NewzIntel.com

Category: Universities

  • MIL-Evening Report: Cape Town’s sewage treatment isn’t coping: scientists are worried about what the city is telling the public

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lesley Green, Professor of Earth Politics and Director: Environmental Humanities South, University of Cape Town

    Urban water bodies – rivers, lakes and oceans – are in trouble globally. Large sewage volumes damage the open environment, and new chemicals and pharmaceutical compounds don’t break down on their own. When they are released into the open environment, they build up in living tissues all along the food chain, bringing with them multiple health risks.

    The city of Cape Town, South Africa, is no exception. It has 300km of coastline along two bays and a peninsula, as well as multiple rivers and wetlands. The city discharges more than 40 megalitres of raw sewage directly into the Atlantic Ocean every day. In addition, large volumes of poorly treated sewage and runoff from shack settlements enter rivers and from there into both the Atlantic and the Indian Oceans.

    Over almost a decade, our multi-disciplinary team, and others, have studied contamination risks in Cape Town’s oceans, rivers, aquifers and lakes. Our goal has been to bring evidence of contaminants to the attention of officials responsible for a clean environment.

    Monitoring sewage levels in the city’s water bodies is essential because of the health risks posed by contaminated water to all citizens – farmers, surfers, and everybody eating fish and vegetables. Monitoring needs to be done scientifically and in a way that produces data that is trustworthy and not driven by vested interests. This is a challenge in cities where scientific findings are expected to support marketing of tourism or excellence of the political administration.

    Our research findings have been published in multiple peer-reviewed journals. We have also communicated with the public through articles in the media, a website and a documentary.

    Cape Town’s official municipal responses to independent studies and reports, however, have been hostile. Our work has been unjustifiably denounced by top city officials and politicians. We have been subject to attacks by fake social media avatars. Laboratory studies have even received a demand for an apology from the political party in charge of the city.

    These extraordinary responses – and many others – reflect the extent to which independent scientific inquiry has been under attack.

    We set about tracking the different kinds of denial and attacks on independent contaminant science in Cape Town over 11 years. Our recently published study describes 18 different types of science communication that have minimised or denied the problem of contamination. It builds on similar studies elsewhere.

    Our findings show the extent to which contaminant science in Cape Town is at risk of producing not public knowledge but public ignorance, reflecting similar patterns internationally where science communication sometimes obfuscates more than it informs. To address this risk, we argue that institutionalised conflicts of interest should be removed. There should also be changes to how city-funded testing is done and when data is released to citizens. After all, it is citizens’ rates and taxes that have paid for that testing, and the South African constitution guarantees the right to information.

    We also propose that the city’s political leaders take the courageous step of accepting that the current water treatment infrastructure is unworkable for a city of over 5 million people. Accepting this would open the door to an overhaul of the city’s approach to wastewater treatment.

    The way forward

    We divided our study of contaminant communication events into four sub-categories:

    • non-disclosure of data

    • misinformation that gives a partial or misleading account of a scientific finding

    • using city-funded science to bolster political authority

    • relying on point data collected fortnightly to prove “the truth” of bodies of water as if it never moves or changes, when in reality, water bodies move every second of every day.

    We found evidence of multiple instances of miscommunication. On the basis of these, we make specific recommendations.

    First: municipalities should address conflicts of interest that are built into their organisational structure. These arise when the people responsible for ensuring that water bodies are healthy are simultaneously contracting consultants to conduct research on water contaminants. This is particularly important because over the last two decades large consultancies have established themselves as providers of scientific certification. But they are profit-making ventures, which calls into question the independence of their findings.

    Second: the issue of data release needs to be addressed. Two particular problems stand out:

    • Real-time information. Water quality results for beaches are usually released a week or more after samples have been taken. But because water moves all the time every day, people living in the city need real-time information. Best-practice water contamination measures use water current models to predict where contaminated water will be, given each day’s different winds and temperatures.

    • Poor and incomplete data. When ocean contaminant data is released as a 12-month rolling average, all the very high values are smoothed out. The end result is a figure that does not communicate the reality of risks under different conditions.

    Third: Politicians should be accountable for their public statements on science. Independent and authoritative scientific bodies, such as the Academy of Science of South Africa, should be empowered to audit municipal science communications.

    Fourth: Reputational harm to the science community must stop. Government officials claiming that they alone know a scientific truth and denouncing independent scientists with other data closes down the culture of scientific inquiry. And it silences others.

    Fifth: The integrity of scientific findings needs to be protected. Many cities, including Cape Town, rely on corporate brand management and political reputation management. Nevertheless, cities, by their very nature, have to deal with sewage, wastes and runoff. Public science communication that is based on marketing strategies prioritises advancing a brand (whether of a political party or a tourist destination). The risk is that city-funded science is turned into advertising and is presented as unquestionable.

    Finally, Cape Town needs political leaders who are courageous enough to confront two evident realities. Current science communications in the city are not serving the public well, and wastewater treatment systems that use rivers and oceans as open sewers are a solution designed a century ago. Both urgently need to be reconfigured.

    Next steps

    As a team of independent contaminant researchers we have worked alongside communities where health, ecology, livestock and recreation have been profoundly harmed by ongoing contamination. We have documented these effects, only to hear the evidence denied by officials.

    We recognise and value the beginnings of some new steps to data transparency in Cape Town’s mayoral office, like rescinding the 2021 by-law that banned independent scientific testing of open water bodies, almost all of which are classified as nature reserves.

    We would welcome a dialogue on building strong and credible public science communications.

    This study is dedicated to the memory of Mpharu Hloyi, head of Scientific Services in the City of Cape Town, in acknowledgement of her dedication to the health of urban bodies of water. Her untimely passing was a loss for all.

    This article also drew on Masters theses written by Melissa Zackon and Amy Beukes.

    Lesley Green has received funding from the Science for Africa Foundation; the Seed Box MISTRA Formas Environmental Humanities Collaboratory; and the Science For Africa Foundation’s DELTAS Africa II program (Del:22-010).

    Cecilia Yejide Ojemaye receives funding from the University of Cape Town Carnegie DEAL Sustainable Development Goals Research Fellowship and the National Research Foundation for the SanOcean grant from the South Africa‐Norway Cooperation on Ocean Research (UID 118754).

    Leslie Petrik received funding from National Research Foundation for the SanOcean grant from the South Africa‐Norway Cooperation on Ocean Research (UID 118754) for this study.

    Nikiwe Solomon received funding at different stages for PhD research from the Water Research Commission (WRC) and National Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS), in collaboration with the South African Humanities Deans Association (SAHUDA). Opinions expressed and conclusions arrived at are those of the author and are not necessarily to be attributed to the WRC, NIHSS and SAHUDA.

    Jo Barnes and Vanessa Farr 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. Cape Town’s sewage treatment isn’t coping: scientists are worried about what the city is telling the public – https://theconversation.com/cape-towns-sewage-treatment-isnt-coping-scientists-are-worried-about-what-the-city-is-telling-the-public-260317

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Kumanjayi Walker inquest: racism and violence, but findings too little and too late

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Thalia Anthony, Professor of Law, University of Technology Sydney

    First Nations people please be advised this article speaks of racially discriminating moments in history, including the distress and death of First Nations people.

    The inquest findings into the death of 19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker are among the most anticipated in the history of deaths in custody.

    It is almost six years since Walker was shot point blank three times by former Northern Territory (NT) Police constable Zachary Rolfe. These events occurred on the evening of November 9 2019 in a family home of Walker, as Warlpiri people of the remote Central Australian community of Yuendumu listened in fear.

    In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Chief Minister Michael Gunner promised “consequences would flow”.

    In 2022, Rolfe was tried for murder and the alternate charges of manslaughter and violent act causing death. The first, non-lethal, shot was conceded by the prosecution to be in self-defence. The fatal second and third shots were the basis for the prosecution.

    The jury, with no Aboriginal representation, decided in March 2022 that self-defence also applied to the subsequent shots, and Rolfe was found not guilty.

    Legal experts have since contended that the first shot was not an act of self-defence, given Rolfe unlawfully ambushed Walker without permission to enter the home. They also maintain Rolfe’s history of racial violence and slurs against Aboriginal people should have been admissible evidence given their relevance to Rolfe’s conduct on the night of November 9.

    Following the trial, in September 2022 the inquest into Kumanjayi Walker’s death commenced. The coroner’s role is to determine the causes of Walker’s death.

    The issue of police racism, generally in the NT Police and specifically on the part of Rolfe, came within the scope of the inquest, along with Rolfe’s allegedly violent practices towards Aboriginal people, police relations with Aboriginal people in remote communities, and the use of police weapons, especially firearms.

    The inquest has been a litmus test for racism in police forces. The Yuendumu community has sought findings of racism and recommendations to redress this wicked problem, including disciplinary action for racist and violent police officers.

    Walker’s family has called for

    • funding from prisons and police to be reinvested in Aboriginal community-led supports
    • the disarming of police in remote communities
    • the banning of police force and discriminatory practices
    • respect for self-determination in Yuendumu.

    The North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) also argued for independent and robust police accountability mechanisms.

    The inquest was originally due to conclude in December 2022, but was substantially delayed based on a number of applications and appeals from Rolfe.

    Rolfe requested for Coroner Armitage to remove herself from the inquest based on perceived bias against him. He also refused to give evidence to the inquest, on the basis that his evidence would implicate him. Multiple appeals to higher courts were unsuccessful but time-consuming.

    Walker’s family expressed concerns that the significant delays in the inquest have been detrimental to their plight.

    A fortnight before the inquest findings were due to be delivered, another young Warlpiri man, 24-year-old Kumanjayi White from Yuendumu, was killed by police in May 2024. This set back the findings and reopened wounds endured by the Yuendumu community. Once again, the community has had to remobilise to campaign for justice. It has added to the sentiment of the community, which was expressed by Kumanjayi White’s grandfather Ned Jampijinpa Hargraves: “we do not trust police”.

    What did the inquest reveal?

    This inquest, more than any other in recent history, has put into sharp relief the violence of the police force. It received evidence of text messages in which Rolfe described Aboriginal people as “neanderthals who drink too much alcohol” and referred to Aboriginal people as “coon”.

    Footage was shown of Rolfe’s use of violence towards Aboriginal people. Forty-six incidents of violence, including punching Aboriginal people and rendering them unconscious, had been recorded between 2016 and 2019. Some of these attacks were the subject of professional standards and legal complaints. The inquest heard of the failure of police and prosecutors to investigate.

    However, the racism was not confined to Rolfe. Evidence of a culture of racism disclosed that it was endemic up to the highest levels. There was “normalised” and widespread use of racist language towards Aboriginal people, including use of the “n-word”.

    Rolfe provided evidence of the police annual racist awards (“Coon of the Year”) and officers who would describe a pub that Aboriginal people attended as the “animal bar”.

    The fact a white police officer, Rolfe, disclosed the racism gave it a legitimacy and widespread coverage that the Yuendumu community was unable to garner.

    The inquest identified issues with the substantial recruitment of former Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel to the NT Police. Rolfe, who served in Afghanistan, gave evidence he was trained by the ADF to dehumanise the “enemy”.

    The inquest also heard that NT police officers who had served in the ADF were twice as likely to draw a firearm than non-ADF police officers. This use of force raised important questions around police recruitment.

    Leanne Liddle, who at the time was director of the NT government’s Aboriginal Justice Unit and conducted consultations across remote communities on criminal justice, gave evidence to the inquest that racism in the police was “systemic”.

    Findings and recommendations

    The findings of the coroner have identified acts of racism but have not delivered a crushing blow to racial violence in the NT Police. The recommendations do not seek to transform the force’s practices or dilute its powers.

    The coroner’s starting point in her findings delivered at Yuendumu was that police should be able to “defend themselves” against “serious attacks”. Coroner Armitage acknowledged the “stress” endured by Rolfe and his family along with the trauma of Walker’s family.

    While evidence before the inquest identified Rolfe’s days of planning around Walker’s forceful arrest, the coroner first considered Walker’s conduct, upbringing and circumstances that led to his death. The coroner did not give attention to the privilege of Rolfe’s background and how this may have contributed to his treatment of Aboriginal people in central Australia, including Walker.

    The coroner made some key findings:

    • Racism was “normalised” in the Alice Springs police station, including on the part of Rolfe. Racism “could have” contributed to Rolfe’s shooting of Walker. The coroner stopped short of finding systemic racism in NT Police due to the “modest amount of evidence on racism” across the police force. Arguably this inquest heard the most substantial evidence of institutional police racism in the history of inquests into deaths in custody. She determined that a separate inquiry into systemic racism was required given that the NT Police force had “significant hallmarks of institutional racism”.

    • The coroner also noted Alice Springs police officers are on the “receiving end” of racist comments from Aboriginal people.

    • Police racism, according to the coroner, existed because the officers are overwhelmingly dealing with Aboriginal people on a “negative” basis.

    • Rolfe used excessive force in his career as a police officer, and due to his dehumanisation of Aboriginal arrestees, had created a dangerous situation on November 9.

    • Ultimately, Walker’s death in custody arose from Rolfe’s “flawed decisions”.

    • Since Walker’s death in custody, NT Police have undertaken “significant changes”.

    The coroner’s recommendations are:

    • NT Police should strengthen its anti-racism strategy and publicly report on compliance
    • Mutual respect agreements should be developed between NT Police and Yuendumu
    • The NT government should enhance support for the Yuendumu community night patrol, youth services, mediators, and diversion and rehabilitation programs
    • NT Police should engage directly with Yuendumu leadership groups to discuss concerns, including when it would be appropriate for police not to carry firearms.

    Where to from here?

    The almost six years since the shooting of Kumanjayi Walker have not delivered on Chief Minister Michael Gunner’s promise that “consequences would flow”.

    The inquest findings do not bring the community any closer to consequences. There was no disciplinary action recommended for any officer involved in Walker’s death. The coroner also did not recommend consequences for police with a history of using force against Aboriginal people, or those who have expressed racist attitudes or behaved in racist ways.

    To date, Rolfe, or Adam Erbel who was restraining Walker at the time of the shooting, have not apologised for Walker’s death.

    The coroner also did not set down recommendations that had consequence for NT Police. These might have included reconstituting the force to make it community-oriented, relying less on force and not carrying firearms in remote communities, or redirecting funds to NT Aboriginal remote community-controlled law and justice groups.

    Even the modest recommendations that were made may not see the light of day in government policy or police practice. There is no legally enforceable obligation for governments and agencies to implement coronial recommendations, despite the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody recommending governments routinely adopt inquest recommendations and report on their implementation.

    The NT government has stipulated that it decides which coronial recommendations to accept. The implementation of coronial recommendations in the NT has a sordid history.

    In a climate of expanding police numbers and powers in the NT, with an additional 200 police being recruited to add to the already highest police ratio in the country, Aboriginal deaths in custody will continue to happen. This was the clarion call of the royal commission: more police and police powers will result in more deaths in custody.

    Walker’s is one of the 598 deaths since the royal commission, and the brutal circumstances of his death show little has changed. The coronial recommendations fall short of calling for the structural overhaul demanded by Aboriginal families and advocates, to eradicate police racial violence from the lives of Aboriginal people in the NT.

    Thalia Anthony receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    Eddie Cubillo 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. Kumanjayi Walker inquest: racism and violence, but findings too little and too late – https://theconversation.com/kumanjayi-walker-inquest-racism-and-violence-but-findings-too-little-and-too-late-257636

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Cape Town’s sewage treatment isn’t coping: scientists are worried about what the city is telling the public

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Lesley Green, Professor of Earth Politics and Director: Environmental Humanities South, University of Cape Town

    Urban water bodies – rivers, lakes and oceans – are in trouble globally. Large sewage volumes damage the open environment, and new chemicals and pharmaceutical compounds don’t break down on their own. When they are released into the open environment, they build up in living tissues all along the food chain, bringing with them multiple health risks.

    The city of Cape Town, South Africa, is no exception. It has 300km of coastline along two bays and a peninsula, as well as multiple rivers and wetlands. The city discharges more than 40 megalitres of raw sewage directly into the Atlantic Ocean every day. In addition, large volumes of poorly treated sewage and runoff from shack settlements enter rivers and from there into both the Atlantic and the Indian Oceans.

    Over almost a decade, our multi-disciplinary team, and others, have studied contamination risks in Cape Town’s oceans, rivers, aquifers and lakes. Our goal has been to bring evidence of contaminants to the attention of officials responsible for a clean environment.

    Monitoring sewage levels in the city’s water bodies is essential because of the health risks posed by contaminated water to all citizens – farmers, surfers, and everybody eating fish and vegetables. Monitoring needs to be done scientifically and in a way that produces data that is trustworthy and not driven by vested interests. This is a challenge in cities where scientific findings are expected to support marketing of tourism or excellence of the political administration.

    Our research findings have been published in multiple peer-reviewed journals. We have also communicated with the public through articles in the media, a website and a documentary.

    Cape Town’s official municipal responses to independent studies and reports, however, have been hostile. Our work has been unjustifiably denounced by top city officials and politicians. We have been subject to attacks by fake social media avatars. Laboratory studies have even received a demand for an apology from the political party in charge of the city.

    These extraordinary responses – and many others – reflect the extent to which independent scientific inquiry has been under attack.

    We set about tracking the different kinds of denial and attacks on independent contaminant science in Cape Town over 11 years. Our recently published study describes 18 different types of science communication that have minimised or denied the problem of contamination. It builds on similar studies elsewhere.

    Our findings show the extent to which contaminant science in Cape Town is at risk of producing not public knowledge but public ignorance, reflecting similar patterns internationally where science communication sometimes obfuscates more than it informs. To address this risk, we argue that institutionalised conflicts of interest should be removed. There should also be changes to how city-funded testing is done and when data is released to citizens. After all, it is citizens’ rates and taxes that have paid for that testing, and the South African constitution guarantees the right to information.

    We also propose that the city’s political leaders take the courageous step of accepting that the current water treatment infrastructure is unworkable for a city of over 5 million people. Accepting this would open the door to an overhaul of the city’s approach to wastewater treatment.

    The way forward

    We divided our study of contaminant communication events into four sub-categories:

    • non-disclosure of data

    • misinformation that gives a partial or misleading account of a scientific finding

    • using city-funded science to bolster political authority

    • relying on point data collected fortnightly to prove “the truth” of bodies of water as if it never moves or changes, when in reality, water bodies move every second of every day.

    We found evidence of multiple instances of miscommunication. On the basis of these, we make specific recommendations.

    First: municipalities should address conflicts of interest that are built into their organisational structure. These arise when the people responsible for ensuring that water bodies are healthy are simultaneously contracting consultants to conduct research on water contaminants. This is particularly important because over the last two decades large consultancies have established themselves as providers of scientific certification. But they are profit-making ventures, which calls into question the independence of their findings.

    Second: the issue of data release needs to be addressed. Two particular problems stand out:

    • Real-time information. Water quality results for beaches are usually released a week or more after samples have been taken. But because water moves all the time every day, people living in the city need real-time information. Best-practice water contamination measures use water current models to predict where contaminated water will be, given each day’s different winds and temperatures.

    • Poor and incomplete data. When ocean contaminant data is released as a 12-month rolling average, all the very high values are smoothed out. The end result is a figure that does not communicate the reality of risks under different conditions.

    Third: Politicians should be accountable for their public statements on science. Independent and authoritative scientific bodies, such as the Academy of Science of South Africa, should be empowered to audit municipal science communications.

    Fourth: Reputational harm to the science community must stop. Government officials claiming that they alone know a scientific truth and denouncing independent scientists with other data closes down the culture of scientific inquiry. And it silences others.

    Fifth: The integrity of scientific findings needs to be protected. Many cities, including Cape Town, rely on corporate brand management and political reputation management. Nevertheless, cities, by their very nature, have to deal with sewage, wastes and runoff. Public science communication that is based on marketing strategies prioritises advancing a brand (whether of a political party or a tourist destination). The risk is that city-funded science is turned into advertising and is presented as unquestionable.

    Finally, Cape Town needs political leaders who are courageous enough to confront two evident realities. Current science communications in the city are not serving the public well, and wastewater treatment systems that use rivers and oceans as open sewers are a solution designed a century ago. Both urgently need to be reconfigured.

    Next steps

    As a team of independent contaminant researchers we have worked alongside communities where health, ecology, livestock and recreation have been profoundly harmed by ongoing contamination. We have documented these effects, only to hear the evidence denied by officials.

    We recognise and value the beginnings of some new steps to data transparency in Cape Town’s mayoral office, like rescinding the 2021 by-law that banned independent scientific testing of open water bodies, almost all of which are classified as nature reserves.

    We would welcome a dialogue on building strong and credible public science communications.

    This study is dedicated to the memory of Mpharu Hloyi, head of Scientific Services in the City of Cape Town, in acknowledgement of her dedication to the health of urban bodies of water. Her untimely passing was a loss for all.

    This article also drew on Masters theses written by Melissa Zackon and Amy Beukes.

    Lesley Green has received funding from the Science for Africa Foundation; the Seed Box MISTRA Formas Environmental Humanities Collaboratory; and the Science For Africa Foundation’s DELTAS Africa II program (Del:22-010).

    Cecilia Yejide Ojemaye receives funding from the University of Cape Town Carnegie DEAL Sustainable Development Goals Research Fellowship and the National Research Foundation for the SanOcean grant from the South Africa‐Norway Cooperation on Ocean Research (UID 118754).

    Leslie Petrik received funding from National Research Foundation for the SanOcean grant from the South Africa‐Norway Cooperation on Ocean Research (UID 118754) for this study.

    Nikiwe Solomon received funding at different stages for PhD research from the Water Research Commission (WRC) and National Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS), in collaboration with the South African Humanities Deans Association (SAHUDA). Opinions expressed and conclusions arrived at are those of the author and are not necessarily to be attributed to the WRC, NIHSS and SAHUDA.

    Jo Barnes and Vanessa Farr 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. Cape Town’s sewage treatment isn’t coping: scientists are worried about what the city is telling the public – https://theconversation.com/cape-towns-sewage-treatment-isnt-coping-scientists-are-worried-about-what-the-city-is-telling-the-public-260317

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: how to submit documents and enter a university

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peoples’Friendship University of Russia –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    RUDN will provide 72 grants for free education to talented applicants

    Admission to a university is a step towards professional specialization, academic growth and career prospects. To support strong and motivated graduates, RUDN will provide 72 grants for free education in 2025.

    RUDN and the Kosmos Hospitality Academy have launched a joint project-based master’s degree program to train personnel for the hospitality and tourism industry

    A new joint educational model was presented at the International Tourism Forum “Travel!” at VDNKh. Anna Ostrovskaya, Director of the Higher School of Management at RUDN, and Anna Kuvaitseva, Vice President of Cosmos Group and CEO of ANO “Cosmos Hospitality Academy”, spoke at a strategic meeting of the National Expert Council and talked about an innovative model for training specialists for the tourism industry using the example of the project-based Master’s program “Hotel Complex Management”.

    Admissions Campaign 2025: Useful to Know

    The admissions campaign starts on June 20. In which areas are there more budget places, what you need to know about the features of submitting documents this year and what new educational programs are available for RUDN applicants this year – we tell you below.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Resignations and Appointments

    Source: The Holy See

    Resignation and Appointment of bishop of Alotau-Sideia, Papua New Guinea
    Appointment of bishop of Wabag, Papua New Guinea
    Appointment of bishop of Groningen-Leeuwarden, Netherlands
     
    Resignation and Appointment of bishop of Alotau-Sideia, Papua New Guinea
    The Holy Father has accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Alotau-Sideia, Papua New Guinea, presented by Bishop Rolando Crisostomo Santos, C.M.
    The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Fr. Jacek Piotr Tendej, C.M., until now rector of Holy Spirit , Bomana, Port Moresby, as bishop of Alotau-Sideia, Papua New Guinea.
    Curriculum vitae
    Msgr. Jacek Piotr Tendej, C.M., was born on 26 June 1963 in Handzlówka, Łańcut, Poland. After giving his perpetual vows in the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians), he was awarded a master’s degree in moral theology from the Pontifical Academy of Theology of Krakow, a licentiate in science of education from the Salesian Pontifical University of Rome, and a doctorate in pedagogy from the Akademia Pedagogiczma im. Kaomisji Edukacji Narodowej of Krakow.
    He was ordained a priest on 25 May 1991.
    He has held the following offices: teacher in elementary schools in Zakopane, Poland (1991-1995), high school teacher in Krakow, Poland (1995-1997), teacher and chaplain in St. Stanislaus Kostka , Brooklyn, New York, United States of America (2000), youth educator at the Fr. Siemaszko Foundation , Krakow (2001-2002), lecturer in science of education at the Theological Institute of the Pontifical John Paul II University of Krakow (2001-2003).
    Since 2014, he has held the role of rector of the Holy Spirit Seminary in Bomana, Port Moresby.
     
    Appointment of bishop of Wabag, Papua New Guinea
    The Holy Father has appointed Bishop Justin Ain Soongie, until now auxiliary bishop and diocesan administrator of Wabag, Papua New Guinea, as bishop of the same see, at the same time liberating him from the titular see of Forma.
    Curriculum vitae
    Bishop Justin Ain Soongie was born on 2 June 1973 in Tsikiro, Papua New Guinea. He carried out his postulate and novitiate with the Brothers of Charity, continuing his formation ad presbiteratum at the Good Shepherd Seminary Fatima in Banz, and at the Catholic Theological Institute in Bomana. He obtained a licentiate in moral theology from the Pontifical Urbaniana University of Rome.
    He was ordained a priest on 11 May 2005.
    He has held the following offices: deputy parish priest in Tsikiro (2005) and in Mang and Mariant (2005-2006), parish priest in Mang (2006-2011), vicar general of the diocese ofWabag (2014-2021), lecturer at the Seminary of Banz in the archdicoese of Mount Hagen (2014-2021), and parish priest in Sari (2014-2021).
    On 15 June 2021 he was appointed auxiliary bishop of Wabag, receiving the titular see of Forma; on the following 2 September he received episcopal consecration.
    Since 2025 he has been diocesan administrator of Wabag.
     
    Appointment of bishop of Groningen-Leeuwarden, Netherlands
    The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Ronald Gerhardus Wilhelmus Cornelissen, of the clergy of the metropolitan archdiocese of Utrecht, until now episcopal vicar, as bishop of Groningen-Leeuwarden, Netherlands.
    Curriculum vitae
    Msgr. Ronald Gerhardus Wilhelmus Cornelissen was born on 12 December 1964 in Gaanderen, in the metropolitan archdiocese of Utrecht. He studied theology at the Ariënskonvikt of Utrecht.
    He was ordained a priest on 19 October 1996 for the metropolitan archdiocese of Utrecht. He has carried out his pastoral ministry in various parishes in Deventer, Raalte and Rijssen. Since 2009 he has been episcopal vicar for Deventer.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Green energy from industrial emissions: Polytechnic University creates biohydrogen production technology

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The Institute of Civil Engineering at SPbPU has created an environmentally sustainable technology based on microalgae that allows the utilization of carbon dioxide from industrial emissions and the production of biohydrogen, a promising renewable fuel. The results of the study were published in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, and the technology is described in the material onon the RIA Novosti website.

    The development was carried out under the supervision of Natalia Politaeva, professor at the Higher School of Hydraulic and Power Engineering. The technology involves the use of bioponds, where microalgae absorb carbon dioxide, forming biomass, which is then subjected to dark fermentation to obtain biohydrogen.

    The fuel produced in this way can be used in cars, hydrogen fuel cells or to generate electricity and heat. Implementation of the technology in coal power plants will help reduce the harm from carbon dioxide emissions and increase the energy efficiency of enterprises.

    The advantage of the technology is that it combines three functions: carbon dioxide capture, biomass processing and hydrogen production. This makes the system unique in terms of its closed nature and sustainability. Scientists plan to improve the technology after pilot implementation at an industrial facility.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Naval fleet led by Shandong aircraft carrier visit wins praise in Hong Kong 2025-07-06 17:43:03 A fleet of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong made its first visit to Hong Kong, a move widely seen as not only a demonstration of military strength but also a step toward deepening ties between Hong Kong and the mainland.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

    People visit the Yuncheng missile frigate in Hong Kong, south China, July 5, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday morning, kicking off a five-day visit. The aircraft carrier and the Yan’an missile destroyer were anchored near the west end of the Victoria Harbor, while the Zhanjiang missile destroyer and the Yuncheng missile frigate docked at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison’s naval base in Stonecutters Island. This is the Shandong’s first visit to Hong Kong. From Friday to Sunday, the Shandong, the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng will host open tours, lectures, drill demonstrations and other exchange activities. (Photo by Huang Qiantian/Xinhua)

    HONG KONG, July 5 (Xinhua) — A fleet of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong made its first visit to Hong Kong, a move widely seen as not only a demonstration of military strength but also a step toward deepening ties between Hong Kong and the mainland.

    The naval fleet, comprising the aircraft carrier Shandong, the Yan’an missile destroyer, the Zhanjiang missile destroyer, and the Yuncheng missile frigate, arrived in Hong Kong on Thursday to begin a five-day visit.

    On the day the naval fleet arrived, hundreds — if not thousands — of Hong Kong residents gathered along the shore to watch. Local media rushed to cover the story.

    Chief executive of China’s Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) John Lee said that both the steadfast presence of the PLA garrison in Hong Kong and the cordial visit by the modernized naval fleet have made the “Pearl of the Orient” shine brighter, reflecting the country’s ability and determination in safeguarding peace, while allowing Hong Kong, under “one country, two systems,” to continue to play its part in the nation’s development.

    Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR government Chan Kwok-ki attended the deck reception on the Shandong aircraft carrier. He believed the visit by the naval fleet allowed the wider public in Hong Kong to witness the strength of the country’s military and would help enhance students’ sense of national identity and pride.

    Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR government Cheuk Wing-hing shared on social media that he toured the ski-jump flight deck, arresting cables, carrier-based fighter jets, and helicopters aboard the Shandong.

    “The rapid progress of our country’s national defense is truly remarkable,” Cheuk said. “I am deeply moved and feel proud of our nation.”

    The Shandong aircraft carrier was open to the public for visits. Starry Lee, a member of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, said that this allowed people to experience firsthand the remarkable achievements of the country’s naval modernization, and held significant meaning in fostering a stronger sense of patriotism in Hong Kong society.

    Friday was the first open day of the fleet’s visit to Hong Kong, with a focus on student visitors. More than 10,000 visits were made aboard the Shandong, Zhanjiang, and Yuncheng ships.

    “My ancestral home is Shandong. When I first stepped onto the deck, I couldn’t help but cry. Our country has truly become strong!” a lecturer at Hong Kong Metropolitan University surnamed Wong said.

    Some secondary school students from Macao were organized by their schools to travel to Hong Kong for the visit. They happily toured the ships while taking photos with their smartphones to share with classmates who missed the visit. They said that boarding the warships was more than just a visit; it allowed them to witness the long history of China and the country’s remarkable progress.

    Seeing the modern carrier-based fighter jets and the spirited, high-morale crew aboard the vessels left a deep impression on Paul Chan, financial secretary of the HKSAR government.

    Chan said that the visit by the naval fleet fully reflected the country’s deep affection for Hong Kong. “A strong nation must have a strong military, and our country’s navy will only grow stronger,” he remarked.

    “Stepping aboard the domestically built aircraft carrier Shandong and standing on the deck of this steel giant filled me with excitement,” Jeffrey Lam, a member of the Executive Council of the HKSAR, said.

    Just as the Shandong sailed forward with strength and determination, Hong Kong, with the support of the country, will surely overcome all challenges and continue to enjoy prosperity and stability, Lam added.

    People visit the Zhanjiang missile destroyer in Hong Kong, south China, July 5, 2025.

    A fleet of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday morning, kicking off a five-day visit.

    The aircraft carrier and the Yan’an missile destroyer were anchored near the west end of the Victoria Harbor, while the Zhanjiang missile destroyer and the Yuncheng missile frigate docked at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison’s naval base in Stonecutters Island.

    This is the Shandong’s first visit to Hong Kong. From Friday to Sunday, the Shandong, the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng will host open tours, lectures, drill demonstrations and other exchange activities. (Photo by Huang Qiantian/Xinhua)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Remembering Lugou Bridge Incident, uncovering true history of Japan’s long-planned invasion of China

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

    Remembering Lugou Bridge Incident, uncovering true history of Japan’s long-planned invasion of China

    Monday marks the 88th anniversary of the beginning of China’s whole-nation resistance war against Japanese aggression. However, 88 years later, the truth of the historic Lugou Bridge Incident, which marked the start of Japan’s full-scale invasion of China, still has not been recorded in Japanese textbooks.

    “In July 1937, the Japanese and Chinese armies clashed at the Lugou Bridge on the outskirts of Beijing, and the Sino-Japanese War broke out.” This is the description of the historic Lugou Bridge Incident in some school textbooks currently published in Japan.

    Another one goes: “On July 7, 1937, the Japanese army was fired upon by unknown gunmen during a night exercise near the Lugou Bridge on the outskirts of Beijing. At dawn on the 8th, the Japanese army attacked the positions of the National Revolutionary Army, and the two sides fell into battle.”

    Historical materials, nevertheless, show that it was the Japanese soldiers who, on July 7, 1937, attacked Chinese forces at the bridge. The pivotal event is recognized as the start of Japan’s full-scale invasion of China and China’s whole-nation resistance against the Japanese invaders.

    “The Lugou Bridge Incident was an event staged and directed by the invading Japanese forces. This has long been made clear by the Japanese historian community through objective research. Despite this, the Japanese right wing still fabricates lies and attempts to shift the blame for the incident to the Chinese army,” said Japanese historian Atsushi Koketsu in a recent interview with Xinhua.

    “At present, this kind of historical revisionism that fabricates, distorts and denies the true history still prevails in Japan’s education and media circles. What lies behind this is Japan’s unwillingness to admit its aggression and reluctance to accept its ‘responsibility for harm,’” Koketsu said.

    “The Lugou Bridge Incident was deliberately schemed by the invading Japanese army,” said Zhang Sheng, professor at the School of History, Nanjing University. “This has already been ‘confessed’ by Takeo Imai, a senior Japanese intelligence officer who led ‘peace work’ in China, in his memoir.”

    In his memoir, Imai wrote: “At that time, before the July 7 incident, a rumor had already been circulating among the well-informed political figures in Tokyo: ‘On the night of Tanabata, an incident similar to that at Liutiaohu will occur in North China.’”

    The so-called Liutiaohu Incident is the September 18th Incident. On Sept. 18, 1931, Japanese troops blew up a section of railway under their control near Shenyang and accused Chinese troops of sabotage as a pretext for the attack. Later that night, they bombarded barracks near Shenyang, marking the start of Japan’s 14-year invasion of China.

    “The Japanese Tanabata Festival takes place on July 7,” said Zhang, “therefore, this date had been set for a long time.”

    Luo Cunkang, curator of the Museum of the War of Chinese People’s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, pointed out that historical files show that from February to June 1936, “the China Garrison Army” dispatched by Japan to Beijing increased from 2,003 to 5,774 people. In just four months, the number more than doubled, which clearly demonstrates their intention to deliberately provoke conflicts.

    It has been 88 years since the outbreak of Japan’s full-scale invasion of China. True history should not be concealed, let alone distorted. Remembering true history is necessary to draw lessons from it and to cherish peace. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lily’s passion for politics sees her swap Aberdeen for Washington DC A passion for politics will take Lily Macdonald from Aberdeen to Washington DC later this summer where the opportunity of a lifetime awaits.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Lily will head to Washington DC to study at America University’s School of Public Affairs

    A passion for politics will take Lily Macdonald from Aberdeen to Washington DC later this summer where the opportunity of a lifetime awaits.
    Leaving with a first class MA (Hons) in Politics and International Relations to her name, graduation is just the start of the adventure for the 21-year-old who has secured a coveted Fulbright-American University Scholarship.
    The only UK student offered a place at American University this year under the Fulbright award, Lily will be jetting off to the US capital in August to study at America University’s School of Public Affairs where she will learn from some of the best in the business, including a former speech writer for President Obama and a former Senate Chief of Staff.
    “I still can’t really believe it. I’ve been interested in American politics for a long time so this is like a dream come true,” she said. “I think I was in shock for about two days after finding out because it didn’t feel real and then all of a sudden I thought, ‘oh wow, this is actually happening’ and just started crying.”
    With a background in community development and volunteering, the scholarship blends Lily’s extracurricular activities with her academic interests. She has been actively involved in community integration projects for the past seven years, focusing on topics including intergenerational work with ACE Voices, youth empowerment as part of Aberdeen Youth Movement and inclusive networking for neurodiverse individuals and their families.
    “My research proposal is about exploring the pipeline between American political infrastructure and community grassroots conflict. How disengagement and polarisation manifest into violence at a local level, what that conflict looks like, and what we can do to heal it.
    “I feel quite passionately about it because I think political polarisation is almost exclusively explored at a national or international level, but actually if you can work to heal communities at a local level that’s when real change can be made.”
    Not only is Lily leaving with a first, Lily is also the proud recipient of the 2025 Grant Jordan prize for the Best Politics Dissertation.
    “Winning the prize is the icing on the cake,” she said. “It’s especially meaningful because two years ago I never would have thought any of this would be possible.”
    After feeling she’d had to work extra hard to maintain good grades at secondary school, Lily was diagnosed with dyslexia and dysgraphia in her second year at university.

    I’m very excited about what comes next but I’ve loved being at the University of Aberdeen so I’m also sad to leave” Lily McDonald

    “I’d always put in the effort and was a straight A student but, after getting my diagnosis, a lot of things I’d found really difficult over the years suddenly made sense,” she said.
    “The support the University gave me was fantastic. My lecturer, Dr Malcolm Harvey, in particular was brilliant, he really changed my life. Along with the Student Support team he helped me find alternative ways to absorb the information I needed, like sourcing audio versions of data science visuals which I find a challenge.
    “Taking that pressure off gave me the space to be able to spend more time putting my thoughts to paper like everyone else, rather than working hard just trying to keep up.”
    Dr Harvey was also instrumental in encouraging Lily to apply for the Fulbright award.
    “Throughout my degree I’ve specialised in American domestic politics and foreign policy. I spoke to him about doing a Masters and he said, ‘go to America’. It never crossed my mind that would be possible but he told me about Fulbright and while it was an extremely tough process, he encouraged me and made me believe it could happen.
    “I was over the moon the day I found out I’d got it. I’m very excited about what comes next but I’ve loved being at the University of Aberdeen so I’m also sad to leave.
    “The idea of community is in my DNA. I’ve felt part of a community at the University and in a research capacity I want to see what community healing looks like in America and take that back to the projects that I’m already involved with here.
    “I can see myself going into some sort of advisory role further down the line. It’s not an easy path, but neither was Fulbright so I’m optimistic about the future.”
    Until then Lily, a keen musician, is looking forward to her two years in DC which will include exploring the local music scene.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Participants of the Big Mathematical Workshop will solve problems in the fields of energy, public utilities and biomedicine

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    On July 7, the famous Academician A.I. Maltsev Auditorium of Novosibirsk State University hosted the 6th Big Mathematical Workshop (BMM-2025) — an event in which several hundred schoolchildren, students, and postgraduates will try to solve or make significant progress in solving an interesting research, technological, or methodological problem in the field of mathematics.

    This year, the event is taking place at the sites of four leading universities in the country: NSU, ITMO University (St. Petersburg), Adyghe and Tomsk State Universities. In Novosibirsk, more than 230 people from more than 20 cities in Russia are taking part in BMM projects. The English-language section of BMM, which was launched in 2024, this time brought together more than 20 students from Chinese universities.

    Addressing the participants of the Workshop with a greeting, the rector of NSU, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Mikhail Fedoruk noted:

    — We have many mathematical workshops, but the Big one is only one. And it is no coincidence that it starts here, in the famous Academician Maltsev Auditorium, where many outstanding scientists began their path to science. Novosibirsk University has always paid great attention to teaching mathematics in all faculties, and the idea of the Big Mathematical Workshop was conceived here and in a few years has grown from a local event into an international one. I wish all participants successful completion of their projects and further expansion of the boundaries of the workshop.

    The goal of the BMM is to obtain a real result, the tasks come from customers – scientific organizations and enterprises, and it itself is a satellite event of the International Forum of Technological Development “Technoprom”. This focus on practical results was emphasized by the Vice-Governor of the Novosibirsk Region Irina Manuilova, who took part in the grand opening of the workshop:

    — In total, more than 30 projects have been selected for the participants, a number of which have absolutely obvious practical significance and are aimed at solving problems in the field of energy, utilities, biomedicine and other industries. The authors of the best works will then have the opportunity to present their results to potential customers at the Technoprom forum itself. The organizers of the workshop can already show examples of the implementation of the results of projects from previous years in the real sector of the economy.

    Examples of projects developed during the BMM in previous years and implemented in real practice include an algorithm that allows for the automation of the creation of a cutting map and optimization of the cutting of building materials, such as plywood. This domestic software has replaced foreign software that has become unavailable since 2022. The second example is from the financial sector, a model for assessing the creditworthiness of a potential borrower based on machine learning.

    The Big Mathematical Workshop program consists of two intensive weeks separated by an intermodule. The BMM will run until July 19. The Big Mathematical Workshop also includes a school section, in which 50 children will participate, they will work on 6 projects. From 2023, based on the results of participation in the BMM, you can earn additional points for admission to NSU.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: GUU graduate appointed acting Minister of Transport of Russia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Official website of the State –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    On July 7, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree assigning the duties of the Minister of Transport of Russia to GUU graduate Andrei Nikitin.

    Let us recall that Andrey Nikitin was appointed Deputy Minister of Transport in February of this year and began to oversee the digital transformation of the country’s transport complex.

    Andrey Nikitin graduated from the State University of Management in 2001 with a degree in State and Municipal Administration. From 2002 to 2011, he held senior positions in various commercial organizations. After that, he headed the Agency for Strategic Initiatives for six years. From 2017 to 2025, he served as Governor of the Novgorod Region.

    We admire his rapid career growth and congratulate Andrei Sergeyevich on his high appointment. We wish him to justify the President’s trust.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: From Leningrad Oblast to Dagestan: Polytechnic University’s student teaching team opens work season

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The student teaching team “SOzvezdie” is once again giving children unforgettable impressions and vivid emotions in the summer work season. The students have gone to different regions of Russia. In the Leningrad Region, they work in the children’s health camps “Volna” and “Gorizont”. Another group is spending a shift in the children’s health and career guidance camp “Vremya Dela” in the Republic of Dagestan.

    The season of pedagogical teams is notable for the fact that students can work in different positions. Counselors organize children’s leisure time, conduct entertainment programs and monitor safety. Administrative staff coordinates the work of the camp and solves organizational issues. Club leaders lead creative and sports sections, helping children to discover their talents. A special role is played by the press center workers, who cover the events of the camp and manage social networks.

    We went to Dagestan for the first time to work there in the already familiar to us camp “Time of Business”. This is an unusual experience: a different climate, cultural features of the region, incredibly beautiful nature. Despite the completely new conditions, the members of our squad are very happy to work with the children in the camp and help them spend their holidays cheerfully and usefully, – said SPO “SOzvezdie” fighter Elena Larina.

    Thanks to the professionalism and enthusiasm of the participants of “SOzvezdie”, every day in the camps is filled with bright events. Creative events are held – concerts, competitions, theatrical performances. Sports competitions are organized – tournaments, relay races, team games. The counselors do not forget about educational programs – master classes and educational games.

    Students enthusiastically take on any job, striving to make each summer special for their charges. And they themselves gain invaluable experience working with children, improve their teaching skills and find new friends. For many, this becomes an important stage in their professional development and personal growth.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: From Leningrad Oblast to Dagestan: Polytechnic University’s student teaching team opens work season

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The student teaching team “SOzvezdie” is once again giving children unforgettable impressions and vivid emotions in the summer work season. The students have gone to different regions of Russia. In the Leningrad Region, they work in the children’s health camps “Volna” and “Gorizont”. Another group is spending a shift in the children’s health and career guidance camp “Vremya Dela” in the Republic of Dagestan.

    The season of pedagogical teams is notable for the fact that students can work in different positions. Counselors organize children’s leisure time, conduct entertainment programs and monitor safety. Administrative staff coordinates the work of the camp and solves organizational issues. Club leaders lead creative and sports sections, helping children to discover their talents. A special role is played by the press center workers, who cover the events of the camp and manage social networks.

    We went to Dagestan for the first time to work there in the already familiar to us camp “Time of Business”. This is an unusual experience: a different climate, cultural features of the region, incredibly beautiful nature. Despite the completely new conditions, the members of our squad are very happy to work with the children in the camp and help them spend their holidays cheerfully and usefully, – said SPO “SOzvezdie” fighter Elena Larina.

    Thanks to the professionalism and enthusiasm of the participants of “SOzvezdie”, every day in the camps is filled with bright events. Creative events are held – concerts, competitions, theatrical performances. Sports competitions are organized – tournaments, relay races, team games. The counselors do not forget about educational programs – master classes and educational games.

    Students enthusiastically take on any job, striving to make each summer special for their charges. And they themselves gain invaluable experience working with children, improve their teaching skills and find new friends. For many, this becomes an important stage in their professional development and personal growth.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “HSE stands out for its academic reputation, international environment and approach to teaching”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University “Higher School of Economics” –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    © Higher School of Economics

    This year Center for the preparation of foreign students HSE University is turning 10 years old. Applicants from other countries take a year-long course here to prepare for admission to Russian universities. HSE teachers help future students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully master a higher education program in Russia.

    Many graduates of the center choose to enroll in the Higher School of Economics, and some later become its employees.

    As part of the annual course, the center’s students can study Russian, get to know Russian culture and traditions better, and attend seminars on thematic subjects: mathematics, physics, computer science, literature, history, social studies, and others. Upon completion of the program, the center’s graduates have the opportunity to receive a discount on tuition fees at the National Research University Higher School of Economics.

    Graduates of the Center for the Preparation of Foreign Students told Vyshka.Glavnoe about their decision to come to Russia and study at the Higher School of Economics.

    Nemanja Stepanov, graduate of the Master’s programInternational Relations: European and Asian Studies» HSE, analyst Center for Mediterranean Studies HSE

    Why am I here?

    — I came from Serbia, from Belgrade, because I wanted to study international relations, especially relations between Serbia and Russia, as well as Russian policy in South-Eastern Europe. Historical relations between our countries have been good, the people of Serbia perceive Russia as the most reliable ally and consider Russians a brotherly people, but they do not fully understand the specifics of Russia and Russian policy. That is why I came here to study this area.

    About preparation for admission

    — A professor from Serbia recommended HSE to me, and I applied. Before entering the first year of the master’s program, I had to learn Russian, because the program was in Russian, so I arrived a year earlier and entered the Center for the Preparation of Foreign Students. At first, we studied only Russian, then they began to distribute us according to the specialties that we planned to study in the future.

    I can’t say it was difficult to learn the language, but it was intense. Serbian is a Slavic language, so it was easier for me than for others whose native language is not in this group. But sometimes it was a problem: for example, the same word can mean different things in Serbian and Russian.

    About studying at HSE

    — After my master’s degree, I entered postgraduate studies, so I am now in my second year of postgraduate studies. I began collaborating with the Center for Mediterranean Studies on various projects from my first year of master’s studies. At the moment, I am working under the supervision of Ekaterina Gennadyevna Entina, who was my academic supervisor in my master’s degree and is now in postgraduate studies. For me, HSE is an opportunity to work in a field that interests me, with good people.

    Sachin Malhotra, a student of the Master’s programData Science» HSE, Head of the Commission HSE Student Council for work with foreign students

    About moving to Russia and HSE

    — I am from India, from the city of Agra, famous for its Taj Mahal. I chose Russia and HSE because I was looking for a quality education in Data Science. HSE has a strong academic reputation, an international environment, and a modern approach to teaching. I also wanted to experience another culture and challenge myself by learning a new language and being in an unfamiliar environment.

    About the Center for the Preparation of Foreign Students

    — I decided to take a preparatory year at HSE to gain at least a level of Russian that would be sufficient for everyday communication. This is critical for any international student, especially since many people outside of the university do not speak English. As part of the program, I studied Russian, both grammar and conversation, as well as mathematics and history. This gave me the opportunity to build a solid foundation in the language that I used not only in the classroom but also in everyday life. The program also gave me the chance to meet students from different countries, some of whom became my close friends.

    About the Russian language

    — I have been studying Russian for two years now — one year as part of the preparatory year and one year as a Master’s student. At first, it was quite difficult. Russian itself is a challenge, and the academic standards at HSE are very high, which also pushed me to improve the language. But in the end, this environment contributed to my growth not only in the language, but also in my academic performance in general. It made me more confident and prepared for university life in Russia.

    After the preparatory year

    — Afterwards, I enrolled in the Master’s program in Data Science at HSE. The academic experience was intense. The program is well-structured, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills in machine learning, programming, and statistical analysis. The teachers are highly qualified, and the international environment facilitates collaboration and exchange of experience with like-minded people. Although sometimes challenging, this experience significantly deepened my understanding of data science and prepared me for future professional challenges.

    Nevena Boskovic, graduate of the Master’s programInternational Relations: European and Asian Studies» HSE University

    About admission to HSE and studies

    — I am from Belgrade, Serbia. I moved to Moscow in January 2021. I made this decision thanks to the Russian House in Belgrade. I had an idea to study Russian, and when I visited the Russian House, I learned about the possibility of receiving a scholarship from the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation. I was interested in the International Relations program, and the Russian House staff suggested that I enroll in Faculty of World Economy and World Politics at the HSE.

    I thought that studying would be very difficult and it would be hard to adapt. But it turned out that HSE has magical teachers who have a lot of knowledge and from whom I took a lot for myself. I would especially like to mention the wonderful teacher Dmitry Vyacheslavovich Suslov and my scientific supervisor Ekaterina Gennadyevna Entina: they encouraged me during the writing and defense of my master’s thesis.

    About adaptation

    — It is important for every foreign student to adapt and understand the language in a foreign country. The Center for the Preparation of Foreign Students helped me a lot, and I easily learned the basics of Russian. In addition, I studied Russian culture, literature, and history. All this is important to understand another nation.

    About the Russian language

    — For the first six months, I studied it online from Serbia (there was a pandemic at the time), and then I moved to Moscow and continued studying it. I can say that I managed to learn the language in a year. Of course, it was much easier for me because Russians and Serbs are Slavic peoples, we have many similar words.

    I wanted to learn the language well, and so I chose a program in Russian at the faculty: lectures, presentations, exams, and the master’s thesis itself were in Russian. I believe that I succeeded in all this thanks to a good language teacher and a good program at the Center for the Preparation of Foreign Students.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: The German economy: navigating cyclical fluctuations and boosting long-term growth | Eesti Pank Public Lecture

    Source: Deutsche Bundesbank in English

    Check against delivery.

    1 Introduction
    Thank you, Governor Müller, for your kind introduction and for the invitation. It is a great pleasure and honour for me to speak here today. I truly appreciate the warm hospitality of Eesti Pank. Since my arrival, I have spent an exciting weekend enjoying several concerts, a trip to the Estonian wilderness, and a walking tour of your beautiful Old Town. 
    Ladies and gentlemen, Estonia and Germany are connected in surprising ways. For example, the esteemed Estonian economist Ragnar Nurkse, in whose honour this lecture series is being held, attended Tallinna Toomkool. The school was also formerly known as the Domschule zu Reval, and its lessons were held in German.
    Estonia and Germany have also shared a similar economic fate in recent years: Both countries’ economies have largely stagnated since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. 
    Today, I want to share my thoughts on how the German economy reached its current state and how it could recover. I will structure my remarks around three key questions.
    First, what is the current state of the German economy, and what are the main drivers shaping the economic outlook?
    Second, what national structural reforms could help put the German economy back on a growth trajectory? 
    And third, how can we work together to improve the European policy framework to better support growth and security across the European Union?
    2 German economy: current state and outlook
    2.1 Current state of the economy
    Let’s begin by examining the current state of the German economy. In 2024, Germany’s annual real GDP was only 0.4 % higher than in 2019. Similarly, Estonia’s economy remained largely stagnant at its 2019 level. There are several reasons for this sobering growth experience in Germany. For one thing, the economy has been significantly impacted by recent crises. 
    As one of the most globally interconnected economies, Germany experienced supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic more acutely than many other nations. Moreover, Germany’s heavy reliance on Russian natural gas made it particularly vulnerable to the sharp rise in energy prices.
    Simultaneously, German industry has been experiencing a gradual loss in competitiveness in international markets. This decline is partly due to the increasing strength of global competitors, especially from China. It had already taken root well before the onset of the pandemic. 
    In addition to these external challenges, there are also various, persistent internal obstacles to growth, which I will discuss in more detail shortly. Overall, potential output growth stands at a modest 0.4 %, and without significant policy changes, it is likely to remain at this low level.
    2.2 Economic outlook
    Against the background of these structural challenges, what are the short-term prospects of the German economy?
    In the first quarter of this year, the German economy grew by 0.4 %, rebounding from a slight contraction at the end of last year. This growth was stronger than anticipated, partly because concerns about rising tariffs resulted in shipments being frontloaded. However, the underlying economic momentum remains weak.
    The Bundesbank’s June 2025 forecast indicates that the German economy is expected to more or less stagnate this year. Factoring in the stronger-than-expected first-quarter growth figures, a slight annual increase appears possible. However, this would still represent three consecutive years of minimal growth.
    Our forecast aligns with recent predictions from the IMF and the European Commission, both of which project zero growth for 2025. The OECD is slightly more optimistic, projecting a growth rate of 0.4 %. Looking ahead, we see promising signs of recovery.
    In 2026, the Bundesbank projects that the German economy will grow by 0.7 %. And in 2027, growth could reach 1.2 %. Compared to last December’s forecast, the outlook for 2025 has thus been revised downward, while the forecast for 2027 has improved. The forecast is influenced by two opposing factors.
    On one hand, the tariff hikes and heightened uncertainty are estimated to reduce the German economy’s growth by approximately three-quarters of a percentage point. This impact is primarily expected to affect growth in 2025 and 2026.
    The baseline forecast assumes that the additional tariffs of at least 10 % imposed on all US trading partners since April will remain in place. Additionally, it accounts for the tariffs on steel and aluminium as well as on cars and car parts. Finally, the forecast factors in a significant increase in uncertainty, in particular with regard to trade policy.
    On the other hand, from 2026 onwards, the growth-dampening effects of tariffs are counterbalanced by positive growth impulses from German fiscal policy.
    Significant leeway for increased debt has been established, and deficits are expected to rise. Amongst other things, this leeway will be used to finance additional defence and infrastructure spending. Our experts estimate that this extra spending could boost economic growth by a total of three-quarters of a percentage point by 2027.
    In our baseline forecast, the two opposing forces in effect broadly cancel each other out. However, our projections are accompanied by considerable uncertainty. Trade disputes, geopolitical tensions, and specifics of German economic and fiscal policy all present risks. 
    For instance, an escalation of the trade conflict could increase GDP losses to one-and-a-half percentage points by 2027. In this risk scenario, the US tariff hikes announced in early April, some of which are currently suspended, would take full effect. This would be followed by renewed strong financial market reactions and ongoing high uncertainty regarding US economic policy. It is also assumed that the EU would retaliate with tariffs on a similar scale.
    The situation remains fluid, with both escalation and resolution of these tensions being possible at any moment. Just to mention, in two days, on July 9th, the 90-day pause on US reciprocal tariffs will conclude. We will see what happens.
    In summary, the German economy faces significant headwinds in the short term. Nevertheless, there are grounds for cautious optimism as we look to the future. 
    Before discussing policy measures to boost growth in Germany, let me take a moment to digress. In observing the public debate in Germany, it appears that the war in Ukraine still feels far removed for many people. 
    This contrasts sharply with the situation in Estonia, where a direct neighbour has become an immediate threat. Considering Estonia’s history and recurrent struggle for independence, one could say: “once more”.
    My impression is that the new German government understands the gravity of the situation. And I am confident that it will take the necessary steps to enhance European security.
    3 National policy measures to boost growth
    Ladies and gentlemen, A politically strong Europe must be built on a solid economic foundation. And as we have seen, Germany has significant room for improvement in this regard. So, how can Germany enhance its growth potential? 
    A few months ago, I presented a comprehensive set of measures during a speech in Berlin.[1] Let me summarise the key takeaways for you. I see three key areas where policymakers can enhance Germany’s growth potential.
    3.1 Increasing labour supply
    The first area that needs to be addressed urgently is labour supply. As the baby boomers from the 1960s retire, the number of working individuals is declining, which diminishes our growth potential. Accordingly, policymakers must explore every avenue to increase labour supply in Germany.
    One crucial option lies in increasing the working hours of part-time employees, especially women. While the employment rate of women in Germany is slightly above the European average, their weekly working hours are significantly lower. 
    This discrepancy partly stems from disincentives in the tax and social security systems that discourage longer working hours. Moreover, the lack of an adequate supply of childcare and elderly care facilities limits part-time workers’ ability to increase their hours. Improving these facilities can pave the way for longer working hours, thereby boosting our national labour supply.
    Another key component is labour market-oriented migration. Currently, bureaucratic hurdles and slow visa processes are hindering the effective integration of workers from non-EU countries. This represents one of several areas where Germany’s backlog in digitalising public services is hampering growth. Simplifying recognition procedures for academic qualifications and creating a centralised, digital point of contact for immigrants and their families can facilitate smoother transitions. 
    It is also vital to ensure that skilled workers remain in Germany over the long term. Currently, within two years of entering the labour market, more than 30 % of immigrants from other EU countries leave again.[2] Enhancing language courses and granting residency rights for workers’ family members can provide greater stability and integration.
    Additionally, we need to improve work incentives for recipients of the civic allowance. Research shows that the recent abolition of sanctions has significantly decreased the transition of recipients into the labour market.[3] Reinstating previous rules on grace periods, protected assets, and reporting obligations can help these individuals in their transition back to regular employment.
    Finally, we must harness the substantial potential of older individuals for additional, often highly qualified labour.[4] Germany faces a unique challenge, as the ratio of retirees to working-age individuals is expected to worsen significantly over the next 15 years compared to the OECD average. 
    To mitigate the increasing ratio of working to retirement years, it seems advisable to link the earliest possible retirement age, and subsequently the retirement age after 2031, to life expectancy. The year 2031 is significant, as by that time, the regular retirement age will have been increased to 67.
    Estonia serves as a role model in this context, as it will start linking retirement age to average life expectancy in 2027.[5] Germany would be wise to follow Estonia’s example. 
    Furthermore, it is time to reconsider the rule that permits early retirement without deductions for individuals who have worked for 45 years. 
    These measures would not only alleviate labour shortages and support economic growth, but also ease the financial pressure on pension systems.
    3.2 Efficiently transforming the energy sector
    The second area that needs to be addressed is the transformation of the energy sector. Germany aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. As a member of the European Union, Estonia, too, is expected to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 under the European Climate Law.
    This monumental task will necessitate significant investments in several key sectors. To ensure the energy transition is as efficient as possible, Germany needs to adopt a comprehensive and cohesive strategy.
    A key element of this strategy is implementing an effective carbon pricing system across all sectors and regions. Currently, carbon prices differ across sectors. However, only a standardised carbon price will ensure that savings are made in the most cost-effective areas. Therefore, it is crucial for Germany to advocate for consistent carbon pricing within the EU and other economic regions.
    Simultaneously, it is highly advisable to abolish climate-damaging subsidies. These subsidies undermine the economic incentives of carbon pricing by promoting fossil fuel consumption.
    Another essential component is establishing a reliable and coherent framework for the energy transition. Given the long planning horizons and substantial investments needed, a clear policy direction is essential. The government needs to clarify how domestic renewable energy sources and energy imports will interact, considering potential supply bottlenecks, particularly during the winter months. 
    Moreover, policymakers should create economic incentives to better align electricity supply and demand within Germany. Flexible electricity tariffs and innovative approaches such as bidirectional charging for electric vehicles can help achieve this. 
    3.3 Reviving business dynamism
    The third area in which Germany has significant room for improvement is business dynamism. Specifically, improved conditions for start-ups and business investment are critical for guiding the German economy back onto a stronger growth path.
    What needs to be done?
    To begin with, Germany should reduce excessive bureaucratic burdens. Entrepreneurs often express frustration with increasing bureaucracy and regulation.[6] The National Regulatory Control Council (Normenkontrollrat) has identified several promising avenues in this context. Moreover, implementing EU rules as sparingly and efficiently as possible can significantly reduce compliance burdens. We should avoid “gold plating”, which refers to adding extra layers of regulation at the national level. 
    Rather, the focus should be on facilitating start-ups and enhancing innovative capacity. Over one-half of company founders in Germany view bureaucratic hurdles and delays as problematic.[7] Creating a “one-stop shop” for aspiring entrepreneurs to manage all typical tasks related to starting a business can unleash greater business dynamism. Innovative start-ups should be embraced, benefiting from a large domestic market and suitable funding opportunities. 
    Lastly, simplifying and expediting administrative processes is essential for reviving business dynamism. Faster planning and approval procedures can help modernise infrastructure more quickly. Moreover, digitalisation, automation, and standardisation can all streamline administrative processes. 
    In this context, Estonia and Germany differ significantly. According to the World Bank, Estonia ranks among the most conducive countries for starting businesses in the EU – namely on position 14, while Germany ranks much lower – namely on position 125.[8]
    The 2025 Spring Report from the German Council of Economic Experts provides a detailed comparison of what it takes to start a company in both countries.[9] The differences are striking. 
    Estonia’s approach to founding a company exemplifies efficiency, featuring a fully digital, centralised system that enables entrepreneurs to complete the process quickly and with minimal bureaucracy.
    The entire procedure can be completed online through a one-stop shop for administrative services known as the “e-Business Register”. It employs a standardised template and allows users to apply for a VAT number at the same time. The costs of starting a company in Estonia are relatively low. Moreover, authorities process applications within five working days, or within one day if the expedited option is selected. 
    This efficient, fully digital system positions Estonia as a leader in facilitating entrepreneurship. 
    By contrast, Germany’s process is more fragmented, necessitating interaction with multiple authorities and requiring significantly more time and effort.
    Founders must consult several institutions, including notaries, the local court, the trade office, the tax office, and the Federal Employment Agency if they plan to hire employees. Additionally, the costs of starting a company in Germany are considerably higher. Moreover, it takes an average of 35 days, which is considerably longer.
    This is certainly another area where I believe Germany should follow Estonia’s lead.
    4 The European dimension
    Implementing rigorous structural reforms at the national level is essential for boosting Germany’s growth potential. However, for certain issues, we need to find solutions and make progress at the European level.
    4.1 Addressing geoeconomic and geopolitical challenges
    One aspect of this is developing a unified European response to the geoeconomic and geopolitical threats we face today. Europe is currently being confronted with an erratic and confrontational US trade policy. 
    So far, the European Commission has made every effort to de-escalate the situation. Simultaneously, however, the Commission is prepared to retaliate. I believe this is a reasonable approach. 
    Overall, Europe should remain committed to a rule-based international trade order and pursue free trade agreements with like-minded countries and regions. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s recent proposal to enhance cooperation between the EU and members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) represents a welcome and appropriate step in that direction.
    Regarding geopolitics, Europe must assume greater responsibility for its own defence. In this context, it is crucial to enhance European coordination, including with non-EU countries such as Norway and the United Kingdom, in military strategy, deployment, personnel build-up, procurement, and production capacities. This coordination will incur minimal fiscal costs and may even save money through increased synergies. 
    The EU Commission’s “Readiness 2030” initiative aims to create space for additional national defence spending within the Stability and Growth Pact. I consider such temporary additional leeway for defence expenditure to be reasonable. It will enable European countries to act swiftly and adapt gradually to permanently higher defence spending.
    Lastly, Europe should enhance its autonomy in the payments sector. Currently, Europe remains largely dependent on non-European payment providers. We still lack a digital payment solution that functions across the entire euro area and operates on European infrastructure. 
    Introducing a digital euro in both retail and wholesale variants could be a cornerstone for true autonomy in payments. I would encourage legislators to push forward with the digital euro project accordingly.
    4.2 Boosting European integration
    The second dimension we must focus on is fostering European integration.
    The European Single Market has been a cornerstone of prosperity to date, allowing goods to flow freely across borders while fostering competition, innovation, and economic growth. However, significant barriers still exist when it comes to services. Cross-border trade in services is still far less developed than in goods, partly due to national regulations that restrict professional services such as legal advice, architecture, and engineering. While some regulations are justified, many are not, resulting in inefficiencies and lost opportunities.
    The digital revolution presents a unique opportunity to overcome these obstacles. Digital platforms, virtual collaboration, and online services are revolutionising how businesses operate and interact. To fully harness this potential, we need to simplify regulations, reduce administrative burdens, and establish a truly unified digital marketplace. For example, the centralised EU digital portal for public services established by the European Commission is a welcome step towards facilitating cross-border employment for professionals. This serves as a mechanism to give citizens easier access to services in other Member States. 
    By eliminating unjustified obstacles, we can unlock the full potential of the Single Market, enhance competitiveness, and ensure that Europe remains a global leader in innovation. 
    Energy is another area where deeper European integration can yield significant benefits. Europe’s energy markets are still fragmented, with infrastructure bottlenecks and national boundaries restricting the efficient flow of electricity. 
    A more integrated European electricity market would enable us to better align supply and demand across borders, reduce reliance on costly reserve power plants, and accelerate the transition to renewable energy. To achieve this, we need to invest in cross-border infrastructure, modernise our grids, and eliminate regulatory obstacles that impede energy trade. By collaborating, we can not only achieve our climate goals but also enhance Europe’s energy security and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global landscape. 
    Last but not least, we must deepen the integration of European financial markets. The European Savings and Investments Union can help mobilise the necessary financing for additional investments, such as, for instance, for the green transition and the enhancement of defence capabilities.
    Three key elements are at play here.
    First, the European Savings and Investments Union can help diversify funding sources. Enhancing access to equity, market-based debt financing and venture capital will enable the financing of a broader range of investments.
    Second, the European Savings and Investments Union will facilitate cross-border investments by harmonising regulations and breaking down barriers. This would ease the formation of pan-European companies, enabling them to harness cost-lowering economies of scale.
    This point echoes Ragnar Nurske’s “balanced growth theory”. Tailored to the situation of high-income economies, one could paraphrase him in the following way: The limited size of the domestic market can constitute an obstacle to the application of capital by firms or industries, thus posing an obstacle to economic growth generally.[10]
    Third, the European Savings and Investments Union will make Europe more appealing to external investors. This would increase both the quantity of available financing and reduce its cost. 
    Recent policy actions by the US administration have led international investors to start questioning the US dollar’s safe haven status and to reassess the relative attractiveness of Europe as an investment location compared to the US. Boosting growth in the EU and making it an attractive investment destination presents an opportunity for Europe.
    5 Concluding remarks
    Ladies and gentlemen, Allow me to briefly summarise and share a few concluding thoughts.
    I began my speech by noting that economic growth has been weak in both Germany and Estonia over the past few years. In Germany’s case, the economy is currently navigating a combination of cyclical fluctuations and structural challenges. 
    This is a pivotal moment – a time for reflection, decisive action, and bold leadership. I am optimistic that the new German government will address the structural issues with determination and help its economy to become one of Europe’s growth engines. 
    In light of today’s geopolitical and geoeconomic uncertainties, Europe’s role is more crucial than ever. Let us seize this opportunity to deepen European integration and emerge stronger together. 
    If we take the right actions, I am confident that our two economies will soon share two key outcomes once again: vibrant economic growth and enduring security.
    For now, I eagerly anticipate our discussion here and my ongoing conversations with Governor Müller. I look forward to exchanging ideas and the opportunity to learn from each other. Thank you for your attention.
    Foot notes:

    Nagel, J. (2025), Economic policy measures to boost growth in Germany, speech held at the Berlin School of Economics, Humboldt University of Berlin.
     See Hammer, L. and M. Hertweck (2022), EU enlargement and (temporary) migration: Effects on labour market outcomes in Germany, Deutsche Bundesbank Discussion Paper No 02/2022.
    See Weber, E. (2024), The Dovish Turnaround: Germany’s Social Benefit Reform and Job Findings, IAB-Discussion Paper 07/2024.
    For a comprehensive analysis of retirement timing in Germany, see Deutsche Bundesbank (2025), Early, standard, late: when insurees retire and how pension benefit reductions and increases could be determined, June Monthly Report.
    See Republic of Estonia Social Insurance Board (2025), Retirement age | Sotsiaalkindlustusamet
    See Metzger, G. (2024), Start-up activity lacks macro-economic impetus – self-employed people are becoming more important as multipliers, KfW Entrepreneurship Monitor 2024, KfW Research.
    See World Bank Group (2025), Rankings.
    See German Council of Economic Experts (2025), Between hope and fear: Economic weakness and opportunities of the fiscal package, bureaucratic obstacles and structural change, Spring Report 2025, Chapter 3, Section 10.
    See Nurkse, R. (1961), Problems of Capital Formation in Underdeveloped Countries, New York: Oxford University Press, p. 163. The original citation is: “The limited size of the domestic market in a low income country can thus constitute an obstacle to the application of capital by any individual firm or industry working for the market. In this sense the small domestic market is an obstacle to development generally”.

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Operational meeting with deputy prime ministers

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    On the agenda: development of healthcare infrastructure, support for agro-industrial projects of veterans and participants of the Second Military Military District, extension of the program of state guarantees for loans to support the production activities of enterprises, updating the strategic direction in the field of digital transformation of science and higher education.

    Opening remarks by Mikhail Mishustin:

    Good morning, dear colleagues!

    Operational meeting with deputy prime ministers

    11 hours ago

    First of all, I would like to talk about the development of infrastructure for domestic healthcare.

    Document

    The government has allocated about 1.8 billion rubles for the construction of hospitals in a number of regions

    The President emphasized that modern, well-equipped medical institutions are one of the areas of systematic work to improve the efficiency of domestic healthcare. And the Government continues to help regions with the construction of such facilities.

    Participants of the meeting

    List of participants of the operational meeting with deputy prime ministers, July 7, 2025

    A multidisciplinary medical center is being created in the Oryol region. I examined it carefully during my trip to Oryol. And we discussed with the governor the difficulties that existed at that time. These were problems with contractors and with design and estimate documentation. I gave instructions to correct this situation.

    Construction is currently underway, including using federal budget funds. Over 2 billion rubles have been allocated for this in the current year. And next year, it was planned to provide the region with almost 1.3 billion rubles more. We will allocate them in 2025 so that the work can be completed ahead of schedule and the center can be opened for citizens as soon as possible. The corresponding order has been signed.

    We also support other Russian regions. The Pskov region will receive a subsidy of approximately 260 million rubles to create a new building for the inter-district hospital and to reconstruct two district hospitals.

    Operational meeting with deputy prime ministers

    July 4, 2025

    Operational meeting with deputy prime ministers

    July 4, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Operational meeting with deputy prime ministers

    We will distribute about 250 million rubles to the Altai Territory. The funding is needed for the construction of a surgical department of the maternity and childhood center in Barnaul. Such an order has also been approved.

    We will continue to assist regions in the construction and development of healthcare institutions. This is very important for increasing the availability of medical care throughout the country and achieving the national goal set by the President to improve people’s health.

    On another topic – about supporting our defenders.

    Document

    The government will support agro-industrial projects of veterans and participants of the special operation

    The head of state noted that in the regions everyone is trying to create the best possible conditions for family members and for the guys themselves who are returning from the combat zone.

    And of course, they should have the opportunity to adapt to civilian life, go to work or open their own business.

    Therefore, starting this year, the assistance system has been supplemented with a grant that can be received by veterans and retired participants of the special military operation. These funds will be used to implement agricultural projects.

    We have already allocated 200 million rubles for such purposes. And we will provide funding to 10 more regions. These are Adygea, Ingushetia, Karachay-Cherkessia, Crimea, Sakha, North Ossetia, Tuva, Khakassia, Belgorod Region and Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug.

    We hope that such measures will help our children find something they enjoy doing and will contribute to the creation of new jobs in Russian regions.

    The government continues to stimulate entrepreneurial initiative. This is a very important factor for ensuring the sustainability of the development of both specific projects of our business and the supply economy as a whole, which the President spoke about.

    Until the end of this year, we will extend the rules for providing state guarantees for loans and bond loans. Those that are attracted for a period of three to seven years and are used to support current production activities and capital investments. We will allocate almost 290 billion rubles for these purposes.

    Such a mechanism will allow entrepreneurs to reduce risks and increase the attractiveness of investments in many important areas. To implement large-scale plans both for the launch of new enterprises and for the modernization of existing ones. To increase their efficiency and reduce the burden on the environment. Which in turn will have a positive effect on the standard and conditions of life of our citizens.

    And also about the decision that concerns the development of digital technologies in such key sectors as science and education.

    These sectors have been using foreign software products and corresponding hardware systems for several years. In recent years, a number of Western companies have left our market and stopped servicing their developments.

    The President emphasized that it is necessary to increase the production of services on our own basis. To create our own original services and software, to apply them in practice, especially in critically important areas.

    The strategic direction in the field of digital transformation of science and higher education solves these problems. It is aimed at increasing the efficiency of fundamental research and expanding the capabilities of educational institutions using modern technologies, including processing large amounts of information. Thanks to this, the super service “Admission to a University” was launched on the single portal of state services. Applicants submit documents to the institute without leaving home, track the status of their application, and receive an electronic student ID.

    On the instructions of the President, the “road map” of the strategic direction for the next six years was updated. Including in terms of refining the state information system, which contains the results of all domestic research and development work. Access to them is open for companies and enterprises so that they can choose the best solutions for practical application and eliminate duplication of costs for similar developments.

    The changes will also affect the Federal Information System of State Scientific Certification, the services of which are planned to be transferred to a registry model, which will allow receiving electronic documents instead of paper ones when submitting applications through the state services portal. This also applies to the procedure for issuing a certificate of recognition of an academic degree or title awarded in a foreign country, and applications from scientists for housing certificates.

    Organizations engaged in scientific research activities will be able to submit an application for tax benefits through a single portal.

    It is important to simplify access to government services for people and businesses so that these procedures are not burdensome and convenient.

    We will continue to do everything necessary to implement technological projects in priority sectors for the country in order to achieve national development goals.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Yuri Trutnev: Chukotka will present an art object for the VEF anniversary at the exhibition “Far East Street”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The Chukotka Autonomous Okrug is preparing for the exhibition “Far East Street”. The large-scale cultural event will take place from September 3 to 9 as part of the anniversary, tenth Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. Chukotka will present guests with information about the largest projects, urban renovation, investments, and opportunities for work and travel in the region. The exhibition is organized by the Roscongress Foundation with the support of the Office of the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of Russia in the Far Eastern Federal District.

    “Based on the results of last year, Chukotka demonstrated positive dynamics in a number of indicators. Industrial production and investments in fixed capital grew by 9%, and mineral extraction by 3%. The Russian government provides support to the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug. Three preferential regimes are in effect in the region: the Chukotka Priority Development Area, the Vladivostok Free Port, and the Arctic Zone regime. The consolidated budget revenues and the region’s own revenues have grown. These northern lands are home to strong-willed, courageous, and purposeful people who work in manufacturing and mines, develop deposits, preserve the traditions of reindeer herding, and provide our country with copper and tin, coal and gas, fish and seafood. Thanks to the measures taken by the government, people’s lives are changing. Anadyr is being updated according to the master plan approved by the President. Facilities are being built and reconstructed within the framework of national projects and the presidential single subsidy. The main task is to ensure that people’s lives change qualitatively and that an appropriate level of social infrastructure is created,” emphasized Deputy Prime Minister – Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative in the Far Eastern Federal District, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Eastern Economic Forum Yuri Trutnev.

    The space of the main Chukotka pavilion will be divided into thematic zones in several areas: history, culture, economy, tourism. Visitors will be able to get to know the region through real stories of local residents. The pavilion will feature interviews with entrepreneurs and representatives of rare professions, such as an Arctic farmer or caviar taster. It is also planned to place materials about the projects of Rosatom and the Baimsky Mining and Processing Plant in the zones, including interactive maps, architectural plans and development prospects for these enterprises.

    “This year we celebrate three significant dates: 95 years of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, 80 years of the Great Victory, and 10 years of the Eastern Economic Forum. Our exhibition on Far East Street reflects this connection of times: the memory of the past, the dynamics of the present, and plans for the future. We invite guests of the forum and everyone to Far East Street to discover the unique Arctic,” said Vladislav Kuznetsov, Governor of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug.

    The region is developing a rich business program. In particular, it is planned to hold presentations of Arctic brands for potential investors and foreign partners, round tables and strategic sessions, an interregional meeting of cultural representatives.

    The creative products zone will feature local brands, and visitors will be able to see authentic products from the region and purchase them as souvenirs.

    In addition, a “Chukotka for Victory” zone will be created to show video materials about the region’s contribution to the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. An interactive wall with images of defenders of the Fatherland – a pilot, a reindeer herder and a soldier – will be installed in the zone. The central element will be an art object dedicated to the participants of the special military operation.

    The street exhibition will be decorated with monumental compositions. Three abstract vertical steles will be installed here, reaching into the sky. St. George ribbons, logos of Chukotka and the Eastern Economic Forum will be placed under each figure. The art objects will reflect three anniversary dates: 95 years of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, 80 years of the Great Victory, 10 years of the EEF.

    In addition, a sculpture of a walrus, a symbol of the region, will be installed at the stand. Nearby, there will be glowing Eskimo balls, personifying the sun among the indigenous peoples of Chukotka. The State Academic Chukchi-Eskimo Ensemble “Ergyron” and artists from the District House of Folk Art will also perform for the guests of the forum.

    The 10th Eastern Economic Forum will be held on September 3–6 at the campus of the Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok. During these days, the exhibition will be available to forum participants, and on September 7, 8, and 9, it will be open to everyone. The EEF is organized by the Roscongress Foundation.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chengdu set for 2025 World Games

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

    With one month to go until the opening of the 12th World Games, Chengdu, capital of southwest China’s Sichuan Province, is entering the final stages of preparation for the premier global event for non-Olympic sports. Venue readiness, volunteer training and public engagement are all progressing steadily.

    FINAL PREPARATIONS

    At the Chengdu Hi-Tech Zone Sports Center Public Fitness Gymnasium – the venue for squash and racquetball competitions – the installation of temporary seating and lighting is nearly complete.

    “The venue renovation is relying on existing facilities and the way of rental is also introduced down the stretch,” said Huang Gang, head of operations at a local construction company.

    According to organizers, all 27 competition venues are finished and undergoing final inspections. Eighteen are existing facilities, while nine were temporarily constructed in parks and lakeside areas to keep costs down.

    In line with a frugal approach, Chengdu 2025 will not feature a dedicated Athletes’ Village. Instead, athletes will be accommodated in hotels near their competition venues.

    Nearly 10,000 volunteers have been recruited for the Games, supported by more than 500 urban service stations to assist athletes and visitors.

    “We are ready to welcome guests with full enthusiasm and showcase the energy of young students,” said Hu Ke, a volunteer trainee from Sichuan University. “Keeping a smile is part of the training,” she added. “We’re doing our best to prepare for guests from around the world.”

    All competition schedules and event programs have been finalized. Technical teams are stationed at venues, full-scale rehearsals are underway, and 24 test events across 20 sports have already been held.

    For the first time in World Games history, a torch relay will be held on July 26. The relay will pass through Chengdu, Deyang and Meishan, covering 11 kilometers and featuring 120 torchbearers. The route includes landmarks such as the Jinsha Site Museum and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

    COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

    Since November 2024, Chengdu has rolled out a range of community programs to promote the Games and boost local involvement. Sports such as flying disc and archery have been introduced in residential neighborhoods, reaching over 600 communities and attracting more than 120,000 participants.

    “I never thought I could try archery in my neighborhood,” said a local resident surnamed Li. “It’s harder than I imagined but really fun.”

    In March, a campus outreach initiative introduced sports like parkour, lacrosse and flying disc to 120 schools. Thirty “urban mini-sites” have also been set up across the city, offering interactive experiences and event information.

    The Games are also providing a lift to the local economy. In 2024, Chengdu’s sports industry reached a market size of 130 billion yuan (about 18 billion U.S. dollars), with sports-related consumption growing by 13 percent year-on-year to 75 billion yuan.

    To enhance the visitor experience, the city has launched six themed cultural and tourism programs, encouraging exploration beyond the sports venues.

    ANTICIPATION BUILDING

    Scheduled for Aug. 7-17, the 12th World Games will feature 255 events across 60 disciplines and 34 sports. It will be the first global sporting event held in western China since the 2023 Chengdu Universiade.

    Anticipation is growing both at home and abroad.

    “We are extremely impressed by the professionalism and commitment demonstrated by the Chengdu LOC,” said International World Games Association (IWGA) vice president Tom Dielen during the fifth Coordination Committee meeting in June.

    “The preparations are progressing with remarkable efficiency and attention to detail. We are confident that Chengdu is ready to deliver an unforgettable edition of the World Games,” he added.

    Around 5,000 athletes from an estimated 110 countries and regions are expected to take part, including approximately 330 Chinese athletes – the country’s largest-ever delegation to the World Games.

    For Muay Thai athlete Laura Burgos, representing Mexico at the event is an unexpected honor. “I’m excited to prove myself in Chengdu,” she noted.

    Daria Chernegova, an international student in Chengdu, said she’s especially looking forward to the flying disc and cheerleading competitions.

    “I’ve played flying disc and worked as a cheerleader. These are sports not seen at the Olympics or Universiade, so I’m excited to watch them live,” she said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: A Shakespearean, small-town murder: why Australia became so obsessed with the Erin Patterson mushroom case

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Xanthe Mallett, Criminologist, CQUniversity Australia

    The “mushroom murder trial”, as it has popularly become known, has gripped Australia over the past 11 weeks. More than that, it’s prompted worldwide headlines, multiple daily podcasts, and even YouTube videos of self-proclaimed “body language experts” assessing defendant Erin Patterson’s every move.

    There’s an ABC drama series in the works. Acclaimed Australian author Helen Garner has been in the courtroom.

    But why did this tragedy, in which three people died and a fourth was lucky to survive, grip the public consciousness in way no other contemporary Australian case has?



    Read more:
    Erin Patterson has been found guilty in the mushroom murder trial. Legal experts explain why

    A not-so-wholesome family lunch

    On July 29 2023, in a sleepy town called Leongatha in the foothills of the Strzelecki Ranges in Victoria, a very normal woman called Erin Patterson made an ostensibly very normal lunch of beef wellington.

    She was cooking for her in-laws, Gail and Don Patterson, Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson, and Heather’s husband Ian. Erin’s estranged husband, Simon Patterson, was also invited, but chose not to attend.

    Simon and Erin had two children, a boy and a girl, who did not attend the lunch either.

    Shortly after the lunch, all four guests were admitted to hospital with suspected gastroenteritis. Erin Patterson also presented to hospital, but refused to be admitted.

    Within a few days, Gail, Don, and Heather all died as a result of what was later confirmed as poisoning with Amanita phalloides, better known as death cap mushrooms.

    Ian survived, but he was lucky. He spent seven weeks in hospital and needed a liver transplant.

    The questions became, how did the mushrooms get into the beef wellington? Was this an awful accident or something more sinister?

    Public obsession

    These questions became the focus of very significant public and media attention.

    Erin Patterson spoke to the media in the days after the incident. She presented as your typical, average woman of 50.

    That is, in my opinion, where the obsession with this case began.

    This case had the feel of a Shakespearean drama: multiple deaths within one family, death by poison, and a female protagonist.

    The juxtaposition between the normality of a family lunch (and the sheer vanilla-ness of the accused) and the seriousness of the situation sent the media into overdrive.

    Then there were the lies. Patterson lied about foraging for mushrooms, and about having cancer to encourage the guests to attend.

    The location also played a huge part. Leongatha is known for its staggering natural beauty and thriving food and wine scene. It’s hardly a place where the world expected a mass murderer to live.

    However, the perception that rural areas are utopias of safety and social cohesion, and cities are dark and dangerous places, is a myth.

    One study by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare paints a different picture.

    For serious assault cases that resulted in hospitalisation, for major cities the rates were 65 per 100,000 people. In rural areas, this rose to 1,244 people per 100,000. And for murder, in very remote areas the rate was five per 100,000 population, but fewer than one per 100,000 in urban areas.

    Then there was Erin Patterson’s unusual behaviour. She disposed of the desiccator in which the mushrooms she had foraged were dehydrated. She used multiple phones, one of which underwent multiple factory resets on in the days following the lunch. One of these resets was done remotely after police seized her phone.

    There are also the much-discussed plates. The court heard she prepared her meal on a different-coloured plate to those of her other guests so they were easily identifiable.

    The public latched onto these details, each providing a new talking point around water coolers or spurring new Reddit threads dedicated to unpacking their significance.

    The courtroom as a stage

    Ultimately, after three months, Erin Patterson was charged with three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. She pleaded not guilty.

    The trial lasted 40 days. The prosecution alleged Patterson intentionally poisoned her guests, whereas the defence suggested it was all an awful, tragic accident.

    The jury took six and a half days to deliberate. During that time, various media outlets did everything they could to keep the story on the front page.

    Bizarre pieces began appearing online from credible sources such as the ABC, profiling people who had attended court. They included stories of people turning down work to attend the court daily, cases of friendships blossoming during the trial between regular attendees, and the outfit choices of locals turning up every day to watch the drama unfold.

    There were also articles profiling local cafe owners and how they felt about being at the centre of the legal theatrics. The daily podcasts continued even when news from the courtroom didn’t.

    The vibe felt more appropriate for a royal visit than a triple murder trial.

    It seemed everyone in Australia was gripped by one event, united in a way few other things could manage. We all waited with bated breath to see what the 12 men and women of the jury would decide.



    Read more:
    Justice on demand? The true crime podcasts serving up Erin Patterson’s mushroom murder trial

    Humanity behind the spectacle

    The end to this strange and unique criminal case came on Monday July 7.

    The result? Guilty on all four counts. Erin Patterson is formally a mass murderer, though many in the court of public opinion had reached the same conviction months earlier.

    Leongatha will always be known for being the setting of (arguably) the most infamous multiple murder case in Australian history. It will join Snowtown in South Australia (home of the “bodies in the barrell” murder case), Kendall in New South Wales (where William Tyrrell disappeared), and Claremont in Western Australia (the murder or disappearance of three women) as places forever linked to tragic crimes.

    While the trial is over, there’s much more content still to come, the public’s appetite yet to be satiated.

    But the final word should be saved for the Patterson and Wilkinson families. This is an awful tragedy, and there are no winners. Ian and Simon have lost loved ones. The Patterson children have lost grandparents and now have to come to terms with the fact their mother caused those deaths intentionally.

    Amid the spectacle, it’s easy to lose sight of the humanity at the centre. As the media spotlight dims, may the families get the privacy and respect they deserve.

    Xanthe Mallett 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. A Shakespearean, small-town murder: why Australia became so obsessed with the Erin Patterson mushroom case – https://theconversation.com/a-shakespearean-small-town-murder-why-australia-became-so-obsessed-with-the-erin-patterson-mushroom-case-259982

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: A Shakespearean, small-town murder: why Australia became so obsessed with the Erin Patterson mushroom case

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Xanthe Mallett, Criminologist, CQUniversity Australia

    The “mushroom murder trial”, as it has popularly become known, has gripped Australia over the past 11 weeks. More than that, it’s prompted worldwide headlines, multiple daily podcasts, and even YouTube videos of self-proclaimed “body language experts” assessing defendant Erin Patterson’s every move.

    There’s an ABC drama series in the works. Acclaimed Australian author Helen Garner has been in the courtroom.

    But why did this tragedy, in which three people died and a fourth was lucky to survive, grip the public consciousness in way no other contemporary Australian case has?



    Read more:
    Erin Patterson has been found guilty in the mushroom murder trial. Legal experts explain why

    A not-so-wholesome family lunch

    On July 29 2023, in a sleepy town called Leongatha in the foothills of the Strzelecki Ranges in Victoria, a very normal woman called Erin Patterson made an ostensibly very normal lunch of beef wellington.

    She was cooking for her in-laws, Gail and Don Patterson, Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson, and Heather’s husband Ian. Erin’s estranged husband, Simon Patterson, was also invited, but chose not to attend.

    Simon and Erin had two children, a boy and a girl, who did not attend the lunch either.

    Shortly after the lunch, all four guests were admitted to hospital with suspected gastroenteritis. Erin Patterson also presented to hospital, but refused to be admitted.

    Within a few days, Gail, Don, and Heather all died as a result of what was later confirmed as poisoning with Amanita phalloides, better known as death cap mushrooms.

    Ian survived, but he was lucky. He spent seven weeks in hospital and needed a liver transplant.

    The questions became, how did the mushrooms get into the beef wellington? Was this an awful accident or something more sinister?

    Public obsession

    These questions became the focus of very significant public and media attention.

    Erin Patterson spoke to the media in the days after the incident. She presented as your typical, average woman of 50.

    That is, in my opinion, where the obsession with this case began.

    This case had the feel of a Shakespearean drama: multiple deaths within one family, death by poison, and a female protagonist.

    The juxtaposition between the normality of a family lunch (and the sheer vanilla-ness of the accused) and the seriousness of the situation sent the media into overdrive.

    Then there were the lies. Patterson lied about foraging for mushrooms, and about having cancer to encourage the guests to attend.

    The location also played a huge part. Leongatha is known for its staggering natural beauty and thriving food and wine scene. It’s hardly a place where the world expected a mass murderer to live.

    However, the perception that rural areas are utopias of safety and social cohesion, and cities are dark and dangerous places, is a myth.

    One study by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare paints a different picture.

    For serious assault cases that resulted in hospitalisation, for major cities the rates were 65 per 100,000 people. In rural areas, this rose to 1,244 people per 100,000. And for murder, in very remote areas the rate was five per 100,000 population, but fewer than one per 100,000 in urban areas.

    Then there was Erin Patterson’s unusual behaviour. She disposed of the desiccator in which the mushrooms she had foraged were dehydrated. She used multiple phones, one of which underwent multiple factory resets on in the days following the lunch. One of these resets was done remotely after police seized her phone.

    There are also the much-discussed plates. The court heard she prepared her meal on a different-coloured plate to those of her other guests so they were easily identifiable.

    The public latched onto these details, each providing a new talking point around water coolers or spurring new Reddit threads dedicated to unpacking their significance.

    The courtroom as a stage

    Ultimately, after three months, Erin Patterson was charged with three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. She pleaded not guilty.

    The trial lasted 40 days. The prosecution alleged Patterson intentionally poisoned her guests, whereas the defence suggested it was all an awful, tragic accident.

    The jury took six and a half days to deliberate. During that time, various media outlets did everything they could to keep the story on the front page.

    Bizarre pieces began appearing online from credible sources such as the ABC, profiling people who had attended court. They included stories of people turning down work to attend the court daily, cases of friendships blossoming during the trial between regular attendees, and the outfit choices of locals turning up every day to watch the drama unfold.

    There were also articles profiling local cafe owners and how they felt about being at the centre of the legal theatrics. The daily podcasts continued even when news from the courtroom didn’t.

    The vibe felt more appropriate for a royal visit than a triple murder trial.

    It seemed everyone in Australia was gripped by one event, united in a way few other things could manage. We all waited with bated breath to see what the 12 men and women of the jury would decide.



    Read more:
    Justice on demand? The true crime podcasts serving up Erin Patterson’s mushroom murder trial

    Humanity behind the spectacle

    The end to this strange and unique criminal case came on Monday July 7.

    The result? Guilty on all four counts. Erin Patterson is formally a mass murderer, though many in the court of public opinion had reached the same conviction months earlier.

    Leongatha will always be known for being the setting of (arguably) the most infamous multiple murder case in Australian history. It will join Snowtown in South Australia (home of the “bodies in the barrell” murder case), Kendall in New South Wales (where William Tyrrell disappeared), and Claremont in Western Australia (the murder or disappearance of three women) as places forever linked to tragic crimes.

    While the trial is over, there’s much more content still to come, the public’s appetite yet to be satiated.

    But the final word should be saved for the Patterson and Wilkinson families. This is an awful tragedy, and there are no winners. Ian and Simon have lost loved ones. The Patterson children have lost grandparents and now have to come to terms with the fact their mother caused those deaths intentionally.

    Amid the spectacle, it’s easy to lose sight of the humanity at the centre. As the media spotlight dims, may the families get the privacy and respect they deserve.

    Xanthe Mallett 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. A Shakespearean, small-town murder: why Australia became so obsessed with the Erin Patterson mushroom case – https://theconversation.com/a-shakespearean-small-town-murder-why-australia-became-so-obsessed-with-the-erin-patterson-mushroom-case-259982

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: View from The Hill: Albanese’s Curtin speech becomes latest political football in debate over US relationship

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

    Anthony Albanese seems to find himself on eggshells whenever the Australian-American relationship comes up.

    After the G7 debacle, he’s persistently pursued – to his obvious irritation – by journalists asking when he’ll have his first face-to-face meeting with Donald Trump. It’s a question he has so far been unable to answer, as he prepares for his fourth meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

    There is no Washington meeting lined up, so Albanese just talks about the various occasions when their paths are due to cross. The next time is the Quad in India later this year (there is no fixed date).

    Trump’s deadline for deals on his tariffs has now been moved from this week to August 1. Despite the months of negotiation, the government (as of now) is not expecting to receive a concession on the hefty 50% steel and aluminium tariffs, nor on the general 10% tariff. That will invite a fresh round of criticism that the government has not been able to leverage Australia’s advantages on critical minerals with the Trump administration.

    And now the PM has stirred controversy with his John Curtin Oration, delivered on Saturday night.

    Curtin is at the top of Labor’s pantheon of heroes, and generally regarded as one of Australia’s greatest prime ministers, by many as the greatest. Labor PMs regularly pay homage. (Bob Hawke and Paul Keating once had a spectacular falling out after Hawke considered Keating had slighted Curtin’s memory.)

    In the second world war Curtin famously stood up to United Kingdom Prime Minister Winston Churchill to insist Australian troops be returned home, rather than diverted to Burma as Churchill wanted. And in those dark wartime days, Curtin dramatically “looked to America” for Australia’s security.

    In delivering Saturday’s oration, Albanese painted the Curtin course as an example of Labor forging an independent foreign policy, and identified with it.

    He said Curtin was the “founder” of the Australia-US alliance (contested by those who date the alliance from the Menzies years, when ANZUS was signed).

    Albanese said “Curtin’s famous statement that Australia ‘looked to America’ was much more than the idea of trading one strategic guarantor for another”.

    “It was a recognition that Australia’s fate would be decided in our region.

    “It followed the decision Curtin had made in 1941 that Australia would issue its own declaration of war with Japan.

    “Speaking for ourselves, as a sovereign nation.”

    “We needed an Australian foreign policy anchored in strategic reality, not bound by tradition.”

    “So we remember Curtin not just because he looked to America. We honour him because he spoke for Australia.

    “For Australia and for Labor, that independence has never meant isolationism, Choosing our own way, doesn’t mean going it alone,” Albanese said.

    Curtin’s biographer John Edwards, writing in the Lowy Institute’s The Interpreter, says Albanese’s oration “adroitly positions Australia for a testing time on foreign policy.

    “Albanese’s speech affirms that in the competition between the United States and China, Australia will act in its own interests.”

    Edwards puts the December 1941 appeal to the US against a particular background. The context of the article was a meeting then taking place in Washington between Churchill and US President Roosevelt, he writes.

    Churchill was anxious the US not be distracted from the European conflict by the Pacific war. “Curtin’s article was a demand for Australia – not the United Kingdom – to be America’s principal partner in the war against Japan,” Edwards writes.

    Others, notably the Australian’s foreign editor Greg Sheridan, have accused Albanese of misrepresenting the history.

    But apart from details of the historical argument, the timing, emphasis and context of Albanese’s remarks are what’s relevant.

    Sheridan writes, “Who on earth is Albanese messaging in this speech? Because it implies greater Australian strategic distance from the US, it will be welcomed in Beijing.”

    Former ambassador to the United States Arthur Sinodinos (a Liberal government appointee but usually objective in his observations) said the speech made clear the bipartisan support for the alliance.

    But “given the context of Australia-US relations at present, the speech will need careful explanation to our American friends to avoid a misconception that was hyped that the speech would be a declaration of independence from the US,” Sinodinos said.

    An interpretive job that will presumably fall, in part, to ambassador Kevin Rudd.

    If the oration will require “careful explanation”, how much more carefully will the prime minister have to be in what he says in China next week and the messages he sends indirectly to Washington?

    It all serves to reinforce the importance of Albanese meeting the president as soon as feasible. The more time elapses, the more the fog needs to be cleared from the relationship.

    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. View from The Hill: Albanese’s Curtin speech becomes latest political football in debate over US relationship – https://theconversation.com/view-from-the-hill-albaneses-curtin-speech-becomes-latest-political-football-in-debate-over-us-relationship-259684

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: View from The Hill: Albanese’s Curtin speech becomes latest political football in debate over US relationship

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

    Anthony Albanese seems to find himself on eggshells whenever the Australian-American relationship comes up.

    After the G7 debacle, he’s persistently pursued – to his obvious irritation – by journalists asking when he’ll have his first face-to-face meeting with Donald Trump. It’s a question he has so far been unable to answer, as he prepares for his fourth meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

    There is no Washington meeting lined up, so Albanese just talks about the various occasions when their paths are due to cross. The next time is the Quad in India later this year (there is no fixed date).

    Trump’s deadline for deals on his tariffs has now been moved from this week to August 1. Despite the months of negotiation, the government (as of now) is not expecting to receive a concession on the hefty 50% steel and aluminium tariffs, nor on the general 10% tariff. That will invite a fresh round of criticism that the government has not been able to leverage Australia’s advantages on critical minerals with the Trump administration.

    And now the PM has stirred controversy with his John Curtin Oration, delivered on Saturday night.

    Curtin is at the top of Labor’s pantheon of heroes, and generally regarded as one of Australia’s greatest prime ministers, by many as the greatest. Labor PMs regularly pay homage. (Bob Hawke and Paul Keating once had a spectacular falling out after Hawke considered Keating had slighted Curtin’s memory.)

    In the second world war Curtin famously stood up to United Kingdom Prime Minister Winston Churchill to insist Australian troops be returned home, rather than diverted to Burma as Churchill wanted. And in those dark wartime days, Curtin dramatically “looked to America” for Australia’s security.

    In delivering Saturday’s oration, Albanese painted the Curtin course as an example of Labor forging an independent foreign policy, and identified with it.

    He said Curtin was the “founder” of the Australia-US alliance (contested by those who date the alliance from the Menzies years, when ANZUS was signed).

    Albanese said “Curtin’s famous statement that Australia ‘looked to America’ was much more than the idea of trading one strategic guarantor for another”.

    “It was a recognition that Australia’s fate would be decided in our region.

    “It followed the decision Curtin had made in 1941 that Australia would issue its own declaration of war with Japan.

    “Speaking for ourselves, as a sovereign nation.”

    “We needed an Australian foreign policy anchored in strategic reality, not bound by tradition.”

    “So we remember Curtin not just because he looked to America. We honour him because he spoke for Australia.

    “For Australia and for Labor, that independence has never meant isolationism, Choosing our own way, doesn’t mean going it alone,” Albanese said.

    Curtin’s biographer John Edwards, writing in the Lowy Institute’s The Interpreter, says Albanese’s oration “adroitly positions Australia for a testing time on foreign policy.

    “Albanese’s speech affirms that in the competition between the United States and China, Australia will act in its own interests.”

    Edwards puts the December 1941 appeal to the US against a particular background. The context of the article was a meeting then taking place in Washington between Churchill and US President Roosevelt, he writes.

    Churchill was anxious the US not be distracted from the European conflict by the Pacific war. “Curtin’s article was a demand for Australia – not the United Kingdom – to be America’s principal partner in the war against Japan,” Edwards writes.

    Others, notably the Australian’s foreign editor Greg Sheridan, have accused Albanese of misrepresenting the history.

    But apart from details of the historical argument, the timing, emphasis and context of Albanese’s remarks are what’s relevant.

    Sheridan writes, “Who on earth is Albanese messaging in this speech? Because it implies greater Australian strategic distance from the US, it will be welcomed in Beijing.”

    Former ambassador to the United States Arthur Sinodinos (a Liberal government appointee but usually objective in his observations) said the speech made clear the bipartisan support for the alliance.

    But “given the context of Australia-US relations at present, the speech will need careful explanation to our American friends to avoid a misconception that was hyped that the speech would be a declaration of independence from the US,” Sinodinos said.

    An interpretive job that will presumably fall, in part, to ambassador Kevin Rudd.

    If the oration will require “careful explanation”, how much more carefully will the prime minister have to be in what he says in China next week and the messages he sends indirectly to Washington?

    It all serves to reinforce the importance of Albanese meeting the president as soon as feasible. The more time elapses, the more the fog needs to be cleared from the relationship.

    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. View from The Hill: Albanese’s Curtin speech becomes latest political football in debate over US relationship – https://theconversation.com/view-from-the-hill-albaneses-curtin-speech-becomes-latest-political-football-in-debate-over-us-relationship-259684

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Peter Russell-Clarke’s greatest gift was how he made you feel like one of the family

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wendy Hunt, Senior Lecturer, Academic Chair, Food Science and Nutrition, Murdoch University

    Impressions/Getty Images

    Throughout my teenage years, our lounge room sang “Come and get it, come and get it” and all in earshot would carol back, “with Peter. Russell. Clarke!”

    The chef, restaurateur, cookbook author and illustrator, artist, cartoonist, TV presenter and media personality Peter Russell-Clarke has died after a stroke, aged 89. As Australia’s first television chef, he changed the way we thought about how to prepare food from local ingredients, championing food that was both healthy and tasty.

    Having always been fascinated by food, how it is produced and prepared, Russell-Clarke’s five minute program Come and Get It, which ran for 900 episodes over nine years from 1983 to 1992, had everything I was passionate about. He provided a lens into our food as it journeyed from farm to fork, a focus on healthy food – and, of course, a charismatic Aussie bloke at the helm.

    New flavours and new health messaging

    Television chefs and cooking show celebrities were not a thing in the 1980s.

    Reality TV had followed the adventures of naturalist Harry Butler and travel documentarians the Leyland Brothers from the mid-1970s, but we had not seen anything like Peter Russell-Clarke.

    On Come and Get It, Russell-Clarke shared his love of food with a smattering of classic Aussie idioms, a smile and a laugh.

    He was perhaps Australia’s first celebrity chef – and we couldn’t get enough.

    Come and Get It was launched at a time where our Australian diets were changing. Immigration in the 1970s and ‘80s saw a rise in Italian, Greek, Chinese, Indian and Vietnamese foods.

    Come and Get It included recipes with ingredients such as oxtail, tongue and lamb’s fry, but there was also chicken curry, bolognese pie, ravioli salad, dressed olives and vegetable fondue. Russell-Clarke even authored his own Italian cookbook.

    Not only were new and exotic foods available and new recipes passed about from treasured cookbooks, but we were becoming more aware of the impact of diet on our health. Iconic public health promotion campaigns were launched.

    In 1977, cartoon character Norm featured in the “Life be in it” campaign. He lay in his recliner, resting his TV remote on his “big stomach bones” and said, “I wouldn’t want to catch obesity.”

    In the 1980s we received our first version of the Healthy Eating Pyramid from the Australian Nutrition Foundation; the Heart Foundation Tick started to appear on food products; and a range of low-fat foods hit our shelves.

    Against this backdrop, Russell-Clarke was teaching kids and families where their food came from, the grass roots of it (literally), and how to prepare delicious and healthy meals.

    Russell-Clarke’s recipes tended towards fresh farm produce, and he avoided food waste. He strongly featured vegetables and would frequently talk about the health benefits of food.

    One of the family

    Russell-Clarke was the ambassador for many different agricultural products over the span of his career, including honey, trout and eggs.

    In my mind, he was inseparable from Philadelphia and Coon cheeses with his legendary “where’s the cheese?” catchphrase and promotion of the Australian dairy industry.

    I still have his Family Cook Book and use his recipes today. They actually work!

    The index, however, is terrible, largely because of his recipes start with “My” or “Peter’s”. For example, My Mum’s Muffins, My Weekend Soup, My Mate’s Bacon and Egg Muffins, My Dad’s Bubble and Squeak Fritters, Peter’s Salmon Patties and Peter’s Ripper Barbecue Sauce.

    To be honest, I don’t need that index anyway. I know where to find my go-to recipes; the pages naturally open there.

    First stop, his creamy chicken and broccoli casserole, which is still one of my feelgood favourites today.

    Possibly Russell-Clarke’s biggest gift to aspiring foodies was just that, the feelgood factor. Wholesome, delicious, feelgood food, prepared and presented in a way that made you feel like you were one of the family.

    Wendy Hunt receives funding from the Fisheries Research and Development Council and the Grains Research and Development Council.

    – ref. Peter Russell-Clarke’s greatest gift was how he made you feel like one of the family – https://theconversation.com/peter-russell-clarkes-greatest-gift-was-how-he-made-you-feel-like-one-of-the-family-260587

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Peter Russell-Clarke’s greatest gift was how he made you feel like one of the family

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wendy Hunt, Senior Lecturer, Academic Chair, Food Science and Nutrition, Murdoch University

    Impressions/Getty Images

    Throughout my teenage years, our lounge room sang “Come and get it, come and get it” and all in earshot would carol back, “with Peter. Russell. Clarke!”

    The chef, restaurateur, cookbook author and illustrator, artist, cartoonist, TV presenter and media personality Peter Russell-Clarke has died after a stroke, aged 89. As Australia’s first television chef, he changed the way we thought about how to prepare food from local ingredients, championing food that was both healthy and tasty.

    Having always been fascinated by food, how it is produced and prepared, Russell-Clarke’s five minute program Come and Get It, which ran for 900 episodes over nine years from 1983 to 1992, had everything I was passionate about. He provided a lens into our food as it journeyed from farm to fork, a focus on healthy food – and, of course, a charismatic Aussie bloke at the helm.

    New flavours and new health messaging

    Television chefs and cooking show celebrities were not a thing in the 1980s.

    Reality TV had followed the adventures of naturalist Harry Butler and travel documentarians the Leyland Brothers from the mid-1970s, but we had not seen anything like Peter Russell-Clarke.

    On Come and Get It, Russell-Clarke shared his love of food with a smattering of classic Aussie idioms, a smile and a laugh.

    He was perhaps Australia’s first celebrity chef – and we couldn’t get enough.

    Come and Get It was launched at a time where our Australian diets were changing. Immigration in the 1970s and ‘80s saw a rise in Italian, Greek, Chinese, Indian and Vietnamese foods.

    Come and Get It included recipes with ingredients such as oxtail, tongue and lamb’s fry, but there was also chicken curry, bolognese pie, ravioli salad, dressed olives and vegetable fondue. Russell-Clarke even authored his own Italian cookbook.

    Not only were new and exotic foods available and new recipes passed about from treasured cookbooks, but we were becoming more aware of the impact of diet on our health. Iconic public health promotion campaigns were launched.

    In 1977, cartoon character Norm featured in the “Life be in it” campaign. He lay in his recliner, resting his TV remote on his “big stomach bones” and said, “I wouldn’t want to catch obesity.”

    In the 1980s we received our first version of the Healthy Eating Pyramid from the Australian Nutrition Foundation; the Heart Foundation Tick started to appear on food products; and a range of low-fat foods hit our shelves.

    Against this backdrop, Russell-Clarke was teaching kids and families where their food came from, the grass roots of it (literally), and how to prepare delicious and healthy meals.

    Russell-Clarke’s recipes tended towards fresh farm produce, and he avoided food waste. He strongly featured vegetables and would frequently talk about the health benefits of food.

    One of the family

    Russell-Clarke was the ambassador for many different agricultural products over the span of his career, including honey, trout and eggs.

    In my mind, he was inseparable from Philadelphia and Coon cheeses with his legendary “where’s the cheese?” catchphrase and promotion of the Australian dairy industry.

    I still have his Family Cook Book and use his recipes today. They actually work!

    The index, however, is terrible, largely because of his recipes start with “My” or “Peter’s”. For example, My Mum’s Muffins, My Weekend Soup, My Mate’s Bacon and Egg Muffins, My Dad’s Bubble and Squeak Fritters, Peter’s Salmon Patties and Peter’s Ripper Barbecue Sauce.

    To be honest, I don’t need that index anyway. I know where to find my go-to recipes; the pages naturally open there.

    First stop, his creamy chicken and broccoli casserole, which is still one of my feelgood favourites today.

    Possibly Russell-Clarke’s biggest gift to aspiring foodies was just that, the feelgood factor. Wholesome, delicious, feelgood food, prepared and presented in a way that made you feel like you were one of the family.

    Wendy Hunt receives funding from the Fisheries Research and Development Council and the Grains Research and Development Council.

    – ref. Peter Russell-Clarke’s greatest gift was how he made you feel like one of the family – https://theconversation.com/peter-russell-clarkes-greatest-gift-was-how-he-made-you-feel-like-one-of-the-family-260587

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Peter Russell-Clarke’s greatest gift was how he made you feel like one of the family

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wendy Hunt, Senior Lecturer, Academic Chair, Food Science and Nutrition, Murdoch University

    Impressions/Getty Images

    Throughout my teenage years, our lounge room sang “Come and get it, come and get it” and all in earshot would carol back, “with Peter. Russell. Clarke!”

    The chef, restaurateur, cookbook author and illustrator, artist, cartoonist, TV presenter and media personality Peter Russell-Clarke has died after a stroke, aged 89. As Australia’s first television chef, he changed the way we thought about how to prepare food from local ingredients, championing food that was both healthy and tasty.

    Having always been fascinated by food, how it is produced and prepared, Russell-Clarke’s five minute program Come and Get It, which ran for 900 episodes over nine years from 1983 to 1992, had everything I was passionate about. He provided a lens into our food as it journeyed from farm to fork, a focus on healthy food – and, of course, a charismatic Aussie bloke at the helm.

    New flavours and new health messaging

    Television chefs and cooking show celebrities were not a thing in the 1980s.

    Reality TV had followed the adventures of naturalist Harry Butler and travel documentarians the Leyland Brothers from the mid-1970s, but we had not seen anything like Peter Russell-Clarke.

    On Come and Get It, Russell-Clarke shared his love of food with a smattering of classic Aussie idioms, a smile and a laugh.

    He was perhaps Australia’s first celebrity chef – and we couldn’t get enough.

    Come and Get It was launched at a time where our Australian diets were changing. Immigration in the 1970s and ‘80s saw a rise in Italian, Greek, Chinese, Indian and Vietnamese foods.

    Come and Get It included recipes with ingredients such as oxtail, tongue and lamb’s fry, but there was also chicken curry, bolognese pie, ravioli salad, dressed olives and vegetable fondue. Russell-Clarke even authored his own Italian cookbook.

    Not only were new and exotic foods available and new recipes passed about from treasured cookbooks, but we were becoming more aware of the impact of diet on our health. Iconic public health promotion campaigns were launched.

    In 1977, cartoon character Norm featured in the “Life be in it” campaign. He lay in his recliner, resting his TV remote on his “big stomach bones” and said, “I wouldn’t want to catch obesity.”

    In the 1980s we received our first version of the Healthy Eating Pyramid from the Australian Nutrition Foundation; the Heart Foundation Tick started to appear on food products; and a range of low-fat foods hit our shelves.

    Against this backdrop, Russell-Clarke was teaching kids and families where their food came from, the grass roots of it (literally), and how to prepare delicious and healthy meals.

    Russell-Clarke’s recipes tended towards fresh farm produce, and he avoided food waste. He strongly featured vegetables and would frequently talk about the health benefits of food.

    One of the family

    Russell-Clarke was the ambassador for many different agricultural products over the span of his career, including honey, trout and eggs.

    In my mind, he was inseparable from Philadelphia and Coon cheeses with his legendary “where’s the cheese?” catchphrase and promotion of the Australian dairy industry.

    I still have his Family Cook Book and use his recipes today. They actually work!

    The index, however, is terrible, largely because of his recipes start with “My” or “Peter’s”. For example, My Mum’s Muffins, My Weekend Soup, My Mate’s Bacon and Egg Muffins, My Dad’s Bubble and Squeak Fritters, Peter’s Salmon Patties and Peter’s Ripper Barbecue Sauce.

    To be honest, I don’t need that index anyway. I know where to find my go-to recipes; the pages naturally open there.

    First stop, his creamy chicken and broccoli casserole, which is still one of my feelgood favourites today.

    Possibly Russell-Clarke’s biggest gift to aspiring foodies was just that, the feelgood factor. Wholesome, delicious, feelgood food, prepared and presented in a way that made you feel like you were one of the family.

    Wendy Hunt receives funding from the Fisheries Research and Development Council and the Grains Research and Development Council.

    – ref. Peter Russell-Clarke’s greatest gift was how he made you feel like one of the family – https://theconversation.com/peter-russell-clarkes-greatest-gift-was-how-he-made-you-feel-like-one-of-the-family-260587

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Peter Russell-Clarke’s greatest gift was how he made you feel like one of the family

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wendy Hunt, Senior Lecturer, Academic Chair, Food Science and Nutrition, Murdoch University

    Impressions/Getty Images

    Throughout my teenage years, our lounge room sang “Come and get it, come and get it” and all in earshot would carol back, “with Peter. Russell. Clarke!”

    The chef, restaurateur, cookbook author and illustrator, artist, cartoonist, TV presenter and media personality Peter Russell-Clarke has died after a stroke, aged 89. As Australia’s first television chef, he changed the way we thought about how to prepare food from local ingredients, championing food that was both healthy and tasty.

    Having always been fascinated by food, how it is produced and prepared, Russell-Clarke’s five minute program Come and Get It, which ran for 900 episodes over nine years from 1983 to 1992, had everything I was passionate about. He provided a lens into our food as it journeyed from farm to fork, a focus on healthy food – and, of course, a charismatic Aussie bloke at the helm.

    New flavours and new health messaging

    Television chefs and cooking show celebrities were not a thing in the 1980s.

    Reality TV had followed the adventures of naturalist Harry Butler and travel documentarians the Leyland Brothers from the mid-1970s, but we had not seen anything like Peter Russell-Clarke.

    On Come and Get It, Russell-Clarke shared his love of food with a smattering of classic Aussie idioms, a smile and a laugh.

    He was perhaps Australia’s first celebrity chef – and we couldn’t get enough.

    Come and Get It was launched at a time where our Australian diets were changing. Immigration in the 1970s and ‘80s saw a rise in Italian, Greek, Chinese, Indian and Vietnamese foods.

    Come and Get It included recipes with ingredients such as oxtail, tongue and lamb’s fry, but there was also chicken curry, bolognese pie, ravioli salad, dressed olives and vegetable fondue. Russell-Clarke even authored his own Italian cookbook.

    Not only were new and exotic foods available and new recipes passed about from treasured cookbooks, but we were becoming more aware of the impact of diet on our health. Iconic public health promotion campaigns were launched.

    In 1977, cartoon character Norm featured in the “Life be in it” campaign. He lay in his recliner, resting his TV remote on his “big stomach bones” and said, “I wouldn’t want to catch obesity.”

    In the 1980s we received our first version of the Healthy Eating Pyramid from the Australian Nutrition Foundation; the Heart Foundation Tick started to appear on food products; and a range of low-fat foods hit our shelves.

    Against this backdrop, Russell-Clarke was teaching kids and families where their food came from, the grass roots of it (literally), and how to prepare delicious and healthy meals.

    Russell-Clarke’s recipes tended towards fresh farm produce, and he avoided food waste. He strongly featured vegetables and would frequently talk about the health benefits of food.

    One of the family

    Russell-Clarke was the ambassador for many different agricultural products over the span of his career, including honey, trout and eggs.

    In my mind, he was inseparable from Philadelphia and Coon cheeses with his legendary “where’s the cheese?” catchphrase and promotion of the Australian dairy industry.

    I still have his Family Cook Book and use his recipes today. They actually work!

    The index, however, is terrible, largely because of his recipes start with “My” or “Peter’s”. For example, My Mum’s Muffins, My Weekend Soup, My Mate’s Bacon and Egg Muffins, My Dad’s Bubble and Squeak Fritters, Peter’s Salmon Patties and Peter’s Ripper Barbecue Sauce.

    To be honest, I don’t need that index anyway. I know where to find my go-to recipes; the pages naturally open there.

    First stop, his creamy chicken and broccoli casserole, which is still one of my feelgood favourites today.

    Possibly Russell-Clarke’s biggest gift to aspiring foodies was just that, the feelgood factor. Wholesome, delicious, feelgood food, prepared and presented in a way that made you feel like you were one of the family.

    Wendy Hunt receives funding from the Fisheries Research and Development Council and the Grains Research and Development Council.

    – ref. Peter Russell-Clarke’s greatest gift was how he made you feel like one of the family – https://theconversation.com/peter-russell-clarkes-greatest-gift-was-how-he-made-you-feel-like-one-of-the-family-260587

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: Theta Capital Announces Senior Hires

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AMSTERDAM, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Theta Capital, the largest European investor in blockchain venture capital, has announced two senior hires. Gijs Burgers has been appointed COO, and Eduard van Asten has been appointed Head of Compliance and Risk.

    Gijs was previously COO at the Nasdaq-listed company Hilbert Group AB, one of the largest liquid digital assets hedge funds globally. He has a history as board-room consultant and entrepreneur in the fintech and blockchain spaces and has been active in the crypto and digital assets since 2012. He was Corporate Strategist at APG, one of the top five pension funds globally and co-founded Onramper.com, a successful global aggregator of onramp and offramp methods. He has two Master’s degrees from respectively Erasmus University Rotterdam and Tilburg University.

    Eduard was previously Head of Compliance and Risk at Zing NL, a subsidiary of HSBC aiming to create a global digital payments application. He was also Global Senior Compliance Expert for ING Group and CCRO for multiple firms including Vivid Money and Pensify Group. He has two Masters degrees and a BA in Law from Erasmus University. He has 14 years of experience in compliance, risk and regulatory matters for financial institutions.

    “These are important hires for Theta Capital and demonstrate our on-going growth and institutionalisation as a firm,” said Marc de Kloe, Managing Partner at Theta Capital. “We are building our operational infrastructure and talent base for the future and I am confident that Gijs and Eduard will play an invaluable part for us. They are both extremely senior and experienced experts in their respective fields and we are fortunate they have chosen to join us.”

    Gijs Burgers, COO, Theta Capital, added, “Theta has a leading reputation in the blockchain venture capital space globally not only as an investor but also in terms of its institutional grade operational infrastructure. I look forward to continuing to build on this as the firm grows and develops.”

    Eduard van Asten, Head of Compliance and Risk, Theta Capital, concluded, “Theta rightly places regulatory compliance at the heart of its operations and I am delighted to be able to contribute my extensive experience in this space to the firm.”

    About Theta Capital

    Founded in 2001, Theta Capital Management has been among the earliest and largest institutional investors globally to invest in blockchain technology, having deployed capital in the space since January 2018. Theta Capital works with over 45 deeply specialized VC partners leading to more than 1,000 venture style investments in the technology. Deep domain expertise has led to a leading position in the universe of crypto-native venture capital.

    For further information, please visit:

    http://www.thetacapital.com/

    Contact:

    ir@thetacapital.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Theta Capital Announces Senior Hires

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AMSTERDAM, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Theta Capital, the largest European investor in blockchain venture capital, has announced two senior hires. Gijs Burgers has been appointed COO, and Eduard van Asten has been appointed Head of Compliance and Risk.

    Gijs was previously COO at the Nasdaq-listed company Hilbert Group AB, one of the largest liquid digital assets hedge funds globally. He has a history as board-room consultant and entrepreneur in the fintech and blockchain spaces and has been active in the crypto and digital assets since 2012. He was Corporate Strategist at APG, one of the top five pension funds globally and co-founded Onramper.com, a successful global aggregator of onramp and offramp methods. He has two Master’s degrees from respectively Erasmus University Rotterdam and Tilburg University.

    Eduard was previously Head of Compliance and Risk at Zing NL, a subsidiary of HSBC aiming to create a global digital payments application. He was also Global Senior Compliance Expert for ING Group and CCRO for multiple firms including Vivid Money and Pensify Group. He has two Masters degrees and a BA in Law from Erasmus University. He has 14 years of experience in compliance, risk and regulatory matters for financial institutions.

    “These are important hires for Theta Capital and demonstrate our on-going growth and institutionalisation as a firm,” said Marc de Kloe, Managing Partner at Theta Capital. “We are building our operational infrastructure and talent base for the future and I am confident that Gijs and Eduard will play an invaluable part for us. They are both extremely senior and experienced experts in their respective fields and we are fortunate they have chosen to join us.”

    Gijs Burgers, COO, Theta Capital, added, “Theta has a leading reputation in the blockchain venture capital space globally not only as an investor but also in terms of its institutional grade operational infrastructure. I look forward to continuing to build on this as the firm grows and develops.”

    Eduard van Asten, Head of Compliance and Risk, Theta Capital, concluded, “Theta rightly places regulatory compliance at the heart of its operations and I am delighted to be able to contribute my extensive experience in this space to the firm.”

    About Theta Capital

    Founded in 2001, Theta Capital Management has been among the earliest and largest institutional investors globally to invest in blockchain technology, having deployed capital in the space since January 2018. Theta Capital works with over 45 deeply specialized VC partners leading to more than 1,000 venture style investments in the technology. Deep domain expertise has led to a leading position in the universe of crypto-native venture capital.

    For further information, please visit:

    http://www.thetacapital.com/

    Contact:

    ir@thetacapital.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Theta Capital Announces Senior Hires

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AMSTERDAM, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Theta Capital, the largest European investor in blockchain venture capital, has announced two senior hires. Gijs Burgers has been appointed COO, and Eduard van Asten has been appointed Head of Compliance and Risk.

    Gijs was previously COO at the Nasdaq-listed company Hilbert Group AB, one of the largest liquid digital assets hedge funds globally. He has a history as board-room consultant and entrepreneur in the fintech and blockchain spaces and has been active in the crypto and digital assets since 2012. He was Corporate Strategist at APG, one of the top five pension funds globally and co-founded Onramper.com, a successful global aggregator of onramp and offramp methods. He has two Master’s degrees from respectively Erasmus University Rotterdam and Tilburg University.

    Eduard was previously Head of Compliance and Risk at Zing NL, a subsidiary of HSBC aiming to create a global digital payments application. He was also Global Senior Compliance Expert for ING Group and CCRO for multiple firms including Vivid Money and Pensify Group. He has two Masters degrees and a BA in Law from Erasmus University. He has 14 years of experience in compliance, risk and regulatory matters for financial institutions.

    “These are important hires for Theta Capital and demonstrate our on-going growth and institutionalisation as a firm,” said Marc de Kloe, Managing Partner at Theta Capital. “We are building our operational infrastructure and talent base for the future and I am confident that Gijs and Eduard will play an invaluable part for us. They are both extremely senior and experienced experts in their respective fields and we are fortunate they have chosen to join us.”

    Gijs Burgers, COO, Theta Capital, added, “Theta has a leading reputation in the blockchain venture capital space globally not only as an investor but also in terms of its institutional grade operational infrastructure. I look forward to continuing to build on this as the firm grows and develops.”

    Eduard van Asten, Head of Compliance and Risk, Theta Capital, concluded, “Theta rightly places regulatory compliance at the heart of its operations and I am delighted to be able to contribute my extensive experience in this space to the firm.”

    About Theta Capital

    Founded in 2001, Theta Capital Management has been among the earliest and largest institutional investors globally to invest in blockchain technology, having deployed capital in the space since January 2018. Theta Capital works with over 45 deeply specialized VC partners leading to more than 1,000 venture style investments in the technology. Deep domain expertise has led to a leading position in the universe of crypto-native venture capital.

    For further information, please visit:

    http://www.thetacapital.com/

    Contact:

    ir@thetacapital.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Sleep divorce: could sleeping separately from your partner lead to a better night’s rest?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alix Mellor, Research Fellow, Psychology, Monash University

    Cemile Bingol/Getty Images

    Hundreds of years ago, it was common for married couples among the European upper classes to have separate bedrooms. Sleeping separately was a symbol of luxury and status historically reserved for royalty and the very wealthy.

    Nowadays, it’s common for married couples and other couples in relationships to sleep in the same bed. But sometimes – for reasons from conflicting schedules to snoring to sleep talking – couples might choose to sleep separately in pursuit of a better night’s sleep.

    This is known as “sleep divorce”. Though I prefer the term “sleep separation”, as this doesn’t have to be a permanent arrangement – but more on that later.

    So why might couples choose to sleep separately? And what does the evidence say about the effects on sleep quality if you sleep alone versus with a partner?

    Why do couples opt for a sleep separation?

    Couples may choose to sleep apart if one partner’s sleep is disturbing the other’s, or both are disrupting one another. This can happen for a variety of reasons.

    These include waking up frequently in the night, mismatched body clocks (for example, one person coming to bed later than the other), conflicting schedules (for example, shift workers), snoring, twitching legs or sleep talking.

    Parents with babies and young children may choose to sleep separately to avoid both partners’ sleep being disturbed.

    Those with conflicting preferences for sleeping environments, such as one partner liking a cool room with a fan and the other preferring warmth, may also decide to sleep apart.

    What are the benefits of sleeping alone?

    Many couples say they prefer to sleep – and sleep better – next to their partner.

    But when scientists measure sleep objectively, such as via an electroencephalogram (EEG) to assess brain waves, the data actually shows poorer sleep quality when co-sleeping. So sleeping alone may, in fact, mean better quality and longer sleep.

    Research also shows when one member of the couple has a sleep disorder, such as insomnia or sleep apnoea (where breathing is frequently interrupted during sleep), these people often inadvertently wake up their partner when they wake in the night. So sleeping alone could be a good idea if your bed partner has a sleep disorder.

    What’s more, studies have found sleep disturbances are linked to reduced relationship satisfaction. So sleeping apart could actually mean happier couples.

    Finally, anyone who has struggled with their sleep will know anxiety around sleep is common. Many clients I have seen who experience insomnia report sleeping alone can alleviate some of their anxiety because at least they know they won’t disturb, or be disturbed by, their partner.

    Disturbed sleep has been linked to lower relationship satisfaction.
    Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock

    Are there any downsides to separate sleeping arrangements?

    Some people dislike sleeping alone, reporting comfort, and feelings of safety and protection when sleeping alongside their partner – and loneliness when they don’t.

    Sleeping separately also requires two rooms, or at least two beds. Many couples may not have these options available to them in their home.

    Sleeping separately is often stigmatised, with some people seeing it as the death of a couple’s sex life. But while sleeping in separate beds may provide fewer opportunities for sex, this doesn’t necessarily mean the end of intimacy.

    Sleeping apart could mean some couples actually have more sex. We know better sleep is linked to more positive feelings about relationships, so it’s possible the desire to be intimate could increase after a good night’s sleep in separate beds. Sleeping apart may even mean some couples have more energy to be intimate.

    Nonetheless, if you choose to sleep separately from your partner, it’s important to have an open discussion and prioritise opportunities for connection and intimacy. One client I worked with referred to “visiting rights” where her partner came into her bed for a short period before sleep or in the morning.

    Who should potentially consider a sleep separation?

    You may wish to think about a “sleep separation” if you are disturbing each other’s sleep, have young children, or have different preferences in terms of temperature, light and noise, which are causing issues.

    Ultimately, if sleeping in the same bed is leading to poor sleep then sleeping apart, if it’s possible, could help.

    If you can’t sleep separately there may be other ways to reduce disturbance from a partner such as using an eye mask, white noise or earplugs.

    If you decide to try a sleep separation, remember this can be a flexible arrangement or “re-set” and doesn’t have to be permanent, or every night. Some couples find sleeping separately during the working week but sharing a bed on the weekend works well for them.

    Lastly, it’s important to talk to your GP about any persistent sleep problems, such as snoring, insomnia, or unusual behaviour during sleep (for example, shouting or walking around), as there may be an underlying sleep disorder which needs treating.

    Alix Mellor works for the Monash University Healthy Sleep Clinic at the Turner Clinics as a provisional psychologist.

    – ref. Sleep divorce: could sleeping separately from your partner lead to a better night’s rest? – https://theconversation.com/sleep-divorce-could-sleeping-separately-from-your-partner-lead-to-a-better-nights-rest-258085

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –