. Only by removing some of the antennas from the analysis – artificially reducing the size of our “lens” – did we finally make an image of the burst.

    We weren’t excited by this – in fact, we were disappointed. No astronomical signal could be close enough to cause this blurring.

    This meant it was probably just radio-frequency “interference” – an astronomer’s term for human-made signals that corrupt our data.

    It’s the kind of junk data we’d normally throw away.

    Yet the burst had us intrigued. For one thing, this burst was fast. The fastest known fast radio burst lasted about 10 millionths of a second. This burst consisted of an extremely bright pulse lasting a few billionths of a second, and two dimmer after-pulses, for a total duration of 30 nanoseconds.

    So where did this amazingly short, bright burst come from?

    The radio burst we detected, lasting merely 30 nanoseconds.
    Clancy W. James

    A zombie in space?

    We already knew the direction it came from, and we were able to use the blurriness in the image to estimate a distance of 4,500 km. And there was only one thing in that direction, at that distance, at that time – a derelict 60-year-old satellite called Relay 2.

    Relay 2 was one of the first ever telecommunications satellites. Launched by the United States in 1964, it was operated until 1965, and its onboard systems had failed by 1967.

    But how could Relay 2 have produced this burst?

    Some satellites, presumed dead, have been observed to reawaken. They are known as “zombie satellites”.

    But this was no zombie. No system on board Relay 2 had ever been able to produce a nanosecond burst of radio waves, even when it was alive.

    We think the most likely cause was an “electrostatic discharge”. As satellites are exposed to electrically charged gases in space known as plasmas, they can become charged – just like when your feet rub on carpet. And that accumulated charge can suddenly discharge, with the resulting spark causing a flash of radio waves.

    Electrostatic discharges are common, and are known to cause damage to spacecraft. Yet all known electrostatic discharges last thousands of times longer than our signal, and occur most commonly when the Earth’s magnetosphere is highly active. And our magnetosphere was unusually quiet at the time of the signal.

    Another possibility is a strike by a micrometeoroid – a tiny piece of space debris – similar to that experienced by the James Webb Space Telescope in June 2022.

    According to our calculations, a 22 micro-gram micrometeoroid travelling at 20km per second or more and hitting Relay 2 would have been able to produce such a strong flash of radio waves. But we estimate the chance the nanosecond burst we detected was caused by such an event to be about 1%.

    Plenty more sparks in the sky

    Ultimately, we can’t be certain why we saw this signal from Relay 2. What we do know, however, is how to see more of them. When looking at 13.8 millisecond timescales – the equivalent of keeping the camera shutter open for longer – this signal was washed out, and barely detectable even to a powerful radio telescope such as ASKAP.

    But if we had searched at 13.8 nanoseconds, any old radio antenna would have easily seen it. It shows us that monitoring satellites for electrostatic discharges with ground-based radio antennas is possible. And with the number of satellites in orbit growing rapidly, finding new ways to monitor them is more important than ever.

    But did our team eventually find new astronomical signals? You bet we did. And there are no doubt plenty more to be found.

    Clancy William James receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    – ref. A strange bright burst in space baffled astronomers for more than a year. Now, they’ve solved the mystery – https://theconversation.com/a-strange-bright-burst-in-space-baffled-astronomers-for-more-than-a-year-now-theyve-solved-the-mystery-259893

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI China: Over 10 mln passengers in total for Jakarta-Bandung HSR since operation

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

    JAKARTA, June 26 — The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) has transported more than 10 million passengers as of Wednesday since it began operations on Oct. 17, 2023, PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China (KCIC), a joint venture consortium between Indonesian and Chinese firms that constructs and operates the railway announced on Thursday.

    The KCIC also noted that the HSR, a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative jointly developed by China and Indonesia, has operated 29,778 train trips and covered over 4.63 million km safely since its commercial operation.

    In response to rising travel demand, the KCIC has continuously optimized train schedules and expanded capacity. The daily number of train trips has increased from 14 at launch to 62, with seating capacity rising from 8,400 to over 37,000. The railway reached a record of 25,000 passengers in a single day, with peak occupancy rates as high as 99.64 percent.

    To support long-term localized operations, the Chinese side has provided comprehensive training to Indonesian staff through theoretical instruction, simulation drills, and on-the-job mentorship. So far, 600 Indonesian trainees have completed certification programs, with 263 receiving official recognition from Indonesia’s Ministry of Transportation. Among them, 34 drivers have begun operating high-speed trains independently under Chinese supervision.

    Passenger services have also been upgraded. Online ticketing and refund options have been introduced alongside traditional ticket counters, with support for multiple payment methods. Station facilities have been improved for smoother boarding and transfers, including better integration with taxis, light rail, and conventional rail systems.

    The Jakarta-Bandung HSR connects Indonesia’s biggest city Jakarta with Bandung in West Java province, reducing travel time between the two cities from over three hours to just 46 minutes. With a maximum operating speed of 350 km/h, the railway offers a safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly travel option.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Over 10M passengers for Jakarta-Bandung HSR since operation

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

    A passenger holding her baby is pictured on a running train on Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway in Indonesia, June 19, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) has transported more than 10 million passengers as of Wednesday since it began operations on Oct. 17, 2023, PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China (KCIC), a joint venture consortium between Indonesian and Chinese firms that constructs and operates the railway announced on Thursday.

    The KCIC also noted that the HSR, a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative jointly developed by China and Indonesia, has operated 29,778 train trips and covered over 4.63 million km safely since its commercial operation.

    In response to rising travel demand, the KCIC has continuously optimized train schedules and expanded capacity. The daily number of train trips has increased from 14 at launch to 62, with seating capacity rising from 8,400 to over 37,000. The railway reached a record of 25,000 passengers in a single day, with peak occupancy rates as high as 99.64 percent.

    To support long-term localized operations, the Chinese side has provided comprehensive training to Indonesian staff through theoretical instruction, simulation drills, and on-the-job mentorship. So far, 600 Indonesian trainees have completed certification programs, with 263 receiving official recognition from Indonesia’s Ministry of Transportation. Among them, 34 drivers have begun operating high-speed trains independently under Chinese supervision.

    Passenger services have also been upgraded. Online ticketing and refund options have been introduced alongside traditional ticket counters, with support for multiple payment methods. Station facilities have been improved for smoother boarding and transfers, including better integration with taxis, light rail, and conventional rail systems.

    The Jakarta-Bandung HSR connects Indonesia’s biggest city Jakarta with Bandung in West Java province, reducing travel time between the two cities from over three hours to just 46 minutes. With a maximum operating speed of 350 km/h, the railway offers a safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly travel option.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Ukraine, Russia conduct fresh prisoner exchange

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

    Ukraine and Russia on Thursday carried out another round of their prisoner exchange, according to Ukraine’s Coordinating Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War.

    The swap involved soldiers under the age of 25, as well as ill and wounded servicemen from the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service, the agency said in a statement.

    Most of those released had been in captivity for more than three years, with some having taken part in the battles for Mariupol, the statement said.

    All returning soldiers will undergo medical examination, receive psychological support and physical rehabilitation, it said.

    Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized in his post on Telegram the importance of bringing all Ukrainians home from Russian captivity.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Lack of essentials in Gaza leads to increase in preventable diseases: UN

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

    Palestinians gather to receive food aid at a food assistance distribution point in Gaza City, on June 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    UN humanitarians said Thursday that its partners delivering health aid in Gaza reported a spike in preventable diseases linked to a lack of clean water, sanitation and fuel.

    The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that in the last two weeks, more than 19,000 cases of acute watery diarrhea were recorded, alongside more than 200 cases each of acute jaundice syndrome and bloody diarrhea.

    “These outbreaks are directly linked to the lack of clean water and sanitation in Gaza, underscoring the urgent need for fuel, medical supplies, and water, sanitation and hygiene items to prevent further collapse of the public health system,” the humanitarians said.

    Palestinians collect items in the rubble of a destroyed building after an Israeli airstrike at the Shati refugee camp, west of Gaza City, on June 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The partners also reported yet another mass casualty incident for Al Aqsa Hospital following an airstrike in Deir al-Balah.

    They said the hospital received more than 20 people killed and 70 others injured. Additional wounded patients had to be transferred to Nasser Medical Complex and two other health facilities.

    “Civilians in Gaza continue to be killed or injured daily, whether in Israeli airstrikes, shelling, or while trying to find food for their families,” said OCHA. “These tragic events must not be normalized and must come to an immediate end.”

    On a more positive note, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported delivering its first medical shipment into Gaza since March 2, when Israel imposed a full blockade on the strip. Nine trucks carrying essential medical supplies, 2,000 units of blood, and 1,500 units of plasma were transported from the Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem border crossing.

    Palestinians carry aid they received from trucks that entered the northern Gaza Strip, at a street north of Gaza City, on June 22, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The WHO said the supplies were being distributed to priority hospitals. The blood and plasma were delivered to the cold storage facility at Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, to be distributed to hospitals facing critical shortages amid a growing influx of injuries, many linked to incidents at the non-UN, militarized food distribution sites run by the United States.

    The WHO said the shipment of the badly needed medical supplies is only a drop in the ocean.

    OCHA said that to meet humanitarian needs and help reduce looting, it is essential to increase the flow of humanitarian and essential commercial goods into Gaza through multiple crossings and routes and facilitate their safe distribution across the strip.

    The office said that on Wednesday, six out of 17 attempts to coordinate humanitarian movements inside Gaza were rejected outright by the Israeli authorities. The planned UN missions included trucking water and repairing roads. Nine other coordination attempts, including the removal of solid waste and collection of cargo from the crossings, were facilitated by the Israeli authorities. Two additional attempts were not made.

    “The continued restrictions on humanitarian access are severely undermining life-saving operations,” the office said.

    People carry the bodies of three Palestinians killed in an Israeli settler attack in the town of Kafr Malik east of Ramallah, central West Bank, on June 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    OCHA said it is gravely concerned about escalating violence and Israeli settler attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank.

    The office said it documented an attack where three Palestinians were killed and several others injured when hundreds of settlers, some armed and accompanied by Israeli forces, raided the village of Kafr Malik and set fire to occupied homes on Wednesday. The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics in the Ramallah governorate reported that Kafr Malik has a population exceeding 3,000.

    OCHA said that in another attack on Wednesday, about 20 settlers set fire to farmland in Asira al Qibliya village in Nablus governorate.

    “Civilians continue to bear the brunt of this prolonged Israeli occupation,” the office said of violence in Gaza and the West Bank. “OCHA reiterates its call for the protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel, full respect for international law, and unfettered humanitarian access.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Iranian Supreme Leader says US gains nothing from war with Iran

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

    Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei attends the second round of Iran’s 12th parliamentary election in Tehran, Iran, May 10, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said on Thursday the United States gained nothing from the war against Iran and instead received a “harsh slap” in the face.

    He made the remarks in a video message broadcast by state-run IRIB TV while congratulating the Iranian nation on its “victory” in the war with Israel and the United States.

    “Despite all its propaganda and claims, Israel was almost knocked down and crushed under Iran’s blows,” said Khamenei.

    He added that the Iranian missiles and other weapons managed to pass through Israel’s “advanced multi-layered defense” and raze to the ground many of Israel’s urban and military areas.

    Khamenei said Israel should know that any aggression against Iran would be heavily costly for it.

    He added the United States entered the war to rescue Israel, “but accomplished nothing from this war.”

    He noted that the United States exaggerated its achievements in the war because they failed to achieve their objective and needed that to cover up the truth, emphasizing that “here again, the Islamic Republic of Iran achieved victory and responded by giving the United States a harsh slap in the face.”

    Khamenei said Iran attacked U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, “which is among the U.S. important bases in the West Asia region,” and inflicted damages, stressing that some sought to downplay it and said nothing had happened.

    On June 13, Israel launched major airstrikes on different areas in Iran, including nuclear and military sites, killing several senior commanders, nuclear scientists and many civilians. Iran responded by launching several waves of missile and drone attacks on Israel, inflicting casualties and damage.

    On Saturday, the U.S. Air Force bombed three Iranian nuclear sites of Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. In retaliation, Iran on Monday struck the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar with missiles.

    Following the 12-day war, a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was achieved on Tuesday.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China intensifies anti-drug campaign with digital technology

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

    In a dim karaoke room, lights flicker to a thumping beat. Drugs sit openly on the table, untouched. This isn’t real — it’s virtual reality (VR), designed to trigger the cravings addicts fight against every day.

    At the Tiantanghe Drug Rehabilitation Center on the southern outskirts of Beijing, this high-tech form of therapy plunges recovering addicts into virtual recreations of the places they find most tempting — KTV lounges and hotels.

    Across the country, many drug rehabilitation centers have, like Tiantanghe, introduced this innovative therapy as part of a broader initiative to enhance their rehabilitation efforts.

    “Some may think they’ve overcome their addiction,” said Wen Xinhua, a rehabilitation officer at the center. “Others might not even recognize the deep triggers buried within them. But once they put on the VR headset and face real-world temptations, their brainwave data reveals the truth.”

    This data helps gauge the severity of addiction and acts as a crucial checkpoint for those who believe they’ve overcome their struggles. It’s the ultimate test, proving whether they’re truly prepared to re-enter society without relapsing.

    Wen introduced this concept as he led recent visitors from all walks of life around the center during its weeklong Open Day event. The event was held in conjunction with International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which was on Thursday.

    The United Nations designated the day as June 26, one day after the anniversary of Qing Dynasty official Lin Zexu’s destruction of about 1,400 tonnes of foreign-smuggled opium in south China in 1839.

    Lin’s move is regarded as a milestone chapter of China’s battle against opium, and the Chinese people’s resolve to eliminate drugs has never wavered.

    Since 1949, the Chinese government has worked tirelessly to control drugs. For example, cultivating and using marijuana are strictly forbidden, with traffickers facing the death penalty in extreme cases.

    In 2024, Chinese authorities concluded 37,000 drug-related criminal cases, making 62,000 related arrests and seizing 26.7 tonnes of narcotics nationwide, according to the Ministry of Public Security.

    The majority of drugs seized in China originated from abroad, according to a report from the Office of China National Narcotics Control Commission.

    Throughout 2024, China seized 16.3 tonnes of narcotics from overseas sources, representing a 20 percent year-on-year decrease. The Golden Triangle region remained China’s primary drug source, accounting for 76 percent of all seized foreign narcotics.

    Li Xiaoguang, a senior judge of the Supreme People’s Court, highlighted the rise of new types of drugs in China, which he said are outpacing traditional drug offenses in number, at a recent news conference.

    They come in various forms — often disguised as candy, stamps or cigarettes, making them deceptive and difficult to detect, Li said.

    He also noted a troubling trend of younger individuals becoming increasingly involved, both as victims and as offenders.

    Strengthening education on drug prevention for young people — particularly students in elementary and secondary schools — is a key component of China’s drug control efforts.

    In a recent anti-drug educational seminar at a primary school in Linfen, north China’s Shanxi Province, VR technology was used to simulate the uncomfortable effects of drug use.

    Students wore VR headsets to experience the physical toll of addiction, dangerous behaviors resulting from hallucinations, and the emotional devastation drugs can bring to families.

    The immersive experience gave them a stark, firsthand look at the destructive impact drugs can have on both the body and the mind.

    “Putting on the VR glasses was like seeing what happens when people take drugs for real. It was really scary! I’ll definitely stay away from drugs,” one student said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst: Washington-opoly is a Losing Game for Taxpayers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    WASHINGTON – With the federal government clinging to a bloated and costly real estate portfolio of 7,700 vacant buildings and 2,265 largely empty properties, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) says it’s game over for Washington-opoly, the swamp’s backwards game where taxpayers always lose.
    Ernst unveiled her board of underutilized federal fixer uppers that her FOR SALE Act will put on the auction block to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue and save taxpayers billions more in overdue maintenance.

    Click here to watch Ernst play the game.
    Ernst’s full remarks below:
    “Uncle Sam is the nation’s largest landlord.
    “Yet, he will never win a round of Monopoly, the classic boardgame where players try to make money—and avoid going bankrupt—by buying, renting, and selling property.
    “That’s because Uncle Sam, who is already $37 trillion in debt, refuses to sell off unused and unneeded properties that are costing tens of millions of dollars a year to maintain.
    “Many of Uncle Sam’s properties are also fixer uppers, requiring billions of dollars in much-needed renovations and overdue upgrades.
    “Some of which are listed on this board. 
    “Holding onto unaffordable properties that are nearly vacant, while being just a roll or two away from going bankrupt, is not only a losing strategy in Monopoly, but also a bad gameplan in real life.
    “But Uncle Sam gets away with it because Washington plays by its own set of rules.
    “And no matter how you roll the dice, Washington-opoly is a losing game for taxpayers.
    “To demonstrate, why don’t we play a round? 
    “We rolled a three!
      
    “We landed on the Department of Agriculture, South Building in Washington, D.C.
    “And guess what folks?
    “It’s owned by good ole Uncle Sam!
    “Let’s look at the stats for the USDA South Building.
    “78% of this building isn’t even being used on a day-to-day basis.
    “Yet, we are paying more than $11 million for utilities every year;
    “And the building requires $1.7 billion for repairs and upgrades.
    “We could hold onto this property and pay these costs for a nearly empty building…
    “Or we could sell it and make $261 million or more.
    “What would you do?
    “Well, Uncle Sam has decided to keep it and is passing along the costs to taxpayers.
    “Let’s roll again… 
    “Two!
      
    “We landed on Community Chest!
    “Let’s pick up a card.
    “PAY $81 MILLION FOR UNUSED PROPERTY.
    “That’s right folks, every year, Uncle Sam pays out over $81 million maintaining underutilized offices. 
    “This includes nearly 7,700 vacant buildings and another 2,265 that are largely empty.
    “No wonder the non-partisan Public Buildings Reform Board, says Washington’s ‘wasteful real estate practices would not endure for so long in a private sector company.’
    “But when playing Washington-opoly, Uncle Sam doesn’t pay the costs for his wasteful decisions, you do!
    “How about take one more turn…
    “Six!
      
    “This time we landed on Chance, so we get to pick another card.
    “There’s our Chance card.
    “PASS THE FOR SALE ACT AND ADVANCE TO GO.
    “Folks, that is exactly the type of chance we need to protect taxpayers.
    “Selling off Uncle Sam’s unneeded property has long been tied up by overly restrictive red tape and bureaucratic barriers.
    “To revamp Washington’s real estate rules, I introduced The FOR SALE Act.
    “Passing this bill will put six pieces of prime property in the nation’s capital on the auction block immediately.
    “Selling just these spots will bring in at least $400 million while also canceling costs, including $2.9 billion for overdue maintenance.
    “This is just the first step in downsizing Uncle Sam’s unused, unneeded, and unaffordable real estate holdings.
    “To any interested potential buyers, you can build a house, or even a hotel, on these properties and earn rent, just like in Monopoly.
    “But best of all, taxpayers finally get to advance to ‘Go’ and collect $400 million.
    “That, folks, is how you win the game!”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Gaza Special Report – “It’s a death trap” – Children killed or injured in half of fatal food distributions in Gaza this month – Save the Children

    Source: Save the Children

    Children have been killed or injured in more than half of the fatal attacks at food distribution sites in Gaza since the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) began operating four weeks ago, said Save the Children.
    Save the Children analysed reports from the Gaza Media Office and the UN on the number and type of casualties at GHF and other aid distribution points since 27 May 2025, and found in 19 deadly incidents reported, children were among the casualties in 10 of them- or more than half of all incidents [1].
    Some families in Gaza are so desperate – in some cases due to a lack of a healthy adult – that they are sending children to collect food at distribution points, unavoidably exposing them to the risk of being shot by Israeli forces, said Save the Children.
    Since 27 May, more than 500 Palestinians have been killed and at least 3,000 injured by Israeli forces while trying to access aid, either at or on route to GHF distribution points, or while attempting to approach the very few other aid convoys delivered by the UN or NGOs, according to OHCHR.
    Save the Children staff in Gaza say family members and neighbours have witnessed or experienced carnage at the distribution sites over the past month. Save the Children staffer Mohamed- said his neighbour, a father of four, had no choice but to go to a distribution as his family had run out of food and money. He went to Rafah and was shot and killed. Mohamad is now trying to help his neighbour’s widow; he says she is now destitute and traumatised – her children crying all the time.
    Another staffer, Abdallah-, said that a member of his extended family went to a distribution site this month and witnessed a man shot and left bleeding on the ground. He said people were running over the injured man, trying to get to the food, with no one able to stop and help.
    Save the Children’s Regional Director for the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe, Ahmad Alhendawi, said:
    “No-one wants to get aid from these distribution points and who can blame them – it’s a death sentence. People are terrified of being killed. One colleague told us today that even though his family is down to eating one meal a day, he won’t go to a GHF distribution, because he believes his life is worth more than a bag of flour.
    “And to add to the dystopian horror show, children are also being killed and injured trying to reach aid – aid they have a right to. Other families tell us they are now too weak to compete to pick up food. What is happening here is nothing short of abhorrent.
    “No child should be killed searching for food. This is not a humanitarian operation – it’s a death trap. Forcing civilians into fenced-in zones only for them to be gunned down is the opposite of humanitarian – it’s inhumane. And it is not the only option. There is an established humanitarian aid system which must be allowed to function. States have a choice. They can’t undo the past, but they can act now – to stop this, uphold international law, and let experienced humanitarian organisations deliver aid safely and with dignity. A party to conflict cannot be allowed to continue weaponising aid, humanitarian access, and starvation.”
    The Government of Israel continues to maintain a siege on the majority of lifesaving supplies and commercial goods entering Gaza, creating a situation termed by UN officials as ‘ engineered scarcity.’ While death and injury remain the primary risks for children at these distribution sites, the UN has reported additional risks including separation from families.
    Save the Children is running a primary healthcare centre in Deir Al-Balah, providing essential services to children, mothers, and families, including screening and treatment for malnutrition. Our teams deliver lifesaving water, run child-friendly spaces that offer safe places for children to play and receive psychosocial support, and set up temporary learning centres to help children continue their education during the crisis. Since the collapse of the pause on March 18, it has become extremely difficult for our staff to deliver these vital services, despite the colossal needs.
    -Names changed to protect identities
    [1] Save the Children analysed reports from the Gaza Media Office and the UN on the number and type of casualties at GHF and UN distribution points since 27 May 2025. Save the Children found in the 19 fatal incidents reported, children were among the casualties reported in 10 incidents – or more than half. 
    About Save the Children NZ:
    Save the Children works in 120 countries across the world. The organisation responds to emergencies and works with children and their communities to ensure they survive, learn and are protected.
    Save the Children NZ currently supports international programmes in Fiji, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Laos, Nepal, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Areas of work include child protection, education and literacy, disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation, and alleviating child poverty.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 27, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 27, 2025.

    Travelling with food allergies? These 8 tips can help you stay safer in the skies
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jennifer Koplin, Evidence and Translation Lead, National Allergy Centre of Excellence; Chief Investigator, Centre of Food Allergy Research; Associate Professor and Group Leader, Childhood Allergy & Epidemiology Group, Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland Anchiy/Getty Images With the school holidays approaching, many families will be

    Cats at 40: a dazzling cast – stuck in an outdated show
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Karen Cummings, Lecturer in Singing, University of Sydney The star of the 40th anniversary production of Cats – which premiered at the Theatre Royal Sydney last week – is the performing ensemble. Some ensemble scenes, such as The Jellicle Ball, offered the same joy and exhilaration as

    Earth is trapping much more heat than climate models forecast – and the rate has doubled in 20 years
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Steven Sherwood, Professor of Atmospheric Sciences, Climate Change Research Centre, UNSW Sydney NASA, CC BY-NC-ND How do you measure climate change? One way is by recording temperatures in different places over a long period of time. While this works well, natural variation can make it harder to

    The NDIA is changing how it pays for disability supports. What does that mean for rural communities?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Edward Johnson, Lecturer in Social Entrepreneurship and Co-Founder of Umbo, University of Sydney Shutterstock Each year, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) reviews its pricing rules to ensure services funded under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) remain sustainable. This year’s annual pricing review outlines changes that

    1 in 5 community footy umpires have been assaulted, while others cop death threats: new research
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alyson Crozier, Senior Lecturer, Exercise and Sport Psychology, University of South Australia Scott Barbour/Getty Images Umpires’ decisions often upset sports fans, especially during a close contest. At most games, spectators boo loudly, coaches throw their hands up in frustration and players can yell or even physically intimidate

    NATO’s 5% of GDP defence target ramps up pressure on Australia to spend vastly more
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jennifer Parker, Adjunct Fellow, Naval Studies at UNSW Canberra, and Expert Associate, National Security College, Australian National University After lobbying by US President Donald Trump, NATO leaders have promised to boost annual defence spending to 5% of their countries’ gross domestic product (GDP) by 2035. A NATO

    Beyond playgrounds: how less structured city spaces can nurture children’s creativity and independence
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jose Antonio Lara-Hernandez, Senior Researcher in Architecture, Auckland University of Technology Getty Images Children’s play is essential for their cognitive, physical and social development. But in cities, spaces to play are usually separated, often literally fenced off, from the rest of urban life. In our new study,

    Lung cancer screening is about to start. What you need to know if you smoke or have quit
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Olver, Adjunct Professsor, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide Magic mine/Shutterstock From July, eligible Australians will be screened for lung cancer as part of the nation’s first new cancer screening program for almost 20 years. The program aims to detect

    The drought in southern Australia is not over – it just looks that way
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew B. Watkins, Associate research scientist, School of Earth, Atmopshere & Environment, Monash University Andrew Watkins How often do you mow your lawn in winter? That may seem like an odd way to start a conversation about drought. But the answer helps explain why our current drought

    One bad rainstorm away from disaster: why proposed changes to forestry rules won’t solve the ‘slash’ problem
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Bloomberg, Adjunct Senior Fellow, Te Kura Ngahere-New Zealand School of Forestry, University of Canterbury Murry Cave/Gisborne District Council, CC BY-SA The biggest environmental problems for commercial plantation forestry in New Zealand’s steep hill country are discharges of slash (woody debris left behind after logging) and sediment

    Whatever happened to the Albanese government’s wellbeing agenda?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Sollis, Research Fellow, University of Tasmania DavideAngelini/Shutterstock The Albanese government devoted time and energy in its first term to developing a wellbeing agenda for the economy and society. It was a passion project of Treasurer Jim Chalmers, who wanted better ways to measure national welfare beyond

    What do the Bible, the Quran and the Torah say about the justification for war?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robyn J. Whitaker, Associate Professor, New Testament, & Director of The Wesley Centre for Theology, Ethics, and Public Policy, University of Divinity Wars are often waged in the name of religion. So what do key texts from Christianity, Islam and Judaism say about the justification for war?

    Brands want us to trust them. But as the SPF debacle shows, they need to earn it
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Harrison, Director, Master of Business Administration Program (MBA); Co-Director, Better Consumption Lab, Deakin University It’s quite unsettling to discover something so central to our cultural rituals – the “slop” in the Aussie mantra of “Slip! Slop! Slap!” – can no longer be trusted. We’ve never really

    Streaming giants have helped bring Korean dramas to the world – but much is lost in translation
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sung-Ae Lee, Lecturer, Macquarie University In less than a decade, Korean TV dramas (K-dramas) have transmuted from a regional industry to a global phenomenon – partly a consequence of the rise of streaming giants. But foreign audiences may not realise the K-dramas they’ve seen on Netflix don’t

    ‘Don’t surrender’ to Indonesian pressure over West Papua, Bomanak warns MSG
    Asia Pacific Report A West Papuan independence movement leader has warned the Melanesian Spearhead Group after its 23rd leaders summit in Suva, Fiji, to not give in to a “neocolonial trade in betrayal and abandonment” over West Papua. While endorsing and acknowledging the “unconditional support” of Melanesian people to the West Papuan cause for decolonisation,

    Grattan on Friday: Jim Chalmers juggles expectations and ambition in pursuing tax reform
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Next week will be the 40th anniversary of the Hawke government’s tax summit. Dominated by then treasurer Paul Keating’s unsuccessful bid to win support for a consumption tax, it was the public centrepiece of an extraordinary political and policy story.

    There’s gold trapped in your iPhone – and chemists have found a safe new way to extract it
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Justin M. Chalker, Professor of Chemistry, Flinders University A sample of refined gold recovered from mining and e-waste recycling trials. Justin Chalker In 2022, humans produced an estimated 62 million tonnes of electronic waste – enough to fill more than 1.5 million garbage trucks. This was up

    Politics with Michelle Grattan: Ken Henry on changing the tax system to give struggling workers a fairer go
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra In August, the Albanese government will hold an economic “roundtable” that will discuss productivity, budget sustainability and resilience. Australia’s tax system will be one of the central issues, and stakeholders are gearing up with their varying arguments for changes. Ken

    As one of Shakespeare’s least performed plays, Coriolanus is startlingly relevant under Trump 2.0
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kirk Dodd, Lecturer in English and Writing, University of Sydney Brett Boardman/Bell Shakespeare Coriolanus is one of Shakespeare’s least performed plays; perhaps because the hero is so pugnacious and classist, impressive in his strident vehemence, but lacking the vulnerability of a Macbeth or Othello. Set in the

    Magpies may not be a pesky Australian import – new research finds their ancestors thrived in NZ a long time ago
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vanesa De Pietri, Senior Research Fellow in Palaeontology, University of Canterbury Shutterstock/Russ Jenkins For many New Zealanders, the Australian magpie is a familiar, if sometimes vexing, sight. Introduced from Australia in the 1860s, magpies are known for their territorial dive-bombing during nesting season, which has cemented their

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Dunhuang event highlights cross-Strait collaboration to promote Chinese heritage

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

    LANZHOU, June 26 — An event urging joint efforts from both sides of the Taiwan Strait to promote Chinese heritage was held on Thursday in Dunhuang, Gansu Province.

    The event, held at the Dunhuang Academy, saw about 180 participants, including scholars, researchers and students from both sides of the Strait, gather to celebrate and strengthen cultural ties.

    Addressing the event, Song Tao, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, emphasized the importance of both sides of the Strait standing united in promoting Chinese culture.

    Calling on compatriots on both sides to carry forward Chinese cultural heritage and strengthen confidence in Chinese culture, he stressed the importance of adhering to the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, and of firm opposition to “Taiwan independence” and external interference.

    Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, also addressed the gathering, underscoring the deep cultural connections between the people on both sides.

    Noting that Chinese culture, with its long and profound history, is an invaluable asset and represents an unbreakable bond between the two sides of the Strait, Ma emphasized the need for joint efforts to pass down this cultural legacy and ensure its global impact.

    Youth representatives from both sides of the Taiwan Strait also shared their perspectives, saying that the cultural ties between the two sides will remain strong and unbroken, no matter the challenges that arise.

    The event was co-hosted by the Dunhuang Academy and the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese FM holds talks with Armenian counterpart

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

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan in Beijing, capital of China, June 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan in Beijing on Thursday.

    Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China and Armenia have always respected and trusted each other, and that China is willing to work with Armenia to carry forward their friendship, consolidate mutual trust, deepen cooperation, contribute to the development and rejuvenation of the two countries, and create more benefits for their peoples.

    Wang said China is willing to work with all countries, including Armenia, to practice true multilateralism and safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core, as well as the international order based on international law. China is also ready to promote the implementation of the three major global initiatives, and jointly build a community with a shared future for all.

    China will, as always, support Armenia in safeguarding its national sovereignty and independence, and in forging a path that is supported by its people and in line with its national conditions, he said, adding that China appreciates Armenia’s adherence to the one-China principle and its firm support for China’s position on issues concerning its core interests.

    Mirzoyan said that Armenia will continue to follow the one-China policy and support China in safeguarding its core interests, and is willing to deepen cooperation with China in such fields as connectivity, economy and trade. Armenia is also ready to strengthen coordination with China on international and regional affairs, and to establish a more stable, friendly and strategic partnership between the two countries.

    The two sides also exchanged views on deepening cooperation within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and on issues related to the Israel-Iran conflict.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese, French legislative bodies pledge to strengthen ties

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

    Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, and Yael Braun-Pivet, speaker of the French National Assembly, co-chair the 12th meeting of the exchange mechanism between the legislative bodies of China and France, in Beijing, capital of China, June 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China’s top legislator Zhao Leji and Yael Braun-Pivet, speaker of the French National Assembly, co-chaired a meeting in Beijing on Thursday, pledging to strengthen ties.

    China is willing to enhance all-round exchanges and cooperation with France, Zhao said in a keynote address at the 12th meeting of the exchange mechanism between the legislative bodies of China and France.

    Zhao, chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said both sides should deepen cooperation in traditional fields, expand cooperation in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and green and low-carbon development, and properly resolve trade differences through consultation and dialogue.

    He called on the two countries to deepen exchanges in culture, education and tourism and strengthen coordination in multilateral frameworks, adding that China believes France will abide by the one-China principle with concrete actions.

    As this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union, China hopes for continuously improving China-EU relations that inject more stability and positive energy into the world, he said.

    This meeting marks the resumption of the exchange mechanism between the two legislative bodies after a five-year hiatus, and is of great significance for deepening the cooperation between the two sides, Zhao said.

    Zhao said China’s NPC is willing to work with the French parliament to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and provide legal support for practical cooperation between the two countries, adding that the NPC is ready to enhance exchanges and cooperation with the European Parliament.

    In the face of grave international situation, it is of vital importance for France and China, supporters of multilateralism, to enhance communication and solidarity, Braun-Pivet said.

    The French side hopes to strengthen cooperation with the Chinese side in trade and investment, artificial intelligence, climate change, culture and education, and jointly address global challenges, Braun-Pivet said.

    She said the French National Assembly is willing to deepen dialogue with the NPC of China to inject new vitality into the development of France-China relations.

    MIL OSI China News –