NewzIntel.com

Category: Education

  • MIL-OSI China: Neighborhood diplomacy takes center stage as Xi begins visit to Southeast Asia

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

    HANOI, April 15 — In a world grappling with growing uncertainty and instability fueled by rising protectionism and unilateralism, China has reaffirmed the continuity and stability of its neighborhood diplomacy and its vision for lasting peace and shared development in Asia.

    That was the message delivered by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, as he arrived in Vietnam on Monday for a state visit, the first leg of his five-day, three-nation tour of Southeast Asia. It is also his first overseas trip this year.

    “We will stay committed to the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness. We will continue to pursue the policy of forging friendship and partnership with our neighbours. And we will steadily deepen friendly cooperation with them to advance Asia’s modernization,” Xi said in a signed article published Monday in the Nhan Dan Newspaper of Vietnam.

    Pham Phu Phuc, former deputy head of the World News Desk at the Vietnam News Agency, welcomed China’s diplomatic approach.

    In light of unexpected and uncertain changes in the region and across the world in recent years, this vision emphasizes peace, sincerity, mutual benefit and shared development through cooperation, he said.

    Xi’s visit came as China and Vietnam mark the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations this year. During his talks with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam on Monday, Xi said that facing the changing and turbulent world, China and Vietnam have stayed committed to peaceful development and deepened their friendly cooperation, bringing much-needed stability and certainty to the world.

    In interviews with Xinhua, observers noted that the China-Vietnam partnership embodies a broader Asian ethos championed by China, emphasizing dialogue over confrontation, partnership over rivalry, and development over division.

    The Chinese leader’s visit underscores the commitment of both Vietnam and China to peaceful development and regional stability, said Bui Minh Long, managing editor of the Vietnamese daily newspaper Tien Phong (Pioneer). “I believe that closer Vietnam-China relations will become a stabilizing force in Southeast Asia.”

    A SHARED VISION

    During Xi’s visit to Vietnam in December 2023, the bilateral relationship reached a new height when both sides agreed to build a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance on the basis of deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

    On Monday, Xi proposed six measures to deepen the building of the China-Vietnam community with a shared future, including lifting strategic mutual trust to a higher level, building stronger security safeguards, expanding higher quality mutually beneficial cooperation, tightening the bond of people-to-people ties, conducting closer multilateral coordination, and engaging in more constructive maritime interactions.

    Building the China-Vietnam community with a shared future carries great global significance, Xi said in his meeting with To Lam, noting that as the two countries jointly pursue peaceful development, their combined population of over 1.5 billion is jointly advancing toward modernization, which will contribute to regional and global peace and stability while promoting common development.

    For Vietnamese scholars, Xi’s emphasis on the building of the China-Vietnam community with a shared future underscores a core pillar of China’s neighborhood diplomacy — forging strong partnerships with neighboring countries based on mutual respect, win-win cooperation and long-term commitment.

    This approach, they said, reflects China’s broader vision of a peaceful and prosperous region.

    Nguyen Thi Phuong Hoa, a researcher at the Institute for Asia-Pacific Studies under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, said the effort to build a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance reflects both the continuation and the deepening of the enduring friendship between the two countries.

    “It is built on the foundation of political trust, the promotion of commonalities and especially the sharing of benefits and mutual concerns,” she said. “The ultimate goal is to bring benefits to the people of both nations, support each country’s development and contribute to regional peace and stability.”

    GREATER COMMON DEVELOPMENT

    Over the past year, the agreement on building the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance has already injected fresh momentum into the bilateral relationship, said Nguyen Vinh Quang, vice president of the Vietnam-China Friendship Association, noting that businesses from both sides have demonstrated increased confidence in each other.

    Chinese direct investment in Vietnam exceeded 2.5 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, maintaining strong growth, Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yongqian said on Thursday.

    Meanwhile, bilateral trade has surpassed 200 billion dollars for four consecutive years, reaching 260.65 billion dollars in 2024, a 13.5-percent increase year-on-year.

    Noting that both countries are committed to opening up, Xi said during his meeting with To Lam on Monday that both countries have played a constructive role in maintaining the stability and smooth operation of regional industrial and supply chains, as well as contributing to the advancement of economic globalization.

    Both China and Vietnam are beneficiaries of economic globalization, and the two sides should strengthen strategic resolve, jointly oppose unilateralism and bullying practices, and work together to uphold the global free trade system and maintain the stability of industrial and supply chains, Xi said.

    In recent years, the global governance system has faced serious challenges, as some nations have introduced regulations that contravene international law, said Tran Khanh, former editor-in-chief of the Journal of Southeast Asian Studies at the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences.

    China and Vietnam can work together to uphold the global order based on international law, including an international trade system based on established international norms, he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU Launches Innovative AI Service for Dental Health Diagnostics

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    Startup Studio of Novosibirsk State University with the support of the Coion syndicate, presented an innovative development – an analyzer of dental and oral health. It is implemented in several formats – a mobile application, a Telegram bot, a VKontakte application, and generates a set of recommendations for dental care for the user based on a photo. The service is based on the original methodology of Elena Leontyeva, Associate Professor of the Department of Dentistry and Advanced Training at the Rostov Medical University, Candidate of Medical Sciences, supplemented by machine vision technologies.

    — This method was developed several years ago, and the goal was to motivate patients to maintain oral hygiene. It was initially created for general use: a doctor can use it for screening, and patients or sales consultants in specialized stores can use it to select the most suitable toothpastes and hygiene products in each specific case, — said Elena Leontyeva.

    To use the algorithms developed by the Rostov scientist, no special medical education is required. When Elena learned about the NSU startup “Smart Mirror”, she approached its developers with a proposal to create a similar service, but aimed at oral hygiene – detection of signs of inflammatory formations, early stages of caries, etc. At the same time, the service does not replace a doctor, but helps to notice problems at an early stage, making primary diagnostics as accessible as possible.

    We remind you that it was developed by the NSU Startup Studio as part of the development of technological entrepreneurship telegram bot “Smart Mirror” was introduced earlier this year. It can detect several skin conditions, rate your skin health as a percentage, and recognize signs of several common problems. If it detects your skin as healthy, it will advise you to continue your current skin care routine and use sunscreen. If the Smart Mirror suspects any skin abnormalities, it will advise you to see a specialist for a more detailed diagnosis or problem determination, and then for treatment.

    Similar principles are used in the operation of the new product, called SmileScan.

    — This application is a product of three-way cooperation. On the one hand, a medical scientist from Rostov, the creator of the very method of analyzing the condition of teeth, when a single recommendation mechanism is formed from disparate data. On the other hand, the NSU Startup Studio, which contributed its experience in working with machine vision and other modern information technologies. And the third party is the Coion syndicate, which took on the closure of expenses during the project. As a result, we received an interesting technological solution and a successful example of translating the results of intellectual activity into a marketable software product financed by a private company, — noted the director of the NSU Startup Studio Maria Galyamova.

    Today, the service is already working in Telegram — @dentalcheckupai_bot, and it is free for the user, and the investor company expects to benefit through indirect commercialization (offering the user products of certain brands, affiliate links, etc.).

    — And the most important thing for Coion as a business structure is that many startups develop due to hypergrowth. We form a pool of users around the application, the base of which is capital in itself, since they are interesting for other companies, — explained the managing partner of the Coion syndicate Evgeny Ivanov.

    Such projects with indirect commercialization are one of the key areas of work of the startup studio, because many potential partners are focused on the so-called deep-tech. And it is in this area that the level of primary sales is not so important as the potential of the technology underlying the startup as a driver of further growth, emphasized Maria Galyamova.

    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: for a few hours, it seemed possible the Russians might be coming

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

    For a few hours on Tuesday afternoon, it seemed just possible the Russians might be sending their planes to a base very near us.

    A claim on the military and intelligence site Janes that said the Russians were seeking to base several long range aircraft in Papua, a province of Indonesia, caused a massive flurry on the election trail.

    It gave heart to Opposition Leader Peter Dutton that national security might be brought into play as an election issue.

    Dutton was quick to recall how in 2022 the Labor opposition jumped on the Morrison government for apparently being caught by surprise at what was going on in the Pacific, when a security agreement between China and the Solomon Islands turned into a campaign issue.

    Had the Albanese government been caught unawares?

    The Janes report said: “Jakarta has received an official request from Moscow, seeking permission for Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) aircraft to be based at a facility in Indonesia’s easternmost province.

    “Separate sources from the Indonesian government have confirmed with Janes that the request was received by the office of Minister of Defence Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin following his meeting with Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Sergei Shoigu in February 2025.

    “In the request, Russia seeks to base several long-range aircraft at the Manuhua Air Force Base, which shares a runway with the Frans Kaisiepo Airport, documents that have been presented to Janes reveal.

    “The airbase is situated in Biak Numfor in the Indonesian province of Papua, and it is home to the Indonesian Air Force’s Aviation Squadron 27, which operates a fleet of CN235 surveillance aircraft.”

    The government sought urgent clarification, while Dutton – now struggling in the polls – sought to score a quick political point without waiting for confirmation. Both government and opposition agreed on one thing, however: nobody wanted to see the Russians get such a foothold.

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “We are seeking further information, we obviously do not want to see Russian influence in our region, very clearly.”

    “We have a good relationship with our friends in Indonesia, and we’re seeking further clarification.”

    Dutton said it would be “a catastrophic failure of diplomatic relations if Penny Wong and Anthony Albanese didn’t have forewarning” about such a Russian move before it was made public.

    “This is a very, very troubling development. The prime minister and the foreign affairs minister should have the depth of relationship with Indonesia to have had forewarning of this,” Dutton said.

    “My message to President Putin is that he’s not welcome in our neighbourhood. We don’t share any values with President Putin, and we do not want a presence, a military presence, from Russia in our region, which would be destabilising for south-east Asia.”

    Late Tuesday, the air went out of the balloon.

    In a statement Defence Minister Richard Marles said, “I have spoken to my counterpart, HE Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin the Minister for Defence, and he has said to me in the clearest possible terms, reports of the prospect of Russian aircraft operating from Indonesia are simply not true”.

    Earlier Marles said that last year Australia signed a defence cooperation agreement with Indonesia, “which really is the deepest level defence agreement we’ve ever had with Indonesia”.

    “We are seeing increasing cooperation between Australia and Indonesia at a defence level.”

    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: for a few hours, it seemed possible the Russians might be coming – https://theconversation.com/election-diary-for-a-few-hours-it-seemed-possible-the-russians-might-be-coming-254604

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Help save a life: come to the SUG Donor Day

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    On April 16, the State University of Management will host the traditional GUU Nora Day.

    The traditional voluntary action of the State University of Management to collect donor blood has been held at our university since 2013.

    We invite everyone to take part in this good deed, because every drop of your blood is a chance for recovery for many people.

    The event is intended for participants over 18 years old. Don’t forget to bring your passport.

    Be sure to read the information on how to properly prepare for donating blood so that your contribution is as useful as possible.

    We are waiting for you on April 16 from 9:00 to 12:00 on the Dance Floor of the Central Control Room.

    Donor’s memo

    Subscribe to the tg channel “Our State University” Announcement date: 04/16/2025

    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-OSI Russia: Polytechnicians are prize winners of two major Olympiads

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Students of the Polytechnic University took third place in the All-Russian Olympiad in the Theory of Automatic Control, and also became prize winners of the Republican Olympiad in the field of “Technology of Transport Processes”.

    The team of the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport of SPbPU took part in the All-Russian student Olympiad in the theory of automatic control, which was held at the Ivanovo State Power Engineering University named after V. I. Lenin.

    The honor of the Polytechnic University was defended by 3rd-year students of the Higher School of Automation and Robotics of the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport Egor Meshkov, Elizaveta Skornyakova, Sofia Sokolova and Violetta Khomenko, as well as 3rd-year student of the Higher School of Mechanics and Control Processes of the Physics and Mechanical Institute Mikhail Subbotin. The preparation was supervised by Associate Professor of the Higher School of Automation and Robotics of the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport Dmitry Tretyakov, who was also a member of the jury of the Olympics.

    The event was held in person as a team and individual championship among the leading technical universities of the country. Representatives of Bauman Moscow State Technical University, National Research University “MPEI”, PNRPU, TPU, GUAP, LETI, SFU and other universities participated.

    The competition consisted of nine tasks of increased complexity. Teams solved problems related to the analysis of dynamic systems in the state space, stability assessment, construction of time and frequency characteristics, and assessment of the quality of system regulation.

    The Polytechnicians took 3rd place in the overall team standings, scoring 116.5 points. The victory was won by the teams of GUAP (149 points) and ISEU (119 points). In addition, students Egor Meshkov and Mikhail Subbotin took 3rd place in the individual standings of the Olympiad.

    This year, preparation and participation were carried out as part of a joint team of two institutes – IMMiT and PhysMech, which are famous for their long-standing traditions of teaching the theory of automatic control at the Polytechnic University. Third-year students performed for the first time and were immediately able to impose a fight on multiple participants and universities-winners of previous years. I am proud of our Polytechnic students. I am sure that many victories await them ahead, – noted the team leader Dmitry Tretyakov.

    In addition, the IMMiT team demonstrated a high level of training in the second stage of the Republican Open Student Olympiad in the field of “Transport Process Technology”. The event was attended by 66 students from 16 Russian universities.

    The participants solved ten tasks remotely on the MOODL platform. 4th-year students of the Higher School of Transport Sofia Klepikova, Maria Ugleva, Inna Golovushkina and Kirill Kamaev became second-degree winners, and Sardorbek Abdukarimov took 3rd place.

    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 Russia: Students of SPbGASU are winners of the III Leningrad Region Architectural Competition

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Alexandra Polyanskaya and Anastasia Perlina, authors of the winning project “Kirovsk: the bank of the Neva behind the Mayak shopping center”

    The III Leningrad Region Architectural Competition for Landscaping among students of specialized universities was a triumph for SPbGASU students: two projects were recognized as winners and four were prize winners. A brilliant result is not only recognition in the profession and at the regional government level, but also a good chance to implement projects: the competition was held by the Leningrad Region Competence Center and the Committee for Housing and Public Utilities of the region with information support from the Committee for Urban Development Policy of the Leningrad Region. The final took place on April 1.

    The jury includes government members, experts, and teachers.

    At the initial stage of the competition, the participants chose the areas for design and nomination by lot. Then they surveyed the territories, listened to the preferences of local residents in order to make the areas not only beautiful and well-kept, but also comfortable. And only then did they start designing. The finals of the competition included projects by students from our university in three nominations: “Large cities (up to 80 thousand residents)”, “Medium cities (up to 40 thousand residents)” and “Small cities (up to 20 thousand residents)”.

    The participants presented their projects to an expert jury, which included Deputy Chairman of the Leningrad Region Government for Construction and Housing and Utilities Evgeny Baranovsky, First Deputy Chairman of the Leningrad Region Urban Development Policy – Chief Architect of the Leningrad Region Sergey Lutchenko, President of the St. Petersburg Union of Architects Vladimir Grigoriev, Deputy Chairman of the Leningrad Region Government Vladimir Tsoi, Chairman of the Leningrad Region Committee for Housing and Utilities Yegor Misheryakov, Director of the Autonomous Non-Commercial Organization “Competence Center of the Leningrad Region” Igor Yurin, Head of the Landscape Architecture Department of St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering Alexander Demin, Associate Professor of the Landscape Architecture Department Nadezhda Kerimova, and representatives of other universities.

    A triumphant victory!

    The mentors of our university teams are teachers of the Department of Landscape Architecture Daria Barkeeva and Elena Kutaliya.

    In the nomination “Cities up to 20 thousand residents” the second place was taken by the project “Boksitogorsk: Cherry Orchard”. It was worked on by Elizaveta Devyatykh (second year), Alexandra Kutolkina (third year), Ekaterina Renzhina (fourth year), Lyubomila Spiridonova (second year) and Maria Zubova (second year).

    The project “Syasstroy: territory on Kosmonavtov Street, 7” was awarded third place. It was completed by Daniil Sinyakov (second year), Polina Tambova (third year) and Polina Ryabova (third year).

    The winner in the nomination “Cities from 20 to 40 thousand residents” was the project “Kirovsk: the bank of the Neva behind the TRC “Mayak”. Its authors: Anastasia Perlina (third year), Daria Antipina (third year), Maria Oshchepkova (first year of the master’s program) and Alexandra Polyanskaya (second year of the master’s program).

    The project “Kommunar: the territory along the river from the Izhora park “Quiet Harbor”” is in second place. It was developed by Elizaveta Kalashnikova (first-year master’s student), Maria Shirokova (fifth year), Evgeniya Tereshchenko (fourth year), Ekaterina Romanova (fourth year) and Maria Baran (fourth year).

    The winner in the nomination “Cities with 40 to 80 thousand residents” was the project “Sosnovy Bor: the territory along Solnechnaya Street, 14”. Its authors: Alexander Khon (first year master’s student), Artem Chernov (second year), Alexander Stulnikov (first year master’s student), Arina Boyko (second year), Ekaterina Shumanskaya (first year master’s student), Anastasia Kurakina (second year) and Nikolay Shavrygin (first year master’s student).

    The project “Vyborg: a park near school No. 6” by first-year master’s student Valeria Filimonova was awarded second place.

    Identity and comfort according to the wishes of residents

    The authors of the winning project “Sosnovy Bor: territory along Solnechnaya St., 14” tried to take into account the wishes of the residents of the house whose courtyard they were designing.

    “Residents asked to preserve the existing landscaping as much as possible, increase the number of parking spaces and create separate recreation areas for the elderly and young people. During the inspection of the site, we noticed a large number of large stones. We integrated them into the quiet recreation area, creating a natural atmosphere and preserving the identity of the courtyard,” the winners said.

    The winners of the project “Kirovsk: the bank of the Neva behind the Mayak shopping center” consider participation in the competition to be a very interesting and important experience, including in the process of project sessions and communication with residents.

    “We had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in a fairly detailed design process in a short period of time, right down to finding out the prices for elements and landscaping work, in order to draw up an estimate. That is, we were not just creating some kind of image, but also working out possible implementation. The territory is notable for its relief, in connection with which we proposed interesting solutions, incorporating an amphitheater and various zones into it,” the winners explained.

    The winners’ projects will be implemented next year.

    According to information posted on the VKontakte page of the Leningrad Region Administration, the works will be presented at the federal vote on the national project “Infrastructure for Life”. The projects supported by residents will be implemented in 2026.

    “The improvement projects were developed by students: they walked around the territories in nine cities and met with residents. The work was carried out jointly with architects, urbanists, specialists from the Competence Center and our committee, manufacturers of equipment and materials. We took into account everything: from communications and funding limits to trees, from the history of the cities to the predominant industry,” said Yegor Misheryakov, Chairman of the Committee for Housing and Public Utilities of the Leningrad Region.

    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 Russia: Valery Sushchenko heads the commission of the Russian Student Sports Union

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    The first meeting of the updated executive committee of the Russian Student Sports Union was held at the Olympic Committee of the country. The event was attended by members of the RSSU executive committee, representatives of sports and educational organizations.

    The main event of the meeting was the presentation of new principles for organizing the work of the union. In addition to the existing structures – the regional development council, student sports leagues and the expert council – additional areas will appear in the RSSS system. One of them is the development of physical education and sports in educational organizations. The commission for interaction with educational departments for physical education and sports was headed by the director of the Institute of Physical Education, Sports and Tourism of SPbPU Valery Sushchenko.

    Each council will be assigned thematic commissions and curators, who will be members of the RSSS Executive Committee and leading experts in the field of student sports.

    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 Russia: NSU hosted the largest Career Days ever

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    From March 3 to April 10, Novosibirsk State University hosted a large-scale career event, Career Days 2025. This year, the NSU Career Development Center team came up with an unusual format for the event in the atmosphere of Career Games, which brought together students and employers. More than 35 individual events were held as part of the Career Days: workshops, master classes, and excursions to company offices. The Career Games traditionally ended with two poster sessions in the Laboratory and Educational Buildings — on April 8 and 10.

    In 2025, the NSU Career Development Center will for the first timeimplemented game mechanics for participation in Career Day events— together with students of the Institute of Intelligent Robotics of NSU, we created a Career BotHTTPS: //t. Tu/tsareerkusud_ns_not, which allowed students to accumulate points for participating in events from employers, and at the poster sessions on April 8 and 10, to spend points on purchasing valuable branded prizes from companies and the NSU Career Development Center. Also Career botHTTPS: //t. Tu/tsareerkusud_ns_notThroughout the 2025 Career Days period, we sent students notifications with important information about upcoming events.

    — The idea to create a bot came from the theme of these Career Days, that is, “Career Games”, collecting internal currency is a typical story for many games. In addition to simply following the theme, there was another thought behind it – guys are usually shy to approach companies directly and ask any questions. Points were supposed to motivate guys to communicate and show themselves in order to overcome their fear.

    The mechanics of the bot are simple – for their activities, the guys received points, which they could later spend, and also see their place in the ranking. However, even this already generated some kind of competitive spirit, motivating the guys from the top ten to be even more active.

    In general, everything went very smoothly. Probably, one of the most difficult tasks for me personally was maintaining the server for the bot during career days – this was largely due to the limited resources and the fact that the bot needed to be provided with uninterrupted operation. A couple of times we came across bugs, but in general – everything really went without a hitch, – said Sergey Bespalov, one of the creators of the Career Bot and a 4th-year student of the Institute of Intelligent Robotics of NSU.

    Over 1.5 months, more than 560 students have registered in the Career Bot.

    — We implemented gamification to further motivate students to participate in Career Day activities: attend employer events, communicate at stands, solve problems and leave feedback. We wanted students to associate the search for their first job with an exciting and inspiring process. We work with young talents and try to speak the same language with them.

    Gamification is actively used in education and business and shows excellent results. At Career Days 2025, we saw this in practice: 567 students registered in the bot, and it really affected engagement – our partners also noted this. One of the interesting effects: students paid much less attention to the merch that companies raffled off according to their own rules, and went with more enthusiasm to those who exchanged gifts through the bot.

    We are currently preparing improvements and will begin refining the mechanics this summer to make the NSU Autumn Career Forum even more interesting and useful for students and companies, commented Daria Balandina, the author of the career quest concept and leading specialist at the NSU Career Development Center.

    The creation and launch of the Career Bot was the result of well-coordinated teamwork. We thank Daria Balandina, the author of the career quest concept and leading specialist of the NSU Career Development Center, for the idea and coordination of the project. We also express our gratitude to the students of the NSU Institute of Intelligent Robotics for developing the technical part: Sergey Bespalov, Alexey Spirkin, Polina Novikova. Special thanks to Svetlana Valeryevna Dovgal, Director of the NSU Career Development Center, and Victoria Maltseva, leading specialist of the Center, for developing the career quest economy. Thanks to this team, we managed to implement not only a technically stable, but also a well-thought-out system in terms of mechanics, which inspired the students and enlivened the event format.

    — Career Days 2025 has a special atmosphere, this year it is the theme of artificial intelligence and career games. We and the Career Development Center team have done a tremendous job — a unique design of the Career Games was developed, which reflected the theme of all career events, looked at the participants from banners, badges and T-shirts. Most importantly, a computer bot was used for the first time, which definitely became a special part of the Career Games.

    For one and a half months, we held thematic meetings with companies and excursions to enterprises for university students every week. A pleasant surprise was not only the large total number of participating companies, but also the increase in the number of SB RAS institutes among the participants of the poster sessions.

    The main message that we convey with all our events and career meetings is that in order for students to trust you, you need to treat them with a pure heart and an open soul. It seems to me that the sincerity and friendliness of the NSU Career Development Center staff, their willingness to help with employment issues, and offer career counseling, encourages students to engage in dialogue. Many thanks to the CDC team, without them such a large-scale event would not have been possible. We have many new ideas and events ahead, for example, in a month we will host the Association of Career Centers with participants from Moscow to Vladivostok, – summed up the Career Days Svetlana Dovgal, Director of the NSU Career Development Center.

    Some statistics: a total of 65 companies and more than 3,000 students took part in the events, and 60 volunteers helped organize and conduct the events.

    Traditionally, Career Days 2025 will not end on the planned date – until the end of April, there will be several more meetings between students and employers and a series of excursions to defense industry enterprises. Calendar of eventspublished here

    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: Joy as two more schools become Schools of Sanctuary

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School and St Teresa’s Catholic Primary Academy showed assessors from the City of Sanctuary UK movement that they celebrate their diverse communities, and that the School of Sanctuary ethos of welcome, inclusion and safety for all, runs through all aspects of both schools.

    Achieving the School of Sanctuary status is the culmination of dedicated and ongoing efforts to ensure that every child, staff member and family feels represented, included, and valued.

    SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary is home to a vibrant and multicultural student body, with children who speak 29 different languages. In school, the focus on inclusion is deeply embedded within the curriculum and personal development programmes, ensuring that the diverse cultural backgrounds of students are celebrated and valued.

    Principal Jenny Byrne said: “We are thrilled to be recognised for our dedication to creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, heard and encouraged in personal development.

    “To be recognised as a school that truly welcomes everyone is not only a proud moment for us but also an important step in our ongoing mission. We are honoured to be part of a growing number of schools in Wolverhampton that are committed to ensuring all children, regardless of their background, are a valued part of our school community.”

    Staff and pupils at St Teresa’s have also been working closely with City of Sanctuary advisors to achieve the award, inviting pupils to join its team of ‘young interpreters’ who are utilising their training to support children who need support speaking and reading English when they first join St Teresa’s.

    And there is double cause for celebration at St Teresa’s, as the school has also undergone a successful assessment via the Catholic School Inspection framework (CSI). The report was published recently and highlights how ‘pupils at St Teresa’s are a credit to their families and the school. Their behaviour is exemplary’.

    Inspectors also found that staff ‘work in a way that is always striving for excellence. This greatly benefits learners’, while they also noted the culture of welcome and ‘sanctuary’ ethos, commenting that ‘the level of pastoral care provided for pupils is outstanding. The school community shows care and understanding for a broad range of people in need locally, nationally, and globally.’

    Principal Stacy McHale said: “Our small primary school has a big heart and I am delighted that this has been recognised recently. We are proud to be a beautifully diverse community with a strong culture of welcome.”

    The two schools have joined a select group of educational institutions across the city that have achieved School of Sanctuary accreditation, further solidifying Wolverhampton’s reputation as a place of inclusion and sanctuary for all.

    Other Schools of Sanctuary include Bantock Primary, Dunstall Hill Primary, Goldthorn Park Primary, Graiseley Primary, Rakegate Primary, St Andrews CofE Primary, St Lukes CofE Primary, St Regis CofE Academy, Stowlawn Primary, St Mary’s Catholic Primary Academy, Villiers Primary, West Park Primary, Merridale Primary, Wodensfield Primary School, St Michael’s CE Primary School and Colton Hills Community School.

    Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “We are delighted that we now have 18 Schools of Sanctuary in Wolverhampton, which are all demonstrating the lengths they go to ensure they provide a safe and welcoming place for their children and families.”

    Schools can apply to become a School of Sanctuary by demonstrating to City of Sanctuary UK that they have implemented 3 key principles – learning and helping people understand what it means to be seeking sanctuary, embedding the concepts of safety, welcome and inclusive culture for everyone, and sharing their values and activities with their local communities.

    The Schools of Sanctuary programme is part of the City of Sanctuary UK movement, committed to building a culture of safety and welcome, especially for refugees seeking sanctuary from war and persecution. For more information, please visit Schools of Sanctuary.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sergei Sobyanin wished Muscovites victory at the All-Russian School Olympiad

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The All-Russian School Olympiad in 12 subjects has ended. The results of the competitions in computer science, physics, chemistry, social science, history, astronomy, art (world artistic culture), Russian, Spanish, German, Italian and Chinese languages have become known. About this in his telegram channel Sergei Sobyanin said.

    Moscow schoolchildren won 825 diplomas, including 156 winners and 669 prize winners. This is 213 awards more than the capital team received last year in these subjects.

    “14 Muscovites became absolute winners. 39 schoolchildren became leaders of several competitions. I congratulate the guys on their wonderful results! I wish them good luck and new victories,” the Moscow Mayor wrote.

    Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @Mos_Sobyanin 

    This year, more than three thousand young Muscovites reached the final of the All-Russian School Olympiad. This is a record – a year earlier, there were a thousand fewer finalists.

    The competitions are held in 24 subjects. They are held in 14 subjects of the Russian Federation and in the federal territory “Sirius”. The names of the winners will be announced on April 30.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/mayor/tkhemes/12618050/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: A weird phrase is plaguing scientific papers – and we traced it back to a glitch in AI training data

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Aaron J. Snoswell, Research Fellow in AI Accountability, Queensland University of Technology

    Google Deepmind / Unsplash

    Earlier this year, scientists discovered a peculiar term appearing in published papers: “vegetative electron microscopy”.

    This phrase, which sounds technical but is actually nonsense, has become a “digital fossil” – an error preserved and reinforced in artificial intelligence (AI) systems that is nearly impossible to remove from our knowledge repositories.

    Like biological fossils trapped in rock, these digital artefacts may become permanent fixtures in our information ecosystem.

    The case of vegetative electron microscopy offers a troubling glimpse into how AI systems can perpetuate and amplify errors throughout our collective knowledge.

    A bad scan and an error in translation

    Vegetative electron microscopy appears to have originated through a remarkable coincidence of unrelated errors.

    First, two papers from the 1950s, published in the journal Bacteriological Reviews, were scanned and digitised.

    However, the digitising process erroneously combined “vegetative” from one column of text with “electron” from another. As a result, the phantom term was created.

    Excerpts from scanned papers show how incorrectly parsed column breaks lead to the term ‘vegetative electron micro…’ being introduced.
    Bacteriological Reviews

    Decades later, “vegetative electron microscopy” turned up in some Iranian scientific papers. In 2017 and 2019, two papers used the term in English captions and abstracts.

    This appears to be due to a translation error. In Farsi, the words for “vegetative” and “scanning” differ by only a single dot.

    Screenshot from Google Translate showing the similarity of the Farsi terms for ‘vegetative’ and ‘scanning’.
    Google Translate

    An error on the rise

    The upshot? As of today, “vegetative electron microscopy” appears in 22 papers, according to Google Scholar. One was the subject of a contested retraction from a Springer Nature journal, and Elsevier issued a correction for another.

    The term also appears in news articles discussing subsequent integrity investigations.

    Vegetative electron microscopy began to appear more frequently in the 2020s. To find out why, we had to peer inside modern AI models – and do some archaeological digging through the vast layers of data they were trained on.

    Empirical evidence of AI contamination

    The large language models behind modern AI chatbots such as ChatGPT are “trained” on huge amounts of text to predict the likely next word in a sequence. The exact contents of a model’s training data are often a closely guarded secret.

    To test whether a model “knew” about vegetative electron microscopy, we input snippets of the original papers to find out if the model would complete them with the nonsense term or more sensible alternatives.

    The results were revealing. OpenAI’s GPT-3 consistently completed phrases with “vegetative electron microscopy”. Earlier models such as GPT-2 and BERT did not. This pattern helped us isolate when and where the contamination occurred.

    We also found the error persists in later models including GPT-4o and Anthropic’s Claude 3.5. This suggests the nonsense term may now be permanently embedded in AI knowledge bases.

    Screenshot of a command line program showing the term ‘vegetative electron microscopy’ being generated by GPT-3.5 (specifically, the model gpt-3.5-turbo-instruct). The top 17 most likely completions of the provided text are ‘vegetative electron microscopy’, and these suggestions are 2.2 times more likely than the next most likely prediction.
    OpenAI

    By comparing what we know about the training datasets of different models, we identified the CommonCrawl dataset of scraped internet pages as the most likely vector where AI models first learned this term.

    The scale problem

    Finding errors of this sort is not easy. Fixing them may be almost impossible.

    One reason is scale. The CommonCrawl dataset, for example, is millions of gigabytes in size. For most researchers outside large tech companies, the computing resources required to work at this scale are inaccessible.

    Another reason is a lack of transparency in commercial AI models. OpenAI and many other developers refuse to provide precise details about the training data for their models. Research efforts to reverse engineer some of these datasets have also been stymied by copyright takedowns.

    When errors are found, there is no easy fix. Simple keyword filtering could deal with specific terms such as vegetative electron microscopy. However, it would also eliminate legitimate references (such as this article).

    More fundamentally, the case raises an unsettling question. How many other nonsensical terms exist in AI systems, waiting to be discovered?

    Implications for science and publishing

    This “digital fossil” also raises important questions about knowledge integrity as AI-assisted research and writing become more common.

    Publishers have responded inconsistently when notified of papers including vegetative electron microscopy. Some have retracted affected papers, while others defended them. Elsevier notably attempted to justify the term’s validity before eventually issuing a correction.

    We do not yet know if other such quirks plague large language models, but it is highly likely. Either way, the use of AI systems has already created problems for the peer-review process.

    For instance, observers have noted the rise of “tortured phrases” used to evade automated integrity software, such as “counterfeit consciousness” instead of “artificial intelligence”. Additionally, phrases such as “I am an AI language model” have been found in other retracted papers.

    Some automatic screening tools such as Problematic Paper Screener now flag vegetative electron microscopy as a warning sign of possible AI-generated content. However, such approaches can only address known errors, not undiscovered ones.

    Living with digital fossils

    The rise of AI creates opportunities for errors to become permanently embedded in our knowledge systems, through processes no single actor controls. This presents challenges for tech companies, researchers, and publishers alike.

    Tech companies must be more transparent about training data and methods. Researchers must find new ways to evaluate information in the face of AI-generated convincing nonsense. Scientific publishers must improve their peer review processes to spot both human and AI-generated errors.

    Digital fossils reveal not just the technical challenge of monitoring massive datasets, but the fundamental challenge of maintaining reliable knowledge in systems where errors can become self-perpetuating.

    Aaron J. Snoswell receives funding from the Australian Research Council funded Discovery Project “Generative AI and the future of academic writing and publishing” (DP250100074) and has previously received research funding from OpenAI.

    Kevin Witzenberger receives funding from the Australian Research Council funded Discovery Project “Generative AI and the future of academic writing and publishing” (DP250100074)

    Rayane El Masri 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. A weird phrase is plaguing scientific papers – and we traced it back to a glitch in AI training data – https://theconversation.com/a-weird-phrase-is-plaguing-scientific-papers-and-we-traced-it-back-to-a-glitch-in-ai-training-data-254463

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Media and Education – NZBS puts media teachers in the hot seat

    Source: Ara Institute of Canterbury

    Media educators visiting The New Zealand Broadcasting School (NZBS) from secondary schools across New Zealand this week might find themselves doing a live cross or designing a lighting rig.
    60 delegates in Ōtautahi for the NAME (National Association of Media Educators) conference are experiencing two days of activities organised by NZBS staff at Ara Institute of Canterbury.
    Programme organiser Alice Rae-Flick said they can expect industry-standard tech, hands-on learning and current sector intel.
    “Our sessions are designed to explore the future of media and ensure educators are familiar with the excellent resources we have here,” Rae-Flick said. “Teachers from around the motu will experience for themselves our hands-on approach and our industry connections.”
    The conference kicked off on Tuesday April 15th with an NZBS-organised industry panel at Rangi Ruru Girls’ school featuring prominent media professionals. Andrew Szusterman, (South Pacific Pictures), Caitlin Marett (The Girls Uninterrupted Podcast), Clive Antony (Antony and Mates agency), and Adam Percival (The Breeze Radio Host and TV Producer) delved into the future of media and the skills students need to thrive in the field.
    On Wednesday April 16th the action was moving to Ara’s City campus, where attendees will be assisted by NZBS students in hands-on activities like news-reading, presenting voice-breaks, using Mojo-kits, creating ads, and podcasting.
    “Media teachers from around the motu will meet ākonga who can speak about how small class sizes and opportunities to connect with industry make a real difference throughout their degree,” Rae-Flick said. “Our team also plan to speak to our impressive placement stats and industry demand for our graduates.”
    Thanks to Ara’s relationship with Rubber Monkey, Australasia’s premier supplier of professional video, audio, photographic, and creative technology products, delegates will have the chance to win an $1800 RODEcast kit, including a microphone and stand.
    Peter Sawyer, Dean of Education Culture and Services said it was a privilege to host some of New Zealand’s top secondary school media educators at Ara.
    “Partnering with the NAME Conference is more than a chance to showcase our industry-connected, highly regarded programmes at NZBS, it’s an opportunity to stand alongside the educators shaping the next generation of storytellers and media innovators,” Sawyer said.
    “We’re looking forward to catching up with them and sharing why NZBS is the launchpad for a future in Broadcasting Communications.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Labor surges to 7-point lead in Resolve poll, and has sizeable leads in two other national polls

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

    The significant turn-around in the federal polls ahead of the 2025 federal election, with the momentum now moving firmly in Labor’s direction.

    A national Resolve poll for Nine newspapers, conducted April 9–13 from a sample of 1,642, gave Labor a 53.5–46.5 lead, a 3.5-point gain for Labor since the previous Resolve poll that was conducted after the March 25 budget. In late February, the Coalition had led by 55–45 in Resolve, so this is a big turnaround for Labor.

    Primary votes were 34% Coalition (down three), 31% Labor (up two), 13% Greens (steady), 6% One Nation (down one), 12% independents (up three) and 5% others (steady).

    Independents were probably offered as an option everywhere. Future Resolve polls are likely to account for the declaration of nominations on Friday by giving voters in each seat a full ballot readout. Only viable independents will attract significant support, so the overall independent vote will drop.

    The preferencing method isn’t stated, but Resolve has used respondent preferences for its headline in its previous polls. By 2022 election preference flows, this poll would be about 53.5–46.5 to Labor, so it’s likely there was no difference between the two methods.

    Anthony Albanese’s net approval surged 12 points to +1, with 45% saying he was doing a good job and 44% a poor job. Albanese had suffered negative double digit ratings for more than a year. Peter Dutton’s net approval slumped eight points to -18. Albanese led Dutton as preferred PM by 46–30 (42–33 previously).

    Now 68% believed Donald Trump’s election was bad for Australia, up from 60% in the post-budget poll that was taken before the stock market slump that followed Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs announcement on April 2.

    On Trump’s influence on the election, 33% said it made them less likely to vote for the Coalition while 14% said more likely (35–15 with uncommitted voters). When this question was asked of Labor, it was 22% more likely to vote Labor and 21% less likely (24–24 with uncommitted).

    The Liberals continued to lead Labor on economic management by 36–31 (36–29 previously). On keeping the cost of living low, Labor and the Liberals were tied at 30–30 (31–27 to the Liberals previously). The last time the Liberals didn’t lead on cost of living was in October 2023.

    Two other national polls also had Labor gaining, with Labor now leading by 50–45 including undecided in Essential, and by 54.5–45.5 in Morgan. Here is the poll graph.

    With Labor’s two-party vote between 52% and 54.5% in the five most recent national polls (YouGov, Newspoll, Essential, Morgan and Resolve), they would be very likely to win a majority in the House of Representatives if the election results reflect this polling.

    Single-member systems are not proportional. If Labor wins the national two-party vote by about 53–47, they will win a large majority of the seats in two-party terms against the Coalition. While Labor would lose some of their two-party win seats to Greens and independents, they would still win enough seats for a clear House majority.

    Does the Coalition have any chance?

    The current polls were taken after a period of stock market turmoil following Trump’s tariffs announcement. If there are no more major stock market slumps before the May 3 election, perhaps the Coalition can recover. Or Albanese could perform badly in Wednesday night’s ABC debate with Dutton. In-person early voting begins next Tuesday, so there’s less time left for recovery before many votes are cast.

    The current polls all used respondent preferences for their headline, but there was no difference between respondent and 2022 election flows. Previously, polls were showing a difference of about one point in the Coalition’s favour. The Trump effect has increased Labor’s share of respondent preferences.

    The Coalition’s main chance is that the polls are overstating Labor. In 2022, Labor’s primary vote was overstated, but preference flows were better for Labor than expected, causing cancellation of errors. In 2019, the polls suggested Labor would win by 51.5–48.5, but they lost by that margin.

    In the US, polls have understated Trump in the 2016, 2020 and 2024 elections. I don’t believe that we should expect the polls are overstating Labor just because they overstated them in 2019 and 2022. But this is the Coalition’s best hope of an unexpected good result on election night.

    Essential poll: Labor gains five-point lead

    A national Essential poll, conducted April 9–13 from a sample of 2,254 (double the normal sample), gave Labor a 50–45 lead including undecided by respondent preferences (a 48–47 Labor lead in the post-budget Essential poll). This is Labor’s biggest lead in Essential since October 2023. If the undecided were excluded, Labor would lead by 53–47 according to The Guardian’s poll report.

    Primary votes were 32% Coalition (down two), 31% Labor (up one), 13% Greens (up one), 9% One Nation (steady), 2% Trumpet of Patriots (steady), 9% for all Others (up one) and 4% undecided (down one). By 2022 election flows, this would give Labor about a 53–47 lead.

    Albanese’s net approval was down one to -3 (47% disapprove, 44% approve), while Dutton’s net approval was down three to -9, his worst in Essential since May 2023. Albanese was trusted over Dutton on addressing cost of living by 34–28. By 50–33, voters thought the country was on the wrong track (52–32 previously).

    By 49–18, voters wanted Australia’s annual immigration intake to decrease, with 33% wanting it to stay about the same. By 81–19, voters said they don’t pay for news via subscriptions or donations. On where they get information about news and current events, 54% selected commercial media, 24% public broadcasters, 14% social media influencers and 7% podcasters.

    Morgan poll: Labor gains nine-point lead

    A national Morgan poll, conducted April 7–13 from a sample of 1,708, gave Labor a 54.5–45.5 lead by headline respondent preferences, a one-point gain for Labor since the March 31 to April 4 Morgan poll.

    Primary votes were 33.5% Coalition (up 0.5), 32% Labor (down 0.5), 14.5% Greens (up one), 6% One Nation (steady), 1% Trumpet of Patriots (down 0.5), 10% independents (up one) and 3% others (down 1.5). By 2022 election flows, this gave Labor an unchanged 54.5–45.5 lead.

    By 48.5–34.5, voters thought the country was going in the wrong direction (52–33 previously). This is the smallest lead for wrong direction since September 2023. Morgan’s consumer confidence index was down 2.6 points to 84.2.

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

    – ref. Labor surges to 7-point lead in Resolve poll, and has sizeable leads in two other national polls – https://theconversation.com/labor-surges-to-7-point-lead-in-resolve-poll-and-has-sizeable-leads-in-two-other-national-polls-254516

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Universities – Inaugural Oceania Seabird Symposium underway at University of Auckland – UoA

    Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

    Inaugural Oceania Seabird Symposium is underway at Waipapa Taumata Rau,University of Auckland bringing experts from across Pacific region to learn more about protecting Oceania seabirds.

    The inaugural Oceania Seabird Symposium 2025 got underway at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, bringing experts from across the Pacific region and the world to learn more about protecting Oceania seabirds.

    The three-day symposium organised by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) runs from 14-17 April. Karen Baird, SPREP Threatened and Migratory Species Adviser, says the event is an invaluable opportunity to bring Western science, traditional culture, and knowledge together.

    Keynote speakers will cover topics that include traditional knowledge and valuing relationships with Oceania seabirds, improving conservation, threats to seabirds, se
    abird bycatch in fisheries and the health of the ocean environment.

    “This is so important because there’s so much to do. You heard already from a session this afternoon with discussions around traditional knowledge and culture about seabirds, says Baird.

    “We’re really just starting out in some ways across the Pacific. This is a great opportunity to ensure we work together, bringing Western science and traditional culture and knowledge together, to protect seabirds much more effectively than if we were to try and do that separately.”

    Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau and SPREP Deputy Director General Easter Catherine Chu Shing opened the symposium.

    “Our goal is to conserve seabirds and their habitats, recognising the traditions and aspirations of the peoples of the Pacific Ocean and islands,” says Ms Chu Shing.

    Professor Tiatia-Siau spoke of the significance of hosting an event dedicated to one of the guardians of our oceans—our seabirds.

    “It is an honour to give an opening address at this important gathering, dedicated to one of the guardians of our oceans.

    “Across the vast Pacific, seabirds have long been more than just creatures of the sea and sky. They are carriers of ancestral knowledge, navigators of weather and ocean currents, and messengers that connect our islands to one another and to the wider world… We have employed the frigatebird, or manumanu ne caqi in na vosa vaka Viti (the Fijian language), as the metaphor to ground our university’s inaugural Pacific strategy entitled – Ala o le Moana (or pathways through the ocean)…

    “Seabirds are part of our identity as peoples of the Pacific,” says Professor Tiatia-Siau.

    Associate Professor Brendon Dunphy from the University of Auckland’s School of Biological Sciences says the symposium is timely, given the need for greater investment and research across the Pacific region. Ninety percent of Aotearoa New Zealand’s seabird species are under threat, warmer oceans and reduced food sources, and fishing nets and lines are all having an impact.
     
    “This is a very important symposium because it’s bringing together scientists. We’re in the seabird capital of the world. Seabirds are just messengers of what’s going on over the horizon and out at sea. They tell us about tuna stocks, fisheries, and all these impacts.

    “They live on land and feed out at sea. They bridge the important gap between land and sea; they integrate so many different stresses.”

    Associate Professor Dunphy says just by observing seabirds, there was so much information that could be gained.

    “Simply by looking at seabirds, from looking at their feathers, how they live, their chicks, there is so much we can gain from it. We see the Pacific as an area needing a lot of work. We need to put in a lot of research and investment, as there is so much change happening.”

    Esteemed Tohunga Tohorā (whale expert) Dr Ramari Stewart (Ngāti Awa) received an Honorary Doctor of Science from Waipapa Taumata Rau three years ago and was a keynote speaker on day one; she talked about the importance of relationships, seabirds and people.

    Renowned internationally for her commitment to mātauranga Māori (Indigenous knowledge) and science practices surrounding whales, she has extensive knowledge of the ngahere (forest) and the moana (ocean) as well as being a leading practitioner of rongoa (Māori medicine) and a trained nurse.

    Stewart told the audience about passing on stories and walking backwards into the future, of the need for stories to be perfect when passed on from one generation to the next, to avoid crucial information being lost.

    “Because stories are passed from one generation to another, it’s so important when they’re retold by the next generation, they need to be perfect… there is a whole lot of the tale that gets dropped out. Those details are so important.”

    As well as an esteemed programme of keynote experts still to present, the three-day symposium will also include a number of workshops around seabird identification, colony surveying and monitoring, restoration, and a necropsy (autopsy of seabirds) workshop.

    Symposium guests also have the opportunity to attend a number of field trips: a boat trip for seabird watching to the Poor Knights Islands and beyond, Tawharanui Open Sanctuary – a model for seabird restoration, Motuora Island, restoration island, and also a visit to Auckland’s west coast, working to save remnant colonies in Te Henga (Bethells Beach) and Muriwai.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Renting a home in Australia means handing over too much sensitive info. It’s a national security risk

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Moataz ElQadi, Adjunct Researcher, Faculty of Information Technology, Monash University

    Daria Nipot/Shutterstock

    Our personal information is more valuable than ever. The most recent government cyber threat report warns that foreign state actors have an “enduring interest” in obtaining sensitive and personally identifiable information about Australians.

    In recent weeks, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese noted “there is a cyber attack in Australia roughly every six minutes. This is a regular issue.”

    In some situations, it can be difficult to protect our info even when we’re aware of the risks. Notably, in Australia many rental providers and their agents collect, store and disclose excessive personal information on potential tenants. Sometimes, they collect more info than what’s needed to get a government security clearance.

    With about one-third of Australian households being renters, the handling of renters’ data is a major concern for Australia’s information security.

    So what information are real estate agents collecting, and how can we mitigate the risks?

    Steep competition for rentals

    For several years now, Australia has faced a rental crisis. Low vacancy rates – below 1% in some capital cities – not only drive up rental prices, but can result in “bidding wars” over rentals.

    With renters competing for housing, rental providers are empowered to command larger rent increases. They also require potential tenants to provide extensive personal information.

    For tenants, sharing – or oversharing – of personal information in the hope of securing a home might seem acceptable.

    However, the collection and handling of this information raises serious security concerns. If Australians’ sensitive personal data falls into the hands of cyber criminals, or foreign agents, this has security implications for the entire nation.

    What info are renters asked for?

    Potential tenants need to provide information to the satisfaction of the real estate agent and their client, the rental provider. This information is increasingly collected online via rental application websites where the form questions are controlled by real estate agents.

    The websites themselves are subject to the Australian Privacy Act 1988, but the data is handed over to real estate agents and owners.

    The rental application websites seem to recognise that this information is extensive: one rental application website started selling a privacy service where they vouch for the applicant instead of sharing their information with the real estate agents.

    In some cases, the requested data matches or even exceeds the requirements for a government security clearance. The Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) has a clear public privacy statement. It explains how data is collected and handled and used only for the assessment of a security clearance. Rental providers don’t necessarily follow the same stringent rules.

    Information collected by some rental application forms may include five or more years of address history. Others request five or more years of employment history. In addition, financial information such as payslips and bank statements are also required.

    Other sensitive – and irrelevant – information includes vehicle registration numbers and pet names.

    Potential tenants are also usually asked to attach personal identification documents including passports, driver licences and Medicare cards. They may be asked to list up to two personal and one business references.

    A rental agent may require five years of employment history.
    Author provided

    If any of this information falls into the wrong hands, it easily exposes the person to social engineering, personalised scams or identity and account theft.

    Who can access the info?

    The names of family members and pet names are a common – albeit unsafe – choice of password. The rental application forms collect both. In Australia, research by Telstra and YouGov found that 20% of Australians used pets’ names as passwords, and 17% used their birth dates.

    Pet names may be required on rental applications. This can give away some people’s passwords.
    Author provided

    If a rental provider, or their agent, shares applicant information with others, it can be a security breach. This makes the storage, handling and sharing of this information by private rental providers a major concern.

    Rental agency agreements commonly state that personal information can be disclosed to “any person who maintains any record, listing or database of defaults by tenants.” This policy, which a tenant has to accept, is already loose.

    More importantly, after the information is sent to the owner of the rental property, there is no visibility as to who that is, or what they do with the information.

    Example of a privacy agreement on a rental application form.
    Author provided

    Too much info to rent a home

    Having to share extensive personal information is more than an inconvenience for renters – it’s a serious security concern. The government should put explicit limits on personal information requested by rental providers.

    One technological solution to this problem could be “access tokens” provided by banks. People in Australia are protected by the Consumer Data Right. This allows consumers to authorise a data holder, such as a bank, to share data with an accredited recipient.

    Australian banks are held to strict information security requirements. They already handle highly sensitive data, such as client identity, income sources and other financial information.

    If real estate agents require proof of this info to vet potential rental applicants, they could request it through an authorisation token with the applicant’s bank. This way, proof of identity and financial status could be shared without having to disclose actual sensitive personal information, limiting the cyber security risk.

    In the meantime, rental providers and their agents should request the least possible amount of personal information – it’s the responsible thing to do.

    The article gives the example of the Consumer Data Right, a government standard managed by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). Moataz ElQadi worked previously for the ACCC, in a different team.

    – ref. Renting a home in Australia means handing over too much sensitive info. It’s a national security risk – https://theconversation.com/renting-a-home-in-australia-means-handing-over-too-much-sensitive-info-its-a-national-security-risk-254293

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Harvard University rejects Trump administration’s demands

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Harvard University on Monday rejected the Trump administration’s demands to make sweeping changes to its governance, hiring and admissions practices, despite billions of dollars in federal funding being at risk if it fails to comply.

    “We have informed the administration through our legal counsel that we will not accept their proposed agreement. The University will not negotiate over its independence or its constitutional rights,” Harvard University President Alan M. Garber wrote in a letter to members of the Harvard Community.

    “The administration’s prescription goes beyond the power of the federal government,” Garber argued.

    “Harvard is committed to fighting antisemitism and other forms of bigotry in its community,” two attorneys representing the university wrote in a letter Monday, while noting that “Harvard is not prepared to agree to demands that go beyond the lawful authority of this or any administration.”

    Trump administration officials on Friday sent a letter to Harvard, demanding that the university make “meaningful governance reform and restructuring,” noting that “an investment is not an entitlement.”

    “Harvard has in recent years failed to live up to both the intellectual and civil rights conditions that justify federal investment,” the letter read.

    “We therefore present the below provisions as the basis for an agreement in principle that will maintain Harvard’s financial relationship with the federal government,” according to the administration’s letter.

    The administration’s demands include: adopting and implementing merit-based hiring and admissions policies, and ceasing all preferences based on race, color, and national origin; reforming the recruitment, screening, and admissions of international students to prevent admitting students hostile to the American values and institutions, including students supportive of terrorism or antisemitism; reforming programs with “egregious records of antisemitism”; and shutting down all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.

    The Trump administration has threatened to cut federal funding to the country’s top universities, pressuring them to implement major changes.

    It recently announced that it was reviewing 9 billion dollars in federal funding to Harvard and its affiliates.

    Columbia University, which was at the heart of last year’s pro-Palestinian protests, became the first institution to face consequences, losing 400 million dollars in federal funding last month. University officials said they are currently in ongoing discussions with the administration to have the funding reinstated. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Hosts Sixth Federal Judiciary Youth Summit

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today welcomed students from eastern Iowa high schools to his sixth Federal Judiciary Youth Summit, held in Cedar Rapids.
    The summit gives students a glimpse into the federal judiciary and is part of Grassley’s time-honored effort to engage young Iowans in representative government. This year, Grassley was joined by Chief Judge C.J. Williams, a Senate-confirmed judge for the Northern District of Iowa. Students and educators from 11 area high schools participated, including: Regina Catholic Education Center, North Linn High School, Cedar Valley Christian School, Xavier High School, George Washington High School, Belle Plaine High School, Don Bosco High School, East Buchanan High School, Metro High School, City View Community High School and John F. Kennedy High School.
    During the question-and-answer session, Grassley answered students’ questions on universal injunctions and discussed how senators recommend judicial nominees to the White House. Additionally, Grassley spoke about the separation of powers and the importance of our government’s system of checks and balances.
    “I enjoyed getting to answer students’ questions and introduce them to our federal judicial system,” Grassley said. “Today was a valuable educational experience and a great opportunity to foster civic engagement among Iowa’s next generation. Thank you to all the students and educators who took time out of their day to attend, and thank you to Judge Williams for sharing your experience.”
    “I loved learning about the way the judicial system works, especially in Iowa, but also in Washington, D.C. And [I learned] about the experience of how Judge Williams has gotten to where he’s at today. I also loved learning about the perspective of [Senator] Chuck Grassley, especially because he’s so experienced in the Senate.” – East Buchanan High School Student
    “This was a great opportunity to expose students to decades of experience throughout the judicial process, and a very unique and very cool learning opportunity.” – George Washington High School Teacher
    “I thought the whole experience was very insightful into our judicial system. The fact that [Senator Grassley] plays a role in [the confirmation process] I thought was very interesting to learn about. – Kennedy High School Student

    Download pictures from Grassley’s Federal Judiciary Summit HERE.
    Background:
    As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Grassley helps vet and process nominees for federal judgeships, working to send qualified, constitutionalist judges to the federal bench for lifetime appointments. This Congress, Grassley also introduced legislation to allow cameras in federal courtrooms and clarify the scope of federal judicial relief.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Appointments to the Waste Advisory Board

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Environment Minister Penny Simmonds has today announced two new appointments and two reappointments to the Waste Advisory Board.

    The Waste Advisory Board provides independent advice to the Minister for the Environment on matters relating to the Waste Minimisation Act 2008 and waste minimisation.

    “I am very pleased to welcome Dr Terri-Ann Berry and Michelle Kazor to the Waste Advisory Board,” Ms Simmonds says. 

    “Dr Berry is an Associate Professor at the School of Future Environments at Auckland University of Technology and the founder and Co-Director of the Environmental Innovation Centre, a private research institute focused on improving sustainability outcomes, especially in the construction industry. 

    “Ms Kazor has more than 20 years’ experience in waste, resource efficiency, and climate policy, and has worked across government, corporate, and non-profit sectors in New Zealand, Australia, and the United States.”

    In addition to the new appointments, Ms Simmonds also reappointed Board Chair Darren Patterson, and Board member Don Chittock.

    “Mr Patterson has more than 25 years’ experience in industry, local and central government, and community projects, as well as significant board experience. He has provided sound leadership to the Board during the last six years as Chair and his reappointment will ensure continuity of knowledge and experience.

    “Likewise, Mr Chittock brings a wide range of industry experience and has led some of the more technical pieces of the Board’s work. His reappointment means he will continue to provide the group with experience in the more technical aspects of the industry.”

    Ms Simmonds thanked outgoing Board members Denise Roche, Jacqui Forbes and Sue Coutts.

    “These members provided expertise and advice during their time on the Board. I thank them for their contribution and look forward to working with the new members as they begin their terms,” Ms Simmonds says.

    For more information on the Waste Advisory Board, see: Waste Advisory Board | Ministry for the Environment

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU strongmen competed in kettlebell biathlon

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    The annual University Kettlebell Biathlon Championship was held, in which students who know how to work with heavy “iron” took part. Athletes in four weight categories for men and in the absolute for girls competed in two types of the program: jerk of two kettlebells from the chest and snatch of a kettlebell with one hand. They were given 10 minutes to perform each exercise.

    Among the girls, based on the total results of the two exercises (12 kg kettlebells), the prize places were distributed as follows:

    1) Anna Yakovleva (FEN), 106.5

    2) Alina Titenko (IMPZ), 78.5

    3) Ekaterina Kashina (SUNC), 59.5

    The prize winners among men (16 kg kettlebells) were:

    Weight category up to 70 kg

    1) Dmitry Demidov (FIT), 199.5

    2) Alexander Dedov (SUNC), 153.5

    3) Ilya Rivvo (EF), 120.5

    Weight category up to 80 kg

    1) Vladimir Kozhevnikov (FF), 224

    2) Andrey Chekusov (SUNC), 211.5

    3) Timofey Kadukov, 156.5

    Weight category up to 90 kg

    1) Mikhail Kokh (MMF), 246.5

    2) Gleb Miroshnikov (SUNC), 225

    3) Semyon Mironov (FEN), 208

    Weight category 90 kg

    1) Daniil Narseev (GGF), 188

    2) Alexander Ponomarev (FEN), 173

    3) Gleb Zobnin (GGF), 150

    A new NSU record was set in the push-up exercise – Mikhail Kokh (MMF) performed 150 lifts in 10 minutes. The tournament was held at a high level, and many participants demonstrated a very good level of preparation.

    Congratulations to the winners, thanks to all the athletes for their participation, and to the senior lecturer of the Department of Physical Education Alexander Sozinov for organizing the competition!

    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 Asia-Pac: Happy ‘Bird’-day! Taipower’s ‘Waterbird Hotel’ at the Yong’an Wetland earns environmental education certification; officially unveiled today

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    For over a decade, Taipower has been dedicated to conserving Kaohsiung’s Yong’an Wetland and creating a haven for black-faced spoonbills there. Through scientific management and water level control technology, the wetland has been transformed into a welcoming ‘Waterbird Hotel’ – an ideal migratory bird habitat and feeding ground. Since autumn last year (2024), the site has hosted hundreds of migratory birds, including globally endangered species such as the black-faced spoonbill (Platalea minor), northern shoveler (Spatula clypeata), and Eurasian wigeon (Mareca penelope).

    Integrating the wetland’s unique features into its operations, Hsinta Power Plant developed an environmental education program that has been certified by the Ministry of Environment. This makes it the first thermal power plant in Taiwan to be officially designated as an environmental education site. The unveiling ceremony was held today (January 3). A Taipower representative stated that while Taipower remains committed to its mission of ensuring stable power supply, it will also continue promoting environmental education and preserving the biodiversity of the Yong’an Wetland, so that these feathered guests can enjoy a cozy winter and make every visit a happy ‘Bird-Day’.

    Taipower held the Yong’an Wetland Migratory Bird Season and Environmental Education Site Unveiling Ceremony today at the Yong’an Wetland Ecological Education Center in Kaohsiung. The event was attended by distinguished guests, including Taipower Chairman Tseng Wen-Sheng; Kaohsiung City Government Public Works Bureau Director Yang Chin-Fu; Kaohsiung City Government Environmental Protection Bureau Deputy Director Huang Shih-Hung; and former Kaohsiung City Government Advisor Tsan-Cheng Lin. Together, they jointly unveiled the plaque. Students and teachers from Yong’an Elementary School and Xingang Elementary School were also invited to participate in birdwatching activities, enthusiastically welcoming the start of the migratory bird season at Yong’an Wetland.

    Ecological restoration success – black-faced spoonbill population quadruples in 10 years

    A Taipower representative stated that in 2010, the Company established an ecological survey team and launched ecological conservation research. Since then, they have collected over 500,000 waterbird and water depth observations. Through scientific management and water level control technology, the number of waterbirds at Yong’an Wetland has increased significantly, with the black-faced spoonbill population growing fourfold over the past decade. Today, Yong’an Wetland has become a winter sanctuary for migratory birds. As early as last October, black-faced spoonbills had already been spotted, and recently, charming visitors such as black-winged stilts (Himantopus himantopus), northern shovelers, and Eurasian wigeons have also been seen.

    A Taipower representative explained that Yong’an Wetland was originally developed as the Wushulin Salt Fields during the Japanese colonial period. In 1984, with the transformation of the salt industry, the land ownership was transferred to Taipower for power development purposes. However, Taipower not only preserved the Wushulin Salt Manufacturing Company Office – a County-designated historic site – but also made efforts to minimize the scope of development. Taipower retained two-thirds of the site as environmental conservation land, deliberately avoiding key bird habitats. The overall plan designates 41.25 hectares as wetland conservation area and 15 hectares as an ecological buffer zone with greenbelts and protected areas. Statistics show that over 160 species of birds have been recorded visiting the site. The notable phenomenon of “migratory birds becoming resident birds” has also been observed, with species such as the Kentish plover (Anarhynchus alexandrines) and black-winged stilt now settling and breeding in the area.

    Taipower also collaborated with internationally-acclaimed, award-winning director Hsu Hung-Lung to produce the documentary film “Flying Bird Power Plant”. The film records Taipower’s efforts and achievements in ecological conservation. The film has earned multiple honors, including a Platinum Remi Award at the 2024 WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival, a Document Special Award at the Accolade Global Film Competition, and an Award of Excellence for Nature/Environment/Wildlife at the All-American Short Film Competition.

    Integrating wetland wonders with energy exploration – three different courses to have fun in!

    Hsinta Power Plant is the only power plant in Taiwan with a wetland onsite. Taipower has integrated ecological conservation with energy education to develop three courses: Wonders of Hsinta; Eco Task Force; and Chasing the Spark. Led by a team of expert instructors, participants can explore the saltwater wetland ecosystem, observing mangrove plants and aquatic fish, shrimp, and shellfish, while also learning about power generation principles. The courses include hands-on creative activities using byproducts from the power generation process, offering a fun and educational experience.

    A Taipower representative stated that Hsinta Power Plant received official certification from the Ministry of Environment as an Environmental Education Facility in September last year. The unveiling ceremony was held today, and the site will be open for reservations starting January 10. (For details, please visit the Hsinta Power Plant Environmental Education website: https://www.hsinta-ee.com.tw/ .) Schools and organizations are welcome to get in touch and schedule visits.

    Balancing a stable power supply with ecological conservation: Hsinta’s new Unit 1 undergoing trial operation

    To meet growing electricity demand and achieve the net-zero emission goals, Taipower is currently constructing new gas-fired combined cycle units at Hsinta Power Plant. The three new units will have a total installed capacity of 3.9 GW. Construction began in December 2020, and by the end of last year, the project was more than 80% complete. A Taipower representative pointed out that the new Unit 1 first began generating power last September, and is currently undergoing trial operation. The goal is for the unit to be ready for grid dispatch by the end of February, followed by commercial operation. Once officially online, it is expected to generate over 7 TWh of low-carbon electricity per year. Meanwhile, new Units 2 and 3 are currently undergoing mechanical, instrumentation, and electrical installation. They are projected to be gradually connected to the grid starting this year.

    Spokesperson: Vice President Tsai Chih-Meng
    Phone: (02) 2366-6271/0958-749-333
    Email: u910707@taipower.com.tw
    Contact Person: Department of Environmental Protection Director Wu Cheng-Hung
    Phone: (02) 2366-7200/0927-291-156
    Email: u015279@taipower.com.tw

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: What’s the difference between Easter egg chocolate and regular chocolate?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Margaret Murray, Senior Lecturer, nutrition, Swinburne University of Technology

    Stefanie Mohr Photography/Shutterstock

    With Easter around the corner, you’ll have seen chocolate Easter eggs on supermarket shelves. Maybe you’ve bought some already.

    But is there a difference between Easter chocolate and the everyday kind? Does Easter chocolate really taste better, as some people say?

    As we’ll see, any difference is less about the ingredients and more about how we experience the chocolate when we eat it.

    What do they contain?

    When we compared the ingredients and nutrients of Easter egg chocolate and regular chocolate from the same company, we found no major differences.

    Cadbury Dairy Milk hollow easter egg and Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate block both contain per 100 gram:

    • about 2,200 kilojoules of energy

    • 7g protein

    • 31g fat

    • 55g sugar

    Both products have a minimum 24% milk solids. The egg has a marginally higher percentage of cocoa solids (28%) than the block (27%).

    So if they contain pretty much the same ingredients, what else is going on?

    It’s more about the taste, texture and smell

    The difference between Easter chocolate and regular chocolate is more about how we experience the flavour of chocolate – via taste, texture and smell.

    Taste is the recognition of simple ingredients dissolving in saliva and entering the taste pores on our tongue. In the case of chocolate, we perceive the taste as sweet (sugar), fatty (cocoa butter) and potentially bitter (caffeine and other cocoa-based compounds).

    However, texture and smell make us most likely to tell the difference between Easter and regular chocolate.

    The mouth is incredibly sensitive to the texture of foods. We perceive multiple physical qualities of a food, which we call “mouthfeel”.

    Smoothness, creaminess and mouthcoating (for example, an oily feeling) are important components of chocolate’s mouthfeel.

    Consumers also expect round-shaped chocolate to be creamier than angular-shape chocolate.

    So even before we’ve taken a bite, we perceive a chocolate egg will be creamier than a block. These expectations can shape how we experience the flavour of chocolate.

    However, if the chocolate egg is not as creamy as expected, this can be disappointing.

    But it tastes so good!
    ibragimova/Shutterstock

    The temperature at which chocolate is made and stored also impacts its texture. Sometimes chocolate gets a whitish haze on its surface called chocolate bloom. This is when the fat and sugar separate from each other, forming fat or sugar crystals.

    It is safe to eat chocolate with bloom, but it may taste less creamy or more gritty than chocolate without bloom.

    Because the demand is so high during Easter, chocolate manufacturers sometimes use rapid-cooling techniques to produce hollow Easter eggs at a faster rate. This may make them more susceptible to chocolate bloom. Cheaper Easter chocolates using these rapid procedures may have a different texture than chocolate made the traditional way.

    Finally, smell contributes the most to how we perceive flavour in foods. When chocolate starts to melt in our mouth, aromas are released. These aromas make their way through the back of the nose where we smell the complex scents and notes of chocolate. Depending on the chocolate, this could include fruity, earthy, buttery or floral aromas.

    The shape of chocolate

    We’ve already heard the shape of chocolate influences how creamy we think it is. But the shape of chocolate also influences other aspects of our eating experience.

    Easter chocolate in the shape of an egg or an animal provides a large contact area inside the mouth meaning it will melt faster than a block. This impacts how quickly aroma compounds are released from the chocolate.

    Biting into hollow chocolate, such as eggs and animals, may also require more time to chew and swallow. This results in Easter chocolate spending longer in our mouths with a greater release of aromas. This means we perceive a greater intensity or diversity of flavours compared to eating small squares.

    Biting into hollow chocolate means a greater release of aromas.
    wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock

    Are you a sucker or a chewer?

    How someone eats chocolate can also change its flavour. One study categorised people who ate chocolate as “suckers” or “chewers”.

    Chewers tend to swallow chocolate more quickly and may perceive it to have a weaker flavour because of the shorter time for aromas to be released.

    So how a person eats Easter chocolate may also impact whether they prefer it over regular chocolate.

    Easter is only once a year

    Last of all, eating Easter eggs (and hunting for them) are often part of a shared family ritual. This can make Easter chocolate seem special. No wonder we enjoy the whole Easter egg experience.

    So whether you are a sucker or a chewer, Easter is a great time to slow down and celebrate with loved ones. Enjoy and savour your Easter chocolate in moderation, egg-shaped or otherwise.

    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. What’s the difference between Easter egg chocolate and regular chocolate? – https://theconversation.com/whats-the-difference-between-easter-egg-chocolate-and-regular-chocolate-252026

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for April 15, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on April 15, 2025.

    Social media is the new election battleground. Is embracing influencers smart, risky or both?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Susan Grantham, Lecturer in Communication, Griffith University From Abbie Chatfield and Hannah Ferguson to Ozzy Man, influencers have never been more central to an Australian election campaign. Much has been made of the increasingly common site of politicians on TikTok or Instagram reels. Some political groups don’t

    Trump’s tariffs rollercoaster is really about Republican unity
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lester Munson, Non-Resident Fellow, United States Studies Centre, University of Sydney After announcing Liberation Day – stiff “retaliatory” tariffs on every country and penguin-inhabited island in the world – US President Donald Trump rescinded the vast majority of tariffs eight days later when stock and bond markets

    Peters emphasises growing importance of NZ’s Pacific ties with the United States
    By Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai, RNZ Pacific journalist in Hawai’i New Zealand’s Pacific connection with the United States is “more important than ever”, says Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters after rounding up the Hawai’i leg of his Pacific trip. Peters said common strategic interests of the US and New Zealand were underlined while in the state. “Our

    Israeli military reservists court Australian universities amid ‘hypocrisy’ over anti-war protests
    Hundreds of university staff and students in Melbourne and Sydney called on their vice-chancellors to cancel pro-Israel events earlier this month, write Michael West Media’s Wendy Bacon and Yaakov Aharon. SPECIAL REPORT: By Wendy Bacon and Yaakov Aharon While Australia’s universities continue to repress pro-Palestine peace protests, they gave the green light to pro-Israel events

    Why the Mormon church is on an expansion project, with 2 secretive new temples planned for Australia
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brenton Griffin, Casual Lecturer and Tutor in History, Indigenous Studies, and Politics, Flinders University The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced it will build 15 new temples in countries across the world, including one in Liverpool, New South Wales. This follows a similar announcement

    Winter electricity prices are rising – how do we know we’re getting value for money?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard Meade, Adjunct Associate Professor, Griffith University, Centre for Applied Energy Economics and Policy Research, Griffith University Shutterstock Winter is coming to New Zealand and Australia, and with it come those inevitably higher power bills from heating our homes. But even without that seasonal spike, household power

    Amid the election promises, what would actually help ‘fix’ the housing crisis? Here’s 5 ideas
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Ong ViforJ, John Curtin Distinguished Professor & ARC Future Fellow, Curtin University Shutterstock As the election campaign rolls on, housing has been, unsurprisingly, a major campaign focus. We’ve seen a series of housing policy announcements from across the political spectrum, including duelling announcements from the major

    New study finds no evidence technology causes ‘digital dementia’ in older people
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nikki-Anne Wilson, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), UNSW Sydney RDNE Stock project/Pexels In the 21st century, digital technology has changed many aspects of our lives. Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is the latest newcomer, with chatbots and other AI tools changing how we learn and creating

    Amid the election promises, what would actually help ‘fix’ the housing crisis? Here are 5 ideas
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Ong ViforJ, John Curtin Distinguished Professor & ARC Future Fellow, Curtin University Shutterstock As the election campaign rolls on, housing has been, unsurprisingly, a major campaign focus. We’ve seen a series of housing policy announcements from across the political spectrum, including duelling announcements from the major

    Cutting migrant numbers won’t help housing – the real immigration problems not being tackled this election
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter McDonald, Honorary Professor of Demography, Centre for Health Policy, The University of Melbourne Immigration is shaping as one of the most potent policy issues of the election campaign. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has announced a Coalition government would cut the two major migration programs – permanent

    Focusing on a child’s strengths can transform assessments – and help them thrive after an ADHD or autism diagnosis
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adam Guastella, Professor and Clinical Psychologist, Michael Crouch Chair in Child and Youth Mental Health, University of Sydney Jota Buyinch Photo/Shutterstock When parents are concerned about their child’s development, they often seek an assessment to address concerns and identify any conditions, such as autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

    Australian honeybees are under attack by mites and beetles. Here’s how to keep your backyard hive safe
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cornelia Sattler, Research Fellow in Ecology & Videographer, Macquarie University Varroa mites on a male bee larva. Theotime Colin Australia’s honeybees are facing an exceptional crisis. The tiny but devastating foreign pest Varroa destructor is steadily spreading across the country. The mite feeds on baby bees (larvae),

    Would looser lending rules help more people buy a house – or just put them at risk?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Grant, Associate Professor in Finance, University of Sydney doublelee/Shutterstock Big promises on housing were at the centre of both major parties’ announcements at the official federal election campaign launches on the weekend. Among the highlights, Labor pledged to build 100,000 new homes and extend a government-guaranteed

    Why is it so hard for everyone to have a house in Australia?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ehsan Noroozinejad, Senior Researcher, Urban Transformations Research Centre, Western Sydney University Bilalnol/Shutterstock Home ownership in Australia was once regarded as proof of success in life. However, it remains elusive for many people today. Prices have soared beyond wage growth, rents keep rising, and even some well-intentioned government

    Why the Mormon church is on an expansion project, with two secretive new temples planned for Australia
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brenton Griffin, Casual Lecturer and Tutor in History, Indigenous Studies, and Politics, Flinders University The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced it will build 15 new temples in countries across the world, including one in Liverpool, New South Wales. This follows a similar announcement

    Owners are officially no longer responsible for tourism accidents on their land – but they never really were
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chris Peace, Lecturer in Occupational Health and Safety, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington EyesWideOpen/Getty Images Newly announced reforms to the Health and Safety at Work Act mean landowners will no longer be responsible for tourism-related injuries on their properties. But it’s not clear this

    New Zealand’s humanity – does it include all of us, or only for some?
    COMMENTARY: By Katrina Mitchell-Kouttab “Wherever Palestinians have control is barbaric.” These were the words from New Zealand’s Chief Human Rights Commissioner Stephen Rainbow. During a meeting with Philippa Yasbek from Jewish Voices for Peace, Dr Rainbow allegedly told her that information from the NZ Security Intelligence Services (NZSIS) threat assessment asserted that Muslims were the

    Leaked ‘working paper’ on New Caledonia’s political future sparks new concerns
    By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk A leaked “working paper” on New Caledonia’s future political status is causing concern on the local stage and has prompted a “clarification” from the French government’s Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls. Details of the document, which was supposed to remain confidential, have been widely circulated online

    Election Diary: Will Peter Dutton help son Harry buy a house?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Political leaders’ kids are routinely put on display to share the glory or the pain of election night. Earlier, they’re often at campaign launches to “humanise” the candidates. Peter Dutton pulled out all stops with the family for his Sunday

    Big Girls Don’t Cry is a powerful, heart-wrenching, and comical celebration of Indigenous resilience and survival
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laura Case, Lecturer in Musicology, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney Stephen Wilson Barker/Belvoir With Big Girls Don’t Cry, Gumbaynggirr/Wiradjuri playwright Dalara Williams proves herself to be a formidable talent. Cheryl (Williams), Queenie (Megan Wilding) and Lulu (Stephanie Somerville) are three best friends who share a

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi’s visit to strengthen China-Vietnam bond, regional growth

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, is warmly welcomed by Vietnamese President Luong Cuong, other senior officials and local representatives upon his arrival at the Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam, April 14, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Chinese President Xi Jinping is on a state visit to Vietnam from Monday to Tuesday, infusing new vigor into the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.

    In a signed article published Monday by the Nhan Dan Newspaper of Vietnam, Xi called for strengthened efforts on all fronts to build such a community.

    This marks Xi’s fourth state visit to Vietnam as general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president. The visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Vietnam, two socialist neighbors that have forged an enduring bond as “camaraderie plus brotherhood.”

    Xi’s visit will serve as a new milestone in bilateral ties, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son said. He highlighted its importance in advancing the friendly neighborly relationship, deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and building a Vietnam-China community with a shared future.

    Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, greets the welcoming crowd upon his arrival in Hanoi, Vietnam, April 14, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    High-level exchange

    As socialist neighbors connected by mountains and rivers, China and Vietnam have formed a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, Xi said in a written statement upon his arrival.

    In exploring a socialist path suited to their respective national conditions, the two sides have learned from each other, advanced hand in hand, and jointly demonstrated to the world the bright prospects of the socialist system, Xi noted.

    In recent years, the leaders of the CPC and the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) as well as the two countries have maintained frequent high-level exchanges, steering the development of the bilateral ties.

    Xi paid a historic visit to Vietnam in December 2023, during which the two sides announced the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, marking a new stage in bilateral relations.

    In August 2024, To Lam, general secretary of the CPV Central Committee, visited China during his first overseas trip after taking office, further enhancing the momentum of China-Vietnam cooperation.

    The frequent mutual visits between the leaders of the two nations reflect a high level of strategic mutual trust, said Dinh Cong Tuan, head of the Chinese language department at Hanoi Foreign Languages and Technology College.

    Xi’s visit, coming at a pivotal moment in the development of China-Vietnam relations, presents an important opportunity for both sides to deepen their strategic dialogue, the professor added.

    Nguyen Vinh Quang, deputy chair of the Vietnam-China Friendship Association, expressed his hope that both countries will seize the opportunity to explore new avenues for future cooperation and to elevate the building of a community with a shared future to a new level.

    Citizens prepare to take a train of the Cat Linh-Ha Dong urban elevated railway in Hanoi, Vietnam, Oct. 9, 2024. The Cat Linh-Ha Dong urban elevated railway was built by the China Railway Sixth Group as an important project of the synergy of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative with Vietnam’s “Two Corridors and One Economic Circle” plan. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Robust practical cooperation

    Under the strategic guidance of the top leaders of the two parties and two countries, practical cooperation between China and Vietnam has continued to expand across various sectors, providing solid foundations for building a community with a shared future.

    Economic and trade relations between the two sides have reached new heights. China has remained Vietnam’s largest trading partner for more than two decades, with total bilateral trade exceeding 260 billion U.S. dollars in 2024. Chinese enterprises’ direct investment in the Southeast Asian nation surpassed 2.5 billion dollars in the same year, sustaining swift growth.

    Agricultural cooperation continues to bear fruit. High-quality Vietnamese products are increasingly welcomed by Chinese consumers, bringing tangible benefits to Vietnamese farmers and catering to the growing demand in the Chinese market.

    Infrastructure connectivity has also seen significant progress, further facilitating cross-border trade.

    “Railway connectivity and cold-chain transport between China and Vietnam have cut logistics costs, accelerated customs clearance, and ensured fresher, more affordable Vietnamese produce for Chinese consumers,” said Nguyen Ba Hai, an official at the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade.

    In a major development, Vietnam’s National Assembly approved investment for the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway project in February, marking a key step in strengthening cross-border exchanges.

    Vietnam plans to begin construction on this line in 2025, with planning for the Mong Cai-Ha Long-Hai Phong and Dong Dang-Hanoi standard-gauge railways expected to be completed by 2026, said Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son.

    In the signed article, Xi expressed China’s readiness to advance cooperation with Vietnam on the three standard-gauge railways in northern Vietnam.

    Upgrading cross-border railways and ports can not only boost bilateral trade, but also enhance connectivity and resilience across the region, said Do Thi Thu, a senior lecturer at the Banking Academy of Vietnam.

    Meanwhile, China and Vietnam have launched a number of landmark livelihood projects, enhancing the synergy of their development strategies.

    Solar panels, waste-to-energy plants and other bilateral clean energy projects have boosted electricity supply in Vietnam, while the Cat Linh-Ha Dong metro line built by a Chinese company makes public transport in Hanoi more convenient.

    “The benefits brought by Vietnam-China economic and trade cooperation are evident,” said Nguyen Thi Phuong Hoa, deputy director at the Institute of Chinese Studies of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences.

    The enhanced economic exchanges have also contributed to vibrant cultural exchanges.

    In 2024 alone, Chinese tourists made over 3.7 million visits to Vietnam. The launch of the Detian-Ban Gioc Waterfall Cross-Border Tourism Cooperation Zone has made it possible to visit both countries in a single day. Chinese film and television productions and video games are popular among young Vietnamese, and more people in Vietnam are learning Chinese.

    Noting that this year marks the China-Vietnam Year of People-to-People Exchanges, Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam He Wei said that through a series of activities, the bond between the two peoples will become even closer, and the public support for bilateral relations will become increasingly robust.

    An aerial drone photo shows a view of Guangxi Pingxiang Integrated Free Trade Zone in Pingxiang City, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, March 1, 2025. With the booming economic and trade cooperation between China and Vietnam, major border ports witness increasing border traffic. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Multilateral collaboration

    As the world undergoes accelerated changes unseen in a century, regional peace and development face mounting challenges, making solidarity and cooperation more crucial than ever.

    China and Vietnam, both vocal advocates of multilateralism, have actively engaged in regional and international cooperation to tackle common challenges and promote shared prosperity.

    The two nations play active roles within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations cooperative framework, contributing to the bloc’s efforts to foster economic integration and regional stability.

    Both nations are signatories to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), underscoring their dedication to an open, rules-based trading system.

    Noting that the trade war and tariff war will produce no winner, and protectionism will lead nowhere, Xi said in the signed article that “our two countries should resolutely safeguard the multilateral trading system, stable global industrial and supply chains, and open and cooperative international environment.”

    China and Vietnam can work together to uphold the global order based on international law, including an international trade system based on established international norms, said Tran Khanh, former editor-in-chief of the Journal of Southeast Asian Studies at the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences.

    As RCEP members, the two countries can use this platform to promote deeper regional integration and contribute to a stable trading system, Do Thi Thu said, adding that the two neighboring countries can also work together to make greater contributions to regional stability.

    Xi’s visit underscores the commitment of both Vietnam and China to peaceful development and regional stability, said Bui Minh Long, managing editor of the Vietnamese daily newspaper Tien Phong. “I believe that closer Vietnam-China relations will become a stabilizing force in Southeast Asia,” Bui said.

    Amid a complex and volatile international landscape, Ambassador He emphasized that China and Vietnam should deepen their comprehensive strategic cooperation and inject more certainty and stability into the region. This, he said, is not only an essential aspect of building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, but also a necessary step to promote regional cooperation and development.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Social media is the new election battleground. Is embracing influencers smart, risky or both?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Susan Grantham, Lecturer in Communication, Griffith University

    From Abbie Chatfield and Hannah Ferguson to Ozzy Man, influencers have never been more central to an Australian election campaign.

    Much has been made of the increasingly common site of politicians on TikTok or Instagram reels. Some political groups don’t like it, as don’t some in traditional media.

    But in the first election in which Millennials and Gen Z voters will outnumber Baby Boomers, it’s an inevitable, politically necessary change – though not without its pitfalls.

    A messy scene

    Politics in the social media sphere is already starting to get messy.

    A few weeks ago, the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) investigated whether influencer content promoting political messages constitutes electoral advertising.

    The findings suggest it does not, but the AEC has proceeded to ask that this content is accompanied with authorisations.

    Late last week, Independent MP Allegra Spender admitted to commissioning influencer content through a talent agency.

    This doesn’t seem to breach electoral rules, but the lines are being blurred, particularly given the content included glowing remarks about Spender and only suggested they were created “in collaboration”, not as a paid advertisement. This has since been fixed.

    The scrutiny reveals growing discomfort around this emerging form of political communication – including from politicians themselves.

    As influencer Chatfield said:

    there’s this like moral panic about influencers in politics as well, this whole idea influencers can’t be trusted with something as serious and as high brow as politics.

    But is that the case, especially if money has changed hands?

    A politicised sphere

    In what is perhaps a sign of the globally uncertain times, influencing is more political than ever.

    Look at the recent clash involving Holly MacAlpine, who is mounting a legal challenge to the Liberal Party’s social media strategy. She accused them of deliberately editing a clip of her supporting The Greens to make it look like she was instead criticising the party. Last night she launched a crowdfunding campaign for legal representation that reached its goal amount within hours.

    Influencers are becoming more than messengers. They are political actors in their own right.

    In response, TikTok has adjusted its algorithm to recognise political content at the point of upload. The content is now being held for review prior to going live.

    It’s also running an election safety campaign alongside the AEC.

    However, at the time of writing, these guidelines don’t appear on all content that discusses politics or elections. It doesn’t appear to be attached to Australian political content in the same way this style of guideline was used during other events, like COVID.

    Politics with personality

    All this matters because younger generations don’t get their political information from newspapers or nightly news bulletins.

    Instead, they turn to short-form video platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, where politics is often delivered with humour, personality, and authenticity (real or perceived).

    The algorithms that drive these platforms reward familiarity and engagement. When a well-known face appears on screen, users linger, boosting the reach of that post. Political messages, even subtle ones, can travel far beyond the original audience.

    Influencers have a lot to contribute to political discourse, particularly in podcasts, but the way they formulate and deliver messages varies widely.

    Some are not explicitly aligned with a political party, while others are transparent about where their preferences sit. How much they affect the election campaign heavily depends on their specific niche and how that relates to broader election commentary.

    Glenn James, host of the Money Money Money podcast and a figure in the personal finance space was recently invited to the budget lock-up. He asked questions about student debt.

    His content sits at the intersection of finance and policy, making it particularly powerful in an election where cost-of-living pressures and education debt are key issues for younger voters.

    It’s an example that not all political influence on social media is overtly partisan. Sometimes, it’s about asking the right questions.

    Reaching eyeballs

    Perhaps influencers’ most significant contribution is not just persuasive power, but reach.

    Their ability to cut through and capture attention is unmatched in today’s fragmented media landscape. In the past, audiences followed specific news outlets aligned with their values.

    Now, thanks to TikTok’s “For You” Page and Instagram Reels’ algorithmic curation, users are increasingly exposed to political content from creators they don’t necessarily follow and would not otherwise encounter.

    Another example is Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s recent use of “delulu with no solulu” (delusional with no solution) in parliament following a dare from podcast Happy Hour with Lucy and Nikki.

    Even though it made no sense to a portion of the population, it gained significant momentum and was trending across platforms.

    Adopting the blueprint

    Influencers aren’t journalists, and most aren’t claiming to be. They’re generally upfront about the fact they’re not wedded to journalistic standards of impartiality, objectivity and holding the powerful to account.

    So in an attempt to ensure traditional media reporting is also noticed by social media users, media outlets are using similar techniques, albeit through a journalistic lens.

    From playing to the algorithm to providing behind the scenes content from the campaign trail, traditional media are solidifying their place in this election commentary and getting noticed.

    It’s a new playing field in political campaigning. But whether it meaningfully shifts voter behaviour, or just adds to the already overwhelmed digital chatter, remains to be seen.

    Susan Grantham 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. Social media is the new election battleground. Is embracing influencers smart, risky or both? – https://theconversation.com/social-media-is-the-new-election-battleground-is-embracing-influencers-smart-risky-or-both-253537

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: 3 US operatives on wanted list over cyberattacks

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Police authorities in Harbin, in northeast China’s Heilongjiang province, said on Tuesday that they are pursuing three operatives affiliated with the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) over suspected cyberattacks against China.
    The Harbin public security bureau said that the three operatives — Katheryn A. Wilson, Robert J. Snelling, and Stephen W. Johnson — had been engaged in cyberattacks targeting the Asian Winter Games held in the city in February.
    Investigations by Chinese technical teams revealed that the cyberattacks were carried out by the Office of Tailored Access Operations of the NSA. To conceal the origins of its attacks and secure its cyber weapons, the office used multiple affiliated front organizations to purchase IP addresses from various countries and anonymously rented servers located in regions including Europe and Asia.
    Investigations revealed that the NSA focused its pre-event cyberattacks on critical systems of the Asian Winter Games, including registration, arrival/departure management, and competition entry platforms, authorities said. These systems, essential for pre-event operations, stored vast amounts of sensitive personal data of individuals associated with the Games.
    From Feb. 3, coinciding with the first ice hockey match, NSA cyberattacks peaked, primarily targeting critical operational systems such as the event’s official information platforms. These systems were vital for ensuring the smooth running of the Games, and the NSA attempted to disrupt them to undermine their normal operations.
    Meanwhile, the NSA launched cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure sectors in Heilongjiang province, including energy, transportation, water resources, telecommunications, and defense research institutions, authorities said.
    Technical teams also discovered that during the Asian Winter Games, the NSA transmitted unknown encrypted data packets to specific devices running Microsoft Windows operating systems within the province. These packets are suspected to have been attempts to activate or trigger pre-implanted backdoors in the Windows systems, authorities added.
    Further investigations revealed that the three NSA operatives had repeatedly launched cyberattacks against China’s critical information infrastructure and participated in cyber operations targeting companies such as Huawei.
    Technical teams also uncovered evidence implicating the University of California and Virginia Tech in the coordinated cyber campaign against the Asian Winter Games, authorities stated.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China Week in Milan demonstrates global design vision

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    This photo taken on April 13, 2025 shows Chinese bamboo weaving designs at an exhibition of Milan Design Week in Milan, Italy. [Photo/Xinhua]

    As one of the most anticipated fixtures in the global design calendar, the 2025 Milan Design Week, which closed on Sunday, brought a vibrant burst of color and creativity, drawing designers and enthusiasts from around the world.

    Among the kaleidoscope of international exhibits, a splash of Chinese red has stood out, symbolizing the rising global presence of Chinese design.

    China Week of creativity

    On April 7, the second edition of the China and Design exhibition opened in Milan’s Paolo Sarpi district – often dubbed the city’s Chinatown. Known as “China Week,” the event features dozens of exhibitions and activities focused on industrial cooperation, brand localization, and community integration, aiming at fostering deeper cultural exchange and helping Chinese design concepts take root and flourish overseas.

    At the heart of China Week is the Chinese cultural and creative design exhibition, which showcases a range of creative works, including a limited-edition “Snake Dwen Dwen” mascot for the Year of the Snake (a spin-off of the beloved Beijing Winter Olympics figure), a specially crafted bronze wine vessel inspired by the ancient Sanxingdui archaeological site in southwest China, and an intricately carved statue of the legendary “Monkey King” from Journey to the West. These exhibits have captivated large crowds of international visitors.

    Models perform at “The Gift,” a light mix design of Milan Design Week by Chinese designer Chen Yaoguang, at the University of Milan, in Milan, Italy, April 11, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    To complement the main displays, the streets of the Paolo Sarpi district have been transformed into a festive cultural landscape. Arches themed around the Year of the Snake – decorated with traditional symbols such as dragons, dumplings, and serpentine patterns – have been erected along the streets.

    “Through both its immersive exhibits and the festive street atmosphere, China Week brought Chinese design vividly to life in Milan – not only as a showcase of creativity but as a celebration of cultural dialogue, urban engagement, and global visibility,” said Michele Brunello, director of the China Design Centre in Milan.

    China Week has hosted a series of high-level dialogues featuring professors and scholars from top Chinese institutions and Italian design leaders to explore the localization of Chinese design in international markets.

    Lin Cunzhen, curator of the exhibition, described the event as a bridge connecting Eastern and Western design philosophies. “On the other side of the bridge stands a new generation of Chinese designers – confident, open and globally minded.”

    Innovation on wheels

    During the opening ceremony of China Week, the Turin Automotive Design Award was launched for the first time. Jointly initiated by the Turin Auto Show and the China Design Centre in Milan, the award aims to spotlight outstanding Chinese automotive designs already present in the European market. The winners will be announced in September at the Turin Auto Show.

    “We hope this award will strengthen cooperation between the European and Chinese automotive industries and foster cross-cultural synergy,” said Barbara Santise, press officer for the Turin Auto Show.

    People try a BYD Denza Z9GT vehicle at an exhibition of Milan Design Week in Milan, Italy, April 11, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Santise added that Chinese vehicles are not only technically advanced but also competitively priced, making them strong contenders in the European market.

    Just a few kilometers away, in Milan’s Brera district, the Z9GT, a flagship luxury electric sedan by Chinese automaker DENZA under BYD, made its European debut. With flowing curves inspired by Eastern aesthetics, the vehicle stood in poetic harmony with the surrounding Baroque architecture. Lines of international visitors queued for test drives, offering enthusiastic praise.

    Across Milan, Chinese auto brands such as XPeng, GAC, and Geely have launched their own showcases, drawing attention from passersby. Once the stronghold of Western luxury brands, the high-end auto market is undergoing a transformation – one where Chinese firms are competing not on cost, but with cutting-edge design, innovation, and bold vision.

    A woman visits the booth of BYD Denza at an exhibition of Milan Design Week in Milan, Italy, April 11, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Design as cultural fusion

    Chinese design also found an artistic expression at the University of Milan. In the university’s central courtyard, a circular mirror installation titled Gift, created by Hangzhou-based designer Chen Yaoguang, reflected the surrounding Renaissance architecture like a shimmering slice of modernity. The sculpture bore the word “Gift” in Latin, Italian, and Chinese-symbolizing the fusion of two rich cultures.

    “It looks like a pizza sliced from above. It’s really fun,” said an Italian visitor who only gave his first name as Stefano. “It blends perfectly into the environment. I’m truly impressed by the level of Chinese design.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Octogenarian saves disappearing Mongolian folk songs

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Devoting more than six decades to the preservation and study of the music of the Mongolian ethnic group in China, Wu Lanjie, an 87-year-old Chinese musicologist and educator, has made significant contributions to the inheritance and development of the music, with his important monographs forming a theoretical framework for Mongolian music history.

    Born into a family of folk song artists on the Horqin Grassland in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Wu was immersed in Mongolian folk songs from an early age and developed a deep passion for music, which later evolved into a lifelong pursuit.

    As Wu described it, he has spent nearly his entire life creating an extensive “coordinate system” for Mongolian music, with the horizontal axis representing the timeline of its development from ancient times to the present, and the vertical axis categorizing the various forms of the music—such as folk songs, instrumental music, and epics—thus forming a comprehensive theoretical framework.

    In particular, his landmark work, a book titled “A History of Mongolian Music,” serves as an academic compass tracing the vibrant evolution of Mongolian music, advancing the theorization and systematization of the music.

    The work was a result of more than 30 years of painstaking efforts starting from 1959, when he was studying at the musicology department of China’s Central Conservatory of Music.

    “After studying the history of music from different parts of the world, I couldn’t help but wonder—Mongolian ethnic music is so rich and diverse, how could it not have a history of its own?” Wu recalled, noting that a simple yet powerful idea took root in his mind at the time: to write a book on the history of Mongolian ethnic music.

    In the decades that followed, Wu embarked on a monumental project to collect, analyze, and categorize Mongolian ethnic music.

    “In the past, most studies of Mongolian ethnic music remained at the level of general overviews, lacking theoretical depth, systematic structure, and professional rigor,” Wu said.

    “In such circumstances, no matter how abundant the musical works are, musical creation and music education cannot develop in a systematic way. Only by elevating musical practices of the Mongolian people to the level of music theory and history can we lay a solid foundation for their inheritance and development,” he explained.

    In an effort to compile a comprehensive history of Mongolian ethnic music, Wu nearly exhausted every available source he could find. He combed through a vast range of materials—from ancient Mongolian-language texts and classical Chinese literature, such as the treatise on ritual and music in the “Book of Han”, to collections of works by literary figures and scholars from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties.

    He also consulted foreign works, including “The Travels of Marco Polo”, and explored archaeological findings in search of historical references to Mongolian ethnic music.

    Realizing that he couldn’t rely solely on books, Wu also took to the grasslands to conduct field research. During the summers of 1963 and 1964, he traveled from village to village, consulting with local folk singers and documenting what he heard.

    The journeys were long and often dangerous—he once encountered wolves, and on another occasion nearly drowned while crossing a river. Instinctively, he held his backpack full of folk song transcriptions above his head, which caught the attention of a passerby who came to his rescue.

    Through his fieldwork, Wu collected and preserved over 300 folk songs, including more than 90 long-tune songs (Urtyn duu), which are praised as a “living fossil” of Mongolian music.

    “At that time, many people thought that the long-tune folk songs from the Horqin Grassland were on the verge of disappearing, with only about a dozen surviving. However, I managed to collect over 90 of them,” Wu recalled.

    Based on his rescue efforts that contributed to the preservation of the long-tune folk songs from the Horqin Grassland, Wu published a book on the traditional form of folk music.

    Wu’s extensive fieldwork laid a solid foundation for his scholarship. After more than 30 years of research and documentation, he began writing “A History of Mongolian Music” in 1993. The book was published five years later, earning widespread acclaim and being included in the inaugural Yang Yinliu nomination for academic achievements in music by the Chinese National Academy of Arts. The nomination represents one of the most prestigious honors for musicians in China.

    Yet he didn’t stop there. A revised edition came out in 2019, enriched with new findings, updated theories and historical data, as well as contemporary developments.

    A photo of Wu Lanjie, an 87-year-old Chinese musicologist and educator, in his earlier years. [Photo courtesy of the interviewee]

    Today, he remains deeply engaged in the preservation and development of ancient folk songs. As a researcher at Minzu University of China and a special doctoral supervisor at the China Conservatory of Music, he continues to mentor young scholars and advocate for the fusion of tradition and innovation.

    Hanggai, a band with ethnic Mongolian musicians, has successfully blended traditional Mongolian music with modern elements, attracting more modern audiences to Mongolian folk songs, Wu said, noting that this kind of revival is what he hopes for.

    Despite health challenges and a worn-out knee from years of travel, Wu still works with untiring vigor. He is busy with mentoring students, promoting music, and conducting academic research.

    “There’s still a lot I haven’t finished,” he said. “I have a ‘510 writing plan’—the materials I’ve collected from fieldwork could still form the basis for five theoretical monographs; the folklore and historical stories I’ve accumulated over the years could fill 10 more books. I am determined to finish writing all these and leave more research materials for the younger generation.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi calls for deepening building of China-Vietnam community with shared future

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, on Monday called for deepening the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future.

    Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, holds talks with To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee, at the CPV Central Committee headquarters in Hanoi, Vietnam, April 14, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

    Xi made the remarks when meeting with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam during his state visit to Vietnam.

    Xi pointed out that he was very pleased to pay a state visit to Vietnam and realize the first round of mutual visits with General Secretary To Lam.

    This year marks the 95th anniversary of the founding of the CPV, the 80th anniversary of the founding of Vietnam and the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South, he said, extending warm congratulations to Vietnam on behalf of the CPC and the Chinese government.

    China will, as always, support Vietnam in taking a socialist path that suits its national conditions, successfully holding the 14th National Congress of the CPV in 2026, and its steadfast pursuit of realizing the two goals set for the centenary of the party and the country.

    This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Vietnam, as well as the China-Vietnam Year of People-to-People Exchanges, said Xi, stressing that over the past 75 years, regardless of changes in the international landscape, China and Vietnam have supported each other in the struggle for national independence and liberation, advanced side by side in the cause of socialist development, and forged ahead in their respective modernization endeavors, setting an example of solidarity and cooperation between socialist countries.

    Facing the changing and turbulent world, China and Vietnam have stayed committed to peaceful development and deepened their friendly cooperation, bringing much-needed stability and certainty to the world, Xi said.

    Standing at a new historical starting point, the two sides should build on past achievements, forge ahead together and carry forward the profound traditional friendship featuring “camaraderie plus brotherhood,” said Xi.

    Guided by the overall goals of achieving higher political mutual trust, more solid security cooperation, deeper practical cooperation, stronger public support, closer multilateral coordination and better management and resolution of differences, the two countries should work to advance their comprehensive strategic cooperation with high quality, ensure steady and sustained progress in building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future, and contribute even more to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, Xi said.

    Building the China-Vietnam community with a shared future carries great global significance, Xi said, noting that as the two countries jointly pursue peaceful development, their combined population of over 1.5 billion is jointly advancing toward modernization, which will contribute to regional and global peace and stability while promoting common development.

    Both countries are committed to opening up and have played a constructive role in maintaining the stability and smooth operation of regional industrial and supply chains, as well as contributing to the advancement of economic globalization, Xi said.

    A small boat with a lone sail cannot withstand rough seas, Xi said, noting that only by working together in the same boat can they ensure stability and long-term progress.

    He noted that both China and Vietnam are beneficiaries of economic globalization, and the two sides should strengthen strategic resolve, jointly oppose unilateralism and bullying practices, and work together to uphold the global free trade system and maintain the stability of industrial and supply chains.

    Xi proposed six measures to deepen the building of the China-Vietnam community with a shared future.

    First, enhance strategic mutual trust at a higher level.

    Leaders of the two parties and countries should communicate with each other as relatives, Xi said, noting the two sides should give full play to the role of channels including inter-party, legislative bodies and political consultative organizations, deepen the exchange of experience in governance, and improve the leadership of the two parties in promoting national modernization.

    Second, build a stronger security barrier.

    The two sides should set the “3+3” strategic dialogue on diplomacy, defense and public security between the two countries at the ministerial level to enhance strategic coordination.

    It is necessary to give full play to the role of defense and law enforcement security cooperation mechanisms, resolutely tackle online gambling, telecom fraud and other cross-border crimes, strengthen bilateral and multilateral law enforcement and judicial cooperation, especially within the framework of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation, so as to safeguard people’s lives and property and uphold regional peace and stability.

    Third, expand higher quality mutually beneficial cooperation.

    Seize the major opportunities of China’s new quality productive forces and Vietnam’s new productive forces to accelerate the formation of practical cooperation between the two countries. Realize the comprehensive connection of standard-gauge railways, highways, and smart ports at an early date. Promote high-tech cooperation such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. China’s mega market is always open to Vietnam, and the country welcomes more high-quality Vietnamese products. China encourages its companies to invest in Vietnam and hopes that Vietnam will create a more fair and friendly business environment.

    Fourth, tighten the bonds of people-to-people ties.

    China and Vietnam should take the China-Vietnam Year of People-to-People Exchanges as an opportunity and organize more people-oriented exchange activities, and enhance cooperation in tourism, culture, media, public health and other fields.

    The two sides should continue to explore resources of revolutionary heritage and promote stories of friendship. In the next three years, China will invite Vietnamese youth to China for “Red Study Tours,” which will help the younger generation of both countries better understand the hard-won nature of the socialist countries and the great value of China-Vietnam good-neighborliness and friendly cooperation, and will cultivate greater vitality for the development of bilateral relations and the respective national development endeavors.

    Fifth, conduct closer multilateral coordination.

    China and Vietnam should jointly uphold the outcomes of World War II, firmly safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law, promote a more equal and orderly multi-polar world and an economic globalization that is more inclusive and beneficial for all, and enhance cooperation under the frameworks of the three major global initiatives.

    China will stay committed to the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, and to the policy of pursuing friendship and partnership with its neighbors. It will deepen friendly cooperation with neighboring countries so that the fruits of Chinese modernization can better benefit the region.

    Sixth, achieve more positive maritime interaction.

    The two countries should earnestly implement the consensus reached by leaders of the two countries, properly manage maritime issues, expand maritime cooperation, demonstrate resolve in launching joint development, and work toward the early conclusion of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.

    For his part, To Lam extended a warm welcome to Xi on his state visit to Vietnam, which took place on the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He said that Xi is not only an outstanding leader of the Chinese people but also a great friend of the Vietnamese people.

    Xi’s choice to make Vietnam his first overseas destination this year fully reflects the importance he attaches to China-Vietnam relations and his support for Vietnam, the Vietnamese leader said. This visit will mark a new milestone in the history of friendly exchanges between the two parties and countries, further advancing the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, he added.

    Under Xi’s strong leadership, To Lam noted, China has achieved historic accomplishments in advancing socialism with Chinese characteristics, made comprehensive progress in its path to modernization, and witnessed rapid development of new quality productive forces. With China’s international stature on the rise, Vietnam extends its congratulations and expresses gratitude for China’s long-standing support and assistance, he said.

    Emphasizing that both Vietnam and China are socialist countries under the leadership of a communist party, To Lam said that developing relations with China is an objective requirement, a strategic choice, and a top priority for Vietnam. Vietnam firmly adheres to the one-China policy, supports China’s efforts toward national reunification, and resolutely opposes any separatist actions aimed at “Taiwan independence,” he said.

    Advancing Vietnam-China relations, To Lam noted, is in the fundamental interest of both peoples and conforms with the trend of the times. Vietnam looks forward to strengthening high-level exchanges between the two parties and countries, enhancing exchanges on governance experience, deepening strategic security cooperation, and continually consolidating political mutual trust; further elevating bilateral cooperation by creating new highlights in areas such as trade, science and technology, infrastructure and environmental protection; and promoting people-to-people exchanges, encouraging local and youth interactions, and enhancing tourism cooperation to nurture closer bonds between the peoples, he said.

    Vietnam supports the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind and the three major global initiatives proposed by Xi, To Lam said. Vietnam lauds the vision set forth during the CPC’s central conference on work related to neighboring countries, which envisions building a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful and amicable home with neighboring countries and insists on fostering friendly, mutually beneficial and prosperous relationships, he said.

    Vietnam is ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China, uphold multilateralism and the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, safeguard international trade rules, abide by the agreements signed by both sides, and jointly make greater contributions to world peace and human progress, To Lam said, adding that Vietnam is also willing to properly address maritime differences with China to ensure maritime stability.

    Before the talks, To Lam invited Xi to a small-group chat over tea. The two general secretaries exchanged views on party building and national governance. Xi stressed that party building is crucial to the destiny of the party and the country, and that the party’s work style bears on whether it can win public support. The CPC Central Committee has decided to carry out an in-depth campaign throughout the party this year to learn and implement the spirit of the eight-point decision on improving work conduct. This is intended to secure new achievements in work style transformation to further support comprehensive reform and advance modernization. Both general secretaries agreed to strengthen exchanges and mutual learning, and pursue progress in socialist development.

    After the talks, the two leaders witnessed the display of 45 bilateral cooperation documents signed by China and Vietnam. These documents cover areas including connectivity, artificial intelligence, customs inspection and quarantine, agricultural trade, culture and sports, public welfare, human resource development, media, and more.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Trump’s tariffs rollercoaster is really about Republican unity

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lester Munson, Non-Resident Fellow, United States Studies Centre, University of Sydney

    After announcing Liberation Day – stiff “retaliatory” tariffs on every country and penguin-inhabited island in the world – US President Donald Trump rescinded the vast majority of tariffs eight days later when stock and bond markets crashed.

    He followed that with more exemptions for phones, computers and computer chips two days later. Ten percent tariffs remain across the board, along with rates up to 145% on China.

    Is Trump aligned with previous Reagan on tariffs?

    As with anything related to Trump, perceptions overwhelm reality. Trump’s showmanship – call him a carnival barker if you must – obfuscates what is really happening.

    Trump is seen as a protectionist and a populist. By comparison, former president Ronald Reagan was seen as a principled free trader and more ideologically conservative. Both images are misleading.

    Reagan slapped tariffs on cars, steel, lumber, computers, computer chips, motorcycles, machine tools, even clothes pins. The great guru of free markets, Milton Friedman, is reported to have said that the Reagan administration has been “making Smoot-Hawley look positively benign.” (Smoot-Hawley was an infamous tariff law enacted in 1930 at the beginning of the Great Depression.)

    Reagan went back and forth on tariffs, even attacking them in a radio address when Japan tried to impose them. At the end of the day, his record on the issue was as mixed as that of any American president.

    Trump’s politics, if not his showmanship, look a lot more like traditional Republican approaches in the cold light of day. The showmanship – provocative statements, grand exaggerations, outright falsehoods and even stand-up-comic-like aspects – is purposeful.

    Keeping Republicans united

    The main goal of Trump’s tariff showmanship, largely unreported in the press, is keeping congressional Republicans unified as he pushes his domestic policy agenda of lower taxes, budget cuts, expanded energy production and tougher immigration policies.

    Congressional Republicans have been working for months on legislating this agenda through the complex budget reconciliation process. This legislative process is difficult and involves passing budget resolutions through the Senate and the House on a specific schedule. This process is required because it allows for a path around the 60-vote filibuster in the Senate. With only 53 Republican senators and a Democratic Party that is committed to resisting Trump on almost every policy choice, Trump needs the reconciliation process to work this year.

    In one sense, all of Trump’s activities since his inauguration – the “waste”-cutting DOGE, spending cuts, ending foreign aid programs, laying off federal workers – have given him the political space with congressional Republicans, particularly fiscal conservatives, to advance his legislative agenda. It is important to know that Congressional Republicans have been ungovernable for quite some time.

    Over the past ten years, there have been five Republican Speakers of the House – John Boehner, Paul Ryan, Kevin McCarthy, Patrick McHenry (acting) and now Mike Johnson. This unprecedented turnover is caused by a virtually unmanageable Republican coalition of mainstream business-oriented conservatives and the fiscal hawks who generally populate the Freedom Caucus. The Freedom Caucus is more than willing to vote against other Republicans – indeed they are proud of it. Because of this, speaker after speaker has had to reach out to Democrats for votes to pass legislation, ultimately dooming their time in the position.

    Trump has managed to keep this ungovernable group of House Republicans united, and this may be his true political gift.

    To achieve this, he has engaged in a comprehensive campaign of maximum pressure on just about everything: Canada, Greenland, NATO, Europe, China, Ukraine, American universities, federal workers, illegal immigrants, big law firms and even paper straws.

    Congressional Republicans, in appreciation of this shock and awe campaign, have stayed united. This means Trump’s legislative agenda can move forward.

    With his global tariff plan, Trump saw Republicans beginning to defect. In one Senate vote in April, four Republicans sided with Democrats against tariffs on Canada. Senator Ted Cruz warned that Republicans might lose the 2026 election because of tariffs. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, the oldest senator and one of the most conservative, indicated he would support bringing tariff authority back to Congress and away from the president.

    Trump can read a room as well as anyone. When he saw Republican unity was at risk because of his tariff plan, he quickly pivoted to a much more moderate version. While Trump’s grandiosity is often highly criticised, it is that quality that gives him the ability to keep his party together, and therefore to govern.

    Sparking panic among Democrats

    The other major effect of Trump’s tariffs strategy is to sow discord among his opponents.

    Democrats, who want to criticise Trump but know their own party has often endorsed tariffs in the past, are reeling. Democratic Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said she understood Trump’s “motivation behind the tariffs” and even agreed with Trump that we “need to make more stuff in America”. She was immediately criticised by fellow Democrats.

    Hakeem Jeffries, the top Democrat in the House of Representatives, tried a slightly more aggressive anti-Trump approach. He said:

    Tariffs, when properly utilized, have a role to play in trying to make sure that you have a competitive environment for our workers and our businesses. That’s not what’s going on right now. This is a reckless economic sledgehammer that Donald Trump and compliant Republicans in the Congress are taking to the economy, and the American people are being hurt enough.

    This response won’t help Democrats climb out of their deep hole of unpopularity, measured last month at an historic low.

    Lester Munson receives funding from the U.S. Studies Centre at the University of Sydney.

    – ref. Trump’s tariffs rollercoaster is really about Republican unity – https://theconversation.com/trumps-tariffs-rollercoaster-is-really-about-republican-unity-254471

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Active families boost teens’ physical and mental health

    Source:

    15 April 2025

    Parents who exercise together with their teenagers are more likely to have kids with better physical and mental health.

    From bike rides to backyard footy, parents who exercise together with their teenagers are more likely to have kids with better physical and mental health, according to new research from the University of South Australia.

    Conducted in collaboration with Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute (CHEO RI) and a team of Canadian partners, a study showed that teenagers who exercise more frequently with their families were more likely to:

    • meet physical activity guidelines of 60+ minutes per day (23%)
    • meet recommended screentime guidelines of two hours or less per day (74%)
    • report better mental health (81%) including higher life satisfaction (67%), and lower stress (86%), anxiety (73%) and depression (89%).

    The study also showed that the more regularly the family exercises together, the better the outcomes.

    Data from the World Health Organization shows that 80% of teenagers are not getting enough physical activity and that one in five teens play on digital screens for at least four hours when they engage in gaming. Additionally, one in seven teenagers experiences a mental disorder.

    Dr Justin Lang, Adjunct Professor with UniSA and the Public Health Agency of Canada, says that simple, family-based interventions can make big differences to teenagers’ health and wellbeing.

    “We know that regular exercise is great for both body and mind. But with more teenagers glued to screens and devices, it’s easy for sedentary habits to take hold,” Dr Lang says.

    “Getting teenagers up and moving is crucial to reversing the slide into inactivity – and as our study shows, the key may be in getting the whole family involved.

    “We found that teenagers who exercise daily with their families are twice as likely to meet activity and screen time guidelines – and four times more likely to report stronger mental health and greater life satisfaction.

    “The message is simple: when parents get active with their teens and lead by example, everyone wins. Teens feel better, move more, and their mental health is stronger.”

    The study examined the responses of 8213 Canadian teenagers aged 12-17 years, using self-reported data from the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth.

    It found that only 11% of teenagers met national guidelines of 60 minutes of medium-to-vigorous physical activity per day; and just over half (56%) of teenagers engaged in less than two hours of recreational screen time per day.

    Co-researcher, CHEO RI’s Dr. JP Chaput, says parents play a powerful role in influencing behaviours in their children.

    “Exercising as a family does more than get hearts pumping – it may strengthen bonds, builds confidence, and can have a real impact on teenagers’ mental wellbeing,” Dr. Chaput says.

    “When parents take an active role in their teens’ physical activity, it can build stronger emotional bonds, improves communication, and helps create a protective buffer against mental health challenges like stress, anxiety, and depression.

    “So, when families prioritise being active together, they’re not only building healthy habits – they’re also investing in their teenagers’ long-term wellbeing.

    “Ultimately, it’s a reminder that even small, shared moments of movement can make a big difference.”

    The University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide are joining forces to become Australia’s new major university – Adelaide University. Building on the strengths, legacies and resources of two leading universities, Adelaide University will deliver globally relevant research at scale, innovative, industry-informed teaching and an outstanding student experience. Adelaide University will open its doors in January 2026. Find out more on the Adelaide University website.

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

    Contact for interview (located in Ottawa, Canada):  Dr Justin Lang E: media@hc-sc.gc.ca
    Media contact: Annabel Mansfield M: +61 479 182489 E: Annabel.Mansfield@unisa.edu.au

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    MIL OSI News –