NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Australia: From whisper to warrant: $4.4 million of illicit tobacco seized

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    The Australian Taxation Office (ATO), with support from Victoria Police, has seized and destroyed over 20 tonnes of illicit tobacco from a property North-East of Shepparton, Victoria.

    On Thursday 5 June a search warrant revealed a mature tobacco crop spanning nearly 6 acres, the equivalent of approximately 456 tennis courts. Officers also seized several trays of tobacco seedlings from the property.

    The estimated excise value of the illicit tobacco uncovered under Operation Ocean is $4.4 million.

    ATO Assistant Commissioner Jade Hawkins commended the results of the operation, with the destruction of tobacco crops showing the ATO’s removing illicit tobacco from the community.

    ‘Detecting, disrupting and dismantling the illicit tobacco trade is a priority for the ATO.’

    ‘These operations are run by criminal syndicates, not farmers or producers. They put the Australian community at risk when they use profits from these activities to fund other serious crimes.’

    ‘Involvement in illicit tobacco production is a serious offence. There are hefty penalties for possessing, selling, buying, manufacturing, or producing illicit tobacco, including jail terms for up to 10 years imprisonment.’

    ‘This type of activity takes vital money away from the community and places it directly into the hands of organised criminals who mistakenly think they can sail under the radar,’ Ms Hawkins said.

    Operation Ocean adds to the 90 completed illicit tobacco operational activities between 1 July 2018 and 30 June 2024.

    ‘A wave of illicit tobacco has been stopped in its tracks, with this warrant activity surfacing thanks to a tip-off from the community,’ Ms Hawkins said.

    Community tip-offs are one of the ATO’s best sources of information as they provide crucial information to assist in the fight against illicit tobacco.

    It’s illegal to grow tobacco in Australia without the appropriate excise licence and currently no one is licensed to do so.

    Signs that land is being used to grow, manufacture or produce illicit tobacco include:

    • construction activities along creeks and rivers on private and public land
    • unexplained and potentially unlawful use of water resources
    • vans with no markings being loaded with cardboard boxes, at odd hours of the day and night
    • the sound of machinery running overnight
    • excessive security measures such as cameras, locks or guards.

    If you suspect that illicit tobacco is being grown, manufactured, or sold in your community, you can confidentially report it to the ATO online at ato.gov.au/tipoff, or phone 1800 060 062.

    Visit ato.gov.au/illicittobacco to learn more about the signs of tobacco plants and what to look out for in your community.

    Images

    Notes to journalists

    • Between 1 July 2018 and 30 June 2024, our Illicit Tobacco team completed 90 operational activities. These included 19 Illicit Tobacco Taskforce (whole of government) operations, 31 ATO specific operations and 40 state law enforcement support operations.
    • These operations resulted in:
      • 627 acres of illicit tobacco crops located, seized and destroyed with a total weight of 3,746,240 kilograms
      • 39,224 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco located, seized and destroyed
      • 21,759,340 cigarettes located, seized and destroyed
      • total estimated equivalent tobacco duty foregone value of above $723 million.
    • From July 2018 to January 2025 there have been 30 convictions by the ATO for illicit tobacco with sentences ranging up to 3 years imprisonment.
    • A high-resolution headshotThis link will download a file of Assistant Commissioner Jade Hawkins is available for download from our media centre.
    • ATO stock footage and images are available for use in news bulletins from our media centre.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Local artists take centre stage in 2025 Art Awards

    Source: South Australia Police

    Anna Speirs has been awarded the top honour at the City of Wanneroo Community Art Awards and Exhibition, receiving the grand prize for her captivating painting, Moonlight Solitude.

    Anna was among 15 talented artists recognised in the 2025 Community Art Awards, sharing in a total prize pool of $19,900.

    There were 135 entries to this year’s awards, which included 88 paintings, 21 works on paper, 13 photo, film and digital pieces and 13 sculptures.

    This year’s judging panel included:

    • Emma Bitmead, Curator of Historical Art at the Art Gallery of Western Australia
    • Paul Uhlman, Associate Professor and Coordinator of Visual Arts and Printmaking at Edith Cowan University
    • Di Cubitt, Sessional Academic and Fine Art Unit Coordinator at Curtin University.

    Sandra Murray, Artistic Director and Lead Curator for Sculpture and Bathers, was the Guest Curator for this Community Art Awards exhibition.

    Mayor Linda Aitken said this year’s Art Awards once again highlighted the depth of creativity and talent within our community.

    “We’re proud to host this exhibition each year, celebrating local talent and providing emerging artists the opportunity to showcase their skills and storytelling methods,” she said.

    “Each piece tells a story and collectively, the exhibition reflects the diversity, imagination and passion of our community.”

    Visit the exhibition on until Saturday 26 July 2025 at the Wanneroo Regional Gallery, open Wednesdays to Saturdays, 10am to 4pm.

    Visitors can take part in the judging of the People’s Choice Award by nominating their favourite artwork, with the winner to be announced by mid-August.

    PRIZES

    City of Wanneroo Open Award (acquisitive)

    Artist: Anna Speirs

    Title: Moonlight solitude

    Medium: oil on wood panel

    Judges’ comments: This is a quiet, reflective work. The medium of oil paint has been lovingly applied with subtle gradations of light. Contemplative, this work draws you in to the space and beyond. A moment of stillness and solitude in a busy world. The window, as a devise in art history, is often used as a bridge between two worlds. In this instance the judges sensed the two worlds between the transition between childhood, adolescence into adulthood and this idea of indiscernible transitions.

    Best City of Wanneroo Resident

    Artist: Jeremy Blank

    Title: Trail Walk to Yanchep

    Medium: iPad drawing, digital print on archival cotton rag

    Judges’ comments: Skilful use of iPad drawing creates layered composition relating to movement through the local landscape. The use of digital medium creates a fluid, embodied composition. Drawing on digital media to create this image, it has the sense of the haptic tradition of mark marking.

    Highly Commended City of Wanneroo Resident

    Artist: Veta Holmes

    Title: Urban view

    Medium: Linoprint on paper

    Judges’ comments: This work appears to come from the graphic novel tradition where the landscape itself holds the drama of the narrative. This is the scene where it’s about to happen. An imminent moment, it has an emotional power. Technically proficient use of lino to create a dramatic scene and compelling image.

    Painting Winner

    Artist: Lucy Oosterhoff

    Title: The Binge

    Medium: Mixed media

    Judges’ comments: All kinds of everyday objects, such as a fork or a glass, appear in a state of transformation. One has the feeling that the sitter is undergoing an emotional metamorphosis or change. The use of the light is powerful and skilfully executed. Lucy shows a growing understanding of the painting language, and the judges were highly impressed by her understanding of materials and composition.

    Painting Highly Commended

    Artist: Charlotte Robinson

    Title: Ely

    Medium: Acrylic on canvas

    Judges’ comments: Distorted image shifts our point of view pushing the composition towards abstraction. Part of what is interesting is the distortion of the face and the emotional interplay extending and becoming part of the external environment. The direct handling of the media, incorporating charcoal over acrylic, adds to the expressive qualities.

    Sculpture Winner

    Artist: Angela Delury

    Title: Toby

    Medium: Mixed media

    Judges’ comments: The clever use of recycled materials manifests in a whimsical cross between robot and toy. Drawing on a cinematic tradition of robots, the corner shop and nostalgia for a not-quite-realised past.

    Sculpture Highly Commended

    Artist: Laural Holyoak

    Title: Angler Fish

    Medium: Earthenware clay, underglaze, gold lustre

    Judges’ comments: Bioluminescence is the key factor to the success of this predator fish. Skilful use of medium and glazing has been used to create a compelling yet repelling form.

    Works on Paper Winner

    Artist: Amy Marshall

    Title: The joy of just watching you sleep

    Medium: Pencil, charcoal and water-soluble graphite on paper

    Judges’ comments: Sensitive work. The text reinforces a love of the child by the mother. Here we have a storied landscape of love and great tenderness.

    Works on Paper Highly Commended

    Artist: Linda Fardoe

    Title: Looking up

    Medium: Graphite pencil on Camson paper

    Judges’ comments: The artist writes the landscape with this work. The erasure of lines creates a living, pulsating environment.

    Photo, Film and Digital Media Winner

    Artist: Clinton Price

    Title: Facing the day

    Medium: Film photography

    Judges’ comments: The artist captures a fleeting moment of a fellow passenger on the daily commute, finding transcendence in the everyday.

    Photo, Film and Digital Media Highly Commended

    Artist: Audra de Pina

    Title: Be still

    Medium: Photography print on fine art lustre paper

    Judges’ comments: Range of subtle tones and image of mist, air and deep reflection.

    Youth Winner

    Artist: Isabella Pitt

    Title: Me 3 years ago

    Medium: Oil on board

    Judges’ comments: This painting reveals the turbulence of adolescence the close up topography of the artists face. The combination of brush strokes and tonal shift of paint weave together an interesting surface.

    Youth Highly Commended

    Artist: Allyda Nithasha

    Title: Severed

    Medium: Drawing

    Judges’ comments: Biro drawing appears to describe the emotional state and inner conflict of the sitter to create a compelling image.

    Celebrating Wanneroo Winner

    Artist: Ernie Feldmann

    Title: Dry Creek Bed, Pilbara

    Medium: Watercolour

    Judges’ comments: Lyrical sunrise in the Pilbara with lively gums and patterned earth depicts nature in a state of agitated flux.

    Celebrating Wanneroo Highly Commended

    Artist: Jaqueline Glaser

    Title: The Visitor

    Medium: Acrylic

    Judges’ comments: Lived experience and memory blend with this honest sense of direct observation which verges on naïve visual poetry.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Republic of Latvia: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2025 Article IV Mission

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 8, 2025

    A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

    The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    Washington, DC – June 9, 2025

    Latvia’s economy is navigating a complex global environment while addressing structural challenges at home. Geoeconomic fragmentation, geopolitical tensions, higher trade barriers and trade policy uncertainty, and labor and skills shortages are adding to challenges to productivity growth. Meanwhile, Latvia faces significant medium- and long-term spending pressures driven by population aging, defense needs, and investments for energy security. To address these spending needs, staff recommends the mobilization of additional revenue and the acceleration of structural fiscal reforms. Improving pension adequacy requires strengthening the second and third pillars of the pension system. The authorities should continue to monitor risks in the financial sector, including banks’ exposure to the commercial real estate sector, and reassess the solidarity contribution on banks. To strengthen resilience and growth—which will also support public finances—the authorities should consider measures to boost productivity. These include increasing the quantity and quality of corporate investment (e.g., by improving firms’ access to finance), supporting the reallocation of labor and capital toward higher value-added products and services, and enhancing digital technology adoption in traditional sectors.

    Outlook and Risks

    Growth is projected to rebound in 2025. Real GDP growth is projected to recover to about 1 percent in 2025, underpinned mainly by higher public investment, but also a recovery in private consumption and a gradual recovery of external demand. Headline inflation is projected to increase to about 3 percent in 2025, reflecting higher energy prices in the early months of 2025 and higher food prices, and core inflation is expected to moderate but remain above headline reflecting persistent services inflation.

    Risks to the outlook are tilted to the downside. Rising geopolitical tensions, and higher tariffs and trade policy uncertainty may dampen the recovery. Although direct trade and financial exposures to the United States are small, weaker demand in key European trading partners and lower consumer and business confidence could affect economic and financial stability through financial contagion. Other downside risks to growth include a further slowdown of growth in Latvia’s trading partners, delays in the absorption of EU funds, new increases in global energy and food prices, and an increase in electricity prices. At the same time, a strong economic recovery in Latvia’s main trading partners, a boost in confidence from improved security, a faster-than-expected disbursement of EU funds, and a swift implementation of structural reforms may contribute to higher-than-expected economic growth. Latvia has a strong track record, solid commitment to fiscal discipline, and strong fiscal institutions. Despite that, the fiscal balance is subject to downside risks from higher spending in defense, contingent liabilities with state-owned enterprisesthat could be in excess of the Fiscal Safety Reserve, and higher capital expenditure with large infrastructure projects.

    Fiscal Policy: Addressing Public Spending Pressures

    The moderately expansionary budget in 2025 is appropriate, given the currently negative output gap. The headline fiscal deficit is projected to increase to about 3 percent of GDP in 2025, because of higher defense and investment spending needs. At the same time, the 2025 budget includes tax reforms to simplify the personal income tax that will generate minimal revenue gains.

    Latvia’s government faces significant medium- and long-term spending pressures.These include rising costs for pensions and health care, increased defense spending, and investments for energy security. The government has recently committed to increasing defense spending to 5 percent of GDP from 2026 onwards. In the absence of measures to raise fiscal revenues and reprioritize government spending, Latvia’s structural fiscal deficit (including one-off expenses) is projected to average about 3 percent of GDP in the medium-term. This would raise public debt close to 50 percent of GDP in 2030, eroding fiscal space and limiting the authorities’ ability to address large adverse shocks in the future.

    Going forward, the authorities should proactively preserve fiscal buffers. Staff estimates that bringing public debt to its pre-Covid level of 40 percent of GDP in 2030 requires a fiscal consolidation of about ½ percent of GDP per year between 2026 and 2030.

    The government should therefore mobilize additional revenue. Revenue measures could include (i) strengthening tax compliance; (ii) broadening the bases of corporate and personal income taxes (e.g., by reducing the shadow economy); (iii) continuing to improve VAT collection efficiency through further narrowing the compliance gap; (iv) reducing tax exemptions and fossil fuel subsidies; and (v) raising property tax revenue. The government should also consider improving the efficiency of public spending by further improving procurement, eradicating rent-seeking activities, simplifying regulation, reducing bureaucracy, and increasing the efficiency of public administration and public investment management.

    The government should adopt measures to support medium- and long-term pressures arising from higher spending with pensions. The government needs a comprehensive approach to improve pension adequacy while ensuring the financial balance of the pension system. This may include pursuing active labor market policies to increase labor force participation, incentivizing pensioners to work, and linking the retirement ages to future life expectancy gains. The authorities should also strengthen pension adequacy by increasing the contribution rates and the returns to the mandatory defined contribution pension pillar and strengthening incentives for higher voluntary savings for retirement through a more flexible and accessible system design.

    Financial Policies: Countering Risks and Building Resilience in the Financial Sector

    The authorities should monitor loan exposure to commercial real estate (CRE) and reassess the solidarity contribution on banks. If remaining in place for long, the solidarity contribution could distort bank lending toward less productive uses such as real estate and reduce lending to corporates. This is because banks can spread the increased tax costs over the full term of a mortgage, unlike for corporate loans which have shorter maturities. Considering structural changes in the office CRE segment globally, and given that loans to the CRE sector are around 31 percent of banks’ total corporate loan portfolio, CRE developments should be closely monitored.

    The macroprudential policy stance remains broadly appropriate. The implementation of a positive neutral countercyclical capital buffer requirement, which will be raised to 1 percent in June 2025, helps build up releasable macroprudential buffers. However, the looser debt-to-income and debt service-to-income limits implemented in 2024 to promote loans for the purchase of energy-efficient housing should be reconsidered. Latvia has made further progress in strengthening its AML/CFT framework.

    Structural Reforms: Policies to Boost Investment and Productivity

    Latvia’s low productivity growth is driven by sluggish capital accumulation and an inefficient allocation of productive resources. The low capital stock results from inadequate investment in part driven by financial constraints and low risk-adjusted expected returns. Structural bottlenecks like costly and lengthy insolvency processes (despite improvements) or limited occupational and regional mobility of the labor force have hindered the flow of resources from low- to high-productivity firms. Boosting productivity would help to increase the tax base and sustainably lift incomes, while preserving Latvia’s external competitiveness.

    Corporate reforms can improve capital allocation and enhance access to finance. Insolvency reforms with a focus on micro companies and timely initiation of insolvency cases that facilitate the exit of firms that are not economically viable could help to reallocate resources to more viable businesses. Initiatives to develop the capital market could help improve the access to finance by smaller firms. Expanding venture capital and equity financing would improve access to finance, therefore boosting opportunities for startups and allowing young firms to scale up. All these reforms will be more successful if combined with deepening the EU’s single market, which will allow Latvia’s firms to leverage economies of scale and greatly improve access to capital markets.

    Addressing labor and skills shortages would sustain investment and productivity growth in Latvia. High-quality education and training systems, and targeted upskilling and reskilling measures are key to reducing the labor and skills shortages, improving competitiveness, and boosting productivity. The facilitation of skilled migration and the use of targeted active labor market policies will also help to enhance participation in the labor market.

    Product and service market reforms can enhance competition and productivity. The regulatory framework could be improved by reducing the use of retail price regulation, streamlining spatial planning and construction regulations, and further simplifying administrative procedures and digitalization efforts in the construction sector.

    The authorities should enhance support for innovation, technology adoption, and digital transformation, as well as strengthen energy security. Despite a modest rise in the past decade, Latvia’s R&D spending as a share of GDP remains among the lowest in Europe, hampering innovation and productivity growth. The authorities should accelerate the digital transformation by centralizing the governance of digital platforms and systems in the public sector, expanding digital training to public employees, promoting digitalization in businesses and in the education sector, and enhancing the broadband infrastructure. Finally, Latvia should continue to enhance its energy security by increasing the share of renewable energy, including biomass, and improving interconnections to other European power grids.

    An IMF team conducted meetings in Riga during May 26–June 6, 2025. The mission was led by Mr. Luis Brandao-Marques and includes Gianluigi Ferrucci, Bingjie Hu, and Keyra Primus (all EUR). Carlos Acosta and Anjum Rosha (all LEG) participated virtually in meetings. Gundars Davidsons (OED) participated in the meetings. The mission would like to thank the authorities for their open collaboration, generous availability, and the candid and constructive discussions.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Boris Balabanov

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/06/mcs060925-Latvia-Staff-Concluding-Statement-2025-Article-IV-Mission

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: France’s fast fashion bill risks blowback from China, experts warn

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

    France’s proposed crackdown on ultra-fast fashion risks derailing billions of euros in trade with China, as experts accuse the bill of targeting Chinese e-commerce giants under the veneer of environmental concern.

    They made the comments as the bill, now under heated debate in the French National Assembly, claims to address the environmental footprint of cheap, disposable clothing. But its wording and intention have sharpened into singling out e-commerce giants like Shein, Temu and AliExpress, all of which are deeply embedded in China’s garment supply chain.

    “This isn’t about sustainability anymore,” said Wang Peng, a researcher at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences. “It’s about weaponizing policy to suppress rising Chinese players and destabilize global free trade.”

    The French Trade Council and the Confederation of French Trade are among the most vocal backers. In a joint open letter, supported by 14 federations and over 230 brands, they called for the government to immediately delist the three Chinese platforms, claiming that “85 percent to 95 percent” of their goods fail to meet EU standards.

    But critics argue the legislation is too targeted to be purely environmental. Chen Jin, professor of the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, said that instead of regulating environmental impact across the board, the bill seems surgically designed to curb China’s growing dominance in fast fashion.

    It also echoed Audrey Millet, a fashion historian and University of Oslo scholar who was nominated for the Renaudot Essay Prize in 2022, who said that the bill is no longer about sustainability and it is possibly aimed at galvanizing votes ahead of the European Parliament elections.

    France has long relied on China as its top clothing supplier. According to the French Institute for Economic Research, the proposed bill could hike clothing prices by 5 to 10 euros per item—costs that would likely fall on French consumers.

    “Hostile policy moves like this won’t just hurt Chinese firms,” Wang warned. “They’ll hit French shoppers and shake the very foundation of bilateral trade”.

    Those foundations are already showing cracks. In February 2025, French cognac exports to China plummeted 72 percent year-on-year, according to Socialist Party lawmaker Fabrice Barusseau, who represents France’s cognac-producing region. China accounts for a quarter of France’s total cognac sales.

    Beyond spirits, Chinese consumers are propping up France’s entire luxury sector. LVMH’s top executive also warned French lawmakers that 80 percent of French cognac exports are sold in just two markets—China and the US—and that continued hostilities could upend the industry.

    Chinese consumers have fueled a historic rally in France’s CAC 40 index, with LVMH, Hermès, Kering and L’Oréal accounting for over a third of the index’s gains in 2023.

    “If Paris insists on pushing forward with a bill that’s seen as discriminatory and politically charged, Beijing won’t stay silent,” said Wang. “And when the response comes, it won’t just be Shein, Temu and Aliexpress that feel the sting—it could be French luxury brands, too.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Nation’s trade in services accelerating

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

    A French couple Tristan and Anouk Masselin visit Yuyuan Garden area in east China’s Shanghai, Feb. 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Driven by burgeoning inbound tourism and robust growth in the knowledge-intensive service sector, China’s trade in services registered swift expansion in the first four months of the year, underscoring the country’s efforts in fostering new growth drivers amid rising trade barriers, analysts said.

    Although uncertainties still cloud tariff negotiations with the United States, China is committed to opening its door even wider and enhancing its global competitiveness to respond to intensifying protectionism, they added.

    From January to April, China’s trade in services continued to grow at a relatively fast pace, with the total import and export value reaching 2.63 trillion yuan ($366 billion), a year-on-year increase of 8.2 percent, the Ministry of Commerce said in a news release on Friday.

    China’s trade in knowledge-intensive services recorded a steady increase during this period, with total imports and exports reaching over 1 trillion yuan, up 5.5 percent year-on-year, the ministry said.

    The export of travel services, in particular, grew 79.9 percent year-on-year during the first four months, recording the fastest growth among all subsectors, it added.

    Expanding openness

    The surge in the travel service sector is largely attributed to China’s unilateral visa exemption for citizens of 43 countries and its 144-hour visa-free transit policy for citizens from 54 countries. These measures have fostered a more convenient climate for foreign tourists coming to China, according to experts.

    “China’s willingness to invite the world in demonstrates the nation’s commitment to expanding openness even when certain countries practice unilateralism,” said Chen Jianwei, a researcher at the Academy of China Open Economy Studies of the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing.

    In addition, the country recently upgraded its instant tax refund system for foreign visitors, which, coupled with its improved payment services, makes China an appealing destination for both travel and shopping.

    While the US is attempting to reshape global supply chains through tariffs, China is taking a totally different approach, Chen said.

    China has reduced the minimum purchase threshold for tax refunds to 200 yuan from 500 yuan as part of the nation’s broader efforts to strengthen the clout of its consumer market and, thereby, cement its position in global supply chains, he said.

    “This will compel other countries and global companies to carefully weigh the costs of decoupling from China against the dividends of engaging with the Chinese market,” he added.

    Meng Pu, chairman of Qualcomm China, said: “Amid China’s fast-growing trade in services, we not only see greater efficiency and innovative applications brought by technology, but also the tremendous potential for win-win cooperation. Technology can only unleash its maximum value within an open and collaborative ecosystem.”

    Top negotiators from Beijing and Washington are scheduled to hold the first meeting of the China-US economic and trade consultation mechanism during Vice-Premier He Lifeng’s visit to the United Kingdom from Sunday to Friday.

    The meeting will come after the two countries held economic and trade talks in May in Geneva, Switzerland, during which they agreed on a 90-day pause on triple-digit tariffs to allow further negotiations.

    Zhao Jinping, vice-president of the China Association of Trade in Services, said that with the uncertain prospects of US tariffs on China’s trade in goods, it is crucial for China to tap into its trade in services as a means of buffering potential headwinds.

    Looking ahead, China will push for the high-standard opening-up of its services trade by actively aligning with international high-standard economic and trade rules, and go ahead with the implementation of the negative list for cross-border trade in services, he added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Casemiro calls for Brazil to step forward

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

    Veteran midfielder Casemiro says Brazil will look to rediscover its attacking instincts when it meets Paraguay in a FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.

    Brazil held Ecuador to a goalless draw in Guayaquil on Thursday in Carlo Ancelotti’s debut as manager, showing defensive discipline but little attacking threat.

    Casemiro, recalled by Ancelotti to the national squad after an absence of almost two years, said Brazil would need to take a more proactive approach to break down an in-form Paraguay at Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo.

    “Each game is a different story,” said the 33-year-old, who played under Ancelotti at Real Madrid before his 2022 move to Manchester United.

    “It will be a game with a lot of possession and Paraguay wanting to play on the counterattack. We will need to be switched on mentally and take our chances when they come.

    “Brazil’s main characteristic is always to attack, but having defensive solidity is already a step forward. There’s no point in me saying here that we’re playing well but the team’s attitude in the last game was good. Now we have to prioritize the offensive aspect a little more.”

    Casemiro also praised Ancelotti’s early impact on the squad, saying the Italian had brought “experience” and “peace” to a team in transition.

    The former Sao Paulo and Porto player said he is enjoying his best form in years after a turbulent start to his spell at Manchester United.

    “This has been one of the most important years of my career,” he said. “I never stopped working and that has allowed me to come back stronger. Hard work always pays off and now I’m here, not because I know the coach, but because I earned it.”

    The winner of the clash will secure a ticket to next year’s World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada – but only if Uruguay beats Venezuela in Montevideo the same day.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU Faculty of Information Technology graduates developed a system for monitoring the condition of water intake wells

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    Graduates Faculty of Information Technology (FIT) NSU developed a system for monitoring the condition of water intake wells — a hardware and software complex that allows real-time monitoring of key parameters of their operation. The complex includes sensors installed on wells, a server platform for collecting and analyzing data, as well as a user interface — a web version and a mobile application on Android. The development has already been implemented and is used by employees of OJSC Suzunskoye ZhKH in the Novosibirsk Region, where the system collects data on the water level and electricity consumption of pumping equipment at wells.

    The idea for the project emerged two years ago, when the task of developing a comprehensive monitoring system was announced at a meeting of the technical council of the State Institution of the Novosibirsk Region “Project Directorate of the Ministry of Housing and Public Utilities of the Novosibirsk Region”. This initiative was picked up by Alexey Fage, a graduate of the NSU Institute of Information Technologies and a candidate of technical sciences. Over the next year, he studied the requirements of potential users and technical solutions for completing the tasks. Subsequently, the team was joined by Alexander Vlasov, a graduate of the NSU Institute of Information Technologies and a candidate of technical sciences, and Efim Pashko, a third-year student of the NSU Institute of Information Technologies at that time. Alexey managed the project and also developed software for the hardware part of the project, responsible for recording sensor readings at the well. Efim, under the guidance of his scientific advisor Alexander Vlasov, worked on the server part and the user interface, including the web version and mobile application. The development is Efim’s diploma project. This example clearly demonstrates how graduates of the Faculty of Information Technology of NSU continue to actively participate in the life of their university, offering students relevant and interesting projects that can grow into significant developments.

    There are various water well monitoring systems on the Russian market, but the system under review has no complete analogues on the open market. Existing approaches can be divided into 2 types. Thus, the first type collects data on well parameters and automatically sends them to a remote server. However, such solutions are usually part of larger, universal industrial automation systems. For example, these can be water well control systems with a load distribution function. These complex systems are usually much more expensive and often require the customer to independently organize and maintain the server infrastructure. Another approach is represented by simpler systems, where a sensor is installed on the well, which collects data on the internal memory. In this case, manual intervention is required to unload and analyze the data – the operator must come to the site with a laptop, which is extremely inconvenient for remote wells.

    — We are trying to create a specialized, but at the same time extremely easy-to-use system, which can be described as “install and forget”. It is designed with a wide range of consumers in mind, who only need to know how to use a smartphone. In essence, this is a regular user service in the modern sense, — explained Efim Pashko.

    The monitoring system consists of three parts. The first is the one installed directly on the well. These are sensors and a single-board computer that collects readings from the sensors and sends them to the server. The second is the server part, which receives, saves and processes all data coming from the sensors. In the future, the server part will also include a data analysis module. The third part is access to this data, which is carried out either through a computer (web browser) or through a phone (mobile application).

    Currently, a pilot project for the implementation of this system is being implemented with OJSC Suzunskoye ZhKH in the Novosibirsk Region. The developers are collecting feedback from users in order to further refine and improve the system. Thus, with the help of sensors, it is monitored whether the dynamic water level in the well (the water level in the well during pump operation) corresponds to the passport, since operation with a low level can lead to premature failure of the well. The system also records problems with the power supply, for example, phase imbalance – a violation of the uniform distribution of voltage between the phases, which can result in damage to electrical equipment.

    Thus, continuous monitoring of well parameters contributes to a more accurate assessment of the condition of the equipment and the water intake as a whole, which has a positive impact on maintenance planning and operational strategy.

    The relevance of the development is also due to new regulatory requirements. Thus, in May, a new decree of the Government of the Russian Federation was issued, according to which legal entities – owners of wells – must monitor their condition, since in the case of operating wells with a water level below the permissible level, this can not only lead to equipment failure, but also adversely affect the condition of the aquifer and harm the environment. The monitoring system allows you to promptly record the occurrence of such situations and take measures to eliminate them. In addition, the availability of objective data collected by the system reduces the likelihood of conflicts between operating organizations and regulatory authorities (for example, the Ministry of Natural Resources) – due to increased transparency and accountability of actions.

    Currently, the system collects water level data and electrical energy indicators (voltage, current, reactive and active power). However, the hardware is quite versatile, so it allows you to include additional sensors and expand the range of collected data, for example, add parameters such as water temperature, water flow at the well outlet, pressure in the main line, etc. Also, in the future, the developers plan to expand the functionality of the system, in particular, automate the compilation of reports and improve the data processing module using artificial intelligence technologies.

    — Of course, the mathematical method that we are currently using allows us to analyze data quite deeply, but machine learning opens up new horizons. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I will apply for a master’s degree in a field related to machine learning and will continue working on this project. It is quite possible that I will find a new technology that can be applied, — added Efim.

    This solution was recently presented to the Minister of Housing and Public Utilities and Energy of the Novosibirsk Region. The system interested the Minister, who confirmed the relevance of its implementation. Work is currently underway on a feasibility study for subsequent presentation to the Governor of the Novosibirsk Region.

    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 New Zealand: Operation cracks down on antisocial road user behaviour in Invercargill

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Southern District Police issued numerous infringements and ordered multiple vehicles off the road over the weekend in an operation targeting antisocial road user behaviour.

    In an operation running over Friday and Saturday nights (6-7 June), Police pulled over 161 vehicles, 54 were sent for inspection, issued 12 green stickers and 16 pink stickers. Police were out in force across the Invercargill area, working to disrupt gatherings and target illegal activity.

    The enforcement action was supported by VTNZ, and the operation consisted of Police staff from the Impairment Prevention Team, the Road Policing Group, and Commercial Vehicle Safety Team.

    Southland Area Road Policing Manager Senior Sergeant Scott MacKenzie says district staff pulled together and worked hard over the weekend to curb any illegal behaviour and keep our communities safe.

    “The number of vehicles ordered off the road really surprised us; coupled with the fact that only eight of the 54 vehicles inspected were found without any faults.

    “In total the teams stopped 161 vehicles, of which those with numerous and or serious faults came in at 33.5 percent – one third of all cars stopped should not have been on the road,” Senior Sergeant MacKenzie said.

    “We’ve been very clear – we have no tolerance for this behaviour and the havoc it wreaks in our communities.

    Senior Sergeant MacKenzie said he and his colleagues are “all too familiar” with the devastating impacts that can occur when driving recklessly or at speed, along with the fact that many of these vehicles are unsafe to travel in.

    “We’re the ones having to visit families and deliver awful news about their loved ones being involved in serious incidents resulting in injury or death.

    “That’s what motivates us. We don’t want to be the people having to deliver that news. It’s absolutely tragic, and absolutely avoidable.

    “Police are sending a message to anyone participating in antisocial road user behaviour – we are ready and waiting, and you can expect us to take action.”

    We continue to encourage anyone who witnesses this type of activity to report it to Police.

    Please call 111 if it is happening now, or you can make a report after the fact through our 105 service.

    If you have information you’d like to share anonymously, please call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Rating Valuation – frequently asked questions

    Source: Auckland Council

    The latest rating valuations 

    What valuation trends do I need to know?

    Two independent valuation providers, QV and Opteon, completed the 2024 valuation process. These companies are experienced property valuers and have worked closely with Auckland Council. The trends they identified tell us:

    • Values for areas further from the city centre have reduced less. These include Hibiscus & Bays, Upper Harbour and Franklin (-4% to -1%).

    • Conversely, properties closer to the city centre generally have above-average reductions (-11 to -14%). These include Puketāpapa, Albert-Eden, Maungakiekie- Tāmaki, Waitematā and Whau (all -14 or -13%).

    • In some areas, reduced demand for properties with redevelopment potential has contributed to larger value declines. These include Māngere Bridge, Henderson, Massey, Glen Innes, Point England and Panmure.

    • Land values have driven changes in CV. For many residential properties, land values reduced an average of -13% and commercial -6%. The reduction in land values reflects reduced development activity since 2021 and, in some cases, potential zoning changes.

    • Some have bucked the trend. Rodney has held its values (average 0% change) and Great Barrier is up (+38%). This is a continuing trend, with residential valuations on Great Barrier up 59% at the 2021 rating valuation. 

    My property’s valuation has reduced. Why?

    The new valuations reflect changes between 1 June 2021 and 1 May 2024. The last council rating valuation in 2021 was close to the market peak, and between then and May 2024 the economy and property market generally trended down.

    Council valuations do not reflect a property’s current market value and should not be used for insurance or mortgage purposes. Valuations just allow rates to be fairly shared.

    Valuers assess a property’s CV by analysing data, such as local sales, property type, location and other property factors. The valuations are not a good indication of what your property would sell for today (the values are based on 1 May 2024).

    Rating valuation and rates

    How does rating valuation impact a property’s rates cost?

    How a property’s CV changes compare to other properties in the region will determine whether a property’s rates increase from 1 July is more, or less, than the average residential rates increase of 5.8%. The new CV will be used to calculate rates for the next rating year, from 1 July 2025.

    Reduced property values mean lower rates, right?

    A change in a property’s CV will not necessarily mean the rates will be higher for an increased value, or lower for a decreased value. Properties with a valuation change higher or lower than the region’s average, will pay a higher or lower proportion of rates.

    Does rating valuation affect the amount of rates council receives?

    Revaluation doesn’t affect the amount of money the council collects from rates – it helps work out everyone’s share of rates. Any increase, or decrease, in the city’s property value does not change the total amount of rates the council collects. The council sets its budget annually following community consultation, using the three-yearly Long-term Plan as the starting point.

    The council decides the rates revenue it needs to provide the services in the budget, after accounting for all revenue sources such as income from fees and charges, and central government contributions. Achieving savings and other initiatives to improve value for money are helping the council to deliver more, without solely relying on rates increases.

    What a new property valuation means 

    Why does the council value properties?

    All councils are required by law to revalue properties inside their boundaries within a maximum of three years. In order to set rates fairly, the council’s registered valuers attribute an approximate value to all properties in the region, every three years. The last rating valuation was in 2021 and used to set rates from 1 July 2022.

    Does rating valuation reflect the current value of a property?

    No, a rating valuation reflects the likely selling price of the property, without chattels, if it sold on 1 May 2024. This historical information is only used for fairly sharing rates between properties. Council valuations do not reflect a property’s current market value and should not be used for insurance or mortgage purposes.

    For an appraisal of current market value, we recommend ratepayers reach out to local real estate agents or registered valuers. There is also a range of online providers of property information based on current market data and recent trends.  

    How are rating valuations completed?

    Valuers assess a property’s CV by analysing data, such as local sales, property type, location and other property factors. The values are not a good indication of what a property would sell for today (the values are based on 1 May 2024).

    Rating valuations allow rates to be fairly shared. Council valuations do not reflect a property’s current market value and should not be used for insurance or mortgage purposes.

    How does it work for an average home?

    For your average stand-alone home, the valuers would look at sales of comparable homes – similar land size, floor area, quality condition and location attributes, such as coastal properties.

    Valuers analysed market sales in areas of Auckland around 1 May 2024, considering similar properties and locations. For example, renovated villas in Grey Lynn are compared with sales of other renovated villas in that immediate area.

    So, a typical residential property would usually move in value along with other similar properties in the neighbourhood. But not all property values in an area will change in the same way – it depends on standalone houses, cross-leases, units and other home types. Values are done by mass valuation, using information held by council and our valuation providers – not by individual inspection.

    Good things to know

    Who completed this year’s valuations?

    Given the scale of the task of valuing 630,000 rateable properties in Auckland, two property valuation partners were involved in Auckland rating valuation: Opteon and Quotable Value.

    How does the objection process work?

    Property owners who want to opt for an objection can do so by 25 July 2025. We encourage property owners to take a look at the process via our website – and consider how the CV for their property compares with the CV for similar properties in their local area.

    Because the rating values are all based on 1 May 2024, looking at more recent sales data might not be relevant when considering an objection. Further information is available online through the Auckland Council website or phone 09) 301 0101.

    If an objection leads to a change in a property’s rating value, council will issue amended rates assessments that reflect any increase or decrease. If a refund is required, any overpaid amount will be refunded (once the objection process is complete).

    What should ratepayers do if they are concerned about paying rates?

    Anyone concerned about paying their rates is encouraged to get in touch as we have a range of assistance available.

    These include:

    • a government-funded rates rebate scheme
    • a rates postponement scheme for residential properties
    • flexible payment options, such as direct debits offering weekly, fortnightly, monthly, quarterly, and annual payment.

    The rates rebate threshold for SuperGold card holders will increase from $31,510 to $45,000 from 1 July 2025. This will make more ratepayers who receive NZ superannuation eligible for a rates rebate.

    This information can be found on the Auckland Council website and our rates invoices also detail the support available. We encourage ratepayers to consider the options.

    This year’s valuation delay 

    Why has the property rating valuation been delayed?

    Ensuring a robust valuation process so ratepayers receive values that accurately reflect market values as at 1 May 2024 is important to the council, so Aucklanders have confidence the values used to determine rates have been accurately calculated.

    Following an audit in September 2024, the Valuer-General advised that the council valuation data required some amendments to ensure it accurately reflects the market as at 1 May 2024, before valuations will be certified and ready for public release.

    The Valuer-General advised that the 2024 valuation data was of a good quality, however some further work was needed for Auckland Council to attain certification.

    In April, the valuation file was resubmitted to the Valuer-General for review once that further work was completed by our valuation partners. The Valuer- General has now certified the 2024 rating valuations which has enabled us to publicly release these to property owners in June 2025.

    Who is the Valuer-General and why are they involved?

    The Valuer-General is appointed by central government and has a statutory responsibility for auditing and certifying all valuations used by councils to set rates.

    Where can I get more information?  

    Further information is available on the Auckland Council website.

    This year’s rating valuation trends is summarised on OurAuckland.

    To discuss your queries further, please phone (09) 301 0101.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Rating valuations released to Auckland ratepayers

    Source: Auckland Council

    Auckland ratepayers will receive new property valuations this week, as Auckland Council prepares to update rates from 1 July 2025.

    The rating valuations Auckland property owners receive this week are based on property market trends and recent sales activity as at 1 May 2024. Therefore, the valuations are not intended to accurately reflect current market value – instead, the information will help enable rates to be fairly shared across Auckland’s 630,000 properties.

    The new rating valuations have been prepared by two independent valuation providers, QV and Opteon. These experienced property valuers have worked closely with Auckland Council to deliver valuations that meet robust standards.

    Auckland Council chief financial officer Ross Tucker said he was pleased to announce that the Valuer-General has now approved the new valuations for release to Aucklanders.

    “As we know, the last council valuations from 1 June 2021 were completed close to the market peak and between then and May 2024 the economy and property market generally trended down. Therefore, as most people would expect, the May 2024 Capital Values (CVs) are lower than the previous 2021 CVs for many properties,” said Mr Tucker.

    The overall CV movements between June 2021 and May 2024, by property type for Auckland, are:

    • industrial +5%
    • lifestyle +4%
    • rural + 4%
    • commercial -5%
    • residential -9%.

    Valuation movements over that period also varied across the Auckland region. Residential properties in centrally located local board areas tended to see a bigger reduction than those further out.

    [embedded content]

    Economic backdrop

    Auckland Council Chief Economist Gary Blick said it is important to note that the last two Auckland rating valuations happened to coincide with markedly different stages of the recent economic cycle.

    “At the time of the 2021 rating valuation, in June 2021, the Official Cash Rate (OCR) had been at an all-time low,” says Mr Blick. “We saw exceptionally low mortgage rates and strong upward pressure on property prices. The 2021 rating valuation reflected those higher prices.

    “In contrast, the 2024 rating valuation in May 2024, occurred when the OCR had been lifted to its recent high of 5.5 per cent. Higher interest rates cooled buyer demand, leading to a decline in property prices.

    “Despite that fall, the median house price as at June 2024 was still above the level just prior to the OCR cut of March 2020, and that remains the case today. The recent economic cycle – with its unusually steep climb and fall – helps explain why some properties have had swings between the two rating valuations.”

    What it means for rates

    The valuations do not change how much the council takes in rates – this is set annually following community consultation. For 2025/2026, Auckland Council has approved an overall average rates increase of 5.8 per cent for residential ratepayers.

    The council has kept the rates increase down, due to the commitment made as part of the council’s Long-term Plan 2024-2034, along with good progress in savings.

    “We are acutely aware of the tough cost of living facing our community and we continue to work hard to achieve council savings and improve value for ratepayers, to help keep rates as low as possible,” said Mr Tucker.

    “Most Auckland ratepayers will see some degree of rates increase from 1 July 2025. However, how a residential property’s CV changes compares to other properties in the region will generally determine whether that property’s rates increase from 1 July is more, or less, than the 5.8 per cent average.

    “If your residential property value has reduced more than the average (-9 per cent) change between the two valuations, you can expect a smaller rates increase than the 5.8 per cent. Conversely, if your property value held up better than the average, then you can expect a larger rates increase.”

    For 2025/2026, the annual rates for an average residential property (CV $1.29 million) will be $4,069. The 5.8 per cent average increase for 2025/2026 will equate to $223 per year or around $4.30 per week.

    Anyone concerned about paying their rates is encouraged to get in touch to access a range of assistance available. This information can be found on the Auckland Council website and rates notices.

    Ratepayers can access their property valuations via the Auckland Council website from Tuesday, 10 June 2025. Formal notices will be posted or emailed from Friday, 13 June 2025.

    Supporting information

    What are the valuation trends from this rating valuation?

    The rating valuations are based on 1 May 2024. At that time, these were the high-level trends for residential properties compared to the previous valuation:

    • Values for areas further from the city centre have held up slightly better (Hibiscus & Bays, Upper Harbour and Franklin range from -4% to -1%).

    • Conversely, properties closer to the city centre generally had above-average reductions (-11 to -14%). These include Puketāpapa, Albert-Eden, Maungakiekei-Tāmaki, Waitematā and Whau (all -14 or -13 per cent). This may be influenced by the varied market, including apartments, multi-units and stand-alone homes, which all have different sales trends.

    • In some areas, reduced demand for properties with redevelopment potential has contributed to larger value declines. These include Māngere Bridge, Henderson, Massey, Glen Innes, Point England and Panmure.

    • Land values have driven changes in CV. For many residential properties, land values had fallen an average of -13% and commercial land is also down -6%. The reduction in land values reflects reduced development activity since 2021 and, in some cases, potential zoning changes.

    • Some have bucked the trend. Rodney held its values (average 0% change) and Great Barrier is up (+38%). This is a continuing trend, with residential values on Great Barrier up 59% at the 2021 revaluation.

    • For storm-affected properties, it is difficult to quantify the overall effect of the 2023 storms on the market due to the number of variables involved. For instance, values in Muriwai have increased by 12%, whereas values in Henderson have fallen by 10%.     

    How are rating valuations completed?

    Valuers assess a property’s CV by analysing data, such as local sales, property type, location and other property factors. The values are not a good indication of what a property would sell for today (the values are based on 1 May 2024).

    Rating valuations allow rates to be fairly shared. Council valuations do not accurately reflect a property’s current market value and should not be used for insurance or mortgage purposes.

    How does rating valuation impact a property’s rates cost?

    A change in a property’s CV will not necessarily mean the rates will be higher for an increased value, or lower for a decreased value. Properties with a valuation change higher or lower than the region’s average, will pay a higher or lower proportion of rates.

    How a property’s CV compares to other properties in the region will determine whether a property’s rates increase from 1 July is more, or less, than the average residential rates increase of 5.8 per cent, which was set through the council’s budget process. The new CV will be used to calculate rates for the next rating year, which starts on 1 July 2025.

    Do reduced property values mean lower rates?

    Property values going up do not increase the total rates the council collects, and likewise downward values do not decrease the total rates the council collects. Valuations simply allow the amount of rates to be fairly shared.

    How does rating valuation work for an average home?

    For your average stand-alone home, the valuers would look at sales of comparable homes – similar land size, floor area, quality condition and location attributes, such as coastal properties.

    Valuers analysed market sales in areas of Auckland around 1 May 2024, considering similar properties and locations. For example, renovated villas in Grey Lynn are compared with sales of other renovated villas in that immediate area.

    So, a typical residential property would usually move in value along with other similar properties in the neighbourhood. But not all property values in an area will change in the same way – it depends on standalone houses, cross-leases, units and other home types.

    Values are done by mass valuation, using information held by council and our valuation providers – not by individual inspection.

    What should ratepayers do if they need support with paying rates?

    Anyone concerned about paying their rates is encouraged to get in touch as we have a range of assistance available. These include:

    • a government-funded rates rebate scheme
    • a rates postponement scheme for residential properties
    • flexible payment options, such as direct debits offering weekly, fortnightly, monthly, quarterly, and annual payment.

    The rates rebate threshold for SuperGold card holders will increase from $31,510 to $45,000 from 1 July 2025. This will make more ratepayers who receive NZ superannuation eligible for a rates rebate.

    This information can be found on the Auckland Council website and our rates invoices also detail the support available. We encourage ratepayers to consider their options.

    For more information and frequently asked questions, visit the main Auckland Council website.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 9, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 9, 2025.

    Israeli forces intercept Gaza freedom aid boat Madleen – cut communications
    Pacific Media Watch Contact has been lost with the Gaza Freedom Flotilla humanitarian aid boat Madleen after Israeli commandos intercepted it in international waters. The commandos demanded that everyone on board turn off their phones, and the boat lost contact with Al Jazeera Mubasher journalist Omar Faiad as well as its live feed, reports the

    NZ homes are notorious for being cold and damp. Here are 4 ways to make yours feel warmer this winter
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Tookey, Professor of Construction Management, Auckland University of Technology New Zealand has just been hit by the first big cold snap of 2025 and, like every year, many New Zealanders will be reaching for an extra jumper, slippers and maybe a blanket to try and keep

    2-million-year-old pitted teeth from our ancient relatives reveal secrets about human evolution
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Towle, Research Fellow in Biological Anthropology, Monash University Ian Towle / The Conversation The enamel that forms the outer layer of our teeth might seem like an unlikely place to find clues about evolution. But it tells us more than you’d think about the relationships between

    Curious Kids: Why do dolphins jump out of the water?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katharina J. Peters, Lecturer in Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong Will Falcon/Shutterstock Why do dolphins jump out of the water? Charlize, age 8, Melbourne Have you ever seen images of dolphins jumping out of the waves and performing impressive acrobatics in the air? Or maybe you’ve seen

    How Trump’s trade war is supercharging the fast fashion industry
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mona Mashhadi Rajabi, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Technology Sydney Jade Gao/Getty Images When US President Donald Trump introduced sweeping new tariffs on Chinese imports the goal was to bring manufacturing back to American soil and protect local jobs. However, this process of re-shoring is complex and

    Can Israel still claim self-defence to justify its Gaza war? Here’s what the law says
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Donald Rothwell, Professor of International Law, Australian National University On October 7 2023, more than 1,000 Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel and went on a killing spree, murdering 1,200 men, women and children and abducting another 250 people to take back to Gaza. It was the

    Measles cases are surging globally. Should children be vaccinated earlier?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Meru Sheel, Associate Professor, Infectious Diseases, Immunisation and Emergencies (IDIE) Group, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney EyeEm Mobile GmbH/Getty Images Measles has been rising globally in recent years. There were an estimated 10.3 million cases worldwide in 2023, a 20% increase from 2022. Outbreaks

    What can you do if you don’t like your child’s friends?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachael Murrihy, Director, The Kidman Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney Getty Images/ Wander Woman Collective Many parents will be familiar with this situation: your child has a good or even best friend, but you don’t like them. Perhaps the friend is bossy, has poor

    Immortality at a price: how the promise of delaying death has become a consumer marketing bonanza
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amy Errmann, Senior Lecturer, Marketing & International Business, Auckland University of Technology Living forever has become the wellness and marketing trend of the 2020s. But cheating death – or at least delaying it – will come at a price. What was once the domain of scientists and

    Why bystanders defend bad behaviour at work — even when they know it’s wrong
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Zhanna Lyubykh, Assistant Professor, Beedie School of Business, Simon Fraser University Rather than intervening, supporting targets or reporting the misconduct, bystanders may downplay it, withdraw support or even blame the target, which ultimately reinforces the mistreatment. (Shutterstock) “You always mess things up. Why are you even on

    Phil Goff: Israel doesn’t care how many innocent people it’s killing in Gaza
    COMMENTARY: By Phil Goff “What we are doing in Gaza now is a war of devastation: indiscriminate, limitless, cruel and criminal killing of civilians. It’s the result of government policy — knowingly, evilly, maliciously, irresponsibly dictated.” This statement was made not by a foreign or liberal critic of Israel but by the former Prime Minister

    New Zealand’s foreign policy stance on Palestine lacks transparency
    COMMENTARY: By John Hobbs It is difficult to understand what sits behind the New Zealand government’s unwillingness to sanction, or threaten to sanction, the Israeli government for its genocide against the Palestinian people. The United Nations, human rights groups, legal experts and now genocide experts have all agreed it really is “genocide” which is being

    The blow-up between Elon Musk and Donald Trump has been entertaining, but how did things go so bad, so fast?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Henry Maher, Lecturer in Politics, Department of Government and International Relations, University of Sydney A no-holds-barred and very public blow-up between the world’s richest man and the president of the United States has had social media agog in recent days, with each making serious accusations against the

    Gaza plea: RSF, CPJ and 150+ media outlets call on Israel to open Strip to foreign journalists, protect Palestinian reporters
    Pacific Media Watch More than 150 press freedom advocacy groups and international newsrooms have joined Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) in issuing a public appeal demanding that Israel grant foreign journalists immediate, independent and unrestricted access to the Gaza Strip. The organisations are also calling for the full protection

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Beijing boosts China travel popularity by streamlining inbound tourism services

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    Climb the Great Wall of China to admire the majestic scenery; stroll along the central axis of Beijing and immerse yourself in the ancient Chinese civilization; stroll along the Liangmahe River embankment with an international atmosphere to enjoy the city’s nightlife charm… More than 270 tour operators from over 40 countries and regions around the world recently gathered in Beijing to “discover Beijing” for 48 hours and fully experience the dynamics and energy of China travel.

    “This is my first visit to Beijing and China, everything here pleasantly surprises me!” exclaims Anya from Munich, filming what she saw on her mobile phone. She told reporters that she was very impressed by climbing the Great Wall of China, listening to the Kunqu opera and tasting Peking duck. “I am so glad that I came here. Next year I hope to visit China with my family to discover even more interesting things,” she said.

    From June 1 to 2, the Beijing Cultural and Tourism Administration invited tour operators from the United States, Britain, France, Italy and other countries to get acquainted with new tourism products, locations and services in the capital of the PRC.

    As China continues to optimize its entry policy and expand the list of countries whose citizens can enter China without a visa, “China travel” is becoming increasingly popular, and “China shopping” is becoming a new fashion trend. Since the beginning of this year, Beijing’s inbound tourism has shown accelerated growth, with the number of tourists and their consumption rates increasing sharply. Data show that Beijing received 1.46 million foreign tourists from January to April this year, up 57.1% year-on-year.

    The 2025 Beijing Inbound Tourism Development Conference focuses on topics such as transportation, payment, accommodation, shopping, entertainment and technology, and introduces overseas tour operators to services and innovative products aimed at facilitating inbound tourism.

    According to the information provided, Beijing will continuously expand its tourism products such as world heritage tours, hutong tours, night city tours and other specialized and immersive tourism products. Ten themed inbound tourism routes will be launched to enrich the diversity of tourism products and meet the needs of different markets and tourist groups.

    “Some American tourists are not familiar with China, and the new measures taken by Beijing will help them travel around the city more conveniently,” said Justin Lipsky from the United States. “I like to visit places like the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Drum Tower and Wangfujing Street, where you can experience the unique history and culture of Beijing. I will also recommend these places to tourists from the United States.”

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Rich get much richer, driving inequality and poverty

    Source: Green Party

    The 2025 NBR Rich List makes immediately obvious the need for a fair tax system, says the Green Party. 

    “The rich list is now worth more than one hundred billion dollars, while the Government has chosen to cut support to tens of thousands of the lowest income New Zealanders. It’s time to tax wealth, and build a country where all of us can thrive,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Finance and co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick.

    “Poverty and homelessness doesn’t come from nowhere. They are created by inequality. Christopher Luxon has put his foot down on the accelerator. By design, the rich are getting much, much richer while the poor are getting much, much poorer.

    “We already know that the wealthiest households are able to arrange their finances to pay half the effective tax rate of regular New Zealanders. That means, proportionally, teachers, nurses, builders and firefighters pay more of their income to support our country’s infrastructure than the billionaires the Prime Minister has chosen to celebrate today.

    “The Greens are ambitious for an Aotearoa New Zealand where everyone has what they need to thrive. We can have free GPs, free early childhood education, free dental care and rapidly reduce climate changing emissions – if the rich pay their fair share.

    “A wealth tax on just the ten wealthiest rich listers alone would pay for free GP care for all New Zealanders.

    “Don’t let the people laughing their way to the bank while everyone else suffers tell you what is possible. We all deserve so much better, and our Green Budget shows how,” says Chlöe Swarbrick.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China unveils first deep-sea testing site

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

    China unveiled its first deep-sea testing site in Hainan province on Sunday, which was World Oceans Day, to boost the research and development of deep-sea equipment and drive the growth of the marine economy, officials said.

    “Deep-sea regions are crucial strategic resource areas for countries around the world, and deep-sea manufacturing stands as the linchpin for advancing deep-sea exploration and exploitation,” Cui Xiaojian, deputy director of the Hainan Provincial Oceanic Administration, said in Haikou, the provincial capital.

    Deep-sea regions are renowned for their abundant mineral, biological and energy resources. The testing site, located about 200 kilometers southeast of Sanya in Hainan, sits at water depths between 1,300 and 1,500 meters across 400 square km. Cui said the site will feature an integrated service platform encompassing technology research and development, testing verification, industrial incubation and certification evaluation.

    “By closely aligning with diverse application scenarios reflecting real-world demands, this initiative strives to catalyze deep-sea industrial upgrades, hasten the development of new high-quality productive forces in the marine sector, and inject new momentum into the high-quality development of the marine economy,” Cui said.

    Hainan administers around two-thirds of China’s ocean area, covering 2 million sq km. With tropical marine depths averaging over 1,200 meters, it offers unique and strategically scarce resources nationwide, characterized by high pressure and low temperatures, Cui said.

    The establishment of the new deep-sea testing site in Hainan, along with existing sites in Shandong, Zhejiang and Guangdong provinces, represents a comprehensive national layout of marine testing sites spanning north, east and south, covering areas from shallow seas to deep oceans, said Chu Jun, deputy director of the marine early warning and monitoring division of the Ministry of Natural Resources.

    The layout took into account the locations and characteristics of each marine area and acts as a pivotal bridge for translating marine scientific and technological achievements into tangible products. This approach also provides essential support for the collaborative development and sharing of marine resources, facilitating the building of a strong maritime nation, Chu said.

    “Many maritime enterprises and institutions in our country have introduced novel equipment and products, necessitating immediate sea-based performance testing,” Chu said. “The construction of marine testing sites can provide the requisite environment and conditions for relevant enterprises and institutions to test their deep-sea equipment, so they could play a leading role in fostering the growth of the marine economy.

    “As the only deep-sea testing site, the new one can facilitate scientific research, the development of investigative equipment and the exploration of renewable energy resources in the deep sea,” he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Stranded dolphin returns to sea after receiving specialized care in S China

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

    Rough-toothed dolphin Yang Yang is returned to the sea in Sanya, south China’s Hainan Province, June 8, 2025. Yang Yang, a rough-toothed dolphin, was successfully returned to the sea off Sanya’s coast on Sunday following a rescue and rehabilitation program. The marine mammal initially stranded at Yalong Bay on April 24. As Yang Yang regains health after receiving specialized care, experts have decided to return it to a sea area deemed suitable for its future life. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun)

    1   2   3   4   5   6   >  

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi, Myanmar leader exchange congratulations on 75th anniv of diplomatic ties

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

    Chinese President Xi Jinping and Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing on Sunday exchanged congratulations on the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

    In his message, Xi said that over the past 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the “Paukphaw” (fraternal) friendship between China and Myanmar has stood the test of time and grown even stronger.

    Upholding the jointly advocated Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the Bandung Spirit, the two countries have been committed to good neighborliness, deepened mutually beneficial cooperation, and firmly supported each other on issues regarding their respective core interests and major concerns, setting a fine example of friendly exchange between countries, he said.

    Xi recalled his meeting with Min Aung Hlaing in Russia in May, when the two leaders reached important consensus on building the China-Myanmar community with a shared future.

    China attaches great importance to the development of its ties with Myanmar and stands ready to work with Myanmar to take the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to accelerate high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, jointly implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative and push for solid progress in building the China-Myanmar community with a shared future, so as to deliver more benefits to the two peoples, Xi stressed.

    For his part, Min Aung Hlaing said that Xi’s historic visit to Myanmar in 2020 opened a new chapter in building the Myanmar-China community with a shared future.

    After a powerful earthquake struck Myanmar earlier this year, the Chinese government and people offered humanitarian assistance promptly, fully demonstrating the deep friendship between our two peoples in standing together through thick and thin and helping each other in times of difficulties, he said.

    Min Aung Hlaing hailed his meeting with Xi in Moscow as fruitful, as they reached important consensus on deepening strategic cooperation. He also expressed gratitude to China for its firm support of Myanmar’s efforts to achieve peace and stability, national reconciliation and economic development.

    The Myanmar leader said he looks forward to accelerating cooperation with China across various fields and forging a stronger, more resilient and mutually beneficial partnership.

    Also on Sunday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang exchanged congratulations with Min Aung Hlaing.

    Li said that over the past 75 years, thanks to joint efforts from both sides, significant progress has been made in friendly exchanges and practical cooperation in various fields.

    Li voiced his readiness to work with Min Aung Hlaing to deepen the comprehensive strategic cooperation between the two countries and advance solid progress in building the China-Myanmar community with a shared future, so as to inject new momentum into respective development.

    Under the guidance of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, steady growth has been achieved in Myanmar-China relations, said Min Aung Hlaing, voicing willingness to work with China to jointly build the community with a shared future so as to better benefit the two peoples.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Jobs at largest US port down by half amid tariff tensions: media

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

    Jobs at the Port of Los Angeles, the largest and busiest port in the United States, are down by half as U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs cripple trade with Asia-Pacific, local media reported on Saturday.

    Over the last 25 work shifts, only 733 jobs were available for 1,575 longshoremen looking for work, Los Angeles Times reported, citing Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, adding that the port processed 25 percent less cargo than forecast for May.

    “They haven’t been laid off, but they’re not working nearly as much as they did previously,” Seroka said. “Since the tariffs went into place, and in May specifically, we’ve really seen the work go off on the downside.”

    Seroka attributed the decrease in job opportunities to lower cargo volume moving through the port.

    The Port of Los Angeles has ranked as the largest container port in the United States each year since 2000. In California alone, nearly 1 million jobs are related to trade through the port. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Alisson backs Ancelotti, says changes will take time

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

    Brazil goalkeeper Alisson Becker said Saturday that the influence of new manager Carlo Ancelotti may not be fully apparent until the FIFA World Cup next year.

    Ancelotti, who was appointed last month, took charge of his first match on Thursday as Brazil was held to a goalless draw by Ecuador in a World Cup qualifier in Guayaquil.

    Alisson said Ancelotti was already making his mark within the squad but cautioned that the long-term effects of the Italian’s management would take time to materialize.

    “We know that football is a process and we can’t expect all the problems to be resolved overnight,” the Liverpool player told a news conference in Sao Paulo, where the team is training ahead of next Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against Paraguay at Corinthians Arena.

    Alisson said the former Real Madrid boss had already brought greater defensive cohesion and a relaxed atmosphere in the dressing room.

    He added the 65-year-old’s winning mentality was noticeable in training sessions and team meetings.

    “Ancelotti contributes in a lot of ways, it’s evident just by his presence,” he said. “He’s a manager with a long history in football and he carries that wherever he goes. It’s no different with the national team.”

    Meanwhile, Alisson raised the prospect of returning to his homeland to play for former club Internacional when his Liverpool contract expires in 2027.

    “My immediate goal is to be very focused on the present, especially with the World Cup approaching,” the 32-year-old said. “I’ve spoken with some players who have already gone through the process of returning to Brazil and some had positive experiences while others didn’t.”

    Brazil is currently fourth in the 10-team South American group with three qualifiers remaining.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Two before the courts after separate offences

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Attributable to Senior Sergeant Stephen McDaniel, Waimakariri/Hurunui Response Manager,

    Two people are before the courts following two separate incidents in the Rural Canterbury area.

    On Tuesday 27 May, Police were alerted to a report of a burglary on Southbrook Road, where a residential property’s front gates had been taken during the day in front of peak traffic.

    After following lines of enquiry, including CCTV footage, Police identified the alleged offender.

    A search warrant was executed at a Christchurch property where Police located the stolen gates partially mounted to the front fence.

    The alleged offender was also located at the property and was taken into custody at the scene.

    A 41-year-old man appeared on 31 May, and was remanded in custody. He is due to reappear in Christchurch District Court on 25 June.

    On Tuesday 3 June, the Canterbury Rural Tactical Crime Unit executed a search warrant at a Swannanoa address in relation to a number of reported stolen vehicles.

    During the search warrant, Police located three vehicles that had been reported stolen.

    A 30-year-old woman was taken into custody at the scene.

    The woman is due to appear in Christchurch District Court at a later date, charged with receiving property.

    We would like to thank the members of the public who provided information in relation to this incident to Police.

    This information is invaluable to our investigations and enabled us to hold the alleged offender to account.

    We thank the public for their continued support and urge anyone to report any suspicious or unlawful behaviour to Police.

    If you see something happening now, call 111 with as much detail as safely possible, or get in touch on 105 if it’s after the fact.

    Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CONGRESSWOMAN MAXINE WATERS CONDEMNS PRESIDENT TRUMP AND HIS ADMINISTRATION FOR RACIST IMMIGRATION POLICY

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (43rd District of California)

    “Trump is demonstrating the height of his racism as he works to remove 500,000 legal immigrants from this country.”

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the Committee on Financial Services, released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court granting the Trump Administration’s request to revoke humanitarian parole from more than 500,000 immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, and order them out of the Country. 

    “Donald Trump is demonstrating the height of his racism as he works to remove 500,000 legal immigrants from this country. These are individuals who followed the legal process to apply for and receive humanitarian parole, which allows migrants from countries facing instability, including Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, to enter the United States and live and work here legally, in this case for two years, provided they have a private sponsor. These people followed that process, entered the United States legally, and became law-abiding and contributing members of their communities.  It is downright cruel for Donald Trump to interfere with that process, take away their parole status with virtually no warning, uproot them from their families, sponsors, and communities, and deport them to situations that are still unstable.

    “I am appalled that the Supreme Court is allowing Trump to proceed with these racist deportation plans targeting law-abiding, legal immigrants who are working, raising families, and contributing in a positive way to their communities. I commend Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson and Sonia Sotomayor for their dissent against this terrible decision.

    “Meanwhile, Trump lied to the American people and the world when he perpetuated a false narrative about white South Africans being subjected to genocide, and then used these lies to justify bringing white South Africans into the United States as refugees, while attempting to deport thousands of legal immigrants who are not white but who truly are refugees.  South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, the United States intelligence community, and the international community have all confirmed that Trump lied about South Africa. 

    “Co-President Elon Musk spread these outrageous lies. Elon Musk is the same man whose family worked hard to maintain the racist apartheid system in South Africa for decades and who himself repeatedly gestured the Afrikaner salute (associated with white supremacist groups like South Africa’s neo-Nazi political party Afrikaner Weerstandsbeweging).

    “But this isn’t new for Trump. Throughout his campaign and even after his election, Trump held rallies that featured racist and disparaging comments and outright lies about immigrants, especially Haitians, in an attempt to stoke fear amongst the American people. Trump’s baseless attacks caused irreparable harm to communities across our nation and further tarnished America’s image around the world.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CONGRESSWOMAN MAXINE WATERS RELEASES THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF REPRESENTATIVE GERRY CONNOLLY

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (43rd District of California)

    My heart goes out to Cathy, Caitlin, and the entire family of Representative Gerry Connolly at this difficult time.  With a true heart for the people, he fiercely advocated for the working class, particularly for federal employees and civil servants.  
     
    Gerry started his career as a Senate Foreign Relations Committee staffer, where he helped advance the annual US foreign aid authorization. He later joined the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and transformed the Northern Virginia region into the vibrant technology hub it is today. While in Congress, I’ve worked alongside Gerry and valued his leadership as the top-ranking Democrat on what is now the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.  
     
    His efforts to modernize the federal IT infrastructure, preserve collective bargaining rights, and combat abuse of power earned him the respect of his peers and of the nation. He had a brilliant mind and fought tirelessly for all the disadvantaged, both domestically and abroad.  
     
    He will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to the American people and his dedication to public service. My heartfelt condolences go to Representative Gerry Connolly’s family and all who cherished him.   

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Maxine Waters Delivers Commencement Speech at Maxine Waters Employment Preparation Center Graduation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (43rd District of California)

    On May 30, 2025, Congresswoman Maxine Waters delivered the commencement speech to the graduating class at the Maxine Waters Employment Preparation Center. The Maxine Waters Employment Preparation Center is an accredited school within the Los Angeles Unified School District that offers quality educational programs to a diverse student population. Its mission is to educate and prepare adult learners for academic excellence and career success. This year alone, the school has helped over 11,000 students. This is the largest enrollment ever at the school and the largest enrollment of any school in the Los Angeles Unified School District Division of Adult and Career Education.

    “I am extremely proud of each and every one of the students graduating who had the drive to better their lives and improve their community”, said Congresswoman Waters. “Your graduation is a testament to your strength, your character, and your ability to believe in yourselves and never give up on your dreams. Whatever you do, know that your families, our community, and our entire nation are depending on you. I want you all to go through life with your heads held high, understanding that you can achieve any goal you set for yourselves. I know you are already inspired. You can and you will Achieve the Impossible! Congratulations to the class of 2025!”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Stevie Wonder Owner of KJLH Radio Honors Congresswoman Maxine Waters at KJLH 25th Annual Women’s Health Expo

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (43rd District of California)

    Congresswoman Maxine Waters delivered a powerful speech to a packed crowd at KJLH’s 25th Annual Women’s Health Expo. The KJLH Women’s Health Expo is one of the largest health events for women in the state. This year’s theme – The Silver Lining: 25 Years of Building Generational Health – honors the legacy and impact of the event, as well as the dedication to advancing the health and empowerment of women and families across Southern California. Under Stevie Wonder’s leadership, this annual event continues to grow and features hundreds of exhibitors showcasing health, wellness, beauty, fitness, and lifestyle resources, tailored to women and families.

    The Congresswoman released the following statement:

    “Each year since the expo was founded, I am so pleased to join KLJH in advancing the health and wellness of women and families. The founders of this Expo knew that women wanted information about their health and needed better connections with health care providers, so that they could take control of their health and the health of their families.

    As the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, I’ve been raising the alarm – in the halls of Congress and back here in Los Angeles — about the disastrous impact of Donald Trump’s policies. I was absolutely appalled to learn of the Trump administration’s plans to slash more than $30 billion from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in his budget for next year. That is more than one quarter of the department’s budget.

    This cruel and senseless budget would dismantle the life-saving programs that enable Americans to stay healthy – from medical research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to disease prevention by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – from substance use treatment by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to the training of our nation’s future health care workforce.

    You might be wondering: What can I do, as an ordinary citizen, to fight back against Trump’s attack on our institutions and way of life? What can I do to stop cuts to Medicaid and other life-saving health care programs?

    We have to be out there in the streets. We need to make our voices heard and show that we won’t stand silently by while they take away our benefits and destroy our government. Trump’s relentless assault on our institutions and individual freedoms is not just dangerous; it is a coup in slow motion. And we all must be committed to defending our democracy before it’s too late”.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Man charged following alleged Paremoremo hit-and-run

    Source: New Zealand Police

    A man has been charged following an alleged hit-and-run in Paremoremo yesterday morning, which left two people injured.

    Emergency services were called to Attwood Road about 7.10am yesterday following a report of a white ute striking two pedestrians.

    The vehicle then allegedly left the scene without stopping.

    One woman sustained serious injuries and another moderate injuries and both were transported to hospital for treatment.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Williams, Waitematā CIB, says earlier today a person presented to North Shore Police Station.

    “A 39-year-old man has subsequently been charged with failing to stop and ascertain injury and two counts of careless driving causing injury.

    “The investigation remains ongoing, however we would like to thank all the members of the public who have so far contacted Police.”

    The 39-year-old man will appear in North Shore District Court on 12 July.

    As the matter is before the Court, Police are limited in providing further comment.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: From Kent State to Los Angeles, using armed forces to police civilians is a high-risk strategy

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Brian VanDeMark, Professor of History, United States Naval Academy

    Smoke and tear gas surround a protester in Los Angeles on June 7, 2025, amid confrontations between immigration rights advocates and law enforcement personnel. Taurat Hossain/Anadolu via Getty Images

    Responding to street protests in Los Angeles against federal immigration enforcement raids, President Donald Trump ordered 2,000 soldiers from the California National Guard into the city on June 7, 2025, to protect agents carrying out the raids. Trump also authorized the Pentagon to dispatch regular U.S. troops “as necessary” to support the California National Guard.

    The president’s orders did not specify rules of engagement about when and how force could be used. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who did not request the National Guard and asserted it was not needed, criticized the president’s decision as “inflammatory” and warned it “will only escalate tensions.”

    I am a historian who has written several books about the Vietnam War, one of the most divisive episodes in our nation’s past. My recent book, “Kent State: An American Tragedy,” examines a historic clash on May 4, 1970, between anti-war protesters and National Guard troops at Kent State University in Ohio.

    The confrontation escalated into violence: troops opened fire on the demonstrators, killing four students and wounding nine others, including one who was paralyzed for life.

    In my view, dispatching California National Guard troops against civilian protesters in Los Angeles chillingly echoes decisions and actions that led to the tragic Kent State shooting. Some active-duty units, as well as National Guard troops, are better prepared today than in 1970 to respond to riots and violent protests – but the vast majority of their training and their primary mission remains to fight, to kill, and to win wars.

    Protests in Los Angeles began after federal agencies conducted immigration raids across the city on June 6, 2025. Local police responded with pepper spray, rubber bullets and tear gas.

    Federalizing the Guard

    The National Guard is a force of state militias under the command of governors. It can be federalized by the president during times of national emergency, or for deployment on combat missions overseas. Guardsmen train for one weekend per month and two weeks every summer.

    Typically, the Guard has been deployed to deal with natural disasters and support local police responses to urban unrest. Examples include riots in Detroit in 1967, Washington DC in 1968, Los Angeles in 1965 and 1992, and Minneapolis and other cities in 2020 after the death of George Floyd.

    Presidents rarely deploy National Guard troops without state governors’ consent. The main modern exceptions occurred in the 1950s and 1960s during the Civil Rights Movement, when Southern governors defied federal court orders to desegregate schools in Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama. In each case, the federal government sent troops to protect Black students from crowds of white protesters.

    The 1807 Insurrection Act grants presidents authority to use active-duty troops or National Guard forces to restore order within the United States. President Trump did not invoke the Insurrection Act. Instead, he relied on Section 12406 of Title 10 of the U.S. Code, a narrower federal statute that allows the president to mobilize the National Guard in situations including “rebellion or danger of a rebellion against the authority of the Government of the United States.”

    Trump did not limit his order to Los Angeles. He authorized armed forces to protect immigration enforcement operations at any “locations where protests against these functions are occurring or are likely to occur.”

    ICE officers and national guards confront protesters outside of the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles on June 8, 2025.
    Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images

    The standoff at Kent State

    The war in Vietnam had grown increasingly unpopular by early 1970, but protests intensified on April 30 when President Richard Nixon authorized expanding the conflict into Cambodia. At Kent State, after a noontime anti-war rally on campus on May 1, alcohol-fueled students harassed passing motorists in town and smashed storefront windows that night. On May 2, anti-war protesters set fire to the building where military officers trained Kent State students enrolled in the armed forces’ Reserve Officer Training Corps program.

    In response, Republican Governor Jim Rhodes dispatched National Guard troops, against the advice of university and many local officials, who understood the mood in the town of Kent and on campus far better than Rhodes did. County prosecutor Ron Kane had vehemently warned Rhodes that deploying the National Guard could spark conflict and lead to fatalities.

    Nonetheless, Rhodes – who was trailing in an impending Republican primary for a U.S. Senate seat – struck the pose of a take-charge leader who wasn’t going to be pushed around by a long-haired rabble. “We’re going to put a stop to this!” he shouted, pounding the table at a press conference in Kent on May 3.

    Hundreds of National Guard troops were deployed across town and on campus. University officials announced that further rallies were banned. Nonetheless, on May 4, some 2,000 to 3,000 students gathered on the campus Commons for another anti-war rally. They were met by 96 National Guardsmen, led by eight officers.

    There was confrontation in the air as student anger over Nixon’s expansion of the war blended with resentment over the Guard’s presence. Protesters chanted antiwar slogans, shouted epithets at the Guardsmen and made obscene gestures.

    Archival footage from CBS News of the clash between campus anti-war protesters and Ohio National Guard troops at Kent State University on May 4, 1970.

    ‘Fire in the air!’

    The Guardsmen sent to Kent State had no training in de-escalating tension or minimizing the use of force. Nonetheless, their commanding officer that day, Ohio Army National Guard Assistant Adjutant General Robert Canterbury, decided to use them to break up what the Department of Justice later deemed a legal assembly.

    In my view, it was a reckless judgment that inflamed an already volatile situation. Students started showering the greatly outnumbered Guardsmen with rocks and other objects. In violation of Ohio Army National Guard regulations, Canterbury neglected to warn the students that he had ordered Guardsmens’ rifles loaded with live ammunition.

    As tension mounted, Canterbury failed to adequately supervise his increasingly fearful troops – a cardinal responsibility of the commanding officer on the scene. This fundamental failure of leadership increased confusion and resulted in a breakdown of fire control discipline – officers’ responsibility to maintain tight control over their troops’ discharge of weapons.

    When protesters neared the Guardsmen, platoon sergeant Mathew McManus shouted “Fire in the air!” in a desperate attempt to prevent bloodshed. McManus intended for troops to shoot above the students’ heads to warn them off. But some Guardsmen, wearing gas masks that made it hard to hear amid the noise and confusion, only heard or reacted to the first word of McManus’ order, and fired at the students.

    The troops had not been trained to fire warning shots, which was contrary to National Guard regulations. And McManus had no authority to issue an order to fire if officers were nearby, as they were.

    Many National Guardsmen who were at Kent State on May 4 later questioned why they had been deployed there. “Loaded rifles and fixed bayonets are pretty harsh solutions for students exercising free speech on an American campus,” one of them told an oral history interviewer. Another plaintively asked me in a 2023 interview, “Why would you put soldiers trained to kill on a university campus to serve a police function?”

    Doug Guthrie, a student at Kent State in 1970, looks back 54 years later at the events of May 4.

    A fighting force

    National Guard equipment and training have improved significantly in the decades since Kent State. But Guardsmen are still military troops who are fundamentally trained to fight, not to control crowds.

    In 2020, then-National Guard Bureau Chief General Joseph Lengyel told reporters that “the civil unrest mission is one of the most difficult and dangerous missions … in our domestic portfolio.”

    In my view, the tragedy of Kent State shows how critical it is for authorities to be thoughtful in responding to protests, and extremely cautious in deploying military troops to deal with them. The application of force is inherently unpredictable, often uncontrollable, and can lead to fatal mistakes and lasting human suffering. And while protests sometimes break rules, they may not be disruptive or harmful enough to merit responding with force.

    Aggressive displays of force, in fact, can heighten tensions and worsen situations. Conversely, research shows that if protesters perceive authorities are acting with restraint and treating them with respect, they are more likely to remain nonviolent. The shooting at Kent State demonstrated that using military force in these situations is an option fraught with grave risks.

    This is an updated version of an article originally published Aug. 27, 2024.

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

    – ref. From Kent State to Los Angeles, using armed forces to police civilians is a high-risk strategy – https://theconversation.com/from-kent-state-to-los-angeles-using-armed-forces-to-police-civilians-is-a-high-risk-strategy-258468

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Avoid the area of State Highway 26/27 Tatuanui

    Source: New Zealand Police

    At approximately 12.15pm on Monday 9th June at the roundabout with State Highway 26/27, Tatuanui, Matamata-Piako District.

    A truck has rolled and is partially blocking the roundabout.

    Motorists are requested to avoid the area if possible, take an alternative route or delay travel.

    A recovery of the stricken truck is underway, but will be at least two hours, approx 3pm, until the road is clear.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Statement from FBI Los Angeles Assistant Director in Charge

    Source: US FBI

    “Anyone who deliberately impedes the efforts of law enforcement agents and officers who are carrying out lawful warrants will be subject to federal prosecution, to include spending time in federal prison,” said Akil Davis, the assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office.

    “The FBI is currently seeking individuals who assaulted law enforcement officers serving federal warrants during the past two days in various parts of Los Angeles. There will be no tolerance for anyone who interferes with the law enforcement mission and, in doing so, puts law enforcement or the community in harm’s way.”  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: AFSM honour for fire services impact

    Source:

    Colin Brown AFSM is a dedicated and highly experienced firefighter and emergency services leader with more than 40 years of service to CFA and Fire Rescue Victoria.

    His longstanding career exemplifies outstanding leadership, innovation and service in firefighting, emergency management, aviation operations and community engagement. Beyond his distinguished service in frontline firefighting, Colin has played a pivotal role in shaping strategic emergency management frameworks, mentoring future leaders, and championing inclusivity.

    Colin is a current volunteer member of Warrandyte Fire Brigade, a fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) Commander at CFA District 13, and a former CFA Deputy Group Officer of Seymour Group. He is also an accredited wildfire and structural fire investigator and has mentored prospective investigators undergoing training in the past.

    “As a teenager growing up in The Basin, there was little to do to occupy my time,” Colin said. 

    “The local fire brigade was near my home and hearing them regularly respond to incidents prompted me to join. Once I became a member, the camaraderie within the brigade and a sense of helping the community led me to pursue a career as a firefighter.”

    Across his more than four decades of service, Colin has made a significant contribution in the protection of life and property at major fires including Dandenong Ranges fires (1967, 1997), Ash Wednesday (1983), Black Saturday Fires (2009) and the Cambarville fires (2019-20).

    He also managed emergency response as Incident Controller for complex fires including Dutson Downs Bombing Range (1999), Hazelwood Power Station (2000) and Maryvale Paper Mill (2001), and provided strategic leadership during the Victorian Alpine Fires (2002-03), Emu Track Fire (2003), the 2019-20 fires (in both Victoria and NSW) and numerous other large-scale emergencies. Additionally, he has been involved in multi-agency emergency operations, working alongside Victoria Police, CFA, DELWP and other emergency services.

    “One of the incidents that stands out for me is the Longford gas explosion in 1998. It was my first day as a CFA Operations Officer and I was asked to lead the CFA Fire Investigation team in determining its cause,” Colin said.

    “I was then privileged to be asked by ESSO Australia to support the Longford team to obtain their licence as a major hazards facility.”

    Colin’s expertise and leadership during catastrophic events has led to significant advancements in township protection plans, improvements in Incident Control Centres and the creation of the highly successful Your Emergency Services (YES) program in the Yarra Ranges.

    Following the Black Saturday Royal Commission, Colin worked with 21 CFA brigades across the Dandenong Ranges and surrounding areas on an EMV-led project to provide community alert sirens in emergencies through existing CFA and purpose-built sirens. This project is now in place and has been used to alert these communities to emergencies since its implementation, improving public safety outcomes.

    Colin is also a champion of diversity in emergency response operations. His commitment to training, mentoring and inclusivity has led to advancements in fire aviation operations and fire investigation, including endorsing the first accredited woman CFA Air Observer and managing the development of a joint agency training manual between CFA and DELWP.

    “Receiving the AFSM is very humbling, and I am privileged to be honoured by this significant award,” Colin said.

    “CFA is a fantastic organisation. It allows you to challenge yourself and contribute to protecting your community. It provides you with opportunities to develop diverse skills, including leadership and teamwork, outside of your normal day-to-day life.

    “I have also made many friends and acquaintances over my 45 years of service to the organisation and the community.”

    Colin’s dedication, visionary leadership and commitment to safeguarding communities has enhanced firefighting and incident management in Victoria. His contributions continue to shape best practice, mentor future leaders and inspire excellence in firefighting and emergency management.

    Submitted by CFA media

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: CFA members honoured with Australian Fire Service Medal

    Source:

    This King’s Birthday four highly regarded CFA members have been awarded an Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM), in recognition of their outstanding service to CFA and their communities.

    The AFSM is the highest award for a member of an Australian fire service and as part of the Kings Birthday honours list, is awarded yearly to a select group of dedicated CFA members.

    The four members have been recognised for their exceptional bravery, expertise, and leadership, guiding their communities and the wider Victorian population through major natural disasters.

    They have all worked on the frontlines as well as providing and imparting valuable knowledge and skills back into the organisation so that everyone in CFA may benefit from their experience.

    The 2025 CFA Australian Fire Service Medal recipients are:

    Anthony Scicluna – Clonbinane Brigade

    Sharon Merritt – Macclesfield Brigade

    Colin Brown – Warrandyte Brigade

    Peter Langridge – Yellingbo and District 13 Headquarters brigades

    Anthony is a volunteer, a frontline firefighter and a courageous leader and mentor. As a Wildfire Instructor he has been instrumental in developing and delivering CFA’s initial core Firefighter training module and most recently championing the Chainsaw Program and the introduction of the General Firefighter Program.

    Sharon has been a CFA member for 28 years, initially as a volunteer firefighter and then a staff member for more than 15 years. Since 2003, Sharon has served as captain of Macclesfield Fire Brigade, showing exceptional leadership in a specialised large animal rescue brigade.  

    Colin’s longstanding career exemplifies outstanding leadership, innovation and service in firefighting, emergency management, aviation operations and community engagement. Beyond his distinguished service in frontline firefighting, Colin has played a pivotal role in shaping strategic emergency management frameworks, mentoring future leaders, and championing inclusivity. 

    Highly regarded as an experienced health researcher and practitioner, Peter has transformed CFA’s approach to health monitoring and firefighter rehabilitation leading to a safer fireground for firefighters. His research into firefighter health has also led to the implementation and development of new programs and training.

    CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan congratulated the four highly respected CFA AFSM recipients for their invaluable service during their many decades of service.

    “CFA is incredibly proud of its volunteers and staff, and it is great to see our members recognised with the highest fire service medal in the country,” Jason said.

    “We are fortunate as an organisation to have so many incredible people who devote a large part of their life to the protection of lives and property in their communities, and I thank them for their dedication.”

    CFA would also like to recognise AFSM recipient and Assistant Chief Fire Officer Operational Training Andy Waterson who has dedicated more than 35 years to improving the safety of firefighters, with a particular focus on specialist response and training. Andy started as a junior volunteer at Cohuna Fire Brigade in 1985, before becoming a full-time firefighter at Dandenong in 2001. He was instrumental in the establishment of CFA’s urban search and rescue course and heavily involved in the development of driver instructor training before transferring to Fire Rescue Victoria.

    Another ten CFA members were also awarded the prestigious Order of Australia Medal for their service to their communities, including Donald Paterson, Roger Sykes, Raymond Pattle, Joy Pitts, Jason Reid, Mancel Giddings, Roslyn Greenwood, Bruce Holland, Christopher May and David O’Donnell. Congratulations also goes to Jamieson Fire Brigade member Andrew Dwyer who was honoured as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his significant service to the community.

    Submitted by CFA media

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  • MIL-OSI Australia: CFA stalwart honoured for decades of bushfire safety leadership

    Source:

    CFA Wildfire Instructor and operational firefighter Anthony (Tony) Scicluna has been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) in this year’s King’s Birthday honours for his outstanding dedication to firefighter training, safety culture and community service.

    Tony’s career in fire services spans more than four decades across both volunteer and career roles. During that time, he has left a lasting mark on bushfire training in Victoria, shaping programs, training thousands of volunteers, and instilling a culture of calm, safety and awareness on the fireground.

    “Receiving the AFSM is a real honour, but it’s one I share with a lot of people who worked beside me along the way,” Tony said.

    Tony began his CFA journey as one of the founding members of Clonbinane Fire Brigade in the early 1980s. At the time, there was no brigade in the local area, only a community fire truck attached to the Wandong Fire Brigade. Driven by local need and collective effort, Tony joined other local residents and successfully lobbied the CFA for a new brigade, which continues to serve the region today.

    From 1990, his firefighting expertise deepened during 12 years with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, where he gained hands-on experience in bushfire behaviour, forest management and operational response. He also worked in the Fire Management Branch developing bushfire training packages and firefighting training videos. That experience became the foundation for his work developing and delivering CFA’s training curriculum.

    Over the years, Tony, has played a pivotal role in the creation of several major CFA training programs, including CFA’s initial core firefighter training module, the General Firefighter program, the Chainsaw and Tree Hazard programs. He has also taught fire ecology and planned burning at TAFE level, contributed to the development of interagency training packages still in use today, all while remaining an active CFA volunteer throughout.

    “I’m a big believer in the older firefighter teaching the newer firefighter,” he said.

    “That’s how firefighting knowledge has always been passed on — hands-on learning, real stories, real consequences. You’ve got to engage the firefighters you train so they bring out the best in themselves. That’s my philosophy.”

    Tony is also well known for his signature tree hazard safety message: “look up”, a mantra he developed through years of chainsaw and forest fire training.

     In 2009, Tony’s home community was directly impacted by the Kilmore East fire on Black Saturday, a day he describes as testing every fibre of his training and leadership.

    “CFA District 12 was heavily impacted by fire. Our communities and brigades were severely affected.  That day, and the years that followed, were tough for me and for the volunteers I worked with. I learnt so much during this time.”

    In the aftermath, Tony supported many of the same brigades he had helped train, as they regrouped, recovered and continued to serve their communities.

    “Post Black Saturday a few firefighters told me that the training I delivered really helped them get through that terrible day. That’s the ultimate reward for a bushfire instructor.”

    Reflecting on his stellar career, Tony remains humble.

    “It is a privilege to work alongside our volunteers and watch their fire experience grow with every bushfire they attend. They are good people doing a very important job and I hold them all in high regard.  They’re the ones who’ll carry the training forward to our new firefighters.”

    “I simply want to say thank you to the many people who have supported me over the years.” 

    Submitted by CFA media

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