Category: Science

MIL-OSI Russia: Global cooling may have caused the Neolithic revolution in the ancient Volga region

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

Scientists from NSU together with colleagues from Samara State Social and Pedagogical University and the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences studied artifacts from Mesolithic sites in the Volga region using radiocarbon and isotope analysis methods. Human and animal bone fragments, tools and even soil were studied at the NSU-NSC Accelerator Mass Spectrometry Shared Use Center. These studies are intended to shed light on the history of the development of the forest-steppe by ancient human populations and to identify the connection between fluctuations in human activity and major climatic events. The result of this work was the creation of an absolute chronology of Mesolithic complexes in the forest-steppe Volga region.

— The work was interesting for us for several reasons. First of all, the wide range of dating centers that analyzed the presented samples and the combination of results from two different radiocarbon dating methods: scintillation and accelerator mass spectrometry. It is impossible not to note the diversity of objects for dating and the results of the accompanying analysis of stable isotopes (isotopes C-13 and N-15) in the entire set of samples. We described 28 samples dated in six centers, of which 6 samples were analyzed by the scintillation method (one in Moscow, five in St. Petersburg), and 22 samples by the accelerator mass spectrometry method. Scientists abroad worked with six samples (1 in Belgium, 2 in Finland, 3 in the USA), in Russia — with 22, of which 16 were dated here, at the NSU-NSC UMS Collective Use Center.

All the results fit into a single theory of the development of forest-steppe by ancient human populations, which suggests significant fluctuations in human activity associated with major climatic events of the Holocene, namely, with pronounced cooling phases against the background of general climate warming. These short periods are called the “preboreal oscillation”, which occurred 11.3-11.15 thousand years ago, the “event of 10.2 thousand years ago”, the “event of 8.2 thousand years ago”, etc. For example, it is known that in the Upper Volga basin in the European territory of Russia during the cooling period corresponding to the “event of 8.2 thousand years ago”, the average annual temperature dropped by 2-3 °C, and on average in Europe – by 1 °C. The probability distribution obtained on the basis of the dates presented in the work demonstrates approximately the same fluctuations as the average annual temperature, said Ekaterina Parkhomchuk, Director of the UMS NSU-NNC Collective Use Center and Candidate of Chemical Sciences.

The set of objects studied included human bone fragments and bone items (parts of a knife, a chisel, a bow overlay). There were also teeth of bears and elks, antlers of aurochs and elks, bones of beavers, horses and even soil. Ekaterina Parkhomchuk explained that the diversity of materials and full isotope analysis ensure the reliability of dating, since they allow taking into account various interfering factors, such as the characteristics of the human and animal diet or the so-called reservoir effect. It occurs, for example, if a person eats fish. As a result, the isotopic composition of his bone collagen (isotopic shifts in C-13 and N-15) can differ significantly from the indicators of those people and animals that live and eat mainly on land. Obviously, the same phenomenon will be observed for C-14 – people and animals with a marine diet will show an older radiocarbon age compared to land creatures that lived at the same time. Therefore, it is so important to conduct the most complete studies of a wide variety of archaeological objects. Moreover, determining not only the radiocarbon age, but also the isotopic and chemical composition of the material.

— In addition to interesting technical aspects, this work is also important for us because it was carried out jointly with specialists from the European part of the country. Our center conducted most of the research on radiocarbon and isotope analysis and provided a tenfold increase in the database on the chronology of the Mesolithic forest-steppe Volga region. It is encouraging that the work continues, there are still many historical discoveries ahead! — Ekaterina Parkhomchuk summed up.

Associate Professor of the Department of Russian History and Archaeology of the Samara State Social and Pedagogical University, Candidate of Historical Sciences Konstantin Andreev noted that within the framework of this study, an intermediate result of many years of work on establishing the absolute age of the existence of Mesolithic complexes of the forest-steppe Volga region was summed up, which found support in the projects of the Russian Science Foundation (No. 19-78-10001 and No. 23-78-10088).

— Up until the beginning of the 21st century, we did not have a single absolute date for these materials, and we had a very general understanding of the time of existence of this or that cultural tradition in the region. Thanks to the efforts of the last five years, about 30 age estimates have been obtained for many artifacts, which made it possible to date the region’s reference sites. Moreover, more than half of them were made at the NSU-NNC Accelerator Mass Spectrometry Collective Use Center. The earliest estimates of about 30 definitions of the appearance of new people in the forest-steppe Volga region include the period of the third quarter of the 9th millennium BC. At this time, population groups first from the Southern Urals, and then from the Southern Trans-Urals penetrated into the forest-steppe Volga region, with which contact was subsequently maintained until the end of the Mesolithic era in the first half of the 7th millennium BC. These population groups, in all likelihood, practiced hunting large ungulates – elk and horses. Judging by the short duration of their stay at the sites, they made frequent transitions following the beast. The basis of their stone industry was the tradition of obtaining plates and making a few tools from them (scrapers, piercers, etc.). Bone was also used, but it is rarely preserved in the cultural layer, – said Konstantin Andreev.

According to the obtained dates, scientists were able to establish that from about the middle of the 8th millennium BC, individual groups from more northern (forested) territories penetrated the forest-steppe Volga region, which led to the spread of chopping tools and a few arrowheads. Thus, the thesis about active contacts of different cultural groups in the forest-steppe is confirmed, and thanks to the conducted determination of the absolute time of existence of the region’s support complexes, it became possible to tie these contacts to a chronological scale.

In the future, Samara scientists plan to continue their collaboration with the NSU-NNC Accelerator Mass Spectrometry Collective Use Center, since the data obtained as a result of their joint work allowed them to significantly refine their understanding not only of the Mesolithic era, but also of later periods and cultures of the Middle Volga region.

Associate Professor of the Institute of Intelligent Robotics of NSU Petr Menshanov explained that modern archaeological research does not end with simply determining radiocarbon dates for found artifacts – scientists must reconstruct the course of events that took place in the distant past. To do this, they actively use machine learning and artificial intelligence methods that build chronological models based on dates obtained, among other things, by the Novosibirsk Center for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry.

— Using a chronological model created using machine learning methods for radiocarbon dates obtained from the ancient Volga region, we determined periods of high and low activity for the Stone Age people who inhabited this territory. And then we compared the time boundaries of the activity of the people of the ancient Volga region with global data on climate changes that occurred on Earth after the end of the last ice age. It turned out that the ancient people who inhabited the Volga region in the Stone Age did not differ much in behavior from modern people. If the living conditions of our ancestors were satisfactory and stable, then they stayed in one place for a long time, fished, hunted, raised children. And with sharp climate changes, the ancient inhabitants of the forest-steppe Volga region preferred to change their “apartment” and move to more comfortable conditions, where there was still prey and water.

During the most difficult periods, ancient people actively invented and mastered the innovations of their time, which led to a change of eras. In our case, after the Global Cooling Event 8.2k, people of the ancient Volga region were forced to think about the future, – said Petr Menshanov.

Konstantin Andreev explained that the global cooling event of 8.2k had the most significant impact on the Mesolithic communities of the forest-steppe Volga region and led to the extinction of their cultural tradition. The Mesolithic people were replaced by new migrants, who, in addition to specific stone processing skills, also brought to the region one of the innovations of the next archaeological era (Neolithic) – ceramics.

Scientists are confident that further research will allow them to more accurately establish the course of events that influenced the life and everyday life of the ancient people of the Volga region, the Urals and Siberia in the Stone and Bronze Ages.

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 –

April 7, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Batteries for all, not just the rich? Labor’s home battery plan must be properly targeted to be fair

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rohan Best, Senior Lecturer, Department of Economics, Macquarie University

NOWRA photography/Shutterstock

Over the weekend, Labor promised to subsidise home batteries by 30%. This would save about A$4,000 per household up front for an average battery. The scheme has a goal of one million batteries by 2030, costing an estimated $2.3 billion.

The promise was received broadly favourably as a measure to help with cost of living pressures and encourage the broader shift to clean energy. Labor’s policy has some similarity to an earlier Greens pledge. Last month, the Coalition hinted it was working on its own home battery plan. Opposition leader Peter Dutton has attacked Labor’s plan, claiming the subsidies would benefit the rich.

Dutton makes a good point. Upfront subsidies have to be well targeted. If they’re not, they could easily go to wealthier households and leave poorer ones behind.

To fix it, Labor should start with lower subsidies – and means test them.

What’s the fuss about home batteries?

Homes with batteries can use stored solar energy instead of grid energy, or charge from the grid when power is cheap and use it when grid power is expensive. They can reduce power bills by around $1,000 a year.

Over 300,000 Australian households already have a home battery. Uptake was already accelerating in Australia and overseas, as battery prices fall and power prices climb.

If this policy leads to 1 million batteries by 2030 as Labor hopes, they would boost grid stability, reduce demand for expensive peak power from gas generators and even avoid the need to build some new transmission lines. These would be positive – if the benefits can be spread fairly.

Subsidies must be properly targeted

Caution is necessary, because we have seen very similar issues with previous schemes.

When solar panels were expensive in the 2000s, many state governments offered subsidies to encourage more households to put them on their roofs. On one level, this worked well – one third of all Australian households now have solar. But on another, it failed – richer households took up solar subsidies much more than poorer, as my research has shown. As solar prices have fallen, this imbalance has partly been corrected.

Home batteries are now in a similar situation. Installing an average sized home battery of between 5 and 10 kilowatt hours can cost less than $10,000, without the proposed federal subsidy. But this upfront cost means it’s currently largely wealthy households doing it, as I have shown in other research.

If Labor’s policy isn’t properly targeted, wealthier households are more likely to take it up. This is because they can more easily afford to spend the remaining cost. Studies on electric and other vehicle subsidies in the United States show at least half of the subsidies went to people who would have bought the vehicle regardless. That’s good for wealthy households, but unfair to others.

Targeting has advantages for governments, too. Proper targeting would reduce the cost to the public purse.

Wealthier households like these in an expensive Sydney suburb were more likely to take up solar – and benefit from early subsidies.
Harley Kingston/Shutterstock

So who should be eligible?

Wealthier households are likely to be able to afford home batteries without the subsidy – especially as costs fall.

The cost of living crisis has hit less wealthy households hardest. A home battery policy should focus heavily on giving these households a way to reduce their power bills.

How can governments do this? Largely by means-testing. To qualify for the subsidy, households should have to detail their financial assets.

To begin with, a policy like this should only be eligible for households outside the top 25% for wealth.

What about the 31% of Australians who rent their homes? This diverse group requires careful thought.

Governments may have to offer extra incentives to encourage landlords to install home batteries. The solar roll-out shows landlords do benefit, as they can charge slightly higher rent for properties with solar.

How much should subsidies be?

Labor’s election offering of a 30% subsidy is too generous.

While home batteries can cost more than $10,000, cheaper battery options are now available and state incentive schemes are also emerging. Western Australia, for instance, will have its own generous battery subsidy scheme running before July 1.

Some households might be able to get subsidies at both state and national levels, which would cover most of the cost of a smaller battery.

When governments offer high subsidies at the start of a new scheme, there’s a real risk of a cost blowout.

To avoid this, governments should begin with the lowest subsidy which still encourages household investment. If low subsidies lead to low uptake, the government could then raise subsidies after an annual review.

Another option is to vary how much the subsidy is based on household wealth. Lower wealth households get higher subsidies (say $2,500) while higher wealth households get a much lower subsidy (say $500).

Governments could even consider equitable reverse auctions, where households with similar wealth compete for subsidies. Governments can then choose lower bids in the interest of cost-effectiveness.

At present, Labor’s policy would give higher subsidies for larger batteries. This isn’t ideal. On solar, there’s a lack of evidence higher subsidies lead to larger solar systems, while households with more wealth tend to get larger solar systems.

Good start, improvement needed

Labor’s home battery policy has been welcomed by many in the energy sector. But as it stands, we cannot be sure it will fairly share the benefits of home batteries.

If Labor or the Coalition does offer a well-targeted home battery policy, it would be world leading. Over time, it would directly help with the rising cost of living and ensure less wealthy households benefit.

Rohan Best previously received funding from the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA).

– ref. Batteries for all, not just the rich? Labor’s home battery plan must be properly targeted to be fair – https://theconversation.com/batteries-for-all-not-just-the-rich-labors-home-battery-plan-must-be-properly-targeted-to-be-fair-253445

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

April 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai delivers remarks on US tariff policy response

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Details
2025-03-13
President Lai holds press conference following high-level national security meeting
On the afternoon of March 13, President Lai Ching-te convened a high-level national security meeting, following which he held a press conference. In remarks, President Lai introduced 17 major strategies to respond to five major national security and united front threats Taiwan now faces: China’s threat to national sovereignty, its threats from infiltration and espionage activities targeting Taiwan’s military, its threats aimed at obscuring the national identity of the people of Taiwan, its threats from united front infiltration into Taiwanese society through cross-strait exchanges, and its threats from using “integrated development” to attract Taiwanese businesspeople and youth. President Lai emphasized that in the face of increasingly severe threats, the government will not stop doing its utmost to ensure that our national sovereignty is not infringed upon, and expressed hope that all citizens unite in solidarity to resist being divided. The president also expressed hope that citizens work together to increase media literacy, organize and participate in civic education activities, promptly expose concerted united front efforts, and refuse to participate in any activities that sacrifice national interests. As long as every citizen plays their part toward our nation’s goals for prosperity and security, he said, and as long as we work together, nothing can defeat us. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: At many venues recently, a number of citizens have expressed similar concerns to me. They have noticed cases in which members of the military, both active-duty and retired, have been bought out by China, sold intelligence, or even organized armed forces with plans to harm their own nation and its citizens. They have noticed cases in which entertainers willingly followed instructions from Beijing to claim that their country is not a country, all for the sake of personal career interests. They have noticed how messaging used by Chinese state media to stir up internal opposition in Taiwan is always quickly spread by specific channels. There have even been individuals making careers out of helping Chinese state media record united front content, spreading a message that democracy is useless and promoting skepticism toward the United States and the military to sow division and opposition. Many people worry that our country, as well as our hard-won freedom and democracy and the prosperity and progress we achieved together, are being washed away bit by bit due to these united front tactics. In an analysis of China’s united front, renowned strategic scholar Kerry K. Gershaneck expressed that China plans to divide and conquer us through subversion, infiltration, and acquisition of media, and by launching media warfare, psychological warfare, and legal warfare. What they are trying to do is to sow seeds of discord in our society, keep us occupied with internal conflicts, and cause us to ignore the real threat from outside. China’s ambition over the past several decades to annex Taiwan and stamp out the Republic of China has not changed for even a day. It continues to pursue political and military intimidation, and its united front infiltration of Taiwan’s society grows ever more serious. In 2005, China promulgated its so-called “Anti-Secession Law,” which makes using military force to annex Taiwan a national undertaking. Last June, China issued a 22-point set of “guidelines for punishing Taiwan independence separatists,” which regards all those who do not accept that “Taiwan is part of the People’s Republic of China” as targets for punishment, creating excuses to harm the people of Taiwan. China has also recently been distorting United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, showing in all aspects China’s increasingly urgent threat against Taiwan’s sovereignty. Lately, China has been taking advantage of democratic Taiwan’s freedom, diversity, and openness to recruit gangs, the media, commentators, political parties, and even active-duty and retired members of the armed forces and police to carry out actions to divide, destroy, and subvert us from within. A report from the National Security Bureau indicates that 64 persons were charged last year with suspicion of spying for China, which was three times the number of persons charged for the same offense in 2021. Among them, the Unionist Party, Rehabilitation Alliance Party, and Republic of China Taiwan Military Government formed treasonous organizations to deploy armed forces for China. In a democratic and free society, such cases are appalling. But this is something that actually exists within Taiwan’s society today. China also actively plots ways to infiltrate and spy on our military. Last year, 28 active-duty and 15 retired members of the armed forces were charged with suspicion of involvement in spying for China, respectively comprising 43 percent and 23 percent of all of such cases – 66 percent in total. We are also alert to the fact that China has recently used widespread issuance of Chinese passports to entice Taiwanese citizens to apply for the Residence Permit for Taiwan Residents, permanent residency, or the Resident Identity Card, in an attempt to muddle Taiwanese people’s sense of national identity. China also views cross-strait exchanges as a channel for its united front against Taiwan, marking enemies in Taiwan internally, creating internal divisions, and weakening our sense of who the enemy really is. It intends to weaken public authority and create the illusion that China is “governing” Taiwan, thereby expanding its influence within Taiwan. We are also aware that China has continued to expand its strategy of integrated development with Taiwan. It employs various methods to demand and coerce Taiwanese businesses to increase their investments in China, entice Taiwanese youth to develop their careers in China, and unscrupulously seeks to poach Taiwan’s talent and steal key technologies. Such methods impact our economic security and greatly increase the risk of our young people heading to China. By its actions, China already satisfies the definition of a “foreign hostile force” as provided in the Anti-Infiltration Act. We have no choice but to take even more proactive measures, which is my purpose in convening this high-level national security meeting today. It is time we adopt proper preventive measures, enhance our democratic resilience and national security, and protect our cherished free and democratic way of life. Next, I will be giving a detailed account of the five major national security and united front threats Taiwan now faces and the 17 major strategies we have prepared in response. I. Responding to China’s threats to our national sovereignty We have a nation insofar as we have sovereignty, and we have the Republic of China insofar as we have Taiwan. Just as I said during my inaugural address last May, and in my National Day address last October: The moment when Taiwan’s first democratically elected president took the oath of office in 1996 sent a message to the international community, that Taiwan is a sovereign, independent, democratic nation. Among people here and in the international community, some call this land the Republic of China, some call it Taiwan, and some, the Republic of China Taiwan. The Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China are not subordinate to each other, and Taiwan resists any annexation or encroachment upon our sovereignty. The future of the Republic of China Taiwan must be decided by its 23 million people. This is the status quo that we must maintain. The broadest consensus in Taiwanese society is that we must defend our sovereignty, uphold our free and democratic way of life, and resolutely oppose annexation of Taiwan by China. (1) I request that the National Security Council (NSC), the Ministry of National Defense (MND), and the administrative team do their utmost to promote the Four Pillars of Peace action plan to demonstrate the people’s broad consensus and firm resolve, consistent across the entirety of our nation, to oppose annexation of Taiwan by China. (2) I request that the NSC and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs draft an action plan that will, through collaboration with our friends and allies, convey to the world our national will and broad social consensus in opposing annexation of Taiwan by China and in countering China’s efforts to erase Taiwan from the international community and downgrade Taiwan’s sovereignty. II. Responding to China’s threats from infiltration and espionage activities targeting our military (1) Comprehensively review and amend our Law of Military Trial to restore the military trial system, allowing military judges to return to the frontline and collaborate with prosecutorial, investigative, and judicial authorities in the handling of criminal cases in which active-duty military personnel are suspected of involvement in such military crimes as sedition, aiding the enemy, leaking confidential information, dereliction of duty, or disobedience. In the future, criminal cases involving active-duty military personnel who are suspected of violating the Criminal Code of the Armed Forces will be tried by a military court. (2) Implement supporting reforms, including the establishment of a personnel management act for military judges and separate organization acts for military courts and military prosecutors’ offices. Once planning and discussion are completed, the MND will fully explain to and communicate with the public to ensure that the restoration of the military trial system gains the trust and full support of society. (3) To deter the various types of controversial rhetoric and behavior exhibited by active-duty as well as retired military personnel that severely damage the morale of our national military, the MND must discuss and propose an addition to the Criminal Code of the Armed Forces on penalties for expressions of loyalty to the enemy as well as revise the regulations for military personnel and their families receiving retirement benefits, so as to uphold military discipline. III. Responding to China’s threats aimed at obscuring the national identity of the people of Taiwan (1) I request that the Ministry of the Interior (MOI), Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), and other relevant agencies, wherever necessary, carry out inspections and management of the documents involving identification that Taiwanese citizens apply for in China, including: passports, ID cards, permanent residence certificates, and residence certificates, especially when the applicants are military personnel, civil servants, or public school educators, who have an obligation of loyalty to Taiwan. This will be done to strictly prevent and deter united front operations, which are performed by China under the guise of “integrated development,” that attempt to distort our people’s national identity. (2) With respect to naturalization and integration of individuals from China, Hong Kong, and Macau into Taiwanese society, more national security considerations must be taken into account while also attending to Taiwan’s social development and individual rights: Chinese nationals applying for permanent residency in Taiwan must, in accordance with the law of Taiwan, relinquish their existing household registration and passport and may not hold dual identity status. As for the systems in place to process individuals from Hong Kong or Macau applying for residency or permanent residency in Taiwan, there will be additional provisions for long-term residency to meet practical needs. IV. Responding to China’s threats from united front infiltration into Taiwanese society through cross-strait exchanges (1) There are increasing risks involved with travel to China. (From January 1, 2024 to today, the MAC has received reports of 71 Taiwanese nationals who went missing, were detained, interrogated, or imprisoned in China; the number of unreported people who have been subjected to such treatment may be several times that. Of those, three elderly I-Kuan Tao members were detained in China in December of last year and have not yet been released.) In light of this, relevant agencies must raise public awareness of those risks, continue enhancing public communication, and implement various registration systems to reduce the potential for accidents and the risks associated with traveling to China. (2) Implement a disclosure system for exchanges with China involving public officials at all levels of the central and local government. This includes everyone from administrative officials to elected representatives, from legislators to village and neighborhood chiefs, all of whom should make the information related to such exchanges both public and transparent so that they can be accountable to the people. The MOI should also establish a disclosure system for exchanges with China involving public welfare organizations, such as religious groups, in order to prevent China’s interference and united front activities at their outset. (3) Manage the risks associated with individuals from China engaging in exchanges with Taiwan: Review and approval of Chinese individuals coming to Taiwan should be limited to normal cross-strait exchanges and official interactions under the principles of parity and dignity, and relevant factors such as changes in the cross-strait situation should be taken into consideration. Strict restrictions should be placed on Chinese individuals who have histories with the united front coming to Taiwan, and Chinese individuals should be prohibited from coming to Taiwan to conduct activities related in any way to the united front. (4) Political interference from China and the resulting risks to national security should be avoided in cross-strait exchanges. This includes the review and management of religious, cultural, academic, and education exchanges, which should in principle be depoliticized and de-risked so as to simplify people-to-people exchanges and promote healthy and orderly exchanges. (5) To deter the united front tactics of a cultural nature employed by Chinese nationals to undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty, the Executive Yuan must formulate a solution to make our local cultural industries more competitive, including enhanced support and incentives for our film, television, and cultural and creative industries to boost their strengths in democratic cultural creation, raise international competitiveness, and encourage research in Taiwan’s own history and culture. (6) Strengthen guidance and management for entertainers developing their careers in China. The competent authorities should provide entertainers with guidelines on conduct while working in China, and make clear the scope of investigation and response to conduct that endangers national dignity. This will help prevent China from pressuring Taiwanese entertainers to make statements or act in ways that endanger national dignity. (7) The relevant authorities must adopt proactive, effective measures to prevent China from engaging in cognitive warfare against Taiwan or endangering cybersecurity through the internet, applications, AI, and other such tools. (8) To implement these measures, each competent authority must run a comprehensive review of the relevant administrative ordinances, measures, and interpretations, and complete the relevant regulations for legal enforcement. Should there be any shortcomings, the legal framework for national security should be strengthened and amendments to the National Security Act, Anti-Infiltration Act, Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, Laws and Regulations Regarding Hong Kong & Macao Affairs, or Cyber Security Management Act should be proposed. Communication with the public should also be increased so that implementation can happen as soon as possible. V. Responding to threats from China using “integrated development” to attract Taiwanese businesspeople and youth (1) I request that the NSC and administrative agencies work together to carry out strategic structural adjustments to the economic and trade relations between Taiwan and China based on the strategies of putting Taiwan first and expanding our global presence while staying rooted in Taiwan. In addition, they should carry out necessary, orderly adjustments to the flow of talent, goods, money, and skills involved in cross-strait economic and trade relations based on the principle of strengthening Taiwan’s foundations to better manage risk. This will help boost economic security and give us more power to respond to China’s economic and trade united front and economic coercion against Taiwan. (2) I request that the Ministry of Education, MAC, Ministry of Economic Affairs, and other relevant agencies work together to comprehensively strengthen young students’ literacy education on China and deepen their understanding of cross-strait exchanges. I also request these agencies to widely publicize mechanisms for employment and entrepreneurship for Taiwan’s youth and provide ample information and assistance so that young students have more confidence in the nation’s future and more actively invest in building up and developing Taiwan. My fellow citizens, this year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. History tells us that any authoritarian act of aggression or annexation will ultimately end in failure. The only way we can safeguard freedom and prevail against authoritarian aggression is through solidarity. As we face increasingly severe threats, the government will not stop doing its utmost to ensure that our national sovereignty is not infringed upon, and to ensure that the freedom, democracy, and way of life of Taiwan’s 23 million people continues on as normal. But relying solely on the power of the government is not enough. What we need even more is for all citizens to stay vigilant and take action. Every citizen stands on the frontline of the defense of democracy and freedom. Here is what we can do together: First, we can increase our media literacy, and refrain from spreading and passing on united front messaging from the Chinese state. Second, we can organize and participate in civic education activities to increase our knowledge about united front operations and build up whole-of-society defense resilience. Third, we can promptly expose concerted united front efforts so that all malicious attempts are difficult to carry out. Fourth, we must refuse to participate in any activities that sacrifice national interests. The vigilance and action of every citizen forms the strongest line of defense against united front infiltration. Only through solidarity can we resist being divided. As long as every citizen plays their part toward our nation’s goals for prosperity and security, and as long as we work together, nothing can defeat us.

Details
2025-02-14
President Lai holds press conference following high-level national security meeting
On the morning of February 14, President Lai Ching-te convened the first high-level national security meeting of the year, following which he held a press conference. In remarks, President Lai announced that in this new year, the government will prioritize special budget allocations to ensure that Taiwan’s defense budget exceeds 3 percent of GDP. He stated that the government will also continue to reform national defense, reform our legal framework for national security, and advance our economic and trade strategy of being rooted in Taiwan while expanding globally. The president also proposed clear-cut national strategies for Taiwan-US relations, semiconductor industry development, and cross-strait relations. President Lai indicated that he instructed the national security and administrative teams to take swift action and deliver results, working within a stable strategic framework and according to the various policies and approaches outlined. He also instructed them to keep a close watch on changes in the international situation, seize opportunities whenever they arise, and address the concerns and hope of the citizens with concrete actions. He expressed hope that as long as citizens remain steadfast in their convictions, are willing to work hand in hand, stand firm amidst uncertainty, and look for ways to win within changing circumstances, Taiwan is certain to prevail in the test of time yet again. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: First, I would like to convey my condolences for the tragic incident which occurred at the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store in Taichung, which resulted in numerous casualties. I have instructed Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) to lead the relevant central government agencies in assisting Taichung’s municipal government with actively resolving various issues regarding the incident. It is my hope that these issues can be resolved efficiently. Earlier today, I convened this year’s first high-level national security meeting. I will now report on the discussions from the meeting to all citizens. 2025 is a year full of challenges, but also a year full of hope. In today’s global landscape, the democratic world faces common threats posed by the convergence of authoritarian regimes, while dumping and unfair competition from China undermine the global economic order. A new United States administration was formed at the beginning of the year, adopting all-new strategies and policies to address challenges both domestic and from overseas. Every nation worldwide, including ours, is facing a new phase of changes and challenges. In face of such changes, ensuring national security, ensuring Taiwan’s indispensability in global supply chains, and ensuring that our nation continues to make progress amidst challenges are our top priorities this year. They are also why we convened a high-level national security meeting today. At the meeting, the national security team, the administrative team led by Premier Cho, and I held an in-depth discussion based on the overall state of affairs at home and abroad and the strategies the teams had prepared in response. We summed up the following points as an overall strategy for the next stage of advancing national security and development. First, for overall national security, so that we can ensure the freedom, democracy, and human rights of the Taiwanese people, as well as the progress and development of the nation as we face various threats from authoritarian regimes, Taiwan must resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, strengthen self-sufficiency in national defense, and consolidate national defense. Taiwan must enhance economic resilience, maintain economic autonomy, and stand firm with other democracies as we deepen our strategic partnerships with like-minded countries. As I have said, “As authoritarianism consolidates, democratic nations must come closer in solidarity!” And so, in this new year, we will focus on the following three priorities: First, to demonstrate our resolve for national defense, we will continue to reform national defense, implement whole-of-society defense resilience, and prioritize special budget allocations to ensure that our defense budget exceeds 3 percent of GDP. Second, to counter the threats to our national security from China’s united front tactics, attempts at infiltration, and cognitive warfare, we will continue with the reform of our legal framework for national security and expand the national security framework to boost societal resilience and foster unity within. Third, to seize opportunities in the restructuring of global supply chains and realignment of the economic order, we will continue advancing our economic and trade strategy of being rooted in Taiwan while expanding globally, strengthening protections for high-tech, and collaborating with our friends and allies to build supply chains for global democracies. Everyone shares concern regarding Taiwan-US relations, semiconductor industry development, and cross-strait relations. For these issues, I am proposing clear-cut national strategies. First, I will touch on Taiwan-US relations. Taiwan and the US have shared ideals and values, and are staunch partners within the democratic, free community. We are very grateful to President Donald Trump’s administration for their continued support for Taiwan after taking office. We are especially grateful for the US and Japan’s joint leaders’ statement reiterating “the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as an indispensable element of security and prosperity for the international community,” as well as their high level of concern regarding China’s threat to regional security. In fact, the Democratic Progressive Party government has worked very closely with President Trump ever since his first term in office, and has remained an international partner. The procurement of numerous key advanced arms, freedom of navigation critical for security and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and many assisted breakthroughs in international diplomacy were made possible during this time. Positioned in the first island chain and on the democratic world’s frontline countering authoritarianism, Taiwan is willing and will continue to work with the US at all levels as we pursue regional stability and prosperity, helping realize our vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific. Although changes in policy may occur these next few years, the mutual trust and close cooperation between Taiwan and Washington will steadfastly endure. On that, our citizens can rest assured. In accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances, the US announced a total of 48 military sales to Taiwan over the past eight years amounting to US$26.265 billion. During President Trump’s first term, 22 sales were announced totaling US$18.763 billion. This greatly supported Taiwan’s defensive capabilities. On the foundation of our close cooperation with the past eight years’ two US administrations, Taiwan will continue to demonstrate our determination for self-defense, accelerate the bolstering of our national defense, and keep enhancing the depth and breadth of Taiwan-US security cooperation, along with all manner of institutional cooperation. In terms of bilateral economic cooperation, Taiwan has always been one of the US’s most reliable trade partners, as well as one of the most important cooperative partners of US companies in the global semiconductor industry. In the past few years, Taiwan has greatly increased both direct and indirect investment in the US. By 2024, investment surpassed US$100 billion, creating nearly 400,000 job opportunities. In 2023 and 2024, investment in the US accounted for over 40 percent of Taiwan’s overall foreign investment, far surpassing our investment in China. In fact, in 2023 and 2024, Taiwanese investment in China fell to 11 percent and 8 percent, respectively. The US is now Taiwan’s biggest investment target. Our government is now launching relevant plans in accordance with national development needs and the need to establish secure supply systems, and the Executive Yuan is taking comprehensive inventory of opportunities for Taiwan-US economic and trade cooperation. Moving forward, close bilateral cooperation will allow us to expand US investment and procurement, facilitating balanced trade. Our government will also strengthen guidance and support for Taiwanese enterprises on increasing US investment, and promote the global expansion and growth of Taiwan’s industries. We will also boost Taiwan-US cooperation in tech development and manufacturing for AI and advanced semiconductors, and work together to maintain order in the semiconductor market, shaping a new era for our strategic economic partnership. Second, the development of our semiconductor industry. I want to emphasize that Taiwan, as one of the world’s most capable semiconductor manufacturing nations, is both willing and able to address new situations. With respect to President Trump’s concerns about our semiconductor industry, the government will act prudently, strengthen communications between Taiwan and the US, and promote greater mutual understanding. We will pay attention to the challenges arising from the situation and assist businesses in navigating them. In addition, we will introduce an initiative on semiconductor supply chain partnerships for global democracies. We are willing to collaborate with the US and our other democratic partners to develop more resilient and diversified semiconductor supply chains. Leveraging our strengths in cutting-edge semiconductors, we will form a global alliance for the AI chip industry and establish democratic supply chains for industries connected to high-end chips. Through international cooperation, we will open up an entirely new era of growth in the semiconductor industry. As we face the various new policies of the Trump administration, we will continue to uphold a spirit of mutual benefit, and we will continue to communicate and negotiate closely with the US government. This will help the new administration’s team to better understand how Taiwan is an indispensable partner in the process of rebuilding American manufacturing and consolidating its leadership in high-tech, and that Taiwan-US cooperation will benefit us both. Third, cross-strait relations. Regarding the regional and cross-strait situation, Taiwan-US relations, US-China relations, and interactions among Taiwan, the US, and China are a focus of global attention. As a member of the international democratic community and a responsible member of the region, Taiwan hopes to see Taiwan-US relations continue to strengthen and, alongside US-China relations, form a virtuous cycle rather than a zero-sum game where one side’s gain is another side’s loss. In facing China, Taiwan will always be a responsible actor. We will neither yield nor provoke. We will remain resilient and composed, maintaining our consistent position on cross-strait relations: Our determination to safeguard our national sovereignty and protect our free and democratic way of life remains unchanged. Our efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, as well as our willingness to work alongside China in the pursuit of peace and mutual prosperity across the strait, remain unchanged. Our commitment to promoting healthy and orderly exchanges across the strait, choosing dialogue over confrontation, and advancing well-being for the peoples on both sides of the strait, under the principles of parity and dignity, remains unchanged. Regarding the matters I reported to the public today, I have instructed our national security and administrative teams to take swift action and deliver results, working within a stable strategic framework and according to the various policies and approaches I just outlined. I have also instructed them to keep a close watch on changes in the international situation, seize opportunities whenever they arise, and address the concerns and hope of the citizens with concrete actions. My fellow citizens, over the past several years, Taiwan has weathered a global pandemic and faced global challenges, both political and economic, arising from the US-China trade war and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Through it all, Taiwan has persevered; we have continued to develop our economy, bolster our national strength, and raise our international profile while garnering more support – all unprecedented achievements. This is all because Taiwan’s fate has never been decided by the external environment, but by the unity of the Taiwanese people and the resolve to never give up. A one-of-a-kind global situation is creating new strategic opportunities for our one-of-a-kind Taiwanese people, bringing new hope. Taiwan’s foundation is solid; its strength is great. So as long as everyone remains steadfast in their convictions, is willing to work hand in hand, stands firm amidst uncertainty, and looks for ways to win within changing circumstances, Taiwan is certain to prevail in the test of our time yet again, for I am confident that there are no difficulties that Taiwan cannot overcome. Thank you.

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2025-01-01
President Lai delivers 2025 New Year’s Address
On the morning of January 1, President Lai Ching-te delivered his 2025 New Year’s Address, titled “Bolstering National Strength through Democracy to Enter a New Global Landscape,” in the Reception Hall of the Presidential Office. President Lai stated that today’s Taiwan is receiving international recognition for its performance in many areas, among them democracy, technology, and economy. In this new year, he said, Taiwan must be united, and we must continue on the right course. The president expressed hope that everyone in the central and local governments, regardless of party, can work hard together, allowing Taiwan sure footing as it strides forward toward ever greater achievements. President Lai emphasized that in 2025, we must keep firm on the path of democracy, continue to bolster our national strength, make Taiwan more economically resilient, enhance the resilience of supply chains for global democracies, and continue working toward a Balanced Taiwan and generational justice, ensuring that the fruits of our economic growth can be enjoyed by all our people. The president said that Taiwan will keep going strong, and we will keep walking tall as we enter the new global landscape. A translation of President Lai’s address follows: Today is the first day of 2025. With a new year comes new beginnings. I wish that Taiwan enjoys peace, prosperity, and success, and that our people lead happy lives. Taiwan truly finished 2024 strong. Though there were many challenges, there were also many triumphs. We withstood earthquakes and typhoons, and stood firm in the face of constant challenges posed by authoritarianism. We also shared glory as Taiwan won the Premier12 baseball championship, and now Taiwanese people around the world are all familiar with the gesture for Team Taiwan. At the Paris Olympics, Wang Chi-lin (王齊麟) and Lee Yang (李洋) clinched another gold in men’s doubles badminton. Lin Yu-ting (林郁婷) took home Taiwan’s first Olympic gold in boxing. At the International Junior Science Olympiad, every student in our delegation of six won a gold medal. And Yang Shuang-zi’s (楊双子) novel Taiwan Travelogue, translated into English by King Lin (金翎), became a United States National Book Award winner and a tour de force of Taiwan literature on the international level. Our heroes of Taiwan are defined by neither age nor discipline. They have taken home top prizes at international competitions and set new records. They tell Taiwan’s story through their outstanding performances, letting the world see the spirit and culture of Taiwan, and filling all our citizens with pride. My fellow citizens, we have stood together through thick and thin; we have shared our ups and downs. We have wept together, and we have laughed together. We are all one family, all members of Team Taiwan. I want to thank each of our citizens for their dedication, fueling Taiwan’s progress and bringing our nation glory. You have given Taiwan even greater strength to stand out on the global stage. In this new year, we must continue bringing Taiwan’s stories to the world, and make Taiwan’s successes a force for global progress. In 2025, the world will be entering a new landscape. Last year, over 70 countries held elections, and the will of the people has changed with the times. As many countries turn new pages politically, and in the midst of rapid international developments, Taiwan must continue marching forward with steady strides. First, we must keep firm on the path of democracy. Taiwan made it through a dark age of authoritarianism and has since become a glorious beacon of democracy in Asia. This was achieved through the sacrifices of our democratic forebears and the joint efforts of all our citizens. Democracy’s value to Taiwan lies not just in our free way of life, or in the force driving the diverse and vigorous growth of our society. Democracy is the brand that has earned us international trust in terms of diplomacy. No matter the threat or challenge Taiwan may face, democracy is Taiwan’s only path forward. We will not turn back. Domestic competition among political parties is a part of democracy. But domestic political disputes must be resolved democratically, within the constitutional system. This is the only way democracy can continue to grow. The Executive Yuan has the right to request a reconsideration of the controversial bills passed in the Legislative Yuan, giving it room for reexamination. Constitutional institutions can also lodge a petition for a constitutional interpretation, and through Constitutional Court adjudication, ensure a separation of powers, safeguard constitutional order, and gradually consolidate the constitutional system. The people also have the right of election, recall, initiative, and referendum, and can bring together even greater democratic power to show the true meaning of sovereignty in the hands of the people. In this new year, the changing international landscape will present democratic nations around the world with many grave challenges. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and conflict between Israel and Hamas rage on, and we are seeing the continued convergence of authoritarian regimes including China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, threatening the rules-based international order and severely affecting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and the world at large. Peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are essential components for global security and prosperity. Taiwan needs to prepare for danger in times of peace. We must continue increasing our national defense budget, bolster our national defense capabilities, and show our determination to protect our country. Everyone has a responsibility to safeguard Taiwan’s democracy and security. We must gather together every bit of strength we have to enhance whole-of-society defense resilience, and build capabilities to respond to major disasters and deter threats or encroachment. We must also strengthen communication with society to combat information and cognitive warfare, so that the populace rejects threats and enticements and jointly guards against malicious infiltration by external forces. Here at home, we must consolidate democracy with democracy. Internationally, we must make friends worldwide through democracy. This is how we will ensure security and peace. The more secure Taiwan, the more secure the world. The more resilient Taiwan, the sounder the defense of global democracy. The global democratic community should work even closer together to support the democratic umbrella as we seek ways to resolve the war in Ukraine and conflict between Israel and Hamas. Together, we must uphold stability in the Taiwan Strait and security in the Indo-Pacific, and achieve our goal of global peace. Second, we must continue to bolster our national strength, make Taiwan more economically resilient, and enhance the resilience of supply chains for global democracies. In the first half of 2024, growth in the Taiwan Stock Index was the highest in the world. Our economic growth rate for the year as a whole is expected to reach 4.2 percent, leading among the Four Asian Tigers. Domestic investment is soaring, having exceeded NT$5 trillion, and inflation is gradually stabilizing. Export orders from January to November totaled US$536.6 billion, up 3.7 percent from the same period in 2023. And compared over the same period, exports saw a 9.9 percent increase, reaching US$431.5 billion. Recent surveys also show that in 2024, the average increase in salaries at companies was higher than that in 2023. Additionally, over 90 percent of companies plan to raise salaries this year, which is an eight-year high. All signs indicate that Taiwan’s economic climate continues to recover, and that our economy is growing steadily. Our overall economic performance is impressive; still, we must continue to pay attention to the impact on Taiwan’s industries from the changing geopolitical landscape, uncertainties in the global economic environment, and dumping by the “red supply chain.” For a nation, all sectors and professions are equally important; only when all our industries are strong can Taiwan be strong as a nation. Our micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are the lifeblood of Taiwan, and the development of our various industrial parks has given Taiwan the impetus for our prosperity. We must carry the spirit of “Made in Taiwan” forward, bringing it to ever greater heights. Thus, beyond just developing our high-tech industry, our Executive Yuan has already proposed a solution that will help traditional industries and MSMEs comprehensively adopt technology applications, engage in the digital and net-zero twin transition, and develop channels, all for better operational structures and higher productivity. Taiwan must continue enhancing its economic resilience. In recent years, Taiwan has significantly increased its investments in the US, Japan, Europe, and the New Southbound countries, and such investment has already surpassed investment in China. This indicates that our efforts in diversifying markets and reducing reliance on any single market are working. Moving forward, we must keep providing assistance so that Taiwan industries can expand their global presence and market internationally from a solid base here in Taiwan. At the same time, Taiwan must use democracy to promote economic growth with the rest of the world. We must leverage our strengths in the semiconductor and AI industries. We must link with democratic countries so that we can together enhance the resilience of supply chains for global democracies. And through international cooperation across many sectors, such as UAVs, low-orbit communications satellites, robots, military, security and surveillance, or biopharmaceuticals, renewable energy technology, new agriculture, and the circular economy, we must keep abreast of the latest cutting-edge technology and promote diverse development. This approach will help Taiwan remain a leader in advancing global democratic supply chains, ensuring their security and stability. Third, we must continue working toward a Balanced Taiwan and generational justice, ensuring that the fruits of our economic growth can be enjoyed by all our people. Democracy means the people have the final say. Our nation belongs to all 23 million of us, without regard for ethnic group, generation, political party, or whether we live in urban or rural areas. In this new year, we must continue to pursue policies that promote the well-being of the nation and the people. But to that end, the central government needs adequate financial resources to ensure that it can enact each of these measures. Therefore, I hope that the ruling and opposition parties can each soberly reconsider the amendments to the Act Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures and find a path forward that ensures the lasting peace and stability of our country. For nine consecutive years, the minimum wage has continued to rise. Effective today, the minimum monthly salary is being raised from NT$27,470 to NT$28,590, and the hourly salary from NT$183 to NT$190. We hope by raising the pay for military personnel, civil servants, and educators for two consecutive years, coupled with benefits through wage increases and tax reductions, that private businesses will also raise wages, allowing all our people to enjoy the fruits of our economic growth. I know that everyone wants to pay lower taxes and rent. This year, we will continue to promote tax reductions. For example, unmarried individuals with an annual income of NT$446,000 or less can be exempt from paying income tax. Dual-income families with an annual income of NT$892,000 or less and dual-income families with two children aged six or younger with an annual income of NT$1,461,000 or less are also exempt from paying income tax. Additionally, the number of rent-subsidized housing units will also be increased, from 500,000 to 750,000 units, helping lighten the load for everyone. This year, the age eligibility for claiming Culture Points has been lowered from 16 to 13 years, so that now young people aged between 13 and 22 can receive government support for experiencing more in the arts. Also, our Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative is about to take effect, which will help more young people in Taiwan realize their dreams by taking part in education and exchange activities in many places around the world. We are also in the process of establishing a sports ministry to help young athletes achieve their dreams on the field, court, and beyond. The ministry will also be active in developing various sports industries and bringing sports and athletics more into the lives of the people, making our people healthier as a result. This year, as Taiwan becomes a “super-aged society,” we will launch our Long-term Care 3.0 Plan to provide better all-around care for our seniors. And we will expand the scope of cancer screening eligibility and services, all aimed at creating a Healthy Taiwan. In addition, Taiwan will officially begin collecting fees for its carbon fee system today. This brings us closer in line with global practices and helps us along the path to our goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. We will also continue on the path to achieving a Balanced Taiwan. Last month, the Executive Yuan launched the Trillion NT Dollar Investment National Development Plan and its six major regional flagship projects. Both of these initiatives will continue to expand the investment in our public infrastructure and the development of local specialty industries, narrowing urban-rural and wealth gaps so that all our people can live and work in peace and happiness. My fellow citizens, today’s Taiwan is receiving international recognition for its performance in many areas, among them democracy, technology, and economy. This tells us that national development is moving in the right direction. In this new year, Taiwan must be united, and we must continue on the right course. We hope that everyone in the central and local governments, regardless of party, can work hard together to ensure that national policies are successfully implemented, with the people’s well-being as our top priority. This will allow Taiwan sure footing as it strides forward toward ever greater achievements. In this new year, we have many more brilliant stories of Taiwan to share with the world, inspiring all Taiwanese, both here and around the world, to cheer time and again for the glory of Taiwan. Taiwan will keep going strong. And we will keep walking tall as we enter the new global landscape. Thank you.

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2024-10-10
President Lai delivers 2024 National Day Address
President Lai Ching-te on the morning of October 10 attended the ROC’s 113th Double Tenth National Day Celebration in the plaza fronting the Presidential Office Building, and delivered an address titled “Taiwan Together for Our Shared Dream.” A translation of the president’s address follows: National Day Celebration Chairperson Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜), Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), Prime Minister of Tuvalu Feleti Teo and Madame Tausaga Teo, heads of delegations from diplomatic allies and friendly nations, distinguished guests from home and abroad, and my fellow citizens here in person and watching on TV or online: Good morning. Today, we gather together to celebrate the birthday of the Republic of China, praise the beautiful Taiwan of today, and usher in the better Taiwan for tomorrow. One hundred and thirteen years ago, a group of people full of ideals and aspirations rose in revolt and overthrew the imperial regime. Their dream was to establish a democratic republic of the people, to be governed by the people and for the people. Their ideal was to create a nation of freedom, equality, and benevolence. However, the dream of democracy was engulfed in the raging flames of war. The ideal of freedom had for long eroded under authoritarian rule. But we will never forget the Battle of Guningtou 75 years ago, or the August 23 Artillery Battle 66 years ago. Though we arrived on this land at different times and belonged to different communities, we defended Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu. We defended the Republic of China. We will never forget the Kaohsiung Incident 45 years ago, or wave after wave of democracy movements. Again and again, people who carried the dream of democracy and the ideal of freedom, through valiant sacrifice and devotion, gave their lives to open the door to democracy. Over more than a century, the people’s desire to master their own destiny has finally been fulfilled. My fellow citizens, though the Republic of China was driven out of the international community, the people of Taiwan have never exiled themselves. On this land, the people of Taiwan toil and labor, but when our friends face natural disasters or an unprecedented pandemic, we do not hesitate to extend a helping hand. “Taiwan Can Help” is not just a slogan. It is a movement by the people of Taiwan to cherish peace and do good for others. In the past, our people, going out into the world equipped with only a briefcase, sparked Taiwan’s economic achievements. Now, Taiwan’s chip technology drives the whole world, and has become a global force for prosperity and development. The people of Taiwan are diverse, and they are fearless. Our own Nymphia Wind is a queen on the world stage. The people of Taiwan are truly courageous. Lin Yu-ting (林郁婷), a daughter of Taiwan, is a queen of the boxing world. At 17 years old, Taiwan’s own Tsai Yun-rong (蔡昀融) put steady hands to work and won first place for woodwork in a global skills competition. Chen Sz-yuan (陳思源), at 20, took first for refrigeration and air conditioning, using the skills passed down by his father. A new generation of “Made in Taiwan” youth is putting a new shine on an old label. I want to thank generation after generation of fellow citizens for coming together and staying together through thick and thin. The Republic of China has already put down roots in Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu. And the Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China are not subordinate to each other. On this land, democracy and freedom are growing and thriving. The People’s Republic of China has no right to represent Taiwan. The 23 million people of Taiwan, now more than ever, must reach out our branches to embrace the future. My fellow citizens, we have overcome challenge after challenge. All along, the Republic of China has shown steadfast resolve; and all along, the people of Taiwan have shown unwavering tenacity. We fully understand that our views are not all the same, but we have always been willing to accept one another. We fully understand that we have differences in opinion, but we have always been willing to keep moving forward hand in hand. This is how the Republic of China Taiwan became what it is today. As president, my mission is to ensure that our nation endures and progresses, and to unite the 23 million people of Taiwan. I will also uphold the commitment to resist annexation or encroachment upon our sovereignty. It is also my mission to safeguard the lives and property of the public, firmly carry out our Four Pillars of Peace action plan, strengthen national defense, stand side by side with democratic countries, jointly demonstrate the strength of deterrence, and ensure peace through strength, so that all generations can lead good lives. All the more, my mission is to care for the lives and livelihoods of the 23 million people of Taiwan, actively develop our economy, and expand investment in social care. I must also ensure that the fruits of our economic growth can be enjoyed by all our people. However, Taiwan faces relentless challenges, and the world’s challenges are just as much our own. The world must achieve sustainable development as we grapple with global climate change. Sudden outbreaks of infectious diseases impact human lives and health around the globe. And expanding authoritarianism is posing a host of challenges to the rules-based international order, threatening our hard-won free and democratic way of life. For these reasons, I have established three committees at the Presidential Office: the National Climate Change Committee, the Healthy Taiwan Promotion Committee, and the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee. These committees are interrelated, and they are closely connected by the theme of national resilience. We intend to build up a more resilient Taiwan, proactively deal with challenges, and bring Taiwan into deeper cooperation with the international community. We must strengthen Taiwan’s ability to adapt to the risks associated with extreme weather, continue promoting our second energy transition, and ensure a stable power supply. We must steadily advance toward our goal of net-zero transition by 2050 through the development of more forms of green energy, deep energy saving, and advanced energy storage. In terms of health, we must effectively fight the spread of global infectious diseases, and raise the population’s average life expectancy while reducing time spent living with illness or disability. We must achieve health equality so that people are healthy, the nation is stronger, and so that the world embraces Taiwan. Finally, we must strengthen resilience throughout Taiwan in national defense, economic livelihoods, disaster prevention, and democracy. As the people of Taiwan become more united, our nation grows more stable. As our society becomes better prepared, our nation grows more secure, and there is also greater peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan is resolved in our commitment to upholding peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and achieving global security and prosperity. We are willing to work with China on addressing climate change, combatting infectious diseases, and maintaining regional security to pursue peace and mutual prosperity for the well-being of the people on the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. For a long time now, countries around the world have supported China, invested in China, and assisted China in joining the World Trade Organization, thereby promoting China’s economic development and enhancing its national strength. This was done out of the hope that China would join the rest of the world in making global contributions, that internally it would place importance on the livelihoods of the people, and that externally it would maintain peace. As we stand here today, international tensions are on the rise, and each day countless innocents are suffering injuries or losing their lives in conflict. We hope that China will live up to the expectations of the international community, that it will apply its influence and work with other countries toward ending Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East. And we hope that it will take up its international responsibilities and, along with Taiwan, contribute to the peace, security, and prosperity of the region and the globe. In an era when the international landscape is becoming increasingly chaotic, Taiwan will become more calm, more confident, and stronger; it will become a force for regional peace, stability, and prosperity. I believe that a stronger democratic Taiwan is not only the ideal of our 23 million people, but also the expectation of the international community. We will continue to make Taiwan stronger and promote cross-sector economic development. Taiwan’s economic strength is no “miracle”; it is the result of the joint efforts of all the people of Taiwan. We must strive for an innovative economy, a balanced Taiwan, and inclusive growth; we must stay on top of changes in global trends, and continue to remain a key player in supply chains for global democracies. Going forward, in addition to our 5+2 innovative industries plan and Six Core Strategic Industries policy, we will more vigorously develop Taiwan’s Five Trusted Industry Sectors, namely semiconductors, AI, military, security and surveillance, and next-generation communications, and help expand their global presence. We will also promote the transformation and development of medium, small, and micro enterprises and help them develop their international markets. My fellow citizens, we will continue working to achieve a Taiwan that is balanced across all its regions. In the central government’s proposed general budget plan for next year, general grants for local governments and general centrally funded tax revenues increased significantly, by NT$89.5 billion, reaching a total of NT$724.1 billion, a record high. And our budget for flood control will be raised by NT$15.9 billion from this year, bringing the total to NT$55.1 billion. This will help municipalities across the country in addressing the challenges of extreme weather. We will also expedite improvements to the safety of our national road network and create a human-friendly transportation environment. Furthermore, we will improve our mass rapid transit network and connect the greater Taipei area comprising Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung, and Taoyuan. We will roll out the new Silicon Valley plan for Taoyuan, Hsinchu, and Miaoli to form a central technology cluster connecting the north with the south and launch the Smart Technology Southern Industrial Ecosystem Development Plan. We will accelerate promotion of safety in our eastern transportation network so that locals can go home on safer roads. We will also enhance basic infrastructure in the outlying island areas to raise the quality of life for locals and increase their capacity for tourism. My fellow citizens, we must all the more ensure the well-being of our people across the generations. To our young parents, we will continue to promote version 2.0 of our national childcare policy for ages 0–6. We are going even further by already increasing childcare subsidies, and we will also enhance the quality of preschool services. Children are the future of our country, and the government has the responsibility to help take care of them. To our young students, we will continue to provide free tuition for students of high schools and vocational high schools, and we will also continue to subsidize tuition for students of private junior colleges, colleges, and universities. And we are taking that a step further by establishing the Ten-Billion-Dollar Youth Overseas Dream Fund. Young people have dreams, and the government has the responsibility to help youth realize those dreams. To our young adults and those in the prime of life, next year, the minimum wage will once again be raised, and the number of rent-subsidized housing units will be increased. We will expand investment in society and provide more support across life, work, housing, and health, and support for the young and old. Raising a family is hard work, and the government has a responsibility to help lighten the load. To our senior citizens all around Taiwan, next year, Taiwan will become a “super-aged society.” In advance, we will launch our Long-term Care 3.0 Plan and gradually implement the 888 Program for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. We will also establish a NT$10 billion fund for new cancer drugs and advance the Healthy Taiwan Cultivation Plan. We will build a stronger social safety net and provide enhanced care for the disadvantaged. And we will bring mental health support to people of all ages, including the young and middle-aged, to truly achieve care for all people of all ages throughout the whole of our society. I am deeply aware that what everyone cares about the most is the pressure of high housing prices, and that what they most detest is rampant fraud. I give the people my promise that our administration will not shirk these issues; even if it offends certain groups, we will address them no matter the price. We will redouble our efforts to combat fraud and fight housing speculation. We will expand care for renters and strike a balance with the needs of people looking to change homes. We will walk together, continuing down the path toward achieving housing justice. We have with us today former President Chen Shui-bian, former President Tsai Ing-wen, and leaders from different political parties. I want to thank all of you for attending. Your presence represents the strength our nation has built up over generations, as well as the values and significance of Taiwan’s diverse democracy. Our nation must become more united, and our society must grow more stable. I also want to thank Legislative Yuan President Han and Premier Cho for recently initiating cooperation among the ruling and opposition parties to facilitate discussion among the ruling and opposition party caucuses. In democratic countries, political parties internally promote the nation’s progress through competition, and externally they unite to work toward achieving national interests. No matter our political party, no matter our political stances, national interests come before the interests of parties, and the interests of parties can never take precedence over the interests of the people. And this is precisely the spirit upheld by those who sacrificed, who gave everything they had, in order to establish the Republic of China. This is the lesson we take from our predecessors who, generation upon generation, overcame authoritarianism, and sacrificed and devoted themselves to the pursuit of democracy. That is precisely why, regardless of party affiliation or regardless of our differences, we are gathered here today. Regardless of what name we choose to call our nation – the Republic of China; Taiwan; or the Republic of China Taiwan – we must all share common convictions: Our determination to defend our national sovereignty remains unchanged. Our efforts to maintain the status quo of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait remain unchanged. Our commitment to hoping for parity and dignity, and healthy and orderly dialogue and exchanges between the two sides of the strait remains unchanged. Our determination, from one generation to the next, to protect our free and democratic way of life remains unchanged. I believe this is the dream that Taiwan’s 23 million people all share; it is also the shared ideal that Taiwanese society and the international community hold. The stronger the commitment of the Taiwanese people, the greater the tenacity of democracy around the world. The greater the tenacity of the Taiwanese people, the stronger the commitment of democracy around the world. Let’s keep going, Republic of China! Let’s keep going, Taiwan! Regardless of our differences, let’s keep going forward! Thank you.

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2024-06-24
President Lai’s remarks on legislative amendments
On the morning of June 24, President Lai Ching-te delivered his remarks on recent legislative amendments. In remarks, President Lai emphasized opposition to an expansion of legislative power, not legislative reforms, and said that the legislature should naturally engage in reforms, but refrain from an excessive expansion of power, adding that any proposal for legislative reform should remain legal and constitutional. Particularly, the president said, the investigative powers of the Legislative Yuan should not infringe upon the powers of the judiciary or the Control Yuan, and more importantly, they must not infringe upon people’s basic rights, including the right to privacy, trade secrets, and the freedom to withhold expression. Therefore, on the basis of safeguarding the constitutional order and protecting the rights of the people, the president stated that he will petition the Constitutional Court for a constitutional interpretation, as well as petition for a preliminary injunction. Emphasizing that the president’s role is as a guardian of democratic and constitutional governance, President Lai said that given that there are concerns about the recent amendments being unconstitutional, concerns that they confound constitutional provisions on the separation of powers and those on checks and balances, it is incumbent upon him to perform his duties as president and take action. Today, he said, he has decided to petition the Constitutional Court for a constitutional interpretation to rule on the constitutionality and legitimacy of the recent amendments. Stating that this approach is responsible to our nation and to our history and actually reflects the expectations of the people, the president expressed his hope that all of our fellow citizens can work together to safeguard our constitutional system and more deeply entrench our democracy, allowing for the sustainable development of Taiwan’s democracy. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: One month ago, I was sworn in as president, taking an oath before the people to observe the Constitution and faithfully perform my duties. Therefore, following the legislature’s passing of amendments to the Law Governing the Legislative Yuan’s Power and to the Criminal Code, earlier this morning, I signed these amendments into law in accordance with the Constitution, and will promulgate the bills today. However, aside from the deliberative process over the amendments raising pronounced concerns from the public, the contents of the bills also risk compromising the constitutional principle of separation of powers, as well as that of checks and balances. A moment ago, Attorney Hong Wei-sheng (洪偉勝) explained our reasons for seeking to petition for a constitutional interpretation. I would like to share with our fellow citizens that it is the responsibility and mission of the president to safeguard our free and democratic constitutional system and protect the rights of the people. In a free and democratic constitutional system, core principles include separation of powers, checks and balances, and the protection of human rights. Separation of powers should be based on the Constitution, with the branches working independently while respecting one another. Regarding checks and balances, branches should function according to their institutional design to ensure constitutionally responsible government. Therefore, I must emphasize that we are opposing an expansion of legislative power, not legislative reforms. The legislature should naturally engage in reforms, but refrain from an excessive expansion of power. Any proposal for legislative reform should remain legal and constitutional. Particularly, the investigative powers of the Legislative Yuan should not infringe upon the powers of the judiciary or the Control Yuan. More importantly, they must not infringe upon people’s basic rights, including the right to privacy, trade secrets, and the freedom to withhold expression. Therefore, on the basis of safeguarding the constitutional order and protecting the rights of the people, I will petition the Constitutional Court for a constitutional interpretation, as well as petition for a preliminary injunction. On the issue of the president giving an address on the state of the nation at the Legislative Yuan, there are already existing regulations in place in the Constitution and the Law Governing the Legislative Yuan’s Power. During legislative sessions, the legislature may invite the president to give a state of the nation address on national security and major policies. I have previously said that on the condition of legal and constitutional procedures, I am willing to deliver a state of the nation address at the Legislative Yuan. However, recent amendments passed by the legislature redefine the president’s address on the state of the nation as compulsory and require that the address be followed with an on-the-spot question and answer session, in an attempt to change the design of responsible government in the Constitution. This disrupts the institution of the Executive Yuan being responsible to the Legislative Yuan, leading to concerns about an overreaching expansion of the power originally bestowed to legislators by the Constitution. As president, I will not impose my personal opinions on the constitutional order; nor will I place my personal interests before national interests. As a physician, I deeply understand that any diagnosis should be made with care. When performing organ transplants, the physician must carefully evaluate and match various attributes, such as blood type, physical constitution, and other conditions. The same principles for treating illness hold true for governing a country. Institutional or legal transplants performed in the absence of careful evaluation or discussion could lead to negative outcomes for the nation’s constitutional governance and the protection of the people’s rights. We must address these issues seriously. Every law has far-reaching impact on our nation, our society, and the next generation. The president’s role is as a guardian of democratic and constitutional governance. Given that there are concerns about the recent amendments being unconstitutional, concerns that they confound constitutional provisions on the separation of powers and those on checks and balances, it is incumbent upon me to perform my duties as president and take action. Today, I have decided to petition the Constitutional Court for a constitutional interpretation to rule on the constitutionality and legitimacy of the recent amendments. This approach is responsible to our nation and to our history and actually reflects the expectations of the people. The Constitution stands as the supreme legal basis of our nation, and the Constitutional Court is the highest judicial organ that works to maintain the constitutional order and protect the rights of citizens. As to the interpretation, ruling and opposition parties must respect and accept the results, no matter what they turn out to be. And we also hope that the public will be able to support the results. In the coming days, as this process of constitutional interpretation unfolds, there will be much discussion and debate among the public. I am confident that this will be a reaffirmation, by Taiwanese society, of our democratic and constitutional governance, and that it will make our democratic society even more mature. For democracy to be even more deeply entrenched, it needs defending, and it needs dialogue. And the historic moment to defend the constitutional structure of free democracy is now. I hope that all of my fellow citizens can work together to safeguard our constitutional system and more deeply entrench our democracy, allowing for the sustainable development of Taiwan’s democracy. Thank you. Also in attendance were Secretary-General to the President Pan Men-an (潘孟安), Deputy Secretary-General to the President Xavier Chang (張惇涵), and agent ad litem Attorney Hong.

Details
2025-04-06
President Lai delivers remarks on US tariff policy response
On April 6, President Lai Ching-te delivered recorded remarks regarding the impact of the 32 percent tariff that the United States government recently imposed on imports from Taiwan in the name of reciprocity. In his remarks, President Lai explained that the government will adopt five response strategies, including making every effort to improve reciprocal tariff rates through negotiations, adopting a support plan for affected domestic industries, adopting medium- and long-term economic development plans, forming new “Taiwan plus the US” arrangements, and launching industry listening tours. The president emphasized that as we face this latest challenge, the government and civil society will work hand in hand, and expressed hope that all parties, both ruling and opposition, will support the measures that the Executive Yuan will take to open up a broader path for Taiwan’s economy. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: My fellow citizens, good evening. The US government recently announced higher tariffs on countries around the world in the name of reciprocity, including imposing a 32 percent tariff on imports from Taiwan. This is bound to have a major impact on our nation. Various countries have already responded, and some have even adopted retaliatory measures. Tremendous changes in the global economy are expected. Taiwan is an export-led economy, and in facing future challenges there will inevitably be difficulties, so we must proceed carefully to turn danger into safety. During this time, I want to express gratitude to all sectors of society for providing valuable opinions, which the government regards highly, and will use as a reference to make policy decisions. However, if we calmly and carefully analyze Taiwan’s trade with the US, we find that last year Taiwan’s exports to the US were valued at US$111.4 billion, accounting for 23.4 percent of total export value, with the other 75-plus percent of products sold worldwide to countries other than the US. Of products sold to the US, competitive ICT products and electronic components accounted for 65.4 percent. This shows that Taiwan’s economy does still have considerable resilience. As long as our response strategies are appropriate, and the public and private sectors join forces, we can reduce impacts. Please do not panic. To address the reciprocal tariffs by the US, Taiwan has no plans to adopt retaliatory tariffs. There will be no change in corporate investment commitments to the US, as long as they are consistent with national interests. But we must ensure the US clearly understands Taiwan’s contributions to US economic development. More importantly, we must actively seek to understand changes in the global economic situation, strengthen Taiwan-US industry cooperation, elevate the status of Taiwan industries in global supply chains, and with safeguarding the continued development of Taiwan’s economy as our goal, adopt the following five strategies to respond. Strategy one: Make every effort to improve reciprocal tariff rates through negotiations using the following five methods: 1. Taiwan has already formed a negotiation team led by Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君). The team includes members from the National Security Council, the Office of Trade Negotiations, and relevant Executive Yuan ministries and agencies, as well as academia and industry. Like the US-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement, negotiations on tariffs can start from Taiwan-US bilateral zero-tariff treatment. 2. To expand purchases from the US and thereby reduce the trade deficit, the Executive Yuan has already completed an inventory regarding large-scale procurement plans for agricultural, industrial, petroleum, and natural gas products, and the Ministry of National Defense has also proposed a military procurement list. All procurement plans will be actively pursued. 3. Expand investments in the US. Taiwan’s cumulative investment in the US already exceeds US$100 billion, creating approximately 400,000 jobs. In the future, in addition to increased investment in the US by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, other industries such as electronics, ICT, petrochemicals, and natural gas can all increase their US investments, deepening Taiwan-US industry cooperation. Taiwan’s government has helped form a “Taiwan investment in the US” team, and hopes that the US will reciprocate by forming a “US investment in Taiwan” team to bring about closer Taiwan-US trade cooperation, jointly creating a future economic golden age. 4. We must eliminate non-tariff barriers to trade. Non-tariff barriers are an indicator by which the US assesses whether a trading partner is trading fairly with the US. Therefore, we will proactively resolve longstanding non-tariff barriers so that negotiations can proceed more smoothly. 5. We must resolve two issues that have been matters of longstanding concern to the US. One regards high-tech export controls, and the other regards illegal transshipment of dumped goods, otherwise referred to as “origin washing.” Strategy two: We must adopt a plan for supporting our industries. For industries that will be affected by the tariffs, and especially traditional industries as well as micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises, we will provide timely and needed support and assistance. Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) and his administrative team recently announced a package of 20 specific measures designed to address nine areas. Moving forward, the support we provide to different industries will depend on how they are affected by the tariffs, will take into account the particular features of each industry, and will help each industry innovate, upgrade, and transform. Strategy three: We must adopt medium- and long-term economic development plans. At this point in time, our government must simultaneously adopt new strategies for economic and industrial development. This is also the fundamental path to solutions for future economic challenges. The government will proactively cooperate with friends and allies, develop a diverse range of markets, and achieve closer integration of entities in the upper, middle, and lower reaches of industrial supply chains. This course of action will make Taiwan’s industrial ecosystem more complete, and will help Taiwanese industries upgrade and transform. We must also make good use of the competitive advantages we possess in such areas as semiconductor manufacturing, integrated chip design, ICT, and smart manufacturing to build Taiwan into an AI island, and promote relevant applications for food, clothing, housing, and transportation, as well as military, security and surveillance, next-generation communications, and the medical and health and wellness industries as we advance toward a smarter, more sustainable, and more prosperous new Taiwan. Strategy four: “Taiwan plus one,” i.e., new “Taiwan plus the US” arrangements: While staying firmly rooted in Taiwan, our enterprises are expanding their global presence and marketing worldwide. This has been our national economic development strategy, and the most important aspect is maintaining a solid base here in Taiwan. We absolutely must maintain a solid footing, and cannot allow the present strife to cause us to waver. Therefore, our government will incentivize investments, carry out deregulation, and continue to improve Taiwan’s investment climate by actively resolving problems involving access to water, electricity, land, human resources, and professional talent. This will enable corporations to stay in Taiwan and continue investing here. In addition, we must also help the overseas manufacturing facilities of offshore Taiwanese businesses to make necessary adjustments to support our “Taiwan plus one” policy, in that our national economic development strategy will be adjusted as follows: to stay firmly rooted in Taiwan while expanding our global presence, strengthening US ties, and marketing worldwide. We intend to make use of the new state of supply chains to strengthen cooperation between Taiwanese and US industries, and gain further access to US markets. Strategy five: Launch industry listening tours: All industrial firms, regardless of sector or size, will be affected to some degree once the US reciprocal tariffs go into effect. The administrative teams led by myself and Premier Cho will hear out industry concerns so that we can quickly resolve problems and make sure policies meet actual needs. My fellow citizens, over the past half-century and more, Taiwan has been through two energy crises, the Asian financial crisis, the global financial crisis, and pandemics. We have been able to not only withstand one test after another, but even turn crises into opportunities. The Taiwanese economy has emerged from these crises stronger and more resilient than ever. As we face this latest challenge, the government and civil society will work hand in hand, and I hope that all parties in the legislature, both ruling and opposition, will support the measures that the Executive Yuan will take to open up a broader path for Taiwan’s economy. Let us join together and give it our all. Thank you.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Five tips for a more sustainable build or renovation
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Visit the Suburban Land Agency’s Display Village in Whitlam to see innovative design and building practices to inspire more environmentally conscious living.
Living in a more sustainable home can help you save money, lower emissions and make your home more comfortable.

Whether you’re buying, building or renovating, the Suburban Land Agency (SLA) Innovation Precinct at the Display Village in Whitlam can give you ideas for sustainable living specific to Canberra’s climate.

The Precinct includes three sustainable homes to showcase innovative design and building practices to inspire more environmentally conscience living.

SLA Acting Director of Sustainability and Innovation, Bec Kaye, shared her top tips for sustainable living in Canberra homes.

Build a smaller home

If you’re building a home, the number one thing you can do to build more sustainably is to build a smaller footprint home.

“That will save you money upfront because obviously you use less materials, but it also saves you a lot of embodied carbon.”

Bec says when people visit the Precinct, they’re surprised by the look and feel of the smaller homes.

“People are shocked that a smaller house can be designed so well to feel open, and to feel like there’s more space than there is,” she said.

Think about orientation

“The second most important thing to do is to orient your home correctly,” Bec said.

When it comes to orienting a home in Canberra, you need to consider:
- warm sun from the north
- hot summer winds from the west
- cool summer breezes from the east
- cold winter winds from the south.
Orienting your home to the north means that in winter, you’ll maximise the warmth and light from the sun.

“Think about how you can minimise getting heat into the western-facing part of your home during hot summer days,” Bec said.

That can include things like:
- getting thick curtains
- installing double-glazed windows
- having smaller windows on western-facing walls
- planting trees or climbers outside for shade.
Pay attention to insulation and sealing

Regardless of whether you’re building or renovating, insulating your walls is very important for Canberra homes.

It’s also important to seal up the gaps in between where windows connect with the walls during your build or renovation. These gaps allow air to get through, bringing the cool in during winter and the heat in through summer.

“Your builder can use things like building tape and silicone to seal up those gaps and help improve the thermal comfort,” Bec said.

Consider your garden

Another environmentally conscious choice you can make is to couple your sustainable home with a climate resilient garden.

“Allowing space in your backyard to grow a garden is not only a way to add amenity to your home and create a place for the birds and the bees, but it also creates a cooler microclimate within which your house is situated.”

If you have shade trees in your garden, the temperature around your home will be cooler. That means your house will stay cooler in summer, and you won’t need to use your cooling system as often.

Download the SLA Climate Wise Garden Designs booklet.

Optimise energy efficiency

Choosing energy efficient appliances can reduce the amount of electricity you use, helping to reduce your electricity bill.

“If you want to make your electricity cost even lower, installing a solar panel system is the best way to go,” Bec said.

“If you couple a solar panel system with a battery for your house, that battery will store energy that’s generated by the sun during the day so that you can use it at night.”

Some other tips for sustainable homes include:
- using recycled materials like Canberra red bricks or recycled timber
- choosing materials that have a recycled component
- using more durable materials that need to be replaced less frequently, or can be recycled in the future
- using permeable pavers to reduce the risk of flood damage
- decorating your home with second-hand furniture.
Find more tips in the Your Resilient Home Guide.

You can see all of these sustainable living choices in action at the SLA Innovation Precinct in the Display Village in Whitlam.

Learn more about the Precinct.

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MIL OSI News –
April 7, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Multi-billion dollar Defence plan unveiled

Source: New Zealand Government

The Coalition Government today released a multi-billion dollar plan for a modern, combat-capable New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) that pulls its weight internationally and domestically.
“Global tensions are increasing rapidly, and New Zealand has stepped up on the world stage, but our current Defence spending is simply too low,” Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says.
“This new Defence Capability Plan contains $12 billion of funding over the next four years, which includes $9 billion of new spending. This will raise New Zealand’s defence spending from just over one per cent of GDP to more than two per cent in the next eight years.
“This blueprint has been designed with a 15-year horizon but deliberately focuses on critical investments needed in the next four years to ensure our Defence Force can adapt as the world around us changes.
“The Government has committed to reviewing the plan every two years. Put simply, this is the floor, not the ceiling, of funding for our Defence Force.
“I want to acknowledge our coalition partners, New Zealand First and ACT, for their unwavering support in advancing this plan – and note New Zealand First previously drove the procurement of our new P-8A and Hercules aircraft.”.
Defence Minister Judith Collins says the world is inherently more dangerous and our personnel are at the frontline of New Zealand’s security.
“They cannot do their jobs without the right equipment and conditions.
“This plan outlines what resources, equipment and support we need to modernise the NZDF to operate now and in the future,” Ms Collins says.
The 2025 Defence Capability Plan outlines indicative investments to ensure the NZDF is:

Combat capable with enhanced lethality and deterrent effect: This includes increased strike capabilities which will increase our ability to deter actions counter to New Zealand’s interests.
A force multiplier with Australia and interoperable with partners: New Zealand and Australia have committed to modernise our alliance and further strengthen our bilateral defence relationship, including the development of a more greatly integrated “Anzac” force.
Innovative and has improved situational awareness: Innovation in this plan covers new ways of doing things, as well as exploring new technologies for the NZDF such as uncrewed vehicles, new space technologies, and increased funding for Defence Science & Technology.

Ms Collins says the men and women of the NZDF have endured 35 years of cuts and underfunding.
“They join up to serve the people of New Zealand, however that is needed, and we feel immense pride and gratitude when we see them stepping up and into situations that the rest of us are running from,” Ms Collins says.
“But the way they were used for a prolonged period of time to patrol Managed Isolation Facilities during Covid led to many experienced personnel – those with 10-15 years’ experience – leaving for other career options.
“That has left us with a hollowed-out middle in our personnel, and this plan allows us to address that. Already our attrition has fallen from 15.8 percent in December 2022 to 7.5 percent in February 2025 – but we know we need to rebuild the core of the NZDF so we can fully utilise the ships, aircraft, vehicles and weapons we already have, while looking to what is needed in the future.
“Our personnel are expected to be called upon more often, in more places, and for longer. For this, they must be equipped and trained for a range of operations, to be more combat capable and able to deter actions adverse to our interests while also being ready to provide essential humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
“This plan does that. It gets our NZDF out of the intensive care unit and not just growing but growing where we need it to.”
Note to editors:

Defence Capability Plan 2025 is the Government’s plan to rebuild the NZDF and prepare for an increasingly volatile world.
Major investments 2025-2028:

Enhanced strike capabilities
Frigate sustainment programme
Persistent surveillance (uncrewed autonomous vessels)
Replacing the maritime helicopters
Javelin anti-tank missile upgrade
Network Enabled Army
Special Operations sustainment
Vehicles for the NZDF
Counter uncrewed aerial systems (UAS)
Long-range remotely piloted aircraft
Replacing the Boeing 757 fleet
Space capabilities
Enhancing cyber security capabilities
Enterprise resource planning
Improved intelligence functions
Updating classified digital services
Accommodation, messing, and dining modernisation
Defence estate regeneration
Defence housing programme
Future Devonport naval base design
Ohakea infrastructure programme
Defence, Science & Technology uplift
Technology Accelerator
Information management
Digital modernisation
Logistics resilience
Consolidated Logistics Project infrastructure
Implementing a workforce strategy

For the full list of indicative investments over the next 15 years, refer to the 2025 Defence Capability Plan.
GDP measure: To allow for international comparison we have aligned our forecast calculation to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reporting, as recommended by The Treasury.
The attached graph shows New Zealand’s historic spend profile on Defence, as a percentage of GDP, and the forecast spend as a result of this Defence Capability Plan. The uplift in spending shown in the graph between 2018 and 2021 reflect the investment made in the P-8A Poseidon and C-130J-30 Hercules aircraft.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

April 7, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Old brand retailers refreshed into new urban escape amid consumption stimulation

Source: China State Council Information Office

On a sunny afternoon, people relax in a camp site recreation area, while others go head-to-head in a game of table tennis. You would be forgiven for thinking this is a holiday destination, when in fact it’s a bustling shopping mall in downtown Beijing.

The scene, at Hanguang Department Store in Xidan commercial district, represents a broader dynamic across China’s retail industry, with old brand shopping malls now offering urban dwellers a fresh take on respite.

In 2024, China’s total retail sales of consumer goods neared 48.79 trillion yuan (about 6.79 trillion U.S. dollars), an increase of 3.5 percent over the previous year. However, retail sales by department stores declined, spurring many to make adjustments.

For today’s consumers, shopping is more than retail therapy. It must also satisfy the public’s growing need for social interaction and experience. Such a phenomenon, together with the brunt of online shopping, has inspired more and more retailers to adapt to the changing trend and stimulate consumption.

For its part, Hanguang Department Store has undergone a facelift last year, with a leisure venue forged that now attracts more people to visit and open their wallets.

To improve its previously stuffy interior, two patios were transformed into an open-air courtyard, where ping-pong tables and rackets are available to the public.

General manager Pu Jiajia said that after the revamp, business areas became smaller, but public channels grew, bringing customers a better shopping experience. “After the transformation, our sales have increased by about 5 percent.”

In March, China issued a special action plan to boost consumption, proposing to “actively develop smart business areas and immersive experience spaces, while promoting the transformation of brick-and-mortar stores into new commercial places.”

Now many traditional department stores have taken on a new look with dazzling bazaars, outdoor concerts and art exhibitions.

A Beijing resident surnamed Fang, a mother of a primary school girl, takes her daughter to Chang’an Shopping Mall, a department store located about 3 kilometers away from Xidan, every Saturday morning.

The newly upgraded shopping mall near Fang’s home is now a regular destination for her family at weekends. “My daughter attends Chinese calligraphy and roller skating classes, while I like to kill time by exploring the bookstores, bazaars and cafés,” Fang said.

Shi Shufeng, assistant general manager of the shopping mall, stated that since initiating the transformation project in 2019, the mall has introduced experience-oriented services including education and wellness programs, bazaars and pet cafés.

Moreover, the commercial complex expanded its dining and lifestyle services, and recorded an influx of nearly 18,000 visitors per day in 2024, up 70 percent compared to 2018.

Yi Shaohua, a research fellow at the National Academy of Economic Strategy, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, believes that the transformation of traditional department stores is a mainstream trend.

“Shopping malls used to be places to sell goods, but now they focus more on services,” Yi suggested.

Wang Ning, an executive president of the Business School, Zhengzhou University, suggested that the transformation of traditional shopping malls should focus on the needs of consumers, while diversifying their goods options and improving their services.

In catering to the appetite of young consumers, especially Generation Z and younger people, some retailers have made forays into the animation, comic and game (ACG) arena.

At a rebuilt shopping center in Hefei, east China’s Anhui Province, an area on the first floor is a dedicated space for anime expos. ACG merchandise such as badges, acrylic figure stands and cards fly quickly off the shelves, while cosplayers mill about.

Miss Liu, a college student and cosplay enthusiast, said she found a new way to chill out from the pressures of her studies and has made new friends with the same interests as her in the cosplay parade.

She added that a trip to the mall now often starts with playing games, before scouting out the food offerings, and then a stroll through the mall, one floor after another.

“I would say going shopping today feels more like an adventure rather than tedium,” the young shopper said.

MIL OSI China News –

April 7, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Do we need a Martyn’s Law for venue security in Australia? The MCG gun scare is a wake-up call

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milad Haghani, Associate Professor & Principal Fellow in Urban Risk & Resilience, The University of Melbourne

Two men were arrested for allegedly bringing loaded firearms into the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) during Thursday’s AFL match between Collingwood and Carlton.

The incident didn’t result in harm but it triggered serious questions about venue security processes in Australia.

The MCG had recently adopted AI-powered security screening systems, designed to detect weapons while streamlining crowd flow.

The scanners reportedly flagged the men’s belongings but a failure in the follow-up manual check allowed them to enter.

The event has reignited a national conversation about the right level of security at major venues. How do we balance the need for thorough screening with the goal of maintaining smooth ingress, individual freedom and public comfort?

The timing is notable. Just days earlier, the UK passed Martyn’s Law, which introduces a legal duty for venues to assess and mitigate terrorism risks.

The passage of this legislation prompts a broader question for Australia: should international developments like this influence how we think about security preparedness?

AI security scanners

The MCG recently contracted Evolv Technology, a US-based company, to supply AI-powered security screening systems for its major events.

Their system is designed to detect weapons using a combination of sensors, millimetre wave technology and artificial intelligence, rather than relying on traditional metal detection.

Evolv claims the system allows people to flow into the stadium faster compared to older technologies.

Unlike traditional metal detectors, which operate on a simple binary system – alerting whenever metal is present – these scanners claim to offer a more granular assessment of objects.

Instead of flagging all metal indiscriminately, the system is meant to evaluate the shape, size and density of objects to distinguish between benign items (such as keys or belts) and potential threats like firearms or large knives.

This means patrons can pass through without removing metal items from their clothing or bags, significantly reducing wait times.

When an item of interest is detected, the system highlights the specific area of the body or bag where it is located. This enables security staff to conduct a targeted search and avoid the need for a full-body inspections using hand-held detectors.

Investigations and independent tests overseas have, however, identified false positives and missed detections as potential weaknesses in the Evolv system. One report found the system failed to detect certain knives and even some firearms in school settings.

The risk associated with missed detection is self-explanatory: prohibited items can slip through the screening.

But a high rate of false positives can also present challenges, particularly at the manual inspection stage, where staff are required to follow up on each alert. Over time, this can increase the likelihood of human error due to fatigue, reduced vigilance, or assumptions that flagged items are benign.

So while AI scanners may be faster, they still depend heavily on the effectiveness of secondary manual screening and appropriate training of personnel. In the MCG breach, it is reported the scanners flagged items of concern when the two men entered the venue but the threat was missed during the manual follow-up process.

Security matters

The MCG breach exposed a gap in security that could, in other circumstances, be exploited with far more serious consequences.

Public venues such as stadiums, especially during major events, are known to be targets for those planning high-impact attacks.

Australia’s Strategy for Protecting Crowded Places from Terrorism explicitly lists stadiums and arenas as high-risk environments due to their crowd density, symbolic value and open access points.

International experience reflects this concern. In the months leading up to the 2024 Paris Olympics, French authorities disrupted several planned attacks targeting Olympic-related venues and gatherings.

Martyn’s Law: a new model

As security practices evolve and new technologies are introduced, a parallel question is emerging: what should the legal expectations be for public venue operators when it comes to threat preparedness?

In the United Kingdom, this question has led to Martyn’s Law – a major piece of legislation just passed by the parliament.

The law was introduced in response to the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, when 22 people were killed in a terrorist attack. One of the victims was Martyn Hett, whose mother, Figen Murray, campaigned for stronger, legally binding safety obligations for public venues.

After six years of advocacy, the legislation was passed a few days ago.

Martyn’s Law introduces a legal duty for UK venues to assess and mitigate terrorism risks. Depending on the size and type of venue, this includes measures such as conducting risk assessments, training staff and developing clear emergency response plans.

Australia already has detailed guidance for the protection of crowded places. But unlike Martyn’s Law, that guidance is not a legal mandate.

The silver lining

Long security queues can frustrate patrons and dampen crowd mood. It’s no surprise venues are adopting AI-based screening to ease entry.

But emerging technologies have limits and vulnerabilities may only surface once they’re in use.

From a safety perspective, the best-case scenario is for these weaknesses to be revealed without harm, which can strengthen systems before a real failure occurs.

The recent breach serves as just that: a prompt for review without consequence.

These tools don’t replace trained personnel. Their success depends on clear procedures and defined responsibilities.

That’s where legislation like the UK’s Martyn’s Law becomes relevant: turning good practice into legal obligation.

As Australia prepares for global events, this is a chance to consider the governance that supports venue security.

The presence of a legislative framework could serve as part of our overall security posture. And that, in itself, can help deter or mitigate risk.

Milad Haghani 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. Do we need a Martyn’s Law for venue security in Australia? The MCG gun scare is a wake-up call – https://theconversation.com/do-we-need-a-martyns-law-for-venue-security-in-australia-the-mcg-gun-scare-is-a-wake-up-call-253928

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

April 7, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: 98% of Queensland prawn areas at risk of inundation by rising seas this century
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Caitie Kuempel, Lecturer, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University

As climate change wreaks havoc with the world’s oceans, future production of fish, crustaceans and other aquatic organisms is under threat.

Our new research shows how this disturbance will play out for Australia’s prawn industry, which is concentrated in Queensland. We found by 2100, sea level rise threatens to flood 98% of the state’s approved prawn areas.

The problem is not confined to prawns – Queensland barramundi farming is also at risk from sea-level rise. Climate change also poses challenges for other major seafood industries in Australia, including salmon in Tasmania.

Australian seafood is vital to our culture and diets, and the national economy. We must take steps now to ensure the aquaculture industry thrives in a warmer world.

Spotlight on Queensland prawns

Aquaculture refers to breeding, rearing and harvesting fish, crustaceans, algae and other organisms in water. Australia’s aquaculture industry is expected to be worth A$2.2 billion by 2028–29.

Aquaculture can involve a variety of methods, from ponds and sea cages to indoor tank systems and even giant ships.

Aquaculture is one of Queensland’s fastest-growing primary industries – partly due to burgeoning production in prawn farming.

Queensland is also expected to experience a 0.8m sea-level rise by 2100, under a high-emissions scenario. Our research investigated how this could affect the state’s aquaculture industry.

We did this by examining existing data on coastal inundation and erosion from sea-level rise, combined with data on current and future aquaculture production areas.

We found 43% of sites where aquaculture production is currently occurring are at risk from sea-level rise. Prawn farming is the most vulnerable.

About 98% of areas approved for prawn farming in Queensland are expected to be inundated by seawater by 2100. The risk includes 88% of areas currently producing prawns. Prawns are grown in large ponds on land near the coast with access to saltwater, which makes them particularly vulnerable to inundation. Annual prawn production losses due to sea-level rise could reach up to A$127.6 million by century’s end.

Inundation and coastal erosion can cause breaches in pond walls compromising their structural integrity. These risks may be amplified when sea-level rise coincides with coastal flooding. Rising seas can also increase salinity in surrounding soils and groundwater, further affecting ponds. Other aquaculture infrastructure, such as hatcheries, buildings, and roads, may also be disrupted.

The Gold Coast region – a prawn production hub – is particularly vulnerable. Damage caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred highlights the vulnerability of coastal infrastructure to extreme weather. This will only worsen as the planet warms.

Queensland barramundi farms also face a serious threat. Some 44% of areas producing barramundi are likely to be exposed to inundation, causing up to A$22.6 million in annual production losses. Meanwhile, two of Queensland’s designated “Aquaculture Development Areas” – regions earmarked by the state government for industry expansion – may be unsuitable due to future sea levels. Both are located in the Hinchinbrook Shire Council area.

Beyond rising seas

Globally and in Australia, climate change is posing myriad challenges to seafood farmers.

Rising water temperatures stress animals such as salmon, lowering oxygen levels which slows growth rates and increases their risk of disease. Such depletion is a particular concern in already low-oxygen environments, such as Tasmania’s Macquarie Harbour.

Ocean heatwaves can cause mass fish deaths and devastate production. In Tasmania in February, more than 5,500 tonnes of dead fish were dumped at southern Tasmanian waste facilities – a problem linked to warmer water temperatures.

Dead and decomposing fish can further alter oxygen levels in water, spread disease to wild populations and attract scavengers. In the Tasmanian case, fish remains washed up on public beaches, angering the public and leading to calls for greater industry regulation.

Extreme weather further complicates aquaculture operations. Storms, flooding and abnormal rain patterns can affect water salinity which impacts species growth and survival. They can also damage vital infrastructure, which may allow animals to escape.

This occurred in 2022, when repeated flooding and disease outbreaks on oyster farms in New South Wales led to complete stock losses, prolonged farm closures and workers being laid off.

Surviving a warmer future

Not all aquaculture operations will suffer under climate change. Warming waters can lead to longer growing seasons in temperate regions. It can also expand suitable habitat for tropical species such as tilapia, mussels and oysters. Regions previously inhospitable to aquaculture may become viable production zones.

For the countries and producers that are expected to suffer, those that plan for and adapt to climate shifts can minimise losses.

Key steps industry and government can take include:
- planning farms in lower-risk areas and relocating vulnerable sites
- implementing climate-resilient infrastructure and restoring coastal ecosystems near farms to buffer against climate impacts
- expanding to include diverse species and selectively breeding stock that can tolerate the changing conditions
- strategic government policies and planning, financial incentives, and investment in resilient infrastructure to help the industry stay ahead of climate risks.
With the right strategies, Australia’s aquaculture industry can adapt to a changing climate and continue to contribute to food security and community wellbeing.

Caitie Kuempel receives funding from the Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre. She is affiliated with BECRC Marine Spatial Planning project.

Marina receives Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship and Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship as and HDR PhD Student

– ref. 98% of Queensland prawn areas at risk of inundation by rising seas this century – https://theconversation.com/98-of-queensland-prawn-areas-at-risk-of-inundation-by-rising-seas-this-century-253330
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
April 7, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Vucic nominates endocrinologist Djuro Macut as Serbian PM

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Sunday nominated Djuro Macut, a 62-year-old endocrinologist, to serve as the country’s new Prime Minister.

Macut, a professor at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, and deputy director of the Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases at the University Clinical Center of Serbia, is set to succeed Milos Vucevic.

The nomination remains subject to parliamentary approval, with April 18 set as the deadline for the formation of a new government.

President Vucic praised Macut’s professional expertise and personal integrity, saying he embodies “the dedication and competence needed to perform the duties of Prime Minister.”

He outlined the new government’s priorities, including raising living standards and advancing key development projects in healthcare, education, science and technology, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, tourism, and environmental protection.

Another major focus, Vucic said, would be preparations for Expo 2027 in Belgrade, which is expected to serve as a significant investment platform during the government’s mandate.

Vucic also emphasized the importance of balancing Serbia’s European integration path with the preservation of close ties to traditional partners in the East. He said the incoming administration would face challenges such as regional political pressures, tariff issues with the United States, and the revitalization of both domestic and foreign direct investment.

“It will be a major responsibility for the new government to preserve peace and stability, to act patiently and with restraint, and to avoid the use of force unless absolutely necessary,” he said.

Vucic concluded by urging Macut to assemble a team willing to “fight and push the country forward,” stressing the need for a proactive government “not hiding in offices, afraid of what tomorrow may bring.”

Vucevic announced his resignation on Jan. 28 amid heightened tensions following a deadly canopy collapse at Novi Sad railway station in November 2024, which claimed 16 lives. The National Assembly of Serbia confirmed his resignation on March 19 this year.

MIL OSI China News –

April 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: ‘Sometimes you need to eat an entire cucumber’: nutrition experts on the viral TikTok trend
Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Lauren Ball, Professor of Community Health and Wellbeing, The University of Queensland

@logansfewd via Instagram

“Sometimes you need to eat an entire cucumber.”

So begins a series of viral videos by TikTok “cucumber guy” Logan Moffitt, who has raked in millions of views for his cucumber salad videos. He’s also inspired thousands of copycat videos showcasing cucumbers as a hero ingredient in salads and other dishes.

This trend has reportedly caused a surge in cucumber demand, leading to cucumbers being sold out in several stores in Australia and internationally.

But what’s actually happening in your body when you eat an entire cucumber? Let’s review the science of cucumbers.

Cucumbers 101

Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) are technically fruit that belong to the gourd family Cucurbitaceae. This family includes pumpkins, melons and zucchinis.

Cucumbers originated from India over 3,000 years ago. They grow on vining plants and are typically harvested while still firm and unripe.

Cucumbers are mostly water (96%), which is why Logan Moffitt has been described as the most hydrated person on the internet.

Based on our calculations using the Australian Nutrient Reference Values, if you “ate an entire cucumber” (300g), you would consume:
- about 11% of your daily carbohydrate needs (an important energy source)
- about 5% of your daily fibre needs (fibre aids in digestion and gut health)
- more than 50% of your daily vitamin K needs (important for bone health and blood clotting)
- about 10% of your daily vitamin C needs (important for immune health, skin health and wound healing)
- about 10% of your daily potassium needs (potassium regulates blood pressure and helps with muscle function).
Unsurprisingly, there are no modern scientific studies that have specifically examined the health impacts of consuming an entire cucumber daily.

However, cucumbers also contain cucurbitacins (especially in the skin) which researchers think may help with inflammation and could be a potential anti-cancer agent.

More broadly, people have used cucumbers to:
- help in digestion and weight loss
- support heart health
- reduce pain from sunburn and swelling on the skin.
Can cucumbers help with hydration?

Given they’re about 96% water, cucumbers could meaningfully increase daily fluid intake when eaten in moderate amounts.

For example, an entire cucumber (about 300g) would contribute roughly 288 millilitres of water, which is just over one cup. We need plenty of water each day, so this additional intake could be helpful for some people.

Their high water content, combined with essential electrolytes like potassium, makes them a refreshing snack, especially in hot weather or after exercise.

While cucumbers can contribute to daily hydration, they shouldn’t replace drinking water. Adding cucumbers to meals or snacks could be a tasty way to stay hydrated, but you still need to drink water.

Can someone eat too many cucumbers?

Cucumbers can be a great addition to a healthy diet. Yet, relying on them too heavily might have unexpected downsides.

Cucumbers are generally easy to digest and low in fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs), which means they are unlikely to cause bloating for most people in moderate amounts.

However, when eaten in large amounts, some people may experience digestive discomfort, especially if they’re sensitive to fibre or have a history of irritable bowel issues.

Being low in carbohydrates, fats and protein, cucumbers are unsuitable as a primary food source. In other words, you can’t just live on cucumbers. They don’t provide the essential nutrients needed for energy, muscle maintenance and overall health.

If someone were to primarily eat cucumbers over an extended period, they could be at risk of undernutrition.

What about adding MSG ‘(obviously)’?

Many of the cucumber-based dishes on TikTok also include ingredients such as garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil and sugar – all well known to home cooks who like to boost flavour in their own dishes.

Moffitt is also fond of saying “MSG, obviously”, when listing his favourite cucumber salad ingredients.

MSG is monosodium glutamate, also known as food additive 621, an umami substance added to enhance the flavour of many Asian dishes.

Despite past scare campaigns about MSG, it is safe and authorised for consumption in Australia and other countries.

Typically, MSG is consumed at about 0.5g per serving, but some people report sensitivities at higher doses, such as over 3g.

It’s also worth noting that many foods – including tomatoes, mushrooms, and parmesan cheese – naturally contain glutamate, the main component of MSG.

So, should I eat an entire cucumber?

Well, like any food, moderation and variety are key.

Cucumbers are a refreshing and hydrating addition to a balanced diet, and work best nutritionally when paired with ingredients from other food groups.

For example, to create a balanced meal, try combining cucumbers with protein-rich foods like tuna, chicken, eggs, or marinated tofu, along with whole grains such as wholemeal bread, pasta, or rice. This combination will help you to consume essential nutrients for sustained energy and overall health.

And if you are looking for tailored dietary advice or a tailored meal plan, it’s always best to speak with an accredited practising dietitian.

Lauren Ball receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council, Queensland Health and Mater Misericordia. She is a Director of Dietitians Australia, a Director of Food Standards Australia and New Zealand, a Director of the Darling Downs and West Moreton Primary Health Network and an Associate Member of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences.

Pui Ting Wong (Pearl) receives funding from the Australian Government. She is a member of Dietitians Australia, and the Student Coordinator of Dietitians Australia Queensland Branch Leadership Committee.

– ref. ‘Sometimes you need to eat an entire cucumber’: nutrition experts on the viral TikTok trend – https://theconversation.com/sometimes-you-need-to-eat-an-entire-cucumber-nutrition-experts-on-the-viral-tiktok-trend-253545
MIL OSI – Global Reports –
April 7, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: ‘Sometimes you need to eat an entire cucumber’: nutrition experts on the viral TikTok trend
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lauren Ball, Professor of Community Health and Wellbeing, The University of Queensland

@logansfewd via Instagram

“Sometimes you need to eat an entire cucumber.”

So begins a series of viral videos by TikTok “cucumber guy” Logan Moffitt, who has raked in millions of views for his cucumber salad videos. He’s also inspired thousands of copycat videos showcasing cucumbers as a hero ingredient in salads and other dishes.

This trend has reportedly caused a surge in cucumber demand, leading to cucumbers being sold out in several stores in Australia and internationally.

But what’s actually happening in your body when you eat an entire cucumber? Let’s review the science of cucumbers.

Cucumbers 101

Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) are technically fruit that belong to the gourd family Cucurbitaceae. This family includes pumpkins, melons and zucchinis.

Cucumbers originated from India over 3,000 years ago. They grow on vining plants and are typically harvested while still firm and unripe.

Cucumbers are mostly water (96%), which is why Logan Moffitt has been described as the most hydrated person on the internet.

Based on our calculations using the Australian Nutrient Reference Values, if you “ate an entire cucumber” (300g), you would consume:
- about 11% of your daily carbohydrate needs (an important energy source)
- about 5% of your daily fibre needs (fibre aids in digestion and gut health)
- more than 50% of your daily vitamin K needs (important for bone health and blood clotting)
- about 10% of your daily vitamin C needs (important for immune health, skin health and wound healing)
- about 10% of your daily potassium needs (potassium regulates blood pressure and helps with muscle function).
Unsurprisingly, there are no modern scientific studies that have specifically examined the health impacts of consuming an entire cucumber daily.

However, cucumbers also contain cucurbitacins (especially in the skin) which researchers think may help with inflammation and could be a potential anti-cancer agent.

More broadly, people have used cucumbers to:
- help in digestion and weight loss
- support heart health
- reduce pain from sunburn and swelling on the skin.
Can cucumbers help with hydration?

Given they’re about 96% water, cucumbers could meaningfully increase daily fluid intake when eaten in moderate amounts.

For example, an entire cucumber (about 300g) would contribute roughly 288 millilitres of water, which is just over one cup. We need plenty of water each day, so this additional intake could be helpful for some people.

Their high water content, combined with essential electrolytes like potassium, makes them a refreshing snack, especially in hot weather or after exercise.

While cucumbers can contribute to daily hydration, they shouldn’t replace drinking water. Adding cucumbers to meals or snacks could be a tasty way to stay hydrated, but you still need to drink water.

Can someone eat too many cucumbers?

Cucumbers can be a great addition to a healthy diet. Yet, relying on them too heavily might have unexpected downsides.

Cucumbers are generally easy to digest and low in fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs), which means they are unlikely to cause bloating for most people in moderate amounts.

However, when eaten in large amounts, some people may experience digestive discomfort, especially if they’re sensitive to fibre or have a history of irritable bowel issues.

Being low in carbohydrates, fats and protein, cucumbers are unsuitable as a primary food source. In other words, you can’t just live on cucumbers. They don’t provide the essential nutrients needed for energy, muscle maintenance and overall health.

If someone were to primarily eat cucumbers over an extended period, they could be at risk of undernutrition.

What about adding MSG ‘(obviously)’?

Many of the cucumber-based dishes on TikTok also include ingredients such as garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil and sugar – all well known to home cooks who like to boost flavour in their own dishes.

Moffitt is also fond of saying “MSG, obviously”, when listing his favourite cucumber salad ingredients.

MSG is monosodium glutamate, also known as food additive 621, an umami substance added to enhance the flavour of many Asian dishes.

Despite past scare campaigns about MSG, it is safe and authorised for consumption in Australia and other countries.

Typically, MSG is consumed at about 0.5g per serving, but some people report sensitivities at higher doses, such as over 3g.

It’s also worth noting that many foods – including tomatoes, mushrooms, and parmesan cheese – naturally contain glutamate, the main component of MSG.

So, should I eat an entire cucumber?

Well, like any food, moderation and variety are key.

Cucumbers are a refreshing and hydrating addition to a balanced diet, and work best nutritionally when paired with ingredients from other food groups.

For example, to create a balanced meal, try combining cucumbers with protein-rich foods like tuna, chicken, eggs, or marinated tofu, along with whole grains such as wholemeal bread, pasta, or rice. This combination will help you to consume essential nutrients for sustained energy and overall health.

And if you are looking for tailored dietary advice or a tailored meal plan, it’s always best to speak with an accredited practising dietitian.

Lauren Ball receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council, Queensland Health and Mater Misericordia. She is a Director of Dietitians Australia, a Director of Food Standards Australia and New Zealand, a Director of the Darling Downs and West Moreton Primary Health Network and an Associate Member of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences.

Pui Ting Wong (Pearl) receives funding from the Australian Government. She is a member of Dietitians Australia, and the Student Coordinator of Dietitians Australia Queensland Branch Leadership Committee.

– ref. ‘Sometimes you need to eat an entire cucumber’: nutrition experts on the viral TikTok trend – https://theconversation.com/sometimes-you-need-to-eat-an-entire-cucumber-nutrition-experts-on-the-viral-tiktok-trend-253545
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
April 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Woman-to-woman marriage in west Africa: a vanishing tradition of power and agency

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Bright Alozie, Assistant Professor, Portland State University

Marriage in west Africa has played a central role in shaping aspects of society, and has evolved over time. While traditional heterosexual unions dominate discussions, a lesser-known but significant practice – woman-to-woman marriage – has existed for centuries.

In my research, I examined this institution, which allows a woman to assume the role of a husband by marrying another woman. There’s evidence of woman-to-woman marriage in more than 40 societies across west Africa, including the Igbo of Nigeria, the Frafra of Ghana and the Dahomeans of present-day Benin.

How it works is that a woman – often wealthy or of high status – pays a bride price and takes on a wife who is expected to bear children. A male relative or chosen partner, known as the genitor, fathers the children. The children will legally belong to the female husband and are considered part of her lineage. This reinforces kinship structures, or family ties within traditional communities and clans, vital to west African societies.

Unlike romantic same-sex unions, these are social contracts. They aim to preserve lineage, secure inheritance, and enhance a woman’s economic and political agency.

Female husbands gain significant control over property by assuming the role of head of household. This enables them to own and manage assets independently, a right typically reserved for men.

Securing heirs through their wives ensures the continuation of their lineage and the inheritance of their property and status. It solidifies their long-term agency and influence within the community.

The union also grants them more legal standing – they can enter into contracts, resolve disputes, and represent their family in legal matters, further empowering them in a patriarchal society.

This all translates into considerable influence. Female husbands can hold positions of authority, and command respect. They challenge traditional gender roles.

Colonial distortions and modern misconceptions have obscured the meaning and function of this historically prevalent practice. Despite its important role, it has declined over time. With growing stigma, the old customs have become less common.

My research seeks to underscore the historical value of woman-to-woman marriage. It offers a lens for understanding the complexities of African gender systems, female agency and social structures.

Tradition rooted in kinship and social stability

Using a combination of oral interviews, archival research and literature reviews, I found that there are various scenarios in which woman-to-woman marriage is practised in west Africa.

In Okrika, in Nigeria’s Rivers State, for example, I was told how a married woman who has no male child in her family is allowed to marry a woman so that a male child can be born into the family. If her marriage does not produce a male child and she has money, the culture allows her to marry more than one wife as long as she can take care of them and the union can produce a male child to carry the name of her family.

In my interview with Chief Nkemjirika Njoku, of the Mbaise Igbo in Nigeria, he described another scenario. He explained that if a man died without male heirs, his daughters could pay a bride price for a woman to bear children in his name. This ensured his lineage did not disappear.

Similarly, among the Frafra people of Ghana one study shows how:

a wealthy woman may marry one or more women for her husband by providing the bridewealth. These women bear children in her name in the event of her being childless or to offer extra labour.

These accounts illustrate how marriage and kinship complement each other and how this practice provided women with economic influence and social mobility, often rivalling men’s.

Colonial disruptions and modern challenges

Despite the tradition’s important role, during the 19th century European colonial officials and Christian missionaries misunderstood and condemned the practice.

Viewing it through a Victorian moral framework – rigid and conservative values of 19th-century Britain which emphasised strict gender roles, sexual restraint and moral purity – they mistakenly equated it with homosexuality and sought to outlaw it. For instance, in 1882 British colonial authorities in Ghana criminalised same-sex relations. These laws included woman-to-woman marriages, despite their deeply rooted cultural significance.

The practice persisted in various forms, however, but did become less prevalent.

In some cases, the unions were subtly restructured to avoid colonial scrutiny. Participants framed them more as business partnerships or familial arrangements rather than marriages. For instance, many prominent traders would use the unions to expand their wealth and business networks. Among the Hausa-Fulani textile traders of the Sokoto Caliphate, for example, a wealthy widow could marry a woman to manage her trade. This ensured that children born within the union inherited her wealth.

Subverting or reinforcing patriarchy?

Today, woman-to-woman marriage remains misunderstood. Some argue it reinforces patriarchal structures, while others conflate it with lesbian relationships.

The growing influence of Christianity and Islam has led to its stigmatisation. Meanwhile modern legal systems fail to recognise the unions, leaving female husbands and their children vulnerable in inheritance disputes.

Advancements in reproductive technology provide alternative means for childbearing, reducing the need for these marriages.

In my opinion, though, this tradition remains a valuable and powerful system. It highlights the ingenuity of African societies in creating alternative structures of power, kinship and economic security – especially for women.

Based on my research I concluded that woman-to-woman marriage is an example of flexible African gender constructs. Gender is not strictly tied to biological sex but to social roles and responsibilities. African societies have creatively adapted marriage and kinship to meet economic and social needs.

More than a marriage practice, woman-marriage has been an assertion of female agency, an economic strategy, and a means of preserving lineage.

– Woman-to-woman marriage in west Africa: a vanishing tradition of power and agency
– https://theconversation.com/woman-to-woman-marriage-in-west-africa-a-vanishing-tradition-of-power-and-agency-251919

MIL OSI Africa –

April 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Do African MPs reflect the people who vote for them? We studied 17 countries to find out

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Robert Mattes, Professor in Government and Public Policy, University of Strathclyde, and Adjunct Professor in the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, University of Cape Town, University of Strathclyde

By the end of 2025, 42 African countries will have held national elections in the previous 24 months. But do these elections produce parliaments that accurately reflect the societies they serve? Aside from studies of women in Africa’s legislatures, there is surprisingly little information about this important issue.

Elected parliaments are the essence of representative democracy. Law makers are more likely to know what voters need and want if they are alike in age, gender, language, education or occupation.

As scholars of African politics, we wanted to find out if African legislators actually represented their voters. We compared the results of two separate surveys conducted between 2009 and 2012 across the same 17 African countries.

The first comes from the African Legislatures Project. This interviewed 823 elected representatives (MPs). The second was produced by Afrobarometer, a pan-African research network.

Our study found wide gaps between citizens and their representatives in some respects, but a high degree of similarity in others.

Compared to ordinary African citizens, African legislators possess much higher levels of education. They are also far more likely to be older, male and to come from professional or business backgrounds. Yet the overall profile of legislators closely matches that of the voters in terms of ethnicity and religion.

Religion and ethnicity

One of the most striking findings is the match between the religious, language and ethnic make-up of African legislatures and voters.

Across all 17 countries, the proportion of law makers who are either Muslim or Christian closely resembles their electorates. They are also similar at the level of religious denomination (for example Catholic, Methodist or Pentecostal).

Legislatures closely mirror the languages spoken by citizens in their countries. In some countries the overlap is very high. In Lesotho, for example, almost all MPs and citizens speak the same language (Sesotho). In Zimbabwe, the distribution of Shona and Ndebele speaking MPs is much the same as it is for the public.

There’s less overlap in Tanzania (where many more parliamentarians point to Swahili as their home language than Kisukuma, which most citizens speak). And in Namibia and South Africa, most MPs claim English as their home language rather than the otherwise dominant Oshiwambo or Zulu, respectively.

Many scholars argue that proportional representation voting systems (where people vote for party lists, rather than candidates) are necessary to reflect ethnic diversity. Our findings demonstrate that this is not necessarily the case. We found high levels of correspondence in diverse societies that elect members from “first past the post” single member districts, such as Zimbabwe, Ghana, Malawi and Uganda. This is because political parties will strategically select candidates who reflect the religious and ethnic identities of specific constituencies so that candidates are seen as “one of us”.

Where presented with a choice between candidates of differing religious or ethnic backgrounds, voters will tend to prefer the one similar to them. They feel that candidates who come from their area, or speak their language, are more likely to understand their needs and preferences.

Education and occupation

Our study also established that African elections produce legislatures that are older, more male, far more educated and wealthier than their voters.

While only 9% of citizens possessed a university degree across these 17 countries in the years under review, 58% of MPs had one. In Uganda, this figure climbed to 90%: a substantial educational disparity.

Occupational backgrounds also reveal a pronounced skew. A large proportion of parliamentarians come from business (24%) or professional (27%) sectors. Average citizens are likely to be blue collar or agricultural workers.

Gender and age

Despite making up roughly 50% of African societies, just 18% of the parliamentarians we interviewed were women.

Proportional representation voting systems do increase gender balance. This shows in Mozambique (40% of parliamentarians are female), Namibia (35%) and South Africa (28%). But other mechanisms such as gender quotas in the governing party nomination process (Tanzania, 32%), or reserved seats (Uganda, 27%), also increase women’s representation.

Finally, elected legislatures are almost always older than their electorate. But African legislators appear to be especially venerable. While the median age of the over-18 citizen population across these 17 societies is 33, the median age of our sample of MPs was 53. This raises questions about the ability of older legislators to fully understand and address the concerns of younger generations.

Are parliamentarians an unaccountable ‘power elite’?

We also wondered whether the social and economic advantages provided by higher education and experience in business and the professions might keep MPs in power, and out of touch with the needs of citizens.

Two factors appear to work against this outcome.

First, we examined potential markers of status and influence: university education; high-status occupational background; and previously held positions in party leadership, national government, or local government. It turns out that the average MP had only accumulated two of these things.

Second, consistent with other studies of African legislatures that find surprising levels of turnover of individual parliamentarians, the typical law maker in our surveys had been in office for just five years. Whatever status or privilege they carry with them into the legislative chamber does not guarantee a long stay.

What can we learn from this?

These results provide some insights for the continent’s next election season.

Most ruling parties were humbled at the polls in 2024, and several lost their majority in parliament (Botswana, Ghana, Mauritius, Senegal and South Africa). The trend of high legislator turnover seems likely to continue.

Thus, newly elected parliamentarians are unlikely to form a coherent “power elite”. The real challenge seems to be to harness the impressive skills African MPs bring to their jobs to enable them to play a more meaningful role in writing laws and holding their executives to account.

– Do African MPs reflect the people who vote for them? We studied 17 countries to find out
– https://theconversation.com/do-african-mps-reflect-the-people-who-vote-for-them-we-studied-17-countries-to-find-out-252055

MIL OSI Africa –

April 7, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: MyMedicare promises better health care. But only 1 in 10 patients has signed up
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jialing Lin, Research fellow, International Centre for Future Health Systems, UNSW Sydney

Rose Marinelli/Shutterstock

MyMedicare is a scheme that encourages patients to register with a regular GP practice to improve their health. But few patients have enrolled.

Since its launch in October 2023, only about 10% of patients have signed up.

The Albanese government’s 2023-24 budget allocated A$19.7 million over four years to implement MyMedicare. So if we are to get value for money from the scheme, we need to find out why patients are not signing up, and address any barriers to them doing so.

Other countries have similar schemes, as we outline in recent research. Here’s what we can learn from these to boost uptake of MyMedicare in Australia.

What is MyMedicare?

MyMedicare is a voluntary patient registration scheme. Patients nominate a GP or GP practice as their preferred provider and see the same GP or health-care team over time, a concept known as “continuity of care”.

Continuity of care is linked to earlier detection of health issues, better management of chronic (long-term) conditions, fewer avoidable hospital visits, and improved patient satisfaction.

Patients registered for MyMedicare have longer telehealth consultations. People living in residential aged care have more regular visits from their GP. From July this year, GP practices may offer patients more support for their chronic diseases.

There are also benefits for GP clinics that sign up for MyMedicare. They receive incentives to offer certain patients longer telehealth consultations. Practices also receive incentives to manage the health of registered aged care patients.

These incentives help practices invest in improved services and resources. From July, this may include better chronic disease management and enhanced team-based care (for instance, better liaison between GPs and allied health workers as part of someone’s health team).

MyMedicare comes with an extra boost for telehealth.
fizkes/Shutterstock

How many patients have signed up?

Since MyMedicare’s launch in 2023 until March 19 this year, more than 2.6 million patients have registered for MyMedicare, according to Department of Health and Aged Care statistics provided to The Conversation.

That’s about 10% of Australia’s population. This raises concerns about how aware patients are of the scheme, how engaged they are with it, and possible barriers to registration.

GP practices that provide services to patients who would benefit from the new longer telehealth services or provide care to people in aged care were encouraged to register those patients in MyMedicare as a priority. So perhaps other patients have yet to sign up.

GP practices have been quicker to sign up. Since its launch, health department statistics provided to The Conversation show 6,469 practices had registered for MyMedicare until March 19 this year.

That’s about 80% of GP practices in Australia.

Who’s most likely to register?

We don’t know which patient groups sign up for MyMedicare. The health department told The Conversation patients can provide details of their sex, location (such as metropolitan, regional, rural and remote areas), linguistic background, and disabilities when they sign up. But this is voluntary, and these data have only been available for collection since March 2024.

However, here’s what we learned when we looked at other countries’ patient enrolment schemes:
- men are less likely to enrol than women, and recent immigrants have significantly lower registration rates compared to long-term residents. These highlight potential barriers to access for certain populations
- patients in suburban, rural or small urban areas have higher registration rates, whereas those in large metropolitan centres and lower socioeconomic groups register less
- patients with mental illness or substance use disorders have lower registration rates, pointing to challenges in engaging vulnerable populations.
Men are less likely to enrol than women.
DC Studio/Shutterstock

How do other countries do it?

We also looked at how other countries set up their schemes to see what we can learn.

New Zealand: high uptake through financial incentives

New Zealand has successfully implemented a voluntary patient registration system by offering incentives to enrolled patients. These include lower co-payments for consultations and cheaper prescriptions.

This approach encourages people to register with a general practice rather than a specific GP. Some 95% of the population was registered by January 2025.

Quebec, Canada: tailored registration programs, but low uptake

Quebec has several voluntary registration programs for different groups of patients. These include ones for family medicine, vulnerable patients and a general program.

However, registration rate remains low, at 14.7-32.2%, depending on the program.

British Columbia, Canada: incentive-driven registration

British Columbia offers three voluntary registration programs – one for chronic diseases, another for complex care and a general program.

These use “capitation funding”, where GPs receive payments based on the number of patients they care for.

Participation rates vary widely across the three programs, with 45.5-79% of the population registered.

The differences in registration rates across these systems highlight the importance of how schemes are designed and implemented.

What can Australia learn?

If MyMedicare is to improve access and continuity of care, targeted strategies – such as outreach for immigrants and lower-income groups, and better support for people with mental health issues – will be essential.

Australia could also look to how countries with higher rates of patients signing up have designed their systems. This could include considering whether more financial incentives for patients to enrol is warranted, which has been successful in New Zealand.

Jialing Lin 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. MyMedicare promises better health care. But only 1 in 10 patients has signed up – https://theconversation.com/mymedicare-promises-better-health-care-but-only-1-in-10-patients-has-signed-up-253335
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
April 7, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Friend, tutor, doctor, lover: why AI systems need different rules for different roles

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brian D Earp, Associate Director, Yale-Hastings Program in Ethics and Health Policy, University of Oxford

Cybermagician / Shutterstock

“I’m really not sure what to do anymore. I don’t have anyone I can talk to,” types a lonely user to an AI chatbot. The bot responds: “I’m sorry, but we are going to have to change the topic. I won’t be able to engage in a conversation about your personal life.”

Is this response appropriate? The answer depends on what relationship the AI was designed to simulate.

Different relationships have different rules

AI systems are taking up social roles that have traditionally been the province of humans. More and more we are seeing AI systems acting as tutors, mental health providers and even romantic partners. This increasing ubiquity requires a careful consideration of the ethics of AI to ensure that human interests and welfare are protected.

For the most part, approaches to AI ethics have considered abstract ethical notions, such as whether AI systems are trustworthy, sentient or have agency.

However, as we argue with colleagues in psychology, philosophy, law, computer science and other key disciplines such as relationship science, abstract principles alone won’t do. We also need to consider the relational contexts in which human–AI interactions take place.

What do we mean by “relational contexts”? Simply put, different relationships in human society follow different norms.

How you interact with your doctor differs from how you interact with your romantic partner or your boss. These relationship-specific patterns of expected behaviour – what we call “relational norms” – shape our judgements of what’s appropriate in each relationship.

What is deemed appropriate behaviour of a parent towards her child, for instance, differs from what is appropriate between business colleagues. In the same way, appropriate behaviour for an AI system depends upon whether that system is acting as a tutor, a health care provider, or a love interest.

Human morality is relationship-sensitive

Human relationships fulfil different functions. Some are grounded in care, such as that between parent and child or close friends. Others are more transactional, such as those between business associates. Still others may be aimed at securing a mate or the maintenance of social hierarchies.

These four functions — care, transaction, mating and hierarchy — each solve different coordination challenges in relationships.

Care involves responding to others’ needs without keeping score — like one friend who helps another during difficult times. Transaction ensures fair exchanges where benefits are tracked and reciprocated — think of neighbours trading favours.

Our relationships with other people fulfil different basic functions – and observe different norms of behaviour.
PintoArt / Shutterstock

Mating governs romantic and sexual interactions, from casual dating to committed partnerships. And hierarchy structures interactions between people with different levels of authority over one another, enabling effective leadership and learning.

Every relationship type combines these functions differently, creating distinct patterns of expected behaviour. A parent–child relationship, for instance, is typically both caring and hierarchical (at least to some extent), and is generally expected not to be transactional — and definitely not to involve mating.

Research from our labs shows that relational context does affect how people make moral judgements. An action may be deemed wrong in one relationship but permissible, or even good, in another.

Of course, just because people are sensitive to relationship context when making moral judgements doesn’t meant they should be. Still, the very fact that they are is important to take into account in any discussion of AI ethics or design.

Relational AI

As AI systems take up more and more social roles in society, we need to ask: how does the relational context in which humans interact with AI systems impact ethical considerations?

When a chatbot insists upon changing the subject after its human interaction partner reports feeling depressed, the appropriateness of this action hinges in part on the relational context of the exchange.

If the chatbot is serving in the role of a friend or romantic partner, then clearly the response is inappropriate – it violates the relational norm of care, which is expected for such relationships. If, however, the chatbot is in the role of a tutor or business advisor, then perhaps such a response is reasonable or even professional.

It gets complicated, though. Most interactions with AI systems today occur in a commercial context – you have to pay to access the system (or engage with a limited free version that pushes you to upgrade to a paid version).

But in human relationships, friendship is something you don’t usually pay for. In fact, treating a friend in a “transactional” manner will often lead to hurt feelings.

When an AI simulates or serves in a care-based role, like friend or romantic partner, but ultimately the user knows she is paying a fee for this relational “service” — how will that affect her feelings and expectations? This is the sort of question we need to be asking.

What this means for AI designers, users and regulators

Regardless of whether one believes ethics should be relationship-sensitive, the fact most people act as if it is should be taken seriously in the design, use and regulation of AI.

Developers and designers of AI systems should consider not just abstract ethical questions (about sentience, for example), but relationship-specific ones.

Is a particular chatbot fulfilling relationship-appropriate functions? Is the mental health chatbot sufficiently responsive to the user’s needs? Is the tutor showing an appropriate balance of care, hierarchy and transaction?

Users of AI systems should be aware of potential vulnerabilities tied to AI use in particular relational contexts. Becoming emotionally dependent upon a chatbot in a caring context, for example, could be bad news if the AI system cannot sufficiently deliver on the caring function.

Regulatory bodies would also do well to consider relational contexts when developing governance structures. Instead of adopting broad, domain-based risk assessments (such as deeming AI use in education “high risk”), regulatory agencies might consider more specific relational contexts and functions in adjusting risk assessments and developing guidelines.

As AI becomes more embedded in our social fabric, we need nuanced frameworks that recognise the unique nature of human-AI relationships. By thinking carefully about what we expect from different types of relationships — whether with humans or AI — we can help ensure these technologies enhance rather than diminish our lives.

Brian D Earp receives funding from Google DeepMind.

Sebastian Porsdam Mann receives funding from a Novo Nordisk Foundation Grant for a scientifically independent International Collaborative Bioscience Innovation & Law Programme (Inter-CeBIL programme – grant no. NNF23SA0087056).

Simon Laham 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. Friend, tutor, doctor, lover: why AI systems need different rules for different roles – https://theconversation.com/friend-tutor-doctor-lover-why-ai-systems-need-different-rules-for-different-roles-252302

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

April 7, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Shellebrating* groundbreaking turtle research |

Source: Department of Conservation

By Krysia Nowak and Karen Middlemiss

*While leatherback turtles don’t actually have a shell, they have pretty thick skins, so we think they wouldn’t mind the pun.

A leatherback turtle | Nathan Pettigrew

What if we told you the largest sea turtles in the world visit Aotearoa New Zealand and that our waters are important to their survival? That they’re Critically Endangered, and that we know almost nothing about how they spend their time here?

You might say it’s about time we learn about them, and that’s exactly what we’re doing in our new research collaborating with USA-based Upwell Turtles.

Turtles crossing borders

Leatherback turtles aren’t worried about international boundaries.

The leatherbacks which visit New Zealand waters are part of the Western Pacific population that forage on the US West Coast and then migrate some 12,000km to nesting beaches in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, and the Solomon Islands.

Leatherbacks have been tagged for monitoring when they come ashore at nesting beaches overseas, but there aren’t many known foraging areas where it’s possible to tag them in open water and study their movements. The Bay of Plenty is one of those known areas.

For the love of jelly(fish)

We have the opportunity to tag turtles at sea during summer and early autumn when our waters are full of their favourite food – jellyfish!

Leatherbacks can weigh more than 350 kilograms and need to eat more than 1/2 their body weight in jellyfish to get enough energy for long trips. The jellyfish-rich waters off the Bay of Plenty are important to leatherback migration success.

Human for scale: Upwell Executive Director George Shillinger tagging nesting leatherbacks in Playa Grande Costa Rica in 2007 | Upwell Turtles

Running the gauntlet

Leatherbacks face many risks in various countries across the huge distances they travel between foraging grounds and nesting beaches. Threats can include unintentional capture by fisheries (bycatch), the harvesting of adult turtles and eggs, plastic pollution, nesting beach habitat loss, climate change, and vessel strike.

Currently, the biggest threat to leatherback turtles, globally, is from commercial fishing. Most turtles accidentally caught by fisheries in New Zealand waters are released alive, but we need to learn how to reduce bycatch numbers to better protect them.

It’s a minefield for a turtle travelling across international boundaries, and we’ve seen a decline in this population of over 80% in the last 40 years. That’s why international collaboration is so important for their research and conservation if we are to have any chance of recovering the population.

Collaborating for conservation

We’re working with scientists who have been studying leatherbacks for decades. Being able to work together to study their habitat use in New Zealand waters will be another piece in the migration puzzle for these ancient turtles.

Dr George Shillinger, Executive Director of Upwell Turtles, says leatherbacks are among the most highly migratory and transboundary marine species on the planet.

“Effective conservation requires international collaboration from nesting beaches all the way to distant foraging habitats.”

Some of the leatherback researchers and partners out on the boat | DOC

Taking to the air

Our turtle-team recently took to the air over the Bay of Plenty as a starting point to find out more about leatherbacks in New Zealand waters. We worked with Upwell Turtles, and with support and expertise from NIWA, Monash University (Australia), and Moss Landing Marine Laboratories (USA).

While we had George and Scott here from Upwell Turtles, they graciously gave us some of their time and expertise, to help develop our own techniques to catch and tag leatherbacks.

The international research crew monitoring for leatherbacks from a plane | Sean Williamson

Practice Makes Perfect

Along with our international experts, we assembled an array of technical equipment, and formed a team including Tauranga DOC staff, Tuhua Island kaitiaki, and a local marine conservationist, all eager to embrace the challenge of finding and netting such large animals.

Heading out on our DOC boat off the coast of Tauranga on calm, sunny weekend in March we focused our efforts on a large rubber fender co-opted as a ‘pretend’ turtle. Few fenders have had such an exciting couple of days!

The team has now honed the required skills and techniques to safely net actual turtles. In future, when we do this for real, we will have a spotter plane in the air and other boats on the water to help us find turtles – leatherbacks can be tricky to spot from sea level.

Practicing netting aboard a DOC vessel | DOC

DOC Senior Marine Science Advisor Dr Karen Middlemiss practicing netting | DOC

Where to from here?

Because leatherback turtles have historically visited the Bay of Plenty, we’re working to build partnerships with local iwi and hapū, and the Bay of Plenty community, as well as collaborating with our research partners.

We’re starting to plan our next steps into the world of tagging, aiming for next summer when the turtles and jellyfish have returned to the Bay.

Everything we learn from tagging studies of leatherback turtles in our waters will help inform future conservation efforts for this species, which is so ancient we call it the tuatara of our oceans. We’ll be doing our part in the international effort to protect a species on the brink of extinction.

How you can help leatherback turtles:

• No marine turtles nest on beaches in New Zealand, any turtle on the beach should be reported immediately to 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).
• Spot a sea turtle in the water around New Zealand? You can report sightings to turtles@doc.govt.nz
• You can help protect leatherbacks and other marine animals by preventing plastics and pollution from reaching our oceans.

Share this:

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

April 7, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Momentum Growing: Large and Small Business Orgs Line Up Behind Bipartisan Cantwell Trade Bill Due to Concerns Costs on Consumer Goods Will Rise, She Announces On Face the Nation
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

04.06.25

Momentum Growing: Large and Small Business Orgs Line Up Behind Bipartisan Cantwell Trade Bill Due to Concerns Costs on Consumer Goods Will Rise, She Announces On Face the Nation

70% of U.S. GDP is consumer spending – new tariffs and falling consumer confidence will shrink the economy, not grow it

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, announced on CBS’s Face the Nation that nine major U.S. business organizations have endorsed her new bipartisan legislation that would reassert Congress’ role in overseeing trade and roll back the president’s ability to unilaterally impose tariffs.

“Organizations who know their bread and butter comes from consumer spending, which is a big part of our economy … are very anxious about a plan,” said Sen. Cantwell.

“Consumers are saying: ‘How is this helping me in a time of inflation? You are adding to my costs with a tax on my consumer goods.’ And so I think that’s why we are gaining support from these organizations today.”

These organizations have announced their support for the legislation; statements by most are below:
1. Consumer Technology Association (CTA)
2. Retail Industry Leaders Association
3. American Apparel & Footwear Association
4. USA Pulses Coalition
5. Outdoor Industry Association
6. Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA)
7. Main Street Alliance
8. Washington Council on International Trade
9. Washington Distillers Guild
Video of Sen. Cantwell’s appearance on Face the Nation can be found HERE, audio HERE and a transcript HERE.

The bipartisan Trade Review Act currently has a total of 14 co-sponsors – seven Democrats and seven Republicans.

Statements of Support for Trade Review Act:

Consumer Technology Association

“The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) applauds Senators Maria Cantwell and Chuck Grassley for introducing the Trade Review Act of 2025 at this deeply concerning time when tariffs are about to destroy the U.S. economy. This bipartisan legislation is a crucial step toward ensuring that tariffs and trade policies are established transparently and democratically. By requiring the President to explain the reasoning and impacts of new tariffs to Congress within 48 hours and setting a 60-day expiration unless explicitly approved by Congress, this act reaffirms Congress’ essential role in shaping U.S. trade policy. This is a necessary step by the Congress to reclaim its constitutional authority on trade from the executive branch. We urge Senators in both parties to sponsor and pass it.” — Ed Brzytwa, Vice President of International Trade, CTA

Retail Industry Leaders Association

“Congress is vested by the Constitution with the power to levy taxes and it should play an integral role in deciding what tariffs are imposed to protect American industry and families. Tariffs are taxes and have the potential to hit family budgets hard by pushing up prices on clothes, school supplies, food and other household goods. By one estimate, the tariffs announced yesterday will cost the average American family a staggering $2,100. We applaud Senators Chuck Grassley and Maria Cantwell for introducing the Trade Review Act of 2025, an important step for Congress in upholding its Constitutional role in tax and trade policy. The nation’s leading retailers urge Congress to pass this legislation.” — Blake Harden, Vice President of International Trade, Retail Industry Leaders Association

American Apparel & Footwear Association

“We welcome the introduction of the Trade Review Act of 2025 and urge its immediate consideration and enactment. Durable and predictable trade policy requires greater transparency and robust consultation with stakeholders and Congress, which is not happening now. With 97 percent of the goods?we sell in the U.S.?being imported,?and with 96 percent of the people who wear?clothes and shoes on the planet living outside our borders, successful fashion companies need access to global consumers and suppliers to compete. That’s only possible with active Congressional participation in trade policy. On behalf of the 3.5 million trade dependent American workers in our industry, we thank?Senators Cantwell and Grassley for their leadership on this legislation and for their efforts to restore Congressional primacy on trade and tariff policy, as enshrined in Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution.” –?Steve Lamar, President and CEO, American Apparel & Footwear Association

USA Pulses Coalition

“USA Pulses would like to thank Senator Grassley and Senator Cantwell for introducing legislation to review and approve changes to tariffs on countries that could impact grower sales of pulses (dry peas, lentils, chickpeas and dry beans) and the processors and exporters who provide needed jobs in rural America. We applaud their bipartisan leadership on this important issue. Free and fair trade is important to everyone in rural America and this legislation would give Congress the opportunity to review the potential impacts of increased tariffs on the rural economy and vote on their approval.”

Main Street Alliance

“Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs are a direct hit to working families and small businesses—jacking up prices on everyday goods and costing households $3,000–$4,000 a year. It’s a tax hike on the middle class, just as inflation cools. Worse, it’s a sleight of hand—meant to distract Americans from the massive tax breaks Trump is promising billionaires and big corporations. Tariffs aren’t strategy—they’re sabotage. Congress must pass the Trade Review Act of 2025 and stop this economic shell game before Main Street pays the price.” – Richard Trent, Executive Director, Main Street Alliance

Washington Council on International Trade

“The secret sauce for the U.S. form of government isn’t a secret – it is built on checks and balances to ensure a balanced, thoughtful approach. Trade policy is one area that is out of balance. Congress needs to reassert its role in trade policy, including trade agreements and tariffs. We applaud Senators Cantwell and Grassley’s leadership to restore Congressional oversight on tariffs and urge Congress to quickly approve the Trade Review Act of 2025. It maintains the ability of the President to quickly enact tariffs in response to emergency situations while also guaranteeing Congressional agreement.” – Lori Otto Punke, President, Washington Council on International Trade

Washington Distillers Guild

“The WA Distillers’ Guild supports the bipartisan bill introduced by Senators Cantwell and Grassley to provide oversight, structure and accountability to the tariff process. Our Main Street, family owned small businesses need certainty in everyday operations and adding rules based oversight from Congress will help to ensure that the tariffs enacted help American manufacturers.” — Mhairi Voelsgen, President, Washington Distillers Guild
MIL OSI USA News –
April 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Kids’ physical activity in child care is essential — how an online course equips educators to lead the way

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Myranda Hawthorne, PhD Student, Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Western University

Physical activity — primarily in the form of active play — promotes young children’s physical, mental, emotional and social health. It can also influence how active people will be later in life.

It’s recommended that pre-school children, aged three to four years, engage in at least three hours of physical activity per day, and that should include one hour of high-intensity, heart-pumping movement. Sedentary screen time should also be limited to less than one hour per day.

Despite this, many children in Canada and around the world do not meet recommended levels of physical activity and engage in far more sedentary screen time than recommended.

Early childhood educators (ECEs) play many important roles in helping young children grow and learn, and one of these roles is encouraging engagement in physical activity. Our research in the Child Health and Physical Activity Lab at Western University focuses on promoting physical activity of young children.

A large part of our research involves working with ECEs to create active child-care settings, where children are supported and encouraged to engage in the physical activity they need for their development. We believe providing physical activity training opportunities for ECEs is an essential first step towards reaching that goal.

Why kids aren’t moving

There are many barriers to promoting physical activity in child-care settings, including prioritization of academic outcomes and limited space or equipment.

For ECEs, the lack of formal training on the integral role of physical activity on children’s learning, health and development may present a key barrier.

Only 32 per cent of students in early childhood education programs in Canada have taken a course related to physical activity in their post-secondary degree.

Furthermore, ECEs across Canada have reported a lack of knowledge and confidence in their ability to incorporate physical activity opportunities into daily programming in child-care settings. This is the case even while ECEs have expressed interest in pursuing more training on these important subjects.

The TEACH course

We created the TEACH e-learning course (TEACH stands for Training EArly CHildhood educators in physical activity) to help bridge this gap.

This course aims to educate ECEs on the important role of physical activity in child development, and to provide them with the knowledge and confidence to implement physical activity within child-care environments.

The TEACH course was developed with both early childhood education experts and physical activity specialists to create comprehensive and relevant course content in four online modules. These include instructive videos, practical tips and “knowledge checks” (encouraging self-reflection on current knowledge and practices) for promoting physical activity and limiting sedentary behaviour in child-care environments.

Important topics like outdoor and risky play are also covered in the course. It strives to overcome some of the other barriers to physical activity promotion in child-care settings, including suggestions for incorporating movement with limited space or equipment, as well as how to combine physical activities with other important skills like literacy and numeracy.

The TEACH course is endorsed by the Canada Child Care Federation as a resource which can be used for practising ECEs to help fulfil their annual professional development activity requirements.

Real-world results show promise

The course has been tested with 200 practising ECEs and 300 ECE students across Canada, and has been shown to increase ECEs’ knowledge, confidence and intentions to incorporate physical activity during the child-care day.

Not only that, but the positive changes in self-efficacy and confidence were sustained up to three months after completing the training. This shows that the e-learning course can have a lasting impact.

Both practising ECEs and those in training benefited from the TEACH course. Practicing ECEs, who could immediately apply their new knowledge and skills to their everyday work, maintained these gains more effectively when compared to the ECEs still in training.

Read more:
Outdoor play in shorter, more frequent windows can boost physical activity in early learning settings

Expanding and integrating the TEACH course

The online format of the TEACH course increases accessibility of the course, as ECEs can work through the content in their own time, from anywhere. The online format also provides promise for the feasibility of expanding the course to a wider audience to be a cost-effective way to train a large number of ECEs, without much strain on resources.

Members of the Child Health and Physical Activity Lab have translated the TEACH course into French (TEACH-FR). They’re currently testing its impact on francophone ECEs across the country, to ensure this resource can eventually be made available to both English- and French-speaking ECEs across Canada.

Children’s engagement in physical activity and healthy movement while at child care matters — and can impact their health and development. The TEACH course can help improve educators’ knowledge and confidence in promoting physical activity opportunities in child-care settings, better equipping them for this challenge.

By providing training for ECEs on the importance of physical activity behaviours, as well as how to effectively program daily active play opportunities, we can help children to move more during their time in child care. This helps set the stage for future healthy active lives.

Myranda Hawthorne receives funding from the Ontario Graduate Scholarship.

Sophie M Phillips receives funding from Children’s Health Research Institute and Mitacs.

Trish Tucker receives funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, and the Children’s Health Research Institute.

– ref. Kids’ physical activity in child care is essential — how an online course equips educators to lead the way – https://theconversation.com/kids-physical-activity-in-child-care-is-essential-how-an-online-course-equips-educators-to-lead-the-way-251418

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Kids’ physical activity in child care is essential — how an online course equips educators to lead this

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Myranda Hawthorne, PhD Student, Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Western University

Physical activity — primarily in the form of active play — promotes young children’s physical, mental, emotional and social health. It can also influence how active people will be later in life.

It’s recommended that pre-school children, aged three to four years, engage in at least three hours of physical activity per day, and that should include one hour of high-intensity, heart-pumping movement. Sedentary screen time should also be limited to less than one hour per day.

Despite this, many children in Canada and around the world do not meet recommended levels of physical activity and engage in far more sedentary screen time than recommended.

Early childhood educators (ECEs) play many important roles in helping young children grow and learn, and one of these roles is encouraging engagement in physical activity. Our research in the Child Health and Physical Activity Lab at Western University focuses on promoting physical activity of young children.

A large part of our research involves working with ECEs to create active child-care settings, where children are supported and encouraged to engage in the physical activity they need for their development. We believe providing physical activity training opportunities for ECEs is an essential first step towards reaching that goal.

Why kids aren’t moving

There are many barriers to promoting physical activity in child-care settings, including prioritization of academic outcomes and limited space or equipment.

For ECEs, the lack of formal training on the integral role of physical activity on children’s learning, health and development may present a key barrier.

Only 32 per cent of students in early childhood education programs in Canada have taken a course related to physical activity in their post-secondary degree.

Furthermore, ECEs across Canada have reported a lack of knowledge and confidence in their ability to incorporate physical activity opportunities into daily programming in child-care settings. This is the case even while ECEs have expressed interest in pursuing more training on these important subjects.

The TEACH course

We created the TEACH e-learning course (TEACH stands for Training EArly CHildhood educators in physical activity) to help bridge this gap.

This course aims to educate ECEs on the important role of physical activity in child development, and to provide them with the knowledge and confidence to implement physical activity within child-care environments.

The TEACH course was developed with both early childhood education experts and physical activity specialists to create comprehensive and relevant course content in four online modules. These include instructive videos, practical tips and “knowledge checks” (encouraging self-reflection on current knowledge and practices) for promoting physical activity and limiting sedentary behaviour in child-care environments.

Important topics like outdoor and risky play are also covered in the course. It strives to overcome some of the other barriers to physical activity promotion in child-care settings, including suggestions for incorporating movement with limited space or equipment, as well as how to combine physical activities with other important skills like literacy and numeracy.

The TEACH course is endorsed by the Canada Child Care Federation as a resource which can be used for practising ECEs to help fulfil their annual professional development activity requirements.

Real-world results show promise

The course has been tested with 200 practising ECEs and 300 ECE students across Canada, and has been shown to increase ECEs’ knowledge, confidence and intentions to incorporate physical activity during the child-care day.

Not only that, but the positive changes in self-efficacy and confidence were sustained up to three months after completing the training. This shows that the e-learning course can have a lasting impact.

Both practising ECEs and those in training benefited from the TEACH course. Practicing ECEs, who could immediately apply their new knowledge and skills to their everyday work, maintained these gains more effectively when compared to the ECEs still in training.

Read more:
Outdoor play in shorter, more frequent windows can boost physical activity in early learning settings

Expanding and integrating the TEACH course

The online format of the TEACH course increases accessibility of the course, as ECEs can work through the content in their own time, from anywhere. The online format also provides promise for the feasibility of expanding the course to a wider audience to be a cost-effective way to train a large number of ECEs, without much strain on resources.

Members of the Child Health and Physical Activity Lab have translated the TEACH course into French (TEACH-FR). They’re currently testing its impact on francophone ECEs across the country, to ensure this resource can eventually be made available to both English- and French-speaking ECEs across Canada.

Children’s engagement in physical activity and healthy movement while at child care matters — and can impact their health and development. The TEACH course can help improve educators’ knowledge and confidence in promoting physical activity opportunities in child-care settings, better equipping them for this challenge.

By providing training for ECEs on the importance of physical activity behaviours, as well as how to effectively program daily active play opportunities, we can help children to move more during their time in child care. This helps set the stage for future healthy active lives.

Myranda Hawthorne receives funding from the Ontario Graduate Scholarship.

Sophie M Phillips receives funding from Children’s Health Research Institute and Mitacs.

Trish Tucker receives funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, and the Children’s Health Research Institute.

– ref. Kids’ physical activity in child care is essential — how an online course equips educators to lead this – https://theconversation.com/kids-physical-activity-in-child-care-is-essential-how-an-online-course-equips-educators-to-lead-this-251418

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: 5 tips from an expert for choosing a self-help book that will actually work

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Joanna Pozzulo, Chancellor’s Professor, Psychology, Carleton University

With over 15,000 self-help books published yearly, sifting through so many books can be challenging. (Shutterstock)

The wellness industry is one of the fastest growing markets, with an estimated global value of US$6.3 trillion in 2023. Gen Z and millennials are driving much of this growth, spending more on wellness products and services than older generations.

The challenge, however, is that the wellness industry has few guardrails, allowing social media influencers and media personalities to position themselves as experts on well-being — sometimes without scientific backing.

In a space where personal opinions and untested strategies are often presented as facts, it can be difficult to distinguish between helpful guidance and misleading information.

Self-help books and bibliotherapy

One form of self-help that has gained attention is bibliotherapy, which uses books to support well-being. If you’re looking to improve your well-being, you may find yourself at your local bookstore or library scouring the shelves for a self-help book.

The self-help category is one of the largest non-fiction book categories. But not all self-help books contain strategies that are actually tested to determine their efficacy.

With over 15,000 self-help books published yearly in the United States alone, sifting through so many books can be challenging.

As a professor of psychology and founder of a book club that selects evidence-based books on well-being and self-improvement, I identify self-help books that rely on research rather than personal opinions or commercialized wellness trends.

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5 tips for choosing self-help books

Here are five key tips for choosing self-help books that are grounded in reliable evidence:

1. Consider the author’s credentials

Check the qualifications of an author before assuming their book is evidence-based. Keep in mind that writing a book doesn’t qualify an author as an expert.

Some self-help books are based on personal experiences rather than scientific research, and while lived experience can be valuable, it is not the same as strategies that have been tested to determine their efficacy.

Look for authors with academic credentials, like a PhD or doctor of medicine from a reputable school, rather than those claiming expertise solely through personal experience.

Many professional writers simply summarize existing research rather having conducted the research they are writing about. This can sometimes lead to oversimplification or misrepresentation of scientific findings.

A quick online search can help determine whether an author has the necessary expertise to offer credible, science-based advice.

The self-help category is one of the largest non-fiction book categories.
(Shutterstock)

2. Don’t judge a book by its popularity

Just because a book is a bestseller or endorsed by celebrities doesn’t mean it’s grounded in science or evidence-based. Unlike academic research, which undergoes peer review before publication, self-help books are not always vetted for accuracy.

A book’s success may be driven by marketing, emotional appeal or trendy ideas rather than solid scientific evidence.

3. Consider where a book is shelved

Bookstores and libraries categorize self-help books in a variety of sections, including health, wellness, well-being and new age. While some books in these categories are evidence-based, you might consider looking under the science and nature section instead.

Exploring beyond traditional self-help sections can increase the likelihood of you finding books based on credible, scientific evidence.

4. Be open to different topics

Self-improvement is not limited to a single aspect of life. Well-being is a multifaceted construct with some experts including nine or more dimensions, including but not limited to physical, emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual, financial, environmental, occupational and cultural.

When searching for a self-help book, consider exploring a well-being dimension that you may not know much about to expand your knowledge. This can contribute to a more well-rounded sense of personal development. Or, consider a topic that you want to know more about from a scientific perspective.

You might consider looking for wellness books outside the health, wellness, well-being and new age categories.
(Shutterstock)

5. Think critically about what you read

Even evidence-based books may report findings that are surprising or contradictory. If you read something that seems contrary in a book, seek out additional sources to verify the claims for yourself.

The most credible self-help books will include a list of references to original studies that allow you to verify claims for yourself and draw your own conclusions. The extra-benefit of these references is that they can also serve as a gateway to additional resources on the topic.

A pathway to better health and well-being

Reading offers a number of benefits for well-being, including helping cognitive function, reducing stress, improving sleep quality and quantity, improving mood, and decreasing blood pressure.

Although reading is often considered a solitary activity, it can also be a way to connect with others. Being part of a community can help reduce social isolation, decrease loneliness and increase connectedness.

Book clubs, in particular, can provide a way for you to reap the benefits of reading and community. I created the the Reading for Well-Being Community Book Club at Carleton University.

I select evidence-based books on various aspects of well-being and self-improvement as Professor Pozzulo’s Picks. I also interview the authors of the books I select on my Reading for Well-Being podcast.

Each month, members receive a newsletter announcing my pick and a link to the digital platform where my review is posted including a discussion board where club members can share their thoughts about the book. There are no fees and all are welcome to join.

Whether reading alone or with a group, the benefits of books extend far beyond their pages. So pick up a book and start your journey toward a healthier and more connected life.

Happy reading!

Joanna Pozzulo receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

– ref. 5 tips from an expert for choosing a self-help book that will actually work – https://theconversation.com/5-tips-from-an-expert-for-choosing-a-self-help-book-that-will-actually-work-252596

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 7, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: A Dose of History: Excellence In Pharmacy, Excellence In Athletics

Source: US State of Connecticut

No One Knows School Spirit Like Pat

If you ask Patrick Doherty (PHARM ‘24) what he did during his time at UConn’s School of Pharmacy, you might want to first ask what he didn’t do – because the list of what Pat didn’t do at UConn is quite short.

From energizing crowds at basketball games as Jonathan the Mascot, to hurdling teammates through the air as a cheerleader, to working long nights as a bartender at Huskies – all while pursuing his passion for pharmacy – Pat took on every role he could.

As a lifelong Husky fan, Pat had his eye on UConn growing up, but it wasn’t until high school that he knew he belonged at UConn’s School of Pharmacy. Interested in science and accessible healthcare during high school, Pat felt compelled to make a difference in his community and be part of something bigger than himself: “Pharmacy is constantly driving innovation in healthcare through new treatments.” With this newfound passion for pharmacy, which he knew would grow stronger at UConn, Pat realized he couldn’t continue to just root for the Huskies – he had to be a Husky!

Ben takes a try at Basketball (Emerson Ricciardone)

Once a pharmacy student at UConn, Pat took his new title as a Husky very seriously. During his freshman year, while getting acclimated to a demanding schedule at the School, he decided to take on the exciting role of being Jonathan the Mascot, trading in his lab coat for a ten-pound Husky head when he needed to de-stress.

Although he gave out endless high-fives and took picture after picture with fans at action-packed basketball and football games, Pat longed for the sense of camaraderie he had felt while on his high school basketball and golf teams. This was around the time when a friend of his suggested he try cheerleading, to which he was hesitant: “I’ll admit, I didn’t think cheerleading was a sport before coming to UConn.” But Pat, having never said no to an opportunity before, took a risk and tried out for the cheerleading team.

Once a pharmacy student and a cheerleader at UConn, Pat began to feel like UConn was truly his home. “It was almost like having two families – a cheer family and a pharmacy family.”

His cheer family took him to the NCA Championships in December (a national cheerleading competition), the 2022 Women’s Final Four, the 2022 Men’s Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden, and countless football games – his favorite being UConn vs. West Point.

Ben in the lab with his classmates

On the other hand, Pat’s pharmacy family provided many academic and professional opportunities: a proud member of Alpha Zeta Omega Pharmaceutical Fraternity (AZO) and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacy, he fostered connections and grew his curiosity. As a Pharmacy Leaders’ Track Scholar and part of No Friends Left Naloxone (a club focused on opioid overdose awareness), Pat also cultivated new interests in the medical field. These involvements, along with the opportunity to create customized dosage forms for patients during an advanced compounding class and his internship at Hartford Hospital – he knew he was destined to work in a hospital setting, helping patients throughout their lives.

While Pat enjoyed both his cheer and pharmacy families at UConn, he also made sure to find opportunities outside of these groups, becoming an active member of the Paint Club and intramural basketball. During his sophomore year, Pat decided to pick up a job working as a bouncer at Huskies. The bar quickly realized, however, that Pat was too nice to be cut out for the job, so he was moved behind the bar and worked as a bartender for two years.

So, at this point, you might be asking yourself how Pat managed to fit so much into his schedule. To that, Pat emphasizes time management skills and the connections he fostered during his time at UConn. Adhering to a rigid schedule, Pat made sure to keep calendars, to-do lists, and timetables while taking advantage of any downtime he had to study. “Scheduling time to study in between workouts, practice, and class helped me retain the information better and improve my exam scores.” Pat even studied for exams on buses and planes going to games!

Ben and his team cheer during a game

But while strict schedules and calendars helped Pat find the time, it was really the friends and connections he made at UConn that gave him the motivation to pursue his passions. Frequenting the School’s library, Pat would find time to talk to friends between classes and form study groups with close friends. Pat’s first year in the Pharm.D. program year was especially rough, as this was the first year of the pandemic, but his classmates and professors helped him tremendously. “With School of Pharmacy professors, I never felt like just a number.”

Now a Yale Health System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership Resident while pursuing a Master’s in Healthcare Administration, Pat manages his time and thrives in his new roles thanks to the lessons he learned at UConn.

“The School’s curriculum set me up for success, and I learned how to manage my time.” – Pat

Pat also credits the School and his cheerleading team for teaching him hard work, determination, and the skill of managing interpersonal relationships. In line with all his roles at UConn and now, Pat’s biggest piece of advice for current students at the School is to set unreasonable goals and work on them until they become reasonable. But while transforming unreasonable goals into reasonable ones and inspiring others to do the same, Pat encourages himself and current students to “never take anything too seriously and always find time to laugh.”

Being a Husky Isn’t a Title, It’s a Lifestyle: Cathy’s Legacy

Just one conversation with Cathy Bouchain (BS PHARM ‘85), and you’ll quickly see how much she is a true testament to ‘Once a Husky, Always a Husky.’ An excellent athlete and scholar in high school, Cathy turned down acceptance to prestigious schools, including Yale, to become one of the founding pioneers of the UConn Basketball legacy while also finding her passion for pharmacy. Forty years later, UConn is grateful Cathy chose to be a Husky – not a bulldog!

Cathy Bochain during her days as a member of the UConn women’s basketball team (Cyril Morris / UConn Athletics Photo).

Growing up in Plainfield and graduating third in her class, Cathy balanced schoolwork and athletics with ease. Excelling in science and math but knowing very little about pharmacy, she decided to challenge herself by attending UConn’s School of Pharmacy: “You know, I like challenges, and I heard that pharmacy school was hard.” Although Cathy didn’t have the easiest time adjusting to the academic rigor of the program, she worked hard her first two semesters at UConn, even earning a 4.0 GPA in her first professional year. Over time, she developed the time management skills and support system that allowed her to thrive, ultimately graduating 8th in her class and as the all-time leader in scoring and steals in university history for women’s basketball.

For Cathy, her success on the court and in the classroom was interdependent: “I was a jock in my classes and a nerd on the court.” Because of her busy basketball schedule, Cathy learned to tailor her studying to what mattered, going to professors for advice on the most important material. When she knew the key material, she would form study groups with her classmates and act as a teacher, strengthening her learning through teaching.

As President of The Rho Chi Society (a National Honor Society for Pharmacy), she grew to be even stronger leader, both for her classmates and teammates. While her classmates sat at the front of the class, furiously jotting down notes, Cathy knew to sit in the back where she could take focused notes and easily come in late or leave early for practice without distracting anyone.  This mutual relationship helped Cathy achieve better grades during her basketball season, as she was so determined to find that perfect balance.

Bochain, right, with teammate Mary Ellen Langfield ’83 (UConn Athletics Photo).

It wasn’t always balancing the two settings that made success possible, Cathy explained, but the people within the environments. During basketball games, her classmates would form their own cheer section with decorated signs. Cathy’s professors even let her join their basketball pickup games, where she grew closer to them and became more comfortable asking for help.

“I think everybody was rooting for me.” – Cathy

And when it came to her team, everyone strived for academic success. From studying on buses to grabbing a bite to eat and studying for a few hours after practice, Cathy’s teammates leaned on each other for support, both as teammates and students of the University. And all this studying paid off: “I remember that during my senior year, our team had the highest GPA in the Big East.”

After graduating from the School, where she spent her last two years as a grad assistant to the team while completing rotations and internships, Cathy received her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and became a registered pharmacist. Her passions for basketball and pharmacy have been lifelong, creating a successful career in retail pharmacy while playing on a women’s basketball league in Manchester and local travel teams for many years. Aside from playing, Cathy has found adventure in restoring historic homes and hiking the Appalachian trail, and she plans to coach a youth basketball league called Frog Rock after she retires. She has also found adventure in her own family, raising three children with her partner Anne – all of whom are successful in their own endeavors.

Cathy talks during a recent interview (UConn Photo)

Cathy remains strongly connected to UConn’s basketball program, staying close with Chris Dailey, Peggy Walsh Myers, and other basketball greats that remain etched in the Huskies’ basketball legacy. She is grateful for every opportunity to connect with the program and is especially fond of a recent memory—a basketball alumni dinner at Geno Auriemma’s house. Geno is also fond of Cathy, having been picked up from the airport by her for his initial interview for head coach in 1985.

Looking back on all her years of service and leadership within and outside of the UConn community, Cathy remains appreciative of the lessons she learned and the people she met while at the School. Having worked with college-aged pharmacy students throughout her career, and having been one herself, Cathy understands how overwhelming balancing everything can feel. Her biggest message? “One day at a time.” If you take college one day at a time, Cathy advises, you don’t have to look at the whole picture. And when needed, always ask for help!

Ben: From a UConn Family, Creating a UConn Family

For Ben Gottsche (PHARM ‘28), being a Husky wasn’t just a choice – it was destiny. Growing up in a small Connecticut town with parents who both attended UConn, blue was in his blood even before he was born. Ben was confident that UConn would be a perfect combination of “academics, athletics, and personal connection.” As a junior, actively involved in the School of Pharmacy and UConn’s Men’s Club Lacrosse Team, he’s a testament of this ideal combination.

Not only was UConn part of Ben’s family legacy – pharmacy was, too. Growing up, Ben saw firsthand how his dad thrived as a pharmacist and his mom as a nurse. With both parents in healthcare, Ben gradually became interested in the mix of science, problem-solving, and patient care the field of pharmacy offers. While looking at pharmacy programs in high school (with a little help from his dad, who graduated in 1997 from UConn’s School of Pharmacy, ), Ben picked UConn – or more accurately, UConn picked Ben.

Headshot of Ben in his professional attire (Spencer Sloan)

Now, as a junior at the School, Ben is proving why UConn picked him. An active member of AZO and the Dean’s Student Liaison Committee (DLSC), he prides himself on his connections with alumni, professors, and classmates while also coordinating communication between Dean Hritcko and fellow classmates. Most proud of the relationships he’s built during his time at UConn, Ben also serves as a peer advisor for pre-professional students, mentoring students first starting out in the program who are eager to build connections of their own.

Ben isn’t just a leader in the School – he’s a leader on the field. A lifelong lacrosse player, Ben was initially drawn to the sport because of its sense of family. “What initially drew me to the sport was the camaraderie – there’s something about the way a team comes together and relies on each other that really interests me.” When Ben started playing lacrosse at six years old, he had no idea where it would take him. But now, as president of the Men’s Club Lacrosse Team, he’s making his six-year-old self proud. From managing league regulations to navigating brand deals, Ben handles all the logistical components of the team. His favorite memory with the team has been their trip to New Orleans, where they had the opportunity to play against LSU, Texas Tech, and Tulane, all while finding time to explore Bourbon Street and the city’s culture and food.

Ben can’t pick just one favorite memory when it comes to the School of Pharmacy, though many of his best memories revolve around attending class and studying with a small, dedicated group of classmates and friends. It’s this close-knit community that provided him with support during his first semester in the Pharm.D. program. During this challenging transition, Ben leaned on his AZO community, connecting with older students and learning time management skills.

Ben on the lacrosse field (Louis Magnuson)

When asked about balancing his time between academics and athletics, Ben emphasizes the connections he’s made above all else: “Everyone is interconnected in ways that you wouldn’t imagine.” Through these connections, Ben has formed two families – referring to his lacrosse family as “mom and dad” and his pharmacy family as “brother and sister.” Whether it’s pushing each other at practice, traveling for games, or spending time together off the field, Ben finds the friendships with his lacrosse team to be a huge source of support. This support, in turn, has helped him connect to his pharmacy family. With his class consisting of only around 70 students, Ben has forged meaningful relationships with his classmates who share similar goals. And when he does face difficulties, he takes advantage of the School’s support system, including the Student Educational Assistance (SEA) study resources, which have helped him stay on top of coursework while managing his commitments and participating in various study groups within the School.

Ben receives an award from Dean Hritcko (Spencer Sloan)

Because Ben still has three more years as a Husky, he’s looking forward to more opportunities to expand his passions. He plans to use his knowledge and network to establish a presence in the pharmacy industry by seeking out internships and opportunities that will help him gain hands-on experience.

He’s also excited about broadening his interests by taking a sign language class: “I’ve had an interest in it and thought it would be a fun and useful skill to learn.” Currently, Ben works for Hartford Healthcare in the emergency department, helping with patient medications and deliveries. In the future, he plans to explore the pharmacy industry’s manufacturing side.

As a leader in his many roles, Ben is no stranger to giving advice. When talking about the students in the School of Pharmacy and student-athletes, he emphasizes the importance of time management and building strong social networks: “Plan ahead, set priorities, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed.” Whether it’s teammates, classmates, or mentors, having a solid support system can make all the difference in staying motivated and feeling connected. To be successful, Ben surrounds himself with people who inspire and challenge him.

“Surround yourself with people who push you to succeed both on and off the field.” – Ben

From energizing the crowds at Gampel to setting records and shooting high, to being both a player and president of a team, these students – past, present, and future – continue to make UConn’s School of Pharmacy proud, truly embodying their blue blood in academics and athletics



MIL OSI USA News –

April 7, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK and US hit major milestone in development of hypersonic weapons
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

Press release

UK and US hit major milestone in development of hypersonic weapons

UK hypersonic research, which could see weapons travelling at several thousand miles per hour, has reached a landmark moment after successful completion of a major testing programme.
Hypersonic engine being tested

UK scientists complete major hypersonic propulsion test, enabled by close collaboration between UK government, industry and US government.

The propulsion system is set to power a cutting-edge hypersonic cruise missile concept.

233 test runs were carried out at a number of hypersonic speeds, marking a critical step forward in UK Defence capabilities.

This research aims to support delivery of a hypersonic weapon technology demonstrator by 2030 through the MOD’s Team Hypersonics (UK) programme. This will provide a transformational capability that delivers operational advantage for the future UK armed forces.

National security is a foundation of this government’s Plan for Change and today’s news comes after the Prime Minister announced the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War.

A joint team led by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) together with the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and supported by industry partners including UK SME Gas Dynamics Ltd, carried out 233 successful static test runs at the NASA Langley Research Centre in Virginia, USA.

This extensive testing was part of the UK’s Hypersonic Weapons Programme, and took place over six weeks involving real-time data analysis to refine design aspects and boost propulsive performance.

The trial explored several design variations, ensuring the propulsion system’s readiness for future system design updates. The engine is poised to power a cutting-edge hypersonic cruise missile concept and successfully demonstrated the performance of the high-speed air-breathing engine – enabling greater ranges than a conventional rocket – advancing the UK’s hypersonic weapon capabilities.

The tests spanned the full flight Mach number range from supersonic to hypersonic speeds, validating the robustness of the engine design and paving the way for future upgrades.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:

We are living in a more dangerous world and it has never been more important for us to innovate and stay ahead of our adversaries, equipping our forces with the technologies of the future.

This milestone moment on hypersonics research, supported by British scientists and British small businesses, demonstrates another crucial area where we are working in lockstep with the United States to bolster our Armed Forces and strengthen our deterrence.

Dstl’s Chief Executive, Paul Hollinshead said:

This milestone represents a critical advancement in the UK’s defence capabilities and reinforces our standing in the AUKUS hypersonic weapon development collaboration. The success of these tests highlights the UK’s commitment to technological leadership and innovation in this crucial area.

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Published 6 April 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
April 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Woman-to-woman marriage in west Africa: a vanishing tradition of power and agency

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Bright Alozie, Assistant Professor, Portland State University

Marriage in west Africa has played a central role in shaping aspects of society, and has evolved over time. While traditional heterosexual unions dominate discussions, a lesser-known but significant practice – woman-to-woman marriage – has existed for centuries.

In my research, I examined this institution, which allows a woman to assume the role of a husband by marrying another woman. There’s evidence of woman-to-woman marriage in more than 40 societies across west Africa, including the Igbo of Nigeria, the Frafra of Ghana and the Dahomeans of present-day Benin.

How it works is that a woman – often wealthy or of high status – pays a bride price and takes on a wife who is expected to bear children. A male relative or chosen partner, known as the genitor, fathers the children. The children will legally belong to the female husband and are considered part of her lineage. This reinforces kinship structures, or family ties within traditional communities and clans, vital to west African societies.

Unlike romantic same-sex unions, these are social contracts. They aim to preserve lineage, secure inheritance, and enhance a woman’s economic and political agency.

Female husbands gain significant control over property by assuming the role of head of household. This enables them to own and manage assets independently, a right typically reserved for men.

Securing heirs through their wives ensures the continuation of their lineage and the inheritance of their property and status. It solidifies their long-term agency and influence within the community.

The union also grants them more legal standing – they can enter into contracts, resolve disputes, and represent their family in legal matters, further empowering them in a patriarchal society.

This all translates into considerable influence. Female husbands can hold positions of authority, and command respect. They challenge traditional gender roles.

Colonial distortions and modern misconceptions have obscured the meaning and function of this historically prevalent practice. Despite its important role, it has declined over time. With growing stigma, the old customs have become less common.

My research seeks to underscore the historical value of woman-to-woman marriage. It offers a lens for understanding the complexities of African gender systems, female agency and social structures.

Tradition rooted in kinship and social stability

Using a combination of oral interviews, archival research and literature reviews, I found that there are various scenarios in which woman-to-woman marriage is practised in west Africa.

In Okrika, in Nigeria’s Rivers State, for example, I was told how a married woman who has no male child in her family is allowed to marry a woman so that a male child can be born into the family. If her marriage does not produce a male child and she has money, the culture allows her to marry more than one wife as long as she can take care of them and the union can produce a male child to carry the name of her family.

In my interview with Chief Nkemjirika Njoku, of the Mbaise Igbo in Nigeria, he described another scenario. He explained that if a man died without male heirs, his daughters could pay a bride price for a woman to bear children in his name. This ensured his lineage did not disappear.

Similarly, among the Frafra people of Ghana one study shows how:

a wealthy woman may marry one or more women for her husband by providing the bridewealth. These women bear children in her name in the event of her being childless or to offer extra labour.

These accounts illustrate how marriage and kinship complement each other and how this practice provided women with economic influence and social mobility, often rivalling men’s.

Colonial disruptions and modern challenges

Despite the tradition’s important role, during the 19th century European colonial officials and Christian missionaries misunderstood and condemned the practice.

Viewing it through a Victorian moral framework – rigid and conservative values of 19th-century Britain which emphasised strict gender roles, sexual restraint and moral purity – they mistakenly equated it with homosexuality and sought to outlaw it. For instance, in 1882 British colonial authorities in Ghana criminalised same-sex relations. These laws included woman-to-woman marriages, despite their deeply rooted cultural significance.

The practice persisted in various forms, however, but did become less prevalent.

In some cases, the unions were subtly restructured to avoid colonial scrutiny. Participants framed them more as business partnerships or familial arrangements rather than marriages. For instance, many prominent traders would use the unions to expand their wealth and business networks. Among the Hausa-Fulani textile traders of the Sokoto Caliphate, for example, a wealthy widow could marry a woman to manage her trade. This ensured that children born within the union inherited her wealth.

Subverting or reinforcing patriarchy?

Today, woman-to-woman marriage remains misunderstood. Some argue it reinforces patriarchal structures, while others conflate it with lesbian relationships.

The growing influence of Christianity and Islam has led to its stigmatisation. Meanwhile modern legal systems fail to recognise the unions, leaving female husbands and their children vulnerable in inheritance disputes.

Advancements in reproductive technology provide alternative means for childbearing, reducing the need for these marriages.

In my opinion, though, this tradition remains a valuable and powerful system. It highlights the ingenuity of African societies in creating alternative structures of power, kinship and economic security – especially for women.

Based on my research I concluded that woman-to-woman marriage is an example of flexible African gender constructs. Gender is not strictly tied to biological sex but to social roles and responsibilities. African societies have creatively adapted marriage and kinship to meet economic and social needs.

More than a marriage practice, woman-marriage has been an assertion of female agency, an economic strategy, and a means of preserving lineage.

Bright Alozie 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. Woman-to-woman marriage in west Africa: a vanishing tradition of power and agency – https://theconversation.com/woman-to-woman-marriage-in-west-africa-a-vanishing-tradition-of-power-and-agency-251919

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Do African MPs reflect the people who vote for them? We studied 17 countries to find out

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Robert Mattes, Professor in Government and Public Policy, University of Strathclyde, and Adjunct Professor in the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, University of Cape Town, University of Strathclyde

By the end of 2025, 42 African countries will have held national elections in the previous 24 months. But do these elections produce parliaments that accurately reflect the societies they serve? Aside from studies of women in Africa’s legislatures, there is surprisingly little information about this important issue.

Elected parliaments are the essence of representative democracy. Law makers are more likely to know what voters need and want if they are alike in age, gender, language, education or occupation.

As scholars of African politics, we wanted to find out if African legislators actually represented their voters. We compared the results of two separate surveys conducted between 2009 and 2012 across the same 17 African countries.

The first comes from the African Legislatures Project. This interviewed 823 elected representatives (MPs). The second was produced by Afrobarometer, a pan-African research network.

Our study found wide gaps between citizens and their representatives in some respects, but a high degree of similarity in others.

Compared to ordinary African citizens, African legislators possess much higher levels of education. They are also far more likely to be older, male and to come from professional or business backgrounds. Yet the overall profile of legislators closely matches that of the voters in terms of ethnicity and religion.

Religion and ethnicity

One of the most striking findings is the match between the religious, language and ethnic make-up of African legislatures and voters.

Across all 17 countries, the proportion of law makers who are either Muslim or Christian closely resembles their electorates. They are also similar at the level of religious denomination (for example Catholic, Methodist or Pentecostal).

Legislatures closely mirror the languages spoken by citizens in their countries. In some countries the overlap is very high. In Lesotho, for example, almost all MPs and citizens speak the same language (Sesotho). In Zimbabwe, the distribution of Shona and Ndebele speaking MPs is much the same as it is for the public.

There’s less overlap in Tanzania (where many more parliamentarians point to Swahili as their home language than Kisukuma, which most citizens speak). And in Namibia and South Africa, most MPs claim English as their home language rather than the otherwise dominant Oshiwambo or Zulu, respectively.

Many scholars argue that proportional representation voting systems (where people vote for party lists, rather than candidates) are necessary to reflect ethnic diversity. Our findings demonstrate that this is not necessarily the case. We found high levels of correspondence in diverse societies that elect members from “first past the post” single member districts, such as Zimbabwe, Ghana, Malawi and Uganda. This is because political parties will strategically select candidates who reflect the religious and ethnic identities of specific constituencies so that candidates are seen as “one of us”.

Where presented with a choice between candidates of differing religious or ethnic backgrounds, voters will tend to prefer the one similar to them. They feel that candidates who come from their area, or speak their language, are more likely to understand their needs and preferences.

Education and occupation

Our study also established that African elections produce legislatures that are older, more male, far more educated and wealthier than their voters.

While only 9% of citizens possessed a university degree across these 17 countries in the years under review, 58% of MPs had one. In Uganda, this figure climbed to 90%: a substantial educational disparity.

Occupational backgrounds also reveal a pronounced skew. A large proportion of parliamentarians come from business (24%) or professional (27%) sectors. Average citizens are likely to be blue collar or agricultural workers.

Gender and age

Despite making up roughly 50% of African societies, just 18% of the parliamentarians we interviewed were women.

Proportional representation voting systems do increase gender balance. This shows in Mozambique (40% of parliamentarians are female), Namibia (35%) and South Africa (28%). But other mechanisms such as gender quotas in the governing party nomination process (Tanzania, 32%), or reserved seats (Uganda, 27%), also increase women’s representation.

Finally, elected legislatures are almost always older than their electorate. But African legislators appear to be especially venerable. While the median age of the over-18 citizen population across these 17 societies is 33, the median age of our sample of MPs was 53. This raises questions about the ability of older legislators to fully understand and address the concerns of younger generations.

Are parliamentarians an unaccountable ‘power elite’?

We also wondered whether the social and economic advantages provided by higher education and experience in business and the professions might keep MPs in power, and out of touch with the needs of citizens.

Two factors appear to work against this outcome.

First, we examined potential markers of status and influence: university education; high-status occupational background; and previously held positions in party leadership, national government, or local government. It turns out that the average MP had only accumulated two of these things.

Second, consistent with other studies of African legislatures that find surprising levels of turnover of individual parliamentarians, the typical law maker in our surveys had been in office for just five years. Whatever status or privilege they carry with them into the legislative chamber does not guarantee a long stay.

What can we learn from this?

These results provide some insights for the continent’s next election season.

Most ruling parties were humbled at the polls in 2024, and several lost their majority in parliament (Botswana, Ghana, Mauritius, Senegal and South Africa). The trend of high legislator turnover seems likely to continue.

Thus, newly elected parliamentarians are unlikely to form a coherent “power elite”. The real challenge seems to be to harness the impressive skills African MPs bring to their jobs to enable them to play a more meaningful role in writing laws and holding their executives to account.

Robert Mattes is co-founder and Senior Advisor to Afrobarometer.

Matthias Krönke is affiliated with Afrobarometer.

Shaheen Mozaffar 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. Do African MPs reflect the people who vote for them? We studied 17 countries to find out – https://theconversation.com/do-african-mps-reflect-the-people-who-vote-for-them-we-studied-17-countries-to-find-out-252055

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 6, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China sci-tech museums adopt AI-powered assistants

Source: China State Council Information Office 2

The China Science and Technology Museum (CSTM) said on Sunday that it has assisted 13 provincial sci-tech museums in deploying artificial intelligence (AI) assistants to enhance visitor experiences, marking a step forward in AI-driven exhibition for sci-tech museums nationwide.
In November 2024, CSTM launched the country’s first AI-powered museum assistant, combining popular science knowledge with large-model technology. The smart assistant not only provides on-site guidance and information but also answers scientific queries for young learners remotely, showcasing AI’s potential in educational settings.
Since March, CSTM has expanded the initiative, training technical teams from 13 provincial museums through workshops. Participants have built customized knowledge bases and deployed AI assistants tailored to their venues.
A CSTM spokesperson highlighted that as technology advances and more museums join, the AI ecosystem will diversify, creating a smart, ubiquitous network of assistants for multiple applications.

MIL OSI China News –

April 6, 2025
MIL-OSI China: New study offers insights into ancient human evolution in East Asia

Source: China State Council Information Office 2

Researchers have uncovered the first definitive evidence of Middle Paleolithic Quina technology in East Asia, shedding new light on the evolution of the region’s early hominins.
The findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, are based on artifacts excavated from the Longtan site in Heqing County, southwest China’s Yunnan Province. A multidisciplinary team led by the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research (ITP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences conducted the study.
The Middle Paleolithic period, spanning roughly 300,000 to 40,000 years ago, was marked by the coexistence of early modern humans, Denisovans and Neanderthals, alongside significant technological advancements. While prevailing theories have suggested slow technological development among early hominins in China, the discovery at Longtan provides fresh insights into regional tool-making traditions, according to the study.
Excavations at the Longtan site, which began in 2010, revealed stone tools exhibiting key features of Quina technology. This lithic tradition is associated with Neanderthals in cold, arid European environments around 70,000 to 40,000 years ago.
According to the researchers, the Longtan lithic assemblage exhibits classic Quina traits, including the systematic production of thick flakes as tool blanks, selective edge retouching using both soft and hard hammers, continuous edge rejuvenation to extend tool life, and multi-stage reduction strategies. Micro-wear analysis also confirms that Quina scrapers were used to process bone, wood and hides.
“The presence of Quina technology in East Asia has never been definitively confirmed until now,” said Li Hao, co-first author of the study and a researcher at the ITP, adding that the findings reshape people’s understanding of the evolutionary landscape of early hominins in East Asia.
The discovery has extended the known range of this tool-making tradition and suggested the possibility of Neanderthals reaching southwest China, a hypothesis that researchers say warrants further investigation.

MIL OSI China News –

April 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko opened a branch of the Southern Federal University in Havana

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Dmitry Chernyshenko opened a branch of the Southern Federal University in Havana

April 5, 2025

Dmitry Chernyshenko opened a branch of the Southern Federal University in Havana

April 5, 2025

Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in the opening of the exhibition “Evolution of Technologies in Cuba: Challenges and Opportunities for New Generations” of the Geocuba Group of Companies

April 5, 2025

Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in the opening of the exhibition “Evolution of Technologies in Cuba: Challenges and Opportunities for New Generations” of the Geocuba Group of Companies

April 5, 2025

Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in the ceremonial departure of the first car from the UAZ assembly line in Havana

April 5, 2025

Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in the ceremonial departure of the first car from the UAZ assembly line in Havana

April 5, 2025

Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in the ceremonial departure of the first car from the UAZ assembly line in Havana

April 5, 2025

Previous news Next news

Dmitry Chernyshenko opened a branch of the Southern Federal University in Havana

As part of his working visit to the Republic of Cuba, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in the opening ceremony of the branch of the Southern Federal University (SFedU) in Havana. This is the first branch of a Russian university in the republic.

The Deputy Prime Minister noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel have repeatedly emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership between the countries.

“Our countries have long been friends and cooperate in various fields, including science and education. And today, here in Havana, we are ceremoniously opening the first branch of a Russian university on Cuban soil – the Southern Federal University. This is a historic event. Cuban students will be able to master advanced supplementary education programs in Russian and prepare for admission to Russian universities. The first students will begin classes in the next academic year. We have a huge responsibility: to ensure a bright future for our countries, their prosperity and sovereignty – technological, financial, cultural and ideological,” said Dmitry Chernyshenko.

The Deputy Prime Minister expressed gratitude to everyone who participated in the implementation of this important project, especially noting the President of the Southern Federal University Marina Borovskaya and the Rector of the University of Havana Miriam Nicado Garcia.

Dmitry Chernyshenko also presented certificates for the purchase of computer equipment to students and scientists, wishing them success in their work and studies.

During the opening ceremony of the branch, the rector of the University of Havana, Miriam Nicado Garcia, was awarded the title of Honorary Doctor of SFedU. Dmitry Chernyshenko congratulated the rector, noting her outstanding achievements and contribution to the development of the university.

Also in the presence of Dmitry Chernyshenko, an agreement was signed between the University of Havana and the Southern Federal University on the free use of the premises of the branch building for the educational process.

SFedU President Marina Borovskaya expressed confidence that the opening of a SFedU branch at the University of Havana will take the interaction between the universities to a new level.

“The University of Havana is our long-standing friend and reliable partner. We are already solving a number of joint research and educational tasks, successfully exchanging experience. Last year, Cuban students and university staff visited SFedU, where they not only got acquainted with the university, but also underwent training, collected information for their research projects, found colleagues from SFedU, with whom they joined forces to continue their research. The opening of the SFedU branch in Havana will give impetus to even closer cooperation in many scientific fields,” Marina Borovskaya emphasized.

Another important event of the visit to Havana was Dmitry Chernyshenko’s participation in the ceremonial departure of the first vehicle from the UAZ assembly line in Havana.

The Deputy Prime Minister noted that this joint project became possible thanks to the support of the presidents of Russia and Cuba. Now SUVs, light trucks and minibuses will be produced here, on a modern conveyor. The production capacity of the line is up to one and a half thousand cars per year. The Deputy Prime Minister expressed confidence that the project will become a serious support for the Cuban economy and will strengthen cooperation between the countries.

In addition, Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in the opening of the exhibition “Evolution of Technologies in Cuba: Challenges and Opportunities for New Generations” of the Geocuba group of companies, one of whose key partners is the Moscow State University of Geodesy and Cartography. The Deputy Prime Minister familiarized himself with the educational and industrial expositions presented at the exhibition.

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 –

April 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko and Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Cuba Ricardo Cabrisas held the 22nd meeting of the Russian-Cuban Intergovernmental Commission

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Dmitry Chernyshenko and Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Cuba Ricardo Cabrisas

April 4, 2025

Dmitry Chernyshenko and Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Cuba Ricardo Cabrisas held the 22nd meeting of the Russian-Cuban Intergovernmental Commission

April 4, 2025

Dmitry Chernyshenko during the 22nd meeting of the Russian-Cuban Intergovernmental Commission

April 4, 2025

Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Cuba Ricardo Cabrisas during the 22nd meeting of the Russian-Cuban Intergovernmental Commission

April 4, 2025

Previous news Next news

Dmitry Chernyshenko and Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Cuba Ricardo Cabrisas

The 22nd meeting of the Intergovernmental Russian-Cuban Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation was held in the capital of Cuba, Havana. The co-chairs were Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Chernyshenko and Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Cuba Ricardo Cabrisas.

The parties discussed key areas of bilateral cooperation, including in the fields of energy, industry, tourism, agriculture, technology, education, culture and sports, as well as issues of implementing promising investment projects. Following the meeting, 13 documents were signed, including the final act and cooperation agreements.

Dmitry Chernyshenko thanked Ricardo Cabrisas for the warm welcome of the Russian delegation in Havana and stressed that Russia expects the visit of Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War in May 2025. Earlier, the President of the Republic accepted an invitation sent on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“I would like to note with great satisfaction the regularity of the meetings of the intergovernmental commission. This allows us to work effectively to advance key issues on the bilateral agenda. We highly value the trusting and constructive political dialogue at all levels, including the highest. We intend to further strengthen Russian-Cuban relations in a wide range of areas: in the field of industrial cooperation, trade and humanitarian cooperation, exchange of experience and transfer of Russian technological developments, joint scientific research,” noted Dmitry Chernyshenko.

The Deputy Prime Minister spoke about the support provided to Cuba, including the emergency measures program to minimize the consequences of the energy crisis that occurred on the island at the end of last year.

In addition, according to Dmitry Chernyshenko, the educational sphere is an integral part of bilateral cooperation. Last year, over 60 agreements were concluded between Russian and Cuban universities. From 2023 to the present, eight open education centers for the study of the Russian language have been operating on the island. In 2024, Russian universities opened two geological classes in Cuban universities, as well as a Center for the targeted training of specialists in the field of energy and electronics. As part of the current visit of the Russian delegation, the work of the branch of the Southern Federal University in Havana will be launched.

It is planned to continue work on expanding the portfolio of bilateral investment initiatives, the total number of which currently exceeds 100. The Deputy Prime Minister also noted the resumption of deliveries of Russian cars to Cuba. In 2024, over 180 units of mechanical engineering products were exported to the island.

Within the framework of agro-industrial cooperation, a project for processing Russian wheat at a Cuban flour mill is being implemented for the second year in a row. The possibility of Russian business participation in the modernization of the sugar industry in Cuba is being considered.

The tourism industry continues to develop. In 2024, the Russian tourist flow to Cuba remained at the level of the record 2023 and amounted to 160 thousand people. At the same time, the number of Cuban citizens who visited Russia last year increased by more than 50%.

“To solve the challenges we face today, it is extremely important to have the support of reliable partners and allies, such as the Russian Federation. The current meeting of the intergovernmental commission is a suitable platform for studying the proposals that are on the negotiating table. I am confident that the meetings will yield concrete results that will help strengthen the relations between our countries,” said Ricardo Cabrisas.

On the Russian side, representatives of the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Digital Development, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Culture and other departments also took part in the meeting of the IPC.

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 –

April 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MICE tourism gains momentum

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Ballroom inspections and mahjong sessions may not be what automatically springs to mind when you consider Hong Kong’s appeal to visitors. Meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions tourism – MICE tourism, for short – is not about being conventional, however.

Recently, nine representatives from the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers, hailing from Germany, Canada, Mexico and elsewhere, embarked on a five-day MICE tourism study mission in Hong Kong, at the invitation of the Tourism Board.

Their first stop was a Wan Chai hotel that opened late last year. The delegation inspected its banquet halls, suites and facilities, and enjoyed an unexpected highlight – an impromptu mahjong session in the games room that gave them a taste of one of the most popular Chinese pastimes.

The group then proceeded to the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) where they were shown around several exhibition venues and meeting rooms, learning about their layout and design, as well as the centre’s transport connectivity, and took the opportunity to gaze out over Victoria Harbour.

Multiple facets
For MICE visitors – whether squeezing in sightseeing activities around conferences or enjoying company incentive trips – riding the 130-year-old Peak Tram remains an essential Hong Kong experience, of course.

Having ascended Victoria Peak by tram, the delegation embarked on a nostalgic journey through 1970s–80s Hong Kong at the Peak Tower museum, before marvelling at magnificent panoramic views of the city’s famous skyline and Victoria Harbour from the Sky Terrace.

The group then descended to Man Mo Temple in Sheung Wan, where they performed the ritual of touching the holy deer statue with gold foil to seek blessings. All in all, they were able to immerse themselves fully in Hong Kong’s commercial, cultural and religious facets in a single day.

The tour participants represented diverse clients across sectors ranging from government to technology and pharmaceuticals, and are responsible for planning events across Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. They said their experiences in Hong Kong would inform future decisions about staging professional conferences and summits in the city.

Lasting impressions
Among the delegation was Jocelyne Mulli, managing director of a German organiser of professional conferences. Her firm has been using Hong Kong as its springboard into the Asia-Pacific region since 2012.

Though a frequent visitor to Hong Kong and to the HKCEC, she said her latest trip had opened her eyes to ongoing upgrades and more flexible service offerings in the city. In particular, she praised Hong Kong’s fusion of heritage and modernity, applauding its sustained achievements in MICE tourism development over the years.

“You are a hub, you are a base, and you are in the best place to welcome international delegates,” she said. “It is not everywhere that you have ballrooms, venue spaces of such size. You have a multilingual society and you have these historical aspects.”

For his part, Alejandro Ramirez Tabche, the CEO of a Mexican event planning company, said that seeing specific venues for himself had made him realise Hong Kong is the perfect MICE destination. Describing the city as “gorgeous”, he said he would recommend it to his peers as a location for holding events without hesitation.

“Hong Kong is always a top destination and people experience real fun and happiness,” he enthused. “And also, you have luxurious hotels, good food and good attractions. The people are so kind and they are very eager to help anytime.”

While in Hong Kong, the group also explored the Old Town Central neighbourhood’s blend of modern and historic elements, visited the giant panda twins at Ocean Park, and toured the newly opened Kai Tak Sports Park, gaining a full appreciation of the city’s diverse offerings.

Robust revival
MICE tourism has emerged as a key driver of high-value travel to Hong Kong, with the city welcoming over 1.42 million overnight MICE visitors in 2024, a year-on-year increase of about 10%. Their average spending per capita outperformed overall overnight visitor expenditure by about 40% and catalysed growth across sectors including convention services, retail, dining and entertainment.

The Tourism Board is adopting a multipronged approach to developing MICE tourism, sparing no effort to secure major events for Hong Kong, while also inviting global conference organisers to experience the city’s MICE facilities and tourism assets first-hand.

Tourism Board Director & Business Development Team Lead of MICE Phoebe Shing outlined that the organisation has been successful in bidding for and facilitating 56 large-scale MICE events in Hong Kong this year, including 16 which are debuting in the city. The events span sectors ranging from innovation and technology to fintech, medical science and aviation.

“In June, Hong Kong will host the International Society for Stem Cell Research 2025 annual meeting for the first time,” she said. “For the aviation sector, we will welcome Routes World 2025 in September, and also Airspace Asia Pacific 2025 in December.”

These events are projected to attract approximately 170,000 MICE visitors from the Mainland and overseas, with total participation reaching 260,000.

Ms Shing added that with MICE tourism’s robust recovery, coupled with the ongoing restoration of international flight capacity, further growth in MICE visitors is expected.

“The Hong Kong Tourism Board will continue to promote MICE tourism, striving to bring more MICE events to Hong Kong. We will also solidify Hong Kong as the world’s meeting place in order to attract more high-yield visitors to our city.”

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 6, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Easter holidays – Liverpool’s libraries have you covered
Source: City of Liverpool

Last updated:4 April 2025

From an Easter egg hunt to shadow puppet workshops and storytelling sessions, there’s lots to do for all the family in and around Liverpool libraries during the Easter holidays.

It wouldn’t be Easter without an egg hunt. Culture Liverpool has commissioned Positive Pathways to host a community day at St John’s Gardens on Thursday 17 April between 12-4pm. As well as a chance to win prizes in an egg hunt, there will be lots of activities going on in and around Central Library including Lego building, STEAM Engineers (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths) workshops and advice on weight control and diet for young people.

Children can devise their own characters and stories and create their own puppets in a series of shadow puppetry workshops throughout the Easter holidays, culminating in a celebratory puppet showcase at Central Library on 10 May. The sessions take place on the following dates:
- Tuesday 8 April 11am – 3pm at Wavertree Library
- Wednesday 9 April 11am – 3pm at Norris Green Library
- Thursday 10 April 11:30am – 3pm at Spellow Community Hub and Library
- Friday 11 April 11am – 3pm at Sefton Park
- Saturday 12 April 11am – 1pm at Birkenhead Library
- Monday 14 April 2pm – 4pm at Huyton Library
- Tuesday 15 April 11am- 12:15pm and 12:30 – 3pm at Prescot Library
- Wednesday 16 April 11am – 1pm and 2 – 4pm at Halewood Library
- Thursday 17 April 11am – 3pm at Fazakerley Community Federation & Library
- Friday 18 April 11am – 3pm at Garston Library
- Saturday 19 April 11am – 3pm at Allerton Library
- Saturday 10 May 11am – 3pm Family Puppet Day at Liverpool Central Library
The 11am – 3pm sessions will include a one-hour break with free healthy food provided. Email artgroupie@outlook.com to reserve a place.

Storytelling sessions include:
- Tuesday 8 April – Jude Lennon reading Little Lamb Tales throughout the day at Central Library. Perfect for ages 3-10.
- Thursday 10 April Tina Freeman running Alice in Wonderland themed stories and crafts 10.30 – 3pm at Central Library.
- Tuesday 15 April – Ma Bailey story sessions 10.30am – 2.30pm and 1.30 – 4pm at Central Library.
- Saturday 19 April – Author Angela Ackah-McIntyre will deliver an interactive book-reading session based on her children’s fun fantasy adventure book Efua’s Magic Stew 1 – 4pm at Central Library.
For theatre lovers, there are two exhibitions running until the end of the month at Central Library: Lights Up on Liverpool in the Hornby Library and Liverpool Empire Theatre 100 in the third-floor archive. The former, a partnership between ArtsGroupie CIC and Liverpool Libraries and Information Services, spotlights Liverpool’s groundbreaking, radical and experimental approaches to theatre and is a response to the decreasing number of working-class professionals in the performing arts. The latter, a collaboration between the theatre and the Liverpool Record Office and Archives, features photographs and artefacts – including programmes, tickets, letters, visitor books, flyers and architect plans – which tell the story of the Grade II listed Lime Street landmark.

Other exhibitions at Central Library include Electrification of the Liverpool and Southport Railway Line in March 1904, a display of illustrations of the original four-car electric train sets and Liverpool Olympia 120, a display of illustrations of the stage machinery, circus ring and lake, and some programme covers marking the anniversary of the opening of Liverpool Olympia, West Derby Road, on 24 April 1905. The former closes on 22 April and the latter opens on 23 April.

For more information about what’s on in Liverpool libraries, visit the libraries pages on Liverpool City Council’s website.

Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:
“Keeping the kids entertained over the school holidays can be hard work – and expensive – so we have programmed lots of participatory arts projects, which can help young people develop self-confidence, empathy and social skills.”
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
April 6, 2025