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Category: Technology

  • MIL-Evening Report: Iran’s internet blackout left people in the dark. How does a country shut down the internet?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mohiuddin Ahmed, Senior Lecturer of Computing and Security, Edith Cowan University

    Dylan Carr/Unsplash

    In recent days, Iranians experienced a near-complete internet blackout, with local service providers – including mobile services – repeatedly going offline. Iran’s government has cited cyber security concerns for ordering the shutdown.

    Shutting off the internet within an entire country is a serious action. It severely limits people’s ability to freely communicate and to find reliable information during times of conflict.

    In countries that have privatised mobile and internet providers, control is often exercised through legislation or through government directives – such as age restrictions on adult content. By contrast, Iran has spent years developing the capacity to directly control its telecommunications infrastructure.

    So how can a country have broad control over internet access, and could this happen anywhere in the world?

    How does ‘blocking the internet’ work?

    The “internet” is a broad term. It covers many types of applications, services and, of course, the websites we’re familiar with.

    There’s a range of ways to control access to internet services, but broadly speaking, there are two “simple” methods a nation could use to block citizens’ internet access.

    Hardware

    A nation may opt to physically disconnect the incoming internet connectivity at the point of entry to the country (imagine pulling the plug on a telephone exchange).

    This allows for easy recovery of service when the government is ready, but the impact will be far-reaching. Nobody in the country, including the government itself, will be able to connect to the internet – unless the government has its own additional, covert connectivity to the rest of the world.



    Read more:
    Undersea cables are the unseen backbone of the global internet

    Software and configuration

    This is where it gets more technical. Every internet-connected endpoint – laptop, computer, mobile phone – has an IP (internet protocol) address. They’re strings of numbers; for example, 77.237.87.95 is an address assigned to one of the internet service providers in Iran.

    IP addresses identify the device on the public internet. However, since strings of numbers are not easy to remember, humans use domain names to connect to services – theconversation.com is an example of a domain name.

    That connection between the IP address and the domain is controlled by the domain name system or DNS. It’s possible for a government to control access to key internet services by modifying the DNS – this manipulates the connection between domain names and their underlying numeric addresses.

    An additional way to control the internet involves manipulating the traffic flow. IP addresses allow devices to send and receive data across networks controlled by internet service providers. In turn, they rely on the border gateway protocol (BGP) – think of it like a series of traffic signs which direct internet traffic flow, allowing data to move around the world.

    Governments could force local internet service providers to remove their BGP routes from the internet. As a result, the devices they service wouldn’t be able to connect to the internet. In the same manner, the rest of the world would no longer be able to “see” into the country.



    Read more:
    Internet shutdowns: here’s how governments do it

    How common is this?

    In dozens of countries around the world, the internet is either routinely controlled or has been shut down in response to major incidents.

    A recent example is a wide-scale internet blackout in Bangladesh in July 2024 during student-led protests against government job quotas.

    In 2023, Senegal limited internet access to handle violent protests that erupted over the sentencing of a political leader. In 2020, India imposed a lengthy internet blackout on the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir. In 2011, the Egyptian government withdrew BGP routes to address civil unrest.

    These events clearly show that if a government anywhere in the world wants to turn off the internet, it really can. The democratic state of the country is the most significant influence on the willingness to undertake such action – not the technical capability.

    However, in today’s world, being disconnected from the internet will heavily impact people’s lives, jobs and the economy. It’s not an action to be taken lightly.

    How can people evade internet controls?

    Virtual private networks or VPNs have long been used to hide communications in countries with strict internet controls, and continue to be an effective internet access method for many people. (However, there are indications Iran has clamped down on VPN use in recent times.)

    However, VPNs won’t help when the internet is physically disconnected. Depending on configuration, if BGP routes are blocked, this may also prevent any VPN traffic from reaching the target.

    This is where independent satellite internet services open up the most reliable alternative. Satellite internet is great for remote and rural areas where traditional internet service providers have yet to establish their cabling infrastructure – or can’t do so.

    Even if traditional wired or wireless internet connections are unavailable, services such as Starlink, Viasat, Hughesnet and others can provide internet access through satellites orbiting Earth.

    To use satellite internet, users rely on antenna kits supplied by providers. In Iran, Elon Musk’s Starlink was activated during the blackout, and independent reports suggest there are thousands of Starlink receivers secretly operating in the country.

    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. Iran’s internet blackout left people in the dark. How does a country shut down the internet? – https://theconversation.com/irans-internet-blackout-left-people-in-the-dark-how-does-a-country-shut-down-the-internet-259546

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU students won six medals at the “I am a professional” Olympiad

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    The results of the All-Russian Student Olympiad “I am a Professional” – one of the largest educational projects in the country – have been summed up. NSU students won six medals: three gold and three bronze.

    Master’s student Faculty of Information Technology Ivan Baksheev won the gold medal and became the winner of the Olympiad for the fourth time. This year, he immediately went to the final as last year’s medalist. The Olympiad included two rounds: theoretical and practical, both under strict online proctoring.

    — I have been participating in the Olympiad for several years now. This year was my last chance, as the Olympiad is not held for postgraduates. The most difficult tasks were those on the physical protection of critical facilities, but in the end I solved them best. And in the practical round, I had to urgently deal with memory dumps — quickly find the necessary software, install and use it. The results were expected: judging by the scores, it was already clear in April that the gold was in my pocket, — Ivan shares.

    The student is currently continuing his research work, with his interests focused on various aspects of information theory, including issues related to data protection:

    “I am studying various aspects of information theory and plan to enroll in graduate school at NSU or one of the institutes of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, continuing to work in this field,” he says.

    The gold medal in the Psychology track was won by Lyubov Pecherina, a student at the Institute of Medicine and Medical Technologies of NSU. The Olympiad was held in two stages – an online qualifying round and an in-person final, which Lyubov wrote at the TSU site.

    — During my school years, I actively participated in Olympiads — I won and took prizes. In my fourth year, I wanted to test my knowledge again, but in the direction of my studies at the university, that is, psychology. The result was the status of a gold medalist, that is, first place. The Olympiad tasks were really interesting, and completing them brought me considerable pleasure. I think the most difficult task was the one in which I had to read an English-language article from a scientific journal on cognitive sciences and write an abstract for it, also in English. But what I liked most was the task about the problems of the modern urban environment and the psychological consequences of living in the city, which required multidisciplinary knowledge. I was once again convinced that the main thing when solving problems in the Olympiad is not to be afraid to think and always go beyond the curriculum, to act creatively. I was amazed at such a high result. When I saw my gold medal diploma, tears came to my eyes, and I realized that all the effort I put into my studies was not wasted, says Lyubov.

    Lyubov is currently studying the characteristics of self-perception in people with autism spectrum disorders and is preparing to enter the NSU Master’s program in counseling and clinical psychology.

    — I study autism spectrum disorder, namely, what characterizes and distinguishes the perception of the surrounding world, oneself, one’s body and emotions in people with ASD from neurotypical people. In the future, I plan to enroll in a master’s program at NSU, finish and publish an article dedicated to the peculiarities of self-perception in autistic people, and, of course, take part in the Olympiad again, — Lyubov shares.

    Another gold medal winner is Alexander Tomilov, a student Faculty of Natural SciencesHe became the winner in the track “Chemistry”.

    — I have been participating in this Olympiad for the second year, because it gives an opportunity to demonstrate my knowledge and receive a reward in the form of an increased scholarship or cash prizes for medalists. This year I managed to become a gold medalist in Chemistry and a prize winner in Physics, which I am very happy about. The selection was held online, the semi-final included theoretical problems, and the final at Moscow State University was a practical course. There, it was necessary to work in a chemical laboratory: prepare solutions, carry out synthesis and analyze products. This year, the problems were closer to those we solve at the department, so I coped with them more confidently. The medal is both recognition and financial support, — says Alexander.

    Nazim Mustafin, a student of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, became a two-time bronze medalist of the Olympiad in two tracks at once: Chemistry and Biotechnology.

    — There is a qualifying round for both Olympiads, but I only wrote the chemistry qualifying round, since my diploma in biotechnology was accepted last year. The chemistry qualifying round was quite difficult, so I didn’t think I would make it to the final. However, I was lucky, — says Nazim.

    The final of the chemical track took place at Moscow State University. Nazim managed to meet friends in Moscow, visit various museums and become a prize winner.

    — Last year I won a silver medal in biotechnology and fourth place in chemistry — this year the results have shifted a little. The student track for the master’s degree is more difficult: I had to compete with graduates of the master’s degree. The final in chemistry itself was easier this year — I scored 99 points out of 100 for the practical. But in biotechnology they added a choice of problems, and it became more difficult to calculate the time correctly, — Nazim admits.

    Nazim calls participation in the Olympiad a challenge and an opportunity to earn money – there is a solid cash prize for medals. Next year, he plans to try his hand at mathematics and quantum computing.

    — I am very happy with this victory. Now the period of active study is over, so I plan to delve into the theoretical foundations of what I do in the laboratory, at the same time I am working there on a project to assemble an experimental setup, — the prize winner concludes.

    Also, a bronze medal in biotechnology was won by a student of the Faculty of Natural Sciences Anna Skotareva. This is her first participation in this track, and immediately – a prize place.

    — I have been participating in Olympiads since the first grade. At university I decided to continue — this year I tried myself in biotechnology for the first time and unexpectedly received bronze. The tasks were classic, without surprises. The topics about industrial ecology and synthetic structures turned out especially well — they are close to what I do, — Anna shares.

    In addition, Anna became the winner in the track “Ecology”. Now she studies genes associated with antibiotic resistance in prokaryotes, is interested in systems biology and bioinformatics.

    “These days it’s difficult to be a specialist in one field; you need to be able to adapt quickly,” says Anna.

    The All-Russian Olympiad “I am a Professional” is the flagship project of the presidential platform “Russia – the Land of Opportunities”. It is held with the support of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation, more than 35 leading universities in the country and over 500 companies, including Yandex, Sber, VTB, Rosatom, Russian Railways and others.

    Congratulations to the winners and prize winners!

    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 China: China maps new healthcare blueprint for world

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

    How can people in remote and underdeveloped areas access advanced healthcare services? Can tailored medical solutions meet their unique needs? China, with such questions in mind, is boosting technological advancements to map a healthcare blueprint that benefits the world.

    Jotham Kimondo, a 35-year-old doctoral student from Tanzania, is currently studying at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China in Chengdu, capital of southwest China’s Sichuan Province.

    Under the supervision of Wu Zhe, a professor at the university and director of the Chengdu Tianfu Jincheng Frontier Medical Equipment Research Institute, Kimondo is focusing on the design of ultrasonic medical devices.

    As a faculty member in Tanzania, Kimondo aims to learn ultrasonic instrument design and manufacturing in China to benefit his home country.

    “My research involves innovative design of ultrasonic medical instruments to monitor the pathological changes of human tissues, which is an important indication of disease. Women in Tanzania still rely on traditional methods like physician’s palpation to check for lumps in the mammary examination. This approach greatly depends on physicians’ individual experience and is not always accurate. And some women are not willing to do breast examinations,” said Kimondo.

    Kimondo added that many diseases still plague the people of Tanzania. “I want to improve healthcare in Tanzania, helping people to maintain health. If we develop more innovative ultrasonic medical equipment together in the future, it would be highly beneficial for early screening of breast diseases and other illnesses in Tanzania, especially after those devices become more convenient and cheaper, and can be better promoted across African countries.”

    At the Tianfu Jincheng Lab City of Future Medicine, over 53 registered companies related to frontier medicine have been attracted to explore the cutting edge of future medical innovation and integrated medicine.

    Recently, at the Remote Ultrasound Center of the Tianfu Jincheng institute, a doctor was talking online with another doctor at the Ultrasound Department of Chengdu Eastern New Area Second People’s Hospital, guiding the use of a portable ultrasound device on a patient’s carotid artery.

    Real-time imaging and relevant data of the ultrasound inspection were displayed on a shared screen, allowing the two doctors to communicate directly, discuss pathological conditions and give professional diagnostic results.

    “Traditional high-end ultrasound machines are expensive, costing millions. Rural residents in China’s western regions often need to seek ultrasound examinations in higher-level county hospitals,” Wu explained.

    “Our research efforts aim to enable portable ultrasound devices to be widely used in rural areas of western China for early disease screening and chronic disease management. Compared to high-end ultrasound machines, our portable device significantly lowers costs. Additionally, it is simpler and more convenient to use in grassroots hospitals,” Wu added.

    Use of this portable ultrasound device, which is the size of a smartphone, has already been implemented in over 10 health centers in eastern Chengdu — providing free carotid and thyroid screenings to more than 2,000 residents.

    With the continuous improvement of China’s industrial design and manufacturing capabilities and medical research levels, innovation in the development of medical devices is soaring. The growing recognition of Chinese medical devices in overseas markets is resulting in increasing international orders, encouraging more Chinese medical companies to go global.

    In the City of Future Medicine, an industrial park, workers at Chengdu Seamaty Technology Co., Ltd. are packing biochemical analysis reagents. This batch of goods is set to be shipped globally from Chengdu.

    This “Little Giant” firm, which refers to novel and elite small and medium-sized enterprises that specialize in a niche market, boast cutting-edge technologies and show great potential, focuses on the research and production of point-of-care testing (POCT) medical devices, and has already sold its medical products to more than 150 countries and regions worldwide.

    In its quality inspection center, hundreds of fully automated biochemical analyzers undergo pre-shipment quality checks.

    “This shipment of instruments will be sent to Europe. Last year, our company’s total sales reached 320 million yuan (about 44.6 million U.S. dollars), and in the first five months of this year, our international business has increased by 59 percent compared to the same period last year,” said Wang Bin, deputy general manager of the company, highlighting that the growth in overseas orders reflects an increasing acceptance of Chinese medical device manufacturing products in international markets.

    Innovative technologies such as 3D printing, organ-on-chip systems, nanorobots and brain-computer interfaces are advancing the scientific research applications of medical devices in China, presenting a future-oriented medical landscape.

    At Chengdu Tianqi Additive Intelligent Manufacturing Co., Ltd., personalized patient-matched medical solutions are being precisely created with 3D printing technology. It uses computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) modeling, and a layer-by-layer printing process, to turn virtual designs into physical products, making the envisioned design a tangible reality.

    In a modern manufacturing workshop, dozens of industrial printers operate in an orderly manner, with a laser engraver precisely etching patterns in titanium alloy powder to an accuracy of 0.01 millimeters.

    Within just a few hours, products such as patient-matched maxillofacial bone plates are printed. This seemingly ordinary industrial scene reflects significant advancements that China has made in the realm of precision medical manufacturing.

    Compared to the handmade bending of bone plates in the past, 3D printing offers a more precise, convenient, safe and stable way to create customized products.

    “We are currently conducting custom production for a case in Singapore. Engineers input patient data transmitted from the hospital into the system, and the AI algorithms aid designers in creating personalized data models for patient facial reconstruction, which are then integrally formed via metal 3D printers,” Gao Bangkui, marketing director of Chengdu Tianqi Additive lntelligent Manufacturing Co., Ltd said.

    Gao added that in the future, the company will prioritize serving the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia to meet the customized medical needs of countries and regions participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Passes Congressman Valadao’s Romance Scam Prevention Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

    WASHINGTON – Today, the House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 2481, the Romance Scam Prevention Act. Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) introduced the bipartisan legislation in April alongside Reps. Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), and Craig Goldman (TX-12). This bill would require dating apps and services to issue fraud ban notifications to users who have interacted with a person removed from the app for fraudulent activity.

    Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) introduced the companion bill in the Senate, which passed out of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on March 12, 2025.

    “Millions of Americans use online dating platforms to connect with romantic partners, but unfortunately, they’ve also become a way for scammers to target and exploit unsuspecting victims,” said Congressman Valadao. “As criminals become more sophisticated, it’s important we have safeguards in place to protect users. The Romance Scam Prevention Act is a bipartisan effort to enhance online safety and combat financial fraud, and I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to get this bill across the finish line.”

    “Online dating services are being used as a platform for bad actors to target and exploit individuals, yet protections continue to lag behind,” said Rep. Pettersen. “Notifying users if they have been in contact with a potential scammer is a basic security feature that every online dating service should provide. This bipartisan bill will help reduce online crime and keep people safe from online scammers. I’m grateful this legislation has passed the House with bipartisan support, and I will keep working to see it signed into law.”

    “These aren’t just creepy or shady tactics—they are life-ruining attacks that disproportionately target the elderly, as well as young men and women,” said Rep. Suozzi. “As a father, a former mayor and as a member of Congress, I’ll never stop fighting to protect people from exploitation—online or anywhere else.”

    Congressman Valadao spoke on the House Floor during debate on the legislation. Watch his remarks here or read as prepared below:

    Mr. Speaker,

    I rise to urge support for my bill, the Romance Scam Prevention Act. 

    Every year, millions of Americans from all ages and backgrounds use dating apps and websites to make connections. For many, online dating has made it easier to build relationships, but unfortunately there are countless stories of criminals using these sites for fraudulent activity.

    While it’s sadly common to see users lie about things like their age or occupation, romance scammers use fake profiles to develop connections and emotionally or financially exploit unsuspecting users.

    According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans lost over $1.1 billion in 2023 alone, with senior citizens being the most at-risk age group.

    There have been countless stories of people being conned out of their entire life savings, all because they believed they had found love online.

    People who meet online often take their conversations to other communication platforms and might not know they are talking to someone who has been removed. 

    This bill requires dating platforms to issue fraud ban notifications to users who have interacted with an account who has been removed for fraudulent activity.

    As criminals are becoming more sophisticated when it comes to exploiting victims online, it’s time to put safeguards in place to protect users from financial fraud. 

    I want to thank Chairman Guthrie and his staff at the Committee on Energy & Commerce for their work on this important bill as well as my co-leads, Reps. Brittany Pettersen, Tom Suozzi, and Craig Goldman.

    Thank you, and I yield back.

    Background:

    Over 60 million Americans used an online dating service in 2023, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that romance scams resulted in victims losing over $1.1 billion. Criminals use false names and stories to lure individuals into conversation before manipulating them to give up sensitive information. When an online dating service provider becomes aware of a user committing fraudulent activity, like illegally obtaining money, the online dating service provider immediately deactivates the fraudulent user’s account. However, individuals who meet online often take their conversations to other communication platforms, so even when a fraudulent account is removed, an individual might not know they are still communicating with someone who was banned from the platform.

    Read the full bill here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Sompo announces leadership changes for its Hong Kong Commercial P&C Insurance business

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HONG KONG, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sompo, a leading global provider of commercial and consumer property and casualty (re)insurance, today announced leadership changes to its Commercial P&C Insurance business in Hong Kong.

    Li Sheung Kin (S.K.) will retire from his role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sompo Insurance (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd. (“Sompo Hong Kong”). Mr Li has held several leadership roles during his 24-year career with Sompo Hong Kong. He was appointed CEO in 2016 and has been instrumental in strengthening Sompo’s Hong Kong business. Mr Li will remain with Sompo Hong Kong until the end of 2025 to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.

    Alasdair Walker will succeed Mr Li as CEO of Sompo Hong Kong, subject to appropriate local regulatory and immigration approvals. In his new role, Mr Walker will be responsible for driving Sompo Hong Kong’s profitability and capabilities as a key Commercial business hub in the Asia Pacific region. He will report into Kenneth Reilly, CEO, Insurance, Asia Pacific and Deputy CEO, Commercial Insurance, Sompo Japan.

    Mr Walker joined Sompo in 2023 from another major international carrier where he held positions in London, Johannesburg and Singapore, and was Regional Head of Distribution.

    Mr Reilly said: “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to S.K. for his years of dedication and significant contributions to Sompo. We wish him the very best in his future endeavors. I am also pleased to welcome Alasdair to the Hong Kong and Asia Pacific leadership teams. With 15 years of international insurance experience across three continents in both underwriting and distribution, Alasdair is perfectly placed to oversee and execute our strategic plans in this important region for our insurance business.”

    About Sompo

    We are Sompo, a global provider of commercial and consumer property, casualty, and specialty insurance and reinsurance. Building on the 135 years of innovation of our parent company, Sompo Holdings, Inc., Sompo employs approximately 9,500 people around the world who use their in-depth knowledge and expertise to help simplify and resolve your complex challenges. Because when you choose Sompo, you choose The Ease of Expertise™.

    “Sompo” refers to the brand under which Sompo International Holdings Ltd., a Bermuda-based holding company, together with its consolidated subsidiaries, operates its global property and casualty (re)insurance businesses. Sompo International Holdings Ltd. is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Sompo Holdings, Inc., one of the leading property and casualty groups in the world with excellent financial strength as evidenced by ratings of A+ (Superior) from A.M. Best (XV size category) and A+ (Strong) from Standard & Poor’s. Shares of Sompo Holdings, Inc. are listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

    To learn more please follow us on LinkedIn or visit sompo-asia.com.

    Sompo Contacts  

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/935ad383-0d31-4b1c-9bfb-6baf5c23d27d

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Sompo announces leadership changes for its Hong Kong Commercial P&C Insurance business

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HONG KONG, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sompo, a leading global provider of commercial and consumer property and casualty (re)insurance, today announced leadership changes to its Commercial P&C Insurance business in Hong Kong.

    Li Sheung Kin (S.K.) will retire from his role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sompo Insurance (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd. (“Sompo Hong Kong”). Mr Li has held several leadership roles during his 24-year career with Sompo Hong Kong. He was appointed CEO in 2016 and has been instrumental in strengthening Sompo’s Hong Kong business. Mr Li will remain with Sompo Hong Kong until the end of 2025 to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.

    Alasdair Walker will succeed Mr Li as CEO of Sompo Hong Kong, subject to appropriate local regulatory and immigration approvals. In his new role, Mr Walker will be responsible for driving Sompo Hong Kong’s profitability and capabilities as a key Commercial business hub in the Asia Pacific region. He will report into Kenneth Reilly, CEO, Insurance, Asia Pacific and Deputy CEO, Commercial Insurance, Sompo Japan.

    Mr Walker joined Sompo in 2023 from another major international carrier where he held positions in London, Johannesburg and Singapore, and was Regional Head of Distribution.

    Mr Reilly said: “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to S.K. for his years of dedication and significant contributions to Sompo. We wish him the very best in his future endeavors. I am also pleased to welcome Alasdair to the Hong Kong and Asia Pacific leadership teams. With 15 years of international insurance experience across three continents in both underwriting and distribution, Alasdair is perfectly placed to oversee and execute our strategic plans in this important region for our insurance business.”

    About Sompo

    We are Sompo, a global provider of commercial and consumer property, casualty, and specialty insurance and reinsurance. Building on the 135 years of innovation of our parent company, Sompo Holdings, Inc., Sompo employs approximately 9,500 people around the world who use their in-depth knowledge and expertise to help simplify and resolve your complex challenges. Because when you choose Sompo, you choose The Ease of Expertise™.

    “Sompo” refers to the brand under which Sompo International Holdings Ltd., a Bermuda-based holding company, together with its consolidated subsidiaries, operates its global property and casualty (re)insurance businesses. Sompo International Holdings Ltd. is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Sompo Holdings, Inc., one of the leading property and casualty groups in the world with excellent financial strength as evidenced by ratings of A+ (Superior) from A.M. Best (XV size category) and A+ (Strong) from Standard & Poor’s. Shares of Sompo Holdings, Inc. are listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

    To learn more please follow us on LinkedIn or visit sompo-asia.com.

    Sompo Contacts  

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/935ad383-0d31-4b1c-9bfb-6baf5c23d27d

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Women in AI

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    Women in AI

    Women constitute around 25%-30% of the AI workforce worldwide, per recent estimates. This underrepresentation is even more pronounced in senior roles, with less than 15% of executive positions held by women.

    As demands for AI talent continue to grow, what are the most promising approaches to ramp up AI hiring and diversify talent sources in the broader industry?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbJfrqwIyI8

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pacific Partnership 2025 Conducts Mission Stop in Nuku’Alofa, Tonga, June 23, 2025 [Image 2 of 11]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga (June 23, 2025) U.S. Navy Capt. Mark B. Stefanik, right, mission commander of Pacific Partnership 2025 (PP-25) and Lt. j.g. Griffin Gebler, officer-in-charge of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4, inspect the structural integrity of a technical building on Tonga College ‘Atele campus during PP-25 engineering repairs in Nuku’Alofa, Tonga, June 23, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)

    Date Taken: 06.23.2025
    Date Posted: 06.23.2025 23:29
    Photo ID: 9128310
    VIRIN: 250623-N-ED646-1437
    Resolution: 7265×4852
    Size: 4.86 MB
    Location: NUKU’ALOFA, TO
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  • MIL-OSI Security: Pacific Partnership 2025 Conducts Mission Stop in Nuku’Alofa, Tonga, June 23, 2025 [Image 10 of 11]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga (June 23, 2025) U.S. Navy Capt. Sharlene Gee, optometrist deployed in support of Pacific Partnership 2025 (PP-25), examines a patient for a glasses fitting during a PP-25 community health engagement at Vaiola Hospital in Nuku’Alofa, Tonga, June 23, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)

    Date Taken: 06.23.2025
    Date Posted: 06.23.2025 23:29
    Photo ID: 9128318
    VIRIN: 250623-N-ED646-7446
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    Size: 7.43 MB
    Location: NUKU’ALOFA, TO
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  • MIL-OSI Security: Pacific Partnership 2025 Conducts Mission Stop in Nuku’Alofa, Tonga, June 21, 2025 [Image 1 of 10]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga (June 21, 2025) Builder 3rd Class Tanapat Insamrong, left, and Builder 2nd Class Graham Kuckuk, both assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4, transport a storage shelf into the pharmacy clinic at Vaiola Hospital as part of Pacific Partnership 2025 in Nuku’Alofa, Tonga, June 21, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)

    Date Taken: 06.21.2025
    Date Posted: 06.23.2025 23:07
    Photo ID: 9128267
    VIRIN: 250621-N-ED646-4291
    Resolution: 8640×5760
    Size: 6.57 MB
    Location: NUKU’ALOFA, TO
    Web Views: 0
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  • MIL-OSI China: China to promote high-quality development of gold industry

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

    China will promote the high-end, intelligent, green and safe development of its fast-growing gold industry, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) on Monday.

    Recently, the ministry and eight other government departments, including the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Natural Resources, issued an action plan for the high-quality development of the gold industry from 2025 to 2027.

    The introduction of the action plan aims to balance industrial growth with enhanced security while capitalizing on China’s existing strengths in gold smelting, processing capacity and operational management, according to the MIIT.

    China’s capacity to ensure gold resources and the innovation level of its industrial chain will be improved significantly by 2027, per the plan. The country’s gold resources will increase by 5 percent to 10 percent during the period, and its output of gold and silver will grow by more than 5 percent.

    By 2027, breakthroughs will be achieved in multiple areas of key technology and equipment. Additionally, industrial upgrades will ensure that mines with a daily gold-processing capacity exceeding 500 tonnes account for over 70 percent of the national total.

    China will promote green, efficient resource utilization through such actions as establishing green mines and factories, and it will accelerate digital transformation through the adoption of artificial intelligence and other technologies, according to the plan.

    As the global leader in both gold production and consumption, China reported a gold output of 377.24 tonnes and a gold consumption of 985.31 tonnes in 2024, data from the China Gold Association shows. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: World embraces ‘cool’ Chinese creativity with zeal

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

    Right beside the Louvre in Paris, a limited-edition Mona Lisa-inspired collectible toy known as Labubu was fueling a buying frenzy at a store of Chinese toy giant Pop Mart.

    Also, in Times Square, New York, the fiery-wheeled Ne Zha appeared on a giant screen earlier this year, kicking off a wave of overseas screenings of this Chinese animated hit.

    Additionally, at the ongoing Expo 2025 in Osaka, China-chic interactive experiences such as a Wukong with artificial intelligence (AI) at the China Pavilion have attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors within just a month of its opening.

    Notably, an increasing number of creative and diverse Chinese cultural products have become global sensations in recent times. Empowered by this trend, China’s cultural presence abroad is undergoing a paradigm shift while unveiling a youthful image, with many overseas audiences expressing admiration for how “cool” the country is becoming.

    LABUBU’S GLOBAL REACH

    At the Pop Mart store in K11 Art Mall in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in south China, long queues form regularly. Thai tourist Bonn patiently followed the crowd and finally secured her shopping fix after nearly 30 minutes of waiting. During her trip to Hong Kong, she had spent around 3,000 Hong Kong dollars (about 382 U.S. dollars) on merchandise.

    “Wherever I go, I always visit the local Pop Mart to stock up,” Bonn said. She especially adores the cute Labubu character and has collected hundreds of differently costumed figurines since getting hooked last year.

    “I dress the figurines up and even take them traveling with me,” she added.

    Recently, this sharp-toothed, rabbit-eared forest sprite has gained global popularity. Stores frequently sell out, while prices surge in secondary markets. According to Pop Mart, thanks to original IPs like Labubu, the company’s overseas revenue in the first quarter of 2025 had surged by 475 to 480 percent year on year.

    Created by a Hong Kong artist and blending Nordic mythology with Chinese design, Labubu has struck a global emotional chord. Thai authorities labeled it an “Amazing Thailand Experience Explorer,” its theme song was sung on the streets of Barcelona, and it was even “invited” to attend Milan Fashion Week.

    “Great intellectual properties (IPs) have the power to transcend cultures,” said Chen Xiaoyun, vice president of Pop Mart International Group Limited, adding that the company is committed to creating IPs with diverse aesthetics and gathering global creativity.

    “The export of such new mass culture shows the world what a ‘Cool China’ looks like, while offering universal appeal that resonates through cultural creativity,” wrote Zhang Yiwu, a professor at Peking University.

    TECH-DRIVEN CULTURAL INNOVATION

    The video game “Black Myth: Wukong” is another recent cultural phenomenon from China that is yielding international acclaim. Not long after the game was released, a reaction clip posted by British gaming streamer “itsjavachip” went viral, as she was moved to tears by the emotional storyline of Bajie in the game, earning her a fanbase of Chinese followers.

    Last month, “itsjavachip” was invited to China to visit the production set of another original martial arts-themed Chinese game. At the studio, she learned martial arts moves, donned a black outfit and experienced wire-assisted motion capture firsthand.

    Calling it an “absolutely amazing” experience, she said that playing a character in the game would be a dream come true.

    Employing cutting-edge simulation technologies, “Black Myth: Wukong” immerses players in scenes such as ancient buildings in Shanxi and the picturesque landscapes of the Jiangnan region. As of the end of last year, the game had sold 28 million copies worldwide, generating over 9 billion yuan (about 1.24 billion U.S. dollars) in revenue within five months of its release.

    In 2024, domestically developed Chinese games generated actual overseas sales revenue of more than 18.55 billion U.S. dollars, marking a year-on-year increase of 13.39 percent. The success of Chinese games abroad highlights the dual driving forces of traditional culture and intelligent digital technology.

    In the realm of traditional culture, digitization is also breaking geographical barriers and becoming a “digital window” helping global audiences to better understand China.

    As of May this year, the Palace Museum had digitized about 52 percent of its collection; the flying apsaras of Dunhuang “dance gracefully” on the screen through digital technology; the Zenghouyi chime bells are “struck” in a digital world…

    “I can directly scan artifacts and learn relevant information through it,” said Italian blogger Massimo, who couldn’t help but exclaim while holding the AR guide at Henan Museum.

    Such “coolness” can help China’s content industry attract a wider global audience, said Kevin Kelly, founding executive editor of Wired magazine.

    FROM CONNECTION TO CO-CREATION

    Through China’s cultural exports, global audiences are not only able to connect and empathize with their content, but are also co-creating something even bigger.

    British web fiction writer JKSManga was initially a devoted reader of Eastern fantasy web novels such as “Soul Land.” A few years ago, he registered on WebNovel, an online literature platform under China Literature Limited, and started writing his own works. His breakout series “My Vampire System” has garnered over 73 million reads and has been adapted into multiple formats.

    For JKSManga, being urged by readers to update his stories is a source of great joy. He describes the writing process as a form of social interaction, a sharing based on shared values.

    As of November last year, WebNovel had around 6,000 translated Chinese web novels and was home to nearly 450,000 overseas authors and 680,000 original works by overseas authors.

    Hou Xiaonan, CEO and president of China Literature Limited, said that online literature has become a global cultural phenomenon, not only because of the global spread of Chinese IP, but also thanks to the globalization of the Chinese IP model itself.

    Meanwhile, Ye Xiu, protagonist of the popular Chinese web novel “The King’s Avatar,” was recently “invited” by Swiss authorities to serve as a “travel ambassador,” offering fans an innovative immersive experience.

    Wei Pengju, senior researcher at the Central University of Finance and Economics in Beijing, said China’s cultural trade has evolved into a hybrid export model of “digital content + IP operations + technological services,” and that Chinese cultural exports have entered a new phase highlighting content, empowered by technology, and featuring co-creation.

    Via such cultural interactions, with wider opening up, broader innovation and deeper cooperation, China stands ready to share with the rest of the world an ever-cooler China. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pacific Partnership 2025 Concludes Mission Stop in Suva, Fiji, June 16, 2025

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    SUVA, Fiji – Pacific Partnership 2025 officially concluded its mission stop in Fiji with a closing ceremony hosted at the Waiqanake District School on June 16, 2025.

    The largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster response preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific, Pacific Partnership enables participants, including United States and Fijian personnel, to work together to enhance disaster response capabilities and foster new and enduring friendships.

    “The United States of America believes in a free and open Pacific for all nations,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Mark B. Stefanik, mission commander during the closing ceremony. “We deeply value our long history with Fiji and we hope that the work done here helps to reinforce our commitment to this island and to the people of Fiji.”

    While in Fiji, the medical team, consisting of U.S. and Fijian public health services personnel, conducted a total of 16 side-by-side subject matter expert exchanges in the fields of hemoculture, permaculture, agriculture, and apiculture. The team accrued more than 26 hours of hands-on training through public health engagements such as the Polymerase Chain Reaction laboratory, spay and neuter clinics, ruminant husbandry training, and a beekeeping tour assembling over 42 participants from across Suva.

    The Pacific Partnership engineering team also capitalized on the opportunity to provide focused support to address several local infrastructure concerns. A total of 12 U.S. Navy Sailors, assigned to Amphibious Construction Battalion 1, and 8 New Zealand Royal Army Engineers collaborated to undertake the construction and repairs of the Waiqanake District School, to include the complete renovation and installation of a small library in a classroom building. The team also removed obsolete rain gutters from three different classroom buildings and rendered a fresh coat of paint to two classroom buildings. Waiqanake District School, which accommodates over 300 staff, faculty and students, hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony in celebration for the newly renovated facilities on June 16.

    U.S. Navy Musicians with the Pacific Fleet “Big Wave” Brass Band engaged in a variety of live performances across more than 10 school campuses and venues across the island of Viti Levu, Fiji. This musical ensemble featured 10 musicians, which hosted concerts between Suva and Nadi, including the closing ceremony of Pacific Partnership 2025’s mission stop in Fiji.

    Now in its 21st iteration, Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific.

    Date Taken: 06.16.2025
    Date Posted: 06.19.2025 21:08
    Story ID: 501094
    Location: SUVA, FJ
    Web Views: 54
    Downloads: 0

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    This work, Pacific Partnership 2025 Concludes Mission Stop in Suva, Fiji, June 16, 2025, by PO2 Moises Sandoval, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Pacific Partnership 2025 Concludes Mission Stop in Suva, Fiji, June 16, 2025

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    SUVA, Fiji – Pacific Partnership 2025 officially concluded its mission stop in Fiji with a closing ceremony hosted at the Waiqanake District School on June 16, 2025.

    The largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster response preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific, Pacific Partnership enables participants, including United States and Fijian personnel, to work together to enhance disaster response capabilities and foster new and enduring friendships.

    “The United States of America believes in a free and open Pacific for all nations,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Mark B. Stefanik, mission commander during the closing ceremony. “We deeply value our long history with Fiji and we hope that the work done here helps to reinforce our commitment to this island and to the people of Fiji.”

    While in Fiji, the medical team, consisting of U.S. and Fijian public health services personnel, conducted a total of 16 side-by-side subject matter expert exchanges in the fields of hemoculture, permaculture, agriculture, and apiculture. The team accrued more than 26 hours of hands-on training through public health engagements such as the Polymerase Chain Reaction laboratory, spay and neuter clinics, ruminant husbandry training, and a beekeeping tour assembling over 42 participants from across Suva.

    The Pacific Partnership engineering team also capitalized on the opportunity to provide focused support to address several local infrastructure concerns. A total of 12 U.S. Navy Sailors, assigned to Amphibious Construction Battalion 1, and 8 New Zealand Royal Army Engineers collaborated to undertake the construction and repairs of the Waiqanake District School, to include the complete renovation and installation of a small library in a classroom building. The team also removed obsolete rain gutters from three different classroom buildings and rendered a fresh coat of paint to two classroom buildings. Waiqanake District School, which accommodates over 300 staff, faculty and students, hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony in celebration for the newly renovated facilities on June 16.

    U.S. Navy Musicians with the Pacific Fleet “Big Wave” Brass Band engaged in a variety of live performances across more than 10 school campuses and venues across the island of Viti Levu, Fiji. This musical ensemble featured 10 musicians, which hosted concerts between Suva and Nadi, including the closing ceremony of Pacific Partnership 2025’s mission stop in Fiji.

    Now in its 21st iteration, Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific.

    Date Taken: 06.16.2025
    Date Posted: 06.19.2025 21:08
    Story ID: 501094
    Location: SUVA, FJ
    Web Views: 54
    Downloads: 0

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Pacific Partnership 2025 Conducts Mission Stop in Nuku’Alofa, Tonga, June 18, 2025 [Image 4 of 4]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga (June 18, 2025) U.S. Navy Capt. Mark B. Stefanik, second from left, mission commander of Pacific Partnership 2025 (PP-25), and U.S. Army Capt. Levi Jackson, assigned to 72nd Medical Detachment Veterinary Service Support, conduct a public health tour of a local frozen confectionery production plant as part of PP-25 in Nuku’Alofa, Tonga, June 18, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)

    Date Taken: 06.18.2025
    Date Posted: 06.22.2025 04:23
    Photo ID: 9125905
    VIRIN: 250618-N-ED646-6844
    Resolution: 8075×5380
    Size: 13.29 MB
    Location: NUKU’ALOFA, TO
    Web Views: 38
    Downloads: 3

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Pacific Partnership 2025 Conducts Mission Stop in Nuku’Alofa, Tonga, June 18, 2025 [Image 4 of 4]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga (June 18, 2025) U.S. Navy Capt. Mark B. Stefanik, second from left, mission commander of Pacific Partnership 2025 (PP-25), and U.S. Army Capt. Levi Jackson, assigned to 72nd Medical Detachment Veterinary Service Support, conduct a public health tour of a local frozen confectionery production plant as part of PP-25 in Nuku’Alofa, Tonga, June 18, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)

    Date Taken: 06.18.2025
    Date Posted: 06.22.2025 04:23
    Photo ID: 9125905
    VIRIN: 250618-N-ED646-6844
    Resolution: 8075×5380
    Size: 13.29 MB
    Location: NUKU’ALOFA, TO
    Web Views: 38
    Downloads: 3

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Pacific Partnership 2025 Conducts Mission Stop in Nuku’Alofa, Tonga, June 20, 2025 [Image 1 of 6]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga (June 20, 2025) U.S. Navy Capt. Mark B. Stefanik, right, mission commander of Pacific Partnership 2025 (PP-25), provides remarks during a pharmacist workshop with local healthcare workers at Vaiola Hospital as part of PP-25 in Nuku’Alofa, Tonga, June 20, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)

    Date Taken: 06.20.2025
    Date Posted: 06.23.2025 22:50
    Photo ID: 9128246
    VIRIN: 250620-N-ED646-1049
    Resolution: 8009×5348
    Size: 5.77 MB
    Location: NUKU’ALOFA, TO
    Web Views: 0
    Downloads: 0

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Pacific Partnership 2025 Conducts Mission Stop in Nuku’Alofa, Tonga, June 20, 2025 [Image 5 of 6]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga (June 20, 2025) U.S. Navy Capt. Mark B. Stefanik, center, mission commander of Pacific Partnership 2025 (PP-25), provides remarks during a nursing training workshop between U.S. Navy Sailors and local healthcare workers at Vaiola Hospital as part of PP-25 in Nuku’Alofa, Tonga, June 20, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)

    Date Taken: 06.20.2025
    Date Posted: 06.23.2025 22:50
    Photo ID: 9128253
    VIRIN: 250620-N-ED646-2673
    Resolution: 8640×5760
    Size: 9.71 MB
    Location: NUKU’ALOFA, TO
    Web Views: 0
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  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 24, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 24, 2025.

    Calls for New Zealand to denounce United States attack on Iran
    By Lillian Hanly, RNZ News political reporter Prominent lawyers are joining opposition parties as they call for the New Zealand government to denounce the United States attack on Iranian nuclear facilities. Iranian New Zealander and lawyer Arman Askarany said the New Zealand government was showing “indifference”. It comes as acting Prime Minister David Seymour told

    Warm-ups, layered clothes, recovery: 4 tips to exercise safely in the cold
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Harry Banyard, Senior Lecturer in Exercise and Sports Science, Swinburne University of Technology Maridav/Shutterstock Temperatures have dropped in many parts of Australia which means runners, cyclists, rowers, hikers, or anyone physically active outside need to take extra precautions to stay safe and exercise in relative comfort. Cold

    Sharks freeze when you turn them upside down – and there’s no good reason why
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jodie L. Rummer, Professor of Marine Biology, James Cook University Rachel Moore Imagine watching your favourite nature documentary. The predator lunges rapidly from its hiding place, jaws wide open, and the prey … suddenly goes limp. It looks dead. For some animals, this freeze response – called

    Drone footage captured orcas crafting tools out of kelp – and using them for grooming
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vanessa Pirotta, Postdoctoral Researcher and Wildlife Scientist, Macquarie University Sara Jenkins/500px/Getty The more we learn about orcas, the more remarkable they are. These giant dolphins are the ocean’s true apex predator, preying on great white sharks and other lesser predators. They’re very intelligent and highly social. Their

    Inaccurate and misogynistic: why we need to make the term ‘hysterectomy’ history
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Theresa Larkin, Associate Professor of Medical Sciences, University of Wollongong Panuwat Dangsungnoen/Getty Images Have you had a tonsillectomy (your tonsils taken out), appendectomy (your appendix removed) or lumpectomy (removal of a lump from your breast)? The suffix “ectomy” denotes surgical removal of the named body part, so

    More women are using medical cannabis – but new research shows barriers push some into illegal markets
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vinuli Withanarachchie, PhD candidate, College of Health, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University Getty Images The number of women using medicinal cannabis is growing in New Zealand and overseas. They use cannabis treatment for general conditions such as pain, anxiety, inflammation and nausea, as well as

    It’s time to face an uncomfortable truth: maybe our pampered pets would be better off without us
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nancy Cushing, Associate professor, University of Newcastle ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images Pet-keeping is often promoted for the benefits it brings humans. A close association with another animal can provide us with a sense of purpose and a daily dose of joy. It can aid our health,

    Work, wages and apprenticeships: sifting for clues about the lives of girls in ancient Egypt
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julia Hamilton, Lecturer in History and Archaeology, Macquarie University Weavers in the Tomb of Khnumhotep II, Beni Hassan, Egypt. Painted by Norman de Garis Davies (MMA 33.8.16) We know surprisingly little about the lives of children in ancient Egypt. And what records we do have about them

    Archetyp was one of the dark web’s biggest drug markets. A global sting has shut it down
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elena Morgenthaler, PhD Candidate, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University Operation Deep Sentinel Last week, one of the dark web’s most prominent drug marketplaces – Archetyp – was shut down in an international, multi-agency law enforcement operation following years of investigations. It was touted as

    How do sleep trackers work, and are they worth it? A sleep scientist breaks it down
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dean J. Miller, Senior Lecturer, Appleton Institute, HealthWise Research Group, CQUniversity Australia Many smartwatches, fitness and wellness trackers now offer sleep tracking among their many functions. Wear your watch or ring to bed, and you’ll wake up to a detailed sleep report telling you not just how

    ‘It feels like I am being forced to harm a child’: research shows how teachers are suffering moral injury
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Glenys Oberg, PhD candidate in education and trauma, The University of Queensland SolStock/Getty Images Australia is in the grip of a teacher shortage. Teachers are burning out, warning the job is no longer sustainable and leaving the profession. We know this is due to excessive workloads, stress

    NZ Greens call on state to condemn US over ‘dangerous’ attack on Iran
    Asia Pacific Report New Zealand’s opposition Green Party has called on the government to condemn the United States for its illegal bombing of Iran and inflaming tensions across the Middle East. “The actions of the United States pose a fundamental threat to world peace,” said Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson in a statement. “The rest

    View from the Hill: Albanese supports US bombing, reluctantly
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra When Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong went out on Monday to back the United States attack on Iran, it was obvious their support was through gritted teeth. Albanese told their joint news conference: “The world has

    Woodside’s North West Shelf gas extension is being challenged in the courts. Could it be stopped?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Samantha Hepburn, Professor, Deakin Law School, Deakin University The controversial extension of Woodside’s North West Shelf gas project off Western Australia faces two legal challenges. Both raise significant concerns about the validity of government approvals. One could even seek an injunction, preventing federal environment minister Murray Watt

    Australian CEOs are still getting their bonuses. Performance doesn’t seem to matter so much
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard Denniss, Adjunct Professor, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University RomanR/Shutterstock Almost all of Australia’s top chief executives are, according to their boards at least, knocking it out of the park in terms of performance. That is despite sluggish productivity, persistently high carbon emissions, rising

    Strait of Hormuz: closing vital oil and gas route would disrupt global supplies. How will Australia be affected?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sanjoy Paul, Associate Professor in Operations and Supply Chain Management, UTS Business School, University of Technology Sydney Below the Sky/Shutterstock The Iranian parliament has approved the closure of key shipping route the Strait of Hormuz, in a move that could further escalate the Israel/Iran war. The strait

    MIT researchers say using ChatGPT can rot your brain. The truth is a little more complicated
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vitomir Kovanovic, Associate Professor and Associate Director of the Centre for Change and Complexity in Learning (C3L), Education Futures, University of South Australia Rroselavy / Shutterstock Since ChatGPT appeared almost three years ago, the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies on learning has been widely debated. Are

    Why the US strikes on Iran are illegal and can set a troubling precedent
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Donald Rothwell, Professor of International Law, Australian National University After the United States bombed Iran’s three nuclear facilities on Sunday, US President Donald Trump said its objective was a “stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world’s number one state sponsor of terror”. US Defence Secretary

    How do I get started in the gym lifting weights?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mandy Hagstrom, Senior Lecturer, Exercise Physiology. School of Health Sciences, UNSW Sydney Thomas Barwick/Getty So you’ve never been to a gym and are keen to start, but something’s holding you back. Perhaps you don’t know what to actually do in there or feel like you’ll just look

    NZ’s plan to ‘welcome anyone, from anywhere, anytime’ is not a sustainable tourism policy
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Regina Scheyvens, Professor of Development Studies, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University Getty Images Attracting more Chinese tourists to New Zealand, including during the off-season, was a major part of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s trade agenda during his visit to China last week. As Tourism Minister

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2025

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2025

    For more than a decade, the World Economic Forum has been surveying decision-makers and experts on exponential technologies on the cusp of transforming economies and societies.

    Join us for the rundown of the Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2025 and a discussion on their projected impact on lives and livelihoods.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51h5CWKN8Kg

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  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Watch out for ruru/morepork

    Source: NZ Department of Conservation

    Date:  24 June 2025

    One of the injured ruru which was found on the side of the road in Greymouth in mid-May has just been released after a spell recovering at the South Island Wildlife Hospital.

    “Usha” was found by a member of the public who used a towel to gently pick her up when she saw the ruru sitting on the ground unable to fly away.

    The bird was initially cared for by Cassie Mealey, a DOC Senior Technical Advisor who rehabilitates native birds in her spare time (under an appropriate Wildlife Act authority).

    After a few days of recovery and care Air NZ flew her across to the South Island Wildlife Hospital in Christchurch to see wildlife vet, Pauline Howard.

    The little ruru had x-rays that showed a fractured coracoid (a deep chest bone that helps stabilize flight muscles). This was likely the result of a vehicle hitting her. Treatment included pain relief, cage rest and fluids. Pauline said, “Usha was a model patient, and she had an uncomplicated recovery.”

    Once the fracture was stabilised and Usha had “rehab flight training”, Air NZ flew her back and Cassie released her into the wild near to where she was found.

    Cassie has had five ruru in her care throughout May, most with fractures from suspected vehicle strikes, and some with suspected secondary poisoning from mice that have eaten poison brodificaum bait used by households to control rats and mice.

    Chris Hickford, Greymouth DOC Operations Manager, says the work Cassie and the South Island Wildlife Hospital do to care and rehabilitate injured birds is really appreciated.

    “DOC can’t look after every bird, so we rely on a network of individuals and organisations nationwide who donate their time to do this work,” Chris says.

    Cassie says people are seeing more ruru in their back yards.

    “It is likely that the cooler weather and mice boom at this time of year that has driven them into urban areas where there is more food such as moths around streetlights and mice around houses and compost bins,” she says.

    After dark, ruru are attracted to streetlights, where they hunt moths attracted to the bright lights. They commonly fly into the sides of buildings or are hit by cars.

    “People can help protect ruru by maintaining old trees, as they like to nest in tree cavities instead of on the ground where they are more vulnerable. You can also build nest boxes, and place them in trees,” Cassie says.

    “Using traps instead of poison to control mice and rats also helps to protect the ruru population,” she says.

    If you see sick or injured ruru or other wildlife, call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Public Broadcasting Service (PBS)’s Role in Emergencies

    Source: US State of Oregon

    strong>SALEM, Ore.—In an age of digital communication, public broadcasting radio stations remain an indispensable tool for emergency alerts and disaster response. As natural disasters, extreme weather events, and public safety emergencies continue to challenge communities, local and national public radio stations provide reliable, timely and accessible information that can save lives.

    “The Public broadcasting radio plays a critical role in disseminating emergency alerts when disasters strike,” Oregon Statewide Interoperability and Watch Center Manager William Chapman, said. “Through partnerships with agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), public radio stations broadcast emergency messages, weather warnings, and evacuation orders to ensure that residents receive crucial updates—especially in areas where other forms of communication, like internet access and cellular service, is unavailable or disrupted.”

    Unlike digital platforms that rely on cellular networks or broadband services, radio signals remain stable and reach communities even when power lines are down and mobile networks are overloaded. This resilience makes public radio a trusted source during hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes and other crises where traditional communication channels may fail.

    The Public Broadcasting Network (PBN) helps emergency responders coordinate effectively by making its statewide spectrum available to federal and state authorities to communicate with first responders and the media during emergencies. While, PBS WARN provides a back-up mechanism to wireless emergency alerts, should carrier connections fail either due to an internet disruption or a cybersecurity incident.

    Additionally, the Federal Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is collaborating on a new effort to arm agencies with a digital alerting system that taps into NEXTGEN public TV broadcasting technologies to provide emergency dispatch backup and resiliency if the internet or phone systems are down.

    “Next Gen TV will not only improve emergency alerting but also create resilient methods of communications to get emergency call information to first responders when other means of communication are offline,” Chapman said. “This capability is still in the development phase but early protypes have shown that the technology works.”

    While many for-profit broadcasters choose to provide emergency alerts voluntarily, public broadcasters are expected to do so as part of their core mission. Since public broadcasting is mission-driven—not profit-driven—and publicly owned, offering alerts is a mandatory service. However, services like emergency alerts often cost more to maintain than they generate in revenue, which is why they’ve traditionally been subsidized by taxpayer dollars. As a result, federal funding is foundational for public media, representing an essential portion of station budgets. It enables stations to provide free educational content, local programming, and critical emergency alerts. Without it, many stations, especially in rural areas, would struggle to operate.

    Public radio stations also contribute to disaster preparedness by offering educational programming on emergency response, featuring expert interviews, and keeping listeners informed about potential threats. Furthermore, in the aftermath of a disaster, they help relay recovery related information, share community resources, and offer support to those affected.

    “Public radio connects communities with lifesaving information and resources, ensures that emergency responders can coordinate effectively, and provides reassurance during uncertain times,” Erin McMahon, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) director, said.

    As climate-related disasters increase and emergency response becomes more complex, public broadcasting radio remains a vital part of public safety infrastructure and a reliable source of information in times of crisis.

    For more information about how to prepare for and respond to disasters, visit the Community Preparedness section of the OEM website. For the budget breakdown for public broadcasting, visit the Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s website.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Thailand steps up border controls with Cambodia to combat transnational crime

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

    Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra (3rd L, front) meets the press at the government house in Bangkok, Thailand, June 23, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced on Monday that Thailand will tighten its border controls with neighboring Cambodia to combat transnational crime.

    Speaking after a high-level meeting at the government house, Paetongtarn said restrictions on cross-border travel for both vehicles and individuals will be enforced, including limiting operating hours at checkpoints.

    She stated that crossings in seven provinces along the Thai-Cambodian border will be limited to essential travel, such as for students, medical patients, and vital goods.

    The prime minister said Thailand will halt exports of goods, particularly fuel and electricity, that support illegal operations across the border and will consider suspending fuel shipments to Cambodia suspected of being used in unlawful activities.

    Internet services and submarine internet cables connected to Cambodia’s government and military entities will also be suspended, she said.

    Following Paetongtarn’s announcement, the Thai military unveiled strengthened measures on border crossing with Cambodia, allowing only essential and humanitarian travel.

    Thailand’s latest measures came amid mounting border tensions with Cambodia. Cambodia said on Sunday it would stop fuel and gas imports from Thailand, while advising its citizens against non-essential travel to Thailand. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Expo mirrors China’s vital role in Vietnam’s electronics supply chains

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

    Amid rows of exhibition booths displaying smart devices and electronic components, Vietnamese officials and business representatives at the Vietnam International Electronics Expo 2025 are sharing a common sentiment that China remains an essential partner in sustaining stable electronics supply chains.

    Held in Vietnam’s Bac Ninh province, the three-day event from June 20 to 22 gathered nearly 200 suppliers from China, South Korea and Vietnam.

    Among the visitors to the expo, Phan Thi Thanh Nhan, a logistics specialist handling freight from China to Vietnam, sees the efficient supply chain between the two countries reflected in her work.

    Highlighting that the Chinese market is large and offers a wide variety of goods, she said that “Vietnamese customers highly favor it and wish to cooperate with Chinese partners.”

    Beyond trade, “the Chinese side is very enthusiastic about resolving procedures quickly and always provides timely support to ensure smooth supply chains,” she noted.

    On the factory floor, Vietnamese manufacturers see similar benefits.

    Nguyen Thanh Binh, a representative of a Vietnamese cable manufacturing enterprise, emphasized the importance of Chinese machinery in production.

    “China is an important partner in our company’s product supply chain,” Binh said, noting that “we mainly import machinery for cable production from China.”

    He added that Chinese suppliers have continued to meet the electronics industry’s needs despite logistical challenges in global markets, enabling Vietnamese firms to maintain output and competitiveness.

    According to Vietnamese official statistics, China accounted for 26 percent of Vietnam’s total trade turnover in 2024, remaining its largest trading partner and top import market, with bilateral trade spanning agricultural produce, consumer goods and electronic components.

    Le Nguyen Thien Nga, head of the Institute of Policy Governance under the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations, noted that China plays a strategically important role in Vietnam’s electronics supply chains.

    “We consider China a very important partner in Vietnam’s process of international economic integration,” she said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: European executives eye huge opportunities in Chinese market

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

    A humanoid robot asks questions at the sixth Qingdao Multinationals Summit in Qingdao, east China’s Shandong Province, on June 19, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    At the venue of the 6th Qingdao Multinationals Summit, Umberto Englmann, director of operations at German e-commerce firm Internet Up GmbH, looked out over the coastline of the eastern Chinese host city and reflected on its vitality.

    “It’s dynamic, open and innovative,” he said. “You can feel China is ready to grow with international companies from Europe and other regions.”

    His observations reflect a broader view shared by many European executives attending the summit, which was held last week and drew 570 participants from 43 countries and regions. For many, China’s vast market, high-level opening up and reputation for being an innovative manufacturing powerhouse continue to make it a key driver of sustainable growth.

    Roland Lukas, chief financial officer of Internet Up GmbH, said that the company’s success was closely tied to China.

    “Our Snapbuy platform bridges Asian sellers and Western consumers, and it is easy to bring goods from China to Europe and the U.S., because the supply chains are very well organized in China,” he said. “The opportunities are huge, and China is very important for our growth.”

    Internet Up, one of the fastest-growing e-commerce firms in Europe, is seeking new manufacturing and logistics partners in China to further expand its presence, according to Lukas.

    A report released during the summit revealed that the operating revenue and profits of major foreign-invested industrial enterprises in China increased by 14.5 percent and 12.5 percent, respectively, in 2024 compared to 2019 levels.

    China’s strong innovation capabilities and robust industrial and supply chain systems have helped multinationals maintain their competitive edge globally.

    Belgium-based Bekaert Group, a global leader in steel wire transformation and coating technologies, is a long-term participant in China’s market. The company has invested more than 1.5 billion euros in China since 1993 and plans to invest further.

    “We are upgrading our product portfolio, especially in low-energy and green technologies,” said Kurt Van Rysselberge, head of Bekaert China, adding that China is becoming an innovative manufacturing powerhouse, which is a very favorable environment for multinational companies.

    China is rapidly deploying green energy and Bekaert is part of these value chains, the executive said, adding that this offers tremendous opportunities to create a virtuous cycle to create low-carbon products that will be very competitive on the world markets.

    Bekaert is ramping up innovation in areas like hydrogen generation, tire reinforcement, offshore wind components, and sustainable construction, and many of the innovations come from China.

    This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union. The two sides have become each other’s major trading partners, with the annual bilateral trade growing from 2.4 billion U.S. dollars to 780 billion U.S. dollars over the past 50 years.

    “Over the past 50 years, China-EU cooperation has created immense value on both sides,” said Jens Eskelund, president of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China. “Access to China’s supply chain has enhanced additional purchasing power for European consumers and integrated China into the global value chain.”

    Eskelund added that China’s investment in human capital, including the annual output of engineers, has made it a natural partner for R&D collaboration. For many European companies, China isn’t just a market, but a place to innovate and co-create, he said.

    China’s efforts to build a first-class business environment, including expanded visa-free travel, national treatment for foreign investment and shortened negative lists for greater market access, have boosted investor confidence.

    Looking ahead, European executives said the momentum of collaboration is only building. “China’s opening up is very beneficial for the world, and also for China itself. We can work together and do great business,” said Lukas. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 2025 Summer Davos spotlights entrepreneurship amid global challenges

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

    This photo taken on June 22, 2025 shows the National Convention and Exhibition Center (Tianjin) in Tianjin Municipality, north China. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The upcoming 2025 Summer Davos Forum in north China’s Tianjin offers a timely opportunity for participants to explore how entrepreneurship can unlock economic growth potential amid global challenges.

    Exceptional economic uncertainty, rising tensions, major technological disruptions and the climate emergency are what chief economists refer to as the “exceptional uncertainty” facing the world today, Gim Huay Neo, managing director of the World Economic Forum (WEF), told Xinhua in Beijing ahead of the event, scheduled from June 24 to 26.

    According to the WEF, the world is undergoing a fundamental economic transformation as geopolitics, technology, sustainability, and demographic changes reshape traditional growth engines. Meanwhile, complex and shared challenges in development and climate change require urgent cooperation, innovative thinking, and an entrepreneurial spirit.

    Gong Ke, research lead for the 2025 Summer Davos topics, said that the entrepreneurial spirit, rooted in innovation, social responsibility and teamwork, plays a vital role as a new driving force and leader in economic development.

    “Entrepreneurs in the new era contribute to optimizing global resource utilization and promoting resource sharing, providing an important economic foundation for building a community with a shared future for humankind,” he added.

    The Summer Davos Forum, also known as the 16th Annual Meeting of New Champions of the WEF, carries the theme “Entrepreneurship in the New Era” this year. The forum will focus on five key areas — deciphering the world economy, outlook on China, industries disrupted, investing in people and the planet, and new energy and materials.

    The event is expected to bring together around 1,800 participants from over 90 countries and regions, according to the organizers.

    Explaining the choice of theme, Neo said the entrepreneurial spirit is centered on solutions and inspires hope and optimism. She emphasized the importance of focusing on areas with opportunities and potential for innovation to tackle the many challenges ahead, while maintaining a long-term perspective.

    At a time like this, it is important for all of us to embrace the entrepreneurial spirit, to view the challenges we face as opportunities, to create business solutions that address issues affecting people and the planet, and to be open to learning from one another in order to constantly improve and adapt, she said.

    Neo added that the record number of participants at the forum since the COVID-19 pandemic reflects the global community’s strong interest in gaining first-hand insights into China’s evolution, artificial intelligence (AI), and the broader innovation ecosystem, as well as exploring potential business opportunities and partnerships.

    Li Jiayi, a member of the forum’s preparation team, noted that the economic growth model driven by science and technology has injected new vitality into China’s development, making AI, green energy, and the country’s innovative momentum key topics of discussion among participants.

    Hailing China’s progress in green growth, Neo said the country has seized the global environmental crisis as an opportunity to transform industries and stimulate the growth of new green industries.

    At a press conference last week on the upcoming Summer Davos Forum, Chen Shuai, an official from the National Development and Reform Commission, reaffirmed China’s commitment to pursuing high-level opening up and to sharing the opportunities created by its development with the rest of the world.

    The Annual Meeting of the New Champions was established in 2007 through a collaboration between the WEF and China. What began as an initiative to spotlight emerging economies and future-oriented businesses has grown into a global platform for economic dialogue.

    Now in its 16th edition, the 2025 meeting reinforces the forum’s commitment to fostering international cooperation and addressing complex global issues.

    “Through action-oriented dialogues, the meeting aims to accelerate progress on shared imperatives and offer participants the opportunity to explore how entrepreneurship and emerging technologies can unlock more dynamic and resilient economies,” reads the introduction on the event’s official site. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: [Invitation] Galaxy Unpacked July 2025: The Ultra Experience Is Ready To Unfold

    Source: Samsung

    For years, Samsung Electronics has designed its devices around what people truly need, such as better performance, sharper cameras and smarter ways to stay connected. And, with Galaxy AI, it goes beyond what devices can do — it’s about how people interact with them.
     
    As AI rapidly becomes the new user interface, it’s redefining our relationship with technology. No longer just a collection of apps and tools, the smartphone is evolving into a smart companion that understands user intent and responds in real time. This transformation moves us from reaction to anticipation — where, as AI becomes the UI, intent becomes instant.
     
    The next-generation Galaxy devices are being reimagined around a new AI-powered interface, supported by breakthrough hardware built to unlock their full potential. This future is already unfolding, and the best of Galaxy AI and Samsung craftsmanship is about to be unveiled.
     
    On July 9, Samsung Electronics will host Unpacked in Brooklyn, New York — a borough with an extraordinary spirit and a distinctive history. Brooklyn is where visionary thinking and bold ideas shape the future, so it’s only fitting that Samsung unveils the latest and greatest additions to the Galaxy portfolio in a place known for its culture, creativity and collaboration. The event will be streamed live on Samsung.com, Samsung Newsroom India, and Samsung India’s YouTube channel beginning at 07:30 pm IST.
     
    Stay tuned and make sure to visit news.samsung.com/in for all upcoming teasers, trailers and updates ahead of Unpacked 2025.
     
    

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Warm-ups, layered clothes, recovery: 4 tips to exercise safely in the cold

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Harry Banyard, Senior Lecturer in Exercise and Sports Science, Swinburne University of Technology

    Maridav/Shutterstock

    Temperatures have dropped in many parts of Australia which means runners, cyclists, rowers, hikers, or anyone physically active outside need to take extra precautions to stay safe and exercise in relative comfort.

    Cold environments can also include high winds and water exposure, which present unique physiological, psychological and logistical challenges that can turn people off exercising.

    While exercising in the cold does not typically increase injury risk, certain conditions can lead to a drop in whole body temperature (hypothermia) and impaired exercise performance.

    One advantage to exercising in the cold is that it often feels easier, since the body perceives lower exertion levels compared to performing the same task in hot environments.

    While it’s sometimes tempting to rug up and stay indoors when temperatures plummet, here are some tips for exercising in cold conditions.

    1. Wear layers

    Start exercising in a slightly chilled state (if you’re warm when you begin, take a layer off).

    Strip down one layer as you warm up to avoid overheating and excessive sweating, which can lead to chilling later as you cool down.

    Clothing recommendations include:

    • inner (base) layer: wear a lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric (such as polyester) as a base layer to keep sweat away from your skin
    • middle (insulating) layer: add a fleece or thermal layer if temperatures are close to freezing
    • outer layer: a windproof, water-resistant jacket is essential in wet, windy or snowy conditions
    • additional considerations: for hands and feet, wear gloves and opt for polyester socks. A beanie or headband is great for the head and ears because you lose a significant amount of heat from your head.

    2. Warming up is crucial

    In cold conditions, your muscles may take longer to warm up and may be at a greater risk of injury due to reduced blood flow (vasoconstriction), reduced flexibility and slower reaction times.

    Spend about ten minutes (perhaps indoors) performing a structured warm-up. This should include dynamic stretches and exercises such as push-ups, leg swings, lunges, calf raises, squats and high knees before heading out.

    This will help enhance blood flow, increase tissue temperature and improve your joints’ range of motion.

    No matter what exercise type you choose, start slowly and gradually progress your intensity.

    3. Be aware of the risks

    Depending on the mode of activity, outdoor exercise can be riskier during winter due to slippery surfaces and reduced visibility.

    If you are walking or running, shorten your steps and stride length when it’s wet to maintain control and prevent slips and falls.

    If you are cycling, avoid sharp turns or sudden stops. Stick to well-lit areas and paths and try to exercise during daylight hours if possible.

    Also, consider wearing bright or reflective clothing at night or in foggy conditions.

    4. The importance of recovery

    Spend a few minutes at the end of your workout for active recovery (walking and stretching) which helps prevent blood pooling and inflammation in the feet, while bringing the body’s systems back to homeostasis (resting breathing and heart rate).

    When it’s extremely cold, get indoors immediately because your body temperature drops fast once you stop moving.

    Change out of any damp clothes and have a warm shower or bath as soon as possible to help regulate body temperature and prevent hypothermia. Be aware of signs of hypothermia, which include shivering, slurred speech, cold pale skin and poor coordination, among others.

    Other tips to consider

    If it’s nearing or below 0°C with wind chill or rain or snow, perhaps opt for an indoor mode of exercise such as treadmill running, stationary cycling or cross-training to avoid unnecessary risks such as hypothermia, non-freezing cold injuries (such as trenchfoot) or freezing cold injuries (frostbite).

    To ensure adequate hydration, it is recommended to consume about 500ml of fluid two hours before exercise and to continue to drink during and after exercising.

    If you do brave the cold to exercise outside, is still advisable to wear sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) on exposed skin during the day, since ultra violet radiation can still pass through clouds and is not related to temperature.

    Overall, exercise in the cold can be safe and enjoyable with the right precautions and planning.

    Harry Banyard 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. Warm-ups, layered clothes, recovery: 4 tips to exercise safely in the cold – https://theconversation.com/warm-ups-layered-clothes-recovery-4-tips-to-exercise-safely-in-the-cold-255223

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Behind the headlines: the hidden toll on journalists during the pandemic era

    Source:

    24 June 2025

    Getty Images

    New research has revealed the trauma faced by journalists during the height of the pandemic, caused by exposure to online threats, disturbing information and disrupted work routines that exacerbated an industry already under pressure from the rise of social media and online news.

    Journalism and media experts from the University of South Australia have explored the impact of online trauma and threats faced by media professionals during lockdown and restriction periods of the pandemic.

    Findings suggest that while journalists were able to work from home, their reliance on online and digital tools increased, exposing them to potential threats such as trolling, cyber stalking, graphic content, fake news and disturbing information, as well as disrupted work routines.

    A survey of 60 people from around the world found that journalists’ reliance on online resources significantly increased during COVID-19. Before the pandemic only 9% of surveyed journalists spent less than two hours per day online for work. By the time lockdowns occurred, that figure rose to 100%. Almost two-thirds of journalists said fake news and dangerous information was the most potent online danger following the height of the pandemic.

    Lead researcher PhD student Amantha Perera has worked as a journalist for more than 20 years, his work appearing in TIME, Reuters, The Washington Post, The Guardian and al-Jazeera.

    He says the pandemic left journalists in a constant state of uncertainty and feeling anxious and nervous for long periods of time. They also felt they lacked the effective resources and skills to create relief from that environment.

    “The traditional journalism practices like tight deadlines, attention to detail and the competition to report stories before others made it more difficult for journalists to switch off. Those we surveyed described COVID-19 as an intense, fast-moving and dynamic story with constant emphasis that it was global and potentially fatal. The threat of infection was always present,” Perera says.

    “An overwhelming 97.6% of the survey participants agreed that more resources should be diverted to help journalists build skills to mitigate online trauma which can include disturbing information, graphic content, and abuse and threats.”

    One survey participant described the isolation of working and living in a hyper-active information environment and being connected 24/7.

    “I was alone a lot in front of the computer. I could not move around in my city. I felt trapped, often interviewing people in very difficult situations. That made things more pronounced for me, and I couldn’t escape it by doing things I usually enjoyed as I was stuck at home,” they said.

    The exponential rise in social media platforms such as Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, as well as other online resources, have made it easier for audiences to engage immediately with the news cycle and journalists themselves.

    “Social media, messaging groups and user comments on stories make it easy for readers to be anonymous and this has created a new digital challenge for journalists who work online,” Perera says.

    “The more time that journalists spend inside social media communities, means the more exposure to online toxicity. This is combined with journalists being required to produce often lifesaving public safety information while working long hours and often in remote workspaces during the height of COVID-19.

    “This challenging reporting environment resulted in feelings of fatigue, frustration and anxiety – all of which can manifest in journalists reporting under other potentially traumatic situations like natural disasters.”

    UniSA PhD student Amantha Perera, right, reports on the post-conflict impact of drought and climate extremities in a rural Sri Lanka village Andigama in 2017.

    Perera has proposed the development of a ‘digital flak jacket’ for journalists – a suite of tools and training which adequately prepares journalists for work in digital spaces. His idea was influenced by time he spent reporting the war in Sri Lanka. Every time Perera entered an active conflict zone, he would put on a flak jacket, which is a form of body armour.

    “I did this to make sure that I was prepared and relatively safe from potential hazardous reporting situations. In a similar vein, the digital flak jacket proposes a digital equivalent; a set of resources and interventions, which would allow journalists to report within digital or hybrid workspaces safely. For the digital flak jacket to be effective, the individual journalist needs to assess the current threat exposure levels and decide on the most suitable interventions,” he says.

    While COVID-19 restrictions have long eased, urgent humanitarian situations in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Ukraine, Israel and Gaza leave journalists to face similar and potentially dangerous working situations while reliant on online resources.

    “Our ongoing work investigating current work conditions faced by journalists in the Asia Pacific has shown that journalism is now functioning in a hybrid workspace where the online and the offline interchange seamlessly,” he says.

    “This has in turn increased the exposure levels to what we now define as technology facilitated threats. There is also heightened concerns over the impact of generative AI from job losses to fake content to eroding trust. The digital flak jacket is an essential work tool now.”

    Contact for interview: Amantha Perera, PhD student, UniSA E: m_b_r_amantha.perera@mymail.unisa.edu.au

    Media contact: Melissa Keogh, Communications Officer, UniSA M: +61 403 659 154 E: Melissa.Keogh@unisa.edu.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Issa, Ross Introduce Legislation to Protect Public Access to Federal Rules, Regulations

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50)

    Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48), Senior Member of the House Judiciary Committee and Chairman of its Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Courts, was joined by Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) and introduced H.R. 4072 — the Protecting and Enhancing Public Access to Codes Act (Pro Codes Act) — to protect and maintain public access to key federal rules and regulations.

    “Standards in federal rules and regulations matter to us all, and never more so than when they are at a point of either streamlining public access or blocking it from the people’s reach,” said Rep. Issa. “The Pro Codes Act will achieve a long-term goal that will make a lasting difference: Ensure our standards remain transparent, accessible, and available.”

    As more codes get incorporated by reference into legal standards by courts, the Pro Codes Act will protect a code or standard’s incorporation by ensuring the copyright doesn’t extinguish. The bill ensures that the public retains free access to the information. Just as some online services have a free version of their product with limited functionality and a paid premium version with greater functionality, under this bill, those that invest in code development will still be able to sell the materials in certain formats so long as they are simultaneously providing access to the information for free.

    “I believe that codes that have been incorporated into law should always be available to the public at no cost. I also believe that we must protect incentives to create, update and correct codes,” said Rep. Ross. “The Pro Codes Act strikes a critical balance between enabling public access to codes and ensuring copyrights are protected and organizations are properly compensated and incentivized to create and update the standards we need to keep the American people safe and healthy. I thank Congressman Issa for his partnership on this issue.”

    Additional stakeholder support for H.R. 4072:

    “The rigorous, consensus-based standards developed by ASHRAE and other SDOs are essential to public health, resilience, safety and security,” said 2024-25 ASHRAE President Dennis Knight. “ASHRAE supports this legislation as it will continue to protect the valuable intellectual property of the private sector while making that technical information available to benefit the public and save taxpayer dollars.”

    “Rigorous safety standards protect lives and property and help foster economic growth. The Pro Codes Act protects the ability of organizations like ours to keep developing these critical standards through a proven, independent, consensus-based process at no cost to taxpayers. We’re extremely grateful for Chairman Issa and Representative Ross’ leadership on this issue and encourage others in Congress to join their efforts,” said Jim Pauley, President and CEO of the National Fire Protection Association.

    “The Protecting and Enhancing Public Access to Codes Act (Pro Codes Act) will help preserve the current public-private partnership model through which federal, state, and local governments depend on privately developed codes and standards to protect public health and safety and regulate industry at no cost to the taxpayer. NEMA thanks Rep. Issa and Rep. Ross for their leadership on this issue and looks forward to working with lawmakers in a bipartisan fashion to advance this legislation and ensure these protections support the development of the next generation of codes and standards,” said Spencer Pederson, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA).

    “Standards development organizations work tirelessly to enhance community resilience and protect the health and safety of communities around the world through the development of life safety codes and standards,” said John Belcik, Chief Executive Officer at the International Code Council. “Our standards development system costs taxpayers nothing and has worked efficiently for over 125 years. The advancement of the Pro Codes Act is essential towards protecting this transparent and balanced system, the value of which is well recognized in the U.S. and abroad. ICC applauds Representatives Issa and Ross for their leadership in reintroducing the Pro Codes Act and looks forward to working with them to see this measure enacted into law.”

    The full text of HR 4072 can be found here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –