NewzIntel.com

Category: Education

  • Drink black tea, eat berries and apples to age healthy

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Want to age healthily? A higher intake of black tea, berries, citrus fruits, and apples may help, according to global research.

    Researchers from Edith Cowan University (Australia), Queen’s University Belfast (UK), and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (US) found that foods rich in flavonoids could help lower the risk of key components associated with unhealthy ageing, including frailty, impaired physical function, and poor mental health.

    “The goal of medical research is not just to help people live longer but to ensure they stay healthy for as long as possible,” said Dr Nicola Bondonno, Adjunct Lecturer at Edith Cowan University.

    Previous studies have shown that individuals with higher flavonoid intake tend to live longer and are less likely to develop major chronic diseases such as dementia, diabetes, or heart disease.

    “Our research shows that people who consume more flavonoids tend to age better,” Bondonno added.

    The study, which analysed data from 62,743 women and 23,687 men over a span of 24 years, found that women with the highest flavonoid intake had a 15 per cent lower risk of frailty, a 12 per cent lower risk of impaired physical function, and a 12 per cent lower risk of poor mental health, compared to those with the lowest intake.

    While fewer associations were observed in men, higher flavonoid intake was still linked to a lower risk of poor mental health.

    “Flavonoids are well known for reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, supporting blood vessel health, and even helping to maintain skeletal muscle mass — all of which are important for preventing frailty and maintaining physical function and mental health as we age,” said Professor Aedin Cassidy from Queen’s University Belfast.

    The study also showed that participants who increased their intake of flavonoid-rich foods by three servings a day had a 6 to 11 per cent lower risk across all three ageing-related outcomes in women, and a 15 per cent lower risk of poor mental health in men.

    “Overall, these findings underscore the potential for simple dietary modifications to improve quality of life and support healthy ageing,” added Professor Eric Rimm from Harvard.

    — IANS

  • UAE university team develops improved non-surgical blood flow monitoring device

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Researchers from United Arab Emirates University have created an enhanced technology for monitoring blood flow without surgery, using piezoelectric pressure sensors. The innovation measures crucial physiological parameters including blood flow velocity and viscosity by utilizing materials that generate electric fields when subjected to mechanical stress.

    The improved version delivers greater accuracy in data interpretation while being more cost-effective than existing alternatives, making it suitable for deployment in both clinical and home environments. The technology provides real-time monitoring capabilities that can help detect potentially dangerous conditions such as blood clots.

    “Our goal is to improve an existing technology to make it more accurate and user-friendly, benefiting both patients and healthcare providers,” said Professor Mahmoud Al Ahmad, who supervised the research team. “It is worth mentioning that this project provided a training opportunity for four undergraduate students in scientific research.”

    The team plans to incorporate artificial intelligence in future iterations to further enhance the system’s capabilities and expand its applications. This development aligns with the UAE’s strategic vision to advance medical technology and reduce dependence on imported healthcare solutions.

    The innovation strengthens the local medical device manufacturing sector and supports the UAE’s ongoing transition toward a knowledge-based economy. By creating more accessible diagnostic tools, the research contributes to promoting health equity and providing accurate, affordable medical diagnostics globally.

  • Increasing urban vegetation can save over 1.1 mn lives from heat-related deaths: Study

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    As climate change intensifies, leading to a rise in global temperatures and heat-related deaths, a new study highlights the life-saving potential of increasing urban green cover. According to researchers from Monash University, expanding vegetation in cities by 30 per cent could prevent up to 1.16 million deaths globally that are currently attributed to extreme heat.

    Published in The Lancet Planetary Health, the study is based on a 20-year modelling analysis covering more than 11,000 urban areas worldwide, from 2000 to 2019. The researchers found that increasing vegetation by 10, 20, and 30 per cent could lower the global population-weighted mean temperature during the warm season by 0.08°C, 0.14°C, and 0.19°C, respectively.

    This temperature reduction translates into an estimated prevention of 0.86 million, 1.02 million, and 1.16 million deaths, depending on the level of green coverage implemented.

    “This is the first modelling study to assess both the cooling and modifying effects of urban greenness, offering a more holistic view of how green infrastructure can reduce heat-related mortality,” said Professor Yuming Guo, the lead author of the study.

    The research found that urban areas in Southern Asia, Eastern Europe, and Eastern Asia would see the greatest reduction in heat-related deaths with increased vegetation.

    Heat exposure remains a growing public health threat, especially as climate change worsens. Between 2000 and 2019, it was linked to around 500,000 deaths annually — approximately 0.91 per cent of all global deaths. Under the most severe global warming scenarios, future projections estimate heat-related mortality could rise to between 2.5 per cent in Northern Europe and 16.7 per cent in Southeast Asia by the end of the century.

    Urban vegetation helps reduce heat by providing shade, reflecting solar radiation, and facilitating evapotranspiration — a process that releases moisture from the ground and plants, which cools the surrounding air. Beyond lowering temperatures, green spaces may also benefit mental health, social interaction, physical activity, and air quality.

    The study underscores the urgent need for urban planning strategies that prioritize greenery, not just for environmental benefits but for saving lives.

    -IANS

  • Education Ministry approves IIFT to establish off-campus centre at GIFT Cit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi, has received approval from the Ministry of Education to establish an off-campus centre at GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The new centre will operate in accordance with the UGC (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2023, as announced by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry on Tuesday.

    The approval, granted under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, comes after IIFT successfully met the conditions outlined in the Letter of Intent (LoI) issued in January. These conditions included submission of a comprehensive development roadmap to build a multidisciplinary institution with over 1,000 students, appointment of qualified faculty, introduction of detailed academic programmes, plans for a permanent campus, and the establishment of a state-of-the-art library.

    Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal, congratulated IIFT on the approval, stating:

    “Heartiest congratulations to @IIFT_Official on getting approval to open its new off-campus centre in @GIFTCity_, India’s global financial hub. This paves the way for training talent in the institute’s flagship programme, MBA (International Business), besides short-term training programmes and research in the area of International Trade.”

    The upcoming centre will be located on the 16th and 17th floors of GIFT Tower 2 and will offer IIFT’s flagship MBA (International Business) programme, along with specialised short-term courses and research opportunities in international trade and related domains.

    Established in 1963 under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, IIFT was declared a deemed-to-be University in 2002. The institute holds an A+ grade from NAAC and is accredited by AACSB, placing it among a select group of globally recognised business schools.

  • Education Ministry approves IIFT to establish off-campus centre at GIFT City

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi, has received approval from the Ministry of Education to establish an off-campus centre at GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The new centre will operate in accordance with the UGC (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2023, as announced by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry on Tuesday.

    The approval, granted under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, comes after IIFT successfully met the conditions outlined in the Letter of Intent (LoI) issued in January. These conditions included submission of a comprehensive development roadmap to build a multidisciplinary institution with over 1,000 students, appointment of qualified faculty, introduction of detailed academic programmes, plans for a permanent campus, and the establishment of a state-of-the-art library.

    Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal, congratulated IIFT on the approval, stating:

    “Heartiest congratulations to @IIFT_Official on getting approval to open its new off-campus centre in @GIFTCity_, India’s global financial hub. This paves the way for training talent in the institute’s flagship programme, MBA (International Business), besides short-term training programmes and research in the area of International Trade.”

    The upcoming centre will be located on the 16th and 17th floors of GIFT Tower 2 and will offer IIFT’s flagship MBA (International Business) programme, along with specialised short-term courses and research opportunities in international trade and related domains.

    Established in 1963 under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, IIFT was declared a deemed-to-be University in 2002. The institute holds an A+ grade from NAAC and is accredited by AACSB, placing it among a select group of globally recognised business schools.

  • MIL-OSI: Jeito Capital Strengthens Leadership for Next Chapter of Growth: Mehdi Ainouche Promoted to Partner, Julien Elric to Senior Principal

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Paris, May 12, 2025 – Jeito Capital (“Jeito”), a global leading independent Private Equity fund dedicated to biopharma, is pleased to announce the promotion of Mehdi Ainouche to Partner and Julien Elric to Senior Principal.

    These promotions represent the next phase of Jeito’s growth and reflect the continued strengthening of its team. They also underscore the firm’s commitment to developing talent and supporting career progression from within.

    Mehdi Ainouche, PharmD, joined Jeito as Principal in 2020, shortly after the fund’s inception and was promoted to Senior Principal in 2024. With over a decade of experience in life sciences investment, Mehdi has been instrumental across the full investment cycle—from deal sourcing and due diligence to closing and exit—most notably with EyeBio, which was successfully sold to Merck & Co [NYSE: MRK] for up to $3 billion. He has also shown a strong ability to spot emerging innovations with the potential to significantly improve outcomes for patients with unmet medical needs. He has supported several investments and portfolio companies, particularly in ophthalmology, oncology, cardiometabolic and neuromuscular diseases, as well as fibrosis. and He currently serves on the boards of CDR-Life and Augustine Therapeutics, and is a board observer at NMD Pharma.

    Before joining Jeito, Mehdi was an Associate within the healthcare venture team, of Turenne Capital, a French investment group with over €2Bn under management, where he worked on numerous biotech and medtech investments. He holds a Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of Rennes and a Master’s in Business from ESCP Europe. As Partner, he will contribute further to building Jeito portfolio diversification and performance.

    Julien Elric joined Jeito in September 2021, bringing strong experience in deal sourcing, portfolio support, and healthcare investment. From Associate (2021) to Senior Associate in 2023 and Principal in early 2024, he has played a key role within Jeito’s investment team. Julien has contributed to financing efforts, clinical development strategies across the portfolio and was strongly involved in the investment up to exit of HI-Bio™ acquired by Biogen Inc. [Nasdaq: BIIB] for up to $1.8 billion. He currently serves as a board observer at Alentis Therapeutics and XyloCor Therapeutics.

    Before joining Jeito, Julien led the startup incubator iPEPS at the Paris Brain Institute, where he helped establish it as a key hub for life sciences innovation in France. He supported early-stage biotechs and medtechs in their growth and advised major pharmaceutical companies on corporate–startup collaborations. Earlier in his career, he was responsible for business development and industrial partnerships at Institut Curie. Julien holds a PhD in Cell Biology from Institut Pasteur and is a graduate of INSEAD Business School.

    Dr. Rafaèle Tordjman, MD, PhD, Founder and CEO of Jeito Capital, said:
    “I’m delighted to announce these promotions, which reflect two outstanding career paths and significant contributions to Jeito. Mehdi and Julien’s dedication to unlocking the potential of our portfolio companies perfectly captures the spirit of Jeito and our commitment to accelerating progress for patients. By bringing together leading scientific and industry expertise across Europe and the US, we are entering an exciting new phase of growth. I wish Mehdi and Julien every success and look forward to seeing them thrive in their new roles.”

    About Jeito Capital

    Jeito Capital is a global leading Private Equity fund with a patient benefit driven approach that finances and accelerates the development and growth of ground-breaking medical innovation. Jeito empowers and supports managers through its expert, integrated, multi-talented team and through the investment of significant capital to ensure the growth of companies, building market leaders in their respective therapeutic areas with accelerated patients’ access globally, especially in Europe and the United States. Jeito has built a diversified portfolio of clinical biopharmas with cutting-edge innovations addressing high unmet needs. Jeito Capital is based in Paris with a presence in Europe and the United States.

    For more information, please visit www.jeito.life or follow us on LinkedIn.

    Contacts:

    Jeito Capital                                        
    Rafaèle Tordjman, Founder & CEO
    Jessica Fadel, EA
    Tel: +33 6 33 44 25 47

    Maior                                                ICR Healthcare
    Stéphanie Elbaz                                Mary-Jane Elliott / Davide Salvi / Kris Lam
    Tel: +33 6 46 05 08 07                      Jeito@icrhealthcare.com
    Tel: +44 (0) 20 3709 5700

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: 5 ways Māngere Community Enviro Hub is helping the community grow

    Source: Secondary teachers question rationale for changes to relationship education guidelines

    In a once weed-ridden and forgotten corner of Māngere, something remarkable is flourishing. On the unused land of a former Kāinga Ora housing site, the Māngere Community Enviro Hub is now sprouting with fresh produce to feed the community.

    The hub, on the corner of Elmdon St and Watchfield Close, often echoes with the chatter of school kids gathered around the raised beds learning about growing kai, and on special occasions, the smoke from the hāngī pit signals a community gathering. At the Auckland Council-funded Māngere Community Enviro Hub, the community isn’t just watching things grow – they’re growing together.

    1. Growing kai for the community

    In just one year, the Kāinga Ora land leased to community development organisation I AM Māngere has gone from bare earth to a thriving community garden. The driving force of this transformation is software developer turned horticulturist Rata Taiwhanga, from the Etū Rākau Charitable Trust.

    In the māra kai (food garden), several garden beds are growing seasonal kai. The beds are designed in a tiered pyramid shape to create airflow. There’s also a section dedicated to Pacific and international produce such as taro, pawpaw and bananas.

    Even in cooler weather, the garden is thriving with rainbow silverbeet and winter greens. There’s a garden bed set aside for locals who can use the garden to grow vegetables for their whānau. Other produce is sold at markets for an affordable price.

    The pyramid design of the garden beds at Māngere Community Enviro Hub is designed to create airflow around the whenua (land).

    Auckland Council has supported the Māngere Community Enviro Hub through the Climate Grant, the Waste Minimisation and Innovation Fund and support through the Recovery Office. Installing a greenhouse is the next big project on the horizon which will allow the garden to extend the growing season on some crops – part of a bigger project around sustainability and climate resilience.

    “It is important for Auckland Council to support Etū Rākau and the Māngere Enviro Hub,” says Frances Hayton, Low Carbon Specialist for the Council.

    “Māngere is one of the three priority communities identified as needing support to be able to lead their own recovery following the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Weekend floods and adapt to the changing environment.

    “The Māngere Enviro Hub sits alongside other Council programmes that aim to build on the understanding within the Māngere community of a changing climate to future hazards such as floods, drought, cyclones and rising sea levels.”

    2. Composting waste and creating a circular economy

    Council funding has helped provide carbon cycle composting bins for the site. Each bin can process 750kg of food waste a week, and the compost produced is used to replenish the garden. The composting system is part of the Enviro Hub’s circular economy and the group charges local businesses, such as cafes, $30 a week to collect their food scraps. The green waste is then used to grow microgreens, which are sold back to the cafe.

    Local student Jackson has learnt how to compost Māngere Community Enviro Hub’s carbon cycle composting bins. The Council-funded bins have the capacity to compost 750kg of food scraps a week.

    Another local business supplies the Enviro Hub with mulch and brown vegetation for the garden. If the compost bins can generate excess compost, Rata hopes to sell bags at local markets.

    “The idea is to create a micro store that’s accessible for the local community as there’s no hardware store or plant store in Māngere,” says Rata. “By charging a small fee for things like plants, food or compost, it covers costs but it also shows there’s a value to what we’re creating.”

    3. Growing great minds

    The Enviro Hub works with several schools – including Māngere College, which helped build the foundations of the garden – and community groups, such as Ngāti Tamaoho, to run workshops and teach tamariki and rangitahi (children and teenagers) sustainable living skills like how to grow their own kai. From these practical skills and new-found knowledge of the environment comes personal growth, says Rata.

    “Some of these kids have a 501 gang background and what we’re trying to do here is to equip them for life,” says Rata. “I see a lot of rangatahi and they’re afraid of being Māori. They think they need to speak the reo (language) to understand the history and know their whakapapa to be Māori.

    “One thing I say to these kids is if you want to understand your culture, understand your first mother, Papatūānuku (Mother Earth). Once you learn how to look after the garden and the planet and all that, everything else will just come naturally.”

    4. Replenishing the whenua (land)

    In his workshops, Rata teaches his students how to rejuvenate the soil in the garden with compost and organic matter which brings microorganisms to the soil. He also talks to his students about carbon sequestration (the process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in the soil) and mycelium in the soil (the rootlike network of fungus) – the Enviro Hub even has a mushroom hut!

    “The way I explain the soil is like a waka,” Rata explains. “When some people first see a waka they think the ingenuity is in the sail, but it’s actually underneath the boat which creates air bubbles that make the boat go fast – it’s the same with soil and the garden.”

    Rata also leads the community on litter clean-up days and the restoration of Te Ararata Creek. This Matariki, the Enviro Hub plans to plant 500 native trees on the waterway.

    5. Feeding the community

    As well as feeding locals with fresh produce, Rata and the Enviro Hub team have worked together with the Tūpuna Maunga Authority to create community hāngī days. Earlier this year, the Māngere Community Enviro Hub and Te Pane o Mataoho / Te Ara Pueru / Māngere Mountain collaborated to feed the community with delicious hāngī.

    The hāngī pit at Māngere Community Enviro Hub is used for special events. The carbon left over from the feast is used to replenish the soil.

    The food was prepped by a kapa haka group from Māngere College and was cooked by Māori chef Kia Kanuta. The meat served was halal to cater to Māngere’s growing Muslim community.

    “For some that attended it was their first experience of hāngī and that part of Māori culture. It was important to us to make it inclusive for everyone,” says Rata. “As humans, food is our first language and it’s a common shared experience for every culture. The good thing about hāngī is it sweetens the soil and we can use the carbon back in the garden – it’s all cyclical.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Díaz-Balart Announces Winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26) has announced Neeley Camejo, a sophomore at Hialeah Gardens Senior High School and a resident of Hialeah, Florida, as the winner of this year’s 2025 Congressional Art Competition for the 26th Congressional District. Neeley’s art, titled “Reverence in the Currents: An Esoteric Wonder,” was selected from among 175 entries submitted by students from 16 participating schools. Her piece will be displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol.

    Student: Neeley Camejo, 10th Grade, Hialeah Gardens Senior High

    Art Teacher: Haydee Fernandez Salazar

    Medium: Alcohol Markers, Watercolors, Acrylic Paint, and Markers

    Description: “Reverence in the Currents: An Esoteric Wonder” – The piece showcases a large koi fish swimming gracefully, revealing a hidden beauty that no one would suspect; a deep respect for one of nature’s most beautiful creations.

    Additionally, honorable mentions were awarded to the following three students, whose pieces will be displayed for one year in our offices in Washington, D.C., Miami, and Naples, respectively:

    • Angela Troia, 11th grade, J.C. Bermudez Doral Senior High School, “Floreciendo” – Mixed media: colored pencils, alcohol markers, and paint; will be displayed in the Washington, D.C. office.
    • Lorena Aragon, 11th grade, Youth Co-Op Preparatory Charter School “A Hero’s Embrace” – Charcoal on paper; will be displayed in the Miami district office.
    • Samantha Mirabal, 12th grade, Mater Academy Charter High School “Gator in the Glades” – Acrylic paint on canvas; will be displayed in the Naples district office.

    For more information about the Congressional Art Competition, please visit:https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/youth-and-kids/art-competition

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart Hosts 2025 Congressional Art Competition, Celebrates Student Creativity

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

    Miami Lakes, FL – The Office of Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26) recently hosted the 2025 Congressional Art Competition at the Mary Collins Community Center in Miami Lakes. This event featured 175 original art pieces and drew in approximately 200 attendees, including students, teachers, principals, and local leaders.

    Each spring, a nation-wide high school arts competition is sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Artistic Discovery Contest is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in the nation, as well as in our Congressional District.

    “I’ve been hosting the Congressional Art Competition for over 20 years, and each year, I am inspired by the remarkable talent and creativity from students in our community. This year was our best yet, with so many outstanding art pieces. I am truly amazed by the young, exceptional talent we have in Florida’s 26thCongressional District,” said Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart.

    For more information about the Congressional Art Competition, please visit: https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/youth-and-kids/art-competition

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Liberal Party reclaims Goldstein – how Tim Wilson turned back the Teal tidal wave

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Phoebe Hayman, PhD Candidate and Casual Academic in Politics, La Trobe University

    Tim Wilson’s victory over independent MP Zoe Daniel to reclaim his Melbourne seat of Goldstein has grabbed post-election headlines.

    He is the only Liberal to achieve such a feat since six Teals stormed inner-city blue-ribbon seats at the 2022 election. Wilson’s return to parliament has triggered talk of a possible tilt for the Liberal Party leadership.

    How remarkable was his victory in Goldstein? Could his successful campaign be a template for other Liberals hoping to seize back territory from the Teals?

    Coalition fightback

    Other coalition candidates also triumphed over high-profile independents.

    The Liberal Party has retained Bradfield, with Gisele Kapterian edging out Teal candidate Nicolette Boele.

    Frontbencher Dan Tehan held off a strong challenge from Alex Dyson in Wannon. Likewise, backbencher Pat Conaghan, who was challenged by Caz Heise in Cowper.

    Meanwhile in Kooyong, Amelia Hamer fell just short of Teal MP Monique Ryan.

    Growing support

    Despite the setbacks in some seats, the community independents movement is stronger than ever in 2025.

    Curtin’s Kate Chaney was widely tipped to lose her seat, but she was returned with a small two-party preferred swing.

    Other crossbenchers are back in Clark, Indi, Mackellar, Mayo, Warringah and Wentworth.

    Independent Dai Le who is not aligned with the Teals, was returned in Fowler. So, too, Andrew Gee in Calare.

    Independents received strong support from a number of quarters.

    Climate 200 funded 35 candidates, up from 22 three years ago. The Regional Voices Fund supported 13 non-metropolitan independents. The volunteer armies knocking on doors were larger than ever before.

    Voters responded. On the latest count, Labor’s primary vote was less than 35%, while support for the Liberal Party declined to around 32%. Minor parties and independents picked up 33% of the vote, with the Teals doing particularly well, according to ABC election analyst Antony Green:

    All these Teals won from second place last time. This time they are winning from first place.

    Wilson’s success in Goldstein bucked these national trends. So how did he do it?

    Learning the lessons from 2022

    At the last electon, Wilson ran using the same messaging as the national campaign – national security and the economy.

    Wilson repeatedly referred to Daniel as a Climate 200 “fake independent” and reframed the local focus of independents as “parochial”. His campaign was negative and unsuccessful.

    Wilson’s 2025 campaign had a distinct shift in tone. It is clear that he learned many lessons from his Teal rival.

    This time around, he embraced social media with a focus on community and “listening”. Despite a reputation for being combative, his posts showed a positive, hyper-local campaign that did not mention his rival at all.

    When he tapped into national themes, he focused on low inflation, affordable homes and community safety.

    Tim Wilson campaign advertisement for the seat of Goldstein.

    Like the Teals, he also managed to muster an army of volunteers. These grassroots efforts began almost a year before the election, kicked off with forums to hear from the community. Door knocking and high visibility across the electorate made a difference.

    The Jewish vote

    Goldstein is home to a significant concentration of Jewish voters and securing their vote was vital.

    The Israel-Gaza conflict, and the firebombing attack on the orthodox Adass Israel synagogue in nearby Ripponlea, brought the issue of antisemitism to the fore in the lead up to the campaign.

    For Wilson, this was the only issue on which he went negative. Daniel’s campaign described his line of attack as “brutal, hostile and abusive”.

    But it paid off with Wilson recording swings of up to 7.56% across Caulfield and Elsternwick, where the Jewish population is largest. This enabled him to recover much of the ground lost in 2022.

    Teal campaign more negative

    Daniel’s task as an independent MP was to convince voters she delivered for her community. But this was difficult to showcase, given the crowded nature of the crossbench in the 47th parliament.

    Daniel still had a strong grassroots movement behind her. But her messages about Dutton, emphasising his hard man, “Trumpian” character, brought a more negative tone to her campaign.

    Daniel recorded large swings of up to 10% in suburbs such as Moorabbin and Bentleigh, which have a lower socio-economic base than the other parts of the electorate and have traditionally voted Labor.

    But the “Golden Mile” that stretches along the bay from Brighton to Black Rock swung heavily toward Wilson. In wealthier suburbs, such as Hampton, he secured swings of up to 10% in the two-party preferred count.

    With such narrow margins, these shifts were enough to change the outcome.

    Building momentum

    Wilson won in part by adopting the campaign strategies used by the Teals. We should expect to see more candidates – including from the major parties – using these tools in future elections.

    Despite Daniel’s defeat, support for community candidates grew in 2025. But to overcome institutional barriers and the vagaries of preferences, independents will need to continue to build on their momentum.

    In 2028, the new election donations laws will also be in effect, which will limit the war chests raised by community independents.

    Campaigning skills and strategy will prove more important than ever.

    Phoebe Hayman receives funding from the Department of Education via a Research Training Scholarship.

    Amy Nethery 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. Liberal Party reclaims Goldstein – how Tim Wilson turned back the Teal tidal wave – https://theconversation.com/liberal-party-reclaims-goldstein-how-tim-wilson-turned-back-the-teal-tidal-wave-256201

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN delivers a public lecture at the University of Auckland

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, delivered a public lecture on “ASEAN-New Zealand Partnership: Five Decades of Relations, Cooperation and Partnership,” at the University of Auckland,  on 12 May 2025. SG Dr. Kao underscored the enduring partnership between ASEAN and New Zealand over five decades across the three ASEAN Community Pillars and the ASEAN Connectivity. He also emphasised the important role of New Zealand as one of ASEAN’s enduring partners in contributing to ASEAN’s efforts in its community-building process. SG Dr. Kao also shared that this year marks an important history for ASEAN as it would soon be adopting the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, which is a 20-year vision, and its four Strategic Plans. This year ASEAN and New Zealand also celebrate the 50th Anniversary of their Dialogue Relations.
     
    Download SG Dr. Kao full keynote remarks here.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN delivers a public lecture at the University of Auckland appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: S. Shakthidharan’s ambitious play The Wrong Gods is a profound critique of progress and modernity

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Niro Kandasamy, Lecturer in History, University of Sydney

    Brett Boardman/Belvoir

    S. Shakthidharan is one of Australian theatre’s most prominent writers and directors. His Counting and Cracking (2019) and The Jungle and the Sea (2022) received critical acclaim and toured internationally.

    These plays focused on armed conflict and displacement in Tamil Eelam, Sri Lanka. Shakthidharan’s new play shifts settings across the Palk Strait to the contemporary struggles of a remote Indian village fending off the ravages of modernity.

    The Wrong Gods, directed by Shakthidharan with Hannah Goodwin, is an ambitious play with an all-female and brown cast. It traces the triumphs and tribulations of single mother Nirmala (Nadie Kammallaweera), fighting to protect her family and valley from the “new” world built on the promise of progress.

    In an era of multiple crises, the play draws attention to global Indigenous connections to the natural world – in striking contrast to the extractive and capitalist logics of most modern development.

    The ‘old’ and the ‘new’

    Nirmala is worried as her daughter, Isha (Radhika Mudaliyar), is loosing interest and confidence in Indigenous practices. Nirmala is determined to ensure Isha not only remembers what to do in the valley but understands why.

    Isha is a curious girl with a soaring imagination. Her dreams appear wild: she wants to finish school and become a scientist. A few school lessons in the city open Isha to a new world, to “new gods”, unlike the gods she’s used to of the river and her natural surroundings.

    Nirmala insists her daughter remain in the valley; Isha seeks to venture out and discover a different world.
    Brett Boardman/Belvoir

    When Lakshmi (Vaishnavi Suryaprakash) arrives uninvited, Nirmala and Isha are cautious and weary. But Lakshmi has big plans for the valley. She introduces Nirmala to new farming methods and crop varieties. To sweeten the deal, Lakshmi offers to pay for Isha’s university education.

    Nirmala and Isha are both initially doubtful about Lakshmi’s intentions. To mark their differences, Isha points out to Lakshmi she is an upper caste woman from the city whose entire world view is different to hers.

    This is the only reference to caste in the play, and its introduction here feels tokenistic. The reference points to longstanding social inequalities in which lower caste groups have been denied greater access to employment, education and cultural capital, but Shakthidharan passes over it too quickly. This aspect of the plot warranted further attention.

    Nirmala accepts Lakshmi’s offer. Isha is overwhelmed with joy at the thought of pursuing an education. Armed with enthusiasm and a thirst for “new” knowledge, she immediately departs for the city.

    Personal and political battles

    The Wrong Gods speaks to the harms of “saviours” whose actions are masked under the guise of progress and empowerment.

    Nirmala and her village are viewed by Lakshmi as backward, vulnerable and in need of protection. Lakshmi is cast in a paternalist role: she sees her intervention not only as justified economically, but as the morally correct thing to do.

    Lakshmi’s words – however promising and life changing they sound – reproduce elite and exclusionary ideas that ignore ways of living that have survived thousands of years.

    The Wrong Gods speaks to the harms of ‘saviours’ whose actions are masked under the guise of progress and empowerment.
    Brett Boardman/Belvoir

    After several years, Isha returns to the valley as the scientist for the organisation her mother has been mobilising against. With Lakshmi by her side, Isha tells her mother the dam project will flood the valley and displace the farmers. Nirmala is devastated and furious.

    After a few tense moments that see Nirmala and Isha locked in an aruval (machete variety) battle, they realise Lakshmi had known about this outcome from the beginning. This realisation is far too late.

    Nirmala decides to stay in the valley and fight – even if it means dying. She tells her daughter to return to the city to inform people about their plight and prevent the further depletion of native lands and waterways.

    ‘Development’ for whom?

    The Wrong Gods is a critique of progress and modernity, and Shakthidharan carefully strikes the right balance between the personal, structural and political.

    As Nirmala’s protest actions grow stronger, she must face the reality her daughter is trying to negotiate the needs of two worlds. The interactions between characters and their competing views moves seamlessly across the unfolding scenes, while the audience gets a clearer sense of the entanglements of the challenges playing out in Nirmala and Isha’s lives.

    Costumes by Keerthi Subramanyam, who also designed the set, contribute to the play’s critique of progress. Nirmala wears a saree and carries a small purse for food. While Lakshmi wears a churidar set during her first meeting when she is trying to woo favour, she wears a suit on her second visit. Like Lakshmi, Isha returns to the valley wearing a power suit, evoking a sense of authority and upward economic mobility.

    Costumes by Keerthi Subramanyam contribute to the play’s critique of progress.
    Brett Boardman/Belvoir

    The Wrong Gods grapples with the more-than-human worlds at stake amid multiple crises. Through his play, Shakthidharan suggests we should begin addressing the growing needs of our planet by overcoming structural challenges. Doing so may prevent us from reaching solutions which do not displace people or deplete natural resources. Brilliant acting by the cast makes clear the profound emotions of bearing witness to an environmental destruction that is entirely preventable.

    We must prioritise and embed local knowledges to address some of the biggest challenges facing us today. Failure to do so will only worsen both man-made and natural crises – and there will be no gods, right or wrong, to save us.

    The Wrong Gods is at Belvior Theatre, Sydney, until May 31, then Melbourne Theatre Company from June 6 to July 12.

    Niro Kandasamy 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. S. Shakthidharan’s ambitious play The Wrong Gods is a profound critique of progress and modernity – https://theconversation.com/s-shakthidharans-ambitious-play-the-wrong-gods-is-a-profound-critique-of-progress-and-modernity-255512

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • Red-Crowned roofed turtle returns to Ganga after 30 years

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a landmark achievement for biodiversity conservation, the endangered Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle (Batagur kachuga) has made a triumphant return to the Ganga River after three decades of absence. This remarkable feat, driven by the Namami Gange Mission, signals a new era of hope for the restoration of the Ganga’s ecosystem and its rich biodiversity.

    The Ganga, a lifeline of Indian civilization, has long been a sanctuary for diverse species, including endangered turtles. However, the Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle, once native to these waters, had vanished from the river’s main channel due to population decline. Studies conducted as recently as 2020 and 2022 by the Namami Gange-supported TSAFI project team revealed no viable populations of this critically endangered species in the Ganga, with only sporadic sightings reported decades ago.

    On April 26, a historic reintroduction effort unfolded as 20 Red-Crowned Roofed Turtles were released into the Haiderpur Wetland Complex, a key ecological site along the Ganga in Uttar Pradesh. The turtles, nurtured at the Garhaita Turtle Conservation Center under the supervision of the National Chambal Sanctuary, were equipped with sonic tags to monitor their movements and ensure their safety.

    The release strategy was carefully designed: one group of turtles was introduced above the barrage of the Haiderpur Wetland, while the other was released downstream in the Ganga’s main channel. This dual approach aims to identify the most effective method for reintroducing the species, marking the first such attempt in the Ganga using a combination of “soft” and “hard” release techniques.

    The Haiderpur Wetland, which connects fully with the Ganga during the monsoon season, provides an ideal environment for the turtles to disperse naturally. Over the next two years, the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department, in collaboration with the Namami Gange Mission, will closely track and monitor the turtles’ progress. The ultimate goal is to establish a stable, self-sustaining population of Red-Crowned Roofed Turtles in the Ganga, revitalizing the river’s ecological balance.

    The return of the Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle is not just a victory for one species but a testament to the transformative impact of the Namami Gange Mission. Launched to clean and rejuvenate the Ganga, the mission has evolved into a powerful force for biodiversity conservation. By uniting stakeholders, including conservationists, government bodies, and local communities, the initiative has overcome significant challenges to restore the river’s ecological health.

    “This milestone is a shining example of what collective action can achieve,” said a spokesperson for the Namami Gange Mission. “The return of the Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle inspires us to continue our efforts to protect the Ganga and its ecosystem for future generations.”

  • Indians show strong trust in AI, far ahead of global average: report

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Nearly 76% of Indians trust and feel confident in using Artificial Intelligence (AI), significantly higher than the global average of 46%, according to a new report by KPMG.

    The report, titled “Trust, Attitudes and Use of Artificial Intelligence: A Global Study 2025”, surveyed over 48,000 people across 47 countries, identifying India as a global frontrunner in public trust and adoption of AI technologies.

    According to the findings, 90% of Indian respondents believe AI has enhanced accessibility and effectiveness in various domains, underlining its transformative impact on the country. Furthermore, 97% said they intentionally use AI in their workplace, and 67% admitted they couldn’t complete their tasks without it. In contrast, globally, only 58% of respondents reported actively using AI at work, and just 31% said they use it regularly.

    The study was led by Professor Nicole Gillespie and Dr. Steve Lockey of Melbourne Business School in collaboration with KPMG.

    Akhilesh Tuteja, Partner at KPMG India, stated that the findings highlight India’s readiness to lead the world in ethical and innovative AI usage. However, he stressed the need for robust governance and regulatory frameworks to ensure responsible deployment.

    Professor Gillespie echoed similar concerns, emphasizing that trust and transparent governance are vital to achieving widespread acceptance and sustainable use of AI technologies.

    The report also found that 86% of Indian respondents have personally witnessed positive outcomes from AI, including increased productivity, greater innovation, and reduced time on repetitive tasks.

    AI literacy is also higher in India compared to many advanced economies. About 78% of respondents said they feel confident in their AI skills, 64% reported having received formal AI training, and 83% believe they can effectively use AI tools.

    The study positions India as a promising global leader in AI integration, not just in usage but also in public sentiment, education, and workplace applications. 

    (With IANS inputs)

  • Indian scientists develop groundbreaking metal-free catalyst for hydrogen fuel production

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a significant advancement toward sustainable energy solutions, Indian researchers have developed a novel, cost-effective, metal-free catalyst that can efficiently produce hydrogen (H₂) fuel by harvesting mechanical energy. This innovation represents a major breakthrough in green hydrogen technology and offers a promising path toward cleaner alternatives to fossil fuels.

    The research, led by Professor Tapas K. Maji of the Chemistry and Physics of Materials Unit at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru, introduces a donor-acceptor based covalent organic framework (COF) that acts as a highly efficient piezocatalyst for water splitting—a method that separates hydrogen from water molecules.

    Unlike traditional catalysts that rely heavily on metal-based ferroelectric materials, the new COF system is entirely organic and metal-free. It is composed of tris(4-aminophenyl)amine (TAPA) as the donor molecule and pyromellitic dianhydride (PDA) as the acceptor. These materials form imide linkages that give rise to a unique structural phenomenon known as ferrielectric (FiE) ordering.

    “This breakthrough challenges the traditional reliance on heavy or transition metal-based catalysts, offering a new direction in the development of scalable, sustainable hydrogen production systems,” said Prof. Maji.

    What sets this material apart is its sponge-like porous architecture that facilitates efficient water diffusion and access to charge carriers. The FiE ordering in the COF creates intense local electric fields at the pore surfaces, enabling high-density charge accumulation and, in turn, high yields of hydrogen fuel.

    Prof. Umesh V. Waghmare, a collaborator from JNCASR, contributed theoretical insights showing that the COF’s electronic structure features coupled energy bands and dipolar ordering. This causes lattice instability, enabling dynamic interaction with mechanical pressure. When stimulated mechanically, the material generates electron-hole pairs, catalyzing the water-splitting reaction with exceptional efficiency.

    The study, published in Advanced Functional Materials, involved a multidisciplinary team, including researchers Ms. Adrija Ghosh, Ms. Surabhi Menon, Dr. Sandip Biswas, and Dr. Anupam Dey from JNCASR. Additional contributions came from Dr. Supriya Sahoo and Prof. Ramamoorthy Boomishankar from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, and Prof. Jan K. Zaręba from Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Poland.

    This innovative catalyst not only reduces dependency on expensive and environmentally harmful metals but also offers a viable method to harness ambient mechanical energy—such as vibrations or pressure—for clean energy generation. The development aligns with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, aimed at promoting large-scale green hydrogen production and positioning the country as a global leader in this emerging sector.

    With global urgency to transition to renewable energy sources, the success of this metal-free piezocatalyst marks a critical step in enabling efficient, clean, and sustainable hydrogen fuel technology.

  • Tobacco, Cannabis use may raise heart disease deaths by 50% in five years: studies

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Tobacco and cannabis consumption could significantly raise heart disease-related deaths in the coming years, with recent studies predicting a 50 per cent surge in mortality over the next five years.

    Presented at the ongoing Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) 2025 annual scientific sessions in Washington, DC, the twin studies revealed alarming links between substance use and cardiovascular complications.

    One study projected that tobacco use alone could increase coronary heart disease deaths by 40 per cent. In contrast, individuals diagnosed with cannabis use disorder (CUD) were found to be 50 per cent more likely to suffer from cardiogenic shock, acute myocardial infarction, and arrhythmias.

    “Despite major public health campaigns to raise awareness about the harms of tobacco and cannabis, usage remains widespread, and we continue to witness its impact on cardiovascular health,” said James B. Hermiller, President of SCAI.

    Ischemic heart disease, also known as coronary heart disease, occurs when reduced blood flow due to narrowed or blocked coronary arteries weakens the heart.

    Researchers from Wayne State University in the U.S. analysed data from 1999 to 2020, focusing on tobacco-related ischemic heart disease mortality among individuals aged 25 and older. The analysis projected a 43.7 per cent rise in tobacco-related deaths by 2030. While mortality rates among females showed a decline, deaths among males registered a sharp increase.

    “Tobacco-related ischemic heart disease is not merely a problem of the past; it continues to be a leading cause of death. Targeted interventions are essential, especially as vulnerable groups remain disproportionately affected,” said Roopeessh Vempati, lead researcher from Wayne State University.

    In a separate study, researchers from Sinai Hospital in the U.S. examined data from over 1.3 million patients admitted with heart failure. Findings indicated that patients with both heart failure and CUD were significantly more prone to severe cardiovascular events. The risk of cardiogenic shock was 27 per cent higher, acute myocardial infarction 50 per cent higher, and arrhythmias 48 per cent higher in this group.

    Interestingly, the study noted that patients with CUD had a slightly lower risk of mortality compared to those without the disorder. However, researchers cautioned that the overall cardiovascular risks remained considerably elevated.

    “Even if the chance of death is slightly lower, the risk of developing severe cardiovascular conditions such as heart attacks or irregular heartbeat is substantially greater. It is essential for physicians and public health professionals to educate individuals on these risks early, even before heart failure sets in,” said Dr. Syed Ishaq, Internal Medicine resident at Sinai Hospital.

    – IANS

  • CSIR-IIIM Jammu–mentored student makes history with solar mech engine, wins global HonorsGradU scholarship

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Japteg Singh Bamrah, a Class 12 student from Dalhousie Public School in Himachal Pradesh, has been awarded the prestigious HonorsGradU 2025 scholarship for his invention — the Solar Mech Engine.

    Japteg received the coveted “Build a Better Future” award, which includes a $10,000 scholarship for his undergraduate studies in the United States. In addition, he was granted $5,000 to further develop and scale his innovative project.

    According to the Ministry of Science & Technology, Japteg was selected as one of five global winners from thousands of entries submitted worldwide. His project was recognized as the top technology innovation among this year’s finalists. He is also the first and only Indian student to top the list since the scholarship program’s inception in 2012.

    Japteg was mentored by Dr. Nasir Ul Rasheed, Senior Scientist at CSIR–Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu, under the Jigyasa Hackathon initiative — a national program aimed at fostering scientific curiosity and innovation among school students.

    He showcased the Solar Mech Engine at the National Startup Festival held on February 22–23 at CSIR–IIIM, Jammu. The event was attended by Union Minister of Science and Technology and Vice President of CSIR, Dr. Jitendra Singh, who lauded the initiative as a vital part of India’s push for grassroots innovation under the “Start-Up India, Stand-Up India” campaign.

    Winner of the CSIR Jigyasa Hackathon 2024, the Solar Mech Engine is a standalone solar thermal system based on Concentrated Heat and Power (CHP) technology. It utilizes cyclic air expansion and contraction driven by temperature differences to convert thermal energy into mechanical motion. A low-resistance generator harnesses electromagnetic induction to produce electricity directly from this motion. Its reversible heat pump capability further enhances energy efficiency, positioning the device as a novel and sustainable clean-energy solution.

    In recognition of his academic and technological excellence, Japteg has also received admission offers from over ten leading universities in the United States, Australia, and Canada, along with additional scholarships amounting to $16,000 per year for his undergraduate studies.

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bonamici, McBath, Moore, Wilson Introduce Bill to End Corporal Punishment in Schools

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

    WASHINGTON, DC [05/9/25] – Today Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Gwen Moore (D-WI), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL) introduced legislation to protect students from corporal punishment in schools. 

    The Protecting Our Students in Schools Act would prohibit the practice of corporal punishment in any school that receives federal funding. It would also provide schools with the support necessary to create more nurturing and inclusive learning environments that employ restorative, evidence-based practices to improve school safety. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) is leading the companion in the Senate.

    “The disturbing use of corporal punishment in schools must stop,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “Students must feel safe and be safe in school. Fear of physical pain keeps students from reaching their full potential, inflicting damage that can last for decades. I’m grateful to partner with Reps. McBath, Moore, and Wilson to finally put a stop to the use of corporal punishment in schools that receive federal funding.”

    “When parents send their children to school, it’s with the belief that their student will learn in a safe, healthy environment,” said Congresswoman Lucy McBath. “The impacts that cruel, unnecessary punishments have on the next generation are heartbreaking and these practices still exist in Georgia today. I thank my colleagues in the House and Senate for their collaboration on this effort as we protect our children and set them up for strong, successful futures.”

    “Corporal punishment violates children’s fundamental rights to dignity, physical integrity, and protection from violence,” said Congresswoman Gwen Moore. “Every child deserves to be treated with respect and provided with a safe and nurturing learning environment. By eliminating this form of punishment, schools can create a safer, more supportive atmosphere that encourages learning, engagement, and positive relationships between students and educators.”

    “The hallways, classrooms and cafeterias of our schools should be safe, supportive environments for all students,” said Congresswoman Frederica Wilson. “Corporal punishment is a backward practice that has no place in our schools, harming our students, especially Black and Brown children. That’s why I’m proudly co-leading the Protecting Our Students in Schools Act of 2023, which implements positive reinforcement strategies, creating a better environment for our students. With this bill, we can eliminate the shameful stain of corporal punishment and promote evidence-based behavioral interventions for more positive outcomes for our students.” 

    “It’s absurd there are states that still allow educators to strike, paddle, and spank students as a means of discipline,” said Senator Chris Murphy. “This bill puts an end to that cruelty and would give schools the resources they need to create safe, supportive environments where every student can thrive.”

    Corporal punishment, the act of inflicting physical pain as a form of discipline, can result in serious injury with long-term negative consequences for students’ physical and mental health. Research overwhelmingly shows that corporal punishment in schools does not lead to improvements in student behavior; instead it is linked to poor academic performance, physical and emotional harm, and damage to students’ self-esteem and trust of educators. Corporal punishment is disproportionately applied to boys, students of color, and students with disabilities. 

    “Even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, when so many students were learning from home, nearly 20,000 students still endured corporal punishment in schools, of which 2,400 of those students have a disability,” said Dr. Jacqueline Rodriguez, CEO of the National Center for Learning Disabilities. “Corporal punishment has no place in education. On behalf of the National Center for Learning Disabilities and our partners in the disability rights community, I applaud Representative Bonamici, Senator Murphy, and the other co-sponsors for their leadership on this critical bill. Now it’s time for the rest of the members of Congress to step up and ensure all students have a safe, supportive, and high-quality public education.”

    “IDRA is pleased to support the Protecting our Students in Schools Act of 2025, an important piece of legislation that would end the harmful, outdated practice of hitting students in schools,” said Morgan Craven, National Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Community Engagement at the Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA). “Schools should be places where all young people feel safe and supported to learn, but corporal punishment endangers students, compromises achievement, and weakens the relationships that are the foundation of strong school communities.”

    “Laws permitting educators to assault their own students should have long ago been abolished,” said Justin Driver, Robert R. Slaughter Professor of Law at Yale Law School. “Regrettably, though, the archaic and, indeed, barbaric practice of corporal punishment remains prevalent in our nation’s schools. That state-sanctioned violence prevents far too many of our youngest, most vulnerable Americans from having any real chance of fulfilling their enormous potential. I salute Congresswoman Bonamici for her steadfast leadership in seeking to eliminate the scourge of corporal punishment from our schools. And I fervently hope that this measure will soon become the law of the land.”

    A summary of the Protecting Our Students in Schools Act can be found here. The full bill text can be found here.

    The Protecting Our Students in Schools Act is endorsed by: National Education Association, American Federation of Teachers, National PTA, The Education Trust, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, American Psychological Association, Lives in the Balance, Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA), GLSEN, NAESP, NASSP, National Parents’ Union, National Center for Learning Disabilities, National Association of Social Workers, Federal School Discipline and Climate Coalition, National Woman’s Law Center, Human Rights Campaign, NAACP, American School Counselor Association, American Civil Liberties Union, National Urban League, Advocating 4 Kids, Inc, All4Ed, American Atheists, American Humanist Association, American Youth Policy Forum, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, Center for Learner Equity, Center for Popular Democracy, Children’s Defense Fund, Committee for Children, Council for Exceptional Children, Council for Administrators of Special Education, Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Dignity in Schools Campaign, Education Reform Now, EduColor, Disability Law Colorado, Elite Educational Consulting, Every Texan, Fannie Education Alliance, First Focus Campaign for Children, Girls, Inc., Gwinnett SToPP, Ibero American Action League, Inc., KIPP Foundation, Lawyers for Good Government, Mississippi Coalition to End Corporal Punishment, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, National Black Child Development Institute, National Disability Rights Network, National Down Syndrome Congress, New Leaders, Nollie Jenkins Family Center, Inc., Open Society Policy Center, Parent Education Organizing Council, Racial Justice NOW, STAND Up, Texas Appleseed, Texas Kids Can’t Wait, The Advocacy Institute, The Arc of the United States, The Daniel Initiative, TNTP, United Women in Faith, Uplift MN, Volunteer State Seal of Biliteracy, National Association of Counsel for Children, Alliance for Educational Justice, The NOTICE Coalition, End Mass Incarceration Georgia Network, Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, Juvenile Law Center, and Represent Justice.

    Original cosponsors of the House version of Protecting Our Students in Schools Act include Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Don Beyer (D-VA), Danny Davis (D-IL), Mark Takano (D-CA), Darren Soto (D-FL), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Jahana Hayes (D-CT), Bill Keating (D-MA), Joe Courtney (D-CT), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Mark Pocan (D-WI), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), and Jill Tokuda (D-HI).

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman DeSaulnier Announces San Ramon Student as Winner of CA-10 2025 Congressional Art Competition

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Representing the 11th District of California

    Walnut Creek, CA – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) announced Amber Ding, a high school sophomore who lives in San Ramon and attends Dougherty Valley High School, as the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for California’s 10th Congressional District. Her oil painting, Tides of Nostalgia, will be displayed in the United States Capitol for the next year.

    “The nearly two dozen artwork submissions from students across CA-10 this year reflect the incredible creativity and skill of our student artists. I relish the chance each year to center the arts and humanities in our community and spotlight these talented young people and their artwork,” said Congressman DeSaulnier. “I’m looking forward to seeing Amber’s impressive piece when I walk through the halls of the Capitol!”

    Twenty-one works in total were submitted to CA-10’s competition and the runners up were:

    • Esther Kim of Dougherty Valley High School (Junior) for her acrylic painting, Bonding;
    • Yuna Koof Northgate High School (Freshman) for her mixed-media artwork, Censor Our Planet; and
    • Fangyuan Caoof Miramonte High School (Junior) for her graphite sketch, Man is Born Free; and Everywhere He Is in Chains.

    The Congressman hosted a gallery show and awards ceremony at the Moraga Art Gallery to announce this year’s winners, gather with students, families, and community members to celebrate the students’ hard work, and showcase this year’s submissions.

    The winning pieces were selected by a panel of local judges, consisting of Rebecca Talley of Los Medanos College and Leo Bersamina and Janette Funaro of Diablo Valley College. 

    The Congressional Art Competition is a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Since the Competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Extra maths help for students who need it

    Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

    The Government is turbocharging student achievement in maths by ensuring extra help is available at every stage of primary and intermediate schooling, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.
    “Proficiency in maths is such an important foundation of success in life. Every child deserves the opportunity to be confident and capable in maths so they can reach their potential. Budget 2025 invests nearly $100 million over four years so children needing extra help with maths gets the early intervention and targeted support they need to succeed,” she says. 
    “Four million dollars of that investment is going into the development and implementation of a new Maths Check for lower primary students. 
    “From next year, every child will have their maths ability checked in their first two years of schooling. The check will identify students who would benefit from additional support, early on in their schooling journey. Professional development and specialist support will be available to teachers to ensure the checks are used effectively.
    “The first two years of school are critical for developing foundational maths skills. Support in that time can transform a child’s learning journey. We’ve already successfully introduced this in literacy through the Phonics Check,” Ms Stanford says.
    “$56 million of the investment will fund the equivalent of 143 new full-time maths intervention teachers to provide targeted support to children in years 0-6 who are not achieving at curriculum level. This provides the same kind of additional staffing support as structured literacy approaches. 
    “This investment means more students will get the expert support they need, when they need it,” Ms Stanford says.
    “The remaining $40 million will fund targeted, small-group maths tutoring for up to 34,000 year 7–8 students each year from Term 1 2026. This programme will build on the current pilot to provide tutoring to students who are not yet at curriculum level. 
    “Ensuring students are prepared to enter secondary school with strong foundations in maths will support them to succeed in the co-requisite assessment, NCEA and life beyond school”.
    All of these initiatives will also be introduced in te reo Māori for students who are learning in a bilingual unit or kura Kaupapa so that students learning in te reo Māori have the same access to resources and support. 
    Budget 2025 builds on Teaching the Basics Brilliantly and the Make it Count maths action plan to transform the teaching and learning of maths in New Zealand.

    A clear and detailed, year-by-year and internationally comparable maths curriculum
    Approximately 830,000 maths books and resources distributed to schools
    Around 980 schools and over 15,000 teachers involved in maths professional learning and development
    3,000 students already involved in a Year 7-8 maths trial to accelerate learning

    “We want 80 per cent of Year 8 students achieving at or above curriculum expectations in reading, writing, and maths by 2030. This system-wide boost will ensure Kiwi kids have the knowledge, skills and competencies they need to reach their full potential,” Ms Stanford says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • UAE schools to teach AI starting in kindergarten

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The United Arab Emirates will introduce artificial intelligence as a mandatory subject across all government schools beginning next academic year, positioning the nation at the forefront of educational innovation in preparation for an increasingly technology-driven future.

    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the comprehensive curriculum initiative on social media, emphasizing the country’s commitment to equipping its youth with both technical AI knowledge and ethical understanding of the technology.

    “Our responsibility is to equip our children for a time unlike ours, with conditions different from ours, and with new skills and capabilities that ensure the continued momentum of development and progress in our nation for decades to come,” Sheikh Mohammed stated.

    The program will span the entire educational journey from kindergarten through Grade 12, making the UAE one of the first nations globally to implement such extensive AI education. The Ministry of Education has developed a curriculum that balances technical proficiency with ethical considerations, teaching students about data, algorithms, applications, and potential risks. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader vision of cultivating a technologically advanced workforce capable of navigating and leading in an AI-dominated landscape. By starting AI education at such an early age, the country aims to normalize technological fluency and critical thinking about emerging technologies among its youngest citizens. The announcement reflects the UAE’s proactive approach to educational reform, recognizing that tomorrow’s economic and social challenges will require fundamentally different skill sets than those of previous generations. Through this curriculum, the nation hopes to maintain its developmental momentum and competitive edge in the global knowledge economy.

     

  • NEET UG 2025: over 22.7 lakh to appear amid tight security

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Over 22.7 lakh candidates are set to appear for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduate (NEET-UG) 2025, scheduled to be held across the country on Sunday. The examination, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), will take place at 5,453 centres spread across more than 500 cities.

    In the wake of allegations of paper leaks and irregularities during last year’s examination, the NTA has implemented strict security and monitoring protocols. According to officials from the Union Ministry of Education, a three-tier surveillance system—operating at the district, state, and centre levels—has been established to ensure the integrity of the exam process.

    Most of the centres this year are located in government and government-aided institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities. The NTA has also issued detailed guidelines, requiring candidates to follow the rules meticulously. Any violation, such as impersonation, cheating, or use of unfair means, could lead to cancellation of results and a three-year ban from all NTA-conducted exams.

    In an official advisory, the agency warned students against falling for false claims made by individuals promising influence over exam results or admissions. “Students are strongly advised to rely only on official communications available on the NTA website,” the advisory stated.

    This year’s NEET-UG is being held in the afternoon session, prompting the NTA to instruct examination centres to ensure essential amenities in light of the ongoing summer heat. These include access to drinking water, uninterrupted electricity, portable toilets where necessary, and availability of emergency medical support such as first aid and ambulances.

    The stepped-up measures come amid a concerted effort by authorities to restore confidence in the examination process following last year’s controversy, which led to widespread criticism and legal scrutiny over alleged score inflation and irregular grace marking.

    -IANS

  • Trump says he will strip Harvard’s tax-exempt status

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Donald Trump said on Friday he planned to strip Harvard University of its tax-exempt status, setting up another potential legal fight with the Ivy League school amid his wider crackdown on elite universities and the U.S. education system.

    “We are going to be taking away Harvard’s Tax Exempt Status. It’s what they deserve!” Trump said in a post on his social media platform, without specifying when he might take action.

    Representatives for the Internal Revenue Service did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Trump’s post and whether it wasrevoking the university’s tax-exempt status.

    Harvard, in a statement, said the move would be unlawful and unprecedented.

    “There is no legal basis to rescind Harvard’s tax-exempt status,” the Boston-area school said. “The unlawful use of this instrument more broadly would have grave consequences for the future of higher education in America.”

    It would also cut money available for student scholarships, medical research and technological advancements that drive economic growth, Harvard added.

    Since taking office in January, Trump has targeted major U.S. universities by freezing federal funding, launching investigations, revoking student visas and making other demands. He has said higher education has been gripped by antisemitic, anti-American, Marxist and radical left ideologies.

    Under federal law, the president cannot request that the IRS, which determines whether an organization can have or maintain tax-exempt status, investigate organizations.

    Most universities are exempt from federal income tax under the U.S. tax code because they are deemed to be operated exclusively for public educational purposes.

    Trump’s administration has escalated its fight against Harvard in recent weeks, probing its nearly $9 billion in federal funding, seeking details on its foreign ties and threatening its ability to enroll foreign students. The administration has also demanded a ban on diversity, equity and inclusion practices, a crackdown on some pro-Palestinian groups and a mask ban.

    On Wednesday, Trump suggested he would withhold grants.

    Harvard has pushed back, suing the administration over the halted U.S. research funding and other demands, and joining more than 200 university and college presidents in protesting Trump’s higher education policies.

    Trump said he was considering an end to Harvard’s tax-exempt status in a separate social media post on April 15, when annual U.S. tax returns are due, but did not say how he would do it.

    White House spokesperson Harrison Fields last month said any forthcoming IRS actions were independent of the president and that any tax status investigations were initiated before Trump’s post.

    (Reuters)

  • JNUSU elections: ABVP shatters decade-long drought with joint secretary post

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has secured one of the top posts in the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU), marking a comeback after a decade, according to results of the students’ union elections declared on Monday.

    ABVP’s Vaibhav Meena won the post of Joint Secretary with 1,518 votes. Nitish Kumar of the All India Students’ Association (AISA) was elected President, securing 1,702 votes, while Manisha and Munteha Fatima, both from the Democratic Students’ Federation (DSF), clinched the Vice-President and General Secretary posts, respectively. Manisha garnered 1,150 votes, while Munteha Fatima won with 1,520 votes, further strengthening DSF’s presence in the central panel.

    Although the ABVP fell short of winning the President, Vice-President, and General Secretary posts, the narrow margins of defeat underscored a palpable shift in campus dynamics.

    Describing the outcome as an “unprecedented performance,” Amit Malviya, head of the BJP’s IT cell, said in a post on X: “Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) conquered: Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) candidate Vaibhav Meena has been elected as Joint Secretary. And it doesn’t stop there. ABVP has delivered an unprecedented performance in the JNUSU elections, winning 23 out of 42 councillor seats across 16 schools and special centres — the highest number of seats won by any student organization.”

    Nitish Kumar of the All India Students’ Association (AISA) emerged as President, garnering 1,702 votes, while Manisha and Munteha Fatima, both from the Democratic Students’ Federation (DSF), claimed the posts of Vice-President and General Secretary, respectively. Manisha secured 1,150 votes, while Munteha Fatima’s victory further solidified DSF’s presence in the central panel, with 1,520 votes.

    Shikha Swaraj, Nittu Goutham, Kunal Rai, and Vaibhav Meena represented the ABVP in the key positions of President, Vice-President, General Secretary, and Joint Secretary, respectively, as part of their ambitious campaign to challenge the status quo and alter campus politics.

    The contest was marked by intense competition among strategic alliances: the All India Students’ Association (AISA) allied with the Democratic Students’ Federation (DSF), while the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) joined forces with the Birsa Ambedkar Phule Students’ Association (BAPSA), the All India Students’ Federation (AISF), and the Progressive Students’ Association.

    The ABVP contested the election independently.

    This year’s turnout of 68.3 per cent, though slightly lower than the record-breaking 73 per cent participation in the 2024 elections, still reflected strong voter engagement.

  • UP Board results declared: 90.11% pass in high school, 81.15% in intermediate

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Uttar Pradesh Board of Secondary Education (UPMSP) on Friday announced the results for Class 10 (High School) and Class 12 (Intermediate) examinations.

    This year, the pass percentage stood at 90.11% for Class 10 and 81.15% for Class 12. Mehak Jaiswal was declared the state topper in Class 12, while Yash Pratap Singh secured the top position in Class 10.

    The results were announced in the presence of the UP Board Chairman, Dr Mahendra Dev, Secretary Bhagwati Singh, and other members of the Examination Committee at the board’s headquarters in Prayagraj.

    The examinations were held from 24 February to 12 March.

    Congratulating the students, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath shared a message on X, saying, “Hearty congratulations to all meritorious students who have secured a place in the merit list of the UP Board Class 10 and 12 exams. Your success is a result of hard work, discipline, and determination. This achievement has made your parents and teachers proud. Wishing you all a bright and successful future.”

    He also announced that the state government will felicitate all toppers at the state and district levels.

    In a message to those who could not clear the exams, the chief minister said, “Failure should not be a reason for despair. It offers an opportunity for self-reflection and growth. Do not be disheartened — try again. Success is waiting for you.”

    —IANS

  • Forests Are Our Lungs, Forests Regulate Climate, Buffer Disasters, and Support the Marginalised, Says VP

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (3)

    Climate Change Is a Global Menace and Cliff-Hanging Crisis, Warns VP
    We Are Trustees of Nature, Not Consumers, Urges VP
    Our Vedic Culture Preached Sustainability for Thousands of Years: VP
    No Institution Can Function in Silo Today, Says VP
    VP Interacts With Students Of The College of Forestry in Sirsi

    The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, today said,“Forests are extremely important. Forests are our lungs. If a country’s forests are in good shape, its people will enjoy good health—because forests are the lungs. Agriculture is our lifeline. But we need forests as they regulate climate, they buffer disasters, and they support livelihoods—especially for the poor and marginalized.”

    Interacting with faculty members and students of the College of Forestry, Sirsi, during a special programme on the “Role of Forestry in Nation Building”, today, Shri Dhnakhar emphasised that,“We must pledge to protect our forests and contribute in every way possible, because climate change is a global challenge—a global menace. The situation is alarmingly cliff hanging, and we have no other planet to live on apart from Mother Earth,” he warned.

    Highlighting India’s civilisational wisdom, the Vice-President said, “This land is a confluence of spirituality and sustainability. Sustainability is not just vital for the economy—it is vital for healthy living. Our Vedic culture has preached sustainability for thousands of years. And today, there is no alternative to sustainable development. We cannot engage in reckless exploitation of natural resources. We must restrict ourselves to what is minimally required. We all need to be aware of this.”

    Calling for deeper ecological consciousness, he remarked, “We must develop a sense of self-realisation—that Mother Earth, this environment, the forests, the ecosystems, the flora and fauna—we are their trustees, not consumers. We are duty-bound to pass this on to future generations.”

    “Environment is that aspect of life which touches every living being on Earth. When the environment is challenged, the challenge is not just to humanity—it affects everything that exists on this planet. Today, we face a critical test: to protect and preserve the environment, and to find ways to overcome the grave crisis that is unfolding,” he observed.

    Stressing the role of education in building a sustainable future, the Vice-President said, “Today, no institution can function as a standalone entity. There was a time when medical education, engineering education, management education, environmental education, and forest education all existed in silos. But now, everything has become interdisciplinary. And therefore, we must adopt an inclusive approach to learning.”

    Encouraging young minds, Shri Dhankhar said, “Be inquisitive—have yearning and desire for new knowledge. The academic pursuit you are engaged in holds immense possibilities—far beyond imagination. In our cultural heritage, wherever you look, you will find a treasure trove. The more you study, the more you will be able to serve creation. The very subject you are pursuing today holds the key to remedies and production. You can truly become an effective crucible of research, especially when it comes to forest produce.”

    Applauding the natural setting of the institution, the Vice-President noted, “Sirsi, nestled in the lap of the majestic Western Ghats—is one of the richest biodiversity regions not just in Bharat, but in the entire world. Such an environment transforms the very concept of a classroom. Here, the classroom doesn’t end at four walls; it extends beyond them. This is an open classroom, breathing and brimming with life. The College of Forestry is, fortunately and uniquely, surrounded by nature—in its most pristine form. The view here is truly extraordinary; the atmosphere fills one with joy and celebration.”

    Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Governor of Karnataka, Shri Basavaraj S. Horatti, Speaker of Legislative Council, Govt. of Karnataka, Shri Mankal S. Vaidya, District-in-Charge Minister (Uttara Kannada), Shri Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri, Member of Parliament, Dr. P.L.Patil, Vice Chancellor of University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

  • Inclusivity And Freedom Of Expression Are Our Rich Legacy – Vice-President

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (3)

    Gradient Of Expression And Inclusivity Is Comparably The Highest In Bharat –says VP
    We Must Move From Food Security To Farmer Prosperity – Says VP
    Farmer Must Transform From Producer To Entrepreneur –urges VP
    Citizens Must Be Extremely Mindful That Freedom Of Expression And InclusivityTurn Out To Be National Assets – VP
    Innovation And Research Must Be Farmer-Centric – VP
    Vice-President Addressesthe Gathering At Tamil Nadu Agricultural University In Coimbatore

    The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today said,“Bharat is the world’s oldest civilisation, a peace-loving nation where inclusivity and freedom of expression and thought are our legacy.”

    Addressing the gathering at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu on the theme “Fostering Agri-Education, Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Viksit Bharat”, the Vice-Presidentobserved that if one traverses history for thousands of years, one would find that in our civilisation, inclusivity and freedom of expression thrived, blossomed, and were respected. In present times, he said, the quotient and gradient of expression and inclusivity are comparably the highest in the world, “Look around, there is no other country like Bharat which can demonstrate inclusivity and freedom of expression,” he said, adding that as citizens of this great nation—the largest democracy, the oldest democracy, the most vibrant democracy—we need to be extremely watchful, mindful and cognisant that freedom of expression and inclusivity must turn out to be our national assets.


    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1916407879021584676

    Turning to the agriculture sector, the Vice-President underscored that “we must move from food security to farmer prosperity.” The farmer, he said, has to be prosperous, and this evolution must originate from institutions like Tamil Nadu Agricultural University.

    He further elaborated that farmers must step out of the farmland and involve themselves in marketing their produce. “Farmers should not just be a producer and forget about it. That would mean they will painstakingly, tirelessly raise a produce and will sell it at a time when it is right for the market, without holding it. It doesn’t give much financially,” he noted. He called for empowering the farmers by generating awareness and by informing them that the government cooperative system is very robust.

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1916416299543961794

    “For the first time, we have the Cooperation Minister. Cooperatives find place in our Constitution. Therefore, what we need is farmer traders. We need farmer entrepreneurs. Change that mindset, so that a farmer transforms himself from producer to a value adder, starting some industry which is based on least produce,” he said.

    The Vice-President also emphasized that the farm produce market is gigantic, and when value is added to the farm produce, industry will thrive.

    Shri Dhankhar underlined that it is the duty of every citizen to bear this in mind, particularly at a time when the nation is witnessing unstoppable exponential economic rise, extraordinary growth in infrastructure, technological penetration reaching to the last mile, and the international repute of the nation and its leader, the Prime Minister, is at the highest ever, “We as citizens, therefore, have a great role to contribute to sustain this rise of the nation,” he asserted.

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1916413469814858028

    Emphasizing citizen participation, the Vice-President said that this is the right time for every citizen to fully become aware and also take advantage of the ecosystem of hope and possibility. He urged everyone to take a firm resolve that nation first will be our motto, our unflinching commitment to nation and ever guiding star. “No interest can be higher than that of the Nation,” he stressed.

    Highlighting the role of research and technology in agriculture, he stressed that the gap between lab and land must not merely be bridged—it must be a seamless connect. “Lab and land must be together and for this, over 730 Krishi Vigyan Kendras must be vibrant centres of interaction with farmers, to educate the farmers,” he said. He also called for connecting Krishi Vigyan Kendras and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, which in itself has over 150 institutions focusing on every aspect of Agronomy.


    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1916414888076886171

    Applauding the government’s initiatives, the Vice-President noted that innovative schemes like PM Kisan Nidhi Samman are not freebies but are measures of doing justice to a sector that is our life-line. “This is a direct transfer to the farmer,” he emphasized.

    In this context, Shri Dkhankhar said “in our country there is a massive subsidy for fertilisers. Institutions like Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, he said, must think that if the subsidy currently given to the fertiliser sector for the benefit of the farmer goes directly to the farmer, every farmer would be getting around 35,000 rupees every year.”

    On the larger national vision, the Vice-President asserted, “attainment of Viksit Bharat has to be navigated carefully by institutions like Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. He called it a privilege to be at the University which, he said, has made seminal contributions to India’s food security.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1916409605329949029

    He recalled, “India has traversed from food scarcity to food being in plenty, and Tamil Nadu Agricultural University has effected agrarian development and served the broader cause of rural transformation.”

    Paying rich tributes, the Vice-President noted, “one of the towering giants of the agro-sector, one of the proudest sons of Bharat, Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, was an alumnus of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University”. He pointed out that Dr. Swaminathan had the rare distinction of being the recipient of all four civilian awards, including the highest one—the Bharat Ratna.

    Calling for impact-oriented innovation and research, he said that innovation and research initiatives must be evaluated as to what impact they have on the farmer. “Are they having ground impact? Therefore, research has to be applied. Research must be based on need. Research must serve a cause which you identify,” he advised. He added that research must be supported not only by government at the Centre and the State but also by industry, trade, business, and commerce.

    In his concluding remarks, the Vice-President observed that India—our Bharat—has always been a land of agriculture. Its heart pulsates in villages. It is the lifeline of employment and economy, and the spinal strength of the nation in every sense of the term.


    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1916409648074072527

    Recalling the ancient wisdom of the Tamil land, he remembered that in this sacred land, the role of the farmer was taken to a high level by the great poet-saint Thiruvalluvar. Citing him, the Vice-President said, “Farmers are the cornerstone of humanity and agriculture as the foremost craft.”He lauded Thiruvalluvar’s wisdom, calling it timeless, and remarked that “the farmer is the provider of our food. The farmer is the architect of our destiny.”

    Shri R.N. Ravi, Governor of Tamil Nadu, ⁠Smt. N. Kayalvizhi Selvaraj, Minister for Human Resources Management, Govt. of Tamil Nadu, ⁠Shri V. Dakshinamoorthy, Agricultural Production Commissioner and Secretary to Government, Dr. M. Raveendran, Director of Research, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, ⁠Dr. R. Thamizh Vendan, Registrar and Acting Vice Chancellor Tamil Nadu Agricultural University and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

     

  • Governor Ravi Is Vindicating His Oath, Acting In Line With His Constitutional Ordainment: Vice-President At The Conference Of Vice Chancellors of State, Central and Private Universities of Tamil Nadu

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (3)

    Urge Everyone In Governance To Believe In The Institution Of Vice-Chancellor: VP
    Vice-Chancellors Must Act As Stewards Of India’s Academic Landscape, Urges VP
    Bharat Is The World’s Most Peace-Loving Nation, Says Vice-President
    Terrorism Is A Global Menace, Needs To Be Addressed In Unison, Says VP
    National Education Policy Is Not A Government Policy; It Is A Policy For The Nation, says VP
    Tamil Nadu Is A Land Of Vibrant Learning Centers, Says VP
    VP Addresses the Inaugural Session of the Conference of Vice-Chancellors of State, Central and Private Universities of Tamil Nadu in Udhagamandalam

    The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today lauded the Governor of Tamil Nadu at Vice-Chancellors conference saying, “The Hon’ble Governor is doing this conference because it is his constitutional ordainment. He has taken oath under the Indian Constitution under Article 159. His oath, as that of the Hon’ble President, is very significant. The oath he has taken as Governor is to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution and the law. By his oath, he is further enjoined to devote to the service and well-being of people of Tamil Nadu. By organizing such events, which are extremely relevant to the field of education, Governor Ravi is vindicating his oath. I must commend him for this very thoughtful initiative taken by him in 2022 to have conference of Vice-Chancellors. The present one is one in such series.”

    https://x.com/VPIndia/status/1915696803955040490

    Addressing the gathering as Chief Guest at the Inaugural Session of the Conference of Vice-Chancellors of State, Central and Private Universities of Tamil Nadu in Udhagamandalam today, Shri Dhankhar said, “At the heart of India’s great institutions in the past, we had visionary leaders, what we call modern Vice-Chancellors. The Vice-Chancellors of today are enormously talented. They are no less visionaries. They are giving everything which they can. They might face a big task, difficult terrain or air pockets, but I believe in their power to transform. They are worthy academicians who have capacity to bring about result. They represent and epitomize the ‘Kulapatis’ we had once. I urge everyone in governance at the Center and at the state level to believe in the institution of Vice Chancellor and ensure they have played the joints and can perform undeterred by ordinary situations.”

    He further underscored the importance of changing academic landscape saying, “Today, not only Bharat but the entire world is faced with formidable challenges, rapid technological disruption. It is far more severe than industrial revolutions we had. A paradigm shift is taking place every moment. It is difficult to keep pace. The global order, on this count, is becoming increasingly complex. Every facet of life is being affected and it is therefore, in the lap of universities ably led on the front foot by Vice-Chancellors, to act as the stewards of India’s academic landscape. More the challenges, more the formidability of challenges, we must rise as impregnable, not only to overcome them, but to deliver results for the nation and the world. One challenge which the vice-chancellors must be facing is faculty. Faculty availability, faculty retention, and sometimes faculty addition. I would appeal to all of you to engage in sharing with one another. Use technology, don’t be an island in yourselves. It is not a time to be standalone because this challenge has to be fixed. We have no time.”

    https://x.com/VPIndia/status/1915714473232372174

    Shri Dhankhar expressed deep sorrow over the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, saying, “Today I join the Nation in expressing profound grief and outrage at the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed innocent lives. It is a grim reminder that terrorism is a global menace to be addressed by humanity in unison. Bharat is the world’s most peace-loving nation and our civilisational ethos reflects Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.”

    He further added, “Our visionary leadership in the shape of the Prime Minister who is in his third term is our greatest assurance that the nation’s rise cannot be handicapped by any situation internal or external. But we all have to bear in mind that national interest is supreme. This was echoed by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar while imparting his final address to the Constituent Assembly. We therefore have to take a resolve to always keep nation first, national interests cannot be intertwined with partisan interest, it has to be uppermost. This cannot be subservient to any interest political, personal or for a group.”
    Touching upon the transformative National Education Policy, the Vice-President said, “After three decades, taking into consideration inputs from the widest spectrum of stakeholders, there was the evolution of the National Education Policy. This policy aligns with our civilization ethos. It encourages multidisciplinary learning. It gives priority to Indian languages. It envisions education as the development of the person, not just employability.”

    He further stated, “The most significant aspect of the National Education Policy is that it allows students to learn in their mother tongue. It has got us out of the colonial regime. Even medicine and engineering in local languages, which could not be entertained at one point of time, even in dreams, It is getting shape on the ground.”

    https://x.com/VPIndia/status/1915719166088118685

    Calling upon institutions to study and adopt the policy in full spirit, he urged, “I beseech you all and the faculty and directors wherever they are to please do a thorough study of National Education Policy to realise its real intent and purpose so that we reap the harvest of it. From this platform, I wish to indicate National Education Policy is a government policy. It is a policy for the nation. And therefore I appeal, it is time for us all to adopt it, understand it, execute it, and to reap the fruits.”

    He further emphasized that the future of Indian higher education lies in moving beyond traditional silos, “We are well past the era of standalone institutions. It can’t be just IIMs, IITs etc. Standalone era for institutions is already behind us. There is now need of convergence for various verticals to give institutions cutting edge. Multi-disciplinary approach across academic pursuits is the only answer. Share your faculty talent virtually, technologically and otherwise also. That will have twofold purpose. While giving it, you will be receiving also. The winds of innovation and change must have free passage in educational institutions. Evolve a mechanism. There must be tolerance for varying ideas. Intolerance to a thought defines democracy the wrong way. The nectar of university is that a solo voice that has an opinion different than that of the majority is heard with deference by engaging in dialogue and discourse, not by being judgmental.”

    Highlighting Tamil Nadu’s historical role in India’s academic evolution, the Vice-President said, “Tamil Nadu is a land of vibrant learning centers, those learning centers must be our North Star now. Tamil Nadu has been home to such widely accoladed learning centers like Kanchipuram and Ennayiram. Ennayiram attracted thousands of students from all over Bharat. I see in these conferences emergence of crucibles of ideation that will rekindle the spirit of Kanchipuram and bring back glory of Ennayiram. We must take pride that it was in Tamil Nadu, Madras University was established in 1857. Modern education was exemplified in this land.”

    https://x.com/VPIndia/status/1915698430917185680

    He concluded with a stirring reflection on India’s rich linguistic heritage, especially Tamil’s historic recognition, saying, “Our languages, their richness and depth are our pride and legacy. This aspect amplifies the fullness and uniqueness of our culture. Go to any country, and you will not find what we have here. Our treasure is unfathomable. Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Bangla, and other languages are a goldmine of literature and knowledge. These have national and global footprints. Educational institutions have to nurture with deep focus this treasure.”

    https://x.com/VPIndia/status/1915720076696711496

    He further said that “What a pride for Tamil Nadu and the entire country. The Tamil had the distinction of being the first language to be accorded the prestige of being a classical language. This well-deserved recognition was imparted in 2004, which means things started changing in regimes. Today, there are 11 languages that are classical languages and Classical languages are those that have rich culture, knowledge, literature, depth. Let me just indicate the 11 languages because I had the occasion, as Chairman, Rajya Sabha, to declare to the Rajya Sabha that Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali were recently given the status of classical languages, but earlier we had, as I said Tamil, Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Odia. Go all over the world, we are matchless. We have to realise our power, our potential. We should not be carried away by insignificant aspects.”

    https://x.com/VPIndia/status/1915675941663084559

    Shri R.N. Ravi, Hon’ble Governor of Tamil Nadu, Shri R. Kirlosh Kumar, Principal Secretary to Governor of Tamil Nadu, Dr. N. Chandrasekar, Vice Chancellor, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tamil Nadu

  • Constitutional Offices Are Not Ornamental; Every Citizen Is Supreme In A Democracy, Stresses Vice-President

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (3)

    There Is No Visualisation in the Constitution of Any Authority above Parliament, Asserts VP
    Is Our Discourse Controlled by Moneybags, Muscle Power, And Foreign Interests? You Must Discern, Urges Vice-President
    The Constitution Is For the People; Elected Representatives Are Its Repository, Affirms VP
    Soul of Democracy Resides In Each Citizen, Says Vice-President
    If You Hesitate To Speak The Right Thing At The Right Time, To The Right Group You’ll Not Only Weaken Yourself, But Also Deeply Wound Positive Forces, says VP
    Vice-President presides over ‘Kartavyam’, an event commemorating 75 years of the Indian Constitution at the University of Delhi

    The Hon’ble Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, today said, “For any democracy, every citizen has a pivotal role. I find it inconceivably intriguing that some have recently reflected that constitutional offices can be ceremonial or ornamental. Nothing can be far distanced from a wrong understanding of the role of everyone in this country, constitutional functionary or a citizen. According to me, a citizen is supreme because a nation and democracy are built by citizens. Every one of them has a role. The soul of democracy resides and pulsates in every citizen. Democracy will blossom. Its values will get heightened. When citizen is alert, citizen contributes and what a citizen contributes, there is no substitution of that.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1914595796030193925

    Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest over ‘Kartavyam’, an event commemorating 75 years of the Indian Constitution at the University of Delhi today, the Vice-President and ex-officio Chancellor of the University of Delhi, stated, “There is no visualisation in the constitution of any authority above parliament. Parliament is supreme and that being the situation. Let me tell you, it is as supreme as every individual in the country. Part of ‘We the People’ is an atom in democracy and that atom has atomic power. That atomic power is reflected during elections and that is why we are a democratic nation.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1914596920871309323

    He also added that, “The Constitution is encapsulated—its essence, it’s worth, its nectar—in the Preamble of the Constitution. And what does it say? ‘We, the People of India’, the supreme power is with them. No one is above the people of India. And we, the People of India, under the Constitution, have chosen to reflect their aspirations, their desires, and their will through their public representatives. And they hold the representatives accountable—severely accountable, on occasions—through elections. A Prime Minister who imposed ‘Emergency’ was held accountable in 1977. And therefore, let there be no doubt about it: the Constitution is for the people, and its repository of safeguarding is that of the elected representatives. They are the ultimate masters as to what the Constitution’s content will be.”

    Reflecting on the duty of citizens in democracy, the Vice-President said, “Democracy is not only for the government to govern. It is participatory democracy, just not laws, but also culture and ethos. Citizenship demands action, not merely status….Democracy is shaped not by governments, democracy is shaped by individuals. Because individuals bear the responsibility to uphold our symbols, preserve our heritage, defend sovereignty, foster brotherhood….. Government has a role that it [individual] does not become a handicap. Government has a role that it must have affirmative policies but government is like giving me a good stadium, a good football ground. Goals have to be scored by individuals.”

    Underlining the significance of quality of discourse in any healthy democracy, the Vice-President said, “If you want to know the health of democracy, like the health of an individual, if you want to analyse how healthy is our democracy, then you will have to find out discourse quality, the kind of discourse we have. Is our discourse moderated? Is our discourse manipulated? Is our discourse controlled by moneybags, by muscle power, by foreign interests, by people working against the interests of this nation? You will have to discern.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1914598428551610399

    Underlining the significance of freedom of expression, he stated, “We have to understand—democracy thrives through expression and dialogue. Abhivyakti aur samvaad—these are the core mantras of democracy. These are the basic mantras. If your right of expression is throttled or regulated, as was done during the Emergency, democracy nosedives. But if you have the right of expression, and that expression reflects arrogance and ego—where you believe your expression is ultimate, where you refuse to entertain any different point of view, refuse to even look at the other side—that too is not true expression as per our civilization. Because every expression demands respect for dialogue, and respect for the other point of view. You must always be prepared to be challenged. And to challenge is not a physical act—it is a challenge of ideas, a difference in thought: “I disagree with you.” That does not mean “I am disagreeable.” There must always be space for such exchange. Therefore, expression and dialogue are complementary—they together define democracy. If we delve into our civilizational heritage, this was referred to in Vedic times as ‘Anantavad’—the idea of infinite perspectives. There was a tradition of vaad-vivaad—debate and discourse—And this tradition was free of ego. Vaad-vivaad dissolves ego and arrogance. Because if I believe that only I am right and no one else can be right—that arrogance tarnishes not only the individual but also institutions. That is why, for a healthy democracy, expression and dialogue are essential.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1914606039707554013

    “If you hesitate to speak the right thing, at the right time, to the right group and the right person, you will not only weaken yourself but also deeply hurt those positive forces. Therefore, expression and dialogue are of utmost importance. Nations are not built by industrialists, nations are built by individuals. The power of the individual, as I said an atom. The power is atomic, you have that power. You only have to realise it”, he further added.

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1914595306420777013

    Emphasising the role of youth in nation-building, Shri Dhankhar added, “The quality of discourse defines our democracy and in this, I have no doubt, our youth must elevate beyond partisanship to thoughtful deliberation. Our youth cannot afford this critical juncture when Bharat is rising, the rise is unstoppable. We are destined to be a global power. We will be a developed nation. You cannot be tied down to partisan interests; you have to believe only in national interests.”

    Shri Yogesh Singh, Vice-Chancellor, University of Delhi, Prof. Balaram Pani, Dean Colleges, University of Delhi, Shri Prakash Singh, Director, South Delhi Campus, University of Delhi and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Auckland Regional Parks track update

    Source: Secondary teachers question rationale for changes to relationship education guidelines

    This update is our first in a series covering what’s been done and what’s to come in Auckland Council’s efforts to maintain and renew our extensive network of regional park tracks.

    In the two years since the Auckland storms impacted 79 regional park tracks, Auckland Council rangers, engineers and contractors have made strong and steady progress to repair damage in all the hardest hit areas. Most tracks are safe once again for visitors to enjoy.

    To the west, the landscape in the Waitākere Ranges and Muriwai regional parks was scarred with slips, tree and track damage. Bridges were washed away and ground stability issues presented a challenging list of complex and costly repair jobs.

    Only a handful of tracks in West Auckland escaped unscathed (11 of the 60 forest and coastal walks that were open when the storms hit), requiring 49 tracks to close due to serious safety concerns. 

    Thanks to the council’s continued recovery effort, the council’s western rangers have reopened 39 tracks in a relatively short timeframe and another five are partially open to visitors again.   

    In the south, all 25 regional park tracks damaged when the storms swept through have now been restored and re-opened to visitors.

    To the north, a handful of tracks closed as a result of storm damage but have now reopened, providing a total network of 54 tracks around northern regional parks to enjoy.   

    The few remaining tracks in West Auckland that are still closed because of storm damage present the most challenging issues due to the scale and extent of damage that occurred, as detailed in the checklist below. 

    Regional Parks Manager Scott De Silva says ongoing geotechnical investigation is needed at most of these sites to see whether significant, costly repair work is the best course of action.

    “There is a lot of work going on behind the scenes to ensure we manage track restoration in the best way possible, to increase resilience and keep the public safe,” says Scott.

    “Tracks that remain closed are not safe – it is important that people stay off them. We have so many other options to choose from that you won’t run out of choices.”

    Regional Parks continue to attract high visitor numbers, drawing more than 1 million people during January 2025.  

    Kauri dieback remains an ongoing concern in our native forests and continues to require the careful management of tracks where there is a risk of this disease being spread. The council is working with Tiakina Kauri, iwi, local boards and interested communities to effectively manage the impacts of kauri dieback in multiple locations, most notably in the Waitākere Ranges and Hūnua Ranges regional parks.

    In some areas, this calls for the need to minimise foot traffic to protect the environment by keeping tracks closed. In other areas, this will require more significant upgrades to allow people to return.

    The Governing Body will consider Auckland’s Regional Parks track programme and associated funding in July 2025. Approval of the programme will enable council staff to undertake the work programme for 2025/26.

    Track checklist – as of May 2025

    More information on the status of Auckland’s regional park tracks is available via this PDF [69.8KB].

     Planning to visit an Auckland regional park?

    • Check our map of walking tracks before leaving home, to see which tracks are open.

    • Stay safe and keep our forests healthy. Closed tracks are unsafe or managing a biosecurity risk – please follow the instructions on signage and choose a track that is clearly marked as open.

    • Be vigilant about using kauri dieback stations. Simple actions like cleaning footwear and gear before and after visiting will help us to continue to protect kauri.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –