Category: Science

MIL-OSI Global: Measles could again become widespread as cases surge worldwide

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Rebecca Schein, Assistant Professor of Infectious Disease Pediatrics, Michigan State University

Measles is one of the most infectious diseases on the planet. Kateryna Kon/Science Photo Library via Getty Images

Globally, measles is on the rise across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, South America and parts of Europe. In 2025, North and South America saw 11 times more cases than during the same period last year. In Europe, measles rates are at their highest point in 25 years.

In the U.S., as of May 2, 2025, health authorities have confirmed 935 cases of measles affecting 30 states. This is a huge surge compared with the 285 cases reported in 2024. A large measles outbreak is happening in Canada, too, with over 1,000 cases.

The Conversation asked Rebecca Schein, a specialist in pediatric infectious diseases, to explain what this spike at home and abroad might mean for a disease that was declared eliminated from the U.S. in 2000.

How do measles cases this year compare with previous years?

From 2000 to 2010, less than 100 measles cases were reported each year in the U.S. Since 2010, there have been isolated outbreaks, mainly in unvaccinated communities, with approximately 200 to 300 cases a year. The latest major outbreak in the U.S. was in 2019, with 1,274 cases, primarily in the New York City metropolitan area and parts of New Jersey.

Cases fell in 2020 to 2023 during the COVID-19 pandemic, returning to prepandemic levels in 2024. Currently, most U.S. cases are coming from an epidemic in Texas, with 702 confirmed cases as of May 6. Of these, 91 people were hospitalized and three people, two of them children, died. Measles cases are still being reported. Texas is one of 12 measles outbreaks documented in the U.S. in 2025 to date.

The World Health Organization has declared both North and South America to be at high risk for measles. Canada reported a total of 1,177 cases as of April 19, with 951 of them linked to an outbreak that began in New Brunswick in October 2024 and spread to seven provinces. In 2023, there were 12 measles cases in all of Canada.

Mexico reported 421 confirmed measles cases as of April 18, and another 384 cases are under investigation. There are also small measles outbreaks in South America, with Belize reporting its first two cases since 1991. Brazil reported five cases, and in Argentina there are 21 confirmed cases of measles, mainly in the capital city of Buenos Aires.

U.S. exports these days include measles.

In Europe, measles cases rose tenfold, hitting 35,212 in 2024, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

How did the US eliminate measles?

Measles is one of the most contagious infections ever identified. One person with measles can spread the infection to 12 to 18 others. That number, which epidemiologists call R0, is 1 to 4 for the flu and 2 to 5 for COVID-19.

In 1912, measles became a nationally reportable disease tracked by all the health departments in the U.S. At that time, there were about 3 million to 4 million cases and 6,000 deaths each year in the country. Medical care improved and the death rate decreased, but cases spiked to epidemic levels every two to three years.

It was not until 1963, when the first measles vaccine became widely available, that cases dropped dramatically. The current measles vaccine, which is called the MMR vaccine because it also includes vaccines against mumps and rubella, was released in 1971. In 1977, the U.S. government launched the National Childhood Immunization Initiative to ensure that school children received vaccination against polio, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, mumps, rubella and measles. Vaccination rates in children starting elementary school rose to 96% by 1981. Beginning in 1993, the Vaccines for Children program helped ensure that every child could receive vaccinations regardless of ability to pay.

Vaccination programs were a resounding success. By 2000, measles cases arising in the U.S. had fallen to zero, with infections occurring only in people who traveled abroad. That year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared that measles was eliminated in the country.

Why are rising measles rates so worrisome?

Measles is a virus, like the common cold. Unlike bacterial infections, which can be treated with antibiotics, viral infections are typically not treatable but can often be prevented through vaccination programs.

Vaccination stimulates the body’s immune system to make antibodies to fight a specific infection. For most people, just one dose of the measles vaccine protects them from infection. The second dose helps ensure long-term protection. Measles is so infectious that 95% of the population must be vaccinated to protect the community, a concept called herd immunity.

A man holds a sign at a rally for science in St. Paul, Minn., on March 7, 2025.
Universal Images Group via Getty Images

During the past 20 years, however, vaccination rates are decreasing globally, with an especially sharp drop during the pandemic from limited exposure to medical care. Aligned with this trend, measles cases in the U.S. have been rising. As a result, some infectious disease experts worry that measles is heading toward becoming a common infection again.

What happens if measles rates continue to rise?

Public health officials define endemic infections as being consistently present within a region. For example, the common cold and now COVID-19 are endemic in the U.S.

A higher-than-normal number of cases in an area is termed an outbreak. For measles, an outbreak is defined as more than three cases in a county or local area. When cases from an outbreak spread outside the local area, that is an epidemic, and if an epidemic spreads into many countries across the world, it becomes a pandemic.

The measles outbreak in Texas started in January 2025 as an outbreak in six counties and quickly reached epidemic levels, hitting a total of 29 counties and a count of 702 cases as of May 6.

A 2022 study used a computer algorithm to model the trajectory of measles cases in the U.S. given the drop in vaccination rates during the pandemic. If children who missed vaccines due to the pandemic do not receive catch-up vaccinations, and vaccine hesitancy continues at current rates, the study found, then 21% of U.S. children – about 15 million – will be vulnerable to measles over the following five years. That is well below the number needed to prevent measles outbreaks.

A study using a similar approach published in April 2025 found that measles is likely to become endemic again in the U.S. and predicted that the country could experience 850,000 cases over the next 25 years if vaccination rates remain the same. If vaccine rates decrease further, the study found, case numbers could increase to 11 million over the next 25 years.

What would it take to reverse the rise in measles?

Reversing this trend will require steadily increasing community vaccination rates. The April 2025 study found that boosting community vaccination rates by 5% would tamp down the increase in cases to between 3,000 and 19,000 over the next 25 years.

Another epidemiological model that estimates measles spread, published in February, predicted that by intervening early in an outbreak with local health department support, measles outbreaks can be contained as long as 85% of the population is vaccinated against the disease.

That, of course, requires ensured ongoing access to free and accessible childhood vaccinations and restoration of the public’s trust in measles vaccines.

Rebecca Schein 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. Measles could again become widespread as cases surge worldwide – https://theconversation.com/measles-could-again-become-widespread-as-cases-surge-worldwide-255501

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Contaminated milk from one plant in Illinois sickened thousands with ‘Salmonella’ in 1985 − as outbreaks rise in the US, lessons from this one remain true

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Michael Petros, Clinical Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago

A valve that mixed raw milk with pasteurized milk at Hillfarm Dairy may have been the source of contamination. This was the milk processing area of the plant. AP Photo/Mark Elias

In 1985, contaminated milk in Illinois led to a Salmonella outbreak that infected hundreds of thousands of people across the United States and caused at least 12 deaths. At the time, it was the largest single outbreak of foodborne illness in the U.S. and remains the worst outbreak of Salmonella food poisoning in American history.

Many questions circulated during the outbreak. How could this contamination occur in a modern dairy farm? Was it caused by a flaw in engineering or processing, or was this the result of deliberate sabotage? What roles, if any, did politics and failed leadership play?

From my 50 years of working in public health, I’ve found that reflecting on the past can help researchers and officials prepare for future challenges. Revisiting this investigation and its outcome provides lessons on how food safety inspections go hand in hand with consumer protection and public health, especially as hospitalizations and deaths from foodborne illnesses rise.

Contamination, investigation and intrigue

The Illinois Department of Public Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention led the investigation into the outbreak. The public health laboratories of the city of Chicago and state of Illinois were also closely involved in testing milk samples.

Investigators and epidemiologists from local, state and federal public health agencies found that specific lots of milk with expiration dates up to April 17, 1985, were contaminated with Salmonella. The outbreak may have been caused by a valve at a processing plant that allowed pasteurized milk to mix with raw milk, which can carry several harmful microorganisms, including Salmonella.

Overall, labs and hospitals in Illinois and five other Midwest states – Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin – reported over 16,100 cases of suspected Salmonella poisoning to health officials.

To make dairy products, skimmed milk is usually separated from cream, then blended back together in different levels to achieve the desired fat content. While most dairies pasteurize their products after blending, Hillfarm Dairy in Melrose Park, Illinois, pasteurized the milk first before blending it into various products such as skim milk and 2% milk.

Subsequent examination of the production process suggested that Salmonella may have grown in the threads of a screw-on cap used to seal an end of a mixing pipe. Investigators also found this strain of Salmonella 10 months earlier in a much smaller outbreak in the Chicago area.

Salmonella is a common cause of food poisoning.
Volker Brinkmann/Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology via PLoS One, CC BY-SA

Finding the source

The contaminated milk was produced at Hillfarm Dairy in Melrose Park, which was operated at the time by Jewel Companies Inc. During an April 3 inspection of the company’s plant, the Food and Drug Administration found 13 health and safety violations.

The legal fallout of the outbreak expanded when the Illinois attorney general filed suit against Jewel Companies Inc., alleging that employees at as many as 18 stores in the grocery chain violated water pollution laws when they dumped potentially contaminated milk into storm sewers. Later, a Cook County judge found Jewel Companies Inc. in violation of the court order to preserve milk products suspected of contamination and maintain a record of what happened to milk returned to the Hillfarm Dairy.

Political fallout also ensued. The Illinois governor at the time, James Thompson, fired the director of the Illinois Public Health Department when it was discovered that he was vacationing in Mexico at the onset of the outbreak and failed to return to Illinois. Notably, the health director at the time of the outbreak was not a health professional. Following this episode, the governor appointed public health professional and medical doctor Bernard Turnock as director of the Illinois Department of Public Health.

In 1987, after a nine-month trial, a jury determined that Jewel officials did not act recklessly when Salmonella-tainted milk caused one of the largest food poisoning outbreaks in U.S. history. No punitive damages were awarded to victims, and the Illinois Appellate Court later upheld the jury’s decision.

Raw milk is linked to many foodborne illnesses.

Lessons learned

History teaches more than facts, figures and incidents. It provides an opportunity to reflect on how to learn from past mistakes in order to adapt to future challenges. The largest Salmonella outbreak in the U.S. to date provides several lessons.

For one, disease surveillance is indispensable to preventing outbreaks, both then and now. People remain vulnerable to ubiquitous microorganisms such as Salmonella and E. coli, and early detection of an outbreak could stop it from spreading and getting worse.

Additionally, food production facilities can maintain a safe food supply with careful design and monitoring. Revisiting consumer protections can help regulators keep pace with new threats from new or unfamiliar pathogens.

Finally, there is no substitute for professional public health leadership with the competence and expertise to respond effectively to an emergency.

Michael Petros 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. Contaminated milk from one plant in Illinois sickened thousands with ‘Salmonella’ in 1985 − as outbreaks rise in the US, lessons from this one remain true – https://theconversation.com/contaminated-milk-from-one-plant-in-illinois-sickened-thousands-with-salmonella-in-1985-as-outbreaks-rise-in-the-us-lessons-from-this-one-remain-true-254036

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China appreciates Spain’s emphasis on developing bilateral relations: FM spokesperson

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

China appreciates the Spanish government’s emphasis on developing relations with China and its continuous promotion of practical cooperation and personnel exchanges between the two countries, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Wednesday.

Lin made the remarks at a daily press briefing when asked to comment on Spain’s 2025-2028 foreign action strategy, which, among others, emphasizes the need to deepen its comprehensive strategic partnership with China.

Citing Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s visit to China not long ago, Lin noted that the two countries had jointly issued an action plan on strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership, proposing to build a more strategically resilient and dynamic comprehensive strategic partnership.

He mentioned that the two sides had jointly signed a number of documents of cooperation in economy and trade, education, science and technology, and had achieved important cooperation results in the field of new energy such as electric vehicle and power batteries.

China is willing to work with Spain to continue deepening open cooperation, especially in areas such as green development, artificial intelligence and digital economy, to enhance the well-being of the two peoples and add impetus to China-EU relations, Lin said.

MIL OSI China News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Spacecraft can ‘brake’ in space using drag − advancing craft agility, space safety and planetary missions

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Piyush Mehta, Associate Professor of Space Systems, West Virginia University

Planetary space probes such as Mars Odyssey use a technique called aerobraking to save fuel. NASA/JPL

When you put your hand out the window of a moving car, you feel a force pushing against you called drag. This force opposes a moving vehicle, and it’s part of the reason why your car naturally slows to a stop if you take your foot off the gas pedal. But drag doesn’t just slow down cars.

Aerospace engineers are working on using the drag force in space to develop more fuel-efficient spacecraft and missions, deorbit spacecraft without creating as much space junk, and even place probes in orbit around other planets.

Space is not a complete vacuum − at least not all of it. Earth’s atmosphere gets thinner with altitude, but it has enough air to impart a force of drag on orbiting spacecraft, even up to about 620 miles (1,000 kilometers).

As an aerospace engineering professor, I study how drag affects the movement of spacecraft in orbit. Aerobraking, as the name suggests, is a type of maneuver that uses the thin air in space to apply a drag force in the direction opposite to a spacecraft’s motion, much like braking in a car.

Changing an orbit

In space, aerobraking can change the orbit of a spacecraft while minimizing the use of its propulsion system and fuel.

Spacecraft that orbit around Earth do so in two types of orbits: circular and elliptical. In a circular orbit, the spacecraft is always at the same distance from the center of the Earth. As a result, it’s always moving at the same speed. An elliptical orbit is stretched, so the distance from Earth − and the speed the craft moves at − changes as the spacecraft travels along the orbit.

The closest point in an elliptical orbit around Earth, where the satellite or spacecraft is moving fastest, is called the perigee. The farthest point, where it’s moving slowest, is called the apogee.

The apogee is the point farthest from Earth in an elliptical orbit, while the perigee is the point closest to Earth.
Iketsi/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

The general idea behind aerobraking is to start in a large circular orbit and maneuver the spacecraft into a highly elliptical orbit, so that the lowest point in the orbit − the perigree − lies in the denser part of the upper atmosphere. For Earth, that’s between about 62 and 310 miles (100 and 500 kilometers), with the choice depending on time required to complete the orbit change.

As the spacecraft passes through this lowest point, the air exerts a drag force on it, which reduces the stretch of the orbit over time. This force pulls the craft toward a circular orbit smaller than the original orbit.

Aerobraking brings a spacecraft from a large, circular orbit into a highly elliptical orbit, into a smaller, more circular one.
Moneya/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

The first maneuver to put the spacecraft in an elliptical orbit so that drag can take effect does require using a propulsion system and some fuel. But once it’s in the elliptical orbit, drag from the atmosphere slows the craft, and it doesn’t need to use much, if any, fuel.

Aerobraking brings a craft from a large orbit to a small orbit and is not reversible − it can’t increase the size of an orbit. Increasing the size of an orbit or raising the spacecraft to a higher orbit requires propulsion and fuel.

Aerobraking uses

A common case where spacecraft controllers use aerobraking is when changing the craft’s orbit from a geostationary orbit − GEO − to a low Earth orbit, LEO. A GEO orbit is a circular orbit with an altitude of roughly 22,236 miles (35,786 km). In GEO, the spacecraft makes one orbit around Earth in 24 hours, so the spacecraft always stays above the same point on Earth’s surface.

In GEO orbit, a spacecraft orbits with Earth and stays above the same point on the surface the whole time.
MikeRun/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

Before aerobraking, the spacecraft’s onboard propulsion system thrusts in the opposite direction of the GEO orbit’s motion. This thrust puts it into an elliptical orbit. The craft passes through the atmosphere multiple times, which eventually circularizes the orbit.

Once it makes it to LEO, the spacecraft may need to use a little bit of fuel to propel itself up into its target orbit. Usually, the lowest point of the original elliptical orbit is lower than the final target circular orbit.

This process is conceptually similar to how the U.S. Space Force’s X-37B used aerobraking in early 2025.

The U.S. Space Force reported that its unmanned spaceplane, X-37B, used aerobraking. This test demonstrated the craft’s agility and maneuverability.

Another application for aerobraking is to make a spacecraft deorbit − or reenter the atmosphere − after it has stopped working. This way, the company or agency can dispose of the spacecraft and avoid creating space junk, since it will burn up in the lower atmosphere.

NASA’s Mars reconnaissance orbiter used aerobraking to orbit around Mars.
NASA/JPL

Aerobraking for interplanetary missions

A few Mars missions, including the Mars reconnaissance orbiter and the Mars Odyssey orbiter, have used aerobraking to reach their target orbits around the red planet.

For interplanetary missions like these, scientists use aerobraking in conjunction with the craft’s onboard propulsion system. When a spacecraft arrives at Mars, it does so in a hyperbolic orbit.

While an elliptical orbit is closed, a hyperbolic orbit doesn’t go all the way around a planet.
Maxmath12/Wikimedia Commons

Unlike a circular or an elliptical orbit, the spacecraft’s path in hyperbolic orbit won’t keep it orbiting around Mars. Instead, it would fly through and depart Mars − unless it uses thrust from its propulsion system to get “captured” into a closed elliptical orbit.

As the spacecraft arrives at Mars, the onboard propulsion system fires to provide the force necessary to capture the spacecraft into a highly elliptical orbit around Mars. Once captured, scientists use aerobraking over several orbital passes through the atmosphere to achieve the final orbit, generally a circular one.

Aerobraking maneuvers can result in significant fuel savings. As humans get closer to landing on the surface of the red planet, the fuel savings enabled by aerobraking could save mass and allow each spacecraft headed to Mars to take more supplies.

In the grand arc of space exploration, aerobraking is not just a maneuver. It has a crucial role to play in the future of space operations and planetary missions and colonization.

Piyush Mehta receives funding from multiple federal agencies – NASA, NSF, NOAA, IARPA, and DoD.

– ref. Spacecraft can ‘brake’ in space using drag − advancing craft agility, space safety and planetary missions – https://theconversation.com/spacecraft-can-brake-in-space-using-drag-advancing-craft-agility-space-safety-and-planetary-missions-254038

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Was it a stone tool or just a rock? An archaeologist explains how scientists can tell the difference

Source: The Conversation – USA – By John K. Murray, Ph.D. Candidate in Anthropology, Arizona State University

Stone tools are deliberately made by the hands of hominins, like these worked on by the author. John K. Murray

Have you ever found yourself in a museum’s gallery of human origins, staring at a glass case full of rocks labeled “stone tools,” muttering under your breath, “How do they know it’s not just any old rock?”

At first glance, it might seem impossible to decipher. But as an experimental archaeologist with over a decade of experience studying and manufacturing stone tools, I can say that there are telltale signs that a rock has been modified by humans or our very ancient ancestors, hominins.

This process, known as flintknapping, can be boiled down to mastering force, angles and rock structure. When done properly, flintknapping creates the recognizable features that archaeologists use to identify stone tools.

A demonstration of traditional flintknapping techniques.

Why do stone tools matter?

John Murray demonstrates his flintknapping skills for the Glendale Community College Anthropology Club.
John K. Murray

Stone tools are rocks that have been selected for use or intentionally altered. This technology appeared around 3.3 million years ago and became essential to hominins – all the living and extinct species that belong to the human lineage. Currently, we Homo sapiens are the only living hominin.

We are not the only living species to make and use stone tools, though – many other primates do – but the extent to which hominins modify them is unparalleled in the animal kingdom. Monkeys and other apes may hold a large stone in their hands to crack a nut on a flat, tablelike stone.

But most hominins don’t rely on stones collected as-is. They modify and shape them into useful tools for a variety of tasks, including cutting meat or plants, woodworking, scraping hide and even as projectiles.

Stone tools are important to archaeologists because they are durable and preserve well. This makes them some of the best evidence for hominin behavior and allows us to better understand how different populations adapted to local environments across time and large geographic regions.

How are stone tools made?

Hominins manufacture stone tools by fracturing or abrading rock. Here, I am going to focus on fractured or flaked stone technology because tools made through this technique dominate the archaeological record.

The process of flaking involves applying force to the edge of a stone, known as the striking platform, through percussion or pressure to remove portions of the rock, which are called flakes. With some guidance from a teacher and plenty of practice, flintknappers can learn how to identify a promising platform on a chunk of stone, called a core, and consistently remove flakes from it. When struck, the platform is removed from the core and is a key feature of the flake.

Flakes offer an immediate sharp cutting edge. A flintknapper can also further modify them into more specific shapes for other uses. An iconic example of this is the hand ax, which is a core that’s been flaked into a teardrop shape.

Cores, left, are the object being struck by the flintknapper, and flakes, right, are the sharp-edged material removed from the core. Some cores, like this one from the archaeological site Pinnacle Point 5-6 in South Africa, can be as small as the tip of a finger.
John K. Murray

We often use hammerstones or large pieces of antler, called billets, to strike the core’s edge. Repetitive flaking not only allows a flintknapper to produce a significant amount of sharp cutting edge in the form of flakes, but gives them the ability to shape the core to their desired form … often with the risk of personal injury along the way. My fingers can attest to this!

A modern flintknapper’s toolkit consists of leather pads, gloves, safety glasses, antler billets (left), hard hammerstones (right), and abraders (center-right with grooves), used to rub the edge of the stone to strengthen the platform before striking.
John K. Murray

However, not every type of rock has the characteristics needed to be flaked into a tool. You want the stone to exhibit what’s called conchoidal fracture. If you’ve ever seen glass break, you’ve witnessed conchoidal fracture. This smooth break, with concentric wavelike ripples, is defined by the physics of how force moves through different materials.

Obsidian hand ax made by John Murray, showcasing examples of conchoidal fracture produced while making flakes to shape it.
John K. Murray

When an experienced knapper is preparing to remove a flake, we understand how the material we’re working will break when we strike it, so we can predict the shape and size of the tools that we are producing. A stone like obsidian, which is volcanic glass, is the poster child for conchoidal fracture.

Of course, there is a lot of variation in the quality of rock that hominins have used for manufacturing stone tools, and many have made use of lesser quality stone. Even some of the earliest toolmakers were preferentially selecting rocks for certain properties, such as durability.

How can you recognize stone tools?

You may hear people saying that rocks that they found in their garden were tools because they “fit perfectly in the hand” or are “tool shaped.” But it’s not quite that straightforward. Although shape and function may play a role in the final product of a stone tool, it is not the smoking gun.

Archaeologists can determine whether a chunk of rock is a stone tool based on clues left behind from the process of conchoidal fracture during flintknapping.

One such clue is the presence of flake scars, or what we call negative removals, which can be found on both cores and flakes. These have characteristic ridges on one or more sides of the rock that outline previous flake removals – hence the use of the term scar.

When we see multiple flake scars that are consistent in their orientation and size as opposed to being random, it is likely the stone in question was deliberately worked on by a hominin.

The second feature is what we call the bulb of percussion. This is a bulge in the flake, just below the striking platform, that results from the concentration of force when the knapper struck it.

Considering that producing a bulb of percussion requires the rock to be struck on a platform at a specific angle with enough force to detach it from the stone, it is improbable that this feature would be created through natural processes – but not impossible. Scientists have found naturally produced sharp stone fragments, or naturaliths, all over the world, even in Antarctica.

However, when a lot of flakes with these diagnostic characteristics are found together, it’s unlikely they were created naturally.

A hand ax made by John Murray shows many flake scars, some of which are outlined in black. The inner surface of three flakes shows the bulb of percussion just below the platform.
John K. Murray

The final thing to consider when determining whether a rock is a stone tool is the context in which it was found. Are there many stones in the area that exhibit the characteristics that we look for when trying to identify a stone tool? Is the stone tool made of an exotic material, or is it like the rest of the rocks near it?

If you find a lot of stone tools in the same area made from one type of rock, you might have stumbled across an ancient flintknapping workshop. However, if you discover a tool that was made from a type of stone that can only be found hundreds of miles away, maybe someone traded for this material or carried it with them.

Try it for yourself

I think the best way for you to be able to learn to recognize whether a chunk of stone was a tool or just a rock is to try flintknapping yourself. I have taught more than 100 people of all ages to manufacture stone tools, and most agree: It is harder than you’d think.

This experience puts you into the minds of our hominin ancestors, trying to tackle one of the earliest problems our lineage faced: getting a sharp edge from a chunky piece of rock.

John K. Murray 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. Was it a stone tool or just a rock? An archaeologist explains how scientists can tell the difference – https://theconversation.com/was-it-a-stone-tool-or-just-a-rock-an-archaeologist-explains-how-scientists-can-tell-the-difference-251126

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Lofgren, Matsui, Merkley Reintroduce Legislation to Give Individuals an Opportunity to Invest in Building America’s Clean-Energy Future
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

Modeled after WWII victory bonds, Clean Energy Victory Bonds would spur investment in clean-energy projects, create jobs, & help U.S. fight the climate crisis

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representatives Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) and Doris Matsui (CA-07) and U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) reintroduced the Clean Energy Victory Bond Act, bicameral legislation to give individuals the opportunity to buy Clean Energy Victory Bonds and help build America’s clean-energy future. Modeled after the highly successful victory bonds sold during World Wars I and II, which raised billions of dollars to finance the costs of war, Clean Energy Victory Bonds would help the country create jobs and save taxpayers money while investing in clean-energy infrastructure and fighting the climate crisis, protecting future generations.

The bill would direct the U.S. Secretaries of Treasury, Energy, and Defense to develop and issue $50 billion in Clean Energy Victory Bonds that support energy efficiency, solar, wind, geothermal, and electric vehicle efforts. For as little as $50, all Americans would be able to voluntarily purchase these Treasury bonds to invest in clean energy.

The sale of the $50 billion worth of bonds annually could be leveraged to inject $150 billion into clean-energy innovation and create more than one million jobs.

“As climate-related emergencies become more and more common, I often hear from people who want to do their part in the fight against climate change, but don’t know how. The Clean Energy Victory Bond Act provides Americans with an opportunity to invest, within their means, in innovative technologies that will yield profits both for themselves and the world,” said Congresswoman Lofgren, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. “This is my seventh time reintroducing this bill. I feel strongly that, as momentum continues to build in California and around the country to be good stewards of our environment, we must employ proven economic growth-based tactics to tackle climate change. We all benefit when we invest in the future.”

“Now, more than ever, we need collective action to fight climate change and support smart climate solutions,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “This legislation gives everyday Americans the opportunity to invest in the clean energy transition and help grow the American economy. This investment will flow back into our communities, creating good-paying jobs, lowering energy costs, and helping to make communities across the country more resilient to climate change, while also providing a strong return on investment and helping American families to safely and reliably grow their savings with government-backed bonds.”

“Clean energy is America’s future, no matter how hard President Trump and his handpicked Fossil Fuel Cabinet try to sabotage its deployment,” said Senator Merkley. “As the Trump Administration slashes federal funds for renewable energy projects nationwide – including right here in Oregon – I’m fighting to advance solutions that will help end our dangerous dependence on fossil fuels and instead invest in public health and our environment. This bill expands access to affordable clean energy for families across America, delivering bold action to tackle climate chaos and creating jobs in the 21st-century economy.”

Background

The Clean Energy Victory Bonds would raise extra funds for investment in clean-energy and energy-efficiency deployment, including by:
- Providing additional support to existing federal financing programs available to states for energy efficiency upgrades and clean energy deployment;
- Providing funding for clean energy investments by all federal agencies;
- Providing funding for electric grid enhancements and connections that enable clean energy deployment;
- Providing funding to renovate existing inefficient buildings or building new energy efficient buildings;
- Providing tax incentives and tax credits for clean energy technologies;
- Providing funding for new innovation research, including ARPA-E, public competitions similar to those designed by the X Prize Foundation, grants provided through the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy of the Department of Energy, or other mechanisms to fund revolutionary clean energy technology;
- Providing additional funding for zero-emission vehicle infrastructure and manufacturing;
- Providing additional funding to existing federal, State, and local grant programs that finance clean energy projects; and
- Providing prioritized funding for clean energy projects that are located in and reduce energy rates in disadvantaged and vulnerable communities.
The Clean Energy Victory Bonds would:
- be available to the public in denominations as low as $50;
- accrue interest based on savings achieved through reduced-energy spending by the federal government and interest collected on loans provided from proceeds of the bonds; and
- be capped at $50 billion each year.
Click here for full text of the Clean Energy Victory Bond Act.

In Connecticut, “Green Liberty Bonds” have been issued, and batches have sold out because the demand is so great.

Support from Sustainability & Business Groups

The bill is supported by numerous organizations, includingGreen America, Communitas Financial Planning PBC, Transformative Wealth Management, Natural Investments, American Sustainable Business Council, Impact Investors, School Sisters of Notre Dame Collective Investment Fund, Figure 8 Investment Strategies, Greenvest/Vanderbilt Financial Group, Change the Chamber, Harkins Wealth Management, SharePower Responsible Investing, Your Best Path, LLC, and Chicory Wealth.

“Americans from around the country support clean energy that will create jobs while addressing the climate crisis. In World War II, Victory Bonds offered Americans a way to support the war effort. Now, Clean Energy Victory Bonds will offer all Americans a safe investment, open to anyone, to support the rapid adoption of the solar, wind, and battery storage technologies that will benefit communities, workers, and the planet,” said Todd Larsen, Executive Co-Director For Consumer and Corporate Engagement, Green America.

“Clean Energy Victory Bonds will provide a much-needed economic boost to our businesses and economy. This bill provides a reliable and highly-accessible financing mechanism that allows all Americans to provide the needed dollars for building a vibrant economy.” In an environment of reduced Federal Government spending this enables everyone to invest and work hand in hand with the private sector,” said David Levine, Co-founder and President, American Sustainable Business Council.

“Taking a step forward to adjust our energy industry to meet the needs of the changing country, the Clean Energy Victory Bonds Act uses historical precedence to advance the U.S. toward a cleaner, brighter future for youth like us. While the transition to a clean energy economy may seem ambitious at times, this Act will allow everyday Americans to create an economy that works for all of us. It provides Americans the opportunity to help incentivize cleaner infrastructure and energy, paving the way for future steps to better our nation’s energy and climate,” said Evey Mengelkoch, Erika Pietrzak, and Sarah Hill, Climate Fellows of Change the Chamber

###

MIL OSI USA News –
May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Business – Sustainability start-ups Krosslinker and Ayrton Energy secure S$1 million each in catalytic funding at The Liveability Challenge 2025 Grand Finale

Source: Eco-Business

The 2025 Grand Finale witnessed another record-breaking year, attracting more than 1,200 submissions from over 100 countries competing for the top prize in two tracks: Decarbonisation and Cool Earth.

Passive cooling using advanced aerogel technology and safe, cost-effective storage and transport to accelerate adoption of hydrogen as a clean fuel were the top winners at the Grand Finale.
The Liveability Challenge, was presented by Temasek Foundation and organised by Eco-Business. 

Singapore, 7 May 2025: Krosslinker and Ayrton Energy have emerged as the top winners at The Liveability Challenge (TLC) 2025 Grand Finale for their innovative solutions to drive decarbonisation and tackle climate challenges.

The two groundbreaking projects were the standouts among eight finalists, each securing a S$1 million grant in catalytic funding to help advance and scale their solutions sustainably.

The winner of the Cool Earth track was Singapore-based deep-tech start-up Krosslinker, which develops passive cooling technologies in the form of aerogel materials capable of reducing surface temperatures by up to 10 degrees Celsius and ambient temperatures by up to 5 degrees Celsius.

The winner of the Decarbonisation track was Canada-based Ayrton Energy, which develops technology for safe and cost-effective hydrogen storage and transport, and addresses infrastructure challenges that currently hinder the widespread adoption of hydrogen energy.

The two winners were selected after a competitive and rigorous judging session, where all eight finalists pitched their innovative solutions live to a judging panel at the Grand Finale, held at ParkRoyal Collection Marina Bay as part of Ecosperity Week.

These pioneering climate solutions are integral in advancing progress towards the climate targets set under the Paris Agreement in 2015 – an urgent imperative as global temperatures reach dangerously new highs each year.

With rising heat, extreme weather events and ecological deterioration afflicting society and natural ecosystems, solutions must be mobilised to address these climate impacts while contributing to the global targets of reducing emissions by 43 per cent by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050.

This will require coordinated efforts across society, enabling regulatory frameworks and strategic investments to enable the large-scale deployment of innovative climate technologies.

Presented by Temasek Foundation and organised by Eco-Business, TLC was launched in 2018 as a platform to search for the most disruptive and innovative solutions that solve the pressing sustainability challenges of today.

Today, TLC is Asia’s largest sustainability solutions platform and since its first edition, has attracted thousands of applications globally, shortlisted and incubated 53 finalists, and deployed more than S$12 million in funding to help these startups, who have gone on to raise hundreds of millions more.

In its eighth edition, TLC searched for solutions across two tracks: Decarbonisation and Cool Earth. The Decarbonisation track seeks disruptive deep-tech solutions that provide scalable and impactful solutions to reduce carbon emissions across diverse industries. The Cool Earth track seeks groundbreaking innovations that specifically address the challenges posed by climate-induced extreme weather conditions.

The eight shortlisted finalist teams – Ayrton Energy, CatAmmon, Cetogenix, CO2Tech, D-CRBN, Eztia Corp, Krosslinker and SXD, Inc – represent various countries including Singapore, Australia, Belgium and the United States.

TLC’s strategic partners this year are Enterprise Singapore, OCTAVE Well-being Economy Fund, TRIREC and Valuence Ventures. Amazon Web Services was the Tech for Good partner for the event.

“We are very happy and excited [to have secured this award], but this is just the beginning. We have a very big job to do to make sure that we develop solutions that equitably reach everybody and not just the tech-savvy community. Many thanks to Temasek Foundation for all the inspiring work that you have been doing, and to all our investors who have specially flown in for this event. To all the fellow finalists who keep inspiring us – it’s such amazing work to solve some of the most difficult challenges in this world and committing to a cause rather than building easy solutions,” said Dr Gayathri Natarajan, Co-founder and CEO of Krosslinker Private Limited.

“We’re really excited to be able to have this funding support and cement our position in Singapore and Southeast Asia. I’m very grateful to Temasek Foundation for believing in the tech that we’re building, and in our ability to decarbonise these hard-to-abate sectors. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for my fantastic team of nerds, as I like to call them back home, as well as the support that we have from our investors both locally and internationally,” said Dr Brandy Kinkead, Chief Technology Officer of Ayrton Energy Inc.

“At Temasek Foundation, we believe in the urgency of supporting bold and deep-tech innovative solutions that can drive real progress in decarbonising our planet, and keeping our environment cool even with rising temperatures. Our catalytic funding reflects this important commitment – helping innovators move from promising innovations to operational prototypes with potential to scale. Beyond The Liveability Challenge, Temasek Foundation is growing our network of climate tech challenges across the region into China, Indonesia and Vietnam. By doing so, we aim to accelerate innovators’ paths to commercialisation and deliver real impact for both the people and the planet. Our heartiest congratulations to Krosslinker Private Limited and Ayrton Energy Inc on this exciting milestone,” said Heng Li Lang, Head of Climate and Liveability at Temasek Foundation.

“TLC has become a fixture in the global sustainability innovation ecosystem, providing a vital catalytic platform for promising start-ups with cutting-edge climate tech solutions from all over the world. By driving innovation, entrepreneurship, ecosystem collaboration and access to finance, it helps groundbreaking ideas move beyond the prototype stage to deliver real-world impact. In a world dangerously close to irreversible planetary thresholds, accelerating these solutions is no longer optional – it is critical,” said Jessica Cheam, Founder and CEO of Eco-Business.

In addition to the two S$1 million in grants (S$1 million for each winner), a total of S$400,000 in investment and grant opportunities were awarded to the finalists by TLC’s strategic partners [see Appendix A].

The Grand Finale also hosted an Innovation Dialogue where speakers Mark Gainsborough, Chairman, Seatrium; Magdalene Loh, Director, Urban Systems and Solutions, Enterprise Singapore; and Dr Dazril Phua, Chief Operating Officer, Nandina REM, identified the solutions needed to advance climate tech solutions and innovation in Singapore and globally – including ecosystem building, policy and financial support and public private partnerships.

Experts said that clear market signals and policy coherence were key to enabling climate technologies to scale. “Technology risk is (usually) the least of the problem. But is the market going to develop the way as expected and is there a supportive policy framework and regulation? Unfortunately, there are too many cases in the climate tech space where the market hasn’t developed as we expected because of an ever-changing policy and regulation landscape,” Mark Gainsborough, Chairman of Singapore-listed marine engineering company Seatrium, shared during the Innovation Dialogue.

Magdalene Loh, Director, Urban Systems and Solutions, Enterprise Singapore, noted that in addition to scaleability and exportability, climate tech solutions must be effectively priced to attract customers, and designed for easy integration into existing systems or processes.

“Today, many of the climate tech solutions that we’re seeing do need to interact with existing infrastructure – existing systems that clients would already be used to. How would these tech solutions integrate? Many times, you need the buy-in internally within the organisation, not just with the innovation team. There are different facets of the clients to [consider] to secure buy-in as well,” Loh said.

For more information, visit The Liveability Challenge website at  www.theliveabilitychallenge.org.

About Temasek Foundation 

Temasek Foundation supports a diverse range of programmes that uplift lives and communities in Singapore and beyond. Temasek Foundation’s programmes are made possible through philanthropic endowments gifted by Temasek, as well as gifts and contributions from other donors. These programmes strive towards achieving positive outcomes for individuals and communities now and for generations to come. Collectively, Temasek Foundation’s programmes strengthen social resilience, foster international exchange and regional capabilities, advance science and protect the planet. 

For more information, visit www.temasekfoundation.org.sg 

About Eco-Business 

Established in 2009, Eco-Business is Asia Pacific’s leading media organisation on sustainable development. Its independent journalism unit publishes high quality, trusted news and views that advance dialogue and enables measurable impact on a wide range of sustainable development and responsible business issues. Eco-Business is headquartered in Singapore, with a presence in Beijing, Hong Kong, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, and correspondents across major cities in Asia Pacific. Visit www.eco-business.com

Appendix A

Additional investment and grant opportunities:

Singapore’s Krosslinker Private Limited received S$100,000 from OCTAVE Well-being Economy Fund to develop urban cooling solutions using zero energy aerogel coating.

Canada’s Ayrton Energy Inc received S$100,000 from TRIREC and S$100,000 from Valuence Ventures to develop safe hydrogen storage and transport which seamlessly integrates with existing liquid fuel infrastructure.

Australia’s CO2Tech received S$100,000 from Enterprise Singapore to develop a cost effective and compact CO2 capture solution which converts emissions into carbon-negative and valuable products.

Appendix B

Comments from our Strategic Partners:

Emily Liew, Assistant Managing Director, Innovation, Enterprise Singapore, said: “As the world races to address pressing environmental challenges, we need platforms such as The Liveability Challenge more than ever to uncover and support breakthrough climate innovations. Start-ups can leverage Singapore’s robust innovation ecosystem, infrastructure and strategic networks to validate and scale their climate solutions. Enterprise Singapore is committed to working with important partners such as Temasek Foundation to accelerate the development of innovative solutions for a sustainable future.”

Axel Tan, Venture Partner, OCTAVE Well-being Economy Fund, said: “Climate tech startups are pioneering vital solutions for a more liveable planet, but they face steep challenges in scaling. At the OCTAVE Well-being Economy Fund, we believe in backing these innovators by bridging capital, partnerships and purpose. Together with platforms like The Liveability Challenge, we can direct collective investment toward breakthrough technologies – accelerating the transition to a cleaner, more conscious and regenerative future.”

Andrew Wong, Director, TRIREC, said: “The Liveability Challenge is crucial as it catalyses breakthrough innovations urgently needed to tackle escalating climate crises. By matching catalytic capital with the most promising solutions in climate change, the Challenge accelerates the commercialisation of transformative technologies, especially in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment. This platform not only empowers innovators to scale their impact but also drives collective action toward a net-zero and a climate-resilient future worldwide. TRIREC looks forward to supporting ambitious climate founders.”

Andrew Hyung, General Partner, Valuence Ventures, said: “At a time when the world’s attention is pulled in many directions and the climate crisis is too often set aside, The Liveability Challenge brings much needed focus. It unites visionaries, doers and believers to shape a future we all deserve. By turning urgency into momentum and bold ideas into real solutions, this platform reminds us that hope backed by action can still change everything.”

Ashley Tan, International Head of Social Impact & Sustainability at Amazon Web Services (AWS), said: “We’re excited by the powerful sustainability solutions presented by winners Krosslinker Private Limited and Ayrton Energy Inc, and the other finalists. Together with Temasek Foundation and Eco-business, Amazon Web Services (AWS) is committed to making a positive environmental and social impact around the world. We will continue to provide the latest AI-driven technologies and bench of deep technical expertise to power innovative solutions in the cloud and solve the climate crisis’s most pressing decarbonisation and food security challenges of our time.”

Appendix C

Finalists for The Liveability Challenge 2025:

1. Ayrton Energy Inc (Canada)  

Solution: Safe hydrogen storage and transport that seamlessly integrates with existing liquid fuel infrastructure for scalable deployment that is up to 50 per cent lower cost 

2. CatAmmon (Israel) 

Solution: ”Cold” (400ºC) ammonia cracking, catalysed by Ruthenium – free, ceramic nanomaterials that achieves over 30 per cent reductions in cost for hydrogen generation 

 3.  Cetogenix (New Zealand)

Solution: Transforming urban waste into renewable natural gas, green ammonia and other circular bioeconomy products with carbon intensities 19 times less than those of fossil equivalents 

4.  CO2Tech (Australia) 

Solution: Cost effective and compact CO2 capture solution capable of converting emissions into carbon negative and valuable products  

5. D-CRBN (Belgium) 

Solution: Plasma-based CO2 recycling with a fossil price parity  

6. Eztia Corp (US)

Solution: Cooling wearables that absorb body heat, reducing skin temperature by 10°C  

7. Krosslinker Private Limited (Singapore)

Solution: Cooling cities 24/7 with a zero energy aerogel coating: passive, powerful and planet friendly 

8. SXD, Inc (US) 

Solution: SXD uses its patent-published AI to co-design and scale zero material waste garments, driving 10 times the material savings, approximately 80 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions and up to 55 per cent in cost savings.

MIL OSI – Submitted News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI: Ingersoll Rand to Participate in Upcoming Investor Conference

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

DAVIDSON, N.C., May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ingersoll Rand Inc. (NYSE: IR), a global provider of mission-critical flow creation and life science and industrial solutions, announced that Vik Kini, chief financial officer, and Matthew Fort, vice president, Investor Relations and FP&A, will participate in a fireside chat at the Wolfe Research 18th Annual Global Transportation & Industrials Conference on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 9:20 a.m. Eastern Time.

A real-time audio webcast of the fireside chat can be accessed via the Events and Presentations section of the Ingersoll Rand Investor Relations website here. A replay of the webcast will be available after the conclusion of the fireside chat and can be accessed on the Ingersoll Rand Investor Relations website.

About Ingersoll Rand Inc.
Ingersoll Rand Inc. (NYSE:IR), driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and ownership mindset, is dedicated to Making Life Better for our employees, customers, shareholders, and planet. Customers lean on us for exceptional performance and durability in mission-critical flow creation and life science and industrial solutions. Supported by over 80+ respected brands, our products and services excel in the most complex and harsh conditions. Our employees develop customers for life through their daily commitment to expertise, productivity, and efficiency. For more information, visit www.IRCO.com.

Investors:
Matthew Fort
Matthew.Fort@irco.com

Media:
Sara Hassell
Sara.Hassell@irco.com

The MIL Network –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Guangdong Province Releases 30 Artificial Intelligence Application Scenarios

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, May 7 (Xinhua) — South China’s Guangdong Province has unveiled 30 scenarios for the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in four areas: manufacturing, education, health care and security, the Science and Technology Daily reported Wednesday.

In the education sector, the Guangdong government has identified typical application scenarios for this technology in five major areas: teaching, teaching, experimentation, resource allocation, and evaluation and decision support.

In terms of healthcare, Guangdong Province reported 10 typical AI application scenarios in areas such as imaging diagnosis, clinical decision making, surgical planning, outpatient treatment, and medical consultation.

“The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has advantages in areas such as electromechanical technology, as well as digital and intelligent technology,” the Keji Ribao article noted, citing Qu Xiaojie, deputy head of the Guangdong Province Bureau of Industry and Information Technology. The area also has a complete industrial chain for AI and robotics.

Guangdong Province will support the industrialization of technologies, product marketing and service commercialization for enterprises in the field of AI and robotics, Qu Xiaojie concluded. -0-

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Major grants for community organisations
Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

The Belmont Cinema, an all-ability wheelchair swing project, youth club equipment, and a community radio station are among a raft of local organisations which are to benefit from grants totalling £965,000 approved today.

Aberdeen City Council’s Finance and Resources Committee agreed the monies for projects around the city including The Belmont Community Cinema Project, Aberdeen Deeside Rotary Trust, Kingswells Community Centre, and Station House Media Uni (SHMU).

Committee Convener Councillor Alex McLellan said: “These are major projects which have been awarded funding today and the monies will assist the organisations in bringing forward their respective projects.

“These grant applications, from a number of partners and third sector organisations, will make a positive impact on our city in their own way.”

Council Culture spokesperson Councillor Martin Greig said: “These grants will make a positive difference for organisations and people across Aberdeen. I look forward to seeing the progress on all of these projects in the coming months.”

A report to committee said the grants awarded included:
- Aberdeen Deeside Rotary Trust – all-ability wheelchair swing project – £13,000;
- Aberdeen Performing Arts – building management system upgrade at HMT – £48,895;
- Aberdeen Science Centre – community engagement and accessibility project – £73,198;
- Alcohol and Drugs Action – family harm reduction/recovery support – £19,801;
- Aberdeen City Council – Bucksburn Swimming Pool recommissioning project – £173,140;
- Befriend a Child – family support project – £19,152;
- Belmont Community Cinema – improving the entrance project – £100,000;
- Citymoves Dance Agency – United Aberdeen Dance project – £47,089;
- Community Outreach Group – upgraded kitchen – £3,800;
- Denburn Residents and Tenants Association – Upper Denburn Gardens – £10,000;
- East Grampian Coastal Partnership – Aberdeen City Coastal Path Study – £9,450;
- Grampian Cardiac Rehabilitation Association – specialist exercise service for people with cardiac and chronic health conditions in Aberdeen – £15,000;
- Grampian Women’s Aid – support services – £45,470;
- Growing2gether – strengthening communities by building local skills, wellbeing and resilience project – £28,865;
- Instant Neighbour – Upcycle Inc Project – £10,000;
- Kingswells Community Centre – youth club equipment – £876;
- Sound Scotland – Soundcommunities year 2 – £24,000;
- Station House Media Unit – extension to Station House – £110,000;
- Techfest – TechFests Blueprint Challenge: A Future Highstreet – £10,000;
- The Kings Community Foundation – the Bridge Centre Retrofit – £50,000.
The report to committee said allocation of grant funding is from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). The UKSPF money was allocated to the City Council by the UK Government. The core UKSPF element can be used across three priority areas – community and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Graduate Student Research Symposium Recognizes Academic Excellence and Innovation

Source: US State of Connecticut

For the first time at UConn, graduate students across all seven campuses had the opportunity to present their work at a single event: the Graduate Student Research Symposium.

Much of UConn’s graduate students’ research addresses real-world issues, allowing this inaugural symposium to not only celebrate academic excellence, but to also spotlight the impact graduate research has on Connecticut and beyond.

“Graduate students are having such a large impact on our community and on our state,” said Joy A. Hamer ’25 JD, the chief organizer of the symposium. “It was my mission to unite all seven of UConn’s branch campuses and showcase the hard work of our students.”

Hamer, who serves as the graduate student trustee on the UConn Board of Trustees, started envisioning the event that ultimately became the poster competition while campaigning for her trustee position. A key part of her campaign was going to all of UConn’s campuses and meeting with graduate students to hear about their experiences and find ways to help them succeed.

“Ultimately, what I found is most graduate students—irrespective of location or field of study—are conducting research that is very much interdisciplinary. For example, students studying pharmacy in Storrs, law in Hartford, or marine biology in Avery Point may all be focusing their research on environmental sustainability. Unfortunately, as we’re so dispersed across the state, a lot of our research becomes siloed,” said Hamer.

Alvaro Daniel Pantoja-Benavides shares his research on agricultural practices (Paula Steele / UConn Photo)

Hamer’s mission was to highlight not only the work of graduate students but also how their research benefits the places where they live and work, which culminated in the April 23 symposium held at Rome Commons Ballroom at UConn Storrs.

With scores of posters on display and hundreds in attendance, the symposium showcased the impressive breadth and depth of graduate research at UConn.

In the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources’ Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, Ph.D. candidate Alvaro Daniel Pantoja-Benavides presented his findings regarding the extent to which the Gray Water Footprint (GWF) – the volume of fresh water required to assimilate pollutants to meet water quality standards – can be used as an indicator to compare the environmental impacts of agricultural practices. His work provides insight into how irrigation and fertilizing strategies can be advanced while maintaining sustainable practices.

“This has given me great opportunities to show how research can impact the environment and agriculture,” said Pantoja-Benavides. “If we know how to utilizes strategies to practice agriculture better and teach people more about it, it will benefit so many.”

Each student who competed in the Symposium Poster Competition had their work categorized into one of six interdisciplinary research categories, with each category recognizing a winner and runner-up, followed by the winners competing in a final round. The overall winner and runner-up in the final round both came from the department of Molecular and Cellular Biology in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Ph.D. candidate Caroline Vieira da Silva won overall in the Cognition, Health, and Medicine category and then won the final round for her research titled, “Identification and characterization of the surface layer protein AvsA in outer membrane vesicles, antibiotic resistance, and in vivo host colonization in Aeromonas veronii.” Ph.D. candidate Sarah Pasqualetti came in first in the Economy, Energy, and Environment category, and was the overall runner-up for her work with microplastics.

One goal Hamer kept in mind while planning the poster competition was to give graduate students the opportunity to present their research to wider audiences, especially individuals who are not in their respective fields.

“Because we’re so dedicated to our research, as graduate students, it becomes easy to communicate exclusively in terms of art and industry jargon. This can make comprehension difficult for someone who isn’t in that discipline,” said Hamer. “So, the point is to be able to articulate and explain your research across sectors.

Although poster competitions are commonly found in STEM fields, said Hamer, they seem to be translatable across disciplines. “As a law student, I’ve primarily participated in Moot Court, Mock Trial, and Negotiation competitions—all of which are very industry-specific.” Hosting this event as a poster competition offers graduate students of any field the chance to participate in sharing their findings. Additional formats such as pitch competitions and video competitions are in the works for the future iterations of the symposium.

“It’s been helpful to learn how to communicate my research with different audiences,” said Muireann Nic Corcráin, a Ph.D. candidate in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies. “Talking to departments who aren’t in my field and don’t initially understand my work can further show the importance of cultural revival.”

Keegan Jalbert presents research to a judge at the Graduate Student Research Symposium (Paula Steele / UConn Photo)

In her research titled, “I Have a Voice: Towards the Development of Synthetic Voices for the Passamaquoddy Language,” Corcráin focused on the language revitalization of the Passamaquoddy language.

This Native American language is only spoken by 12% of 3,600 members, according to Corcráin’s research, which motivated her to work towards developing a text-to-speech synthetic voice for the language.

Her commitment to language revitalization and developing resources for ancestral languages, like the Passamaquoddy language, led her work to be recognized as the runner-up in the Humanity, Culture, and Arts category of the competition.

“It’s nice to be able to research something that has an impact on so many people, and that UConn provides us with these resources to do so,” said Julia Jerolamon, a Ph.D. student in the department of Molecular and Cellular Biology. Her research focuses on deactivating a protein that, when found in high levels, has been shown to reduce survivability rates among patients with cancer.

Hamer, who worked closely with Leslie Shor, Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of The Graduate School, on organizing the event, said she was thrilled with the successful debut of what she expects to become a regular event for UConn graduate students.

“This was our very first year, and I am so proud of our team and our engagement with the students. We’re looking forward to hosting this again in the future,” said Hamer.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: The dangerous business of predicting the death of popes – a history

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Michelle Pfeffer, Research Fellow in Early Modern History, University of Oxford

Portrait of Michel de Nostredame (Nostradamus), painted by his son César de Nostredame. Wiki Commons

Michel de Nostredame (1503-66), better known as Nostradamus, is often hailed as one of the most successful prophets of all time. Said to have foreseen major world events from the rise of Hitler to COVID, the 16th-century astrologer was recently credited with predicting Pope Francis’s death – and what would happen next.

‘Through the death of a very old Pontiff

A Roman of good age will be elected.

Of him it will be said that he weakens his seat

But long will he sit in biting activity.

Like all the quatrains in Nostradamus’s collection of prophecies, Les Prophéties (1555-68), this one is as enigmatic as it is flexible. Short, sweet and decontextualised, his prophetic poems feel timeless, and it is deliciously satisfying to recognise a real-world correlation. The problem is that his prophecies are so vague that they can be linked to any number of events – or old Pontiffs.

Nostradamus’s “dark and cryptic” language was intentional. If he had been more explicit, not only his career, but perhaps even his life, may have been at risk.

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Many of his prophecies concerned the rise and fall of the great and the good, and political prophecy was a high-risk business. In ancient Rome, astrologers had been expelled from the city for forecasting the death of emperors, and Renaissance leaders were no less paranoid. To avoid “scandalising and upsetting”, Nostradamus chose to veil his true meaning.

This was not just a matter of self-preservation, but also a way to obscure politically explosive information. Claiming to know when a civic or church leader might die was valuable intelligence. This made astrology a key tool of Renaissance spy-craft, but also a dangerous weapon that needed to be monitored and regulated.

Astrology, politics and the papal court

As a system that promised to forecast plagues, natural disasters, war, and even the economy, astrology was a logical interest for Renaissance rulers.

Universities taught their students how to make these predictions, and for some lucky graduates this led to a job in a royal, princely, or even papal court. Here their horoscopes could inform political decision-making and produce potent astrological propaganda.

A horoscope for the founding of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican in April 1506, cast by the astrologer Luca Gaurico. Luca Gaurico (1552).
Tractatus Astrologicus

Despite the condemnations of theologians, many popes patronised astrologers and sought their guidance.

Julius II (1443-1513) chose the start date for the construction of Saint Peter’s Basilica based on astrological counsel. Leo X (1475-1521) founded a professorship in astrology at Rome’s first university, La Sapienza. And Paul III (1468-1549), heeding the judgment of the astrologer Luca Gaurico, appointed his grandson a cardinal at just 14.

In a period in which popes could have a decisive impact on international politics, speculation about the health of the pontiff was rampant. Astrologers capitalised on this.

When Ludovico Sforza (1452-1508), de facto ruler of Milan, asked his astrologer to predict the death of Innocent VIII, it was nothing unusual. The answer was that the pope would die around August 10 1492, if not sooner. When Innocent died on July 25, Ludovico was no doubt pleased. As the historian Monica Azzolini has shown, he had consulted his astrologer in the hope the next pope would be more supportive of his illegitimate regime.

Some popes asked astrologers about their own deaths. But they didn’t like it so much when others did so – especially when the forecasts were made public. Even worse, such predictions often fed into Protestant propaganda.

Popes knew public predictions about their death were politically destabilising, not to mention humiliating. At the end of 1559, the Index of Prohibited Books, a list of books forbidden by the Roman Catholic Church, banned texts containing astrological “divinations” about “future contingent events”.

Earlier that year, just as Pope Paul IV was trying to conceal a serious illness from the public, the sighting of a comet had led to widespread speculation about his death. As the pope knew all too well, astrology could be a political liability.

Orazio Morandi and Urban VIII

Such legislation did not stop astrologers from making political predictions, not least because their clients never stopped asking. But increasingly these astrologers were playing with fire. As the historian Brendan Dooley has shown, Orazio Morandi learned this the hard way in 1630.

Morandi made predictions about Pope Urban VII.
Vatican Museums

Morandi was an abbot at the monastery of Santa Prassede in Rome. He had been practising astrology for years, and he had been careful, framing his political forecasts in allusive language. But soon he went too far.

In 1629, Morandi wrote an astrological commentary on various past papacies, critiquing their flaws. When he came to the present incumbent, Urban VIII (1568-1644), he not only predicted that his pro-French allies would destroy Italy, but that the pope himself would very soon suffer great violence, then death.

There are several astrological techniques for predicting someone’s death. As above, astronomical phenomena like comets and eclipses could prompt speculation about an upcoming papal demise. But Morandi used the gold standard – a technique called “prorogation”. This required access to the person’s birth chart, from which astrologers could identify the planets or luminaries that were their “giver of life” and “giver of years”.

Different planets gave different lifespans. For example, if the sun was your “giver of years”, and it was in a good position on your horoscope, you might expect to live to 120. If the sun was badly placed, your life expectancy might be just 19 years. Other parts of the horoscope could then modify these figures.

Morandi identified the sun as Urban’s life giver. But the positions of the more nefarious planets on his birth chart meant he was lucky to have lived beyond the age of seven. In June 1630, Morandi concluded, a solar eclipse would seal the pope’s fate.

Morandi’s prediction spread widely in clandestine circles, and it wasn’t long until his prediction was reported as fact. The pro-Spanish faction in Rome was thrilled. It was even rumoured that Spanish and German cardinals had begun the long journey to Rome for a new conclave.

The earth surrounded by the planets, luminaries, and zodiac signs (1708).
Andreas Cellarius, Harmonia Macrocosmica

Embarrassingly, Urban first learned of the prophecy not through his own informants, but from the powerful French prelate Cardinal Richelieu. Himself an avid believer in astrology, Urban was greatly disturbed. He had Morandi arrested and jailed. During the trial, a young man called Matteo, servant to the current prior of Santa Prassede, was interrogated and tortured. Morandi himself soon died in prison under suspicious circumstances.

But Urban lived on. The next year, he decreed it punishable by death to predict “the life or death of the sitting Roman Pontiff, including his blood relatives to the third degree inclusive”.

Making a career in political forecasting was – and is – risky. But astrologers were ambitious and knew their efforts would be well remunerated. Predicting the death of a pope could help you quickly build a public profile, expanding your business. But after 1630, it was a risk many astrologers were no longer willing to take.

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

– ref. The dangerous business of predicting the death of popes – a history – https://theconversation.com/the-dangerous-business-of-predicting-the-death-of-popes-a-history-255816

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: By VE Day in 1945, Stalin had got what he wanted in Poland – now Putin may get what he wants in Ukraine

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Wendy Webster, Professor of Modern Cultural History, University of Huddersfield

Sell out: most Polish people felt they had been abandoned by their allies in the US and Great Britain at the Yalta Conference. US government

As Britain celebrated Victory in Europe (VE) Day on May 8 1945, the Polish airmen of RAF 305 Bomber Squadron captured a starkly different sentiment in their diary. “‘Victory!’ every Anglo-Saxon says in greeting instead of the traditional ‘Hello!’. The word ‘Victory!’ is devoid of meaning, power and any sense today only for the Poles.”

Despite their critical contributions to the allied war effort, from the Battle of Britain to Monte Cassino, Polish forces felt isolated and betrayed, their hopes of a free Poland crushed by the Yalta agreement. On that first VE Day, many Poles who fought with the allied forces recorded feeling sad, isolated or bitter.

Tadeusz Szumowski, who served in the RAF in Britain found it almost impossible to join in the celebrations. He wrote in his diary: “Our war is lost, the war which we fought so hard and so long to win … It is a very long time since I felt so alone.”

A Polish soldier in Italy wrote: “The war is over – but not for us. The population of the greater part of the world are happy, in consequence; but we are sad. I am afraid that we have lost so many of our best men all for nothing.”

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What made “victory” devoid of meaning for Poles? In her study of Poland during the second world war, historian Halik Kochanski quotes the famed American journalist Martha Gellhorn, who reported from Italy: “All the Poles talk about Russia all the time. The soldiers gather several times a day around the car which houses the radio and listen to the news.”

Many of these soldiers came from eastern Poland, which was invaded by the Soviet Union in 1939. Along with their families, they had been deported to Siberia or Kazakhstan and came out only under a so-called “amnesty” after Russia entered the war on the allied side. Gellhorn reported: “They follow the Russian advance across Poland with agonized interest.”

As I found when researching my book about the diverse nationalities fighting alongside Britain in the second world war, Polish soldiers wrote about Russia all the time as well as talking about it. Their letters were censored and quoted in censorship reports.

As they watched the Russian advance and heard news of the Yalta agreement which consigned Poland to the Soviet sphere of influence, they express anger, fear, bitterness, desolation, a sense of loss and betrayal, shock, bewilderment.

The letters are striking for the many words which take on meanings that demonstrate a gulf that opens up, separating Poles from other allied soldiers. Victory belongs to others while Poles have gone down to a catastrophic defeat.

Russia, widely regarded as a valued ally, is the enemy of Poles. The Polish slogan “For our freedom and yours” is rewritten in one letter: “We are fighting for yours and our freedom, but now I think rather only for yours.” Another letter asks: “What are we fighting for if Poland is to be enslaved?”

Polish pilots of RAF 303 (Polish) Fighter Squadron during the second world war.
Imprial War Museum

Poles find it unbearable to be told that Russia is liberating Poland, using heavy irony. “The ‘liberation’ of Poland by our so-called Allies is causing us great anxiety. Probably my own home will soon be ‘liberated’.”

Another soldier cautions: “Never, never congratulate our people of Warsaw and Poland being ‘liberated’. This sounds like the most cruel irony and is deeply resented by every Pole. You could speak about a lamb being liberated from a bear by a tiger.”

The concept of “home” also acquires new meanings that are devoid of any association with pleasure or belonging. As the war ends, allied soldiers’ thoughts are increasingly about the prospect of returning home – but censors reported in 1944: “Thousands of letters written by Polish soldiers in the last days repeat as a cardinal topic that to Poland governed by communists they won’t return.”

One soldier writes: “It would be better to be killed here on the battlefield than to be alive in the new ‘Red Paradise’ in Poland.” Another writes: “There is no return for us to the Soviet republic of Poland which seems to be the newest invention of our Allies.”

Echoes of Yalta

The Yalta agreement of February 1945 between America, Britain and Russia, the “Big Three” powers, confirmed Poles’ worst fears. Censors report that in the soldiers’ letters, it “overshadows all other topics”, and has “evoked a terrible shock amongst the Polish troops … they find that they are lost and betrayed”.

One soldier writes: “For the last few days I have been in a state of dumb bewilderment. Occasionally I ask myself, ‘Can it be true?’ … I cannot believe that it has really happened.”

Another soldier writes to his “Britisher friend” about his feelings of betrayal: “When this morning we heard the news about the statements from the Big Three meeting we got deadly silent … We sacrificed most of all countries – more than you even. We trusted you so much, and what have we got. Our biger [sic] friend let us go down.”

Yalta is in Crimea – part of the territory annexed by Russia before its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, has made it clear he will offer no concessions on Ukraine, which he has argued all along he sees as an inalienable part of Russia. This is a stark reminder of Yalta when Josef Stalin made concessions on other matters, but none on Poland.

Trump’s administration has offered Ukraine no security guarantees. Its framework to end the war will allow Russia to retain the territory it has seized. There are now echoes of what one Polish soldier wrote in 1945 of the Yalta agreement: “This business smells and no high-sounding words can disguise the stench of a bad deed.”

Wendy Webster receives funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council

– ref. By VE Day in 1945, Stalin had got what he wanted in Poland – now Putin may get what he wants in Ukraine – https://theconversation.com/by-ve-day-in-1945-stalin-had-got-what-he-wanted-in-poland-now-putin-may-get-what-he-wants-in-ukraine-255982

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Italy’s areas of wartime fascist resistance remain less susceptible to the far right today

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Juan Masullo, Assistant Professor, Institute of Political Science, Leiden University

Across Europe, far-right parties are making unforeseen breakthroughs – from local councils to national and supranational parliaments. As their presence becomes normalised, these parties promote nationalist rhetoric, challenge democratic institutions, and attempt to reshape a political present rooted in hard-won struggles against authoritarianism.

Yet, not all communities are equally permeable to these growing forces. Some actively resist, mobilising to block authoritarian ideologies and defend democratic values.

Our recent research in Italy offers one explanation as to why some communities are less easily enticed into far-right politics than others. Local histories of wartime resistance continue to shape political cultures in ways that, even generations later, inspire people to push back against the resurgence of fascist and neo-fascist ideologies.

In areas where anti-fascist resistance movements were active during the second world war, civic engagement to defend democratic values is stronger. In these communities, support for far-right parties is weaker.

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These legacies aren’t accidental. They are cultivated, reinforced, and passed on through intensive and continuous local memory work.

During Italy’s civil war (1943–1945), students, workers, farmers and clergy mobilised into bands of resistance to fight the Nazi-fascist regime. Their efforts were central to Italy’s liberation and the establishment of its democratic republic. While this story is often told at the national level, our research examines its enduring local consequences.

Using an original dataset mapping resistance activity across about 8,000 Italian municipalities, we compared places with strong partisan mobilisation to those without. Even today, eight decades later, residents of areas with a resistance past are more likely to support initiatives that counter far-right ideologies.

This was especially evident in the response to a recent initiative. In 2020 and 2021, a grassroots campaign proposed a law to ban the public glorification of fascism. To bring it for discussion before parliament, the campaign needed 50,000 signatures.

Despite the pandemic, it collected over 240,000 within a few months. While support was widespread, municipalities with strong resistance histories were significantly more likely to participate. Our estimates show roughly 40% more signatures in these places.

These patterns suggest that wartime resistance can leave legacies that translate into contemporary political behaviour. But data alone can’t explain how these legacies endure. That’s where our fieldwork comes in.

We have been closely studying towns with deep resistance roots and strong support for the 2021 initiative to see how they keep these legacies alive and who is involved.

We have followed (and participated in) memorialisation efforts in the Cuneo region, one of the main centres of wartime resistance, and in areas deeply affected by Nazi violence and known for creating some of the strongest partisan brigades. These include villages around Stazzema in Tuscany and Marzabotto in Emilia.

The main insight is that remembrance isn’t just ceremonial – it’s part of daily life. Schools, hiking clubs, cultural associations, and city halls all contribute to preserving and activating the memory of resistance.

One public elementary school in the rural hills around Bologna, for example, created a “memory garden” to honour local residents who died fighting fascism. Through interviews, art and storytelling, students have engaged directly with their community’s past, creating not only a commemorative space but a living bridge between generations.

The memorial garden planted by students in.
J Masullo, CC BY-ND

Similarly, local Alpine clubs in Emilia Romagna and Piedmont restored partisan trails through the mountains, now used for memory treks. These hikes attract people who might not otherwise engage politically but who, by walking the paths of wartime partisans, connect with stories of sacrifice and solidarity. What begins as recreation becomes an encounter with democratic values.

These deeply localised memory efforts – anchored in the names, stories and spaces of the community – often intensify during democratic threats. The 2021 campaign emerged amid growing support for parties like Lega and Fratelli d’Italia (Brothers of Italy).

Related studies show that when exclusionary welfare policies gain ground, local communities sometime organise in defence of vulnerable groups. In towns with a resistance past, local “memory entrepreneurs” doubled their efforts in response to far-right victories.

Memory as a political battle

This is not just an Italian phenomenon. Across Europe, historical memory is a political battleground. In Germany, the Stolpersteine – brass plaques in sidewalks commemorating Nazi victims – serve as grassroots reminders that shape civic attitudes. In Hungary, activists have created “living memorials” to Holocaust victims, directly contesting government efforts to whitewash fascist collaboration.

These commemorations also have measurable political effects. In Berlin, neighbourhoods where one or more Stolpersteine was placed before an election saw fewer votes for the far-right AfD (a 0.96%-point decrease) compared to those with no Stolpersteine. This happened across federal, state and EU elections between 2013 and 2021.

A stolperstein in Berlin.
Wikipedia/Drrcs15, CC BY-SA

What unites these efforts is a belief that remembering the past matters – not only to honour it, but to shape the future. Local narratives of wartime resistance and victimisation help instil democratic values and inoculate communities against authoritarianism.

But this doesn’t happen automatically. It requires effort. Teachers, students, parents, associations, and local councils all play a role in keeping memory alive and politically meaningful.

Recognising this is especially vital today, when the meaning of anti-fascism itself is a polarising subject. Far-right leaders, including those in office, downplay and discredit the resistance’s legacy, replacing it with revisionist myths.

A local cycling club marks liberation day with a tour of monuments dedicated to partisans.
J Masullo, CC BY-ND

When communities take ownership of their histories, they are more likely to uphold democratic principles not only in ceremonies, but at the ballot box and in everyday actions. The past is never just the past. The legacies of wartime resistance continue to shape how people view democracy, justice, and belonging. In times like these, remembering the resistance is more than homage – it is civic defence.

Juan Masullo has received funding for this research from UNUWIDER and Leiden University.

He is affiliated with the University of Milan.

Simone Cremaschi has received funding for this research from UNUWIDER, the European Research Council (grant number 864687), and Leiden University.

– ref. Italy’s areas of wartime fascist resistance remain less susceptible to the far right today – https://theconversation.com/italys-areas-of-wartime-fascist-resistance-remain-less-susceptible-to-the-far-right-today-255859

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Conclave: the chemistry behind the black and white smoke

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Mark Lorch, Professor of Science Communication and Chemistry, University of Hull

White smoke from the chimney on top of the Sistine Chapel (Vatican City) indicates that the Pope has been elected. MartiBstock/Shutterstock

This week, 133 cardinals have gathered in the Vatican to elect a new leader of the Catholic church. During their deliberations, the only indications of their progress are the regular plumes of smoke wafting from a freshly installed chimney perched on the roof of the Sistine Chapel.

Tradition holds that black smoke indicates the cardinals have not yet agreed on a new leader, while white smoke signals that a new Pope has been elected. But what kind of smoke is it exactly? Let’s take a look at the science.

The tradition of cardinals burning their ballot papers to maintain secrecy dates back to at least the 15th century. However, it wasn’t until the 18th century — when a chimney was installed in the Sistine Chapel to protect Michelangelo’s frescoes from soot — that the resulting smoke became visible to anyone outside the chapel.

At the time, the smoke was not intended as a public signal, but once it was visible, onlookers began interpreting it as an indicator of the voting outcome.

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By the 19th century, it had become customary to use smoke deliberately: if smoke was seen, it meant no Pope had been elected, whereas no smoke indicated a successful election. This of course lacked clarity and often caused confusion.

The Vatican eventually sought to clarify matters by formalising the practice of fumata nera (black smoke) and fumata bianca (white smoke). Initially, damp straw and tar were added to the burning ballots. As anyone who has tried to light a damp bonfire knows, wet oily fuel can be difficult to ignite, but once it gets going, it produces plenty of dark smoke.

This is the result of incomplete combustion: the energy from the flames is initially used to evaporate the water, which keeps the fire’s temperature low. As a result, many of the larger molecules in the tar do not fully combust, leading to the production of soot and dark smoke.

However, once the moisture is driven off, the fire burns more efficiently, producing mainly steam and carbon dioxide. At that stage, the smoke diminishes and becomes much lighter.

This fluctuating fumata — combined with the subjective interpretation of its colour — caused considerable confusion, particularly during the 1939 and 1958 conclaves. It wasn’t clear whether grey smoke was closer to black or white, for example. By the 1970s, the straw method had been abandoned in favour of more controllable chemical mixtures. This has since evolved into an unambiguous method for generating the required smoke signals.

Current recipe

In 2013, the Vatican confirmed that their fumata recipes now consist of a clear black smoke recipe: potassium perchlorate (KClO₄), an “oxidising substance” that provides oxygen to the reaction; anthracene, a hydrocarbon derived from coal tar that serves as a heavy smoke-producing fuel; and sulphur, added to adjust the burn rate and temperature.

The result is a deliberately inefficient combustion reaction, producing a high volume of unburnt carbon particles. This abundance of carbon (soot) makes the smoke thick and black — akin to the smoke you might see from burning oil or rubber, which is rich in carbon-based particles.

Black smoke from the Sistine Chapel, indicating that there was not a two-thirds majority in the papal election at the Conclave.
wikipedia

Meanwhile, white smoke is produced using a much cleaner fuel mix and a more powerful oxidiser. Potassium chlorate (KClO₃) — even more reactive than perchlorate — ensures a hot, vigorous burn. Lactose acts as the fuel, burning quickly and cleanly into water vapour and carbon dioxide.

The rapid combustion of sugar yields large amounts of gaseous output (steam and CO₂), generating a voluminous white cloud. The final ingredient, pine rosin, produces thick white smoke when heated – releasing tiny droplets and light-coloured ash that appear whitish. It also contains terpenes that burn to yield a pale, visible smoke.

When combined, the oxidising power of potassium chlorate allows the lactose and rosin to burn hot and fast, yielding mostly clean combustion products along with a cloud of vapour and resin particles.

Rather than soot, the smoke contains microscopic droplets and fine solids that are transparent or white. The result is a mixture of steam and white or light gray smoke that contrasts sharply with the dark, carbon-rich black smoke.

Over the years, the papal conclave smoke signal has evolved from an incidental byproduct of burning ballots into a carefully engineered communication tool.

Today, thanks to modern chemistry, the smoke is unmistakable — thick black billows for inconclusive votes, or a bright white plume when a new pope is elected.

Mark Lorch 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. Conclave: the chemistry behind the black and white smoke – https://theconversation.com/conclave-the-chemistry-behind-the-black-and-white-smoke-255980

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA congratulates Australia on successful completion of federal election

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA congratulates Australia on successful completion of federal election

Date：2025-05-04
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

May 4, 2025No.136Australia held a federal election on May 3 to elect its 48th Parliament, including all 150 seats of the House of Representatives and 40 of the 76 seats in the Senate. According to the results, the ruling Australian Labor Party won a majority of seats. The smooth and peaceful election process was characteristic of a mature democracy. On behalf of the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses sincere congratulations to the people and government of Australia.Taiwan and Australia share the universal values of democracy, freedom, the rule of law, and human rights. Bilateral relations have continued to steadily grow in recent years. Collaboration is close in such fields as economics and trade, science and technology, information security, energy, and whole-of-society defense resilience. Last August, the Australian Senate passed an urgency motion refuting China’s flagrant misrepresentation of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758. The passage of the motion underlined the staunch cross-party support for Taiwan in the Australian Parliament.Building on these robust foundations, the government of Taiwan hopes to further enhance cooperation in all domains with the new government of Australia and jointly work to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. (E)

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

May 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – A common European strategy to attract American researchers, scientists and academics – E-001775/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001775/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Karin Karlsbro (Renew)

Following the inauguration of the 47th President of the United States in January 2025, the new administration has swiftly introduced substantial budget reductions to key scientific institutions, including the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. These measures risk severely undermining progress in global scientific research. Concurrently, the administration has reversed existing diversity, equity and inclusion programmes and suspended federal funding to educational institutions that have declined to comply with its directives.

A recent Nature survey indicates that approximately three quarters of researchers are now contemplating leaving the United States due to these concerning developments. In response, several European countries have begun actively seeking to attract American researchers, scientists and academics to their institutions.

1.In the light of this situation, what steps has the Commission taken to formulate a common European approach to attract highly qualified and talented American researchers, scientists and academics to the European Union?

2.What concrete financial measures, such as the establishment of a dedicated fund, is the Commission taking to enable the relocation of entire research teams to Europe, thereby strengthening the EU’s scientific capacity and innovation potential?

Submitted: 2.5.2025
Last updated: 7 May 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
May 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ4: Use of mechanised and automated cleaning technologies

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is a question by the Hon Andrew Lam and a reply by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, in the Legislative Council today (May 7):

Question:

     The 2017 Policy Address proposed to explore the introduction of automated cleaning machines or technology for trial use at suitable venues or after large scale events. According to the Government’s paper submitted to the Subcommittee on Issues Relating to the Improvement of Environmental Hygiene and Cityscape of this Council in 2021, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has in recent years fully deployed technologies for mechanisation and automation of cleaning operations. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the items of cleaning machinery or technology deployed by the FEHD in various districts of Hong Kong, and the average annual utilisation rates of such items, with breakdowns by each of the 18 districts across the territory; and

(2) whether the Government has regularly promoted and monitored the deployment of mechanised and automated technologies in cleaning operations by outsourced service contractors; if so, of the details; if not, how the Government will step up monitoring efforts?

Reply:

President,

     In recent years, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has been actively introducing new technologies to improve the quality and efficiency of street cleansing and refuse collection services, enhance the occupational safety of frontline staff and strengthen enforcement effectiveness.

     My reply to the question raised by the Hon Andrew Lam is as follows:

(1) The FEHD has widely adopted the following technologies and equipment in public cleansing services, including:

(i) Mini street washing vehicles equipped with high pressure hot water cleaners and pressure washer surface cleaners have been introduced in various districts, which can quickly remove dirt from pavements and come with the advantages of saving time and energy, being flexible, reducing disturbances to pedestrians, etc. Since early this year, 67 teams have been using mini street washing vehicles with pressure washer surface cleaners for street washing across the territory, and the locations covered by these vehicles have increased to about 3 600, including those with stubborn dirt or moss, with a view to bringing substantial enhancement to the cleanliness of such locations;

(ii) Litter sweeping plays an important role in street cleansing. The FEHD has widely deployed 11 teams of new mechanical street sweepers in various districts to sweep roads, footbridges and central dividers. It has also provided 118 low-entry driver cab type refuse collection vehicles to enable drivers and cleaning workers in collecting and transporting refuse;

(iii) To improve the refuse collection facilities in rural or remote sites and for better environmental hygiene, the FEHD is implementing a scheme to improve waste collection facilities, under which 287 solar-powered aluminium refuse collection points as well as 51 solar-powered compacting refuse bins and solar-powered refuse compactors have been set up in rural sites. These facilities feature a solar sensor or a foot pedal for touchless control of the inlet openings, and are more convenient and hygienic to use. Their enclosed design can also reduce odour emission and prevent pest infestation. Some of these collection facilities are equipped with a compacting function which will compact refuse to increase storage capacity when the refuse yield reaches a certain level, thereby reducing the need for provision of more refuse containers or more frequent refuse collection; and

(iv) The FEHD also utilises technologies to monitor the cleanliness condition in order to step up the combat against illegal deposit of refuse. Currently, Internet Protocol (IP) cameras have been installed at over 500 illegal refuse deposit blackspots in various districts. The footage captured will be analysed by artificial intelligence to identify the acts of illegal deposit of refuse so that the Department can plan more effective enforcement actions, and institute prosecutions directly. Recently, IP cameras have been installed on traffic roads at over 30 suitable locations in various districts to combat littering from vehicles by irresponsible drivers or passengers. The footage captured will be used for prosecution. In 17 remote coastal sites, 360-degree cameras are used to remotely monitor their cleanliness for timely removal of refuse.

Given the extensive use of the above technologies and equipment in the discharge of regular duties, the FEHD does not keep any specific statistics on their utilisation rates. The summary of the utilisation of the equipment is set out in Annex.

The FEHD has made continuous effort in examining and testing out new technologies not only for greater work efficiency, but also for enhanced protection of the safety of frontline staff, who will have a reduced chance of sustaining work-related strains and injuries. For example:

(i) The FEHD is working with the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) on the application of automated sweeping robots, which will be used for street cleansing so as to reduce the physical exertion of cleansing staff. The robots have been tested in the Hong Kong Science Park, and will undergo the second phase of testing on suitable pavements in due course;

(ii) Electrically assisted trolleys are introduced to ease the physical burden on frontline street cleansing staff. These trolleys, apart from being electrically assisted, are equipped with indicator lights, buffers, reflective stickers, etc, which help enhance safety and work efficiency; and

(iii) The FEHD is also bringing in the most advanced industrial grade robot dogs from the Mainland with a view to enhancing the efficiency in transportation of refuse and reducing the risk of injuries of cleansing workers caused by handling heavy objects. The Department will conduct tests on the refuse handling capacity of the robot dogs at specific locations, such as slopes, stairs and rugged areas. It will also explore ways to upgrade the ancillary facilities.

     In addition, the FEHD plans to, in collaboration with the EMSD, commence a trial on hydrogen fuel cell street washing vehicles in Yuen Long District and North District in mid-May this year to promote the use of cleaner hydrogen energy, which will contribute to achieving the carbon neutrality target of Hong Kong.

     After the trial use of new technologies, the FEHD will review their effectiveness and solicit views from different stakeholders for consideration of whether and how they should be put into wider use. It will also continue to identify technologies and equipment for improving street cleansing service and refuse collection work through various channels, such as drawing on the local, Mainland and overseas experiences.

(2) The FEHD encourages the contractors bidding for service contracts to put forward suggestions on innovative applied technologies. If any suggestion(s) is/are rated as effective and practical, extra scores will be given to the tender. If the contractor is awarded the contract, such suggestion(s) will become the contract terms that shall be implemented. Innovative applied technologies proposed by contractors in recent years include the use of on-board refuse bin cleaners, which can help reduce the need for manual washing and enhance efficiency. The FEHD will progressively extend their scope of application in view of the satisfactory results.

On the monitoring of contractors, the FEHD’s public cleansing service contracts will clearly set out the mechanical and automated cleaning equipment that shall be provided by contractors. The FEHD will monitor contractors’ performance (including whether applied technologies and equipment are provided as required in the contracts) through site inspections, surprise checks and examination of job records. In the event of any non-compliance with the contract requirements, the Department will take follow-up actions, which include the issue of warnings, default notices as well as deduction of monthly service charges. Contractors’ service performance records will also have a bearing on their eligibility or rating in future bidding for the FEHD’s outsourced service contracts.

Thank you, President.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

May 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences revives two rare Ayurvedic manuscripts: Dravyaratnākara Nighaṇṭu and Dravyanamākara Nighaṇṭu

Source: Government of India

Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences revives two rare Ayurvedic manuscripts: Dravyaratnākara Nighaṇṭu and Dravyanamākara Nighaṇṭu

Manuscripts will inspire scholarly exploration and deeper engagement with India’s classical medical literature

Posted On: 07 MAY 2025 2:44PM by PIB Delhi

In a significant stride toward preserving India’s rich legacy in traditional medicine, the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), under the Ministry of Ayush, has revived two rare and significant Ayurvedic manuscripts—Dravyaratnākara Nighaṇṭu and Dravyanamākara Nighaṇṭu.

The publications are unveiled during an event organised by the RRAP Central Ayurveda Research Institute in Mumbai. The event was graced by Prof. Vd. Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General, CCRAS, New Delhi, who also delivered the keynote address highlighting the ‘Activities of CCRAS, Ministry of Ayush’, in research, digitisation, and revival of traditional Ayurvedic literature.

The manuscripts were critically edited and translated by renowned manuscriptologist and veteran Ayurveda expert, Dr. Sadanand D. Kamat of Mumbai. The release ceremony saw the presence of dignitaries, including Shri Ranjit Puranik, President, Ayurvidya Prasarak Mandal and Managing Director, Shri Dhootapeshwar Limited; Dr. Ravi More, Principal, Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Sion; Dr. Shyam Nabar and Dr. Ashanand Sawant from Ayurvidya Prasarak Mandal; and Dr. R. Govind Reddy, Assistant Director (Ayu), CARI, Mumbai.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Vd. Rabinarayan Acharya emphasised the importance of such revivals in bridging India’s ancient wisdom with contemporary research frameworks. He said that “These texts are not just historical artefacts—they are living knowledge systems that can transform contemporary healthcare approaches when studied and applied thoughtfully”.

These critical editions are expected to serve as invaluable resources for students, researchers, academicians, and Ayurveda practitioners, further inspiring scholarly exploration and deeper engagement with India’s classical medical literature.

About the Manuscripts

Dravyaratnākara Nighaṇṭu:

Authored by Mudgala Paṇḍita in 1480 AD, this previously unpublished lexicon consists of eighteen chapters offering in-depth knowledge on drug synonyms, therapeutic actions, and medicinal properties. A widely referenced text in Maharashtra until the 19th century, it draws from classical Nighaṇṭus like Dhanvantari and Raja Nighaṇṭu while documenting numerous novel medicinal substances from plant, mineral, and animal origins. This critical edition, revived by Dr. S. D. Kamat, is a monumental contribution to Dravyaguna and allied Ayurvedic disciplines.

Dravyaratnākara Nighaṇṭu—a revived 15th-century Ayurvedic lexicon

Dravyanamākara Nighaṇṭu:

Attributed to Bhisma Vaidya, this unique work serves as a standalone appendix to the Dhanvantari Nighaṇṭu, focusing exclusively on homonyms of drug and plant names—a complex area of study vital to Ayurveda. Encompassing 182 verses and two colophon verses, the text has been meticulously edited and commented upon by Dr. Kamat, enhancing its utility for scholars of Rasashastra, Bhaishajya Kalpana, and classical Ayurvedic pharmacology.

Dr. Kamat, known for his authoritative work on Saraswati Nighaṇṭu, Bhāvaprakāsha Nighaṇṭu, and Dhanvantari Nighaṇṭu, once again brings his deep scholarship and commitment to preserving India’s Ayurvedic heritage.

Dravyanāmākara Nighaṇṭu—an erudite supplement to Dhanvantari Nighaṇṭu, exploring Ayurvedic homonyms with precision

These critical editions are more than scholarly achievements; they are beacons for future Ayurvedic practitioners, researchers, and educators. By digitising, editing, and interpreting these works, CCRAS and its collaborators are not only safeguarding literary treasures but also enriching India’s traditional healthcare system with validated ancient insights.

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May 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ3: Promoting development of innovation and technology enterprises

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is a question by Professor the Hon William Wong and a reply by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, in the Legislative Council today (May 7):

Question:

In the country’s Report on the Work of the Government this year, the Central Government for the first time highlights the need to support the development of gazelle enterprises. Gazelle enterprises refer to high-growth small and medium-sized scientific and technological enterprises characterized by strong innovation capabilities, new fields of expertise and great development potential. It is learnt that a number of Mainland provinces and municipalities have introduced preferential measures such as incentive subsidies and interest-free loans to accelerate the development of gazelle enterprises. In particular, Hangzhou implemented support policies for eligible gazelle enterprises as early as 2020, encouraging them to collaborate with higher education institutions and scientific research institutes on research and development. This, complemented by other innovation and technology (I&T) support, has fostered a robust innovation ecosystem in Hangzhou, thereby nurturing a number of I&T enterprises, among which the six companies collectively known as Hangzhou’s “Six Little Dragons” are particularly outstanding. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) whether it will set a definition for gazelle enterprises in Hong Kong and compile statistics on the number of gazelle enterprises in the territory;

(2) whether it has studied the provision of targeted policy support for gazelle enterprises; if so, of the details; if not, whether it will conduct a study; and

(3) as it has been reported that Hangzhou’s “Six Little Dragons” are interested in strengthening cooperation with Hong Kong, and the Chief Executive has also indicated that assistance will be provided to them, whether the Government will take the initiative to liaise with and invite such enterprises to establish a presence in Hong Kong, so as to inject new momentum into the I&T ecosystem?

Reply:

President,

Thank you Professor the Hon Wong Kam-fai for the question. My consolidated reply is as follows.

The National “Government Work Report” of this year strongly supports the development of innovation and technology (I&T) enterprises of all development stages, comprehensively planning to accelerate the growth of emerging and future industries. To proactively align with the national development strategy and to promote technological and industrial innovation, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has been adopting a multi-pronged strategy under the overarching framework of the Hong Kong I&T Development Blueprint over the past two years. On one hand, we are striving to nurture local I&T start-ups; on the other hand, we are actively attracting enterprises to set up businesses in Hong Kong. This fully leverages our unique advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle, that is, enjoying strong support from the Motherland and being closely connected to the world, with a view to seizing the historic opportunity of this new round of technological innovation and industry transformation.

On nurturing Hong Kong’s I&T start-ups, the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau (ITIB) has provided a full range of support services to start-ups through the two Hong Kong I&T flagships, namely the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTPC) and Cyberport. The HKSTPC has been committed to providing support for entrepreneurial technology talent through various incubation programmes, including the provision of research and development (R&D) space and supporting facilities, funding, technical and management assistance, investor matching, mentorship support, promotion and business development support. Meanwhile, Cyberport has provided different financial and professional support through various public mission-driven incubation, accelerator, and support programmes tailored to the different development stages of start-ups. Also, with the imminent opening of the Hong Kong Park in the Loop within this year, the HSITPL (i.e. the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Parks Limited) will also launch an incubation programme to provide funding support and comprehensive support services to start-up teams and enterprises in the Park that have development potential and are engaged in life and health technologies. The number of startâ€‘ups in Hong Kong surged from around 1 000 in 2014 to around 4 700 in 2024, reflecting the increasingly vibrant I&T ecosystem in Hong Kong. Our policy objective is to nurture I&T start-ups with independent R&D capabilities which can make substantive contributions to the economy and society, with a view to fostering the high-quality development of Hong Kong’s economy.

We also recognise the importance of and the long-term need for supporting the development of start-ups as well as the necessity to keep abreast of the times in our policy initiatives. In recent years, the ITIB and the Innovation and Technology Commission have introduced and implemented a number of policies to enhance support for start-ups at various development stages, including the nurturing of start-ups. For example, the $10 billion Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme was launched in 2023, which aims to fund, on a matching basis, research teams from universities with good potential to become successful start-ups to transform and commercialise their R&D outcomes. To attract more venture capital to co-invest in local I&T start-ups, we launched the Innovation and Technology Venture Fund enhanced scheme in end-2024 by redeploying up to $1.5 billion to set up funds jointly with the market, on a matching basis, to invest in start-ups of strategic industries, thereby empowering start-ups with more financing support.

Furthermore, we are preparing for the launch of the Pilot I&T Accelerator Scheme, which aims to attract professional start-up service providers with proven track records in and beyond Hong Kong to set up accelerator bases in Hong Kong to foster the robust growth of start-ups and enhance the I&T ecosystem.

Apart from nurturing Hong Kong’s I&T start-ups, we have also taken the initiative to assist Mainland enterprises to “go global” and attract overseas resources, and strive to play the roles of “super connector” and “super value-adder”, thereby bringing new opportunities and opening up new horizons for Hong Kong’s I&T development. As at April 2025, in collaboration with other government departments, the ITIB has negotiated with more than 200 high-potential or representative enterprises to set up or expand their businesses in Hong Kong. During his recent visit to Zhejiang, the Chief Executive invited I&T enterprises such as “Hangzhou’s Six Little Dragons” to set up businesses in Hong Kong, encouraging them to make use of Hong Kong’s strengths to actively expand their business overseas. The ITIB is following up on these co-operation opportunities with a view to bringing them to fruition as soon as possible. We believe that the establishment of more I&T enterprises in Hong Kong will further promote the vibrant development of Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem, bring new impetus to the local I&T ecosystem, and further enhance the development of related industries.

We will continue to strengthen our I&T ecosystem in the following ways: first, continue to optimise our existing policies to enhance our support for I&T start-ups; second, facilitate more I&T enterprises in strategic industries to set up their businesses in Hong Kong; and third, engage with enterprises through various channels to understand their needs timely, dynamically adjust relevant policies and roll out new initiatives so as to ensure that our support measures align with industry needs to accelerate Hong Kong’s I&T development.

Thank you.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

May 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Text of PM’s address at the Global Conference on Space Exploration via video message

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 07 MAY 2025 12:46PM by PIB Delhi

Distinguished delegates, Esteemed scientists, Innovators, Astronauts, And, Friends from across the globe,

Namaskaar !

It is a great pleasure to connect with all of you at the Global Space Exploration Conference 2025. Space is not just a destination. It is a declaration of curiosity, courage, and collective progress. India’s space journey reflects this spirit. From launching a small rocket in 1963, to becoming the first nation to land near the South Pole of Moon, our journey has been remarkable. Our rockets carry more than payloads. They carry the dreams of 1.4 billion Indians. India’s achievements are significant scientific milestones. Beyond that, they are proof that the human spirit can defy gravity. India made history by reaching Mars on its first attempt in 2014. Chandrayaan-1 helped discover water on the Moon. Chandrayaan-2 gave us the highest-resolution images of the Moon. Chandrayaan-3 increased our understanding of the lunar South Pole. We built cryogenic engines in a record time. We launched 100 satellites in a single mission. We have launched over 400 satellites for 34 nations on our launch vehicles. This year, we docked two satellites in space, a major step forward.

Friends,

India’s space journey is not about racing others. It is about reaching higher together. Together, we share a common goal to explore space for the good of humanity. We launched a satellite for the South Asian nations. Now, the G20 Satellite Mission, announced during our Presidency, will be a gift to the Global South. We continue to march ahead with renewed confidence, pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration. Our first human space-flight mission, ‘Gaganyaan’, highlights our nation’s rising aspirations. In coming weeks, an Indian astronaut will travel to space as part of a joint ISRO-NASA Mission to the International Space Station. By 2035, the Bharatiya Antariksha Station will open new frontiers in research and global cooperation. By 2040, an Indian’s footprints will be on the Moon. Mars and Venus are also on our radar.

Friends,

For India, space is about exploration as well as about empowerment. It empowers governance, enhances livelihoods, and inspires generations. From fishermen alerts to GatiShakti platform, from railway safety to weather forecasting, our satellites look out for the welfare of every Indian. We have opened our space sector to startups, entrepreneurs, and young minds. Today, India has over 250 space start-ups. They are contributing to cutting-edge advancements in satellite technology, Propulsion systems, imaging, and much more. And, you know, it is even more inspiring that many of our missions are being led by women scientists.

Friends,

India’s space vision is grounded in the ancient wisdom of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, that is, the world is one family. We strive not just for our own growth, but to enrich global knowledge, address common challenges, and inspire future generations. India stands for dreaming together, building together, and reaching for the stars together. Let us together write a new chapter in space exploration, guided by science and shared dreams for a better tomorrow. I wish you all a very pleasant and productive stay in India.

Thank you.

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May 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addresses the Global Conference on Space Exploration (GLEX) 2025

Source: Government of India

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addresses the Global Conference on Space Exploration (GLEX) 2025

Space is not merely a destination but a declaration of curiosity, courage, and collective progress: PM

Indian rockets carry more than payloads—they carry the dreams of 1.4 billion Indians: PM

India’s first human spaceflight mission – Gaganyaan, reflects the nation’s growing aspirations in space technology: PM

Many of India’s space missions are being led by women scientists: PM

India’s space vision is rooted in the ancient philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’: PM

Posted On: 07 MAY 2025 12:37PM by PIB Delhi

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Global Conference on Space Exploration (GLEX) 2025 via videoconferencing today. Welcoming the distinguished delegates, scientists, and astronauts from across the globe, he highlighted India’s remarkable space journey at the GLEX 2025, stating that, “space is not merely a destination but a declaration of curiosity, courage, and collective progress”. He emphasized that India’s space achievements reflect this spirit, from launching a small rocket in 1963 to becoming the first nation to land near the Moon’s South Pole. “Indian rockets carry more than payloads—they carry the dreams of 1.4 billion Indians”, he remarked, stating that India’s space advancements are significant scientific milestones and proof that the human spirit can defy gravity. He recalled India’s historic achievement of reaching Mars on its first attempt in 2014. He highlighted that Chandrayaan-1 helped discover water on the Moon, Chandrayaan-2 provided the highest-resolution images of the lunar surface, and Chandrayaan-3 furthered understanding of the Moon’s South Pole. “India developed cryogenic engines in record time, launched 100 satellites in a single mission, and successfully deployed over 400 satellites for 34 nations using Indian launch vehicles”, he pointed out, underlining India’s latest accomplishment—docking two satellites in space this year—calling it a major step forward in space exploration.

Shri Modi reaffirmed that India’s space journey is not about competing with others but about reaching greater heights together. He emphasized the collective goal of exploring space for the benefit of humanity. He highlighted India’s commitment to regional cooperation, recalling the successful launch of a satellite for South Asian nations. He announced that the G20 Satellite Mission, introduced during India’s Presidency, would be a significant contribution to the Global South. He remarked that India continues to advance with renewed confidence, constantly pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration. “India’s first human spaceflight mission, ‘Gaganyaan,’ reflects the nation’s growing aspirations in space technology”, he pointed out. Shri Modi revealed that, in the coming weeks, an Indian astronaut would travel to space as part of a joint ISRO-NASA mission to the International Space Station. He further outlined India’s long-term vision, stating that by 2035, the Bharatiya Antariksha Station would facilitate groundbreaking research and international collaboration. He declared that by 2040, an Indian astronaut would leave footprints on the Moon and added that Mars and Venus remain key targets in India’s future space ambitions.

Emphasizing that for India, space is not just about exploration but also empowerment, the Prime Minister highlighted how space technology enhances governance, improves livelihoods, and inspires generations. He noted the vital role of satellites in ensuring the welfare of every Indian, citing their contributions to fishermen alerts, the GatiShakti platform, railway safety, and weather forecasting. He underscored India’s commitment to fostering innovation by opening its space sector to startups, entrepreneurs, and young minds. He pointed out that India now has over 250 space startups, contributing to advancements in satellite technology, propulsion systems, imaging, and other pioneering fields. “Many of India’s space missions are being led by women scientists”, he proudly acknowledged.

“India’s space vision is rooted in the ancient philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’”, reaffirmed Shri Modi, stressing that India’s space journey is not just about its own growth but about enriching global knowledge, addressing shared challenges, and inspiring future generations. He emphasized India’s commitment to collaboration, stating that the nation stands for dreaming together, building together, and reaching for the stars together. Concluding his remarks, he called for a new chapter in space exploration, guided by science and the collective aspiration for a better future.

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

May 7, 2025
MIL-OSI China: MOFA congratulates Australia on successful completion of federal election
Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

MOFA congratulates Australia on successful completion of federal election
- Date：2025-05-04
- Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs
May 4, 2025
No.136

Australia held a federal election on May 3 to elect its 48th Parliament, including all 150 seats of the House of Representatives and 40 of the 76 seats in the Senate. According to the results, the ruling Australian Labor Party won a majority of seats. The smooth and peaceful election process was characteristic of a mature democracy. On behalf of the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses sincere congratulations to the people and government of Australia.

Taiwan and Australia share the universal values of democracy, freedom, the rule of law, and human rights. Bilateral relations have continued to steadily grow in recent years. Collaboration is close in such fields as economics and trade, science and technology, information security, energy, and whole-of-society defense resilience. Last August, the Australian Senate passed an urgency motion refuting China’s flagrant misrepresentation of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758. The passage of the motion underlined the staunch cross-party support for Taiwan in the Australian Parliament.

Building on these robust foundations, the government of Taiwan hopes to further enhance cooperation in all domains with the new government of Australia and jointly work to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. (E)

MIL OSI China News –
May 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Holy Mass “pro eligendo Romano Pontifice”

Source: The Holy See

At 10.00 this morning, in the Vatican Basilica, the Holy Mass “pro eligendo Romano Pontifice” took place.
The Mass was concelebrated by the Cardinal Electors and presided over by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, His Eminence Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.
The following is the homily delivered by His Eminence Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.

Homily of His Eminence Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re
We read in the Acts of the Apostles that after Christ’s ascension into heaven and while waiting for Pentecost, all were united and persevering in prayer together with Mary, the Mother of Jesus (cf. Acts 1:14).
This is precisely what we are doing a few hours before the beginning of the Conclave, under the gaze of Our Lady beside the altar, in this Basilica which rises above the tomb of the Apostle Peter.
We feel united with the entire People of God in their sense of faith, love for the Pope and confident expectation.
We are here to invoke the help of the Holy Spirit, to implore his light and strength so that the Pope elected may be he whom the Church and humanity need at this difficult and complex turning point in history.
To pray, by invoking the Holy Spirit, is the only right and proper attitude to take as the Cardinal electors prepare to undertake an act of the highest human and ecclesial responsibility and to make a choice of exceptional importance. This is a human act for which every personal consideration must be set aside, keeping in mind and heart only the God of Jesus Christ and the good of the Church and of humanity.
In the Gospel that has been proclaimed, words resound that bring us to the heart of the supreme message and testament of Jesus, delivered to his Apostles on the evening of the Last Supper in the Upper Room: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” As if to clarify this “as I have loved you,” and to indicate how far our love must go, Jesus goes on to say: “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (Jn 15:12-13).
This is the message of love, which Jesus calls a “new” commandment. It is new because it transforms into something positive, and greatly expands, the admonition of the Old Testament that said, “Do not do to others what you would not want done to you.”
The love that Jesus reveals knows no limits and must characterise the thoughts and actions of all his disciples, who must always show authentic love in their behaviour and commit themselves to building a new civilisation, what Paul VI called the “civilisation of love.” Love is the only force capable of changing the world.
Jesus gave us an example of this love at the beginning of the Last Supper with a surprising gesture: he humbled himself in the service of others, washing the feet of the Apostles, without discrimination, and not excluding Judas, who would betray him.
This message of Jesus connects to what we heard in the first reading of the Mass, in which the prophet Isaiah reminded us that the fundamental quality of pastors is love to the point of complete self-giving.
The liturgical texts of this Eucharistic celebration, then, invite us to fraternal love, to mutual help and to commitment to ecclesial communion and universal human fraternity. Among the tasks of every successor of Peter is that of fostering communion: communion of all Christians with Christ; communion of the Bishops with the Pope; communion of the Bishops among themselves. This is not a self-referential communion, but one that is entirely directed towards communion among persons, peoples and cultures, with a concern that the Church should always be a “home and school of communion.”
This is also a strong call to maintain the unity of the Church on the path traced out by Christ to the Apostles. The unity of the Church is willed by Christ; a unity that does not mean uniformity, but a firm and profound communion in diversity, provided that full fidelity to the Gospel is maintained.
Each Pope continues to embody Peter and his mission and thus represents Christ on earth; he is the rock on which the Church is built (cf. Mt 16:18).
The election of the new Pope is not a simple succession of persons, yet it is always the Apostle Peter who returns.
The Cardinal electors will cast their votes in the Sistine Chapel, the place, as the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregisstates, “where everything is conducive to an awareness of the presence of God, in whose sight each person will one day be judged.”
In his Roman Triptych, Pope John Paul II expressed the hope that during the hours of voting on this weighty decision, Michelangelo’s looming image of Jesus the Judge would remind everyone of the greatness of the responsibility of placing the “supreme keys” (Dante) in the correct hands.
Let us pray, then, that the Holy Spirit, who in the last hundred years has given us a series of truly holy and great Pontiffs, will give us a new Pope according to God’s heart for the good of the Church and of humanity.
Let us pray that God will grant the Church a Pope who knows how best to awaken the consciences of all and the moral and spiritual energies in today’s society, characterised by great technological progress but which tends to forget God.
Today’s world expects much from the Church regarding the safeguarding of those fundamental human and spiritual values without which human coexistence will not be better nor bring good to future generations.
May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, intercede with her maternal intercession, so that the Holy Spirit will enlighten the minds of the Cardinal electors and help them agree on the Pope that our time needs.

MIL OSI Europe News –

May 7, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cyber sector is target for growth as Government supports businesses against serious organised cyber crime
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

Cyber sector is target for growth as Government supports businesses against serious organised cyber crime

The cyber sector will be a “prime target for economic growth” in the upcoming Industrial Strategy, as the government secures Britain’s future and delivers the Plan for Change.
Cyber will be a “prime target for economic growth” in upcoming Industrial Strategy as government secures Britain’s future and delivers the Plan for Change.

Boosting cyber sector will deliver double dividend of producing home grown jobs as well as protecting growth in other sectors.

UK to invest £8 million in Ukrainian cyber defences, more than £1 million to protect Moldovan elections, and extra £7 million in Laboratory for AI Security Research.

The cyber sector will be a “prime target for economic growth” in the upcoming Industrial Strategy, as the government secures Britain’s future and delivers the Plan for Change.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden will say that boosting the cyber sector will deliver the double dividend of producing home grown jobs as well as protecting growth in other sectors by improving cyber security.

Speaking at one of the country’s largest cyber security conferences on Wednesday, the minister will warn that the recent attacks on household retailers are “serious organised crime”.

But he will tell the audience of tech experts and business leaders gathered at CyberUK in Manchester that the digital world also presents a huge economic opportunity for the whole country – with the average cyber salary in North West England already climbing to £54,600.

He will announce that the government will turbo charge the sector in the upcoming Industrial Strategy, which will be a blueprint for kick-starting economic growth to put more money in working people’s pockets.

To ensure the government pulls every growth lever at its disposal, he will add the government is supporting an independent cyber growth report from experts at Imperial College and Bristol University, which will quickly deliver recommendations by the end of the summer.

Pat McFadden’s speech follows cyber attacks on M&S, the Co-op and Harrods, which he will address, saying:

Cyber attacks are not a game. Not a clever exercise. They are serious organised crime. The purpose is to damage and extort. The digital version of an old fashioned shake down. Either straight theft or a protection racket where your business will be safe as long as you pay the gangsters.

What we have seen over the past couple of weeks should serve as a wake-up call for businesses and organisations up and down the UK, as if we needed one, that cybersecurity is not a luxury but an absolute necessity.

Turning to seize the economic prize on offer, he will explain:

But there is enormous potential for cyber security to be a driving force in our economy – creating jobs, growth and opportunities for people. It’s already a sector on the up – with over 2,000 businesses across the UK.

We want the benefits of the cyber industry to reach into communities all across the country. And that is why cyber will be a prime target for economic growth in the upcoming Industrial Strategy, as the Government secures Britain’s future. It is going to be a significant commitment, a vote of confidence in your sector, and one that will tell the world: the UK plans to be a global player in cyber security for decades to come.

Cyber is already contributing to growth across the UK. The sector holds 67,000 jobs, up 6,600 in the last year, and revenues now top £13bn, up by 12% year-on-year.

Recognising the potential for public and private sector cooperation to deliver growth, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster will also deliver a progress update on the Laboratory for AI Security Research (LASR) he launched last November. In just months, it has funded 10 PhDs at the University of Oxford; 9 researchers at The Turing Institute and pioneering research through 8 leading UK universities including Queen’s University Belfast and Lancaster University.

He will rocket charge LASR with an additional £7 million of government funding and announce a new partnership with worldwide technology leader Cisco:

Cisco will work with LASR, and in particular the NCSC, to run challenges across the UK and build a demonstrator here in the North West to showcase how our scientists and entrepreneurs can work together to manage the risks, build the skills and grasp the opportunities of AI security. This is the first collaboration of its kind with LASR, and will be a trailblazer where others can follow to help LASR drive cutting-edge research into the impact of AI on national security.

Cementing the UK’s commitment to the security of its allies, he will announce the government is investing £1.1 million to give the Moldovan Government tools to protect the country’s upcoming Parliamentary Election, alongside additional funding for Ukraine:

Ukraine has put up an incredibly brave fight against Putin’s cyberwarfare, and we have vowed to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine for as long as long as it takes to defend their sovereignty. And so we are going to invest £8 million in the Ukraine Cyber Programme over the next year to continue to counter the Kremlin’s cyber aggression.

The speech comes as the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology launches a suite of measures to bolster cyber protection for individuals and businesses across the UK.

Measures set to be unveiled by Minister Clark at CyberUK include:

A new Software Security Code of Practice will be published today by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, to communicate essential steps every organisation developing or selling software should be taking to secure their products.

This innovative guidance mirrors previous guidance issued by the government, called the AI Security Code of Practice, which will today be adopted by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute as baseline steps organisations in all countries should follow.

To help inoculate businesses against cyberattacks, the government will also drive investment into CHERI, a ‘magic chip’ that builds advanced memory protections in microprocessors, blocking up to 70 per cent of common cyber attacks. £4.5 million will be spent helping firms bring these chips to market, find customers and break down barriers to adoption.

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Published 7 May 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
May 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: A new pope’s first appearance on St. Peter’s balcony is rich with symbols − and Francis’ decision to rein in the pomp spoke volumes

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Daniel Speed Thompson, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, University of Dayton

Pope Francis stands at the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican on March 13, 2013, just after being announced as pontiff. AP Photo/Andrew Medichini

As the College of Cardinals gathers in the Sistine Chapel to vote for a new pope, crowds outside will watch for the most dramatic moment of the conclave, when a wisp of white smoke appears above the chimney.

This smoke – made by burning the ballots – indicates that a new pope has been elected and he has accepted.

After a short period of time, a cardinal appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and makes the announcement in Latin: “Habemus papam!” – “We have a pope!” He then announces which cardinal has been selected and which name the new pope has chosen for himself.

Finally, the new pope appears on the balcony and greets the crowd in St. Peter’s Square – a tradition full of symbolism.

I am a scholar who studies Roman Catholic theology and history. I am particularly interested in how popes exercise authority and leadership today, including their use of symbols. When Pope Francis first appeared on that balcony in 2013, he used and adapted the ritual to convey a message about his intentions for his papacy.

He did this in four ways.

What’s in a name?

First, he chose the name Francis. Since the sixth century C.E., new bishops of Rome have often taken a new name when they assumed the papacy.

Over time, certain names have indicated to observers the direction that a pope wished to take or a model whom he wished to emulate. Jorge Mario Bergoglio opted for “Francis,” the first time that any pope had assumed that name.

It refers to Francis of Assisi, an Italian saint who lived at the turn of the 13th century who was renowned for his simplicity, poverty, concern for the Earth and desire to imitate Jesus. Over the next 12 years, these traits proved central to his papacy.

Not a king

Second, Francis wore simple white papal garments instead of the more elaborate adornments worn by some of his predecessors. He wore his old, simple cross across his chest, rather than a new, more luxurious one.

Francis waves during his first appearance as pope on March 13, 2013.
AP Photo/Dmitry Lovetsky

Popes have worn white garments as a symbol of their office for centuries. But many of them also used symbols of monarchy, such as the triple papal tiara or crown. Pope Paul VI, whose papacy was from 1963-1978, was the last to wear the tiara and to have a coronation ceremony. The following year, he sold the crown and donated the proceeds to emphasize the church’s commitment to the poor.

Later popes have followed Paul’s example of avoiding royal symbolism, such as by no longer using a “sedia gestatoria,” the portable throne that traditionally carried the pope in formal processions. Francis took this trend even further and made simplicity of dress and lifestyle a hallmark of his time in office.

Bishop of Rome

Third, when Francis first addressed the crowd in St. Peter’s, he described himself as the new bishop of Rome.

In Catholicism, the pope holds many titles representing the scope and duties of his office. For starters, he is not only the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church but “sovereign of the State of Vatican City.”

In terms of religious titles, some accentuate the pope’s authority. “Vicar of Christ,” for example, means he is Jesus’ representative on Earth. Others, such as “servus servorum Dei” – “servant of the servants of God” – emphasize his role as a support to other bishops and ministers of the church.

Francis certainly did not deny the traditional authority of the pope’s office. However, he chose to identify himself first as the local bishop of the diocese of Rome, emphasizing how even the pope was first part of a local community. In the official Vatican yearbook for 2020, Francis listed his only title as “Bishop of Rome” and listed the rest as “historic.”

Catholics from the parish of St. Joan Antida in Rome arrive to attend Pope Francis’ inaugural Mass at the Vatican on March 19, 2013.
AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis

‘Pray for me’

Fourth, Francis asked the assembled crowd to pray for him before he offered his first papal blessing.

Traditionally, popes making their first appearance would offer a blessing to the people gathered in St. Peter’s Square. Francis took this ritual and reversed it. In harmony with his views on simplicity and his role as the bishop of Rome, he emphasized the mutual connection between him and the people. He downplayed the view of the pope as a hierarchical ruler above the people.

Sometime soon a new pope will be introduced to the world. He will likely use these symbols of name, dress, title and blessing in his own way, pointing to his intentions for his papacy and for the Catholic Church.

Daniel Speed Thompson 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. A new pope’s first appearance on St. Peter’s balcony is rich with symbols − and Francis’ decision to rein in the pomp spoke volumes – https://theconversation.com/a-new-popes-first-appearance-on-st-peters-balcony-is-rich-with-symbols-and-francis-decision-to-rein-in-the-pomp-spoke-volumes-255585

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: ‘Milkshake tax’: why it’s about innovative approaches to health, not household costs

Source: The Conversation – UK – By David M. Evans, Professor of Sociotechnical Futures, University of Bristol Business School, University of Bristol

Luis Molinero/Shutterstock

The UK government is considering expanding its sugar tax on fizzy drinks to include milkshakes and other sweetened beverages, as part of new proposals announced in April 2025. The Treasury confirmed it plans to move forward not only with broadening the tax but also with lowering the sugar threshold that triggers it from 5g to 4g of sugar per 100ml.

The changes, dubbed by critics as the “milkshake tax”, would end the current exemption for dairy-based drinks, as well as plant-based alternatives such as oat and rice milk. Chancellor Rachel Reeves first signalled the potential expansion in the 2024 budget, suggesting the soft drinks industry levy (SDIL), to give it its official name, could be widened to cover a broader range of high-sugar drinks.

Based on our research into dietary change, conducted as part of the H3 project on food system transformation, we see this as a welcome and timely development.

Not everyone shares this optimism. Opponents of what they see as “nanny state” interventionist policies argue that the SDIL has failed to deliver any real improvements to public health. In a UK newspaper’s straw poll, for example, 88% of respondents claimed the sugar tax has not significantly reduced obesity rates. Shadow Chancellor Melvyn Stride described the proposed expansion as a “sucker punch” to households, particularly given the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Scepticism around these proposals is not surprising. Many people, regardless of political affiliation, are wary of additional taxation. And indeed, there is evidence suggesting that fiscal tools such as taxes and subsidies can be blunt instruments. They are also often regressive, placing a disproportionate burden on lower-income households.

These concerns are valid – but they don’t quite apply to the SDIL.

Crucially, the SDIL is not a tax on consumers. It is levied on manufacturers and importers, who are incentivised to reduce the sugar content of their products to avoid the charge. According to Treasury figures, since the introduction of the SDIL, 89% of fizzy drinks sold in the UK have been reformulated to fall below the taxable threshold.

For instance, the Japanese multinational brewing and distilling company group Suntory invested £13 million in reformulating drinks like Ribena and Lucozade, removing 25,000 tonnes of sugar, making the products exempt from the levy. This means households aren’t priced out of soft drinks – they can simply choose reformulated and presumably cheaper versions.

It’s true that the UK is still grappling with a serious obesity problem. In England alone, 29% of adultsand 15% of children aged two to 15 are obese.

But the SDIL is having an effect. Excessive sugar consumption is consistently associated with rising obesity rates in the UK and globally. There has been a clear reduction in the sales of sugar from soft drinks, and the SDIL is reported to have generated £1.9 billion in revenue since its introduction in 2018.

Early signs suggest health benefits, too. One study found a drop in obesity rates among 10 to 11-year-old girls following the levy’s implementation. Another analysis suggests that the greatest health benefits will be seen in more deprived areas, and that it may actually help to narrow some health inequalities for children in England.

Read more:
Child obesity is linked to deprivation, so why do poor parents still cop the blame?

Shifting responsibilty

The government’s 2016 announcement of the sugar tax gave manufacturers time to reformulate products before the tax’s introduction in 2018.

Of course, the SDIL is no silver bullet. There are many contributing factors to the obesity epidemic, ranging from genetic predisposition to “obesogenic” environments – social contexts that promote unhealthy eating and sedentary behaviour, such as areas with a lot of fast food restaurants, limited access to healthy food options and a lack of pavements, parks, or safe places to exercise.

Questions remain about the negative health effects of reformulated drinks, some of which still contain high levels of sweeteners or additives. And in the broader context of the need for food system transformation, focusing solely on soft drinks may be too narrow an approach.

Read more:
Are artificial sweeteners okay for our health? Here’s what the current evidence says

But the SDIL’s success lies not just in outcomes but in its design. It shifts responsibility from individuals to industry, encouraging systemic change rather than simply blaming people for making “bad” choices. The government’s 2016 announcement of the levy gave manufacturers a two-year head start, allowing them to reformulate and get their products to market before it took effect in 2018.

It’s also telling that the idea of taxing milkshakes has sparked such outrage, while most people now accept the high taxation of tobacco. That’s because smoking, as a public health issue, has matured: its risks are well understood and widely acknowledged. Obesity, meanwhile, is still catching up, despite posing similar health threats, including as a leading cause of cancer.

In the UK, there’s still a strong social stigma around discussing diet and weight. But given the scale and urgency of the obesity crisis, it could be time to overcome this reluctance. Effective change will require bold, systemic policies – not just public awareness campaigns – but multipronged and targeted interventions that reshape the economic and cultural environments in which people make food choices.

Expanding the SDIL may not be a cure-all, but the evidence so far suggests it’s a smart step in the right direction.

David M. Evans receives funding from the UKRI Strategic Priorities Fund (grant ref: BB/V004719/1).
He is affiliated with Defra (the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) as a member of their Social Science Expert Group.

Jonathan Beacham receives funding from the UKRI Strategic Priorities Fund (grant ref: BB/V004719/1).

– ref. ‘Milkshake tax’: why it’s about innovative approaches to health, not household costs – https://theconversation.com/milkshake-tax-why-its-about-innovative-approaches-to-health-not-household-costs-255646

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Mark Carney tells Donald Trump ‘Canada is not for sale’ in a high-stakes Oval Office meeting

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Stewart Prest, Lecturer, Political Science, University of British Columbia

In a day of congenial menace at the White House, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney picked his spots carefully. He got his key message across — but got a largely unrelated earful in exchange from United States President Donald Trump.

A trip to the White House has become a rite of passage for leaders around the world, with a series of predictable elements in the Trump era — from the blindside on social media to the handshake and the tense sitdown in the newly gilded Oval Office.

Within the first few minutes of the meeting, Carney took an opportunity to interject with a clear pushback against Trump’s repeated assertions that Canada should become the “51st state.”

The comments were carefully calibrated, using Trump’s own preferred language of real estate. After pointing out that some properties simply are not for sale, like the White House and Buckingham Palace, Carney asserted that Canada “will not be for sale, ever.”

Trump repeatedly demurred in response, replying “never say never” and later in the meeting, “time will tell.” Carney, however, mouthed “never” as the president spoke — ostensibly joking but, in fact, clearly serious.

Much of the rest of the meeting was dominated by Trump’s commentary, holding forth on everything from Carney’s recent election victory — for which the president claimed credit — to American attacks on Yemen and trade with China.

Carney didn’t bite

Without mentioning them by name, Trump also found time to remind the assembled media of his contempt for Carney’s predecessor, Justin Trudeau, and Canada’s former finance minister Chrystia Freeland — now handling the transport and internal trade portfolio for Carney — referring to her as “terrible.”

Carney didn’t take the bait, and for the most part, seemed content to let Trump hold court, interjecting a couple of times to correct or redirect points Trump raised.

In particular, Carney made clear that he sees the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USCMA) as a basis for future talks, committed Canada to a “step change” in its military investment and vowed to contribute to the president’s war on largely fictional fentanyl trafficking across the Canada-U.S. border.

Carney also pushed back against Trump’s insistence that the U.S. does not need Canada, noting that the country is America’s “biggest client.” He was alluding to the fact that Canada buys more goods from the U.S. than any other country.

Carney’s verbal pushback was further reinforced with some very effective face acting, reminiscent of Kamala Harris’s debate performance. The Carney head tilt seems destined to join the internet meme pantheon, a shortcut for “that’s sus” — “suspect” — that belongs to the ages.

At the same time, almost everything Carney did say was met with skepticism and rebuttal.

Indeed, the very idea of a new trade agreement and an end to tariffs on Canada was treated as an open question by Trump, who suggested that while USMCA was a “fine” agreement — miles better in his view than the very similar NAFTA agreement that preceded it — such a deal may no longer be needed.

At one point, he even suggested USMCA be terminated outright.

False claims

As always, misinformation featured prominently in the president’s comments throughout the meeting with Carney. He returned repeatedly to his false claims about the U.S. subsidizing Canada. In doing so, he again confused a trade deficit with a financial subsidy. These falsehoods, moreover, were never directly rebutted by Carney.

Read more:
Trump’s obsession with trade deficits has no basis in economics. And it’s a bad reason for tariffs

At another point, Trump said Canada could do nothing to convince him to remove tariffs.

He later expanded on the point, returning to the idea that tariffs on things like Canadian energy, steel, aluminium and cars were not part of a trade negotiation, but rather an explicit attempt to end trade between the two countries in an attempt to reindustrialize the American economy.

Simply put, under a thin veneer of supposed friendship and convivial conversation, Trump implied the U.S. no longer wants fair trade between the two countries, but no trade — unless it comes with an end to Canadian independence.

Given the importance of the bilateral relationship, the meeting went as well as Canadians — and sympathetic Americans — could reasonably hope. Trump and his assembled cabinet secretaries did not gang up on Carney as they did on Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier this year.

Instead, the meeting reinforced the idea that the two countries are indeed friends and they will continue to talk about the issues that divide them.

Carney came across as polite yet assertive, and was largely treated with the respect due to a foreign head of government.

Tariffs, trade

At the same time, the two sides could not even agree on what they disagreed on. Carney emphasized the need for a refurbished agreement between the two countries addressing trade irritants in much the same way the two countries have done for decades. He went so far as to point out that the U.S. has taken advantage of the agreement with its approach to tariffs.

Read more:
Trump’s proposed tariffs against Canada and Mexico may be illegal, but that’s not the real problem

Trump, conversely, remained committed to a project to fundamentally reorganize the American economy in a way that does not include Canada as an independent trading partner.

As the president said, “time will tell” whose vision ultimately triumphs. But in the meantime, Canadians should expect a decidedly frosty friendship to continue.

Stewart Prest 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. Mark Carney tells Donald Trump ‘Canada is not for sale’ in a high-stakes Oval Office meeting – https://theconversation.com/mark-carney-tells-donald-trump-canada-is-not-for-sale-in-a-high-stakes-oval-office-meeting-255931

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 7, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fresh Start for EIT’s Supported Learners as New Programme and Purpose-Built Facility Open

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

2 minutes ago

Students in EIT’s supported learning programme are celebrating a new beginning, returning to the Hawke’s Bay campus with a refreshed curriculum, a custom-designed learning space, and a teaching team made up entirely of EIT graduates.

The newly renamed New Zealand Certificate in Skills for Learning and Working (Level 1) replaces a previous qualification and reflects a significant shift in both content and delivery.

EIT graduates Mel Gregory, Pete McLachlan, Georgia Blair and Kelly Dickson are now working as Learning Facilitators for the New Zealand Certificate in Skills for Learning and Working (Level 1), while fellow graduate Janine Blamey is a lecturer on the programme.

Programme Coordinator Les Blair says it is a fresh start in every sense.

“It is a new programme, new space and new team – new, new, new.”

The return to EIT’s Hawke’s Bay campus in Taradale comes after more than two years based at Equippers Church Napier, where staff and students took refuge following Cyclone Gabrielle.

Students marked the end of their time at Equippers Church by crafting a commemorative tile plaque.

“We made great relationships in the community, but it’s good to be home,” Les said.

“We’re just so grateful that people took our advice about what the space needed. It’s a welcoming place for the students to be in,” Blair said.

“There’s now a real sense that we’re EIT students again.”

The new facility includes a homeroom and a flexible classroom setup, with digital tools that support collaborative learning – improving accessibility and allowing students to move more freely.

The transition from temporary facilities to a permanent home marks more than just a change of address. For Les and her team, it signals a reconnection with the wider EIT community — and a chance to reset expectations for students.

“That’s a really positive shift.”

The newly assembled teaching team includes five graduates from EIT’s School of Health and Sport Science, several of whom have transitioned from student placements to staff roles.

“They’ve brought not just their own journey but the skills and technologies from their training. It’s exciting to see former students come full circle.”

Dr Andrew Garrett, Head of School, Health and Sport Science, said: “Les and her team do an excellent job on the skills for living programme”.

“Providing a really valuable contribution to the community. It’s great to see they now have purpose built facilities on the campus with their students joining the vibrant student community.”

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

May 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: The election of a new pope is announced with smoke: what do the colours mean, and how are they made?

Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Clare Johnson, Professor of Liturgical Studies and Sacramental Theology and Director of the ACU Centre for Liturgy, Australian Catholic University

For nearly 800 years the Catholic Church has utilised the process of the conclave to elect a new pope. “Conclave” means “with a key”, indicating the cardinal-electors are locked up with a key to conduct their deliberations.

With no direct communication to the outside world, a key feature of the papal election process is the use of smoke to signal the result of ballots and to announce the election of a new pope.

Black smoke means a new pope has not been elected. White smoke means there is a new pope.

So where does this tradition come from – and how do they achieve the different coloured smoke?

Sending messages with smoke

Smoke signals are one of the oldest forms of long-distance communication between humans. For millennia, smoke signals have been used to indicate danger, to call for a gathering of tribes/nations, to transmit news and to warn of enemy invasions

Many indigenous peoples (such as those of North America, South America, China and Australia) are known for their sophisticated use of smoke signalling techniques to indicate specific messages to those at a distance.

These techniques can include changing the location of the fire (such as halfway up or at the top of a hill), adjusting the colour of smoke (using different types of foliage or damp/dry foliage) and the interruption or diversion of the smoke column at different intervals to produce particular patterns of smoke.

Catholic incense

Catholics utilise smoke in many rituals in the form of incense.

Incense (from the Latin incendere, meaning “to burn”) signifies prayer, sacrifice and reverence for people and objects. This fragrant smoke symbolises the prayer of the assembly rising up to God. Psalm 141:2 asks “may prayer be set before you like incense”. In Revelations 8:3–5, an angel is “given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all God’s people”.

Catholics use incense during entrance processions, as with these altar boys swinging the thurible.
Bilderstoeckchen/Shutterstock

Catholics inherited their use of incense from its use in Jewish temple rituals and Greek imperial court rituals.

The smoke from the incense is used to show reverence toward the Gospel book, the presiding celebrant, the gifts of bread and wine offered at Mass, the altar, cross, the Easter Candle and the body of the deceased at a funeral.

This holy smoke is a visual and olfactory signal of the congregation’s offerings of supplication and praise rising up to God.

Crafting the smoke

Once the conclave begins, the only form of communication between the cardinal-electors and the outside world will be smoke signals sent through the chimney of a stove specially installed in the Sistine Chapel for the duration of the conclave.

The 1878 conclave was held at the Sistine Chapel. Smoke, depicted here, indicated there was no new pope.
Wikimedia Commons

The tradition of burning the ballots goes back to at least 1417, though it wasn’t until the 18th century that the first chimney was installed in the Sistine Chapel. At this time, the appearance of smoke at set times indicated no new pope had been elected; while the absence of smoke indicated there was a new pope.

Prior to this it is likely that a new pope was simply announced from the loggia (central balcony) of St Peter’s Basilica and a written announcement was posted outside for people to read.

Since 1914, white smoke has indicated the election of a new pope. A stereotypical association of the colour of the smoke – white (positive) and black (negative) – lies behind the use of the two contrasting smoke colours.

In 1904, Pius X (who was pope from 1903–14) mandated that all notes taken by cardinals during the election were to be burned along with the ballots themselves. This burning of notes also increased the volume of smoke, making it clearly visible to the public outside when his successor Pope Benedict XV was elected in 1914.

The use of chemicals to ensure either black or white smoke was introduced after the 1958 conclave when damp straw added to papers from an unsuccessful ballot did not ignite at first. White smoke appeared before eventually turning black, causing confusion among the crowd gathered outside.

A crowd watches as black smoke rises from the Sistine Chapel at the 1922 conclave.
Wikimedia Commons/Bibliothèque nationale de France

In 2013, the Vatican Press Office released the chemical formulae used to create black and white smoke.

To generate black smoke, potassium perchlorate and anthracene (a component of coal tar) fuelled with sulfur are electrically ignited. To generate white smoke, potassium chlorate, milk sugar and pine rosin are ignited.

Using these smoke signals, the cardinals can communicate from within the conclave immediately and directly to the faithful awaiting the announcement of the Church’s 267th Pope.

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

– ref. The election of a new pope is announced with smoke: what do the colours mean, and how are they made? – https://theconversation.com/the-election-of-a-new-pope-is-announced-with-smoke-what-do-the-colours-mean-and-how-are-they-made-255595

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 7, 2025