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Category: Science

  • MIL-OSI Global: How viruses blur the the boundaries of life

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Heshmat Borhani, Lecturer in in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Nottingham

    Cryptographer/Shutterstock

    When people talk about the coronavirus, they sometimes describe this invisible entity as if it has a personality and even a conscience. If you ask a biology or medical student what a virus is, they will tell you that a virus is not a living organism, or at most that it exists at the border between living and dead – a kind of walking dead.

    For biologists who specialise in virology, however, this view is not clear-cut. Scientists still disagree on whether viruses are truly alive or not.

    What scientists can agree on is that a virus adapts to new conditions, evolves and sometimes harms humans. It is also an infectious agent that can only replicate within a host organism such as bacteria, plants or animals.

    The boundary between being alive and dead is a concept with no specific criteria. So to help you think about whether viruses are alive, I will talk you through some of the different definitions of life in science.

    Throughout history, scientists have debated the definition of life and researchers from different fields still disagree. This debate shapes scientific understanding and influences public health decisions – for example, defining whether viruses are “alive” affects how we design vaccines and strategies to stop their spread.

    Biologists may refer you to Erwin Schrödinger’s definition of life. Schrödinger was an Austrian Nobel-prize winning physicist who published a book in 1944 called What is Life? He was one of the first scientists to try to define life and is perhaps better known in popular culture for his “Schrödinger’s cat” thought experiment.

    He proposed that life is a form of negative “entropy”, a scientific concept that explains how disordered something is. A physical system will always increase in entropy/disorder unless we insert energy to change this process. Schrödinger thought living things create and maintain order by using energy.

    For example, a messy bedroom doesn’t clean itself, but a person can tidy it. Organisms do something similar at the molecular level. DNA is highly structured, allowing it to store genetic information. Proteins fold into specific shapes to function properly. In contrast, after an organism dies, its molecules break down, increasing disorder.

    Schrödinger later revised his view – around the 1950s – suggesting that life depends on free energy. Free energy is the energy that drives chemical reactions in living things. This marked a shift from focusing on order (negative entropy) to emphasising energy as essential for life.

    The coronavirus took on a personality for many people.
    creativeneko/Shutterstock

    In the mid-20th century, scientists switched from defining life to describing its key characteristics. Studying organisms such as bacteria, plants and animals, they identified common traits, setting a precedent still followed today.

    Rather than seeking a single definition, researchers classify entities based on these traits. To decide whether a virus is alive, researchers assess how well it meets these criteria.

    According to biology, the smallest unit of life is the cell. A cell is an independent unit which makes functional molecules (such as proteins and enzymes). Cells can use their own molecules to replicate genetic material independently. A virus also has genetic material but needs to use the host cell’s enzymes to make functional molecules or replicate its genetic material.

    Put simply, a virus does not replicate or function independently. So by the biological definition, a virus cannot be categorised as a living organism.

    But from a genetic and evolutionary point of view a living organism is defined by its ability to reproduce. A person who does not have children is still considered to be alive as they are part of the gene pool and descended from people who did have children. From this view a virus is alive, since it can produce similar offspring.

    Some scientists also focus on metabolism and energy production as criteria for life. Metabolism includes catabolism (breaking down molecules like sugars during digestion) and anabolism (building molecules like muscle tissue), linking energy and material. These reactions require molecular structures to generate or use energy – structures viruses lack.

    Does that mean viruses aren’t alive? An amoeba, for instance, uses nutrients and enzymes to sustain itself, while viruses rely entirely on a host. From this perspective, viruses don’t meet the metabolic criteria for life. However, some argue that since viruses hijack a host’s metabolism to replicate, they show life-like behaviour.

    If we consider nutrients to be sources of free energy, a cell uses energy from the environment to build what it needs. As the cell absorbs energy from the environment, it builds and maintains its internal structures – like proteins and membranes.

    It also releases a byproduct – carbon dioxide – that contributes to disorder in the external environment. Viruses also do this. They make their structures by using the external environment, a host cell in this case. The viruses’ byproducts may be what makes us sick.

    As we explore the complexities of biology, it becomes clear that defining life itself is anything but straightforward. Viruses display both life-like and non-living traits, which influences how we approach treatments like antiviral drugs designed to block their replication inside host cells.

    Heshmat Borhani 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. How viruses blur the the boundaries of life – https://theconversation.com/how-viruses-blur-the-the-boundaries-of-life-230802

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    April 1, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Our early human ancestors were surprisingly slow

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    Computer simulated anatomy, used in the study, of the lower limb of Australopithecus afarensis. Bates et al.

    By Tom O’Mahoney, Anglia Ruskin University

    Imagine the scene, around 3 million years ago in what is now east Africa. By the side of a river, an injured antelope keels over and draws its last breath. The carcass is soon set on by hyenas, who tussle with a crocodile. The crocodile surfaces and grabs part of the animal.

    The hyenas win and the crocodile retreats with only a leg. After having their fill, the hyenas slope off. Some funny-looking apes approach, walking upright. They have what appear to be stones with sharp edges in their hands. They hurriedly cut off some scraps of meat and start chewing at them.

    Their squabbling attracts the attention of a nearby Homotherium (an extinct, scimitar-toothed big cat) who creeps up and suddenly breaks cover. Will these strange apes survive the encounter? Can they run fast enough, and far enough?

    Our team’s research modelled the anatomy of these early humans, Australopithecus afarensis, to find out how well they could run. Australopithecus afarensis is one of the best-known early human ancestors dating from 2.9-3.9 million years ago.

    The partially complete Australopithecus afarensis skeleton Lucy, or Dinkʼinesh (Amharic: ድንቅ ነሽ, lit.“you are marvellous”) is globally iconic as a representation of early bipedalism (the ability to walk on two legs). Found in the Afar Depression in north east Ethiopia, this discovery received worldwide attention when it was made in 1974. It was evidence that brain expansion evolved after human ancestors started walking on two legs, as scientists had long believed.

    Reconstruction of the fossil skeleton of Lucy the Australopithecus afarensis. Wikimedia/Author 120, CC BY-SA

    Some researchers have also linked Australopithecine anatomy to an, as yet unknown, knuckle-walking common ancestor of humans, gorillas and chimpanzees. This hypothesis has since been refuted.

    Scientists now believe that knuckle-walking probably evolved several times in apes, as the style of walking and internal architecture of ape hands and elbows are subtly different from each other. Researchers also think that the anatomy we see in hominins reflects an adaptation for upright movement in trees in a distant ancestor.

    Early bipeds, such as Ardipithecus kadabba which looked a bit like a gorilla, lived in Africa between 5.8 and 5.2 million years ago. They lived in mosaic habitats (a mixture of open and wooded landscapes) so some adaptation to moving in trees would make sense.

    Until recently, scientists thought that only animals of the genus Homo, which emerged around 2 million years ago, made stone tools. The discovery of cut-marked bones in Dikika, Ethiopia (in 2009) dated at 3.4 million years, and in 2011 of stone tools at Lomekwi, Kenya from 3.3 million years ago, changed scientists’ ideas of how much access Australopithecus had to meat.

    The debate is now more a matter of whether Australopithecus regularly killed animals themselves, or if they were eating from carcasses after other predators (secondary access).

    For primary access and regular kills, they needed to be able to do two things. Run fast (bursts of speed to outpace an unaware animal), and run for long amounts of time (to wear down a prey animal).

    This is the endurance running hypothesis. The emergence of this behaviour is thought to coincide with more modern anatomy, such as seen in Homo erectus, who lived from around 2 million years ago to around 1 million years ago. The best way to test if Australopithecus was capable of endurance running at what we consider “modern” speeds is to reconstruct the skeleton of Australopithecus afarensis and simulate how they may have moved.

    To try and answer this question, my team reconstructed the complete skeleton of Lucy, using 3D modelling. Where parts were missing, we estimated these using scaled versions of other Australopithecus skeletons. Since Lucy is closely related to chimpanzees as well, we also morphed Australopith and modern human and chimpanzee skeletal material, using an analytical technique called geometric morphometrics.

    We then started putting muscles onto the bones of the pelvis and lower limbs of Australopithecus and a modern human model, using the open source software Gaitsym. Muscles and other soft tissues are not preserved in fossils so we varied the muscle properties from chimpanzee-like to human-like, producing a range of estimates for running speed and economy.

    We also ran multiple simulations where we added and removed a long Achilles tendon, which chimpanzees don’t have, as it is thought to affect running speed and energy use by enhancing recovery.

    This was a team effort, with reconstructions across multiple labs. The simulations were run on the high performance computing facilities at the University of Liverpool.

    These simulations revealed that Lucy wasn’t as good at running as modern humans. The top speed our simulations could produce was 11mph, with a minimum of about 3.35mph. Elite sprinters, however, can reach peak speeds of more than 20mph. Even non-elite sprinters can reach around 17.6mph.

    We also found that the metabolic cost of transport (how much energy it takes to move) was between 1.7 and 2.9 times higher in Lucy than in a modern human. The more “ape like” you make the muscle architecture and the shorter you make the Achilles tendon, the higher this cost is.

    It appears that modern human limb proportions, combined with key changes in architecture of the calf muscle (such as relatively short fibres and large cross sectional areas), plus a long Achilles tendon, enabled much faster running in the genus Homo.

    This means that it was probably not physiologically possible for Australopithecus afarensis to engage in persistence hunting, unlike later species of the genus Homo species.

    Going back to our story at the start, it is likely the Australopithecines in this group wouldn’t have escaped the big cat. They simply couldn’t run fast enough, or for long enough.

    Tom O’Mahoney, Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University

    This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

    The opinions expressed in VIEWPOINT articles are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of ARU.

    If you wish to republish this article, please follow these guidelines: https://theconversation.com/uk/republishing-guidelines

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    April 1, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Ingersoll Rand Recommends Rejection of TRC Capital’s “Mini-Tender” Offer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DAVIDSON, N.C., March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ingersoll Rand Inc. (NYSE: IR), a global provider of mission-critical flow creation and life sciences and industrial solutions, today announced that it received notice of an unsolicited “mini-tender” offer by TRC Capital Investment Corporation (TRC Capital) to purchase up to 1,500,00 shares of Ingersoll Rand’s common stock at $77.50 per share. The offer price is approximately 4.27% below the closing price of the company’s common stock on The New York Stock Exchange on March 21, 2025 ($80.96), the last trading day before the date of the offer. The offer price is also approximately 2.43% below the closing price of Ingersoll Rand’s common stock on March 28, 2025 ($79.43), the business day prior to this release.

    Ingersoll Rand does not endorse TRC Capital’s offer and is not associated in any way with TRC Capital, its mini-tender offer or the offer documentation.

    Ingersoll Rand recommends that its stockholders reject the offer and not tender their shares in response to TRC Capital’s unsolicited mini-tender offer. This mini-tender offer is at a price below the closing price for the company’s shares (as of the business day prior to this release) and is subject to numerous conditions.

    TRC Capital has made similar unsolicited mini-tender offers for shares of other publicly traded companies. Mini-tender offers seek to acquire less than 5% of a company’s outstanding shares. This strategy enables the offering company to avoid many of the disclosure and procedural requirements that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires for tender offers. As a result, mini-tender offers do not provide investors with the same level of protections as provided by larger tender offers under U.S. federal securities laws.

    The SEC’s website contains important tips for investors regarding mini-tender offers, available at: https://www.sec.gov/about/reports-publications/investorpubsminitend. The SEC’s website advises that mini tender-offers are frequently used to catch investors “off guard” and that investors may end up selling securities at below-market prices.

    Similar to TRC Capital’s mini-tender offers targeted at other companies, these offers put individual investors at risk because they may not realize they are selling their shares at a discount. The offer is also subject to certain conditions. Ingersoll Rand urges stockholders to obtain current stock quotes for their shares of company common stock, to review the terms and conditions of the offer, to consult with their brokers or financial advisers, and to exercise caution with respect to TRC Capital’s mini-tender offer.

    Ingersoll Rand stockholders who have already tendered their shares are advised they may withdraw their shares by following the procedures for withdrawal described in the TRC Capital offer documents prior to the expiration of the offer, which is currently scheduled for one minute after 11:59 p.m., New York City Time, on April 23, 2025.

    Additionally, Ingersoll Rand encourages brokers, dealers, and other investors to review the SEC’s letter regarding broker-dealer mini-tender offer dissemination and disclosure, available at: https://www.sec.gov/divisions/marketreg/minitenders/sia072401.htm.

    Ingersoll Rand requests that a copy of this news release be included with all distribution of materials related to TRC Capital’s offer for shares of Ingersoll Rand’s common stock.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements related to expectations of Ingersoll Rand Inc. (the “Company” or “Ingersoll Rand”) regarding the performance of its business, its financial results, its liquidity and capital resources and other non-historical statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “target,” “endeavor,” “seek,” “predict,” “intend,” “strategy,” “plan,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “on track to” “will continue,” “will likely result,” “guidance” or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. All statements other than historical facts are forward-looking statements.

    These forward-looking statements are based on Ingersoll Rand’s current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from these current expectations. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. The inclusion of such statements should not be regarded as a representation that such plans, estimates or expectations will be achieved. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such plans, estimates or expectations include, among others, (1) adverse impact on our operations and financial performance due to geopolitical tensions, natural disaster, catastrophe, global pandemics, cyber events, or other events outside of our control; (2) unexpected costs, charges or expenses resulting from completed and proposed business combinations; (3) uncertainty of the expected financial performance of the Company; (4) failure to realize the anticipated benefits of completed and proposed business combinations; (5) the ability of the Company to implement its business strategy; (6) difficulties and delays in achieving revenue and cost synergies; (7) inability of the Company to retain and hire key personnel; (8) evolving legal, regulatory and tax regimes; (9) changes in general economic and/or industry specific conditions; (10) actions by third parties, including government agencies; and (11) other risk factors detailed in Ingersoll Rand’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), as such factors may be updated from time to time in its periodic filings with the SEC, which are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The foregoing list of important factors is not exclusive.

    Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release. Ingersoll Rand undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or developments, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements.

    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 sciences 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.

    The MIL Network –

    April 1, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: MHRA showcases next phase of regulatory science to bring innovative treatments to patients sooner

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    MHRA showcases next phase of regulatory science to bring innovative treatments to patients sooner

    Seven new CERSIs came together to showcase how partnerships will modernise regulation in AI, clinical trials, and advanced therapies, bringing innovations to patients sooner.

    Last week, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) hosted an event for the seven newly established Centres of Excellence in Regulatory Science and Innovation (CERSIs) to showcase how their projects will help drive advancements in healthcare.

    The event held in Westminster, London, brought together for the first time the MHRA and its fellow funding partners – Innovate UK, the Office for Life Sciences, and the Medical Research Council (MRC) – MHRA project sponsors, and key representatives from government, industry and academia to hear directly from the CERSI leads about how their projects had developed since launch at the beginning of the year.

    Discussions centred on:

    • AI and MedTech – Making sure AI-powered tools are safely developed and integrated into patient care and the wider healthcare system.
    • In silico trials – Exploring new approaches to streamline development while maintaining safety.
    • Pharmacogenomics and diagnostics – Shifting healthcare from sickness to prevention.
    • Cell and gene therapies – Developing laboratory approaches to shared challenges in advanced therapies.
    • Modernising manufacture – Using new digital tools to the full in the production of medicines and medical devices.

    The session also provided the opportunity to focus on cross-cutting issues, covering:

    • Data sharing – A fundamental enabler for all CERSI projects, ensuring responsible and effective use of health data.
    • Skills and expertise – Training regulatory scientists to keep pace with rapid medical advancements.
    • Patient and public involvement – Embedding patient perspectives in innovation to understand and shape how it impacts their experience of healthcare.

    The collective impact of the CERSI initiative will help to ensure patients benefit from innovation and new treatments sooner.

    Science and Innovation Minister Lord Vallance and MHRA Chief Executive Dame June Raine led keynote speeches, highlighting the programme’s role in shaping the future of regulatory science.

    June Raine, MHRA Chief Executive, said:

    “At our CERSIs event this week, the depth of expertise was impressive and there was real excitement about the progress being made. The discussions highlighted a strong commitment to improving access to innovation for patients, shared with our partners Innovate UK, Office of Life Sciences and the MRC. Through the CERSIs, we have a major opportunity to drive advances in regulatory science in the UK – now is the time to turn that potential into action.”

    Notes to editors 

    1. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe.  All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks. 
    2. The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care. 
    3. For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651.

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    Published 31 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    April 1, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: The best space telescope you never heard of just shut down

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Laura Nicole Driessen, Postdoctoral Researcher in Radio Astronomy, University of Sydney

    ESA / Gaia / DPAC, CC BY-SA

    On Thursday 27 March, the European Space Agency (ESA) sent its last messages to the Gaia Spacecraft. They told Gaia to shut down its communication systems and central computer and said goodbye to this amazing space telescope.

    Gaia has been the most successful ESA space mission ever, so why did they turn Gaia off? What did Gaia achieve? And perhaps most importantly, why was it my favourite space telescope?

    Running on empty

    Gaia was retired for a simple reason: after more than 11 years in space, it ran out of the cold gas propellant it needed to keep scanning the sky.

    The telescope did its last observation on 15 January 2025. The ESA team then performed testing for a few weeks, before telling Gaia to leave its home at a point in space called L2 and start orbiting the Sun away from Earth.

    L2 is one of five “Lagrangian points” around Earth and the Sun where gravitational conditions make for a nice, stable orbit. L2 is located 1.5 million kilometres from Earth on the “dark side”, opposite the Sun.

    L2 is a highly prized location because it’s a stable spot to orbit, it’s close enough to Earth for easy communication, and spacecraft can use the Sun behind them for solar power while looking away from the Sun out into space.

    It’s also too far away from Earth to send anyone on a repair mission, so once your spacecraft gets there it’s on its own.

    Keeping L2 clear

    L2 currently hosts the James Webb Space Telescope (operated by the USA, Europe and Canada), the European Euclid mission, the Chinese Chang’e 6 orbiter and the joint Russian-German Spektr-RG observatory. Since L2 is such a key location for space missions, it’s essential to keep it clear of debris and retired spacecraft.

    A final status update from Gaia.
    ESA, CC BY-SA

    Gaia used its thrusters for the last time to push itself away from L2, and is now drifting around the Sun in a “retirement orbit” where it won’t get in anybody’s way.

    As part of the retirement process, the Gaia team wrote farewell messages into the craft’s software and sent it the names of around 1,500 people who worked on Gaia over the years.

    What is Gaia?

    Gaia looks a bit like a spinning top hat in space. Its main mission was to produce a detailed, three-dimensional map of our galaxy, the Milky Way.

    To do this, it measured the precise positions and motions of 1.46 billion objects in space. Gaia also measured brightnesses and variability and those data were used to provide temperatures, gravitational parameters, stellar types and more for millions of stars. One of the key pieces of information Gaia provided was the distance to millions of stars.

    A cosmic measuring tape

    I’m a radio astronomer, which means I use radio telescopes here on Earth to explore the Universe. Radio light is the longest wavelength of light, invisible to human eyes, and I use it to investigate magnetic stars.

    But even though I’m a radio astronomer and Gaia was an optical telescope, looking at the same wavelengths of light our eyes can see, I use Gaia data almost every single day.

    I used it today to find out how far away, how bright, and how fast a star was. Before Gaia, I would probably never have known how far away that star was.

    This is essential for figuring out how bright the stars I study really are, which helps me understand the physics of what’s happening in and around them.

    A huge success

    Gaia has contributed to thousands of articles in astronomy journals. Papers released by the Gaia collaboration have been cited well over 20,000 times in total.

    Gaia has produced too many science results to share here. To take just one example, Gaia improved our understanding of the structure of our own galaxy by showing that it has multiple spiral arms that are less sharply defined than we previously thought.

    Not really the end for Gaia

    It’s difficult to express how revolutionary Gaia has been for astronomy, but we can let the numbers speak for themselves. Around five astronomy journal articles are published every day that use Gaia data, making Gaia the most successful ESA mission ever. And that won’t come to a complete stop when Gaia retires.

    The Gaia collaboration has published three data releases so far. This is where the collaboration performs the processing and checks on the data, adds some important analysis and releases all of that in one big hit.

    And luckily, there are two more big data releases with even more information to come. The fourth data release is expected in mid to late 2026. The fifth and final data release, containing all of the Gaia data from the whole mission, will come out sometime in the 2030s.

    This article is my own small tribute to a telescope that changed astronomy as we know it. So I will end by saying a huge thank you to everyone who has ever worked on this amazing space mission, whether it was engineering and operations, turning the data into the amazing resource it is, or any of the other many jobs that make a mission successful. And thank you to those who continue to work on the data as we speak.

    Finally, thank you to my favourite space telescope. Goodbye, Gaia, I’ll miss you.

    Laura Nicole Driessen is an ambassador for the Orbit Centre of Imagination at the Rise and Shine Kindergarten, in Sydney’s Inner West.

    – ref. The best space telescope you never heard of just shut down – https://theconversation.com/the-best-space-telescope-you-never-heard-of-just-shut-down-253343

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    March 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Canada should recognize celebrations like Eid, Diwali and Lunar New Year as public holidays

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Rahat Zaidi, Professor, Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary

    “For Eid we have to call in sick and I don’t like that. You should have the day off school. And everybody gets a holiday….Not everybody celebrates it, people just want to have a day off. Having Eid, I fasted 30 days, like a month and I had to call in school and say, I’m not showing up because it’s Eid.’ They should know and I shouldn’t have to call in.” — Abdoul, research participant.

    “When it’s Christmas, we have two weeks off, right? Even though we don’t celebrate, we still take two weeks. But in Eid time…we have to come to school. So if we can get [a day] off, that will be a big encouragement to our religion.” — Fatma, research participant.

    These were some of the sentiments racially diverse students in Brooks Composite High School in southern Alberta expressed when my research assistants and I interviewed them for our inquiry into the challenges they experienced as they integrated into the Canadian school system.

    I am a research professor in the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary. In 2021, my team and I at the university’s Transliteracies Lab (which studies the experiences of refugees, immigrants, newcomers and settlers in Alberta’s schools and communities) began working with Brooks Composite High School, located in a rural town in Alberta.

    Every December, students across Canada enjoy a two-week break to celebrate Christmas. In spring, Good Friday and Easter Monday bring further celebrations and a long weekend.

    In contrast, for millions of Canadians who mark celebrations such as Diwali, Eid or Lunar New Year — some of the world’s most widely observed religious and cultural festivals — there is no formal acknowledgement, and for those students wishing to recognize these traditional celebrations, it often means being marked absent from school.

    This gives us pause to reflect: What would it mean to make space in our school calendars to include different religious and cultural celebrations?

    A moment of change in Alberta

    Since the 1990s, the establishment of a meat-packing plant in Brooks has driven significant demographic changes, attracting a large immigrant and refugee population and increasing the racialized population from around three per cent in 1996 to over 45 per cent in 2021. Today, more than 75 per cent of students at the school are newcomers or children of immigrants, and approximately one-third are Muslim.

    Our research emerged from senior school administrators expressing the challenges racially and culturally minoritized learners experience as they navigate the school system.

    We engaged 13 English language learner (ELL) students in Grades 10 to 12 in a series of dynamic structured educational workshops we call Critically Engaged Language and Literacy Workshops (CELLWs). The students were mostly Muslim and of Arab and Somali descent, and were identified as facing more pressing issues that needed to be addressed.

    CELLWs provide a space for self-reflection that promotes fair, inclusive and diverse education. They recognize the unique experiences of racially diverse students and help teachers create educational practices that connect past and present experiences across different environments.

    Student voices encapsulated through arts-based initiatives at Brooks Composite High School, Brooks, Alta.
    (Rahat Zaidi)

    Students reflected on their lived experiences, religious identities and feelings of exclusion. The workshop conversations resulted in efforts to raise community awareness (including social media posts on Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube) around a variety of social justice issues pertaining to the participants’ lived reality.

    In May 2022, the students at Brooks made national headlines when the southeast Alberta school district agreed to acknowledge the religious celebration of Eid al-Fitr on the school calendar. This decision was a direct result of Muslim students and their families expressing frustration about being marked absent while celebrating one of the most sacred days in the Islamic calendar.

    The school district’s decision wasn’t just symbolic. It demonstrated what meaningful inclusion can look like when education systems listen to their communities and reflect the lives and cultures of their students.

    A call to action

    As part of our research, our team also produced the documentary Bridging the Gap and its accompanying resource guide. The film showcases how using students’ voices and arts-based methods can break down systemic barriers related to race, language and religion in schools.

    In a poignant moment, one student recalls feeling like an outsider and putting in extra effort to “fit in.” A parent in the documentary later states: “We have to keep our traditions for our children.”

    As the first of its kind in western Canada, the film serves as a resource to support racially diverse families’ integration into education, highlighting their stories and building positive partnerships with schools and universities.

    A trailer for the documentary ‘Bridging the Gap.’

    Canada’s public holidays and school calendars tell a story about power, the stories that get told and, right now, the ones left out. Through open dialogue and building relationships of trust using platforms that encourage meaningful interaction, we worked together with the school, community and parents, to help racially diverse students bring about change.

    Being recognized matters, and acknowledging diverse cultural practices in school policy is one tangible way to combat the marginalization many racialized people experience. This scholarship provides a model for future reference and reveals a forward-thinking perspective on how education systems ought to understand the deeper issues and challenges faced by racially diverse students and communities.

    We were able to give these students an opportunity to tell their stories; stories of power, resistance and victory as they made their voices heard. When schools make space for cultural and religious traditions, they affirm students’ identities and help foster a stronger sense of belonging critical for their well-being, academic success and civic engagement.

    Rahat Zaidi received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    – ref. Canada should recognize celebrations like Eid, Diwali and Lunar New Year as public holidays – https://theconversation.com/canada-should-recognize-celebrations-like-eid-diwali-and-lunar-new-year-as-public-holidays-252871

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    March 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: ‘Adolescence’ pulls in audiences with its dramatic critique of teenage masculinity

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Michael Kehler, Research Professor, Masculinities Studies, School of Education, University of Calgary

    Owen Cooper plays Jamie Miller in Adolescence which looks at the experiences of youth at a British school, showcasing their messy and disturbing experiences. (Netflix/Adolescence)

    This story contains spoilers about ‘Adolescence.’

    Adolescence is a turbulent time. And the transition to adulthood from youth is complicated.

    The recently released British series Adolescence on Netflix has struck a chord for many viewers. The show delves into the messy and often disturbing experiences of youth at a British school including bullying, misogyny, gender-based violence and the manosphere.

    Adolescence explores the impact of masculinity on gender-based violence and youth identities. Viewers step into the life of Jamie (Owen Cooper), a 13-year-old boy who is accused of killing a 13-year-old girl, Katie (Emilia Holliday). Exploring Katie’s violent stabbing death reveals the troubling ways masculinity and gender are manifested in the lives of students.

    An equally compelling part of the narrative is the familiar struggle of parents trying to communicate with, make sense of and support the young people in their lives.

    The routine interactions among the students and the exchanges between parents makes this a disturbing yet compelling part of the series.

    Throughout Adolescence, it’s made clear that too often, parents do not see or hear what is playing out before their very eyes.

    Silences between youth and parents

    We know too well the struggles of adolescence: trying to fit in, experiences with bullying, the impact of Instagram and other social media platforms, incels, the popularity of athletic boys, avoiding phys-ed classes when fearing they’re not athletic, homophobia and the silence between parents and their children.

    Adolescence viewers are unsettled by what we see, but desperate to hear and see more.

    The school depicted in the show portrays almost all students struggling to be heard. It also reveals a rebelliousness and a resistance among teachers required to enforce rules of cellphone bans and uniform regulations amid a chaotic school environment.

    The challenging communication between father and sons is highlighted in this show. Here, Jamie’s father (played by Stephen Graham) speaks with Jamie (played by Owen Cooper).
    (Netflix)

    At the centre of the story is Jamie, the 13-year-old accused boy. He is a child, fearing needles while a teddy bear is nestled on his bed. Ostensibly, he is any boy. And Katie is any girl.

    But Katie is murdered, leaving the viewer to sort though a tangled web of adolescent relationships in which Jamie shows what he believes about being a man, about being masculine. He is both innocent and deeply troubling.

    Gender-based violence

    Police detective Luke Branscombe (Ashley Walters) cannot fathom the anger expressed by Katie’s best friend, Jade (Fatima Bojang), about the murder. He thinks her furious reaction is out of kilter with the murder. He questions why she is over-reacting.

    In his reaction, he shows just how normalized, how routine, gender-based violence has become.

    Katie’s best friend, portrayed by Fatima Bojang, expresses her grief.
    (Netflix)

    A violent outburst by Jamie, who verbally attacks the counsellor who is struggling to understand what being a man feels like for Jamie, is chilling.

    He belittles the counsellor (played by Erin Doherty), suggesting she should be ashamed to be afraid of a 13-year-old boy. The counsellor is subjected to extreme anger and violence pent up in an adolescent boy who has been harbouring feelings of inadequacy but struggling to express them.

    It becomes clear that Jamie had no venue nor language to speak about his feelings about masculinity, his relationships or his deeply held belief that he is “ugly.”

    Like many young people, the youth in Adolescence — Jamie, Jade, Katie, Ryan and Tommy — navigate online sexual harrassment alone. They do so, in part, because they lack support and education in critical media literacy, digital consent and online harassment.

    Teaching them to be boys

    Watching adults struggling to talk with teenagers is not shocking. Notions that boys don’t talk or aren’t emotional are familiar stereotypes of masculinity.

    But what might be shocking to viewers in Adolescence is the raw and unfiltered ways some boys talk violently, aggressively, dismissively and defensively.

    “You do not control what I fucking [do]. Look at me now!” Jamie screams at his counsellor, struggling to express his emotions and his pent-up feelings.

    Boys are not supposed to be vulnerable or emotionally honest, and as Jamie points out, parents are supposed to ignore how boys are feeling or whether they have feelings at all. Like many boys, Jamie has been taught to be a particular kind of boy, which includes years of surveillance, bullying and being ostracized by other, more popular boys.

    Boys learn to hide feelings, repress vulnerabilities and present stoicism and strength above all else.



    Read more:
    Why are school-aged boys so attracted to hateful ideologies?

    Struggling to fit in, desperate to be heard

    Adolescence is a story about adolescent youth with a sharp focus on how they negotiate and embody power. It is a complex story about the ways youth communicate through bullying, surveillance and social media harrassment that is evident both in school lives as well as behind closed doors.

    The viewer is invited to look more closely at the subtle and not so subtle ways gender, power and violence manifest themselves. The show questions how complicit we might be in what young people are learning and how we might respond to both the rebellion as well as the silences, particularly among boys.

    The lure of the manosphere, the attraction of incel groups and the banning of cell phones in schools reflect a deep failure to understand how to communicate with youth. The character Adam, (played by Amari Bacchus), son of the detective investigating the case, is understated and overlooked as he reveals just how little parents understand emojis as yet another language among youth.



    Read more:
    Social media misogyny: The new way Andrew Tate brought us the same old hate

    The circulation of intimate images and picture collecting further speaks to relationships, power and adolescence that is punctuated by a lesson from Adam to his dad about emojis that go far beyond red hearts.

    Adam extends a hand to educate his dad, to open up communication even in the face of assumptions that “boys don’t talk.” He demonstrates a counter-narrative to rigid rules and stereotypes about boys.

    ‘Boys will be boys’

    After all, we are in an era when boys and men are aware of the narratives of masculinity — as muscled, dominant and controlling. But the rules for being a man are being questioned. At the same time, far-right conservatives and online manfluencers have asserted that boys/men are victims in a system that won’t let “boys just be boys.”

    In all of this, we — the viewers, the critics and myself, the masculinity scholar — tread dangerously close to forgetting to say “Katie,” the victim’s name. We focus on boys as pawns with no agency or accountability for what they do in their daily efforts to be accepted as real men.

    We are left then with an invitation to see and hear boys differently, not through stereotypes of masculinity. The loss of membership in the boys club is often too much for many boys to withstand. This includes alienation, bullying, and verbal and physical attacks. And so too many remain silent and complicit, as just “one of the boys.”

    Michael Kehler 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. ‘Adolescence’ pulls in audiences with its dramatic critique of teenage masculinity – https://theconversation.com/adolescence-pulls-in-audiences-with-its-dramatic-critique-of-teenage-masculinity-253093

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    March 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s tariffs could push grocery prices even higher, but there are steps Canada could take to protect consumers

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Mathew Iantorno, Doctoral Candidate, Faculty of Information,, University of Toronto

    The first months of Donald Trump’s presidency have been defined by a single word: tariffs. He has framed tariffs as a panacea to the woes of the American economy, promising they will restore the country’s manufacturing sector and reduce the national deficit.

    As the United States’ largest trading partner, Canada’s smaller economy is poised to suffer the most from a prolonged trade war. Although the price of all consumer goods will be affected, the grocery aisle has become a particular battleground.

    Canadians have remained defiant, with vows to “buy Canadian” already spurring rapid drops in the sale of American products.

    But with calls for the country to strengthen its economic backbone and reduce dependence on the U.S., perhaps it’s also time to consider rebooting Canada’s grocery sector to better serve Canadians as well.



    Read more:
    Canada is now in a trade war with the U.S. — here’s what you need to know to prepare for it

    Canada’s supermarket problem

    Rising grocery bills have been an ongoing concern for Canadians long before Trump’s inauguration. Today, an estimated 18 per cent of Canadians are struggling with food insecurity owing to persistent inflation and the rising cost of living. Food banks saw a record number of monthly visits in 2024 as a result.

    Yet, even as consumers feel the squeeze, Canada’s grocery giants have been posting record profits. Loblaw Companies Limited, whose supermarkets hold a dominant 28 per cent share of the sector, has become the poster child for this trend.

    In the final quarter of 2022, as Canadians were grappling with rapid inflation on their grocery bills, Loblaw posted $529 million in profits — up 30 per cent from the previous year.

    This has led customers to accuse Loblaw and other large grocery chains of profiteering, provoking both a 100,000 signature petition against “greedflation” and a month-long boycott of Loblaw chains. All this while Loblaw was still reeling from a bread price-fixing scandal yielding a $500 million antitrust settlement.



    Read more:
    Food giants reap enormous profits during times of crisis

    In response to the mounting concerns, the federal government met with the heads of Loblaw, Sobeys, Metro, Costco and Walmart in 2023 to discuss stabilizing grocery prices in Canada. Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau would threaten and later implement amendments to the Competition Act through Bill C-56, although these reforms were focused less on immediately lowering grocery bills and more on giving new tools to Canada’s competition watchdog.

    Investing in the future

    Another area of concern is the initiatives supermarket chains such as Loblaw and Metro have been investing their profits in.

    Since 2020, supermarkets in Canada have invested heavily in self-checkout aisles. While initially a concession to the social distancing measures of the COVID-19 pandemic, these kiosks have become a ubiquitous — and often unwelcome — part of the retail experience for both workers and consumers.

    Beyond the concern that self-checkouts pressure customers to perform more work, they have also increased the precarity of supermarket employees. These technologies generally reduce total worker hours and eliminate well-paying full-time positions, all with an eye towards boosting profit margins.



    Read more:
    The rise of robo-retail: Who gets left behind when retail is automated?

    Loblaw has also invested in automating their fleet of delivery vehicles, jeopardizing jobs in the logistics sector at a time when Canada’s unemployment rate, already struggling to recover, is expected to rise due to Trump’s tariffs.

    There is also the looming concern of dynamic pricing. Following the lead of American grocery stores such as Kroger, chains run by Loblaw, Metro and Sobeys have begun to implement electronic price tags. These tags enable retailers to instantaneously update prices based on supply and demand, similar to surge pricing on ride-sharing apps like Uber.

    Electronic price labels seen at a Walmart in Los Angeles in 2024.
    (Shutterstock)

    While online commentators were quick to mock fast food chain Wendy’s for potentially using dynamic pricing to charge more for a Frosty on a hot day, this practice becomes more problematic as the availability of family staples like baby formula, which already experiences perennial scarcity, are affected by the trade war.

    The sector won’t reform itself

    There is little reason to believe Canada’s grocery industry will reform itself. Many of the pro-consumer and pro-worker initiatives put forth by these chains have amounted to little more than public relations moves.

    The much-lauded COVID hero pay for front-line grocery workers disappeared only months into the pandemic, despite pressure from unions and MPs during the Omicron wave.

    Loblaw’s widely publicized price freeze on No Name products was similarly criticised for its short duration and for merely repackaging seasonal price freezes as a pro-consumer initiative.

    When Loblaw froze prices on No Name products in 2022, its competitor Metro quickly pointed out that seasonal price freezes are in fact a standard industry practice. (CBC News)

    The company’s promise to create a discounted version of its already discounted grocery chain No Frills drew further scepticism, with the stock being entirely sourced from Loblaw brands that generate higher revenue for the company.

    The question remains: what concrete measures can be implemented to safeguard Canadian grocery bills as our country navigates this next crisis?

    Lowering grocery bills for Canadians

    A report from the Broadbent Institute suggests the idea of a windfall profit tax, which would incentivize grocery companies to invest excess profits into price reductions or higher wages.

    A more durable reform would involve creating a central bank-style regulatory entity to oversee the grocery industry, instead of relying on industry-born measures such as Canada’s recently introduced grocery code of conduct.



    Read more:
    The new Grocery Code of Conduct should benefit both Canadians and the food industry

    Federal or provincial legislation could be also passed that places guardrails on dynamic pricing in the grocery aisle, if not banning the controversial practice altogether. Government grants and tax incentive programs could be withheld from companies that invest heavily into automating workforces so the government isn’t inadvertently subsidizing job losses.

    The Competition Bureau’s 2023 report highlights another key issue: there is a need for all levels of government to shift from subsidizing large chains and encourage the growth of independent grocers in the Canadian market, driving down prices for consumers through meaningful, local competition.

    Trump’s trade war has filled Canadians with a newfound pride and motivation to buy local to support the economy. Perhaps it’s time our grocery chains showed the same commitment to the people they serve.

    Mathew Iantorno 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. Trump’s tariffs could push grocery prices even higher, but there are steps Canada could take to protect consumers – https://theconversation.com/trumps-tariffs-could-push-grocery-prices-even-higher-but-there-are-steps-canada-could-take-to-protect-consumers-252879

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    March 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: AI is for the birds: How machine learning can help predict and manage avian flu outbreaks

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Rozita Dara, Assistant Professor, Computer Science, University of Guelph

    The active and ongoing global spread of avian influenza virus has impacted more than 14 million birds in Canada and 160 million in the USA.

    This recent outbreak has resulted in major economic losses, and a rise in egg prices in the past few years. This trend can cause disruptions in poultry supply chain and significant increases in the price of other poultry products.

    A virus like avian influenza is carried by birds, but it can “jump” species and infect livestock such as dairy or sheep or even pets like dogs and cats.



    Read more:
    Bird flu detected in Colorado dairy cattle − a vet explains the risks of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus

    And most, if not all, human pandemic influenza viruses have had an avian origin in the past few decades. Experts warn it is only a matter of time before we face another pandemic threat.

    The good news is, we are better prepared than ever to meet that challenge. Not just because we have vaccines or treatments, although those are critical. But because we have something that can change the game entirely: artificial intelligence (AI).

    CBC News covers an outbreak of avian flu among Canadian geese in Prince Edward Island.

    Vast amounts of information

    AI can offer much in the way of advance pandemic information and planning. Remember the early days of COVID-19? What if we had more time to prepare? What if health officials had known weeks earlier where the virus was spreading, which neighbourhoods were most at risk, and what we needed to do to stop it?

    AI can analyze vast amounts of information, from wildlife health reports, geographical data, satellite images to social media trends, online content, farm data and even weather patterns to answer some questions about how, when and why pandemics happen. It spots patterns, anomalies and relationships humans cannot see in real-time.

    AI can alert monitors to where an avian influenza outbreak might occur before a region is impacted, how severe an outbreak might be and what type of intervention may be most effective. AI can help responders and governments act quickly, precisely and efficiently.

    Predicting outbreaks

    At the University of Guelph, my research team and I are working on AI solutions to help track and predict the avian influenza outbreaks. Our research — which is currently under review — has used AI to filter out misinformation about avian influenza from social media platforms and Reddit, as well as Google search data, and other online sources.

    This helps us understand public discussion about avian influenza. We have also combined these online activities with other data sources to monitor avian influenza online mentions and trends — we’ve found that AI can use this information to predict if an outbreak might occur in a specific area.

    With the availability of online and social media data, an outbreak surge can be predicted up to four weeks in advance in specific regions.

    Our research team has also created and tested decision support tools that use different types of information from wild bird reports, satellite images, climate change data and farm information. These tools help predict avian influenza outbreaks and how serious they might be in a certain area; through testing, we achieved an accuracy of 85 per cent.

    We’re currently in the process of building a Canadian tool to predict where bird flu might emerge, helping farmers and public health officials get ahead of outbreaks — this could mean the difference between a contained outbreak and a global crisis.

    More than a public health issue

    A sign warning hikers about an avian flu outbreak along the Skerwink Hiking Trail in Newfoundland.
    (Shutterstock)

    Avian influenza spreads through the food chain, wildlife and global trade. An outbreak in poultry can devastate agriculture and threaten our food security. Worse, it can jump to human populations with little warning.

    This issue is not just a public health issue. It is also an economic and social concern. But if we harness AI properly, we can give ourselves a better chance at combating these threats. We can predict where the next outbreak might come from and take action before it spreads.



    Read more:
    Soaring U.S. egg prices and millions of dead chickens signal the deep problems and risks in modern poultry production

    Using AI to predict avian flu outbreaks and spread can be applied to other situations, including other illnesses and the weather and environmental conditions that could contribute to disease spread.

    AI-based decision tools can also include augmented reality that enables the testing of thousands of hypothetical scenarios related to avian influenza. These include how outbreaks might spread, what the impacts of different intervention strategies could be, how changes in the economy and environment might occur, and how the supply chain could be impacted.

    We have the technology in our labs. But to make it work, we need strong partnerships between government, universities, farmers, industry and communities. We need to make sure that we generate high quality data, use the data ethically in a privacy-preserving manner, develop the AI tool responsibly and apply it fairly to ensure that no one is left behind.

    Rozita Dara receives funding from Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Alliance Tier I, funding and the University of Guelph’s Food from Thought.

    – ref. AI is for the birds: How machine learning can help predict and manage avian flu outbreaks – https://theconversation.com/ai-is-for-the-birds-how-machine-learning-can-help-predict-and-manage-avian-flu-outbreaks-252550

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    March 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Interface – Comunicacao, Saude, Educacao

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    Interface – Comunicacao, Saude, Educacao is an open, interdisciplinary, on-line journal published by Unesp (Health Education and Communication Laboratory – Public Health Department, School of Medicine of Botucatu). It focuses on Education and Communication in health practices, education of health professionals (both university-based and inservice education) and Collective Health in its articulation with Philosophy, Arts and the Social and Human Sciences. Critical and innovative approaches are prioritized and qualitative research is emphasized.

    The Journal was launched in August 1997 with the aim of stimulating debate and disseminating knowledge about the contemporary issues that challenge the field of Health and its articulation with Communication and Educatio

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    March 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Remote sensing (MDPI)

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    Remote Sensing is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal about the science and application of remote sensing technology, and is published semimonthly online by MDPI.

    Remote Sensing (ISSN 2072-4292) publishes regular research papers, reviews, technical notes and communications covering all aspects of remote sensing science, from sensor design, validation/calibration, to its application in geosciences, environmental sciences, ecology and civil engineering. Its aim is to publish novel/improved methods/approaches and/or algorithms of remote sensing to benefit the community, open to everyone in need of them.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    March 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Awards Launch Services Contract for SpaceX Starship

    Source: NASA

    NASA has awarded SpaceX of Starbase, Texas, a modification under the NASA Launch Services (NLS) II contract to add Starship to their existing Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launch service offerings.
    The NLS II contracts provide a broad range of commercial launch services for NASA’s planetary, Earth-observing, exploration, and scientific satellites. These high-priority, low and medium risk tolerant missions have full NASA technical oversight and mission assurance, resulting in the highest probability of launch success.
    The NLS II contracts are multiple award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, with an ordering period through June 2030 and an overall period of performance through December 2032. The contracts include an on-ramp provision that provides an opportunity annually for new launch service providers to add their launch service on an NLS II contract and compete for future missions and allows existing contractors to introduce launch services not currently on their NLS II contracts.
    The contracts support the goals and objectives of the agency’s Science Mission Directorate, Space Operations Mission Directorate, Explorations Systems Development Mission Directorate, and the Space Technology Mission Directorate. Under the contracts, NASA also can provide launch services to other federal government agencies.
    NASA’s Launch Services Program Office at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida manages the NLS II contracts. For more information about NASA and agency programs, visit:

    Home Page

    -end-
    Tiernan Doyle / Joshua FinchHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1600 / 202-358-1100tiernan.doyle@.nasa.gov / joshua.a.finch@nasa.gov
    Patti BiellingKennedy Space Center, Florida321-501-7575patricia.a.bielling@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Welnax BioClear Reviews [Read Before Buying]: The Real Truth About This Toenail Fungus Device!

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    KOWLOON, Hong Kong, March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Struggling with fungal infections, discolored, or brittle nails? You are not alone, as Millions of people worldwide suffer from the same annoying issue of nail fungus. Finding a solution that truly works is difficult for many people, trapping them in a cycle of routine clinic visits, topical creams and recurrent illnesses.

    Welnax BioClear Toenail Reviews
    Welnax BioClear claims to employ advanced light therapy to address the underlying cause of fungal infections without the use of harsh chemicals or prescription medications. It is intended to be used at home and offers a hassle-free substitute for pricey therapies that frequently have unintended side effects. Does it, however, fulfill its promises?

    We noticed the Welnax BioClear is trending in the USA. Many intending buyers have gone to many online forums like Reddit and TrustPilot in search of a detailed product description. We have decided to put together all you need to know to make an informed purchase in this concise Welnax BioClear Reviews.

    Many individuals are in search of a non-invasive, safer therapy for toenail fungus, and the Welnax BioClear claims to meet this standard by providing a small, user-friendly gadget that only needs a few minutes of daily use. Users report seeing noticeable improvements in as little as a few weeks, while others value the ease of caring for their nails without the need for messy lotions or trips to the podiatrist.

    Is the Welnax BioClear just another overhyped device? Does it work? We will analyze its mechanism of action, user reviews, and whether it is worth buying by people with chronic nail fungus. Find out if the Welnax BioClear is the long-term fix you’ve been looking for by reading on.

    Overview (Welnax Reviews)
    What Is Welnax BioClear?

    Welnax BioClear is a non-invasive device that uses light therapy to address toenail fungus. Welnax BioClear uses Low Light Laser Therapy (LLLT) to attack fungal infections at their source, unlike conventional therapies that depend on lotions, ointments, or oral drugs that may have negative side effects. By penetrating the nail bed with particular light wavelengths, the gadget breaks down fungal cells and encourages better nail development.

    The Welnax BioClear is a hassle-free remedy for people with recalcitrant nail fungus because it just needs to be used for a few minutes each day. It offers a straightforward, at-home substitute that blends in perfectly with any routine, unlike messy topical treatments or expensive clinical procedures.

    According to customer feedback, many users claim observable changes after only a few weeks of regular use. Verified customers, such as Sophia T. and Dylan P., have discussed their positive experiences, complimenting the gadget on its efficiency, ease of use, and capacity to repair nail health without the use of chemicals or negative side effects. Welnax BioClear provides a safe, scientifically supported answer to a long-standing toenail fungal infection.

    Working Principle of Welnax BioClear Toenail Device
    (Does Welnax BioClear Really Work?)

    Welnax BioClear fights toenail fungus at its root with the innovative Low Light Laser Therapy (LLLT). The device targets the fungal infection without damaging the surrounding skin or tissue by emitting potent light wavelengths that go deep into the nail bed.

    The fungal cells are disrupted by the light energy, which stops them from growing and eventually causes them to be eliminated. Users experience progressive improvement in nail thickness, texture, and color with regular use. Customer reviews attest to its efficacy. While complete healing usually takes a few months, users report noticeable improvements in as little as a few weeks.

    DON’T MISS OUT: Welnax BioClear is Available At A Special Price – Click Here To Order From The Official Website

    Features (Welnax BioClear Reviews)

    Below are some unique features that set Welnax BioClear apart from your other alternatives:

    • Advanced Low Light Laser Therapy (LLLT): Welnax BioClear’s application of Low Light Laser Therapy (LLLT) targets fungal infections at their source without causing damage to surrounding tissues by penetrating the nail bed using potent light wavelengths. LLLT fights fungal spores deep into the nail at the cellular level, unlike conventional therapies that primarily address surface symptoms.
    • Drug-Free and Non-Invasive Treatment: Welnax BioClear is a chemical-free, safe substitute that doesn’t include any invasive medications. Without causing pain or running the risk of negative reactions, the gadget promotes the body’s natural healing processes.
    • Quick and Notable Results: Welnax BioClear produces noticeable changes in a matter of weeks, unlike many antifungal therapies that take months to show results. Within the first month of use, users report significantly less discolouration and healthier nail growth.
    • Clinically-Tested: The technology used in the creation of Welnax BioClear has been extensively researched for its efficacy in addressing fungal infections. Light therapy has been shown in numerous scientific investigations to effectively remove fungus without the need for prescription medicines.
    • User-Friendly Design: A key feature of any at-home medical gadget is its ease of use. Welnax BioClear’s design prioritizes portability, ease of use, and lightweight design. The device is easy to use; all that is needed to start a therapy session is the push of a button. According to David S., a happy client, his wife found it easy to integrate the gadget into her daily routine: She was quite pleased with the outcome after using Welnax BioClear for a few months.
    • Painless and Gentle Therapy: Conventional fungal therapies, such as oral antifungal drugs, sometimes have adverse effects. Additionally, some topical treatments may irritate or burn your skin. Welnax BioClear offers a totally painless experience, which makes it perfect for people with sensitive skin or those who are unable to endure traditional treatments. Emily W. stated she was tired of using creams and ointments that didn’t seem to help. She was going to quit trying out different therapies until the Welnax took her by surprise. The Welnax BioClear actually works!
    • No Need for Expensive Prescription Drugs: You probably have spent a lot of money on doctor visits, prescription drugs, and recurrent antifungal cream purchases. A one-time investment for long-term nail health is offered by Welnax BioClear.
    • Strengthens Nails and Prevents Reinfection: The recurrent nature of toenail fungus, even after treatment, is one of its most annoying aspect. In addition to addressing the infection, Welnax BioClear strengthens nails, which lowers the chance of recurrence. Over time, stronger, healthier nails result from the light therapy’s promotion of circulation and cellular repair.
    • Portable and Travel-Friendly: Welnax BioClear is small and portable. Users can now maintain the health of their nails whether they are at home or on the go.

    Is Welnax BioClear Safe?

    Welnax BioClear is designed to be a non-invasive, safe therapy for brittle nails and toenail fungus. The gadget employs low-light laser therapy, a professionally proven technique renowned for its efficacy and safety, unlike conventional therapies that depend on harsh chemicals or prescription drugs. Without causing harm to the surrounding skin or tissue, the technique targets fungal diseases at their source by emitting potent light wavelengths that enter the nail bed.

    Welnax BioClear’s drug-free design has been praised by many users in the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Strong antifungal ingredients included in many topical therapies might irritate skin, cause dryness, or trigger allergic responses. Welnax BioClear is a mild yet efficient light-based therapy without these side effects.

    Furthermore, because it is intended for home usage, customers can effortlessly make their nails better without a doctor’s supervision. For best results, users just need to adhere to the recommended 7-minute daily use.

    Customer reviews confirm its safety even more. Verified purchasers such as John H. and Dylan P. have commended its efficacy, citing no adverse effects or discomfort. It’s easy and safe to get healthier nails with Welnax BioClear.

    Detailed Instructions on How to Use Welnax BioClear Toenail

    For the best results, use the Welnax BioClear consistently following the instructions below:

    • Clean the Affected Nail: Prior to using the therapy, wash and pat dry the fingernail or toenail. For optimal results, remove any nail polish.
    • Position the Device: Make sure the affected nail is completely covered with Welnax BioClear.
    • Activate the Light Therapy: Switch the machine on and leave it running for around seven minutes.
    • Let It Work: The light targets the fungus without causing pain or suffering by penetrating the nail bed.
    • Repeat Every Day: For reliable results, use once or twice daily. Within weeks, regular use guarantees noticeable improvement!

    DON’T MISS OUT: Welnax BioClear is Available At A Special Price – Click Here To Order From The Official Website

    Why Is Welnax BioClear So Affordable?
    (Welnax BioClear Toenail Reviews)

    Welnax BioClear’s cost-effective production, creative design, and direct-to-consumer business strategy all contribute to its affordability. Professional-grade Low Light Laser Therapy (LLLT) is now available in a small, one-time purchase device with Welnax BioClear, unlike costly laser treatments at clinics that can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars each session. For people looking for long-term relief from toenail fungus, this is a more affordable option because it does not require frequent trips to a doctor.

    The lack of ongoing expenses is another point that makes it affordable. Prescription drugs, lotions, and ointments are just a few examples of the common therapies that require ongoing expenses over several months, which can mount up over time. Welnax BioClear is a one-time purchase that customers can depend on for continuous use without incurring further costs.

    In addition, the Welnax company eliminates middlemen and costly retail markups by taking a direct-to-consumer strategy. Welnax BioClear passes up the savings to clients because it sells mostly online, eliminating the overhead expenses that come with running physical outlets.

    The efficacy of Welnax BioClear is not affected by its affordable price. According to verified USA customer reviews, it can effectively eradicate fungal infections in a few weeks, making it a reasonably priced alternative.

    Is Welnax BioClear Legit?

    Every day, new health and wellness gadgets are posted on different online platforms, leaving you wondering if the Welnax BioClear is a scam or a genuine product. However, Welnax BioClear stands out as a tested and trusted remedy for toenail fungus based on actual customer experiences and the science underlying its technology.

    The application of Low Light Laser Therapy, a non-invasive procedure that has been extensively researched for its efficacy in addressing fungal infections, is one of the main features that demonstrate its legitimacy. Welnax BioClear employs potent light wavelengths to enter the nail bed and combat fungus at its source, unlike conventional lotions and ointments that just target the surface. Without the use of harsh chemicals or costly medical appointments, this method guarantees deeper, more durable effects.

    Numerous users have expressed their satisfaction, highlighting observable enhancements in nail health after just a few weeks of regular use. For example, Sophia T., a verified customer, was skeptical at first but discovered that Welnax BioClear was a “game-changer.” After years of battling nail fungus, she saw noticeable improvements in a matter of weeks, and her nails looked healthy again in two months. In the same way, Emily W. was on the verge of giving up after trying countless unsuccessful therapies. She was astounded by how well Welnax BioClear removed her nail after four weeks of use.

    Additional testimonies support the product’s efficacy. David S. bought the gadget for his wife, who had long struggled with toenail fungus. Before using Welnax BioClear, she tried a number of drugstore remedies without success. Her nails seemed noticeably healthier in just two months, and she was thrilled with the outcome. John H. agreed, stating that the first therapy that truly worked was Welnax BioClear, which produced better nail growth in as little as one month.

    Beyond customer satisfaction, the device’s ease of use and convenience further demonstrate its legitimacy. Dylan P. valued that Welnax BioClear only needed a straightforward 7-minute daily session, free of chemicals and mess. His confidence returned when he noticed that his nails were getting healthier and that the discolored areas were progressively going away.

    Welnax BioClear Toenail Fungus Device is far from a fraud because of its tried-and-true technology, solid user reviews, and a hassle-free, secure application. It offers a practical, scientifically supported remedy for toenail fungus, enabling customers to attain healthier nails with less work.

    Welnax BioClear Reviews Consumer Reports and Complaints

    Many customers have reported getting exactly the result they wanted from the Welnax BioClear. Below are Real consumer reports from verified customers:

    • Sophia T.| Verified Buyer – “I’ve struggled with nail fungus for years, and nothing seemed to work. I was skeptical at first, but the Welnax™ BioClear has truly been a game-changer! The Low Light Laser Therapy is gentle yet effective. I noticed a visible difference in my nails after just a few weeks of consistent use. After about two months, my nails are finally looking healthy again. I no longer feel embarrassed about my feet, and I’m so glad I gave this product a try. It’s safe, simple, and most importantly, it works!”
    • John H.| Verified Buyer – “I’ve tried countless treatments for nail fungus, but Welnax™ BioClear is the first one that has actually made a difference. It’s super easy to use and doesn’t require a lot of time. Within a month, I started to see healthier nail growth. I’m really impressed with how well it works and how non-invasive it is. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who’s struggled with nail fungus and wants a simple, effective solution.”
    • Dylan P.| Verified Buyer – “I’ve been using Welnax for just over a month now, and I’m amazed at the results. My nails are noticeably healthier, and the thick, discolored spots are slowly fading. I love how easy it is to use—no mess, no chemicals, just a quick 7-minute session each day. I’m finally feeling confident about my nails again and will definitely keep using this device.”
    • Emily W.| Verified Buyer – “I was tired of using creams and ointments that didn’t seem to help. I was about to give up. But Welnax has really surprised me. I’ve been using it for about four weeks now, and my nail is almost completely cleared up. I was skeptical at first, but now I can honestly say it works. So glad I found this!’
    • David S.| Verified Buyer – “ I got this for my wife because she’d been dealing with toenail fungus for a while, and honestly, she hates going to the doctor. She’d tried everything from the drugstore, but nothing worked. After using Welnax™ BioClear for a couple of months, she was super happy with the results. Her nails actually look healthier now, and she’s really glad we gave it a shot. I’m pretty relieved too!”

    DON’T MISS OUT: Welnax BioClear is Available At A Special Price – Click Here To Order From The Official Website

    Pros Of Welnax BioClear (Welnax BioClear Toenail Reviews)

    • Welnax BioClear addresses nail fungus with laser treatment, which is less invasive and less irritating than oral antifungal drugs, which can have adverse effects.
    • For people who prefer natural cures, this is a safer alternative because it eliminates the need for prescription drugs and chemical-laden topical treatments.
    • The Welnax BioClear is made for domestic use, so it needs little work. Simply cover the damaged nail with it, click the power button, and let it take care of the rest.
    • After using the product consistently for a few weeks, many users report observable improvements in the health of their nails.
    • Welnax BioClear reaches deep into the nail bed to eradicate fungus at its source, unlike other therapies that simply address symptoms that are visible on the surface.
    • It’s ideal for folks with hectic schedules or who travel because it’s small enough to carry during trips.
    • No Mess or Residue
    • The Welnax BioClear Light therapy is a well-researched and proven treatment for fungal infections.
    • Compared to routine medical visits or continuous purchases of antifungal medications, a single purchase can ultimately result in financial savings.
    • Safe for All Ages
    • 30-Day money-back guarantee

    Cons Of Welnax BioClear Toenail Fungus (Welnax BioClear Reviews)

    • Needs Consistency and Patience: Depending on the extent of the infection, it may take a few weeks to months to see obvious effects.
    • Not an Instant Fix: It takes time for new, healthy nails to grow. Thus, this device does not offer instant aesthetic results like nail paints or temporary cosmetic remedies do.
    • Best purchased online: The Welnax BioClear is not available in Walk-in stores.

    How Much Does Welnax BioClear Cost?

    The Welnax BioClear is surprisingly affordable. The Welnax BioClear company is even running a 50% off discount currently, making it a wonderful bargain. The product is available at the following pricing:

    Welnax BioClear Where To Buy

    The official Welnax BioClear website is the best location to buy it. A genuine product with complete warranty coverage, customer service, and access to any available promotions or discounts is guaranteed when you purchase straight from the manufacturer.

    There are drawbacks associated with buying from third-party platforms, including poor customer service, lack of warranty, and counterfeit products. Always place your order on the official website to prevent problems.

    The money-back guarantee is an additional benefit of purchasing from the manufacturer. Within 30 days of purchase, you can return the product if it does not live up to your expectations. Additionally, clients can save extra when buying multiple units thanks to the official website’s bulk deals.

    Getting yours is simple. Just go to the website, choose the deal you want, and complete the payment process. The company offers safe payment methods to guarantee the security of your transaction. After completing the transaction, tracking information is supplied, and shipping is usually fast. To start down the path to healthier nails, visit the official website right now.

    CLICK HERE NOW TO BUY WELNAX BIOCLEAR DIRECTLY FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT A DISCOUNTED PRICE

    Commonly Asked Questions (Welnax BioClear Reviews)

    We understand you might have questions regarding the Welnax BioClear, so we have provided answers to some frequently asked questions below:

    What is the duration required to observe results?

    Depending on the severity of the infection, different people experience noticeable improvements at different times. However, after four to six weeks of regular use, many individuals report observable changes. customer testimonials from confirmed purchasers such as Sophia T. and Dylan P. state that full recuperation happens after a few months, with noticeable progress after only a few weeks.

    Can my fingernails benefit from the Welnax BioClear?

    Of course! Although the gadget is promoted mostly for toenail fungus, it is equally helpful for fungal infections of the fingernails.

    Is it simple to use?

    Yes, Welnax BioClear is made to be used easily at home. Just cover the afflicted nail with the device, switch it on, and wait for the light therapy to begin; usually, only a few minutes per session. There is no need for further setup, and the procedure is totally painless.

    When is the best time to use Welnax BioClear?

    Depending on how severe the infection is, the gadget should be used once or twice a day for optimal effects. Achieving the intended result requires regular and consistent application.

    Can a single device be used by several people?

    As long as appropriate hygiene precautions are taken, several family members can share a Welnax BioClear. The Welnax is a personal device, though, so if possible, everyone should have one for personal use.

    What is the duration of each session?

    Each nail treatment takes about seven minutes. Users can carry on with their regular tasks while receiving therapy.

    Is it possible to combine Welnax BioClear with other treatments?

    Yes, Welnax BioClear can be used in conjunction with other treatments that promote nail health or antifungal lotions. Many customers, nevertheless, discover that the gadget is just enough to give them the result they want.

    Does it work on thick or discolored nails?

    Indeed, Welnax BioClear helps restore the natural look of nails in addition to getting rid of the fungal infection. After regular use, many users have experienced better nails, less discolouration, and better overall nail health.

    Will Welnax BioClear stop infections in the future?

    Indeed, regular application of Welnax BioClear not only gets rid of toenail fungus that is already there, but it also keeps them from coming back by promoting healthy nail development. Maintaining clean, dry, and clipped nails also improves defense against fungus infections in the future.

    What are the opinions of customers regarding Welnax BioClear? (Welnax BioClear Reviews Reddit)

    Welnax BioClear has received overwhelmingly excellent customer feedback. Users such as Emily W., along with John H., have talked about their experiences, emphasizing how convenient and effective the device is. Numerous reviews highlight how simple it is to use and how fast they saw improvements in the condition of their nails. Strong proof that Welnax BioClear is a reliable treatment for toenail fungus is found in the success stories of verified customers.

    Is Welnax BioClear effective for everyone?

    The majority of users report notable improvements, while individual factors such as intensity and consistency of use may affect results. After trying several other treatments with limited success, verified customers have hailed the Welnax as a game-changer in their battle against nail fungus.

    Can I wear nail paint and use Welnax BioClear at the same time?

    Before using the gadget, it is advised to remove any nail polish. Polish may function as a barrier, decreasing the efficiency of light therapy, which requires direct contact with the nail bed.

    What makes the Welnax BioClear special?

    Welnax BioClear provides a painless, practical, and drug-free alternative to messy lotions and ointments or oral drugs with adverse effects. For many users, its light therapy technology offers complete care all from the comfort of their home.

    Wrapping Up Welnax BioClear Reviews

    Welnax BioClear distinguishes itself from conventional toenail fungal treatments with its non-invasive, painless application, quick results, and Low Light Laser Therapy. Its efficacy, simplicity of use, and capacity to restore nail health without the use of harsh chemicals or expensive prescription drugs are the talk of many customer reviews on so many online platforms like Reddit and TrustPilot.

    Welnax BioClear is a drug-free, scientifically supported therapy for those with recalcitrant nail fungus that actually works, as confirmed by customers like John H., Sophia T., and Emily W., who have confirmed that this gadget is a tested and trusted way to get healthier, clearer nails.

    Welnax BioClear offers a straightforward, hands-free treatment that works with any routine, unlike messy lotions or prescription drugs that can take months to show benefits. After weeks of regular use, numerous USA-verified customers have shared their success stories, pointing to observable changes in nail health. The gadget was also made with safety in mind, so there is no chance of negative side effects even after prolonged use.

    Welnax BioClear is unique among nail fungus treatments due to its cost-effectiveness and efficiency. However, buying straight from the official website is advised to ensure authenticity and to take advantage of all manufacturer-backed warranty coverage, possible discounts, and access to authentic products.

    Welnax BioClear has given many consumers an easy-to-use and effective approach to repair healthier nails, even though individual outcomes may differ. Give the Welnax BioClear a try to see for yourself. Hurry while supplies last!

    DON’T MISS OUT: Welnax BioClear is Available At A Special Price – Click Here To Order From The Official Website

    Media Contact:
    Email: apexreviews200@gmail.com

    Disclaimer & Affiliate Disclosure
    This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. The BioClear Toenail Fungus Device has not been evaluated by the FDA for medical claims. Individuals with severe or persistent medical concerns should consult a healthcare professional before using this device.
    Results may vary, and individual effectiveness depends on factors such as consistency of use, severity of the infection, and individual nail growth rates. The information provided in this article should not be considered professional medical advice.
    Some links within this article may be affiliate links, meaning the publisher may receive a commission if a purchase is made through these links at no extra cost to the buyer. This helps support the continued creation of valuable content and unbiased product reviews.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: 
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/12617cd1-40f4-4656-94dd-3f6694b9860b

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2d47cfd5-4d7d-4c63-80ac-fa7eb4b55d62

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bcb50d43-0cdf-4a6a-885b-d9c9258f9aca

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4ad8abe5-efc2-46b4-8617-a079756b8ec0

    The MIL Network –

    March 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Willis Sustainable Fuels Progresses Teesside SAF Project

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    COCONUT CREEK, Fla., March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC) (“WLFC” or the “Company”), the leading lessor of commercial aircraft engines and global provider of aviation services, today announced that its subsidiary, Willis Sustainable Fuels (UK) Limited (“WSF”), has entered into license and engineering agreements with two global leaders in sustainable technology, Johnson Matthey and Axens. These partnerships significantly advance WSF’s sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) project in Teesside, Northeastern England. WSF is targeting Q1 2028 to begin commercial operations at its SAF production facility, with an anticipated annual production capacity of 14,000 tonnes (equalling approximately 50,000 litres a day) of SAF.

    “Through this collaboration, WSF will leverage Johnson Matthey’s and Axens’ market-leading technologies to support the production of SAF at our facility in Teesside, UK,” said Amy Ruddock, Senior Vice President, Sustainable Aviation & Corporate Development of WLFC. “Working with industry leaders will allow us to accelerate progress toward our vision for a cleaner, more sustainable future.”

    This project received a grant from the UK Department for Transport’s Advanced Fuels Fund and represents an important step towards the UK government’s 2050 net-zero target and its goal of having five commercial-scale SAF plants under construction by 2025. WSF is currently executing the detailed design phase of the project. McDermott will perform early engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) related services for the project.

    “Our FT CANS™ technology was developed in partnership with bp and revolutionizes the sustainable fuel sector by enabling production at commercial scale. We look forward to working with Willis Sustainable Fuels on this innovative project that will benefit the UK and beyond,” said Alberto Giovanzana, Managing Director – Licensing at Johnson Matthey

    “Axens is honored to be chosen as a partner in this pivotal energy transition project to support the emergence of the advanced SAF market in the UK. We are dedicated to accompanying Willis every step of the way, ensuring the successful implementation of innovative solutions that drive sustainable progress,” said Jacques Rault, Executive Vice President Technology & Technical Support of Axens.

    The project’s technology is intended to produce 100% SAF that can be seamlessly blended with conventional jet fuel for immediate use with existing commercial aircraft engines. The fuel produced is projected to offer greenhouse gas emissions savings of approximately 80% compared to today’s fuels.

    WSF remains committed to the aviation industry’s transformation to a more sustainable future by investing in, developing and producing scalable solutions to decarbonize aviation. For more information on WSF, visit www.willissustainablefuels.com.

    About Willis Lease Finance Corporation

    Willis Lease Finance Corporation (“WLFC”) leases large and regional spare commercial aircraft engines, auxiliary power units and aircraft to airlines, aircraft engine manufacturers and maintenance, repair, and overhaul providers worldwide. These leasing activities are integrated with engine and aircraft trading, engine lease pools and asset management services through Willis Asset Management Limited, as well as various end-of-life solutions for engines and aviation materials provided through Willis Aeronautical Services, Inc. Through Willis Engine Repair Center®, Jet Centre by Willis, and Willis Aviation Services Limited, the Company’s service offerings include Part 145 engine maintenance, aircraft line and base maintenance, aircraft disassembly, parking and storage, airport FBO and ground and cargo handling services. Willis Sustainable Fuels intends to develop, build and operate projects to help decarbonize aviation.

    Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Do not unduly rely on forward-looking statements, which give only expectations about the future and are not guarantees. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update them to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which the forward-looking statement is based, except as required by law. Our actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: the effects on the airline industry and the global economy of events such as war, terrorist activity and the COVID-19 pandemic; changes in oil prices, rising inflation and other disruptions to world markets; trends in the airline industry and our ability to capitalize on those trends, including growth rates of markets and other economic factors; risks associated with owning and leasing jet engines and aircraft; our ability to successfully negotiate equipment purchases, sales and leases, to collect outstanding amounts due and to control costs and expenses; changes in interest rates and availability of capital, both to us and our customers; our ability to continue to meet changing customer demands; regulatory changes affecting airline operations, aircraft maintenance, accounting standards and taxes; the market value of engines and other assets in our portfolio; and risks detailed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and other continuing  and current reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It is advisable, however, to consult any further disclosures the Company makes on related subjects in such filings. These statements constitute the Company’s cautionary statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

    About Johnson Matthey
    Johnson Matthey is a global leader in sustainable technologies. For over 200 years Johnson Matthey has used advanced metals chemistry to tackle the world’s biggest challenges.

    Many of the world’s leading energy, chemicals and automotive companies depend on Johnson Matthey’s technology and expertise to decarbonise, reduce harmful emissions, and improve their sustainability.

    And now, as the world faces the challenges of climate change, energy supply and resource scarcity, Johnson Matthey is actively providing solutions for its customers. Through inspiring science and continued innovation, we’re catalysing the net zero transition for millions of people every day. For more information visit www.matthey.com.

    About Axens
    The Axens Group (www.axens.net) offers a complete range of solutions for the conversion of oil and biomass into cleaner fuels, the production and purification of major petrochemical intermediates, the chemical recycling of plastics, natural gas treatment and conversion options, water treatment and carbon capture. Their offer includes technologies, equipment, furnaces, modular units, catalysts, adsorbents and related services. Axens is ideally positioned to cover the entire value chain, from feasibility studies to start-up and monitoring of units throughout their lifecycle. This unique position guarantees optimum performance and a reduced environmental footprint. Axens’ international offering is based on highly qualified human resources, modern production facilities and an extensive global network for industrial, technical support and sales services. Axens is an IFP Energies Nouvelles Group company.

    To find out more, visit Axens’ website and follow Axens on X and LinkedIn.

    Contact press: press@axens.net 

     CONTACT: Lynn Mailliard Kohler
      Director, Global Corporate Communications
      (415) 328-4798
      lkohler@willislease.com 

    The MIL Network –

    March 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung To Launch Bespoke AI Jet Ultra, the Most Powerful Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner in the World

    Source: Samsung

    ▲ Bespoke AI Jet Ultra in a hallway
     
    Samsung Electronics today announced the global rollout of the Bespoke AI Jet Ultra, the world’s most powerful cordless stick vacuum cleaner,1 which was unveiled at the Welcome to Bespoke AI global event held this month. Featuring the upgraded AI Cleaning Mode 2.0 and advanced HEPA filtration system, this latest innovation builds on Samsung’s leadership in smart home cleaning appliances.
     
    “Samsung has proven its next level innovation in the cordless stick vacuum cleaner segment by launching the most powerful model in the world,” said Jeong Seung Moon, EVP and Head of the R&D Team for Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics. “Building on the previous achievement of the Bespoke Jet AI, which was the world’s first UL verified AI-powered cordless stick vacuum cleaner,2 we’re confident that this new model will be a true game changer in the global market.”

     
     
    Clean Thoroughly With the World’s Most Powerful Suction Power
    ▲ Bespoke AI Jet Ultra in a living room
     
    The Bespoke AI Jet Ultra boasts suction power of up to 400W3 to tackle even the toughest cleaning tasks. The HexaJet Motor is the key component that generates high suction power. Its unique Hexagon stator structure with a second-stage diffuser and an impeller with the reduced thickness improve airflow and increase motor efficiency, thus enabling up to 400W of suction power. Plus, the motor allows the vacuum cleaner to run for up to 100 minutes on one battery when using Min mode,4 so users can clean their whole house in one go.

     
     
    Intelligent Cleaning Support Through AI Cleaning Mode 2.0
    ▲ Bespoke AI Jet Ultra in a dress room
     
    The Bespoke AI Jet Ultra also introduces the upgraded AI Cleaning Mode 2.0.5 By sensing the brush load and vacuuming air pressure, this mode can classify a total of six different cleaning environments6 using Samsung’s AI Optimum Tech and automatically adjust the cleaning performance. When using the Active Dual Brush, it can recognize whether a carpet is normal or long-pile. The vacuum cleaner senses corners7 with the Slim LED Brush+, as well. And by adjusting the suction power and brush speed8 for the different cleaning environments, it uses power more efficiently, reducing battery power use by 21% and increasing maneuverability by 8% with performance akin to Mid mode.9

     
     
    Advanced HEPA Filtration System
    Complementing this powerful and intelligent experience, Samsung has enhanced the filtration system to ensure dust particles are captured when air is expelled from the vacuum cleaner. The Bespoke AI Jet Ultra features a Multi-layered Filtration system that effectively traps fine dust.10 When air comes in, internal compartments like the cyclone and a metal mesh grille filter catch dust particles in succession. As a result, it achieves a filtration efficiency of 99.999%.11

     
    Another distinctive benefit is that Samsung has implemented HEPA filtration into its Multi-layered Filtration system. With this system, the Bespoke AI Jet Ultra captures dust particles as small as 0.3µm, allowing less dust12 to escape into the air.
     
     
    1 Based on testing by SLG Prüf- und Zertifizierungs GmbH, in accordance with the IEC 62885-4 Cl.5.8 standard, using a handheld type vacuum cleaner (with no brush) in Jet mode. The results were compared to cordless stick vacuum models available on the market with a stated suction power within 30% of the actual suction power of the Samsung model tested by SLG. Based on sales data between January 2024 and December 2024 as compiled by an independent market research institute.2 In May 2023 it was the first cordless stick vacuum cleaner to receive AI certification from UL Solutions, a leading independent safety science organization.3 Based on testing by SLG Prüf- und Zertifizierungs GmbH, in accordance with the IEC 62885-4 Cl.5.8 standard. Measured at the inlet of the non-motorized tool when the dustbin is empty, using Jet Mode and a large capacity battery that is fully charged. Lasts up to 1 min.4 The stated run time applies when using a large capacity battery (3970mAh) and the minimum power level with a non-motorized tool attached. Results may vary depending on actual usage.5 The updated functions of AI Cleaning Mode 2.0 can be activated after registering the stick vacuum cleaner on the SmartThings App. The operation of AI Cleaning Mode 2.0 may be limited in certain environments, such as when the All-in-one Clean Station is unplugged or Wi-Fi connection is unstable or the Bluetooth connection status between the stick vacuum cleaner and the All-in-one Clean Station is unstable. If AI Cleaning mode 2.0 does not work frequently, please move the All-in-one Clean Station to a space without obstacles nearby. To enable continuous function updates, users should keep the Wi-Fi in the house on at all times.6 The ability to identify different cleaning environments and the time it takes to change the settings can be affected by environmental conditions.7 Corner and floor-wall joint detection only operates in hard floor environments. “Corner” refers to the area where two flat and closed walls meet. The suction power increases about 2-3.5 seconds after the brush is pressed against the wall. If the brush contacts only one side of the corner or if there is a gap in the corner, it may not be recognized as a corner, and the recognition accuracy and reaction speed may vary depending on the wall shape and actual usage environment.8 The brush rotation speed (rpm) can only be adjusted when using the Active Dual Brush.9 Based on internal testing when using the Slim LED Brush+, in accordance with the global average ratio of the floor composition – wooden floor 76% and carpet 24%. It achieves the same cleaning performance as Mid mode with 2% or less difference in cleaning efficiency, in accordance with the IEC 62885-2 Cl. 5.1 and 5.4 standard. The battery consumption was measured based on the actual amount of power consumed while using the vacuum cleaner for 35 minutes from a fully charged state. The maneuverability is based on the actual measured value in accordance with the IEC 62885-2 Cl. 7.3.9 standard. Results may vary depending on the actual usage conditions.10 Refers to dust particles in the size range of 0.5 to 4.2µm.11 Based on internal test in accordance with the IEC 62885-2 Cl. 5.11 standard, using Jet Mode. Results may vary depending on actual usage.12 Based on testing by SGS-IBR Laboratories, in accordance with the ASTM F3150 standard, using Jet Mode. Results may vary depending on actual usage. Compared to our non-HEPA filter model. Refers to dust particles with the size of 0.3µm or above.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    March 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic University Presents New Projects with Artificial Intelligence

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Opening the eighth seminar on artificial intelligence, Vice-Rector for Research Yuri Fomin noted that the discussions demonstrated the diversity and scale of the use of AI technologies by Polytechnic University scientists. This time, two reports were devoted to the use of AI methods in digital engineering of molecular and biomolecular systems and in the management of processes in a high-tech medical organization.

    The first topic was covered by Mikhail Ryazantsev, professor at the Higher School of Biomedical Systems and Technologies, director of the Scientific Research Institute “Digital Technologies in Medical and Biological Systems”. The speaker talked about the methods of machine learning and molecular systems engineering used, aimed at automating the development and optimization of the properties of molecular systems and processes, as well as synthesis and adaptation for industrial production.

    Effective automation requires an iterative process where the results of high-performance computing and/or experiments are used to train ML models, which in turn guide further development and optimization steps. It is also important to have a platform for integrating all the tools into a single workflow.

    Mikhail Nikolaevich spoke about the methods of directed evolution, combined design and the results achieved in optimizing protein properties. The professor emphasized that today chemistry is increasingly becoming an engineering science, including through the use of artificial intelligence, and the development of the industry requires appropriate software.

    Igor Ilyin, Director of the Higher School of Business Engineering and Head of the Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Research and Education on Technological and Economic Problems of Energy Transition (CIRETEC GT), reported on solutions to pressing problems of medical institutions that need to optimize medical, management, and support processes.

    The professor spoke about the characteristics and key aspects of the formation of the “smart clinic” architecture, as well as about digital technologies used in healthcare and projects being implemented. In particular, Igor Vasilyevich’s team is developing a system for supporting medical decision-making based on deep learning algorithms at the request of one of the largest medical centers in the country. Daniel Alliti, a postgraduate student at the Higher School of Business and Management of the Institute of Medical and Economics and Technology, spoke in more detail about the system. The system, being developed based on deep learning algorithms, should increase the efficiency of diagnostics and forecasting by 10%, reduce the number of medical errors leading to the death of the patient, reduce the routine tasks of doctors, freeing up time for receiving patients.

    The seminar participants, who included undergraduate and graduate students, asked many questions regarding the methods and speed of computations, the operating systems used, responsibility for diagnoses made using AI, the use of terminology, etc.

    It is gratifying that we have such a wide range of questions – from narrow technical to philosophical. This suggests that the topic of using artificial intelligence is truly interdisciplinary and inexhaustible, – commented on the results of the seminar Yuri Fomin.

    The Vice-Rector for Research also supported the proposal to create a glossary on the topic of artificial intelligence so that there would be a common understanding of terms among participants in interdisciplinary research groups.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    March 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by SITI at Laservall – “From Hong Kong To Global: The Future of Advanced Manufacturing and Microelectronics” (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the Laservall – “From Hong Kong To Global: The Future of Advanced Manufacturing and Microelectronics” event today (March 31):

    Ms Lee (Korean Consul (Commerce), Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Hong Kong, Ms Jaeyon Lee), James (Chairman of Laservall, Mr James Kang), Andrew (Chief Executive Officer of Laservall, Mr Andrew Kim), Albert (Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Mr Albert Wong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

         Good morning. It is my pleasure to stand before you today to celebrate Laservall’s global expansion in Hong Kong – a milestone that marks the company’s distinctive success achieved in developing advanced high-precision laser inter-connect solutions and automation system for advanced manufacturing.

         Founded in Hong Kong in 2003 and commencing its amazing journey at the Hong Kong Science Park in 2024, a cradle that nurtures thousands of innovation and technology (I&T) companies, Laservall has evolved into a world leader in the advanced manufacturing industry today. With its extensive clientele including some renowned global brands in the industry of smartphone camera modules, electronics and automotive, Laservall continues to expand its operations with R&D (research and development) centres and production facilities across Asia.

         We are so excited to witness Laservall’s success today, as advanced manufacturing has been a pivotal sector and significant power engine to drive the development of new industrialisation in Hong Kong.

         Following the promulgation of the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint in December 2022, the Hong Kong SAR Government has been actively promoting new industrialisation through supporting the advanced manufacturing industries and encouraging the upgrading and transformation of traditional manufacturing sector through the use of I&T, with the aim of driving sustainable economic growth and creating high-quality employment opportunities.

         To bolster the development of new industrialisation, our Government has stepped up its efforts by implementing a series of supporting policies and measures. For example, the New Industrialisation Funding Scheme was enhanced to reinforce our efforts in supporting enterprises to adopt smart manufacturing. As of February 2025, the scheme had supported more than 100 new smart production lines. To extend our dedication, we launched the New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme last year to provide funding support for enterprises engaging in industries of strategic importance. We will also earmark another $100 million for the Pilot Manufacturing and Production Line Upgrade Support Scheme to provide financial support to companies setting up smart production facilities in Hong Kong.

         Today, Laservall announces its plan of investing $300 million over the next five years and doubling the size of R&D team by 2026, and extending their R&D team eventually by sixfold by 2028. This not only reflects the company’s commitment to innovation but also its unwavering confidence in Hong Kong’s I&T industry. Its expansion at the Science Park is a perfect example of how it is leveraging Hong Kong’s unique role as a “super-connector” and a “super value-adder” to strengthen its presence in the global market.

         May I once again extend my sincere congratulations to Laservall for its outstanding I&T achievement. I am confident that we will soon witness more local companies, like Laservall, stepping onto the global I&T stage and demonstrating the remarkable outcomes of Hong Kong’s R&D capabilities to the world in the near future. Thank you.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    March 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the targeted attacks against Christians in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: defending religious freedom and security – B10-0215/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Lukas Mandl, David McAllister, Andrzej Halicki, Michael Gahler, Sebastião Bugalho, Željana Zovko, François‑Xavier Bellamy, Christophe Gomart, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Andrey Kovatchev, Miriam Lexmann, Rasa Juknevičienė, Antonio López‑Istúriz White
    on behalf of the PPE Group

    B10‑0215/2025

    European Parliament resolution on the targeted attacks against Christians in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: defending religious freedom and security

    (2025/2612(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to its previous resolutions on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC),

    – having regard to Rule 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,
     

    A. whereas the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), affiliated to the Islamic State’s Central Africa Province, have been linked to an attack on the village of Mukondi, in the eastern DRC, in which, according to local authorities, at least 44 civilians were killed; whereas the group claimed 48 attacks in December 2024 alone, killing over 200 people;

    B. whereas the ADF has a long history of committing terrorist attacks in the eastern DRC; whereas the Congolese Catholic Church claims that the ADF is responsible for the deaths of around 6 000 civilians in Beni between 2013 and 2021 and more than 2 000 in Bunia in 2020 alone; whereas between January and June 2024, 639 Christians were killed in the DRC by jihadists and half of them beheaded; whereas many of these attacks directly target the Christian population of these regions; whereas Christians in particular have been deliberately targeted by various extremist or jihadist groups for many years; whereas the Catholic bishops of the DRC spoke out in an April 2021 statement about the threat of the ‘Islamization of the region [North Kivu] as a sort of deeper strategy for a long-term negative influence on the general political situation of the country’;

    C. whereas the ADF officially pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group (ISIS) on 7 November 2019; whereas the UN Group of Experts on the DRC warned in May 2024 that the armed group had established strong networks in prisons, particularly in Kinshasa where ADF detainees were active in recruiting and mobilising combatants and collaborators, using not only ideological means, but also coercion, deception, abduction and financial incentives to attract members and collaborators; whereas the ADF’s attacks need to be seen in the wider African context of a rise in the number of Islamist groups, in particular those affiliated to ISIS, in the Sahel region, the Horn of Africa, Mozambique, Nigeria and the DRC; whereas the ADF has been designated a terrorist group by Uganda and the United States;

    D. whereas the Armed Forces of the DRC have been conducting a joint military offensive, operation Shujaa, with the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces against the ADF and other insurgent forces in the eastern DRC since November 2021; whereas the conflict between the government and M23 rebels could lead to a decrease in the funds, personnel and equipment being allocated to this counter-terrorism operation;

    E. whereas the region has been plagued by decades of cyclical violence, causing a security and humanitarian crisis and leading to the further destabilisation of the country; whereas the conflict between the Government of the DRC, the armed rebel group M23 and other militias has already led to the forceful internal displacement of 4.6 million people in the eastern DRC; whereas the DRC also hosts over 520 000 refugees and asylum seekers from neighbouring countries, while 1.1 million refugees from the DRC are being hosted in neighbouring countries of the region, more than half of them in Uganda;

    F. whereas North Kivu is a resource-rich region, with vast supplies of critical raw materials, including cobalt, gold and tin, which are necessary for the global digital and energy transitions; whereas it is known that the ADF has been relying on, among other sources of financing, the illegal exploitation of these resources to fund their activities; whereas Christians face difficulties and violent attacks from Islamist militants, particularly in the North Kivu province;

    G. whereas the DRC is ranked 35th in the World Watch List and has even risen six places in recent years, with 2024 seeing an escalation in attacks against Christians by the ADF;

    H. whereas owing to the absence of specific laws to protect Christians, Christian women and girls are especially vulnerable to domestic violence, forced marriages, abduction, rape, trafficking and sexual slavery;

    1. Condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attacks and targeted massacre of Christians carried out by the ADF in the eastern DRC; expresses its solidarity with the families of the victims and with Christian communities;

    2. Strongly condemns the ADF and other rebel groups, such as M23, and their egregious human rights abuses, which amount to crimes against humanity in accordance with the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC); is extremely concerned about this terrorist group’s deliberate targeting of Christians; underlines the fact that there must be no impunity for the perpetrators of these acts and that those responsible should be referred to the ICC; encourages the establishment of an international commission of inquiry to examine the human rights violations committed in the DRC, renewed investigations in North Kivu by the ICC’s Office of the Prosecutor and the creation of a special tribunal for atrocity crimes in the DRC, including crimes committed against Christian communities; backs the efforts of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo and the Church of Christ in Congo, which launched the ‘Social pact for peace and coexistence in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Great Lakes Region’ with the aim of restoring peace in the country’s eastern provinces;

    3. Supports the international efforts against the ADF, including the Shujaa counter-terrorism operation carried out jointly by DRC and Ugandan armed forces; encourages the EU Member States to consider ways of contributing to these efforts, including increased efforts to trace and interdict ISIS secret funds held overseas and to trace any raw materials stemming from their illegal exploitation by the ADF; calls for the EU to support the necessary capacity building and expertise to combat ADF ideology and rhetoric, particularly within the Muslim communities of both Uganda and Congo, to prevent recruitment among those communities; requests the application of the EU global human rights sanctions regime to those responsible for planning, ordering or participating in the killing of Christians in the DRC;

    4. Reiterates its full support for the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) in protecting civilians and stabilising the region; urges the EU to cooperate with all actors on the ground, in particular MONUSCO, to ensure the protection of civilians in the eastern DRC; calls on the UN to work towards a stronger mandate for MONUSCO in order to enable peacemaking; calls on the UN to ensure the protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law;

    5. Confirms its commitment to freedom of thought, conscience and religion as a fundamental human right guaranteed by international legal instruments to which most of the world’s countries have committed, and as a right that is recognised as having universal value and is enshrined in the Congolese constitution;

    6. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Government and Parliament of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the African Union, the secretariats of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Southern African Development Community and the East African Community, and other relevant international bodies.

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    March 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: SUM shares experience: the second webinar on the exchange of best practices of project-based learning for university representatives was held

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

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

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

    The webinar featured three diverse reports. Each speaker shared the unique experience of their educational institution, telling about cases of successful implementation of project activities among students.

    Head of the Department of Advertising and Public Relations of the State University of Management Vasily Starostin covered the issues of organizing project work of marketing students from the point of view of the experience of the Institute of Marketing of the State University of Management. The audience was especially interested in the methodology of setting the task for the implementation of project work by students of the 1st to 3rd years of the bachelor’s degree.

    Elena Stukalova, head of the startup studio at the Financial University, shared her experience in developing student startup projects. Participants learned what tools and resources are used to support young entrepreneurs as part of the educational process.

    Director of the Institute of Creative Industries of VVSU Inna Klochko spoke about the organization of project activities at Vladivostok State University. Examples of successful projects implemented at the university became clear evidence of the effectiveness of the proposed approaches.

    The State University of Management expresses gratitude to all participants and speakers for productive cooperation and hopes for further development of mutually beneficial dialogue within the framework of the exchange of best practices of project-based learning.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 03/31/2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    March 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: List of support measures for SVO participants and their children

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    The State University of Management reminds you of the list of support measures for SVO participants and their children that are available to them at our university.

    Federal Law No. 273-FZ of December 29, 2012 “On Education in the Russian Federation” provides special rights (benefits) for admission to bachelor’s and specialist’s degree programs for SVO participants and their children, including the right to admission at the expense of budgetary allocations within a separate quota.

    Benefits for admission of children of SVO participants also apply to adopted children. Classification as a category of persons entitled to admission within a separate quota is confirmed by a corresponding certificate provided in the established manner.

    Also, participants of the SVO and their children are granted the right to be admitted to preparatory departments of educational organizations for training at the expense of budget funds. The list of educational organizations in whose preparatory departments training is carried out at the expense of budgetary allocations of the federal budget for the 2025/26 academic year was approved by order of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia dated November 15, 2024 No. 765.

    In accordance with the order of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia dated August 28, 2023 No. 822 “On approval of the procedure and cases of transition of persons studying in educational programs of secondary vocational and higher education from paid education to education at the expense of budgetary allocations of the federal budget, budgets of constituent entities of the Russian Federation and local budgets or at the expense of the organization’s own funds carrying out educational activities, including funds received from income-generating activities, voluntary donations and targeted contributions of individuals and (or) legal entities” children of persons taking or who took part in SVO, studying in an educational organization on the basis of an agreement on the provision of paid educational services, who do not have academic debt, disciplinary sanctions, or arrears in tuition fees at the time of filing the application, are classified as persons having a priority right to transition from paid education to free education.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 03/31/2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    March 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic University hosted a case championship on polymer and composite materials

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    From March 24 to 27, the Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University hosted a case championship on polymer and composite materials. The event aimed to develop practical skills in working with modern materials, as well as interdisciplinary thinking at the intersection of materials science, mechanics and digital modeling.

    The championship was opened by Dmitry Bogdanov, Director of the Gazpromneft-Polytech Scientific and Educational Center.

    Polymers and composite materials are becoming key for a number of industries today, from aircraft manufacturing to medicine. We strive to give students not just knowledge, but engineering thinking that allows them to adequately assess the properties of materials and factor them into the calculations at the design stage, he noted.

    Two teams of four people took part in the competition — 3rd and 4th year students. The theme of the championship was the development of a concept for a serial product: a light, durable and ergonomic chair designed for use in cafes and restaurants. The main condition was the use of polymer or composite materials, taking into account their physical characteristics, production limitations and aesthetic requirements.

    Before starting work, the students attended a series of lectures on the physical and chemical foundations of polymers and their engineering applications. The classes were conducted by Viktor Nazarichev, a senior research fellow at the Institute of Macromolecular Compounds of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and Ignatiy Abrosimov, an engineer at the Gazpromneft-Polytech Scientific and Educational Center. Particular attention was paid to numerical modeling methods in ANSYS and the principles of selecting reinforcing fillers in composite systems.

    Over the course of three days, the participants worked intensively — from idea generation to strength calculations and geometry modeling. Students learned to set material parameters, analyze their behavior under load, take into account the fiber structure and the features of the binder. The focus was not only on strength characteristics, but also on the manufacturability of the structure.

    The victory was won by a team of 4th-year students from the Higher School of Theoretical Mechanics and Mathematical Physics in the field of “Biomechanics and Medical Engineering”. It included Alexander Plotnikov, Stanislav Bakhmetyev, Ivan Afanasyev and Ivan Strebkov.

    Working with composites requires a different engineering approach. Here you can’t rely on intuition, as when designing with traditional materials – precise parameter adjustment, anisotropy calculation, and reinforcement direction control are important. This is an interesting challenge that forces you to reconsider the very logic of design, Stanislav Bakhmetyev shared his impressions.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    March 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese sci-fi film ‘Redland’ dazzles at industry gala

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    A trailer for the long-awaited Chinese sci-fi film “Redland” debuted to great acclaim at the 2025 Beijing Sci-Fi Night and Science Fiction Planet Extravaganza gala on Sunday in Beijing.

    Sci-fi film “Redland” is presented at the 2025 Beijing Sci-Fi Night and Science Fiction Planet Extravaganza gala in Beijing, March 30, 2025. [Photo courtesy of the CSFC Organizing Committee]

    “Redland,” formerly known as “Underground Deep Palace,” is adapted from the novella “Red Earth” by Xiao Xinghan. The story depicts the world after a nuclear war where humanity survives underground, battles genetically mutated species, and ultimately saves and revives human civilization. The novella won the Chinese Nebula Original Award in 2019. 

    Four years in the making, the film is scheduled to premiere on China’s iQiyi streaming platform in the near future. At the gala held during the China Science Fiction Convention 2025 (CSFC 2025), Gan Weikang, an executive producer of the film and president of Hainan Eternal Vision Science Fiction Media (EV/SFM), told the audience that “Redland” aims to provide uniquely Chinese original content and deliver higher-quality cultural content to audiences.

    “The success of sci-fi films and TV series like ‘The Wandering Earth’ and ‘The Three-Body Problem’ has opened new possibilities for China’s sci-fi film market, raising audience expectations for more outstanding works. The release of ‘Redland’ follows this trend, aiming to contribute to the development of Chinese sci-fi cinema,” he said.

    Director Liu Kaiyi stated that at its core, “Redland” explores humanity’s struggle and transcendence under extreme conditions. “When radiation mutates the world, with monsters rampant and survival at stake, people come to realize how truly precious those seemingly insignificant people and things really are,” he explained.

    A poster for the movie “Redland.” [Image courtesy of EV/SFM]

    The film, written by Wang Haoyi and produced by Lin Ran, creates a unique underground utopia besieged by nuclear wasteland, mutants and cave tribes. The central suspense driving the narrative is humanity’s desperate struggle to overcome these threats and reclaim the surface world. VFX supervisor Meng Jifeng stressed how the team meticulously crafted every visual effect detail — the war-torn above-ground ruins, the mysterious underground world and the bone-chilling monsters — to help fully immerse viewers.

    “Redland” author Xiao Xinghan lauded the film’s deep exploration of how cutting-edge technologies like genetic engineering may impact future society, as well as its extensive use of advanced technologies like AI during production, giving the entire film a strong futuristic sci-fi aesthetic with unique philosophical depth.

    Also at Sunday night’s gala, the 3rd Sci-Fi Planet Competition honored outstanding sci-fi enterprises, academic institutions, teams and individuals for their sci-fi and high-tech projects. As China’s first independent international sci-fi competition, it offered a prize pool worth 6.65 million yuan this year. The 2025 edition received 747 submissions from China and 10 other countries, with 61 projects advancing to the finals. Winners included Yan Xi’s “Age of the Godmakers,” Yin Chao’s “Village at the End of the World,” the Three-Body Universe’s VR interactive story “Three-Body: Expedition,” and Vidu, a large-scale Chinese video-generation model by Beijing ShengShu Technology.

    MIL OSI China News –

    March 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Ceremony honoring Yellow Emperor held in Henan province

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    An ancestral worship ceremony honoring Huangdi, also known as the Yellow Emperor, is held on March 31 in Xinzheng, central China’s Henan province. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]
    Thousands of people from around the world gathered Monday for an ancestral worship ceremony honoring Huangdi, or the Yellow Emperor, in Xinzheng, central China’s Henan province.
    The event attracted overseas Chinese, experts in culture, arts, calligraphy and media, as well as representatives from science and economics. Attendees paid respects to Huangdi, praying for national prosperity and global peace and harmony.
    In Chinese mythology, Huangdi is considered the ancestor of the Chinese nation and the founder of Chinese civilization. According to legend, Xinzheng is Huangdi’s hometown.
    The ceremony included a series of nine rituals: a ceremonial cannon salute, laying of flower baskets, hand purification and incense offering, ancestor worship, the reading of eulogy, hymn singing, musical and dance tributes, and prayers for China’s well-being and the harmony of heaven, earth and humanity.
    For the sixth consecutive year, the ceremony included an online ancestral worship platform, allowing participants worldwide to join virtually.
    Following the ceremony, participants were able to explore Henan’s rich cultural heritage and learn about the modern development of the Yellow Emperor’s hometown.

    MIL OSI China News –

    March 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Regional University Industry Collaboration masterclasses

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Issued: 31 Mar 2025

    Dozens of university researchers and business stakeholders have been honing their partnership building expertise at masterclass events in Rockhampton, to support more regional Queensland research projects to get off the ground.

    Over the past six weeks, 35 researchers from across the state have been taking part in the Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) program masterclass series held at CQUniversity (CQU) and James Cook University (JCU).

    The $7 million Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) initiative delivered by CSIRO, aims to transform project ideas in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, into impactful real-world solutions.

    Research leaders have been given the skills and tools to effectively identify, approach, engage and collaborate with small to medium enterprises (SMEs) across regional Queensland – assisting them during the research and development stages of a concept – from ideation to commercialisation.

    Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Kerrie Wilison said these masterclasses are expected to equip researchers and business-minded individuals with the knowledge and strategies to effectively transform scientific ideas into viable commercial ventures.

    “This program increases opportunities for business and industry investment in science and recognises and supports entrepreneurship,” she said.

    “The RUIC program promotes economic growth in Queensland’s regional areas, ensuring that local SMEs remain competitive and continue to thrive.

    “We want to boost regional collaboration between businesses and researchers, to grow industry engagement across the state and get more projects launched.”

    CQUniversity Regional Futures Executive Director Paul Hodgson said the RUIC program is an excellent platform to develop relationships between regional universities and SMEs.

    “As a regional university, CQUniversity is proudly focused on delivering ‘research with impact’, which is only possible through strong partnerships with industry, particularly SMEs,” he said.

    “The RUIC masterclass series was a timely and critical process in upskilling the engagement capability and confidence of our researchers to deliver sustained impact into the future”.

    View further details on the Regional University Industry Collaboration program.

    MIL OSI News –

    March 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Mini robot to explore world’s deepest sea trench

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    A team of Chinese scientists has developed a miniature 2.7-kilogram deep-sea robot to explore the deepest natural frontier on Earth — the Mariana Trench in the western Pacific Ocean, according to a study published in the journal Science Robotics in March.
    The researchers from Beihang University, formerly known as the Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, have further consolidated China’s position as one of the few nations able to explore the deepest depths of the oceans.
    Headed by Professor Wen Li, researchers from the university’s School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation started working on the robot’s design in 2019 and completed its construction in 2021. So far, the team has collaborated with peers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering and Zhejiang University to use the 50-centimeter-long machine for deep-sea exploration.
    Zuo Zonghao, a doctoral student at the school and a member of Wen’s team, said that the overall goal of the project was to build a robot to demonstrate new actuator technologies and to verify a new configuration of deep-sea probes.
    “The core part of our robot is a centimeter-scale deep-sea soft actuator that weighs 16 grams. It incorporates bistable chiral metamaterials and tube-sealed shape-memory alloys,” he said.
    These actuators and materials mean that the robot is able to move its fins, flex and swim, as well as glide and crawl on the surface of the seafloor.
    The robot has already been used by two of China’s most advanced crewed submersibles — Shenhai Yongshi, or Deep-sea Warrior, and Fendouzhe, or Striver, and has carried out 14 seabed trips to assess its capabilities and performance.
    “Under the sea, it is powered by a special lithium battery and is released and retrieved by the submersibles’ robotic arms. During each operation, it worked for more than 20 minutes,” Zuo said.
    “During one of the operations that took place in 2021, it was released by Fendouzhe onto the seafloor of the Mariana Trench, reaching a depth of 10,666 meters.”
    During the next phase, researchers will mount buoyancy and scientific devices such as special cameras and sensors on the robot, and they plan to build a larger prototype, he said.
    Such robots can be used in marine resource development, archaeological excavation and environmental monitoring in the future, Zuo added.

    MIL OSI China News –

    March 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Text of the Vice–President’s address at valedictory session of National Conference on Environment- 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi (Excerpts)

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 30 MAR 2025 6:34PM by PIB Delhi

    Good evening, all of you. Frankly, I’m not used to such kind of order.

    I’m more used to disorder in the house. And secondly, when I sit in the chair, as Chairman Rajya Sabha, on my right is the Government, on the left is the Opposition. Today there’s a strange combination, excellence, sublimity, of bar and bench on my right side.

    One regret that I have, of parting with the jealous mistress, the legal profession, by becoming Governor-State of West Bengal and now the Vice-President, I did not have the occasion to appear before one of the finest judges of this country, Justice P. S. Narsimha. And similarly, I had no occasion to cross swords with another legal luminary, Shri Tushar Mehta. A source of inspiration and motivation for me.

    Because rarely there is a combination where dedication, excellence, commitment, and nationalism converge. Very soothing experience. Justice P. S. Narsimha, Judge Supreme Court of India, Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson of the National Green Tribunal, I know him while he was Chief Justice, Calcutta High Court, while I was in Kolkata, because the High Court continues to be known as Calcutta High Court, exemplified highest judicial decorum and standards, and was not eyesore to anyone, fructifying, game-changing decisions.

    A chairman of the National Green Tribunal, you know what he is. But I must share one thing, that is common between us. We both fear our wives. Pradeepti is here, so is Dr. Sudesh. They are our strength. Shri Tushar Mehta Ji has equal challenge in the family as we have. No issue on that. Shri Thirumal Kumar, an IAS officer, I have admired him for a long time, he knows it. So he was a little astounded that I still recollect that.

    Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, nothing has happened to me by virtue of these constitutional offices. I am what I am. The only loss that I have is, a legal profession is known as a jealous mistress. I quoted the jealous mistress. When I joined the bar, the year I was married. So along with my wife, there was a jealous mistress.

    But it was very thoughtful of the President of India, Ramnath Kovind Ji. He chose 20th of July 2019, that I forsake the jealous mistress, because that happened to be the birthday of my wife. We have in the audience distinguished Chief Justices, acting Chief Justices, judges, lawyers, environmentalists, boys and girls, but I must recognise the presence of some.

    Justice Vishwanath, some other, I have one thing in common with him. We both belong to the Daughters Club. He has a daughter, and so do we have. And had the satisfaction of knowing him for long. Justice Ashutosh Kumar, Acting Chief Justice, Patna High Court, I’m sure I’ll be making some mistakes. So I leave it at that. My greetings to all of you.

    When I reflected on 20th of July, my wife’s birthday, it doesn’t end there. 20th of July, Neil Armstrong in 1969, landed on the moon for the first time. But my wife was born 12 years before. But what Neil Armstrong said is extremely relevant today for what we are discussing and deliberating. Neil Armstrong reflected, I quote him, “there’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

    That is what we need to deal with the issue. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, it’s a privilege to address the valedictory session of this National Conference on Environment. Grateful to Chairman Prakash Shrivastava for securing convergence of over 1,200 environmental experts, judicial and administrative minds, as also most vital stakeholders, young boys and girls.

    They are supremely interested, both in democracy and environment. They will go a long way. I am confident the deliberations over the last two days must have been very fruitful and must have generated a lot of hope and possibility.

    Our planet faces, in the shape of climate change, not an ordinary challenge. It’s an existential challenge. And the nature of the existential challenge is unknown to history ever before.

    The situation is critical and cliffhanging and far too long, engaging the attention of everyone, governments and people all over the globe. The solution to this burning issue is complexed by the belief that someone else will fix it. This is not to be true. We’ll have to do it on our own. There is now live realisation of this menace. It has to be moderated to begin with and solved by all of us in tenement togetherness.

    Resolute addressing of the problem is paramount. And neither we have the time nor we have another planet to cohabit. This problem of huge dimensions has to be fixed by all individuals acting individually, organisations and the governments with immediate, urgent, concerted and sustained effort.

    Let me share with the distinguished audience. Everyone is positioned to make his or her contribution. And the contribution when converges in totality will be result-orientated. We need to realise we are trustees of everything offered by Mother Earth and there is divine ordainment that we must pass on to the future generations all this in good shape writing on the wall. Have we done it? The answer comes from within. Certainly not.

    The present scenario is alarming, daunting and far distanced from what it should have been. In such a scenario an institution like the National Green Tribunal in the largest democracy habitat for one-sixth of humanity is playing vital and significant role catalysing scenarios for containment and searching for solutions. I join Justice P.S. Narsimha in complimenting Justice Shrivastava for taking this initiative and it is not a day too soon.

    India happens to be the third country as was reflected not by this number as such by Shri Tushar Mehta that we have taken a number of initiatives, innovative steps, affirmative government policies in the country but we were amongst the first three in the world to have an institution and regulator like the National Green Tribunal. Distinguished audience not many countries in the world can claim to have civilisational depth which we as Bharat have thousands of years of civilisational ethos. Long before sustainability became a global buzzword much long before centuries before it became a global buzzword India lived it for centuries where every banyan tree was a temple, every river a goddess and waste an unknown concept in a civilisation that worshipped circularity.

    Our Vedic literature is gold mine for nurturing of mother earth and propagating harmony between men and nature. From Ayurveda’s living harmony to Gandhi’s world has enough for need not for greed. The wise sage who transformed democratic landscape of the world bringing about change through non-violence he said the world has everything, earth has everything for need but not for greed.

    India’s DNA carries the only vaccine against ecological collapse, conspicuous consumption. We only have to read what is there in our gold mine. Environmental depredation if we see the cause of it is brought about on the planet only by one species amongst living beings.

    We do it, no one else does it. Distinguished audience we have to be aware the planet is not exclusive to us we are not its owners. Flora and fauna must flourish and blossom alongside and so must all other living beings.

    In such a scenario men will have to learn to live in harmony with nature and other living beings. Are we doing it? No. Every technological development increasing human prowess is used to captivate and make others’ lives vulnerable to other living beings.

    There will have to be individual focus on optimal utilisation of resources of nature. This has to be our habit. Our fiscal power and our fiscal capacity cannot determine the use of natural resources.

    The consumption has to be optimal. We are paying heavy price already for reckless exploitation of these resources and thoughtless consumption conspicuous and lacking empathy. Distinguished audience protecting earth for future generations, an urgent need calls for sustainable practices that recognise nature’s inherent worth while reconciling conservation with development needs. It’s a delicate balance and NGT is required to navigate the fine print of it.

    Human activities particularly climate change and water management now influence seismic events. Studies have revealed earthquakes we all know are normally because of tectonic processes but then the way we conserve waters, build dams and get them emptied is a cause of profound impact on geological situations and therefore there is a global need to evolve and believe in environmental ethics. This underscores human’s moral obligations to protect and preserve the environment.

    This is the interconnection of all living beings. I can assure you once we lose it we know the worth of it. Let us realise the worth before we lose it forever.

    Both ecological extension and conservation ethics advocate harmonious human-nature relationships and are so easy to bring about. It doesn’t call for anything but a positive mindset towards life, we have to focus on environmental preservation and prudent resource stewardship for generational sustainability. Friends, global environmental challenges necessitate cross-border cooperation and innovative strategies that simultaneously advance ecological sustainability and economic development.

    No individual, no group, no nation can by itself resolve this issue. It has to be done by one and all on the planet. There will have to be convergence.

    I am so glad that a step has been taken by the chairman NGT Mr. Shrivastava by having this conference. More of it and it’s kind of needed. Environmental security must inform nuclear policy also.

    We all know weapon systems have huge ecological impact from manufacturing through potential deployment and pose existential risk that undermines their perpetrated security benefits. Something that is for security will result in our defacement from the planet. There has to be a thought process.

    Developed nations must transcend the political boundaries, environmental thinking adopting models where planetary health becomes foundational to human prosperity and well-being. They cannot isolate themselves. Okay, we are doing fine. We have means, technological means to generate a healthy ecosystem. It can last for some years but not forever. They will have to be enveloped into the menace if they do not join the rest of the global community.

    Friends, just look around. Proliferation of air purifiers, masks, water filters, generators usually witnessed in the last few decades. They represent the grievous symptoms of environmental degradation rather than solutions.

    Authentic progress requires eliminating pollution sources. We have to eliminate them because they are created by us. They are man-made.

    Transforming our relationship with nature and exploitation to stewardship. The Bhopal gas tragedy relations are still unlearned. The Union carbide leakage of 1984. I think if I’m not wrong it was in 2015 that Justice Shrivastava, the judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court dealt with as a commissioner what compensation could be given. It was mega environmental negligence. Even after four decades families suffered generation after generation genetic disorders and groundwater contamination.

    30 years after it as I reflected Justice Shrivastava dealt with an issue for welfare of the victims. Just imagine how pathetic was the lack of awareness. We did not have an institution like NGT.

    We did not have a regulatory regime that could address the issue. Things would have been very different if there had been a regulatory regime of the current level then. Distinguished audience there is a growing concern that environmental justice often follows a troubling pattern of 4Ds delay, deny, dispose, dissolve.

    This cycle must be broken. I am happy to note NGT is catalysing sensitisation on all fronts on this aspect. And I am sure intervention to the NGT exercise will be scarce.

    It is an expert body. I am not for a moment questioning anybody’s authority or power, sir. But then when expert bodies function and have the facility of getting expertise from people who are really knowledgeable, stalling their action delays environmental protection.

    It is soothing to note that the National Green Tribunal shifts from delay to decisiveness from denial to accountability from mere disposal to true restoration and from dissolution to sustainable resolution is increasingly getting respect of the people, institutions corporate world and workers. Our environmental jurisprudence in the country has to grow by looking into our reservoir I said, gold mine reflected in our Vedic literature. Fortunately, trends are emerging that now transcend remediation to embracing ecological preservation as a fundamental mandate.

    Why should we get into remediation, repair? Let us keep an eagle’s eye. Let us keep it in deep focus. Why should there be no preservation? I admire and compliment the Chairman NGT. He has made no efforts to secure scientific expertise to assist and this is turning out to be a cutting edge to NGT’s adjudicatory functions helping it play a visionary role in environmental governance. The tribunal’s environmental jurisprudence is progressively integrating emerging scientific understanding with established legal doctrines and I can share it with you. Having had modest global exposure, the tribunal’s judgments are looked at with great deference globally.

    Invoking the power to interpret the Constitution, the Supreme Court has, and I would say earliest in the world, given dimensions to Article 21, that healthy environment and right to clean air are integrated inalienable facets of Article 21. Friends, despite the synergy between our constitutional values and cultural ethos, there is now an urgent need to deal with citizenry neglect that is widely evident. I reflect on occasions when no Indian who is abroad throws a banana skin out of a running vehicle. No one does it. Why do we have negligence on our holy land? Citizens must be sensitised and made aware. Such kinds of conferences as indicated by Justice Narasimha play a pivotal role because they get media attention and traction. Steps have been taken by the government, and I can share many steps that are game-changing. Toilet in the house, gas connection in the house. Just imagine making that kind of bulbs, making solar power available. Just imagine. Just a decade ago, our solar power capacity was in single-digit gigawatts. It is now beyond 100 gigawatts. We have an international solar alliance here. During G20, India took the initiative for biofuels.

    So world is changing, but India is changing fastest in the last 10 years, both in economy and infrastructure. But we need to do more because we have to lead on the front foot for the entire world and humanity. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

    At an individual level, we have to be constantly mindful of the environment as guided by one of the पंच प्राण, पर्यावरण संरक्षण यह हमारा धर्म है, यह हमारा कर्म होना चाहिए, यह हमारा दैनिक कर्म होना चाहिए, इसको करने से हम खुद को लाभ देते हैं, देश को देते हैं, दुनिया को देते हैं।

    We should proactively try to reduce our carbon footprint. And mind you, India is the only country where the Prime Minister could declare that not only we abide by the Paris Declaration, but we will meet the target aead other nations and the world has applauded us. The way I look, Chairman Shrivastava, to NGT and for nurturing G for green and T for tomorrow. NGT for me is nurturing green for tomorrow.

    Friends, this is not just wordplay. It is the vision of an institution that connects law, science, and ethics to transform our relationship with nature. Let us draw from our Vedic roots, wield cutting edge tools, and uphold climate justice with unwavering resolve.

    Shanti path from Yajurveda I’ll conclude with that. Let peace prevail in the sky and space. Let peace reign and radiate in earth, in water, and in all plants. Let peace prevail everywhere.

    द्यौः शान्तिः अन्तरिक्षं शान्तिः पृथ्वी शान्तिः वनस्पतयः शान्तिः। ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः॥

    The earth is not for us to conquer. It is for us to cherish and pass on to posterity to future generations. The NGT which it’s blend of judicial mind and moral clarity is uniquely positioned to lead the charge under the guidance of Justice Prakash Shrivastava. I am grateful for this opportunity. Thank you everyone for your patience.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    March 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi lays foundation stone of Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre in Nagpur, Maharashtra

    Source: Government of India

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi lays foundation stone of Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre in Nagpur, Maharashtra

    It is our priority that all citizens of the country get better health facilities: PM

    Even during the most difficult times, new social movements kept taking place in India to keep consciousness awakened: PM

    Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is the modern Akshay Vat of the immortal culture of India, this Akshay Vat is continuously energizing Indian culture and the consciousness of our nation: PM

    When during efforts the focus is on we and not I, when the spirit of nation first is paramount, when the interest of the people of the country is the most important factor in policies and decisions, only then its effect is visible everywhere: PM

    Wherever there is a natural disaster in the world, India stands up to serve wholeheartedly: PM

    Our youth, imbued with the spirit of nation-building, are moving ahead towards the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047: PM

    Posted On: 30 MAR 2025 2:09PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre in Nagpur, Maharashtra today. Addressing the gathering, he highlighted the significance of Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, marking the beginning of the sacred Navratri festival. He noted that across the country, festivals such as Gudi Padwa, Ugadi, and Navreh are being celebrated today. He emphasized the importance of the day as it coincides with the birth anniversaries of Bhagwan Jhulelal and Guru Angad Dev. He also acknowledged the occasion as the birth anniversary of the inspirational Dr. K B Hedgewar and the centenary year of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) illustrious journey. He expressed his honor in visiting the Smruti Mandir to pay homage to Dr. Hedgewar and Shri Golwalkar Guruji on this momentous day.

    Highlighting the celebration of 75 years of the Indian Constitution during this period and the upcoming birth anniversary of its architect, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, next month, Shri Modi remarked on paying homage to Dr. Ambedkar at Deekshabhoomi and seeking his blessings. He extended greetings to the citizens on Navratri and all other festivals being celebrated. 

    Emphasising the significance of Nagpur as a sacred center of service and acknowledging the expansion of a noble initiative, Shri Modi remarked on the inspiring anthem of Madhav Netralaya, which reflects spirituality, knowledge, pride, and humanity. He highlighted Madhav Netralaya as an institution that has been serving millions for decades, following the ideals of Pujya Guruji, and restoring light to countless lives.

    He noted the foundation stone laying of the new campus of Madhav Netralaya and expressed confidence that this expansion will accelerate its service activities, bringing light to thousands of new lives and dispelling darkness from their lives. He appreciated the efforts of everyone associated with Madhav Netralaya and extended his best wishes for their continued service.

    Reiterating the emphasis laid on ‘Sabke Prayas’ from the Red Fort and highlighting the significant strides made by the country in the healthcare sector, the Prime Minister noted that Madhav Netralaya is complementing these efforts. “Government’s priority is to ensure better healthcare facilities for all citizens, even the poorest should have access to the best possible treatment”, he emphasised, mentioning that no citizen should be deprived of the dignity of life, and senior citizens who have dedicated their lives to the nation should not live in worry about medical treatment. He highlighted the impact of Ayushman Bharat, which has provided free treatment to millions of people. Shri Modi also noted the thousands of Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country, offering affordable medicines to the poor and middle-class families, saving citizens thousands of crores of rupees. He remarked on the establishment of lakhs of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in villages over the past decade, providing primary health care through telemedicine to people. He emphasized that these facilities have eliminated the need for citizens to travel hundreds of kilometers for medical tests.

    Underlining the doubling of medical colleges in the country and the tripling of operational AIIMS institutions, Shri Modi said that the number of medical seats has also doubled to ensure the availability of more skilled doctors to serve the people in the future. He emphasized the Government’s efforts to provide opportunities for students to study medicine in their native languages, enabling them to become doctors. He noted that alongside advancements in modern medical science, the country is also promoting its traditional knowledge. He remarked on the global recognition being achieved by India’s yoga and Ayurveda, which are enhancing the nation’s prestige on the world stage.

    Mentioning that the existence of any nation depends on the expansion of its culture and consciousness across generations, the Prime Minister highlighted India’s history of centuries of slavery and invasions, which attempted to dismantle its social structure, yet India’s consciousness remained alive and resilient. “Even during the toughest times, new social movements in India kept this consciousness awakened”, he emphasised, citing the Bhakti movement as an example, where saints like Guru Nanak Dev, Kabir Das, Tulsidas, Surdas, and Maharashtra’s Sant Tukaram, Sant Eknath, Sant Namdev, and Sant Dnyaneshwar infused life into India’s national consciousness with their original ideas. He remarked that these movements broke the chains of discrimination and united society. Underscoring the contributions of Swami Vivekananda, who shook a despairing society, reminded it of its true essence, instilled self-confidence, and ensured that India’s national consciousness remained undimmed, the Prime Minister noted the role of Dr. Hedgewar and Guruji in energizing this consciousness during the final decades of colonial rule. He remarked on the seed of thought sown 100 years ago for the preservation and promotion of national consciousness, which has now grown into a great tree. He highlighted that the principles and ideals give height to this great tree, with lakhs of volunteers as its branches. “Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is the modern Akshay Vat of the immortal culture of India, this Akshay Vat is continuously energizing Indian culture and the consciousness of our nation”, he added.

    Remarking on the natural connection between vision and direction as the new campus of Madhav Netralaya begins its journey, Shri Modi highlighted the significance of vision in life, quoting the Vedic aspiration, “Pashyema Sharadah Shatam,” which means “May we see for a hundred years.” He emphasized the importance of both external vision and inner vision. Recalling the great saint of Vidarbha, Shri Gulabrao Maharaj, known as “Prajnachakshu”, the Prime Minister said, “despite losing his eyesight at a young age, Shri Gulabrao Maharaj authored numerous books”. He noted that while he lacked physical sight, he possessed profound vision, which stems from wisdom and manifests through discernment. He emphasized that such vision empowers both individuals and society. He remarked that the RSS is a sacred endeavor working towards both external and inner vision. He highlighted Madhav Netralaya as an example of external vision and noted that the inner vision has made the Sangh synonymous with service. 

    The Prime Minister quoted scriptures, emphasizing that the purpose of life is service and altruism. He remarked that when service becomes ingrained in values, it transforms into a form of devotion, which is the essence of every RSS volunteer’s life. He highlighted that this spirit of service inspires generations of volunteers to dedicate themselves tirelessly. He noted that this devotion keeps volunteers constantly active, never allowing them to tire or stop. Recalling Guruji’s words that the significance of life lies not in its duration but in its utility, Shri Modi emphasized the commitment to duty, guided by the principles of “Dev to Desh” and “Ram to Rashtra.” He remarked on the selfless work of volunteers in various fields, whether in border villages, hilly regions, or forest areas. He highlighted their involvement in initiatives like Vanvasi Kalyan Ashrams, Ekal Vidyalayas for tribal children, cultural awakening missions, and Seva Bharati’s efforts to serve the underprivileged. Lauding the exemplary work of volunteers during the Prayag Mahakumbh, where they assisted millions through the Netra Kumbh initiative, he emphasized that wherever there is a need for service, volunteers are present. He remarked on the disciplined response of volunteers during disasters like floods and earthquakes, highlighting their selflessness and dedication to service. “Seva is a sacrificial fire, and we burn like offerings, merging into the ocean of purpose”, he quoted.

    Sharing an inspiring anecdote about Guruji, who was once asked why he referred to the Sangh as all-pervasive, Shri Modi said that Guruji compared the Sangh to light, emphasizing that while light may not perform every task itself, it dispels darkness and shows others the way forward. He remarked that Guruji’s teaching serves as a life mantra, urging everyone to become a source of light, remove obstacles, and pave the way for progress. He highlighted the essence of selflessness with the principles, “Not I, but you,” and “Not mine, but for the nation.” 

    Emphasising the importance of prioritizing “we” over “I” and placing the nation first in all policies and decisions, the Prime Minister said that such an approach yields visible positive impacts across the country. He highlighted the need to break the chains that have held the nation back, stressing the importance of moving beyond a colonial mindset. He noted that India is now replacing remnants of colonialism, carried for 70 years with inferiority, with new chapters of national pride. He remarked on the replacement of outdated British laws designed to demean Indians with the new Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita. He highlighted the transformation of Rajpath into Kartavya Path, symbolizing duty over colonial legacy. He also noted the removal of colonial symbols from the Navy’s flag, which now proudly features the emblem of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He further acknowledged the renaming of islands in the Andaman region, where Veer Savarkar endured hardships for the nation and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose sounded the bugle of freedom, to honor the heroes of India’s independence.

    “India’s guiding principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” is reaching every corner of the world and is being reflected in India’s actions”, exclaimed Shri Modi, highlighting India’s efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing vaccines to the world as a family. He noted India’s prompt response to natural disasters, including the recent earthquake in Myanmar under “Operation Brahma,” as well as assistance during earthquakes in Türkiye and Nepal and the water crisis in the Maldives. He emphasized India’s role in evacuating citizens of other countries during conflicts and noted that India’s progress is amplifying the voice of the Global South. He remarked that this spirit of global brotherhood stems from India’s cultural values. Highlighting India’s youth as the nation’s greatest asset, brimming with confidence and an enhanced capacity for risk-taking, Shri Modi noted their contributions to innovation, startups, and their pride in India’s heritage and culture. He cited the participation of lakhs of young people in the Prayag Mahakumbh as an example of their connection to India’s eternal traditions. He remarked on the youth’s focus on national needs, their role in the success of “Make in India,” and their vocal support for local products. He emphasized their determination to live and work for the nation, excelling from sports fields to space exploration, driven by a spirit of nation-building. He expressed confidence that India’s youth will lead the nation toward the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047. The PM highlighted the synergy of organization, dedication, and service as the driving force behind this journey. He remarked that the decades of effort and dedication by the RSS are bearing fruit, writing a new chapter in India’s development.

    The Prime Minister remarked on the contrasting circumstances during the establishment of the RSS in 1925, a time marked by struggle and the overarching goal of independence. He highlighted the significance of the Sangh’s 100-year journey and noted that the period from 2025 to 2047 presents new, ambitious goals for the nation. He recalled Guruji’s inspiring words from a letter, expressing the desire to be a small stone in the foundation of a grand national edifice. He emphasized the need to keep the commitment to service ignited, maintain relentless effort, and realize the dream of a developed India. He reiterated his vision, as shared during the construction of Shri Ram’s temple in Ayodhya, to lay the foundation for a strong India for the next thousand years. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the guidance of luminaries like Dr. Hedgewar and Guruji will continue to empower the nation. He concluded by affirming the resolve to fulfill the vision of a developed India and honor the sacrifices of generations. 

    Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari, RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, Swami Govind Devgiri Maharaj, Swami Avdheshanand Giri Maharaj, Dr. Avinash Chandra Agnihotri, and other distinguished guests were present during the occasion.

     

    देश के सभी नागरिकों को बेहतर स्वास्थ्य सुविधाएं मिलें, ये हमारी प्राथमिकता है: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/D75trbp404

    — PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 30, 2025

    कठिन से कठिन दौर में भी भारत में चेतना को जागृत रखने वाले नए-नए सामाजिक आंदोलन होते रहे। pic.twitter.com/q1nYPJe0P2

    — PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 30, 2025

    राष्ट्रीय स्वयंसेवक संघ भारत की अमर संस्कृति का आधुनिक अक्षय वट है।

    ये अक्षय वट आज भारतीय संस्कृति को…हमारे राष्ट्र की चेतना को निरंतर ऊर्जावान बना रहा है: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/sPhohB1nSu

    — PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 30, 2025

    जब प्रयासों के दौरान मैं नहीं हम का ध्यान होता है…

    जब राष्ट्र प्रथम की भावना सर्वोपरि होती है…

    जब नीतियों में, निर्णयों में देश के लोगों का हित ही सबसे बड़ा होता है…

    तो सर्वत्र उसका प्रभाव भी नजर आता है: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/Vo10bHfDN8

    — PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 30, 2025

    दुनिया में कहीं भी प्राकृतिक आपदा हो, भारत पूरे मनोयोग से सेवा के लिए खड़ा होता है: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/xfodqIYSMK

    — PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 30, 2025

    राष्ट्र निर्माण की भावना से ओतप्रोत हमारे युवा आगे बढ़े चले जा रहे हैं… यही युवा 2047 के विकसित भारत के लक्ष्य की ध्वजा थामे हुए हैं: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/yJ0XodCYek

    — PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 30, 2025

     

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    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2116775) Visitor Counter : 149

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    March 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Long before ‘Sustainability’ became a global buzzword India lived it for centuries-VP

    Source: Government of India

    Long before ‘Sustainability’ became a global buzzword India lived it for centuries-VP

    Developed nations must transcend political boundaries in environmental thinking-VP

    The Union Carbide Leakage of 1984 was mega environmental negligence-VP

    Global need to evolve and believe in environmental ethics-VP

    NGT connects law, science and ethics to transform our relationship with nature-VP

    Vice-President addresses the valedictory session of National Conference on Environment- 2025

    Posted On: 30 MAR 2025 6:01PM by PIB Delhi

    Vice-President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today stated that, “ Long before sustainability became a global buzzword, much long before….India lived it for centuries where every Banyan tree was a temple, every river a goddess and best an unknown concept in a civilisation that worshipped secularity. Our Vedic literature is goldmine for nurturing Mother Earth and propagating harmony between man and nature.”

    Developed nations must transcend political boundaries in environmental thinking.

    They must adopt models where planetary health becomes foundational to human prosperity and well-being.

    They cannot isolate themselves believing that they have technological means to generate a… pic.twitter.com/Y3gDXJkCAe

    — Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) March 30, 2025

    “India’s DNA carries the only vaccine against ecological collapse conspicuous consumption. We only have to read what is there in our goldmine”, he added.

    Addressing the valedictory session of National Conference on Environment- 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi today, Shri Dhankhar stated, “Developed nations must transcend the political boundaries in environmental thinking. Adopting models where planetary health becomes foundational to human prosperity and well-being.”

    There is a global need to evolve and believe in environmental ethics.

    This underscores humans’ moral obligations to protect and preserve the environment.

    We must note that human activities, particularly #climatechange and water management, now influence even seismic events.… pic.twitter.com/D1aSnyhmSu

    — Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) March 30, 2025

    /center>

    Recalling the Bhopal gas tragedy of 1984, Shri Dhankar said, “ The Bhopal gas tragedy lesson is still unlearned. The Union Carbide Leakage of 1984.  It was mega environmental negligence. Even after four decades, families suffered generation after generation, genetic disorders and groundwater contamination…..Just imagine how pathetic was the lack of awareness. We did not have an institution like NGT. We did not have a regulatory regime that could address the issue. Things would have been very different if there had been a regulatory regime of the current level then.”

    As I look at it, in NGT:
    N stands for nurturing,
    G for green, and
    T for tomorrow.
    NGT for me is nurturing green for tomorrow.

    This is not just word play. It is the vision of an institution that connects law, science and ethics to transform our relationship with nature.

    Let… pic.twitter.com/fNtOCj5SCG

    — Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) March 30, 2025

    Emphasising on the need to evolve environmental ethics, he stated, “….There is a global need to evolve and believe in environmental ethics, this underscores human’s moral obligations to protect and preserve the environment…….we have to be aware the planet is not exclusive to us. We are not its owners. Flora and fauna must flourish and blossom alongside and so must all other living beings. In such a scenario, man will have to learn to live in harmony with nature and other living beings. Are we doing it? No…..There will have to be individual focus on optimal utilisation of resources of the nature. This has to be our habit. Our fiscal power, our fiscal capacity cannot determine the use of natural resources. The consumption has to be optimal.”

    There is a growing concern that environmental justice often follows a troubling pattern of 4Ds: Delay, Deny, Dispose, Dissolve. This cycle must be broken.

    I am happy to note NGT is catalysing sensitisation on all fronts. I am sure intervention to the NGT exercise will be… pic.twitter.com/JNEZ8j4vJp

    — Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) March 30, 2025

    “Both Ecological Extension and Conservation Ethics advocate harmonious human-nature relationship, and so easy to bring about. It doesn’t call for anything but a positive mindset towards life. We have to focus on environmental preservation and prudent resource stewardship for generational sustainability”, he added.

    Highlighting the interconnectedness of NGT with law, science and ethics, Shri Dhankhar stated, “ The way I look to NGT, N for nurturing, G for green and T for tomorrow. NGT for me is nurturing green for tomorrow. This is not just word play. It is vision of an institution that connects law, science and ethics to transform our relationship with nature. Let us grow from our very roots, wield cutting edge, tools and uphold climate justice with unwavering resolve.”

    “Let peace prevail in the sky and space. Let peace reign  and radiate in earth, in water and in all plants.  Let peace prevail everywhere”,he added.

    Dr. (Smt.) Sudesh Dhankhar, Spouse of the Hon’ble Vice-President of India, Justice P.S Narsimha, Judge, Supreme Court of India, Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson, National Green Tribunal, Shri Tushar Mehta, Solicitor General of India, Shri Tanmay Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and other dignitaries were present at the occasion.

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    Read this release in: Urdu

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    March 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: English rendering of PM’s address in the 120th Episode of ‘Mann ki Baat’ on 30.03.2025

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 30 MAR 2025 11:41AM by PIB Delhi

    My dear countrymen, Namaskar. Today, on a very auspicious day, I have got the opportunity to talk to you through ‘Mann Ki Baat’. Today is the Pratipada Tithi of the Shukla Paksha of the Chaitra month. Chaitra Navratri is beginning from today. The Indian New Year is also commencing from this day. This is also the start of Vikram Samvat 2082. At the moment, I have many of your letters in front of me. Some are from Bihar, some from Bengal, some from Tamil Nadu & some from Gujarat. In these, people have expressed their inner most thoughts in a very interesting way. Many letters also comprise good wishes and congratulatory messages. But today I feel like sharing some messages with you –

    Prime Minister (Sarvarigu Yugadi Habbadaa Shubhaashegadu) – Happy Ugadi festival to all

     

    The next message is –

    Prime Minister (Andariki Ugadi Shubhaakaankshalu) – Happy Ugadi festival to all

    Now in another letter it is written –

    Prime Minister (Saunsaar Paadvyaachi Parbi) – Greetings on Saunsaar Padwa

    Inscribed in the next message is –

    Prime Minister (Gudipaadwya Nimitta Haardik Shubhechhaa) – Heartiest greetings on the occasion of Gudi Padwa

    One of our friends has written –

    Prime Minister (Illaavarakkum Vishu Aashamshagal) – Happy Vishu festival to all

    Another message is –

    Prime Minister (Inniy Puttaand Nalla Vaazhathukkal) – Happy New Year to all

    Friends, you must have understood that the messages have been sent in different languages. But do you know the reason behind this? This exactly is the special thing that I want to share with you today. New Year is starting today and during the next few days in different states of our country. And all these messages are of greetings for New Year and various festivals. That is why people have sent me greetings in different languages.

    Friends, today the festival of Ugadi is being celebrated with great fervour in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana. Today itself, Gudi Padwa is being celebrated in Maharashtra. In our country full of diversity, during the next few days, in different states, ‘Rongali Bihu’ will be celebrated in Assam, ‘Poila Boishakh’ in Bengal, ‘Navreh’ in Kashmir. Similarly, between 13th and 15th April, there will be joyous celebration of festivals in different parts of the country. There is an atmosphere of excitement about this too and the festival of Eid is also there. That means this whole month is of festivals; of festivities. I extend my greetings to the people of the country on these festivals. These festivals of ours may be in different regions, but they show how unity is woven into the diversity of India. We have to keep reinforcing this spirit of unity, on our way ahead.

    Friends, at the advent of exams, I have a discussion, ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’, with young friends. Now the exams are over. In many schools, preparations are on to resume the classes. After this, summer vacations are also round the corner. Children eagerly await this time of the year. I am reminded of my childhood days when my friends and I used to play one prank or the other all day long. But simultaneously, we used to do something constructive and learn too. Summer days are long and children have a lot to do during the time. This is the time to inculcate a new hobby as well as hone your skills. Today, there is no dearth of platforms for children where they can learn a lot.

    For example, if an organization is running a technology camp, children can learn about open-source software along with developing apps. Be it environment, be it theatre or be it leadership, courses on various subjects are being conducted… they can join them as well. There are many schools that teach speech or drama, which are very useful for children. Apart from all this, you also have the opportunity to join volunteer activities and service endeavours going on at many places during these holidays. I specially urge you regarding such programs… If any organisation, school or social institution or science centre is organising such summer activities, do share it with #MyHolidays. This will help children and their parents from across the country to get information about these easily.

    My young friends, today I would also like to discuss with you the special calendar of MY-Bharat, which has been prepared for this summer vacation. At the moment, copy of this calendar is kept in front of me. I want to share some unique efforts through this calendar. For example, in the study tour of MY-Bharat, you can know how our ‘Jan Aushadhi Kendras’ function. You can undergo a unique experience in the border villages by becoming a part of the vibrant village campaign. Along with this, you can definitely become a part of the cultural and sports activities there. At the same time, by participating in the padyatra on Ambedkar Jayanti, you can also spread awareness about the values ​​of the Constitution.

    I specially urge children and their parents as well to share their holiday experiences with #HolidayMemories. I will try to include your experiences in the upcoming ‘Mann Ki Baat’.

    My dear countrymen, as soon as the summer season approaches, preparations for saving water begin in many cities and villages. In many states, works related to water harvesting and water conservation have gained new momentum. The Ministry of Jal Shakti and numerous NGOs are working in that direction. Thousands of artificial ponds, check dams, borewell recharge and community soak pits are being constructed in the country. Like every year, this time too, preparations have been made on a war footing for the ‘catch the rain’ campaign. This campaign too, is not of the government… but of the society, of the Janata-Janaardan; the people. Jal Sanchay-Jan Bhagidari Abhiyan is also being run to connect more and more people with water conservation. The endeavour is to safely pass on the natural resources that we have, to the next generation.

    Friends, by conserving raindrops, we can save a lot of water from getting wasted. Over the last few years, under this campaign, unprecedented tasks related to water conservation have been undertaken in many parts of the country. I will give you an interesting figure. During the last 7-8 years, over 11 billion cubic metres of water has been conserved through newly built tanks, ponds and other water recharge structures. You must now be wondering how much 11 billion cubic metres of water is?

    Friends, you must have seen the pictures of the water that gets accumulated in the Bhakra Nangal dam. This water forms the Govind Sagar lake. The length of this lake is more than 90 kilometres. Even in this lake, not more than 9-10 billion cubic metres of water can be conserved. Only 9-10 billion cubic metres! And the countrymen, through their tiny efforts, have managed to conserve 11 billion cubic meters of water in different parts of the country – isn’t that a great effort!

    Friends, in this direction, the people of Gadag district of Karnataka have also set an example. A few years ago, the lakes of two villages dried up completely. There came a time when there was no water left even for the animals to drink. Gradually, the lake got covered with weeds and bushes. But some villagers decided to revive the lake and started working on it. And as they say, ‘where there is a will there is a way’. Noticing the efforts of the villagers, the social organizations in the vicinity also joined them. All of them, together cleaned the garbage and mud and after some time the lake area became completely clean. Now people are waiting for the rainy season. Indeed, this is a great example of the ‘catch the rain’ campaign. Friends, you can also join such efforts at the community level. You must make a plan from now on to take this mass movement forward, and you have to remember one more thing. If possible, keep cold water in an earthen pot in front of your house during summers. Keep water for birds on the roof of the house or even in the verandah. See how blessed you will feel after doing this punya karma (pious deed).

    Friends, in ‘Mann Ki Baat’ we will now talk about adding wings to your zeal… About displaying passion despite challenges. In the Khelo India Para Games that concluded a few days ago, the players surprised everyone with their dedication and talent, once again. This time more players participated in these games than earlier. This shows how popular Para Sports is becoming. I congratulate all the players participating in the Khelo India Para Games for their sterling efforts. My best wishes for the players of Haryana, Tamil Nadu and UP for securing the first, second and third positions, respectively. During these games, our divyang players also set 18 national records. Out of which 12 were in the name of our women players. Arm wrestler Joby Mathew who won a Gold Medal in this year’s Khelo India Para Games has written a letter to me. I would like to read out an excerpt of his letter. He has written-

    “Winning a medal is very special, but our struggle is not limited to just standing on the podium. We fight a battle every day. Life tests us in many ways… very few people understand our struggle. Despite this, we move forward with courage. We work towards fulfilling our dreams. We believe that we are no less than anyone else.”

    Great! Joby Mathew, you have written an amazing, wonderful letter. I thank you for this letter. I want to tell Joby Mathew and all our Divyang friends that your efforts are a great inspiration for us.

    Friends, another grand event in Delhi has inspired people a lot; filled them with enthusiasm. Fit India Carnival was organized for the first time as an innovative idea. About 25 thousand people from different fields participated in it. All of them had the same goal – to stay fit and spread awareness about fitness. People involved in this event got information related to their health as well as nutrition. I urge you to organize such carnivals in your area as well. MY-Bharat can be of great help to you in this initiative.

    Friends, our indigenous games are now becoming a part of popular culture. You all must be knowing the famous rapper Hanumankind. His new song “Run It Up” is becoming quite famous these days. Our traditional Martial Arts like Kalaripayattu, Gatka and Thang-Ta have been included in it. I congratulate Hanumankind that due to his efforts people of the world are getting to know about our traditional Martial Arts.

    My dear countrymen, every month I get a lot of messages from you on MyGov and NaMo App. Many messages touch my heart, while others fill me with pride. Many a time, these messages provide unique information about our culture and traditions. This time, I want to share with you the message that caught my attention.

    Atharva Kapoor from Varanasi, Aaryash Leekha and Atrey Maan from Mumbai have written about their feelings on my recent visit to Mauritius. They have written that they greatly enjoyed the performance of “Geet Gawai” during this visit. I have felt similar sentiments in many letters received from eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. What I felt during the wonderful performance of Geet Gawai in Mauritius was truly amazing.

    Friends, when we stay connected to our roots, no matter how big the storm, it cannot uproot us. Just imagine, about 200 years ago, many people from India went to Mauritius as indentured labourers. Nobody knew what would happen next. But with the passage of time, they settled there. They carved a niche identity for themselves in Mauritius. They preserved their heritage and remained connected to their roots. Mauritius is not the only such example. Last year when I went to Guyana, the Chowtaal performance there impressed me a lot.

    Friends, let me now play an audio for you.

    #(Clip)#

    You must be wondering that this must be about some part of our country. But you will be surprised to know that it is related to Fiji. This is the very popular ‘Phagwa Chowtaal’ of Fiji. This song and music fills everyone with fervour. Let me play another audio for you.

    #(Clip)#

    This audio is the ‘Chowtaal’ of Suriname. The countrymen watching this program on TV can see the President of Suriname and my friend Chan Santokhi Ji enjoying it. This tradition of coming together & singing is also very popular in Trinidad and Tobago. In all these countries, people read Ramayan a lot. Phagwa is very popular here and all Indian festivals are celebrated with full enthusiasm. Many of their songs are in Bhojpuri, Awadhi or mixed language; at times Braj and Maithili are also used. All those who preserve our traditions in these countries deserve appreciation.

    Friends, there are many such organizations in the world, which have been working to conserve Indian culture for years. One such organization is – ‘Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society’. This organization, engaged in preserving Indian dance, music and culture, has completed its glorious 75 years. In the program related to this occasion, the President of Singapore, Shriman Tharman Shanmugaratnam Ji was the Guest of Honour. He praised the efforts of this organization. I extend my best wishes to this team.

    Friends, in ‘Mann Ki Baat’, along with the achievements of the countrymen, we often raise social issues as well. Many a time, challenges are also discussed. This time in ‘Mann Ki Baat’, I want to talk about a challenge that is directly related to all of us. This challenge is of ‘textile waste’. You must be wondering, what is this new problem of textile waste?

    Actually, textile waste has become a major cause of worry for the whole world. Nowadays, the trend of getting rid of old clothes as soon as possible and buying new ones is increasing all over the world. Have you ever thought what happens to the old clothes that you stop wearing? This becomes textile waste. A lot of global research is being done on this subject. It has come to light in a research that only less than one percent of textile waste is recycled into new clothes… less than even one percent. India is the third country in the world where the maximum textile waste is generated. This means that we also face a huge challenge. But I am happy that many commendable efforts are being undertaken in our country to deal with this challenge. Many Indian start-ups have started working on textile recovery facilities.

    There are many such teams that are also working for the empowerment of our ragpicker brothers and sisters. Many young friends are involved in the efforts towards sustainable fashion. They recycle old clothes and footwear and distribute them to the needy. Many items like decorative pieces, handbags, stationery and toys are being made from textile waste. Many organizations are engaged in popularizing the ‘circular fashion brands’ these days. New rental platforms are also coming up, where designer clothes are available on rent. Some organizations collect old clothes, make them reusable and distribute them to the poor.

    Friends, some cities are also carving a new identity for themselves in dealing with textile waste. Panipat in Haryana is emerging as a global hub for textile recycling. Bengaluru is also creating a distinct identity for itself with innovative tech solutions. More than half of the textile waste is collected here, which is an example for our other cities as well. Similarly, Tirupur in Tamil Nadu is engaged in textile waste management through wastewater treatment and renewable energy.

    My dear countrymen, today along with fitness, count is also playing a big role. Count of the number of steps taken in a day, count of the number of calories eaten in a day, count of the number of calories burnt… amidst all these counts, another countdown is about to begin. The countdown to the International Yoga Day. Now less than 100 days are left for Yoga Day. If you have not yet included yoga in your life, do it now… it is not too late yet. The first International Yoga Day was celebrated 10 years ago on the 21st of June, 2015. Now this day has taken the shape of a grand festival of yoga. This is such a priceless gift from India to humanity, which is going to be very useful for future generation. The theme of Yoga Day 2025 has been kept as ‘Yoga for One Earth One Health’. That is, we wish to make the whole world healthy through yoga.

    Friends, it is a matter of pride for all of us that today the curiosity about our yoga and traditional medicine is rising, all over the world. A large number of youths are adopting yoga and Ayurveda as an excellent medium for wellness.

    For example, there is a South American country, Chile. Ayurveda is rapidly becoming popular there. Last year, during my visit to Brazil, I met the President of Chile. We had a lot of discussions about the popularity of Ayurveda. I have come to know about a team named ‘Somos India’. In Spanish, it means – ‘We are India’. This team has been promoting yoga and Ayurveda for almost a decade. Their focus is on treatment as well as educational programmes. They are also getting information related to Yog and Ayurveda translated into the Spanish language. If we talk about last year alone, about 9 thousand people participated in their myriad events and courses. I congratulate all the people associated with this team for their efforts.

    My dear countrymen, now an interesting yet strange question in ‘Mann Ki Baat’! Have you ever wondered about the journey of flowers? Some flowers that bloom on trees and plants travel to temples. Some flowers beautify the house, some dissolve in perfume and spread fragrance everywhere. But today I will tell you about another journey of flowers. You certainly must have heard about Mahua flowers. People of our villages and especially the tribal community know very well about its importance. The journey of Mahua flowers in many parts of the country has now embarked upon a new path. Cookies are being made from Mahua flowers in Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh. These cookies are becoming very popular due to the efforts of four sisters of Rajakhoh village.

    Observing the passion of these women, a big company trained them to work in a factory. Inspired by them, many women of the village have joined them. The demand for Mahua cookies made by them is increasing rapidly. In the Adilabad district of Telangana also, two sisters have carried out a new experiment with Mahua flowers. They make various types of dishes with them, which people like very much. There is also the sweetness of tribal culture in their dishes.

    Friends, I want to tell you about another wonderful flower and its name is ‘Krishna Kamal’. Have you visited the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat? You will see these Krishna Kamal in large numbers around the Statue of Unity. These flowers captivate the tourists. These Krishna Kamal have become the centre of attraction in Arogya Van, Ekta Nursery, Vishwa Van and Miyawaki forest of Ekta Nagar. Lakhs of Krishna Kamal plants have been planted here in a planned manner. If you look around you, you will notice interesting journeys of flowers. Do write to me about such unique journeys of flowers in your area.

    My dear friends, keep sharing your thoughts, experiences and information with me as always. It is possible that something may be happening around you which may seem normal, but for others that topic might be very interesting and new. We will meet again next month and discuss those things of countrymen which fill us with inspiration. Thank you very much to all of you, Namaskar.

    **********

    MJPS/ST/RT

    (Release ID: 2116715) Visitor Counter : 307

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    March 31, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: The best space telescope you never heard of just shut down

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laura Nicole Driessen, Postdoctoral Researcher in Radio Astronomy, University of Sydney

    ESA / Gaia / DPAC, CC BY-SA

    On Thursday 27 March, the European Space Agency (ESA) sent its last messages to the Gaia Spacecraft. They told Gaia to shut down its communication systems and central computer and said goodbye to this amazing space telescope.

    Gaia has been the most successful ESA space mission ever, so why did they turn Gaia off? What did Gaia achieve? And perhaps most importantly, why was it my favourite space telescope?

    Running on empty

    Gaia was retired for a simple reason: after more than 11 years in space, it ran out of the cold gas propellant it needed to keep scanning the sky.

    The telescope did its last observation on 15 January 2025. The ESA team then performed testing for a few weeks, before telling Gaia to leave its home at a point in space called L2 and start orbiting the Sun away from Earth.

    L2 is one of five “Lagrangian points” around Earth and the Sun where gravitational conditions make for a nice, stable orbit. L2 is located 1.5 million kilometres from Earth on the “dark side”, opposite the Sun.

    L2 is a highly prized location because it’s a stable spot to orbit, it’s close enough to Earth for easy communication, and spacecraft can use the Sun behind them for solar power while looking away from the Sun out into space.

    It’s also too far away from Earth to send anyone on a repair mission, so once your spacecraft gets there it’s on its own.

    Keeping L2 clear

    L2 currently hosts the James Webb Space Telescope (operated by the USA, Europe and Canada), the European Euclid mission, the Chinese Chang’e 6 orbiter and the joint Russian-German Spektr-RG observatory. Since L2 is such a key location for space missions, it’s essential to keep it clear of debris and retired spacecraft.

    A final status update from Gaia.
    ESA, CC BY-SA

    Gaia used its thrusters for the last time to push itself away from L2, and is now drifting around the Sun in a “retirement orbit” where it won’t get in anybody’s way.

    As part of the retirement process, the Gaia team wrote farewell messages into the craft’s software and sent it the names of around 1,500 people who worked on Gaia over the years.

    What is Gaia?

    Gaia looks a bit like a spinning top hat in space. Its main mission was to produce a detailed, three-dimensional map of our galaxy, the Milky Way.

    To do this, it measured the precise positions and motions of 1.46 billion objects in space. Gaia also measured brightnesses and variability and those data were used to provide temperatures, gravitational parameters, stellar types and more for millions of stars. One of the key pieces of information Gaia provided was the distance to millions of stars.

    A cosmic measuring tape

    I’m a radio astronomer, which means I use radio telescopes here on Earth to explore the Universe. Radio light is the longest wavelength of light, invisible to human eyes, and I use it to investigate magnetic stars.

    But even though I’m a radio astronomer and Gaia was an optical telescope, looking at the same wavelengths of light our eyes can see, I use Gaia data almost every single day.

    I used it today to find out how far away, how bright, and how fast a star was. Before Gaia, I would probably never have known how far away that star was.

    This is essential for figuring out how bright the stars I study really are, which helps me understand the physics of what’s happening in and around them.

    A huge success

    Gaia has contributed to thousands of articles in astronomy journals. Papers released by the Gaia collaboration have been cited well over 20,000 times in total.

    Gaia has produced too many science results to share here. To take just one example, Gaia improved our understanding of the structure of our own galaxy by showing that it has multiple spiral arms that are less sharply defined than we previously thought.

    Not really the end for Gaia

    It’s difficult to express how revolutionary Gaia has been for astronomy, but we can let the numbers speak for themselves. Around five astronomy journal articles are published every day that use Gaia data, making Gaia the most successful ESA mission ever. And that won’t come to a complete stop when Gaia retires.

    The Gaia collaboration has published three data releases so far. This is where the collaboration performs the processing and checks on the data, adds some important analysis and releases all of that in one big hit.

    And luckily, there are two more big data releases with even more information to come. The fourth data release is expected in mid to late 2026. The fifth and final data release, containing all of the Gaia data from the whole mission, will come out sometime in the 2030s.

    This article is my own small tribute to a telescope that changed astronomy as we know it. So I will end by saying a huge thank you to everyone who has ever worked on this amazing space mission, whether it was engineering and operations, turning the data into the amazing resource it is, or any of the other many jobs that make a mission successful. And thank you to those who continue to work on the data as we speak.

    Finally, thank you to my favourite space telescope. Goodbye, Gaia, I’ll miss you.

    Laura Nicole Driessen is an ambassador for the Orbit Centre of Imagination at the Rise and Shine Kindergarten, in Sydney’s Inner West.

    – ref. The best space telescope you never heard of just shut down – https://theconversation.com/the-best-space-telescope-you-never-heard-of-just-shut-down-253343

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    March 31, 2025
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