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Category: Sport

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Sydney ETO supports 28th Australian Dragon Boat Championships (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney (Sydney ETO) is supporting the 28th Australian Dragon Boat Championships (AusChamps) being held in Penrith, Australia, from April 26 to May 1 to promote Hong Kong’s vibrant sports culture and rich dragon boat racing tradition.
     
         Organised annually by the Australian Dragon Boat Federation since 1996, the AusChamps has attracted more than 2 500 paddlers from across Australia to compete for national titles. This year’s event is extended to six days for the first time, making it the largest edition to date. Two of the 2,000-metre races were named the “HKETO Premier Open Standard” and the “HKETO Premier Open Small Boat”, with the Director of the Sydney ETO, Mr Ricky Chong, presenting medals to the winning teams yesterday (April 26).
     
         Speaking at the Welcome Function, Mr Chong remarked that Sydney ETO has been proud to support dragon boat events in Australia over the years, including the AusChamps and the Sydney Lunar New Year Dragon Boat Festival. These collaborations are a testament to the strong and enduring ties between Hong Kong and Australia, built on mutual respect, shared values and a passion for community spirit.
     
         Mr Chong highlighted that under the National 14th Five-Year Tourism Development Plan, sports have been identified as a key component of tourism. Apart from dragon boat races, much more is happening in Hong Kong’s sports scene. He introduced a series of mega sports events to be held at the newly opened Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong, including the Volleyball Nations League in June, the Hong Kong Football Festival in July and the Ultimate Tennis Showdown Hong Kong in October, and invited guests to experience the vibrancy and diversity of Hong Kong through these world-class events and many other attractions.
     
         Sydney ETO will continue to support cultural and sports exchanges to further strengthen the ties between Hong Kong and Australia, and showcase Hong Kong as a dynamic centre for international cultural exchange.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ20: Strengthening Physical Education and Arts Education in schools

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ20: Strengthening Physical Education and Arts Education in schools 
         It has been reported that according to the figures from the Education Bureau, a total of 31 suspected fatal student suicide cases were recorded from January to November last year, which was the highest in the past five years, and even represented an increase of more than one-fold as compared to the 14 cases in the whole year of 2018. There are views that while robust Physical Education (PE) and Arts Education (AE) are conducive to the physical and mental health of primary and secondary students, there is still much room for improvement in PE and AE locally. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) whether the relevant government departments will review the overall effectiveness of local PE and AE; if so, of the details (including the method and mechanism of the review, as well as the specific timetable); if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (2) whether the relevant government departments will conduct a survey based on the situation of all students in Hong Kong to make an analysis of the number of PE and AE lessons as well as the time for extra-curricular activities needed in a week for most students in order to relieve their stress and enable them to keep a healthy body, and based on the outcome of the analysis, set indicators for implementation in all schools in Hong Kong; if not, of the reasons for that; and
     
    (3) as it is learnt that the Education Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality has put into practice since January 1 this year the Implementation Opinions of Shenzhen on Strengthening and Improving the Work on Physical Exercise in Schools, which proposes that schools offering compulsory education should provide one PE lesson per day, while senior secondary schools (including secondary vocational schools) should provide three PE lessons per week, and that PE activities during recess in primary and secondary schools should last no less than 30 minutes per day, whether the relevant government departments will consider drawing reference from the practices in the Shenzhen Municipality and require schools to provide one PE lesson per day and incorporate activities such as physical activities between lessons, and require that activities between lessons should last no less than 30 minutes, so as to increase the time students spend on exercise every day?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         The Education Bureau (EDB) has attached great importance to students’ physical and mental well-being. Establishing a healthy lifestyle is one of the seven learning goals of the school curriculum and relevant learning elements have been integrated into some subjects. The EDB has all along been committed to supporting schools in the promotion of school Physical Education (PE) and Arts Education (AE) through the life-wide learning approach, including providing curriculum guides, developing learning and teaching resources, offering training for teachers, and organising territory-wide physical and aesthetic learning activities or assisting schools in flexibly arranging activities, fully supporting schools in planning and implementing PE and AE within and beyond the classroom. The EDB’s strategies to support schools in the implementation of PE and AE and the related details are set out in Paper No. CB(4)123/2024(03) 
         Our reply to the question raised by the Hon Stanley Ng is as follows:
     
    (1) and (2) In terms of curriculum, schools have to plan their PE and AE curricula according to the requirements in the respective curriculum guides, including the provision of PE, Music and Visual Arts lessons, taking into account their school contexts as well as the needs, interests and abilities of students, etc. Currently, primary and secondary schools should arrange at least two PE lessons per week (i.e. approximately 80 minutes per week) for students, while those taking the PE elective subject for the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education have the opportunity to learn sports theory and engage in sports training for around 250 hours in total. As for AE, the Music and Visual Arts subjects are generally offered in schools. The respective curriculum guides of the two subjects specify that schools must arrange for students no less than 9 per cent of the lesson time (primary level), 8 per cent to 10 per cent of the lesson time (junior secondary level), 250 hours (as senior secondary elective subjects) and no less than 10 per cent of the lesson time at the senior secondary level for Other Learning Experiences related to arts. The EDB will review the implementation of the curriculum from time to time and update the relevant content in a timely manner to facilitate the development of school PE and AE through a life-wide learning approach. 
     
         The EDB announced the updated Primary Education Curriculum Guide in September 2022. Schools are encouraged to make good use of flexible lesson time and organise students’ learning time within and beyond the classroom, thereby enriching their diverse learning experiences and promoting a balanced development. The EDB has also issued the circular titled “Developing an Active and Healthy Lifestyle Through Promoting Physical Activities” (Note 1) in February, 2024 to provide strategies, specific recommendations as well as information on relevant curriculum resources and support measures to schools, and guide students to integrate the habit of exercising into daily lives beyond PE lessons.
     
         On the other hand, the EDB has been supporting or organising major PE and AE student activities to allow students with different talents and interests to unleash their potential. For instance, the EDB subsidises organisations such as the Schools Sports Federation of Hong Kong, China and the Hong Kong Schools Music and Speech Association to organise various primary and secondary inter-school sports competitions, music festival, speech festival and dance festival every year, among others. The EDB has also launched the “Active Students, Active People” Campaign (also known as “ASAP” Campaign) and MVPA60 (Note 2) Award Scheme to encourage students to develop a habit of regular participation in physical activities as soon as possible. Moreover, the EDB has been collaborating with various departments, tertiary institutions, organisations and groups to promote a variety of PE and AE activities. For instance, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department’s (LCSD) School Sports Programme and iSmart Fitness Scheme have been well-received by schools, allowing students of primary, secondary and special schools in Hong Kong to participate regularly in diverse sports activities during leisure time, fostering a sporting culture on school campuses, developing an active and healthy lifestyle, enhancing the standard of sports performance among students, and helping identify student athletes with potential for further training. The scheme on A Journey on Learning the Arts for Senior Secondary Students launched by the EDB and supported by the LCSD and various arts groups aims at encouraging secondary school students to participate in and appreciate arts programmes in authentic contexts outside the classroom, including performances of Chinese and Western music, Chinese operas, dramas and dances as well as visual arts exhibitions and film shows. Some of these programmes also include activities such as guided tours or seminars.
     
         Different departments of the EDB regularly review the implementation and effectiveness of the PE and AE curricula in schools through inspections, curriculum visits and school visits, looking into aspects including whether the PE and AE curriculum guides have been implemented effectively with a view to helping students acquire relevant knowledge, generic skills, values and attitudes, and providing feedback to schools in a timely manner.
     
         Schools are generally making good use of in-house and external resources to arrange school PE and AE activities for students within and beyond the classroom according to their interests and abilities. For instance, having regard to school contexts, a variety of PE and AE activities may be arranged for students before morning assemblies, during recess or lunch break, and after school hours; organising PE and AE-related extra-curricular activities; conducting sports days, swimming galas, music competitions, school team and orchestra trainings; arranging students to participate in various off-campus PE and AE competitions and art appreciation, to increase opportunities for students to engage in PE and AE activities.
     
         Rather than setting hard indicators, schools are currently allowed to plan the learning and teaching within and beyond the classroom flexibly according to their own circumstances so that schools can better cater for learner diversity and facilitate students’ development needs as a whole. Such arrangement has been running smoothly and is widely supported by the educator sector.
     
         On the other hand, to promote mental health in schools in a more comprehensive and systematic manner, the EDB has recently launched the 4Rs Mental Health Charter (the Charter) in April. It calls for all schools to join the Charter, thereby working together to set practical and feasible goals and take concrete actions to promote students’ physical and psychological health. The 4Rs in the Charter cover four elements and objectives for promoting mental health, including “Rest”, helping students cultivate healthy habits from an early age as well as including having enough rest, adequate sleep and leisure activities; and “Relaxation”, teaching students to take the time to relax, take care of their mental health and practise self-compassion, as well as encouraging them to do more exercise, such as arranging morning exercises/exercises between lessons for students, providing appropriate sports equipment for students to use, and participating in different activities under the EDB’s ASAP Campaign, to cultivate the habit of regular exercise among students. We firmly believe that schools participating in the Charter, through implementing various measures and organising activities for the promotion of student mental health, will help students develop healthy living habits, provide more opportunities for them to relax and reduce stress, help them build positive interpersonal relationships, and enhance their well-being and resilience, thereby enhancing an overall healthy culture in schools. 
     
    (3) The education systems, curriculum frameworks, teaching and assessment policies in different regions are developed based on factors such as their unique social culture, background, physical environment, history and economy. In formulating the PE curriculum in Hong Kong, the EDB and the Curriculum Development Council have taken into account students’ development needs as a whole and have sought to balance the diverse expectations of Hong Kong society regarding student learning. Currently, primary and secondary schools are providing at least two PE lessons per week for students in accordance with the curriculum guides and, through a wide range of physical activities, foster students’ interest in sports, develop their motor skills and improve their physical fitness. These initiatives aim to develop students’ habit of doing regular exercise and cultivate their positive values and attitudes.
     
         To effectively increase students’ physical activity level, offering subject lessons alone is not adequate. In fact, many schools currently make arrangements for students to participate in different types and levels of physical activities within and beyond the classroom apart from PE lessons by, for example, arranging morning exercise/exercise between class periods before, during and after school, and setting up an exercise corner during recess/lunch break. The EDB has issued the EDBC No. 5/2024 titled “Developing an Active and Healthy Lifestyle Through Promoting Physical Activities” in February 2024 to provide strategies, specific recommendations as well as information on relevant curriculum resources and support measures to schools to help increase students’ physical activity level, with a view to achieving the World Health Organization’s recommendation that children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 should accumulate at least an average of 60 minutes daily of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activities (i.e. MVPA60) across the week as well as the direction for the development of the PE curriculum. Besides, in line with the development of the PE curriculum, the EDB provides a one-off grant of $150,000 (Note 3) for each public sector school and schools under the Direct Subsidy Scheme in the 2023/24 school year. Schools may deploy the grant to organise or subsidise students to participate in diversified PE activities, purchase or upgrade PE/sports equipment in schools, etc, to create a better sports ambience and further promote MVPA60, thereby increasing the daily exercise time of students and helping them develop a healthy lifestyle.
     
    Note 1:     applications.edb.gov.hk/circular/upload/EDBC/EDBC24005E.pdfNote 2: An accumulation of at least an average of 60 minutes daily of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activities across the week
    Note 3:     applications.edb.gov.hk/circular/upload/EDBCM/EDBCM24073e.pdfIssued at HKT 12:25

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SRFTI Film “A Doll Made Up of Clay” Makes Historic Cannes 2025 Entry

    Source: Government of India

    SRFTI Film “A Doll Made Up of Clay” Makes Historic Cannes 2025 Entry

    23-Minute Experimental Film Highlights Cross-Border Collaboration and Global Storytelling Excellence

    Posted On: 26 APR 2025 6:24PM by PIB Delhi

    In a moment of pride for Indian cinema, “A Doll Made Up of Clay”, a student film by the Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute (SRFTI), has achieved official selection in the prestigious La Cinef section at the 78th Festival de Cannes 2025. As the only Indian entry in this category, the film marks a significant milestone in India’s cinematic education journey.

    About Film

    Driven by ambition, a young Nigerian athlete sells his father’s land to pursue his dream of becoming a professional footballer in India. However, a career-ending injury leaves him disillusioned and stranded in an unfamiliar country. Through physical pain, emotional trauma, and an identity crisis, he reconnects with the spiritual traditions of his ancestors, finding redemption and meaning. A Doll Made Up of Clay is a powerful exploration of displacement, loss, and cultural resilience.

    This 23-minute experimental film, produced under SRFTI’s Producing for Film and Television (PFT) department, showcases cross-border collaboration. Produced by Sahil Manoj Ingle, a PFT student, and directed by Kokob Gebrehaweria Tesfay, an Ethiopian student under the ICCR African Scholarship, the film underscores SRFTI’s dedication to global cinematic innovation.

    Receiving an invitation to compete in La Cinef at Cannes, the film highlights emerging talent from top global film schools. The festival takes place in France this May.

     Dreams, Resilience and Global Recognition

    Prof. Sukanta Majumdar (Dean, SRFTI) highlighted that  “Any cinematic expressions of our students, when recognized on a prestigious global platform, make us feel reassured. This is a huge moment of pride for us, and we are very proud of our students. I wish them the very best for the competition.”

    “This project is a shared vision across continents—a story that transcends borders. The Cannes selection is a dream realized and proof of global thinking within SRFTI’s walls,” said producer Sahil Manoj Ingle.

    Director Kokob Gebrehaweria Tesfay added, “This deeply personal story speaks to the journey of dreamers who navigate new challenges, reshaping who they are. Cannes celebrates resilience and untold stories.”

    Global Collaboration:

     The film’s cast and crew represent an exceptional international effort:

     

    • Producer: Sahil Manoj Ingle
    • Writer & Director: Kokob Gebrehaweria Tesfay (Ethiopia)
    • DOP: Vinod Kumar
    • Editor: Haru – Mahmud Abu Naser (Bangladesh)
    • Sound Design: Soham Pal
    • Music Composer: Himangshu Saikih
    • Executive Producer: Uma Kumari & Rohit Kodere
    • Line Producer: Avinash Shankar Rhurve
    • Lead Actor: Ibrahim Ahmed (Nigeria)
    • Casts: Geeta Doshi, Ibrahim Ahmed, Rwitban Acharya

     

    About SRFTI

    Founded in 1995, SRFTI is named after the legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray, continuing it’s legacy of empowering new generations of storytellers through excellence in film education.

    *****

    Dharmendra Tewari/ Navin Sreejith

    (Release ID: 2124574) Visitor Counter : 52

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “Smart Parent Net” Recommendation: (Video)24 個品格優點 (Chinese version only); ‘e-Generation Joyful Internet Surfing’ Parent Seminar (5): Know more about Myopia Management under e-Learning & Recognising Online Pitfalls

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    IT in Education Section of EDB, Hong Kong Education City and Committee on Home-School Co-operation will co-organise ‘e-Generation Joyful Internet Surfing’ Parent Seminar (5): Know more about Myopia Management under e-Learning & Recognising Online Pitfalls. The seminar will be held on 8 June 2024 from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm in webinar mode. Cantonese and English sessions will be arranged. Registration is now open (application deadline: 8 June 2024 11:00 am). A resident optometrist from the Optometry Clinic of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University will provide parents with knowledge about protection of vision and offer them methods to prevent myopia in children and reduce its progression, allowing children to maintain ocular health in their daily lives and studies. A senior inspector of police from the Cyber Security Division of the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau (CSTCB) of the Hong Kong Police Force will share with parents strategies to prevent their children from falling prey to cyber pitfalls, and help parents to enhance children’s awareness of digital safety and prevent them from becoming victims of cyber traps. Parents are cordially invited to join the seminar. For details, please refer to the website (https://www.hkedcity.net/eventcalendar/event/66389267cc9f93d2758c0156).

    For enquiries, please contact HKEdCity at 2624 1000 or email to info@hkedcity.net.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SCST to visit UAE and Saudi Arabia

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SCST to visit UAE and Saudi Arabia 
    Miss Law will visit the UAE from April 27 to 30, during which she will attend the Arabian Travel Market 2025. She will also meet with relevant government officials, trade representatives, and cultural and tourism organisations. On May 1, she will continue her visit to Saudi Arabia.
     
    Miss Law will depart for Hong Kong on the night of May 1 (Thursday). During her absence, the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau, will be the Acting Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism.
    Issued at HKT 16:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Best Online Casinos UK 2025: JACKBIT Rated As Top UK Casino Site

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Rosanna Law to visit Middle East

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law will depart tomorrow for a visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia to strengthen co-operation between Hong Kong and the Middle East in culture, sports and tourism.
         
    Miss Law will attend the Arabian Travel Market 2025 in the UAE and meet government officials, trade representatives, and cultural and tourism organisations there before proceeding to Saudi Arabia.
         
    She will return to Hong Kong on May 1. During her absence, Under Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Raistlin Lau will be Acting Secretary.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “Smart Parent Net” Recommendation: (Video)Let’s get a good night’s sleep! ─ Tips to sleep healthy(Chinese version only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP) will subsidise a total of 2 276 places under 32 sub-degree programmes offered by seven post-secondary institutions, including Caritas Bianchi College of Careers, HKCT Institute of Higher Education, HKU SPACE Po Leung Kuk Stanley Ho Community College, Hong Kong College of Technology, Hong Kong Metropolitan University (including Li Ka Shing School of Professional and Continuing Education), Saint Francis University and Tung Wah College, for the cohort to be admitted in the 2025/26 academic year. The programmes and number of subsidised places, which fall under seven disciplines with keen manpower demand, namely Architecture and Engineering, Computer Science, Creative Industries, Health Care, Sports and Recreation, Testing and Certification, and Tourism and Hospitality, are determined by the Education Bureau in consultation with relevant policy bureaux and departments.

    In the 2025/26 academic year, the annual subsidy amounts for non-laboratory-based programmes and laboratory-based programmes are up to $23,390 and $40,730 respectively. The subsidy amounts are applicable to both new and continuing eligible students. The subsidy is tenable for the normal duration of the programmes concerned. Subsidised students will pay a tuition fee with the subsidy applied. Students in need may still apply for student financial assistance from the Student Finance Office of the Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Agency in respect of the actual amount of tuition fee payable.

    The subsidised places are allocated according to existing admission arrangement of the self-financing sub-degree programmes, i.e. through direct admission by institutions. Students can apply for admission to the designated sub-degree programmes directly through the institutions concerned. The subsidy for sub-degree programmes under SSSDP is applicable to local students who have attained (a) Level 2 or above in five subjects, including English Language and Chinese Language, in the HKDSE Examination; (b) Diploma of Applied Education / Diploma Yi Jin; or (c) Diploma of Foundation Studies awarded by the Vocational Training Council. The participating institutions are allowed to admit local students with other relevant qualifications, subject to a ceiling of 50% of the subsidised places of the designated programmes.

    For details of SSSDP, please visit www.cspe.edu.hk/sssdp.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Should parents let their children go to school under inclement weather conditions?; Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors – Sub-degree programmes

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP) will subsidise a total of 2 276 places under 32 sub-degree programmes offered by seven post-secondary institutions, including Caritas Bianchi College of Careers, HKCT Institute of Higher Education, HKU SPACE Po Leung Kuk Stanley Ho Community College, Hong Kong College of Technology, Hong Kong Metropolitan University (including Li Ka Shing School of Professional and Continuing Education), Saint Francis University and Tung Wah College, for the cohort to be admitted in the 2025/26 academic year. The programmes and number of subsidised places, which fall under seven disciplines with keen manpower demand, namely Architecture and Engineering, Computer Science, Creative Industries, Health Care, Sports and Recreation, Testing and Certification, and Tourism and Hospitality, are determined by the Education Bureau in consultation with relevant policy bureaux and departments.

    In the 2025/26 academic year, the annual subsidy amounts for non-laboratory-based programmes and laboratory-based programmes are up to $23,390 and $40,730 respectively. The subsidy amounts are applicable to both new and continuing eligible students. The subsidy is tenable for the normal duration of the programmes concerned. Subsidised students will pay a tuition fee with the subsidy applied. Students in need may still apply for student financial assistance from the Student Finance Office of the Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Agency in respect of the actual amount of tuition fee payable.

    The subsidised places are allocated according to existing admission arrangement of the self-financing sub-degree programmes, i.e. through direct admission by institutions. Students can apply for admission to the designated sub-degree programmes directly through the institutions concerned. The subsidy for sub-degree programmes under SSSDP is applicable to local students who have attained (a) Level 2 or above in five subjects, including English Language and Chinese Language, in the HKDSE Examination; (b) Diploma of Applied Education / Diploma Yi Jin; or (c) Diploma of Foundation Studies awarded by the Vocational Training Council. The participating institutions are allowed to admit local students with other relevant qualifications, subject to a ceiling of 50% of the subsidised places of the designated programmes.

    For details of SSSDP, please visit www.cspe.edu.hk/sssdp.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden Demands Trump Administration Restore Travelers’ Rights

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    April 25, 2025

    Mistreatment of travelers to U.S. has generated international travel safety warnings and may hurt upcoming global sporting events hosted in our country like the World Cup, Summer Olympics and the Paralympics

    Washington D.C. –U.S. Senator Ron Wyden today demanded the Trump Administration restore the rights of the one million travelers who routinely enter the U.S each day, taking note of major upcoming global sporting events like the World Cup, Summer Olympics and Paralympics to be hosted in our country

    In today’s letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Wyden noted, “Over the past couple months, there have been numerous troubling reports of due process violations, mistreatment, prolonged questioning and detention, lengthy visa interview wait times, visa revocations, and arbitrary denials of entry of visitors and returning residents of the United States. This has turned ordinary travel into a needlessly grueling ordeal for tourists, business travelers, lawfully permanent residents, and U.S. citizens.” 

    Wyden pointed out that this administration’s approach to international travelers has prompted many countries around the world–including our allies–to issue warnings to their citizens against travel to the U.S. Additionally, law-abiding noncitizens are expressing concerns with travel to and within the U.S. and have either canceled travel plans or refrained from making them. This is leading to a noticeable decline in travel to the United States, resulting in a loss of revenue for businesses and American job losses. 

    Wyden went on to warn, “The United States is slated to host three major international sporting events in the coming years. These events should be a boon for local economies and the broader U.S. economy, but your actions toward travelers will jeopardize their success. The 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup is expected to be the largest sporting event in U.S. history, likely bringing five million international visitors and generating $5 billion in expected economic activity. Similarly, the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic games are expected to generate an additional $5 billion in economic activity for the United States. 

    Wyden expressed concern for the travelers seeking entry to the U.S. for these events, including the “extraordinary athletes, support staff, government officials, journalists, business owners and spectators,” who may be hesitant, or unable, to travel here because of this administration’s harsh and chaotic treatment of incoming travelers, including foreign-born athletes who proudly and lawfully represent U.S. teams.   

    “The United States has been preparing for these sporting events for years — billions of dollars are being spent — and your Departments should be working to ensure their success. Your Departments’ policies and practices must uphold travelers’ rights and maintain the security interests of the United States — these are not mutually exclusive. I therefore ask that you immediately cease activities that harm the constitutional rights of travelers, which in turn harm the U.S. economy, and rectify your practices to support the needs of those traveling to and from our country,” Wyden concluded.

    Full text of the letter is here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Keynote Speech – Canning House Mexico-UK Summit

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Keynote Speech – Canning House Mexico-UK Summit

    During the Canning House’s Mexico-UK Summit, His Majesty’s Ambassador to Mexico, Susannah Goshko, highlight the bilateral opportunity between our countries.

    The UK-Mexico Partnership in 2025 

    Good morning everyone.  It’s great to be here at Canning House’s inaugural Mexico-UK Summit.  Canning House plays a hugely important role in bringing the UK and Mexico closer together.

    I would therefore like to begin by thanking Jeremy Browne and his team for organising this Summit and fostering the valuable exchange of ideas between business, government and academia.

    As many of you will know, I arrived in Mexico at the end of last year: so I am now just a few months into my posting as British Ambassador to Mexico. And what a time to arrive.  A new government in Mexico and a new government in the UK.  A world that is changing more rapidly than any of us could have predicted.  Let me start therefore by talking about the bilateral opportunity, before coming on to how the UK and Mexico can work together on the global stage.

    The relationship between the UK and Mexico dates back over 200 years.  One of the first things I did in my role here was accompany the High Sheriff of Cornwall to Hidalgo where British miners – from Cornwall – first arrived in the 19th century, drawn by the opportunities that Mexico offered.  They brought with them football and Cornish pasties – both of which live on to this day, although the pasties turn out to be a little more picante than we are used to them in Cornwall.

    The first record of a football match being played in Mexico was between those Cornish miners and the Mexicans who lived in Hidalgo.  On that occasion – for perhaps the first and last time – the Brits beat the Mexicans.  And this is a nice anecdote but actually, it’s more than that.  It’s evidence of the culture and history that continue to bind us today.

    In fact, our rich cultural and people-to-people links are one of the most important aspects of this relationship: whether it’s the numerous Mexicans who play in the English Premier League, the more than 3000 Mexican students have been awarded Chevening scholarships since 1983, or the fact that the largest number of Beatlemaniacs in the world are not in fact in the UK but are right here in Mexico.

    But the policy agenda is – perhaps – even more exciting.  When the new government in the UK was elected last summer, it was on the basis of a number of very clear priorities – or missions as the PM has described them.  These include:

    • Reducing barriers to opportunity for all
    • Building a health system fit for the future
    • Making the UK a green energy super power by 2030
    • And kickstarting economic growth.

    I have been struck in my first few months here, how much of that agenda resonates with what the government in Mexico is trying to achieve. In the language we use and in the priorities we choose, there is much alignment between our approaches.

    The growth agenda

    Let me start by talking about economic growth. Growth is at the heart of the UK government’s agenda because – like Mexico – the British government has made important commitments around addressing social inequality.  To meet these ambitious commitments, it will be essential for us both to have thriving economies.

    So all British diplomats have been given clear marching orders: we must do all we can to build economic prosperity for the UK but also for the countries in which we are working. And what does that mean here? Well, trade between the UK and Mexico is good: Our markets are complementary, so we are not in competition with each other, and we have an more or less equally balanced trading relationship.

    But we can afford to be much more ambitious: two way trade is currently worth around £6.1bn a year – as two G20 countries, both committed to open and free trade – this should and could be much higher.  It is in both of our interests to ensure that it is, if we are to build the equitable and prosperous societies we are both seeking.

    The first step on this journey will be Mexican ratification of the UK’s accession to CPTPP which we hope will happen shortly.   This will accelerate growth by deepening British and Mexican participation in our respective supply chains. It will diversify our trade in innovative sectors such as electromobility, health-tech and advanced manufacturing and will provide greater certainty to UK investors in Mexico and Mexican investors wanting to set up and grow their business in the UK.

    At the same time, a new industrial strategy in the UK and Plan Mexico here will drive growth in both our countries in sectors of mutual interest and expertise, among them healthcare and life sciences, financial services, and education. We must grasp this opportunity.

    There is much success to build upon: last year we saw innovative British bank Revolut secure their banking licence in Mexico. Astrazeneca opened their second largest global research plant in Jalisco. Orbia expanded their presence in the UK with an additional £75m investment, creating 100 new jobs.

    These are just a small selection of success stories from the last twelve months.  I am confident that there will be many more to come driven by a determination from both our governments to put sustainable growth at the heart of our plans.

    Climate

    The second area where I see enormous potential is on climate and energy.  I am delighted that Minister for Environment, Alicia Barcena will speak later in the day. Minister Barcena has been a great friend of the UK as well as a champion of our shared commitment to tackling the climate and nature emergency.

    This is one of the most profound threats to face us and future generations. We must work together to ensure a liveable planet for all. Our future prosperity and security depends on what we do now.

    For the British government, combatting climate change and biodiversity loss must be done alongside eradicating social inequality. We believe firmly that this can be achieved without compromising economic growth. In fact, done right, we believe that the energy transition can be an economic advantage.  As testament to this, I offer the fact that in the UK we have reduced emissions by 54% whilst also growing our GDP by 84% on 1990 levels.

    Under the leadership of President Sheinbaum and Prime Minister Starmer we have an unparalleled opportunity to deepen our cooperation in this area.

    When I presented my credentials to the President some two weeks ago, I congratulated her for her leadership on Mexico’s NDC commitment and the newly announced Net Zero goal. The UK stands ready to offer any support that we can in their development and implementation.

    Our vision to do this is one where there’s space for every part of society to contribute and benefit from ambitious climate action. We have, for instance, worked with local communities and civil society in Sonora to pilot solar energy projects, increasing access to electricity and diversifying sources of income for families.

    And our scientific and academic links are also a fundamental asset to tackle climate change. Mexican and British research institutions are working together to deploy solutions to manage sargassum proliferation, which has greatly impacted the tourism industry in Mexico and many Caribbean nations.

    And there’s, of course, the role of private sector. No climate target will ever be met without industries and financiers actively playing a part in addressing the climate and biodiversity crisis. Private investment in innovative technologies such as offshore wind energy will be essential to boost renewable energy generation in Mexico whilst ensuring the protection of energy sovereignty. Many British companies are keen to be part of this journey.

    While the task might feel unsurmountable at times, I am convinced that by working together, Mexico and the UK can bring us closer to building a liveable, more equitable planet for all.

    The Global Context

    Now let me come on and talk a bit about the global context.  Of course, to ensure that prosperous democracies like ours can thrive we need geopolitical stability. Across the world we are living in uncertain times with brutal conflicts still waging in Sudan, the Middle East and Ukraine.

    Mexico’s historic bridging role in multilateral fora means it is uniquely placed to bring countries together in support of our shared values of democracy, sovereignty and a commitment to human rights.

    During my career, I have observed the vast experience and talent of Mexican diplomats in multilateral fora, sharing our concern to protect the institutions that ensure world peace. Their ability to bring together different points of view and chart a path forward that everyone can agree is part of Mexico’s USP: one of my formative memories is of watching a Mexican diplomat rescue a biodiversity negotiation from the brink of collapse at the eleventh hour and find an almost impossible consensus.

    In this increasingly complex world, we need this more than ever. Those countries that share our commitment to the rules based international order must continue working together to ensure that multilateral institutions remain strong and relevant.

    For example, in February, the UK and Mexico united with other nations in the UN to mark the third anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine.

    The security threats we face have been transformed in the last decade. We are all confronting the unprecedented rate at which threats to information integrity are growing.  Misinformation and disinformation are both more common than ever and increasingly difficult to distinguish from the truth.

    As democratic governments, the UK and Mexico must be proactive about countering this threat. We also have a responsibility to uphold the principles of an open civil society and free media to take on this challenge. I’m proud therefore that here in Mexico we support a vibrant Civil Society Group ‘Las Linternas’ to strengthen their fact checking, identify false stories and build media literacy. Our resilience to these threats domestically depends – like so much else – on our ability to work together.

    Conclusion

    So there is much to do. Perhaps I’ll end where I began: Lord Canning – after whom Canning House is named – was the first British foreign secretary, some 200 years ago, to devote a large proportion of his time and energies to Latin America and to foresee the important political and economic role the region would one day play.

    We are once again at a moment of enormous geopolitical change.  We too should choose to strengthen and trust in this bilateral relationship.  Together I am confident that the UK and Mexico can do brilliant things.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Inaugurates 2-Day NSS National Convention, Calls for a Modern Era of ‘Seva’

    Source: Government of India

    Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Inaugurates 2-Day NSS National Convention, Calls for a Modern Era of ‘Seva’

    Union Minister Dr. Mandaviya Highlights MY Bharat’s Role in Transforming Youth Volunteerism

    Youth Must Lead Environmental Activism and Heritage Preservation: Dr. Mandaviya

    Posted On: 25 APR 2025 8:40PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, inaugurated the National Service Scheme (NSS) – National Convention at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi today, marking the return of the prestigious gathering after a break of 15 years. The two-day convention will witness participation from more than 200 NSS officers from across the country.

    Addressing the NSS Convention, Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the need to redefine ‘Seva’ in the context of current global challenges. Drawing on his experience as a former NSS volunteer, he emphasized the importance of engaging youth in environmental activism, cultural preservation, and experiential learning.

    “In the digital era, the meaning of ‘Seva’ must transform. Our youth must be at the forefront of environmental activism, heritage preservation etc. Experiential learning should go hand in hand with Seva must be the new norm,” he said.

    He emphasized the transformative role of Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat), launched in 2023 under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, describing it as a unifying platform to channel the energy and potential of youth towards nation-building. Dr. Mandaviya urged all stakeholders to work collectively to inspire, empower, and equip young individuals to become informed and active contributors to the vision of a Viksit Bharat.

    Earlier in the day, Dr. Mandaviya chaired the meeting of the National NSS Advisory Council, laying emphasis on modernizing youth volunteerism and aligning NSS with emerging national priorities. The Advisory Council comprises eminent personalities such as Dr. Himanshu Rai, Mr. Ronnie Screwvala, Mr. Malhar Kalambe, Ms. Usha Sharma and Smt. Geetanjali Kirloskar, along with senior officials from NCC, UGC, AICTE, CBSE, and academic bodies.

    Key resolutions were passed during the meeting include the formation of expert sub-committees for revamping NSS Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), introducing research-driven initiatives, updating award mechanisms, and enhancing training frameworks. The strategic convergence of NSS and NCC under the Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) platform was also discussed to create a unified, holistic model for youth engagement.

    The strategic integration of NSS and NCC within the Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) platform was actively explored to foster greater synergy and establish a unified, comprehensive approach to youth engagement. In line with the objectives of the National Education Policy, discussions also focused on linking NSS volunteer activities with enhanced employability, the provision of academic credits, and recognition through nationally accredited skill certifications. Furthermore, the deliberations emphasized the promotion of public-private collaborations, innovation-driven initiatives, and research-oriented volunteerism—marking a pivotal step forward in transforming the NSS into a dynamic vehicle for youth empowerment and nation-building.

    The convention was enriched through breakout sessions, zone-wise presentations of best practices, and interactive group discussions, all of which contributed to the development of key proposals that will inform the MY Bharat National Action Framework.

    The Ministry reiterated its commitment to revitalizing the NSS as a dynamic platform that fosters patriotism, civic responsibility, and progressive values—empowering the youth of India to take the lead in building a brighter, more inclusive future for the nation.

    *****

    Himanshu Pathak

    (Release ID: 2124420) Visitor Counter : 56

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Immigration Department Youth Leaders Corps organises National Games in Touch: Chaoshan Exchange Tour 2025 (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Immigration Department Youth Leaders Corps (IDYL) organised the three-day National Games in Touch: Chaoshan Exchange Tour 2025 from April 22 to 24. As the governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao will cohost the 15th National Games for the first time this year, the exchange tour provided an opportune time for IDYL members to gain insights into the preparations for the Games by visiting the competition venues in Shantou in person, while learning more about Chaoshan’s history and culture.
     
         Addressing the opening ceremony on the first day of the exchange tour, the Director of Immigration, Mr Benson Kwok, expressed his hope that IDYL members would enhance their understanding of the motherland and national affairs by interacting with local youth through site visits, so that they could contribute to the country’s development in the future.
     
         Led by the Commissioner of the IDYL, Dr Cheng Kam-chung, and members of the IDYL Advisory Committee, participants visited Shantou Haojiang Innovation Center, Chaoshan Historical Culture Expo Center, Shantou Sports Center, Nan’ao Island and Chaozhou Ancient City, among others. They also interacted with young entrepreneurs from Chaoshan and student athletes from Shantou Sports School. In addition, the group visited Shantou Offshore Wind Power Industrial Park, where they learned about the country’s key wind power projects and its sustainable development strategies.

         The IDYL will continue to actively organise exchange programmes on a variety of themes to deepen members’ understanding of Chinese history and culture, thereby fostering their sense of nationhood, national identity and affection for the nation.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CSD holds passing-out parade (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    CSD holds passing-out parade  
    At the parade, the CSD Guard of Honour and passing-out correctional officers assembled to form the abbreviation of the Department, “CSD”, and a heart pattern during a foot drill demonstration, symbolising their devotion to Hong Kong and readiness to shoulder the CSD’s mission of guarding the last element of the criminal justice system.
     
    Speaking at the parade, Reviewing Officer Mr Tang said that the CSD shoulders the missions of safeguarding national security and social stability. The CSD has long been committed to adopting a secure, safe and humane approach in detaining persons in custody (PICs), and has introduced a number of measures to optimise management effectiveness and bring convenience to the public, such as the implementation of the Approved Hand-in Articles e-Ordering Service which enables visitors to order approved hand-in articles for PICs through an online platform. The Service reduces the time for visitors to source the articles in the market and the inconvenience of carrying the articles to correctional institutions, as well as enhances the operational efficiency of correctional institutions.
     
    Mr Tang commended the CSD for actively launching new initiatives in the area of rehabilitation work to assist PICs to turn over a new leaf and reintegrate into society, including organising a two-year full-time Associate Degree programme for graduates of the Ethics College, extending the Ethics College to Pik Uk Prison and launching Project JET to provide one-stop training and career development opportunities for PICs. Moreover, the Department has actively promoted crime prevention education. Through the Rehabilitation Pioneer Project and the Captain Gor Union, the CSD is committed to instilling in young people correct values and nurturing them into a new generation of law-abiding young people with an affection for the country.
     
    He mentioned that the CSD has actively fostered collaboration with Mainland and overseas correctional institutions. The Department hosted the 42nd Asian and Pacific Conference of Correctional Administrators last year, playing the role of an international link. The Department organised the first Greater Bay Area Correctional Services Tactical Skills Competition in January this year and plans to provide tactical skills training courses at the Hong Kong Correctional Services Response Tactics Training Base for correctional officers on the Mainland and overseas, with a view to deepening exchanges among correctional institutions, making its best endeavours to tell good correctional stories and to tell good stories of Hong Kong.
     
    Furthermore, the CSD is committed to the community and cares for the vulnerable. The Correctional Services Department Sports Association launched an online gift sales platform for charity called Made in Prison early this year to sell handicrafts made by PICs. All proceeds from the sale, after deducting necessary costs, will be donated to local registered charitable organisations, thereby providing PICs with opportunities to contribute to society.
     
    Mr Tang encouraged the passing-out correctional officers to become new forces of correctional officers who are staunchly devoted to their duties and who contribute wholeheartedly to Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability as well as to the steadfast and successful implementation of the “one country, two systems”.
     
    During the parade, Mr Tang presented the Principal’s Shield to Officer Mr Chu Yan-ching; and the Golden Whistle to four Assistant Officers II, namely Ms Lee Wing-yan, Mr Tsang Hou-sing, Mr Mok Pak-kin and Mr Ng Chiu-kit, for their outstanding performance in recruit training.
    Issued at HKT 19:35

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CS chairs interdepartmental working group meeting on festival arrangements (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today (April 25) chaired a meeting of the interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements to holistically co-ordinate and steer the preparatory work of various government departments for welcoming visitors to Hong Kong during the Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland. The Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law; the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan; the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk, and representatives from other relevant government departments also attended. 

         Mr Chan said, “We estimate a notable increase in visitor arrivals during the Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will make good preparations for receiving visitors, as well as maintaining close liaison with relevant organisations and the travel trade to prepare well for crowd management, information dissemination and arrangements of public transportation and boundary control points (BCPs), with a view to responding promptly to various kinds of emergencies and ensure the smooth operation of various aspects in receiving visitors and offering a high-quality experience to them.”

    Estimated visitor flow and preparatory work 

         According to the Immigration Department (ImmD)’s estimate, around 5.71 million passengers (including Hong Kong residents and visitors) will pass through Hong Kong’s sea, land and air control points during this year’s Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland (i.e. from May 1 to 5), among which 4.90 million passengers will pass through land control points.

         The ImmD estimates that the peak period of outbound passengers using land BCPs is expected to be May 3 (Saturday) with around 590 000 passengers; whilst the peak period of inbound passengers using land BCPs is expected to be May 5 (Monday) with around 580 000 passengers. Passengers are advised to plan in advance, avoid making their journeys during busy periods and keep track of radio and TV broadcasts on traffic conditions at various control points. The busy times at BCPs are available on the ImmD website at www.immd.gov.hk. Furthermore, residents and passengers may also check the estimated waiting times at each land BCP at any time or place via the Immigration mobile app. They can then plan their trips effectively and save time queuing at control points. 

         In terms of Mainland inbound visitors, it is estimated that around 840 000 passengers will visit Hong Kong via various sea, land and air control points during the five-day Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland. Compared with last year’s Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland and this year’s Chinese New Year Golden Week of the Mainland, the daily average visitor arrivals are expected to increase by 10 per cent and 13 per cent respectively. Major tourist spots have formulated special arrangements to handle the estimated increase of people flows. The Hong Kong community is expected to become more vibrant and highly patronised during the Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland, bringing opportunities to various sectors.

    The Travel Industry Authority (TIA) has also reminded travel agents receiving Mainland inbound tour groups to adopt appropriate diversion measures to enable proper management of visitor flows and tour buses, with a view to offering a pleasant travel experience to visitors. In addition, District Offices will closely monitor the flow of visitors within their respective districts and notify relevant departments having regard to the actual circumstances with a view to strengthening management of the relevant spots.

    Co-ordinate control points, traffic and public transport facilities

         Relevant departments have minimised leave for frontline officers to enable flexible deployment of manpower and operation of additional counters and channels, with a view to diverting passenger and vehicular flows. The Inter-departmental Joint Command Centre set up by the Police, the ImmD, the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED), and other relevant departments will be activated from May 1 (Thursday) to May 5 (Monday) to monitor the real-time situations at various control points. The Joint Command Centre will maintain close liaison with the Mainland port authorities through the established port hotlines and real-time notification mechanisms, and take timely contingency actions as necessary to flexibly deploy manpower at BCPs to ensure smooth operation of the land control points. 

         For transport arrangements, the Transport Department (TD) has co-ordinated with relevant operators to enhance transportation services connecting various BCPs, including increasing the frequency of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) shuttle bus (Gold Bus) to less than one minute during peak hours, and the Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang cross-boundary shuttle bus (Yellow Bus) to about two minutes at its highest frequency, as well as increasing the quota of cross-boundary coaches to strengthen services; and formulating a contingency plan by providing a dedicated passage for public transport vehicles at the Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang Port and the Shenzhen Bay Port when necessary to ensure smooth public transport services. In addition, Zhuhai’s traffic management department will also arrange a dedicated lane at the HZMB for the use of the Gold Bus, cross-boundary coaches and large vehicles when necessary. Regarding local public transport services, the TD has approached various public transport operators proactively to enhance their capacity, and reserve sufficient vehicles and manpower to meet the travel needs of visitors. The MTR Corporation Limited will enhance the train services of the East Rail Line between Admiralty and Lo Wu/Lok Ma Chau at different times from May 1 to May 5 to provide convenience for the travelling public and visitors. During these periods, the train frequencies to and from Lok Ma Chau will increase to approximately every 7.5 to 10 minutes, while services to Lo Wu will be enhanced to approximately every five minutes. The Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre of the TD will continue to operate 24 hours a day to closely monitor the traffic conditions and public transport services in all districts, BCPs, and major stations across Hong Kong, and take prompt measures to address service demands and disseminate the latest traffic updates through various channels. 

    Protection of visitors

         The TIA will conduct inspections in districts where relatively more registered shops for inbound tour groups are located during the Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland, and offer assistance to visitors and tourist guides to protect inbound tour group visitors’ rights. Additionally, the Police will continue to step up enforcement actions against any illegal acts of taxi drivers including overcharging and refusing hires. The C&ED will also step up inspections of shops serving visitors to combat unfair trade practices. 

    Weather forecast

         It is expected that the weather will be hot from May 1 to May 4 with sunny periods apart from isolated showers. The weather may become more unstable, with more showers towards the latter part of the Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland. The chances of being affected by tropical cyclones are relatively low. The above forecast is a preliminary assessment, and the Hong Kong Observatory will update the forecast depending on the latest change in weather. 

    Information dissemination

         To assist visitors in planning their itineraries, the Government will strengthen information dissemination including the latest inbound visitor arrivals, the situation at various BCPs, transport arrangements, latest weather forecasts, etc to enable residents and visitors to plan their itineraries according to the latest situation.

         The Hong Kong Tourism Board has also launched a dedicated webpage (www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/plan/traveller-info/goldenweek-special-info.html ) to consolidate useful information during the Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland. The webpage includes information about the opening hours of major sightseeing attractions, public transportation, boundary-crossing services, and other events during the period, including the drone show at the Wan Chai Temporary Promenade to enable residents and visitors to plan their itineraries more conveniently.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: American Rebel CEO Andy Ross Harnesses Media Appearance on NBC-TV West Palm Beach Affiliate to Amplify Growth Strategy, Propel Brand Expansion and Launch American Rebel Light Beer in Florida

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    From Song to Strategy: American Rebel’s CEO Andy Ross Shares the Brand’s Journey with Sunshine Spotlight Host Fiona Daghir Detailing the Journey of America’s Patriotic Brand to Becoming the Next Great American Success Story.

    West Palm Beach, FL, April 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) (“American Rebel” or the “Company”), creator of American Rebel Beer (americanrebelbeer.com) and a designer, manufacturer, and marketer of branded safes, personal security and self-defense products and apparel (americanrebel.com), is pleased to share its CEO Andy Ross’ TV interview on the NBC-TV affiliate in West Palm Beach, Florida – WPTV. Sunshine Spotlight host Fiona Daghir (instagram.com/fionadaghir) and Andy share the American Rebel origin story of how Andy’s song “American Rebel,” which appeared on Andy’s 2013 album Time to Fight, became the blueprint for the creation of American Rebel – America’s Patriotic Brand.

    “I had incorporated music into my TV show Maximum Archery World Tour as early as 2010 and the song ‘American Rebel’ was my way of summing up my core values and way of life. When I shared the song and video cut with entrepreneur and businessman Corey Lambrecht, Corey said ‘that’s your brand. You need to build your brand around American Rebel and use this patriotic anthem as your mission and values statement.’ I had just had a similar conversation with my record producer Doug Grau. Doug had said that music artists needed to find other ways to monetize their music due to the file sharing phenomenon of the early 2000s. Corey and Doug both helped me start American Rebel in 2015 and we haven’t looked back. I wanted to see American Rebel beer, American Rebel motor oil, American Rebel grills, American Rebel tools. I want Susie to go up to mom and say ‘Mom, what’s Dad want for Father’s Day and she says honey, anything with American Rebel on it.’ We’re a lifestyle brand. Our first products were concealed carry backpacks and jackets, and then we launched American Rebel safes. In February 2022 we uplisted to NASDAQ under the AREB symbol and then we acquired our OEM safe manufacturer Champion Safe (championsafe.com). Champion has been around since 1999, and they manufacture and market our American Rebel safes in addition to their Champion and Superior brands. When an opportunity in the beer market presented itself, we decided to launch America’s Patriotic, God Fearing, Constitution Loving, National Anthem Singing, Stand Your Ground Beer, and the response has been amazing. Customers love what we stand for and they love the beer. American Rebel Light Beer is a premium domestic light lager with no corn syrup or rice extract to sweeten the beer like our competition. We use all natural ingredients. This produces a fuller flavored beer while still hitting the light beer profile – 100 calories and 3.2 carbs. People will gravitate to the marketing; but they’ll only continue as customers if they love the liquid.”

    NBC WPTV interview can be found here: click here for interview

    About American Rebel Light Beer

    Produced in partnership with AlcSource, American Rebel Light Beer (americanrebelbeer.com) is a premium domestic light lager celebrated for its exceptional quality and patriotic values. It stands out as America’s Patriotic, God-Fearing, Constitution-Loving, National Anthem-Singing, Stand Your Ground Beer.

    American Rebel Light is a Premium Domestic Light Lager Beer – All Natural, Crisp, Clean and Bold Taste with a Lighter Feel. With approximately 100 calories, 3.2 carbohydrates, and 4.3% alcoholic content per 12 oz serving, American Rebel Light Beer delivers a lighter option for those who love great beer but prefer a more balanced lifestyle. It’s all natural with no added supplements and importantly does not use corn, rice, or other sweeteners typically found in mass produced beers.

    About American Rebel Holdings, Inc.

    American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) has operated primarily as a designer, manufacturer and marketer of branded safes and personal security and self-defense products and has recently transitioned into the beverage industry through the introduction of American Rebel Light Beer. The Company also designs and produces branded apparel and accessories. To learn more, visit americanrebel.com and americanrebelbeer.com. For investor information, visit americanrebelbeer.com/investor-relations.

    American Rebel Holdings, Inc.
    info@americanrebel.com

    American Rebel Beverages, LLC
    Todd Porter, President
    tporter@americanrebelbeer.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. American Rebel Holdings, Inc., (NASDAQ: AREB; AREBW) (the “Company,” “American Rebel,” “we,” “our” or “us”) desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words “forecasts” “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include benefits of marketing outreach efforts, actual placement timing and availability of American Rebel Beer, success and availability of the promotional activities, our ability to effectively execute our business plan, and the Risk Factors contained within our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

    Company Contact:
    tporter@americanrebelbeer.com 
    info@americanrebel.com

    Media Contact:
    Matt Sheldon
    Matt@PrecisionPR.co

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Malliotakis Applauds Agreement to Preserve Aviator Sports Complex Access

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11)

    (BROOKLYN, NY) – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis released the following statement in response to today’s announcement at Brooklyn’s Aviator Sports Complex.

     

    “We’re pleased to hear that the National Park Service (NPS) has reached an agreement with Aviator Sports and Events Center to continue operating the outdoor facilities— including the sports fields, Green Meadows Farm, and golf—through April 14, 2026. Additionally, Chris Werstine of Aviator Hockey & Ice Figure Skating will take over operations of the interior facilities dedicated to hockey and figure skating programs, which are set to resume on Monday, April 28.

     

    This announcement ensures continued access to the facility for both our community and the youth sports leagues that have long utilized Aviator. We thank Aviator Sports and Events Center and Aviator Hockey & Ice Figure Skating for their cooperation and partnership with the National Park Service, and we appreciate the unified efforts of parents and local elected officials who helped make this possible.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why sitting down – and getting back up – might be the most important health test you do today

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Catherine Norton, Associate Professor Sport & Exercise Nutrition, University of Limerick

    Ruslan Huzau/Shutterstock

    If you or someone you love finds it difficult to stand up from the toilet without using your hands, it might seem like a small issue. But in health and ageing, this movement – known as the “sit-to-stand” – can be a red flag. It’s one of the strongest indicators of frailty, a condition that can threaten independence and quality of life.

    Frailty increases the risk of falls, hospital stays, slower recovery from illness, and early death. It’s more than just about being thin or weak – it’s about reduced muscle mass, strength and energy – and it’s one of the main reasons older adults lose the ability to live on their own.

    This loss of muscle strength and function isn’t just about growing old. It often begins as early as your 30s and accelerates after 60. The good news? It’s not inevitable. Frailty can be prevented – and even reversed – with simple, targeted changes in diet and physical activity.

    Surprisingly, carrying a bit of extra weight in older age can be beneficial. Studies suggest that being in the “overweight” BMI range is often linked to better outcomes than being underweight – as long as you’re carrying muscle, not just fat.

    What matters most is body composition – the ratio of muscle to fat. Lean muscle supports mobility, balance and resilience during illness or injury. In contrast, excess visceral fat (around the internal organs) increases the risk of disease.

    Muscle is made of protein and, as we age, our bodies become less efficient at using it. That means older adults need to eat more protein than younger people – not less. Aim for 1 to 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. For a 70kg person, that’s around 70–85 grams daily, ideally spread across all meals.

    Good protein sources include:
    • Eggs, milk, cheese and yoghurt
    • Chicken, turkey, beef and oily fish
    • Lentils, beans, tofu and soy products
    • Nuts, seeds, and whole grains

    Also, don’t forget total calorie intake. If you’re undereating overall – especially during illness – your body will break down muscle to compensate, even if protein intake is adequate.

    Move it or lose it

    Muscle only stays if you use it – the “move it or lose it” mantra applies here. Regular strength training is one of the best things you can do to stay independent and strong.

    Aim for two to three sessions per week focused on strength. You don’t need a gym – bodyweight exercises at home count too.

    Effective strength activities include:

    • Sit-to-stand repetitions from a chair
    • Functional movements like stair climbing, gardening, or carrying groceries
    • Squats, lunges and push-ups
    • Using resistance bands or light weights

    Walking, swimming and cycling are great for cardiovascular and joint health, but they aren’t enough on their own to maintain muscle mass. Challenge your muscles regularly – even in small ways.

    Things to watch out for:

    • Struggling to stand up from low chairs or the toilet
    • Clothes feeling looser around the thighs or arms
    • Feeling weaker carrying bags or household items
    • Avoiding stairs or certain movements you used to do easily

    Catching these signs early can help you act before it affects your independence.

    Here are five things you can do for healthy ageing

    1. Prioritise protein: include it in every meal. Think eggs for breakfast, beans at lunch, and fish or chicken for dinner.
    2. Strength train weekly: find something you enjoy and can stick with – gardening, resistance bands, or a local class.
    3. Don’t fear healthy weight gain: especially if you’ve recently lost weight unintentionally. Focus on building muscle, not fat.
    4. Stay active daily: every movement counts – walking, stretching, or lifting household objects.
    5. Monitor your function: the sit-to-stand test is a simple way to track your strength. If it’s getting harder, take action.

    We can’t stop ageing, but we can age well. That means making muscle health a priority – not just for appearance, but for independence, dignity and quality of life.

    So, whether you’re thinking about your future or supporting an older loved one, remember this: building and maintaining muscle is one of the most powerful tools we have for healthy ageing.

    With the right habits, you can protect your strength, mobility and independence.

    And next time you sit down – think about how easily you get back up. That small action might be the most important health check you do all day.

    Catherine Norton receives funding organisations e.g. Food for Health Ireland, DAFM, Enterprise Ireland

    – ref. Why sitting down – and getting back up – might be the most important health test you do today – https://theconversation.com/why-sitting-down-and-getting-back-up-might-be-the-most-important-health-test-you-do-today-255057

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Celebrating our Volunteers During National Volunteer Week

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on April 25, 2025

    The Government of Saskatchewan, along with Sask Sport, SaskCulture and the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association would like to recognize our province’s volunteers and thank them for the incredible contributions they make to our quality of life.  

    Across the country, April 27 to May 3 is being celebrated as National Volunteer Week.

    “Volunteers are hard-working and humble individuals who come from diverse backgrounds, motivated by the simple desire to make our communities better,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Alana Ross said. “In the sport, culture and recreation world, we know them as coaches, instructors, leaders, board members, event planners, teachers, officials, caretakers and so much more.”  

    This year’s theme of Volunteers Make Waves – Together, we create ripples of change – helps highlight the importance, impact and power individuals and their collective volunteer efforts can have on our lives.  

    Saskatchewan is home to more than 330,000 residents who volunteer in their communities.  

    “We know the amazing talents these volunteers bring to our communities and that each individual volunteer contribution, big or small, has the power to influence and inspire, positive change,” Ross said. “On behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan I would like to thank those people who put in the countless hours to make our lives better.”  

    One major source for volunteer opportunities is through the Saskatchewan Lotteries Trust Fund for Sport, Culture and Recreation, which provides more than 1,200 organizations and communities with direct funding. In turn, this funding reaches approximately 12,000 beneficiary groups and a remarkable 600,000 participants across the province each year.  

    Volunteers help make the thousands of community events and activities held by these organizations each year successful.

    If you are looking for opportunities to volunteer in Saskatchewan, visit: Volunteer Connector.

    Visit Our Stories to learn about some amazing volunteers and their contributions to sport, culture and recreation in Saskatchewan at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/our-stories.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ‘Plan ahead’ message as city gears up for 2025’s Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon

    Source: City of Leeds

    Thousands of runners are set to take part in the third Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in partnership with Clarion, which is being held on Sunday, May 11.

    Organised by the not-for-profit sporting events company Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All with support from Leeds City Council, the marathon will raise funds for a whole host of good causes while giving people an opportunity to celebrate the life and achievements of the late rugby league legend Rob Burrow.

    Large crowds are expected to line the 26.2-mile route to cheer on the runners as they make their way through some of the city’s most scenic communities and picturesque areas of countryside.

    As is standard practice for an event on this scale, a wide-ranging programme of temporary road closures and other traffic measures will be in place to help ensure the day goes safely and smoothly.

    E-mails and letters giving details of the restrictions have already been sent directly to people living or working along the route.

    And, with the event just over a fortnight away, the wider Leeds public are now being asked to take the time to familiarise themselves with how the traffic and travel plans could affect any journeys they might be looking to make on the day.

    The marathon will start and end at AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium, with runners following a circular route that initially winds around Woodhouse Moor before striking out for Adel, Lawnswood, Bramhope, Pool in Wharfedale and Otley. The Leeds Half Marathon, which is also on May 11, will use much of the same route. The two events have together attracted more than 12,000 entrants.

    Part of St Michael’s Lane in Headingley will close to vehicles from 4am on the 11th before sections of Cardigan Road and Kirkstall Lane/North Lane follow suit at 6am. Closures of selected roads will kick in between 6am and 8am in other parts of Headingley and Far Headingley.

    Further closures will then come into force from 8.30am in the Adel, Lawnswood and Bramhope areas, and from 9am around Pool in Wharfedale and Otley.

    The marathon will get under way at 9am, with competitors in the half marathon setting off from Headingley at 10am.

    Affected roads along the route will be reopened on a rolling basis through the day as soon as it is safe to do so.

    Further road closure information – including a list of vehicle crossing points and leaflets giving access details for individual areas – can be found here.

    People travelling to Headingley – either to take part or support the runners – are being encouraged to use park and ride services that will be operating from Elland Road and Stourton. Shuttle buses will also be operating between the city centre and Headingley. There will be no dedicated event parking in Headingley itself.

    Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said:

    “The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon is a wonderful occasion that has to date raised more than £9m for charity while shining a really positive light on our city.

    “We have been working hard alongside our partners at Run For All to ensure that this year’s event is another huge success, with traffic planning forming an important element of those preparations.

    “We’re encouraging everyone to find the time between now and May 11 to see how they might be affected by the temporary road closures that are needed for the safe and smooth delivery of the marathon.

    “We will be doing everything we can to minimise the impact of these measures, and thank residents in advance for their patience and understanding.

    “Having taken part in the first two marathons, I’m looking forward to running again next month and enjoying the fantastic sense of camaraderie and excitement that the event brings.”

    The marathon’s partner charities and good causes are the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association, Leeds Hospitals Charity, 4Ed, Alzheimer’s Society, Candlelighters, Happy Days Children’s Charity, Jane Tomlinson Appeal, Leeds North & West Foodbank, Leeds Rhinos Foundation, Macmillan Cancer Support, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, Stand Against MND and St Gemma’s Hospice.

    After being diagnosed with MND in 2019, Leeds Rhinos great Rob worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the condition and deliver improved care for those affected by it.

    This year’s marathon will be the first since his death and as a result the atmosphere out on the course is expected to be even more emotional than usual.

    The day will feature a new addition for 2025 in the shape of the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon Relay, which will see teams of seven tackling different legs of the full route.

    And, in another first, Run For All have teamed up with Leeds Beckett University to organise the inaugural MND Mile. Taking place at Leeds Beckett’s Headingley campus on Saturday, May 10, the event’s mile-long course has been designed to cater for participants of all ages and abilities.

    Tristan Batley-Kyle, operations director at Run For All, said:

    “Here at Run For All, we’re once again honoured to be organising the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in partnership with Clarion, which not only showcases the strength and spirit of the running community but also raises crucial awareness and funds in the fight against MND.

    “The addition of the MND Mile and Relay provides a fantastic opportunity for everyone to be part of such an inspirational weekend and we encourage as many as possible to come along and get involved.

    “As with other events of this scale, significant road closures will be in place to ensure the safety of all involved and we’re working in partnership with Leeds City Council, emergency services and multi-agency planning groups to make sure the event is operated safely and securely.

    “We would like to thank all residents in advance for their understanding and we apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused. Please be assured that all closures will be lifted as soon as possible.”

    Note to editors:

    Run For All is a not-for-profit company that forms part of the lasting legacy of the late amateur athlete and fundraiser Jane Tomlinson CBE. Jane, from Leeds, made headlines around the world by taking part in a series of incredible endurance events despite being diagnosed with an incurable cancer.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: LADA Sport ROSNEFT Racing Team Presents Updated Lineup for Season Start

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Before the start of the new season, the LADA Sport ROSNEFT racing team held a presentation of the updated line-up of pilots.

    In the 2025 season, Russia’s most titled racing team will take part in two classes of circuit racing and karting. Ivan Chubarov and Vladimir Sheshenin will drive cars in the most powerful class, SMP TCR Russia. Leonid Panfilov and Andrey Petukhov will pilot cars in the Super Production class.

    The updated SMP TCR Russia team will be headed by Maxim Ostudin, who has been responsible for the results of the Super Production class pilots for the past 8 seasons. The work of Production itself will be supervised by the current holder of the Russian Circuit Racing Cup, 16-time Russian Champion Kirill Ladygin.

    In 2025, the main LADA Sport ROSNEFT Academy will continue to operate – a karting team, five pilots of which will compete for the prizes of the Championship and the National Championship. The LADA Sport ROSNEFT Junior karting team is the current national champion and has held this title for the third year in a row.

    Rosneft has been the general sponsor of LADA Sport ROSNEFT since 2015. During this time, the team has achieved impressive results, winning 45 championship titles, including victory in the Silk Way Rally, as well as in all classes of circuit racing, classic rally and karting. Thanks to this cooperation, the market received a number of innovative products: high-octane gasoline Pulsar-100 and sports racing oil Rosneft Magnum Racing. Since 2021, the LADA Sport ROSNEFT team has been using this engine oil, which provides increased engine protection in extreme competition conditions. Technologies tested on race tracks are available to motorists. Pulsar fuel and Magnum Racing oil can be purchased at Rosneft filling stations

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft April 25, 2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman Applauds Congressional Youth Cabinet Participants

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman

    Congressional Youth Cabinet participants pose with a member of Sen. Boozman’s staff upon completion of their legislative proposal presentation.

      

    LITTLE ROCK, Ark.––U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) applauded members of his 2024-2025 Congressional Youth Cabinet following their legislative proposal presentations on Wednesday, April 23 at the Arkansas State Capitol.

    “I am proud of the dedicated efforts that some of Arkansas’s youngest leaders have demonstrated throughout the course of this year’s Congressional Youth Cabinet,” said Boozman. “These students represented themselves, their families and communities incredibly well by working hard to identify issues that impact their peers, as well as our state and nation, and crafting impressive, well-informed policy recommendations. It was encouraging to see their enthusiasm to engage with this platform and I hope their participation serves to motivate continued community service and civic engagement into the future.”

    Over the course of the program, the Congressional Youth Cabinet brought together 114 high school juniors to meet other students in their congressional districts, share their ideas and work together to pioneer policy initiatives and potential legislative solutions for a variety of challenging issues including maternal health and rural healthcare, school safety and security, the effect of social media on mental health, and “name, image and likeness” in collegiate athletics.

    In their presentations to the senator, students offered their relevant research, data collected and interviews with experts that informed their policy suggestions. They were also encouraged to describe how their proposals could be funded and implemented.

    Congressional Youth Cabinet participants discuss their policy presentation with Sen. Boozman and members of his staff.

    The senator’s office designed the Congressional Youth Cabinet – a nonpartisan, civics-based program – to give students first-hand experience with the democratic process and provide an opportunity to learn how public policy impacts them, their families and their communities.

    Congressional Youth Cabinet participants offer a policy presentation to Sen. Boozman and members of his staff. 

    Boozman convened the participants in Little Rock in October to kick-off the initiative for this school year, urging the students to embrace the opportunity and enjoy building relationships with one another as they explored legislative topics of interest.

    Click here for a complete list of 2024-2025 Congressional Youth Cabinet participants and to view more photos from the event.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Career Insight: Ellen, Trainee Solicitor, GLD

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Case study

    Career Insight: Ellen, Trainee Solicitor, GLD

    Ellen provides an insight into her training within the Government Legal Department (GLD)

    I applied for the Government Legal Department (GLD) training contract (Solicitor route) after working in the Civil Service at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) for nearly a year in a non-legal, entry-level role. Having studied law at university, I was uncertain about pursuing a legal career. However, I loved working in the Civil Service and thought that a legal career in government appeared to be more interesting and potentially more fulfilling. When I was offered the training contract, I was also given the opportunity to work as a paralegal in GLD before starting my LPC, which I found very useful.

    Despite my experience as a GLD paralegal, I began my training contract with little knowledge of what the two years would entail, other than that the structure was similar to those in private practice: four six-month seats.  My first two seats were in litigation and the latter two in advisory. My litigation seats were divided into private law litigation and public law litigation. “Litigation” refers to the process of taking legal action through the courts to resolve a dispute, and GLD litigation can also include working on inquiries. “Advisory” means acting as an in-house lawyer for your chosen department, sometimes sitting with, or in the same building as, your clients.

    My first seat was in private law litigation, with the Home Office and the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) as our main clients. This was a great introduction to litigation and to GLD. Within the first couple of months, I was running my own smaller cases (under supervision) and assisting colleagues on larger cases. A highlight was attending the Supreme Court for an (appealed) application to strike out a defamation claim.

    My second seat was in public law litigation, with clients including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the Ministry of Defence (MOD), and the Home Office. In this seat, I worked mostly on judicial reviews, which are challenges to decisions made by public bodies. These are much faster-paced than private law claims, with courts often setting deadlines of only a few days. Consequently, the work was intense, but I really enjoyed it.

    My first advisory seat was in the Attorney General’s Office; the Attorney General is the chief legal advisor to the Government, and so his “office” (which is a whole department) works across a number of matters. My favourite aspect of my team’s work was collaborating with departments across government to ensure that Bills were constitutionally sound before being introduced to Parliament. This involved cross-Whitehall liaison, attending Parliament, and briefing Ministers. It was a privilege to have this opportunity at such an early stage in my career.

    I am now in my fourth and final seat in the Home Office and the work is once again very different. Among other things, I am still working on the same Bills I reviewed in AGO, but now focus on the details of different measures, working closely with policy clients and Parliamentary Counsel to draft them. This seat has so far been challenging and interesting – and I’m looking forward to qualification.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New pitches open at Stoke Damerel

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Plymouth Argyle mascot Pilgrim Pete kicks off at the new Stoke Damerel playing pitches

    Pupils and residents have been celebrating the opening of Plymouth’s newest community sports facility.

    As part of the city’s ongoing investment in sports facilities, the three multi-surfaced pitches Stoke Damerel Community College will provide space for several different sports.

    The new facilities include a brand new, 2G sand pitch, which whilst primarily suitable for hockey, is a multi-sports surface and can be used for a number of other activities.

    Also completed is a smaller 3G pitch, specifically targeted at football and rugby use, which has been supported by a £250,000 grant from the Premier League, the Football Association and the Football Foundation.

    Other project funders include the Council, Stoke Damerel Community College and the Greenshaw Learning Trust. The project has also received support from Devon Football Association.

    A renovation and upgrade of and existing grass pitch, is also part of the works and will open next year.

    The new additions will be for both school and community use with modern flood lighting to ensure that they can be used all year round.

    The plans complement the work already underway to transform the former Brickfields Sports Centre into a new community wellbeing hub and pitches that are   operated by the Argyle Community Trust.

    Councillor Dann and Anita Frier at the opening event

    Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Sport, Leisure and HR, said: “I’m so proud of this fantastic new facility which I know is going to be well used by students and the community alike and aligns with our priority of to improve health outcomes. 

    “These pitches are just part of the overall Brickfield masterplan which has given us a once-in-a-generation chance to revamp grassroots sports facilities in Plymouth, allowing a positive life-long impact on active health and wellbeing.

    “I’d like to thank Stoke Damerel staff and students for their cooperation in the project, both in the planning and during construction and also the Football Foundation, whose funding has been so crucial.”

    Anita Frier, Principal of Stoke Damerel Community College, said: “These improvements are significant for the long-term ambitions of the College, allowing us to expand and develop the PE offering both for students of SDCC and SMHC, as well as local primary schools.

    “Having been without on-site sporting facilities for six months, being able to have all-weather facilities will mean uninterrupted sporting activities for students and community all year.”

    Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “The Football Foundation is working closely with our partners – the Premier League, The FA and Government – to transform the quality of grassroots facilities in England by delivering projects like this across the country.

    “Good quality playing facilities have a transformative impact on physical and mental health and play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities.

    “We’re delighted that the local community in Plymouth will be able to enjoy all these benefits thanks to the new facilities at Stoke Damerel Community College.”

    Booking enquiries for the new pitches can be made by emailing [email protected]

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The ski-jumping cheating scandal: how suits were illegally altered for unfair advantage

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Bryce Dyer, Associate Professor of Sports Technology, Bournemouth University

    In this age of artificial intelligence, data tampering and genetic manipulation, it seems that the nature of fraud and deception in competitive sport is becoming increasingly sophisticated. So, it seems almost surprising to see cheating in sport take a relatively old-fashioned form of late: tampering with equipment.

    Yet that’s precisely what unfolded last month in ski jumping, a winter sport whereby athletes soar down a ramp, take flight and aim to maximise both distance and technique. Over the last few months, several ski jumpers and their management have been suspended from the sport due to the intentional illegal tampering and modification of the suits they wear.

    The case first came to light during the 2025 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships held in Trondheim in March. Two Norwegian athletes, Marius Lindvik and Johann Andre Forfang, were subsequently disqualified from the men’s large hill event due to allegations of illegal ski jump suit manipulation with the intention of improving their performance.

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

    A subsequent investigation revealed that their ski suits had been illegally altered. In response, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) provisionally suspended the two athletes, along with three Norwegian national team officials – including the head coach and their equipment manager. Both athletes ultimately admitted the illegal alterations.

    The scandal then intensified as FIS expanded its investigation which then subsequently led to the suspension of three other Norwegian ski jumpers. Several members of the team were all found to have been involved in the decision to modify the suits for the championships.

    This wasn’t the sport’s first brush with controversy surrounding its suits. At the 2022 Winter Olympics, several jumpers there were disqualified for wearing suits that were deemed too large, again raising concerns about fairness.

    What did the cheating intend to achieve?

    A successful ski jump can be divided into several phases: in-run, take-off, early flight, stable flight, landing preparation, and landing. The suit contributes to enhancing the performance in all of these phases by directly affecting the aerodynamics and flight characteristics of the athlete. As a result, the size and shape of the suit is heavily regulated.

    In the case of this scandal, the Norwegian Ski Federation general manager told a news conference that a reinforced thread or an extra seam had been put in the jumpsuits of the first two athletes that were suspended.

    This additional material was inserted into the crotch area of the suits, increasing the surface area and stiffness, potentially providing extra lift during a jump’s flight phases. This extra lift would essentially translate into an increase in flight time and therefore a potential increase in the jumping distance. These modifications were not detectable through standard visual inspection and were only discovered upon detailed examination of the suits by then tearing them open.

    Of course, cheating in sport is not a new phenomenon. However, in some cases, such controversies are not cheating per se, but merely new technologies emerging that challenge our perceptions of a sport and its values.

    Some examples of this were the use of full-body swimsuits at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, or the potential use of prosthetic legs in track athletics at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

    However, sometimes cheating can occur whereby sports equipment is intentionally modified physically to provide a competitive advantage. A recent example of this is the Australian cricket ball tampering scandal in 2018 where balls were intentionally scuffed by players to change their behaviour when bowled.

    Improving a piece of sports equipment to increase its performance is the field of mechanical ergogenics, or, when illicitly performed, colloquially known as “technodoping”.

    Some consider that the physical capabilities of athletes in some sports have now plateaued to the extent that any future improvements in performance will need to rely predominantly on technological innovation. So perhaps it can be understood why the suits were targeted in this particular sport.

    In April 2025, the FIS decided to lift the provisional suspensions of the five Norwegian athletes under investigation for suspected involvement in suit tampering because it is the competitive off-season.

    However, the ban for the officials involved remains in place. In the wake of the scandal, FIS has now implemented stricter regulations to prevent future instances of equipment manipulation. These key measures included limiting athletes to a single, pre-approved suit for the year’s competitions, and the FIS storing and inspecting all suits.

    These reforms aim to uphold the integrity of ski jumping and will hopefully restore confidence in the sport itself. The 2025 scandal stands as a clear reminder that in the pursuit of victory, sports must remain vigilant – because when innovation outpaces fair play, integrity is the first casualty.

    Bryce Dyer 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. The ski-jumping cheating scandal: how suits were illegally altered for unfair advantage – https://theconversation.com/the-ski-jumping-cheating-scandal-how-suits-were-illegally-altered-for-unfair-advantage-254854

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Wouldn’t it be nice if York had less congestion?

    Source: City of York

    City of York Council has today unveiled a new video starring eight York residents, business owners and students and poses a question – wouldn’t it be nice to have less congestion in York?

    The video opens with each person telling us about their experiences of transport in York, before going on to explain what the Council is doing about these issues.

    The first of two films to communicate the new Local Transport Strategy (LTS), which was adopted in 2024, this video highlights findings from the public consultation on the LTS. It also shows how this year alone £10m of nationally allocated, ringfenced funding is being invested in resurfacing pavements, roads and pathways; lighting; real-time bus information; a barrier removal programme, and delivering on our adopted Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP).

    The video will be followed in the coming weeks by a public consultation on improvements to the Park and Ride sites including accessible EV charging bays, new toilets (including Changing Spaces facilities), overnight parking facilities, plus better signage, lighting and integrated transport options.

    Councillor Kate Ravilious, Executive Member for Transport at City of York Council, said:

    Not only does this video show the wonderful diversity of people and transport options we have across York, but the very real impacts that transport has on all our lives, and the reasons why we are working hard to improve options for how people move around.

    “I hope all residents can see a little of themselves across the eight stories, and I’m looking forward to unveiling some of our new plans as well as updating everyone on all the great work our teams are doing to make York a healthier, more sustainable and better-connected city.

    “I’d like to thank the eight residents and businesses, as well as the venues used for filming, plus the highways and transport teams who helped coordinate all the elements of filming.”

    The eight residents represent the following issues, and how we are resolving them:

    • A woman bus driver who asks “Wouldn’t it be nice to have less traffic in York?” – our on-going work to make buses more accessible, promote bus use and lower the cost of bus travel for young people has already helped to reduce the number of cars on the road, freeing up road space for those whose journeys are essential.
    • A university student who uses a wheelchair and whose route is blocked by steel barriers – our barrier removal programme will begin in Spring and make dozens of pathways accessible again.
    • An older woman who isn’t online so can’t check bus times before she leaves the house – our bus team have improved over 200 elements at bus stops, including real time information screens, better shelters, lighting and seating.
    • A college student who doesn’t have buses running to their village – we work with each of the six bus operators in York to help subsidise existing services, and continue to work with the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire to ensure financial support for bus services offers better travel options for residents and businesses.
    • A woman runner who has to choose different routes depending on lighting and personal safety considerations – our lighting teams have been installing new LED lights across the city, and will deliver future improvements at the Jubilee Terrace to Scarborough Bridge Riverside Path (where the runner was filmed).
    • A woman who uses an adapted cycle and would like to explore more of York – our LCWIP will help us create a more joined up and accessible cycle network, as well as increasing the number of accessible cycle parking spaces in the city centre. To further improve access for disabled residents, we have been increasing the number of Blue Badge holder bays across York.
    • A business owner who explains the issues his delivery drivers face, with congestion causing problems for businesses. By encouraging more people to use public transport and travel by wheeling and walking, we aim to reduce the level of congestion in the city and miles travelled by vehicles by 20% by 2030.
    • And a young person who just loves riding their cycle but faces a lot of traffic. By encouraging more people to leave the car at home where they can, we are creating better environments for people of all ages.

    The video is available on YouTube:

    Notes to editors:

    Filming took place in Fulford, Naburn and Acomb, as well as on Nunnery Lane, Walmgate Stray, Millennium Bridge, Blossom St, The Mount and Riverside Path and at York College and at Middleton’s Hotel.

    In addition to the people featured in the film and the lining, lighting, road maintenance, communities teams within CYC, our thanks go to York College, Transdev, Get Cycling CIC, Middleton’s Hotel and to York based videographer, Paul Richardson.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: More Hong Kong Reading Week highlight activities to be held this weekend

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    More Hong Kong Reading Week highlight activities to be held this weekend 
         The public libraries in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao earlier organised the 4.23 World Book Day Creative Competition under the same theme “Reading – My Travel Buddy”. The HKPL will hold a prize presentation ceremony at the HKCL tomorrow to commend participants from Hong Kong who excelled in the competition.
     
         In addition, a series of fun day activities suitable for people of all ages will be available at the HKCL on Saturday and Sunday. The activities include the “Next Station: Conservation” interactive talks tomorrow, where educators from Ocean Park Hong Kong will explore interesting facts about animals with participants, share the experiences of animal caretakers for giant pandas, and talk about a book titled “Whiskers and Friends: Polar Sports Challenge” to provide tips on energy saving and alleviating global warming.
     
         The “Understanding Pandas” workshop will be held on Sunday, where educator Tang Man-hon (STEM Sir) will explore with audiences the lives of giant pandas and the threats to their habitats. Renowned landscape photographer Kelvin Yuen will conduct an “On the Road” photography sharing session on the same day, discussing the creative process behind his works and the challenges encountered. Works by Yuen and winners of the Matching Quotes with Snapshots Competition will also be on display at the HKCL. Other activities include workshops on Chinese tea culture appreciation, mosquito-repelling fragrant sachet making, plant rubbing and dyeing, Zentangle art, tag making, and more.
     
         In collaboration with Bring Me A Book Hong Kong, the HKPL will hold REadCONNECT family activities at the HKCL on Sunday, including creative book-making workshops and “Author Meets and Greets” sessions hosted by picture book authors Rachel Ip, Shana Cheung, Benny Lau and Bonnie Pang. The authors will share how their observations of daily life inspire their works.
     
         The Pop-up Library@Hong Kong Reading Week will be held at D·PARK in Tsuen Wan on Sunday. Author Rap Chan, Korean culture and travel writer Joyce Cheuk, content creator SaiDorSi, and writer Christine Cappio will share their life stories and selected books on “soul empowerment”, accompanied by live music and sand painting performances. There will also be activity booths, including scented bookmark making and a virtual reality tour of the natural landscape and cultural attractions of China. The Library-on-Wheels outreach truck will be stationed outside D·PARK to provide a book-lending service, and members of the public can experience the convenience of the easy-to-use self-checkout service.
     
         Selected public libraries across Hong Kong will continue to have special decorations on Saturday and Sunday to create a fun-filled reading space. Workshops such as storytelling, landscape sketching, and making aroma stones will be held. Photo taking booths will be available at some selected public libraries for patrons to create travel-themed postcards.
     
         The HKRW is being held from April 19 to 27. Under the theme “Zoom/LIBRARY”, the HKRW holds about 450 online and on-site events to foster a reading habit among the public. All activities of the HKRW are free of charge, while seat reservations are required for some events. For details, please visit the website: www.hkpl.gov.hk/hkrwIssued at HKT 11:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Viksit Vibrant Villages Program to Take Place From 15th to 30th May 2025; Registrations on MY Bharat Platform Started from 23rd April

    Source: Government of India

    Viksit Vibrant Villages Program to Take Place From 15th to 30th May 2025; Registrations on MY Bharat Platform Started from 23rd April

    500 MY Bharat Youth Volunteers from Across Country to Work Directly with Communities in 100 Selected Villages of Leh-Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand

    Program to Empower Youth to Take Lead in Giving New Identity to Border Villages and Transform India’s Frontier Communities

    Posted On: 25 APR 2025 2:16PM by PIB Delhi

    The Viksit Vibrant Villages Program is a joint initiative aimed at revitalizing India’s remote border regions. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs, the program will be implemented with support from local governance bodies and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). It will focus on Leh-Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, taking place from 15th to 30th May 2025.

    This initiative will empower youth by involving 500 MY Bharat volunteers from across the country, who will work directly with communities in 100 selected villages. These volunteers will drive grassroots engagement and community development through a variety of initiatives, ranging from educational support and infrastructure enhancement to healthcare and cultural preservation. By engaging local residents and leveraging the strength of youth leadership, the program aims to bring long-lasting, positive transformation to these border areas.

    Registration for the Viksit Vibrant Villages Program officially commenced on 23rd April 2025 via the MY Bharat Portal. Volunteers from across India are encouraged to apply for this transformative opportunity. 10 MY Bharat volunteers will be selected from the Union Territories and 15 from each participating state. In total, 500 volunteers will be chosen to serve as the backbone of the program, leading and coordinating activities within the villages.

    As part of this program, immersive learning journeys, cultural exchange programs, and grassroots development projects are being rolled out, allowing the youth to directly interact with the unique socio-cultural and strategic fabric of India’s border regions.

    The program will unfold over 7 days, with each day dedicated to a distinct domain of community development. The activities will include, but are not limited to:

    1. Community Engagement

    2. Youth Leadership Development

    3. Cultural Promotion

    4. Healthcare Awareness and Support

    5. Skill-building and Education

    6. Environment Protection Best Practices

    7. Career Counselling Sessions

    8. Fitness Activities like Sports, Yoga, Meditation, etc

    9. Open Mic, Essay, Fireside Chat, etc on My Dream India

    Knowledge Transfer and National Consciousness

    Through this program, young citizens will have the opportunity to explore and document the heritage, resilience, and potential of border communities. These experiences, when shared through digital platforms, community discussions, and institutional presentations, will ensure that the voices of India’s frontier residents reach wider national and global audiences.

    The initiative encourages youth to not only witness but actively contribute to the development of these areas – be it through innovative projects in education, entrepreneurship, sustainable agriculture, or local governance. This interaction cultivates mutual respect, deeper national unity, and the emergence of border villages as ‘cultural beacons’ rather than isolated outposts.

    From Forgotten to Celebrated: Giving Border Villages a New Identity

    The program seeks to dismantle the long-held stereotype of border villages being “the last on the map.” Instead, it celebrates them as ‘first villages’ in the journey toward Viksit Bharat  by 2047. Through sustained youth involvement, these villages will be given a platform to showcase their language, art, music, architecture, and stories – redefining their identity from that of a geopolitical buffer to centers of heritage, innovation, and national pride. The Viksit Vibrant Villages program is not just a government effort – it is a generational mission to ensure that development, identity, and dignity ow to every corner of the country, with the youth leading the way.

    To kick-start this initiative, the Ministry will conduct an orientation program in Delhi, where all selected volunteers will undergo an intensive briefing and training session. This orientation will ensure that the volunteers are well-prepared to carry out the program’s objectives and equipped with the necessary knowledge to engage with local communities effectively. The orientation program will provide a unique opportunity for the volunteers to develop crucial leadership skills, gain deeper insights into rural community needs, and learn how to coordinate their efforts with the local governance systems.

    This structure aims to provide a well-rounded learning experience for volunteers, ensuring that they not only contribute to village transformation but also grow personally and professionally throughout the program. This initiative will serve as a catalyst for positive change in the border regions of India, empowering the youth to become active participants in nation-building. By providing youth with the platform to engage directly with local communities, the program seeks to foster a spirit of National integration, cultural pride, and strategic development.

    *****

    Himanshu Pathak

    (Release ID: 2124248) Visitor Counter : 39

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government announces preferred candidate for Independent Football Regulator Chair

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Government announces preferred candidate for Independent Football Regulator Chair

    David Kogan OBE is the Government’s preferred candidate for Independent Football Regulator Chair, the Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy announced today.

    David Kogan OBE has held senior positions in the television and sports industries during a 45 year career as a media executive, business leader and corporate advisor. He negotiated a succession of multi-billion pound TV rights deals on behalf of major sporting bodies, including the Premier League and the English Football League. He has also advised UEFA, The Scottish Premier League, Six Nations, Premier Rugby and the NFL. Most recently he sold the broadcast rights on behalf of the Woman’s Super League.

    He is a former managing director of Reuters Television (the global television news agency), and an ex-CEO of the Magnum photo agency. He has co-founded both Reel Enterprises and the Women’s Sports Group. He is currently an advisor to the New York Times Group and CNN on their commercial, digital and AI strategies. Among his public boards David was a non-executive director at Channel 4, a member of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s Services board from 2007-14 and Chair of Westminster Kingsway Corporation. He is the author of three books.

    David will now appear before MPs on the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee for pre-appointment scrutiny.

    Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy said:

    David brings with him a wealth of expertise from the sport and media industries having worked across a number of high-profile governing bodies, competition organisers and major media corporations in a very impressive career. It makes him an outstanding candidate to be the chair of the independent football regulator. 

    This will be a vital, public role to ensure sensible, light-touch regulation helps to strengthen financial sustainability and put fans back at the heart of the game.

    David Kogan OBE said:

    Across the country millions of us share a passion for football, a game that is not only part of our national heritage but one of our most valuable cultural exports. That’s why as both a supporter and someone with many years spent working in football, I am honoured to have been asked to be the preferred candidate for chair of the newly created Independent Football Regulator.  

    Our professional clubs, whatever their size, are a source of local and national pride. They generate economic growth and investment, unite communities, and create shared experiences and memories that transcend generations. 

    The job of the regulator is to work with those clubs, their owners, and their supporters to create a dynamic framework that will ensure the game is on a sound financial footing so that it can continue to flourish and to grow. I cannot wait to get started.

    The Football Governance Bill, which is currently going through Parliament, will establish the Independent Football Regulator and a new set of rules to protect clubs, empower fans and keep clubs at the heart of their communities.

    The Regulator will tackle rogue owners and directors, implement a club licensing regime to help ensure a more consistent approach in how clubs are run, monitor club finances and improve fan engagement throughout the football pyramid – from the Premier League to the National League. It will also have a backstop measure to mediate a fair financial distribution between Leagues, should they be unable to come to an agreement 

    The Regulator will help to ensure English football remains one of the country’s greatest exports, and places fans back at the heart of the game, so that local clubs in towns and cities continue to thrive for generations.

    Notes to editors

    • The appointment of a Chair of the Independent Football Regulator has been made as the result of a fair and open competition, run in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.  The Chair of the IFR is appointed by the DCMS Secretary of State.
    • Substantive appointment to the Chair role is ultimately subject to the Football Governance Bill being granted Royal Assent that will be subject to Parliamentary process. Any appointments made ahead of this will be done on a designated basis.
    • Ministers were assisted in their decision-making by an Advisory Assessment Panel, which included a departmental official and a Senior Independent Panel Member approved by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. 

    • The Chair of the Independent Football Regulator is remunerated at £130,000 per annum for an initial time commitment of 3 days per week.

    • This appointment process was run in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments.
    • The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: International Book Day at the State University of Management was celebrated with a presentation of an author’s collection and a discussion on the role of AI in literature

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    On April 23, 2025, on International Book and Copyright Day, the Scientific Library of the State University of Management held a ceremony to present author’s copies of the collection of creative works “Towards Happiness” based on the materials of the II Inter-University Festival of Book Clubs “Living Hat”.

    Among the authors of the collection were representatives of Russian universities and colleges:

    State University of Management; All-Russian State University of Cinematography named after S.A. Gerasimov; State University of Education; College of Telecommunications of Moscow Technical University of Communications and Informatics; Moscow Business Academy; Moscow State University of Psychology and Education; Kutafin Moscow State Law University (MSAL); Moscow Financial and Industrial University “Synergy”; National Research Nuclear University MEPhI; Russian University of Sport “GTSOLIFK”; Plekhanov Russian University of Economics; Saint Petersburg State University; Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation.

    The meeting was opened by the Rector’s Advisor, Head of the Department of State and Municipal Administration, and member of the Union of Writers of Russia, Sergei Chuev.

    “Now every author can publish his work, but being published among the best is a great source of pride for the author,” said Sergei Vladimirovich.

    Director of the Scientific Library of the State University of Management Olga Kharlamova expressed gratitude to the participants for their attention to the Inter-University Festival of Book Clubs “Living Hat” and invited them to join the work of the festival’s organizing committee in November.

    The head of the Literary and Theatre Club “GUUmanist”, a leading specialist of the Institute of Distance Education of the State University of Management Tatyana Rachek noted that such meetings are a huge incentive to support cultural values, to form patriotism in young people, and wished all participants of future competitions and festivals inspiration and new ideas.

    Leading specialist of the Scientific Library Evgeniya Drits invited new clubs to participate in the Festival in 2025.

    After the award ceremony, an interesting discussion took place. One of the main questions was whether it is acceptable to use AI in literature:

    Can neural networks be trusted to create full-fledged works of art? Does AI help develop a writer’s imagination or, on the contrary, hinder the manifestation of creative individuality? Should AI’s work be perceived as a threat to classical creativity or as a useful tool to support the writer?

    The participants spoke openly and sincerely, with many arguments and examples from personal experience. Some said that AI is a new thing, and, like everything new, we are free to treat it with caution. But this does not mean that neural networks are bad. Their use is acceptable in the context of helping the author. Others insisted that the use of neural networks in literature is unacceptable, and AI is only good for pulp novels. Some supported the idea that AI helps to complete images, complement existing ideas. It is just a tool, it does not generate texts entirely and can only help a person, but not replace him. And neural networks that generate images help aspiring authors who want to promote their work, but cannot afford the services of an illustrator. In this case, AI is beneficial, since it helps to promote new talents. Most participants agreed that artificial intelligence can really become an excellent assistant to a writer, complementing and enriching creative ideas. It is important to remember that true art is created by man, and the tools only support the flight of his imagination.

    The authors shared stories about their first attempt at writing, discussed the problem of the author’s responsibility for their readers, and reflected on imitating the style of the greats. They also read their poems and prose. The participants of the event left autographs and good wishes for the Scientific Library of the State University of Management.

    Representatives of book, literary, and poetry clubs highly appreciated the initiative of the Scientific Library of the State University of Management to form an active community that supports cultural values, uniting students who are passionate about reading, and supporting the creativity of young authors.

    The collection “Towards Happiness” is already in the collection of the Scientific Library of the State University of Management.

    Until next time, full of warmth, smiles and interesting conversations!

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 04/25/2025

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

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