NewzIntel.com

Category: Vehicles

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police switch onto offenders after burglary

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Two burglars face charges after failing to flee from Police with their lights off in Ōrewa.

    The pair had been travelling north after earlier allegedly committing a burglary at a Birkenhead store on the North Shore.

    Just after 4am, a Police unit observed a suspicious vehicle on Hibiscus Coast Highway.

    “On seeing the patrol vehicle, the car’s headlights were quickly turned off,” Inspector Mike Rickards, relieving Waitematā North Area Commander says.

    “Ironically, this attracted our staff’s attention even further and the vehicle was signalled to stop.”

    The vehicle fled but was not pursued.

    Inspector Rickards says traffic cameras were used to track the vehicle into the Pūhoi area.

    “Eagle had already deployed into the area, and with spikes successfully deployed on Fowler Access Road there was nowhere to go for the pair.”

    After the vehicle came to a stop, both men ran into nearby bushland.

    “Eagle directed our staff on the ground to the two men’s location and they were both arrested,” Inspector Rickards says.

    Inside the vehicle was a range of new equipment which was suspected to be stolen.

    North Shore Police have since confirmed a burglary had taken place in Birkenhead roughly half an hour prior to the vehicle being seen in Ōrewa.

    “A retail store on Mokoia Road was burgled at around 3.30am and was in the process of being reported when our staff were dealing with this pair.

    “The Tactical Crime Unit has now charged them with burglary and are in the fortunate position of being able to return the stolen property.”

    Those arrested are two men, aged 35 and 40, who will appear in the North Shore District Court.

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Massacre at 2 am – Israel resumes indiscriminate attacks against Gaza, killing 400+ people

    Israel says President Donald Trump green lit a scorched-earth bombing of Gaza that wiped out entire families and killed dozens of infants and other children.

    By Abubaker Abed in Deil Al-Balah, Gaza, and Jeremy Scahill of Drop Site News

    The US-backed Israeli government resumed its intense genocidal attacks on Gaza early yesterday morning, unleashing a massive wave of indiscriminate military strikes across the Strip and killing more than 410 people, including scores of children and women, according to local health officials.

    The massacre resulted in one of the largest single-day death tolls of the past 17 months, and also killed several members of Gaza’s government and a member of Hamas’s political bureau.

    The Trump administration said it was briefed ahead of the strikes, which began at approximately 2 am local time, and that the US fully supported Israel’s attacks.

    “The sky was filled with drones, quadcopters, helicopters, F-16 and F-35 warplanes. The firing from the tanks and vehicles didn’t stop,” said Abubaker Abed, a contributing journalist for Drop Site News who reports from Deir al-Balah, Gaza.

    “I didn’t sleep last night. I had a pang in my heart that something awful would happen. At 2 am, I tried to close my eyes. Once it happened, four explosions shook my home. The sky turned red and became heavily shrouded with plumes of smoke.”

    Abubaker said Israel’s attacks began with four strikes in Deir al-Balah.

    “Mothers’ wails and children’s screams echoed painfully in my ears. They struck a house near us. I didn’t know who to call. I couldn’t feel my knees. I was shivering with fear, and my family were harshly awakened,” he said.

    ‘My mother couldn’t breathe’
    “My mother couldn’t take a breath. My father searched around for me. We gathered in the middle of our home, knowing our end may be near. That’s the same feeling we have had for the 16 months of intense bombings and attacks.

    “The nightmare has chased us again.”

    The Israeli attacks pummeled cities across Gaza — from Rafah and Khan Younis in the south to Deir al-Balah in the center, and Gaza City in the north, where Israel carried out some of the heaviest bombing in areas already reduced to an apocalyptic landscape.

    Since the “ceasefire” took effect in January, more than half a million Palestinians returned to the north and many of them have been living in makeshift shelters or on the rubble of their former homes.

    Hospitals that already suffer from catastrophic damage from 16 months of relentless Israeli attacks and a dire lack of medical supplies struggled to handle the influx of wounded people, and local authorities issued an emergency call for blood donations.

    Late Tuesday morning, Dr Abdul-Qader Weshah, a senior emergency doctor at Al-Awda Hospital in Al-Nuseirat camp in central Gaza, described the situation.

    “We’ve just received another influx of injuries following a nearby strike. We’ve dealt with them. We are just preparing ourselves for more casualties as more bombings are expected to happen,” he told Drop Site News.

    ‘Horrified . . . awoke to screams’
    “Since the morning, we were horrified and awoke to the screams and pain of people. We’ve been treating many people, children and women in particular.”

    Weshah said they have had to transfer some of the wounded to other hospitals because of a lack of medical supplies.

    “We don’t have the means. Gaza’s hospitals are devoid of everything. Here at the hospital, we lack everything, including basic necessities like disinfectants and gauze. We don’t have enough beds for the casualties.

    We don’t have the capacity to treat the wounded. X-ray devices, magnetic resonance imaging, and simple things like stitches are not available. The hospital is in an unprecedented state of chaos.

    “The number of medical crews is not enough. Overwhelmed with injuries, we’re horrified and we don’t know why we are speaking to the world.

    “We’re working with less than the bare minimum in our hands. We need doctors, devices and supplies, and circumstances to do our job.”

    Al-Shifa hospital director Muhammad Abu Salmiya told Al Jazeera Arabic: “Every minute, a wounded person dies due to a lack of resources.”

    The Indonesia Hospital morgue in Beit Lahia, Gaza on March 18, 2025. Image: Abdalhkem Abu Riash/Anadolu

    Rising death toll
    Dr Zaher Al-Wahidi, the Director of the Information Unit at the Ministry of Health in Gaza, told Drop Site Tuesday afternoon that 174 children and 89 women were killed in the Israeli attacks. [Editors: Latest figures are 404 killed, including many children, and the toll is expected to rise as many are still buried beneath rubble.]

    Local health officials and witnesses said that the death toll was expected to rise dramatically because dozens of people are believed to be buried under the rubble of the structures where they were sleeping when the bombing began.

    “We can hear the voices of the victims under the rubble, but we can’t save them,” said a medical official at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.

    Video posted on social media by Palestinians inside Gaza portrayed unspeakable scenes of the lifeless bodies of infants and small children killed in the bombings.

    Zinh Dahdooh, a dental student from Gaza City, posted an audio recording she said was of her neighbours screaming as their shelter was bombed, trapping them in the destruction.

    “Tonight, they bombed our neighbors,” she wrote on the social media site X. “They kept screaming until they died, and no ambulance came for them. How long are we supposed to live in this fear? How long!”

    According to local health officials, many strikes hit buildings or homes housing multiple generations of families.

    ‘Wiped out six families’
    “Israel in its strikes has wiped out at least six families. One in my hometown. The others are from Khan Younis, Rafah, and Gaza City. Some families have lost five or 10 members. Others have lost around 20,” Abubaker reported.

    “We talk about families killed from the children to the old. The Gharghoon family was bombed today in Rafah. The strikes have killed the father and his two daughters. Their mom and grandparents along with their uncles and aunts were also murdered, erasing the entire family from the civil registry.

    “We are talking about the erasure of entire families. Among Israel’s attacks in Deir al-Balah, Israel bombed the homes of the Mesmeh, Daher, and Sloot families.

    “More than 10 people, including seven women, from the Sloot family were killed, wiping them out entirely. The same has happened to the Abu-Teer, Barhoom, and other families.

    “This is extermination by design. This is genocide.”

    On Tuesday, Palestinian Islamic Jihad confirmed that “Abu Hamza,” the spokesman of its military wing, Al Quds Brigades, had been killed along with his wife and other family members.

    A hellish scene
     Israeli officials said they had been given a “green light” by President Donald Trump to resume heavy bombing of Gaza because of Hamas’s refusal to obey Trump’s directive to release all Israeli captives immediately.

    “All those who seek to terrorise not just Israel but also the United States of America, will see a price to pay,” White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said on Fox News.

    “All hell will break loose.”

    Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a statement asserting that “Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength”.

    Israeli media reported that the decision to resume heavy strikes against Gaza was made a week ago and was not in response to any imminent threat posed by Hamas.

    Israel, which has repeatedly violated the ceasefire that went into effect January 19, has sought to create new terms in a transparent effort to justify blowing up the deal entirely.

    “This is unconscionable,” said Muhannad Hadi, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

    “A cease-fire must be reinstated immediately. People in Gaza have endured unimaginable suffering.”

    Compounding the crisis in Gaza’s hospitals, Israel recently began blocking the entry of international medical workers to the Strip at unprecedented rates as part of a sweeping new policy that severely limits the number of aid organisations Israel will permit to operate in Gaza.

    Plumes of smoke from central Gaza just as Israel began its heavy bombing on Monday night. Image: Abubaker Abed/Drop Site News

    Editor’s note: Due to the ongoing Israeli attacks, Abubaker Abed relayed his reporting and eyewitness account to Jeremy Scahill by phone and text messages. This article is republished from Drop Site News under Creative Commons.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: National Agriculture Day, 2025

    Source: The White House

    class=”has-text-align-center”>By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    From the earliest days of our Republic, our farmers and agricultural communities have been the source of American success — enduring the elements and defying hard conditions to cultivate our land and feed the people.  Farming is indelibly engrained in our history, customs, and culture, and stands to this day as the bedrock of our economy and way of life.  This National Agriculture Day, we pay tribute to every farmer and rancher who makes our country strong — and we commit to empowering our agricultural community to forge a long, successful, and bountiful American future.

    Every day, farmers and agriculture workers ensure that families across America and around the world have stable access to high-quality products — including food for our tables, clothes for our backs, and fuel for our cars.  Over 95 percent of all farms in the United States are family-owned and are vital to rural and economic stability, comprising 83 percent of total farm production.

    To make good on my promises to fortify the American farmer and make our Nation’s agricultural products affordable again, I have worked to rapidly reduce the spread of bird flu inherited from the previous administration — including by strengthening biosecurity measures and ensuring rapid outbreak containment.  As President, I will ensure that American agriculture remains the gold standard of the world, producing the best food, feed, fuel, and fiber on the face of the Earth.  My Administration will strengthen our farmers’ competitiveness on the world stage by promoting fair trade practices, streamlining export processes, and expanding market access. 

    For centuries, American farmers and ranchers have been the lifeblood of the American economy.  Today and every day, we extend our unending gratitude to the dedicated men and women in farming communities who embody the timeless virtues of hard work and self-reliance.  As we continue our new chapter of American prosperity, we commit to embolden the heroes of our agricultural community who work tirelessly with their unwavering American pride to nourish our Nation, feed our families, and fuel our way of life.

    NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 18, 2025, as National Agriculture Day.  I encourage all Americans to observe this day by recognizing the preeminent role that agriculture plays in our daily lives, acknowledging agriculture’s continuing importance to rural America and our country’s economy, and expressing our deep appreciation of farmers, growers, ranchers, producers, national forest system stewards, private agricultural stewards, and those who work in the agriculture sector across the Nation.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

                                  DONALD J. TRUMP

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: The Oppression the Left Forgot

    Source: ACT Party

    The Haps

    Your property is safe as Parliament is shut and David Seymour is the Acting Prime Minister. Yesterday, ACT made the big announcement that for the first time ever, we’re seeking candidates to stand in local council elections. We want common-sense Kiwis to champion lower rates, less waste, equal rights, and an end to the war on cars. If that sounds like you, learn more at actlocal.nz.

    Meanwhile ACT MPs have been out in force at A&P Shows and Field Days, they report tremendous support from rural New Zealand and we are grateful to hear it.

    The Oppression the Left Forgot

    Besides a pandemic, the last decade has consisted of economic paralysis and cultural division as Governments dumped years of live-and-let-live liberalism to focus on identity politics. Jacinda Ardern and Justin Trudeau were the pin ups for this dismal movement, managing to tank their respective countries’ economies and make everyone angry at each other.

    Free Press regrets to inform you that the DEI brigade missed a large oppressed group. This group has disastrous education statistics, lives years less than the national average, in part because of their high suicide rates, and is far more likely to be arrested, charged, sentenced, and imprisoned. Some speculate this is due to years of violence, including being held in state institutions, and in armed conflict.

    In recent years, prominent members of this group have been forced by their managers into public humiliation, pronouncing that they’re sorry for being part of this group. The group is regularly ridiculed in media and advertising, and not expected to complain.

    The group is, of course, men. If any other group had the social statistics men do, there would be a special ministry, a ‘day,’ targeted support programs, and probably quotas to help them on their way.

    That there is none of that, and that some people will be angry to read any of this, is just one of those modern mysteries. Why are men such a blind spot for all the luvvies, despite dismal social statistics that would normally justify an entire Government department?

    Some will point out that women do face serious problems. Domestic and sexual violence are overwhelmingly problems for women. Even today there is a connection between domestic work and earned income. Claudia Goldin won the Nobel prize for explaining the remaining gender pay gap this way.

    Other people having problems, or even causing other peoples’ problems, has never stopped the luvvies before. There must be some better reason why men’s abysmal suffering is not the subject of some major leftie sympathy.

    Our best theory is that men doing badly blows up the whole DEI identity politics movement of the past decade. The movement’s basic story is that if anything is wrong in the world it’s because bad people have been oppressing them, perhaps for hundreds of years.

    Why are Māori doing badly in the stats? Colonisation. Women? The patriarchy. LGBTQI+. So many reasons. There is even a fattist movement claiming ‘society’ has designed its aeroplane seats, magazines, and institutions to silence fat voices (we are not making this up).

    But who oppressed men? Men can’t be oppressed. They are needed to play the villain of the piece. In a play where everyone is a victim or a villain for historic reasons, not everyone can be good, and certainly not those needed to be bad.

    A worse conclusion would be that women are oppressing boys. Practically all early childhood teachers, six-out-of-seven primary teachers, and two-out-of-three high school teachers are women.

    If it was the other way around the picture would seem sinister. Perhaps teacher gender is why last year 42 per cent of girls came out of high school with University Entrance compared with 32 per cent of boys. Oddly this explanation of oppression by a dominant group has not been emerged.

    Nor should it. The whole idea that we are not thinking and valuing individuals but instead members of a group is bunk. It’s led to more division and anger than it’s worth (which is not much to start with). It’s disempowered people by making them think they are products of history, instead of masters of their own destiny.

    A better way is to let people problem solve by innovating. Charter schools are a pin-up example of this. Vanguard Military School (run by ex-servicemen), and Te Aratika Academy (run by a civil construction firm) offered different education that some might see as filling the male role-model gap in education.

    The same could be said for most problems we’re currently blaming on colonisation, the patriarchy, or whatever cause du jour is on people’s minds. More innovation in social services, more economic opportunity for people who want to take it, a more dynamic and innovative society generally is what’s needed.

    For all those who still think the world is made up of victims and villains, with the past made up of endless oppression, what are you doing for men?

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Resumed Hostilities, Blocked Aid Destroying Ceasefire Gains in Gaza, Security Council Hears

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    As Israel resumes airstrikes over Gaza and blocks entry of humanitarian aid into the Strip, the modest gains made during the ceasefire are being destroyed, Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, told the Security Council today.

    “Overnight, our worst fears materialized,” he added, noting unconfirmed reports of hundreds of people killed on 17 March.  Recalling his recent visit to the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel in February, he said that — despite the devastation he saw — “my trip coincided with some of Gaza’s better days” because a ceasefire was in place and humanitarians were delivering hundreds of trucks every day.  “Not anymore,” he reported.

    Since 2 March, Israeli authorities have halted the entry of all lifesaving supplies, including food, medicine, fuel and cooking gas, for 2.1 million people.  Repeated requests to collect aid sitting at the Karem Shalom border crossing have also been systematically rejected, no further hostages have been released and Israel has cut power to southern Gaza’s desalination plant, limiting access to clean water for 600,000 people.

    Further, international staff of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) are no longer able to rotate into and out of Gaza due to recent Knesset legislation.  He also highlighted new registration rules for international non-governmental organizations, as well as a law under consideration to impose high taxes on donations from third States to Israeli humanitarian and human-rights groups.

    Also pointing to the urgent crisis in the West Bank, he said that 95 Palestinians have been killed, including 17 children, since the start of 2025.  Additionally, Israeli military operations in the northern West Bank have displaced 40,000 Palestinians, while hundreds of Israeli settlers have launched large-scale attacks on Palestinian villages.  Outlining three urgent asks, he called on the Council to enable the entry of humanitarian aid and commercial essentials into Gaza, renew the ceasefire and fund the humanitarian response.

    Palestine Says Death Returns to Gaza, Israel Says Hamas Responsible

    The Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine, noting that this meeting was initially called to discuss Gaza’s humanitarian situation, added:  “Now we gather here after a series of deadly Israeli attacks that killed, last night alone, hundreds of Palestinians.”  Bombardment, death, devastation, fire and fear are yet again spreading throughout Gaza, he said.

    “Ceasefire works — it is the only thing that does,” he stressed, stating that it stopped the bloodshed, allowed the release of hostages and prisoners and enabled the delivery of humanitarian aid.  Unilateral, self-serving and irresponsible decisions cannot be used as excuses for breaking it.  “While the Trump Administration has prioritized the release of hostages, it is evident that [Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin] Netanyahu’s concern for his political survival far outweighs his concern for the survival of the hostages,” he added.

    The Arab Summit endorsed a clear vision and a solid plan for a different trajectory for Gaza and Palestine — “these efforts should be supported, not compromised and sabotaged”, he urged.  The international community must also support the Palestinian Government’s assumption of its responsibilities throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the deployment of a UN-mandated mission throughout the Territory, a permanent ceasefire and the two-State solution.  “This is a historical moment, where everyone must choose where they stand and what vision they want to see prevail,” he said.

    However, Israel’s representative stressed that “the return to fighting is a necessity”, reaffirming his country’s commitment to bring home its hostages and defeat Hamas.  Hamas has refused to release hostages and has repeatedly rejected all offers by the United States and mediating countries — even during Ramadan — he said, spotlighting the Israel Defense Forces’ precise attacks on Hamas targets.

    For months, Israel took unprecedented steps to facilitate humanitarian aid into Gaza, he asserted, adding that these efforts are “not speculation, not political rhetoric”; they are “documented, verifiable and confirmed by the organizations distributing and supplying the aid”.  The hostages still held in brutal captivity by Hamas should be paramount for those truly concerned about humanitarian crises, he said, adding:  “Any discussion of humanitarian suffering that does not begin with the hostage release is not an honest discussion.”

    “The slander that the people of Gaza are currently starving is quite simply untrue,” he continued, stating that “claims that electricity cut-off has plunged Gaza into humanitarian collapse are greatly exaggerated”. Rather, any suffering in Gaza is due to Hamas’ hijacking of aid for its violent ends.  Pointing to certain Council members’ efforts to malign Israel, he stressed:  “If this Council wishes to address suffering, then it must demand the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages.”

    Some Council Members Also Point to Hamas

    Along similar lines, the representative of United States emphasized that the blame for resumed hostilities lies solely with Hamas, which has steadfastly refused “every proposal and deadline they’ve been presented”.  Hamas prefers to hold hostages captive and hide amongst the people of Gaza, she said, dismissing the allegation of indiscriminate attacks by the Israel Defense Forces.  Underlining the need to tackle Iran’s “malign influence and State sponsorship of terror”, she said that Middle Eastern countries have an “historic opportunity to reshape their region”.

    Echoing that, Panama’s delegate said that the suffering in Gaza is the direct consequence of Hamas’ extremist actions, “which unleashed this tragic spiral of violence”.  He, too, condemned Hamas’ current refusal to meet the commitments agreed upon and release additional hostages.

    France’s representative highlighted the international conference to be held in June, chaired by his country and Saudi Arabia, on the implementation of the two-State solution.  The reconstruction plan for Gaza put forward by the Arab League must exclude Hamas from Gaza’s governance, he said.  “The terrorist attacks committed by Hamas and other terrorist groups on 7 October 2023 constitute the worst anti-Semitic massacre since the Shoah”, and he therefore reaffirmed France’s solidarity with the Israeli people.

    Others Point to Israel’s Responsibility as Occupying Power

    Algerians understand the cruelty of occupation “because we endured it for over 130 years”, that country’s delegate recalled.  “This deliberate blockade, timed to coincide with the holy month of Ramadan, is a calculated effort to break the resilience of the Palestinian people,” he stressed.  Further, he observed that “the Israeli occupying Power is using water — yes, water — as a weapon of war.”  Once again, Palestinian blood has become a tool for the calculations of Israeli politicians, and he called on mediator countries to ensure compliance with the ceasefire.

    Blocking trucks, cutting off electricity, mistreating non-governmental organizations, preventing Muslims from accessing the Aqsa Mosque compound — “these are all tactics of the oppressor”, stated Pakistan’s representative.  The manner in which the Council and the international community respond to such atrocities will have a lasting impact on the nature of the world order.  He also pointed out that international humanitarian law prohibits targeting military targets in civilian facilities. 

    The Republic of Korea’s representative said that Hamas’ refusal to carry out its obligations does not justify blocking humanitarian aid or using it as a bargaining chip.  He cited Under-Secretary-General Fletcher’s remarks during a 12 March press briefing:  “I said to my colleague:  Why are the dogs so fat?  And he said:  Because the dogs are looking for corpses.”  Israel must immediately cease its offensive, he stressed, urging all parties to return to the negotiating table.

    The representative of Denmark, Council President for March, spoke in her national capacity to spotlight Israel’s obligation, as the occupying Power, to ensure that the civilian population does not lack food or other basic needs, including water.  Sierra Leone’s delegate also noted that Israel, as the occupying Power, has obligations under the Fourth Geneva Convention and international humanitarian law.

    They, along with the representatives of the United Kingdom and China, were among the many speakers who underscored the need for an immediate ceasefire.  Somalia’s speaker, expressing concern that Israeli strikes in Gaza were taking place during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, also said that worshipers at the Aqsa Mosque compound must be able to freely and safely perform their religious rituals.  The Russian Federation’s delegate warned against delays, noting that many have died because of the Council’s earlier inability to decide on a ceasefire.

    Several speakers condemned Israel’s decision to halt humanitarian aid into Gaza.  “This decision is illegal,” emphasized Guyana’s representative, who also highlighted the impact on women — many have died from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth because of the restrictions.  She also noted the 13 March report of the independent international commission of inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which points to Israel’s systematic use of sexual, reproductive and other forms of gender-based violence since 7 October 2023.

    Slovenia’s representative, noting that it is roughly one year since the International Court of Justice issued provisional measures relating to humanitarian aid, famine and starvation in the case brought forward by South Africa, said that it is unacceptable that “our conversations are still the same”. 

    Greece’s delegate added that UNRWA’s role is indispensable with millions in urgent need of primary health services, education and shelter.  “War has not left the next generation in Gaza untouched,” he said, noting that thousands of children died, were injured or separated from their families and internally displaced.  The unhindered and continuous flow of aid into all parts of Gaza should remain a priority, and he also voiced support for the Arab plan put forth by Egypt.

    Also speaking today was the Permanent Observer of the League of Arab States, who urged implementation of the first phase of that plan, adopted during an Arab League meeting in Cairo and later endorsed by a ministerial meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).  He also urged the Council to activate international oversight mechanisms to guarantee the safe and sustainable delivery of aid and ensure the protection of Palestinian civilians.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: NAB welcomes more support for no-interest loans

    Source: National Australia Bank

    More Australians will be able to access no-interest loans thanks to a $48.7 million funding boost from the Federal Government for the No Interest Loans program (NILs).

    The NILs program – delivered by Good Shepherd with capital provided by NAB – has already helped more than one million Australians with over $560 million in interest and fee free loans over the past 21 years.

    NAB Executive Sustainability Jessica Forrest

    NAB Executive Sustainability Jessica Forrest said NAB is proud to be the bank behind Australia’s longest standing no interest loans program, providing a safe and accessible way for people to borrow money when they need it the most.

    “NILs is NAB’s longest-running community partnership, and we’re committed to ensuring more Australians can access credit for life’s essentials.

    “This additional funding means even more people on lower incomes can get the support they need without the stress of interest charges or hidden fees.”

    No-interest loans of up to $2,000 help cover household essentials like fridges, washing machines, and furniture, as well as education and medical expenses. NILs for Vehicles loans of up to $5,000 can be used for motor vehicles, mobility scooters, registration, and maintenance costs.

    “These loans give people a safer alternative to high-cost payday loans and can also assist Australians escaping family, domestic and sexual violence – helping them with financial recovery and independence,” said Ms Forrest.


    Notes to the Editor:

    Individuals can apply for NILs at over 600 locations across Australia. They are available
    to individuals and families who can service the loan and:

    • earn less than $70,000 gross annually (before tax) as a single person or $100,000 gross (before tax)
      as a couple or person with dependants, or
    • have experienced family or domestic violence in the last 10 years, or
    • have a Health Care Card or Pension Card

    More information about NILs is available on NAB’s website.

    Topics

    SEE ALL TOPICS

    Media Enquiries

    For all media enquiries, please contact the NAB Media Line on 03 7035 5015

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: As the rescued astronauts return, space law is still in orbit over who’s responsible when missions go wrong

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anna Marie Brennan, Senior Lecturer in Law, University of Waikato

    Getty Images

    Now back on Earth thanks to Space X’s Dragon capsule, astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore will be breathing fresh air again after a gruelling nine months onboard the International Space Station.

    Stranded in June 2024 after their experimental Boeing Starliner spacecraft malfunctioned and was deemed too risky to carry passengers back to Earth, their stay was further extended last week when the recovery mission was postponed due to launchpad problems.

    A successful rescue mission will be a relief to NASA, which had the unprecedented task of figuring out how to get the astronauts home. But the crisis has also raised difficult questions about space missions and what happens if they don’t go to plan.

    This is complicated by civilians now going into space, including actor William Shatner and business tycoons Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson. Later this year, pop star Katy Perry and talk show host Gayle King will blast off on board Blue Origin’s NS-31 Mission.

    Corporations such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, Rocket Lab and Virgin Galactic are increasingly at the forefront of the new space race, but they operate in a legal vacuum as well as an atmospheric one.

    With the law not keeping pace with this rapid rise in commercial space exploration and exploitation, just who has a duty to rescue so-called space tourists and astronauts is unclear. Urgent legal reform is needed.

    Privatisation of space

    International space law contains a special duty for countries to rescue astronauts, regardless of their nationality.

    According to the United Nations Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts, all member countries of the treaty, not just the country that launched the mission, have a duty to take “all necessary steps” to assist spacecraft crew in distress.

    This includes missions still in space as well as spacecraft that crash land in another state’s territory or at sea. The state conducting the rescue mission must safely return the astronauts to Earth – and to the country they originally launched from.

    But it’s not clear whether private space companies will have a similar duty. Some experts worry space tourists may have no real legal protection.

    Space law dates from the 20th century, when the 1967 Outer Space Treaty was adopted. But the original space race involved superpowers, and the possibility of corporations one day crossing the “final frontier” wasn’t even considered.

    So, if space tourists become stranded like Williams and Wilmore have been, there’s a possibility – in law at least – they could be left to fend for themselves.

    NASA’s Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams on their way to the launch craft of the ill-fated mission in June 2024.
    Getty Images

    Who is an ‘astronaut’?

    Space policy experts are now calling on the international community to adopt a broad interpretation of the term “astronaut” to ensure anyone has a right to be rescued regardless of their legal status.

    They’re also calling for new rules to determine who is responsible for rescuing private citizens if they get into trouble. Despite the several treaties and conventions regulating space activity, none address space tourism.

    Currently, space tourism involves lower atmosphere travel, but SpaceX’s Elon Musk has talked about sending tourists to Mars. However realistic that is, space law is struggling to keep up with such ambitions.

    With the rise of private space missions, there is now a strong argument for the companies involved being required to shoulder or share the associated costs and responsibilities.

    Described by the UN Office of Outer Space Affairs as “envoys of humankind”, astronauts undergo years of arduous training before taking part in space missions. They are acutely aware of the risks of space travel – but have embraced it.

    The same can’t be said for civilians. Space tourism is still in its early days, but the companies promoting it will need to act responsibly and sustainably. This means making their customers aware of the dangers and implementing rescue procedures and protocols.

    Without proper regulatory oversight, however, space tourism companies could require prospective customers to sign legal agreements waiving their right to rescue if they are in danger.

    The challenge for space law now is to find a workable compromise between human safety and corporate profit motives.

    Anna Marie Brennan 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. As the rescued astronauts return, space law is still in orbit over who’s responsible when missions go wrong – https://theconversation.com/as-the-rescued-astronauts-return-space-law-is-still-in-orbit-over-whos-responsible-when-missions-go-wrong-252594

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Haitian Gang Leader ‘Izo’ Charged with Hostage Taking of a U.S. Citizen in Haiti in March 2023

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

               WASHINGTON – A criminal complaint, filed in the District of Columbia and unsealed today, charges Johnson Andre, aka “Izo,” a Haitian national and leader of the 5 Segond gang, for his alleged role in the March 2023 armed hostage taking, in Haiti, of a U.S. citizen who was held for ransom by Andre’s gang.

               The charges were announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the Miami Field Office.

               According to the affidavit in support of the complaint, Andre and the 5 Segond gang operate in Village de Dieu, Haiti, which is a town on the outskirts of the capital city Port-au-Prince. The gang actively participates in kidnappings for ransom and robberies, and uses the revenue generated from its criminal activity to pay salaries to its members and pay for weapons and ammunition from the United States and elsewhere.

               As leader of the 5 Segond gang, Andre issued a general order to his gang members to identify potential victims and kidnap them for ransom. On March 18, 2023, armed gang members forced the victim into a vehicle at gunpoint. The victim was taken to Village de Dieu where he was held in captivity for nine days during which he was beaten and burned with hot plastic. At one point, Andre visited the victim in captivity and engaged in ransom negotiations with the victim’s family. The victim was eventually released from captivity on March 27, 2023, following a ransom payment and other items of value that were provided to the gang.

               Andre remains at large and is believed to reside in Village de Dieu, Haiti. On December 8, 2023, Andre was sanctioned by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) for his role in serious human rights abuse relating to his role as a leader of a criminal gang in Haiti pursuant to Executive Order 13818.

               If convicted, Andre faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

               This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Miami Field Office, with the assistance of the FBI Legal Attaché Office in Haiti and with valuable assistance from the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack F. Korba with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Michael Watts for the District of Columbia.

               Charges in a criminal complaint are merely allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘Intolerable’ suffering in Gaza amid deadly airstrikes, continued aid blockade

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Peace and Security

    The UN Secretary-General on Tuesday spoke of new “intolerable” suffering for Gazans following the resumption of deadly Israeli airstrikes, underscoring three immediate needs: a renewed ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access and the unconditional release of hostages.

    “We will not give up on these objectives,” António Guterres said during a press encounter at the UN Office in Geneva.

    Airstrikes resume, aid blocked

    In a statement issued earlier in the day, UN Deputy Spokesperson, Farhan Haq, said Mr. Guterres was “shocked” by the Israeli strikes, which reportedly killed hundreds overnight.

    He issued a strong appeal for both sides to uphold the ceasefire and allow humanitarian assistance to resume.

    Worst fears materialised

    Briefing the Security Council on the dire humanitarian situation, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher confirmed that Israeli forces had resumed widespread airstrikes, accompanied by new evacuation orders.

    “Our worst fears materialised,” he said, describing the renewed hostilities as a devastating setback to recent humanitarian efforts – marking the return to “abject fear” in Gaza.

    Mr. Fletcher reported that since 2 March, Israeli authorities had cut off all lifesaving supplies – food, medicine, fuel and cooking gas – into the Gaza Strip.

    “Food is rotting and medicines are expiring,” he warned, adding “our repeated requests to collect aid sitting at Kerem Shalom crossing have been systematically rejected.”

    Ceasefire gains reversed

    Mr. Fletcher further warned that that modest humanitarian gains made during the 42-day ceasefire had been wiped out.

    “During that period, over 4,000 trucks of aid per week entered Gaza. We reached two million people,” he said, noting also that 600,000 received polio vaccinations and maternity care for 5,000 births.

    “The suspension of aid and commercial materials is reversing that progress that we achieved during that brief period. Essential survival resources needed are now being rationed,” he added.

    Under-Secretary-General Fletcher briefs the Security Council.

    Concerns grow over West Bank

    The UN relief chief also highlighted worsening conditions in the West Bank, where 95 Palestinians, including 17 children, have been killed this year.

    Israeli military operations have intensified, deploying tanks for the first time in two decades. Around 40,000 Palestinians have been displaced and settlers have launched large-scale attacks on villages.

    “I also have grave concerns about the protection of civilians in the West Bank. The situation there is an urgent crisis that must be addressed with the necessary international attention,” Mr. Fletcher said.

    Call  for urgent action

    Mr. Fletcher concluded with a call for ambassadors to take three immediate steps: open Gaza’s border crossings to aid, renew the ceasefire and secure more funding for humanitarian operations.

    “The suffering of the people of the region must end. A renewed ceasefire is the best way of protecting civilians – in Gaza, in the occupied Palestinian territory (OPT) and in Israel – releasing hostages and detainees and allowing aid and commercial supplies in,” he said.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Spring Weight Restrictions on Secondary Highways Begin March 21

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on March 18, 2025

    With spring thaw beginning, weight restrictions start March 21 on secondary highways to protect key links of Saskatchewan’s road network.

    “This annual measure keeps key transportation infrastructure ship shape for the long run so that our highways can move goods to support our export-based economy, which helps sustain our quality of life,” Highways Minister David Marit said. 

    The 2025 restrictions go into effect at 12:01 a.m., Friday, March 21 in southwest Saskatchewan. They are expected to be phased in throughout the province as it gets warmer. The spring restrictions will remain in place for up to six weeks.

    These restrictions protect the surface and ground beneath these roads, which become wet and soften with spring thaw. This reduces allowable vehicle weights on rural municipal roads and secondary-weight provincial highways by 10 to 15 per cent.

    For the latest available information about which highways have spring weight restrictions, please visit:

    https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/transportation-and-road-construction/information-for-truckers-and-commercial-trucking-companies/regulations-and-road-restrictions/increased-weights-and-road-restrictions.

    The newest order will be under the Spring Road Bans heading. Truckers and shippers are reminded to check regularly.

    Technical and regulatory information is also available through the Trucking Inquiry Line at 1-866-933-5290 or outside of Saskatchewan at 306-933-5290.

    Rural municipalities are responsible for their own roads and set their own weight limits.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Investing nearly $5B in Alberta’s north

    [. In the province’s latest budget, $4.4 billion is being allocated in operating expenses and $475 million for capital expenses to Alberta’s north region.

    Alberta’s northern communities are vital to the province’s identity, prosperity and success. There is no question, Alberta’s northern communities face unique opportunities and challenges that must be addressed today. Budget 2025, if passed, is meeting the challenges faced by Alberta with continued investments in economic development, education, health, transportation and more.

    Jobs, Economy and Trade:

    If passed, Budget 2025 strengthens northern Alberta’s workforce and regional economies through strategic supports and investments, including $9 million over the next three years through the Northern and Regional Economic Development Program (NRED) and $1.5 million allocated over three years for the Northern Alberta Development Bursary, to attract and retain skilled professionals to grow and diversify northern economies. Alberta’s government is also investing $111 million in affordability and wage-top-up grants to child care operators in northern Alberta so northern families can access quality child care.

    Regarding regional supports, $45 million is being allocated over three years to the Investment and Growth Fund to increase Alberta’s competitiveness and attract investment across the province, including in the north. Budget 2025 invests $3 million in the Alberta Export Expansion Program over three years to enhance access for Alberta-based businesses to international markets for export-ready organizations. Alberta’s government is also investing $235 million in the Alberta Film and Television Tax Credit over the next three years to grow the film and television sector in Alberta, with 30 per cent tax credits available for qualifying northern and rural productions.

    “By driving strategic economic development, attracting investment with a business-friendly environment and empowering our northern workforce, our government is ensuring Alberta’s north remains an economic engine, fueling growth and industry diversification for years to come.”

    Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade

    Northern Development:

    Alberta’s government has engaged with business owners, municipalities and economic development organizations from communities across northern Alberta who shared their specific barriers to economic growth, such as workforce retention and attraction, transportation, infrastructure and affordable housing. If passed, Budget 2025 makes important investments to address those challenges and create more opportunities for Albertan workers and business owners based in the north.

    “Northern Alberta has limitless opportunity. Investing in much-needed supports today, like the Northern and Regional Economic Development Program and Northern Alberta Development Bursary, will empower communities to succeed, setting the foundation for northern communities to thrive for generations to come.”

    Tany Yao, parliamentary secretary for small business and northern development

    Education:

    Last fall, Alberta’s government announced a program to accelerate school construction and build new classroom spaces. If passed, Budget 2025 would invest $225 million over three years for school projects across Alberta, including for planning and design of five new school projects in the north. Alberta’s government is investing in Cold Lake, Fairview, Grand Prairie and two schools in Fort McMurray. In Cold Lake, a new school will replace the Art Smith Aviation Academy, North Star Elementary School and Cold Lake Junior High. An addition to the Grande Prairie Composite High School will make room for more students in the community, while families in Fairview can look forward to new schools to replace existing and aging ones. In Fort McMurray, families can look forward to an addition to Holy Trinity Catholic High School and a modernization of École Dickinsfield School which will accommodate growing student populations.

    “Budget 2025, if passed, will provide five new schools and the teachers and staff needed to support them to northern Alberta communities. Alberta’s government remains committed to providing a world-class education to students in every corner of the province.”

    Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education

    Health:

    If passed, Budget 2025 includes $15 million in planning funds for eight new urgent care centres, including in Cold Lake and Fort McMurray. It also includes an increase of $12 million for the existing Rural Remote Northern Program and $12 million annually for physician support programs. Alberta’s government is also upgrading hospitals and facilities across the province and is investing in innovation to make Alberta an in-demand destination for researchers. Capital projects include $80 million over three years for the La Crete Maternity and Community Health Centre, and $18 million over two years to fund furnishings, equipment and IT infrastructure for the new Mountview Health Complex in the town of Beaverlodge, as well as a $170-million capital lease to operate the new facility. Additionally, Budget 2025 includes funding to complete the expansion of the town of Slave Lake’s EMS station.

    “Budget 2025 prioritizes the health of people in northern Alberta with investments in urgent care centres and vital infrastructure upgrades. These initiatives will help strengthen communities, improve access to care and support sustainable growth across the region.”

    Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health

    Transportation and Economic Corridors:

    If passed, Budget 2025 also includes funding for multiple highways and bridges, with funding already announced earlier this month. Alberta’s northern communities are vital to our province’s identity and success, and that is why Budget 2025 invests $1.25 billion in the north to expand emergency routes in northern Alberta – because when disaster strikes, every second counts.

    “Alberta’s rapid growth demands bold action. That’s why we are making historic investments in transportation and water infrastructure to keep our communities thriving, businesses competitive and families supported. These projects will create jobs, boost trade and ensure Alberta remains the best place to live, work and build a future.”

    Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors

    Advanced Education:

    If passed, Budget 2025 also invests $2 million in 2025-26 for the expansion and upgrades of Keyano College in Fort McMurray to provide an enhanced learning environment for in-demand programs like nursing and paramedicine to help address labour needs in Alberta’s health care system. Budget 2025 also invests $1 million towards planning for the skilled trades expansion at Northwestern Polytechnic in Grande Prairie, which will help meet demand for skilled tradespeople to build Alberta’s growing economy. Further, Budget 2025 allocates a total of almost $9 million for capital maintenance and renewal projects at the following northern Alberta post-secondary institutions:

    • Athabasca University
    • Keyano College
    • Lakeland College
    • Northern Lakes College
    • Portage College
    • Northwestern Polytechnic

    “Alberta’s government is ensuring students in northern Alberta and across the province have access to high-quality post-secondary education. That is why we are making significant investments in northern Alberta through Budget 2025 that will upgrade facilities and create more seats in high-demand programs.”

    Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education

    Other Supports:

    As extra support for the 2024-2025 Northern and Regional Economic Development (NRED) program, Alberta’s government is pleased to announce an additional $7 million will be allocated towards last year’s grant intake. For 2024-25, NRED will provide over 80 grants worth approximately $10 million.

    “The Northern and Regional Economic Development grant supports business growth in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo. More than 100 local businesses have benefited from programs funded through this grant so far – and we’re very excited to continue the success in 2025.”

    Melonie Doucette, director of entrepreneurship and innovation, Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development and Tourism

    “The 2025 Alberta provincial budget provides continuing support for the work of regional economic development and continues to support the growth of rural Alberta. Investments in infrastructure are key to ensure our commodities move to market and our rural economy continues to grow and provide for the needs of all Albertans today and into the future.”

    Gerald S. Aalbers, mayor, City of Lloydminster and chair, Northeast Alberta Information HUB

    “The province’s investment in northern Alberta is good news for supporting the region’s continued economic growth and acknowledging the unique difficulties of maintaining infrastructure and delivering services in the rural north. Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) is hopeful that government will work with the region’s rural municipalities to ensure the investments are targeted for maximum community and regional benefit.”

    Kara Westerlund, president, RMA

    Through strategic investments in the north, Alberta’s government is tackling challenges head-on, laying the foundation for long-term prosperity and success.

    Budget 2025 is meeting the challenge faced by Alberta communities with continued investments in education and health, lower taxes for families and a focus on the economy.

    Quick facts:

    If passed, Budget 2025 invests:

    • $264 million in new funding for highway projects across northern Alberta, including:
      • Paving Highway 58 to improve mobility for more than 5,500 local residents, boost economic activity and allow unimpeded access for emergency vehicles.
      • Paving Highway 686 between Peerless Lake and Trout Lake and commencing design work to extend the highway from Fort McMurray to Peerless Lake.
      • Detailed design work to improve safety on Highway 28, a critical transportation route serving the Cold Lake oil sands deposits and the Cold Lake 4th Wing Air Base.
    • $225 million over three years for school projects across Alberta, including for planning and design of five new school projects in the north
    • $189 million over three years for the Beaverlodge Health Centre replacement
    • $111 million is being provided for affordability and wage-top-up grants to child care operators in northern Alberta.
    • $101 million over three years to twin Highway 63 North of Fort McMurray
    • $87 million over three years for the La Crete bridge
    • $80 million over three years for the La Crete Maternity and Community Health Centre
    • $2 million in 2025-26 for the expansion and upgrades of Keyano College in Fort McMurray to provide an enhanced learning environment for in-demand programs like nursing and paramedicine to help address labour needs in Alberta’s health care system.

    Related information

    • NRED Program
    • NADB
    • Northern Alberta Development Council (NADC)
    • Film and Television Tax Credit

    Related news

    • Enhancing safety and economic growth in the north (March 4, 2025)
    • Cultivating economic growth in rural Alberta (May 3, 2024)

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ABC Newcastle, Paul Culliver

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    PAUL CULLIVER: Catherine King is the Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport and is visiting the region today. Let’s find out why. Minister, good morning to you.

    CATHERINE KING: Hi, Paul. How are you?

    PAUL CULLIVER: I’m very well. What brings you to the region?

    CATHERINE KING: Well, today– I was actually here three weeks ago inspecting the Singleton Bypass, which is going along well. It’s a really important part of infrastructure here for the region. But we’re also announcing today that because of the great work they’ve done on Singleton, it means that we can now bring money forward to get the Muswellbrook Bypass started. There was always an issue between the two projects, just making sure we had the workforce and capacity to do that work. So today we’re announcing that we’re going to bring that Muswellbrook Bypass money forward. We’ll start to see some early works and activities, movement of services and things like that through the course of the next few months so that we can start work to get that really– next important project underway.

    And then we’re also starting– we’re putting some money in to do the planning work to actually start thinking about how do we then build a bypass for Cessnock. And again, this is about making sure we can get the huge volumes of traffic that we’re now seeing through what largely were really small country towns originally, but have seen such growth, to get the traffic out, get people to work more quickly, but give people back their main streets.

    PAUL CULLIVER: All right. On the Muswellbrook Bypass – so how much money is sort of being put into this early start?

    CATHERINE KING: Yeah. So the total Australian Government commitment is $304 million. And the amount of money we’re bringing forward is really just– is to do that early work. So making sure that we’ve got the services movement, that’s often the biggest part of the preparation work that needs to be done. So, moving– whether it’s sewerage works, water, utilities, power utilities, those sorts of things. So quite a bit of the money, is being brought forward to do that.

    PAUL CULLIVER: Okay. And– sorry, when you say brought forward, how much sooner is all of this beginning?

    CATHERINE KING: Well, it was not due to start– early works were not due to start until next year, but they’ll start this year. So it’s a year early.

    PAUL CULLIVER: Okay, actual 12 months early.

    CATHERINE KING: Yeah, which is good.

    PAUL CULLIVER: Understood. Just explain when you say that– what, things went so well on the Singleton Bypass that that’s allowed this to happen? Just explain what that actually means.

    CATHERINE KING: Yeah, so there was always what we had to do when we looked at the pipeline of projects. And as people are driving around, you can see there’s a lot of work going on at the moment, whether it’s from Hexham, Raymond Terrace, obviously Singleton, that there just were some issues in terms of making sure we had the workforce to be able to deliver these projects, that Transport for New South Wales also could manage those projects as well. So we were waiting to see– get Singleton started first. That’s really now well and truly underway and looking very good, so that’s allowed us then to bring Muswellbrook a bit forward so that we can actually start work on that and have that continuous pipeline of work for people in the district.

    PAUL CULLIVER: Yeah, right. So it’s not so much that the people working on Singleton will be the people working on the Muswellbrook Bypass.

    CATHERINE KING: Well, obviously that will need to go out to tender. New South Wales will manage all of that project. But generally people move from work site to work site. Generally, that’s what happens in a region rather than importing people in.

    PAUL CULLIVER: [Talks over] Yeah, sure. What is the timeline for the Muswellbrook Bypass now?

    CATHERINE KING: Yeah, again, that will be managed by the New South Wales government. But as I said, early works which are all of the earthworks, the movement of services, that will happen this year with the major construction to start early 2026.

    PAUL CULLIVER: Okay. Well let’s talk about the Cessnock Bypass then. So, what’s the plan there?

    CATHERINE KING: Yeah, so really this is planning money. So it’s to plan to work out what to do. Like, where would you put the bypass? How do you make sure you get the efficient movement of traffic? What’s the landscape like? How do you actually move people around? We know that there are significant housing developments slated for Cessnock. Again, people are discovering what a great place it is to live, but that brings challenges when it comes to infrastructure. So really this is planning money for New South Wales to then start the planning work to look at how do you actually plan for a bypass, where does it go, what does it look like? There’ll be a lot of community consultation along the process, a lot of engineers having a look at it. But really that’s the money that we’re announcing today.

    There’s a number of key routes that lead right into Wollombi Road in the middle of Cessnock, and that population boom with surrounding suburbs and more traffic is making it pretty difficult for people. So really it’s looking to identify what were the alternate routes connecting those new housing developments in Bellbird and Cessnock South to those in the north, and then onward onto the Hunter Expressway – so what’s the best route for that, and how do you do that? That’s really what the money is for, to plan that.

    PAUL CULLIVER: So obviously with population in the Hunter growing and growing and growing, getting people around is a pretty high priority. So I understand the need for more road infrastructure – although I’m sure there’s many that would say, why aren’t we also doing more to improve public transport links, rail links? Why is there not more money being spent on that aspect of getting people around the Hunter?

    CATHERINE KING: Yeah, well, certainly in terms of the money that we are investing, a large proportion of it, you are right, is on that road infrastructure. Most people are still pretty reliant on their cars to get to work and to get to and from their homes to work. But certainly over time, those big public transport links, they are something that New South Wales Government obviously has looked at. We’re taking responsibility for trying to really get high speed rail up and running. We’ve invested substantially in that, and you’ll see some further work now that we’ve got the business case for that. You’ll see some further work now in the development stage of high speed rail. But really that is obviously Newcastle– from Newcastle, Central Coast into Sydney. But that is again looking at can people work from home more, how do we get bigger industries and bigger businesses into Newcastle and into the Hunter itself. So really there the investments that we make and then looking at further transport movements is really something we do in partnership with the New South Wales Government.

    PAUL CULLIVER: Speaking of rail, of course, the business case for the high speed rail between Sydney to Newcastle, I understand, was given to the Government just before the end of last year, still waiting for an investment decision. What can you tell me about that?

    CATHERINE KING: Yeah, well it’s with Infrastructure Australia at the moment. So, they will provide advice to government via Cabinet, via the budget process for when it’s ready for further investment. It will still need a development phase. That’s the next phase of work that will be recommended to us, which is again looking at that land acquisition, the finalising all of the geotechnical work and getting it ready for an investment decision. But we’ll make some announcements about that in due course, but Infrastructure Australia is looking at the business case at the moment.

    PAUL CULLIVER: Okay, so Infrastructure Australia haven’t said to the Government yet– you haven’t been provided advice as to whether it’s a goer or not?

    CATHERINE KING: They haven’t. That advice has not been provided to me yet, no.

    PAUL CULLIVER: Okay. We’re one week away from the Federal Budget. Might we see something in that?

    CATHERINE KING: Again, we’ll make investment decisions when we’ve got that advice. I’m not going to push Infrastructure Australia to how– the timeline of their job. They will– it’s a big piece of work, so they’ll be doing their analysis of it. They’ll provide advice to the Government, and then we’ll make our decisions about what the next phase of it will be. But really, it’s gone through the sort of exploratory stage. It will then have to go into the development stage, which again, is getting all of the planning approvals to do the work. And we’ll have some further announcements to make about that in due course.

    PAUL CULLIVER: All right. We’re not too far away from a federal election. You’re not going to turn up in the Hunter during a federal election with the Prime Minister and say, we’re building high speed rail?

    CATHERINE KING: Nice try, nice try. We’re very committed to high speed rail. And the Prime Minister has been talking about it for a long period of time. We’re serious about getting it done properly, making sure that we’ve got all of the information we need to be able to make those investment decisions. But also, if anything I’ve learnt from this job in the last three years in Inland Rail in particular, when you look at the report into Inland Rail, is don’t start making investment decisions when you don’t know how much it’s going to cost and you haven’t got that planning work done. So actually getting planning approvals will really be the next most important phase for high speed rail.

    PAUL CULLIVER: All right, if I can just ask you about an idea that’s come from the Coalition – Peter Dutton has been talking about proposing a referendum to change the Constitution to allow the Government to deport dual citizens convicted of serious crimes. What do you think of this idea?

    CATHERINE KING: I think it’s just yet another thought bubble from him. I don’t think he’s thought it through. When he wants to take the country to a referendum on decisions that– like, really? It just seems madness to me. I think it’s a thought bubble, and I reckon you’ll see him walk away– crab walk away from it in the next few days or so. It’s been a bit of a pattern from him. I think we’re supposed to also be having another referendum on indigenous representation as well, according to him, but he hasn’t said much about that. He’s promised we were going to do that as well. So let’s see, let’s see.

    PAUL CULLIVER: You don’t think it’s a power that the Australian Government should have?

    CATHERINE KING: I think it’s a thought bubble from Peter Dutton. I think that’s what it is.

    PAUL CULLIVER: All right, Minister, thanks for your time today.

    CATHERINE KING: Thanks very much.

    PAUL CULLIVER: Catherine King, the Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, in the region today to announce that the Muswellbrook Bypass is getting brought forward by about 12 months.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 2HD Breakfast, Paul King

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    RICHARD KING: I did mention I received a– hang on, where is it now. Yep, the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government in our neck of the woods this morning. It’s an announcement about funding for a new Cessnock bypass and Muswellbrook bypass. In fact, the Minister is on the line now. Good morning, Minister.

    CATHERINE KING: Good morning Richard, how are you?

    RICHARD KING: Good, thank you. We had a little bit of confusion there. We’ve had phone calls and text messages flying all over the place. But yeah, welcome back to our area. And look, I mentioned earlier when I said I was hopefully going to be speaking to you this morning. I get a lot of calls from people early in the morning heading up to the mines, et cetera, working in the Hunter Valley. I know– in fact, my son who’s an engineer is working on the Singleton bypass. But you’ve got some good news re a couple more bypasses that are going to be happening as well. Can you tell us about that?

    CATHERINE KING: Yeah. It’s actually three weeks ago I was up having a look at the progress on the Singleton bypass, and it’s really coming along well. But today we’re announcing– because that work is going so well, it’s meant that we’ve been able to bring the funding forward for starting the work early on the Muswellbrook bypass. That’s a really important 9.3 kilometres of road. It’ll take about 13,000 to 20,000 cars per day out of the main streets of Muswellbrook. That early money that we’re bringing forward means they can start doing some of the early work to get the site all ready for construction.

    So, that’s one of the announcements we’re making today. And of course, just making sure that we continue to plan for the future given the growth that we’re seeing throughout the Hunter, given people have discovered the secret of what a beautiful part of the world it is, and are wanting to move here. We’re seeing increasing numbers of housing development, and that’s also meant that for Cessnock, that has meant that trying to get some congestion out of there is going to be important. So, we’re putting in $5 million today to kick start the planning process to look at a future bypass for the town of Cessnock.

    RICHARD KING: We keep hearing about major infrastructure projects. They’re a huge blowout. Just re: Singleton, is that on track sort of budget-wise and time scale-wise, Minister?

    CATHERINE KING: Absolutely, as far as I understand it. Obviously, the people delivering the projects are the New South Wales Government. I was on site with Jenny Aitchison on the day three weeks ago, and that project is looking very good. As far as I’m aware, there haven’t been cost blow-outs on that project, which is great to hear. It was great to see some of the workers out there. Obviously, it’s a really important project for the region, and good to see that progress is being made.

    RICHARD KING: And look, while we’re talking about infrastructure projects, the extension of the M1, I mean, every time we have holidays or long weekends and even Friday afternoons, the people heading south, either up to Port Stephens or further north, there’s always a bottleneck here. We’ve had the widening of– in fact, it’s right in front of where I am at Sandgate. That widening process has been going on for a long time. I believe that should be finished next year. But the M1 extension, I think that’s a couple of years away at this stage, am I…

    CATHERINE KING: [Talks over] Yeah. Well one of one the issues we’ve obviously had– and you can see it all around, is there’s a huge amount of road construction happening at the moment, and that means that there’s been some capacity constraints in terms of these projects. So, trying to make sure we sequence them in a way that keeps fabulous construction workforce working, but also then doesn’t mean that we just don’t have the resources to be able to deliver these projects. So, you can see from whether it’s Hexham, Raymond Terrace, the Singleton bypass, now being able to bring forward the Muswellbrook bypass and start the work to plan the Cessnock bypass and then other projects that are on the schedule for delivery with New South Wales. Really, we’ve got to make sure that we keep that capacity and pipeline of projects going, but we also don’t stretch the system to such an extent that then costs flow out, or we have to import workers from elsewhere.

    RICHARD KING: 8:09 on Tuesday, my guest, the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government – you’re wearing a number of hats here – Catherine King. Look, a hot topic at the moment, the financial situation of Newcastle Airport. I don’t know how much of this comes under your umbrella, but I know there was a fair amount of federal money that’s gone into the extension of the runway there. Under construction at the moment is the new international airport, but people are concerned about the liability for ratepayers of both Newcastle and Port Stephens, who jointly own the councils, jointly own those airports. How much oversight do you have on what’s happening at Newcastle Airport Minister?

    CATHERINE KING: Well, I don’t have a great deal of oversight into the financials of the airport. Obviously, it is run and managed by the two local councils, and so I don’t have line of sight of the management of the airport. We’ve certainly put grant money in for upgrading the infrastructure, which then enables an expansion of the airport, which then also enables you to have more passengers coming in if you have international flights coming in, and that obviously increases the capacity of the airport for revenue. But they are questions that you’d really need to direct to the local government area.

    RICHARD KING: Yeah, it’s a very hot topic. The Lord Mayor of Newcastle, who I spoke to yesterday, has requested an inquiry into that. So, we’ll then no doubt hear more from the New South Wales Government on that particular one.

    Another hot issue is obviously the budget which will be out next week. Jim Chalmers, our Treasurer, announced it will be a deficit budget next week after we’ve had a number of surpluses, and deficit budgets, I think, are predicted for the next decade. Will that have much of an impact on all these major infrastructure projects, Minister?

    CATHERINE KING: Well, we’ve got a $125 billion infrastructure pipeline that is built into the budget over the next decade. And so when projects come off, new projects come on. So that’s sort of sat and is pretty stable. We’ve increased in fact the budget from the Commonwealth for infrastructure funding. So I don’t anticipate that we’ll see– we’ll see some good news– we will see good news for new infrastructure projects in the budget. But let’s wait till budget night to see what all of the broader figures are. Obviously, I think what the Treasurer, Jim, was indicating that, you know, it would be no surprise to people that we have an event like Cyclone Alfred, that there is some impact on the budget in relation to that, whether it be in terms of claims for fixing roads, rail and but also the significant economic loss many of the businesses and individuals have experienced up there as well. That will, of course, have an impact, as every single disaster does each time on the budget, and he was just reporting that.

    RICHARD KING: Peter Dutton yesterday has called for the deregistration of the CFMEU following these fresh allegations of violence, particularly directed at women and the influence of organised crime and corruption within the CFMEU. And he’s calling for legislation changes, et cetera. I know Murray Watt said it’s reckless. Do you have a view on this?

    CATHERINE KING: Yeah, I do. I mean, a couple of things. I mean, the first thing, none of us tolerate this sort of activity in any workplace. It’s criminal activity. And we need to make sure that every– you know, from an infrastructure point of view, I want to make sure every assurance that every single dollar of taxpayer money is going to pay workers properly to make sure we actually deliver that infrastructure. And so, I’ve sought assurances from the states and territories that they’ve got the right processes in place to check that all the time.

    But in terms of the call from Peter Dutton yesterday, I mean, this is a bloke who has failed to clean up, you know, this– deal with these issues when they were last in government. Now thinks that deregistration– which basically means the union will still operate, they just won’t be registered and they won’t have any oversight. So, what we’ve done is put it into administration so that the people who we were concerned about have no part in running the organisation. You’ll see with deregistration, they will be back in pretty quickly. It means the union still can go to Fair Work Australia, the unions still exist. It just won’t be registered and it won’t have that regulatory oversight. So I’m not sure how that’s actually going to clean up or fix it.

    And then secondly, you know, we have already very strong laws in place that allow the sorts of things– you know, again, we’ve gone and looked to America to see what the Americans can tell us. We’re Australia and we know pretty much what our laws say. We’ve already got really strong laws that allow us to go after– you know, the criminal syndicates that are behind some of these activities. The issue is we’ve got to back in the administrator to actually do the job properly. Some of this stuff has come to light because it is in administration. And there is– you know, thorough audits and investigations being undertaken. And, you know, I welcome that the Victorian Government’s now, you know, increased money for the taskforce or increased the focus of the taskforce to try and deal with these issues. But you know, let’s be clear, none of us have any tolerance for this. We’re working our way through how we actually fix this and that will take some time.

    RICHARD KING: Appreciate your time this morning, Minister, and enjoy your time in the Hunter Valley I’m sure you will.

    CATHERINE KING: [Laughs] I always do. Thank you so much.

    RICHARD KING: Good on you. Thank you. Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, that’s a mouthful. Catherine King on 2HD.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Files Civil Forfeiture Complaint Against Aircraft Used by Nicolás Maduro Moros in Violation of U.S. Sanctions and Export Control Laws

    Source: US State of California

    Note: View the forfeiture complaint.

    The United States today filed a civil forfeiture complaint in the Southern District of Florida against a Dassault Falcon 900 EX aircraft, bearing tail number T7-ESPRT, which was smuggled from the United States under false pretenses and operated for the benefit of Nicolás Maduro Moros (Maduro) and his representatives in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (the Maduro Regime) in violation of U.S. sanctions and export control laws. The aircraft was seized last year in the Dominican Republic at the request of the United States.

    Today’s filing alleges that the Dassault Falcon 900 EX aircraft was purchased and maintained in violation of U.S. sanctions against Maduro and the Maduro Regime. According to the complaint, the aircraft is forfeitable based on violations of U.S. law, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and money laundering violations.

    Since 2014, the United States has imposed sanctions against targeted individuals, entities, and sectors in Venezuela to address the increasing political oppression and corruption in Venezuela by the Maduro Regime. On March 8, 2015, the President found that the situation in Venezuela constituted an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States and declared a national emergency pursuant to IEEPA to deal with that threat. See Executive Order (E.O.) 13692.

    In 2017, 2018, and 2019, President Trump took additional steps regarding the national emergency declared in E.O. 13692. On Aug. 5, 2019, the President issued E.O. 13884 “in light of the continued usurpation of power by Nicolás Maduro and persons affiliated with him, as well as human rights abuses, including arbitrary or unlawful arrest and detention of Venezuelan citizens, interference with freedom of expression, including for members of the media, and ongoing attempts to undermine Interim President Juan Guaidó and the Venezuelan National Assembly’s exercise of legitimate authority in Venezuela.”

    E.O. 13884 prohibits the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to the order, including the Government of Venezuela and the Maduro Regime; the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person; and, any transaction that evades or avoids, has the purpose of evading or avoiding, causes a violation of, or attempts to violate any of the prohibitions set forth in the order.

    The complaint alleges that on or about Jan. 23, 2023, a company purportedly based in the Caribbean island country of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (Foreign Company 1) entered into a contract to purchase the Dassault Falcon 900 EX aircraft from a company in Florida for $13,250,000. The complaint further alleges that the individual in charge of purchasing the aircraft purportedly on behalf of Foreign Company 1 was a Venezuelan national (Foreign Principal 1), who concealed the fact that he was representing or associated with the Maduro Regime.

    The complaint further alleges that Foreign Company 1 merely acted as a nominee owner of the Dassault Falcon 900 EX aircraft as it was formed shortly before the purchase, in June 2022, and was struck from the register of St. Vincent companies for failure to pay annual fees two years later, in May 2024.

    The complaint further alleges that funds used to purchase the Dassault Falcon 900EX aircraft were sent via multiple wire transfers from different countries, including Malaysia, using both U.S. dollars and euros, and that Foreign Company 1 used an email address with a “.ae” domain from the United Arab Emirates to correspond with the Florida-based seller even though Foreign Company 1’s representatives allegedly had Spanish names and some of the emails contained the phrase “Enviado desde mi iPhone,” or Spanish for “Sent from my iPhone.”

    The complaint further alleges that the Dassault Falcon 900 EX aircraft was flown from the United States to St. Vincent on or about April 3, 2023, and approximately five hours later, it departed for Caracas, Venezuela, piloted by two members of the Venezuelan Presidential Honor Guard, and accompanied by a second aircraft that operates out of a Venezuelan military base.

    The complaint further alleges that, since May 2023, the Dassault Falcon 900 EX aircraft has flown to and from Venezuela at least 21 times and Maduro has been seen traveling with the aircraft on official visits to other countries, including for a December 2023 prisoner exchange with the United States.

    As alleged, in March 2024, the Dassault Falcon 900 EX aircraft was flown to the Dominican Republic for service and maintenance where Foreign Company 1 held itself out to be the owner, concealing from the Dominican-based jet maintenance company that the aircraft had been purchased and operated for benefit of the Maduro Regime.

    The complaint further alleges that on at least two occasions in May 2024, Foreign Principal 1, purportedly acting on behalf of Foreign Company 1, and other Venezuelan individuals, including military personnel, attempted to retrieve the Dassault Falcon aircraft from the Dominican Republic.

    Following the attempts by the Venezuelan individuals to retrieve the Dassault Falcon 900 EX aircraft, the U.S. government obtained a seizure warrant and requested that the Dominican Republic seize, detain, and transfer the Dassault Falcon aircraft. Pursuant to U.S. request, the aircraft was transported back to the United States on Sept. 2, 2024. That same day, the Maduro Regime issued a statement admitting the Dassault Falcon aircraft “has been used by” Maduro.

    A second Dassault Falcon aircraft identified by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) as blocked property of Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PdVSA), the sanctioned Venezuelan state-owned oil and natural-gas company, and illegally serviced and maintained in violation of U.S. sanctions, also was seized in the Dominican Republic at the request of the United States government on Feb. 6, 2025.

    The Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security Miami Field Office is investigating the case, along with the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Santo Domingo.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Paster and Jorge Delgado for the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorney Ahmed Almudallal of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are handling the matter.

    The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and HSI El Dorado Task Force Miami provided significant assistance in working with authorities in the Dominican Republic. The United States thanks the Dominican Republic for its assistance in this matter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Issues Legal Alert Reminding Local Jurisdictions to Streamline Permitting for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

    Source: US State of California

    Tuesday, March 18, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a legal alert reminding local California jurisdictions (localities) of the requirements under State law to streamline and expedite the permitting of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. In 2015, the California Legislature adopted Assembly Bill (AB) 1236 (Chiu) (codified at Government Code section 65850.7) followed by AB 970 (McCarty) (codified at Government Code section 65850.71) in 2021, which created a state-mandated local program to streamline permits for EV charging stations. With California’s goal of transitioning the state to 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035, widespread deployment of EV charging stations is key to achieving this goal and ensuring that EV charging infrastructure is available to meet growing demand. However, noncompliance with AB 1236 and AB 970 hinders California’s transition to electrification. In today’s legal alert, Attorney General Bonta highlights common compliance issues occurring statewide, as well as resources for localities to address these issues.

    “The global fight against climate change requires bold action and system solutions. Deploying electric vehicle charging infrastructure is a step in the right direction, empowering communities to transition to clean energy and reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and in California, we have state laws that do just that,” said Attorney General Bonta. “With today’s alert, we are reminding localities that they must comply with state law in streamlining the permitting of this infrastructure, as well as removing unreasonable barriers that prevent deployment statewide, which will improve air quality and mitigate climate impacts for generations to come.”  

    Requirements Under EV Charging Streamlining Laws

    Below are key legal requirements covered by the legal alert. 

    • Localities Must Approve EV Charging Stations Ministerially. Localities must approve an EV charging station permit application unless the locality finds, based on substantial evidence, that the charging station would have a “specific, adverse impact upon public health or safety.”
    • Streamlining Laws Supersede Local Zoning Codes and Cover All Installation Types. Localities must ministerially approve EV charging permit applications regardless of siting location and local zoning regulations, and regardless of the type or size of the proposed installation.
    • Accelerated Permitting Timelines. Applications are deemed complete either 5 or 10 business days after submission depending on the number of EV charging stations proposed. Upon completion, localities have 20 or 40 business days to approve the complete permit application, depending on the number of chargers.
    • Local Ordinance Requirements. Localities must adopt ordinances that create an expedited and streamlined permitting process for EV charging stations.

    RESOURCES

    For localities seeking additional guidance or support, resources include:

    • California Building Officials, “AB 1236 Tool Kit: Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Ordinances and Staff Report Templates – Large Jurisdictions.”
    • Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), “CA Electric Vehicle Charging Station Permit Streamlining Map.”
    • GO-Biz, “Plug-In Vehicle Readiness.”
    • GO-Biz, “Permitting Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Scorecard.”
    • GO-Biz, “Electric Vehicle Charging Station Permitting Guidebook” (2d Ed.) (Jan. 2023).
    • UC Berkeley Center for Law, Energy, & the Environment, “Equitable EV Action Plan Framework” (Dec. 2024).
    • UC Berkeley Center for Law, Energy, & the Environment, “EV Equity Roadmap.”

    A copy of the alert is available here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Recycling policy for lithium-ion batteries – E-002700/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission acknowledges the importance of recycling of lithium-ion batteries. It has approved two Important Projects of Common European Interest[1] (IPCEI) on batteries, with one of the workstreams fully dedicated to repurposing, recycling and refining.

    These IPCEIs have secured EUR 6.1 billion in funding and will unlock up to EUR 14 billion of additional private investments.

    The Commission has also established the co-programmed partnership on battery research and innovation called ‘BATT4EU’ under Horizon Europe[2], which covers the full value chain and, so far, EUR 115 million[3] are going into innovative recycling and circularity projects.

    The latest Innovation Fund[4] call launched in December 2024 supports with EUR 1 billion electric vehicle battery cell manufacturing projects. Recycling activities can be integrated into projects eligible under this call.

    The Commission is committed to ensuring a skilled workforce for the recycling industry. The Battery Academy[5], established in 2022 by EIT InnoEnergy[6] with the support of the Commission, is providing training for the battery industry, and the planned EU Academies under the Net-Zero Industry Act[7] will provide reskilling and upskilling opportunities.

    The Batteries Regulation[8] provides incentives for the development of the recycling industry by introducing targets on recycling, material recovery and recycled content.

    Under the Critical Raw Materials Act[9], the Commission will identify as strategic projects those which will enhance the European raw material value chain, including recycling, and contributing to reaching the benchmark of 25% EU recycling capacity.

    The Commission with Member States and financial institutions will work on providing additional support measures.

    • [1] A two-part IPCEI has been implemented to promote battery production: the IPCEI on Batteries and the IPCEI European Battery Innovation (EuBatIn). https://www.ipcei-batteries.eu/
    • [2] https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe_en
    • [3] This is around 19% of the presently allocated budget.
    • [4] https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/eu-funding-climate-action/innovation-fund_en
    • [5] https://www.eba250.com/eba-academy/?cn-reloaded=1
    • [6] EIT InnoEnergy is part of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT).
    • [7] Regulation (EU) 2024/1735 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on establishing a framework of measures for strengthening Europe’s net-zero technology manufacturing ecosystem and amending Regulation (EU) 2018/1724, OJ L, 2024/1735, 28.6.2024, p. 1.
    • [8] Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 July 2023 concerning batteries and waste batteries, amending Directive 2008/98/EC and Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 and repealing Directive 2006/66/EC, OJ L 191, 28.7.2023, p. 1.
    • [9] Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 establishing a framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials and amending Regulations (EU) No 168/2013, (EU) 2018/858, (EU) 2018/1724 and (EU) 2019/1020, OJ L, 2024/1252, 3.5.2024, p. 1.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Files Civil Forfeiture Complaint Against Aircraft Used by Nicolás Maduro Moros in Violation of U.S. Sanctions and Export Control Laws

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Note: View the forfeiture complaint.

    The United States today filed a civil forfeiture complaint in the Southern District of Florida against a Dassault Falcon 900 EX aircraft, bearing tail number T7-ESPRT, which was smuggled from the United States under false pretenses and operated for the benefit of Nicolás Maduro Moros (Maduro) and his representatives in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (the Maduro Regime) in violation of U.S. sanctions and export control laws. The aircraft was seized last year in the Dominican Republic at the request of the United States.

    Today’s filing alleges that the Dassault Falcon 900 EX aircraft was purchased and maintained in violation of U.S. sanctions against Maduro and the Maduro Regime. According to the complaint, the aircraft is forfeitable based on violations of U.S. law, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and money laundering violations.

    Since 2014, the United States has imposed sanctions against targeted individuals, entities, and sectors in Venezuela to address the increasing political oppression and corruption in Venezuela by the Maduro Regime. On March 8, 2015, the President found that the situation in Venezuela constituted an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States and declared a national emergency pursuant to IEEPA to deal with that threat. See Executive Order (E.O.) 13692.

    In 2017, 2018, and 2019, President Trump took additional steps regarding the national emergency declared in E.O. 13692. On Aug. 5, 2019, the President issued E.O. 13884 “in light of the continued usurpation of power by Nicolás Maduro and persons affiliated with him, as well as human rights abuses, including arbitrary or unlawful arrest and detention of Venezuelan citizens, interference with freedom of expression, including for members of the media, and ongoing attempts to undermine Interim President Juan Guaidó and the Venezuelan National Assembly’s exercise of legitimate authority in Venezuela.”

    E.O. 13884 prohibits the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to the order, including the Government of Venezuela and the Maduro Regime; the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person; and, any transaction that evades or avoids, has the purpose of evading or avoiding, causes a violation of, or attempts to violate any of the prohibitions set forth in the order.

    The complaint alleges that on or about Jan. 23, 2023, a company purportedly based in the Caribbean island country of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (Foreign Company 1) entered into a contract to purchase the Dassault Falcon 900 EX aircraft from a company in Florida for $13,250,000. The complaint further alleges that the individual in charge of purchasing the aircraft purportedly on behalf of Foreign Company 1 was a Venezuelan national (Foreign Principal 1), who concealed the fact that he was representing or associated with the Maduro Regime.

    The complaint further alleges that Foreign Company 1 merely acted as a nominee owner of the Dassault Falcon 900 EX aircraft as it was formed shortly before the purchase, in June 2022, and was struck from the register of St. Vincent companies for failure to pay annual fees two years later, in May 2024.

    The complaint further alleges that funds used to purchase the Dassault Falcon 900EX aircraft were sent via multiple wire transfers from different countries, including Malaysia, using both U.S. dollars and euros, and that Foreign Company 1 used an email address with a “.ae” domain from the United Arab Emirates to correspond with the Florida-based seller even though Foreign Company 1’s representatives allegedly had Spanish names and some of the emails contained the phrase “Enviado desde mi iPhone,” or Spanish for “Sent from my iPhone.”

    The complaint further alleges that the Dassault Falcon 900 EX aircraft was flown from the United States to St. Vincent on or about April 3, 2023, and approximately five hours later, it departed for Caracas, Venezuela, piloted by two members of the Venezuelan Presidential Honor Guard, and accompanied by a second aircraft that operates out of a Venezuelan military base.

    The complaint further alleges that, since May 2023, the Dassault Falcon 900 EX aircraft has flown to and from Venezuela at least 21 times and Maduro has been seen traveling with the aircraft on official visits to other countries, including for a December 2023 prisoner exchange with the United States.

    As alleged, in March 2024, the Dassault Falcon 900 EX aircraft was flown to the Dominican Republic for service and maintenance where Foreign Company 1 held itself out to be the owner, concealing from the Dominican-based jet maintenance company that the aircraft had been purchased and operated for benefit of the Maduro Regime.

    The complaint further alleges that on at least two occasions in May 2024, Foreign Principal 1, purportedly acting on behalf of Foreign Company 1, and other Venezuelan individuals, including military personnel, attempted to retrieve the Dassault Falcon aircraft from the Dominican Republic.

    Following the attempts by the Venezuelan individuals to retrieve the Dassault Falcon 900 EX aircraft, the U.S. government obtained a seizure warrant and requested that the Dominican Republic seize, detain, and transfer the Dassault Falcon aircraft. Pursuant to U.S. request, the aircraft was transported back to the United States on Sept. 2, 2024. That same day, the Maduro Regime issued a statement admitting the Dassault Falcon aircraft “has been used by” Maduro.

    A second Dassault Falcon aircraft identified by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) as blocked property of Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PdVSA), the sanctioned Venezuelan state-owned oil and natural-gas company, and illegally serviced and maintained in violation of U.S. sanctions, also was seized in the Dominican Republic at the request of the United States government on Feb. 6, 2025.

    The Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security Miami Field Office is investigating the case, along with the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Santo Domingo.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Paster and Jorge Delgado for the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorney Ahmed Almudallal of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are handling the matter.

    The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and HSI El Dorado Task Force Miami provided significant assistance in working with authorities in the Dominican Republic. The United States thanks the Dominican Republic for its assistance in this matter.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Smoking Marijuana in a Parked Car Leads to 6-Year Sentence for Massachusetts Felon Found with a Gun

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jermaine Gillespie was subject to bail conditions when officers encountered him in a Biddeford parking lot

    PORTLAND, Maine: A Massachusetts man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

    U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen sentenced Jermaine Gillespie, 31, to 72 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Gillespie pleaded guilty on August 26, 2024.

    According to court records, in September 2022, Biddeford police officers responded to a report that an individual was smoking marijuana in a parked vehicle. Responding officers identified Gillespie and learned that he had existing bail conditions that prohibited the use or possession of marijuana. After a search of the vehicle, the officers recovered a 9 mm pistol. Gillespie is prohibited from possessing firearms due to his conviction history which includes a 2013 conviction in Massachusetts for assault and battery with serious bodily injury, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and carrying a dangerous weapon.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case with assistance from the Biddeford Police Department.

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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Armed Mexican national guilty of federal immigration and firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BEAUMONT, Texas – A Mexican national, illegally living in Nacogdoches, has pleaded guilty to federal immigration and firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.

    Joel Bustamante Moreno, 25, pleaded guilty to unlawful reentry by a deported alien and unlawful possession of a machine gun before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn on March 18, 2025.

    According to information presented in court, on February 1, 2024, Moreno was arrested after selling multiple firearms, including a 9mm pistol equipped with a machine gun conversion device, also known as a Glock switch.  Machine gun conversion devices are devices that once affixed to a pistol make the pistol capable of firing automatically by a single trigger pull. These devices allow a pistol to operate as a machine gun. After the purchase, law enforcement attempted to arrest Moreno as he fled the scene in his vehicle.  Moreno wrecked the vehicle and fled on foot to a residence where he was arrested.  Moreno had been previously deported in 2019 and 2020 and did not have permission to be in the United States.

    Moreno was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 20, 2024.  Moreno faces up to 10 years in federal prison at sentencing. The maximum sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.  A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.

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

    This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Nacogdoches Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald S. Carter.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Norman Man Sentenced to Serve 18 Months in Federal Prison after Tossing Molotov Cocktail at Norman Business

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, TIM RIXT BRENS, 31, of Norman, was sentenced to serve 18 months in federal prison for possession of an illegal Molotov cocktail, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

    On October 1, 2024, a federal Grand Jury charged Brens with possession of an unregistered destructive device, a Molotov cocktail. According to public record, on May 16, 2024, a crew with the Norman Fire Department (NFD) responded to a reported grass fire in the city. On scene, NFD observed a grass fire that had partially burned a building belonging to a towing and recovery business. NFD crews extinguished the fire and located evidence that indicated the fire was started by a Molotov cocktail. NFD reviewed surveillance footage taken from a business across the street, and observed an individual arrive in a black sports car, get out of the vehicle, and toss a Molotov cocktail at the building before fleeing in the car. An investigation into the vehicle led authorities to Brens. NFD authorities learned that Brens had another vehicle which had recently been towed to the business, that Brens was angry at the amount of money the business required to retrieve his vehicle, and that the vehicle had been sold by the towing company. 

    On November 26, 2024, Brens pleaded guilty and admitted to possessing the illegal Molotov cocktail.

    At the sentencing hearing today, U.S. District Judge David L. Russell sentenced Brens to serve 18 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Russell noted that the circumstances of the crime were dangerous and could have resulted in far more extensive damage than was ultimately caused. The judge then emphasized the need to promote deterrence to those who might engage in similar activity and highlighted the need to promote respect for the rule of law.

    This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Norman Fire Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stan J. West and Daniel Gridley prosecuted the case.

    Reference is made to public filings for additional information. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Road Rage Shooting Lands Oklahoma County Man in Federal Prison for More Than Seven Years for Illegal Firearm Possession

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    OKLAHOMA CITY – JESUS FLORES, 42, of Oklahoma County, has been sentenced to serve 92 months in federal prison for illegal possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

    According to public record, on May 30, 2024, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department responded to a reported assault. Officers learned a driver, later identified as Flores, had been cut off on the highway while driving. Flores chased down the car that cut him off and shot the driver in the head, though the victim recovered from their injuries. Officers later recovered two firearms in Flores’s child’s diaper bag. On September 5, 2024, a federal Grand Jury charged Flores with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

    Public record further reflects that Flores has a lengthy criminal history, with previous felony charges in the California Superior Court that include carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and inflicting corporal injury on an intimate partner.

    On December 17, 2024, Flores pleaded guilty and admitted he knowingly possessed two firearms despite his criminal record.

    At the sentencing hearing on March 17, 2025, U.S. District Judge David L. Russell sentenced Flores to serve 92 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Russell noted the need to protect the public from further crimes by Flores.

    This case is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacquelyn M. Hutzell prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of “Operation 922” and Operation “Shots Fired,” the Western District of Oklahoma’s implementation of Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. “Operation 922” prioritizes prosecution of federal firearms violations connected to domestic violence. “Shots Fired” targets cases involving individuals who discharge firearms as part of their criminal activity, such as drive-by shootings or when shots are fired during robberies, domestic disputes, or other incidents. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://justice.gov/psn and https://justice.gov/usao-wdok.

    Reference is made to public filings for additional information. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: No interest loans locked in to help ease cost of living

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    The Albanese Labor Government is locking in no interest loans for the next five years with an additional $48.7 million to support Australians with the cost of living.

    The funding boost to the No Interest Loans program (NILs) will allow Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand in partnership with National Australia Bank (NAB) to continue providing no-fee, no-interest loans for essentials to eligible people.

    More than one million Australians have already benefited from NILs.

    Good Shepherd administers the scheme, with NAB providing the loan capital. The loans can be used for urgent, critical household purchases and for vehicles for transport to work and essential day-to-day use.

    Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth, said the Government’s investment will help ease cost of living pressures for many Australians who need support.

    “We’re proud to support Good Shepherd and NAB to deliver no-interest loans as an alternative to other high risk, high interest products such as Buy Now Pay Later products and payday loans,” Minister Rishworth said.

    “NILs provides support that is usually unavailable to low-income earners through mainstream providers, meaning tens of thousands of vulnerable Australians can purchase the essential things they need.

    “These loans also really help people achieve independence and financial recovery in escaping family, domestic, and sexual violence. And having access to a vehicle gives many Australians the ability and independence to work, study, provide care or seek medical care.”

    The NILs program is a great example of successful partnerships with industry. The Government has provided funding to Good Shepherd for the administration of NILs since 2009. Around 25,000 general NILs loans are provided each year while nearly 10,000 NILs for Vehicles loans have been provided since this program started in 2021.

    Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand CEO Stella Avramopoulos said: “Through powerful partnerships and expanded reach, including into the Northern Territory and First Nations communities, NILs is breaking down barriers, empowering women, sole parents and families, especially those escaping domestic violence, to achieve lasting financial independence and wellbeing.

    “With 25 per cent of recipients being sole parents and 18 per cent survivors of family and domestic violence, this support isn’t just about financial assistance — it’s about providing dignity, stability, and a pathway to a better future.

    “This work is only possible because of the strength of collaboration between not-for-profits, corporates such NAB, and government. Together, we’re creating meaningful, lasting change — removing credit barriers, preventing predatory lending, and ensuring vulnerable Australians, particularly those in regional and remote communities, have access to the resources they need to recover and rebuild.”
     
    NAB Executive Sustainability Jessica Forrest said: “NILs is NAB’s longest-standing community partnership, with more than $560 million in zero-interest capital provided over 21 years. Together, we are helping more Australians access credit for life’s essentials.

    “NAB is proud to provide the loan capital that supports the Good Shepherd NILs program, and pleased to keep working with Government on backing this longstanding program. This funding will ensure more people continue to get the support they need.

    “Too often, people in financial stress turn to high-interest payday loans. No interest loans offer a safer alternative, helping Australians borrow money without having to pay any fees or interest.”

    NILs assists vulnerable Australians to access affordable loans up to $3,000 for household goods, such as fridges, washing machines and furniture, as well as education and medical expenses.

    NILs for Vehicles loans up to $5,000 can be used to purchase cars, mobility scooters and related costs such as registration or maintenance expenses.

    Individuals can apply for NILs at over 600 locations across Australia. They are available to individuals and families who can service the loan and who:

    • earn less than $70,000 gross annually as a single person or $100,000 gross as a couple or person with dependants, or
    • have experienced family or domestic violence in the last 10 years, or
    • have a Health Care Card or Pension Card.

    More information about NILs is available on the Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand website.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New State Highway 2 roundabout to improve road safety in Eastern Bay of Plenty

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The intersection of State Highway 2 (SH2) and Wainui Road in the Eastern Bay of Plenty will be made safer and more efficient for vehicles and freight with the construction of a new and long-awaited roundabout, says Transport Minister Chris Bishop. 

    “The current intersection of SH2 and Wainui Road is on a sweeping bend with limited visibility. There were nine crashes at this intersection between 2014 and 2023, three of them were injury crashes, one of which was serious. Construction of a roundabout here will make a real difference to the safe and efficient travel of local road users,” Mr Bishop says. 

    “Delivering safe roading infrastructure that supports economic growth and productivity is a priority. SH2 between Ōpōtiki and Whakatāne is a main route for locals, tourists, and freight between Tauranga and Gisborne. Around 5,000 per day vehicles use SH2 between Ōpōtiki and Wainui Road, with 15 percent heavy vehicles. 

    “The 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme prioritises investment in road safety and efficiency by encouraging safer driving behaviour, vehicles and infrastructure. Funding is available for improvements at the highest-risk locations, which includes the intersection between SH2 and Wainui Road. 

    “The roundabout at SH2 and Wainui Road is expected to cost around $10 million from business case through to completion and will complement a raft of improvements already completed in the area, such as road widening, side barrier installation, and line marking.  

    “Construction is due to start in April and will take approximately 12 months to complete. Final costs for the roundabout will be confirmed once the contract is awarded this month. 

    “I want to thank the local community in advance for their patience as this important work to make SH2 safer is carried out, and I look forward to it being completed as soon as possible.” 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: A rude awakening out west

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    A man faces charges after a Police patrol caught him napping in a stolen vehicle in the small hours.

    Acting Detective Inspector Simon Harrison says a Crime Squad unit was travelling through Rānui at around 1.45am.

    “At first the night shift team came across a vehicle parked on Bahari Drive with the door wide open and the driver sound asleep.

    “On further checks, the vehicle was showing as stolen.”

    The vehicle had been reported stolen from the North Shore area in a burglary earlier this month.

    “The lone man was startled awake when our staff approached him, locating a screwdriver securely resting in his lap,” acting Detective Inspector Harrison says.

    “We arrested the 21-year-old man without further incident.”

    He has been charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle and will appear in the Waitākere District Court next week.

    Police enquiries are ongoing into the initial burglary in Wairau Valley.

    ENDS. 

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Transport – Public are big fans of truck drivers – survey

    Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

    Polling shows strong positive public sentiment towards truck drivers, with more than seven times as many people surveyed having a positive perception of road freight drivers compared to those taking a negative view (52 per cent to 7 per cent).
    The survey respondents noted truck drivers’ professionalism and skill, essential service and economic contribution, and hard work and long hours, as the leading three reasons for the results.
    Public polling done by independent survey firm Research New Zealand, for road freight association Transporting New Zealand, surveyed 1005 New Zealanders across a representative population sample.
    52 per cent of respondents had a positive perception of truck drivers, 35 per cent were neutral, and 7 percent held a negative perception, just below the 5 per cent who did not give a response. [The full data set is provided below at Table 1]
    Support for truck drivers was consistent regardless of what form of private transport the survey respondents used (car, public transport, walking, bike or motorcycle, or other).
    The public polling was completed as part of the 2025 National Road Freight Survey, which also includes surveying road freight industry participants (available at https://survey.researchnz.com/S2/1/RoadFreight/).
    Transporting New Zealand Policy and Advocacy Lead Billy Clemens says the results are a great recognition of the incredible work New Zealand’s 33,000 professional truck drivers do, moving nearly 93 per cent of the country’s freight task.
    “Seeing that the public recognise the professionalism and skill of drivers, the economic contribution they make (over $8.6 billion per year), and the hard work road freight operators put in is a real endorsement of our driver workforce.
    “Transporting New Zealand has consistently said our people are the industry’s most valuable asset, and that’s reinforced by these results.
    “Over the past few years, the road freight industry has dealt with COVID disruption, supply chain issues, natural disasters and an increasingly pot-holed roading network. Throughout all these challenges, truck drivers have kept shelves stocked, businesses supplied and infrastructure projects moving. I think that’s reflected in the positive perception that the public has.
    Clemens says that while the results are positive, the survey results also show a minority of respondents had concerns about truck drivers, mainly based around road safety and driving behaviour.
    “All road freight businesses need to be setting clear expectations for their drivers around compliance and defensive driving, to help keep everyone feeling safe on the road.
    “Transporting New Zealand will also keep advocating for investment in overtaking lanes, road widening and corner easing, freight bypasses, and other infrastructure that improves safety and productivity outcomes for all road users.”
    Transporting New Zealand is also encouraging all road freight industry participants to complete the ten-minute long 2025 Road Freight Industry Survey, that will provide valuable insights on industry priorities and challenges and complement the public polling ( https://survey.researchnz.com/S2/1/RoadFreight/), the results of which will be shared publicly.
    Survey completed by Research New Zealand for Transporting New Zealand. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash in Browns Bay

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police can confirm one person has died following a serious crash in Browns Bay last night.

    The crash involved a single vehicle and was reported on Beach Road at around 7.50pm on 18 March.

    Sadly, Police can confirm that the sole male occupant of the vehicle has died.

    The Serious Crash Unit carried out a scene examination last night.

    Enquiries will be made on behalf of the Coroner into the man’s death.

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tree removal work underway on SH2 Otoko Hill until April

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    A stretch of State Highway 2 Otoko Hill will be under stop/stop traffic management from tomorrow (Wednesday 19 March) for vegetation clearance.

    Tomorrow’s start date is an update to an earlier traffic bulletin referring to upcoming vegetation clearance.

    Transport Rebuild East Coast (TREC), on behalf of NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, is currently working on the final 3 recovery sites at Otoko Hill.

    Tree removal is required as part of the recovery work and starts tomorrow between Hihiroroa Road and Fitzgerald Road.

    Crews will be working on site to clear the vegetation Monday to Friday 7am to 5pm, with delays of up to 15 minutes expected at the site, while trees are removed, with the potential for longer wait times occasionally.

    Pilot vehicles are being used to escort road users through the site safely.

    The vegetation clearance is expected to take 4 weeks to complete.

    Please expect for delays and plan your trip to factor these in.

    Work has been underway at Otoko Hill north of Gisborne since last winter on a number of sites, including repairs to underslips, overslips and extensive improvements to drainage.

    Work between Hihiroroa Road and Fitzgerald Road began earlier this month to install extensive counterfort drains on both upward and downward slopes to help reduce water pressure in the hills, channelling it away from the road.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Cornyn Introduce Outbound Investment Legislation to Counter China

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) introduced the Foreign Investment Guardrails to Help Thwart (FIGHT) China Act, which would safeguard the United States’ national security against the growing threat posed by the communist People’s Republic of China (PRC) by prohibiting and requiring notification of U.S. investment in certain technologies in China.
    “When it comes to cutting-edge technologies – such as AI and semiconductors – the United States must remain ahead of China,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I’m proud to stand with my colleagues across the aisle to introduce this bill that is critical for our national security. We can and must make sure no American investments are giving the Chinese Communist Party a leg up in developing these vitally important technologies.”
    The Foreign Investment Guardrails to Help Thwart (FIGHT) China Act would permit the Secretary of the Treasury to prohibit U.S. investments in certain technologies in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), including certain Artificial Intelligence (AI) models, quantum computers, materials used in hypersonic systems, and other military technologies. It would also require U.S. entities to notify the U.S. Department of the Treasury of investments in certain AI models in the PRC. Lastly, the legislation would permit the Secretary of the Treasury to impose sanctions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) against PRC entities that engage with the PRC military and intelligence sectors.
    Senator Cortez Masto has led efforts in Congress to strengthen our national security and supply chains.Senators Cortez Masto and Rounds (R-S.D.) introduced the PASS Act to ban individuals and entities controlled by China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea from purchasing agricultural land and businesses located near U.S. military installations or sensitive sites and the Strengthening Exports Against China Act,which would incentivize economic growth by eliminating barriers for American businesses competing directly with China in emerging industries like artificial intelligence and semiconductors. She’s also introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen the domestic supply chain for rare-earth magnets, which are critical components of cell phones, computers, defense systems, and electric vehicles, but are almost exclusively made in China.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected dangerous drugs worth over $2.8 million (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected dangerous drugs worth over $2.8 million  
    Through risk assessment, Customs on March 11 inspected two air parcels, declared as bottle openers and arriving in Hong Kong from Italy. Upon inspection, Customs officers found that the batch of suspected ketamine was concealed inside 24 packaging boxes of bottle openers.
     
    After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers conducted a controlled delivery operation yesterday in Kwai Chung and arrested a male consignee, aged 31, who was suspected to be connected with the case. Later, Customs further seized about 34g of suspected ketamine and about 8g of suspected methamphetamine from his vehicle and in his possession respectively. 
     
    The arrested person has been charged with two counts of trafficking in a dangerous drug and one count of possession of dangerous drug. He will appear at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (March 19).
     
    Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people, nor to release their personal data or home address to others for receiving parcels or goods.
     
    Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
     
    Customs reminds people to pay attention to the fact that drug trafficking is a serious criminal offence. Criminal conviction will result in grave repercussions for their future and they should not take risks in the hope that they may not be caught.
     
    Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 18:52

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Despite heavy rush, passenger demand & special trains during Holi, Diwali, Chhath, Summer and Maha Kumbh, Most Railway Divisions Maintain Over 90% Punctuality

    Source: Government of India

    Despite heavy rush, passenger demand & special trains during Holi, Diwali, Chhath, Summer and Maha Kumbh, Most Railway Divisions Maintain Over 90% Punctuality

    Holi Special Trains Surge from 241 in 2021-22 to 1,107 in 2024-25

    Total Number of Trains Operation Now Exceeds Pre-COVID Levels

    Under ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat,’ Indian Railways Exports Rolling Stock, Including Vande Bharat Components, to Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 7:36PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & IT, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, addressed the Lok Sabha today. He highlighted various aspects of Indian Railways, including infrastructure development, punctuality, environmental sustainability, exports, employment and financial position. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making Indian Railways a modern, efficient, and environmentally sustainable transport system, enhancing both passenger experience and economic growth.

    While speaking about punctuality of trains operation in the Lok Sabha today, the Union Railway Minister stated that Indian Railways has achieved an on-time performance of over 90% through the adoption of advanced signaling systems, real-time monitoring, AI-driven scheduling, and predictive maintenance. As highlighted by the Minister, out of 68 railway divisions, 49 have already surpassed 80% punctuality, while 12 divisions have impressively reached 95%. This enhanced efficiency has resulted in smoother train operations, benefiting both passengers and freight services. Currently, Indian Railways operates more than 13,000 passenger trains, including 4,111 Mail and Express trains, 3,313 Passenger trains, and 5,774 Suburban trains. Notably, the total number of trains in operation has now exceeded pre-COVID levels, reflecting the railway’s commitment to reliability and improved service delivery.

    To manage passenger demand during peak festive seasons, Indian Railway has operated a record number of special trains. Last year, during Holi, 604 special trains were operated to accommodate the surge in travelers. During the summer vacation period, around 13,000 special trains were introduced to facilitate smooth travel. Similarly, for Chhath and Diwali, 8,000 special trains were deployed. A remarkable effort was made during the Mahakumbh, with 17,330 special trains running to ensure seamless travel for devotees from across the country. This year, for Holi alone, 1,107 special trains have been arranged, reflecting the unwavering commitment of Indian Railways to passenger convenience and efficient travel management.

    The list of Special trains for Holi festival for the last four years.

    Year

    2021-22

    2022-23

    2023-24

    2024-25

    Holi spl No

    241

    527

    604

    1,107

    While talking about historic infrastructure expansion taking place across the railway network, the Minister emphasized the fulfillment of long-standing projects, such as connecting Jammu to Srinagar through engineering marvels like the Anji and Chenab bridges, with the latter standing 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower. With the completion of the CRS inspection and implementation of recommendations, train services between Jammu and Srinagar will soon commence. He also underscored the transformation of the Dedicated Freight Corridor, which has gone from being a mere proposal to an operational reality under the present government. Today, 350 freight trains run daily, reducing transit time from 24 to just 12 hours, significantly improving logistics. The Gati Shakti initiative has further bolstered freight operations, with 97 cargo terminals completed and 257 more under development. Tunnel construction in the railway network has seen a fourfold increase since 2014, with 460 km of new tunnels built, and innovations such as the Himalayan Tunneling Method and domestic production of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) in Tamil Nadu showcasing India’s growing self-reliance in infrastructure technology.

    The Minister also highlighted the modernization of railway stations, with 129 stations already completed and many more to be operational by 2025-26 as part of the world’s largest station redevelopment program. Bridges across major rivers like the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Kosi have been constructed, improving connectivity in key regions. The Northeast has witnessed unprecedented rail expansion, with new lines in Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura. Indian Railways has also taken steps to address waterlogging in underpasses through extensive corrective measures. Shri Vaishnaw reiterated the government’s commitment to equitable development, emphasizing record budget allocations for all states, in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.’ However, he pointed out challenges such as slow land acquisition in states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, which continue to hinder progress. He further highlighted the significant expansion of the Kolkata Metro, where 38 km of metro lines have been added in just a decade, compared to 28 km in the previous 42 years. He also emphasized on the ambitious Bullet Train project as a transformative step toward modern, high-speed rail connectivity, ensuring world-class infrastructure for future generations.

    In line with the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability, Indian Railways has taken several initiatives towards environmental sustainability with its ambitious goal of achieving Net Zero Carbon Emission (Scope 1) by 2025. Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw reiterated the government’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions through electrification, afforestation, and modal shift strategies. Net Zero for Indian Railways means offsetting or eliminating carbon emissions across various sectors, including railway traction, non-traction operations, vehicle fleets, and infrastructure such as Railway colonies and hospitals. A major step in this direction has been the transition from diesel to electric traction, with 97% of railway operations already electrified, and the remaining 3% nearing completion. To further support this goal, Indian Railways has undertaken massive afforestation efforts, planting 9 crore trees between 2014-15 and 2023-24, which contribute to offsetting 5 lakh tonnes of carbon emissions annually. Additionally, the shift from road to rail freight has led to an emission reduction of 17 lakh tonnes between 2021-22 and 2023-24. With projected emissions for 2024-25 estimated at 20 lakh tonnes and available offsets reaching 22 lakh tonnes, Indian Railways is well-positioned to meet its Net Zero target ahead of schedule. Beyond direct emissions, the railway is also shifting to non-fossil fuel-based power sources, further reducing indirect emissions. As the largest contributor to India’s green transportation sector, Indian Railways not only provides a low-carbon alternative to road transport but is also driving the transition to sustainable energy sources, reinforcing its role as a leader in the country’s journey toward environmental sustainability.

    Shri Vaishnaw also outlined the steps taken to boost exports, positioning Indian Railways as a global player in railway technology and manufacturing. Under the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, Indian Railways has successfully exported rolling stock, including Vande Bharat train components, to countries in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. India has also emerged as a key supplier of locomotives and coaches to international markets, strengthening its role in global railway infrastructure development.

    The Minister highlighted the significant employment opportunities created through railway projects, benefiting millions across the country. Over three lakh direct jobs have been generated through station redevelopment, track expansion, and new railway projects, alongside large-scale recruitment drives for loco pilots, technicians, station masters, and track maintenance workers. Other initiatives like the Rail Kaushal Vikas Yojana have played a crucial role in skilling thousands of young Indians in railway-related trades, enhancing their employability. A total of 1.26 crore candidates participated in the recruitment examination, which was conducted over 68 days in 133 shifts across 211 cities and 726 centers in 15 languages, with complete transparency and no incidents of paper leaks. More recently, 18.4 lakh candidates appeared over five days in 15 shifts across 156 cities and 346 centers, also in 15 languages,in the ALP exam and it was conducted smoothly without any issues. Regarding Exam centers being located outside candidates’ hometowns, the Minister clarified that this is a nationwide policy implemented uniformly to ensure smooth execution and maintain the integrity of the exams. In response to concerns about reservations, he reaffirmed that all reservation policies and regulations have been strictly adhered to in the recruitment of these five lakh jobs without any deviation. For the first time in 60 years, an annual recruitment calendar has been introduced in the railways to ensure a structured and timely hiring process, which is being effectively implemented for both 2024 and 2025, he added.

    While speaking about the financial position of Indian Railways, the Minister stated that despite the challenges faced during COVID, the Railways has now reached a healthy financial state. Currently, almost all expenses are being met through its own revenue. The major components of railway expenditure include staff costs of ₹1,16,000 crore, pensions for around 15 lakh pensioners amounting to ₹66,000 crore, energy costs of ₹32,000 crore, and financing costs of ₹25,000 crore. The total expenditure stands at ₹2,75,000 crore, while the total income is around ₹2,78,000 crore. Since COVID, the Railways has been covering its expenses from its revenue every year, and efforts will continue to further strengthen this financial position.

    *****

    Dharmendra Tewari/Shatrunjay Kumar

    (Release ID: 2112484) Visitor Counter : 52

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –