Category: Fisheries

Imposition of Emergency was nothing short of Earthquake to destroy Democracy-VP

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (2)

lign=”center”>During Emergency the highest court of the land got eclipsed, overturned the verdict of nine High Courts-VP
The youth of today cannot afford to be unaware of the Emergency — the darkest period, says VP
Academic institutions are natural organic crucibles of ideation and innovation-VP

Vice-President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today said that, “50 years ago, this day, the oldest, the largest and now the most vibrant democracy went through difficult air pocket, unexpected hazard in the shape of headwinds, nothing short of earthquake to destroy democracy. It was imposition of emergency. The night was dark, the cabinet was sidelined. The beleaguered Prime Minister then facing an adverse High Court order, yielded to personal gain, ignoring the entire nation and the President trampled constitutionalism, signed declaration of emergency. What followed for 21, 22 months was turbulent period for our democracy, never imagined. The darkest period of democracy we had the occasion to see.”

https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1937807255123988862

Addressing students and faculty members as Chief Guest at the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Kumaon University in Nainital, Uttarakhand today he stated, “ A lakh and forty thousand people were put behind bars. They had no access to the justice system. They could not vindicate their Fundamental Rights. Nine High Courts, fortunately, stood the ground and they hail — emergency or no emergency — Fundamental Rights cannot be put on hold, ruling firmly that every citizen of the country has a right which can be fructified by judicial intervention. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court — the highest court of the land — got eclipsed. It overturned the verdict of nine High Courts. It ruled, it decided two things– Emergency declaration thereof is a decision of the Executive, not open to judicial review. And, it is also a decision on the time for how long it will last, and that citizens do not have Fundamental Rights while there is emergency. It was a major setback to the people at large.”

https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1937812746008936600

Underlining the significance of ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’ for the youth of the day he said, “ Just reflect young boys and girls because you will have to learn about it unless you do it you will not know it. What happened to the Press? Who were the people put behind the bars? They became Prime Ministers of this country. They became Presidents of this country. That was the scenario and that is why to make aware our youth…….you are the most vital stakeholders in governance, in democracy. You therefore cannot forget. or cannot afford not to learn about that darkest period. Very thoughtfully the government of the day decided that this day will be celebrated as ‘Samvidhan Hatya Divas’. The celebration will be that it will never happen again. The celebration will be that those guilty, those who allowed such kind of transgression of humanity’s rights, spirit and essence of the Constitution. Who they were? why they did it? In the Supreme Court also, my friend will bear me out, one judge dissented H.R.Khanna, and it was commented by a leading newspaper in the US that if ever democracy returns to Bharat, a monument will surely be built for H.R. Khanna who held his ground.”

https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1937815412747760044

Stressing on the role of on campus learning, Shri Dhankhar said, “ Academic institutions are much beyond just learning centers for degrees and credentials. Otherwise, why there is difference between virtual learning and a campus learning? You immediately know the time you spend amongst your colleagues on the campus defines your mindset. These places are meant to catalyse the change needed, the change you want, the nation you want. These are natural organic crucibles of ideation and innovation. Ideas come, but there must be ideation of idea. If an idea comes in out of fear of failure, you don’t engage in innovation or trial. Our progress will come to stand still. These are places where worlds envy our demographic youth as the occasion to script not only their own career, but to script the destiny of Bharat. And therefore please get going. There is a tagline of one of the corporate products which you must come across. Just do it. Am I right? I would add one more. Do it now.”

https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1937818677123911772

https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1937817934614958127

Emphasising on the importance of alumni and alumni contribution, Shri Dhankhar said, “ Over 50 years you have had large number of Alumni……..Alumni of an Institution is a very important component. You look to social media and google. You will find some Institutions in the developed world have Alumni Fund corpus, more than 10 billion US dollars. One has a corpus of more than 50 billion US dollars. This comes not as a deluge, it comes by the trickle effect. Let me for instance give an illustration. If these 100,000 alumni of this great Institution decide to make a contribution only of 10,000 rupees a year. The annual amount will be 100 crores……..and just imagine if it is year after year, then you will not be looking here and there. You will be self-sustaining. It will soothe you. Secondly, the alumni will have the occasion to connect with the Alma mater. So you will have easy route….He will handhold you. She will handhold you. So I strongly urge that let there be initiation from Dev Bhoomi about Alumni Association.”

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China National Health Commission does not Approve Part of the SAGO’s “Independent Assessment”

Source: People’s Republic of China Ministry of Health

he independent assessment of Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO) published recently does not find any new evidence related to the origins of SARS-CoV-2, nor does it draw any conclusion contrary to the Joint WHO-China Study released by the WHO in March 2021. Unfortunately, with manipulation and influence from certain countries and individuals, the report has included false information based on subjective speculation, seriously undermining the scientific soundness and credibility of the report, part of which raised groundless requirements for China. China does not approve, and they are not acceptable to the global scientific community either. China has shared data and information related to SARS-CoV-2 origins tracing study without reservation, which has been presented in the Covid-19 Prevention, Control and Origins Tracing: China’s Actions and Stance published on 30 April.

MIL OSI China News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China National Health Commission does not Approve Part of the SAGO’s “Independent Assessment”

Source: People’s Republic of China Ministry of Health

he independent assessment of Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO) published recently does not find any new evidence related to the origins of SARS-CoV-2, nor does it draw any conclusion contrary to the Joint WHO-China Study released by the WHO in March 2021. Unfortunately, with manipulation and influence from certain countries and individuals, the report has included false information based on subjective speculation, seriously undermining the scientific soundness and credibility of the report, part of which raised groundless requirements for China. China does not approve, and they are not acceptable to the global scientific community either. China has shared data and information related to SARS-CoV-2 origins tracing study without reservation, which has been presented in the Covid-19 Prevention, Control and Origins Tracing: China’s Actions and Stance published on 30 April.

MIL OSI China News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Greenpeace activists confront second “ocean killer” at sea, as vessels turn off AIS
Source: Greenpeace

For a second time, Greenpeace Aotearoa activists have confronted a bottom trawler off the East Coast, rebranding it an “ocean killer” in protest at its destructive fishing activities.

Launching from the Greenpeace vessel Rainbow Warrior, activists came alongside Sealord’s Ocean Dawn while it was bottom trawling in the Chatham Rise area on Monday morning, and painted the message on its hull.

This comes three days after activists confronted Talley’s bottom trawler, the Amaltal Atlantis, in the same area and painted “Ocean Killer” on its hull.

Ocean Dawn, owned by Sealord, trawls heavily on the Chatham Rise, an area known as a hotspot for coral life. In 2018, Ocean Dawn illegally trawled in a Benthic Protected Area on the Chatham Rise, bringing up 1.3 tonnes of sponges and bycatch. The vessel has also previously received permits to fish in the High Seas of the Tasman.

Speaking from onboard the Rainbow Warrior, Greenpeace Aotearoa spokesperson Juan Parada says, “Greenpeace Aotearoa activists have again taken action to stand up for ocean life that we all want to see thrive. Today they have rebranded another bottom trawler at sea, once more calling out bottom trawlers for what they are – “ocean killers”.

“Bottom trawling is indiscriminate and destructive. When the heavy trawl nets are dragged across the seafloor and over seamounts, they turn coral into rubble, and kill fur seals, sharks and seabirds as ‘bycatch’.

“Out here, we’ve observed these trawlers operating day and night, emptying the oceans on which we all rely.

“If you were moved and horrified by the footage in David Attenborough’s Ocean, you should know it’s happening right here, right now, by multiple companies including Sealord and Talley’s.

“If we want a healthy ocean for the future, bottom trawling must stop on the places it does the most harm.”

Greenpeace has been documenting trawling off the east coast of the South Island from the Rainbow Warrior. Overnight, after multiple bottom trawling vessels stopped submitting their location information, Greenpeace tracked a mystery trawler, which turned out to be Ocean Dawn. The captain of one trawl vessel Greenpeace spoke to via radio, reported they had been given a company directive to turn the Automatic Identification System (AIS) off.

The New Zealand bottom trawling industry operates in the waters of Aotearoa, and in the High Seas of the Tasman where New Zealand is the only country still operating a fleet.

Parada says, “The rest of the world is taking steps to protect international waters, places like the Tasman Sea where marine life is varied and abundant, from deep sea corals to migrating whales and seabirds. Shockingly, New Zealand is actively standing in the way of progress by continuing to advocate for the bottom trawling industry.

“It’s time Sealord, the trawling industry, and the government listened to the tens of thousands of New Zealanders who want ocean health valued over industry interests.

“From depleted fish numbers to smashed coral, dead sharks and seabirds, the cost of bottom trawling is too high. To protect the ocean for the future and safeguard the ocean we all love, bottom trawling must stop.”

Last week Greenpeace documented another trawler, Thomas Harrison, also owned by Sealord, in the Cook Strait, photographing the net surrounded by seabirds and seals – which often end up as bycatch.

Notes:

The paint used to paint the hull is water based and non-toxic

In the period 1990 to 2004 the total area trawled in NZ waters was 465,100 square kilometres – almost double NZ’s land mass.
MIL OSI New Zealand News –
June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – Inspiring Aussies share their stories of doubt in new CommBank campaign – CBA

Source: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)

Hear how Australians from sport, entertainment and social enterprise turned doubt into action – as part of CommBank’s refreshed brand platform championing everyone to fulfil their personal potential.

Doubt is something we all face, but it’s how we respond that defines us.

CommBank’s new campaign, Doubt Never Did, shares the real stories of Australians from all walks of life who have faced self-doubt, setbacks and uncertainty – and kept going. From personal reinvention to pushing through rejections, doubt is part of the turning point that helped them succeed.

Jo Boundy, CommBank Chief Marketing Officer, said: “Doubt can hold us back – whether it’s taking the first steps to start a business or savings goal, or hitting a roadblock further along in your journey. This campaign shows Australians they’re not alone, and that doubt can be a powerful turning point. Back yourself and know that with CommBank in your corner, you can.”

Meet the Australians who turned doubt into something more

From elite sport to the stage and kitchen, the inspiring Australians who feature in the national campaign have each faced down their own moments of doubts. Hear conversations with:

Mary Fowler, CommBank Matilda’s superstar – who rose from Cairns to the world stage, overcoming pressure and expectation to become one of the most exciting talents in global football;
Zoe Karatzovalis, Yellow Wiggle, inclusivity champion and business owner of inclusive dance studio, Infinite Abilities Performance Arts; and
Shaun Christie-David, social entrepreneur, Founder of Plate it Forward and Colombo Social;

From today, see these stories on billboards across the country with QR codes to listen to the full audio interviews hosted by podcaster Matty J.

https://youtu.be/81FiIPeJerk

Mary Fowler, CommBank Matildas superstar, said: “Doubt has been a constant presence in my journey.”

Mary grew up in Cairns and quickly made her mark on football, playing professional overseas while still a teenager. But even as her career accelerated, self-doubt followed – especially during setbacks and injury.

“Sometimes the situations we’re in and the problems that we’re facing… they feel so big to overcome that it seems like there’s no way through them.”

Now, Mary is focused on flipping the mindset. “I really hate the idea of being a victim… As much as I can, I just try to flip the perspective on a lot of these things. That actually helps me see a lot more positives in what I’m doing and makes it a bit easier to get through it without feeling sorry for myself.”

Mary’s advice? “Everyone experiences doubt. I think it’s a normal part of our journey. The thing to try change is not doubt itself, but the way you react to it and how quickly you can counter it. Don’t let doubt hold you back and keep believing in yourself.”

Zoe Karatzovalis, Yellow Wiggle and Founder of Infinite Abilities Performance Arts, said: “I doubted myself more than everyone did. I think everyone believed in me more than I did… I just didn’t really know what I was doing.”

Zoe grew up in Port Lincoln, where her passion for dance started early. But it was her brother, Costa, who shaped her purpose. “My brother, Costa, he’s on the autism spectrum… we always connected through music and dance. He was a big inspiration in my life… I really wanted to be the change and to inspire others too.”

After moving to Sydney to pursue a professional dance career, Zoe faced pressure and rejection. “I felt like I was this small fish in this huge pond… I struggled to make fri

MIL OSI – Submitted News –

June 30, 2025
Union Home Minister Shah to chair ‘Manthan Baithak’ of states, UT’s Cooperation Ministers today

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah is scheduled to chair the Manthan Baithak of Cooperation Ministers from all States and Union Territories at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Monday. The high-level meeting organised by the Ministry of Cooperation will review progress and chart the future roadmap to strengthen the cooperative sector across India.

The meeting will bring together Cooperation Ministers, Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and Secretaries of Cooperation Departments from all States and UTs.

The primary objective of the Manthan Baithak was to evaluate the implementation of key initiatives, share best practices, and foster convergence towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’ (Prosperity through Cooperation).

A major focus of the conference was the establishment of two lakh new Multi-purpose Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), along with cooperative societies in the dairy and fisheries sectors. These efforts aim to enhance last-mile service delivery in rural areas and empower farmers, fishers, and local entrepreneurs.

The meeting will review the progress of the World’s Largest Grain Storage Scheme in the cooperative sector, which is expected to boost agricultural infrastructure and food security in the country.

Additionally, the role of states in supporting the three newly formed National Multi-state Cooperative Societies, National Cooperative Export Ltd (NCEL), National Cooperative Organics Ltd (NCOL), and Bharatiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Ltd (BBSSL), is a key point of deliberation.

“States will also present their progress under the “Cooperation Among Cooperatives” campaign and the ongoing “International Year of Cooperatives 2025”, along with expectations for wider engagement,” said a press release by the Ministry of Cooperation.

“This Manthan Baithak will act as a catalyst in highlighting the critical role of States/UTs in transforming state-level cooperatives into vibrant economic entities, through close collaboration between Center & States, with the spirit of cooperative federalism,” it added. (IANS)

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Renting taskforce returns to Melbourne’s southeast for inspections

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

Rental properties in the Clayton area were the focus of Consumer Affairs’ renting taskforce recently to check they’re safe, secure and fit for renters to move into.

Clayton was the first suburb the taskforce visited when it began targeting rental open for inspections last year. Officers revisited the area to make sure rental providers were aware of their obligations to meet minimum standards and advertise properties fairly.

There were 14 officers in the field inspecting rental properties in Clayton. They also spoke with the renters at the inspections and shared information about their rights.

In good news, most properties inspected by the taskforce meet the minimum standards, but unfortunately around one in eight still fail to measure up. The most common issues are mould, windows without blinds or curtains, heating that doesn’t meet the legal specifications, and kitchens without stovetops.

The taskforce has done inspections in several Melbourne suburbs, as well as Geelong and Bendigo. More targeted inspections are planned for the second half of 2025.

Consumer Affairs Victoria uses a range of early interventions such as proactive inspections, education and awareness campaigns to prevent breaches.

If the taskforce identifies a property that does not meet the standards, officers first work with property managers and rental providers to make sure repairs happen before a renter moves in.

It’s an offence to let a renter move into a property that doesn’t meet minimum standards. Maximum penalties of more than $11,000 for individuals and more than $59,000 for companies may apply.

The taskforce has issued over 80 fines totalling more than $670,000 for rental offences. These include not advertising a rental property at a fixed price, not lodging a bond with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority and failing to meet the minimum standards.

The current ‘Funda-rentals’ campaign and the taskforce’s in-field presence has helped raise awareness of renters’ rights and renting rules, including how to report potential breaches.

Renters who see an advertised rental property they think doesn’t meets minimum standards can report it anonymously.

Learn more about the renting taskforce.

MIL OSI News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Unsafe and unethical: bed shortages mean dementia patients with psychiatric symptoms are admitted to medical wards

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cindy Towns, Senior Lecturer in General Medicine and Geriatrics, University of Otago

Getty Images

New Zealand’s mental health crisis is well documented in the government’s 2018 inquiry, He Ara Oranga, which shows one in five people experience mental illness or significant mental distress.

However, an almost singular focus on care of young people obscures the psychiatric needs of older adults.

Failure to account for these needs has resulted in physicians facing pressure to admit psychiatric patients to medical wards that are not designed or resourced to care for them. This compromises patient safety and rights as well as fundamental standards of care.

Our new research highlights the clinical, ethical and legal consequences of this practice and calls for urgent action.

Dementia includes psychiatric features

The memory deficits of dementia are well known but the condition also includes psychiatric presentations. These are known collectively as the “behavioural and psychiatric symptoms of dementia” (BPSD). When severe, they can include intrusive behaviour, violence and inappropriate sexual conduct. Such patients require admission and specialist treatment.

However, New Zealand has a severe shortage of psychiatric beds for older adults. Even more concerning is that despite well recognised demographic trends and clinical concerns, bed numbers have decreased over time rather than increased.

Reports that Dunedin plans to slash the number of psycho-geriatric beds by 50% reflect a lack of government insight into the risks this large and growing patient cohort poses.

Hospitals routinely expect medical wards to admit dementia patients presenting with BPSD when no psycho-geriatric bed is available. Yet it is impossible for staff on medical wards to adhere to even basic standards of care.

Poor design

A lack of single rooms means medical teams cannot provide the security and minimisation of light and noise people with dementia require. Single rooms need to be prioritised for transmissible infections, delirium and terminal care.

Medical wards are also not designed for aggressive patients. People can enter and exit freely, potential weapons (scissors, for example) are accessible, there are no seclusion rooms or low-stimulus areas, and nursing stations are not secure.

Medical staff are not trained in de-escalation or restraint and ward pharmacists are not specialised in the medications required to treat BPSD.

Those presenting with physical or sexual violence also need dedicated security, well beyond what healthcare assistants on “patient watches” can provide. Most healthcare assistants are women, which creates a grossly inadequate level of safety when managing violent male patients.

The experience of Wellington general medicine staff documents numerous assaults on nurses and intrusive and frightening behaviour. Staff have been punched, hit, bitten and threatened. One nurse was stabbed while attending to another patient in a multi-bed room.

Admissions have included physically robust patients who have seriously assaulted family or carers. This includes one man who committed a fatal assault and another who was sexually aggressive and stabbed a family member.

High rates of mixed-gender bedding in hospital wards raise the risk of harm. The United Kingdom banned hospitals from placing men and women in the same room in 2010. Yet despite concerns for patient safety, New Zealand has no prohibition on this practice.

Poor policy

By comparison, Australia proposed a risk stratification approach more than 20 years ago whereby severe dementia patients would be managed in secure units with dedicated security staff and specialist psycho-geriatric care.

This model is used throughout Australia in policy and planning. In New Zealand, severe dementia is defaulted to medical wards even in cases where patients are presenting solely due to extreme violence.

According to the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights, patients are entitled to an appropriate standard of care. Admitting someone with dementia to medical wards that cannot meet basic standards of care clearly breaches this right.

BPSD admissions also significantly compromise the rights of other patients. The risks are again demonstrable rather than potential. International media reports have documented male dementia patients assaulting female patients in medical wards without the necessary security measures.

Medical staff in New Zealand hospitals have also witnessed numerous incidents of intrusion and harassment as well as assaults of other patients by dementia patients inappropriately admitted to medical wards with BPSD.

We should also recognise indirect impacts of people with severe dementia being admitted on medical wards. Many patients wait overnight for admission, increasing their risk for complications, and breaching rights to privacy and dignity.

When psychiatric patients occupy medical beds, they contribute to admission delays, complications and rights breaches for medical patients awaiting beds.

Urgent need for more psycho-geriatric beds

Wellington general medicine teams have raised serious concerns about dementia admissions for many years. Yet there are no secure areas and no additional psycho-geriatric beds.

We need to ask why the practice continues when harm is so obvious. The answer appears to be about cost. When physicians relent and admit psychiatric patients, the risks are high but the financial cost is low. The consequences are born by elderly and frail patients seldom able to advocate for themselves.

Change relies on health leaders and funders caring about safety, rights and basic standards of care. Unfortunately, the Wellington experience and the decision to cut beds in Dunedin suggest change will not happen unless physicians consistently refuse the admission of psychiatric patients. But this is a morally distressing position to be put in.

New Zealand must urgently address the shortage of psycho-geriatric beds. Until these are in place, temporary secure accommodation must be made available under the care of mental health specialists.

Medical teams can no longer be expected to manage the mental health crisis as well as their own medical workloads. It is unsafe, unethical and untenable for all involved.

Cindy Towns 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. Unsafe and unethical: bed shortages mean dementia patients with psychiatric symptoms are admitted to medical wards – https://theconversation.com/unsafe-and-unethical-bed-shortages-mean-dementia-patients-with-psychiatric-symptoms-are-admitted-to-medical-wards-257634

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Kane brace sinks Flamengo as Bayern reach last 8

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

Harry Kane struck twice as Bayern Munich progressed to the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals with a 4-2 win over a spirited Flamengo on Sunday.

Leon Goretzka was also on target for the German side, which benefited from an Erick Pulgar own goal, while Gerson and Jorginho scored for Flamengo at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

The result means Bayern will face Paris Saint-Germain in Atlanta on Saturday for a place in the last four after the French and European champions trounced Inter Miami 4-0 earlier in the day.

Flamengo bows out after a combative display that saw it recover from a 2-0 deficit to briefly trouble the Bundesliga champions but ultimately fall short.

It took just six minutes for Bayern to go ahead as Pulgar nodded into his own net while attempting to clear a Joshua Kimmich corner.

Vincent Kompany’s men doubled their advantage shortly after when the Brazilian giants lost possession in their own half and the ball fell to Kane, who took a touch before lashing a left-footed shot from distance that rebounded in off the post.

Despite the early deficit, Flamengo did not fold, and created its first clear chance when an unchecked Luiz Araujo forced a sharp save from Manuel Neuer.

Pulgar then had an attempt blocked, and Araujo volleyed wide before Gerson finally broke Bayern’s resistance just after the half hour. The Brazil international pounced on a loose ball in the area to rifle in a first-time effort from 15 yards, leaving Neuer with no chance.

Just when Flamengo looked to be back in the contest, Bayern wrested back the momentum. Goretzka showed superb composure and skill as he intercepted a rushed defensive clearance with his chest before thumping a low 25-yard drive past Agustin Rossi.

Pulgar was fortunate not to be sent off on the stroke of halftime for a studs-up challenge on Harry Kane that earned him a yellow card and almost sparked a melee.

Flamengo emerged from the break with renewed energy as Jorginho, Gerson and Pulgar began to take control in midfield.

Filipe Luis’ men were rewarded for their efforts in the 55th minute when Jorginho struck from the penalty spot after a Michael Olise handball.

It was no less than Flamengo deserved as the Rio de Janeiro-based side showed it could compete on equal footing with its more fancied opponent.

But Bayern pulled away again through Kane, who capitalized on another turnover in Flamengo’s half to slot a low shot past Rossi after Kimmich’s perfectly weighted pass.

MIL OSI China News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: RFK Junior is stoking fears about vaccine safety. Here’s why he’s wrong – and the impact it could have

Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Julie Leask, Professor, School of Public Health, University of Sydney

The United States used to be a leader in vaccine research, development and policymaking. Now US Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr is undermining the country’s vaccine program at the highest level and supercharging vaccine skepticism.

Two weeks ago, RFK Jr sacked the entire Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices responsible for reviewing the latest scientific evidence on vaccines. RFK Jr alleged conflicts of interest and hand-picked a replacement panel.

On Wednesday, RFK Jr announced the US would stop funding the global vaccine alliance, Gavi, because he claimed that “when the science was inconvenient today, Gavi ignored the science”. RFK Jr questioned the safety of COVID vaccines for pregnant women, as well as the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine.

On Thursday, when the new Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices met, the person who first drew RFK Jr into vaccine scepticism, Lyn Redwood, shared disproved claims about a chemical called thimerosal in flu vaccines being harmful.

The undermining of regulation, advisory processes and funding changes will have global impacts, as debunked claims are given new levels of apparent legitimacy. Some of these impacts will be slow and insidious.

So what should we make of these latest claims and funding cuts?

Thiomersal is a distraction

Thiomersal (thimerosal in the the US) is a safe and effective preservative that prevents bacterial and fungal contamination of the vaccine contained in a multi-dose vial. It’s a salt that contains a tiny amount of mercury in a safe form.

Thiomersal is no longer used as a preservative in any vaccines routinely given in Australia. But it’s still used in the Q fever vaccine.

Other countries use multi-dose vials with thiomersal when single-dose vials are too expensive.

In the US, just 4% of adult influenza vaccines contain thiomersal. So focusing on removing vaccines containing thimerosal is a distraction for the committee.

COVID vaccines in pregnancy prevent severe illness

On Wednesday, RFK criticised Gavi’s encouragement of pregnant women to receive COVID-19 vaccines.

A COVID-19 infection before and during pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage two- to four-fold, even if it’s only a mild infection.

Conversely, there is good evidence vaccination during pregnancy is safe and can reduce the chance of hospitalisation of pregnant people and of infants by passing antibodies through the placenta.

In Australia, pregnant people who have never received a primary COVID-19 vaccine are recommended to have one. However, they are not generally recommended to have booster unless they have underlying risk conditions or prefer to have one. This is due to population immunity.

COVID-19 vaccine advice should adapt to changes in disease risk and vaccine benefit. It doesn’t mean previous decisions were wrong, nor that vaccine boosters are unsafe.

RFK’s criticism of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy may influence choices individuals make in other countries, even when unvaccinated pregnant women are encouraged to consider vaccination.

The diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine is safe

RFK Jr also questioned the safety of the combined diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP) vaccine as he announced the withdrawal of US funding support for Gavi.

In the early 2000s, three community-based observational studies reported a possible association between increased chance of death in infants and use of the DTP vaccine.

A few subsequent studies also reported associations, with higher risk in girls, prompting a World Health Organization (WHO) review of safety.

Real world studies are complicated and the data can be difficult to interpret correctly. Often, the very factors that influence whether someone gets vaccinated can also be associated with other health risks.

When the WHO committee reviewed all the studies on DTP safety in 2014, it did not indicate serious adverse events. It concluded there was substantial evidence against these claims.

What will de-funding Gavi mean for vaccination rates?

Gavi, the vaccine alliance, supports vaccine purchasing in low-income countries.

The US has historically accounted for 13% of all donor funds.

However, RFK Jr said Gavi needed to re-earn the public trust and “consider the best science available” before the US would contribute funding again.

Gavi predicted in March that the impact of US funding cuts could result in one million deaths through missed vaccines.

Could something like this happen in Australia?

Australia is fortunate to be buffered from these impacts.

Our vaccine advisory body, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation, has people with deep expertise in vaccination. We have robust decision processes that weigh evidence critically and make careful recommendations to government.

Our governments remain committed to vaccination. The federal government released the National Immunisation Strategy in mid-June with a comprehensive plan to continue to strengthen our program.

The federal government also announced A$386 million to support the work of Gavi from 2026 to 2030.

All of this keeps our vaccine policies strong, preventing disease and increasing life expectancy here and overseas.

But to mitigate the possible influence of the US in Australia, our governments, health professionals and the public need to be ready to rapidly tackle the misinformation, distortions and half-truths RFK Jr cleverly packages – with quality information.

Julie Leask receives research funding from NHMRC, WHO, US CDC, NSW Ministry of Health. She received funding from Sanofi for travel to an overseas meeting in 2024. She has consulting fees from RTI International and the Task Force for Global Health.

Catherine Bennett has received honoraria for contributing to independent advisory panels for Moderna and AstraZeneca, and has received NHMRC, VicHealth and MRFF funding for unrelated projects. She was the health lead on the Independent Inquiry into the Australian Government COVID-19 Response .

– ref. RFK Junior is stoking fears about vaccine safety. Here’s why he’s wrong – and the impact it could have – https://theconversation.com/rfk-junior-is-stoking-fears-about-vaccine-safety-heres-why-hes-wrong-and-the-impact-it-could-have-259986

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: RFK Junior is stoking fears about vaccine safety. Here’s why he’s wrong – and the impact it could have

Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Julie Leask, Professor, School of Public Health, University of Sydney

The United States used to be a leader in vaccine research, development and policymaking. Now US Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr is undermining the country’s vaccine program at the highest level and supercharging vaccine skepticism.

Two weeks ago, RFK Jr sacked the entire Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices responsible for reviewing the latest scientific evidence on vaccines. RFK Jr alleged conflicts of interest and hand-picked a replacement panel.

On Wednesday, RFK Jr announced the US would stop funding the global vaccine alliance, Gavi, because he claimed that “when the science was inconvenient today, Gavi ignored the science”. RFK Jr questioned the safety of COVID vaccines for pregnant women, as well as the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine.

On Thursday, when the new Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices met, the person who first drew RFK Jr into vaccine scepticism, Lyn Redwood, shared disproved claims about a chemical called thimerosal in flu vaccines being harmful.

The undermining of regulation, advisory processes and funding changes will have global impacts, as debunked claims are given new levels of apparent legitimacy. Some of these impacts will be slow and insidious.

So what should we make of these latest claims and funding cuts?

Thiomersal is a distraction

Thiomersal (thimerosal in the the US) is a safe and effective preservative that prevents bacterial and fungal contamination of the vaccine contained in a multi-dose vial. It’s a salt that contains a tiny amount of mercury in a safe form.

Thiomersal is no longer used as a preservative in any vaccines routinely given in Australia. But it’s still used in the Q fever vaccine.

Other countries use multi-dose vials with thiomersal when single-dose vials are too expensive.

In the US, just 4% of adult influenza vaccines contain thiomersal. So focusing on removing vaccines containing thimerosal is a distraction for the committee.

COVID vaccines in pregnancy prevent severe illness

On Wednesday, RFK criticised Gavi’s encouragement of pregnant women to receive COVID-19 vaccines.

A COVID-19 infection before and during pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage two- to four-fold, even if it’s only a mild infection.

Conversely, there is good evidence vaccination during pregnancy is safe and can reduce the chance of hospitalisation of pregnant people and of infants by passing antibodies through the placenta.

In Australia, pregnant people who have never received a primary COVID-19 vaccine are recommended to have one. However, they are not generally recommended to have booster unless they have underlying risk conditions or prefer to have one. This is due to population immunity.

COVID-19 vaccine advice should adapt to changes in disease risk and vaccine benefit. It doesn’t mean previous decisions were wrong, nor that vaccine boosters are unsafe.

RFK’s criticism of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy may influence choices individuals make in other countries, even when unvaccinated pregnant women are encouraged to consider vaccination.

The diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine is safe

RFK Jr also questioned the safety of the combined diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP) vaccine as he announced the withdrawal of US funding support for Gavi.

In the early 2000s, three community-based observational studies reported a possible association between increased chance of death in infants and use of the DTP vaccine.

A few subsequent studies also reported associations, with higher risk in girls, prompting a World Health Organization (WHO) review of safety.

Real world studies are complicated and the data can be difficult to interpret correctly. Often, the very factors that influence whether someone gets vaccinated can also be associated with other health risks.

When the WHO committee reviewed all the studies on DTP safety in 2014, it did not indicate serious adverse events. It concluded there was substantial evidence against these claims.

What will de-funding Gavi mean for vaccination rates?

Gavi, the vaccine alliance, supports vaccine purchasing in low-income countries.

The US has historically accounted for 13% of all donor funds.

However, RFK Jr said Gavi needed to re-earn the public trust and “consider the best science available” before the US would contribute funding again.

Gavi predicted in March that the impact of US funding cuts could result in one million deaths through missed vaccines.

Could something like this happen in Australia?

Australia is fortunate to be buffered from these impacts.

Our vaccine advisory body, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation, has people with deep expertise in vaccination. We have robust decision processes that weigh evidence critically and make careful recommendations to government.

Our governments remain committed to vaccination. The federal government released the National Immunisation Strategy in mid-June with a comprehensive plan to continue to strengthen our program.

The federal government also announced A$386 million to support the work of Gavi from 2026 to 2030.

All of this keeps our vaccine policies strong, preventing disease and increasing life expectancy here and overseas.

But to mitigate the possible influence of the US in Australia, our governments, health professionals and the public need to be ready to rapidly tackle the misinformation, distortions and half-truths RFK Jr cleverly packages – with quality information.

Julie Leask receives research funding from NHMRC, WHO, US CDC, NSW Ministry of Health. She received funding from Sanofi for travel to an overseas meeting in 2024. She has consulting fees from RTI International and the Task Force for Global Health.

Catherine Bennett has received honoraria for contributing to independent advisory panels for Moderna and AstraZeneca, and has received NHMRC, VicHealth and MRFF funding for unrelated projects. She was the health lead on the Independent Inquiry into the Australian Government COVID-19 Response .

– ref. RFK Junior is stoking fears about vaccine safety. Here’s why he’s wrong – and the impact it could have – https://theconversation.com/rfk-junior-is-stoking-fears-about-vaccine-safety-heres-why-hes-wrong-and-the-impact-it-could-have-259986

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 30, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Fiji’s Dr Prasad unveils $4.8b budget as deficit widens

By Kaya Selby, RNZ Pacific journalist

The Fiji government is spending big on this year’s budget.

The country’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Biman Prasad, unveiled a FJ$4.8 billion (about NZ$3.5 billion) spending package, complete with cost of living measures and fiscal stimulus, to the Fijian Parliament on Friday.

This is about F$280 million more than last year, with the deficit widening to around $886 million.

Dr Prasad told Parliament that his government had guided the country to a better economic position than where he found it.

“When we came into office we were in a precarious economic crossroad . . . our first priority was to restore macroeconomic stability, rebuild trust in policymaking institutions, and chart a path towards sustainable and inclusive growth.”

The 2025/2026 budget consisted of a spending increase across almost every area, with education, the largest area of spending, up $69 million to $847 million overall.

The health sector received $611.6 million, the Fijian Roads Authority $388 million, and the Police force $240.3 million, all increases.

A package of cost of living measures costing the government $800 million has also been announced. This includes a value-added tax (VAT) cut from 15 percent to 12.5 percent on goods and services.

Various import duties, which firms pay for goods from overseas, have been cut, such as chicken pieces and parts (from 42 to 15 percent) and frozen fish (from 15 to 0 percent).

A subsidy to reduce bus fares by 10 percent was announced, alongside a 3 percent increase in salaries for civil servants, both beginning in August.

Drastic international conditions
In a news conference, Dr Prasad said that responding to difficult global economic shocks was the primary rationale behind the budget.

“This is probably one of the most uncertain global economic environments that we have gone through. There has been no resolution on the tariffs by the United States and the number of countries, big or small,” he said.

“We have never had this kind of interest in Fiji from overseas investors or diaspora, and we are doing a lot more work to get our diaspora to come back.”

When asked why the VAT was cut, reducing government revenue and widening the deficit, Dr Prasad said there was a need to encourage consumer spending.

“If the Middle East crisis deepens and oil prices go up, the first thing that will be affected will be the supply chain . . . prices could go up, people could be affected more.”

On building resilience from global shocks, Dr Prasad said the budget would reduce Fiji’s reliance on tourism, remittances, and international supply chains, by building domestic industry.

“It kills two birds in one [stone]. It addresses any big shock we might get . . . plus it also helps the people who would be affected.”

In their Pacific Economic Update, the World Bank projected economic growth of 2.6 percent in 2025, after a slump from 7.5 percent in 2023 to 3.8 percent in 2024.

Senior World Bank economist Ekaterine Vashakmadze told RNZ that Fiji was an interesting case.

“Fiji is one of the countries that suffered the sharpest shock [post-covid] . . . because tourism stopped.”

“On the other hand, Fiji was one of the first countries in the Pacific to recover fully in terms of the output to pre-pandemic level.”

Deficit too high — opposition
Opposition members have hit out at the government over the scale of the spend, and whether it would translate into outcomes.

Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj, in a statement to local media outlet Duavata News, referred to the larger deficit as “deeply troubling”.

“The current trajectory is concerning, and the government must change its fiscal strategy to one that is truly sustainable.”

“The way the budget is being presented, it’s like the government is trying to show that in one year Fiji will become a developed country.”

MP Ketal Lal on social media called the budget “a desperate cloak for scandal” designed to appeal to voters ahead of elections in 2026.

“This is what happens when a government governs by pressure instead of principle. The people have been crying out for years. The Opposition has consistently raised concerns about the crushing cost of living but they only act when it becomes politically necessary. And even then, it’s never enough.”

He also pointed out, regarding the 3 percent increase in civil servants salaries, that someone earning $30,000 a year would only see a pay increase of $900 per year.

This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

June 30, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Fiji’s Dr Prasad unveils $4.8b budget as deficit widens

By Kaya Selby, RNZ Pacific journalist

The Fiji government is spending big on this year’s budget.

The country’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Biman Prasad, unveiled a FJ$4.8 billion (about NZ$3.5 billion) spending package, complete with cost of living measures and fiscal stimulus, to the Fijian Parliament on Friday.

This is about F$280 million more than last year, with the deficit widening to around $886 million.

Dr Prasad told Parliament that his government had guided the country to a better economic position than where he found it.

“When we came into office we were in a precarious economic crossroad . . . our first priority was to restore macroeconomic stability, rebuild trust in policymaking institutions, and chart a path towards sustainable and inclusive growth.”

The 2025/2026 budget consisted of a spending increase across almost every area, with education, the largest area of spending, up $69 million to $847 million overall.

The health sector received $611.6 million, the Fijian Roads Authority $388 million, and the Police force $240.3 million, all increases.

A package of cost of living measures costing the government $800 million has also been announced. This includes a value-added tax (VAT) cut from 15 percent to 12.5 percent on goods and services.

Various import duties, which firms pay for goods from overseas, have been cut, such as chicken pieces and parts (from 42 to 15 percent) and frozen fish (from 15 to 0 percent).

A subsidy to reduce bus fares by 10 percent was announced, alongside a 3 percent increase in salaries for civil servants, both beginning in August.

Drastic international conditions
In a news conference, Dr Prasad said that responding to difficult global economic shocks was the primary rationale behind the budget.

“This is probably one of the most uncertain global economic environments that we have gone through. There has been no resolution on the tariffs by the United States and the number of countries, big or small,” he said.

“We have never had this kind of interest in Fiji from overseas investors or diaspora, and we are doing a lot more work to get our diaspora to come back.”

When asked why the VAT was cut, reducing government revenue and widening the deficit, Dr Prasad said there was a need to encourage consumer spending.

“If the Middle East crisis deepens and oil prices go up, the first thing that will be affected will be the supply chain . . . prices could go up, people could be affected more.”

On building resilience from global shocks, Dr Prasad said the budget would reduce Fiji’s reliance on tourism, remittances, and international supply chains, by building domestic industry.

“It kills two birds in one [stone]. It addresses any big shock we might get . . . plus it also helps the people who would be affected.”

In their Pacific Economic Update, the World Bank projected economic growth of 2.6 percent in 2025, after a slump from 7.5 percent in 2023 to 3.8 percent in 2024.

Senior World Bank economist Ekaterine Vashakmadze told RNZ that Fiji was an interesting case.

“Fiji is one of the countries that suffered the sharpest shock [post-covid] . . . because tourism stopped.”

“On the other hand, Fiji was one of the first countries in the Pacific to recover fully in terms of the output to pre-pandemic level.”

Deficit too high — opposition
Opposition members have hit out at the government over the scale of the spend, and whether it would translate into outcomes.

Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj, in a statement to local media outlet Duavata News, referred to the larger deficit as “deeply troubling”.

“The current trajectory is concerning, and the government must change its fiscal strategy to one that is truly sustainable.”

“The way the budget is being presented, it’s like the government is trying to show that in one year Fiji will become a developed country.”

MP Ketal Lal on social media called the budget “a desperate cloak for scandal” designed to appeal to voters ahead of elections in 2026.

“This is what happens when a government governs by pressure instead of principle. The people have been crying out for years. The Opposition has consistently raised concerns about the crushing cost of living but they only act when it becomes politically necessary. And even then, it’s never enough.”

He also pointed out, regarding the 3 percent increase in civil servants salaries, that someone earning $30,000 a year would only see a pay increase of $900 per year.

This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Crash and court a costly night for driver

Source: New Zealand Police

It was pricey night for one dangerous driver who dented his pride and joy and landed himself in court.

Police in Papakura observed a vehicle travelling at speed on Clevedon Road just before 11pm.

Counties Manukau South Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Matt Hoyes, says officers signalled for the vehicle to stop.

“The driver has initially pulled over on Broadway, however, as officers began talking to him about his speed, he has accelerated away along Elliot Street.”

Inspector Hoyes says staff then located the vehicle crashed into a light pole on the corner of Elliot Street and observed the driver fleeing on foot.

“Officer have quickly pursued him and taken him into custody without further incident.

“Unfortunately this man has ended up with a costly repair bill and a trip to court, which could have been prevented if he had made different decisions.”

A 27-year-old man will appear in Papakura District Court today charged with dangerous driving, failing to remain stopped and driving with excess breath alcohol.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Island resilience fund opens

Source: Scottish Government

£4.4 million targeted support for businesses.

A funding package developed to support island businesses affected by ferry disruption is now ready to accept applications.

Businesses from eligible sectors on South Uist, Colonsay, North Uist, Eriskay, Benbecula, Berneray, Grimsay and Arran can apply.

Eligible sectors include those that rely on tourism and those that are engaged in the manufacture or movement of perishable goods, such as seafood.

£4.4 million has been allocated to the Islands Business Resilience Fund (IBRF) which was established to help address issues, such as travel disruption, that can have a disproportionate impact on people and businesses living, and operating on Scotland’s islands.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise will manage the IBRF on behalf of the Scottish Government. Applications will be accepted from 2 July until 12 noon 1 September 2025 with decisions and payments expected by 31 October 2025.

Funding awards will be based on demand and the scale size of organisations that apply for support but awards are expected to range between £3,000 and £35,000

Islands Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:

“We know that Scotland’s island communities face distinct challenges, not least in terms of their economic and social resilience. People and businesses require ferry services running reliably and frequently to support their livelihoods.

“We worked with Highlands and Islands Enterprise to refine the eligibility criteria and identify how this money can make a real difference to the businesses who need it most.

“Reliable and regular ferry services are key to this connectivity for people and businesses and we know that the current situation of delays and ongoing maintenance to some vessels has created real difficulties for some. We are determined to do everything we can to support islands, their local businesses and employers through these challenging times.”

Rachel Hunter, HIE’s director of enterprise and community support, said:

“Island businesses and social enterprises make an important contribution to local economies and provide vital rural employment that helps sustain many communities. Those operating in tourism and production or movement of perishable foods are particularly vulnerable to disruption such as we’ve seen in recent years.

“This fund is about strengthening the resilience of those organisations operating in the sectors and islands most affected. Our focus will be assessing applications promptly so that funding can be awarded as soon as possible after the closing date.”

Background

The application form and guidance will be available on the Highlands and Islands Enterprise website from 12 noon on 2 July.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise carried out detailed analysis of information and statistics provided by Transport Scotland and CalMac relating to ferry disruption.

The islands of South Uist, Colonsay, North Uist, Eriskay, Benbecula, Berneray, Grimsay and Arran were chosen as eligible for the Islands Business Resilience Fund as they each had more than 15% ferry disruption over the last three seasons. The average cancellations of ferry services across the Calmac network is during that time has been around 7%.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Honoring the LGBTQ+ Community During Pride Month
Source: US State of New York

overnor Kathy Hochul today announced several expanded initiatives designed to increase support for LGBTQ+ New Yorkers, including additional investments in the transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming communities and for LGBTQ+ hubs in New York City. As part of this year’s enacted budget, funding for the Lorena Borjas Transgender and Nonbinary Wellness and Equity Fund increased by half a million dollars for crucial health and human services, bringing the total of the fund to over $15 million and making it the largest fund of its kind in the nation. Building on this support, Governor Hochul made additional investments of $1 million in capital funding to support the continued preservation of the LGBT Center of NYC, which provides recovery and wellness programs, economic advancement initiatives, family and youth support, advocacy, arts and cultural programming, and space for community organizing, connection, and celebration.

“New York is the birthplace of the LGBTQ+ movement, and today, we continue pushing this legacy forward,” Governor Hochul said. “This month and every month, we will continue to honor the contributions of LGBTQ+ New Yorkers and will work to protect, support, and celebrate the vibrancy they bring to New York.”

To further address the needs of transgender, gender non-conforming, and nonbinary (TGNCNB) New Yorkers, the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) is awarding $960,000 in workforce development grants to support programming designed to help TGNCNB individuals enter the workforce. TWEF grants support organizations committed to promoting health and employment equity for the TGNCNB community. This funding directly addresses critical workforce issues uncovered in NYSDOL’s 2023 TGNCNB Employment Report, which found that TGNCNB New Yorkers experience lower incomes and higher unemployment due to several factors, most notably, discrimination.

Assemblymember Deborah J. Glick said, “Increased federal attacks on the LGBTQ community have undermined our safety and systematically eliminated crucial supports for a variety of essential services from healthcare to mental health services to workforce development programs. LGBTQ Americans pay taxes and rightfully expect their needs will be addressed. Fortunately for LGBTQ New Yorkers, our Governor Kathy Hochul not only believes in the importance of equality, but is demonstrating her commitment by providing funding for many services upon which we depend.”

Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson said, “In New York we pride ourselves on being inclusive, with laws that are not predicated on hate, fear or exclusion, but laws that honor the dignity and humanity of all people so they may live securely as their authentic selves. In the face of unprecedented attacks at the federal level and from other states, I am proud to stand with Governor Hochul in celebrating Pride this year, by reaffirming New York’s steadfast commitment to the rights of LGBTQIA+ people – my community – with significant policy and funding initiatives that protect the rights of all New Yorkers. No matter who you are, where you come from, what your abilities, who you love, or how you identify – we all have dignity and deserve equity, justice and opportunity.”

Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas said, “I’m proud to see New York deepen its commitment to our LGBTQ+ communities, especially trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming New Yorkers who continue to face systemic barriers. The expansion of the Lorena Borjas Wellness and Equity Fund—named after our beloved trans Latina immigrant trailblazer from Queens—is both historic and deeply personal. These investments affirm that New York can and must be a sanctuary for queer and trans people to live, thrive, and lead. I applaud Governor Hochul and our State Legislature for these meaningful steps during Pride Month and urge continued action to meet the urgent needs of our communities year-round.”

Today’s announcement highlights the opening of the 2026-2028 Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera and Edie Windsor LGBTQ+ Fellowship. The fellowship is named after LGBTQ+ leaders who have — with their courage, tenacity and perseverance — raised awareness of LGBTQ+ issues and made a lasting difference in the LGBTQ+ community: Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera for their movement leading advocacy on behalf of the transgender community in New York, and Edie Windsor for her advocacy and groundbreaking work in successfully challenging the federal defense of marriage act. Awarded every two years, the LGBTQ+ Fellow serves in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and assists the Chief Diversity Officer in achieving New York State’s diversity and inclusion goals, which includes continuing to build the State’s leadership as a champion of antidiscrimination and equal access for all. In collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, and in furtherance of the State’s continued goal to serve as a model employer for New Yorkers of all gender identities and sexual orientations the Fellow also will work to advance LGBTQ+ inclusion across New York State government and services through drafting policy proposals and providing content expertise, managing statewide initiatives and projects, composing strategic communications, and tracking key legislation.

The Governor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs is also now accepting requests for workshop proposals for the 2025 LGBTQIA+ Convening, which will occur on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 in Albany, New York at the Empire State Plaza Concourse. This fourth annual event brings together policymakers and government officials from across state agencies to hear directly from advocates about the most pressing needs for our community and proposed or current efforts to meet those needs and build support.

New York City LGBT Community Center Chief Executive Officer Dr. Carla Smith said, “We are excited to receive this capital allocation, and are grateful to Governor Hochul for prioritizing this investment into our building, which will allow us to continue improving The Center. Over the last four decades, The Center has worked to ensure our landmark building meets the increasing needs of LGBTQ+ New Yorkers and to serve as a site of pride for LGBTQ+ people all over the world. Right now, our community is under attack by harmful government actions and rhetoric that seek to erase trans people and queer youth, funding cuts to critical services, and a growing mental health crisis. We look forward to working with Governor Hochul and her administration over the coming months to secure deeper investments in services to meet the needs of New York State’s LGBTQ+ community, all 365 days of the year.”

Current Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera and Edie Windsor Fellow Daniel Dobies (we/us/ours) said, “The fellowship has provided us opportunities to lead and advance policies and programs, like the Lorena Borjas TGNB Wellness and Equity Fund and the annual LGBTQIA+ Convening, that improve the lives of LGBTQ+ New Yorkers. The three trailblazing, queer women for whom the fellowship is named led with a courage, conviction, and joy that we strive to bring into state service every day. We are supported by their bravery and are honored to continue their work to make New York State a place where everyone, including the LGBTQ+ community, can thrive.”

Earlier this month, Governor Kathy Hochul issued a proclamation designating June 2025 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in New York State. State landmarks will be illuminated tonight in the colors pink, white and light blue and red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple on June 30th and the progress pride flag was raised at State office buildings and State Parks across New York.

The following State landmarks will illuminate various colors of the Pride flag tonight and tomorrow June 30th:
- One World Trade
- Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
- Kosciuszko Bridge
- The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
- State Education Building
- Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
- Empire State Plaza
- State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
- Niagara Falls
- The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge
- Grand Central Terminal – Pershing Square Viaduct
- Albany International Airport Gateway
- MTA LIRR – East End Gateway at Penn Station
- Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
- Moynihan Train Hall
MIL OSI USA News –
June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: LEADER JEFFRIES ON ABC: “THIS COUNTRY IS FAR TOO EXPENSIVE”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Brooklyn, NY – Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on ABC’s This Week where he emphasized that while Donald Trump promised to lower costs on day one, he is instead crashing the economy and marching us toward a recession.

JON KARL: I’m joined now by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York. Let’s start with the big news, Leader Jeffries, out of your home town. Mamdani won a big victory. Have you endorsed him yet?

LEADER JEFFRIES: I have not. We had a conversation on Wednesday morning where I congratulated him on the campaign that he ran, a campaign that clearly was relentlessly focused on the high cost of living in New York City and the economy. He outworked, he out-communicated and out-organized the opposition. And that’s clearly why he was successful.

JON KARL: So what’s holding you back from endorsing him right now?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we don’t really know each other well. Our districts don’t overlap. I have never had a substantive conversation with him. And so that’s the next step in terms of this process to be able to sit down, which we agreed to do in Central Brooklyn, discuss his vision for moving the city forward and addressing the issues that are important to the communities that I represent—a very diverse district that I represent in Brooklyn, including many African Americans, many Jewish Americans, many Caribbean Americans, who are dealing with a lot of challenges in the city and want to make sure that the next mayor of the City of New York, whoever that may be, is prepared to tackle them.

JON KARL: Mamdani calls himself a Democratic Socialist. He proposed obviously big tax increases, free mass transit, free bus fares, government-run grocery stores. Is this the kind of progressive socialism that is, we’re going to see as the future of the Democratic Party? Or is this unique to New York City?

LEADER JEFFRIES: I think that one of the things we’ve been clear about from the very beginning, as House Democrats, is that we need to relentlessly focus on addressing the high cost of living in the United States of America. This country is far too expensive for working-class Americans, for middle-class Americans, for all those who aspire to be part of the middle class. Imagine a country where every single hardworking American taxpayer can afford to live the good life, work hard, play by the rules, have a good-paying job, good healthcare, be able to afford a home, educate your children, go on vacation every now and then and one day retire with grace and dignity. The good life, the American Dream. That is not accessible to everyone. And so I think it will continue to be important for all of us on the Democratic side to address relentlessly the issue of the lack of affordability in this country. Donald Trump promised to lower cost on day one. Costs haven’t gone down, they’re going up. In fact, the guy is crashing the economy in real time, imposing these reckless Trump tariffs that are going to increase costs by thousands of dollars a year and he may even drive us toward a recession.

JON KARL: You mentioned the diversity of your district, including a lot of Jewish constituents. Mamdani has made comments that some have said gear towards antisemitism. His initial statement after October 7, he criticized the Israeli government but didn’t criticize Hamas. He defended the use of the word globalize—the phrase globalize the intifada and he even said that the Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu should be arrested, or he would if he were mayor, he would arrest Netanyahu if he visited New York City. Do these things concern you?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Globalizing the intifada, by way of example, is not an acceptable phrase, and he’s going to have to clarify his position on that as he moves forward. With respect to the Jewish communities that I represent, I think our nominee is going to have to convince folks that he is prepared to aggressively address the rise in antisemitism in the City of New York, which has been an unacceptable development. And any mayor, whether you’re a Democratic mayor, a Republican mayor, an independent mayor, has got to commit to the safety and well-being of all of the people of the City of New York. And when there are moments of crisis and a rise in anti-Jewish hate, that’s a threshold, of course, needs to be crossed. With respect to the African American and Caribbean American communities that I represent, it’s going to be important for our nominee to articulate the case for dramatically and decisively addressing the rise in gentrification and the housing displacement that threatens to continue to wipe out low and moderate income Black and Latino communities in New York City. It’s an unacceptable phenomenon, and the next mayor of the City of New York has to be able to articulate a clear plan and commitment to address these concerns, for the people that I represent and folks all across the great City of New York.

JON KARL: Alright, let’s turn to developments here in Washington. The Supreme Court’s big decision, empowering Donald Trump by limiting the power of judges to stop his executive orders or to freeze his executive orders. How big a deal is this? This was really the one way, the one restraint on his actions that’s been effective so far.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, it was an unfortunate decision from a procedural standpoint as it relates to what should have been a very clear case. If there is any instance where nationwide injunctions are appropriate, it would be in a manner like what we’ve just experienced in terms of birthright citizenship, which is clearly a part of the Constitution. If you are born as a child in the United States of America, you are a citizen. So it was a procedural setback that was quite unfortunate. And it was a reckless decision in my view. However, in terms of the fight judicially to protect birthright citizenship—that remains alive and well. And we’re just going to have to intensify our efforts now in district court after district court, or to get a class action certified on behalf of people who may be adversely impacted by this reckless Trump executive order.

JON KARL: And you were at the briefing, the classified briefing Friday on Iran and on the U.S. airstrikes. Did you get satisfactory answers? And do you have a sense now, was the program really—I mean, the President says “obliterated,” but what did you learn?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, let’s be clear. Iran is a sworn enemy of the United States of America, as well as our allies in the Middle East, like Israel and Jordan. And we can never allow Iran to be a nuclear-capable power. That said, there are a lot of questions that remain unanswered, in my view, as it relates to the actions that the Trump administration took relative to Iran. Why did they not seek the congressional authorization required by the Constitution for this type of preemptive strike? I still haven’t seen facts presented to us as a Congress to justify that step, and I certainly haven’t seen facts to justify the statement that Donald Trump made that Iran’s nuclear program has been completely and totally obliterated. We also need the case to be made by the administration, to the American people, as to how to best accomplish the objective of preventing Iran from becoming nuclear capable. Why did they abandon the aggressive diplomacy that was successful under the Obama administration? And what is their plan to stop us from getting into another failed Middle Eastern war? A lot of questions that need to be answered, and those answers haven’t been compelling to date.

JON KARL: All right. A lot of questions for sure. Leader Jeffries, thank you for joining us.

Full interview can be watched here.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: LEADER JEFFRIES ON ABC: “THIS COUNTRY IS FAR TOO EXPENSIVE”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Brooklyn, NY – Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on ABC’s This Week where he emphasized that while Donald Trump promised to lower costs on day one, he is instead crashing the economy and marching us toward a recession.

JON KARL: I’m joined now by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York. Let’s start with the big news, Leader Jeffries, out of your home town. Mamdani won a big victory. Have you endorsed him yet?

LEADER JEFFRIES: I have not. We had a conversation on Wednesday morning where I congratulated him on the campaign that he ran, a campaign that clearly was relentlessly focused on the high cost of living in New York City and the economy. He outworked, he out-communicated and out-organized the opposition. And that’s clearly why he was successful.

JON KARL: So what’s holding you back from endorsing him right now?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we don’t really know each other well. Our districts don’t overlap. I have never had a substantive conversation with him. And so that’s the next step in terms of this process to be able to sit down, which we agreed to do in Central Brooklyn, discuss his vision for moving the city forward and addressing the issues that are important to the communities that I represent—a very diverse district that I represent in Brooklyn, including many African Americans, many Jewish Americans, many Caribbean Americans, who are dealing with a lot of challenges in the city and want to make sure that the next mayor of the City of New York, whoever that may be, is prepared to tackle them.

JON KARL: Mamdani calls himself a Democratic Socialist. He proposed obviously big tax increases, free mass transit, free bus fares, government-run grocery stores. Is this the kind of progressive socialism that is, we’re going to see as the future of the Democratic Party? Or is this unique to New York City?

LEADER JEFFRIES: I think that one of the things we’ve been clear about from the very beginning, as House Democrats, is that we need to relentlessly focus on addressing the high cost of living in the United States of America. This country is far too expensive for working-class Americans, for middle-class Americans, for all those who aspire to be part of the middle class. Imagine a country where every single hardworking American taxpayer can afford to live the good life, work hard, play by the rules, have a good-paying job, good healthcare, be able to afford a home, educate your children, go on vacation every now and then and one day retire with grace and dignity. The good life, the American Dream. That is not accessible to everyone. And so I think it will continue to be important for all of us on the Democratic side to address relentlessly the issue of the lack of affordability in this country. Donald Trump promised to lower cost on day one. Costs haven’t gone down, they’re going up. In fact, the guy is crashing the economy in real time, imposing these reckless Trump tariffs that are going to increase costs by thousands of dollars a year and he may even drive us toward a recession.

JON KARL: You mentioned the diversity of your district, including a lot of Jewish constituents. Mamdani has made comments that some have said gear towards antisemitism. His initial statement after October 7, he criticized the Israeli government but didn’t criticize Hamas. He defended the use of the word globalize—the phrase globalize the intifada and he even said that the Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu should be arrested, or he would if he were mayor, he would arrest Netanyahu if he visited New York City. Do these things concern you?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Globalizing the intifada, by way of example, is not an acceptable phrase, and he’s going to have to clarify his position on that as he moves forward. With respect to the Jewish communities that I represent, I think our nominee is going to have to convince folks that he is prepared to aggressively address the rise in antisemitism in the City of New York, which has been an unacceptable development. And any mayor, whether you’re a Democratic mayor, a Republican mayor, an independent mayor, has got to commit to the safety and well-being of all of the people of the City of New York. And when there are moments of crisis and a rise in anti-Jewish hate, that’s a threshold, of course, needs to be crossed. With respect to the African American and Caribbean American communities that I represent, it’s going to be important for our nominee to articulate the case for dramatically and decisively addressing the rise in gentrification and the housing displacement that threatens to continue to wipe out low and moderate income Black and Latino communities in New York City. It’s an unacceptable phenomenon, and the next mayor of the City of New York has to be able to articulate a clear plan and commitment to address these concerns, for the people that I represent and folks all across the great City of New York.

JON KARL: Alright, let’s turn to developments here in Washington. The Supreme Court’s big decision, empowering Donald Trump by limiting the power of judges to stop his executive orders or to freeze his executive orders. How big a deal is this? This was really the one way, the one restraint on his actions that’s been effective so far.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, it was an unfortunate decision from a procedural standpoint as it relates to what should have been a very clear case. If there is any instance where nationwide injunctions are appropriate, it would be in a manner like what we’ve just experienced in terms of birthright citizenship, which is clearly a part of the Constitution. If you are born as a child in the United States of America, you are a citizen. So it was a procedural setback that was quite unfortunate. And it was a reckless decision in my view. However, in terms of the fight judicially to protect birthright citizenship—that remains alive and well. And we’re just going to have to intensify our efforts now in district court after district court, or to get a class action certified on behalf of people who may be adversely impacted by this reckless Trump executive order.

JON KARL: And you were at the briefing, the classified briefing Friday on Iran and on the U.S. airstrikes. Did you get satisfactory answers? And do you have a sense now, was the program really—I mean, the President says “obliterated,” but what did you learn?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, let’s be clear. Iran is a sworn enemy of the United States of America, as well as our allies in the Middle East, like Israel and Jordan. And we can never allow Iran to be a nuclear-capable power. That said, there are a lot of questions that remain unanswered, in my view, as it relates to the actions that the Trump administration took relative to Iran. Why did they not seek the congressional authorization required by the Constitution for this type of preemptive strike? I still haven’t seen facts presented to us as a Congress to justify that step, and I certainly haven’t seen facts to justify the statement that Donald Trump made that Iran’s nuclear program has been completely and totally obliterated. We also need the case to be made by the administration, to the American people, as to how to best accomplish the objective of preventing Iran from becoming nuclear capable. Why did they abandon the aggressive diplomacy that was successful under the Obama administration? And what is their plan to stop us from getting into another failed Middle Eastern war? A lot of questions that need to be answered, and those answers haven’t been compelling to date.

JON KARL: All right. A lot of questions for sure. Leader Jeffries, thank you for joining us.

Full interview can be watched here.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Plankton can investigate crime, affect the climate and influence science

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Beatrix Beisner, Professor, Aquatic ecology; Groupe de recherche interuniversitaire en limnologie (GRIL), Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)

Plankton have inspired and influenced art, science and architecture. (Shutterstock)

Not much attention is paid to plankton because these creatures are usually hidden from sight. They are mostly microscopic in size and live in aquatic environments, but human lives are intricately connected with plankton.

The etymology of “plankton” originates from the ancient Greek word for “drifter.” Plankton refers to all organisms suspended in all types of waters (oceans, lakes, rivers and even groundwaters), including viruses, bacteria, insects, larval fish and jellyfish. Plankton come in many shapes and sizes, but what unites all of them is a tendency to drift with currents.

Read more:
Small but mighty, plankton are some of the most powerful creatures on Earth

There are both plant (phytoplankton) and animal (zooplankton) types, as well as organisms that blur the line by belonging to both. These include carnivorous plants or photosynthesizing animals (mixoplankton).

Phytoplankton are an essential part of aquatic ecosystems.
(Shutterstock)

Understanding plankton

We are an international group of researchers working on plankton that inhabit aquatic waters from high alpine lakes to the deep oceans. We represent a much larger consortium of researchers (the Plankton Passionates) who have recently considered all the ways in which plankton are crucial for human well-being, society, activity and life on our planet.

In our work, we have identified six broad themes that allow us to classify the value of plankton.

Plankton are integral to the ecological functioning of all aquatic environments. For example, phytoplankton use photosynthesis to create biomass that is transferred throughout the ecosystem, much as plants and trees do on land. Phytoplankton are mostly eaten by zooplankton, which are in turn prime food for fish like sardines and herring. These small fish are fed upon by larger fish and birds. That means healthy food-web functioning is critically sustained by plankton.

Plankton play a critical role in other ways that affect the ecological functioning of aquatic environments. Specifically, plankton affect the cycles of matter and the bio-geochemistry of their ecosystems. While phytoplankton use sunlight to grow and reproduce, they also move nutrients, oxygen and carbon around.

Phytoplankton are an essential climate variable — studying them provides key indicators for planetary health and climate change — because they capture carbon dioxide (CO2). When phytoplankton are eaten by zooplankton, and these animals die and sink to the bottom of water bodies, this stores carbon away from the atmosphere to where it can no longer contribute to climate change; this process is known as the biological carbon pump.

However, other plankton, primarily bacteria and fungi, are involved in decomposition of dead material that remains in the water column and their activity recycles chemical elements essential for other organisms. Together with the biological carbon pump, this decomposition activity can have global consequences in climate regulation.

Fascinating research

Plankton have also played a role in several human endeavours, including the evolution of science itself advancing many theoretical developments in ecology, such as the study of biodiversity. This diversity of plankton forms — including organisms that look like crystals or jewelry — have fascinated researchers.

Jellyfish are plankton because they are carried by currents through the water.
(Shutterstock)

Several theories or frameworks used throughout ecology have emerged from studying plankton, but their applications go further. For example, Russian biologist Georgy Gause observed competition among plankton, leading to his competitive exclusion principle that’s now commonly applied in socioeconomic contexts.

Breakthroughs and even Nobel Prizes (medicine) have stemmed from the study of plankton (jellyfish stings, advancing allergy studies. Similarly, research on freshwater ciliate telomeres and the use of fluorescent jellyfish proteins have contributed to further understanding of ageing and cancer.

Certain plankton species are used as diagnostic tools in forensic science. Others are often used as models in biomedical and ecotoxicological research.

Because of their foundational role in aquatic food webs, plankton are critical to many human economies. Many planktonic organisms are cultured directly for human consumption including jellyfish, krill, shrimp and copepod zooplankton.

Virtually all protein in aquatic ecosystems comes from plankton. Some are used as supplements, such as spirulina powder or omega-3 vitamins from krill or copepods.

Several plankton-derived compounds are highly prized in medicine, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, including some plankton toxins used for their immune-stimulating effects. Luciferases are a group of enzymes produced by bioluminescent organisms, including many marine plankton, and are also important in biomedical research.

On the other hand, plankton can also lead to high economic costs when harmful algal blooms, like toxic red tides, occur along coastlines or cyanobacterial blooms arise in lakes.

Plankton benefits for humans

Finally, our research considers the role of plankton in human culture, recreation and well-being. Beyond their use as a food source and in medicine, plankton can be culturally important.

Bioluminescent marine dinoflagellates create incredibly powerful nighttime displays in coastal regions, forming the basis for cultural events and tourist attractions. Diatoms are a type of phytoplankton present in all aquatic ecosystems, and their silica-rich skeletons have been used for flint tools during the Stone Age and as opal in jewelry.

An illustration from the 1887 book ‘Report on the Radiolaria collected by H.M.S. Challenger during the years 1873-76.’
(Illus. by E. Haeckel/engraving by A. Giltsch)

The often strange structural forms of plankton have inspired architects and engineers, including the designers of Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele and the former Monumental Gate (Porte Binet) in Paris. Plankton have inspired many artists, the first being biologist Ernst Haeckel.

The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services adopted the Life Framework of Values. This framework centres living from, with, in and as nature as a position from which to inform policies around biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Plankton are critical to all of these components. We all benefit from plankton due to their essential role in regulating aquatic habitats, their long-term involvement in climate regulation and the vital resources they provide to humanity.

Humanity lives with plankton as their incredible diversity connects life across land and water and is one of the driving forces behind Earth’s ecological stability and ecosystem services that we value. Plankton are part of humanity’s living in nature, which emphasizes their vital role in our identity, lifestyles and culture.

Plankton profoundly affect communities bordering water, but also those further away through plankton-inspired art and design. Finally, living as nature highlights the physical, mental and spiritual interconnectedness with the natural world.

We need to better recognize the value of plankton as a resource, and as an essential part of stabilizing Earth systems and maintaining them for human well-being.

Beatrix Beisner receives funding from NSERC. She is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Plankton Research (Oxford University Press) and a member of the Groupe de recherche interuniversitaire en limnologie (GRIL), an FRQNT-funded network.

Maria Grigoratou receives funding from the NSF project WARMEM (OCE-1851866) and the EU-funded HORIZON Europe projects EU4OceanObs2.0 and BioEcoOcean (101136748) to Maria Grigoratou. Maria is now affiliated with the European Polar Board.

Sakina-Dorothée Ayata receives funding from the European Commission (NECCTON, iMagine, Blue-Cloud2026 projects), the French National Research Agency (ANR, Traitzoo project), and the Institut Universitaire de France (IUF).

Susanne Menden-Deuer receives funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation and NASA.

– ref. Plankton can investigate crime, affect the climate and influence science – https://theconversation.com/plankton-can-investigate-crime-affect-the-climate-and-influence-science-252782

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Plankton can investigate crime, affect the climate and influence science

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Beatrix Beisner, Professor, Aquatic ecology; Groupe de recherche interuniversitaire en limnologie (GRIL), Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)

Plankton have inspired and influenced art, science and architecture. (Shutterstock)

Not much attention is paid to plankton because these creatures are usually hidden from sight. They are mostly microscopic in size and live in aquatic environments, but human lives are intricately connected with plankton.

The etymology of “plankton” originates from the ancient Greek word for “drifter.” Plankton refers to all organisms suspended in all types of waters (oceans, lakes, rivers and even groundwaters), including viruses, bacteria, insects, larval fish and jellyfish. Plankton come in many shapes and sizes, but what unites all of them is a tendency to drift with currents.

Read more:
Small but mighty, plankton are some of the most powerful creatures on Earth

There are both plant (phytoplankton) and animal (zooplankton) types, as well as organisms that blur the line by belonging to both. These include carnivorous plants or photosynthesizing animals (mixoplankton).

Phytoplankton are an essential part of aquatic ecosystems.
(Shutterstock)

Understanding plankton

We are an international group of researchers working on plankton that inhabit aquatic waters from high alpine lakes to the deep oceans. We represent a much larger consortium of researchers (the Plankton Passionates) who have recently considered all the ways in which plankton are crucial for human well-being, society, activity and life on our planet.

In our work, we have identified six broad themes that allow us to classify the value of plankton.

Plankton are integral to the ecological functioning of all aquatic environments. For example, phytoplankton use photosynthesis to create biomass that is transferred throughout the ecosystem, much as plants and trees do on land. Phytoplankton are mostly eaten by zooplankton, which are in turn prime food for fish like sardines and herring. These small fish are fed upon by larger fish and birds. That means healthy food-web functioning is critically sustained by plankton.

Plankton play a critical role in other ways that affect the ecological functioning of aquatic environments. Specifically, plankton affect the cycles of matter and the bio-geochemistry of their ecosystems. While phytoplankton use sunlight to grow and reproduce, they also move nutrients, oxygen and carbon around.

Phytoplankton are an essential climate variable — studying them provides key indicators for planetary health and climate change — because they capture carbon dioxide (CO2). When phytoplankton are eaten by zooplankton, and these animals die and sink to the bottom of water bodies, this stores carbon away from the atmosphere to where it can no longer contribute to climate change; this process is known as the biological carbon pump.

However, other plankton, primarily bacteria and fungi, are involved in decomposition of dead material that remains in the water column and their activity recycles chemical elements essential for other organisms. Together with the biological carbon pump, this decomposition activity can have global consequences in climate regulation.

Fascinating research

Plankton have also played a role in several human endeavours, including the evolution of science itself advancing many theoretical developments in ecology, such as the study of biodiversity. This diversity of plankton forms — including organisms that look like crystals or jewelry — have fascinated researchers.

Jellyfish are plankton because they are carried by currents through the water.
(Shutterstock)

Several theories or frameworks used throughout ecology have emerged from studying plankton, but their applications go further. For example, Russian biologist Georgy Gause observed competition among plankton, leading to his competitive exclusion principle that’s now commonly applied in socioeconomic contexts.

Breakthroughs and even Nobel Prizes (medicine) have stemmed from the study of plankton (jellyfish stings, advancing allergy studies. Similarly, research on freshwater ciliate telomeres and the use of fluorescent jellyfish proteins have contributed to further understanding of ageing and cancer.

Certain plankton species are used as diagnostic tools in forensic science. Others are often used as models in biomedical and ecotoxicological research.

Because of their foundational role in aquatic food webs, plankton are critical to many human economies. Many planktonic organisms are cultured directly for human consumption including jellyfish, krill, shrimp and copepod zooplankton.

Virtually all protein in aquatic ecosystems comes from plankton. Some are used as supplements, such as spirulina powder or omega-3 vitamins from krill or copepods.

Several plankton-derived compounds are highly prized in medicine, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, including some plankton toxins used for their immune-stimulating effects. Luciferases are a group of enzymes produced by bioluminescent organisms, including many marine plankton, and are also important in biomedical research.

On the other hand, plankton can also lead to high economic costs when harmful algal blooms, like toxic red tides, occur along coastlines or cyanobacterial blooms arise in lakes.

Plankton benefits for humans

Finally, our research considers the role of plankton in human culture, recreation and well-being. Beyond their use as a food source and in medicine, plankton can be culturally important.

Bioluminescent marine dinoflagellates create incredibly powerful nighttime displays in coastal regions, forming the basis for cultural events and tourist attractions. Diatoms are a type of phytoplankton present in all aquatic ecosystems, and their silica-rich skeletons have been used for flint tools during the Stone Age and as opal in jewelry.

An illustration from the 1887 book ‘Report on the Radiolaria collected by H.M.S. Challenger during the years 1873-76.’
(Illus. by E. Haeckel/engraving by A. Giltsch)

The often strange structural forms of plankton have inspired architects and engineers, including the designers of Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele and the former Monumental Gate (Porte Binet) in Paris. Plankton have inspired many artists, the first being biologist Ernst Haeckel.

The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services adopted the Life Framework of Values. This framework centres living from, with, in and as nature as a position from which to inform policies around biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Plankton are critical to all of these components. We all benefit from plankton due to their essential role in regulating aquatic habitats, their long-term involvement in climate regulation and the vital resources they provide to humanity.

Humanity lives with plankton as their incredible diversity connects life across land and water and is one of the driving forces behind Earth’s ecological stability and ecosystem services that we value. Plankton are part of humanity’s living in nature, which emphasizes their vital role in our identity, lifestyles and culture.

Plankton profoundly affect communities bordering water, but also those further away through plankton-inspired art and design. Finally, living as nature highlights the physical, mental and spiritual interconnectedness with the natural world.

We need to better recognize the value of plankton as a resource, and as an essential part of stabilizing Earth systems and maintaining them for human well-being.

Beatrix Beisner receives funding from NSERC. She is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Plankton Research (Oxford University Press) and a member of the Groupe de recherche interuniversitaire en limnologie (GRIL), an FRQNT-funded network.

Maria Grigoratou receives funding from the NSF project WARMEM (OCE-1851866) and the EU-funded HORIZON Europe projects EU4OceanObs2.0 and BioEcoOcean (101136748) to Maria Grigoratou. Maria is now affiliated with the European Polar Board.

Sakina-Dorothée Ayata receives funding from the European Commission (NECCTON, iMagine, Blue-Cloud2026 projects), the French National Research Agency (ANR, Traitzoo project), and the Institut Universitaire de France (IUF).

Susanne Menden-Deuer receives funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation and NASA.

– ref. Plankton can investigate crime, affect the climate and influence science – https://theconversation.com/plankton-can-investigate-crime-affect-the-climate-and-influence-science-252782

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 30, 2025
Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi extends best wishes to devotees going on religious yatras, praises spirit of service

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended heartfelt wishes to devotees embarking on various religious yatras across the country through his monthly radio show ‘Mann Ki Baat’.

He also lauded those who, with a selfless spirit of service, contribute to the smooth and safe conduct of these spiritual journeys.

“When one embarks on a pilgrimage, the first feeling that arises is ‘Let’s go, we have been called!’ This emotion is the soul of our pilgrimage. These pilgrimages are a means of discipline of the body, purification of the heart, of mutual love and brotherhood and a means to connect with God,” the Prime Minister said.

He added that beyond personal spiritual fulfilment, pilgrimages also represent collective service.

“There is another significant aspect to these journeys. These pilgrimages are also a great ritual of opportunities for service. Whenever a pilgrimage takes place, more people engage in serving the pilgrims than those who go on the pilgrimage. Everywhere, free community kitchens and food stalls are organised, people arrange for drinking water alongside the roads with a spirit of service, medical camps and facilities are set up, and many people even arrange lodging and rest houses for pilgrims,” he said.

PM Modi expressed joy over the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra after a long gap.

“Kailash Mansarovar means the abode of Lord Shiva. In every tradition – be it Hindu, Buddhist, or Jain – Kailash is considered to be the centre of faith and devotion,” he noted.

Highlighting the spiritual vibrancy across India, he added, “The holy Amarnath Yatra is going to start from July 3, and the holy month of Sawan is also just a few days away. Just a few days ago, we have also seen the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath ji.”

The Jagannath Rath Yatra, one of the most sacred festivals of the country, draws lakhs of devotees from across the country, who converge at the temple town to take part in it every year.

He praised the scale and unity reflected in these events. “Whether it is Odisha, Gujarat, or any other corner of the country, millions of devotees participate in this pilgrimage. From North to South and from East to West, these pilgrimages reflect the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat’,” he said.

“When we undertake these pilgrimages with full devotion and discipline, then we also receive their rewards,” the Prime Minister said, concluding with a message of goodwill.

“I extend my best wishes to all the fortunate devotees going on the various Yatras. I also commend those who are engaged in making these Yatras successful and safe with a spirit of service,” he said.

(With inputs from IANS)

June 29, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Organization of American States: Baroness Chapman Intervention

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Speech

Organization of American States: Baroness Chapman Intervention

Baroness Chapman delivers intervention on the Falkland Islands at the Organization of American States

Secretary General, Assistant Secretary General, ministers, delegates, friends.

On behalf of the United Kingdom, I would like to thank Antigua and Barbuda for hosting this important assembly.

The UK’s relationships with our friends and allies across the Americas are important to all of us.

Be it climate change, security, or sustainable development – we face the greatest challenges together.

And indeed, for more than two centuries now, the UK and Argentina have shared bilateral relationships – as part of a long, rich history.

My friend the UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has met President Milei a number of times.

Earlier this year, Security Minister Patricia Bullrich enjoyed a highly successful visit to the UK.

And even where we disagree, we are working together to reduce tensions.

So, in September 2024, my friend the Foreign Secretary and the former Argentine Foreign Minister Diana Mondino announced a new package of cooperation.

This recognised that while we may not agree on sovereignty, there is much we can achieve by working together in the South Atlantic.

The UK and Falkland Islanders have come together to implement this – including support for Argentine families travelling to the Falkland Islands in December last year, to visit graves from the 1982 conflict.

For a community living with the trauma of invasion and occupation, that was not easy.

Yet, Falkland Islanders wanted to do the right thing.

Both the UK and Falkland Islanders look forward to seeing Argentina making good on their commitments.

That includes cooperation on fisheries for the benefit of all, and the resumption of the flight between the Islands and São Paulo.

The UK remains determined to work with all our partners, including Argentina.

And the UK’s support for the Falkland Islanders’ inalienable right of self-determination remains undiminished.

Falkland Islanders alone should decide their future.

In the referendum they held in 2013, Islanders voted to maintain their status as a self-governing UK Overseas Territory – overwhelmingly.

Five of the six observers of the referendum came from the OAS Member States – reporting that it was free, fair, and reflected the will of the voters.

Today, the Falkland Islands are a democratic and prosperous community – showing the world what is possible on sustainable fisheries and environmental conservation.

They are determining their own future.

And their success has been recognised by S&P Global Ratings – who have given the Falkland Islands an impressive A Plus.

And this is an objective recognition of the stable and thriving community that the Islanders have built.

And later this year, the Falkland Islands will hold a general election to decide their next government.

They will vote on issues such as education, the economy, and the environment.

So, I hope this assembly will recognise that we cannot pick and choose who is entitled to the basic human right of democracy.

The people of the Falkland Islands are rightly proud of their vibrant, small-island, big ocean democracy.

And they are clear – that neither the UK nor Argentina can negotiate the future that they are determining for themselves. So let me be clear: my government will not negotiate on the future of the Falkland Islands, unless the Islanders themselves wish it. And they do not.

I was delighted that many of your governments continue to engage constructively with the Falkland Islanders and have expressed your support for their democratic rights, and I hope that members of the Assembly will agree that we cannot selectively choose when democratic rights apply to a community.

The UK has no doubt about its sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, and the surrounding maritime areas.

And we have no doubt about the principle and the right of self-determination enshrined in the UN Charter and in article one of the 2 UN Covenants on human rights.

By virtue of this, Falkland Islanders can determine their political status and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development – freely.

So, the UK asks that the General Assembly takes note of the Islanders’ right of self-determination – and that this statement is read into the record of this meeting.

Thank you.

Updates to this page

Published 28 June 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

June 29, 2025
MIL-OSI: Loans for People with Bad Credit: Overview of Low Credit Finance
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Miami, June 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

Do you often find yourself in a troubling financial situation and have no one to turn to for a loan or a financial institution that can lend you money? You are not alone. Many Americans go through the same issue day in and day out.

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Read our list of the top companies offering loans for people with bad credit in the US in 2025 and find the best rates for amounts ranging from $100 to $5000+.

Top Company Offering Loans for People with Bad Credit

The above lenders are the best providers of loans for people with bad credit in the US in 2025. They are quick to provide financial aid regardless of one’s credit history or rating.

We have discussed each lender’s features further to help you make an informed decision and choose the one that best meets your needs. Read on to find the lender that best suits your financial needs.
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Checking your credit score

It is important to be up to date with your credit score, which helps gauge the type of lenders that would be willing to extend their loans to you. Online sites can help in checking your credit score, or you can do the same through your financial institution. The credit score report is used to generate the credit score, and it is possible to request such reports through bureaus such as AnnualCreditReport.com.

Check whether you prequalify for a loan

Loan prequalification tests help you understand the possibility of getting a loan with a bad credit history or score. The process of inquiring for qualification does not in any way affect your credit score. It is also a way of knowing how much it would cost you if you obtained a loan for people with bad credit from the recommended online lenders.

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Who offers loans for people with bad credit?

Various institutions offer loans to people with poor or bad credit. Below are some of the lending institutions that are likely to offer such loans:

Banks– in most cases banks rely on the credit history to extend loans to consumers. However, some banks such as Wells Fargo offer personal loans. They might however require the lender to go to the bank in person at their nearest branch for further application.

Online lenders– they are the easiest way of getting a loan with poor credit. The process is solely done online and can be done from the comfort of your home. Once you have applied, you will be requested to verify some information such as your identity and income status.

Credit unions– they also provide personal loans but have a drawback as an individual has to be a member of the institution. Individuals with bad credit can get personal loans from credit unions if they have guarantors who must also be members of the credit union.

Knowing your credit score category

If you desire to take out a loan and have poor credit, it is important to understand the different categories of credit score as it influence the loan repayment loan terms. Individuals with poor credit scores fall between the 300 and 579 marks. Below is a schedule of different categories of credit scores and the estimated interest rate on loans for each category:

The data on the table shows that individuals with the lowest credit score are more likely to get expensive loan terms, ten times more than individuals with a high credit score.

How to compare lenders for loans for people with bad credit

The repayment terms

The repayment terms determine the amount of money that the borrower pays back to the lender. It is important to have the most favorable loan terms that are within your financial capabilities. That would ensure repayment of the loan without the stress of getting deeper into debt. Longer repayment terms are most advisable as they reduce the principal and interest amounts that are paid each month. It is, however, necessary to note that a higher repayment period leads to a higher rate of interest (APR) on the loan.

Additional fees

Most borrowers fail to understand the additional fees associated with a loan, which makes the loan unnecessarily expensive. The lender selected might charge a fee in addition to the annual interest earned on the loans. Some of the hidden costs of loans lenders fail to communicate about include administrative fees that are deducted upfront from the amount borrowed, loan origination fees, late payment fees, and prepayment penalties. A lender with unnecessary loan fees should always be the last resort.

The APRs

The annual percentage rate (APR) is considered the cost of the loan and signifies the amount the lender will charge you on top of the principal amount. A lower APR leads to a lower cost of the loan, and vice versa applies. As a borrower, understand all the possible lenders and their APRs and choose the one offering the lowest APR on their loans for people with bad credit.

Can I be conned by lenders online?

The simple answer is yes! It is possible to get scammed online by individuals posing as legit lenders. Such people understand your urgent need for cash and take advantage of the same. Loans for people with bad credit seem too good to be true. It is therefore necessary to look for the following signs to avoid being scammed:

Demand for upfront fees to get a loan– legitimate lenders do not need the borrower to pay an upfront fee to process a loan. Legitimate lenders do not ask for payments before you are approved and have received your loan. In the case that a legit lender requires application fees, they are taken directly from the amount that you borrow.

Unregistered lender– all lenders have to be registered as per the federal law of the US. The Federal Trade Commission requires all lenders to be registered within their state of operations. To find out whether your lender of choice is registered, contact the state attorney general’s office.

Lender communicates first– in such a scenario, it is like a doctor looking for the patient rather than the patient seeking the doctor’s services. If you did not initiate the contact, there is a high probability of being scammed. Credible lenders do not call borrowers to ask for their personal information with the promise of offering loans to the borrower.

Types of loans for people with bad credit

Secured loans

A borrower who takes a secured loan will have to provide the lender with collateral, such as a car or a home mortgage. The collateral is valuable, and it makes it easier for the borrower to get a loan at a better rate despite their poor credit score status.

It is the best form of loan for people with poor credit but valuable collateral they can afford to lose if they default on their loan. In default, the lender may legally confiscate the collateral and use it to recover owed amounts and any additional damages.

Unsecured loans

Such loans do not rely on the availability of collateral; therefore, other factors such as the borrower’s credit history or ability to pay back the loan should be considered. On default of the unsecured loan, the lender cannot seize the lender’s assets, and thus, such loans attract high interest rates, making them more expensive.

Payday loans

They are alternative loans for people with bad credit. They are considered dubious loans due to their high fees and interest rates. The lender relies on the borrower’s income to pay back borrowed amounts, which are often taken directly from the paycheck. The high interest rates lead to borrowers taking additional loans to service existing ones, thus tying them in a circle of debt.

Cash advances

They are small short-term loans that an individual with a poor credit score can get from their credit company. They are primarily appropriate for individuals with emergencies or quick need for cash. Most lenders do not carry out credit checks on borrowers, making it easier for them to get approved and receive funds as individuals with poor credit.

How can I improve my credit score?

Loans for people with bad credit attract high interest rates and poor repayment terms compared to loans extended to people with better credit scores. It is, therefore, important to improve credit ratings to ensure access to better loans and loan terms in the future. The following are some of the ways that you can improve your credit score:
1. Register as a voter- it increases the credit score in that it confirms your address to the lender
2. Check the credit reports regularly- it helps identify the mistakes on the report that hurt credit ratings. For errors, contact the credit reference agency to make amendments
3. Pay bills on time
4. Avoid making too many loan applications
5. Keep the utilization ratio of your credit low by trying not to use more than 50% of the credit limit
6. Close any unused credit card accounts
FAQS

How easy is it to get a loan with a bad credit score?

It is fairly easy to get a loan with a poor credit score. However, one should excel in other factors that determine the ability to repay the loan. The easiest way to get loans for people with bad credit is through payday loans and pawn shop loans.

What is the best personal loan company in the US?

Our list above provides information on the best companies that offer loans for people with bad credit in the US in 2025. It is necessary to go through the pros and cons of each of the lenders and carry out due diligence and further research to understand the lender that best meets your financial needs.

How much money can I borrow with a poor credit score?

Depending on other factors other than your credit score, the amount of loans offered to borrowers changes from lender to lender. Loans can range from $200 to as much as $50000

Are there risks associated with bad credit loans?

Unfortunately, there are huge risks associated with loans for people with bad credit. For instance, it becomes hard to get out of debt, especially when you are already struggling financially.

What happens if I miss loan repayment?

Missing a loan repayment is likely to attract additional loan fees and interest. It would also negatively impact your credit score, making it harder to get loans at better offers when you are in dire need of emergency cash.
- Email Support: support@lowcreditfinance.com
- Phone Number: 1-844-870-5672
Disclaimer and Affiliate Disclosure

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the content at the time of publication, neither the publisher nor any syndication partners assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or inaccuracies, including typographical mistakes or outdated data. Readers are strongly encouraged to verify all terms, rates, and offerings directly with the lending institutions or financial service providers mentioned herein.

This article may contain affiliate links. If a reader clicks on such a link and proceeds to make a purchase or take action, the publisher may earn a commission at no additional cost to the reader. These commissions help support the creation of educational content and do not influence the integrity or objectivity of the editorial process.

The publisher and all affiliated entities, including but not limited to content distributors, media platforms, and downstream partners, disclaim all liability for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential loss or damage resulting from the use or interpretation of the information presented. No guarantees are made regarding the availability, approval, or terms of any loan or financial product. Lending decisions, terms, and timelines remain at the sole discretion of the respective financial institutions.

This article does not endorse or recommend any specific lender, loan product, or financial solution. Individuals are urged to conduct their own independent research and consult with qualified professionals before making any financial decisions.

The MIL Network –
June 29, 2025
MIL-OSI: Loans for People with Bad Credit: Overview of Low Credit Finance
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Miami, June 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

Do you often find yourself in a troubling financial situation and have no one to turn to for a loan or a financial institution that can lend you money? You are not alone. Many Americans go through the same issue day in and day out.

However, worry not! We have created a list of lenders who can help you, regardless of your credit score. These recommended lenders willingly provide loans for people with bad credit and extend the loans to the borrowers in the shortest time possible to help meet their needs.

Read our list of the top companies offering loans for people with bad credit in the US in 2025 and find the best rates for amounts ranging from $100 to $5000+.

Top Company Offering Loans for People with Bad Credit

The above lenders are the best providers of loans for people with bad credit in the US in 2025. They are quick to provide financial aid regardless of one’s credit history or rating.

We have discussed each lender’s features further to help you make an informed decision and choose the one that best meets your needs. Read on to find the lender that best suits your financial needs.
1. Low Credit Finance: Same-day instant transactions
Low Credit Finance is a lender that gives loans to people with bad credit without considering their credit background or credit scores. Low Credit Finance is known for its quick loan processing times, as a borrower can have their money in their account in as short as 60 minutes once approved. All FICO scores are welcome, making it easier for you to secure a loan even with a bad credit history.

Benefits of choosing Low Credit Finance:
- All credit types are welcomed
- Repayment terms that suit your needs
- Same day decisions
- Loan deposited instantly to account once approved
- Secure application process
Low Credit Finance fiancé provides a top alternative to you as a borrower with a bad credit score. It uses other criteria to approve loans other than the creditworthiness or history of the borrower

A failure to meet the minimum requirement makes it harder for people with bad credit to secure loans from most lenders.

How to get a loan with bad credit

Even with a poor credit score, getting a personal loan has been made easier in the US in 2025. As you take your time to work on your credit, it is necessary to consider the following tips for finding the best loan options when you have a bad credit score or history:

Checking your credit score

It is important to be up to date with your credit score, which helps gauge the type of lenders that would be willing to extend their loans to you. Online sites can help in checking your credit score, or you can do the same through your financial institution. The credit score report is used to generate the credit score, and it is possible to request such reports through bureaus such as AnnualCreditReport.com.

Check whether you prequalify for a loan

Loan prequalification tests help you understand the possibility of getting a loan with a bad credit history or score. The process of inquiring for qualification does not in any way affect your credit score. It is also a way of knowing how much it would cost you if you obtained a loan for people with bad credit from the recommended online lenders.

Comparing loan offers

Different companies offer different rates on their loans. It is necessary to compare such offers to ensure that you get the best offer that best meets your financial needs within the market

Submitting an application

After requesting a pre-qualification, narrow down your options and submit a formal application for the loan. This will trigger a hard inquiry, which could affect your credit score.

Who offers loans for people with bad credit?

Various institutions offer loans to people with poor or bad credit. Below are some of the lending institutions that are likely to offer such loans:

Banks– in most cases banks rely on the credit history to extend loans to consumers. However, some banks such as Wells Fargo offer personal loans. They might however require the lender to go to the bank in person at their nearest branch for further application.

Online lenders– they are the easiest way of getting a loan with poor credit. The process is solely done online and can be done from the comfort of your home. Once you have applied, you will be requested to verify some information such as your identity and income status.

Credit unions– they also provide personal loans but have a drawback as an individual has to be a member of the institution. Individuals with bad credit can get personal loans from credit unions if they have guarantors who must also be members of the credit union.

Knowing your credit score category

If you desire to take out a loan and have poor credit, it is important to understand the different categories of credit score as it influence the loan repayment loan terms. Individuals with poor credit scores fall between the 300 and 579 marks. Below is a schedule of different categories of credit scores and the estimated interest rate on loans for each category:

The data on the table shows that individuals with the lowest credit score are more likely to get expensive loan terms, ten times more than individuals with a high credit score.

How to compare lenders for loans for people with bad credit

The repayment terms

The repayment terms determine the amount of money that the borrower pays back to the lender. It is important to have the most favorable loan terms that are within your financial capabilities. That would ensure repayment of the loan without the stress of getting deeper into debt. Longer repayment terms are most advisable as they reduce the principal and interest amounts that are paid each month. It is, however, necessary to note that a higher repayment period leads to a higher rate of interest (APR) on the loan.

Additional fees

Most borrowers fail to understand the additional fees associated with a loan, which makes the loan unnecessarily expensive. The lender selected might charge a fee in addition to the annual interest earned on the loans. Some of the hidden costs of loans lenders fail to communicate about include administrative fees that are deducted upfront from the amount borrowed, loan origination fees, late payment fees, and prepayment penalties. A lender with unnecessary loan fees should always be the last resort.

The APRs

The annual percentage rate (APR) is considered the cost of the loan and signifies the amount the lender will charge you on top of the principal amount. A lower APR leads to a lower cost of the loan, and vice versa applies. As a borrower, understand all the possible lenders and their APRs and choose the one offering the lowest APR on their loans for people with bad credit.

Can I be conned by lenders online?

The simple answer is yes! It is possible to get scammed online by individuals posing as legit lenders. Such people understand your urgent need for cash and take advantage of the same. Loans for people with bad credit seem too good to be true. It is therefore necessary to look for the following signs to avoid being scammed:

Demand for upfront fees to get a loan– legitimate lenders do not need the borrower to pay an upfront fee to process a loan. Legitimate lenders do not ask for payments before you are approved and have received your loan. In the case that a legit lender requires application fees, they are taken directly from the amount that you borrow.

Unregistered lender– all lenders have to be registered as per the federal law of the US. The Federal Trade Commission requires all lenders to be registered within their state of operations. To find out whether your lender of choice is registered, contact the state attorney general’s office.

Lender communicates first– in such a scenario, it is like a doctor looking for the patient rather than the patient seeking the doctor’s services. If you did not initiate the contact, there is a high probability of being scammed. Credible lenders do not call borrowers to ask for their personal information with the promise of offering loans to the borrower.

Types of loans for people with bad credit

Secured loans

A borrower who takes a secured loan will have to provide the lender with collateral, such as a car or a home mortgage. The collateral is valuable, and it makes it easier for the borrower to get a loan at a better rate despite their poor credit score status.

It is the best form of loan for people with poor credit but valuable collateral they can afford to lose if they default on their loan. In default, the lender may legally confiscate the collateral and use it to recover owed amounts and any additional damages.

Unsecured loans

Such loans do not rely on the availability of collateral; therefore, other factors such as the borrower’s credit history or ability to pay back the loan should be considered. On default of the unsecured loan, the lender cannot seize the lender’s assets, and thus, such loans attract high interest rates, making them more expensive.

Payday loans

They are alternative loans for people with bad credit. They are considered dubious loans due to their high fees and interest rates. The lender relies on the borrower’s income to pay back borrowed amounts, which are often taken directly from the paycheck. The high interest rates lead to borrowers taking additional loans to service existing ones, thus tying them in a circle of debt.

Cash advances

They are small short-term loans that an individual with a poor credit score can get from their credit company. They are primarily appropriate for individuals with emergencies or quick need for cash. Most lenders do not carry out credit checks on borrowers, making it easier for them to get approved and receive funds as individuals with poor credit.

How can I improve my credit score?

Loans for people with bad credit attract high interest rates and poor repayment terms compared to loans extended to people with better credit scores. It is, therefore, important to improve credit ratings to ensure access to better loans and loan terms in the future. The following are some of the ways that you can improve your credit score:
1. Register as a voter- it increases the credit score in that it confirms your address to the lender
2. Check the credit reports regularly- it helps identify the mistakes on the report that hurt credit ratings. For errors, contact the credit reference agency to make amendments
3. Pay bills on time
4. Avoid making too many loan applications
5. Keep the utilization ratio of your credit low by trying not to use more than 50% of the credit limit
6. Close any unused credit card accounts
FAQS

How easy is it to get a loan with a bad credit score?

It is fairly easy to get a loan with a poor credit score. However, one should excel in other factors that determine the ability to repay the loan. The easiest way to get loans for people with bad credit is through payday loans and pawn shop loans.

What is the best personal loan company in the US?

Our list above provides information on the best companies that offer loans for people with bad credit in the US in 2025. It is necessary to go through the pros and cons of each of the lenders and carry out due diligence and further research to understand the lender that best meets your financial needs.

How much money can I borrow with a poor credit score?

Depending on other factors other than your credit score, the amount of loans offered to borrowers changes from lender to lender. Loans can range from $200 to as much as $50000

Are there risks associated with bad credit loans?

Unfortunately, there are huge risks associated with loans for people with bad credit. For instance, it becomes hard to get out of debt, especially when you are already struggling financially.

What happens if I miss loan repayment?

Missing a loan repayment is likely to attract additional loan fees and interest. It would also negatively impact your credit score, making it harder to get loans at better offers when you are in dire need of emergency cash.
- Email Support: support@lowcreditfinance.com
- Phone Number: 1-844-870-5672
Disclaimer and Affiliate Disclosure

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the content at the time of publication, neither the publisher nor any syndication partners assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or inaccuracies, including typographical mistakes or outdated data. Readers are strongly encouraged to verify all terms, rates, and offerings directly with the lending institutions or financial service providers mentioned herein.

This article may contain affiliate links. If a reader clicks on such a link and proceeds to make a purchase or take action, the publisher may earn a commission at no additional cost to the reader. These commissions help support the creation of educational content and do not influence the integrity or objectivity of the editorial process.

The publisher and all affiliated entities, including but not limited to content distributors, media platforms, and downstream partners, disclaim all liability for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential loss or damage resulting from the use or interpretation of the information presented. No guarantees are made regarding the availability, approval, or terms of any loan or financial product. Lending decisions, terms, and timelines remain at the sole discretion of the respective financial institutions.

This article does not endorse or recommend any specific lender, loan product, or financial solution. Individuals are urged to conduct their own independent research and consult with qualified professionals before making any financial decisions.

The MIL Network –
June 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: How does Marburg virus spread between species? Young Ugandan scientist’s photos give important clues
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Alexander Richard Braczkowski, Research Fellow at the Centre for Planetary Health and Resilient Conservation Group, Griffith University

In the shadows of Python Cave, Uganda, a leopard leaps from a guano mound – formed by bat excrement – and sinks its teeth into a bat. But this is no ordinary bat colony. The thousands of Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) found in this cave are known carriers of one of the world’s deadliest viruses: Marburg, a close cousin of Ebola.

Over just four months, our cameras recorded 261 predator encounters: crowned eagles, Nile monitors, leopards, pythons and blue monkeys all caught feeding on, or scavenging from this virus-harbouring colony.

And yet, this wasn’t the work of a global health agency or virology lab. The discovery came from a 25-year-old Ugandan undergraduate, Bosco Atukwatse, working with our small Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust Kyambura Lion Project team in Queen Elizabeth National Park. His only tools: a trail camera, curiosity and ecological instinct.

I am a conservation scientist with over 17 years of experience in wildlife ecology, monitoring and human-wildlife conflict. I’m the co-founder of the Kyambura Lion Project, which made this discovery.

For years, scientists studying how diseases spread from animals to humans have hypothesised that zoonotic diseases jump from a wildlife reservoir (like a bat) to an intermediate host (monkey) and potentially to us, humans.

For past Marburg outbreaks in Uganda, two spillover pathways have been identified: the first, involves humans coming into contact with a fruit bat habitat (namely caves filled with bat guano). Indeed, fruit bats are thought to have infected two tourists at Python Cave in 2007 and 2008.

The second pathway involves humans and animals eating the same fruit that bats have fed upon or made contact with. This second spillover pathway was identified by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention scientists in 2023. They tracked bats from the cave entering cultivated gardens to feed.

But Atukwatse and the team of young Ugandan scientists (Yahaya Ssemakula, Johnson Muhereza, Orin Cornille and Winfred Nsabimana) have potentially found another pathway: predation by at least 14 species.

Such rich visual evidence of a viral interface – bats, predators and people – is virtually non-existent in the literature. Many theoretical depictions of this process exist, and there are isolated incidents of a monkey predating on a bat or wildlife feeding on bat guano, but Atukwatse’s discovery of this many different predators repeatedly feeding on a known Marburg virus reservoir is a first.

His discovery highlights two uncomfortable truths:
- many potential zoonotic interfaces remain undocumented – often right under our noses
- the people most likely to detect them first are those living closest to wild frontiers.
But the bigger message is this: global health institutions need to stop overlooking local scientists and start funding field-based detection systems across Africa and Asia.

If we want to detect the next outbreak early, we should be empowering more Atukwatses, not waiting for the next lab test.

A hunch pays off

In early February 2025, Atukwatse and our small team of local scientists was expanding our long-term African leopard and spotted hyena monitoring grid into a new part of Queen Elizabeth National Park – the Kyambura Wildlife Reserve and Maramagambo forest.

Atukwatse had heard from nearby guides that a large bat cave lay close to the survey grid. That kind of site, he reasoned, could be perfect leopard territory: a place to hunt, rest or avoid the heat.

This is ecological attentiveness at its best – the field biology equivalent of a commodities trader spotting volatility in a geopolitical flashpoint.

Atukwatse had his radar on and acted on instinct, setting five camera traps at the cave’s entrance and along the surrounding animal trails. Just one week later, he got what he hoped for: three separate clips of a leopard hunting bats in broad daylight. He left the cameras in place in protective casing. He checked them every 7–10 days.

But that was just the beginning.

The scale of the discovery

When I first looked at Atukwatse’s videos, our joint excitement was around the leopard footage. We knew they were adaptable and could even eat small rodents , but no one had ever recorded them eating bats in Africa.

As more clips came in, we realised something bigger was unfolding. Blue monkeys were seen grabbing bats mid-roost. A crowned eagle and a Nile monitor fought over two bat carcasses. A fish eagle – typically a piscivore, which is a carnivorous species that primarily eats fish – was filmed clutching bats in its talons.

Read more:
African wild dogs: DNA tests of their faeces reveal surprises about what they eat

Over 304 trap-nights, Atukwatse’s traps recorded 261 independent predator events from at least 14 different species.

Then came the second shock: over 400 human visitors – many of them tourists – were filmed approaching the cave mouth without any protective gear. Some stood just metres from a known Marburg virus reservoir. Importantly, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has built a sanctioned viewing platform about 35 metres from the cave. However, tourists broke park rules and walked within two metres of the cave mouth.

It was only after I visited the cave myself to take stills of the team that we put this all together. Atukwatse had just found the first visual evidence, at a large scale in nature, of at least 14 predators feeding on a known wildlife virus reservoir harbouring one of Earth’s deadliest viruses.

This wasn’t the result of million-dollar pathogen surveillance. It wasn’t even the core aim of our leopard survey. This happened because a young Ugandan field scientist followed his ecological gut.

Why does the discovery matter?

For decades, disease ecologists have known that major outbreaks often originate in wildlife – swine flu, avian flu and even SARS-CoV-2 all trace back to animal hosts. But what’s often missing is direct observation of spillover interfaces – the exact moments when a virus jumps from a bat, goose, or other animal into new species like humans, livestock or other wildlife.

Atukwatse’s discovery may be the first large-scale visual record of such an interface in nature: a roost of Egyptian fruit bats known to harbour a deadly virus, actively predated upon by at least 14 species, with hundreds of humans visiting the same cave mouth unprotected.

This may be a Rosetta Stone moment for spillover ecology – shifting our understanding from hypothetical models to a real, observable interface.

These kinds of spillover sites exist in other places in nature: in a Chinese wet market where a civet meets a meat processor, or in a Gabonese village where a bat is butchered for bushmeat. The difference? Most of them go undocumented. Atukwatse just filmed one.

Alexander Richard Braczkowski is the scientific director of the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust Kyambura Lion Project.

– ref. How does Marburg virus spread between species? Young Ugandan scientist’s photos give important clues – https://theconversation.com/how-does-marburg-virus-spread-between-species-young-ugandan-scientists-photos-give-important-clues-259806
MIL OSI – Global Reports –
June 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: How does Marburg virus spread between species? Young Ugandan scientist’s photos give important clues
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Alexander Richard Braczkowski, Research Fellow at the Centre for Planetary Health and Resilient Conservation Group, Griffith University

In the shadows of Python Cave, Uganda, a leopard leaps from a guano mound – formed by bat excrement – and sinks its teeth into a bat. But this is no ordinary bat colony. The thousands of Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) found in this cave are known carriers of one of the world’s deadliest viruses: Marburg, a close cousin of Ebola.

Over just four months, our cameras recorded 261 predator encounters: crowned eagles, Nile monitors, leopards, pythons and blue monkeys all caught feeding on, or scavenging from this virus-harbouring colony.

And yet, this wasn’t the work of a global health agency or virology lab. The discovery came from a 25-year-old Ugandan undergraduate, Bosco Atukwatse, working with our small Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust Kyambura Lion Project team in Queen Elizabeth National Park. His only tools: a trail camera, curiosity and ecological instinct.

I am a conservation scientist with over 17 years of experience in wildlife ecology, monitoring and human-wildlife conflict. I’m the co-founder of the Kyambura Lion Project, which made this discovery.

For years, scientists studying how diseases spread from animals to humans have hypothesised that zoonotic diseases jump from a wildlife reservoir (like a bat) to an intermediate host (monkey) and potentially to us, humans.

For past Marburg outbreaks in Uganda, two spillover pathways have been identified: the first, involves humans coming into contact with a fruit bat habitat (namely caves filled with bat guano). Indeed, fruit bats are thought to have infected two tourists at Python Cave in 2007 and 2008.

The second pathway involves humans and animals eating the same fruit that bats have fed upon or made contact with. This second spillover pathway was identified by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention scientists in 2023. They tracked bats from the cave entering cultivated gardens to feed.

But Atukwatse and the team of young Ugandan scientists (Yahaya Ssemakula, Johnson Muhereza, Orin Cornille and Winfred Nsabimana) have potentially found another pathway: predation by at least 14 species.

Such rich visual evidence of a viral interface – bats, predators and people – is virtually non-existent in the literature. Many theoretical depictions of this process exist, and there are isolated incidents of a monkey predating on a bat or wildlife feeding on bat guano, but Atukwatse’s discovery of this many different predators repeatedly feeding on a known Marburg virus reservoir is a first.

His discovery highlights two uncomfortable truths:
- many potential zoonotic interfaces remain undocumented – often right under our noses
- the people most likely to detect them first are those living closest to wild frontiers.
But the bigger message is this: global health institutions need to stop overlooking local scientists and start funding field-based detection systems across Africa and Asia.

If we want to detect the next outbreak early, we should be empowering more Atukwatses, not waiting for the next lab test.

A hunch pays off

In early February 2025, Atukwatse and our small team of local scientists was expanding our long-term African leopard and spotted hyena monitoring grid into a new part of Queen Elizabeth National Park – the Kyambura Wildlife Reserve and Maramagambo forest.

Atukwatse had heard from nearby guides that a large bat cave lay close to the survey grid. That kind of site, he reasoned, could be perfect leopard territory: a place to hunt, rest or avoid the heat.

This is ecological attentiveness at its best – the field biology equivalent of a commodities trader spotting volatility in a geopolitical flashpoint.

Atukwatse had his radar on and acted on instinct, setting five camera traps at the cave’s entrance and along the surrounding animal trails. Just one week later, he got what he hoped for: three separate clips of a leopard hunting bats in broad daylight. He left the cameras in place in protective casing. He checked them every 7–10 days.

But that was just the beginning.

The scale of the discovery

When I first looked at Atukwatse’s videos, our joint excitement was around the leopard footage. We knew they were adaptable and could even eat small rodents , but no one had ever recorded them eating bats in Africa.

As more clips came in, we realised something bigger was unfolding. Blue monkeys were seen grabbing bats mid-roost. A crowned eagle and a Nile monitor fought over two bat carcasses. A fish eagle – typically a piscivore, which is a carnivorous species that primarily eats fish – was filmed clutching bats in its talons.

Read more:
African wild dogs: DNA tests of their faeces reveal surprises about what they eat

Over 304 trap-nights, Atukwatse’s traps recorded 261 independent predator events from at least 14 different species.

Then came the second shock: over 400 human visitors – many of them tourists – were filmed approaching the cave mouth without any protective gear. Some stood just metres from a known Marburg virus reservoir. Importantly, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has built a sanctioned viewing platform about 35 metres from the cave. However, tourists broke park rules and walked within two metres of the cave mouth.

It was only after I visited the cave myself to take stills of the team that we put this all together. Atukwatse had just found the first visual evidence, at a large scale in nature, of at least 14 predators feeding on a known wildlife virus reservoir harbouring one of Earth’s deadliest viruses.

This wasn’t the result of million-dollar pathogen surveillance. It wasn’t even the core aim of our leopard survey. This happened because a young Ugandan field scientist followed his ecological gut.

Why does the discovery matter?

For decades, disease ecologists have known that major outbreaks often originate in wildlife – swine flu, avian flu and even SARS-CoV-2 all trace back to animal hosts. But what’s often missing is direct observation of spillover interfaces – the exact moments when a virus jumps from a bat, goose, or other animal into new species like humans, livestock or other wildlife.

Atukwatse’s discovery may be the first large-scale visual record of such an interface in nature: a roost of Egyptian fruit bats known to harbour a deadly virus, actively predated upon by at least 14 species, with hundreds of humans visiting the same cave mouth unprotected.

This may be a Rosetta Stone moment for spillover ecology – shifting our understanding from hypothetical models to a real, observable interface.

These kinds of spillover sites exist in other places in nature: in a Chinese wet market where a civet meets a meat processor, or in a Gabonese village where a bat is butchered for bushmeat. The difference? Most of them go undocumented. Atukwatse just filmed one.

Alexander Richard Braczkowski is the scientific director of the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust Kyambura Lion Project.

– ref. How does Marburg virus spread between species? Young Ugandan scientist’s photos give important clues – https://theconversation.com/how-does-marburg-virus-spread-between-species-young-ugandan-scientists-photos-give-important-clues-259806
MIL OSI – Global Reports –
June 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: How does Marburg virus spread between species? Young Ugandan scientist’s photos give important clues
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Alexander Richard Braczkowski, Research Fellow at the Centre for Planetary Health and Resilient Conservation Group, Griffith University

In the shadows of Python Cave, Uganda, a leopard leaps from a guano mound – formed by bat excrement – and sinks its teeth into a bat. But this is no ordinary bat colony. The thousands of Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) found in this cave are known carriers of one of the world’s deadliest viruses: Marburg, a close cousin of Ebola.

Over just four months, our cameras recorded 261 predator encounters: crowned eagles, Nile monitors, leopards, pythons and blue monkeys all caught feeding on, or scavenging from this virus-harbouring colony.

And yet, this wasn’t the work of a global health agency or virology lab. The discovery came from a 25-year-old Ugandan undergraduate, Bosco Atukwatse, working with our small Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust Kyambura Lion Project team in Queen Elizabeth National Park. His only tools: a trail camera, curiosity and ecological instinct.

I am a conservation scientist with over 17 years of experience in wildlife ecology, monitoring and human-wildlife conflict. I’m the co-founder of the Kyambura Lion Project, which made this discovery.

For years, scientists studying how diseases spread from animals to humans have hypothesised that zoonotic diseases jump from a wildlife reservoir (like a bat) to an intermediate host (monkey) and potentially to us, humans.

For past Marburg outbreaks in Uganda, two spillover pathways have been identified: the first, involves humans coming into contact with a fruit bat habitat (namely caves filled with bat guano). Indeed, fruit bats are thought to have infected two tourists at Python Cave in 2007 and 2008.

The second pathway involves humans and animals eating the same fruit that bats have fed upon or made contact with. This second spillover pathway was identified by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention scientists in 2023. They tracked bats from the cave entering cultivated gardens to feed.

But Atukwatse and the team of young Ugandan scientists (Yahaya Ssemakula, Johnson Muhereza, Orin Cornille and Winfred Nsabimana) have potentially found another pathway: predation by at least 14 species.

Such rich visual evidence of a viral interface – bats, predators and people – is virtually non-existent in the literature. Many theoretical depictions of this process exist, and there are isolated incidents of a monkey predating on a bat or wildlife feeding on bat guano, but Atukwatse’s discovery of this many different predators repeatedly feeding on a known Marburg virus reservoir is a first.

A leopard grabs a fruit bat at Uganda’s Python Cave. Bosco Atukwatse/Kyambura Lion Project

His discovery highlights two uncomfortable truths:
- many potential zoonotic interfaces remain undocumented – often right under our noses
- the people most likely to detect them first are those living closest to wild frontiers.
But the bigger message is this: global health institutions need to stop overlooking local scientists and start funding field-based detection systems across Africa and Asia.

If we want to detect the next outbreak early, we should be empowering more Atukwatses, not waiting for the next lab test.

A hunch pays off

In early February 2025, Atukwatse and our small team of local scientists was expanding our long-term African leopard and spotted hyena monitoring grid into a new part of Queen Elizabeth National Park – the Kyambura Wildlife Reserve and Maramagambo forest.

Atukwatse had heard from nearby guides that a large bat cave lay close to the survey grid. That kind of site, he reasoned, could be perfect leopard territory: a place to hunt, rest or avoid the heat.

This is ecological attentiveness at its best – the field biology equivalent of a commodities trader spotting volatility in a geopolitical flashpoint.

A blue monkey with bat in hand at Python Cave. Bosco Atukwatse/Kyambura Lion Project

Atukwatse had his radar on and acted on instinct, setting five camera traps at the cave’s entrance and along the surrounding animal trails. Just one week later, he got what he hoped for: three separate clips of a leopard hunting bats in broad daylight. He left the cameras in place in protective casing. He checked them every 7–10 days.

But that was just the beginning.

The scale of the discovery

When I first looked at Atukwatse’s videos, our joint excitement was around the leopard footage. We knew they were adaptable and could even eat small rodents , but no one had ever recorded them eating bats in Africa.

As more clips came in, we realised something bigger was unfolding. Blue monkeys were seen grabbing bats mid-roost. A crowned eagle and a Nile monitor fought over two bat carcasses. A fish eagle – typically a piscivore, which is a carnivorous species that primarily eats fish – was filmed clutching bats in its talons.

Read more: African wild dogs: DNA tests of their faeces reveal surprises about what they eat

Over 304 trap-nights, Atukwatse’s traps recorded 261 independent predator events from at least 14 different species.

Then came the second shock: over 400 human visitors – many of them tourists – were filmed approaching the cave mouth without any protective gear. Some stood just metres from a known Marburg virus reservoir. Importantly, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has built a sanctioned viewing platform about 35 metres from the cave. However, tourists broke park rules and walked within two metres of the cave mouth.

Bosco Atukwatse.

It was only after I visited the cave myself to take stills of the team that we put this all together. Atukwatse had just found the first visual evidence, at a large scale in nature, of at least 14 predators feeding on a known wildlife virus reservoir harbouring one of Earth’s deadliest viruses.

This wasn’t the result of million-dollar pathogen surveillance. It wasn’t even the core aim of our leopard survey. This happened because a young Ugandan field scientist followed his ecological gut.

Why does the discovery matter?

For decades, disease ecologists have known that major outbreaks often originate in wildlife – swine flu, avian flu and even SARS-CoV-2 all trace back to animal hosts. But what’s often missing is direct observation of spillover interfaces – the exact moments when a virus jumps from a bat, goose, or other animal into new species like humans, livestock or other wildlife.

Atukwatse’s discovery may be the first large-scale visual record of such an interface in nature: a roost of Egyptian fruit bats known to harbour a deadly virus, actively predated upon by at least 14 species, with hundreds of humans visiting the same cave mouth unprotected.

This may be a Rosetta Stone moment for spillover ecology – shifting our understanding from hypothetical models to a real, observable interface.

These kinds of spillover sites exist in other places in nature: in a Chinese wet market where a civet meets a meat processor, or in a Gabonese village where a bat is butchered for bushmeat. The difference? Most of them go undocumented. Atukwatse just filmed one.

– How does Marburg virus spread between species? Young Ugandan scientist’s photos give important clues
– https://theconversation.com/how-does-marburg-virus-spread-between-species-young-ugandan-scientists-photos-give-important-clues-259806

MIL OSI Africa –
June 28, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: Greenpeace activists rebrand NZ bottom trawler ‘ocean killer’ on Chatham Rise

Source: Greenpeace Statement –

Aotearoa – Greenpeace Aotearoa activists have confronted a bottom trawler off the East Coast of New Zealand, writing “ocean killer” on the side of the ship, after bearing witness to it hauling in a net straining with marine life.

Launching from the Greenpeace vessel the Rainbow Warrior, activists came alongside the New Zealand-flagged vessel, Talley’s Amaltal Atlantis, on the Chatham Rise[1], an area of ocean floor to the east of New Zealand, and painted the message on its side using non-toxic paint. The vessel is owned by seafood group Talley’s.

Speaking from onboard the Rainbow Warrior, Greenpeace Aotearoa oceans campaigner Juan Parada says:

“Activists rebranded this Talley’s vessel today to expose the bottom trawling industry for what they are: ocean killers. When Talley’s drag their heavy trawl nets across the seafloor and over seamounts, they bulldoze everything in their path, including killing precious coral.

“Faced with a fishing industry that profits from trashing the ocean, and a government that condones bottom trawling, ocean defenders have taken peaceful action today to call out this destruction and demand that bottom trawling stop.

“The Amaltal Atlantis trawls extensively in the waters of Aotearoa and has previously received permits to trawl in the High Seas of the South Pacific. Their trail of destruction is wide and long-lasting,” says Parada.

Talley’s has a long history of carrying out bottom trawling destruction. In 2018, the Amaltal Apollo trawled in a protected area on the Lord Howe Rise, in the international waters of the Tasman Sea. The Amaltal Mariner was convicted of trawling in a marine reserve off Kaikōura in 2019.

The at-sea action comes just months after a deep sea expedition led by Greenpeace Aotearoa documented whole swathes of destroyed coral in areas of the Tasman Sea that have been intensively trawled by New Zealand bottom trawlers. This area has been earmarked for one of the first high seas ocean sanctuaries, using the Global Ocean Treaty.

New Zealand is the only country still bottom trawling in the High Seas of Tasman.

Parada says, “As the rest of the world moves towards more comprehensive ocean protection for international waters, New Zealand is standing in the way of progress by continuing to advocate for the bottom trawling industry.”

“From depleted fish numbers to smashed coral, dead sharks and seabirds, the cost of bottom trawling is too high. To protect the ocean for the future and safeguard the ocean we all love, bottom trawling must stop.”

In response to the activist’s painting activity, Talley’s responded saying they would seek legal action which “may include the arrest of the Rainbow Warrior.”

ENDS

Photos and videos from the at-sea action are available in the Greenpeace Media Library.

Notes:

[1] The action took place in the Chatham Rise area, where it was recently revealed a New Zealand vessel dragged up six tonnes of coral in a single trawl.

Contacts:

Nick Young, Greenpace Aoteaora, Head of Communications, +64-21-707727, [email protected]

Greenpeace International Press Desk, +31 (0)20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), [email protected]

MIL OSI NGO –

June 28, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Chinese scientists discover genetic switch for organ regeneration in mammals

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

Chinese scientists have achieved a major breakthrough in regenerative medicine by identifying a genetic switch that can restore healing abilities in mammals, a discovery that could revolutionize treatments for organ damage and traumatic injuries.

According to the study, published on Friday in the journal Science, flipping an evolutionarily disabled genetic switch involved in Vitamin A metabolism enabled the ear tissue regeneration in rodents.

Unlike animals such as fish and salamanders, mammals have limited capacity to regenerate damaged tissues or organs fully. The ear pinna, varying widely in its ability to regenerate across species, makes an ideal model for studying how regenerative capacity has evolved in mammals.

“As an apparently beneficial trait, regeneration is well-maintained in some animals but lost in others,” said Wang Wei, who led the study. “Understanding what has occurred during animal evolution to drive the loss or gain of regeneration will shed new light on regenerative medicine.”

The study revealed that non-regenerative mammalian species fail to sufficiently activate the gene Aldh1a2 following injury, a critical deficiency that impairs their regenerative capacity compared to species capable of natural tissue repair.

The researchers from the National Institute of Biological Sciences (NIBS), BGI Research and Northwest A&F University found that low expression of this gene caused the insufficient production of retinoic acid (RA).

They then demonstrated that switching on the gene or supplying RA using a gene enhancer from rabbits was sufficient to restore the regenerative capacity in mice and rats.

RA signaling is believed to be broadly involved in different contexts of regeneration, including bone, limb, skin, nerve and lung regeneration.

“This study identified a direct target involved in the evolution of regeneration and provided a potential framework for dissecting mechanisms underpinning the failure of regeneration in other organs or species,” said Wang from NIBS.

This could “potentially provide a strategy for promoting regeneration in normally non-regenerative organs,” commented Stella M. Hurtley, the journal’s editor.

MIL OSI China News –

June 28, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Craft, creativity and community behind craze in China’s ‘coffee city’

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

Customers enjoy coffee at a coffee shop in Yunyan District of Guiyang, southwest China’s Guizhou Province, June 23, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Guiyang, in southwest China’s Guizhou Province, has made a name for itself as a coffee powerhouse despite having no coffee farms. Home to more than 3,000 coffee shops, the provincial capital has produced over 10 world and national champions in coffee roasting.

This once quiet inland city is now enjoying the buzz of being a burgeoning coffee hub. It has cultivated a vibrant coffee culture by inviting world champions to give lectures and training, and sending local teams to participate in international competitions.

Its distinctive coffee culture, coupled with an open mindset and innovative flair, is not only drawing in a growing number of coffee aficionados from near and far, but also bringing new employment opportunities for the local youth.

Peng Jinyang, the champion of the 2025 World Brewers Cup (WBC), makes hand-brewed coffee at his company in Guiyang, southwest China’s Guizhou Province, May 23, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Craftsmanship

Peng Jinyang, a barista and coffee shop owner of Captain George in Guiyang, recently clinched the champion title at the 2025 World Brewers Cup (WBC) in Indonesia. He noticed that under the same conditions, even if three cups of coffee were brewed consecutively, there would be subtle differences in the taste of each cup.

His skill comes from years of refining his palette, through which he discovered how the temperature variations between the spout and the center of the teapot impact flavor. This became the theme of his WBC presentation, which won high praise from the judges.

In 2012, Peng, then a college student with an interest in the rich flavor produced by roasting coffee beans, co-founded a coffee shop with a fellow barista in Guiyang. At that time, domestic coffee information was scarce, and the types of coffee beans were limited. With the support of his parents, he bought a coffee roasting machine and learned about roasting from English-language videos.

To improve his techniques, he attended coffee seminars across China and, in 2019, started to invite global coffee champions to give lessons in Guiyang. With expertise, Peng took home the champion prize at the TAKAO International Coffee Competition in 2016, and captained his team to win the WBC China champion title for four consecutive years since 2022.

“‘Bringing in’ these champions is crucial for accessing the latest coffee knowledge and ensuring that baristas in Guiyang, despite it being an inland city, stay at the forefront of the coffee industry,” Peng said.

Community

In Guiyang, there is one coffee shop for every 2,000 residents. This makes it one of the Chinese cities with the highest coffee shop density. Some tourists even walk through the city’s streets and alleys with maps in hand, determined to seek out the coffee shops hidden in the deep lanes.

Nestled in narrow alleys and old neighborhoods of Guiyang, many boutique coffee shops are strategically placed. For locals, it is convenient to pick up a cup of high-quality coffee during their daily commute.

In Yunyan District, which boasts the highest concentration of coffee shops, each of its five leading cafés sells an average of 300 cups of coffee per day, generating a revenue of over 10,000 yuan (about 1,400 U.S. dollars). Most of the consumption comes from residents of the surrounding community. This once-foreign beverage has gradually been woven into the fabric of their daily lives.

In an old community off the bustling snack street of Caijiajie, Rock Black is a hidden gem. Owned by Lei Ming, who has been in the coffee business since 2020, this cozy spot has rightly made a name for itself.

Lei actively participates in professional coffee competitions and serves as a judge for coffee events. During this year’s Dragon Boat Festival holiday, his coffee shop saw an average daily output of over 300 cups, with 75 percent of its customers being out-of-town tourists.

On the edge of a new development zone in eastern Guiyang, where wide sidewalks meet sleek residential blocks, Orchard Café stands out more like a creative community than a commercial coffeehouse.

“We host everything — from international certification courses for new baristas, to community ‘cuppings’ where customers discover their favorite beans, to pre-competition bootcamps for elite brewers,” said Qiang Hua, the shop founder, who is a barista with a decade of experience and eight years as a certified sensory judge at elite events like the China Brewers Championship.

“Barista champion is not just someone who can brew a cup of good coffee, but also someone who should lead the way, elevate the entire industry and drive the community of baristas to keep improving,” Qiang added.

Creativity

Each coffee shop seems to be pulling out all the stops to carve out its own unique path in this “coffee city”.

Lei never expected that his recipe of mixing fish mint with Americano would become a market hit. “It makes you shake your head when you hear of it, but once you taste it, you’re hooked,” he quipped.

In Guiyang, where the local cuisine is celebrated for its masterful use of spices, baristas are turning to local ingredients, blending the sweet and sour of kiwiberry juice, the pungent aroma of litse fruit, and the rich flavor of local milk with coffee beans.

In 2024, Rock Black launched a “One Bean, Three Ways” experience set, pairing one type of coffee bean with three local ingredients. The fish mint Americano has since risen from a novelty drink to a symbol of the city’s taste for many consumers.

GOOD Coffee, another local coffeehouse, has put a lot of efforts into its coffee gear. Its owner Luo Nianyu and her team have turned each cup of coffee into an artistic medium, sparking a social media craze.

Customers love to share the hand-painted coffee cups on social media, each one like a tiny canvas. A shelf behind the counter is filled with cups that Luo and her team have painted by hand.

Her café has won a loyal customer base and a good reputation, being dubbed by many netizens as “the most human café in Guiyang.”

“Cafés exist in a kind of paradox. People want consistency in quality, but they also crave surprises,” Luo said, adding that the hand-painted cups are their way of offering both — a dependable brew with a personal twist.

MIL OSI China News –

June 28, 2025