NewzIntel.com

Category: Education

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s manufacturing industry delivers new momentum

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Qijiang-2 humanoid robot hands an orange to a visitor at the 2024 World Manufacturing Convention in Hefei, east China’s Anhui Province, Sept. 20, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    With a human build and sleek appearance, the 1.8-meter-tall Qijiang-2 is captivating visitors in the exhibition hall of the 2024 World Manufacturing Convention as it can mimic human movements with remarkable precision.

    The humanoid robot, developed by Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Humanoid Robots, is certainly hogging the spotlight at the convention, which opened on Friday and will continue until Monday in Hefei, the capital of east China’s Anhui Province.

    Equipped with advanced sensors and intricate inertial measurement units, Qijiang-2 can perform delicate tasks such as folding clothes, opening bottles, wiping dishes and navigating uneven terrain.

    But it’s more than just a mechanical marvel. Beyond its physical capabilities, the robot also has decision-making features, including intelligent user recognition and secure access for authorized users.

    “In the future, these humanoid robots will be able to adapt to both industrial production and elderly care scenarios, serving as robot workers and robot caregivers,” said Liu Houde, director of the laboratory.

    Qijiang-2 and other cutting-edge exhibits like the Jiuzhou Yunjian Longyun rocket engine and the Origin Wukong superconducting quantum computer are demonstrating China’s breakthroughs in frontier technologies at the event, as well as its potential in the field of high-tech manufacturing.

    The gathering of leading global enterprises and industry experts has also reflected China’s commitment to advancing international cooperation and working with other countries to address the challenges and opportunities in global manufacturing development.

    “After 30 years of development in China, Continental AG values not only China’s market volume but also advanced technologies,” said Enno Tang, president and CEO of Continental China.

    With comprehensive industrial categories and a well-rounded manufacturing system, China has attracted global firms to strengthen their investment in the country.

    An aerial drone photo taken on Aug. 20, 2023 shows a view of Volkswagen (Anhui) Automotive Company Limited in Hefei, east China’s Anhui Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Volkswagen Group in April announced an investment of 2.5 billion euros (about 2.8 billion U.S. dollars) in expanding its production and innovation hub in Hefei to increase its pace of innovation in China.

    The company also vowed to accelerate the production of two Volkswagen-brand smart electric vehicles (EVs), which are currently under joint development with Chinese manufacturer Xpeng.

    A deal reached in 2023 between the two companies gave Volkswagen access to Xpeng’s technologies, including its advanced driving assistance system, as the German carmaker made efforts to tap into China’s fast-growing EV market.

    The landmark cooperation agreement between Xpeng and Volkswagen testified to the willingness of China’s auto industry to share its technologies with the world, according to Xpeng CEO He Xiaopeng.

    As the world’s economic landscape evolves, China is stepping up efforts to collaborate with international enterprises, aiming to inject fresh momentum into the global manufacturing sector and accelerate the shift toward high-quality growth.

    This photo taken on Nov. 9, 2023 shows the booth of Schneider Electric at the 6th China International Import Expo in Shanghai, east China. [Photo/Xinhua]

    In the city of Xiamen in east China’s Fujian Province, construction on the Schneider Electric Xiamen Industrial Park began in April.

    China is Schneider Electric’s second-largest market globally, one of its most important supply chain bases, and one of its four global R&D hubs.

    After its completion, the park will be the French multinational’s biggest manufacturing facility for medium voltage equipment anywhere in the world, and some of its products will be supplied to overseas markets.

    The park will be a major R&D center, manufacturing center and supply hub through which the company will serve the global medium voltage market, according to Vincent Bruneau, vice president of Schneider Electric’s Global Supply Chain China.

    Through a combination of innovation-driven policies, open market access and strategic partnerships, China continues to strengthen its position as a key player in global manufacturing.

    “China has been advancing its manufacturing sector by focusing on high-end, intelligent, green development while increasing its efforts in technological innovation to unlock broader markets,” said Wan Hongxian, a professor at the Anhui University of Finance and Economics.

    “China’s manufacturing sector provides a highly promising market for global high-end equipment. Moreover, its advanced production capabilities and responsiveness to market demand enable the development of more high-quality products, delivering tangible benefits to consumers worldwide,” Wan added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Forum promotes exchanges between Chinese, LAC youths

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Nearly 70 young people, including youths from Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries, Chinese youth scholars and entrepreneurs, gathered in Dunhuang in northwest China’s Gansu Province over the weekend, to discuss mutual learning among civilizations and common development.

    During the China-LAC youth development forum, youth representatives from Lanzhou University, the Dunhuang Textual Research Institute and other institutions delivered keynote speeches on topics such as jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative, and the responsibility of young people in cultural inheritance and innovation.

    Leaders of youth organizations and cultural representatives from China, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Honduras, Venezuela and other countries exchanged their views on cultural heritage protection, cultural inheritance education, and youth innovation and employment during the event.

    The forum was hosted by the All-China Youth Federation.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 17 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Palestinians mourn for the victims after an Israeli airstrike on a school housing displaced people in the Zeitoun neighborhood in southern Gaza City, on Sept. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    At least 17 Palestinians were killed by Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip on Sunday, the Palestinian official news agency WAFA reported.

    Seven Palestinians were killed and some others injured in an Israeli bombardment of the Kafr Qasem School housing displaced people west of Gaza City, said the report. However, the Israel Defense Forces claimed Sunday that the strike carried out by its Air Force has “precisely” targeted Hamas militants operating within the school compound.

    According to WAFA, four other Palestinians were killed and some more injured as a result of an Israeli bombing of a house belonging to the Dawas family in the Al-Hakkar area of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza.

    In the south of the strip, Israeli artillery targeted the town of Khuza’a, east of Khan Younis, killing two people, WAFA reported, adding emergency teams recovered four bodies from the al-Attatirah area, east of Rafah, following Israeli bombardment.

    The Israeli army has not commented on these incidents.

    Israel has been waging a large-scale offensive against Hamas in Gaza to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which 1,200 people were killed and about 250 others taken hostage.

    The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 41,431, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Sunday.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The United Nations has a plan to govern AI – but has it bought the industry’s hype?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Zena Assaad, Senior Lecturer, School of Engineering, Australian National University

    saiko3p/Shutterstock

    The United Nations Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Artificial Intelligence (AI) has released its final report on governing AI for humanity.

    The report presents a blueprint for addressing AI-related risks while still enabling the potential of this technology. It also includes a call to action for all governments and stakeholders to work together in governing AI to foster development and protection of all human rights.

    On the surface, this report seems to be a positive step forward for AI, encouraging developments while also mitigating potential harms.

    However, the finer details of the report expose a number of concerns.

    Reminiscent of the IPCC

    The UN advisory board on AI was first convened on October 26, 2023. The purpose of this committee is to advance recommendations for the international governance of AI. It says this approach is needed to ensure the benefits of AI, such as opening new areas of scientific inquiry, are evenly distributed, while the risks of this technology, such as mass surveillance and the spread of misinformation, are mitigated.

    The advisory board consists of 39 members from a diversity of regions and professional sectors. Among them are industry representatives from Microsoft, Mozilla, Sony, Collinear AI and OpenAI.

    The committee is reminiscent of the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) which aims to provide key input into international climate change negotiations.

    The inclusion of prominent industry representatives in the advisory board on AI is a point of difference from the IPCC. This may have advantages, such as a more informed understanding of AI technologies. But it may also have disadvantages, such as biased viewpoints in favour of commercial interests.

    The recent release of the final report on governing AI for humanity provides a vital insight into what we can likely expect from this committee.

    What’s in the report?

    The final report on governing AI for humanity follows an interim report released in December 2023. It proposes seven recommendations for addressing gaps in current AI governance arrangements.

    These include the creation of an independent international scientific panel on AI, the creation of an AI standards exchange and the creation of a global AI data framework. The report also ends with a call to action for all governments and relevant stakeholders to collectively govern AI.

    What’s disconcerting about the report are the imbalanced and at times contradictory claims made throughout.

    For example, the report rightly advocates for governance measures to address the impact of AI on concentrated power and wealth, geopolitical and geoeconomic implications.

    However, it also claims that:

    no one currently understands all of AI’s inner workings enough to fully control its outputs or predict its evolution.

    This claim is not factually correct on many accounts. It is true that there are some “black box” systems – those in which the input is known, but the computational process for generating outputs is not. But AI systems more generally are well understood on a technical level.

    AI reflects a spectrum of capabilities. This spectrum ranges from generative AI systems such as ChatGPT, through to deep learning systems such as facial recognition. The assumption that all these systems embody the same level of impenetrable complexity is not accurate.

    The inclusion of this claim calls into question the advantages of including industry representatives in the advisory board, as they should be bringing a more informed understanding of AI technologies.

    The other issue this claim raises is the notion of AI evolving of its own accord. What has been interesting about the rise of AI over recent years is the accompanying narratives which falsely position AI as a system of agency.

    This inaccurate narrative shifts perceived liability and responsibility away from those who design and develop these systems, providing a creative scapegoat for industry.

    Despite the subtle undertone of powerlessness in the face of AI technologies and the imbalanced claims made throughout, the report does positively progress the discourse in some ways.

    A small step forward

    Overall, the report and its call to action are a positive step forward because they emphasise that AI can be governed and regulated, despite contradictory claims throughout the report which imply otherwise.

    The inclusion of the term “hallucinations” is a salient example of these contradictions.

    The term itself was popularised by OpenAI’s chief executive Sam Altman when he used the term to reframe nonsensical outputs as part of the “magic” of AI. Hallucinations is not a technically accepted term – it’s a creative marketing agenda. Pushing for governance of AI while simultaneously endorsing a term which implies a technology that cannot be governed is not constructive.

    What the report lacks is consistency in how AI is perceived and understood.

    It also lacks application specificity – a common limitation among many AI initiatives. A global approach to AI governance will only work if it is able to capture the nuances of application and domain specificity.

    The report is one step forward in the right direction. However, it will need refinement and amendments to ensure it encourages developments while mitigating the many harms of AI.

    Zena Assaad 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. The United Nations has a plan to govern AI – but has it bought the industry’s hype? – https://theconversation.com/the-united-nations-has-a-plan-to-govern-ai-but-has-it-bought-the-industrys-hype-239494

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: New Zealand Chinese Immersion Day highlights cultural show, donated books

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The Chinese Immersion Day highlighted cultural show and donated Chinese books in the New Zealand city of Christchurch on Sunday.

    The Chinese Consulate General in Christchurch donated children’s books in Chinese and books about traditional Chinese culture to the Christchurch Library, as part of the nationwide celebration of the New Zealand Chinese Language Week, which started on Sunday.

    Consul General He Ying told the donation ceremony that the annual book donation started more than five years ago, and these books have been widely received by the Chinese community and Kiwis in Christchurch.

    The city libraries need diverse language books as part of a wide range of books offered, said a statement from the library, adding the donated books have been wonderful gifts for the community to enjoy.

    The Chinese Immersion Day highlighted performance of traditional Chinese music, lion dance and various Chinese language and culture activities, such as calligraphy, paper cutting, Chinese knots making, Chinese painting, fan making, tea art, traditional Chinese medicine consultation, and fun language workshops and games.

    The Chinese Immersion Day was jointly held by the Chinese Consulate General in Christchurch, the Confucius Institute at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch Central Library, and the New Zealand Chinese Language Teachers Association (Canterbury).

    The Chinese Language Week is a Kiwi-driven initiative launched in 2014 after the Maori Language Week and the Pacific Language Week.

    New Zealand has more than 260,000 people of Chinese origin. The number of primary and secondary school students in New Zealand learning Chinese was nearly 70,000 before the global pandemic, according to New Zealand’s Ministry of Education. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gallego Announces Nearly $13 Million He Helped Secure is Coming to Maricopa County to Improve Dangerous Intersection

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ruben Gallego (AZ-07)

    September 20, 2024

    PHOENIX – Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) announced that $12,739,765 is coming to Maricopa County to improve safety conditions and traffic flow at the intersection of Grand Avenue (US 60), 35th Avenue, and Indian School Road. The funding announcement comes after Rep. Gallego sent a letter supporting the grant to the Department of Transportation earlier this year.

    “Anyone who has been caught at this intersection knows how time-consuming and dangerous it is,” said Rep. Gallego. “I’m incredibly proud to have helped secure this funding that will support the region’s economy, save people time, and get them where they need to go safely.”

    The nearly $13 million will be administered by the Maricopa Association of Governments and will be paid out over two years. The project will include raising 35th Avenue to create a new elevated intersection with Indian School Road above Grand Avenue; constructing new bridges over the BNSF railroad; addressing local circulation needs; installing new, wider ADA-accessible sidewalks; right-of-way acquisition; accommodating future high-capacity transit; and installing separate bus pull-outs and new bus shelters.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Speech – ECA WA Conference

    Source: Australian Ministers for Education

    Good morning everyone. This really brings back memories. I’ve given many lectures in this room, and every time I lectured in this room, I never stood here. 

    So I’m going to stand here, and can you hear me at the back? 

    Excellent. Well, thank you so much, Amy, for that wonderful introduction, and I also want to thank you Auntie Robyn for that beautiful welcome to country.   

    Can I start also by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we meet, the Whadjuk Noongar people, and I want to pay my respects to elders, past, present and emerging and celebrate the diversity of First Nations people, their ongoing cultural and educational practices and their connection to the land, water and skies. And I acknowledge any First Nations people joining us here this morning on a beautiful Saturday morning. 

    I was saying earlier, I don’t think there is any other sector that would come out on a Saturday morning of a long weekend to a conference, so kudos to each and every one of you who are here. 

    Can I take a moment just to acknowledge a few other people; my dear friend, Professor Andrew Whitehouse, Professor of Autism Research at the Telethon Kids Research Institute. I’m sure that you are going to be blown away by Andrew’s presentation. Every time Andrew and I sit down together, and I learn about the work he is doing, it really just blows my mind. 

    Can I also acknowledge the ECA WA Committee members here, all the early childhood leaders and educators here today as well, the most important people in the room, of course.

    So I’m really – I’m just really honoured to be here to welcome you today to this day‑long conference. I was in Brisbane for the ECA Conference, it feels like a long time ago, but it actually was only two or three days ago, and that was a fabulous conference too. 

    I remember my very first ECA conference which was in Canberra. I’m a professor before I became a politician, so I’m an academic in nature, and so coming to conferences is like Disneyland for me. I find them incredibly exciting. 

    Unfortunately I have to get on a plane straight after this, so I cannot join you for the rest of the day, but I know that it will be a day filled with incredible insights, an opportunity to share, an opportunity to learn and opportunity to network, and I think they are some of the invaluable things that you can take away from days like today. 

    I’m actually not going to read this speech, because I’d much rather talk to you like this. It’s a really exciting time to be in the early childhood education sector at the moment, because we are on the cusp of a lot of reform. 

    I think that when I went to the very first ECA Conference, at the end of the conference – because I stayed for the whole thing – at the end of the conference they put up findings from the very first conference, which was way back in 1983, or 82, and it was really interesting that they contrasted them with the findings or the outcomes of the conference in 2022, it was at the time, and not much had changed. 

    In fact. nothing had changed. The issues were still the same, the concerns were still the same, the things that needed reform were still the same. And I think that speaks to the fact that this is a sector that is essentially, provides an essential service, not just for families who work, or where care givers work, but particularly for children in those first five years of their lives, the transformational benefits that you all bring to children and their families. 

    And I think that it is high time that the sector had the level of attention that it deserves. You as educators and leaders getting that recognition for the professionalism that you bring to your work. Dedication is great, and I know you all love your jobs, but I also know that you need to be recognised as professionals. 

    And as I said earlier, being here on a Saturday morning on a long weekend is demonstration of that, of that commitment to professionalism, as well as that dedication to the children that you teach, that you educate every day and the families that you help, it’s that dedication to the professionalism of what you do. 

    It’s been a long time coming, but I can tell you our government does not see you as babysitters, does not see you as care givers. We understand, and we know that what you do is education. 

    I often say this to people: I often say, you know, we talk about a child learning to talk, we say “They learnt to walk., they learnt to use a spoon or a fork, or the potty”. Those first five years of a child’s life are education, and we know from research – I actually studied my Masters of Education here, and I studied my post graduate here in Child Language Acquisition. And we know from research and cases where children have not had that interaction, that they don’t learn these things naturally. These are things that are taught to them, and that is the critical role that early childhood education and early childhood educators play in the shaping of a child’s life, not just in those first five years, but into their childhood, their adolescence, their adulthood. So it’s a critical time for that recognition of professionalism. 

    Now we’ve done a number of things. We know that the Prime Minister has articulated a commitment to universal early childhood education and care. I translate that as a sector that is affordable, accessible, and importantly inclusive. That’s really the key part of what you do, is that inclusivity. 

    When we first came into government, one of the first things we did was increase the Child Care Subsidy, and that’s helped about a million families across Australia, the ACCC review found that that’s reduced out‑of‑pocket costs by around 11 per cent. 

    In fact, I was on the Radio 6PR, the other day, and the presenter was saying that his fees went from $70 a day to $40 a day, which makes a huge difference to families, right, and to children. 

    The second thing that we did was recently announced a pay increase for early childhood educators, a 15 per cent pay increase, 10 per cent this year, 5 per cent next year. That comes on top of increases from the Fair Work Commission, particularly for some of the lowest‑paid educators in the sector and workers in the sector. 

    That 15 per cent increase also applies to out‑of‑school‑hours care, and we are working really hard with family day care and in‑home care to see how it can also apply to them. 

    That’s the second thing, because everything that we know, every report, every review, everybody knows that if we want to build that universal early childhood education sector that we want to see that is world‑class quality, affordable, accessible, inclusive, we need a strong and stable workforce, and one that is fairly remunerated for the work that they do and recognised as the professionals that they are. 

    So that’s a big part of what I do as the Early Childhood Education Minister, is looking at how we strengthen the workforce, but importantly how we contribute as leaders, as politicians, as policy makers to that recognition of the professionalism of the workforce. 

    Now last week, on Wednesday, we released the Productivity Commission Review. Now what we wanted the Productivity Commission to do was to give us some ideas in helping us chart that path to universal early childhood education and care. 

    I know from speaking to the sector, from speaking to early childhood educators, to academics, to advocates, to leaders, that we’re on the same page in terms of what we want for children. 

    We want every child to be able to access the transformational benefits of early childhood education and care. We’re on the same page with what we mean by “universal”. It means that every child has access. 

    But how do we get there? How do we get there? How do we get there within the constraints of what the sector looks like? The diversity within the sector, the different and sometimes competing priorities in the sector. The diversity of service delivery, but also the diversity of contexts in which services are delivered; rural/regional, low socio‑economic, high socio‑economic, the different contexts in which they’re delivered. First Nations, you know delivering culturally appropriate and culturally responsive early childhood education and care in place. 

    And that’s what the Productivity Commission was tasked with. So they’ve come out with a number of recommendations, and you might have read about some of them, you might have heard about some of these. 

    Primarily their recommendations are around – well, their findings aren’t anything that we didn’t know, that some of the most vulnerable children are the ones who are missing out.

    So their findings are around abolishing the activity test and making early childhood education and care free for people earning under $80,000 a year for one child, and $140,000 a year for two or more children in ECEC, with a tapering rate according to parents’ incomes. 

    Abolishing the activity test, and a guarantee of 30 hours a week – or three days for every child – a guarantee, and an ECEC Commission to oversee this. 

    Now we’re going to be considering all of those recommendations that the Productivity Commission makes, and we’ll be considering them along with the ACCC Review. 

    One of the things I’m incredibly conscious of as the Minister is that within this sector every lever that you pull has a flow‑on effect ‑ and I know that Andrew’s talk is all about the ripple effect ‑ every lever that we pull has a ripple effect and a flow‑on effect to another part of the sector. 

    And so just as we look at child development holistically, with early childhood education, health, parenting, social services being all part of that development, as we did with the Early Years Strategy, we also have to look at the sector and the reform that we make holistically. 

    What is it, when we do one thing in one space, what impact does it have on other spaces, particularly considering the diversity of the sector, the diversity of services and the diversity of place and context, as I mentioned earlier. 

    Now, I don’t know – who was – was anyone in Brisbane on Wednesday? 

    So Professor Paul Leseman’s talk was all about governance and localised governance, and that was a really interesting talk. And I’m constantly looking at international examples and international research to how we can create a uniquely Australian sector, but take with us the lessons, develop that with the lessons that have been learnt internationally. 

    And that’s what makes this time really, really exciting. Because right now internationally there are so many lessons that are being learned from different countries in the ways in which they attempted to, or instigated, reforms within early childhood education, from the Nordic countries, to Canada, to New Zealand, to all different countries. 

    So as academic nerd I’m basically eating the research for breakfast, along with my coffee. And so for me as the Early Childhood Education Minister, you know, I know where we want to be, and I know that we share that vision with each and every one of you. 

    It’s a beautiful vision, right, and wow, how would it be if we could achieve that? That every child, no matter who they are, no matter what their background, no matter where they live can access this really high‑quality transformational early childhood education and care. 

    Because one of the first things I said to my department when I took on this portfolio was that the principle that guides us is that no child born into disadvantage should have to carry that disadvantage through their life, and the key to that is what you all do. 

    I speak to that not just as an academic who studied early childhood and – not early childhood, but childhood language and has a Master of Education, I speak to that as a mother. I speak to that as a single mum who was fleeing domestic violence, who has an unending gratitude to the early childhood educators who helped me through the most difficult time of my life. 

    Sorry. A few months ago, I was at a different conference, and at the back of the room was the educator who cared for my children, and we saw each other, and we just hugged each other and cried, and I said to her, “Do you have any idea how much you saved me? Do you have any idea what was going on in my household?” And she said, “Anne, we all knew, we all knew”. 

    That is the difference that you make to people’s lives. That is the difference that you make. 

    So I’m going to stop, because I’ve got to catch a plane, and I hate it when I cry before I get on a plane. 

    But look, I just want to say to you, I’m really excited. I am really excited about what we can do together, hand‑in‑hand, moving forward on this pathway, on this journey. And I’m excited too by what’s at the end of this journey, and I am incredibly honoured to be the Minister for Early Childhood Education and Care. It is a portfolio that – not just because I get to play with babies – but because of you, because the heart, the dedication, the professionalism that you bring to the work that you do inspires me every single day to be better and to do better for you. 

    So thank you so much for hearing me rant. And I wish you all the best for the rest of the conference. Enjoy it, and I hope you get so much value out of it, and I look forward to seeing all your faces again soon.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: US blasted for high subsidies to PV sector

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The China Photovoltaic Industry Association has expressed serious concerns about and strong opposition to the United States’ distorting the global solar market by providing excessive subsidies to US companies and imposing high tariffs on imported solar products.

    It said the US moves are hampering international cooperation in the fight against climate change.

    The trade body said in a recent statement that the US has built high walls of protectionism by imposing multiple trade restrictions and continuously increasing tariff barriers on imported photovoltaic products. In May, for example, the US decided that the import tax on Chinese solar cells would rise from 25 percent to 50 percent.

    The association also pointed out that the US implemented exclusive and discriminatory industrial policies through legislation such as the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and subsidized its own photovoltaic industry on a large scale.

    “The Inflation Reduction Act, introduced in 2022, offers subsidies of an unprecedented $369 billion to support investments and production in the clean energy sector, including domestic PV products, aiming to reconstruct the PV industry chain,” said the trade body’s statement.

    On May 16, the US Department of Energy announced $71 million investment to fund the Silicon Solar Manufacturing and Dual-Use Photovoltaics Incubator Program ($27 million) and the Advancing US Thin-Film Solar Photovoltaics Funding Program ($44 million), aiming to close the gaps in PV supply chain manufacturing capabilities, the association added.

    Such moves violated multilateral trade rules and severely distorted the market operations of the global supply chain of the PV industry, according to the statement.

    Experts and business leaders said that while subsidies are common globally in the new energy industry, the US strategy of raising tariffs under anti-subsidy pretexts and financially backing domestic companies is a double standard, with the aim of hindering Chinese solar companies from capturing global market share.

    They said that Chinese-made solar and wind power equipment has facilitated the widespread adoption of affordable renewable energy worldwide, contributing to a global shift toward green development, adding that collaboration among global economies is essential for mutual gains in the sector.

    Cui Fan, an international trade professor at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, said that policy interventions are necessary globally to address market flaws in advancing new energy. Solely relying on market forces could significantly delay global decarbonization progress by 20 to 30 years, which would be out of sync with the pace of global green initiatives, he added.

    “However, in the WTO framework, subsidies must adhere to specific conditions, including avoiding unjust discrimination. The US’ Inflation Reduction Act breaches this by favoring US products over Chinese imports,” Cui said.

    Lin Boqiang, head of the China Institute for Studies in Energy Policy at Xiamen University, said that the US’ high subsidies for its new energy industry, as well as its consistent raising of tariffs on Chinese goods under anti-subsidy pretexts, showcase a US double standard.

    Song Hao, assistant vice-president at GCL Technology Holdings, said the US’ contradictory actions of restricting imports under anti-subsidy pretexts while heavily supporting domestic solar industries were undermining fairness.

    Lin said: “Although the US has continuously raised trade barriers, it has limited impact on the Chinese solar industry, as China’s direct exports to the US are relatively small. Chinese companies have diversified investments globally, forging stronger ties with Europe, the Middle East and other regions to explore new opportunities.”

    The US was not among the top 10 markets for China’s solar module exports in the first half of this year, while Europe and Asia collectively accounted for over 80 percent of these exports, according to the China Photovoltaic Industry Association. Solar modules accounted for 87 percent of China’s total PV product exports in terms of value, it added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Municipality makes life easier for foreign talent

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

    Shanghai issued 13 measures on Friday to improve services for overseas talent attracted to the city.

    The measures, unveiled at the Fourth Shanghai Talent+ Summit, include streamlined procedures for obtaining visas, residence permits, permanent residency, work permits and financial services. For example, those who possess doctorates and others deemed to be outstanding foreign talent will benefit from streamlined procedures when applying for permanent residency.

    An official surnamed Liu, who is in charge of services for foreign experts at the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Talent Work, said that everyone from overseas who worked in Shanghai used to have to go to two different government departments to apply for a foreigner’s work permit and a residence permit.

    Liu said the two services were combined at one window several years ago for category A talent, and that will now be extended to all talent from overseas.

    Category A talent includes those who are employed by world-leading companies and research institutions, laureates of international prizes, those who possess innovative technological inventions or patents, and postdoctoral fellows below the age 40.

    The new measures will also optimize services for expat talent in scientific research, innovation and entrepreneurship, medical care, travel and online and social integration.

    At the summit, people from across Shanghai presented business plans in a contest designed to highlight their innovation and entrepreneurship. A section for expats was included for the first time this year.

    “Shanghai is a role model in inspiring entrepreneurs from home and abroad to put their business plans into reality in a positive and speedy way,” said Benoit Dubuis, president of the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences and also director of the Sino-Swiss Institute of Advanced Technology at Shanghai University, which is promoting the integration of some cutting-edge disciplines, including microelectronics, biomedicine and artificial intelligence.

    “Many businesses launched by expats in Shanghai increase investment or invest in other entrepreneurial projects if they succeed,” Dubuis said. “This part is critical to the development of the local business environment.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Families fired up about ceramics

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Like most, Sun Lixin, the eldest child in the family-run businesses in Jingdezhen, east China’s Jiangxi province, was born with a mission — succession.

    The firstborn son was followed by a brother and a sister in a family that has made porcelain for four generations and was trained to inherit the family’s ceramic making skills since he was a child.

    His father, Sun Tongxin, has a masterly skill for blue and white painting on porcelain and was a trailblazer in splash ink painting on ceramic panels, blending the innovative contemporary high-temperature technique with the expressive methods of traditional Chinese blue and white ink painting. One of Sun Sr’s pieces was collected by the Palace Museum in Beijing.

    Ink color is one of the color painting decoration methods of ceramics. It refers to a kind of porcelain painting technique that uses thick or bright black as the main colorant to paint on ceramics, presenting a light-black ink effect. It has a strong literati charm and an artistic appeal, showing an elegant and simple, green and subtle aesthetic feeling.

    “I grew up in an environment surrounded by ceramics and ceramists,” Sun Lixin, 57, said.

    He recalled that he did homework at the workshops where his parents worked when primary school finished. The three went home together after the adults got of work.

    In 1976, then premier Zhou Enlai decreed the protection for traditional craftsmanship of porcelain production.

    Thanks to the regulation, a group of teens in Jingdezhen was recruited by the local 10 state-owned porcelain factories to be trained in pottery-making techniques.

    “Though being wet behind the ears, I was thrilled to be an apprentice in a state-owned factory,” Sun Lixin said.

    He was only 13.

    “I liked to learn how to make ceramics, such as drawing, throwing and painting as many of my peers were also in the factory,” he said.

    Sun Lixin’s teacher was his father, who was very strict with the naughty boy. Luckily, his peer apprentices, in his words, learned from their parents’ friends, who were very friendly.

    “I was always sniveling as my father bawled me out for doing things frolicsome with other children,” Sun Lixin said. “One day, I ran away from home, saying to myself that I was damned if I was going to do pottery again.”

    However, he had no choice but to return home and continue his apprenticeship and his father had more teachers for the boy to sharpen his skill of Chinese painting.

    Sun Lixin was a fast learner and became a skilled porcelain painter.

    Time of change

    But things turned bad in Jingdezhen in the late 1980s and early 90s as all the workers were laid of due to the restructuring of the state-owned factories. Sun Lixin and other potters had to do something else to make a living.

    An entrepreneur from Guangzhou, South China’s Guangdong province, invited Sun Lixin to work for him, offering a fat salary of more than 2,000 yuan ($275) a month.

    “His offer is very impressive to me. You know, I earned a monthly income of only 300 yuan in Jingdezhen at that time,” Sun said.

    His parents were also among the massive layoffs, instead bringing home the bacon by drawing for some local people who were the first to run their own porcelain workshops.

    Sun Lixin returned to Jingdezhen from Guangzhou when he was told that his grandfather was fatally ill.

    “I am his firstborn grandson, whom the big family has great expectation on,” Sun said.

    He took with him all the money he had saved over several years in Guangzhou and rebuilt the kiln that the family had before 1949.

    Most of the Sun family members are artisans. Sun Lixin’s uncle has a mastery of porcelain pigments.

    In January 1975, the Jingdezhen-based ceramic research institute affiliated to China’s former ministry of light industry was assigned the special mission of making porcelain for Chairman Mao Zedong. More than 100 sets of porcelain, or nearly 10,000 pieces, which were coded as 7501, were produced in a year.

    Sun Lixin’s mother, who is specialized in underglaze polychrome enamels, was in the team for the important assignment.

    “In my childhood, I saw my mom doing underglaze enameling on a very thin piece in the middle of night. There was a slight sound of cracking. I saw a tear rolling down her cheek,” Sun Lixin recalled compassionately.

    “Flaws make porcelain prices drop, so no single flaw is allowed on ceramic pieces,” he said.

    But Sun has kept piles of porcelain wares with flaws, which, in his words, remind him of the time and effort his parents invested.

    “Hard work and dedication is the character of the Sun family to the core. I have a sense of purpose for making the family craftsmanship better,” Sun Lixin said.

    Family craftsmanship

    He is devoted to making the Sun’s kiln not only a workshop but also a place for doing research on ceramic making.

    Sun Lixin’s modern aesthetic perfectly complements the craftsmanship of the classic designs from Chinese ink painting.

    His ceramic panels are widely collected by museums such as the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, as well as individuals. He is one of the inheritors of intangible cultural heritage conferred by the Jingdezhen authorities.

    In 2006, the Jingdezhen ceramic hand-making technique was included in the first batch of traditional skills in China’s national intangible cultural heritage list. There are 1,899 inheritors of Jingdezhen’s intangible cultural heritage, more than 90 percent of whom are engaged in the inheritance of ceramic hand-making skills.

    When Sun Lixin found that his son was not into the porcelain making, he and his wife decided to have one more child. They had a daughter when Sun Lixin was 41.

    The girl’s early interest in drawing gives her parents and grandparents pleasure. “It seems that drawing is in her bones. She is making sketches much better than I do,” Sun Lixin said as he beamed with pride.

    While his 24-year-old son was studying biological engineering in Dalian city in Northeast China’s Liaoning province, his daughter, 16, is learning fine art in Beijing.

    As the intangible cultural heritage inheritor, Sun Lixin is taking on six young people as his apprentices. They learn to draw the traditional Chinese patterns such as lotus, peony, peach, bat and persimmon.

    “These flora and animals used as decorative motifs on porcelain pieces are symbols of traditional Chinese culture, which young people had better have a understanding of,” Sun Lixin said.

    The Bat, for example, represents good fortune, lotus stands for good luck and the peach means longevity.

    “I am obliged to tell them what I know about traditional Chinese culture,” he said.

    Linglong ware

    Lyu Yating, 31, is also the firstborn of a family that makes ceramics for five generations. She has a younger sister who does not find porcelain making appealing, as well as a younger brother who is still a middle school student.

    Shortly after graduating from a university where she studied international business management in the United Kingdom in 2014, the 21-year-old Lyu returned to Jingdezhen to take over the family business. “My mother told me that my father, 62, was out of sorts as he always put his nose to the grindstone,” she said.

    Lyu’s father started the Fuyu blue and white linglong ceramic company in the 1990s when the state-owned porcelain factories could not survive. He recruited all six of his brothers and sisters who were laid off from the factories, as well as other skilled artisans.

    Jingdezhen is the only place where linglong porcelain is produced. Grain-sized holes are hollowed out in the thin roughcast and covered with several layers of glaze when ceramists make linglong porcelain, also known as a “porcelain inlaid with glass”. It is famous for its exquisite carving patterns and glittering, translucent appeal. The process requires a high level of craftsmanship.

    Linglong porcelain is one of the most famous types of ceramics Jingdezhen produces. The others include famille-rose porcelain, blue-white porcelain and color-glazed porcelain.

    Like Sun Lixin, Lyu also grew up at the ceramic-making workshop.

    At that time, she dreamed of doing something different from what her parents did. The young artisan said: “I wanted to be independent.”

    But she has no heart to let her parents down. The Lyu family has a formula for glaze handed down from her great-great-grandfather.

    “After all, I am the eldest child and my father’s technique should be passed on. Our family business is well established in Jingdezhen,” Lyu said.

    She feels a sense of pride when she sees Chinese porcelain, especially items made in Jingdezhen, exhibited in foreign museums.

    Lyu started studying ceramic making comprehensively — the way to make the linglong glaze in particular — shortly after coming back to Jingdezhen.

    “Though I had no experience for ceramic making at that time, I was of intellectual curiosity and thought outside the box,” she said.

    The family business produces daily use porcelain at its production lines. At the same time, Lyu has a team focusing on research and development.

    She and her team have been experimenting with new media to achieve the best effects for linglong porcelain.

    “I want to find a type of glaze that can make the linglong ceramic more beautiful and more translucent,” Lyu said.

    “Fortunately, the production of the daily use ceramics has increased significantly and made big profit so that investment in R&D is possible,” Lyu said.

    New ways forward

    Now the young entrepreneur is dedicating herself to building brands as she knows that her production lines cannot churn out as much as the companies in Dehua, Fujian province, and Chaozhou, Guangdong province. The two places have a pile-it-high-and-sell-it-cheap strategy.

    “I don’t want to be an original equipment manufacturer. Instead, I want to sell our brands overseas,” she said.

    Lyu described herself as a well balanced person who is calm and reasonable and shows good judgment.

    “I hope that products of intangible cultural heritage can be salable rather than merely a symbol. In so doing, people can understand what the charm of intangible cultural heritage is,” Lyu said.

    Lyu, also a designated inheritor of intangible cultural heritage in Jingdezhen, is ambitious to make ceramics that could be handed down from generation to generation.

    “I am grateful to my father who has created such a wonderful company,” she said.

    Her company has four brands; one started by her father and the other three by her. She is pouring a lot of effort into developing products such as coffee and tea sets, jardinieres and copies of antique porcelain.

    In Lyu’s words, the spirit of artisans means their craftsmanship and pursuit of excellence.

    Lyu received offers for graduate study from four foreign universities after her undergraduate education in the UK. When asked whether she regrets not undertaking graduate studies, Lyu said she had no choice but inherit the family business.

    ” Now I am having a great life, and I have no regrets,” she said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Kunqu Opera is a hard act to follow

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Kunqu Opera performers perform at China Institute in Manhattan, New York, the United States, Jan. 8, 2023. (Photo by Ziyu Julian Zhu/Xinhua)

    In Peking University Hall on Sept 13, an air of reflective nostalgia and vibrant enthusiasm enveloped a lecture by Pai Hsien-yung, a distinguished Chinese-American writer, playwright and director.

    Pai, 87, a pivotal figure in modern Chinese literature and theater, took the stage to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the youth edition of the Kunqu Opera, The Peony Pavilion, which he produced and adapted. This adaptation of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) classic, originally penned by Tang Xianzu, has been instrumental in bridging the gap between Kunqu Opera and contemporary youth culture. The lecture not only commemorated two decades of artistic endeavor but also highlighted the enduring relevance of this timeless tale.

    Pai’s lecture also opened the latest performances of the youth edition of The Peony Pavilion, which was staged for three days at Peking University from Sept 14 to 16. About 6,000 tickets were sold.

    “Time flies. It’s been 20 years since we premiered the youth edition of The Peony Pavilion. I am back here today, sharing this production with young people, just like what we did two decades ago,” Pai says. “I am a writer and I never expected that my life would be associated with Kunqu Opera closely for such a long time. I consider myself a volunteer in protecting and promoting the ancient art form, which is so sophisticated and beautiful that it would be a great regret if we didn’t keep it alive and let it be appreciated by a wider audience.”

    One of the oldest traditional opera forms still performed in China, Kunqu Opera was born in the region of Kunshan in today’s Suzhou, Jiangsu province. It has distinguished itself by the virtuosity of its rhythmic patterns and exerted a dominant influence on other recent forms of opera in China, such as Peking Opera, which is over 200 years old. It is hence known as the mother of all Chinese operas.

    Combining songs performed in the Suzhou dialect, graceful body movements, martial arts and dance, Kunqu Opera uses a great variety of gestures to express specific emotions.

    For Pai, there is a reason why Kunshan was the birthplace of Kunqu Opera. “It’s just like Western opera was born in Italy because the Italian language is rhythmic. Kunqu Opera was born in Kunshan because of the local dialect’s musicality and expressiveness,” he says.

    In 2008, UNESCO inscribed Kunqu Opera on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (originally proclaimed in 2001). This recognition put Kunqu Opera in the international spotlight at the same time as it began to experience a domestic revival. The youth edition of The Peony Pavilion was the fruit of a collaboration between the Suzhou Kunqu Opera Theater of Jiangsu and Pai. Premiering in Taipei in 2004 and staged at Peking University in 2005, the production has been considered a major contributor to the development and revival of the art form.

    With more than 500 performances across the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao, as well as in countries such as Greece, the United Kingdom and the United States, it has been watched by a combined worldwide audience of about 800,000. The shows were also staged at more than 40 Chinese universities at that time, which allowed Kunqu Opera to witness a surge in popularity, especially among young people.

    In 2006, 2009 and 2016, the production returned to Peking University with shows and workshops. In 2009, appealing to the rising number of Kunqu Opera lovers, Pai, along with the university, initiated and launched a project, Inheritance Program of Kunqu Opera, to train young amateur fans. The school also launched an elective course on the art form, which, according to Peng Feng, dean of the university’s School of Arts, is one of its most popular courses among students.

    Born in Guilin, South China’s Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, Pai moved to Shanghai with his family during wartime and later settled in Taiwan. He recalls that his enthusiasm for the art form started at the age of 9 when he watched a performance by Peking Opera masters Mei Lanfang (1894-1961) and Yu Zhenfei (1902-93) in Shanghai in 1946.

    “I can still remember that performance, an excerpt, The Interrupted Dream, from The Peony Pavilion, that is still widely performed today. Because of the two Peking Opera artists’ fame, tickets sold out fast and the audience was excited,” Pai says.

    “People had been looking forward to Mei’s return and the show was phenomenal,” Pai adds. During the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), Mei, who specialized in nandan (man performing female roles), stopped performing for eight years, refusing to entertain the invaders and growing a moustache to show his determination. Nandan roles are a practice forged in feudal times when women were forbidden to take the stage.

    Pai as a child didn’t understand what Kunqu Opera was all about; he was only impressed by the art form’s beauty and the warm feedback of the audience. Gaining his degree in English literature from a local university and his master’s degree in literary theory and creative writing at the University of Iowa, Pai became a professor of Chinese literature at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and lived there for over three decades until his retirement in 1994. His many works include Taipei People and New Yorkers.

    It was in 2002, when Pai was invited to give a lecture on Kunqu Opera in Hong Kong, that he was inspired to produce the youth edition of The Peony Pavilion. Kunqu Opera faced a great challenge back then from modern life, and few people went to theaters to watch the old art form. “I wanted to let young people enjoy the beauty of Kunqu Opera. I wanted to build up a profound dialogue between the past and the present,” Pai says.

    For his lecture in Hong Kong, Pai not only narrated the history and cultural significance of Kunqu Opera but also had young performers display the singing and movements of The Peony Pavilion, an innovation that was widely praised by the students.

    The original play, known for its intricate portrayal of love and longing, was a cornerstone of Chinese literature and drama. A beautiful young woman named Du Liniang falls in love with Liu Mengmei, a handsome scholar she meets in her dream. She wakes up and finds that her longing for the man is so strong that it gradually causes her to fall ill and die. After her death, she persuades the judge of the underworld to grant her permission to return as a ghost to find him. She eventually finds Liu, who is temporarily staying at her family temple where she is buried. Their powerful love brings Du back to life, and they live happily ever after.

    “The Peony Pavilion is just like William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, which is timeless and embraced by different cultures. The difference is that Chinese people love a happy ending, so the couple conquered death and reunited,” Pai says.

    His version was specifically tailored to resonate with a younger audience, infusing the classic narrative with elements that appeal to modern sensibilities while preserving its historical essence. He invited Kunqu Opera actor Yu Jiulin and actress Shen Fengying to play the roles of Liu and Du, both in their 20s in 2004, similar in age as the targeted audiences.

    The original version tells the story in 55 acts, spanning eight hours in total. To appeal to the contemporary audience, Pai narrowed it down to 27 acts.

    Pai talked about the personal stories he encountered from audience members over the years, especially the exciting moments when the production toured four universities in the US in 2006. “We toured the US for a month. I was worried about the response of the audiences, whether they would be able to enjoy the old Chinese art form. To my surprise, our tickets sold out and our performances received long standing ovations,” Pai say.

    “For many, both the Chinese and Western audiences, the play was a gateway to discovering the complexities and beauty of Kunqu Opera, while for others, especially our creative team members and our then young performers, it was a profound reminder of the timeless nature of the story and the everlasting appeal of Kunqu Opera.”

    According to Weng Guosheng, one of the directors of the youth edition of The Peony Pavilion, Pai’s adaptation took bold steps to modernize the presentation of the play, incorporating innovative staging techniques, contemporary music elements, and a focus on themes that speak directly to today’s youth. “Pai’s approach was both respectful and revolutionary, maintaining the soul of the original, while introducing new dimensions to enhance its appeal to younger generations,” Weng says.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Harris’ post-debate gains sustained in US polls, but Republicans likely to gain Senate control

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne

    The United States presidential election will be held on November 5. In analyst Nate Silver’s aggregate of national polls, Democrat Kamala Harris leads Republican Donald Trump by 49.2–46.2. In my previous US politics article last Wednesday, Harris led Trump by 48.9–46.0.

    Joe Biden’s final position before his withdrawal as Democratic candidate on July 21 was a national poll deficit against Trump of 45.2–41.2.

    It’s been nearly two weeks since the September 10 debate between Harris and Trump. In my previous article I was sceptical that Harris’ post-debate gains would be sustained, but they have been.

    The US president isn’t elected by the national popular vote, but by the Electoral College, in which each state receives electoral votes equal to its federal House seats (population based) and senators (always two). Almost all states award their electoral votes as winner takes all, and it takes 270 electoral votes to win (out of 538 total).

    The Electoral College is biased to Trump relative to the national popular vote, with Harris needing at least a two-point popular vote win in Silver’s model to be the Electoral College favourite.

    Harris’ Electoral College win probability fell to a low of 35% on September 9 in Silver’s model, but she has surged back to favouritism with a 54% win probability, up from 43.5% last Wednesday. Silver’s model is now in better agreement with the FiveThirtyEight model, which gives Harris a 62% win probability.

    Pennsylvania is the most important swing state with 19 electoral votes, and Harris now leads there by 1.5 points, gaining 1.4 points since last week. Harris also has narrow leads in Michigan, Wisconsin and Nevada. If Harris wins all states she currently leads in, she wins the Electoral College by 276–262.

    Since my previous US article on Wednesday, Harris has continued to get good national polls and better polls from Pennsylvania and Michigan (15 electoral votes). This explains why she is again the favourite in Silver’s model after Trump had been the favourite from late August until last Thursday.

    In North Carolina, Trump leads by just 0.1 point, but there’s been a scandal about Republican gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson that broke Thursday, and there haven’t yet been North Carolina polls taken since this scandal. This scandal may hurt Trump in North Carolina, which has 16 electoral votes.

    Favourability ratings and economic news

    Harris now has a barely positive net favourability in the national FiveThirtyEight aggregate, at +0.3, with 46.9% favourable and 46.6% unfavourable. After large early gains, her ratings have improved slowly in the last month. Trump’s net favourability is -10.1, with 52.8% unfavourable and 42.7% favourable; his ratings are barely changed in the last month.

    Trump’s running mate JD Vance is unpopular with a -10.8 net favourable rating, while Harris’ running mate Tim Walz has a +3.8 net favourable, making him the most popular of the four. Biden remains unpopular with a -15.3 net approval. It’s best for Harris if Biden stays out of the headlines.

    In economic news, the US Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 0.5 points last Wednesday, the first time they have been reduced since 2020. Rates had risen from nearly zero to over 5% from 2022 to 2023.

    Silver’s economic index that averages six indicators is currently at +0.10. Many on the left despise the stock market, but its recent performance is offsetting worse data in other indicators.

    Republicans likely to gain Senate control

    Elections for the House of Representatives and Senate will be held concurrently with the presidential election on November 5. Single-member districts are used to elect the 435 House members, with states apportioned House seats on a population basis.

    House terms are only two years, so the last election of the House was at the November 2022 midterm elections, when Republicans won the House by 222 seats to 213 for Democrats on a national popular vote share of 50.0–47.3.

    The FiveThirtyEight aggregate of polls of the national House popular vote has Democrats ahead by 46.7–44.5. If Harris wins, Democrats have a good chance to regain control of the House.

    There are two senators for each of the 50 states. Senators have six-year terms, with one-third up for election every two years. Including independents who caucus with them, Democrats currently control the 100-member Senate by a 51–49 margin.

    This year Democrats and aligned independents will be defending 23 of the 33 regular Senate seats up for election (there will also be a byelection in the safely Republican Nebraska). Trump won West Virginia, Montana and Ohio easily in both 2016 and 2020, and Democrats are defending seats in all three states.

    With the retirement of former Democratic Senator (now independent) Joe Manchin, West Virginia is certain to be a Republican gain at this election, and the Republicans are also well ahead in Montana. If no other seats change hands, gaining West Virginia and Montana will give Republicans a 51–49 Senate majority.

    Democrats are just ahead in Ohio and have larger leads in Senate races in the presidential swing states of Arizona, Wisconsin, Nevada, Michigan and Pennsylvania (all Democratic held). They have outside chances of gaining seats in Florida and Texas.

    Even if Harris wins, Republicans are likely to gain at least a 51–49 Senate majority. The two senators per state rule advantages Republicans as they dominate low-population, rural states.

    If Democrats lose the Senate, even if Harris wins the presidency, Republicans would have a veto over Harris’ legislation, and her cabinet and judicial appointments. That means no left-wing judge would be appointed to the Supreme Court if a vacancy occurred.

    Adrian Beaumont 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. Harris’ post-debate gains sustained in US polls, but Republicans likely to gain Senate control – https://theconversation.com/harris-post-debate-gains-sustained-in-us-polls-but-republicans-likely-to-gain-senate-control-239385

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Scientists from NSU and ICG SB RAS have developed a new approach to collecting, storing and analyzing information about wheat ears

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    Scientists from NSU and ICG SB RAS presented a new approach to collecting, storing and analyzing information on the morphometric characteristics of a wheat ear. Students took an active part in the work on creating the SpikeDroidDB system Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics of NSU, Faculty of Information Technology NSU, and also Mathematical center in AkademgorodokWork on this project was carried out with the support of the Russian Science Foundation, project No. 23-14-00150.

    The SpikeDroidDB information system allows storing digital images of the ear, annotating their phenotypic characteristics according to 14 important traits and provides a flexible query system for accessing data.

    Using SpikeDroidDB, a collection of F2 hybrid ears from a cross between the Australian soft wheat variety Triple Dirk and the Chinese wheat sample KU506 Triticum yunnanense was digitized and annotated. An analysis of the variability of the ears in shape, length and width was carried out.

    The structure of the ear is one of the most important features of cereals, associated with such economically valuable qualities as productivity, resistance to environmental factors and pests, ease of threshing. Ears differ in shape, size, density, awns, color, etc.

    For breeders and geneticists, such parameters as the number of grains in an ear, the thousand-grain weight, and others are of great importance. These characteristics are closely related to plant productivity. A useful selection feature is the shape of the grain and such characteristics of the ear as its type, length, profile, the presence or absence of awns, the number of fertile and sterile spikelets (i.e., grain content), ear fragility, and the properties of the glume. Collecting and describing these features manually is a labor-intensive and lengthy process.

    — Researchers at our laboratory have long been working on an important task aimed at replacing the measuring methods of geneticists and breeders with a ruler and a computer or mobile phone. We would like to make it so that scientists no longer have to manually measure plant parameters, but simply take a photo of a wheat ear, while observing a number of technical conditions, and then obtain the information they are interested in by uploading this photo to our database. When creating it, we worked with conventional image analysis, that is, with digital vision, and applied deep machine learning in terms of image recognition using neural networks, identifying individual features and classification, — said the leading researcher at the Laboratory of Evolutionary Informatics and Theoretical Genetics of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, an employee of the Department of Information Biology Faculty of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University Dmitry Afonnikov.

    The complexity of the researchers’ work was that it was based on digital images of ears. They serve as the initial data when applying automatic phenotyping methods. When developing them, an important task is an expert assessment of many plant characteristics for their further use in training and verification of computer algorithms. However, many morphological features of the ear are usually assessed qualitatively, not quantitatively. Very often, they do not have a quantitative assessment. Such features include the shape of the ear, its density, the color of the ear, the pubescence of the glumes, the type of awns, the color of the awns, the shape of the ear, brittleness of the ear and many others. Therefore, the use of digital image analysis approaches to describe the shape of the grain and ear, as well as their comparison with the assessments of the ear features made by expert breeders, became an important task for the developers.

    — In our database, we have collected over 10,000 digital images of ears and described their structure and properties so that genetic scientists can obtain all the data they need from a photograph — the size of the ear, its thickness, width, presence of awns, color of the ears, etc., essentially replacing conventional measurements with image analysis. And as a result, we obtain more characteristics, and they are also more accurate. In this case, the automated system has more capabilities than a person. If a person determines some parameters “by eye”, then computer vision records them more accurately and productively. With the help of computer analysis of digital images, we can determine hundreds of parameters of ears — both basic and their derivatives, and then use them to develop methods and classifications, as well as to assess productivity. Such technologies provide a high degree of automation of information collection, its storage in databases, integration with data on the genotype and environmental parameters, and create the basis for intelligent analysis of the information received. There is another important advantage: a digital description of the ear and its image will be stored in the database for as long as necessary, whereas a dried ear placed in a paper envelope may crumble, change color or deteriorate, and the sample will be lost, explained Dmitry Afonnikov.

    In the SpikeDroidDB system, several images can be associated with each ear. For each of them, the protocol by which it was obtained is indicated. For shooting, the developers used two protocols for obtaining digital images of mature ears. They chose a blue background as the most contrasting to the color of the ears and allowing you to easily separate the object from the background. Shooting of the ears was carried out in two versions: in the first, the ear is located vertically in front of a blue background, the second shooting option provides for a horizontal position of the ears on the glass above the blue background.

    The prototype of the SpikeDroidDB system is available at this link http://speakedroid.biores.cytogen.ru/The main page contains brief information about the database, links for logging in or registering, and links to the main blocks of information in the database.

    Dmitry Afonnikov says that breeders and geneticists involved in developing new varieties of wheat are showing great interest in this development and are interested in working with it to automate painstaking and lengthy routine processes that require precision and concentration. In addition, the SpikeDroidDB system will help avoid subjective assessments, errors and inaccuracies in phenotyping ear samples.

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://www.nsu.ru/n/media/news/nauka/uchenye-ngu-i-itsig-so-ran-razrabotali-novyy-podkhod-dlya-sbora-khraneniya-i-analiza-informatsii-ok/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Am I The Asshole? How judging other people’s dirty laundry became the internet’s favourite pastime

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Melanie Myers, Sessional Academic, Creative and Professional Writing, The University of Queensland

    Shutterstock

    You don’t have to be an avid Reddit user to know about r/AITA, or Am I the Asshole? This subreddit’s digital afterlife reaches endlessly across the vast plains of social media – particularly on Facebook, where spin-off pages abound. There are dedicated AITA podcasts, X accounts and copycat columns – even a YouTube series.

    The original forum serves up neatly packaged snippets of other people’s personal dramas. Narcissistic exploits and gobsmacking tales of entitlement dominate the space, alongside run-of-the-mill social quandaries.

    While other subreddits have accumulated larger followings than AITA’s 20 million or so members, it remains one of the most popular and prolific. What makes it such a fertile content mine?

    From social gaffes to workplace spats

    The subreddit has become a place where thousands of users crowd-source “moral clarity” on all manner of grievances.

    It describes itself as “a catharsis for the frustrated moral philosopher in all of us” and “a place to finally find out if you were wrong in an argument that’s been bothering you”.

    The instructions encourage contributors to post about “any non-violent conflict” they’ve experienced. “Give us both sides of the story”, the blurb continues, “to find out if you’re right, or you’re the asshole”.

    Readers vote with the acronyms NTA/NAH (not the asshole/not an asshole), YTA (you’re the asshole) or ESH (everyone sucks here) and explain how they came to their decision.

    AITA posts and responses will often amass thousands of votes within hours.
    Reddit

    Why do we love the drama?

    When VICE’s Amelia Tate surveyed AITA readers in 2019, they reported a range of motivations for engaging with the content:

    Some readers turn to the sub to genuinely ask for advice, others prefer to offer their opinions, while still more tend to lurk silently, judging posts from afar.

    One data-scraping exercise revealed most AITA scenarios centre on relational obligations and uncertainty about what we owe others.

    In other words, the forum taps into our enduring concern with what it means to be “good” or “right”. For active participants, “being right on the internet” is an addictive pursuit indeed.

    But even for the casual reader, AITA serves up boundless material to ponder during lunch breaks, or to litigate with friends and family.

    One reader has described it as the “Jerry Springer for the digital age”. Another calls it a proxy to “eviscerate, trash, shame, and hate people”. Others again are drawn to the forum for a sense of connection.

    Beyond these innately human foibles, though, one blogger has observed how “almost all of these posts are a short story in themselves.”

    A winning storytelling formula

    Most AITA posts follow a recognisable formula. This reliable recipe has served not just the forum, but the internet as a whole, by producing digestible dilemmas for the masses to adjudicate.

    Each post must begin with the shortened form “AITA” or “WITBA” (would I be the asshole), followed by a question that encapsulates their situation. Savvy posters will pose their questions in a way that creates a hook for readers, much like the opening sentence of a gripping novel.

    The parties involved are usually introduced by a relational title with age and gender in parentheses. (For example, “I (23F) have been married to my husband (24M) for three years”.)

    The parties involved are usually introduced by a relational title (such as ‘best friend’ or ‘fiancé’), with age and gender in parenthesis.
    Reddit

    The OPs (original posters) can respond to comments by offering clarification or more information. They may also post an update on their dilemma, subject to moderator approval, to satisfy curious readers keen to know the outcome.

    Shaped through these formal rules and informal conventions, AITA has evolved into a collaborative form of first-person storytelling uniquely suited to online consumption.

    The content’s structure delivers drama in a familiar format that’s simple to repackage via social media, where clicks are currency and attention is fleeting. It also invites the reader, via its offer of moral arbitration, to play a central role in how the “narrative” develops and resolves.

    Cogs in the content-churning machine

    The AITA phenomenon speaks to a broader trend in digital media where user-generated content becomes the raw material for a vast ecosystem of derivative works and discussion.

    As a content mill that churns out close to a thousand posts a day, the subreddit ensures a steady stream of fresh material for other sites to trawl. And the more that other platforms repurpose this content, the more exposure the subreddit gets.

    Political theorist Jodi Dean has described ecosystems like AITA as examples of “communicative capitalism”, where communication itself becomes a commodity or source of profit. Within this system, user-generated content – such as AITA posts and replies – dissolves the line between producers and consumers.

    As a rich and vast source of capital, AITA begs closer inspection. If the value of a story is measured largely in quantitative terms (such as the number of upvotes, comments or shares it generates), does this flatten complex ideas and encourage users to chase engagement, rather than meaningful exchange?

    As we remain attuned to the self-perpetuating nature of digital storytelling, we’re sure to find fascinating – but perhaps uncomfortable – truths about the way human concerns are now reconfigured as cogs in the insatiable digital content machine.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Am I The Asshole? How judging other people’s dirty laundry became the internet’s favourite pastime – https://theconversation.com/am-i-the-asshole-how-judging-other-peoples-dirty-laundry-became-the-internets-favourite-pastime-234475

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: The Albanese Government invests in future psychologists fast tracking workforce expansion

    Source: Australian Ministers for Education

    The Albanese Government will increase the number of postgraduate psychology places at universities and provide more psychology internships and supervisors so Australians can access a psychologist when needed.  

    This will help remove barriers to studying and working in mental health, which is sorely needed while Australia faces a critical shortage of mental health workers. 

    The Albanese Government will support Australia’s leading universities to provide up to an additional 500 student places and grow postgraduate psychology courses over a four-year period. 

    Despite strong demand and interest from students, currently only 10 per cent will complete the required postgraduate course to become a registered psychologist due to the limited number of university places.   

    The following universities successfully applied for funding through the 2023–24 Postgraduate Psychology Incentive Program Grant Round and will provide 146 additional student places this year: 

    •    Australian National University 
    •    Central Queensland University 
    •    Charles Darwin University 
    •    Curtin University 
    •    Deakin University 
    •    Federation University 
    •    La Trobe University 
    •    Murdoch University 
    •    Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology 
    •    University of Adelaide 
    •    University of Canberra 
    •    University of Melbourne 
    •    University of New England 
    •    University of Queensland 
    •    University of South Australia 
    •    University of Southern Queensland 
    •    University of Sydney 
    •    University of Tasmania 
    •    University of the Sunshine Coast 
    •    University of Western Australia 
    •    University of Wollongong 
    •    Western Sydney University 

    To address bottlenecks in the psychology training pipeline, the Albanese Government will also provide Supporting Provisional Psychologists to Practice grants to increase the availability of psychology internships and supervisor training. 

    This initiative will support provisional psychologists by funding 681 one-year internships over a four-year period and up to 2860 Psychology Board of Australia endorsed supervisor training places. 

    To prioritise areas of greatest need, half the internships and supervisor training will be offered to people in First Nations communities, culturally and linguistically diverse communities and people living in regional, rural and remote areas of Australia. 

    The following organisations will deliver the internships and supervisor training: 
    •    Stream 1 – psychology internships: 
    o    Western Sydney University (NSW) – 84 places 
    o    Grand Pacific Health (NSW and ACT) – 30 places 
    o    Marathon Health (NSW) – 36 places 
    o    Therapy Pro (QLD) – 85 places 
    o    Flinders University (SA and NT) – 100 places 
    o    CatholicCare Victoria Tasmania (VIC and TAS) – 98 places 
    o    Autism Association of Western Australia (WA) – 48 places 
    o    The Cairnmillar Institute (National) – 200 places 

    •    Stream 2 – supervisor training: 
    o    James Cook University – 380 places 
    o    Deakin University – 480 places  
    o    The Australian Psychological Society – 1000 places 
    o    The Cairnmillar Institute – 1000 places 

    The Albanese Government has also committed to work with the Psychology Board of Australia to reform and redesign the psychology higher education and registration pathway to make it simpler for students to complete their studies and work in the mental health system.  

    The redesign will consider opportunities to streamline psychology training, embed a focus on practical learning, and address access and equity challenges with consultations due to commence early in 2025. 

    Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:  

    “Many students want to become registered psychologists but are unable to due to a lack of internships, supervisors and university places. Given the significant community need for this workforce it critical we expand training pathways. 

    “We are committed to ensuring Australians can access the mental health services they need when they need it and this investment into the psychology workforce will be essential to improving access.  

    “Our commitment will address the shortage of registered psychologists and help develop the next generation of registered psychologists.” 

    Quotes attributable to Minister Clare: 

    “We need more young Australians studying and working in mental health services. 

    “This is an important investment which will help support more Australians study psychology.” 

    Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride: 

    “The Albanese Labor Government is building the mental health workforce, so that everyone can access the mental health care they need close to home.  

    “We are providing even more opportunities for students to become registered psychologists by investing in additional psychology internships, supervisors and postgraduate places. 

    “This investment will support people in regional, rural and remote communities to get the care and support they need from registered psychologists.” 
     

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Woolworths and Coles sued by ACCC for allegedly misleading shoppers over the price of more than 500 products

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jeannie Marie Paterson, Professor of Law, The University of Melbourne

    At a time most people are trying to cut their weekly grocery bills, Australia’s supermarket giants have been hit with legal action for allegedly misleading shoppers over the price of hundreds of products.

    The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) on Monday announced it was launching separate actions in the Federal Court against the largest and second-largest grocery chains, Woolworths and Coles.

    The ACCC alleges the two have systematically misled consumers over price discounts on hundreds of everyday products. The ACCC chair, Gina Cass-Gottlieb, said the alleged wrongdoing involved the sales of “tens of millions” of products, reaping “significant” extra revenue for the businesses.

    Woolworths’ list of 266 items included Arnott’s Tim Tams, Dolmio sauces, Doritos salsa, Friskies cat food, Kellogg’s cereal and Stayfree pads, while the 245 products allegedly targeted by Coles included Arnott’s Shapes biscuits, Band-Aids, Bega cheese, Cadbury chocolates and Libra tampons.

    These were not one-off pricing errors. The ACCC alleges the misleading conduct took place over 20 months as part of the Woolworths “Prices Dropped” and the Coles “Down, Down” promotional campaigns.

    How shoppers were allegedly misled

    The ACCC alleges on repeated occasions the supermarkets’ strategy was to temporarily raise the price of goods before applying the so-called discount.

    The approach meant that although the boldly placed, coloured discount tickets showed a reduction from the previous “regular” price of the products, the discounted price was still higher than the price before the temporary price rise.

    The ACCC gave the example of how consumers were allegedly misled over savings on a 370-gram family pack of Oreo original biscuits.

    From at least January 1 2021 until November 27 2022, Woolworths offered the Oreos for sale at a regular price of $3.50 on a pre-existing “Prices Dropped” promotion. Then, on November 28 2022, the price was increased to $5.00 for 22 days.

    On December 20 2022, the product was placed on a “Prices Dropped” promotion with the tickets showing a “Prices Dropped” price of $4.50 and a “was” price of $5.00. The “Prices Dropped” price of $4.50 was in fact 29% higher than the product’s previous regular price of $3.50.

    What is the legal claim?

    The ACCC does not regulate prices. Instead, it acts on breaches of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, including making false or misleading claims about the prices of goods and services.

    While it was true that Woolworths and Coles reduced the shelf price of the products, the ACCC alleges they didn’t reveal that the starting price had recently been increased. It is this conduct of promoting a discount from a recently inflated price that the ACCC says would mislead consumers.

    The ACCC’s argument is the “ordinary and reasonable” consumer expects a discount to be genuine, not coming off a recently inflated price. The net effect of that strategy is just an increased price.

    Other cases

    This is not the first time the ACCC has pursued such a claim. In 2020, the commission successfully went after online retailer Kogan for engaging in a similar strategy.

    Kogan ran an online promotion advertising to consumers that they could use the code TAXTIME to reduce prices by 10% at the checkout. The court found the ads conveyed false or misleading representations because Kogan had increased the prices of more than 600 of its products immediately before the promotion by at least 10% per cent.

    A similar strategy of offering discounts that were not genuinely delivered has also been raised against insurer IAG. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) alleges IAG did not deliver promised loyalty discounts to customers because their premiums were increased before the discount was applied by more than the amount of the discount.

    IAG is now facing action for civil penalties from the regulator (ASIC) and a class action by affected customers.

    Potential penalties Woolies and Coles might face

    The ACCC is seeking fines (civil penalties) which could be significant. In the Kogan case, the Federal Court awarded penalties of $350,000.

    But since November 2022, potential penalties have risen. These increases are designed to ensure companies do not treat the possibility of being penalised as a cost of doing business that is outweighed (and disregarded) by the benefits that might come from contraventions of the law.

    These new penalty amounts work on a sliding scale: they start at $50 million but can go up to potentially 30% of a company’s turnover during the period of the contravening conduct.

    This amount is per contravention. This means, if the ACCC’s allegations of misleading conduct are established, each time the supermarkets misled consumers, they would technically be liable to pay the full penalty amount.

    That said, in such a case, a court would likely take a more holistic approach in setting the penalty, taking several matters into account including: the extent of the conduct, its impact on consumers, the gain to the business and whether the conduct was deliberate.

    Fittingly, the ACCC is also asking the supermarkets to make a contribution to charities that provide food to people in need.

    Notably, in May Qantas agreed with the ACCC to pay a penalty of $100 million, subject to court approval and in addition to compensating customers, for misleading conduct in selling tickets for flights it had already cancelled.

    Jeannie Marie Paterson receives funding from the Australian Research Council and DFAT.

    – ref. Woolworths and Coles sued by ACCC for allegedly misleading shoppers over the price of more than 500 products – https://theconversation.com/woolworths-and-coles-sued-by-accc-for-allegedly-misleading-shoppers-over-the-price-of-more-than-500-products-239585

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Earth is getting a tiny new mini-moon. It won’t be the first (or the last)

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laura Nicole Driessen, Postdoctoral researcher in radio astronomy, University of Sydney

    The minimoon 2020 CD3 orbited Earth between 2018 and 2020. International Gemini Observatory/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/G. Fedorets, CC BY

    Earth is going to have its very own mini-moon from September 29 until November 25. The regular Moon’s new, temporary friend is 2024 PT₅, an asteroid captured from the Arjuna asteroid group (called the “Arjunas”).

    Our new mini-moon is approximately 10 metres in diameter and will be captured by Earth’s gravity for 57 days. It’s small and faint, so it won’t be visible by the eye or with small telescopes, but will be visible to larger telescopes.

    What is a mini-moon?

    NASA defines “moons” as “naturally formed bodies that orbit planets”. Intuitively, we think of moons as big rocks that stick around for a while, like our very own Moon.

    Astronomers have defined mini-moons as asteroids or comets that are gravitationally captured by a planet for a temporary amount of time. Small mini-moons are very common, but ones big enough to spot are more rare.

    2024 PT₅ is only the fifth ever detected mini-moon captured by Earth.

    Orbiting or just flying by?

    A mini-moon is a “temporarily captured orbiter” if it completes at least one full orbit of the Earth before returning to its usual orbit around the Sun.

    If a mini-moon is captured by Earth’s gravity but doesn’t make it around for a full orbit, it’s a “temporarily captured flyby” instead.

    Two of Earth’s mini-moons were “temporarily captured orbiters”, while the other three (including 2024 PT₅) fall into the “temporarily captured flybys” category.

    Where do mini-moons come from?

    Mini-moons are asteroids from the large population of near-Earth objects (or NEOs) that are temporarily grabbed from their orbit around the Sun.

    Near-Earth objects are defined as natural physical objects floating in space, such as asteroids (space rocks) or comets (dirty space snowballs made of rock and ice), that are orbiting the Sun and approach to within 1.3 times Earth’s distance from the Sun at some point in their orbit.

    Because these objects are around the same distance from the Sun as the Earth, they can sometimes be captured by Earth’s gravity.

    2024 PT₅ and and a previous mini-moon called 2022 NX₁ were both captured from a group of asteroids orbiting the Sun at a similar distance from Earth, called the Arjunas. Arjuna is one of the main characters of the Hindu epic, Mahābhārata.

    The first mini-moon – and a fake one

    The first known mini-moon was called 1991 VG. It arrived in late 1991 and left in early 1992, and like 2024 PT₅ it was around 10 metres in diameter.

    The mini-moon 1991 VG (marked with green lines). This image was made by combining seven images from the European Southern Observatory (ESO) Very Large Telescope (VLT). All images were taken on May 30 2017. The images were taken by tracking the asteroid position, so background stars appear as streaks.
    Hainaut/Micheli/Koschny via Wikipedia, CC BY

    In 2002, amateur astronomer Bill Yeung found what he thought was a second mini-moon: J002E3.

    However, on closer inspection the object displayed a spectrum of light suggesting it was coated in white paint containing titanium oxide. Then, a study of how the object’s brightness changed over time found its shape resembled something like the upper stage of a rocket.

    Astronomers now believe J002E3 is the third stage of the Apollo Saturn V rocket (S-IVB) instead of a natural mini-moon.

    Images of the false mini-moon J002E3 taken by amateur Bill Yeung on September 3 2002.
    Bill Yeung / Bob Denny via Wikipedia, CC BY

    More discoveries – with a note of caution

    The plot twist of J002E3 made astronomers a bit more cautious. When another mini-moon (2006 RH₁₂₀) was spotted on September 14 2006, it was first classified as artificial. However, after more observations it turned out to be a natural mini-moon about 2–7 metres in diameter. 2006 RH₁₂₀ stuck around from July 2006 until July 2007.

    Animation of 2006 RH120’s orbit around Earth. The animation runs from April 1 2006 until November 1 2007. Earth is shown in blue, the Moon is shown in yellow and 2006 RH120 is shown in magenta.
    Phoenix7777/Wikipedia, CC BY

    The next mini-moon, 2020 CD₃, was gravitationally captured by Earth for more than two years, making it the longest-captured mini-moon observed to date. It escaped Earth’s orbit in May of 2020. This mini-moon was around 1–2 metres in diameter.

    Amateur astronomers Grzegorz  Duszanowicz and Jordi  Camarasa discovered 2022 NX₁ using the Moonbase South Observatory in Namibia. Similar to 2006 RH₁₂₀, it was initially thought to be an artificial object from a past space mission.

    It was later determined to originate from the Arjunas, just like 2024 PT₅. While it was discovered in 2022, it was temporarily captured by Earth’s gravity in January 1981 and June 2022. It’ll be captured again in December 2051.

    2022 NX₁ was later found to be a natural mini-moon 5–15 metres in diameter.

    Will we find more mini-moons?

    Modelling suggests that, at any given time, Earth has at least one captured mini-moon less than 1 metre in diameter.

    Even though astronomers think we always have a mini-moon, these bodies are challenging to detect. This is because they’re small and faint. They are usually found by projects specifically looking for asteroids near Earth.

    2024 PT₅ was discovered using the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS), which is an ongoing project specifically designed to search for asteroids. 2006 RH₁₂₀ and 2020 CD₃ were discovered using the ongoing Catalina Sky Survey (CSS) for Near Earth Asteroids. 1991 VG was discovered by the SPACEWATCH group using the Spacewatch Telescope.

    These projects will continue to search for asteroids, including mini-moons. We can also look forward to new discoveries and investigations when the Vera C. Rubin Observatory’s Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) starts observing in the next couple of years.

    This enormous project will take images of the entire sky every few days for a period of ten years. First light of the Vera C. Rubin observatory is expected in mid-2025.

    Laura Nicole Driessen is a brand ambassador for the Rise & Shine Education Orbit Centre of Imagination.

    – ref. Earth is getting a tiny new mini-moon. It won’t be the first (or the last) – https://theconversation.com/earth-is-getting-a-tiny-new-mini-moon-it-wont-be-the-first-or-the-last-239507

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs attends kick-off ceremony of entrepreneurship event for Hong Kong and Macao youths in Hengqin, Zhuhai (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs attends kick-off ceremony of entrepreneurship event for Hong Kong and Macao youths in Hengqin, Zhuhai (with photos)
    Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs attends kick-off ceremony of entrepreneurship event for Hong Kong and Macao youths in Hengqin, Zhuhai (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

         The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, arrived in Hengqin, Zhuhai, this morning (September 23) to attend the kick-off ceremony of an entrepreneurship event for Hong Kong and Macao youths.     With the theme of “New Quality Productive Forces Strive for High-quality Development”, the event aims to help Hong Kong and Macao youths who are developing their careers in Guangdong to engage in exchanges and gain further understanding of the industry development of Guangdong Province through visits, research and discussions. This will enable them to deepen their knowledge of new productivity, thereby facilitating their active integration into the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).     Speaking at the ceremony, Miss Mak said that young people are an important driving force for the country’s high-quality development. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government aims to provide more comprehensive support for Hong Kong youths through new rounds of the Funding Scheme for Youth Entrepreneurship in the GBA and the Funding Scheme for Experiential Programmes at Innovation and Entrepreneurial Bases, helping them pursue innovation and entrepreneurship in the GBA.     Miss Mak said that the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) jointly established the Alliance of Hong Kong Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurial Bases in the Greater Bay Area with the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Guangdong Province and the Human Resources and Social Security Department of Guangdong Province last year, gathering around 60 member organisations. Around 100 activities have been planned or held in Hong Kong and Guangdong by member organisations of the Alliance, which demonstrated the Alliance’s full support in helping Hong Kong youths to start their businesses in the GBA and enhancing their confidence in developing their careers in the GBA.     The event is organised by the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Guangdong Province, the executive committee of Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperate Zone in Hengqin, the HYAB of the HKSAR Government and the Education and Youth Development Bureau of the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region.     Miss Mak finished the visit and returned to Hong Kong on the same day.

     
    Ends/Monday, September 23, 2024Issued at HKT 12:55

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Offering end of life support as part of home care is important – but may face some challenges

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jennifer Tieman, Matthew Flinders Professor and Director of the Research Centre for Palliative Care, Death and Dying, Flinders University

    Andrew Angelov/Shutterstock

    Earlier this month, the government announced major changes to aged care in Australia, including a A$4.3 billion investment in home care.

    Alongside a shake up of home care packages, the Support at Home program will include an important addition – an end of life pathway for older Australians.

    This pathway will allow access to a higher level of in-home aged care services to help Australians stay at home as they come to the end of their life. Specifically, it will provide an extra A$25,000 for palliative support when a person has three months or less left to live.

    This is a positive change. But there may be some challenges to implementing it.

    Why is this important?

    Older people have made clear their preference to remain in their homes as they age. For most people, home is where they would like to be during their last months of life. The space is personal, familiar and comforting.

    However, data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows most people who die between the ages of 65 and 84 die in hospital, while most people aged 85 and older die in residential aged care.

    This apparent gap may reflect a lack of appropriate services. Both palliative care services and GPs have an important role in providing medical care to people living at home with a terminal illness. However, being able to die at home relies on the availability of ongoing support including hands-on care and assistance with daily living.

    Family members and friends often provide this support, but this is not always possible. Even when it is, carers may lack confidence and skills to provide the necessary care, and may not have enough support for and respite from their carer role.

    The palliative care funding offered within Support at Home should help an older person to remain at home and die at home, if that is their preference.

    Unless someone dies suddenly, care needs are likely to increase at the end of a person’s life. Supports at home may involve help with showering and toileting, assessing and addressing symptoms, developing care plans, managing medications, wound dressing, domestic tasks, preparing meals, and communicating with the person’s family.

    Occupational therapists and physiotherapists can assist with equipment requirements and suggest home modifications.

    End of life supports may also involve clarifying goals of care, contacting services such as pharmacists for medications or equipment, liaising with organisations about financial matters, respite care or funeral planning, as well as acknowledging grief and offering spiritual care.

    But we don’t know yet exactly what services the $25,000 will go towards.

    What do we know about the scheme so far?

    The Support at Home program, including the end of life pathway, is scheduled to start from July 1 2025.

    We know the funding is linked to a prognosis of three months or less to live, which will be determined by a doctor.

    Further information has indicated that an older person can be referred to a high-priority assessment to access the end of life pathway. We don’t know yet what this means, however they don’t need to be an existing Support at Home participant to be eligible.

    The pathway will allow 16 weeks to use the funds, possibly to provide some leeway around the three-month timeline.

    Although more details are coming to light, there are still some things which remain unclear.

    Home care providers will be looking for details on what can be covered by this funding and how they will work alongside primary care providers and health-care services.

    Older people and their families will want to know the processes to apply for this funding and how long applications will take to be reviewed.

    Everyone will want to know what happens if the person doesn’t die within three months.

    We’re awaiting certain details on what this new pathway will involve.
    Ground Picture/Shutterstock

    Some challenges

    Ready availability of appropriate supports and services will be crucial for older people accessing this pathway. Home care providers will therefore need to assess how an end of life pathway fits into their operational activities and how they can build the necessary skills and capacity.

    Demand for nurses with palliative care skills and allied health professionals is likely to increase. Providing end of life care can be especially taxing so strategies will be needed to prevent staff burnout and encourage self-care.

    How pathways are implemented in rural and remote areas and in different cultural and community groups will need to be monitored to ensure all older people benefit.

    Effective coordination and communication between home care, primary care and specialist palliative providers care will be key. Digital health systems that connect the sectors could be helpful. Family engagement will also be very important.

    Escalation pathways and referral pathways should be established to enable appropriate responses to emergencies, unexpected deterioration, and family distress.

    Finally, accurately determining when someone will die can be difficult. Knowing when the last three months of life starts may not be easy, particularly where frailty, cognitive issues and multiple health concerns may be present.

    This might mean some people are not seen as being ready for this pathway. Others may not be willing to accept this prognosis. An older person may also be expected to live with a terminal illness for many months or years. Their palliative care needs would not be met under this pathway.

    Despite these challenges, the announcement of an end of life pathway within the home care program is timely and welcome. As a population we are living longer and dying older. More details will help us be better prepared to implement this scheme.

    Jennifer Tieman receives grant funding from Department of Health and Aged Care and from SA Health. She is affiliated with Palliative Care SA, Palliative Care Australia and the Australian Institute for Digital Health.

    – ref. Offering end of life support as part of home care is important – but may face some challenges – https://theconversation.com/offering-end-of-life-support-as-part-of-home-care-is-important-but-may-face-some-challenges-239296

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Department of Sports launches the Swachhata Hi Seva with the theme of ‘Swabhav Swachhata- Sanskaar Swachhata

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 23 SEP 2024 11:01AM by PIB Delhi

    Department of Sports launched Swachhta Hi Seva (SHS) Campaign, 2024 on 17th September, 2024, which will culminate on 2nd October, 2024. The Campaign is in line with the Government of India’s vision of a Swachh Bharat. The theme for SHS 2024, “Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskar Swachhata” (स्वभाव स्वछता, संस्कार स्वछता ) entails collective responsibility and active participation from all the citizens of the country. Three key pillars of this campaign are-

    • Sampoorna Swachhata through Shramdaan –This aims to transformation of specific target units and overall cleanliness through shramdaan activities.
    • Swachhata Ki Bhagidari – This encourages public participation through awareness and advocacy in cleanliness efforts through various participatory activities.
    • Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivirs:  This provides for activities to felicitate and benefit safai mitras.  

    In SHS-2024 campaign, the Department of Sports and organizations under it, namely, Sports Authority of India (SAI), National Sports University (NSU), National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) and Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE) are working hand in hand to ensure widespread engagement and participation from every citizen, community, and organization during the fortnight to achieve the objective of SHS-2024.

    The Department and its organizations are organizing various awareness and swacchata activities from 14th September 2024 onwards which include mass shramdaan all across the country, plantation drives under ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, holding various competitions etc throughout the duration of Campaign.

    *****

    Himanshu Pathak

    (Release ID: 2057724) Visitor Counter : 77

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar to preside over as Chief Guest during the Sign Language Day celebrations in New Delhi tomorrow

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar to preside over as Chief Guest during the  Sign Language Day celebrations in New Delhi tomorrow

    Theme for the Sign Language Day-2024 is ‘Sign up for Sign Language Rights’

    Posted On: 22 SEP 2024 2:00PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment (SJE), Dr. Virendra Kumar will be the Chief Guest for the  Sign Language Day-2024 celebrations tomorrow, at Bhim Hall, Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, Janpath, New Delhi. MoS (SJE), Shri B.L.Verma, will be the Guest of Honour on the occasion.

    The Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), New Delhi, under the aegis of Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) [DEPwD], Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, will be organising the event.

    The theme of this year Sign Language Day-2024 is ‘Sign up for Sign Language Rights’.  The world will once again highlight the unity generated by sign languages. World leaders and other government officials are invited to strive towards a better implementation of the Rights of Person with Disabilities at the national level through the linguistic human rights of deaf people; And, to Sign up for sign language rights by working with our local and national associations to announce the achievement of a concrete goal for deaf communities on Sign Language day.

    During the event, the following Indian Sign Language (ISL) terms and Videos will be launched:

    1. Launch of 2500 terms in Indian Sign Language: To expand the existing ISL dictionary, ISLRTC has collaborated with 4 organizations working in the field and jointly developed the 2500 terms in Indian Sign Language. The organizations are YUNIKEE, Hyderabad for 1000 terms, India Signing Hands, Mumbai for 500 terms, Bridge Connectivity Solutions, Delhi for 500 terms and Anuprayaas, Mohali for 500 terms. The 2500 terms covers the various school subjects such as mathematics, science, language, geography and higher education areas such as philosophy, linguistics, computer science, etc., and sports, infrastructure, accessibility, etc.
    2. Launch of 100 concept videos in ISL: ISLRTC in collaboration with YUNIKEE developed 100 concept videos in Indian Sign Language for Hearing Impaired children of class 6th, covering various school subjects such as mathematics, science, social science and language. The special features of concepts videos are detailed explanation in ISL to develop concept clarity, graphical images to promote learning, Audio and subtitles to promote inclusive learning and illustration and examples to improve learning outcomes and academic achievements.
    3. Launch of ISL dictionary in 10 languages: To promote accessibility, the ISL dictionary will be made available in 10 Regional Languages.
    4. Launch of Educational Animated Videos in ISL: To develop morals values and new learning experience among hearing impaired children and to promote inclusive learning environment.
    5. Launch of Deaf Role Model Videos in ISL: To create inspiration, motivation, sense of purpose, moral values and guidance among hearing impaired children.
    6. The Centre conducted 7th Indian Sign Language Competition, 2024 – a national-level competition held for students with hearing disabilities. The students have showcased their creativity and knowledge by participating in the competition. All the winners of the 7th ISL competition will be distributed trophy and certificate during the Sign Language Day 2024 programme.

    The ISLRTC celebrates the occasion every year ever since the United Nations declared 23rd September as the International Day of Sign Languages. DEPwD and ISLRTC are making all the possible efforts to bring more citizens, stakeholders, service-providing agencies, schools for deaf, NGOs, activists, deaf leaders, educators, researchers etc. together into the fold of Sign Language Day, in order to create positive awareness about ISL among all sections of our society.

    The Day also reminds us of the need and importance of preserving sign languages as a part of linguistic and cultural diversity. All the professionals, parents of deaf, deaf students and institutions working in the field of Indian Sign Language, deaf education and differently-abled people from all walks of life are important target groups to rope into the Sign Language Day celebration.

    Dignitaries gracing the occasion would include Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, DEPwD; Dr. Sharanjeet Kaur, Chairperson, RCI; Shri Rajeev Sharma, Joint Secretary, DEPwD; and, Dr. Jitendra Sharma, Director, ISLRTC. Representatives from National Association of Deaf, All India Federation of Deaf Women and Indore Deaf Bilingual Academy and other representatives of the Deaf Community will also present on the occasion.

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    VM

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister attends the CEOs Roundtable

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 23 SEP 2024 7:01AM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacted with technology industry leaders in New York in a Roundtable anchored by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), School of Engineering. The tech-roundtable focused on Artificial Intelligence and Quantum; Biotechnology and Life Sciences; Computing, IT and Communication; and Semiconductor technologies.

    The CEOs participated in a deep dive with Prime Minister on the evolving technology landscape at a global level and how these cutting-edge technologies are contributing to the well-being of people around the world including in India. They touched upon how technology is being leveraged for innovations, which have the potential to revolutionize the global economy and human development.

    Prime Minister appreciated the efforts of the MIT School of Engineering and its Dean for bringing the technology leaders together. He noted that technology collaboration and efforts such as the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies [ICET] lie at the core of the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. He stressed that in his third term, India will make every effort to become the third largest economy in the world. He encouraged the companies to take advantage of India’s growth story for collaboration and innovation. They can co-develop, co-design, and co-produce in India for the world, harnessing the opportunities from India’s economic and technological growth. He assured the business leaders of India’s deep commitment to protection of intellectual property and to fostering tech-innovation.

    Prime Minister highlighted the economic transformation happening in India, particularly in electronics and information technology manufacturing, semiconductors, biotech and green development. He stated that his government was committed to making India a global hub of semiconductor manufacturing. He also dwelt on India’s BIO E3 policy to develop India into a biotech powerhouse. On AI, he noted that India’s policy is to promote AI for All, underpinned by its ethical and responsible use.

    The CEOs expressed their strong interest in investing and collaborating with India. India’s growing prominence as a global technology hub, driven by its innovation-friendly policies and flourishing market opportunities, got much appreciation from the tech-leaders. They also agreed that investing in startups would be a synergistic opportunity to innovate and develop newer technologies in India.

    MIT Professor Anantha Chandrakasan, Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer at the Institute and Dean of the MIT School of Engineering, who chaired the roundtable, thanked Prime Minister and CEOs for their participation, affirming MIT’s commitment to advancing technology and making it accessible for global good.

    List of CEOs who attended the Roundtable:

    Serial Number

    Name of the company

    Name of the CEO

    1

    Accenture

    Ms. Julie Sweet, CEO

    2

    Adobe

    Mr. Shantanu Narayen, Chairman, President, and CEO

    3

    AMD

    Ms. Lisa Su, CEO

    4

    Biogen Inc

    Mr. Chris Viehbacher, CEO

    5

    Bristol Myers Squibb

    Mr. Chris Boerner, CEO

    6

    Eli Lilly and Company

    Mr. David A. Ricks, CEO

    7

    Google

    Mr. Sundar Pichai , CEO

    8

    HP Inc.

    Mr. Enrique Lores, CEO & President

    9

    IBM

    Mr. Arvind Krishna, CEO

    10

    LAM Research

    Mr. Tim Archer, CEO

    11

    Moderna

    Dr. Noubar Afeyan, Chairman

    12

    Verizon

    Mr. Hans Vestberg, Chairman and CEO

    13

    Global Foundaries

    Mr. Thomas Caulfield, CEO

    14

    NVIDIA

    Mr. Jensen Huang, Founder, President and CEO

    15

    Kyndryl

    Mr. Martin Schroeter, CEO

     

    *****

    MJPS/BM

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: English rendering of PM’s address to the Indian Diaspora, New York, USA

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 23 SEP 2024 3:58AM by PIB Delhi

    Bharat Mata ki – Jai!

    Bharat Mata ki – Jai!

    Bharat Mata ki – Jai!

    Namaste U.S.! Now even our “Namaste” has gone multinational, transitioning from local to global, and it’s all because of you. Every Indian who holds Bharat close to their heart has made this possible.

    Friends, 

    You’ve come here from far and wide. Some faces are familiar, while others are new. Your love is a great honour for me. I recall the days when I wasn’t a PM, wasn’t a CM, wasn’t a leader at all. Back then, I used to come here as an inquisitive traveller, eager to see and understand this land, carrying many questions in my mind. Even when I held no official position, I had already toured almost 29 states in America. Later, when I became a CM, I continued connecting with you through technology. As a PM, too, I’ve received immense affection and warmth from you. In 2014, it was Madison Square; Sam Jose in 2015; Houston in 2019; Washington in 2023; and now New York in 2024, and each time, you surpass the last record.

    Friends, 

    I’ve always recognized the strength of the Indian diaspora. Even when I held no official post, I understood it, and I understand it today. You have always been Bharat’s strongest brand ambassadors for me. That’s why I call you the ‘Rashtradoot’ (nation’s emissaries). You’ve connected America to Bharat and Bharat to America. Your skills, talent, and commitment are unparalleled. Though you’ve crossed seven seas, no ocean is deep enough to separate you from the Bharat that resides in your hearts. What Maa Bharti has taught us, we can never forget. Wherever we go, we treat everyone like family. Embracing diversity, living it, and integrating it into our lives—these are our values, embedded in our very being. We are from a country with hundreds of languages and dialects, home to every religion and sect. Yet, we move forward as one and united. In this very hall, some speak Tamil, others Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Punjabi, Marathi, or Gujarati. Our languages may differ, but our spirit is one: “Bharat Mata ki Jai” (Victory to Mother Bharat), the spirit of Indianness. This is our greatest strength in connecting with the world. These values naturally make us ‘Vishwa Bandhu’ (global friend). As our scriptures say, तेन त्यक्तेन भुंजीथा: meaning those who sacrifice are the ones who truly enjoy. We find happiness by doing good to others and by sacrificing.  Wherever we live, this spirit remains unchanged. We contribute maximum to the societies we live in. In America, be it as doctors, researchers, tech professionals, scientists, or in other professions, you’ve soared high, and the world has witnessed it.  Just a short while ago the T-20 Cricket World Cup was held here and the USA team played amazingly, and the world has also seen the contribution of the Indians living here in that team.

    Friends, 

    For the world, AI means artificial intelligence, but I believe AI stands for America-India. This America-India spirit is the AI power of the new world, elevating Bharat-America relations. I salute all of you, the Indian diaspora. 

    Friends, 

    Wherever I go in the world, I hear nothing but praise for the Indian diaspora from every leader. Just yesterday, President Biden invited me to his home in Delaware. His warmth and hospitality were truly touching. This honour is for 140 crore Indians, for your hard work, for the millions of Indians living here. I extend my gratitude to President Biden and to all of you. 

    Friends, 

    The year 2024 is crucial for the world. On one side, we see conflicts and tensions among nations, while on the other, some countries are celebrating democracy. Bharat and America are together in this celebration of democracy. Elections are upcoming here in the U.S., while Bharat has already held its elections. These elections in Bharat were the largest in human history. You can imagine: almost double the number of voters as the total population of the U.S., and more voters than the entire population of Europe! So many people cast their votes in Bharat. When we see the scale of Bharat’s democracy, it fills us with pride. A three-month-long polling process, 15 million polling staff, over a million polling stations, more than 2,500 political parties, more than 8,000 candidates, thousands of newspapers in different languages, hundreds of radio stations, TV news channels, millions of social media accounts, lakhs of social media channels—all of this makes Bharat’s democracy vibrant. It’s an era of expanding freedom of expression, and our electoral process undergoes scrutiny at this level.

    And friends, 

    This long election process has led to something unprecedented in Bharat this time. What happened? What happened? What happened? ‘Abki Baar – ’ (This time again—), ‘Abki Baar – ’ (This time again—), ‘Abki Baar – ’ (This time again—)!

    Friends, 

    Our government has been re-elected for the third time. This hadn’t happened in Bharat in the last 60 years. The mandate the people of Bharat has given us is huge and significant. In this third term, we have even greater goals to achieve. We must move forward with three times the strength and three times the speed. You’ll remember one word: PUSHP (flower). Yes, consider it a lotus, I have no objections. PUSHP, and I define this PUSHP. P for Progressive Bharat, U for Unstoppable Bharat, S for Spiritual Bharat, H for Humanity First Bharat, and P for Prosperous Bharat. Together, these five petals of PUSHP will shape a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).

    Friends, 

    I am the first Prime Minister of Bharat born after independence. During the freedom struggle, millions of Indians dedicated their lives to Swaraj (self-rule). They didn’t think of their personal interests or comfort zones; they forgot everything and fought against the British. Some were hanged, some were shot, some endured torturous imprisonment, and many spent their youth in jail.

    Friends, 

    We couldn’t die for our country, but we can surely live for it. Dying wasn’t in our destiny, but living is our destiny. Right from day one, my mind and mission has been clear. I couldn’t give my life for ‘Swaraj’ (independence), but I decided to dedicate my life to ‘Suraj’ (good governance) and a ‘Samridh’ (prosperous) Bharat. A large part of my life was spent wandering across the country for years. Wherever I found food, I ate; wherever I found a place to sleep, I slept. From the shores of the ocean to the mountains, from deserts to snow-covered peaks, I met people from every region, got to know and understand them. I gained first-hand experience of my country’s life, its culture, and its challenges. Though my path was different, destiny brought me into politics. I never imagined becoming a Chief Minister, but I became Gujarat’s longest-serving CM for 13 years. I remained Gujarat’s Chief Minister for 13 years and then people promoted me to Prime Minister. But the lessons I learned traveling through the country have shaped my governance model, both at the state and central levels. Over the past 10 years, the success of this governance model is evident to you and the world. And now, with great trust, the people of Bharat have given me a third term. I approach this third term with three times the sense of responsibility.

    Friends, 

    Today, Bharat is one of the world’s youngest nations. Bharat is filled with energy and dreams. Every day, new records are being set. Every day, new news. Just today, we received great news: Bharat won gold in both men’s and women’s categories at the Chess Olympiad. But let me tell you one more thing, which will require even more applause. For the first time in nearly 100 years, this has happened! The whole country and every Indian is proud of our chess players. There’s another AI driving Bharat. And what is that? It is A for Aspirational and I for Bharat: Aspirational Bharat. This is our new energy. The aspirations of millions of Indians are driving Bharat’s growth. Every aspiration is giving rise to new achievements, and every achievement is fuelling new aspirations. In just one decade, Bharat has risen from the 10th to the 5th largest economy. Now every Indian wants Bharat to quickly become the third-largest economy. Today, a large section of Bharat’s population has seen their basic needs met. Over the past 10 years, crores of people have gained access to clean cooking gas, piped water, electricity, and toilets. These crores of people now aspire to a better quality of life.

    Friends,

    Now, the people of Bharat don’t just want roads; they want magnificent expressways. Now, the people of Bharat don’t just want rail connectivity; they want high-speed trains. Every city in Bharat aspires to have metro services, and every city wants its own airport. Every citizen, whether from a village or a city, wants world-class facilities, and we are seeing the results of these aspirations. In 2014, only 5 cities in Bharat had metro services; today, 23 cities have metros. Bharat now has the second-largest metro network in the world, and it is expanding every day.

    Friends,

    In 2014, only 70 cities in Bharat had airports; today, more than 140 cities have airports. In 2014, fewer than 100 gram panchayats had broadband connectivity; today, more than 200,000 panchayats have it. In 2014, Bharat had around 140 million LPG consumers; today, the number has risen to over 310 million. What used to take years to accomplish is now being completed in months. There is a new confidence in Bharat’s people, a determination to reach their goals. Development in Bharat is becoming a people’s movement, and every Indian is becoming an equal partner in this movement of development. They believe in Bharat’s success and in its achievements.

    Friends,

    Today, Bharat is a land of opportunities. Bharat no longer waits for opportunities; Bharat creates opportunities. Over the past 10 years, Bharat has prepared a new launching pad for opportunities in every sector. Look at this – just in the last decade, and this will make you proud, 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty. How did this happen? It happened because we changed the old mindset and approach. We focused on empowering the poor. We connected more than 500 million people to the banking system, provided more than 550 million people with free medical treatment up to 500,000 rupees, gave over 40 million families proper housing, and through collateral-free loans, we provided millions of people with ease of credit. Many such initiatives helped people lift themselves out of poverty, and those who have emerged from poverty today form the neo-middle class, which is driving Bharat’s development at a faster pace.

    Friends,

    We have prioritized women-led development alongside women’s welfare. The crores of houses built by the government have been registered in the name of women. Out of the crores of bank accounts opened, more than half were in women’s names. Over the past decade, 10 crore Indian women have joined the Micro Entrepreneurship Scheme. Let me give you another example. We are making significant efforts to integrate agriculture with technology in Bharat, and today, drones are being used extensively in farming. While drones may not be new to you, what might surprise you is this: do you know who is taking responsibility for them? It’s rural women. We are training thousands of women to become drone pilots, and this remarkable technological revolution in agriculture is being driven by rural women.

    Friends,

    The areas once neglected have now become national priorities. Bharat is more connected today than ever before. You may be astonished to learn the current size of Bharat’s 5G market. Would you mind if I told you? Today, Bharat’s 5G market is larger than that of the United States, and this achievement has been made within just two years. Now, Bharat is working on Made-in-India 6G. How did this happen? It happened because we devised policies to advance this sector. We invested in Made-in-India technology, affordable data, and mobile phone manufacturing. Today, nearly every major mobile brand in the world is Made in India. Bharat is now the second-largest mobile manufacturer globally. There was a time, before my tenure, when we were importing mobile phones; today, we are exporting them.

    Friends, Bharat no longer lags behind. Now, Bharat creates new systems and leads the way. Bharat has introduced the world to a new concept of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). DPI has promoted equality and become a powerful tool in reducing corruption. Bharat’s UPI is now capturing the world’s attention. While you may have a wallet in your pocket, in Bharat, people have both physical wallets and e-wallets on their phones. Many Indians no longer carry physical documents, as they now use DigiLocker. When travelling to airports, they seamlessly use DigiYatra. This has become the launching pad for digital public infrastructure, innovation, job creation, and every related technology.

    Friends,

    Bharat will not stop now, nor will it slow down. Bharat envisions a future where as many global devices as possible operate on Made-in-India chips. We have made the semiconductor sector the foundation of Bharat’s accelerated growth. In June last year, Bharat announced incentives for the semiconductor industry, and just a few months later, the foundation stone for Micron’s first semiconductor unit was laid. To date, five such units have been approved in Bharat. The day is not far when you will see Made-in-India chips here in America as well. This small chip will elevate Bharat’s journey towards development to unprecedented heights, and that’s Modi’s promise.

    Friends,

    The resolve and commitment towards reforms in Bharat today are unprecedented. Our Green Energy Transition Programme is a prime example of this. Despite accounting for 17 percent of the world’s population, Bharat’s contribution to global carbon emissions is only 4 percent. We played no part in harming the planet. In fact, compared to the rest of the world, our impact is nearly negligible. We, too, could have fuelled our growth by relying on carbon emissions, but we chose the path of green transition, guided by our deep-rooted respect for nature. As a result, we are investing heavily in solar, wind, hydro, green hydrogen, and nuclear energy. Bharat was the first country in the G20 to achieve the Paris climate goals. Since 2014, our solar energy capacity has increased by over 30 times. We are working to make every home in the country a solar-powered home. To achieve this, we have launched an extensive rooftop solar mission. Today, our railway stations and airports are transitioning to solar energy. From homes to streets, Bharat has embarked on a journey towards energy-efficient lighting. These efforts are generating a large number of green jobs in Bharat.

    Friends,

    21st-century Bharat is advancing through education, skills, research, and innovation. You are all familiar with the name Nalanda University. Not long ago, Bharat’s ancient Nalanda University was revived in a modern form. Today, it’s not only the university but also the spirit of Nalanda that is being reborn. We are creating a modern educational ecosystem that attracts students from across the globe to come to Bharat and study. Over the past 10 years, something remarkable has happened in Bharat. In this period, one new university has been built in Bharat every week, two new colleges have been established every day, and one new ITI has opened each day. In a decade, the number of IIITs has risen from 9 to 25, IIMs from 13 to 21, and AIIMS has tripled to 22. The number of medical colleges has nearly doubled in the same period. Today, even the world’s top universities are coming to Bharat. Bharat is now renowned. The world has long witnessed the power of Indian designers; now it will witness the brilliance of ‘Design in India’.

    Friends,

    Today, Bharat’s partnerships are expanding globally. Previously, Bharat followed a policy of Equal Distance, but now it embraces a policy of Equal Proximity. We are also becoming a strong voice for the Global South. You may have noticed that, due to Bharat’s initiative, the African Union was granted permanent membership at the G20 Summit. Today, when Bharat speaks on the global stage, the world listens. Not long ago, when I said, “This is not the era of war,” the gravity of the statement was understood worldwide.

    Friends,

    Whenever there is a crisis anywhere in the world, Bharat is one of the first to respond. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we sent vaccines and medicines to over 150 countries. Whether it was an earthquake, a cyclone, or a civil war, we were among the first to offer assistance. This is a reflection of the values and teachings passed down by our ancestors.
    Friends,

    Bharat is emerging as a new catalyst on the global stage, and its influence will be felt across all sectors. Bharat’s role will be crucial in accelerating global growth, promoting global peace, advancing climate action, closing the global skills gap, driving innovation, and stabilising the global supply chain.

    Friends,

    For Bharat, power and capability are symbolised by “ज्ञानायदानायचरक्षणाय”, meaning knowledge is for sharing, wealth is for caring, and power is for protecting. Therefore, Bharat’s priority is not to impose its dominance but to enhance its influence. We are not like fire that burns; we are like the sun’s rays that provide light. We do not seek to dominate the world but to contribute to its prosperity. Whether it’s promoting yoga, advocating for superfood millets, or championing the Mission LiFE vision (Lifestyle for the Environment), Bharat is prioritizing human-centric growth alongside GDP-centric growth. I urge you all to promote Mission LiFE as much as possible here. Small changes in our lifestyle can have a significant positive impact on the environment.

    You may have heard, and perhaps some of you have already participated, in a movement that’s gaining momentum in Bharat. Across the country, people are planting a tree in honour of their mothers (Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam). If your mother is alive, plant a tree along with her. If she is no longer with us, plant a tree in her memory – carry a picture of her with you and plant a tree. This movement is taking place in every corner of Bharat, and I encourage all of you to initiate a similar campaign here. This will not only honour the mothers who gave us life but also our Mother Earth.

    Friends,

    Bharat today dreams big and pursues those dreams with determination. The Paris Olympics concluded just a few days ago, and the next host will be the USA. Soon, you will also witness the Olympics being held in Bharat. We are making every possible effort to host the 2036 Olympics. Whether in sports, business, or entertainment, Bharat has become a centre of global attraction. Today, Indian leagues like the IPL rank among the world’s top leagues, and Indian films are making waves internationally. Bharat is also soaring in global tourism. There is a growing interest in celebrating Indian festivals across different countries. I notice that people in cities everywhere are now learning Garba for Navratri—this reflects their love for Bharat.

    Friends,

    Today, every country seeks to learn more about Bharat. I have something else that will bring you joy. Just yesterday, America returned 300 ancient inscriptions and statues to Bharat, some as old as 1,500 to 2,000 years, which had been stolen from Bharat So far, the United States has returned around 500 such artefacts to Bharat. This is not just about the return of a few items; it is a tribute to our rich heritage spanning thousands of years. It is a matter of pride for Bharat and for all of you. I am deeply grateful to the US government for this gesture.

    Friends,

    The partnership between Bharat and the United States is growing stronger by the day. Our collaboration is for the benefit of the world. We are enhancing cooperation across all sectors, and your convenience has been taken into account as well. Last year, I announced that our government would open a new Consulate in Seattle, which has now become operational. I had also sought your suggestions for the opening of two more consulates, and I am pleased to inform you that, based on your feedback, Bharat has decided to open two new consulates in Boston and Los Angeles.

    I am also delighted to announce the establishment of the Thiruvalluvar Chair for Tamil Studies at the University of Houston. This will further help in propagating the philosophy of the great Tamil saint Thiruvalluvar to the world.

    Friends,

    This event of yours has truly been remarkable. The cultural programme that took place here was fantastic. I have been informed that thousands of people wished to attend this event, but the venue proved to be too small. I apologise to those whom I couldn’t meet today. I look forward to meeting all of you next time, at another venue on another day. However, I know the enthusiasm will remain the same, and the passion will remain undiminished. May you all stay healthy and prosperous, and continue to strengthen the India-US friendship. With these wishes, I extend my heartfelt thanks to you all!

    Join me in saying:

    Bharat Mata ki Jai!

    Bharat Mata ki Jai!

    Bharat Mata ki Jai!

    Many thanks.

    DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of PM’s speech. Original speech was delivered

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister addressed the Indian community in New York

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 23 SEP 2024 12:28AM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today addressed a large gathering of the Indian community at an event in Long Island, New York. Over 15,000 people attended the event.

    Prime Minister was welcomed by the community with exceptional warmth and enthusiasm. Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister noted that the India-US relationship is profoundly enriched by the Indian American community, which plays a pivotal role in fostering ties between the two great democracies. Prime Minister spoke about his meeting with President Biden the previous day in his home in Delaware. This special gesture reflected the bridge of trust that the Indian community has built with the United States.

    Prime Minister spoke about his vision for Viksit Bharat by 2047. He noted that the largest democratic exercise in human history had given him a historic third term, in which he was committed to work for the progress of India with ever greater dedication. He highlighted transformative changes in India in the last decade- from creation of next-generation infrastructure to pulling 250 million people out of poverty, India’s economic growth and going from being the 10th largest economy to the 5th largest, and now aiming at becoming the third largest economy in the world.

    Prime Minister underlined the government’s commitment to pursuing reforms to meet the aspirations of the people. He referred to the new vibrancy in the country, with innovation, entrepreneurship, start-ups, financial inclusion and digital empowerment propelling growth and prosperity. He highlighted the transformative impact at the grassroots level of women-led development and green transition.

    Prime Minister noted that India was a major contributor to global growth, prosperity, peace and security, climate change action, innovation, supply and value chains, and in filling global skill-gaps. India’s voice today resonated deeper and louder in the global arena, he added.

    Prime Minister announced plans to open two new Indian consulates in the US- in Boston and Los Angeles – and a Thiruvalluvar Chair of Tamil studies in the University of Houston. These initiatives would further strengthen the living bridge between India and its diaspora in the United States. He expressed the hope that the Indian diaspora, with its strong convening strength, would continue to play a crucial role in fostering closer ties between India and the US.

    *****

    MJPS/SR/BM

    (Release ID: 2057690) Visitor Counter : 77

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: First ever Tri-services Future Warfare Course to begin on September 23

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 22 SEP 2024 5:11PM by PIB Delhi

    First of its kind, a tri services “Future Warfare” course is scheduled to be conducted in New Delhi from 23 – 27 September 2024 under the aegis of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff. A pioneering initiative by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, this will be a rank agnostic course for Major Generals to Majors and their equivalent level officers from other services. The course intends to acquaint the officers with the operational and technological aspects of modern warfare.

    The course will focus on key areas related to future warfare to develop an understanding on the manner in which future wars will manifest in terms of being contact, non-contact, kinetic, non-kinetic, psychological or informational as also the domains where they will be fought, be it cyber, space or electromagnetic spectrum. It will also throw light on how emerging and disruptive technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, robotics and hypersonics will impact the conduct of warfare.

    The need for a Future Warfare Course for Tri Services officers arises from the rapidly evolving nature of modern warfare, driven by technological advancements, changing global dynamics, and emerging threats. Officers must be equipped to navigate this complex landscape, leveraging new technologies, and adapting to innovative tactics. The course will foster jointness, and facilitate the development of a cohesive, futuristic, and tech-savvy force, capable of securing national interests in an increasingly uncertain and competitive environment.

    The course has been curated by Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff with the help of veteran and serving subject matter experts. Subsequent courses will build upon the curriculum of this course and be of longer duration with the larger objective of making the Indian Armed Forces “FUTURE READY”.

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     VK/SR/Anand

    (Release ID: 2057584) Visitor Counter : 75

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh to formally inaugurate Sainik School, Jaipur

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 22 SEP 2024 6:30PM by PIB Delhi

    Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh will formally inaugurate Sainik School, Jaipur in Rajasthan on September 23, 2024. It is part of the Government’s vision to set-up 100 new Sainik Schools across the country in partnership with NGOs, state governments and private schools. These new schools will be apart from the existing 33 Sainik Schools already functioning under the erstwhile pattern.

    Ministry of Defence has accorded approval to 45 new Sainik Schools under the partnership mode. These new schools, besides their affiliation to respective education boards, will function under the aegis of Sainik Schools Society and follow the Rules & Regulations. In addition to their regular affiliated board curriculum, they will impart education of Academic PLUS curriculum to the students of Sainik School pattern.

    In September 2023, Sainik Schools Society had signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Shri Bhawani Niketan Shiksha Samiti for the establishment of a new Sainik School at Shri Bhawani Niketan Public School, Jaipur. The school commenced functioning in the present academic year.

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    VK/SR/Savvy

    (Release ID: 2057614) Visitor Counter : 67

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Business – EMA highlights mindfulness in the workplace for Mental Health Awareness Week – EMA

    Source: EMA

    The Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) is supporting Mental Health Awareness Week by reminding businesses of the importance of mindfulness in the workplace.
    According to EMA Head of Advocacy Alan McDonald, by applying the principles of mindfulness, workers experience less stress, better self-awareness and awareness of others.
    2024 Workplace Wellbeing survey
    Last month, the EMA and nib New Zealand (nib) released the 2024 Workplace Wellbeing survey results, which showed declining mental and physical health, as well as concerns about family wellbeing as a result of the cost-of-living crisis.
    “With employees experiencing financial strain, health issues, concerns for the future and more, it’s no surprise that they’re seeking stability in their current workplaces. It’s clear that when employers take steps to proactively manage wellbeing, employees respond positively, helping to alleviate some of the broader societal pressures,” he says.
    Better understanding of how anxiety is triggered
    “Mindfulness and resilience training have become recognised as essential skills to live and lead in uncertain times and the EMA has significant expertise in these areas.
    “Our courses include the neuroscience of stress and anxiety, which we apply to relatable experiences both in and out of the workplace.
    “By understanding where and how anxiety issues are triggered, we become better placed to ‘short circuit’ negative thinking before it snowballs into bigger issues. We can’t control what happens to us, but we can better control how we interpret and react to these issues.”
    McDonald says the EMA is focussed on supporting both its members and the wider business community through the current economic challenges.
    “The most important asset for any business is its people. That’s why it’s so important to help employers understand what might be going on with their team and consider how to respond.
    “We’ve got a range of resources, tools and learning programmes that are designed to help small to medium businesses drill down into the challenges and identify the right solution for them,” he says.
    Further information
    More information on EMA courses on Mental Health Awareness Training and other Workplace Wellbeing Learning can be found here: Workplace Wellbeing Courses: Upskill Professional Training | EMA https://ema.co.nz/learning/workplace-wellbeing/portfolio/

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Education – Festival vibes at NMIT’s Open Day

    Source: Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology

    NMIT welcomed over 1500 visitors to their Open Day on Saturday 21 September, with some travelling from across the country to learn more about programmes on offer and to explore the Nelson campus.
    The NMIT Open Day brought the four campuses from around Te Tauihu (the top of the South Island) together to share what’s on offer at NMIT and celebrate its partnerships with local industry and the community.
    Food, music, entertainment and stalls all contributed to the festival vibe. Tutors and industry professionals held demonstrations, showcased state-of-the-art equipment and talked to potential learners about the pathways from studying to a career.
    The different study areas created an array of hands-on experiences for visitors, including decorating cakes, changing a car tyre, abseiling down a building, designing a digital artwork, hopping in an Air Force helicopter or rescue boat, or being pampered with a hair treatment.
    Dr Susannah Roddick, Director Academic and Teaching, said the day was a huge success.
    “The sun came out and so did the community! It was fantastic to see so many people flooding the campus, enjoying the entertainment, chatting to tutors and exploring our facilities and services.”
    Susannah said prospective learners and their whānau appreciated the access to tutors, learner support services, industry experts and the campus.
    “When considering future study options, it really helps to talk directly to a tutor about all sorts of details like class sizes, entry requirements and timetables. Having our community and industry partners, like Air New Zealand, Cawthron Institute and Findex, present on the day also gives people a good picture of career opportunities following graduation.” 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Cuts – PSA strongly opposes any clawback on flexible work arrangements

    Source: PSA

    Govt job cuts to blame for Wellington’s ills, not working from home
    The Government’s reckless decisions to axe thousands of public service jobs are what is hammering the Wellington economy, not working from home.
    “If the Government really cared about the Wellington economy, then it shouldn’t have cut thousands of hard working, dedicated public service workers from its payroll,” said Duane Leo National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
    “The directive from Public Service Minister Nicola Willis to reduce numbers of people working from home is just a scapegoat for the real problem which is of the Government’s own making.
    “Taking the spending power of thousands of public service workers out of the Wellington economy is what is damaging businesses, and the Government must take full responsibility for its poor leadership and economic management.
    “Simply telling workers to come back to the city a few more days a week won’t revive the Wellington economy. In a cost-of-living crisis, people are already saving money by making their own lunches and cutting down on coffees and after work drinks.”
    The decision is out of step with modern workplaces, across the private and public sector and around the world which have embraced flexible working because of its many benefits.
    The latest Shaping Business Study by 2Degrees underlines this with the majority (51%) saying it has increased productivity and more than a third (37%) saying it helps to recruit and retain staff.
    “Many public servants already have flexible working built into the employment agreements that have been negotiated by unions and employers. The Government can’t just disregard negotiated employment agreements.
    “Workers have made decisions around their family life based on these agreements, and its particularly important for our disabled kaimahi. Flexible work arrangements make it easier for those who face challenges being in the office every day to have rewarding and productive 40-hour weeks.
    “The PSA will be backing our members to stand together to hold onto their legal entitlements.
    “This directive is just par for the course from a government which has consistently attacked public service workers and the role they play in supporting the economy.
    “More job cuts are likely, and the Government has made it clear in the latest Workforce Policy Statement that it wants to clamp down on pay rises.
    “All the evidence shows austerity doesn’t work. The Government should be investing in public services and stop blaming public service workers for the damage caused by its own policies,” said Duane Leo.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: View from The Hill: The Greens’ demands on the RBA make for bad economic policy. Is it also crazy politics?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    When the Greens tell Labor they’re ready to negotiate, what they usually mean is they’re preparing to make populist demands that can’t or shouldn’t be met.

    So it is with their “ask” on the Reserve Bank legislation.

    Treasurer Jim Chalmers wants to split the Reserve Bank board into two, one to run monetary policy and the other to administer the bank.

    He got close to agreement with the Liberals, but then they saw an advantage in walking away. The Greens jumped in to fill the void, demanding an interest rate cut in exchange for their support.

    “Both the Treasurer and the RBA Governor have said the reforms are important. Now they know what they have to do to get them done – provide some much needed relief to mortgage holders,” the minor party’s treasury spokesman Nick McKim said on social media on Monday.

    “We are unashamedly using our political power to fight for mortgage holders who are getting smashed by high interest rates.

    “The power exists for the Treasurer to bring down interest rates. Time to stop the pretence that the RBA is independent.

    “Time for Jim Chalmers to end his ritual ashen-faced handwringing, end the pretence there’s nothing he can do, and intervene to bring down interest rates,” McKim said.

    “We are deliberately bringing the RBA into the centre of the political debate where it belongs. The RBA board are unelected technocrats, not high priests who are beyond criticism. Every decision they make is political.”

    When it comes to the Greens, the government gives as good as it gets.

    “The Greens are out of control,” Finance Minister Katy Gallagher told the ABC on Monday. “It’s crazy what they’re saying to us,” adding, rather primly, that it was “a bit unseemly” for McKim to be “issuing ultimatums”.

    Leave aside the unseemly – that’s a common political trait. What about the crazy?

    What the Greens are demanding is bad economic policy. Whether it is crazy politics remains to be seen.

    From time to time the Reserve Bank comes under sharp criticism, from experts and from the public.

    Chalmers and McKim agree on one thing – the “smashing” power of high interest rates.

    But the bank’s essentially independent status is a bulwark against monetary policy becoming the creature of short-term politics, as McKim would have it.

    (The bank isn’t totally independent. Section 11 of the RBA Act gives the treasurer the power to overrule it, with statements from both the treasurer and bank tabled in parliament. The section has never been invoked.)

    What the Greens are proposing, having the treasurer use his power to overrule the bank board to get his way on legislation, is irresponsible.

    It’s also illogical. The whole point of the proposed dual boards is to strengthen the bank’s expertise as the independent setter of monetary policy. But McKim wants, in essence, to scrap that independence.

    The stand on the Reserve Bank is typical of the Greens policy positions more generally. They’re presently holding up the government’s housing legislation in the Senate, making demands they know the government won’t meet, such as controls on rents.

    When challenged, the Greens point out that after playing hardball on earlier housing legislation, they won extra funding.

    They’re probably hoping the government will decide to buy them off this time with some more housing money. Notably, they have delayed the latest bills rather than vote them down. To do this they’ve teamed up with the Coalition – expediency overcomes ideology with these bedfellows.

    Monday’s announcement that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has launched legal action against Coles and Woolworths over their allegedly misleading behaviour on product discounts feeds right into the Greens’ (and the Coalition’s) policy for the power to break up the big supermarkets.

    The government reacted on Monday by releasing an exposure draft of its mandatory food and grocery code of conduct, which has been in the pipeline for some time. A government inquiry by former Labor minister Craig Emerson argued against divestiture powers but it’s easy to understand how cash-strapped families struggling with grocery bills could see that as appealing.

    In general, is wild economics savvy politics? We won’t know until after the election.

    The Greens were on a roll in 2022. They ended up with four lower house members, up from the one (leader Adam Bandt) they had before. The extra seats, all in Queensland, were won from both Labor (one) and the Liberals (two).

    They also came out of the election with a record dozen senators (now 11, after Lidia Thorpe’s defection).

    In the hunt for more lower house seats, the Greens would hope to pick up votes from those on the left who see Labor as too conservative, people financially hurting who are attracted to populist solutions, and young voters turned off the major parties.

    Given its present radicalism, one wonders whether the Greens will hold the two Brisbane seats they won from the Liberals.

    It’s difficult to chart the likely trajectory of the Greens, given their small share of the vote, and the heavier concentration of their support in particular areas. But Labor is certainly afraid of them. With the government on the back foot, it knows the potential attraction of easy-sounding solutions.

    The Greens hope there will be a minority Labor government after the election, and that they would be in a position to twist that government’s arm on multiple issues.

    The risk for them, however, is that if they overreach now, some of their potential but still undecided voters might become wary about how they would behave if their power was much enhanced.

    Michelle Grattan 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. View from The Hill: The Greens’ demands on the RBA make for bad economic policy. Is it also crazy politics? – https://theconversation.com/view-from-the-hill-the-greens-demands-on-the-rba-make-for-bad-economic-policy-is-it-also-crazy-politics-239595

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –