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Category: Education

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS RELEASE – Proof-of-Concept Study Report Completed on Proposed New Oʻahu Community Correctional Center

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    NEWS RELEASE – Proof-of-Concept Study Report Completed on Proposed New Oʻahu Community Correctional Center

    Posted on Feb 5, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION

         KA ‘OIHANA HOʻOMALU KALAIMA A HOʻOPONOPONO OLA

         JOSH GREEN, M.D.

         GOVERNOR

         KE KIAʻĀINA

         TOMMY JOHNSON

         DIRECTOR

         KA LUNA HO‘OKELE

    PROOF-OF-CONCEPT STUDY REPORT COMPLETED ON PROPOSED

    NEW OʻAHU COMMUNITY CORRECTIONAL CENTER

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    February 5, 2025

    HONOLULU — The University of Hawaiʻi Community Design Center (UHCDC) has completed its final proof-of-concept study report, “Breaking Cycles: Alternative Models for Rehabilitation and Restorative Justice on Oʻahu,” on the proposed new Oʻahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC).

    The report presents community visions and aspirations for the new jail and provides recommendations to improve the criminal justice system. The concepts are based on

    a multilayered collaboration with the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR), the Hawaiʻi Correctional System Oversight Commission, Office of the Governor, residents, multiple community organizations and stakeholders.

    The DCR had contracted UHCDC to conduct wide-reaching independent research, community engagement and a design study on the proposed new jail.

    Built in 1916, the OCCC is the state’s largest jail. The jail in Kalihi is outdated and is not designed to provide programs. The facility is deteriorating, as parts of the jail are 111 years old.

    The planning process for a new jail started in 2016. The property where the existing animal quarantine station is situated in Hālawa is the proposed site for the new OCCC.

    Over a two-year period, UHCDC hosted numerous in-person and virtual community engagement events that include symposia, talk-story sessions, listening and co-design workshops. The group also attended ʻAiea Neighborhood Board and ʻAiea Community Association meetings, hosted listening workshops at Hālawa Correctional Facilty and participated in prison reform hui meetings.

    The 268-page report is an in-depth study that includes key concepts on system reform, facility planning and design elements for the new jail. Part of UHCDC’s extensive research included connecting with various counties in Arizona, California and Florida to gain insight into their reform processes to rehabilitate individuals, reduce recidivism, provide a continuum of care, inside and outside of corrections.

    UHCDC stated the report “outlines aspirations and visions that are crucial for inspiring and enabling transformation. We present this work as a contribution to that change, with gratitude, hope, and a firm belief that such transformation is not only possible but essential to our collective well-being.”

    Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Director Tommy Johnson said, “We express our sincere gratitude to UHCDC for its excellent work on this report. The report will be an effective tool to help DCR complete the planning and design for the new OCCC, develop request for proposals and select a contractor to design the proposed new jail.”

    The DCR envisions the new jail to have multipurpose rooms for programs, use of natural light, outdoor recreation yard, wall murals and space for treatment rooms to support rehabilitative services for inmates. A new facility to include a gym, courtyard, dining room and lounge for staff to promote health and wellness is also part of that vision.

    DCR will be engaging with the feedback in the report to further guide the rehabilitation aims of the new facility.

    Cathi Ho Schar, director of the University of Hawaiʻi Community Design Center, said, “We thank the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for sponsoring this work and inviting us to lead this effort. We also offer our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who linked elbows with us and who shared their time and manaʻo with our team.”

    UHCDC’s work is an independent addition to the planning and design of the new OCCC. The purpose of the report is to help DCR with the development of the Request for Proposals (RFP) and to select a team to design and construct the new jail. UHCDC is not responsible for the development of the RFP.

    Please click on the following link to access the report: https://www.breaking-cycles-symposium.org.

    # # #

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Media Contacts:

    Rosemarie Bernardo

    Public Information Officer

    Hawai‘i Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

    Office: 808-587-1358

    Cell: 808-683-5507

    Email: [email protected]

    Website: https://dcr.hawaii.gov

     

     

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Reducing air pollution could increase methane emissions from wetlands – here’s what needs to be done

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Vincent Gauci, Professorial Fellow, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Science, University of Birmingham

    Sampling in a Pantanal lake, Brazil. Vincent Gauci, CC BY-NC-ND

    What if well-meaning policies that reduce one atmospheric pollutant could also increase natural emissions of powerful greenhouse gases?

    Our findings, just published in the journal Science Advances, advance an earlier discovery of one such unfortunate interaction. This means that we need to work much harder than we thought to stay within the safe climate limits of the Paris agreement.

    The atmospheric pollutant in question is sulphur. Its current and projected decline from clean air policies aimed at reducing acid rain and fine particles, coupled with direct effects of increasing atmospheric CO₂ and warming, will lead to larger natural wetland methane emissions than expected.

    This is because sulphur has a very specific effect in natural wetlands that reduces methane emissions. On the other hand, CO₂ boosts methane production by increasing growth in plants that make the food for methane-producing microbes.

    Put simply, sulphur provides the conditions for one set of bacteria to outmuscle another set of microbes that produce methane over limited available food in wetlands. Under the conditions of acid rain sulphur pollution during the past century, this was enough to reduce wetland methane emissions by up to 8%.

    If we lift this sulphur “lid” on wetland methane production and increase CO₂, we have a double whammy effect that pushes wetland emissions much higher.

    We first discovered this effect in the early 2000s with field experiments that simulated acid rain sulphur pollution in the peatlands of North America, Scotland and Scandinavia. Further similar experiments took place on methane-emitting rice.

    Now, more than 20 years on, we have better modelling approaches that allow us to use improved estimates of the future of sulphur pollution and CO₂ for a range of scenarios. This allows us to link these back to methane emissions.

    A water hyacinth meadow in the Pantanal, Brazil.
    Vincent Gauci, CC BY-NC-ND

    The effect is substantial and we estimate that these different factors, in combination, will mean that policy instruments like the global methane pledge, which addresses anthropogenic emissions of methane, may need to work much harder.

    More than 150 nations signed up to the global methane pledge at the UN climate summit, Cop26, in Glasgow. The pledge seeks to reduce emissions of anthropogenic methane by 30% on a 2020 baseline by 2030.

    If successful, the climate benefit can be substantial (methane is around 30-80 times more potent than CO₂ as a greenhouse gas) and fast-acting. This is because methane only lasts in the atmosphere for around 10 years, leading to a rapid 0.2°C climate dividend by 2050.



    Read more:
    Methane is pitched as a climate villain – could changing how we think about it make it a saviour?

    However, our findings show that between 8% and 15% of the allowable space for these human-made emissions is disappearing. This is due to the climate, CO₂ fertilisation, and sulphur unmasking effects. So, larger cuts are needed to achieve the same Paris climate targets.

    This isn’t the first time that the loss of an apparent broad climate-cooling action of atmospheric sulphur has been implicated in driving warming at a faster rate than anticipated.

    Drainage canal in the Kampar peat swamp forest, Sumatra, Indonesia.
    Vincent Gauci, CC BY-NC-ND

    In 2020, shipping pollution controls were introduced globally to reduce emissions of sulphur dioxide and fine particles that are harmful to human health. This reduction in atmospheric sulphur over the oceans has been implicated in larger warming effects than expected in what has come to be known as “termination shock”.

    Part of the warming effect of emitted CO₂ is effectively masked by cooling sulphate particles in the atmosphere. If the source of the sulphate is stopped, the remaining sulphur in the atmosphere drops out rapidly, unmasking the warming effect of the CO₂ which lasts over 100 years in the atmosphere. For natural wetlands the unmasking effect on methane emissions can take a little longer, more a “termination rebound” than shock – but it soon catches up.

    Intentional interventions?

    So what can be done? In another paper recently published in Global Change Biology, scientists propose direct intervention in natural wetland methane emissions through adding sulphate to these ecosystems, essentially – and this time deliberately – replacing the sulphate lid on the wetland methane source. This raises questions about what a natural wetland actually is.

    Acacia plantation on former peat swamp forest after harvest, Sumatra, Indonesia.
    Vincent Gauci, CC BY-NC-ND

    What are the environmental ethics of deliberately intervening in this manner for ecosystems that are only just recovering from past incidental pollution effects? In emitting methane, they are, ultimately, just performing their natural function and should be protected for the vast carbon stores they contain and the valuable biodiversity that makes these ecosystems their home.

    So, we need to go back to the framework set up by the global methane pledge which is prompting much innovation to reduce human emissions from fossil fuel industries, waste and agriculture. We need to work harder on emissions first and foremost while also considering technologies to actively remove methane from the atmosphere.

    Atmospheric methane removal technologies are a new and under-investigated approach to managing atmospheric methane and they could be as simple as growing more trees.

    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.

    Vincent Gauci receives funding from or has received funding from the Natural Environment Research Council, The Royal Society, Spark Climate Solutions, Axa Research Fund, Defra.

    Lu Shen receives funding from National Natural Science Foundation of China.

    – ref. Reducing air pollution could increase methane emissions from wetlands – here’s what needs to be done – https://theconversation.com/reducing-air-pollution-could-increase-methane-emissions-from-wetlands-heres-what-needs-to-be-done-246723

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to Copernicus data reporting that January 2025 was the warmest on record globally

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Scientists comment on data published by Copernicus that shows January 2025 was the warmest on record globally.

    Dr Joel Hirschi, Associate Head of Marine Systems Modelling, UK’s National Oceanography Centre (NOC), said:

    “One should not infer too much out of one month temperature data, as temperature anomalies can vary a lot.  The global temperatures for 2024 and now early 2025 have been tracking the record temperatures we saw in 2023 (and 2024) quite closely.  The last few months of 2024 were slightly cooler than in 2023 and January 2025 is now just warmer than January 2024.

    “Despite La Niña conditions having developed in the tropical Pacific, global temperatures remain very high.  This pattern is similar to what we observed after the El Niño events of 2015/16 and 2019/20 when global temperatures remained close to record warm levels even after the onset of La Niña conditions.

    “Global sea surface temperatures are a bit lower than in 2024 and will likely remain lower as we move further into 2025.”

    Prof Richard Allan, Professor of Climate Science, University of Reading, said:

    “Human caused warming of the ocean is accelerating and this is dominating to an ever greater extent over the natural year to year fluctuations in climate.  Although the swing from moderate El Niño to a weak La Niña during 2024 had a small cooling effect on the surface of the ocean, heat continues to flood into the climate system as atmospheric greenhouse gases continue to rise and the reflective haze of aerosol particle pollution diminishes in some regions following clean air regulation.  Aside from a cooler than average equatorial band in the eastern Pacific due to the weak La Niña conditions, much of the rest of the global sea surface remains remarkably warm in early 2025, primarily a result of human-caused warming of climate.

    “Changing weather patterns from week to week can rapidly alter temperatures over continental regions, which warm up and cool down more quickly than the oceans.  Based upon the most up to date, state of the art Copernicus data, large areas of Europe, Canada and Siberia experienced less cold weather than is normal for January but parts of South America, Africa, Australia and Antarctica also experienced above average temperatures which contributed along with the balmy oceans to the unexpected record global temperatures at the beginning of 2025.  As industrial activity continues to spew greenhouse gases into the air, this growing heating effect is tipping the balance toward record warmth and worsening hot, dry and wet extremes.”

    Prof Bill McGuire, Emeritus Professor of Geophysical & Climate Hazards, UCL, said:

    “The fact that the latest robust Copernicus data reveals the January just gone was the hottest on record – despite an emerging La Nina, which typically has a cooling effect – is both astonishing and, frankly terrifying.  Having crashed through the 1.5C limit in 2024, the climate is showing no signs of wanting to dip under it again, reflected by the fact that this is the 18th of the last 19 months to see the global temperature rise since pre-industrial times top 1.5C.  On the basis of the Valencia floods and apocalyptic LA wildfires, I don’t think there can be any doubt that dangerous, all-pervasive, climate breakdown has arrived.  Yet emissions continue to rise, while fossil fuel corporations seek to expand operations. Grim doesn’t even begin to describe our prospects.”

    Dr Friederike Otto, Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Environmental Policy and co-lead of World Weather Attribution, Imperial College London, said: 

    “This January is the hottest on record because countries are still burning huge amounts of oil, gas and coal.

    “Sure, El Niño and La Niña add or take off a tiny bit of warming, but the reason we’ve broken another record is the continued burning of fossil fuels.

    “The LA wildfires were a stark reminder that we have already reached an incredibly dangerous level of warming.  We’ll see many more unprecedented extreme weather events in 2025.

    “If politicians really care about people’s lives and their children’s futures, transitioning away from fossil fuels would need to be top of their agenda, to make the world safer and fairer.

    “This data shows very clearly what hundreds of other high-quality analyses have shown in recent decades – more burning of fossil fuels leads to more emissions that lead to more warming.”

    Declared interests

    Dr Joel Hirschi: “No conflicts of interest.”

    Prof Richard Allan: “No conflicting interests.”

    Dr Friederike Otto: “No DOIs.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Status of projects under PM-DevINE scheme

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 06 FEB 2025 4:19PM by PIB Delhi

    Since the inception of PM-DevINE in October 2022, a total of 36 projects worth Rs. 4927.22 crore have been sanctioned up to 31.01.2025. Of these, two projects worth Rs.121.21 crore have already been completed. Status of the projects sanctioned under PM-DevINE is at Annexure.

    Projects sanctioned under PM-DevINE include those relating to education, health, tourism, connectivity and livelihood, which directly or indirectly improve basic minimum services to the people.

    ****

    Annexure

     “STATUS OF PROJECTS UNDER PMDEVINE SCHEME”

    As on 31.01.2025

    S.No.

    Name of the project

    State Govt./Agency

    Status

    1

    Gap funding for Passenger Ropeway System from Pelling to Sanga-Choeling in West Sikkim – at the cost of Rs. 63.39 Crore (58%) of total cost of Rs.108.39 Crore

    Sikkim

    Work completed

    2

    Gap funding for Eco-friendly Passenger Ropeway (Cable Car) from Dhapper to Bhaleydhunga in South Sikkim – at the cost of Rs. 57.82 Crore (28%) of total cost of Rs. 209.57 Crore

    Sikkim

    Work completed

    3

    Pilot project for the construction of Bamboo Link Roads at different locations in various districts in the State of Mizoram –  (i) Tuirial Airfield to North Chaltlang (18 km) at a cost of Rs. 33.58 Crore; and (ii) Lengpui to Saiphal Bamboo Plantation (41 km) at a cost of Rs. 66.42 crore

    Mizoram

    Work awarded

    4

    NECTAR Livelihood Improvement Project (Multi-State) – Utilization of Banana Pseudo Stem for Value-Added Products

    NECTAR

    Work awarded

    5

    Promoting Scientific Organic Agriculture in North-East India (Multi-State)

    NECTAR

    Work awarded

    6

    Livelihood projects relating to Special Development of Eastern Nagaland – (22 Nos.)

    Nagaland

    Work awarded

    7

    Transformation of 20 schools as Centre of Excellence in the Kamrup District

    Assam

    Work awarded

    8

    Establishment of Dedicated Services for the Management of Paediatric and Adult Haematolymphoid Cancers in North East India, Guwahati

    BBCI Guwahati

    Work awarded

    9

    Establishment of Solar Micro Grid for supply of reliable power to Remote Habitations in Tripura by Department of Power, Government of Tripura

    Tripura

    Work awarded

    10

    Development of Maa Kamakhya Access Corridor at Guwahati, Assam

    Assam

    Work awarded

    11

    Construction of Medical College (100 Admissions) at Sivasagar District, Assam

    Assam

    Work awarded

    12

    Construction of IT Park at Tura, West Garo Hills District

    Meghalaya

    Work awarded

    13

    Development of Infrastructure for Manipur Technical University (MTU), Imphal West District

    Manipur

    Work awarded

    14

    Establishment of 200 bedded MCH (Maternal & Child Health) wing at AGMC & GBP Hospital

    Tripura

    Work awarded

    15

    Setting up of Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for drug addicted.

    Tripura

    Work awarded

    16

    Upgradation/widening of existing 2 lane road to 4 lane road connecting LGB International Airport – From VIP junction to Dharapur Junction, including (i) 4 lane grade separated junction at Dharapur (ii) 2 lane excess road from SOS junction to existing terminal building and (iii) 2 lane temporary exit from existing terminal building. (PWD)

    Assam

    Work awarded

    17

    Establishment of Dental College at Agartala

    Tripura

    Work awarded

    18

    Construction of new four-lane road and conversion of existing two-lane road into four-lane with cycling tracks, utility ducts, footpaths, etc. at New Shillong Township

    Meghalaya

    Work awarded

    19

    Development of Infrastructure of the Processing Zone of Manipur IT SEZ at Mantripukhri, Imphal

    Manipur

    Work awarded

    20

    Construction and Equipping of 60 Bedded State Mental Hospital in Manipur

    Manipur

    Work awarded

    21

    Construction of Aizawl By-pass road on Western Side

    Mizoram

    Work awarded

    22

    Proposal to set up a Digital Design and 3D Printing Center of Excellence in the Electronic Mfg. Cluster (EMC) in collaboration with other Govt Agencies at Tech City, Guwahati

    AMTRON

    Work awarded

    23

    Construction of 220/132 kV (2×100 MVA) & 132/33 kV (2×50 MVA) Sub-station at Tsitrongse-Dimapur with associated lines

    Nagaland

    Work awarded

    24

    Skywalk Project at Bhaleydhunga, Yangang in South Sikkim

    Sikkim

    Work awarded

    25

    Conversion of Singshore Bridge as a glass skywalk bridge for tourist attraction in West Sikkim

    Sikkim

    Work awarded

    26

    Establishment of State Cancer Institute at Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh

    Arunachal Pradesh

    Work awarded

    27

    Infrastructure Development for Dhanamanjuri University (DMU)

    Manipur

    Work awarded

    28

    Educational Infrastructure/facility  Development in Polytechnics

    Nagaland

    Work awarded

    29

    Upgradation of the Radiation Oncology Centre at CIHSR

    Nagaland

    Work awarded

    30

    Establishment of a Skill Development Centre at Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute (BBCI), Guwahati, Assam

    BBCI Guwahati

    Work awarded

    31

    Establishment of an Artist’s Village for promotion of world’s most unique Pottery Art form Longpi Black Pottery of Manipur

    NEHHDC

    Work awarded

    32

    Infrastructure development for Manipur University of Culture at Wakha, Imphal East.

    Manipur

    Work not awarded

    33

    Development of Skywalk and Tourist hub at Mawkdok, Sohra

    Meghalaya

    Work not awarded

    34

    Providing super speciality and assured specialty health care in remote and hill districts (Infrastructure & Equipment) in Manipur

    Manipur                                

    Work not awarded

    35

    Gap funding for the Medical College at  Sichey, East Sikkim for Annual Intake of 100 Students

    Sikkim

    Work awarded

    36

    Gap funding for Passenger Ropeway for at Shillong Peak Ropeway project, Shillong, Meghalaya

    Meghalaya

    Work not awarded

     

    AMTRON: Assam Electronics Development Corporation Ltd.

    BBCI: Dr. Bhubaneswar Borooah Cancer Institute.

    NECTAR: North East Centre for Technology Application & Reach

    NEHHDC: North Eastern Handicrafts & Handlooms Development Corporation Limited

    This information was given by the Minister of State, for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

     

    *****

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh highlights steps taken by Government to Boost Women’s Participation in STEM

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 06 FEB 2025 3:44PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that Department of Science and Technology (DST) is implementing the ‘Women in Science and Engineering-KIRAN (WISE-KIRAN)’ scheme to promote women’s participation in STEM fields while replying to an unstarred question in Rajya Sabha Today.

    According to the written reply, the Minister enlisted various steps taken by government in detail-

    Fellowship Programmes to Support Women in Research

    • WISE-PhD Fellowship: Supports women in pursuing research in basic and applied sciences.
    • WISE-Post Doctoral Fellowship (WISE-PDF) & WISE-SCOPE: Encourages women to pursue postdoctoral research.
    • WIDUSHI Programme: Helps senior women scientists, including retired and unemployed professionals, continue their research careers.

    WISE-IPR: Training Women in Intellectual Property Rights

    The WISE Internship in IPR (WISE-IPR) offers a one-year on-the-job training in Intellectual Property Rights for women.

    Vigyan Jyoti: Inspiring Young Girls to Join STEM

    The Vigyan Jyoti programme mentors’ meritorious girls in Class IX-XII, encouraging them to pursue higher education and careers in STEM fields where female participation is low.

    BioCARe Fellowship: Empowering Women in Biotechnology

    The BioCARe Fellowship by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) supports women scientists in biotechnology and allied fields, helping them establish a strong research career.

    NIDHI: Supporting Women-Led Startups in Technology

    The National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI) provides women entrepreneurs with:

    • Capacity building, incubation facilities, mentorship, and early-stage funding.
    • NIDHI-Seed Support Program (NIDHI-SSP): Early-stage seed funding for startups, including women-led ventures.

    Technology Business Incubators in Women’s Universities

    DST has established Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) in:

    • Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women (IGDTUW), Delhi
    • Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam (SPMVV), Tirupati
      Additionally, an Inclusive Technology Business Incubator (iTBI) has been set up at Delhi Technological University (DTU), Delhi, focusing on gender, caste, and geographical inclusivity in entrepreneurship.

    GATI: Driving Gender Equality in Research Institutions

    The Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI) programme under WISE-KIRAN promotes gender-sensitive policies in research institutions to increase women’s representation in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine).

    Women Scientist Scheme (WOS): Reviving Careers and Driving Research

    • WOS-A: Supports women returning to research in basic and applied sciences.
    • WOS-B: Enables women scientists to provide S&T solutions to societal challenges.
    • WOS-C: Trains women in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), with 523 women supported in the last 10 years, of whom 40% are now registered Patent Agents.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted that 2076 women scientists have benefited under WOS-A, with 40% completing PhDs and publishing 5000+ research papers.

    “These initiatives collectively empower women to excel in STEM fields, research, and entrepreneurship, creating a more inclusive scientific ecosystem in India”, says Dr. Singh

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “The GenomeIndia project, under Department of Biotechnology, ensures equitable representation in sample collection” says Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh

    Source: Government of India

    “The GenomeIndia project, under Department of Biotechnology, ensures equitable representation in sample collection” says Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh

    Approximately, 36.7% of the samples were collected from rural, 32.2 % were from urban and 31.1 % were from the tribal populations informs, Dr.  Singh

    Posted On: 06 FEB 2025 3:42PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that approximately 36.7% of the samples were collected from rural, 32.2 % were from urban and 31.1 % were from the tribal populations while answering the unstarred question in Rajya Sabha, today.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh affirmed that In the Genome India project, equitable representation from rural, urban and tribal population was ensured.

    The S&T minister also highlighted that in order to achieve this goal, the researchers involved in GenomeIndia project faced some challenges, as outlined below.

    • Geographic Accessibility: Reaching tribal remote regions to collect samples and gather data from these populations was difficult task.
    • Cultural and Socioeconomic Barriers: Overcoming socioeconomic and cultural barriers and convincing such populations for their participation in the project was challenging.
    • Lack of Awareness and Education: Rural and tribal populations are not having sufficient awareness of the benefits of genetic research, that led to misunderstandings about its purpose and value. Educating and convincing such populations was hard.
    • Data Representation and Bias: Rural and tribal populations were not easily accessible and on the contrary, urban populations were often more accessible and had greater awareness. Hence, removal of bias by ensuring participation of appropriate proportions of all types of populations was important.
    • Logistical Constraints: Insufficient accessibility to state-of-art healthcare infrastructure, laboratories, and skilled professionals in isolated regions made it challenging to collect samples and conduct blood parameter assessments.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh further informed that the GenomeIndia Team followed pre-planned strategies to overcome various challenges. He stated, “Nearby logistics hubs were established for sample transportation, and laboratories were approached in advance to prepare resources for handling a higher number of samples.”

    Additionally, partnerships with local healthcare institutions were formed to streamline data collection and improve accessibility. The involvement of local leaders and community representatives in interactions with rural and tribal populations helped mitigate cultural and socioeconomic barriers, build trust, and promote greater participation from these communities.

    Outreach programs and community engagement initiatives were conducted to raise awareness about the importance of genetic studies and assure participants of data confidentiality, dispelling myths and clarifying the goals of the GenomeIndia Project. Moderated campaigns were organized to ensure balanced inclusion of diverse groups. Logistic constraints in isolated regions were effectively handled through systematic planning, he added.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Amalgamated hybrid materials enable brain-mimicking artificial synapses for computing breakthroughs

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 06 FEB 2025 5:05PM by PIB Delhi

    Taking inspiration from nature, a group of scientists have amalgamated hybrid materials to form a robust biomimetic system that closely mimics the behavior of biological synapses. This can pave the path towards a new wave of innovation in computing with breakthroughs in robotics, machine learning, and real-time data processing.

    The human brain, known for its remarkable energy efficiency, is serving as a model for developing advanced technologies. At the forefront of these efforts are solution-processed memristor (a non-volatile electrical component that regulates the flow of current in a circuit) devices, which are designed to replicate the brain’s synaptic functions. These devices are not only efficient but also scalable and cost-effective, making them ideal for creating neuromorphic systems-computers that function like the human brain. By mimicking how neurons communicate and process information, memristors have immense potential to revolutionize artificial intelligence, enabling smarter, faster, and more energy-efficient AI systems.

    In a recent finding, a group of scientists from S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS), in collaboration with the National Institute of Technical Teachers’ Training and Research (NITTTR), developed a hybrid material incorporating nanoscale conductive clusters to facilitate the formation of metallic pathways within a memristive layer. The foundation of the technology is the development of mesoporous graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4, abbreviated as CN) nanosheets embedded with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) to enable incremental resistance modulation via electric field-induced electrochemical metallization. The amalgamation of these hybrid materials by SNBNCBS, an autonomous institute of Department of Science and Technology, forms a robust biomimetic system known as AgCN that closely mimics the behavior of biological synapses. The research was published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials,

    The AgCN system exhibits gradual and continuous changes in resistance, a property that is critical for energy-efficient and adaptive computing systems. The utilization of biomimicry principles in neuromorphic computing devices has yielded unparalleled capabilities. Contrary to conventional computing systems that employ rigid algorithms, neuromorphic systems emulate the brain’s capacity for learning and adaptation. AgCN-based memristors exhibit remarkable versatility and adaptability in this domain.

    These devices effectively replicated Morse Code by modulating their current to produce precise dot-and-line signals, underscoring their potential for real-time code detection applications. The core innovation of this technology lies in the electric field-induced strengthening or weakening of metallic pathways through the conductive clusters, which play a crucial role in modulating synaptic plasticity.  

    The devices can learn, adapt, and detect patterns with remarkable accuracy by varying voltage pulse numbers, amplitudes, and widths. A particularly noteworthy demonstration involved the devices’ capacity to emulate Pavlov’s dog experiment, thereby highlighting their aptitude for associative learning, a process analogous to biological learning. The impact of these devices extends beyond mere imitation of synaptic behavior, as they empower machines to learn and adapt with greater efficiency by processing and transmitting information in a manner analogous to biological synapses.

    This capacity is of paramount importance for next-generation AI systems, which necessitate high-speed, low-power solutions for image recognition and real-time decision-making tasks. The development of conductive-island-assisted synaptic devices represents a significant leap forward in the field of artificial intelligence, as biomimicry drives innovation.

    ***

    NKR/PSM

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ is back and that too in a fresh and livelier format!: Prime Minister

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 06 FEB 2025 1:18PM by PIB Delhi

    Urging all #ExamWarriors, their parents and teachers to watch #PPC2025, consisting of 8 very interesting episodes covering different aspects of stress free exams!: PM

    Urging all Exam Warriors, their parents and teachers to watch the
    Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025, the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in a post on X wrote,:

    “‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ is back and that too in a fresh and livelier format!

    Urging all #ExamWarriors, their parents and teachers to watch #PPC2025, consisting of 8 very interesting episodes covering different aspects of stress free exams!”

    ***

    MJPS/SR/SKS

    (Release ID: 2100194) Visitor Counter : 30

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurates North East Investment Roadshow in Chennai

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurates North East Investment Roadshow in Chennai

    Minister Scindia invites Chennai to join the transformative journey of the ‘Ashtalakshmi’ region as it charts its path to becoming a leading engine of India’s growth.

    The roadshow hosted by Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region aims to attract investment for the development of North East India.

    Posted On: 06 FEB 2025 9:29AM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) hosted the North East Trade and Investment Roadshow in Chennai today. The roadshow evoked strong interest from potential investors who are eager to explore opportunities in the North Eastern States. The event was attended by the Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region & Ministry of Communications, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, alongwith Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar, Hon’ble Minister of Sports & Youth Services, Government of Mizoram, senior officials from MDoNER, North Eastern Council and North Eastern States.

    Hon’ble Minister, MDoNER mentioned that Hon’ble Prime Minister emphasized North East as India’s Asthalakshmi, a key economic asset poised for rapid industrialization. He highlighted the major development initiatives in the infrastructure sector that have taken place in the North Eastern Region under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister during the last 10 years, inter-alia, including expanding air, road and rail connectivity, waterways etc. Hon’ble Minister MDoNER stated that each of the eight states of the North East embodies unique strengths, resources and opportunities, making this region an invaluable asset in India’s growth story. From its rich cultural diversity to its natural beauty and strategic location, the North Eastern Region holds immense potential to emerge as one of the country’s leading economic powerhouses. Its proximity to Southeast Asia also positions the North Eastern Region as a gateway to South East Asian countries, aligning perfectly with India’s Act East Policy. He also highlighted the potential of North Eastern States in various sectors such as Tourism & hospitality, Agri and allied industries, healthcare, entertainment & sports, infrastructure & logistics, IT & ITeS, Textiles, Handloom & Handicrafts, energy etc. He assured investors that the region’s youth, high literacy rates, and abundant natural resources make it an ideal destination for investment. Hon’ble Minister expressed his admiration for Chennai, calling it a “thriving IT powerhouse and a cradle of economic growth for India”. He acknowledged the city’s rich heritage, cutting-edge technology, and robust industrial ecosystem, drawing parallels between Chennai’s potential and North East India’s emerging economic landscape. Highlighting the North East India’s strengths in agriculture, food processing, tourism, and manufacturing, he urged Chennai’s entrepreneurs to invest in these sectors. He also underlined that North East holds 38% of India’s bamboo resources which offers great opportunity to furniture industry of Chennai. Further, the large untapped hydrocarbon reserves and hydropower generation potential of the North Eastern Region waiting to be harnessed. In his concluding remarks he invited investors to the North Eastern Region and play a key role in shaping the future of the region.

    Hon’ble Minister of Sports & Youth Services, Govt. of Mizoram in his address highlighted Mizoram’s immense investment opportunities despite being a small state with a population of just 11 lakh. He stated that with 55% of its land under horticulture, Mizoram produces GI-tagged ginger and chillies, along with mandarin oranges, papaya, and dragon fruit, offering significant potential in agriculture and food processing. The State is rich in bamboo cultivation, which still remains largely untapped. He also underlined that Mizoram is also positioning itself as a sports powerhouse and is aligned with India’s 2036 Olympic vision. Mizoram has also produced top sportspersons, therefore, the sports sector has great potential for investment. He also urged investors to explore other sectors such as tourism, infrastructure, food processing etc. for investment in the State of Mizoram.

    Shri Chanchal Kumar, Secretary, MDoNER in his address highlighted the immense investment potential of the North East, calling it a hub of innovation, cultural heritage, and economic opportunity. With breathtaking landscapes and a thriving tourism sector, the region has become increasingly attractive for investors. He highlighted that over the last 10 years, connectivity of the region has been transformed whether it is road, rail, air, water, and digital. The region’s economic growth has outpaced the national average, making it an ideal destination for businesses. Further, the North Eastern States have tailored, attractive policies aligned with the Central Government to encourage investment. He informed that Government has identified eight tourism sites to be developed as model tourist destinations across each of the North Eastern States through PPP mode.  He also underlined that IT & ITeS sector is growing faster in the North Eastern Region. Further, the agriculture and allied sectors offers unique products with immense economic potential. He stated that UNNATI scheme launched by Government of India provides attractive incentives for investment in the North Eastern Region. He also mentioned that with trilateral highways and the Kaladan project, the North East is set to become a key hub for medical tourism, catering to over 60 million people from neighbouring countries. The single-window system across the North Eastern States ensures ease of doing business. He urged the investors to visit, explore, and partner in North East India’s transformation.

    Shri Shantanu, Joint Secretary, MDoNER, in his address on advantage North East and Opportunities for Investment and Trade emphasized that North Eastern Region has rich untapped potential. He informed that during the last 10 years there is a remarkable improvement in connectivity to the North Eastern Region whether it’s air, rail, road or waterways. Over the past decade, the government has successfully completed numerous pending projects, benefiting local communities and millions of people through various schemes/initiatives. He stated that North East Region’s enabling infrastructure, strategic connectivity, higher working age population and an english-speaking workforce, makes it ideal for businesses targeting Southeast Asian markets.  He also highlighted the opportunities in the region in various sectors like IT & ITES, Healthcare, Agri and allied, Education & Skill Development, Sports & Entertainment, Tourism & Hospitality, Infrastructure and logistics; Textiles, Handlooms and Handicrafts and Energy. He stated that with ample opportunities across multiple sectors, North East India welcomes investors to explore its vast potential and be part of its growth journey.

    The representative of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, gave a detailed presentation on the UNNATI Scheme, providing attendees with a comprehensive understanding of its benefits and associated incentives. He underlined that the UNNATI Scheme aims to boost industrialisation and economic growth in North East India. The scheme offers incentives to attract investors and manufacturing companies, supports the ‘Act East Policy,’ and promotes domestic manufacturing and services to reduce import dependence and enhance exports.

    Senior officials representing the North Eastern States shared actionable insights about the emerging opportunities across various sectors. The Chennai roadshow drew strong participation from industry leaders, further reinforcing the investment appeal of North East India. The event also featured several B2G meetings, providing investors with a platform to discuss their investment plans in the North Eastern Region.

    The Chennai roadshow concluded on a positive note, with participants expressing keen interest in exploring collaborative ventures in the North Eastern Region. The event not only fostered meaningful dialogue but also laid the groundwork for future partnerships, driving economic growth and sustainable development in the region. The event marked another milestone in a series of successful roadshows across India and showcased the untapped potential of North East India.

    *****

    Samrat/Dheeraj

    donerpib[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2100164) Visitor Counter : 322

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Post event press release of Chennai roadshow held on 5th February, 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 06 FEB 2025 9:29AM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) hosted the North East Trade and Investment Roadshow in Chennai today. The roadshow evoked strong interest from potential investors who are eager to explore opportunities in the North Eastern States. The event was attended by the Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region & Ministry of Communications, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, alongwith Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar, Hon’ble Minister of Sports & Youth Services, Government of Mizoram, senior officials from MDoNER, North Eastern Council and North Eastern States.

    Hon’ble Minister, MDoNER mentioned that Hon’ble Prime Minister emphasized North East as India’s Asthalakshmi, a key economic asset poised for rapid industrialization. He highlighted the major development initiatives in the infrastructure sector that have taken place in the North Eastern Region under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister during the last 10 years, inter-alia, including expanding air, road and rail connectivity, waterways etc. Hon’ble Minister MDoNER stated that each of the eight states of the North East embodies unique strengths, resources and opportunities, making this region an invaluable asset in India’s growth story. From its rich cultural diversity to its natural beauty and strategic location, the North Eastern Region holds immense potential to emerge as one of the country’s leading economic powerhouses. Its proximity to Southeast Asia also positions the North Eastern Region as a gateway to South East Asian countries, aligning perfectly with India’s Act East Policy. He also highlighted the potential of North Eastern States in various sectors such as Tourism & hospitality, Agri and allied industries, healthcare, entertainment & sports, infrastructure & logistics, IT & ITeS, Textiles, Handloom & Handicrafts, energy etc. He assured investors that the region’s youth, high literacy rates, and abundant natural resources make it an ideal destination for investment. Hon’ble Minister expressed his admiration for Chennai, calling it a “thriving IT powerhouse and a cradle of economic growth for India”. He acknowledged the city’s rich heritage, cutting-edge technology, and robust industrial ecosystem, drawing parallels between Chennai’s potential and North East India’s emerging economic landscape. Highlighting the North East India’s strengths in agriculture, food processing, tourism, and manufacturing, he urged Chennai’s entrepreneurs to invest in these sectors. He also underlined that North East holds 38% of India’s bamboo resources which offers great opportunity to furniture industry of Chennai. Further, the large untapped hydrocarbon reserves and hydropower generation potential of the North Eastern Region waiting to be harnessed. In his concluding remarks he invited investors to the North Eastern Region and play a key role in shaping the future of the region.

    Hon’ble Minister of Sports & Youth Services, Govt. of Mizoram in his address highlighted Mizoram’s immense investment opportunities despite being a small state with a population of just 11 lakh. He stated that with 55% of its land under horticulture, Mizoram produces GI-tagged ginger and chillies, along with mandarin oranges, papaya, and dragon fruit, offering significant potential in agriculture and food processing. The State is rich in bamboo cultivation, which still remains largely untapped. He also underlined that Mizoram is also positioning itself as a sports powerhouse and is aligned with India’s 2036 Olympic vision. Mizoram has also produced top sportspersons, therefore, the sports sector has great potential for investment. He also urged investors to explore other sectors such as tourism, infrastructure, food processing etc. for investment in the State of Mizoram.

    Shri Chanchal Kumar, Secretary, MDoNER in his address highlighted the immense investment potential of the North East, calling it a hub of innovation, cultural heritage, and economic opportunity. With breathtaking landscapes and a thriving tourism sector, the region has become increasingly attractive for investors. He highlighted that over the last 10 years, connectivity of the region has been transformed whether it is road, rail, air, water, and digital. The region’s economic growth has outpaced the national average, making it an ideal destination for businesses. Further, the North Eastern States have tailored, attractive policies aligned with the Central Government to encourage investment. He informed that Government has identified eight tourism sites to be developed as model tourist destinations across each of the North Eastern States through PPP mode.  He also underlined that IT & ITeS sector is growing faster in the North Eastern Region. Further, the agriculture and allied sectors offers unique products with immense economic potential. He stated that UNNATI scheme launched by Government of India provides attractive incentives for investment in the North Eastern Region. He also mentioned that with trilateral highways and the Kaladan project, the North East is set to become a key hub for medical tourism, catering to over 60 million people from neighbouring countries. The single-window system across the North Eastern States ensures ease of doing business. He urged the investors to visit, explore, and partner in North East India’s transformation.

    Shri Shantanu, Joint Secretary, MDoNER, in his address on advantage North East and Opportunities for Investment and Trade emphasized that North Eastern Region has rich untapped potential. He informed that during the last 10 years there is a remarkable improvement in connectivity to the North Eastern Region whether it’s air, rail, road or waterways. Over the past decade, the government has successfully completed numerous pending projects, benefiting local communities and millions of people through various schemes/initiatives. He stated that North East Region’s enabling infrastructure, strategic connectivity, higher working age population and an english-speaking workforce, makes it ideal for businesses targeting Southeast Asian markets.  He also highlighted the opportunities in the region in various sectors like IT & ITES, Healthcare, Agri and allied, Education & Skill Development, Sports & Entertainment, Tourism & Hospitality, Infrastructure and logistics; Textiles, Handlooms and Handicrafts and Energy. He stated that with ample opportunities across multiple sectors, North East India welcomes investors to explore its vast potential and be part of its growth journey.

    The representative of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, gave a detailed presentation on the UNNATI Scheme, providing attendees with a comprehensive understanding of its benefits and associated incentives. He underlined that the UNNATI Scheme aims to boost industrialisation and economic growth in North East India. The scheme offers incentives to attract investors and manufacturing companies, supports the ‘Act East Policy,’ and promotes domestic manufacturing and services to reduce import dependence and enhance exports.

    Senior officials representing the North Eastern States shared actionable insights about the emerging opportunities across various sectors. The Chennai roadshow drew strong participation from industry leaders, further reinforcing the investment appeal of North East India. The event also featured several B2G meetings, providing investors with a platform to discuss their investment plans in the North Eastern Region.

    The Chennai roadshow concluded on a positive note, with participants expressing keen interest in exploring collaborative ventures in the North Eastern Region. The event not only fostered meaningful dialogue but also laid the groundwork for future partnerships, driving economic growth and sustainable development in the region. The event marked another milestone in a series of successful roadshows across India and showcased the untapped potential of North East India.

    *****

    Samrat/Dheeraj

    donerpib[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2100164) Visitor Counter : 51

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to study looking at whether reducing atmospheric sulphur stimulates more methane emissions from wetlands

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A study published in Science Advances looks at reducing atmospheric sulphur and methane emissions from wetlands. 

    Dr Eiko Nemitz, environmental physicist, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), said:

    “The study highlights a likely important interaction between air pollution, greenhouse gases generated by human activity, and natural emissions.  It shows that as sulphur emissions continue to decrease in response to a drive to improve air quality, as well as a side-effect of the decarbonisation of transport and industry to achieve net zero, this will likely increase natural methane emissions from wetlands.

    “Sulphur emissions also contribute to the formation of aerosols (microscopic particles) that scatter light and lead to the formation of reflective clouds, thus exerting a cooling effect on the climate.  The processes highlighted in this new paper provide a second mechanism by which control of sulphur emissions reduces climate cooling.

    “Nevertheless, sulphur emissions continue to play a major role in poor air quality, causing damaging health impacts in many parts of the world, and there are fewer options to clean up the air than to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

    “In this context it is important to recognise that the reduction in sulphur emission and deposition will bring the wetlands closer to their original state, and the magnitude of their methane emissions closer to what they would have been without the human impact of elevated sulphur deposition.

    “The impact of sulphur deposition on methane emission from wetlands has been suggested by a small number of studies on this subject for a couple of decades, but responses are variable.  This paper upscales the impact and overcomes some of that variability by synthesising a larger number of studies and by exploring a range of response functions.  Whilst the study seems robust, without access to the supplementary of the study, it is not possible to make a definite comment on the quality of the underlying data.”

    Prof William Collins, Professor of Climate Processes, University of Reading, said:

    “While we have long known that cleaning up air pollutants such as sulphur have a direct warming effect on climate, this study shows that cleaner air can indirectly warm climate by increasing natural emissions of methane.  Methane is the second most important greenhouse gas and a large source of it is from natural wetlands.

    “This study is the first to systematically analyse field measurements of wetland emissions under varying conditions of sulphur deposition.  It shows that high levels of sulphur pollution up until the late 20th Century may have artificially supressed this source.  As we clean up our industries and power production this natural emission of methane will rebound and further warm climate.  The good news is that reducing climate change also reduces natural methane emissions, so further supporting the climate benefit of strong carbon reductions.”

    Dr Adam Povey, Assistant Professor of Earth Observation, National Centre for Earth Observation, University of Leicester, said:

    “This study provides an additional line of evidence that wetlands are highly important in understanding the climate.  Wetlands rapidly respond to changes in weather and climate, and those changes feedback to the climate – in this case, amplifying warming.  These interfaces between water, soil, and life are extremely difficult to understand due to the diversity of interlinked processes occurring.  This paper provides decent evidence for the direction of this effect – that cleaner air increases natural methane emissions and this makes it more difficult to achieve net zero – and this is consistent with other lines of evidence.  I would treat the precise numbers quoted with caution since (as described at the beginning of the ‘Discussion’ section) there are many confounding processes and substantial uncertainties around the conditions in wetlands that are not captured by this statistical analysis of existing experiments.  The UK is in an excellent position to understand these processes due to our world-leading capacity to monitor atmospheric pollutants (such as sulphur) and to model the influence of life on the climate through the UK Earth System Model.”

    ‘The large role of declining atmospheric sulfate deposition and rising CO2 concentrations in stimulating future wetland CH4 emissions’ by Lu Shen et al. was published in Science Advances at 19:00 UK time on Wednesday 5 February 2025. 

    Declared interests

    Dr Eiko Nemitz: “I have no conflicts of interest to declare.”

    Prof William Collins: “Last year I was a member of a panel advising the NZ govt on its methane targets.”

    Dr Adam Povey: “My funding is entirely from UKRI and ESA so I can’t think of any conflicts of interest.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Exploring Traditions: HSE Students Celebrate Chinese New Year

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    February 1st Cultural center HSE University celebrated the Eastern New Year as usual – a large-scale celebration united students and teachers interested in the culture of East Asian countries. The organizers were School of Oriental Studies Faculty of World Economy and World Politics, Internationalization Directorate, HSE Chinese Club, as well as other university clubs – Japanese “Musubi” and Korean “Hallyan“.

    Guests were treated to calligraphy master classes, where they could learn how to write their name in the languages of Asian countries, try their hand at the art of ink drawing, and create an imprint of the symbol of the year — a snake. Tea lovers learned the intricacies of traditional tea drinking, learned about the most diverse and unusual types of this plant and the significance of the tea ceremony in Eastern culture. Visitors were also offered Chinese red envelopes with New Year wishes — in China, they are traditionally given to loved ones, wishing them well-being and good luck.

    The guests took part in national games and quizzes with great interest, where they tested their knowledge of Eastern traditions and the history of the holiday. The culmination was a concert, where the audience could immerse themselves more deeply in the atmosphere of the Chinese New Year thanks to theatrical scenes, national songs and performances by dance groups.

    Many international students compared the joyful atmosphere that reigned to New Year’s at home. “I am from Asia, and this year I was unable to celebrate the New Year in my homeland. But here I was able to feel the warmth and comfort of a home holiday,” shared Nguyen Hinh Goc Anh, a student. Higher School of Business.

    For Russian students studying Eastern culture, this evening was an excellent opportunity to get to know the traditions better.

    The guests noted the high level of organization and the organizers’ attention to detail. “The interiors are beautifully stylized, it is clear that people really prepared and were burning with the idea. Each zone has a special atmosphere that allows you to immerse yourself in the culture,” noted Ekaterina Klimenko, a 5th-year student of the educational program “Oriental Studies” She brought her friend Elizaveta to the party, who does not study at the HSE, but was happy to spend the day at the university.

    For the guests, the holiday was not just entertainment, but also an opportunity to communicate with new people. “Here you can have fun, broaden your horizons, get acquainted with traditions, and also meet students from different fields,” said Maria Fedyunina, a student in the educational program “Management in creative industries” FCI HSE.

    The participants of the evening emphasized the importance of such initiatives, as they help strengthen the student community by creating a space for communication and knowledge sharing.

    Text: Sofia Simina, OP “Advertising and Public Relations“

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: reAlpha Appoints Vijay Rathna as Chief Crypto Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBLIN, Ohio, Feb. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — reAlpha Tech Corp. (Nasdaq: AIRE) (“reAlpha” or the “Company”), a real estate technology company developing and commercializing artificial intelligence (“AI”) technologies, today announced the appointment of Vijay Rathna as the Company’s Chief Crypto Officer (“CCO”), effective as of February 20, 2025. In this role, Mr. Rathna will oversee all of reAlpha’s blockchain and cryptocurrency initiatives, including token strategy, blockchain integrations, and digital asset innovation, reporting directly to Giri Devanur, Chief Executive Officer of reAlpha.

    Mr. Rathna has significant leadership experience in information technology, AI, blockchain architecture, and cryptocurrency ecosystems. Prior to joining reAlpha, Mr. Rathna served as the Senior Vice President of Innovation and Development at Coretelligent (merged from Chateaux Software), where he led the ideation, design and development of digital transformation team to build AI, automation and blockchain solutions for its clients. Some of those engagements included a blockchain-based digital ticketing platform, a SEC-approved stable coin in money market fund for a fintech company, a blockchain product for a global insurance company and others. Mr. Rathna is also an Associate Professor at Columbia University teaching “Blockchain and AI.”

    Mr. Rathna’s appointment comes as reAlpha is exploring the integration of blockchain into its technologies, including the reAlpha platform. reAlpha plans to provide further updates and announcements regarding the integration of blockchain and digital assets technologies into its business model by the end of the first quarter of 2025.

    Giri Devanur, Chief Executive Officer of reAlpha, commented, “We are thrilled to welcome Vijay Rathna to reAlpha as our Chief Crypto Officer, making reAlpha one of the first Nasdaq-listed companies to create such a position. The creation of this role highlights our commitment to innovate with blockchain technologies and the usage of digital assets. We believe that Vijay’s expertise in blockchain architecture, his entrepreneurial mindset, and his ability to deliver innovative and compliant solutions make him an invaluable addition to our team.”

    Vijay Rathna added, “I am excited to join reAlpha and contribute to its mission of bringing real estate to the digital era by leveraging AI technologies. I look forward to advancing reAlpha’s blockchain initiatives and delivering impactful solutions for investors.”

    About reAlpha Tech Corp.
    reAlpha Tech Corp. (Nasdaq: AIRE) is a real estate technology company developing an end-to-end commission-free homebuying platform. Utilizing the power of AI and an acquisition-led growth strategy, reAlpha’s goal is to offer a more affordable, streamlined experience for those on the journey to homeownership. For more information, visit www.realpha.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    The information in this press release includes “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements about the appointment of Mr. Rathna as CCO and the anticipated benefits thereof; reAlpha’s ability to develop blockchain solutions for the real estate industry; reAlpha’s ability to anticipate the future needs of the real estate markets; future trends in the real estate, technology and artificial intelligence industries, generally; and reAlpha’s future growth strategy and growth rate. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may”, “should”, “could”, “might”, “plan”, “possible”, “project”, “strive”, “budget”, “forecast”, “expect”, “intend”, “will”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “predict”, “potential” or “continue”, or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: reAlpha’s limited operating history and that reAlpha has not yet fully developed its AI-based technologies; reAlpha’s ability to commercialize its developing AI-based technologies; whether reAlpha’s technology and products will be accepted and adopted by its customers and intended users; reAlpha’s ability to integrate the business of its acquired companies into its existing business and the anticipated demand for such acquired companies’ services; reAlpha’s ability to develop blockchain solutions to the real estate industry; reAlpha’s ability to successfully integrate blockchain in its technologies, including the reAlpha platform; reAlpha’s ability to develop a digital token; reAlpha’s ability implement and execute its cryptocurrency investment policy; reAlpha’s ability to remain compliant with the changing landscape of regulations related to digital currencies and other technologies; reAlpha’s ability to successfully enter new geographic markets; reAlpha’s ability to obtain the necessary regulatory and legal approvals to expand into additional U.S. states and maintain, or obtain, brokerage licenses in such states; reAlpha’s ability to generate additional sales or revenue from having access to, or obtaining, additional U.S. states brokerage licenses; the inability to maintain and strengthen reAlpha’s brand and reputation; reAlpha’s ability to scale its operational capabilities to expand into additional geographic markets; the potential loss of key employees of its acquired companies, including, but not limited to, the broker providing services on behalf of US Realty, one of reAlpha’s subsidiaries; reAlpha’s inability to accurately forecast demand for short-term rentals, corporate relocation programs and AI-based real estate focused products; reAlpha’s ability to successfully compete in the corporate relocation market; the inability to execute business objectives and growth strategies successfully or sustain reAlpha’s growth; the inability of reAlpha’s customers to pay for reAlpha’s services; changes in applicable laws or regulations, and the impact of the regulatory environment and complexities with compliance related to such environment; and other risks and uncertainties indicated in reAlpha’s U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Although reAlpha believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. reAlpha’s future results, level of activity, performance or achievements may differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, and there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking statements. For more information about the factors that could cause such differences, please refer to reAlpha’s filings with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and reAlpha does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

    Company Contact

    Investor Relations
    investorrelations@realpha.com

    Media Contact

    Alliance Advisors IR on behalf of reAlpha
    Fatema Bhabrawala
    fbhabrawala@allianceadvisors.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: In Memoriam: UNESCO Pays Tribute to Professor Christophe Mbida Mindzié

    Source: UNESCO World Heritage Centre

    It is with deep sadness that UNESCO has learned of the passing of Professor Christophe Mbida Mindzié. He passed away on January 15, 2025.

     Professor Christophe Mbida Mindzié was an eminent researcher and an ardent defender of Africa’s tangible and intangible heritage.

    Professor Christophe Mbida Mindzié was a key figure in heritage preservation and a leader in cultural management in Africa. His unwavering commitment over several decades left an indelible mark on World Heritage and the UNESCO community. His immense contribution led to the recognition of numerous African sites as World Heritage Sites. Thanks to his work as an archaeologist and his passion for World Heritage, many Cameroonian sites have been documented with great scientific rigor. He trained many young professionals in Africa.

    Professor Christophe Mbida Mindzié dedicated himself early on to the preservation of Cameroon’s cultural heritage, driven by a passion for history and a deep respect for the past. His journey led him to become a leading authority on African heritage, renowned for his scientific rigor and steadfast commitment.

    Christophe Mbida Mindzié obtained his Master’s degree from the University of Yaoundé, Cameroon (1980) and his doctorate from the Université Libre de Bruxelles (1996) in Belgium. Upon his return to Cameroon, he was appointed Director of Cultural Heritage at the Ministry of Culture in 2002. Fourteen years later, he resumed the same position until 2022 at the Ministry of Arts and Culture, before becoming Head of the Department of Arts and Archaeology at the University of Yaoundé 1.

    In 2020, he was a founding member of the National Committee of ICOMOS Cameroon, serving as First Vice-President and interim President for nearly a year, during which he presided over the General Assembly of the Committee just weeks before his passing. He was a member of the Steering Committee of the Africa 2009 program, where he contributed to the structuring of the Directorate of Cultural Heritage within the Ministry of Arts and Culture and played a key role in training many Cameroonian and African professionals. He also prepared and coordinated all nomination dossiers for Cameroon’s World Heritage inscriptions. Additionally, he contributed to the preparation of the nomination dossier for Mbanza Kongo, Vestiges of the Capital of the former Kingdom of Kongo in Angola, which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2017. He is the author of numerous publications on tangible and intangible cultural heritage and has directed several doctoral theses.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China begins to build major germplasm bank for forestry, grassland conservation

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

    BEIJING, Feb. 6 — China has begun the construction of a major national germplasm resource facility for forestry and grassland conservation in Xiong’an New Area, which is situated some 100 km away from Beijing.

    The move marks a significant step toward establishing a comprehensive conservation system for forestry and grassland germplasm resources in China, according to Beijing Forestry University (BFU), which is builder and operator of the facility.

    In addition, the Xiong’an germplasm bank is expected to enhance the protection and utilization of these resources and improve the overall quality of the forestry and grassland seed industry, according to the university.

    In recent years, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration has planned a network of seven national germplasm resource facilities across the country, which will adopt a “one main and six branch” distribution model.

    The Xiong’an germplasm bank, construction of which began on Jan. 25, will function as the national main facility, with an expected capacity of 1.8 million samples. It is expected to be officially operational by 2028.

    It employs smart sensing and automated control technologies to provide comprehensive information management for the collection, preservation, distribution, and utilization of germplasm resources.

    The Xiong’an New Area has been designed to take on functions transferred from Beijing that are not essential to its role as China’s capital.

    In addition to the Xiong’an facility, the Shandong, Xinjiang, and Hunan branch facilities are already operational. Meanwhile, the Inner Mongolia facility, which serves as the national forage germplasm resource center, has begun trial operations. Construction is underway for the Hainan and Qinghai branch facilities.

    Additionally, 161 in situ and ex situ conservation facilities have been established in China, collecting over 100,000 forestry and grassland germplasm samples.

    Furthermore, 388 provincial-level conservation facilities have been built nationwide.

    Once completed, the Xiong’an facility will work with various branch facilities to support essential tasks such as resource collection, long-term strategic preservation, assessment and evaluation, functional gene exploration, distribution, and international collaboration, so as to bolster innovation in forestry and grassland seed industries, said the BFU.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Professor Jan Rovny at the European University Institute to Discuss Ethnic Minorities

    Source: Universities – Science Po in English

    Jan Rovny, a professor of political science at Sciences Po Centre for European Studies and Comparative Politics (CEE), spent 6 days at the European University Institute (Florence, Italy), thanks to our European alliance, CIVICA, and its faculty short visits programme. This stay was the perfect opportunity to discuss his research projects and to present his newest book, Ethnic Minorities, Political Competition, and Democracy (Oxford University Press).

    Find below a video interview produced by Sciences Po on how “Ethnic minorities can be a positive asset for democracy“, followed by a shorter version of an interview published by the EUI.

    you gave a lecture at the EUI examining the relationship between ethnic minorities and democracy. Can you delve deeper into how different aspects of democracy, such as liberal democracy or social rights, resonate uniquely with various minority groups?

    The core argument of the talk, which stems out of my book, is that ethnic minorities have a general interest in liberal democratic arrangements while they’re in a democracy.

    In a democracy, ethnic politics, contrary to expectations, are actually going to potentially be a force for maintaining democracy, which I’ve studied in Eastern Europe. I’ve demonstrated how this has been quite important in a number of countries during democratic transition in the 1990s, but also during recent episodes of democratic backsliding when some of the minority elites and parties have attempted in various ways to slow it down.

    This is based on the idea that, conditionally, ethnic minorities seek to protect themselves through counter-majoritarian aspects of democracy, particularly through the protection of civil rights and liberties, which is a non-majoritarian component of democracy. Simultaneously, they’re not necessarily so sure about the utility of majoritarian components of democracy, such as electoral democracy or direct popular democracy.

    My current research is trying to engage with this and see whether ethnic minorities are interested in some components of democracy, being counter-majoritarianism more so than others, such as electoral democracy. That’s what the preliminary results show.

    Could you provide examples of how these minorities try to protect themselves from majoritarian rule?

    My book delves into the cases of Hungarians in Slovakia or ethnic Russians in Estonia.

    One example is when quite a liberal ethnic minority party in Slovakia joined in a very difficult coalition with a populist illiberal party in 2016, which was to some degree seen as a bit of a betrayal by their voters because they went into this coalition with a prime minister who was not particularly minority-friendly or liberal democracy-friendly. But in that government, they very much sought to control some of the key portfolios that would protect them as a minority. They were always interested in questions of usage of language, language education, and signage in national languages.

    They were also interested in the ministry of regional development, but most importantly, they actually did manage to obtain the position of the minister of justice. The minister of justice was able to put into place a set of new laws that contained aspects like transparency of government contracts that importantly constrained some of the corrupt and anti-democratic practices that the government was involved in.

    In Estonia there was a similar situation, where a party that was not explicitly an ethnic minority party ―but that has historically been supported and has itself supported ethnic minorities― also went into a difficult coalition with a radical right party. That party was not happy with it and the Russian representatives didn’t like it.

    Some of them deliberately didn’t take up their seats in parliament in order not to vote for that coalition. I’ve interviewed specific individuals who preferred to stay in the city hall and work in local politics, even though they had a seat in the parliament. It was a symbolic rejection: “I will not vote for this coalition, but I will not prevent my party from doing it.”

    There was a very instrumental aim that the party had in mind, and that was to protect Russian education. They said, “we will go dance with the devil, but one red line is Russian schools will remain.” They saw that if they weren’t going in the coalition, the majority influenced by the radical right party will undermine this fundamental need for them and their community. Throughout that government, they have managed to protect Russian schooling.

    How does the CIVICA alliance contribute to your research?

    It made this possible. This was a unique opportunity to stay here for a week, which gave me much more flexibility to meet more people, get more feedback, and also give some comments to students. Without CIVICA this would have either not happened or would have been a lot shorter.

    Cover image caption: Jan Rovny during a CIVICA faculty short visit at the EUI in Florence, Italy. January 2025. (credits: EUI / CIVICA)

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New trial tests high-fibre route to reducing cancer treatment side effects in NHS patients NHS cancer patients are being given extra fibre in a new study aimed at reducing the unpleasant side effects of radiotherapy and potentially increasing its effectiveness.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Chicory rootNHS cancer patients are being given extra fibre in a new study aimed at reducing the unpleasant side effects of radiotherapy and potentially increasing its effectiveness.
    More than 200 men awaiting treatment for prostate cancer are being recruited from eight UK cancer centres for the trial, led by researchers from the University of Aberdeen’s Rowett Institute and the University of Manchester thanks to a £660,000 grant from Prostate Cancer UK.
    Half the volunteers in the DIETRICH study will have their diet enriched with inulin (a fibre supplement derived from plants) before, during and after their treatment.
    Inulin is a widely-available prebiotic that supports the growth of beneficial bacteria that reduce gut wall inflammation, which is a major cause of these side effects.
    Researchers hope symptoms such as diarrhoea, bowel bleeding and bladder problems that occur when radiotherapy affects neighbouring non-cancerous cells can be made less severe or even eliminated.
    The other half of the group will receive a dummy supplement with no active ingredient for the same period – starting two weeks before treatment and ending three weeks afterwards – and complete the same surveys and medical tests.
    If the trial is successful – and the results then confirmed on a larger-scale – inulin supplements could become a routine part of treatment, meaning a more comfortable experience for patients and a reduction in the cost to the NHS of treating side effects.
    Early studies in animals suggest fibre supplements may also boost radiotherapy’s ability to kill cancer cells, and the trial will further explore this potential.
    Aberdeen’s Centre for Healthcare Randomised Trials (CHaRT) will handle the electronic collection of patient information using a specialised web-based data collection tool it has developed. As well as Aberdeen and Manchester, patients in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, Preston, Leeds and Mount Vernon will take part.
    Scotland and North West England are two of the regions with the highest proportion of men whose prostate cancer is diagnosed late, at stage four – one in three in Scotland and one in five in the north west.
    Professor Anne Kiltie of the Rowett Institute, who is leading the study with University of Manchester’s Professor Ananya Choudhury, said: “We are delighted to receive funding from Prostate Cancer UK to undertake our study, DIETRICH. This study will test the value of inulin, a dietary fibre supplement with known health benefits, in men undergoing radiotherapy for prostate cancer. We anticipate that this will reduce intestinal and urinary side effects that men can experience from prostate radiotherapy and will allow us to confirm our laboratory findings. If our trial is successful, this will lead to us undertaking a much larger study on the benefits of inulin in men undergoing prostate radiotherapy.”
    Dr Matthew Hobbs, Director of Research at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “For thousands of men with early-stage prostate cancer, radiotherapy is a highly effective and potentially curative treatment. Sadly, however, some men can experience debilitating side effects as a result of their radiotherapy, like bowel and urinary problems, which can significantly impact their quality of life.
    “We’re really excited to be supporting this trial which is testing a relatively simple solution to tackle this significant problem. If shown to be effective, a fibre-rich diet could drastically reduce the severity of side effects that men experience as a result of their radiotherapy, resulting in faster recovery and a better quality of life. This study is being funded as part of a £2.7m investment from Prostate Cancer UK across 5 different projects to support innovative and ground-breaking research into the way we diagnose and treat prostate cancer.  
    “Prostate Cancer UK’s is the UK’s largest funder of prostate cancer research. Our schemes are deliberately designed to support different types of research and our Research Innovation Awards exist to support novel, game-changing projects just like this. It’s particularly great to be funding ground-breaking research across Scotland and the North West, two regions where far too many men are being diagnosed with later-stage prostate cancer.”
    CHaRT director Professor Graeme MacLennan said: “We are excited to work with Profs Kiltie and Choudhury on this important clinical trial. Their lab work showed potential for inulin to reduce the nasty effects of prostate radiotherapy on the bladder and bowel. “The next step is to confirm these findings in men getting radiotherapy. We’ve helped design the trial, and now our job is to help deliver it!”
    One person who is following the study closely is Dr Tim Ward, who own diagnosis with prostate cancer and the severe side effects he then experienced during radiotherapy forced him to take early retirement from his own job as a scientist researching cancer.
    Dr Ward, who now acts as a patient advocate, said: “If the DIETRICH study had been available when I first started my radiotherapy, I would most certainly have signed up for it and hopefully my side effects would have been much less of an issue. I think it is now clear that modifying the gut bacteria is going to be important in future radiotherapy treatments.”
     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Young people bring new life to Kirkdale park

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Primary school children have become the first in 2025 to plant new trees through a Liverpool City Council initiative.

    Pupils from Kirkdale St Lawrence Primary planted six new trees at Kirkdale Recreation ground, as part of plans to introduce 22 new trees to the green space. 

    Last week’s project is part of a wider Council scheme to work with primary schools across the City, getting young people involved in planting trees and learning about the importance of caring for the environment.

    Since October, the Council has planted 492 trees, with a further 144 planned by the end of March. These new trees will be planted across 16 different sites, including Princes Park, Lower Breck Field and Garston Park, taking the total number of sites during this period to 46.

    The Council’s tree planting programme takes place annually across autumn and winter to give the trees the best chance to grow through the warmer months. The programme is made possible through additional funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Mersey Forest.

    Each tree planted contributes to the Mersey Forest plan to reach 30% tree cover across Cheshire and Merseyside. Over the past five years, 2340 new trees have been introduced across Liverpool, bringing health and environmental benefits with them.

    Not only do trees reduce the amount of carbon in the atmosphere and provide a natural habitat for a number of species, but they also help with cases of extreme heat and flooding. Research by Public Health England has highlighted further benefits of green spaces within urban areas, particularly on people’s physical and mental health and wellbeing. 

    Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Neighbourhoods and Streetscene said: “Planting trees brings a wealth of benefits back into the City, from improving people’s health to helping to protect the environment from the effects of climate change.  

    “It’s fantastic to hear how excited the children were to join in and watch their trees grow over the coming months. They’ve done a brilliant job, and it’ll make such a difference to the recreation ground that they can be proud of for years to come.

    “Working with young people from our local schools is a fantastic way to offer hands-on education and work together to make Liverpool a greener, cleaner place to grow up in.”

    Emily Kealey, a teacher at St Lawrence Primary said: “Our children had a lovely afternoon planting trees in their community. It will be fantastic for them to watch them grow and look back with happy memories in the future! Thank you for the opportunity!”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft modernizes educational laboratories of leading universities and technical schools of the Samara region

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Enterprises of the Samara group of NK Rosneft equipped educational laboratories of specialized institutions of higher and secondary vocational education in the Samara region with new equipment.

    With the support of the Company, the educational laboratory of the chemical engineering faculty of the Samara State Technical University (SamSTU) is equipped with modern pilot plants – analogues of real industrial oil refining facilities. On the new equipment in laboratory conditions, more than 200 students of SamSTU will be able to study and practice practical skills in conducting technological processes of oil refining – isomerization, catalytic cracking, reforming – and also simulate various production situations in conditions as close as possible to real production.

    Rosneft also actively participates in training personnel for oil refining, equipping student laboratories of the Novokuibyshevsk branch of SamSTU and the Novokuibyshevsk Petrochemical College (NNHT). With the assistance of the Company, the Petrochemical College acquired a training mini-unit for primary oil refining – a computer simulator complex for training in modeling technological processes. More than 600 students are trained on the simulator annually in the direction of training “Petrochemistry and Oil Refining”. Future operators, machine operators and machinists virtually simulate the processes of atmospheric distillation of oil during their training practice, pass demonstration exams, and prepare for the Championship of professional skills “Professionals”.

    Modern devices were purchased for the educational laboratory of the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technology of the Novokuibyshevsk branch of SamSTU – an infrared Fourier spectrometer for determining aromatic hydrocarbons in oil fractions and a PE-5400VI spectrophotometer with a wide range of applications – from environmental and analytical laboratories of chemical enterprises to pharmaceuticals. The new equipment will expand the research capabilities and the topics of students’ scientific work.

    Rosneft’s long-term cooperation with the best specialized universities and colleges is aimed, first of all, at improving the level of training of students in the Chemical Technology area, which is in demand by the Company, and promotes the development of scientific research in promising areas of oil refining and petrochemistry. Every year, graduates of educational institutions join the teams of Rosneft enterprises, continue to engage in relevant research, and successfully defend their developments at scientific and technical conferences for young specialists of the Company.

    Reference:

    Rosneft provides support to educational organizations in all regions of its production activities. Currently, the Company cooperates with 189 educational partner organizations, including 73 universities and 58 colleges. The partnership is aimed at forming an external personnel reserve from among students.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft February 6, 2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Reforming the skills system

    Source: Scottish Government

    Tertiary Education and Training Bill published.

    Legislation to simplify the funding system for learners at college and university and apprentices in Scotland, has been published.

    The Scottish Government has introduced the Tertiary Education and Training Bill to Parliament, which is expected to examine it over the course of this year. 

    If passed by MSPs, the Bill will see responsibility for providing national training programmes and apprenticeships move to the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) from Skills Development Scotland (SDS). This would consolidate responsibility for provision of tertiary education and training within the SFC.

    The Bill also proposes improvements to the SFC’s governance and how it oversees tertiary education, including a greater focus on the needs and interests of learners.

    Minister for Higher and Further Education Graeme Dey said:

    “The Bill marks an important step in driving improvement in the tertiary education sector and will help ensure that our annual £3 billion investment delivers the greatest impact for learners.

    “I am grateful to everyone who responded to our recent consultation and who has helped to shape the Bill’s provisions.  Our proposals aim to reduce complexity and ensure that Scotland’s skills system continues to meet the needs of the future economy.

    “I know there is widespread support for simplifying the funding system in this key sector and I hope that the Parliament will support these proposals.”

     Background   

    If passed, the proposed changes set out in the Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill  could come into effect from Autumn 2026. A policy memorandum, financial memorandum and other information have been published alongside the Bill.

     Plans to change the funding system which covers universities, colleges and apprenticeships, as well as student support, were announced this year. The changes follow a public consultation which took place last summer and for which a report summarising responses was published last month, along with an outline business case.

     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: These maps of support for Germany’s far-right AfD lay bare the depth of the urban-rural divide

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Rolf Frankenberger, Managing Director Research, Institute for Research on Right-Wing Extremism (IRex), University of Tübingen

    The process of industrialisation, globalisation and urbanisation – spreading out from urban centres into the countryside – is one of the core developments of modern society. It has changed people’s lives in almost every part of the world. This is a process that has been going on for more than a century. New lifestyles have developed and traditional ones have been challenged.

    A new division has emerged as a result between the urban and the rural. The two are more than just forms of settlements – they reflect ideals, values and lifestyles. Those who live in towns and cities lead almost entirely different lives to those who live in the countryside.

    Where the two meet, there is potential for tension. And that tension can be politicised. In Germany, the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), a far-right nationalist and völkisch party, is using the “urban-rural divide” to polarise and mobilise an electorate that is attracted by romanticised notions of purity, tradition, nation and rurality.

    Using spatial and data analysis, we can illustrate the patterns of this politicisation.

    Imagine you are living in a small village in the countryside. You strongly believe in traditions and family life. You regard the landscape around you as home – as heimat, as it would be called in German. But people from abroad are moving into your village, because they can afford land there. They are different in the way they think and live. They might, for example, be digital nomads in search of a picturesque location for their home office.

    These newcomers bring the city with them, changing the rural community they join. City, to you, is a cipher for urbanity, globalism and individualism.

    But this is just one side of the coin. The other is that people from the countryside also move to cities, be it for education, work or just because there is nothing left in their village. And they bring their lifestyles to the city, too, trying to keep up traditional ideals of how the world should look.

    Diversity, ambiguity and, sometimes, incompatibility become the norm under these conditions. Urban lifestyles and designs – such as shared flats, alternative family forms, non-binary identity or digital mobility at work – collide with rural norms such as the traditional family and “rootedness” across generations.

    This can happen both in cities and in rural areas. As a result, a pluralism of ideas, styles and values arises – ranging from progressive, liberal and leftist, inclusive, modernist values to traditional, conservative and rightist, exclusive and nationalist beliefs. They coexist but are unevenly distributed over urban and rural areas.

    The AfD and other far-right parties introduce a political meaning to the urban-rural divide. The AfD pushes a narrative of the city as a negative force that is fundamentally incompatible with the rural. It claims that an elite cartel has usurped power in Germany and is trying to destroy the “culturally determined German identity”. It instead advocates for the protection of a leitkultur – of customs and traditions (brauchtum) that it believes create identity. It asserts heteronormativity as a biological fact, emphasises a strong traditional family, traditional farming and rural identity.

    What might be called cultural landscapes (kulturlandschaften) have become a particular battleground of late, with opposition to the construction of wind turbines, especially in forests, now a policy position. The AfD’s candidate for chancellor, Alice Weidel, described these as “windmills of shame” (“Windmühlen der Schande”) and called for their dismantling at the recent party congress. Wind turbines can be understood here as expressions of urban leitmotifs in a rural cultural landscape – they disrupt the countryside to provide energy for unseen urban consumers.

    And ultimately, this politicisation translates into electoral outcomes. In the European parliament elections of June 2024, the AfD took 15.9% of German votes. If we look at the spatial distribution of the AfD’s vote, a pattern showing the salience of the urban-rural divide emerges.

    East and west, town and country

    It’s clear by looking at the map that most (though not all) of the AfD’s strongholds are in eastern Germany – the region which used to be the German Democratic Republic (GDR). Fascism and Nazism were outlawed by decree when this anti-fascist state was established but, in reality, far-right ideologies don’t die off that easily. The result was that extremist views survived in an environment where there was also a lack of education on the National Socialism of the past – and a lack of education about democracy.

    When the socialist authoritarian GDR regime fell in 1989, Germany was reunified under western conditions. This had various effects, including a sense that the experiences of the east were not valued. The inequalities between the two sides of the reunified nation have left some in the east feeling distant from the state. The AfD’s version of nationalism finds fertile ground here.

    Another pattern is also clear across the whole country: the AfD is stronger in remote and rural areas and weaker in urban centres. There is less support in cities such as Berlin, Cologne, Dresden, Hamburg, Leipzig, Munich and Stuttgart. Places with more globalised cultures, international business and diverse populations remain comparably resilient to the spread of the far right.

    AfD support in different municipalities. The darker the colours, the higher the AfD vote share.
    R Frankenberger, CC BY-ND

    These patterns become more visible if you take the European election results in the state of Baden-Württemberg as an example.

    The AfD performs significantly worse in the more globalised, cosmopolitan and university-oriented urban areas and their suburbs than in the more remote and rural areas of Baden-Württemberg. On the map, university cities are marked out with a white outline.

    AfD support mapped, with university cities highlighted.
    University of Tübingen, CC BY-ND

    The AfD is particularly strong in the northern and eastern Black Forest, on the Baar, in the Swabian Alb, in the Rems-Murr district, in the Swabian Forest and in Hohenlohe. Most of these areas are remote, with many small towns and villages. They have slightly lower income levels and lower levels of migration than average. They are much more traditional in terms of culture and religion than urban areas.

    The Black Forest, the Swabian Forest, and Hohenlohe also have quite strong protestant and evangelical communities, which are strongholds of traditional family life, customs and traditions.

    We should expect to see these trends continue. The AfD looks set to make further gains in the February 23 election being held in Germany, retaining its strongholds in the east but also spreading into the west in rural areas. The urban-rural divide will therefore become all the more apparent and entrenched when German voters head to the polls.

    Rolf Frankenberger 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. These maps of support for Germany’s far-right AfD lay bare the depth of the urban-rural divide – https://theconversation.com/these-maps-of-support-for-germanys-far-right-afd-lay-bare-the-depth-of-the-urban-rural-divide-248405

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Female genital mutilation is a leading cause of death for girls where it’s practised – new study

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Heather D. Flowe, Professor of Psychology, University of Birmingham

    Female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C) is a deeply entrenched cultural practice that affects around 200 million women and girls. It’s practised in at least 25 African countries, as well as parts of the Middle East and Asia and among immigrant populations globally.

    It is a harmful traditional practice that involves removing or damaging female genital tissue. Often it’s “justified” by cultural beliefs about controlling female sexuality and marriageability. FGM/C causes immediate and lifelong physical and psychological harm to girls and women, including severe pain, complications during childbirth, infections and trauma.

    We brought together our expertise in economics and gender based violence to examine excess mortality (avoidable deaths) due to FGM/C. Our new research now reveals a devastating reality: FGM/C is one of the leading causes of death for girls and young women in countries where it’s practised. FGM/C can result in death from severe bleeding, infection, shock, or obstructed labour.

    Our study estimates that it causes approximately 44,000 deaths each year across the 15 countries we examined. That is equivalent to a young woman or girl every 12 minutes.

    This makes it a more significant cause of death in the countries studied than any other excluding infection, malaria and respiratory infections or tuberculosis. Put differently, it is a bigger cause of death than HIV/Aids, measles, meningitis and many other well-known health threats for young women and girls in these countries.

    Prior research has shown that FGM/C leads to severe pain, bleeding and infection. But tracking deaths directly caused by the practice has been nearly impossible. This is partly because FGM/C is illegal in many countries where it occurs, and it typically takes place in non-clinical settings without medical supervision.

    Where the crisis is most severe

    The practice is particularly prevalent in several African nations. In Guinea, our data show 97% of women and girls have undergone FGM/C, while in Mali the figure stands at 83%, and in Sierra Leone, 90%. The high prevalence rates in Egypt, with 87% of women and girls affected, are a reminder that FGM/C is not confined to sub-Saharan Africa.

    For our study, we analysed data from the 15 African countries for which comprehensive “gold standard” FGM/C incidence information is available. Meaning, the data is comprehensive, reliable and widely accepted for research, policymaking and advocacy efforts to combat FGM/C.

    We developed a new approach to help overcome previous gaps in data. We matched data on the proportion of girls subjected to FGM/C at different ages with age-specific mortality rates across 15 countries between 1990 and 2020. The age at which FGM occurs varies significantly by country. In Nigeria, 93% of procedures are performed on girls younger than five years old. In contrast, in Sierra Leone, most girls undergo the procedure between the ages of 10 and 14.

    Since health conditions vary from place to place and over time, and vary in the same place from one year to the next, we made sure to consider these differences. This helped us figure out if more girls were dying at the ages when FGM/C usually happens in each country.

    For example, in Chad, 11.2% of girls undergo FGM/C aged 0-4, 57.2% at 5-9 and 30% at 10-14. We could see how mortality rates changed between these age groups compared to countries with different FGM patterns.

    This careful statistical approach helped us identify the excess deaths associated with the practice while accounting for other factors that might affect child mortality.

    Striking findings

    Our analysis revealed that when the proportion of girls subjected to FGM in a particular age group increases by 50 percentage points, their mortality rate rises by 0.1 percentage points. While this may sound small, when applied across the population of affected countries, it translates to tens of thousands of preventable deaths annually.

    The scale is staggering: while armed conflicts in Africa caused approximately 48,000 combat deaths per year between 1995 and 2015, our research suggests FGM/C leads to about 44,000 deaths annually. This places FGM among the most serious public health challenges facing these nations.

    Beyond the numbers

    These statistics represent real lives cut short. Most FGM/C procedures are performed without anaesthesia, proper medical supervision, or sterile equipment. The resulting complications can include severe bleeding, infection and shock. Even when not immediately fatal, the practice can lead to long-term health problems and increased risks during childbirth.

    The impact extends beyond physical health. Survivors often face psychological trauma and social challenges. In many communities, FGM/C is deeply embedded in cultural practices and tied to marriage prospects, making it difficult for families to resist the pressure to continue the tradition.

    Urgent crisis

    FGM/C is not just a human rights violation – it’s a public health crisis demanding urgent attention. While progress has been made in some areas, with some communities abandoning the practice, our research suggests that current efforts to combat FGM/C need to be dramatically scaled up.

    The COVID-19 pandemic has potentially worsened the situation, owing to broader impacts of the pandemic on societies, economies and healthcare systems. The UN estimates that the pandemic may have led to 2 million additional cases of FGM/C that could have been prevented. Based on our mortality estimates, this could result in approximately 4,000 additional deaths in the 15 countries we studied.

    The way forward

    Ending FGM/C requires a multi-faceted approach. Legal reforms are crucial – the practice remains legal in five of the 28 countries where it’s most commonly practised. However, laws alone aren’t enough. Community engagement, education, and support for grassroots organisations are essential for changing deeply held cultural beliefs and practices.

    Previous research has shown that information campaigns and community-led initiatives can be effective. For instance, studies have documented reductions in FGM/C rates following increased social media reach in Egypt and the use of educational films showing different views on FGM/C.

    Most importantly, any solution must involve the communities where FGM/C is practised. Our research underscores that this isn’t just about changing traditions – it’s about saving lives. Every year of delay means tens of thousands more preventable deaths.

    Our findings suggest that ending FGM/C should be considered as urgent a priority as combating major infectious diseases. The lives of millions of girls and young women depend on it.

    – Female genital mutilation is a leading cause of death for girls where it’s practised – new study
    – https://theconversation.com/female-genital-mutilation-is-a-leading-cause-of-death-for-girls-where-its-practised-new-study-249171

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Grattan on Friday: we don’t need an inquiry into the caravan affair but we do need some answers

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

    The battle to contain antisemitism in Australia finds both sides of politics embracing measures they’d otherwise abhor.

    Spectacularly, the government capitulated this week to include mandatory minimum sentences of between one and six years in its hate speech legislation that passed the parliament on Thursday.

    That flip flop was done in a day. You need a longer memory to recall the Coalition’s insistence that free speech had to be preeminent over dealing with hate speech.

    Way back, when Tony Abbott was prime minister, there was a big (ultimately unsuccessful) push against Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act. This civil law prohibits acts “likely to offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate someone because of their race or ethnicity”. At the very least, libertarian Liberals wanted it reworded to remove “offend” and “insult”.

    Before entering parliament, James Paterson worked for the right wing Institute of Public Affairs, which spearheaded attacks on 18C. Even after becoming a senator in 2016, Paterson remained a strong critic of 18C (although he says he always supported laws against incitement to violence).

    Now as home affairs spokesman Paterson has been at the forefront of the opposition efforts to make the new hate speech law as strong as possible.

    Until mid week the government firmly ruled out giving in to opposition’s demands for mandatory sentences for hate crimes. The government’s resistance was unsurprising. The Labor party platform rules out mandatory sentences.

    But then late on Wednesday, leader of the house Tony Burke went into parliament with amendments including mandatory minimum sentences of between one and six years for various crimes under the anti-hate legislation.

    Teal MP Zoe Daniel, from the Victorian seat of Goldstein, was among several crossbenchers who voted against that amendment.

    She said later she supported the legislation but described the mandatory sentencing as “overreach”. “Community safety is paramount, and so is good policy-making. Mandatory minimum sentences do not reflect good parliamentary practice or good governance. Nor do they respect the sanctity of Australia’s constitution and separation of powers, and the importance of judicial independence.”

    The antisemitism crisis is, on a number of fronts, leading to the actual or advocated curtailment of civil liberties. The federal government has outlawed the Nazi salute and hate symbols. The NSW government is to bring in more anti-hate provisions.

    There is constant debate about the desirability of curbs of one sort or another on demonstrations. The antisemitism envoy, Jillian Segal, has said, “There should be places designated away from where the Jewish community might venture where people can demonstrate”.

    In our history we repeatedly see how government actions to confront perceived emergencies collide with civil liberties.

    For example, strong security laws introduced in the wake of September 11 2001 triggered arguments about the extent to which they struck down people’s rights. Going back to the Menzies era, the Communist threat prompted the government to try (and fail) to carry a referendum to ban the Communist Party.

    People of good intent will differ about the extent to which particular responses to a crisis are necessary and appropriate, or go too far, either being bad policy or an unjustified curb on civil liberties. Historical judgements may also differ from those made at the time.

    This is not to dispute that we should be taking the strongest action against antisemitism. It’s merely to point out that with each particular measure, it’s important to be confident the end justifies the means, taking into account possible unintended or adverse consequences as well as what is to be achieved.

    Having had a victory over mandatory minimum sentences, the opposition is pushing for an inquiry into when Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was told about the caravan found at Dural, NSW filled with explosives and containing indications Sydney’s Great Synagogue and a Jewish museum could be targets.

    The caravan was parked for several weeks on a street before it came to police attention. NSW police alerted Premier Chris Minns the following day. But it is unclear when the prime minister found out.

    Albanese has steadfastly refused to say, citing operational reasons. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton suggested (without producing any evidence) the NSW police might have made a deliberate decision not to advise the Commonwealth “so that the prime minister wasn’t advised because they were worried he would leak the information”.

    Dutton is calling for an “independent inquiry” into the circumstances by “an eminent Australian from the criminal intelligence and law enforcement intelligence community”.

    The inquiry call is politically driven. The government is right in arguing it would have the downside of diverting resources. But nevertheless there are questions that need answering.

    There seems no logical reason why the PM cannot reveal when he was first briefed on the caravan, other than to avoid disclosing some embarrassing timing gap. Any explanation around operational reasons would surely not explain why Minns was briefed but Albanese was not. Alternatively, if Albanese was briefed promptly, why doesn’t he say so?

    When pressed at a parliamentary committee on Thursday, Australian Federal Police Force Commissioner Reece Kershaw would not be drawn, saying it was not appropriate to provide information about an ongoing investigation at a public hearing.

    Later Greens member of the committee, senator David Shoebridge, said: “The AFP telling us when they informed the PM could in no way prejudice any ongoing police investigation. We had half a dozen senior AFP officials [before the committee] including the Commissioner and zero serious answers.

    “This whole circus would be shut down by any half competent government by telling us when the PM knew with a simple explanation for any delay. Instead we get these bizarre performances from both the PM and the AFP.”

    One question that should be answered by the authorities is why Jewish leaders, including those connected with the synagogue and the museum, were not informed. Though operational reasons might be relevant, surely safety considerations suggest the Jewish leaders should have been told.

    The authorities believe the antisemitic attacks are not simply unconnected incidents. They say people are being paid to make them, suggesting some master minding behind them.

    Of course that justifies secrecy while investigations proceed, but operational needs should not be a cover for refusing to provide enough information to give the public confidence the various authorities are working effectively together.

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

    – ref. Grattan on Friday: we don’t need an inquiry into the caravan affair but we do need some answers – https://theconversation.com/grattan-on-friday-we-dont-need-an-inquiry-into-the-caravan-affair-but-we-do-need-some-answers-249275

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese university develops high-efficiency flexible tandem solar cells

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Scientists at China’s Westlake University have unveiled a breakthrough in solar technology: ultra-thin, flexible tandem solar cells that can achieve a record 23.4 percent power conversion efficiency.
    The cells, with a thickness comparable to the diameter of a human hair, combine perovskite and copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) layers, offering promising applications in wearable devices, curved building surfaces, electric vehicles and aerospace, the Science and Technology Daily reported on Thursday.
    The research underscores China’s growing role in the realm of next-generation solar innovation.
    The team, led by Wang Rui from the School of Engineering and the Research Center for Industries of the Future, published their findings in Nature Photonics.
    Tandem solar cells overcome the efficiency limitations of traditional single-junction cells by incorporating complementary materials.
    Their design stacks two light-absorbing materials — perovskite and CIGS — like a “multi-layer cake,” as Wang described.
    “Each layer captures specific wavelengths of sunlight, enabling the cell to harvest more energy than single-layer alternatives,” he said, adding the final product comprises as many as 15 layers, each with stringent requirements regarding thickness and uniformity.
    Wang’s team started the development of the solar cells in 2022, but they faced a critical challenge: forming a smooth perovskite layer atop the CIGS surface.
    Initial attempts left the perovskite riddled with holes, crippling performance. In late 2023, researchers Tian Liuwen and Wang switched tactics, testing new perovskite deposition methods. After months of trials, they achieved a uniform layer — a milestone that propelled efficiency gains.
    The solar cells are expected to find applications in various fields including architecture, automotive, aerospace, and flexible wearable devices, Wang noted.
    The technology’s lightweight nature also reduces transportation and installation costs compared to conventional panels.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Expert: US tariffs on Chinese goods blatant trade bullying

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The U.S. Capitol building is pictured in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Jan. 6, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The United States’ unilateral imposition of additional tariffs on Chinese goods is a blatant act of trade bullying, damaging bilateral trade and erodes the rules-based global trade system, according to a Chinese expert.

    Xu Xiujun, director of the Research Center for Sino-Foreign Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and a professor at its International Political Economy Institute, voiced his concerns during an interview with China.org.cn on Wednesday. “The U.S. imposition of extra tariffs on Chinese goods severely disrupts normal bilateral trade and jeopardizes the sustainable development of China-U.S. ties,” he said. “The move violates World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and pushes the global trade order once again to the brink of chaos.”

    Following the U.S. imposition of a 10% additional tariff on Chinese imports on Feb. 4, citing the fentanyl issue, Beijing swiftly responded with a series of economic countermeasures the same day.

    The Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council announced that China will implement additional tariffs on select U.S. goods starting Feb. 10. These tariffs include a 15% levy on U.S. coal and liquefied natural gas, and a 10% increase on existing tariffs for crude oil, agricultural machinery, large-displacement automobiles and pickup trucks. 

    China’s State Administration for Market Regulation also announced an anti-monopoly investigation into Google, and the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) and the General Administration of Customs jointly declared export controls on certain items related to tungsten, tellurium, bismuth, molybdenum and indium, effective Tuesday.  

    The Chinese government has also filed a complaint with the WTO’s dispute settlement mechanism, as confirmed by an MOC spokesperson on Tuesday, to “safeguard China’s legitimate rights and interests.”

    “By taking the U.S. tariff measures to the WTO dispute settlement mechanism, the Chinese government has not only demonstrated its firm stance in safeguarding its own rights and interests, but also taken concrete action to uphold the international trade order based on WTO rules,” said Xu.

    At a press briefing on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said, “Applying pressure and issuing threats is not the right way to handle relations with China,” arguing that shifting the blame to other countries does not address the U.S. fentanyl crisis.

    “The real solution lies in reducing domestic drug demand and strengthening law enforcement cooperation,” Lin added. He also highlighted that China enforces some of the strictest drug control policies in the world.

    Xu highlighted China’s longstanding leadership in drug control, noting that China was the first country to officially schedule fentanyl-related substances as a distinct class back in 2019.

    “In contrast, due to lax regulatory oversight, the U.S. has been grappling with rampant drug abuse and widespread drug problems,” he said. Xu criticized the U.S. government for singling out unrelated Chinese products with unilateral tariffs — a tactic designed to conceal its own inability to effectively address domestic drug issues while protecting the interests of large pharmaceutical companies and their political allies.

    “This approach not only fails to address the challenges facing the U.S. but actually worsens its problems,” he added.

    Xu said that China will enhance cooperation with other WTO members, firmly opposes unilateralism and trade protectionism, and embraces genuine multilateralism.

    “China will work to promote stable and sustainable international economic and trade cooperation in line with the WTO’s core principles of fair competition, transparency and predictability,” he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society announces new Chief Executive

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society has announced that it has appointed Vanessa Reed as its new Chief Executive. She will take up the position on 2 June 2025.

    Vanessa will lead one of the most important music organisations in the UK, comprising the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company, and an extensive learning and community programme. She succeeds Michael Eakin as Chief Executive who retires at the end of March 2025 after 16 years in the role.

    Vanessa Reed is an award-winning music executive with more than 16 years’ experience as CEO of national music organisations in the UK and the US. Since 2019, she has been President and CEO of New Music USA, a New York based national resource which supports music creation and performance across the US. In this role, Vanessa has launched an array of new initiatives including Amplifying Voices which unites over 45 US orchestras in the co-commissioning of new work and major jazz and film scoring programs which address inequities in the music industry in collaboration with leading US artists. In the US, Vanessa has also been advisor to the Recording Academy’s New York Chapter.

    Before the move to New York, Vanessa was CEO at PRS Foundation in London where she repositioned the Foundation as a pioneering international force, leading new initiatives which demonstrate her advocacy for music across a range of genres. This includes the New Music Biennial which won the Royal Philharmonic Society’s best festival award in 2012, and the global Keychange gender equity movement which has been supported by over 650 festivals and music organisations around the world, and recognised through multiple awards, including Classical Next’s Innovation Award.

    Vanessa served as Board member of Royal Liverpool Philharmonic between 2016 and 2019, was an Ambassador for the University of Liverpool and collaborated with Liverpool City Council to support emerging musicians. Her love for Liverpool stems from her father who studied law at Liverpool University in the 60’s, loved the Philharmonic Hall, and inspired her and her family to support one of the city’s football teams. She is married to a Liverpudlian – FACT founder, Eddie Berg.

    Vanessa Reed, Chief Executive-designate, says: I am thrilled and honoured to be the first woman appointed to the role of Chief Executive at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. This unique organisation is very close to my heart and Liverpool is my favourite UK city. Every time I’ve seen the Orchestra perform at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall I’ve been blown away by the quality of the players and the warmth of local audiences.  I’m inspired by Liverpool Philharmonic’s mission to transform lives through music and I’m a longstanding fan of its three-way commitment to the orchestra, venues and learning programmes which reach over 100,000 young people every year.

    My goal is to ensure that we, as one of the world’s oldest music societies, continue to evolve and thrive as we embark on our next imaginative chapter. This includes serving more of the city region’s musicians and young people through the planned “Abbey Road of the North” studios and tapping into Liverpool’s international brand for the benefit of our orchestra, led by our dynamic Chief Conductor, Domingo Hindoyan. I can’t wait to join Domingo and the Liverpool Philharmonic’s outstanding musicians, staff, board, and supporters to make all of this happen and to enjoy lots of live music in Liverpool with the audiences we welcome to our performances.

    Louise Shepherd CBE, Chair of the Board of Trustees, says: “We are thrilled to welcome Vanessa Reed as our new Chief Executive. She brings outstanding international experience in the music sector, and in encouraging, supporting and growing new musical voices, artists and audiences. She knows Liverpool Philharmonic and the city well, having served on our board between 2016-2019 and has a real passion for the work we do and the role we play within our local community, and as a nationally and internationally important orchestra and music organisation. She is a strategic and creative leader who, with our brilliant team, will take Liverpool Philharmonic forward and continue to grow the quality, ambition and reach of our work.”

    Leader of Liverpool City Council, Councillor Liam Robinson, said: “The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic is one of the UK’s most important cultural institutions, not only for its incredible annual programme of events, but also the vital role it plays in music education and community engagement – inspiring young musicians and making music as accessible as possible. This year marks the tenth anniversary of our UNESCO City of Music status, and Vanessa’s appointment seems incredibly fitting. Michael Eakin will be a hard act to follow, but Vanessa’s credentials can only enhance the vibrancy of this much-loved organisation and boost its global reputation for musical excellence.”

    Claire McColgan CBE, Director of Culture & Major Events, Liverpool City Council, says: “Vanessa’s appointment will be transformative for the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. She is a visionary leader who has had an indelible impact on the music industry in America.

    Vanessa not only brings with her a whole wealth of knowledge and passion, but she understands this sector and is committed to elevating it where she can, promoting gender equity and diversity at every level. We’re really keen to explore links with New York, and in doing so take the Philharmonic – and the city – to exciting new frontiers. Michael has been a wonderful ambassador for Liverpool and has been a leading civic figure – a role which Vanessa is sure to embrace, and in doing so, will make the city culturally richer.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Female genital mutilation is a leading cause of death for girls where it’s practised – new study

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Heather D. Flowe, Professor of Psychology, University of Birmingham

    Female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C) is a deeply entrenched cultural practice that affects around 200 million women and girls. It’s practised in at least 25 African countries, as well as parts of the Middle East and Asia and among immigrant populations globally.

    It is a harmful traditional practice that involves removing or damaging female genital tissue. Often it’s “justified” by cultural beliefs about controlling female sexuality and marriageability. FGM/C causes immediate and lifelong physical and psychological harm to girls and women, including severe pain, complications during childbirth, infections and trauma.

    We brought together our expertise in economics and gender based violence to examine excess mortality (avoidable deaths) due to FGM/C. Our new research now reveals a devastating reality: FGM/C is one of the leading causes of death for girls and young women in countries where it’s practised. FGM/C can result in death from severe bleeding, infection, shock, or obstructed labour.

    Our study estimates that it causes approximately 44,000 deaths each year across the 15 countries we examined. That is equivalent to a young woman or girl every 12 minutes.

    This makes it a more significant cause of death in the countries studied than any other excluding infection, malaria and respiratory infections or tuberculosis. Put differently, it is a bigger cause of death than HIV/Aids, measles, meningitis and many other well-known health threats for young women and girls in these countries.

    Prior research has shown that FGM/C leads to severe pain, bleeding and infection. But tracking deaths directly caused by the practice has been nearly impossible. This is partly because FGM/C is illegal in many countries where it occurs, and it typically takes place in non-clinical settings without medical supervision.

    Where the crisis is most severe

    The practice is particularly prevalent in several African nations.
    In Guinea, our data show 97% of women and girls have undergone FGM/C, while in Mali the figure stands at 83%, and in Sierra Leone, 90%. The high prevalence rates in Egypt, with 87% of women and girls affected, are a reminder that FGM/C is not confined to sub-Saharan Africa.

    For our study, we analysed data from the 15 African countries for which comprehensive “gold standard” FGM/C incidence information is available. Meaning, the data is comprehensive, reliable and widely accepted for research, policymaking and advocacy efforts to combat FGM/C.

    We developed a new approach to help overcome previous gaps in data. We matched data on the proportion of girls subjected to FGM/C at different ages with age-specific mortality rates across 15 countries between 1990 and 2020. The age at which FGM occurs varies significantly by country. In Nigeria, 93% of procedures are performed on girls younger than five years old. In contrast, in Sierra Leone, most girls undergo the procedure between the ages of 10 and 14.

    Since health conditions vary from place to place and over time, and vary in the same place from one year to the next, we made sure to consider these differences. This helped us figure out if more girls were dying at the ages when FGM/C usually happens in each country.

    For example, in Chad, 11.2% of girls undergo FGM/C aged 0-4, 57.2% at 5-9 and 30% at 10-14. We could see how mortality rates changed between these age groups compared to countries with different FGM patterns.

    This careful statistical approach helped us identify the excess deaths associated with the practice while accounting for other factors that might affect child mortality.

    Striking findings

    Our analysis revealed that when the proportion of girls subjected to FGM in a particular age group increases by 50 percentage points, their mortality rate rises by 0.1 percentage points. While this may sound small, when applied across the population of affected countries, it translates to tens of thousands of preventable deaths annually.

    The scale is staggering: while armed conflicts in Africa caused approximately 48,000 combat deaths per year between 1995 and 2015, our research suggests FGM/C leads to about 44,000 deaths annually. This places FGM among the most serious public health challenges facing these nations.

    Beyond the numbers

    These statistics represent real lives cut short. Most FGM/C procedures are performed without anaesthesia, proper medical supervision, or sterile equipment. The resulting complications can include severe bleeding, infection and shock. Even when not immediately fatal, the practice can lead to long-term health problems and increased risks during childbirth.

    The impact extends beyond physical health. Survivors often face psychological trauma and social challenges. In many communities, FGM/C is deeply embedded in cultural practices and tied to marriage prospects, making it difficult for families to resist the pressure to continue the tradition.

    Urgent crisis

    FGM/C is not just a human rights violation – it’s a public health crisis demanding urgent attention. While progress has been made in some areas, with some communities abandoning the practice, our research suggests that current efforts to combat FGM/C need to be dramatically scaled up.

    The COVID-19 pandemic has potentially worsened the situation, owing to broader impacts of the pandemic on societies, economies and healthcare systems. The UN estimates that the pandemic may have led to 2 million additional cases of FGM/C that could have been prevented. Based on our mortality estimates, this could result in approximately 4,000 additional deaths in the 15 countries we studied.

    The way forward

    Ending FGM/C requires a multi-faceted approach. Legal reforms are crucial – the practice remains legal in five of the 28 countries where it’s most commonly practised. However, laws alone aren’t enough. Community engagement, education, and support for grassroots organisations are essential for changing deeply held cultural beliefs and practices.

    Previous research has shown that information campaigns and community-led initiatives can be effective. For instance, studies have documented reductions in FGM/C rates following increased social media reach in Egypt and the use of educational films showing different views on FGM/C.

    Most importantly, any solution must involve the communities where FGM/C is practised. Our research underscores that this isn’t just about changing traditions – it’s about saving lives. Every year of delay means tens of thousands more preventable deaths.

    Our findings suggest that ending FGM/C should be considered as urgent a priority as combating major infectious diseases. The lives of millions of girls and young women depend on it.

    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. Female genital mutilation is a leading cause of death for girls where it’s practised – new study – https://theconversation.com/female-genital-mutilation-is-a-leading-cause-of-death-for-girls-where-its-practised-new-study-249171

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Bumper turnout at award winning SEND careers fair

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The City of Wolverhampton Council, with support from Tettenhall Wood School, staged the free Moving into Adulthood Careers Fair at Wolverhampton Racecourse, aimed at young people in Year 9 and above, parents, carers and staff who support the children in their current educational setting.

    They were invited to find out about the options available for further education, training and employment from exhibitors including colleges, providers, supported employers, social care settings and community groups.

    Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “We want to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities are able to live their lives to the full.

    “This was our third Moving into Adulthood Careers Fair and the biggest and best yet, with more children and young people, more parents and carers, and more exhibitors, and we hope it gave everyone involved plenty of information and advice about the many opportunities that are out there for our children and young people with SEND as they move into adulthood.

    “Feedback was overwhelmingly positive with attendees praising the range of careers showcased and the engaging nature of the activities, and I would like to thank everyone who attended and who organised this year’s very successful event.”

    The second Moving into Adulthood SEND Careers Fair, staged at Wolverhampton Racecourse in November 2023, won the Careers Intervention category at last summer’s West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Adult Learning Awards.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Hospitals will get $1.7 billion more federal funding. Will this reduce waiting times?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Henry Cutler, Professor and Director, Macquarie University Centre for the Health Economy, Macquarie University

    This week, the federal government announced it will pay states and territories an extra, one-off, A$1.7 billion for public hospitals.

    This has been billed as a way to fix some ailing hospitals, and shorten waits for care in emergency departments and for elective surgery. But will it really make a difference?

    How are hospitals funded?

    Australian public hospitals are funded through a collaborative arrangement involving state, territory and federal governments. The federal government provides 37% of public hospital funding annually, primarily through the National Health Reform Agreement. States and territories fund nearly all the rest.

    Most federal government funding for public hospitals is determined by an “activity based funding” formula. Funding is based on the number of patients treated and the price of treatment, the latter calculated from average public hospital costs.

    State and territory governments manage public hospitals. The federal government has little say on how public hospital money is spent. The exception is when funding relates to something specific, like a new hospital ward.

    How the extra funding compares

    The federal government will spend $30.19 billion on public hospitals this financial year. The extra funding will grow its public hospital spending by 12% in 2025–26.

    Extra funding will likely impact Northern Territory hospitals the most. It will receive $51 million more, a 30% increase.

    While larger states will receive additional funding, they have more public hospitals and patients. For example, New South Wales will receive $407 million, but this equates to only an 11% increase from the federal government.

    The extra funding is less impressive when compared to total public hospital spending. That was $86 billion in 2022–23, suggesting the extra $1.7 billion will represent less than 2% in additional total funding to public hospitals in 2025–26.

    But this extra spending is not in isolation. The federal government has already committed nearly $600 million to establish 87 urgent care clinics around Australia. Their primary purpose is to alleviate pressure on emergency departments and fill gaps in access to after-hours primary care.

    Public hospitals are funded mostly by the states and territories, but receive some funding from the federal government.
    khuncho24/Shutterstock

    Pressure in public hospitals

    Public hospital pressure has been building for over a decade. Emergency departments are often clogged, leading to long wait times, mostly because of staff shortages. Around 10% of patients wait more than two hours. There is little slack in the system to counter unpredictable surges in demand for care.

    The proportion of emergency department patients seen on time has declined since COVID. The proportion of patients requiring urgent emergency department care seen on-time, for example, has decreased from 67% to 61%. More non-urgent and semi-urgent patients are also not receiving care on time.

    Patients are also waiting longer for elective public hospital surgery since COVID, despite an increase in the number of admissions from elective surgery waiting lists.

    Proportion of patients seen on time in public hospital emergency departments


    Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

    Waiting times vary by state and territories. Queensland has the lowest proportion of patients waiting more than 365 days for public hospital elective surgery at 3.9% in 2023–24, while the ACT had the highest at 8.9%.

    Encouragingly, waiting times decreased for nearly all elective surgeries compared to 2022–23, suggesting public hospitals may be making inroads into the post-COVID load.

    Proportion of patients waiting more than 365 days for public hospital elective surgery

    Note: Data for the NT was unavailable.
    Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

    Will the money help?

    While additional funding will help, there is no magic wand. Public hospitals need to substantially reorganise their staff, workflows, beds and buildings. This in an environment that has workforce shortages, burnout, and wage pressures, making major health system changes particularly difficult.

    Some hospitals may reduce their waiting times substantially, if states and territories allocate their extra funding to poor performers.

    However, poor performance can be related to systemic issues out of the hospital’s control, such as workforce shortages. Without an increase in total health-care workforce size, these poor performing hospitals may look for additional staff from other public hospitals, worsening their performance.

    Whether any improvements last is another question.

    Public hospitals face increased demand for emergency department care, only mitigated by the potential success of urgent care clinics.



    Read more:
    Labor’s urgent care centres are a step in the right direction – but not a panacea

    Public hospitals also face an increase in demand for elective surgery, as the population ages and chronic disease prevalence increases.

    The extra $1.7 billion is only a one off. Funds to reduce waiting times will mostly be spent on more staff, such as nurses, clinicians and administration staff.

    Public hospitals will need additional, ongoing funding to keep up with demand, otherwise any initial improvement will dissipate.

    Funds to reduce waiting times will mostly be spent on more staff.
    Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock

    What else needs to happen?

    All governments need to invest more in prevention programs to slow the growth in public hospital demand.

    More Australians are obese, as a proportion of the population, compared to other OECD countries. This has created a heavy burden.

    Reducing financial waste in the health-care system is of huge importance. Savings could be used for long-term improvements in waiting times once the extra funding runs out.

    Around 40% of health care is of low value or causes harm. Reducing unnecessary medical tests, speeding up discharges, and reducing avoidable admissions is a good start.

    Other changes that could help include:

    • setting national performance targets for states and territories to reduce their waiting lists
    • stronger monitoring of performance
    • holding public hospital managers more accountable for achieving their waiting time targets.

    A new National Health Reform Agreement is due to take effect in 2026. Whoever wins this year’s federal election will have to finalise this agreement with the states and territories.

    The Commonwealth and states are yet to commit to all of the recommendations from the mid-term review of the current agreement released in October 2023. The extent to which governments accept these recommendations has the potential to create a much greater, long-term impact on waiting times than this extra, one-off payment.

    Henry Cutler has previously received funding from Northern Territory Health.

    – ref. Hospitals will get $1.7 billion more federal funding. Will this reduce waiting times? – https://theconversation.com/hospitals-will-get-1-7-billion-more-federal-funding-will-this-reduce-waiting-times-249170

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Where support for Germany’s far-right AFD is growing and why – podcast

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Laura Hood, Host, Know Your Place podcast, The Conversation

    Germany is holding an election on February 23 and the contest is attracting an unusual amount of attention. That’s because the far-right Alternative for Germany (AFD) is polling in second place on 20% of the national vote.

    Should the party end up with a vote share on this scale, it would be its best ever result in a national election. It would change the face of the German parliament and force mainstream parties into difficult questions about their longstanding refusal to work with extreme parties.

    The AFD’s roots are in nationalistic and racist movements. It continues to take an ultra anti-immigration stance and, in this election, is calling for “demigration” – effectively the deportation of migrants.

    In this episode of The Conversation Weekly podcast, Rolf Frankenberger, an expert on right-wing extremism at the University of Tübingen in Germany, explains where the AFD draws its support from and what type of Germany it wants to return to.

    Frankenburger has found two clear trends in the geographical distribution of AfD voting. The first is common among far-right parties around the world:

    “ There are always exceptions, of course, but the main pattern is that around the big cities like Berlin, like Hamburg, Bremen, Hanover, Münster, Stuttgart, Munich, Frankfurt in these cities and their direct environment and suburbs, the AFD is less important. Whereas in the specific rural areas, like in Saxonia, in the Erzgebirge, in Baden-Württemberg, in the Black Forest, in Rhineland Palatinate, in the more rural areas, they have their strongholds.”

    The second, however, is unique to Germany. Support for the AFD is far more concentrated in the east of Germany. This region was the part of the country that made up the communist German Democratic Republic between 1949 and 1990, before German reunification.

    “Reunification in Germany produced winners and losers. And in the view of many East German people – and much of it is true – there are inequalities that were produced by reunification.”

    These divisions are being exploited to push what Frankenburger terms a form of white supremacist, traditionalist “Völkisch nationalism” – not a term that is well understood outside of Germany but which resonates heavily in domestic politics.

    “And so the AFD comes in and says ‘hey, there’s something wrong with the state, there’s something wrong with democracy, and there’s something wrong with our heritage. So we have a strong German heritage. We have an identity, we have an idea and all the others are trying to destroy it’. So it’s a kind of protest.”

    To find out more about narratives pushed by the AFD, listen to the interview with Rolf Frankenberger on The Conversation Weekly podcast.

    This episode of The Conversation Weekly was written and produced by Mend Mariwany and Gemma Ware. Sound design was by Michelle Macklem, and theme music by Neeta Sarl.

    Clips in this episode from AFP News, AfD in English, DW News and Al Jazeera English.

    Listen to The Conversation Weekly via any of the apps listed above, download it directly via our RSS feed or find out how else to listen here.

    Rolf Frankenberger 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. Where support for Germany’s far-right AFD is growing and why – podcast – https://theconversation.com/where-support-for-germanys-far-right-afd-is-growing-and-why-podcast-249045

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –