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Category: Science

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SITI commences visit to Netherlands (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    ​The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, began his visit to the Netherlands today (June 15, Amsterdam time).
     
    Professor Sun met with the management of an internationally renowned semiconductor company Nexperia to learn about its latest development directions and technology, as well as its businesses in Hong Kong and globally. He also explored with the company on its plan of further expansion in Hong Kong. Nexperia has businesses around the globe with research and development (R&D) facilities established in the Hong Kong Science Park.
     
    Professor Sun visited the showroom of Renault Group in Paris, France and met with the group’s management yesterday (June 14, Paris time). BeyonCa, a premium electric vehicle enterprise backed by France’s Renault Group and China’s Dongfeng Motor Corporation, was established in Hong Kong in 2021 with its international headquarters being set up at the Hong Kong Science Park. Professor Sun was briefed on the latest development and planning of the group and its brands as well as its various innovative businesses. Both sides also explored ways to deepen collaboration.

    Professor Sun said, “The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has clearly stated in the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint that the development of advanced manufacturing and new energy are one of the strategic technology industries, and is actively enhancing support for strategic industries such as new energy vehicles and semiconductor technology, so as to promote new industrialisation in Hong Kong. In promoting microelectronics R&D, the Hong Kong Microelectronics Research and Development Institute was established in September last year to spearhead collaboration among universities, R&D centres and the industry on the R&D of third generation semiconductor core technology. The institute leverages the Greater Bay Area’s well-developed manufacturing industry chain and enormous market, and promotes the ‘1 to N’ transformation of R&D outcomes and industry development. It is preparing the set-up of two pilot lines at the Microelectronics Centre this year, striving to put them into operation next year to support product development and trial production.”
     
    During his stay in Paris, Professor Sun was interviewed by local media to introduce the latest situation and opportunities of Hong Kong’s I&T, telling the good I&T story of Hong Kong.
     
    Professor Sun will depart for The Hague this evening to continue his visit to the Netherlands.

            

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    June 16, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Millions rally against authoritarianism, while the White House portrays protests as threats – a political scientist explains

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jeremy Pressman, Professor of Political Science, University of Connecticut

    Protesters parade through the Marigny neighborhood of New Orleans as part of the nationwide No Kings protest against President Donald Trump, on June 14, 2025. Patt Little/Anadolu via Getty Images

    At the end of a week when President Donald Trump sent Marines and the California National Guard to Los Angeles to quell protests, Americans across the country turned out in huge numbers to protest Trump’s attempts to expand his power. In rallies on June 14, 2025, organized under the banner “No Kings,” millions of protesters decried Trump’s immigration roundups, cuts to government programs and what many described as his growing authoritarianism.

    The protests were largely peaceful, with relatively few incidents of violence.

    Protests and the interactions between protesters and government authorities have a long history in the United States. From the Boston Tea Party to the Civil Rights movement, LBGTQ Stonewall uprising, the Tea Party movement and Black Lives Matter, public protest has been a crucial aspect of efforts to advance or protect the rights of citizens.

    But protests can also have other effects.

    In the last few months, large numbers of anti-Trump protesters have come out in the streets across the U.S., on occasions like the April 5 Hands Off protests against safety net budget cuts and government downsizing. Many of those protesters assert they are protecting American democracy.

    The Trump administration has decried these protesters and the concept of protest more generally, with the president recently calling protesters “troublemakers, agitators, insurrectionists.” A few days before the June 14 military parade in Washington, President Donald Trump said of potential protesters: “this is people that hate our country, but they will be met with very heavy force.”

    Trump’s current reaction is reminiscent of his harsh condemnation of the Black Lives Matter protests in the summer of 2020. In 2022, former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said that Trump had asked about shooting protesters participating in demonstrations after the 2020 shooting of George Floyd.

    As co-director of the Crowd Counting Consortium, which compiles information on each day’s protests in the U.S., I understand that protests sometimes can advance the goals of the protest movement. They also can shape the goals and behavior of federal or state governments and their leaders.

    Opportunity for expressing or suppressing democracy

    Protests are an expression of democracy, bolstered by the right to free speech and “the right of the people peaceably to assemble” in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

    At the same time, clamping down on protests is one way to rebut challenges to government policies and power.

    For a president intent on the further centralization of executive power, or even establishing a dictatorship, protest suppression provides multiple opportunities and pitfalls.

    Widespread, well-attended demonstrations can represent a mass movement in favor of democracy or other issues as well as serve as an opportunity to expand participation even further. Large events often lead to significant press coverage and plenty of social media posting. The protests may heighten protesters’ emotional connection to the movement and increase fundraising and membership numbers of sponsoring organizations.

    Though it is not an ironclad law, research shows that when at least 3.5% of the total population is involved in a demonstration, protesters usually prevail over their governments. That included the Chilean movement in the 1980s that toppled longtime dictator Augusto Pinochet. Chileans used not only massive demonstrations but also a wide array of creative tactics like a coordinated slowdown of driving and walking, neighbors banging pots outside homes simultaneously, and singing together.

    Protests are rarely only about protesting. Organizers usually seek to involve participants in many other activities, whether that is contacting their elected officials, writing letters to the editor, registering to vote or running a food drive to help vulnerable populations.

    In this way of thinking, participation in a major street protest like No Kings is a gateway into deeper activism.

    Risks and opportunities

    Of course, protest leaders cannot control everyone in or adjacent to the movement.

    Other protesters with a different agenda, or agitators of any sort, can insert themselves into a movement and use confrontational tactics like violence against property or law enforcement.

    In one prominent example from Los Angeles, someone set several self-driving cars on fire. Other Los Angeles examples included some protesters’ throwing things like water bottles at officers or engaging in vandalism. Police officers also use coercive measures such as firing chemical irritants and pepper balls at protesters.

    When leaders want to concentrate executive power and establish an autocracy, where they rule with absolute power, protests against those moves could lead to a mass rejection of the leader’s plans. That is what national protest groups like 50501 and Indivisible are hoping for and why they aimed to turn out millions of people at the No Kings protests on June 14.

    But while the Trump administration faces risks from protests, it also may see opportunities.

    Misrepresenting and quashing dissent

    Protests can serve as a justification for a nascent autocrat to further undermine democratic practices and institutions.

    Take the recent demonstrations in Los Angeles protesting the Trump administration’s immigration raids conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE.

    Autocrats seek to politicize independent institutions like the armed forces. The Los Angeles protests offered the opportunity for that. Trump sent troops from the California National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles to contain the protests. That domestic deployment of the military is rare but not unheard of in U.S. history.

    And the deployment was ordered against the backdrop of the president’s partisan June 10 speech at a U.S. military base in North Carolina. The military personnel in attendance cheered and applauded many of Trump’s political statements. Both the speech and audience reactions to it appeared to violate the U.S. military norm of nonpartisanship.

    This deployment of military personnel in a U.S. city also dovetails with the expansion of executive power characteristic of autocratic leaders. It is rare that presidents call up the National Guard; the Guard is traditionally under the control of the state governor.

    Yet the White House disregarded that Los Angeles’ mayor and California’s governor both objected to the deployment.

    The state sued the Trump administration over the deployment. The initial court decision sided with California officials, declaring the federal government action “illegal.” The Trump administration has appealed.

    Autocrats seek to spread disinformation. In the case of the Los Angeles protests, the Trump administration’s narrative depicted a chaotic, gang-infested city with violence everywhere. Reports on the ground refuted those characterizations. The protests, mostly peaceful, were confined to a small part of the city, about a 10-block area.

    More generally, a strong executive leader and their supporters often want to quash dissent. In the Los Angeles example, doing that has ranged from the military deployment itself to targeting journalists covering the story to arresting and charging prominent opponents like SEIU President David Huerta or shoving and handcuffing U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, a California Democrat.

    The contrast on June 14 was striking. In Washington, D.C., Trump reviewed a parade of troops, tanks and planes, leaning into a display of American military power.

    At the same time, from rainy Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to sweltering Yuma, Arizona, millions of protesters embraced their First Amendment rights to oppose the president. It perfectly illustrated the dynamic driving deep political division today: the executive concentrating power while a sizable segment of the people resist.

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

    – ref. Millions rally against authoritarianism, while the White House portrays protests as threats – a political scientist explains – https://theconversation.com/millions-rally-against-authoritarianism-while-the-white-house-portrays-protests-as-threats-a-political-scientist-explains-258963

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    June 16, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Millions rally against authoritarianism, while the White House portrays protests as threats – a political scientist explains

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jeremy Pressman, Professor of Political Science, University of Connecticut

    Protesters parade through the Marigny neighborhood of New Orleans as part of the nationwide No Kings protest against President Donald Trump, on June 14, 2025. Patt Little/Anadolu via Getty Images

    At the end of a week when President Donald Trump sent Marines and the California National Guard to Los Angeles to quell protests, Americans across the country turned out in huge numbers to protest Trump’s attempts to expand his power. In rallies on June 14, 2025, organized under the banner “No Kings,” millions of protesters decried Trump’s immigration roundups, cuts to government programs and what many described as his growing authoritarianism.

    The protests were largely peaceful, with relatively few incidents of violence.

    Protests and the interactions between protesters and government authorities have a long history in the United States. From the Boston Tea Party to the Civil Rights movement, LBGTQ Stonewall uprising, the Tea Party movement and Black Lives Matter, public protest has been a crucial aspect of efforts to advance or protect the rights of citizens.

    But protests can also have other effects.

    In the last few months, large numbers of anti-Trump protesters have come out in the streets across the U.S., on occasions like the April 5 Hands Off protests against safety net budget cuts and government downsizing. Many of those protesters assert they are protecting American democracy.

    The Trump administration has decried these protesters and the concept of protest more generally, with the president recently calling protesters “troublemakers, agitators, insurrectionists.” A few days before the June 14 military parade in Washington, President Donald Trump said of potential protesters: “this is people that hate our country, but they will be met with very heavy force.”

    Trump’s current reaction is reminiscent of his harsh condemnation of the Black Lives Matter protests in the summer of 2020. In 2022, former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said that Trump had asked about shooting protesters participating in demonstrations after the 2020 shooting of George Floyd.

    As co-director of the Crowd Counting Consortium, which compiles information on each day’s protests in the U.S., I understand that protests sometimes can advance the goals of the protest movement. They also can shape the goals and behavior of federal or state governments and their leaders.

    Opportunity for expressing or suppressing democracy

    Protests are an expression of democracy, bolstered by the right to free speech and “the right of the people peaceably to assemble” in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

    At the same time, clamping down on protests is one way to rebut challenges to government policies and power.

    For a president intent on the further centralization of executive power, or even establishing a dictatorship, protest suppression provides multiple opportunities and pitfalls.

    Widespread, well-attended demonstrations can represent a mass movement in favor of democracy or other issues as well as serve as an opportunity to expand participation even further. Large events often lead to significant press coverage and plenty of social media posting. The protests may heighten protesters’ emotional connection to the movement and increase fundraising and membership numbers of sponsoring organizations.

    Though it is not an ironclad law, research shows that when at least 3.5% of the total population is involved in a demonstration, protesters usually prevail over their governments. That included the Chilean movement in the 1980s that toppled longtime dictator Augusto Pinochet. Chileans used not only massive demonstrations but also a wide array of creative tactics like a coordinated slowdown of driving and walking, neighbors banging pots outside homes simultaneously, and singing together.

    Protests are rarely only about protesting. Organizers usually seek to involve participants in many other activities, whether that is contacting their elected officials, writing letters to the editor, registering to vote or running a food drive to help vulnerable populations.

    In this way of thinking, participation in a major street protest like No Kings is a gateway into deeper activism.

    Risks and opportunities

    Of course, protest leaders cannot control everyone in or adjacent to the movement.

    Other protesters with a different agenda, or agitators of any sort, can insert themselves into a movement and use confrontational tactics like violence against property or law enforcement.

    In one prominent example from Los Angeles, someone set several self-driving cars on fire. Other Los Angeles examples included some protesters’ throwing things like water bottles at officers or engaging in vandalism. Police officers also use coercive measures such as firing chemical irritants and pepper balls at protesters.

    When leaders want to concentrate executive power and establish an autocracy, where they rule with absolute power, protests against those moves could lead to a mass rejection of the leader’s plans. That is what national protest groups like 50501 and Indivisible are hoping for and why they aimed to turn out millions of people at the No Kings protests on June 14.

    But while the Trump administration faces risks from protests, it also may see opportunities.

    Misrepresenting and quashing dissent

    Protests can serve as a justification for a nascent autocrat to further undermine democratic practices and institutions.

    Take the recent demonstrations in Los Angeles protesting the Trump administration’s immigration raids conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE.

    Autocrats seek to politicize independent institutions like the armed forces. The Los Angeles protests offered the opportunity for that. Trump sent troops from the California National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles to contain the protests. That domestic deployment of the military is rare but not unheard of in U.S. history.

    And the deployment was ordered against the backdrop of the president’s partisan June 10 speech at a U.S. military base in North Carolina. The military personnel in attendance cheered and applauded many of Trump’s political statements. Both the speech and audience reactions to it appeared to violate the U.S. military norm of nonpartisanship.

    This deployment of military personnel in a U.S. city also dovetails with the expansion of executive power characteristic of autocratic leaders. It is rare that presidents call up the National Guard; the Guard is traditionally under the control of the state governor.

    Yet the White House disregarded that Los Angeles’ mayor and California’s governor both objected to the deployment.

    The state sued the Trump administration over the deployment. The initial court decision sided with California officials, declaring the federal government action “illegal.” The Trump administration has appealed.

    Autocrats seek to spread disinformation. In the case of the Los Angeles protests, the Trump administration’s narrative depicted a chaotic, gang-infested city with violence everywhere. Reports on the ground refuted those characterizations. The protests, mostly peaceful, were confined to a small part of the city, about a 10-block area.

    More generally, a strong executive leader and their supporters often want to quash dissent. In the Los Angeles example, doing that has ranged from the military deployment itself to targeting journalists covering the story to arresting and charging prominent opponents like SEIU President David Huerta or shoving and handcuffing U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, a California Democrat.

    The contrast on June 14 was striking. In Washington, D.C., Trump reviewed a parade of troops, tanks and planes, leaning into a display of American military power.

    At the same time, from rainy Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to sweltering Yuma, Arizona, millions of protesters embraced their First Amendment rights to oppose the president. It perfectly illustrated the dynamic driving deep political division today: the executive concentrating power while a sizable segment of the people resist.

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

    – ref. Millions rally against authoritarianism, while the White House portrays protests as threats – a political scientist explains – https://theconversation.com/millions-rally-against-authoritarianism-while-the-white-house-portrays-protests-as-threats-a-political-scientist-explains-258963

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    June 16, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: LEADER JEFFRIES: “WE NEED TO DEFEND OUR DEMOCRACY, UPLIFT AND CHERISH THE CONSTITUTION AND CREATE A BETTER AMERICA”

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

    This morning, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on MSNBC’s The Weekend to discuss the violent attacks against Minnesota lawmakers and the need for leaders that bring America together rather than tear us apart.  

    EUGENE DANIELS: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries joins us now. Leader Jeffries, thank you so much for coming on. The thing that I kind of can’t get around is how we unring this bell. It feels to me, and I think to a lot of Americans, that the normalization of violence in our politics, the normalization of assassination attempts in our politics, something we haven’t seen since maybe the Civil Rights Era of the 60s, when those were happening. How do we, how can we actually unring that bell realistically?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, it’s going to be imperative that everyone, across the political spectrum, demonstrate the type of leadership that actually is designed to bring people together, to lift people up and to appeal to the greater values of the American people, the things that should bind us together, patriotic Americans. We can have spirited debates, but we should never allow those spirited debates to inspire others to engage in behavior that’s unlawful. That’s going to fall on the President. It’s going to fall on the House, the Senate, governors, mayors, people all across the country because the trajectory that we are on right now, the violent culture that exists, is not sustainable.

    JONATHAN CAPEHART: And Leader Jeffries, then, is the President doing enough to lower the temperature? Are Republican leaders in the House and the Senate doing enough to lower the temperature or are they exacerbating the tensions in the country by some of the things they say and some of the things they do?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, that certainly remains to be seen in terms of how the President, how my colleagues in Congress handle this moment moving forward. This should be another wake up call amongst many that have happened over the last several years, including, of course, the violent attack on the Capitol that took place on January 6. But at this particular moment in time, the President is going to have to step forward, as is the case with any President when tragedy strikes the United States of America. Now, of course, it’s complicated at this moment by the fact that there’s an ongoing manhunt. All of us should support our law enforcement officials who are engaged in a dangerous endeavor to try to apprehend this suspect, who is clearly violent and likely very disturbed. And we’re thankful for the effort that is being done—city, state and federal officials—to try to apprehend this suspect who engaged in a political assassination of Speaker Hortman. And that’s shocking. That should shock the conscience of everyone. But we also have to come together, and we’re going to need some executive branch leadership partnering with us in the Congress and the Judiciary to keep people safe. It’s not sustainable that Members of Congress, perhaps members of the Judiciary, are being threatened and targeted simply for doing their jobs.

    ELISE JORDAN: Leader Jeffries, are you going to be pushing for any additional security for your members? One of your members, Congresswoman Morrison, was on the list as a target. What has to be done in terms of concrete steps to make sure that Members of the House and also the Senate here in Washington are safe?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Yeah, this is going to require additional resources, in all likelihood, so that Members of Congress, Democrats, Republicans, people in the House, people in the Senate, you know, have the ability to actually vigilantly and vigorously represent their constituents, articulate views that are designed to advance the best interests of their constituents and not be targeted in the process. And so I expect to have a conversation with the four corners of leadership across the Congress sooner rather than later, because we’re going to need to speak in one voice on this issue. And of course, early next week, we’ll convene directly with the Sergeant at Arms and the head of the Capitol Police Department to have a conversation with House Democrats about the steps that can be immediately taken to put people in a position where they can be safe and do their jobs actively and aggressively at the same time.

    EUGENE DANIELS: Leader Jeffries, also yesterday we saw these kind of, you know, split screen moment of what was happening in this country with people taking to the streets and protesting and these ‘No Kings’ protests just while President Trump was having his military parade here. There’s a lot of energy, right? We were seeing folks in big cities, small towns and townships. I was driving to a friend’s baby shower yesterday, and I saw one woman just standing out there with a sign by herself on her street corner. How do you, as a leader, how do Democratic leaders take what seems to be an energy that folks are feeling, both Democrats, Republicans and even some Independents, and channel that into something moving forward? What does that look like?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, yes. Well, you know, it was very inspirational to see that across 50 states, you had peaceful demonstrators coming out in community, after community, after community to make a few things clear—primarily that we need to defend our democracy, uplift and cherish the Constitution and create a better America moving forward that’s less divided and more unified. There’s this principle that is an important part of who we are as a country, that we don’t have kings, we don’t have monarchs, we don’t have dictators. We’re a democracy, and in that democracy, you have three separate and co-equal branches of government. And what we need at this moment is to make sure that the legislative branch actually functions in the way that was intended: a check and balance on an out-of-control executive branch. And the way to do that in this current moment is that we just need a handful of Republicans to actually come to the conclusion that they don’t work for Donald Trump, they don’t work for Elon Musk, they don’t work for JD Vance, they work for the American people. Just a handful—four in the House, four in the Senate to do the right thing, to push back against the reckless Republican efforts to jam this GOP Tax Scam down the throats of the American people, the largest cut to Medicaid in American history, on top of the largest cut to nutritional assistance in American history, literally ripping food out of the mouths of children, seniors and veterans. And all of it is being done to give massive tax breaks to GOP billionaire donors. That’s unacceptable. It’s an attack on the American way of life, an attack on the rule of law, an attack on democracy itself. And we need people in the Congress to step up and we need to also support the efforts of the Judiciary branch, which by and large, have been tremendous in upholding the rule of law and pushing back against this administration.

    JONATHAN CAPEHART: Leader Jeffries, as you noted a couple times in that response, you just need a handful of Republicans to step forward and do the right thing. Why won’t they step forward? Is it because they are in fear of going against this President, and what that would mean in terms of their constituents and also some of the folks who maybe might go a little too far? Or is the problem also that you actually have true believers within the Republican Party now, more true believers than the handful you need to step forward to do the right thing for the American people?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: It’s a great question, Jonathan, and I think you have 220 Republicans in the House of Representatives. The overwhelming majority of them are true believers in terms of the far-right extremism the Trump administration is trying to jam down the throats of the American people. There are a handful who are not, but we need them to show, with respect to defending our democracy and the rule of law, what I would call Liz Cheney-like courage. And when it comes to policy issues and the extreme efforts to, you know, end Medicaid as we know it, or wipe away the healthcare of tens of millions of Americans or snatch food out of the mouths of children, we need them to show John McCain-like courage when John McCain, of course, several years ago, was the decisive vote in defeating the Republican effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act. We’re going to continue to work on them every day, every week, every month until a handful of them finally decide to cross over. It’s why we’ve been having town hall meetings in our districts and in Republican districts and rallies and speeches and press conferences and hearings and being very aggressive as Democrats in trying to make sure that you have some Republicans partner with us to do the right thing on behalf of our great country.

    JONATHAN CAPEHART: And that John McCain moment was iconic as he walked to the Senate Floor and did a thumbs down on the effort to overturn the Affordable Care Act. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, thank you very much for coming to The Weekend.

    The full interview can be watched here. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 16, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Habitat loss and over-exploitation are leading to a decline in salmon populations

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Kyleisha Foote, Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland

    One-quarter of freshwater animals are now threatened with extinction, and population declines in fresh waters outpace those in marine and terrestrial systems. Reports of salmonid fish decline are stark, with many populations and species listed as threatened or endangered.

    Salmonids are a large family of ray-finned fish. In North America, it includes Pacific salmon on the west coast, Atlantic salmon on the east, and trout and char species such as brook trout and the introduced brown trout.

    Salmonid fish are extremely important. Ecologically, they provide food and nutrients for other animals and are indicators of ecosystem health. Culturally, they hold places in stories and worldviews, provide sustenance for humans and foster a deep connection to our rivers, lakes and oceans.



    Read more:
    Learning from Indigenous knowledge holders on the state and future of wild Pacific salmon

    Economically, they sustain communities around the world, as people travel to see these captivating creatures. Beyond all this, they have intrinsic value within river ecosystems.

    Although the salmonid family is undoubtedly one of the most studied groups of fish, we still don’t know much about the relative abundance of these fishes globally.

    We did a systematic review of published literature for reports of salmonid biomass (the total weight of fish in a particular area) in rivers around the world. The result was the largest dataset of salmonid biomass as we know it: more than 1,000 rivers across 27 countries, with fish sampling spanning 84 years (1937-2021).

    Habitat degradation

    This unique dataset enabled us to test several hypotheses, including temporal trends in salmonid populations. We found that average biomass declined 38 per cent from pre-1980 levels compared to post-2000 levels. Real declines are likely to be even higher, due to a publication bias towards reporting on rivers with higher biomass.

    Reasons for the decline will be unique to each population and often due to a combination of factors that include habitat loss and degradation, river regulation, over-exploitation, aquaculture and climate change.

    Freshwater ecosystems are among the most threatened and degraded environments in the world. The way we use the land surrounding waterways can have devastating impacts on aquatic life.

    Excessive nutrient loads from agriculture can lead to harmful algal blooms, which can choke waterways and lead to oxygen depletion, killing fish.

    Contaminants from pesticides, mining waste, oil and gas production, and urban areas can lead to decreased abundance and growth, declines in genetic diversity and effects on reproductive potential.

    Forest clearing destroys stream habitat by removing shade and shelter-providing plants along stream banks. Without this vegetation, excessive sediment can be washed into the stream, filling gaps between rocks and stones and further degrading important fish habitats and increasing water temperatures.

    Human activity disrupting migrations

    Many salmonid species are anadromous, meaning they migrate from freshwater to the sea and return to freshwater to complete their life cycle. Adult salmon will swim into the headwaters of streams to spawn, so access to these habitats is essential.

    Dams and other structures sever the pathway for many migratory fish and are perhaps the most significant disturbance in river ecosystems. Sixty-three per cent of large rivers (over 1,000 kilometres) are no longer connected across their whole length.

    While many salmonids may be able to scale small waterfalls, a dam or structure with smooth surfaces and no water are virtually impossible to pass. Fish passes (human-made pathways alongside barriers that fish can move through) can provide access upstream of dams. However, not all fish passes work as intended, and older dams will likely lack these facilities.

    Even if fish can migrate above a dam, the natural flow of water and movement of substrate is disrupted, causing major effects downstream. These natural regimes of water and substrate are crucial for maintaining habitat for aquatic species.

    Dam removal is becoming more common as a restoration technique, which leads to improved connectivity of sediment and fish. For example, fish numbers increased after removal of two dams on the Elwha River in Washington state, which reconnected 60 kilometres of previously inaccessible salmonid habitat.

    Climate change

    A warming climate, with more frequent droughts and flood events, is predicted to have negative impacts on salmon growth and survival, leading to deteriorating habitats and a reduction in abundance.

    Warming waters may cause shifts in salmonid abundance and distribution, with some species unable to adapt or move in time. Warming can also lead to increased stress and mortality for these cold-water fishes, reductions in body size and spawning success.

    Unfortunately, it was not possible to include temperature in our global dataset, as it is not systematically reported in studies.

    A salmon run on the Humber River in October 2023.
    (Shutterstock)

    Biomass not evenly distributed

    In our study, we found that salmonid biomass is not evenly distributed. Most streams have a relatively low biomass (average of 5.2 g/m2). However, a few outstanding streams exhibit much higher biomass than average (over 36.5 g/m2).

    It remains difficult to determine which variables contribute the most to this high productivity. High biomass may be related to local factors (temperature, flow, rock sizes in the river, presence of wood), which are not represented in our global dataset.

    Investigating what makes these streams so productive is a key question for scientists. Our dataset can help fuel researchers curiosity and promote habitat restoration and enhancement for all freshwater life.

    The dataset, which currently includes biomass data for 11 salmonid species and contains multiple variables that could affect biomass (stream width, season, sampling methods, area sampled and elevation), is publicly available. Scientists around the world can update the dataset in the coming years with additional data, such as temperature, which will help us understand the impact of climate change.

    Restoring habitats

    A lot of effort has gone into restoring and enhancing the habitats of salmonid species.

    While we are seeing local improvements in some populations — for example after habitat restoration with large wood or boulders — restoration efforts are often short-lived and target very small areas. These efforts should encompass whole watersheds to be most effective.

    Rivers are naturally dynamic, shifting their course as they move across floodplains. Improving river mobility, by allowing a river to restore itself and providing it space to move, will lead to more long-term sustainable restoration. This will be beneficial for not only salmonids but other aquatic animals.

    Kyleisha Foote received funding from Fonds de recherche du Québec Nature et technologies (FRQNT) – Bourses de doctorat en recherche (https://doi.org/10.69777/) and Groupe de Recherche Interuniversitaire en Limnologie (GRIL).

    James W.A. Grant receives funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

    Pascale Biron receives funding from the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council and Natural Resources Canada.

    – ref. Habitat loss and over-exploitation are leading to a decline in salmon populations – https://theconversation.com/habitat-loss-and-over-exploitation-are-leading-to-a-decline-in-salmon-populations-257782

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    June 16, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why we still need a women’s prize for fiction

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Binhammer, Katherine, Professor of Literary History, University of Alberta

    As we make summer reading lists, some of us will turn to lists of prize winners for recommendations.

    One influential prize, the Women’s Prize for Fiction, recently celebrated its 30th award winner, The Safekeep by Dutch writer Yael van der Wouden.

    The international prize honours the best novel by a woman written in English and published in the United Kingdom. The prize, first awarded in 1996, was founded after no women writers made the 1991 Booker Prize shortlist.

    Considering that fiction by women now regularly makes the shortlists of major prizes, it seems timely to ask: do we still need a prize dedicated to women?

    We explored this question by creating a new dataset containing information on 15 British literary prizes, with demographic information for 682 shortlisted and winning authors. Our analysis of the dataset shows how there is still a ways to go before women’s writing is valued — awarded, remunerated and read — equally to men’s.

    Who wins what prizes?

    We are four research collaborators affiliated with the University of Alberta’s Orlando Project, a project that harnesses the power of digital tools and methods to provide new knowledge about feminist literary scholarship. The Orlando Project has published a searchable digital archive with original coding that focuses of women’s relationship to literary production.

    We compiled a new dataset to explore how gender, ethnicity and educational achievement impacts who wins what prizes.

    When the Women’s Prize first came on the scene in 1996, the average percentage of women winning other U.K. literary prizes actually dropped. The average only began to rise around 2003 when it steadily increased until 2012.

    Women won just eight per cent of the prizes in our dataset in 2003, whereas they won 53 per cent in 2012. But that increase plateaued in 2012, and for the next decade it held steady at a running average of 45 per cent. As well, we note no steady linear progression upwards or downwards on average, but there were highs and lows (21 per cent in 2016 followed by 64 per cent in 2017).

    Booker winners

    Some fluctuation in the winners’ genders is, of course, to be expected. But as is apparent by looking at the percentage of women winners year to year, we should not assume things will always get better.

    Other insights from our dataset suggest caution is required in assuming women’s fiction is now equally valued by the literary establishment.

    Thirty-nine per cent of Booker shortlisted writers were women, but women have only won 32 per cent of the time. The claim that we don’t need a prize for women since many recent shortlists have been dominated by women needs to be tempered with the fact that while women have made up 57 per cent of the Booker’s shortlist since 2016, only 33 per cent of winners have been women.

    Gender and genre

    While we expected some differences between genres, we were surprised by just how gendered certain genres are. Seventy-one per cent of the winners of the (now defunct) Costa Children’s Book Award were women, whereas women only constituted 21 per cent for the British Science Fiction Award and 31 per cent for the Crime Writers Association Gold Dagger Award.

    Non-fiction writing — which includes history, political science, sport and current affairs — remains male-dominated: the Baillie Gifford award, which bills itself as “U.K.’s premier annual prize for non-fiction books,” has one of the higher percentages of winners who are men, at 67 per cent.

    Race and ethnicity

    Our dataset includes demographic information on race and ethnicity. It shows that amplifying women’s voices is not simultaneously connected with amplifying all women’s voices.

    The Women’s Prize may have succeeded in pushing the Booker to include more women’s fiction (from zero shortlisted when the Women’s Prize was announced in 1990, to 26 per cent when it made its first award in 1996, to 58 per cent in 2022). But the Booker marginally out-performed the Women’s Prize in relation to racialized writers over the period of our dataset (26 per cent for the former, 22 per cent for the latter).

    A recent book on white literary taste concentrates on the Women’s Prize to show how prizes in general are part of a literary eco-system that is racially biased.

    Fiction reading not as valued as used to be

    We also question what it means that women’s fiction has greater visibility at the same time when fewer and fewer people, and especially men, read fiction.

    Using Nielsen BookScan data, the Women’s Prize 2024 Impact Report points to statistics on fiction authorship and gendered readership: women published 57 per cent of the top 500 bestselling novels in 2023, but while women constitute 44 per cent of readers of the top men’s fiction, men only account for 19 per cent of readers of fiction by women.

    The fact that fewer people are reading fiction at the same time that women are winning more awards, could suggest we are witnessing a repeat of the familiar pattern in women’s history where, at the same historical moment when women achieve dominance, or increase, in a field, and it becomes “feminized,” the field as a whole loses its value or prestige. Examples are family medicine or humanities professors.

    Pattern around gender and genre

    The Orlando Project’s research on 800 years of women’s writing in Britain reveals a pattern around gender and genre when in comes to remuneration and literary prestige. Genres where women writers dominate, like children’s literature and romance, tend to be the least lucrative.

    Novels in the time of Jane Austen illustrate the point. Before Walter Scott and other male writers developed a highbrow “serious” Victorian novel over what they saw as trashy romances, women writers temporarily dominated fiction like they do today. As one of us has argued, when women writers published more novels than men did in the 1790s, novels were the literary genre that paid the least.

    There remains a gender pay equity gap in writing: British women earned 58.6 per cent of what men did in 2022, mostly because the genres they chose to write in do not garner the highest earnings.

    Rewarding women authors

    One way to answer our question of whether we still need a Women’s Prize is this: we will no longer need it when women begin to dominate prizes for prestige genres such as non-fiction; when men read as much writing by women as that by men; and when we pay authors as much as football players.

    So far, we’re not there. We therefore celebrate that in 2023, the Women’s Prize added a new award in non-fiction to address that genre’s gender disparity. The Story of a Heart by practising palliative care doctor Rachel Clarke won this year.

    We encourage readers to take all the Women’s Prize-winning and nominated books to the beach this summer.

    Binhammer, Katherine receives funding from the Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    Kanika Batra receives funding from Fulbright Canada.

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

    – ref. Why we still need a women’s prize for fiction – https://theconversation.com/why-we-still-need-a-womens-prize-for-fiction-257494

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    June 16, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Canada’s ‘jail not bail’ trend: 4 ways to support victims

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Carolyn Yule, Associate Professor of Sociology, University of Guelph

    Tough-on-crime rhetoric is reshaping bail laws to correct a perceived imbalance that “tips the scales in favour of the criminals against the victims.”

    But do these changes reflect what victims actually want and need?

    We argue that victims are positioned as both “sword and shield” in bail reform debates — as a sword, to advocate for more restrictive laws, and as a shield, to defend those laws from criticism.

    The appeal of ‘jail not bail’

    Victims have been a central focus of those arguing in favour of changes to the bail system as they suggest a need to “crack down with tougher rules” to “protect victims” and to stop turning “loose the most violent, rampant criminals into our communities to destroy our families.”

    These concerns culminated in the passage of the federal government’s Bill C-48, which introduced additional reverse-onus provisions — shifting the burden onto the accused to demonstrate why they should be released as opposed to the Crown — in cases involving weapons and repeat intimate partner violence.

    Largely absent from these discussions is the possibility that more restrictive measures may actually have negative consequences for victims.

    In cases of intimate partner violence, for instance, dual charging policies — when both parties involved in a domestic incident are charged with an offence, even when one person may be primarily the victim and the other primarily the aggressor — risks criminalizing and incarcerating women pre-trial. These victims are also disproportionately Indigenous, Black and racialized. This risks deepening systemic inequalities rather than providing meaningful protection for survivors.

    Furthermore, victims may hesitate to call the police, knowing that doing so may result in indeterminate detention before trial. Expanding reverse-onus provisions could also lead to false guilty pleas to avoid pre-trial detention.

    Politicizing crime victims

    While media coverage on victims’ experiences at bail hearings is emotionally compelling and expedient, it does not necessarily reflect what victims want with any accuracy.

    Certainly, some victims view the bail system as a slap in the face. Others call for a stronger social safety net to address the root causes of crime.



    Read more:
    The grieving mother of a murdered teen pleads for a stronger social safety net

    Our preliminary research exploring how victims are presented in news media amid bail proceedings supports other evidence that victims’ voices are often used strategically by politicians and lobbyists to amplify concerns about public safety.

    News media can be an effective tool to provide education about the causes and consequences of victimization. When it comes to bail, however, victims are often characterized as “ideal types” — people who were subjected to severe violence at the hands of a stranger while engaging in “respectable” activities at the time of the offence.

    In reality, victims represent a diverse group, with a wide range of needs, identities and experiences that are not always captured in media coverage or political debates.

    What do victims really need at bail hearings?

    Prior research focuses on the rights of the accused concerning bail reform, yet pre-trial decisions are a pivotal moment for crime victims. They can determine whether those accused of crimes are detained or released with conditions.

    The Canadian Victims Bill of Rights stipulates victims have the right to be informed of case matters, to express their views and to have their perspectives considered at all stages of the legal process, including at bail. During bail proceedings, justices must record that they have considered victim safety and security when imposing conditions, and victims may receive a copy of a bail order upon request.

    In practice, however, victims are rarely consulted on how the release of an accused may affect their safety, and are often left unaware of bail outcomes. That’s because there’s no legal requirement for police or Crown attorneys to inform them.

    While programs are available to support victims during the pre-trial phase — such as those offered by Victims Services and Victim/Witness Assistance — access can vary widely across jurisdictions.

    4 ways to support victims’ needs at bail

    We offer four strategies to create more responsive and equitable bail processes to better support victims:

    1. Better understand victims’ needs: Victims have diverse perspectives and differing priorities regarding how to protect their safety, and their voices deserve to be meaningfully included in decision-making processes.
    2. Uphold victims’ rights: Protecting the rights of the accused at bail is not incompatible with upholding victims’ rights. Access to information and communication concerning bail decisions should be better prioritized to position victims to undertake informed safety planning.
    3. Invest in victim resources: Dedicated and sustained funding for community-based supports will directly enhance the safety and well-being of victims, including access to social services, advocacy and legal resources, as well as counselling.
    4. Address the causes of crime: Long-term victim and community safety depends on addressing underlying causes of crime like poverty, mental health, addiction, trauma and systemic discrimination.

    Systemic reform needed

    Throughout the criminal legal system, victims’ voices are frequently ignored, disbelieved or dismissed. Too often, victims are excluded from the very policy decisions made in their name.

    While high-profile bail cases tend to dominate media coverage, policy on criminal and legal matters must be guided by evidence, not headlines.

    Without broader systemic reform, legislation will remain an important but insufficient tool for upholding victims’ rights and community safety.

    Carolyn Yule receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).

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

    – ref. Canada’s ‘jail not bail’ trend: 4 ways to support victims – https://theconversation.com/canadas-jail-not-bail-trend-4-ways-to-support-victims-258365

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    June 16, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Canadian international relations experts share their views on global politics and Canada’s role

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Anessa L. Kimball, Professor of Political Science; Director, Centre for International Security, ESEI, Université Laval

    A survey of Canadian international relations professors has found they disagree on how to respond to potential Chinese aggression against Taiwan and which global regions will matter most to Canada in the future.

    For the past 20 years, the Teaching, Research and International Policy (TRIP) survey has asked university professors about how they teach international relations and what they think about global affairs. Originally based in the United States, the survey expanded to Canada in 2006 and is now conducted regularly in many countries.

    The Canadian faculty survey was conducted from March 5 to July 12, 2024. Of the 109 who participated, most held permanent academic positions, including 22 full professors, 31 associate professors and six emeritus professors.

    Participants were asked to agree or disagree with statements about global politics. Seventy-five experts agreed that states are the main players in global politics, but there was less agreement on the importance of domestic politics.

    Most felt that international institutions help bring order to the chaotic global system. However, whether globalization has made people better off — even if there are some losers — divided experts, with 21 believing no one is better off due to globalization while two-thirds believed the opposite.

    Major themes

    When it came to more critical or less mainstream ideas — such as whether major international relations theories are rooted in racist assumptions — opinions were split.

    More than 50 agreed, but more than a third disagreed, and many gave neutral responses. Disagreement over the role of racism in shaping world politics highlights the difficulty of decolonizing international relations and incorporating post-colonial perspectives — particularly when trying to understand complex “failed cases” like United Nations peacekeeping efforts in Haiti.



    Read more:
    For Haitian migrants in the Dominican Republic, ‘reproduction is like a death sentence’

    Professors were also asked where they get their international news. Most rely on major newspapers, international media and internet sources.

    When asked which world region is strategically most important for Canada today, nearly half — or 43 of 97 experts opting to respond to the question — chose North America (excluding Mexico); in other words, the United States. Sixteen selected the Arctic and another 16 chose East Asia.

    Very few picked regions like the Middle East, Europe or Russia. Looking ahead 20 years, 10 experts shifted their answer from North America to the Arctic.

    Views on China and Taiwan, and Justin Trudeau

    Experts were asked what Canada should do if China attacks Taiwan. Most supported non-military responses: 72 supported sanctions and 69 supported taking in refugees.

    About half supported sending weapons or banning Chinese goods. Fewer supported cyberattacks (18), sending troops (15) or a no-fly zone (14).

    Surprisingly, six said Canada should launch military action against China.

    Justin Trudeau was prime minister when the survey was conducted. When asked about his performance, 50 per cent rated him poorly or very poorly, 30 per cent were neutral and only a small minority rated him positively.

    Key takeaways

    Canadian international relations professors don’t always agree, but a few trends stand out.

    Despite recent government focus on the Arctic in terms of its Our North, Strong and Free policy, many professors still view the U.S. as Canada’s most important strategic region. East Asia drew some attention, but few see it growing in importance.

    With a new government under Prime Minister Mark Carney, there may be opportunities to improve on areas where Trudeau was seen as weak by respondents to the survey.

    For example, despite having developed a strategy for the Indo-Pacific region, vital Canadian trade and maritime security interests were minimized by the previous Liberal government. Carney could therefore contemplate expanding Canada’s maritime assets, improving its artificial intelligence and cybersecurity capacity and investing in digital infrastructure and quantum computing.



    Read more:
    Defence policy update focuses on quantum technology’s role in making Canada safe

    Carney had pledged to fulfil Canada’s commitment to NATO’s target of two per cent of GDP spent on defence, saying Canada will meet the threshold by the end of 2025.

    However, Canada will still lag behind. NATO is calling on allies to invest five per cent of GDP in defence, comprising 3.5 per cent on core defence spending as well as 1.5 per cent of GDP per year on defence and security-related investment, including in infrastructure and resilience.

    Canada’s 2024 GDP was $2.515 trillion, which means a five per cent defence investment of nearly $125 billion annually would have accounted for more than a quarter of a federal budget (which was under $450 billion in 2024-2025).

    Canada, a founding NATO member, leads a multinational brigade in Latvia and supports Ukraine in other ways.

    Ukraine seems on an irreversible path towards NATO membership. Though 69 per cent of respondents supported NATO membership for Ukraine, only 44 per cent felt it was likely. Though the U.S. tariff crisis attracts attention, some experts are increasingly looking to the Arctic to understand Canada’s strategic interests — a trend sure to be reflected in future surveys of Canadian international relations experts.

    Anessa L. Kimball 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. Canadian international relations experts share their views on global politics and Canada’s role – https://theconversation.com/canadian-international-relations-experts-share-their-views-on-global-politics-and-canadas-role-257949

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    June 16, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: The politics of blame: Accusing immigrants won’t solve Germany’s antisemitism problem

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Oliver Schmidtke, Professor, Director of the Centre for Global Studies, University of Victoria

    In response to a report on the virulence of antisemitism in Germany, Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently cast the blame on attitudes held by immigrants.

    Merz stated in a Fox News interview that Germany has “imported antisemitism with the big numbers of migrants we have within the last 10 years.”

    Merz is pointing to a real and pressing issue. Yet his emphasis on so-called “imported antisemitism” serves as a convenient diversion from Germany’s persistent failure to confront home-grown antisemitism.

    His remarks also risk emboldening those who weaponize antisemitism as a rhetorical tool to fuel anti-immigrant sentiments.

    Antisemitism in Germany

    Antisemitic incidents in Germany have been on the rise since the Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas and the subsequent war in Gaza.

    According to a survey by the Research and Information Centre on Antisemitism (RIAS), antisemitic occurrences rose by more than 80 per cent in 2023. That year, 4,782 occurrences were documented, the highest number since the organization began tracking such cases in 2017.

    However, RIAS’s most recent report found that the primary motive behind antisemitic crimes remained right-wing extremist ideology (48 per cent). It also noted that, since 2023, there has been a marked increase in incidents attributed to “foreign ideology.” These are understood as originating outside Germany and often linked to Islamist or anti-Israel sentiments, which accounted for 31 per cent of cases in 2024.

    It should be noted that RIAS’s approach to classifying antisemitism has been subject to controversy, especially with regard to its treatment of criticism of or protest against the Israeli government’s actions.

    The ‘imported antisemitism’ narrative

    A recent survey of antisemitic attitudes among immigrants in Germany found that such attitudes are more prevalent among Muslim respondents compared to their Christian or religiously unaffiliated counterparts. The study revealed particularly high levels of antisemitism among individuals from the Middle East and North Africa.

    Approximately 35 per cent of Muslim respondents — especially those with strong religious convictions and lower levels of formal education — “strongly agreed with classical antisemitic statements.” These statements reflect classical antisemitic tropes, such as attributing too much influence over politics or finance to Jews, accusing Jews of driving the world into disaster or relativizing the Holocaust.

    At the same time, there is evidence that immigrants successfully integrating into German society is associated with lower levels of antisemitism.

    Yet blaming a rise in antisemitism on “imported” attitudes or “foreign ideologies” signals a crude simplification. Antisemitism has remained prevalent in German society even after the Second World War, and political movements or leaders can easily mobilize it.

    Although Holocaust education is mandatory in German schools, knowledge about the Shoah and the legacy of antisemitism remains limited among younger generations. A recent study by the Jewish Claims Conference found that among Germans aged 18 to 29, around 40 per cent were not aware that approximately six million Jews were killed by the Nazis and their collaborators.

    According to a 2023 MEMO survey, more than 50 per cent of 14- to 16-year-old students in Germany did not know what Auschwitz was.

    Blaming immigrants for challenges in Germany’s memory culture oversimplifies a deeper issue: the growing difficulty of making the country’s dominant remembrance — centred on the horrors of the Nazi dictatorship and the Holocaust — politically meaningful and emotionally resonant for younger generations.

    For many young Germans, the memory of the Holocaust feels increasingly remote, lacking the emotional immediacy that vanishing eyewitnesses once provided.

    This problem is further exacerbated by the absence of innovative, impactful teaching capable of conveying the continued relevance of Holocaust memory and its political message.

    In a 2023 article, American journalist Masha Gessen highlighted how Holocaust remembrance in Germany was becoming an elite-driven ritual, one that risks preventing a meaningful connection between its moral imperatives and today’s political realities.

    The threat from Alternative for Germany

    At the same time, the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party poses a direct threat to Germany’s culture of remembrance.

    The AfD has made it a central objective to challenge the primacy of Holocaust memory, calling for a U-turn in Germany’s remembrance culture.

    Leading party members have labelled Holocaust memorials “monuments of shame,” reflecting the party’s broader effort to promote nationalist reinterpretations of history.

    Furthermore, the AfD’s staunchly anti-immigrant stance exposes a fundamental flaw in the imported antisemitism narrative. Across Europe, populist right-wing movements have increasingly mobilized anti-Muslim rhetoric under the banner of defending so-called “Judeo-Christian values,” even as they simultaneously draw on classic antisemitic tropes targeting “globalist elites” and conspiratorial power structures.

    This use of Jewish identity as a rhetorical weapon against Islam, while perpetuating antisemitism in other forms, reveals the deep contradictions and opportunism underlying imported antisemitism claims.

    Blaming Muslim immigrants for the rise of antisemitism offers German political leaders a convenient excuse for their own failure to confront entrenched antisemitic beliefs within German society.

    In addition, Holocaust remembrance can sometimes exclude immigrants. For example, Germany recently added questions about the Holocaust and Nazi crimes to its citizenship test, committing newcomers to its memory culture.

    Research shows this kind of policy can have unintended effects. It can make immigrants feel excluded if they are seen as not fully sharing in “our” nation and “our” history. Given the universalist values it is meant to embody, the commemoration of the Holocaust can also serve to alienate immigrants from full cultural citizenship.

    Framing antisemitism primarily as an imported problem risks strengthening those forces that actively seek to undermine and ignore Germany’s confrontation with its Nazi past.

    Instead, what is needed is a more nuanced approach, one that bridges the divide between antiracist and anti-antisemitism efforts, and aligns more faithfully with the moral and political commitments that this collective memory is meant to uphold.

    Oliver Schmidtke receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    – ref. The politics of blame: Accusing immigrants won’t solve Germany’s antisemitism problem – https://theconversation.com/the-politics-of-blame-accusing-immigrants-wont-solve-germanys-antisemitism-problem-258705

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    June 16, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 6 killed, at least 140 injured in Iranian missile strikes in central Israel – authorities

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    JERUSALEM, June 15 (Xinhua) — At least six people were killed and 140 others were wounded in Iranian airstrikes on Israel early Sunday, Israeli authorities said.

    Air raid sirens and explosions sent millions of people fleeing for shelters in dozens of cities across Israel, the military said in a statement.

    A rocket hit a residential building in Bat Yam, south of Tel Aviv, causing it to collapse. Another rocket hit a residential area in Rehovot, a city in central Israel, injuring dozens of people.

    A police statement said at least two of the dead were children, adding that at least seven people were still missing.

    Several buildings on the Weizmann Institute of Science campus in Rehovot were damaged by Iranian rocket fire, but there were no reports of casualties, the institute said in a statement.

    At least 140 people were wounded in the two attacks, Israel’s Magen David Adom rescue service said, adding that the vast majority were lightly injured.

    Also overnight, the death toll from a rocket attack on Tamra, an Arab town in Israel’s Northern District, on Saturday night rose to four, Magen David Adom reported. Among the dead were a mother, her two daughters and another relative. Dozens were injured.

    On Sunday morning, the Israeli Air Force said it had intercepted seven drones launched toward northern and southern Israel in about an hour.

    Israeli warplanes continued to strike targets in Iran overnight, including the capital Tehran, fuel tankers and suspected nuclear sites, the Israeli military said in a statement. A second wave of airstrikes targeted missile launchers and storage facilities in western Iran. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    June 16, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Eritrea: World Blood Donor Day Observed at National Level


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    World Blood Donor Day, 14 June, was observed at the national level in Asmara under the theme “Give Blood, Give Hope – Together We Save Lives.”

    Ms. Alem Berhe, Chairperson of the National Voluntary Blood Donors, stated that the day is a time to honor voluntary blood donors and health professionals who take pride in saving lives and preventing suffering caused by blood shortages. She also noted that voluntary blood donation continues to grow due to increased public awareness.

    Dr. Yohannes Tekeste, Medical Director of the National Blood Transfusion Service, noted that the Government of Eritrea is working diligently to ensure a safe and adequate blood supply. He reported that the number of blood units donated has increased from over 10,000 in 2020 to more than 16,000, marking a 62% rise.

    Dr. Nonso Ejiofor, WHO Representative in Eritrea, delivered a message emphasizing the significance of blood donation and its moral and health benefits.

    Certificates of recognition were awarded to exemplary blood donors during the event.

    In related news, World Blood Donor Day Week was marked at the Mai-Nefhi College of Science and the College of Engineering and Technology from 5 to 13 June.

    Nurse Mehari Abraham, head of the Blood Donation Service at the National Blood Transfusion Service, reported that 485 units of blood were donated during the week and expressed appreciation to all who participated in the voluntary donation drive.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Scottish Technology Council

    Source: Scottish Government

    Expert advisers to help drive economic growth.

    An expert group will assist Ministers on how to maximise the economic benefits of Scotland’s multi-billion technology sector.

    A new Scottish Technology Council will help shape policy, provide a link between businesses and the Scottish Government and promote Scottish tech companies on the international stage.

    The tech sector is already a significant economic asset and employer. Latest figures show Scotland’s 6,800 information and communication technologies enterprises alone employed 67,800 staff in 2022 while the wider life sciences cluster supported 46,900 jobs in the same year.

    Council membership includes industry leaders and academics with a range of experience in international markets, including health and life sciences, financial services, data and AI, advanced manufacturing and space.

    Ahead of the council’s first meeting on Tuesday, Minister for Business and Employment Richard Lochhead said:

    “Innovation is part of Scotland’s DNA. It is embedded in our culture and our society – and it has the potential to turbocharge our economy. From leading the industrial revolution to television, ultrasound and pioneering renewable technology, Scotland’s inventions have helped shape the world around us and transformed industries and lives.

    “Our goal is to help Scotland become a leading tech nation. To ensure the world recognises our pioneering spirit as not just a thing of the past, but as a vital part of our future and to create an environment where businesses and entrepreneurs can flourish, develop new technologies and drive meaningful change.

    “Our world is increasingly fast-paced and the council will provide valuable insight from vastly experienced leaders in their fields, who have built their careers at the cutting edge, as we strive to support the sector to deliver high value jobs for generations of Scots, boost international trade and increase our tax revenue to deliver vital public services.”

    Background

    The initiative fulfils a Programme for Government commitment to establish a council of global business and academic experts to advise government on applying and benefiting from emerging technological trends.

    The council will be chaired by the Minister for Business and Employment. Membership comprises:

    • Prof. Qammer Abbasi, CEng, SMIEEE, FRSA, FEAI, FIET, FRSE, Professor of Applied Electromagnetics & Sensing with the James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow.
    • Dr. Caroline Barelle MBA, CEO, Elasmogan which specialises in Biotechnology, Life Sciences, Medical technology, Regenerative medicine
    • Michael Boniface, CEO, Kythera AI.
    • Catriona Campbell MBE, AI Partner at Ernest Young and Chair of the Scottish AI Alliance.
    • Sherry Coutu CBE, Senior Independent Non-Executive Director, Raspberry Pi Trading
    • Gerard Cunningham, Board Member, Stem, Inc.  30 years’ experience in Silicon Valley.
    • Sheila Flavell CBE, President TechUK.  32 years operating within the international IT space.  
    • Sheryl Newman, Founder and CEO, Appetite for Business – Board Member, ScotlandIS.  
    • Prof. Peter Proud, CEO and Founder, Forrit.
    • Prof. Michael Rovatsos, Professor of Artificial Intelligence, University of Edinburgh
    • Jim Rowan, Former CEO of Volvo, Former CEO of the Dyson Group and Former COO of Blackberry.
    • Prof. Ifor Samuel, Professor of Physics, University of St Andrews.
    • Dr Graham Spittle CBE FBCS FRSA   Dean of Innovation, University of Edinburgh.
    • Prof. Melissa Terras (MBE FREng), Professor of Digital Cultural Heritage, University of Edinburgh
    • Elizabeth Vega OBE, CEO, Informed Solutions.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    June 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese and Russian experts discuss cooperation on developing specific crops in cold regions

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, June 15 (Xinhua) — The Chinese city of Baicheng, northeast China’s Jilin Province, recently hosted a China-Russia symposium on technological innovation in specific agriculture and development of winter rye agro-industrial complex.

    The event promoted contacts between Chinese and Russian agronomists in jointly opening up new horizons for agricultural development in cold regions, and deepened cooperation between Jilin Province and Russia and Kazakhstan in the field of special crops, China Daily reported.

    Following the symposium, the Academy of Agricultural Sciences (AAS) of Baicheng City and the Federal Agricultural Research Center of the North-East named after N.V. Rudnitsky signed a Chinese-Russian framework agreement on cooperation in the development of winter rye.

    As Ren Changzhong, a leading Chinese agronomist, reported at the symposium, the staff of the Baicheng City ASN and their Russian colleagues jointly bred a new frost-resistant winter rye variety BK01, which has already moved from laboratory cultivation to mass distribution for field cultivation in the provinces of Jilin, Liaoning and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The variety has excellent prospects in the field of agro-industrial development both for obtaining raw materials for the production of environmentally friendly food products and for the production of livestock feed.

    According to Ren Changzhong, who is also the director of the China-Russia Joint International Laboratory of Specialized Agriculture, both the international scientific and technological cooperation base established by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China and the aforementioned laboratory established by the Science and Technology Administration of Jilin Province operate under the ASN of Baicheng City. With the help of these two institutions, the ASN has been constantly strengthening scientific and technological cooperation with the Russian side in recent years, carrying out mutual support in scientific research and sharing useful resources with it, so as to jointly promote the technological modernization of the agro-industrial complexes of the two countries.

    “We hope to deepen exchanges and cooperation with our Russian colleagues in the field of selection, cultivation and deep processing of such specific agricultural crops as oats, winter rye, buckwheat and pasture grasses in order to achieve new technological breakthroughs and promote the entry of specific agricultural products into an even wider market,” said Guo Laichun, director of the Baicheng City ASN. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    June 15, 2025

  • Iranian Missile Strikes Kill 10 in Israel as Israeli Warplanes Hit Tehran Oil Depot

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Iran and Israel have entered their deadliest phase of direct conflict yet, with at least 10 people killed in Israeli cities and massive fires reported at an oil depot in Tehran following reciprocal strikes on June 15. This marks the third consecutive day of military exchanges, as both governments vow further action amid a rising humanitarian toll and growing regional instability.

    Devastation in Israeli Cities

    Emergency services in Israel are racing against time to locate seven individuals still trapped beneath rubble. Ongoing rocket fire has hampered rescue operations, even as more than 300 Israelis have been injured since Iran launched its missile barrage on Friday. Hospitals in central and northern Israel are operating at full capacity.

    Air raid sirens wailed throughout the day across Israeli cities as residential areas suffered direct hits. In Bat Yam, six people were killed after an Iranian missile struck an apartment building. Rescue workers sifted through collapsed concrete and twisted metal to reach survivors. In Tamra, near Haifa, four individuals were confirmed dead after a two-story home was destroyed in the attacks.

    The Weizmann Institute of Science, a leading research university located in Rehovot, also sustained damage during the missile onslaught, with several of its facilities reportedly hit.

    Israeli Strikes on Tehran

    In retaliation, Israeli warplanes launched a barrage of airstrikes on key infrastructure in Iran, including a major oil facility in Tehran. The attack sparked massive fires that sent thick plumes of black smoke over the city. The Israeli military dubbed the retaliatory operation “Operation Rising Lion,” targeting Iran’s Defense Ministry headquarters and other nuclear-linked sites.

    Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made his first public appearance since the strikes began, stating, “If Israeli attacks cease, our responses will also stop.”

    Regional Fallout

    Iranian-backed Houthi forces in Yemen claimed responsibility for coordinating their own strikes on Israeli targets, signaling the potential expansion of the conflict into a broader regional confrontation.

    The violence has already disrupted diplomatic processes. Oman confirmed the cancellation of the sixth round of U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations scheduled in Muscat today, citing the “ongoing hostilities” as the reason.

    The Israeli intelligence operation that preceded Iran’s retaliation reportedly led to the deaths of three senior Iranian military commanders and two nuclear scientists—described by analysts as one of the most significant Israeli blows to Iran in years.

    Although no nuclear accidents have been confirmed, international observers have voiced concern over potential radiation and chemical exposure due to strikes on sensitive Iranian sites.

    Escalating Rhetoric and Military Posture

    Both countries have enacted military censorship and closed parts of their respective airspaces. In a stark warning, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that “Iran has seen only a fraction of what Israel is capable of.” Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have promised a “far more forceful” response should Israeli attacks continue.

    June 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SITI attends Viva Technology 2025 in Paris, France (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, attended Viva Technology 2025 (VivaTech) in Paris, France, yesterday (June 13, Paris time). In his keynote speech at a seminar and networking reception themed “From Hong Kong to the World: Embarking on the New Journey of Innovation” organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Professor Sun said Hong Kong is forging ahead with a clear vision to develop as an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre, and is committed to pushing boundaries, embracing change, and seizing global opportunities.

    Professor Sun said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been introducing agile policies, building world-class infrastructure and facilitating global I&T collaboration. He noted the flagship research and development (R&D) initiative, InnoHK, fosters global R&D collaboration. Hong Kong is also carrying out meticulous planning for building artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem, including AI Supercomputing Centre opened last year and the Hong Kong AI Research and Development Institute to be established, together with $10 billion dollars-worth Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund channeling more market capital to turbocharge strategic industries, with AI at the core.

    Highlighting that Hong Kong being an ideal gateway for global enterprises to enter the Mainland market, Professor Sun said the HKSAR Government has been actively attracting overseas and the Mainland I&T enterprises to set up or expand their businesses in Hong Kong. Companies choosing HK for the international headquarters exemplify Hong Kong’s important role as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder” between Mainland China and the rest of the world, serving as a two-way springboard for attracting overseas enterprises and helping Mainland enterprises to “go global”.

    During the seminar and networking reception, Professor Sun also exchanged views with members of the local I&T sector, investors and start-ups’ founders on I&T development and collaboration.

    Professor Sun also visited the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion. Twenty start-ups from the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and Cyberport participated this year, showcasing cutting-edge solutions and innovations in areas of AI, robotics, HealthTech, sustainable and ClimateTech, and Fintech. At the same time, Professor Sun toured the Canada Pavilion set up by Canada which was selected as country of the year for VivaTech 2025, the China Pavilion and pavilions set up by other leading enterprises and start-ups where he had a brief exchange with representatives of the participating organisations to learn more on their innovative solutions.

    In the evening, Professor Sun met with Mr Emmanuel Carcassonne, the Chairman of La French Tech Hong Kong-Shenzhen, a community dedicated to supporting the development of the French startup ecosystem both in France and internationally. Professor Sun said that Hong Kong is a reliable partner for French startups to settle and expand businesses in Hong Kong.

    In the afternoon, Professor Sun paid a courtesy call on Minister Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in France Mr Chen Li, to brief him on the work of developing Hong Kong into an international I&T centre, enhancing the I&T ecosystem, fostering co-ordinated development among upstream, midstream and downstream, as well as the city’s continuous efforts in integrating into national I&T development.

    Professor Sun will continue his visit to Paris today (June 14, Paris time) and depart for the Netherlands on June 15 (Amsterdam time).

                              

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    June 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Signs Special Session Legislation into Law

    Source: US State of Missouri

    JUNE 14, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed Senate Bills (SB) 1, 3, and 4 into law following the special session he convened for disaster relief, property tax relief, economic development and business retention, and budget initiatives.

    “We are proud of how the General Assembly came together during this special session to deliver real results for Missourians,” said Governor Kehoe. “We called legislators back to Jefferson City because the stakes were too high to wait—families and communities needed disaster relief, taxpayers deserved certainty, and critical job-saving investments were on the line. Without action, thousands of Missourians would have been left without much-needed support, and the state would risk losing jobs and economic development opportunities that are key drivers for growth—not just for Kansas City, but for our entire state. These investments demonstrate that Missouri is committed to taking care of our own, staying competitive, and backing initiatives that secure long-term economic stability for our communities.”

    SB 1 appropriates $25 million in extraordinary support to the Missouri Housing Development Commission to provide additional emergency aid to low-income households impacted by severe weather. It also allocates $100 million to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) for disaster relief and $50 million to the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (DHEWD) for the University of Missouri for the planning, design, and construction of the Radioisotope Science Center at the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR). This legislation also provides non-General Revenue funding for a number of critical projects across the state, including:

    • $55 million to the Department of Agriculture (MDA) for new stalling barns at the Missouri State Fair
    • $13.25 million to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for State Parks capital improvements
    • $20.6 million to the Department of Conservation (MDC) for conservation projects across the state
    • $800,000 to DPS for Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) Troop A headquarters improvements
    • $12.7 million to the Office of Administration (OA) for a new Troop E crime lab
    • $35 million to OA for national guard facilities
    • $48.1 million to the Department of Mental Health (DMH) for the new Kansas City region 200-bed mental health hospital
    • $2.1 million to OA for Supreme Court building improvements

    SB 3 ensures Missouri remains competitive in retaining major sports teams, while also delivering targeted tax relief for storm-impacted Missourians and supporting long-term economic growth. The legislation includes the following provisions:

    • Show-Me Sports Investment Act: Authorizes the state to partner with professional sports teams to help finance stadium construction through bond payments and one-time tax credits with built-in protections for taxpayers.
    • Tax Credits for Homestead Damage: Creates a tax credit of up to $5,000 for home or renter insurance deductibles incurred due to severe weather damage in a declared disaster area in 2025, with flexible carry-forward and transfer options.
    • Tax Credits for Certain Sporting Events: Updates two different tax credit programs related to amateur sporting events in Missouri, aimed at making them easier to use and more effective at attracting and supporting sports events while making a positive impact on the state’s economy.
    • Property Tax Credit: Requires certain counties to ask voters whether to freeze or modestly cap real property tax increases for eligible homeowners.

    SB 4 streamlines the delivery of disaster housing relief by allowing the immediate transfer of emergency aid to the Missouri Housing Development Commission when the Governor requests a presidential disaster declaration. The legislation also expands existing program eligibility from 50 percent to 75 percent of median household income and removes administrative burdens and costs to expedite aid for Missouri families.

    For additional provisions and more information on the legislation signed into law, click here. To view photos from the bill signing, click this link.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Uganda Rallies Global Solidarity Against Oesophageal Cancer: Science, Innovation, and Diplomacy at the Heart of Progress

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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    In a demonstration of Uganda’s growing commitment to collaborative Healthcare Diplomacy, the Uganda Embassy in Washington D.C. in partnership with the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), and key stakeholders including AFRECC, Olympus, and Kyabiirwa Surgical Center, hosted a high-level esophageal Cancer Symposium at Four Points by Sheraton, Kampala. Under the theme “Leveraging Science, Innovation and Technology to Address the Burden of Esophageal Cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa,” the event marked the culmination of a four-day health-focused agenda that began with specialized surgical training at Kyabiirwa Surgical Center in Jinja. Over 50 patients received treatment during the training phase, a tangible outcome underscoring the importance of applied science in addressing real-world health burdens.

    The symposium was not merely an academic exchange it was a convergence of minds from the health sector, diplomatic corps, academia, media, and private manufacturers, drawn together by a shared sense of responsibility. Beyond policy, the symposium made room for stories personal accounts of survivors, caregivers, and practitioners working in low-resource settings. It is this blend of policy, practice, and lived experience, which gave the event its distinct character and diplomatic weight. The event also served as a platform for discussing the broader socio-economic and cultural implications of non-communicable diseases. Presenters explored how public perceptions, behavior change, and even commercial industries such as tobacco and alcohol influence cancer rates. With emphasis on building resilient health systems, speakers called for a multi-sectoral approach that combines regulation, education, and innovation.

    In line with her Mission’s mandate to promote Science and Technology transfer under the four ATMS, Uganda’s Ambassador to the United States, Robie Kakonge, delivered remarks that reflected a nuanced understanding of global diplomacy in the health sector. “Cancer is not just a medical challenge it’s a deeply human one,” she said. “Each diagnosis is a story of hope, resilience, and the quiet strength of families and communities.” She underlined the critical role of technology in bridging geographic divides, emphasizing that embassies today function as both diplomatic posts and development facilitators. “With limited resources and high expectations, we walk a fine line. But strategic partnerships and shared responsibility remain our greatest assets,” she added.

    Amb. Kakonge’s remarks also recognized the essential roles of countries like Japan which has worked closely with the Uganda Cancer Institute and the United States, not as donors, but as co-creators of a shared future. Her appeal to “think beyond borders and budgets” framed cancer as a global development issue an approach that resonated strongly with international health experts and funders in attendance. Speaking with both humility and resolve, His Excellency Takuya Sasayama, the Ambassador of Japan to Uganda, who was also in attendance, reflected on the evolving collaboration between Japan and Uganda, which he described as “a journey of mutual respect and long-term investment in people.” The ambassador pointed to areas of growth, including health cooperation, coffee exports, and cultural exchange. He also acknowledged Japan’s contribution to Uganda’s infrastructure through projects like the donation of ambulances and medical equipment efforts he described as acts of friendship, not charity.

    “Our collaboration is not a project. It is a relationship,” he remarked, inviting partners to co-create solutions that transcend national interests and reflect a common vision for health, sustainability, and innovation. In his keynote address delivered on behalf of the Hon. Minister of Health, Dr. Charles Olaro, Director General of Health Services, echoed Uganda’s commitment to early detection, public education, and regional health equity. He emphasized the importance of HPV vaccination for girls under 14, and he urged stronger efforts to diagnose cancers at an earlier stage. “When we delay, we pay,” he stated, referencing the escalating costs both human and economic of late diagnosis. Dr. Olaro also pointed to growing mental health concerns and the need for integrated, community-based approaches in both cancer and psychosocial care.

    Dr. Jackson Orem, Executive Director of UCI, described the symposium as “a convergence of science, innovation, and diplomacy.” He stressed that Uganda’s cancer burden cannot be tackled in isolation. “We must draw on global partnerships not only for funding but for the co-creation of knowledge. Innovation must be localized, and science must be democratized,” he said. His remarks were received with deep resonance by the international delegations, many of whom had travelled to Kampala to affirm their support. As the curtains fall on this milestone gathering, one thing is clear: Uganda is not just hosting conversations it is shaping them. With its eyes firmly on the future and its feet grounded in regional realities, the country is emerging as a credible voice in the global dialogue on cancer care, resilience, and shared humanity. In a world grappling with health inequities, Uganda’s call is simple yet profound: “Let us heal together.”

    – on behalf of The Republic of Uganda – Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Israeli army says nine Iranian nuclear scientists killed

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    JERUSALEM, June 14 (Xinhua) — The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Saturday that its strikes killed nine senior Iranian nuclear officials.

    It is noted that they fell victim to fire from fighter jets acting on data from the Military Intelligence Directorate. The scientists were killed at the start of the Israeli operation, which was carried out on Friday morning.

    The dead played an important role in the Iranian nuclear project and had decades of accumulated experience in developing nuclear weapons, the IDF emphasized, noting that they included experts in nuclear and chemical engineering, physics, materials science and mechanics.

    Israel carried out airstrikes early Friday on Tehran and other Iranian cities. The IDF said the strikes were intended, among other things, to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Tehran has repeatedly denied it seeks them. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    June 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Feature Story: Green Hope for “Tears of Central Asia”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    TASHKENT, June 14 (Xinhua) — In late May, Wang Ping, a researcher at the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, arrived in the western city of Nukus, Uzbekistan, to participate in joint research with the Aral Sea International Innovation Center. He can no longer count how many times he has visited the city near the Aral Sea. This time, he and his colleagues brought two “treasures”: halophyte seeds (plants that easily adapt to life in saline soils) and solar panels.

    The Aral Sea, located in central Eurasia on the border of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, was once the fourth-largest lake in the world. Since the 1960s, under the influence of numerous factors such as increased human use of water and climate change, it has been rapidly drying up, shrinking by more than 90 percent. The shoreline has retreated, the soil has become more saline, and a desert of over 50,000 square kilometers has formed in its place. The Aral Sea has become a symbol of the catastrophe, known as the “tears of Central Asia.”

    The ecological crisis of the Aral Sea has caused not only a shortage of water resources, but also huge rock formations have formed on the seabed, causing dust and salt storms that damage vast territories. Desertification, soil salinization, loss of biodiversity – all this has a significant negative impact on the ecology and economy of the countries in the region. In April 2010, then UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, after visiting the Aral Sea, said that its drying up was “one of the worst ecological disasters on the planet.”

    For many years, scientists from China and Uzbekistan have been working together to find solutions to the Aral Sea’s environmental crisis, from joint scientific expeditions and soil reclamation to the creation of model regions where water-saving cotton-growing technologies are used.

    “Water shortage, soil salinization, lack of modern agricultural technologies and related systems – these are all acute problems holding back the development of Central Asia,” Wang Ping said.

    This time, Wang Ping brought to Nukus seeds of more than ten types of halophytes (saltwort, saxaul, wormwood, etc.), hoping to successfully grow them in laboratory conditions and then mass-produce them around the Aral Sea to restore biodiversity and combat salinization and dust storms.

    Wang Ping also told Xinhua that several months ago, the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography delivered about 1.5 tons of halophyte seeds to Tashkent for use in a salt-tolerant botanical garden that experts from the two countries are preparing to jointly develop. “These seeds will not only be directly used for saline land reclamation and ecological restoration, but also lay the foundation for local botanical diversity reserves, research and development.”

    “It’s cloudy today, which is good for field work. Let’s try to complete the drip irrigation of this experimental halophyte demonstration field,” says Wang Ping. In another Aral Sea town, Muynak, Wang Ping and his colleagues are installing a water-saving drip irrigation system in a field and leading a local cooperation team that is installing photovoltaic panels to harness solar energy for the halophyte irrigation system.

    In the past two years, Chinese researchers have been promoting the “integration, testing and demonstration project of applying photovoltaic technology to the management of the Aral Sea ecological environment.” In Nukus, the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography and the Aral Sea International Innovation Center launched a pilot project on cotton cultivation with an integrated solar energy, water and fertilizer system last year. With the help of membrane drip irrigation for cotton, photovoltaic generation and an intelligent integrated water and fertilizer supply machine, intelligent drip irrigation and fertilization of fields were realized, which led to an increase in cotton yield by more than three times, and the cost and water consumption were significantly reduced.

    The diligence of Chinese experts and the development prospects opened up by Chinese technology impressed many local farmers and agricultural experts. Local parliament members sent a letter of thanks to the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography and expressed hope for establishing long-term cooperation and expanding the experimental zone with funding from the Uzbek side.

    “The Aral Sea’s environmental crisis is a common problem for the region, and no country can cope with it alone,” said Uzbek political commentator Sharofiddin Tulaganov, noting that cooperation between Uzbekistan and China in the environmental management of the Aral Sea has already yielded noticeable results, and China’s contribution deserves respect.

    “This is not only about environmental management of the Aral Sea, but also about practical manifestations such as improving people’s well-being and building trust. By jointly promoting green and innovative development, we not only strive to restore the ecological environment of the Aral region, but also create a bright future of sustainable development for all of Central Asia,” he noted. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    June 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Dental services symposium held

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    ​The Department of Health (DH) today organised a symposium where renowned dental academics from the Mainland and overseas, as well as local dental professionals, explored the way forward and measures to promote oral health.

    Held at the Hong Kong Palace Museum auditorium, the symposium also celebrated the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the DH’s dental services.

    Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau, along with DH senior officials, officiated at the symposium’s opening ceremony.

    Addressing the event, Prof Lo said, “Oral health is vital to overall health. At the end of last year, the Government released the final report of the Working Group on Oral Health & Dental Care, shifting the focus of Hong Kong’s oral health and dental care system from treatment-oriented to an approach targeting prevention, early identification and timely intervention.”

    Prof Lo highlighted that the Primary Dental Co-care Pilot Scheme for Adolescents, launched by the Government in March this year, is an initiative of “widely promoting among citizens”, encouraging adolescents to prevent dental diseases, while the Community Dental Support Programme launched last month is an initiative focusing on enhancing dental services for the underprivileged.

    The Government looks forward to collaborating with the dental professionals, training institutions, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and members of the public to usher in a new era of dental services in Hong Kong, and continue to enhance various initiatives to promote oral health for all, he added.

    World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for the Western Pacific Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala delivered a video message for the symposium.

    Keynote speakers included WHO Collaborating Centre for Translation of Oral Health Science Director Prof Hiroshi Ogawa, Peking University School of Stomatology Department of Preventive Dentistry Chairman Prof Zheng Shuguo, and University College London Special Care Dentistry Consultant Dr Navdeep Kumar.

    They shared their insights on the WHO Global Strategy & Action Plan on Oral Health (2023-2030), the Mainland’s policy and efforts to promote global oral health, and the challenges and innovations in providing dental care to adult patients with special needs.

    In addition, 16 NGOs and partners who have been actively participating in government-subsidised dental programmes, such as the Outreach Dental Care Programme for the Elderly and Healthy Teeth Collaboration, shared their achievements in serving the elderly and people with special needs.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    June 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: The Power Behind BACXN: A Global Elite Team Driving Platform Innovation and Breakthroughs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DENVER, June 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BACXN has recently completed the global assembly and strategic restructuring of its core team, officially launching a comprehensive upgrade covering technology development, security and risk management, and market expansion. This milestone marks the platform transition from a regional startup to global collaborative operations. Supporting this transformation is a core team spanning blockchain, fintech, cybersecurity, and global markets. They not only bring professional expertise but also drive the continuous evolution of BACXN with a systematic vision.

    Technology can be replicated, and products can be imitated, but true long-term value is built by a team with foresight and practical action. The BACXN founder, John Matthews, holds a Master in Computer Science from MIT and previously served as a researcher at Google DeepMind and Head of Fintech at Goldman Sachs. He has integrated AI modeling logic into on-chain system design, achieving fusion at the levels of security, performance, and strategy—laying a solid and intelligent technical foundation for the platform.

    The technical backbone responsible for implementation comes from companies like Stripe, Square, and Polkadot. They have developed a high-concurrency matching engine, multi-chain wallet, and on-chain asset management framework, ensuring the platform operates efficiently, stably, and with evolutionary flexibility.

    In compliance and risk control, former security experts from Palo Alto Networks and Visa have established zero-trust mechanisms, multi-signature architectures, and dynamic auditing systems, providing end-to-end protection for platform operations.

    The international expansion of BACXN is spearheaded by a marketing team with experience at OpenSea, Animoca Brands, and McKinsey. They are adept at multilingual strategies and localized operations, accelerating its rapid penetration and trust-building in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and beyond.

    This multidisciplinary team—spanning finance, technology, security, and marketing—is not just a group of executors, but builders of systemic competitiveness. They support trust through technology, connect users with vision, and refine experiences through robust mechanisms, serving as the driving force behind the BACXN progress.

    BACXN firmly believes that behind a trustworthy platform must stand a team worthy of trust. Looking ahead, we will continue to drive innovation with professionalism, expand boundaries with a global strategy, and build a more robust bridge of value in the digital finance era.

    Media Contact: support@bacxn.org

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by BACXN. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ecd98ef1-1bf9-4f6d-bde6-c9954c906a52

    The MIL Network –

    June 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Entrepreneurs and retail leaders recognised in King’s Birthday Honours List

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Entrepreneurs and retail leaders recognised in King’s Birthday Honours List

    Recipients recognised for years of exceptional service and dedication, and who are trailblazers for helping drive economic prosperity and increasing the UK’s global standing.

    The chief executive of one of Britain’s most popular high-street bakeries, the founder of an iconic ceramics brand, and the head of the UK’s largest professional body for recruiters are included in the King’s Birthday Honours today. 

    The UK is home to many iconic brands, and a number of top entrepreneurs and pioneers have been rightly recognised for their outstanding achievements across a variety of sectors, from hospitality to arts and crafts. 

    Greggs chief executive Roisin Currie has been made a CBE for her services to hospitality, while the head of leading high-street brand Pets at Home has been awarded an OBE for services to retail. 

    Neil Carberry, the chief executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, has received an OBE for his services to the economy and to business, while Craig Beaumont has received an OBE for his work on the Federation of Small Businesses. 

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    I am immensely proud to see so many outstanding individuals recognised in the 2025 Birthday Honours for their exceptional contributions to British business and trade. These honours reflect the innovation, resilience and leadership that drives our economy forward.

    From pioneering entrepreneurs to champions of growth, these worthy recipients embody this government’s core mission – to unlock opportunity, boost productivity and champion growth across every region of the UK as part of our Plan for Change.

    Recipients include: 

    • Craig Beaumont has received an OBE for services to small businesses. Craig has worked as the voice of the small business community at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), developing reforms that helped thousands of its members and the broader community to grow. He oversaw FSB launching a pioneering mental health and disability programme with MIND and the Royal Foundation, set up a partnership with X-Forces Enterprise to help veterans into employment and self-employment, and created the UK’s first online LGBT+ business hub, now serving over 1,000 users. He contributes to the Social Mobility Commission, Building Back Britain Commission, Industry and Parliament Trust and the Worshipful Company of Communicators in the City of London. 
    • Douglas Perkins has received a CBE for services to business and trade. Doug co-founded Specsavers with his wife in 1984, growing it into a global optical and audiology leader. Today, the company operates 2,815 stores across multiple countries, employing over 45,000 people. In 2023/24, Specsavers reported £4.18 billion in revenue—a 7.5% increase – serving 48 million customers worldwide, with 24.8 million frames and 617 million contact lenses sold. 
    • Elaine Bell has received a BEM for services to the Stapleford High Street. Elaine founded Sewing Belle in Stapleford, transforming it into a vibrant high street anchor and creative community hub. Alongside selling fabrics and haberdashery, her adjoining sewing studio hosts up to 20 workshops a month, attracting over 200 participants. With visitors travelling from across the UK—many staying overnight—Sewing Belle has become a local draw, boosting nearby businesses. 
    • Emma Bridgewater CBE has received a Damehood for services to ceramics.  Founded in 1985, Emma Bridgewater has grown into a beloved British brand, renowned for its colourful, hand-decorated pottery and distinctive patterns. Sold online, in dedicated stores, and through retailers across the UK and internationally, the company continues to thrive. In 2022, it earned B Corporation certification, reflecting its enduring commitment to transparency, accountability, and high ethical standards. 
    • Lyssa McGowan has received an OBE for services to retail. Since becoming CEO of Pets at Home in 2022, Lyssa has led the transformation of the business into a truly integrated petcare business providing veterinary, retail and grooming services, which has driven strong growth, with consumer revenue rising to nearly £2 billion in 2025. Recognised by Retail Week as one of 2024’s most influential leaders, Lyssa’s leadership has also seen the Pets Club membership grow to over 8 million, building on her extensive consumer experience from an 12-year career at Sky UK.  * Neil Carberry has received an OBE for services to the economy and to business.  The Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) has become a key body for businesses navigating changing workforce needs. Representing firms who support recruitment and talent planning, a £43bn industry, REC’s research is a major contributor to understanding our changing jobs market and future needs. Neil has also contributed to positive employment relations through the Low Pay Commission and the Council of Acas. 
    • Roisin Currie has received a CBE for services to hospitality. Roisin has been instrumental in driving Greggs rapid expansion, with the company on track to double sales by 2026 following record-breaking results in 2024. Her leadership emphasises the strong internal culture shared by 33,000 colleagues – something she sees as central to Greggs continued success. With a career spanning over 35 years, Roisin has been a driving force in championing social mobility and nurturing talent across the sector. This honour reflects Roisin’s unwavering dedication to excellence and her lasting impact on the industry.

    Full list of recipients

    Dames Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) 

    Clare Barclay, Lately Chief Executive Officer, Microsoft UK. For services to Business, Technology and Leadership. 

    Emma Bridgewater CBE, Founder, Emma Bridgewater Pottery. For services to Ceramics.  

    Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) 

    Roisin Currie, Chief Executive Officer, Greggs PLC. For services to Hospitality. 

    Stephen Foots, Chief Executive Officer, Croda. For services to the Chemical and Life Sciences Industry. 

    Shevaun Haviland, Director General, British Chambers of Commerce. For services to Business.  

    Jonathan Holmes, Lately Co-Chair, Infrastructure Exports UK and Deputy Chairman, Mace. For services to Construction. 

    David Howden, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Howden Group. For services to the Insurance Industry. 

    Dr Peter Musgrove, Engineer and Renewable Energy Pioneer. For services to Renewable Energy. 

    Babatunde Olanrewaju, Managing Partner, Europe, McKinsey & Company. For services to Business. 

    Douglas Perkins, Co-Founder and Chair, Specsavers. For services to Business and Trade. 

    Tanuja Randery, Managing Director and Vice President, Amazon Web Services, Europe, Middle East, and Africa. For services to Business and the Technology Sector. 

    Stephen Scrimshaw, Lately Chief Executive Officer, Siemens Energy Ltd. For services to British Manufacturing, to Transport and to the Green Transition to Net Zero. 

    Dana Strong, Group Chief Executive Officer, Sky. For services to Business and to Media. 

    Stephen Varley, Lately UK Chair and Managing Partner, EY. For services to the Professional Services Industry. 

    David Ward, General Secretary, Communication Workers’ Union. For services to Trade Unions. 

    Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) 

    Craig Beaumont, Executive Director, Federation of Small Businesses. For services to Small Businesses 

    Neil Carberry, Chief Executive Officer, The Recruitment and Employment Confederation. For services to the Economy and to Business 

    Rachel Gardner-Poole, Director, Aviascia. For services to Aviation 

    Hannah Gibson, Chief Executive Officer, Ocado Retail. For services to Retail 

    Ruth Handcock, Chief Executive Officer, Octopus Money. For services to Financial Services and Investment 

    Richard Howells, Founder, Bronze Software Labs Ltd. For services to Business, Technology and Innovation 

    Professor Shirley Lane (Price), Emerita Professor of Toxicology, University of Surrey. For services to Industry and Consumer Protection 

    Andrew Love, Senior Adviser, The Ritz London. For services to Hospitality 

    Lyssa McGowan, Chief Executive Officer, Pets at Home. For services to Retail 

    Stephen Pegge, Lately Managing Director, UK Finance. For services to Business 

    Mohammad Sadique (Sid Sadique), Chairman and Owner, Electra Commercial Vehicles Ltd. For services to the Automotive and Transport Industry 

    Gareth Stapleton, Founder and Partner, RiSE International. For services to Architecture and to Project and Construction Management 

    Jane Whitehart, International Lead Associate Consultant, People1st International Limited. For services to International Trade 

    Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) 

    Noreen Burroughes, President, Organisation for Women in International Trade UK. For services to Women in International Trade and to Entrepreneurship 

    Karyle Davidge-Stringer, Service Manager, Rushmoor Citizens Advice. For services to the community in Hampshire 

    Dawn Edwards, Managing Director, Challenge Training and Consultancy Ltd. For services to the Business Community in Nottinghamshire 

    Daniel Fell, Chief Executive, Doncaster Chamber of Commerce. For services to Business and the Economy in South Yorkshire 

    Julian Hetherington, Automotive Transformation Director, Advanced Propulsion Centre. For services to Business Investment and Growth 

    Muhammad Abdul Musabbir, Chair, Hyde Bangladesh Welfare Association. For services to Community Cohesion 

    Laura Silverman, Creator and Head, London School of Economics and Political Science Generate. For services to Social Innovation and Education 

    Matthew Turner, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Creative Pod. For services to Business and to Charity 

    Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) 

    Elaine Bell, Managing Director, Sewing Belle. For services to The Stapleford High Street 

    Civil Servants recognised in the Birthday 2025 Honours List include: 

    Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) 

    Susan Clews, Lately Chief Executive, Acas. 

    Frederick Perry, Lately Director, Advanced Manufacturing, Department for Business and Trade 

    Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) 

    Tracy Buckingham, Deputy Director, Security and Cyber Security Exports, Department for Business and Trade.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 14 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    June 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Record-breaking of over 4 000 blood donors commended at Annual Donor Award Ceremony (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

    The Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) today (June 14) held its Annual Donor Award Ceremony to commend outstanding regular blood donors. The BTS also announced that a total of 4 081 donors gave blood 25 times or in its multiples in 2024/25, which breaks the BTS record for three consecutive years. This highlights the growing awareness and embrace of blood donation culture in Hong Kong. The BTS expressed its sincerest gratitude to all the enthusiastic blood donors.Prudential Hong Kong Limited
    Sino Group
    Nan Fung Group
    Link Asset Management Services Limited
    Sun Hung Kai Properties LimitedTsz Shan Monastery
    Rotary International District 3450
    Scout Association of Hong Kong
    Evangelical Free Church of China – Yan Fook ChurchWhampoa Garden Management Limited
    Lung Mun Oasis
    Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation The Chinese University of Hong Kong
    The University of Hong Kong
    The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Hong Kong Metropolitan University
    Hong Kong Baptist University
    The Hong Kong University of Science and TechnologyShatin College 
    West Island School
    Po Leung Kuk Wu Chung College  
    Discovery College
    Buddhist Hung Sean Chau Memorial College
    F.D.B.W.A. Szeto Ho Secondary School
    Cheung Sha Wan Catholic Secondary School
    King’s College
    PHC Wing Kwong College
    Lai Chack Middle School

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    June 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DH organises symposium on “A New Era for Dental Services in Hong Kong” to celebrate 80th anniversary of its Dental Services (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    DH organises symposium on “A New Era for Dental Services in Hong Kong” to celebrate 80th anniversary of its Dental Services  
    The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau; the Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam; the incumbent Consultant in-charge of the Dental Services of the DH, Dr Kitty Hse; and four former Consultant in-charge of the Dental Services of the DH officiated at the opening ceremony of the symposium.
     
    In his address, Professor Lo said, “Oral health is vital to overall health. At the end of last year, the Government released the final report of the Working Group on Oral Health and Dental Care, shifting the focus of Hong Kong’s oral health and dental care system from treatment-oriented to an approach targeting prevention, early identification and timely intervention. The Government adopts the strategies of widely promoting among citizens across all age groups prevention-oriented primary oral healthcare, and provides essential curative dental care services targeting underprivileged groups.”
     
    He stressed that the Primary Dental Co-care Pilot Scheme for Adolescents launched by the Government in March 2025 is an initiative of widely promoting among citizens, encouraging adolescents to prevent dental diseases while the Community Dental Support Programme launched last month is an initiative focusing on enhancing dental services for the underprivileged (including elderly who have financial difficulties). The Government looks forward to collaborating with the dental professionals, training institutions, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the members of the public to usher in a new era of dental services in Hong Kong, and continue to enhance various initiatives to promote oral health for all.
     
    Dr Lam said in his welcoming speech, “Since its establishment in 1945, the Dental Services of the DH has achieved significant development over the past 80 years. From providing emergency dental extraction service during the post-war period to introducing fluoridation of drinking water in Hong Kong in 1961 to combat and prevent dental diseases; to rolling out the prevention-oriented School Dental Care Service for all primary school students in Hong Kong in 1980, which has been well-received by parents; to providing specialist dental services to patients with special healthcare needs; and to implementing various community dental care programmes to cater for the needs of the elderly and underprivileged, etc. The Dental Services is expanding to meet the needs of the society, enhancing both the quality and quantity of services.”  
     
    He added that the Dental Services of the DH endeavours to grow alongside Hong Kong, and will continue to actively implement the Oral Health Action Plan through policy innovations, leveraging on technology and community collaboration, with emphasis on providing preventive care to the public and special community dental services to underprivileged groups, in order to promote oral health and the retention of natural teeth. 
     
    The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, also delivered a video message for the symposium. The keynote speakers were Professor Hiroshi Ogawa, the Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Translation of Oral Health Science; Professor Zheng Shuguo, the Chairman of the Department of Preventive Dentistry of the School of Stomatology of Peking University; and Dr Navdeep Kumar, Consultant in Special Care Dentistry of University College London. They shared insights on topics such as the WHO Global Strategy and Action Plan on Oral Health (2023-2030), the Mainland’s policy and efforts to promote global oral health, and the challenges and innovations in providing dental care to adult patients with special needs.
     
    Sixteen NGOs and partners who have been actively participating in government-subsidised dental programmes such as Outreach Dental Care Programme for the Elderly, Healthy Teeth Collaboration and Special Oral Care Service, were invited to attend the symposium to share their fruitful achievements in serving the elderly and persons with special needs.
     
    Apart from the symposium, the Bright Smiles Mobile Classroom of the DH’s Oral Health Promotion Division, decorated with a theme celebrating the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Dental Services, will tour around Hong Kong districts to promote oral health to the public. Details will be announced on the Facebook fan page of “愛牙 Love Teeth HKIssued at HKT 17:00

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    CategoriesMIL-OSI

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    June 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Sun Dong begins Paris visit

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong attended Viva Technology 2025 in Paris, France, on Friday where he toured the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion and gave a keynote speech at a seminar and networking reception.

    In his keynote speech, Prof Sun said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has been introducing agile policies, building world-class infrastructure and facilitating global I&T collaboration.

    In addition to noting that the flagship research and development (R&D) initiative, InnoHK, fosters global R&D collaboration, he underscored that Hong Kong is also carrying out meticulous planning for building an artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem, such as the Hong Kong AI Research & Development Institute to be established.

    While highlighting that Hong Kong is an ideal gateway for global enterprises to enter the Mainland market, Prof Sun said that companies choosing Hong Kong for their international headquarters exemplifies the city’s important role as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder” between Mainland China and the rest of the world, serving as a two-way springboard for attracting overseas enterprises and helping Mainland enterprises to go global.

    During the seminar and networking reception organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Prof Sun exchanged views with members of the local innovation and technology (I&T) sector, investors and startups’ founders, on I&T development and collaboration.

    Prof Sun also visited the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion, comprising 20 startups from the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation and Cyberport to showcase cutting-edge solutions and innovations in areas of AI, robotics, HealthTech, sustainable and ClimateTech, and Fintech.

    Additionally, Prof Sun toured the pavilion set up by Canada, which was selected as country of the year for VivaTech 2025, the China Pavilion and the pavilions of other leading enterprises and startups to learn more about the innovative solutions of the participating organisations.

    In the evening, while Prof Sun met La French Tech Hong Kong-Shenzhen Chairman Emmanuel Carcassonne, he stressed that Hong Kong is a reliable partner for French startups to settle and expand businesses in Hong Kong.

    He described La French Tech Hong Kong-Shenzhen as a community dedicated to supporting the development of the French startup ecosystem both in France and internationally.

    On Friday afternoon, Prof Sun paid a courtesy call on Minister Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in France Chen Li to brief him on the work of developing Hong Kong into an international I&T centre as well as the city’s ongoing efforts in integrating into national I&T development.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    June 14, 2025

  • Multiple agencies inspect wreckage of crashed Air India Flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Investigative teams from various agencies, including the National Security Guard (NSG), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), reached the crash site of Air India Flight AI-171 on Saturday to examine the debris.

     

    Teams from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) also inspected the wreckage of the ill-fated London-bound aircraft.

     

    Residents of the neighbourhood where the plane crashed recalled their harrowing experience, describing it as feeling like an earthquake or a bomb blast.

     

    Rekha Kshtriya, a local resident for over 13 years, said she was doing her regular chores when she heard a deafening noise. She immediately rushed outside toward the site. She recalled that around 1:30 PM, the sound was so intense it felt like her eardrums would burst. Her house and furniture began to shake violently, and the noise resembled a bomb explosion. Upon stepping outside, she saw wreckage scattered everywhere, the sky filled with black smoke, and tall flames rising from the crash site.

     

    Another resident, Priyanshu, said the entire area was engulfed in smoke and the fire quickly spread from one building to another. He too described it as feeling like an earthquake or a blast.

     

    Bahadur Kshtriya, who lives about 500 metres from the crash site, said he and a few friends, along with security personnel, helped rescue five individuals from the rubble. He noted that the survivors were in extremely critical condition. He added that when they arrived, smoke and fire were everywhere. Near a student mess, they found people shouting for help. With assistance from Army personnel, they managed to pull out five students alive. Later, they found a body buried in the debris in a severely damaged condition.

    The AI-171 Boeing Dreamliner 787-8 aircraft, en route to London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad International Airport on Thursday. According to the airline, only one of the 242 people on board survived the crash.

    ANI

    June 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese and Russian enterprises held a presentation of cooperation projects in Tianjin

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, June 14 (Xinhua) — Representatives from more than 200 Chinese and Russian enterprises and research institutes gathered in the north Chinese coastal city of Tianjin on Friday to exchange views on a range of business issues and seek cooperation partners in various fields including energy, machinery and information technology.

    The event was organized by Tianjin TEDA Export Development Center in Tianjin Economic and Technological Development Zone (EDZ), which is one of the first 14 national-level EDTZs in China. Its official title was: “The First International Forum on Industrial Development Coordination at Tianjin TEDA Export Development Center of North China – Special Sub-Forum on China-Russia Connectivity and SCO Cooperation in Energy, Manufacturing and Science and Technology”

    As reported on the local official website enorth.com.cn, the event was attended by such major enterprises as Gazprom, Rosneft and the metallurgical company NLMK Group from the Russian side, and from the Chinese side, among others, the company for the development of warehouse and logistics technologies under the PipeChina group (a Chinese state-owned pipeline operator), Sinomachfreet Shandong Industrial Holdings Co., Ltd, Tianjin University and the technology company IFlytek.

    At the event, cooperation projects were presented one by one by representatives from 7 Russian and 3 Chinese enterprises. They outlined in detail the key operations, priority areas of external cooperation and technological advantages of their enterprises. In the subsequent part of the event, business representatives of the two countries discussed in depth new trends and opportunities for cooperation in such areas as energy sector transformation, high-tech manufacturing, digital infrastructure and environmentally friendly agriculture.

    Before the event, a familiarization tour of the Nangang Industrial Park, owned by Tianjin ZTER, was organized for Russian entrepreneurs. There they visited several iconic facilities in the energy and chemical industries. The TEDA Comprehensive Export Service Center also contacted Russian enterprises in advance with inquiries about points of interest in cooperation with the Chinese side.

    One of the Russian representatives noted that the Nangang Industrial Park is home to a large number of modern enterprises, and the Tianjin ZTER generally provides convenient and comfortable conditions for attracting investment. Previously, a major Russian energy giant had already launched cooperation with the ZTER, and this time, many Russian enterprises also showed great interest in projects in the ZTER. This event directly stimulated inter-corporate contacts between the two countries, and it is expected that in the near future, a partnership between enterprises of the two countries will be concluded on a number of projects, the representative assured.

    Wang Hongwei, chairman of Sinomachfreet Shandong Industrial Holdings Co., Ltd, said that as a result of the event, his company signed a memorandum of understanding to establish cooperation with two Russian enterprises. According to him, the Russian partners expressed their need for equipment designed for oil production and offshore drilling, which is precisely the flagship product of his company. “We will continue to hold talks with our Russian partners on promising cooperation,” the entrepreneur said. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    June 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Pilot programs to see speedy rollouts

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

    China will expedite pilot programs to further open up its services sector in key areas such as cloud computing, biotechnology and wholly foreign-owned hospitals, as part of broader efforts to create a more favorable environment for foreign investment, said a senior commerce official on Friday.

    Li Yongjie, deputy China international trade representative at the Ministry of Commerce, said the ministry will work with relevant government branches to gradually expand opening-up in more service areas and revise China’s Catalog of Encouraged Industries for Foreign Investment.

    Speaking at a news conference in Beijing, Li said the updated catalog will include more opportunities in strategic emerging sectors.

    The government is studying new policy measures to encourage reinvestment by foreign companies and will ensure that foreign-invested firms can participate on an equal footing in government procurement, as well as in nationwide programs such as large-scale equipment upgrades and the trade-in of consumer goods initiative, she added.

    To encourage more global businesses to invest in China, the sixth Qingdao Multinationals Summit will be convened from June 18 to 20 in Qingdao, East China’s Shandong province. A total of 557 guests, including executives of multinational corporations, heads of international organizations and government officials, will attend the event.

    In addition to traditional markets such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the United States, Germany and France, this year’s summit has seen increased participation from emerging markets, including member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and countries from the Middle East and Africa, said Wang Lei, director of Shandong’s provincial department of commerce.

    “For the first time, companies from nine countries, such as Vietnam and Egypt, will attend the event,” she said.

    A delegation of 35 representatives from 22 multinational companies based in the Middle East will also participate in the summit, seeking new cooperation opportunities in areas such as fund investment, new energy, modern agriculture and seawater desalination, Wang said.

    Gao Lingyun, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing, said global firms see China as a key pillar in their long-term growth strategies amid growing geopolitical and economic uncertainties.

    An increasing number of global companies are recalibrating their strategies to capitalize on new opportunities driven by China’s consumption upgrade, digital transformation and green development efforts, said Gao.

    That sentiment aligns with the latest data.

    China’s actual use of foreign direct investment in high-tech industries reached 96.71 billion yuan ($13.47 billion) in the first four months of 2025, data from the Ministry of Commerce showed.

    In the meantime, FDI in e-commerce services surged 137 percent year-on-year, while investment in aerospace equipment manufacturing rose 86.2 percent on a yearly basis.

    Malaysia’s state-owned energy group Petronas said it will further expand its presence in the country, as it views China as a key strategic market in its global growth plans.

    Shamsairi Ibrahim, vice-president of Petronas’ LNG marketing and trading, gas and maritime business, said Petronas will accelerate the expansion of its global liquefied natural gas (LNG) portfolio to support China’s growing energy needs, as the nation deepens efforts to shift toward cleaner fuels and strengthen energy security.

    Ibrahim said that Petronas will also advance marine LNG solutions such as bunkering services and the expansion of its LNG fleet.

    Four of Petronas’ new LNG carriers are now being built at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co Ltd, a major shipyard based in Shanghai, he added.

    Xu Daquan, president of China unit at German industrial conglomerate Bosch Group, said China is becoming a major innovation hub for Bosch and many of its latest innovations will enter mass production in China this year.

    “The innovation and experience we gain here will not only serve the Chinese market, but also be applied to other countries as demand evolves,” he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

    June 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNESCO and Plastic Odyssey Join Forces to Tackle Plastic Pollution in Marine World Heritage Sites

    Source: United Nations

    UNESCO and Plastic Odyssey have announced a new strategic partnership to address the escalating crisis of plastic pollution threatening marine World Heritage sites. The collaboration was unveiled during the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, with the support of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

    Covering more than 2 million km²—an area comparable to the size of South Africa—marine ecosystems inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List are among the most ecologically significant on the planet. These sites harbour over 10% of all known marine species, safeguard one-third of marine species at risk of extinction, and store 15% of the world’s blue carbon in their seagrasses, tidal marshes and mangroves. Despite their vital ecological role, these exceptional environments are increasingly impacted by the global plastic pollution crisis.

    Plastic pollution is a global crisis that affects oceans and coastlines worldwide, with waste often carried across vast distances by ocean currents, washing up even in the most remote and protected marine areas. To confront this challenge, UNESCO and Plastic Odyssey are joining forces to implement targeted operations that include plastic waste removal, the development of sustainable, community-based recycling initiatives, and scientific data collection to better understand and combat the problem.

    © UNESCO x Plastic Odyssey : United Against Plastic Pollution

    The cooperation agreement, signed on 10 June 2025, builds on the success of a pioneering mission carried out in 2024 on Henderson Island, a remote UNESCO World Heritage site in the South Pacific. Despite its isolation, the island is burdened by significant plastic accumulation. During the expedition, over 9 tonnes of plastic waste were recovered and transformed—an effort that demonstrated both the magnitude of the crisis and the feasibility of impactful solutions.

    “This new partnership enables UNESCO and Plastic Odyssey to work together to reduce plastic pollution in World Heritage marine sites. Through these expeditions, we will also promote the development of sustainable recycling chains that benefit local and Indigenous communities.”

    The next operation will take place at Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles, another remote UNESCO World Heritage site facing increasing plastic accumulation. In October 2025, an expert team will carry out a preliminary mission to assess the situation on the ground—mapping plastic accumulation, testing removal methods, and developing scientific monitoring protocols. The results of this mission will inform a series of larger-scale cleanup efforts planned to begin in 2026.

    “This marks a turning point in the fight against ocean plastic pollution. For the first time, we are uniting our efforts with UNESCO to launch cleanup missions in some of the world’s most treasured and isolated marine sanctuaries.”

    Bridging science, innovation and community engagement, this partnership reflects UNESCO’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding marine World Heritage and fostering ocean resilience in the face of mounting environmental pressures.

    About Plastic Odyssey:

    Plastic Odyssey is a global NGO dedicated to combating plastic pollution through practical, locally driven solutions. Since 2022, its eponymous vessel has traveled across the world’s oceans, promoting small-scale recycling initiatives in coastal regions most affected by plastic waste.

    For more information, visit: https://plasticodyssey.org

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    June 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNESCO and VELUX FOUNDATION Launch Global Initiative to Boost Climate Resilience in Marine Protected Areas

    Source: United Nations

    Nice, France – Thursday, 13 June 2025 – As global leaders gather in Nice for the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), UNESCO is proud to unveil a bold new initiative to strengthen the resilience of marine protected areas (MPAs) in the face of accelerating climate change.

    MPAs are the cornerstone of ocean conservation, protecting biodiversity, supporting coastal and indigenous communities, and managing the sustainable use of vital ecosystems. With over 18,000 MPAs established worldwide, how these areas plan for, and adapt, to climate change will be central to the future health of our ocean.

    Launched jointly by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission and the World Heritage Centre, and generously funded by the VELUX FOUNDATION, this new project will develop urgently needed guidance for assessing climate vulnerability and help MPAs define priorities for adaptation and resilience.

    The initiative will deliver a standardized, open-access climate vulnerability assessment tool – available in English and French – designed for global use across the MPA network. The project supports the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, including the goal of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030.

    “Sustainable ocean planning must be grounded in the best available science. This project is a powerful example of how we can accelerate the uptake of science in decision-making. A thriving ocean is essential for the future of our planet —and that starts with equipping marine protected areas to adapt to a rapidly changing climate.”

    UNESCO marine World Heritage sites are uniquely positioned to pioneer new approaches in ocean conservation. The initiative will pilot in two such sites, the Banc d’Arguin National Park in Mauritania and Ilulissat Icefjord in Greenland, Denmark. Insights from these locations will guide broader application across MPAs worldwide, advancing more resilient and science-informed ocean management.

    “UNESCO marine World Heritage sites are flagships of ocean conservation. This initiative will strengthen their resilience to climate change by integrating science, traditional knowledge, and the engagement of local communities”

    By connecting local communities, scientists, and conservation leaders, the initiative aims to transform how MPAs plan for the future—turning knowledge into action and building a more resilient ocean for generations to come.

    “Coastal areas face urgent climate adaptation challenges and restoring the ocean’s balance is essential for ecosystems to withstand climate change. This project expects to provide innovative tools and guidance to support action across all marine protected areas, not just UNESCO sites.” 

    This global initiative represents a critical investment in the future of our ocean. By equipping MPAs with practical tools, scientific insight, and local engagement, it lays the groundwork for a more sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient approach to ocean conservation—benefiting both people and planet.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    June 14, 2025
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