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brienneoftarth1989 · 7 months

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This a new 12 part series revolving around Miranda Himarson and reader. To sum it up: reader is a gang leader and Miranda goes undercover in the gang. Will the reader find out?

Undercover part 1

Miranda Hilmarson x fem reader

Next / Series

Summary: You’re the leader of the most powerful gang in Sydney. You have recently murdered one of your employees for ratting on you to the feds. You’re not taking any shit from anyone.

Warnings: murder using a knife, torture by water, violence, gangs

Requests open

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“Get it out of here! They are not my problem anymore! And let this be a lesson to the rest of you. Snitches get fucking stitches!” You shouted at your crew as they dragged out the body.

You stood up and the rest of your crew just stared at you not sure what to do next. “What the fuck are you waiting for? Fuck off will you! I’m sure you all have work to do!” You shouted as you made your way to your office.

Being the leader of the most powerful gang in Sydney wasn’t exactly easy. Your father was the original leader of The Wildlings but when he was caught and executed by the government it was your turn to take over the gang.

It had always been your dream to take over the gang but never in your mind did you expect to take over so soon and as you hadn’t had as much training it definitely led you to make irresponsible decisions that would one day get you in trouble.

There were a number of different things your gang was famous for but the most notorious were drug dealing, prostitution and murder. You weren’t afraid to kill anyone that got on your bad side or proved to be a threat to the gang.

You sat back in your chair going over a number of different papers that all had different information on it. You had one peice that told you your list of clients who owed you money, then you had your crew members and then a long list of people that you had killed which were all kept locked away in a safe.

You grabbed a pen and found the name you were searching for. You crossed off the name of the person you had just killed from the crew list and added their name to the murder list. You sighed to yourself. You never liked to kill your crew but when they were threatening yourself and others safety then it didn’t leave you much of a choice.

Now you had another job that needed doing. You scanned over all your documents before jotting down a few names with their addresses as well as a figure that was next to their names. Once you had all the information you needed you picked up the documents and placed them in the safe placing a load of dictionaries and boring textbooks on top.

They weren’t really important. It was more of a distraction if anyone were to break into the safe. You then grabbed your radio which connected you to all of your crew members. “Raphael to my office now” you spoke over the radio.

You knew it wouldn’t be long before you heard a knock on your office door and within a couple of minutes that knock made an appearance on the door. “Get in here” you said to Raphael. He walked in closing the door behind you. Raphael was your right hand man and you trusted him with everything.

“I’ve got two of the lads disposing of the body now sir. I secured it so all they have to do is dispose of it in the location I gave them. Is there anything else I can do for you sir” he asked you as he stood up straight.

You handed him the post-it note with the names and addresses on it. “I need you to go and find these people and let them know I’m getting impatient about my money. No one is to get hurt yet. I want them threatened though” you said sternly. Raphael took the post-it note from you before scanning over the list.

Hester Wheelock - $2787.00

Quincy Spaulding - $1988.00

Arthur Coombs - $209.00

Marlene Bailey - $361.00

Alayna Frank - $1203.00

Raphael turned the note over to check the addresses before folding the note up and putting it in his front pocket. “On it boss! I will be back as soon as I can” he said but just as he was about to turn around you stopped him.

“Oh and another thing! While you’re out scope out the competition as well as a replacement for that rat. This time they are to come by me first. I don’t need no rats in my gang” you sternly told him. “Yes boss, I will keep a good eye out. I will send the right one your way” he said before turning around to leave.

You watched as the door swung shut behind him before you let out a deep sigh. You were absolutely knackered. So far it had been a day from hell and it was only going to get worse. You had been woken up by a phone call at 07:00 by one of your crew members. You had always told them never to call before 08:00 unless it was an emergency otherwise there would be consequences.

You shot up as soon as the phone rang which you answered immediately. “Boss we have a rat amongst the group. I overheard them saying they were going to rat us out to the cops. What do we do sir?” They asked you. As soon as you heard those words you knew exactly what needed to be. “Catch the son of a bitch. Tie them up and I want them in the main hall. Call everyone in the gang and get them down to the hangout immediately” you shouted down the phone “I will be there shortly” you said before hanging up.

It was time to teach this bitch a lesson. You got yourself dressed and out of the door relatively quickly, grabbing your keys on the way out. You ran down to your GMC Hummer EV pickup. It didn’t take long for you to speed down to the hangout and you knew that by the time you arrived everyone would be there.

You entered the parking lot of the building before parking in your usual space. You looked around the car park to see that it was full. Your crew knew better than not to show up because it was basically asking for a death wish. You slammed the door shut before making your way into the main hall where everyone was waiting for you.

“Where is the son of a bitch!” You screamed as you pushed your way through the crowd. When you finally made your way to the centre you found one of your crew mates tied to a chair with their mouth taped shut. You hated doing this to your own crew but if they are a rat they weren’t truly a part of the gang.

Next to the chair was a selection of torture devices. Now the real problem was how you would go about doing this. As you stood in the centre of the circle you could hear quiet mumbles from everyone around you. “Will you all shut up!” You shouted which made the whole place go quiet in an instant.

“Now it seems like we have a rat amongst us! And do you know what happens to rats in my crew? They get fucking killed! So let this be a lesson to all of you. If you plan on snitching to the feds or crossing me this is how you will end up! Now you are all going to watch me so you are aware of what the consequences will be!” You shouted angrily knowing that no one will want to mess with you after this!

You pushed the chair over so they fell back with their head hitting the floor. You then placed a towel over their face. You turned around to grab the jug of water. You slowly started to pour the water over their face which soaked the towel instantly. After about 30 seconds you removed the towel allowing them to breathe.

You repeated this process over and over again making it harder and harder for your prisoner. “Let this all be a lesson to you. I mean it! You cross me and I will find even more creative ways for you to die!” You screamed before pouring the rest of the water all over the towel. This time though you didn’t remove it.

You then turned around to grab your trusty knife before turning back to face them. You walked over to them before whispering in their ear. “Rot in Hell!” You then swung your knife at them. You watched the blade run across their neck before their blood sprayed everywhere.

You wiped the blood off your knife before placing it back on the table. “Get it out of here! They are not my problem anymore! And let this be a lesson to the rest of you. Snitches get fucking stitches!” You shouted at your crew as they dragged out the body.

You made your way to your office to hopefully sort yourself out and finish the rest of today the right way.

#gwendoline christie #gwendolineuniverse #fanfics #miranda hilmarson #miranda hilmarson x reader #top of the lake #top of the lake china girl #police #undercover #undercover series #gangs #gang leader #murder #torture #dangerous #don’t mess with me #brienneoftarth1989

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thenyougetbackup · 1 month

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redid this old thing w just the slightest design tweaks :]

ALSO I ACTUALLY HAVE. PROPER LORE FOR HIM PLS IGNORE THE OLD POST I HAD NOT PROPERLY ESTABLISHED EARTH-6275 AT THAT POINT..HERE IS HIS TIMELINE:

[1991] Born to parents Michael and Riley Gargan in Sydney. Both parents only graduated with a high school degree, and work in a fish market. They save up for their son's education. [2009] Mac enters university to study to become a chemistry teacher. Excels in teaching, above average in chemistry. [2013] Pushes his degree further into a Masters while volunteering at a local high school to gain experience with students (he's already got practical assignments from university, but Mac likes the extra experience). [2015] Graduates, manages to secure a job at a university in Melbourne. Mac has to move from Sydney, his parents couldn't be more proud of him. He spends the rest of his years employed there, being known as the most enthusiastic and friendliest teacher in the school. He often sends money back home to his parents. [Late 2022] Mac gets a letter from his parents mentioning their financial struggles, which confused him considering how much money he'd been sending every month but he still wanted to help. It sounded dire, and he wasn't making enough to cover the debt the letter talked about so he needed to find another way to help. He spotted a newspaper ad calling for test subjects for a government experiment, promising big bucks. The amount was more than enough to help his parents, so Mac signed up. [Mid-2023] Missing for months from teaching, Mac re-emerged as someone entirely different. Scorpion. A fighter, a dangerous enemy. An equal to the Spiders. An unstable man. A compassionate man. Trapped in Scorpion. Mind broken.

#spidersona au #earth-6275 #scorpion #mac gargan #✍🐇#ref sheet

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mmoosen · 10 months

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15 Questions 15 Mutuals

tagged by the lovely @thiamsxbitch @wolfboy88 and @maplefire18 💜💜💜

1. are you named after anyone?

Nope, my mom and dad just liked my name.

2. when was the last time you cried?

I cried last week at an episode of d20, my period started a couple days later so it made a lot of sense

3. do you have kids?

God no.

4. do you use sarcasm a lot?

yep

5. what sports do you play/have played?

In high school, cheerleading and track. Middle school was volleyball

6. what's the first thing you notice about people?

I’m kinda face blind so i look at people’s outfits and jewelry. Backpacks, purses, anything colorful

7. what's your eye colour?

blue

8. scary movies or happy endings?

Happy endings. Scary movies give me nightmares and serious paranoia so they are a big no.

9. any special talents?

I have a very good short term memory. remembering specific work order and names days later. sometimes I can picture entire pages of books or notes as a picture in my mind. It’s not permanent but very helpful for studying.

10. where were you born?

Tiny town in the Midwest, USA, lovingly called Methland

11. what are your hobbies?

Well other than fandom related stuff, I paint and play a lot of minecraft.

12. do you have pets?

3 family pets and 1 of my own

13. how tall are you?

5’ 6” or 167 cm

14. favourite subject in school?

Either Art or Government

15. dream job?

Foreign Diplomat, hopefully working with Political Affairs or International Security

now to tag people: @slice-of-magenta @sydney-winchester @dapplepersiflage @ksbbb @chasing-chimeras @raekensarcher @rhyslahey @metagalacticx@theoceanismyinkwell @alphaboyd @sequinedmonkey @stitchkiss @de-constructmybones @neoghoulukaku @waterloou

#tag game #my tumblr is kinda glitching and so some of the people tagged might not get tagged...#idk only certain rows of usernames have the underline and I can't fix that so we'll see what happens

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researchgate · 7 months

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It's not just the UK setting more police force aside, in Germany Jewish community buildings are supposed to be given more protection here now too, especially today that hamas declared a day of worldwide ??? (Idk how it's translated/what's the actual term) for today, I'm sure you know what I mean. I'm not Jewish myself, but the German educational system did its job on me, so I can't help but feel sick about how so many Jews will be targeted just for being Jews. It's beyond fucked up. I'm just glad most of those supposed pro-palestine protests were prohibited in the last days, because there were so many antisemitic incidences in them.

I figured that much - the only reason I gave the UK as an example was that it was what i knew was certain from tweets I've seen.

I knew for sure things would also worsen anywhere else -- especially the US and Europe, where the majority of Jewish diaspora lives -- and the plan to increase security for Jewish community buildings doesn't surprise me, but nonetheless I appreciate the German (as well as any other) government's concern, for these are difficult and extremely dangerous times for Jewish people, more than they are usually.

I am surprised by the other measures, namely the prohibiting of supposed pro-Palestine protests, as Germany usually allows such and similar gatherings, at least as far as I know. I wish pro-Palestine protests had lesser antisemitic sentiments (see: Sydney a couple of days ago, or the protests in May 2021, if memory serves), as these only cloud and overshadow their legitimacy, though clearly not enough at least until now.

I think it's more than the German education system, though, I believe it's humanity, too. Education only goes this far.

Thank you so much for your concern for us, despite not being Jewish, it means a lot to us when someone outside our people cares for us, as we feel (and see) how it becomes rarer and rarer as time goes on.

#anonymous #asks #ipc #swords of iron #again thank you so much for the concern and support #it means a lot

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damnhotmsimmons · 1 year

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Episode 9-Memento Mori

the Rossi centric episode, which I have less excitement for. Here are my thoughts

caution: spoilers below

“January 2022″. So there’s a flashback, but who is it about?

Oh shit? Is this Krystal’s funeral?

Emily comforting Rossi

Rossi not being there in Krystal’s final moments and Emily giving him a hug

Ironic how we get some genuine bonding moments and it’s in a flashback and after a funeral

....cut to the present and now in color, with Rossi looking at Elias’ family

Sydney asking Rossi what’s going on, if only she knew her husband is a serial killer

Rossi showing Sydney the cctv footage of Elias, only to get a call from him

Elias asking Sydney about Rossi in the security camera and her telling him that an FBI Agent is at their house

Elias remembering that name cause he read one of Rossi’s books. Him being a manipulative liar and convincing Sydney that Rossi is dangerous and is after her cause he “quit” his job, and the fact that they made Rossi look creepy in this scene doesn’t help

So Rossi tells Emily that Elias Voit is Sicarius despite lack of evidence and compliance from Sydney

Tbh, Ramona looks more like JJ than Sydney but okay

at least I know Tara and Garcia are also in this episode

so Rossi is at the Seattle Field Office

yay, so the team all appears in this episode, thank god

all of them going through Elias’ personal information and that he and Sydney are married for 15 years before his first kill

Emily and Tara visiting the AG and trying to convince her to reopen the Sicarius case after Rossi tries to convince them that Elias Voit is Sicarius

Oh shit, Elias seeing Rossi at the Seattle Field Office

“May 2022″ another flashback scene, and Tara is there...

oh look, Rebecca is there.....is this how they first met? Will she appear in the present day scenes?

Rebecca’s previous spouse was a drunk?

aww, the first glances....if only episode 6 didn’t happen

Tara’s first Al-Anon and it’s how she and Rebecca first met

aww, they had a coffee date

.....and back to the present, with Emily presenting the case to the AG about Elias Voit possibly being Sicarius

Rebecca agreeing with Emily and Tara, I’m surprised she did that considering where she and Tara left off. Though I assume there’s the whole “I’m not doing this for you...” schtick after this

The AG reluctantly gives the BAU the green light, but gives them 48 hours and they’re on a short leash, which isn’t good for the BAU

The team owes Rebecca big time, especially Tara

Rebecca turning down Tara’s coffee date....cause she got a job at the Sacramento office. Dammit writers, how dare you keep trying to break them apart

sadly, can’t blame her for wanting to take the job considering how the Silvio Herrera case affected her career at the DOJ

Tara feeling bad and saying “I miss you” hurts more than it should

“Goodbye Tara.”..........I just want to give Tara a hug, she’s alone again

Elias is so smart and well prepared to have confidence being at the field office and talking to Rossi

Elias telling Rossi that he read all of his books, is that his way of saying that he knows “everything” about him and what he does?

Elias turning the tables against Rossi, lying to him that he reads true crime and doesn’t live it. Being fully aware how he profiles people by monitoring his body language and expressions.

Elias denying that he knows who Cyrus is

Not Elias asking Rossi if he had lost his first wife and badge while pursuing “Mr. Acid Guy.” Possible foreshadowing based on the photos

Is it true Elias has friends in government jobs? Does that explain how he’s able to reach out to Benjamin and why he’s always a few steps ahead of the BAU?

Is he trying to get a rise out of Rossi by asking him if he went off the distance chasing an unsub?

Elias giving Rossi all his devices and letting him go through them, which which shows how he’s clearly prepared and erased anything that could potentially track him and buying himself an alibi that could fool others

Ramona won’t cooperate, and oh shit, not Garcia suggesting Tyler Green can cooperate. This is gonna go well.....

I was so repulsed by Tyler’s appearance that I didn’t even notice Will was in the elevator as him 😂

Thank god Will prevented a cringy Greencia moment, but why is he here and what does his presence mean?

Will volunteering to look at a cold case involving Green’s sister?

Why is Tyler lying that he doesn’t see the unsub? Did Elias do something to him? Is he working for Elias? Is he gonna take matters into his own hands cause he doesn’t trust that the BAU will stop him?

Luke being suspicious when Tyler says he didn’t see him, all cause Tyler said “sorry”

Garcia telling Tyler to look her in the eye and not lie, except he still lied to her

Not Tyler holding Garcia’s hand and telling her to call him. Is someone watching them?

Damn, I thought there was gonna be another flashback but I guess not

Sydney not taking anymore shit from Elias and demanding answers

Elias being a manipulative liar again

pretty scary how Sydney was able to buy into Elias’ lies like that

Garcia leaving a voicemail for Rossi, she knows Tyler is hiding something from her

Not Tyler tracking the voicemail and flying to Seattle

“May 2006″ Goddammit, I want a flashback of another BAU member not Tyler

Wait, is Tyler also at the grocery store where Sydney is

Sydney is me grocery shopping when prices are low during the pandemic. Her grabbing the wine is also a mood and something she really needs

Oh shit, not Rossi finding her

Rossi telling Sydney about her rough childhood

Not Rossi telling Sydney that her husband is a serial killer and him telling her to let him prove it to her goes exactly how it’s expected

Elias recording Rossi and tarnishing his image, the AG being angry at that and Rebecca suggesting that Rossi is pulled out of the field

Honestly, Rossi should have retired but this is sad

Emily having no choice but to say “yes ma’am”

Garcia trying to reach Tyler but no answer and Luke mocking her, I love it

Finally, Luke knows something is wrong and he and Garcia having to talk

“...he is so marvelous in bed.” Bitch, Tyler is still a material witness

Luke being rightfully angry at Garcia is satisfying to watch

JJ being common sense makes sense cause she would tell Emily what happened, Tara having her heart broken and Rossi

Luke being grossed out by Greecia sex is a mood

Luke did have a point saying how messy it’ll be seeing the kind of person Tyler is and all of Garcia’s previous love interests

Garcia is acting like she didn’t regret what she did, she should still be ashamed of herself

Rossi arriving outside Elias’ house and seeing Prentiss’ text, he doesn’t look like he has any regrets

Elias inviting Rossi to his house

Rossi breaks Elias by bringing up Cyrus

“devolution”, seems like Rossi and Garcia are devolving more than Elias has

Elias being able to overpower Rossi, goes exactly how it’s expected and ends with Rossi being knocked out

“August 2012″ a flashback to Elias and his family

Oh shit, Tyler is watching Elias go into his car

The team learning that Rossi was last seen at Elias’ house

Oooo, Garcia accidentally revealing the voicemail in front of the rest of the team. Who’s the jerkface now?

Emily concealing her anger and disappointment from Garcia and having her go into the field with JJ and Luke

Elias saying he was up for a challenge

Tyler attempting to shoot Elias, yea this won’t end well for Tyler

How is he so careful though

Aww, Will’s first time on the jet

So Tyler is tracking Rossi’s phone

Garcia mocking herself for falling for guys like Tyler Green, hate to say that she brought this on herself

I liked Luke giving her a pat on the back though

The team deciding to track Tyler’s phone

“it’s over.” Is she talking about her career or her relationship with Tyler? Possibly both?

Elias taking Rossi to the first shipping container

Tyler found Elias and aiming his gun at Rossi, yea he’s a goner

....and he’s dead, not surprised

“February 2020″ Oh my god oh my god, the garvez date

....well this is disappointing

“right person.” Bitch, it’s each other wtf

They found Tyler’s dead body

aww Rebecca is holding Tara’s hand

oh shit, Elias livestreaming Rossi’s captivity to the BAU and threatening to kill Rossi if they don’t let him go

a callback to 16x05 where the Emily helplessly watches a fellow team member in danger and the camera goes to static

Overall, I’d give this a 7/10. I’m surprised that this episode is not as bad as I’d thought it would be, seeing how the photos and synopsis made it seem like it’s 100% Rossi centric but I’m glad to see some more moments of the rest of the characters. That said, I do have some issues like the flashback scenes, like why cram them all in in one episode when you had all of the previous episodes to do so. The garvez date is also underwhelming and disappointing, though I haven’t completely given up on them as obviously Luke and Garcia need more time to work things out only for the pandemic to happen, plus Garcia’s commitment issues which is why she ends up with guys like Tyler when Luke is a much healthier option for her. Seeing Rebecca hold hands with Tara gives a little glimpse of hope for them. I hate seeing how pathetic and reckless Rossi is and I’ll be damned if he still decides to stick around in the BAU after this

#criminal minds #criminal minds evolution #cme spoilers #cm spoilers #david rossi #jennifer jareau #penelope garcia #tara lewis #luke alvez #emily prentiss

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melbourne-customs-broker · 3 months

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customsbrokerperth · 3 months

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Australia-United Arab Emirates Trade Agreement

Australian Government will commence negotiations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on a trade agreement (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement), in the new year.

The Government is committed to securing a trade agreement with the UAE to drive Australian exports, economic growth and create more well-paying jobs across the country.

The Australian Government is committed to consultation and broad engagement with stakeholders, and the community to inform the negotiations.

You can find more details here

You can find more information at : 365freight and customs

Customs services offered by 365 Freight & Customs Brokers include:

Customs and Quarantine Clearance Quarantine procedures

laws & legislation

Export Declaration

Tobacco Imports

Alcohol Imports

Gold & Precious Metal Imports

Gems * Jewellery Imports

Vehicle Imports

Port Congestion

Seizure of Goods

Destruction of Goods

INFRINGEMENT NOTICES

Dumping Duty

By-Laws

Landed Costing Tariff Advices and Concessions

Duty Drawbacks & Refunds

Tariff Consultancy & Audits Tariff Concession Order System Customs Tariff Classification

Free Trade Agreements

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customsbrokerbrisbane · 3 months

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AUSTRALIA-UNITED ARAB EMIRATES TRADE AGREEMENT

Australian Government will commence negotiations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on a trade agreement (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement), in the new year.

The Government is committed to securing a trade agreement with the UAE to drive Australian exports, economic growth and create more well-paying jobs across the country.

The Australian Government is committed to consultation and broad engagement with stakeholders, and the community to inform the negotiations.

You can find more details here

You can find more information at : 365freight and customs

Customs services offered by 365 Freight & Customs Brokers include:

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sydney-customs-broker · 3 months

Text

Australia-United Arab Emirates Trade Agreement

Australian Government will commence negotiations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on a trade agreement (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement), in the new year.

The Government is committed to securing a trade agreement with the UAE to drive Australian exports, economic growth and create more well-paying jobs across the country.

The Australian Government is committed to consultation and broad engagement with stakeholders, and the community to inform the negotiations.

You can find more details here

You can find more information at : 365freight and customs

Customs services offered by 365 Freight & Customs Brokers include:

Customs and Quarantine Clearance Quarantine procedures

laws & legislation

Export Declaration

Tobacco Imports

Alcohol Imports

Gold & Precious Metal Imports

Gems * Jewellery Imports

Vehicle Imports

Port Congestion

Seizure of Goods

Destruction of Goods

INFRINGEMENT NOTICES

Dumping Duty

By-Laws

Landed Costing Tariff Advices and Concessions

Duty Drawbacks & Refunds

Tariff Consultancy & Audits Tariff Concession Order System Customs Tariff Classification

Free Trade Agreements

TRADEX Anti-Dumping and Countervailing duties

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immigrationvisaservices · 4 months

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Australia is renowned for having one of the world’s best healthcare systems. Migrants are attracted not only by the high standards of medical care but also by the accessibility of services. The government invests heavily in healthcare infrastructure, ensuring that residents, including migrants, have access to top-notch medical facilities and services.

Cultural Richness:

Australia’s cultural diversity is another aspect that makes it an appealing destination. The country is a melting pot of cultures, with influences from Indigenous Australians, European settlers, and migrants from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. This cultural tapestry is reflected in the arts, cuisine, and festivities, creating a welcoming and inclusive society.

Government Stability:

Australia’s stable and strong government provides a sense of security and predictability for migrants. The rule of law, democratic principles, and a transparent governance system contribute to a peaceful and secure living environment. This political stability is a crucial factor for individuals and families considering relocation.

Education Excellence:

Australia has earned a reputation as the third most popular global destination for international students. The country’s universities adhere to the Australian Qualifications Framework, ensuring high educational standards. The teaching approach in Australia differs from that of many other countries, emphasizing critical thinking and independent learning. The government’s careful regulation of the education system maintains the country’s status as a hub for top-quality education.

Australian Universities and the Learning Experience:

Australian universities are recognized globally for their commitment to academic excellence. The learning experience is characterized by a focus on critical thinking, research, and practical application of knowledge. The Australian education system encourages students to explore and engage actively in their learning journey, fostering a deep understanding of their chosen fields.

Conclusion:

Australia’s allure as a migration destination is not merely confined to its natural wonders; it extends to the exceptional quality of life, stable economy, and world-class education and healthcare facilities. As qualified professionals and international students continue to choose Australia as their preferred destination, the country’s multiculturalism, political stability, and commitment to education and well-being position it as a global leader in attracting and nurturing talent from around the world.

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#immigration #visaconsultants #canadaeducation #visa consultancy services #visaservices #visa for canada #australiaimmigration

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playtimesolutions · 5 months

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Put Trust in Skilled Experts for Software & Digital Innovation Services

Established companies offer application and digital innovation services so businesses could achieve their targeted goals in software industry. Skilled specialists are highly qualified and experienced enough to design applications with features that will help the business to grow in the market within respective competition. They also rebuild applications to bring in modernised changes that will deliver outstanding outcomes from business prospective. According to research portals, many companies provide technical advisory for avoiding unnecessary hindrance.

Reasons to Consult Professionals for Application Innovation:

To begin with, businesses prefer consulting reputed software development company in Sydney as they provide comprehensive services and advices that will help them to grow in the market. Reliable specialists offer assistance for varying industries that include public sectors, government, clinical registries, transport and logistics. Moreover, they also upgrade applications according to market growth for providing best possible opportunities. Initially, experts plan, prove and scale the application building process so clients could rest assured.

Generally, many companies provide assistance with data analytics, AI, infrastructure modernisation, launching new products and services and other tailored solutions for applications. Professional specialists conduct detailed consultation to understand client’s vision for the business and software so they could guide them through accordingly. They are capable of providing ideas and innovations to upgrade creativity for unique outcomes. Reputed companies focus on upscaling security and compliance for applications.

Basically, qualified specialists are well versed with their job roles and guide through all the stages of developing the software according to client’s specifications. Additionally, they focus on innovation, competitive advantages and success gain scale for better approach.

Advantages of Opting for Established Application Innovation Company:

Expertly curated program offers diverse services that include data platforms, visualisation, data strategies, platform engineering, process optimisations and other assistance.

Further, they assist with UI and UX design services to attract more potential customers towards their business.

In addition, expert specialists are experienced enough to handle challenges related to getting started, talent uplift, skill gaps, monolithic and micro services.

Recognised companies provide strategies, technical roadmaps, data platforms, varying technologies, digital transformation and project delivery.

One should enquire with the best company, if they are seeking for application and digital innovation services for better business approach.

Source

#digital innovation #software development company Sydney

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tpscindia · 5 months

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Why Study in Australia?

We aren’t talking about foreign countries here, it’s about a whole CONTINENT! Australia is a place known for its scintillating scenery and exotic wildlife. But more than just being eye candy for tourists from all over the world, it’s also the 3rd most popular destination for international students, only behind the US and UK, to study and work.

There are a lot of reasons for this affection towards Australia as a leading studying destination, and we will delve into the 6 main ones –

1. Quality Education –

Australia has a lot of world-class institutions which are internationally recognised as being successful providers of innovative and practical knowledge to every student which enrols with them. The curriculum focuses more on the practicalities around a particular concept and thus, provides ample opportunities to a student for its creative evolvement. The student support system in almost all universities in Australia ensures that life after college is also sorted for the student. The University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Queensland, and Australian National University, are some of the leading institutions where international students can secure their seat. Accountancy, Architecture, Business and Management, and Law, are some of the in-demand courses with high job prospects in Australia.

2. Friendly Student Visa Policies

Australia is very amiable with foreign students and promotes education in Australia as a rewarding thing to do, with its high-class teaching and adequate job opportunities. In that regard, it’s policies around inducting foreign students for their degree programs follows the simple procedure of applying, evaluating and acceptance. Apart from the easy policies around providing student visas, most of the Universities also provide scholarships and accommodations to every student and thus, support the government’s initiative to promote Education for All.

3. Diverse cultural portfolio

30% of Australian citizens are born overseas, and this is enough testimony to the fact that Australia is a very cordial and tender place for international students, and invites cultural diversity as a necessity for its wholesome development as an evolving nation. Australia has always been very clear in representing itself as a favourable destination to study and settle, and it shows in its transparent legal system and warm foreign policies. Needless to say, anyone who visits Australia will eventually start feeling at home, since such a mix of race and cultures is bound to grip them in one whole religion which celebrates diversity as a part and parcel of living on this planet.

4. Safety

Australia had earlier been subject to some racial tensions, especially with the Indians, but all of this is in the past. Australia is now regarded as a country with one of the lowest crime rates, with open and safe public spaces for everyone irrespective of their race or colour. The government policies and people’s perceptions around other cultures have been revamped to inculcate diversity as a necessity for the growth and evolvement of Australia, as a nation!

5. Exotic locations and paradise for travellers

All work and no play make Jack a dull boy! Well, Jack in Australia can never feel dull, owing to the exciting outdoor adventures and breath-taking scenery he can enjoy and indulge in. Australia has a lot of vast spaces, rough terrains, and golden beaches, to enjoy and cherish. The diversity of humans found in Australia is not the only diversity it has, since it also resides some of the world’s rarest species of animals found nowhere else in the world. Australia has a lot of scenic beauty and most of it can be attributed to the fact that natural beauty is appreciated and protected for better sustainability. Air pollution is negligible and cities are filled with green lush areas and brimming wildlife.

6. High standard of living and opportunities

Australia is regarded as a trusted destination for international students as the quality of living in Australia is well above average of the world. The infrastructure, healthcare, transport, education, and government services are regarded highly for their novel approaches and quality service.

WANT TO STUDY IN AUSTRALIA?

want to study in australia

We have tried to club all the reasons as to why studying in Australia would be the best decision you can probably make for your career, but there are still so many reasons that it is difficult to cover all of them! Nevertheless, Australia is a ‘dream destination’ for international students and experience of living in Australia is ‘dream-like’.

Get started with the admission process, click on the following link for the next step – https://turningpoint.in/australia/

#education #turningpoint #studyabroad #turningpointstudiesconsultants #Turningpoint #StudyinAUstralia #Australia

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arcinsurancebrokers · 7 months

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The Importance of Public Liability

Public liability Sydney protects individuals and businesses from financial losses resulting from property damage or personal injury. This type of insurance covers a wide range of incidents, including slips and falls.

There is a huge range of businesses that require public liability, from sole trader cleaners to large national companies. Many are required by government contracts to have cover. To know more about Public Liability, visit the Arc Insurance Brokers website or call 0468848642.

Many tradesmen work on site at client locations, which puts them at risk of property damage and personal injury. While not mandatory in Australia, it is wise for tradies to take out public liability insurance to cover their business against the risks of an incident.

It covers any damages your business is liable for caused by your business activities, such as third-party property damage, personal injury and accidental damage to goods. Without public liability, a single incident could bankrupt your business.

The cost of public and product liability will vary between insurers. It will also depend on your occupation and how much of the risk is carried by your business. For example, electricians will pay higher premiums than plumbers due to the more hazardous nature of their jobs. Other factors that will affect the price include your turnover and the number of people in your business. Some insurers may measure these by revenue, while others use staff numbers.

Whether you operate as an independent contractor or work for a company, public liability and workers compensation are important requirements to meet. Failure to have the required insurance policies can result in hefty fines from the NSW government and a loss of reputation.

Subcontractors are usually specialists hired by a principal contractor to carry out a particular task or function on a jobsite. While this is a common practice in many industries, it’s vital that businesses ensure their subcontractors have the right insurance coverage in place before accepting their services.

If damage or injury is caused by a subcontractor, the injured person or business will likely sue everyone involved. This includes the principle contractor, the head contractor and any other subcontractors or employees. This is why it’s vital for subcontractors to have their own public liability policy. They should also request a copy of the policy from any principal contractors they work with to ensure their policy is current.

Australian law deems importers as manufacturers of the goods they bring in, meaning if these imported goods cause injury or damage to someone then you may be held liable. This can be a substantial claim as insurance policies typically cover compensation payable to the injured party, and also your defence costs.

Whether you’re a graphic designer in Burwood or a hair and beauty salon in Thredbo public liability is something every NSW small business should consider. As a professional it’s likely you interact with your clients in many different ways from visiting their workplace to meeting them at their home, work or at third party locations.

All of these scenarios are a potential risk for your business as it’s not always possible to be with your clients and control their actions at all times. That’s why it’s important to be covered with a comprehensive Public Liability policy.

As a small business owner in NSW, you have plenty on your plate. There are marketing campaigns to manage, staff salaries to pay and Zoom calls to make. But don’t underestimate the importance of securing public liability insurance.

Just one claim could be financially crippling and destroy your reputation. That’s why public liability is a must for any business that interacts with customers, clients or the general public.

Whether it’s a child injures themselves at your children’s play centre, or your employee damages customer property at their workplace, public liability covers compensation claims and reasonable legal fees incurred to defend the claim. It also includes a range of other expenses, like cleaning costs and repairs to third party property. This type of cover is not mandatory, but many organisations you work with may ask that you carry a certain level of public liability cover. If you’re unsure about what cover you need, talk to a licenced insurance broker or business adviser. To know more about Public Liability, visit the Arc Insurance Brokers website or call 0468848642.

#personal insurance #insurance brokers australia #personal insurance kellyville bridge #personal insurance sydney #insurance brokers sydney #business insurance kellyville ridge #insurance brokers #Sydney Insurance Broker #Insurance Brokers Australia #Business Insurance Australia #public liability #public liability insurance #public liability insurance for business #public liability insurance price #public liability insurance cost

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immigrationpathways · 10 months

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Tech Job Market in Australia Scaling up Despite Mass Layoff

In February 2023, the mainstream media and industry websites were awash with news of huge job losses across the Australian tech sector, predominantly in US-owned enterprises.

However, despite the shock imparted by so many largely unexpected sackings, the sector has nevertheless shown extraordinary resilience in terms of job opportunities. Despite the initial gloom, it seems that many of those who found themselves out of work at the beginning of the year are already in new jobs, with the tech industry as a whole in the midst of a job boom.

It would appear that optimism is permeating the sector at all levels, with recruiters reporting new opportunities and roles opening up all the time; in fact, the overall impression is that Australia is suffering from a technology skills shortage, given that the country has only hit 78% of its 2030 tech job target of 1.2 million, according to a report released by the Tech Council of Australia.

And with some of the biggest names in tech running operations in Australia, including Google, Netflix, Twitter, Atlassian, Stripe, Microsoft and many more, anyone with experience and expertise in virtually any part of the sector will find plenty of job options open to them.

This is also in large part due to the fact that there are new jobs being created in non-traditional tech industries, meaning that a wide range of less specialized digital and IT skills are increasingly in demand across the country.

The Tech Sector in Sydney

Sydney, the capital city of New South Wales, is the most populous city in the country and is widely regarded as Australia’s principal tech hub, which is why it is the most likely destination for tech professionals looking to develop their careers in Australia.

However, conditions in the tech sector across the country are such that the workplace environment is generally going to be positive, well compensated, and promote a healthy life/work balance wherever in Australia you’re based.

Generally, the Australian working week is 39 hours, from Monday to Friday (although each state has its own laws in some areas, employment law is made federally and can be found in the Fair Work Act, 2009), with overtime being paid when an employee works beyond their normal daily or weekly hours of work, and/or outside the ordinary spread of their working hours.

Full-time employees receive four weeks’ annual paid leave, the exception being shift workers, who receive five weeks. In addition, employees receive ten days’ paid leave each year, which can be used either during illness or to provide care for a member of the family.

New mothers in Australia are entitled to 12 months of unpaid maternity leave after a year of working for the same company (some businesses will offer paid maternity leave as well).

How to Find Tech Jobs in Australia

For anyone looking for tech jobs in Australia, there are a variety of online job boards and sites that list opportunities in cities across the country.

Seek is one of the biggest and most popular Australian job sites, along with Indeed and Hays. Commonwealth and state governments also list job vacancies on their own websites, as well as advertising on job boards (cyber security is a field in which there is a multitude of government IT jobs advertised regularly).

There are also a number of specialist tech recruiters in Australia. Some will just be Sydney-focused, but most have a national reach and fill positions in all capital cities. Some offer a broad range of jobs in all sectors of the tech industry, while others are a little more specialised.

Talent Locker is a particularly well-known tech recruiter, as are PRA and ScaleUp Recruitment. Luvo Talent is also worth checking out, as are Thornhill and Datasource Services.

The Tech Scene in Canberra

As mentioned above, there are numerous tech openings working for the Australian government, most of which will be located in Canberra, the nation’s capital, although the federal government has a large presence in Sydney and in most capital cities.

Being a government-centric work environment, jobs in the tech sector tend to pay well in Canberra. The average wage in the ACT is around AUD$80,000 a year, but people working in IT can generally expect to earn significantly more.

For instance, a software engineer can expect to earn in excess of AUD$90,000, a project engager will earn AUD$125,000, while a senior project manager in the IT sector can usually earn more than AUD$142,000 a year.

In Canberra, as elsewhere in Australia, significant numbers of people (particularly those in certain areas of tech) are afforded the opportunity to work remotely at least part of the time (although there are growing demands from employers for workers to get back to the office).

At the same time, remote work, while based overseas, is also becoming more commonplace in the ACT, Sydney and elsewhere in Australia. The latest data reveals that a total of 29% of Australian adults worked remotely in 2022, while 14% are now planning to work remotely from overseas in 2023.

Investment in Training and Education

As a consequence of the widespread skills shortage in tech across Australia, driven in part by the fact that hitherto non-tech jobs and roles nevertheless require digital and IT skills to some extent, Australia is trying to grow the number and variety of training opportunities that are available, both for those already working in tech and those who are looking to join the industry.

Both the federal government and key players in the Australian tech sector are increasingly working together to encourage people of all ages across the country to upskill so that they are better equipped to meet the country’s growing needs, not to mention the nationwide 1.2 million tech job target that the government wants to reach by 2030.

What Next for the Tech Sector in Australia?

Ultimately, the outlook is fairly positive if you are looking for work in the tech sector in Australia, as significant numbers of jobs continue to be available (it is estimated that 70,000 new jobs in the sector have been created in the last twelve months).

However, as stated above, there is a need for people with digital skills in all areas of Australian enterprise — not just the specialist tech sector — and so there are new types of roles opening up all the time, particularly for those with transferable skills.

It is also a relatively good environment for employers at the moment in that although there is something of a skills shortage, a large number of vacancies does mean that skilled and qualified tech workers are not as hesitant as they once might have been to move jobs. So it is possible to attract the best tech talent with the right compensation package.

This does, of course, put upward pressure on wages, but this is inevitable in an environment where those with the right experience, expertise and know-how are consistently in demand.

Source: ITBrief

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laocommunity · 11 months

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The Great Divide: How Financial Pressure is Tearing Australian Households Apart, and Why Economists Can't Agree on What Comes Next

The Great Divide: How Financial Pressure is Tearing Australian Households Apart, and Why Economists Can't Agree on What Comes Next #The Great Divide: How Financial Pressure is Tearing Australian Households Apart, and Why Economists Can't Agree on What Comes Next# Introduction: Understanding the Great Divide For many Australians, financial pressure seems to be on the increase. As the cost of living in Australia continues to rise, making ends meet can be tough, even for those who work full-time. From the pressure of paying bills to the stress of affording food and housing expenses, many households are feeling the pinch. But why is there a great divide in Australia when it comes to financial pressure, and why can't economists agree on what comes next? In this article, we'll delve into the heart of this problem, examining the challenges Australian households are facing, and exploring why the experts can't seem to agree on a solution. The Great Divide: How Financial Pressure is Tearing Australian Households Apart Despite a seemingly strong economy, many Australians are faced with significant financial pressure. There are several reasons for this, including the rising cost of housing, increases in essential expenses such as energy bills and healthcare, and slow wage growth. According to the Reserve Bank of Australia, Australian households now owe around $2 trillion in mortgages, personal loans, and credit card debt. This means that many families are struggling to make ends meet, with a significant portion of their income going towards repaying debts. One of the most significant drivers of this divide is the cost of housing. In major Australian cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, housing prices have more than doubled in the last decade. This makes it difficult for first-time buyers to enter the market and puts significant financial strain on those who already own property. High housing costs also impact rental prices, making it more difficult for low-income households to find affordable accommodation. Meanwhile, energy prices are increasing rapidly, with some experts predicting that households could see their bills increase by up to 20% in the coming years. Healthcare expenses are also on the rise, driven by population growth, an ageing population, and the increasing cost of medical treatments. The Great Divide and Income Inequality Another factor contributing to the great divide is income inequality. Many lower-income households are struggling to make ends meet, while high-income earners are enjoying increased wealth and stability. This divide has been driven by factors such as the rise of the gig economy, which offers limited job security and low wages, and the increased use of automation and technology, which has driven down wages in some industries. According to the Australian Council of Social Service, the wealthiest 10% of households in Australia now hold almost half of the country's total wealth, while the poorest 50% hold just 6%. This significant wealth disparity has serious implications for economic stability and social cohesion. Why Economists Can't Agree on What Comes Next Despite the clear challenges facing Australian households, economists and experts can't seem to agree on the best approach to addressing these issues. Some argue that a significant overhaul of economic policy is needed, including measures such as increasing the minimum wage, investing in social services, and regulating the housing market. Others argue that reducing government spending and cutting taxes is the best way to stimulate economic growth and create jobs. The political divide on this issue is significant, with both major political parties presenting different views on how to tackle the issue. Part of the challenge of addressing this great divide is that the issue is complex and multifaceted. Finding solutions will require a holistic approach that takes into account the many factors driving financial pressure in Australia, including income inequality, the cost of living, and government policy. FAQs 1. What is the great divide in Australia? The great divide in Australia refers to the significant wealth inequality and financial pressure experienced by many households in the country. 2. What is driving financial pressure in Australia? Several factors are driving financial pressure in Australia, including the rising cost of housing, increasing energy and healthcare expenses, and income inequality. 3. Why can't economists agree on how to address this issue? Economists and experts disagree on how to address this issue because it is complex and multifaceted, with many different factors contributing to financial pressure in Australian households. 4. What are some potential solutions to the great divide in Australia? Potential solutions to the great divide in Australia include increasing the minimum wage, investing in social services, and regulating the housing market. 5. What is income inequality? Income inequality refers to the distribution of wealth within a society, with some individuals or households possessing significantly higher levels of wealth than others. 6. How can the Australian government address the issue of financial pressure? The Australian government can address the issue of financial pressure by introducing policies that support low-income households, increasing the minimum wage, and regulating the housing market to ensure affordability. Conclusion: Navigating the Great Divide The great divide in Australia is a significant challenge, with many households struggling to make ends meet in the face of rising living costs and income inequality. While experts and economists may disagree on the best approach to addressing these challenges, it is clear that a holistic and multi-faceted approach is necessary. This may include measures such as increasing the minimum wage, investing in social services, and regulating the housing market to ensure affordability for all households. Ultimately, addressing the great divide in Australia will require political will and a commitment to ensuring that all Australians can flourish financially and socially. By working together to address this critical issue, we can help create a more equitable and prosperous future for all. #Australia #FinancialPressure #Economists #IncomeInequality #HousingMarket #Investment #GovernmentPolicy #SocialServices# #NEWS Read the full article

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newstfionline · 11 months

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Friday, May 19, 2023

Biden cancels Pacific trip (Washington Post) President Biden was set to make history next week: With his trip to Papua New Guinea, he would become the first sitting American president to visit a Pacific island nation. Even though he was scheduled to spend only three hours on the ground, he was due to attend a meeting of the 18-member Pacific Islands Forum, and sign security pacts with the host and with Micronesia. The visit was to be a clear signal that after decades of neglect, the United States was focused once more on a region where China has spent a significant amount of time and money. Instead, Biden’s decision to return home after the Group of Seven meetings in Japan—canceling the Papua New Guinea and Australian legs of his trip—to deal with the U.S. debt crisis sent a starkly different signal: That American dysfunction at home continues to disrupt its agenda abroad. Rather than make history, the trip reinforced it. “This cancellation will be seen as the U.S. falling into familiar patterns, and not living up to the expectations it sets,” said Mihai Sora, a former Australian diplomat in the Pacific who is now a research fellow at the Lowy Institute, a Sydney think tank. “And it will make fruitful material for detractors seeking to undermine U.S. influence in the region.”

No to relocating (WSJ) Not many people seem willing to move for a new job. Outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas found that 1.6% of job seekers relocated for new positions in the first quarter, the lowest level on record for a survey that reaches back to 1986. “In the 1980’s and 90’s, nearly a third of job seekers would move for new positions. That has fallen steadily since, as housing costs have risen and companies have moved to where talent pools are located. Now, remote and hybrid positions are keeping workers at home,” said Andrew Challenger, the company’s senior vice president.

Haitians fight back against gangs (Washington Post) Jean Baptiste had watched Haiti descend into chaos as violent armed gangs marauded across the capital unchecked, forcing 130,000 people from their homes with a brutal campaign of kidnapping, rape and murder. But when bandits shot and dismembered a relative last month, he said, he decided he’d had enough. Enough waiting for the Haitian government—a weak and unloved clique of unelected officials—to restore order. Enough counting on its enfeebled police force to beat the gangs back. Enough suffering while the world mostly looked away. As Jean Baptiste and more than a dozen others in his neighborhood saw it, he said, the time had come to take matters into their own hands. Armed with machetes, they work in shifts, patrolling Turgeau and defending the Port-au-Prince neighborhood from gang members. He estimates neighborhood vigilantes have killed 27 in the past two weeks. The Washington Post could not verify Jean Baptiste’s claims. But Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry, Haitian police and U.S. and U.N. officials have acknowledged the phenomenon: In the absence of security, Haitians are arming themselves with rocks and machetes and banding together to fight the gangs who have turned their lives into what the U.N. human rights chief in February called a “living nightmare.”

The Offensive Before the Offensive: Ukraine Strikes Behind Russian Lines (WSJ) Early this month, four drones attacked a Russian oil refinery almost 300 miles from Ukraine. The next day, another drone hit it. Not long after another drone bombed a fuel depot on the other side of Russia, near Belarus. Call it the offensive before the offensive. Strike by pinpoint strike, Ukraine is taking aim at ammunition stores and caches of other supplies that Moscow’s forces need to fight, seeking to weaken them ahead of a broader ground campaign to push back the Russian invaders. For Ukraine, which is battling a larger military, the attacks are important to chip away at Russia’s battlefield resources. Any engagement longer than a few days becomes a logistical contest, say commanders, so destroying stores of ammunition, fuel and spare parts can be more significant than taking out individual tanks or artillery pieces, because the impact can be broader. A tank without fuel or shells is of little use. “This is the preparatory stage,” said Oleksandr Kovalenko, an analyst at the Ukrainian Center for Security Studies. “It is about destabilizing and weakening the capabilities of the enemy before the offensive.”

Pakistani police surround Imran Khan’s home, claim former leader is hiding suspects in recent riots (AP) Police surrounded the home of former Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday, claiming he was sheltering dozens of people allegedly involved in violent protests over his recent detention. The police deployment was likely to anger Khan’s many followers and raised concerns about more clashes between them and the security forces. Last week, Khan supporters had attacked public property and military installations after he was dragged out of a courtroom and detained. The popular opposition leader was released over the weekend and returned to his home in an upscale district of Lahore, Pakistan’s second largest city and the capital of the Punjab region. Pakistani authorities have said they would prosecute civilians involved in recent anti-government protests in military courts. The army chief, Gen. Asim Munir, said in a speech to troops Wednesday that “recently planned and orchestrated tragic incidents will never be allowed again at any cost.” The advocacy group Amnesty International and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan said they were alarmed by the government’s plan.

UN expert: Myanmar military imported $1 billion in weapons since 2021 coup (AP) Myanmar’s military has imported at least $1 billion worth of weapons and related material from Russia, China and other countries since its February 2021 coup, some of which it has used to carry out atrocities against civilians, according to a U.N. report released Wednesday. The weapons continue to flow to the military despite overwhelming evidence of its responsibility for the atrocities, including some that amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity, said Tom Andrews, the U.N. independent investigator on human rights in Myanmar. As an example of what he called the junta’s brutality, Andrews pointed to its April 11 airstrike using a Russian Yak-130 fighter jet on a ceremony attended by some 300 opponents of army rule, which was quickly followed by an attack by Russian Mi-35 helicopters on those who came to help. He said at least 160 people were killed, including many children.

China loans pushing world’s poorest countries to brink of collapse (AP) A dozen poor countries are facing economic instability and even collapse under the weight of hundreds of billions of dollars in foreign loans, much of them from the world’s biggest and most unforgiving government lender, China. An Associated Press analysis of a dozen countries most indebted to China—including Pakistan, Kenya, Zambia, Laos and Mongolia—found paying back that debt is consuming an ever-greater amount of the tax revenue needed to keep schools open, provide electricity and pay for food and fuel. And it’s draining foreign currency reserves these countries use to pay interest on those loans, leaving some with just months before that money is gone. Behind the scenes is China’s reluctance to forgive debt and its extreme secrecy about how much money it has loaned and on what terms, which has kept other major lenders from stepping in to help. On top of that is the recent discovery that borrowers have been forced to put cash in hidden escrow accounts that push China to the front of the line of creditors to be paid. Countries in AP’s analysis had as much as 50% of their foreign loans from China and most were devoting more than a third of government revenue to paying off foreign debt. Two of them, Zambia and Sri Lanka, have already gone into default.

800 miles away (NYT) “Jakarta has a lot of problems,” says Hannah Beech, The Times’s senior correspondent for Asia, “but its most existential one is that it is sinking in some places by up to a foot a year.” Climate change is part of the reason: The Java Sea—which surrounds Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital—is rising. But an even bigger factor is that Jakartans, desperate for access to clean water, have dug thousands of illegal wells that effectively deflate the marshes underneath the city. Today, 40 percent of Jakarta lies below sea level, and flooding is increasingly common. The encroaching sea presents a threat to one of the world’s most densely packed cities, where 10 million people live in an area about half the size of New York City, and another 20 million reside in the surrounding region. To deal with that threat, Indonesia’s popular president—Joko Widodo, in his ninth year in office—has devised an audacious solution: He is moving the country’s capital. The new capital, now under construction, is called Nusantara. It is being built from the ground up, about 800 miles from the current capital, in Borneo. Nusantara won’t be just any planned city, the president asserts, but a green metropolis run on renewable energy, where there are no choking traffic jams and people can stroll and bike along verdant paths. There are, of course, a lot of doubts about whether Indonesia can really pull this off.

Johannesburg, Where Mayors Last Just Months, or Even Only Weeks (NYT) NOW HIRING: A mayor of Johannesburg. DUTIES: Managing fickle governing partners. Dodging insults from opposition parties. And cleaning up piles of garbage. LENGTH OF TERM: Likely very short. This month, after days of brinkmanship and arm twisting, the city inaugurated its sixth different mayor in 22 months: Kabelo Gwamanda, a first-term city councilor from a political party that got just 1 percent of the vote in the last municipal election. His ascent came after he won the majority of the votes of the city’s 270 elected council members. And it capped the latest chapter in a political soap opera where mayoral terms are measured in weeks and months, and where the inability of council members to stick with a leader has resulted in a municipal mess, with Johannesburg residents the biggest losers. While political leaders bicker over power and cliques, exasperated residents often struggle through days without electricity and water, dodge cratered roads and fret about dilapidated buildings.

With 62 Newly Discovered Moons, Saturn Knocks Jupiter Off Its Pedestal (NYT) The International Astronomical Union is set to recognize more than 60 new moons gravitating around Saturn. That’s a grand total of 145 moons for the ringed celestial object, surpassing Jupiter’s 95 moons.

She finished last, but this runner won fans for not giving up in a pounding rain (NPR) She could have just quit. The race was long decided, and rain was falling in torrents. But Bou Samnang was running for her country—Cambodia—so she kept going, racing alone on a track in Phnom Penh. And for that, she is being hailed as an inspiration. “I tried to reach the finish line because I wanted to show people that in life, even though we go a bit slow or fast, we will reach our destination all the same,” she said afterward, according to Agence France-Presse. “So we should not give up. We should try our best.” News of Bou Samnang’s persistence spread rapidly: Sports and news outlets around the world shared video of her finishing the women’s 5,000-meter race (3.1 miles) on May 8 at the Southeast Asian Games, which Cambodia is hosting for the first time. She raced that day despite struggling with the effects of anemia, Bou Samnang told the AFP, adding that she was committed to run for her country. The runner’s persistence was also noted by Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, who said he was proud of her for reminding everyone that sports are about more than winning and losing.

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