NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Trustee declaration

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    The Trustee declaration is signed by trustees and directors of a corporate trustee of a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) to declare they understand their obligations and responsibilities.

    Read the Trustee declaration carefully. If you don’t understand any of the responsibilities, then you should find out about them before signing the declaration.

    Note: You must keep your completed declaration while you remain a trustee of the fund or for 10 years (whichever is longer). Don’t send your completed declaration to us unless we ask for it.

    How to obtain this form

    You can download this form in Portable Document Format (PDF) – download Trustee declaration (NAT 71089, PDF, 228 KB)This link will download a file.

    Who should complete this declaration

    You must complete this declaration if you become a trustee or the director of a corporate trustee of a new SMSF or existing SMSF.

    This declaration must be signed within 21 days of becoming a trustee or director.

    A separate declaration is required to be completed and signed by each and every trustee or director.

    You must also complete this declaration if you:

    • have undertaken an ATO approved course of education to comply with an education direction
    • are a legal personal representative who has been appointed as a trustee or director on behalf of a:      
      • member who is under a legal disability (usually a member under 18 years old)
      • member for whom you hold an enduring power of attorney
      • deceased member.

    To find out more, speak to a professional adviser or contact us on 13 10 20.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: More traffic expected for Mt Wellington, NZTA and AT plans in full swing

    Source: Auckland Transport

    Date: 13 May 2025

    Auckland Transport (AT) and the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) are collaborating to tackle congestion in Mt Wellington.

    AT is planning to create new transit and heavy vehicle lanes on two major roads that feed vehicles to and from State Highway 1 (SH1) in the afternoon and is now seeking public feedback on the proposal.

    The lanes will make travel quicker and more reliable for delivery vehicles, buses, and people carpooling, says AT’s Road Network Optimisation Manager Chris Martin.

    “Our analysis shows that 11 percent of vehicles moving through here are heavy vehicles or trucks carrying goods, which is higher than normal in Auckland. It would be fantastic to get these vehicles that are essential to our economy out of traffic and moving more efficiently.”

    “On Sylvia Park Road, the road is wide enough for us to add another lane, but this will require painting broken yellow lines on the other side of the road so that one or two parked cars don’t block the road for everyone else,” he says.

    “On Mt Wellington Highway, we are at the point where we need to reallocate the lanes on both sides, so that we can improve productivity and essentially move more people through the same road space.

    “These roads are already very busy with more people living and working in the area. We expect these roads to get busier once IKEA opens, so we’re planning now to get ahead of the congestion crunch,” Mr Martin says.

    AT’s proposals will link existing transit lanes on Great South Road and Atkinson Road and tie in with NZTA’s work.

    NZTA is currently making changes to improve the traffic flow onto the motorway and reduce congestion at the Mt Wellington Highway interchange. The improvements include expanding the current two-lane onramp into three lanes on the southbound approach to SH1 as well as converting the existing give-way controlled left turning southbound slip lane into a signalised pedestrian crossing.  This will allow three lanes of traffic on the on-ramp to reduce the number of vehicles queueing on this busy road.

    The motorway improvements will ensure that unless a pedestrian wants to cross the road, the slip lane will aways be green to allow a free-flowing left turn, plus a third on-ramp lane will let vehicle movement to continue even when double lane traffic is turning right from the south.

    Auckland System Management (ASM) began construction works on the motorway improvements last month.

    “The project’s primary goal is to ease congestion at the Mt Wellington Highway interchange, particularly for those heading south to the SH1 motorway and improve pedestrian safety,” says Paul Geck, Alliance Manager, ASM.

    Both AT and NZTA’s plans are designed to be implemented quickly for the 20,000 plus vehicles that use these roads daily. NZTA’s works are taking place at night and are expected to be complete in July 2025. 

    Ward Councillor Josephine Bartley is encouraging people to tell AT what they think of the proposal.

    “AT’s job is to make the road network as efficient as possible. It’s good to see that AT and NZTA are working on this together and I am cautiously optimistic that this will help everyone spend less time in traffic in the evening. 

    “If you live in the area, work in the area, or travel through the area, take a look at what’s proposed and consider how it could improve the local road ecosystem,” she says.

    Feedback is open on AT’s proposed changes for Keeping Mt Wellington Moving at haveyoursay.at.govt.nz until 8 June 2025.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Football Fever – Show your pride with Auckland’s ride

    Source: Auckland Transport

    Date: 21 May 2025

    Auckland Transport is throwing its support behind Auckland FC as the Black Knights continue their charge to capture football’s A League crown in their inaugural season. 

    Having already claimed the Premiers’ Plate by finishing top of the table, Auckland hosts Melbourne Victory at Go Media Mount Smart Stadium at 6pm this Saturday May 24 in the second match of a home and away semifinal, with the winner booking a place in the Grand Final. 

    While Auckland won the first match 1-0 In Melbourne, the team will still need home fans to bring the noise this weekend and AT is coming to the party, offering free travel on buses and trains included in match tickets. Special Event buses will also be running from Albany, stopping at all Northern Busway stations before heading to the stadium. 

    Match ticket holders can simply show their ticket to the bus driver or train staff member when boarding and remember to keep their tickets for the ride home.  

    The Special Event bus drivers will be showing their support, being decked out in Auckland FC scarfs and there will be free face painting at Albany Bus Station and Waitematā (Britomart) and Newmarket train stations. There will be a Soccer Shootout event at Britomart’s Te Komititanga Square to put your skills to the test and Pacific drummers playing outside Penrose Station to hype fans up on their way to the match. 

    AT CEO Dean Kimpton says with more than 28,000 fans expected at Mount Smart, AT is pleased to be able to support them to get to the game efficiently and safely. 

    “As a fan of the Black Knights’ and their outstanding season, it’s been fantastic to enjoy the real buzz around the city and beyond they have brought to us. It’s going to be a big weekend for Auckland so we’re asking people to plan their trips ahead of time so they can travel smoothly,” Mr Kimpton says. 

    “Just like after all big events in Auckland and around the world there may be a bit of a wait while our team works hard to help get you home onboard our buses and trains.” 

    Fans of the oval ball will also be able to enjoy free travel on buses and trains included in match tickets and free face painting at Albany Bus Station for this weekend’s Black Ferns clash with USA at North Harbour Stadium. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Delivers A Knockout Experience: VIP Access to Karate Combat’s KC54 Dubai UFC Fight

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, May 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, brought the heat to Token2049 with an exclusive ringside experience at Karate Combat KC54 in Dubai on May 2nd. Think high-octane strikes, VIP treatment, and a night so wild, even the blockchain felt the impact.

    This year, Bitget raised the stakes by offering a premium experience that put crypto enthusiasts right at the heart of the action. Bitget’s esteemed VIPs witnessed world-class fighters trade blows while enjoying gourmet food and premium beverages in an exclusive VIP section reserved just for Bitget’s key opinion leaders and special guests.

    With a crowd of 4,000-5,000 roaring fight fans, the energy in Dubai’s premier venue was electric. Bitget COO Vugar Usi Zade perfectly captured the spirit of the event: “Crypto trading and combat sports demand the same qualities—quick reflexes, strategic thinking, and nerves of steel. We’re thrilled to give our community this exclusive opportunity to experience world-class competition up close. Whether you’re analyzing charts or analyzing fight techniques, this is where champions are made.”

    Robert Bryan, CEO of Karate Combat, remarked, “KC54 marked a significant milestone in our journey, and having Bitget as a sponsor amplified our commitment to innovation in combat sports. Their support helped us deliver an unforgettable experience that blended tradition with cutting-edge technology.

    Asim Zaidi, President of Karate Combat, also added, “Partnering with Bitget for KC54 was a game-changer. Their involvement not only elevated the event’s profile but also underscored the synergy between martial arts and the evolving digital landscape.”

    The event marked another strategic partnership for Bitget in the combat sports world, following their successful collaborations with professional combat athletes such as Wrestling World Champion, Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu, and Boxing Gold Medalist Samet Gümüş (Boxing). By creating these exclusive live experiences, Bitget continues to build meaningful connections between the crypto community and high-profile sporting events.

    Jyotsna Hirdyani, Bitget’s South Asia head, who orchestrated the event, shared insights. “This is the future. From blockchain to sports, crypto is changing the game forever. This is what happens when sports & entertainment meet blockchain technology. It’s a cultural shift where you will see more & more cross-plays of sports x crypto, the ultimate cross-over.”

    This partnership underscores Bitget’s commitment to delivering unique, high-value experiences to its community. Just as in trading, timing is everything, and May 2nd in Dubai was when crypto met combat in what turned out to be an unforgettable showdown. Bitget’s focus remains on creating tangible value for the crypto community beyond digital interfaces.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 100 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.

    Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

    About Karate

    Karate Combat is the world’s premier full-contact karate league, renowned for its innovative approach to combat sports entertainment. Known for its distinctive, fast-paced fighting style – essentially MMA without ground fighting, Karate Combat delivers high-energy bouts, with nearly half ending in knockouts. With over 7 million followers, hundreds of millions of views monthly, and over 100,000 active app users, Karate Combat is at the forefront of blending sports, technology community-driven experiences.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c42afdf6-d6ba-4c86-9956-11a55ab53e57

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7491be04-23bb-4a08-adea-298413bc3465

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/11cf807e-3ef9-44f5-8645-11265a51e617

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3b65cc5e-9dd9-4842-9b2c-cb12d08b16d6

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Danske Bank share buy-back programme: transactions in week 21

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company announcement no. 26 2025

    Danske Bank

    Bernstorffsgade 40

    DK-1577 København V

    Tel. + 45 33 44 00 00

    26 May 2025

    Page 1 of 1

    Danske Bank share buy-back programme: transactions in week 21

    On 7 February 2025, Danske Bank A/S announced a share buy-back programme for a total of DKK 5 billion, with a maximum of 45,000,000 shares, in the period from 10 February 2025 to 30 January 2026, at the latest, as described in company announcement no. 6 2025.

    The Programme is carried out in accordance with Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and Council of 16 April 2014 (the “Market Abuse Regulation”) and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016 (together with the Market Abuse Regulation, the “Safe Harbour Rules”).

    The following transactions on Nasdaq Copenhagen A/S were made under the share buy-back programme in week 21:
      Number of shares VWAP DKK Gross value DKK
    Accumulated, last announcement 6,021,965 225.3747 1,357,198,355
    19 May 2025 50,000 252.6524 12,632,620
    20 May 2025 50,000 255.7486 12,787,430
    21 May 2025 89,501 256.4140 22,949,309
    22 May 2025 55,000 254.4755 13,996,153
    23 May 2025 60,000 253.8853 15,233,118
    Total accumulated over week 21 304,501 254.8387 77,598,630
    Total accumulated during the share buyback programme 6,326,466 226.7928 1,434,796,985

    With the transactions stated above, the total accumulated number of own shares under the share buy-back programme corresponds to 0.758% of Danske Bank A/S’ share capital.

    Danske Bank

    Contact: Claus Ingar Jensen, Head of Group Investor Relations, tel. +45 25 42 43 70

    This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Academic Council discussed cooperation with Slavic universities and the life of the Student City

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    Last Friday, the regular meeting of the SPbPU Academic Council took place. Its participants discussed the interaction of the Polytechnic University with Slavic universities, the work of the Student City, held elections of directors of some institutes and higher schools, and voted for the nomination of several university employees for academic titles.

    Before the meeting, members of the Academic Council congratulated the rector of SPbPU Andrey Rudskoy on the presentation to him, as a co-author of the book “Putin in the Mirror of Time. Milestones of the Biography and Chronicles of the Era”, Letter of thanks from the President of Russia. Then they moved on to the ceremonial part, where many more Polytechnicians and university partners were awarded congratulations and applause.

    For his great contribution to the formation and replenishment of the SPbPU endowment fund and strengthening the positive image of the university, the “For Merit” badge of distinction was awarded to Deputy Head of the Corporate Network Department – Senior Vice President of VTB Bank, Polytechnic University graduate Yuri Levchenko.

    The Chief of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia for the Leningrad Region, Lieutenant General of the Internal Service Evgeny Deineka, was also awarded the “For Merit” badge.

    The presentation of candidate of science diplomas at the Polytechnic University also takes place in a solemn atmosphere. Members of the Academic Council congratulated their colleagues on receiving their academic degrees: Nikita Zibarev, an assistant at the Higher School of Biotechnology and Food Production, became a candidate of technical sciences, Tatyana Kudryashova, a senior lecturer at the Higher School of Biotechnology and Food Production, became a candidate of biological sciences, and Suzanne Niemb Bekoume, a young scientist from Cameroon, became a candidate of economic sciences.

    Director of the Higher School of Design and Architecture, Doctor of Architecture Margarita Perkova became a corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Architecture and Construction Sciences (RAASN).

    The Association of Museums of Universities of St. Petersburg awarded the director of the SPbPU History Museum, Valery Klimov, with a diploma “For the Honor and Dignity of the Profession.”

    It’s time to celebrate the athletes’ achievements. Students Anastasia Dmitrieva and Elizaveta Shevchenko took first place in the Russian and St. Petersburg championships in sports aerobics.

    The Polytechnic women’s basketball team, which took 2nd place in the All-Russian student competition “ASB League Belov Cup”, was represented by Karina Kambulatova, Yulia Ragozina, Kristina Krivich, Ksenia Litvin and assistant of the Department of Physical Training and Sports Victoria Shipovskaya.

    The Academic Council did not forget about the successes of the university’s creative teams. The SPbPU Chamber Choir received the Grand Prix open competition of student choirs of Russia “Blagovest”. At the Academic Council, the winners were represented by a 2nd-year student of the Institute of Biological Sciences and Biology Olesya Shkorubskaya. Youth choir “Polyhymnia” became the best among fifty participants All-Russian choral competition “Raduga”. And the pop-symphony orchestra Ingenium took 1st place at the festival “Student Spring”— the most significant creative competition of universities in the North-West.

    For the first time, the Academic Council not only congratulated the winners, but also saw fragments of their performances on the big screen, which was especially inspiring and set the mood for positivity.

    On the agenda, Dmitry Arsenyev, Vice-Rector for International Affairs at SPbPU, presented a report entitled “On the coordination of activities and support for development programs of Russian-national (Slavic) universities.”

    The Slavic Universities project is one of the largest international projects of SPbPU. It is aimed at creating an international community of leading universities promoting Russian education, science and culture in the CIS countries. Its key goal is to form an educational outpost uniting universities of Belarus, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and other countries through the introduction of the best Russian practices, deep transformation of educational processes and strengthening of scientific research potential.

    Significant results were achieved during the period from 2021 to 2025: 14 network educational programs and 16 academic mobility programs were launched, involving more than 200 students. Through joint efforts, 18 conferences were held, over 170 scientific papers were published, and more than 500 employees of Slavic universities were trained in advanced training programs. Key initiatives include the creation of an intelligent robotics laboratory at the Belarusian-Russian University, the implementation of the Moodle cloud platform at the Kyrgyz-Russian University, and major events such as the Slavic Horizon Summit (2023) and the International School of Astrophysics at the Byurakan Observatory.

    However, the project faces challenges: legal restrictions due to the status of foreign legal entities, differences in legislation and mentalities, as well as difficulties with migration policy. These barriers require an individual approach to each university and additional resources.

    Large-scale initiatives are planned for 2025–2026: development and implementation of joint and network educational programs, including expert and consulting support for organizing a distance learning system in Slavic universities; creation of a Student Project Bureau at KRSU; mutual academic mobility of students and postgraduates between partner universities; attraction of leading research and teaching staff from Slavic universities to exchange experience; development of comprehensive plans for the development of the scientific base of KRSU with a focus on projects for industrial partners (LLC Alliance Altyn and GC Geoscan); opening of dissertation councils; expert support for the modernization of the information and library complex of KRSU; as well as the formation of a unified youth policy in Slavic universities through the involvement of students in scientific, educational and cultural initiatives. Particular attention will be paid to the dialogue with the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia.

    Slavic universities are a systemic effort to overcome borders, where students from different countries not only study, but also create projects that solve real problems. We see how joint work launches a chain reaction of ideas. Our focus is not on formal indicators, but on creating a unified scientific ecosystem, – emphasized Dmitry Arsenyev.

    The Academic Council of SPbPU noted the importance of the project for promoting technical education of SPbPU abroad, recognized the work done by the project office as satisfactory, and also approved the work plan for the coming year.

    The second issue on the agenda was addressed by the Director of the Student City, Vyacheslav Olshevsky.

    The Polytechnic University campus consists of 21 dormitories, two hostels, three hotels and an administrative and economic block, which includes a production complex and furniture manufacturing.

    The number of people living in dormitories increases every year. According to the admissions targets for 2024, 70% of those admitted to the Polytechnic are from out of town. Currently, about 10 thousand students live in the dormitories of the Student City.

    The administration ensures that each resident is provided with the necessary set of furniture. Each dormitory has a study room for classes, and almost all dormitories have sports rooms. Dormitory repairs are carried out both by the Student City production complex and with the involvement of contractors.

    In 2025, together with the United Student Council of SPbPU, we held a significant event – forum of student councils of dormitories.

    Vyacheslav Olshevsky also spoke about the hotel complex, noting that it brings great benefit in accommodating those in need of accommodation: 95% of the hotels are occupied by students. Also, during the admission campaign, applicants and their parents can live there. There is a 60% discount on accommodation in the hotel complex for students.

    With all the advantages, there are also difficulties. Thus, in 2024, a resort tax was introduced in St. Petersburg (100 rubles). Fortunately, full-time students under 24 are considered a privileged category of citizens. But in 2025, a tourist tax was introduced in St. Petersburg for legal entities, and so far there are no benefits for accommodating students. This issue is currently being resolved at the level of the legislative and executive authorities of the city.

    Vyacheslav Olshevsky pleased us with the information that a food outlet will open in the Maximum Hotel any day now, and this is very good, since there are no cafes or shops near the hotel.

    The third issue on the agenda of the meeting was devoted to the election of directors of institutes and higher schools. According to the results of the vote, the post of director of the Institute of Electronics and Telecommunications was retained by Alexander Korotkov, the post of director of the Institute of Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism was retained by Valery Sushchenko, and Nikolay Ivanov became the director of the Physics and Mechanical Institute. Zeynab Bakhturidze became the director of the Higher School of International Relations of the State Institute of Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism, Vladimir Mulyukha became the director of the Higher School of Artificial Intelligence Technologies of the Institute of Scientific Research, Maria Poltavtseva was elected director of the Higher School of Computer Technologies and Information Systems of the Institute of Scientific Research, Alexey Grachev became the director of the Higher School of Transport of the Institute of Medical and Electronic Technology, Margarita Perkova became the director of the Higher School of Design and Architecture of the Institute of Scientific Research, and M. V. Gumilyov became the director of the Higher School of Professional Judo Trainers named after A. S. Rakhlin – Mikhail Rakhlin, director of the Higher School of Electronics and Microsystem Engineering of the Institute of Electrical Engineering and Technology – Vera Loboda, director of the Higher Engineering and Physics School of the Institute of Electrical Engineering and Technology – Roman Burkovsky, director of the Higher School of Advanced Digital Technologies PISh “Digital Engineering” – Valery Leventsov, director of the Higher School of Fundamental Physics Research of the Physics and Mechanics Institute – Viktor Dubov, director of the Higher School of Applied Mathematics and Computational Physics of the Physics and Mechanics Institute – Maxim Frolov.

    The fourth issue was the presentation for the assignment of academic titles. From the Institute of Electronics and Telecommunications, it was decided to present Sergei Ivanov (scientific specialty “Radiophysics”) and Ivan Rumyantsev (scientific specialty “Electronic component base of micro- and nanoelectronics, quantum devices”) to the title of associate professor.

    The Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport nominated for the title of associate professor: Alexander Bakhshiev (Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning), Boris Spassky (Robots, Mechatronics and Robotic Systems), Vasily Teplukhin (Mechanical Science).

    The Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade nominated for the title of associate professor: Ksenia Kikkas (World Economy) and Angi Skhvediani (Mathematical, Statistical and Instrumental Methods in Economics).

    At the end of the meeting, SPbPU Academic Secretary Dmitry Karpov reported on monitoring the implementation of the Academic Council’s decisions.

    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: SAR 423 Billion in Foreign Investments: Saudi Arabia Launches Offshore Securities Business License

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Over the past decade, the Saudi Capital Market Authority (CMA) has methodically advanced the Kingdom’s capital market reforms, gradually opening its financial markets to international investors. This transformation has attracted substantial global institutional interest, with foreign holdings reaching approximately SAR 423 billion by the end of 2024. The recent introduction of the Offshore Securities Business License underscores Saudi Arabia’s ambition to establish itself as a leading regional and global financial center.

    The QFI program in 2015 was the first program to provide direct access into Saudi markets for foreign investors. Prior to the QFI program, foreign investors could only access Saudi equities through swap arrangements, once foreign institutions qualified as QFIs, the program created a direct way for foreign institutions to transact in the Saudi market, further expanding the overall market access.

    Since then, the CMA has gradually dismantled many of the restrictions that once limited foreign participation. In 2018, asset thresholds for QFI eligibility were lowered, per-investor ownership caps were raised from 5 to 10 percent, and the pool of eligible investors was expanded.

    Also, improvements to corporate governance, financial disclosure, and market infrastructure made Saudi Arabia’s capital market more transparent and credible. These reforms helped the Kingdom secure inclusion in the MSCI and FTSE Russell emerging market indices in 2019, a development that catalyzed massive capital inflows.

    The impact was instant, QFI owned SAR 13.7 billion in Saudi market in 2018. That figure increased to SAR 134.48 billion in 2019, coinciding with index inclusion. By the end of 2024, foreign investors held about SAR 423 billion in equities—up from around SAR 86 billion just six years earlier.

    Beyond these broad reforms, the CMA has continued to refine foreign access. In January 2025, it published a landmark rule change permitting foreign ownership in Saudi-listed companies that own real estate assets in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. Previously, such ownership was prohibited due to restrictions on property in the two cities. Under the new regulation, non-Saudi investors—whether individuals or institutions—can now own up to 49% jointly of shares or convertible debt in these companies.

    The CMA also recently published a framework for a new offshore license, intended to allow financial institutions to conduct securities business through a regional headquarters. While still pending implementation, this initiative aims to position the Kingdom as a regional and global financial hub for securities.

    This Offshore Securities Business License will enable licensed institutions to carry out securities activities, as well as manage investment funds that invest in securities within the Kingdom. These services may be provided to foreign clients outside the Kingdom, in addition to a specified category of local clients.

    Additionally, the license will allow its holder to invest in the Saudi capital market without the need to meet the qualification requirements typically imposed on qualified foreign investors. In addition, this license will enable its holder the access to a broader client base, including transactions with sovereign investment funds such as the Public Investment Fund, which manages over SAR 3.5 trillion in assets in 2024, as well as pension funds within the Kingdom.

    The offshore licensees and structure also present other benefits to developing and establishing private investment funds in Saudi Arabia. Offshore licensees will have flexible contractual terms as they will focus on addressing a complex and sophisticated investment needs.

    Taken together, these reforms represent one of the most comprehensive efforts among emerging markets to integrate with global capital flows. The CMA’s approach—measured, regulatory-driven, and clearly aligned with Vision 2030—has generated confidence among international investors. While challenges remain, particularly in implementation and investor onboarding processes, the trajectory is clear. Saudi Arabia is building a market that not only attracts foreign capital, but retains it through stability, structure, and institutional trust. As the offshore licensing regime moves toward activation, it stands as the latest signal that the Kingdom’s financial sector is not just open—it is competing.

    Contact:
    Capital Market Authority
    Communication & Investor Protection Division
    +966114906009
    +966557666932
    Media@cma.org.sa 
    www.cma.org.sa 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Pope Leo XIV and the “unique mission” of the Church of Rome

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    VaticanMedia

    by Gianni ValenteRome (Agenzia Fides) – The Church of Rome is heir to a great history, “grounded in the witness of Peter, Paul and countless martyrs, and it has a unique mission: to be Mater omnium Ecclesiarum, Mother of all the Churches”. Pope Leo XIV recalled this during the homily delivered at the solemn Liturgy celebrated this afternoon, May 25, in the Basilica of St. John Lateran.With this celebration, he officially “took possession” of the Chair of the Bishop of Rome.The Church of Rome is “mother of all the Churches”. And the “maternal dimension of the Church,” so often emphasized by Pope Francis — explained the Bishop of Rome — includes “tenderness, self-sacrifice and the capacity to listen. Those qualities enable her not only to assist others but often to anticipate their needs and expectations before they are even expressed.” This caring solicitude has guided the Church’s choices from its earliest steps, as demonstrated by the episode recalled in the passage from the Acts of the Apostles read during today’s liturgy, to which Pope Leo referred in his homily: the meeting known as the “Council of Jerusalem,” where Peter and the Apostles, prompted by Paul of Tarsus and Barnabas, recognizing the difficulties of the new converts, agreed not to impose excessive burdens on them, but rather to insist only on what was ‘essential’.In the letter sent to the Christians in Antioch to communicate the decisions taken in that meeting – Pope Leo recalled – Peter and the Apostles wrote that what was decided “seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us.” These words bore witness to the fact that “the most important part of the entire event was listening to God’s voice, which made everything else possible”.This affirmed, even back then, that “communion is built primarily “on our knees,” through prayer and constant commitment to conversion”. And that “the more we let ourselves be convinced and transformed by the Gospel — allowing the power of the Spirit to purify our heart, to make our words straightforward, our desires honest and clear, and our actions generous — the more capable we are of proclaiming its message”.Saint Leo the Great and Pope LucianiIn the final part of his homily, Pope Leo expressed “the desire and commitment to contribute “to this great ongoing process by listening to everyone as much as possible, in order to learn, understand and decide things together”. The Pontiff asked everyone for support in charity and prayer, recalling the words of Saint Leo the Great: “All the good we do in the exercise of our ministry is the work of Christ and not our own, for we can do nothing without him. Yet we glory in him, from whom all the effectiveness of our work is derived”.To the words of the Holy Pope of the V Christian Century, Pope Prevost then added those spoken by Blessed John Paul I on September 23, 1978, during the celebration for the taking of possession of the Chair of the Bishop of Rome. “Saint Pius X – Pope Luciani had said on that occasion – upon entering Venice as patriarch, exclaimed in Saint Mark’s: ‘What would become of me, dear Venetians, if I did not love you?’ I would say something similar to you Romans: I assure you that I love you, that I desire only to enter into your service and to place my own poor abilities, the little I have and am, at the service of all”. “I too” added Leo XIV, making John Paul I’s words his own, “express my affection for you and my desire to share with you, on our journey together, our joys and sorrows, our struggles and hopes. I too offer you “the little I have and that I am”, entrusting it to the intercession of Saints Peter and Paul and of all those other brothers and sisters of ours whose holiness has illuminated the history of this Church and the streets of this city. May the Virgin Mary accompany us and intercede for us” he concluded. (Agenzia Fides, 25/5/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • Dedicated myself to nation, says PM Modi in Gujarat after unveiling Rs 24,000 crore development projects

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for a series of development projects in Dahod, Gujarat, collectively valued at ₹24,000 crore.
     
    The projects include critical railway infrastructure and several initiatives under the Gujarat government’s broader development agenda.
     
    Among the key announcements, PM Modi flagged off the Vande Bharat Express connecting Veraval and Ahmedabad, as well as a new express train linking Valsad and Dahod—moves expected to significantly enhance regional rail connectivity.
     
    Reflecting on his journey in office, PM Modi recalled May 26, 2014—the day he first assumed the role of Prime Minister.
     
    “In these years, I have dedicated myself to the nation. Decades-old shackles have been broken. The country has taken decisions that were once unimaginable and unprecedented. We have progressed across every sector,” he said.
     
    Highlighting India’s push toward self-reliance, he said, “Today, 140 crore citizens are working tirelessly to make India a Viksit Bharat. The demand of the times is that everything essential to national progress be manufactured in India.”
     
    He added, “India is rapidly advancing in manufacturing—whether producing goods for domestic needs or exporting ‘Made in India’ products globally, this momentum is strong and consistent.”
     
    The Prime Minister also emphasized India’s technological advancements. “Today, India not only manufactures the necessary technology for rail and metro systems but also exports it. Our Dahod is living proof of this progress.”
     
    Referring to the newly inaugurated electric locomotive manufacturing facility in Dahod, PM Modi said, “Three years ago, I laid the foundation stone. Some mocked it, calling it an election stunt. But today, we see the first electric locomotive manufactured and ready.”
     
    Earlier, he inaugurated the Loco Manufacturing Shop–Rolling Stock Workshop and flagged off the first electric locomotive produced at the facility, marking a major milestone for Indian Railways.
     
    Built at an investment of ₹20,000 crore, the Dahod locomotive manufacturing unit is now operational, just three years after its foundation was laid in 2022. The facility is designed to produce 120 electric locomotives annually, scalable up to 150 units depending on future demand.
     
    Under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, Indian Railways plans to manufacture 1,200 electric locomotives at this facility over the next decade. Each 9,000-HP locomotive, aligned with the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, will bear the tag ‘Manufactured in Dahod’. These high-powered engines can haul up to 4,600 tonnes of cargo and are intended for both domestic use and export.
     
    The Prime Minister will next travel to Bhuj to launch additional development projects worth over ₹53,400 crore. These include initiatives in Kandla Port, solar energy, power transmission, and road infrastructure.
     
    He will also unveil four drinking water supply schemes costing ₹181 crore, aimed at benefiting 4.62 lakh residents across 193 villages and one town in the Mahisagar and Dahod districts.
     
    PM Modi will also distribute cheques worth ₹3,300 crore to urban local bodies under the Swarnim Jayanti Mukhyamantri Shaheri Vikas Yojana.
     
    — IANS

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Free meals for 3 months? Volunteers needed for ‘benefits of eating fish’ study Scientists exploring why eating fish is good for heart and gut health are looking for volunteers to help them unlock more of its nutritional secrets.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Prof Jules Griffin tries fish curry with Karen Taylor and Prof Frank Thies

    Scientists exploring why eating fish is good for heart and gut health are looking for volunteers to help them unlock more of its nutritional secrets.
    Codenamed FAM-OUS because it compares fish and meat-based diets, the Aberdeen University study hopes to underline the benefit of eating more of our local catch.
    And the lucky participants will have a 14-week menu selected for them by the Rowett Institute’s dieticians, with regular monitoring of the relative changes to their health.
    The £750,000 project is funded by the UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and will delve deeper than previous research in the area.
    It is specifically aimed at providing strong scientific backing for the heart health benefits of eating fish, following studies showing an increase in some people’s blood levels of a metabolite – trimethylamine N-oxide, known as TMAO – after eating fish.
    The latest project comes shortly after the Rowett published Scottish Government-funded research showing many vital nutrients are “lost” because the UK exports so much of the fish caught by our fleets.
    That report concluded fresh efforts are urgently needed to increase the quantity of fish we eat as a country, which falls significantly short of the recommended intake.
    Rowett Institute director Jules Griffin, who is one of the lead researchers for the FAMOUS study, said the work would help highlight the value of one of the north east of Scotland’s most celebrated assets – and said he was delighted with some of the dishes set to be served up to volunteers, including a curry and fish cakes.

    The FAMOUS study sets out to examine the health benefits of a fish-based diet, going further than traditional studies to investigate how fish modifies the microbial community in our guts to promote health” Prof Jules Griffin

    “This region produces some of the best fish and seafood in the world and yet many of us eat a rather limited range, perhaps just fish and chips on a Friday,” he said.
    “We are not just missing out on some great tasting food, but fish is an important source of vitamin D and polyunsaturated fats, protecting us from serious diseases including cardiovascular disease.
    “The FAMOUS study sets out to examine the health benefits of a fish-based diet, going further than traditional studies to investigate how fish modifies the microbial community in our guts to promote health.
    “Using the Rowett’s world-class Human Intervention Studies unit, we will better define these health benefits to promote the consumption of the great fish and seafood we have in the area.
    “I will also see if I’m allowed to share some of the wonderful recipes the team have created for the study – the fish curry is a personal favourite and the fish cakes are excellent too!”
    The team is looking for healthy, overweight (BMI 25-29.9) 30–65-year-old meat eaters with elevated blood lipids, sugar, or blood pressure but not on medication or with any history of heart disease or other inflammatory diseases and not on medication for cholesterol or lipaemia or taking any dietary supplements.
    Taking part will involve following different diet plans over set periods and having heart health and gut microbiome changes monitored and assessed.
    To apply or find out more, please contact Frank Thies (f.thies@abdn.ac.uk) or Morven Cruikshank (morven.cruickshank@abdn.ac.uk) or visit the Rowett website: FAMOUS Study | The Rowett Institute | The University of Aberdeen

    Related Content

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: New book about Polytechnic heroes: from T-34 to Operation Berezino

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The TASS press center hosted a presentation of the book “Polytechnic. Fortitude. 1941-1945.” The author, leading specialist of the SPbPU History Museum Alexander Kobyshev, and the vice-rector for youth policy and communication technologies at SPbPU Maxim Pasholikov told journalists about the new edition, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

    “The book ‘Polytechnic. Fortitude. 1941-1945’ is just one example of how the Polytechnic University preserves the memory of the Great Patriotic War,” began Maxim Pasholikov. “Back in 2004, students created the military-historical club ‘Our Polytechnic’, began studying archival documents, organizing search watches, hikes to battle sites, excursions and much more. In May, in Karelia, where the Polytechnicians fought in 1941, the military-patriotic rally ‘Syandeba. Connection of Generations’ was held for the twentieth time. For many years, students have been restoring the names of fallen soldiers, searching for personal files, and collecting them in an electronic Book of Memory. Last year, it was printed for the first time. And the new edition “Polytech. Fortitude. 1941–1945” continues the study of unknown pages in the history of our university.”

    The book “Polytechnic. Fortitude. 1941-1945” consists of two parts. The first describes the activities of the Leningrad Polytechnic Institute named after M. I. Kalinin during the Great Patriotic War – both in Leningrad and in evacuation, in Pyatigorsk and Tashkent. The second part is dedicated to the contribution of polytechnicians to the creation of the weapons of Victory. In addition to the already known names, readers will learn for the first time about more than 120 graduates of the institute who worked at the main defense enterprises and in intelligence.

    “Our task was to show the history of the institute as a whole and its influence on the course of World War II,” emphasized Alexander Kobyshev. “Probably, everyone has seen the “Weapons of Victory” coins issued by the Central Bank. Eight of the nineteen coins depict weapons developed by polytechnicians.”

    The famous T-34 tank was designed by Mikhail Koshkin, a graduate of the institute. Ivan Bushnev participated in the creation of the T-50 light tank, and the names of Nikolai Dukhov and Zhores Kotin are associated with the production of the KV-1, KV-2, IS-1, IS-2, and IS-3 heavy tanks. Polytechnicians also contributed to aviation. The first fighters were designed by Nikolai Polikarpov, seaplanes by Georgy Beriev, and combat gliders that delivered weapons and food were designed by Oleg Antonov.

    Vladimir Tsimbalin created a device to protect pilots from overloads in flight, Mikhail Berezina participated in the creation of aircraft guns. Yuri Baimakov came up with a technology for producing an alloy for fuses of Molotov cocktails. Fyodor Petrov developed the M-30 howitzer. During the war, every second mortar was made from pipes of the Nikopol South Pipe Metallurgical Plant, the evacuation of which to Pervouralsk was led by the director, a graduate of the metallurgical faculty of the Polytechnic University, Alexey Astakhov.

    “Almost all artillery is the result of the work of Polytechnic graduates: anti-aircraft guns, divisional guns, anti-tank guns, small artillery, mortars,” listed Alexander Kobyshev. “The Degtyarev anti-tank rifle is named after the bureau, but was developed by the group of Polytechnician Alexander Dementyev. The gas generator for the famous GAZ-AA truck was made by our graduate student and engineer Volodin. And the director of GAZ was our graduate Loskutov, who replaced the previous graduate, who, unfortunately, was arrested and died during the repressions. We provide a list of these people and a list of the factories where they worked. For us, this became a new understanding of the contribution of Polytechnicians to the Great Victory.”

    The book names 11 Polytechnicians who were Heroes of the Soviet Union, who received this title from 1941 to 1945. Among them is Marshal Leonid Govorov, a former Polytechnic student who was mobilized into the Russian Imperial Army during the First World War.

    The final chapter of the book is called “Behind the Front Lines” and is dedicated to intelligence officers.

    “The name of the first of them is well known – this is Hero of the Soviet Union Viktor Lyagin,” said Alexander Kobyshev. “We learned about the second one recently, this is a graduate of the electromechanical faculty, Alexander Demyanov. He was a double agent: the Germans called him Max, and ours – Heine. He led a radio game, thanks to which significant parts of the Wehrmacht were not transferred to Stalingrad, and we were able to win this decisive battle. After that, our graduate continued working in Operation Berezino in Belarus, for which Heine was awarded the Order of the Red Star, and Max received the Iron Cross with Swords. German intelligence officers highly valued him for the disinformation he supplied them with.”

    Aleksandr Nikolaevich shared a few more interesting facts about people who studied at the Polytechnic at different times. Thus, Marceli Porowski, a graduate of the economics department, fought during the Warsaw Uprising in 1944 and was the president of Warsaw. Nikolai Novik, a future member of the French Resistance, who was awarded the French Military Cross and the Order of the Legion of Honor, studied at the same economics department.

    Many archives are being declassified now, and every year we learn something new. I hope that students will join this work, and the chronicle of our university will be replenished, – Maxim Pasholikov summed up.

    “Polytechnic. Fortitude. 1941-1945” is the fourth book in the series of historical works by Alexander Kobyshev. The first, “Polytechnic. Beginning. 1899-1917”, was published for the 125th anniversary of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University in a print run of 500 copies. All subsequent volumes were published in print runs of 200. As Alexander Nikolaevich said at a press conference, a total of seven books are planned. The fifth will cover the period from 1946 to 1960, the sixth – from 1960 to 1990, and the seventh – from 1990 to the present day.

    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: FMA confirms fintech sandbox participants

    Source: Budget 2025 – Greenpeace braced for ‘scorched earth’ budget from Govt

    Media Release  
    MR No. 2025 – 12 

    The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) – Te Mana Tātai Hokohoko has announced the six fintech firms who will be testing their innovative products, services or business models in the FMA’s pilot regulatory sandbox.  

    The successful fintech firms are: 

    Fintech firm Details on their intentions
    ECDD Holdings Limited ECDD Holdings Limited (part of the exchange service Easy Crypto) intends to launch a yield bearing NZD-backed stablecoin and to generate revenue from interest earned on money held on trust in interest-bearing accounts.
    Emerge Group Limited Emerge is a digital banking alternative offering products like debit cards, current accounts, and in-app expense tracking. Customer funds are currently held in trust with a partner bank but Emerge aims to transition to higher yielding options such as government bonds. 
    Homeshare

    Homeshare offers investors the opportunity to own a fractional share of real estate, with each property divided into 1,000 equal shares. These shares are tokenised and can be bought and sold via an online platform.
    IndigiShare

    IndigiShare aims to improve access to capital for Māori entrepreneurs and small businesses. It seeks to offer Te Whare Manaaki (a koha loan platform), as a way to lower barriers to entry for indigenous businesses and enable community entrepreneurship.  
    Invest in Farming Co-op IIF (Invest in Farming) is an Australian-based cooperative that connects investors to farming by digitising ownership of livestock, aquaculture, horticulture, and agriculture. It allows investors to own a share of agricultural assets, where investment returns are unlocked on the sale of the stock or crop.
    Tandym Limited A group investment platform enabling people to form groups and build wealth together in a social and engaging way – while removing administrative burden.

    FMA Executive Director Strategy and Design Daniel Trinder says, “We offered this pilot sandbox to spur innovation for both startups and established licensed financial institutions. We received 24 applications to be part of the sandbox and went through a thorough review process to determine which of the firms would be chosen to be part of the pilot.” 

    The criteria used to determine the final six was: 

    • genuine innovation exists that is either unique or solves an existing issue, 
    • likely benefit to consumers,  
    • the product or service does not pose high risk of causing consumer harm, 
    • there is a demonstrated need to be in the sandbox, 
    • the firm is ready and has a product to test, and  
    • the management team have appropriate experience and skills to execute the sandbox testing plan. 

    “During the pilot they can test new products and services in a controlled environment, helping them to obtain a deeper understanding of supervisory expectations,” says Daniel. “The opportunity to adjust a product or service before full commercial launch may also help reduce costs for firms. 

    “We see clear benefits for the FMA too. By working closely with the firms during their time in the sandbox, we expect to gain greater insights into the benefits and risks of financial innovation and new technologies. Experiences gained through such a testing phase should allow us to react faster and more effectively to any potential regulatory and supervisory problems. It should also highlight gaps around investor and customer protection, allowing development of more appropriate and timely solutions.” 

    The FMA is committed to supporting financial services innovation and is grateful for the constructive work and support from FintechNZ throughout the process. 

    ENDS

    Background 

    You can read more about the launch of our regulatory sandbox pilot on our website

    FMA launches regulatory sandbox pilot

    Innovation

    Media contact 

    If you have any questions on this media release, please contact [email protected]  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Experienced retail investor found liable for market manipulation

    Source: Budget 2025 – Greenpeace braced for ‘scorched earth’ budget from Govt

    Media Release  
    MR No. 2025 – 13

    Kok Ding Cheng, an experienced retail investor, has been ordered to pay the Crown a pecuniary penalty of $198,000, following a civil proceeding brought by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) – Te Mana Tatai Hokohoko for market manipulation.  

    The FMA’s case centred on five small orders for of NZX-listed shares of Rua Bioscience Limited (RUA) that Mr Cheng made over a 10-day period during late 2020 via a broking account he held with ASB Securities.  The Court found in making each of those five orders, which ranged from $59 to $540, Mr Cheng breached s265 of the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013 which prohibits trade-based market manipulation.  The Court found that Mr Cheng deliberately placed the orders for the purpose of increasing the price and/or demand for Rua shares.

    Mr Cheng did not file a statement of defence during the proceeding, and so the proceeding progressed by way of formal proof hearing.  

    FMA Head of Enforcement, Margot Gatland said, “Mr Cheng’s orders lacked a genuine commercial purpose and were instead made for the purposes of increasing the price and/or demand for RUA shares at a time when he held a material shareholding in the company.  

    “Market manipulation undermines confidence in financial markets because it means investors can’t trust prices or market activity to be genuine. We take cases of market manipulation seriously to ensure New Zealand’s markets reflect genuine supply and demand, in order to preserve their integrity and reputation.

    “We considered Mr Cheng’s conduct warranted a strong response to deter market manipulation. This case and the Judge’s ruling are important reminders that trade-based market manipulation can occur when trading through online share brokerage accounts. Investors should be careful to understand their obligations when trading online, as trading listed shares for disingenuous reasons can result in liability.” 

    The $198,000 is to be paid to the Crown after it is first applied to the FMA’s actual costs in taking the case. 

    ENDS 

    Media contact  
    If you have any questions about this media release, please contact [email protected]   

    Related links  

    FMA vs Cheng Judgment [PDF 415KB]

    FMA files market manipulation case against Kok Ding Cheng for trading of Rua shares

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Israel’s new aid delivery system for Gaza is sparking outrage. Why is it so problematic?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amra Lee, PhD candidate in Protection of Civilians, Australian National University

    Some 2.1 million Gazans are facing critical hunger levels, with many at risk of famine following Israel’s 11-week blockade on aid intended to pressure Hamas.

    According to the United Nations, 57 children have already died from malnutrition since the aid blockade began on March 2. A further 14,000 children under 5 years old are at risk of severe cases of malnutrition over the next year.

    Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu permitted a limited number of aid trucks into Gaza amid increasing pressure from allies who have drawn a line at images of starving children.

    However, Israel is controversially planning to transfer responsibility for distributing aid in Gaza through a new system that would sideline the UN and other aid agencies that have been working there for decades.

    UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres swiftly rejected Israel’s new aid distribution system in Gaza, saying it breaches international law and humanitarian principles.

    In a joint statement, two dozen countries, including the UK, many European Union member states, Australia, Canada and Japan, have supported the UN’s position on the new model. The signatories said it won’t deliver aid effectively at the scale required, and would link aid to political and military objectives.

    The UK, Canada and France have further threatened to take “concrete actions” to pressure Israel to cease its military offence and lift restrictions on aid.

    And in another blow to the credibility of the new system, the head of the newly established Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which will oversee the distribution of aid, resigned on Monday. He cited concerns over a lack of adherence to “humanitarian principles”.

    So, how will would this new aid delivery system work, and why is it so problematic?

    A military-led system with deep flaws

    Israel has relied on unsubstantiated claims of large-scale aid diversion by Hamas to justify taking control over aid delivery in Gaza. The UN and its humanitarian partners continue to refute such claims, publicly sharing details of their end-to-end monitoring systems.

    Yet, the new aid delivery initiative is vague on important details.

    Several reports have revealed the plan would establish four secure distribution sites for aid under Israeli military control in southern and central Gaza.

    Security would be provided by private military contractors, such as Safe Reach Solutions, run by a former CIA officer, while the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation would oversee the distribution of food.

    There is little clarity beyond this on who is behind the new system and who is funding it.

    The initiative has provoked strong reactions from the UN and the wider humanitarian aid system.

    Senior aid officials have underlined the fact the international aid system cannot support a military-led initiative that would breach international law and be incompatible with humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality and independence.

    There are also concerns the four distribution hubs would require individuals to travel long distances to collect and carry heavy packages. This could leave female-headed households, people with disabilities, those who are ill and the elderly at greater risk of exclusion and exploitation.

    In addition, a leaked UN memo reportedly expressed concern over UN involvement in the initiative, saying the organisation could be “implicated in delivering a system that falls short of Israel’s legal responsibilities as an occupying power”.

    There are further concerns the UN could be implicated in atrocity crimes, including a risk of genocide through its participation in the system, setting a dangerous precedent for future crises.

    Tom Fletcher, the UN relief chief, has called the plan “a deliberate distraction” and “a fig leaf for further violence and displacement”.

    Other rights groups have condemned the mandatory collection of biometric data, including facial recognition scans, at the distribution sites. This would make aid conditional on compliance with surveillance. It would also expand Israel’s controversial use of facial recognition technology to track and monitor Palestinians throughout Gaza.

    And famine expert Alex de Waal claims Israel has “taken a page from the colonial war handbooks” in weaponising food aid in pursuit of military victory.

    He argues the planned quantities of food aid will be insufficient and lack the specialised feeding necessary for malnourished children, in addition to clean water and electricity.

    What has not been stated but can be implied from the strong resistance to the new system lacking humanitarian expertise: the lack of good faith on Israel’s part. The Israeli government continues to pursue an elusive military victory at the expense of the rules and norms intended to preserve humanity in war.

    Wider pattern of behaviour

    The UN’s rebuke of the plan should be interpreted through a wider pattern of Israeli government behaviour undermining the international aid system and its role in upholding respect for humanitarian principles.

    These fundamental principles include respect for humanity, neutrality, impartiality and operational independence. As the joint statement by 24 nations on aid to Gaza this month said:

    Humanitarian principles matter for every conflict around the world and should be applied consistently in every war zone.

    International humanitarian law requires member states to respect – and ensure respect – for the rules of war. This includes taking all feasible measures to influence the parties engaged in a conflict to respect humanitarian law.

    Likewise, the Genocide Convention requires member states to take measures to prevent and punish genocide beyond their jurisdictions.

    As Fletcher, the UN relief chief, reminded the UN Security Council earlier this month, this hasn’t been done in past cases of large-scale violations of international human rights, such as in Srebrenica (in the former Yugoslavia) and Rwanda.

    He said reviews of the UN’s conduct in cases like these

    […] pointed to our collective failure to speak to the scale of violations while they were committed.

    While humanitarians are best placed to deliver aid, greater collective political action is what’s needed. Pressure now falls on all UN member states use their levers of influence to protect civilians and prevent the further weaponisation of aid at this critical time.

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

    – ref. Israel’s new aid delivery system for Gaza is sparking outrage. Why is it so problematic? – https://theconversation.com/israels-new-aid-delivery-system-for-gaza-is-sparking-outrage-why-is-it-so-problematic-257347

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • This engine will give Dahod a new identity in the world: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday lauded the inauguration of a modern locomotive manufacturing plant in Dahod, Gujarat, calling it a transformative step that will redefine the city’s identity on the global stage.
     
    According to Vaishnaw, the facility will manufacture 9,000-horsepower electric locomotives, named “D Nine,” symbolising Dahod’s resurgence as a major railway production hub. The locomotives are expected to serve not only the Indian Railways network but also be exported globally.
     
    “When the world was run by steam engines, Dahod played a key role in railway production. But with the gradual replacement of these engines, Dahod’s economy was significantly impacted. In 2022, our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, decided that modern electric locomotives would be built in Dahod, and work began in 2023. Today, we have a state-of-the-art factory ready,” the Railway Minister said.
     
    “The 9,000-horsepower locomotives from Dahod will not only operate within India but will also be exported across the globe. This is not just an engine—it’s a running computer centre. It is high in quality, yet low in cost. Named ‘D Nine,’ meaning Dahod 9000, this factory will bring international recognition to Dahod. Prime Minister Modi has truly blessed this sacred land,” he added.
     
    Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the locomotive manufacturing plant of Indian Railways in Dahod, marking a major milestone in boosting the country’s railway infrastructure and freight capabilities.
     
    He also flagged off the first electric locomotive produced at the plant.
     
    According to an official release from the Prime Minister’s Office, the inauguration is part of PM Modi’s ongoing commitment to enhancing connectivity and developing world-class transport infrastructure. The Dahod facility will produce 9,000-horsepower electric locomotives for both domestic use and international export.
     
    The locomotives are expected to significantly increase Indian Railways’ freight loading capacity. They will feature regenerative braking systems and be designed to reduce energy consumption, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability, the statement said. (ANI)

  • MIL-OSI: Eviden introduces SkyMon NG, a satellite monitoring system addressing the new era of digital and modular space systems

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release

    Eviden introduces SkyMon NG, a satellite monitoring system addressing the new era of digital and modular space systems

    Cloud-ready and powered by AI, SkyMon NG enhances interference prediction and operational efficiency

    Paris, France – May 26, 2025 – Eviden, the Atos Group business leading in digital, cloud, big data and security today announces the initial rollout of SkyMon NG1, a next-generation satellite monitoring solution. SkyMon NG enables satellite operators to efficiently manage the complexity of digital satellite communication systems, including dynamic behaviors like beam hopping and onboard processing, while providing regulators with greater visibility and control over spectrum usage. It solves key challenges around real-time monitoring, resource optimization, helping operators deliver higher performance with lower operational costs with virtualized ground station capability, allowing them to allocate their frequency resources where needed.

    As next-generation satellites evolve from static payloads to flexible, software-defined systems, monitoring must also adapt to keep pace with their dynamic, reconfigurable behavior—especially in an era of growing spectrum congestion and quality of service demands.

    Supporting the monitoring of the new dynamic behavior of VHTS (Very High Throughput) satellites with onboard processing and beam hopping, SkyMon NG is designed to give operators and regulators faster situational awareness, improved visibility into satellite activity, and early detection of anomalies.

    The growing complexity of satellite ground infrastructures spanning from on-premise to cloud, now demands cloud-ready monitoring systems. To address this challenge, SkyMon NG cloud-ready architecture ensures seamless integration with hybrid or fully cloud-based infrastructures.

    SkyMon NG includes AI features to effectively detect interferences and compared with previous conventional system, improving the classification of the interference’s source.

    Designed with customer needs in mind, SkyMon NG offers a phased approach to upgrading from legacy systems, reducing the need for major infrastructure upgrades. Its adaptable architecture allows operators to leverage existing servers and infrastructure, helping to keep costs down while gaining access to next-generation technology.

    Bruno Milard, Head of Aerospace & Defense Electronics, Mission-Critical Systems, Eviden at Atos Group, said: “With our new SkyMon NG solution, Eviden is proud to provide a next-generation option that builds on our company’s core expertise while introducing cutting-edge capabilities. With ability to monitor high-throughput and beam hopping satellites, and its cloud-ready architecture, SkyMon NG ensures efficient use of satellite resources, providing a strategic edge for operators looking to optimize satellite performance in variable-demand environments.”

    ***

    About Eviden [1]

    Eviden is a next-gen technology leader in data-driven, trusted and sustainable digital transformation with a strong portfolio of patented technologies. With worldwide leading positions in advanced computing, security, AI, cloud and digital platforms, it provides deep expertise for all industries in more than 47 countries. Bringing together 41,000 world-class talents, Eviden expands the possibilities of data and technology across the digital continuum, now and for generations to come. Eviden is an Atos Group company with an annual revenue of c. € 5 billion.

    Eviden business is operated through the following brands: AppCentrica, ATHEA, Cloudamize, Cloudreach, Cryptovision, DataSentics, Edifixio, Engage ESM, Evidian, Forensik, IDEAL GRP, In Fidem, Ipsotek, Maven Wave, Profit4SF, SEC Consult, Visual BI, X-Perion. Eviden is a registered trademark. © Eviden SAS, 2025.

    About Atos Group

    Atos Group is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 72,000 employees and annual revenue of c. € 10 billion, operating in 68 countries under two brands — Atos for services and Eviden for products. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, Atos Group is committed to a secure and decarbonized future and provides tailored AI-powered, end-to-end solutions for all industries. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris.

    The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

    Press contact

    Isabelle Grangé | isabelle.grange@atos.net | +33 (0) 6 64 56 74 88

    1 SkyMon is a registered trademark.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Advice seen by Minister

    Source: Tertiary Education Commission

    Date
    Reference Number
    Title

    19 December 2019
    AM/19/01484
    Aide-Memoir: Discussion paper: establishing a CoVE specialising in Secondary Tertiary Programmes, Multiple Pathways and Transitions (PDF 1.4 MB) 

    5 December 2019
    B/19/01460
    Funding Agreement between the Crown and Lincoln University (PDF 1.3 MB) 

    3 December 2019
    1210568
    Education Report: High-level decisions on the unified funding system for discussion at the strategy session on 12 December (PDF 7.8 MB)

    22 November 2019
    B/19/01385
    Tertiary Education Commission 2019/20 Quarter One Performance Report

    20 November 2019
    B/19/01340
    Tertiary Education Report: August 2019 Fees-Free Enrolment Update (PDF 658 KB) 

    20 November 2019
    B/19/01339
    Tertiary Education Report: August 2019 Enrolment Update (PDF 590 KB) 

    15 November 2019
    AM/19/01341
    Expenditure accrual adjustment to Vote Tertiary Education

    13 November 2019
    AM/19/01357
    Overview of standard operating procedures and/or code of practices for TEI accommodation services

    11 November 2019
    Cabinet paper
    Confirmation of Crown capital investment to support the rebuild of Lincoln University’s science facilities (PDF 1.2 MB)

    7 November 2019
    AM/19/01351
    Tertiary Education Institution Accommodation Overview

    1 November 2019
    AM/19/01338
    No recoveries for exceeding prior achievement limit in 2019 for YG and SAC 1-2

    29 October 2019
    B/19/01328
    Tertiary Education Commission Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2019

    25 October 2019
    AM/19/01337
    Reform of Vocational Education Programme Governance – Update

    24 October 2019
    E/19/01252
    Ako Aotearoa 2019 Tertiary Teaching Excellence Awards Evening – 30 October 2019

    23 October 2019
    B/19/01284
    Crown support for Whitireia Community Polytechnic

    15 October 2019
    E/19/01277
    Launch of Drawing the Future event on 18 October at Porirua East School

    14 October 2019
    B/19/01260
    Report to Ministers from the University of Canterbury Futures Governance Oversight Group

    14 October 2019
    B/19/01275
    ITP constitutions for two councils

    9 October 2019
    AM/19/01258
    AgResearch business case for a new building at Lincoln University

    4 October 2019
    E/19/01256
    Opening the 15th New Zealand Vocational Education and Training Research Forum on Tuesday 15 October 2019

    25 September 2019
    B/19/01192
    Update on Careers System Strategy Engagement Process (PDF 500 KB) 

    20 September 2019
    B/19/01175
    Tertiary Education Commission draft Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2019 (PDF 276 KB) 

    19 September 2019
    B/19/01211
    Tertiary Education Report: Draft Cabinet paper on supporting the rebuild of Lincoln University’s science facilities and reallocation of funding to Tai Poutini Polytechnic (PDF 159 KB) 

    17 September 2019
    B/19/01023
    Review of the appointment of the Commissioner of Whitireia and WelTec (PDF 250 KB) 

    13 September 2019
    B/19/01210
    Establishing a Stakeholder Advisory Group for Reform of Vocational Education

    13 September 2019
    B/19/01209
    Workforce Development Council and ITO Workstream: Progress update (PDF 861 KB) 

    13 September 2019
    1204429
    Briefing Note: Unified Funding Work Programme: Progress update (PDF 3.6 MB)

    10 September 2019
    E/19/01176
    Ministerial visit to the University of Auckland on Tuesday, 10 September 2019

    9 September 2019
    E/19/01176
    Ministerial visit to the University of Auckland on Tuesday, 10 September 2019 (PDF 871 KB) 

    9 September 2019
    E/19/01169
    Meeting with Greg Wallace, Chief Executive of Master Plumbers on Thursday 12 September 2019

    6 September 2019
    B/19/01141
    ITP constitutions for seven councils (PDF 297 KB) 

    2 September 2019
    E/19/01158
    Ministerial visit to Unitec Institute of Technology on Tuesday, 3 September 2019 (PDF 3.2 MB) 

    27 August 2019
    B/19/01065
    Tertiary Education Report: Lincoln University Programme Business Case: Moving Forward (PDF 487 KB) 

    27 August 2019
    B/19/01086
    Tertiary Education Report: April 2019 Fees-Free Enrolment Update (PDF 640 KB) 

    21 August 2019
    B/19/01085
    Tertiary Education Report: April 2019 Enrolment Update (PDF 826 KB)

    19 August 2019
    E/19/01093
    Minister of Education Opening the Primary ITO Symposium on Tuesday 20 August 2019

    8 August 2019
    AM/19/00929
    Fees-free monitoring and addressing non-complying TEOs

    26 July 2019
    E/19/00868
    Ōritetanga Learner Success Conference (PDF 240 KB) 

    26 July 2019
    AM/19/00971
    Talking Points for Cabinet on 29 July 2019 – NZIST Establishment Board Appointment

    25 July 2019
    B/19/00928
    Lincoln University and the University of Canterbury Partnership Proposal (PDF 1.5 MB) 

    24 July 2019
    B/19/00882
    Crown support for Tai Poutini Polytechnic (PDF 670 KB)

    20 July 2019
    AM/19/00790
    WAIKATO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY 2018 Annual Report (PDF 459 KB) 

    19 July 2019
    AM/19/00959
    Southern Institute of Technology’s proposal for Telfrod – Talking point for Cabinet

    19 July 2019
    AM/19/00954
    Annotated Agenda – NZ Institute of Skills and Technology Establishment

    17 July 2019
    B/19/00773
    Update on Careers System Strategy and Career Action Plan (PDF 275 KB) 

    17 July 2019
    B/19/00867
    Southern Institute of Technology’s proposal for operating Telford in 2020 and 2021 (PDF 486 KB) 

    15 July 2019
    AM/19/00800
    Assurance findings for the Reform of Vocational Education Programme

    15 July 2019
    B/19/00763
    2020 Investment Round Update: Indicative Allocations

    11 July 2019
    E/19/00879
    Minister to visit Otago University on 12 July 2019 (PDF 465 KB) 

    10 July 2019
    B/19/00819
    Manukau Institute of Technology– council constitution (PDF 402 KB) 

    10 July 2019
    AM/19/00880
    Compliance monitoring of fees-free tertiary education and prosecution for false statutory declarations

    4 July 2019
    B/19/00785
    TEC 2018/19 Quarter Three Performance Report (PDF 355 KB) 

    3 July 2019
    B/19/00861
    Review of the appointment of the Commissioner of Unitec (PDF 289 KB) 

    1 July 2019
    B/19/00840
    2018 Educational Performance Indicators (PDF 1.1 MB) 

    1 July 2019
    AM/19/00820
    Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi 2018 Annual Report (PDF 506 KB) 

    1 July 2019
    B/19/00708
    Publication of the Tertiary Education Commission’s Statement of Intent 2019/20–2022/23 and Statement of Performance Expectations 2019/20 (PDF 274 KB) 

    1 July 2019
    AM/19/00827
    Aide-Memoire: Lincoln University Programme Business Case: Moving Forward (PDF 303 KB) 

    1 July 2019
    B/19/00840
    2018 Educational Performance Indicators

    28 June 2019
    E/19/00835
    Meeting with Service Skills Institute Incorporated on Monday 1 July 2019

    25 June 2019
    AM/19/00821
    Talking Points for APH on 26 June 2019 – Appointment to the council of Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi (PDF 219 KB)

    20 June 2019
    AM/19/00790
    WAIKATO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY 2018 Annual Report

    19 June 2019
    AM/19/00797
    Growing the Food and Fibres Sector – Recommendations for the TEC

    17 June 2019
    E/19/00776
    University of Canterbury – Opening of the Rehua Building on 25 June 2019 (PDF 326 KB) 

    12 June 2019
    E/19/00690
    Meeting with the Commissioner of WelTec and Whitireia (PDF 346 KB) 

    12 June 2019
    AM/19/00749
    Update on Whitireia Community Polytechnic and the Wellington Institute of Technology

    10 June 2019
    AM/19/00739
    Update on the current situation of funding training and education of carers

    7 June 2019
    B/19/00702
    Recognition of Skills Active Aotearoa Limited as an industry training organisation (PDF 1.1 MB) 

    31 May 2019
    B/19/00709
    Waikato Institute of Technology Council Constitution (PDF 441 KB) 

    31 May 2019
    AM/19/00704
    Unitec Institute of Technology 2018 Annual Report (PDF 408 KB)

    31 May 2019
    B/19/00706
    2018 final full-year enrolments at tertiary education organisations

    31 May 2019
    AM/19/00707
    Update on the financial position of ITPs

    30 May 2019
    B/19/00703
    Recognition of the Funeral Service Training Trust of New Zealand as an industry training organisation (PDF 479 KB) 

    30 May 2019
    B/19/00701
    Recognition of Primary Industry Training Organisation as an industry training organisation (PDF 897 KB) 

    30 May 2019
    E/19/00705
    Meeting with UCOL on 5 June 2019  (PDF 2.6 MB)

    27 May 2019
    AM/19/00648
    Advice on options to support the University of Canterbury following the Christchurch mosque attacks

    24 May 2019
    B/19/00650
    Ministerial appointment to Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi

    17 May 2019
    B/19/00706
    2018 Final Full-Year Enrolments at Tertiary Education Organisations (PDF 1.1 MB) 

    17 May 2019
    B/19/00640
    Tai Poutini Polytechnic Capital Injection – Final Milestone (PDF 386 KB) Tai Poutini Polytechnic Capital Injection Appendix A (PDF 1.6 MB) 

    16 May 2019
    AM/19/00651
    Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki 2018 Annual Report (PDF 516 KB) 

    10 May 2019
    E/19/00555
    Meeting with Professor Jan Thomas from Massey University on 22 May 2019 (PDF 682 KB) 

    10 May 2019
    E/19/00644
    Meeting with Southland Federated Farmers

    9 May 2019
    B/19/00613
    Letters for Ministerial appointments to two tertiary education councils (PDF 286 KB) 

    8 May 2019
    E/19/00509
    Minister to speak at the Open Polytechnic Graduation on Thursday, 23 May 2019 (PDF 3.2 MB).

    3 May 2019 
    AM/19/00611
    Lincoln University 2018 financial results (PDF 247 KB) 

    3 May 2019
    AM/19/00615
    Ministerial Appointment to the council of Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi

    23 April 2019
    B/19/00527
    Release of the 2018 PBRF Quality Evaluation Results 

    10 April 2019
    E/19/00512
    Meeting with Primary Industry Training Organisation on Thursday 11 April 2019 

    9 April 2019
    E/19/00473
    Meeting with WITT to discuss RoVE on 11 April 2019 

    8 April 2019
    E/19/00482
    Meeting with Andrew Robb from Tai Poutini Polytechnic on 11 April 2019 

    3 April 2019
    B/19/00451
    Salvation Army foundation education delivery consultation outcomes 

    3 April 2019
    B/19/00469
    Inspiring Futures – Response 

    2 April 2019
    E/19/00465
    Ministerial visit to open new Tech Park Campus development at Manukau Institute of Technology on 5 April 2019 

    28 March 2019
    E/19/00446
    BusinessNZ Major Companies Group – Chief Executive Forum on Friday 5 April 2019 

    27 March 2019
    B/19/00448
    Letters for Ministerial appointments to eight tertiary education institution councils 

    27 March 2019
    B/19/00442
    Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology – council constitution 

    25 March 2019
    B/19/00360
    2018 Interim Full-Year Enrolments at Tertiary Education Organisations 

    18 March 2019
    AM/19/00414
    Talking Points for APH on appointments to eight ITP councils 

    14 March 2019
    B/19/00161
    TEC 2018/2019 Quarter Two Performance Report 

    12 March 2019
    E/19/00396
    Meeting with The Skills Organisation 14 March 2019 

    12 March 2019
    E/19/00398
    Meeting with Careerforce Thursday 14 March 2019 

    12 March 2019
    B/19/00381
    Letters for Ministerial appointments to two university councils 

    7 March 2019
    B/19/00158
    Careers System Strategy Workstream Implementation Update 

    5 March 2019
    AM/19/00330
    Talking Points for APH on appointments to two TEI Councils 

    1 March 2019
    E/19/00166
    Meeting with Competenz Chair and Chief Executive Thursday 7 March 

    1 March 2019
    E/19/00234
    Local Government New Zealand Rural and Provincial Meeting 

    27 February 2019
    E/19/00165
    Visit to Telford (PDF 326 KB) 

    26 February 2019
    E/19/00150
    Meeting with primary industry leaders to discuss your vision on Reform of Vocational Education (PDF 269 KB) 

    25 February 2019
    E/19/00246
    Meeting with the Tertiary Education Union (TEU) at Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) (PDF 2 MB) 

    15 February 2019
    B/19/00082
    Lincoln University and the University of Canterbury Partnership Proposal: next steps (PDF 2.3 MB) 

    11 February 2019
    AM/19/0060
    World Economic Forum OECD Release of Envisioning the Future of Education and Jobs: Trends, Data and Drawings report (PDF 159 KB) 

    7 February 2019
    AM/19/00083
    2018 full-year enrolment reporting timeline (PDF 397 KB) 

    1 February 2019
    B/19/00081
    Southern Institute of Technology’s proposal for operating Telford in 2019 (PDF 393 KB) 

    February 2019
    Cabinet paper
    Council Appointments for Ara Institute of Canterbury, Eastern Institute of Technology, Manukau Institute of Technology, NorthTec, Otago Polytechnic, Tai Poutini Polytechnic, Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, UCOL and the Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (PDF 320 KB) 

    30 January 2019
    B/19/00055
    Appointment of an advisory committee to support the Commissioner of Whitireia and WelTec (PDF 202 KB) 

    29 January 2019
    AM/19/00064
    Computer in Homes Tender (PDF 824 KB) 

    28 January 2019
    AM/19/00063
    Meeting with the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canterbury (PDF 1.2 MB) 

    21 January 2019
    E/19/00010
    Ara Institute of Canterbury – Manawa and Outpatients facility opening on Thursday 31 January 2019 (PDF 1.2 MB) 

    11 January 2019
    B/19/00028
    Update World Economic Forum: Launch of Envisioning the Future of Education and Jobs (PDF 554 KB) 

    8 January 2019
    B/19/00007
    University of Auckland – amendment to council constitution (PDF 303 KB) 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • NCGG launches 9th Capacity Building Programme to boost digital governance for Sri Lankan civil servants

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) on Monday commenced the 9th Capacity Building Programme for mid-career civil servants from Sri Lanka, aimed at strengthening their skills in digital governance and enhancing the effectiveness of public service delivery.

    Scheduled from May 26 to June 6, the two-week intensive training is hosting 40 officers serving in key administrative roles including Senior Assistants, Divisional Secretaries, and Deputy Directors. These participants represent vital ministries such as Public Administration, Defence, Health and Mass Media, and Education.

    Inaugurating the programme, Dr Surendra Kumar Bagde, IAS, Director General of NCGG, lauded the diverse representation of officers and highlighted its focus on strengthening digital governance capabilities.

    “This initiative is designed to equip participants with practical knowledge of India’s best practices in e-governance and to highlight the transformative role of technology in modern administration,” he said.

    Dr AP Singh, Associate Professor and Course Coordinator at NCGG, provided a detailed overview of the programme during the inaugural session. The training includes focused modules on critical themes such as the changing paradigms of governance, Aadhaar, digital payments in India, the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), the Public Finance Management System (PFMS), cybersecurity and cyber fraud, and the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP).

    Participants will also undertake several field visits to gain hands-on exposure. These include visits to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), the Computerised Land Record Centre in Uttarakhand, the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA), the PM Gati Shakti Anubhuti Kendra, the Election Commission of India, the National E-Governance Division, and the iconic Taj Mahal.

    Dr Bagde encouraged the Sri Lankan officers to actively participate and make the most of their interactions with mentors and subject experts throughout the programme.

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: 40mph to 30mph speed limit reduction implementation to begin across the city

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    From Monday June 9, we’ll begin implementing a series of speed reduction measures, from 40mph to 30mph, in locations across the city.

    We will be installing the new speed limit signs through June and July, beginning with Biggar Road.

    Once the new 30mph speed limit signs are in place, the new speed limits will be enforceable.

    We’re urging motorists to look out for the new signage and respect the speed limit.  

    Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said:

    Road safety is a key priority for us and I’m glad that we’re moving ahead with this important process. Whilst this has taken longer than we initially anticipated, I’m confident that these measures will make many of our roads across the city safer.

    The evidence is clear – lower speed limits make roads safer for everyone. A pedestrian or cyclist has twice the chance of surviving a collision at 30mph compared to 40mph. Any action that we can take to make sure all road users are safer is a positive step.

    You can view a map of the roads with new 30mph speed limits on our website.

    The full list of streets and road where we’re installing new signage and reducing the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph is below:

    • Biggar Road
    • Calder Road
    • Frogston Brae
    • Glasgow Road (East section)
    • Glasgow Road (West section and Old Liston Road)
    • Gogar Station Road
    • Hawes Brae and Bankhead Road
    • Hillhouse Road
    • Lang Loan (section at the junction with Lasswade Road)
    • Lasswade Road
    • Milton Road, Milton Road East and Milton Link
    • Queensferry Road
    • Riccarton Mains Road
    • Sir Harry Lauder Road
    • Seafield Road
    • South Gyle Broadway
    • Straiton Road
    • West Approach Road
    • Wester Hailes Road

    Published: May 26th 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Vitaly Lazutkin: “We need to build quickly, efficiently, and intellectually capaciously”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Speech by Vitaly Lazutkin

    The Chairman of the Leningrad Region Construction Committee Vitaly Lazutkin addressed the students of SPbGASU. The event was organized by the Center for Student Entrepreneurship and Career of our university.

    Vitaly Vitalyevich emphasized the importance of professionalism in the construction industry: “The level of tasks to be solved by a government customer is significantly higher than in a commercial organization. We need to build quickly, efficiently, and intellectually capaciously.”

    He noted that working in government bodies opens up great opportunities for ambitious and responsible young professionals: “The Leningrad Region Construction Committee is a serious professional start and a fundamentally new outlook on the industry and profession.”

    Much attention was paid to the industry’s prospects and requirements for young personnel: “Today, the construction industry is growing rapidly and places high demands on specialists. Modern construction is a complex industry that will continue to develop.”

    Students learned about the possibilities of practical training and internships in the committee, career paths in the civil service, and salary levels. In addition, the topic of targeted training as an effective mechanism for training specialists for state needs was touched upon. Students were told about the possibility of concluding a targeted contract, its advantages, and future employment prospects.

    Director of the Center for Student Entrepreneurship and Career Ekaterina Abolina emphasized the importance of such events: “Meetings like these help students better navigate professional opportunities and take the first step toward an informed career choice.”

    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: 13,000 people to benefit from new insulin medicine

    Source: PHARMAC

    Pharmac will fund a new type of insulin for people with diabetes, branded as Ryzodeg, from 1 May 2025.

    Pharmac’s Director Pharmaceuticals, Geraldine MacGibbon, expects about 13,000* people with diabetes will benefit from this insulin in the first year of funding, increasing to about 18,000 after five years.

    “Ryzodeg is a combination of a long-acting and a rapid-acting insulin. It helps manage blood sugar levels throughout the day.

    “We received feedback from people who would benefit from this decision. They shared with us how funding Ryzodeg would make living with diabetes easier, especially for people who have difficulty managing their insulin needs with the currently funded products.

    “They also told us it would mean they could reduce the number of times they need to inject themselves with insulin,” MacGibbon says.

    NovoMix 30, an older insulin product is being discontinued by the same supplier, Novo Nordisk, from the end of this year.

    “The feedback we received from the community confirmed that Ryzodeg, will provide another option for people who currently use NovoMix 30,” says MacGibbon.

    “We will continue to work with Diabetes New Zealand, the New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes (NZSSD), and the supplier to make sure that the community and health care professionals understand what funded insulin options are available for people with diabetes.

    “We want to thank everyone who provided feedback during our public consultation on Ryzodeg. Your input is valuable to us and has an impact on the decisions we make.”

    * Update May 2025: 

    The number of people expected to benefit from this decision in the first year is about 12,000. The decision document is updated to reflect this. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Schedule rule changes will improve continuity of cancer care

    Source: PHARMAC

    Pharmac is proposing a change to the Pharmaceutical Schedule rules, which if agreed, would give New Zealanders with cancer greater continuity of care.  

    Pharmac is consulting on a proposal to amend the rules of the Pharmaceutical Schedule, following the Government’s decision to enable access to new publicly funded cancer medicines in private hospitals and clinics from 1 August 2025.

    “When Pharmac funds a new cancer medicine, there may be some people who have already started this treatment in a private health care facility. Currently, if this person wants their cancer medicine funded, they need to transition back into the public system during their treatment,” Director Strategy, Policy and Performance Michael Johnson says.

    Johnson says that the rule change Pharmac is consulting on will enable public hospitals to supply medicines to eligible private facilities and claim a subsidy from Pharmac in the same way as they do for medicines delivered within a public hospital. 

    Transitional access to new funded cancer medicines for patients receiving treatment in private facilities | Ministry of Health(external link)

    If approved, from 1 August 2025, public hospitals would be able to supply newly funded cancer medicines (those where funding begins on or after 1 August 2025) to private facilities to administer to their patients, where either:

    1. the person is already receiving treatment at the date that their medicine becomes funded by Pharmac, or
    2. the person has an approved treatment plan, and is about to start treatment, at the date that the medicine becomes funded by Pharmac.

    Funded medicine could be supplied to a private facility for the remainder of a person’s treatment course, for up to 12 months.

    “Your input is valuable and helps us make better decisions. Let us know what you think by 6 June,” Johnson says.

    Consultation on this proposal opens today and closes on 13 June. All feedback received before the closing date will be considered prior to making a decision on this proposal. Feedback can be emailed to consult@pharmac.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: A new view of Biscuit Basin (literally!)

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week’s contribution is from Michael Poland, geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey and Scientist-in-Charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory.

    Aerial view of Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park, showing debris deposited by the July 23, 2024, hydrothermal explosion from Black Diamond Pool.  Major features are labeled.  The main debris field (within dashed yellow line) has a gray appearance.  Photo taken by Joe Bueter, Yellowstone National Park, on July 23, 2024.

    On the morning of July 23, 2024, visitors to Biscuit Basin, about 2 miles northeast of Old Faithful Geyser, had to scramble for safety as a hydrothermal explosion occurred from Black Diamond Pool. The plume from the explosion rose 400–600 feet (120–180 meters) into the air, was visible for miles, and threw rocks that destroyed the nearby boardwalk and littered the landscape with debris.

    The rock ejected by the explosion was made up of glacial debris, sandstone, and siltstone, all of which are part of the geological deposit that makes up the immediate subsurface. None of the rhyolite bedrock was found, indicating that the explosion was rooted at very shallow levels (probably within 100 feet, or 30 meters, of the surface).  Also present in the debris was impermeable silica that was probably lining the hot water conduits feeding Black Diamond Pool.  Silica is dissolved in much of the water that feeds Yellowstone hot springs and geysers, and as that water nears the surface and cools, the silica precipitates out as a solid.  It can coat the conduits and, because it is impermeable, can seal the system.  This can cause pressure to build and might eventually lead to an explosion, like the one that occurred on July 23, 2024.

    In the weeks and months following the explosion, scientists from several institutions collaborated to install temporary monitoring stations around Black Diamond Pool, including trail cameras, seismometers, acoustic sensors, and electromagnetic instruments. The cameras often recorded changes—for example, that new rocks had been ejected from the pool—and the seismometers and acoustic sensors detected several dozen eruptions from the pool. Some of the eruptions were associated with surges of water that knocked over seismic nodes and moved them from their original locations or partially buried them in silt.

    Temporary webcam deployed on the boardwalk in Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park.  The pan/tilt/zoom camera provides a static view every 15 minutes and records video on site for later download as needed.  Black Diamond Pool, site of a hydrothermal explosion on July 23, 2024, is in the background.  This work was completed under Yellowstone National Park research permit YELL-2025-SCI-5842.  U.S. Geological Survey photograph by Mike Poland, May 14, 2025.

    At least two small eruptions, expelling water, mud, and small rocks 20–30 feet (6–9 meters) into the air, were witnessed since the July 23, 2024, explosion.  One occurred on November 5, 2024, while scientists were collecting gas samples.  Another took place on January 3, 2025, and was observed by a tour group that was passing by the area.

    Since the July 23, 2024, explosion, Biscuit Basin has been closed to public visitation as Yellowstone National Park assesses damage and the potential for future hazardous events. To aid with the assessment, on May 14, 2025, Yellowstone Volcano Observatory scientists installed a new webcam in Biscuit Basin.  Static images from the camera are publicly available at https://www.usgs.gov/media/webcams/biscuit-basin-webcam, with images updated every 15 minutes. 

    The camera is a temporary deployment installed on the damaged boardwalk, so the picture is somewhat tilted due to the slope of the boardwalk itself.  Nevertheless, the view of Black Diamond Pool is clear, and the camera has pan, tilt, and zoom capabilities that allow the frame to be adjusted if activity warrants.  Because the deployment is not intended to be permanent, the camera might fail due to problems with power or telemetry systems.  If this happens, we will work to get the camera back online as soon as possible.  The camera is intended to operate at least throughout the summer of 2025, and if warranted may be hardened to last throughout the winter months.

    Bandwidth at the site is not sufficient at this time to support live streaming, but video is being recorded on site.  If the static images document the occurrence of an event (based on the appearance of new rocks or wet ground, for example), video can be downloaded for analysis.  If any such events are captured, we’ll be sure to post video clips to the YVO website.

    We hope that this new view is of interest to the public, and we are confident it will provide a new perspective on activity at Black Diamond Pool that will be useful for the ongoing assessment of hazards from the area.  Many thanks to Yellowstone National Park for supporting this deployment, which was completed under research permit YELL-2025-SCI-5842.

    Biscuit Basin remains closed due to the damaged caused on July 23, 2024, as well as hazards posed by potential future hazardous hydrothermal events.  So for those who would like a current close-up view of Black Diamond Pool, check out YVO’s new camera!  And stay tuned for more details about the July 23 explosion and subsequent activity as research efforts continue.

    Image from the webcam installed at Biscuit Basin in Yellowstone National Park.  The view is of Black Diamond Pool, where a hydrothermal explosion occurred on July 23, 2024 (many of the rocks behind and to the right of the pool were deposited during that event).  The background cliff is the Summit Lake rhyolite lava flow, which is about 111,000 years old.  The camera is a temporary deployment installed on a sloping and damaged boardwalk, which is why the view is somewhat tilted.  This image is from May 23, 2025, at 12:25 p.m. MDT.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • An ode to the fourth-largest economy of the world

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In May 2025, India stands as the fourth-largest economy in the world, surpassing Japan and trailing only the United States of America, China, and Germany.

    With a Gross Domestic Product of over four trillion dollars, the economic might of the nation is now evident to the world. In the last decade, India’s GDP has more than doubled. To put things in perspective, it took India more than 65 years to reach its first two trillion dollars, and only eleven years to add the next two.

    The economic upliftment of rural India has been integral to this leap. For decades, the countryside was plagued by issues of food, shelter, and clothing. However, in the last eleven years, these challenges have been addressed through precise and people-centric policymaking.

    While an array of welfare programmes tells a compelling story, the simplest policy moves have been most effective. For instance, the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana has ensured an additional quota of foodgrains for more than 80 crore people. Before the Narendra Modi government took office, surplus foodgrains in government coffers were under contention, yet the previous government was unwilling to distribute them to those in need.

    Beyond welfare, this has had a significant economic impact. People in villages now have more disposable income, which they are using to buy consumer durables, processed foods, and foods with higher nutritional value. Aspirations are changing, and the success of the Mudra Yojana is a testament to this shift. No longer a liability, rural India is now an asset for a rising nation.

    Urban pockets are evolving as well. With every trillion dollars added to the economy, consumer demand is transforming. Earlier this month, Lego, one of the world’s largest toymakers, opened its first store in India in Gurugram, Haryana. Apple, the world’s leading technology company, is now embedded in urban markets, increasing its manufacturing volume and value within India.

    But India’s manufacturing story is not just about Apple; it encompasses millions of young and old entrepreneurs shifting to local production, moving beyond the role of traders. Near the Haryana border, in Delhi’s North-West district, lies Bawana, an example of this significant shift. The Prime Minister’s larger message of ‘Make in India, Make for India, and Make for the World’ has resonated with entrepreneurs here, who are leading the change.

    The greatest supplement to India’s growth over the last decade has been infrastructure. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown an unprecedented commitment to infrastructure development, rivaling Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1930s.

    India’s infrastructure push over the last decade has been the most ambitious in any democracy in the past century. A simple litmus test is that every individual within a 50-kilometer radius can vouch for redevelopment and numerous greenfield infrastructure projects.

    These projects are empowering people in every state, enabling access to greater economic and employment opportunities. Projects like the Dedicated Freight Corridors, dormant under the previous government, are now instrumental in reducing export costs and enhancing the ease of doing business.

    In the northeastern part of the country, projects are opening new avenues for tourism and the regional economy. In the Himalayas, strategic infrastructure initiatives, from Arunachal Pradesh to Ladakh, are strengthening military capabilities.

    The government’s intent toward infrastructure is validated by its annual capital expenditure commitment. In recent years, the Centre has committed over Rs. 50 lakh crore to infrastructure development. This also serves as evidence of the government’s fiscal management, which has navigated the pandemic, the global supply chain crisis, and the Russia-Ukraine war. The focus has been on creating long-term assets to fuel economic growth.

    The dual impact of welfare and infrastructure is fostering a generation of job creators. These are citizens, born in the late 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, who are not seeking employment but creating it.

    This new generation is further empowered by the digitisation of the economy and the pan-India market it has opened. These include digital creators as well. Employing anywhere from two to two hundred professionals, these entrepreneurs are transforming the dynamics of the Indian job market.

    This is what makes India the largest free market in the world. Beyond geopolitical dynamics, the economic might of India’s market size cannot be underestimated. India’s market access alone can cripple foreign powers, as seen in 2020 when the government banned TikTok and in 2025 when it sent a stern message to Pakistan through Operation Sindoor. The world needs India more than India needs the world. That is the power of 140 crore people.

    India’s rise to the third-largest economy is certain and will occur before 2029. Then begins a long journey toward becoming one of the world’s most important economic centres, driven by its market and demography. If the last decade was about cementing the size of the economy, the next will witness sharp and steep progress in microeconomic fundamentals, from per capita income to changing expenditure dynamics.

    From being among the ‘Fragile Five’ in 2013, India has come a long way by 2025, ranking among the top five. The comeback has been remarkable, and the country retains the momentum to surge further ahead. In 2015, it was the story of an economy struggling to find its footing. In 2025, it is about an economy ready to rise like an albatross, and by 2035, the story will be of a ten-trillion-dollar economy, reclaiming its civilisational position in a brave new world.

    (Tushar Gupta is a Delhi-based journalist and a political commentator)

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: From finger pricks to freedom

    Source: PHARMAC

    Life was admin heavy

    “Life was just admin heavy. I was doing injections every day and testing my blood sugar at every meal, so I was ecstatic when I heard the news,” she says.

    “I think back to when I was 10, and my mum would wake me up two-to-three times every night to check my blood sugar. This technology will make a real difference for people with diabetes, especially children.”

    The process of funding CGMs alongside insulin pumps involved innovation, commercial processes, collaboration, and the input of the wider health and disability system.

    How we did it

    The process began in February 2023 when Pharmac gave notice of a future procurement opportunity to suppliers. In July 2023, Pharmac invited proposals from suppliers through a request for proposals. Pharmac then developed a proposal to fund CGMs alongside insulin pumps and insulin pump consumables and asked the public what they thought.

    “We received significant feedback. While most of the feedback supported our proposal, it was clear that we needed to do further work with clinicians, consumer groups, and suppliers, to better understand the options and the needs of people with diabetes. We knew how important it was to get this right,” says Pharmac Senior Therapeutic Group Manager, Conal Edwards. 

    People were central to our work

    In May 2024, Pharmac extended the funding timeline to ensure we had all the information needed to make the right decision.

    Throughout June and July, Pharmac staff met with a large range of people to discuss the feedback. This included the Pharmac Diabetes Advisory Committee, Diabetes NZ, the New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes, Health New Zealand, and other government agencies, as well as suppliers, and other interested parties.

    Pharmac hosted an online webinar for the first time, attended by over 700 people, to provide an update on the CGM work. This provided the community a chance to engage directly with Pharmac and have their questions and concerns addressed by Pharmac staff. 

    A decision is made

    In August, Pharmac staff presented the updated proposal, including the feedback and amendments made, to the Pharmac Board. The Board approved the proposal and from 1 October 2024, CGMs were funded and available to people with type 1 diabetes, alongside new arrangements for funded insulin pumps and consumables.

    Since then, more than 16,000 people with type 1 diabetes have been prescribed funded CGMs.

    “It really is a testament to all of the people with type 1 diabetes who saw these devices as life changing for their health care and were determined to work with Pharmac to see them funded,” Edwards says.

    Life changing

    For Georgie, having access to funded CGMs is ‘life changing’.

    “Understanding how to monitor my blood sugars, knowing how certain foods affected me, and when, and how much insulin I should be using has changed my life. Once upon a time you didn’t know how you were going until you felt it. This is better.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Agenda for June 2025 Rare Disorders Advisory Committee meeting

    Source: PHARMAC

    Pharmac is sharing the agenda for the upcoming Rare Disorders Advisory Committee meeting to be held on Tuesday 10 June 2025.

    Note the meeting date is now one day earlier than the date originally shared. This is to accommodate advisor availability. 

    What we’re doing

    Pharmac is sharing what medicine applications will be considered at the Rare Disorders Advisory Committee meeting on Tuesday 10 June 2025.

    We understand that people living with rare disorders face many challenges, including access to health care and effective medicines. Sharing the Rare Disorders Advisory Committee meeting agenda offers more transparency to those looking for updates on specific medicines.

    The agenda for the meeting includes applications for treatments for paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH), hereditary angioedema (HAE), Fabry disease, and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). It also includes a review of recent evidence for miglustat for Neimann Pick Type C.

    The records from the Rare Disorders Advisory Committee meeting will be released later in the year. Funding applications will be reviewed using the Rare Disorders policy principles and will be assessed in line with Pharmac’s usual processes. 

    We are working with the consumer group Rare Disorders New Zealand(external link) to make sure the right voices are heard at this meeting – we thank them for their time and expertise.

    Applications

    Pegunigalsidase alfa-iwxy for Fabry Disease

    The Committee will discuss a new application for an Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT) for people with Fabry disease. Fabry disease is a neurological condition that can affect many parts of the body, including the kidneys, heart, and skin.

    Pegunigalsidase alfa-iwxy (branded as Elfabrio) is another treatment option for this condition.  The Committee had previously recommended funding of agalsidase alfa, agalsidase beta and migalastat for Fabry disease.

    Application for pegunigalsidase alfa-iwxj for Fabry disease(external link)

    Previous considerations of agalsidase alfa(external link), agalsidase beta(external link) and migalastat(external link) for Fabry disease.

    Onasemnogene abeparvovec for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), pre-symptomatic or type 1

    The Committee will rediscuss an application for onasemnogene abeparvovec for the treatment of pre-symptomatic or type 1 spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). SMA is a genetic disorder that causes muscle weakness and wasting due to the loss of nerve cells in the spinal cord.

    Previously the Rare Disorders Advisory Committee deferred making a recommendation for onasemnogene abeparvovec, seeking long-term evidence on its efficacy and safety. The Committee will consider the latest data now available.

    Application for onasemnogene abeparvovec for SMA(external link)

    Garadacimab for hereditary angioedema (HAE)

    The Committee will discuss a new application for people with hereditary angioedema (HAE). HAE is an inherited disorder that results in recurrent episodes of severe swelling (angioedema).

    The Committee had previously recommended funding of another treatment for HAE, lanadelumab.

    Application for garadacimab for HAE(external link)

    Previous application for lanadelumab(external link)

    Iptacopan, Eculizumab, and Crovalimab for paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH)

    The Committee will discuss three applications for treatments for paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) – iptacopan, eculizumab, and crovalimab.  PNH is a rare blood disorder in which red blood cells break apart prematurely. This can lead to anaemia, blood clots and other complications.

    Pharmac has previously assessed eculizumab for PNH on several occasions. This is a new application which the Committee will consider in the context of rare disorders.

    Application for iptacopan for PNH(external link)

    New application for eculizumab for PNH(external link)

    Previous considerations of eculizumab for PNH(external link)

    Application for crovalimab for PNH(external link)

    Matters Arising

    Miglustat for Neimann Pick Type C

    The Committee previously assessed miglustat for Neimann Pick Type C. New evidence was provided by a clinician, and so the Committee will consider if this changes their previous recommendation.

    Previous consideration of Niemann Pick Type C(external link)

    Advisory meeting agenda setting

    The scheduling and agenda setting process for advisory meetings considers multiple factors. We aim to balance the relative priorities of:

    • clinical advice needed across indications
    • the factors for consideration for each application (for example unmet health need)
    • the time since applications were received
    • the internal and advisor resource available to support each meeting.

    Applications received through the rare disorders call for applications that are not included on this agenda will be considered as soon as practicable via the most appropriate Advisory Committee for the application.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Port State Control inspection campaign promotes fair crew conditions at sea

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    New Zealand recently led an inspection campaign to assess seafarers’ employment conditions on board ships of various flag states subject to Port State Control. The campaign was a collaboration between both the Tokyo and Paris Memoranda of Understanding, with Maritime NZ staff participating throughout.

    The memoranda focus on eliminating substandard shipping, enhancing maritime safety, protecting the marine environment, and ensuring good working and living conditions on ships.

    The campaign was conducted from September to November 2024 and focused on crew wages and employment agreements in line with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006.

    During the three-month period, 8,134 inspections were carried out, with 6,580 specifically addressing the campaign’s focus areas that promote fair treatment and enhance the welfare of seafarers globally. The campaign resulted in 297 ship detentions, including 20 directly related to MLC violations, accounting for 7% of all detentions.

    Common deficiencies included the absence of signed seafarer employment agreements (16%) and seafarers being unable to access information about their employment conditions on board (28%).

    Ships from Panama, Liberia, and the Marshall Islands were most frequently inspected – 39% of the total. Some ships from Panama, Liberia, Mongolia, and Gambia were detained more than once.

    A comprehensive report detailing the findings will be published later this year.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Interim emergency ocean response capability for Cook Strait announced

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    There was good news for safety in the Cook Strait on 17 April when Minister of Transport Chris Bishop announced that the Government is considering next steps on developing an emergency ocean response capability and has contracted anchor handling tug supply vessel – the MMA Vision – to provide assurance in the meantime.

    The MMA Vision, owned by MMA Offshore and currently on charter to support offshore activity in Taranaki, has assisted in previous incidents such as last year’s Manahau grounding on the West Coast, when it successfully pulled the barge off the beach and towed it to Tasman Bay.

    The agreement between Maritime NZ, MMA and the vessel charterer currently runs until July 2026 and will provide additional maritime safety and response capabilities for New Zealand and, in particular, Cook Strait. The vessel will be stationed in the vicinity of Wellington Harbour or the Marlborough Sounds when not engaged in its primary operational activity in Taranaki.

    Cook Strait is a vital maritime route between Wellington and Picton, known for its challenging conditions and high volume of marine traffic. The availability of the MMA Vision will reduce potential risk for passengers and vessels crossing the Strait.

    At the same time, the Government has decided to continue to explore procuring an enduring emergency ocean response capability, on a predominantly user-pays basis.

    “We are interested in testing the willingness of users (public and industry) to pay a levy to fund a permanent response capability. I have instructed officials to provide me with advice on the most effective approach and expect to hear back in the middle of the year,” Minister Bishop said in the 17 April statement.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Have your say about major changes to vessel design, construction and equipment rules

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    Maritime NZ is proposing important changes to the Maritime Rules for vessel design, construction and equipment. These rules (sometimes known as the ‘40-Series’) are well over 20 years old and are in need of reform.

    The proposed changes are being consulted on as packages, each including four proposed new Rule Parts and the associated maritime transport instruments (MTIs). In total, 15 existing Rule Parts will be reformed through this programme. The proposed new rules and MTIs will come into force at the same time, after all changes have been consulted on.

    Maritime NZ consulted on the first package of proposals towards the end of 2024. Consultation on package two is now open. The proposed changes in package two relate to:

    • stability, drainage, freeboard, and subdivision
    • watertight and weathertight
    • electrical, and
    • radio equipment.

    “Consultation is your chance to tell us what you think, and help to influence the new rules. The proposals in this consultation aren’t a done-deal,” says Peter Brunt, Maritime NZ’s Deputy Chief Executive, Regulatory Frameworks. 

    “In particular, we really want to hear how you think the new stability rules should apply to existing vessels. We want to understand the costs and practical implications of the different options.”

    The proposals have been developed with extensive input from people working in the sector, and now everyone will be able to see what they look like.

    A snapshot of the proposed changes sits alongside the ‘Invitation to Comment’ and drafts of the new rules on our consultation webpage. You can use this information to help you to comment on the proposals by Friday, 11 July 2025.

    If you have questions or need help, please email [email protected].

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New work-based learning model

    Source: Tertiary Education Commission

    Last updated 21 May 2025
    Last updated 21 May 2025

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    The Minister for Vocational Education has announced the government’s decision to introduce an industry-led independent work-based learning model.
    The Minister for Vocational Education has announced the government’s decision to introduce an industry-led independent work-based learning model.

    The two key components of the independent model are:

    Work-based learning is able to be offered by any provider that meets the government’s quality and funding requirements: institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs), private training establishments (PTEs) and wānanga. Providers will manage all aspects of an apprenticeship or traineeship, including the pastoral care for learners.
    Industry Skills Boards will be established on 1 January 2026 to ensure the qualifications needed by employers across the country are available to all providers. 

    Industry Skills Boards will be statutory standard-setting bodies, with majority industry governance. They will be responsible for developing qualifications, endorsing programmes and moderating assessments over key industry sectors. They will also have a workforce analysis function for their sectors, and provide investment advice to the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC).
    The industry-led independent model was consulted on earlier this year, but has a modified transition phase, designed to give industry a greater role in the future of the work-based learning system. 
    To enable the transition to this new model, Te Pūkenga’s work-based learning divisions, including their existing apprentices and trainees, will transfer to an Industry Skills Board for up to two years.  It is expected that during this period industry-led private training enterprises will be established to take over delivery from the work-based learning divisions, and ITPs and wānanga will also establish new work-based learning programmes.
    Employers, apprentices and trainees will be able to continue to work with and enrol the same people they currently work with. Although there will be changes to the reporting lines for the work-based learning divisions in Te Pūkenga, courses and qualifications will continue to be delivered, and every effort will be made to ensure that training is not disrupted.
    See more on Minister Simmonds’ work-based learning announcement.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –