NewzIntel.com

Category: Education

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: EDB announces arrangements for fourth round of Basic Law and National Security Law Test in 2024/25 school year

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Education Bureau (EDB) today (April 30) announced that the fourth round of the Basic Law and National Security Law Test (BLNST) in the 2024/25 school year will be open for application from 9am on May 2 to 5pm on May 15. The test will be held on June 22 (Sunday).
          
    The target participants for the fourth round of the test are persons without a bachelor’s degree and planning to join or change to another secondary school, primary school or kindergarten to take up a teaching post. Applications can be made through the EDB’s online application system (www.edb.gov.hk/en/blnst). Limited places for the test will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that a pass result in the test at a non-degree level is only applicable for applying for non-graduate teaching posts. Those who have already obtained a pass result in the BLNST organised by the EDB, the Civil Service Bureau or recruiting departments/grades will not be accepted to sit the test again.

    Starting from the 2023/24 school year, all newly appointed teachers in public sector schools, Direct Subsidy Scheme schools and kindergartens joining the Kindergarten Education Scheme (including newly joined teachers and teachers changing schools) are required to pass the BLNST in order to be considered for appointment. The requirement applies to all ranks of the teacher grade including principals.

    The EDB is conducting five rounds of the BLNST for degree holders and non-degree holders respectively this school year. Details are available on the EDB webpage (www.edb.gov.hk/en/blnst). The fifth round will be open for degree holders and will be held on July 19 (Saturday). Relevant arrangements will be announced in due course.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Dr. Sukanta Majumdar inaugurates two-day National Workshop on Multi-Disciplinary Education and Research Universities under PM-USHA

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 30 APR 2025 2:42PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of State for Education and Development of the North Eastern Region, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, inaugurated a two-day National Workshop on Multi-Disciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERU) under Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) today at ICAR, New Delhi. Secretary, Department of Higher education, GoI, Dr. Vineet Joshi; Additional Secretary, Ministry of Education, Shri Sunil Kumar Barnwal; Chairman, AICTE, Prof. T G Sitharam; Chair Person, NETF, Prof. Anil Sahasrabudhe; Former Chairman, UGC, Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar; and other dignitaries and Vice chancellors of the Universities were present at the event. Joint Secretary, Ministry of Education, Shri Armstrong Pame, presented the Vote of Thanks.

    Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, while addressing the event, highlighted the importance of NEP 2020, which empowers the youth, modernizes institutions, and blends India’s ancient wisdom with modern innovation. Through focused efforts on research, innovation, and international collaboration, NEP 2020 aims to equip India’s students with the skills and knowledge needed to meet global challenges, he added.

    He noted that with the participation of over 64 Vice Chancellors from over 64 different universities, along with State officials represented by State Project Directors of Higher Education, the national workshop will provide essential guidance on how best to implement various elements of the NEP in collaboration with central and state government funding. Dr. Majumdar also said that for 35 universities, the Ministry is providing Rs. 100 crore each for implementing 44 mandatory activities under the Multidisciplinary Education and Research University (MERU) components. He urged everyone to move forward with commitment and collaboration to realize the dream of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, where every university becomes a hub of innovation, inclusion, and global excellence.

    Dr. Vineet Joshi, in his speech, emphasised the importance of NEP 2020 in preparing students for the 21st century. He also highlighted the significance of research in higher educational institutes and urged the participants to learn and adopt best practices from other institutions, replicating them in their specific context. This collaborative approach, he noted, will ensure the rapid improvement of the country. He also emphasised the need for teaching-learning material in the mother tongue to achieve better outcomes.

    During this two-day seminar twelve important sessions will be held on UGC Regulations for NEP Implementation (Status and Challenges); Clustering and Collaboration for Multidisciplinary Education; Holistic Education through Integration of Skilling and Industry Connect (NHEQF, NCrF); Employability through apprenticeship & internship and Future of Work and Courses in Emerging Areas; Digital Initiatives (SWAYAM, SWAYAM-Plus, SATHEE, APAAR, AI); Equity and Access to Higher Education; Indian Knowledge System; e-Governance (SAMARTH); Research, Innovation & Internationalization; Promoting Indian Languages in Higher Education; Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Program – Capacity Building of Faculty of Higher Education; and Providing Quality Education: Accreditation and Ranking (NAAC, NIRF, IQAC). Eminent academicians and officials will share their insight in these sessions.

    PM-USHA, or Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan, is a centrally sponsored scheme launched by the Indian Ministry of Education to improve the quality of higher education in state-run institutions. It aims to enhance accessibility, equity, and excellence in higher education while ensuring efficiency, transparency, accountability, and responsiveness.

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    MV/AK

    MOE/DoHE/30 April 2025/12

    (Release ID: 2125442) Visitor Counter : 58

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ12: Advance medical directives

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ12: Advance medical directives 
    Question:
     
         The Advance Decision on Life-sustaining Treatment Ordinance (the Ordinance), which was passed by this Council on November 20 last year, aims to establish legislative frameworks for “advance medical directives” (AMDs) and “do-not-attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DNACPR) orders” and provide legal protection to patients, medical professionals, as well as rescuers, where terminally-ill patients are empowered with a greater degree of autonomy. However, a survey has discovered that approximately 75 per cent of adult respondents have never heard of AMDs. There are views that given the complex medical ethics and legal issues involved in the Ordinance, the Government should enhance public awareness of the Ordinance and establish supporting systems in the long run. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) whether it knows the respective numbers of AMDs signed by and DNACPR orders issued to patients of the Hospital Authority each year since 2019;
     
    (2) whether the Government has currently provided necessary training for frontline staff of medical institutions and relevant organisations regarding the implementation of the Ordinance; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; whether it knows the progress made by relevant stakeholders in updating their protocols, records and systems in response to the implementation of the Ordinance;
     
    (3) given that the Ordinance will come into effect in May next year, whether the Government has formulated specific plans to publicise the importance and signing procedure of AMDs among the public; if so, of the details (including publicity channels); if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (4) whether the authorities will consider strengthening life and death education among the public, and incorporating the content of the Ordinance into such education (particularly by updating the existing curriculum framework for primary and secondary schools) to promote rational discussions in society over the right to a good death; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
     
    (5) given that the Government plans to progressively introduce the full electronic route of AMDs, with the Electronic Health Record Sharing System (eHealth) serving as the designated electronic system to support the making, storage, revocation and retrieval of electronic AMDs, of the authorities’ specific plans and implementation timetable for the relevant work?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         The Government’s policy objective is to provide quality and comprehensive end-of-life (EoL) care services to patients and their families. Advance decision instruments (i.e. advance medical directives (AMDs) and do-not-attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DNACPR) orders) are integral components of EoL care, aiming to respect patients’ autonomy and shield them from enduring ineffective and unnecessary treatments in their final stages of life, thereby enhancing the quality of life of terminally-ill patients. Since 2010, the Hospital Authority (HA) has been allowing its patients to make or sign advance decision instruments when necessary according to common law practices. Passed by the Legislative Council in November 2024, the Advance Decision on Life-sustaining Treatment Ordinance (the Ordinance) establishes a corresponding legal framework for and provides clearer legal status for advance decision instruments, safeguarding the makers and subject patients of advance decision instruments, as well as providing legal protection for healthcare professionals in following the directives and orders. The Ordinance is planned to take effect 18 months after its passage (i.e. around mid-2026).
     
         In consultation with the Department of Health (DH), the HA, the Education Bureau and the Security Bureau, the reply to the question raised by Hon Edward Leung is as follows:
     
    (1) According to the Ordinance, pre-existing advance decision instruments made before the commencement of the Ordinance will remain valid and applicable after its commencement, provided that they meet the specific conditions set out in the Ordinance. The number of AMDs made within the HA from 2019 to 2024 is tabulated as follows:
     
     

    Year     The number of DNACPR orders made within the HA from 2019 to 2024 is tabulated as follows:
     

    Year(2) To ensure smooth implementation of the Ordinance, the Health Bureau (HHB) is arranging briefing and training sessions for relevant organisations, such as disciplined services departments and other rescue teams, regarding the legal framework and protection provisions outlined in the Ordinance. The HHB is also co-ordinating with various stakeholders to update relevant guidelines. For instance, the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine released the “Best Practice Guidelines on Advance Medical Directives” (BPG) in April this year. The BPG offers practical advice on clinical decision-making, doctor-patient communication and ethical considerations for healthcare professionals’ reference, with a view to enhancing their professional capabilities in handling advance decision instruments while upholding patients’ autonomy and complying with the legal framework of the Ordinance. Moreover, relevant policy bureaux, departments, the HA and other related organisations are currently formulating services and operational guidelines in alignment with their specific operational needs. These guidelines will among other things encompass protocols and precautions for implementing DNACPR orders outside hospital settings. Training sessions will also be conducted for rescue personnel to ensure their readiness to make prompt and accurate decisions in accordance with the legal requirements during emergencies.
     
    (3) and (4) To enhance public understanding of the Ordinance, the HHB, in collaboration with the Jockey Club End-of-Life Community Care Project (JCECC) and the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Hong Kong, co-organised a series of eight community talks to elucidate the provisions of the Ordinance. Additionally, the HHB further disseminated information about the Ordinance to the general public through promotional pamphlets, mobile van publicity campaigns and a designated website.
     
         In fact, advance decision instruments under the Ordinance form part of advance care planning (ACP), which is an overarching and preceding process for patients to communicate their preferences regarding medical and personal care. The scope of ACP includes not only the advance decisions concerning life-sustaining treatments documented in AMDs, but also the patient’s previously expressed wishes, personal goals to be accomplished, preferences for EoL care, and treatment expectations, among other aspects. The Ordinance presents an opportunity for patients and their families, as well as the society as a whole, to understand and engage in discussions about ACP, enabling carers to provide suitable EoL care according to patients’ wishes.
     
         By fostering collaboration across departments and sectors, the Government is proactively implementing a range of public education and promotional initiatives within the community and establishing collaborative networks with social service organisations to enhance public awareness and understanding of topics like ACP and life and death education, thereby facilitating rational discussions on life and death matters within society. The DH also disseminates public education on life and death issues through various channels including media interviews, websites, publications, and online videos. In the meantime, the HA actively organises seminars, events, and talks on life and death education, including the advocacy of ACP concept.
     
         Beyond promotional campaigns targeting the general public, the Government has also implemented other targeted promotional initiatives. Specifically tailored for the elderly population, the multidisciplinary Visiting Health Teams of the Elderly Health Service (EHS) of the DH deliver health education on ageing, life and death education, managing loss and grief, and psychological needs of patients needing EoL care. These health talks are conducted for the elderly and their carers at residential care homes for the elderly, elderly centres and elderly health centres. From 2008 to 2025, the EHS has organised over 2 600 relevant health talks.
     
         As for patients, the HA’s “Smart Patient Website” provides diverse information related to palliative care, such as symptom management, caregiving tips and community resources for patients and carers to reference. In mid-2025, the HA will launch a “Smart Patient” talk series on EoL care for patient groups and the general public.
     
         In the context of school education, life education (including life and death education) is an integral part of values education. The Values Education Curriculum Framework (Pilot Version) (2021) has identified “enhancing life education” as one of its major focuses and has included “understanding the course of life: birth, ageing, illness, and death” as one of the suggested proposed learning expectations for students. Relevant learning elements have been incorporated into the primary and secondary school curricula. Schools will align with students’ cognitive development and life experiences to help them understand topics related to ACP both within and beyond classroom.
     
    (5) The Ordinance provides that the Secretary for Health may designate an electronic system, enabling makers to electronically make, store and revoke AMDs. The HHB is currently enhancing eHealth, which will serve as the designated electronic system, to support the implementation of AMDs.
     
         We will introduce electronic AMDs in phases. In the first phase, paper AMDs and the electronic storage of such AMDs will be implemented. After making a paper AMD, the public can opt to electronically store an electronic image of the paper AMD, such as a scanned copy or a photo, on eHealth to serve as a validating copy of the paper directive. The electronic storage will allow both the makers and medical institutions to access the directives through eHealth whenever needed. We plan to launch the first phase with the commencement of the Ordinance in mid-2026. Once the relevant functions of eHealth, along with the electronic systems of medical institutions and related organisations, are in place, we will proceed to enable the electronic making and storing of AMDs directly within eHealth.
    Issued at HKT 16:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Judicial appointments

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:

    The Judiciary today (April 30) announced the appointment of one Recorder and the reappointment of two incumbent Recorders of the Court of First Instance of the High Court. All appointments are made by the Chief Executive on the recommendation of the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission.

    Mr Eric Kwok Tung-ming, SC, is newly appointed as Recorder of the Court of First Instance of the High Court. The appointment will be effective from May 1, 2025, for a term of three years.
     
    Miss Maggie Wong Pui-kei, SC, and Mr Derek Chan Ching-lung, SC, are reappointed as Recorders of the Court of First Instance of the High Court. The reappointments will be for three years commencing on May 1, 2025, upon expiry of their current terms.
     
    The biographical notes of the appointees are as follows:

    Mr Eric Kwok Tung-ming, SC

    Mr Kwok, SC, was born in 1959 in Hong Kong. He obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Reading, United Kingdom, in 1983. He completed the Bar Final Examination of the Council of Legal Education in the United Kingdom in 1984. He was called to the Hong Kong Bar in 1985. He was appointed as Senior Counsel in 2004. He served in the then Attorney General’s Chambers between 1985 and 1988. He has been in private practice since 1988. He was appointed as Deputy Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court for periods from 2022 to 2025.
     
    Miss Maggie Wong Pui-kei, SC

    Miss Wong, SC, was born in 1973 in Hong Kong. She obtained her LL.B. from the University of Hong Kong in 1995. She further obtained her P.C.LL. from the University of Hong Kong in 1996. She was called to the Hong Kong Bar in 2000, and in Brunei Darussalam on an ad hoc basis in 2004 respectively. She has been in private practice in Hong Kong since 2001. She was appointed as Senior Counsel in 2018. She was appointed as Deputy Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court for periods from 2020 to 2022. She has been appointed as Recorder of the Court of First Instance of the High Court since 2022.

    Mr Derek Chan Ching-lung, SC

    Mr Chan, SC, was born in 1979 in Hong Kong. He obtained his LL.B. and Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, in 2001. He further obtained his P.C.LL. from the City University of Hong Kong in 2003. He was called to the Hong Kong Bar in 2004. He has been in private practice in Hong Kong since 2004. He was appointed as Senior Counsel in 2018. He was appointed as Deputy Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court for periods in 2020 and 2021. He has been appointed as Recorder of the Court of First Instance of the High Court since 2022.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Amid Dutton’s ‘hate media’ and Trump’s despotism, press freedom is more vital than ever

    COMMENTARY: By Alexandra Wake

    Despite all the political machinations and hate towards the media coming from the president of the United States, I always thought the majority of Australian politicians supported the role of the press in safeguarding democracy.

    And I certainly did not expect Peter Dutton — amid an election campaign, one with citizens heading to the polls on World Press Freedom Day — to come out swinging at the ABC and Guardian Australia, telling his followers to ignore “the hate media”.

    I’m not saying Labor is likely to be the great saviour of the free press either.

    The ALP has been slow to act on a range of important press freedom issues, including continuing to charge journalism students upwards of $50,000 for the privilege of learning at university how to be a decent watchdog for society.

    Labor has increased, slightly, funding for the ABC, and has tried to continue with the Coalition’s plans to force the big tech platforms to pay for news. But that is not enough.

    The World Press Freedom Index has been telling us for some time that Australia’s press is in a perilous state. Last year, Australia dropped to 39th out of 190 countries because of what Reporters Without Borders said was a “hyperconcentration of the media combined with growing pressure from the authorities”.

    We should know on election day if we’ve fallen even further.

    What is happening in America is having a profound impact on journalism (and by extension journalism education) in Australia.

    ‘Friendly’ influencers
    We’ve seen both parties subtly start to sideline the mainstream media by going to “friendly” influencers and podcasters, and avoid the harder questions that come from journalists whose job it is to read and understand the policies being presented.

    What Australia really needs — on top of stable and guaranteed funding for independent and reliable public interest journalism, including the ABC and SBS — is a Media Freedom Act.

    My colleague Professor Peter Greste has spent years working on the details of such an act, one that would give media in Australia the protection lacking from not having a Bill of Rights safeguarding media and free speech. So far, neither side of government has signed up to publicly support it.

    Australia also needs an accompanying Journalism Australia organisation, where ethical and trained journalists committed to the job of watchdog journalism can distinguish themselves from individuals on YouTube and TikTok who may be pushing their own agendas and who aren’t held to the same journalistic code of ethics and standards.

    I’m not going to argue that all parts of the Australian news media are working impartially in the best interests of ordinary people. But the good journalists who are need help.

    The continuing underfunding of our national broadcasters needs to be resolved. University fees for journalism degrees need to be cut, in recognition of the value of the profession to the fabric of Australian society. We need regulations to force news organisations to disclose when they are using AI to do the job of journalists and broadcasters without human oversight.

    And we need more funding for critical news literacy education, not just for school kids but also for adults.

    Critical need for public interest journalism
    There has never been a more critical need to support public interest journalism. We have all watched in horror as Donald Trump has denied wire services access for minor issues, such as failing to comply with an ungazetted decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.

    And mere days ago, 60 Minutes chief Bill Owens resigned citing encroachments on his journalistic independence due to pressure from the president.

    The Committee to Protect Journalists is so concerned about what’s occurring in America that it has issued a travel advisory for journalists travelling to the US, citing risks under Trump administration policies.

    Those of us who cover politically sensitive issues that the US administration may view as critical or hostile may be stopped and questioned by border agents. That can extend to cardigan-wearing academics attending conferences.

    While we don’t have the latest Australian figures from the annual Reuters survey, a new Pew Research Centre study shows a growing gap between how much Americans say they value press freedom and how free they think the press actually is. Two-thirds of Americans believe press freedom is critical. But only a third believe the media is truly free to do its job.

    If the press isn’t free in the US (where it is guaranteed in their constitution), how are we in Australia expected to be able to keep the powerful honest?

    Every single day, journalists put their lives on the line for journalism. It’s not always as dramatic as those who are covering the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, but those in the media in Australia still front up and do the job across a range of news organisations in some fairly poor conditions.

    If you care about democracy at all this election, then please consider wisely who you vote for, and perhaps ask their views on supporting press freedom — which is your right to know.

    Alexandra Wake is an associate professor in journalism at RMIT University. She came to the academy after a long career as a journalist and broadcaster. She has worked in Australia, Ireland, the Middle East and across the Asia Pacific. Her research, teaching and practice sits at the nexus of journalism practice, journalism education, equality, diversity and mental health.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Manchester launches annual State of the City Report

    Source: City of Manchester

    The latest State of the City report, detailing Manchester’s progress in delivering its 10-year strategy, comes at a pivotal moment.

    It is published as the current 2015-25 Our Manchester Strategy period concludes, and the city prepares to launch its new strategy for the next decade. 

    The annual State of the City report provides a snapshot of how the city has progressed and where deep-rooted challenges are being addressed. 

    Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “This is a significant year for Manchester as we prepare to launch the new Our Manchester Strategy which will guide the city for the next decade, and reflect on the progress we have collectively made in the last 10 years. 

    “Our annual State of the City report enables us to chart that progress as well as the challenges that still remain. 

    “The report demonstrates Manchester’s dynamism as we continue to see strong population and economic growth and begin to see the impact of a raft of initiatives to tackle inequalities and ensure that everyone is included in the city’s success. That includes overseeing the building of more council, social and genuinely affordable homes than at any time in the last 15 years.  

    “We’re also investing in improving neighbourhoods across the city. Progress is being made. But while Manchester is now firmly established among leading European cities, and is one of the fastest growing, we are focused on taking that success to the next level – and taking all Mancunians with us.”  

    The State of the City report assesses progress against the 2015-25 Our Manchester Strategy’s five key themes: 

    A Thriving and Sustainable City  

    In 2024, Manchester’s population continued to grow, driven primarily by international migration and a rise in student numbers. This growth has had a positive impact on the city’s overall development, particularly in the city centre, which remains a central hub for economic growth, benefiting both Manchester itself and the wider region. 

    The demand for office space in Manchester remains robust, with 2024 expected to see record levels of leasing activity for office spaces, marking a significant milestone in the post-pandemic recovery. Additionally, the Oxford Road corridor continues to attract large-scale investments, such as the launch of City Labs 4.0 and new office and research opportunities on Upper Brook Street, alongside the approval of a strategic regeneration framework for Sister – a new innovation district and global science hub. 

    Manchester’s cultural, tourism, and leisure sectors have also seen a surge in visitor numbers throughout 2024. Aviva Studios and Co-op Live have quickly become key venues, drawing in crowds for major music and cultural events. At the same time, investment in the city’s district centres, supported by Government funding secured by the Council has led to noticeable progress, particularly in areas like Wythenshawe, Gorton, Moston and Withington with impetus to expand this to high streets across the city.  

    A Highly Skilled City 

    As Manchester’s population continues to grow, the city’s workforce has also expanded, with 426,000 people in employment.  Most schools in the city are now rated as good or outstanding. Additionally, more young people are pursuing post-16 education, with an increase in capacity at various colleges and schools, although this remains an ongoing challenge. 

    Manchester continues to attract and retain a large number of graduates, which contributes to the city’s thriving workforce. Economic growth has been fueled by the rise of highly skilled jobs in industries such as digital technology, biotechnology, and advanced materials.  

    However, there are still significant levels of economic inactivity, particularly due to poor health. To address this, a variety of programs have been introduced to help individuals access employment opportunities and improve their skills. 

    Targeted initiatives have focused on specific sectors and employers, with local job fairs and customised support programs being backed by various funding schemes. As part of the city’s efforts to achieve UNICEF Child Friendly City status, partnerships between schools and employers have been established.  

    Furthermore, Manchester has earned the designation of a UNESCO City of Lifelong Learning, a step forward in supporting adult education and lifelong learning. In addition to these efforts, significant programs are underway to create green jobs, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable employment in the economy. 

    A Progressive and Equitable City 

    Making Manchester Fairer is the city’s five-year action plan aimed at tackling health inequalities across Manchester. In 2024, key milestones included the delivery of one million meals through the Manchester Food Board Partnership and the continued support of local initiatives via the In Our Nature project, which is designed to help communities across the city. 

    The ongoing cost-of-living crisis has left 100,000 households with less than £30 per month in disposable income. To support these households, Manchester has provided a range of services, including free school meals, digital inclusion initiatives, a dedicated advice line, and direct financial support through a household support fund. 

    Homelessness remains a significant challenge, with a high number of people presenting as homeless each year. However, there has been progress, with the use of B&B accommodation for families all but eradicated, a decrease in rough sleeping, and fewer individuals in temporary accommodation.  

    Alongside this, a new Children and Young People’s Plan for 2024-2027 has been developed, informed by the voices of children and young people. This plan emphasises prevention and early intervention, aiming to help young people stay safe and thrive within their communities. 

    As part of the UNICEF Child Friendly City program, 11,000 children shared their views, and in January 2024, key priorities were established, including ensuring children are safe and secure, have a sense of place, and lead healthy lives. In addition, the city continues to prioritise addressing health inequalities through a variety of public health measures, which remain central to the “Making Manchester Fairer” initiative. 

     A Liveable and Zero Carbon City 

    The Housing Strategy 2022-2032 sets an ambitious target of constructing 36,000 homes, with at least 10,000 of those being affordable.  

    In its first two years, significant progress has already been made. Last year 600 affordable homes were completed with a further 1,500 on site and a further 1,450 in the pipeline – meaning Manchester is on track to meet this target.  

    To further support housing development, Strategic Regeneration Frameworks have been introduced in key areas across the city, including Victoria North, Grey Mare Lane, Strangeways, and Holt Town, which will see large numbers of new homes including affordable homes built. Additionally, a retrofit programme is in place, aiming to improve the energy efficiency of a third of the homes managed by the Manchester Housing Providers Partnership by 2032. 

    Manchester has made progress in reducing its carbon emissions, with a 5% decrease in 2022 (the latest data available). However, more work is needed to meet long-term sustainability targets. To accelerate efforts, a new framework for the period of 2025-2030 is currently under development. 

    Safety remains a top priority for residents, and the Manchester Community Safety Partnership has rolled out several key initiatives to address the city’s main concerns. 

    Meanwhile, Manchester’s parks and green spaces have seen a significant increase in activity, with a 7% rise in the number of events and activities hosted in 2024. 

    The launch of Always, Everywhere: the Manchester Culture Ambition in 2024 followed extensive consultation and marked a significant step forward for the city’s cultural development. The English National Opera (ENO) also announced its move to Manchester, and the completion of HOME Arches provides a new creative workspace for the city’s artists and innovators. 

    In the sporting realm, Manchester hosted 24 major sporting events in 2024, further solidifying its reputation as a sporting hub. Additionally, the city was named the first European Capital of Cycling, showcasing its commitment to sustainable transport and active living. 

    A Connected City 

    In collaboration with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), significant road improvements are currently underway on Whitworth Street West and Deansgate. These upgrades are part of the city’s broader efforts to enhance its infrastructure and transportation network. 

    Manchester has also developed an ambitious plan to expand Electric Vehicle charging across the city, supporting the transition to greener transportation options. This initiative is a key part of the city’s strategy to promote sustainability and reduce carbon emissions. 

    The Bee Network, an integrated public transport system for Greater Manchester, continues to grow and improve. All remaining buses in the city were franchised and brought under local control, further streamlining the public transport experience for residents. 

    Additionally, 14 active travel schemes focused on walking and cycling are either underway or in the planning stages. These initiatives aim to promote healthier, more sustainable travel options, making it easier for residents to choose active modes of transport. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Two Trustees appointed to the Natural History Museum board for four year terms commencing 17 March 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Two Trustees appointed to the Natural History Museum board for four year terms commencing 17 March 2025

    The Prime Minister has appointed Kate Robson Brown and Tanuja Randery as Trustees of the Natural History Museum.

    Kate Robson Brown

    Professor Kate Robson Brown is Vice-President for Research, Innovation and Impact, at University College Dublin, Ireland. In this role she leads both UCDResearch (discovery and applied research) and NovaUCD (enterprise and commercial activities), and is the University AI Champion. She is Professor of Engineering Mathematics and Biological Anthropology. She is a member of the Ireland National Advisory Forum for Space Research, Honorary Fellow of the Alan Turing Institute for Data Science and AI, President of the European Low Gravity Research Association, co-chair of the UK Space Academic Network, and a Visiting Professor in Data Science at Strathmore University in Nairobi. Her previous role was Director of the Jean Golding Institute for Data Science and AI at the University of Bristol. Her research explores the computational modelling of the microstructure and performance of living tissues and manufactured materials and their response to changing and extreme environments, including space. She has a collaborative ESA and UKSA funded experiment currently in orbit on the ISS.

    Tanuja Randery

    Tanuja is Managing Director of Amazon Web Services EMEA, responsible for setting EMEA strategy and guiding the company’s growth across the region. She leads multi-country, cross-functional teams who work closely with customers to support digital transformation, from start ups through to the world’s largest enterprises. Tanuja has more than 25 years of strategic, commercial and operational experience. She was previously Partner at management consulting firm McKinsey & Company, where she was responsible for leading enterprise transformation projects in the technology and industrial sectors.

    Prior to this she served as CEO, UK & Ireland for Schneider Electric, the global energy management firm. Tanuja serves as non-executive director on the board of BusinessLDN and was previously a trustee for Save the Children UK. She is committed to diversity projects and founded the PowerWomen Network—a cross-industry network for senior women business leaders. She was recognised as a top-50 Champions for Women in Business by the Financial Times’ HERoes in 2017 and 2018. She was ranked number 6 on the UK Tech50 2022 list of most influential people in IT and was recognised in the Yahoo Finance 2022 Heroes Women Role Model Lists. Tanuja also hosts a podcast, PowerWomen Speak, on what it takes for women to be successful in business. Born and educated in India, with a Master’s degree from Boston University, Tanuja has lived in London for the past 19 years.

    Remuneration and Governance Code

    Trustees of the Natural History Museum are not remunerated. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s [Governance Code on Public Appointments].

    The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. Kate Robson Brown and Tanuja Randery have not declared any significant political activity.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU became the only university beyond the Urals to receive government support for training specialists in the field of AI

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    The Ministry of Digital Development of the Russian Federation together with the ANO “Analytical Center under the Government of the Russian Federation” completed the competitive selection of universities that will train highly qualified specialists in the field of artificial intelligence until 2030. Grant support is provided in the form of subsidies from the federal budget, an essential condition is co-financing from industrial partners in the amount of at least 30%. NSU was included in the list of winners, taking fourth place in the ranking of universities, and became the only university beyond the Urals to receive support.

    Grant support will be provided for the development and implementation of a new bachelor’s degree program in “Applied Artificial Intelligence” in Institute of Intelligent Robotics NSU, admission to study will begin this academic year. The first intake will consist of at least 150 students.

    — One of the key research areas that will be developed on the basis of infrastructure modern campus of NSU, being built within the framework of the national project “Youth and Children”, is the theme “Advanced areas of applied mathematics: artificial intelligence and big data processing, applied engineering”. The new educational program was developed to solve technological problems of the new direction. Graduates of the program will be able to configure existing AI models, further train such models, use previously created software libraries and frameworks to solve applied problems, – commented the rector of NSU, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Mikhail Fedoruk.

    The Institute of Intelligent Robotics is the youngest educational division of NSU, where the number of undergraduate students in the Mechatronics and Robotics. Artificial Intelligence program has grown more than 7 times in 5 years, including due to foreign students. In 2024, according to the results of the university ranking for the quality of training specialists in the field of artificial intelligence, NSU became the leader among universities in the Siberian Federal District and entered the top 15 best universities in the country.

    — The grant competition was aimed at supporting the best Russian universities with strong educational programs in the field of AI and great potential for training new-level personnel. The high final score of the NSU application, which was prepared jointly by the Institute of Intelligent Robotics and Research Center in the field of artificial intelligence of NSU, confirms the significant potential of the university for training personnel to ensure technological leadership of the country. It is assumed that students in the new bachelor’s program will actively participate in the implementation of strategic technological projects of the NSU Development Program within the framework of “Priority”, – noted Svetlana Sablina, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs of NSU.

    The key feature of the training is the focus on the practical application of AI and solving real problems from industrial partners, who provide co-financing of educational programs in the amount of at least 30% of the grant amount. This became one of the essential conditions of the competition.

    — Rostelecom. Information Technologies acted as the university’s partner in implementing the new educational program. We have been cooperating with Rostelecom for over a year within the framework of the NSU Artificial Intelligence Center. Among the main joint projects are the development of an intelligent system for managing urban transport flows, a security system, etc. The second company that supported our initiative is T1 Innotech. This is a large company working in the field of IT and AI, our new partner, with whom we are just starting to work. Thanks to such cooperation, the educational program will be focused on the needs of the market and solving the problems of the modern AI industry. Even during the training, we will attract practicing teachers and involve students in work on real projects, — emphasized Alexander Lyulko, Director of the NSU Artificial Intelligence Center.

    Reference:

    The competition for government grants was held as part of the implementation of the events of the federal project “Artificial Intelligence” of the national project “Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State”. The competitive selection of universities was carried out at two levels – “TOP DS” and “DS”. In total, 22 universities from 14 regions of Russia became winners, which will train top specialists in the field of AI. The final list included HSE, MIPT, ITMO, St. Petersburg State University and other leading universities in the country. By 2030, more than 10 thousand students are planned to be trained under the new educational programs.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 29 April 2025 Departmental update Educating future doctors and nurses in mental, neurological and substance use care

    Source: World Health Organisation

    One in eight people live with mental, neurological or substance use (MNS) conditions but most do not receive mental health care, partly because of a shortage of mental health professionals. While increasing the number of specialists is important, we also need to ensure that general health-care providers, like primary health-care (PHC) doctors and nurses, are well-equipped to support people with MNS conditions. These professionals are often the first point of contact for those in need, yet many lack thorough training in MNS care.

     To bridge this gap, WHO has developed Educating medical and nursing students to provide mental health, neurological and substance use care: a practical guide for pre-service education.

    A competency-based approach
    At the heart of the new guide are 12 core competencies that all medical and nursing students should develop before they graduate. These competencies integrate essential attitudes, skills and knowledge needed to provide quality MNS care.

    The guide outlines practical activities and considerations for integrating these competencies into undergraduate medical and nursing curricula. It covers, among other things, advocating for enhanced curricula, setting new learning objectives, rethinking teaching methods, and evaluating effectiveness of curriculum changes.

    A collaborative effort
    Creating this guide was a global collaborative effort. It involved input from a wide range of stakeholders around the world, including people with lived experience, students, educators, university administrators and professional associations such as the International Council of Nurses, the World Psychiatric Association and the World Federation of Medical Education. 

    Collaborative workshops held in Geneva (2022) and Shanghai (2024) played a key part in shaping the guide and planning its dissemination. 

    Pre-service education in mental brain and behavioral health: scaling up implementation
    and     dissemination workshop in Shanghai, China, 13 – 14 March 2024

    A flexible tool
    The guide can be used by universities, educators and workforce planners to enhance existing curricula or develop new ones, or to strengthen accreditation standards and quality improvement initiatives.

    What makes this guide so valuable is its adaptability to different contexts and resource settings. It does not provide a one-size-fits-all solution but rather a flexible framework that can be tailored to meet specific needs of different educational institutions and health-care systems.  Even small changes can help medical and nursing students develop the competencies they need to provide more effective MNS care.

    By serving to strengthen pre-service education in MNS care, we hope this guide will ultimately help improve the extent and quality of care for people with MNS conditions globally.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Best goalkeeper and bronze medals: GUU victories at the XI All-Russian Championship of Russia in hockey

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    From April 22 to 27, 2025, the GUU hockey team participated in the Student Hockey League Championship, held in St. Petersburg.

    Our hockey players played a total of 12 games in 6 days. This year, 16 of the strongest student hockey teams from 11 subjects of the Russian Federation competed for the title of champion of the Championship.

    Following the draw, HC GUU met three teams from Nizhny Novgorod and St. Petersburg in the group stage. Having lost one match to Spartak RANEPA SPB in overtime with a score of 2:1, our hockey players entered the playoffs from the second line of the tournament table.

    In the quarterfinals of the main tournament, the GUU team faced a serious opponent – the current champions of the Championship “Black Bears – Polytech SPB”: the walls of their home arena helped the “bears” defeat our team, thereby sending the guys to play the tournament for the small cup of the Russian Championship in the 3×3 format.

    The group stage of the small cup took place in one day – our team played 5 matches in a row and again secured the second place in the tournament table. Based on the results of the second group matches, the opponent for the 1/4 finals was determined – “Nevskie Lviv SPB”, into whose gates our hockey players scored 5 goals and won with a score of 5:3. In the battle for a ticket to the final, the GUU team, unfortunately, suffered a defeat from the team from Orel and was forced to fight for bronze medals with the “Black Foxes” from Surgut.

    The magic of numbers in the 3×3 tournament was on our side and HC GUU won a confident victory with a score of 5:2 in the final match for bronze!

    The best player of the tournament was recognized as the goalkeeper of GUU Roman Shiryaev – it was he who received the individual award of the SHL tournament.

    The week was intense and difficult, now our geese are going to win more, because the final matches of the regular championships of the MSHL and NSHL await them in Moscow on the weekend.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 04/30/2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Election Diary: post-election rate cut and phone call from Trump in the pipeline

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

    It used to be de rigueur for the prime minister and opposition leader to turn up to the National Press Club in the final week of the election campaign. But now Liberal leaders are not so keen.

    Scott Morrison gave it a miss in 2022, although he was there in 2019. Nobody expected Peter Dutton, who has often been reluctant to face the Canberra press gallery in the past three years, to front the club this week.

    It’s also happened in the past that a leader has said something significantly newsworthy during the Q&A session on these final big occasions.

    Bob Hawke, days away from becoming prime minister in 1983, flagged he would be willing to break election promises if he found, on reaching office, that fiscal circumstances were different from what was anticipated. They were, and he did.

    Anthony Albanese on Wednesday made his appearance, but he was not going to grab a headline with anything unexpected.

    He delivered a spirited stump speech concentrating on everything Labor is offering voters – improvements to Medicare, tax cuts all round, and much else. He played and replayed his familiar mantra about nobody being left behind or held back. When it came to questions, the prime minister defended and deflected.

    Are Australians better off than before he was elected? Well, they’d be worse off if Dutton had had his way.

    Will whoever is in government need to increase the tax base in the next decade? “We’ll have not one but two income tax cuts.”

    Would he consider a compromise on Labor’s plan to tax unrealised capital gains on some superannuation balances? “We have our policy.”

    Is there something he regrets from the last three years? “I don’t pretend to be perfect.” So no regrets? “I’m not saying that at all.”

    What he is saying is that the final sprint of the campaign is not the time to enter the confessional.

    With the polls, and even most Liberals, at least privately, expecting Albanese to still be PM next week, whether in minority or majority government, he knows he has two challenges in these last days: to avoid being caught on any sticky paper, and to continue to project a sense of momentum by going full tilt (Labor people remember Bill Shorten easing up just before polling day in 2019). He is visiting every state, before he votes in his home electorate of Grayndler where, he indicated, his talisman dog Toto will accompany him to the polling booth on Saturday.

    Before his press club appearance, Albanese had encouraging news from the latest consumer price index quarterly figures, which showed underlying inflation falling to 2.9%. This points to another cut in interest rates.

    Westpac said, “Inflationary pressures have moderated, and the door is open for a rate cut in May”.

    The Reserve Bank doesn’t meet until May 19-20, but the prospect of a cut can be a mood lifter for stretched households – just as the pre-campaign February decrease was.

    Also able to be cast positively, US President Donald Trump, who has proved elusive in the face of the government’s attempts to get him to pick up the phone to discuss a tariff deal, confirmed a call would come. Asked whether he would speak to Albanese about trade, the president said, “they are calling, and I will talk to him, yes.”

    There is no detail of whether, or what, deal could be in the offing, but Trump, by signalling the call, has given (inadvertently) another bit of help to the government in an election in which the “Trump factor” has played all Albanese’s way.

    Instead of the press club, Dutton had done an hour’s “Ask Me Anything” appearance on Tuesday with Paul Murray on Sky, taking around a dozen viewers’ questions. It was an easy, friendly gig, directed squarely at his base. That might be one thing if he’s seeking the preferences of those voting One Nation or Trumpet of Patriots, but it is not where the middle-ground swinging voters are.

    In this last week, Dutton has put his anger at a section of the media on display. Earlier in the week he lashed out at the ABC, Guardian and “other hate media”.

    On Wednesday he doubled down, in a bit of pointed but embittered humour on FM radio when quizzed on tips for a good election night party. “I think alcohol is the first essential ingredient, I’m sure of that. Responsible drinking as well, but not watching the ABC would be a good start. For any young ones listening at home, forget the ABC.”

    Dutton’s disdain for the ABC is long-standing and well-known. But in an election campaign, why he thinks it is a good tactic to expose it so blatantly is a mystery. It shows questionable judgement and a lack of discipline.

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

    – ref. Election Diary: post-election rate cut and phone call from Trump in the pipeline – https://theconversation.com/election-diary-post-election-rate-cut-and-phone-call-from-trump-in-the-pipeline-255615

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Igniting Gen Z Innovation: Samsung India Launches ‘Solve for Tomorrow 2025’ Competition with Over INR 1 Crore In Grants

    Source: Samsung

    (Left to right) Shubham Mukherjee, Head of CSR & Corporate Communication at Samsung Southwest Asia; Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, MeitY; JB Park, President & CEO, Samsung Southwest Asia; Shombi Sharp, United Nations Resident Coordinator in India; Prof Rangan Banerjee, Director, IIT Delhi; Dr Sapna Poti, Senior Director, Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India
     
    Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, unveiled the fourth iteration of its Samsung ‘Solve for Tomorrow’ initiative – a nationwide contest designed to inspire students to create innovative solutions to address some of society’s most pressing challenges by leveraging technology.
     
    Samsung ‘Solve for Tomorrow 2025’ will provide INR 1 crore to the top four winning teams to support the incubation of their projects, along with hands-on prototyping, investor connects, and expert mentorship from Samsung leaders and IIT Delhi faculty.
     
    This recognition highlights the significance of nurturing solutions that not only excel in the competition but also transcend it, ultimately evolving into scalable and sustainable ventures that will play a pivotal role in shaping communities across India.
     
    The programme, spanning six months, invites students aged 14-22 to submit their tech ideas as either individuals or groups. This year, participants are encouraged to create solutions across four key themes: AI for a Safer, Smarter, and Inclusive Bharat; Future of Health, Hygiene, and Well-being in India; Social change through Sports and Tech for Education and Better Futures; and Environmental Sustainability via Technology.
     
    “With Solve for Tomorrow, we are inspiring young innovators across every corner of India to dream big, tackle real-world challenges, and shape a smarter, more inclusive future through technology. This year, Solve for Tomorrow is going to be even bigger and more inclusive. We are reaching more cities, engaging students from more schools and colleges, and creating avenues for them to innovate, while applying the principles of design thinking. Solve for Tomorrow stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to the Government of India’s pioneering #DigitalIndia initiative that empowers our youth to become architects of the future,” said JB Park, President & CEO, Samsung Southwest Asia.
     
    “IIT Delhi is excited about fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and real-world problem solving among youth. Our collaboration with Samsung Solve for Tomorrow offers mentorship, research infrastructure, and technical guidance to help the young turn their ideas into products that impact society. We are delighted to be part of this initiative that enables socially conscious innovation and contributes to Viksit Bharat,” said Prof Rangan Banerjee, Director, IIT Delhi.
     
    “India’s young innovators are at the heart of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and realizing the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. With more young minds to tap solutions than any country ever before, India is uniquely positioned to lead with ideas that address local challenges and inspire global change. Initiatives like Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow provide a vital platform for young people to turn their ideas into solutions for the global good, using technology to drive inclusive and sustainable progress. The UN in India is proud to support such collaborations, especially with the private sector, that uplift youth leadership, innovation, and action, ensuring that we leave no one behind,” said Shombi Sharp, United Nations Resident Coordinator in India.
     
    “Young people hold the key to solving today’s most urgent global challenges. Initiatives Iike Solve for Tomorrow 2025 empower them to turn their ideas into reality using technology. We are excited to see solutions that help scale youth-led ideas to drive real change across communities,” said Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY).
     
    The fourth iteration of Samsung India’s flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aims to involve thousands of participants, offering more than 82,000 hours of extensive training in Design Thinking, Hands-on Prototyping, Go-to-Market Strategies, and Business Planning. In the final phase, teams selected as finalists will benefit from specialized training and mentorship provided by Samsung, IIT Delhi, and industry professionals.
     
    ‘Solve for Tomorrow 2025’ was inaugurated at IIT Delhi in the presence of all partners on Tuesday. Present at the event were Dr Sapna Poti, Senior Director, Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Shardul Rao, Scientist C, Department of Science & Technology, Government of India and P. S. Madanagopal, CEO, MeitY Startup Hub.
     
    From ideas to impact: Programme stages
    The application window for the initiative will be open from April 29 to June 30, 2025. During this period, Samsung will host immersive design-thinking workshops in schools and colleges across the nation, empowering participants with essential problem solving and ideation skills.
     
    After the initial application phase, the top 100 teams will be chosen, with 25 teams selected from each of the themes. At this stage, participants will undergo online training led by thematic experts, followed by a video pitch round where 40 teams will be shortlisted – 10 teams from each theme.
     
    The top 10 semi-finalist teams from each theme will then progress to an intensive mentorship program guided by Samsung’s industry veterans and subject matter experts. These teams will also participate in curated learning visits to Samsung’s state-of-the-art facilities, including the Samsung R&D Institute India in Bengaluru, Noida, and Delhi, as well as Samsung Design Delhi, offering them first-hand exposure to world-class innovation ecosystems.
     
    This phase will culminate in an experiential, hands-on Prototyping Programme at Delhi’s state-of-the-art labs, in collaboration with ‘Solve for Tomorrow’ alumni. There will also be a Residential Bootcamp focused on refining ideas and preparing for the final pitch. The top 20 teams will be finalized after this phase, with five teams from each theme advancing to the grand finale. These top five teams from each theme will receive exclusive one-on-one mentoring sessions with Samsung experts. They will participate in a Prototyping Day, Pitch Presentation, Investor Meet, and Awards Ceremony, all held over the last three days of the competition.
     
    What is in it for the participants
    The top 100 teams will receive certificates of achievement. The top 40 teams will receive INR 8 lakh and the latest Samsung laptops for every member. The top 20 will receive with INR 20 lakh and the latest Samsung ZFlip smartphones for each member.
     
    In addition, special awards include the Goodwill Award, Young Innovator Award, and Social Media Champion, with a total prize amount of INR 4.5 lakh.
     
    The four winning teams will collectively receive a grant of INR 1 crore for incubation at IIT Delhi, providing substantial resources to accelerate their innovative projects. This funding aims to nurture their ideas into reality.
     
    First launched in the US in 2010, ‘Solve for Tomorrow’ is currently operational in 68 countries globally and has seen over 3 million young people participate worldwide.
     
    The Global CSR vision of Samsung Electronics – ‘Together for Tomorrow! Enabling People’ – is determined to provide education to young people around the world and empower them to become the leaders of tomorrow. Read more stories on Samsung Electronics’ CSR efforts on our CSR webpage https://csr.samsung.com/en-in/localMain.do
     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Pupils and Sunnymead residents celebrate Global Intergenerational Week

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    The Global Intergenerational Week celebration at Sunnymead Residential Home.

    Pupils of Killylea Primary School joined forces with the residents of Sunnymead Residential Home in Armagh to celebrate Global Intergenerational Week in style.

    Music, crafts, some treats and plenty of laughs were had during the event which was organised with funding from the ‘All Ages April’ grant scheme run by Linking Generations NI (LGNI) with support from Public Health Agency NI.

    In total, ten events were held across the ABC Borough, for the All Ages April programme which was designed to create connections across generations and links between groups, settings and organisations that wouldn’t normally work together. LGNI’s vision is that these connections and relationships will continue into the future.

    ABC Age Friendly Officer Stephanie Rock also lent her support and visited Sunnymead Residential Home for the celebratory event.

    For more information on Age Friendly activities in the ABC Borough or to receive the ABC Seniors Newsletter you can call Stephanie on 07825 010630 or email

    *protected email*

    . Alternatively you can visit the Age Friendly webpage on the council website – www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/agefriendly

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: SPbPU at the exhibition in Tashkent: how to choose the profession of the future and enter a leading technical university

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    The 27th international exhibition “Education and Profession 2025” was held in Uzbekistan. The largest international educational event of the republic was organized by the Agency for Youth Affairs, the Ministry of Preschool and School Education of Uzbekistan and the company “My Fair” with the support of Rossotrudnichestvo and the National Bank of Uzbekistan. The event, which covered 12 cities of the country, brought together a record 100 universities from 15 countries for Central Asia. Our university was also represented at the exhibition.

    The Education and Profession 2025 exhibition is a unique opportunity for applicants, students and young professionals to take a look into the future of their careers. Here you can learn about the requirements for admission to universities and colleges, scholarships and grants that make education more accessible, as well as about the professions that will determine the labor market in a few years – from IT development and bioengineering to sustainable development and digital art. Experts from leading universities reveal right at the exhibition which skills are critically important today. For example, the ability to work with data, adapt to change, manage a team or solve interdisciplinary problems.

    Deputy Head of the Agency for Youth Affairs Dilnozahon Kattakhanova emphasized the significance of the event: More than 100 universities are more than 100 opportunities for self-realization, discovering potential and choosing a decent education. Young people will be able to contribute to the development of science, technology and all spheres of life in the country.

    Head of Rossotrudnichestvo in Uzbekistan Irina Staroselskaya emphasized the importance of choice: Young people can choose not only a university, but also a country, a direction. The main thing is that education brings pleasure – after all, we spend most of our lives at work. Let the choice be conscious!

    Over the course of two days of the exhibition, the stand of the St. Petersburg Polytechnic University was visited by more than 1,700 high school students from Uzbekistan considering the possibility of studying in Russia. The main audience was senior students who studied in detail the prospects of entering Russian universities.

    Leading Advertising Manager of the SPbPU Center for International Recruitment and Communications Zhanna Trunkova and specialist of the Department for Work with Foreign Students Evgeniya Borodina held individual consultations for the guests. They explained in detail the conditions of enrollment, the range of available educational programs, as well as scholarship and financial support options for foreign students of the university.

    Uzbek schoolchildren received information about scholarships, admission requirements and promising professions. The speakers thanked the partners for their contribution to the organization of the largest educational project in the region.

    International educational exhibitions help not only to obtain information, but also to immerse yourself in a dialogue with universities. Personal consultations, career guidance tests and live communication with representatives allow you to compare your interests with the real demands of the economy. This is a chance to rethink career goals, choose an educational trajectory that corresponds to both personal ambitions and global trends, and also to begin building a professional path without gaps in knowledge, – emphasized the head of the International Education Department of SPbPU Evgeniya Satalkina.

    You can find out more about the admission procedure at Polytechnic University atSPbPU website, and fill out the form inin the applicant’s personal account.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: European-first semiconductor facility launches in Southampton

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    European-first semiconductor facility launches in Southampton

    A new facility to build the next generation of semiconductor chips, and the first of its kind in Europe, was opened at the University of Southampton.

    • Science Minister Lord Vallance unveils new electron beam facility for creating incredibly small patterns onto chips to enable breakthroughs in AI and medical tech
    • Comes alongside nearly £5 million in new government support to boost talent pipeline and address skills gap in growing semiconductor industry
    • Support will fund new bursaries, chip design courses and outreach in schools – helping deliver growth as part of our Plan for Change by strengthening our sector and creating high-skilled jobs

    A new facility using cutting edge electron beam technology to build the next generation of semiconductor chips, and the first of its kind in Europe, was opened at the University of Southampton by Science Minister Lord Vallance today (Wednesday 30 April).

    The new E-beam lithography facility is just the second in the world, and first outside Japan, and provides incredible accuracy that is critical to designing the tiny components that power technologies of the future, from medical diagnostics to defence systems.

    Semiconductors – the small chips that power devices from smartphones to satellites – already contribute an estimated £10 billion to our economy each year, with the sector projected to grow to an estimated £17 billion by 2030.

    Strengthening the sector offers a major opportunity to drive the growth at the heart of our Plan for Change, through boosting innovation and jobs. It also supports the UK’s wider Industrial Strategy to grow key advanced manufacturing sectors and secure global competitiveness.

    E-beam lithography uses a focused beam of tiny particles called electrons to create patterns in materials with unrivalled resolution – allowing researchers to create features thousands of times smaller than a human hair.

    Science Minister, Lord Vallance, said:

    Britain is home to some of the most exciting semiconductor research anywhere in the world – and Southampton’s new E-beam facility is a major boost to our national capabilities.

    By investing in both infrastructure and talent, we’re giving our researchers and innovators the support they need to develop next-generation chips right here in the UK.

    Our £4.75 million skills package will support our Plan for Change by helping more young people into high-value semiconductors careers, closing skills gaps and backing growth in this critical sector.

    The Science Minister’s visit to Southampton comes alongside new research being published today, which shows that one of the biggest barriers to achieving growth in the UK’s burgeoning semiconductor industry is a lack of emerging talent. With a single semiconductor worker contributing an average of £460,000 to the economy annually, the sector’s economic potential is huge.

    In response, the government has launched a new £4.75 million semiconductor skills package to help build the talent base needed to fuel this high-growth industry. The package will also help strengthen R&D capacity at leading universities, such as Southampton, which are central to UK semiconductor innovation and talent development. 

    By supporting local talent pipelines and university–industry collaboration, the programme will contribute to both regional and national economic growth, fuelling our Plan for Change, and reinforcing the role the semiconductors industry is set to play in the Industrial Strategy.

    The package includes:

    • £3 million for undergraduate bursaries, offering £5,000 each to 300 students starting Electronics and Electrical Engineering degrees this year, alongside specialist semiconductor content to raise awareness of the field, with a focus on courses that include semiconductor design and manufacturing.
    • £1.2 million for chip design training, with new chip design courses to teach practical chip design skills to undergraduates, postgraduates, and lecturers, as well as a feasibility study for new postgraduate conversion courses.
    • Almost £550,000 for school outreach, giving 7,000 students aged 15–18 and 450 teachers hands-on semiconductor experience in partnership with local employers, helping raise awareness and diversify the future workforce. This programme will be focused on existing UK semiconductor clusters – such as Newport, Cambridge, and Glasgow – helping to strengthen these ecosystems and create long-term career opportunities.

    This targeted skills support will underpin the long-term success of the UK semiconductor sector – helping to attract more students into high-value careers, fill key vacancies and support UK leadership in critical and emerging technologies that will be instrumental to our mission to grow the economy.

    University of Southampton’s Professor Graham Reed, who leads its Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), said:

    The introduction of the new E-Beam facility will reinforce our position of hosting the most advanced cleanroom in UK academia.

    It facilitates a vast array of innovative and industrially relevant research, and much needed semiconductor skills training.

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

    Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm 020 7215 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome banquet for former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Landsbergis

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome banquet for former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Landsbergis

    Date：2025-01-14
    Data Source：Department of European Affairs

    January 14, 2025  
    No. 012  

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung on January 14 hosted a welcome luncheon for former Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabrielius Landsbergis and his wife. During the event, the two sides exchanged views on how democracies can counter authoritarian nations, furthering bilateral collaboration on drone development, and exploring other areas of cooperation. 
     
    Minister Lin thanked Mr. Landsbergis for his staunch support of Taiwan and for his proactive efforts to bolster bilateral relations between Taiwan and Lithuania during his tenure as foreign minister, adding that this was an excellent model of democratic solidarity. He stated that he had led 20 drone-related Taiwanese companies to the Drone Industry Business Forum in Lithuania last November, demonstrating Taiwan’s determination to build democratic supply chains together with Lithuania and substantively implementing integrated diplomacy. 
     
    Minister Lin also noted that authoritarian expansionism posed a significant challenge to the democratic community. Pointing to the recent incidents of underwater cable sabotage in the Baltic Sea and the waters around Taiwan, he underscored the urgent need for democracies to collaborate and adopt joint strategic responses and prevention measures.
     
    Mr. Landsbergis said that Taiwan and Lithuania had done their utmost to protect freedom and democracy since transitioning away from authoritarian rule in the 1980s. Observing that the two nations had long faced geopolitical security threats from authoritarian countries, he stressed that it was important for democratic partners to work in concert and that the peoples of Taiwan and Lithuania had forged a friendship based on mutual understanding and appreciation. With the two countries having achieved considerable success in various joint projects, he expressed the hope that bilateral cooperation would continue to deepen.
     
    During his tenure as foreign minister, Mr. Landsbergis arranged for Lithuania to donate COVID-19 vaccines to Taiwan, making it the first European country to do so. He further showed a firm commitment to safeguarding the values of democracy and freedom and backed the establishment of a Taiwanese representative office in Lithuania including the name Taiwan. A staunch friend of Taiwan, he spared no effort to strengthen relations between the two countries. During his visit, Mr. Landsbergis will deliver a speech at an event organized by the Prospect Foundation and will engage with Taiwanese students at National Taiwan University. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Interim Report – January-March 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    STOCKHOLM – 30 April 2025. Karolinska Development AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: KDEV) today publishes its Interim Report January-March 2025. The full report is available on the Company’s website.

    “Developmental intensity levels remain high in our portfolio companies, many of which have progressed their positions during the first quarter of the year”, says Viktor Drvota, CEO, Karolinska Development.

    Significant events during the first quarter

    • The portfolio company AnaCardio secured SEK 205 million in a series A extension financing round and reported positive results from the first part of a phase 1b/2a study of AC01 in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. The final part of the study (phase 2a) is expected to start during the first quarter of 2025 (January 2025).
    • The portfolio company Dilafor announced that it successfully completed regulatory meetings with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, and European Health Agencies, regarding the continued development of the company’s drug candidate tafoxiparin. The completed meetings marked the end of a comprehensive dialogue with regulatory authorities in the US and EU to reach an alignment between the authorities on designing pivotal clinical Phase 3 studies in Europe and the US to evaluate tafoxiparin as a new potential treatment for priming of labor (January 2025).
    • The portfolio company Promimic published positive results showing a reduction of bacterial growth on the company’s implant surface HAnano Surface. The results are published in the Journal of Functional Biomaterials (February 2025).
    • The portfolio company AnaCardio dosed the first patient in the phase 2a part of the GOAL-HF1 clinical study. The study will evaluate AnaCardio’s drug candidate AC01 in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. Study results from GOAL-HF1 are expected by the end of the year (February 2025).
    • The portfolio company PharmNovo received positive feedback regarding its most advanced drug candidate, PN6047, in a pre-IND meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The meeting aimed to provide guidance on the design of the company’s planned phase 2a clinical trial for the treatment of peripheral neuropathy and allodynia (March 2025).
    • The portfolio company AnaCardio was granted patent for its drug candidate AC01 in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction in the EU (March 2025).
    • The portfolio company Umecrine Cognition provided an update regarding the ongoing clinical phase 1b/2a trial evaluating the drug candidate golexanolone in patients with Primary biliary cholangitis, PBC. Due to technical issues in the production of capsules used in the study, the clinical trial has been delayed. No patient safety concerns have been noted, and Umecrine Cognition is working intensively together with its supplier to resolve the issue (March 2025).

    Significant post-period events

    • The portfolio company Umecrine Cognition presented recent preclinical data showing that golexanolone reverses dopamine loss and sustains improvements of Parkinsonian symptoms at the 19th International Conference on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases (AD/PD) 2025, in Vienna, Austria (April 2025).
    • Karolinska Development announced that Viktor Drvota took over as CEO of the portfolio company Umecrine Cognition. Viktor Drvota remains the CEO of Karolinska Development (April 2025).

    Financial update first quarter

    • The net profit/loss for the first quarter was SEK -14.2 million (SEK 0.2 million in the first quarter of 2024). Earnings per share totaled SEK -0.05 (SEK 0.00 in the first quarter of 2024).
    • The result of the Change in fair value of shares in portfolio companies for the first quarter amounted to SEK -3.5 million (SEK 1.9 million in the first quarter of 2024). The result is mainly the effect of the downturn in share price in the listed holding Modus Therapeutics. The downturn was partly offset by an upturn in the share price in the listed holdings OssDsign and Promimic.
    • The total fair value of the portfolio was SEK 1,434.2 million at the end of March 2025, corresponding to a decrease of SEK 17.3 million from SEK 1,451.5 million at the end of the previous quarter. The net portfolio fair value at the end of March 2025 was SEK 1,103.1 million, corresponding to a decrease of SEK 17.7 million from SEK 1,120.8 million at the end of the previous quarter. The main reason for the net decrease in fair value was the partial divestment of OssDsign and the divestment of Karolinska Development’s shares in Promimic and also the downturn in the share price of the listed holding Modus Therapeutics. The decrease was partially offset by the increase in the price of the listed holdings OssDsign and Promimic. The quarter’s investments also contributed to the increase in fair value.
    • Net asset value amounted to SEK 1,230.4 million, per share SEK 4.6, at the end of March 2025 (SEK 1,254.3 million, per share SEK 4.6 at the end of March 2024).
    • Net sales totaled SEK 0.5 million during the first quarter of 2025 (SEK 0.5 million during the first quarter of 2024).
    • Karolinska Development invested a total of SEK 15.5 million in portfolio companies during the first quarter of 2025 (SEK 12.0 million in the first quarter of 2024). First quarter 2025 investments in portfolio companies by Karolinska Development and other specialized life sciences investors totaled SEK 25.6 million (SEK 242.8 million in the first quarter of 2024).
    • Cash and cash equivalents increased by SEK 9.0 million during the first quarter, totaling SEK 51.1 million on 31 March 2025 (SEK 67.5 million on 31 March 2024).

    The Interim Report for Karolinska Development AB for the period January-March 2025 is available as a PDF at www.karolinskadevelopment.com.

    For further information, please contact:

    Viktor Drvota, CEO, Karolinska Development AB
    Phone: +46 73 982 52 02, e-mail: viktor.drvota@karolinskadevelopment.com

    Hans Christopher “HC” Toll, CFO, Karolinska Development AB        
    Phone: +46 70 717 00 41, e-mail: hc.toll@karolinskadevelopment.com

    TO THE EDITORS

    About Karolinska Development AB

    Karolinska Development AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: KDEV) is a Nordic life sciences investment company. The company focuses on identifying breakthrough medical innovations in the Nordic region that are developed by entrepreneurs and leadership teams. The Company invests in the creation and growth of companies that advance these assets into commercial products that are designed to make a difference to patients’ lives while providing an attractive return on investment to shareholders.

    Karolinska Development has access to world-class medical innovations at the Karolinska Institutet and other leading universities and research institutes in the Nordic region. The Company aims to build companies around scientists who are leaders in their fields, supported by experienced management teams and advisers, and co-funded by specialist international investors, to provide the greatest chance of success.

    Karolinska Development has established a portfolio of eleven companies targeting opportunities in innovative treatment for life-threatening or serious debilitating diseases.

    The Company is led by an entrepreneurial team of investment professionals with a proven track record as company builders and with access to a strong global network.

    For more information, please visit www.karolinskadevelopment.com

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: People’s mental health goes downhill after repeated climate disasters – it’s an issue of social equity

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ang Li, ARC DECRA and Senior Research Fellow, NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Healthy Housing, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne

    Across Australia, communities are grappling with climate disasters that are striking more frequently and with greater intensity. Bushfires, floods and cyclones are no longer one-off events. And this pattern is predicted to worsen due to climate change.

    As it becomes more common to face climate disasters again and again, what does this mean for the mental health and wellbeing of people affected?

    In a new study published today in the Lancet Public Health, we found experiencing repeated disasters leads to more severe and sustained effects on mental health compared to experiencing a single disaster.

    What we did in our study

    We drew on ten years of Australian data (2009–19) from the nationally representative Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia survey.

    Specifically, our study involved data from 1,511 people who experienced at least one disaster. We tracked them from the year before the first disaster, at the first disaster, and, where applicable, each subsequent disaster, and a few years after each disaster.

    We also included 3,880 people who did not experience disasters during this time but shared similar demographic, socioeconomic, health and place-based characteristics for comparison.

    We measured exposure to climate disasters based on whether respondents reported a weather-related disaster (for example, flood, bushfire or cyclone) damaged or destroyed their home in the previous year.

    The mental health outcomes were measured using two questionnaires commonly administered to assess depression and anxiety disorders (the 5-item mental health inventory) and psychological distress (the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale).

    Cumulative effects

    Our results show mental health declines became more severe with repeated disasters.

    The graph below plots the mental health trajectories for everyone in our study who experienced at least one disaster, and the control group who did not experience any disasters. We looked at a maximum of three disasters in the study due to data availability.

    It shows experiencing one disaster led to a decline in mental health during the disaster year, followed by a recovery to pre-disaster levels in the post-disaster period.

    However, with repeated disasters, mental health trajectories declined further and it took longer to recover to pre-disaster levels.

    We also found experiencing an additional disaster close to a previous disaster (for example, one or two years apart) was linked to greater mental health declines than disasters that were spaced further apart.

    Some risk factors

    We observed that certain factors consistently shaped mental health outcomes. For instance, having social support was consistently a protective factor, while having a long-term health condition consistently increased the risk of poorer mental health. This was true regardless of the number of disasters someone experienced.

    On the other hand, some risk factors became stronger with each disaster. In particular, households with lower incomes, those in rural areas, and younger people appeared to experience greater effects of cumulative disasters.

    There are some limitations to our research. For example, the data we had did not detail the type or severity of each disaster. It also was limited in what it could tell us about the mental health effects of three or more disasters.

    Nonetheless, our study provides novel insights into the mental health consequences of multiple climate disasters. This highlights the need for better support for communities facing an increasing number of emergencies.

    Our findings also align with other studies that have observed increasing risk to mental health with multiple disasters.

    At the same time, our findings add a new perspective by showing how trajectories can change over time. People’s mental health often recovers to pre-disaster levels after a single disaster, but repeat disasters can delay or halt this recovery.

    Why might repeated disasters lead to worse mental health?

    Repeated disasters, especially when they occur in close succession, can lead to cumulative stress driven by trauma and uncertainty. This can create a reinforcing cycle. People already facing social disadvantages – such as poor health and low income – are more likely to be exposed to disasters. In turn, these events disproportionately affect those facing existing disadvantages.

    The result is a compounding effect that can contribute to worsening mental health outcomes and slower recovery over multiple disasters. This means disasters are an issue of social equity and must be considered in efforts to reduce poverty and improve social outcomes, as well as health outcomes.

    Repeated disasters in particular can drain financial, social and community resources. They can exacerbate existing strain on household savings, disrupted social ties due to displacement, and reduced access to services after disasters – especially in rural areas.

    What can we do to support people through multiple disasters?

    We need to transform the way we think about disasters. It’s estimated children born today will experience up to seven times the number of extreme weather events across their lifetimes than someone born in 1960.

    We are starting to get a better picture of what people need to recover from climate disasters. Our research points to the need for clinical services (for example, GPs) to screen for past disaster exposures in mental health assessments.

    Emergency services need to plan services to reach at-risk groups during disasters. They also need to ensure recovery planning considers the effects of past disasters, for example by making sure support programs are not just tied to one disaster, but can be used across multiple.

    The current approach to emergency services that looks at “one disaster at a time” doesn’t work anymore. As the climate continues to change, we urgently need to consider the effects of multiple disasters in public health, welfare and disaster services.

    Ang Li receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    Claire Leppold 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. People’s mental health goes downhill after repeated climate disasters – it’s an issue of social equity – https://theconversation.com/peoples-mental-health-goes-downhill-after-repeated-climate-disasters-its-an-issue-of-social-equity-254475

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Symbol of the Unconquered Spirit: 80 Years Since the Raising of the Victory Banner over the Reichstag

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On April 30, 1945, several banners and flags of various units of the Red Army were installed over the Reichstag building in Berlin. But the Banner of Victory is considered to be a specially made cloth of the 150th Rifle Order of Kutuzov, 2nd degree, Idritskaya Division of the 79th Rifle Corps of the 3rd Shock Army of the 1st Belorussian Front. In accordance with Russian law, this banner is a symbol of Victory in the Great Patriotic War and a state relic.

    The Reichstag had also long had a more symbolic meaning in 1945. After the National Socialist German Workers’ Party came to power in Germany in 1933 and the building was set on fire, government meetings were no longer held there, and the plenary hall was not even repaired. In 1941, the windows were walled up, the basements became a bomb shelter, and anti-aircraft guns were installed in the corner towers. Nevertheless, for the Germans, the building remained one of the symbols of statehood. And the Soviet troops needed the final goal of their victorious campaign in the form of a real object. With the approval of Joseph Stalin, the Reichstag building was chosen as such a goal.

    Given the circumstances, the Reichstag was defended by elite SS units, not only Germans, but also Swedes, Norwegians, and Latvians. And the building was stormed by the most experienced Red Army guards. Due to the ferocity of the battles and the contradictory reports, it is difficult to reliably determine who was the first to raise the flag over the Reichstag. In addition to the nine flags specially made for this purpose, many went into battle with homemade flags. According to various sources, there were from 20 to 40 of them. Recently, it has been accepted that on the afternoon of April 30, the fighters of the 150th Rifle Division, Lieutenant Rakhimzhan Koshkarbayev and Private Grigory Bulatov, were in the lead. Later, two more flags were raised. Noticing this, the Germans began shelling the building and, having broken the glass dome, managed to destroy all three flags.

    Late in the evening of April 30 (already May 1 Moscow time), Junior Lieutenant Meliton Kantaria and Private Mikhail Egorov from the same 150th Rifle Division managed to install the banner on the eastern facade of the building, where it could not be reached by enemy artillery. It was this flag that became the Victory Banner. On May 2, after the capitulation of the Berlin garrison, the same soldiers were ordered to move the banner to the dome of the Reichstag. A few days later, for the sake of safety, the banner was removed, and on June 20 it was transported by plane to Moscow, where it was transferred for permanent storage to the Central Museum of the Armed Forces.

    Thus, both the actual and symbolic victory over Germany was achieved at the very beginning of May. All that remained was to confirm it legally.

    #Scientific regiment

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 04/30/2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Older Australians are also hurting from the housing crisis. Where are the election policies to help them?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Victoria Cornell, Research Fellow, Flinders University

    shutterstock beeboys/Shutterstock

    It would be impossible at this stage in the election campaign to be unaware that housing is a critical, potentially vote-changing, issue. But the suite of policies being proposed by the major parties largely focus on young, first home buyers.

    What is glaringly noticeable is the lack of measures to improve availability and affordability for older people.

    Modern older lives are diverse, yet older people have become too easily pigeonholed. No more so than in respect to property, where a perception has flourished that older people own more than their fair share of housing wealth.

    While the value of housing has no doubt increased, home ownership rates among people reaching retirement age has actually declined since the mid-1990s.

    Older people can also face rental stress and homelessness – with almost 20,000 homeless people in Australia aged over 55. Severe housing stress is a key contributing to those homelessness figures.

    It’s easy to blame older Australians for causing, or exacerbating, the housing crisis. But doing so ignores the fact that right now, our housing system is badly failing many older people too.

    No age limits

    Owning a home has traditionally provided financial security for retirees, especially ones relying on the age pension. This is so much so, that home ownership is sometimes described as the “fourth pillar” of Australia’s retirement system.

    But housing has become more expensive – to rent or buy – for everyone.

    Falling rates of home ownership
    combined with carriage of mortgage debt into retirement, restricted access to shrinking stocks of social housing, and lack of housing affordability in the private rental market have a particular impact on older people.

    Housing rethink

    Housing policy for older Australians has mostly focused on age-specific options, such as retirement villages and aged care. Taking such a limited view excludes other potential solutions from across the broader housing system that should be considered.

    Furthermore, not all older people want to live in a retirement village, and fewer than 5% of older people live in residential aged care.

    More than 20,000 older Australians are homeless, blamed in part on severe housing stress.
    Michael Heim/Shutterstock

    During my Churchill Fellowship study exploring alternative, affordable models of housing for older people, I discovered three cultural themes that are stopping us from having a productive conversation about housing for older people.

    • Australia’s tradition of home ownership undervalues renting and treats housing as a commodity, not a basic need. This disadvantages older renters and those on low income.

    • There’s a stigma regarding welfare in Australia, which influences who is seen as “deserving” and shapes the policy responses.

    • While widely encouraged, “ageing-in-place” means different things to different people. It can include formal facilities or the family home that needs modifications to make it habitable as someone ages.

    These themes are firmly entrenched, often driven by policy narratives such as the primacy of home ownership over renting. In the past 50 years or so, many have come to view welfare, such as social housing, as a last resort, and have aimed to age in their family home or move into a “desirable” retirement village.

    Variety is key

    A more flexible approach could deliver housing for older Australians that is more varied in design, cost and investment models.

    The promises made so far by political parties to help younger home buyers are welcome. However, the housing system is a complex beast and there is no single quick fix solution.

    First and foremost, a national housing and homelessness plan is required, which also involves the states and territories. The plan must include explicit consideration of housing options for older people.

    Funding for housing developments needs to be more flexible in terms of public-private sector investment and direct government assistance that goes beyond first home buyer incentives.

    International models

    For inspiration, we could look to Denmark, which has developed numerous co-housing communities.

    Co-housing models generally involve self-managing communities where residents have their own private, self-contained home, supported by communal facilities and spaces. They can be developed and designed by the owner or by a social housing provider. They can be age-specific or multi-generational.

    Australian policy makers could look to the success of social housing developments in Copenhagen, Denmark.
    ToniSo/Shutterstock

    Funding flexibility, planning and design are key to their success. Institutional investors include

    • so-called impact investors, who seek social returns and often accept lower financial returns

    • community housing providers

    • member-based organisations, such as mutuals and co-operatives.

    Government also plays a part by expediting the development process and providing new pathways to more affordable ownership and rental options.

    Europe is also leading the way on social housing, where cultural attitudes are different from here.

    In Vienna, Austria, more than 60% of residents live in 440,000 socially provided homes. These homes are available for a person’s entire life, with appropriate age-related modifications permitted if required.

    At over 20% of the total housing stock, social housing is also a large sector in Denmark, where the state and municipalities support the construction of non-profit housing.

    Overcoming stereotyes

    Our population is ageing rapidly, and more older people are now renting or facing housing insecurity.

    If policymakers continue to ignore their housing needs, even more older people will be at risk of living on the street, and as a result will suffer poor health and social isolation.

    Overcoming stereotypes – such as the idea that all older people are wealthy homeowners – is key to building fairer, more inclusive solutions.

    This isn’t just about older Australians. It’s about creating a housing system that works for everyone, at every stage of life.

    Victoria Cornell is employed by Flinders University, and received The AV Jennings Churchill Fellowship to investigate alternative, affordable models of housing that could help older Australians to age-in-place

    – ref. Older Australians are also hurting from the housing crisis. Where are the election policies to help them? – https://theconversation.com/older-australians-are-also-hurting-from-the-housing-crisis-where-are-the-election-policies-to-help-them-255391

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Regional field advisors

    Source: Walking Access New Zealand

    Senitra Nathan-Marsh

    senitra.nathan-marsh@herengaanuku.govt.nz

    027 229 1285

    Senitra considers herself a “fruitsalad” being a descendent of many iwi from Te-Ika-a-Māui and Rarotonga, however, she considers her ukaipō beneath her maunga Koro Ruapehu.

    For the majority of her life, Senitra ventured between Tokoroa and Central Hawkes Bay, between her kui and koro. Throughout her upbringing, Senitra absorbed the Mātauranga of her koroua and embraced their old values and ways.

    Senitra’s career has traversed many landscapes, starting from (the fun stuff) scaling her own maunga, Koro Ruapehu, tracking and catching manu on her whenua, and mahi the ngahere back home.

    Since her “good old ranger days,” she has worked for local regulatory bodies such as district councils, DOCs, and post-settlement governance entities. Her “niche” is navigating governmental and regulatory processes, as she likes to ” geek out ” about legislation.

    Senitra created her business, Uehā Environmental, to continue to be of service to our communities whilst also completing her Masters in Māori and Indigenous Leadership, focusing rangatiratanga (self-determination and leadership) when receiving taonga from Tangaroa (whale strandings)

    She currently fulfils a role of passion as a kaimanaaki (helper) alongside mana moana (people of the sea), mana whenua (people of the land), DOC and Massey University for when taonga strand, and considers her happy place alongside Ikanui (whales and dolphins), activating and supporting kaitiakitanga and rangatiratanga.

    You will often see Senitra with her four-legged buddy Tex (included in the picture), exploring along rivers and in outdoor recreational areas.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Inflation is easing, boosting the case for another interest rate cut in May

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra

    Daria Nipot/Shutterstock

    Australia’s headline inflation rate held steady at a four-year low of 2.4% in the March quarter, according to official data, adding to the case for a cut in interest rates at the next Reserve Bank board meeting in May.

    A key measure of underlying inflation closely watched by the RBA fell to 2.9%, returning to within the 2-3% inflation target band for the first time since 2021.

    Food and beverages, tobacco, education and housing were the main contributors to the rise in the headline Consumer Price Index.

    Financial markets are pricing in a quarter-percentage point cut in the cash rate to 3.85% in May.

    The inflation report was the last piece of major economic data before Saturday’s federal election.

    Prices are still rising, just at a slower rate

    A fall in inflation does not mean prices are falling. Overall, prices are continuing to rise, but at a slower pace.

    Moreover, prices continue to rise at a higher rate for some things people notice most, such as meat, fruit and vegetables. Concerns about the high cost of living will not go away. But it is good news for households that prices are now rising less than wages, which are growing by 3.2%.

    Some of the CPI components rising fastest are services such as health, which rose 4.1% in the year to March, and education, up 5.7%.

    Rents increased by 5.5% over the year, still rapid but less than in 2023 and 2024. The movements differed across the country. Rents were up almost 9% in Perth but fell in Hobart.

    New home prices only rose by 1.4% over the year as project-home builders made promotional offers to attract buyers in a more subdued market.

    Some of the recent fall in inflation represents the effect of government measures such as temporary electricity rebates and lower public transport fares. These represent some relief for households from cost-of-living pressures. But they may obscure trends in underlying inflationary pressures.

    The Reserve Bank’s preferred measure of underlying inflation, the trimmed mean measure, removes such impacts by excluding items with the largest price movements up or down. This measure of inflation has fallen to 2.9%, back within the central bank’s target, from 3.3%.

    Green light for an interest rate cut

    Headline inflation is around the middle of the Reserve Bank’s 2-3% medium-term target band. The large 1% quarterly increase in the June quarter of 2024 will drop out of the next annual calculation. So inflation may soon be below the bottom of the band. This has been forecast by Westpac’s economics team (headed by former RBA assistant governor Luci Ellis), for example.

    In its most recent published forecast the Reserve Bank expected inflation to be 2.4% in June. So it may be pleased to see it already there for two quarters. It would also be relieved to see the underlying rate back within the target band.

    In February, Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock conceded the bank had arguably been “late raising interest rates on the way up”. It did not want to be late on the way down.

    At its April 1 meeting, the Reserve Bank board called the May 19-20 meeting “an opportune time to revisit the monetary policy setting with the benefit of additional data about inflation” and other factors.



    Read more:
    Reserve Bank holds rates steady, cautious about the economic outlook

    Global economic outlook darkens

    The outlook for global economic activity has weakened as the US’s trade war with China has escalated. The International Monetary Fund cut its forecast for global economic growth in 2025 from 3.3% to 2.8%.

    The negative outlook for the global economy and rising business uncertainty certainly adds weight to the case for an official interest rate cut. It would help Australian businesses weather a possible downturn.

    Tariff rises will push up inflation in the US. But there is a bipartisan commitment in Australia not to engage in retaliatory tariff increases. This means there will not be any such inflationary impetus here.

    Indeed, as Bullock pointed out in her April press conference, if China diverts exports that are effectively blocked from entering the US to Australia, then the US tariffs may lower inflationary pressures here.

    Concerns about the inflationary impact of a weaker Australian dollar have eased in recent days. The currency has rebounded to 64 US cents from its early April low of 59.5 US cents.

    The Reserve Bank will, as always, consider a wide range of information in deciding whether to cut interest rates in May. But the single most important piece of information is now giving it the green light.

    Market economists expect another couple of rate cuts in 2025 after May, depending on the impact of the erratic US economic policies on the global economy.

    What does it mean for the election?

    After the CPI release, Treasurer Jim Chalmers noted core inflation was at a three-year low. “This is a powerful demonstration of the progress that Australians have made together in the economy,” he said.

    Chalmers will be hoping the Reserve Bank and the electorate share his view. Labor is more likely to be re-elected if voters regard the cost-of-living pressures as abating.

    John Hawkins was previously a senior economist in the Reserve Bank.

    Stephen Bartos 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. Inflation is easing, boosting the case for another interest rate cut in May – https://theconversation.com/inflation-is-easing-boosting-the-case-for-another-interest-rate-cut-in-may-255116

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: ICYMI: Celebrating President Trump’s Incredible First 100 Days

    Source: The White House

    President Donald J. Trump has accomplished more in 100 days than most presidents do over an entire term — and he’s still just getting started. President Trump’s unprecedented work in the first 100 days has earned praise from across Capitol Hill and beyond.

    Here’s what they’re saying:

    Speaker Mike Johnson: “@POTUS has been able to do far more for the American people in the first 100 days than the Biden Administration did in four years. Thanks to the Trump White House, AMERICA IS BACK – and we’re just getting started.”

    Senate Majority Leader John Thune: “It’s been 100 days of the new Trump administration, and @POTUS is delivering. Securing our southern border, restoring American strength, extending tax relief for Americans, unleashing American energy, saving taxpayer dollars, and restoring common sense.”

    Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso: “In the first 100 days under @POTUS Trump, Republicans are fighting for the American people. Secure the border. Rebuild the economy. Restore peace through strength. Unleash American energy.”

    Senate Republican Conference Chair Tom Cotton: “Joe Biden unleashed mass illegal migration across our nation during his time in office. In his first 100 days, President Trump ended the Biden Border Crisis by cracking down on criminals and following the law.”

    Sen. Jim Banks: “100 days of securing the border… Thanks to President Trump’s strong leadership, the invasion along our borders is over!”

    Sen. Marsha Blackburn: “Congratulations to President Trump on 100 days of Making America Great Again.”

    Sen. Katie Britt: “President Trump has kept his promises in the first 100 days.”

    Sen. Ted Budd: “From day one: clear goals, hard work, concrete results. At Day 100, @POTUS has built real momentum to deliver long-term prosperity for the American people — and he’s just getting started.”

    Sen. Shelley Moore Capito: “Real leadership leads to real results. @SenateGOP and @POTUS are delivering on our promises in these 100 days to protect and secure our country.”

    Sen. Bill Cassidy: “After 100 days, the results are clear: America is safer and the border is secure.”

    Sen. John Cornyn: “I’ve worked hand-in-glove with President Trump to accomplish his agenda during his first 100 days.”

    Sen. Mike Crapo: “President Trump has had phenomenal successes in his first 100 days. He has closed the border, revitalized our energy production, brought trillions of dollars of capital investment into the United States.”

    Sen. Steve Daines: “In just 100 days, @POTUS has delivered win after win. Border crossings are at an all-time low, American energy is thriving & we’re kicking Biden and the left’s woke agenda to the curb. If this is what 100 days of progress looks like, can’t wait for what the future brings!”

    Sen. Joni Ernst: “From a wide-open southern border to complete border security in just 100 days. That is the Trump effect.”

    Sen. Chuck Grassley: “2day marks 100 days of Pres Trumps return 2 White House Ive seen the President working hard 2 KEEP HIS PROMISES + RESTORE COMMON SENSE Praise the Lord we hv a Commander in Chief who is standing on the platform he ran on& getting things done for the American ppl.”

    Sen. Lindsay Graham: “In just 100 days, President Trump has delivered historic results for the American people… I look forward to continue working with the President and his team in the Senate to make sure we DELIVER his historic agenda to the American people.”

    Sen. Bill Hagerty: “This has been the most effective, most impactful in a positive sense 100 days in my lifetime.”

    Sen. Josh Hawley: “For the first time in decades, working Americans have a President who stands with them. Trump’s giving Americans their country back”

    Sen. John Hoeven: “#100Days in, @POTUS has secured the border and now he’s empowering our energy producers to make the country energy dominant—removing barriers, driving growth, and restoring America’s place as the world’s energy leader.”

    Sen. Jon Husted: “Daily border apprehensions have dropped 95% since @POTUS took office. Pres. Trump is following through on his promise to secure the border and safeguard Americans.”

    Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith: “Just 100 days in, @POTUS and the Senate Republicans are delivering for the American people – securing our border, rolling back harmful Biden policies, confirming Trump nominees, passing common-sense laws, and locking in a strong budget.”

    Sen. Jim Justice: “100 days under @POTUS:
    ✔️American Energy Unleashed
    ✔️Border is secure
    ✔️Manufacturing is coming back to the states
    ✔️ West Virginia Coal making a comeback
    President Trump is just getting started and I will keep working alongside him to get results for Americans!”

    Sen. John Kennedy: “In just 100 days, President Trump has secured the border, fought racial quotas, and totally changed the national conversation about the budget.”

    Sen. James Lankford: “An unprecedented 100 days under President Trump!” Let’s continue this moment for the American people—great job @POTUS.”

    Sen. Mike Lee: “A HISTORIC FIRST 100 DAYS.”

    Sen. Cynthia Lummis: “100 days of a stronger and safer America.”

    Sen. Roger Marshall: “The President’s first 100 days is a return to American greatness.”

    Sen. Dave McCormick: “We’re 100 days into the Trump Administration and we’re already seeing enormous change on behalf of the American people, just like the president promised.”

    Sen. Ashley Moody: “Today marks President Trump’s first 100 days, and the country is already stronger and safer than it has ever been before.”

    Sen. Jerry Moran: “In his first 100 days in office, President Trump has made our southern border safer by ending catch & release, signing the Laken Riley Act into law & reinstating Remain in Mexico. Illegal encounters at the southern border are down 95% thanks to these commonsense policies.”

    Sen. Markwayne Mullin: “100 DAYS: PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPT.”

    Sen. Rand Paul: “100 days of cutting government waste, securing the border, pursuing peace abroad, and simply restoring sanity to the American people.”

    Sen. Pete Ricketts: “In his first 100 days in office, President Trump has delivered for the American people.”

    Sen. Jim Risch: “100 days of America First”

    Sen. Rick Scott: “President Trump is delivering on his promises to make our country safer, our economy stronger, and America Great Again!”

    Sen. Tim Scott: “How do you describe 100 days of President Trump? Promises made, promises kept.”

    Sen. Eric Schmitt: “100 days of putting America first. Us”

    Sen. Tim Sheehy: “Whether it’s ending Biden’s border crisis, unleashing American energy, bolstering our military and restoring American strength, or securing better deals for hardworking families, @POTUS has delivered win after win in his first 100 days.”

    Sen. Dan Sullivan: “Congratulations @POTUS on 100 days in office and thank you in particular for working to unleash Alaska’s extraordinary resource potential!”

    Sen. Tommy Tuberville: “He’s done an outstanding job A+, we continue to even get better because he’s solving more problems everyday Thank you, President Trump for what you’ve done!”

    Sen. Roger Wicker: “Mr. President you’re bringing the kind of peace through strength our children will talk about fifty years from now- we thank you.”

    House Majority Leader Steve Scalise: “Today marks 100 DAYS of President Trump and Republican majorities in Congress. … America First and common sense are BACK. And we’re just getting started. Promises made. Promises kept.”

    House Majority Whip Tom Emmer: “100 days in, President Trump is delivering for the people of Minnesota.”

    House Republican Conference Chair Lisa McClain: “Today, @HouseGOP celebrates POTUS’ historic first 100 days in office. He has delivered on his promises to secure the borders, restore energy independence, show peace through strength, and make America COMPETITIVE.”

    House Republican Leadership Chair Elise Stefanik: “President @realDonaldTrump is securing our borders, reining in inflation, unleashing American energy dominance, combatting antisemitism, supporting the rule of law, and restoring American greatness and peace through strength on the world stage.”

    Rep. Mark Alford: “100 days ago, America was on the brink. Today, because of President Trump: Hope is back. Strength is back. America is BACK.”

    Rep. Rick Allen: “Promises made, promises kept. In just 100 days, @POTUS has delivered:
    ✅ A secure border
    ✅ Safer communities
    ✅ Energy independence
    ✅ Job growth
    ✅ Lowers costs for essentials like gas and eggs
    The list goes on and we’re just getting started!”

    Rep. Jodey Arrington: “In the first 100 days of President Trump’s second term our nation has experienced unprecedented achievements in a new era of American politics defined by competent leadership, common sense policies, and a commitment to America first.”

    Rep. Brian Babin: “100 days in and America is roaring back to life. The economy is up. The border is secure. Our pride is restored. The American comeback is here. FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT!”

    Rep. Don Bacon: “I commend the Trump Administration for tackling these campaign promises in the first 100 days:
    ✅ Restoring energy independence & bringing prices under control
    ✅ Securing our border with 95% drop in illegal crossings
    ✅ Taking decisive action against the Houthis
    The border and energy independence were top priorities this past Nov.”

    Rep. Jim Baird: “In 100 days, POTUS and his administration have been reversing the disastrous Biden-era policies and are working hard to usher in the Golden Age of America. Promises made. Promises kept.”

    Rep. Troy Balderson: “In President Trump’s first 100 days, he has…
    us Secured the border
    Unleashed American energy
    Rooted out government waste
    Added 345,000 jobs
    …and we’re just getting started”

    Rep. Andy Barr: “President @realDonaldTrump’s first 100 days have been nothing short of historic. I’m honored to stand with him as we secure the border, unleash American energy, rebuild our economy, and put America First again. Together, we’re delivering the results the American people demanded.”

    Rep. Tom Barrett: “In President Trump’s first 100 days, we’ve teamed up to secure the border, bring manufacturing jobs back, and unleash American energy.
    🚨 Illegal border crossings are at historic lows.
    The Laken Riley Act is signed into law.
    📉 Inflation and energy prices are falling..
    🚔 We are making our communities safe again.
    America First is back and we’re just getting started. #100Days”

    Rep. Michael Baumgartner: “On National Fentanyl Awareness Day, we celebrate the progress made with record low border crossings. President Trump’s first 100 days in office set the stage for this success. Let’s continue the fight to eradicate fentanyl and protect our communities.”

    Rep. Aaron Bean: “We’re celebrating #100Days of President Trump in office, and one thing is abundantly clear: America’s future is looking up! Since day one, POTUS  has understood the assignment: undo the damage done by the previous administration and usher in the Golden Age of America.  Working together at historic speed, we are securing our border, slashing wasteful spending, reviving our economy, and defending our American values.”

    Rep. Stephanie Bice: “100 days of bringing back America first policies.”

    Rep. Gus Bilirakis: “One of President Trump’s biggest success stories in his first 100 days is enhanced border security.  U. S. Customs and Border Protection now has total control of the border, with daily border encounters down by 93%.  March of 2025 saw the lowest monthly number of border encounters in recorded history.  Also, in March of 2025, fentanyl traffic at the southern border fell by 54% compared to March of 2024.  To date, the Trump Administration has also arrested more than 151,000 illegal aliens and has deported over 135,000. This includes 600 members of Tren De Aragua and thousands of MS-13 and 18thStreet Gang members.   We will continue to get dangerous predators off our streets!”

    Rep. Andy Biggs: “President Trump has done more for our country in his first 100 days than Democrats could dream of accomplishing in four years. Countless nations have already reached out to amend unfair trade practices.”

    Rep. Sheri Biggs: “100 Days of Results: President Trump promised to secure our border—and he’s delivered. Illegal crossings are down 94%, catch & release is over, and the border is finally under control.”

    Rep. Mike Bost: “What a difference 100 days make! Border apprehensions dropped by 94%, gas prices are down 6.3%, and egg prices have fallen by 56%. Over 100,000 illegal aliens have been deported, and U.S. manufacturing is roaring back.”

    Rep. Josh Brecheen: “We have seen tremendous progress at our borders due to President
    @realDonaldTrump taking decisive action in his first 100 days:
    • Daily border encounters are DOWN by 93%.
    • Over 135,000 illegal aliens have been DEPORTED.
    • Illegal alien crossings are DOWN by 99.99%.
    Promises made, promises kept!”

    Rep. Vern Buchanan: “In his first 100 days, POTUS has delivered on his promises.”

    Rep. Eric Burlison: “✅ Illegal crossings down 94%
    ✅ $Trillions in private investments
    ✅ Ended the Green New Scam
    ✅ Peace Through Strength
    ✅ Protecting women in sports
    Still not tired of winning.”

    Rep. Ken Calvert: “In the four years of Joe Biden’s presidency the border was in chaos as illegal immigrants and deadly drugs flowed unchecked into America. In the first 100 days of Donald Trump’s presidency order and security has been restored at the border.”

    Rep. Kat Cammack: “In 100 days, President Trump has protected women and girls’ sports, reduced illegal border crossings by 95%, removed dangerous criminals from the U.S., protected our children, enhanced transparency, and more!”

    Rep. Buddy Carter: “It’s been a historic and productive first 100 days of the second Trump Administration. From securing the southern border to reestablishing fair trade deals and unleashing American energy dominance, this presidency can be defined by one word: efficiency.”

    Rep. Juan Ciscomani: “.@POTUS Trump delivered on his promise to secure the border in his first 100 days – and it’s making a real difference for families in #AZ06.Just ask Jim and Sue Chilton. Under President Biden, their ranch saw 5,640 illegal crossings in April 2024. Under President Trump, things have changed for the better. In April 2025, they recorded ZERO crossings in a span of three weeks — a direct result of President Trump’s strong border policies. ✅Promises made, promises kept!”

    Rep. Ben Cline: “Trump’s first 100 days are a new era of American renewal”

    Rep. Michael Cloud: “The difference is undeniable. In just 100 days, President Trump has reversed the failures of the Biden administration and put America back on the path to greatness.”

    Rep. Andrew Clyde: “Today marks 100 days of President Trump putting America FIRST!”

    Rep. Mike Collins: “This has been the most consequential first 100 days in any American presidency.
    ✅The border crisis is solved.
    ✅Domestic manufacturing is back.
    ✅America is respected again.
    ✅DEI is dead.
    100 down and 1362 to go.”

    Rep. James Comer: “100 Days. President Trump has delivered on dozens of promises made to the American people… America’s future is bright under President Trump’s leadership.”

    Rep. Eli Crane: “Thank you, President Trump, for ending the premeditated border invasion. We didn’t need new legislation. We just needed a new President.”

    Rep. Dan Crenshaw: “Today marks President Trump’s 100th day back in office. He promised action, and he’s delivering it. If you listened during the campaign, you knew this was coming — promises made, promises kept”

    Rep. Warren Davidson: “President Trump in his first 100 days:
    – Secured the border
    – Removed woke ideology from the military
    – Eliminated billions in fraud and abuse
    – Deported over 100K illegal aliens
    Best sequel EVER”

    Rep. Monica De La Cruz: “During his first 100 days, President Trump stood up for South Texas farmers and ranchers — demanding Mexico honor its water delivery commitments, and he has delivered. Thank you, @POTUS! #PromisesMadePromisesKept”

    Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart: “100 days of SUCCESS with President Trump back in the White House—leading with strength, and laying the foundation for prosperity and peace for America to be the global powerhouse for generations to come.”

    Rep. Byron Donalds: “THE BEST IS YET TO COME”

    Rep. Troy Downing: “President Trump in his first term talked about promises made, promises kept. This time, it’s on steroids.”

    Rep. Neal Dunn: “100 days in, and the Trump administration has already achieved countless victories! From plummeting illegal border crossings to swift downsizing of the bloated federal bureaucracy, President Trump is delivering for the American people!”

    Rep. Ron Estes: “Today marks 100 days of President Trump’s second term. @POTUS and House Republicans have been hard at work to turn the page on four years of open borders, a sluggish economy and runaway federal spending. In just 100 days, border encounters are down 95%, hostages have returned home, violent criminals are being deported, more than $5 trillion in new investments have been secured, and the Department of Government Efficiency has saved taxpayers $160 billion (that’s an average saving of $1.6 billion every day). But we’re just getting started – we’re working to extend the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, preserve and protect Social Security, reduce wasteful spending and restore our energy independence.”

    Rep. Mike Ezell: “During @POTUS’s first 100 days, the Coast Guard has worked around the clock to defend our maritime borders and stop the flow of illegal drugs and migrants. I’m proud that President Trump is recognizing their hard work—service that too often goes unnoticed but is vital to our national security.”

    Rep. Pat Fallon: “President Trump’s border security measures have yielded incredible results in 100 days. With 113,000 arrests, over 100,000 deportations, and a 94% reduction in illegal crossings, his policies are in the best interest of all Americans and public safety.”

    Rep. Julie Fedorchak: “Today is the 100 day marker for @POTUS Trump. He is tackling big issues that have long been ignored.
    ✅ Illegal border crossings are down 95%. Turns out we didn’t need new laws. We needed a new President that would actually enforce them.
    ✅ American energy is on the move. We are aggressively and responsibly developing our nation’s abundant, diverse natural resources.
    ✅ President Biden’s stifling regulations are being rolled back—lifting burdens off our farmers, businesses, and energy producers.
    ✅ Government waste, fraud and abuse is being identified and eliminated.
    Promises made. Promises kept.”

    Rep. Randy Feenstra: “In just 100 days, President Trump has achieved incredible victories for our country. He locked down our border, deported violent criminals, repealed ridiculous Biden-era regulations, and rooted our waste, fraud, and abuse in our government.”

    Rep. Brad Finstad: “In his first 100 days in office, President Trump has delivered on his promises, with over 300,000 new jobs created, strengthened border security, and an improved economic outlook for our nation. Together, we will continue working to restore the American Dream by making our communities safer and addressing the kitchen-table issues that matter most to the American people.”

    Rep. Michelle Fischbach: “In his first 100 days, @POTUS has signed the Laken Riley Act into law, has dangerous gangs and cartels shaking in their boots, and has shut our borders to illegal immigrants.”

    Rep. Scott Fitzgerald: “Only 100 days in, and @POTUS has delivered real results… I’m proud to stand with President Trump and the America First agenda!”

    Rep. Chuck Fleischmann: “In his first 100 Days, @POTUS is taking strong action to get America back on track! President Trump has:
    Secured our borders.
    Ended the war on American-made energy.
    Begun rebuilding our economy.
    Signed the Laken Riley Act into law.
    Restored commonsense in government.”

    Rep. Vince Fong: “In his first 100 days, President Trump has relentlessly pursued policies that are delivering on his promises to Central Valley families and the American people as we speak.”

    Rep. Scott Franklin: “100 days back in the White House and the results speak for themselves… America is back on the path to strength, security and prosperity!”

    Rep. Russell Fry: “President Trump’s first 100 days in office have been the MOST SUCCESSFUL IN THE HISTORY OF THE COUNTRY.”

    Rep. Brandon Gill: “President Trump’s historic presidency delivered major wins for the American people in his first 100 days.”

    Rep. Craig Goldman:” For years, we had a President who allowed millions of illegal aliens to flood across our borders. In 100 days, @POTUS has secured the border. The difference is clear:
    ✅ Daily apprehensions are down 94%
    ✅ Known gotaways are down 90%
    ✅ 100,000+ illegal aliens have been deported”

    Rep. Tony Gonzales: “Illegal Border Crossings⬇️95%
    Unleashing American Energy
    Water Deliveries from Mexico to South Texas
    Empowering LEOs to Tackle Crime & Protect our Communities
    And we’re just getting started! #100Days”

    Rep. Lance Gooden: “Just 100 days into President Donald Trump’s second term, the answer is resounding: Yes, we are better off.”

    Rep. Sam Graves: “In his first 100 days, President Trump has moved quickly to secure the border, unleash American energy production, and get rid of burdensome regulations… It’s exactly what the American people voted for.”

    Rep. Mark Green: “In less than three months, President Trump has restored law and order to our nation’s borders, removed criminal illegal aliens from our communities, and helped ensure the safety of the American people by empowering DHS law enforcement to do their jobs.”

    Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene: “The American people & I are SO happy with the work President Trump has done the last 100 days! Our nation is safer, common sense has been restored, and America is being put first!”

    Rep. Glenn Grothman: “In his first 100 days, President Trump delivered more for the American people than Joe Biden had in four years. He’s keeping his promises, prioritizing American interests, securing our border, and leading with transparency. In the House, we’re building on that momentum to deliver real results that honor the American people’s electoral mandate.”

    Rep. Brett Guthrie: “Today marks the first 100 days of President Trump’s Administration. @POTUS has delivered on his promises of securing our border, unleashing American energy and repealing burdensome red tape. Promises made, promises kept.”

    Rep. Harriet Hageman: “In his first 100 days, President Trump has fixed a lot of what Biden and Kamala Harris broke and he’s on track to do a lot more.”

    Rep. Abe Hamadeh: “Promises made. Promises kept. Congratulations to @POTUS on an incredibly successful First 100 Days!”

    Rep. Mike Haridopolos: “President Trump is keeping the promises that he made to the American people. Just 100 days in, we’re already seeing the RESULTS.”

    Rep. Pat Harrigan: “100 days in, the Trump Doctrine holds firm: American interests first, American sovereignty always.”

    Rep. Mark Harris: “It’s been 100 days of:
    ✅Restoring common sense
    ✅Protecting Americans from criminal illegals
    ✅Rooting out government waste, fraud, and abuse
    Looking forward to the next 1361 days!!”

    Rep. Diana Harshbarger: “100 days of investing in America… Promises Made, Promises Kept.”

    Rep. Kevin Hern: “The last 100 days have gone by quickly but so much has happened. POTUS is moving at record pace to RESTORE American strength, SAVE taxpayers’ money, and PROTECT our national security and sovereignty.”

    Rep. Clay Higgins: “100 days of MAGA. President Trump’s administration is restoring common sense, securing our border, unleashing America’s energy potential, and attacking waste, fraud, abuse, and theft in the bureaucracy.”

    Rep. Ashley Hinson: “Closing in on 100 days of President Trump back in the Oval, and the results speak for themselves: strong and CLOSED borders, American energy back on top, peace through strength restored on the world stage, and a more competitive America. Promises made, promises kept.”

    Rep. French Hill: “100 days into his second term, and President Trump continues to move with unprecedented speed to deliver on the promises made to the American people. America is back on the path to restoring our strength, security, and prosperity. I’m looking forward to building on these early wins to lower costs, expand opportunity, and make the Trump tax cuts permanent for working families, small businesses, and the middle class.”

    Rep. Erin Houchin: “President Trump is off to a strong start! In just 100 days, he’s delivering on his promises to secure our border, rebuild our economy, and restore law and order. Proud to stand with him as we fight to put America First again!”

    Rep. Bill Huizenga: “President Trump is delivering on promise after promise for the American people. In just 100 days, he has secured our border, unleashed American energy, and restored common-sense regulatory policies to Washington. And we are just getting started!”

    Rep. Wesley Hunt: “100 Days in and Trump is keeping his promises.
    – 345,000 New Jobs
    – 4th highest Payroll Growth in 2 years
    – 9,000 New Manufacturing Jobs
    – Unemployment Rate Decreased
    – Consumer Price Decline
    – Hourly Wage Growth”

    Rep. Jeff Hurd: “I commend @POTUS and @HouseGOP for delivering on key promises in the first 100 days:
    ✅ Establishing energy dominance for rural America
    ✅ Securing our borders with a significant drop in illegal crossings
    ✅ Reviving the coal industry and identifying coal resources on federal lands”

    Rep. Darrell Issa: “In only 100 days, @realDonaldTrump ended the Biden border crisis, extended economic opportunity, slashed billions in government waste, and restored our standing in the world. This is setting the pace for the next four years as we Make America Great Again.”

    Rep. Jim Jordan: “President Trump said he’d stop federal censorship, defend religious liberty, and promote school choice. He’s done all of it. Promises made. Promises kept.”

    Rep. Mike Kelly: “In just his first 100 days, President Trump has:
    – Cracked down on illegal immigration – Compared to March 2024, Southwest border apprehensions have decreased by 94% and Northern border land encounters have decreased by 73%.
    – Expanded American energy production
    – Secured trillions of dollars in new U.S.-based economic investment
    – Brought jobs back to the U.S. and restructured trade negotiations
    – Restored accountability and transparency in government
    – Secured the release of Butler County native Marc Fogel and freed hostages

    @POTUS and @HouseGOP are putting America first!”

    Rep. Trent Kelly: “Today marks the 100th day in office for President Donald Trump. During this time, the Trump administration has made significant progress and worked quickly to fulfill his promises by securing the border, restoring energy independence, strengthening national defense, and boosting American competitiveness.”

    Rep. Brad Knott: “Never have the first 100 days of a presidency been so consequential. Following four years of disastrous and destructive policy from Biden-Harris, Americans were eager to see big, sweeping change and @POTUS delivered.”

    Rep. David Kustoff: “President Trump Has Kept His Promises in the First 100 Days!
    1. Strengthened border security, slashing illegal crossings to record lows 🚓
    2. Fueled growth in U.S. manufacturing and industrial production 🏭
    3. Curbed inflation, easing the cost-of-living crisis for Americans 💸
    4. Enacted the Laken Riley Act to ensure justice for crime victims ⚖️
    5. Combatted Tren de Aragua and MS-13 gangs in American communities 🚨
    6. Cracked down on sanctuary cities, upholding federal immigration laws 🔒
    7. Championed energy independence through robust oil and gas expansion ⛽️
    8. Lifted the natural gas export ban, cementing U.S. energy dominance 🛢️
    9. Dismantled DEI policies in government and DoD, recognized only male/female genders 🚻
    10. Declassified JFK and RFK records for transparency 📂
    11. Reduced the amount of federal bureaucracy 🏛️”

    Rep. Darin LaHood: “President Trump’s first 100 days have secured our border, made our communities safer, and put U.S. foreign adversaries on notice.”

    Rep. Doug LaMalfa: “In just 100 days, President Trump has delivered the most secure border this country has seen in modern history. Illegal crossings are down 95%, gotaways have dropped by 99%, and catch-and-release is over. Over 139,000 illegal immigrants have been deported, construction on the border wall is back underway, and Kamala Harris’ migrant app has been shut down for good. Violent gangs like Tren de Aragua and MS-13 are being dismantled, sanctuary cities are finally being held accountable, and the Trump administration is making clear that migrant crime will not be ignored — signing the Laken Riley Act into law to deliver justice for American families. Promises made, promises kept.”

    Rep. Bob Latta: “Today marks @POTUS’s first 100 days in office. From day one, he has prioritized the American people, working to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse. Proud to work with
    @HouseGOP and President Trump to make life better for people in Ohio and across the country. Promises made, promises kept.”

    Rep. Nick Langworthy: “100 days of President Trump putting America First… and we are just getting started.”

    Rep. Laurel Lee: “In his first 100 days in office, President Trump is driving the American dream forward at a historic rate by securing American manufacturing, unleashing American energy, and supporting American-owned businesses.”

    Rep. Julia Letlow: “In 100 days President Trump has: reduced illegal border encounters by 95%, reduced total migrant crossings by nearly 100%, ended the Biden Border Crisis.”

    Rep. Barry Loudermilk: “Marking 100 days into his presidency, @POTUS continues to deliver on his promises to Make America Great Again.
    • 26 hostages freed from adversarial nations
    • Women’s sports protected
    • Unleashing the American worker and industry
    • $5 trillion in new investments/trade commitments secured
    All we needed was a different President.”

    Rep. Anna Paulina Luna: “In 100 days, President Trump has: Secured our border, declassified the JFK+RFK files, deported thousands of illegal alien thugs, protected American manufacturing & workers, started eliminating rampant waste, fraud, and abuse, crushed DEI in academia & business.”

    Rep. Morgan Luttrell: “President Trump is ushering in a Golden Age of America.

    ✅ 100k+ illegal aliens deported
    ✅ Gas prices down
    ✅ Border crossings down 94%
    ✅ Eggs down 56%
    ✅ 228,000 jobs in March”

    Rep. Nancy Mace: “100 days of holding the line. Thank you President Donald J. Trump.”

    Rep. Tracey Mann: “On Inauguration Day, President Trump promised he would usher in the Golden Age of America. 100 days into his historic second term, he is delivering just that for the American people. Promises made, promises kept.”

    Rep. Brian Mast: “Today marks 100 days of President Trump’s historic second term. We’re closing the border, bringing investments and manufacturing back to America, and reducing inflation. But we’re just getting started.”

    Rep. Nicolle Malliotakis: “From securing our border and deporting criminals to attracting trillions in private investment to negotiating the release of dozens of hostages, it’s been a fast & furious first 100 days!”

    Rep. Michael McCaul: “The American people gave a mandate to secure the border, and
    @POTUS delivered. Today, on his 100th day in office, @HomelandGOP is working to fully fund his border security agenda & protect the homeland for years to come.”

    Rep. Addison McDowell: “During President Trump’s first hundred days, the Coast Guard has defended our maritime border and stood on the front lines against illegal drugs and migrants. President Trump has made it clear—their hard work matters, and it won’t go unnoticed.”

    Rep. John McGuire: “President Trump promised a secure border. In his first 100 days, border encounters are down 95%.”

    Rep. Mark Messmer: “In just 100 days, @POTUS is restoring American Greatness with…
    ✅ Secure borders
    ✅ Energy independence
    ✅ Lower grocery prices
    ✅ Peace through strength”

    Rep. Dan Meuser: “In just 100 days President @realDonaldTrump has worked to strengthen our national security, create an America-First economy, deliver savings for taxpayers, restore global leadership, and bring commonsense back to Washington. The border is secure, American energy is recovering, jobs are coming back, inflation is falling, and our military recruitment is surging — among much more. President Trump has a plan that will lead to long-term success for the United States.”

    Rep. Mary Miller: “As we reach the first 100 days of President Donald Trump’s second term in the White House, it is abundantly clear: Christians across America once again have a powerful, unapologetic advocate in the Oval Office.”

    Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks: “Today marks 100 days since @POTUS returned to the White House, and @HouseGOP is hard at work delivering on his America First agenda!”

    Rep. Riley Moore: “It’s been an incredible first 100 days for @POTUS
    ✅ Sealed the border
    ✅ Deporting violent criminals
    ✅ Lowering prices & reversing inflation
    ✅ Only 2 genders
    ✅ Over $5 trillion in private investment
    ✅ Negotiating free and fair trade relationships
    Commonsense is back!”

    Rep. Tim Moore: “Since Day 1, President Trump has made it clear that rebuilding Western North Carolina and helping Hurricane Helene victims was one of his top priorities. 100 days in, there’s still a lot of work to do, but President Trump has completely turned around the federal response.”

    Rep. Nathaniel Moran: “Great visiting with local and national media to highlight @POTUS successes during his first 100 days in office. We’ve delivered real results as a party—but there’s still more work to do for the American people. I look forward to advancing President Trump’s agenda in the days ahead and keeping our commitment to putting America First.”

    Rep. Troy Nehls: “Today marks President Trump’s first 100 days back in the White House.
    Border is secured.
    Gas prices are dropping.
    DEI is dead.
    Historic investments secured.
    American energy is back.
    Common sense is restored.
    Protected women’s sports.
    We just keep winning!”

    Rep. Ralph Norman: “Within a mere 100 days – Gas prices have dropped 7%, energy prices are down 2%, egg prices dropped over 50%. @POTUS has delivered for the American people!! Welcome to the GOLDEN AGE!”

    Rep. Zach Nunn: “After 100 days of Biden: 451,063 CBP Apprehensions
    After 100 days of Trump: 21,528 CBP Apprehensions
    ⬇️ Apprehensions down 95%
    ⬇️ Migrant crossings down 99.99%
    ✅ Iowa communities safer & more secure”

    Rep. Andy Ogles: “It’s working — thanks to President Trump, ‘Made in Middle Tennessee’ is back and stronger than ever.”

    Rep. Burgess Owens: “President @realDonaldTrump brought back something Washington had lost: America First leadership. 100 Days of historic and unprecedented wings for our nation. Promises made. Promises kept. us”

    Rep. Gary Palmer: “In his first 100 days, President Trump has brought common sense back to the White House.”

    Rep. Jimmy Patronis: “Since @POTUS took office and reversed Biden’s burdensome regulations, Americans have enjoyed 100 days of lower prices.
    📉A/Cs
    📉Gas Stoves
    📉Water Heaters
    📉Lightbulbs
    📈WINNING
    Having a strong quarterback in the White House matters; and it’s just the first quarter”

    Rep. August Pfluger: “The first 100 days have set the foundation, the next 100 days will build the framework, and the next 100 years will showcase the lasting legacy of conservative governance done right.”

    Rep. Guy Reschenthaler: “100 days of American greatness — and many more to come”

    Rep. Hal Rogers: “Celebrating @POTUS ‘s first 100 days in office and the positive impact he is having in our country, including: 
    -Securing our borders
    -Putting drug cartels on the run
    -Ending unfair trade policies
    -Restoring commonsense, conservative policies that protect the American people
    -Strengthening our domestic energy supply, and much more.”

    Rep. Mike Rogers: “President Trump has accomplished more in 100 days than Biden did in his entire presidency. I am proud to see an America that is stronger and safer than it was 100 days ago.”

    Rep. John Rose: “In just 100 days, President Trump and his administration have accomplished more than Joe Biden did in four years.”

    Rep. David Rouzer: “President Trump is ushering in a new Golden Age of America!
    ✅ Restarted construction of the southern border wall
    ✅ Created 345,000 jobs
    ✅ Unlocked America’s Energy potential—bringing gas prices down 6.3%
    ✅ Reversed Biden-era rules – saving the average family of four $11,000
    ✅ Ended DEI in the military and government”

    Rep. Mike Rulli: “100 Days of Action. 100 Days of Results.
    President Trump is keeping his promises to the American people:
    🛑 Secured the border & ended catch-and-release
    🧱 Restarted the wall & deported criminal illegals
    ⚡ Declared a National Energy Emergency
    💸 Slashed waste, fraud & DEI bloat
    🏗️ Bringing jobs back through smarter trade”

    Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar: “Biden left us an open border. Now, border crossings are down 99 percent, criminals are being held accountable, and American manufacturing is coming back. It’s only the beginning.”

    Rep. Derek Schmidt: “✅ Secured the border
    ✅ Lowered inflation
    ✅ Unleashed American energy
    ✅ Eliminated waste, fraud, & abuse
    ✅ Reestablished peace through strength
    @POTUS’ first 100 days have been success after success- and he’s just getting started. us”

    Rep. Keith Self: “President Trump’s first 100 days embody the spirit of leadership, strength, and America First values. By upholding Reagan’s legacy of peace through strength, he fights to secure our nation and defend our freedoms. Thank you, @realDonaldTrump!”

    Rep. Jefferson Shreve: “Today, we mark 100 days of promises made and promises kept. .@HouseGOP
     and the @WhiteHouse  have been delivering — for the American people.

    ✅Securing our southern border
    ✅Unleashing American energy dominance
    ✅Deporting terrorists and illegal criminals
    ✅Investing in American manufacturing
    ✅Saving billions of dollars for the American taxpayers”

    Rep. Mike Simpson: “100 Days: @POTUS has delivered promise after promise to make America safer, more prosperous, and stronger. From securing our southern border to reducing regulations and restoring government transparency, President Trump has followed through for the American people.”

    Rep. Jason Smith: “President Trump’s first 100 days in office have been 100 days of promises made, promises kept.”

    Rep. Lloyd Smucker: “Promises made, promises kept. I’m proud to work alongside the Trump administration to extend tax relief for hardworking families and small businesses, cut government waste, secure our border, unleash American energy dominance, and achieve peace through strength.”

    Rep. Pete Stauber: “In his first 100 days, President Trump has delivered major wins for the American people:
    ✅Secured the border.
    ✅Deported violent illegal gang members.
    ✅Unleashed American energy and lowered gas prices.
    ✅Reduced government waste.
    ✅Protected women’s sports.
    ✅Boosted military recruitment.
    ✅Brought hostages home.
    Promises made, promises kept!”

    Rep. Greg Steube: “They laughed. They doubted. They lied. But President Trump DELIVERED. The border is secure. DEI is DEAD. Women’s sports are protected. This is what fighting for America looks like. And we’re just getting started.”

    Rep. Dale Strong: “In his first 100 days, @POTUS has delivered real results for the people of North Alabama. From strengthening national security to fueling job growth and reinvigorating American industry, Trump is taking action to push back against the failed policies of the radical left that weakened America’s economy, values, and institutions.”

    Rep. Dave Taylor: “President Trump is on a roll. In his first 100 days in office he has:
    – Lowered border encounters by 95%
    – Created 345,000 jobs
    – Signed the Laken Riley Act into law
    – Invested in American energy & manufacturing
    – Repealed restrictive Biden-era regulations
    Republicans are ready to work with President Trump to deliver on his mandate. And we’re just getting started!”

    Rep. Claudia Tenney: “President Trump has had a more productive first 100 days than any other president in history!”

    Rep. Tom Tiffany: “President Trump delivered in just 100 days.
    Secured the border.
    Lowered gas prices.
    Ended DEI programs.
    Boosted investments.
    Cut government waste.
    Brought hostages home.
    Deported gang members.
    Protected women’s sports.
    Revived military recruitment.
    Promises made. Promises kept.”

    Rep. Glenn Thompson: “Over the past 100 days, President Trump has worked tirelessly to secure our border, unleash American energy, and root out waste, fraud, and abuse in our government. Promises made, promises kept.”

    Rep. William Timmons: “President Trump did more in 100 days than Joe Biden did in four years.”

    Rep. Jeff Van Drew: “In just 100 days, President Trump did what Biden wouldn’t in four years:
    ✅ Laken Riley Act: signed
    ✅ Remain in Mexico: reinstated
    ✅ CBP One App: shut down
    ✅ Catch and Release: ended
    ✅ Criminal illegals: deported
    Biden opened the floodgates and Trump slammed them shut.”

    Rep. Beth Van Duyne: “100 days in and we are not tired of winning!
    ✅ Secured the border.
    ✅ $5+ trillion in new private U.S. investment
    ✅ Unleashed American Energy
    ✅ Lowered prices
    ✅ Negotiating for free and fair trade”

    Rep. Derrick Van Orden: “Over 77 million Americans and 1.7 million Wisconsinites put their trust in President Trump to get our nation back on track after four years of disastrous policy from the Biden administration. In just 100 days, President Trump has delivered on his promises to the American people.”

    Rep. Tim Walberg: “100 days in, Trump creating new Golden Age.”

    Rep. Randy Weber: “President Trump has been in office 100 GREAT days. Thank you for finally putting Americans FIRST. A new era of greatness has begun for our great country.”

    Rep. Daniel Webster: “President Trump is getting our country back on track. In just the first 100 days, @POTUS:
    ✅ Secured the border – 94% drop in illegal crossings.
    ✅ Unleashed American energy – gas prices have fallen 6.3%.
    ✅ Secured trillions in new U.S. based investments, and brought back American jobs.
    ✅ Restored peace through Strength.
    ✅ Cut waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government.
    The Golden Age of America has only just begun.”

    Rep. Tony Wied: “100 days of a secure border, 100 days of eliminating waste in our government, 100 days of unleashing American energy, 100 days of putting America First.”

    Rep. Roger Williams: “In just 100 days under @POTUS, Illegal border encounters are DOWN by 95% and gotaways are DOWN by 99%.”

    Rep. Joe Wilson: “Today marks 100 days since President Donald Trump took back the White House, and along with the Republican-led House and Senate, immediately began Promises Made, Promises Kept, delivering for American families. In just 100 days, the Trump administration has secured the borders, restored energy independence, began Peace Through Strength, and brought massive investments and jobs, making America competitive again. President Trump is keeping his promises to families, making the country strong, safe, and secure.”

    Rep. Steve Womack: “In the first 100 days, @POTUS Trump has delivered huge wins for our nation, securing our borders and halting the surge of illegal crossings witnessed under Biden. National security begins with strong border policies, and I’m pleased to see this administration making it a top priority.”

    Rep. Rudy Yakym: “100 days of promises made, promises kept
    ✅Illegal border crossings down 95%
    ✅Deporting violent criminals
    ✅Bringing dozens of hostages home
    ✅Restoring peace through strength
    ✅Unleashing American energy”

    Rep. Ryan Zinke: “First 100 days of @POTUS by the numbers:
    📉Border encounters down 88% since last year
    📉Gas Prices down 6.3%
    📉Eggs prices down 56%
    📈10,000 new manufacturing jobs
    📈 8,900 new auto jobs
    ➡️ over 100,000 illegal aliens deported”

    Vice President JD Vance: “President Trump has made historic progress in the first 100 days of his presidency, but he’s also revealed the ways in which the entrenched bureaucracy in Washington is working to undermine the will of the American people. Thank God, we have a president who is fighting back.”

    Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent: “Bringing down persistent Bidenflation has been a priority for the first 100 days of the Trump administration, and @POTUS has done a great job of leading that effort.”

    Attorney General Pam Bondi: “This is all at Donald Trump’s directive, and this is what all of us have been doing, as a team, since Day One when he took office – Make America Safe Again.”

    Secretary of Energy Doug Burgum: “100 Days of promises made, promises kept! This administration is bolstering our national security, reducing inflation, ending our reliance on foreign adversaries, & cementing this country as a global energy powerhouse.”

    Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins: “The first 100 days of the second Trump Administration have been full of great news for America’s Veterans. Under @POTUS’ leadership, we are putting Veterans first!”

    Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer: “In just the first 100 days, we’re witnessing a resurgence of the grit, determination, and ingenuity that built our country into a shining city on a hill.”

    Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy: “From zero to 100 days: How Donald Trump is revolutionizing transportation.”

    Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard: “President Trump’s first 100 days have delivered historic change for the American people, to make our country more safe, secure, and free.”

    Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.: “The first 100 days of the Trump administration have been historic—a critical course correction for a nation suffering from chronic disease and the stranglehold of corporate power.”

    Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler: “No better place to celebrate the wins of President Trump’s first 100 Days than with America’s small businesses and workers. In record time, he’s delivering the strongest pro-growth agenda in modern history– to help Main Street hire, build, and boom again.”

    Secretary of Education Linda McMahon: “The American people gave us a historic mandate to restore our education system. We’re 100 days in, and we’re just getting started.”

    Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem: “Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, we have the most secure border in American history. In less than 100 days, daily border encounters are down 93%… The world is hearing our message: do not come to this country illegally. If you do, we will arrest you, deport you and you will not be allowed to return.”

    Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins: “As President Donald J. Trump ushers in a new golden age of prosperity for our economy, we are fighting to give farmers and ranchers a seat at the table. For far too long, the hardworking Americans who feed, fuel, and clothe the world were left on the sidelines. At USDA, I am reversing the policies of the Biden Administration that actively made life harder for America’s farmers and ranchers and instead pushing to expand market access and unleash prosperity for generations to come.”

    Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner: “After 100 Days of President Trump’s leadership, we are well on our way to restoring the American Dream.”

    National Security Advisor Mike Waltz: “One hundred days into President Trump’s historic second term, America is far safer than it was during Joe Biden’s disastrous presidency.”

    Secretary of Energy Chris Wright: “100 days in—President Trump’s leadership is turning policy into power.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The NSU History Museum exhibition “The Great Patriotic War in Faces. Novosibirsk State University” opened at NSU

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    The exhibition presents the stories of people who directly participated in military actions or were engaged in scientific activities and made a tangible contribution to the victory of the people of the Soviet Union over fascist Germany. In total, the exhibition contains 126 portraits. Until May 23, the exhibition can be seen in the second-floor passage between the first and third blocks of the NSU Academic Building (1 Pirogova St.).

    — Of course, there are academicians here. For example, Mikhail Alekseevich Lavrentyev, Hero of Socialist Labor, laureate of the Lenin and State (Stalin) Prizes. He received some of these awards for his scientific contribution to the people’s victory. He was awarded the Order of the Patriotic War, Second Class, and five Orders of Lenin. His research and the cumulative shells he developed played a major role and influenced the outcome of the Battle of Kursk in 1943. Among the veterans, those people who made a significant contribution, there are many researchers. For example, Aleksey Andreyevich Lyapunov, Corresponding Member of the USSR Academy of Sciences. He was a very young lieutenant when, during offensive battles in the area of the Kursk Magnetic Anomaly, he made an adjustment for magnetic deviation in the artillery calculation, which ensured the success of the artillery preparation, — said Lidiya Vorobtsova, Director of the NSU History Museum.

    Another participant in the war was Samson Semenovich Kutateladze, an academician, founder of one of the leading scientific schools in thermal physics and hydrodynamics. He was at the front from August 1941 to May 1945. The legendary rector of NSU Spartak Timofeevich Belyaev, an academician, professor, has many awards, he went through the entire war and was demobilized with the rank of junior lieutenant.

    The exhibition presents stories not only of outstanding scientists and academicians, but also of those people who worked and taught at NSU. For example, Angelina Ivanovna Kuzmina is a linguist and participant in the Great Patriotic War.

    — I personally remember her very well. When I was studying at the Humanities Department, in the late 1970s — early 1980s, Angelina Ivanovna taught us German. She went through almost the entire war from the spring of 1942 until its end. She was a telegraph operator, a radio operator, and a communications platoon commander, and also worked as a translator during this period. She was a unique person, a candidate of philological sciences, an associate professor at our university. A very charming and positive-minded woman, — recalls Lidiya Vorobtsova.

    Luiza Stefanovna Bocharova is a candidate of economic sciences, a senior lecturer, and later an associate professor of the political economy department of our university. She worked in counterintelligence at the headquarters of the 2nd Air Army of the Southwestern Front, and later the 1st Ukrainian Front.

    The exhibition also features a portrait and history of Lev Yakovlevich Savelyev, a professor at the NSU Department of Higher Mathematics and a participant in the Great Patriotic War. Lev Yakovlevich was born in 1929 in Odessa. At the age of 14, he volunteered for the Red Army, and in a short period of time, he received the qualification of “3rd class radio operator-telegraphist” and the military rank of “corporal” at radio operator courses. After demobilization in August 1945, Lev Yakovlevich continued his studies at school, and two years later he became a student at the Mathematics Department of Moscow State University. After graduating from Moscow State University, he came to Novosibirsk, where NSU had just opened. He taught courses in mathematical and functional analysis, probability theory and mathematical statistics, random processes, and many others.

    We can literally talk for a very long time about each “hero” of the exhibition, because each one made their own contribution to the Victory.

    — I think that students, teachers, and staff will be very pleased to see and read about the people who are presented at the exhibition. In addition, we have two special pages on the website of the NSU History Museum. One is also dedicated to the participants of the Great Patriotic War, and the second page is called “War Participants Remember,” that is, these are memories of the war years. You can always go to the website of our museum and get to know them. The heroes of these stories describe their time and how they, still very young guys, many just after finishing school, went to war. Some left universities, some just graduated from university and went to the front at that time. Recently, we had an exhibition dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the birth of one of the oldest professors of the Humanities Institute, then the Humanities Faculty, Varlen Lvovich Soskin. In the exposition, we presented more extensive information about the period when he was at war. Overall, we have war photographs of about half of the war participants, so there is something to look at and appreciate, to be proud of those people who taught and worked at our university, and those thanks to whom we are now celebrating this wonderful holiday, Victory Day, – summed up Lidiya Vorobtsova.

    The exhibition materials were collected from several sources. These include materials from the NSU History Museum, personal files from the NSU archive, written memoirs of combatants, and photographs of the “Victory Relay” that took place in 2010. At one time, for the 30th anniversary of the Victory in 1975, a large stand was displayed on the wall near the Maltsevskaya Auditorium, which is located in the main, historical building of NSU, where about 70 war veterans were presented. The NSU History Museum supplemented this information over time. In addition to the materials from the 1970-80s exhibitions, the Museum staff analyzed reference publications for the 75th anniversary of the Great Victory, which also mention the stories of Siberian front-line soldiers. The NSU Social Management Department, which works directly with WWII veterans, helped to fill in some personal stories and also display them along with the portraits at the exhibition.

    Today’s exhibition presents the most complete information on the majority of those people who are associated with Novosibirsk State University and the Siberian Branch of Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences and who are direct participants in the Great Patriotic War or contributed to the Victory through their scientific work.

    In addition to portraits and stories of NSU employees, teachers and scientists, the exhibition features a digital panel with documents from the Novosibirsk Regional Archives, which are dedicated to the heroism of Siberians during the Great Patriotic War. The demonstration was organized by Andrey Vladimirovich Dmitriev, head of the Department of Russian History at the NSU Humanities Institute. The exhibition includes three expositions:

    “Breakthrough Division”

    The exhibition is dedicated to the combat path of the 133rd Rifle Division, later the 18th Guards Division, formed before 1941 in Novosibirsk and taking part in many battles of the Great Patriotic War. This division fought on the Kalinin Front in the autumn of 1941 and in the winter of 1941-1942 during the Battle of Moscow, participated in battles near Rzhev, in Belarus and the Baltics, and ended its journey on the territory of East Prussia.

    “Novosibirsk residents to the front”

    The exhibition presents materials related to the history of the 150th Rifle, then 22nd Guards Siberian Volunteer Division, created in Novosibirsk in the summer of 1942. Those people whose names are given to the streets of our city fought and died in its ranks: Mikhail Perevozchikov, Boris Bogatkov, Olga Zhilina.

    “Novosibirsk – a city of labor valor”

    The exhibition contains systematized data on the contribution of our fellow countrymen who remained in the rear to achieving Victory. Among them, one can highlight the collection of funds and voluntary donations, the production of weapons, the procurement of food and much more. All this data was collected and prepared by Novosibirsk historians and archivists to justify assigning Novosibirsk the title of “City of Labor Valor” in 2020.

    The exhibit files contain electronic copies of original archival documents, a number of unique photographs, text explanations and illustrative materials. The Novosibirsk Regional Archives exhibition will continue to work until May 12.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Which Roman emperor was most like Donald Trump?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Edwell, Associate Professor in Ancient History, Macquarie University

    SvetlanaVV/Shutterstock

    Something tells me US president Donald Trump would love to be a Roman emperor. The mythology of unrestrained power with sycophants doing his bidding would be seductive.

    But in fact, Roman emperors were heavily constrained by institutions, the economy and popular mood. Yes, some challenged and sidelined the institutions of their day – but this often sparked a powerful backlash.

    As someone who’s studied Ancient Rome for years, I’ve recently been asked which Roman emperor was most like Donald Trump. In some ways he’s a pastiche of several Roman leaders.

    Julius Caesar

    Of course, Julius Caesar was never an emperor. He was a military leader and politician when the Roman Republic was in its death throes.

    While Trump has no military experience, some have compared him with Caesar.

    English classicist Mary Beard explains the appeal of this comparison for Trump’s foes and supporters alike.

    The Roman Republic was originally a system of shared political authority. The Senate, the people and elected magistrates shared power.

    But in the first century BC, powerful and charismatic figures became more prominent. The old power-sharing arrangements broke down.

    Caesar was the ultimate populist who overthrew the conventional means of Republican government.
    Bequest of Benjamin Altman, 1913/The Metropolitan Museum of Art

    Caesar was the most significant of these figures. He was the ultimate populist who overthrew the conventional means of Republican government. Due to his military successes, vast fortune and enormous popular appeal, Caesar broke the system entirely.

    Caesar fast-tracked the development of executive power in one person. This doomed the Roman Republic itself.

    Trump has also sidelined key institutions and increased the powers of singular executive government. Threatening judges and the chair of the Federal Reserve are further examples of over-reach.

    Trump draws on popular appeal to escape ramifications for these actions. His TV career, political rallies and domination of the news cycle contribute to a cult of personality.

    Caesar paid the ultimate price for concentrating executive power in himself. He was stabbed to death by a group of angry senators. The republic, however, was beyond saving.

    Caesar and the Roman Republic were different to Trump and America. Caesar was a blue-blood patrician, which Trump isn’t. Rome had its most powerful centuries ahead of it, while America is in decline.

    Octavian: the man who became Augustus

    Caesar didn’t manage the transition from Republic to autocracy. It was his nephew, Octavian, who did that.

    After more than a decade of civil wars following Caesar’s murder in 44 BCE, Octavian became Augustus (27 BCE–14 CE) or emperor.

    While he claimed to restore the republic, Augustus exercised ultimate power over the army, political institutions and the courts. He finished the process Caesar and others began, dominating the Senate and once-powerful positions such as consulships.

    Augustus’ domination of the entire political system draws parallels with Trump. Some observers liken Trump to Augustus. They see similarities in Trump’s intimidation of institutions (including the courts and media) that provide checks on presidential power.

    Augustus also developed a cult of personality, which is a feature of Trump’s rise.

    Nero: from populist to pariah

    Nero (54–68 CE), a colourful successor of Augustus, employed advisors with no political backgrounds. Epaphroditus, for example, was a former slave who became Nero’s secretary. He controlled the flow of information to and from the emperor. He became very wealthy and was intensely loyal to Nero.

    Trump has shown similar instincts. Think of the wide-ranging powers to cut government programs granted to Elon Musk and his inexperienced team.

    Like Trump, Nero could entertain a crowd. He publicly sang and recited poetry, which previous emperors never did. The elites detested this but the broader population loved it. Nero also put on lavish palace banquets.

    But by the time of his death by suicide aged 30, Nero had isolated everyone.

    It’s too simplistic, though, to say Trump is a Nero, as others have done. Trump remains connected to a large support base, as evidenced by his two presidential election victories.

    Like Trump, Nero could entertain a crowd.
    Ivan Moreno sl/Shutterstock

    Roman emperors were constrained by institutions

    While Roman emperors dominated the institutions of state, they were still constrained by them. Some who fell foul of the army, the most important state institution, met ignominious ends.

    In 217 CE, the unpopular emperor Caracalla was knifed by a soldier while relieving himself.

    Emperor Caracalla was eventually stabbed by a soldier while relieving himself.
    Samuel D. Lee Fund, 1940/The Metropolitan Museum of Art

    Emperor Severus Alexander was murdered in 235 CE by his own troops while clutching his mother’s knees.

    Some speculate the US army might intervene to protect the Constitution against Trump. But the army’s relationship to the US government is more complex than in ancient Rome.

    Some emperors became unpopular due to their arrogance toward the Senate, court officials and their own bodyguards.

    In 96 CE, Domitian was killed in a conspiracy of the court chamberlain. His death was cheered by many due to his autocratic style.

    And Emperor Commodus, once popular due to his eccentric antics and public games, was murdered by a champion wrestler in 192 CE. His mistress, Praetorian prefect and court chamberlain arranged it. The Senate declared Commodus a public enemy.

    The creeping power of executive authority

    The over-reach of executive authority will likely define Trump’s second term. But there are many constraints he can’t ignore. Some of the most powerful operate outside America. Bond-holders, of whom China is the second largest, are a notable example.

    The eventual displeasure of support bases may hasten the demise of the Trump phenomenon. I sincerely hope it doesn’t end with the brutality some of the emperors met with.

    Executive over-reach and intimidation of key institutions may permanently damage America’s reputation. In the case of ancient Rome, we know the outcomes. What comes next in America is the great unknown.

    Peter Edwell receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    – ref. Which Roman emperor was most like Donald Trump? – https://theconversation.com/which-roman-emperor-was-most-like-donald-trump-254573

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Is your child anxious about going on school camp? Here are 4 ways to prepare

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Micah Boerma, Researcher, School of Psychology and Wellbeing, University of Southern Queensland

    Nitinai Thabthong/Shutterstock

    One of the highlights of the school year is an overnight excursion or school camp. These can happen as early as Year 3.

    While many students are very excited about the chance to go away with their classmates, some may experience anxiety and even fear about being away from home and their usual routines.

    Anxiety disorders are the second most common mental disorder among children and adolescents in Australia. One in 14 young people are affected.

    Separation anxiety (fear or dread about being separated from caregivers) is the most common anxiety disorder amongst young people in Australia. This affects about 4% of young people aged four to 17. Students with anxiety may refuse to attend the camp. Or they may go and not participate in activities or have periods of intense anxiety.

    While these trips are a small part of a young person’s school year, positive and negative experiences can form important beliefs about their self-confidence and independence.

    Here are four ways to prepare your anxious child to attend and enjoy camp.

    1. Understand the anxieties

    Anxiety isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition. For one child, it may be the fear of not fitting in or the dread of being homesick. For another, it may be the fear of being away from parents, believing something bad will happen.

    So the first step is to really listen to a child about their anxietty.
    Asking open-ended questions, such as “what is the one thing about going to camp that worries you most?” can help to determine their core fear.

    When they tell you, avoid jumping in quickly to reassure them they “will be fine”. This can feel dismissive and invalidate their concerns.

    Instead, reflect what you hear so they feel understood. For example, “I hear you a really worried about what it will be like to spend the night away from us. You’ve never done this before.”

    Ask your child what they are worried about. Maybe it’s a certain activity on camp.
    Andrew Angelov/Shutterstock

    2. Understand the ‘cycle of avoidance’

    Anxious people tend to overestimate the likelihood of something terrible happening and underestimate their ability to cope if it occurred.

    When a young person sidesteps something scary, they feel initial relief. But this avoidance prevents them from learning the feared situation may not be as dangerous as think. Importantly, they do not get the opportunity to test their coping skills and build confidence. This inadvertently increases their anxiety.

    It can help to talk to your child about how avoiding camp might feel better in the short term but it makes fun activities – such as sleepovers or trips – harder in the future.

    4. Build the ‘bravery muscle’

    You also might want to talk about how you can build the “bravery muscle”.

    This involves gradually exposing a child to their fears and building confidence in their ability to cope. This way fears lose their power.

    Start with easier tasks. For example, if the main worry is “something bad will happen to mum and dad if I am not with them at night”, start with your child staying with a grandparent while you go out for dinner. Then you could try staying overnight at a grandparent or a trusted friend’s house.

    You can also pair these tasks with coping tools. Your child could do a breathing exercise or a grounding excercise, where they focus on things around them, rather than the thoughts and feelings distressing them.

    When organising these tasks, it is crucial parents acknowledge the distress their child might experience, while communicating their confidence the child can do it.

    Celebrate every effort and task completed, no matter how small.

    You could prepare for camp with a sleepover somewhere else.
    NataliyaBack/Shutterstock

    4. Make a plan with school

    Parents and caregivers are not in this alone. So make sure you talk to your class teacher or year group leader if you haven’t already. Some helpful tips are:

    • organise a “camp buddy” for the bus ride or to share a tent/room with

    • organise a “go-to” teacher for your child to gain support from during camp

    • access information about the accommodation and activities as soon as possible so you can practice. This could include your child camping in a tent with a friend, bike riding, or bush walking.

    It’s not expected the steps above will erase your child’s anxiety entirely – that is not realistic. But they can give them coping tools to face their anxiety and come out the other side stronger. School camps can be an exciting experience where a young person may discover they are braver than they thought.

    Micah Boerma 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. Is your child anxious about going on school camp? Here are 4 ways to prepare – https://theconversation.com/is-your-child-anxious-about-going-on-school-camp-here-are-4-ways-to-prepare-252290

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for April 30, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on April 30, 2025.

    Locked up for life? Unpacking South Australia’s new child sex crime laws
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Xanthe Mallett, Criminologist, CQUniversity Australia Melnikov Dmitriy/Shutterstock It’s election time, which means the age old “tough on crime” rhetoric is being heralded by many politicians aiming to score votes. Opposition leader Peter Dutton is pushing for a national public sex offender register. Currently only Western Australia has

    Why do dogs eat poo? A canine scientist explains
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mia Cobb, Research Fellow, Animal Welfare Science Centre, The University of Melbourne nygi/Unsplash When miniature dachshund Valerie was captured after 529 days alone in the wilds of Australia’s Kangaroo Island, experts speculated she survived partly by eating other animals’ poo. While this survival tactic may have saved

    On ‘moral panic’ and the courage to speak – the West’s silence on Gaza
    Palestinians do not have the luxury to allow Western moral panic to have its say or impact. Not caving in to this panic is one small, but important, step in building a global Palestine network that is urgently needed, writes Dr Ilan Pappé ANALYSIS: By Ilan Pappé Responses in the Western world to the genocide

    Sick of eating the same things? 5 ways to boost your nutrition and keep meals interesting and healthy
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Clare Collins, Laureate Professor in Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Newcastle Loquellano/Pexels Did you start 2025 with a promise to eat better but didn’t quite get there? Or maybe you want to branch out from making the same meal every week or the same lunch for work

    Peace in our time? Why NZ should resist Trump’s one-sided plan for Ukraine
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robert G. Patman, Professor of International Relations, University of Otago GettyImages Getty Images Is it possible to reconcile increased international support for Ukraine with Donald Trump’s plan to end the war? At their recent meeting in London, Christopher Luxon and his British counterpart Keir Starmer seemed to

    ‘A living collective’: study shows trees synchronise electrical signals during a solar eclipse
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Monica Gagliano, Research Associate Professor in Evolutionary Biology, Southern Cross University Zenit Arti Audiovisive Earth’s cycles of light and dark profoundly affect billions of organisms. Events such as solar eclipses are known to bring about marked shifts in animals, but do they have the same effect on

    Greenpeace slams deep sea mining bid as ‘rogue’ disregard for global law
    By Reza Azam Greenpeace has condemned an announcement by The Metals Company to submit the first application to commercially mine the seabed. “The first application to commercially mine the seabed will be remembered as an act of total disregard for international law and scientific consensus,” said Greenpeace International senior campaigner Louisa Casson. “This unilateral US

    State of the states: the campaign is almost over, so how has it played out across Australia?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Clune, Honorary Associate, Government and International Relations, University of Sydney While many Australians have already voted at pre-poll stations and by post, the politicking continues right up until May 3. So what’s happened across the country over the past five weeks? Here, six experts analyse how

    ‘No compassion… just blame’: how weight stigma in maternity care harms larger-bodied women and their babies
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Briony Hill, Deputy Head, Health and Social Care Unit and Senior Research Fellow, Monash University Kate Cashin Photography According to a study from the United States, women experience weight stigma in maternity care at almost every visit. We expect this experience to be similar in Australia, where

    Renewables, coal or nuclear? This election, your generation’s energy preference may play a surprising role
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Magnus Söderberg, Professor & Director, Centre for Applied Energy Economics and Policy Research, Griffith University Christie Cooper/Shutterstock In an otherwise unremarkable election campaign, the major parties are promising sharply different energy blueprints for Australia. Labor is pitching a high-renewables future powered largely by wind, solar, hydroelectricity and

    Trump says diversity initiatives undermine merit. Decades of research show this is flawed
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paula McDonald, Professor of Work and Organisation, Queensland University of Technology Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock US President Donald Trump declared earlier this year he would forge a “colour blind and merit-based society”. His executive order was part of a broader policy directing the US military, federal agencies and other public

    Housing affordability is at the centre of this election, yet two major reforms seem all but off-limits
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matt Garrow, Editorial Web Developer This federal election, both major parties have offered a “grab bag” of policy fixes for Australia’s stubborn housing affordability crisis. But there are still two big policy elephants in the room, which neither side wants to touch. The first is negative gearing.

    The Vietnam War ended 50 years ago today, yet films about the conflict still struggle to capture its complexities
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Scarlette Nhi Do, Sessional Academic, The University of Melbourne Scene from Apocalypse Now (1979) Prime Video The Vietnam War (1955–1975) was more than just a chapter in the Cold War. For some, it was supposed to achieve Vietnam’s right to self-determination. For others, it was an attempt

    Willis warns of a ‘tight’ budget to come, but NZ should be going for productivity, not austerity
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dennis Wesselbaum, Associate Professor, Department of Economics, University of Otago Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images Finance Minister Nicola Willis has warned her 2025 “Growth Budget” will be “one of the tightest budgets in a decade”, with plans to reduce spending by billions. It’s clear New Zealand is following a

    50 years after the ‘fall’ of Saigon – from triumph to Trump
    30 April 1975. Saigon Fell, Vietnam Rose. The story of Vietnam after the US fled the country is not a fairy tale, it is not a one-dimensional parable of resurrection, of liberation from oppression, of joy for all — but there is a great deal to celebrate. After over a century of brutal colonial oppression

    Labor maintains clear lead in all polls and is likely to win election
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne Labor leads by between 52–48 and 53–47 in four new national polls from Resolve, Essential, Morgan and DemosAU. While Labor’s vote slumped from a high 55.5–44.5 in

    Election Diary: Albanese will be encouraged by ‘Trump’ effect in helping Canadian Liberals to victory
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Labor will be encouraged by the Liberals’ victory in Canada’s election, undoubtedly much helped by US President Donald Trump. Trump’s extraordinary attack on the United States’ northern ally, with his repeated suggestion Canada should be the 51st American state, galvanised

    French Minister Valls warns New Caledonia is ‘on a tightrope’, pleads for ‘innovative’ solutions
    By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk French Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls, who is visiting New Caledonia this week for the third time in two months, has once again called on all parties to live up to their responsibilities in order to make a new political agreement possible. Failing that, he said

    Did ‘induced atmospheric vibration’ cause blackouts in Europe? An electrical engineer explains the phenomenon
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian, Professor of Electrical Engineering, School of Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology The lights are mostly back on in Spain, Portugal and southern France after a widespread blackout on Monday. The blackout caused chaos for tens of millions of people. It shut down traffic lights and

    Tarakinikini appointed as Fiji’s ambassador-designate to Israel
    By Anish Chand in Suva Filipo Tarakinikini has been appointed as Fiji’s Ambassador-designate to Israel. This has been stated on two official X, formerly Twitter, handle posts overnight. “#Fiji is determined to deepen its relations with #Israel as Fiji’s Ambassador-designate to Israel, HE Ambassador @AFTarakinikini prepares to present his credentials on 28 April, 2025,” stated

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Mud pies for some, barriers for others

    Source:

    30 April 2025

    When we think of nature play, we envision children swinging from trees, decorating mud pies with gum nuts, and delving through creek beds. But nature play must be more than this and needs to cater to children of all ages and capabilities, say researchers at the University of South Australia.

    Now, as Australians head to the polls – and with equity and education on the national agenda – new research has revealed a gap in how nature playspaces are designed and delivered across the country.

    Despite the growing popularity of nature play areas that help children climb, dig, and connect with nature, a new study has found no clear, evidence-based guidelines to ensure all children – regardless of age, ability, or location – can access and benefit from these spaces.

    The review of more than 7000 documents identified only one regulatory guideline, with most offering inconsistent, vague or incomplete advice for those planning nature play in schools, early learning centres, and communities.

    UniSA researcher, Dr Kylie Dankiw, says that without a national approach to the design and development of nature playspaces, some children will be left on the sidelines.

    “Nature playspaces are known to support children’s health, development, and well-being. But without national practice guidelines, families, educators, councils and planners may struggle to know the best way to create them,” Dr Dankiw says.

    “These spaces offer hands-on experiences with nature, plants, sand, stones, and even sounds – which foster creativity, curiosity, and a deeper connection to the environment.

    “Being in and around nature sparks children’s imagination and, with the right design, can inspire creativity, problem-solving, and meaningful discoveries.

    “As more playspaces are created in early learning centres, schools and communities, it’s vital they’re made safe, inclusive and enriching for all.

    “While many guidelines highlight key features that can support the design of nature playspaces, the advice is often unclear, inconsistent, or lacking in detail, making it hard to apply in different settings, age groups, and developmental needs.

    “Without national guidelines, different advocacy and regulatory groups are using different approaches, which can lead to confusion around safety, accessibility, and the best way to support children’s development.”

    Co-researcher, UniSA’s Dr Margarita Tsiros, says that national, research-backed recommendations are needed to ensure consistency and quality across the country.

    “All children can benefit from nature play. While many existing spaces include engaging and inclusive elements, there is a real need for evidence-based guidance to help designers, educators, and councils create high-quality nature experiences,” Dr Tsiros says.

    “We need to champion nature play with a shared understanding that it’s about giving children joy, freedom and opportunities to connect with the natural world.

    “With practical safe and inclusive national guidelines, Australia’s nature playspaces can truly support the needs of all children.”

    …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

    Contacts for interview:  Dr Kylie Dankiw E: Kylie.Dankiw@unisa.edu.au
    Media contact: Annabel Mansfield M: +61 479 182 489 E: Annabel.Mansfield@unisa.edu.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China draws foreign investment as ‘oasis of certainty’

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

    BEIJING, April 29 — In an increasingly unpredictable global environment, China is becoming an “oasis of certainty” as it continues to build up industrial strength and foster institutional opening-up, drawing influential foreign investors from tech giants to automakers into the world’s second-largest economy.

    Latest data from the Ministry of Commerce shows that foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Chinese mainland in actual use climbed by 13.2 percent year on year last month. In the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, 12,603 new foreign-invested enterprises were established nationwide, representing a year-on-year growth of 4.3 percent.

    ANCHOR FOR GLOBAL ECONOMIC GROWTH

    At a petrochemical plant rising a hundred meters from the ground, the sounds of welding, cutting and roaring interweave … The over 80 billion yuan (about 11 billion U.S. dollars) cooperation project co-invested by Saudi oil giant Aramco and Chinese enterprises in Panjin, northeastern Liaoning Province, has progressed to more than 60 percent.

    Aramco is currently investing in projects in China that have a collective and total value of over 240 billion yuan, covering petrochemical projects and equity acquisition deals. “China is already the world’s largest consumer and producer of petrochemicals, accounting for nearly half of global demand,” said Amin H. Nasser, president and CEO of the company. He noted, “China is becoming an oasis of certainty in an increasingly unpredictable global environment.”

    Since the start of this year, more and more foreign brands from various sectors have beefed up investment in China, leveraging its super-large market advantage. For example, fast fashion brand Zara opened its Asian flagship store in Nanjing, while U.S. hair care brand Aveda opened its first store in south China in Guangzhou. German retail giant ALDI entered China’s Jiangsu market.

    Besides a vast market size, China’s crucial role in fueling world economic growth has been harnessed by solid economic fundamentals and a stable policy framework, according to foreign institutions.

    China’s gross domestic product registered a 5.4 percent year-on-year growth in Q1. This expectation-beating performance is attributed to the fact that it has increased fiscal spending, vigorously boosted consumption, and introduced a series of measures to stabilize the property market and the stock market, Nathan Chow, senior economist at DBS Bank said.

    The stable growth momentum in China’s economy is stability that serves as an important global public good, helping to buffer uncertainties across international markets, said Bernd Einmeier, president of the German-Chinese Association for Economy, Education, and Culture.

    According to the 2025 Kearney Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index, which measures investor expectations for FDI over the next three years, China has led all emerging markets for three consecutive years. The market is expected to become a “stabilizer” for business confidence worldwide, with its steady growth, open attitude and innovative vitality, said He Xiaoqing, president of Kearney Greater China.

    INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH, INNOVATION DRIVE

    Industry experts believe China’s industrial strength and innovation drive have become key factors drawing foreign investment. At the same time, its market solidifies its crucial role in the integrated development of global industries, contributing to economic growth.

    During an earlier business trip to China, Apple’s COO, Jeff Williams, visited the company’s supplier, Goertek, in east China’s Shandong Province and praised its automated manufacturing and artificial intelligence technology on the production lines. Among the company’s top 200 suppliers worldwide, more than 80 percent have factories in China engaging in related businesses.

    China’s ability to integrate industrial chains is almost irreplaceable on a global scale, whether in terms of engineer supply, industrial supporting capabilities, or scale advantages, noted Xing Ziqiang, chief economist at Morgan Stanley China.

    This has attracted more and more foreign investment into the global manufacturing powerhouse and innovation hub, with Toyota committing to a 14.6-billion yuan strategic cooperation agreement in Shanghai, and AstraZeneca signing a landmark agreement to invest 2.5 billion U.S. dollars in a global strategic research and development center in Beijing.

    In Rugao City in east China’s Jiangsu Province, welding robots are busy on the production lines of Swedish truckmaker Scania. “The Scania Rugao Industrial Hub, the most advanced and sustainable in Scania’s world, will add significant capacity to Scania’s global production system, easing previous bottlenecks and benefiting both the Chinese and global markets,” said Ruthger de Vries, president of Scania Industrial Operations Asia.

    INSTITUTIONAL OPENING-UP ACCELERATES

    Translating its opening-up pledge into concrete actions, China’s growing economic openness spanning various sectors has further cemented its position as the world’s second-largest FDI destination.

    While all restrictions on foreign investment in the manufacturing sector were removed in China last year, the country has now extended its opening-up efforts to the service sector. China approved value-added telecommunications business operations of 13 foreign-funded enterprises in Q1, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).

    The number of foreign-invested telecommunications enterprises surged 26.5 percent from a year earlier and topped 2,400 in China at the end of last month. Over 40 foreign-funded biotechnology projects have kicked off, and three new wholly foreign-owned hospitals have been approved for operation by late March, according to the country’s commerce ministry.

    The constant opening-up in China’s service sector has brought new development opportunities to foreign-funded enterprises and injected confidence into deepening the Chinese market, said Jacqueline Jiang, chair of the Chinese mainland at John Swire & Sons. Last month, a subsidiary of the group obtained the first foreign-owned cardiovascular specialty hospital practice license in China.

    In the financial sector, an increasing number of foreign financial institutions have cast a vote of confidence in China by establishing new securities entities and expanding the scope of their existing businesses in recent years, with the latest move by UBS increasing its equity stake in UBS Securities from 67 percent to 100 percent.

    Despite deficits in service trade, China seeks to further open sectors like medical and internet services in a well-conceived way. Pilot opening-up programs in free trade zones and select cities have been accelerated, with wholly foreign-owned hospitals now allowed in certain areas. According to the MIIT, China seeks to remove restrictions on the percentage of foreign capital for service businesses such as app stores and internet access in certain regions.

    “In China, foreign companies can invest here because they find a good business environment, and those investments are also long-term and not only short-term,” said Maximilian Butek, executive director and board member of the German Chamber of Commerce in China, the east China region.

    “We have a strong business commitment here in China,” he added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Locked up for life? Unpacking South Australia’s new child sex crime laws

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Xanthe Mallett, Criminologist, CQUniversity Australia

    Melnikov Dmitriy/Shutterstock

    It’s election time, which means the age old “tough on crime” rhetoric is being heralded by many politicians aiming to score votes.

    Opposition leader Peter Dutton is pushing for a national public sex offender register. Currently only Western Australia has a registry that is open to the public.

    In South Australia, Premier Peter Malinauskas brought in tougher child sex offender laws earlier this week.

    What are these new laws in SA?

    Under these new laws, serious child sex offenders are to be permanently locked up or electronically monitored, if they reoffend.

    Automatic indefinite detention is a significant change.

    Previously, the South Australian attorney-general could apply to the Supreme Court to request an offender be indefinitely detained, if the offender was considered to remain a danger to children and could not be rehabilitated.

    The courts would then decide if they would grant the request, basing their decision on medical and other expert evidence.

    The changes in SA mean those found guilty of a second serious sexual offence against anyone younger than 17 now receive automatic indefinite detention.

    To be considered for release under the new law, an offender needs to show they can control their sexual instincts – so the onus is on them to prove they are not at risk of reoffending.

    To achieve this, two court-selected psychologists would have to provide reports demonstrating the offender was both willing and able to resist committing further sex offences.

    And if they are ever released, they will be electronically monitored for the rest of their lives.

    In addition, registered child sex offenders would be banned from working with anyone under 18.

    The new law also strengthens “Carly’s Law”, which focuses on reducing the sexual grooming of children online by adult predators.

    Inconsistencies across Australia

    The age of legal consent is 16 across Australia, except SA and Tasmania, where it is 17.

    In 2024, an Australian Institute of Criminology report highlighted many of the inconsistencies across the country, including terminology and definitions of sexual offences, despite efforts to achieve national regularity.

    Each state and territory approaches the problem of child sexual abuse differently.

    In NSW, for example, sentencing for child sexual offences has increased over time. This reflects societal expectations given what we know now about the long-term, traumatic consequences of victimisation.

    However, one consideration in sentencing in NSW is whether the sentence could have a “crushing” effect on the offender, and whether they may be entitled to an “element of mercy”.

    Certainly, a full life sentence is a significant departure from this position.

    Why now?

    There is little doubt this is a political move, as these changes were first promised by Labor in the build-up to the 2022 SA election.

    Then in January 2025, Labor announced it planned to introduce them in March – right before the federal election.

    On the face of it, toughening laws aimed at reducing sexual violence against children is a good thing. No one would argue.

    However, the legislation has been fast-tracked in the wake of a number of cases where those previously convicted of a sexual offence against a child reoffended.

    One such case is Dylan Lloyd, who is alleged to have assaulted a 12-year-old girl while she travelled alone on a train. Lloyd had previously been convicted of assaulting a 10-year-old girl in 2021, and since then more alleged victims have come forward to police.

    Cases such as Lloyd’s are preventable, as in this case Lloyd should still be imprisoned. This is one step forward. But consistency across states is needed and the long-term consequences need considering more fully.

    Whether these laws will have the desired deterrent effect has not been answered.

    We need to ensure personal and societal factors affecting crime rates, and which influence peoples’ attitudes and behaviours, are not overlooked.

    Will the laws be good for the community?

    These changes do have the potential to have a meaningful impact, but changing the behaviour of potential offenders is far more complex.

    Potential offenders usually don’t consider the law. At a micro level, their behaviour is most affected by biological and psychological factors, including alcohol, drug addiction and mental health issues, as well as social and environmental factors.

    In addition, there are numerous human rights and constitutional issues with permanent detention or lifelong monitoring, and the SA government may be walking into a legal minefield now they have removed the possibility of parole.

    It would be better to allow judges options for discretion, as the context in which the offending happened is crucial in determining the likelihood of someone being successfully rehabilitated.

    Mandatory full life sentences ignore the fact many sex offenders can be successfully rehabilitated.

    One study in Queensland, which considered local and global evidence, indicated sexual recidivism can be significant reduced when offenders complete sex offender treatment programs.

    Although it costs money to run these programs, the savings outweigh the costs of ongoing incarceration – particularly if we consider indefinite detention.

    Black-and-white laws with little room for movement produce unintended and harmful outcomes.

    It will be interesting to see how the new laws in SA play out in court and if any other states and territories follow suit.

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

    – ref. Locked up for life? Unpacking South Australia’s new child sex crime laws – https://theconversation.com/locked-up-for-life-unpacking-south-australias-new-child-sex-crime-laws-255429

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –