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Category: Education

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: IIFT Signs MoU with APEC – Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Center, Belgium to Strengthen Trade and Logistics Education

    Source: Government of India

    IIFT Signs MoU with APEC – Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Center, Belgium to Strengthen Trade and Logistics Education

    MoU to build cooperation,provide training and insights into global trade practices: Minister Shri Jitin Prasada

    Posted On: 03 MAR 2025 9:44PM by PIB Delhi

    The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with APEC – Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Center, Belgium, marking a significant step towards enhancing academic collaboration and knowledge exchange in the fields of international trade, logistics, and supply chain management.

    The MoU aims to strengthen trade education and training ties between India and Belgium by facilitating faculty and student exchanges for cross-cultural business learning. It includes joint research on port management, global logistics, and trade facilitation, along with specialized training programs, workshops, and industry interactions. Additionally, the collaboration will enhance knowledge transfer in critical areas such as e-governance, digital trade, and emerging business technologies.

    Addressing the gathering, Minister of State for Commerce & Industry,  Shri Jitin Prasada underscored the importance of international partnerships in strengthening India’s trade ecosystem. “India and Belgium have shared strong trade ties for decades. This MoU will further build on our cooperation, ensuring that our future business leaders are equipped with world-class training and insights into global trade practices.”

    The dignitaries from Belgium lauded the initiative, acknowledging the role of such collaborations in strengthening global trade networks. His Excellency Matthias Diependaele remarked that the people of India are making the right choices by choosing democracy, the rule of law, and partnership. He also highlighted Antwerp’s strategic location, noting that it serves as a vital gateway to Europe, facilitating trade and economic connectivity on a global scale. They expressed optimism about the positive impact this partnership will have on trade education and policy development.

    Commerce Secretary Shri Sunil Barthwal expressed his happiness over the signing of the MoU and reaffirmed India’s commitment to becoming globally competitive in international trade logistics through IIFT’s new initiative in collaborative research and training with APEC.

    Following the MoU signing, a roundtable discussion was held between the Minister-President of Belgium and IIFT alumni who had previously visited Flanders, sharing their experiences and key takeaways from the program.

    The MoU was signed in the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Shri Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Commerce & Industry; Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry – Ajay Bhadoo; the Belgian delegation – His Excellency Matthias Diependaele, Minister-President of the Flemish Government and Flemish Minister of Economy, Innovation, and Industry, Foreign Affairs, Digitalisation, and Facility Management; Mr. Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges; Mr. Dirk De Fauw, President of Port of Antwerp-Bruges International and Mr. Kristof Waterschoot, Managing Director of Port of Antwerp-Bruges International.

    From IIFT, the event was graced by Prof. Rakesh Mohan Joshi, Vice Chancellor, IIFT, along with senior faculty members and distinguished alumni who have previously benefited from exposure to the Port of Antwerp.

    Speaking at the event, Prof. Rakesh Mohan Joshi, Vice Chancellor, IIFT, emphasized the importance of this partnership in providing IIFT students with practical exposure to global trade and logistics operations. “This collaboration will not only enhance our students’ understanding of port operations and global supply chain mechanisms but also create opportunities for joint research, training programs, and faculty exchanges,” he said. He reiterated IIFT’s commitment to offering world-class education with practical insights into international trade and logistics.

    Mr. Kristof Waterschoot, Managing Director of Port of Antwerp-Bruges International, highlighted the longstanding relationship between Port of Antwerp and IIFT, stating, “This MoU will further solidify our efforts in capacity building and knowledge-sharing in trade facilitation.”

    This collaboration builds on the longstanding relationship between IIFT and the Port of Antwerp, which began in 2019 with 206 students from the institute visiting the port for firsthand learning. As an integral part of IIFT’s curriculum, port visits have enriched students’ understanding of supply chain efficiencies, customs regulations, and global trade operations.

    The event concluded with a commitment from both institutions to implement the objectives outlined in the MoU and work towards building a robust framework for academic and industry collaborations in international trade.

    About IIFT: Established in 1963 as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Commerce, the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) has gained Deemed University status and is one of the premier business institutions in India, focusing on Foreign Trade. It is highly regarded as an academic center of excellence in international business research, training, and education.

    About APEC – Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Center: APEC is a leading training institute affiliated with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, providing specialized programs in port management, trade facilitation, and logistics, contributing to global capacity building in the maritime and trade sectors.
     

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    Abhishek Dayal/Abhijith Narayanan

    (Release ID: 2107942) Visitor Counter : 29

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Retired Justice Michael Wilson and Professor Vesselin Popovski hail PM Gati Shakti as a solution to global transportation challenges

    Source: Government of India

    Retired Justice Michael Wilson and Professor Vesselin Popovski hail PM Gati Shakti as a solution to global transportation challenges

    PM Shri Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership has enabled PM Gati Shakti to spur innovation and sustainability: Retired Justice Wilson

    ODOP initiative set to transform India’s economy: Professor Popovski 

    Posted On: 03 MAR 2025 6:48PM by PIB Delhi

    The PM Gati Shakti Experiential Centre at Bharat Mandapam is extraordinary and is an example of India’s brilliance and its cutting-edge technology combined in a way that celebrates the tradition of the country. This was stated by Justice Michael Wilson, former Supreme Court Judge of Hawaii, United States of America who visited the high-tech Centre at New Delhi today. Professor Vesselin Popovski of Soka University, Japan also called the experience absolutely spectacular and added that it captures the beauty, diversity and creativity of the Indian government.

    Retired Justice Wilson expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for allowing him and his colleague Professor Vesselin Popovski to observe the cutting-edge approach to one of the international problems – transportation. He also remarked that the Experiential Centre provides hope to the world because it reflects immense dedication to the local heritage, artistry and shows at the same time that India understands sustainability.

    Noting that Hawaii has been experiencing environmental and transportation problems, Mr. Wilson praised PM’s efforts in implementing PM Gati Shakti and said that the initiative will give citizens hope as it reflects dedication to the heritage, local artistry and also at the same time realises that we live in a planet that needs to be taken care of. Elaborating on the initiative, Mr. Wilson emphasised that PM Gati Shakti shows that the country with the biggest population can have faster modes of transportation if attention is given to best and sustainable practices. Idea of speed coupled with technology brings together international capital at the world stage, he said.

    The dignitaries were given a tour of the PM Gati Shakti Experiential Centre in Bharat Mandapam by Shri Ramesh Verma, Deputy Secretary, Logistics Division, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). Speaking on his experience of the tour, Mr. Wilson remarked that the Experiential Centre captures the talent, expertise and the entrepreneurial spirit of the country to grow its economy that is sustainable.

    Professor Vesselin, on his experience of the Centre, said that the 40-min experience at the Centre made him realise that India truly is a future global power. On One District One Product (ODOP), which is also showcased at the Centre, he said that the initiative will benefit the producers, consumers, suppliers and every stakeholder in the value chain. The ODOP also connects industries from agriculture, textile to manufacturing. It also is an opportunity for international investment, foreign consumers are also going to benefit from the initiative, he said. Professor Popovski also stressed on the young demographic of the country and pointed out that India’s educated youth have the capability to be the future of the world for the next 60 years. 

    The Gati Shakti Experiential Centre is a state-of-the-art audio-visual museum for PM Gati Shakti and the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme and has been developed at the ITPO Complex in New Delhi. Using cutting-edge technologies like a 270-degree screen and holographic displays, the centre will raise awareness about various initiatives on logistic and transportation showcasing their success.

    PM Gati Shakti incorporates the infrastructure schemes of various Ministries and State Governments such as Bharatmala, Sagarmala, inland waterways, dry/land ports, and UDAN. This digital platform is designed to bring various Ministries, including Railways and Roadways, to ensure integrated planning and coordinated execution of infrastructure projects. The initiative aims to provide seamless and efficient connectivity for the movement of people, goods, and services across various modes of transport, thereby enhancing last-mile connectivity and reducing travel time.

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    Abhishek Dayal/Abhijith Narayanan/Asmitabha Manna

    (Release ID: 2107823) Visitor Counter : 14

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India’s Wildlife Conservation Milestones

    Source: Government of India

    India’s Wildlife Conservation Milestones

    Policies, Achievements and Global Commitments

    Posted On: 03 MAR 2025 6:47PM by PIB Delhi

    “Today, on World Wildlife Day, let’s reiterate our commitment to protect and preserve the incredible biodiversity of our planet. Every species plays a vital role—let’s safeguard their future for generations to come! We also take pride in India’s contributions towards preserving and protecting wildlife.”

    Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India[1]

     

    Introduction

    Every year on March 3rd, the world celebrates United Nations World Wildlife Day (WWD) to honour the vital role of wild animals and plants in our lives and the planet’s health. This day is a reminder of the need to protect and preserve biodiversity for future generations. The theme for WWD 2025 is “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet.” [2]

    [3]

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited Gir National Park in Gujarat today to chair the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife. The Board reviewed the Government’s key wildlife conservation efforts, including the expansion of protected areas and flagship programs like Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and Project Snow Leopard. Discussions also covered initiatives for the conservation of dolphins and Asiatic lions, along with the establishment of the International Big Cats Alliance.[4]

    [5]Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at Gir National Park

    India is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, even though it covers only 2.4% of the Earth’s land. It is home to 7-8% of all known species, including over 45,000 types of plants and 91,000 types of animals. The country’s varied landscapes and climate have created different ecosystems like forests, wetlands, grasslands, deserts, and coastal and marine habitats. These ecosystems support rich biodiversity and benefit people in many ways. India also has 4 of the world’s 34 major biodiversity hotspots—the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, the Northeast region, and the Nicobar Islands—making it an important region for global conservation.[6]

    The Government of India, primarily through the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), has instituted a comprehensive framework of policies, legislative measures, and initiatives aimed at conserving and protecting this natural heritage.

    Budgetary Allocations[7]

    In the Union Budget 2025-26, the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change has been allocated ₹3,412.82 crores, which is 9% higher than the 2024-25 revised estimates of Rs. 3125.96 crores.

    • ₹3,276.82 crore (96%) is for revenue expenditure, which has increased by 8%.
    • ₹136 crore (4%) is for capital expenditure, which has risen by 46% from 93.25 crore from 2024-25 revised estimates.

    For 2025-26, the central government has allocated ₹450 crore for the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats under its centrally sponsored scheme. Additionally, ₹290 crore (64% of the total allocation) has been earmarked for Project Tiger and Elephant, reflecting an 18% increase from the 2024-25 revised estimates.[8]

    National Wildlife Database Cell

    The National Wildlife Database Centre of Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has been developing a National Wildlife Information System (NWIS) on the Protected Areas of the country. As of 27th November, 2023 India has a network of 1014 Protected Areas including 106 National Parks, 573 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 115 Conservation Reserves and 220 Community Reserves covering a total of 1,75,169.42 km2 of geographical area of the country which is approximately 5.32%. [9]

     

    Category

    Number

    National Parks

    106

    Wildlife Sanctuaries

    573

    Conservation Reserves

    115

    Community Reserves

    220

    Total

    1014

     

    The National Wildlife Database Centre (NWDC) is providing information on the conservation status of animal species, biogeographic regions, administrative units, habitat types and the network of protected areas in India, in a variety of formats and also providing an extensive bibliographic support for wildlife research.

    1. Legislative and Policy Framework

    • National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-2031): This strategic plan emphasizes landscape-level conservation, community involvement, and the integration of climate change considerations into wildlife management.[10]
    • National Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Strategy and Action Plan: The National Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Strategy and Action Plan (2021-26) (HWC-NAP) aims to systematically reduce human-wildlife conflict (HWC) while ensuring wildlife conservation, ecosystem protection, and sustainable development. Developed through a four-year consultative process under the Indo-German Project on HWC Mitigation, it integrates scientific, policy, and community-driven approaches to balance human well-being with wildlife protection. [11]

    2. Species-Specific Conservation Initiatives – Success Stories

    2.1 Project Dolphin: Key Developments and Conservation Efforts[12]

    Launched on 15th August 2020, Project Dolphin aims to conserve both marine and riverine dolphins, along with associated cetaceans, through habitat protection, scientific research, and community awareness. In 2022-23, ₹241.73 lakhs and in 2023-24, ₹248.18 lakhs were allocated under the CSS: Development of Wildlife Habitats for conservation activities. Key dolphin hotspots have been identified in Assam, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Lakshadweep, with focused efforts on species protection, habitat improvement, monitoring, patrolling, and awareness programs. A Comprehensive Action Plan (2022-2047) has been finalized and shared with relevant Ministries for execution.

    Policy & Governance Enhancements

    • The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 was amended in December 2022, empowering the Indian Coast Guard with enforcement powers and recognizing Gangetic & Indus River Dolphins as distinct species under Schedule I.
    • The Project Dolphin Steering Committee was reconstituted, with the first committee meeting held on 6th September 2023, where the first edition of the Project Dolphin Newsletter was launched.
    • States have been urged to align with International Whaling Commission regulations, appointing Dolphin and Whaling Commissioners for conservation efforts.

    Scientific Research & International Engagement

    • Population estimation of riverine dolphins has been completed, with the report under finalization.
    • A meeting on Irrawaddy dolphins was conducted in Odisha with the Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change in attendance.
    • India participated in discussions on the Global Declaration for River Dolphins (23-24 October 2023, Bogotá, Colombia), reinforcing its commitment to global dolphin conservation.
    • Chambal River Conservation Zone: A 200 km stretch in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh has been recommended for designation as a Dolphin Conservation Zone for targeted protection efforts.

    India’s First-Ever Ganges River Dolphin Tagging: A Historic Conservation Milestone[13]

    On 18th December 2024, India achieved a groundbreaking milestone by successfully satellite-tagging the first-ever Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) in Assam under Project Dolphin. Led by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in collaboration with the Assam Forest Department and Aaranyak, and funded by the National CAMPA Authority (MoEFCC), this initiative marks a global first in dolphin conservation.

    • With 90% of the global population found in India, knowledge gaps on their movement and ecology have hindered conservation efforts.
    • This initiative will study their habitat use, migration patterns, and environmental stressors, aiding better conservation strategies.

    Technology & Future Steps

    • Advanced lightweight satellite tags compatible with Argos satellite systems enable tracking despite dolphins’ minimal surfacing time.
    • Plans are underway to expand tagging across other states, creating a comprehensive conservation roadmap.

    2.2  50 Years of Project Tiger: [14]

    Project Tiger, initiated in 1973, has been India’s flagship conservation initiative, successfully completing 50 years in 2023. Focused on tiger conservation through dedicated reserves and strict protection measures, it has played a crucial role in reviving tiger populations. Marking this milestone, the Prime Minister inaugurated a commemorative event in Mysuru, Karnataka, on April 9, 2023. As per the 5th cycle of All India Tiger Estimation 2022, India now hosts over 70% of the world’s wild tiger population, reaffirming its leadership in global tiger conservation.

    Statistic

    Value

    India’s Share of Global Wild Tigers

    Over 70%

    Minimum Tiger Population

    3,167

    Estimated Upper Limit

    3,925

    Average Population

    3,682

    Annual Growth Rate

    6.1%

    India has reaffirmed its position as a global leader in tiger conservation, with the tiger population rising to 3,682 (range 3,167-3,925) as per the All India Tiger Estimation 2022, marking a steady increase from 2,967 in 2018 and 2,226 in 2014. The population is growing at 6.1% per annum in consistently sampled areas.[15]

    To commemorate 50 years of Project Tiger, the Prime Minister released key reports, including the ‘Amrit Kaal Ka Vision for Tiger Conservation’, the 5th cycle of Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) of Tiger Reserves, and the official summary of All India Tiger Estimation 2022. A commemorative coin was also issued.

    Major Conservation Efforts

    Tiger Reserve Expansion & Management

    • India now has 54 tiger reserves, covering over 78,000 sq. km (2.30% of the country’s geographical area), with Rani Durgavati Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) being the latest addition.
    • MEE 2022 assessed 51 reserves, ranking 12 as ‘Excellent’, 21 as ‘Very Good’, 13 as ‘Good’, and 5 as ‘Fair’.

    Reintroduction of Tigers in Extinct Areas

    • Tigers have been reintroduced in Rajaji (Uttarakhand), Madhav (Madhya Pradesh), Mukundra Hills (Rajasthan), and Ramgarh Vishdhari (Rajasthan) Tiger Reserves, with plans for Buxa Tiger Reserve next.

    Global Conservation Recognition & Collaboration

    • 23 Indian tiger reserves are now CA|TS-accredited, ensuring global best practices in conservation, with six new reserves receiving accreditation this year.
    • Pench and Satpura Tiger Reserves received the prestigious Tx2 Award for doubling their tiger populations.
    • India signed MoUs with Cambodia for tiger reintroduction and held bilateral discussions with Bangladesh for transboundary conservation in the Sundarbans.

    2.3 International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Becomes a Treaty-Based Organization[16]

    The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) officially became a treaty-based intergovernmental organization on January 23, 2025, with Nicaragua, Eswatini, India, Somalia, and Liberia ratifying the agreement. With 27 countries onboard, IBCA aims to drive global big cat conservation through cross-border collaboration.

    About IBCA

    • Launched by PM Narendra Modi on April 9, 2023, during the 50 Years of Project Tiger event.
    • Union Cabinet approved its establishment in February 2024, with headquarters in India.
    • Founded by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) under MoEFCC on March 12, 2024.
    • Focuses on the conservation of seven big cat species: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma.

    Key Objectives & Impact

    • Enhances global collaboration among governments, conservationists, and NGOs.
    • Establishes a central fund and technical hub for research and conservation efforts.
    • Strengthens habitat protection, anti-poaching strategies, and wildlife law enforcement.
    • Combats illegal wildlife trade and promotes sustainable conservation practices.
    • Integrates climate change mitigation into conservation strategies.

    With IBCA’s legal status now formalized, it marks a historic milestone in global big cat conservation, fostering stronger international cooperation to protect these apex predators and their ecosystems.

    In collaboration with Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, the IBCA organized an executive course on capacity building for wildlife and conservation practitioners, bringing together officials from 27 countries, underscoring the shared global commitment to wildlife conservation and sustainable development. ​[17]

    2.4 Project Cheetah

    Project Cheetah is a landmark wildlife conservation initiative launched on September 17, 2022 aimed at reintroducing cheetahs to India after their extinction in the late 1940s and early 1950s. As the world’s first intercontinental large wild carnivore translocation project, it operates under the umbrella of Project Tiger and aligns with the Cheetah Action Plan to restore and conserve the species. Efforts are underway to expand suitable habitats, ensuring long-term survival and ecological balance in India’s grassland ecosystems.

     Key Achievements:

    • Transcontinental Relocation: In September 2022, eight cheetahs from Namibia were translocated to Kuno National Park, followed by twelve cheetahs from South Africa in February 2023. [18]
    • Successful Adaptation: The majority of these cheetahs have adapted well to their new environment, exhibiting natural behaviours such as hunting, territory establishment, and mating. Notably, a female cheetah gave birth to cubs on Indian soil after 75 years, with one surviving cub reported to be six months old and showing normal growth patterns as of September 2023.[19] On 3rd January, 2024 three cubs were born to Namibian Cheetah Aasha at the Kuno National Park.[20]
    • Community Engagement: The project has actively involved local communities, providing direct and indirect employment opportunities. Over 350 ‘Cheetah Mitras’ (Cheetah Friends) from surrounding villages have been engaged to educate the public on cheetah behaviour and human-wildlife conflict mitigation, fostering peaceful coexistence. [21]

    2.5 Project Elephant:

    India, home to over 60% of the global Asian elephant population, has undertaken significant measures to protect and conserve these majestic animals. Project Elephant, launched by the Government of India, is a flagship initiative aimed at ensuring the long-term survival of elephants in their natural habitats. This program focuses on habitat preservation, human-elephant conflict mitigation, and the welfare of captive elephants, reflecting India’s deep-rooted cultural and ecological commitment to elephant conservation. [22]

    Key Achievements and Initiatives

    1. Growing Elephant Population: India’s wild elephant population has increased from 26,786 (2018 census) to 29,964 in 2022, reinforcing the country’s successful conservation efforts.[23]

    Year

    Elephant Population in India

    2018

    26,786

    2022

    29,964

    2. Expanding Protected Areas: India has 33 Elephant Reserves across 14 states, covering a vast 80,777 km², ensuring elephants have safe migratory corridors and protected habitats.[24]

    3.Integrated Wildlife Protection: Elephant Reserves are often overlapping with Tiger Reserves, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Reserved Forests, ensuring comprehensive protection under multiple forest and wildlife laws.[25]

    4. Financial Investment in Conservation: Under the 15th Finance Commission cycle, the Government has approved a total outlay of ₹2,602.98 crores for wildlife conservation, with ₹236.58 crores specifically allocated for Project Elephant to strengthen conservation measures and reduce human-elephant conflicts.[26]

    2.6 Conservation of the Asiatic Lion in India

    The Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica), once teetering on the brink of extinction, has witnessed a remarkable resurgence in India, primarily within Gir National Park and its surrounding landscapes in Gujarat. This conservation success is attributed to dedicated efforts by the Government of India, the Gujarat State Government, and local communities.

    Key Initiatives

    • Project Lion:[27]
      Launched as a flagship initiative, Project Lion focuses on:
      • Landscape ecology-based conservation, ensuring sustainable lion habitats.
      • Habitat restoration and securing additional areas for lions.
      • Community participation, creating livelihood opportunities for local residents.
      • Disease management, establishing India as a global hub for big cat health research and treatment.

     

    Significance and Achievements

    1. Population Recovery:[28]
    Through rigorous conservation efforts, the Asiatic lion population has shown a consistent upward trend:

    • 2010: 411 lions
    • 2015: 523 lions
    • 2020: 674 lions
    1. Increased Conservation Funding:[29]
      The Gujarat Government has steadily increased its financial commitment to lion conservation, ₹155.53 crore in 2023-24.
    2. International Recognition:[30]
      Due to India’s conservation initiatives, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reclassified the Asiatic lion from “Critically Endangered” to ‘Endangered’ in 2008, acknowledging the success of India’s efforts.

    2.7 Conserving the One-Horned Rhinoceros in India

    The Government of India has implemented several strategic initiatives to conserve and protect the one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), leading to significant achievements in their population recovery and habitat preservation,

    Key Conservation Initiatives:

    • National Conservation Strategy for the Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros (2019): Launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in 2019, this strategy aims to repopulate rhinoceros populations in areas where they previously existed by augmenting existing conservation efforts through scientific and administrative measures. [31]
    • Indian Rhino Vision (IRV) 2020: This program focuses on increasing the rhino population and expanding their distribution by translocating individuals to suitable habitats, thereby enhancing genetic diversity and reducing the risk of localized threats. [32]

    Impact and Achievements:

    • Population Growth: As of 2022, Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to 2,613 greater one-horned rhinoceroses, reflecting effective conservation efforts.[33]
    • Global Significance: Assam’s rhino population accounts for approximately 68% of the world’s greater one-horned rhinoceroses, underscoring the state’s pivotal role in global conservation.[34]
    • Community Engagement: Initiatives such as World Rhino Day celebrations in Kaziranga National Park involve local communities and raise public awareness about rhino conservation, fostering a collective sense of responsibility towards protecting this iconic species. [35]

    3. Habitat and Ecosystem Conservation

    • Digitization of Flora, Fauna and herbarium records: In 2024, the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) and Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has carried out the digitization of 16500 specimens with 45000 images of the Type and Non-Type of Indian Faunal specimens. ZSI has completed faunal documentation from 27 States and Union Territories as well as all of the 10 Biogeographic Zones across the country. Data of 6124 springs in 11 IHR States and 1 UT (J&K) has been geo-tagged spatially online on the HIMAL Geo portal.[36]
    • Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI): Launched on World Environment Day 2024, MISHTI focuses on the restoration of mangroves to bolster coastal sustainability. Approximately 22,561 hectares of degraded mangroves have been restored across 13 states and union territories. [37]
    • National Mission for Green India (GIM): As part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change, GIM was launched in February, 2014 aiming to protect, restore, and enhance India’s forest cover, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation.[38]
    • Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH): This centrally sponsored scheme provides financial and technical assistance to state and union territory governments for wildlife conservation activities. The scheme encompasses the development of wildlife habitats, Project Tiger, and Project Elephant, with a total outlay of ₹2,602.98 crores for the 15th Finance Commission cycle.[39]

    4. Research and Monitoring

    • Advanced Research Facilities: In December 2024, the MoEFCC inaugurated a Next Generation DNA Sequencing facility at the Wildlife Institute of India in Dehradun. This facility enhances research capabilities in wildlife genetics, aiding in the development of effective conservation strategies.[40]

    5. Community Involvement and Awareness

    • ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Campaign: Launched on World Environment Day 2024, this initiative encourages individuals to plant trees in honour of their mothers and Mother Earth. By December 2024, over 102 crore trees had been planted under this campaign, with a target of 140 crore trees by March 2025.[41]
    • World Wildlife Day Celebrations: The 2024 World Wildlife Day, themed “Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation,” was celebrated at Okhla Bird Sanctuary. The event featured eco-trails, poster-making competitions, and interactive sessions to raise awareness about wildlife conservation.[42]

    6. Conservation of Marine Species

    • National Marine Turtle Action Plan: Released by the MoEFCC, this plan focuses on the conservation of marine turtles and their habitats along the Indian coastline.[43]
    • Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019: This regulation emphasizes the conservation of ecologically sensitive areas such as mangroves, coral reefs, and turtle nesting grounds, ensuring their protection from unregulated developmental activities.[44]

    7. Combating Wildlife Crime

    • Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB): Established to combat organized wildlife crime, the WCCB coordinates enforcement actions, gathers intelligence, and assists in international efforts to curb illegal wildlife trade. Between 2019 and 2023, the WCCB conducted 166 joint operations in the North Eastern Region, leading to the arrest of 375 wildlife offenders.[45]

    Key Announcements by the Government of India on World Wildlife Day 2025[46]

    • Release of India’s first-ever riverine dolphin estimation report, covering 28 rivers across eight states. Encouragement of local community participation in dolphin conservation.
    • Foundation stone laid for the National Referral Centre for Wildlife at Junagadh to enhance coordination in wildlife health management.
    • Establishment of a Centre of Excellence at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) – SACON, Coimbatore to tackle human-wildlife conflict.
    • Deployment of Rapid Response Teams with advanced tracking technology, surveillance systems, and AI-driven intrusion detection.
    • Collaboration between Forest Survey of India, Dehradun, and BISAG-N to enhance forest fire prediction, detection, prevention, and control using space technology.
    • Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for wildlife conservation and conflict mitigation.
    • New sites identified for cheetah reintroduction, including Gandhisagar Sanctuary (Madhya Pradesh) and Banni Grasslands (Gujarat).
    • Announcement of a Tiger Conservation Scheme focused on protecting tigers and co-predators outside traditional tiger reserves.
    • Launch of a dedicated Project on Gharials to address their dwindling population.
    • Announcement of a National Great Indian Bustard Conservation Action Plan to upscale conservation efforts.
    • Documentation and research on India’s traditional forest and wildlife conservation practices using AI.
    • Expansion of India’s engagement with the United Nations Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) for enhanced international cooperation.

    Conclusion

    India’s unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is reflected in a series of transformative initiatives that blend tradition with cutting-edge technology. From strengthening flagship programs like Project Tiger and Project Elephant to pioneering new conservation efforts for species such as the gharial and the Great Indian Bustard, the Government has adopted a holistic and science-driven approach. The integration of artificial intelligence, geospatial mapping, and community-led conservation underscores India’s global leadership in biodiversity preservation. The remarkable resurgence of endangered species, strengthened legal frameworks, and a strategic integration of technology underscore the Government of India’s proactive approach to environmental stewardship. Moreover, India’s collaboration with international organizations, multilateral bodies, and conservation partners has reinforced its leadership in addressing global biodiversity challenges. By fostering cross-border cooperation, leveraging scientific innovation, and ensuring community participation, India continues to drive a holistic and inclusive conservation agenda. As we mark World Wildlife Day 2025, the nation reaffirms its resolve to protect and restore ecosystems, ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.

    References

    Kindly find the pdf file 

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    Santosh Kumar / Sheetal Angral / Vatsla Srivastava

    (Release ID: 2107821) Visitor Counter : 30

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PRESIDENT OF INDIA INAUGURATES VISITOR’S CONFERENCE 2024-25

    Source: Government of India

    PRESIDENT OF INDIA INAUGURATES VISITOR’S CONFERENCE 2024-25

    PRESENTS VISITOR’S AWARDS 2023

    YOU HAVE A CRUCIAL ROLE IN ACHIEVING THE GOAL OF ESTABLISHING INDIA AS AN IMPORTANT CENTRE OF THE KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY: PRESIDENT MURMU TO HEADS OF INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING

    Posted On: 03 MAR 2025 6:45PM by PIB Delhi

    The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the two-day Visitor’s Conference 2024-25 at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (March 3, 2025). The President of India is the Visitor of 184 Central Institutes of Higher Education.

    In her inaugural address, the President said that the level of development of any country is reflected in the quality of its education system. She told the heads of the institutions of higher learning that they have a crucial role in achieving the goal of establishing India as an important centre of the knowledge economy. She highlighted the need to pay a lot of attention to research along with education. She said that the Government of India has established the National Research Fund with a very good objective. She expressed confidence that institutions of higher learning would make good use of this important initiative and encourage research.

    The President said that the ambition of our higher education community should be that researchers from our institutions get recognition at the world level, patents of our institutions can bring change in the world, and students from developed countries choose India as a preferred destination for higher education.

    The President said that students from India enrich the world’s leading educational institutions and developed economies with their talent. She emphasised the need of making efforts to utilize their talent in our country. She stated that our national goal of establishing India as a Global Knowledge Super Power would be achieved only when the world community is eager to adopt the work being done in our laboratories.

    The President said that many higher education institutions of our country have global brand value. The students of these institutions get big responsibilities in the best institutions and companies of the world. However, all our institutions should move ahead very fast. The leadership of heads of institutions of higher learning would be recognised by developing and utilising the immense talent of our large youth population.

    The President said that along with excellence, social inclusion and sensitivity should also be an essential aspect of our education system. No economic, social, or psychological limitation of any kind should be a hindrance in getting higher education. She said that heads and teachers of institutions of higher learning should take care of young students, remove any insecurity from their minds and provide them moral and spiritual strength. She urged them to make every possible effort to provide counselling and inspiration to students and spread positive energy in the campuses.

    The President said that our country has a rich tradition of scientific achievements. The branches and sub-branches of Indian knowledge and science have flourished in every region of the country. It would be very useful to rediscover the invaluable but extinct streams of knowledge and science by doing intense research. She stated that it is the responsibility of the higher education ecosystem to find ways to use such organically grown knowledge systems in today’s context.

    The President said that educational institutions shape the future of the nation. Young students learn from the conduct of our policy makers, teachers, heads of institutions, and senior students. She expressed confidence that with their global thinking, the heads of higher learning institutions would prepare a generation of builders of a developed India.

    During the inaugural session, the President presented the eighth Visitor’s Awards in the categories of Innovation, Research, and Technology Development.

    ·  The Visitor’s Award for Innovation was given to Prof Saripella Srikrishna, Banaras Hindu University, for developing Novel Indigenous Innovation in Quantum Technology to boost the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

    ·  The Visitor’s Award for Research in the field of Physical Sciences was conferred upon Prof Ashwini Kumar Nangia, University of Hyderabad, for his seminal research in the discovery and development of high bioavailability drugs and pharmaceuticals with enhanced efficacy at affordable cost.

    ·  The Visitor’s Award for Research in Biological Sciences was jointly presented to Prof Rina Chakrabarti, University of Delhi and Prof Raj Kumar, Central University of Punjab. Prof Chakrabarti has been conferred the Award for her research contributions to Sustainable Freshwater Aquaculture while Prof Raj Kumar has been presented the Award for his research contributions to exploring various cancer hallmarks and the development of synthetic anticancer lead molecules.

    ​·    The Visitor’s Award for Technology Development was presented to Dr Venkateswarlu Chintala, Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, for his research contributions to the petrol and diesel production at commercial scale from landfill municipal mixed plastic waste. 

    Tomorrow, the Conference will deliberate on issues such as – Flexibility in academic courses, Credit Sharing and Credit Transfer with multiple entry and exit options; Internationalisation efforts and collaboration; Translation Research and Innovation related to converting research or innovation into useful products and services; Effective student selection processes and respecting student choices in context of NEP; and Effective assessments and evaluation. The outcome of these deliberations will be presented before the President in the closing session of the Conference.

    Please click here to see the President’s Speech – 

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Dr. Jitendra Singh addressed the celebrations of India’s National Science Day at the Indian Embassy at Tokyo in Japan

    Source: Government of India

    Dr. Jitendra Singh addressed the celebrations of India’s National Science Day at the Indian Embassy at Tokyo in Japan

    Dr. Singh dedicates year 2025-26 as the India-Japan Year of Science, Technology, and Innovation Exchange

    Dr. Jitendra Singh traces the remarkable progress made since 2014 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Indo-Japan cooperation

    Celebrating 40 Years of Indo-Japan Science & Technology Cooperation

    A Landmark Shift in India-Japan Cooperation Under PM Modi’s Leadership: S&T Minister Dr. Singh

    India’s Space Program: A Global Leader in Cost-Effective Innovation

    Posted On: 03 MAR 2025 5:27PM by PIB Delhi

    In a landmark initiative, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh addressed the celebrations of India’s National Science Day at the Indian Embassy at Tokyo in Japan.

    Tracing the four decades of successful science and technology (S&T) collaboration between India and Japan, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Science and Technology, dedicated the year 2025-26 as the India-Japan Year of Science, Technology, and Innovation Exchange.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh traced the remarkable progress made since 2014 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Indo-Japan cooperation. He highlighted the significant achievements since 2015, such as the selection of around 7,000 Indian science students by the Department of Science and Technology for the Sakura Science Program, which allowed them to visit Japan and gain exposure to cutting-edge scientific research.

    This event marks a significant milestone in the ongoing S&T partnership between the two nations and sets the stage for further deepening collaboration in critical areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Quantum Technology, and Space.

    Gracing the NSD celebrations virtually, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space and MoS Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh said “The Inter-Governmental Agreement between India and Japan has laid the foundation for numerous initiatives over the years, and this year marks a momentous 40 years of impactful partnership,” emphasizing that the Indo-Japan S&T cooperation has been one of the most robust and enduring aspects of India’s international S&T engagements.

    Building on the strong foundation of this bilateral cooperation, Dr. Jitendra Singh announced that the 11th meeting of the Indo-Japan Joint S&T Committee is expected to be held in June 2025. The meeting will review ongoing collaborations and channel new initiatives to explore the full potential of S&T synergies between the two nations.

    Highlighting the long-standing association, Dr. Singh pointed out that the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) has been instrumental in supporting more than 300 joint projects since 1993, with thousands of scientists from both countries engaging in exchange visits. Additionally, the partnership has facilitated numerous seminars, workshops, and collaborative initiatives in emerging fields like AI and Machine Learning.

    “Together with Japan’s Science and Technology Agency (JST), we are pioneering joint programs focused on the future of technology. The collaboration between our two countries in these fields is key to addressing the global challenges of tomorrow,” Dr. Singh remarked.

    Dr. Singh revealed that the future of India-Japan cooperation will see an increase in the exchange of students and researchers, with a particular focus on long-term stays, joint supervision, and internships in Japan. Special emphasis will be placed on nurturing talented women scientists. In a bid to further strengthen bilateral ties, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has also invited Japanese science students for exposure visits to India. Last year, ten students and their two supervisors visited India as part of this initiative.

    Celebrating India’s remarkable transformation over the past decade, Dr. Jitendra Singh shared that India has significantly improved its global position across various innovation benchmarks. India now ranks 3rd globally in research publications, PhDs, and start-ups, and is 9th in the quality of research publications. The nation has also risen to 3rd in terms of unicorns and 39th in the Global Innovation Index, a significant leap from its position of 80th in 2014.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh also took pride in India’s space achievements, particularly highlighting the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, which marked the first soft landing on the south pole of the Moon. He noted that this achievement is not only a monumental success for India but for the entire world. “India’s space program is now among the strongest, most ambitious, and cost-effective in the world. Our 2017 achievement of launching 104 satellites in a single mission by ISRO is a world record,” he remarked.

    Reaffirming the theme “Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for Viksit Bharat,” Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted India’s unwavering commitment to creating a level playing field for women and young scientists, ensuring their active participation in the nation’s scientific and technological journey. He emphasized the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach, involving academia, research and development institutions, and entrepreneurs, to foster an inclusive ecosystem where talent from all corners of society can thrive.

    In his address, Dr. Singh also touched upon India’s growing role in pioneering innovations in AI, quantum technology, cybersecurity, biotechnology, and vaccine production. He noted that India’s space sector is now open to private sector investments, unlocking new opportunities for collaboration with global players, including Japan.

    In a bold move, Dr. Singh referred to the recent Union Budget announcement, which opened up the nuclear energy sector to non-government entities. He described this as an unprecedented step that will allow the creation of BharatSmall modular reactors (SMRs) in India, marking a new era in the country’s energy landscape.

    Concluding his remarks, Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed his vision for a future of deepened scientific and technological engagement between India and Japan. With a focus on mutual benefits and shared growth, the next decade promises to bring even greater achievements in science, technology, and innovation, positioning both nations at the forefront of global progress.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM chairs the 7th meeting of National Board for Wildlife on 3rd March in Gir

    Source: Government of India

    PM chairs the 7th meeting of National Board for Wildlife on 3rd March in Gir

    PM releases the first-ever riverine dolphin estimation report in the country, which estimated a total of 6,327 dolphins

    PM lays the foundation stone of National Referral Centre for Wildlife at Junagadh

    PM announces 16th Asiatic Lion Population Estimation to be conducted in 2025 and establishment of Centre of Excellence to deal with Human-wildlife conflict at SACON, Coimbatore

    PM announces that Cheetah introduction will be expanded to Gandhisagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh and Banni Grasslands in Gujarat

    Strengthening wildlife conservation efforts, PM announces a new Project for Gharials and a National Great Indian Bustard Conservation Action Plan

    PM stresses on the usage of remote sensing & geospatial mapping and AI & Machine Learning to combat issues like forest fires and human-animal conflicts

    PM underscores importance of ease of travelling and connectivity for wildlife tourism

    PM asks the Wildlife Board and Environment Ministry to gather the traditional knowledge and manuscripts of various regions of India with respect to conservation and management of forests and wildlife

    Gir is a good success story of Lion and Leopard conservation, we should document this traditional knowledge with the help of AI for use at other National Parks and Sanctuaries: PM

    Posted On: 03 MAR 2025 4:48PM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited Gir National Park in Gujarat earlier today, where he chaired the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife.

    The National Board for Wildlife reviewed various initiatives undertaken by the Government in wildlife conservation, highlighting achievements in the creation of new protected areas and species-specific flagship programs such as Project Tiger, Project Elephant, Project Snow Leopard, among others. The Board also discussed conservation efforts for dolphins and Asiatic lions, and the establishment of the International Big Cats Alliance.

    During the meeting, Prime Minister released the report of the first-ever riverine dolphin estimation conducted in the country, which estimated a total of 6,327 dolphins. This pioneering effort involved surveying 28 rivers across eight states, with 3150 mandays dedicated to covering over 8,500 kilometers. Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest numbers, followed by Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam.

    Prime Minister emphasised the importance of awareness on dolphin conservation by involvement of local population and villagers in the areas. He also advised organising exposure visits of school children in dolphin habitat areas.

    Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of the National Referral Centre for Wildlife at Junagadh, which will function as the hub for coordination and governance of various aspects related to wildlife health and disease management.

    Population estimation of Asiatic Lions is carried out once every five years. The last such exercise was carried out in 2020. Prime Minister announced the initiation of the 16th cycle of lion estimation to be conducted in 2025.

    Considering that the Asiatic Lions have now made Barda Wildlife Sanctuary their home through natural dispersal, Prime Minister announced that lion conservation in Barda will be supported through prey augmentation and other habitat improvement efforts. Underscoring the importance of eco-tourism as a means for development and conservation of wildlife habitats, he emphasised that there should be ease of travelling and connectivity for wildlife tourism.

    For effective management of human-wildlife conflict, Prime Minister made an announcement for establishing a Centre of excellence at Wildlife Institute of India- Campus in SACON (Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History), Coimbatore. The centre will also support the states and UTs in equipping Rapid Response Teams with advanced technology, gadgets for tracking, forewarning; prescribe surveillance and Intrusion Detection Systems in human-wildlife conflict hotspots; and build capacity of field practitioners and community to execute conflict mitigation measures.

    Prime Minister stressed on the usage of remote sensing & geospatial mapping and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning to combat issues like forest fires and human-animal conflicts. He suggested engagement of the Wildlife Institute of India with the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) to address the challenge of human-wildlife conflict.

    To enhance the monitoring and management of forest fires, particularly in highly sensitive protected areas, focusing on prediction, detection, prevention, and control, the Prime Minister advised for a collaboration between the Forest Survey of India, Dehradun, and BISAG-N through use of space technology.

    Prime Minister also announced that the Cheetah introduction will be expanded to other areas including the Gandhisagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh and Banni Grasslands in Gujarat.

    Prime Minister announced a scheme focused on the conservation of tigers outside tiger reserves. The initiative aims to address human-tiger and other co-predator conflicts in areas outside these reserves by ensuring co-existence with local communities.

    Recognising the dwindling population of gharials and a view of ensuring the conservation of Gharials, Prime Minister also announced the initiation of a new Project on Gharials for their conservation.

    Prime Minister commended the efforts undertaken towards conservation of Great Indian Bustard. Considering the need to upscale the conservation efforts, he announced a National Great Indian Bustard Conservation Action Plan.

    During the review meeting, Prime Minister asked the Board and Environment Ministry to gather traditional knowledge and manuscripts of various regions of India with respect to conservation and management of forests and wildlife for research and development. Prime Minister chalked out a roadmap for wildlife conservation strategy and future actions for the Ministry and also asked to constitute various task forces to work on Indian Sloth Bear, Ghariyaal and Great Indian Bustard conservation and development.

    Prime Minister noted that Gir is a good success story of Lion and Leopard conservation. He said that this traditional knowledge should be documented with the help of AI for use at other National Parks and Sanctuaries.

    Prime Minister also suggested for enhanced cooperation in Co-ordination unit under the United Nations Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).

    Prime Minister commended the active participation of local communities in conservation, especially through the establishment of Community Reserves. Over the past decade, India has witnessed more than six fold increase in the number of community reserves. He also emphasized the importance of utilizing advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence in wildlife conservation.

    Prime Minister also advised on research and documentation of medicinal plants in forest areas which can play a crucial role in animal health management.  He also mentioned the possibilities of promoting use of  plant based medicine systems for animal health management on a global scale.

    After the meeting, Prime Minister also flagged off motorcycles for enhanced mobility of frontline forest staff.  He also interacted with field level functionaries at Gir which included frontline staff, eco guides and trackers.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Addressing the impact of the housing crisis on teachers and other categories of public servants in Greece – E-001890/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In the Political Guidelines for 2024-2029, and in the Mission Letter addressed to the Commissioner for Energy and Housing, the Commission President announced ambitious actions to address the housing crisis and help all citizens facing issues to find affordable housing.

    The first-ever European Affordable Housing Plan will aim at offering technical assistance to cities and Member States and focus on investment and skills needed .

    Furthermore, to promote investments, the Commission envisages to work on a pan-European investment platform together with the European Investment Bank, international financial institutions, national promotional banks and other stakeholders.

    The Commission also plans to inject liquidity into the market by allowing Member States to double the planned cohesion policy investments in affordable housing.

    Support is already available under the Recovery and Resilience Facility, an option that is planned by Greece, notably with the new ‘Affordable Housing Programme My Home II’, of EUR 1 billion, which provides financial incentives to individuals for the acquisition of an affordable primary residence.

    The Commission has also been tasked with making proposals aimed to tackle systemic issues arising from short-term accommodation rentals and the inefficient use of the current housing stock.

    The Commission is working on the implementation of the short-term rental Regulation, adopted in April 2024[1]. It foresees the provision of reliable data on short-term rentals, to help Member States design the most appropriate and targeted measures.

    The Commission will also lead on conducting an analysis of the impact of housing speculation and its economic consequences, as well as propose follow up actions where needed.

    • [1]  OJ L, 2024/1028, 29.4.2024 — https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32024R1028#:~:text=Regulation%20%28EU%29%202024%2F1028%20of%20the%20European%20Parliament%20and,Regulation%20%28EU%29%202018%2F1724%20%28Text%20with%20EEA%20relevance%29%20PE%2F77%2F2023%2FREV%2F1

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Difficulties in opening basic payment accounts – E-002851/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is aware that applications to open basic payment accounts are sometimes refused, for example due to a lack of specific documents, the need to demonstrate a genuine interest or ‘de-risking’ practices[1]. The situation differs between the different Member States.

    Whereas Article 16 of the Payment Accounts Directive (PAD)[2] obliges Member States to ensure that consumers legally resident in the EU have the right to have a basic payment account, irrespective of their place of residence, it also includes some derogations[3].

    In addition, Article 15 of the PAD prohibits discrimination as regards the conditions to holding a payment account with basic features. However, a different treatment by credit institutions may still be possible in case there is an objective justification.

    Member States have a primary responsibility to monitor the application of the relevant legal provisions and to take the necessary steps for enforcement.

    In its role as guardian of the Treaties, the Commission monitors the situation and may decide to take appropriate action. It has opened a number of pre-infringement processes with Member States and follows up on citizens’ complaints.

    Recognising the importance of the issue of access to payment accounts and aiming to enhance its application, the Commission services also discuss issues related to the directive, including the right to a basic payment account with Member States in different expert groups, including the Single Market Enforcement Taskforce[4].

    The Commission has also issued a report on the application of the Payment Accounts Directive[5] and is reviewing the directive to assess whether legislative changes are needed.

    • [1] See the report on specific payment account related data from Member States as required by Article 27, COM/2023/248 final (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52023DC0248&qid=1736174762840 ) and the report on the application of Directive 2014/92/EU, COM/2023/249 final, (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52023DC0249).
    • [2] Directive 2014/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 on the comparability of fees related to payment accounts, payment account switching and access to payment accounts with basic features Text with EEA relevance, OJ L 257, 28.8.2014, p. 214-246.
    • [3] For instance, Member States may require that consumers show a genuine interest to open a basic payment account. Also, anti-money-laundering rules may prevent the opening of a basic payment account.
    • [4] Examples of expert groups include: Government Expert Group on Retail Financial Services: https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/expert-groups-register/screen/expert-groups/consult?lang=en&groupID=2021; Financial Services User Group: https://finance.ec.europa.eu/regulation-and-supervision/expert-groups-comitology-and-other-committees/financial-services-user-group-fsug_en; The Single Market Enforcement Taskforce: https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/single-market/single-market-enforcement-taskforce_en
    • [5] The report is based on external studies on the EU payment accounts market and tools to facilitate account switching and cross-border opening of payment accounts (see the Study on EU payment accounts market: https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/0854f727-6117-11eb-8146-01aa75ed71a1/language-en and the Study on tools designed to facilitate switching and cross-border opening of payment accounts on the EU payment accounts market: https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/70d1fcb7-f338-11eb-aeb9-01aa75ed71a1/language-en
    Last updated: 3 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Women’s annual salaries are narrowing the gap. But men still out-earn women by an average $547 a week

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Leonora Risse, Associate Professor in Economics, University of Canberra

    Hyejin Kang/Shutterstock

    Women’s annual earnings are closing in on men’s, with the gender pay gap in Australia’s private sector shrinking from 14.5% to 13.6% in the past year.

    It’s a steady improvement, down from a 15.4% gap two years ago.

    While women are working and earning more than ever before, they are now empowered with even more information to take into salary negotiations and to decide which companies to work for.

    This information is especially valuable in a tight labour market, with the unemployment rate at just 4.1%, as companies fight for top talent.

    This is the second year the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) has published company gender pay gaps, responding to concerns that progress on gender equality had been stalling.

    Pay gap transparency tackles the problem of “asymmetric information” where employers know where each worker sits on the pay scale, but employees don’t.

    Data from 7,800 private companies

    Women’s typical full-time annual salaries sat at A$72,638 in 2023–24, compared to men’s $84,048.

    Though narrowing, that’s still a gap of $11,410 a year, or around $220 a week.

    The gap is much larger once bonuses, overtime and superannuation are included: $18,835 or a total remuneration gap of 18.3%.

    All private companies in Australia with at least 100 employees must report their data to the federal agency. This covers 5.3 million employees across 7,800 companies, a big expansion from last year’s 5,000 companies as more companies improve their data reporting.

    Employees can look at the agency’s website to find the gender pay gap of their private sector employer – or one they are thinking of joining.

    This year’s calculations of company gender pay gaps also incorporate the salaries of top executives.

    When CEOs and heads of business are factored in, the difference in men’s and women’s average total remuneration swells to $28,435, or 21.8%.

    This all adds up to men out-earning women by an average of $547 per week.

    A closer look at company-level gender pay gaps

    Across all companies, the average gender gap in total remuneration is 13.0%. But the magnitude varies widely across different companies.

    Around 2,200 companies (around one-quarter) have a gap exceeding 20%. Of these, around 250 companies have a gap stretching beyond 40%.

    At the other end, around one-quarter of companies have a gap that is either zero or negative, meaning in favour of women.

    The agency considers a gender pay gap within the range of negative 5% to positive 5% to be a reasonable measure to aim for.

    Of the largest organisations (with 5,000 or more employees), airlines are among the worst performers. Virgin has an average gender gap in total remuneration of 41.7% while Qantas reports a gap of 39.2%.

    Among the banks, Commonwealth Bank and Westpac both report an average gender pay gap of 22.4%. Suncorp’s gap sits at 19.3%, NAB’s is at 19.0%, and ANZ has a gap of 18.8%.

    Progress is happening

    The purpose of publishing company pay gap data is to propel progress on gender equality in Australian workplaces.

    It follows legislated reforms designed to motivate employers to pay closer attention to their gender pay gap and take more action.

    Comparisons to last year’s data suggest this is happening. The agency reports that just over half of all employers (56%) reduced their gender pay gap. And 68% conducted an analysis of their gender pay gap, which is an important first step in making progress.

    Greater transparency makes employers more accountable for improving working conditions.

    It is also a way to recognise the companies that are improving over time and learn from their success.

    Correct interpretation is critical

    The gender pay gap, measured as the difference between men’s and women’s earnings, is not the same as equal pay for equal or comparable work. For over 50 years, it has been against the law in Australia to pay men and women differently for doing work of equal value.

    Employer-level gaps in earnings reflects a combination of factors, including gender patterns in the different types of occupations that men and women tend to be in within a company. But these gender patterns in job types do not explain the whole picture.

    Biases and barriers persist, including unconscious favouritism, gender imbalances in care-giving responsibilities and the perpetuation of gender stereotypes.

    This is also not a gap that can be explained by women working fewer hours than men. The calculations include part-time employees, whose pay is converted into an annualised full-time equivalent.

    Each employer has the chance to provide deeper analysis and explanation of their gender pay gap, and the actions they are taking, in their official employer statements which are also available on the agnecy’s website.

    This information will empower not just current employees but also prospective employees, customers, business partners and the wider community in their choices of which companies to work for, do business with, and endorse – and which ones not to.



    Read more:
    Now you’re able to look up individual companies’ gender pay gaps

    Leonora Risse receives research funding from the Trawalla Foundation and the Women’s Leadership Institute Australia. She has previously undertaken commissioned research for the Workplace Gender Equality Agency. She is a member of the Economic Society of Australia and the Women in Economics Network. She serves as an Expert Panel Member on gender pay equity for the Fair Work Commission.

    – ref. Women’s annual salaries are narrowing the gap. But men still out-earn women by an average $547 a week – https://theconversation.com/womens-annual-salaries-are-narrowing-the-gap-but-men-still-out-earn-women-by-an-average-547-a-week-251034

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: We looked at what supermarkets in 97 countries are doing to our waistlines. Here’s what we found

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tailane Scapin, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Deakin University

    World Obesity Federation

    In many countries, buying food at supermarkets, convenience stores and online has become the norm. But what’s the convenience of modern food shopping doing to our health?

    Our study, published today with colleagues from UNICEF, looked at how people in 97 countries shopped for groceries over 15 years.

    Globally, we found a huge increase in the number of supermarkets and convenience stores (which we’ll shorten to chain grocery stores in this article). We also found people are spending more money in these stores and on their online platforms.

    But this has come at a cost to our health. People in countries with the most chain grocery stores per person buy more unhealthy food and are more likely to be obese.

    Here’s why we’re so concerned about this public health disaster.

    The rise of chain grocery stores

    Our study analysed food industry data from a business database to understand how the food retail sector has changed worldwide over time. We looked at the kinds of stores, how much people spend there, and how much unhealthy processed food is sold. We linked these trends with changes in obesity rates using data from a large global initiative.

    We found the density of chain grocery stores (number of stores per 10,000 people) has increased globally by 23.6% over 15 years (from 2009 to 2023).

    We found far more of these stores per person in high-income countries, as you may expect. However, it’s in low- and middle-income countries where numbers are increasing the fastest.

    Rapid urbanisation, rising incomes and customer demand mean large retail companies see these countries as new potential markets.

    For example, the density of chain grocery stores increased by about 21% a year in Myanmar, about 18% a year in Vietnam and about 12% a year in Cambodia.

    In Vietnam, the number of chain grocery stores increased by about 18% a year.
    Nature-Andy/Shutterstock

    We’re shopping online too

    The data in our study also covers the rise of online food shopping. For instance, the worldwide spend on online grocery shopping was 325% more in 2023 compared with 2014.

    Out of the 27 countries we looked at for online food shopping, people in the United Arab Emirates and the United States were the top spenders. In 2023, the average person in the United Arab Emirates spent about US$617 that year, 570% more than in 2014. In the US, the average person spent US$387 in 2023. That’s about 125% more than in 2014.

    It seems many of us took to online shopping during the early days of the COVID pandemic, a habit that appears to have stuck.

    More chain stores, more junk food, more obesity

    The rise of chain grocery stores, including their online platforms, is also changing what we eat.

    Over the 15 years of our study, there has been a 10.9% increase in the sales of unhealthy processed food from those chain grocery stores.

    In South Asia, the increase has been particularly rapid. People in Pakistan have been buying 5% more unhealthy processed foods from chain grocery stores every year for the past 15 years. In India, it’s 4% more and in Bangladesh 3% more.

    Over 15 years, our study also showed the percentage of people with obesity across all countries rose from 18.2% to 23.7%. It was the countries with the biggest increases in chain grocery stores where we saw the sharpest increases in obesity.

    Laos is a good example. The number of chain grocery stores per person in the country has been increasing by 15% each year since 2009, while the percentage of people with obesity has doubled from 2009 to 2023.

    In almost all countries, obesity is on the rise. In Australia, overweight and obesity have recently officially overtaken tobacco as the biggest burden on our health.

    Over 15 years, there has been a 10.9% increase in the sales of unhealthy processed food globally.
    Pratiwi Ambarwati/Shutterstock

    Why do we think supermarkets are to blame?

    Supermarkets and hypermarkets sell healthy foods, such as fruit and vegetables. Yet, there are good reasons to think our retail environment might be to blame for the rise in obesity.

    Highly processed foods

    Chain grocery stores typically sell an enormous array of highly processed packaged foods high in sugar, fat and salt that can harm our health. One study of the food and drinks available in supermarkets from 12 countries showed the majority are classified as unhealthy. Given our findings of rapid increases in chain grocery in low- and middle-income countries, it was alarming in this study that the least healthy products were typically seen in supermarkets from countries like India, China and Chile.

    Heavy promotion

    Chain grocery stores often aggressively promote unhealthy foods. This includes through price discounting; advertising in circulars, on TV and social media; and by being placed in prominent displays at checkouts and the ends of aisles. Studies have shown this to be true in Belgium, Ireland and another 12 countries.

    Online, we see unhealthy foods promoted more often (with discounts and displayed more prominently) than healthy options. For instance, on average at least one-third of products prominently displayed on Australian supermarket websites are unhealthy.

    More buying power

    Compared to small independent grocers, large chain grocery stores globally have a far larger influence on decisions around product assortment and price. Because of this, they can control supply chains, often in partnership with national and multi-national food manufacturers of ultra processed, unhealthy packaged foods.

    What can we do about it?

    There are many social, political, cultural and economic factors that contribute to the rise in obesity globally. Many of these relate to the price, availability and promotion of food in retail settings and the way the retail industry is structured.

    Because of this, we think it’s time for governments and retailers to step up and start making changes to where and how we shop for food.

    Some countries are already beginning to act. In the United Kingdom for example, government legislation now prevents placing unhealthy foods in prominent places such as the checkout counter and at the ends of aisles close to checkouts. From October this year, further restrictions on the price promotion of unhealthy foods (such as “buy one, get one free”) will also come into force in the UK.

    There is also plenty that retailers can do. In Norway, for example, one major grocery chain launched a comprehensive healthy eating campaign several years ago, including by increasing the size and prominence of healthy food displays and offering discounts on fruits and vegetables. This led to a 42% increase in vegetable sales and a 25% rise in fruit sales from 2012 until 2020.

    But most grocery chains are still not doing enough to prioritise their customers’ health and nutrition. In the US, we see this in particular for supermarkets catering to people on low-incomes. And in the UK, although there has been some promising progress by some supermarket retailers, all those assessed have considerable scope for improvement.

    Now more than ever, it is time to create healthier retail food environments that support nutritious diets and help reverse the rising rates of obesity.

    Tailane Scapin receives funding from UNICEF.

    Adrian Cameron receives funding from the National Heart Foundation of Australia, the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and UNICEF. He is affiliated with INFORMAS (International Network for Food and Obesity / Non-communicable Diseases Research, Monitoring and Action Support) and is the Director of the RE-FRESH: Next Generation NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Food Retail Environments for Health.

    – ref. We looked at what supermarkets in 97 countries are doing to our waistlines. Here’s what we found – https://theconversation.com/we-looked-at-what-supermarkets-in-97-countries-are-doing-to-our-waistlines-heres-what-we-found-246412

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Donald Trump is picking fights with leaders around the world. What exactly is his foreign policy approach?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendon O’Connor, Professor in U.S. Politics and U.S. Foreign Relations, United States Studies Centre,, University of Sydney

    Since returning to the US presidency, Donald Trump has outdone himself, gaining global media headlines and attention with outrageous statements and dramatic decisions.

    The most consequential decision so far has been the freezing of many US aid and development programs. The freeze had an immediate impact. Even with some waivers now in place, it is likely that starving people in Ethiopia will not get the famine relief desperately needed; food is rotting in African harbours as constitutional battles over executive power are waged in Washington.

    In Africa alone, the US has also been funding lifesaving malaria prevention efforts and HIV/AIDS drug programs. Elon Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency has cruelly disrupted those.

    There are numerous examples of other reckless policy decisions. In terms of long term consequences, arguably the worst decision Trump has made is pulling the United States out of the Paris Agreement on climate change. He also wound back a slew of Biden administration policies while erasing the term “climate change” from various government websites.

    Trump has attempted to bully Mexico and Canada with threats of a 25% tax on all imports from those two trading partners. He has also imposed a 10% tariff on all Chinese imports coming into the US.

    Then there are Trump’s statements on Ukraine, Gaza and Panama. Last weekend, his treatment of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the White House meeting caused widespread dismay around the world, as Trump doubled down on his promotion of Putin’s talking points and Russian government interests.

    So what’s Trump’s game plan?

    With Trump, it is tempting to claim he is a chaos merchant with no plan or method to his madness. According to this view, when he is challenged or criticised, he will escalate the threats and increase the insults.

    Therefore, conventional wisdom has it that the best way to deal with Trump is to flatter and humour him, then wait for his attention to be distracted by another prize. This understanding of Trump has been developed by international relations scholar Daniel Drezner into the “toddler-in-chief” thesis.

    Psychological understandings of Trump are useful to a point, but it is worth remembering presidencies are run by vast administrations of people, departments and agencies, and not just one person. Moreover, an institution as large as the US Defense Department – with its two million employees and military bases in at least 80 countries around the world – has a near permanent mindset of its own. This, in turn, tends to make presidents as seemingly different as Obama and Trump custodians of many similar military policies and postures.

    The way I have initially examined Trump in my own research is to see him as a hardline conservative nationalist who believes projecting US power with tough talk and reminding other nations of American military might is the best approach to world politics.

    Previous Republican presidents, most notably George W. Bush and Ronald Reagan, adopted this so-called “cowboy” approach. It’s a posture that rejects the idea that the US is the leader of a liberal international order (a leadership role promoted by their Democratic party opponents).

    My starting point for analysis sees continuities between Reagan, Bush and Trump, and highlights their arrogance and ignorance when it comes to dealing with the rest of the world.

    Similar, but different

    However, there are some things about Trump that are clearly different and distinct. Before his second term, the most unusual aspect of Trump’s foreign policy approach was the volume and range of his scattergun rhetoric towards other leaders and nations. For example, he threatened North Korea with “fire and fury and, frankly, power, the likes of which this world has never seen before”, but later told a rally of supporters that, “We fell in love. No, really. He wrote me beautiful letters.”

    As for academic perspectives that might help us better understand what kind of politician Trump is and what his next moves might be, the obvious label is “crudely transactional”. His attitude to most minor and middle powers seems to be “what have you done for me lately?” or “why does America owe your nation anything?”.

    When it comes to Russia, and potentially China, there has been speculation Trump is adopting a geopolitical approach with parallels to the “great game” of the 19th century. The “great game” is another way of saying imperialism, and this is a largely underused way of describing American foreign policy in general and the second Trump administration in particular.

    Then there is the question of whether the (other) “f-word” is a useful way to understand Trump and Trumpism: are his rhetoric and his domestic and international policies fascist? They are definitely ultra-nationalist and racist, which are two key components of fascism; Trumpism revolves around a charismatic leader that has enough in common with fascist Italy and Nazi Germany to make opponents of Trump justifiably nervous. But does Trumpism have the other key element of fascism: mob or state violence that is at times directed at scapegoated enemies?

    There is certainly an embrace of revenge and cruelty by Trump in general, which is being carried out in practice by Musk’s DOGE project. However, whether it is useful to call the second Trump administration fascist, or just fascistic for now, is a complex question within scholarly circles.

    Five weeks into the second Trump administration, and many of the most destructive ideas that were laid out last year in the unofficial campaign manifesto Project 2025 are being put into place. It has been a long-term dream of many hardline conservatives to gut America’s foreign aid and development programs, which is now happening at a frightening pace.

    What lies ahead that turns rhetoric into reality is hard to entirely predict, but many of Trump’s utterances this year have clearly been imperialistic and fascistic. Trump does not have to ignore the constitution or be a textbook fascist to be a terribly dangerous president. Being an authoritarian, which he has no qualms about embracing, is worrying enough.

    Brendon O’Connor 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. Donald Trump is picking fights with leaders around the world. What exactly is his foreign policy approach? – https://theconversation.com/donald-trump-is-picking-fights-with-leaders-around-the-world-what-exactly-is-his-foreign-policy-approach-251238

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Democracy’s bad eggs: corruption, pork-barrelling and abuses of power

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yee-Fui Ng, Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, Monash University

    The question of how best to eliminate corruption has exercised the minds of philosophers as much as the practical drafters of legislation from Ancient Greek and Roman times.

    Within the political sphere, the notion of “corruption” has fluctuated between broad and narrow conceptions.

    The broad conception relates to the decay of institutions or of the stature of the individuals who comprise them. On the other hand, the narrow conception focuses on the abuse of public office for private gain.

    There is also “grey corruption” – which involves questionable behaviour involving a breach of integrity standards that does not necessarily amount to criminal conduct.

    This could include where a person has undue influence over a politician, such as by essentially buying that power through making large donations or hiring expensive lobbyists, particularly where it causes public officials to behave in corrupt ways.

    However the notion is defined, it is clear the fight against corruption is one of the basic tasks of a liberal democracy, perhaps even of an effectively functioning civil society.

    Corruption control is a pressing issue worldwide: the United Nations estimated the economic cost of corruption at 5% of global domestic product or $3.6 trillion annually.

    Australia has had a number of major corruption scandals throughout its history. Corruption was rife in the colonial era, where wealthy landholders sought to influence parliamentarians with monetary bribes.

    This has been followed by several major corruption scandals, such as the Fitzgerald inquiry, which revealed widespread police corruption involving illegal gambling and prostitution.

    What are anti-corruption commissions?

    Anti-corruption commissions are arguably the most significant tool developed in liberal democracies to fight corruption in recent times.

    The first anti-corruption commission in Australia, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), was established in New South Wales in 1988 by then premier Nick Greiner.

    Infamously, a few years later, Greiner became the first premier to resign due to an ICAC investigation.

    Over the next few decades, all states and territories have set up their own anti-corruption or integrity commissions.

    In 2023, the Commonwealth followed suit with the introduction of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), a promise made by Anthony Albanese in the lead-up to the 2022 election after considerable pressure from the public and from within parliament.

    As a result, Australia now has a comprehensive network of broad-based public sector anti-corruption agencies covering all levels of government – a significant development nationally and internationally.

    Anti-corruption commissions are tasked with investigating serious and systemic corrupt conduct in government. This includes not just members of the House and Senate, but their staff and public servants.

    In performing their functions, these commissions have strong coercive powers, equivalent to the powers of a royal commission. This includes the power to compel documents and witnesses.

    Some anti-corruption commissions such as the NACC and NSW’s ICAC have the power to conduct public hearings if they believe it’s in the public interest. This increases transparency in government. But concerns have been expressed about reputational damage for those subject to investigations.

    Anti-corruption commissions also have corruption prevention functions. They are tasked with educating the public about the detrimental effects of corruption on public administration.

    Reports of anti-corruption commissions are often attended by significant media publicity, leading to public awareness of corruption in government.

    Why are anti-corruption commissions needed?

    It has become well accepted that effective anti-corruption institutions play an important role as institutions supporting constitutional democracy.

    The state anti-corruption bodies have brought to light many indiscretions by politicians that would have otherwise remained hidden.

    Without these commissions, corruption in the public sector can take root without us knowing about it. An anti-corruption agency is a powerful deterrent against improper behaviour.

    Yet anti-corruption commissions tend to be unpopular within governments because they scrutinise government action. This means the a commission may expose improper conduct or corruption within their ranks.

    It is common for governments hostile to anti-corruption commissions to attack them, including by reducing their powers or funding.

    This is despite their integral role in our democracy. Alongside other oversight bodies such as the ombudsman (who investigates maladministration within government) and auditor-general (who performs audits of government expenditure), anti-corruption commissions form part of an intricate, interlocking integrity framework that monitors executive action.

    Who watches the watchdogs?

    A big question is about how we ensure anti-corruption commissions do not overstep their bounds. Given their broad coercive powers, how do we hold them to account?

    From their inception, concerns have been expressed about the potential for anti-corruption bodies to infringe on civil liberties, and the possibility they may exceed or abuse their powers.

    In Australia, anti-corruption commissions are subject to a strong system of accountability through parliaments and the courts. They report to dedicated parliamentary committees who scrutinise their actions and decisions. Complaints against anti-corruption commissions can be made to a dedicated inspectorate – an independent statutory officer who oversees their actions.

    Anti-corruption commissions are also subject to judicial review by the courts to ensure they don’t exceed their legal boundaries. Court scrutiny occurs when a person investigated by an anti-corruption commission takes their grievance to court.

    To be effective, anti-corruption commissions require strong powers and institutional independence. But this needs to be balanced with accountability and the protection of individual rights.

    What is pork barrelling and what are some recent examples?

    Pork barrelling involves governments channelling public funds to seats they hold or seats they would like to win from an opponent, as a way of winning voters’ favour. This means the money is used for political purposes, rather than proper allocation according to merit.

    We have been inundated with pork barrelling scandals in recent years. This includes the car park rorts scandal, where 77% of the commuter car park sites selected were in electorates held by the then Coalition government, rather than in areas of real need with congestion issues.

    This followed close on the heels of the “sports rorts” scandal. Minister Bridget McKenzie resigned from cabinet following allegations she had intervened in the sport grants program to benefit the Coalition government while in a position of conflict of interest.

    My research has shown that pork barrelling is an intractable problem across multiple governments over many decades. It takes different forms based on electoral systems.

    Australia has a single member electorate parliamentary system, which makes it more susceptible to pork barrelling than multi-member electorates such as Norway or Spain. The belief is that politicians who “bring home the bacon” for their constituents are electorally rewarded for doing so.

    This means there are incentives for the central cabinet to strategically apportion benefits to marginal electorates to increase prospects of electoral success. There is also an incentive to bias the apportionment of funds towards the party in power.

    In short, rorts scandals keep happening because governments believe that channelling money to marginal and government electorates will win them elections.

    Potentially the NACC could investigate rorts scandals, but only where it amounts to serious or systemic corrupt conduct.

    How do we fix the grants system?

    At the federal level, we have sophisticated financial management legislation that provides a framework for grant rules. The Commonwealth grant rules provide a detailed set of guidelines that ministers and government officials must follow on grant application and selection processes.

    However, there are significant loopholes in the rules. For example, the “car park rorts” scandal is not covered by these rules because it involves money being channelled through the states.

    Also, there are no sanctions for breaching the rules. So ministers and government officials can break the rules without any repercussions.

    To fix the system, we need to reform the rules about grants allocation and close the loopholes. We also need to impose punishment for breaching the rules.

    It is imperative our grants administration system be reformed to ensure that taxpayer funds are protected from governmental abuse. If the ministerial discretion available in grants processes is improperly used, this can give rise to political favouritism and corruption.

    How corrupt is Australia compared to other countries?

    There is a public perception that a small elite is reaping large benefits in Australian society in terms of political influence and its flow-on dividends.

    In Australia, the “game of mates” is flourishing. There’s now a revolving door in politics with many politicians, advisers and senior government officials leaving the public sector to become well-paid lobbyists.

    Add to that the appointments of political “mates” to commissions, tribunals and cushy ambassadorships and the blatant misuse of parliamentary entitlements such as helicopter trips on taxpayer funds.

    Political parties are also accepting millions of dollars in donations from lobbyists and others interested in influencing policy outcomes.

    All of this adds to the perception that the system is rigged – and not in favour of the person on the street.

    Australia has fallen steadily in Transparency International’s global corruption index, from 8th place in 2012 to 14th in 2024. But even so, Australia is the 14th-least corrupt country in the world, which is still a respectable ranking.

    More alarming is the fact that one in 30 Australian public servants said in a survey last year they had seen a colleague acting in a corrupt manner.

    The types of corruption witnessed included cronyism or nepotism (favourable treatment of friends or family members without proper regard to merit). Fraud, forgery, embezzlement and conflicts of interest were also reported.

    In the 1980s, there were incidences of large-scale corruption that rocked the country, culminating in the Fitzgerald Inquiry in Queensland and the WA Inc Royal Commission in Western Australia. These scandals led to the resignations and imprisonments of various former ministers and officials.

    Although we have not sunk to such depths since then, state anti-corruption commissions, such as the NSW ICAC, have uncovered various instances of corruption in recent years. The NSW ICAC’s inquiries have led to the resignations of several politicians, as well as the conviction of former Labor MP Eric Obeid.

    Another classic case of corruption exposed by the ICAC led to the downfall of former Newcastle lord mayor, Jeff McCloy. McCloy famously bragged that politicians treated him like a “walking ATM” and admitted to giving two MPs envelopes of cash amounting to $10,000.

    In Victoria, the Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission’s (IBAC) revealed that a lobbyist funnelled suitcases of cash totalling more than $100,000 from a property developer to a councillor, under the guise of sham transactions.

    These explosive scandals involving corrupt conduct by public officials have eroded public trust in politicians. But the exposure of these scandals by anti-corruption commissions have an important deterrent and educative effect on public officials and the broader public.

    Our faith in government has been eroded by a lack of transparency and the perception that those in power are enjoying unfair benefits. The active investigations by robust institutions such as anti-corruption commissions will act as checks and balances on governmental power – and are key to a vibrant democracy.

    This is an edited extract from How Australian Democracy Works, a new book from leading authors at The Conversation on all aspects of our political system and its history, out March 4.

    Yee-Fui Ng 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. Democracy’s bad eggs: corruption, pork-barrelling and abuses of power – https://theconversation.com/democracys-bad-eggs-corruption-pork-barrelling-and-abuses-of-power-229888

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘Ghosts of the radio universe’: astronomers have discovered a slew of faint circular objects

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Miroslav Filipovic, Professor, Western Sydney University

    Some of the objects captured by ASKAP. Author provided

    Radio astronomers see what the naked eye can’t. As we study the sky with telescopes that record radio signals rather than light, we end up seeing a lot of circles.

    The newest generation of radio telescopes – including the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) and MeerKAT, a telescope in South Africa – is revealing incredibly faint cosmic objects, never before seen.

    In astronomy, surface brightness is a measure that tells us how easily visible an object is. The extraordinary sensitivity of MeerKAT and ASKAP is now revealing a new “low surface brightness universe” to radio astronomers. It’s comprised of radio sources so faint they have never been seen before, each with their own unique physical properties.

    Many of the ASKAP results presented here were obtained with one of its major observing programs called EMU (Evolutionary Map of the Universe). EMU is mapping the entire southern sky with an unprecedented sensitivity and will deliver the most detailed map of the southern hemisphere sky to date – a spectacular new radio atlas that will be used for decades to come.

    EMU’s all-hemisphere coverage paired with ASKAP’s exceptional sensitivity, especially within the Milky Way, is what’s yielded so many recent discoveries.

    Here’s what they’re teaching us.

    Unstable stars

    Kyklos (left) and WR16 (r).
    Author provided

    The ghostly ring Kýklos (from the Greek κύκλος, circle or ring) and the object WR16 both show the environment of rare and unusual celestial objects known as Wolf-Rayet stars.

    When big stars are close to running out of fuel, they become unstable as they enter one of the last stages of the stellar life cycle, becoming a Wolf-Rayet star. They begin surging and pulsing, shedding their outer layers which can form bright nebulous structures around the star.

    In these objects, a previous outflow of material has cleared the space around the star, allowing the current outburst to expand symmetrically in all directions. This sphere of stellar detritus shows itself as a circle.

    Exploded stars

    Left to right clocwise: the supernova remnants Stingray 1, Perun, Ancora and Unicycle.
    Author provided

    Stingray 1, Perun, Ancora and Unicycle are supernova remnants. When a big star finally runs out of fuel, it can no longer hold back the crush of gravity. The matter falling inwards causes one final explosion, and the remains of these violent star deaths are known as supernovas.

    Their expanding shockwaves sweep up material into an expanding sphere, forming beautiful circular features.

    The supernova remnant will be deformed by its environment over time. If one side of the explosion slams into an interstellar cloud, we’ll see a squashed shape. So, a near-perfect circle in a messy universe is a special find.

    Teleios – named from the Greek Τελεɩοσ (“perfect”) for its near-perfectly circular shape – is shown below. This unique object has never been seen in any wavelength, including visible light, demonstrating ASKAP’s incredible ability to discover new objects.

    The shape indicates Teleios has remained relatively untouched by its environment. This presents us with an opportunity to make inferences about the initial supernova explosion, providing rare insight into one of the most energetic events in the universe.

    ASKAP EMU radio image of the Teleios supernova remnant.
    Author provided

    At the other extreme, we can take an object and discover something entirely new about it. The Diprotodon supernova remnant is shown below.

    This remnant is one of the largest objects in the sky, appearing approximately six times larger than the Moon. Hence the name: the animal Diprotodon, one of Australia’s most famous megafauna, a giant wombat that lived about 25,000 years ago.

    ASKAP’s sensitivity has uncovered the object’s full extent. This discovery led to further analysis, uncovering more of the history and the physics behind this object. The messy internal structure can be seen as different parts of the expanding shell slam into a busy interstellar environment.

    ASKAP radio image of Diprotodon, a supernova remnant. Green circle shows the previous measured size, and the yellow circle shows the new ASKAP measured size. Earth’s Moon size is shown in the top right for scale, and Diprotodon’s namesake is shown in the top left.
    Author provided

    A cosmic mirror

    Lagotis is another object that can show how new telescope data can reclassify previously discovered objects. The reflection nebula VdB-80 has been seen before, within the plane of our Milky Way galaxy. The light we see was emitted by nearby stars, and then reflected off a nearby cloud of gas and dust.

    Lagotis, with its cloud of ionised hydrogen or HII region seen on the right.
    Author provided

    However, with newly available ASKAP EMU data, we were able to discover an associated cloud of ionised hydrogen (known as an HII region, pronounced “aitch two”), where stellar energy has caused the gaseous matter to lose its electrons.

    This HII region is seen to coexist with the reflection nebula, sharing the same stellar centre, and is created from the star pushing into a molecular cloud. This movement is akin to burrowing, so the object earned the name Lagotis after Macrotis lagotis, the Australian greater bilby.

    Outside the galaxy

    ASKAP and MeerKAT are also illuminating objects from outside our Milky Way galaxy – for example, “radio ring” galaxies. When we use visible light to look at the stars in this galaxy, we see a rather plain disk.

    But in radio light, we see a ring. Why is there a hole in the middle? Perhaps the combined force of many exploding supernovas has pushed all the radio-emitting clouds out of the centre. We’re not sure – we’re looking for more examples to test our ideas.

    Finally, LMC-ORC is an Odd Radio Circle (ORC), a prominent new class of objects with unfamiliar origins. Only being visible in radio light, they are perhaps the most mysterious of all.

    A radio ring galaxy (left) and LMC-ORC (r).
    Author provided

    The next generation

    MeerKAT and ASKAP are revealing incredible insights into the low surface brightness universe. However, they are precursors for the Square Kilometre Array, an international collaborative endeavour that will increase the abilities of radio astronomers and reveal even more unique features of the universe.

    The low-surface brightness universe presents many mysteries. These discoveries push our understanding further. Currently, the EMU survey using ASKAP is only 25% complete.

    As more of this survey becomes available, we will discover many more unique and exciting objects, both new to astrophysics and extensions on previously known objects.

    Acknowledgements: Aaron Bradley and Zachary Smeaton, Masters Research Students at Western Sydney University, made valuable contributions to this article.

    Nicholas Tothill receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    Andrew Hopkins, Luke Barnes, and Miroslav Filipovic 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. ‘Ghosts of the radio universe’: astronomers have discovered a slew of faint circular objects – https://theconversation.com/ghosts-of-the-radio-universe-astronomers-have-discovered-a-slew-of-faint-circular-objects-249141

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Digital Luddites are rising. They want to democratise tech, not destroy it

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Raffaele F Ciriello, Senior Lecturer in Business Information Systems, University of Sydney

    Have you ever been called a Luddite? We have – usually as an insult, rooted in a popular misconception that Luddites are anti-progress fanatics.

    Nothing could be further from the truth. The original 19th century Luddites weren’t against technology. Rather, they resisted its oppressive use.

    Their rebellion was violently suppressed. But their core critique lives on: technology should benefit all of humanity, not a privileged few.

    Today, as Silicon Valley billionaires and United States president Donald Trump turbocharge corporate control of public digital infrastructure, this critique rings truer than ever.

    In response, we are a seeing a growing surge of attempts to wrest back control of technology for democratic ends. This is a kind of “digital Luddism” which echoes past struggles against high-tech injustice.

    The original Luddites

    The Luddites were 19th century English textile workers who destroyed machinery threatening their craft and livelihoods. Historians call their tactics “collective bargaining by riot”. They were fighting against technologies that centralised power and stripped workers of dignity.

    Luddite resistance was part of broader struggles for labour rights and socioeconomic justice.

    For example, in 18th century France, silk weavers similarly revolted against mechanisation that devalued their craft.

    Earlier, England’s Diggers and Levellers resisted the privatisation of communal lands. This foreshadowed today’s battles over corporate control of digital infrastructure.

    The Luddites faced severe punishment, including imprisonment and even execution. Despite this, their legacy endures. Today, dismissing critics of Big Tech as “Luddites” repeats the mistake of conflating resistance to exploitation with fear of progress.

    The Luddite resistance in the 19th century was part of broader struggles for labour rights and socioeconomic justice.
    Working Class Movement Library catalogue

    In the most extreme scenario, unchecked corporate power allied with monstrous government polices can lead to atrocities. In Nazi Germany, for example, Dehomag, a former subsidiary of computer giant IBM, provided data systems to the Nazis to track victims. Chemical company IG Farben also supplied Zyklon B gas for extermination camps. Many other companies profited from forced labour and funded the regime. This shows how complicity can make oppression more efficient.

    Today, digital technologies are deepening inequality, eroding democracy, undermining privacy, and concentrating power.

    Digital technologies are also fuelling surveillance capitalism, the displacement of human workers by AI algorithms and the growth of monopolistic platforms.

    Platforms and AI systems governed by “broligarchs” such as Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg are also shaping politics, culture, and beliefs globally.

    Digital Luddism, also known as neo-Luddism, tackles these issues through three strategies: resistance, removal and replacement.

    Resistance: blocking harmful systems

    Technology is not inevitable — it’s a choice. Sustained collective action can counter corporate dominance and align tech with democratic values.

    In 2018, more than 3,000 Google workers protested the company’s military AI contract, forcing it to adopt ethical guidelines. However, in February this year, Google expanded defence deals, showing how resistance must be sustained.

    Three years later, Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen exposed the harmful algorithms at the heart of the social media platform.

    Then, in 2024, Amazon and Google staff also staged walkouts over a US$1.2 billion AI contract linked to Israeli military operations.

    Creative industries are also fighting back. For example, in 2023 screenwriters and actors in Hollywood protested against AI replacing their roles. Similarly, Australia’s “right to disconnect” law reflects Luddite principles of reclaiming autonomy.

    Non-profit organisations such as the Algorithmic Justice League and the Electronic Frontier Foundation empower digital rights advocates to take back control over digital spaces by exposing AI bias and through legal litigation.

    Digital Luddism doesn’t reject innovation. It demands technology serve stakeholders, not shareholders.

    Removal: dismantling entrenched power

    Some systems are beyond reform, requiring direct intervention. Removal involves political action and legal regulation. It also involves public pressure to break monopolies or impose penalties on unethical corporations.

    For example, the TraffickingHub petition has garnered more than two million signatories to hold adult website PornHub accountable for unethical or unlawful content. This has led financial institutions, such as Visa and Mastercard, to cut ties to the website. For more than 20 years, hacker collective Anonymous has carried out cyber-attacks on authoritarian regimes, extremists and corporations.

    Digital Luddites can also lend a hand to the long arm of the law.

    The European Union’s 2023 Digital Markets Act broke Apple’s app store monopoly. This sparked a surge in small EU developers.

    Big Tech has also repeatedly faced huge fines and antitrust lawsuits. However, breaking up or nationalising these corporations remains rhetoric for now.

    Replacement: building ethical alternatives

    Proprietary corporate systems have long been challenged by free, open-source alternatives.

    But digital Luddism isn’t just about using different tools. It’s about systemic change towards sustainable, transparent and user-controlled infrastructure.

    After Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover, decentralised alternatives that let users control content flourished. For example, Bluesky grew from 1 million to more than 27 million users in one year.

    The Australian government is also responding to a broader public demand for platform independence. For example, it has introduced policies aimed at enhancing people’s data rights. Its Digital Transformation Agency is also advocating for improved open data standards.

    Open-source AI projects such as China’s DeepSeek and HuggingFace’s Deep Research now rival corporate models, proving open tech is a force to reckon with.

    The original Luddites smashed machines. But the global nature of today’s digital infrastructure makes physical sabotage impractical. That’s why digital Luddism isn’t about smashing screens. Instead, it’s about smashing oppressive systems.

    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. Digital Luddites are rising. They want to democratise tech, not destroy it – https://theconversation.com/digital-luddites-are-rising-they-want-to-democratise-tech-not-destroy-it-251155

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth to Host Illinois Head Start Executive Director Lauri Morrison-Frichtl at Joint Address, Underscoring How Trump’s Illegal Funding Freeze is Hurting Head Start Lifelines and the Families They Serve

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    March 03, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced that the Executive Director of the Illinois Head Start Association Lauri Morrison-Frichtl will be her guest to President Donald Trump’s Joint Address to Congress as part of the Senator’s ongoing efforts to push back against Trump’s illegal funding freeze that continues to inflict needless chaos, confusion and financial pain on Head Start programs and the middle-class families they serve throughout Illinois. With over 37 years of experience with Head Start, Executive Director Morrison-Frichtl is a steadfast leader and advocate for the wellbeing of the thousands of children and families in our state who face the most significant barriers to achieving success in school and in life. Additionally, nearly 70% of Illinois Head Start and Early Head Start parents are in the workforce and rely on Head Start’s programs in order to go to their jobs—allowing them to support their families and contribute to our economy. An official portrait photo of Illinois Head Start Executive Director Lauri Morrison-Frichtl can be found on the Senator’s website.

    “Despite running on the promise that he would lower costs for middle-class Americans, Donald Trump’s illegal funding freeze is hurting the same families he swore he’d protect by jeopardizing the Head Start programs so many rely on,” Duckworth said. “Leaders like Lauri Morrison-Frichtl are on the frontlines of Trump’s needless chaos—which is continuing to cause irreversible damage and jeopardize Illinois Head Start’s ability to serve thousands of children and families. I’m proud to have Lauri Morrison-Frichtl as my guest to the Joint Address to remind middle-class Americans and this Administration just how critical Head Start services are—not only for working parents trying to make ends meet, but also for the next generation of students. We cannot let Trump and Republicans tear down this lifeline for families in order to fund tax cuts for billionaires—full stop.”

    “I am deeply honored to be invited as Senator Duckworth’s guest for the Joint Address to Congress,” said Morrison-Frichtl. “As the Executive Director of the Illinois Head Start Association, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of Head Start in creating safe, nurturing environments where children can thrive and in empowering parents to pursue meaningful employment across the great state of Illinois. However, recent disruptions and uncertainties around federal funding have created significant anxiety and stress among our parents, staff, and communities across Illinois. We are committed to navigating these challenges and ensuring that the bureaucratic hurdles do not undermine the trust that families, staff, and children place in our programs. The work we do is critical. I am honored to work with Senator Duckworth and other elected officials to support our children and families and champion the rights they need and deserve.”

    Earlier this month, Duckworth joined Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, parents, teachers and staff at Two Rivers Head Start in Elgin to underscore how Trump’s illegal funding freeze is continuing to cause financial setbacks for Head Start programs in Illinois. As a result, many Head Start agencies across the state remain unsure about how they’ll be able to provide food and resources to the kids in their care or whether they’ll have to shut down altogether.

    Lauri Morrison-Frichtl is the Executive Director of the Illinois Head Start Association. With a Master of Science degree in Education from Western Michigan University, Lauri brings over 37 years of experience working with Head Start, Early Head Start, and Migrant and Seasonal Head Start programs. She has further enriched her professional expertise through participation in the UCLA Johnson & Johnson Management Fellows Program and the Nike Leadership Institute.

    In 2019, Lauri was honored with the prestigious Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award by the Illinois Head Start community. She has also developed local and national training curricula for both Head Start and child care programs. Known for her dedication and passion, Lauri is a compassionate leader who is deeply committed to the mission of Head Start and continually advocates for the success and well-being of children and families served by Illinois Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Paul W. Brown Named Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Office

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation has named Paul W. Brown as the special agent in charge of the Atlanta Field Office. Mr. Brown most recently served as the special agent in charge of the Mobile Field Office.

    Mr. Brown joined the FBI as a special agent in 2006 and was first assigned to the Bedford Resident Agency in New Hampshire.

    In 2012, Mr. Brown was promoted to supervisory special agent and moved to the Counterterrorism Division at FBI Headquarters. He was promoted to unit chief in 2013 and served as a program manager over U.S.-based international terrorism investigations.

    Mr. Brown transferred in 2015 to the Jacksonville Field Office, where he led the North Florida Joint Terrorism Task Force.

    In 2018, Mr. Brown was selected to serve as the assistant special agent in charge of cyber, counterintelligence, and crisis response programs of the Phoenix Field Office. He left in 2019 when he was promoted to section chief and appointed director of the FBI’s High-Value Detainee Interrogation Group.

    Mr. Brown was promoted again in 2020 to deputy assistant director of the Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate. In 2022, he moved to Alabama to serve as the special agent in charge of the Mobile Field Office.

    Prior to joining the FBI, Mr. Brown served as an officer in the U.S. Army and worked as a business consultant for a multinational professional services company.  He earned a bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University and an MBA from Tarleton State University in Texas.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why you should check for ‘Irish pinky toe’ – and what to do if you have one

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Lauren Connell, Podiatrist & Doctoral Researcher, University of Galway

    staras/Shutterstock

    Does your small toe hide beneath the next its next-door neighbour? Although there isn’t scientific evidence this condition known as “Irish pinky toe” is more common in Ireland, it’s a popular idea that it’s a genetic trait among some people with Celtic heritage. And as podiatrists in Ireland, it is certainly something we see every day.

    An Irish pinky toe may look unusual, cause pain or increase your chances of losing it altogether. Added pressure on the toe or toenail can also cause corns, calluses, thickened toenails and even ulcers that may lead to amputation.

    If you’ve ever thought, “What is wrong with that little toe?” or “Why don’t I have a nail on that toe?” then here’s why you might need to take extra care to avoid potential wounds – and even amputation – in future. Fortunately, toe amputations are a relatively rare occurrence but can be offered if the toe continues to cause pain after all other treatments have been tried or if there is infection or gangrene.

    Because an Irish pinky toe sits under the one beside it and often rotates, this can cause pressure on the neighbouring toe. If two bones or joints are pressed close together, this may cause the skin to thicken and result in a corn.

    This might also happen if the little toenail irritates the skin and, if the nail is long or sharp, this might pierce the skin and cause a wound or an infection.

    The little toe and toenail may also rub up against the lining of your shoes, leading to painful friction blisters or shoes that wear out quickly. Wellington boots may be ideal for music festivals and the rainy Irish weather but don’t tend to fit very well, causing the foot to slide about inside.

    Repeated friction or trauma may even damage the nail matrix, the part that makes nail, attached to the bone. This could lead to permanent thickening of the nail, that may become unsightly and cause pain.

    The “Irish pinky toenail” is similar. This is when the toenail may split in two or an extra nail-like skin lesion develops. Sometimes, it may look like you have two nails, a condition described by podiatrists as a petaloid nail or a Lister’s or Durlacher corn. It’s difficult to determine how common petaloid nails are because they’re underdiagnosed and rarely reported.

    What can I do?

    Whatever your heritage, show your pinky toes some love and avoid future problems by trying to avoid tight footwear, especially boots with a firm toe, such as steel toe caps, court shoes, or any shoe with an unforgiving fabric such as a patent finish.

    Some people might throw on any old socks in the morning but ill-fitting socks can contribute to problem foot health – socks that do not stretch, or have heavy seams, may increase the pressure on your pinky toes. Pain or problems may be caused by the toe itself or, perhaps, a sock seam, rigid fabric or the style of shoe. It’s worth investing in high quality, breathable fabrics for socks, such as cotton or bamboo.

    If you have to wear specific safety footwear for your job, such as in farming and construction, you may find higher quality, thicker socks are better than boots with thick fabrics in the toe, that will wear down over time. Perhaps also consider investing in a silicone-lined toe sleeve, which acts like a hat for your toes and protects them from the pressure of footwear.

    Alternatively, it’s possible “prop the toe” by making custom supports. We do this by creating a silicone device which lifts the toe off the ground, separates tight toes or improves the toes position, to avoid future problems. For existing corns, callus or wounds, it’s best to get a trained specialist who can remove excess nail or skin painlessly with a blade to reduce discomfort.

    Irish pinky toes don’t always always cause pain, but if they do, there are ways to reduce it, one step at a time.

    Lauren Connell is the owner of L.A Podiatry.

    Benjamin Bullen 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. Why you should check for ‘Irish pinky toe’ – and what to do if you have one – https://theconversation.com/why-you-should-check-for-irish-pinky-toe-and-what-to-do-if-you-have-one-250800

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest: 50 years on Jack Nicholson’s greatest performance is as fresh as ever

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Daniel O’Brien, Lecturer, Department of Literature Film and Theatre Studies, University of Essex

    Director Miloš Forman’s masterpiece, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, turns 50 this year. Despite this milestone, it remains a fresh and timeless piece of cinema from the New Hollywood movement.

    Combining iconic performances and universal themes of individualism versus the establishment, Forman’s film is perhaps Jack Nicholson’s greatest performance. He plays Randle Patrick McMurphy, a charismatic convict feigning mental illness in order to serve his sentence at a psychiatric hospital and avoid prison labour.

    Here, he becomes an unlikely leader to the ward’s patients, helping them to discover self-belief and confidence. He also attempts to steer them away from the regime of the cold and oppressive nurse, Mildred Ratched, brilliantly played by Louise Fletcher. Fletcher’s performance earned her an Oscar for best actress (along with best actor for Nicholson, and three other wins for best picture, director and adapted screenplay).

    The trailer for One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest.

    Forman’s film achieves the seemingly impossible by having the audience root for a morally corrupt character (McMurphy’s convictions include statutory rape). This detail is mentioned just once, early in the film, and is seemingly forgotten in order to reorient him as an unlikely saviour, rather than unsavoury character. Nicholson’s magnetism certainly helps.

    Scenes of the anti-hero warmly bonding with his fellow male patients are in stark contrast to the bureaucratic iciness of Ratched, who coldly controls the men of the asylum.

    The hospital ward becomes the metaphorical arena for a battle between individual and establishment. The timeliness of this story – and of the problematic treatment of mental health patients – is one of the reasons the film remains so timeless.

    Another is the significant role that games play in bringing the group of outsiders together.

    The magic circle

    Johan Huizinga was one of the first cultural theorists to analytically consider the role of games, describing play as a type of “magic circle”.

    This was because it marked out a separate space from the rest of the world. Examples of this term can range from the football pitch to the card table or even a stage, where an audience gather to watch a play, rarely crossing the invisible line.

    Huizinga’s term carved out a separate area purely for those players involved in the act of play. In One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, McMurphy galvanises his fellow patients through play, teaching them a range of games from blackjack to basketball. He introduces some of them to baseball through his endeavour to watch the World Series on television, forbidden by Ratchet’s ward policy.

    Games and play in One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. By Daniel O’Brien.

    As he opens these magical circles to his ward-mates, so the confidence of his peers grows, animated with joy and camaraderie. The strict bureaucratic rules from Ratched are filtered with rules from games. McMurphy becomes a reluctant leader, initialling conning the men, but then desperately trying to help them live.

    Another moment of play occurs when McMurphy dupes his way into taking the patients out on a fishing trip. He impersonates a doctor and passes the patients off as his colleagues.

    In the fishing boat scene, one of the most optimistic within the film (and the only one that takes place away from the hospital grounds), the patients come together like a family. McMurphy is the metaphorical father, teaching them how to bait a hook.

    The film circumvents this obvious opportunity for McMurphy’s escape. He instead chooses to offer a form of escape to his companions, enabling them to see what freedom and independence looks like, if only for an afternoon.

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    Play of course is also a central factor in McMurphy’s presence at the hospital from the beginning. It’s left uncertain whether or not he is simulating mental illness in order to avoid a tougher sentence.

    Viewers are reminded of this pretence after McMurphy is forced to undergo electroshock therapy. He returns to the ward acting as though he is now cognitively impaired, before flashing the classic Nicholson grin, which lights him up (to paraphrase McMurphy himself) like a pinball machine.

    His play is often weaponised as an attack on Ratched and her rules – or perhaps even on her entire gender. McMurphy’s deck of erotic playing cards is often presented at moments of play to remind us of his unbridled sexuality and ambiguous morality.

    But of course, this film isn’t just about McMurphy or Ratched. It’s an ensemble film, beautifully performed by outstanding actors, including Will Sampson, Christopher Lloyd, Brad Dourif and Danny DeVito.

    The film has been parodied many times, from The Simpsons to British sitcom Spaced, reminding viewers over many years of its cultural significance. In 2008 one of its original stars, DeVito, parodied the film in his sitcom, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

    Fifty years on, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest has lost none of its power. So find a copy and hit play for a rewatch; its still as fresh as a new pack of Juicy Fruit.

    Daniel O’Brien 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. One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest: 50 years on Jack Nicholson’s greatest performance is as fresh as ever – https://theconversation.com/one-flew-over-the-cuckoos-nest-50-years-on-jack-nicholsons-greatest-performance-is-as-fresh-as-ever-250306

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The female explorers who braved the wilderness but were overlooked by the history books

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sarah Lonsdale, Senior Lecturer in Journalism, City St George’s, University of London

    Ferryland lighthouse near Labrador in the Canadian Arctic, an area mapped by Mina Hubbard in 1905. Nagel Photography

    In the summer of 1905, a young Canadian widow, Mina Hubbard, set out on an expedition to map the northeastern corner of Labrador, from Lake Melville up to Ungava Bay, an inlet of the Arctic Ocean. It was an unusual challenge for a former nurse who had left school at 16.

    Her husband, Leonidas Hubbard, had died in this same harsh environment two years earlier. Mina, 35, intended to complete his work.

    Although she faced physical dangers on the 600-mile journey – starvation, bears, freezing rivers and rapids – her greatest antagonists were the reporters and editors of the male-dominated outdoors press of early 20th-century north America.

    The popular Outing magazine, for whom Leonidas Hubbard had written, was the most excoriating. Its editor, Caspar Whitney, thundered in an editorial that “the widow” should not be in the wilderness, let alone speak about it.

    The wild was no place for a white woman, especially one accompanied by First Nation (Native American) guides. This was not long after she had given an interview to another paper.

    Mina Hubbard in northern Labrador.

    Other newspapers described her as a grief-stricken hysteric. This was the only explanation they could find for her decision to go on such a long and arduous journey. When she was 300 miles into her expedition, having found the source of the Naskaupi River, the New York Times reported on its front page that she had given up, beaten back by hardship and privations.

    New York Times.
    CC BY-NC-ND

    Instead the paper claimed that a man, an explorer called Dillon Wallace who was also in northern Labrador, was “pushing forward beyond any white man’s previous track”. In fact, Hubbard had neither given up, nor had Wallace caught up with her. She would reach Ungava Bay several weeks before his party. But it fitted the dominant narrative of the time: that the wilderness was no place for a woman.

    I explore the idea of what the wild is, and of its being a gendered space, in my new book, Wildly Different: How Five Women Reclaimed Nature in a Man’s World. From ancient myths such as Ulysses or Gilgamesh, to the present where research shows that women face harassment and othering even on remote Antarctic bases, the wild has for centuries been a site of heroic male adventuring and rugged exploration.

    Studies show that even in modern hunting societies, while women tend forest plots and hunt small game near the village or camp, it is the men who go away, often for many days, to hunt for big game and status.

    Myths from across the world have told listeners and readers that women who stray beyond the city wall, village paling or encampment are either supernatural, monsters, or have been banished for perceived sins against society.

    In the Greek myth of Polyphonte, the young girl who refuses to follow the correct gender role to become a wife and mother, and wants instead to hunt in the forest, is treated to a terrible punishment from the gods. She is tricked into falling in love with a bear-turned-man and gives birth to two bestial children. She and her sons are then transformed into flesh-eating birds.

    In a more recent echo of the media coverage of Mina Hubbard’s journey, in Kenya in the 1980s and 1990s, the environmental activist Wangari Maathai was attacked and belittled. She even had a curse put on her for planting trees in forests earmarked for development by the country’s then president, Daniel arap Moi, and for challenging Moi’s plans to build a skyscraper in one of Nairobi’s last green spaces.

    At the height of Maathai’s confrontation with President Moi, the Daily Nation newspaper repeated criticism of both Maathai and her Green Belt Movement organisation. Headlines included: “MPs condemn Prof Maathai” and “MPs want Maathai movement banned”. Her crime? Wanting to slow disastrous desertification and soil erosion, and to empower rural women by planting 30 million trees.

    When British mountaineer Alison Hargreaves was killed in the Himalayas in 1995, reporting focused on her being a mother and wife. Historical newspaper records I found during my research roundly accused her of abandoning her primary role of caring for her children.

    The Sunday Times called her “A mother obsessed”, while the Independent led with the headline, “Dangerous ambition of a woman on the peaks”. The Daily Telegraph headline read, “A wife driven to high challenges”. Readers’ letters were even more critical, branding her as selfish and irresponsible.

    A novelty nail file

    Women who have received neutral or positive coverage for their work have tended to have novelty value, or had accomplished a feat so extraordinary that their being a woman was part of the narrative.


    CC BY-SA

    The entomologist Evelyn Cheesman spent decades collecting insects on Pacific islands, from the Galapagos to New Guinea. Her work led to support for a biological dividing line between different ecosystems in the New Hebrides to be named Cheesman’s Line, and her contribution to science was a great novelty for the newspaper press.

    Her months-long, arduous expedition to Papua New Guinea in the early 1930s earned her the headline in the now defunct UK News Chronicle, “Woman collects 42,000 insects”.

    After Cheesman published her memoir in 1957, detailing four decades of exploration, the headline in the newspaper Reynolds News announced: “Woman trapped in giant spider’s web”. The sub-head simply statesd, “saved by her nail file”.

    More broadly, my research disappointingly concludes that over 100 years on, women explorers and scientific fieldworkers are still represented as unusual or out of place in the wild. These media narratives are dangerous as they feed into social attitudes that put women at risk and cause them to change their behaviour outdoors by avoiding isolated places, especially beyond daylight hours, for example.

    Studies show that women (and black and hispanic) hikers in the US are more afraid of being attacked by men than by bears or other wild animals. Women’s outdoor groups, and campaigners such as Woman with Altitude and the Tough Girl podcast are working hard to counter this narrative, encouraging women to enjoy the beauties and discoveries still to be made in the world’s most rugged and remote places.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Sarah Lonsdale’s book is published by Manchester University Press. Both she and MUP will receive income from sales of the book.

    – ref. The female explorers who braved the wilderness but were overlooked by the history books – https://theconversation.com/the-female-explorers-who-braved-the-wilderness-but-were-overlooked-by-the-history-books-249742

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How gas keeps the UK’s electricity bills so high – despite lots of cheap wind power

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Michael Tamvakis, Professor of Commodity Economics and Finance, City St George’s, University of London

    The UK has become a world leader in offshore wind power. iweta0077 / shutterstock

    Gas and electricity bills will rise again for millions of UK households on April 1, when the latest energy price cap takes effect. A typical household will pay £111 more per year.

    Though prices have fallen somewhat since their peak in 2022, bills are still considerably higher than they have been historically. That’s despite the construction over the past decade of vast wind farms in the North Sea – which, once built, provide electricity for very little extra cost.

    So what explains the UK’s pricey gas and electricity?

    Since the 1990s, the UK has been dependent on natural gas in more ways than one. In 2023 (the most recent year for which we have full statistics), gas accounted for 33% of the UK’s energy and almost as much of the electricity it generated. That year, wind contributed 29% to generation and solar an additional 5%, which is of some significance.

    As nearly all households are connected to mains gas, most energy bills reflect the global price of gas.

    The UK has to compete with demand for gas from other markets, especially, but not exclusively, the EU. The higher the demand, the higher the price. Before the Ukrainian crisis, many EU economies, especially Germany, were able to source abundant gas through pipelines from Russia.

    The UK, like other big European countries such as Spain, Italy and France, was able to meet some of its gas supply via pipelines (from Norway in the case of the UK), but also in the form of more expensive liquefied natural gas (LNG) from as far afield as Qatar, Algeria, West Africa and, more recently, the US.

    Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, the flow of pipeline gas has almost entirely stopped. Germany and western EU countries have to compete with everyone else to source their gas from Norway or international LNG markets. A few countries on the eastern side of the EU, such as Austria and Hungary, are still sourcing their gas from Russia but face western criticism for that continued dependence.

    This all matters to UK consumers because most of a household’s average energy bill reflects the vagaries of the international gas market. A relatively harsh winter in Europe means they have purchased more gas and paid more for it. In a global market the UK consumer will have to pay this price as well. Even a harsh winter in Japan means that more LNG is directed there, increasing prices for UK and EU consumers.

    We can’t suddenly turn on the wind

    Even the growth in renewables, especially wind power, does not offer protection against the vagaries of the global gas markets. It is well known that wind energy is intermittent and therefore difficult to forecast and base generation plans on.

    Wind energy is what people in the electricity industry call “non-dispatchable”. Because electricity is a universal good, which we expect to have whenever we ask for it, the national grid needs to be able to balance the randomness of wind generation with the immediate response of a reliable, quick-start, “dispatchable” source of generation. Gas fits the bill.

    As a result, expensive gas which is called on to make up for the loss of wind or solar generation, ends up setting the electricity price (called the “system price”) most days. Other countries experience something similar. Germany, for instance, generates just 15% of its electricity from gas (albeit with a further 25% from coal) and gets a higher proportion from renewables (28% wind and 12% solar). Yet it still has to use gas frequently to balance the electrical system, with the same effect as in the UK.

    Ultimately, the more variable renewable electricity we inject into the system, the more we need to plan for, and invest in, infrastructure that can support it. That means a smarter grid, fewer grid bottlenecks within the UK, more and bigger interconnections to other European countries and battery solutions which can store electricity both for short periods (minutes and hours) and for days and even weeks.

    Putting all these elements in place is a Herculean task. Gas fills the gap, but in a way which is more expensive (for now) and continues emitting greenhouse gases, albeit at half the rate that coal did.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Michael Tamvakis 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. How gas keeps the UK’s electricity bills so high – despite lots of cheap wind power – https://theconversation.com/how-gas-keeps-the-uks-electricity-bills-so-high-despite-lots-of-cheap-wind-power-251136

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: HuffPost: Democrats Alarmed By DOGE’s Access To ‘Sensitive Databases’

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    February 27, 2025

    Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and other lawmakers pressed the Education Department on Wednesday to clarify how much access Elon Musk’s team had been granted to student loan borrowers’ sensitive data and what they planned to do with it.

    In a letter to acting Education Secretary Denise Carter, Democrats said the agency had provided “woefully inadequate” information about who was using the data and to what end. They said the Education Department’s written response to their questions earlier this month raised “new concerns” about what Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency is up to.

    “The Department refused to confirm or deny whether DOGE had been granted access to the National Student Loan Data System or other databases with sensitive federal student loan data,” Warren wrote in the letter, joined by 14 other Democrats.

    DOGE’s access to the data is now the subject of a federal lawsuit brought by veterans and labor unions alleging the Trump administration violated the Privacy Act by sharing social security numbers and other sensitive information without consent.

    …

    Read the full article here.

    By:  Dave Jamieson
    Source: HuffPost

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Waterbury Teens Research Ways to Improve Public Health in their Hometown

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Nine rising ninth graders from Waterbury public high schools participated in the Health Equity Scholars Program this past summer, led by the UConn Health Disparities Institute (HDI) in partnership with Waterbury Bridges to Success.

    Health Equity Fellows Marie Syla and Julian Chaparro teaching the young scholars at the UConn Waterbury campus.

    The free four-week program introduced the scholars to health equity research, career exploration, and Photovoice, a research method that uses photography and storytelling to spark conversations and document their experiences, perspectives, and concerns on pressing public health challenges in their city and proposing actionable solutions to improve their community’s well-being.

    Each scholar was taught how to identify the factors that influence and impact health in Waterbury and tasked with developing their own health equity research project offering possible solutions to improve public health issues facing Waterbury.

    With the mentorship and guidance from the Health Equity Fellows – Marie Syla, from Waterbury and a sophomore at UConn majoring in Biology and Julian Chaparro, a junior at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Studio Art – scholars were able  research topics that ranged from the importance of clean air, to repairing abandoned buildings, access to public transportation and access to recreation areas for exercise, clean waterways, and even access to places of worship for holistic health.

    At the close of the program students publicly presented their findings to the UConn Health Disparities Institute, their supportive peers, mentors, family members, and community members. Scholars were presented with a certificate to celebrate the completion of the special program.

    “This program is about more than research — it’s about creating opportunities for youth to see themselves as researchers, public health advocates, and as leaders, who can help to address complex community priorities. Their work has the potential to shape the future of public health in Waterbury and beyond,” says Dr. Linda Sprague Martinez, director of the UConn Health Disparities Institute.

    The air pollution research project of Lino Delgado, a freshman at Wilby High School in Waterbury, was featured by the 62nd CT Junior Science and Humanities Symposium hosted by CT-AHEC at UConn Health on Feb. 22. Lino celebrating with his father Felix and HDI’s Trisha Pitter.

    Lino Delgado, 14, a freshman at Wilby High School and Health Equity Scholar, shared how the program gave him a newfound passion for engineering and environmental advocacy.  Delgado was selected as a STEM exhibitor and virtually presented his environmental health research project, which explored the importance of curbing air pollution during the week leading up to the 62nd CT Junior Science and Humanities Symposium hosted by CT-AHEC and held at UConn Health.  His research on the impact of air pollution and the need for electric buses highlighted how local youth can drive innovative environmental solutions.

    “Lino’s family is so proud of him, and so are we,” says UConn HDI’s Trisha Pitter, who directed the Health Equity Scholars Program. “The research program was very transformational for Lino.”

    “Everyone needs public health,” says Delgado who attends Wilby High School. “The program was good, and I really enjoyed making the poster.”

    Delgado adds, “Eventually people are going to need electric buses. The buses right now are producing pollution in our community.”

    “This great program gave Lino a boost of confidence,” says his older sister Maileen Delgado. “He’s a whole new kid. It has changed his whole outlook on his future. Kids in Waterbury don’t get a lot of experiences like this. We really appreciated it!”

    “HDI piloted the Health Equity Scholars Program in Waterbury to explore its impact, and the experience was incredible. It was truly heartwarming to see how engaged the scholars were and open to sharing what they are seeing inside their Waterbury communities and offering solutions. They know what they and their communities need to achieve health equity,” Pitter adds. “It was an honor for UConn Health Disparities Institute to equip scholars with the tools and knowledge to create meaningful change beyond the program. We are also thankful to our Healthy Equity Fellows Marie and Julian who engaged our scholars every step of the way and built personal connections with them that made the research program fun.”

    The scholars presented their research projects and received a certificate at the end of the program.

    “I had an incredible experience with the UConn Health HDI Team, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work with the incoming high school students of Waterbury,” says Syla,19, the Health Equity Fellow from Waterbury who attends UConn Storrs. “Sharing knowledge about the social determinants of health is vital, and I feel honored to have played a role in educating the next generation of scholars. Watching them engage with these important concepts in fun, creative ways was truly inspiring. The lessons they learned will help shape their understanding of health in society, fostering awareness that will ripple through communities for years to come.”

    Health Equity Fellow Marie Syla is from Waterbury and a sophomore at UConn majoring in Biology.

    Syla adds, “As someone from Waterbury, it was especially meaningful to discuss the disparities affecting my own community. Being able to contribute to this conversation and to empower young minds with knowledge was both rewarding and fulfilling. I look forward to seeing the lasting impact of these efforts as these students carry forward what they’ve learned.”

    After UConn, Syla aspires to pursue a career in health care and continue to medical school, striving to make a meaningful impact in the medical field.

    Additionally, as part of the program students explored their possible future health-related career interests and pathways. To broaden career awareness, the program invited guest speakers from Connecticut’s only public academic medical center UConn Health. The faculty shared insights into their career journeys, the motivations behind their work, and the diverse pathways within public health and health equity careers. These sessions were designed as interactive engagements, allowing scholars to lead discussions and explore both traditional and non-traditional career opportunities through fun and creative discussions. Guest speakers included UConn School of Medicine’s Dr. Linda Barry and Dr. Anton Alerte, Dr. Moises Y. Salas, and Rev. Cecil Tengatenga.

    “Exposing our scholars to traditional and nontraditional pathways to public health, shapes their future career outlook and interests. We explored being a physician, researcher, social worker, therapist, educator, artist and entrepreneur to name a few. I could envision each scholar being   future leaders of Waterbury,” says Pitter.

    Delgado now wants to be an engineer thanks to the Health Equity Scholars Program experience with the UConn Health Disparities Institute.

    Lino Delgado.

    “I want to be an engineer, so I can drive trains someday,” says Delgado.

    “We hope to keep the momentum and community engagement of this new pilot program and its students going. Next year, we plan to go back to Waterbury and, also to grow the program in other areas of the state given the great success, interest, and public health need,” says Pitter.

    Lino Delgado’s research project poster.

    “Our goal is to build on this momentum and bring this program to more communities across Connecticut,” says Sprague Martinez. “Young people are impacted by public health decision making but are rarely invited to contribute to those very decisions that impact them. Programs like this create opportunities to ensure public health efforts reflect the priorities of young people and communities, while also increasing college and career readiness.”

    This initiative would not have been possible without the support of Waterbury Bridges to Success, which funded the pilot program, and UConn Waterbury, which provided classroom space for scholars to learn and collaborate. The program’s success is also a testament to the dedicated HDI team, including Sprague Martinez (Principal Investigator), Dr. Rocio Chang (Advisor to the Health Equity Fellows), and Peter Zapata (Program Coordinator).

    “People in communities are experts in their own lives and know what they need to be healthy,” Sprague Martinez concludes. “This is just the beginning. We are interested in advancing efforts that ensure public health efforts reflect the priorities in CT communities including young people. Their voices matter, and they are already making a difference.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In Recognition of National Consumer Protection Week, Attorney General Bonta Releases California’s Top 10 Consumer Complaints

    Source: US State of California

    OAKLAND — In recognition of National Consumer Protection Week, California Attorney General Rob Bonta today released 2024’s Top 10 Consumer Complaints and highlighted ongoing efforts to protect California consumers. The list released today includes the top consumer complaint categories the California Department of Justice (DOJ) has received in the last calendar year. Attorney General Bonta urges Californians to report misconduct or violations of state consumer protection laws to DOJ at oag.ca.gov/report. Complaints submitted by the public provide DOJ and sister agencies with important information about potential misconduct to help determine whether to investigate a business or individual.

    “California is a pillar of strong state consumer protection laws and an outspoken advocate for robust federal protections,” said Attorney General Bonta. “This National Consumer Protection Week, I urge Californians to help us further this work. If you see misconduct or are the victim of a scam, my office wants to know about it: I encourage consumers to immediately file a complaint online at oag.ca.gov/report. Whether protecting our kids online, stopping egregious bank fees, or cracking down on illegal price gouging, as the People’s Attorney, I am committed to going to the mat for California consumers.” 

    Top 10 Consumer Complaint Categories from 2024:

    1.    Social Media Platforms 
    2.    Online Retailers
    3.    Banks
    4.    Contractors
    5.    Landlord/Tenant Issues
    6.    Online Scams 
    7.    Debt Collection 
    8.    Credit Reporting 
    9.    Telephonic Scams
    10.  Brick and Mortar Retail Sales

    Fighting to Keep More Money in the Pockets of Californians:

    Attorney General Bonta took on bad actors and archaic policies that hurt Californians pocketbooks. Last year, DOJ announced a $700 million multistate settlement with Johnson & Johnson for failing to disclose if asbestos was present in its talc products; secured a settlement with ticket reseller StubHub, Inc. for failing to pay timely refunds to Californians for canceled events during the COVID-19 pandemic; and sponsored successful legislation to protect Californians’ financial future by banning the inclusion of medical debt on credit reports.

    Last month, Attorney General Bonta supported lawsuits challenging the Trump Administration’s efforts to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Since its creation, the CFPB has actively worked to make the lives of everyday people better and has returned over $20 billion to Americans nationwide. The shuttering of the CFPB would cause catastrophic harm to consumer protections, leaving no federal oversight over large banks, and saddling state agencies with the sole responsibility to protect consumers from conduct regulated by the CFPB.

    Putting Social Media Companies on Notice:

    In response to a dramatic uptick of consumer complaints, last March, Attorney General Bonta sent a letter to Meta expressing deep concern regarding the increase in account takeovers and lockouts on Facebook and Instagram and the inadequacy of the company’s response to prevent and address consumer harm from these takeovers. The letter asked Meta to take immediate action to increase mitigation tactics and respond to users whose accounts have been taken over.

    Sticking up for Students: 

    In the last year, Attorney General Bonta continued to protect students by securing a decision that upheld a judgment against Ashford University for giving students false or misleading information about career outcomes, cost and financial aid, and transfer credits, as well as a $4.5 million settlement with University of Phoenix for aggressive and unlawful military student recruitment tactics. 

    Protecting Children Online:

    Attorney General Bonta continued to take action to create a safer internet for children and teens. In October 2024, DOJ filed a lawsuit against TikTok for harming young users and deceiving the public about the social media platform’s dangers; and secured a decision in his lawsuit against Meta that largely denies Meta’s attempt to evade responsibility for their role in the children’s mental health crisis. DOJ proudly supported legislation that would put consumers in control of their relationship with social media, like SB 976 (Skinner), recently enacted legislation which interrupts the ability of social media companies to use addictive design features, and AB 56 (Bauer-Kahan), newly proposed legislation that would require warning labels on social media platforms. 

    Advancing Your Data Privacy Rights: 

    In January, Attorney General Bonta reminded Californians of their right to stop or “opt-out” of the sale and sharing of their personal information under the California law, and encouraged consumers to consider familiarizing themselves with the Global Privacy Control (GPC), an easy-to-use browser setting or extension that allows consumers to take back control of their personal data. 

    Last year, Attorney General Bonta announced a settlement with DoorDash for violating California privacy laws by selling its customers’ personal information; and worked with local partners to secure a settlement with a video game developer for illegally collecting and sharing children’s data. 

    Scram, Scams! 

    Attorney General Bonta continued educating and warning consumers about financially harmful and widespread AI-generated scams, toll booth scams, romance scams, and package delivery text-based scams; and continued the fight against annoying and illegal robocalls, which are often a vehicle for scams.

    Setting the Record Straight on AI:

    In January, Attorney General Bonta issued two legal advisories, reminding consumers of their rights, and advising businesses and healthcare entities who develop, sell, or use artificial intelligence (AI) about their obligations under California law. Many consumers and patients are not aware of when and how AI systems are used in their lives or by institutions that they rely on.

    Businesses use AI systems to evaluate consumers’ credit risk and guide loan decisions, screen tenants for rentals, and target consumers with ads and offers, as such, must comply with California consumer protection laws.

    Tackling Price Gouging During a Natural Disaster: 

    In the wake of Los Angeles Fires, Californians should be coming together to help our neighbors, not attempting to profit off their pain. DOJ takes its duty to protect the public from price gouging, rental bidding, and unsolicited property offers by predatory buyers extremely seriously. In addition to sending over 700 warning letters to hotels and landlords, DOJ has several active investigations into price gouging and has announced price gouging charges against three Los Angeles real estate agents and a landlord (January 22, January 28, and February 18). These investigations are often the result of review of complaints received by DOJ.

    DOJ established the Disaster Relief Task Force to work closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement and regulatory partners; last month, DOJ collaborated with, Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto on misdemeanor price gouging charges against a homeowner and real estate agent who allegedly engaged in price gouging in violation of the law.

    For more tips and information on consumer protection, please visit https://oag.ca.gov/consumers. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: A website is not enough: businesses that use digital tools without a strategic plan will struggle in a tough economy

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rod McNaughton, Professor of Entrepreneurship, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

    Mr.paripat niyantang/Shutterstock

    Small businesses across Australia and New Zealand are facing one of their toughest periods in decades.

    A flat economy and shifting consumer behaviour have put pressure on already thin operating margins. A 2024 survey by business finance company ScotPac found 29% of Australian small businesses say they could face insolvency if they lose a major client.

    Accounting organisation CPA Australia’s latest small business survey shows only 48% of New Zealand’s small businesses grew in 2023. This is significantly down from 60% in 2022. There have also been a record number of business liquidations in both New Zealand and Australia.

    Yet some small and medium-sized businesses are thriving. Part of the reason for this is because they have embraced the concept of “digital leadership”.

    This is the ability to strategically integrate digital technologies – such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, data analytics and automation – into a business’s operations, decision-making and long-term vision.

    Digital leaders use emerging technologies to improve efficiency, redesign business models, scale operations and reach new customers in ways that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.

    Our review of the research on digital leadership, recently published in Digital Leadership and Contemporary Entrepreneurship, found that firms treating digital leadership as a core business strategy, rather than just using technology for isolated tasks, are the ones that successfully scale, grow and future-proof their organisations.

    Without this change in mindset, firms risk stagnation and missed opportunities. That difference is critical in an economic environment where small margins separate thriving businesses from struggling ones.

    Why some small businesses fall behind

    It’s easy to assume small businesses lag in digital adoption because of costs or technical complexity. However, most of the studies we reviewed suggest the real issue is hesitancy at the leadership level.

    Some business owners are risk-averse and take a “wait and see” approach. Others believe their current solutions are sufficient even when new technology could improve efficiency.

    A 2021 survey commissioned by cloud accounting software company Xero, found fear of change, overconfidence in existing processes and decision paralysis are among the biggest barriers preventing small businesses from embracing digital solutions.

    Even businesses that already use digital tools – for example, to manage their social media – often fail to go further and integrate technology into core operations such as supply chain management and automation.

    Embracing digital leadership

    The lesson is that simply adopting digital tools without a strategic plan doesn’t lead to growth. True digital leadership requires businesses to rethink how they operate, compete and scale.

    The firms making the most of digital transformation embed technology in their core strategy. They use data-driven decision-making to refine products, forecast demand and identify new opportunities.

    They streamline operations by automating routine tasks, such as using AI-powered invoicing, chatbots for customer inquiries and predictive analytics for inventory management. This frees up time for strategic initiatives such as product development and market expansion.

    At the same time, they invest in training employees to effectively use and adapt to new technologies. Perhaps most importantly, they take an experimental approach – testing, learning and adapting in real time.

    Learning to thrive in digital economy

    Businesses that have successfully grown through digital leadership illustrate this approach in action.

    Set up in 2016, New Zealand-based investing company Sharesies fundamentally changed how everyday people access financial markets.

    Traditional investment firms required large deposits and complex paperwork, excluding many potential investors. Sharesies took a different approach. The company designed a mobile-first platform where users could start with as little as $5. The company now has more than 650,000 users and NZ$3 billion in investments.

    In Australia, The Very Good Bra, a sustainable bra company, used digital leadership to create a global, sustainable fashion brand without traditional retail infrastructure.

    Founder Stephanie Devine developed a direct-to-consumer model through e-commerce, bypassing wholesalers and physical stores. She utilised digital tools such as social media platforms for community engagement, online surveys to collaborate with customers to design products, and data analytics software for demand forecasting, ensuring every product had a market before it was manufactured.

    Both companies succeeded by leveraging digital technologies to disrupt traditional business models. Sharesies democratised investing by making it accessible to individuals with minimal capital, while The Very Good Bra utilised e-commerce and customer collaboration to create sustainable fashion products.

    Their digital-first approaches enabled them to identify and fill market gaps effectively.

    To thrive in the tougher economic climate, businesses need to think beyond software tools. The question is no longer whether to go digital, but how fast a business can rethink their work for the digital future.

    Guy Bate is affiliated with The Education Technology Association of New Zealand (EdTechNZ). He serves as Chair of their AI in Education Technology Stewardship Group.

    Rod McNaughton 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 website is not enough: businesses that use digital tools without a strategic plan will struggle in a tough economy – https://theconversation.com/a-website-is-not-enough-businesses-that-use-digital-tools-without-a-strategic-plan-will-struggle-in-a-tough-economy-250633

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How Trump’s spat with Zelensky threatens the security of the world – including the US

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Natasha Lindstaedt, Professor in the Department of Government, University of Essex

    After the catastrophic press conference on February 28 between Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and US president Donald Trump, it is clear that there has been a global realignment.

    What the press conference revealed was that Trump’s position is a lot closer to Russian president Vladmir Putin than long-time US ally Ukraine, and also that other US allies cannot count on Washington to promote the global world order.

    The extraordinary spectacle ended with Trump and vice-president J.D. Vance shouting at Zelensky, telling him he wasn’t thankful for US aid. Since then, the expected mineral deal between Ukraine and the US has been called off – at least for now.

    There was already a wake-up call for European allies about how reliable the US might be during Trump’s first term when he launched his “American first” policy. This included chastising Nato member countries for not paying enough, and characterising Europe as free-riding on US security guarantees.

    While this sparked alarm among some European leaders over how to ensure that the continent becomes less dependent on the US, Europeans are now scrambling to respond to Trump 2.0’s much more extreme version of America first. After the press conference, European Union foreign minister Kaja Kallas declared: “Today it became clear that the free world needs a new leader. It’s up to us, Europeans, to take this challenge.”

    Trump’s relationship with Russia

    To some extent Europe was caught off guard because it was hard to imagine that a US president would swing US support behind Russia, especially after Russia’s unlawful invasion of Ukraine in 2022. But Trump has turned the page on challenging Russian aggression, and does not seem to see Putin’s ambitions as a threat to global security.

    Instead in the press conference – as in previous statements – Trump has echoed some of Putin’s talking points, such as Ukraine not having any cards to play, being unwilling to do a peace deal, and having to give up land to Russia.

    Trump also refused to say that Putin started the war, and even claimed that peace could have been possible early on in the war had Zelensky wanted peace. Trump even repeatedly opined that both Putin and Trump were brothers of sorts — victims of the same investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 US election.

    The press conference also revealed that the security guarantees that Zelensky pushed Trump to confirm were secondary at best. Trump remained vague and offered no details, possibly because he has no intention of the US providing any security to Ukraine.

    The aim may have been to goad Zelensky – just weeks ago on Fox News Trump stated that he did not know if Ukrainians would one day become Russian. Meanwhile, Trump’s claim that Ukraine did not have any cards to play is unhelpful to highlight if you are trying to negotiate a great deal for one of your allies.

    What Trump seemed to forget is that Ukraine once had a lot of cards — holding the third largest nuclear arsenal in the world with 1,900 strategic warheads, 176 intercontinental ballistic missiles and 44 strategic bombers. Ukraine was coaxed into returning all of its nuclear warheads in exchange for security assurances from Russia and the west, in a 1994 agreement known as the Budapest Memorandum.

    But while this memorandum might mean little to the current US president, allies around the world can see how quickly a US leader can forget their country’s commitments. The message that Trump is sending now is that every country must fight for themselves. All interactions are transactional, and economic interests trump the genuine security needs of allies.



    Read more:
    Raised voices and angry scenes at the White House as Trump clashes with Zelensky over the ‘minerals deal’

    This plays perfectly into China’s hands. To China, Trump has signalled that he primarily cares about the tariff issue. In addition, he could implement higher tariffs on the US’s biggest trading partners (and allies), Canada, the EU and Mexico, than on China.

    The symbolism of the unsigned mineral deal with Ukraine and the capitulation to Russia’s territorial interests in Ukraine should be music to the ears of China’s president, Xi Jinping.

    What it means for China

    China has inundated Taiwan with a propaganda campaign that says the self-governing island is part of China. Part of the campaign focuses on the notion that if China were to invade, the US would abandon Taiwan, citing the withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 as evidence of this.

    The US’s abrupt abandonment of Ukraine adds fuel to this fire. Xi could be emboldened to execute his plan of uniting Taiwan by 2049, if not earlier, which could have disastrous consequences for the global economy.

    European leaders met with President Zelensky after the Trump press conference.

    Taiwan produces 90% of the world’s most advanced semiconductors needed for artificial intelligence and quantum computing, and has a market share of 68%.

    An invasion could lead to a block on global access to semiconductors, causing shortages of all sorts of tech, a possible stock market crash and a fall in trade between Taiwan and western economies. This could cost around US$10 trillion (£7.9 trillion), equal to 10% of global GDP.

    Additionally, for countries such as South Korea and Japan that have been persuaded to not embark on nuclear programmes, the US U-turn sows doubt about its commitment to provide a nuclear shield to its Pacific allies. This could prompt these countries to reverse policies of nonproliferation.

    What happens to Nato?

    Nato has been traditionally led by a US general, but it’s not even clear that the US will remain in the alliance. In the past few weeks Europe has been forced to hold a series of emergency meetings to try to rise to the various global challenges – with or without the US as a key partner.

    All of this makes the US more vulnerable as well. The US is more secure and prosperous when it is part of a long-term alliance, working in partnership with its allies to ensure security, stability, free trade and investment. If the US were to even reduce its security commitments to Nato by 50%, estimates suggest trade with members would fall by US$450 billion.

    The alliance system has been a backbone of US security since 1949. The cost to Nato’s credibility and to defending its borders if Ukraine loses the war would be trillions, not billions, of dollars.

    With Trump appearing desperate to do a deal on Putin’s terms with no concessions, Russia will become much stronger as a result. In spite of the fact that more than 95,000 Russians have died, it’s likely that Russia will act even more boldly, becoming a more attractive ally to US adversaries.

    Trump’s support for Putin not only encourages a hostile nuclear power on the doorstep of the US’s top Nato allies, but also suggests that the US cannot be counted on in future.

    Natasha Lindstaedt 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. How Trump’s spat with Zelensky threatens the security of the world – including the US – https://theconversation.com/how-trumps-spat-with-zelensky-threatens-the-security-of-the-world-including-the-us-251229

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Leading the charge to transform healthcare with advanced AI 

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Leading the charge to transform healthcare with advanced AI 

    In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, AI is revolutionizing patient care by enabling more personalized experiences, optimizing vast medical data management, and improving patient outcomes. As challenges such as rising patient expectations, complex data handling, and regulatory requirements intensify, more advanced solutions have become essential. 

    Microsoft is at the forefront of this transformation, dedicated to developing and implementing responsible AI technologies. By fostering innovation and collaboration through Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, we continue to reinforce how responsible AI can enhance healthcare delivery and improve outcomes for patients worldwide. Building on this commitment, we’re excited to introduce new features in our AI healthcare portfolio that will further drive industry efficiencies, and better patient outcomes. 

    Explore Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare

    Advanced AI models and integrations for healthcare 

    As medical technology advances, improvements in medical imaging are critical for better diagnosis of disease and improved patient care. In 2024, we announced the launch of healthcare AI models, a collection of cutting-edge multimodal medical imaging foundation models available in Azure AI Foundry. Designed for precise image segmentation, MedImageParse 2D model covers many imaging modalities, including x-rays, CTs, MRIs, ultrasounds, dermatology images, and pathology slides. It can be fine-tuned for specific applications such as tumor segmentation or organ delineation, allowing developers to test and validate the ability to leverage AI for highly targeted cancer and other disease detection, diagnostics, and treatment planning.  

    Today, we’re excited to share the MedImageParse model is now optimized for 3D medical imaging data. MedImageParse 3D can handle complex 3D datasets produced by advanced imaging, such as MRI and CT scans, providing a more comprehensive view into patients’ conditions. The enhanced ability to visualize and interpret anatomical abnormalities and structures provides for much more accurate diagnosis that may have been missed by 2D analysis. MedImageParse can also support healthcare researchers with comprehensive image analysis and a more streamlined workflow for radiologists, improving overall efficiency and reducing human error. MedImageParse 3D can soon be found in the Azure AI Foundry model catalog.  

    In partnership with Microsoft Research, the Microsoft Health and Life Sciences model catalog will also feature several new and updated multimodal medical foundation models including TamGen for protein design, Hist-ai for pathology, and ECG-FM for electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis. 

    Leveraging multimodal AI for improved health insights 

    Today, we are excited to announce new functionality in healthcare data solutions that allows customers to orchestrate multimodal AI insights directly into Microsoft Fabric. Now in public preview, orchestrating multiple modalities (e.g., text, image, audio, video, and other forms of sensory input) of health data within Fabric allows healthcare organizations to generate a robust set of insights that help faster decision-making and improved patient outcomes. 

    Customers can leverage Fabric to orchestrate multimodal AI insights by connecting their healthcare data to a variety of AI services and models. These AI-generated insights are then integrated back into the healthcare data estate to enable various use cases like creating targeted outreach and care plans by enriching clinical conversations with social determinants of health (SDOH) and sentiments. Another possible scenario is deriving quick insights and disease progression trends for clinical research by creating image segmentations and combining it with imaging metadata through Microsoft Power BI reports. 

    The orchestration capability includes five out-of-the-box examples to help customers connect and integrate to AI models: 

    1. Text analytics for health in Azure AI Language to extract medical entities from unstructured data such as diagnoses and medications, and the relations between entities.  
    1. MedImageInsight AI model in Azure AI Foundry to generate medical image embeddings from imaging data.  
    1. MedImageParse AI model in Azure AI Foundry enables segmentation, detection, and recognition from imaging data across numerous object types and imaging modalities.  
    1. Sentiment analysis with Azure OpenAI Service to score sentiment for categories such as doctors’ services, staff services, facilities, and cost from conversational data. 
    1. SDOH extraction with Azure OpenAI to extract social determinants of health data from conversational data based on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ defined categories. 

    To further enhance data accessibility, we’re pleased to share the general availability of additional functionality that enhances the existing capabilities within our healthcare data solutions offering. These include:   

    • Care management analytics: By using unified healthcare data and care management analytical templates, healthcare providers can enhance patient care by identifying high-risk individuals, optimizing treatment plans, and improving care coordination. This empowers organizations to deliver personalized, efficient, and proactive care.  
    • Patient outreach analytics: Healthcare providers communicate with their patients more effectively by orchestrating personalized journeys across patient touchpoints. This capability simplifies the process by bringing data from different sources into Fabric, transforming it into an industry data model, and serving it to a Power BI report. 
    • Dragon Copilot ambient AI integration: Dragon Copilot’s AI-powered, voice-enabled capabilities reduce the administrative workload of clinicians by automatically documenting patient encounters. With integration into Fabric, this new capability brings conversational data into Fabric OneLake. This integration enables customers to access, store, and manage the raw data generated. The data is stored in a lakehouse, organized in a hierarchical structure by date, which lets customers view each file and its content. When used in conjunction with healthcare data solutions, customers can combine their conversational data with their clinical data to learn more from patient interactions. 

    “There is a lot of unrealized value in patient physician interactions. OSUMC is aiming to leverage conversational data along with multimodal AI insights in healthcare data solutions such as social determinants of health extraction to improve patient outcomes.”  

    —Ravi Dyta, Director of IT at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

    Achieve more with AI you can trust

    This week’s Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare announcements underscore our commitment to transforming healthcare through advanced AI models and data integrations. By leveraging these cutting-edge technologies, we’re empowering healthcare organizations to deliver better care, help improve patient outcomes, and drive innovation in the industry. 

    Connect with us in the Microsoft booth #2221 at HIMSS 2025 to immerse yourself in the latest advancements in data and AI from Microsoft and our partners.  

    Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare

    Transform how your organization uses AI

    Medical device disclaimer: Microsoft products and services (1) are not designed, intended or made available as a medical device, and (2) are not designed or intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or judgment and should not be used to replace or as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or judgment. Customers/partners are responsible for ensuring solutions comply with applicable laws and regulations.  

    Generative AI does not always provide accurate or complete information. AI outputs do not reflect the opinions of Microsoft. Customers/partners will need to thoroughly test and evaluate whether an AI tool is fit for the intended use and identify and mitigate any risks to end users associated with its use. Customers/partners should thoroughly review the product documentation for each tool. 

    David Ardman

    Corporate Vice President and General Manager, Health and Life Sciences Platform, Microsoft

    David Ardman is responsible for building the Healthcare and Life Sciences (HLS) Data and AI Platform that powers both 1st party Microsoft solutions as well as our Healthcare clients and partners through third party cloud services.

    See more articles from this author

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The overlooked bond: Why mental health professionals should ask questions about pets

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Renata Roma, Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Saskatchewan

    Pets increasingly play a central role in people’s lives. Mental health professionals who overlook this may be missing an opportunity to understand an important aspect of their clients’experience. (Shutterstock)

    Pets have become an integral part of people’s lives, with some having stronger bonds with their pets than with their siblings and other family members. Some feel more empathy toward animals than toward humans.

    According to a survey, for nearly 90 per cent of Canadians, pets are considered not only family members, but also an essential source of emotional support.

    As researchers interested in the psychology of human-animal relationships, we believe that given these findings, it is imperative to understand how the relationship with pets shapes people’s routines, their self-perceptions, emotional states and ability to cope.

    Asking pet-related questions can be particularly relevant for mental health professionals seeking a deeper understanding of clients’ family dynamics. Exploring the role of pets in a client’s life can offer valuable insights into factors shaping their well-being.

    Client-centred approach: What if pets are part of the story?

    Using a client-centred approach, mental health professionals should understand and validate clients’ perspectives. The goal is to work with clients to understand what shapes their experiences, worldview, strengths and support systems.

    Asking pet-related questions can be particularly relevant for mental health professionals seeking a deeper understanding of clients’ family dynamics.
    (Shutterstock)

    More specifically, during intake sessions and assessments, the focus should be on being attuned to the client’s needs. Professionals who overlook the central role pets play in people’s lives risk missing an opportunity to understand an important aspect of their clients’ experience. Shifting this perspective can lead to deeper insight into clients’ emotional states and behaviours, ultimately leading to more tailored and effective treatment.

    The benefits of such holistic framework can be invaluable. Researchers have found pet-related questions can not only reduce anxiety, but also improve communication and rapport. These questions also allow professionals to access clinically relevant information that can guide their therapeutic approach.

    Unlocking deeper insights in therapy

    There are several specific ways that pet-related questions can influence the direction of therapeutic interventions.

    1) Help clients feel more comfortable:

    Asking pet-related questions can provide a sense of familiarity and comfort. This, in turn, strengthens the therapeutic alliance and creates an inviting atmosphere. For example, many couples treat their pets as children. Among younger generations, there is often a preference for pets over children.

    For these clients, neglecting this important aspect of their lives may negatively impact the therapeutic relationship. By asking pet-related questions, professionals can help clients to feel valued and seen. This inclusive approach acknowledges an essential part of their social system and open space for them to talk about how their pets shape their identity.

    Among younger generations there is often a preference for pets over children.
    (Shutterstock)

    2) Create trust:

    In general, building rapport with clients can create a foundation of trust. This makes it easier for them to share difficult and personal information. Discussing the dynamic between a client and their pet can help them feel more comfortable addressing sensitive topics. Nearly 90 per cent of women experiencing domestic violence report mistreatment of their pets.

    Children who are victims of domestic violence often share stories of their pets being mistreated. These clients usually feel more comfortable addressing violence against their pets before they address violence against themselves.

    3) Offer insights on the client’s strengths and resources:

    Pets can provide support in several ways. For some people, spending time with their pets during moments of stress can alleviate feelings of anxiety and loneliness.

    For others, the presence of a pet facilitates engaging in social and physical activities. Also, the bond with the pet can increase feelings of belonging and reduce self-harm behaviours. By understanding the role pets play in the client’s life, clinicians gain insight into their coping strategies and available resources. This helps inform more tailored clinical interventions.

    4) Offer insight into a client’s broader challenges:

    Pets can have a positive impact on emotional attachment. However, strong attachment to pets may sometimes be associated with increased psychological stress and trust issues. Others may experience worry and guilt when their health issues affect their ability to provide care for their pets, which can worsen their psychological distress.

    Additionally, the ways clients approach and resolve issues related to their pets can provide insight into their problem-solving abilities. Exploring these areas with clients can highlight target areas for therapy.

    5) Help to identify sources of stress:

    The relationship with pets is complex, and can fluctuate. Pets with behavioural or health issues may create significant social barriers, reducing social interactions and heightening negative emotions in owners. Also, the inability to afford veterinary care can undermine a person’s well-being. These situations can be associated with anxiety and caregiver burden. Therefore, the dynamics they share with their pets can directly influence the issues presented in therapy.

    In such scenarios, not asking about clients’ relationship with their pets may cause professionals to overlook crucial aspects of clients’ overall well-being. This can result in missing important insights into clients’ strengths and challenges.

    Not asking about clients’ relationship with their pets, may cause professionals to overlook crucial aspects of clients’ overall well-being.
    (Shutterstock)

    The missing piece

    Pet-related questions are not just a trivial detail. The structure of families has evolved. As we work toward more holistic and empathetic therapeutic approaches, exploring the presence of pets in people’s lives is a critical step to fostering an environment of acceptance, openness and trust.

    By exploring this bond, mental health professionals can strengthen therapeutic alliances. They would also learn about essential aspects of a client’s emotional life, their strengths and challenges.

    Simple questions like: “do you have a pet at home?” and “how would you describe the role of your pet in your life?” can help strengthen connections with clients. These questions create opportunities for deeper engagement. They also promote a practice that is client-centred, inclusive and aligned with the evolving configurations of families.

    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. The overlooked bond: Why mental health professionals should ask questions about pets – https://theconversation.com/the-overlooked-bond-why-mental-health-professionals-should-ask-questions-about-pets-250702

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How businesses and consumers can protect themselves against digital supply chain disruptions

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Raymond A. Patterson, Professor, Area Chair, Business Technology Management, Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary

    Digital supply chain disruptions are particularly problematic because they can have immediate global effects and can’t rely on inventory as a buffer. (Shutterstock)

    Digital supply chain disruptions are becoming increasingly common, with a recent notable increase in cyberattacks and supplier errors.

    A significant incident in July 2024 saw a flawed security upgrade by CrowdStrike impact 8.5 million Windows computers. The fallout impacted various industries, including airlines, hospitals and 911 services. This led to the cancellation of 2,800 flights and delays for 11,000 more.

    Threats surrounding the looming trade war between Canada and the United States are also threatening the digital supply chain. The digital supply chain encompasses many goods and services, including video streaming platforms, software, digital content, video games, e-books, online storage, education and training content, and food delivery services.

    According to a McKinsey report from October 2024, companies seem to be easing up on efforts to strengthen supply chain resilience, even as disruptions continue to occur. The survey found “considerable gaps in the ability of organizations to identify and mitigate supply chain risks, with few new initiatives aimed at addressing those weaknesses.”

    Digital supply chain disruptions are particularly problematic because they can have immediate global effects. Unlike physical supply chains, digital suppliers can’t rely on inventory as a buffer. As is clear from major industry disruptions to the digital supply chain, organizations often lack feasible alternatives for their digital suppliers — there is no plan B.

    However, the resilience of digital supply chains is given little attention, despite its critical role in the global economy.

    Risks of sharing digital suppliers

    Our recent research explored how businesses’ choice of digital supplier — either the same as their competitors or different ones — impacts competition and vulnerability to supply chain disruptions.

    Using an economic model, we analyzed how disruptions at a service provider impacted a firm’s customer demand and, in turn, how the firm managed service provider risks.

    We found that when companies rely on the same digital suppliers, they also share risks. In contrast, choosing alternative suppliers can help mitigate those risks. However, businesses often mimic their competitors and share suppliers — a strategy that is not always wise.

    Disruptions to digital supply chains are inevitable, and the effects of these disruptions, particularly on consumer demand, are often underestimated. These disruptions can spread rapidly, without giving companies enough time to react. Cyberattacks or service losses at a single supplier can take multiple businesses offline at once.

    Issues like privacy breaches and service disruptions can even cause customers to change their buying habits. While a disruption at one firm may lead consumers to switch to competitors, broader industry disruptions can diminish overall trust and demand.

    Companies with complementary products should consider using different digital suppliers to mitigate the compounded negative effects of any disruption.

    Additionally, advanced technologies like AI are transforming industries such as customer support and health care, meaning digital supply chain disruptions are also more likely. Automation can also exacerbate this risk.

    Addressing supply chain risks

    Canadians have many concerns about online privacy and security, and business leaders face challenges addressing these concerns moving forward.

    Addressing these concerns is difficult due to several factors, including rapidly changing technology, expanding opportunities for attacks, high costs to address privacy and security, and lack of employee awareness, among others.

    Our research leads to a number of suggestions for companies, industry coalitions, governmental regulators and consumers. For businesses, building resilience against digital supply chain disruptions and supplier outages requires strategic partnerships. Companies must consider how inevitable disruptions will affect not only their customer demand, but also how competitors’ disruptions could affect them, and vice versa.

    For industry coalitions and governmental regulators, understanding the ripple effects of shared digital supply chain risks can help determine whether supply chains should be shared or separated. Industry-specific needs may differ and change over time, which could justify breaking up digital service monopolies to increase supplier diversity or, in some cases, maintaining them.

    Consumers should also be aware of the potential for a digital supply chain disruptions. If an industry-wide outage occurs, having a workaround plan can be essential. For example, when purchasing services that can’t be physically stored, like airline tickets, it’s wise to plan for unexpected disruptions. Booking a flight a day earlier than necessary or allowing extra time to return home can provide a buffer against system-wide failures.

    Breaches of online privacy and service disruptions caused by unforeseen events, bad actors and foreign governments can cause customers to alter their buying habits and negatively impact Canadian competitiveness.

    With Canadians expressing grave concerns over online privacy and security, everyone must recognize the importance of preparing for and mitigating these risks.

    Raymond A. Patterson currently receives funding from the Haskayne School of Business and the National Cybersecurity Consortium (NCC). Previous funding has been obtained from a variety of private and public sources.

    Erik Rolland, Hooman Hidaji, and Lisa Yeo 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. How businesses and consumers can protect themselves against digital supply chain disruptions – https://theconversation.com/how-businesses-and-consumers-can-protect-themselves-against-digital-supply-chain-disruptions-250009

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump tariffs have sparked a ‘Buy Canadian’ surge, but keeping the trend alive faces hurdles

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Melise Panetta, Lecturer of Marketing in the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics, Wilfrid Laurier University

    Escalating trade tensions between Canada and the United States have ignited a new wave of Canadian patriotism, with consumers consciously choosing made-in-Canada products as an act of economic self-preservation and national pride.

    U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to impose tariffs on most Canadian and Mexican goods on March 4, after a month-long delay. This, along with Trump’s calls to make Canada the 51st U.S. state, has prompted Canadians to rally around the so-called “Buy Canadian” movement.

    Recent research indicates a significant number of Canadians are now showing a strong preference for domestic products, with many willing to modify their purchasing behaviours. One recent poll revealed 42 per cent of Canadians polled will “absolutely do everything” to avoid purchasing U.S. products. Eighty-eight per cent said they would buy a product promoted as “made in Canada.”

    Another poll found that 56 per cent of Canadians said they would stop buying a certain product altogether if there is no Canadian-made alternative.

    While the “buy local” movement has deeper roots, often resurfacing during periods of economic tensions, the current surge stems from a desire to support homegrown brands and manufacturers they see as reflecting their values.

    Buy Canadian movement challenges

    While the Buy Canadian movement is gaining traction, actually sustaining it comes with notable challenges. Some experts caution that reducing reliance on U.S. imports is a gradual process contingent on consistent consumer commitment.

    Two primary barriers stand in the way of this sustained change: the higher costs of Canadian-made goods, particularly during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, and the difficulty consumers face in identifying domestically produced items.

    Addressing these two issues is crucial for the long-term viability of the Buy Canadian movement.

    CBC News segment about the Buy Canadian movement.

    Buying Canadian can be pricey

    The first primary obstacle facing the Buy Canadian movement is the price disparity between domestic goods and their imported counterparts.

    Canadian domestic goods often come with a higher price tag due to production costs, economies of scale, transportation and other economic factors. These factors make it difficult for local manufacturers to compete with cheaper foreign alternatives.

    The ongoing cost-of-living crisis, which is driving up prices for goods and services across various sectors, is further intensifying the challenge. One of the biggest household expenses, the cost of groceries, remain particularly high, having jumped by 7.8 per cent in 2023 — its highest level in nearly 40 years.

    Higher prices across almost all sectors has resulted in 71 per cent of Canadians naming the cost of living as a top domestic concern, making it the leading news story in the country in 2024.

    While many consumers express a desire to support local businesses even if they are pricier, the reality of higher costs could make it difficult for consumers to consistently choose domestic products over more affordable foreign alternatives.

    Is it really ‘Made in Canada’?

    The second major obstacle for the Buy Canadian movement lies in confusion over product labels. For many Canadians, identifying which products are truly Canadian versus imported alternatives can be a challenging task.

    A recent poll found that 42 per cent of Canadians believe grocery food products are made in Canada, while the actual number of products fully made in Canada is closer to 10 per cent.

    Compounding matters further, understanding country of origin labelling can also be challenging. Labels such as “Made in Canada” and “Product of Canada” have specific definitions.

    “Made in Canada” means the last substantial transformation of the good or service occurs in Canada but may contain up to 49 per cent imported ingredients, while “Product of Canada” means all, or nearly all, significant parts and processing are Canadian.

    This nuanced labelling and similarity in wording can lead to confusion, making it difficult for consumers to make informed choices.

    Building on the Buy Canadian momentum

    Canadian businesses and retailers have been responding to growing consumer demand for domestic products with concrete marketing strategies. For instance, Loblaw Companies, Canada’s largest food retailer, has committed to “doubling down on securing food grown and made” locally.

    Grocery stores are also making it easier for consumers to identify local products. Several grocery chains have revamped their in-store displays by using shelf tags, stickers and end-of-aisle signage to clearly identify Canadian-made food items.

    Retailers and brands are increasingly spotlighting domestic brands by rolling out targeted pricing deals. Major grocery chains have begun offering significant price reductions and exclusive promotions on items branded as “Made in Canada.”

    Additionally, Canadians are flocking to websites such as Madeinca.ca, which aim to demystify country of origin and labelling so shoppers can distinguish domestic products from imports.

    Although maintaining this momentum may be challenging, consumers are eager to showcase their patriotism at the check-out. With businesses and policymakers actively improving product transparency and addressing cost concerns, the Buy Canadian movement is poised to gain further traction. After all, nothing embodies unity quite like a little patriotic shopping, the Canadian way.

    Melise Panetta 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. Trump tariffs have sparked a ‘Buy Canadian’ surge, but keeping the trend alive faces hurdles – https://theconversation.com/trump-tariffs-have-sparked-a-buy-canadian-surge-but-keeping-the-trend-alive-faces-hurdles-250245

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How rebellion against moralizing has become a surprising rallying point for the political right

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Alexis Shotwell, Professor, Department of Sociology & Anthropology, Carleton University

    A couple of weeks before the astonishing Feb. 28 White House Oval Office meeting that saw United States President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance scold Ukraine’s leader, Vance told European leaders at the Munich Security Conference: “If American democracy can survive 10 years of Greta Thunberg’s scolding, you guys can survive a few months of Elon Musk.”

    Vance was responding — with humour, he said — to pushback over Elon Musk’s vocal support for Germany’s far-right parties, expressed on X in a livestream event and in a December 2024 German newspaper op-ed.

    Newsweek reported that the administration of Germany’s lower house of parliament “is investigating whether Musk’s support for the AfD on the platform where he has 210 million followers could constitute an illegal party donation.”

    Are Musk’s actions, which some allege are interference, comparable to a young woman’s moralizing?

    It might seem odd to equate the richest person in the world supporting far-right political parties with an eco-activist saying politicians should address climate change. However, there is a long history of people seeing scolding as one of the worst things we can do.

    Our research has been concerned with how “purity politics” shape people’s attempts to live ethical lives, and what it means to reason about ecological catastrophe. We are writing a book about how rebellion against moralizing has become a surprising rallying point for the political right, and how to think about moralizing more broadly.



    Read more:
    How Trump’s compulsion to dominate sabotages dealmaking, undermines democracy and threatens global stability

    Rage against moralizing

    Whereas conservatives used to be defenders of morals, they now rage against moralizing, seeing “wokism” as a threat to freedom. Religious conservatives used to position themselves as bastions of morality. But research shows secular societies do not behave less morally as a whole than religious ones.

    Philosopher Judith Butler argues that while Trump displays a “shameless sadism”
    we are seeing his supporters revel in his rejection of moral repression.

    The rejection of moralizing seems to be creating a terrain in which many on the right feel liberated by the current turn against “wokism.” But even on the left, some now worry about too much moralism in what is called “cancel culture.”



    Read more:
    Cancel culture looks a lot like old-fashioned church discipline

    How did moralizing come to this? Could understanding this help us navigate political deadlocks? The history of philosophy has some surprising suggestions here.

    Traditionalism, scolding

    First: there are some dangers in moralizing. One is a kind of traditionalism, which shows up in the creation of moral panics about transgender people, street gangs, abortion, immigrants and so on.

    Another is if someone scolds: “you should take the bus rather than driving” — but the bus doesn’t run to your neighbourhood. Moralizing like this is just posturing. Maybe it makes the driver feel bad, but it doesn’t create more public transit.

    Still, many of us have strong ethical convictions, and we try to live according to what we believe is right or wrong. Even if we judge someone else for the way they are living or behaving, we might hesitate to say something directly. Having personal ethics is socially acceptable; telling others what to do turns us into a scold. Why?

    Our stance

    The word “ethos” in ancient Greek means something like “posture” or “standing.” Aristotle saw ethos as marking our credibility, our character; we enact our ethics only in a shared world. Contemporary ethical approaches often focus on the personal side of this, setting an example without pushing values on others.

    Aristotle saw ‘ethos’ as marking our character.
    (Shutterstock)

    The related word “moral” comes from the Latin mores, usually understood as naming shared customs. Ancient Roman philosopher Cicero used the term moralis to translate ethos, (ἠθική) from Greek. “Morals” were regarded as “the common consent of all living together, constituted from shared traditions,” to quote the influential definition of Roman scholar Marcus Terentius Varro.

    This “common consent” did not claim to apply to everyone. As late as the 16th century, philosophers such as Michel de Montaigne, Cardano or Agrippa of Nettesheim developed a comparative study of various customs and value systems known as “scienta moralis.”

    Moral philosophers discussed different inclinations and life-ways of people without postulating one superior norm that would govern everyone. There was a Christian strand of moral theology that saw morality as a universal principle, but even after the era of 16th-century Reformation in the western church, it was not primarily about condemnation and judgement. Rather, this branch of “humanist” moral inquiry examined how people create and maintain shared norms in a pluralistic society.

    This changed with ideas that we could have a universally applicable moral science, governed by reason. Philosophers like Immanuel Kant helped formulate this idea. If we think of morality as a law everyone can be subjected to, it makes sense that people rebel against it.

    Channeling opponents of moralizing

    When Vance characterised Thunberg as “scolding,” he unwittingly channelled opponents of moralizing, such as philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche.

    Nietzsche once defined his philosophical project as a “declaration of war against morals and moralists.” For him and the thinkers he inspired, moralizing is conceived as a negative emotion motivated by resentment and envy.



    Read more:
    Stephen Bannon’s world: Dangerous minds in dangerous times

    Nietzsche’s almost total rejection of morals can be understood as one of the many roots of the contemporary hesitation (though this idea is debated). No one wants to be denigrated by being seen as one of the sheep who unquestioningly embraces a herd mentality.

    In this context, paradoxically, moralizing — scolding — has come to mean that anyone who says they think something is bad, or should be otherwise, is oppressing the people they criticize.

    ‘Scolding’ people in power

    When we look at the extraordinary difference in power between Musk and Thunberg, this definition of moralizing begins to seem a little weird. Is scolding so dangerous to people in power?

    For people interested in pushing back against authoritarianism, maybe we should hope that it is. We can look to the earlier ideal of morality as forging “common consent” for direction here.

    In the philosophical sense, addressing our “mores” suggests moving towards a collective re-evaluation of how people want to live. Saying “no, I do not agree with this” can perhaps express our character in a way that shapes our shared world.

    Moralizing could then be the process of building new customs. It would be about building morale and seeing hope and agency in these admittedly dire times. Moralizing with others, rather than at them, could help people move beyond feeling immobilized and cynical.

    Studies about “bystander intervention” usually focus on the ways that people go along with things they think are wrong. Research does suggest our moral actions are shaped by the people around us, but this also means moral courage is contagious.

    Standing up for something allows other people to also express their moral convictions. It can be a testament about hope or agency and could be more powerful than we think.

    It is perhaps the fear of this powerful potential that is the core of truth in Vance’s otherwise absurd equation.

    Perhaps this signals the true threat moralizing poses to the status quo — the possibility that there is a better way to live together in a shared world.

    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. How rebellion against moralizing has become a surprising rallying point for the political right – https://theconversation.com/how-rebellion-against-moralizing-has-become-a-surprising-rallying-point-for-the-political-right-250549

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –