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Category: Universities

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Liverpool Calling: The Results Are In

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Ground-breaking research has found that hosting the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 delivered a £54million economic boost to the Liverpool City Region. 

    In a first for any Eurovision Song Contest host city, a Multi-Agency Evaluation Steering Group led by Liverpool City Council, has commissioned five in-depth, independent evaluations – the interim results of which will be announced today (Thursday 26 October) by Leader of Liverpool City Council, Councillor Liam Robinson and Liverpool City Region Mayor, Steve Rotheram.

    The reports looked at the economic and social impact of staging the event on behalf of Ukraine, as well as the influence on cultural relations; the impact on wellbeing in the city and the wider city region; the visitor experience and the effectiveness of the strategic collaboration between delivery agencies. 

    Key data highlights include:

    The Big Numbers

    • Eurovision boosted the Liverpool City Region economy by £54.8million (net) with restaurants, accommodation providers, shops, bars and transport networks all benefitting.
    • In total 473,000 people attended Eurovision events in the city, with 306,000 additional visitors heading to Liverpool to be part of the celebrations.
    • In May, 175,000 city centre hotel rooms were sold  – the best month on record since 2018. (STEAM data)   

    Culture Counts

    • The education and community programmes, EuroStreet and EuroLearn, engaged with 367 organisations and directly with 50,000 people, young and old. The overall programme is estimated to have reached 2 million people.
    • EuroFestival – the Culture Liverpool curated two-week culture festival – presented 24 brand new commissions, 19 of which were in collaboration with Ukrainian artists. A huge 328,346 people engaged with this programme – 557 artists, 1,750 participants involved in a commission and an audience number of 326,039.
    • The official Eurovision Village, located at the Pier Head attracted 250,000 visitors across the ten days it was open, with the ticketed final selling out within hours.

    Visitor’s Views

    • Visitors to Liverpool reported an overwhelmingly positive experience. In a survey, 89 per cent of those questioned, felt it was a safe event and 88 per cent praised its inclusivity. A whopping 96 per cent of those surveyed would recommend Liverpool as a destination to visit and 42 per cent of overseas visitors said the city’s staging of the event had a positive impact on how they viewed the UK.
    • The official Eurovision Fan Club – the OGAEs – carried out a survey and found that 99 per cent of their members felt welcomed in the city and 98 per cent loved the undeniable festival atmosphere.

    Resident’s Reaction

    • There was a huge amount of pride around Liverpool being the host city, with 80 per cent of residents noting how important it was for Liverpool and a further 93 per cent saying they were pleased with how the city delivered the event.
    • Of those questioned, 74 per cent were enthusiastic about Liverpool hosting on behalf of Ukraine and 71 per cent felt that the city’s leading role promoted positive feelings across all of the participating nations.

    People Power

    • An impressive 475 people provided 12,000 hours of volunteering, covering 350 shifts. The majority (90 per cent) were from the North West of England, and 30 were Ukrainian.
    • A Eurovision job recruitment fair saw 394 jobs offered in one day.
    • A partnership between the BBC and Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts saw 145 students become part of the Eurovision production – in roles such as on stage dancers in the live shows, costume makers or in the TV production team.

    Read all about it

    • Between the period of October 2022, when Liverpool was announced as host city, until end of May 2023, more than 280,000 pieces of global news coverage were generated.
    • The three live BBC shows were watched by 162 million people.

    Keep Liverpool Tidy

    • More than 50,000 tonnes of waste was collected throughout the Eurovision period, 80 per cent of which could be recycled.

    The independent reports were:

    • Economic Impact – Commissioned by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and funded by Arts and Humanities Research Council. The research was compiled by AMION Consulting.
    • Community and Wellbeing – Commissioned by Liverpool City Council and funded by Spirit of 2012 and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). The research was carried out by University of Liverpool.
    • Cultural Diplomacy – Commissioned by Liverpool City Council and funded by British Council and DCMS. The British Council led on the research along with the University of Hull, and consultants from Universities of Brighton, Southampton and Royal Holloway (University of London).
    • Nightlife – Funded and compiled by Liverpool John Moores University.
    • Multi–Agency Working – Led by Edge Hill University.  

    Along with these reports, the BBC has commissioned its own Eurovision Highlights Report.

    To bring together the findings of the reports, Liverpool City Council’s Public Health team commissioned The Heseltine Institute for Public Policy, Practice and Place to compile the headline findings. This comprehensive overview can be found at the Heseltine Institute website. 

    The interim findings of these reports will be discussed at a special one-day Eurovision event taking place at ACC Liverpool today (Thursday 26 October).

    Head to the official Liverpool Calling website for full details of the day which will include panels with the Liverpool Host City team who will give an insight into the complexities of staging an event of this scale. This is a Liverpool City Council event supported by the Liverpool BID Company and The ACC Liverpool Group.

    Follow @CultureLpool on Twitter, @CultureLiverpool on Facebook and @culture_liverpool on Instagram for the latest updates as well as using #LiverpoolCalling on social media.

    Reaction

    Leader of Liverpool City Council, Councillor Liam Robinson, said:

    “The whirlwind that was Eurovision, gave this city an unparalleled stage where it could showcase not just its organisational prowess, but also its heart and soul.

    “From the outset, we put plans in place to evaluate everything we programmed in order to have a thorough understanding of the impact of major events.

    “The visitor and economic figures speak for themselves – jobs were created, local businesses were on the receiving end of a much-needed boost and hundreds of thousands of people came to the city, had a great time and are more than likely to return again.

    “My mantra is proud but never satisfied. These comprehensive reports give us the opportunity to reflect on what was achieved over an incredibly short period of time, but more importantly we can look at lessons learnt for the next time we host a major event. And this is Liverpool, so there will definitely be a next time.

    “Knowing the financials and the visitor numbers is always a great indicator of success, but with Eurovision we wanted to do more. As the first host city ever to introduce a school and community programme dedicated to Eurovision, we needed to drill into what that really meant for people – did it make a positive difference to their lives and as a result to our city? Never before has any other location commissioned such a detailed analysis, and it goes without saying that our methodology can be adopted by locations across the world which is a real badge of honour for Liverpool.

    “This collective research proves that events like Eurovision can transcend boundaries, leaving a legacy of inspiration and goodwill. It was a milestone moment in our city’s history, and now we’re more than ready for the next one.”

    Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram said:
    “There was never a doubt in my mind as to whether our region was up to the challenge of hosting a global spectacle like Eurovision on behalf of our friends in Ukraine – because nowhere does culture bigger or better than the Liverpool City Region. From the hundreds of thousands of visitors who flocked to our region for a fortnight of fun and frivolity, to the tens of millions around the world who tuned in, we gave millions of people a Eurovision they will never forget.

    “While that’s an incredible result in itself, the contest was also a vital shot in the arm for our local economy, bringing in more than £54m, creating thousands of jobs and opportunities for local people and showcasing our brand to an international audience. None of this would have been possible without the hard work of everyone who truly embraced the Eurovision spirit and made our visitors feel so welcome. I said all along that nowhere can throw a party quite like us – and now we have the results to prove it!”

    Liverpool’s Director of Culture, Claire McColgan CBE, said:

    “We experienced this Eurovision-high as a result of cultural back catalogue.

    “We have spent years working towards what we all experienced in May – we cut our teeth during our European Capital of Culture year and from that point we have grown exponentially in confidence and ability as year-on-year we continue to deliver events that rival any other on the world stage.

    “The pandemic was a real line in the sand for us, and undoubtedly Liverpool’s role in leading the charge on the reopening of venues nationwide made us stand out from the crowd – we are recognised as a city that can deliver unforgettable moments, safely, quickly and with a scouse panache that simply can’t be replicated anywhere else.

    “Quite simply, it was an honour to deliver Eurovision on behalf of Ukraine and the UK. I’ve never known time move so fast as it did across those seven months and it has been a real pleasure to digest these impact reports and relive the experience once again and reassure myself it wasn’t just a crazy dream! They underline the fact Liverpool has the skill, agency-wide teamwork and the creativity to deliver time and time again.

    “So I’d like to say to everyone – whether you worked on the event, donned those iconic yellow hoodies and volunteered, performed on stage or on our streets, danced at the Village, sang along at the arena or perhaps you discovered more about Ukraine in the classroom or even helped evaluate the event – thank you. You made Eurovision. Liverpool made Eurovision. We were all united by music.”

    Eurovision Minister Stuart Andrew said: 

    “It is fantastic to see the impact that hosting the Eurovision Song Contest has had on Liverpool. The city put on a fantastic display of culture and creativity, showing solidarity with our friends in Ukraine and highlighting what unites us all. 

    “This research demonstrates the positive impact of hosting major events and I hope that we can continue to build on this success.” 

    Tim Jones, the University of Liverpool’s Vice-Chancellor said:

    “Today’s announcement gives us much to be proud of. It was the University’s Heseltine Institute that compiled the data that this success is judged on and it was our academics who played an important role in carrying out a key strand of research. But as a civic institution, we are immensely proud of the city of Liverpool. Our city put on a show like no other and I am delighted to see these positive results that I’m sure will have a lasting legacy for those who live, work, study and do business here.”

    Rhiannon Corcoran, Professor of Psychology and Public Mental Health University of Liverpool said:

    “Our survey was designed to understand Eurovision’s impact on the wellbeing and sense of community of local residents. The data we collected shows overwhelmingly positive feelings of pride in the city. I’m sure many people will recognise and understand how this is hugely beneficial to wellbeing.” 

    Sue Jarvis, Co-Director at the Heseltine Institute said:

    “At the Heseltine Institute we were delighted to work with partners across the city to publish this summary of the comprehensive evaluation of what Eurovision achieved for our city.

    “Liverpool has a long history of hosting and learning from major events, and these evaluations will help developing understanding of the key lessons from Eurovision 2023.

    “While the full legacy will emerge over time, it was fantastic to see that the positive impacts of Eurovision exceeded expectations. Eurovision not only brought immense financial and cultural benefits to the city but also enhanced the view of Liverpool across the UK, Europe and the world.”

    Phil Harrold, BBC Chief of Staff and Chair of 2023 City Selection Group, said:
    “When the BBC selected Liverpool to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 we knew that the city would deliver with a passion and enthusiasm that was second to none. The incredible numbers proven in this research, coupled with our own record-breaking audience figures, demonstrate that 2023 was indeed the most successful Eurovision ever and is testament to all who played a part in bringing this year’s Song Contest to life.”

    Amy Finch – Head of Policy & Influencing, Spirit of 2012, said:

    “We are proud to see the headline statistics from the Eurovision evaluations show tremendous benefits for Liverpool. Particularly, we are delighted to see the amazing reach of EuroLearn and the effects of cultural engagement inspiring civic pride in Liverpool residents. Liverpool has once again proven itself to be a world class host city and we must ensure that the impact of Eurovision in communities will endure for years to come.”

    Dr Rebecca Phythian, Reader in Policing at Edge Hill University, said:

    “Having behind the scenes access to see first-hand the partnership working that goes into staging multi-agency operations like Eurovision was incredible. Since then, we’ve been working with practitioners from Merseyside Police, Culture Liverpool, BBC and many of the other organisations involved to identify what worked well and what could be done differently, all to inform future large-scale operations.”

    Mike Smith, Edge Hill University’s Senior Lecturer in Policing, said:

    “We found that trust and co-location were key to effective information sharing and multi-agency working. This was supported by building new, and strengthening existing, relationships, and ensured a joint understanding of risk and situational awareness.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Heroes of the SVO met with students of the Polytechnic University

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    On February 28, the Polytechnic University hosted a “Conversation on the Important” on the topic “Heroes are not born – heroes become heroes”, dedicated to the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland in Russia. At a meeting with Polytechnic students, SVO participants, Heroes of Russia Andrei Sergeevich and Eduard Vadimovich told why they decided to become military men, shared their combat experience and answered questions.

    I am sure that this dialogue is very important for our youth, because it is in communication with real Heroes that an understanding of such values as love for the Motherland and the duty of a defender of the Fatherland is formed. This is also important for each of us, because this is how our national memory, our cultural code and “what no one can take away from us in any trials” are preserved and transmitted, – commented the rector of SPbPU Andrey Rudskoy.

    The meeting was attended by students from various SPbPU institutes, cadets of the Military Training Center and volunteers. The conversation was moderated by veteran of the unit Dmitry Vladimirovich. First, he introduced the guests – fighters of special forces units.

    Andrei Sergeevich and Eduard Vadimovich were awarded the gold Stars of Heroes of the Russian Federation. This is not their first award. During their combat path, they have repeatedly demonstrated courage, determination and were awarded state awards, – said Dmitry Vladimirovich.

    The participants of the meeting discussed the reasons for the start of the SVO, discussed in detail one of the recent offensive operations and its significance, and watched archival videos for better understanding. Active servicemen spoke about the work of the unit, the tasks that they faced, and shared their experience of working in the combat zone.

    Polytechnic students were interested in how to deal with fear and quickly make the right decisions in extreme circumstances.

    In such situations, the head works especially quickly, makes non-standard, maximally effective decisions based on some analytical and intuitive feelings. The relationship in the group is important, sometimes we understand each other without words, – the servicemen shared.

    The guys asked about weapons during missions, about how supplies and communications are provided when the military is surrounded by enemies, about helping comrades. Many questions were related to the operation of UAVs, their importance on the battlefield. The servicemen especially noted that technology is of great importance in modern conflicts.

    The students discussed with the military the importance of patriotic education and the preservation of traditional values. They asked what the main quality of a real man is.

    A cold mind and kindness. When, in any difficulties, you pull yourself together and do what you must, without thinking about your own interests, Andrey Sergeevich is sure.

    The participants discussed the importance of humanitarian aid in the SVO zone. The moderator of the meeting, Associate Professor of the Higher School of Social Sciences Ivan Kolomeitsev said that from the very beginning of the special military operation, the university has been actively supporting its participants, and also collecting and sending humanitarian aid to residents of new regions. The guests noted that the support of volunteers and caring people helps them a lot.

    We are very grateful to everyone for their contribution. The guys always greet the vehicles with humanitarian aid with enthusiasm, they are even happy about condensed milk, – said Eduard Vadimovich.

    The guys smiled when they heard about funny situations from the military personnel’s practice. And they became sad when the conversation turned to the wounded and the dead.

    Losing a comrade in arms is like losing a brother. You become imbued with his life, his family. It is very difficult to survive such a loss. But you have to continue to carry out the task, and you pull yourself together, – shared Andrei Sergeyevich.

    Those gathered honored the memory of the fallen with a minute of silence.

    After the conversation, the Polytechnic students got acquainted with samples of captured enemy UAVs, as well as ammunition and equipment. At the end of the meeting, the guests were presented with memorable gifts from the university as a sign of respect and gratitude for their invaluable contribution to the common cause.

    Photo archive

    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 Russia: The qualifying round of the All-Russian school TIM championship has started at SPbGASU

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

    The qualifying round of the School Olympiad “All-Russian School TIM Championship” has started at SPbGASU. From March 3 to 11, participants will take tests and complete practical tasks remotely using Renga software.

    The Olympiad is being held within the framework of the federal innovation platform “Innovative methodology for the formation of digital professional competencies of students and specialists in the construction industry” implemented at the SPbGASU. The organizer is the Educational Center for Digital Competencies (ECDC).

    Our university is holding the All-Russian School TIM Championship for the second time. As the director of the OCCK Inna Sukhanova said, this year’s competition is distinguished by the presence of a qualifying round, which was not there before, as well as a large number of participants: 180 students from grades 8–11 registered for February 28 (last time there were 44).

    “TIM-Championship is an important event for schoolchildren. In preparation for the tournament, the children master the information modeling program, which is used in the construction industry. Thus, schoolchildren can decide in advance on the choice of future specialty, check whether project activities are suitable for them. It is very important that SPbGASU holds such events. After all, with the help of such championships, many children can be interested in project activities and admission to our university,” said jury member Kirill Sukhanov, associate professor of the Department of Heat, Gas Supply and Ventilation of SPbGASU.

    The jury is headed by Nikita Gorovoy, a specialist at the OCC. Together with him and Kirill Sukhanov, the participants’ work will be assessed by Svetlana Ezhova, TIM coordinator at JSC “Head Design and Survey Institute “Chuvashgrazhdanproekt”, Alevtina German, BIM expert at Vysotskiy consulting, and Ekaterina Velichko, chief architect of the project, OOO “Metropolis”.

    Schoolchildren who successfully pass the selection will take part in the final stage. It will be held from March 26 to 28 with the possibility of in-person and remote participation.

    The award ceremony for the winners of the Olympiad will take place on April 25, 2025, as part of the VIII International Scientific and Practical Conference “Information Modeling in Construction and Architecture” (BIMAC-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-Evening Report: Schools agreement provides NSW $4.8 billion extra for public schools over a decade

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

    The Albanese government has signed up New South Wales to its new schools funding agreement, with an extra A$4.8 billion in funding for the state’s public schools over ten years.

    Queensland remains the only state still to join the agreement, which ties federal funding to schools to specific measures, such as phonics checks and teacher training. The federal government is working hard to finalise a deal with that state before going into caretaker mode for the election.

    The federal government has been negotiating with states and territories over a new schools funding deal for more than 12 months.

    NSW has been among states asking for a 5% increase in funds, while the federal government was initially only offering 2.5%. In January 2025, Victoria and South Australia successfully negotiated for a 5% increase from the federal government, leaving NSW and Queensland as the only two states without a deal ahead of a new school year.

    The Commonwealth and NSW governments said in a statement that under the NSW deal, the federal government will provide an extra 5% of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS).

    This would lift the federal contribution from 20% to 25% of the SRS by 2034. It follows the NSW government delivering an election commitment to reach 75% of the SRS by 2025.

    The 2011 Gonski review recommended all schools receive a minimum level of funding, called the SRS, with additional funds based on need. In 2025 the estimated SRS amounts are $13,977 for primary school students and $17,565 for secondary school students.

    Under the new national agreement all states would reach the full SRS funding in a decade, although at different paces. A lot of the fine print has still to be negotiated.

    NSW has committed to removing the 4% provision of indirect school costs such as capital depreciation, so NSW schools would be fully funded over the life of the agreement.

    This national agreement ties the funding to teaching and other reforms. These include more individualised support for students, continuing evidence-based teaching practices, and more mental health and wellbeing support for schools.

    The two governments said: “This is not a blank cheque. The agreement will be accompanied by a NSW Bilateral Agreement, which ties funding to reforms that will help students catch up, keep up and finish school”.

    These include

    • Year 1 phonics and early years of schooling numeracy checks to identify those needing more help

    • evidence-based teaching and targeted and intensive supports such as small-group or catch-up tutoring

    • wellbeing initiatives, including greater access to mental health professionals

    • access to high-quality and evidence-based professional learning, and

    • initiatives to attract and retain teachers.

    The federal-state agreements incorporate national targets. These include improving NAPLAN reading and numeracy proficiency; increasing NAPLAN outcomes for priority equity cohorts; boosting student attendance; increasing the engagement rate of teacher education students, and raising the proportion of students successfully completing year 12.

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said “every dollar of this funding will go into helping children learn”.

    Federal Education Minister Jason Clare said: “This will help more than 780,000 kids in more than 2,200 public schools. This is real funding tied to real reforms to help students catch up, keep up and finish school.”

    Premier Chris Minns said: “We’ve seen a 40% reduction in teacher vacancies since we came to government, but we know there’s still more to do. This investment is vital as we work to lift education standards across the state by ensuring there is a qualified, dedicated teacher at the front of the classroom.”

    The Coalition has been critical of the time it has taken for the Albanese government to finalise the funding deal.

    In January, opposition education spokeswoman Sarah Henderson said Clare had “failed to get the job done”. She noted students in NSW and Queensland “continue to pay the price”.

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

    – ref. Schools agreement provides NSW $4.8 billion extra for public schools over a decade – https://theconversation.com/schools-agreement-provides-nsw-4-8-billion-extra-for-public-schools-over-a-decade-251255

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: University science in dialogue with industrial partners

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The series of seminars on artificial intelligence, which are held at SPbPU, continued with a meeting of scientists and students of the university with research staff of the industrial partner.

    The Director of Science, Professor Mars Khasanov, told the seminar participants about the strategy for developing artificial intelligence technologies at Gazprom Neft. According to Mars Magnavievich, digital oil engineering is based on engineering artificial intelligence (AI), which is a multi-agent system of the Narrow AGI type with a modular structure. Each module carries some cognitive function – from memorization and learning to planning and explanation.

    Professor Khasanov outlined the engineering tasks in which AI has the greatest competitive advantages, including complex processing of large volumes of data from multiple sources of heterogeneous information, as well as overcoming the cognitive limitations of people, integrated modeling and optimization of large complex systems, ensuring the sustainability of solutions through multivariate modeling, and optimization of large hierarchical project portfolios.

    Maxim Okunev and Nikolai Markov, heads of the company’s product development programs, spoke about current tasks in applying AI in Gazprom Neft products. The speakers outlined the directions for the development of hybrid AI in the industry and introduced the tasks of hybrid modeling. Polytechnic University scientists were interested in specific company projects, the implementation of which will require their competencies in the field of artificial intelligence.

    Experts noted that industry needs, for example, the use of LLM – the creation of AI assistants for working with data and making decisions.

    As emphasized by the Vice-Rector for Research at SPbPU, Yuri Fomin, who initiated the involvement of industrial partners in the seminars, such meetings will help science and business to better understand each other and more effectively solve the problems of technological development of the country.

    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: Smooshing for Science: A Flat-Out Success

    Source: NASA

    Written by Henry Manelski, Ph.D. student at Purdue University

    The Perseverance team is always looking for creative ways to use the tools we have on Mars to maximize the science we do. On the arm of the rover sits the SHERLOC instrument, which specializes in detecting organic compounds and is crucial in our search for signs of past microbial life. But finding these organics isn’t easy. The uppermost surface of most rocks Perseverance finds on Mars have been exposed to ultraviolet rays from the sun and the long-term oxidative potential of the atmosphere, both of which have the potential to break down organic compounds. For this reason, obtaining SHERLOC measurements from a “fresh” rock face is ideal. Last week the rover cored a serpentine-rich rock aptly named “Green Gardens,” resulting in a fresh pile of drill tailings. To get this material ready for the SHERLOC instrument, which requires a smooth area to obtain a measurement, the science team did something for the first time on Mars: We smooshed it!
    Using the contact sensor of our sampling system, designed to indicate when our drill is touching a rock as it prepares to take a core, Perseverance pressed down into the tailings pile, compacting it into a flat, stable patch for SHERLOC to investigate. This unorthodox approach worked perfectly! The resulting SHERLOC spectral scan of these fresh tailings — which include serpentine, a mineral of key astrobiological interest — was a success. These flattened drill tailings are a great example of how a bit of out-of-the-box (or out-of-this-world!) thinking helps us maximize science on Mars. With this success behind us, the rover is rolling west toward the heart of “Witch Hazel Hill,” where more ancient rocks — and who knows what surprises — await!

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces executive staff transitions with appointments of Nani Coloretti, Ann Patterson

    Source: US State of California 2

    Feb 28, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the appointment of Nani Coloretti as his new Cabinet Secretary and expressed deep gratitude to departing Cabinet Secretary Ann Patterson for her six years of exemplary service. Patterson, who had planned to step down, has agreed to extend her public service as Senior Counselor to the Governor, primarily supporting the administration’s recovery initiatives for Los Angeles.

    “I am profoundly grateful for Ann’s guidance over these last six years — helping me navigate some of the most meaningful, as well as the most challenging, moments of my governorship.

    “Ann was ready to take the next step, but her willingness to stay to help us transition during LA’s recovery speaks volumes about her dedication to California.

    “During this transition, I am thrilled to welcome Nani as she steps into this critical role. Nani’s decades of experience navigating complex policy issues at all levels of government make her uniquely qualified to lead our cabinet in continuing to deliver bold solutions to improve the health, well-being, and safety of all Californians.” 

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Coloretti previously held the position of Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget under President Joe Biden, where she helped manage the nation’s nearly $7 trillion federal budget and implement key initiatives across all areas of government. She has also held senior leadership roles at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of the Treasury and played a pivotal role in establishing the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

    During her tenure as Cabinet Secretary, Patterson guided California through historic challenges, including the state’s response to multiple natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. She played a pivotal role in advancing nearly all of Governor Newsom’s efforts, including PAGA reform, historic laws protecting ratepayers and wildfire survivors, establishing the world’s largest aerial wildfire-fighting fleet, improving public safety through the California Model, and implementing universal free school meals for all kids in California.

    Nani Coloretti, of Sacramento, has been appointed Cabinet Secretary in the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom. Coloretti has been Senior Counselor in the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom since 2025. Coloretti was Deputy Director at the United States Office of Management and Budget from 2022 to 2025. She was Senior Vice President for Business and Financial Strategy at The Urban Institute from 2017 to 2022. Coloretti was Deputy Secretary at the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development from 2014 to 2017. She served in multiple roles at the United States Department of the Treasury from 2009 to 2014, including Assistant Secretary for Management, Acting Chief Operating Officer for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Management and Budget. Coloretti was San Francisco Budget Director in the Office of Mayor Gavin Newsom from 2006 to 2009. She served in multiple roles in the Office of Mayor Gavin Newsom from 2005 to 2006, including Policy Director and Deputy Policy Director. Coloretti earned a Master of Public Policy degree from University of California, Berkeley and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Communications from University of Pennsylvania. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the salary is $235,344. Coloretti is a Democrat.

    Ann Patterson, of Sacramento, has been appointed Senior Counselor at the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom. Patterson has been Cabinet Secretary at the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom since 2022 and has served in multiple roles in the Office of Governor Newsom since 2019, including Legal Affairs Secretary and Chief Deputy Legal Affairs Secretary. Patterson was a Partner at Orrick, Herrington, and Sutcliffe from 2005 to 2018. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $235,344. Patterson is a Democrat.

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Feb 27, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Aaron Maguire, of Roseville, has been appointed Executive Officer of the Board of State and Community Corrections, where he has been Acting Executive Officer at the Board of State and…

    Feb 27, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – California and a consortium of 21 Brazilian states are partnering together to combat pollution and foster sustainable economic growth. Governor Gavin Newsom and Governor Renato Casagrande of the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo signed a Memorandum…

    Feb 26, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced multiple clemency actions. He granted pardons in three cases. He also sent multiple clemency cases to the Board of Parole Hearings, initiating the process for granting clemency in fifteen cases. He also sent two…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The first day of spring was celebrated by the State University of Management with a musical concert

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    On March 1, 2025, a concert of the Gaudeamus Chamber Choir of the Bauman Moscow State Technical University was held at the State University of Management as part of the implementation of inter-university cultural and educational projects to popularize cultural heritage.

    Choral music is one of the most democratic forms of art, and the amateur choir “Gaudeamus” is a vivid example of this. It mainly consists of students, graduates and teachers of the Bauman Moscow State Technical University. The founder, artistic director and conductor of the choir is Honored Artist of Russia, Professor Vladimir Zhivov, the conductor-choirmaster is Honored Cultural Worker of Russia, Associate Professor Ekaterina Alikina.

    The group introduced the audience to the genre of choral miniatures, performing pearls of Russian classic choral art, works by contemporary composers and Russian folk songs.

    The choir specializes in performing music a cappella, i.e. without instrumental accompaniment.

    The works of A. Dargomyzhsky, P. Tchaikovsky, M. Glinka, M. Balakirev, G. Sviridov, S. Taneyev, Yu. Falik, M. Parkhaladze, Ts. Cui, Yu. Efgrafov, V. Kalinnikov based on poems by A. Pushkin, M. Lermontov, V. Zhukovsky, A. Blok, F. Sologub, I. Brodsky and others were performed.

    The concert ended with thunderous applause from the audience and the student anthem “Gaudeamus Igitur”, after which the choir is named.

    Instilling a love for good music through choral performance is a wonderful way to introduce students to cultural heritage. Choral singing helps to create a sense of unity and belonging to something big. The audience appreciated the high level of professionalism of the Gaudeamus choir and the emotional depth of the choral performances.

    The choir members noted the wonderful acoustics of the atrium of the Information Technology Center of the State University of Management, which helped the performance.

    The team thanked the management of the State University of Management for the honor and for the invitation to perform within the walls of the university, which left an unforgettable impression on the team!

    Danila Smirnov, a fourth-year student at the State University of Management, shared his impressions of the concert: “I admit honestly, it was my first time at a chamber choir concert and I liked it. You can feel the moderate subtlety, laconicism and sonority of the performance of the works.”

    Valeria Polynnikova, an employee of the Department of State and Municipal Management and a graduate of the State University of Management, also spoke about the concert: “It was a magnificent concert! I was pleasantly surprised by the excellent acoustics of our hall: you could hear everything down to the smallest details. The concert itself was very bright, kind and warm. It really seemed that spring was already here, everything would soon bloom, and the air would be filled with birdsong. I was completely delighted and would be happy to come again!”

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 03.03.2025

    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 Russia: GUU and VSKS: three years of fruitful cooperation

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    March 1 marked three years since the opening of the headquarters of the Moscow City Branch of the All-Russian Student Rescue Corps on the territory of the State University of Management. Congratulations to our volunteers on this date!

    It should be noted that the Moscow City Branch of the VSKS is one of the largest branches of the All-Russian Student Rescue Corps, which includes more than 400 volunteers from 19 squads on the territories of higher and secondary educational institutions of the capital, as well as 8 school rescue squads.

    MGO VSKS as of today:

    — organized security at more than 60 major events; — made 5 missions to the territory of the Luhansk and Donetsk People’s Republics as part of the Moscow-VSKS-Donbass project and helped 56 families by carrying out emergency recovery operations and delivering humanitarian aid to residents of villages and towns; — organizes and delivers aid to military personnel in the SVO zone; — works in the joint headquarters of the Kursk and Rostov regions, the city of Anapa, and also conducts missions to the Belgorod, Tver and Zaporozhye regions, the LPR and DPR; — conducts training for the population and popularizes a culture of security.

    In 2024 alone, more than 100 master classes and 50 safety towns were held, and about 19,000 Muscovites and guests of the capital took part in them.

    MGO VSKS is not just an organization, it is a friendly team of like-minded people united by a common goal – to help people in trouble. This is a community where mutual assistance, responsibility and professionalism are valued.

    We congratulate all members of the Moscow City Organization of the VSKS on the anniversary of the headquarters opening! We are extremely happy to have such a neighborhood. We wish you not to reduce your activity, but at the same time not to forget about your own safety when performing tasks. Thank you for your noble work!

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 03.03.2025

    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 Russia: Professor of the State University of Management took part in the XIII Saturday political science readings at the Presidential Academy

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    The Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA) hosted the 13th Saturday Political Science Readings on the topic: “Improving the Efficiency of Migration Management in Modern Russia: Sovereignization of External Migration Management.” Professor of the Department of Public Administration and Political Technologies of the State University of Management, member of the Council under the President of the Russian Federation for Interethnic Relations and the Public Council under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia Vladimir Volokh took part in the event and delivered a plenary report.

    The following also gave presentations: Chief Researcher of the Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, member of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation, Chairman of the Commission on Interethnic, Interreligious Relations and Migration, member of the Council under the President of the Russian Federation on Interethnic Relations, Doctor of Political Sciences, Professor Vladimir Zorin, Associate Professor of the Institute of Social Sciences of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Head of the Migration Department of the P.A. Stolypin Center of the Higher School of Public Administration of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Candidate of Political Sciences Mikhail Burda.

    In his report, Vladimir Volokh noted that migration is currently a significant factor influencing the socio-economic stability and security of the Russian Federation. He emphasized the need to change the approach to migration management and noted that since the beginning of 2024, a number of regulatory legal acts aimed at improving migration policy have been adopted. In particular, they discussed the introduction of a regime for the expulsion of illegal migrants, the creation of a register of controlled persons who do not have the right to be in Russia, limiting the number of SIM cards sold to foreign citizens, tightening the requirements for concluding contracts for the provision of communication services, including the collection of biometric data, as well as a law aimed at combating fictitious marriages and adoptions.

    These measures are aimed at creating a more effective system for combating illegal migration and forming a legislative framework for combating illegal actions.

    Professor Volokh also noted that at the current stage of development, it is necessary to develop and approve a new Strategy for the State Migration Policy of the Russian Federation by the Head of State, as provided for by the Constitution of the Russian Federation. This will ensure a more systematic and long-term approach to managing migration processes.

    The readings were held under the guidance of the scientific director of the Faculty of Political Studies of the Institute of Social Sciences of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, vice-president of the Russian Academy of Political Sciences and the Academy of Pedagogical Sciences, doctor of political sciences, professor Lidiya Timofeeva.

    Doctor of Political Science, Professor, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Member of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation, Member of the Presidium of the Academy of Pedagogical Sciences, President of the Russian Association of Political Science Oksana Gaman-Golutvina addressed the participants with a welcoming speech.

    The political science readings at the Presidential Academy were held online, which ensured the active participation of representatives of the scientific community and government bodies from various regions of the Russian Federation, as well as from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, China and a number of African countries. Based on the results of the event, recommendations were prepared that will be sent to interested government bodies, scientific and public organizations.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 03.03.2025

    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 Russia: The qualifying round of the Rosatom State Corporation professional skills championship was held at SPbGASU

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – The winning team (from left to right – Polina Orlova, Anna Yarullina, Kirill Ivanov, Nikolay Pridatchenko) and Nikita Gorovoy

    From February 23 to 28, the qualifying round of the 10th Industry Championship of Professional Skills of the Rosatom State Corporation, Atomskills-2025, in the Engineering Design competency was held at SPbGASU.

    The championship was held within the framework of the federal innovation platform “Innovative methodology for the formation of digital professional competencies of students and specialists in the construction industry” implemented at SPbGASU. The organizer was the Educational Center for Digital Competencies of our university.

    The objective of the “Engineering Design” competency is to demonstrate the participants’ abilities in developing and analyzing design and working documentation for facilities of any complexity based on initial data, within the framework of the technical assignment and current regulatory documentation, using information modeling technologies.

    The championship participants were third- and fourth-year students of various training programs. Five teams of four people took part in the championship, each of whom developed their own section. The teams included the following specialists:

    SPOIM – a specialist responsible for coordinating sections with each other and modeling using information modeling technology; a builder – a specialist responsible for the architectural and construction section of the project; a technologist – a specialist responsible for the engineering sections of the project; an electrician – a specialist responsible for the electrical section of the project.

    The jury of the selection round at our university included teachers and employees of SPbGASU: chief expert, category 2 specialist of the educational center of digital competencies Nikita Gorovoy, expert-mentor, associate professor of the department of heat and gas supply and ventilation Kirill Sukhanov, expert-mentor, associate professor of the department of heat and gas supply and ventilation Mikhail Fedorov, expert-mentor, senior lecturer of the department of architectural and building structures Alena Vedernikova, expert-mentor, assistant of the department of metal and wooden structures Viktor Tsyganovkin, expert-mentor, senior lecturer of the department of building physics, electric power engineering and electrical engineering Rostislav Baruzdin and expert-mentor, category 2 specialist of the educational center of digital competencies Yuri Zgoda.

    According to the results of the selection round, the first place was taken by the team consisting of Nikolai Pridatchenko (fourth year student of the Faculty of Civil Engineering), Anna Yarullina (fourth year student of the Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Urban Management), Kirill Ivanov (fourth year student of the Faculty of Civil Engineering) and Polina Orlova (fourth year student of the Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering). –

    The second place went to the team consisting of Anna Smirnova (fourth-year student of the Faculty of Civil Engineering), Anton Klyuev (third-year student of the Institute of Energy and Natural Sciences), Diana Balon (third-year student of the Institute of Energy and Natural Sciences), and Kirill Tishunin (third-year student of the Institute of Energy and Natural Sciences).

    In third place was the team of Zlata Zolotykh (fourth-year student of the Faculty of Civil Engineering), Ilya Zakharov (third-year student of the Institute of Energy and Natural Sciences), Mikhail Tsvetkov (fourth-year student of the Institute of Energy and Natural Sciences) and Nikita Lyamshev (second-year student of the Institute of Energy and Natural Sciences).

    The winners of the qualifying championship will go to the 10th Industry Championship of Professional Skills of the Rosatom State Corporation Atomskills-2025, which will be held from March 30 to April 5 in Yekaterinburg.

    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 Russia: NTO and Roscosmos have identified the best schoolchildren in space technologies

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    On March 1, the closing ceremony of the space profile finals took place in Moscow National Technology Olympiad (NTO), whose project office operates at the National Research University Higher School of Economics. The names of the winners and prize winners were announced in three areas at once: “Aerospace Systems”, “Analysis of Space Images and Geospatial Data” and “Satellite Systems”. The best were 21 schoolchildren from 13 regions of Russia. The competition was traditionally held with the support of the State Corporation “Roscosmos”.

    Space profiles are among the very first in NTO, and their popularity and demand are only growing. This academic year, applications were submitted by about 4.5 thousand students of grades 8-11 from different parts of the country. However, only 90 participants made it to the final stage. The final competition and the closing ceremony took place within the walls of the university that organized the space profiles — RTU MIREA.

    During the final tests, the participants in teams solved real engineering problems directly related to promising projects in the space industry. The schoolchildren developed a system for analyzing meteorological data to monitor the ice conditions in the northern seas and a satellite that simulates the solution of problems of remote sensing of the Earth. In addition, the finalists made attachments for the rover and programmed the control system.

    The award ceremony was opened by RTU MIREA Rector Stanislav Kudzh: “We are not just holding the Olympiad, but are part of the Roscosmos network, are a strategic partner and train personnel for the corporation. I hope that among you there will be those who will enroll in our university, enroll in other leading universities. And you will continue to glorify our science and our country with your deeds.”

    “Space is a huge source of inspiration,” emphasized Dmitry Zemtsov, executive secretary of the NTO organizing committee and HSE Vice-Rector, addressing the finalists. “We have always been inspired by the story of how 15-year-old Sergei Korolev joined a gliding club and, a few years later, found himself in one of the best universities in the country. Another ten years later, he began designing his own systems and eventually created our cosmonautics. All this became possible because from the very beginning he had access to the advanced technologies of his time — back then, gliders were at the cutting edge of progress. What you work with at NTO are not only the technologies of today, but also of tomorrow. Every time I go on stage to present diplomas, I feel sincere pride, because you will definitely make the world a better place and create technologies that previous generations could not even imagine.”

    “Any Olympiad is, first of all, a competition. However, the most important victory is the ability to overcome yourself and achieve results,” said Dmitry Shishkin, Director of the Administrative Department of the Roscosmos State Corporation, at the closing ceremony. “No task that you will have to face in life can be solved instantly, without preparation. It is impossible to immediately take first place, assemble a satellite or obtain a space service. Therefore, the most important skill is to move forward steadily, step by step, without stopping. This is exactly what I wish for you. May your achievements of today and tomorrow be written in gold letters in the history of our cosmonautics and in the annals of the achievements of the entire country.”

    According to the results of the competition in the individual standings, the winners of the profile “Analysis of space images and geospatial data” of the Scientific and Technical Organization were schoolchildren from the Municipal Budgetary Educational Institution “Lyceum No. 11” of Chelyabinsk: Artem Sufiyanov and Artem Yantsen.

    The winners were Artem Arefyev from PJSC Khoroshevskaya Gymnasium (Moscow), Fedor Shpilev from ANOO Khoroshevskaya School (Moscow), and Yulia Dzhumataeva and Sofia Markova from the Lyceum at the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education BGPU (Blagoveshchensk).

    The overall winner was the team represented by Artem Sufiyanov, Artem Yantsen, Yulia Dzhumataeva and Sofia Markova.

    In the individual standings of the “Satellite Systems” profile of the NTO, the best were schoolchildren from St. Petersburg: Nikita Gubarev from the Lyceum “Physical and Technical School” named after Zh. I. Alferov and Vladislav Shiman from the ChOU OiDO “LNMO”.

    The names of six winners of the profile were also announced. Among them are three participants from St. Petersburg: Tatyana Efremova from the Lyceum “Physical and Technical School” named after Zh. I. Alferov, Mikhail Demidov from the State Budgetary Educational Institution “School No. 644” of the Primorsky District and Maksim Podlesny from the State Budgetary Educational Institution “School No. 362” of the Moskovsky District. Another prize was taken by Mikhail Palkin from the city of Kudrovo in the Leningrad Region, a student of the State Budgetary Educational Institution “Secondary School No. 255” of the Admiralty District of St. Petersburg. The list of winners was also replenished by Vladislav Borisenko from the Municipal Budgetary Educational Institution “GKL” (Metallploshchadka settlement, Kemerovo Region) and Ksenia Titova from the Lyceum of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution “UlGPU named after I. N. Ulyanov” (Ulyanovsk).

    The overall winner was the team from St. Petersburg, which included Vladislav Shiman, Mikhail Palkin, Mikhail Demidov and Maxim Podlesny.

    In the individual competition, the winners of the Aerospace Systems profile of the Scientific and Technical Organization were Arseniy Kuimov from the Kemerovo Municipal Budgetary Educational Institution GKL and Konstantin Syshchikov from the State Budgetary Educational Institution Lyceum No. 369 in St. Petersburg.

    Among the prize winners in this category are five participants. High results were shown by students of the FEFU University School in Primorsky Krai: Maria Sabashnyuk (Vladivostok) and Ivan Rubtsov (Artem). Prize places were also awarded to finalists from: Moscow Region – Svyatoslav Tveritnev (Chernogolovka) from MBOU “Chernogolovskaya Secondary School”, Tomsk – a student of MAOU “Gymnasium No. 24 named after M.V. Oktyabrskaya” Artemy Odyshev, Krasnodar Region – Gleb Anokhin (urban-type settlement Sirius) from ANOO “Presidential Lyceum “SIRIUS”.

    The overall winner was the team represented by Arseniy Kuimov, Gleb Anokhin and Svyatoslav Tveritnev.

    The winners will receive not only diplomas, but also additional educational opportunities: 100 points on the Unified State Exam or admission without entrance examinations to the country’s leading universities.

    Let us recall that the tasks of the space profiles were developed with the participation of partners: “Aerospace Systems” — Voltbro, the Institute of Mechanics of the Lomonosov Moscow State University and Intellect Design, “Analysis of Space Images and Geospatial Data” — the Institute of Environmental Design and Research, “Satellite Systems” — the Center for Space Education “Education of the Future”.

    The jubilee tenth season of the NTO is taking place in the 2024/2025 academic year. Space profiles, being one of the first areas of the Olympiad, have trained a whole galaxy of young engineers over the years.

    Evgeny Ivankin first took part in NTO in 2018/2019 in the profile on autonomous transport systems, and the following year he switched to the space track and became a prize winner in the profile “Analysis of space images and geospatial data”. After graduating from school, he successfully performed in the student track and became the winner of the profile “Geospatial digital twins”. The diploma of the school track of NTO helped Evgeny to enter the University of Innopolis without entrance examinations, and the victory in the student track – to get an internship at the company “Innogeotech”, where he transferred to a permanent position and develops geoinformation systems – a direction directly related to the profiles in which he won.

    Another inspiring example is Alexey Gilenko, the winner of the Satellite Systems profile in NTO – 2022/2023. After winning, Alexey entered Bauman Moscow State Technical University, and then joined the team of organizers of his native profile. Now he works at the Education of the Future center and helps develop tasks for new participants.

    Such stories show that the NTO is not just a competition, but a real platform for expanding the country’s technological human resources potential. The NTO is held under the coordination of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation together with the ANO “Russia – Land of Opportunities” with the support of the “Movement of the First”, the Agency for Strategic Initiatives and the ANO “NTI Platform”. The project office of the Olympiad is deployed at the HSE with the methodological support of the Association of Participants of Technological Circles (NTI Circle Movement). The organizing committee of the Olympiad is headed by the First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of the Russian Federation Sergei Kiriyenko and Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    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 Russia: A strong-willed victory for badminton players from GUU

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    On March 2, 2025, the State University of Management badminton team played another game as part of the XXXVII Moscow Student Team Games against the State University of Land Management team.

    Our athletes, Denis Andrianov, Nguyen Son, Hoang Chinh, Svetlana Ayukina, Elena Leonova and Anna Bogatyreva, showed real strength of spirit, speed and skill, winning a brilliant victory in a tough match. The final score was 3:2 in favor of GUU!

    Our team entered the top four strongest teams and new matches with the strongest teams from other universities, as well as the fight for prizes, await the athletes.

    We look forward to new bright moments and victories on the court!

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 03.03.2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Opportunities for people looking to take action locally

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    An online ‘toolkit’ to support anyone to make positive changes in their community has been launched by Community Planning Aberdeen on Friday 28 February.

    The Community Empowerment Toolkit provides tips and information for anyone looking to improve their community, and for anyone looking to undertake effective community engagement.

    Councillor Christian Allard, Co-Leader of Aberdeen City Council and Chair of Community Planning Aberdeen, said: “We appreciate, understand and value the vital role that communities must play in improving outcomes for Aberdeen.

    “This online toolkit gives individuals and groups access to information that can help to them to influence and action improvements that will benefit their local community, which in turn will be good for the city.

    “We want all people living in Aberdeen, regardless of their background and circumstances, to be empowered and pro-active in their community. Our ambition is for all communities to become equal community planning partners.”

    The online toolkit has been developed through engagement with community members and organisations across Aberdeen, and the Grampian Engagement Network. It is also being supported NHS Grampian’s Putting People First programme.

    Anyone who lives in Aberdeen is a member of their local community and as a community member can find a wide range of information including how to contact their local Community Council, where to get help with funding a project, useful data to support projects, and how to connect with existing groups and organisations.  

    For organisations that are keen to undertake community engagement, the toolkit provides a step-by-step guide, with lots of useful resources to help support effective community engagement.

    Community Planning Aberdeen is the name for the local partnership of public, private and third sector organisations and communities working together to improve people’s lives across Aberdeen through the Local Outcome Improvement Plan (LOIP). An easy-to-read version of the LOIP for children and young people is also available.

    The Local Outcome Improvement Plan sets out Community Planning Aberdeen’s priorities for improving the city – there are 16 for how it proposes to do this, which cover four themes: Economy, People, Place and Community Empowerment.

    Community Planning Aberdeen members are Aberdeen City Council, ACVO (Aberdeen Council for Voluntary Organisations), Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership, NHS Grampian, North East Scotland College, Police Scotland, Skills Development Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, NESTRANS, Scottish Fire & Rescue Service, Robert Gordon University, and the University of Aberdeen.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic to increase salaries of assistants and associate professors

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    On behalf of SPbPU Rector Andrey Rudskoy, the university’s economic services updated the scheme for forming official salaries of faculty members from April 1, 2025, paying special attention to positions that are usually applied for by young teachers under the age of 35.

    Thus, assistants’ salaries will increase by 47 percent from April 1 and will amount to 76,000 rubles per month. Associate professors’ salaries will increase by 15 percent and will amount to 104,000 rubles per month.

    In addition, incentive payments will be increased:

    for the academic titles of associate professor and senior research fellow – from 2,000 to 6,000 rubles per month, professor – from 4,000 to 12,000 rubles per month; for having state awards, the titles of “honored”, “honored worker”, etc.

    Thus, supporting high performance of the teaching staff will affect many employees who are actively improving their competencies and skills.

    Updated documents are posted inAdministrative directory.

    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: Shiprock Capital announces new Chief Operating Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Shiprock Capital Management Limited (“Shiprock”), a London-based investment management firm focused on Global Distressed and Special Situations, has announced that Gavinish Sangha has joined as Chief Operating Officer.

    Gav has over 17 years of experience spanning fund accounting, corporate accounting, operations, and treasury management; he joins Shiprock from Fidera Group, where he was Finance Director. He holds an MsC in Financial Risk Management from Birkbeck College, University of London, a BSC in Mathematical Sciences from the University of Birmingham and is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.

    Frederick Schroder, CEO at Shiprock, said, “We are delighted that Gav is joining us; he has extensive credit experience both in developed and emerging markets across the liquidity spectrum and will be central to our ongoing institutionalisation of the firm.”

    Gavinish Sangha, COO at Shiprock, added, “I am very glad to be joining Shiprock, which has combined best-in-class operational infrastructure and performance with exceptional pedigree. I look forward to contributing to Shiprock’s continued success.”

    About Shiprock:

    Shiprock Capital Management is a London-based investment management firm focused on Global Distressed and Special Situations. Founded at the beginning of 2023, it is one of the fastest-growing managers in the space.

    Contact:

    info@shiprock.co.uk

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Text of Vice-President’s address at the 75th Anniversary celebrations of KPB Hinduja College in Mumbai (Excerpts)

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 01 MAR 2025 8:12PM by PIB Delhi

    Very good afternoon all of you, Hon’ble Governor, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan ji, Shri Ashok P. Hinduja ji, Chairman, the Hinduja Foundation. Ashok ji, what you reflected, express your sentiments, there can be many caveats, I am not as good as you indicated. You set a very high benchmark for me.

    We have two very distinguished members of Parliament. Praful Patel has been in Parliament since 1991, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. A former Union Minister, one of the seniormost politicians of the country, has been instrumental with football association and is very good at scoring political goals.

    And another caveat that can come for me, Milind Deora. His father, Murali Deora ji, hand held me. A lovable politician for the entire nation, particularly for Mumbai.

    Milind is very promising and knows when to make the right move. I am talking about those who can give caveats. We have amongst us Honourable Minister, Mangal Prabhat Lodha. He is suave, polite, persuasive and for a man like me, if a person is gifted with three qualities, there is everything to worry about. Because you can’t anticipate, so there can be a legitimate caveat. And on top of it, if I am staggering a little, it is on account of presence of my son- in-law, Karthikeya Vajpayee.

    But the good relief is that Karthikeya is in the sound company of Soman Satya and therefore will not be in that mode at the moment. But Ashokji, you rightly focused on something which is very fundamental and a contemporaneous need. And something which is part of our civilisation ethos and essence.

    We must remain well grounded and rooted to Sanatan. And Sanatan has to be part of our culture, our education. Because Sanatan stands for inclusivity. Sanatan offers solutions to the most intractable problems the global challenges indicate. I therefore appreciate it and the endorsement by the Honourable Governor immediately is vindication of your stand. Smt Harsha Hinduja ji well I have got formidable challenge from my wife, but I take some solace. Ashok ji is facing equally strong challenge. Shri Paula Brown, President of the Hinduja Foundation is a copy book person. It doesn’t deviate from what is requirement for the college. While traversing journey of the college, she unfolded future programmes. Smt. Chandrakala Joshi, Principal, Hinduja College. When I looked at the faculty, the very distinguished faculty, I found she has to be little fair to my gender. There were more women in the faculty than men. To be on her right side, I quickly looked a Praful Patel and then extended an invite to her that the faculty will be my guest for visit to the new building of Parliament, and I’ll have the occasion to have lunch with them along with Shri Praful Patel and Shri Milind Deora.

    Bombay is a place which gave to the country a principle of quid pro quo. And I so recall because I happen to be a politician who went to Parliament in 1989 and was a Minister in 1990. But a small explanation. This is not quid pro quo.

    Distinguished members of the faculty, I must recognise the presence of some whom I know but everyone present here is a distinguished person. I convey my respects. Shri Neeraj Bajaj, Shri Amarlal Hinduja Ji, Dr. Rajesh Joshi and Shri Rupani, I have had some connect with them in one form or the other. I am particularly here for young boys and girls, and let me tell you boys and girls first, there are no backbenchers. There are only backbenches.

    And let me tell you at the outset, all my life I happen to be a gold medalist, and that was never a good idea. I suffered a traumatic obsession what will happen if I don’t come to number one? It was too late in the life I learnt, Heavens have never fallen so far. Why fear them? It is good to be in the first top ten. So never have tension, never have stress. 

    India today is envy of the world for the reason that it has your dividend, dividend of the youth. This demographic dividend is your possession, your repository. Undoubtedly you are the important stakeholders in democracy and governance. And therefore I am happy to announce here that Indian Council of World Affairs of which I happen to be the President, will have an MOU with your organisation.

     

    MOU will fructify in next two months. And I tell you the reason for the delay. We are awaiting a new Director. We are looking for a good person that will give you an exposure to global events. And there will be footprint of global personalities here. Around the time Ashok Hinduja celebrates his 75th birthday, So does the Institution. The milestone is glorious both for the individual and the Institution. By the way he doesn’t look that old, but this is an occasion also of stocktaking, reflection and planning for way forward. Planning in our times is very challenging. Because we have challenged times on account of onslaught of disruptive technologies. A kind of Industrial revolution. A new era is being heralded virtually every moment. Those of the diplomats who are present here and bring on the table experience and exposure of their own countries will bear me out. And therefore the Institute will have to focus way-forward strategy. It is soothing to note it has quite a mark at the national level.

    It will be a deemed University but time for it to set the tone to become a Global Institute of excellence. It was indicated a while ago. Learning! I keep on telling boys and girls, शिक्षान्त कभी नहीं होती, दीक्षांत होता है।

    Learning never stops. Even after you leave the institute you have to learn every day, and this principle was first put in public domain in pre-Socrates era by a great philosopher Heraclitus. And he was a great philosopher. He was a great philosopher. He was a great philosopher. And Heraclitus reflecting on change said the only constant in life is the change. He buttressed it by an illustration. The same person cannot enter the same river twice because neither the person is the same nor the river is the same. So boys and girls keep on learning, and what your computer tells you keep on self-learning also.

    Because you are your best teacher. Take this institute for instance. It was seeded by Shri Paramchand Hinduja ji. It was a Sindhi teaching school to begin with. And look at that sapling, the shape it has taken now. It is fructifying aspirations of 6000 students.

    Which means a small beginning yields great results. When in 1969 on 20th July, incidentally 20th July happens to be birthday of my wife. Another coincidence it was on that day in 2019, President of India signed my warrant appointing me Governor of the state of West Bengal, but let me invite attention to what Neil Armstrong said. He said small step for me, big leap for mankind.

    What was done to begin with will turn out undoubtedly according to me one of the best institutions in the world. It has vast pool of alumni across sectors. Now this has enormous potential. This potential can reflect in several ways.

    Time to harness it. An initiative can emanate from here, blessed by Hinduja Foundation. For emergence of a confederation of alumni associations. We have alumni associations but I am referring to confederation. This will go a long way in contributing sectoral policy evolution of the government. Just imagine if there are confederations of IIT alumni associations, IIM alumni associations, an association of the kind that your college represents. This confederation can go a long way. Such convergence of talent is a valuable pool for government. It can enlighten the government on policy pathways.

     

    Hinduja Foundation is well enabled to catalyse alumni confederation culture across institutions in the country. While I appreciate great job that is being done by the faculty, it is a satisfied faculty that makes for the institution. Institution is defined by the infrastructure because that is the basic need, but an institution is recognised by the faculty it has. I am so happy and delighted to see the faculty is committed and vibrant, but then institutions have blossomed beyond faculty and infrastructure.

    It is there in that I express a deep sense of gratitude to Hinduja Foundation and members of the family for sustaining this institution through continuous philanthropy. Ladies and gentlemen, Hinduja group has been at the centre of India’s growth story. The Hinduja group is multinational, multi-sector, conglomerate with pronounced social and cultural footprints.

    Group’s deep interest in education philanthropy and sublime commitment to Bharatiya culture are commendable. It was a pleasant revelation to me when I was laying foundation stone of a building in Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in New Delhi. I gathered that the Hinduja group helped establish the first overseas branch of Vidya Bhavan in New York.

    A great step. The leaders of the group have realised the need to bridge East and West divide and why it is essential. Because there has to be portrayal of the orient in authentic way. Because there are challenges emanating from the West and from that perspective the group is working in that direction.

    One instance I can share with the distinguished audience. Establishment of Dharam Hinduja Indic Research Centre at Columbia University is a very desirable move. We look forward, Ashokji, for more such steps in this direction. Friends, I need to reflect on some concerning aspects for larger good. Sharing our concern is always good because then we can address the problem. Philanthropic endeavours should not be driven by philosophy of commodification and commercialisation. Our health and education sectors are being plagued by these.

    The group in this context offers emulative instance by confining philanthropy much away from commerce. The group is wedded to the concept of giving back to the society. I urge everyone so involved to nurture this culture. Many in the audience will bear me out that endowments of some of the Universities in the US is in billions of dollars.

    What is there in this country that we do not have this culture? In the West, anyone working out of an institute stands committed to make some fiscal contribution. Quantum is never important. I would urge our corporates to think in that direction.

     

    Friends, according to me, education is the most impactful transformative mechanism because it brings about equality. It cuts into inequities. It affords level playing field. It creates genius by discovering the genius through the path of education. Our framers of the Constitution were very wise men. They put education in the concurrent list.

    Those of you who are not lawyers, concurrent list means it is a joint concern of the State and the Union. I would appeal from this platform, a platform where I have witnessed that by way of philanthropy, it is giving back to the society. It is concurrent responsibility between the government and the private sector.

    Those in industry, trade, business and commerce must come forward and take initiatives. I appeal the country’s private sector to rise to this occasion and accord highest priority to education. My friend Praful Patel is doing it in his own way.

    I await an invitation to his contribution in this sector. India at the moment is in economic upsurge. We have phenomenal infrastructural growth, deep digitisation, technological penetration because people of this country have tasted in last decade, fruits of development.

    People centric policies have been highly rewarding. This has converted the nation as the most aspirational nation in the world at the moment and therefore education gets primacy.

    Quality education is a gift and we in the country, must work towards educational excellence. We have seen and you noticed by way of Start-ups, Unicorns and otherwise, our industries are evolving. Corporate leaders should view investment in education, not a charity.

    Beyond philanthropy, it is investment in our present, investment in our future and to put it straight away, it is investment for development of the industry, business and trade. And therefore all efforts must be taken that these investments take quantum leap.

    Look at our country. If our GDP at one point of time was one third of the world or more, it was premised on what count? We had glorified Institutions– Udantpuri, Takshashila, Vikramshila, Sompura, Nalanda, Vallabhi. The world frowned. Scholars came from every nook and corner of the globe to get knowledge and give knowledge and share knowledge.

    Thirst of knowledge was satisfied. But then what happened about 1200 years ago? Nalanda, ancient India’s intellectual jewel, it housed 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers. Nine-storied building.

    And what happened? 1193, Bakhtiyar Khilji, reckless destroyer of our culture, our academic Institution. The premises were set to fire. For months, fire consumed vast libraries, turning hundreds and thousands of irreplaceable manuscripts on Mathematics, Medicine and Philosophy to ash.This vandalised devastation wasn’t merely architectural but represented the systematic erasion of centuries of knowledge, and that makes Ashok ji your observation relevant. We must make our people aware about Sanatan values.

    Ladies and gentlemen, what vanished in those flames was the living record of ancient Indian thought, creating an intellectual void that continues to echo through history as one of this civilisation’s most profound cultural losses. Just look around which country can take pride in 5,000 years of civilisation ethos. No one comes close to us.

    And now, fortunately, in this century, we have re-arrived at the global stage. We need to reclaim that glory. We are on way. We have to take a holistic view of education in this country. I call upon leaders, Parliamentarians and thought leaders present here. We have to monetise every moment of this century.

    We cannot afford to fall victim or prey to narratives that emanate from sources that are inimical to the very existence of Bharat. We have to work to revive institutions like Nalanda, our intellectual legacy, and this is essential for realising goal of Viksit Bharat at 2047.

    Friends, the entire world knows today India is no longer a nation with potential. Viksit Bharat is not a dream. It is a certain definitive destination, and it may be fast-tracked much before 2047 if we bestow intelligent attention to education. We have a litany of IITs, IIMs across India’s academic landscape. But right now, if you look around, many niche areas, our Institutional footprint is either fragile, thin or not at all there.

    Now, when we are faced with such a situation, it is fundamentally required that we diagnose the issue. A resolution cannot emanate unless we know the ground reality. These are the areas where we can take lead in the world.

    It is for the first time, I think, in last several decades, that India is in single-digit number of countries that are focussing on Quantum computing, green hydrogen, Artificial Intelligence, and even commercial exploitation of 6G technology, but then, we need skilled men force.

    Our young boys and girls are still in the same silo or groove of government jobs. My young friends, boys and girls, if International Monetary Fund accolades Bharat as a favourite destination of investment and opportunity, it is not on account of government jobs.

    If World Bank hails us with the digitisation that has happened in this country, penetration of opportunity to the last village in six years is otherwise not accomplishable in four decades, and therefore, please be aware of the opportunity basket that is ever getting enlarged for you.

    Whether it is Blue economy, Space economy, whether you are on the sea surface, deep sea, ground, sky or space, opportunities for our youth and corporates are ever enlarging. But then, Institutions like yours have to be crucibles of change. You have to focus very deeply on research.

    I must share with you one concern. Research is not for the shelf. Research is not supposed to be on the shelf. Research is not an assimilation of cut and paste. Research is not surface scratching. Research has to correlate to the ground transformative mechanisms. And therefore, everyone involved with research, we must be having stringent standards to assess our research. This country has a great potential. Government is only one facet.

    If we go much beyond the government and give ideas to the people, in any field, results will be geometric. Ashok ji, I’m making an appeal to you now. Through you, I’m making an appeal to everyone who is possessed of wealth, possessed of wisdom, and keenly devoted to serving the society by giving it back.

    Please, let us have green field institutions in these areas for new and emerging technologies. There must be centres of research. And I can share with you, distinguished audience, and my two very distinguished Parliamentarian friends will bear me out and the Honourable Minister would also know of it. The governmental policies are going a long way in promoting contribution in these areas. Long way. Only a team has to be constituted by leaders in industry, trade, commerce and business to exploit the fullest potential of these areas.

    I have for a long time held an idea dear to me if the corporates come together our organisations like FICCI, CII, ASSOCHAM, PHD and various other chambers. If they pool their CSR, we can have every year Institutes of Excellence springing up in various parts of the country. If the modest target is set for four in a year, the Govt has only land to make available. Rest, I am sure you will bear me out.

    Rest I am sure you will give me out Industries while capable when it comes to creating infrastructure of securing even faculty. Faculty is best attracted through the industry because then there is an assurance of stability. so these kind of Ideas must be there.

    Another issue which we are facing in the countries, we have Institutes of Excellence But the variation is taking place only on the account of faculty, there is no infrastructural variation. faculty mobility you have to think about it. Presently, the system is such that a systemic change is required But the foundation stature of Hinduja foundation  can catalyse the big movement in this area  and therefore faculty members from  one place to another can navigate. There can be a group to look after them that will go a long way.

    Technology has to be used in particular to change the rural landscape of rural education, that is foundational and to bring that about we have to use Technology. The country at the moment has 400 aspirational blocks. If corporates adopt blocks then what they will get.  in every village you will find land for the school, enough infrastructure even teachers are well paid as compared to the private. What is lacking is motivation and greasing. So that engine of education can fire on all cylinders. The corporates converge on this idea to adopt aspirational blocks and that I can assure you will be a gamechanger. This will reflect public private partnership in sublimity and making lives of India much better.

    Friends, as we commemorate 75 years of KPB Hinduja college, Let us celebrate the rich legacy. Let us pay our tributes to the legendary figure who had this vision and nurture it to the next level. Let us leverage every resource to make it a global benchmark. with the collective efforts of faculty, students,  alumni and stakeholders, I have no doubt that this college will scale greater heights in the years to come as deemed University.

    I extend my heartfelt congratulations to KPB Hinduja College, Hinduja Foundation and Hinduja Family on this remarkable milestone.  May the next 75 years be even more glorious, filled with new achievements, milestones, and contributions to society.

    ***

    JK/RC/SM

    (Release ID: 2107409) Visitor Counter : 56

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ‘Sugamya Yatra’, a pioneering initiative towards Accessibility and Inclusivity, organised on the International Wheelchair Day 2025 in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 MAR 2025 6:35PM by PIB Delhi

    On the occasion of International Wheelchair Day 2025, Sugamya Yatra was organized today at Rajiv Chowk Metro Station, New Delhi, by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) and the Office of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD).  The Yatra aims to break myths associated with wheelchair users, promote accessibility, and encourage inclusivity in society.

    The initiative received support from the Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya National Institute for Persons with Physical Disabilities (PDDU-NIPPD), Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), and Samarthyam – Centre for Universal Accessibility. Students and faculty members from the School of Planning and Architecture, the Vastu Kala Academy, Asha School, the PDDU-NIPPD and Delhi University participated in the event.

     

    Key Activities at the Event:

     

    • Accessibility Walk – An interactive experience where citizens and policymakers understood the real-life challenges faced by wheelchair users.
    • Experiential Simulation Exercise – Non-disabled individuals used wheelchairs to gain firsthand experience of accessibility challenges.
    • Panel Discussion – A thought-provoking dialogue featuring policymakers, social activists, and members of the disability community on inclusivity, accessibility, and disability rights.

     

    Speaking at the event, Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, DEPwD, MSJE, emphasized the importance of accessibility, stating, “The Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) was launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in 2015, with the aim of making government buildings accessible to persons with disabilities. However, we often receive complaints that many buildings are still not fully accessible. Keeping this in mind, the campaign has been reactivated nationwide starting last month, with today’s event marking the beginning in New Delhi. This initiative will not only enhance accessibility in both government and private spaces but also create widespread awareness about inclusivity.”

    Shri Aggarwal urged media professionals and the general public to actively participate in fostering an inclusive and accessible environment. He also stressed the importance of making digital content more accessible, stating, “While posting photos on social media, it is essential to add ALT descriptions, and for videos, transcriptions should be mandatory to ensure information is accessible to all”.

    Ms. Manmeet Kaur Nanda, Joint Secretary, DEPwD, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding the Sugamya Yatra initiative nationwide. “Our efforts will not be limited to government offices alone; we will actively engage with private organizations to collaborate on making workplaces and public spaces more accessible for persons with disabilities,” she said.

    Dr. S. Govindaraj, the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) spoke on how Sugamya Yatra is an expression of a life journey where everyone has many ups and downs. He emphasised that it is the duty of the society to support and strengthen the underprivileged and marginalised sections, especially persons with disabilities so as to let them enjoy the benefits of developments as any other fellow citizen. He highlighted the commitment of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and the CCPD Office to see that our whole nation is accessible and inclusive.  He added that the launch of Sugamya Yatra in New Delhi on the International Day of Wheelchair is not a one-day event but just an initiation which should stay strong till it accomplishes its goal.

    Ms. Anjlee Agarwal, Executive Director, Samarthyam, highlighted the long-term vision of the initiative, and said, “Sugamya Yatra will be conducted across India, from villages to metropolitan cities, beginning today in Delhi. This initiative serves as a crucial message to policymakers, engineers, and architects to take proactive measures in making our environment disability-friendly.”

    The event sent a powerful message that by eliminating mobility barriers, persons with disabilities can achieve greater independence and economic empowerment, paving the way for a truly inclusive society.

    *****

    VM

    (Release ID: 2107354) Visitor Counter : 11

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “The Energy and Curiosity Here Are Truly Inspiring”: Dr. Brian Greene Visits Taj Mahal

    Source: Government of India (2)

    “The Energy and Curiosity Here Are Truly Inspiring”: Dr. Brian Greene Visits Taj Mahal

    “India Is Even More Beautiful from the Ground”: NASA Astronaut Mike Massimino on His Visit

    Posted On: 02 MAR 2025 9:44AM by PIB Delhi

    “The passion for science and innovation that I have witnessed in India is unparalleled. The energy and curiosity among students here are truly inspiring,” said Dr. Brian Greene during his visit to the Taj Mahal. Praising India’s distinctive approach to education and scientific research, he emphasized the enthusiasm and ambition of Indian students to make a global impact.

    “India is even more beautiful from the ground,” remarked former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino, who has observed the country from space. Expressing his admiration for India’s aesthetic appeal, he lauded the exceptional craftsmanship of the Taj Mahal, calling it a testament to India’s rich legacy of engineering and design.

     

    Dr. Brian Greene and Mike Massimino are currently visiting India, immersing themselves in the country’s rich scientific, educational, and cultural heritage. As part of their visit, they explored the iconic Taj Mahal, where they shared their admiration for India’s advancements in science, engineering, and craftsmanship.

    Prof. Brian Greene, a renowned theoretical physicist, author, and professor of mathematics and physics at Columbia University, is celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to superstring theory, including the co-discovery of mirror symmetry and the discovery of spatial topology change.

     

    Mike Massimino, a veteran of two NASA space missions, holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and currently serves as a professor of mechanical engineering at Columbia University. As the first astronaut to tweet from space, he has played a significant role in space exploration, particularly in the Hubble Space Telescope servicing missions in 2002 and 2009.

    Throughout his career, Massimino has been honored with multiple NASA Space Flight Medals, the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, and the American Astronautical Society’s Flight Achievement Award. He currently serves as the Senior Advisor for Space Programs at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City.

    Dr. Greene and Mr. Massimino’s visit to the Taj Mahal highlights India’s growing influence in the global scientific community. Their journey serves as a bridge between India’s historical excellence in craftsmanship and its rapidly advancing role in science and innovation on the world stage.

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    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2107467) Visitor Counter : 74

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Applications open for 2025 Hong Kong Youth Music Camp

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Applications open for 2025 Hong Kong Youth Music Camp
    Applications open for 2025 Hong Kong Youth Music Camp
    *****************************************************

         The 2025 Hong Kong Youth Music Camp, organised by the Music Office of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, will be held between July and August to offer training for young musicians and choir members by highly acclaimed musicians. Participants can also join the in-camp music masterclasses and workshops. The music camps are categorised into residential and non-residential groups. Applications are open today (March 3), and qualified youths aged between 8 and 25 are welcome to join.      Camp A provides in-camp residential training at the Sai Kung Outdoor Recreation Centre for music groups of Chinese Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra and Children’s Choir from July 28 to August 2. Camp fees for local campers and non-local campers are $2,100 and $3,100 respectively. Camp conductors are the Concertmaster and Resident Conductor of Chinese Orchestra of Xi’an Conservatory of Music, Gao Wei; the Music Director of the Northwest Symphony Orchestra, Dr Anthony Spain; and Professor in Choral Conducting and Head of the Conducting Department at Bulgarian National Academy of Music, Professor Theodora Pavlovitch.       Camp B provides non-residential training at designated music centres of the Music Office for groups of Junior Chinese Orchestra, Junior String Orchestra and Junior Symphonic Band from August 4 to 9. The camp fee for both local and non-local campers is $1,100. Assistant Conductor of the Wuxi Chinese Orchestra Guo Pan, internationally acclaimed cello virtuoso and music educator Chu Yi-bing, and former Head of Open Conservatorium at the Queensland Conservatorium of Griffith University Dr Ralph Hultgren will be the camp conductors.      Participants in the music camps will perform at the concert halls of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre on August 3, and Hong Kong City Hall on August 10 respectively to showcase the achievements of their training. Tickets of the concerts will be available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk) from May 16.      For information on applicants’ eligibility and application details, please visit the Music Office’s website (www.lcsd.gov.hk/musicoffice). The application deadline is March 28. For enquiries, please call 3842 7773, 2598 0801 or 3842 7775.

     
    Ends/Monday, March 3, 2025Issued at HKT 15:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “A Mother’s Lap is the Greatest Classroom:” Sarbananda Sonowal

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 03 MAR 2025 7:16AM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal emphasised the critical role of women in nation-building, stating that “a mother’s lap is the world’s best institution of learning”, while addressing the Central Foundation Day of the All-Assam Sonowal Kachari Women’s Association (AASKWA) in Dibrugarh on Sunday.

    Speaking at the event, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal praised the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment, saying, “Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji’s leadership, the empowerment of women has paved the way for a prosperous and self-reliant society and nation.”

    Citing the Rigveda, the Union Minister stressed that women have historically played a fundamental role in shaping a progressive and holistic society. “A mother inspires her children to acquire knowledge and guides them with courage. Without effort and perseverance, it is impossible to realise one’s full potential,” he said.

    Shri Sonowal further underlined the importance of balancing technological advancement with humanity, stating, “Progress is essential, but without humanity, it remains incomplete. We must prioritize human values to overcome the challenges before us.”

    Empowering the Sonowal Kachari Community

    Sonowal highlighted the need for the Sonowal Kachari community to excel through skill, resilience, and dedication. “There are no shortcuts to success. Every achievement comes through competition and challenges. Assam’s various ethnic groups must advance through education, culture, and sports. It is our responsibility to uplift the Sonowal Kachari community through action, not just words,” Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said.

    Calling for women to take the lead in driving change, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal urged the community to embrace hard work and perseverance. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi sets an example by working nearly 18 hours a day with unmatched dedication. We must all emulate his commitment for the greater good of the nation.”

    He reiterated the government’s continuous efforts over the past decade to empower women. “Millions of women in India have become self-reliant and are contributing significantly to national progress and economic growth. By 2047, we aim to build a self-reliant and developed India, and I call upon the women of this community to take a leading role in this mission. A strong and empowered women’s force translates to accelerated national growth and prosperity.”

    The event was attended by several prominent figures, including Rashmirekha Sonowal, President of the All Assam Sonowal Kachari Women’s Association (AASKWA); former legislator Jyotsna Sonowal; Dipuranjan Makrari, president of the reception committee; Dr. Shrutidhara Mahanta, professor at Dibrugarh University; Devananda Chelleng, president of the All Assam Sonowal Kachari Students’ Association; and former chief executive member of the Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council, Dandi Sonowal, among other distinguished guests and local residents.

    ***

    GDH / HR

    (Release ID: 2107629) Visitor Counter : 73

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Text of the Vice-President’s address at IIT Hyderabad (Excerpts)

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 MAR 2025 6:30PM by PIB Delhi

    Very good afternoon all of you and I had the occasion to say it yesterday, there are no backbenchers in IITs, there are only backbenches. Am I right? Shri Jishnu Dev Verma, Honourable Governor Telangana, Honourable Member of Parliament, Shri M. Raghunandan Rao, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIT Hyderabad, Dr. B. V. R. Mohan Reddy, a man highly acclaimed, highly accoladed and I shared his thoughts with you, mincing no words.

    When IIT Board of Governors is fully involved, things are in a different groove. Professor B. S. Murthy, Director IIT Hyderabad, watch out for him. He is not as he appears, a tough guy. He means business and he means two other things apart from business. Number two is business, Number three, is business. Brevity is the soul of wit, the soul of demonstration of it in his discourse. Every word was amplified, a thought process with which you all are involved. He indicated, we don’t only create ideas, we ideate, we innovate, we accomplish. When you monetise every second, every moment, you do justice not only to yourself but to humanity.

    But you are greatly privileged when you happen to be in Bharat, home to one-sixth of humanity. We are privileged today to have presence of Honourable members of Parliament. Shri Vaddiraju Ravichandra, Shri S. S. Babu, I’ll face them in Rajya Sabha from my chair. You must have seen Rajya Sabha proceedings. They are good cholesterol. Soothing and make positive contributions. It was a great loss to the chairman of Rajya Sabha when Shri Vijay Sai Reddy ji, a very distinguished parliamentarian, ceased to be its member. I wish him great luck.

    The director focused and so did the chairman of the board of governors. An Institution is defined by the infrastructure, but that is easily creatable. That is essential, but not the cutting edge. It is our 300 squad of faculty members with greater recognition who are giving everything to make you future leaders. And let me tell you, there can be no greater honour at the moment than a global benchmark to get such quality education as your Institute.

    Amongst the IITs, in terms of time, you may not have been in the beginning, but by your achievements, by your accomplishments, you have reached that group. My congratulations to the entire faculty. The director must settle me, finding I have a political background of having been in parliament in 1989 when I ministered there, and also taking a vote without spilling out my role as Governor of the state of West Bengal. It reminded me I have to focus on innovation.

    Innovation, boys and girls, is a panacea for what we need and what kills us. It is a one-stop solution to bring about progress, sustainable development, and solve our problems. When it comes to Bharat, a land of homogeneous, demonstrated to the world for over 5,000 years, an Indian mind has a DNA which speaks of genius.

    Let me buttress it by one illustration. We are a nation of 1.4 billion people and we are well spread out. The landscape, rural, semi-urban, urban, metro, and top metros. But when it came to technological penetration and digitisation, just imagine, accessibility of technology and adaptability of those in the villages. Amazing performance, giving us global recognition. If our people-centric policies, if service delivery is so efficient, it is on account of adaptability to technology of our brothers and sisters in the villages. I am son of a farmer.

    Imagine the kind of pride I have. Three times a year, about 100 million farmers get a direct amount in their bank accounts. The government or the system is not important. It is an achievement, but the farmers are equipped on their own to receive it. Now if you go to the base of it, this would not have been possible unless the Prime Minister of the country entertained the grandiose idea that they must have access to banking system.

    And in the shortest space, when it comes to time assessment, over 500 million people have got banking vision. Second, the malice of nepotism, and that is highly unacceptable to our young people, because if patronage is password for an employment or opportunity, you will have a deep frustration.

    And there was a time, not long ago, when power corridors were infested with corrupt elements. Decision-making was leveraged extraordinarily. Patronage was a password for success. There was in that country a privileged pedigree. They entertained the idea that we are above law. We are beyond the reach of law. Nothing could be more frustrating toyoung minds. I faced it during my time.

    Imagine my pain, admitted to an IIT, had no money, couldn’t go. Imagine my pain, as an advocate, had to work very hard to get a loan of 6000 rupees for my digestion. Vividly I had before me the manager who said, I can give you without paying guarantee because I find you are a good lawyer, and look at the transformative change you are witnessing. Start-ups, unicorns emanating from tier 2 cities.

    You are, and you try, Gen Z and Generation Next and those who are before me. You are the most vital stakeholders in democracy, in progress of this nation. Right now, if you have to see where we are heading, then we have to find the ecosystem. A nation’s state is fundamental because if the nation is let say at war, things go horizontally. So nation’s state is important. So is the national movement. Also its growth trajectory, the destination it has for itself, its ecosystem.

    And when we examine these things, reality check, our nation is in a top global group. World technological leaders, when it comes to finer aspects of development like Quantum computing or Green Hydrogen mission or commercialisation of 6G, areas which will appeal you not to ordinary youth, but we are in the big league of nations.

    Artificial intelligence is bringing about paradigm shift every moment. It is introduction of an era, a new kind of industrial revolution with greater potential, challenges and opportunities. This has a big basket of opportunities for boys and girls. Let me remind you one aspect. I had the occasion to face terrible panks of pain in 1990.

    I was a Minister and our gold had to be shipped out by air to be placed to two banks in Switzerland to sustain our fiscal credibility because our foreign exchange could not last even for a few weeks, not to speak of months.

    It was in doldrums, dangerously moving around 1 billion US dollars. This is not a concern to us at all at the moment. We are 700 billion, but concern to you is we are having trade deficit with a neighbouring country to the extent of 90 billion US dollars, and if I go by the figures recently released, the input is 17% year on year and the output is only 11%. Solution to that has to be found by you.

    You will have to focus and only you can do it. I do agree that young minds like you have capacity to bring about big transformative change. But then you need some support. And one support is I seek to steer your minds, minds of the parliamentarians, minds of industry leaders, your chairman represents that group. Academia, your director represents it.

    Economic nationalism. Much of the trade deficit that is draining out our foreign exchange to the tune of hundreds of billions. If one country is around 90 billion US dollars, you can imagine when we cumulatively assess it.

    Why should this country import what is available? Number two, if it is avoidable, can’t our genius find a solution by way of substitution? and three, our raw materials leave our shores, pronouncing on our inability to add value to the raw material. In the process, we deprive our people of work on both accounts, avoidable imports and export of raw material. The blunt entrepreneurship, this mindset has to dominate us.

    The role of the people is crucial, but then the greater role is of those in industry, commerce, business and trade. Can’t they sit on one table through their associations and take a call? That, I would urge, should be taken.

    While I was examining your motto and logo, both are critical, and I am happy by what I have gathered on my own and what has been asserted by the director and chairman. Motto: Inventing and innovating in Technology for Humanity.

    Logo: Expansion and Growth of Knowledge, and this is drawn from Telugu. Let me reflect on some changes that are worrisomely alarming, concerning. India is a land of rich languages.

    Sanskrit, Bangla, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, several languages. Even in Parliament, simultaneous translation takes place in 22 languages. Our civilisational ethos tells us inclusivity. Should there be confrontational stance on language in land of Bharat?

    What a moment of pride for everyone when languages were put in the classical language status recently. We have to nurture every language. Our languages have global outreach. They are gold mine of literature, and the literary pieces have knowledge and wisdom. Vedas, Puranas, our epics, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Gita.

    And therefore I call upon youth of the country, Social media has given you the power to take a call. If there is deviation from our commitment to nationalism, if there is assessment of development through partisan prism, we need to be watchdogs.

    Use the power to blunt the narratives that emanate from forces that are financially fuelled only to injure Bharat. Because you are at the moment living in times that indicate hope and possibility. Your basket is limitless.

    Look at sea surface, deep sea, ground, underground, sky or space. Your opportunities and challenges are there. Mid-blue economy or space economy.

    Let me pose a question to you. If the International Monetary Fund has asserted that India, Bharat at the moment is a hotspot, a global centre, most attractive one for investment and opportunity, is it for government jobs? Certainly not. Therefore, that opportunity is for you also.

    Investment, these days I can tell you with my exposure in governance, is not a problem at all. You would have seen in start-ups investment, apart from the governmental affirmative policies, innovative framework, top business leaders investing in start-ups. The hierarchical succession mechanism in industrial business has collapsed.

    Tech tycoons are emerging. There was a time when we could not see a single Indian soul working in global top corporates at any level, and now boys and girls, there is not a single global corporate of consequence where an Indian genius is not contributing at the top level.

    When that is the scenario, you have to make a difference. You have to catalyse the change which you think is best for the nation. And I would say, don’t just catalyse, be the epicentre of change.

    Another centre of change, never ever keep a brilliant idea in your mind. Your mind is not a parking space. What a parking place.

    You do greatest injustice to you and to humanity that an idea has occurred to you and you fear experimentation. You fear failure. Boys and girls’ fear of failure is a myth.

    Chandrayaan 2,I was governor of the state of West Bengal. It was September, I think, 2019. I think 2019, and I was in the company of about 500 school-going children, young boys and girls. Chandrayaan 2 landed close but could not touch the lunar surface. For some who are recipe for chaos, some would define nothing but negativity. For some who see nothing but only taint in your white cloth, they said, failure, so much money, but if you examine success of Chandrayaan 3, was rooted in the foundation laid by Chandrayaan 2, you all will realise first attempt success has eluded most great innovations.

    Let me focus on reality of research and innovation. First our corporates. I am not critical of them, I am critique. They must invest in research. They must invest in research for development and innovation. They must compete with global giants, because this investment is not for the beneficiary student, boy or girl of your Institute or other Institutes.

    It is for benefit of our present, our future. And trust me, we have had a big change in our strategic system globally. Conventional war system has collapsed. It is diplomacy that defines. Innovation and research give us great cutting edge in soft diplomacy. We become a great power. Therefore I appeal from this podium. Corporates, examine what your peers are doing in the West. Please come closer to them.

    Second, look at global Universities. Their endowment funds in billions of US dollars. I had the occasion to glance. Oh my god, crossing in 50 billion US dollars. If you see the top list, why don’t we have it? I hope, Governor of the board, we started in 2008.

    We have Alumni. Let our alumni plow in the corpus. Amount doesn’t matter. It is the spirit of contribution that will generate a connect with the Institute.

    A pride for them also. I have mooted an idea. I hope someone takes it.

    We have institutes of excellence, IITs, IIMs and other institutes. Their aluminium associations must form into a confederation of associations of aluminium. It will be a top world benchmark think tank for policy making.

    It can spur research and innovation. All I am indicating is that these thoughts which I have shared are only indicative, because you are discerning minds, you can on your own work about it.

    If a man like me, who had such a successful career, I can say so, now I am not a senior advocate anymore, to be designated senior in less than 10 and a half years of my practise. No one has done it. I still feel the void of not getting admission to IIT. You are there. I still have the void.

    The position of the Governor or Vice-President does not compensate it. And therefore, I am your Eklavya. I am trying to persuade you.

    I would conclude, I invite in batches students of the IIT and the faculty to be my guests for a visit to Indian parliament, and I would have the occasion and I would gather some people who need to be educated. No pun intended.

    We will have luncheon, brainstorming sessions. I will depute an Officer from my secretariat to be in touch with the Registrar, and this will be done before I take off in my helicopter. I hope you will respond to me. I go with a deep sense of satisfaction, optimism and confidence.

    Though I have not been able to share my thoughts in completeness, but I know, I may have sent or short changed you. But you have received what I mean to convey.

    Thank you so much for your time.

     ***

    JK/RC/SM

    (Release ID: 2107587) Visitor Counter : 34

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: S for S leads Security Bureau Youth Uniformed Group Leaders Forum to complete Greater Bay Area study tour in Macao (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    S for S leads Security Bureau Youth Uniformed Group Leaders Forum to complete Greater Bay Area study tour in Macao (with photos)
    S for S leads Security Bureau Youth Uniformed Group Leaders Forum to complete Greater Bay Area study tour in Macao (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

         ​The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, today (March 2) led members of the Security Bureau Youth Uniformed Group Leaders Forum on a Greater Bay Area study tour in Macao, completing a three-day, two-night exploration of national history and culture, as well as developments in various fields.     The Leaders Forum and its partners, Shenzhen University and the youth groups of public security forces of Macao, comprised 72 people and were led by the Permanent Secretary for Security, Mr Patrick Li. The study tour began in Foshan on February 28 and continued to Macao yesterday (March 1). Today, Mr Tang led the members to visit the Macao Light Rapid Transit East Line South Section to learn about the latest developments in Macao’s major infrastructure project and toured the campus of the Academy of Public Security Forces. The young people also visited the Macao Customs Fleet to be briefed on customs duties and maritime rescue operations. They also explored various historic sites, as well as new and old architecture.     Mr Tang listened to the participants’ interim reports on their thematic projects. He said that the participation of students from Shenzhen University since the last term of the Leaders Forum and youths from Macao in this term has enabled young people in Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Macao to collaborate closely. He praised the potential of members from the three places, highlighting that three members from Shenzhen University were recently awarded the Good Citizen Award by the Hong Kong Police Force for their bravery in saving a life in Hong Kong, and seven members from Hong Kong were awarded the stars of self-improvement of Chinese college students, which are highly commendable. The awards were presented to 1 600 students on the Mainland and 20 students in Hong Kong, including the seven members of the Leaders Forum.     During their stay in Foshan, the group visited the Shunde drone command and dispatch center to understand how the district optimises urban management through the introduction of drones and the consolidation of collected data. They also visited an intelligent manufacturing technology park, an innovation and research and development centre, and a manufacturing enterprise to learn about the development of high-tech industries on the Mainland and how various industries apply technology to improve production processes. The young people also explored the Foshan Ancestral Temple, which has a long history, to know more about the local traditional culture.

     
    Ends/Sunday, March 2, 2025Issued at HKT 18:33

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Polytechnic University hosted a conference of the Youth Technical Council of the RusHydro Group

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    On February 25 and 26, the RusHydro Group Youth Technical Council Conference was held at the Technopolis Polytech Research Building. Young specialists from the company’s branches and subsidiaries discussed improving work efficiency, developed plans for 2025, and communicated with experts.

    The Youth Technical Council (YTC) includes young specialists who jointly solve production, scientific, technical and scientific research tasks facing the company. The members of the council act as experts of the collegial bodies of RusHydro. This work opens access to new professional skills and contacts, which contributes to the formation of future technical leaders and key specialists of the industry.

    The first MTS conference was held in March 2024 in Moscow. At the second meeting at the Polytechnic, the participants summed up the results of MTS activities in 2024, spoke to experts in the TED format, developed proposals for the MTS Regulation, making adjustments to it for better work. Representatives of the collegial bodies, represented by the management of the production unit of the executive office of the RusHydro Group, reviewed each change. During a lively discussion, experts and young workers discussed proposals and possible formats for motivating MTS participants.

    Sergey Kondratyev, member of the board, first deputy general director and chief engineer of PJSC RusHydro, spoke at the conference. At the meeting with him, participants and experts defined the role of MTS in the system of collegial bodies of the RusHydro Group.

    In addition, several expert presentations took place. Deputy Head of the Hydrotechnical Department of JSC Lenhydroproject Konstantin Purgin made a report on the procedure for preparing an examination, issued comments, and the organization of the activities of the scientific and technical council during the examination. Head of the Standardization Department of the Technical Regulation Department of PJSC RusHydro Grigory Bondarenko presented the results of work with the NTD.

    During the discussions in the groups, the participants formed plans for work and cross-sectional interaction for 2025 and elected the chairman and secretary of the MTS.

    The final events of the conference were reference visits to enterprises in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region that are partners of the RusHydro Group.

    Photo archive

    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 Global: In siding with Russia over Ukraine, Trump is not putting America first. He is hastening its decline

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Matthew Sussex, Associate Professor (Adj), Griffith Asia Institute; and Fellow, Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University

    Has any nation squandered its diplomatic capital, plundered its own political system, attacked its partners and supplicated itself before its far weaker enemies as rapidly and brazenly as Donald Trump’s America?

    The fiery Oval Office meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday saw the American leader try to publicly humiliate the democratically elected leader of a nation that had been invaded by a rapacious and imperialistic aggressor.

    And this was all because Zelensky refused to sign an act of capitulation, criticised Putin (who has tried to have Zelensky killed on numerous occasions), and failed to bend the knee to Trump, the country’s self-described king.

    The Oval Office meeting became heated in a way that has rarely been seen between world leaders.

    What’s worse is Trump has now been around so long that his oafish behaviour has become normalised. Together with his attack dog, Vice President JD Vance, Trump has thrown the Overton window – the spectrum of subjects politically acceptable to the public – wide open.

    Previously sensible Republicans are now either cowed or co-opted. Elon Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is gutting America’s public service and installing toadies in place of professionals, while his social media company, X, is platforming ads from actual neo-Nazis.

    The FBI is run by Kash Patel, who hawked bogus COVID vaccine reversal therapies and wrote children’s books featuring Trump as a monarch. The agency is already busily investigating Trump’s enemies.

    The Department of Health and Human Services is helmed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vaccine denier, just as Americans have begun dying from measles for the first time in a decade. And America’s health and medical research has been channelled into ideologically “approved” topics.

    At the Pentagon, in a breathtaking act of self-sabotage, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered US Cyber Command to halt all operations targeting Russia.

    And cuts to USAID funding are destroying US soft power, creating a vacuum that will gleefully be filled by China. Other Western aid donors are likely to follow suit so they can spend more on their militaries in response to US unilateralism.

    What is Trump’s strategy?

    Trump’s wrecking ball is already having seismic global effects, mere weeks after he took office.

    The US vote against a UN General Assembly resolution condemning Russia for starting the war against Ukraine placed it in previously unthinkable company – on the side of Russia, Belarus and North Korea. Even China abstained from the vote.

    In the United Kingdom, a YouGov poll of more than 5,000 respondents found that 48% of Britons thought it was more important to support Ukraine than maintain good relations with the US. Only 20% favoured supporting America over Ukraine.

    And Trump’s bizarre suggestion that China, Russia and the US halve their respective defence budgets is certain to be interpreted as a sign of weakness rather than strength.

    The oft-used explanation for his behaviour is that it echoes the isolationism of one of his ideological idols, former US President Andrew Jackson. Trump’s aim seems to be ring-fencing American businesses with high tariffs, while attempting to split Russia away from its relationship with China.

    These arguments are both economically illiterate and geopolitically witless. Even a cursory understanding of tariffs reveals that they drive inflation because they are paid by importers who then pass the costs on to consumers. Over time, they are little more than sugar pills that turn economies diabetic, increasingly reliant on state protections from unending trade wars.

    And the “reverse Kissinger” strategy – a reference to the US role in exacerbating the Sino-Soviet split during the Cold War – is wishful thinking to the extreme.

    Putin would have to be utterly incompetent to countenance a move away from Beijing. He has invested significant time and effort to improve this relationship, believing China will be the dominant power of the 21st century.

    Putin would be even more foolish to embrace the US as a full-blown partner. That would turn Russia’s depopulated southern border with China, stretching over 4,300 kilometres, into the potential front line of a new Cold War.

    What does this mean for America’s allies?

    While Trump’s moves have undoubtedly strengthened the US’ traditional adversaries, they have also weakened and alarmed its friends.

    Put simply, no American ally – either in Europe or Asia – can now have confidence Washington will honour its security commitments. This was brought starkly home to NATO members at the Munich Security Conference in February, where US representatives informed a stunned audience that America may no longer view itself as the main guarantor of European security.

    Vice President JD Vance delivers a strong message to European leaders.

    The swiftness of US disengagement means European countries must not only muster the will and means to arm themselves quickly, but also take the lead in collectively providing for Ukraine’s security.

    Whether they can do so remains unclear. Europe’s history of inaction does not bode well.

    US allies also face choices in Asia. Japan and South Korea will now be seriously considering all options – potentially even nuclear weapons – to deter an emboldened China.

    There are worries in Australia, as well. Can it pretend nothing has changed and hope the situation will then normalise after the next US presidential election?

    The future of AUKUS, the deal to purchase (and then co-design) US nuclear powered submarines, is particularly uncertain.

    Does it make strategic sense to pursue full integration with the US military when the White House could just treat Taipei, Tokyo, Seoul and Canberra with the same indifference it has displayed towards its friends in Europe?

    Ultimately, the chaos Trump 2.0 has unleashed in such a short amount of time is both unprecedented and bewildering. In seeking to put “America First”, Trump is perversely hastening its decline. He is leaving America isolated and untrusted by its closest friends.

    And, in doing so, the world’s most powerful nation has also made the world a more dangerous, uncertain and ultimately an uglier place to be.

    Matthew Sussex has received funding from the Australian Research Council, the Atlantic Council, the Fulbright Foundation, the Carnegie Foundation, the Lowy Institute and various Australian government departments and agencies.

    – ref. In siding with Russia over Ukraine, Trump is not putting America first. He is hastening its decline – https://theconversation.com/in-siding-with-russia-over-ukraine-trump-is-not-putting-america-first-he-is-hastening-its-decline-251140

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: From the fashion to the speeches to the music, this was an Oscars of few surprises. 5 experts break it down

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Harriette Richards, Senior Lecturer, School of Fashion and Textiles, RMIT University

    In a year with few surprises in the awards categories, there was also a dearth of surprises on the red carpet. The sartorial themes included sparkling metallics, coloured menswear and bows, bows and more bows.

    Metallic gowns that resemble the Oscar statue are a familiar sight at the Academy Awards and this year was no different. Some of the standouts included best actress nominee Demi Moore in a magnificently glittering silver Armani Privé gown, Selena Gomez in custom Ralph Lauren encrusted with 16,000 individual blush-toned jewel teardrops, and Emma Stone in a minimalist Louis Vuitton sheath covered in iridescent fish scales.

    In the menswear category, tuxedos reign supreme. This year was notable only for the diversity of colours in which these suits came.

    Best actor nominee Timothée Chalamet lived up to his reputation for monochrome, richly hued ensembles in a custom butter yellow leather suit by Givenchy, paired with a matching silk shirt and delicate neck brooch in place of a tie. His best actor nominated compatriot, Colman Domingo (one of the best dressed men in Hollywood) was pristine in a double-breasted red silk jacket with black lapels, black trousers and matching red shirt by Valentino, similarly eschewing a tie in favour of a fine gold brooch. Andrew Garfield wore louche chocolate brown Gucci and Jeremy Strong wore a suit by Loro Piana in an unusual tone of olive green.

    Bows of varying size and stature were perhaps the strongest theme of the night.

    Best actress winner Mikey Madison in black and pink Dior, best supporting actress nominee Felicity Jones in shimmering liquid silver Armani, Elle Fanning in white and black Givenchy and Lupita Nyong’o in white Chanel were all adorned with bows at their waists.

    The most remarkable bow of the night though was best actress nominee Cynthia Erivo in a structured deep emerald-green velvet Louis Vuitton gown, the broad, wing-like sleeves of which were crafted as a bow.

    Notable mentions must also go to those attendees who do not fit neatly into any thematic category. Best supporting actress nominee Ariana Grande wore a meticulously crafted pale pink Schiaparelli confection and Lisa (of Blackpink and now White Lotus fame) perfected a feminine take on masculine suiting in a tuxedo dress by Markgong.

    The only real surprise was the lack of political statements on display. Unlike recent years, when pins and ribbons in support of Ukraine and Palestine were widely worn, this year only Guy Pearce was spotted wearing a Free Palestine pin, Conclave writer Peter Straughan wore a Ukrainian flag pin and Kayo Shekoni had “free Congo” emblazoned on the sole of her high heels.

    – Harriette Richards

    The best picture: Anora

    And the best picture Oscar goes to … Anora – the film that was favoured to win, so no surprises here.

    Though he had been working for more than a decade at the time, writer-director-editor Sean Baker came onto the independent movie scene with a bang with 2015’s Tangerine, a gimmicky film that was mainly celebrated for being shot on an iPhone. Why this would be celebrated is anyone’s guess. I suspect it’s because of the “I could do it too” factor – something the average person certainly couldn’t say if we’re talking 35mm celluloid.

    Since then, Baker’s films have relished in embracing the digital, neon world, but always in a kind of sentimental and shallow, rather than critical, register. None of his films are awful – and maybe that’s saying something in this day and age. Anora also is not awful, but it’s not particularly memorable either.

    Anora follows a run of the mill American dream-type story about a hard-working stripper who seems to strike fairytale gold when a young, fun Russian oligarch falls in love with her. Only the dream turns out to be more of a nightmare (kind of) when things don’t quite work out and the film ends with the titular character once again independent and free.

    The idea of undercutting the fairytale setup of the typical rom-com is not at all original, and the film strikes me as even more schmaltzy in its rejection of the fairytale dream than if it had embraced it and played like a tween-focused Nickelodeon film (it’s about as poignant as this).

    The film’s cardinal sin, however – and it’s certainly not alone in this – is its critical overlength. Each of the film’s sections could have had some 20 minutes cut and we would have had an enjoyably tight romp at 80 minutes. Instead, Anora drags on, swept up in its imagining of its own profundity – at times pretentious, but mainly tedious.

    – Ari Mattes

    Not the year to stick a neck out

    The speeches this year were conspicuously meek. No announcer majorly insulted anyone else. No winner assaulted anyone else. Even the James Bond retrospective lacked energy. What’s going on in Hollywood?

    There are clues that help explain this curious flatness. Host Conan O’Brien mentioned the pressure of “divisive politics” while reflecting on California’s wildfires. Several winners spoke about the importance of shared experience, of what unites us, of film as a medium that brings people together, a force for “good and progress in the world” and “a reminder not to let hate go unchecked”.

    The directors of No Other Land, receiving their Oscar for best documentary, shared the one clear critical voice. Palestinian Basel Adra wished his newborn daughter a life without the fear that governs daily life in his homeland. Israeli co-director Yuval Abraham agreed: “There is another way. It’s not too late for life and for the living. There is no other way.”

    However, that was the only moment people at the Oscars seemed willing to confront the political elephant in the room.

    Anora director Sean Baker used his last (of four!) acceptance speeches to compel more people to help keep cinema doors open. He made his point passionately: this was the best way to sustain an industry that could continue to make brilliant movies. That said, the most emotive speeches of past Oscars events went much further than just commenting on the bread and butter concerns of the film industry.

    This year, there were more clues in what people did not say. There were feints at Russian dictators – but nobody mentioned the war in Ukraine. There was no discussion of a certain election result, nor of filmmakers’ fears that Washington is now in the control of a governing faction that loathes them. Most revealing of all: nobody raised a peep about the President or his friends.

    Hollywood’s collective discipline was on show tonight – and 2025 is not the year to stick a neck out.

    – Tom Clark

    A banner year for independent film

    Independent films were the big winners for this year’s Oscars. While many of the technical awards went to the big budget films, such as Wicked (the US$145 million film won costume design and production design) and Dune: Part 2 (made at a budget of US$190 million, and winning sound and visual effects), the night’s major awards went to small productions.

    While the definitions of “independence” and “studio” films don’t exist in a neat binary when it comes to production and global distribution, we can distinguish between film juggernauts and smaller films.

    Three independent films won significant awards that are of note. Latvian film Flow was the first independent film to win best animated feature, up against major films Inside Out 2 (Pixar Films) and The Wild Robot (DreamWorks).

    The film follows a cat, a dog, a capybara, a secretary bird and a ring-tailed lemur navigating a post-apocalyptic world with rising sea levels. The film also only used free and open-source software Blender and mostly used sounds from real world counterparts of the various characters. It was made for a budget of just €3.5 million (A$5.9 million).

    The best documentary film nominees were dominated by independent films. Notably, the winner No Other Land has sadly been unable to find a distributor to release the film in the United States. (It is available for streaming in Australia on DocPlay, and in select cinemas.) The film was only eligible because the Film Lincoln Centre in New York facilitated a one-week, qualifying theatrical run.

    The night’s top glories went to Anora, made on a budget of just US$6 million (A$9.7 million) and taking home the awards for best film, director, actress, screenplay and editing.

    In his acceptance speech for best director, Sean Baker spoke of the importance of films getting a theatrical release. Films, he said, are about humanity – and that is best experienced in watching a film with other people.

    During awards season, Baker has often spoken about the importance of small budget films in the expression of core human experiences.

    The final message of the night went to Baker when he thanked the Academy for recognising a truly independent film: “Long live independent film!”

    Indeed, independent films ruled this year’s Oscars.

    – Stuart Richards

    Best actor and actress

    Mikey Madison, who won the best actress award for Anora, is quite good in the role. That said, it’s difficult to evaluate her performance in such a meandering film.

    She tries hard playing a stripper who falls for Prince Charming – a Russian oligarch (Hollywood’s anti-Russian sentiment has certainly grown in recent years) who turns out to be a bit of a weakling with meanie parents. But Madison never really convincingly embodies the character, and we’re ever aware as we watch the film that she’s an actress working her way through relevant emotions and intensities.

    That said, Madison is good at yelling and stripping, and this is the main way she shows her chops here. She screamed well in Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (2019), too. The bar this year was admittedly pretty low, and truth be told Madison’s performance in Anora (aside from Fernanda Torres for I’m Still Here) is probably the best out of the nominees.

    In contrast, Adrien Brody, who won the best actor award, is absolutely unforgettable in the flawed but magnificent The Brutalist – the best he’s been since The Pianist, and the deserved winner by a mile out of a similarly mediocre field. Brody is simply a pleasure to watch, and drives, in a wholly embodied way, this grandiose and exceedingly long film (the fact it doesn’t feel long is largely due to his magnetism).

    The screenplay, in which the character comes across as a combination of arrogant, sweet and at times comedic, allows Brody to display the full range of his talent, and he plays the whole thing with an endearing vulnerability. But, again, it’s unfair to compare Brody and Madison – The Brutalist is a spectacularly accomplished cinematic epic, while Anora feels as stylish and profound as a social media video (I know that’s the point, but that doesn’t make it any more compelling).

    – Ari Mattes

    A lacklustre year for music

    This was a strong year for music-based films, with three of the most nominated ones being musicals of various types: the big-budget Broadway adaptation Wicked, the original film musical Emilia Pérez, and the musician biopic A Complete Unknown.

    The music of the ceremony itself was nicely assembled, with a live orchestra (conducted by Michael Bearden) accompanying proceedings from above the stage.

    But the show was marred by an absence: the best song nominations were not performed live. The new songs this year were so bland, however – especially when compared to the Wicked score and Bob Dylan – that I can hardly blame the producers. The nominations included a dull Elton John song, some soft guitar rock from Sing Sing, Diane Warren’s 16th (!) nominated song (more soft rock), and two forgettable songs from Emilia Pérez (one of which, El Mal, was the winner).

    So little faith did the Academy have in the songs that only a few seconds were played from each, mostly covered by a montage of interviews with the songwriters.

    This year’s nominated best scores were not much more memorable, but Daniel Blumberg deserved his win for The Brutalist. It demonstrates a high level of composition and orchestration craft. It uses edgy instrumental textures to increase the feelings of uncertainty and imbalance that the film imparts.

    The show included a lot of Wizard of Oz. Ariana Grande sang Over the Rainbow from the 1939 film and Cynthia Erivo sang Home from The Wiz, the 1974 soul musical based on the book. Then they performed Defying Gravity from Wicked together.

    Another subtle Wizard of Oz nod was the music played during the commercial breaks: a loop based on Brand New Day from The Wiz, whose 1979 film version had its music produced by the late Quincy Jones. Queen Latifah and backup dancers brought some much needed energy to the last hour of the ceremony with Ease on Down the Road, also from The Wiz, as part of a Jones tribute.

    One surprise was an unnecessary but enjoyable James Bond sequence featuring Margaret Qualley dancing to John Barry’s famous theme, a performance of Live and Let Die by K-pop star Lisa, Doja Cat singing Diamonds Are Forever, and Raye’s rendition of Skyfall.

    This plus the various numbers from the Oz Musical Universe only highlighted how lacklustre this year’s nominated music was.

    – Gregory Camp

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. From the fashion to the speeches to the music, this was an Oscars of few surprises. 5 experts break it down – https://theconversation.com/from-the-fashion-to-the-speeches-to-the-music-this-was-an-oscars-of-few-surprises-5-experts-break-it-down-251264

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: SUM held a webinar on the exchange of best practices in project-based learning for teachers of Russian universities

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    On February 28, the first online seminar in 2025 was held for teachers and staff of higher education institutions, dedicated to the issues of introducing project-based learning into the educational process.

    The webinar was organized by the State University of Management as an interregional educational and methodological center for project-based learning and the Association of Project-Oriented Organizations of Science and Higher Education.

    The webinar featured four informative presentations, each of which highlighted important aspects of project activities at the university.

    Artem Merenkov, associate professor of the Department of Transport Complex Management at the Institute of Industry Management at the State University of Management, shared the successful experience of the department in the field of project-based learning, highlighting seven key principles that contribute to the effective implementation of this methodology in the educational process.

    Ekaterina Kupriyanova, head of the “Office of Initiative and Project Management” project, senior lecturer of private and entrepreneurial law at Surgut State University, spoke about the path of development of the project-based learning system at Surgut State University – from the creation of an initiative group to the full integration of the project approach into the educational model.

    Veniamin Manukyan, leading specialist of the business incubator of the Yaroslavl State University named after P.G. Demidov, CEO of the startup studio “Struktura”, presented a methodology for working in an educational environment that allows creating a pipeline of startups and leading to a product with a turnover of several million rubles.

    Oksana Chulanova, professor of the Department of Public and Municipal Administration and Personnel Management at Surgut State University, presented a unique model of project-based learning based on the bionic approach using the example of Surgut State University. This innovative approach allows integrating interdisciplinary knowledge and practical skills, creating conditions for students to deeply immerse themselves in real professional tasks.

    Thank you all for your active participation. We are confident that the knowledge and ideas gained will help make project-based learning an even more effective tool for training future specialists.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 03.03.2025

    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-Evening Report: Melting Antarctic ice will slow the world’s strongest ocean current – and the global consequences are profound

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Taimoor Sohail, Postdoctoral Researcher, School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, The University of Melbourne

    Mongkolchon Akesin, Shutterstock

    Flowing clockwise around Antarctica, the Antarctic Circumpolar Current is the strongest ocean current on the planet. It’s five times stronger than the Gulf Stream and more than 100 times stronger than the Amazon River.

    It forms part of the global ocean “conveyor belt” connecting the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian oceans. The system regulates Earth’s climate and pumps water, heat and nutrients around the globe.

    But fresh, cool water from melting Antarctic ice is diluting the salty water of the ocean, potentially disrupting the vital ocean current.

    Our new research suggests the Antarctic Circumpolar Current will be 20% slower by 2050 as the world warms, with far-reaching consequences for life on Earth.

    The Antarctic Circumpolar Current keeps Antarctica isolated from the rest of the global ocean, and connects the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans.
    Sohail, T., et al (2025), Environmental Research Letters., CC BY

    Why should we care?

    The Antarctic Circumpolar Current is like a moat around the icy continent.

    The current helps to keep warm water at bay, protecting vulnerable ice sheets. It also acts as a barrier to invasive species such as southern bull kelp and any animals hitching a ride on these rafts, spreading them out as they drift towards the continent. It also plays a big part in regulating Earth’s climate.

    Unlike better known ocean currents – such as the Gulf Stream along the United States East Coast, the Kuroshio Current near Japan, and the Agulhas Current off the coast of South Africa – the Antarctic Circumpolar Current is not as well understood. This is partly due to its remote location, which makes obtaining direct measurements especially difficult.

    Understanding the influence of climate change

    Ocean currents respond to changes in temperature, salt levels, wind patterns and sea-ice extent. So the global ocean conveyor belt is vulnerable to climate change on multiple fronts.

    Previous research suggested one vital part of this conveyor belt could be headed for a catastrophic collapse.

    Theoretically, warming water around Antarctica should speed up the current. This is because density changes and winds around Antarctica dictate the strength of the current. Warm water is less dense (or heavy) and this should be enough to speed up the current. But observations to date indicate the strength of the current has remained relatively stable over recent decades.

    This stability persists despite melting of surrounding ice, a phenomenon that had not been fully explored in scientific discussions in the past.

    What we did

    Advances in ocean modelling allow a more thorough investigation of the potential future changes.

    We used Australia’s fastest supercomputer and climate simulator in Canberra to study the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. The underlying model, ACCESS-OM2-01, has been developed by Australian researchers from various universities as part of the Consortium for Ocean-Sea Ice Modelling in Australia.

    The model captures features others often miss, such as eddies. So it’s a far more accurate way to assess how the current’s strength and behaviour will change as the world warms. It picks up the intricate interactions between ice melting and ocean circulation.

    In this future projection, cold, fresh melt water from Antarctica migrates north, filling the deep ocean as it goes. This causes major changes to the density structure of the ocean. It counteracts the influence of ocean warming, leading to an overall slowdown in the current of as much as 20% by 2050.

    Far-reaching consequences

    The consequences of a weaker Antarctic Circumpolar Current are profound and far-reaching.

    As the main current that circulates nutrient-rich waters around Antarctica, it plays a crucial role in the Antarctic ecosystem.

    Weakening of the current could reduce biodiversity and decrease the productivity of fisheries that many coastal communities rely on. It could also aid the entry of invasive species such as southern bull kelp to Antarctica, disrupting local ecosystems and food webs.

    A weaker current may also allow more warm water to penetrate southwards, exacerbating the melting of Antarctic ice shelves and contributing to global sea-level rise. Faster ice melting could then lead to further weakening of the current, commencing a vicious spiral of current slowdown.

    This disruption could extend to global climate patterns, reducing the ocean’s ability to regulate climate change by absorbing excess heat and carbon in the atmosphere.

    Ocean currents around the world (NASA)

    Need to reduce emissions

    While our findings present a bleak prognosis for the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, the future is not predetermined. Concerted efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions could still limit melting around Antarctica.

    Establishing long-term studies in the Southern Ocean will be crucial for monitoring these changes accurately.

    With proactive and coordinated international actions, we have a chance to address and potentially avert the effects of climate change on our oceans.

    The authors thank Polar Climate Senior Researcher Dr Andreas Klocker, from the NORCE Norwegian Research Centre and Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research, for his contribution to this research, and Professor Matthew England from the University of New South Wales, who provided the outputs from the model simulation for this analysis.

    Taimoor Sohail receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    Bishakhdatta Gayen receives funding from Australian Research Council (ARC). He works at University of Melbourne as ARC Future Fellow and Associate Professor. He is also A/Prof. at CAOS, Indian Institute of Science.

    – ref. Melting Antarctic ice will slow the world’s strongest ocean current – and the global consequences are profound – https://theconversation.com/melting-antarctic-ice-will-slow-the-worlds-strongest-ocean-current-and-the-global-consequences-are-profound-251053

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: University Research – Melting Antarctic ice sheets will slow Earth’s strongest ocean current – Melbourne University

    Source:  University of Melbourne

    Melting ice sheets are slowing the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), the world’s strongest ocean current, researchers have found.

    This melting has implications for global climate indicators, including sea level rise, ocean warming and viability of marine ecosystems.

    The researchers, from the University of Melbourne and NORCE Norway Research Centre, have shown the current slowing by around 20 per cent by 2050 in a high carbon emissions scenario.

    This influx of fresh water into the Southern Ocean is expected to change the properties, such as density (salinity), of the ocean and its circulation patterns.

    University of Melbourne researchers, fluid mechanist Associate Professor Bishakhdatta Gayen and climate scientist Dr Taimoor Sohail, and oceanographer Dr Andreas Klocker from the NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, undertook the research. They analysed a high-resolution ocean and sea ice simulation of ocean currents, heat transport and other factors to diagnose the impact of changing temperature, saltiness and wind conditions. (ref. https://www.norceresearch.no/en/ )

    Associate Professor Gayen said: “The ocean is extremely complex and finely balanced. If this current ‘engine’ breaks down, there could be severe consequences. These could include more climate variability, with greater extremes in certain regions, and accelerated global warming due to a reduction in the ocean’s capacity to act as a carbon sink.”

    The ACC works as a barrier to invasive species, like rafts of southern bull kelp that ride the currents, or marine-borne animals like shrimp or molluscs, from other continents reaching Antarctica.

    As the ACC slows and weakens, there is a higher likelihood such species will make their way onto the fragile Antarctic continent. This will potentially have a severe impact on the food web, which may, for example, change the available diet of Antarctic penguins.

    The ACC is a crucial part of the world’s “ocean conveyor belt” and is more than four times stronger than the gulf stream. It moves water around the globe – linking the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. The ACC is the main mechanism for the exchange of heat, carbon dioxide, chemicals and biology across these ocean basins.

    The researchers used Australia’s fastest supercomputer and climate simulator, GADI, located at Access National Research Infrastructure  in Canberra. The underlying model (ACCESS-OM2-01) has been developed over a number of years by Australian researchers from various universities. (ref. https://www.access-nri.org.au/ )

    The projections explored in this analysis were conducted by a research team based at UNSW, who found that the transport of ocean water from the surface to the deep may also slow in the future. (ref. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-05762-w )

    Dr Sohail said it is predicted the slow-down will be similar under the lower emissions scenario, provided ice melting accelerates as predicted in other studies.

    “The 2015 Paris Agreement aimed to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Many scientists agree we have already reached this 1.5 degree target, and it is likely to get hotter, with flow-on impacts on Antarctic ice melting,” Dr Sohail said.(ref. https://theconversation.com/earth-is-already-shooting-through-the-1-5-c-global-warming-limit-two-major-studies-show-249133 )

    “Concerted efforts to limit global warming (by reducing carbon emissions) will limit Antarctic ice melting, averting the projected ACC slowdown.”

    Published in Environmental Research Letters today, the research reveals the impact of ice melting and ocean warming on the ACC is more complex than previously thought.

    “The melting ice sheets dump vast quantities of fresh water into the salty ocean. This sudden change in ocean ‘salinity’ has a series of consequences. These include the weakening of the sinking of surface ocean water to the deep (called the Antarctic Bottom Water), and, based on this study, a weakening of the strong ocean jet that surrounds Antarctica,” Associate Professor Gayen said.

    Associate Professor Gayen said this new research contrasts with previous studies, which suggested the ACC may be accelerating.

    “Ocean models have historically been unable to adequately resolve the small-scale processes that control current strength. This model resolves such processes, and shows a mechanism through which the ACC is projected to actually slow-down in the future. However, further observational and modelling studies of this poorly-observed region are necessary to definitively discern the current’s response to climate change,” he said.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU student wins silver award at prestigious International Youth Mathematical Competition

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    The International Youth Math Challenge (IYMC) is a prestigious competition that provides students with the opportunity to test their knowledge of mathematics and become part of a global community of young mathematicians. The competition is coordinated by Edu.Harbour from Heidelberg, Germany and is held annually. Since its inception in 2018, IYMC has attracted more than 30,000 participants from around the world.

    Alam Md Mustaqim Bin, master’s student Physics Department of NSU from Bangladesh, was among the top 8% of the best performers and won the silver award. A total of 5,280 students from all over the world competed for the victory this year. Alam Md Mustaqim Bin also won the national award of second degree.

    The main objective of IYMC is to create an innovative platform for students to learn mathematics in depth and develop problem solving skills. The final round of the competition is highly competitive, with participants required to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in a timed online exam.

    — I am interested in astrophysics and astronomy, I am interested in mathematics, so I participated in IYMC for the second time. I also wanted to test my skills. The competition was held online all over the world and consisted of three stages: selection, pre-final and final. All stages were monitored using proctoring (a special monitoring system for conducting an online exam or testing), — said Alam Md Mustaqim Bin.

    The competition required solving various typical mathematical problems and analyzing scientific papers.

    — In 2020, I represented Bangladesh and won a bronze award. This year, I won silver and the second national award (second result in the country). It is a great honor for me to represent NSU, and I am proud to be a student of this university, — the student shared his impressions.

    Mathematics is not just numbers and formulas, it is a way of thinking. It helps to understand not only the laws of physics, but also many phenomena in life.

    On behalf of the university, we congratulate the winner!

    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 –